bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nerve conduit based on HAP/PDLLA/PRGD for peripheral nerve regeneration with sustained release of valproic acid
Authors: Wu Fei , Jiao Chuanjie , Yang Yue , Liu Feng , Sun Zhibo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe nerve conduits have been developed for nerve defect repair. However, no artificial conduits have obtained comparable results to autografts to bridge the large gaps. A possible reason for this poor performance may be a lack of sustainable neurotrophic support for axonal regrowth. Previous studies suggested nanocomposite conduits can be used as a carrier for valproic acid (VPA), a common drug that can produce effects similar to the neurotrophic factors. Here, we developed the novel bioabsorbable conduits based on hydroxyapatite/poly d‐l‐lactic acid (PDLLA)/poly{(lactic acid)‐co‐[(glycolic acid)‐alt‐(l‐lysine)]} with sustained release of VPA. Firstly, the sustained release of VPA in this conduit was examined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Then Schwann cells were treated with the conduit extracts. The cell metabolic activity and proliferation were assayed by 3‐[4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl]‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐tetrazolium bromide and bromodeoxyuridine staining. A 10‐mm segment of rat sciatic nerve was resected and then repaired, respectively, using the VPA conduit (Group A), the PDLLA conduit (Group B), or the autografts (Group C). Nerve conduction velocities (NCVs), compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs), and histological staining were assayed following the surgery. The cell metabolic activity and proliferation were significantly increased (p < .05) by the extracts from VPA‐conduit extract compared to others. NCVs and CMAPs were significantly higher in Groups A and C than Group B (p < .05). The nerve density of Groups A and C was higher than Group B. There was no significant difference between Groups A and C. Taken together, this study suggested the sustained‐release VPA conduit promoted peripheral nerve regeneration that was comparable to the autografts. It holds potential for future use in nerve regeneration.
Circular RNA circZNF292 regulates H2O2‐induced injury in human lens epithelial HLE‐B3 cells depending on the regulation of the miR‐222‐3p/E2F3 axis
Authors: Xu Xinyan , Gao Rongyu , Li Shuchan , Li Nan , Jiang Keke , Sun Xianyong , Zhang Jie 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCircular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in the pathogenesis of age‐related cataract (ARC). CircRNA zinc finger protein 292 (circZNF292, hsa_circ_0004058) is downregulated in ARC lens capsules. Here, we focused on its precise roles in oxidative stress underlying the pathogenesis of ARC. CircZNF292, microRNA (miR)‐222‐3p, and E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) were quantified by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction or western blot. Cell viability was assessed by the cell counting kit‐8 assay. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde were measured using the corresponding assay kit. Targeted correlations among circZNF292, miR‐222‐3p, and E2F3 were verified by the dual‐luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull‐down assays. Our data showed that circZNF292 was downregulated in ARC tissues and H2O2‐treated human lens epithelial B3 (HLE‐B3) cells. Increased expression of circZNF292 alleviated H2O2‐induced cell viability suppression, apoptosis promotion, and oxidative stress enhancement. Mechanistically, circZNF292 directly targeted miR‐222‐3p, and circZNF292 regulated E2F3 expression through miR‐222‐3p. MiR‐222‐3p was a functional mediator of circZNF292 in modulating H2O2‐induced injury in HLE‐B3 cells. Furthermore, reduced level of miR‐222‐3p ameliorated H2O2‐induced HLE‐B3 cell damage by upregulating E2F3. Our present study demonstrated that increased expression of circZNF292 ameliorated H2O2‐induced injury in HLE‐B3 cells at least in part through the miR‐222‐3p/E2F3 axis, highlighting a novel insight into the involvement of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of ARC.
Coronary sinus size and ischemia improvement after reducer implantation; “one size to fit them all?”
Authors: Tzanis Georgios , Khokhar Arif A , Ponticelli Francesco , Gallone Guglielmo , Palmisano Anna , Esposito Antonio , Beneduce Alessandro , Guarracini Stefano , Colombo Antonio , Giannini Francesco 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimCoronary sinus (CS) reducer implantation is associated with symptomatic relief of patients with refractory angina. However, 15% to 30% of the patients do not respond to this treatment. Aim if this study was to evaluate the effect of CS size in the effectiveness of the device.MethodsPrior to device implantation and at 4‐month resting ventricular function was assessed by stress cardiac magnetic resonance. Ischemia was assessed by the myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI).ResultsFifteen patients (66 ± 10 years) underwent successful CS Reducer implantation, with improvements in angina class and exercise tolerance. Patients with a smaller CS size (<5.8 mm) presented a significantly higher percentage increase in MPRI (63 ± 51 vs 9 ± 30%, P = .03) and a higher reduction in left ventricle end‐diastolic volumes.ConclusionsGreater benefits, in terms of ischemia improvement, after CS Reducer implantation were seen in patients with smaller CS sizes, suggesting a potential mechanism underlying the observed rates of reducer non‐responsiveness.
Right ventricular outflow tract stenting in symptomatic infants without the use of a long delivery sheath
Authors: Linnane Niall , Nasef Mohamed Al , McMahon Colin J. , McGuinness Jonathan , McCrossan Brian , Oslizlok Paul , Walsh Kevin P. , Kenny Damien 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesRight ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) stenting improves systemic oxygenation and facilitates pulmonary arterial growth in symptomatic infants prior to repair of tetralogy of Fallot. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RVOT stenting without the use of a long delivery sheath.MethodsRetrospective data analysis of patients under 1 year of age undergoing RVOT stenting from January 2010 to January 2020 at a single tertiary pediatric cardiology center.ResultsSixty‐three RVOT stents were deployed during 53 procedures into 44 patients. The median age and weight at insertion were 41 days (range 2–204) and 3.6 kg (range 1.59–7) respectively. Thirty‐one procedures were semi‐elective and 22 were emergencies. Stent positioning was guided by transthoracic echocardiogram and/or RV angiography from a pigtail micro‐catheter placed via the aorta. The median total procedure and fluoroscopy times were 67.5 (range 15–145) and 19 min (1–107), respectively. The median length of hospital stay was 7 days (range 1–258). Twenty‐one patients were admitted to ICU post‐procedure with a median ICU length of stay of 3 days (range 3–11). There were three major complications including two deaths within 30 days of the procedure. A patient with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (1.8 kg) died following stent migration and inability to wean from emergency cardiopulmonary bypass and the second infant had an unexplained asystolic arrest post‐procedure while awaiting transfer to ICU.ConclusionsRVOT stenting is technically possible with minimal complications without the need for a long delivery sheath. Additional imaging with transthoracic echocardiography can facilitate the safe deployment of the stent.
A Review on the Current Progress and Challenges of 2D Layered Transition Metal Dichalcogenides as Li/Na‐ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Sahoo Ramkrishna , Singh Monika , Rao Tata Narasinga 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEnergy storage systems play a crucial role to effectively utilize the recurrent renewable energy sources. In the last few decades, lithium‐ion battery (LIB) has emerged as the most convenient and viable energy storage systems and consequently, sodium‐ion battery (SIB) has drawn most of the attention of researchers as a potential alternative to LIB, especially in grid storage. Further development on LIB and SIB requires detection of novel electrode materials, precisely the anode. Captivating physico‐chemical properties and unique structure of layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) nanostructured materials have been rendered supremely appealing to the electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices researchers. In this review, synopsis of current state‐of‐art LIB and SIB anode materials, brief discussion on the different crystal structures and the common synthesis process of the TMDs have been articulated. Apart from these, detailed discussion on the electrochemical reaction and battery performance of different TMDs have been summarized and discussed in this review. The individuality of this review paper compared to the other reported review papers has also been highlighted in details. Finally, the challenges and limitations of the current TMDs materials, and outlook for the future improvement of TMDs in the energy sector have been proposed.
Imine‐Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes for the Electrocatalytic Reduction of Flue Gas CO2
Authors: Shi Han , Pan Hui , Cheng Yingying , Lu Shijian , Kang Peng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractImine‐nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) were prepared by pyrolysis using polyaniline as a major nitrogen source. They can electrocatalytically reduce CO2 to CO with high selectivity and efficiency. The current density of CO presented a volcanic distribution in the applied potential between −0.53 and −0.93 V (vs RHE), reaching 13.8 mA ⋅ cm−2 at −0.83 V. The maximum Faraday efficiency reached 93 % at −0.63 V, and the current density of CO was 6.8 mA ⋅ cm−2. Furthermore, the catalyst can directly reduce CO2 in simulated flue gas (15 % CO2, 77 % N2 and 8 % O2) and exhibited a high CO FE of 70 %. The high catalytic activity originates from rich content of imine‐nitrogen in NCNTs, serving as the active sites for catalysis.
Porous Organic Phenanthroline‐Based Polymer as an Efficient Transition‐Metal‐Free Heterogeneous Catalyst for Direct Aromatic C−H Activation
Authors: Tang Yongquan , Chen Fang , Wang Sai , Sun Qi , Meng Xiangju , Xiao Feng‐Shou 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDirect C−H bond transformation has been regarded as one of the most important areas in organic synthesis in both academia and industry. However, the heterogeneous transition‐metal‐free catalysis of direct C−H bond transformation has remained a contemporary challenge. To tackle this challenge, we designed and constructed a porous phenanthroline‐based polymer (namely POP‐Phen) via free radical polymerization of vinyl‐functionalized phenanthroline monomers. POP‐Phen shows excellent catalytic performances in transition‐metal‐free catalyzed C−H arylation, even better than those of the corresponding homogeneous catalyst, which is mainly attributed to the high density of catalytically active sites in the heterogeneous catalyst. Kinetic isotope experiments and spectral characterizations demonstrate the electron‐transfer between the heterogeneous catalyst and the base (t‐BuOK), a key step for C−H activation. We believe that this porous organic phenanthroline polymer could open a new door for the design of novel heterogeneous transition‐metal‐free catalysts for direct C−H activation.
Selective, pH‐Dependent Colorimetric and Fluorimetric Detection of Quadruplex DNA with 4‐Dimethylamino(phenyl)‐Substituted Berberine Derivatives
Authors: Wickhorst Peter Jonas , Ihmels Heiko 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe 9‐ and 12‐dimethylaminophenyl‐substituted berberine derivatives 3 a and 3 b were readily synthesized by Suzuki‐Miyaura reactions and shown to be useful fluorescent probes for the optical detection of quadruplex DNA (G4‐DNA). Their association with the nucleic acids was investigated by spectrometric titrations, CD and LD spectroscopy, and with DNA‐melting analysis. Both ligands bind to duplex DNA by intercalation and to G4‐DNA by terminal π stacking. At neutral conditions, they bind with higher affinity (Kb=105−106 M−1) to representative quadruplex forming oligonucleotides 22AG, c‐myc, c‐kit, and a2, than to duplex calf thymus (ct) DNA (Kb=5‐7×104 M−1). At pH 5, however, the affinity of 3 a towards G4‐DNA 22AG is higher (Kb=1.2×106 M−1), whereas the binding constant towards ct DNA is lower (Kb=3.9×103 M−1) than under neutral conditions. Notably, the association of the ligand with DNA results in characteristic changes of the absorption and emission properties under specific conditions, which may be used for optical DNA detection. Other than the parent berberine, the ligands do not show a noticeable increase of their very low intrinsic emission intensity upon association with DNA at neutral conditions. In contrast, a fluorescence light‐up effect was observed upon association to duplex (Φfl=0.01) and quadruplex DNA (Φfl=0.04) at pH 5. This fluorimetric response to G4‐DNA association in combination with the distinct, red‐shifted absorption under these conditions provides a simple and conclusive optical detection of G4‐DNA at lower pH.
Indium‐Catalyzed C−F Bond Transformation through Oxymetalation/β‐Fluorine Elimination to Access Fluorinated Isocoumarins
Authors: Yata Tetsuji , Nishimoto Yoshihiro , Chiba Kouji , Yasuda Makoto 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFluorinated heterocycles have attracted much attention in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Many strategies have already been developed to achieve the synthesis of fluorinated heterocycles. Formidable challenges remain, however, in the synthesis of fluorinated isocoumarin derivatives that are among the most alluring structural motifs. Herein, the indium‐catalyzed C−F bond transformation of 2‐(2,2‐difluorovinyl) benzoates is reported, which are readily accessible compounds, to give a diverse array of fluorinated isocoumarins. The present reaction proceeds smoothly using inexpensive reagents: a catalytic amount of indium salt in the presence of zinc salt. A theoretical calculation of potential energy profiles showed that the reaction consists of oxymetalation with the elimination of alkyl halide and the β‐fluorine elimination.
Deconvolving Contributions to Decoherence in Molecular Electron Spin Qubits: A Dynamic Ligand Field Approach
Authors: Mirzoyan Ruben , Kazmierczak Nathanael P. , Hadt Ryan G. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn the past decade, transition metal complexes have gained momentum as electron spin‐based quantum bit (qubit) candidates due to their synthetic tunability and long achievable coherence times. The decoherence of magnetic quantum states imposes a limit on the use of these qubits for quantum information technologies, such as quantum computing, sensing, and communication. With rapid recent development in the field of molecular quantum information science, a variety of chemical design principles for prolonging coherence in molecular transition metal qubits have been proposed. Here the spin‐spin, motional, and spin‐phonon regimes of decoherence are delineated, outlining design principles for each. It is shown how dynamic ligand field models can provide insights into the intramolecular vibrational contributions in the spin‐phonon decoherence regime. This minireview aims to inform the development of molecular quantum technologies tailored for different environments and conditions.
Supramolecular Alloys from Fluorinated Hybrid Tri4Di6Imine Cages
Authors: Kunde Tom , Pausch Tobias , Schmidt Bernd M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTo create innovative materials, efficient control and engineering of pore sizes and their characteristics, crystallinity and stability is required. Eight hybrid Tri4Di6imine cages with a tunable degree of fluorination and one fully fluorinated Tri4Di6imine cage are investigated. Although the fluorinated and the non‐fluorinated building blocks used herein differ vastly in reactivity, it was possible to gain control over the outcome of the self‐assembly process, by carefully controlling the feed ratio. This represents the first hybrid material based on fluorinated/hydrogenated porous organic cages (POCs). These cages with unlimited miscibility in the solid state were obtained as highly crystalline samples after recrystallization and even showed retention of the crystal lattice, forming alloys. All mixtures and the fully fluorinated Tri4Di6imine cage were analyzed by MALDI‐MS, single‐crystal XRD, powder XRD and in regard to thermal stability (TGA).
G4 Sensing Pyridyl‐Thiazole Polyamide Represses c‐KIT Expression in Leukemia Cells
Authors: Paul Raj , Dutta Debasish , Das Tania , Debnath Manish , Dash Jyotirmayee 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSpecific sensing and functional tuning of nucleic acid secondary structures remain less explored to date. Herein, we report a thiazole polyamide TPW that binds specifically to c‐KIT1 G‐quadruplex (G4) with sub‐micromolar affinity and ∼1 : 1 stoichiometry and represses c‐KIT proto‐oncogene expression. TPW shows up to 10‐fold increase in fluorescence upon binding with c‐KIT1 G4, but shows weak or no quantifiable binding to other G4s and ds26 DNA. TPW can increase the number of G4‐specific antibody (BG4) foci and mark G4 structures in cancer cells. Cell‐based assays reveal that TPW can efficiently repress c‐KIT expression in leukemia cells via a G4‐dependent process. Thus, the polyamide can serve as a promising probe for G‐quadruplex recognition with the ability to specifically alter c‐KIT oncogene expression.
Bis(pertrifluoromethylcatecholato)silane: Extreme Lewis Acidity Broadens the Catalytic Portfolio of Silicon
Authors: Thorwart Thaddäus , Roth Daniel , Greb Lutz 
Published: April 2021

AbstractGiven its earth abundance, silicon is ideal for constructing Lewis acids of use in catalysis or materials science. Neutral silanes were limited to moderate Lewis acidity, until halogenated catecholato ligands provoked a significant boost. However, catalytic applications of bis(perhalocatecholato)silanes were suffering from very poor solubility and unknown deactivation pathways. In this work, the novel per(trifluoromethyl)catechol, H2catCF3, and adducts of its silicon complex Si(catCF3)2 (1) are described. According to the computed fluoride ion affinity, 1 ranks among the strongest neutral Lewis acids currently accessible in the condensed phase. The improved robustness and affinity of 1 enable deoxygenations of aldehydes, ketones, amides, or phosphine oxides, and a carbonyl‐olefin metathesis. All those transformations have never been catalyzed by a neutral silane. Attempts to obtain donor‐free 1 attest to the extreme Lewis acidity by stabilizing adducts with even the weakest donors, such as benzophenone or hexaethyl disiloxane.
Teaching innovation in an age of disruption
Authors: Kresta Suzanne M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn a climate of global disruptions, it seems certain that adaptive change will be an important part of our lives for the foreseeable future. Now, more than ever, we have a responsibility to introduce our students to skills that will support them in this work. This paper is a synthesis of a number of invited plenary talks given from 2014–2019 which explore the dichotomy of engineering: we are innovators and problem solvers who also hold reliability and protection of the public as our most important obligation. The data show that innovation will become more important in the decades ahead, but finding academics who love the uncertainty that comes with teaching design is becoming more difficult. The tension—and occasional polarization—between prioritizing innovation or maintaining reliable known solutions is deconstructed and explored. Two examples of how this plays out in industry are presented. The second half of the paper presents a selection of important ideas for teaching innovation thinking. Practical teaching strategies are included for easy implementation in the classroom. In closing, the major threads in (engineering) teaching and learning research are summarized, again, with samples of best practices in the context of teaching collaborative innovation. The goal of this paper is to provide engineering instructors with tools which are easily applied to build curiosity and an innovation mindset, without reducing their commitment to reliable and robust engineering problem solving.
Sustainable chemistry with light – experimental approaches via digital media
Authors: Bohrmann‐Linde Claudia , Tausch Michael 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFür nachhaltige Entwicklung unverzichtbare Photoprozesse sind bisher in bildungspolitischen Vorgaben (KMK und Landesleitlinien BNE) nicht angemessen vertreten. In chemiedidaktischen Publikationen werden die Prinzipien „grüner Chemie“ und der Nachhaltigkeit zwar zunehmend thematisiert, aber Licht als nachhaltigste Energieform und die Chemie mit Licht bleiben auch hier unterrepräsentiert. Im Beitrag werden durch die Didaktik der Chemie produzierte, frei zugängliche digitale Ressourcen zur Erschließung der BNE‐relevanten Lehr‐/Lerninhalte, bei denen die Energieform Licht im Fokus steht, präsentiert. Darin werden photochemisches Fachwissen und pädagogische Grundsätze in wissenschaftlich konsistente und didaktisch prägnante Formate zusammengeführt. Die Erschließung ist über etablierte Unterrichtsinhalte möglich. Ihre Nutzung durch Lernende sollte unbedingt von Lehrenden geleitet oder zumindest moderiert werden, wobei im Sinne von systemischen Denkprozessen die behandelten Inhalte nicht nur für sich isoliert betrachtet, sondern in größere Zusammenhänge gebracht werden sollen.
The Improved Interfacial and Thermal Stability of Nickel‐Rich LiNi0.85Co0.10Mn0.05O2 Cathode in Li‐Ion Battery via Perovskite La4NiLiO8 Coating
Authors: Zhao Bo , Gu Zhen‐Yi , Meng Yun‐Feng , Wu Xing‐Long , Wang Guang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCapacity attenuation caused by Ni dissolution and interface instability during cycling is a major challenge because it limits the application of high Ni ternary cathode materials in Li‐ion batteries. In this paper, ternary LiNi0.85Co0.10Mn0.05O2 cathode with high nickel content was prepared by co‐precipitation method, and then was coated with perovskite La4NiLiO8 via the simple thermochemical method. The analysis of the images of transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed that the coating is uniformly covered on the surface of NCM85 material with a thickness of 5 nm. Compared to uncoated sample, the La4NiLiO8‐coated LiNi0.85Co0.10Mn0.05O2 material shows lower electrochemical impedance and better cyclic stability, the initial kinetic diffusion coefficient and the interface stability of the prepared material are greatly improved. Meanwhile, the problems of Li+/Ni2+ mixing are also been solved. This work provides a new strategy for improving the interface and thermal stability of the nickel cathode material of Li‐ion battery in the future.
Debottlenecking a Pulp Mill by Producing Biofuels from Black Liquor in Three Steps
Authors: Di Francesco Davide , Dahlstrand Christian , Löfstedt Joakim , Orebom Alexander , Verendel Johan , Carrick Christopher , Håkansson Åsa , Eriksson Sören , Rådberg Henrik , Wallmo Henrik , Wimby Martin , Huber Florian , Federsel Christopher , Backmark Mattias , Samec Joseph S. M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBy extracting lignin, pulp production can be increased without heavy investments in a new recovery boiler, the typical bottleneck of a pulp mill. The extraction is performed by using 0.20 and 0.15 weight equivalents of CO2 and H2SO4 respectively. Herein, we describe lignin esterification with fatty acids using benign reagents to generate a lignin ester mixable with gas oils. The esterification is accomplished by activating the fatty acid and lignin with acetic anhydride which can be regenerated from the acetic acid recycled in this reaction. The resulting mass balance ratio is fatty acid/lignin/acetic acid (2 : 1 : 0.1). This lignin ester can be hydroprocessed to generate hydrocarbons in gasoline, aviation, and diesel range. A 300‐hour continuous production of fuel was accomplished. By recirculating reagents from both the esterification step and applying a water gas shift reaction on off‐gases from the hydroprocessing, a favorable overall mass balance is realized.