bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving the schemes for the analysis of materials based on tungsten carbide
Authors:   Baikov Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science of the Russian Academy of Science (IMET RAS), Volchenkova V. A. , Blagoveshchensky Y. V. ,   Baikov Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science of the Russian Academy of Science (IMET RAS), Kazenas E. K. ,   Baikov Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science of the Russian Academy of Science (IMET RAS), Andreeva N. A. ,   Baikov Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science of the Russian Academy of Science (IMET RAS), Ovchinnikova O. A. ,   Baikov Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science of the Russian Academy of Science (IMET RAS), Penkina T. N. ,   Baikov Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science of the Russian Academy of Science (IMET RAS), Rodionova S. K. ,   Baikov Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science of the Russian Academy of Science (IMET RAS), Smirnova V. B. ,   Baikov Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science of the Russian Academy of Science (IMET RAS), Fomina A. A. ,   Baikov Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science of the Russian Academy of Science (IMET RAS), Fomina O. N. ,   Baikov Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science of the Russian Academy of Science (IMET RAS)
Published: April 2024

Using atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma and flame version of atomic absorption spectrometry, methods for determining the content of Co, Cr, Ti, V in a wide concentration range from 1·10–3 to n·10 % in tungsten carbide-based materials without matrix separation and using certified solid standard samples with good metrological characteristics were developed. The relative standard deviation is 0.05 – 0.005 when the content of elements is from 1 to 20 % and does not exceed 0.15 when the content of elements is from 0.001 to 0.1 %. Depending on the chemical, phase and disperse composition, as well as the method of obtaining tungsten carbide-based compounds that form different types of materials, which are very different in their ability to dissolve, various sample preparation schemes were used. The analytical parameters for the determination of Co, Cr, Ti, V were found, the operating conditions of the spectrometers were optimized, and calibration methods were selected. The influence of the tungsten matrix element on the analytical signals of analytes and ways of taking it into account have been studied. The possibilities of using spectroscopic methods for the determination of Co, Cr, Ti, V are compared. It is shown that the ICP AES method is dominant in the determination of elements in the concentration range from 1·10–3 to n·10 % in materials based on tungsten carbide. The proposed methods of analytical control will provide research on the creation of new materials based on tungsten carbide, including nanostructured ones, with extremely high physical and mechanical properties, which is especially important in the context of import substitution of materials.
Women’s economic underdevelopment in Pakistan: The intersection of gender and female labour force participation
Authors: Maqsood Huma , Che Sulaiman Nor Fatimah , Muhamad Suriyani , Akmal Binti Rohaizad Nor Aizal 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: Women’s low economic participation in Pakistan and even lower in the formal sector is a perpetual phenomenon leading to their underdevelopment, which has microeconomic and macroeconomic implications. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the nature of women’s work and the intersection of their non-market and market activities at micro, meso, and macro levels which influences women’s chances and choices of decent economic participation. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the interdependence of women’s market and non-market work to explore how gender intersects with their economic autonomy. METHODS: Using qualitative approach, in-depth interviews of 30 purposely selected respondents from the informal sector were thematically analysed. RESULTS: Results indicated that the interdependence of women’s non-market and market work is the outcome of the gendered dichotomy that creates work-life conflict to create women’s economic dependence and male hegemony. Moreover, although a common phenomenon, women from underprivileged backgrounds are more likely to bear the brunt of systemic deprivation leading to economic underdevelopment. CONCLUSIONS: Pakistan’s inherently masculinised society and economy mutually benefit from women’s unpaid and informal work. Facilitated through gender norms, the patriarchal social ideology and the capitalist economic system collaborate to exploit women and their work in both domains.
The Association Between Physical Activity/Heart Rate Variability Data Obtained Using a Wearable Device and Timed Motor Functional Tests in Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Nakamura Akinori , Matsumura Tsuyoshi , Takeshima Yasuhiro , Kuru Satoshi , Imazaki Manami , Nonomura Hidenori , Kaiya Hisanobu 
Published: April 2024

Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating X-linked muscle disease. Clinical evaluation of DMD uses patient-intensive motor function tests, and the recent development of wearable devices allows the collection of a variety of biometric information, including physical activity. Objective: In this study, we examined differences in physical activity and heart rate variability (HRV) between patients with DMD and healthy subjects using a wearable device, and investigated any association between these parameters and motor function in patients with DMD. Methods: Participants were 7 patients with DMD and 8 healthy males, whose physical activity and HRV were provided by a wearable device. These data were used to investigate the relationship between both physical activity and HRV parameters and timed motor functional tests [Time to stand from supine, 10-meter walking time (10MWT), North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA), and 6-minute walking test (6MWT)] in patients with DMD. Results: Results of 24-hours physical activity, fat burning, total number of steps and active distance, average step rate, average exercise intensity during walking, exercise, degree of forward lean during walking, maximum heart rate, normalized low frequency power (LF norm), and maximum exercise intensity in patients with DMD were lower than those in control subjects. Physical activity and HRV parameters did not correlate with the time to stand from supine. The 10MWT positively correlated with average heart rate, while NSAA negatively correlated with average heart rate, total frequency power (TF), and very low frequency power (VLF) during arousal. The 6MWT negatively correlated with ratio LF/high frequency power (HF). CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity and HRV indices that differ from those of normal children and that correlate with motor function assessment may serve as digital biomarkers.
Influence of umbilical cord clamping time on cerebral oxygenation and early cardiac function in term infants
Authors: Satar M. , Erol A.H. , Özdemir M. , Özbarlas N. , Atmış A. , Özlü F. , Büyükkurt S. 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: Delayed cord clamping is the standard of care for both term and preterm infants worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 60-second or 180-second delayed cord clamping during labor on cerebral oxygenation and cardiac function. METHODS: Healthy newborns were divided into two groups: a 60-second delay in cord clamping (60-s DCC) and a 180-second delay in cord clamping (180-s DCC) at birth. Pulse oximetry and cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (cNIRS) probes were placed during postnatal care. A total of 84 healthy newborns were included in this study. Preductal oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate, and cNIRS values were recorded at 5 and 10 minutes after delivery. The cardiac function of the infants was assessed by echocardiography at 3–7 days postnatally. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in SpO2 and cNIRS values at 5 and 10 min. While there was no significant difference in the number of neonates with targeted SpO2 at the 5th and 10th min and targeted cNIRS values at the 10th min, there was a significant difference in the number of neonates with target cNIRS values at the 5th min between groups ( p < 0.001). Echocardiographic findings showed that pulmonary flow velocity was increased in the 180-s DCC group; the difference was statistically significant ( p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the number of infants with normal cNIRS values regarding cerebral oxygenation was higher in the 180-s DCC group. The pulmonary flow velocity was significantly increased in the 180-s DCC group in terms of echocardiographic findings.
Novel methods to monitor the biodegradation of polylactic acid (PLA) by Amycolatopsis orientalis and Amycolatopsis thailandensis
Authors: Yasin Najwa Mat , Pancho Farlash , Yasin Md , Van Impe Jan F. M. , Akkermans Simen 
Published: April 2024

Plastics are essential in modern life, but their conventional production is problematic due to environmental pollution and waste management issues. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a widely used bioplastic that is bio-based and biodegradable, making it a key player in the bioeconomy. PLA has been proven to be degradable in various settings, including aqueous, soil, and compost environments. However, monitoring and optimizing PLA biodegradation remains challenging. This study proposes methods to improve the quantification of PLA biodegradation by Amycolatopsis spp. Ultrasound treatments (10 s) significantly improved the enumeration of viable Amycolatopsis cells by breaking the pellets into quantifiable individual cells. A separation technique combining ultrasound (120 s) and 40 μm cell strainers effectively isolated PLA particles from biomass to quantify PLA weight loss. This enabled the monitoring of PLA biofragmentation. Finally, CO2 production was measured according to ISO 14852 to quantify mineralization. Integrating these methods provides an improved quantification for PLA biodegradation along its different stages. In a case study, this led to the construction of a carbon balance where 85.1% of initial carbon content was successfully tracked. The developed techniques for monitoring of PLA biodegradation are essential to design future waste management strategies for biodegradable plastics.
Harnessing accurate mitochondrial DNA base editing mediated by DdCBEs in a predictable manner
Authors: Qiu Jiaxin , Wu Haibo , Xie Qin , Zhou Yuxiao , Gao Yining , Liu Junbo , Jiang Xueyi , Suo Lun , Kuang Yanping 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Mitochondrial diseases caused by mtDNA have no effective cures. Recently developed DddA-derived cytosine base editors (DdCBEs) have potential therapeutic implications in rescuing the mtDNA mutations. However, the performance of DdCBEs relies on designing different targets or improving combinations of split-DddA halves and orientations, lacking knowledge of predicting the results before its application.Methods: A series of DdCBE pairs for wide ranges of aC or tC targets was constructed, and transfected into Neuro-2a cells. The mutation rate of targets was compared to figure out the potential editing rules.Results: It is found that DdCBEs mediated mtDNA editing is predictable: 1) aC targets have a concentrated editing window for mtDNA editing in comparison with tC targets, which at 5’C8-11 (G1333) and 5’C10-13 (G1397) for aC target, while 5’C4-13 (G1333) and 5’C5-14 (G1397) for tC target with 16bp spacer. 2) G1333 mediated C&gt;T conversion at aC targets in DddA-half-specific manner, while G1333 and G1397 mediated C&gt;T conversion are DddA-half-prefer separately for tC and aC targets. 3) The nucleotide adjacent to the 3’ end of aC motif affects mtDNA editing. Finally, by the guidance of these rules, a cell model harboring a pathogenic mtDNA mutation was constructed with high efficiency and no bystander effects.Discussion: In summary, this discovery helps us conceive the optimal strategy for accurate mtDNA editing, avoiding time- and effort-consuming optimized screening jobs.
Spatial downscaling analysis of GPM IMERG precipitation dataset based on multiscale geographically weighted regression model: a case study of the Inner Mongolia Reach of the Yellow River basin
Authors: Tu Lihui , Duan Limin 
Published: April 2024

The Inner Mongolia Reach of the Yellow River Basin is characterized by a relative scarcity of meteorological stations. While satellite precipitation products can complement observations from meteorological stations, their limited spatial resolution restricts their efficacy in regional studies. This study utilizes the GPM IMERG precipitation dataset, considering various factors that influence the spatial distribution of precipitation, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), elevation, slope, aspect, and topographical relief, to construct a multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model. A spatial downscaling method for the GPM IMERG precipitation dataset is proposed, and its reliability is validated through an accuracy assessment. Moreover, the scale differences in the impact of different factors on the spatial pattern of precipitation in the Inner Mongolia Reach of the Yellow River Basin are scrutinized. The results indicate that: 1) The downscaled GPM IMERG precipitation data (1 km × 1 km) exhibit enhanced accuracy compared to the pre-downscaled data (approximately 11 km × 11 km). The correlation coefficient, Bias, and RMSE of the annual precipitation data after downscaling of GPM IMERG are 0.865, 6.05%, and 68.50 mm/year, respectively. For the monthly downscaled precipitation data, the correlation coefficient, Bias, and RMSE are 0.895, 6.09%, and 16.25 mm/month, respectively. The downscaled GPM IMERG precipitation dataset exhibit high accuracy on both annual and monthly temporal scales. 2) Different factors demonstrate localized effects on precipitation in both dry and wet years. Elevation is the dominant factor influencing the spatial heterogeneity of annual precipitation. The findings from this study can provide technical support for hydrological modeling, drought monitoring, and water resource management in data-scarce areas of the Inner Mongolia Reach of the Yellow River Basin.
Genetic infrapopulation sizes in blood parasites: a pilot quantification of the bottleneck in louse fly vectors
Authors: Fischer Kai , Chakarov Nayden 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionBottleneck events are crucial for the strength of genetic drift, selection and speed of evolution. They are believed to play a particularly prominent role for parasitic infrapopulations, inhabiting single host individuals, which are often established by very few parasite individuals during transmission. In vector-borne pathogens, the bottlenecking effects can even be serialized through repeated filtering of parasitic stages at different tissues and organs of the vector. Using qPCR we aimed to quantify the number of potentially transmittable sporozoites of the hemosporidian blood parasite Haemoproteus columbae in the specialized vector louse flies Pseudolynchia canariensis which transmit these parasites between house pigeon hosts Columba livia.ResultsBased on qPCR measurements of organ-derived DNA of individual louse flies, we estimate that the midgut of these vectors contains on average 20 parasites, the hindgut and other intestines ca. 50 parasites and the salivary glands ca. 5 parasite cells. Nearly one third of all vector individuals appeared to lack parasite DNA, despite having only infected hosts as blood meal sources. The magnitude of parasite numbers in midgut and salivary glands tended to correlate positively.DiscussionOur results indicate, potential severe bottlenecking of parasite populations during individual transmission events and a probable effect of individual vector immunity on this variable. However, this may be partly alleviated by the coloniality of house pigeons, the frequency of louse flies and their daily feeding events in most populations, leading to repeated transmission opportunities, decreased quasi-vertical transmission between parents and offspring and probable panmixia of Haemoproteus columbae lineages. Many of these mechanisms might not apply in other host-vector systems. We propose several additional molecular and microscopical tools to improve the accuracy of estimating parasite population sizes in vectors and call for more estimations in different vector species to better understand the co-evolution between malaria-like blood parasites and their avian and insect hosts.
Early dynamic changes to monocytes following major surgery are associated with subsequent infections
Authors: Snow Timothy Arthur Chandos , Waller Alessia V. , Loye Richard , Ryckaert Francis , Cesar Antonio , Saleem Naveed , Roy Rudra , Whittle John , Al-Hindawi Ahmed , Das Abhishek , Singer Mervyn , Brealey David , Arulkumaran Nishkantha ,   the University College London Hospitals Critical Care Research Team
Published: April 2024

BackgroundPost-operative infections are a common cause of morbidity following major surgery. Little is understood about how major surgery perturbs immune function leading to heightened risk of subsequent infection. Through analysis of paired blood samples obtained immediately before and 24 h following surgery, we evaluated changes in circulating immune cell phenotype and function across the first 24 h, to identify early immune changes associated with subsequent infection.MethodsWe conducted a prospective observational study of adult patients undergoing major elective gastrointestinal, gynecological, or maxillofacial surgery requiring planned admission to the post-anesthetic care unit. Patients were followed up to hospital discharge or death. Outcome data collected included mortality, length of stay, unplanned intensive care unit admission, and post-operative infections (using the standardized endpoints in perioperative medicine–core outcome measures for perioperative and anesthetic care criteria). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated prior to and 24 h following surgery from which cellular immune traits including activation and functional status were assessed by multi-parameter flow cytometry and serum immune analytes compared by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsForty-eight patients were recruited, 26 (54%) of whom developed a post-operative infection. We observed reduced baseline pre- and post-operative monocyte CXCR4 and CD80 expression (chemokine receptors and co-stimulation markers, respectively) in patients who subsequently developed an infection as well as a profound and selective post-operative increase in CD4+ lymphocyte IL-7 receptor expression in the infection group only. Higher post-operative monocyte count was significantly associated with the development of post-operative infection (false discovery rate &lt; 1%; adjusted p-value = 0.001) with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.84 (p &lt; 0.0001).ConclusionLower monocyte chemotaxis markers, higher post-operative circulating monocyte counts, and reduced co-stimulatory signals are associated with subsequent post-operative infections. Identifying the underlying mechanisms and therapeutics to reverse defects in immune cell function requires further exploration.
Global status and trends of gastric cancer and gastric microbiota research: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Ke Yujia , Tan Cheng , Zhen Junhai , Dong Weiguo 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundNumerous studies have cast light on the relationship between the gastric microbiota and gastric carcinogenesis. In this study, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of the relevant literature in the field of gastric cancer and the gastric microbiota and clarified its research status, hotspots, and development trends.Materials and methodsPublications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection on 18 July 2023. CiteSpace 6.2.R4, VOSviewer 1.6.19.0, and Biblioshiny were used for the co-occurrence and cooperation analyses of countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords. A keyword cluster analysis and an emergence analysis were performed, and relevant knowledge maps were drawn.ResultsThe number of published papers in this field totaled 215 and showed an increasing trend. The analysis of funding suggested that the input in this field is increasing steadily. China had the highest number of publications, while the United States had the highest betweenness centrality. Baylor College of Medicine published the most articles cumulatively. Both Ferreira RM and Cooker OO had the highest citation frequency. The journal Helicobacter showed the most interest in this field, while Gut provided a substantial research foundation. A total of 280 keywords were obtained using CiteSpace, which were primarily focused on the eradication and pathogenic mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori, as well as the application of the gastric microbiota in the evaluation and treatment of gastric cancer. The burst analysis suggested that in the future, research may focus on the application of gastric microorganisms, particularly Fusobacterium nucleatum, in the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer, along with their pathogenic mechanisms.ConclusionCurrent studies have been tracking the eradication of Helicobacter pylori and its pathogenic mechanisms, as well as changes in the gastric microbiota during gastric carcinogenesis. Future research may focus on the clinical application and pathogenesis of stomach microorganisms through bacteria such as Fusobacterium nucleatum.
Improving precision management of anxiety disorders: a Mendelian randomization study targeting specific gut microbiota and associated metabolites
Authors: Xu Ming-Min , Qiu Wen-Hui , Ma Qing-Yu , Yu Zhi-Yun , Yang Wen-Miao , Hu Tian-Nuo , Guo Yu , Chen Xiao-Yin 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThere is growing evidence of associations between the gut microbiota and anxiety disorders, where changes in gut microbiotas may affect brain function and behavior via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. However, population-level studies offering a higher level of evidence for causality are lacking. Our aim was to investigate the specific gut microbiota and associated metabolites that are closely related to anxiety disorders to provide mechanistic insights and novel management perspectives for anxiety disorders.MethodThis study used summary-level data from publicly available Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) for 119 bacterial genera and the phenotype “All anxiety disorders” to reveal the causal effects of gut microbiota on anxiety disorders and identify specific bacterial genera associated with anxiety disorders. A two-sample, bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) design was deployed, followed by comprehensive sensitivity analyses to validate the robustness of results. We further conducted multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis to investigate the potential impact of neurotransmitter-associated metabolites, bacteria-associated dietary patterns, drug use or alcohol consumption, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and physical activity on the observed associations.ResultsBidirectional MR analysis identified three bacterial genera causally related to anxiety disorders: the genus Eubacterium nodatum group and genus Ruminococcaceae UCG011 were protective, while the genus Ruminococcaceae UCG011 was associated with an increased risk of anxiety disorders. Further MVMR suggested that a metabolite-dependent mechanism, primarily driven by tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine, glycine and cortisol, which is consistent with previous research findings, probably played a significant role in mediating the effects of these bacterial genera to anxiety disorders. Furthermore, modifying dietary pattern such as salt, sugar and processed meat intake, and adjusting smoking state and physical activity levels, appears to be the effective approaches for targeting specific gut microbiota to manage anxiety disorders.ConclusionOur findings offer potential avenues for developing precise and effective management approaches for anxiety disorders by targeting specific gut microbiota and associated metabolites.