bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A review of the fabrication methods and mechanical behavior of continuous thermoplastic polymer fiber–thermoplastic polymer matrix composites
Authors: Qiao Yao , Fring Lisa D. , Pallaka Madhusudhan R. , Simmons Kevin L. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThermoplastic polymer fiber–thermoplastic polymer matrix composites (PPCs or PRFPs), often recognized as self‐reinforced or single polymer composites, are potential candidates for future advanced polymer composites because of various advantages(e.g., recyclability, formability, low‐cost, ultra‐lightweight, environmental friendliness, etc.). The manufacturability and mechanical behavior of these composites compared to conventional carbon‐/glass‐/aramid‐fiber‐reinforced polymers is of great interest to the composites community, but there are a limited number of studies in this area. To this end, this paper reviewed fabrication methods with different processing parameters and mechanical behavior of uni‐/multi‐directional thermoplastic PPCs featuring continuous thermoplastic polymer fibers from limited data in the literature. It was shown that most specific behaviors (normalized by density) of these materials in various loading conditions (e.g., quasi‐static tension/shear/flexure, tension‐tension fatigue, and out‐of‐plane impacting, etc.) are comparable to or better than glass‐/aramid‐fiber‐reinforced polymers. Particularly, the specific ductility in the foregoing conditions outperforms all the carbon‐/glass‐/aramid‐fiber‐reinforced polymers. Thermoplastic PPCs with remarkable performance can be achieved through several uncomplicated methods (e.g., film stacking, hot compaction, powder and solution impregnations, matrix infusion and injection molding, additive manufacturing, etc.), which have some similarities to the methods used for carbon‐/glass‐/aramid‐fiber‐reinforced polymers. Moreover, several opportunities and challenging problems of thermoplastic PPCs were summarized at the end of this review paper. Efficient solutions may require countless efforts in the composites community to further strengthen the performance and understanding of thermoplastic PPCs for wide applications in various engineering fields in the future.
Enhanced dielectric, energy storage, and actuated performance of TPU/BaTiO3 dielectric elastomer composites by thermal treatment
Authors: Xue Rui , He Shifeng , He Yongqing , Huang Yan , Wu Yibo , Shi Qisong , Liang Yongri 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn this paper, barium titanate nanoparticles (BaTiO3, BT) were incorporated into the polyurethane (TPU) matrix to prepare dielectric elastomer composites. Then, the composites were thermal treated to improve the interfacial compatibility between TPU and BT, enhance the interface polarization, and improve the dielectric properties. The results showed that the dielectric constant of the composites after thermal treatment at 150°C reached to 7.3 at 1 kHz, the elongation at break remained 1934%, and the elastic modulus (Y) dropped to 4.4 MPa. In addition, the discharge energy density reached 73 mJ/cm3 under an electric field of 300 kV/cm, and charge–discharge energy conversion efficiency was up to 84%. More importantly, the electrically actuated displacement of 2.61 mm at electric field of 160 kV/cm was 1.7 times greater than that of untreated composites. The composites worked stably under the action of the circulating electric field. This study provided a new strategy for obtaining high‐performance dielectric elastomer actuators, which were expected to be applied to biomimetic robots, human skin, or dielectric energy storage devices.
Numerical and experimental study on mechanical properties of glass fiber‐reinforced polymer sandwich structure with polyurethane foam‐filled M‐shaped core
Authors: Ziaie Milad , Zamani Farshad , Homayouni Saina , Khaledi Himan , Qareqani Alireza , Ziaie Mehrad 
Published: November 2022

AbstractTruss‐like core sandwich panels made of glass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite are extensively exploited in numerous industrial and non‐industrial applications. Most of the time, these structures are exposed to extreme and heavy loads and damaged. Therefore, the mechanical properties of composite sandwich structures are important issue that should be addressed by engineers. For this purpose, the mechanical properties of a GFRP composite sandwich structures with polyurethane foam‐filled M‐shaped core are numerically and experimentally determined in this research. The sandwich panels manufactured for this study are composed of GFRP as fibers and resin epoxy as matrix material. In order to determine the bending and compressive response of the GFRP composite structures, three‐point bending and compression tests are performed using a SANTM ATM‐140 universal testing machine. A finite element method is developed to validate the precision of the experimental results. It is recognized that the finite element data are in remarkably great agreement with those obtained by experimental tests. Hence, the finite element analysis and experiment method could be utilized to predict the mechanical properties of the GFRP composite sandwich panels.
Effect of different chemical surface treatments on interfacial compatibility and properties of polyhydroxyalkanoates/coffee grounds composites
Authors: Tang Lei , Hou Xue , Wang Jun , Pan Liao 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe aim of this study was to improve the interfacial compatibility of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) with coffee grounds (CGs) in order to enhance the properties of the composites. Three different methods including alkali, silane, and alkali/silane treatments were used for the surface modification of CGs to construct compatible interfaces and were compared to obtain the most effective modification method. The results showed that the alkali treatment increased the tensile strength, flexural strength, and elongation at break of the composites by 12.61%, 9.81%, and 3.81%, respectively. The silane coupling agent treatment increased the tensile strength, flexural strength, and elongation at break of the composites by 15.51%, 17.78%, and 14.00%, respectively. The mechanical properties of the composites were further improved by the alkali/silane treatment. The three surface treatments improved the compatibility of CGs with the PHA matrix to different degrees, with the alkali/silane treatment being more effective than treatment with alkali or silane coupling agent alone. In addition, the different surface treatments also improved the thermal properties and water resistance of the composites to different degrees. Mechanisms have been proposed to interpret the observed changes in mechanical and thermal properties as a result of fiber treatments by performing SEM, XRD, and FTIR tests on CGs. It is expected that alkali/silane treatment surface modification methods have broad application prospects in the preparation of modified CGs reinforced polymer composites.
Probabilistic prediction of the time to hard freeze using seasonal weather forecasts and survival time methods
Authors: Roksvåg Thea , Lenkoski Alex , Scheuerer Michael , Heinrich‐Mertsching Claudio , Thorarinsdottir Thordis L. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAgricultural food production and natural ecological systems depend on a range of seasonal climate indicators that describe seasonal patterns in climatological conditions. This article proposes a probabilistic forecasting framework for predicting the end of the freeze‐free season, or the time to a mean daily near‐surface air temperature below 0°C (referred to here as hard freeze). The forecasting framework is based on the multimodel seasonal forecast ensemble provided by the Copernicus Climate Data Store and uses techniques from survival analysis for time‐to‐event data. The original mean daily temperature forecasts are statistically postprocessed and downscaled with a mean and variance correction of each model system before the time‐to‐event forecast is constructed. In a case study for a region in Fennoscandia covering Norway for the period 1993–2020, the proposed forecasts are found to outperform a climatology forecast from an observation‐based data product at locations where the average predicted time to hard freeze is less than 40 days after the initialization date of the forecast on October 1.
Kinematic coupling‐based trajectory planning for rotary crane system with double‐pendulum effects and output constraints
Authors: Li Gang , Ma Xin , Li Zhi , Guo Peijun , Li Yibin 
Published: November 2022

AbstractWhen the payload is too large or the hook mass cannot be ignored, the double‐pendulum phenomenon may happen in rotary cranes practical applications. The increase in dynamic complexity makes it more difficult to fast and accurate positioning while suppressing swing during cargo transportation. Moreover, output constraints should be considered in actual crane systems. In this paper, a novel kinematic coupling‐based trajectory planning method is proposed for double‐pendulum rotary cranes with the constraints on angular acceleration and velocity of the boom. The proposed trajectory consists of two parts: a positioning reference component and a swing‐eliminating component. The positioning reference trajectory takes into account the physical constraints of the actuator. The swing‐eliminating trajectory is designed based on the kinematic coupling relationship among the boom luffing, the hook swing and the payload swing. Lyapunov techniques and Barbalat lemma are used for stability analysis. Numerical simulation and real experiments verify the superior control performance and robustness of the proposed control method.
Remodeling Microenvironment for Endogenous Repair through Precise Modulation of Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans Following Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Sun Xiumin , Liu Haiqian , Tan Zan , Hou Yuhui , Pang Mao , Chen Shengfeng , Xiao Longyou , Yuan Qiuju , Liu Bin , Rong Limin , He Liumin 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe fluid‐filled cystic cavity sealed by a dense scar developed following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) has been a major obstacle to neural regeneration and functional recovery. Here the transected lesion is bridged using a functional self‐assembling peptide (F‐SAP) hydrogel loaded with membrane‐permeable intracellular sigma peptide (ISP) and intracellular LAR peptide (ILP), targeted at perturbing chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) inhibitory signaling. As compared to F‐SAP hydrogel loaded with chondroitinase ABC, the F‐SAP+ISP/ILP promotes a beneficial anti‐inflammatory response via manipulation of microglia/macrophages infiltration and assembly of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules into fibrotic matrix rather than scarring tissues. The remodeled ECM creates a permissive environment that supports axon regrowth and the formation of synaptic connections with neurons derived from endogenous neural stem cells. The remodeled networks contribute to functional recovery, as demonstrated by improved hind limb movements and electrophysiological properties. This work proposes a unique mechanism that ECM remodeling induced by CSPG‐manipulation‐based anti‐inflammation can construct a permissive environment for neural regeneration, and shed light on the advancement of manipulation of cascading cellular and molecular events potential for endogenous repair of SCI.
20.67%‐Efficiency Inorganic CsPbI3 Solar Cells Enabled by Zwitterion Ion Interface Treatment
Authors: Zou Hong , Duan Yuwei , Yang Shaomin , Xu Dongfang , Yang Lu , Cui Jian , Zhou Hui , Wu Meizi , Wang Jungang , Lei Xuruo , Zhang Na , Liu Zhike 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAll‐inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been extensively studied due to their high thermal stability and unprecedented rise in power conversion efficiency (PCE). Recently, the champion PCE of CsPbI3 PSCs has reached up to 21%; however, it is still much lower than that of organic–inorganic hybrid PSCs. Interface modification to passivate surface defects and minimize charge recombination and trapping is important to further improve the efficiency of CsPbI3 PSCs. Herein, a new zwitterion ion is deposited at the interface between electron transporting layer (ETL) and perovskite layer to passivate the defects therein. The zwitterion ions can not only passivate oxygen vacancy (VO) and iodine vacancy (VI) defects, but also improve the band alignment at the ETL‐perovskite interface. After the interface treatment, the PCE of CsPbI3 device reaches up to 20.67%, which is among the highest values of CsPbI3 PSCs so far. Due to the defect passivation and hydrophobicity improvement, the PCE of optimized device remains 94% of its original value after 800 h storing under ambient condition. These results provide an efficient way to improve the quality of ETL‐perovskite interface by zwitterion ions for achieving high performance inorganic CsPbI3 PSCs.
Systematics, ontogeny and palaeobiogeography of the genus Orthacanthus (Diplodoselachidae, Xenacanthiformes) from the lower Permian of France
Authors: Luccisano Vincent , Pradel Alan , Amiot Romain , Pouillon Jean‐Marc , Kindlimann René , Steyer Jean‐Sébastien , Cuny Gilles 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe erection of Orthacanthus buxieri Heyler & Poplin from the lower Permian locality of Buxières‐les‐Mines (Allier, France) was based on a poorly prepared specimen with only a few parts of its anatomy visible. The supposedly related teeth have been regarded as possibly belonging to O. kounoviensis, a species already known from the Carboniferous–Permian of Germany and Czech Republic. The holotype of O. buxieri requires extensive preparation before it can be revised, but the description of Orthacanthus isolated teeth and dorsal spines from Buxières‐les‐Mines nevertheless provides useful information, especially given that no precise description of this material has been provided so far. The aim of this description is to better understand the evolutionary history of the French Orthacanthus and its relationships with the other European species. The studied material is assigned to O. kounoviensis. This is the latest occurrence of this genus in Europe and the presence of both juvenile and adult teeth indicate that Buxières‐les‐Mines was probably one of the last suitable environments for its reproduction. We also identify Orthacanthus cf. kounoviensis from the Muse oil‐shale bed, the first record of this genus in the Autun Basin. This brings into question the relationships between the different Carboniferous–Permian basins of the Northern Massif Central and suggests that they could still have been in connection during the lower Permian, in contrast to the central European basins, which seem to be more isolated from each other.
Thermodynamic, Thermal, Structural Properties and In Vitro Digestibility of Basmati Rice Starch Subjected to α‐Amylase
Authors: Almeida Raphael Lucas Jacinto , Santos Newton Carlos , Feitoza João Vítor Fonseca , Eduardo Raphael da Silva , Albuquerque Juliana Cruz , Silva Rebeca de Almeida , Pereira Tamires dos Santos , Monteiro Shênia Santos , Ribeiro Victor Herbert de Alcântara , Silva Virgínia Mirtes de Alcântara , Mota Mércia Mélo de Almeida , Galdino Pablícia Oliveira 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe objective of this work is to evaluate the effect of drying temperature combined with enzymatic modification with α‐amylase on the in vitro digestibility, thermodynamic, thermal and structural properties of Basmati rice starch. The basmati rice starch is dried at drying temperatures (40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 °C), during the process thermodynamic properties such as enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy are analyzed. After drying, the raw starches are treated with α‐amylase (3 U mg−1) and analyzed by X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimeter. The process is considered as endothermic and endergonic, where the temperature of 60 °C promotes a 22% reduction in the drying time and a higher hydrolysis yield (4.02%). The crystallinity index and the enthalpy of gelatinization are reduced according to the drying temperature and the type A crystallinity is not modified. This study shows that the drying temperature influences enzymatic susceptibility, with 60 °C being the most suitable temperature.
Effect of combined Japanese traditional medicines, keishibukuryogan and jidabokuippo, on postoperative soft tissue swelling in adult patients undergoing revascularization surgery for ischemic moyamoya disease: A comparison of two prospective cohort studies
Authors: Ogasawara Kuniaki , Kawamura Tsuyoshi , Kobayashi Masakazu , Akamatsu Yosuke , Chida Kohei , Fujiwara Shunrou , Yoshida Kenji , Koji Takahiro , Kubo Yoshitaka 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAimIndirect revascularization surgery for moyamoya disease (MMD) sometimes results in swelling of the soft tissues (including the temporalis muscle) compressing the cerebral hemispheres postoperatively. The present supplementary analysis of two prospective cohorts aimed to elucidate the effects of Japanese traditional medicines, keishibukuryogan and jidabokuippo, on postoperative soft tissue swelling in adult patients undergoing revascularization surgery for ischemic MMD.MethodsThirty‐two patients treated using direct revascularization surgery alone without Japanese traditional medicine (the first original study) and another 22 patients treated using indirect revascularization surgery alone with perioperative administration of keishibukuryogan and jidabokuippo (the second original study) underwent computed tomography of the head before and 3 days after surgery. The postoperative swelling rate of soft tissues in the head ipsilateral to the surgery was calculated.ResultsThe postoperative swelling rate of the soft tissues was significantly lower in patients participating in the second original study (88.8 ± 31.6%) than in those participating in the first original study (127.1 ± 31.1%) (p = 0.0002). When postoperative swelling rates of soft tissues in all 54 patients were arranged in descending order and divided into tertiles (186.7–132.0%, 130.0–92.4%, 92.3–44.3%), logistic regression analysis revealed that participation in the second original study was significantly associated with the bottom tertile of postoperative swelling rate of soft tissues (95% confidence interval, 4.90–100.12; p = 0.0098).ConclusionCombined administration of Japanese traditional medicines, keishibukuryogan and jidabokuippo, can reduce postoperative soft tissue swelling in adult patients undergoing revascularization surgery for ischemic MMD.
KCNQ1OT1 sponges miR‐34a to promote malignant progression of malignant melanoma via upregulation of the STAT3/PD‐L1 axis
Authors: Wang Xin , Ren Zhiyao , Xu Yunfeng , Gao Xiang , Huang Hainian , Zhu Fei 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundMalignant melanoma is a leading cause of skin cancer‐related death. In over 30% of cases, the melanoma is invasive and has a metastatic phenotype. KCNQ1 overlapping transcript 1 (KCNQ1OT1) was previously identified as an oncogenic long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). Our study intends to uncover the mechanism of KCNQ1OT1 functioning in melanoma.MethodsqRT‐PCR, immunohistochemical analysis, and Western blotting were used to investigate mechanisms of the lncRNA KCNQ1OT1, on its downstream genes in melanoma tissues, cells as well as the impact on CD8+ T cells. Proliferation, apoptosis, and migration/invasion were assessed in melanoma cells to evaluate the effects of KCNQ1OT1, miR‐34a, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). The RNA interactions were determined by dual‐luciferase reporter, and melanoma cells were co‐cultured with CD8+ T cells to study immune evasion. A lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assay was used to investigate the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells toward melanoma cells. The in vivo tumorigenic potential of KCNQ1OT1 was defined using xenograft models.ResultsKCNQ1OT1 was upregulated in melanoma tissues leading to a poor prognosis, and knocking down it inhibited melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. KCNQ1OT1 regulated the progression of the melanoma via its action as a miR‐34a sponge. STAT3 was found to be a downstream target of miR‐34a, resulting in transcriptional regulation of Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD‐L1). KCNQ1OT1 regulated STAT3 by targeting miR‐34a. Knockdown of KCNQ1OT1 reduced PD‐L1 level, enhanced CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity, and proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of CD8+ T cells.ConclusionMelanoma cells overexpressed KCNQ1OT1, which influenced the miR‐34a/STAT3 axis, to promote proliferation, migration, and invasion of melanoma cells. In addition, KCNQ1OT1 inhibited CD8+ T cell function, also via the miR‐34a/STAT3/PD‐L1 axis, thus promoting immune evasion of melanoma cells. The current findings expose a potential therapeutic target of melanoma.
Characteristics of Holstein cows predisposed to ketosis during the post‐partum transition period
Authors: Ha Seungmin , Kang Seogjin , Jeong Mooyoung , Han Manhye , Lee Jihwan , Chung Hakjae , Park Jinho 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundKetosis is a common metabolic disorder during the post‐partum transition period of dairy cattle. How the method of reproduction, parturition time, and calf birth weight affect the occurrence of ketosis on dairy herds remains elusive.ObjectivesThis study investigated factors associated with the severity of ketosis.MethodsWe divided 186 Holstein cows into three classifications based on the highest β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentration during the post‐partum transition period, namely non‐ketosis (<1.2 mmol/L, n = 94), subclinical ketosis (1.2–2.9 mmol/L, n = 58), and clinical ketosis (≥3.0 mmol/L, n = 34). We evaluated characteristics of cows associated with the severity of ketosis.ResultsKetosis was not associated with the method of reproduction, parturition time, pregnancy wastage, premature delivery, retained placenta, and type of calf. Cows calving in spring and especially summer were at higher risk of severe ketosis (p < 0.01). Cows with increased body condition score (BCS) at parturition, age, lactation number, and calving interval were more likely to develop severe ketosis (p < 0.05). Cows with clinical ketosis produced most milk (29.9 ± 1.0 kg) from days four to six, whereas cows without ketosis produced the least (21.3 ± 0.8 kg) (p < 0.001). Heavier calf birth weight resulted in high risk of severe ketosis (p < 0.01), due to increased milk yield during the early lactation.ConclusionsThe severity of ketosis is associated with the calving season, BCS at parturition, age, lactation number, calving interval, milk yield in the early lactation period, and calf birth weight. Nonetheless, it was not associated with the method of reproduction, parturition time, pregnancy wastage, premature delivery, retained placenta, and type of calf. This study is the first to investigate the associations between ketosis and calf birth weight. Our findings could help predict cows at risk of ketosis and take precautions.