bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Response of Maize (Zea mays) on Crude Oil Polluted Soil after One Month of Remediation with Spent Mushroom Substrate
Authors: Chukwumati J. A. , Ibanibo G. C. , Adedokun O. M. 
Published: January 2020

The study was conducted to evaluate the influence of different levels of crude oil pollution remediated with spent mushroom substrate (SMS) on the growth of maize after one month of pollution. Composite soil samples randomly collected were polluted with Bonny light crude oil (v/w) at a concentration of 0%, 2%, 4% and 6% in a perforated plastic pots with 6 kg of top soil (0-20) cm. Ten percent of decomposed SMS was applied on each of the pots. A month after remediation, four seeds of Oba Super 11 maize variety were sown into each pot and later thinned to two after germination. The design was Complete Randomized Design consisting of six treatments and four replicates. After eight weeks of the study, results revealed a reduction in plant germination rate (60%) in polluted (SCM) against (87%) in non-polluted (SM) soil. Plant germination was highest (93.8%) on natural soil (SSM) amended with SMS. Amendment of the polluted soil with SMS improved the germination of the plant from 60% to 75%. There was a significant (P<0.01) decrease in plant height on polluted against natural soils. Amendment of the polluted soil with SMS slightly increased the height of the plant though not significant within the first six weeks of the study, however, a significant (P<0.01) increase was observed on the seventh and eighth weeks of the study. Pollution of the soil with crude oil revealed significant (P<0.01) reduction on some soil physico-chemical properties (available phosphorus, exchangeable cations (Ca, Mg and K), while a significant (P<0.01) increase was observed on total hydrocarbon content, total nitrogen, total organic carbon and total organic matter on the polluted over natural soil. Amendment of the polluted soil with SMS improved the nutrient status of the soil as there was significant (P<0.01) increase in the concentration of Ca, Mg, K, P and a reduction in the content of THC, TOC of the soil. Remediation of crude oil polluted soil, with spent mushroom substrate a month after pollution, improved soil fertility.
Relationship between Dose and Duration of Administration of Potassium Bromate on Selected Electrolytes and Hepatorenal Parameters in Male Albino Wistar Rats
Authors: Y. Gazuwa Samuel , D. Dabak Jonathan , H. Jaryum Kiri , Oluwa Ige 
Published: January 2020

Aim: To monitor the effects of dosage and duration of administering KBrO3 on some electrolytes and hepatorenal parameters in male albino Wistar rats.
Study Design: 24 rats, mean weight of 181.3 g were grouped into 4 with 6 rats of each. Experiment spanned over 12 days. In the control group, animals were fed standard diet. Animals in the test groups were fed diet containing 67, 100 and 167 mg/kg dose of KBrO3 according to body weight. 2 rats from each group were sacrificed on the 4th, 8th and 12th days.
Place and Duration of Study: University of Jos; 1 month including writing the report.
Methods: Spectrophotometric and titrimetric techniques were applied. InStat3 statistical software was used to analyse the data obtained. P≤.05 was considered significant.
Results: on the 4th day at 67mg/kg dose, showed raised serum activities (IU) of ALT, 41.0±9.6, and AST, 130.2±31.53, (P=.05). At 100 mg/kg dose, serum activities of ALT, 52.12±1.12, AST, 180.0±0.41, and level (g/L) of Total Proteins, TP, 67.77±0.35, were elevated (P=.05).On the 8th day at 67mg/kg dose, there were no significant increases (P>.05). At 100 mg/kg dose, only AST activity, 98.0±43.86, increased (P=.05). Levels of urea (UR) and creatinine (CR) were lower than the control at both 60 and 100 mg/kg dose. At 167mg/kg dose, level of TP and activities of ALT, and AST increased (P=.05) relative control. On the 12thday, treatments at 67 mg/kg dose raised the activities of ALT and AST (P=.05).At 100 mg/kg dose, level of creatinine, 106±19.2 µmol/L, was significantly (P=.05) elevated. For urea, mmol/L, test groups results (4.26±1.39; 6.70±2.01; 21.07±2.21) were higher (P=.05) relative control group. Activities of AST and ALP were raised (P=.05). On the 12th day at 167 mg/kg dose, TP, ALT, AST and ALP significantly (P=.05) elevated implying toxicity of KBrO3 is both dose and duration of exposure-depended. On 4th and 8th day of treatment, mean level of Cl- was significantly (P=.05) raised whereas HCO3- was not significantly (P>.05) increased. 12th day of experimentation resulted in dose, and duration of exposure dependent increase concentration of Cl- (P=.05).
Conclusion: This compound could potentially cause injury to, especially hepatocytes and nephrons. It can also perturb the redox status of the cell with its attendant metabolic consequences; hence, moderate use is imperative.
Rapid Photocrosslinking of Silk Hydrogels with High Cell Density and Enhanced Shape Fidelity
Authors: Cui Xiaolin , Soliman Bram G. , Alcala‐Orozco Cesar R. , Li Jun , Vis Michelle A. M. , Santos Miguel , Wise Steven G. , Levato Riccardo , Malda Jos , Woodfield Tim B. F. , Rnjak‐Kovacina Jelena , Lim Khoon S. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSilk fibroin hydrogels crosslinked through di‐tyrosine bonds are clear, elastomeric constructs with immense potential in regenerative medicine applications. In this study, demonstrated is a new visible light‐mediated photoredox system for di‐tyrosine bond formation in silk fibroin that overcomes major limitations of current conventional enzymatic‐based crosslinking. This photomediated system rapidly crosslinks silk fibroin (<1 min), allowing encapsulation of cells at significantly higher cell densities (15 million cells mL−1) while retaining high cell viability (>80%). The photocrosslinked silk hydrogels present more stable mechanical properties which do not undergo spontaneous transition to stiff, β‐sheet‐rich networks typically seen for enzymatically crosslinked systems. These hydrogels also support long‐term culture of human articular chondrocytes, with excellent cartilage tissue formation. This system also facilitates the first demonstration of biofabrication of silk fibroin constructs in the absence of chemical modification of the protein structure or rheological additives. Cell‐laden constructs with complex, ordered, graduated architectures, and high resolution (40 µm) are fabricated using the photocrosslinking system, which cannot be achieved using the enzymatic crosslinking system. Taken together, this work demonstrates the immense potential of a new crosslinking approach for fabrication of elastomeric silk hydrogels with applications in biofabrication and tissue regeneration.
Supercharged Proteins and Polypeptides
Authors: Ma Chao , Malessa Anke , Boersma Arnold J. , Liu Kai , Herrmann Andreas 
Published: January 2020

AbstractElectrostatic interactions play a vital role in nature. Biomacromolecules such as proteins are orchestrated by electrostatics, among other intermolecular forces, to assemble and organize biochemistry. Natural proteins with a high net charge exist in a folded state or are unstructured and can be an inspiration for scientists to artificially supercharge other protein entities. Recent findings show that supercharging proteins allows for control of their properties such as temperature resistance and catalytic activity. One elegant method to transfer the favorable properties of supercharged proteins to other proteins is the fabrication of fusions. Genetically engineered, supercharged unstructured polypeptides (SUPs) are just one promising fusion tool. SUPs can also be complexed with artificial entities to yield thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystals and liquids. These architectures represent novel bulk materials that are sensitive to external stimuli. Interestingly, SUPs undergo fluid–fluid phase separation to form coacervates. These coacervates can even be directly generated in living cells or can be combined with dissipative fiber assemblies that induce life‐like features. Supercharged proteins and SUPs are developed into exciting classes of materials. Their synthesis, structures, and properties are summarized. Moreover, potential applications are highlighted and challenges are discussed.
Plant‐Inspired Soft Bistable Structures Based on Hygroscopic Electrospun Nanofibers
Authors: Lunni Dario , Cianchetti Matteo , Filippeschi Carlo , Sinibaldi Edoardo , Mazzolai Barbara 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe tissue composition and microstructures of plants have dynamic morphologies that change according to their environments. Recently, multifunctional responsive materials and smart structures also took inspiration from these plants' features.Dionaea muscipulaleaves provide a remarkable example of an optimized structure that, owing to the synergistic integration of bistability, material, and geometrical properties, permits to overcome the performance limits of purely diffusive processes. In this paper, a hygroscopic bistable structure (HBS) inspired by the Venus flytrap leaves is presented, obtained by bonding prestretched poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) layers prior to depositing electrospun polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofibers. A hygroresponsive bilayer (HBL) is also obtained by electrospinning of PEO on an unstretched PDMS layer. The hygroscopic material (Young's modulus and hygroscopic expansion) is mechanically characterized so as to predict the response time of a bending HBL in response to a step humidity variation. The HBS response time (≈1 s) is sensibly lower than the one of purely diffusive HBL (≈10 s) thanks to bistability. An illustrative implementation is also presented, exploiting an HBS to trigger the curvature of a PDMS optical focusing system. The developed plant‐inspired soft bistable structure can also be used for sensing (e.g., humidity), energy harvesting, as well as advanced soft robotics applications.
A Highly Accurate, Stretchable Touchpad for Robust, Linear, and Stable Tactile Feedback
Authors: Shao Ruomei , Wang Chunnan , Wang Guiqiang , Zhao Jingru , Sun Shuqing 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA stretchable and steady performance of human–machine interfaces and localized tactile perception is a broad concerning problem. Existing tactile sensors and touchpads claim to be stretchable for location detection failing to offer a location with uniformity during inevitable flexible movements, as well as linearity. The fabrication of a highly stretchable and transparent touch sensor, which is made of hydrogels and PDMS, could simultaneously and precisely determine location and pressure while being stretched or unstretched. It is noteworthy that the sensor introduces a new structure of resistant‐system into stretchable sensors, which needs only four electrodes in 3D helical structure without sacrificing linearity. A few drops of silicone oil are added to the interfaces to prevent the dehydration of the hydrogels, which is a common problem leading to device failure. In the same time, the transparency is improved significantly from 84.3% to 96%. Its interface application is demonstrated by practically using it for drawing, dialing numbers, calculating, and playing cards. Finite element analysis based on Ogden models indicates that the sensor shows instant response without delay, which is vital for super‐elastic materials based electronics.
Application of Transaminases in a Disperse System for the Bioamination of Hydrophobic Substrates
Authors: Fiorati Andrea , Berglund Per , Humble Maria S. , Tessaro Davide 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe challenging bioamination of hydrophobic substrates has been attained through the employment of a disperse system consisting of a combination of a low polarity solvent (e. g. isooctane or methyl‐tert‐butylether), a non‐ionic surfactant and a minimal amount of water. In these conditions, amine transaminases (ATA) were shown to efficiently carry out the reductive amination of variously substituted cyclohexanones, providing good conversions often coupled with a superior stereoselectivity if compared with the corresponding chemical reductive amination. An array of synthetically useful 4‐substituted aminocyclohexanes was consequentially synthesized through biocatalysis, analyzed and stereochemically characterized.magnified image
Intermolecular Iodofluoroalkylation of Unactivated Alkynes and Alkenes Mediated by Manganese Catalysts
Authors: Ji Yun‐Xing , Wang Lu‐Jun , Guo Wei‐Si , Bi Qirui , Zhang Bo 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAn approach for iodofluoroalkylation of unactivated alkynes and alkenes facilitated by an earth‐abundant and inexpensive manganese catalyst, Mn2(CO)10, is reported. This protocol employs visible light as the energy input and shows a wide substrate scope and high functional‐group compatibility. A variety of synthetically useful fluoroalkylated alkyl and alkenyl iodides can be prepared in moderate to excellent yields. The reaction features high efficiency, operational simplicity, scalability, as well as excellent chemo‐, regio‐, and E/Z selectivities.magnified image
Impact of Stacking Faults and Domain Boundaries on the Electronic Transport in Cubic Silicon Carbide Probed by Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Giannazzo Filippo , Greco Giuseppe , Di Franco Salvatore , Fiorenza Patrick , Deretzis Ioannis , La Magna Antonino , Bongiorno Corrado , Zimbone Massimo , La Via Francesco , Zielinski Marcin , Roccaforte Fabrizio 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn spite of its great promise for energy‐efficient power conversion, the electronic quality of cubic silicon carbide (3C‐SiC) on silicon is currently limited by the presence of a variety of extended defects in the heteroepitaxial material. However, the specific role of the different defects on the electronic transport is still under debate. A macro‐ and nanoscale characterization of Schottky contacts on 3C‐SiC/Si is carried out to elucidate the impact of the anti‐phase boundaries (APBs) and stacking faults (SFs) on the forward and reverse current–voltage characteristics of these devices. Current mapping of 3C‐SiC by conductive atomic force microscopy directly shows the role of APBs as the main defects responsible of the reverse bias leakage, while both APBs and SFs are shown to work as preferential current paths under forward polarization. Distinct differences between these two types of defects are also confirmed by electronic transport simulations of a front‐to‐back contacted SF and APB. These experimental and simulation results provide a picture of the role played by different types of extended defects on the electrical transport in vertical or quasi‐vertical devices based on 3C‐SiC/Si, and can serve as a guide for improving material quality by defects engineering.
Kinetic Resolution of Racemic 2‐Hydroxyarylketones by Asymmetric Esterification: Investigation of the Influence of the Co‐Base on the Selectivity
Authors: Murata Takatsugu , Futami Kengo , Ishikawa Ryo , Ono Keisuke , Nakata Kenya , Shiina Isamu 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAn efficient kinetic resolution of a variety of racemic 2‐hydroxyarylketone derivatives was developed by asymmetric esterification protocol using diphenylacetic acid, pivalic anhydride, and a catalytic amount of (R)‐benzotetramisole ((R)‐BTM). It was revealed that employing a tertiary amine as a co‐base in this reaction is not necessary to achieve high s‐values. All conducted reactions proceeded smoothly with good s‐values under the optimized reaction conditions, irrespective of the steric and electronic nature of the substituents on the aromatic rings of the substrates. The most stable transition state of the reaction was determined by density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon‐/Heterocycle‐Embedded Porphyrinoids
Authors: Laxman Kandala , Kumar Ankit , Ravikanth Mangalampalli 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPorphyrinoids in which one or two pyrrole rings are replaced with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons/heterocycles such as naphthalene, phenanthrene, biphenyl, bipyridine, or phenanthroline are a new class of porphyrinoids represented as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)‐/heterocycle‐embedded porphyrinoids. These macrocycles possess the structural features of both polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons/heterocycles and cyclic polypyrrolic porphyrinoids. The PAH‐embedded porphyrinoids have drawn significant interest in recent times because of the following: (1) these macrocycles exhibit different π‐conjugation pathways unlike porphyrinoids, which exhibit circular conjugation pathways in their macrocyclic rings with various molecular structures; (2) the PAHs embedded macrocycles show variable degree of aromaticity which varies from weak aromaticity to antiaromaticity and (3) the PAHs embedded porphyrinoids provide unique ligand environment to form stable coordination and organometallic complexes in which metals may show uncommon oxidation states and unusual reactivity. All these above‐listed features depend on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon/heterocycle moiety present as a part of porphyrinoid macrocyclic framework. This Minireview focuses on the synthesis of different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon‐/heterocycle‐embedded porphyrins, contracted porphyrins and expanded porphyrins and briefly discusses their structural, spectral, aromatic and coordination properties.
Scn8a Antisense Oligonucleotide Is Protective in Mouse Models of SCN8A Encephalopathy and Dravet Syndrome
Authors: Lenk Guy M. , Jafar‐Nejad Paymaan , Hill Sophie F. , Huffman Lucas D. , Smolen Corrine E. , Wagnon Jacy L. , Petit Hayley , Yu Wenxi , Ziobro Julie , Bhatia Kritika , Parent Jack , Giger Roman J. , Rigo Frank , Meisler Miriam H. 
Published: January 2020

ObjectiveSCN8A encephalopathy is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) caused by de novo gain‐of‐function mutations of sodium channel Nav1.6 that result in neuronal hyperactivity. Affected individuals exhibit early onset drug‐resistant seizures, developmental delay, and cognitive impairment. This study was carried out to determine whether reducing the abundance of the Scn8a transcript with an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) would delay seizure onset and prolong survival in a mouse model of SCN8A encephalopathy.MethodsASO treatment was tested in a conditional mouse model with Cre‐dependent expression of the pathogenic patient SCN8A mutation p.Arg1872Trp (R1872W). This model exhibits early onset of seizures, rapid progression, and 100% penetrance. An Scn1a
+/− haploinsufficient mouse model of Dravet syndrome was also treated. ASO was administered by intracerebroventricular injection at postnatal day 2, followed in some cases by stereotactic injection at postnatal day 30.ResultsWe observed a dose‐dependent increase in length of survival from 15 to 65 days in the Scn8a‐R1872W/+ mice treated with ASO. Electroencephalographic recordings were normal prior to seizure onset. Weight gain and activity in an open field were unaffected, but treated mice were less active in a wheel running assay. A single treatment with Scn8a ASO extended survival of Dravet syndrome mice from 3 weeks to >5 months.InterpretationReduction of Scn8a transcript by 25 to 50% delayed seizure onset and lethality in mouse models of SCN8A encephalopathy and Dravet syndrome. Reduction of SCN8A transcript is a promising approach to treatment of intractable childhood epilepsies. Ann Neurol 2020;87:339–346
Active and Unidirectional Acceleration of Biaryl Rotation by a Molecular Motor
Authors: Uhl Edgar , Mayer Peter , Dube Henry 
Published: January 2020

AbstractLight‐driven molecular motors possess immense potential as central driving units for future nanotechnology. Integration into larger molecular setups and transduction of their mechanical motions represents the current frontier of research. Herein we report on an integrated molecular machine setup allowing the transmission of potential energy from a motor unit onto a remote receiving entity. The setup consists of a motor unit connected covalently to a distant and sterically encumbered biaryl receiver. By action of the motor unit, single‐bond rotation of the receiver is strongly accelerated and forced to proceed unidirectionally. The transmitted potential energy is directly measured as the extent to which energy degeneration is lifted in the thermal atropisomerization of this biaryl. Energy degeneracy is reduced by more than 1.5 kcal mol−1, and rate accelerations of several orders of magnitude in terms of the rate constants are achieved.
Nickel/Photoredox‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Reductive Cross‐Coupling of Racemic α‐Chloro Esters with Aryl Iodides
Authors: Guan Haixing , Zhang Qianwen , Walsh Patrick J. , Mao Jianyou 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA unique nickel/organic photoredox co‐catalyzed asymmetric reductive cross‐coupling between α‐chloro esters and aryl iodides is developed. This cross‐electrophile coupling reaction employs an organic reductant (Hantzsch ester), whereas most reductive cross‐coupling reactions use stoichiometric metals. A diverse array of valuable α‐aryl esters is formed under these conditions with high enantioselectivities (up to 94 %) and good yields (up to 88 %). α‐Aryl esters represent an important family of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. This novel synergistic strategy expands the scope of Ni‐catalyzed reductive asymmetric cross‐coupling reactions.
Highly Crystalline and Semiconducting Imine‐Based Two‐Dimensional Polymers Enabled by Interfacial Synthesis
Authors: Sahabudeen Hafeesudeen , Qi Haoyuan , Ballabio Marco , Položij Miroslav , Olthof Selina , Shivhare Rishi , Jing Yu , Park SangWook , Liu Kejun , Zhang Tao , Ma Ji , Rellinghaus Bernd , Mannsfeld Stefan , Heine Thomas , Bonn Mischa , Cánovas Enrique , Zheng Zhikun , Kaiser Ute , Dong Renhao , Feng Xinliang 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSingle‐layer and multi‐layer 2D polyimine films have been achieved through interfacial synthesis methods. However, it remains a great challenge to achieve the maximum degree of crystallinity in the 2D polyimines, which largely limits the long‐range transport properties. Here we employ a surfactant‐monolayer‐assisted interfacial synthesis (SMAIS) method for the successful preparation of porphyrin and triazine containing polyimine‐based 2D polymer (PI‐2DP) films with square and hexagonal lattices, respectively. The synthetic PI‐2DP films are featured with polycrystalline multilayers with tunable thickness from 6 to 200 nm and large crystalline domains (100–150 nm in size). Intrigued by high crystallinity and the presence of electroactive porphyrin moieties, the optoelectronic properties of PI‐2DP are investigated by time‐resolved terahertz spectroscopy. Typically, the porphyrin‐based PI‐2DP 1 film exhibits a p‐type semiconductor behavior with a band gap of 1.38 eV and hole mobility as high as 0.01 cm2 V−1 s−1, superior to the previously reported polyimine based materials.
A Scalable Metal‐, Azide‐, and Halogen‐Free Method for the Preparation of Triazoles
Authors: Clark Peter R. , Williams Glynn D. , Hayes Jerome F. , Tomkinson Nicholas C. O. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA scalable metal‐, azide‐, and halogen‐free method for the synthesis of substituted 1,2,3‐triazoles has been developed. The reaction proceeds through a 3‐component coupling of α‐ketoacetals, tosyl hydrazide, and a primary amine. The reaction shows outstanding functional‐group tolerance with respect to both the α‐ketoacetal and amine coupling partners, providing access to 4‐, 1,4‐, 1,5‐, and 1,4,5‐substituted triazoles in excellent yield. This robust method results in densely functionalised 1,2,3‐triazoles that remain challenging to prepare by azide–alkyne cycloaddition (AAC, CuAAC, RuAAC) methods and can be scaled in either batch or flow reactors. Methods for the chemoselective reaction of either aliphatic amines or anilines are also described, revealing some of the potential of this novel and highly versatile transformation.