bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Structural Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus Galactosaminogalactans Featuring α‐Galactose, α‐Galactosamine and α‐N‐Acetyl Galactosamine Linkages
Authors: Zhang Yongzhen , Gómez‐Redondo Marcos , Jiménez‐Osés Gonzalo , Arda Ana , Overkleeft Herman S. , van der Marel Gijsbert A. , Jiménez‐Barbero Jesús , Codée Jeroen D. C. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractGalactosaminogalactan (GAG) is a prominent cell wall component of the opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. GAG is a heteropolysaccharide composed of α‐1,4‐linked galactose, galactosamine and N‐acetylgalactosamine residues. To enable biochemical studies, a library of GAG‐fragments was constructed featuring specimens containing α‐galactose‐, α‐galactosamine and α‐N‐acetyl galactosamine linkages. Key features of the synthetic strategy include the use of di‐tert‐butylsilylidene directed α‐galactosylation methodology and regioselective benzoylation reactions using benzoyl‐hydroxybenzotriazole (Bz‐OBt). Structural analysis of the Gal, GalN and GalNAc oligomers by a combination of NMR and MD approaches revealed that the oligomers adopt an elongated, almost straight, structure, stabilized by inter‐residue H‐bonds, one of which is a non‐conventional C−H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bond between H5 of the residue (i+1) and O3 of the residue (i). The structures position the C‐2 substituents almost perpendicular to the oligosaccharide main chain axis, pointing to the bulk solvent and available for interactions with antibodies or other binding partners.
Determination of the Absolute Configuration of Super‐Carbon‐Chain Compounds by a Combined Chemical, Spectroscopic, and Computational Approach: Gibbosols A and B
Authors: Li Wan‐Shan , Yan Ren‐Jie , Yu Yi , Shi Zhi , Mándi Attila , Shen Li , Kurtán Tibor , Wu Jun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMarine dinoflagellates produce remarkable organic molecules, particularly those with polyoxygenated long‐carbon‐chain backbones, namely super‐carbon‐chain compounds (SCCCs), characterized by the presence of numerous stereogenic carbon centers on acyclic polyol carbon chains. Even today, it is a challenge to determine the absolute configurations of these compounds. In this work, the planar structures and absolute configurations of two highly flexible SCCCs, featuring either a C69‐ or C71‐linear carbon backbone, gibbosols A and B, respectively, each containing thirty‐seven stereogenic carbon centers, were unambiguously established by a combined chemical, spectroscopic, and computational approach. The discovery of gibbosols A and B with two hydrophilic acyclic polyol chains represents an unprecedented class of SCCCs. A reasonable convergent strategy for the biosynthesis of these SCCCs was proposed.
Challenges and Strategies for High‐Energy Aqueous Electrolyte Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Zhang Huang , Liu Xu , Li Huihua , Hasa Ivana , Passerini Stefano 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAqueous rechargeable batteries are becoming increasingly important to the development of renewable energy sources, because they promise to meet cost‐efficiency, energy and power demands for stationary applications. Over the past decade, efforts have been devoted to the improvement of electrode materials and their use in combination with highly concentrated aqueous electrolytes. Here the latest ground‐breaking advances in using such electrolytes to construct aqueous battery systems efficiently storing electrical energy, i.e., offering improved energy density, cyclability and safety, are highlighted. This Review aims to timely provide a summary of the strategies proposed so far to overcome the still existing hurdles limiting the present aqueous batteries technologies employing concentrated electrolytes. Emphasis is placed on aqueous batteries for lithium and post‐lithium chemistries, with potentially improved energy density, resulting from the unique advantages of concentrated electrolytes.
Two Diterpene Synthases from Chryseobacterium: Chryseodiene Synthase and Wanjudiene Synthase
Authors: Lauterbach Lukas , Goldfuss Bernd , Dickschat Jeroen S. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTwo bacterial diterpene synthases (DTSs) from Chryseobacterium were characterised. The first enzyme yielded the new compound chryseodiene that closely resembles the known fusicoccane diterpenes from fungi, but its experimentally and computationally studied cyclisation mechanism is fundamentally different to the mechanism of fusicoccadiene synthase. The second enzyme produced wanjudiene, a diterpene hydrocarbon with a new skeleton, besides traces of the enantiomer of bonnadiene that was recently discovered from Allokutzneria albata.
Interfacial mechanical properties of graphene/titanium in composites based on beam search algorithm
Authors: Zhang Zaiyu , Liang Yilong 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe interface mechanical properties of graphene and titanium composites in traditional studies lack molecular dynamics simulation and cannot construct composite interface model. A method for studying the interfacial mechanical properties of graphene/titanium in composite materials based on beam search algorithm is proposed, using the beam search algorithm to simulate the tensile deformation of graphene and titanium to establish the graphene/titanium single and dual interface model. Using the molecular dynamics method to simulate the mechanical behavior of multilayer graphene interface, the interface model of graphene/titanium composites is constructed according to the simulation results, and the calculation formula of interface interaction energy is obtained. The experimental results show that using the proposed method, the graphene/titanium dual interface model has higher interlayer electron density than the single interface model, the electronic characteristics are smoother at the interface transition, and the interface is more stable. Graphene has an interfacial interaction with the titanium atoms adjacent to the upper and lower layers, and has the strongest covalent interaction with the nearest titanium atom layer, which is beneficial to reduce the energy of the composite system and improve the stability of the graphene/titanium composites.
Compatibilizer/graphene/carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR)/ethylenepropylenediene monomer (EPDM) nanocomposites: Morphology, compatibility, rheology and mechanical properties
Authors: Azizli Mohammad Javad , Mokhtary Masoud , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Goodarzi Vahabodin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this study, nanocomposites based on different blends of XNBR/EPDM with 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1 phr graphene were prepared on a two‐roll mill. The role of EPDM‐grafted maleic anhydride compatibilizer (EPDM‐g‐MAH) and the effect of graphene on morphology, curing characteristics, and mechanical properties were investigated. The curing behavior of the nanocomposites was studied using a rubber curing rheometer. Also, microstructure of the nanocomposites was observed by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. With increasing the graphene content in the composite, in addition to the torque, the curing time and scorch time were increased. Fracture surface morphological studies indicated that the presence of EPDM‐g‐MAH improved the graphene dispersion within the XNBR/EPDM matrix and a uniform dispersion with a small amount of aggregation was observed. On the other hand, the presence of graphene in the matrix created a rough fracture surface. In addition, with adding EPDM‐g‐MAH compatibilizer and increasing the graphene, the dispersed phase size of EPDM in the XNBR matrix became smaller and a uniform dispersion was obtained. Also, hardness, tensile strength, fatigue, modulus, and elongation‐at‐break of XNBR/EPDM nanocomposite showed a significant increase by the addition of compatibilizer and increasing the graphene content.
Co‐doped Pt Nanowire Networks with Clean Surfaces for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reactions
Authors: Zhong Yanfei , Huang Liping , Zhang Jiacheng , Xiang Dong , Li Peng , Yuan Xiaoyou , Zhu Manzhou 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSurfactants or capping agents are usually employed to control the shapes and sizes of metal nanowires (NWs). Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and oleylamine (OAm) are the most common capping agents used in the synthesis of metal nanowires. However, these capping agents bind strongly onto the surface of the nanowires and severely prevent the reactant molecules from entering the active sites. In the present research, a facile acetic acid/NaBH4 treatment technology is reported to effectively remove PVP and OAm from the surface of the co‐doped Pt NWs. Interestingly, the morphology of poor crystalline platinum nanowires treated with NaBH4 solution is transformed into nanowire networks (NWNs) with higher crystallinity. Furthermore, in comparison with the commercial Pt/C catalyst, the catalytic activity of co‐doped Pt NWNs with clean surfaces shows improvements of up to 4.1 times for mass activity and 5.1 times for specific activity, respectively.
Pulsed Laser Deposition‐based Thin Film Microbatteries
Authors: Fenech Michael , Sharma Neeraj 
Published: April 2020

AbstractEmerging applications for robust small format or distributed devices feature a need for power and rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries could play a significant role. This review focuses on a high precision technique to controllably grow thin‐film electrodes or full all‐solid‐state batteries, that is, pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The technique and solid‐state batteries are introduced followed by a detailed showcase of the depth of PLD‐based growth undertaken on cathodes, electrolytes, anodes and whole microbatteries. Emphasis is placed on the various characterization techniques available to study PLD grown components and devices, and how interfaces become both critical and arguably easier to probe in PLD grown films or devices. This work provides a perspective on the techniques, its opportunities for electrodes and devices, and how to probe the resulting growth and its evolution in batteries.
Tailored Silicon/Carbon Compounds for Printed Li–Ion Anodes
Authors: Sukkurji Parvathy Anitha , Issac Ibrahim , Singaraju Surya Abhishek , Velasco Leonardo , Hagmann Jasmin Aghassi , Bessler Wolfgang , Hahn Horst , Botros Miriam , Breitung Ben 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSilicon (Si) has turned out to be a promising active material for next‐generation lithium‐ion battery anodes. Nevertheless, the issues known from Si as electrode material (pulverization effects, volume change etc.) are impeding the development of Si anodes to reach market maturity. In this study, we are investigating a possible application of Si anodes in low‐power printed electronic applications. Tailored Si inks are produced and the impact of carbon coating on the printability and their electrochemical behavior as printed Si anodes is investigated. The printed Si anodes contain active material loadings that are practical for powering printed electronic devices, like electrolyte gated transistors, and are able to show high capacity retentions. A capacity of 1754 mAh/gSi is achieved for a printed Si anode after 100 cycles. Additionally, the direct applicability of the printed Si anodes is shown by successfully powering an ink‐jet printed transistor.
Three‐dimensional biofilm image reconstruction for assessing structural parameters
Authors: Ben‐Sahil Ahmed , Mohamed Abdelrhman , Beyenal Haluk 
Published: April 2020

AbstractParameters representing three‐dimensional (3D) biofilm structure are quantified from confocal laser‐scanning microscope (CLSM) images. These 3D parameters describe the distribution of biomass pixels within the space occupied by a biofilm; however, they lack a direct connection to biofilm activity. As a result, researchers choose a handful of parameters without there being a consensus on a standard set of parameters. We hypothesized that a select 3D parameter set could be used to reconstruct a biofilm image and that the reconstructed and original biofilm images would have similar activities. To test this hypothesis, an algorithm was developed to reconstruct a biofilm image with parameters identical to those of the original CLSM image. We introduced an objective method to assess the reconstruction algorithm by comparing the activities of the original and reconstructed biofilm images. We found that biofilm images with identical structural parameters showed nearly identical activities and substrate concentration profiles. This implies that the set containing all common structural parameters can successfully describe biofilm structure. This finding is significant, as it opens the door to the next step, of finding a smaller standard set of biofilm structural parameters that can be used to compare biofilm structure.
Prediction of surgical difficulty in minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer by use of MRI pelvimetry
Authors: Yamamoto T , Kawada K , Kiyasu Y , Itatani Y , Mizuno R , Hida K , Sakai Y 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Technical difficulties in rectal surgery are often related to dissection in a limited surgical field. This study investigated the clinical value of MRI pelvimetry in the prediction of surgical difficulty associated with minimally invasive rectal surgery.

Methods
Patients with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic or robotic total mesorectal excision between 2005 and 2017 were reviewed retrospectively and categorized according to surgical difficulty on the basis of duration of surgery, conversion to an open procedure, use of the transanal approach, postoperative hospital stay, blood loss and postoperative complications. Preoperative clinical and MRI-related parameters were examined to develop a prediction model to estimate the extent of surgical difficulty, and to compare anastomotic leakage rates in the low- and high-grade surgical difficulty groups. Prognosis was investigated by calculating overall and relapse-free survival, and cumulative local and distant recurrence rates.

Results
Of 121 patients analysed, 104 (86·0 per cent) were categorized into the low-grade group and 17 (14·0 per cent) into the high-grade group. Multivariable analysis indicated that high-grade surgical difficulty was associated with a BMI above 25 kg/m2 (odds ratio (OR) 4·45, P = 0·033), tumour size 45 mm or more (OR 5·42, P = 0·042), anorectal angle 123° or more (OR 5·98, P = 0·028) and pelvic outlet less than 82·7 mm (OR 6·62, P = 0·048). All of these features were used to devise a four-variable scoring model to predict surgical difficulty. In patients categorized as high grade for surgical difficulty, the anastomotic leakage rate was 53 per cent (9 of 17 patients), compared with 9·6 per cent (10 of 104) in the low-grade group (P &lt; 0·001). The high-grade group had a significantly higher local recurrence rate than the low-grade group (P = 0·002).

Conclusion
This study highlights the impact of clinical variables and MRI pelvimetry in the prediction of surgical difficulty in minimally invasive rectal surgery.
Do investors value companies' mandatory nonfinancial risk disclosure? An empirical analysis of the Italian context after the EU Directive
Authors: Veltri Stefania , De Luca Francesco , Phan Ho‐Tan‐Phat 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn October 2014, the European Union adopted Directive 2014/95/EU (hereafter, EU Directive), mandating companies of a certain size to draft and publish corporate nonfinancial information (NFI) regarding society and the environment. In this study, we examine the mandatory disclosure of nonfinancial (NF) risks by listed Italian companies, as required by the EU Directive, focusing on both the state‐of‐the‐art of such disclosure and its usefulness for investors. For this purpose, the study adopts a two‐staged research approach; in the first stage, we employed a manual meaning‐oriented content analysis to investigate the NF declarations (NFDs) of the listed Italian companies that were obliged to disclose NFI, returning a quality NF risks disclosure index. In the second stage, we used the value relevance methodology to investigate whether the disclosed NF risk information affects the levels of equity prices, through a modified Ohlson model. Our research is one of the first to investigate the value relevance of mandatory disclosures of NF risks following the implementation of the EU Directive, in the Italian context. The research was carried out in 2017, the first year of the directive's application for listed Italian companies. The main findings support a positive association between NF risk information disclosure levels and companies' market value. Moreover, they provide evidence of a significant mediating effect of NF risk on the relationship between financial risks and market value.
A comparative study of hBM‐MSCs' differentiation toward osteogenic lineage in the presence of progesterone and estrogen hormones separately and concurrently in vitro
Authors: Soltanyzadeh Maryam , Ghollasi Marzieh , Halabian Raheleh , Shams Mehdi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPromising cell sources for tissue engineering comprise bone marrow derived‐mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) that have multiple differentiation potentials. Also, sex hormones act as important elements in bone development and maintenance, and the roles of two female sex steroid hormones known as estrogen (17‐β estradiol) and progesterone in osteogenic differentiation of human BM‐MSCs (hBM‐MSCs) are studied. For this purpose, hBM‐MSCs were treated with a 1 × 10−6 M concentration of 17‐β estradiol and progesterone separately and simultaneously while the optimum concentrations were obtained by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Osteogenic differentiation tests including measurement of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme activity, the content of total mineral calcium, mineralized matrix staining by Alizarin Red and Von Kossa solutions, real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and immunofluorescence staining were carried out on Days 7 and 14 of differentiation. To exhibit the morphology of the cells, the BM‐MSCs were stained with acridine orange (AO) solution. In this study, the results of ALP activity assay, calcium content and real‐time RT‐PCR assay and also all tests of differentiation staining have shown that 17‐β estradiol has been recognized as an enhancing factor of osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, MTT assay and AO staining revealed progesterone as a factor that seriously improved the proliferation of hBM‐MSCs. Generally, the 17‐β estradiol individually or in the presence of progesterone has more effects on BM‐MSCs' osteogenic differentiation compared to progesterone alone. In this study, it is indicated that the effect of the 17‐β estradiol and progesterone concurrently was the same as individual 17‐β estradiol on the differentiation of hBM‐MSCs.
Long noncoding RNA SNHG12 promotes vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration via regulating miR‐199a‐5p/HIF‐1α
Authors: Sun Yao , Zhao Jin‐Tao , Chi Bao‐Jin , Wang Kai‐feng 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe dysregulation of proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contributes to atherosclerosis (AS) and accumulating reports indicate the crucial role of long noncoding RNA in AS. However, the role of small nucleolar RNA host gene 12 (SNHG12) in regulating the phenotypes of VSMCs and AS remains largely unknown. Quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of SNHG12 and miR‐199a‐5p in an in vivo AS model and VSMCs treated by oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL). The proliferation ability, migration ability, and apoptosis of VSMCs were tested by cell counting kit‐8, Transwell assay, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay, respectively. StarBase database was used to predict the binding sites between miR‐199a‐5p and SNHG12. The interaction between miR‐199a‐5p and SNHG12 was validated by qRT‐PCR, western blot, and luciferase reporter assay. Western blot was used to examine the effects of SNHG12 and miR‐199a‐5p on the expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α). We found that the expression level of SNHG12 was significantly increased in the animal model and VSMCs treated by ox‐LDL. Knockdown of SNHG12 suppressed the proliferation and migration abilities of VSMCs, while overexpression of SNHG12 had the opposite effects. Mechanically, we validated that miR‐199a‐5p was a target of SNHG12, and the target gene of miR‐199a‐5p, HIF‐1α could be indirectly and positively regulated by SNHG12. In conclusion, SHNG12 targeting miR‐199a‐5p/HIF‐1α contributed to the pathophysiological process of AS by regulating the phenotypes of VSMCs, and could be a potential therapy target for this disease.
APPL1 as an important regulator of insulin and adiponectin‐signaling pathways in the PCOS: A narrative review
Authors: Artimani Tayebe , Najafi Rezvan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAdaptor protein containing a PH domain, PTB domain and leucine zipper motif 1 (APPL1) plays a central role as the main contributing factor in the adiponectin and insulin signaling. This review aims to discuss previous and recent findings concerning the role of APPL1 in the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients with conclusions regarding more efficient therapeutic approaches. A literature review was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar from August 1999 to May 2020. This study reveals that APPL1 has a key role in adiponectin, insulin, and follicle‐stimulating hormone signaling pathways occurring within the ovaries. Recent studies in mouse model systems have indicated that APPL1 can prevent diabetes, endothelial disorders, and insulin resistance. In contrast, APPL1 deficiency can lead to the metabolic and vascular disorders. APPL1 due to its potential roles in different signaling pathways might be suggested as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic option for prediction of ovarian dysfunctions and treatment of reproductive disorders, especially PCOS.
In vitro and in vivo studies of cancer cell behavior under nutrient deprivation
Authors: Ahmadiankia Naghmeh 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCancer cells are confronted with nutrient deprivation because of high proliferation rate, especially at the early stage of their development. There is a frequent assumption that nutrient deprivation decreases the basal activity of cancer cells. Contrarily, there are recent evidence suggesting that cancer cells are able to modulate signaling pathways to adapt with new condition and continue their survival. This property of cancer cells is believed to be one of the prerequisites for cancer progression and chemoresistance. Moreover, recent experiments show that serum starvation in vitro as a mimic situation of nutrient deprivation in vivo triggers different signaling pathways leading to changes in cancer cell behavior, which may interfere with experimental results. Considering these facts, a better understanding of the effect of nutrient deprivation on cancer cell behavior will help us to give more accurate conclusions regarding results of in vitro studies and also to develop new strategies to treat different cancers in vivo.