bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural Integrity Analysis of Marine Dynamic Cables: Water Trees and Fatigue
Authors: Ringsberg Jonas W. , Li Zhiyuan , McCormick Robbie , Fagan Nicholas , Stewart Greg , Marwood Tom 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Offshore power cables are typically designed to have a service life of around 25 years. A pattern is emerging where these cables only last 10 years or even as little as two. The main consensus as to why the service life is so short is due to a combination of fatigue and fretting/wear damages of the copper conductors and water treeing in the insulation material. This study presents a method that can be used to analyze the structural integrity of dynamic subsea power cables and estimate their service life determined by the factors above. The numerical simulation models developed and used to carry out global and local fatigue analyses of dynamic subsea power cables are presented, together with methods and models for assessing fretting, wear, and growth of water tree defects. A methodology for structural integrity assessment that includes all these factors is proposed. A dynamic subsea power cable connected to a wave energy converter is used as the case study for comparison of the service life when these factors are considered compared to when, e.g., the growth of water trees is excluded. A numerical sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the value of the seawater's electrical conductivity and the insulation material's threshold stress-intensity factor greatly influence the cable's service life.
Exploring the Use of Fe2.5Ni2.5Sn3 as a Monolithic Catalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction Under Alkaline Conditions
Authors: Moore Craig , Chidambaram Dev 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Enabling a hydrogen fuel-based economy is reliant on the discovery of materials that catalyze the electrolysis of water which requires low-cost catalytic electrodes to improve the kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction. Fe2.5Ni2.5Sn3, was prepared by arc-melting and electrochemical studies were conducted to evaluate its ability to catalyze the oxygen evolution reaction. Potentiodynamic polarization testing revealed that the Fe2.5Ni2.5Sn3 alloy had a Tafel slope of 48 mV/decade and required an overpotential of 326 mV in order to obtain a current density of 10 mA/cm2. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies indicated that the native oxide present on the surface became hydrated upon subjecting it to oxygen evolution studies.
Intradermal infection and dissemination of
Candida auris
in immunocompetent and immunocompromised mouse models
Authors: Towns Kristine A. , Datta Abhishek , Thangamani Shankar 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Candida auris,
an emerging fungal pathogen, predominately colonizes human skin leading to serious invasive infections in humans. Though it is assumed that skin colonization can lead to invasive infection, dissemination potential of
C. auris
from skin to internal organs is still unknown. In this study, immunocompetent and immunocompromised mouse models of intradermal skin infection were used to compare the dissemination potential of
C. auris
to internal organs. Our results suggest that
C. auris
persists in the skin tissue of both immunocompetent and immunocompromised infected mice even at 30 days post-infection. Furthermore,
C. auris
can readily disseminate from skin tissue to internal organs such as the spleen and kidney as early as 24 h post-infection and was detected until 30 days post-infection. Taken together, our findings for the first time indicate that murine skin intradermally infected with
C. auris
can readily disseminate to internal organs and cause invasive infections.

IMPORTANCE

Candida auris
is a multi-drug-resistant emerging fungal pathogen colonizes the human skin and causes life-threatening infections. However, whether
C. auris
can disseminate from the skin to internal organs is unclear. Understanding the dissemination potential of
C. auris
in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts is necessary to monitor susceptible individuals and to develop novel approaches to prevent and treat this emerging fungal pathogen. Using mouse models of intradermal
C. auris
skin infection, our findings report a novel observation that mice skin intradermally infected with
C. auris
can readily disseminate to internal organs leading to systemic disease. These findings help explain the colonization, persistence, and dissemination potential of
C. auris
in immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts and reveal that skin infection is a potential source of invasive infection.
Diversity and saline-alkali resistance of Coleoptera endosymbiont bacteria in arid and semi-arid climate
Authors: Yue Haitao , Ma Xiaoyun , Sun Shuwen , Hu Hongying , Wu Jieyi , Xu Tong , Huang Danyang , Luo Yiqian , Wu Junqiang , Huang Tingting 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Soil salinization usually occurs in arid and semi-arid climate areas from 37 to 50 degrees north latitude and 73 to 123 degrees east longitude. These regions are inhabited by a large number of Coleopteran insects, which play an important role in the ecological cycle. However, little is known about the endosymbiotic microbial taxa and their biological characteristics in these insects. A study of endosymbiotic microorganisms of Coleoptera from Xinjiang, a typical arid and inland saline area, revealed that endosymbiont bacteria with salinity tolerance are common among the endosymbionts of Coleoptera. Functional prediction of the microbiota analysis indicated a higher abundance of inorganic ion transporters and metabolism in these endosymbiont strains. Screening was conducted on the tolerable 11% NaCl levels of
Brevibacterium casei
G20 (
PRJNA754761
), and differential metabolite and proteins were performed. The differential metabolites of the strain during the exponential and plateau phases were found to include benzene compounds, organic acids, and their derivatives. These results suggest that the endosymbiotic microorganisms of Coleoptera in this environment have adaptive evolution to extreme environments, and this group of microorganisms is also one of the important resources for mining saline and alkaline-tolerant chassis microorganisms and high-robustness enzymes.

IMPORTANCE
Coleoptera insects, as the first largest order of insect class, have the characteristics of a wide variety and wide distribution. The arid and semi-arid climate makes it more adaptable. By studying the endosymbiont bacteria of Coleoptera insects, we can systematically understand the adaptability of endosymbiont bacteria to host and special environment. Through the analysis of endosymbiont bacteria of Coleoptera insects in different saline-alkali areas in arid and semi-arid regions of Xinjiang, it was found that bacteria in different host samples were resistant to saline-alkali stress. These results suggest that bacteria and their hosts co-evolved in response to this climate. Therefore, this study is of great significance for understanding the endosymbiont bacteria of Coleoptera insects and obtaining extremophile resources (Saline-alkali-resistant chassis strains with modification potential for the production of bulk chemicals and highly robust industrial enzymes).
Implementation of an ISO 15189 accredited next generation sequencing service for cell-free total nucleic acid (cfTNA) analysis to facilitate driver mutation reporting in blood: the experience of a clinical diagnostic laboratory
Authors: Werner Reiltin , Crosbie Ruth , Dorney Mairead , Connolly Amy , Collins Dearbhaile , Hand Collette K , Burke Louise 
Published: June 2024

AimsNext generation sequencing (NGS) on tumour tissue is integral to the delivery of personalised medicine and targeted therapy. NGS on liquid biopsy, a much less invasive technology, is an emerging clinical tool that has rapidly expanded clinical utility. Gene mutations in cell-free total nucleic acids (cfTNA) circulating in the blood are representative of whole tumour biology and can reveal different mutations from different tumour sites, thus addressing tumour heterogeneity challenges.MethodsThe novel Ion Torrent Genexus NGS system with automated sample preparation, onboard library preparation, templating, sequencing, data analysis and Oncomine Reporter software was used. cfTNA extracted from plasma was verified with the targeted pan-cancer (~50 genes) Oncomine Precision Assay (OPA). Assessment criteria included analytical sensitivity, specificity, limits of detection (LOD), accuracy, repeatability, reproducibility and the establishment of performance metrics.ResultsAn ISO 15189 accredited, minimally invasive cfTNA NGS diagnostic service has been implemented. High sensitivity (>83%) and specificity between plasma and tissue were observed. A sequencing LOD of 1.2% was achieved when the depth of coverage was >22 000×. A reduction (>68%) in turnaround time (TAT) of liquid biopsy results was achieved: 5 days TAT for in-house analysis from sample receipt to a final report issued to oncologists as compared with >15 days from reference laboratories.ConclusionTumour-derived somatic variants can now be reliably assessed from plasma to provide minimally invasive tumour profiling. Successful implementation of this accredited service resulted in:Appropriate molecular profiling of patients where tumour tissue is unavailable or inaccessible.Rapid TAT of plasma NGS results.
Effects of ballistic transport on the thermal resistance and temperature profile in nanowires
Authors: Meyer R. , Gibson Graham W. , Robillard Alexander N. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Effects of ballistic transport on the temperature profiles and thermal resistance in nanowires are studied. Computer simulations of nanowires between a heat source and a heat sink have shown that in the middle of such wires the temperature gradient is reduced compared to Fourier’s law with steep gradients close to the heat source and sink. In this work, results from molecular dynamics and phonon Monte Carlo simulations of the heat transport in nanowires are compared to a radiator model which predicts a reduced gradient with discrete jumps at the wire ends. The comparison shows that for wires longer than the typical mean free path of phonons the radiator model is able to account for ballistic transport effects. The steep gradients at the wire ends are then continuous manifestations of the discrete jumps in the model.

Graphical abstract
Small Cell Lung Cancer Neuronal Features and Their Implications for Tumor Progression, Metastasis, and Therapy
Authors: Hartmann Griffin G. , Sage Julien 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an epithelial neuroendocrine form of lung cancer for which survival rates remain dismal and new therapeutic approaches are greatly needed. Key biological features of SCLC tumors include fast growth and widespread metastasis, as well as rapid resistance to treatment. Similar to pulmonary neuroendocrine cells, SCLC cells have traits of both hormone-producing cells and neurons. In this study, we specifically discuss the neuronal features of SCLC. We consider how neuronal G protein–coupled receptors and other neuronal molecules on the surface of SCLC cells can contribute to the growth of SCLC tumors and serve as therapeutic targets in SCLC. We also review recent evidence for the role of neuronal programs expressed by SCLC cells in the fast proliferation, migration, and metastasis of these cells. We further highlight how these neuronal programs may be particularly relevant for the development of brain metastases and how they can assist SCLC cells to functionally interact with neurons and astrocytes. A greater understanding of the molecular and cellular neuronal features of SCLC is likely to uncover new vulnerabilities in SCLC cells, which may help develop novel therapeutic approaches. More generally, the epithelial-to-neuronal transition observed during tumor progression in SCLC and other cancer types can contribute significantly to tumor development and response to therapy.
Characterization of Wnt Signaling Pathway Aberrations in Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Choi Sharon H. , Pan Elizabeth , Elliott Andrew , Beltran Himisha , Panian Justine , Jamieson Christina , Bagrodia Aditya , Rose Brent , Herchenhorn Daniel , Heath Elisabeth , Nabhan Chadi , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , McKay Rana R. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Wnt (wingless-type) signaling pathway (WSP) alterations have been identified in patients with prostate cancer and are implicated in disease progression and hormonal resistance. In this study, we utilized a multi-institutional dataset to characterize molecular alterations in the canonical and noncanonical WSPs in prostate cancer. Patients with prostate cancer who underwent tissue-based genomic sequencing were investigated. Tumors with somatic activating mutations in CTNNB1 or RSPO2 or inactivating mutations in either APC or RNF43 were characterized as having aberrant canonical Wnt signaling (WSP-activated). Overall survival analyses were restricted to microsatellite-stable (MSS) tumors lacking RNF43 G659fs* mutations. We also investigated noncanonical WSP by evaluation of ROR1, ROR2, and WNT5 in WSP-activated versus WSP wild-type (WSP-WT) tumors. Of 4,138 prostate cancer samples, 3,684 were MSS. Among MSS tumors, 42.4% were from metastatic sites, of which 19.1% were WSP activated, and 57.6% were from the prostate, of which 10.1% were WSP activated. WSP-activated tumors were more prevalent in metastatic sites than in primary prostate cancer. WSP-activated prostate cancer exhibited more SPOP mutations and higher expression of canonical WSP activators than WSP-WT tumors. ROR1 gene expression was elevated in WSP-activated tumors from both primary and metastatic sites. M2 macrophages predominated the tumor microenvironment in WSP-activated tumors. There was no significant difference in overall survival between patients with WSP-activated and WSP-WT prostate cancer. WSP-activated prostate cancer demonstrated a more immunosuppressed tumor microenvironment and a pronounced upregulation of ROR1 gene expression, underscoring its potential involvement in the crosstalk between canonical and noncanonical WSPs.
Implications: Our findings may provide a rationale for developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting Wnt-activated prostate cancer.
Differential Deep RNA Sequencing for Diagnostic Detection of Microbial Infections in Inflammatory Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Huang Weihua , Yin Changhong , Lento Patrick A. , Adem Patricia V. , Dimitrova Nevenka , Fallon John T. 
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:
Inflammatory heart disease can be triggered by a variety of causes, both infectious and noninfectious in nature. We hypothesized that inflammatory cardiomyopathy is potentially related to microbial infection.

METHODS:
In this retrospective study, we used deep RNA sequencing on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded heart tissue specimens to detect pathogenic agents. We first investigated 4 single-sample cases to test the feasibility of this diagnostic protocol and further 3 control-sample paired cases to improve the protocol with differential metatranscriptomics next-generation sequencing (mtNGS) analysis.

RESULTS:

We demonstrate that differential mtNGS allows identification of various microbials as potentially pathogenic, for example,
Cutibacterium acnes
,
Corynebacterium aurimucosum
, and
Pseudomonas denitrificans
, which are usually commensal in healthy individuals. Differential mtNGS also allows characterization of human host response in each individual by profiling alterations of gene expression, networked pathways, and inferred immune cell compositions, information of which is beneficial for us to understand different etiologies and immunity roles in each case. Additionally, differential mtNGS allows the identification of genetic variants in patients that may contribute to their susceptibility to particular microbial infections.

CONCLUSIONS:
The demonstrated power of differential mtNGS in simultaneous capture of both the infectious microbial(s) and the status of human host immune response could help us better understand the pathogenesis of complex inflammatory cardiomyopathy, if conducted on a larger scale of the population. The developed differential mtNGS method could also shed light on its translation and adoption of such a laboratory test in clinic practice, allowing for a more effective diagnosis to guide therapeutic treatment of the disease.
Strong Skin Cooling and Its Impacts on Lake Thermal Processes in a Large Lake on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Ma Xiaogang , Yang Kun , Wang Binbin , Li Zhaoguo , Lazhu  , Lu Hui , Yao Xiangnan , Chen Xin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Skin cooling, wherein the surface temperature of a water body Tskin is lower than the temperature below the surface, is a widespread phenomenon. Previous studies have almost ignored this effect on the Tibetan Plateau (TP), despite the presence of thousands of lakes on the TP and the fact that extraordinary solar heating leads to very strong energy exchanges on the lake surfaces. This study utilizes in situ observations and MODIS-derived Tskin data at Lake Nam Co, one of the largest lakes on the TP, to quantify the skin cooling effect. The observed nighttime skin cooling is approximately 0.52°C on average, with the maximum of about 1°C, during the lake water turnover period (from October to mid-November), which obviously surpasses reported values for oceans (less than 0.4°C). To understand the impact of the skin cooling on the lake thermal processes, a skin cooling parameterization is validated and incorporated into the WRF-lake model. Simulations with the updated model show that accounting for the skin cooling process systematically lowers sensible and latent heat fluxes by a few watts per square meter, which yields an increase in water temperature by 0.45°C at the end of December and may delay the onset of lake freeze. Finally, we show that the inclusion of the skin cooling process in a lake model needs simultaneous adjustment of the parameterization of heat/water vapor transfer.

Significance Statement
Skin cooling is a widespread phenomenon for a water surface, and its intensity depends on the energy flux exchange of the water surface. The Tibetan Plateau possesses the presence of thousands of lakes, but early studies have ignored the skin cooling effect. We found that the nighttime skin cooling magnitude during the lake water turnover period in this region obviously exceeds reported values for oceans, due to the strong surface energy exchange in the Tibetan Plateau. Neglecting the skin cooling process may lead to systematic overestimation of turbulent heat fluxes and underestimation of water temperature. We highlight that accounting for this skin cooling process is crucial to select appropriate parameterization schemes for heat/water vapor transfer in lake thermal process modeling.
Computational thinking through the lens of biological evolution learning: enhancing understanding through the levels of biological organization and computational complexity
Authors: Christensen Dana , Lombardi Doug 
Published: June 2024

AbstractResearch on exploring the relationship between computational thinking and domain specific knowledge gains (i.e. biological evolution) are becoming more common in science education research. The mechanisms behind these relationships are not well understood, particularly between computational practices and biological evolution content knowledge. Increased computational complexity (i.e. simple to complex) may support a greater comprehension of scales or levels of biological organization (i.e. micro to macro) within the context of biological evolution learning. We made use of quantitative methods from qualitative work in the form of coding and relational analysis to identify which biological levels of organization students addressed, how students made connections between these levels and the level of computational complexity displayed during evolution learning with the use of two computational interventions. The aim of this study was not only exploring the biological levels and biological level connections made during the computational thinking interventions, but also analysis of the differences between these two interventions. The results illuminated that use of specific biological levels, biological level connections and differences in computational complexity were distinguishable and there were significant differences between the interventions. These factors may contribute to better understanding of biological evolution knowledge gains.
Association between metal exposures and periodontitis among U.S. adults: the potential mediating role of biological aging
Authors: Dai Zhida , Fu Yingyin , Tan Yuxuan , Yu Xinyuan , Cao Yixi , Xia Yian , Jing Chunxia , Zhang Chunlei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to investigate the associations between metal exposures and periodontitis among U.S. adults, as well as the mediated effect of biological aging.

Methods
Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2014, we explored the single and mixed impacts of metal exposures on periodontitis through adjusted weighted logistic regression, robust Poisson regression, restricted cubic spline regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression models. This study included 2,393 participants, with 46.9% experiencing periodontitis. Concentrations of nine urinary metals, including barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), cesium (Cs), molybdenum (Mo), lead (Pb), thallium (Tl), tungsten (Tu), and uranium (Ur), were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. In addition, we analyzed the association between metals and periodontitis, stratified by age, body mass index, gender, and smoking status. Mediation models were also applied to investigate the mediated effects of biological aging between metal exposures and periodontitis.

Results
Weighted logistic and robust Poisson regression identified positive associations between Cd, Pb and periodontitis (P < 0.05). BKMR analyses indicated that mixed metal exposures were significantly associated with periodontitis, particularly among smokers, second-hand smokers, and males, with Cd, Pb, Tl, and Ba contributing the most. Furthermore, subgroup analyses observed a modifying effect on the associations between urinary Cd, Pb and periodontitis in stratified gender and BMI subgroups in robust Poisson regression. Phenotype age was found to mediate the association between metals and periodontitis.

Conclusions
This study identified significant positive associations between metal exposures and periodontitis in the U.S. adults. In addition, the association between metal exposures and periodontitis could vary in different gender, BMI and smoking subgroups. These associations were likely partly mediated by biological aging, suggesting that metals may potentially increase the risk of periodontitis by promoting cell senescence and overall aging of the body.

Graphical Abstract