bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bifunctional DNA Duplexes Permit Efficient Incorporation of pH Probes into Liposomes
Authors: Dolder Nicolas , von Ballmoos Christoph 
Published: March 2020

AbstractEnzyme‐mediated proton transport across biological membranes is critical for many vital cellular processes. pH‐sensitive fluorescent dyes are an indispensable tool for investigating the molecular mechanism of proton‐translocating enzymes. Here, we present a novel strategy to entrap pH‐sensitive probes in the lumen of liposomes that has several advantages over the use of soluble or lipid‐coupled probes. In our approach, the pH sensor is linked to a DNA oligomer with a sequence complementary to a second oligomer modified with a lipophilic moiety that anchors the DNA conjugate to the inner and outer leaflets of the lipid bilayer. The use of DNA as a scaffold allows subsequent selective enzymatic removal of the probe in the outer bilayer leaflet. The method shows a high yield of insertion and is compatible with reconstitution of membrane proteins by different methods. The usefulness of the conjugate for time‐resolved proton pumping measurements was demonstrated by using two large membrane protein complexes.
A rare case of group A streptococcal toxic‐shock syndrome in a postpartum adolescent leading to multi‐organ failure
Authors: Cortez Granados Samuel , Batsch Jonathan , Lui Asona , Hessman Jacob , Gloyeske Nika , Panchal Apurva 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTeenage pregnancy is not uncommon, but given the age of the patient, experience, and competency among medical providers varies. While toxic‐shock syndrome from group A streptococcus is rare in teenage pregnancy, observed is a gap in care of bridging.
Rh(III)‐Catalyzed Selective ortho‐C−H Amination of Benzoic Acids with Anthranils: A Facile Access to Anthranilic Acid Derivatives (AAs)
Authors: Gao Yang , Nie Jianhong , Li Yibiao , Liao Guilan , Huo Yanping , Hu Xiao‐Qiang 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAn efficient Rh(III)‐catalyzed Csp2‐H amination protocol of benzoic acids with anthranils was developed for the rapid assembly of valuable anthranilic acid derivatives (AAs). The weakly coordinating carboxyl acted as a directing group and was further transformed to an ester group after facilitating the first C−H amination process. This reaction features good functional group tolerance, mild conditions and operational simplicity. The synthetic potential of this methodology was demonstrated by the synthesis of various useful heterocycles and derivatives.
Coupling Photothermal Effect into Efficient Photocatalytic H2 Production by Using a Plate‐like Cu@Ni Core‐shell Cocatalyst
Authors: Guo Xinyang , Xue Fei , Xu Shikai , Shen Shaohua , Huang Hongwen , Liu Maochang 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe general moderate reaction condition in solar photocatalytic hydrogen production (i. e., near ambient pressure, room temperature) makes interfacial mass and energy transfer extremely slow, even by employing a cocatalytic material (usually in the form of noble metal nanoparticles or their counterparts). Herein, by fabricating well‐defined Cu@Ni core‐shell nanoplate cocatalyst and further incorporating it with a g‐C3N4 photocatalyst, we demonstrate that interfacial processes could be significantly improved by coupling localized photothermal effect into a cocatalyst. Specifically, Cu nanoplate can induce localized strong hot spots on Ni nanoparticles via a visible‐light‐driven surface plasma resonance effect. As a result, photogenerated electrons transferred from g‐C3N4 to Ni, could be elevated to a more energetic state, leading to a substantially improved photocatalytic activity toward H2 evolution from water. The highest hydrogen generation rate reaches 55 μmol h−1 g−1, 110 times of that pristine g‐C3N4. This work indicates that photoelectric and photothermal effects can be effectively coupled by integrating metal hetero‐nanoparticles.
Detailed Kinetic Model for the Reaction of Ethene to Propene on Ni/AlMCM‐41
Authors: Felischak Matthias , Wolff Tanya , Alvarado Perea Leo , Seidel‐Morgenstern Andreas , Hamel Christof 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe Ni/AlMCM‐41 was prepared and applied as the catalyst for the direct conversion of ethene to propene. Based on the results of the broad experimental study, two reaction networks were compared, one consisting of dimerization, isomerization and metathesis and a modified network suggesting the cracking of long‐chain olefins. To correlate the experimentally obtained data, the classical Langmuir‐Hinshelwood‐Hougen‐Watson model was applied for both reaction networks. The second network involving catalytic cracking offers a satisfying prediction of the observed product distributions.
Investigation of fluidized bed behaviour using electrical capacitance tomography
Authors: Azzi Abdelwahid , Bouyahiaoui Hiba , Berrouk Abdallah S. , Hunt Andrew , Lowndes Ian S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe temporal and cross‐sectional distributions of particles in a 127 mm diameter fluidized bed have been obtained using a new generation, high‐speed electrical capacitance tomography. Two planes of eight electrodes were used and mounted at 160 and 660 mm from the gas distributor which was a 3 mm thick porous plastic plate (maximum pore size of 50‐70
μm). 3 mm diameter, nearly‐spherical polyethylene granules made up the bed. Experiments at sampling frequencies of 200‐2000 cross‐sections per second and gas superficial velocities from just below the minimum fluidization to 83% above minimum fluidization velocities were used. The time series of the cross‐sectional average void fractions have been examined both directly and in amplitude and frequency space. The last two used probability density functions and power spectral densities. The information gathered shows that the fluidized bed was operating in the slugging mode, which is not surprising given the size of the particles. It has been found that an increase in the excess gas velocity above the minimum fluidization velocity resulted in an increase in the mean void fraction, an increase in the length and velocity of the slug bubbles as well as the bed height, and a slight decrease in the slug frequency. The results are presented in a level of detail suitable for comparison with later numerical simulation.
Sequential Ir‐Catalyzed Allylation/2‐aza‐Cope Rearrangement Strategy for the Construction of Chiral Homoallylic Amines†
Authors: Wang Ruo‐Qing , Shen Chong , Cheng Xiang , Wang Zuo‐Fei , Tao Hai‐Yan , Dong Xiu‐Qin , Wang Chun‐Jiang 
Published: March 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusionSequential Ir‐catalyzed asymmetric allylation/2‐aza‐Cope rearrangement of arylidene aminomalonates with allylic carbonates was successfully developed, and a variety of enantioenriched homoallylic amine derivatives were obtained in high yields with good chirality transfer and excellent E/Z‐geometry control (up to 99% yield, 96% ee). Compared with previous dual catalytic system established for this transformation, the current mono metal catalytic system provides a simpler and more practical protocol employing the readily available starting materials.
Radical Heteroarylalkylation of Alkenes via Three‐Component Docking‐Migration Thioetherification Cascade
Authors: Niu Tao , Liu Jige , Wu Xinxin , Zhu Chen 
Published: March 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusionA novel, rational‐designed approach to access various heteroaryl‐substituted alkyl thioethers was developed via docking‐migration cascade process. By utilizing three components involving alkene, dual‐function reagent, and thioetherificating reagent, radical heteroarylalkylation of alkenes followed by thiolation of the alkyl radical intermediates proceeded smoothly, manifesting well compatibility of substrates and cascade transformations. Furthermore, this protocol also features mild conditions, broad substrate scope, and wide product diversity.
The Origin of the Electrocatalytic Activity for CO2 Reduction Associated with Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhang Xiaolong , Zhu Yinlong , Qian Binbin , Bond Alan M. , Zhang Jie 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThere has been a rapid growth in the use of metal–organic framework (MOF) materials as electrocatalysts. However, simple anodic stripping analysis reveals that some well‐known previously reported stable MOFs are in fact unstable at the negative potentials used to catalytically reduce CO2 in aqueous electrolyte media. Thus, it is the resulting metal nanoparticles derived from reduction of the MOFs rather than the MOFs themselves that are the electrocatalysts. The results reported herein therefore suggest that stability data and the origin of the activity for MOF electrocatalysts may need careful re‐evaluation and that suitable strategies are needed to ensure that stable MOF electrocatalysts have been synthesized. The use of the readily accessible stripping analysis method provides a powerful tool to assess MOF stability under turnover conditions.
Does breeding season variation affect evolution of a sexual signaling trait in a tropical lizard clade?
Authors: Gray Levi N. , Barley Anthony J. , Hillis David M. , Pavón‐Vázquez Carlos J. , Poe Steven , White Brittney A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSexually selected traits can be expected to increase in importance when the period of sexual behavior is constrained, such as in seasonally restricted breeders.Anolislizard male dewlaps are classic examples of multifaceted signaling traits, with demonstrated intraspecific reproductive function reflected in courtship behavior. Fitch and Hillis found a correlation between dewlap size and seasonality in mainlandAnolisusing traditional statistical methods and suggested that seasonally restricted breeding seasons enhanced the differentiation of this signaling trait. Here, we present two tests of the Fitch–Hillis Hypothesis using new phylogenetic and morphological data sets for 44 species of MexicanAnolis. A significant relationship between dewlap size and seasonality is evident in phylogenetically uncorrected analyses but erodes once phylogeny is accounted for. This loss of strong statistical support for a relationship between a key aspect of dewlap morphology and seasonality also occurs within a species complex (A. sericeusgroup) that inhabits seasonal and aseasonal environments. Our results fail to support seasonality as a strong driver of evolution ofAnolisdewlap size. We discuss the implications of our results and the difficulty of disentangling the strength of single mechanisms on trait evolution when multiple selection pressures are likely at play.
The impact of coenzyme Q10 on metabolic and cardiovascular disease profiles in diabetic patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Dludla Phiwayinkosi V. , Nyambuya Tawanda M. , Orlando Patrick , Silvestri Sonia , Mxinwa Vuyolwethu , Mokgalaboni Kabelo , Nkambule Bongani B. , Louw Johan , Muller Christo J. F. , Tiano Luca 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimsCoenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is well known for its beneficial effects in cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, reported evidence has not been precisely synthesized to better inform on its impact in protecting against cardiovascular‐related complications in diabetic patients.Materials and MethodologyThe current meta‐analysis included randomized controlled trials published in the past 5 years reporting on the effect of CoQ10 on metabolic and CVD‐related risk profiles in individuals with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. We searched electronic databases such as MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus and EMBASE for eligible studies. In addition to assessing the risk of bias and quality of evidence, the random and fixed‐effect models were used to calculate the standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals for metabolic parameters and CVD outcomes.ResultsOverall, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria, enrolling a total of 650 patients. Although CoQ10 supplementation did not statistically affect all metabolic profiles measured, it significantly reduced CVD‐risk‐related indexes such as total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in diabetic patients when compared to those on placebo [SMD = 0.13, 95% CI (0.03; 0.23), Chi2 = 43.62 and I2 = 29%, P = .07].ConclusionsThe overall results demonstrated that supplementation with CoQ10 shows an enhanced potential to lower CVD risk in diabetic patients by reducing total cholesterol and LDL. Moreover, the beneficial effects of CoQ10 in lowering the CVD risk are associated with its ameliorative properties against oxidative stress and improving endothelial health.
GABAergic modulation of secondary hyperalgesia: A randomized controlled 4‐way crossover trial with the α2‐subunit preferring GABA positive allosteric modulator, N‐desmethyl‐clobazam in healthy volunteers
Authors: Matthey Alain , Daali Youssef , Curtin François , Poncet Antoine , Desmeules Jules , Besson Marie 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe antihyperalgesic and sedative effects of the α2‐subunit preferring GABAA positive allosteric modulator (GAM), N‐desmethyl‐clobazam (NDMC), 20 and 60 mg, were assessed in a randomized, placebo and active‐controlled (clonazepam 1,5 mg), 4‐way crossover study, in healthy volunteers, using the ultraviolet B‐induced experimental pain model. Single (20, 40, 60 mg) and repeated doses (20 mg over 15 days) of NDMC pharmacokinetics were evaluated. Thirty‐two subjects participated in the study. Primary outcome parameter was maximal change in the area of cutaneous UVB irradiation‐induced secondary hyperalgesia (ASH). ASH decreased under all treatments. Mean (SD) relative change was 79 (22)%, 83 (24)%, 77 (30)% and 92 (16)% for placebo, NDMC20, NDMC60 and clonazepam, respectively. Neither absolute change nor relative change in ASH was significantly different between NDMC60 and placebo (mean difference = 2.3 cm2 [95% CI 4.0–8.5], p = .462 and 0.4% [−11.9 to 12.6], p = .952, respectively). An overall treatment effect was found on level of sedation. Compared to placebo, sedation was higher under clonazepam (mean difference = 39 mm [30–49] on a visual analogue scale, p < .001) while NDMC was free of sedative effect. NDMC pharmacokinetics after single doses showed poor absorption, but was linear. Steady‐state plasma concentrations of NDMC20 were attained within 14 days, with low between‐subjects variability. Mean steady‐state concentration (CS‐S, SD) reached 209 (22) ng/ml. NDMC absence of sedative effect and its overall well‐characterized safety coming from years of utilization as a metabolite from clobazam, raise the prospect of dose escalating trials in patients to quantify its clinical utility.SignificanceThis article, presenting the Phase I data of the new antihyperalgesic compound, α2‐subunit GABAA positive allosteric modulator, N‐desmethyl‐clobazam (NDMC) is exploring the modulation of a new target in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Based on these results and on its preclinical properties NDMC would qualify as a good tool compound to seek confirmation of the clinical utility of selective GABA allosteric modulators in neuropathic pain patients.
Acute pain measured with the modified Bernese Pain Scale for Neonates is influenced by individual contextual factors
Authors: Schenk Karin , Stoffel Lilian , Bürgin Reto , Stevens Bonnie , Bassler Dirk , Schulzke Sven , Nelle Mathias , Cignacco Eva 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundIndividual contextual factors like gestational age (GA) or previous painful experiences have an influence on neonates’ pain responses and may lead to inaccurate pain assessment when not appropriately considered.ObjectivesWe set out to determine the influence of individual contextual factors on variability in pain response in neonates, measured with the modified Bernese Pain Scale for Neonates (BPSN), and, if necessary, to incorporate relevant individual factors into a revised version of the BPSN.MethodsWe videotaped 154 full‐term and preterm neonates of different GAs during 1–5 capillary heel sticks in their first 14 days of life. For each heel stick, we produced three video sequences: baseline, heel stick, and recovery. The randomized sequences were rated on the BPSN by five blinded nurses. Individual contextual factors were retrospectively extracted from patient charts and from the video recordings. We analysed the data in single and multiple linear mixed models.ResultsPremature birth (b = −0.721), caffeine (b = −0.302), and the behavioural states quiet and awake (b = −0.283), active and asleep (b = −0.158), and quiet and asleep (b = −0.498) were associated with changes in behavioural pain scores. Premature birth (b = −0.232), mechanical ventilation (b = −0.196), and duration of the heel stick procedure (b = 0.0004) were associated with changes in physiological pain scores. Premature birth (b = −0.907), Caffeine (b = −0.402), the behavioural states quiet and awake (b = −0.274), and quiet and asleep (b = −0.459), and duration of the heel stick procedure (b = 0.001) were associated with changes in the modified BPSN total scores.ConclusionsPostmenstrual age, behavioural state, caffeine, and ventilation status have an influence on neonates’ pain response and should be incorporated in the revised BPSN to enhance clinical pain assessment in neonates with different GAs.SignificanceWe identified individual contextual factors associated with dampened pain response in neonates and will incorporate them into a revised version of the Bernese Pain Scale for Neonates to provide clinicians with a tool they can use to more accurately assess and manage pain in this vulnerable population.
Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the primary motor cortex attenuates capsaicin‐induced dynamic mechanical allodynia and mechanical pain sensitivity in humans
Authors: Hughes Sam W. , Ward Grace , Strutton Paul H. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundAnodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the primary cortex has been shown to activate regions of the brain involved in the descending modulation of pain sensitivity. However, more research is required to dissect the spinal cord analgesic mechanisms associated with the development of central sensitization.MethodsIn this randomized, double blind, crossover study 12 healthy participants had baseline mechanical stimulus response (S/R) functions measured before and after the development of capsaicin‐induced ongoing pain sensitivity. The effects of 20 min of either real or sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS, 2 mA) over the primary motor cortex on dynamic mechanical allodynia (DMA) and mechanical pain sensitivity (MPS) were then investigated.ResultsTopical application of capsaicin resulted in an increase in area under the pain ratings curve for both DMA (p < .01) and MPS (p < .01). The effects of tDCS on the area under the curve ratio (i.e. post‐/pre‐treatment) revealed significant analgesic effects over DMA (p < .05) and MPS (p < .05) when compared with sham.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that anodal tDCS over the primary motor cortex can reduce both dynamic and static forms of mechanical pain sensitivity associated with the development of DMA and MPS, respectively. The use of tDCS may provide a novel mechanism‐driven therapy in chronic pain patients with altered mechanical S/R functions.SignificanceThis research shows new evidence that anodal tDCS over the primary motor cortex can reduce dynamic and static forms of mechanical pain sensitivity in the capsaicin model of ongoing pain. By using this approach, it may be possible to provide mechanism‐driven analgesia in chronic pain patients who have dynamic mechanical allodynia and/or secondary mechanical hyperalgesia.
Investigation of the synergistic effect with chiral D‐penicillamine functionalized gold nanoparticle as an additive for enantiomeric separation in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Feng Zijie , Yang Yue , Xu Guangfu , Du Yingxiang , Sun Xiaodong 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe authors describe a synergistic system for nanoparticle based chiral separation. It is based on the use of a conventional chiral selector hydroxyproyl‐β‐cyclodextrin and a kind of gold nanoparticle functionalized with D‐penicillamine as an additive. This nanomaterial displays a synergistic effect on the efficiency of the enantioseparation of the chiral drugs amlodipine, tropicamide, and ofloxacin. A comparative study on the enantioseparation capability of three separation systems, viz. (a) single hydroxyproyl‐β‐cyclodextrin system, (b) achiral citrate capped gold nanoparticle/ hydroxyproyl‐β‐cyclodextrin system, and (c) chiral D‐penicillamine functionalized gold nanoparticle/ hydroxyproyl‐β‐cyclodextrin system was performed. The results show that the D‐penicillamine functionalized gold nanoparticle/hydroxyproyl‐β‐cyclodextrin synergistic system has remarkable superiority. The effects of concentrations of D‐penicillamine functionalized gold nanoparticle and hydroxyproyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, of buffer pH value and concentration, and of applied voltage on the performance of enantioseparation were investigated.
Challenges and applications of isotachophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry: A review
Authors: Melzer Tanja , Wimmer Benedikt , Bock Stephanie , Posch Tjorben Nils , Huhn Carolin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractElectrophoretic separations are of growing interest to tackle complex analytical challenges. Nevertheless, capillary electrophoresis, as the most common mode, still suffers from insufficient detection limits due to low capillary loadability. ITP is of growing interest as preconcentration method for capillary electrophoresis and is also interesting to be applied as an independent analytical method. While mass spectrometric detection is common for capillary electrophoresis, the combination of ITP with MS is still a niche technique. In this work, we want to give an overview on isotachophoretic effects in CE‐MS and ITP‐MS methods, as well as coupling techniques of ITP with CE‐MS. The challenges and possibilities associated with mass spectrometric detection in ITP and its coupling to capillary electrophoresis are critically discussed.
Effect of temperature on the hydrolysis of levan treated with compressed hot water fluids
Authors: Shimizu Naoto , Abea Andres , Ushiyama Tetsuya , Toksoy Öner Ebru 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe hydrolysis of levan using compressed hot water for the production of functional fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) was investigated. Levans from Erwinia herbicola (EH) and Halomonas smyrnensis (HS) were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and light scattering techniques, and hydrolyzed using compressed hot water at four temperatures (120, 140, 160, and 180°C). The hydrolysates were analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry. Levan HS showed a crystalline morphology, whereas levan EH showed an aggregated structure. Both levans had molar masses on the order of 106 g/mol, but levan EH had a smaller radius of gyration, hydrodynamic radius, and intrinsic viscosity. Levan EH hydrolyzed into FOSs at approximately 120°C, whereas levan HS required a temperature of at least 160°C, possibly because of differences in the degree of branching of the two levans. Both samples were degraded to fructose when treated at 180°C.