bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BBOX1‐AS1 contributes to colorectal cancer progression by sponging hsa‐miR‐361‐3p and targeting SH2B1
Authors: Liu Jiasheng , Zhu Jie , Xiao Zhe , Wang Xufeng , Luo Jianfei
Published: January 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third main cause of cancer‐relevant deaths worldwide, and its incidence has increased in recent decades. Previous studies have indicated that certain long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have regulatory roles in tumor occurrence and progression. Often, lncRNAs are competitive endogenous RNAs that sponge microRNAs to up‐regulate mRNAs. Here, we examined the role of a novel lncRNA gamma‐butyrobetaine hydroxylase 1 antisense RNA 1 (BBOX1‐AS1) in CRC. We observed that BBOX1‐AS1 is overexpressed in CRC cell lines, and BBOX1‐AS1 knockdown enhances cell proliferation, migration and invasion while reducing cell apoptosis. miR‐361‐3p is present at a low level in CRC and is negatively modified by BBOX1‐AS1. Moreover, miR‐361‐3p was validated to be targeted by BBOX1‐AS1. Src homology 2 B adaptor protein 1 (SH2B1) was notably upregulated in CRC cell lines and was identified as a downstream gene of miR‐361‐3p. In addition, we found that miR‐361‐3p amplification can suppress the expression of SH2B1. Finally, data from rescue assays suggested that overexpression of SH2B1 counteracted BBOX1‐AS1 silencing‐mediated inhibition of CRC progression. In conclusion, BBOX1‐AS1 promotes CRC progression by sponging hsa‐miR‐361‐3p and up‐regulating SH2B1.
Biowaste‐Derived, Self‐Organized Arrays of High‐Performance 2D Carbon Emitters for Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Wolff Annalena , Yambem Soniya D. , Esmaeili Mostafa , Riches James D. , Shahbazi Mahboobeh , Feron Krishna , Eftekhari Ehsan , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Li Qin , Sonar Prashant
Published: January 2020

Low‐cost flexible organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) with nanoemitter material from waste open up new opportunities for sustainable technology. The common emitter materials generated from waste are carbon dots (CDs). However, these have poor luminescent properties. Further solid‐state emission quenching makes application in display devices challenging. Here, flexible and rigid OLED devices are demonstrated using self‐assembled 2D arrays of CDs derived from waste material, viz., human hair. High‐performance CDs with a quantum yield (QY) of 87%, self‐assembled into 2D arrays, are achieved by improving the crystallinity and decreasing the CDs' size distribution. The CD island array exhibits ultrahigh hole mobility (≈10−1 cm2 V−1 s−1) and significant reduction in solid‐state emission quenching compared to pristine CDs; hence, it is used here as an emitting layer in both indium tin oxide (ITO)‐coated glass and ITO‐coated flexible poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate OLED devices, without any hole‐injection layer. The flexible OLED device exhibits a stable, voltage‐independent blue/cyan emission with a record maximum luminescence of 350 cd m−2, whereas the OLED device based on the rigid glass substrate shows a maximum luminescence of 700 cd m−2. This work sets up a platform to develop next‐generation OLED displays using CD emitters derived from the biowaste material.
“Self‐Matched” Tribo/Piezoelectric Nanogenerators Using Vapor‐Induced Phase‐Separated Poly(vinylidene fluoride) and Recombinant Spider Silk
Authors: Huang Tao , Zhang Yujia , He Peng , Wang Gang , Xia Xiaoxia , Ding Guqiao , Tao Tiger H.
Published: January 2020

Flexible biocompatible mechanical energy harvesters are drawing increasing interest because of their high energy‐harvesting efficiency for powering wearable/implantable devices. Here, a type of “self‐matched” tribo‐piezoelectric nanogenerators composed of genetically engineered recombinant spider silk protein and piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)‐decorated poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) layers is reported. The PET layer serves as a shared structure and electrification layer for both piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators. Importantly, the PVDF generates a strong piezo‐potential that modifies the surface potential of the PET layer to match the electron‐transfer direction of the spider silk during triboelectrification. A “vapor‐induced phase‐separation” process is developed to enhance the piezoelectric performance in a facile and “green” roll‐to‐roll manufacturing fashion. The devices show exceptional output performance and energy transformation efficiency among currently existing energy harvesters of similar sizes and exhibit the potential for large‐scale fabrication and various implantable/wearable applications.
Conductive and Elastic 3D Helical Fibers for Use in Washable and Wearable Electronics
Authors: Yang Zihang , Zhai Zirui , Song Zeming , Wu Yingzhu , Liang Jiahao , Shan Yingfa , Zheng Jinren , Liang Haichao , Jiang Hanqing
Published: January 2020

Due to the intrinsic properties of fabrics, fabric‐based wearable systems have certain advantages over elastomeric material‐based stretchable electronics. Here, a method to produce highly stretchable, conductive, washable, and solderable fibers that consist of elastic polyurethane (PU) fibers and conductive Cu fibers, which are used as interconnects for wearable electronics, is reported. The 3D helical shape results from stress relaxation of the prestretched PU fiber and the plasticity of the Cu fiber, which provides a predictable way to manipulate the morphology of the 3D fibers. The present fibers have superior mechanical and electrical properties to many other conductive fibers fabricated through different approaches. The 3D helical fibers can be readily integrated with fabrics and other functional components to build fabric‐based wearable systems.
Giant Uniaxial Strain Ferroelectric Domain Tuning in Freestanding PbTiO3 Films
Authors: Han Lu , Fang Yanhan , Zhao Yunqi , Zang Yipeng , Gu Zhengbin , Nie Yuefeng , Pan Xiaoqing
Published: January 2020

Dimensionality and epitaxial strain have been recently utilized to engineer the interplay between the electrostatic and elastic energies to stabilize exotic ferroelectric domain structures and topological textures in epitaxial heterostructures and superlattices. As the strain state is fixed to the substrate lattice, the strain tunability is discrete and limited, which puts a hard constraint on the exploration and engineering of emergent ferroelectric properties in these thin films and heterostructures. Here, by using water‐soluble Sr3Al2O6 (SAO) as the sacrificial buffer layer, freestanding PbTiO3 (PTO) thin films are synthesized by reactive molecular beam epitaxy to provide ideal flexible systems for continuous strain engineering as they are free of substrate‐imposed clamping. With decreasing thickness below 30 unit cells, the freestanding PTO films show thickness‐dependent reduction of c/a ratio and ferroelectricity as a consequence of strong depolarization effect. Furthermore, continuous uniaxial tensile strain up to 6.4% is applied on these freestanding films, far exceeding the achievable value reported on epitaxial PTO films. Under large tensile strain, a c domain to a domain transition with the polarization flipped from the out‐of‐plane to in‐plane direction is observed. The present work highlights the exceptional tunability of strain and dimensionality in search of emergent phases in freestanding films.
One‐Step Synthesis of Nanostructured CoS2 Grown on Titanium Carbide MXene for High‐Performance Asymmetrical Supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Hao , Hu Rui , Qi Jiqiu , Sui Yanwei , He Yezeng , Meng Qingkun , Wei Fuxiang , Ren Yaojian , Zhao Yulong , Wei Wenqing
Published: January 2020

MXene (2D titanium carbide) as the electrode material for supercapacitors has been studied extensively and deeply in recent years. In order to enhance the electrochemical performance of MXene, CoS2 nanoparticles grown on MXene surface are constructed by a simple one‐step solvent thermal method. CoS2 nanoparticles play a crucial part in increasing the active sites of metal ions on the surface of MXene. In three‐electrode system, the obtained MXene/CoS2 composite delivers high performance. Its specific capacitance can be up to 1320 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and it shows remarkable cycle performance with 78.4% after 3000 cycles at 10 A g−1. Moreover, the asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) with reduced graphene oxide as the negative electrode and MXene/CoS2 composite as the positive electrode exhibit a wide potential window of 1.6 V and high energy density (28.8 Wh kg−1) at a power density of 800 W kg−1. After 5000 cycles, the ASCs maintain 98% of initial specific capacitance at 5 A g−1. These results can effectively promote the application in the supercapacitor materials.
Higher‐Order Topological States in Surface‐Wave Photonic Crystals
Authors: Zhang Li , Yang Yihao , Lin Zhi‐Kang , Qin Pengfei , Chen Qiaolu , Gao Fei , Li Erping , Jiang Jian‐Hua , Zhang Baile , Chen Hongsheng
Published: January 2020

Photonic topological states have revolutionized the understanding of the propagation and scattering of light. The recent discovery of higher‐order photonic topological insulators opens an emergent horizon for 0D topological corner states. However, the previous realizations of higher‐order topological insulators in electromagnetic‐wave systems suffer from either a limited operational frequency range due to the lumped components involved or a bulky structure with a large footprint, which are unfavorable for achieving compact photonic devices. To overcome these limitations, a planar surface‐wave photonic crystal realization of 2D higher‐order topological insulators is hereby demonstrated experimentally. The surface‐wave photonic crystals exhibit a very large bulk bandgap (a bandwidth of 28%) due to multiple Bragg scatterings and host 1D gapped edge states described by massive Dirac equations. The topology of those higher‐dimensional photonic bands leads to the emergence of in‐gap 0D corner states, which provide a route toward robust cavity modes for scalable compact photonic devices.
Augmenting Tumor‐Starvation Therapy by Cancer Cell Autophagy Inhibition
Authors: Yang Bowen , Ding Li , Chen Yu , Shi Jianlin
Published: January 2020

It was recently recognized that cancer therapeutic efficacy may be greatly compromised by an intrinsic protective mechanism called autophagy, by which cancer cells survive in harsh conditions such as starvation. Here, a synergetic strategy is described for cancer treatment by suppressing such a protective mechanism for augmenting tumor‐starvation therapy. The synergetic therapy is achieved by restraining glucose metabolism using an antiglycolytic agent to predispose cancer cells to severe energy deprivation; concurrently the downstream autophagic flux and compensatory energy supplies are blocked by the autophagy inhibitor black phosphorus nanosheet. Cancer cells fail to extract their own nutrient to feed themselves, finally succumbing to therapeutic interventions and starving to death. Both in vitro and in vivo results evidence the cooperative effect between the autophagy inhibitor and antiglycolytic agent, which leads to remarkable synergetic antineoplastic outcome. It is expected that such a combinational approach by concurrently blocking exogenous and endogenous nutrition supplies will be beneficial to the design of effective tumor‐specific cancer therapies in the future.
Synthesis of Nitrogen‐Doped Mesoporous Structures from Metal–Organic Frameworks and Their Utilization Enabling High Performances in Hybrid Sodium‐Ion Energy Storages
Authors: Lee Gyu Heon , Kang Jeung Ku
Published: January 2020

Sodium‐ion energy storage is of the most attractive candidate for commercialization adoption due to the safety and cost demands of large‐scale energy storage systems, but its low energy density, slow charging capability, and poor cycle stability are yet to be overcome. Here, a strategy is reported to realize high‐performance sodium‐ion energy storage using battery‐type anode and capacitor‐type cathode materials. First, nitrogen‐doped mesoporous titanium dioxide (NMTiO2) structures are synthesized via the controlled pyrolysis of metal–organic frameworks. They exhibit interconnected open mesopores allowing fast ion transport and robust cycle stability with nearly 100% coulombic efficiency, along with rich redox‐reactive sites allowing high capacity even at a high rate of ≈90 C. Moreover, assembling the NMTiO2 anode with the nitrogen‐doped graphene (NG) cathode in an asymmetric full cell shows a high energy density exceeding its counterpart symmetric cell by more than threefold as well as robust cycle stability over 10 000 cycles. Additionally, it gives a high‐power density close to 26 000 W kg−1 outperforming that of a conventional sodium‐ion battery by several hundred fold, so that full cells can be charged within a few tens of seconds by the flexible photovoltaic charging and universal serial bus charging modules.
Photo‐Disassembly of Membrane Microdomains Revives Conventional Antibiotics against MRSA
Authors: Hui Jie , Dong Pu‐Ting , Liang Lijia , Mandal Taraknath , Li Junjie , Ulloa Erlinda R. , Zhan Yuewei , Jusuf Sebastian , Zong Cheng , Seleem Mohamed N. , Liu George Y. , Cui Qiang , Cheng Ji‐Xin
Published: January 2020

Confronted with the rapid evolution and dissemination of antibiotic resistance, there is an urgent need to develop alternative treatment strategies for drug‐resistant pathogens. Here, an unconventional approach is presented to restore the susceptibility of methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) to a broad spectrum of conventional antibiotics via photo‐disassembly of functional membrane microdomains. The photo‐disassembly of microdomains is based on effective photolysis of staphyloxanthin, the golden carotenoid pigment that gives its name. Upon pulsed laser treatment, cell membranes are found severely disorganized and malfunctioned to defense antibiotics, as unveiled by membrane permeabilization, membrane fluidification, and detachment of membrane protein, PBP2a. Consequently, the photolysis approach increases susceptibility and inhibits development of resistance to a broad spectrum of antibiotics including penicillins, quinolones, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, lipopeptides, and oxazolidinones. The synergistic therapy, without phototoxicity to the host, is effective in combating MRSA both in vitro and in vivo in a mice skin infection model. Collectively, this endogenous chromophore‐targeted phototherapy concept paves a novel platform to revive conventional antibiotics to combat drug‐resistant S. aureus infections as well as to screen new lead compounds.
Maize response to applied nutrients for West African savannas
Authors: Serme Idriss , Tarfa Bitrus , Ouattara Korodjouma , Wortmann Charles
Published: January 2020

Maize (Zea mays L.) grain production increased by 428% in Burkina Faso and 82% in Nigeria during the past 20 years primarily due to increased production area. To improve profitability, yield ha−1 needs to be increased. Yield response functions for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) and response to a Mg–S–Zn–B (MgSZnB) treatment were determined from results of 16 studies conducted in the Sudanian and Guinean savannas in 2014 and 2015. Mean grain yield with no fertilizer applied and mean response to the economically optimum N rate (EONR) were 0.82 and 2.18 Mg ha−1 in Burkina Faso and 3.35 and 0.48 Mg ha−1 in Nigeria. There was little response to P and K. The EONR ranged from 45 to >120 kg ha−1 for Burkina Faso, with higher EONR for Luvisol compared with Ferralsol soil. The mean EONR for Nigeria was only 24 kg ha−1. The results indicated high profit potential for N application at the EONR in Burkina Faso, but less potential in Nigeria despite higher yields. Yield increases and net return to N could be increased by 72% for financially constrained farmers by applying the same amount of fertilizer N at 50% EONR to twice as much land. Yield was increased by 36% with compost and 40% with MgSZnB application in Burkina Faso but with no effects in Nigeria. The response to MgSZnB requires further investigation in Burkina Faso to optimize nutrient‐specific responses. Inconsistent responses to P indicate a new for more research.
Diversity of Lawesson's Reagent: Advances and Scope
Authors: Gayen Krishnanka Shekhar , Chatterjee Nirbhik
Published: January 2020

Lawesson's reagent is a classic example of a compound having a remarkable construction and also a distinctive chemical behaviour that can challenge stereotype conceptual explanations. At the very beginning, it was mainly known for its use in the thionation of various types of carbonyl groups. However, over the last few years chemists reported some appealing examples which can nurture the chemistry community to perceive innovative ideas. These include the construction of valuable heterocycles, important coupling reactions, and the decoration of metal‐based attractive cores. Several important reports provided comprehensive theoretical studies regarding mechanistic classification. This article gives an overview of the recent insights and synthetic applications of this famous reagent from 2013 to 2019.
A Molecular Strategy to Lock‐in the Conformation of a Perylene Bisimide‐Derived Supramolecular Polymer
Authors: Ashcraft Adam , Liu Kaixuan , Mukhopadhyay Arindam , Paulino Victor , Liu Chuan , Bernard Brianna , Husainy Dalia , Phan Tina , Olivier Jean‐Hubert
Published: January 2020

Locking‐in the conformation of supramolecular assemblies provides a new avenue to regulate the (opto)electronic properties of robust nanoscale objects. In the present contribution, we show that the covalent tethering of a perylene bisimide (PBI)‐derived supramolecular polymer with a molecular locker enables the formation of a locked superstructure equipped with emergent structure–function relationships. Experiments that exploit variable‐temperature ground‐state electronic absorption spectroscopy unambiguously demonstrate that the excitonic coupling between nearest neighboring units in the tethered superstructure is preserved at a temperature (371 K) where the pristine, non‐covalent assembly exists exclusively in a molecularly dissolved state. A close examination of the solid‐state morphologies reveals that the locked superstructure engenders the formation of hierarchical 1D materials which are not achievable by unlocked assemblies. To complement these structural attributes, we further demonstrate that covalently tethering a supramolecular polymer built from PBI subunits enables the emergence of electronic properties not evidenced in non‐covalent assemblies. Using cyclic voltammetry experiments, the elucidation of the potentiometric properties of the locked superstructure reveals a 100‐mV stabilization of the conduction band energy when compared to that recorded for the non‐covalent assembly.
A Fluorescent Probe for Rapid, High‐Contrast Visualization of Folate‐Receptor‐Expressing Tumors In Vivo
Authors: Numasawa Koji , Hanaoka Kenjiro , Saito Naoko , Yamaguchi Yoshifumi , Ikeno Takayuki , Echizen Honami , Yasunaga Masahiro , Komatsu Toru , Ueno Tasuku , Miura Masayuki , Nagano Tetsuo , Urano Yasuteru
Published: January 2020

Folate receptors (FRs) are membrane proteins involved in folic acid uptake, and the alpha isoform (FR‐α) is overexpressed in ovarian and endometrial cancer cells. For fluorescence imaging of FRs in vivo, the near‐infrared (NIR) region (650–900 nm), in which tissue penetration is high and autofluorescence is low, is optimal, but existing NIR fluorescent probes targeting FR‐α show high non‐specific tissue adsorption, and require prolonged washout to visualize tumors. We have designed and synthesized a new NIR fluorescent probe, FolateSiR‐1, utilizing a Si‐rhodamine fluorophore having a carboxy group at the benzene moiety, coupled to a folate ligand moiety through a negatively charged tripeptide linker. This probe exhibits very low background fluorescence and afforded a tumor‐to‐background ratio (TBR) of up to 83 in FR‐expressing tumor‐bearing mice within 30 min. Thus, FolateSiR‐1 has the potential to contribute to the research in the field of biology and the clinical medicine.
Two‐Coordinate Copper(I)/NHC Complexes: Dual Emission Properties and Ultralong Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence
Authors: Li Jiayi , Wang Liding , Zhao Zifeng , Li Xiaoyue , Yu Xiao , Huo Peihao , Jin Qionghua , Liu Zhiwei , Bian Zuqiang , Huang Chunhui
Published: January 2020

As a kind of photoluminescent material, CuI complexes have many advantages such as adjustable emission, variable structures, and low cost, attracting attention in many fields. In this work, two novel two‐coordinate CuI‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes were synthesized, and they exhibit unique dual emission properties, fluorescence and phosphorescence. The crystal structure, packing mode, and photophysical properties under different conditions were systematically studied, proving the emissive mechanism to be the locally excited state of the carbazole group. Based on this mechanism, ultralong room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) with a lifetime of 140 ms is achieved by selective deuteration of the carbazole group. These results deepen the understanding of the luminescence mechanism and design strategy for two‐coordinate CuI complexes, and prove their potential in applications as ultralong RTP materials.
A Sequential Dual‐Lock Strategy for Photoactivatable Chemiluminescent Probes Enabling Bright Duplex Optical Imaging
Authors: Zhang Yutao , Yan Chenxu , Wang Chao , Guo Zhiqian , Liu Xiaogang , Zhu Wei‐Hong
Published: January 2020

Chemiluminescence (CL)‐based technologies have revolutionized in vivo monitoring of biomolecules. However, significant technical hurdles have limited the achievement of trigger‐controlled, bright, and enriched CL signal. Herein, a dual‐lock strategy uses sequence‐dependent triggers for bright optical imaging with real‐time fluorescent signal and ultra‐sensitive CL signal. These probes can obtain an analyte‐triggered accumulation of stable pre‐chemiluminophore with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE), and then the pre‐chemiluminophore exhibits a rapid photooxidation process (1,2‐dioxetane generation) by TICT‐based free‐radical addition, thereby achieving an enrichment and bright CL signal. The dual‐lock strategy expands the in vivo toolbox for highly accurate analysis and has for the first time allowed access to accurately sense and trace biomolecules with high‐resolution, dual‐mode of chemo‐fluoro‐luminescence, and three‐dimensional (3D) imaging in living animals.
Anti‐hepatocellular carcinoma, antioxidant, anti‐inflammation and antimicrobial investigation of some novel first and second transition metal complexes
Authors: Hassan Safaa S. , Khalf‐Alla Perihan A.
Published: January 2020

New coordination compounds of some selected metal ions from the first and second transition metals series with a Schiff base were synthesized and characterized. The Schiff base is derived from 4‐Aminoantipyrine and 3‐(hydroxyimino) butan‐2‐one. The compounds were characterized by different analysis tools like; elemental analysis, mass spectra, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) as well as electronic spectra, magnetic measurements, molar conductance and thermal analysis technique. All complexes were formed with 1:1 (metal: ligand) stoichiometry except Mn (II) where 1:2 (Mn: ligand) is formed. Schiff base ligand interacted as a tridentate ligand by using the nitrogen atoms of the imine and the oximato groups and the carbonyl oxygen atom as donor groups with all studied metal ions except copper (II) and manganese (II) where the carbonyl oxygen is not shared in the coordination. These complexes show various physicochemical properties. X‐ray powder diffraction shows different crystal systems; Cd (II) complex: hexagonal, Cu (II) complex: orthorhombic; and [Ni (II), Mn (II), Rh (III) & Pd (II)] complexes: monoclinic.

All compounds showed potent cytotoxicity against the growth of human liver cancer cell lines. The square planar Pd (II) complex was more active than those of octahedral geometries of all other synthesized complexes. Cd (II) complex has the highest microbial growth inhibition than the rest of the prepared complexes. The docking active sites interactions were evaluated using the selected proteins EGFR tyrosine kinase and protein crystal structure of GlcN‐O‐P synthase. in vitro antioxidant assay revealed potent free radical scavenging activity of the three synthesized Cu (II), Pd (II) and Rh (III) complexes that exceeded the standard ascorbic acid. Pd (II) complex shows the most significant inhibition denaturation percent.
Enhanced airborne sound absorption effect in poly(vinylidene fluoride)/(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3‐nanofiber composite foams
Authors: Mohamed Ayman M. , Yao Kui , Yousry Yasmin M. , Wang Junling , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: January 2020

Introducing electrical conductive function to discharge local piezoelectric effect is found effective for improving airborne sound absorption performance. In this work, instead of conductive fillers, a composite with two piezoelectric materials with opposite piezoelectric responses was explored aiming at enhanced sound absorption effect. Open‐cell poly(vinylidene fluoride)/(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (PVDF/KNN)‐nanofiber composite foams were proposed and investigated for airborne sound absorption purpose. Structural and thermal analyses showed that the KNN nanofibers were well dispersed in the PVDF matrix and enhanced the degree of crystallinity of polar phase of PVDF. Significantly enhanced airborne sound absorption over a broad frequency range was observed in the PVDF/KNN‐nanofiber composite foams, with increasing KNN nanofibers. One possible mechanism for the improved sound absorption with the piezoelectric KNN nanofibers with positive piezoelectric coefficient added in the PVDF matrix with negative piezoelectric coefficient is that electrical discharge could be facilitated for energy dissipation with the opposite charges generated through the piezoelectric effects in the two phases with opposite polarity. The experimental results show that the open‐cell PVDF/KNN‐nanofiber composite foams are promising for broadband airborne sound absorption application, and our analysis shed a light on the strategy in designing piezoelectric composite foam with high sound absorption performance.
The effect of deoxyschizandrin on chronic unpredictable mild stress–induced depression
Authors: Ma Xinfei , Zhu Zhenhua , Guo Sheng , Duan Jinao
Published: January 2020

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the antidepressant effect of deoxyschizandrin (DEO) in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)–induced mice. The mice were subjected to CUMS paradigm for 8 weeks. From the sixth week, the mice were intragastrically treated with DEO once daily for continuous 3 weeks. The behavior tests including sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and open field test were conducted. Additionally, the expressions of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, p‐NF‐κBp65, NLRP3, cleaved caspase‐1, cleaved IL‐1β, GluR, and PSD95 in hippocampus were detected by western blot. The concentrations of IL‐6 and TNF‐α in hippocampus were determined by enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). The dendritic spine density was observed by Golgi–Cox staining. As a result, the treatment with DEO relieved anhedonia in SPT, and reduced immobile duration in FST and TST. DEO treatment effectively attenuated the CUMS‐caused alterations of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, p‐NF‐κBp65, NLRP3, cleaved caspase‐1, cleaved IL‐1β, GluR, and PSD95. Furthermore, DEO could reduce the hippocampal inflammatory cytokine content and increase the density of dendritic spine. In conclusion, the present work indicated that DEO exhibited antidepressant effect on CUMS‐induced depressive mice, which was possible due to the TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 pathway and the amelioration of dendritic spine density through GluR/PSD95 cascade.
Pulsed electromagnetic fields promote repair of focal articular cartilage defects with engineered osteochondral constructs
Authors: Stefani Robert M. , Barbosa Sofia , Tan Andrea R. , Setti Stefania , Stoker Aaron M. , Ateshian Gerard A. , Cadossi Ruggero , Vunjak‐Novakovic Gordana , Aaron Roy K. , Cook James L. , Bulinski J. Chloë , Hung Clark T.
Published: January 2020

Articular cartilage injuries are a common source of joint pain and dysfunction. We hypothesized that pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) would improve growth and healing of tissue‐engineered cartilage grafts in a direction‐dependent manner. PEMF stimulation of engineered cartilage constructs was first evaluated in vitro using passaged adult canine chondrocytes embedded in an agarose hydrogel scaffold. PEMF coils oriented parallel to the articular surface induced superior repair stiffness compared to both perpendicular PEMF (p = .026) and control (p = .012). This was correlated with increased glycosaminoglycan deposition in both parallel and perpendicular PEMF orientations compared to control (p = .010 and .028, respectively). Following in vitro optimization, the potential clinical translation of PEMF was evaluated in a preliminary in vivo preclinical adult canine model. Engineered osteochondral constructs (∅ 6 mm × 6 mm thick, devitalized bone base) were cultured to maturity and implanted into focal defects created in the stifle (knee) joint. To assess expedited early repair, animals were assessed after a 3‐month recovery period, with microfracture repairs serving as an additional clinical control. In vivo, PEMF led to a greater likelihood of normal chondrocyte (odds ratio [OR]: 2.5, p = .051) and proteoglycan (OR: 5.0, p = .013) histological scores in engineered constructs. Interestingly, engineered constructs outperformed microfracture in clinical scoring, regardless of PEMF treatment (p < .05). Overall, the studies provided evidence that PEMF stimulation enhanced engineered cartilage growth and repair, demonstrating a potential low‐cost, low‐risk, noninvasive treatment modality for expediting early cartilage repair.
Constitutive accessibility of circulating proteins to hippocampal neurons in physiologically normal rats
Authors: Hamasaki Sawako , Mukuda Takao , Koyama Yuka , Nakane Hironobu , Kaidoh Toshiyuki
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Although the hippocampus (HIP) is thought impermeable to blood‐borne proteins because of the integrity of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), it was recently suggested to be susceptible to hydrophilic hormones. The present study determined the accessibility of blood‐borne signal molecules such as hormones to hippocampal neurons in physiologically normal rats.

Methods

As a probe for accessibility, Evans blue dye (EB) that rapidly binds to albumin (Alb), which is impermeable to the BBB, was injected intravenously. To increase the vascular permeability of the BBB, a daily single administration of angiotensin II (Ang II) was applied intravenously for seven consecutive days.

Results

Fifteen minutes after the injection of EB, histological observation revealed that a number of neurons had entrapped and accumulated EB into their cell bodies in the hippocampal dentate gyrus in all rats. Of these, relatively large oval neurons (>15 µm) in the hilus and molecular layer showed parvalbumin immunopositivity, indicating they are GABAergic interneurons. The population of EB‐accumulating neurons (approximately 10 µm) were localized in the inner margin of the granule cell layer, suggesting they were granule cells. However, the number of EB‐positive neurons did not change in rats treated with Ang II compared with vehicle injection.

Conclusions

These findings suggest an intriguing possibility that blood‐derived proteins such as hormones have access to hippocampal neurons constitutively in the absence of stimuli that increase the vascular permeability of the BBB in a physiologically normal state.
Trichome Density in Relation to Volatiles Emission and 1,8‐Cineole Synthase Gene Expression in Thymus albicans Vegetative and Reproductive Organs
Authors: Marques Natália T. , Filipe Alexandra , Pinto Patrícia , Barroso José , Trindade Helena , Power Deborah M. , Figueiredo Ana Cristina
Published: January 2020

1,8‐Cineole is the main volatile produced by Thymus albicans Hoffmanns. & Link 1,8‐cineole chemotype. To understand the contribution of distinct plant organs to the high 1,8‐cineole production, trichome morphology and density, as well as emitted volatiles and transcriptional expression of the 1,8‐cineole synthase (CIN) gene were determined separately for T. albicans leaves, bracts, calyx, corolla and inflorescences. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and stereoscope microscopy observations showed the highest peltate trichome density in leaves and bracts, significantly distinct from calyx and corolla. T. albicans volatiles were collected by solid phase micro extraction (SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and by GC for component identification and quantification, respectively. Of the 23 components identified, 1,8‐cineole was the dominant volatile (57–93 %) in all T. albicans plant organs. The relative amounts of emitted volatiles clearly separated vegetative from reproductive organs. Gene expression of CIN was assigned to all organs analyzed and was consistent with the relatively high emission of 1,8‐cineole in leaves and bracts. Further studies will be required to analyze monoterpenoid biosynthesis by each type of glandular trichome.
Development of Highly Stable Low Ni Content Catalyst for Dry Reforming of CH4‐Rich Feedstocks
Authors: Ha Quan Luu Manh , Lund Henrik , Kreyenschulte Carsten , Bartling Stephan , Atia Hanan , Vuong Than Huyen , Wohlrab Sebastian , Armbruster Udo
Published: January 2020

Highly active and coking‐resistant Ni catalysts suited for the dry reforming of CH4‐rich gases (70 vol %, e. g. biogas or sour natural gas) were prepared starting from a Mg‐rich Mg−Al hydrotalcite support precursor. Calcination at 1000 °C yields two phases, MgO and MgAl2O4 spinel. Complexation‐deposition of Ni with citric acid on the preformed support as well as lanthanum addition yields a catalyst with remarkably low carbon accumulation over 100 h on stream attributed to both high Ni dispersion and preferred interactions of Ni with MgO on MgAl2O4.
Nitrogen and Sulfur Co‐doped Carbon Nanosheets for Electrochemical Reduction of CO2
Authors: Wang Genxiang , Liu Mengyan , Jia Jingchun , Xu Huimin , Zhao Baisheng , Lai Keyuan , Tu Chaoyang , Wen Zhenhai
Published: January 2020

Conversing CO2 into value‐added chemicals endows electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) with the potential to tackle over issues induced by the increased CO2 level in the atmosphere. The associated technological viability of this process is highly dependent on exploring efficient electrocatalysts. In this work, we successfully synthesized nitrogen and sulfur co‐doped carbon nanosheets (NS‐CNSs), which are comprehensively characterized by a variety of characterization techniques. When used as the catalyst for CO2RR, the NS‐CNSs exhibit remarkably high catalytic activity and selectivity with a Faradaic efficiency of ∼85.4 % for CO production and long‐term durability. The superior performance of this material majorly originates from the unique nanosheets structure with large porosity and the co‐doped S and N in the nanosheets, which exposed larger electrochemical activity surface areas and more active sites for promoting CO2 reduction.
Mechanistic Insight into Energy‐Transfer Dynamics and Color Tunability of Na4CaSi3O9:Tb3+,Eu3+ for Warm White LEDs
Authors: He Jin , Yan Cheng , Huang Minmin , Shi Rui , Chen Yibo , Ling Chris D. , Liu Zhao‐Qing
Published: January 2020

In this work, a latent energy‐transfer process in traditional Eu3+,Tb3+‐doped phosphors is proposed and a new class of Eu3+,Tb3+‐doped Na4CaSi3O9 (NCSO) phosphors is presented which is enabled by luminescence decay dynamics that optimize the electron‐transfer energy process. Relative to other Eu3+,Tb3+‐doped phosphors, the as‐synthesized Eu3+,Tb3+‐doped NCSO phosphors show improved large‐scale tunable emission color from green to red upon UV excitation, controlled by the Tb3+/Eu3+ doping ratio. Detailed spectroscopic measurements in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV)/UV/Vis region were used to determine the Eu3+–O2− charge‐transfer energy, 4f–5d transition energies, and the energies of 4f excited multiplets of Eu3+ and Tb3+ with different 4fN electronic configurations. The Tb3+→Eu3+ energy‐transfer pathway in the co‐doped sample was systematically investigated, by employing luminescence decay dynamics analysis to elucidate the relevant energy‐transfer mechanism in combination with the appropriate model simulation. To demonstrate their application potential, a prototype white‐light‐emitting diode (WLED) device was successfully fabricated by using the yellow luminescence NCSO:0.03Tb3+, 0.05Eu3+ phosphor with high thermal stability and a BaMgAl10O17:Eu2+ phosphor in combination with a near‐UV chip. These findings open up a new avenue to realize and develop multifunctional high‐performance phosphors by manipulating the energy‐transfer process for practical applications.
A Lacunary Polyoxovanadate Precursor and Transition‐Metal‐Sandwiched Derivatives for Catalytic Oxidation of Sulfides
Authors: Wan Rong , He Peipei , Liu Zhen , Ma Xinyi , Ma Pengtao , Singh Vikram , Zhang Chao , Niu Jingyang , Wang Jingping
Published: January 2020

A SeO3‐centered lacunary Keggin‐type heteropolyoxovanadate (hetero‐POV) K6H2[SeV10O28(SeO3)3]⋅14 H2O (1) was isolated by one‐pot reaction of KVO3 and SeO2 under acidic conditions. X‐ray studies revealed that it comprised a single {VO5}‐capped trivacant B‐α‐type Keggin ion [SeV9O33(VO)]14− with its lacunary sites decorated by three {SeO3} pyramids. Interestingly, this new basic hetero‐POV building block was further used as a precursor to assemble with different transition‐metal (TM) ions, yielding a series of TM‐sandwiched POVs K6H8[(SeV10O28(SeO3)3)2(M(H2O)4)]⋅24 H2O (M2+=Mn2+ (2), Co2+ (3), Zn2+ (4)). All four compounds were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis, IR, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), EPR, and 51V NMR spectroscopy. Importantly, three TM‐sandwiched derivatives exhibited effective catalytic activity for the heterogeneous oxidative desulfurization of sulfides at room temperature.
Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Aminotrifluoromethoxylation of Alkenes: Mechanistic Insight into the Effect of N‐Protecting Groups
Authors: Chen Chaohuang , Hou Chuanqi , Chen Pinhong , Liu Guosheng
Published: January 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

An efficient palladium‐catalyzed regioselective 5‐exo aminotrifluoromethoxylation of alkenes has been established herein, which provides a practical route towards the synthesis of OCF3‐containing pyrrolidines. tert‐Butyloxycarbonyl (Boc) as an amino protecting group plays a significant role in both the chemo‐ and regioselectivities. In addition, preliminary mechanistic studies reveal that the amino protecting group of substrates and the counter anion of palladium catalyst play critical roles in reaction efficiency presumably due to an isomerization of alkyl‐ Pd(II) intermediates. Moreover, the asymmetric 5‐exo aminotrifluoromethoxylation reaction has also been achieved by introducing a sterically bulky pyridinyl‐oxazoline ligand.
Catalytic Enantioselective Formal Synthesis of MDM2 Antagonist RG7388 and Its Analogues
Authors: Zou Xue‐Jie , Yang Wu‐Lin , Zhu Jing‐Yan , Deng Wei‐Ping
Published: January 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

The catalytic asymmetric 1,3‐dipolar [3 + 2] cycloaddition of azomethine ylides with stilbenes has been established, affording structurally diverse pyrrolidines bearing four contiguous stereocenters with stereo‐diversity in generally high yields and good to excellent stereoselectivities (up to 98% yield, 99 : 1 dr, >99% ee). Meanwhile, this strategy allowed the formal synthesis of antitumor drug RG7388 (Phase III clinical study) and its analogues in high efficiency.
Detection of freshwater mussels (Unionidae) using environmental DNA in riverine systems
Authors: Gasparini Louis , Crookes Steve , Prosser Ryan S. , Hanner Robert
Published: January 2020

Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods are being developed for use in conservation biology to improve upon conventional species survey techniques. Validation of eDNA methods in different environmental contexts is required if they are to be widely adopted. One potential application of eDNA methods is for the detection of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae), which are among the most imperiled species in North America. Conventional unionid survey methods are highly invasive and can be difficult to conduct due to issues with morphological identification and their cryptic use of habitat. eDNA methods can potentially provide a non‐invasive, extremely specific, and highly sensitive alternative. Here, we examine the effectiveness of eDNA methods at detecting an imperiled unionid, the wavy‐rayed lampmussel (Lampsilis fasciola), in lotic systems with moderate discharge. We developed a novel qPCR assay for the detection of L. fasciola eDNA, which included a custom internal positive control to check for PCR inhibition. We used different experimental densities of caged L. fasciola specimens as a point source of eDNA within two rivers of the Grand River watershed in Southern Ontario. Sampling occurred at set distances downstream of the cage using purpose‐built sampling equipment. Detection was obtained at the cage (i.e., point of eDNA shedding) but not downstream at distances ≥10 m during stream discharges of approximately 1,632–2,332 L/s. The results indicate that eDNA is diluted rapidly in rivers with moderate discharge and that high‐resolution spatial sampling efforts may be necessary to obtain meaningful eDNA‐based distribution data of unionids, and other sessile organisms, present at low density in lotic systems.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of antifungal innate immunity at epithelial barriers: The role of C‐type lectin receptors
Authors: Borriello Francesco , Zanoni Ivan , Granucci Francesca
Published: January 2020

Humans are constantly exposed to fungi, either in the form of commensals at epithelial barriers or as inhaled spores. Innate immune cells play a pivotal role in maintaining commensal relationships and preventing skin, mucosal, or systemic fungal infections due to the expression of pattern recognition receptors that recognize fungal cell wall components and modulate both their activation status and the ensuing adaptive immune response. Commensal fungi also play a critical role in the modulation of homeostasis and disease susceptibility at epithelial barriers. This review will outline cellular and molecular mechanisms of anti‐fungal innate immunity focusing on C‐type lectin receptors and their relevance in the context of host‐fungi interactions at skin and mucosal surfaces in murine experimental models as well as patients susceptible to fungal infections.
Rhombic Dodecahedral Cu2O‐Catalysed Synthesis of Novel Alkenyl Pyrazoles
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Zhang Shupeng , Zhang Lei , Zhang Bo , Ren Tianrui
Published: January 2020

The design of efficient catalyst is of great importance in pyrazole derivatives synthesis. Herein, rhombic dodecahedra Cu2O microcrystals were successfully synthesized, and employed as catalysts in the direct synthesis of alkenyl pyrazoles. The catalytic activity of the obtained Cu2O catalyst toward the synthesis of alkenyl pyrazoles via the reaction of p‐chlorophenyl hydrazone and 2,4‐pentanedione was studied. The results showed that the high yields of alkenyl pyrazoles was achieved by using a rhombic dodecahedra Cu2O catalyst. Moreover, the rhombic dodecahedra also exhibited excellent catalytic activity for a variety of different hydrazones, which demonstrates their potential as a versatile catalyst. The Cu2O catalyst shows good reusability. Hence, the rhombic dodecahedra Cu2O microcrystals can be viewed as a highly useful catalyst for synthesis of alkenyl pyrazoles.
Alkoxyallene‐Based LANCA Three‐Component Synthesis of 1,2‐Diketones, Quinoxalines, and Unique Isoindenone Dimers and a Computational Study of the Isoindenone Dimerization
Authors: Kumar Roopender , Bera Mrinal K. , Zimmer Reinhold , Lentz Dieter , Reissig Hans‐Ulrich , Würthwein Ernst‐Ulrich
Published: January 2020

A series of β‐alkoxy‐β‐ketoenamides was prepared by the well‐established LANCA three‐component reaction of lithiated 1‐(2‐trimethylsilylethoxy)‐substituted allenes, nitriles, and α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids. The α‐tert‐butyl‐substituted compounds were smoothly converted into the expected 1,2‐diketones by treatment with trifluoroacetic acid. A subsequent condensation of the 1,2‐diketones with o‐phenylenediamine provided the desired highly substituted quinoxalines in good overall yield. Surprisingly, the α‐phenyl‐substituted β‐alkoxy‐β‐ketoenamides investigated afford not only the expected 1,2‐diketones, but also pentacyclic compounds with an anti‐tricyclo[4.2.1.12,5]deca‐3,7‐diene‐9,10‐dione core. These interesting products are very likely the result of an isoindenone dimerization which was mechanistically studied with the support of DFT calculations. Under the strongly acidic reaction conditions, a stepwise reaction is likely leading to a protonated isoindenone as reactive intermediate. It may first form a van der Waals complex with a neutral isoindenone before the two regio‐ and diastereoselective ring forming steps occur. Interestingly, two neutral or two protonated isoindenones are also predicted to dimerize giving the observed pentacyclic product.||||||
Probing the mechanisms underpinning recovery in post‐surgical patients with cervical radiculopathy using Bayesian networks
Authors: Liew Bernard X. W. , Peolsson Anneli , Scutari Marco , Löfgren Hakan , Wibault Johanna , Dedering Åsa , Öberg Birgitta , Zsigmond Peter , Falla Deborah
Published: January 2020

Background

Rehabilitation approaches should be based on an understanding of the mechanisms underpinning functional recovery. Yet, the mediators that drive an improvement in post‐surgical pain‐related disability in individuals with cervical radiculopathy (CR) are unknown. The aim of the present study is to use Bayesian networks (BN) to learn the probabilistic relationships between physical and psychological factors, and pain‐related disability in CR.

Methods

We analysed a prospective cohort dataset of 201 post‐surgical individuals with CR. In all, 15 variables were used to build a BN model: age, sex, neck muscle endurance, neck range of motion, neck proprioception, hand grip strength, self‐efficacy, catastrophizing, depression, somatic perception, arm pain intensity, neck pain intensity and disability.

Results

A one point increase in a change of self‐efficacy at 6 months was associated with a 0.09 point decrease in a change in disability at 12 months (t = −64.09, p < .001). Two pathways led to a change in disability: a direct path leading from a change in self‐efficacy at 6 months to disability, and an indirect path which was mediated by neck and arm pain intensity changes at 6 and 12 months.

Conclusions

This is the first study to apply BN modelling to understand the mechanisms of recovery in post‐surgical individuals with CR. Improvements in pain‐related disability was directly and indirectly driven by changes in self‐efficacy levels. The present study provides potentially modifiable mediators that could be the target of future intervention trials. BN models could increase the precision of treatment and outcome assessment of individuals with CR.

Significance

Using Bayesian Network modelling, we found that changes in self‐efficacy levels at 6‐month post‐surgery directly and indirectly influenced the change in disability in individuals with CR. A mechanistic understanding of recovery provides potentially modifiable mediators that could be the target of future intervention trials.