bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Earthworm‐Inspired Rough Polymer Coatings with Self‐Replenishing Lubrication for Adaptive Friction‐Reduction and Antifouling Surfaces
Authors: Zhao Huaixia , Sun Qiangqiang , Deng Xu , Cui Jiaxi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractEarthworms are able to pass through sticky soil without inducing stains through a self‐forming thick lubricating layer on their rough skins. To mimic this earthworm‐like lubricating capability, an attempt to create a textured structure on the surface of liquid‐releasable polymer coatings by a “breath figure” process is described herein. The resulting coatings exhibit fast and site‐specific release behavior under external triggers such as solid‐based friction. The released oil is then stabilized by the surface texture to form thick lubricating layers, reducing friction and enhancing wear resistance. Moreover, the coatings also exhibit excellent antifouling property in a sticky soil environment. Because the lubricating layer can be regenerated after consumption, the potential of this self‐replenished lubricating mechanism in preparing friction‐reduction, antiwear, and antifouling coatings used in solid‐based environments is therefore envisioned.
Purely Organic Materials with Aggregation‐Induced Delayed Fluorescence for Efficient Nondoped OLEDs
Authors: Guo Jingjing , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPurely organic emitters with high exciton utilization have attracted considerable attention in the field of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, most reported thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters suffer from concentration quenching and exciton annihilation, so that they require complicated doping technique in OLED application. Nonetheless, the serious efficiency roll‐off remains a big challenge for doped OLEDs of TADF emitters. To simplify the fabrication process and improve the stability of devices, developing organic emitters for nondoped OLEDs is of high significance. This progress report provides a systematic summary and comments on the recent advances of efficient organic luminescent materials including conventional TADF materials and novel aggregation‐induced delayed fluorescence (AIDF) luminogens for the fabrication of high‐performance nondoped OLEDs. Their molecular design strategies, photophysical properties, and electroluminescence performances in nondoped OLEDs are elucidated in depth. The newly emerged organic materials with AIDF nature could be a promising direction for exploring light‐emitting materials to advance efficiency and stability of OLEDs.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Formation of Functionalized Diarylmethanes from Benzylmesylates and Aryl Halides
Authors: Reddy Bhoomireddy Rajendra Prasad , Chowdhury Sushobhan , Auffrant Audrey , Gosmini Corinne 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA simple cobalt‐catalyzed reductive coupling protocol allowing the synthesis of functionalized diarylmethanes from benzyl mesylate is described. The possibility to directly use the benzyl alcohol as a result of a two‐step reaction is also presented. This method tolerates a variety of functional groups. A benzyl radical is likely involved.magnified image
DIY 3D Microparticle Generation from Next Generation Optofluidic Fabrication
Authors: Paulsen Kevin S. , Deng Yanxiang , Chung Aram J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractComplex‐shaped microparticles can enhance applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and structural materials, although techniques to fabricate these particles remain limited. A microfluidics‐based process called optofluidic fabrication that utilizes inertial flows and ultraviolet polymerization has shown great potential for creating highly 3D‐shaped particles in a high‐throughput manner, but the particle dimensions are mainly at the millimeter scale. Here, a next generation optofluidic fabrication process is presented that utilizes on‐the‐fly fabricated multiscale fluidic channels producing customized sub‐100 µm 3D‐shaped microparticles. This flexible design scheme offers a user‐friendly platform for rapid prototyping of new 3D particle shapes, providing greater potential for creating impactful engineered microparticles.
Recent trends (2016‐2017) in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Masaki Tadahiko , Kishiki Tomokazu , Kojima Kouichiro , Asou Nobuyoshi , Beniya Ayumi , Matsuoka Hiroyoshi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPrevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease has dramatically increased in Asian countries in the last three decades. In this period, many new medical therapies were introduced for the treatment of IBD, such as immunosuppressants, anti‐tumor necrosis factor agents, leukocyte apheresis, anti‐integrin antibody, and so on, which have contributed to induce remission and to reduce complications in IBD. As for surgical techniques for Crohn's disease, a stapled functional end‐to‐end anastomosis and conventional end‐to‐end anastomosis have similar perianastomotic recurrence rate and reoperation rate. Prospective randomized controlled studies which compare Kono‐S anastomosis and stapled side‐to‐side anastomosis are ongoing. Variant two‐stage ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) and transanal IPAA are new concepts for surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis. Various endoscopic procedures, such as balloon dilation for stenosis or stricture, endoscopic fistulotomy, injection of filling agents, and clipping for fistulas or perforations will be new options in the treatment of Crohn's disease. Adverse effects of preoperative treatments on postoperative complications should also be taken into account to improve surgical outcomes in IBD patients.
Transition‐Metal‐Free, TsOH‐Mediated Direct C−H Allylation of 1,4‐Benzoquinone with Allylic Alcohols
Authors: Han Qingjuan , Jiang Kun , Wei Ye , Su Weiping 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA useful C−H allylation protocol for the construction of allyl quinones has been realized. The method, utilizing 1,4‐benzoquione and readily available allylic alcohols as starting materials, TsOH as a promoter, proceed under transition‐metal‐free conditions to generate the target products in moderate to excellent yields.
Dynamics of Nucleic Acids at Room Temperature Revealed by Pulsed EPR Spectroscopy
Authors: Gränz Markus , Erlenbach Nicole , Spindler Philipp , Gophane Dnyaneshwar B. , Stelzl Lukas S. , Sigurdsson Snorri Th. , Prisner Thomas F. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe investigation of the structure and conformational dynamics of biomolecules under physiological conditions is challenging for structural biology. Although pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (like PELDOR) techniques provide long‐range distance and orientation information with high accuracy, such studies are usually performed at cryogenic temperatures. At room temperature (RT) PELDOR studies are seemingly impossible due to short electronic relaxation times and loss of dipolar interactions through rotational averaging. We incorporated the rigid nitroxide spin label Ç into a DNA duplex and immobilized the sample on a solid support to overcome this limitation. This enabled orientation‐selective PELDOR measurements at RT. A comparison with data recorded at 50 K revealed averaging of internal dynamics, which occur on the ns time range at RT. Thus, our approach adds a new method to study structural and dynamical processes at physiological temperature in the <10 μs time range with atomistic resolution.
Oxidative C−H/C−H Cross‐Coupling Reactions between N‐Acylanilines and Benzamides Enabled by a Cp*‐Free RhCl3/TFA Catalytic System
Authors: Shi Yang , Zhang Luoqiang , Lan Jingbo , Zhang Min , Zhou Fulin , Wei Wenlong , You Jingsong 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBy making use of a dual‐chelation‐assisted strategy, a completely regiocontrolled oxidative C−H/C−H cross‐coupling reaction between an N‐acylaniline and a benzamide has been accomplished for the first time. This process constitutes a step‐economic and highly efficient pathway to 2‐amino‐2′‐carboxybiaryl scaffolds from readily available substrates. A Cp*‐free RhCl3/TFA catalytic system was developed to replace the [Cp*RhCl2]2/AgSbF6 system generally used in oxidative C−H/C−H cross‐coupling reactions between two (hetero)arenes (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, TFA=trifluoroacetic acid). The RhCl3/TFA system avoids the use of the expensive Cp* ligand and AgSbF6. As an illustrative example, the procedure developed herein greatly streamlines the total synthesis of the naturally occurring benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid oxynitidine, which was accomplished in excellent overall yield.
Steric Effect of Carboxylate Ligands on Pd‐Catalyzed Intramolecular C(sp2)–H and C(sp3)–H Arylation Reactions
Authors: Tanji Yutaka , Mitsutake Naoya , Fujihara Tetsuaki , Tsuji Yasushi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA bulky carboxylic acid bearing three cyclohexylmethyl substituents at the α‐position, namely, tri(cyclohexylmethyl)acetic acid, is demonstrated to act as an efficient ligand source in Pd‐catalyzed intramolecular C(sp2)−H and C(sp3)−H arylation reactions. The reactions proceed smoothly under mild reaction conditions, even at room temperature due to the steric bulk of the carboxylate ligands, which accelerates the rate‐determining C−H bond activation step in the catalytic cycle.
Late‐Stage Isotopic Carbon Labeling of Pharmaceutically Relevant Cyclic Ureas Directly from CO2
Authors: Del Vecchio Antonio , Caillé Fabien , Chevalier Arnaud , Loreau Olivier , Horkka Kaisa , Halldin Christer , Schou Magnus , Camus Nathalie , Kessler Pascal , Kuhnast Bertrand , Taran Frédéric , Audisio Davide 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA robust, click‐chemistry‐inspired procedure for radiolabeling of cyclic ureas was developed. This protocol, suitable for all carbon isotopes (11C, 13C, 14C), is based on the direct functionalization of carbon dioxide: the universal building block for carbon radiolabeling. The strategy is operationally simple and reproducible in different radiochemistry centers, exhibits remarkably wide substrate scope with short reaction times, and demonstrates superior reactivity as compared to previously reported systems. With this procedure, a variety of pharmaceuticals and an unprotected peptide were labeled with high radiochemical efficiency.
Controlled Release of RNAi Molecules by Tunable Supramolecular Hydrogel Carriers
Authors: Bakker Maarten H. , van Rooij Eva , Dankers Patricia Y. W. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractLocal, sustained release and presentation of RNAi therapeutics can be achieved with hydrogel delivery systems. Here we show the development of a supramolecular hydrogel into a local RNAi delivery system. By careful material design, two simple but effective strategies are introduced to obtain controlled release of two classes of RNAi therapeutics, that is, microRNA and antimiR. It was shown that the release of microRNA could be regulated using cholesterol‐modification for interaction with the supramolecular hydrogel. Non‐modified antimiR release could be controlled via supramolecular introduction of positively charged additive molecules into the supramolecular hydrogel. In this way, either the cholesterol‐modification on the drug or the charge introduction into the hydrogel provides handles for controlled RNAi therapy.
Impact of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor genetic polymorphism on cognition: A systematic review
Authors: Toh Yi Long , Ng Terence , Tan Megan , Tan Azrina , Chan Alexandre 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIntroductionBrain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has an important role in the neurogenesis and neuroplasticity of the brain. This systematic review was designed to examine the association between BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) polymorphism and four cognitive domains—attention and concentration, executive function, verbal fluency, and memory, respectively.MethodologyPrimary literature search was performed using search engines such as PubMed and Scopus. Observational studies that evaluated the neurocognitive performances in relation to BDNF polymorphism within human subjects were included in this review, while animal studies, overlapping studies, and meta‐analysis were excluded.ResultsForty of 82 reviewed studies (48.8%) reported an association between Val66Met polymorphism and neurocognitive domains. The proportion of the studies showing positive findings in cognitive performances between Val/Val homozygotes and Met carriers was comparable, at 30.5% and 18.3%, respectively. The highest percentage of positive association between Val66Met polymorphism and neurocognition was reported under the memory domain, with 26 of 63 studies (41.3%), followed by 18 of 47 studies (38.3%) under the executive function domain and four of 23 studies (17.4%) under the attention and concentration domain. There were no studies showing an association between Val66Met polymorphism and verbal fluency. In particular, Val/Val homozygotes performed better in tasks related to the memory domain, while Met carriers performed better in terms of executive function, in both healthy individuals and clinical populations.ConclusionWhile numerous studies report an association between Val66Met polymorphism and neurocognitive changes in executive function and memory domains, the effect of Met allele has not been clearly established.
Epigenetic silencing of miR‐1271 enhances MEK1 and TEAD4 expression in gastric cancer
Authors: Lim Byungho , Kim Hee‐Jin , Heo Haejeong , Huh Nanhyung , Baek Su‐Jin , Kim Jong‐Hwan , Bae Dong‐Hyuck , Seo Eun‐Hye , Lee Sang‐Il , Song Kyu‐Sang , Kim Seon‐Young , Kim Yong Sung , Kim Mirang 
Published: June 2018

AbstractEpigenetic dysregulation is a major driver of tumorigenesis. To identify tumor‐suppressive microRNAs repressed by DNA methylation in gastric cancer (GC), we analyzed the genome‐wide DNA methylation and microRNA expression profiles of EpCAM+/CD44+ GC cells. Among the set of microRNAs screened, miR‐1271 was identified as a microRNA repressed by DNA methylation in GC. Forced miR‐1271 expression substantially suppressed the growth, migration, and invasion of GC cells. To identify candidate target genes and signaling pathways regulated by miR‐1271, we performed RNA sequencing. Among the genes down‐regulated by miR‐1271, MAP2K1 (MEK1) was significantly repressed by miR‐1271, and the associated ERK/MAPK signaling pathway was also inhibited. TEAD4 was also repressed by miR‐1271, and the associated YAP1 signatures within genes regulated by miR‐1271 were significantly enriched. These findings uncovered MEK1 and TEAD4 as novel miR‐1271 targets and suggest that the epigenetic silencing of miR‐1271 is crucial for GC development.
Diversity‐Oriented Synthesis of Diol‐Based Peptidomimetics as Potential HIV Protease Inhibitors and Antitumor Agents
Authors: Vadhadiya Paresh M. , Jean Marc‐Alexandre , Bouzriba Chahrazed , Tremblay Thomas , Lagüe Patrick , Fortin Sébastien , Boukouvalas John , Giguère Denis 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPeptidomimetic HIV protease inhibitors are an important class of drugs used in the treatment of AIDS. The synthesis of a new type of diol‐based peptidomimetics is described. Our route is flexible, uses d‐glucal as an inexpensive starting material, and makes minimal use of protection/deprotection cycles. Binding affinities from molecular docking simulations suggest that these compounds are potential inhibitors of HIV protease. Moreover, the antiproliferative activities of compounds 33 a, 35 a, and 35 b on HT‐29, M21, and MCF7 cancer cell lines are in the low micromolar range. The results provide a platform that could facilitate the development of medically relevant asymmetrical diol‐based peptidomimetics.
Enzymatically Ligated DNA–Surfactants: Unmasking Hydrophobically Modified DNA for Intracellular Gene Regulation
Authors: Hartmann Alyssa K. , Cairns‐Gibson Dominic F. , Santiana Joshua J. , Tolentino Mark Q. , Barber Halle M. , Rouge Jessica L. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractHerein, we describe the characterization of a novel self‐assembling and intracellular disassembling nanomaterial for nucleic acid delivery and targeted gene knockdown. By using a recently developed nucleic acid nanocapsule (NAN) formed from surfactants and conjugated DNAzyme (DNz) ligands, it is shown that DNz–NAN can enable cellular uptake of the DNAzyme and result in 60 % knockdown of a target gene without the use of transfection agents. The DNAzyme also exhibits activity without chemical modification, which we attribute to the underlying nanocapsule design and release of hydrophobically modified nucleic acids as a result of enzymatically triggered disassembly of the NAN. Fluorescence‐based experiments indicate that the surfactant‐conjugated DNAzymes are better able to access a fluorescent mRNA target within a mock lipid bilayer system than the free DNAzyme, highlighting the advantage of the hydrophobic surfactant modification to the nucleic acid ligands. In vitro characterization of DNz–NAN's substrate‐cleavage kinetics, stability in biological serum, and persistence of knockdown against a proinflammatory transcription factor, GATA‐3, are presented.
Cereal bran extracts inhibit the formation of advanced glycation endproducts in a bovine serum albumin/glucose model
Authors: Chen Gengjun , Madl Ronald L. , Smith J. Scott 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackground and objectivesThe adverse health effects of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) is of current interest; some previous research indicates that consuming these compounds may contribute to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The objective of this study was to determine whether cereal bran extract from wheat (Jagger, JA), triticale (Spring Triticale, ST, and Thundercale, TH), and Rye (RY) can inhibit the formation of AGE in a bovine serum albumin/glucose (BSA/GLU) model.FindingsNε‐carboxymethyllysine (CML) levels showed ST extract inhibited AGE formation, but TH, RY, and JA extracts did not affect AGE formation in the BSA/GLU system. Subsequent HPLC analysis of ST extract revealed four major phenolic acids: vanillic (VA), chlorogenic (CHA), gentisic (GEA), and ferulic (FA). The results also showed antioxidant and antiglycation properties of these phenolic acids.ConclusionsGEA and CHA in ST extract were effective free radical scavengers and acted against dicarbonyl compounds.Significance and noveltyST bran extract may be considered as a natural source of inhibitors of in vitro formation of AGEs.
N‐Doped Graphene Decorated with Fe/Fe3N/Fe4N Nanoparticles as a Highly Efficient Cathode Catalyst for Rechargeable Li−O2 Batteries
Authors: He Lewei , Wang Gan , Wu Xiangwei , Wen Zhaoyin , Zhang Wenqing 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe development of low‐cost and highly efficient electrocatalysts for the widespread application in rechargeable Li‐O2 batteries is still a major research challenge. Herein, porous N‐doped graphene, decorated with Fe/Fe3N/Fe4N nanoparticles is designed and synthesized via a one‐step pyrolysis of easily available precursors. It is found that the Fe/Fe3N/Fe4N nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed on the N‐doped graphene substrate, and that both the nanoparticles and the substrate can facilitate the electrochemical reaction. When the rationally designed material is used as cathode in Li‐O2 batteries, it exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, delivering a high capacity of 7397.8 mAh g−1 and showing impressive cycle stability of over 100 steady cycles. The excellent performance of this material is attributed to the good synergistic effect of uniformly distributed nanoparticles and the porosity of the substrate. These results indicate that the N‐doped graphene decorated with Fe/Fe3N/Fe4N is an excellent cathode catalyst for Li‐O2 batteries and would also be a promising new material for other energy storage devices.
Bonding and Mobility of Alkali Metals in Helicenes
Authors: Barroso Jorge , Murillo Fernando , Martínez‐Guajardo Gerardo , Ortíz‐Chi Filiberto , Pan Sudip , Fernández‐Herrera María A. , Merino Gabriel 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn this work, we analyze the interactions of alkali metal cations with [6]‐ and [14]helicene and the cation mobility of therein. We found that the distortion of the carbon skeleton is the reason that some of the structures which are local minima for the smallest cations are not energetically stable for K+, Rb+, and Cs+. Also, the most favorable complexes are those where the cation is interacting with two rings forming a metallocene‐like structure, except for the largest cation Cs+, where the distortion provoked by the size of the cation destabilizes the complex. As far as mobility is concerned, the smallest cations, particularly Na+, are the ones that can move most efficiently. In [6]helicene, the mobility is limited by the capture of the cation forming the metallocene‐like structure. In larger helicenes, the energy barriers for the cation to move are similar both inside and outside the helix. However, complexes with the cation between two layers are more energetically favored so that the movement will be preferred in that region. The bonding analysis reveals that interactions with no less than 50 % of orbital contribution are taking place for the series of E+‐[6]helicene. Particularly, the complexes of Li+ show remarkable orbital character (72.5–81.6 %).
Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Dibenzothiophenes from 2‐Biphenylyl Disulfides by C−H Functionalization
Authors: Nishino Kota , Ogiwara Yohei , Sakai Norio 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe palladium‐catalyzed oxidative preparation of dibenzothiophene derivatives from 2‐biphenylyl disulfides by C−H functionalization is described herein. This procedure shows a high tolerance toward various functional groups and does not require the further addition of a metal oxidant, a base, or a ligand. Also, the present method was applied to the facile preparation of dibenzoselenophene.
Direct Prediction of EPR Spectra from Lipid Bilayers: Understanding Structure and Dynamics in Biological Membranes
Authors: Catte Andrea , White Gaye F. , Wilson Mark R. , Oganesyan Vasily S. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractOf the many biophysical techniques now being brought to bear on studies of membranes, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) of nitroxide spin probes was the first to provide information about both mobility and ordering in lipid membranes. Here, we report the first prediction of variable temperature EPR spectra of model lipid bilayers in the presence and absence of cholesterol from the results of large scale fully atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Three types of structurally different spin probes were employed in order to study different parts of the bilayer. Our results demonstrate very good agreement with experiment and thus confirm the accuracy of the latest lipid force fields. The atomic resolution of the simulations allows the interpretation of the molecular motions and interactions in terms of their impact on the sensitive EPR line shapes. Direct versus indirect effects of cholesterol on the dynamics of spin probes are analysed. Given the complexity of structural organisation in lipid bilayers, the advantage of using a combined MD‐EPR simulation approach is two‐fold. Firstly, prediction of EPR line shapes directly from MD trajectories of actual phospholipid structures allows unambiguous interpretation of EPR spectra of biological membranes in terms of complex motions. Secondly, such an approach provides an ultimate test bed for the up‐to‐date MD simulation models employed in the studies of biological membranes, an area that currently attracts great attention.