bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-current density alkaline electrolyzers: The role of Nafion binder content in the catalyst coatings and techno-economic analysis
Authors: Zappia Marilena Isabella , Bellani Sebastiano , Zuo Yong , Ferri Michele , Drago Filippo , Manna Liberato , Bonaccorso Francesco 
Published: October 2022

We report high-current density operating alkaline (water) electrolyzers (AELs) based on platinum on Vulcan (Pt/C) cathodes and stainless-steel anodes. By optimizing the binder (Nafion ionomer) and Pt mass loading (mPt) content in the catalysts coating at the cathode side, the AEL can operate at the following (current density, voltage, energy efficiency -based on the hydrogen higher heating value-) conditions (1.0 A cm−2, 1.68 V, 87.8%) (2.0 A cm−2, 1.85 V, 79.9%) (7.0 A cm−2, 2.38 V, 62.3%). The optimal amount of binder content (25 wt%) also ensures stable AEL performances, as proved through dedicated intermittent (ON-OFF) accelerated stress tests and continuous operation at 1 A cm−2, for which a nearly zero average voltage increase rate was measured over 335 h. The designed AELs can therefore reach proton-exchange membrane electrolyzer-like performance, without relying on the use of scarce anode catalysts, namely, iridium. Contrary to common opinions, our preliminary techno-economic analysis shows that the Pt/C cathode-enabled high-current density operation of single cell AELs can also reduce substantially the impact of capital expenditures (CAPEX) on the overall cost of the green hydrogen, leading CAPEX to operating expenses (OPEX) cost ratio &lt;10% for single cell current densities ≥0.8 A cm−2. Thus, we estimate a hydrogen production cost as low as $2.06 kgH2−1 for a 30 years-lifetime 1 MW-scale AEL plant using Pt/C cathodes with mPt of 150 μg cm−2 and operating at single cell current densities of 0.6–0.8 A cm−2. Thus, Pt/C cathodes enable the realization of AELs that can efficiently operate at high current densities, leading to low OPEX while even benefiting the CAPEX due to their superior plant compactness compared to traditional AELs.
Different mechanisms of mitral regurgitation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A clinical case and literature review
Authors: Molisana Michela , Selimi Adelina , Gizzi Germana , D’Agostino Simone , Ianni Umberto , Parato Vito Maurizio 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundAbnormalities of the mitral valve (MV) apparatus are typical features of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). These abnormalities include leaflet elongation, thick leaflets, displacement of papillary muscle, and systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the MV anterior leaflet. Mitral valve chordal rupture associated with HCM is a rare but serious issue capable of change the clinical apparence and the prognosis of the patient.Case summaryA 57-year-old lady with a history of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and a previous single episode of atrial fibrillation (treated with pharmacological cardioversion), presented to the Emergency Department for worsening dyspnea (New York Heart Association Classification class IV). A trans-thoracic echocardiogram (TTE) showed a significant, septal, and asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy (basal anteroseptal wall diastolic thickness of 19 mm) with normal left ventricle systolic function. A SAM of AML was evident together with a left ventricular outflow tract gradient of 56 mmHg at rest, rising to 136 mmHg during the Valsalva maneuver. In addition, there was evidence of moderate to severe mitral regurgitation (MR) with an anteriorly directed jet, not very typical of MR related to SAM. A 2D-3D trans-esophageal echocardiogram (2D-3D TEE) revealed a combined MR mechanism based on PML degenerative prolapse with P2-flail from ruptured chordae with related eccentric anteriorly directed regurgitant jet, together with a second regurgitant posteriorly directed jet, related to SAM of AML. The patient underwent MV repair together with septal myectomy, with a good final outcome.ConclusionPre-operative echocardiography (both TTE and 2D-3D TEE) is an essential tool in order to detect different MV abnormalities in patients with HCM. These types of patients should never be treated by septal reduction alone. Surgical MV repair or replacement, together with septal myectomy, may be the preferred approach.
Spatio-temporal changes in degassing behavior at Stromboli volcano derived from two co-exposed SO2 camera stations
Authors: Delle Donne Dario , Lo Coco Eleonora , Bitetto Marcello , La Monica Francesco Paolo , Lacanna Giorgio , Lages Joao , Ripepe Maurizio , Tamburello Giancarlo , Aiuppa Alessandro 
Published: October 2022

Improving volcanic gas monitoring techniques is central to better understanding open-vent, persistently degassing volcanoes. SO2 cameras are increasingly used in volcanic gas studies, but observations are commonly limited to one single camera alone viewing the volcanic plume from a specific viewing direction. Here, we report on high frequency (0.5 Hz) systematic measurements of the SO2 flux at Stromboli, covering a 1-year long observation period (June 2017-June 2018), obtained from two permanent SO2 cameras using the same automated algorithm, but imaging the plume from two different viewing directions. Our aim is to experimentally validate the robustness of automatic SO2 camera for volcano monitoring and to demonstrate the advantage of using two co-exposed SO2 camera stations to better capturing degassing dynamics at open-vent volcanoes. The SO2 flux time-series derived from the two SO2 camera stations exhibit good match, demonstrating the robustness of the automatic SO2 camera method. Our high-temporal resolution SO2 records resolve individual Strombolian explosions as transient, repetitive gas bursts produced by the sudden release of over pressurized gas pockets and scoriae. Calculations show that explosive degassing activity accounts for ∼10% of the total SO2 emission budget (dominated by passive degassing) during mild regular open-vent activity. We show that the temporal variations of the explosive SO2 flux go in tandem with changes in total SO2 flux and VLP seismicity, implicating some commonality in the source processes controlling passive degassing and explosive activity. We exploited the spatial resolution of SO2 camera to discriminate degassing at two distinct regions of the crater area, and to minimize biases due by the station position respect to the target plume. We find that the SO2 fluxes from southwest-central (SWCC) and northeast (NEC) crater areas oscillate coherently but those from the NEC are more sensitive to the changes in the volcanic intensity. We interpret this as due to preferential gas/magma channeling into the structurally weaker north-eastern portion of the crater terrace in response to increasing supply rate of buoyant, bubble-rich magma in the shallow plumbing system.
m7G regulator-mediated methylation modification patterns define immune cell infiltration and patient survival
Authors: Wang Lu , Hu Xing , Liu Xiaoni , Feng Yingmei , Zhang Yuan , Han Jing , Liu Xuqing , Meng Fankun 
Published: October 2022

Numerous studies have demonstrated the important roles of epigenetic modifications in tumorigenesis, progression and prognosis. However, in hepatocellular carcinoma, the potential link between N7-methylguanosine (m7G) modification and molecular heterogeneity and tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unclear.MethodWe performed a comprehensive evaluation of m7G modification patterns in 816 hepatocellular carcinoma samples based on 24 m7G regulatory factors, identified different m7G modification patterns, and made a systematic correlation of these modification patterns with the infiltration characteristics of immunocytes. Then, we built and validated a scoring tool called m7G score.ResultsIn this study, we revealed the presence of three distinct m7G modification patterns in liver cancer, with remarkable differences in the immunocyte infiltration characteristics of these three subtypes. The m7G scoring system of this study could assess m7G modification patterns in individual hepatocellular carcinoma patients, could predict TME infiltration characteristics, genetic variants and patient prognosis. We also found that the m7G scoring system may be useful in guiding patients’ clinical use of medications.ConclusionsThis study revealed that m7G methylation modifications exerted a significant role in formation of TME in hepatocellular carcinoma. Assessing the m7G modification patterns of single patients would help enhance our perception of TME infiltration characteristics and give significant insights into immunotherapy efficacy.
Design of sustainable geopolymeric matrices for encapsulation of treated radioactive solid organic waste
Authors: Santi Andrea , Mossini Eros , Magugliani Gabriele , Galluccio Francesco , Macerata Elena , Lotti Paolo , Gatta Giacomo Diego , Vadivel Dhanalakshmi , Dondi Daniele , Cori Davide , Nonnet Hélène , Mariani Mario 
Published: October 2022

Among radioactive by-products generated by nuclear technologies, solid organic waste is drawing attention because of difficult management and incompatibility with the disposal strategies traditionally adopted. Recently, geopolymers have been proposed as valid and green alternatives to cement-based matrices. In this work, novel geopolymeric formulations have been studied at laboratory scale to encapsulate ashes from incineration of surrogate solid organic waste and to further pursue sustainability and circular economy goals. Indeed, the most widely used precursor of literature geopolymers, calcined kaolin, has been totally replaced by natural raw materials and recycled industrial by-products. In addition, a highly zeolitized volcanic tuff has been chosen to further improve the intrinsic cation-exchange capacity of the geopolymer, hence enhancing waste-matrix interaction. The alkaline activation of the precursors, achieved without silicates of any metal, resulted in a promisingly durable geopolymeric matrix, whose chemical composition has been optimised to provide compressive strength above 10 MPa after 28 days of curing. A water-saturated sealed chamber provided the optimal curing condition to limit the efflorescence and improve the mechanical properties. At least 20 wt% loading of treated surrogate waste was achieved, without compromising workability, setting time, and compressive strength, the latter remaining within acceptable values. In order to demonstrate matrix durability, leaching behaviour and thermal stability were preliminarily assessed by immersion tests and thermogravimetric analyses, respectively. The leachability indices of constituent elements resulted far above 6, which is the generally agreed requirement for cement-based matrices. Moreover, the mechanical resistance was not worsened by the water immersion. The preliminarily obtained results confirm the promising properties of the new matrix for the immobilization of nuclear waste.
Can the balance evaluation systems test be used to identify system-specific postural control impairments in older adults with chronic neck pain?
Authors: Madsalae Thanya , Thongprong Tanapat , Chinkulprasert Chatchada , Boonsinsukh Rumpa 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundOlder adults with chronic neck pain (CNP) demonstrate impaired postural control. The Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) is used to assess systems underlying postural control impairments, but its use in CNP has not been reported. This study assessed whether the BESTest can identify postural control impairments in CNP as well as the level of BESTest item difficulty by Rasch analysis.Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study recruited thirty young adults (YOUNG) aged 20–40 years and eighty older adults aged 60 years or older [without neck pain (OLD) = 60, with chronic neck pain (CNP) = 20]. Questionnaires were administered to collect demographic data, intensity of neck pain (VAS), patient’s self-rated neck pain and disability (NDI), and balance confidence in daily activities (ABC). The BESTest was used to assess postural control.ResultsThe CNP group showed the lowest ABC scores. Compared to the YOUNG group, the BESTest score was significantly lower in the OLD group, while the CNP group showed the lowest score, suggesting that balance control deteriorated from the normal aging process and further declined in the CNP group, especially in biomechanical constraints, transitions–anticipatory postural adjustment, and reactive postural response (p &lt; 0.05). Using scores from these three sections, the BESTest was accurate at the cutoff score of 48.5 out of 51 for differentiating the older adults whose daily life are affected by neck problems (using the NDI as a reference) with a high AUC (0.79), sensitivity (72%), and specificity (69%). The Rasch analysis revealed that the Timed Up and Go with dual task test was the most difficult BESTest item for all groups, whereas 14 items showed more difficulty for the CNP group.ConclusionThe BESTest can be used to identify postural control impairments in CNP patients, even those with moderate pain and mild disability with a high level of physical functioning. The combined score of biomechanical constraints, transitions–anticipatory postural adjustment, and reactive postural response domains was suggested for the detection of older adults whose daily lives are affected by neck problems. This will also help clinicians consider the management of neck pain to prevent falls in CNP.
Long-term gynecological complications after conservative treatment of placenta accreta spectrum
Authors: Herzberg Shmuel , Ezra Yossef , Haj Yahya Rani , Weiniger Carolyn F. , Hochler Hila , Kabiri Doron 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveTo examine the association between conservative treatment for PAS (placenta accreta spectrum) and subsequent gynecological and fertility complications.MethodsAll women who underwent conservative treatment for PAS between January 1990 and December 2000 were included in this retrospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital. Gynecological and fertility complications experienced after the index delivery were collected from the medical records and telephone questionnaires. This data was compared to an age and parity-matched control group of women without PAS.ResultsThe study group included 134 women with PAS managed conservatively and 134 controls with normal deliveries matched by parity and age. Women in the PAS group required significantly more postpartum operative procedures such as hysteroscopy or D&amp;C (OR = 6.6; 95%CI: 3.36–13.28; P = &lt;0.001). Following the index delivery, there were 345 pregnancies among 107 women who attempted conception following conservative treatment for PAS vs. 339 pregnancies among 105 women who attempted conception in the control group. Among women who attempted conception following conservative treatment for PAS 99 (92.5%) delivered live newborns (a total of 280 deliveries) vs. 94 (89.5%) in the control group, (a total of 270 live newborns, p = 0.21). The need for fertility treatments was not different between the two groups (OR = 1.22; 95%CI: 0.51–2.93; P = 0.66).ConclusionAfter conservative treatment for PAS, significantly more women required complementary procedures due to retained placenta and/or heavy vaginal bleeding. There was no evidence of fertility impairment in women post-conservative treatment for PAS.
Radiological patterns and pulmonary function values of lung involvement in primary Sjögren’s syndrome: A pilot analysis
Authors: Mormile Ilaria , Mormile Mauro , Rossi Francesca Wanda , Williams Michela , Valente Tullio , Candia Claudio , Granata Francescopaolo , Rega Roberto , Orlandi Martina , Matucci-Cerinic Marco , Molino Antonio , de Paulis Amato 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundLung involvement in primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) may vary from 9 to 90%. Interstitial lung disease and tracheobronchial alterations are the most typical findings. The evidence of primarily emphysematous changes at computed tomography of the chest of pSS patients has occasionally been described but poorly characterized. This study aims to assess pulmonary involvement and the impact on respiratory function in a cohort of pSS patients.Materials and methodsA total of 22 consecutive patients diagnosed with pSS underwent pulmonary function tests to investigate the presence of ventilatory impairment and evaluate the exchanges of alveolar gases. All patients underwent a chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRTC).ResultsDynamic volumes were within the normal range in 21 patients (95.4%). A reduction in the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was observed in 18 patients (81.8%). Ten (45.5%) patients showed a mild degree deficit, while 8 patients (36%) showed a moderate degree deficit. Analysis of DLCO revealed a significant difference between pSS patients and controls [t(30.98) = −10.77; p &lt; 0.001], showing a higher DLCO value for the healthy controls (mean ± SE; 101.27 ± 6.08) compared to pSS patients (mean ± SE; 65.95 ± 12.78). Emphysema was found in 21 (94.5%) patients and was the most widespread pulmonary injury. Tracheal thickness was reduced in 15 (67%) patients. Micronodules were observed in 10 (45%) patients in all the pulmonary fields. Bronchial wall thickening and bronchiectasis were observed in 8 (36%) patients, mainly in the lower lobes. Ground glass was found in 5 (22.5%) patients in lower and higher lobes. Cysts were observed in two patients (9%).ConclusionThe reduction of the DLCO could be related to early emphysematous alterations in the absence of spirometric alterations and relevant respiratory symptoms. In conclusion, emphysema might be seen as an early pulmonary involvement mark in patients suffering from pSS.
Clinical application of multicolor imaging in Leber hereditary optic neuropathy
Authors: Cheng Yufang , He Lu , Miao Qingmei , Wang Wenyu , Yuan Jiajia , Chen Changzheng 
Published: October 2022

PurposeTo characterize features of retinal never fiber in Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) using multicolor (MC) imaging and color fundus photography (CFP).MethodsNinety-two eyes of patients with LHON underwent MC imaging, optic disc spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and CFP. Two independent observers graded RNFL visibility scores and two other experts determined never fiber bundle defects from four-quadrant readings. CFP, standard MC, infrared reflectance (IR), green reflectance (GR), blue reflectance (BR), and green-blue-enhanced (BG) imaging were compared.ResultsAgreement on never fiber bundle defects was substantial for CFP, standard MC, GR, BR, and BG images relative to IR. It was shown that BR (2.71 ± 0.55) had the best mean RNFL visibility score, BG (2.69 ± 0.52), GR (2.69 ± 0.56), standard MC (2.04 ± 0.79), CFP (1.80 ± 0.82), and IR (0.45 ± 0.59) followed. Agreement on temporal area defects was relatively improved. Youden's indices for CFP (78.21%), standard MC (84.48%), GR (90.92%), BR (89.64%), and BG (90.99%) indicated good detection of defects in the papillomacular bundle (PMB)/ high suspicion of patients with LHON, particularly for BG and GR. According to the proportion of never fiber bundle defects, standard MC, GR, BR, and BG can roughly determine the LHON clinical stage, especially in subacute and chronic stages, and standard MC is superior for patients with LHON of all stages. The stage judged by MC was consistent with the course inferred by pRNFL thickness.ConclusionAs an adjunct to SD-OCT, the MC image, particularly the GR and BG can delineate RNFL more effectively than CFP. The MC image may be a useful adjunct to OCT for detecting or monitoring never fiber bundle defects, providing inexpensive and rapid methods that can quickly identify patients with high suspicion of LHON.
Alterations in whole-brain dynamic functional stability during memory tasks under dexmedetomidine sedation
Authors: Liu Lin-Lin , He Jian-Long , Yuen Vivian Man-Ying , Xu Xuebing , Guan Xuan , Qiu Yan , Wang Yingzi , Jian Chao-Jun , Wen Zhibo , Liu Ke-Xuan 
Published: October 2022

PurposeThis study aimed to explore the neurological effects of dexmedetomidine-induced sedation on memory using functional stability, a whole-brain voxel-wise dynamic functional connectivity approach.MethodsA total of 16 participants (10 men) underwent auditory memory task-related fMRI in the awake state and under dexmedetomidine sedation. Explicit and implicit memory tests were conducted 4 h after ceasing dexmedetomidine administration. One-sample Wilcoxon signed rank test was applied to determine the formation of explicit and implicit memory in the two states. Functional stability was calculated and compared voxel-wise between the awake and sedated states. The association between functional stability and memory performance was also assessed.ResultsIn the awake baseline tests, explicit and implicit memory scores were significantly different from zero (p &lt; 0.05). In the tests under sedation, explicit and implicit memory scores were not significantly different from zero. Compared to that at wakeful baseline, functional stability during light sedation was reduced in the medial prefrontal cortex, left angular gyrus, and right hippocampus (all clusters, p &lt; 0.05, GRF-corrected), whereas the left superior temporal gyrus exhibited higher functional stability (cluster p &lt; 0.05, GRF-corrected). No significant associations were observed between functional stability and memory test scores.ConclusionsThe distribution and patterns of alterations in functional stability during sedation illustrate the modulation of functional architecture by dexmedetomidine from a dynamic perspective. Our findings provide novel insight into the dynamic brain functional networks underlying consciousness and memory in humans.
Increased pain unpleasantness and pain-related fMRI activation in the periaqueductal gray in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Anderson Alison R. , Monroe Todd B. , Dietrich Mary S. , Bruehl Stephen P. , Iversen W. Larkin , Cowan Ronald L. , Failla Michelle D. 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundPain continues to be underrecognized and undertreated in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The periaqueductal gray (PAG) is essential to pain processing and modulation yet is damaged by AD. While evidence exists of altered neural processing of pain in AD, there has not been a focused investigation of the PAG during pain in people with AD.PurposeTo investigate the role of the PAG in sensory and affective pain processing for people living with AD.MethodsParticipants from a larger study completed pain psychophysics assessments and then a perceptually-matched heat pain task (warmth, mild, and moderate pain) during a functional MRI scan. In this cross-sectional study, we examined blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) responses in the PAG and other pain-related regions in participants with AD (n = 18) and cognitively intact older adults (age- and sex-matched, n = 18). Associations of BOLD percent signal change and psychophysics were also examined.ResultsThere were significant main effects of AD status on the temperature needed to reach each perception of warmth or pain, where people with AD reached higher temperatures. Furthermore, participants with AD rated mild and moderate pain as more unpleasant than controls. PAG BOLD activation was greater in AD relative to controls during warmth and mild pain percepts. No significant differences were found for moderate pain or in other regions of interest. Greater PAG activation during mild pain was associated with higher affective/unpleasantness ratings of mild pain in participants with AD but not in controls.ConclusionResults suggest a role for the PAG in altered pain responses in people with AD. The PAG is the primary source of endogenous opioid pain inhibition in the neuroaxis, thus, altered PAG function in AD suggests possible changes in descending pain inhibitory circuits. People with AD may have a greater risk of suffering from pain compared to cognitively intact older adults.