bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Poly (Butylene Adipate‐Co‐Terephthalate) (PBAT) – Based Biocomposites: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Itabana Blessing E. , Mohanty Amar K. , Dick Phil , Sain Mohini , Bali Atul , Tiessen Mike , Lim Loong‐Tak , Misra Manjusri 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWith the issue of plastic waste persisting and the need for more sustainable solutions to the ever‐increasing demand for lightweight and durable plastic products, this review has become imminent and compelling. Poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) is a biodegradable polymer with exceptional film‐forming ability resembling those of low‐density polyethylene. PBAT has a huge advantage for packaging applications due to its remarkably high elongation at break, giving it a good processing window for its application in packaging. However, certain defiant intrinsic properties stand in the way of its full commercialization. The development of blends and biocomposites of PBAT has, therefore, become imperative for complementing its properties and producing a superior material. This paper focuses on the recent developments in preparing PBAT‐based blends and biocomposites with superior mechanical, barrier, and antimicrobial properties and, most importantly, has also investigated how the development of these blends and biocomposites impacts the biodegradation rate of PBAT. It also highlights the possible synthesis of bio‐based PBAT and the commercialization, market trends, and prospects of PBAT‐based materials for flexible, rigid packaging, and other industrial applications compared with biodegradable alternatives.
Diffusion Behavior of Organic Solvents in Graphene Oxide/Nano Silica Hybrid Natural Rubber Latex Nanocomposite: Experimental and Theoretical Approach
Authors: Velayudhan Prajitha , Paduvilan Jibin Keloth , VK Abitha , Sidhardhan Sisanth Krishnagehum , Thomas Sabu 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study explores the impact of a graphene oxide (GO)/nano silica (NS) hybrid (GO/NS) filler on the diffusion characteristics of natural rubber (NR) composites when exposed to toluene, xylene, and hexane solvents. The lowest solvent uptake is observed for NR GO/NS 3 (3 phr), which is attributed to forming a robust filler network within the composite. The calculation of crosslink density using the Flory‐Rehner equation reveals significantly higher values for NR GO/NS 3, indicating good crosslinking density in the presence of the hybrid filler. Furthermore, molecular mass between crosslinks (Mc) is calculated, demonstrating a favorable fit with the Affine model. The investigation extends to theoretical modeling, where the Korsemeyer–Peppas and Peppas–Sahlin models are employed to predict solvent uptake behavior. Strikingly, the experimental values exhibit a strong alignment with the Peppas–Sahlin model. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the diffusion behavior of graphene oxide/nano silica (GO/NS) hybrid‐reinforced natural rubber latex in organic solvents, highlighting potential applications in areas such as solvent‐resistant coatings, barrier materials for chemical storage, and enhanced performance in protective gloves and seals used in harsh chemical environments.
Filtration Performance of Biodegradable Electrospun Nanofibrous Membrane for Sub‐Micron Particles: A Systematic Review
Authors: Keyvani Sepideh , Golbabaei Farideh , Neisiany Rasoul Esmaeely , Das Oisik , Pourmand Mohammad Reza , Kalantary Saba 
Published: October 2024

AbstractNanofiber membranes receive considerable interest recently because of their distinctive structural features, facile preparation, as well as high filtering efficiency. Due to ever‐increasing air pollution, membranes made from biodegradable materials can play a crucial part in providing purified air with minimum concerns of environmental issues after the membrane's end of service life. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the performance of biodegradable electrospun nanofibrous membrane filters toward air sub‐micron particles. To identify relevant studies, a systematic search is carried out in major scientific search engines including PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science. Data extraction is used to collect the necessary information on the membranes' structural properties, as well as filtration performance metrics such as efficiency, pressure drop, and quality factor. Among the electrospun membranes derived from biodegradable polymers, the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐based electrospun membranes are more effective in filtration efficiency in capturing sub‐micron particles. The results highlight that these types of membranes are effective in filtration with low energy consumption, making them more apt for air purification. The use of such membranes can supply both high filtering performance and protection of the environment.
A Facile Method in Fabricating Flexible Conductive Composites with Large‐Size Segregated Structures for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: He Liang , Chen Yang , Shao Xiaoming , Yao Qiyuan , Feng Ding , Yin Lijie , Wang Wencai 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTo resist the plastic deformation of polymer particles during hot press molding, high molecular weights, and moduli are required for composites with segregated structures, thus the prepared composites exhibit poor flexibility. Also, larger particle sizes can bring lower percolation thresholds while the ensuing greater deformation destroys the conductive network. Moreover, segregated composites still face preparation complexities. Herein, a facile method for developing flexible composites with large‐size segregated structures is proposed. First, silver‐coated polydopamine‐modified reduced graphene oxide (Ag@PrGO), as conductive fillers, is prepared by electroless plating. Next, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐coated polyolefin elastomer (POE) beads are put into a bag containing the fillers. After a simple shaking, the fillers are adhered to the POE surface as the cohesive property of cured PDMS. Finally, flexible composites with large‐size segregated structures are obtained via hot pressing. Benefiting from the 2D structure of the Ag@PrGO and the ability to slip, the conductive networks possess adaptable deformability. The prepared composites exhibit excellent electrical conductivity (203.55 S cm−1) at filler volume fractions of 3.4 vol%. The EMI shielding effectiveness can reach 70 dB in the X‐band at a thickness of 1.9 mm and remains stable after bending and rubbing damage. This work paves the way for constructing large‐size segregated structures.
Fabrication of Zinc(II) Mediated Poly(Acrylamide Co Acrylic Acid) Hydrogel with Thixotropic and Tribological Properties
Authors: Nageshwar Paresh , Wajge Suraj W. , Dhakar Gopal Lal , Thakre Avinash A. , Tripathi Swapnil , Singh Shiva , Maji Pradip K. , Das Chayan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHydrogels have emerged as promising candidates for biomedical applications, such as replacing natural articular cartilage, owing to their unique viscoelastic properties. However, sufficient mechanical properties, self‐healing ability, and adhesive nature are some issues limiting its application window. Here, a facile one‐pot synthesis of dual cross‐linked zinc‐coordinated copolymer hydrogels is presented. The network structure of the copolymer hydrogels is strategically developed via dynamic and reversible physical cross‐linking by Zn2+ ions and simultaneous covalent cross‐linking through a covalent cross‐linker viz methylene bisacrylamide. Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis have thoroughly characterized the structure of the synthesized hydrogels. The introduction of Zn2+ offers dynamic and reversible complexation, leading to excellent mechanical properties and self‐healing features. Moreover, the percentage of the equilibrium water content of zinc‐coordinated copolymer hydrogel samples is comparable with that of natural articular cartilage. The Shear sliding study shows the dominant adhesive behavior of HGel‐Zn(NO3)2 sample compared to the parent HGel sample. This facile dual cross‐linked hydrogel, HGel‐Zn(NO3)2, with a combination of good mechanical properties, efficient self‐recovery, adequate water content, and favorable adhesive nature, seems very promising to mimic the articular cartilage.
Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly for the Synthesis of Polyisoprene‐Polystyrene Block and Random Copolymers: Towards High Molecular Weight and Conversion
Authors: Moradi Maryam , Georgopanos Prokopios 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this study, reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐ transfer (RAFT) polymerization combined with the polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) technique is used to synthesize polyisoprene (PI)‐based block and random copolymers with polystyrene (PS), aiming for high molecular weight and monomer conversion. The focus is to optimize the polymerization conditions to overcome the existing challenge of cross‐linking and Diels‐Alder reactions during the polymerization of isoprene, which typically constrain the reaction conversion and molecular weight of the final polymers. Using a poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) macroRAFT agent synthesized in ethanol at 80 °C, random and block copolymers of PS‐PI with a target molecular weight of 50 000 g mole−1 and a high monomer conversion of ≈80% are achieved under optimized conditions in water‐emulsion at 35 °C. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) verified the successful synthesis as well as the high content of 1,4 microstructure in polyisoprene. The thermal analysis via differential scanning calorimetry indicated distinct glass transitions for the microphase‐separated PI‐PS block copolymer, while a single transition for PI‐PS random copolymer, indicating no microphase separation. Furthermore, dynamic light scattering analysis together with transmission electron microscopy provided further insight into the self‐assembled emulsion nanoparticles of the polymers indicating a particle size in the range 70 to 130 nm.
Glaser‐Hay‐Coupled Random Copolymers Containing Boron Difluoride Formazanate Dyes
Authors: Cotterill Erin L. , Jaberi Yasmeen , Dhindsa Jasveer S. , Boyle Paul D. , Gilroy Joe B. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract𝜋‐Conjugated polymers, including those based on acetylenic repeating units, are an exciting class of materials that offer narrow optical band gaps and tunable frontier orbital energies that lead to their use in organic electronics. This work expands the knowledge of structure‐property relationships of acetylenic polymers through the synthesis and characterization of a series of Glaser‐Hay‐coupled model compounds and random copolymers comprised of BF2 formazanate, fluorene, and/or bis(alkoxy)benzene units. The model compounds and copolymers synthesized exhibit redox activity associated with the reversible reduction of the BF2 formazanate units and the irreversible reduction of the fluorene and bis(alkoxy)benzene units. The copolymers exhibit absorption profiles characteristic or intermediate of their respective models and homopolymers, leading to broad absorption of UV–vis light. The alkyne linkages of the model compounds and copolymers are reacted with [Co2(CO)8] to convert the alkyne functional groups into cobalt carbonyl clusters. This transformation leads to blue‐shifted absorption profiles due to a decrease in π‐conjugation, demonstrating the ability to tune the properties of these materials through post‐polymerization functionalization. The redox activity and broad absorption bands of the polymers reported make them excellent candidates for use in photovoltaics and other light‐harvesting applications.
On the acceptance, commissioning, and quality assurance of electron FLASH units
Authors: Palmiero Allison , Liu Kevin , Colnot Julie , Chopra Nitish , Neill Denae , Connell Luke , Velasquez Brett , Koong Albert C. , Lin Steven H. , Balter Peter , Tailor Ramesh , Robert Charlotte , Germond Jean‐François , Gonçalves Jorge Patrik , Geyer Reiner , Beddar Sam , Moeckli Raphael , Schüler Emil 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeFLASH or ultra‐high dose rate (UHDR) radiation therapy (RT) has gained attention in recent years for its ability to spare normal tissues relative to conventional dose rate (CDR) RT in various preclinical trials. However, clinical implementation of this promising treatment option has been limited because of the lack of availability of accelerators capable of delivering UHDR RT. Commercial options are finally reaching the market that produce electron beams with average dose rates of up to 1000 Gy/s. We established a framework for the acceptance, commissioning, and periodic quality assurance (QA) of electron FLASH units and present an example of commissioning.MethodsA protocol for acceptance, commissioning, and QA of UHDR linear accelerators was established by combining and adapting standards and professional recommendations for standard linear accelerators based on the experience with UHDR at four clinical centers that use different UHDR devices. Non‐standard dosimetric beam parameters considered included pulse width, pulse repetition frequency, dose per pulse, and instantaneous dose rate, together with recommendations on how to acquire these measurements.ResultsThe 6‐ and 9‐MeV beams of an UHDR electron device were commissioned by using this developed protocol. Measurements were acquired with a combination of ion chambers, beam current transformers (BCTs), and dose‐rate–independent passive dosimeters. The unit was calibrated according to the concept of redundant dosimetry using a reference setup.ConclusionThis study provides detailed recommendations for the acceptance testing, commissioning, and routine QA of low‐energy electron UHDR linear accelerators. The proposed framework is not limited to any specific unit, making it applicable to all existing eFLASH units in the market. Through practical insights and theoretical discourse, this document establishes a benchmark for the commissioning of UHDR devices for clinical use.
Design and Control of Polymeric Network Architectures Based on Network Dimension Theory
Authors: Tobita Hidetaka 
Published: October 2024

AbstractA new design policy to synthesize nanogel molecules having desired dimensions under unperturbed state is proposed. Miniemulsion copolymerization of vinyl and divinyl monomers, both conventional free‐radical polymerization and ideal living polymerization, is used to illustrate the method. For the network formation dynamics, the newly proposed model that takes into account the size and structure dependence of cross‐linking/cyclization reactions is employed. The master curve relationship that indicates the maximum average dimensions for randomly cross‐linked networks is used as a guideline and the network dimension is controlled by the magnitude of network maturity index NMI, which is the average number of cycle rank per primary chain. By appropriately sizing the NMI, it is possible to synthesize network polymers with dimensions equal to or greater than the maximum dimensions achievable with a homogeneous, randomly cross‐linked network polymer of the same cycle rank and molecular weight. The current strategy of designing and controlling 3D size is applicable regardless of the reaction mechanism of network formation and will also be applied to the synthesis of macro‐gels.
Sodium MRI of the skin using a surface coil to investigate and reduce signal loss and bias
Authors: Zhu Jingxuan , Beaulieu Christian , Damji Karim , Stobbe Rob 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurposeThe purpose was to improve sodium MRI of human skin using a surface coil and twisted projection imaging with smaller, reshaped voxels.MethodsCalf skin sodium images were acquired in 14 healthy adults using twisted projection imaging with short TE ˜ 0.1 ms, first with a volume coil and voxels (1.5 × 1.5 × 15 = 34 mm3) reflecting the widely adopted skin imaging protocol (VolPencil). A 5‐cm‐diameter surface coil then facilitated 5× smaller (0.8 × 0.8 × 10 = 6.4 mm3) voxels with similar signal to noise ratio (SNR) in the same 12‐min scan time (SurfPencil). “Pencil‐shaped” voxels were then replaced with “pancake‐shaped” (0.4 × 4 × 4 = 6.4 mm3) voxels, matching the anatomy of pressed flat skin (SurfPancake). Surface coil B1 was investigated with the novel use of spin‐3/2 simulation. Protocol modifications were tested for signal increase (reduced loss) and correlation with (bias by) skin thickness.ResultsHigher resolution SurfPencil yielded 44% ± 16% greater skin sodium image intensity than VolPencil, whereas SurfPancake yielded an additional 20% ± 9% (p < 1e−8), reflecting reduced signal loss. Over the 1.0 to 1.8 mm skin thickness across participants, sodium intensity significantly increased 56% ± 19% and 44% ± 12% for VolPencil and SurfPencil, respectively (p < 0.003), but not for SurfPancake, reflecting reduced bias. Imaging yielded skin sodium concentration of 34 ± 5 mM for SurfPancake. This is greater than the ˜20 mM measures from the widely adopted protocol, but simulation (matching experimental trends) identified a remaining 64% signal loss; compensation yields 95 ± 15 mM.ConclusionSurface coil imaging and “pancake” voxel reshaping increased skin sodium intensity and reduced bias by skin thickness. Simulated loss compensation yields skin sodium concentration similar to that measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy.
High dynamic range B1+ mapping for the evaluation of parallel transmit arrays
Authors: Felder Jörg , Zimmermann Markus , Shah N. Jon 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurposeDemonstration of a high dynamic‐range and high SNR method for acquiring absolute maps from a combination of gradient echo and actual‐flip‐angle measurements that is especially useful during the construction of parallel‐transmit arrays.MethodsLow flip angle gradient echo images, acquired when transmitting with each channel individually, are used to compute relative maps. Instead of computing these in a conventional manner, the equivalence of the problem to the ESPIRiT parallel image reconstruction method is used to compute maps with a higher SNR. Absolute maps are generated by calibration against a single actual flip‐angle acquisition when transmitting on all channels simultaneously.ResultsDepending on the number of receiver channels and the location of the receive elements with respect to the subject being investigated, moderate to high gains in the SNR of the acquired maps can be achieved.ConclusionsThe proposed method is especially suited for the acquisition of maps during the construction of transceiver arrays. Compared to the original method, maps with higher SNR can be computed without the need for additional measurements, and maps can also be generated using previously acquired data. Furthermore, easy adoption and fast estimation of receiver channels is possible because of existing highly optimized open‐source implementations of ESPIRiT, such as in the BART toolbox.
3D distortion‐free, reduced FOV diffusion‐prepared gradient echo at 3 T
Authors: McElroy Sarah , Tomi‐Tricot Raphael , Cleary Jon , Tan Hsern Ern Ivan , Kinsella Shawna , Jeljeli Sami , Goh Vicky , Neji Radhouene 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurposeTo develop a 3D distortion‐free reduced‐FOV diffusion‐prepared gradient‐echo sequence and demonstrate its application in vivo for diffusion imaging of the spinal cord in healthy volunteers.MethodsA 3D multi‐shot reduced‐FOV diffusion‐prepared gradient‐echo acquisition is achieved using a slice‐selective tip‐down pulse in the phase‐encoding direction in the diffusion preparation, combined with magnitude stabilizers, centric k‐space encoding, and 2D phase navigators to correct for intershot phase errors. The accuracy of the ADC values obtained using the proposed approach was evaluated in a diffusion phantom and compared to the tabulated reference ADC values and to the ADC values obtained using a standard spin echo diffusion‐weighted single‐shot EPI sequence (DW‐SS‐EPI). Five healthy volunteers were scanned at 3 T using the proposed sequence, DW‐SS‐EPI, and a clinical diffusion‐weighted multi‐shot readout‐segmented EPI sequence (RESOLVE) for cervical spinal cord imaging. Image quality, perceived SNR, and image distortion were assessed by two expert radiologists. ADC maps were calculated, and ADC values obtained with the proposed sequence were compared to those obtained using DW‐SS‐EPI and RESOLVE.ResultsConsistent ADC estimates were measured in the diffusion phantom with the proposed sequence and the conventional DW‐SS‐EPI sequence, and the ADC values were in close agreement with the reference values provided by the manufacturer of the phantom. In vivo, the proposed sequence demonstrated improved image quality, improved perceived SNR, and reduced perceived distortion compared to DW‐SS‐EPI, whereas all measures were comparable against RESOLVE. There were no significant differences in ADC values estimated in vivo for each of the sequences.Conclusion3D distortion‐free diffusion‐prepared imaging can be achieved using the proposed sequence.
Deep learning‐based whole‐brain B1+‐mapping at 7T
Authors: Krueger Felix , Aigner Christoph Stefan , Lutz Max , Riemann Layla Tabea , Degenhardt Katja , Hadjikiriakos Kimon , Zimmermann Felix Frederik , Hammernik Kerstin , Schulz‐Menger Jeanette , Schaeffter Tobias , Schmitter Sebastian 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurposeThis study investigates the feasibility of using complex‐valued neural networks (NNs) to estimate quantitative transmit magnetic RF field (B1+) maps from multi‐slice localizer scans with different slice orientations in the human head at 7T, aiming to accelerate subject‐specific B1+‐calibration using parallel transmission (pTx).MethodsDatasets containing channel‐wise B1+‐maps and corresponding multi‐slice localizers were acquired in axial, sagittal, and coronal orientation in 15 healthy subjects utilizing an eight‐channel pTx transceiver head coil. Training included five‐fold cross‐validation for four network configurations: used transversal, sagittal, coronal data, and was trained on all slice orientations. The resulting maps were compared to B1+‐reference scans using different quality metrics. The proposed network was applied in‐vivo at 7T in two unseen test subjects using dynamic kt‐point pulses.ResultsPredicted B1+‐maps demonstrated a high similarity with measured B1+‐maps across multiple orientations. The estimation matched the reference with a mean relative error in the magnitude of (2.70 ± 2.86)% and mean absolute phase difference of (6.70 ± 1.99)° for transversal, (1.82 ± 0.69)% and (4.25 ± 1.62)° for sagittal (), as well as (1.33 ± 0.27)% and (2.66 ± 0.60)° for coronal slices () considering brain tissue. trained on all orientations enables a robust prediction of B1+‐maps across different orientations. Achieving a homogenous excitation over the whole brain for an in‐vivo application displayed the approach's feasibility.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing complex‐valued NNs to estimate multi‐slice B1+‐maps in different slice orientations from localizer scans in the human brain at 7T.