bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dramatically Accelerating II−I Crystal Phase Transition of Polybutene‑1 by In Situ Incorporation of H‐Shape Long‐Chain‐Branching Structures
Authors: Yu Huiping , Dong Jin‐Yong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis communication reports an effective strategy helping address the long‐troubling melt processing issue of isotactic polybutene‐1 (i‐PB) caused by its extremely slow II‐I crystal phase transition. The solution lies in a facile synthesis of i‐PB containing H‐shape long‐chain‐branching structures (LCB‐i‐PB) by applying a so‐called ω‐alkenylmethyldichlorosilane copolymerization‐hydrolysis (ACH) chemistry to butene‐1 polymerization with Ziegler–Natta or metallocene catalysts. It is evident that the H‐shape LCB structures effectively enhance chain entanglements of i‐PB and induce an over‐the‐board acceleration of the overall melt crystallization process including nucleation, form II crystallization, and form II‐form I phase transition. As i‐PB usually requires up to a week to reach equilibrium of the II‐I phase transition, it is found that with LCB‐i‐PB such a transition is almost finished within as short as 24 h to even higher degrees.
Influence of learned landmark correspondences on lung CT registration
Authors: Bhat Ishaan , Kuijf Hugo J. , Viergever Max A. , Pluim Josien P. W. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundDisease or injury may cause a change in the biomechanical properties of the lungs, which can alter lung function. Image registration can be used to measure lung ventilation and quantify volume change, which can be a useful diagnostic aid. However, lung registration is a challenging problem because of the variation in deformation along the lungs, sliding motion of the lungs along the ribs, and change in density.PurposeLandmark correspondences have been used to make deformable image registration robust to large displacements.MethodsTo tackle the challenging task of intra‐patient lung computed tomography (CT) registration, we extend the landmark correspondence prediction model deep convolutional neural network‐Match by introducing a soft mask loss term to encourage landmark correspondences in specific regions and avoid the use of a mask during inference. To produce realistic deformations to train the landmark correspondence model, we use data‐driven synthetic transformations. We study the influence of these learned landmark correspondences on lung CT registration by integrating them into intensity‐based registration as a distance‐based penalty.ResultsOur results on the public thoracic CT dataset COPDgene show that using learned landmark correspondences as a soft constraint can reduce median registration error from approximately 5.46 to 4.08 mm compared to standard intensity‐based registration, in the absence of lung masks.ConclusionsWe show that using landmark correspondences results in minor improvements in local alignment, while significantly improving global alignment.
Contextual Factors‐Enriched Standard Care on mechanical neck pain (ContextualizAR trial): Protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Andreu Mauro Federico , Soliño Santiago , Villalba Federico , Policastro Pablo Oscar , Laurens María Lourdes , D’Aversa Gonzalo , Mastandrea Martín , Rodriguez Federico , Ramirez Alexis , Cook Chad , Rossettini Giacomo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundUnderstanding the influence of contextual factors (CFs) on interventions for mechanical neck pain (MNP) is essential for evidence‐based practice in physical therapy. However, the specific effects and synergies of combining different CFs remain unclear.ObjectiveThe primary purpose of this study will be to determine if a CFs‐Enriched Standard Care (SC) approach is an effective treatment for MNP in terms of reducing pain and improving function.MethodsThis will be an assessor‐blinded, 2‐group (1:1) randomised clinical trial (RCT) aiming to enrol 94 participants with neck pain persisting for more than 4 weeks. Both groups will undergo 4 weeks of SC twice weekly, following established clinical practice guidelines. In the intervention group, CFs will be enhanced, encompassing the physical, psychological, and social elements inherent in the clinical encounter, based on existing evidence. The primary outcomes will encompass changes in pain and disability after 4 weeks of treatment, with a follow‐up reassessment at week 12 post‐treatment. Secondary outcomes will include changes in Active Range of Motion, Global Rating of Change, and Satisfaction with treatment. The change between groups after treatment and at the 12‐week follow‐up will be reported for all outcomes, considering the difference from scores recorded at baseline.ResultsWe hypothesise that a 4‐week CFs‐Enriched SC approach will be superior to SC alone in terms of patient‐reported disability and pain, with measurements conducted using the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, respectively.ConclusionThis RCT rigorously assesses the effect of purposeful manipulation of CFs during MNP treatment. By elucidating the role of these factors, our findings have the potential to significantly refine clinical practice in managing MNP, thereby enhancing patient care, and advancing the fields of physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Iterative algorithm to the generalized coupled Sylvester‐transpose matrix equations with application in robust and minimum norm observer design of linear systems
Authors: Qi Rui , Song Caiqin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis article consider a class of generalized coupled Sylvester‐transpose matrix equations which play an important role in control and systems theory. Based on the Jacobi iterative algorithm, the full‐row rank accelerated Jacobi gradient based iterative (RRAJGI) algorithm and the full‐column rank accelerated Jacobi gradient based iterative (CRAJGI) algorithm are proposed. By using the Frobenius norm of matrix and the trace function of matrix, the convergence of the algorithms are proved. The results show that the new algorithms are convergent for arbitrary initial matrices under the convergence number satisfies appropriate conditions. Numerical examples show that RRAJGI algorithm and CRAJGI algorithm have the advantages of faster convergence speed and higher convergence accuracy than other existing algorithms. Finally, an application example for robust and minimum norm observer design of linear systems is given.
Building blocks of good governance: Fostering an ethical work climate in public sector organizations
Authors: Al‐Fayez Diana , Hijal‐Moghrabi Imane , Yoon Youngseok , Sabharwal Meghna 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPromoting an ethical work environment in public‐sector organizations is crucial for good governance, particularly in developing countries that face internal and external pressures to modernize their public service and combat corruption. This study examined the mechanisms by which an ethical environment in public‐sector organizations is enhanced by investigating the role that employee public service motivation (PSM) as well as ethical leadership plays in the workplace. Utilizing first‐hand data collected in 2022 through a survey of public employees working at the Jordanian ministries and public sector agencies, the study showed that public employees in Jordan enjoy a high level of PSM, which was positively correlated with an ethical work environment. This relationship was, however, improved when mediated by ethical leadership, indicating the importance of ethical leadership as an organizational intervention to promote a more ethical workplace. The implications, contributions, and limitations of the study were further discussed.
Interpenetrating polymer networks of polyurethane and polytriazole: Effect of the composition and number average molecular weight of glycidyl azide polymer on the mechanical properties and morphology
Authors: Zhou Yanqiu , Zhang Qingyuan , Peng Rufang , Jin Bo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOn account of some special advantages of interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs), the preparation of IPNs with excellent properties may be a promising way to strengthen the polyurethanes (PUs) and toughen the glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) based polytriazoles (PTAs). This work provides the effect of composition and number average molecular weight (Mn) of GAP on the mechanical properties and morphology of full‐IPNs. A series of IPNs based on the crosslinked Ace‐terminated GAP (Ace‐GAP) as polytriazole phase and crosslinked hydroxy‐terminated liquid fluorinated polymer (HTLF‐1500) as polyurethane phase (namely, GAP‐HTLF‐X full‐IPNs) were successfully fabricated via in situ polymerization without any catalysts at 80°C by azide–alkynyl click chemistry and hydroxyl‐isocyanate urethane reaction. These IPNs were characterized using attenuated total reflectance/Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR/FTIR), uniaxial tensile testing, swelling measurement, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The tensile strength of GAP‐HTLF full‐IPNs gradually increased by increasing the weight ratio of Ace‐GAP, but the breaking elongation dramatically decreased compared with elongation at break of HTLF polyurethane. In addition, a small Mn of GAP is beneficial in enhancing the tensile strength, elongation at break and toughness of the IPNs. However, a small Mn of GAP corresponds to increased difficulty of preparing GAP‐HTLF full‐IPNs. GAP1k‐HTLF full‐IPN was not successfully prepared. When the Mn of GAP was 2000 g/mol, the GAP2k‐HTLF‐80 full‐IPN exhibited prominent mechanical performance with a tensile strength of 83.1 MPa, elongation at break of 28.5% and fracture energy of 99.1 kJ/m3. Swelling measurement showed that when the weight ratio of GAP with larger Mn (5, 3, and 2 k) increased to more than 70%, the molecular interpenetration existed in the IPNs, demonstrating the presence of additional physical crosslinks and entanglement for full‐IPNs. SEM studies revealed that highly formed interpenetration and few microphase separations can be observed on the fracture surface of the IPNs with optimal mechanical properties. Combined with the results of mechanical properties, swelling measurement, and SEM studies, the degree of molecular interpenetration and microphase separation were beneficial to improve the mechanical properties of elastomers. This work can provide a certain guiding significance for the preparation of IPN with excellent properties.
Development of PVA/sodium alginate incorporated with histidine capped silver nanoparticles for food packaging application
Authors: Suganthi Sanjeevamuthu , Vignesh Shanmugam , Al‐Ansari Mysoon M. , Al‐Humaid Latifah A. , Oh Tae Hwan , Raj Vairamuthu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPackaging is a growing field of interest, and the use of nanotechnology is accelerating its expansion. The study reports the fabrication of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blended sodium alginate (SA) and incorporated with different ratios of histidine‐capped silver (H‐AgNPs) nanoparticle films. Fabrication of PVA/SA/H‐AgNPs films was confirmed with the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band denoted AgNPs presence between 400 and 420 nm measured by UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. The characteristics of the polymeric biocomposite films were significantly altered by different ratios of AgNPs. The interaction of PVA/SA and PVA/SA with AgNPs was analyzed by using FT‐IR analysis. The degree of crystallinity was increased upon increasing the concentration of H‐AgNPs as confirmed by XRD measurements. The homogeneity of dispersion and surface morphology of samples were studied by FESEM. The addition of H‐AgNPs in the polymeric film increased the surface roughness of the polymeric film confirmed by AFM analysis. The contact angle of the PVA/SA blend matrix was observed to be 46.97°, and with the incorporation of AgNPs ranging from 3%, 5%, and 7% to the blend matrix, the contact angle of the nanocomposite films in increasing hydrophobic order was 60.53°, 83.57°, and 96.20°, respectively. The incorporation of AgNPs also demonstrates that the PVA/SA blend matrix has desirable thermal stability. The improved qualities were due to H bonding between PVA, SA, and H‐AgNPs, in which molecules contact strongly with one another. Furthermore, the PVA/SA/H‐AgNPs showed significant antibacterial activity against both Gram‐positive (G+) strains (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram‐negative (G−) strains (Escherichia coli) bacterial infections. The findings of this research indicate that the PVA/SA/H‐AgNPs fabricated composite films considerable for applications in food packaging.
Experimental investigation of PCL‐based composite material fabricated using solvent‐cast 3D printing process
Authors: Gogoi Debashish , Kongnyui Tanyu Donarld , Kumar Manjesh , Singh Jasvinder 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBone tissue engineering relies on scaffolds with enhanced mechanical properties, achievable through 3D printing techniques. Our study focuses on enhancing mechanical properties using a solvent‐cast 3D printing method. For this, poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL) reinforced with polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), and synthetic fluorapatite (FHAp) nanopowders were utilized, immersed in a solution of dichloromethane (DCM) and dimethylformamide (DMF). Sol–gel method was used to synthesized FHAp, and the XRD pattern confirmed crystalline FHAp presence, with notable peaks at 2θ values of 31.937°, 33.128°, 32.268°, and 25.864°. Moreover, composites exhibited nonchemical PCL‐PHB/FHAp interactions, with PHB and FHAp crystallographic planes evident. Surface roughness, assessed via RMS values, showed progressive increases with higher PHB and FHAp content. Tensile strength peaked at 19% wt/v of PHB, with varied effects of FHAp. Compressive strength reached its apex at 30% wt/v of FHAp, with higher PHB content consistently enhancing strength. Flexural strength notably increased with PHB, peaking at 19% wt/v, and further with FHAp. Young's modulus rose with both PHB and FHAp content. Hardness increased with PHB and FHAp, notably peaking at 30% wt/v of FHAp. Cell viability improved with PHB, showing varied responses to FHAp. Hemocompatibility evaluations indicated low hemolysis percentages, especially in balanced PHB/FHAp compositions. These findings highlight the crucial role of composite compositions in tailoring mechanical and biological properties for optimal bone scaffold design, promising advancements in tissue regeneration technologies.
Fabrication of poly(xylitol‐citrate‐sebacate) and strontium‐doped mesoporous bioactive glass scaffold for tissue engineering application
Authors: Deepa K. , Shalini A. , Jaisankar V. , Dixit Saurav , Devanesan Sandhanasamy , Selvankumar T. , Song Kwang Soup , Lo Huang‐Mu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this study, strontium‐doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (Sr‐MBGNs) were incorporated into a poly(xylitol‐citrate‐sebacate) (PXCS) matrix using solution mixing techniques. The resulting composites, including PXCS, PXCS/1.5% Sr‐MBGNs, PXCS/3% Sr‐MBGNs, and PXCS/5% Sr‐MBGNs, were characterized for biomedical applications using FTIR, DSC, and x‐ray diffraction analyses. High‐resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) and a universal testing machine were employed to investigate the structure, morphology, and mechanical properties of the polymer and its nanocomposites. Our findings indicate that the introduction of polymer and its nanocomposites minimally affects the glass transition and crystallinity. The observed decrease in glass transition temperature with increasing Sr‐MBGNs content suggests a plasticizing effect. These results are consistent with previous studies. Additionally, in vitro studies were conducted to evaluate antibacterial properties, VERO cell line proliferation, degradation, and swelling percentage of the scaffolds. Metal ions release behavior was assessed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES) Furthermore, the drug loading and release of curcumin from PXCS/5% Sr‐MBGNs and PXCS/Sr‐MBGNs nanocomposite scaffolds were investigated at varying pH levels (pH: 5.5, 6.8, and 7.4). Both PXCS/5% Sr‐MBGNs and PXCS/5% Sr‐MBGNs scaffolds demonstrated enhanced biological properties, highlighting their potential for use in bone regeneration approaches.
NRASQ61R mutation drives elevated angiopoietin‐2 expression in human endothelial cells and a genetic mouse model
Authors: Pastura Patricia , McDaniel C. Griffin , Alharbi Sara , Fox Dermot , Coleman Bethany , Malik Punam , Adams Denise M. , Le Cras Timothy D. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundAngiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) is increased in the blood of patients with kaposiform lymphangiomatosis (KLA) and kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE). While the genetic causes of KHE are not clear, a somatic activating NRASQ61R mutation has been found in the lesions of KLA patients.ProcedureOur study tested the hypothesis that the NRASQ61R mutation drives elevated Ang‐2 expression in endothelial cells. Ang‐2 was measured in human endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) expressing NRASQ61R and a genetic mouse model with endothelial targeted NRASQ61R. To determine the signaling pathways driving Ang‐2, NRASQ61R EPC were treated with signaling pathway inhibitors.ResultsAng‐2 levels were increased in EPC expressing NRASQ61R compared to NRASWT by Western blot analysis of cell lysates and ELISA of the cell culture media. Ang‐2 levels were elevated in the blood of NRASQ61R mutant mice. NRASQ61R mutant mice also had reduced platelet counts and splenomegaly with hypervascular lesions, like some KLA patients. mTOR inhibitor rapamycin attenuated Ang‐2 expression by NRASQ61R EPC. However, MEK1/2 inhibitor trametinib was more effective blocking increases in Ang‐2.ConclusionsOur studies show that the NRASQ61R mutation in endothelial cells induces Ang‐2 expression in vitro and in vivo. In cultured human endothelial cells, NRASQ61R drives elevated Ang‐2 through MAP kinase and mTOR‐dependent signaling pathways.
Improving the fracture toughness, electrical conductivity and electro‐thermal performance of hybrid glass/carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites with surface‐sulfonated polypropylene fabrics
Authors: Chen Xueshang , Chen Ting , Huang Meiting , Du Xusheng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHybrid glass/carbon fiber (GCF) reinforced polymer composites are one of advanced composites with reduced cost, desired mechanical properties and special electrification performance. In the work, surface‐modified polypropylene (PP) non‐woven fabric was used as the interleaf for toughening these composites. The effects of the surface‐sulfonated PP fabric (PP/S) interleaves on various mechanical properties of the GCF reinforced epoxy (GCF/EP) composites were investigated firstly, including the mode II interlaminar fracture toughness and flexural strength. Comparing to the blank control sample, the GIIC of the hybrid composites interleaved with the sulfonated PP fabric was increased evidently, as well as its flexural strength. These demonstrate the great interleaving effect of PP/S fabric on the GCF/EP laminated composites. Moreover, the heterogeneous electrically conductive behavior and electro‐thermal effect of GCF/EP interleaved with and without PP/S were studied. Interestingly, comparing to the control sample, the conductivity of the interleaved GCF/EP composites increased in both two in‐plane direction. Due to the hybrid character of the plain woven GCF fabric, both the temperature increase rate and the equilibrium temperature of the GCF/EP composites were much larger than that of pure carbon fabric reinforced composites under the same electrification condition.Highlights
Polypropylene fabric grafted with sulfonate group (PP/S) was fabricated.
The tensile property of fabric almost unchanged after the sulfonation reaction.
PP/S was more effective in toughening glass/carbon fiber/epoxy composite (GCF).
PP/S increased the conductivity in in‐plane directions of the hybrid composites.
GCF/EP displayed superior electro heating effect to CF/EP.
Improved interfacial adhesion of carbon fiber‐reinforced polydicyclopentadiene layered composite material by modification of norbornene derivatives
Authors: Wang Xian , Zhang Zehan , Gao Feng , He Xuelian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSurface chemical grafting modifications of carbon fibers (CFs) using 5‐(triethoxysilyl)norbornene (TOS), norbornene carboxylic acid tert‐butyl ester (NB‐TBE), and 5‐norbornene‐2,3‐dicarboxylic anhydride (NA) improved interfacial interactions between CFs and poly(dicyclopentadiene) (PDCPD) resin. The ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of DCPD, catalyzed by Grubbs catalyst II, enabled the fabrication of PDCPD/CF layered composite materials with resin and fibers tightly adhered. The optimal composite exhibited remarkable mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 654.6 MPa and flexural strength of 510.7 MPa. Excellent thermal stability with a maximum weight loss rate in temperatures above 450°C and good chemical resistance with a weight change of about 1% in both acidic and alkaline media highlight the promising potential of these materials for use in harsh environments. The simple yet efficient approach of TOS, NB‐TBE, and NA‐enhanced layered CF shows great promise as advanced composite materials for industrial applications.Highlights
Norbornene derivatives such as TOS, NB‐TBE, and NA are suitable modifiers for CF.
ROMP of DCPD and norbornene group onto CFs, fabrication of PDCPD/CF composite materials.
The composite exhibited remarkable interfacial adhesion and mechanical properties.
Clinical and anthropometric evolution of individuals with cystic fibrosis during COVID‐19 pandemic: A 24‐month cohort study
Authors: de Oliveira Taynara Júlia , Altoé Izabela Dondoni , Arpini Luana da Silva Baptista , Liberato Fernanda Mayrink Gonçalves , Melotti Roberta de Cássia Nunes Cruz , Wittmer Veronica Lourenço , Duarte Halina , Barbalho‐Moulim Marcela Cangussu , Paro Flavia Marini 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo analyze the evolution of clinical and anthropometric characteristics of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) over 24 months, including the period of the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsA longitudinal study with data collection from May 2018 to November 2020 in physical and electronic records from a pediatric reference center, including individuals with CF aged up to 18 years.ResultsThe sample encompassed 72 individuals. Weight (p < 0.01), height (p < 0.01), and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.043) were higher in 2020 than in 2018. There were no significant changes in BMI‐Z (p = 0.977) and in percentiles of weight (p = 0.540), height (p = 0.458), and BMI percentile (p = 0.454) between both periods. Pancreatic insufficiency was observed in 91.7% of patients in 2020, and there were twice as many confirmed cases of diabetes compared to 2018. There was a 9.7% increase in individuals colonized by the oxacillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (OSSA) (p = 0.039) and an 11.1% reduction in non‐colonized individuals (p = 0.008).ConclusionAlthough there was an increase in weight, height, and BMI from 2018 to 2020, there were no significant changes in BMI‐Z and in percentiles of weight, height, and BMI percentile, suggesting that the anthropometric aspects of nutritional status did not change in this period of 2 years. Moreover, there was an increase in the prevalence of individuals colonized by OSSA and a reduction in the prevalence of individuals non‐colonized with any bacteria.