bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Thermoresponsive Microgels from Acrylamide and Diacetone Acrylamide with Adjustable Responsive Temperature and Size via Precipitation Polymerization
Authors: Chen Yuzhu , Li Xingdi , Zheng Chao 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThermoresponsive microgels are a kind of soft and wet material exhibiting various potential applications such as smart windows. As a concept of proof, poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) based thermoresponsive microgel shows excellent promise in thermochoromic smart windows. While relatively expensive monomers lead to an unacceptable cost when they are used as building materials. In this work, efforts are made to exploration of an alternative for poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) reducing the cost of thermoresponsive microgels. For this purpose, industrial chemicals acrylamide (AM) and diacetone acrylamide (DAAM) are employed to synthesize microgels through free radical precipitation polymerization. Although both homopolymers of acrylamide and diacetone acrylamide are not thermoresponsive. Their copolymers exhibit typical lower solution temperature solution (LCST) behaviors, which confirm the feasibility of the envisaged. Further, the influence of synthetic conditions including monomer ratio, concentration of surfactant, and polymerization temperature, on the size and responsive temperature of microgels is investigated. Ultimately, cost‐effective thermoresponsive microgels are prepared with adjustable diameters from 1.6 to 4.5 µm and responsive temperature from 19.3 to ≈70.0 °C.
Label‐free Raman spectroscopy for the assessment of liver fibrosis
Authors: Cao Huiying , Ma Chen , Wu Zhitao , Sun Lin , Liu Wenjing , Ma Chenhui , Chen Feihong , Peng Zhaoliang , Xuan Lijiang , Huang Ruimin , Pan Guoyu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe enormous incidence and dire consequences of liver fibrosis highlight the need for biologically plausible markers as readouts of pathology and drug efficacy. The classic reference standard for diagnosis of liver fibrosis is histopathological examinations. However, it is burdened by time‐consuming steps, subjectivity, and the static nature of information. Raman spectroscopy is a rapid, objective, and label‐free analytical tool that provides numerous molecular information. Thus, we utilized Raman spectroscopy to characterize the pathological features of liver fibrosis and to evaluate the efficacy of drugs (obeticholic acid [OCA] and gigantol [YS30]). Principal component analysis with subsequent linear discriminant analysis could basically discriminate between fibrotic mice and healthy controls and showed that animals with OCA or YS30 treatment resembled those with vehicle treatment. Moreover, we identified several potential biomarkers, including cytochrome C, for liver fibrosis development based on their Raman “fingerprints.” Raman imaging provided quantitative and spatial distribution of collagen and cytochrome C in situ. In addition, we demonstrated the role of OCA or YS30 in revitalizing mitochondrial function to alleviate liver fibrosis using Raman spectroscopy. Collectively, Raman spectroscopy succeeded in tracking liver fibrosis progression, assessing drug efficacy, and yielding significant molecular information useful for quantitatively linking pathological assessment and mechanism of drug action.
Quantitative 17O MRSI of myocardial oxygen metabolic rate, blood flow, and oxygen extraction fraction under normal and high workload conditions
Authors: Zhu Xiao‐Hong , Chen Wei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPurposeThe heart is a highly aerobic organ consuming most of the oxygen the body in supporting heart function. Quantitative imaging of myocardial oxygen metabolism and perfusion is essential for studying cardiac physiopathology in vivo. Here, we report a new imaging method that can simultaneously assess myocardial oxygen metabolism and blood flow in the rat heart.MethodsThis novel method is based on the 17O‐MRSI combined with brief inhalation of 17O‐isotope labeled oxygen gas for quantitative imaging of myocardial metabolic rate of oxygen consumption (MVO2), myocardial blood flow (MBF), and oxygen extraction fraction (OEF). We demonstrate this imaging method under basal and high workload conditions in rat hearts at 9.4 T.ResultsWe show that this 17O MRSI–based approach can directly measure and image MVO2 (1.35–4.06 μmol/g/min), MBF (0.49–1.38 mL/g/min), and OEF (0.33–0.44) in the heart of anesthetized rat under basal and high workload (21.6 × 103–56.7 × 103 mmHg • bpm) conditions. Under high workload condition, MVO2 and MBF values in healthy rats approximately doubled, whereas OEF remained unchanged, indicating a strong coupling between myocardial oxygen metabolic demand and supply through blood perfusion.ConclusionThe 17O‐MRSI method has been used to simultaneously image the myocardial metabolic rate of oxygen consumption, blood flow, and oxygen extraction fraction in small animal hearts, which are sensitive to the physiological changes induced by high workload. This approach could provide comprehensive measures that are critical for studying myocardial function in normal and diseased states and has a potential for translation.
Optimized quantitative mapping of cardiopulmonary oscillations using hyperpolarized 129Xe gas exchange MRI: Digital phantoms and clinical evaluation in CTEPH
Authors: Lu Junlan , Alenezi Fawaz , Bier Elianna , Leewiwatwong Suphachart , Mummy David , Kabir Sakib , Rajagopal Sudarshan , Robertson Scott , Niedbalski Peter J. , Driehuys Bastiaan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPurposeThe interaction between 129Xe atoms and pulmonary capillary red blood cells provides cardiogenic signal oscillations that display sensitivity to precapillary and postcapillary pulmonary hypertension. Recently, such oscillations have been spatially mapped, but little is known about optimal reconstruction or sensitivity to artifacts. In this study, we use digital phantom simulations to specifically optimize keyhole reconstruction for oscillation imaging. We then use this optimized method to re‐establish healthy reference values and quantitatively evaluate microvascular flow changes in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) before and after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE).MethodsA six‐zone digital lung phantom was designed to investigate the effects of radial views, key radius, and SNR. One‐point Dixon 129Xe gas exchange MRI images were acquired in a healthy cohort (n = 17) to generate a reference distribution and thresholds for mapping red blood cell oscillations. These thresholds were applied to 10 CTEPH participants, with 6 rescanned following PTE.ResultsFor undersampled acquisitions, a key radius of was found to optimally resolve oscillation defects while minimizing excessive heterogeneity. CTEPH participants at baseline showed higher oscillation defect + low (32 ± 14%) compared with healthy volunteers (18 ± 12%, p < 0.001). For those scanned both before and after PTE, oscillation defect + low decreased from 37 ± 13% to 23 ± 14% (p = 0.03).ConclusionsDigital phantom simulations have informed an optimized keyhole reconstruction technique for gas exchange images acquired with standard 1‐point Dixon parameters. Our proposed methodology enables more robust quantitative mapping of cardiogenic oscillations, potentially facilitating effective regional quantification of microvascular flow impairment in patients with pulmonary vascular diseases such as CTEPH.
A double‐dynamic‐bond crosslinked multifunctional conductive hydrogel with self‐adhesive, remoldability, and rapid self‐healing properties for wearable sensing
Authors: Li Xinfeng , Zhang Tianyi , Song Baiqing , Yang Kaili , Hao Xiaoqiong , Ma Jianhua 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn recent years, conductive hydrogels have been designed as flexible sensors with broad application prospects in the field of smart wearable devices. However, the coordination of the mechanical properties, self‐healing capability, and conductivity of hydrogels has always been a challenge. In this work, a multifunctional conductive hydrogel with self‐adhesive, re‐shapeable, and rapid self‐healing abilities (PB‐PACS‐PM3 (self‐healing efficiency) = 98.8% in 15 s) was prepared by incorporating protocatechualdehyde modified carboxymethyl chitosan (PA@o‐CMCS) and PDA‐modified MXene (PDA@MXene) into the interchain of polyvinyl alcohol through dynamic borate ester crosslinking. The dynamic Schiff base reaction not only effectively introduced o‐CMCS as a mechanical enhancer but also improved the viscoelasticity and self‐healing capability of the hydrogel through the dual dynamic bond crosslinking structure. The PDA@MXene nanosheets are uniformly distributed in the hydrogel, providing the composite system with excellent conductivity (the conductivity of PB‐PACS‐PM3 hydrogel is 1.5 S/m) and strain sensitivity (the response time and recovery time of the hydrogel sensor are 230 and 260 ms, respectively), while the tensile strength of the hydrogel is improved to 0.035 MPa. Due to all these advantages, this conductive hydrogel can be assembled into flexible wearable sensors for rapid and accurate monitoring of various physiological activities of the human body, such as finger, wrist, elbow, and knee bending vibrations, among others.
Hoping for a normal life: Decision‐making on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation by patients with a hemoglobinopathy and their caregivers
Authors: Mekelenkamp Hilda , de Vries Martine , Saalmink Ineke , Nur Erfan , Kerkhoffs Jean‐Louis , Heijboer Harriët , Cnossen Marjon , Lankester Arjan , Smiers Frans ,   SCORE consortium
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundTo provide insight into the perspectives of children and young adults with transfusion‐dependent thalassemia and sickle cell disease and their caregivers regarding the decision for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).ProcedureA qualitative longitudinal multicenter study. Data collection consisted of 40 audio‐recorded conversations between physicians and families and 77 interviews with patients and/or caregivers related to 27 unique cases, collected at different time points throughout the decision‐making process.ResultsConversations and interviews revealed “hoping for a normal life” as an overarching theme, consisting of four main topics: (i) “Building a frame of reference” refers to a process where patients or families try to obtain comprehensive information on HSCT and translate this to their situation to decide. (ii) “Balancing between loss and benefit” reports the process of considering the advantages and disadvantages of continuing with supportive care to treat their disease versus choosing HSCT. (iii) “Experiencing the impact of HSCT” describes the impactfull experience of the HSCT period by those who chose HSCT. (iv) “Balancing again” refers to reflecting on the decision made.ConclusionsThe hope for a normal life guided the decision‐making process, described as a constant balance between the impact of the disease and HSCT. A structured approach to explore patients’ and caregivers’ perspectives on HSCT decision‐making is needed, where specifically discussing the impact of the disease and hope for a normal life need to be integrated in the process.
Thermal aging effect on mechanical properties of polyamide 6 matrix composites produced by TFP and compression molding
Authors: Yarar Eser , Şahin Alp Eren , Kara Hasan , Çep Emine Baş , Bora Mustafa Özgür 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTailored Fiber Placement is an innovative manufacturing technique that precisely positions continuous fibers in critical areas of fiber preforms for optimal structural performance. This study focuses on producing glass fiber‐reinforced polyamide composites using TFP technology and compression molding to address the durability concerns of thermoplastic matrix composites in automotive parts. The production process involved a constant temperature of 300°C, 16 bar pressure, and holding times of 270, 300, and 330 s. Short‐term thermal aging cycles were applied to simulate automotive part acclimatization. Tensile and 3‐point bending tests were conducted to evaluate mechanical properties. Statistical analysis using response surface methodology provided insights into the relationship between production parameters and mechanical properties. Differential Scanning Calorimetry characterized the composite material, and macroscopic damage analysis was performed. Results showed a potential 10% decrease in tensile strength due to short‐term thermal aging. Aging had the most significant impact on elastic modulus and tensile strength according to the Pareto chart. Flexural modulus increased, while flexural strength decreased with thermal aging. Holding time had no effect on flexural modulus but reduced flexural strength.Highlights
Glass/polyamide composites were produced by compression molding with TFP technology.
Short‐term thermal aging cycles were applied on the GF‐PA6 composite material.
Mechanical properties were analyzed statistically according to the RSM.
TFP technique can assist OEM companies in lowering desired target cost per vehicle.
Enhancing ablation and oxidation resistance of phenolic resin with modified pickling asbestos
Authors: Shi Jun‐Feng , Li Nan , Zhang Feng , Gao Jie‐Feng , Wang Yue‐Yi , Yan Ding‐Xiang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractGiven the increasing requirements for ablative thermal protection materials, there is an urgent need for boron phenolic resin (BPR) composites with excellent high‐temperature strength properties as well as ablation performance to address the structural failure during the ablation process of these devices. Herein, modified pickling asbestos (MPA) was successfully incorporated into BPR to prepare MPA‐modified BPR (MPABPR). In addition, one‐dimensional MPA with improved dispersion and compatibility was used to fabricate a fiber‐reinforced network inside of BPR for the first time, which effectively increased the high‐temperature strength and ablation resistance of BPR. The results demonstrated that the high‐temperature strength of MPABPR was optimally improved by 25% compared to pure BPR. Meanwhile, when the content of MPA was only 5 wt%, the linear and mass ablation rates of MPABPR could reduce to 0.046 mm/s and 0.043 g/s, which were 34.3% and 23.2% lower than that of pure BPR, respectively. This study has the enormous potential to provide a new strategy for preparing high‐performance BPR matrix materials.Highlights
The dispersion and compatibility of PA are improved by modification.
MPA constructs a fiber‐reinforced network that can strengthen the carbon layer.
The ablative properties of MPABPR have great advantages over the BPR.
The compressive strength of carbonized MPABPR5 is 25% higher than that of BPR.
Epoxy resin with both ultraviolet shielding and enhanced thermal mechanical properties: Study on synergistic modification of Ce–Zr–Si oxide nanoparticles and basalt fibers
Authors: Li Yi , Zhang Ning , Liang Jicai , Yu Kaifeng , Zhao Zengxia , Liang Ce 
Published: December 2023

AbstractComposites with good thermomechanical and UV‐shielding properties are essential in fiber‐reinforced composites. This paper focuses on composites' ultraviolet (UV) shielding efficiency with added Ce‐Zr‐Si oxide nanoparticles/epoxy resin. The Ce‐Zr oxide nanoparticles were first functionalized with a silicon coupling agent and ethyl silicate to improve their dispersion and surface activity. In this work, we prepared epoxy nanocomposites with the addition of Ce‐Zr ‐Si oxides(1,3,5,7 wt%) and found that the materials had good enhancement of the UV shielding properties of the epoxy resin matrix. Meanwhile, it was used in basalt fiber (BF)/epoxy composites prepared by the hot‐pressing method, and surface treatment of basalt fibers was carried out. The results showed that the modified fiber composites could effectively enhance the thermomechanical properties of epoxy resin composites. It is noteworthy that the tensile strength and flexural strength of the hybrid composites reached their peak when 5 wt% Ce‐Zr‐Si was added, increasing by 13.8% and 33.67% respectively. The modified (BF)/epoxy composites exhibited improved thermal stability compared to pure epoxy resin, with the maximum weight loss temperature of BF‐1/EP reaching 349°C. The T(UVA) decreased to 2.41%, while the T(UVB) decreased to 0.053%, and almost all the ultraviolet irradiation was blocked. These results show that our prepared composites have good thermomechanical and UV shielding properties.Highlights
Ce‐Zr oxide nanoparticles were functionalized with a silicon coupling agent.
Ce‐Zr‐Si oxide was added to enhance the ultraviolet shielding efficiency.
Modified BFs were composited to improve thermomechanical properties.
In‐plane and in‐depth frontal polymerization behaviors of continuous fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Luo Tingting , Fu Kunkun , Zhu Huixin , Chen Yuan , Yang Bin , Li Yan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractFrontal polymerization (FP) is a self‐sustaining reaction that relies on polymerization exothermicity and heat transfer. This study explores the in‐plane and in‐depth FP mechanisms of continuous fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites. First, the effects of initiator and diluent concentrations on the FP behaviors of neat epoxy resins were examined. It was found that the frontal velocity and frontal temperature of the neat resins increase with an increase of either the initiator concentration or the diluent content, depending on the polymerization enthalpy and curing kinetics. Then, the FP behaviors of continuous carbon fiber and glass fiber‐reinforced epoxy woven composites were investigated. The results showed that the in‐plane FP behavior of the composites was primarily controlled by the thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity of the continuous fibers, whereas the in‐depth FP behavior mainly depended on the pores of the woven fabrics.Highlights
Frontal velocity and temperature of neat resins are controlled by the polymerization enthalpy and curing kinetics.
The in‐plane FP behavior of continuous fiber reinforced composites is dependent on the thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity of the fibers.
The in‐depth FP behavior of composite is determined by both the thermal conductivity of fibers and the pores of fabrics.
Neonatal hepatitis B vaccination: Reevaluating timing and adjuvants for enhanced safety and effectiveness
Authors: Cirovic Aleksandar , Cirovic Ana , Ivanovski Ana , Ivanovski Petar 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOur aim is an achievement of a 100 percent vaccination rate without toxic vaccine effects. We did a comprehensive literature review on aluminum neurotoxicity and early neonatal hepatitis B vaccination. We analyzed indications for introduction of early neonatal hepatitis B vaccination and the data on experimental and clinical aluminum‐induced neurotoxicity. It is justified very early hepatitis B vaccination to be carried out in high‐risk endemic areas. In those countries there is a large number of hepatitis B positive individuals, including pregnant women, which leads to a great number of vertical, mother‐to‐child, transmissions of the virus during pregnancy. There is also a serious risk of perinatal Hepatitis B virus infections in such countries. Early neonatal hepatitis B vaccination is also carried out in low‐risk countries, where the number of hepatitis B positive pregnant women is extremely small, making the number of newborns who require the prevention of hepatitis B infection extremely small as well. It is necessary for all vaccines which contain aluminum as an adjuvant to be immediately suspended as children vaccination until they start walking and until aluminum is replaced with calcium, zinc or a nonmetallic adjuvant such as microcrystalline tyrosine or monosodium urate. Meanwhile sustained efforts should be made to create the so‐called mucosal vaccines against diphtheria, pertussis, measles, mumps and rubella. At the same time, all the children born to hepatitis B positive mothers, regardless of their place of birth must be vaccinated against hepatitis B as the benefits from vaccines by far outweigh potential harm caused by adjuvant aluminum.
Concentration effect on the chain structure and photoelectric properties of conjugated polymer precursor solutions and thin films: A mini review
Authors: Zhang Yuhua , Cheng Dongyang , Li Tao , Guan Yijia , Liu Bin , Zhang Hao , Lu Dan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractConjugated polymers have attracted extensive attention in numerous research fields because of their exceptional photoelectric properties and distinctive solution processing capabilities. The conformation of the chain and the structure of the condensed state in solution are closely related to various factors, such as concentration and solvent. Concentration, as a significant external parameter, plays a crucial role in the self‐assembly and formation of crystalline structures in conjugated polymers. It also affects the properties of the solution, the structure of the membrane, and the performance of the fabricated devices. Recently, there have been an increasing number of studies conducted from the perspective of solution concentration. Therefore, it is important to comprehensively summarize the effect of concentration on the transition process of chain structure from solution to film, as well as the impact of concentration on the performance of related devices. In this review, we summarize the effects of concentration on the chain motion, particle size, ordered structure, and photoelectric properties of conjugated polymers in solutions and thin films, as well as on device efficiency. This provides a unique perspective on the fundamental characteristics of conjugated polymers, which can assist in the development and improvement of optoelectronic devices.
Aerobic Synthesis and Nucleophilicity of 2,3‐Dihydroindolizines
Authors: Qiu Dong , Su Yijin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHerein, we reported a practical and metal‐free synthesis of 2,3‐dihydroindolizines using N‐alkyl pyridinium salts and electron‐deficient alkenes with ambient air as a sole oxidant. Interestingly, a halogen bond donor (penta‐fluoroiodobenzene 20 mol %) was successfully applied to promote this partial oxidation by slowing down the undesired decomposition processes, probably because of the formation of a halogen‐bonded adduct. Moreover, the C1 position of 2,3‐dihydroindolizines was utilized as a good nucleophile for nucleophilic aromatic substitution with 4‐iodo‐1‐methylpyridin‐1‐ium trifluoromethanesulfonate as electrophile and provided a new‐type dipyridinium compound effectively.
Beyond the finish line: How losing in patent race drives post‐race innovation
Authors: Hong A‐Sung 
Published: December 2023

AbstractResearch SummaryAlthough patent races of leading technology firms have garnered significant attention in the prior literature, it remains unclear how the outcome of a patent race affects subsequent firm‐level innovation. Drawing on agency theory, we propose that losing a patent race drives firms to pursue more technological innovation than winning due to managerial concerns. To investigate the mechanism, we hypothesize that the positive impact of a lost race on a firm's innovation is more pronounced when more shareholders hold near‐term investment horizons and when a CEO is less protected against the pressure of shareholders. By constructing a unique dataset of simultaneous patent applications, we find evidence consistent with the proposed theory.Managerial SummaryThis study explores the impact of a patent race on the subsequent innovation of leading technology firms. We find that losing firms tend to pursue more innovation after the race, surpassing the winner in terms of innovation. This finding is particularly pronounced when top managers are more pressured by the shareholders. Specifically, we show that the positive effect of a lost race is especially evident in publicly listed companies with a higher ratio of short‐term institutional investors and where CEOs have less protection from shareholder pressures in the public market. This research underscores how a setback in a technology competition can act as a catalyst to change innovation dynamics among competitors at the technology frontiers.