bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and Optical Modeling of Micro‐Porous Membranes Index‐Matched with Water for On‐Line Sensing Applications
Authors: Lanfranco Roberta , Giavazzi Fabio , Bellini Tommaso , Nicolò Emanuele Di , Buscaglia Marco 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMembranes made of perfluorinated materials having a refractive index close to that of water enable straightforward detection of water solutes at the interface, hence providing a novel sensing tool for fluidic systems. Here it is reported the production by non‐solvent induced phase separation and characterization of microporous membranes made of Hyflon AD, an amorphous copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene. Their optical turbidity when soaked in liquids having different refractive indices is studied and the data are interpreted with an optical model linking scattered light and structural features of the membrane. The average polymer and pore chord lengths obtained in this way scale with the filtering pore size measured by capillary flow porometry. Then, the optical response of the membranes when soaked in aqueous surfactant solutions is investigated and the effects of the molecular adsorption on the internal membrane surface is successfully interpreted by an extension of the model. Overall, the results show that index‐matched membranes can be designed and produced to provide a simple optical detection of the composition of the soaking liquid or to monitor the initial stage of membrane fouling.
Polyaniline/Poly(acrylamide‐co‐sodium acrylate) Porous Conductive Hydrogels with High Stretchability by Freeze‐Thaw‐Shrink Treatment for Flexible Electrodes
Authors: Chen Lizhang , Zhang Weiying , Dong Yuefeng , Chen Qiuyue , Ouyang Wanjun , Li Xiao , Ying Xiaoguang , Huang Jianying 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWith the development of alternatives to traditional fossil energy and the rise of wearable technology, flexible energy storage devices have attracted great attention. In this paper, a polyaniline/poly(acrylamide‐sodium acrylate copolymer) hydrogel (PASH) with high flexibility and excellent electrochemical properties for flexible electrodes is fabricated by freeze‐thaw‐shrink treatment of a highly water‐absorptive hydrogel, together with in‐situ polymerization of aniline at a low aniline concentration (0.1 mol L−1). The PASH exhibits a conductivity of 4.05 S m−1 and an elongation at break of 1245%. The freeze‐thaw‐shrink treatment greatly improves the electrochemical performance and stability of the conductive PASH. The area specific capacitance of PASH reaches 849 mF cm−2 and the capacitance maintains 89% after 1000 galvanostatic charge–discharge cycles. All the raw materials are conventional industrialized materials and no additional templating agent is needed during the entire synthesis process. This study provides a cost‐efficient approach for the fabrication of conductive polymer hydrogels, which has a broad application prospect in flexible energy storage electronic devices.
Tensile Fatigue of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Hydrogels with Bio‐Friendly Toughening Agents
Authors: Koshut William J. , Smoot David , Rummel Caleb , Kirillova Alina , Gall Ken 
Published: February 2020

AbstractInspired by the avoidance of toxic chemical crosslinkers and harsh reaction conditions, this work describes a poly(vinyl alcohol)‐based (PVA) double‐network (DN) hydrogel aimed at maintaining biocompatibility through the combined use of bio‐friendly additives and freezing–thawing cyclic processing for the application of synthetic soft‐polymer implants. This DN hydrogel is studied using techniques that characterize both its chemical and mechanical behavior. A variety of bio‐friendly additives are screened for their effectiveness at improving the toughness of the PVA hydrogel system in monotonic tension. Starch is selected as the best additive for further tensile testing as it brings about a near 30% increase in ultimate tensile strength and maintains ease of processing. This PVA–starch DN sample is then studied for its tensile fatigue properties through cyclic, strain‐controlled testing to develop a fatigue life curve. Though an increase in monotonic tensile strength is observed, the PVA–starch DN hydrogel does not bring about an improvement in the fatigue behavior as compared to the control. Although synthetic hydrogel reinforcement is widely researched, this work presents the first fatigue analysis of its kind and it is intended to serve as a guide for future fatigue studies of reinforced hydrogels.
In Situ Electrospinning Wound Healing Films Composed of Zein and Clove Essential Oil
Authors: Qin Mei , Mou Xiao‐Ju , Dong Wen‐Hao , Liu Jia‐Xu , Liu Hao , Dai Zhang , Huang Xiao‐Wei , Wang Na , Yan Xu 
Published: February 2020

AbstractElectrospun fibrous membranes have the potential to be effective wound dressings for promoting wound healing. However, the fabrication and application of the common electrospun fibrous wound dressings are usually complicated and separated. Here, electrospun zein/clove essential oil (CEO) fibrous membranes are fabricated and applied as a potential wound dressing through in situ electrospinning process by a portable electrospinning device. The in situ electrospinning process can directly electrospin zein/CEO membranes onto a wound site to cover the wound well and improve the convenience and comfort in use. The as‐spun zein/CEO membranes show a porous structure and exhibit higher gas permeability at 168.2 ± 43.3 mm s−1, with superhydrophilicity to absorb the wound exudate and good biocompatibility as well as antibacterial effects to protect from infection. Moreover, the mice wound model study suggests that in situ electrospun zein/CEO promotes the wound healing process.
Fly Ash Filled Geopolymers: Preparation and Thermal Study
Authors: Blanco Ignazio , Poggetto Giovanni Dal , Morrone Biagio , Tranquillo Elisabetta , Barrino Federico , Catauro Michelina 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMetakaolin‐based geopolymers are prepared using recycled fly ash, aiming to reduce this waste otherwise disposed in landfills. Geopolymers with different amounts of fly ash (20, 50, and 70 wt%) are obtained and the occurring bond formation between the matrix and the filler is investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The consolidation of the materials has been confirmed by pH and conductivity at 28 days of hardening. The thermal behavior of the prepared geopolymers is studied by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis.
Biomaterials Containing the Natural Antioxidant Quercetin: Synthesis and Health Benefits
Authors: Pacifico Severina , Piccolella Simona , Barrino Federico , Catauro Michelina 
Published: February 2020

AbstractQuercetin, whose health‐promoting effects are acclaimed, is entrapped in a silica‐based and silica/polymer hybrid material via sol–gel route, to develop new antioxidant biomaterials for preventing the onset of ROS‐related diseases. The materials’ morphology is detected by SEM analysis, whereas the chemical characterization is achieved by spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. Despite an oxidation reaction in the quercetin structure, DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS [2,2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazolin‐6‐sulfonic acid)] data show that all the materials preserve its antioxidant efficacy. MTT [3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide] test indicates a mild cytotoxicity in NIH‐3T3, PC12, and U251 cells. Furthermore, materials with the highest quercetin percentage are able to inhibit the H2O2‐induced intracellular ROS production in murine fibroblasts.
Metal‐Chitosan Nanocomposites: A Perspective Way to Preparation, Morphology, and Structural Studies
Authors: Rubina Margarita , Shulenina Alexandra , Svetogorov Roman , Vasilkov Alexander 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe metal vapor synthesis is used to prepare sols of nanoparticles (Cu, Ag, and Au) in various solvents (isopropanol, triethylamine, and acetone). The sols are then used to deposit metal nanoparticles onto chitosan. The successful introduction of metal into the chitosan matrix is confirmed with X‐ray spectroscopic and diffraction methods. The morphology and size distribution of metal particles in nanocomposite materials are characterized by transmission electron microscopy and small‐angle X‐ray scattering.
Infiltration in Composite Materials Polymer Matrix Using a Self‐Interference Long Period Fiber Sensor
Authors: Miclos Sorin , Baschir Laurentiu , Savastru Dan , Savastru Roxana , Lancranjan Ion 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe concentration of infiltrated water molecules into polymer matrix of composite materials is an important mechanical and chemical functional parameter of smart composite materials during exploitation in various research, medical, industrial, and security applications and it is important to design a setup as simple and as efficient as possible for measuring and monitoring this important parameter. The paper presents simulation/design results obtained using self‐interference long period grating fiber sensors in measuring and monitoring the concentration of infiltrated water molecules into polymer composite materials. The investigated long period grating fiber sensors are used as they are or mounted in interferometric setups. Self‐interference long period grating fiber sensors are manufactured by inscribing diffraction gratings into or on single mode commercial communication optical fibers and are used in smart composite materials as signal generators of their feedback loop being embedded into the polymer matrix.
Finite Elements Modeling of the Delamination Process at Polymeric Composite Structures
Authors: Roxana Gheţa , Dan Niţoi , Gabriel Iacobescu , Constantin Opran , Constantin Petriceanu 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe delamination process is the main cause of the process of destruction of composite materials and of any technological process of deposition of different layers. This paper presents finite elements modeling of this type of multi‐layer structure failure from a practice experiment. It is thus attempted to create a mathematical model able to predict the behavior of similar structures under different working conditions.
Composite Insoles for Improving the Distribution of Plantar Pressure
Authors: Cotoros Diana , Stanciu Anca 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPlantar pressure is a physiological parameter whose values provide a comprehensive image of the general health of a person. Also by improving the distribution of the plantar pressure, the posture, balance, and comfort of a person can be significantly enhanced. This improvement can be accomplished with the help of personalized insoles with carefully designed shapes and selected composite materials, following advanced processing technologies. The present paper proposes some solutions for a proper choice of the insole materials according to the type of illness that affects the foot. These materials should meet a multitude of conditions that are impossible to accomplish by using classic footwear materials, so a carefully selected combination of composite materials is the obvious choice. The recommendations for the best materials are the object of the present research.
Electrospinning and Mechanotropic Phenomena in Polymer Solutions
Authors: Kotomin Sergey , Malkin Alexander , Skvortsov Ivan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe mechanism of electrospinning traditionally is related to fast evaporation of solvent from thin liquid jets of polymer solution observed in high‐voltage electric fields. Another mechanism, called mechanotropic spinning, is more reasonable for polymer solutions in solvents having low vapor pressure and high boiling temperature, that is, dimethylacetamide (DMAc), DMF, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Under elongation, the solution undergoes phase separation as a result of high‐speed stretching and the solvent reveals on the surface of the fiber without its complete evaporation. Microfibers obtained by mechanotropic spinning as well as by electrospinning of PAN solutions in DMSO and polyamidbenzamidazol in DMAc have stable droplets of the solvent on the fiber surface.
Aspects Regarding Perception of Wearing Eyeglasses Frames Made of Composite Materials and/or Contact Lenses
Authors: Lazar Alexandra‐Maria 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe continuous need for change and adaptability, the increased access to information, the high buying capacity, client perceptiveness, or skepticism are reasons which prompt manufacturers to be competitive, by producing and launching superior quality products on the market. The same applies to the lens manufacturing (for eyeglasses or contacts), which aims to persistently develop new materials and technologies that will satisfy even the most demanding customers.
Analysis of the Spectacles Behavior Made by Composite Structures
Authors: Apostoaie Mirela Gabriela , Baritz Mihaela Ioana 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFrames of corrective or protective spectacles are orthoses that, during their use, must meet a series of aesthetic, functional, stability, and reliability criteria. Any patient, who needs to wear corrective/protective spectacles must, from the frame and lens construction, be assured of system reliability for as long as possible, postural accuracy, and comfort. The first part of the paper presents the theoretical aspects related to the frame/lens system's constructive parameters as a composite structure. In the second part the aspects of behavior analysis in mechanical tests of the frame material are presented. In the final part of the paper the conclusions regarding the behavior of the composite structure of the glasses’ frames from the point of view of determining their quality are presented.
Mathematical Model of Vacuum–Resin Transfer Molding for Polymeric Composites Products
Authors: Ion Sorin Mihai , Opran Constantin Gheorghe , Lamanna Giuseppe 
Published: February 2020

AbstractResin Transfer Molding process (RTM), is the most used technology to create large parts made by polymer matrix composites because: the production time is relative small; the consumption of materials is reduced to minimum; the obtained parts are in a constant tolerance of ±0.5 mm after de‐molding; both sides of the part are shiny and smooth; determinate resistance of the wall; it can be used with gelcoat on both sides or only on one; the reinforcement materials can be fiber glass, carbon fiber, sandwich materials, or metallic inserts; it does not need pressing during the curing of the resin; reduced cycle time, and low styrol emissions. In this paper the results of research regarding mathematical model of vacuum–RTM process for polymeric composites products are presented. It is taken into account that during mold filling and curing thin mold cavities, the thermal physical properties may vary from location to location and may change as a function of time. The studied material can be considered as homogeneous and isotropic. The results of applying some numerical schemes to solve the above model, corroborated with the results of the experimental measurements, can highlight the advantages of this method of mold filling.
Mode I Fracture Toughness Evaluation of Adhesively Bonded Joints via J‐Integral and DIC
Authors: Perrella Michele , Berardi Valentino Paolo , Armentani Enrico 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAmorphous polymers, such as epoxy resins, are commonly used in the realization of adhesively bonded joints. In this paper an evaluation of mode I fracture toughness of bonded joints is presented. Moreover, an identification of cohesive zone model parameters via Rice's J‐integral is described. Experimental tests are performed on double cantilever beam specimens and relative displacements between adherends are acquired by using the digital image correlation technique. The obtained interface law can be implemented in a finite element code for simulating the decohesion process of complex bonded structures.
Endoscopic Injection of the Longus Capiti Muscle in the Treatment of Dystonic Head Flexion
Authors: Hicklin Lucy A. , Marion Marie‐Helene 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundAnterocollis posture is a relatively rare finding among patients with cervical dystonia and often the cause of treatment failure. The dystonic posture can be complex to analyze, and the deep flexor muscles of the neck, longus capiti, and longus coli can be challenging to access.MethodsWe present a modification of a previously described endoscopic technique that allows straightforward access to the longus capiti muscles in an outpatient setting under local anesthetic.ResultsWe describe the technique based on our experience on 6 patients during a 2‐year period with a total of 22 injections, and we review the literature.ConclusionThe injection is well tolerated and has led to significant improvement in the majority of patients.
Experimental demonstration and analysis of underwater wireless optical communication link: Design, BCH coded receiver diversity over the turbid and turbulent seawater channels
Authors: Ramavath Prasad Naik , Udupi Shripathi Acharya , Krishnan Prabu 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this article, we demonstrate an experimental underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) system in the presence of air bubbles and weak turbulence for varying turbidity levels of the aquatic optical medium. The major limiting factors of the UWOC system are: absorption, scattering, and beam fluctuations; these effects can be mitigated by employing transmitter/receiver diversity schemes and channel codes. In this proposed system, we have employed receiver diversity (selection combining (SC), majority logic combining (MLC), and equal gain combining (EGC)) techniques augmented with Bose‐Chaudhuri‐Hocquenghem (BCH) codes to improve the performance of on‐off keying modulated UWOC system. The bit error rate (BER) expressions are derived for the proposed system and results are validated using analytic and experimental means. The results show that the proposed system, that is, the receiver employing SC, MLC, and EGC receiver combining techniques augmented with the BCH code provides a transmit power gain of 4, 6, and 8 dB respectively, when compared with the uncoded single‐input single‐output system, at a BER of 10−5.
A Pareto‐based beam orientation optimization method for spot scanning intensity‐modulated proton therapy
Authors: Kamal Sayed Hisham , Herman M. G. , Beltran C. J. 
Published: February 2020

PurposeTo provide a proof of principle of a Pareto‐based method to automatically generate optimal intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT) plans for various noncoplanar beam orientations.MethodsA novel multicriteria beam orientation optimization (MCBOO) method was developed to generate Pareto database of optimal plans. The MCBOO method automatically explores the beam orientations and the scalarization parameters of the IMPT plans simultaneously. The MCBOO method is based on multicriteria bilevel optimization (i.e., hierarchical optimization with two nested levels, named the upper and lower level optimization). In MCBOO, the upper level optimization explores the noncoplanar beam orientation space, while the lower level explores the scalarization parameters for a given beam orientation. Differential evolution method was used in both levels, and the Pareto optimal plans were aggregated from the bilevel optimizations to construct the Pareto database. The MCBOO method was implemented on a multinode multi‐GPU cluster, and it was tested on three brain tumor patient cases. The Pareto database of the three patients was generated for a set of DVH‐based objectives. A statistical analysis was performed between a selected set of MCBOO plans and the manual plan (plan with manually selected beam orientation based on the clinical experience and optimized with the same single plan iterative optimizer used in the MCBOO). The selected set of MCBOO plans consisted of plans that matched the performance of the manual plan [i.e., MCBOO plans that have the same target coverage (within 2%) as the manual plan or better and achieved the same dose (within 2%) or lower to all of the organs at risks (OARs) but one OAR]. Additionally, a dosimetric comparison between of one of the selected MCBOO plans vs the manual plan was conducted.ResultsThe multicriteria beam orientation optimization algorithm automatically generated Pareto plans for the three noncoplanar brain tumor cases. The MCBOO plans provided an alternative objective trade‐offs to the manual plan. The selected MCBOO plans showed a reduction in dose to multiple organs at risk vs the manual plan with a maximum value which ranged between 10.8 and 12.9 Gy for the three patients. The trade‐off of the OAR dose reduction resulted in higher dose to no more than one OAR for each of the selected MCBOO plans vs the manual plan. The maximum dose increase in the MCBOO plans over the manual plan ranged from 7.8 to 11.8 Gy.ConclusionsA novel multicriteria beam orientation optimization method was developed and tested on three IMPT patient cases. The method automatically generates Pareto plans database by exploring the noncoplanar beam orientations. The method was able to identify beam orientations with Pareto optimal plans that are comparable to the manually created plans with varying objective trade‐offs.
A within‐coil optical prospective motion‐correction system for brain imaging at 7T
Authors: DiGiacomo Phillip , Maclaren Julian , Aksoy Murat , Tong Elizabeth , Carlson Mackenzie , Lanzman Bryan , Hashmi Syed , Watkins Ronald , Rosenberg Jarrett , Burns Brian , Skloss Timothy W. , Rettmann Dan , Rutt Brian , Bammer Roland , Zeineh Michael 
Published: February 2020

PurposeMotion artifact limits the clinical translation of high‐field MR. We present an optical prospective motion correction system for 7 Tesla MRI using a custom‐built, within‐coil camera to track an optical marker mounted on a subject.MethodsThe camera was constructed to fit between the transmit–receive coils with direct line of sight to a forehead‐mounted marker, improving upon prior mouthpiece work at 7 Tesla MRI. We validated the system by acquiring a 3D‐IR‐FSPGR on a phantom with deliberate motion applied. The same 3D‐IR‐FSPGR and a 2D gradient echo were then acquired on 7 volunteers, with/without deliberate motion and with/without motion correction. Three neuroradiologists blindly assessed image quality. In 1 subject, an ultrahigh‐resolution 2D gradient echo with 4 averages was acquired with motion correction. Four single‐average acquisitions were then acquired serially, with the subject allowed to move between acquisitions. A fifth single‐average 2D gradient echo was acquired following subject removal and reentry.ResultsIn both the phantom and human subjects, deliberate and involuntary motion were well corrected. Despite marked levels of motion, high‐quality images were produced without spurious artifacts. The quantitative ratings confirmed significant improvements in image quality in the absence and presence of deliberate motion across both acquisitions (P < .001). The system enabled ultrahigh‐resolution visualization of the hippocampus during a long scan and robust alignment of serially acquired scans with interspersed movement.ConclusionWe demonstrate the use of a within‐coil camera to perform optical prospective motion correction and ultrahigh‐resolution imaging at 7 Tesla MRI. The setup does not require a mouthpiece, which could improve accessibility of motion correction during 7 Tesla MRI exams.