bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flavonoids as Cytokine Immunomodulators to Reduce Airway Inflammation via Inhibition of the NF‐κB Signalling Pathway: A Systematic Overview
Authors: Gandhi Gopalsamy R , Karthik Dhanabalan , Vasconcelos Alan BS , de Sousa Leão Gabriel C , Almeida Maria LD , Sridharan Gurunagarajan , Jothi Gnanasekaran , Mohana Thiruchenduran , Narain Narendra , Gurgel Ricardo Q 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAsthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease with increasing prevalence which has been linked to the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Specific types of infections and environmental exposure, alongside a predisposed set of genes, can lead to a systemic propensity for allergic T‐helper (Th) type 2 cells to induce cytokine responses, resulting in allergic airway inflammation. The key event in the pathogenesis of asthma is infiltration of inflammatory cells into the airways and lungs, resulting in mucus hypersecretion and intermittent obstructive events. Cytokines play a vital role in the pathogenesis of immune responses and also have a complex mode of action in inflammatory processes.Peer‐reviewed articles investigating flavonoids with therapeutic evidence for the management of asthma were acquired from Pubmed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science. We provide an extensive overview of the modulation of cytokines by flavonoids to assess how these natural products trigger immune responses, modulate immunity and lower airway inflammation.Seventeen flavonoids were reported as cytokine modulators of nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF‐κB) signalling in the identified articles. These flavonoids predominantly modulated the release of the production and expressions of the pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐8, Th17 (IL‐17), Th1 (IFN‐γ, IL‐2 and IL‐12) and Th2 (IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6 and IL‐13), inhibited eosinophil infiltration and decreased the activity and expression of NF‐κB.Key ConceptsBronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway syndrome which endangers human health.Corticosteroids and β2‐agonists are effective drugs for asthma; however, their prolonged use is associated with side effects such as drug tolerance, osteoporosis and immune suppression.Asthma increases the number of inflammatory cells such as eosinophils and lymphocytes in peripheral blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue and immunoglobulin E (IgE).Flavonoids are plant‐derived active compounds reputed to have therapeutic potential.The use of flavonoids in experimentally induced asthma models is associated with lower levels of Th2 cytokines such as IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6 and IL‐13 and modulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐8.Flavonoids generally inhibit pulmonary nuclear transcription factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) or mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways and reduce airway inflammation in experimental models.Flavonoids reduce airway hyperresponsiveness, mucus cell hyperplasia and fixed airway flow obstruction.Flavonoids demonstrated significantin vitroandin vivoproperties in animal models on homeostasis within the immune system and on the inflammatory response.
Ageism
Authors: Jecker Nancy S. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

This article explores ageism and age‐based discrimination in the context of global population ageing. It accomplishes this by (1) situating ageism in historical, psychological, global, epidemiological and health systems contexts; (2) distinguishing implicit and explicit forms of ageism and ethical arguments supporting age discrimination; (3) considering how ageism intersects with ableism, sex‐based discrimination, heterosexism, racism and midlife bias and (4) exploring evidence‐based strategies for combatting ageism.

Key Concepts

Ageism is negative stereotyping based on age.

In wealthier nations, ageism is more frequently directed against older adults.

In poorer nations, ageism is more often directed toward younger people.

Ageism intersects with other forms of bias, such as ableism, gender-based bias, heterosexism, racism, and midlife bias.

Age discrimination or favoring an individual or group based on age is sometimes defended on ethical grounds, such as utilitarian arguments designed to show that older people produce less return on investment or non-utilitarian arguments that after a certain age an individual has lived a fair number of innings.
Genome Evolution in Amphibians
Authors: Herrick John , Sclavi Bianca 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Genome size variation in vertebrates reflects an amazing amount of genetic and genomic diversity. C‐value (genome size) ranges from 0.4 picograms (pg) in pufferfish to 133 pg in the marbled lungfish. Most vertebrate lineages have characteristic average C‐values with restricted ranges. Amphibia, in contrast, represent an extreme: C‐values in salamanders range from around 13 to over 122 pg; in frogs, they range from under 1 to over 13 pg. Why would closely related lineages and species have such dramatic differences in C‐value? A number of theories have been proposed to account for the extreme range in genome size found in all eukaryote taxa. The amphibia not only have a wide range of C‐values, but they also have a correspondingly wide range of life history traits and other phenotypes such as neoteny and limb regeneration. This remarkable class of vertebrate thus provides a unique model system for addressing evolutionary and physiological hypotheses.

Key Concepts

Junk DNA (retroviruses and DNA transposons) infected the ancestral eukaryote cell and established, together with mitochondria, a symbiotic relationship from which all other eukaryotic life forms emerged.

The host response to the original infection was adaptive rather than purifyingly selective: junk DNA provided the conditions for the emergence of a checkpoint guardian of the genome and correspondingly enhanced genome stability.

As genome size expanded, DNA repair systems increased in efficiency, allowing for the acquisition of new genes and new adaptations.

DNA replication programs and gene transcription programs reorganised as genome size either increased or decreased over evolutionary time.

Species richness negatively correlates with genome stability and positively correlates with karyotype diversity within specific lineages.

DNA damage response and repair (DDR) programs have evolved differentially in r and K‐strategists: large body organisms have enhanced DDRs compared to small body, short‐lived organisms, and hence they tend to have more deterministic and organised replication programs.

Junk DNA serves as a substrate for the DDR to protect the cell against ‘mitotic catastrophe’.

Junk DNA serves as a scaffold for the formation of facultative heterochromatin during development and speciation,and hence participates in the global tissue‐specific and species‐dependent transcription programs.
4D Printing of Hydrogels: A Review
Authors: Champeau Mathilde , Heinze Daniel Alves , Viana Thiago Nunes , de Souza Edcarlos Rodrigues , Chinellato Anne Cristine , Titotto Silvia 
Published: May 2020

Abstract3D printing permits the construction of objects by layer‐by‐layer deposition of material, resulting in precise control of the dimensions and properties of complex printed structures. Although 3D printing fabricates inanimate objects, the emerging technology of 4D printing allows for animated structures that change their shape, function, or properties over time when exposed to specific external stimuli after fabrication. Among the materials used in 4D printing, hydrogels have attracted growing interest due to the availability of various smart hydrogels. The reversible shape‐morphing in 4D printed hydrogel structures is driven by a stress mismatch arising from the different swelling degrees in the parts of the structure upon application of a stimulus. This review provides the state‐of‐the‐art of 4D printing of hydrogels from the materials perspective. First, the main 3D printing technologies employed are briefly depicted, and, for each one, the required physico‐chemical properties of the precursor material. Then, the hydrogels that have been printed are described, including stimuli‐responsive hydrogels, non‐responsive hydrogels that are sensitive to solvent absorption/desorption, and multimaterial structures that are totally hydrogel‐based. Finally, the current and future applications of this technology are presented, and the requisites and avenues of improvement in terms of material properties are discussed.
Blading Phase‐Pure Formamidinium‐Alloyed Perovskites for High‐Efficiency Solar Cells with Low Photovoltage Deficit and Improved Stability
Authors: Wu Wu‐Qiang , Rudd Peter N. , Wang Qi , Yang Zhibin , Huang Jinsong 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCurrently, blade‐coated perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), that is, greater than 20%, normally employ methylammonium lead tri‐iodide with a sub‐optimal bandgap. Alloyed perovskites with formamidinium (FA) cation have narrower bandgap and thus enhance device photocurrent. However, FA‐alloyed perovskites show low phase stability and high moisture sensitivity. Here, it is reported that incorporating 0.83 molar percent organic halide salts (OHs) into perovskite inks enables phase‐pure, highly crystalline FA‐alloyed perovskites with extraordinary optoelectronic properties. The OH molecules modulate the crystal growth, enhance the phase stability, passivate ionic defects at the surface and/or grain boundaries, and enhance the moisture stability of the perovskite film. A high efficiency of 22.0% under 1 sun illumination for blade‐coated PSCs is demonstrated with an open‐circuit voltage of 1.18 V, corresponding to a very small voltage deficit of 0.33 V, and significantly improved operational stability with 96% of the initial efficiency retained under one sun illumination for 500 h.
Spatiotemporal Dielectric Metasurfaces for Unidirectional Propagation and Reconfigurable Steering of Terahertz Beams
Authors: Cong Longqing , Singh Ranjan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNext‐generation devices for low‐latency and seamless communication are envisioned to revolutionize information processing, which would directly impact human lives, technologies, and societies. The ever‐increasing demand for wireless data traffic can be fulfilled by the terahertz band, which has received tremendous attention as the final frontier of the radio spectrum. However, attenuation due to atmospheric humidity and free‐space path loss significantly limits terahertz signal propagation. High‐gain antennas with directional radiation and reconfigurable beam steering are indispensable for loss compensation and terahertz signal processing, which are associated with spatial and temporal dimensions, respectively. Here, experimental demonstration of a spatiotemporal dielectric metasurface for unidirectional propagation and ultrafast spatial beam steering of terahertz waves is shown. The spatial dimension of the metasurface provides a solution to eliminate backscattering of collimated unidirectional propagation of the terahertz wave with steerable directionality. Temporal modulation of the spatial optical properties enables ultrafast reconfigurable beam steering. Silicon‐based spatiotemporal devices amalgamate the rich physics of metasurfaces and technologies that are promising for overcoming the bottlenecks of future terahertz communication, such as high‐speed and secure wireless data transmission, beamforming and ultrafast data processing.
Ultralow Voltage Manipulation of Ferromagnetism
Authors: Prasad Bhagwati , Huang Yen‐Lin , Chopdekar Rajesh V. , Chen Zuhuang , Steffes James , Das Sujit , Li Qian , Yang Mengmeng , Lin Chia‐Ching , Gosavi Tanay , Nikonov Dmitri E. , Qiu Zi Qiang , Martin Lane W. , Huey Bryan D , Young Ian , Íñiguez Jorge , Manipatruni Sasikanth , Ramesh Ramamoorthy 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSpintronic elements based on spin transfer torque have emerged with potential for on‐chip memory, but they suffer from large energy dissipation due to the large current densities required. In contrast, an electric‐field‐driven magneto‐electric storage element can operate with capacitive displacement charge and potentially reach 1–10 µJ cm−2 switching operation. Here, magneto‐electric switching of a magnetoresistive element is shown, operating at or below 200 mV, with a pathway to get down to 100 mV. A combination of phase detuning is utilized via isovalent La substitution and thickness scaling in multiferroic BiFeO3 to scale the switching energy density to ≈10 µJ cm−2. This work provides a template to achieve attojoule‐class nonvolatile memories.
Synthesis of Diketopiperazine Scaffolds with Tailored N‐ and α‐Chains by Selective Modification of Customizable Units
Authors: Saavedra Carlos J. , Cuevas Fernando , Romero‐Estudillo Ivan , Boto Alicia 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe selective manipulation of Hyp customizable units in DKP substrates allows the generation of a rigid scaffold with four tailor‐made chains which are spatially‐orientated. The key step is a domino radical scission‐oxidation process which allows the generation of N‐substituted DKPs. The versatility of this methodology to produce scaffolds in high optical purity for material and drug discovery is described herein.magnified image
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Cascade Reactions of Indoles with 4‐Hydroxy‐2‐Alkynoates for the Synthesis of Indole‐Fused Polyheterocycles
Authors: Wu Xiaowei , Li Pinyi , Lu Yangbin , Qiao Jin , Zhao Jingwei , Jia Xiuwen , Ni Hangcheng , Kong Lichun , Zhang Xiaoning , Zhao Fei 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHerein, an efficient and regioselective Rh(III)‐catalyzed [4+2] annulation/lactonization cascade of indoles with 4‐hydroxy‐2‐alkynoates at room temperature to access the furo[3′,4′:4,5]pyrimido[1,6‐a]indole‐1,5(3H,4H)‐diones is described. This method features mild reaction conditions, operational simplicity, excellent regioselectivity, broad substrate scope with good functional group tolerance, and good to excellent yields.magnified image
SWIR Photodetection and Visualization Realized by Incorporating an Organic SWIR Sensitive Bulk Heterojunction
Authors: Li Ning , Lan Zhaojue , Lau Ying Suet , Xie Jiajun , Zhao Dahui , Zhu Furong 
Published: May 2020

AbstractShort‐wavelength infrared (SWIR) photodetection and visualization has profound impacts on different applications. In this work, a large‐area organic SWIR photodetector (PD) that is sensitive to SWIR light over a wavelength range from 1000 to 1600 nm and a SWIR visualization device that is capable of upconverting SWIR to visible light are developed. The organic SWIR PD, comprising an organic SWIR sensitive blend of a near‐infrared polymer and a nonfullerene n‐type small molecule SWIR dye, demonstrates an excellent capability for real‐time heart rate monitoring, offering an attractive opportunity for portable and wearable healthcare gadgets. The SWIR‐to‐visible upconversion device is also demonstrated by monolithic integration of an organic SWIR PD and a perovskite light‐emitting diode, converting SWIR (1050 nm) to visible light (516 nm). The most important attribute of the SWIR visualizing device is its solution fabrication capability for large‐area SWIR detection and visualization at a low cost. The results are very encouraging, revealing the exciting large‐area SWIR photodetection and visualization for a plethora of applications in environmental pollution, surveillance, bioimaging, medical, automotive, food, and wellness monitoring.
“Two Birds with One Stone” Ruthenium(II) Complex Probe for Biothiols Discrimination and Detection In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Liu Chaolong , Liu Jianping , Zhang Wenzhu , Wang Yong‐Lei , Liu Qi , Song Bo , Yuan Jingli , Zhang Run 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this work, a “two birds with one stone” ruthenium(II) complex probe, Ru‐NBD, is proposed as an effective tool for biothiols detection and discrimination in vitro and in vivo. Ru‐NBD is nonluminescent due to the quenching of Ru(II) complex emission by photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from Ru(II) center to NBD and the quenching of NBD emission through 4‐substitution with “O” ether bond. Ru‐NBD is capable of reacting with Cys/Hcy to form long‐lived red‐emitting Ru‐OH and short‐lived green‐emitting NBD‐NR, while reacting with GSH to produce Ru‐OH and nonemissive NBD‐SR. The long lifetime emission of Ru(II) complex allows elimination of short lifetime background and NBD‐NR fluorescence for total biothiols detection (“bird” one) by time‐gated luminescence (TGL) analysis, and the remarkable difference in luminescence color response allows discrimination GSH and Cys/Hcy (“bird” two) through steady‐state luminescence analysis. Ru‐NBD features high sensitivity and selectivity, rapid luminescence response, and low cytotoxicity, which enables it to be used as the probe for luminescence and background‐free TGL detection and visualization of biothiols in live cells, zebrafish, and mice. The successful development of this probe is anticipated to contribute to the future biological studies of biothiols roles in various diseases.
Perovskite Solar Cells go Outdoors: Field Testing and Temperature Effects on Energy Yield
Authors: Jošt Marko , Lipovšek Benjamin , Glažar Boštjan , Al‐Ashouri Amran , Brecl Kristijan , Matič Gašper , Magomedov Artiom , Getautis Vytautas , Topič Marko , Albrecht Steve 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPerovskite solar cells (PSC) have shown that under laboratory conditions they can compete with established photovoltaic technologies. However, controlled laboratory measurements usually performed do not fully resemble operational conditions and field testing outdoors, with day‐night cycles, changing irradiance and temperature. In this contribution, the performance of PSCs in the rooftop field test, exposed to real weather conditions is evaluated. The 1 cm2 single‐junction devices, with an initial average power conversion efficiency of 18.5% are tracked outdoors in maximum power point over several weeks. In parallel, irradiance and air temperature are recorded, allowing us to correlate outside factors with generated power. To get more insight into outdoor device performance, a comprehensive set of laboratory measurements under different light intensities (10% to 120% of AM1.5) and temperatures is performed. From these results, a low power temperature coefficient of −0.17% K−1 is extracted in the temperature range between 25 and 85 °C. By incorporating these temperature‐ and light‐dependent PV parameters into the energy yield model, it is possible to correctly predict the generated energy of the devices, thus validating the energy yield model. In addition, degradation of the tested devices can be tracked precisely from the difference between measured and modelled power.
Minimally invasive surgery is feasible after preoperative chemotherapy for stage IV gastric cancer
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuyoshi , Omori Takeshi , Hara Hisashi , Shinno Naoki , Sugimura Keijiro , Miyata Hiroshi , Takahashi Hidenori , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki , Ohue Masayuki , Yano Masahiko 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimTo elucidate the safety and feasibility of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) as conversion surgery after chemotherapy for stage IV gastric cancer, we compared the background characteristics and clinical courses of patients who underwent open conversion surgery (open group) versus MIS (MIS group).MethodsWe included 94 consecutive patients with stage IV gastric cancer who received chemotherapy followed by conversion surgery gastric resection from January 2011 to October 2019 at the Osaka International Cancer Institute in this analysis.ResultsThe open group included more patients who had macroscopic peritoneal metastasis and required splenectomy. However, other background characteristics, including preoperative chemotherapy duration, were comparable. The MIS group had significantly longer operative time (266 vs 339 minutes, P = .0039) and less operative blood loss (520 vs 10 mL, P < .0001). The incidence of postoperative complication of Clavien‐Dindo grade II or higher was non‐significantly lower (24.5% vs 9.8%, P = .058) and length of postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the MIS group (12 vs 8 days, P < .0001). Even though the open group included more patients with more advanced (ypT4a or higher, or N3) disease, the MIS group had better recurrence free survival and overall survival (OS). Multivariate analysis revealed that N status (hazard ratio [HR], 4.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.18‐12.26; P < .0001) and T status (2.11; 1.05‐4.36; P = .036) were independent prognostic factors for OS. MIS was not a negative prognostic factor for OS (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.15‐1.10; P = .081).ConclusionMIS can be safely performed as conversion surgery following chemotherapy for stage IV gastric cancer.
Ontogenetic scaling of phloem sieve tube anatomy and hydraulic resistance with tree height in Quercus rubra
Authors: Clerx Laura E. , Rockwell Fulton E. , Savage Jessica A. , Holbrook N. Michele 
Published: May 2020

PremiseThe dimensions of phloem sieve elements have been shown to vary as a function of tree height, decreasing hydraulic resistance as the transport pathway lengthens. However, little is known about ontogenetic patterns of sieve element scaling. Here we examine within a single species (Quercus rubra) how decreases in hydraulic resistance with distance from the plant apex are mediated by overall plant size.MethodsWe sampled and imaged phloem tissue at multiple heights along the main stem and in the live crown of four size classes of trees using fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. Sieve element length and radius, the number of sieve areas per compound plate, pore number, and pore radius were used to calculate total hydraulic resistance at each sampling location.ResultsSieve element length varied with tree size, while sieve element radius, sieve pore radius, and the number of sieve areas per compound plate varied with sampling position. When data from all size classes were aggregated, all four variables followed a power‐law trend with distance from the top of the tree. The net effect of these ontogenetic scalings was to make total hydraulic sieve tube resistance independent of tree height from 0.5 to over 20 m.ConclusionsSieve element development responded to two pieces of information, tree size and distance from the apex, in a manner that conserved total sieve tube resistance across size classes. A further differentiated response between the phloem in the live crown and in the main stem is also suggested.