bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ELECTROLYTIC CATALYSTS BASED ON TUNGSTEN AND CARBON COMPOUNDS FOR THE HYDROGEN EVOLUTION REACTION
Authors: Kuleshov Serhii , Novoselova Inessa , Medvezhynska Olha 
Published: August 2023

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is one of the most promising methods of obtaining high-purity hydrogen. However, the high cost and limited resources of materials with low cathodic hydrogen evolution overvoltage values, such as platinum group metals, are the main obstacles to the use HER for obtaining hydrogen on an industrial scale. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new alternative materials and methods of their production. One of the promising materials are catalysts based on refractory metals, in particular tungsten carbides. Metal tungsten can also be used for these purposes. In our opinion, high-temperature electrochemical synthesis (HTES) in molten salts can be a promising method of obtaining materials with properties that meet the requirements for effective catalysts, namely: ultra-dispersity, high specific surface area, mesoporosity and defective structure, high chemical and electrochemical stability. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to evaluate the electrocatalytic activity of a group of materials for HER, which are obtained by HTES in melts. Four samples of electrolytic materials were chosen for the study: tungsten, carbon, tungsten mono- and semi-carbides (WC and W2С). All samples were characterized in detail using X-ray diffraction (phase composition), SEM (morphology), Raman spectroscopy (structure of carbon phases), DTG (free carbon content).
Based on the analysis of the obtained data, it was established that all samples can be used as catalysts: crystallites have a nanometer size and a large number of structural defects; morpho­logy provides increased surface area; tungsten carbide particles are covered with a layer of free carbon, which prevents oxidation of carbide to WO3, which has a lower catalytic acti­vity; carbon particles are nanosized (20–30 nm) and contain a large number of structural defects; tungsten carbide-based samples contain free carbon, which increases the specific surface area, but does not cause clogging of pores.
Polarization measurements were carried out at room temperature at a polarization rate of 5 mV/s in a standard three-electrode cell with an Ag|AgCl reference electrode. 1N H2SO4 was used as a base solution, which was bubbled with high-purity argon. Onset potentials for all samples are -0.05 – -0.25 V (in order WC/C – W2C/WC/C – C – W). The overvoltage and Tafel slope were calculated and WC/C composite was shown to have the lowest values of -0.2 V and -75 mV, respectively.
Electrolytic composite of tungsten carbide/carbon have demonstrated the best characteristics, so we plan to continue the development of synthesis method of carbide compounds, which will allow us to reveal even greater potential of carbide catalysts and pave the way for their wide application in catalytic processes.
Determination of the Relationship Between Family and Social Support and Anxiety-Depression Levels in Liver Transplant Patients
Authors: KORAŞ SÖZEN Kezban , KARABULUT Neziha 
Published: August 2023

Objective: The present study was conducted to determine of the relationship between family and social support and anxiety-depression levels in liver transplant patients.
Methods: The Introductory Characteristics Determination Form, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MPSSS) and Perceived Family Support Scale (PFSS) were used to question the socio-demographic characteristics of the patients.
Results: When the distribution of the mean anxiety and depression scores according to their introductory characteristics of the patients was examined, it was determined that the mean score of HADS was found to be high (HAD-A=19.71±3.29, HAD-D=15.90±1.99). The mean MPSSS of the patients was found to be at moderate level as 54.56±17.40; and the mean total score of the PFSS of the patients was found to be at high level as 35.77± 7.16. It was determined that family and social support was effective in reducing the depression levels after liver transplantation.
Conclusions: It was found that family and social support was influential in reducing the depression levels after liver transplantation.
Ultrafast laser processing of glass waveguide substrates for multi-fiber connectivity in co-packaged optics
Authors: Grenier Jason R. , Brusberg Lars , Wieland Kristopher A. , Matthies Juergen , Terwilliger Chad C. 
Published: August 2023

High bandwidth demanding applications such as high-performance computing and hyperscale datacenters are drivers for co-packaged optics, which aims to bring optical signals as close as possible to the electrical computing chips by integrating the electro-optic transceivers and ASICs on the same package substrate. These next-generation switches require advanced fiber-to-chip connectivity and novel packaging concepts to enable sufficient power and cost savings. As such, low-loss, high bandwidth, and high fiber-counts are required at the photonic chip interface. In this work, these challenges are addressed by enabling the multi-fiber push-on (MPO) interface at the edge of integrated glass waveguide substrates and thus leverages the existing fiber connector eco-system. An ultrafast laser process is used to singulate glass wafers into individual photonic chips leaving optical-quality end-facets with &lt;1 μm flatness over the 6.5 mm wide connector region thereby directly enabling low-loss fiber-to-chip edge-coupling. To overcome the high-costs and complex photonic packaging associated with active alignment of the fiber connectors to the glass waveguide interfaces, ultrafast laser-ablated features are accurately positioned on the glass substrate to enable self-alignment of the MPO connector guide-pins resulting in a passive alignment approach. Subsequent mating and de-mating of the MPO connector to the glass waveguide interface yields on average a 0.19 dB increase in the coupling loss compared to using active alignment.
Within-host acquisition of colistin-resistance of an NDM-producing Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae strain through the insertion sequence-903B-mediated inactivation of mgrB gene in a lung transplant child in China
Authors: Wu Yongli , Zhao Jiankang , Li Ziyao , Liu Xinmeng , Hu Yanning , Zhang Feilong , Zhang Yulin , Pu Danni , Li Chen , Zhuo Xianxia , Shi Huihui , Lu Binghuai 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundColistin, as the antibiotic of “last resort” for carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella, develop resistance during administration of this antimicrobial agent. We identified an NDM-1-producing Klebsiella quasipneumonuae subsp. similipneumoniae (KQSS) strain KQ20605 recovered from a child, which developed resistance to colistin (KQ20786) through acquiring an IS903B element between the -27th and -26th bp of mgrB promoter region after 6-day colistin usage.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to explore the source of IS903B in the disruptive mgrB gene and its underlying mechanisms.Materials and methodsAntibiotics susceptibility testing was conducted via microbroth dilution method. The in vitro colistin-induced experiment of KQ20605 was performed to mimic the in vivo transition from colistin-sensitive to resistant. Whole-genome sequencing was used to molecular identification of colistin resistance mechanism.ResultsThe IS903B element integrated into mgrB gene of KQ20786 had a 100% nucleotide identity and coverage match with one IS903B on plasmid IncR, and only 95.1% (1005/1057) identity to those on chromosome. In vitro, upon the pressure of colistin, KQ20605 could also switch its phenotype from colistin-sensitive to resistant with IS elements (e.g., IS903B and IS26) frequently inserted into mgrB gene at “hotspots”, with the insertion site of IS903B nearly identical to that of KQ20786. Furthermore, IS26 elements in this isolate were only encoded by plasmids, including IncR and conjugative plasmid IncN harboring blaNDM.ConclusionMobilizable IS elements on plasmids tend to be activated and integrated into mgrB gene at “hotspots” in this KQSS, thereby causing the colistin resistance emergence and further dissemination.
Association of gender with cardiovascular and autonomic responses to central hypovolemia
Authors: Shankhwar Vishwajeet , Urvec Janez , Steuber Bianca , Schmid Zalaudek Karin , Bergauer Andrej , Alsuwaidi Hanan , Du Plessis Stefan , Alsheikh-Ali Alawi , Kellett Catherine , Bayoumi Riad , Blaber Andrew Phillip , Goswami Nandu 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionLower body negative pressure (LBNP) eliminates the impact of weight-bearing muscles on venous return, as well as the vestibular component of cardiovascular and autonomic responses. We evaluated the hemodynamic and autonomic responses to central hypovolemia, induced by LBNP in both males and females.MethodologyA total of 44 participants recruited in the study. However, 9 participants did not complete the study protocol. Data from the remaining 35 participants were analysed, 18 males (25.28 ± 3.61 years, 181.50 ± 7.43 cm height, 74.22 ± 9.16 kg weight) and 17 females (22.41 ± 2.73 years, 167.41 ± 6.29 cm height, 59.06 ± 6.91 kg weight). During the experimental protocol, participants underwent three phases, which included 30 min of supine rest, four 4 min intervals of stepwise increases in LBNP from −10 mmHg to −40 mmHg, and 5 min of supine recovery. Throughout the protocol, hemodynamic variables such as blood pressure, heart rate, stroke index, cardiac index, and total peripheral resistance index were continuously monitored. Autonomic variables were calculated from heart rate variability measures, using low and high-frequency spectra, as indicators of sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, respectively.ResultsAt rest, males exhibited higher systolic (118.56 ± 9.59 mmHg and 110.03 ± 10.88 mmHg, p &lt; 0.05) and mean arterial (89.70 ± 6.86 and 82.65 ± 9.78, p &lt; 0.05) blood pressure as compared to females. Different levels of LBNP altered hemodynamic variables in both males and females: heart rate [F(1,16) = 677.46, p &lt; 0.001], [F(1,16) = 550.87, p &lt; 0.001]; systolic blood pressures [F(1,14) = 3,186.77, p &lt; 0.001], [F(1,17) = 1,345.61, p &lt; 0.001]; diastolic blood pressure [F(1,16) = 1,669.458, p &lt; 0.001], [F(1,16) = 1,127.656, p &lt; 0.001]; mean arterial pressures [F(1,16) = 2,330.44, p &lt; 0.001], [F(1,16) = 1,815.68, p &lt; 0.001], respectively. The increment in heart rates during LBNP was significantly different between both males and females (p = 0.025). The low and high-frequency powers were significantly different for males and females (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively), with the females having a higher increase in low-frequency spectral power.Conclusions and future directionsCardiovascular activity and autonomic function at rest are influenced by gender. During LBNP application, hemodynamic and autonomic responses differed between genders. These gender-based differences in responses during central hypovolemia could potentially be attributed to the lower sympathetic activity in females. With an increasing number of female crew members in space missions, it is important to understand the role sex-steroid hormones play in the regulation of cardiovascular and autonomic activity, at rest and during LBNP.
Intermediate pressure-normalized principal wall strain values are associated with increased abdominal aortic aneurysmal growth rates
Authors: Zottola Zachary R. , Kong Daniel S. , Medhekar Ankit N. , Frye Lauren E. , Hao Scarlett B. , Gonring Dakota W. , Hirad Adnan A. , Stoner Michael C. , Richards Michael S. , Mix Doran S. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionCurrent abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) assessment relies on analysis of AAA diameter and growth rate. However, evidence demonstrates that AAA pathology varies among patients and morphometric analysis alone is insufficient to precisely predict individual rupture risk. Biomechanical parameters, such as pressure-normalized AAA principal wall strain (ερ+¯/PP, %/mmHg), can provide useful information for AAA assessment. Therefore, this study utilized a previously validated ultrasound elastography (USE) technique to correlate ερ+¯/PP with the current AAA assessment methods of maximal diameter and growth rate.MethodsOur USE algorithm utilizes a finite element mesh, overlaid a 2D cross-sectional view of the user-defined AAA wall, at the location of maximum diameter, to track two-dimensional, frame-to-frame displacements over a full cardiac cycle, using a custom image registration algorithm to produce ερ+¯/PP. This metric was compared between patients with healthy aortas and AAAs (≥3 cm) and compared between small and large AAAs (≥5 cm). AAAs were then separated into terciles based on ερ+¯/PP values to further assess differences in our metric across maximal diameter and prospective growth rate. Non-parametric tests of hypotheses were used to assess statistical significance as appropriate.ResultsUSE analysis was conducted on 129 patients, 16 healthy aortas and 113 AAAs, of which 86 were classified as small AAAs and 27 as large. Non-aneurysmal aortas showed higher ερ+¯/PP compared to AAAs (0.044 ± 0.015 vs. 0.034 ± 0.017%/mmHg, p = 0.01) indicating AAA walls to be stiffer. Small and large AAAs showed no difference in ερ+¯/PP. When divided into terciles based on ερ+¯/PP cutoffs of 0.0251 and 0.038%/mmHg, there was no difference in AAA diameter. There was a statistically significant difference in prospective growth rate between the intermediate tercile and the outer two terciles (1.46 ± 2.48 vs. 3.59 ± 3.83 vs. 1.78 ± 1.64 mm/yr, p = 0.014).DiscussionThere was no correlation between AAA diameter and ερ+¯/PP, indicating biomechanical markers of AAA pathology are likely independent of diameter. AAAs in the intermediate tercile of ερ+¯/PP values were found to have nearly double the growth rates than the highest or lowest tercile, indicating an intermediate range of ερ+¯/PP values for which patients are at risk for increased AAA expansion, likely necessitating more frequent imaging follow-up.
Analysis of an “international teaching practicum” as a program for achieving “teacher agency” and strengthening “technological pedagogical content knowledge”
Authors: Kim Youn Ock , Yun Soyoung , Sol Yang Hwan 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThis research aimed to study the achievement of teacher agency of Korean pre-service teachers through their experiences in an international teaching practicum (ITP). This study also diagnosed the domestic pre-orientation (DPO) program of G University to seek the possibilities of developing a TPACK strengthening program. The participants of this study were five female Korean pre-service teachers who were in the ITP from 2015-2016.MethodsThe data were collected in two different time slots: the teaching diaries and ITP reports from the Korean pre-service teachers, DPO teaching materials, and program instructor's field notes were collected in 2016, and then, the interview was conducted in 2018.Results and discussionTo study their teacher agency achievement, the three chordal triads of agency, the iterational dimension, the practical-evaluative dimension, and the projective dimension, were spotlighted and used as the lens to analyze the data. In addition, the DPO program was analyzed based on the elements of TPACK competencies. The research shows that the ITP was a trigger experience for the Korean pre-service teachers in terms of the achievement of teacher agency. The participants could project their aspirations and then decide and execute what they had learned from the ITP in their actual Korean classrooms. Also, the need to reconstruct the DPO program to be able to assist the pre-service teachers' TPACK achievement has been raised.
LAMP1 targeting of the large T antigen of Merkel cell polyomavirus results in potent CD4 T cell responses and tumor inhibition
Authors: Buchta Rosean Claire , Leyder Erica C. , Hamilton Jeneice , Carter Joseph J. , Galloway Denise A. , Koelle David M. , Nghiem Paul , Heiland Teri 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionMost cases of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare and highly aggressive type of neuroendocrine skin cancer, are associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) infection. MCPyV integrates into the host genome, resulting in expression of oncoproteins including a truncated form of the viral large T antigen (LT) in infected cells. These oncoproteins are an attractive target for a therapeutic cancer vaccine.MethodsWe designed a cancer vaccine that promotes potent, antigen-specific CD4 T cell responses to MCPyV-LT. To activate antigen-specific CD4 T cells in vivo, we utilized our nucleic acid platform, UNITE™ (UNiversal Intracellular Targeted Expression), which fuses a tumor-associated antigen with lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1). This lysosomal targeting technology results in enhanced antigen presentation and potent antigen-specific T cell responses. LTS220A, encoding a mutated form of MCPyV-LT that diminishes its pro-oncogenic properties, was introduced into the UNITE™ platform.ResultsVaccination with LTS220A-UNITE™ DNA vaccine (ITI-3000) induced antigen-specific CD4 T cell responses and a strong humoral response that were sufficient to delay tumor growth of a B16F10 melanoma line expressing LTS220A. This effect was dependent on the CD4 T cells’ ability to produce IFNγ. Moreover, ITI-3000 induced a favorable tumor microenvironment (TME), including Th1-type cytokines and significantly enhanced numbers of CD4 and CD8 T cells as well as NK and NKT cells. Additionally, ITI-3000 synergized with an α-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to further slow tumor growth and enhance survival.ConclusionsThese findings strongly suggest that in pre-clinical studies, DNA vaccination with ITI-3000, using the UNITE™ platform, enhances CD4 T cell responses to MCPyV-LT that result in significant anti-tumor immune responses. These data support the initiation of a first-in-human (FIH) Phase 1 open-label study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of ITI-3000 in patients with polyomavirus-positive MCC (NCT05422781).
Sigma-1 receptor knockout disturbs gut microbiota, remodels serum metabolome, and exacerbates isoprenaline-induced heart failure
Authors: Yang Jian-Zheng , Zhang Kai-Kai , Shen Hong-Wu , Liu Yi , Li Xiu-Wen , Chen Li-Jian , Liu Jia-Li , Li Jia-Hao , Zhao Dong , Wang Qi , Zhou Chu-Song 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionHeart failure (HF) is usually the end stage of the continuum of various cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanism underlying the progression and development of HF remains poorly understood. The sigma-1 receptor (Sigmar1) is a non-opioid transmembrane receptor implicated in many diseases, including HF. However, the role of Sigmar1 in HF has not been fully elucidated.MethodsIn this study, we used isoproterenol (ISO) to induce HF in wild-type (WT) and Sigmar1 knockout (Sigmar1−/−) mice. Multi-omic analysis, including microbiomics, metabolomics and transcriptomics, was employed to comprehensively evaluate the role of Sigmar1 in HF.ResultsCompared with the WT-ISO group, Sigmar1−/− aggravated ISO-induced HF, including left ventricular systolic dysfunction and ventricular remodeling. Moreover, Sigmar1−/− exacerbated ISO-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, which was demonstrated by the lower abundance of probiotics g_Akkermansia and g_norank_f_Muribaculaceae, and higher abundance of pathogenic g_norank_f_Oscillospiraceae and Allobaculum. Furthermore, differential metabolites among WT-Control, WT-ISO and Sigmar−/−-ISO groups were mainly enriched in bile secretion, tryptophan metabolism and phenylalanine metabolism, which presented a close association with microbial dysbiosis. Corresponding with the exacerbation of the microbiome, the inflammation-related NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway were activated in the heart tissues.ConclusionTaken together, this study provides evidence that a Sigmar1 knockout disturbs the gut microbiota and remodels the serum metabolome, which may exacerbate HF by stimulating heart inflammation.
CSF metabolites associated with biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease pathology
Authors: Dong Ruocheng , Lu Qiongshi , Kang Hyunseung , Suridjan Ivonne , Kollmorgen Gwendlyn , Wild Norbert , Deming Yuetiva , Van Hulle Carol A. , Anderson Rozalyn M. , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Carlsson Cynthia M. , Asthana Sanjay , Johnson Sterling C. , Engelman Corinne D. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionMetabolomics technology facilitates studying associations between small molecules and disease processes. Correlating metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) CSF biomarkers may elucidate additional changes that are associated with early AD pathology and enhance our knowledge of the disease.MethodsThe relative abundance of untargeted metabolites was assessed in 161 individuals from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention. A metabolome-wide association study (MWAS) was conducted between 269 CSF metabolites and protein biomarkers reflecting brain amyloidosis, tau pathology, neuronal and synaptic degeneration, and astrocyte or microglial activation and neuroinflammation. Linear mixed-effects regression analyses were performed with random intercepts for sample relatedness and repeated measurements and fixed effects for age, sex, and years of education. The metabolome-wide significance was determined by a false discovery rate threshold of 0.05. The significant metabolites were replicated in 154 independent individuals from then Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Mendelian randomization was performed using genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms from a CSF metabolites genome-wide association study.ResultsMetabolome-wide association study results showed several significantly associated metabolites for all the biomarkers except Aβ42/40 and IL-6. Genetic variants associated with metabolites and Mendelian randomization analysis provided evidence for a causal association of metabolites for soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2), amyloid β (Aβ40), α-synuclein, total tau, phosphorylated tau, and neurogranin, for example, palmitoyl sphingomyelin (d18:1/16:0) for sTREM2, and erythritol for Aβ40 and α-synuclein.DiscussionThis study provides evidence that CSF metabolites are associated with AD-related pathology, and many of these associations may be causal.
Mortality and causes of death in patients with Parkinson's disease: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Ryu Dong-Woo , Han Kyungdo , Cho A-Hyun 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveParkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease involving multiple systems that can affect mortality. This study aimed to compare all-cause and cause-specific mortality between people with PD and without PD.MethodsThis population-based prospective cohort study is based on Korean National Health Insurance Service data. The primary outcome was the hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause and cause-specific mortality for PD from 2010 to 2019. Cox proportional hazards regression was applied to calculate HRs under crude and three adjusted models with epidemiologic variables.ResultsA total of 8,220 PD patients and 41,100 age- and sex-matched controls without PD were registered. Ten-year mortality was 47.9% in PD patients and 20.3% in non-PD controls. The mortality rate was higher among older and male participants. The leading cause of death in PD was nervous system diseases (38.73%), and 97.1% of those were extrapyramidal and movement disorders, followed by circulatory diseases (15.33%), respiratory diseases (12.56%), and neoplasms (9.7%). PD contributed to an increased risk of all-cause death with an HR of 2.96 (95% CI = 2.84–3.08). HRs of death for PD were 3.07 (95% CI = 2.74–3.45) from respiratory diseases, 1.93 (95% CI = 1.75–2.13) from circulatory diseases, 2.35 (95% CI = 2.00–2.77) from external causes, and 2.69 (95% CI = 2.10–3.43) from infectious diseases.ConclusionThese results showed that PD was related to a higher risk of mortality in all ages and sexes. The leading causes of death in PD were nervous, circulatory, respiratory, infectious diseases, and external causes.