bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generation of nylon copolymer reinforced with carbon nanotubes and thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers for use in fused filament fabrication
Authors: Han Jier Y. , Chen Tianran , Baird Donald G. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMultiscale thermoplastic composites consisting of nylon copolymer (PAc) reinforced with thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (TLCP) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were generated in the form of strands and then processed via fused filament fabrication (FFF). The tensile modulus and strength of the laid‐up strands were found to be similar to those reported for polymer reinforced with nearly continuous carbon fibers. In this paper, 1 wt% CNTs were discovered to significantly enhance tensile properties of a nylon copolymer (PAc) reinforced with 20, 30, and 40 wt% TLCP wholly thermoplastic composite (WTC). The WTC filaments were then laid down via fused filament fabrication (FFF). Based on the previous work carried out in our lab, 1 wt% CNTs were the crucial concentration to efficiently enhance carbon fiber (CF) reinforced multiscale composites. The deagglomerated CNT dispersion in the WTCs was accomplished by using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). The effects of TLCP concentration and printing patterns in the lay‐down processes were explored. The most improvement in tensile properties due to the 1 wt% addition of CNTs was observed to be for the 20 wt% TLCP/1 wt% CNTs/PAc samples. The resulting composite filaments exhibited 225% and 80% improvement in the tensile modulus and strength, respectively, compared to the wholly thermoplastic composites (WTCs) without CNTs. In addition, 40 wt% TLCP/1 wt% CNT/PAc 3D printed specimens with filaments laid parallel to the printing direction exhibited excellent tensile modulus and strength of 38.92 GPa and 127.16 MPa, respectively. The measured tensile modulus of 40 wt% TLCP reinforced WTC is even higher than the reported 69 wt% long glass fiber (LGF) or 26 wt% long carbon fiber (LCF) reinforced nylon in fused filament fabrication with the same printing pattern.
The role of interface on dynamic mechanical properties, dielectric performance, conductivity, and thermal stability of electrospun carbon nanofibers reinforced epoxy
Authors: Aziz Iram , Duran Hatice , Saleem Murtaza , Yameen Basit , Arshad Salman Noshear 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPolymer nanocomposites containing pristine (PCNF) and amine‐functionalized (NFCNF) electrospun carbon nanofibers were fabricated. The amine‐terminated functional groups on CNFs, with a surface coverage of 2.76 mmol/g, react with the epoxy monomers forming covalent linkages for better dispersion and stronger interface. The improved load transfer resulted in an improvement of 82% in storage modulus (rubbery region~70°C) and 20°C increase in the glass transition temperature for 1 wt% NFCNF‐epoxy. Tensile strength and modulus improves by 22% and 27%, respectively, for 2 wt% NFCNF‐epoxy. The thermal stability, dielectric properties and AC/DC conductivity are discussed in terms of the interfacial characteristics. These results highlight the potential of electrospun CNFs as structural and functional reinforcement.
Unique combination of spatial and temporal control of maleic anhydride plasma polymerization
Authors: Jebali Syrine , Airoudj Aissam , Ferreira Isabelle , Hegemann Dirk , Roucoules Vincent , Gall Florence Bally‐Le 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe chemical properties of plasma polymers strongly depend on the operating conditions of plasma polymerization and impact their final application. Low‐pressure pulsed plasma polymerization of maleic anhydride was investigated at different positions from the glow discharge in a unique 1‐m‐long reactor. Based on a macroscopic approach, the growth kinetics of maleic anhydride plasma polymerization was investigated, leading to the identification of three growth regimes. The calculation of apparent activation energies associated with each regime and each position and the chemical characterization of polymer films by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection–Fourier‐transform infrared as well as optical emission spectroscopy analyses of plasma species formed during deposition strongly indicate a combined spatial and temporal influence on the plasma polymerization kinetics.
Ethical considerations of urban ecological design and planning experiments
Authors: Pataki Diane E. , Santana Carlos G. , Hinners Sarah J. , Felson Alexander J. , Engebretson Jesse 
Published: June 2021

Societal Impact StatementIt is increasingly common for plant scientists and urban planning and design professionals to collaborate on interdisciplinary teams that integrate scientific experiments into public and social urban spaces. However, neither the procedural ethics that govern scientific experimentation, nor the professional ethics of urban design and planning practice, fully account for the possible impacts of urban ecological experiments on local residents and communities. Scientists that participate in design and planning teams act as decision‐makers, and must expand their domain of ethical consideration accordingly. Conversely, practitioners who engage in ecological experiments take on the moral responsibilities inherent in generation of knowledge. To avoid potential harm to human and non‐human inhabitants of cities while maintaining scientific and professional integrity in research and practice, an integrated ethical framework is needed for urban ecological planning and design.SummaryWhile there are many ethical and procedural guidelines for scientists who wish to inform decision‐making and public policy, urban ecologists are increasingly embedded in planning and design teams to integrate scientific measurements and experiments into urban landscapes. These scientists are not just informing decision‐making – they are themselves acting as decision‐makers. As such, researchers take on additional moral obligations beyond scientific procedural ethics when designing and conducting ecological design and planning experiments. We describe the growing field of urban ecological design and planning and present a framework for expanding the ethical considerations of socioecological researchers and urban practitioners who collaborate on interdisciplinary teams. Drawing on existing ethical frameworks from a range of disciplines, we outline possible ways in which ecologists, social scientists, and practitioners should expand the traditional ethical considerations of their work to ensure that urban residents, communities, and non‐human entities are not harmed as researchers and practitioners carry out their individual obligations to clients, municipalities, and scientific practice. We present an integrated framework to aid in the development of ethical codes for research, practice, and education in integrated urban ecology, socioenvironmental sciences, and design and planning.
A narrative review of diaphragmatic ultrasound in pediatric critical care
Authors: Weber Mark D. , Lim Joel K. B. , Glau Christie , Conlon Thomas , James Richard , Lee Jan Hau 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe use of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) at the bedside has increased dramatically within emergency medicine and in critical care. Applications of POCUS have spread to include diaphragmatic assessments in both adults and children. Diaphragm POCUS can be used to assess for diaphragm dysfunction (DD) and atrophy or to guide ventilator titration and weaning. Quantitative, semi‐quantitative and qualitative measurements of diaphragm thickness, diaphragm excursion, and diaphragm thickening fraction provide objective data related to DD and atrophy. The potential for quick, noninvasive, and repeatable bedside diaphragm assessments has led to a growing amount of literature on diaphragm POCUS. To date, there are no reviews of the current state of diaphragm POCUS in pediatric critical care. The aims of this narrative review are to summarize the current literature regarding techniques, reference values, applications, and future innovations of diaphragm POCUS in critically ill children. A summary of current practice and future directions will be discussed.
Mode of action and efficacy of quinolinic acid for the control of Ceratocystis fimbriata on sweet potato
Authors: Chen Ying , Zhou Yi‐Dong , Laborda Pablo , Wang Hai‐Lin , Wang Rui , Chen Xian , Liu Feng‐Quan , Yang Dong‐Jing , Wang Su‐Yan , Shi Xin‐Chi , Laborda Pedro 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDCeratocystis fimbriata is a hazardous fungal pathogen able to cause black rot disease on sweet potato. The management of C. fimbriata strongly relies on the use of toxic fungicides, and there is a lack of efficient alternative strategies.RESULTSThe antifungal properties of quinolinic acid (QA) were studied for the first time, indicating that QA shows selective antifungal activity against C. fimbriata. QA inhibited completely the mycelial growth of C. fimbriata at less than 0.8 mg mL–1 concentration (pH 4), and was able to produce alterations in the fungal cell wall, and to impede spore agglutination and mycelium formation. QA significantly reduced the concentration of ergosterol, and was able to associate to iron (II), suggesting that QA may be a lanosterol 14‐α demethylase inhibitor. In preventive applications, QA reduced the disease incidence of C. fimbriata on sweet potato by 75%, achieving higher control efficacy in comparison with commercial fungicides prochloraz and carbendazim.CONCLUSIONSThe first selective antifungal agent against C. fimbriata was discovered in this work, and showed suitable antifungal properties for the management of black rot disease. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
An ALA122THR substitution in the AHAS/ALS gene confers imazamox‐resistance in Aegilops cylindrica
Authors: Rodriguez Jeanette , Hauvermale Amber , Carter Arron , Zuger Rachel , Burke Ian C 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDWheat growers have limited herbicide options to manage Aegilops cylindrica Host (jointed goatgrass), with many relying on mesosulfuron or imazamox in Clearfield™ winter wheat. Both imazamox and mesosulfuron inhibit acetohydroxyacid synthase/acetolactate synthase (AHAS/ALS). In 2015, a suspected imazamox resistant biotype of Ae. cylindrica was found in eastern Washington.RESULTSImazamox and mesosulfuron were applied to the suspected resistant and susceptible Ae. cylindrica biotypes in increasing application rates to evaluate herbicide dose needed to cause 50% growth reduction (GR50). The imazamox resistant biotype had a GR50 of 308.5 g ai ha−1 and was more than 5000 times more resistant to imazamox than a known susceptible biotype with a GR50 of 0.06 g ai ha−1. The Ae. cylindrica resistant biotype was also resistant to mesosulfuron, with an GR50 of 46.82 g ai ha−1, which was five times more than the susceptible GR50 of 8.6 g ai ha−1. Sequencing of the AHAS/ALS gene revealed an Ala122Thr substitution in the herbicide binding region of the AHAS/ALS gene on the D genome of Ae. cylindrica. The resistance trait was inherited as a dominant trait, and the Ala122Thr co‐segregates with the resistance phenotype.CONCLUSIONSAn Ala122Thr substitution in the AHAS/ALS gene on the D genome of Ae. cylindrica confers resistance to imazamox in Ae. cylindrica. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Evaluating the success of treatments that slow spread of an invasive insect pest
Authors: Walter Jonathan A , Rodenberg Clare A , Stovall Atticus E L , Nunez‐Mir Gabriela C , Onufrieva Ksenia S , Johnson Derek M 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDTreatments for the suppression and eradication of insect populations undergo substantial testing to ascertain their efficacy and safety, but the generally limited spatial and temporal scope of such studies limit knowledge of how contextual factors encountered in operational contexts shape the relative success of pest management treatments. These contextual factors potentially include ecological characteristics of the treated area, or the timing of treatments relative to pest phenology and weather events. We used an extensive database on over 1000 treatments of nascent populations of Lymantria dispar (L.) (gypsy moth) to examine how place‐based and time‐varying conditions shape the success of management treatments.RESULTSWe found treatment success to vary across states and years, and to be highest in small treatment blocks that are isolated from other populations. In addition, treatment success tended to be lower in treatment blocks with open forest canopies, possibly owing to challenges of effectively distributing treatments in these areas.CONCLUSIONSOur findings emphasize the importance of monitoring for early detection of nascent gypsy moth colonies in order to successfully slow the spread of the invasion. Additionally, operations research should address best practices for effectively treating with patchy and open forest canopies. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Robotic versus laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies: A systematic review and meta‐analysis on costs and perioperative outcome
Authors: Di Martino Marcello , Caruso Riccardo , D'Ovidio Angelo , Núñez‐Alfonsel Javier , Burdió Pinilla Fernando , Quijano Collazo Yolanda , Vicente Emilio , Ielpo Benedetto 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimThe aim of this meta‐analysis is to compare perioperative outcomes and costs of robotic and laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (RDP and LDP).Material and methodsIn accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, we searched Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane and Web of Science for reports published before December 2020.ResultsThe literature search identified 11 papers (1 187 patients). RDP showed a lower conversion rate (odds ratio: 2.56, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.31 to 5.00) with no significant differences in bleeding and operative time, complications ≥ Clavien–Dindo grade III, pancreatic fistulas and length of stay. Despite RDP presenting higher costs in all included studies, none of these differences were significant. However, RDP showed higher total costs than LDP (standardized mean differences [SMD]: −1.18, 95% CI: −1.97 to −0.39). A subgroup analysis according to the continent of origin showed that studies coming from Asian research groups kept showing significant differences (SMD: −2.62, 95% CI: −3.38 to −1.85), while Western groups did not confirm these findings.ConclusionBased on low‐quality evidence, despite some potential technical advantages, RDP still seems to be costlier than LDP.
Distributed Nash equilibrium learning: A second‐order proximal algorithm
Authors: Pan Wei , Lu Yu , Jia Zehua , Zhang Weidong 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis article addresses the distributed Nash equilibrium (NE) seeking problem for multiagent networked games with partial decision information. We employ a quadratically approximated alternating direction method of multipliers together with an augmented consensus procedure to compute the NE of games with twice differentiable cost functions. The resulting second‐order proximal algorithm enjoys relatively fast convergence rate and less burden on step size selection compared with the existing works. Numerical simulations are consistent with our theoretical analysis.
Normal forms and internal regularization of nonlinear differential‐algebraic control systems
Authors: Chen Yahao , Trenn Stephan , Respondek Witold 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this article, we propose two normal forms for nonlinear differential‐algebraic control systems (DACSs) under external feedback equivalence, using a notion called maximal controlled invariant submanifold. The two normal forms simplify the system structures and facilitate understanding the various roles of variables for nonlinear DACSs. Moreover, we study when a given nonlinear DACS is internally regularizable, that is, when there exists a state feedback transforming the DACS into a differential‐algebraic equation (DAE) with internal regularity, the latter notion is closely related to the existence and uniqueness of solutions of DAEs. We also revise a commonly used method in DAE solution theory, called the geometric reduction method. We apply this method to DACSs and formulate it as an algorithm, which is used to construct maximal controlled invariant submanifolds and to find internal regularization feedbacks. Two examples of mechanical systems are used to illustrate the proposed normal forms and to show how to internally regularize DACSs.
Online inverse reinforcement learning for nonlinear systems with adversarial attacks
Authors: Lian Bosen , Xue Wenqian , Lewis Frank L. , Chai Tianyou 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn the inverse reinforcement learning (RL) problem, there are two agents. A learner agent seeks to mimic another expert agent's state and control input behavior trajectories by observing the expert's behavior trajectories. These observations are used to reconstruct the unknown expert's performance objective. This article develops novel inverse RL algorithms to solve the inverse RL problem in which both agents suffer from adversarial attacks and have continuous‐time nonlinear dynamics. We first propose an offline inverse RL algorithm for the learner to reconstruct unknown expert's performance objective. This offline inverse RL algorithm is based on the technique of integral RL (IRL) and only needs partial knowledge of the system dynamics. The algorithm has two learning stages: an optimal control learning stage first and a second learning stage based on inverse optimal control. Then, based on the offline algorithm, an online inverse RL algorithm is further developed to solve the inverse RL problem in real time without knowing the system drift dynamics. This online adaptive learning method consists of simultaneous adaptation of four neural networks (NNs): a critic NN, an actor NN, an adversary NN, and a state penalty NN. Convergence of the algorithms as well as the stability of the learner system and the synchronous tuning NNs are guaranteed. Simulation examples verify the effectiveness of the online method.
Impact of nitrogen management and tillage practices on nitrous oxide emissions from rainfed corn
Authors: Arango Miguel A. , Rice Charles W. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMore than 85% of anthropogenic N2O emissions are associated with N enrichment of agricultural soils. Improving management strategies can reduce N2O emissions in agricultural systems by limiting optimal soil N and water conditions for the production of N2O. The objective of this study was to assess N2O emissions from different N management strategies under long‐term tillage systems. Two N management strategies were evaluated: (a) source (compost and urea) and (b) placement (broadcast and surface‐banded application of urea under conventional till and no‐till systems). Overall, soil N2O emissions were affected by the availability of inorganic N and precipitation rather than tillage. Conventional till and no‐till emissions were not significantly different. Banded application of N increased overall N2O emissions by 30% compared with broadcast N application without affecting yield and N uptake. In general, synthetic N fertilizers increased N2O emissions more than organic fertilizers, but organic fertilizer characteristics, such as the carbon content, could increase emissions.
Structural Design Strategy and Active Site Regulation of High‐Efficient Bifunctional Oxygen Reaction Electrocatalysts for Zn–Air Battery
Authors: Liu Xu , Zhang Guangying , Wang Lei , Fu Honggang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractZinc–air batteries (ZABs) exhibit high energy density as well as flexibility, safety, and portability, thereby fulfilling the requirements of power batteries and consumer batteries. However, the limited efficiency and stability are still the significant challenge. Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are two crucial cathode reactions in ZABs. Development of bifunctional ORR/OER catalysts with high efficiency and well stability is critical to improve the performance of ZABs. In this review, the ORR and OER mechanisms are first explained. Further, the design principles of ORR/OER electrocatalysts are discussed in terms of atomic adjustment mechanism and structural design in conjunction with the latest reported in situ characterization techniques, which provide useful insights on the ORR/OER mechanisms of the catalyst. The improvement in the energy efficiency, stability, and environmental adaptability of the new hybrid ZAB by the inclusion of additional reaction, including the introduction of transition‐metal redox couples in the cathode and the addition of modifiers in the electrolyte to change the OER pathway, is also summarized. Finally, current challenges and future research directions are presented.
Tuning the Chemical Properties of Co–Ti3C2Tx MXene Materials for Catalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Ma Jun , Jiang Qian , Zhou Yanan , Chu Wei , Perathoner Siglinda , Jiang Chengfa , Wu Kuang‐Hsu , Centi Gabriele , Liu Yuefeng 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMXenes, a novel family of 2D materials, are energy materials that have gained considerable attention, particularly for their catalytic applications in emerging areas such as CO2 and N2 hydrogenation. Herein, for the first time, it is shown that the surface reducibility of Ti3C2Tx MXene can be tuned by N doping, which induces a change in the catalytic properties of supported Co nanoparticles. Pristine Co–Ti3C2Tx MXene favors CO production during CO2 hydrogenation, whereas CH4 production is favored when the MXene is subjected to simple N doping. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveal that surface rutile TiO2 nanoparticles appear on the Ti3C2Tx support upon N doping, which interact strongly with the supported Co nanoparticles. This interaction alters the reducibility of the supported Co nanoparticles at the interface with the TiO2 nanoparticles, shifting the product selectivity from CO to CH4. This study successfully showcases a practical strategy, based on surface chemistry modulation of 2D MXenes, for regulating product distribution in CO2 hydrogenation.
NIR‐II Photoacoustic Reporter for Biopsy‐Free and Real‐Time Assessment of Wilson's Disease
Authors: Fu Qinrui , Ye Jiamin , Wang Juejun , Liao Naishun , Feng Hongjuan , Su Lichao , Ge Xiaoguang , Yang Huanghao , Song Jibin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWilson's disease (WD) is a rare inherited disorder of copper metabolism with pathological copper hyperaccumulation in some vital organs. However, the clinical diagnosis technique of WD is complicated, aggressive, and time‐consuming. In this work, a novel ratiometric photoacoustic (PA) imaging nanoprobe in the NIR‐II window is developed to achieve noninvasive, rapid, and accurate Cu2+ quantitative detection in vitro and in vivo. The nanoprobe consists of Cu2+‐responsive IR970 dye and a nonresponsive palladium‐coated gold nanorod (AuNR‐Pd), achieving a concentration‐dependent ratiometric PA970/PA1260 signal change. The urinary Cu2+ content is detectable within minutes down to a detection limit of 76 × 10−9 m. This report acquisition time is several orders of magnitude shorter than those of existing detection approaches requiring complex procedure. Moreover, utilizing the ratiometric PA nanoprobe, PA imaging enables biopsy‐free measurement of the liver Cu2+ content and visualization of the liver Cu2+ biodistribution of WD patient, which avoid the body injury during the clinical Cu2+ test using liver biopsy method. The NIR‐II ratiometric PA detection method is simple and noninvasive with super precision, celerity, and simplification, which holds great promise as an alternative to liver biopsy for clinical diagnosis of WD.