bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pebax‐based mixed matrix membranes loaded with graphene oxide/core shell ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67 nanocomposites improved CO2 permeability and selectivity
Authors: Liu Niu , Cheng Jun , Hou Wen , Yang Xiao , Zhou Junhu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn order to facilitate CO2 transport in Pebax‐based membranes, graphene oxide (GO)/core shell ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67 nanocomposites were loaded in Pebax copolymer to improve CO2 permeability and selectivity. The 0.5 wt% GO doped core shell ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67, which gave highest CO2 adsorption capacity of 1.12 mmol/g, was used as nanocomposite. The incorporated GO/core shell ZIF enhanced CO2 adsorption via unsaturated metal sites (Zn‐O or Co‐O), because O atoms in GO substituted for N atoms coordinated with Zn and Co single atoms in core shell ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy indicated that GO‐templated core shell ZIF nanocomposites generated extra free volume and provided low‐resistance channels to facilitate CO2 transport. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed that hydrogen bonds were generated between Pebax polymer chains and GO‐templated core shell ZIF which improved swelling resistance and reduced interface defects. Therefore, Pebax‐based MMMs loaded with 5 wt% GO/core shell ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67 exhibited optimum CO2 permeability (173.2 barrers) and ideal selectivity of CO2/N2 (61.9) and CO2/H2 (11.6), which were 99.7%, 66.4%, and 20.8% higher than Pebax membranes and surpass Robeson 2008 upper bound. The tensile strength increased by 17.6% to 28.8 MPa and elongation at break increased by 7.61%–554.6% when pure Pebax membranes were incorporated with 2.5 wt% GO/core shell ZIF‐8@ZIF‐67.
Fabrication and characterization of electrospun psyllium husk‐based nanofibers for tissue regeneration
Authors: Poddar Suruchi , Agarwal Piyush Sunil , Sahi Ajay Kumar , Varshney Neelima , Vajanthri Kiran Yellappa , Mahto Sanjeev Kumar 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe present study reports for first time the blending of psyllium husk (PH) powder/gelatin (G) in the polymer‐rich composition of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to make an electrospinnable solution. The composite was prepared in 3 different ratios viz., 100% (wt/wt) (PVA + PH), 75% + 25% (PVA + 75PH + 25G) (wt/wt) and 50% + 50% (PVA + 50PH + 50G) (wt/wt) in 6% PVA solution. Optimum electrospinning parameters were evaluated for all the prepared blends. The fabricated nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry, porosity percentage, and fiber orientation using ImageJ software. A qualitative in vitro degradation study at room temperature is supported by SEM images. The cellular interactions were characterized by MTT assay of NIH‐3T3 fibroblast cells for 2 and 4 days with an optimum cell growth of >50% by fourth day of culture and long‐term cultivation of L929‐RFP cells was observed for 10 days. The nanofibers were formed in the range of 49–600 nm. PVA + 75PH + 25G when cultured with L929‐RFP cells exhibited highest fluorescence intensity and thus supported cellular proliferation significantly. Based on the results obtained from various analyses, we anticipate that fabricated psyllium‐based nanofiber can be used as a promising candidate for wound healing and other biomedical applications.
Epoxidized soybean oil modified using fatty acids as tougheners for thermosetting epoxy resins: Part 1
Authors: Hu Fengshuo , Yadav Santosh Kumar , La Scala John J. , Throckmorton James , Palmese Giuseppe R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA series of bio‐rubber (BR) reactive tougheners for thermosetting epoxy resins was prepared by grafting renewable saturated fatty acids of different chain lengths (C6‐C14) onto epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) at varying molar ratios. The tunable nature of the BR systems derives from the architecture and functionality of naturally occurring molecules. Control of BR reactivity and molecular weight by varying the degree of grafting and the chain length of the fatty acid was demonstrated. The BR‐toughened samples were prepared by blending BRs with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), Epon 828, and stoichiometrically curing the mixture using an aromatic amine hardener, diethyl toluene diamine (Epikure W). Fracture surface morphology studies showed that tuning of phase separated particle sizes was possible depending on the BR type and weight fraction. The resulting toughening effect was evaluated by measuring the fracture toughness of control and toughened polymer samples. The use of BRs significantly improved the critical strain energy release rate and critical stress intensity factor values of thermosetting polymer samples without significantly reducing Tg and modulus. In addition to toughening and adding renewable content to petroleum‐based thermosetting epoxy systems these new tougheners have low viscosity compared to common alternatives and aid ease of processing.
Polyion complex micelles formed by azobenzene‐based polymer with multi‐responsive properties
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Li Jilu , Xie Hongmei , Zhu Aoqi , Xu Yiting , Zeng Birong , Luo Weiang , Dai Lizong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCompared with the single polymer micelle system, the polyion complex micellar system is consisted of two or more polymers with different composition, which has more flexible structural adjustment and better performance, making them widely used in drug control release. In this work, two azobenzene‐based amphiphilic copolymers P (MMA‐co‐PEGMA‐co‐NIPAM‐co‐HAZOMA) with ionized carboxyl and P (MMA‐co‐PEGMA‐co‐NIPAM‐co‐NNAZOMA) with protonated tertiary amine group were synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. We studied self‐assembled behavior of polymers and multi‐component polymers, including their multiple responsiveness and the encapsulation, controlled release properties of polyion complex micelle. Light, pH, temperature, and reduction responsiveness of three micelles were investigated by UV–vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and dynamic light scattering. Compared to RCP 1, and RCP 2, RCP 1/RCP 2 micelle can release Nile red in both acidic and alkaline environment. When temperature reached critical solution temperature, RCP 1/RCP 2 micelle would release Nile red faster. Polyion complex micelle had better release performance compared to single micelles at the same environment, and could release in a wider range pH, making it had more potential applications in biological science field.
Rheological behavior and morphology of poly(lactic acid)/low‐density polyethylene blends based on virgin and recycled polymers: Compatibilization with natural surfactants
Authors: Casamento Francesco , D'Anna Alessandra , Arrigo Rossella , Frache Alberto 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBlends based on poly(lactic acid) and low‐density polyethylene were compatibilized exploiting an innovative strategy involving the introduction of different mixtures of two sustainable liquid surfactants characterized by dissimilar hydrophilic–lipophilic ratios. The compatibilization method was first applied on blends made of virgin polymers, aiming at assessing the surfactant mixture inducing a more significant morphology refinement. Besides, to verify the effectiveness of the selected compatibilizers on recycled materials, the same process was carried out on blends based on reprocessed polymers. Interestingly, the compatibilization caused a significant microstructure modification, with a decrease of 54% of the mean size of the dispersed particles, in the case of virgin polymers‐based blends, with a consequent increase of 19% of the dynamic elastic modulus. On the other hand, in the case of reprocessed polymers‐based blends, a different compatibilizer efficiency was observed, as the noncompatibilized blend showed amore regular microstructure compared to the compatibilized counterpart.
Novel command to line of sight guidance with practical limitations
Authors: Ahi Behzad , Haeri Mohammad 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a novel scheme of command to line‐of‐sight guidance law regarding the outstanding practical limitations is proposed. With the aid of formulating problem in pursuer's line of sight frame, the exact feed‐forward acceleration commands are derived for a general target motion in three‐dimensional engagement geometry. Then, a nonlinear control scheme constructed from feed‐forward terms along with a nested saturated feedback strategy is suggested. Two momentous practical limitations are considered. The first is related to existence of pursuer's acceleration saturation which is ignored in all existing solutions. The required conditions to insure the global stability are derived regarding this inevitable constraint. The second is related to existence of guidance filter which is assumed to be ideal in existing literature. The importance of guidance filter is highlighted in the present work employing a cubature Kalman filter. The effectiveness of proposed scheme in comparison with the well‐known augmented proportional navigation law, with the absence and presence of guidance filter, autopilot dynamics and target maneuvers is illustrated through benchmark scenarios.
Prediction in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence
Authors: Cannon Jonathan , O'Brien Amanda M. , Bungert Lindsay , Sinha Pawan 
Published: February 2021

According to a recent influential proposal, several phenotypic features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be accounted for by differences in predictive skills between individuals with ASD and neurotypical individuals. In this systematic review, we describe results from 47 studies that have empirically tested this hypothesis. We assess the results based on two observable aspects of prediction: learning a pairing between an antecedent and a consequence and responding to an antecedent in a predictive manner. Taken together, these studies suggest distinct differences in both predictive learning and predictive response. Studies documenting differences in learning predictive pairings indicate challenges in detecting such relationships especially when predictive features of an antecedent have low salience or consistency, and studies showing differences in habituation and perceptual adaptation suggest low‐level predictive processing differences in ASD. These challenges may account for the observed differences in the influence of predictive priors, in spontaneous predictive movement or gaze, and in social prediction. An important goal for future research will be to better define and constrain the broad domain‐general hypothesis by testing multiple types of prediction within the same individuals. Additional promising avenues include studying prediction within naturalistic contexts and assessing the effect of prediction‐based intervention on supporting functional outcomes for individuals with ASD.Lay SummaryResearchers have suggested that many features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be explained by differences in the prediction skills of people with ASD. We review results from 47 studies. These studies suggest that ASD may be associated with differences in the learning of predictive pairings (e.g., learning cause and effect) and in low‐level predictive processing in the brain (e.g., processing repeated sounds). These findings lay the groundwork for research that can improve our understanding of ASD and inform interventions. Autism Res 2021, 14: 604–630. © 2021 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC
Early‐lifeexposure to alcohol and the risk ofalcohol‐inducedliver disease in adulthood
Authors: Asiedu Bernice , Nyakudya Trevor Tapiwa , Lembede Busisani Wiseman , Chivandi Eliton 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAlcohol consumption remains prevalent among pregnant and nursing mothers despite the well‐documented adverse effects this may have on the offspring. Moderate‐to‐high levels of alcohol consumption in pregnancy result in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) disorders, with brain defects being chief among the abnormalities. Recent findings indicate that while light‐to‐moderate levels may not cause FAS, it may contribute to epigenetic changes that make the offspring prone to adverse health outcomes including metabolic disorders and an increased propensity in the adolescent‐onset of drinking alcohol. On the one hand, prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes epigenetic changes that affect lipid and glucose transcript regulating genes resulting in metabolic abnormalities. On the other hand, it can program offspring for increased alcohol intake, enhance its palatability, and increase acceptance of alcohol's flavor through associative learning, making alcohol a plausible second hit for the development of alcohol‐induced liver disease. Adolescent drinking results in alcohol dependence and abuse in adulthood. Adolescent drinking results in alcohol dependence and abuse in adulthood. Alterations on the opioid system, particularly, the mu‐opioid system, has been implicated in the mechanism that induces increased alcohol consumption and acceptance. This review proposes a mechanism that links PAE to the development of alcoholism and eventually to alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which results from prolonged alcohol consumption. While PAE may not lead to ALD development in childhood, there are chances that it may lead to ALD in adulthood.
Relation between glycosidic linkage, structure and dynamics of α‐ and β‐glucans in water
Authors: Peesapati Sruthi , Sajeevan Karuna Anna , Patel Siddhant Kumar , Roy Durba 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn a molecular dynamics simulation study of several oligosaccharides comprising of the very basic building block of carbohydrate, the α‐ or β‐d glucopyranose units, linked by any one of the 1‐3/1‐4 or 1‐6 glycosidic linkages, we compare and contrast their structural and dynamical properties. Results indicate that the litheness of the oligosaccharide chain is noticeably controlled by the composition, anomeric nature and glycosidic linkage type of the units. In mixed β 1‐4/1‐3 d‐glucopyranosides, as those found in oats and barley, the ratio of the β 1‐4 and β 1‐3 linked residues is crucial in determining the structural and dynamical attributes. Principal component analysis (PCA) using the internal coordinates of torsion angles subtended by glycosidic oxygen atoms and subsequent K‐means clustering of the dynamical space spanned by PC1 to PC2 point to the dynamical and structural disparity in the various types of oligosaccharides studied. The properties simulated in this work are meant to provide a systematic yet comparative understanding of the importance of linkage and anomericity on the oligosaccharide chain properties and are in line with some experimental structural attributes.
Cross‐national differences in stakeholder management: Applying institutional theory and comparative capitalism framework
Authors: Kumar Kamalesh , Boesso Giacomo , Batra Rishtee , Yao Jun 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDrawing upon the research in institutional theory and comparative capitalism, the present study investigates how cross‐national differences in the political, business, and economic institutional contexts of the United States, Italy, and Japan are associated with the ways in which companies in each of these countries prioritize and engage in their stakeholder engagement activities (SEAs). Using Porter and Kramer's framework, which classifies corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities as falling into four categories (good citizenship, mitigating harm from value chain, transforming value chain activities, and strategic philanthropy), we investigate how companies in the United States, Japan, and Italy prioritize and engage in these four SEAs. An analysis of data collected from 340 companies across these countries reveals that while companies in each of these three countries undertake the four types of SEAs, the prioritization and prevalence of the four types of SEAs vary from one country to the other, in ways that align with the prevailing institutional contexts of each country. The results contribute to a more nuanced understanding of why and how companies' approaches to CSR differ across countries. From a practitioner's perspective, the findings highlight the cultural specificity of CSR, implying that despite the global nature of CSR, the implementation of CSR needs to be tailored to a country's context.
Cell therapies in the clinic
Authors: Wang Lily Li‐Wen , Janes Morgan E. , Kumbhojkar Ninad , Kapate Neha , Clegg John R. , Prakash Supriya , Heavey Mairead K. , Zhao Zongmin , Anselmo Aaron C. , Mitragotri Samir 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCell therapies have emerged as a promising therapeutic modality with the potential to treat and even cure a diverse array of diseases. Cell therapies offer unique clinical and therapeutic advantages over conventional small molecules and the growing number of biologics. Particularly, living cells can simultaneously and dynamically perform complex biological functions in ways that conventional drugs cannot; cell therapies have expanded the spectrum of available therapeutic options to include key cellular functions and processes. As such, cell therapies are currently one of the most investigated therapeutic modalities in both preclinical and clinical settings, with many products having been approved and many more under active clinical investigation. Here, we highlight the diversity and key advantages of cell therapies and discuss their current clinical advances. In particular, we review 28 globally approved cell therapy products and their clinical use. We also analyze >1700 current active clinical trials of cell therapies, with an emphasis on discussing their therapeutic applications. Finally, we critically discuss the major biological, manufacturing, and regulatory challenges associated with the clinical translation of cell therapies.
Head‐mounted display‐based virtual reality systems in engineering education: A review of recent research
Authors: Huang Wen , Roscoe Rod D. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEngineering education refers to developing an understanding of the principles, methods, and ways of thinking that underlie engineering, and preparing students and engineers for productive engineering careers. The purpose of this review is to explore how head‐mounted display‐based virtual reality (HMD VR) can contribute to these goals. Historically, engineering has not been a focus for VR in education. However, recent technical advances and decreasing prices are driving a growing public interest in applying HMD VR in this field. This article reviews 47 publications on this topic, primarily appearing from 2015 to May of 2020. The literature reveals that engineering researchers and instructors have broadly explored the potential of HMD VR in organized engineering instruction and training. However, rigorous evaluation appears to be somewhat lacking in the reviewed research, and most studies are conducted in a small‐scale laboratory setting. Nonetheless, HMD VR seems to be able to motivate students to learn and it is perceived to be useful in engineering education. Researchers are recommended to explore the methods of using HMD VR to facilitate lifelong learning, especially for the retraining and re‐employment of engineers who seek to change careers or collaborate with researchers in different disciplines. Engineering instructors may benefit from professional development that focuses on student‐centered pedagogies and skills attuned to the latest HMD VR systems.
A remote emulation environment for the teaching of low‐power wireless communications
Authors: Chaves Pedro R. , Assumpção Raphael M. , Ferreira Luiz C. , Cardieri Paulo , Branquinho Omar C. , Fruett Fabiano 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe Covid‐19 pandemic has brought about new challenges to educational institutions around the world, as there has been a sudden interest in distance‐learning solutions in the offering of disciplines, including the science and technology ones. Distance‐learning will have a direct impact on the training of professionals that will develop the bespoke Internet of Things (IoT) solutions that homes, offices, companies, and cities are increasingly dependent on. Regardless, the training for IoT needs to consider the particularities of wireless communications, as it is essential to guarantee communication in any IoT solution. However, this training is hindered by the difficulty of conducting remote experiments that reproduce the wireless channel behavior. Besides, learning the main theoretical concepts of wireless connectivity would be facilitated by the adoption of practical methods centered on the student, the so‐called inductive training methods. This paper presents a remote, low cost, open‐source network emulation environment capable of reproducing the behavior of nonguided, low‐power links under different configurations. The emulation environment incorporates inductive approaches in the experimentation with wireless connectivity while following a consolidated project methodology. This environment was offered at a postgraduate course in the first semester of 2020. An end of course survey with the students indicated that the environment contributed to the comprehension of the principles governing the over‐the‐air connectivity. The evidence suggests that this remote environment is a useful tool for academic investigations of the particularities of low‐power wireless channels.
Recent Advances in MXene‐based Separation Membranes
Authors: Ahmed Zubair , Rehman Faisal , Ali Umeed , Ali Akbar , Iqbal Muzaffar , Thebo Khalid Hussain 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTwo‐dimensional (2D) materials with unique atomic thickness are promising candidate for high performance separation membrane. Several 2D materials such as graphene, graphene oxide (GO), metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent frameworks (COFs), transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), etc have been studied as a separation membrane due to their outstanding properties such as high mechanical strength, large surface area, good chemical and thermal stability, ease of functionalization, and hydrophilic surface. Recently, transition metal carbide also known as MXene, a new member of layered membrane family has attended significant interest in water purification, desalination, gas separation, and pervaporation. Herein, the most recent advances in 2D MXene‐based membranes from both experimental and computational aspects are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on materials' structures, properties, fabrication methods, and potential applications in membrane technology. Finally, this review closes with several recommendation and new directions in this research area.
Massive sacrococcygeal teratoma in a preterm infant
Authors: Maneira‐Sousa Pedro , Rocha Gustavo , Soares Paulo , Arnet Vanessa , Guimarães Susana , Fragoso Ana Catarina , Ramalho Carla , Costa Estevão , Guimarães Hercília 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn extreme preterm infants, massive congenital sacrococcygeal teratomas with great hemodynamic commitment may be a situation for limitation of care.
Medulloblastoma in the cerebellopontine angle mimicking a schwannoma
Authors: Thanh Dung Le , Minh Duc Nguyen 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe typical distinction between cerebellopontine angle (CPA) medulloblastoma and other primary CPA tumors was not fully known. While CPA medulloblastoma is very uncommon, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with CPA tumors.
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation associated with a moderate form of COVID‐19 in a middle‐aged man with low cardiovascular risk factor: More still needs to be done in this topic
Authors: Temgoua Mazou Ngou , Chanseaume Sylvain , Hilic Enver , Karamoko Kane , Tochie Joel Noutakdie , Beyina Gislain , Camus Lise , Chanseaume Alexandra , Alexandru Mischie , Benfreha Khaled , Diallo Nouhoun , Eschalier Romain 
Published: February 2021

AbstractStrict monitoring of the heart rhythm in patients with COVID‐19 even nonsevere case and patient with low cardiovascular risk factors is very important to prevent fatal outcomes.