bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and analysis of the projected population of China
Authors: Dai Kaixuan , Shen Shi , Cheng Changxiu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe population has a significant influence on economic growth, energy consumption, and climate change. Many scholars and organizations have published projections for China's future population due to its substantial population amounts. However, these projections have not been evaluated or analyzed, which may lead confusion to extensional studies based on these datasets. This manuscript compares several China's projection datasets at multiscale and analyzes the impacting factors affecting projection accuracy. The results indicate that the slow of actual population growth rates from 2017 is earlier than most datasets projected. Therefore, the turning point of population decline probably comes rapidly before these datasets expected during 2024 and 2034. Furthermore, the projections do not reveal the population decline from 2010 in the Northeast provinces such as Jilin and Heilongjiang, and underrate the population increase in the southern provinces such as Guangdong and Chongqing. According to the results of regression models, the rate of population changes and the number of migrations people play a significant role in projection accuracy. These findings provide meaningful guidance for scholars to understand the uncertainty of those projection datasets. Moreover, for researchers performing population projections, our discoveries provide insights to increase the projection accuracy.
An exceptionally stable and widespread hydrated amorphous calcium carbonate precipitated by the dog vomit slime mold Fuligo septica (Myxogastria)
Authors: Garvie Laurence A. J. , Németh Péter , Trif László 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBiogenic amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) is typically metastable and can rapidly transform through aging, dehydration, and/or heating to crystalline calcium carbonate. Gaining insight into its structure and properties is typically hampered by its tendency to crystallize over short time periods once isolated from the host organism, and also by the small quantities that are usually available for study. Here we describe an exceptionally stable hydrated ACC (HACC) precipitated by the cosmopolitan slime mold Fuligo septica (L.) F.H. Wigg. (1780). A single slime mold can precipitate up to a gram of HACC over the course of one night. Powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, transmission electron microscopy images, infrared absorption spectra, together with the lack of optical birefringence are consistent with an amorphous material. XRD simulations, supported by thermogravimetric and evolved gas analysis data, are consistent with an intimate association of organic matter with ~ 1-nm-sized ACC units that have monohydrocalcite- and calcite-like nano-structural properties. It is postulated that this association imparts the extreme stability of the slime mold HACC by inhibiting loss of H2O and subsequent crystallization. The composition, structure, and thermal behavior of the HACC precipitated by F. septica collected over 8000 km apart and in markedly different environments, suggests a common structure, as well as similar biochemical and biomineralization mechanisms.
Soil-transmitted helminthiasis and undernutrition among schoolchildren in Mettu town, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Yeshanew Solomon , Bekana Teshome , Truneh Zemenay , Tadege Melaku , Abich Embiet , Dessie Habtamu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSoil-transmitted helminthiasis (STHs) and undernutrition are common health problems in developing countries. Several reports showed that STH and undernutrition are often associated. The main aim of this study was to determine the association of STH and undernutrition among schoolchildren in Mettu town, Southwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was employed. To collect socio-demographic data, semi-structured questionnaire and physical observation were used. Kato-Katz technique and Anthropometric measurements were also considered to see STH infection and determine the nutritional statuses of the study participants respectively. Then, the data generated from the study was managed using Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis to determine the association of demographic variables with infections of helminthes and assess the risk factors for nutritional status of the study participants respectively. As a result, among the 392 study schoolchildren, 331 (84.4%) children were positive for different species of STH and undernutrition accounted 32.6%. Ascaris lumbricoides (39.0%), Trichuris trichiura (32.9%) and hookworm (28.1%) are the predominant STH identified from the study participants. Age, maternal educational and occupation status, and fingernail status of children were found significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the risk of getting STH. Bivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, age (AOR 2.18, 95% CI 1.53, 6.59), maternal illiteracy (AOR 0.13, 95% CI 0.91, 0.34) and maternal occupation (AOR 1.67, 95% CI 1.08, 5.91) were major co-founding factors for the prevalence of STH among study participants. In addition, children with T. trichiura infection were more likely (P < 0.01) to suffer from undernutrition (AOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31, 0.83). Thus, the findings revealed the high prevalence of STH and it has significant association with undernutrition among school age children in the study area. Anti-helminthic mass drug administration and maternal health education should be anticipated to curve the tragedy.
Research on parameters optimization of digital imaging system in red–yellow jadeite color measurement
Authors: Liu Ziyuan , Guo Ying , Shang Yanran , Yuan Bin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe application of digital imaging to color measurement is more and more extensive, which also provides new ideas for gemology. In this paper, the single-factor experiment method and orthogonal experiment design are used to study the influence parameters of the digital imaging system (DIS) on gem color measurement. Among them, the illuminance has the most significant impact on the measurement results, followed by the exposure time, and the change of the measurement distance has an insignificant impact on the results; through range analysis and analysis of variance, the most suitable measurement parameters for red jadeite are 1600 lx, 12,500 μs, 25 cm.
Implementing efficient selective quantum process tomography of superconducting quantum gates on IBM quantum experience
Authors: Gaikwad Akshay , Shende Krishna , Arvind  , Dorai Kavita 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe experimental implementation of selective quantum process tomography (SQPT) involves computing individual elements of the process matrix with the help of a special set of states called quantum 2-design states. However, the number of experimental settings required to prepare input states from quantum 2-design states to selectively and precisely compute a desired element of the process matrix is still high, and hence constructing the corresponding unitary operations in the lab is a daunting task. In order to reduce the experimental complexity, we mathematically reformulated the standard SQPT problem, which we term the modified SQPT (MSQPT) method. We designed the generalized quantum circuit to prepare the required set of input states and formulated an efficient measurement strategy aimed at minimizing the experimental cost of SQPT. We experimentally demonstrated the MSQPT protocol on the IBM QX2 cloud quantum processor and selectively characterized various two- and three-qubit quantum gates.
Customized 3D-printed stackable cell culture inserts tailored with bioactive membranes
Authors: Dogan Asli Aybike , Dufva Martin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThere is a high demand in various fields to develop complex cell cultures. Apart from titer plates, Transwell inserts are the most popular device because they are commercially available, easy to use, and versatile. While Transwell inserts are standardized, there are potential gains to customize inserts in terms of the number of layers, height between the layers and the size and composition of the bioactive membrane. To demonstrate such customization, we present a small library of 3D-printed inserts and a robust method to functionalize the inserts with hydrogel and synthetic membrane materials. The library consists of 24- to 96-well sized inserts as whole plates, strips, and singlets. The density of cultures (the number of wells per plate) and the number of layers was decided by the wall thickness, the capillary forces between the layers and the ability to support fluid operations. The highest density for a two-layer culture was 48-well plate format because the corresponding 96-well format could not support fluidic operations. The bottom apertures were functionalized with hydrogels using a new high-throughput dip-casting technique. This yielded well-defined hydrogel membranes in the apertures with a thickness of about 500 µm and a %CV (coefficient of variance) of < 10%. Consistent intestine barrier was formed on the gelatin over 3-weeks period. Furthermore, mouse intestinal organoid development was compared on hydrogel and synthetic filters glued to the bottom of the 3D-printed inserts. Condensation was most pronounced in inserts with filters followed by the gelatin membrane and the control, which were organoids cultured at the bottom of a titer plate well. This showed that the bottom of an insert should be chosen based on the application. All the inserts were fabricated using an easy-to-use stereolithography (SLA) printer commonly used for dentistry and surgical applications. Therefore, on demand printing of the customized inserts is realistic in many laboratory settings.
A spatiotemporally explicit paleoenvironmental framework for the Middle Stone Age of eastern Africa
Authors: Timbrell Lucy , Grove Matt , Manica Andrea , Rucina Stephen , Blinkhorn James 
Published: March 2022

AbstractEastern Africa has played a prominent role in debates about human evolution and dispersal due to the presence of rich archaeological, palaeoanthropological and palaeoenvironmental records. However, substantial disconnects occur between the spatial and temporal resolutions of these data that complicate their integration. Here, we apply high-resolution climatic simulations of two key parameters, mean annual temperature and precipitation, and a biome model, to produce a highly refined characterisation of the environments inhabited during the eastern African Middle Stone Age. Occupations are typically found in sub-humid climates and landscapes dominated by or including tropical xerophytic shrubland. Marked expansions from these core landscapes include movement into hotter, low-altitude landscapes in Marine Isotope Stage 5 and cooler, high-altitude landscapes in Marine Isotope Stage 3, with the recurrent inhabitation of ecotones between open and forested habitats. Through our use of high-resolution climate models, we demonstrate a significant independent relationship between past precipitation and patterns of Middle Stone Age stone tool production modes overlooked by previous studies. Engagement with these models not only enables spatiotemporally explicit examination of climatic variability across Middle Stone Age occupations in eastern Africa but enables clearer characterisation of the habitats early human populations were adapted to, and how they changed through time.
A preliminary study on the inorganic carbon sink function of mineral weathering during sediment transport in the Yangtze River mainstream
Authors: Zhang Xinbao , Luo Jingcheng , Wang Xiaoguo , Tang Jialiang , Peng Tao 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis study proposed that the dissolution of calcium and magnesium minerals in river sediment could sequester CO2 and function as a carbon sink. Based on the published study, "the contents and chemical and mineral compositions of the suspended particulate materials in the Yangtze River and their geological environmental implications” by Ding Tiping, the contents of CaO, MgO, calcite and dolomite in suspended sediment collected from 25 sampling points in the mainstream and 13 sampling points in the tributaries of the Yangtze River in 4 sampling campaigns during 2003–2007 were used to calculate the total inorganic carbon sink (TCS) capacity and nonsubstantial and substantial inorganic carbon sink (NSCS and SCS) capacities of suspended sediment along the river. Due to the reduction in the sediment yield, the TCS, NSCS and SCS of the Cuntan–Datong section during 2006–2019 decreased by 18.52 × 106 tons, 12.24 × 106 tons and 8.72 × 106 tons, respectively, compared to the period before 2002. The average annual sedimentation of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) was 114.5 × 106 tons, and the related TCS and SCS losses were 6.76 × 106 tons and 2.29 × 106 tons, respectively, which were equivalent to 7.9 and 2.7 percent of the 85.8 × 106 tons of CO2 emissions reduced by the clean energy production of the Three Gorges Hydropower Station. The TCS of global rivers was estimated as 757 × 106 tons (the SCS was more than one quarter of the TCS), which is equivalent to 71.6% of the TCS by global rock weathering with 1.06 × 109 tons of sequestered CO2. The collision and erosion of river sediment caused by turbulence in the processes of sediment transport (off-site rock weathering) could promote the dissolution of minerals. Therefore, it is reasonable that the dissolution rate of calcium and magnesium minerals for offsite rock weathering was much higher than that for in situ rock weathering.
Differential expression of podoplanin in metastatic lymph node is associated with extranodal extension in oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Lee Hye Ran , Roh Jin , Gu Ga Young , Lee Ju Ho , Shin Yoo Seob , Jang Jeon Yeob , Kim Chul-Ho 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the spatial distribution and clinical significance of podoplanin expression in the metastatic lymph nodes of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs). The immunohistochemical podoplanin expression in the metastatic lymph nodes was evaluated in the pathologic specimens of 47 consecutive OPSCC patients. Clinicopathologic factors, including podoplanin expression and extranodal extension (ENE) status, were analyzed. Podoplanin was significantly expressed in the perinodal stroma (p = 0.001), and the average score of podoplanin was higher (p = 0.008) in ENE-positive lymph nodes than ENE-negative lymph nodes, although intranodal podoplanin expression did not differ significantly between the groups. Multivariable analysis revealed perinodal podoplanin expression as an independent marker of ENE in all the patients and the human papilloma virus (HPV)-positive group (p = 0.007 and p = 0.018, respectively). Podoplanin is differentially expressed in the metastatic lymph nodes in OPSCC, and its expression in perinodal stroma is associated with ENE, suggesting that podoplanin can be used clinically as a diagnostic biomarker.
Patients with low muscle mass have characteristic microbiome with low potential for amino acid synthesis in chronic liver disease
Authors: Yamamoto Kenta , Ishizu Yoji , Honda Takashi , Ito Takanori , Imai Norihiro , Nakamura Masanao , Kawashima Hiroki , Kitaura Yasuyuki , Ishigami Masatoshi , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSarcopenia is thought to be related to the microbiome, but not enough reports in chronic liver disease (CLD) patients. In addition to the differences in microbiome, the role of the microbiome in the gut is also important to be clarified because it has recently been shown that the microbiome may produce branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in the body. In this single-center study, sixty-nine CLD patients were divided by skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) into low (L-SMI: n = 25) and normal (N-SMI: n = 44). Microbiome was analyzed from stool samples based on V3-4 region of bacterial 16S rRNA). L-SMI had a lower Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio than N-SMI. At the genus level, Coprobacillus, Catenibacterium and Clostridium were also lower while the Bacteroides was higher. Predictive functional profiling of the L-SMI group showed that genes related to nitrogen metabolism were enriched, but those related to amino acid metabolism, including BCAA biosynthesis, were lower. The genes related to 'LPS biosynthesis' was also higher. The microbiome of CLD patients with low muscle mass is characterized not only by high relative abundance of gram-negative bacteria with LPS, but also by the possibility of low potential for amino acid synthesis including BCAAs.
PPARγ regulates the expression of genes involved in the DNA damage response in an inflamed endometrium
Authors: Mierzejewski Karol , Paukszto Łukasz , Kurzyńska Aleksandra , Kunicka Zuzanna , Jastrzębski Jan P. , Makowczenko Karol G. , Golubska Monika , Bogacka Iwona 
Published: March 2022

AbstractInflammation is a biological response of the immune system, which can be triggered by many factors, including pathogens. These factors may induce acute or chronic inflammation in various organs, including the reproductive system, leading to tissue damage or disease. In this study, the RNA-Seq technique was used to determine the in vitro effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) ligands on the expression of genes and long non-coding RNA, and alternative splicing events (ASEs) in LPS-induced inflammation of the porcine endometrium during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle. Endometrial slices were incubated in the presence of LPS and PPARγ agonists (PGJ2or pioglitazone) and a PPARγ antagonist (T0070907). We identified 169, 200, 599 and 557 differentially expressed genes after LPS, PGJ2, pioglitazone or T0070907 treatment, respectively. Moreover, changes in differentially expressed long non-coding RNA and differential alternative splicing events were described after the treatments. The study revealed that PPARγ ligands influence the LPS-triggered expression of genes controlling the DNA damage response (GADD45β, CDK1, CCNA1, CCNG1, ATM). Pioglitazone treatment exerted a considerable effect on the expression of genes regulating the DNA damage response.
Simulated visual hallucinations in virtual reality enhance cognitive flexibility
Authors: Rastelli Clara , Greco Antonino , Kenett Yoed N. , Finocchiaro Chiara , De Pisapia Nicola 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHistorically, psychedelic drugs are known to modulate cognitive flexibility, a central aspect of cognition permitting adaptation to changing environmental demands. Despite proof suggesting phenomenological similarities between artificially-induced and actual psychedelic altered perception, experimental evidence is still lacking about whether the former is also able to modulate cognitive flexibility. To address this, we measure participants’ cognitive flexibility through behavioral tasks after the exposure to virtual reality panoramic videos and their hallucinatory-like counterparts generated by the DeepDream algorithm. Results show that the estimated semantic network has a flexible structure when preceded by altered videos. Crucially, following the simulated psychedelic exposure, individuals also show an attenuated contribution of the automatic process and chaotic dynamics underlying the decision process. This suggests that simulated altered perceptual phenomenology enhances cognitive flexibility, presumably due to a reorganization in the cognitive dynamics that facilitates the exploration of uncommon decision strategies and inhibits automated choices.
Naturally occurring deamidated triosephosphate isomerase is a promising target for cell-selective therapy in cancer
Authors: Enríquez-Flores Sergio , Flores-López Luis A. , De la Mora-De la Mora Ignacio , García-Torres Itzhel , Gracia-Mora Isabel , Gutiérrez-Castrellón Pedro , Fernández-Lainez Cynthia , Martínez-Pérez Yoalli , Olaya-Vargas Alberto , de Vos Paul , López-Velázquez Gabriel 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHuman triosephosphate isomerase (HsTIM) is a central glycolytic enzyme and is overexpressed in cancer cells with accelerated glycolysis. Triple-negative breast cancer is highly dependent on glycolysis and is typically treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Deamidated HsTIM was recently proposed as a druggable target. Although thiol-reactive drugs affect cell growth in deamidated HsTIM-complemented cells, the role of this protein as a selective target has not been demonstrated. To delve into the usefulness of deamidated HsTIM as a selective target, we assessed its natural accumulation in breast cancer cells. We found that deamidated HsTIM accumulates in breast cancer cells but not in noncancerous cells. The cancer cells are selectively programmed to undergo cell death with thiol-reactive drugs that induced the production of methylglyoxal (MGO) and advanced glycation-end products (AGEs). In vivo, a thiol-reactive drug effectively inhibits the growth of xenograft tumors with an underlying mechanism involving deamidated HsTIM. Our findings demonstrate the usefulness of deamidated HsTIM as target to develop new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancers and other pathologies in which this post translationally modified protein accumulates.
Changes in the liver transcriptome and physiological parameters of Japanese Black steers during the fattening period
Authors: Kim Minji , Masaki Tatsunori , Ikuta Kentaro , Iwamoto Eiji , Uemoto Yoshinobu , Terada Fuminori , Roh Sanggun 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe investigated the physiological changes during the fattening period and production characteristics in Japanese Black steers bred and raised using the typical feeding system in Japan. Here, 21 Japanese Black steers aged 12 months were used, with experimental period divided into early (12–14 months of age), middle (15–22 months), and late fattening phases (23–30 months). The liver transcriptome, blood metabolites, hormones, and rumen fermentation characteristics were analyzed. Blood triglyceride and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations increased, whereas blood ketone levels decreased, with fattening phases. Blood insulin increased with fattening phases and was positively correlated with carcass weight and marbling in late fattening phases. Rumen fermentation characteristics showed high propionate levels and low butyrate levels in late fattening phases, likely due to increased energy intake. Genes related to glucose metabolism, such as SESN3, INSR, LEPR, and FOXO3, were down-regulated in late fattening phases. Genes related to lipid metabolism, such as FABP4, were up-regulated, whereas FADS1 and FADS2 were down-regulated. These findings suggest that the physiological changes resulted from changes in the energy content and composition of diets. Liver metabolism changed with changes in fat metabolism. Insulin was strongly associated with physiological changes and productivity in Japanese Black cattle.