bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neo-Weberianism, Professional Formation and the State: Inside the Black Box
Authors: Saks Mike , Adams Tracey L.
Published: August 2019

This paper outlines a neo-Weberian approach to state-sponsored social closure in professional formation. Despite its advantages, state decision-making is not typically well-defined or examined in neo-Weberian analyses. Neo-Weberianism is differentiated from Max Weber’s own work on social action and rationality, which generally provides a more subtle interpretation of state socio-political processes. The paper explores how policy formation can be more incisively analyzed inside the black box of state decision-making from a Weberian perspective. This is exemplified by the passage of the 1858 Medical Act in the United Kingdom establishing the state-supported medical profession. While further work is necessary in filling in the black box, this paper charts an important future path for neo-Weberian analyses of professions, and their relationship with the state.
Method Development for 4-Hydroxy-2-Methyl-N- (5-Methyl-2-Thiazolyl)-2H-1,2-Benzothiazine-3-Carboxamide-1,1-Dioxide by Reverse Phase HPLC: New Analytical Technique
Authors: Maab Husnul , Yousaf Hammad , Hassan Syed Saeed ul , Farooq Umar
Published: August 2019

Purpose: In this study, development of a new analytical method for the evaluation of 4-Hydroxy-2-methyl-N-(5-methyl-2-thiazolyl)-2H-1,2-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide-1,1-dioxide (Meloxicam) by reverse phase HPLC was carried out. The basic aim of this research was to develop and validate a simple, precise, accurate and sensitive method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of Meloxicam in pharmaceutical raw material and its dosage forms. The existing reported method (BP) for the analysis of Meloxicam is potentiometric method which is an old, lengthy and tedious method.

Methods: In the new method of reverse phase HPLC, C18 column was used while the mobile phase was acetonitrile and methanol (70:30). The flow rate of mobile phase was 0.6 ml/min and retention time was found to be 1.5min. Separately equal volume of standard solution and sample solutions in HPLC vials were injected in auto sampler compartment of HPLC in six replicates. Chromatogram and peak areas of Meloxicam in standard and sample solutions of different concentrations were recorded.

Results: This method was later validated in different ways by which the calibration curve proved to be linear with linearity coefficient of 0.999 over the range of 100 to 600ppm. The precision was equivalent to 0.0003%. The LOD and LOQ were 0.0003ug/ml and 0.001ug/ml respectively. The system also showed accuracy over the range of 95 to 99%.

Conclusion: Hence, this method proved to be an alternative to the existing reported method of potentiometric titration because the new method showed accuracy, reproducibility and sensitivity.
Mycorrhiza
Authors: Egan Cameron P , Hynson Nicole A
Published: August 2019

Mycorrhizas are symbiotic associations between fungi in the soil and the roots of plants. Several types exist, each of which is defined by their morphological characteristics at the interface between the plant and fungus, as well as the identity of both fungal and plant partners. Mycorrhizas are the most ubiquitous terrestrial symbiosis in nature and are believed to have played an integral role in helping plants transition from aquatic to terrestrial environments c. 400 million years before present. The most recognised function of the symbiosis is the bidirectional exchange of plant growth limiting soil nutrients from the fungal partner(s) for photosynthetically derived sugars from the plant host(s). However, the function of mycorrhizal fungi extends beyond nutrient exchange, as they play other important roles for their hosts including increased resistance to pathogens and herbivory and improved plant–water relations.

Key Concepts

Mycorrhiza refers to the symbiotic relationship between a fungus in the soil and the root of a plant.

The mycorrhizal symbiosis is the most widely distributed symbiosis on earth.

Mycorrhizas are classified into different types, each of which is defined by the identity of plant and fungal partners, as well as the morphological structures, where the partners interface.

The mycorrhizal symbiosis while generally considered a mutualism where both partners benefit, can fall on a continuum from parasitism to mutualism, where the direction and strength of the interaction depend upon the identity of the partners and their environmental conditions.

Mycorrhizas are ubiquitous in nature, having strong influences on plant community ecology including diversity and productivity.
Vernalisation
Authors: Dixon Laura E , Hepworth Jo , Irwin Judith A
Published: August 2019

Vernalisation is the response to a period of prolonged cold required by many plants to switch from vegetative to reproductive growth. Variation in the requirement for, and the response to, a period of weeks or months of cold underpins life history variation in both wild and crop species and ensures flowering occurs in the more optimal conditions in spring. In monocots and dicots three key players – a gene activated by cold, a repressor, and an integrator – have been identified within the vernalisation regulatory network. However, the relative importance of allelic variation at these genes to variation in vernalisation response differs between the two subdivisions of flowering plants. Genetic and molecular analysis of this variation has revealed a mechanism with core epigenetic components in the exemplar Angiosperm lineages Brassicaceae and Poaceae.

Key Concepts

Plants utilise the memory of winter to align flowering with the favourable conditions of spring.

Vernalisation promotes competence to flower in response to a prolonged period of cold.

Epigenetic regulation is a stable change in gene expression (through multiple mitotic and sometimes meiotic divisions) without a change in the underlying DNA sequence.

In both monocots and dicots three key players – a gene activated by cold, a repressor and an integrator – have been identified as components of the vernalisation network.

FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC)is the key regulator of vernalisation in the Brassicaceae.

VERNALIZATION 1 (VRN1)is the main regulator of vernalisation in the Poaceae.

Polycomb proteins are conserved across kingdoms.
TheBrønsted Acid/Base Character of theNNandNNBonds
Authors: Bartmess John E.
Published: August 2019

The Brønsted acidity and basicity of compounds containing the NN and NN structures is surveyed and analyzed. This includes gas‐phase proton affinities and acidities and solution‐phase values in both DMSO and aqueous solution. Computational support for the gas‐phase experimental values is included.
Highly Sensitive Soft Foam Sensors to Empower Robotic Systems
Authors: Sencadas Vitor , Tawk Charbel , Alici Gursel
Published: August 2019

Soft robots require seamless integration with sensors and actuators that are simple to manufacture at scale with low cost and minimum footprint. The sensor materials must be highly reliable, sensitive, and stable, and their mechanical features should match the sensing requirements of soft robots such as minimal response time and nonlinearity of hysteresis and relaxation. A resistive‐type sensor based on the synthesis of poly(glycerol secabate) (PGS) with a foam‐like structure and outstanding mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical properties is developed. These foam sensors present high sensitivity (gauge factor ≈ −9), very fast response (≤3 ms), negligible hysteresis, reliability, long lifetime (>1 200 000 cycles), and a pressure differential sensitivity of 34 Pa. They can accurately detect low and high frequency vibrations (up to 300 Hz) and small forces (200 mN) that cover the very low detection range of metallic strain gauges and the very large detection range of elastomeric strain sensors. These characteristics closely match those of the human fingertip, and hence pave the way toward tactile and compliant sensing elements embedded in prosthetic hands. Prospective applications for unexplored resistive‐type sensors to meet the sensory requirements of soft robotic systems are demonstrated.
MXene‐Reduced Graphene Oxide Aerogel for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Hybrid Supercapacitor with Ultralong Cycle Life
Authors: Wang Qiang , Wang Siliang , Guo Xiaohui , Ruan Limin , Wei Ning , Ma Yue , Li Jiayi , Wang Min , Li Wanqing , Zeng Wei
Published: August 2019

Although current energy storage devices are limited by their own shortcomings, their merits such as superior power density and cycling stability for supercapacitors (SCs), and high energy density for batteries cannot be ignored either. Constructing hybrid SCs (HSCs) with capacitor‐type electrodes and battery‐type electrodes can combine the advantages of SCs and batteries. Herein, a zinc‐ion HSC (ZHSC) is fabricated with a porous 3D MXene (Ti3C2Tx
)‐reduced graphene oxide aerogel cathode and zinc foil anode for the first time. As a result, the ZHSC exhibits excellent electrochemical performance with a high specific capacitance of 128.6 F g−1 at a current density of 0.4 A g−1 and a high energy density of 34.9 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 279.9 W kg−1. More importantly, after 75 000 charge and discharge cycles at a current density of 5 A g−1, the capacitance retention is still above 95% of the initial capacitance. This work provides a new way of thinking for developing high‐performance energy storage devices with superior energy, power density, and ultralong cycle life.
Conformational Spin Switching and Spin‐Selective Hydrogenation of a Magnetically Bistable Carbene
Authors: Trosien Iris , Mendez‐Vega Enrique , Thomanek Tobias , Sander Wolfram
Published: August 2019

The control of the spin states of molecules opens the path to tuning selectivity in chemical reactions and to developing novel magnetically switchable materials. 3‐Methoxy‐9‐fluorenylidene is a carbene that is generated in cryogenic matrices both in its lowest energy singlet and triplet states, and the ratio of these states can be shifted by selective irradiation. The interconversion of the nearly degenerate spin states is induced by a conformational change of the methoxy group: switching the methoxy group into the “up” position results in the singlet state and switching into the “down” position in the triplet state. The spin control via a remote functional group makes this carbene unique for the study of spin‐specific reactions, which is demonstrated for the hydrogenation reaction. Spin switching by switching the conformation of a remote functional group is a novel phenomenon with potential applications in the design of functional materials.
Highly stable polyoxometalate‐resorcin[4]arene‐based inorganic‐organic complexes for catalytic oxidation desulfurization
Authors: Yu Ming‐Yue , Yang Jin , Xu Xianxiu , Ma Jian‐Fang , Wang Zhenxing
Published: August 2019

Self‐assembly of a resorcin[4]arene‐based ligand (TMR4A) with metal salts and H3PMo12O40·xH2O offers two isostructural complexes, namely, [Ni2Cl(TMR4A)2(CH3CN)2]·[PMo12O40]·4CH3CN (1) and [Co2Cl(TMR4A)2(CH3CN)2]·[PMo12O40]·4CH3CN (2). In both 1 and 2, one Cl− anion bridges two metal cations, and each metal cation is further chelated by four 2‐mercaptopyridine N‐oxide groups of one TMR4A, producing a [M2Cl(TMR4A)2]3+ dimer (M = Ni or Co). The negative [PMo12O40]3− as a counter‐anion balances the positive charge. Markedly, 1 and 2 exhibit high stability in aqueous solutions with different pH values and in organic solvents. Remarkably, the efficient heterogeneous catalytic capability for oxidative desulfurization was studied by suing 1 and 2 as recycled catalysts. Moreover, the electrochemical behaviors of the two compounds were discussed as well.
Cheating among children: Temptation, loss framing, and previous cheating
Authors: Markiewicz Łukasz , Gawryluk Katarzyna
Published: August 2019

Although early economic approaches to misbehavior merely compare the monetary utility of accessible options, self‐concept maintenance models introduce moral considerations to the equation. These assume that people trade off possible gains to be made from moral transgressions with associated decreases in self‐esteem. On the basis of the assumption that the development of moral values among children is weaker than in adults, we expected children's behavior to be close to that of the hypothetical homo economicus, with their decisions as to whether to cheat therefore being influenced by decision theory elements: normative elements such as temptation magnitude, and behavioral elements such as framing. As children should pay no heed to moral considerations in dynamic multiple task settings, behavior opposite to “moral cleansing” was expected, with a first lie predicting later lies. In addition to testing the above ideas, the present study adopted a novel methodology. Our hypotheses were tested in a lab‐in‐the‐field study using a modified “roll a die” method in a naturalistic setting for children of ages 7 to 10. We modified the method to identify both true and declared values of die rolls (a novel DICE+ electronic die was used). As expected, children were sensitive to temptation and cheated more willingly for more attractive prizes. Girls (but not boys) lied more (in terms of both frequency and magnitude) to avoid losses (with loss framing) than to make gains (with gain framing). Previous lying correlated positively with lying on subsequent tasks.
Evaluation of pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and urinary excretion of scopolin and its metabolite scopoletin in Sprague Dawley rats by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Bo , Lu Min , Chu Zixuan , Lei Shanshan , Sun Peilu , Xiong Shan , Chen Suhong
Published: August 2019

We aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and urinary excretion of scopolin and its metabolite scopoletin in rats. An LC–tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method for simultaneous determination of scopolin and scopoletin in rat biomatrices was developed and validated over a plasma and urine concentration range of 5.0–2000 ng/mL. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Hypersil GOLD C18 column with acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in water as mobile phase with gradient elution. Detection was performed in the positive ionization and selected reaction monitoring mode. The intra‐ and inter‐batch precision and accuracy, extraction recovery and matrix effect and stability of scopolin and scopoletin were well within the acceptable limits of variation. There was no gender‐related difference in the pharmacokinetic profiles of scopolin. There were significant differences in total area under the concentration–time curve (AUC), time required to achieve a maximal concentration (Tmax) and apparent clearance from plasma (Cl/F) of scopoletin between the male and female rats (p < .05). The bioavailability (F) of scopolin was exceptionally low. The maximal excretion rates were 7.61 μg/h and 7.15 μg/h for scopolin and 31.68 μg/h and 25.58 μg/h for scopoletin in male and female rats, respectively. The LC–MS/MS method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic, bioavailability and urinary excretion studies of scopolin and its metabolite scopoletin following a single administration of scopolin to rats.
Residual atherothrombotic burden after primary percutaneous coronary intervention and myocardial reperfusion—An optical frequency domain imaging study
Authors: Roule Vincent , Schwob Lin , Lemaitre Adrien , Bignon Mathieu , Ardouin Pierre , Sabatier Rémi , Blanchart Katrien , Beygui Farzin
Published: August 2019

Objectives

We aimed to assess the relationship between residual in‐stent atherothrombotic burden (ATB) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) measured by optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) using different measurement methods and myocardial blush grade (MBG).

Background

The impact of residual ATB after primary PCI on myocardial reperfusion remains unclear.

Methods

We prospectively included 60 ST‐elevation myocardial infarction patients pretreated with aspirin and ticagrelor. OFDI volumetric quantification using planimetry (with intervals every frame or every millimeter) and semiquantitative score were used to determine ATB. Patients were divided into two groups according to final MBG 3 or <3.

Results

The mean ATB was 10.08 ± 5.21%. ATB was lower in patients with final MBG 3 compared to those with impaired MBG, regardless of the measurement method (8.15 ± 5.58 vs. 11.77 ± 4.28%; p = .007 for quantification per frame; 7.8 ± 5.19 vs. 11.07 ± 4.07%; p = .009 for quantification per mm and 11.21 ± 11.75 vs. 22.91 ± 17.35; p = .003 for the semiquantitative thrombus score, respectively).

Conclusion

Residual post‐stenting ATB remains substantial after primary PCI in STEMI patients, even when pretreated with ticagrelor and aspirin. ATB appears as a significant correlate of suboptimal myocardial reperfusion, a known surrogate of clinical outcome.
Accessing the Biocatalytic Potential for C−H‐Activation by Targeted Genome Mining and Screening
Authors: Schmitz Lisa Marie , Schäper Jonas , Rosenthal Katrin , Lütz Stephan
Published: August 2019

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) are ubiquitous hemeproteins that insert oxygen specifically into substrates leading to diverse chemical transformations. Utilizing their capabilities, microbial whole‐cell biocatalysts are applied in pharmaceutical and fine chemical industry to produce biomolecules and drug metabolites. In order to synthesize novel bioactive compounds there is a great demand to identify P450s with new reaction and substrate scope. In this study, genome mining and an activity screening were successfully combined to discover so far underutilized biocatalysts. The screening revealed the expected broad range of reactions, such as hydroxylations, dealkylations, reductions and desaturations. For Actinosynnema mirum and ritonavir the biotransformation was transferred to a preparative scale resulting in a ritonavir conversion of 90 % after 48 h and 13 different metabolites analyzed by LC‐MS2 and NMR. These results clearly demonstrate the potential of the underlying approach to identify promising whole cell biocatalysts with good conversion and product scopes.
Fe‐Doped Ni3S2 Nanowires with Surface‐Restricted Oxidation Toward High‐Current‐Density Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Xiangyu , Zhang Wuzhengzhi , Zhang Junliang , Wu Zhengcui
Published: August 2019

It is critical to develop a highly effective and economical electrocatalyst to lower the energy losses for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this work, Fe‐doped Ni3S2 nanowires with diameters of ca. 17 nm and lengths of 1.4∼2 μm are synthesized on Ni foam through a one‐step solvothermal route for alkaline water splitting, which display notable active and excellent durability for both OER and HER under high current densities. The optimal Fe13.7%‐Ni3S2 nanowires electrode can attain 200 mA cm−2 at a fairly low overpotential of 223 mV, and 500 mA cm−2 at 245 mV toward OER. Furthermore, it yields a considerable low overpotential of 109 mV to garner 10 mA cm−2, and 246 mV for 500 mA cm−2 toward HER. The incorporation of iron simultaneously modifies the electronic structure and morphology of Ni3S2, which not only enhances the conductivity but also generates abundant active edge sites. The slight surface‐restricted oxidation of nanowires in a strongly basic electrolyte in situ generates a large number of interfaces, which enables the reactivity and durability for both OER and HER. Accordingly, an alkaline water electrolyzer with two Fe13.7%‐Ni3S2 electrodes only requires a low cell voltage of 1.53 V to achieve 10 mA cm−2, and 1.95 V to 500 mA cm−2 with striking stability. The as‐prepared Fe‐doped Ni3S2 nanowires can be potentially utilized for actual water electrolysis under high current densities.
Influence of lignin accessibility on chemical and biological decomposition of lignin/polyethylene composite thermoplastics
Authors: Tang Yong , Ye Zhibin , Jean Michel
Published: August 2019

Kraft lignin has been widely investigated for blending with a large variety of polymers to produce thermoplastic composites. The ratio of lignin and polymer affects the accessibility of lignin to small molecules and microorganisms, thus influencing the degradation of lignin/polymer composites. In this present work, the stability and degradation of lignin‐polyethylene composites of different compositions in different environments, including water, acidic solution, alkaline solution, and soils have been investigated. The effects of composite composition (with PE content in the range of 30‐80 wt%) and in turn lignin accessibility on the degradation have been elucidated, with some valuable findings disclosed. The degradation/dissolution of lignin creates new void spaces and water fully or partially fills into these void spaces, depending on the specimen size. Because water does not have any interaction with lignin and PE, most of the lignin degradation behaviour does not affect the dimensional size of lignin/PE composites. However, the dissolution of lignin in alkaline solution leads to significant shrinkage of the lignin/PE composite bar, especially in terms of thickness. The lignin degradation behaviour has different effects on the mechanical strength of lignin/PE composites. The composites with low lignin accessibility degrade minimally in all environments, thus retaining most of the mechanical strength. This study provides insight regarding extending/shortening the life cycle of lignin/polymer composites.
Silica‐Free Synthesis of Mesoporous Co3O4/CoOxPy as a Highly Active Oxygen Evolution Reaction Catalyst
Authors: Sun Tian , Liu Piao , Yang Daihui , Wang Qiyou , Duan Junfei , Ma Chao , Gao Yang , Zhang Shiguo
Published: August 2019

Highly active and stable catalysts towards electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction are crucial for the efficient water splitting and sustainable hydrogen generation. Here we report a novel mesoporous Co3O4 with the surface decoration of mixed CoOxPy species towards efficient OER catalysis. The material is synthesized from a simple carbon template derived from p‐phenylenediamine bisulfate followed by low temperature phosphorization. Unlike traditional methods, silica intermediates are not involved during synthesis, improving the overall safety and efficiency. The as‐prepared mesoporous Co3O4/CoOxPy catalyst shows excellent catalytic activity and stability towards oxygen evolution reaction in 1 M KOH. The overpotential is 295 mV at 10 mA cm−2, superior to that of commercial IrO2/C catalyst. A small Tafel slope of 70 mV dec−1 and high stability are also observed. The excellent electrochemical performance is attributed to the mesoporous structure, strong electronic interaction, and synergistic effect of the mesoporous Co3O4 and CoOxPy phases. Other heterogeneous catalysts with similar structures and compositions may also be fabricated following the same design principle.
Relative Bioavailability of Enalapril Administered as Orodispersible Minitablets in Healthy Adults
Authors: Van Hecken Anne , Burckhardt Björn B. , Khalil Feras , de Hoon Jan , Klingmann Ingrid , Herbots Marissa , Laeer Stephanie , Lagler Florian B. , Breitkreutz Jörg
Published: August 2019

The angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril is commonly used to treat chronic heart failure in children. Because some children are unable to swallow capsules or tablets, a new, age‐appropriate, orodispersible minitablet (ODMT) containing 1 mg of enalapril was developed within the EU‐funded LENA (Labeling of Enalapril from Neonates up to Adolescents) consortium. In order to support the clinical evaluation of this new formulation in children, a relative bioavailability study was performed in healthy adults, comparing the bioavailability of enalapril in the ODMT with that of a reference product (RP) Renitec, a registered standard enalapril tablet formulation. In this open‐label, randomized 3‐way crossover study, 24 healthy subjects received a 10‐mg enalapril dose administered as (1) 2 × 5‐mg tablets of the RP swallowed with water, (2) 10 × 1‐mg ODMT swallowed with water, and (3) 10 × 1 mg ODMT dispersed on the tongue. When the relative bioavailability of the ODMT formulation swallowed with water was compared with that of the RP, the estimated 90%CIs for the ratio of area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC0‐∞) and or peak concentration (Cmax) of enalapril were 92.34% to 106.49% and 91.28% to 115.72%, respectively, which are within the accepted bioequivalence limits of 80% to 125%. Following dispersion of the ODMT in the mouth, a slightly higher Cmax for enalapril was observed as compared with the RP with an upper 90%CI of 127.57%, slightly exceeding the bioequivalence limit. Taken together, it was demonstrated that the method of administration of the ODMT, swallowed or dispersed, did not significantly affect the bioavailability of enalapril.
Electrodeposition of Silver Vanadate Films: A Tale of Two Polymorphs
Authors: Vali Abbas , Sarker Hori P. , Jee Hyung‐Woo , Kormányos Attila , Firouzan Farinaz , Myung Noseung , Paeng Ki‐Jung , Huda Muhammad N. , Janáky Csaba , Rajeshwar Krishnan
Published: August 2019

Two polymorphs of AgVO3, namely the α‐ and β‐ forms, were prepared and their physical, structural, optical, electrochemical, and photoelectrochemical characteristics were compared using a battery of experimental and theoretical tools. A two‐step method, previously developed in the our laboratory for the electrodeposition of inorganic semiconductor films, was applied to the electrosynthesis of silver vanadate (AgVO3) films on transparent, conducting oxide surfaces. In the first step, silver was cathodically deposited from a non‐aqueous bath containing silver nitrate. In the second step, the silver film was anodically stripped in an aqueous medium containing ammonium metavanadate. The anodically generated silver ions at the interface underwent a precipitation reaction with the vanadate species to generate the desired product in situ. Each of these steps were mechanistically corroborated via the use of electrochemical quartz crystal microgravimetry, used in conjunction with voltammetry and coulometry. As‐deposited films were crystalline and showed p‐type semiconductor behavior. Theoretical insights are provided for the electronic origin of the α→β phase transformation in AgVO3 and the disparate optical band gaps of the two polymorphs. Finally, implications for the application of this material in solar cells are provided.
Tetravalent Oxygen and Sulphur Centres Mediated by Carborane Superacid: Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Grabowski Sławomir J. , Casanova David , Formoso Elena , Ugalde Jesus M.
Published: August 2019

The tetravalent oxygen or sulphur centres, especially in H4O2+and H4S2+dications, were analysed experimentally and theoretically in various studies. Herein, we discuss stabilities of such centres in related H(CH3)3O2+and H(CH3)3S2+dications mediated by carborane superacid. The ωB97X‐D/6‐311++G(d,p) calculations were performed for a gas phase and for different solvents characterized by a wide range of dielectric constants for complexes of these dications with the conjugated base of H(CHB11F11) carborane superacid, CHB11F11−, which indicate that these complexes are linked by hydrogen bonds. The Quantum Theory of ‘Atoms in Molecules’ (QTAIM) approach is applied to characterize these interactions. DFT results show that tetravalent oxygen and sulphur structures are additionally stabilized by polar solvents.
NiCo2S4‐Based Composite Materials for Supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Tao , Wei Shaoting , Wang Zhenghua
Published: August 2019

In recent years, spinel‐type NiCo2S4 has been intensively studied as a supercapacitive material as it has a high theoretical capacitance, and is inexpensive and easy to synthesize. However, NiCo2S4 alone as an electrode material suffers from the drawback of an unsatisfactory cycling stability. In order to achieve better electrochemical performances, NiCo2S4‐based composite materials have been developed for supercapacitors. In this Review, some recent research progress on NiCo2S4‐based composite materials for supercapacitors is outlined. Furthermore, some suggestions for the further improvement of NiCo2S4‐based materials for hybrid supercapacitors and the development of large‐scale synthesis methods are proposed.
Preparation of Naphthalene Dianhydride Bithiophene Copolymers by Direct Arylation Polycondensation and the Latent Pigment Approach
Authors: Sanzone Alessandro , Cimò Simone , Mattiello Sara , Ruffo Riccardo , Facchinetti Irene , Bonacchini Giorgio E. , Caironi Mario , Sassi Mauro , Sommer Michael , Beverina Luca
Published: August 2019

Invited for this month's cover are the collaborating groups of Prof. Luca Beverina from the University of Molani‐Bicocca, Italy and Prof. Michael Sommer from Chemnitz University of Technology, Germany. The front cover shows the thermally induced transformation of a soluble and electron‐rich naphthalene tetraester–bithiophene copolymer into the corresponding insoluble and electron‐poor naphthalenetetraanhydride derivative. The combination of monochromatic squares, inspired by the work of Josef Albers, shows the color change involved in the transformation. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201900210.
Mindestbewehrung balkenartiger bewehrter Mauerwerkskonstruktionen – Vorschläge für zukünftige Regelungen
Authors: Gunkler Erhard
Published: August 2019

The minimum reinforcement of reinforced masonry under bending should according to DIN EN 1996‐1‐1:2013‐02 [N 1], Section 8.2.3(1), be not less than ρmin = 0.05 % of the effective masonry cross‐section for building elements, in which the reinforcement makes a contribution to the loadbearing capacity of the section, with the effective masonry cross‐section being the product of the effective width (bef) and the usable height d of the building element. In order to limit cracking and increase the ductility of the element, the reinforcement area should according to [N 1], Section 8.2.3(3), be not less than 0.03 % of the gross cross‐sectional area (of a wall). Other regulations ([1], [N 2], [N 3], [N 4], [N 5], [N 6], [N 7]) also prescribe minimum reinforcements in order to avoid brittle behaviour of the building element when the first crack forms or to limit cracking.

In this specialist article, the figures given in [N 1] for the minimum reinforcement of reinforced masonry beams, like flat lintels or prefabricated lintels, are checked. The work concentrates on avoiding brittle failure when the first crack forms.

In addition to geometrical requirements, the amount of minimum reinforcement depends on the tensile strength of the masonry ft,m. Values of ρmin vary considerably depending on the magnitude of the tensile strength of the masonry that can be assumed. For lintels over openings in facing brickwork facades, the height of any capping or soldier courses under the reinforcement layer also has an enlarging influence on the value of ρmin.

With regard to future regulations in standards or Allgemeine bauaufsichtliche Zulassungen (national technical approvals), it is recommended not to give lump sum values for ρmin but to undertake a calculation like for reinforced concrete, using the algorithms given in this article.
Trockenbauweise von Mauerwerk zum Einsatz beim Aufbau von demontierbaren, energiehocheffizienten Musterhäusern – Erste Erkenntnisse zum aktuell laufenden Forschungsprojekt
Authors: Youssef Hassan , Erler Maik , Jäger Wolfram
Published: August 2019

In recent decades, energy efficiency has been the priority for masonry buildings in order to keep up with ever more stringent requirements. For the evaluation of the sustainability of building solutions, however, the embodied energy to produce a building and finally to dispose of it at the end of its lifecycle are also important. The energy used for the disposal of a building and the processing of the residues are also important for the overall energy balance since the handling of natural resources is increasingly the centre point of thought and action. A research team at the Chair of Structural Design of TU Dresden has thus been working since 2012 on demountable solutions in masonry, which can be dismantled at the end of a building lifetime and sorted for recycling, which fully complies with the requirement for the reduction of rubbish and waste products. The high precision of block production today permits us to omit the levelling effect of mortar and to build dry buildings in the future, i.e. to do without the bonding principle. The associated strength reductions can be suffered without problems. The appropriate basics of such a dry building method have been researched in a collaboration between the ILEK in Stuttgart and the Xella Technologie‐ und Forschungsgesellschaft mbH in Emstal. In this research project with the abbreviation ”REMOMAB“, the basics of an energy‐efficient dry building method suitable for recycling were collected and made available for practical application. In a follow‐up project, these basics are being implemented and tested on an experimental building. Cost aspects are also to be taken into account and if possible, construction solutions available on the market will be used – modified if necessary. Another aim is for the first time to dismantle such a building and to rebuild it at another location. This is intended to demonstrate that a reuse is possible after dismantling and such a building method can react to changing demands in the housing market.
iRGD‐paclitaxel conjugate nanoparticles for targeted paclitaxel delivery
Authors: Hu Hang , Wang Bin , Lai Chao , Xu Xiangjian , Zhen Zihan , Zhou Huan , Xu Defeng
Published: August 2019

Paclitaxel (PTX) is a chemotherapeutic agent which shows antitumor activities against a broad spectrum of cancers. Yet, the current formulation of PTX used in clinic may cause a number of adverse reactions, which significantly limit its application. To obtain better clinical use of PTX, we report, for the first time, iRGD‐PTX conjugate nanoparticles (NPs) for targeted PTX delivery. iRGD‐PTX conjugate was synthesized from thiolated iRGD and 6‐maleimidocaproic acid‐PTX through Michael addition reaction. iRGD‐PTX NPs with hydrodynamic diameter of ~110 nm were self‐assembled from iRGD‐PTX conjugate in deionized water. The as‐prepared iRGD‐PTX NPs exhibit good stability in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) buffer and fetal bovine serum containing PBS buffer. iRGD‐PTX NPs exhibit sustained drug release behaviors. The in vitro studies show that iRGD‐PTX NPs can be internalized by 4T1 cells by integrin αV‐mediated endocytosis, resulting in better in vitro antitumor activity as compared to free PTX. The in vivo studies demonstrate that iRGD‐PTX NPs exhibit enhanced tumor accumulation. The iRGD‐PTX NPs reported here represent a novel PTX nanoplatform to achieve targeted PTX delivery.
Grassland harvesting alters ant community trophic structure: An isotopic study in tallgrass prairies
Authors: Kim Tania , Bartel Savannah , Gratton Claudio
Published: August 2019

Disturbances have long been recognized as important forces for structuring natural communities but their effects on trophic structure are not well understood, particularly in terrestrial systems. This is in part because quantifying trophic linkages is a challenge, especially for small organisms with cryptic feeding behaviors such as insects, and often relies on conducting labor‐intensive feeding trials or extensive observations in the field. In this study, we used stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen to examine how disturbance (annual biomass harvesting) in tallgrass prairies affected the trophic position, trophic range, and niche space of ants, a widespread grassland consumer. We hypothesized that biomass harvest would remove important food and nesting resources of insects thus affecting ant feeding relationships and trophic structure. We found shifts in the feeding relationships inferred by isotopic signatures with harvest. In particular, these shifts suggest that ants within harvest sites utilized resources at lower trophic levels (possibly plant‐based resources or herbivores), expanded trophic breadth, and occupied different niche spaces. Shifts in resource use following harvest could be due to harvest‐mediated changes in both the plant and arthropod communities that might affect the strength of competition or alter plant nitrogen availability. Because shifts in resource use alter the flow of nutrients across the food web, disturbance effects on ants could have ecosystem‐level consequences through nutrient cycling.
Seasonal dynamics and co‐occurrence patterns of honey bee pathogens revealed by high‐throughput RT‐qPCR analysis
Authors: D'Alvise Paul , Seeburger Victoria , Gihring Katharina , Kieboom Mattias , Hasselmann Martin
Published: August 2019

The health of the honey bee Apis mellifera is challenged by introduced parasites that interact with its inherent pathogens and cause elevated rates of colony losses. To elucidate co‐occurrence, population dynamics, and synergistic interactions of honey bee pathogens, we established an array of diagnostic assays for a high‐throughput qPCR platform. Assuming that interaction of pathogens requires co‐occurrence within the same individual, single worker bees were analyzed instead of collective samples. Eleven viruses, four parasites, and three pathogenic bacteria were quantified in more than one thousand single bees sampled from sixteen disease‐free apiaries in Southwest Germany. The most abundant viruses were black queen cell virus (84%), Lake Sinai virus 1 (42%), and deformed wing virus B (35%). Forager bees from asymptomatic colonies were infected with two different viruses in average, and simultaneous infection with four to six viruses was common (14%). Also, the intestinal parasites Nosema ceranae (96%) and Crithidia mellificae/Lotmaria passim (52%) occurred very frequently. These results indicate that low‐level infections in honey bees are more common than previously assumed. All viruses showed seasonal variation, while N. ceranae did not. The foulbrood bacteria Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius were regionally distributed. Spearman's correlations and multiple regression analysis indicated possible synergistic interactions between the common pathogens, particularly for black queen cell virus. Beyond its suitability for further studies on honeybees, this targeted approach may be, due to its precision, capacity, and flexibility, a viable alternative to more expensive, sequencing‐based approaches in nonmodel systems.
Epibenthic predators control mobile macrofauna associated with a foundation species in a subarctic subtidal community
Authors: Yakovis Eugeniy , Artemieva Anna
Published: August 2019

Foundation species (FS) are strong facilitators providing habitat for numerous dependent organisms. The communities shaped by FS are commonly structured by interplay of facilitation and consumer control. Predators or grazers often indirectly determine community structure eliminating either FS or their principal competitors. Alternatively, they can prey on the dependent taxa directly, which is generally buffered by FS via forming complex habitats with numerous refuges. The latter case has been never investigated at high latitudes, where consumer control is widely considered weak. We manipulated the presence of common epibenthic crustacean predators to assess their effect on mobile macrofauna of the clusters developed by a FS (barnacle Balanus crenatus and its empty tests) in the White Sea shallow subtidal (65° N). While predation pressure on the FS itself here is low, the direct effects of a spider crab Hyas araneus and a shrimp Spirontocaris phippsii on the associated assemblages were unexpectedly strong. Removing the predators did not change species diversity, but tripled total abundance and altered multivariate community structure specifically increasing the numbers of amphipods, isopods (only affected by shrimp), and bivalves. Consumer control in the communities shaped by FS may not strictly follow the latitudinal predation gradient rule.
Preparing for the future: Solar energy and bioeconomy in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Pagliaro Mario
Published: August 2019

Solar energy and the bioeconomy are emerging as two new important assets of the United Arab Emirates' economy. The consequences identified in this study offering guidelines to foster their practical development span from higher education and international student recruitment, through new entrepreneurship from local and foreign entrepreneurs and investors.
Evolution of both host resistance and tolerance to an emerging bacterial pathogen
Authors: Bonneaud Camille , Tardy Luc , Giraudeau Mathieu , Hill Geoffrey E. , McGraw Kevin J. , Wilson Alastair J.
Published: August 2019

Understanding how hosts minimize the cost of emerging infections has fundamental implications for epidemiological dynamics and the evolution of pathogen virulence. Despite this, few experimental studies in natural populations have tested whether, in response to disease emergence, hosts evolve resistance, which reduces pathogen load through immune activation, or tolerance, which limits somatic damages without decreasing pathogen load. Further, none has done so accounting for significant natural variation in pathogen virulence, despite known effects on host responses to infection. Here, we investigate whether eastern North American house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) have evolved resistance and/or tolerance to their emerging bacterial pathogen, Mycoplasma gallisepticum. To do so, we inoculated finches from disease-exposed and disease-unexposed populations with 55 distinct isolates of varying virulence. First, although peak pathogen loads, which occurred approximately eight days postinoculation, did not differ between experimentally inoculated finches from disease-exposed versus unexposed population, pathogen loads subsequently decreased faster and to a greater extent in finches from exposed populations. These results suggest that finches from exposed populations are able to clear the infection through adaptive immune processes. Second, however, finches from exposed populations also displayed lower symptom severity for a given pathogen load, suggesting that a damage-limitation mechanism, or tolerance, has accompanied the evolution of immune clearance. Our results highlight that resistance and tolerance should be seen as complementary, not alternative, defense strategies: the evolution of resistance benefits from the concomitant evolution of tolerance mechanisms that protect against the damage of immune activation, whereas the evolution of tolerance without resistance will risk runaway selection on pathogen virulence.
Protocatechuic acid from chicory is bioavailable and undergoes partial glucuronidation and sulfation in healthy humans
Authors: Zheng Jiakun , Xiong Haiyan , Li Qing , He Luanying , Weng Hui , Ling Wenhua , Wang Dongliang
Published: August 2019

Protocatechuic acid exerts multiple health‐promoting effects such as anticancer, anti‐atherosclerosis, and neuroprotection in animal models. While protocatechuic acid produced in the lower gastrointestinal tract by microbial catabolism of several flavonoids is bioavailable, the pharmacokinetics of protocatechuic acid has not been evaluated so far in humans following its oral consumption. In this open‐label and single‐dose pharmacokinetic trial, 16 healthy adults followed a low‐phytochemical diet for three days. Next, after overnight fasting, participants consumed 150 g of chicory containing 248 μmol of protocatechuic acid. Blood, urine, and fecal samples were collected before and up to 24 hr after chicory consumption. Protocatechuic acid in the free and glucuronide/sulfate‐conjugated forms was almost undetectable in serum, urine, and fecal samples before chicory consumption. Chicory consumption increased the levels of protocatechuic acid and its glucuronide/sulfate conjugates in biological samples. The maximum serum concentrations of protocatechuic acid in the free‐, glucuronide‐, and sulfate‐conjugated forms were 3,273, 519, and 340 nmol/L, respectively. The recovery of total protocatechuic acid in blood circulation, urine, and feces was 23.79%, 12.17%, and 12.79% of the ingested dose, respectively. Moreover, glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of protocatechuic acid made up 34.79%, 60.15%, and 72.70% of its total recovery in blood circulation, urine, and feces, respectively. Collectively, protocatechuic acid from chicory is bioavailable and undergoes partial glucuronidation and sulfation in human adults, and its regular consumption may exert health‐promoting effects.
Sustainable Drug Delivery of Famotidine Using Chitosan‐Functionalized Graphene Oxide as Nanocarrier
Authors: Mahajan Chetan Ramesh , Joshi Lalit B. , Varma Umakant , Naik Jitendra B. , Chaudhari Vijay Raman , Mishra Satyendra
Published: August 2019

This work mainly focuses on the graphene oxide (GO)‐assisted sustainable drug delivery of famotidine (FMT) drug. Famotidine is loaded onto GO and encapsulated by chitosan (CH). UV‐visible spectroscopy, field emission scan electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy confirm the loading of FMT on GO. An interaction of FMT with GO and CH through amine functionalities is confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetric and cyclic voltammetric investigations confirm the compatibility of FMT and its retaining activity within chitosan‐functionalized graphene oxide (CHGO) composite. Encapsulation efficiency of FMT is determined for various CHGO‐FMT combinations and found to be higher at 1:9 ratio. The in vitro drug release profile is studied using a dissolution test apparatus in 0.1 m phosphate buffer medium (pH = 4.5), which shows sustainable drug release up to 12 h, which is greater than the market product (Complete release within 2 h). Comparative study of drug encapsulated with CH and without GO elucidates that GO is responsible for the sustainable release. The “n” value obtained from slope using Korsmeyer–Peppas model suggests the super case‐II transport mechanism.
A biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic scaffold loaded with oxidized cellulose nanofiber–gelatin hydrogel with immobilized simvastatin drug for osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Faruq Omar , Sayed Shithima , Kim Boram , Im Soo‐Bin , Lee Byong‐Taek
Published: August 2019

A novel bone scaffold containing bioceramic and biopolymer materials with an osteoinductive simvastatin molecule was developed to enhance bone regeneration. An oxidized cellulose nanofiber (OCNF)–Gelatin (Gel) hydrogel was loaded into a biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramic in which simvastatin was entrapped, resulting in a scaffold with both osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties. The fabricated scaffold showed interconnected porosity with micro‐ and macroporous orientation. After loading the OCNF–Gel (HG), the mechanical stability of the ceramic BCP scaffold was increased suitable for the application of hard tissue regeneration. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy showed that simvastatin was successfully coated on the BCPHG scaffolds. OCNF, with its slower degradation, may contribute to the sustained release of drug from the scaffold. Initially simvastatin was released from the scaffold at high levels, then was constantly and gradually released for up to 4 weeks. Pre‐osteoblast MC3T3E1 cells were seeded on the scaffolds to investigate cell viability, morphology, and differentiation. The simvastatin‐loaded BCPHG‐S scaffolds showed better cell proliferation and spreading compared to other scaffolds. Immunostaining assays showed the expression of proteins responsible for osteogenic differentiation. Alkaline phosphatase and osteopontin were more highly expressed in the BCPHG‐S scaffold than in other scaffolds. These results suggest that simvastatin‐loaded BCPHG scaffolds provided physiological environments suitable for better osteogenic differentiation.