bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of fiber areal density on mechanical behavior of basalt fiber/epoxy composites under varying loading rates: An experimental and statistical approach
Authors: Biswas Rahul , Sharma Nisha , Singh Kalyan Kumar 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe stress–strain characteristics and failure behavior of composites are strain rate dependent and affected by the fiber areal density. To elucidate the combined influence of areal density and strain rate on the strength of basalt fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (BFRP), an experimental study was conducted on BFRP laminates of two different fiber areal densities, that is, 380 GSM and 200 GSM, having distinct stacking sequence under three different loading rates. Failure modes, failure strength, and Weibull parameters were used to characterize the experimental outcomes. The experiment was carried out to investigate the mechanical responses and associated failure modes at strain rates ranging from quasi‐static 0.1 mm/min to a high strain rate of 10 mm/min. It has been demonstrated that there is a substantial correlation between the fiber areal density, loading rate, and stacking order of BFRP laminates and the increase in maximum flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength. For an increase in the fiber areal density from 200 GSM to 380 GSM flexural strength is increased by 18%–30%, while ILSS strength is increased by 30%–52%. Based on the finding, the asymmetric type‐2 laminate exhibits better properties than the symmetric and asymmetric type‐1 laminates due to the presence of more (0°/90°) laminae at the tensile side of the laminate. Inferring the mechanical characteristics of composite materials and their relationship to strain rate from experimental data required a statistical technique. The statistical analysis and experimental findings demonstrate that the shape parameter and linear coefficient are not reliant on the strain rate.
Preparation of spherical nanocellulose from Gai bamboo and mechanical properties of chitosan/nanocellulose composite
Authors: Do Thi Vi Vi , Tran Ngoc Bao An , Nguyen‐Thai Ngoc Uyen 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn this study, spherical cellulose nanocrystals have been extracted from Gai bamboo (Bambusa blumeana) fibers by sulfuric acid hydrolysis methods. The removal of amorphous components, lignin, and hemicellulose in raw bamboo fiber and the incorporation of sulfate groups were explored via the changes of bond's vibration in Fourier‐infrared spectra and the decrease of onset temperature of thermogravimetric diagram. The results from transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction revealed that the nanocellulose has a spherical shape with a diameter of 2 to 10 nm and the crystallization index of 70.30% and crystallization degree of 0.77. The improvement of thermal and mechanical properties of the chitosan films loaded with spherical nanocellulose were evaluated. Interestingly, the tensile strength, modulus, and elongation at break for chitosan film loaded with spherical nanocellulose were all increased. The highest value achieved with chitosan film containing nanocellulose of 2 phr. The increase values of tensile strength, modulus and elongation at break were of 63%, 207 MPa, and 30%, respectively. In addition, the moisture absorption of the chitosan film was decreased to 20% indicating that the barrier properties have improved. These improvements illustrated the advancement of nano sized of spherical nanocellulose and the chemical compatibility between nanocellulose and chitosan that resulted in well‐dispersion of nanocellulose in chitosan matrix, developed high performance bionanocomposite.
Development of a method for recycling factory waste carbon fiber prepregs and increasing the added value of the collected material
Authors: Bao Limin , Sun Ye , Ruan Fangtao , Murakami Yasushi , Yu Yaonan 
Published: January 2023

AbstractCarbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) are widely used in the aerospace, automotive, and construction industries. CFRP prepregs (intermediate products) are generally used in CFRP production, with a large number of prepreg cut‐offs being discarded during cutting processes. There is strong demand for a method for recycling carbon fiber prepreg cut‐offs. This paper proposes a method for recycling such material, which is characterized by low cost and high added value, in order to foster the development of a recycling‐oriented society. We prepare carbon tapes (CTs) by cutting discarded cut‐offs according to their size so as to maximize fiber length. Using a simple water CT dispersion method, we fabricate uniform CT sheets and mold a recycled CT‐reinforced composite (R‐CT‐RC). Sample prototyping and mechanical characteristic testing indicate that this R‐CT‐RC is characterized by low recycling cost and desirable mechanical properties. Recycled CT‐reinforced composite with thermoplastic (R‐CT‐RC/TP), which is prepared by adding thermoplastic resin between CTs, can be re‐molded and therefore readily re‐recycled.
Effect of alkaline treatment on physical, structural, mechanical and thermal properties of Bambusa tulda (Northeast Indian species) based sustainable green composites
Authors: Saha Abir , Kumari Poonam 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn recent years, sustainable composites have gained increased attention due to various reasons, such as the depletion of non‐renewable resources, environmental sustainability, and the introduction of plastic pollution. The present work aims to develop biocomposites (with a maximum biological content of 61.78%) based on Bambusa tulda fiber and cashew‐nut shell oil‐based bio‐epoxy resin. Different concentrations of NaOH (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) are used to determine the most suitable NaOH concentration for bamboo fiber treatment. The effect of different treatment concentrations on bamboo fiber has been analyzed by performing single‐fiber tensile testing, fiber pull‐out testing, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and atomic force microscopy. The investigation revealed that the 6% NaOH‐treated fiber showed better thermo‐mechanical and interfacial properties. Various fiber weight fractions (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) are used for composite fabrication, and 30% fiber‐loaded composites show the best mechanical properties. The effect of chemical treatments on the mechanical properties of biocomposites was investigated using composites with a 30% fiber weight fraction and different NaOH treatments. It has been reported that 30% fiber weight fraction 6% NaOH treated composites show better tensile strength (132.916 MPa), tensile modulus (6.983 GPa), flexural strength (154.8 MPa), modulus (8.243 GPa), and impact strength (44.06 kJ/m2) with less moist absorption. The developed composites have shown excellent potential for advanced engineering applications when compared with previously reported composites.
Inclusion of sex chromosomes in noninvasive prenatal testing in Asia, Australia, Europe and the USA: A survey study
Authors: Steffensen Ellen Hollands , Skakkebæk Anne , Gadsbøll Kasper , Petersen Olav Bjørn , Westover Thomas , Strange Heather ,   The NIPT‐SCA‐map Study Group, Vogel Ida 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the extent to which sex chromosomes are included in current noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and the reporting practices with respect to fetal chromosomal sex and sex chromosome aberrations (SCAs), in addition to an update on the general implementation of NIPT.MethodA questionnaire addressing the research objectives was distributed by email to fetal medicine and clinical genetics experts in Asia, Australia, Europe and the USA.ResultsGuidelines on NIPT are available in the majority of the included countries. Not all existing guidelines address reporting of fetal chromosomal sex and SCAs. In most settings, NIPT frequently includes sex chromosomes (five Australian states, China, Hong Kong, Israel, Singapore, Thailand, USA and 23 of 31 European countries). This occurs most often by default or when parents wish to know fetal sex. In most settings, a potential SCA is reported by stating the risk hereof as “low” or “high” and/or by naming the SCA. Less than 50% of all pregnant women receive NIPT according to respondents from three Australian states, China, Israel, Singapore, Thailand and 24 of 31 European countries. However, this percentage, the genomic coverage of NIPT and its application as primary or secondary screening vary by setting.ConclusionIn most of the studied countries/states, NIPT commonly includes sex chromosomes. The reporting practices concerning fetal chromosomal sex and SCAs are diverse and most commonly not addressed by guidelines. In general, NIPT is variably implemented across countries/states.
Comprehensive guidance for antibiotic dosing in obese adults: 2022 update
Authors: Meng Lina , Mui Emily , Ha David R. , Stave Christopher , Deresinski Stan C. , Holubar Marisa 
Published: January 2023

AbstractDrug dosing in obese patients continues to be challenging due to a lack of high‐quality evidence to guide dosing recommendations. We first published guidance for antibiotic dosing in obese adults in 2017, in which we critically reviewed articles identified from a broad search strategy to develop dosing recommendations for 35 antimicrobials. In this updated narrative review, we searched Pubmed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library using Medical Subject Headings including anti‐infectives, specific generic antimicrobial names, obese, pharmacokinetics, and others. We reviewed 393 articles, cross‐referenced select cited references, and when applicable, referenced drug databases, package inserts, and clinical trial data to update dosing recommendations for 41 antimicrobials. Most included articles were pharmacokinetic studies, other less frequently included articles were clinical studies (mostly small, retrospective), case reports, and very rarely, guidelines. Pharmacokinetic changes are frequently reported, can be variable, and sometimes conflicting in this population, and do not always translate to a documented difference in clinical outcomes, yet are used to inform dosing strategies. Extended infusions, high doses, and therapeutic drug monitoring remain important strategies to optimize dosing in this population. Additional studies are needed to clinically validate proposed dosing strategies, clarify optimal body size descriptors, dosing weight scalars, and estimation method of renal function in obese patients.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of children with prolonged mechanical ventilation in PICUs in mainland China: A national survey
Authors: Zhang Zhengzheng , Tao Jinhao , Cai Xiaodi , Huang Li , Liu Chengjun , Ren Hong , Qu Dong , Gao Hengmiao , Cheng Yibing , Zhang Furong , Yang Zihao , Xu Wei , Miao Hongjun , Liu Pan , Liu Yuxin , Lu Guoping , Chen Weiming 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe number of children on prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) has increased markedly, but little is known about the situation in mainland China. We carried out a multicenter retrospective investigation to describe the clinical characteristics and prognosis of Chinese children receiving long‐term ventilation in the PICU.MethodsA retrospective study was performed in 11 PICUs. All participating patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation in the study were retrospectively identified and included from cases admitted to PICUs between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019.ResultsA total of 346 children diagnosed with prolonged mechanical ventilation were included in the study. Overall, 240 survived and were discharged from PICU, 55 died in hospital, and 51 withdrew from mechanical ventilation support with 41 died after discharge. Lower airway diseases were the most common underlying causes (41.6%), followed by central nervous system diseases (29.5%), and neuromuscular diseases (13.3%). Most children (327, 94.5%) received invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and only 19 (5.5%) children received noninvasive ventilation (NIV). The median time of tracheostomy after ventilation was 21 days (15–35). Children with tracheostomy had lower mortality with longer PICU stay compared with patients without tracheostomy. Children who underwent tracheostomy were more likely to have central nervous system diseases and neuromuscular diseases.ConclusionThis study showed a steady increase in the number of children receiving prolonged mechanical ventilation during the study period in Chinese PICUs with distinct clinical characteristics and outcomes. A better community‐based care for PMV children is needed in mainland China.
Design of a protease‐activated PD‐L1 inhibitor
Authors: Goudy Odessa J. , Peng Alice , Tripathy Ashutosh , Kuhlman Brian 
Published: January 2023

AbstractImmune checkpoint inhibitors that bind to the cell surface receptor PD‐L1 are effective anti‐cancer agents but suffer from immune‐related adverse events as PD‐L1 is expressed on both healthy and cancer cells. To mitigate toxicity, researchers are testing prodrugs that have low affinity for checkpoint targets until activated with proteases enriched in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we engineer a prodrug form of a PD‐L1 inhibitor. The inhibitor is a soluble PD‐1 mimetic that was previously engineered to have high affinity for PD‐L1. In the basal state, the binding surface of the PD‐1 mimetic is masked by fusing it to a soluble variant of its natural ligand, PD‐L1. Proteolytic cleavage of the linker that connects the mask to the inhibitor activates the molecule. To optimize the mask so that it effectively blocks binding to PD‐L1 but releases upon cleavage, we tested a set of mutants with varied affinity for the inhibitor. The top‐performing mask reduces the affinity of the prodrug for PD‐L1 120‐fold, and binding is nearly fully recovered upon cleavage. In a cell‐based assay measuring inhibition of the PD‐1:PD‐L1 interaction on the surface of cells, the IC50s of the masked inhibitors were up to 40‐fold higher than their protease‐treated counterparts. The changes in activity we observe upon protease treatment are comparable to systems currently tested in the clinic and provide evidence that natural binding partners are an excellent starting point for creating a prodrug.
Iodine‐Functionalized Magnetic Reduced Graphene Oxide as an Efficient Nanocatalyst for Acetylation of Phenol, Alcohol, and Sugar Derivatives
Authors: Toorchi Roudsari Saeedeh , Sadjadi Sodeh 
Published: January 2023

AbstractHere in this study, a new iodine‐modified magnetic nanocomposite (I@rGO@CoFe2O4) has been described. FT‐IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, TGA, and VSM techniques confirm the construction of I@rGO@CoFe2O4 nanocomposite and show ferromagnetic properties with a significant magnetization saturation (35.9 emu g−1). A deep eutectic solvent (DES) potassium triiodide‐choline chloride (KI3 : ChCl) has been used as a reducing agent and for modification of magnetic graphene oxide sheets. In addition, the applicability of the nanocomposite has been well demonstrated for acetylation of some phenol, alcohol, and sugar derivatives in solvent‐free conditions at room temperature. Increasing catalytic activity, high selectivity, reducing environmental hazards, and reusing the catalyst without significantly reducing activity are among the advantages of this method.
Judging foreign startups
Authors: Wright Nataliya Langburd , Koning Rembrand , Khanna Tarun 
Published: January 2023

AbstractResearch SummaryCan accelerators pick the most promising startup ideas no matter their provenance? Using unique data from a global accelerator where judges are randomly assigned to evaluate startups headquartered across the globe, we show that judges are less likely to recommend startups headquartered outside their home region by 4 percentage points. Back‐of‐the‐envelope calculations suggest this discount leads judges to pass over 1 in 20 promising startups. Despite this systematic discount, we find that—in contrast to many past studies—judges can discern startup quality and are no better at evaluating local firms. These differences emerge because the pool of startups accelerator judges evaluate is both broader and less “local,” suggesting that judging ability depends on the composition of the companies they are tasked with evaluating.Managerial SummaryAccelerators often seek the most promising startup ideas. Yet, they can only do so if their judges can discern the quality of startups, both local and foreign to them, without systematic bias. We used unique data from a global accelerator where judges are assigned to evaluate startups headquartered across the globe and find that, while judges can detect the quality of both local and foreign startups, they discount startups foreign to them, hindering their ability to accept the best startup ideas. As venture capitalists increasingly source startups from accelerators, this foreign discounting can result in investors passing over promising ideas. However, simple measures like reducing the threshold for startups evaluated by foreign judges may help reduce judges' foreign discounting and enable picking the best companies.
Electromyogram‐Based Lip‐Reading via Unobtrusive Dry Electrodes and Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Dong Penghao , Song Yuanqing , Yu Shangyouqiao , Zhang Zimeng , Mallipattu Sandeep K. , Djurić Petar M. , Yao Shanshan 
Published: January 2023

AbstractLip‐reading provides an effective speech communication interface for people with voice disorders and for intuitive human–machine interactions. Existing systems are generally challenged by bulkiness, obtrusiveness, and poor robustness against environmental interferences. The lack of a truly natural and unobtrusive system for converting lip movements to speech precludes the continuous use and wide‐scale deployment of such devices. Here, the design of a hardware–software architecture to capture, analyze, and interpret lip movements associated with either normal or silent speech is presented. The system can recognize different and similar visemes. It is robust in a noisy or dark environment. Self‐adhesive, skin‐conformable, and semi‐transparent dry electrodes are developed to track high‐fidelity speech‐relevant electromyogram signals without impeding daily activities. The resulting skin‐like sensors can form seamless contact with the curvilinear and dynamic surfaces of the skin, which is crucial for a high signal‐to‐noise ratio and minimal interference. Machine learning algorithms are employed to decode electromyogram signals and convert them to spoken words. Finally, the applications of the developed lip‐reading system in augmented reality and medical service are demonstrated, which illustrate the great potential in immersive interaction and healthcare applications.
1D and 2D Field Effect Transistors in Gas Sensing: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Paghi Alessandro , Mariani Stefano , Barillaro Giuseppe 
Published: January 2023

AbstractRapid progress in the synthesis and fundamental understanding of 1D and 2D materials have solicited the incorporation of these nanomaterials into sensor architectures, especially field effect transistors (FETs), for the monitoring of gas and vapor in environmental, food quality, and healthcare applications. Yet, several challenges have remained unaddressed toward the fabrication of 1D and 2D FET gas sensors for real‐field applications, which are related to properties, synthesis, and integration of 1D and 2D materials into the transistor architecture. This review paper encompasses the whole assortment of 1D—i.e., metal oxide semiconductors (MOXs), silicon nanowires (SiNWs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs)—and 2D—i.e., graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD), phosphorene—materials used in FET gas sensors, critically dissecting how the material synthesis, surface functionalization, and transistor fabrication impact on electrical versus sensing properties of these devices. Eventually, pros and cons of 1D and 2D FETs for gas and vapor sensing applications are discussed, pointing out weakness and highlighting future directions.
Kinetic Barrier Diagrams to Visualize and Engineer Molecular Nonequilibrium Systems
Authors: Penocchio Emanuele , Ragazzon Giulio 
Published: January 2023

AbstractMolecular nonequilibrium systems hold great promises for the nanotechnology of the future. Yet, their development is slowed by the absence of an informative representation. Indeed, while potential energy surfaces comprise in principle all the information, they hide the dynamic interplay of multiple reaction pathways underlying nonequilibrium systems, i.e., the degree of kinetic asymmetry. To offer an insightful visual representation of kinetic asymmetry, we extended an approach pertaining to catalytic networks, the energy span model, by focusing on system dynamics – rather than thermodynamics. Our approach encompasses both chemically and photochemically driven systems, ranging from unimolecular motors to simple self‐assembly schemes. The obtained diagrams give immediate access to information needed to guide experiments, such as states’ population, rate of machine operation, maximum work output, and effects of design changes. The proposed kinetic barrier diagrams offer a unifying graphical tool for disparate nonequilibrium phenomena.
Host–Guest Self‐Assembled Interfacial Nanoarrays for Precise Metabolic Profiling
Authors: Wang Yuning , Liu Yu , Yang Shouzhi , Yi Jia , Xu Xiaoyu , Zhang Kun , Liu Baohong , Qian Kun 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAccurate and rapid metabolic profiling of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is urgently needed but remains challenging for clinical diagnosis of central nervous system diseases and biomarker discovery. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) holds promise for metabolic analysis. Its low signal reproducibility, however, severely restricts acquisition of quantitative MS data in clinical practice. Herein, a multifunctional self‐assembled AuNPs array (MSANA)‐based LDI‐MS platform for direct amino acids analysis and metabolic profiling in patient CSF samples is developed. MSANA featuring a highly ordered and closely packed two‐dimensional nanostructure permits capture and direct analysis of aromatic amino acids by LDI‐MS with high selectivity and micromolar sensitivity. Meanwhile, the MSANA‐based LDI‐MS platform exhibits excellent reproducibility (RSD < 10%), largely outperforming the direct matrix spotting approach widely used now (RSD < 44%). The platform is successfully used in metabolic profiling of CSF (1 µL) within minutes for discrimination of medulloblastoma patients from non‐tumor controls. Taken together, the MSANA‐based LDI‐MS platform shows potential clinical values toward large‐scale metabolic diagnostics and pathogenic mechanism study.