bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sulfonamide functionalized amino acid‐based pH‐ and temperature‐sensitive biodegradable injectable hydrogels: Synthesis, physicochemical characterization and in vivo degradation kinetics
Authors: Le Thai Minh Duy , Nguyen Vu Viet Linh , Trinh Thuy An , Pham Ngoc Sinh , Lee Doo Sung , Huynh Dai Phu 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this research, a novel pH and temperature‐sensitive biodegradable oligomer serin‐b‐poly(lactide)‐b‐poly (ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(lactide)‐b‐ oligomer serin (OS‐PLA–PEG–PLA‐OS) pentablock copolymer was synthesized with modification of serine to sulfonamide group. The properties of the different pentablock copolymer structures were detail characterized. The copolymer solution easily flowed at high pH and changed to gel state at physiological conditions (37°C, pH 7.4). The sol to gel behavior of these block copolymer solutions were controllable by tuning the length of PEG segment, PLA/PEG block ratio, the molecular weight and the concentration of the pentablock copolymer. The in vivo gelation of the copolymer solution was investigated. The stable gel was formed after injection into the back of the adult male Mus musculus Swiss Albino mice. The degradation process was observed after 6 weeks and showed that the hydrogel depot was bioresorbable without any detection of inflammation sign. The results in this study suggest that the OS‐PLA–PEG–PLA‐OS pentablock copolymer has the potential application as an injectable delivery vehicle for therapeutic drugs that easily denatured at low‐pH condition.
Buzzing with possibilities: Training and olfactory generalization in conservation detection dogs for an endangered stonefly species
Authors: Rutter Nicholas J. , Mynott Julia H. , Howell Tiffani J. , Stukas Arthur A. , Pascoe Jack H. , Bennett Pauleen C. , Murphy Nicholas P. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Professionally trained conservation detection dogs (CDDs) are taught to locate biological targets, including cryptic and low‐density plant and animal species, but have been largely underused in detecting endangered invertebrates.
This pilot study assessed the ability of four volunteer CDD/handler teams to detect the endangered Alpine stonefly (Eustheniidae: Thaumatoperla alpina). Once trained, all teams identified 100% of the targets when present in container line‐up searches, with no false alerts.
In the field, all available dog–handler teams (n = 3) alerted to the presence of numerous T. alpina individuals, including individuals that were not seen by experienced visual surveyors.
Three of the four CDDs also spontaneously alerted (i.e. exhibited olfactory generalization) to a closely related species, the Stirling stonefly (Thaumatoperla flaveola), in an initial container search.
These preliminary results demonstrate that volunteer dog–handler teams can be trained to detect T. alpina in situ. In addition, CDDs may be able to perform olfactory generalization effectively: from detecting a commonly occurring species to detecting a closely related, rare, or cryptic species.
Red and risk preferences: The effects of culture and individual differences
Authors: Jiang Feng , Zhang Rui , Lu Su 
Published: January 2021

AbstractColor is shown to affect decision making and judgment. However, no prior research has examined both between‐ and within‐culture variations in color associations. To this end, we test the red (vs. green) effects on risk preferences in the United States and China while assessing individual differences in color associations. Across three studies, we find cultural reactance effects, that is, in the domain of risk aversion, the color associated with gain (American: green/Chinese: red) leads participants to become more risk averse when they personally associate green (in America) and red (in China) with loss. In the domain of risk seeking, the color associated with loss (American: red/Chinese: green) leads participants to become more risk seeking when they personally associate green (in China) and red (in America) with gain. By providing a novel perspective that integrates between‐ and within‐culture variations, our findings have implications for understanding the generalizability of the color effects across individuals and cultures.
LC–MS‐based plasma metabolomics study of the intervention effect of different polar parts of hawthorn on gastrointestinal motility disorder rats
Authors: Wang Kaiyang , Luo Lan , Xu Xiaoli , Chen Xingyu , He Qiong , Zou Zhongjie , Wang Shumei , Liang Shengwang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDyspepsia, one of the most prevalent diseases of the digestive tract that impacts the quality of patient life, is mainly caused by gastrointestinal motility disorder. Hawthorn is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for treating dyspepsia, and has been proven to improve gastrointestinal motility. Herein, a rat model of gastrointestinal motility disorder was established by subcutaneous injection with atropine. The modeled rats were treated with four polar parts (T1–4 in descending polarity, corresponding to water,n‐butanol, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether extracts, respectively) of hawthorn. Through metabolomics analysis, a total of 20 significantly metabolites were identified with significant changes in their abundance levels and these metabolites were related to many metabolic pathways such as amino acid metabolism and primary bile acid biosynthesis. The results showed that T3 had the best therapeutic effect of promoting gastrointestinal motility. Other parts showed no obvious therapeutic effect, demonstrating that the effective components of hawthorn may be compounds of medium polarity. T3 might achieve good therapeutic effects owing to the gastrointestinal motility promotion activity, and by rectifying the disturbed metabolic pathways in the gastrointestinal motility disorder model.
Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol inhibits melanogenesis via protein kinase A/cAMP response element‐binding protein and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase‐mediated microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor downregulation in α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone‐stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells and zebrafish
Authors: Ding Yuling , Jiang Yunfei , Im Seung Tae , Myung Seungwon , Kim Hyun‐Soo , Lee Seung‐Hong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDiphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC) is a marine polyphenolic compound derived from brown alga Ishige okamurae. A previously study has suggested that DPHC possesses strong mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory activity. However, the anti‐melanogenesis effect of DPHC has not been reported at cellular level. The objective of the present study was to clarify the melanogenesis inhibitory effect of DPHC and its molecular mechanisms in murine melanoma cells (B16F10) and zebrafish model. DPHC significantly inhibited tyrosinase activity and melanin content dose‐dependently in α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH)‐stimulated B16F10 cells. This polyphenolic compound also suppressed the expression of phosphorylation of cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) by attenuating phosphorylation of cAMP‐dependent protein kinase A, resulting in decreased MITF expression levels. Furthermore, DPHC downregulated MITF protein expression levels by promoting the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase. It also inhibited tyrosinase, tyrosinase‐related protein 1 (TRP‐1), and TRP‐2 in α‐MSH stimulated B16F10 cells. In in vivo studies using zebrafish, DPHC also markedly inhibited melanin synthesis in a dose‐dependent manner. These results demonstrate that DPHC can effectively inhibit melanogenesis in melanoma cells in vitro and in zebrafish in vivo, suggesting that DPHC could be applied in fields of pharmaceutical and cosmeceuticals as a skin‐whitening agent.Significance of study: The present study showed for the first time that DPHC could inhibit a‐MSH‐stimulated melanogenesis via PKA/CREB and ERK pathway in melanoma cells. It also could inhibit pigmentation in vivo in a zebrafish model. This evidence suggests that DPHC has potential as a skin whitening agent. Taken together, DPHC could be considered as a novel anti‐melanogenic agent to be applied in cosmetic, food, and medical industry.
Emergent mechanical thrombectomy for right atrial clot and massive pulmonary embolism using flowtriever
Authors: Bayona Molano Maria del Pilar , Salsamendi Jason , Mani Naganathan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis case demonstrated a feasible alternative to treat "clot in transit" associated with pulmonary embolism using FlowTriever Inari device. The pre‐existing approved AngioVac device requires extracorporeal circulation support and more invasiveness. FlowTriever permits mechanical thrombectomy with versatile approach without additional extracorporeal perfusion setting. Additional studies are required to reach a definitive conclusion.
Contained hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal perforation masquerading as retropharyngeal abscess
Authors: Klug Theodore D. , Shires Courtney B. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIt is possible to have a spontaneous hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal perforation following yelling. We believe our case is the first study showing such an event, which can become catastrophic if not addressed in a timely manner.
Dendrite‐free lithium and sodium metal anodes with deep plating/stripping properties for lithium and sodium batteries
Authors: Wang Jianyi , Kang Qi , Yuan Jingchao , Fu Qianru , Chen Chunhua , Zhai Zibo , Liu Yang , Yan Wei , Li Aijun , Zhang Jiujun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAlthough lithium (Li) and sodium (Na) metals can be selected as the promising anode materials for next‐generation rechargeable batteries of high energy density, their practical applications are greatly restricted by the uncontrollable dendrite growth. Herein, a platinum (Pt)–copper (Cu) alloy‐coated Cu foam (Pt–Cu foam) is prepared and then used as the substrate for Li and Na metal anodes. Owing to the ultrarough morphology with a three‐dimensional porous structure and the quite large surface area as well as lithiophilicity and sodiophilicity, both Li and Na dendrite growths are significantly suppressed on the substrate. Moreover, during Li plating, the lithiated Pt atoms can dissolve into Li phase, leaving a lot of microsized holes on the substrate. During Na plating, although the sodiated Pt atoms cannot dissolve into Na phase, the sodiation of Pt atoms elevates many microsized blocks above the current collector. Either the holes or the voids on the surface of Pt–Cu foam what can be extra place for deposited alkali metal, what effectively relaxes the internal stress caused by the volume exchange during Li and Na plating/stripping. Therefore, the symmetric batteries of Li@Pt–Cu foam and Na@Pt–Cu foam have both achieved long‐term cycling stability even at ultrahigh areal capacity at 20 mAh cm−2.
Hydrodechlorination of Dichloromethane by a Metal‐Free Triazole‐Porphyrin Electrocatalyst: Demonstration of Main‐Group Element Electrocatalysis**
Authors: Williams Caroline K. , Lashgari Amir , Devi Nilakshi , Ang Marcus , Chaturvedi Ashwin , Dhungana Pranita , Jiang Jianbing Jimmy 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this work, the electrocatalytic reduction of dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) into hydrocarbons involving a main group element‐based molecular triazole‐porphyrin electrocatalyst H2PorT8 is reported. This catalyst converted CH2Cl2 in acetonitrile to various hydrocarbons (methane, ethane, and ethylene) with a Faradaic efficiency of 70 % and current density of −13 mA cm−2 at a potential of −2.2 V vs. Fc/Fc+ using water as a proton source. The findings of this study and its mechanistic interpretations demonstrated that H2PorT8 was an efficient and stable catalyst for the hydrodechlorination of CH2Cl2 and that main group catalysts could be potentially used for exploring new catalytic reaction mechanisms.
Dynamic Covalent Properties of a Novel Indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole Diradical
Authors: Badía‐Domínguez Irene , Peña‐Álvarez Miriam , Wang Deliang , Pérez Guardiola Andrés , Vida Yolanda , Rodríguez González Sandra , López Navarrete Juan T. , Hernández Jolín Víctor , Sancho García Juan C. , García Baonza Valentín , Nash Rosie , Hartl František , Li Hongxiang , Ruiz Delgado M. Carmen 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis work describes the synthesis and properties of a dicyanomethylene‐substituted indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole diradical ICz‐CN. This quinoidal system dimerises almost completely to (ICz‐CN)2, which contains two long C(sp3)−C(sp3) σ‐bonds between the dicyanomethylene units. The minor open‐shell ICz‐CN component in the solid‐state mixture was identified by EPR spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry and UV–visible spectroelectrochemical data, as well as comparison with reference monomer ICz‐Br reveal that the nature of the one‐electron oxidation of (ICz‐CN)2 at ambient temperature and ICz‐CN at elevated temperature is very similar in all these compounds due to the prevailing localization of their HOMO on the ICz backbone. The peculiar cathodic behaviour reflects the co‐existence of (ICz‐CN)2 and ICz‐CN. The involvement of the dicyanomethylene groups stabilizes the close‐lying LUMO and LUMO+1 of (ICz‐CN)2 and especially ICz‐CN compared to ICz‐Br, resulting in a distinctive cathodic response at low overpotentials. Differently from neutral ICz‐CN, its radical anion and dianion are remarkably stable under ambient conditions. The UV/Vis(–NIR) electronic transitions in parent (ICz‐CN)2 and ICz‐CN and their different redox forms have been assigned convincingly with the aid of TD‐DFT calculations. The σ‐bond in neutral (ICz‐CN)2 is cleaved in solution and in the solid‐state upon soft external stimuli (temperature, pressure), showing a strong chromism from light yellow to blue–green. Notably, in the solid state, the monomeric diradical species is predominantly formed under high hydrostatic pressure (>1 GPa).
Reactions of Late First‐Row Transition Metal (Fe‐Zn) Dichlorides with a PGeP Pincer Germylene
Authors: Arauzo Ana , Cabeza Javier A. , Fernández Israel , García‐Álvarez Pablo , García‐Rubio Inés , Laglera‐Gándara Carlos J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe reactivity of the PGeP germylene 2,2’‐bis(di‐isopropylphosphanylmethyl)‐5,5’‐dimethyldipyrromethane‐1,1’‐diylgermanium(II), Ge(pyrmPiPr2)2CMe2, with late first‐row transition metal (Fe‐Zn) dichlorides has been investigated. All reactions led to PGeP pincer chloridogermyl complexes. The reactions with FeCl2 and CoCl2 afforded paramagnetic square planar complexes of formula [MCl{κ3P,Ge,P‐GeCl(pyrmPiPr2)2CMe2}] (M=Fe, Co). While the iron complex maintained an intermediate spin state (S1; μeff=3.0 μB) over the temperature range 50–380 K, the effective magnetic moment of the cobalt complex varied linearly with temperature from 1.9 μB at 10 K to 3.6 μB at 380 K, indicating a spin crossover behavior that involves S1/2 (predominant at T<180 K) and S3/2 (predominant at T>200 K) species. Both cobalt(II) species were detected by electron paramagnetic resonance at T<20 K. The reaction of Ge(pyrmPiPr2)2CMe2 with [NiCl2(dme)] (dme=dimethoxyethane) gave a square planar nickel(II) complex, [NiCl{κ3P,Ge,P‐GeCl(pyrmPiPr2)2CMe2}], whereas the reaction with CuCl2 involved a redox process that rendered a mixture of the germanium(IV) compound GeCl2(pyrmPiPr2)2CMe2 and a binuclear copper(I) complex, [Cu2{μ‐κ3P,Ge,P‐GeCl(pyrmPiPr2)2CMe2}2], whose metal atoms are in tetrahedral environments. The reaction of the germylene with ZnCl2 led to the tetrahedral derivative [ZnCl{κ3P,Ge,P‐GeCl(pyrmPiPr2)2CMe2}].
A Mild, General, Metal‐Free Method for Desulfurization of Thiols and Disulfides Induced by Visible‐Light
Authors: Qiu Wenting , Shi Shuai , Li Ruining , Lin Xianfeng , Rao Liangming , Sun Zhankui 
Published: January 2021

Main observation and conclusionA visible‐light‐induced metal‐free desulfurization method for thiols and disulfides has been explored. This radical desulfurization features mild conditions, robustness, and excellent functionality compatibility. It was successfully applied not only to the desulfurization of small molecules, but also to peptides.
Optogenetic Control of Phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)‐Triphosphate Production by Light‐Sensitive Cryptochrome Proteins on the Plasma Membrane
Authors: Yang Lingzhi , Ozawa Takeaki , Dong Haifeng , Zhang Xueji 
Published: January 2021

Main observation and conclusionPhosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)‐triphosphate (PIP3), acting as a fundamental second messenger, is emerging as a promising biomarker for disease diagnosis and prognosis. However, the real time analysis of phosphoinositide in living cells remains a key challenge owing to the low basal abundance and its fast metabolic rate. Herein, we design an optogenetic system that uses light sensitive protein‐protein interaction between Arabidopsis cryptochrome 2 (CRY2) and CIB1 to spatiotemporally visualize the PIP3 production with sub‐second timescale. In this system, a CIBN is anchored on the plasma membrane, whereas a CRY2 fused with a constitutively active PI3‐kinase (acPI3K) would be driven from the cytosol to the membrane by the blue‐light‐activated CRY2‐CIB1 interaction upon light irradiation. The PIP3 production is visualized via a fused fluorescent protein by the translocation of a Pleckstrin Homology (PH) domain (GRP1) from the cytosol to the plasma membrane with high specificity. We demonstrated the fast dynamics and reversibility of the optogenetic system initiated PIP3 synthesis on the plasma membrane. Notably, the real‐time cell movements were also observed upon localized light stimulation. The established optogenetic method provides a novel spatiotemporal strategy for specific PIP3 visualization, which is beneficial to improve the understanding of PIP3 functions.
Recent Advances in Pt‐Based Ultrathin Nanowires: Synthesis and Electrocatalytic Applications†
Authors: Wang Yu , Yuan Yuliang , Huang Hongwen 
Published: January 2021

AbstractElectrochemical energy conversion devices, with typical examples of fuel cells, are the centers in building a sustainable energy system that avoids environmental pollution and lowers the dependence on fossil fuels. Platinum (Pt)‐based catalysts are among the most potential candidates to drive these reactions due to their superior catalytic performance. Among the various Pt‐based catalysts, Pt‐based ultrathin nanowires exhibit remarkable catalytic performance due to the unique structural merits (i.e., high Pt atom utilization and strong interaction with supports). In this review, we attempt to summarize the recent advances in the synthesis of Pt‐based ultrathin nanowires, as well as their applications in various kinds of electrocatalytic reactions. We conclude this review with an emphasis on the current challenges in terms of synthesis and applications of Pt‐based ultrathin nanowires. Perspectives on further development are also proposed, which is expected to guide the related research in the future.
Quantum approach for nanoparticle fluorescence by sub‐ns photon detection
Authors: Yamamoto Masanobu , Robinson J. Paul 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWell defined detection and analysis of nanoparticle‐sized samples such as extracellular vesicles or viruses may be important for potential disease diagnostics. However, using conventional flow‐cytometry optical methods to evaluate such small particles is quite challenging. The reason is that the particle is smaller than the diffraction limit, making detection difficult. An alternative approach is fluorescence detection via conjugated fluorochromes attached to the nanoparticles; the challenge in this case is the limitation imposed upon detection of a very small number of emitted photons buried in high background photon counts. Emitted fluorescence is described by the well‐known equation kf = σa I Q, which describes the emitted fluorescence rate (kf) (photons/s) as the multiplication of molecular absorption cross section(σa), excitation intensity (I), and quantum yield (Q). In addition, the excitation rate is equal to 1/t, which is the inverse of the lifetime of several ns representing the most typical conjugated fluorescent molecules used in flow cytometry. We recently developed a sub‐ns photon sensor that is faster than most fluorescence lifetimes, since sub‐ns speed is a critically important parameter for the separation of individual emitted photons. Based on our observation of fluorescence and background levels on typical commercial flow cytometers it is evident that a significant component of the background is induced by water‐molecular vibrations. Therefore, understanding what constitutes all the components that contribute to the signals we measure in flow cytometry would help in defining what we currently call “background signals.” We attempted to define a theoretical model to try to unravel these issues. This model was based on use of a reflective dry surface in the absence of water molecules. Our objective was to determine if it is possible to minimize background and enhance signal, and to provide valuable information on the contributing components of the signals collected. In order to test this model, we tested a single dried particle 50 nm in diameter on a reflective surface with minimum background. While this is clearly not a standard biological system, our results suggest that this quantum approach closely follows established photon base theory. Our goal was to define the parameters for practical nanoparticle‐fluorescence analysis while enhancing our knowledge of the contribution of background properties.
Prognostic value of impaired hepato‐renal function and liver fibrosis in patients admitted for acute heart failure
Authors: Kawahira Masatsugu , Tamaki Shunsuke , Yamada Takahisa , Watanabe Tetsuya , Morita Takashi , Furukawa Yoshio , Kawasaki Masato , Kikuchi Atsushi , Kawai Tsutomu , Seo Masahiro , Nakamura Jun , Kayama Kiyomi , Kimura Takanari , Ueda Kunpei , Sakamoto Daisuke , Kogame Takehiro , Ito Shota , Chang Yongchol , Fukunami Masatake 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsCardiohepatic interactions have been a focus of attention in heart failure (HF). The model for end‐stage liver disease excluding international normalized ratio (MELD‐XI) score has been shown to be useful for predicting poor outcomes in patients with acute decompensated HF (ADHF). Furthermore, the fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index, a simple marker to assess liver fibrosis, predicts adverse prognoses in patients with HF as well. However, there is little information available on the prognostic significance of the combination of the MELD‐XI score and FIB‐4 index in patients with ADHF and its association with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) subgroup.Methods and resultsWe prospectively studied 466 consecutive patients who were admitted for ADHF [HF with reduced LVEF (LVEF < 40%): n = 164, HF with mid‐range LVEF (40% ≤ LVEF < 50%): n = 104, and HF with preserved LVEF (LVEF ≥ 50%): n = 198]. We calculated the MELD‐XI score and FIB‐4 indices at discharge. The primary endpoint was all‐cause death (ACD). During the mean follow‐up period of 2.8 years, 143 patients had ACD. In the multivariate Cox analysis, the MELD‐XI score and FIB‐4 index were independently associated with ACD. Patients were stratified into the following three groups according to the median value of MELD‐XI score (=11) and FIB‐4 index (=2.13): Group 1 had both a low MELD‐XI score and a low FIB‐4 index; Group 2 had either a high MELD‐XI score (MELD‐XI score ≥11) or a high FIB‐4 index (FIB‐4 index ≥2.13); and Group 3 had both a high MELD‐XI score and a high FIB‐4 index. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that Group 2 and Group 3 had a significantly greater risk of ACD than Group 1 [Group 2 vs. Group 1: adjusted hazard ratio, 2.48 (95% confidence interval: 1.75–3.53), P < 0.0001; Group 3 vs. Group 1: adjusted hazard ratio, 7.03 (95% confidence interval: 3.95–13.7), P < 0.0001]. In addition, the patients with both a higher MELD‐XI score and FIB‐4 index showed a significantly higher risk of ACD also in the patients with HF with reduced LVEF, HF with mid‐range LVEF, and HF with preserved LVEF (all P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe combination of MELD‐XI score and FIB‐4 index may be useful for stratifying patients at risk for ACD in patients with ADHF, irrespective of LVEF.