bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compatibility study of recycled Polypropylene (PP)/Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) blends nanocomposites with PP‐g‐MAH: Modeling of twin screw extrusion
Authors: Gwon Dajeong , Kim Dohyeong , Koo Jaseung 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAlthough the utilization of recycled polymers is essential to sustain the environment, conventional recycled polymers face limitations in application due to the degradation of their properties caused by impurities. To solve the problem the performance deterioration of these recycled polymers, this study aimed to enhance their compatibility by chemically adding polypropylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MAH) and physically manipulate a screw profile by using an extrusion simulation program. As a result of applying the optimized extrusion process set by the simulation program, significant improvements in the compatibility and dispersion of fillers within the polymer were observed through scanning electron microscopy image analysis. In addition, through detailed analysis of rheological data, the positive impact of adding compatibilizer and changing screw profile on rheological properties was demonstrated. As the compatibility of recycled polymer blends improved, tensile strength increased by approximately two‐fold and thermal conductivity was significantly improved, which were decisive factors in dramatically enhancing the performance of recycled polymers. These improved polymer properties provide an opportunity for recycled polymers to be applied more broadly and will expand the potential for new applications in various industrial fields.
Accelerating development in wood‐plastic composites: Presenting key material properties and demonstrating statistical methods
Authors: Teramoto Yoshikuni , Ogoe Shinji , Endo Takashi 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn a time when global initiatives to lower CO2 emissions are accelerating the shift towards bio‐based products, various efforts are being made to develop wood plastic composites (WPCs) and similar bio‐composites using a variety of raw materials. This paper first showcases benchmark material properties serving as standards and models the composition, for polypropylene‐based WPCs integrating wood flour and maleic anhydride‐modified polypropylene. Subsequently, by applying statistical modeling techniques, we demonstrate an adaptive experimental design that efficiently and rapidly adjusts formulations. Beginning with an empirical dataset (24 samples), we established high‐performing models that articulate the individual contributions of the constituents on ten vital properties of WPCs. Our adaptive experimental design, leveraging nonlinear partial least squares regression and the Bayesian optimization, successfully refined formulations to enhance bending and impact strengths. Notably, we proposed optimal conditions starting from just eight samples with minimal iterations. This study shows that statistical techniques can quickly optimize WPC formulations, making the overall development process faster. By addressing the multiple conflicting properties, these techniques can greatly reduce the time and effort needed for development.Highlights
Applied several regression methods to analyze ten properties of PP‐based WPCs.
Showcased distinct impacts of the formulations of WF and MAPP on WPCs.
Implemented the adaptive experimental design for formulation optimization.
Enhanced bending and impact strengths in the formulations of WPCs.
Advanced sustainable material development with data‐driven approach.
An experimental study on the wear performance of 3D printed polylactic acid and carbon fiber reinforced polylactic acid parts: Effect of infill rate and water absorption time
Authors: Ergene Berkay , İnci Yiğit Emre , Çetintaş Batuhan , Daysal Birol 
Published: September 2024

AbstractRapid prototyping, also known as additive manufacturing, is a nascent technology that is gaining traction in the context of environmental concerns and waste reduction, as well as the growing trend towards customized design. The additive manufacturing method, which has applications in diverse fields such as aviation, architecture, biomedical and automotive engineering, has also begun to be utilized in the construction of yachts and yacht hulls within the maritime industry. In this experimental study, the influences of sea water on polylactic acid (PLA) and carbon fiber reinforced polylactic acid (PLA/CF) parts manufactured at different infill rates (20%, 60% and 100%) were investigated. The parts were exposed to sea water for three different periods (1, 5, and 10 days) and subsequently subjected to wear tests. The dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, hardness, water absorption, volume loss, and friction coefficient of parts were measured and calculated. Additionally, the worn surfaces of the parts were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images. The findings indicate that PLA and PLA/CF parts can be produced with high dimensional accuracy. Furthermore, it can be reported that the water absorption of PLA/CF parts increased, particularly with an increase in the infill rate, while the volume loss decreased. Obtained results indicate the necessity of optimizing the 3D printing parameters and the relationship between the ambient conditions and the wear performance of the 3D printed parts.Highlights
3D printing is a highly promising method for the production of polymer composites.
A pioneering study into the effect of infill rate and water absorption on the wear performance.
Coefficient of friction values of PLA and PLA/CF parts ranged between 0.37 and 0.75.
PLA/CF mostly exhibited higher volume loss than PLA with water absorption.
Volume loss declines with a raise in the infill rate from 20% to 100%.
Three‐dimensional spectrochromatographic determination of chlorogenic acid in Melampyrum stenophyllum Boiss. extracts by parallel factor analysis
Authors: Ertekin Zehra Ceren , Köroğlu Ayşegül , Dinç Erdal 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionCo‐elution is a common challenge in phytochemical chromatography. Full chromatographic separation often requires extensive optimization, long analysis times, and excessive solvent use. A viable alternative could be mathematical elution of analytes using three‐dimensional decomposition.ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop a method to determine chlorogenic acid in Melampyrum stenophyllum Boiss. extracts without complete chromatographic separation, to validate the method, and to cross‐validate assay results against a classical ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method.MethodologyUltra‐performance liquid chromatography‐photodiode array (UPLC‐PDA) spectrochromatograms were arranged into a three‐way data cube with dimensions of time, wavelength, and sample and then decomposed using parallel factor analysis to reveal chromatographic, spectral, and concentration profiles. The chromatographic and spectral profiles were used to identify chlorogenic acid in overlapping signals. The relative concentration profile was used to quantify it in the plant extract. The assay results were statistically compared with those from an in‐house classical UPLC method.ResultsChlorogenic acid was co‐eluted at 1.45 min and quantified as 16.11 mg per gram dry weight of Melampyrum stenophyllum extracts (SD = 0.28), despite significant interference in a 4‐min runtime. The analytical validity was confirmed by recovery calculations from standard solutions and standard addition samples (RSD < 2%), and the t‐test resulted in a p‐value of 0.09 (α = 0.05), indicating no significant difference between the results obtained from mathematical elution and chromatographic separation.ConclusionChlorogenic acid was quantified from plant material accurately despite the co‐elution. Validation and cross‐validation results support the method's applicability.
Exploring factors associated with increased suicides during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Japan: A study using data from postmortem examinations conducted in an urban area
Authors: Katsumata Yotaro , Okano Toshiaki , Takeshima Tadashi , Igarashi Yuka 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study is to examine factors associated with increased suicide deaths during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic in Japan using primary data from postmortem examinations.MethodsWe explored factors associated with suicides that occurred during the COVID‐19 pandemic (February 2020 to December 2021) using data from 115 postmortem examinations of suicides that occurred in one city in the Kanto region between January 2017 and December 2021.ResultsMultivariate analysis using graphical modelling and logistic regression analysis showed that both female sex (adjusted odds ratio: 3.732; 95% confidence interval: 1.044–13.345) and multiple mental disorders (adjusted odds ratio: 7.344; 95% confidence interval: 1.316–40.987) were significantly associated with suicide during the COVID‐19 pandemic among the young age group (39 years or under).ConclusionThe study results suggest that in addition to the factor of female sex previously identified, morbidity due to multiple mental disorders may be associated with the increased suicides in Japan during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Furthermore, this study presented the new methodological possibility of analyzing background factors of suicide using postmortem examination data. In preparation for similar emergencies in the future, it is necessary to establish a system that provides care for multiple mental disorders and a continuous suicide‐monitoring system that combines methods such as psychological autopsies with other methods.
Laser cleaning of insect residue without surface alteration
Authors: Rathmann Lewin , Radel Tim 
Published: September 2024

AbstractInsect residues disturb and interrupt the laminar air flow on airplane wings after a while. These residues therefor e need to be repeatedly removed. Shock wave‐based laser cleaning of insect residue on stainless steel (1.4544.9) is presented as a possible method to reduce insect residues in a single pass and without influencing the base material, as confocal laser‐scanning microscope images demonstrate.
A Novel Tetravalent CD95/Fas Fusion Protein With Superior CD95L/FasL Antagonism
Authors: Lang Isabell , Paulus Oliver , Zaitseva Olena , Wajant Harald 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTInhibition of CD95/Fas activation is currently under clinical investigation as a therapy for glioblastoma multiforme and preclinical studies suggest that disruption of the CD95–CD95L interaction could also be a strategy to treat inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. Besides neutralizing anti‐CD95L/FasL antibodies, mainly CD95ed‐Fc, a dimeric Fc fusion protein of the extracellular domain of CD95 (CD95ed), is used to prevent CD95 activation. In view of the fact that full CD95 activation requires CD95L‐induced CD95 trimerization and clustering of the resulting liganded CD95 trimers, we investigated whether fusion proteins of the extracellular domain of CD95 with a higher valency than CD95ed‐Fc have an improved CD95L‐neutralization capacity. We evaluated an IgG1(N297A)‐based tetravalent CD95ed fusion protein which was obtained by replacing the variable domains of IgG1(N297A) with CD95ed (CD95ed‐IgG1(N297A)) and a hexavalent variant obtained by fusion of CD95ed with a TNC‐Fc(DANA) scaffold (CD95ed‐TNC‐Fc(DANA)) promoting hexamerization. The established N297A and DANA mutations were used to minimize FcγR binding of the constructs under maintenance of neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) binding. Size exclusion high‐performance liquid chromatography indicated effective assembly of CD95ed‐IgG1(N297A). More important, CD95ed‐IgG1(N297A) was much more efficient than CD95ed‐Fc in protecting cells from cell death induction by human and murine CD95L. Surprisingly, despite its hexavalent structure, CD95ed‐TNC‐Fc(DANA) displayed an at best minor improvement of the capacity to neutralize CD95L suggesting that besides valency, other factors, such as spatial organization and agility of the CD95ed domains, play also a role in neutralization of CD95L trimers by CD95ed fusion proteins. More studies are now required to evaluate the superior CD95L‐neutralizing capacity of CD95ed‐IgG1(N297A) in vivo.
Use of combined chemotherapy and immunotherapy improves pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Reddy Tejaswini P. , Barrios Roberto , Bernicker Eric , Qian Wei , Chang Jenny , Safdar Zeenat 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTreatment modalities for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) improve quality of life and walk distance. However, none of these therapies alter the structural/functional pulmonary vascular integrity that results in vascular remodeling. PAH smooth muscle cells share biological characteristics with cancer cells, which may be potential therapeutic targets for PAH. We present a case of a patient with connective tissue disease (CTD)‐associated PAH treated on triple therapy who developed metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. While on PAH triple‐therapy, she received a combination of carboplatin, pemetrexed, and pembrolizumab. She eventually had a complete pathologic response, no evidence of cancer recurrence, and significant improvement of PAH/overall clinical status. After discontinuation of neoplastic therapy, her clinical status worsened, she eventually passed away, and lung biopsy findings revealed evidence of severe pulmonary smooth muscle cell hypertrophy and pulmonary veno‐occlusive disease. This report suggests that combined chemotherapy and immunotherapy may influence the efficacy of PAH therapies and improve clinical status.
Purity‐Assisted Zero‐Noise Extrapolation for Quantum Error Mitigation
Authors: Jin Tian‐Ren , Shi Yun‐Hao , Wang Zheng‐An , Li Tian‐Ming , Xu Kai , Fan Heng 
Published: September 2024

AbstractQuantum error mitigation aims to reduce errors in quantum systems and improve accuracy. Zero‐noise extrapolation (ZNE) is a commonly used method, where noise is amplified, and the target expectation is extrapolated to a noise‐free point. However, ZNE relies on assumptions about error rates based on the error model. In this study, a purity‐assisted zero‐noise extrapolation (pZNE) method is utilized to address limitations in error rate assumptions and enhance the extrapolation process. The pZNE is based on the Pauli diagonal error model implemented using the Pauli twirling technique. Although this method does not significantly reduce the bias of routine ZNE, it extends its effectiveness to a wider range of error rates where routine ZNE may face limitations. In addition, the practicality of the pZNE method is verified through numerical simulations and experiments on the online quantum computation platform, Quafu. Comparisons with routine ZNE and virtual distillation methods show that biases in extrapolation methods increase with error rates and may become divergent at high error rates. The bias of pZNE is slightly lower than routine ZNE, while its error rate threshold surpasses that of routine ZNE. Furthermore, for full density matrix information, the pZNE method is more efficient than the routine ZNE.
Plasma‐Induced Oxygen Defect Engineering in Perovskite Oxide for Boosting Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wang Kaiteng , Zhou Jun , Fu Lei , Kang Yunqing , Zhou Zilin , Cheng Yonghong , Wu Kai , Yamauchi Yusuke 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPerovskite oxides are considered highly promising candidates for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts due to their low cost and adaptable electronic structure. However, modulating the electronic structure of catalysts without altering their nanomorphology is crucial for understanding the structure‐property relationship. In this study, a simple plasma bombardment strategy is developed to optimize the catalytic activity of perovskite oxides. Experimental characterization of plasma‐treated LaCo0.9Fe0.1O3 (P‐LCFO) reveals abundant oxygen vacancies, which expose numerous active sites. Additionally, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X‐ray absorption fine structure analyses indicate a low Co valence state in P‐LCFO, likely due to the presence of these oxygen vacancies, which contributes to an optimized electronic structure that enhances OER performance. Consequently, P‐LCFO exhibits significantly improved OER catalytic activity, with a low overpotential of 294 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, outperforming commercial RuO2. This work underscores the benefits of plasma engineering for studying structure‐property relationships and developing highly active perovskite oxide catalysts for water splitting.
Stretchable Heat Transfer Eco‐Materials: Mesogen Grafted NR‐Based Nanocomposites with High Thermal Conductivity and Low Dielectric Constant
Authors: Hyeong Jaeseok , Koo Jahyeon , Rim Minwoo , Wi Youngjae , Ko Hyeyoon , Yu Dongmin , Kim Sanghee , Kim Namil , Yoo Myong Jae , Jeong Kwang‐Un 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBiomass‐based functional polymers have received significant attention across various fields, in view of eco‐friendly human society and sustainable growth. In this context, there are efforts to functionalize the biomass polymers for next‐generation polymer materials. Here, stretchable heat transfer materials are focused on which are essential for stretchable electronics and future robotics. To achieve this goal, natural rubber (NR) is chemically modified with a thiol‐terminated phenylnaphthalene (TTP), and then utilized as a thermally conductive NR (TCNR) matrix. Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN), renowned for its high thermal conductivity and low electrical conductivity, is incorporated as a filler to develop stretchable heat transfer eco‐materials. The optimized TCNR/h‐BN composite elongates to 140% due to great elasticity of NR, and exhibits excellent dielectric properties (a low dielectric constant of 2.26 and a low dielectric loss of 0.006). Furthermore, synergetic phonon transfer of phenylnaphthalene crystallites and h‐BN particles in the composite results in a high thermal conductivity of 0.87 W m−1 K−1. The outstanding thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties of the newly developed TCNR/h‐BN composite enable the successful demonstration as stretchable and shape‐adaptable thermal management materials.
Integrated Structural Modulation Inducing Fast Charge Transfer in Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Naresh Nibagani , Park Youngtae , Jeong Su Hwan , Lee Sang Jun , Lee Dong Park , Lee So Hyun , Ryu Gyeong Hee , Jung Young Hwa , Kim Joo‐Hyung 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAqueous Zn‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising energy‐storage devices owing to their exceptional safety, long cycle life, simple production, and high storage capacity. Manganese oxides are considered potential cathode materials for AZIBs, primarily because of their safety, low cost, simple synthesis, and high storage capacity. However, MnO2‐based cathodes tend to deteriorate structurally during long‐term cycling, which reduces their reversible capacity. In this study, an advanced α‐MnO2@SnO2 nanocomposite via facile hydrothermal synthesis is developed. The synergistic effects of lattice disorder and increased electron conductivity in the α‐MnO2@SnO2 nanocomposite mitigate structural degradation and enhance the overall electrochemical performance. The nanocomposite exhibits a high reversible capacity of 347 mAh g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 after 50 cycles. Furthermore, it exhibits excellent rate performance and stable capacity even after 1000 cycles, maintaining a capacity of 78 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 5 A g−1. This excellent electrochemical performance is attributed to the reversible Zn intercalation in α‐MnO2@SnO2 nanocomposites due to the increased structural stability and fast ion/electron exchange caused by the distortion of the tunnel structure, on the basis of various ex situ experiments, density functional theory calculations, and electrochemical characterizations.
Effects of spherical fillers reinforcement on the efficacy of thermal conductivity in epoxy and polyester matrices: Experimental validation and prediction using finite element method
Authors: Pradhan Priyabrat , Purohit Abhilash , Jena Hemalata , Singh Jayashree , Sahoo Bibhuti Bhusan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe creation of a theoretical heat conduction model for polymers embedded with spherical inclusions is described in this study. It also contains the experimental confirmation of the suggested correlation for utilizing the model to estimate the effective thermal conductivity (K) of such composites. According to ASTM‐E‐1530, composites are made with varying amounts of aluminium oxide and pine wood dust reinforced in polyester resin. The effective thermal conductivities (Keff) of the composites are then determined using the Unitherm TM model 2022. Ansys 19.R2 software is used to evaluate the effective thermal conductivity of these composites with a uniform filler distribution, while Digimat‐FE software is used determine the thermal conductivity values of such particle filled polymer composites with a random filler distribution. After comparison and validation with experimental data, these values are shown to be fairly good agreement with the theoretical values from the suggested correlation. The investigation is further expanded to determine the thermal conductivities for epoxy composites using wood apple shell dust and coir dust particle. Also epoxy and polyester composites reinforced with SiO2 and TiO2 have been investigated in the similar manner. The main thrust of this report to validate the numerical results of composites by varying numerous polymers. The thermal conductivity all the composites grow monotonically with increase in filler content. The thermal conductivity of silicon dioxide, titanium oxide, and aluminium oxide filled epoxy composites is measured as 1.5, 7, and 35 W/m‐K respectively.Highlights
In this study spherical fillers are successfully used as a potential filler material in polyester composites
The thermal conductivity predicted by proposed mathematical model of polyester is validated with measured value and found better agreement.
The Ansys 19.R2 and digimat software are used to predict the thermal conductivity values of these composites.
The mathematical model is further used to predict thermal conductivity of epoxy composites to check the accuracy of the model.
Plastic litter is a part of the carbon cycle in an urban river: Microplastic and macroplastic accumulate with organic matter in floating debris rafts
Authors: Hoellein Timothy J. , Schwenk Bailey A. , Kazmierczak Elizabeth M. , Petersen Fritz 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWatershed models of plastic export from rivers to oceans have large uncertainties, and improvements require direct measurements of riverine macroplastic (>5 mm) and microplastic (<5 mm). Also, plastic represents allochthonous carbon inputs to rivers but is rarely measured as carbon mass. We quantified plastic and organic matter within floating debris rafts and open water in an urban river. Macroplastics only occurred in debris rafts. Microplastics had higher concentrations in debris rafts relative to open water. Across sites, organic matter was positively correlated with microplastics and macroplastics. Last, carbon in plastic was 40% of the carbon mass in coarse particulate organic matter in debris rafts. Floating plastic litter accumulates with particulate organic matter in debris rafts. Plastic is an overlooked and ecological meaningful component of carbon standing stocks in urban rivers. Results will inform improved carbon budget calculation in rivers and watershed models of plastic export.Practitioner Points
Plastic particles floating on the surface of an urban river accumulate in debris rafts compared to open water in terms of count and mass.
Abundance and composition of plastic particles in debris rafts were distinct from those in open water areas.
Plastic litter as units of carbon mass was in the same order of magnitude as carbon mass in course particulate organic matter.
Plastic litter moves in similar ways to naturally occurring organic particles and should be measured as a part of the riverine carbon cycle.