bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractIn 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

AbstractInvited 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractIn 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

AbstractPaclitaxel (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

AbstractDisturbances 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractFoundation 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.
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

AbstractUnderstanding 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

AbstractProtocatechuic 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

AbstractThis 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

AbstractA 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.
In Vitro 3D Cultures to Reproduce the Bone Marrow Niche
Authors: Ham Justin , Lever Lauren , Fox Maura , Reagan Michaela R 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTOver the past century, the study of biological processes in the human body has progressed from tissue culture on glass plates to complex 3D models of tissues, organs, and body systems. These dynamic 3D systems have allowed for more accurate recapitulation of human physiology and pathology, which has yielded a platform for disease study with a greater capacity to understand pathophysiology and to assess pharmaceutical treatments. Specifically, by increasing the accuracy with which the microenvironments of disease processes are modeled, the clinical manifestation of disease has been more accurately reproduced in vitro. The application of these models is crucial in all realms of medicine, but they find particular utility in diseases related to the complex bone marrow niche. Osteoblast, osteoclasts, bone marrow adipocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, and red and white blood cells represent some of cells that call the bone marrow microenvironment home. During states of malignant marrow disease, neoplastic cells migrate to and join this niche. These cancer cells both exploit and alter the niche to their benefit and to the patient's detriment. Malignant disease of the bone marrow, both primary and secondary, is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality today. Innovative study methods are necessary to improve patient outcomes. In this review, we discuss the evolution of 3D models and compare them to the preceding 2D models. With a specific focus on malignant bone marrow disease, we examine 3D models currently in use, their observed efficacy, and their potential in developing improved treatments and eventual cures. Finally, we comment on the aspects of 3D models that must be critically examined as systems continue to be optimized so that they can exert greater clinical impact in the future. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
3D FEM modeling and study of novel structure of magnetoelectric composites
Authors: Do Tuan Anh , Talleb Hakeim , Gensbittel Aurélie , Ren Zhuoxiang 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis paper presents a 3D multiphysic modeling based on the coupling between the nonlinear discrete energy‐averaged model and the finite element method for the design optimization of magnetoelectric laminar structures. The model is applied to investigate the influence of the layer width on the output voltage and power performances while taking into account the magnetic losses due to the eddy currents.