bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Biomedical Applications of Multicolor Carbon Dots: Recent Advances and Future Challenges
Authors: Huo Feng , Karmaker Pran Gopal , Liu Yuhang , Zhao Bin , Yang Xiupei 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMulticolor carbon dots (CDs) as an emerging subclass of carbonaceous nanomaterials have inspired intensive attention due to the fascinating fluorogenic properties of quantum dots, exhibiting great potential applications in the biomedical field. In some cases, reported CDs with blue or green fluorescence are not desirable for further biological applications owing to the conflicting background autofluorescence, low penetration, and relatively large damage to biological tissue. However, multicolor CDs that can work in the longer wavelength region are being developed to address this issue by overcoming the autofluorescence from the cellular components (usually in the blue and green range). In this review, the development of multicolor CDs is described comprehensively, including for red‐emissive or NIR‐emissive CDs. Additionally, the preparation methods of multicolor CDs are summarized. Moreover, the factors affecting the luminescence of multicolor CDs are discussed in detail, and the biomedical applications are emphasized from multiple perspectives.
Antimicrobial ZnO Nanoparticle–Doped Polyvinyl Alcohol/Pluronic Blends as Active Food Packaging Films
Authors: Amin Khaled M. , Partila Abir M. , Abd El‐Rehim Hassan A. , Deghiedy Noha M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractToday, plastic waste has been highlighted as one of the greatest threats to the environment. These environmental concerns and the increased necessity for safe food packaging have inspired scientists to focus on the development of active biodegradable materials. Herein, a novel poly(vinyl alcohol)/pluronic/ZnO nanocomposite film (PVA/PLUR/ZnO) is introduced as an active packaging material with enhanced antimicrobial activity. Gamma irradiation is used as a “green” route to prepare ZnO nanoparticles via a polymer pyrolysis method. The as‐prepared ecofriendly ZnO nanoparticles are characterized and incorporated into the PVA/PLUR matrix in different concentrations. Transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering measurements prove that ZnO nanoparticles have a mean particle size of 30 nm with a spherical‐like morphology. Morphological and structural characterization confirm the successful incorporation of ZnO into the PVA/PLUR matrix, which in turn enhances the thermal and barrier properties of PVA/PLUR/ZnO nanocomposite films. On the other hand, the opacity of blends is increased. The PVA/PLUR/ZnO composites exhibit broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive, Gram‐negative bacterial pathogens, and fungi, and the activity increases with increasing concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles. These results introduce PVA/PLUR/ZnO films as effective antimicrobial materials for active food‐packaging applications.
Embedded Manganin Gauge Measurements and Modeling of Shock Initiation in HMX‐Based PBX Explosives with Different Particle Sizes and Porosities
Authors: Bai Zhiling , Duan Zhuoping , Wen Lijing , Zhang Zhenyu , Ou Zhuocheng , Huang Fenglei 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA series of shock initiation experiments on the explosive PBXC03 (87 % HMX, 7 % TATB, and 6 % Viton by weight) with different particle sizes and porosities under various shock loadings have been performed, and it is found that the particle size and the porosity of the explosives have much influence on the shock initiation characteristics. That is, the smaller the particle size, the more difficult the explosive to be ignited but the faster the detonation grows once the explosive is ignited. It is also found that the detonation grows the fastest in the explosive with moderate porosity. Moreover, a modified mesoscopic reaction rate model based on the experimental results and the pore collapse hot‐spot ignition mechanism is developed, which allows for a separate reaction mechanism evaluation at different reaction stages for the shock initiation and detonation growth processes in the explosives. The calculated pressure‐time histories and Pop‐Plots for PBXC03 are founded to be all in good agreement with the experimental data. The modified mesoscopic reaction rate model shows its potentiality for quantitatively predicting the effects of the mesostructure of PBXs on the shock initiation and detonation growth processes with a high degree of confidence.
Electron correlation effects in cobalt fluorides CoFn
Authors: Stemmle Christian , Paulus Beate 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe molecular cobalt fluorides CoF2, CoF3 and CoF4 are studied and compared by employing different basis sets as well as Quantum Information Theory (QIT) to investigate their correlation effects. These prototypical monomers may be systematically extended in size yielding a novel quasi 1‐dimensional, strongly correlated model system consisting of cobalt atoms bridged by oxygen atoms and fluorine termination on both ends. Accurate correlation energies are obtained using Full Configuration Interaction (FCI) and Full Configuration Interaction Quantum Monte Carlo (FCIQMC) calculations and the results are compared to Coupled Cluster and Density Matrix Renormalization Group (DMRG) energies. The analysis indicates the cobalt atom requires a larger number of one‐electron basis functions than fluorine and the use of localized molecular orbitals may facilitate calculations for the extended systems.
A familial case of Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome complicated with various cancers
Authors: Goto Yuki , Tobino Kazunori , Munechika Miyuki , Yoshimatsu Yuki , Ide Hiromi , Tsuruno Kosuke 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAn 89‐year‐old woman with small papules on her face presented to our hospital complaining of progressive dyspnoea. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed bilateral multiple lung cysts, a nodular opacity in the right lower lobe, and bilateral pleural effusion. She was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. Her son, a 65‐year‐old man, also had bilateral basally located lung cysts and a past medical history of spontaneous pneumothorax. He had multiple papules on the face and neck, which were pathologically diagnosed as fibrofolliculomas. We considered these cases to be Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome (BHDS). Folliculin (FLCN) gene mutations that may be tumour suppressive are suspected to be causative of this syndrome. FLCN dysfunction might lead to the development of various types of tumours other than renal tumours.
An interactive decision‐making tool for evaluating biological and statistical standards of migrating fish survival past hydroelectric dams
Authors: Molina‐Moctezuma Alejandro , Zydlewski Joseph 
Published: March 2020

AbstractQuantifying the downstream survival of migrating fish past dams is critical for conservation efforts. Regulators require assessments of survival as a condition of operation. Failure to meet an established survival standard may result in required operational or costly structural changes at a facility. Establishing the survival standard, as well as the rules of assessment, is a point of contention between regulators and operators. Management goals are based on biological criteria, but there are inherent statistical and probabilistic trade‐offs when choosing a standard value and the method for assessment. We make a distinction between a “biological” goal (the conservation goal) and a “statistical” standard (a function of the biological goal, sample size, assessment method, and years of consecutive evaluation). An effective statistical standard maximizes true positives (passing the standard when the biological goal is being met) and true negatives (failing the standard when the goal is not being met), while minimizing false negatives and false positives. We explored the effects of sample size, true survival, and assessment methods on the probability of passing different statistical standards by simulating survival studies (simulating mark‐recapture experiments). We observed a strong influence of assessment methods on the probability of making the right decision (true positive or true negative), especially when sample size, and recapture probability was low. As a support tool, we developed an interactive user interface to explore specific scenarios, and to aid communication among decision‐makers.
Characterization of Gelolls in northern Alaska, USA
Authors: Acree Autumn , Weindorf David C. , Galbraith John M. , Jelinski Nicolas A. , Paulette Laura 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMollisols are dark colored, carbon‐rich mineral soils occupying a large proportion (836 soil series) of the soils of the Central Plains of the United States. By contrast, only eight official soil series of Mollisols have been mapped in Alaska (six Haplocryolls, one Calcicryoll, one Haplogeloll). Little information exists about Geloll pedogenesis, taxonomic variability, and extent. In this study, 39 horizons were morphologically described across ten Geloll pedons in northern Alaska. Based on analogous taxonomic structure in Cryolls, two pedons would meet the criteria for a Fluventic subgroup as the organic carbon content was ≥0.3% (1.47% and 0.88%) at a depth of 125 cm below the mineral soil surface. Three pedons would meet the criteria for a Pachic subgroup because the mollic epipedon was thicker than 40 cm (52 cm, 53 cm, and 54 cm) and the texture class was finer than loamy fine sand (sandy loam). However, no Fluventic or Pachic subgroups currently exist for Haplogelolls. Two pedons were classified as Cumulic Haplogelolls, and three pedons were Typic Haplogelolls. Field and laboratory characterization allowed for the development of a Geloll pedogenic concept generally represented by well‐drained soils with limestone and/or dolomitic parent material. Such soils generally feature thin or no surficial organic horizons and large quantities of coarse fragments and coarse textured materials. Soil organic carbon calculations for suspected areas of Alaska Gelolls total 1.18 Pg; closely aligning with estimates of previous studies. Future work should expand the explanatory taxonomy based on new morphological expressions observed throughout gelic temperature regime regions.
The role of ultrasound in enhancing mesenchymal stromal cell-based therapies
Authors: Liu Daniel D. , Ullah Mujib , Concepcion Waldo , Dahl Jeremy J. , Thakor Avnesh S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been a popular platform for cell-based therapy in regenerative medicine due to their propensity to home to damaged tissue and act as a repository of regenerative molecules that can promote tissue repair and exert immunomodulatory effects. Accordingly, a great deal of research has gone into optimizing MSC homing and increasing their secretion of therapeutic molecules. A variety of methods have been used to these ends, but one emerging technique gaining significant interest is the use of ultrasound. Sound waves exert mechanical pressure on cells, activating mechano-transduction pathways and altering gene expression. Ultrasound has been applied both to cultured MSCs to modulate self-renewal and differentiation, and to tissues-of-interest to make them a more attractive target for MSC homing. Here, we review the various applications of ultrasound to MSC-based therapies, including low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, pulsed focused ultrasound, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy, as well as the use of adjunctive therapies such as microbubbles. At a molecular level, it seems that ultrasound transiently generates a local gradient of cytokines, growth factors, and adhesion molecules that facilitate MSC homing. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these methods are far from fully elucidated and may differ depending on the ultrasound parameters. We thus put forth minimal criteria for ultrasound parameter reporting, in order to ensure reproducibility of studies in the field. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms will enhance our ability to optimize this promising therapy to assist MSC-based approaches in regenerative medicine.Significance statement Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a popular platform for regenerative medicine due to their ability to home to damaged organs and secrete molecules that spur cell growth and suppress inflammation. However, there remains a need to optimize their therapeutic effect for clinical translation. One such strategy is the use of ultrasound. Ultrasound can be applied to MSCs to enhance their ability to secrete regenerative molecules or applied to a target organ to make it a more attractive destination for infused MSCs. The present article reviews the current knowledge of ultrasound's biological effects and preclinical applications for MSC-based therapies.
Gender differences in household energy decision‐making and impacts in energy saving to achieve sustainability: A case of Kathmandu
Authors: Shrestha Bindu , Bajracharya Sushil B. , Keitsch Martina M. , Tiwari Sudarshan R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractElectrical appliances use increased in the households of Kathmandu city for the last three decades. The use and purchase of appliances have a significant contribution to household energy‐saving behavior. This study examines gender differences in electrical appliances purchase decision‐making process based on socioeconomic context—headship, family composition, ethnicity, and location as objective variables; and subjective variables—energy practice, knowledge, and consciousness. Data were collected from 623 households survey with cross‐sectional interviews for diversity in Kathmandu in inner‐city, middle‐city, and outer‐city layer. The findings indicated that women actively participated in energy‐saving practices, and men had little higher energy knowledge in technology. In terms of attitude, women scored significantly higher for environmental consciousness by checking energy bills than men. Household energy saving positively influenced through female participation in energy decision‐making process; however, they had a low level of technical knowledge. The study expects to contribute to energy policy for the effective decision‐making process to achieve sustainability from empirical knowledge of gender differences.
CuI/DBU‐Mediated MBH Reaction of Isatins: A Convenient Synthesis of 3‐Substituted‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐oxindole
Authors: Kumar Kapil , Rawal Ravindra K. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAn efficient, simple and economic Morita‐Baylis‐Hillman approach for construction of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐substituted‐2‐oxindole was proceeded smoothly from isatin derivatives and methyl acrylate/acrylonitrile using mild catalytic conditions. It was demonstrated that proper selection of catalyst and reaction medium would differentiate the feasibility of reaction and yield of the final product. Reaction condition was explored the novel combination of Copper Iodide (CuI) and 1,8‐Diazabicyclo [5.4.0] undec‐7‐ene (DBU) in the presence of dichloromethane (DCM) as the medium. This strategy provides a facile access to various derivatives with good to excellent yields in short span of time. The resulting derivatives can serve as a valuable synthetic building block for pharmaceuticals and natural products.
Europium Doped TiO2−Ta2O5 Heterostructure for Photodegradation of Dyes
Authors: Ghugal Sachin G. , Vidyasagar Devthade , Ghugal Sandip G. , Shende Ashok G. , Toshali Bhoyar Ms. , Umare Suresh S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA europium doped TiO2−Ta2O5 mixed oxide heterostructure prepared by wet impregnation method shows improved visible light absorption than the anatase TiO2 and undoped TiO2−Ta2O5 heterostructure. The structural analysis suggested the presence of mixed TiO2 and the orthorhombic Ta2O5 phase. The photoactivity of Eu‐doped TiO2−Ta2O5 composites assessed towards the degradation of a model indigo carmine (IC) dye revealed high photodegradation activity than the individual metal oxides. The combination of efficient photo‐excitons separation and enhanced visible‐light absorption are corroborated factors responsible for the upgraded photocatalytic activity. Importantly, the prepared heterostructure found to be photostable and active for six repetitive recycles.
FeCl3‐Catalyzed [3+2] Cycloaddition Reaction: A Mild Synthetic Approach to Spirooxindolo‐2‐iminothiazolidine Scaffolds
Authors: Bhandari Sonal , Sakla Akash P. , Shankaraiah Nagula 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA facile one‐pot [3+2] cycloaddition reaction for the synthesis of diversely substituted spirooxindolo‐2‐iminothiazolidine scaffolds has been accomplished by employing FeCl3as catalyst. This reaction proceedsviaLewis acid‐mediated activation of spiro‐oxindole aziridines to generate a 1,3‐dipole which undergoes intramolecular cycloaddition with different aryl/alkyl isothiocyantes. The present method offers atom economy, broad substrate scope, good to moderate yields, and wide functional group tolerance. In addition, one of the representative structures was confirmed by single X‐ray crystallography analysis.
Brönsted Acidic Ionic Liquids Catalysed Sequential Michael‐Like Addition of Indole with Chalcones via Claisen‐Schmidt Condensation
Authors: Das Sukanya , Porashar Bikoshita , Saikia Susmita , Borah Ruli 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA sequential acidic ionic liquid catalyzed one pot approach was conducted for preparation of 3‐substituted indoles starting from in situ generated chalcones involving Claisen‐Schmidt condensation of substituted aromatic aldehydes with acetophenone followed by Michael‐like addition of indoles to these chalcones under solvent‐free thermal reactions. For this purpose, some new and some reported Brönsted acidic ionic liquids, 2‐alkyl‐1, 3‐disulfoimidazolium carboxylate [RDSIM][X] (where R=Me & Et and X=CH3COO−, CCl3COO−, CF3COO−), were analyzed to compare their Brönsted acidic strength and thermal stabilities. From this investigation, 2‐methyl‐1, 3‐disulfoimidazolium trifluoroacetate [MDSIM][CF3COO] and 2‐ethyl‐1,3‐disulfoimidazolium trifluoroacetate [EDSIM][CF3COO] were determined as efficient ionic liquid catalysts for study of the two‐step one pot synthesis of 3‐substituted indoles.
Anticancer Potential of N‐Sulfonyl Noscapinoids: Synthesis and Evaluation
Authors: Kumar Reddy Nagireddy Praveen , Krishna Kommalapati Vamsi , Siva Krishna Vagolu , Sriram Dharmarajan , Devi Tangutur Anjana , Kantevari Srinivas 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNoscapine is an alkaloid with a basic phthalideisoquinoline moiety and is well recognized as an antitussive drug. It is obtained from opium poppy Papaver somniferum and demonstrates a rather safe toxicity profile in vitro. Recent studies found noscapine and its analogues to have anticancer activity against mammalian cancer cell lines by modulating microtubule assembly. In the present study, we report the synthesis and evaluation of cytotoxicity of a series of N‐sulfonyl noscapinoids 6 a–n obtained by reaction of nornoscapine with various aryl/heteroaryl sulfonyl chlorides. To assess the antiproliferative activity of the novel derivatives 6 a–n, SRB assay was performed in four different human cancer cell lines, MIAPaCa‐2 (pancreatic), HeLa (cervical), SK−N−SH (neuroblastoma) and DU145 (prostate cancer). The study identified four compounds 6 e–g and 6 j ability to arrest cell‐cycle at the G2/M phase and cytotoxic potential against the human pancreatic cancer cell line MIAPaCa‐2. We observed that these compounds 6 e–g and 6 j induce microtubule depolymerisation and cause cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase thereby resulting in caspase‐3 and PARP activation leading to cell death. In silico molecular docking studies of these compounds showed non‐covalent interactions like Van der Waals and hydrogen‐bonding with tubulin protein and with good binding energy.
Self‐supported Reevesite Ni‐Fe Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheet Arrays for Efficient Water Oxidation
Authors: Liang Shuang , Wei Bo , Yuan Mengke , Li Ying , Ma Xiao , Wu Yanyan , Xu Lingling 
Published: March 2020

AbstractRational design of high efficient and low cost oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrodes is critical for electrochemical water splitting. Herein, we report Reevesite Ni−Fe layered double hydroxide (NiFe‐(CO32−)‐LDH) nanosheet arrays as novel OER catalysts in alkaline electrolyte. These self‐supported nanosheet arrays with a composition of Ni6Fe2(CO3)(OH)16 ⋅ 4H2O on Ni foam (NF) were synthesized by a one‐pot hydrothermal method, in which NF served as both the conductive substrate and Ni source. The morphology and OER activity can be tuned by iron concentration. In 1 M KOH, the optimized NiFe‐(CO32−)‐LDH catalyst only required overpotentials of 228 and 264 mV to deliver current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively, with a small Tafel slope of 37 mV dec−1. Remarkably, this catalyst also showed outstanding durability by long‐term operation for 20 h with 96 % retention. Our work provides attractive cost‐effective 3D catalysts for efficient and robust water oxidation at alkaline media.
Enantioselective Desymmetrizations of Diesters to Synthesize Fully Substituted Chiral Centers of 3,4‐Dihydrocoumarins and Related Compounds
Authors: Kelley Amber M. , Haywood Rhashanda D. , White Jonathan C. , Petersen Kimberly S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this communication, a preparation of novel enantioenriched 1,4‐dioxanones, 1,4‐morpholinones and 3,4‐dihydrocoumarins is described. The outlined procedure utilizes a desymmetrization strategy of prochiral diesters whereby a chiral phosphoric acid catalyzes an intramolecular lactonization to yield enantioenriched fully substituted chiral centers. This desymmetrization strategy yielded various lactones with excellent to moderate enantioselectivity and yields (12 examples up to 99% ee and 96% yield).
Piezochromism of Cruciform‐Shaped Luminophores: Suitable Molecular Design to Enhance Colour Difference and Sensitivity
Authors: Wang Bin , Wang Kai , Wei ChunYing 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTwo cruciform‐shaped piezochromic materials, PBM‐DPA and PBM‐BCbz, have been developed. PBM‐DPA exhibits a higher photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQY) and redder emission than PBM‐BCbz owing to the formation of a hybridized local and charge‐transfer (HLCT) excited state. Furthermore, high‐pressure measurements indicate that PBM‐DPA displays a higher sensitivity (9.4 nm/GPa) than PBM‐BCbz (6.4 nm/GPa) under the same pressure range. Information from the crystal structures suggests that this is because of the easier planarization of diphenylamine (DPA) in PBM‐DPA. In contrast, PBM‐BCbz possesses a twisty conformation, owing to the large dihedral between the central benzene ring and carbazole (Cbz), which hinders the coplanarization of the whole PBM‐BCbz molecule. This phenomenon reveals that molecular structure can efficiently influence piezochromic contrast and sensitivity. Both the planarization and the HLCT excited‐state characteristics make PBM‐DPA a high‐performance piezochromic material. This research will help to design high‐performance pressure‐response materials.