bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bipedal driven inertial type piezoelectric motor working under quasi-static and resonant states
Authors: Pan Qiaosheng , Zhao Mingfei , Zhang Yifang , Li Chen , Zhu Chunli , Liu ShanLin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
An inertia piezoelectric motor based on bipedal driven, which can work in not only quasi-static but also resonant states, is proposed, designed, fabricated and studied considering the high resolution of quasi-static piezoelectric motor and the high speed of resonant piezoelectric motor. The two stators of the piezoelectric motor are drived by two sinusoidal electrical signals with 1:2 frequency ratio to generate sinusoidal vibration on the corresponding driving foot. A continuous step motion without frequency limitation is realised under the action of inertia and friction forces after synthesising the sinusoidal vibration of different frequencies into mechanical sawtooth vibration. The natural resonant frequencies of the piezoelectric motor are adjusted to a specific proportion to combine the vibrations in the resonant state through finite element analysis. In the structure of two stators, each stator has a corresponding inertia block, and the corresponding resonant frequency can be altered by adjusting the mass of the inertial block without affecting the other resonant frequency, thus markedly simplifying the design difficulty of the piezoelectric motor which can work in quasi-static and resonant states. The motion characteristics of the prototype are tested by building the prototype and experimental platform. Experimental results show that the maximum speed of the prototype is 29.3 mm s−1 and the maximum load is 2 N in the resonant state, the minimum displacement resolution of prototype motor is 0.26 μm in the quasi-static state. The motion characteristics of the prototype are consistent with the theoretical analysis, which provides an effective idea to improve the comprehensive performance of the piezoelectric motor.
Spatial charge storage on the nitrogen-doped graphene for ultrafast supercapacitors with high EDLC capacity
Authors: Qiu Zhipeng , Wei Tong 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The limited specific surface area of carbon substance restricts the raise of the electrochemistry double layer capacitance (EDLC). If the charge storage location could be extended from surface to space, the EDLC of carbon materials can be greatly improved. Here, an original spatial charge storage mechanism according to the counterion effect from Fe (CN)6
3− ions bridged by nitrogenous groups is proposed, which can provide additionally spatial charge storage for EDLCs. More importantly, the graphene designed based on this structure can achieve a high storage capacity of 334 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 (the rate retention is 64% at 50 A g−1) in 6 M KOH electrolyte, much higher than the sample without space charge storage effect (from 270 to 160 F g−1). This novel strategy for the design of graphene with multiple spatial active sites can be extended to other carbon materials, which can propose a new idea for the development of carbon materials in the field of energy storage.
Effect of surface texture on the tribological behavior of sliding electrical contact interface
Authors: Wang Dongwei , Chen Xiao , Li Faqiang , Wan Bo , Liu Bin , Zhao Yang , Qing Xianguo 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Two kinds of textured surfaces, i.e. square pit-textured surface (SPTS) and round pit-textured surface (RPTS), are manufactured on the flat specimen surface, respectively. A series of current-carrying tests are carried out to detect the ability of surface texture in affecting the tribological behaviors. Results show that the friction coefficient and friction force of RPTS is the lowest among all the surfaces. Moreover, the RPTS shows the best potential in suppressing the generation of friction-induced vibration (FIV). Although the contact resistance of RPTS is slightly larger than that of other surfaces, the continuity of electrical contact is acceptable. Worn surface analysis is performed to illustrate the different tribological performances of these surfaces. Finite element analysis is also performed to provide reasonable explanation for the test phenomenon.
Effects of surface topography through laser texturing on the surface characteristics of zirconia-based dental materials: surface hydrophobicity, antibacterial behavior, and cellular response
Authors: Ghalandarzadeh Arash , Ganjali Monireh , Hosseini Milad 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The continuous need for high-performance implants that provide significant biological properties has led to extensive research into the topographic patterns of bioceramics in recent years. Their excellent aesthetics, biocompatibility, low plaque affinity, and ability to reproduce a natural-looking appearance have contributed to their success in dentistry. 3 mol% Yttria-stabilized zirconia (3YSZ) is gaining popularity as a material for dental implants due to its excellent mechanical properties and minimal degradation when exposed to body temperature. However, such materials show limited biological and antibacterial performance for dental applications. The purpose of this work was to develop microtopographies on the surface of 3YSZ ceramic by laser ablation technique, in order to improve its biological response and antibacterial behaviors. Two types of microtextures, including micro-grooves and micro-channels geometries were fabricated onto the zirconia ceramics using the laser ablation technique. The effects of different microtextures on the wettability, biological and antibacterial behaviors of 3YSZ ceramics were studied. The results indicate that all of the microstructure patterns are capable of improving the performance of 3YSZ. Wettability is a decisive factor that determines the antibacterial performance of textured zirconia ceramics. The microtextured surfaces all display hydrophobic behavior, thus yielding an effective improvement of antibacterial performance for 3YSZ ceramics. Cell-surface interactions were assessed for 7 days on both zirconia textured surfaces and a nontextured control with pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells. The obtained results showed the positive influence of textured zirconia surfaces on cell biological response.
Development of structural colored TiO2 thin films by varied etching solutions
Authors: Yilmaz Ozan , Dalmis Ramazan , Dikici Tuncay , Ebeoglugil M Faruk 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Currently, one of the most important problems is water scarcity due to increasing population and environmental factors. Humankind can overcome this problem by recycling polluted water. The structural colors obtained from photonic crystal structures draw attention with fadeless bright color, combined with low toxicity and eco-friendliness. In this study, different etching/anodizing processes were applied to obtain Fabry-Perot and Photonic Crystal Ti-TiO2 structures. Structural colors owing to the morphology of the anatase phase on the surface of the samples etched with hydrochloric, sulfuric, and hydrofluoric acid-based solutions were obtained. The structural color of the formation on the titanium surfaces is related to the Fabry-Perot structures, while variations were correlated with Photonic Crystal surface morphologies. Because the high reflectance values contributed to the structural color formation, the photocatalytic efficiency of the samples etched with acid-based solutions was found to be lower than the samples etched with basic sodium and potassium hydroxide solutions. High-efficiency structural color reactors can be obtained by shifting the reflected wavelength range from the absorption wavelength range of the pollution material.
Comparative study of the biocompatibility and corrosion behaviour of pure Mg,Mg Ni/Ti, and Mg 0.4Ce/ZnO2 nanocomposites for orthopaedic implant applications
Authors: P Meenachi , R Subashini , A K Lakshminarayanan , Gupta Manoj 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Magnesium implants that are biocompatible and biodegradable are important for orthopaedic applications. Mg-based alloys and their corrosion behavior have been studied in vitro and in a few in vivo studies. However, depending on the composition and microstructure, Mg-based alloys display varied biocompatibility, degradability, biocompatibility, and bioactivity. As a result, there is a critical need to create safe and cost-effective magnesium alloys for orthopaedic applications. The current investigation examined cytotoxicity, hemocompatibility, in vitro corrosion, and biomineralization of pure Mg, Mg Ni/Ti, and Mg 0.4Ce/ZnO2 nanocomposites to establish its suitability as a biodegradable material. The biodegradation behaviour of pure Mg and its nanocomposites were investigated using a phosphate buffer solution. The Cytotoxicity of pure Mg and its nanocomposites were assessed using MG 63 cells in MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)−2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays after 24 h. Biomineralization by MG 63 cells on pure Mg and its nanocomposites were analyzed using Alizarin red staining. The in vitro corrosion findings indicate more localized corrosion with rapid degradation on the surface of pure Mg and its nanocomposites. Pure Mg and its nanocomposites exhibited high hemolysis. The results of cytotoxicity showed high cell viability in pure Mg compared to its nanocomposites. According to the Alizarin red staining results, calcium was found to be deposited on the surface of Mg nanocomposites, and no calcium deposits on the pure Mg surface. The results of in vitro studies revealed that pure Mg and its nanocomposites responded differently in different tests. From these results, comparing Mg nanocomposites could be a more effective strategy to address the current challenges in orthopaedic implant applications.
Synthesis and characterization of non-invasively traceable poly(ether urethane)s for biomedical applications
Authors: Karthika V K , Gorakh G , Sonali S N , Joseph R , Kiran S 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The ease of real-time visibility of biomedical implants and minimally invasive medical devices is indispensable in radiological imaging to avoid complications and assess therapeutic success. Herein, we prepared a series of polyurethane elastomers with inherent radiopacity, enabling them to be imaged under fluoroscopy. Through an appropriate selection of less toxic intermediates such as 1,6-Diisocyanatohexane (HDI), poly (tetramethylene glycol) (PTMG), and a chain extender, iodinated hydroquinone bis(2-hydroxyethyl) ether (IBHE), new radiopaque polyether urethanes (RPUs) containing about 10.8 to 20.6% iodine contents were synthesized. RPUs were characterized for the physicochemical, thermomechanical and radiopacifying properties. It was observed that the concentration of IBHE had a profound impact on the radiopacity of polyurethanes. RPUs exhibited similar or better radiopacity than an aluminum wedge of equivalent thickness. In-vivo imaging revealed that the RPUs were easily distinguishable from the surrounding tissues. Irrespective of iodine content, all the RPUs were cytocompatible, indicating the suitability of these materials for medical and allied applications.
Acting Like an Owner: Land Claims and Judicial Practices in Twentieth-Century Ghana
Authors: Berry Sara 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Using court records of legal disputes over transfers of land, this article explores the way transfers of landed property have impacted social relationships and the governance of land rights in Ghana in the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. As urbanization, commercial agriculture, and natural resource extraction pushed up the value of land, disputes over land ownership have multiplied. In adjudicating such disputes, courts are often confronted with claims based on unverifiable oral histories invoking events of the distant past. Rather than simply dismiss such forms of evidence as hearsay, judges have often supplemented them with documentary and/or oral evidence on recent histories of land use. By doing so, they have tended to sustain customary forms of ownership, effectively recognizing the authority of landholding collectivities such as families and stools alongside that of individual owners. In effect, they are inferring ownership from land use, inverting the standard economic argument.
The effect ofAspergillus luchuensispectin methylesterase genespmeAandpmeBon methanol production in sweet potatoshochu
Authors: Mizutani Osamu , Kakizono Dararat , Takahashi Toru , Mukai Nobuhiko , Fukuda Hisashi , Yamada Osamu 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACTTo reduce the methanol content in sweet potato shochu, we studied the pectin methylesterase genes of the shochu–koji mold Aspergillus luchuensis. We found the following three homologs of pectin methyleseterase in the genome of A. luchuensis: pmeA, pmeB, and pmeC. Using pectin as a substrate, the methanol-producing activity of the recombinant of each gene expressed in A. luchuensis was examined and found to be present in recombinant PmeA and PmeB. Additionally, small-scale fermentation of sweet potato shochu using disruptions of pmeA and pmeA-pmeB in A. luchuensis (∆pmeA and ∆pmeApmeB) resulted in significant reduction of the methanol content. Taken together, we revealed that the A. luchuensis pmeA gene was mainly involved in methanol production in sweet potato shochu.
C-terminal TMEM106B fragments in human brain correlate with disease-associated TMEM106B haplotypes
Authors: T. Vicente Cristina , Perneel Jolien , Wynants Sarah , Heeman Bavo , Van den Broeck Marleen , Baker Matt , Cheung Simon , Faura Júlia , Mackenzie Ian R A , Rademakers Rosa 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Transmembrane protein 106B (TMEM106B) is a tightly regulated glycoprotein predominantly localized to endosomes and lysosomes. Genetic studies have implicated TMEM106B haplotypes in the development of multiple neurodegenerative diseases with the strongest effect in frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 pathology (FTLD-TDP), especially in progranulin (GRN) mutation carriers.
Recently, cryo-electron microscopy studies showed that a C-terminal fragment (CTF) of TMEM106B (amino acid residues 120–254) forms amyloid fibrils in the brain of patients with FTLD-TDP, but also in brains with other neurodegenerative conditions and normal ageing brain. The functional implication of these fibrils and their relationship to the disease-associated TMEM106B haplotype remain unknown.
We performed immunoblotting using a newly developed antibody to detect TMEM106B CTFs in the sarkosyl-insoluble fraction of post-mortem human brain tissue from patients with different proteinopathies (n = 64) as well as neuropathologically normal individuals (n = 10) and correlated the results with age and TMEM106B haplotype. We further compared the immunoblot results with immunohistochemical analyses performed in the same study population.
Immunoblot analysis showed the expected ∼30 kDa band in the sarkosyl-insoluble fraction of frontal cortex tissue in at least some individuals with each of the conditions evaluated. Most patients with GRN mutations showed an intense band representing TMEM106B CTF, whereas in most neurologically normal individuals it was absent or much weaker. In the overall cohort, the presence of TMEM106B CTFs correlated strongly with both age (rs = 0.539, P &lt; 0.001) and the presence of the TMEM106B risk haplotype (rs = 0.469, P &lt; 0.001). Although there was a strong overall correlation between the results of immunoblot and immunohistochemistry (rs = 0.662, P &lt; 0.001), 27 cases (37%) were found to have higher amounts of TMEM106B CTFs detected by immunohistochemistry, including most of the older individuals who were neuropathologically normal and individuals who carried two protective TMEM106B haplotypes.
Our findings suggest that the formation of sarkosyl-insoluble TMEM106B CTFs is an age-related feature which is modified by TMEM106B haplotype, potentially underlying its disease-modifying effect. The discrepancies between immunoblot and immunohistochemistry in detecting TMEM106B pathology suggests the existence of multiple species of TMEM106B CTFs with possible biological relevance and disease implications.
Resting state hyperconnectivity of the default mode network in schizophrenia and clinical high-risk state for psychosis
Authors: Sasabayashi Daiki , Takahashi Tsutomu , Takayanagi Yoichiro , Nemoto Kiyotaka , Ueno Maya , Furuichi Atsushi , Higuchi Yuko , Mizukami Yuko , Kobayashi Haruko , Yuasa Yusuke , Noguchi Kyo , Suzuki Michio 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Disrupted functional connectivity (FC) of the default mode network (DMN) may have a pathophysiological role in schizophrenia. However, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the DMN in schizophrenia patients has shown inconsistent results. It also remains unclear whether individuals with at-risk mental state (ARMS) have an altered DMN connectivity and whether it is related to clinical characteristics. This fMRI study examined resting-state FCs of the DMN and its relevance to clinical/cognitive variables in 41 schizophrenia patients, 31 ARMS individuals, and 65 healthy controls. Compared with controls, schizophrenia patients had significantly increased FCs within the DMN and between the DMN and diverse cortical areas, whereas ARMS patients had increased FCs only between the DMN and occipital cortex. FC of the lateral parietal cortex with superior temporal gyrus was positively correlated with negative symptoms in schizophrenia, whereas FC of that with interparietal sulcus was negatively correlated with general cognitive impairment in ARMS. Our findings suggest that increased FCs between the DMN and visual network commonly seen in schizophrenia and ARMS subjects may reflect a network-level disturbance representing a general vulnerability to psychosis. In addition, FC changes related to the lateral parietal cortex may underpin clinical characteristics of ARMS and schizophrenia subjects.
Impact of Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Treatment on Mortality in the Country of Georgia, 2015–2020
Authors: Gvinjilia Lia , Baliashvili Davit , Shadaker Shaun , Averhoff Francisco , Kandelaki Levan , Kereselidze Maia , Tsertsvadze Tengiz , Chkhartishvili Nikoloz , Butsashvili Maia , Metreveli David , Gamkrelidze Amiran , Armstrong Paige A 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background
Mortality related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a key indicator for elimination. We assessed the impact of HCV infection and treatment on mortality in the country of Georgia during 2015–2020.

Methods
We conducted a population-based cohort study using data from Georgia's national HCV Elimination Program and death registry. We calculated all-cause mortality rates in 6 cohorts: (1) Negative for anti-HCV; (2) anti-HCV positive, unknown viremia status; (3) current HCV infection and untreated; (4) discontinued treatment; (5) completed treatment, no sustained virologic response (SVR) assessment; (6) completed treatment and achieved SVR. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate adjusted hazards ratios and confidence intervals. We calculated the cause-specific mortality rates attributable to liver-related causes.

Results
After a median follow-up of 743 days, 100 371 (5.7%) of 1 764 324 study participants died. The highest mortality rate was observed among HCV infected patients who discontinued treatment (10.62 deaths per 100 PY, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.65, 11.68), and untreated group (10.33 deaths per 100 PY, 95% CI: 9.96, 10.71). In adjusted Cox proportional hazards model, the untreated group had almost 6-times higher hazard of death compared to treated groups with or without documented SVR (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 5.56, 95% CI: 4.89, 6.31). Those who achieved SVR had consistently lower liver-related mortality compared to cohorts with current or past exposure to HCV.

Conclusions
This large population-based cohort study demonstrated the marked beneficial association between hepatitis C treatment and mortality. The high mortality rates observed among HCV infected and untreated persons highlights the need to prioritize linkage to care and treatment to achieve elimination goals.
A Randomized, Controlled, Noninferiority, Multicenter Trial of Systemic vs Intralesional Treatment With Meglumine Antimoniate for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Brazil
Authors: Lyra Marcelo R , Oliveira Liliane F A , Schubach Armando O , Sampaio Raimunda N R , Rodrigues Bruna C , Hueb Marcia , Cota Gláucia , Silva Rosiana E , Francesconi Fabio , Pompilio Maurício A , França Adriana O , Amato Valdir S , Souza Regina M , Oliveira Raquel V C , Valete Cláudia M , Pimentel Maria I F 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background
Meglumine antimoniate (MA) remains the main treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Uncontrolled studies suggest that intralesional MA (IL-MA) may be noninferior and safer than systemic MA (S-MA).

Methods
Multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label, phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of IL-MA in 3 infiltrations at 14-day intervals compared with S-MA (10–20 mg Sb5+/kg/day, 20 days) for CL, with noninferiority margin of 20%. Primary and secondary outcomes were definitive cure at day 180 and epithelialization rate at day 90 of treatment, respectively. A 2-year follow-up was performed to assess relapses and emergence of mucosal lesions. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored according to the Division of AIDS AE grading system.

Results
We evaluated 135 patients. The cure rates (95% confidence interval) for IL-MA and S-MA treatment were, respectively, 82.8% (70.5–91.4) and 67.8% (53.3–78.3) per protocol (PP) and 70.6% (58.3–81.0) and 59.7% (47.0–71.5) per intention to treat (ITT). The epithelialization rates of the IL-MA and S-MA treatment were, respectively, 79.3% (66.6–88 + 8) and 71.2% (57.9–82.2) PP and 69.1% (55.2–78.5) and 64.2% (50.0–74.2) ITT. AEs in the IL-MA and S-MA groups were, respectively, clinical, 45.6% and 80.6%; laboratory, 26.5% and 73.1%; and electrocardiogram, 8.8% and 25.4%. Ten participants in the S-MA group and 1 in the IL-MA group were discontinued due to severe or persistent AEs.

Conclusions
IL-MA provides a similar cure rate and results in less toxicity compared with S-MA and may be used as first-line therapy for CL patients.

Clinical Trials Registration
REBEC: RBR-6mk5n4.
The degree of utilisation and the slow adjustment of capacity to demand: reflections on the US Economy from the perspective of the Sraffian Supermultiplier
Authors: Haluska Guilherme , Summa Ricardo , Serrano Franklin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to show that the Sraffian Supermultiplier demand-led growth model with an exogenous normal degree of capacity utilisation can be used to analyse the long-lasting reduction in the average actual degree of capacity utilisation in the US economy since the early 2000s. We follow the concept of normal degree of utilisation proposed by Ciccone and we use a simple version of the Supermultiplier model in which the adjustment of capacity to demand is slow. We show this in two steps. First, we examined the data for the industrial sector for the US economy and found no relevant change in the average-to-peak indicators, which could indicate a general reduction in the normal degree of capacity utilisation. Second, we made two simulations based on our simple Sraffian Supermultiplier model to demonstrate that (i) the process of convergence of actual utilisation to its given normal degree is slow and the model is compatible with long and lasting deviations between actual and normal utilisation after large shocks, and (ii) that successive decreases in output growth rates in the US economy since the begin of the 2000s, combined with a flexible accelerator mechanism, could explain the decrease in average utilisation.