bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Michael Addition of Pyrazol‐5‐ones to β‐Silylmethylene Malonates: Synthesis of Chiral Organosilanes Under Metal‐ free Conditions
Authors: Chowdhury Raghunath , Dubey Akhil K. , Ghosh Sunil K. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHerein, we report a Michael addition reaction of pyrazolin‐5‐ones with β‐silylmethylene malonates using a squaramide catalyst derived from quinidine under mild reaction conditions. This protocol delivered chiral organosilanes appendage with pyrazole moiety in high yields (up to 90%) and good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98 : 2 er). A quinine derived thiourea catalyst deliver corresponding antipode for enantiomers with almost similar level of yields (up to 93%) and good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 2 : 98 er). The scale‐up reaction for synthesis of two chiral organosilanes confirmed the practical reliability of this protocol.
The role of hunting onSapajus xanthosternos'landscape of fear in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil
Authors: Suscke Priscila , Presotto Andrea , Izar Patrícia 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHabitats with spatial variation in food availability, predation risk, and hunting pressure allow us to study how animals resolve the trade‐off between food searching and predator avoidance. We investigated the influence of food availability, predation risk, and the perceived predation risk on habitat use by a primate living under high hunting pressure, the yellow‐breasted capuchin monkeys,Sapajus xanthosternos, at Una Biological Reserve (ReBio Una). We hypothesized that the hunting pressure occurring in the capuchins' home range would favor predator avoidance to the detriment of searching for food. We characterized a set of covariates related to resource availability (fruit and invertebrate biomasses, feeding on dispersed and clumped food items, sleeping sites), perceived predation risk (alarm calls given to terrestrial and aerial predators, silent group movement, and vigilance behavior), and actual predation risk (evidence of hunting) and estimated their effects on how one group of capuchin monkeys uses its habitat. The group divides its time among three major forest types within their home range: agroforest, mature, and secondary. Our results suggest that the actual and perceived risk of hunting by humans, as well as the perceived predation risk by both terrestrial and aerial predators, were significant determinants of capuchin monkeys' space use. Yellow‐breasted capuchin monkeys' space use was negatively related to the risk of hunting by humans (actual evidence and silent behavior), the perceived risk of predation by both aerial and terrestrial predators, and the presence of sleeping sites. Capuchin monkeys' use of space was not related to the biomass of fruits in the habitat, and the biomass of invertebrates had a very low positive effect. We confirmed our prediction that in a habitat with high hunting pressure, the risk of predation, both perceived and actual, had a more significant impact on how yellow‐breasted capuchins used space than did food availability.
Generation and expression analysis of BAC humanized mice carrying HLA‐DP401 haplotype
Authors: Li Feng , Zhu Meng‐min , Niu Bo‐wen , Liu Ling‐ling , Peng Xiu‐hua , Yang Hua , Qin Bo‐yin , Wang Meixiang , Ren Xiaonan , Zhou Xiaohui 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundHuman leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DP is much less studied than other HLA class II antigens, that is, HLA‐DR and HLA‐DQ, etc. However, the accumulating data have suggested the important roles of DP‐restricted responses in the context of cancer, allergy, and infectious disease. Lack of animal models expressing these genes as authentic cis‐haplotypes blocks our understanding for the role of HLA‐DP haplotypes in immunity.MethodsTo explore the potential cis‐acting control elements involved in the transcriptional regulation of the HLA‐DPA1/DPB1 gene, we performed the expression analysis using bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)‐based transgenic humanized mice in the C57BL/6 background, which carried the entire HLA‐DP401 gene locus. We further developed a mouse model of Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia in HLA‐DP401 humanized transgenic mice, and performed the analysis on the expression pattern of HLA‐DP401 and immunological responses in the model.ResultsIn this study, we screened and identified a BAC clone spanning the entire HLA‐DP gene locus. DNA from this clone was analyzed for integrity by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis and then microinjected into fertilized mouse oocytes to produce transgenic founder animals. Nine sets of PCR primers for regional markers with an average distance of 15 kb between each primer were used to confirm the integrity of the transgene in the five transgenic lines carrying the HLA‐DPA1/DPB1 gene. Transgene copy numbers were determined by real‐time PCR analysis. HLA‐DP401 gene expression was analyzed at the mRNA and protein level. Although infection with S aureus Newman did not alter the percentage of immune cells in the spleen and thymus from the HLA‐DP401‐H2‐Aβ1 humanized mice. Increased expression of HLA‐DP401 was observed in the thymus of the humanized mice infected by S aureus.ConclusionsWe generated several BAC transgenic mice, and analyzed the expression of HLA‐DPA1/DPB1 in those mice. A model of S aureus‐induced pneumonia in the HLA‐DP401‐H2‐Aβ1−/− humanized mice was further developed, and S aureus infection upregulated the HLA‐DP401 expression in thymus of those humanized mice. These findings demonstrate the potential of those HLA‐DPA1/DPB1 transgenic humanized mice for developing animal models of infectious diseases and MHC‐associated immunological diseases.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Defluorinative Alkylation of gem‐Difluorocyclopropanes: Switching Regioselectivity via Simple Hydrazones
Authors: Lv Leiyang , Li Chao‐Jun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractConventional approaches for Pd‐catalyzed ring‐opening cross‐couplings of gem‐difluorocyclopropanes with nucleophiles predominantly deliver the β‐fluoroalkene scaffolds (linear selectivity). Herein, we report a cooperative strategy that can completely switch the reaction selectivity to give the alkylated α‐fluoroalkene skeletons (branched selectivity). The unique reactivity of hydrazones that enables analogous inner‐sphere 3,3′‐reductive elimination driven by denitrogenation, as well as the assistance of steric‐embedded N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand, are the key to switch the regioselectivity. A wide range of hydrazones derived from naturally abundant aryl and alkyl aldehydes are well applicable, and various gem‐difluorocyclopropanes, including modified pharmaceutical and biological molecules, can be efficiently functionalized with high value alkylated α‐fluorinated alkene motifs under mild conditions.
Novel roles of Tsukushi in signaling pathways and multiple disease processes
Authors: Deng Xia , Li Yanyan , Guo Chang , Zhao Zhicong , Yuan Guoyue 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTsukushi (TSK), a newly identified hepatokine, is a member of the small leucine‐rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) family. TSK was originally isolated and identified in the lens of the chicken. Preliminary research on TSK has focused on its role in various physiological processes such as growth and development, wound healing, and cartilage formation. In recent years, the role of TSK in regulating cell signaling pathways, cell proliferation, and differentiation has been studied. In addition, the research has gradually expanded to the fields of glycolipid metabolism and energy balance. This article briefly reviews the role of TSK in the physiological and pathological process.
Selegiline reduces daytime sleepiness in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Gallazzi Marco , Mauri Marco , Bianchi Maria Laura , Riboldazzi Giulio , Princiotta Cariddi Lucia , Carimati Federico , Rebecchi Valentina , Versino Maurizio 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivesExcessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) affects a large percentage of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, and it is enhanced by dopamine agonist drugs. Currently, there is no treatment of choice for EDS in PD. Our aim was to check the clinical impression that some patients who were given selegiline, a selective inhibitor of monoamine oxidase B, experienced an improvement in their daytime somnolence.MethodsIn the present study, we retrospectively identified 45 Parkinson's disease patients (21 females and 24 males) among those referred to the PD Center in Varese that (a) showed excessive daytime sleepiness, usually developed after the introduction of a dopamine agonist, (b) were given selegiline 10 mg to improve their treatment schedule independently of excessive sleepiness, and (c) in whom the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS) scores were available both before and 3 months after the introduction of selegiline.ResultsWe compared the corresponding scores (ESS, PDSS, and UPDRS III) evaluated before and 3 months after the introduction of selegiline by the nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test: The differences showed a statistically significant improvement of somnolence but no change in the UPDRS III scores.ConclusionDespite some limitations, our data suggest that selegiline may be a valuable add‐on therapy in PD patients to reduce their daytime somnolence.
Electroencephalography resting‐state networks in people with Stroke
Authors: Snyder Dylan B. , Schmit Brian D. , Hyngstrom Allison S. , Beardsley Scott A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe purpose of this study was to characterize resting‐state cortical networks in chronic stroke survivors using electroencephalography (EEG).MethodsElectroencephalography data were collected from 14 chronic stroke and 11 neurologically intact participants while they were in a relaxed, resting state. EEG power was normalized to reduce bias and used as an indicator of network activity. Correlations of orthogonalized EEG activity were used as a measure of functional connectivity between cortical regions.ResultsWe found reduced cortical activity and connectivity in the alpha (p < .05;p = .05) and beta (p < .05;p = .03) bands after stroke while connectivity in the gamma (p = .031) band increased. Asymmetries, driven by a reduction in the lesioned hemisphere, were also noted in cortical activity (p = .001) after stroke.ConclusionThese findings suggest that stroke lesions cause a network alteration to more local (higher frequency), asymmetric networks. Understanding changes in cortical networks after stroke could be combined with controllability models to identify (and target) alternate brain network states that reduce functional impairment.
Application of graduate‐level numerical tools to teach phase equilibria of liquid ternary systems
Authors: Binous Housam , Mejbri Khalifa , Bellagi Ahmed 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe present paper describes a numerical technique to compute phase equilibria of ternary liquid systems. First, particle swarm optimization is used to estimate the binary interaction parameters of the NRTL (Non‐Random Two Liquid) and UNIQUAC (Universal Quasi‐Chemical) models. We show how the arc‐length continuation method allows the calculation of the liquid–liquid equilibrium diagram for any ternary system. A total of seven case studies of industrially important mixtures are described. Both Type I systems (oleic acid–water–ethanol, water–1‐propanol–toluene, DEC–ethanol–water, water–propionic acid–n‐hexane, and water–TMA–benzene) and Type II mixtures (water–1‐butanol–n‐hexane) are discussed. In addition, a system with temperature‐dependent behavior (n‐hexane–methyl cyclopentane–aniline) is studied. The numerical techniques and the thermodynamic problem involved in this paper are suitable for a first‐year graduate‐level course in chemical engineering. All computer coding is based either on Mathematica© or Matlab®. This is an ideal opportunity to introduce graduate students to advanced commands and programming syntax of state‐of‐the‐art mathematical software.
Heterogeneous Catalysis of Second Generation Oil for Biodiesel Production: A Review
Authors: Aderibigbe Fatai A. , Shiru Suleiman , Saka H. B. , Amosa M. K. , Mustapha Sherif Ishola , Alhassan Mohammed I , Adejumo Ayoade L. , Abdulraheem Morufudeen , Owolabi R. U. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe demand for cleaner fuels has been on the rise lately, prompting researchers to explore alternative cleaner technologies to meet the growing demand. This has led to the introduction of renewable fuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel. Depending on the feedstock employed for production, renewable fuels can be divided into first, second, and third generation. Reliance on first generation biofuel feedstocks has led to inherent competition between foods versus fuels in the society in the last decade. Further technological prospects in research and development have provided insight into the use of second generation biofuel feed‐stocks from non‐edible agricultural waste products, energy crops, and crop residues. Zeolites and modified zeolites as heterogeneous catalysts have been highly prospective for the transesterification process of these oils. Modified zeolite can act as a bi‐functional catalyst because of its acidic and basic sites. Here, a review of transesterification reaction technology, zeolite and modified zeolite as a heterogeneous catalyst to generate biodiesel was discussed. Current status, challenges and future prospects are also discussed.
Increased Valency Improves Inhibitory Activity of Peptides Targeting Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9)
Authors: Tombling Benjamin J. , Lammi Carmen , Bollati Carlotta , Anoldi Anna , Craik David J. , Wang Conan K. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractProprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a clinically validated target for treating hypercholesterolemia. Peptide‐based PCSK9 inhibitors have attracted pharmaceutical interest, but the effect of multivalency on bioactivity is poorly understood. Here we designed bivalent and tetravalent dendrimers, decorated with the PCSK9 inhibitory peptides Pep2‐8[RRG] or P9‐38, to study relationships between peptide binding affinity, peptide valency, and PCSK9 inhibition. Increased valency resulted in improved PCSK9 inhibition for both peptides, with activity improvements of up to 100‐fold achieved for the P9‐38‐decorated dendrimers compared to monomeric P9‐38 in in vitro competition binding assays. Furthermore, the P9‐38‐decorated dendrimers showed improved potency at restoring functional low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor levels and internalizing LDL in the presence of PCSK9, demonstrating significant cell‐based activity at picomolar concentrations. This study demonstrates the potential of increasing valency as a strategy for increasing the efficacy of peptide‐based PCSK9 therapeutics.
Effects of environment, nitrogen, and sulfur on total phenolic content and phenolic acid composition of winter wheat grain
Authors: Tian Wenfei , Wilson Tara L. , Chen Gengjun , Guttieri Mary J. , Nelson Nathan O. , Fritz Allan , Smith Gordon , Li Yonghui 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and objectivesHealth benefits of whole wheat are partially attributed to phenolic compounds. This study reports the effects of harvest year (Y), nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) fertilization, and wheat variety (V) on total phenolic content (TPC) and phenolic acid composition of wheat grains.FindingsThe year effect was significant for TPC and all phenolic acids except for syringic acid. The TPC and phenolic acid composition significantly differed among the varieties, except for vanillic acid concentration. Increased nitrogen fertilizer led to increased production of trans‐ferulic acid, and sulfur application affected the response to nitrogen fertilizer application. Varieties also differed in the response of phenolic acid concentration and composition to sulfur application.ConclusionsYear, sulfur fertilization, and wheat variety significantly influenced the total phenolic content and phenolic acid composition of wheat grains. Though nitrogen and sulfur applications had significant effect on wheat phytochemicals, environment (e.g., year), and variety, differences dominated the analysis of variance.Significance and noveltyTo our knowledge, this is the first study that reports the effects of nitrogen, sulfur, variety, harvest year, and their interactions on phenolic profiles of hard red winter wheat grains. These results will benefit future wheat production practices that aim to produce wheat grains enriched with natural antioxidants.
Micellar Catalysis for Sustainable Hydroformylation
Authors: Migliorini Francesca , Dei Filippo , Calamante Massimo , Maramai Samuele , Petricci Elena 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIt is here reported a fully sustainable and generally applicable protocol for the regioselective hydroformylation of terminal alkenes, using cheap commercially available catalysts and ligands, in mild reaction conditions (70 °C, 9 bar, 40 min). The process can take advantages from both micellar catalysis and microwave irradiation to obtain the linear aldehydes as the major or sole regioisomers in good to high yields. The substrate scope is largely explored as well as the application of hydroformylation in tandem with intramolecular hemiacetalization thus demonstrating the compatibility with a broad variety of functional groups. The reaction is efficient even in large scale and the catalyst and micellar water phase can be reused at least 5 times without any impact in reaction yields. The efficiency and sustainability of this protocol is strictly related to the in situ transformation of the aldehyde into the corresponding Bertagnini's salt that precipitates in the reaction mixture avoiding organic solvent mediated purification steps to obtain the final aldehydes as pure compounds.
Changes in the Wettability of Microporous Copper Layers Prepared by Different Modes of Electrodeposition
Authors: Johnsan R. , Das Sudev , Sujith Kumar C. S. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe architecture of microporous nanostructured copper was surface engineered by an improvised conventional electrodeposition technique enabled with a dynamic hydrogen template over a copper substrate. The dependency of the copper architecture on the electrochemical parameters, the current density, and the deposition time are studied in detail. Single‐step electrodeposition resulted in the formation of a fragile microporous nanostructure over the bare copper substrate. Focusing on structural stability, a two‐step electrodeposition was carried out to make the copper architecture competitive in an adverse environment. Due to the grain growth in two‐step electrodeposition, the structural stability was visibly enhanced, and the microporous nanostructure remained intact. The interaction of the microporous nanostructure with water was evaluated by measuring the contact angle, exhibiting both superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity.
Low‐Cost and Heat‐Resistant Poly(catechol/polyamine)‐Silica Composite Membrane for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhu Tianming , Chen Qiuyu , Xie Dongming , Liu Jiansheng , Chen Xinli , Nan Junmin , Zuo Xiaoxi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA composite membrane based on SiO2 and a low‐cost poly(catechol/polyamine) (PCPA) multicomponent system was prepared by using a simple dip‐coating processes. The results indicate that the formation of an inorganic/organic composite coating on the surface of the polyethylene (PE) separator is beneficial for improving the comprehensive performance, especially for the thermal stability and wettability. Compared to the PE separator, the thermal stability of the PE@SiO2‐PCPA composite membrane is greatly improved, showing a higher decomposition temperature (426 °C) and a smaller heat shrinkage rate at 160 °C. Moreover, the Li/LiCoO2 battery assembled with the PE@SiO2‐PCPA composite membrane shows an excellent initial discharge capacity and a remarkable capacity retention (171.5 mAh g−1, 86.1 %) at 4.4 V after 200 cycles at 0.5 C, which much higher than the PE membrane (165.2 mAh g−1, 61.4 %). This study provides a potential application for membranes with low cost, high thermal stability, and good wettability in the field of lithium‐ion batteries.
CO2‐to‐HCOOH Electrochemical Conversion on Nanostructured CuxPd100−x/Carbon Catalysts
Authors: Şahin Nihat Ege , Comminges Clément , Arrii Sandrine , Napporn Teko W. , Kokoh Kouakou B. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSelective electrochemical conversion of CO2 to HCOOH is obtained at the surface of a carbon‐supported bimetallic cathode material composed of copper and palladium nanoparticles. Polycrystalline copper or large copper particles are well‐known to catalyze CO2 reduction to hydrocarbons at relatively negative potentials, or when their surface is covered by copper oxides (Cu2O and CuO). Cu‐based materials modified by various palladium contents (0<×<100), were synthesized by using the microwave‐assisted polyol method to serve as a cathode in the selective CO2‐into‐HCOOH transformation. Herein, we developed a targeted preparation route toward the metal content/catalytic activity relationship correlating atomic ratio with faradaic efficiency (FE) to formate formation (ca. 60 % FE) at −0.72 V vs. RHE, which represents a 703 mV overpotential at pH=7. Consequently, the occurrence of this reduction reaction slows down the parallel H2 production from the solvent consumption, while the neighboring Cu−Pd provides excellent activity and a good efficiency toward CO2 reduction via the hydridation of the CO2 molecule to orientate the reaction to formate rather than carbon monoxide or H2 evolution.
Shi Epoxidation: A Great Shortcut to Complex Compounds
Authors: Feng Xiangqing , Du Haifeng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractShi epoxidation provides an extremely powerful tool to access optically active epoxides, which undoubtedly belongs to one of the earliest and most successful organocatalytic systems. Several generations of chiral ketones have been developed to realize the asymmetric epoxidation of each type of unfunctionalized alkenes, including trans‐, trisubstituted olefins, cis‐olefins, terminal olefins, and tetrasubstituted olefins. Due to its reliability and high regio‐ and enantioselectivity, Shi epoxidation has been widely applied in the synthesis of complex natural products and biologically active molecules.
Low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering in real‐world patients treated with evolocumab
Authors: Desai Nihar R. , Wade Rolin L. , Xiang Pin , Pinto Lionel , Nunna Sasikiran , Wang Xin , Exter Jason , Mues Katherine E. , Habib Mohdhar , Chen Chi‐Chang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundLow‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) is a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). There are limited real‐world data on LDL‐C lowering with evolocumab in United States clinical practice.HypothesisWe assessed LDL‐C lowering during 1 year of evolocumab therapy.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study used linked laboratory (Prognos) and medical claims (IQVIA Dx/LRx and PharMetrics Plus®) data. Patients with a first fill for evolocumab between 7/1/2015 and 10/31/2019 (index event) and LDL‐C ≥ 70 mg/dL were included (overall cohort; N = 5897). Additionally, a patient subgroup with a recent myocardial infarction (MI) within 12 months (median 130 days) before the first evolocumab fill was identified (N = 152). Reduction from baseline LDL‐C was calculated based on the lowest LDL‐C value recorded during a 12‐month follow‐up period.ResultsThe mean (SD) age was 65 (10) years; 61.9% of patients had ASCVD diagnoses and 70.7% of patients were in receipt of lipid‐lowering therapy. Following evolocumab treatment, changes in LDL‐C from baseline were −60% in the overall cohort (median [interquartile range (IQR)] 146 [115–180] mg/dL to 58 [36–84] mg/dL) and −65% in the recent MI subgroup (median [IQR] 137 [109–165] mg/dL to 48 [30–78] mg/dL). In the overall cohort and recent MI subgroup, 62.1% and 69.7% of patients achieved LDL‐C < 70 mg/dL, respectively.ConclusionsIn this real‐world analysis, evolocumab was associated with significant reductions in LDL‐C comparable to that seen in the FOURIER clinical trial, which were durable over 1 year of treatment.