bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bimetallic Nickel Complexes that Bear Diamine‐Bis(Benzotriazole Phenolate) Derivatives as Efficient Catalysts for the Copolymerization of Carbon Dioxide with Epoxides
Authors: Lin Pei‐Min , Chang Chi‐Hang , Chuang Hui‐Ju , Liu Cheng‐Tang , Ko Bao‐Tsan , Lin Chu‐Chieh 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWe report the facile synthesis and structural characterization of efficient bimetallic nickel catalysts that bear diamine‐bis(benzotriazole phenolate) derivatives for the copolymerization of CO2 and epoxides. Thermally robust di‐nickel 2 is an effective catalyst for the alternating copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide (CHO) with CO2 to give turnover numbers of up to >4000 and turnover frequencies of up to >400 h−1. Ni catalyst 2 leads to not only controlled CO2/CHO coupling, but it has also been applied to catalyze the copolymerization of 4‐vinyl‐1,2‐cyclohexene oxide (VCHO) and CO2 to obtain the corresponding polycarbonate with the vinyl functionality on the side chains. This is the first example of a dinuclear Ni complex that is efficient for both CO2/VCHO copolymerization and the formation of a high‐molecular‐weight copolymer with a large amount of carbonate linkages.
Polyoxometalate‐Intercalated Layered Double Hydroxides as Efficient and Recyclable Bifunctional Catalysts for Cascade Reactions
Authors: Liu Kai , Xu Yanqi , Yao Zhixiao , Miras Haralampos N. , Song Yu‐Fei 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe polyoxometalate (POM) intercalated layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have been widely used as heterogeneous catalysts. However, the application of POM–LDHs as bifunctional catalysts for cascade reaction has seldom been studied compared to the noble‐metal‐based catalysts. Herein, a series of POM–LDHs catalysts of Tris–LDH–X4(PW9)2 (X=Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn; Tris=Tris(hydroxymethtyl)aminomethane) have been prepared. The efficacy of Tris–LDH–Zn4(PW9)2 as efficient bifunctional catalyst has been demonstrated for cascade reactions involving oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde followed by Knoevenagel condensation with ethyl cyanoacetate to produce benzylidene ethyl cyanoacetate. The combination of POM's redox/acidic sites and LDHs's basic sites led to a composite catalyst with excellent activity (99 %) and selectivity (≥99 %) under mild and soluble‐base‐free conditions. This work offers a new design strategy for the fabrication of efficient bifunctional catalysts for the promotion of one‐pot cascade reactions.
Micromechanical Properties and Energy Requirements of the Microalgae Chlorella vulgaris for Cell Disruption
Authors: Günther Steffi , Gernat Deborah , Overbeck Achim , Kampen Ingo , Kwade Arno 
Published: January 2016

AbstractCell disruption is an inevitable step in many processes for the recovery of intracellular products. Currently, those processes are still energy‐intensive and cost‐ineffective, in particular with regard to low‐cost bulk products such as biodiesel from microalgae. Characteristics of cell disruption were studied by compressive testing of single cells of Chlorella vulgaris with a nanoindenter. Results showed that bursting force as well as energy increased and the percentage of burst cells decreased with higher osmolality. The observations on microscopic level could also be transferred on macroscopic level using a stirred‐media mill for cell disruption. The results of the cell disruption were compared to the findings of the compression tests and evaluated under energetic aspects.
Model Predictive Control for Demand‐Driven Biogas Production in Full Scale
Authors: Mauky Eric , Weinrich Sören , Nägele Hans‐Joachim , Jacobi H. Fabian , Liebetrau Jan , Nelles Michael 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBiogas plants have the potential to provide demand‐oriented electricity to compensate the occurring divergence between energy demand and supply by uncontrollable sources like wind and solar power. The general flexibility of the biological process is proofed in particular under full‐scale conditions for a biogas production according to the grid demand. A model predictive control was developed to calculate feeding strategies in order to fulfill a demand‐oriented gas utilization timetable. Full‐scale experiments showed a high intraday flexibility in a wide range of the average gas production and high process stability in reaction to pulse feeding. The gas storage demand could be reduced significantly compared to the common constant feeding operation.
Antivirulence Isoquinolone Mannosides: Optimization of the Biaryl Aglycone for FimH Lectin Binding Affinity and Efficacy in the Treatment of Chronic UTI
Authors: Jarvis Cassie , Han Zhenfu , Kalas Vasilios , Klein Roger , Pinkner Jerome S. , Ford Bradley , Binkley Jana , Cusumano Corinne K. , Cusumano Zachary , Mydock‐McGrane Laurel , Hultgren Scott J. , Janetka James W. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractUropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) employ the mannose‐binding adhesin FimH to colonize the bladder epithelium during urinary tract infection (UTI). Previously reported FimH antagonists exhibit good potency and efficacy, but low bioavailability and a short half‐life in vivo. In a rational design strategy, we obtained an X‐ray structure of lead mannosides and then designed mannosides with improved drug‐like properties. We show that cyclizing the carboxamide onto the biphenyl B‐ring aglycone of biphenyl mannosides into a fused heterocyclic ring, generates new biaryl mannosides such as isoquinolone 22 (2‐methyl‐4‐(1‐oxo‐1,2‐dihydroisoquinolin‐7‐yl)phenyl α‐d‐mannopyranoside) with enhanced potency and in vivo efficacy resulting from increased oral bioavailability. N‐Substitution of the isoquinolone aglycone with various functionalities produced a new potent subseries of FimH antagonists. All analogues of the subseries have higher FimH binding affinity than unsubstituted lead 22, as determined by thermal shift differential scanning fluorimetry assay. Mannosides with pyridyl substitution on the isoquinolone group inhibit bacteria‐mediated hemagglutination and prevent biofilm formation by UPEC with single‐digit nanomolar potency, which is unprecedented for any FimH antagonists or any other antivirulence compounds reported to date.
Energy‐efficient partner selection in cooperative wireless networks: a matching‐theoretic approach
Authors: Baidas Mohammed W. , Afghah Masoud M. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryIn this paper, the problem of stable energy‐efficient partner selection in cooperative wireless networks is studied. Each node aims to be paired with another node so as to minimize the total energy consumption required to meet a target end‐to‐end signal‐to‐noise ratio requirement and thus maintain quality of service. Specifically, each node ranks every other node in the network according to their energy saving achievable through cooperation. Two polynomial time complexity algorithms based on the stable roommates matching problem are proposed through which nodes are paired according to their preference lists. The first algorithm, denoted Irving's stable matching, may not always have a stable solution. Therefore, the second algorithm—which is a modified version of Irving's algorithm and denoted maximum stable matching—is proposed to find the maximum number of stable disjoint pairs. Simulation results are provided to validate the efficiency of the proposed algorithms in comparison with centralized energy‐efficient partner selection as well as other matching algorithms, yielding a trade‐off between stability and total energy consumption, but comparable symbol error rate performance and network sum rate. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of animal‐assisted interventions on depression, agitation and quality of life in nursing home residents suffering from cognitive impairment or dementia: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Olsen Christine , Pedersen Ingeborg , Bergland Astrid , Enders‐Slegers Marie‐José , Patil Grete , Ihlebæk Camilla 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesThe prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in cognitively impaired nursing home residents is known to be very high, with depression and agitation being the most common symptoms. The possible effects of a 12‐week intervention with animal‐assisted activities (AAA) in nursing homes were studied. The primary outcomes related to depression, agitation and quality of life (QoL).MethodA prospective, cluster randomized multicentre trial with a follow‐up measurement 3 months after end of intervention was used. Inclusion criteria were men and women aged 65 years or older, with a diagnosis of dementia or having a cognitive deficit. Ten nursing homes were randomized to either AAA with a dog or a control group with treatment as usual. In total, 58 participants were recruited: 28 in the intervention group and 30 in the control group. The intervention consisted of a 30‐min session with AAA twice weekly for 12 weeks in groups of three to six participants, led by a qualified dog handler. Norwegian versions of the Cornell Scale for Depression, the Brief Agitation Rating Scale and the Quality of Life in Late‐stage Dementia scale were used.ResultsA significant effect on depression and QoL was found for participants with severe dementia at follow‐up. For QoL, a significant effect of AAA was also found immediately after the intervention. No effects on agitation were found.ConclusionsAnimal‐assisted activities may have a positive effect on symptoms of depression and QoL in older people with dementia, especially those in a late stage. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling monthly near‐surface maximum daily gust speed distributions in Southwest Germany
Authors: Jung Christopher , Schindler Dirk 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTThis study deals with high spatial resolution modelling of near‐surface gust speed distributions in a complex region. The database on which gust speed distributions were modelled includes 69 daily maximum gust speed time series provided by the German Weather Service (DWD) for the period 1979–2013. Comparability of the time series was achieved by gap filling, homogenisation, detrending and measuring height correction. Monthly empirical cumulative distribution functions (CDFemp) were fitted by 48 continuous theoretical cumulative distribution functions (CDF). The best‐fitting CDF was identified by evaluating the Kolmogorov–Smirnov statistic (D), probability–probability (P–P) plots and quantile–quantile (Q–Q) plots. The five‐parameter Wakeby distribution (WK5) was found to be the most appropriate CDF for all months. Therefore, monthly WK5‐parameters were modelled on a 50 × 50 m resolution grid by an LSBoost approach based on sector‐ and distance‐limited predictors of surface roughness and terrain‐related variables (curvature, elevation, topographic exposure) as well as on ERA‐Interim reanalysis wind speed data available at the 850 hPa pressure level (U850hPa). The final, modelled WK5‐distributions (WK5mod) yield monthly quantiles (Fdistr) of daily gust speed values and return periods (RPdistr) of near‐surface gust speed up to 10 years.
Free‐volume nanostructural transformation in crystallized GeS2–Ga2S3–CsCl glasses
Authors: Klym H. , Ingram A. , Shpotyuk O. 
Published: January 2016

The free‐volume nanostructural transformation in fully crystallized (80GeS2–20Ga2S3)100–x(CsCl)x, x = 0; 5; 10; 15 chalcogenide glasses was studied by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy using mixed positron‐ and positronium‐trapping modes. The CsCl content in GeS2–Ga2S3 glassy matrix changed the defect‐related component in positron lifetime spectra and confirmed the structural void agglomeration in comparison with the base glass. A larger amount of CsCl in (80GeS2–20Ga2S3)85(CsCl)15 glass resulted in void fragmentation due to loosening of the structure. “Pure” positron‐positronium modes calculated by a decomposition formalism show that a realistic process is connected with the expansion of voids formed as a consequence of CsCl addition and complete crystallization into the inner structure of glasses. The CsCl additive formed new positron‐trapping sites in the Ge–Ga–S glassy matrix. The bulk positron lifetime in glasses corresponded to positron trapping occurring in nanocrystalline particles. Interface voids were not particularly large because the characteristic value of 0.27–0.30 ns can be connected with typical free volumes of mono‐ and di‐vacancies.
A Topsis‐Based Approach for Prioritized Aggregation in Multi‐Criteria Decision‐Making Problems
Authors: Omar Moataz Nabil , Fayek Aminah Robinson 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAggregation in multi‐criteria decision‐making environments is a process of combining the values of a set of attributes into one representative value for the entire set of attributes. Many aggregation methods—ranging from the simple averaging approach to more sophisticated methods, such as ordered weighted averaging—have been applied in previous research. One challenge in aggregation arises in special cases of prioritized aggregation, wherein the prioritized relationships between attributes must be considered during aggregation. This paper presents a new approach to aggregating attributes with prioritized relationships. First, an overview of past research is conducted to identify different aggregation methods, classes and properties. Next, the concept of prioritized aggregation is explained in detail. A prioritized aggregation method utilizing the technique of order preference by similarity to ideal solution is then presented. Subsequently, the presented prioritized aggregation method is applied on an actual case study. According to the results, the aggregation method presented in this paper is, through the application of technique of order preference by similarity to ideal solution, capable of quantifying and considering the prioritized relationship between a set of attributes undergoing aggregation. Finally, conclusions are stated, and a discussion describing future work pertinent to this paper is presented. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new multi‐scale dispersive gradient elasticity model with micro‐inertia: Formulation and ‐finite element implementation
Authors: Domenico Dario De , Askes Harm 
Published: January 2016

SummaryMotivated by nano‐scale experimental evidence on the dispersion characteristics of materials with a lattice structure, a new multi‐scale gradient elasticity model is developed. In the framework of gradient elasticity, the simultaneous presence of acceleration and strain gradients has been denoted as dynamic consistency. This model represents an extension of an earlier dynamically consistent model with an additional micro‐inertia contribution to improve the dispersion behaviour. The model can therefore be seen as an enhanced dynamic extension of the Aifantis' 1992 strain‐gradient theory for statics obtained by including two acceleration gradients in addition to the strain gradient. Compared with the previous dynamically consistent model, the additional micro‐inertia term is found to improve the prediction of wave dispersion significantly and, more importantly, requires no extra computational cost. The fourth‐order equations are rewritten in two sets of symmetric second‐order equations so that
‐continuity is sufficient in the finite element implementation. Two sets of unknowns are identified as the microstructural and macrostructural displacements, thus highlighting the multi‐scale nature of the present formulation. The associated energy functionals and variationally consistent boundary conditions are presented, after which the finite element equations are derived. Considerable improvements over previous gradient models are observed as confirmed by two numerical examples. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LipoCEST and cellCEST imaging agents: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Ferrauto Giuseppe , Delli Castelli Daniela , Di Gregorio Enza , Terreno Enzo , Aime Silvio 
Published: January 2016

From the early days of CEST agents’ disclosure, it was evident that their potential for in vivo applications was strongly hampered by the intrinsic low sensitivity. Therefore, much work has been devoted to seek out suitable routes to achieve strong CEST contrast enhancement. The use of nanosized systems turned out to be a strategic choice, because a very large amount of CEST agents can be delivered at the site of interest. However, the breakthrough innovation in term of increase of sensitivity was found by designing the lipoCEST agents. The naturally inspired, liposomes vesicles, when loaded with paramagnetic lanthanide‐based shift reagents, can be transformed into CEST probes. The large number of water molecules entrapped inside the inner cavity of the nanovesicles represents an enormous pool of exchanging protons for the generation of CEST contrast, whereas the presence of the shift reagent increases the separation in chemical shift of their nuclear magnetic resonance signal from that of the bulk water, thus allowing for a proper exchange regime for the activation of CEST contrast. From lipoCEST, it has been rather straightforward to evolve to cellCEST in order to exploit the cytoplasmatic water molecules as source of the CEST effect, once cells have been loaded with the proper shift reagent. The red blood cells were found to be particularly suitable for the development of the cellCEST concept. Finally, an understanding of the main determinants of the CEST effects in nanosized and cellular‐sized agents has allowed the design of innovative lipoCEST/RBC aggregates for potential theranostic applications. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2016, 8:602–618. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1385This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices
Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid-Based Structures
Analysis of the spectacular gold and silver from the Moche tomb ‘Señora de Cao’
Authors: Cesareo R. , Franco Jordan R. , Fernandez A. , Bustamante A. , Fabian J. , del Pilar Zambrano S. , Azeredo S. , Lopes R. T. , Ingo G. M. , Riccucci C. , Di Carlo G. , Gigante G. E. 
Published: January 2016

On the north coast of present‐day Peru, between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, approximately between 100 and 600 ad, the Moche civilization prospered. The Moche were very sophisticated artisans and metal smiths, so that they are considered the finest producers of jewels and artifacts of the region. Their metalworking ability was impressively demonstrated by the excavations of the tomb of the ‘Lady of Cao’ (dated around third–fourth centuryad) discovered by Regulo Franco in 2005. Impressive is the beauty of the artifacts, and also the variety of metallurgical solutions, demonstrated by not only the presence of objects composed of gold and silver alloys but also of gilded copper, gilded silver, and tumbaga, a poor gold Cu‐Au alloy subject to depletion gilding.About 100 metal artifacts from the tomb of the Lady of Cao, never before analyzed, were studied by using various portable equipments based on following non‐destructive and non‐invasive methods:energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence with completely portable equipments;transmission of monenergetic X‐rays;radiographic techniques; andoptical microscopy.Gold objects and gold areas of nose decorations are characterized by approximately the same composition, that is,Au = (79.5 ± 2.5) %,Ag = (16 ± 3) %, andCu = (4.5 ± 1.5) %, while silver objects and silver areas of the same nose decorations show completely erratic results, and a systematic high gold concentration. Many gilded copper and tumbaga artifacts were identified and analyzed. Further, soldering gold–silver was specifically studied by radiographs.Additional measurements are needed, particularly because of the suspect that depletion gilding was systematically employed also in the case of some nose decorations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laparoscopic versus robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse: a systematic review
Authors: Callewaert Geertje , Bosteels Jan , Housmans Susanne , Verguts Jasper , Van Cleynenbreugel Ben , Van der Aa Frank , De Ridder Dirk , Vergote Ignace , Deprest Jan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe use of robot-assisted surgery (RAS) has gained popularity in the field of gynaecology, including pelvic floor surgery. To assess the benefits of RAS, we conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials comparing laparoscopic and robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy. The Cochrane Library (1970–January 2015), MEDLINE (1966 to January 2015), and EMBASE (1974 to January 2015) were searched, as well as ClinicalTrials.gov and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. We identified two randomized trials (n = 78) comparing laparoscopic with robotic sacrocolpopexy. The Paraiso 2011 study showed that laparoscopic was faster than robotic sacrocolpopexy (199 ± 46 vs. 265 ± 50 min; p < .001), yet in the ACCESS trial, no difference was present (225 ± 62.3 vs. 246.5 ± 51.3 min; p = .110). Costs for using the robot were significantly higher in both studies, however, in the ACCESS trial, only when purchase and maintenance of the robot was included (LSC US$11,573 ± 3191 vs. RASC US$19,616 ± 3135; p < .001). In the Paraiso study, RASC was more expensive even without considering those costs (LSC US$ 14,342 ± 2941 vs. RASC 16,278 ± 3326; p = 0.008). Pain was reportedly higher after RASC, although at different time points after the operation. There were no differences in anatomical outcomes, pelvic floor function, and quality of life. The experience with RASC was tenfold lower than that with LSC in both studies. The heterogeneity between the two studies precluded a meta-analysis. Based on small randomized studies, with surgeons less experienced in RAS than in laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery significantly increases the cost of a laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. RASC would be more sustainable if its costs would be lower. Though RASC may have other benefits, such as reduction of the learning curve and increased ergonomics or dexterity, these remain to be demonstrated.