bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synergy Effect of a π‐Conjugated Ionic Compound: Dual Interfacial Energy Level Regulation and Passivation to Promote Voc and Stability of Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Xiaoyuan , Min Jihyun , Chen Qian , Liu Tuo , Qu Geping , Xie Pengfei , Xiao Hui , Liou Juin‐Jei , Park Taiho , Xu Zong‐Xiang 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDefects and energy offsets at the bulk and heterojunction interfaces of perovskite are detrimental to the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, we designed an amphiphilic π‐conjugated ionic compound (QAPyBF4), implementing simultaneous defects passivation and interface energy level alignments. The p‐type conjugated cations passivated the surface trap states and optimized energy alignment at the perovskite/hole transport layer. The highly electronegative [BF4]− enriched at the SnO2 interface featured desired band alignment due to the dipole moment of this interlayer. The planar n‐i‐p PSC had an efficiency of 23.1 % with Voc of 1.2 V. Notably, the synergy effect elevated the intrinsic endothermic decomposition temperature of the perovskite. The modified devices showed excellent long‐term thermal (85 °C) and operational stability at the maximum power point for 1000 h at 45 °C under continuous one‐sun illumination with no appreciable efficiency loss.
Suppression of thermoacoustic instability and NOx emissions of unsteady swirl premixed flame with upstream microjets
Authors: Hu Liubin , Zhou Hao 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPassive control methods are widely used in unsteady combustion systems due to their robustness and convenience. This paper used the upstream microjets method for the first time to control thermoacoustic instability and pollutant NOx emissions in unsteady swirl premixed flame. Three variables of CO2 microjets flow rate, upstream microjets distance, and microjets number are investigated. Results demonstrate the upstream microjets distance plays a significant role in restraining the thermoacoustic instability and NOx emissions. The smaller the upstream microjets distance, the more completely the thermoacoustic instability is suppressed while the NOx emissions are the opposite, which means a compromise choice needs to be made between them. The damping ratio of pressure amplitude in the chamber can reach the maximum of 81.3%, and the damping ratio of CH* intensity can reach the maximum of 80.2%. Besides, the frequency of pressure and CH* will transit to a lower mode. NOx emissions can realize a maximum reduction of 12.2 ppm. Meanwhile, the flame mode switches from an enlarged Mode‐A flame to a shrunk Mode‐B flame, and the flame length shows a maximum reduction of 14 mm at the largest upstream distance. However, the specific control mechanism under upstream microjets still needs further study to clarify. This research proved the feasibility of suppressing combustion instability and NOx emissions with upstream microjets in unsteady swirl premixed flame, promoting its practical application in gas turbine systems.
Chemical Regulation of the Protein Quality Control E3 Ubiquitin Ligase C‐Terminus of Hsc70 Interacting Protein (CHIP)
Authors: Kanack Adam J. , Olp Michael D. , Newsom Oliver J. , Scaglione Jamie B. , Gooden David M. , McMahon Kevin , Smith Brian C. , Scaglione K. Matthew 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe ubiquitin ligase C‐terminus of Hsc70 interacting protein (CHIP) is an important regulator of proteostasis. Despite playing an important role in maintaining proteostasis, little progress has been made in developing small molecules that regulate ubiquitin transfer by CHIP. Here we used differential scanning fluorimetry to identify compounds that bound CHIP. Compounds that bound CHIP were then analyzed by quantitative ubiquitination assays to identify those that altered CHIP function. One compound, MS.001, inhibited both the chaperone binding and ubiquitin ligase activity of CHIP at low micromolar concentrations. Interestingly, we found that MS.001 did not have activity against isolated U‐box or tetratricopeptide (TPR) domains, but instead only inhibited full‐length CHIP. Using in silico docking we identified a potential MS.001 binding site on the linker domain of CHIP and mutation of this site rendered CHIP resistant to MS.001. Together our data identify an inhibitor of the E3 ligase CHIP and provides insight into the development of compounds that regulate CHIP activity.
Implant placement in a focal cemento‐osseous dysplasia: A modified protocol with a successful outcome
Authors: Mlouka Mootaz , Tlili Mohamed , Khanfir Faten , Hamrouni Ali , Khalfi Mohamed Salah , Ben Amor Faten 
Published: January 2022

AbstractCemento‐osseous dysplasia (COD) is defined as a condition in which normal bone is replaced by fibrous connective tissue and cementum‐like deposits. It is generally asymptomatic and occurs mostly in female patients. Radiologically, it appears as an opaque, lobulated mass. When facing such lesions, it is advised to avoid performing any surgical procedures due to the decreased vascularization and healing potential. The main reported complications being poor healing, sequestrum formation, risk of infection, and fracture of the jaw. Treating posterior mandibular edentulism in presence of a COD can be a challenging situation especially when the patient requires an implant‐supported fixed rehabilitation. The aim of this paper is to describe a three‐stage modified protocol for implant placement in a compromised site presenting a focal cemento‐osseous dysplasia.
Characterization of blast furnace slag particles generated by nitrogen jet granulation
Authors: Yang Xiaoxiao , Zhou Hui , Li Qinghai , Tan Zhongchao , Zhang Yanguo 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis paper reports an experimental study on the changes in the equivalent diameter and sphericity of flying molten slag particles in terms of heating temperature and nitrogen injection pressure. A high‐speed camera is used to continuously take images of the flying molten particles. Then the images are analyzed by mathematical image processing. With increasing heating temperature, the lower the viscosity, the stronger the fluidity, and the easier it is to be granulated into small particles under the spray of nitrogen. The results show that the equivalent diameter and sphericity of the particles with equivalent diameters remain the same during the flight. During the granulation of the particles, however, rod‐shaped particles gradually change to spherical ones, and the sphericity keeps increasing until it reaches a level. The average flying speed of the studied slag particles at the temperatures of 1400, 1450, 1475, 1500, and 1510°C is 4.0, 4.3, 4.5, 4.3, and 4.2 m/s, respectively. In addition, the higher the temperature, the longer the flight distance of the particles. By changing the gas injection pressure to 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 MPa, the average flying speeds of the studied slag particles are 2.8, 3.7, 5.5, and 8.4 m/s, respectively. This result proves that the higher the injection pressure, the greater the average flying speed of the particles.
Combining lean and green practices to achieve a superior performance: The contribution for a sustainable development and competitiveness—An empirical study on the Portuguese context
Authors: Teixeira Pedro , Coelho Arnaldo , Fontoura Pedro , Sá José Carlos , Silva Francisco J. G. , Santos Gilberto , Ferreira Luis P. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis research assesses the lean and green (LG) practices' impact on the competitive advantage (CA) of organizations, through sustainable performance, considering lean maturity as the moderator. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a cross‐sectional sample of 261 companies operating in Portugal. Hypotheses are tested through structural equation modeling and multigroup analysis to examine the lean maturity moderating role. Results demonstrate a positive impact of LG practices on sustainable development and that their three dimensions of CA, with lean maturity boosting most relationships. This research highlights the impact of LG practices on organization's competitiveness and helps them underpin the importance these practices when comes to enhance their sustainable performance and their CA with help of environmental policy and also stakeholder engagement. Future studies should address these relationships upon a specific dimension, namely the correlation between environmental performance and CA, as it was not dealt in this study.
Improvement of energy efficiency by dynamic load consolidation in C‐RAN
Authors: Aktar Mst. Rubina , Anower Md. Shamim 
Published: January 2022

SummaryThe Fifth Generation (5G) network is the next step in the evolution of cellular networks, which are anticipated to encounter a remarkable growth in traffic. To meet this traffic requirement, the network capacity must be increased, which would inevitably necessitate the expansion of additional base stations (BSs). Moreover, the expenses and energy consumption of BSs are excessively high. The highly complex signal processing in baseband units contributes to a substantial amount of energy consumption. Consequently, cloud radio access network (C‐RAN) has been demonstrated as an effective approach to overcoming 5G wireless challenges through an energy‐efficient means. C‐RAN architecture has a baseband unit (BBU) pool that consists of the number of BBUs and remote sites, which are called remote radio heads (RRHs). As a sharing of ancillary subsystems into one location, BBU pooling has a significant impact on reducing power consumption. However, C‐RAN necessitates a novel paradigm of energy consumption for resource optimization. In this article, a C‐RAN with a dynamic load consolidation algorithm depending on traffic condition is presented to jointly take the power consumption and energy efficiency targeting to decrease power consumption and increase energy efficiency. To capture the energy consumption of C‐RAN, a new energy consumption scheme considering the BBU cloud, optical link, and radio side power has been proposed that optimizes the BBU resources. Numerical results come about based on simulation settings illustrate that the presented model accomplishes an improved energy‐efficient performance with respect to the referred baseline RAN system scheme.
Eyes on amyloidosis: microvascular retinal dysfunction in cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Zampiccoli Emanuel , Barthelmes Jens , Kreysing Leonie , Nägele Matthias P. , Nebunu Delia , Haider Thomas , von Eckardstein Arnold , Gerber Bernhard , Schwotzer Rahel , Ruschitzka Frank , Sudano Isabella , Flammer Andreas J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAimsCardiac involvement in systemic amyloidosis is a marker of particularly poor prognosis. Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is characterized by extracellular amyloid deposits inducing heart failure and symptoms of cardiac microvascular disease. While amyloid deposition is most common in the myocardium but also seen in pericardium and endocardium, atria, and vasculature, the role of (micro‐)vascular dysfunction in CA pathophysiology remains still elusive. Because vascular function is associated with cardiovascular risk and severity of heart failure and represents a potential therapeutic target in CA, the present study investigated retinal vascular function, flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD), and pulse‐wave analysis and velocity (PWA/PWV) in patients with CA.Methods and resultsFlicker‐induced arterial dilatation (FIDa) was measured using dynamic retinal vessel analysis additionally to FMD and PWA/PWV. Thirty‐three patients with CA [age 67 years [interquartile range, IQR, 62, 74], 14 with amyloid light‐chain (AL) and 19 with transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis] were prospectively included in this cross‐sectional, observational study and 70 healthy individuals (age 53 years [IQR 39, 67]) served as control. Potential confounders were balanced using entropy balancing propensity score analysis [inverse probability weighting (IPW)]. FIDa was reduced in CA patients (1.52 ± 1.73% vs. 3.09 ± 1.96%, P < 0.001, after IPW). While PWV was increased (8.74 ± 2.34 m/s vs. 7.49 ± 1.65 m/s, P = 0.018, after IPW), no difference in FMD was observed. FIDa was significantly associated with prognostic biomarkers of CA [estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = 0.33; P < 0.001), log‐scaled troponin T (r = −0.49; P < 0.001), and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (r = −0.51; P < 0.001)].ConclusionsRetinal vascular function is impaired, associated with cardiac and renal biomarkers of CA severity, and may represent a potential therapeutic target in patients with amyloidosis.
Facile Access to Saccharin‐Fused 1,4‐Dihydropyridines through [3+3] Annulation Reactions
Authors: Xu Zhi‐Hua , Jia Shi‐Kun , Chang Zhe‐Ran , Hua Yuan‐Zhao , Wang Min‐Can , Mei Guang‐Jian 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAn efficient approach to saccharin‐fused 1,4‐DHPs has been established by using a [3+3] annulation process. The chemical event was enabled by a Et3N‐catalyzed tandem Michael/aza‐Pinner reaction of alkyl cyclic N‐sulfonyl ketimines as nucleophiles with α,α‐dicyanoolefins. Under mild conditions, the desired products were readily prepared in good to excellent yields and with broad functional group tolerance (up to 95 % yield, 29 examples). Notably, this practical methodology features the synthesis of pentacyclic spirooxindoles bearing a quaternary spiro‐stereocenter.
Analysis of solar photo‐voltaic for grid integration viability in Uganda
Authors: Kavuma Chrish , Sandoval Diego , de Dieu Hakizimana Khan Jean 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to analyzing grid‐connected solar PV in Uganda for viability by evaluating the performance ratio of the already‐installed solar systems, and how flexible is the grid to accommodate more power from solar. The data collected from the solar plants included array size, type and rating of each module, array output, cell efficiency, DC to AC ratio, systems capital cost per watt, annual maintenance cost, inverter size and efficiency, array tilt, records of monthly solar irradiation, monthly energy produced, capital costs, operational costs and cost of a unit supplied to the grid. The System Advisor Model was used to analyze the technical and economic performances of solar plants in Uganda. The projected solar penetration by the year 2021 was 6.1%. The total annual energy was estimated at 69.52 GWh. The capacity factor ranges from 13.1% to 17.5% and a performance ratio of 0.76, and are within the recommended values. The grid was flexible up to 25.8% to accommodate more solar energy without destabilizing the network. It is viable to invest in solar energy since all four plants showed a positive net present value.
The effect of deficit irrigation, partial root drying and mulching on tomato yield, and water and energy saving*
Authors: Mahmoud Mahmoud Mohamed Abdalla , Fayad Atef Mohamed 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPartial root drying (PRD) is a modified irrigation strategy form of deficit irrigation (DI) to improve water productivity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of PRD, DI and organic mulching on water and energy conservation, as well as tomato yield. A field trial was carried out during the 2019 and 2020 summer seasons in Kafr El‐Sheikh governorate, Egypt. The main plots were assigned for the irrigation treatments, full irrigation with 100% of crop evapotranspiration, ETc (I1), deficit irrigation with 85% of ETc (I2) and 70% of ETc (I3), meanwhile the subplots were allocated for irrigation strategies of irrigating plants from one side only (P1), PRD (P2), and continuous irrigation plants from both sides (P3), and sub‐subplots were allocated for no mulching (M1) and mulching (M2) treatments. The results showed that, compared to I1, tomato growth parameters and yield were reduced significantly for the I2and I3treatments. The tomato yield and water consumptive use were reduced by 3.4 and 5.3%, respectively, for the I2treatment and 28.1 and 18.2%, respectively, for the I3treatment. Water and energy productivity (WEP) increased by 34 and 47% for the I2and I3treatments, respectively. Organic mulching and PRD enhanced tomato growth parameters and yield, productivity of irrigation water and WEP. It was concluded, that I2 × P2 × M2interaction enhanced tomato yield while reducing water and energy consumption.
Molecular and cellular evidence for hsa‐miR‐1254 suppressor effect against HER2 signaling in breast cancer
Authors: Mohamadzade Zahra , Hasannia Kolagar Tabssom , Nemati Hossein , Javanmard Amir‐Reza , Soltani Bahram M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractHER2 signaling upregulation is a hallmark of breast cancer which is the second cause of cancer‐related death in women. Here, we were looking for the candidate microRNAs which is capable of regulating the HER2 receptor and the genes of its downstream. To this aim, preliminary bioinformatics analysis introduced hsa‐miR‐1254 (miR‐1254) as a potential common regulator of HER2, HER3, PIK3R2, and AKT1 genes. Then, reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) analysis indicated a lower expression level of miR‐1254 in breast cancer specimens, compared to their normal pairs. Furthermore, overexpression of miR‐1254 resulted in HER2, HER3, PIK3R2, and AKT1 genes downregulation, detected by RT‐qPCR and confirmed by western blot analysis and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay test against AKT1, BAX, FADD, and HER2 protein levels in SKBR3 cells. Dual‐luciferase assay also supported direct interaction of miR‐1254 with MREs within 3' untranslated region sequences of HER2, HER3, PIK3R2, and AKT1 target genes. Overexpression of miR‐1254 in SKBR3 cells was followed by increased BAX/BCL2 expression ratio, detected by RT‐qPCR, and increased proportion of G1 cell population, detected by flow cytometry. Corroborated by cell cycle analysis, MTT, Annexin V‐FITC, and Live‐Dead cell staining assays, overexpression of miR‐1254 in MDA‐MB‐231 cells showed opposing results following the overexpression of miR‐1254. Taken together, results indicated that miR‐1254 acts as cell‐type‐specific tumor suppressor that targets HER2, HER3, PIK3R2, and AKT1 transcripts. These results suggest miR‐1254 as a potential therapeutic candidate for breast cancer subtypes.
Hsa_circRNA_0001971 contributes to oral squamous cell carcinoma progression via miR‐186‐5p/Fibronectin type III domain containing 3B axis
Authors: Zhang Jiehua , Peng Youjian , Jiang Shengjun , Li Jun 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundCircular RNAs (circRNAs) are closely associated with the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). circRNA_0001971 has been proved to accelerate the OSCC development. Here, we aim to identify the new molecular mechanism of hsa_circRNA_0001971 (circRNA_0001971) in OSCC.MethodsThe levels of circRNA_0001971, miR‐186‐5p, and fibronectin type III domain containing 3B (FNDC3B) in tissues and cells were verified by qRT‐PCR or Western blotting. The interaction between circRNA_0001971, miR‐186‐5p, and FNDC3B was identified by bioinformatics analysis, luciferase assay, and RIP assay. The effect of circRNA_0001971/miR‐186‐5p/FNDC3B axis on OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by cell functional experiments including CCK8, wound healing, and transwell assays.ResultsOur study displayed that circRNA_0001971 and FNDC3B were elevated in OSCC, whereas miR‐186‐5p was declined in OSCC. Silencing circRNA_0001971 attenuated the malignancy of OSCC cells by suppressing proliferation, migration, and invasion. In OSCC cells, circRNA_0001971 sponged miR‐186‐5p to enhance FNDC3B. Due to the interaction between circRNA_0001971, miR‐186‐5p, and FNDC3B, FNDC3B overexpression relieved the negative function of silencing circRNA_0001971 in OSCC cells.ConclusionOverall, our study discovered that circRNA_0001971 was a tumor promoter in OSCC progression by targeting miR‐186‐5p/FNDC3B axis.
Hsa_circ_0050102 regulates the pancreatic cancer development via miR‐218‐5p/PPME1 axis
Authors: Feng Ningning , Jiao Zhikai , Zhang Yueshan , Yang Baoming 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundPancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignancy worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) affects the growth of PC, nonetheless the mechanism is blurry. Here, we reconnoitered the parts of hsa_circ_0050102 in PC.MethodsHsa_circ_0050102, microRNA‐218‐5p (miR‐218‐5p) and protein phosphatase methylesterase 1 (PPME1) abundances were indicated by quantitative RT‐PCR or Western blot. Moreover, the cell functions were uncovered. Additionally, the relation of miR‐218‐5p and hsa_circ_0050102 or PPME1 was identified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Ultimately, the mice teats were utilized to quantity the part of hsa_circ_0050102.ResultsHsa_circ_0050102 and PPME1 contents were increased, and the miR‐218‐5p was dwindled in PC. Hsa_circ_0050102 lack subdued cell vitality, colony formation, cell migration and invasion, and angiogenesis, but endorsed cell apoptosis in PC cells. Furthermore, miR‐218‐5p was established to block the development of PC cells via PPME1. Hsa_circ_0050102 bound to miR‐218‐5p to adjust the content of PPME1.ConclusionHsa_circ_0050102 expedited the expansion of PC through growing PPME1 abundance by adjusting miR‐218‐5p.
Retrospective study of endodontic treatment performed by undergraduate students using reciprocating instrumentation and single‐cone obturation
Authors: Gavini Giulio , Candeiro George Táccio de Miranda , Potgornik Ferreira Felipe , Rubino Gustavo Alberto , Aun Carmo Antônio , Bezerra Alexandre Gomes , Malavasi Maurílio , Lemos Érico Melo , Caldeira Celso Luiz , Akisue Eduardo 
Published: January 2022

ObjectivesThe aim of this cross‐sectional retrospective study was to evaluate radiographically the technical quality of root canal treatment performed by undergraduate students using reciprocating NiTi instrumentation and single‐cone obturation.MethodsEndodontic treatment on 1102 teeth performed by undergraduate students from the School of Dentistry of the University of Santa Cecilia (Brazil) was evaluated. All root canal preparations were performed using Reciproc files and were irrigated with 1% NaOCl. The root canal was filled with gutta‐percha, along with AH Plus sealer, using the single‐cone obturation technique. The technical quality of the root canal treatment was evaluated based on immediate postoperative radiographs. Distance between the end of the filling and the radiographic apex, the filling density, and the taper of the root filling was assessed. Inter‐examiner agreement statistic (Kappa) and Chi‐square statistic test were used for statistical evaluation of the results. Differences were considered statistically significant whenp< 0.05.ResultsAnterior teeth, maxillary premolars, and molars presented better results than mandibular premolars and molars (p< 0.05). Mandibular premolars presented a high incidence of a short length of obturation (33.34%) and mandibular molars presented a high incidence of overfilling (6.55%). The majority of the treatment analyzed (62.46%) fulfilled all the criteria showing acceptable working length, taper, and density of obturation. Instrument fractures occurred in eighteen root canals (0.81%).ConclusionsThe use of NiTi reciprocating instruments with the single‐cone obturation technique provided an acceptable quality of endodontic treatment in the majority of the cases performed by undergraduate students.