bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three‐phase interfacial design in BaTiO3/rGO/polyetherimide composite enabling enhanced dielectric, thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: Zhang Pengtu , Yuan Shiling , Song Xinwang , Tang Junsong , Lin Qilang , Liu Xiaoyun , Zhuang Qixin , Mi Puke , Zuo Peiyuan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAs core components in electric/electronic fields, dielectric materials have recently received ever‐increasing interests. Among them, polymer‐based dielectric composites have drawn ever‐increasing attentions due to their high‐temperature resistance and excellent processibility. However, state‐of‐art studies mostly focus on the modification of single‐phase filler, while the heterogeneous three phase interactions between fillers and polymer matrix are rarely studied. To fill this gap, in this study, a novel strategy of interfacial design and structural construction of three‐phase BaTiO3/rGO/polymer nanocomposites have been promoted to simultaneously build interfacial barriers between adjacent rGO nanosheets and to enhance the interfacial polarization of rGO nanosheets for improved dielectric, thermal and mechanical properties. The dielectric constant of 0.6 wt% BT/ARGO/PEI reached 644@1 kHz with a dielectric loss of only 0.218, while these values for 0.5 wt% ARGO/PEI composites are 471 and 0.489, respectively. Meanwhile, the breakdown strength almost doubled (from 48 kV·mm−1 to 87 kV·mm−1) upon the addition of BaTiO3 (BT) nanoparticles. Moreover, the introduced BT nanoparticles significantly enhanced the intermolecular frictions between different materials and contributed largely to promoted mechanical and thermal properties. We therefore speculate this work establishes a strong foundation for fabricating three heterogeneous‐phase high dielectric polymer materials with excellent dielectric, thermal and mechanical properties.Highlights
Graphene oxide was modified by APTES and reduced by L‐Ascorbic Acid.
Three‐phase BT/ARGO/PEI composites showed enhanced dielectric properties.
The incorporated BT nanoparticles reduced the dielectric loss.
The thermal and mechanical properties of BT/ARGO/PEI composites are optimized.
Interfacial interactions between different phase of materials are studied.
Tensile behavior of angle ply carbon reinforced PPS laminates under severe thermal aggressions: Homogeneous and heterogeneous temperature conditions
Authors: Vieille B. , Ockier A. , Philippe D. , Davin T. , Vacandare J. , Barbe F. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study explores the effects of critical temperature conditions on carbon fiber‐reinforced Poly Phenylene Sulfide (PPS) laminates, focusing on the coupling between thermal and mechanical behaviors. The thermo‐mechanical behavior of angle‐ply laminates is examined under both homogeneous (thermal decomposition and deformation/damage) and heterogeneous (fire) conditions following three primary objectives: (i) Investigate the impact of temperature distribution on the formation of porosities within the composite, considering their significance in thermal transfer and stress concentration—(ii) Evaluate the changes in residual mechanical behavior and properties under tension due to thermally‐induced damage—(iii) Improve the understanding of the interactions between severe thermal exposures and the mechanical behavior. X‐ray tomographic analyses and tensile tests were conducted to achieve these goals. Porosities resulting from thermal damage are identified as a key factor affecting the structural integrity of C/PPS laminates for high‐temperature applications. Mechanical testing reveals that the porosity content significantly reduces the tensile properties (axial stiffness and strength). Under homogeneous temperature conditions, the decrease in the tensile properties is significant up to Tonset (465°C) from which both the axial strength and stiffness dramatically decrease by −75 and −50%, respectively. As exposed to a kerosene flame during 60 s, corresponding to an aggression of 115 kW/m2 on one face of the laminates, the retention of the residual tensile properties remains good (−12% and −22% in stiffness and strength respectively), despite the dramatic decomposition of the polymer matrix. This can be explained from the stress redistribution from the exposed to the back face, and from the role of thermal insulator played by porosities.Highlights
Carbon fibers/PPS laminates were subjected to severe thermal aggressions
The formation of thermally‐induced porosities is studied
A homogeneous aggression significantly decrease the tensile properties (−75%)
Once the PPS matrix is severely decomposed, the load transfer is not possible
After a 60 s flame exposure, the retention of tensile properties is good (−20%)
Mechanism of the desulfurization route of the reduction of SO2 on carbons. Dimerization of Disulfur and Tetrasulfur
Authors: Humeres Eduardo , Correia Marília Isabel Tarnowski , Debacher Nito Angelo , Moreira Regina de F. P. M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe desulfurization of carbons modified with SO2 was studied as a dispersion in boiling cyclohexane (81°C) using activated carbon (mAC) and graphene oxide (mGO), modified by SO2. The steady‐state species in the carbon matrix after the catalytic reduction of SO2 was considered a trisulfane. For mAC, there was a burst of a sulfur species identified as S2 by UV spectrum with a maximum at 217 nm (εM at 217 nm = 2.56 × 103) that showed a second‐order decay of absorbance with
= 47.29 M‐1·sec‐1 (
= 18.1 kcal·mol‐1). The product was postulated to be S4. No other consecutive reaction was observed because of the possible adsorption of S4 in the carbon matrix. The desulfurization of mGO was shown by XPS and the kinetics were a second‐order decay up to 16 min (
18.41 M‐1·sec‐1;
= 18.8 kcal·mol‐1) followed by a second‐order increase of absorbance with
= 3.84 M‐1·sec‐1 (
= 19.9), where the product showed a double maximum at 260‐285 nm typical of S8. These results are consistent with a mechanism of consecutive thermodynamically favorable dimerizations of S2 and S4 and with the desulfurization mechanism that has been previously postulated.
A randomized clinical trial: Efficacy of group‐based acceptance and commitment therapy program for breast cancer patients with high fear of progression
Authors: Hassani Alimolk Fatemeh , McDonald Fiona Elizabeth Jean , Asghari‐Jafarabadi Mohammad , Ahmadi Farzane , Zenoozian Saeedeh , Lashkari Marzieh , Patterson Pandora 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundFear of progression (FOP) is a common and significant concern among cancer patients, encompassing worries about cancer progression during active treatment. Elevated levels of FOP can be dysfunctional. This study aims to assess the efficacy of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)‐based intervention on FOP, anxiety sensitivity (AS), and quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer patients.MethodsA clinical trial was conducted involving 80 stage I‐III active‐treatment breast cancer patients with a score greater than 34 on the Fear of Progression Questionnaire‐Short Form scale. These patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either an intervention group, which received weekly 70‐min sessions of 5‐ACT‐bsed group‐therapy, or a control group that received usual treatment. Variables including FOP, AS, QOL, and ACT‐related factors were assessed using ASQ, QLQ‐C30, Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire, and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire‐II at three time points: baseline, post‐intervention, and 3‐month follow‐up. The efficacy of the intervention was evaluated using mixed model analysis across all time‐points.ResultsThe fidelity and acceptability of the ACT‐based manual were confirmed using significant methods. A significant reduction in FOP was observed only in the ACT group at post‐intervention (P‐valueACT < 0.001; Cohen dACT = 1.099). Furthermore, the ACT group demonstrated a more significant reduction in FOP at follow‐up. Furthermore, all secondary and ACT‐related variables, except for the physical symptoms subscale, showed significant improvement in the ACT group compared to the control group.ConclusionsOur ACT‐based manual showed promise for reducing FOP, AS, and improving QOL, and ACT‐related variables in breast cancer patients 3 months following the intervention.
A Method to Increase the Adsorption Properties of Silica at Acidic pH Using Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Marć Maciej , Drzewiński Andrzej , Wolak Wiktor W. , Dudek Mirosław R. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSilica is a frequently used material for removing organic contaminants, dyes, and metal ions from wastewater due to its large specific surface area and ease of preparation at various porosities. In a wide range of pH values, a negative charge is created on its surface as a result of the deprotonation of silanols, which causes its strong adsorption properties in alkaline media. It is found that a composite material consisting of mesoporous silica with iron oxide nanoparticles, which have a point of zero charge (PZC) much larger than silica, can exhibit strong adsorption properties in acidic media as well. This is confirmed by the analysis of the Zeta potential and a significant increase in the adsorption of methylene blue by modified silica at pH values of 4 and above. It is also showed that the microscopic mechanism underlying this behavior relies on the coexistence of two length scales: the Debye shielding range for Coulombic interactions and the average pore size where the iron oxide nanoparticles are synthesized.
Minimally invasive surgical therapies for benign prostatic hyperplasia in the geriatric population: A systematic review
Authors: Abid Ahmad , Piperdi Huzaifa , Babar Mustufa , Loloi Justin , Moutwakil Ahmed , Azhar Umair , Maria Pedro , Small Alexander 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundGeriatric patients, prone to adverse events (AEs) and low compliance with drugs, may benefit from minimally invasive surgical therapies (MISTs) for managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We evaluated the efficacy, safety, and procedural characteristics of MISTs in geriatric patients with BPH.MethodsPubMed/MEDLINE database was systematically searched for relevant articles through October 1, 2023. Eligible studies focused on geriatric patients (≥65 years) with BPH who were treated with MISTs and evaluated follow‐up surgical, micturition, and/or sexual outcomes. Studies were included if there was separate reporting for age subgroups ≥65 years, or if the mean age minus standard deviation was ≥65 years, or if the first quartile was ≥65 years.ResultsOut of 292 screened studies, 32 (N = 3972 patients) met inclusion criteria and assessed prostatic artery embolization (PAE), Rezum, GreenLight, holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP), diode laser enucleation of the prostate (DiLEP), and Aquablation. Except for Rezum, all MISTs required a planned overnight stay. While PAE and Rezum could be performed under local anesthesia, the other MISTs needed general or spinal anesthesia. Postoperative catheterization duration was longest for PAE (median 14 days) and Rezum (21 days) and shortest for GreenLight (1.9 days). At 12 months postoperatively, all MISTs exhibited significant percent changes in International Prostate Symptom Score (median −69.9%) and quality of life (median −72.5%). Clavien‐Dindo Grade 1 AEs ranged widely, with PAE (5.8%–36.8%), Rezum (0%–62.1%), and GreenLight (0%–67.6%) having the largest range, and HoLEP (0%–9.5%), ThuLEP (2%–6.9%), and DiLEP (5%–17.5%) having the smallest. PAE, Rezum, DiLEP, and Aquablation reported no significant changes in the International Index of Erectile Function.ConclusionsAlthough all the MISTs reviewed in this study effectively treat BPH in geriatric patients, differences in procedural characteristics and safety profiles across MISTs were considerable. Physicians should use shared decision‐making processes, considering risks and patient characteristics, when choosing a suitable treatment option for their patients.
Exploiting protein language models for the precise classification of ion channels and ion transporters
Authors: Ghazikhani Hamed , Butler Gregory 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study introduces TooT‐PLM‐ionCT, a comprehensive framework that consolidates three distinct systems, each meticulously tailored for one of the following tasks: distinguishing ion channels (ICs) from membrane proteins (MPs), segregating ion transporters (ITs) from MPs, and differentiating ICs from ITs. Drawing upon the strengths of six Protein Language Models (PLMs)—ProtBERT, ProtBERT‐BFD, ESM‐1b, ESM‐2 (650M parameters), and ESM‐2 (15B parameters), TooT‐PLM‐ionCT employs a combination of traditional classifiers and deep learning models for nuanced protein classification. Originally validated on an existing dataset by previous researchers, our systems demonstrated superior performance in identifying ITs from MPs and distinguishing ICs from ITs, with the IC‐MP discrimination achieving state‐of‐the‐art results. In light of recommendations for additional validation, we introduced a new dataset, significantly enhancing the robustness and generalization of our models across bioinformatics challenges. This new evaluation underscored the effectiveness of TooT‐PLM‐ionCT in adapting to novel data while maintaining high classification accuracy. Furthermore, this study explores critical factors affecting classification accuracy, such as dataset balancing, the impact of using frozen versus fine‐tuned PLM representations, and the variance between half and full precision in floating‐point computations. To facilitate broader application and accessibility, a web server (https://tootsuite.encs.concordia.ca/service/TooT-PLM-ionCT) has been developed, allowing users to evaluate unknown protein sequences through our specialized systems for IC‐MP, IT‐MP, and IC‐IT classification tasks.
Integrated approaches for Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) management: insights from laboratory studies with entomopathogenic nematodes and insecticides
Authors: Wu Sheng‐Yen , Tang Huatao , Ban Shengmei , Wen Ruiqi , Mao Xifan , Deng Honghong , Abbas Mohamed Kamal , Salem Salem Mohamed , Hou Youming 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn agricultural pest management, especially in combatting the invasive red imported fire ant (RIFA, Solenopsis invicta), significant challenges emerge as a consequence of the constraints of solely depending on chemical insecticides or entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). The utilization of chemical insecticides carries environmental and ecological hazards, whereas EPNs, when applied independently, might not offer the immediate effectiveness necessary for adequate RIFA suppression. Acknowledging these hurdles, our study investigates a synergistic method that integrates EPNs with chemical insecticides, aiming to fulfill the urgent demand for more efficient and environmentally friendly pest control solutions.RESULTSOur evaluation focused on the interaction between the highly pathogenic Steinernema riobrave 7–12 EPN strain and prevalent insecticides, specifically beta‐cypermethrin and a mixture of bifenthrin and clothianidin, applied at highly diluted recommended concentrations. The findings revealed a notable increase in RIFA mortality rates when EPNs and these insecticides were used together, outperforming the results achieved with each method individually. Remarkably, this enhanced efficacy was especially evident at lower concentrations of the bifenthrin–clothianidin mixture, indicating a valuable approach to minimizing reliance on chemical insecticides in agriculture. Furthermore, the high survival rates of EPNs alongside the tested insecticides indicate their compatibility and potential for sustained use in integrated pest management programs.CONCLUSIONOur research underscores the effectiveness of merging EPNs with chemical insecticides as a powerful and sustainable strategy for RIFA management. This combined approach not only meets the immediate challenges of pest control in agricultural settings, but also supports wider environmental objectives by reducing the dependency on chemical insecticides. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Recent Progress in Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Biopolymeric Films and Coatings for Fresh Strawberry Shelf‐Life Extension
Authors: Paulsen Erika , Barrios Sofía , Bogdanoff Nicolas , Leandro Gabriel Coelho , Valencia Germán Ayala 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTStrawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is a valuable crop cultivated worldwide. This fruit is mainly consumed fresh and is an important source of vitamin C, fat‐soluble vitamins and carotenoids. However, fresh strawberries (FS) have a limited shelf life. Conventionally, the shelf life of FS has been extended using refrigeration coupled with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technology in traditional petroleum‐based polymeric films. Nonetheless, other packaging technologies such as biopolymeric packaging films and edible coatings can also be used to preserve FS with the advantage of presenting similar shelf‐life extension with lower environmental impact. This review article focused on the analysis of the main factors limiting FS' shelf life, as well as a critical discussion about the use of different packaging technologies as alternatives to increasing FS' shelf life. The revised literature revealed that FS are susceptible to microbial deterioration, weight loss and sensory quality decay. Traditional MAP technology can extend the shelf life of FS to 15 days, depending on the gas composition and storage temperature. Meanwhile, active biopolymeric films and edible coatings can be used as emerging alternatives to extend the shelf life of FS. In general, most studies have produced active films and coatings with the objective of reducing microbial growth, weight loss and sensory quality decay of strawberries during storage. Biopolymeric films and edible coatings applied in strawberries can increase the shelf life of these fruits to a similar extent as traditional MAP. The combination of MAP with biopolymeric films and edible coatings could be explored as an alternative to increase the shelf life of FS.
Evaluating the lifetime distribution parameters and reliability of products using successive approximation method
Authors: Guo Jin , Kong Xiangwei , Wu Ningxiang , Xie Liyang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Weibull distribution is an extensively used statistical model for analyzing the reliability of mechanical and electrical components. Due to the complexity of the nonlinear equations and the scarcity of failure data, the common method may not provide satisfactory results of the reliability. In this case, a new approach for Weibull parameter estimation and reliability analysis, based on successive approximation schemes, is presented. The shape and scale parameters are estimated by maximizing the likelihood functions, and the location parameter is obtained by constructing an approximate correction model between it and the failure data. In order to show the performance of the proposed method, an extensive Monte‐Carlo simulation study is conducted. Simulation results show that the proposed method provides better estimates and efficient confidence intervals for Weibull parameters. In addition, the proposed method works well in presence of small sample sizes. Finally, two real examples are analyzed to illustrate the application of the proposed method.
Reliability evaluation of spacecraft power generation performance with competitive failure processes under irradiation
Authors: Zhang Tingyu , Zeng Ying , Huang Xin , Li Jing , Xia Fan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe performance of space power systems is crucial for space products as it determines the operational capabilities, endurance, and efficiency of satellites, spacecraft, and other extraterrestrial devices. Unlike reliability analysis in aerospace systems, studying spacecraft power generation performance requires consideration of both hardware and software aspects. Existing failure models do not fully capture the self‐recovery process of control programs. Therefore, this study presents an impact degradation model for space power systems that incorporates competitive failures under irradiation conditions. The model analyzes solar arrays and power controllers to derive a performance degradation model by considering the defect formation mechanism of amorphous semiconductor materials. Additionally, two shock types are defined based on redundancy backup in power controllers and scrubbing frequency in field‐programmable gate array (FPGA) units. Within the case analysis section, the research meticulously investigates and elucidates the correlation probabilities among varying proton irradiation doses, scrubbing frequencies, and the aforementioned shock types.
A challenging case of drug‐related acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia: A rare case report
Authors: Guo Chenxia , Wu Wei , Zhu Xiang , Zhou Qingtao , Liang Ying 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA 65‐year‐old man presented with intermittent fever and progressive shortness of breath. He responded poorly to antibiotics and corticosteroids (methylprednisolone 40 mg/d). Chest computed tomography scans showed diffuse consolidations and ground glass density patchy opacities in both lungs and these lesions progressed rapidly. The diagnosis of acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia (AFOP) was confirmed through transbronchial cryobiopsy. This patient had prostate cancer with bone metastasis for 4 months and took the anti‐prostate cancer medications including apalutamide and leuprorelin acetate. Considering his medication history, the patient was diagnosed with AFOP induced by anti‐prostate cancer medications through panel discussion of multidisciplinary teams. Intravenous methylprednisolone of 500 mg/day was administered for 3 days and then slowly tapered. The patient's shortness of breath gradually subsided. In addition, the lesions in the lungs improved significantly on follow up imaging. AFOP induced by anti‐prostate cancer medications is rare. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case and high‐dose glucocorticoid treatment may be required in some of these cases.
Successful ultrathin bronchoscopy with cryobiopsy for diagnosing and removing mucus plugs in allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis mimicking lung cancer
Authors: Takigawa Yuki , Watanabe Hiromi , Sato Ken , Goda Mayu , Inoue Tomoyoshi , Fujiwara Miho , Matsuoka Suzuka , Kudo Kenichiro , Sato Akiko , Fujiwara Keiichi , Shibayama Takuo 
Published: April 2024

Key messageIn patients presenting with abnormal pulmonary nodules, especially those with a history of asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis should be considered. Eosinophil counts and IgE levels should be checked in such patients.
The tensions of crowdsourcing disaster response in disaster‐specific Facebook groups after the Camp Fire
Authors: Benedict Bailey C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDisaster‐specific Facebook groups (DSFGs) are Facebook groups devoted to a specific disaster or set of disasters. I argue DSFGs offer opportunities for disaster response and resilience organizing that can mitigate the limitations of institutionalized disaster response and illustrate the benefits and detriments of the use of DSFGs by survivors after California's 2018 Camp Fire. This study explores the helpfulness and unhelpfulness or hurtfulness of Camp Fire Facebook groups (CFFGs) for survivors' recoveries. I surveyed 232 Camp Fire survivors who used CFFGs. Sharing recovery processes and spreading information in CFFGs were both helpful and unhelpful to survivors' recoveries. CFFGs were also helpful for exchanging direct assistance, sustaining community, developing new relationships, lifting spirits, and championing survivors and unhelpful or hurtful due to scamming, facing negativity, and encountering the victim mentality. I contend that tensions exist for crowdsourcing disaster response in DSFGs, whereby what makes a DSFG helpful can also be unhelpful or hurtful, and I call for coordination between DSFGs and institutional disaster response to improve disaster response networks.