bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrode Design for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: Problems and Solutions
Authors: Huang Lei , Li Jiaojiao , Liu Bo , Li Yahao , Shen Shenghui , Deng Shengjue , Lu Chengwei , Zhang Wenkui , Xia Yang , Pan Guoxiang , Wang Xiuli , Xiong Qinqin , Xia Xinhui , Tu Jiangping 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPursuit of advanced batteries with high‐energy density is one of the eternal goals for electrochemists. Over the past decades, lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) have gained world‐wide popularity due to their high theoretical energy density and cost effectiveness. However, their road to the market is still full of thorns. Apart from the poor electronic conductivity of sulfur‐based cathodes, LSBs involve special multielectron reaction mechanisms associated with active soluble lithium polysulfides intermediates. Accordingly, the electrode design and fabrication protocols of LSBs are different from those of traditional lithium ion batteries. This review is aimed at discussing the electrode design/fabrication protocols of LSBs, especially the current problems on various sulfur‐based cathodes (such as S, Li2S, Li2Sx catholyte, organopolysulfides) and corresponding solutions. Different fabrication methods of sulfur‐based cathodes are introduced and their corresponding bullet points to achieve high‐quality cathodes are highlighted. In addition, the challenges and solutions of sulfur‐based cathodes including active material content, mass loading, conductive agent/binder, compaction density, electrolyte/sulfur ratio, and current collector are summarized and rational strategies are refined to address these issues. Finally, the future prospects on sulfur‐based cathodes and LSBs are proposed.
Highly Thermally Conductive Dielectric Nanocomposites with Synergistic Alignments of Graphene and Boron Nitride Nanosheets
Authors: Guo Fengmei , Shen Xi , Zhou Jiaming , Liu Dan , Zheng Qingbin , Yang Jinglei , Jia Baohua , Lau Alan K. T. , Kim Jang‐Kyo 
Published: March 2020

AbstractElectrically insulating polymer dielectrics with high energy densities and excellent thermal conductivities are showing tremendous potential for dielectric energy storage. However, the practical application of polymer dielectrics often requires mutually exclusive multifunctional properties such as high dielectric constants, high breakdown strengths, and high thermal conductivities. The rational assembly of 2D nanofillers of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) into a well‐aligned micro‐sandwich structure in polyimide (PI) composites is reported. The alternating stacking of rGO and BNNS synergistically exploits the large difference in their electrical conductivities to yield a high dielectric constant with a moderate breakdown strength. Moreover, the distinctively separated rGO and BNNS layers give rise to higher thermal conductivities of composites than those containing mixed fillers because of reduced phonon scattering at the interfaces between two identical fillers, as verified by molecular dynamics simulations. Consequently, the micro‐sandwich nanocomposite prevails over the PI film with a simultaneously high dielectric constant of ≈579, a high energy density (43‐fold higher than PI) and an excellent thermal conductivity (11‐fold higher than PI) at a low hybrid filler content of only 2.5 vol%. The multifunctional nanocomposites developed in this work are promising for flexible dielectrics with excellent heat dissipation.
Simultaneous Culturing of Cell Monolayers and Spheroids on a Single Microfluidic Device for Bridging the Gap between 2D and 3D Cell Assays in Drug Research
Authors: Järvinen Päivi , Bonabi Ashkan , Jokinen Ville , Sikanen Tiina 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTwo‐dimensional (2D) cell cultures have been the primary screening tools to predict drug impacts in vitro for decades. However, owing to the lack of tissue‐specific architecture of 2D cultures, secondary screening using three‐dimensional (3D) cell culture models is often necessary. A microfluidic approach that facilitates side‐by‐side 2D and 3D cell culturing in a single microchannel and thus combines the benefits of both set‐ups in drug screening; that is, the uniform spatiotemporal distributions of oxygen, nutrients, and metabolic wastes in 2D, and the tissue‐like architecture, cell–cell, and cell–extracellular matrix interactions only achieved in 3D. The microfluidic platform is made from an organically modified ceramic material, which is inherently biocompatible and supports cell adhesion (2D culture) and metal adhesion (for integration of impedance electrodes to monitor cell proliferation). To induce 3D spheroid formation on another area, a single‐step lithography process is used to fabricate concave microwells, which are made cell‐repellant by nanofunctionalization (i.e., plasma porosification and hydrophobic coating). Thanks to the concave shape of the microwells, the spheroids produced on‐chip can also be released, with the help of microfluidic flow, for further off‐chip characterization after culturing. In this study, the methodology is evaluated for drug cytotoxicity assessment on human hepatocytes.
Sulfur Loading and Speciation Control the Hydrophobicity, Electron Transfer, Reactivity, and Selectivity of Sulfidized Nanoscale Zerovalent Iron
Authors: Xu Jiang , Avellan Astrid , Li Hao , Liu Xitong , Noël Vincent , Lou Zimo , Wang Yan , Kaegi Rälf , Henkelman Graeme , Lowry Gregory V. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSulfidized nanoscale zerovalent iron (SNZVI) is a promising material for groundwater remediation. However, the relationships between sulfur content and speciation and the properties of SNZVI materials are unknown, preventing rational design. Here, the effects of sulfur on the crystalline structure, hydrophobicity, sulfur speciation, corrosion potential, and electron transfer resistance are determined. Sulfur incorporation extended the nano‐Fe0 BCC lattice parameter, reduced the Fe local vacancies, and lowered the resistance to electron transfer. Impacts of the main sulfur species (FeS and FeS2) on hydrophobicity (water contact angles) are consistent with density functional theory calculations for these FeSx phases. These properties well explain the reactivity and selectivity of SNZVI during the reductive dechlorination of trichloroethylene (TCE), a hydrophobic groundwater contaminant. Controlling the amount and speciation of sulfur in the SNZVI made it highly reactive (up to 0.41 L m−2 d−1) and selective for TCE degradation over water (up to 240 moles TCE per mole H2O), with an electron efficiency of up to 70%, and these values are 54‐fold, 98‐fold, and 160‐fold higher than for NZVI, respectively. These findings can guide the rational design of robust SNZVI with properties tailored for specific application scenarios.
Freeze Casting: From Low‐Dimensional Building Blocks to Aligned Porous Structures—A Review of Novel Materials, Methods, and Applications
Authors: Shao Gaofeng , Hanaor Dorian A. H. , Shen Xiaodong , Gurlo Aleksander 
Published: March 2020

AbstractFreeze casting, also known as ice templating, is a particularly versatile technique that has been applied extensively for the fabrication of well‐controlled biomimetic porous materials based on ceramics, metals, polymers, biomacromolecules, and carbon nanomaterials, endowing them with novel properties and broadening their applicability. The principles of different directional freeze‐casting processes are described and the relationships between processing and structure are examined. Recent progress in freeze‐casting assisted assembly of low dimensional building blocks, including graphene and carbon nanotubes, into tailored micro‐ and macrostructures is then summarized. Emerging trends relating to novel materials as building blocks and novel freeze‐cast geometries—beads, fibers, films, complex macrostructures, and nacre‐mimetic composites—are presented. Thereafter, the means by which aligned porous structures and nacre mimetic materials obtainable through recently developed freeze‐casting techniques and low‐dimensional building blocks can facilitate material functionality across multiple fields of application, including energy storage and conversion, environmental remediation, thermal management, and smart materials, are discussed.
Shape‐Dependent CeO2@BiOI for Degradation of Aqueous Cr(VI)
Authors: Peng Shuaishuai , Yang Jingxia , Guo Lei , Wang Jinjie , Zhao Jiachang , Xu Jingli , Li Zhiquan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCeO2 with different morphologies (nanoparticles/NP, nanorods/NR, nanocubes/NC, nano‐octahedra/NO) are synthesized and decorated on BiOI nanoplates substrates to form CeO2@BiOI composites, which are used for aqueous Cr(VI) degradation. The intersurface states between BiOI and diverse CeO2 nanoparticles exhibit distinct behaviors when checked by XPS and photoluminescence intensity. The Cr(VI) degradation results show that the synthesized CeO2@BiOI nanocomposites possess higher photocatalytic activity than pure CeO2 or BiOI, and the CeO2‐NP@BiOI nanocomposite (molar ratio of CeO2: BiOI = 1:2) is the best one among them, with which the Cr(VI) is degraded up to 95.0% after 30 min irradiation using it as the photocatalyst. The superior catalytic performance of CeO2‐NP@BiOI can be attributed to a higher Ce3+ ratio of CeO2‐NP, a larger specific surface area, relatively low OH/CO32− content on the composite surface, and especially the good interaction between the CeO2 (111) facet and the BiOI surface.
Organic–Rare Earth Hybrid Anode with Superior Cyclability for Lithium Ion Battery
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Sun Xiaolei , Xu Lingling , Xia Jiale , Yang Yaodong , Yin Zongyou , Luo Feng , Du Yaping 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOrganic compounds with electroactive sites are considered as a new generation of green electrode materials for lithium ion batteries. However, exploring effective approaches to design high‐capacity molecules and suppressing their solubilization remain big challenges. Herein, a functional anode architecture is first designed by using chemical bonds between organic compound and rare earth hollow structure, which enables active materials to be efficiently utilized, accelerates reaction kinetics, and mitigates undesired dissolution in electrolyte. Compared with pure organic sodium naphthyl‐based tetrathiocarboxylate (SNBT) compound and CeO2@Carbon, the hybrid electrode (CeO2@Carbon/SNBT) exhibits the best long‐term cyclability and its capacity retention has significantly increased. The current strategy would trigger more investigations into the development of organic materials for commercialized applications.
Advances in the Knowledge of the Molecular Biology of Glioblastoma and Its Impact in Patient Diagnosis, Stratification, and Treatment
Authors: Delgado‐Martín Belén , Medina Miguel Ángel 
Published: March 2020

AbstractGliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults. They arise in the glial tissue and primarily occur in the brain. Low‐grade tumors of World Health Organization (WHO) grade II tend to progress to high‐grade gliomas of WHO grade III and, eventually, glioblastoma of WHO grade IV, which is the most common and deadly glioma, with a median survival of 12–15 months after final diagnosis. Knowledge of the molecular biology and genetics of glioblastoma has increased significantly in the past few years, giving rise to classification methods that can help in management and stratification of glioblastoma patients. However, glioblastoma remains an incurable disease. Glioblastoma cells have acquired genetic and metabolic adaptations in order to sustain tumor growth and progression, including changes in energetic metabolism, invasive capacity, migration, and angiogenesis, that make it very difficult to find suitable therapeutic targets and to develop effective drugs. The current standard of care for glioblastoma patients is surgery followed by radiotherapy plus concomitant and adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide. Although progress in glioblastoma therapies in recent years has been more limited than in other tumors, numerous drugs and targets are being proposed and many clinical trials are underway to develop effective subtype‐specific treatments.
Martsolf syndrome with novel mutation in the TBC1D20 gene in a family from Iran
Authors: Hozhabri Hossein , Talebi Mehrdad , Mehrjardi Mohammad Y. V. , De Luca Alessandro , Dehghani Mohammadreza 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWarburg Micro syndrome and Martsolf syndrome are phenotypically overlapping autosomal recessive conditions characterized by multiple organ abnormalities involving the ocular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Warburg Micro syndrome, the more severe of the two conditions, is caused by loss of function mutations in RAB3GAP1, RAB3GAP2, RAB18, and TBC1D20 genes, whereas Martsolf syndrome has been attributed to less damaging mutations in RAB3GAP1 and RAB3GAP2 genes. We report the clinical description and molecular characterization of a consanguineous Iranian family with two siblings, a male and a female, with dysmorphic features, bilateral congenital cataracts, optic nerve atrophy, congenital glaucoma, mild to moderate intellectual disability, seizures, hypogonadism, and mild osteoporosis. Spastic quadriplegia with contractures was observed in the male patient, while the female patient showed only mild hyperreflexia. Magnetic resonance imaging scans performed in the male patient showed a normal brain structure. Both siblings had neither microcephaly nor postnatal growth retardation. Whole exome sequencing identified a novel homozygous nonsense mutation [c.1060C>T; p.(Arg354Ter)] in the TBC1D20 gene in both siblings and confirmed the heterozygous carrier status of both parents. This report describes a novel mutation in the TBC1D20 gene in two Iranian patients with Martsolf syndrome, further extending the allelic heterogeneity and phenotypic spectrum of this rare condition. The genotype and phenotype of the patients are compared with those of Martsolf syndrome and Warburg Micro syndrome patients reported in the literature.
Landornamides: Antiviral Ornithine‐Containing Ribosomal Peptides Discovered through Genome Mining
Authors: Bösch Nina M. , Borsa Mariana , Greczmiel Ute , Morinaka Brandon I. , Gugger Muriel , Oxenius Annette , Vagstad Anna L. , Piel Jörn 
Published: March 2020

AbstractProteusins are a family of bacterial ribosomal peptides that largely remain hypothetical genome‐predicted metabolites. The only known members are the polytheonamide‐type cytotoxins, which have complex structures due to numerous unusual posttranslational modifications (PTMs). Cyanobacteria contain large numbers of putative proteusin loci. To investigate their chemical and pharmacological potential beyond polytheonamide‐type compounds, we characterized landornamide A, the product of the silent osp gene cluster from Kamptonema sp. PCC 6506. Pathway reconstruction in E. coli revealed a peptide combining lanthionines, d‐residues, and, unusually, two ornithines introduced by the arginase‐like enzyme OspR. Landornamide A inhibited lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection in mouse cells, thus making it one of the few known anti‐arenaviral compounds. These data support proteusins as a rich resource of chemical scaffolds, new maturation enzymes, and bioactivities.
2D sp2Carbon‐Conjugated Porphyrin Covalent Organic Framework for Cooperative Photocatalysis with TEMPO
Authors: Shi Ji‐Long , Chen Rufan , Hao Huimin , Wang Cheng , Lang Xianjun 
Published: March 2020

Abstract2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are receiving ongoing attention in semiconductor photocatalysis. Herein, we present a photocatalytic selective chemical transformation by combining sp2carbon‐conjugated porphyrin‐based covalent organic framework (Por‐sp2c‐COF) photocatalysis with TEMPO catalysis illuminated by 623 nm red light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). Highly selective conversion of amines into imines was swiftly afforded in minutes. Specifically, the π‐conjugation of porphyrin linker leads to extensive absorption of red light; the sp2−C=C− double bonds linkage ensures the stability of Por‐sp2c‐COF under high concentrations of amine. Most importantly, we found that crystalline framework of Por‐sp2c‐COF is pivotal for cooperative photocatalysis with (2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐yl)oxyl (TEMPO). This work foreshadows that the outstanding hallmarks of COFs, particularly crystallinity, could be exploited to address energy and environmental challenges by cooperative photocatalysis.
Repurposing Antiviral Drugs for Orthogonal RNA‐Catalyzed Labeling of RNA
Authors: Ghaem Maghami Mohammad , Dey Surjendu , Lenz Ann‐Kathrin , Höbartner Claudia 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn vitro selected ribozymes are promising tools for site‐specific labeling of RNA. Previously known nucleic acid catalysts attached fluorescently labeled adenosine or guanosine derivatives through 2′,5′‐branched phosphodiester bonds to the RNA of interest. Herein, we report new ribozymes that use orthogonal substrates, derived from the antiviral drug tenofovir, and attach bioorthogonal functional groups, as well as affinity handles and fluorescent reporter units through a hydrolytically more stable phosphonate ester linkage. The tenofovir transferase ribozymes were identified by in vitro selection and are orthogonal to nucleotide transferase ribozymes. As genetically encodable functional RNAs, these ribozymes may be developed for potential cellular applications. The orthogonal ribozymes addressed desired target sites in large RNAs in vitro, as shown by fluorescent labeling of E. coli 16S and 23S rRNAs in total cellular RNA.
Conductive multichannel PCL/gelatin conduit with tunable mechanical and structural properties for peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad , Ramazani SaadatAbadi Ahmad , Mashayekhan Shohreh , Sanaei Reza 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPeripheral nerve injuries remain among the most challenging medical issues despite numerous efforts to devise methods in fabrication of nerve conduits to functionally regenerate axonal defects. In this regard, the current study offers a holistic perspective in design by considering the mechanical, topographical and structural aspects which are crucial for a successful nerve guide conduit. Poly(e‐caprolactone) and gelatin were employed to serve this purpose in the form of dual‐electrospun films which were rolled and later shaped the assembly of a multichannel conduit. Polyaniline/graphene (PAG) nanocomposite was incorporated to endow the conduit with conductive properties. FTIR analysis, water contact angle measurements, and SEM observations as well as mechanical and conductivity tests were used to evaluate the properties of the conduits. In addition, MTT assay was conducted to assess the proliferation of rat bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells cultured on the films. Incorporating 2% PAG proved to have superior cell support and proliferation, while guaranteeing electrical conductivity of 10.8 × 10−5 S/cm and remarkable tensile strength of 3.52 ± 1.3 MPa and 14.12 ± 3.1 MPa for wet and dry conditions, respectively. Overall, the observed results highlight the great potential of the fabricated conduit to be used as a candidate for peripheral nerve defects.
Spatial distribution modelling of striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) at different geographical scales within the EU Adriatic and Ionian Sea Region, central‐eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Azzolin Marta , Arcangeli Antonella , Cipriano Giulia , Crosti Roberto , Maglietta Rosalia , Pietroluongo Guido , Saintingan Sébastien , Zampollo Arianna , Fanizza Carmelo , Carlucci Roberto 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

The striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) is one of the most abundant cetaceans of the Mediterranean Sea. Nevertheless, it is ranked as ‘Vulnerable’ by IUCN Red List experts.
To implement conservation strategies within the Mediterranean Sea, it is crucial to understand how striped dolphins are distributed at different geographical scales. The present study investigates its distribution within the EU Adriatic and Ionian Sea Region.
To model striped dolphin distribution, topographic (distance from shore, depth and slope) and oceanographic variables (sea surface temperature and phytoplankton concentration) were employed, and species distribution models (SDMs) were developed using Maxent software. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to improve the information supplied by the SDMs, allowing the description of response curves to striped dolphin occurrences.
Statistical analysis shows that striped dolphins are not evenly distributed within the investigated area. The higher encounter rates observed in the Gulf of Taranto and the Gulf of Corinth confirm that both sub‐regions are crucial for its conservation. Furthermore, SDMs also indicate suitable areas in the offshore waters of the Adriatic Sea, along the continental slope of the north‐eastern Ionian Sea and over its continental shelf. Within the EU Adriatic and Ionian Sea Region, striped dolphins prefer areas at a greater distance from shore, with steeper slopes, deeper waters, and higher sea surface temperature. The topographic variables are the most explicative factors for both modelling approaches.
The analysis of striped dolphin SDMs allows the identification of important areas for conservation and highlights zones where appropriate mitigation strategies could reduce the impact of human activities on this Vulnerable species. Further analysis of SDMs for different periods of the year, as well as a genetic study, could highlight seasonal movements across and within sub‐regions.
Development and validation of a novel multivariate risk score to guide biopsy decision for the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer
Authors: Klocker Helmut , Golding Bruno , Weber Stephan , Steiner Eberhard , Tennstedt Pierre , Keller Thomas , Schiess Ralph , Gillessen Silke , Horninger Wolfgang , Steuber Thomas 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectivesSelecting patients suspected of having prostate cancer (PCa) for a prostate biopsy remains a challenge. Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA)‐based testing is hampered by its low specificity that often leads to negative biopsy results or detection of clinically insignificant cancers, especially in the 2‐10 ng/mL range. The objective was to evaluate a novel diagnostic test called Proclarix incorporating thrombospondin‐1 and cathepsin D alongside total and free PSA as well as age for predicting clinically significant PCa.Patients and methodsThe test was developed following a retrospective study design using biobanked samples of 955 men from two reference centres. A multivariate approach was used for model development followed by validation to discriminate significant (grade group ≥2) from insignificant or no cancer at biopsy. The test specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) at a fixed sensitivity of 90% were compared to percent free PSA (%fPSA) alone. The number of avoidable prostate biopsies deemed to be representative of clinical utility was also assessed.ResultsIn the targeted patient population, the test displayed increased diagnostic accuracy compared to %fPSA alone. Application of the established model on 955 patients at a fixed sensitivity of 90% for significant disease resulted in a specificity of 43%, NPV of 95% and a PPV of 25%. This is in comparison to a specificity of 17%, NPV of 89% and PPV of 19% for %fPSA alone and had the potential to reduce the total number of biopsies needed to identify clinically significant cancer. Further, the test score correlated with significance of cancer assessed on prostate biopsy.ConclusionsThe Proclarix test can be used as an aid in the decision‐making process if to biopsy men in this challenging patient population. The use of the test could reduce the number of biopsies performed avoiding invasive procedures, anxiety, discomfort, pain and complications.