bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Removing Ammonium From Contaminated Water Using Purolite C100E: Batch, Column, and Household Filter Studies
Authors: Truong Dai Quyet , Loganathan Paripurnanda , Tran Le Minh , Vu Duc Loi , Nguyen Tien Vinh , Vigneswaran Saravanamuthu , Naidu Gayathri 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Ammonium removal from drinking water to protect human and environmental health is one of the major global concerns. This study evaluates the performance of Purolite C100E, a commercial cation exchange resin, on eliminating ammonium in synthetic and real contaminated groundwater. The results demonstrate that the pH operation range of the resin for better ammonium removal is 3 to 8, while the optimum contact time was about 30 min. The kinetics of the ammonium removal process followed both the Pseudo-first order and Pseudo-second order models. Equilibrium data of ammonium removal fitted both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models with the maximum Langmuir ion exchange capacities for initial ammonium concentrations of 10-200 mg/L and 50-2000 mg/L reaching 18.37 mg/g and 40.16 mg/g, respectively. The presence of co-ions in the water reduced the ammonium removal efficiencies in the order Mg2+> Ca2+> K+. The maximum exchange capacity in the fluidised bed studies of the original Purolite C100E (bed height 27 cm, resin weight 75 g, initial ammonium concentration 17.4 mg/L, filtration velocity 0.5 m/h) was 10.48 mg/g. It progressively reduced slightly after three regeneration cycles to 8.79 mg/g. The column breakthrough data satisfactorily fitted the Thomas model. A household filter cartridge packed with 4 kg Purolite C100E (80 cm height) and operated at a filtration velocity of 1.9 m/h in Vietnam successfully reduced the initial 6 mg NH4+/L in groundwater (after sand filter pre-treatment) to well below the Vietnam drinking water standard (3 mg/L) continuously for one week.
Π-Shape Silicon Window for Controlling OFF-Current in Junctionless SOI MOSFET
Authors: Mehrad Mahsa , Zareiee Meysam 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
in this paper a modified junctionless transistor is proposed. The aim of the novel structure is controlling off-current using π-shape silicon window in the buried oxide under the source and the channel regions. The π-shape window changes the potential profile in the channel region in which the conduction band energy get away from the body Fermi energy and rebuild an electrostatic potential. Beside the significant reduced off-current, on current has acceptable value in the novel Silicon Region Junctionless MOSFET (SR-JMOSFET) than Conventional Junctionless MOSFET (C-JMOSFET). Moreover, replacing silicon material instead of silicon dioxide in the buried oxide causes reduced maximum temperature in the channel region. In this situation the heat could transfer to the π-shape silicon window and the temperature reduces in the active region, significantly.The simulation with the two-dimensional ATLAS simulator shows that short channel effects such as subthreshold and DIBL are controlled effectively in the SR-JMOSFET. Also, the optimum values of length and thickness of the π-shape window are defined to obtain the best behavior of the device.
Households' Willingness To Pay And Associated Factors For The Nutrition Services Provided To Pregnant Women At Maternity Waiting Homes In East Wollega, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Desisa Adisu Ewunetu , Lemma Teferi Daba , chali Gebeyehu Jeldu 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Maternity waiting home is a housing facility located near qualified medical facilities where a pregnant woman can wait to give birth and provided a nutrition service. In Ethiopia, most (86%) of the maternity waiting homes had no budget allocated from government funds and thus have to rely on communities’ contribution. Yet, very few studies have been conducted so far to evaluate the household’s willingness to pay for the nutrition service. Objective: The study aimed to estimate households’ maximum willingness to pay and its associated factors for the nutrition service provided to a pregnant woman at a maternity waiting homes in East Wollega Zone of Oromia National regional state, Ethiopia, September 2018. Methodology: A community based cross sectional study using double bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation method was used. Sample size was determined by using single population proportion formula. Data entry and analysis were made using Epi-Data version 3.1 and SPSS for Windows version 20 software respectively. Descriptive statistics of frequency, binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed. The associations between explanatory variables and outcome variable were presented by an Adjusted Odd Ratio and confidence interval. Results: We gathered data from 845 participants (98% response rate). The annual median maximum willingness to pay was 15ETB (US$0.55) per household. Marital status (AOR=3.533, 95% CI=1.007-12.39) and average monthly income (AOR=3.287, 95%CI=1.194-9.049). Moreover, distance from the health facility (AOR = 3.64, 95%CI = 1.256-10.55) and availability of food (AOR=3.714, 95%CI=1.331-10.364), enough beddings (AOR=5.353, 95%CI=2.207-13.010) and cooking utensils (AOR=4.044, 95%CI=1.353-12.088) at a housing facility were found to be predictors. Conclusion and Recommendation: Marital status, monthly income, and distance, availability of food, beddings and cooking utensils at housing facilities were found to be factors influencing maximum willingness to pay. Therefore, health facility managers should avail supplies and equipment at a housing facility.
Synaptic Loss in a Mouse Model of Euthyroid Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Possible Involvement of the Microglia
Authors: Wang Fen , Cai Yao-Jun , Ma Xiao , Wang Nan , Wu Zhang-Bi , Sun Yan , Xu Yong-xia , Yang Hao , Liu Tian-tian , Xia Qin , Yu Zhen , Zhu De-Fa 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune illness that renders individuals vulnerable to neuropsychopathology even in the euthyroid state, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. We hypothesized that activated microglia might disrupt synapses, resulting in cognitive disturbance in the context of euthyroid HT, and designed the present study to test this hypothesis. Methods: Experimental HT model was induced by immunizing NOD mice with thyroglobulin and adjuvant twice. Morris Water Maze was measured to determine mice spatial learning and memory. The synaptic parameters such as the synaptic density, synaptic ultrastructure and synaptic-markers (SYN and PSD95) as well as the interactions of microglia with synapses were also determined. Results: HT mice had poorer performance in Morris Water Maze than controls. Concurrently, HT resulted in a significant reduction in synapse density and ultrastructure damage, along with decreased synaptic puncta visualized by immunostaining with synaptophysin and PSD-95. In parallel, frontal activated microglia in euthyroid HT mice showed increased engulfment of PSD95 and EM revealed that the synaptic structures were visible within the microglia. These functional alterations in microglia corresponded to structural increases in their attachment to neuronal perikarya and a reduction in presynaptic terminals covering the neurons.Conclusion: Our results provide initial evidence that HT can induce synaptic loss in the euthyroid state with deficits might be attributable to activated microglia, which may underlie the deleterious effects of HT on spatial learning and memory.
Classification of Asbestosis in CT Imaging Data Using Convolutional LSTM
Authors: Kim Doohyung , Myong Jun-Pyo , Han Sung Won 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Asbestosis is a disease with a high rate of mismatch between the readers. In this study, we use a deep learning framework to develop a model that can check the presence and lesion of asbestosis using medical CT data. The data was collected from 469 patients who had been tested for asbestosis. Out of the 469 patients, 284 were tested negative for asbestosis, while 185 were asbestosis positive. A CT image of a supine positioned lung setting was used. This study sought to solve the problem of image classification of CT data through Convolutional LSTM. Long-term Recurrent Convolution Networks (LRCN), a model that uses video format data as input, has been applied in this study. The model showed 83.3% Accuracy, 81.578% true positive and 86% true negative. In addition, a model that can verify validity by assisting a specialist with a Grad-CAM that can visualize the judgment was also developed. We hope that the model of this study will be able to work with specialists by acting as a judgment assistant.
Atypical Skeletal Involvement in Patients with Erdheim-Chester Disease: CT Imaging Findings
Authors: Zhang Zaizhu , Yu Wei , Guan Wenmin , Lin Qiang , Guermazi Ali 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
ObjectivesTo review retrospectively atypical bone findings from computed tomographic (CT) imaging in patients with Erdheim-Chester disease.MethodsAll 28 patients with Erdheim-Chester disease (13 men and 15 women; mean age, 45 years; range, 7–63 years) underwent chest-abdomen-pelvis CT. CT images were reviewed and analyzed for the various features of atypical bone lesions by two radiologists in consensus. ResultsTwenty-one patients had atypical bone involvement. Radiologically, these atypical osseous lesions were categorized into three types: diffuse, nodular and patchy. Eleven (52%) of the 21 patients had spinal lesions, of which four (36%) had the diffuse type, eight (73%) had the nodular pattern, and six (55%) had the patchy pattern. Sixteen (76%) of the 21 patients had pelvic involvement, of which two (13%) were diffuse, nine (56%) were nodular and 11 were (69%) patchy. Ribs were involved in seven (33%) of the 21 patients, with the nodular pattern in one (14%) patient and the patchy type in six (86%) patients. Clavicle involvement was seen in nine (43%) of the 21 patients, of which the diffuse type was found in only one (11%) patient, the nodular type in six (67%) patients, the solitary patchy type in four (44%) patients. Sternum involvement was seen in 10 (48%) of the 21 patients and all were nodular.ConclusionsThis series provides a detailed description of atypical bone involvement in Erdheim-Chester disease which on CT displays three major patterns. Understanding these patterns may help increase the accuracy of diagnosis of this disease.
Miscibility effect of biodegradable aliphatic poly(butylene succinate)/aromatic polycarbonate blends
Authors: Gumede Thandi Patricia , Shingange Katekani , Mbule Pontsho , Motloung Bennie 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Biodegradable polymers are gaining attention for applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound management. Methods for enhancing their potential in these applications include blending non-biodegradable polymers with biodegradable polymers to form blends with unique properties. Herein we report on the effect of non-biodegradable PC on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of biodegradable PBS. The PBS/PC blends contained 3, 13, and 27 wt.% PC and were prepared by melt extrusion. The FTIR results revealed apparent compatibility between the two polymers. Even though the blends are compatible, the extent of miscibility depends on how well PC is dispersed in the PBS matrix. According to the SEM micrographs, adding 3 wt.% PC resulted in a miscible polymer blend. However, above this content, agglomeration was observed suggesting possible phase segregation. XRD results revealed peak shifts to higher angles and new peaks forming between
Clinical and paraclinical predictive factors for in-hospital mortality in adult patients with COVID-19
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Alireza , Mousavi-Roknabadi Reyhaneh Sadat , Nemati Fateme , Pourteimoori Somaye , Ghorbani Arefeh , Pourgholamali Hesan , Ansari Kazem , Mousavi-Roknabadi Razieh Sadat , Yakhdani Abdolrahim Sadeghi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

Since December 2019, a type of coronavirus has emerged in Wuhan, China, which has become the focus of global attention due to an epidemic of pneumonia of unknown cause, called COVID-19. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting in-hospital mortality of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in one of the main hospital in central Iran.
Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study (February 2019-May 2020) was conducted on patients with confirmed diagnosis COVID-19, who were admitted in Yazd Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, in middle of Iran. The patients with uncompleted or missed medical files were excluded from the study. Data were extracted from the patients' medical files and then analyzed. The patients were categorized as survivors and non-survivors groups, and they were compared.
Results

Totally, 573 patients were enrolled, that 356 (62.2%) were male. The mean ± SD of age was 56.29 ± 17.53 years, and 93 (16.23%) were died. All the complications were more in non-survivors. Intensive care unit (ICU) admission was in 20.5% of the patients which was more in non-survivors (P < 0.001). The results of multivariate logistic regression test showed that plural effusion in lung computed tomography (CT) scan (OR = 0.055, P = 0.009), white blood cell (WBC) (OR = 1.417, P = 0.022), serum albumin (OR = 0.009, P < 0.001), non-invasive mechanical ventilation (OR = 34.315, P < 0.001), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (OR = 66.039, P = 0.001) were achieved as the predictive factors for in-hospital mortality were the predictive factors for in-hospital mortality.
Conclusion

In-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19 was about 16%. Plural effusion in lung CT scan, WBC, albumin, non-invasive mechanical ventilation, and ARDS were obtained as the predictive factors for in-hospital mortality.
The Molecular Basis of Outer Hair Cell Electromotility is Defined by Prestin’s Conformational Cycle
Authors: Perozo Eduardo , Bavi Navid , Clark Michael , Contreras Gustavo , Shen Rong , Reddy Bharat , Milewski Wieslawa 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The voltage-dependent motor protein Prestin (SLC26A5) is responsible for the electromotive behavior of outer hair cells (OHCs) and underlies the cochlear amplifier 1. Knock out or impairment of Prestin causes severe hearing loss 2-5. Despite Prestin’s key physiological role in hearing, the mechanism by which mammalian Prestin senses voltage and transduces it into cellular-scale movements (electromotility) is poorly understood. Here, we determined the structure of dolphin Prestin in six distinct states using single particle cryo-electron microscopy. Our structural and functional data suggest that Prestin adopts a unique and complex set of states, tunable by the identity of bound anions (Cl- or SO4=). Salicylate, a drug that can cause reversible hearing loss, competes for the anion-binding site of Prestin, inhibits its function by immobilizing locking in a novel conformation. This suggests that the anion together with its coordinating fixed charges act as a dynamic voltage sensor. Analysis of all anion-dependent conformations reveals how structural rearrangements in the voltage sensor are coupled to conformational transitions at the protein-membrane interface, suggesting a novel mechanism of area expansion. Visualization of Prestin’s electromotility cycle distinguishes Prestin from closely related SLC26 anion transporters, highlighting the basis for evolutionary specialization of the mammalian cochlear amplifier at high resolution.
Anatomical Characteristics of African Cherry (Prunus Africana) Medicinal Plant for its Accurate Taxonomic Identification
Authors: Komakech Richard , Yang Sungyu , Song Jun Ho , Goya Choi , Yong-Goo Kim , Omujal Francis , Kyeyune Grace Nambatya ,   Gilbert Motlalepula Matsabisa4, Kang Youngmin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background: The genus Prunus (Family Rosaceae) comprises over 400 plant species and exhibits vast biodiversity worldwide. Due to its wide distribution, its taxonomic classification is important. Anatomical characters are conserved and stable and thus can be used as an important tool in plant taxonomic characterization. Thus, this study aimed at examining and documenting P. africana leaf, stem, and seed anatomy using micrographs and photographs for possible use in identification, quality control, and phylogenetic studies of the species.Methods: P. africana leaves, stems, and seeds were fixed, dehydrated in ascending ethanol series (50–100 %), embedded in Technovit resin, and sectioned using a microtome for mounting histological slides for anatomical observation under a microscope and subsequent description.Results: The anatomical sections of a young stem revealed a cortex consisting of isodiametric parenchyma cells, druse crystals, primary vascular bundles, and pith. The mature stem bark consisted majorly of rhytidome with periderm densely arranged in multiple layers, a cluster of stone cells, and sclerenchyma. The sections of the leaf were hypostomatic with stomata size ranging between 18.90– (22.34)–26.90 × 15.41– (18.40)–21.22 μm. The leaf sections showed the presence of characteristic druse crystals, vascular bundles, and mesophyll layers. The pericarp showed the presence of epicarp, mesocarp, and endocarp with a thickness of approximately 350–400, 300–350, and 30–50 μm, respectively and a seed testa with a thickness of approximately 50–60 μm. Conclusion: The characteristic morphological and anatomical features observed in P. africana leaves, stems, and seeds in this study could provide useful data in taxonomical identification of this species.
Role of Low-Frequency Wind Variability in Inducing WWBs during the onset of super El Niños
Authors: Wu Yi-Kai , Hong Chi-Cherng , Li Tim , Huang An-Yi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In this study, the effect of multiple timescale wind fields on the westerly wind bursts (WWBs) was investigated during the onset of super (1982, 1997, and 2015) and moderate El Niño events. The results revealed that extreme WWBs during the onset of the super El Niño group were attributed to low-frequency westerly (≥90 days, LFW), medium-frequency westerly (20–90 days, MFW, or intraseasonal) and high-frequency westerly (≤10 days, HFW) components, accounting for approximately 51%, 33% and 16%, respectively. Thus, the extreme WWBs during the onset of super El Niños were primarily contributed by LFWs and MFWs. By contrast, the WWBs during the onset of moderate El Niños were determined primarily by MFWs (38%) and HFWs (35%), whereas the LFW contribution is relatively small (27%). A further analysis indicated that LFWs during the onset of the super El Niños were primarily a response to a positive SST anomaly in the tropical to eastern North Pacific resembling the Pacific Meridional Mode (PMM), which had persisted during the preceding 9–12 months in the extratropical eastern North Pacific. A significant lagged correlation between the tropical and extratropical North Pacific SST was identified, and their correlation has become stronger since the late 1980s. MFWs during the onset of the super El Niños were primarily associated with the Madden-Julian Oscillation.
Remarkable Photocatalytic Behavior of WO3 /MoS2 Heterostructure: Insights From a Combined Experimental and Theoretical Investigations
Authors: Shenoy Sulakshana , Sridha Kishore , Tarafder Kartick 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The Z-scheme heterogeneous photocatalytic system simulates the natural photosynthesis process and can overcome the shortcomings of the single-component photocatalyst, and possess many merits, including increased light-harvesting, spatially separated reductive and oxidative sites, and well-preserved strong redox ability, which benefits the photocatalytic performance. Here we report the fabrication of a novel WO3/MoS2 heterojunction via the hydrothermal method, with the structure, electronic and photocatalytic properties analyzed by means of experimental and theoretical methods. Photocatalytic studies have been conducted on methylene blue dye under visible light in the presence of WO3/MoS2 heterostructure, and the degradation rate was as high as 90% within 60 min of light irradiation. A detailed theoretical study of this system shows that an internal electric field at the interface of the heterojunction was formed directed from MoS2 to WO3, which helps to separate the photogenerated electron-hole pairs efficiently through a direct Z-scheme charge transfer process. This work also demonstrated the significant potential of WO3/MoS2 heterostructure towards hydrogen evolution reaction.
Fascia Thickness Increases Following Eccentric Exercise Leading to Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Authors: Tenberg Sarah , Nosaka Kazunori , Wilke Jan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: The deep fascia fuses tightly with the skeletal muscle and, thus, may be damaged by eccentric loading. Methods: To study its possible involvement in delayed onset muscle soreness, 11 healthy participants (♂= 7; 24±2 years) performed fatiguing dumbbell elbow flexor eccentric exercise (EE) for one arm and concentric exercise (CE) for the other arm in random order and with random arm allocation. Before, immediately after and 24-96 hours post-exercise, maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque of the elbow flexors (dynamometer), pressure pain (algometer), palpation pain (100-mm visual analog scale), biceps brachii fascia thickness and fascia/muscle mobility during passive movement (both high-resolution ultrasound) were examined. Results: Palpation pain, suggestive of DOMS, was greater after EE than CE, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction torque decreased greater after EE than CE (p<.05). Relative to CE, EE increased fascia thickness at 48 (+17%), 72 (+14%) and 96 (+15%) hours post-exercise (p<.05). At 96 hours post-EE, the increase in fascia thickness correlated with palpation pain (r=.68; p<.05). Fascia mobility was not different between conditions, but compared to CE, muscle displacement increased at 24 (+31%), 72 (+31%), and 96 (+41%) hours post-EE (p<.05). Conclusion: Collectively, these results suggest an involvement of the deep fascia in delayed onset muscle soreness.
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Preparation for Pd2+ Ions Adsorption From Aqueous Wastewaters: A Green Technique
Authors: Davarnejad Reza , Nikandam Kourosh 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were easily synthesized using zinc nitrate through centaurea cyanus extract (as a reducing agent) at ambient conditions. XRD results demonstrated that ZnO NPs have a high-crystalline hexagonal structure with an average size of 48 nm in diameter. FT-IR spectral analysis indicated an active contribution of centaurea cyanus-derived biomolecules in zinc ions bioreduction. According to SEM analysis, ZnO NPs were properly dispersed and had a hexagonal shape. Batch experiments were performed to investigate the impact of several process parameters such as initial pH of solution, adsorption dosage, Pd2+ ions initial concentration and contact time on the Pd2+ ions adsorption from the solution. The Freundlich isothermal model could excellently legitimize a multilayer adsorption. Furthermore, the adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order reaction kinetic. The maximum adsorption (99.24%) was experimentally found at pH of 5.5, adsorption dosage of 1.63 g.L-1, Pd2+ ions initial concentration of 77.5 mg.L-1 and contact time of 91.25 min.