bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rigid and conductive lightweight regenerated cellulose/carbon nanotubes/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene nanocomposites constructed via a Pickering emulsion process
Authors: Lugoloobi Ishaq , Wang Yating , Zhao Lunyu , Li Xiang , Wang Bijia , Mao Zhiping , Sui Xiaofeng , Feng Xueling 
Published: November 2021

AbstractLightweight polymer‐based conductive nanocomposites are attractive future electronic materials. However, the agglomeration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the polymers is still a serious concern. Herein, CNTs were homogeneously dispersed in acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) matrix with the aid of regenerated cellulose (RC), via an easy and cost‐effective Pickering emulsion approach to form conductive nanocomposites. The prepared nanocomposites were investigated for their morphological, thermal, electrical, mechanical, and rheological properties. CNTs were observed to be uniformly entrapped within the RC suspension. RC proved to be both an efficient dispersant and stabilizer for CNTs and ABS, respectively, in that a noticeable enhancement in the electrical conductivity of the polymer of up to 21 Sm−1 was caused with the incorporation of 6.7 wt.% CNTs. RC alone caused 29.6% increase in the tensile strength of neat ABS, while the Young's modulus of the nanocomposites was increased by 21.1%. This improvement was attributed to the uniform dispersion of the stiff CNT/RC hybrid suspension and the formation of strong bond interactions in the ABS matrix. Furthermore, higher crystallinity and melt viscosity in the blends were achieved. This upturn in ABS properties will enable its wider application in the engineering industry as conductors, sensors, antistatic, and electromagnetic interference materials.
Optimization of interface microstructure of high‐strength‐high‐modulus polyimide fibers composites utilizing waterborne polyamide and hybrid sizing agent
Authors: Zhu Li , Li Yinong , Zhang Mengying , Wu Dezhen , Niu Hongqing 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe weak interface adhesion between high‐strength‐high‐modulus polyimide (PI) fibers and epoxy (EP) resin matrix has seriously hampered the application of PI/EP composites. Herein, a waterborne polyamide (WPA) sizing agent was used to modify PI fibers to enhance the interface adhesion strength between the PI fibers and EP resin matrix. The surface characteristics of PI fibers were investigated to determine chemical composition, morphology, roughness, wettability, interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and interlinear shear strength. The results indicated that the WPA sizing agent significantly enhanced the interface adhesion properties between the PI fibers and EP resin matrix with a 132% and 22.35% increment obtained for IFSS and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) compared with unsized PI/EP composites. Then, the hybrid sizing agent generated by WPA and waterborne EP sizing agent exhibited the highest interface adhesion with 168.65% and 28.62% increment obtained for IFSS and ILSS compared with unsized PI/EP composites. Based on these results, a sizing mechanism with chemical interaction and mechanical interlocking was proposed, which provides an effective and feasible method to enhance the interface adhesion between the PI fibers and EP resin matrix.
Toughening, highly thermostable, and flame retardant polylactic acid enabled by polyphosphazene microsphere
Authors: Dong Jiaxing , Mao Zhiping , Chen Zhize 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTo obtain superior flame retardant poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a highly cross‐linked poly (cyclotriphosphazeneco4,4′diaminodiphenyl sulfone) (CP‐DDS) microsphere was synthesized by the precipitation polymerization between hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP) and 4,4′diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS). Thanks to the cooperative effect of flame retardant elements including P, N and S, this as‐synthesized CP‐DDS microsphere presented excellent fire resistance. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of the PLA containing 7 wt% CP‐DDS microsphere (PLA/FR7.0) was dramatically increased to 26.8% from 19.7%. Moreover, the dripping of PLA/FR7.0 sharply decrease and it passed V‐1 UL‐94 rating in the vertical combustion test. Cone calorimetry results presented that PLA/FR7.0 composites resulted in 20.85% and 23.02% reductions in the total heat release (THR) and the peak heat release rate (PHRR) respectively. Besides, the average effective heat combustion (av‐EHC) of PLA/FR7.0 composites is 14.24% lower than that of PLA. Surprisingly, the elongation at break of PLA/FR7.0 composites was enhanced by 40%, hardly without loss of the mechanical strength. Possible flame retardant mechanism from gas phase and condensed phase was proposed. The fire‐retardant materials prepared by this toughening microsphere are sufficient to cope with the challenges brought by complex environments, which are expected to be applied in more fields.
Oxygenated‐bacterial‐cellulose nanofibers with hydrogel, antimicrobial, and controlled oxygen release properties for rapid wound healing
Authors: Fadakar Sarkandi Aida , Montazer Majid , Mahmoudi Rad Mahnaz 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe most effective approach for wound healing improvement is entrapping and controlling the oxygen in a biocompatible polymer matrix through introducing hydrogen peroxide. In the research, the bacterial cellulose (BC) layers were oxygenated as a safe and excellent hydrogel to accelerate the wound healing process. Indeed, the hydrogel‐containing hydrogen peroxide was obtained using the treatment of dry BC with 3% hydrogen peroxide for 5 h. The morphology, thermal behavior, crystalline and chemical structures, mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, degree of porosity, oxygen release, water holding capacity, and drying time of the treated layers were investigated. Furthermore, the calculated porosity showed about seven times more pore area. The dissolved oxygen results indicated the well‐trapped oxygen in BC with a prolonged‐release time of 20 days. Moreover, the 100% antibacterial and antifungal activities and excellent wound healing properties without cytotoxic effects specified the ability of BC to trap and release oxygen for efficient wound healing. Hence, the study introduces a functionalized naturally driven hydrogel layer with oxygen delivery, safe antimicrobial properties, and prolonged drying time.
Osteophytes: The product of convergent evolution
Authors: Rothschild Bruce , Biehler‐Gomez Lucie 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe very reasonable suggestion, that diarthrodial joint and juxta‐discal (vertebral centra‐marginal) bony overgrowths (referred to as osteophytes) have different etiologies, has eluded previous confirmation. The prevailing perspective is that diarthrodial osteophytes represent the product of compressive forces and that those on the margins of vertebral centra result from traction and therefore are enthesial in derivation. If diarthrodial joint osteophytes result from intrinsic pressures, any surface responses would require transcortical nutritional support, easily recognized by en face microscopic examination. This contrasts with enthesially derived growth, the surface of which is characterized by Sharpey's fiber insertions. These are recognized as inverted cones with a central protrusion on examination of related bone surfaces. We hypothesize that diarthrodial and disc‐adjacent osteophytes have a different pathophysiology, distinguishable on the basis of microscopic surface appearance. We pursued microscopic examination of the surfaces of osteophytes present on diarthrodial joints (hip, knee, elbow, costovertebral) and vertebrae (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar) from the CAL Milano Cemetery Skeletal Collection for presence of transcortical channels and the inverted cones of Sharpey's fiber insertions. Examination of 22 diarthrodial joint osteophytes reveals the presence solely of transcortical channels, while examination of 35 vertebral centra marginal osteophytes reveals the presence only of inverted cones. Findings are independent of age, gender, joint affected, position in the spinal column and osteophyte “severity.” It is now evidenced that all osteophytes are not created equal. Diarthrodial joint osteophytes are endochondrally derived; vertebral centra osteophytes, enthesial in derivation. Different pathophysiology at least partially explain the clinical character of these processes.
Ecomorphology of the cervid calcaneus as a proxy for paleoenvironmental reconstruction
Authors: Gruwier Ben J. , Kovarovic Kris 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis study presents new ecomorphological models for the cervid calcaneus that can be used to make predictions about the nature of ancient environments. Using geometric morphometrics to quantitatively assess the length of the articular surface supporting the malleolus, the length and orientation of the tuber calcanei, and the position of the articular facets, we aimed to establish correlations between morphological traits, locomotor behavior, and environmental parameters in extant cervids. The morphology of the calcaneus was found to primarily vary with locomotor strategy and habitat, along a continuum from habitats with an open vegetation structure to habitats with a closed vegetation structure. Confounding factors, including sexual dimorphism, allometry, and phylogeny were accounted for using Principal Component Analysis, regressions and phylogenetic comparative methods. The results of our analyses suggested that these factors did not substantially obscure habitat predictions. As such, the calcaneus provides a valuable proxy for paleoenvironmental reconstruction that is broadly applicable to Quaternary fossil assemblages with a sufficiently large sample of cervids.
Preservation of ILR and IFR aging classes in sums of dependent random variables
Authors: Navarro Jorge , Pellerey Franco 
Published: November 2021

AbstractClosure of aging classes with respect to sums is a relevant topic in different areas of applied probability. In the case of independent random variables (i.e., for convolutions) this preservation property has been proved in the literature for a number of classes such as the increasing in likelihood ratio (ILR) and the increasing failure rate (IFR) classes. These results were applied, for example, to sums of life lengths in reliability theory and to sums of incomes/returns in economic/risk studies. However, in many practical situations the independence assumption is unrealistic. In the present paper, we provide conditions such that these closure properties are satisfied by the ILR and IFR classes when the assumption of independence is dropped. The classical copula approach is used to model the dependence structure, but other dependence models, such as relevation transforms and load sharing models, are considered as well. Several illustrative examples and counterexamples show how to use the presented theoretical results and which preservation results do not hold.
Excessive and less complex body movement in children with autism during face‐to‐face conversation: An objective approach to behavioral quantification
Authors: Zhao Zhong , Tang Haiming , Alviar Camila , Kello Christopher T. , Zhang Xiaobin , Hu Xinyao , Qu Xingda , Lu Jianping 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe majority of existing studies investigating characteristics of overt social behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) relied on informants' evaluation through questionnaires and behavioral coding techniques. As a novelty, this study aimed to quantify the complex movements produced during social interactions in order to test differences in ASD movement dynamics and their convergence, or lack thereof, during social interactions. Twenty children with ASD and twenty‐three children with typical development (TD) were videotaped while engaged in a face‐to‐face conversation with an interviewer. An image differencing technique was utilized to extract the movement time series. Spectral analyses were conducted to quantify the average power of movement, and the fractal scaling of movement. The degree of complexity matching was calculated to capture the level of behavioral coordination between the interviewer and children. Results demonstrated that the average power was significantly higher (p < 0.01), and the fractal scaling was steeper (p < 0.05) in children with ASD, suggesting excessive and less complex movement as compared to the TD peers. Complexity matching occurred between children and interviewers, but there was no reliable difference in the strength of matching between the ASD and TD children. Descriptive trends in the interviewer's behavior suggest that her movements adapted to match both ASD and TD movements equally well. The findings of our study might shed light on seeking novel behavioral markers of ASD, and on developing automatic ASD screening techniques during daily social interactions.Lay SummaryBy implementing an objective behavioral quantifying technique, our study demonstrated that children with autism had more body movement during face‐to‐face conversation, and they moved in a less complex way. The current diagnosis of autism heavily relies on doctor's experiences. These findings suggest a potential that autism might be automatically screened during daily social interactions.
Identification of SNPs in hMSH3/MSH6 interaction domain affecting the structure and function of MSH2 protein
Authors: Singh Sidhartha , Sharma Siddharth , Baranwal Manoj 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMutS homolog 2 (MSH2) is a mismatch repair gene that plays a critical role in DNA repair pathways, and its mutations are associated with different cancers. The present study aimed to find out the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MSH2 protein associated with causing structural and functional changes leading to the development of cancer with the help of computational tools. Four different tools for predicting deleterious SNPs (SIFT, PROVEAN, PANTHER, and PolyPhen), two tools each for identifying disease association (PhD‐SNP and SNP&GO) and estimating stability (I‐mutant and MUPro) were employed. Homology modeling, energy minimization, and root mean square deviation calculation were used to estimate structural variations. Twenty‐seven SNPs and five SNPs (double amino acid change) were identified based on a consensus approach that might be associated with the structural and functional change in MSH2 protein. Molecular docking reveals that six SNPs affect the interaction of MSH2 and MSH6. Twelve identified SNPs were reported to be linked with hereditary nonpolyposis, colorectal cancer, and Lynch syndrome. Further, selected SNPs need to be validated in an in vitro system for their precise association with cancer predisposition.
Microstructure, morphology and physicochemical properties of nanocomposites containing hydroxyapatite/vivianite/graphene oxide for biomedical applications
Authors: El‐Naggar Mehrez E. , Abu Ali Ola A. , Saleh Dalia I. , Abu‐Saied M. A. , Ahmed M. K. , Abdel‐Fattah E. , Mansour S. F. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractDesigning a nanocomposite that accumulates biocompatibility and antimicrobial behaviour is an essential requirement for biomedical applications. Hydroxyapatite (HAP), graphene oxide, and vivianite in one ternary nanocomposite with three phases and shapes led to an increase in cell viability to 97.6% ± 4 for the osteoblast cells in vitro. The obtained nanocomposites were investigated for their structural features using X‐ray diffraction, while the microstructure features were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a transmission electron microscope. The analysis showed a decrease in the crystal size to 13 nm, while the HAP grains reached 30 nm. The elongated shape of vivianite reached 200 nm on SEM micrographs. The monoclinic and hexagonal crystal systems of HAP and vivianite were presented in the ternary nanocomposite. The maximum roughness peak height reached 236.1 nm for the ternary nanocomposite from 203.3 nm, while the maximum height of the roughness parameter reached 440.7 nm for the di‐nanocomposite of HAP/graphene oxide from 419.7 nm. The corrosion current density reached 0.004 μA/cm2. The ferrous (Fe2+) and calcium (Ca2+) ions released were measured and confirmed. Therefore, the morphology of the nanocomposites affected bacterial activity. This was estimated as an inhibition zone and reached 14.5 ± 0.9 and 13.4 ± 1.1 mm for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) after 24 h. The increase in viability and the antibacterial activity refer to the compatibility of the nanocomposite in different medical applications.
Intelligent self‐control of carbon metabolic flux in SecY‐engineered Escherichia coli for xylitol biosynthesis from xylose‐glucose mixtures
Authors: Guo Qiang , Ullah Irfan , Zheng Ling‐Jie , Gao Xin‐Quan , Liu Chen‐Yang , Zheng Hui‐Dong , Fan Li‐Hai , Deng Li 
Published: November 2021

AbstractXylitol is a salutary sugar substitute that has been widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. Co‐fermentation of xylose and glucose by metabolically engineered cell factories is a promising alternative to chemical hydrogenation of xylose for commercial production of xylitol. Here, we engineered a mutant of SecY protein‐translocation channel (SecY [ΔP]) in xylitol‐producing Escherichia coli JM109 (DE3) as a passageway for xylose uptake. It was found that SecY (ΔP) channel could rapidly transport xylose without being interfered by XylB‐catalyzed synthesis of xylitol‐phosphate, which is impossible for native XylFGH and XylE transporters. More importantly, with the coaction of SecY (ΔP) channel and carbon catabolite repression (CCR), the flux of xylose to the pentose phosphate (PP) pathway and the xylitol synthesis pathway in E. coli could be automatically controlled in response to glucose, thereby ensuring that the mutant cells were able to fully utilize sugars with high xylitol yields. The E. coli cell factory developed in this study has been proven to be applicable to a broad range of xylose‐glucose mixtures, which is conducive to simplifying the mixed‐sugar fermentation process for efficient and economical production of xylitol.
Electrophoretic deposition of polyaniline nanofibers on a stainless steel wire as an adsorbent for determination of tamoxifen by SPME/GC–FID in urine samples
Authors: Hoseinpour Kouhestany Reza , Tamaddon Atefeh , Ahmad Panahi Homayoon , Afshar Ebrahimi Arash , Amiri Rahebeh 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPolyaniline nanofiber films were fabricated on the surface of stainless steel wire via a controllable and simple electrophoretic deposition route from a nonaqueous colloidal suspension consisting of polyaniline nanofibers. The prepared coating material was then characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy and elemental mapping analysis. The fabricated polyaniline film‐coated stainless steel wire was then utilized as an effective and novel sorbent phase for solid‐phase microextraction of tamoxifen for subsequent gas chromatography/flame ionization detection of this anticancer drug. Parameters consisting of the temperature, extraction time, salt concentration, agitation speed, pH, temperature and time of desorption were studied and optimized using a one‐at‐a‐time strategy. Under the optimum conditions, detection limit (S/N = 3), the limit of quantification (10/3 limit of detection), linear dynamic range, repeatability and reproducibility values of 0.51 μg L−1, 1.7 μg L−1, 2–1,130 μg L−1, 5.7% and 8.6% were attained, respectively. The prepared fiber can preserve 90% of its efficacy after 20 consecutive cycles, demonstrating the suitable thermal stability and cyclability of the proposed solid‐phase microextraction coating material for the determination of tamoxifen by gas chromatography/flame ionization detection. The route was effectively utilized to determine tamoxifen in urine samples, with relative recoveries ranging from 89 to 106%.
Institutional logic for sustainable purchasing and supply management: Concepts, illustrations, and implications for business strategy
Authors: Silva Minelle E. , Nunes Breno 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAmidst the number of studies on sustainable purchasing and supply management (PSM), we have yet to learn how sustainability becomes a logic for organisations and their stakeholders. Thus, this paper offers an extended approach on the emergence of an institutional logic of sustainability (ILS). Our contribution includes the macro mechanisms supporting the robust and continuous adoption of an ILS for procurement. Three distinct trajectories of an ILS emerged from the literature, and their application to sustainable PSM is illustrated using real‐world examples. The trajectories rely upon the evolution of (1) institutional entrepreneurs or (2) PSM structures but also can happen through (3) the co‐evolution of both. By offering a conceptual model and a set of research propositions for future theory and empirical testing, this paper helps scholars and practitioners to advance their knowledge on managing purchasing departments according to sustainability values and making it a competitiveness factor. Lastly, this paper adds value to both implementation and formulation of sustainable business strategies as the application of our conceptual framework can lead to better strategic alignment of PSM practices.
Stakeholder engagement: Investors' environmental risk aversion and corporate earnings
Authors: Kyaw Khine , Olugbode Mojisola , Petracci Barbara 
Published: November 2021

AbstractHow does investors' aversion to environmental risk affect their reaction towards firms' earnings announcements? We explore this by analyzing earnings announcements made by U.S. firms between 2002 and 2016. The results show that environmental performance at the firm level is important for investors as this influences the investment behaviors of investors who have some degree of aversion to environmental risk. These investors appreciate the earnings by firms that exhibit a high level of environmental performance, i.e., firms that have successfully addressed environmental risks. However, earnings are of secondary importance for investors who are highly averse to environmental risk since environmental concerns take precedence.
Cervical lateral mass screw length analysis in men versus women
Authors: Morita Kohei , Ohashi Hiroki , Kawamura Daichi , Tani Satoshi , Karagiozov Kostadin , Murayama Yuichi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPosterior fixations with lateral mass screws have become popular. The Roy–Camille and the Magerl techniques have been established and screw length was identified as a particularly important element. Sex and ethnicity are significant factors in cervical spine morphology, but few studies have been performed for screw length. We performed measurements using computed tomography (CT) images of adult patients hospitalized for surgery of the cervical spine, with targeted 3D data analysis. The final number of patients was 47 (33 men, 14 women) and 235 vertebrae. With the Roy–Camille technique, the screw length was longest at C3 (men: 13.0 mm ± 1.9 mm, women: 13.0 mm ± 1.9 mm) and smallest at C7 (men: 10.8 mm ± 1.8 mm, women: 9.4 mm ± 1.2 mm). With the Magerl technique, the screw length was smallest at C3 (men: 14.8 mm ± 1.6 mm, women: 14.3 mm ± 1.6 mm) and longest at C7 for men (16.8 mm ± 2.8 mm), and at C6 for women (15.4 mm ± 3.0 mm). To differ from spinal canal or pedicle, cervical lateral mass showed no obvious morphological differences from that of subjects of other ethnicity. The placement of a standard lateral mass screw would not cause complications in Japanese patients, even with the use of devices designed in North America or Europe. However, the anatomical background is essential because it is important to optimize the selection for each patient to avoid complications considering sex and individual differences.