bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Changes in the Korean Fertility Rate and Policies to Encourage Fertility
Authors: Kim Sunghee , Yoon Jiyeon , Cho Heeran J. , Jeong Kyuhyoung , Jang Jihyun 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: Korean government has established various policies to counter the low fertility rate since the mid-2000s, but it still has the lowest fertility rate among OECD member countries. This study investigated the relationship between changes in the Korean fertility rate and policies to encourage fertility.Methods: This study utilized data of the total fertility rate of 250 local governments between 2014 and 2018, and a casebook of local government birth promotion policies. The dependent variable was fertility rate, and the independent variable was fertility promotion policy. Using SPSS 25.0 and M-plus 8.0 programs, descriptive statistical analysis and latent growth modeling were conducted.Results: An unconditional quadratic function change model was selected. The average of the initial fertility rate and the linear rate of change in the Korean fertility rate, and the rate of change of the quadratic function were all statistically significant, meaning that the fertility rate of decline increases over time. Also, the linear rate of change and the quadratic function change rate were significant, showing significant differences in the initial level and rate of change of the fertility rate between local governments. Among fertility policies, only the in-kind policy had a significant effect on the initial value of the fertility rate, meaning that the higher the number of in-kind policies, the higher the fertility rate. Conclusions: This study is crucial as it examined the changes in the fertility rate of Korean local governments as well as the policy factors affecting the fertility rate at a quantitative level.
Modeling the drying process of fuelbeds of Masson pine needles under different packing ratios based on two-phase models
Authors: Zhang Yunlin 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: Modeling the drying process of a fuelbed with an initial moisture content higher than the fiber saturated moisture content, analyzing the influence of the packing ratio of the fuelbed on the drying process, and establishing a prediction model are of great significance to improve the prediction accuracy of the moisture content of fuelbeds and determine when fuelbeds can be ignited after precipitation. We simulated the drying process in five needle beds of Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) with different packing ratios. Taking the fiber saturation point (0.35 g·g-1) as the threshold, we divided the drying process into two phases. The drying mechanism of each phase was different and has its own drying equation. Compared with the model that does not distinguish the drying process, the prediction effect of the two-phase model was analyzed, and the influence of the fuelbebs packing ratio on the drying process was analyzed. Results: No matter how the packing ratio changes, the two-phase model can better simulate the drying process, and the average MAE and MRE obtained by the two-phase model decrease by 18.4% and 25.6%, respectively, compared with the one-phase model. The timelag prediction model was established with the packing ratio, and the errors were all within the allowable range, but the prediction effect of the timelag prediction model based on the two phases was better. Conclusions: It was further demonstrated that considering the packing ratio of the fuelbed and distinguishing the drying process can effectively improve the prediction accuracy of the moisture content of fuelbeds based on the semiphysical method.
Alterations in Expression of Phosphatase and Tensin Homologous (Pten) Gene Analyzed in the Bronchial Lavage Samples of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Sahin Hilal , Kuru Rahiye Dilhan , Atahan Ersan , Yilmaz Nail , Deviren Ayhan , Tuncdemir Matem 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Objective: The aim was to analyze the expression of Phosphatase and Tensin Homologous gene (PTEN) gene by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (iFISH), and localization and immunoreactivity of PTEN by immunocytochemistry method in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods: BAL samples collected from 30 patients diagnosed with NSCLC and from 10 control subjects without any malignancy were included. iFISH was performed with 10q23.3 PTEN DNA dual color FISH probe, analyzing multiple cells including normal cell (2G2R), biallelic deleted cell (2G), monoallelic deleted cell (2G1R), monosomic cell (1G1R) and atypical signals. Immunocytochemistry was based on Streptavidin-Biotin-Peroxidase method and PTEN levels were semi-quantitatively scored.Results: Percentage of cells with 2G/2R was 86.8% which was , significantly lower than that of control group (p<0.0001). Loss of PTEN gene was 6.43% among all patients. The Percentage of cells with monoallelic deletion (p=0.0246) and atypical signal (p=0.0001) and percentage of monosomic cells (p=0.0001) were significantly higher in patients compared to controls. PTEN immunopositivity was significantly increased in patients compared to controls (p<0.0001).Conclusion: The signal characteristics of cells can alter among NSCLC patients. The increased abnormal signals and mutational cells in BAL samples of NSCLC patients suggest that the investigation of PTEN expression in BAL by using molecular cytogenetic methods may guide the clinicians in differential diagnosis and therapeutic management of NSCLC. Being faster, easier, and cost-effective in routine testing, immunocytochemistry method can also be combined as a diagnostic tool with molecular methods.
A comprehensive single-cell atlas of freshly-dissociated human synovium in inflammatory arthritis with an optimized dissociation protocol for prospective fresh synovial biopsy collection
Authors: Edalat Sam , Gerber Reto , Houtman Miranda , Kuret Tadeja , Izanc Nadja , Micheroli Raphael , Buerki Kristina , Burja Blaz , Pauli Chantal , Rotar Žiga , Tomšič Matija , Čučnik Saša , Distler Oliver , Ospelt Caroline , Sodin-Semrl Snežna , Robinson Mark , Bertoncelj Mojca Frank 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Single-cell RNA-sequencing is advancing our understanding of synovial pathobiology in inflammatory arthritis. Here, we optimized the protocol for dissociation of synovial biopsies and created a comprehensive reference single-cell atlas of fresh human synovium in inflammatory arthritis. We derived our protocol from the published dissociation method for cryopreserved synovium (Donlin L. et al. Arthritis Res. Ther. 2019) with modifications to enrich synovial cells and minimize cell loss. These modifications enabled consistently high cell yield and viability, thereby minimizing the rate of synovial tissue sample dropout. Our single-cell atlas of the human synovium comprised more than 100’000 unsorted single-cell profiles from 27 synovia of patients with inflammatory arthritis. Synovial cells formed ten lymphoid, 14 myeloid and 17 stromal cell clusters, including IFITM2+ synovial neutrophils. We identified lining SOD2highSAA1+SAA2+ and transitional SERPINE1+COL5A3+ synovial fibroblasts, exhibiting gene signatures linked to cartilage breakdown (SDC4) and extracellular matrix remodelling (LOXL2, TGFBI, TGFB1), respectively. We uncovered synovial endothelial cell diversity and broadened the transcriptional characterization of tissue-resident FOLR2+ COLEC12+ and SLC40A1+ synovial macrophages, inferring their extracellular matrix sensing and iron recycling activities. Our research brings an efficient synovium dissociation protocol for prospectively collected fresh synovial biopsies and expands the knowledge about human synovium composition in inflammatory arthritis.
The impact of air pollution on dementia and preventive measures in China: A qualitative study
Authors: Tang Jie , Zhou Quan , Guo Hongda , Partridge Martin , Lim Jennifer NW , Clifford Angela , Sixsmith Judith , Chen Ruoling 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: Despite research identifying a possible association between air pollution exposure and dementia risk, no study has investigated the perceptions, knowledge, attitude, and experiences of the caregivers of people with dementia on this topic. This article presents an investigation of the dementia caregivers on the association in China, and the healthcare professionals’ perception on measures to reduce the impact of air pollution on dementia.Method: A qualitative study design comprising two focus group discussions was used. The focus groups were conducted guided by semi-structured guides: one with five caregivers and the other with six health professionals. The focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed. Each transcript was analyzed using thematic analysis where codes were generated and assigned by two researchers independently. Similar codes were then grouped and categorized into themes.Results: While some participants thought that pollution may be associated with the risk of developing dementia, they felt the need to discuss the dementia diagnosis process, which indirectly reflected knowledge of dementia prevention among the general population in China. Most participants considered that the association between air pollution and dementia was indirect. Caregivers and family members appeared to have limited knowledge on dementia prevention. Health professionals identified several modifiable preventive measures to mitigate against the impact of pollution on dementia but identified several challenges of sharing this knowledge with the public and eventually changing people’s behaviors.Conclusions: Low awareness of dementia and high stigma around dementia must be overcome to help preventive measures against air pollution and dementia in China. Strengthening policy formulation and global cooperation is an important measure to tackle air pollution and its impact on dementia.
Fe and Zn metal nanocitrates as plant nutrients through soil application
Authors: K S V POORNA CHANDRIKA , Qureshi A. Aziz , Singh Anupama , Sarada Chunduri , Gopalan Balaji 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Nanocitrates of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) are newer plant nutrients that can be employed in agriculture. Here, we examined the behaviour in soil and uptake of Fe and Zn nanocitrates by groundnut plants of Fe and Zn nanocitrates through soil application technique and compared it with the commercial counterpart. The combined nanocitrate compositions were also formulated by the physical mixing and characterized. The plant uptake of Fe and Zn was determined through atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). All the treated plants had shown good germination and higher vigor index compared to the control treatments. The highest Fe and Zn content in soil and uptake was found in nanocitrates was followed by commercial fertilizers. Among 34 synthesized citrates, BFC (1:1)- 6; BZC (1:3)- 6; BFZ (4:6)- 8; BFZ (5:5)- 2; BFZ (5:5)- 6; and BFZ (8:2)- 4 are promising trends to evaluate under field conditions with higher stability.
Unsupervised machine learning-driven search for efficient spin-orbit torque materials
Authors: Sayed Shehrin , Kleidermacher Hannah , Hashemi-Asasi Giulianna , Hsu Cheng-Hsiang , Salahuddin Sayeef 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Materials with large spin-orbit torque efficiencies are of great interest for improved magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) technology. Unfortunately, most of the existing spin-orbit torque materials exhibit an efficiency much less than unity, requiring a large current for magnetization switching. The search for new materials that can exhibit a spin-orbit torque efficiency much greater than unity is a topic of active research, both theoretically and experimentally; however, the conventional approach identified only a few materials to exhibit such high efficiency. In this paper, we present a new approach using unsupervised machine learning to accelerate the search for new materials with large spin-orbit torque efficiencies. We used a word embedding model that represents words into a collection of high-dimensional vectors and trained a neural network with published scientific abstracts from various materials science, physics, and engineering journals. The relationship among these trained vectors represents the spintronics knowledge and the pattern obtained from the cosine distances between various materials names and the word `spin-orbit torque' correctly estimated the spin-orbit torque efficiencies in various known materials. In addition, the model predicted 32 new spin-orbit torque materials, where 9 of them are expected to exhibit a spin-orbit torque efficiency much greater than unity, with the largest expected value of 36.4.
Effects of different intensities treadmill exercise on cortical mTOR pathway and skilled motor function recovery in spinal cord injury
Authors: Zhan Zuxiong , Tan Botao , Zhu Ying , Pan Lu , Wang Yunhang , Zhao Qin , Liu Yuan , Li Sen , Wang Haiyan , Yang Ce , Yu Lehua , yin Ying 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Treadmill exercise is beneficial for spinal cord injury (SCI) both in bench and in bedside, but the most effective treadmill exercise intensity and mechanisms underlying the treadmill exercise on skilled motor function recovery remain elusive. Here, the improved skilled motor function recovery, enhanced nerve conduction capability, neuroplasticity, and axonal sprouting were observed in the SCI mice after training for 4 weeks. However, high exercise intensity (HEI) leads to vulnerability and impaired exercise tolerance during training. We further found that in the moderate exercise intensity (MEI) and HEI groups showed elevated expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Meanwhile, elevated phosphorylated levels of ribosomal protein S6 (p-S6) and protein kinase B (p-AKT) in mouse motor cortex were also observed, indicating the cortical mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway activation. To investigate the role of the cortical mTOR activation, we performed a rapamycin assay. After using rapamycin, the exercise-induced activation of the cortical mTOR pathway and the exercise-enhanced effects were inhibited. Together, the expression of neurotrophic factors and the activation of the cortical mTOR pathway are in an intensity-dependent manner. And the MEI is safer and more beneficial than the LEI and HEI. Based on the rapamycin assay, the exercise-induced activation of mTOR pathway is necessary for the enhanced motor cortex and spine remodeling, all of which further contribute to better-skilled motor function recovery. These dates may provide a new window to further understand the mechanisms underlying exercise training effects on the skilled motor function recovery following SCI.
The occurrence of hyperactivated platelets and fibrinaloid microclots in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Authors: Nunes Massimo , Kruger Arneaux , Proal Amy , Kell Douglas , Pretorius Etheresia 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that platelet poor plasma (PPP) obtained from patients with LongCovid/Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) is characterized by a hypercoagulable state reflected in hyperactivated platelets and the presence of considerable numbers of fibrin(ogen) amyloid microclots or fibrinaloid microclots. Due to substantial overlap in symptoms and aetiology between PASC and ME/CFS, we investigated whether coagulopathies, platelet hyperactivation and/or fibrin amyloid formation differed between individuals exhibiting ME/CFS and gender- and age-matched healthy controls. ME/CFS patients were statistically far more hypercoagulable as judged by thromboelastography of both whole blood and platelet-poor plasma. The area of plasma images containing fibrinaloid microclots was commonly more than 10-fold greater in untreated platelet-poor plasma from individuals with ME/CFS than in that of healthy controls. A similar difference was found when the plasma samples were treated with thrombin. Using fluorescently labelled PAC-1, which recognizes glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, and CD62P, which binds P-selectin, we observed massive hyperactivation and spreading of platelets in samples from individuals with ME/CFS. Using a quantitative scoring system, this was found to have a score of 2.72 ± 1.24 vs 1.00 (activation with pseudopodia formation) for healthy controls. We conclude that ME/CFS is accompanied by substantial and measurable changes in coagulability, platelet hyperactivation, and fibrinaloid microclot formation. However, fibrinaloid microclot load was not as prevalent as was previously noted in PASC. Fibrinaloid microclots, in particular can provide a ready explanation, via (temporary) blockage of microcapillaries and hence ischaemia, for many of the symptoms, such as fatigue, seen in patients with ME/CFS. The discovery of these biomarkers pointing to significant and systemic endothelial inflammation, represents an important development in ME/CFS research. It also points at novel treatment strategies using known drugs and/or nutraceuticals that target systemic vascular pathology and endothelial inflammation.
3D Geometrical Untangling of Heterogeneous Fabric Darcy’s Flow using the Morphology Decoder
Authors: Alfarisi Omar , Raza Aikifa , Zhang Hongtao , Ozzane Djamel , Sassi Mohamed , Li Hongxia , Zhang TieJun 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Permeability has a dominant influence on the flow behavior of a natural fluid, and without proper quantification, biological fluids (hydrocarbons) and water resources become waste. During the first decades of the 21st century, permeability quantification from nano-microporous media images emerged, aided by 3D pore network flow simulation, primarily using the Lattice Boltzmann simulator. Earth scientists realized that the simulation process holds millions of flow dynamics calculations with accumulated errors and high computing power consumption. Therefore, accuracy and efficiency challenges obstruct planetary exploration. To efficiently and consistently predict permeability with high quality, we propose the morphology decoder. It is a parallel and serial flow reconstruction of machine learning-driven semantically segmented heterogeneous rock texture images of 3D X-ray microcomputerized tomography (µCT) and nuclear magnetic resonance (MRI). For 3D vision, we introduce a controllable measurable volume as a new supervised semantic segmentation, in which a unique set of voxel intensities corresponds to grain and pore throat sizes. The morphology decoder demarks and aggregates the morphology boundaries in a novel way to quantify permeability. The morphology decoder method consists of five novel processes described in this paper. These novel processes are (1) geometrical: 3D permeability governing equation, (2) machine learning: guided 3D property recognition of rock morphology, (3) analytical: 3D image properties integration model for permeability, (4) experimental: MRI permeability imager, and (5) morphology decoder (the process that integrates the other four novel processes).
Vertical distribution of microplastics in the sediment profiles of the Taihu Lake, eastern China
Authors: Huang Yinan , Fan Jiajia , Liu Huan , Lu Xiancai 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the freshwater environment, while its abundance in the sediment profiles has received little attention. The vertical microplastic distribution in the sediment of the North (NTH) and Southwest (SWTH) Taihu Lake were identified and characterized in this study. Microplastics could be detected at all depths (0–50 cm) at the two sites, with the total abundance of 8066 and 5333 particles kg-1 dry weight sediment at NTH and SWTH, respectively. This indicates that the microplastic storage in the sediment of the Taihu Lake may be underestimated, if only the surface sediment is considered. Microplastics composed of various polymer types were identified in the sediment of the two sites, including polyamide (PA), acrylic acid (AA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and cellulose acetate (CA), while high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) were only detected at NTH. The main type of polymers detected at NTH (42%) and SWTH (43%) were PA. The majority shape of microplastics was fibers, with a ratio of 76% and 78%, respectively at the site NTH and SWTH. The colors of microplastics were mainly white (accounted for 42% and 43% at NTH and SWTH, respectively), which may be caused by the long-term decomposition of dyestuff in the syngenesis of sediment and/or probably the degradation during sample treatments. The textile industry and fishery activities may provide the source. In summary, our findings in the Taihu Lake favors to understand the microplastic pollution and tackle microplastics challenges.
The influence of environmental variation on trophic ecology of Dosidicus gigas along Peruvian coast
Authors: Cisneros Rosario , Ibanez Christian M. , Tafur Ricardo , Arguelles Juan 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Environmental variation changes abundance and diversity in pelagic communities and consequently can influence the diet of marine predators by diversity of available prey. The feeding habits of the jumbo squid Dosidicus gigas from the Peruvian coast were studied by analyzing the gastric content of 1020 stomachs in the period 2015–2019. The diet was analyzed in terms of frequency of occurrence (% FO), number (% N) and weight of prey (% P). In addition, to evaluate the trophic spectrum several diversity indices were calculated and compared with body size of squids, sea surface temperature (SST), southern oscillation index (SOI) and geographic location. Fish represented 96% of full stomachs, and Vinciguerria lucetia was the most frequent and abundant species, followed by myctophid fishes. The principal variables analyzed influencing the diet of D. gigas were SST and SOI, followed by latitude. The trophic level was estimated between 3.6 and 4.4 being the lowest value during 2016. The occurrence of coastal El Niño event during 2016 influence the available prey and consequently the prey composition and diversity of jumbo squids and in consequence the trophic level at population scale.