bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gradient Mineralized and Porous Double‐Network Hydrogel Effectively Induce the Differentiation of BMSCs into Osteochondral Tissue In Vitro for Potential Application in Cartilage Repair
Authors: Fan Zengjie , Chen Zizi , Zhang Hui , Nie Yingying , Xu Shumei 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAt present, it is a considerable challenge to mimic the complex architecture of osteochondral (OC) tissue. In this study, a porous and gradient mineralized double‐network hydrogel is synthesized and used to induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to differentiate into the desired OC tissue depending only on the material and mechanical properties. Physical and chemical characterizations show that hydroxyapatite nanoparticles grow and fill into the pores of the hydrogel, and their content presents a gradient change in different layers of hydrogel. The synthesized hydrogel has excellent mechanical properties and the compression strength with different mineralization degrees varies from 27 to 380 kPa, which fully meets the needs of increased mechanical strength of articular cartilage from the surface to the deep layer. Besides, the synthesized hydrogel has good biocompatibility that can promote the proliferation and growth of BMSCs. More importantly, the results of histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and real time polymerase chain reaction show that gradient mineralized hydrogel can induce BMSCs to differentiate into the desired chondrocytes and osteoblasts in different layers of hydrogels, indicating that OC tissues can be successfully constructed through a simple induction differentiation of gradient mineralized hydrogel.
A new feeding topology with internal 180° phase reversal for wideband series‐fed slot array antennas
Authors: Hu Jiadong , Zhang Zhijun , Feng Zhenghe 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis paper proposes a new feeding topology with internal 180° phase reversal for wideband series‐fed slot array antennas. As a demonstration, a serial fed, half‐wavelength separated, 7‐element array is designed at 5.8 GHz. Comparing with conventional series‐fed arrays, which require one‐wavelength separation, the phase difference between adjacent elements varies less with frequency. Thus, the proposed array has more stable beam pointing and wider 1 dB gain bandwidth. A prototype was fabricated and measured to validate the performance of the feeding topology. A wide operating bandwidth of 22.4% for S11 < −10 dB, a 1 dB gain bandwidth of 14% and bi‐directional peak gain of 10.01 dBi are achieved with the array length of 2.7λ0. The proposed feeding topology shows its potentials in realizing signal coverage on some special occasions, such as coal mines and tunnels.
A comprehensive electromagnetic evaluation of an MRI anthropomorphic head phantom
Authors: Wood Sossena , Santini Tales , Krishnamurthy Narayanan , Martins Tiago , Farhat Nadim , Ibrahim Tamer S. 
Published: December 2020

Electromagnetic simulations are an important tool for the safety assessment of RF coils. They are a useful resource for MRI RF coil designers, especially when complemented with experimental measurements and testing using physical phantoms. Regular‐shaped (spherical/cylindrical) homogeneous phantoms are the MRI standard for RF testing but are somewhat inaccurate when compared with anthropomorphic anatomies, especially at high frequencies. In this work, using a recently developed anthropomorphic heterogeneous human head phantom, studies were performed to analyze the scattering parameters (S‐parameters) and the electric and magnetic field distributions using (1) the B1+ field mapping method on a 7 T human MRI scanner and (2) numerical full‐wave electromagnetic simulations. All studies used the following:

a recently developed six‐compartment refillable 3D‐printed anthropomorphic head phantom (developed from MRI scans obtained in vivo), where the phantom itself is filled in its entirety with either heterogeneous loading, or homogeneous brain or water loading,
in vivo imaging, and
a commercial homogeneous spherical water phantom.
Our results determined that the calculated S‐parameters for all the anthropomorphic head phantom models were comparable to the model that is based on the volunteer (within 17% difference of the reflection coefficient value) but differed for the commercial homogeneous spherical water phantom (within 45% difference). The experimentally measured B1+ field maps of the anthropomorphic heterogeneous and homogeneous brain head phantoms were most comparable to the in vivo measured values. The numerical simulations also show that both the anthropomorphic homogeneous water and brain phantom models were less accurate in terms of electric field intensities/distributions when compared with the segmented in‐vivo‐based head model and the anthropomorphic heterogeneous head phantom model. The presented data highlights the differences between the physical phantoms/phantom models, and the in vivo measurements/segmented in‐vivo‐based head model. The results demonstrate the usefulness of 3D‐printed anthropomorphic phantoms for RF coil evaluation and testing.
Scurvy: A Disease not to be Forgotten
Authors: Montalto Massimo , Porceddu Enrica , Pero Erika , Lupascu Andrea , Gallo Antonella , De Simone Clara , Nucera Eleonora , Aruanno Arianna , Giarretta Igor , Pola Roberto , Landolfi Raffaele 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAn 18‐year‐old man presented to our hospital with muscular pain, diffuse petechiae, spontaneous thigh ecchymosis, edema and pain of the right knee, bilateral pretibial subcutaneous nodules, and gingival hypertrophy and hemorrhage. His history was positive for a mixed anxiety‐depressive disorder and a restrictive diet caused by self‐diagnosed food allergies. Skin lesions appeared like hyperkeratotic papules with coiled hairs and perifollicular hemorrhages. A diagnosis of scurvy was made upon demonstration of low serum levels of ascorbic acid. An allergy evaluation found cross‐reactivity between pollens and food, related to the presence of panallergens. Moreover, we found that our patient was also affected by celiac disease. In conclusion, scurvy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with petechiae and ecchymosis, especially when food restriction, malabsorption, or psychiatric disorders are present.
Tetrahydrothiophene‐Based Ionic Liquids: Synthesis and Thermodynamic Characterizations
Authors: Schmitz Alexa , Bülow Mark , Schmidt Dana , Zaitsau Dzmitry H. , Junglas Fabian , Knedel Tim‐Oliver , Verevkin Sergey P. , Held Christoph , Janiak Christoph 
Published: December 2020

AbstractS‐alkyltetrahydrothiophenium, [CnTHT]+ bis(trifluorosulfonyl)imide, [NTf2]− room temperature ionic liquids (ILs) and tetraphenylborate, [BPh4]− salts with alkyl chain lengths from C4 to C10 have been prepared. The ILs and salts were characterized and their purity verified by 1H‐ and 13C‐nuclear magnetic resonance, elemental analysis, ion chromatography, Karl‐Fischer titration, single crystal X‐ray diffraction as well as thermogravimetric analysis. The experimentally determined density and viscosity decrease with increasing temperature. The experimental solubility of the [CnTHT][NTf2]‐ILs in water (75 to 2.2 mg/L for C4 to C10) was modelled with very good agreement by Perturbed Chain Statistical Associating Fluid Theory (PC‐SAFT), based on the extremely low vapor pressures for the [CnTHT][NTf2]‐ILs measured in this work (4.15 to 0.037 ⋅ 10−7×psat for C4 to C10). PC‐SAFT is able to predict and correlate different thermodynamic properties by estimating the Helmholtz residual energy.
Review of the past and recent developments in functionalization of graphene derivatives for reinforcement of polypropylene nanocomposites
Authors: Md Said Nur Hidayah , Liu Wei‐Wen , Khe Cheng‐Seong , Lai Chin‐Wei , Zulkepli Nik Noriman , Aziz Azizan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractGraphene has become the promising reinforcing candidate for improvement of polymer composites. However, graphene easily stacks into piles due to the presence of van der Waals forces between graphene layers and make it tremendously hard to be dispersed homogeneously in different polar polymer matrix. For years, some dispersion methods, such as chemical functionalization, melt mixing, solution mixing, in situ polymerization, to enhance the dispersion of nanofillers in polymer matrix have been demonstrated. Therefore, several functionalization methods of graphene, synthesis of composites approaches, characterizations techniques of graphene‐polypropylene composites are highlighted in this comprehensive review. This review also reveals that the addition of very low amount of nanofiller able to enhance the mechanical properties of composites considerably. With this review, a clear direction is beneficial for the researchers to solve the dispersion issues and to enhance interfacial adhesion to produce better mechanical properties of composites. The application of nanocomposite, an outlook of the challenges and different approaches that can practically useful to tackle important issues are also presented.
Differentially expressed genes associated with disease severity in siblings with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Ekinci İlksen Berfin , Hızal Mina , Emiralioğlu Nagehan , Özçelik Uğur , Yalçın Ebru , Doğru Deniz , Kiper Nural , Dayangaç‐Erden Didem 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by CFTR gene mutations. Despite having the same mutation, CF patients may demonstrate clinical variability in severity and prognosis of the disease. In this study, we aimed to determine differentially expressed genes between mild and severe siblings with same genotype. We performed targeted real‐time polymerase chain reaction based transcriptomic analysis of nasal epithelial cells obtained from two families with two siblings with Class II mutations (F508del/F508del) and (F508del/G85E), one family with three siblings with Class IV mutation (I1234V/I1234V). In severe siblings with Class II mutations, TNFRSF11A, KCNE1, STX1A, SLC9A3R2 were found to be up regulated. CXCL1, CFTR, CXCL2 were found to be down regulated. In the severe sibling with Class IV mutation; mainly genes responsible from complement and coagulation system were identified. Comparison of CF patients to non‐CF control; showed that ICAM1 was up regulated whereas EZR, TNFRSF1A, HSPA1A were down regulated in patients. As a result of this study, differentially expressed genes responsible for clinical severity among affected siblings carrying the same mutation were identified. The results will provide an opportunity for the development of novel target molecules for treatment of disease.
Descriptors for High‐Energy Nitro Compounds; Estimation of Thermodynamic, Physicochemical and Environmental Properties
Authors: Abraham Michael H. , Acree William E. , Liu Xiangli 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe have used a variety of physicochemical systems, including water‐solvent partitions, solubility in non‐aqueous solvents, and HPLC and gas chromatographic retentions to obtain descriptors for nitro compounds and high energy compounds. These descriptors can then be used to predict a wide range of other physicochemical properties as well as thermodynamic and environmental properties. We illustrate the latter by predictions of the vapor pressure of sublimation, the enthalpy of sublimation and the heat capacity of sublimation at 298.15 K, and predictions of human skin permeability from water. With respect to the obtained descriptors, the most startling finding is that cyclic high energy compounds, with no ‘active’ hydrogen atom, have a substantial ‘hydrogen bond’ acidity. We suggest that this is due to electron‐deficient ring systems that act as Lewis acids.
A network model that combines latent factors and sparse graphs
Authors: Suh Namjoon , Huo Xiaoming , Heim Eric , Seversky Lee 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe propose a combined model, which integrates the latent factor model and a sparse graphical model, for network data. It is noticed that neither a latent factor model nor a sparse graphical model alone may be sufficient to capture the structure of the data. The proposed model has a latent (i.e., factor analysis) model to represent the main trends (a.k.a., factors), and a sparse graphical component that captures the remaining ad‐hoc dependence. Model selection and parameter estimation are carried out simultaneously via a penalized likelihood approach. The convexity of the objective function allows us to develop an efficient algorithm, while the penalty terms push towards low‐dimensional latent components and a sparse graphical structure. The effectiveness of our model is demonstrated via simulation studies, and the model is also applied to four real datasets: Zachary's Karate club data, Kreb's U.S. political book dataset (
http://www.orgnet.com), U.S. political blog dataset , and citation network of statisticians; showing meaningful performances in practical situations.
Cross‐Strand Interaction, Central Bending, and Sequence Pattern Act as Biomodulators of Simplified β‐Hairpin Antimicrobial Amphiphiles
Authors: Shao Changxuan , Zhu Yongjie , Jian Qiao , Lai Zhenheng , Tan Peng , Li Guoyu , Shan Anshan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNovel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have revolutionarily evolved into formidable candidates for antibiotic substitute materials against pathogenic infections. However, cost, lability, disorderly sequences, systemic toxicology, and biological profiles have plagued the perennial search. Here, a progressive β‐hairpin solution with the simplest formulation is implanted into an AMP‐based therapeutic strategy to systematically reveal the complex balance between function and toxicity of structural moieties, including cationicity, hydrophobicity, cross‐strand interactions, center bending, and sequence pattern. Comprehensive implementation of structural identification, ten microorganisms, eleven in vitro barriers, four mammalian cells, and a diversified membrane operation setup led to the emergence of β‐hairpin prototypes from a 24‐member library. Lead amphiphiles, WKF‐PG and WRF‐NG, can tackle bacterial infection through direct antimicrobial efficacy and potential inflammation‐limiting capabilities, such as an Escherichia coli challenge in a mouse peritonitis‐sepsis model, without observed toxicity after systemic administration. Their optimal states with dissimilar modulators and the unavailable drug resistance related to membrane lytic mechanisms, also provide an usher for renewed innovation among β‐sheet peptide‐based antimicrobial biomaterials.
Linker Defects Triggering Boosted Oxygen Reduction Activity of Co/Zn‐ZIF Nanosheet Arrays for Rechargeable Zn–Air batteries
Authors: Yang Fan , Xie Jinhao , Liu Xiaoqing , Wang Guizhen , Lu Xihong 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe poor electronic conductivity and low intrinsically electrocatalytic activity of most metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) greatly limit their direct applications as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts. In this work, it is reported that introduction of linker defects can effectively trigger the ORR activity of leaf‐shaped zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) by increasing the intrinsic activity of metal sites and electrical conductivity. Experimental results show that part of imidazole molecules is successfully removed from ZIF after a low‐temperature thermal treatment without destroying its structure integrity, resulting in the formation of unsaturated metal sites and faster electron transport rate. Consequently, the ZIF with imidazole molecules defects (D‐ZIF) exhibits a superior ORR activity than the pristine ZIF, possessing an onset potential of 0.86 V and higher half‐wave potential of 0.60 V. Furthermore, the home‐made Zn–air batteries with D‐ZIF as air cathode exhibit high open‐circuit voltage and well cycling stability. The developed linker‐deficient modulation strategy can provide a new prospect to enable MOF‐based electrocatalysts with efficient catalytic activity.
Montage als eigenständige Disziplin des Stahlgroßbrückenbaus (Teil 2)
Authors: Pelke Eberhard , Kurrer Karl‐Eugen 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMit den schweren Zug‐ und Lokomotivlasten der Eisenbahn und der Steigerung der Dienstlasten, den Zustandsverschlechterungen und den systemischen Defiziten, wird bereits vor der Wende zum 20. Jh. in Deutschland damit begonnen, die in die Jahre gekommenen Eisenbahnbrücken zu ersetzen. Das Austauschen der eisernen Überbauten unter Verkehr in kurzen Sperrpausen mechanisiert den Montageablauf und mündet in der Arbeitsteilung von Werkstatt und Montageabteilung. Montage und Montageingenieure emanzipieren sich von technischer Bearbeitung und Werkstatt und formen eine eigene Disziplin aus. Diese in der ersten Hälfte des vorigen Jahrhunderts erfolgende Disziplinbildung setzt leistungsfähige Hebezeuge und Kraftanlagen voraus, die durch deren Elektrifizierung nach 1900 beschleunigt wird.
Numerical study on the mechanical behavior of ultrahigh performance concrete using a three‐phase discrete element model
Authors: Rybczyński Sebastian , Dosta Maksym , Schaan Gunnar , Ritter Martin , Schmidt‐Döhl Frank 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis paper deals with numerical analysis on the mechanical behavior of ultrahigh performance concrete (UHPC) under uniaxial compression. For the modeling of the mechanical behavior of UHPC, the mesh‐free discrete element method was applied. To calibrate the model parameters and validate the numerical simulation results, a set of experimental investigations including mechanical tests, microscopy and tomography analysis, were performed. The scanning electron microscopy and polarized light microscopy were used to examine cross sections of UHPC as well as to characterize interfacial transition zone and aggregate in detail. X‐ray microtomography analysis was used to obtain information about the nonspherical shape of aggregate and to generate a realistic structural model. Simulation results have shown that the developed model predict stiffness reliably, strength, and breakage pattern of UHPC and shows good agreement with experimental results. Finally, the model has been applied to analyze the main crack initiation in static failure and to investigate the influence of different parameters such as aggregate content as well as aggregate and binder stiffness on the mechanical behavior of UHPC.
Recent Advances in Halogen Bonded Assemblies with Resorcin[4]arenes
Authors: Twum Kwaku , Rissanen Kari , Beyeh Ngong Kodiah 
Published: December 2020

AbstractResorcinarenes are cavity‐containing compounds when in the crown conformation, from the calixarene family of concave compounds. These easy to synthesize macrocycles can be decorated at the upper rim through the eight hydroxyl groups and/or the 2‐position of the aromatic ring. They are good synthons in supramolecular chemistry leading to appealing assemblies such as open‐inclusion complexes, capsules and tubes through multiple weak interactions with various guests. Halogen bonding (XB) is a highly directional non‐covalent interaction by an electron‐deficient halogen atom as a donor that interacts with a Lewis base, the XB acceptor. This tutorial review provides an overview of recent advances in halogen‐bonded assemblies based on resorcinarenes and their derivatives, specifically focusing on discrete and capsular assemblies.
Evaluation of absorption and depletion of florfenicol in European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax
Authors: Kogiannou Dimitra , Nikoloudaki Chrysanthi , Katharios Pantelis , Triga Adriana , Rigos George 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe pharmacokinetic properties and residue elimination of florfenicol (FLO) and its amine were investigated in European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax at 24°C. The trial mainly included analysis of FLO in plasma after a single dose dietary administration of 10 mg/kg and in muscle plus skin following a multiple dosing (10 mg kg−1 day−1 for 7 days) to estimate pharmacokinetics and residue depletion, respectively. The maximum plasma concentration of FLO was measured to be 1.64 μg/ml, 4 hr post administration. The elimination half‐life (t1/2b) and the area under the concentration‐time curve extrapolated to infinity (AUC0‐∞) were calculated to be 13.0 hr and 34.7 μg h−1 ml−1, respectively. Withdrawal times of FLO and its amine were calculated to be 46.3 degree‐days, indicating a fast removal from the edible tissues of treated European seabass. Overall, FLO can be considered as a potentially efficient antibacterial agent for farmed European seabass provided that additional efforts will be devoted towards its in vitro and clinical efficacy.
Gravimetric Studies in the Sea of Japan
Authors: Valitov Maksim Georgievich , Kulinich Ruslan Grigoryevich , Proshkina Zoya Nikolaevna , Kolpashchikova Tatyana Nikolaevna 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMarine gravimetric studies were carry out in the waters of the Sea of Japan and the Tatar Strait. Maps of the gravitational field of the earth were completed, structural density modeling was executed, the depth of the Mohorovičić discontinuity was determined.
Urban Flooding, Adaptation Strategies, and Resilience: Case Study of Accra, Ghana
Authors: Owusu Kwadwo , Obour Peter Bilson 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDespite massive flood controlling investments, perennial flooding continues to be a major challenge in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Assembly in Ghana. Previous studies have mostly considered the vulnerability of Accra to flooding induced by urbanization and climate change. This chapter examined the impacts of and adaptation strategies to flooding in two flood-prone residential areas in Accra. A survey was conducted among 320 household heads to ascertain local impacts of floods and community adaptation strategies. To obtain a broader picture of government interventions and challenges, key stakeholders such as personnel from ministries, departments, and agencies who are involved in city planning, and private urban planning consultants were interviewed. The study found that a notable driver of floods in Accra is blocked waterways, and flawed and ad hoc engineering works. About three-quarters of the households interviewed have suffered flood-related losses over the past decade such as housing damage, income, and even a death of a relative. Key flood control interventions included dredging prior to start of rains and sporadic demolition of unauthorized buildings on or near waterways to allow free flow of water. However, these interventions only seem to be ephemeral due to the rapid rate of littering and re-siltation of the waterways after few rain events. The study highlights the need for more pragmatic and robust engineering solutions to build resilience of Accra to floods.
Twisted circle compactifications of 6d SCFTs
Authors: Bhardwaj Lakshya , Jefferson Patrick , Kim Hee-Cheol , Tarazi Houri-Christina , Vafa Cumrun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We study 6d superconformal field theories (SCFTs) compactified on a circle with arbitrary twists. The theories obtained after compactification, often referred to as 5d Kaluza-Klein (KK) theories, can be viewed as starting points for RG flows to 5d SCFTs. According to a conjecture, all 5d SCFTs can be obtained in this fashion. We compute the Coulomb branch prepotential for all 5d KK theories obtainable in this manner and associate to these theories a smooth local genus one fibered Calabi-Yau threefold in which is encoded information about all possible RG flows to 5d SCFTs. These Calabi-Yau threefolds provide hitherto unknown M-theory duals of F-theory configurations compactified on a circle with twists. For certain exceptional KK theories that do not admit a standard geometric description we propose an algebraic description that appears to retain the properties of the local Calabi-Yau threefolds necessary to determine RG flows to 5d SCFTs, along with other relevant physical data.