bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Voltage, Current and Power Produced in a Piezoelectric System from Human Foot Beats
Authors: Nworji Godwin Chukwunonyelum , Okoye Peter Uchenna , Okpala Uche V. , Okereke Ngozi Agatha 
Published: May 2020

Aims: This study analysed and compared the amount of voltage, current and power generated in a piezoelectric system from human foot beats.
Study Design: The study was an experimental study which made use of piezoelectric materials together with human loads (weights) from the foot beats of dancers in a dance club, and connected to a rechargeable battery and multimeter. In this system, mechanical deformation was expected to cause conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy which can be stored in a rechargeable lead acid battery for future use.
Place and Duration of Study: Awka Anambra State, Nigeria, between November 2018 and February 2020.
Methodology: A sheet of plywood measuring 300 mm x 300 mm x 3 mm thick was placed on a hard wooden board of 300 mm x 300 mm x 25 mm thickwhere twelve piezoelectric sensors were connected in series with foam spring inserted as separators and to aid in returning after deformation. As the dancers step on the platform, multimetr was used to take the voltage and current readings while at the output point Lead acid rechargeable battery could be connected at the output point to store energy generated in the system and orLight Emitting Diodes (LED) and Universal Serial Bus (USB) outputs.
Results: The result revealed that the amount of voltage, current and power generated in the system were principally dependent on the load (weight of dancers in kg). In this case, 1 foot beat of an average 50 kg dancer generated an average of 0.555 mV and 0.063 mA respectively. Whereas, 60 kg and 80 kg dancers generated 0.668 mV and 0.838 mV respectively, and 0.081 mA and 0.087 mA respectively. It further showed that at constant number of foot beats, the amount of voltage, current and power increases as the weight of dancer increases and the lesser the weight the more number of foot beats required to generate the same quantity of electricity. In this case, 100 foot beats of a 50 kg, 60 kg and 80 kg dancer generated 55.5 mV, 66.8 mV, and 84,1 mV of voltage; 6.3 mA, 8.2 mA, and 8.8 mA of current and 349.65 mW, 544.42 mW and 740.08 mW of power respectively.
Conclusion: Implicitly, this system has the potential of alleviating the problem of electricity supply and meeting of vision 2030 Sustainable Development Goals for electricity mix in Nigeria. However, it is mostly required where there are high volumes of human traffic and places that consume minimal amount of electricity, since it usually generates very small amount of energy. In view of this, there is need for a more robust research in this area and increase genuine interest in alternative and sustainable energy research by the Nigerian government.
Determinants of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Patients on Root Canal Treatment
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Zahid , Rajan Sawri , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid 
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Several determinants directly affect the Oral Health-related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of root canal treatment (RCT) patients like knowledge, attitude, perceptions, age, gender, marital status, smoking and pre-exposure history of RCT. This study determined the sociodemographic determinants of OHRQoLamong patients underwent RCT.
Methods: This cross-sectional study determiningthe OHRQoL of patients on RCTwas conducted among patients visiting various dental clinics. A self-administered and validated questionnaire comprising of four OHRQoL themes was used to collect the data. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) ver. 22.0 was used to analyze the data.One-way ANOVA and independent t-test were used to determine the p-value.
Results: For each theme of the OHRQoL research tool, its association was statistically significant with at least one demographic determinant of the RCT patients. A total of 26.3% of the participantswere males and 73.7% were females.Among the RCT patients, 38.5% were single whereas 61.5% were married.
Conclusion: In conclusion, a moderately-good level of OHRQoL was observed among the patients on RCT.
Ghrelin ameliorates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease–associated infllammation and autophagy
Authors: Song Beibei , Yan Xixin , Li Rongqin , Zhang Huiran 
Published: May 2020

AbstractChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic and devastating condition characterized by poor airflow and breath. Smoking and other environmental factors–caused inflammations triggered excessive autophagy of normal lung epithelial cells, eventually leading to impaired lung functions. Previous studies showed that ghrelin exhibited beneficial effects on patients with COPD. However, the mechanisms underlying this impact remained largely unknown. In this study, in vitro and in vivo models of COPD‐associated inflammation were established, and we found that inflammation and autophagy were abonormally activated through nuclear factor kappa b (NF‐κB) and activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) signaling pathways. Interestingly, ghrelin could inhibit the excessive inflammation pathways and autophagy induced by particle matter and/or cigarette extract in bronchial epithelial cells. Furthermore, NF‐κB and AP‐1 signaling were both inhibited while lung functions were significantly improved. Taken together, identification of downstream signaling of ghrelin in inflammation provided a new avenue in the treatment of COPD.
Developing a base‐editing system to expand the carbon source utilization spectra of Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 for enhanced pollutant degradation
Authors: Cheng Lei , Min Di , He Ru‐Li , Cheng Zhou‐Hua , Liu Dong‐Feng , Yu Han‐Qing 
Published: May 2020

AbstractShewanella oneidensis MR‐1, a model strain of exoelectrogenic bacteria (EEB), plays a key role in environmental bioremediation and bioelectrochemical systems because of its unique respiration capacity. However, only a narrow range of substrates can be utilized by S. oneidensis MR‐1 as carbon sources, resulting in its limited applications. In this study, a rapid, highly efficient, and easily manipulated base‐editing system pCBEso was developed by fusing a Cas9 nickase (Cas9n (D10A)) with the cytidine deaminase rAPOBEC1 in S. oneidensis MR‐1. The C‐to‐T conversion of suitable C within the base‐editing window could be readily and efficiently achieved by the pCBEso system without requiring double‐strand break or repair templates. Moreover, double‐locus simultaneous editing was successfully accomplished with an efficiency of 87.5%. With this tool, the key genes involving in N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) or glucose metabolism in S. oneidensis MR‐1 were identified. Furthermore, an engineered strain with expanded carbon source utilization spectra was constructed and exhibited a higher degradation rate for multiple organic pollutants (i.e., azo dyes and organoarsenic compounds) than the wild‐type when glucose or GlcNAc was used as the sole carbon source. Such a base‐editing system could be readily applied to other EEB. This study not only enhances the substrate utilization and pollutant degradation capacities of S. oneidensis MR‐1 but also accelerates the robust construction of engineered strains for environmental bioremediation.
Integrated bioinformatics analysis of expression and gene regulation network of COL12A1 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wu Yibin , Xu Ye 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is reported to be involved in tumorigenesis and progression. Collagen IIX is a major ECM protein. Abnormal COL12A1 expression is associated with carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC), but its clinical value and function have not yet been analyzed. Expression, methylation, and survival were analyzed by using Oncomine, UNCLA, and GEPIA, while COL12A1 alterations and related functional networks were identified using cBioPortal. The gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways（KEGG）of COL12A1 in CRC were explored using LinkOmics. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) examined target networks of kinases, miRNAs, and transcription factors. We found that COL12A1 was overexpressed in CRC and the COL12A1 gene was often amplified in CRC. Survival analysis revealed that patients with higher COL12A1 expression had a poor prognosis. Expression of COL12A1 was linked to functional networks via regulating pathways involving focal adhesion, PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, and ECM‐receptor interaction. Functional network analysis suggested that COL12A1 regulated integrin binding, collage binding, and extracellular matrix structural constituent via pathways involving some several cancer‐related kinases, miRNAs, and transcription factor. Furthermore, other FACITs genes (COL1A2, COL3A1, COL5A1, COL5A2, and COL6A3) for ECM in correlation with COL12A1 were identified to be related with the prognosis in CRC. These results suggested that the distinct fibril‐associated collagens with interrupted triple helices (FACITs) genes may serve as prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers of CRC in the future.
Crystallization and Organic Field‐Effect Transistor Performance of a Hydrogen‐Bonded Quaterthiophene
Authors: Gebers Jan , Özen Bilal , Hartmann Lucia , Schaer Michel , Suàrez Stéphane , Bugnon Philippe , Scopelliti Rosario , Steinrück Hans‐Georg , Konovalov Oleg , Magerl Andreas , Brinkmann Martin , Petraglia Riccardo , de Silva Piotr , Corminboeuf Clémence , Frauenrath Holger 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCrystalline thin films of π‐conjugated molecules are relevant as the active layers in organic electronic devices. Therefore, materials with enhanced control over the supramolecular arrangement, crystallinity, and thin‐film morphology are desirable. Herein, it is reported that hydrogen‐bonded substituents serve as additional structure‐directing elements that positively affect crystallization, thin‐film morphology, and device performance of p‐type organic semiconductors. It is observed that a quaterthiophene diacetamide exhibits a denser packing than that of other quaterthiophenes in the single‐crystal structure and, as a result, displays enhanced intermolecular electronic interactions. This feature was preserved in crystalline thin films that exhibited a layer‐by‐layer morphology, with large domain sizes and high internal order. As a result, organic field‐effect transistors of these polycrystalline thin films showed mobilities in the range of the best mobility values reported for single‐crystalline quaterthiophenes. The use of hydrogen‐bonded groups may, thus, provide an avenue for organic semiconducting materials with improved morphology and performance.
Cross‐Linked Polymers as Scaffolds for the Low‐Temperature Preparation of Nanostructured Metal Oxides
Authors: Centomo Paolo , Zecca Marco , Biffis Andrea 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe current state of the art of the use of cross‐linked organic polymers, both insoluble (resins or gels) and soluble (micro‐ and nanogels), as aids for the low‐temperature preparation of stable metal oxide nanoparticles or nanostructured metal oxides is reviewed herein. Synthetic strategies for inorganic oxide nanomaterials of this kind can greatly benefit from the use of cross‐linked polymers, which may act as scaffolds/exotemplates during inorganic nanoparticle synthesis, or as stabilizers following post‐synthetic modification of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, the peculiar properties of the organic cross‐linked polymers add to those of the inorganic oxide nanoparticles, producing materials with combined properties. The potential applications of such highly promising composite nanomaterials will be also briefly sketched.
Intermittent ultrasound‐assisted ceramic membrane fouling control in ultrafiltration
Authors: Lee Kyu Min , Doan Huu , Ein‐Mozaffari Farhad 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this study, remediation of ceramic membrane fouling by an in‐line intermittent ultrasound system was investigated. A piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer was integrated into a membrane unit that provided ultrafiltration (UF) of a diluted skim milk solution containing 0.10 wt% of protein. The effects of ultrasound at varied frequencies (20, 28, and 40 kHz) and power intensities (1.44, 2.88, and 5.76 W/cm2) under continuous operation and intermittent mode at various intervals (0.50, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 minutes) on membrane fouling were studied. The quality and flow rate of the permeate stream were monitored for the evaluation of the UF process performance. Optimal conditions of continuous ultrasound were found at 28 kHz and 2.88 W/cm2. Moreover, at optimal ultrasonic conditions, the optimal intermittent time was found at 0.50 minute. At optimal ultrasonic conditions, the permeate amount increased by 79.8% and 94.2% for 0.50 minute intermittent ultrasound and continuous ultrasound, respectively, as compared with that of the UF process without ultrasound. Also, intermittent ultrasound induced better fouling control at a lower protein concentration of 0.05% by weight. The cleaning effect of ultrasound could be attributed to the cavitation bubbles generated by the rarefaction and pressure cycles of the applied ultrasound.
Characterization of a cell bridge variant connecting the nodose and superior cervical ganglia in the mouse: Prevalence, anatomical features, and practical implications
Authors: Bookout Angie L. , Gautron Laurent 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWhile autonomic ganglia have been extensively studied in rats instead of mice, there is renewed interest in the anatomy of the mouse autonomic nervous system. This study examined the prevalence and anatomical features of a cell bridge linking two autonomic ganglia of the neck, namely, the nodose ganglion (NG) and the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) in a cohort of C57BL/6J mice. We identified a cell bridge between the NG and the cranial pole of the SCG. This cell bridge was tubular shaped with an average length and width of 700 and 240 μm, respectively. The cell bridge was frequently unilateral and significantly more prevalent in the ganglionic masses from males (38%) than females (21%). On each of its extremities, it contained a mixed of vagal afferents and postganglionic sympathetic neurons. The two populations of neurons abruptly replaced each other in the middle of the cell bridge. We examined the mRNA expression for selected autonomic markers in samples of the NG with or without cell bridge. Our results indicated that the cell bridge was enriched in both markers of postganglionic sympathetic and vagal afferents neurons. Lastly, using FluoroGold microinjection into the NG, we found that the existence of a cell bridge may occasionally lead to the inadvertent contamination of the SCG. In summary, this study describes the anatomy of a cell bridge variant consisting of the fusion of the mouse NG and SCG. The practical implications of our observations are discussed with respect to studies of the mouse vagal afferents, an area of research of increasing popularity.
Sustainable Synthesis of Nanoscale Zerovalent Iron Particles for Environmental Remediation
Authors: Monga Yukti , Kumar Pawan , Sharma Rakesh K. , Filip Jan , Varma Rajender S. , Zbořil Radek , Gawande Manoj B. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) particles represent an important material for diverse environmental applications because of their exceptional electron‐donating properties, which can be exploited for applications such as reduction, catalysis, adsorption, and degradation of a broad range of pollutants. The synthesis and assembly of nZVI by using biological and natural sustainable resources is an attractive option for alleviating environmental contamination worldwide. In this Review, various green synthesis pathways for generating nZVI particles are summarized and compared with conventional chemical and physical methods. In addition to describing the latest environmentally benign methods for the synthesis of nZVI, their properties and interactions with diverse biomolecules are discussed, especially in the context of environmental remediation and catalysis. Future prospects in the field are also considered.
Probing the Li4Ti5O12 Interface Upon Lithium Uptake by Operando Small Angle Neutron Scattering
Authors: Jafta Charl J. , Bridges Craig A. , Bai Yaocai , Geng Linxiao , Thapaliya Bishnu P. , Meyer Harry M. , Essehli Rachid , Heller William T. , Belharouak Ilias 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe formation of a solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the surface of Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) has become a highly controversial topic, with arguments for it and against it. However, prior studies supporting the formation of an SEI layer have typically suggested that a layer forms upon cycling of a cell, although the layer is probed after disassembling. In this study, cubic mesostructured LTO is synthesized with crystallite domain sizes between 3 and 4 nm and uniform pores with diameters ≤8 nm. The mean pore size is controlled between 4–8 nm through the use of a triblock amphipathic copolymer with a tunable hydrophobic block as template and by thermal treatment. The LTO morphology obtained is spherical and evolves upon heat treatment. These materials show excellent electrochemical performance, including high rate capability and capacity retention. The LTO material is subjected to operando small‐angle neutron scattering and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy experiments, which reveal that the highly debated SEI forms at potentials as high as 2.2 V, first as a LiF‐rich layer and subsequently by the growth of a carbonaceous layer. These SEI products form first on the smaller pores before forming on the mesopores.
Telmisartan as tentative angiotensin receptor blocker therapeutic for COVID‐19
Authors: Rothlin Rodolfo Pedro , Vetulli Héctor Miguel , Duarte Mariano , Pelorosso Facundo Germán 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn late 2019, a new coronavirus emerged in Wuhan Province, China, causing lung complications similar to those produced by the SARS coronavirus in the 2002–2003 epidemic. This new disease was named COVID‐19 and the causative virus SARS‐CoV‐2. The SARS‐CoV‐2 virus enters the airway and binds, by means of the S protein on its surface to the membrane protein ACE2 in type 2 alveolar cells. The S protein‐ACE2 complex is internalized by endocytosis leading to a partial decrease or total loss of the enzymatic function ACE2 in the alveolar cells and in turn increasing the tissue concentration of pro‐inflammatory angiotensin II by decreasing its degradation and reducing the concentration of its physiological antagonist angiotensin 1–7. High levels of angiotensin II on the lung interstitium can promote apoptosis initiating an inflammatory process with release of proinflammatory cytokines, establishing a self‐powered cascade, leading eventually to ARDS. Recently, Gurwitz proposed the tentative use of agents such as losartan and telmisartan as alternative options for treating COVID‐19 patients prior to development of ARDS. In this commentary article, the authors make the case for the election of telmisartan as such alternative on the basis of its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and present an open‐label randomized phase II clinical trial for the evaluation of telmisartan in COVID‐19 patients (NCT04355936).
Repeated fire altered succession and increased fire behavior in basin big sagebrush–native perennial grasslands
Authors: Ellsworth Lisa M. , Kauffman J. Boone , Reis Schyler A. , Sapsis David , Moseley Kendra 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe structure and composition of sagebrush‐dominated ecosystems have been altered by changes in fire regimes, land use, invasive species, and climate change. This often decreases resilience to disturbance and degrades critical habitat for species of conservation concern. Basin big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. tridentata) ecosystems, in particular, are greatly reduced in distribution as land has been converted to agriculture and other land uses. The fire regime, relative proportions of shrub and grassland patches, and the effects of repeated burns in this ecosystem are poorly understood. We quantified postfire patterns of vegetation accumulation and modeled potential fire behavior on sites that were burned and first measured in the late 1980s at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon, USA. The area partially reburned 11 yr after the initial fire, allowing a comparison of one vs. two fires. Repeated burns shifted composition from shrub‐dominated to prolonged native herbaceous dominance. Fifteen years following one fire, the native‐dominated herbaceous component was 44% and live shrubs were 39% of total aboveground biomass. Aboveground biomass of twice‐burned sites (2xB; burned 26 and 15 yr prior) was 71% herbaceous and 12% shrub. Twenty‐six years after fire, total aboveground biomass was 113–209% of preburn levels, suggesting a fire‐return interval of 15–25 yr. Frequency and density of Pseudoroegneria spicata and Festuca idahoensis were not modified by fire history, but Poa secunda was reduced by repeated fire, occurring in 84% of plots burned 26 yr prior, 72% of plots burned 15 yr prior, and 49% in 2xB plots. Nonnative annual Bromus tectorum occurred at a frequency of 74%, but at low density with no differences due to fire history. Altered vegetation structure modified fire behavior, with modeled rates of fire spread in 2xB sites double that of once‐burned sites. This suggests that these systems likely were historically composed of a mosaic of shrub and grassland. However, contemporary increases in fire frequency will likely create positive feedbacks of more intense fire behavior and prolonged periods of early‐successional vegetation in basin big sagebrush communities.