bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioinspired Multi‐Layer Biopolymer‐Based Dental Implant Coating for Enhanced Osseointegration
Authors: Uzulmez Betul , Demirsoy Zeynep , Can Ozge , Gulseren Gulcihan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe major drawbacks of metal‐based implants are weak osseointegration and post‐operational infections. These limitations restrict the long‐term use of implants that may cause severe tissue damage and replacement of the implant. Recent strategies to enhance the osseointegration process require an elaborate fabrication process and suffer from post‐operative complications. To address the current challenges taking inspiration from the extracellular matrix (ECM), the current study is designed to establish enhanced osseointegration with lowered risk of infection. Natural biopolymer pectin, peptide amphiphiles, and enzyme‐mimicking fullerene moieties are governed to present an ECM‐like environment around the implant surfaces. This multifunctional approach promotes osseointegration via inducing biomineralization and osteoblast differentiation. Application of the biopolymer‐based composite to the metal surfaces significantly enhances cellular attachment, supports the mineral deposition, and upregulates osteoblast‐specific gene expression. In addition to the osteoinductive properties of the constructed layers, the inherent antimicrobial properties of multilayer coating are also used to prevent infection possibility. The reported biopolymer‐artificial enzyme composite demonstrates antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis as a multifunctional surface coating.
Natural and archaeological analogues for corrosion prediction in nuclear waste systems
Authors: King Fraser , Behazin Mehran , Keech Peter 
Published: April 2023

AbstractNatural and archaeological analogues can be a powerful means to build confidence in the long‐term prediction of corrosion in nuclear waste systems. Analogues are meaningful to both experts and lay audiences. Useful analogues exist to support the long‐term behaviour for both copper and steel used fuel containers (UFC) and examples are given for the corrosion processes that are, and are not, expected to occur under repository conditions for both materials. The concept of kinetic versus thermodynamic stability is used to explain the persistence of such analogues. The use of analogues to support the prediction of the long‐term corrosion performance of the UFC in the safety case is also discussed. While there have been a wide range of analogue studies in the past, it is suggested that future studies should be focussed on addressing specific aspects of the treatment of corrosion issues in the safety case.
Isothermal oxidation characteristics of laser‐treated Al2O3 + Sm2SrAl2O7 composite thermal barrier coatings
Authors: James Joseph Fredy , Arya Shashi Bhushan , D Satish Kumar 
Published: April 2023

AbstractA thermal barrier coating system with Al2O3 + Sm2SrAl2O7 composite top coat was developed on an Inconel 718 superalloy substrate by using an atmospheric plasma spray technique, and the coated samples are treated with an Nd:YAG fiber laser to improve the surface properties. The as‐coated and laser‐treated samples were subjected to high temperature isothermal oxidation test at 1100°C for 150 h duration. The surface of the oxidized samples showed the presence of dissociated SmAlO3, SrAl2O4, and Sm2O3. Thermally grown oxides (TGO) are found at the bond coat top coat interface of the samples. The oxidation kinetics is examined by monitoring weight gain at regular intervals. The electrochemical impedance behavior, oxidation mechanism, and TGO formation in the developed composite coatings are discussed in detail.
A Novel Immobilization Method of Urease in Silk Fibroin Scaffolds by Annealing at Constant Temperature and Humidity
Authors: Qian Xiao‐Qin , Wang Hai‐Yan , Jing Feng‐Ya , Zhang Yu‐Qing , Xu Xue , Shu Yan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTemperature and humidity (TH) post‐treatment is a relatively mild way to change the silk fibroin (SF) secondary structure. Here, urease is immobilized in SF scaffold (SFS) by TH post‐treatment, and the effects of annealing on the immobilized urease activity are examined. Fourier transform infrared indicates that the SFS secondary structure started to transform when the scaffold is annealed at 35 °C with 100% relative humidity for 20 min. The higher the temperature, the lower the treatment time is required to change SFS structure. Compared to methanol annealing, TH post‐treatment maintains the original form of the sample, and the scaffold shows better water‐binding abilities. The maximum recovery ratio of immobilized urease is 98.4 ± 7.0%, which is obtained after the scaffold is postprocessed at 35 °C for 60 min, and the relative recovery ratio of the urease activity is still as high as 80.6 ± 12.1% after repeatedly measuring 10 times. In addition, the relative recovery ratio of urease is not significantly decrease within 4 weeks of storage. Therefore, TH annealing is a relatively mild and effective way to immobilize urease in SFS. The urease‐immobilized SFS with hydrophilic properties and prolonged enzyme activity may be used for peritoneal dialysate regeneration systems.
Thiol‐ene Reaction as Reversible Covalent Bond for the Design of Shape‐Memory Polymers
Authors: Shohraty Farhad , Hniopek Julian , Meurer Josefine , Zechel Stefan , Schmitt Michael , Popp Jürgen , Hager Martin D. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBesides a stable phase, shape‐memory polymers require an additional switchable moiety. In addition to thermal transitions and supramolecular interactions, these units can also be based on covalent bonds. Herein, the use of the reversible thiol‐ene reaction as reversible cross‐linker for the design of shape‐memory polymers is demonstrated. A facile route to polymer networks with a thiol‐ene acceptor and a comonomer (butyl methacrylate or 2‐ethylhexyl methacrylate) cross‐linked by dithiols is introduced. The thermal and mechanical properties of the resulting polymers are characterized in detail. Hereby, the polymers feature excellent shape‐memory behavior with fixity and recovery rates above 90%. This study shows that the thiol‐ene cross‐linker can function as both, the stable and the switchable structural moiety rendering the usage of a covalent cross‐linker unnecessary. This partial reversibility can also be proven by temperature‐depending Raman spectroscopy.
The effects of cultural networks on migration among Early and High Medieval populations in Central Europe based on dental phenotypic data
Authors: Ragsdale Corey S. , Velemínský Petr 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThroughout the region of Central Europe, population movements have transcended political boundaries throughout history. The Early (6th to 11th centuries AD) and High (11th to 14th centuries AD) Medieval periods were times of constantly shifting cultural relationships, as well as climatic fluctuations. Limited archeological and historic records for the region often focus on the broader cultural processes of the time, and to a large degree, on elites. Very little work has focused on population movement, particularly across cultural boundaries. Here we examine the potential effects of cultural processes on the movement and subsequent genetic exchange among the people throughout the region. We compare biological, cultural, geographic, and temporal relationships using biological distance analysis and model matrix comparison. To examine population structures, we combine dental morphological and metric data derived from human skeletal remains representing Early and High Medieval groups. Our results support the important influence of cultural processes on migration and population structures among Early and High Medieval groups. Distances based on the cultural complexity model we employ here is significantly correlated with biological distances (p = 0.028), while temporal period (p = 0.099), geographic proximity (p = 0.104), and shared origin (p = 0.193) models are not significant. Although our model is limited in the complex breadth of cultural processes during the Early and High Medieval period, we assert that these processes played an important role in population movement. Finally, we support an inter‐regional approach to examining population interactions among Central European and neighboring areas.
Advances in the clinical management of high‐risk Wilms tumors
Authors: Ortiz Michael V. , Koenig Christa , Armstrong Amy E. , Brok Jesper , de Camargo Beatriz , Mavinkurve‐Groothuis Annelies M. C. , Herrera Thelma B. Velasquez , Venkatramani Rajkumar , Woods Andrew D. , Dome Jeffrey S. , Spreafico Filippo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractOutcomes are excellent for the majority of patients with Wilms tumors (WT). However, there remain WT subgroups for which the survival rate is approximately 50% or lower. Acknowledging that the composition of this high‐risk group has changed over time reflecting improvements in therapy, we introduce the authors’ view of the historical and current approach to the classification and treatment of high‐risk WT. For this review, we consider high‐risk WT to include patients with newly diagnosed metastatic blastemal‐type or diffuse anaplastic histology, those who relapse after having been initially treated with three or more different chemotherapeutics, or those who relapse more than once. In certain low‐ or low middle‐income settings, socio‐economic factors expand the definition of what constitutes a high‐risk WT. As conventional therapies are inadequate to cure the majority of high‐risk WT patients, advancement of laboratory and early‐phase clinical investigations to identify active agents is urgently needed.
Fully biobased composite made with epoxidized‐lignin, reinforced with bamboo fibers
Authors: Bagheri Sajad , Nejad Mojgan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn this study, we entirely replaced petroleum‐based bisphenol A (BPA) with unmodified kraft softwood lignin in epoxy resin formulation. Epoxidized lignin was prepared by reacting lignin with biobased epichlorohydrin (ECH) made from glycerol, and the formation of epoxide rings was confirmed by measuring the epoxy content of the epoxidized lignin using titration and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A fully biobased epoxy resin was then prepared by mixing the epoxidized lignin with a biobased curing agent derived from chew nutshell (from Cardolite Co.). Pre‐impregnated composite sheets were fabricated by impregnating unidirectional bamboo fibers with the developed water‐dispersion epoxy resin. The properties of the biobased composite samples were measured using a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and a universal testing machine. The flexural strength of the lignin‐based epoxy composite was found to be 36% lower (14 MPa) compared to commercial epoxy (22 MPa). However, when bamboo fibers were added to the lignin‐based biocomposite (containing 25 wt.%), a higher flexural strength (116 MPa) was observed, representing an increase of 11% compared to the biocomposite made with EPON and bamboo fiber (104 MPa). Similarly, the addition of bamboo fibers to the lignin epoxy resulted in an increase in the flexural modulus by 1255% (from 0.42 to 5.69 GPa), while the flexural modulus of commercial epoxy was increased by only 736% (from 0.58 to 4.85 GPa). This was attributed to the higher compatibility of bamboo fiber with lignin, which is known to act as a natural glue in plants.
In situ preparation of carbon fiber fabric reinforced poly(lactic acid) composites by vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding
Authors: Wu Fangjuan , Yang Shangda , Huang Li , Hu Jiahuan , Li Guifeng , Chen Haoxiang , Fang Hui 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCarbon fiber fabric reinforced poly(lactic acid) (CFF/PLA) composites were manufactured using both vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) and compression molding (CM) methods. Of the two methods, the CFF/PLA‐VARTM composite shows superior carbon fiber infiltration and interfacial adhesion compared to the CFF/PLA‐CM composite. The improved infiltration enables the carbon fibers to induce a dense group of PLA crystal nuclei along their surface, resulting in the formation of a trans‐crystalline layer (TCL) structure where the PLA lamellae grow perpendicular to the fiber axis. As a result, the interfacial adhesion is improved, and the crystallinity of the PLA in the CFF/PLA‐VARTM composite is 4.1 times higher than that of pure PLA. However, the weak infiltration of fibers and matrix in CFF/PLA‐CM composite results in poor load‐bearing ability. Conversely, CFF/PLA‐VARTM composite presents better interlayer bonding and tight fiber‐matrix wrapping, promoting effective tensile load transfer to carbon fibers, which results in higher strength and modulus. The presence of TCL structures also plays a key role in improving mechanical properties. Overall, these findings demonstrate a promising method for producing high‐performance PLA composites.
The effects of nature‐inspired amino acid substitutions on structural and biochemical properties of the E. coli L‐asparaginase EcAIII
Authors: Janicki Maciej , Ściuk Anna , Zielezinski Andrzej , Ruszkowski Milosz , Ludwików Agnieszka , Karlowski Wojciech M. , Jaskolski Mariusz , Loch Joanna I. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe Escherichia coli enzyme EcAIII catalyzes the hydrolysis of L‐Asn to L‐Asp and ammonia. Using a nature‐inspired mutagenesis approach, we designed and produced five new EcAIII variants (M200I, M200L, M200K, M200T, M200W). The modified proteins were characterized by spectroscopic and crystallographic methods. All new variants were enzymatically active, confirming that the applied mutagenesis procedure has been successful. The determined crystal structures revealed new conformational states of the EcAIII molecule carrying the M200W mutation and allowed a high‐resolution observation of an acyl‐enzyme intermediate with the M200L mutant. In addition, we performed structure prediction, substrate docking, and molecular dynamics simulations for 25 selected bacterial orthologs of EcAIII, to gain insights into how mutations at the M200 residue affect the active site and substrate binding mode. This comprehensive strategy, including both experimental and computational methods, can be used to guide further enzyme engineering and can be applied to the study of other proteins of medicinal or biotechnological importance.
Time from biopsy to radical prostatectomy by race in an equal‐access healthcare system: Results from the SEARCH cohort
Authors: Pereira Victor , Oyekunle Taofik , Janes Jessica , Amling Christopher J. , Aronson William J. , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Kane Christopher J. , Terris Martha K. , Klaassen Zachary , Freedland Stephen J. , Vidal Adriana C. , Csizmadi Ilona 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundWe previously showed that within an equal‐access health system, race was not associated with the time between prostate cancer (PC) diagnosis and radical prostatectomy (RP). However, in the more recent time‐period of the study (2003−2007), Black men had significantly longer times to RP. We sought to revisit the question in a larger study population with more contemporary patients. We hypothesized that time from diagnosis to treatment would not differ by race, even after accounting for active surveillance (AS) and the exclusion of men at very low to low risk of PC progression.MethodsWe analyzed data from 5885 men undergoing RP from 1988 to 2017 at eight Veterans Affairs Hospitals from SEARCH. Multiple linear regression was used to compare time from biopsy to RP and to examine the risk of delays (>90 and >180 days) between races. In sensitivity analyses we excluded men deemed to have initially chosen AS based on having >365 days from biopsy to RP and men at very low to low PC risk for progression according to National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines.ResultsAt biopsy, Black men (n = 1959) were younger, had lower body mass index, and higher prostate specific antigen levels, (all p < 0.02), compared to White men (n = 3926). Time from biopsy to RP was longer in Black men (mean days: 98 vs. 92; adjusted ratio of mean number of days, 1.07 [95% confidence interval: 1.03−1.11], p < 0.001); however, there were no differences in delays >90 or >180 days after adjusting for confounders (all p ≥ 0.286). Results were similar following the exclusion of men potentially under on AS and at very low and low risk.ConclusionsIn an equal‐access healthcare system, we did not find evidence of clinically relevant differences in time from biopsy to RP in Black versus White men.
Heat‐sealing and microscopic evaluation of paper‐based coated materials using various seal bar geometries in vertical form fill seal machine
Authors: Merabtene Mahdi , Tanninen Panu , Wolf Johanna , Kayatz Fabian , Hauptmann Marek , Saukkonen Esa , Pesonen Antti , Laukala Teija , Varis Juha , Leminen Ville 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWith the growing emphasis on minimization of global plastic waste, flexible fibre‐based packaging has gained significant interest over the past few years. Heat‐sealing technology is commonly applied for vertical form‐fill‐seal machine to provide tight closure of packages for maintaining food quality and shelf life. Several different seal bar geometries and adequate heat‐seal parameters are required to improve the seal tightness of the packages. This study aims to compare the heat sealability of thermoplastic film (OPP/PE) and paper‐based materials in vertical form‐fill‐seal machine using various seal bar profiles. The investigation includes seal strength measurement, understanding the causes of leak formation, seal tightness and inspection of the seal using scanning electron microscopy. Results reveal that OPP/PE material has exceptional seal strength and leakproof ability compared with paper‐based materials. However, it has limited operating window because the material shrinks and coarsens at approximately 140°C. Sealing temperature and dwell time are found to be the major factors affecting the seal strength of paper‐based material. Results reveal the PE‐coated papers exhibit nearly twice the seal strength compared with the dispersion‐coated paper. It was difficult to achieve good hot‐tack values with dispersion‐coated paper. During testing, all the paper‐based materials experience delamination and fibre tear, and its severity increases with the increasing material grammage. As plateau temperature is reached, the fibre delamination remains relatively constant. The serrated geometry of seal bar design plays a significant role in providing a satisfactory airtight seal, particularly around the pouch's layer jump. However, flat seal bar designs are not recommended for gas tight applications for paper‐based materials.
Dehydration of Xylose and Xylan to Furfural using P‐Zr‐SBA‐15 Catalyst in Aqueous or Biphasic System
Authors: Liu Panli , Shi Shengbin , Wei Ruiping , Gao Lijing , Zhang Jin , Xiao Guomin 
Published: April 2023

AbstractA series of bifunctional P‐Zr‐SBA‐15 catalysts with Lewis acid and Brønsted acid sites were prepared by modifying mesoporous material SBA‐15 with Zr4+ and phosphate group, which were used in the conversion of xylose and xylan into furfural. The structure and acidic characteristics of the catalyst were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, N2 adsorption desorption, scanning/transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, NH3 temperature programmed desorption, and pyridine adsorption infrared spectroscopy. The effects of different process parameters on the catalytic performance of the catalyst were studied. when using the xylose and xylan as substrates, the furfural yield were 80.3 % and 68.8 % under the optimal conditions in the H2O(NaCl)/toluene (3/3 mL) biphasic solvent system, respectively, and 52.5 % furfural yield was obtained using xylose as substrate in aqueous system. In addition, the catalyst has good thermal stability and easy recovery in the recycling experiment.
MXene Free Standing Films: Unlocking the Impact of Flake Sizes in Microwave Resonant Structures in Humid Environments
Authors: Niksan Omid , Wyatt Brian C. , Kazemi Kasra Khorsand , Anasori Babak , Zarifi Mohammad H. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMicrowave communication devices necessitate elements with high electrical conductivity, a property which was traditionally found in metals (e.g., copper). However, in applications such as satellite communications, metals prevent the payload from achieving lightweight and flexible characteristics. Here, we demonstrate the development of MXene film microwave resonators, leveraging MXene's high electrical conductivity and unique mechanical properties. To investigate resonant performance in humid conditions and study the effects of MXene's processing and treatment, MXene films with different flake sizes are prepared and exposed to cyclic humidity. For the large‐ and small‐flake Ti3C2 MXene films in cyclic humidity, the large‐flake film demonstrates higher electrical conductivity, higher resonance quality factor (150 and 35 as unloaded, and loaded), and less fluctuation of performance (≈1.7% total shift in resonance frequency). Further, by implementing MXene films of two different diameters, the correlation between film size and resonant frequency is demonstrated. By introducing an active resonant configuration, the effect of MXene degradation and microwave losses can be compensated. This active feedback loop demonstrates a ≈300 times increase in the quality factor of MXene resonators. As a building block for terrestrial and satellite communication modules, MXene resonators potentiate the replacement of metals in achieving unique electrical and mechanical properties.
Boosting Polyethylene Hydrogenolysis Performance of Ru‐CeO2 Catalysts by Finely Regulating the Ru Sizes
Authors: Ji Hongyan , Wang Xiao , Wei Xiaoxu , Peng Yuxuan , Zhang Shuaishuai , Song Shuyan , Zhang Hongjie 
Published: April 2023

AbstractHydrogenolysis is an effective method for converting polyolefins into high‐value chemicals. For the supported catalysts commonly used, the size of active metals is of great importance. In this study, it is discovered that the activity of CeO2‐supported Ru single atom, nanocluster, and nanoparticle catalysts shows a volcanic trend in low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) hydrogenolysis. Compared with CeO2 supported Ru single atoms and nanoparticles, CeO2‐supported Ru nanoclusters possess the highest conversion efficiency, as well as the best selectivity toward liquid alkanes. Through comprehensive investigations, the metal‐support interactions (MSI) and hydrogen spillover effect are revealed as the two key factors in the reaction. On the one hand, the MSI is strongly related to the Ru surface states and the more electronegative Ru centers are beneficial to the activation of CH and CC bonds. On the other hand, the hydrogen spillover capability directly affects the affinity of catalysts and active H atoms, and increasing this affinity is advantageous to the hydrogenation of alkane species. Decreasing the Ru sizes can promote the MSI, but it can also reduce the hydrogen spillover effect. Therefore, only when the two effects achieve a balance, as is the case in CeO2‐supported Ru nanoclusters, can the hydrogenolysis activity be promoted to the optimal value.