bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new index to estimate the corrosion resistance of aluminium‐containing steel
Authors: Ooi Steve 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA new index that estimates the corrosion resistance of aluminium‐containing steel is established and verified. It is based on the well‐known pitting resistance equivalent number (PREN) but accounts for aluminium additions. It is shown that aluminium enhances the corrosion resistance of chromium‐containing steel, with a coefficient of 5.2. The new corrosion resistance index (CRI) is as follows CRI = Cr + 3.3Mo + 16N + 5.2Al. A minimum of 4 wt% of chromium addition is needed. In addition, the atomic ratio of chromium to aluminium addition needs to be higher than 1, for this new index to be valid. This new index allows for simple alloy design guidelines for steel applications that require improved corrosion resistance. Analysis of the data from the literature shows that this index becomes inaccurate when the corrosion environment is in the presence of NaCl, and aluminium becomes less effective in enhancing corrosion resistance.
A Molecular Rheology Dynamics Study on 3D Printing of Liquid Crystal Elastomers
Authors: Ustunel Senay , Pandya Harsh , Prévôt Marianne E. , Pegorin Gisele , Shiralipour Faeze , Paul Rajib , Clements Robert J. , Khabaz Fardin , Hegmann Elda 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis work presents a rheological study of a biocompatible and biodegradable liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) ink for three dimensional (3D) printing. These materials have shown that their structural variations have an effect on morphology, mechanical properties, alignment, and their impact on cell response. Within the last decade LCEs are extensively studied as potential printing materials for soft robotics applications, due to the actuation properties that are produced when liquid crystal (LC) moieties are induced through external stimuli. This report utilizes experiments and coarse‐grained molecular dynamics to study the macroscopic rheology of LCEs in nonlinear shear flow. Results from the shear flow simulations are in line with the outcomes of these experimental investigations. This work believes the insights from these results can be used to design and print new material with desirable properties necessary for targeted applications.
An ANS/ATFs‐based unsymmetric solid‐shell finite element algorithm for high‐quality finite deformation analysis of hyper‐elastic shell
Authors: Ma Ru‐Xia , Cen Song , Li Chen‐Feng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAn effective updated Lagrangian (UL) algorithm is designed for extending the recent distortion‐tolerant unsymmetric 8‐node, 24‐DOF hexahedral solid‐shell element, US‐ATFHS8, to finite deformation analysis of hyper‐elastic shell structures. The distinguishing feature of this unsymmetric element is that two different interpolation schemes are employed for virtual displacement and real stress calculations, respectively. The assumed natural strain (ANS) method with shell assumptions, referring to the current configuration, is introduced to modify the strain tensors derived from the assumed virtual displacement fields in terms of isoparametric coordinates, thereby mitigating shear locking and trapezoidal locking. On the other hand, the analytical trial functions (ATFs) derived from the general solutions of homogenous governing equations for linear elasticity are updated in each increment step to obtain the incremental deformation gradient, which is then utilized for calculating the real stresses for curing the numerical difficulties in large deformation problems. Numerical examples show that the proposed algorithm enables the hyper‐elastic solid‐shell element US‐ATFHS8 to exhibit excellent performance in both regular and distorted meshes and yield considerable results even when other models cannot work.
Fetal diagnosis and management of pulmonary artery sling: A case series
Authors: Bennett Scott , Hornberger Lisa K. , Fruitman Deborah , Bradley Timothy J. , Mansukhani Gitanjali P. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectivePulmonary artery sling is a rare congenital anomaly accounting for 2% of all patients with vascular anomalies that cause airway obstruction. In the normal heart, the left (LPA) and right (RPA) pulmonary arteries arise in the intrapericardial space. However, in the pulmonary artery sling, the LPA trunk arises in the extrapericardial space from the posterior aspect of the mid RPA and courses posterior to the trachea causing tracheal compression and, at times, bronchial compression. While a full spectrum of congenital cardiac pathology can be identified before birth, only a few case reports document the prenatal diagnosis of an Left pulmonary artery sling (LPAS).MethodWe retrospectively identified all cases of prenatal LPAS from three Canadian fetal cardiology centers (2015–2022).ResultsUsing the 3‐vessel‐tracheal view via fetal echocardiography (FE), four fetuses from three pregnancies demonstrated abnormal origin of the LPA from RPA and echogenic trachea. In one of two affected monochorionic twins coronal imaging demonstrated a significant narrowing of the large airways consistent with significant airway obstruction.ConclusionPrenatal detection of LPAS by FE is possible and should prompt an evaluation for airway obstruction in the coronal view. Investigating associated lesions and genetic testing are recommended for informed shared decision making.
MicroRNAs as potential biomarkers for monitoring of acquired sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Hu Yaqin , Chen Hongjiang , Zhou Xiaoqing , Luo Xiaoqin , Tu Zailan , Ke Jing , Yuan Wei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPresbyacusis, sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), noise‐induced hearing loss, and drug‐induced deafness are the most common types of acquired SNHL. At present, the diagnosis of these hearing disorders is mainly based on the medical history and audiological examination. Due to the lack of diagnostic biomarkers, diagnosis of acquired sensorineural hearing loss is difficult. Previous studies have suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) serve essential roles in pathophysiological processes, and they are stable, tissue enriched, and could be determined in a quantitative manner. Therefore, they could be potential noninvasive biomarkers for acquired SNHL. This review provided a comprehensive overview of the similarities and differences in altered circulating miRNAs (cimiRNAs) (plasma, serum, whole blood, and perilymph) in various disorders, and highlighted the regulatory functions of cimiRNAs on the development, monitoring and prognosis of the four most common types of acquired SNHL.
Replication of large‐area microstructures by combining movable induction heating and roller hot embossing
Authors: Hung Wei‐Cheng , Chiu Chun‐Yang , He Jyun‐Wei , Ke Kun‐Cheng , Yang Sen‐Yeu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHot embossing is a low‐cost and flexible method for fabricating microstructures and nanostructures on polymers. However, the conventional hot embossing process poses two challenges: First, the plates that are used do not provide uniform pressure, and the size of the chamber limits the imprinting area. Second, heating with thick metal plates significantly lengthens cycle time. Finally, the uniformity of temperature also affects the embossing results. To achieve a high heating rate and uniform pressure over a large area, this study combined an induction heating system and roll‐to‐plate hot embossing. A movable plate was used to move the mold through the induction coil, increasing the heating area and overcoming limitations related to the embossing area posed by the coil length. The imprinting area reached 100 × 100 mm2. In addition, the temperature difference was less than 20°C at each molding temperature range from 150°C to 190°C. The mold and the substrate were placed on a vacuum absorber to prevent deformation and slippage of the mold and provide preloading and packing pressure. Cooling fans were employed to improve cooling efficiency. Experimental replication yielded replication rates higher than 97% at 190°C and 5 kgf/cm2 with a cycle time of approximately 2 minutes. To verify the feasibility of the process, V‐groove microstructures were successfully fabricated using a movable induction heating roller embossing facility.Highlights
The feasibility of the moving induction heating roller embossing process.
A vacuum movable platform prevents deformation and slippage of the substrate.
Improve the temperature uniformity of the movable platform.
Flame retardancy and mechanical properties of polypropylene composites containing intumescent flame retardants, preceramic polymers, and other additives
Authors: Donmez Sibel , Tuzenli Zeynep , Bayram Goknur , Savaskan Yilmaz Sevil 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP)‐based intumescent flame retardants (IFRs) consisting of melamine phosphate (MP) and pentaerythritol (PER), and different additives; boron phosphate (BP), antimony oxide (AO), and preceramic polymers, namely poly(dimethylsilane) (PDMS) and poly(methylsilsesquioxane) (PMSQ). The composites were produced by twin‐screw extrusion, and then molded by injection molding. Their characterizations were performed with limiting oxygen index (LOI), horizontal burning tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile and impact tests. The total amount of IFRs and the additives in polypropylene was kept constant at 20 wt%. The additive concentration was varied as 1, 3, and 5 wt% in the composites. The highest LOI value of 29% was obtained for PP/MP/PER composite with MP/PER ratio of 3/1. PP/IFR‐based composites with 1 wt% additive exhibited higher LOI and horizontal burning performance than the other composites with 3 and 5 wt% additives. It is revealed that tensile modulus and impact strength of neat PP were improved with the addition of IFRs, and for each type and amount of the additives used in the study.Highlights
Usage of IFRs, preceramic polymers, BP and AO in PP improved flame retardancy.
Lower amount of additives (1%) in PP/IFR composites led to higher LOI values.
Additive incorporation enhanced tensile modulus and impact strength of neat PP.
Sequential or simultaneous transarterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria: A retrospective real‐world study
Authors: Liu Jianwei , Sun Minmin , Hu Zhiliang , Wang Jie , Lu Caixia , Gao Ya , He Cuijuan , Wu Yeye , Zhai Jian , Xia Yong , Pan Xiaorong , Wang Kui 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimsFew studies have investigated differences in sequential transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and simultaneous RFA‐TACE for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using the Milan criteria. This study explored the differences in safety and prognosis between sequential TACE‐RFA and simultaneous RFA‐TACE.MethodsThis retrospective real‐world study included 109 patients with HCC within the Milan criteria who underwent sequential TACE‐RFA (n = 75) or simultaneous RFA‐TACE (n = 34) at the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital between January 2017 and 2021. Postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and long‐term prognosis were compared. The median follow‐up duration of these patients was 39.1 months. Overall survival (OS) and time to tumor recurrence (TTR) curves were plotted using the Kaplan−Meier method and were compared using the logarithmic rank test. Independent risk factors for OS and tumor recurrence (TR) were analyzed using the Cox risk regression model.ResultsMultivariate analysis showed that tumor diameter >3 cm (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.201, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.106–4.378, p = 0.025; HR: 2.236, 95% CI: 1.271–3.934, p = 0.005, respectively) and alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) > 400 μg/L (HR: 2.362, 95% CI: 1.195–4.668, p = 0.013; HR: 1.798, 95% CI: 1.048–3.086, p = 0.033, respectively) were independent risk factors for OS and TTR, whereas the presence of multiple tumors (HR: 2.352, 95% CI: 1.127–4.907, p = 0.023) was an independent risk factor for TTR. Simultaneous RFA‐TACE did not have an effect on OS or TTR. After propensity score‐matched, comparable results were obtained and RFA‐TACE still had no effect on OS or TTR. No significant differences were observed in grade III/IV complications (2/75 [2.7%] vs. 1/34 [2.9%], p = 1.000) between the two groups. However, the RFA‐TACE group had fewer complications than the TACE‐RFA group (24/34 [70.6%] vs. 66/75 [88.0%], p = 0.026). The RFA‐TACE group had a shorter hospital stay and less total cost during hospitalization compared with the TACE‐RFA group (6.0 vs. 10.0 days, p < 0.001; 30,000 vs. 35,000 CNY, p < 0.001).ConclusionsFor HCC within the Milan criteria, there was no significant difference in OS and TTR between RFA‐TACE and TACE‐RFA. However, RFA‐TACE could reduce all‐grade complications and shorten the length of hospital stay compared with TACE‐RFA. Therefore, simultaneous RFA‐TACE may be considered for patients with HCC and good liver function falling within the Milan criteria.
A propensity score‐integrated approach for leveraging external data in a randomized controlled trial with time‐to‐event endpoints
Authors: Chen Wei‐Chen , Lu Nelson , Wang Chenguang , Li Heng , Song Changhong , Tiwari Ram , Xu Yunling , Yue Lilly Q. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn a randomized controlled trial with time‐to‐event endpoint, some commonly used statistical tests to test for various aspects of survival differences, such as survival probability at a fixed time point, survival function up to a specific time point, and restricted mean survival time, may not be directly applicable when external data are leveraged to augment an arm (or both arms) of an RCT. In this paper, we propose a propensity score‐integrated approach to extend such tests when external data are leveraged. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the operating characteristics of three propensity score‐integrated statistical tests, and an illustrative example is given to demonstrate how these proposed procedures can be implemented.
Global finite‐time control for high‐order stochastic nonlinear systems with multiple unknown control directions
Authors: Hua Changchun , Pan Wenlong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this article, a class of global finite‐time stabilization problem for high‐order stochastic nonlinear systems with multiple unknown control directions is studied. In order to solve the difficulties caused by the unknown control directions and at the same time, the system is required to converge to the origin in a limited time. Therefore, a new switching mechanism based on the Lyapunov‐like function is proposed. By adding a power integral technique and utilizing sign function, a finite‐time switching controller is designed. The controller parameters need to be adjusted online according to the proposed switching logic. It is rigorously proved that the designed controller can make the system state converge probabilistically to the origin in a finite‐time. A simulation example shows the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm.
Multi‐variable and multi‐objective gain‐scheduled control based on Youla‐Kucera parameterization: Application to autonomous vehicles
Authors: Atoui Hussam , Sename Olivier , Milanes Vicente , Martinez‐Molina John‐Jairo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a Youla‐Kucera based interpolation between a set of Linear Parameter‐Varying (LPV) controllers, each one being a gain‐scheduled of Linear Time‐Invariant (LTI) controllers designed separately for different operating points. The gain‐scheduling is achieved based on Youla‐Kucera (YK) parameterization. A generalized LPV‐YK control structure is designed to interpolate between various LPV controllers. The closed‐loop system is proved to guarantee the quadratic stability for any continuous/discontinuous interpolating signals in terms of a set of Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs). The proposed method can help multi‐variable and multi‐objective systems to achieve high performances at different operating conditions and different critical situations regardless of the interpolation rate. A numerical example is simulated to show the importance of the proposed method to achieve different objectives for lateral control of autonomous vehicles. In addition, the approach has been tested on a real Renault ZOE vehicle to validate its real performance, and compare it with a standard polytopic LPV controller.
Targeted Review of IL36RN Mutations in Patients with Generalised Pustular Psoriasis
Authors: Krueger James G. , Pagotto Anna , Haftel Samuel , Gradl Birgit 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Generalised pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare and chronic skin disease historically treated with therapies that were originally intended to treat plaque psoriasis (PsO). However, GPP and plaque PsO have distinct pathogeneses and clinical courses.

Objectives
This study aimed to further characterise the unique genetic background of GPP by summarising evidence on the frequency and type of IL36RN gene mutation, a gene that normally suppresses proinflammatory responses, in patients with GPP compared to patients with GPP and plaque PsO, and patients with plaque PsO only.

Methods and Results
A targeted literature review was conducted to identify studies reporting IL36RN mutations and/or HLA-Cw6 allele frequency in patients with GPP. Meta-analyses showed a significantly higher rate of IL36RN mutations in the GPP-only population compared to the GPP + plaque PsO population (OR 3.51; 95% CI 2.29, 5.38). Monoallelic mutations of IL36RN were found in up to 33.3%, and biallelic mutations in up to 73.2% of patients with GPP (GPP-only and GPP + plaque PsO), in contrast with mono- and biallelic frequencies of only 0%–11.9% and 0%, respectively, in patients with plaque PsO only. Mean age-of-onset ranged from 5.9 to 48.9 years old, with most studies reporting a GPP age-of-onset between 20 and 40 years old. Twenty-one mutations were identified in the biallelic state and three in monoallelic. The most reported mutations were c.115 + 6T &gt; C (p. Arg10ArgfsX1) (18 studies); c.227 C &gt; T (p.Pro76Leu) (10 studies); and c.338 C &gt; T (p.Ser113Leu) (8 studies). Mutations varied depending on geography and ethnicity, with the most frequently reported mutation predominantly reported in East Asian studies and international studies that included Asian patients. Rates of HLA-Cw6, the risk allele most strongly associated with plaque PsO, were 0%–28.6% for patients with GPP, similar to rates in the general population (10.5%–20%).

Conclusion
Considering the differences between GPP and plaque PsO in aetiology and disease symptoms, effective, GPP-specific treatment options are needed, and recent research suggests that blockade of IL-36 signalling may be an effective target for treatment of GPP.
Tailoring Advanced CdS Anisotropy‐Driven Charge Spatial Vectorial Separation and Migration via In Situ Dual Co‐Catalyst Synergistic Layout
Authors: Li Teng , Wang Xuanpu , Jin Zhiliang , Tsubaki Noritatsu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTailoring advanced anisotropy‐driven efficient separation and migration of photogenerated carriers is a pivotal stride toward enhancing photocatalytic activity. Here, CdS‐MoS2 binary photocatalysts are tailored into a dumbbell shape by leveraging the rod‐shaped morphology of CdS and employing an in situ tip‐induction strategy. To further enhance the photocatalytic activity, an in situ photo‐deposition strategy is incorporated to cultivate MnOx particles on the dumbbell‐shaped CdS‐MoS2. The in situ deposition of MnOx effectively isolated the oxidatively active sites on the CdS surface, emphasizing the reductively active crystalline face of CdS, specifically the (002) face. Benefiting from its robust activity as a reduction active site, MoS2 adeptly captures photogenerated electrons, facilitating the reduction of H+ to produce hydrogen. The anisotropically driven separation of CdS photogenerated carriers markedly mitigates the Coulomb force or binding force of the photogenerated electrons, thus promoting a smoother migration toward the active site for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The hydrogen evolution rate of 35MnOx‐CdS‐MoS2‐3 surpasses that of CdS by nearly an order of magnitude, achieving a quantum efficiency of 22.30% at 450 nm. Under simulated solar irradiation, it attains a rate of 42.86 mmol g−1 h−1. This work imparts valuable insights for the design of dual co‐catalysts, anisotropy‐driven spatial vectorial charge separation and migration, and the analysis of migration pathways of photogenerated carriers.
Endogenous Interfacial Mo−C/N−Mo‐S Bonding Regulates the Active Mo Sites for Maximized Li+ Storage Areal Capacity
Authors: Khanam Zeba , Xiong Tuzhi , Yang Fang , Su Hailan , Luo Li , Li Jieqiong , Koroma Malcolm , Zhou Bowen , Mushtaq Muhammad , Huang Yongchao , Ouyang Ting , Balogun M.‐Sadeeq 
Published: March 2024

AbstractActive sites, mass loading, and Li‐ion diffusion coefficient are the benchmarks for boosting the areal capacity and storage capability of electrode materials for lithium‐ion batteries. However, simultaneously modulating these criteria to achieve high areal capacity in LIBs remains challenging. Herein, MoS2 is considered as a suitable electroactive host material for reversible Li‐ion storage and establish an endogenous multi‐heterojunction strategy with interfacial Mo−C/N−Mo‐S coordination bonding that enables the concurrent regulation of these benchmarks. This strategy involves architecting 3D integrated conductive nanostructured frameworks composed of Mo2C‐MoN@MoS2 on carbon cloth (denoted as C/MMMS) and refining the sluggish kinetics in the MoS2‐based anodes. Benefiting from the rich hetero‐interface active sites, optimized Li adsorption energy, and low diffusion barrier, C/MMMS reaches a mass loading of 12.11 mg cm−2 and showcases high areal capacity and remarkable rate capability of 9.6 mAh cm−2@0.4 mA cm−2 and 2.7 mAh cm−2@6.0 mA cm−2, respectively, alongside excellent stability after 500 electrochemical cycles. Moreover, this work not only affirms the outstanding performance of the optimized C/MMMS as an anode material for supercapacitors, underscoring its bifunctionality but also offers valuable insight into developing endogenous transition metal compound electrodes with high mass loading for the next‐generation high areal capacity energy storage devices.
Optimization of the Form Factors of Advanced Li‐S Pouch Cells
Authors: Das Sayan , Bhuyan MSA , Gupta Krish Naresh , Okpowe Omena , Choi Austin , Sweeny Jeremiah , Olawale David , Pol Vilas G. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractLithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries hold immense promise as next‐generation energy storage due to their high theoretical energy density (2600 Wh kg⁻¹), low cost, and non‐toxic nature. However, practical implementation faces challenges, primarily from Li polysulfide (LiPS) shuttling within the cathode and Li dendrite growth at the anode. Optimized electrodes/electrolytes design effectively confines LiPS to the cathode, boosting cycling performance in coin cells to up to hundreds of cycles. Scaling up to larger pouch cells presents new obstacles, requiring further research for long‐term stability. A 1.45 Ah pouch cell, with optimized sulfur loading and electrolyte/sulfur ratio is developed, which delivers an energy density of 151 Wh kg−1 with 70% capacity retention up to 100 cycles. Targeting higher energy density (180 Wh kg−1), the developed 1Ah pouch cell exhibits 68% capacity retention after 50 cycles. Morphological analysis reveals that pouch cell failure is primarily from Li metal powdering and resulting polarization, rather than LiPS shuttling. This occurs for continuous Li ion stripping/plating during cycling, leading to dendrite growth and formation of non‐reactive Li powder, especially under high currents. These issues increase ion diffusion resistance and reduce coulombic efficiency over time. Therefore, the study highlights the importance of a protected Li metal anode for achieving high‐energy‐dense batteries.