bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Model to Study Myelinated Fiber Degeneration and Regeneration in Human Skin
Authors: Provitera Vincenzo , Piscosquito Giuseppe , Manganelli Fiore , Mozzillo Stefania , Caporaso Giuseppe , Stancanelli Annamaria , Borreca Ilaria , Di Caprio Giovanni , Santoro Lucio , Nolano Maria 
Published: December 2019

ObjectiveTo describe morphological changes associated with degeneration and regeneration of large fibers in the skin using a model of chronic compression of the median nerve.MethodsWe studied cutaneous innervation in 30 patients with chronic compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Before surgery, we assessed the symptom severity and performed neurography, quantitative sensory testing, and analysis of nerve morphology and morphometry in skin biopsies from the third digit fingertip. Fifteen patients repeated all tests 12 months after the surgery. Thirty age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects were included in the study.ResultsClinical and neurophysiological basal assessment showed a moderate involvement of the median nerve. Quantitative sensory testing showed abnormal findings. The density of intraepidermal nerve fibers and intrapapillary myelinated endings was reduced. Myelinated fibers showed caliber reduction and nodal elongation. Meissner corpuscles had normal density but were located deeper in the dermis and their capsule appeared partially empty. During follow‐up, patients exhibited a positive clinical and neurophysiological outcome. Quantitative sensory testing improved. Intraepidermal nerve fibers and intrapapillary myelinated endings remained unchanged, but the caliber of intrapapillary myelinated endings was increased. The neural component of the Meissner corpuscle filled the capsule of the mechanoreceptors that remained deeper in the dermis. The position of vasoactive intestinal peptide–immunoreactive fibers was more superficial compared to the basal assessment and controls.InterpretationWe recognized and quantified the pathological changes associated with nerve degeneration and regeneration in skin and proposed new parameters that may increase the diagnostic yield of skin biopsy in clinical practice. Ann Neurol 2020;87:456–465
Impact of Positional Isomerism on Pathway Complexity in Aqueous Media
Authors: Helmers Ingo , Shen Bowen , Kartha Kalathil K. , Albuquerque Rodrigo Q. , Lee Myongsoo , Fernández Gustavo 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPathway complexity has become an important topic in recent years due to its relevance in the optimization of molecular assembly processes, which typically require precise sample preparation protocols. Alternatively, competing aggregation pathways can be controlled by molecular design, which primarily rely on geometrical changes of the building blocks. However, understanding how to control pathway complexity by molecular design remains elusive and new approaches are needed. Herein, we exploit positional isomerism as a new molecular design strategy for pathway control in aqueous self‐assembly. We compare the self‐assembly of two carboxyl‐functionalized amphiphilic BODIPY dyes that solely differ in the relative position of functional groups. Placement of the carboxyl group at the 2‐position enables efficient pairwise H‐bonding interactions into a single thermodynamic species, whereas meso‐substitution induces pathway complexity due to competing hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions. Our results show the importance of positional engineering for pathway control in aqueous self‐assembly.
Molecular‐Sieving Membrane by Partitioning the Channels in Ultrafiltration Membrane by In Situ Polymerization
Authors: Shao Pengpeng , Yao Ruxin , Li Ge , Zhang Mengxi , Yuan Shuai , Wang Xiaoqi , Zhu Yuhao , Zhang Xianming , Zhang Lin , Feng Xiao , Wang Bo 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCommercial ultrafiltration membranes have proliferated globally for water treatment. However, their pore sizes are too large to sieve gases. Conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) feature well‐developed microporosity yet are difficult to be fabricated into membranes. Herein, we report a strategy to prepare molecular‐sieving membranes by partitioning the mesoscopic channels in water ultrafiltration membrane (PSU) into ultra‐micropores by space‐confined polymerization of multi‐functionalized rigid building units. Nine CMP@PSU membranes were obtained, and their separation performance for H2/CO2, H2/N2, and H2/CH4 pairs surpass the Robeson upper bound and rival against the best of those reported membranes. Furthermore, highly crosslinked skeletons inside the channels result in the structural robustness and transfer into the excellent aging resistance of the CMP@PSU. This strategy may shed light on the design and fabrication of high‐performance polymeric gas separation membranes.
Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g‐C3N4): An Interface Enabler for Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Huang Ying , Chen Bo , Duan Jian , Yang Fei , Wang Tengrui , Wang Zhengfeng , Yang Wenjuan , Hu Chenchen , Luo Wei , Huang Yunhui 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSolid‐state Li metal batteries (SSLMBs) have attracted considerable interests due to their promising energy density as well as high safety. However, the realization of a well‐matched Li metal/solid‐state electrolyte (SSE) interface remains challenging. Herein, we report g‐C3N4 as a new interface enabler. We discover that introducing g‐C3N4 into Li metal can not only convert the Li metal/garnet‐type SSE interface from point contact to intimate contact but also greatly enhance the capability to suppress the dendritic Li formation because of the greatly enhanced viscosity, decreased surface tension of molten Li, and the in situ formation of Li3N at the interface. Thus, the resulting Li‐C3N4|SSE|Li‐C3N4 symmetric cell gives a significantly low interfacial resistance of 11 Ω cm2 and a high critical current density (CCD) of 1500 μA cm−2. In contrast, the same symmetric cell configuration with pristine Li metal electrodes has a much larger interfacial resistance (428 Ω cm2) and a much lower CCD (50 μA cm−2).
A Supported Bismuth Halide Perovskite Photocatalyst for Selective Aliphatic and Aromatic C–H Bond Activation
Authors: Dai Yitao , Poidevin Corentin , Ochoa‐Hernández Cristina , Auer Alexander A. , Tüysüz Harun 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDirect selective oxidation of hydrocarbons to oxygenates by O2 is challenging. Catalysts are limited by the low activity and narrow application scope, and the main focus is on active C−H bonds at benzylic positions. In this work, stable, lead‐free, Cs3Bi2Br9 halide perovskites are integrated within the pore channels of mesoporous SBA‐15 silica and demonstrate their photocatalytic potentials for C−H bond activation. The composite photocatalysts can effectively oxidize hydrocarbons (C5 to C16 including aromatic and aliphatic alkanes) with a conversion rate up to 32900 μmol gcat−1 h−1 and excellent selectivity (>99 %) towards aldehydes and ketones under visible‐light irradiation. Isotopic labeling, in situ spectroscopic studies, and DFT calculations reveal that well‐dispersed small perovskite nanoparticles (2–5 nm) possess enhanced electron–hole separation and a close contact with hydrocarbons that facilitates C(sp3)−H bond activation by photoinduced charges.
Uncovering the Shuttle Effect in Organic Batteries and Counter‐Strategies Thereof: A Case Study of the N,N′‐Dimethylphenazine Cathode
Authors: Lau Vincent Wing‐hei , Moudrakovski Igor , Yang Junghoon , Zhang Jiliang , Kang Yong‐Mook 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe main drawback of organic electrode materials is their solubility in the electrolyte, leading to the shuttle effect. Using N,N′‐dimethylphenazine (DMPZ) as a highly soluble cathode material, and its PF6− and triflimide salts as models for its first oxidation state, a poor correlation was found between solubility and battery operability. Extensive electrochemical experiments suggest that the shuttle effect is unlikely to be mediated by molecular diffusion as commonly understood, but rather by electron‐hopping via the electron self‐exchange reaction based on spectroscopic results. These findings led to two counter‐strategies to prevent the hopping process: the pre‐treatment of the anode to form a solid–electrolyte interface and using DMPZ salt rather than neutral DMPZ as the active material. These strategies improved coulombic efficiency and capacity retention, demonstrating that solubility of organic materials does not necessarily exclude their applications in batteries.
A Dirhoda‐Heterocyclic Carbene
Authors: Barnett Harrison J. , Hill Anthony F. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe linear μ‐carbido complex [Rh2(μ‐C)Cl2(dppm)2] (dppm=bis(diphenylphosphino)methane) reacts with dimethylacetylene dicarboxylate (DMAD) to afford [Rh2(μ‐C)(μ‐DMAD)Cl2(dppm)2], which features a bent RhCRh linkage (124.7°) that might be described as a dirhoda‐heterocyclic carbene, as demonstrated by coordination to further metal centers.
Rapid One‐Step Synthesis and Compaction of High‐Performance n‐Type Mg3Sb2 Thermoelectrics
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Song Lirong , Iversen Bo Brummerstedt 
Published: December 2019

Abstractn‐type Mg3Sb2‐based compounds have emerged as a promising class of low‐cost thermoelectric materials due to their extraordinary performance at low and intermediate temperatures. However, so far, high thermoelectric performance has merely been reported in n‐type Mg3Sb2‐Mg3Bi2 alloys with a large amount of Bi. Moreover, current synthesis methods of n‐type Mg3Sb2 bulk thermoelectrics involve multi‐step processes that are time‐ and energy‐consuming. Herein, we report a fast and straightforward approach to fabricate n‐type Mg3Sb2 thermoelectrics using spark plasma sintering, which combines the synthesis and compaction in one step. Using this method, we achieve a high thermoelectric figure of merit zT of about 0.4–1.5 at 300–725 K in n‐type (Sc, Te)‐co‐doped Mg3Sb2 without alloying with Mg3Bi2. In comparison with the currently reported synthesis methods, the complexity, process time, and cost of our method are significantly reduced. This work demonstrates a simple, low‐cost route for the potential large‐scale production of n‐type Mg3Sb2 thermoelectrics.
Artificial Light‐Harvesting Complexes Enable Rieske Oxygenase Catalyzed Hydroxylations in Non‐Photosynthetic cells
Authors: Feyza Özgen F. , Runda Michael E. , Burek Bastien O. , Wied Peter , Bloh Jonathan Z. , Kourist Robert , Schmidt Sandy 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this study, we coupled a well‐established whole‐cell system based on E. coli via light‐harvesting complexes to Rieske oxygenase (RO)‐catalyzed hydroxylations in vivo. Although these enzymes represent very promising biocatalysts, their practical applicability is hampered by their dependency on NAD(P)H as well as their multicomponent nature and intrinsic instability in cell‐free systems. In order to explore the boundaries of E. coli as chassis for artificial photosynthesis, and due to the reported instability of ROs, we used these challenging enzymes as a model system. The light‐driven approach relies on light‐harvesting complexes such as eosin Y, 5(6)‐carboxyeosin, and rose bengal and sacrificial electron donors (EDTA, MOPS, and MES) that were easily taken up by the cells. The obtained product formations of up to 1.3 g L−1 and rates of up to 1.6 mm h−1 demonstrate that this is a comparable approach to typical whole‐cell transformations in E. coli. The applicability of this photocatalytic synthesis has been demonstrated and represents the first example of a photoinduced RO system.
An Indium‐Seamed Hexameric Metal–Organic Cage as an Example of a Hexameric Pyrogallol[4]arene Capsule Conjoined Exclusively by Trivalent Metal Ions
Authors: Wagle Durgesh V. , Kelley Steven P. , Baker Gary A. , Sikligar Kanishka , Atwood Jerry L. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA hexameric metal–organic nanocapsule is assembled from pyrogallol[4]arene units, which are stitched together with indium ions. This indium‐seamed capsule is the first instance of a M24L6 type hexameric coordination cage held together exclusively by trivalent metal ions. Explicitly, unlike previously reported pyrogallol[4]arene‐based metal‐seamed capsules, the current In3+ seamed capsule is entirely supported by O→In coordinate bonds. This work demonstrates the important proof of concept of the ability of pyrogallol[4]arene to react with metals in higher oxidation states to assemble into atomically‐precise hexameric coordination cages. As such, these results open up exciting avenues toward the assembly of previously unanticipated metal–organic capsules, for example offering inspiration for tackling metals exhibiting high valence states such as in the lanthanide and actinide series.
Molecular structure development in silsesquioxane−urethane thin film hybrids: A small‐angle neutron scattering investigation
Authors: Knott Robert , Dutta Naba K. , Choudhury Namita Roy 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTThe small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) technique was used to investigate the molecular structurein situof the synthesis of a series of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)‐based polyurethane hybrid materials with respect to the reaction time, and the hybridization chemistry. In order to tailor the material properties for application in thin film coatings of metal surfaces, the effect on the hybrid structure was investigated of a selected end‐capping agent (silane[N‐ethyl‐3‐trimethoxysilyl‐2‐methylpropanamine]; A‐Link35) and chain extension agent (poly[ethylene glycol‐ran‐propylene glycol]). The structure of the POSS‐urethane hybrid in solution was observed to vary between fully or partially solvated polymer chains (radius of gyrationRg~20–40 Å), and larger collapsed structures (Rg>100'sÅ). © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48772.
Retentive drug delivery systems based on shape memory materials
Authors: Maroni Alessandra , Melocchi Alice , Zema Lucia , Foppoli Anastasia , Gazzaniga Andrea 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTRetentive drug delivery systems are intended for prolonged residence and release inside hollow organs of the body, in pursuit of either local or systemic therapeutic goals. Because of the relatively long‐lasting period of time they could cover during operation, a primary advantage arising from their use would lie in reduced dosing frequency, thereby improving the overall adherence of patients to prescribed medication regimens. The treatment of numerous pathologies that affect the urinary bladder and the stomach could especially benefit from viability of such delivery technologies. Moreover, by making use of effective gastroretentive dosage forms, the bioavailability of drugs that are preferably absorbed from the upper gastrointestinal tract could be increased. Expansion of devices following administration is often exploited for retention purposes, and several formulation strategies have been proposed in this respect. Innovative applications of shape memory materials have also been explored, highlighting the great inherent potential for facing the challenges involved. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48798.
Surface modification of mesoporous silica by radiation induced graft polymerization of styrene and subsequent sulfonation for ion‐exchange applications
Authors: Khan Ijaz A. , Hussain Hazrat , Yasin Tariq , Inaam‐ul‐Hassan Muhammad 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTIn this study, the fabrication of silica‐grafted‐sulfonated styrene (S‐g‐SSt) resin by grafting of styrene onto silanized silica via gamma radiation‐induced polymerization and subsequent sulfonation of the grafted styrene is described. The grafting was strongly affected by the reaction conditions; absorbed dose, monomer concentration, and the type of solvent used. The structural analysis of the silica and all the relevant products were carried out by FTIR, SEM, TGA, XRD, and BET. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of styrene onto silica and subsequent sulfonation. The BET nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms indicated that grafting occurs on the surface as well as inside the pores. Finally, the ion exchange capacity (IEC) of the fabricated S‐g‐SSt was evaluated by ion exchange titrations (back titration method). The IEC was found to be in the range of 0.43–2.97 meq/g depending on the degree of grafting. The facile fabrication method and high IEC value (2.97 meq/g) could lead to potential application of the fabricated S‐g‐SSt resin in ion exchange resin in waste water treatment and metal recovery. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48835.
Decimation of a population of the endangered species Scutellastra mexicana (Broderip and Sowerby, 1829) (Mollusca, Gastropoda) in the Marías Island (Eastern Ocean Pacific) Biosphere Reserve
Authors: Carballo José Luis , Yáñez Benjamín , Bautista‐Guerrero Eric , García‐Gómez José Carlos , Espinosa Free , Tortolero‐Langarica José J.A. , Michel‐Morfín Jesús Emilio 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Scutellastra mexicana is the largest known patellid limpet species and probably is one of the most endangered marine invertebrates.
The species was once distributed along the American Pacific coast from Mexico to Peru, but their large size (up to 35 cm long) and easy accessibility (shallow sublittoral), made it very vulnerable to human collection and now is extinct on most of the mainland Mexican coast.
In August 2017, a large population of this species was found on María Cleofas island, off the coast of west‐central Mexico (Marías Archipelago, Pacific Ocean). This constitutes the only report of a population of this species since 1988.
A total of 808 adult individuals of up to 26 cm in length and 20 cm in width were estimated, together with the presence of juveniles, suggesting that it is a self‐sustaining population. The population was monitored in August 2017 and August 2018.
Although the species is under the category ‘Special Protection’ in the General Mexican Wild Law, and that María Cleofas island is a Biosphere Reserve, fishermen that operate with impunity in the area decimated the limpet population within a year of its discovery. Abundance in the shallowest area decreased significantly from 120 individuals per transect (65 m long and 2.75 m wide) in August 2017 to 48 individuals in August 2018, and the estimated adult population decreased from 808 to 304 limpets.
Neither passive national conservation policies nor local practices have reduced current threats to biodiversity and resource depletion in Marías Archipelago. Protected areas like this are ‘paper parks’—parks in name only—because there is no active conservation strategy or protection of marine species.
Extreme Anatomy: The Lottery Winners, Specialists, and Extreme Adaptations That Are No More
Authors: Smith Timothy D. , Laitman Jeffrey T. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTThis special issue of The Anatomical Record explores extravagant adaptions that vertebrates have evolved from their base groups to survive in the most challenging environments. It stems from a symposium entitled “Extreme Anatomy: Living beyond the edge,” which was held April 23, 2017, at the annual meeting of the American Association for Anatomy, in Chicago, IL. In Part 1 of this issue, we examined extreme morphologies that allow exploration of new niches. In this issue, we return to the evolution of terrestriality by digging deeply into the fossil history of the piscine antecedent of tetrapods. These were truly “lottery winners” among vertebrates. This issue also bears on extreme specialists that once thrived but are now long extinct and some extant species that thrive in the hottest terrestrial niches. Herein, several contributions discuss developmental strategies that facilitate later demanding locomotor regimens and feeding strategies for accessing nutrients from less than ideal food sources. From mole‐rats to short‐faced breeds of domestic dogs, we encounter another host of the most unusual of earth's creatures, who have much to teach us about our world. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy Anat Rec, 303:214–217, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
CO Gas‐free Intramolecular Cyclocarbonylation Reactions of Haloarenes Having a C‐Nucleophile through CO‐Relay between Rhodium and Palladium
Authors: Morimoto Tsumoru , Yamashita Mana , Tomiie Ai , Tanimoto Hiroki , Kakiuchi Kiyomi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe describe transfer carbonylation reactions of 2‐bromoarenes that contain a carbon‐nucleophile using aldehydes as a substitute for CO, leading to the formation of indanone derivatives. The transformation proceeds efficiently under RhI/Pd0‐hybrid catalytic conditions consisting of two discrete transition metals, rhodium and palladium, which catalyze the decarbonylation of aldehydes and the subsequent carbonylation of bromoarenes using the resulting carbonyl moiety, respectively. The majority of the abstracted CO is transferred directly to the product via a CO‐relay process from rhodium to palladium.
Harnessing single‐stranded DNA binding protein to explore protein–protein and protein–DNA interactions
Authors: Chen Stefanie H. , Goller Carlos C. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractProteins must interact with a variety of other cellular components to properly perform their functions. We have developed a series of five experiments based on the robust bacterial single‐stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) to characterize both known and unknown protein–protein and protein–DNA interactions. Students work in groups to generate and process data from electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), yeast two‐hybrid, far Western, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and fluorescence microscopy experiments, including choosing a novel condition for each. A gamification approach was used to encourage student participation and laboratory safety. Student learning was assessed using pre‐ and post‐surveys and course grade data. The results indicate a clear increase in both content knowledge and confidence in the topics presented. Ranking of course activities indicated that performing the hands‐on laboratory exercises was the most valuable course component, and over half of the students would choose to take another course with a similar gamification component. Each of the five laboratory experiments can be performed in combination with each other or integrated separately into a related course, and the gamification structure can be applied to any course.
Influence of different jaw positions on dynamic balance using Y‐balance test
Authors: Zafar Hamayun , Alghadir Ahmad H. , Iqbal Zaheen Ahmed , Iqbal Amir , Anwer Shahnawaz , Alnahdi Ali H. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundJaw sensory‐motor system has been shown to affect static balance of the body. It would be interesting to know whether it can influence dynamic balance as well. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of different jaw positions on dynamic balance using the Y‐balance test.MethodsEighty healthy male participants aged 20–35 years were invited to participate in this study. Dynamic balance was measured by the Y‐balance test in three directions (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral) for each leg separately in three jaw positions: resting jaw (control), open‐jaw, and clenched jaw.ResultsThere were no significant differences in reach distances between the different jaw positions except in the posterolateral direction. In comparison with resting jaw position, reach distance was significantly higher in open‐jaw position for the right leg and in clenched and open‐jaw positions for the left leg in the posterolateral direction.ConclusionsAlthough various studies have shown direct or indirect influence of jaw sensory‐motor system on static postural control, results of this study point to limited relation with dynamic postural control among healthy subjects. However, it supports the potential of the jaw sensory‐motor system to affect motor control during functional tasks in patients with postural instability or similar disorders.