bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Spectral‐Imaging Study of Second‐ and Third‐Harmonic Enhancements by Surface‐Lattice Resonances
Authors: Shen Binglin , Liu Liwei , Li Yanping , Ren Sheng , Yan Junshuai , Hu Rui , Qu Junle 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAn ultrafast spectral imaging optical system featuring adaptive precompensation for group delay dispersion, automated tuning and collimation, rapid power stabilization, and rapid spectral imaging switching is developed. In this system, real‐time visualization ensures that the excited Gaussian beam remains focused on the nanoarray of the electron‐beam lithographed metasurface, as well as maximum gain of the nonlinear effect information. Based on the system, two surface‐lattice resonance metasurfaces under broadly tunable excitation (800–1300 nm) are investigated. The results demonstrated a 16‐fold enhancement in the third harmonic generation intensity and a 168‐fold enhancement in the second harmonic generation intensity at a 1200 nm excitation compared to the unpatterned films, with a narrow resonant bandwidth of 8 nm. This can be attributed to the frequency‐matching lattice‐enhanced localized surface plasmon resonance, which results in effective and vast excitation of plasmons that produce numerous energetic carriers. The method offers the possibility to reveal various ultrafast dynamics in nonlinear plasmonic metasurfaces.
Systemic Transplantation of Eyelid Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells for Antifibrotic Treatment
Authors: Fang Zhi , Chen Hui , Teng Wenqi , Qiu Peijin , Yu Xiaoning , Luo Chenqi , Zhu Yanan , You Yongsheng , Fu Qiuli , Ji Junfeng , Wang Ben , Yao Ke 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFibrosis is a result of the pathological wound‐healing response initiated by immune cells and leads to permanent scarring, such as corneal scarring, which impairs the vision of millions of people worldwide. However, there is currently no available treatment strategy that specifically targets the pathogenesis of fibrosis and can be translated in a safe and versatile way. Herein, it is illustrated that systemic transplantation of easily accessible human eyelid adipose‐derived stem cells (heADSCs) can successfully and safely exert antifibrotic effects in both corneal and skin scarring cases. Intravenous injection of heADSCs alleviates scar formation after rat corneal lamellar injury with accelerated epithelization, increases tumor necrosis factor‐stimulated gene‐6 (TSG‐6) in the epithelium, and decreases inflammatory factors. Cell tracing shows the presence of detectable signals until the 7th day, while no pulmonary embolism or other discomfort occurs. heADSCs effectively reduce corneal scarring by ameliorating stromal inflammation by increasing endogenous tissue‐protective TSG‐6 in the epithelium and macrophage phenotype switching, which is more effective with systemic transplantation than subconjunctival transplantation. Systemic transplantation of heADSCs shows safe antifibrotic effects in both corneal and skin scarring cases and this result identifies systemic transplantation with autologous adipose‐derived stem cells as a generally versatile and safe therapy for antifibrotic treatment.
The Role of Cation Vacancies in Electrode Materials for Enhanced Electrochemical Energy Storage: Synthesis, Advanced Characterization, and Fundamentals
Authors: Gao Peng , Chen Zhen , Gong Yuxuan , Zhang Rui , Liu Hui , Tang Pei , Chen Xiaohua , Passerini Stefano , Liu Jilei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe incorporation of atomic scale defects, such as cation vacancies, in electrode materials is considered an effective strategy to improve their electrochemical energy storage performance. In fact, cation vacancies can effectively modulate the electronic properties of host materials, thus promoting charge transfer and redox reaction kinetics. Such defects can also serve as extra host sites for inserted proton or alkali cations, facilitating the ion diffusion upon electrochemical cycling. Altogether, these features may contribute to improved electrochemical performance. In this review, the latest progress in cation vacancies‐based electrochemical energy storage materials, covering the synthetic approaches to incorporate cation vacancies and the advanced techniques to characterize such vacancies and identify their fundamental role, are provided from the chemical and materials point of view. The key challenges and future opportunities for cation vacancies‐based electrochemical energy storage materials are also discussed, particularly focusing on cation‐deficient transition metal oxides (TMOs), but also including newly emerging materials such as transition metal carbides (MXenes).
Are social media reports useful for assessing small ape occurrence? A pilot study from Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Rameli Nurul I. A. , Lappan Susan , Bartlett Thad Q. , Ahmad Siti K. , Ruppert Nadine 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCitizen science‐based research has been used effectively to estimate animal abundance and breeding patterns, to monitor animal movement, and for biodiversity conservation and education. Here, we evaluate the feasibility of using social media observations to assess the distribution of small apes in Peninsular Malaysia. We searched for reports of small ape observations in Peninsular Malaysia on social media (e.g., blogs, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, iNaturalist, etc.), and also used online, radio, print messaging, and word of mouth to invite citizen scientists such as birders, amateur naturalists, hikers, and other members of the public to provide information about small ape observations made during their activities. These reports provided new information about the occurrence of all three species of small apes (Hylobates agilis,Hylobates lar, andSymphalangus syndactylus) in Peninsular Malaysia. Social media users reported observations of small apes in almost every state. Despite the fact that small apes are believed to occur primarily in the interior of large forested areas, most observations were from fairly small (<100 km2) forests near areas of high traffic and high human population (roads and urban areas). This suggests that most outdoor enthusiasts primarily visit well‐traveled and easily accessible areas, which results in biased sampling if only incidental observations reported on social media are used. A more targeted approach specifically soliciting reports from citizen scientists visiting large, less‐accessible forests may result in better sampling in these habitats. Social media reports indicated the presence of small apes in at least six habitats where they had not been previously reported. We verified the reported data based on whether reports included a date, location, and uploaded photographs, videos and/or audio recordings. Well‐publicized citizen science programs may also build awareness and enthusiasm about the conservation of vulnerable wildlife species.
A Spiderweb‐Like Metal–Organic Framework Multifunctional Foam
Authors: Tan Chen , Lee Michelle C. , Arshadi Mohammad , Azizi Morteza , Abbaspourrad Alireza 
Published: February 2020

AbstractProcessing metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) into hierarchical macroscopic materials can greatly extend their practical applications. However, current strategies suffer from severe aggregation of MOFs and limited tuning of the hierarchical porous network. Now, a strategy is presented that can simultaneously tune the MOF loading, composition, spatial distribution, and confinement within various bio‐originated macroscopic supports, as well as control the accessibility, robustness, and formability of the support itself. This method enables the good dispersion of individual MOF nanoparticles on a spiderweb‐like network within each macrovoid even at high loadings (up to 86 wt %), ensuring the foam pores are highly accessible for excellent adsorption and catalytic capacity. Additionally, this approach allows the direct pre‐incorporation of other functional components into the framework. This strategy provides precise control over the properties of both the hierarchical support and MOF.
Preparation of Sebacic Acid via Alkali Fusion of Castor Oil and its Several Derivatives
Authors: Yu Siyuan , Cui Jianlan , Wang Xin , Zhong Congshan , Li Yanru , Yao Jun 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCastor oil and its three derivatives including methyl ricinoleate, sodium ricinoleate and ricinoleic acid were used as the raw material for alkali fusion to prepare sebacic acid. The reaction parameters including catalyst, ratio of oleochemicals/NaOH, reaction time and reaction temperature were optimized. It was found that Pb3O4 (1%) showed the best catalytic performance, and 553 K was considered as the most suitable reaction temperature. The oleochemicals/NaOH ratios of 15:14, 15:14, 15:12 and 15:14 were determined as the optimal ratio for alkali fusion of castor oil, methyl ricinoleate, sodium ricinoleate and ricinoleic acid, respectively. In addition, the optimal reaction time of alkali fusion of castor oil was 5 hours, and that of its derivatives was 3 hours. The maximum yield in sebacic acid of 68.8%, 77.7%, 80.1%, 78.6% can be obtained by using castor oil, methyl ricinoleate, sodium ricinoleate and ricinoleic acid as the raw material, respectively. High purity of sebacic acid was confirmed by GC and melting point analysis. ICP‐OES results illustrated that the content of Pb in sebcic acid was less than 1 mg kg−1. Separating glycerol from castor oil was beneficial for alkali fusion, by which, the yield of sebacic acid was increased of approximately 10%, and the reaction time was reduced from 5 to 3 hours. This study provided guiding significance for the future industrial production of sebacic acid.
Monitoring shallow methane‐derived authigenic carbonate: Insights from a UK Marine Protected Area
Authors: Noble‐James Tamsyn , Judd Alan , Diesing Markus , Clare David , Eggett Andrew , Silburn Briony , Duncan Graeme 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Methane‐derived authigenic carbonate (MDAC) is a biogenic rocky substrate formed by microbial assemblages below the seabed. It performs important ecosystem functions, including the provision of reef‐like habitats on soft sediments and the sequestration of carbon.
The protection of MDAC is limited at the global scale; however, 27 marine protected areas (MPAs) have been designated in European waters for ‘cold seep’ MDAC, mainly in shallow waters (<200 m). Few studies have been conducted on these habitats from a conservation perspective.
The effective management of MDAC structures requires an understanding of their ecology and physical characteristics in a healthy condition. This is best achieved using a multidisciplinary approach to provide evidence on predefined aspects of MDAC structures, termed feature attributes, which can be assessed to determine habitat condition over time.
This article presents the first UK effort to develop a multidisciplinary approach to monitoring shallow MDAC feature attributes, using the Croker Carbonate Slabs Special Area of Conservation (SAC) as a case study. A range of remote and physical survey methods were used to characterize the MDAC and associated relatively unimpacted and healthy biological communities.
The data confirm that the SAC contains the largest known area of shallow MDAC in European waters, that methane release is ongoing, and that MDAC is still likely to be forming. Specialized chemoautotrophic fauna were not recorded, possibly due to the dominance of fauna that derive carbon (ultimately) from photosynthesis. Five epifaunal taxa were found to be associated with MDAC, but not with the surrounding sediments.
The broad multidisciplinary survey allowed a detailed characterization of shallow MDAC but was resource intensive. We recommend a low‐resource monitoring strategy to deliver cost‐effective and robust evidence for condition assessment and suggest further studies to contextualize future interpretations of change.
Combination of metformin and berberine represses the apoptosis of sebocytes in high‐fat diet‐induced diabetic hamsters and an insulin‐treated human cell line
Authors: Yao Yan , Zuo Jing , Chen Li , Wei Yuegang 
Published: February 2020

Obesity and insulin resistance affect metabolic reactions, but their ensuing contributions to macrophage metabolism remain insufficiently understood. We investigated the contributions of berberine and metformin combination to the inhibition of sebocyte apoptosis in high‐fat diet‐induced diabetic hamsters and an insulin‐treated human cell line. Golden hamsters were fed a high‐glucose high‐fat diet and administered a 6‐week treatment with a combination of metformin and two concentrations of berberine (100 or 50 mg·kg−1). Body weights of treated hamsters were remarkably reduced compared with those of controls. Histological examination indicated that berberine repressed liver fat accumulation. Moreover, insulin and glucose concentrations were noticeably decreased by the combination treatments. In glucose tolerance tests, hamsters receiving berberine displayed higher tolerance to glucose, compared with the control group. Sebocytes isolated from high‐fat diet‐induced diabetic hamsters and insulin‐treated human sebocytes displayed elevated cell death rates, which were attenuated by berberine and metformin treatments. Further studies showed that the effects of metformin and berberine on cellular apoptosis were mediated via the Bik pathway. Thus, berberine may effectively decrease circulating glucose levels, ameliorate insulin resistance, reduce body weight, and attenuate sebocyte apoptosis in diabetic hamsters, potentially decreasing vulnerability to the cardiovascular complications of diabetes.Significance of the studyThe present data indicate that insulin stimulates changes in the expression levels of cell death‐associated proteins, which participate in sebaceous gland diseases during obesity or diabetes. The anti‐apoptotic effects of BBR and MET in sebaceous gland cells are regulated partially by Bik expression. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to suggest cell death counteracting effects of BBR in hamster and human sebocytes as well as to propose BBR as an innovative therapeutic agent for insulin‐related sebaceous gland diseases, including acne.
Development of a Neutral Diketopyrrolopyrrole Phosphine Oxide for the Selective Bioimaging of Mitochondria at the Nanomolar Level
Authors: Abelha Thais F. , Morris Graeme , Lima Sandro M. , Andrade Luis H. C. , McLean Andrew J. , Alexander Cameron , Calvo‐Castro Jesus , McHugh Callum J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDevelopment of novel bioimaging materials that exhibit organelle specific accumulation continues to be at the forefront of research interests and efforts. Among the various subcellular organelles, mitochondria, which are found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, are of particular interest in relation to their vital function. To date, most molecular probes that target mitochondria utilise delocalised lipophilic cations such as triphenylphosphonium and pyridinium. However, the use of such charged motifs is known to be detrimental to the working function of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential and there remains a strong case for development of neutral mitochondrial fluorescent probes. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time the exploitation of diketopyrrolopyrrole‐based chemistries for the realisation of a neutral fluorescent probe that exhibits organelle specific accumulation within the mitochondria at the nanomolar level. The synthesised probe, which bears a neutral triphenylphosphine oxide moiety, exhibits a large Stokes shift and high fluorescence quantum yield in water, both highly sought‐after properties in the development of bioimaging agents. In vitro studies reveal no interference with cell metabolism when tested for the human MCF7 breast cancer cell and nanomolar subcellular organelle colocalisation with commercially available mitochondrial staining agent Mitotracker Red. In light of its novelty, neutral structure and the preferential accumulation at nanomolar concentrations we anticipate this work to be of significant interest for the increasingly larger community devoted to the realisation of neutral mitochondrial selective systems and more widely to those engaged in the rational development of superior organic architectures in the biological field.
Chiral Bent‐Shaped Molecules Exhibiting Unusually Wide Range of Blue Liquid‐Crystalline Phases and Multistimuli‐Responsive Behavior
Authors: Punjani Vidhika , Mohiuddin Golam , Kaur Supreet , Choudhury Angshuman Roy , Paladugu Sathyanarayana , Dhara Surajit , Ghosh Sharmistha , Pal Santanu Kumar 
Published: February 2020

AbstractRecently, an unprecedented observation of polar order, thermochromic behavior, and exotic mesophases in new chiral, bent‐shaped systems with a −CH3 moiety placed at the transverse position of the central core was reported. Herein, a homologous series of compounds with even‐numbered carbon chains from n=4 to 18 were synthesized, in which −Cl was substituted for −CH3 at the kink position and a drastic modification in the phase structure of the bent‐shaped molecule was observed. An unusual stabilization of the cubic blue phase (BP) over a wide range of 16.4 °C has been witnessed. Two homologues in this series (1‐12 and 1‐14) exhibit an interesting phase sequence consisting of BPI/II, chiral nematic, twist grain boundary, smectic A, and smectic X (SmX) phases. The higher homologues (1‐16 and 1‐18) stabilize the SmX phase enantiotropically over the entire temperature range. Crystal structure analysis confirmed the bent molecular architecture, with a bent angle of 148°, and revealed the presence of two different molecular conformations in an asymmetric unit of compound 1‐4. A DFT study corroborated that the −Cl moiety at the central core of the molecule led to an increase in the dipole moment along the transverse direction, which, in turn, facilitated the unusual stabilization of frustrated structures. Crystal polymorphism has been evidenced in three homologues (1‐10, 1‐12, and 1‐14) of the series. On the application of mechanical pressure through grinding, compound 1‐10 transformed from a bright yellow crystalline solid to a dark orange–green amorphous solid, which reversed upon dropwise addition of dichloromethane, indicating reversible mechanochromism in this class of compounds. In addition, excellent thermochromic behavior has been observed for compound 1‐10 with a controlled temperature–color combination.
Determination of protein binding for novel 2‐(2‐hydroxypropanamido)‐5‐trifluoromethyl benzoic acid enantiomers to rats, dogs, and humans plasma by UPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Rong Rong , Wang Xin , Dan Yuhan , Zhang Ruizhen , Zhao Yunli , Yu Zhiguo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractR‐/S‐2‐(2‐hydroxypropanamido)‐5‐trifluoromethyl benzoic acid (R‐/S‐HFBA) is a novel COX inhibitor with remarkable anti‐inflammatory and antiplatelet aggregation activities, but no gastrointestinal toxicity. In our previous study, the different pharmacokinetic profiles of the two enantiomers in rats were observed after administration of R‐HFBA and S‐HFBA. Stereoselective protein binding of the two enantiomers may be a reason for the different pharmacokinetic behaviors. In this study, we developed and validated an UPLC‐MS/MS method for determining stereoselective binding of HFBA enantiomers to rat, dog, and human plasma in vitro. Chromatographic separation was achieved by gradient elution with a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. MS/MS detection was operated in positive electrospray using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The method was proved to be linear over the concentration range of 0.005 to 10 μg/mL with a lower limit of quantification of 0.005 μg/mL. The developed method was successfully employed to the plasma protein binding study of HFBA enantiomers. Equilibrium dialysis method was applied to assess drug‐plasma protein interactions. The results showed that the enantiomers were both extensively bound to three species plasma and protein binding of R‐/S‐HFBA was concentration dependent. R‐HFBA and S‐HFBA showed significant species difference among rat, dog, and human plasma and stereoselective plasma protein binding.
Monosynaptic inputs to specific cell types of the intermediate and deep layers of the superior colliculus
Authors: Doykos Ted K. , Gilmer Jesse I. , Person Abigail L. , Felsen Gidon 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe intermediate and deep layers of the midbrain superior colliculus (SC) are a key locus for several critical functions, including spatial attention, multisensory integration, and behavioral responses. While the SC is known to integrate input from a variety of brain regions, progress in understanding how these inputs contribute to SC‐dependent functions has been hindered by the paucity of data on innervation patterns to specific types of SC neurons. Here, we use G‐deleted rabies virus‐mediated monosynaptic tracing to identify inputs to excitatory and inhibitory neurons of the intermediate and deep SC. We observed stronger and more numerous projections to excitatory than inhibitory SC neurons. However, a subpopulation of excitatory neurons thought to mediate behavioral output received weaker inputs, from far fewer brain regions, than the overall population of excitatory neurons. Additionally, extrinsic inputs tended to target rostral excitatory and inhibitory SC neurons more strongly than their caudal counterparts, and commissural SC neurons tended to project to similar rostrocaudal positions in the other SC. Our findings support the view that active intrinsic processes are critical to SC‐dependent functions, and will enable the examination of how specific inputs contribute to these functions.
Inherited variant in NFκB‐1 promoter is associated with increased risk of IBD in an Algerian population and modulates SOX9 binding
Authors: Hamadou Imene , Garritano Sonia , Romanel Alessandro , Naimi Dalila , Hammada Talel , Demichelis Francesca 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe link between inflammation and cancer development was intensively studied in the last decade. To date, few studies explored the association between inflammatory genes and colorectal cancer (CRC) development.AimThe present study aimed to evaluate the implication of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs28362491 ins/del −94 ATTG in NFκB1, rs6920220 (G/A) in TNFAIP3, and rs419598 (C/T) in IL1RN, which play a role in inflammation regulation in CRC development.Methods and resultsA case‐control study was conducted on an Algerian cohort of 358 subjects (147 healthy people, 89 individuals affected by inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], and 122 CRC patients enrolled at the University Hospital Center Ben Badis of Constantine). SNPs genotyping was performed by allelic discrimination TaqMan assay. The rs28362491 ins/del heterozygous genotype in NFκB1 conferred an increased risk of IBD compared with ins/ins homozygous genotype, with an increase of twofold (OR = 2.34 [1.29‐4.21]; 95% CI, 1.29‐4.21, P value = 0.004). No significant association was detected for the other two variants. Dual‐Luciferase Reporter Assay System performed in LoVo cells showed a significantly higher activity of the construct with ins allele of rs28362491 compared with the one harboring the del allele. Computational analysis nominated SOX9 as putative transcription factor (TF) with higher probability to bind the NFκB1 promoter at the SNP site, and we demonstrated in the in vitro assay that its overexpression modulates NFκB1 promoter activity in allele‐specific manner.ConclusionWe speculate that SOX9 may modulate the NFκB1 activity by binding its promoter at the SNP site in allelic specific manner.