bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose: A Low‐Cost and Renewable Catalyst for Solvent‐Free Knoevenagel Condensation Reaction at Room Temperature
Authors: Ma Hao , Zou Lianning , Mi Linhan , Pan Haiting , Qiao Yanhui , Li Ning , Teng Junjiang 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe commercially available sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC−Na) has been used as a low‐cost catalyst for Knoevenagel condensation reaction under solvent‐free condition at room temperature. The results show that CMC−Na is robust enough to catalyze Knoevenagel condensation reactions of a series of aldehydes containing electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing groups with malononitrile to produce the corresponding products with good to excellent yields. This excellent catalytic efficiency can be attributed to the peculiar catalytic capacity of carboxylate groups (−COO−) with the assistance of the hydroxyl groups (‐OH). In addition, the CMC−Na was very stable and could be recycled for at least 8 consecutive runs without significant loss of its catalytic performance.
Peptidomimicry with C2‐Symmetric Oligourea Derivatives of 1,2‐Diaminocyclohexane and 1,2‐Diphenyl‐1,2‐diaminoethane: Chirality and Chain Length‐Dependent Conformation
Authors: Yue Pengyun , Peng Siqing , Parkin Sean , Li Tonglei , Yu Faquan , Long Sihui 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTo study whether C2 symmetric oligoureas form secondary structures such as sheets and helices/turns to serve as peptidomimetics, conformations of oligoureas composed of 1,2‐diaminocyclohexane and 1,2‐diphenyl‐1,2‐diaminoethane were investigated using X‐ray diffraction, UV, CD and NMR spectroscopic methods. Alternating heterochiral diamines in these chains strongly favored helical conformations. The conformations of C2‐symmetric chains of homochiral diamines were more conditional, giving indications of conditional extended and helical structure.
Cs Salt of Undecatungstophospho(aqua) Cuprate(II): Microwave Synthesis, Characterization, Catalytic and Kinetic Study for Epoxidation of cis‐Cyclooctene with TBHP
Authors: Patel Anjali U. , Sadasivan Rajesh 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe present paper describes a facile microwave route for the synthesis of Cesium salt of mono‐copper substituted phosphotungstate, Cs5[PW11Cu(H2O)O39].4H2O, from H3PW12O40, CuCl2 and CsCl, its characterization and catalytic activity towards solvent‐free, selective epoxidation of cis‐cyclooctene using TBHP as the oxidant. In order to confirm the superiority of the microwave technique, the said complex was also synthesized by reflux method and the same studies were carried out. The present complex is found to be sustainable as well as recyclable without any change in % conversion as well as % selectivity towards epoxide. A detailed kinetic study showed an overall second order dependence of the reaction with respect to cyclooctene and TBHP.
Preparation of Diethylcyanamide and Cyanoguanidine Complexes of Iridium
Authors: Albertin Gabriele , Antoniutti Stefano , Castro Jesús 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDiethylcyanamide [IrCl(η5‐C5Me5)(N≡CNEt2){P(OR)3}]BPh4 (1) and cyanoguanidine complexes [IrCl(η5‐C5Me5){N≡CN(H)C(NH2)=NH}{P(OR)3}]BPh4 (2) were prepared by allowing chloro compounds [IrCl2(η5‐C5Me5){P(OR)3}] to react with an excess of cyanamide or cyanoguanidine, respectively. Alternatively, complexes 2 were prepared by reacting [IrCl2(η5‐C5Me5){P(OR)3}] with an excess of cyanamide N≡CNH2. Bis(diethylcyanamide) [Ir(η5‐C5Me5) (N≡CNEt2)2{P(OR)3}](BPh4)2 (3) and bis(cyanoguanidine) derivatives [Ir(η5‐C5Me5){N≡CN=C(NH2)2}2{P(OR)3}](BPh4)2 (4) were also prepared by treating dichloro precursors [IrCl2(η5‐C5Me5){P(OR)3}] first with two equivalents of AgOTf and then with an excess of diethylcyanamide or cyanoguanidine, respectively. The compounds were characterised spectroscopically (IR and NMR) and by X‐ray crystal structure determination of [Ir(η5‐C5Me5)(N≡CNEt2)2{P(OMe)3}](BPh4)2.
Advances in the Design of Transdermal Microneedles for Diagnostic and Monitoring Applications
Authors: Babity Samuel , Roohnikan Mahdi , Brambilla Davide 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDue to their intrinsic advantages over classical hypodermic needles, microneedles have received much attention over the last two decades and will likely soon appear in clinics. Although the vast majority of research is focused on designing microneedles for the painless delivery of drugs, their applications for diagnostic purposes have also provided promising results. In this paper, the main advances in the field of microneedles for diagnostic and patient monitoring purposes are introduced and critically discussed.
Intracameral Delivery of Layer‐by‐Layer Coated siRNA Nanoparticles for Glaucoma Therapy
Authors: Dillinger Andrea E. , Guter Michaela , Froemel Franziska , Weber Gregor R. , Perkumas Kristin , Stamer W. Daniel , Ohlmann Andreas , Fuchshofer Rudolf , Breunig Miriam 
Published: October 2018

AbstractGlaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, often associated with elevated intraocular pressure. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a mediator of pathological effects in the trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm's canal (SC). A novel, causative therapeutic concept which involves the intracameral delivery of small interfering RNA against CTGF is proposed. Layer‐by‐layer coated nanoparticles of 200–260 nm with a final layer of hyaluronan (HA) are developed. The HA‐coating should provide the nanoparticles sufficient mobility in the extracellular matrix and allow for binding to TM and SC cells via CD44. By screening primary TM and SC cells in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo, the validity of the concept is confirmed. CD44 expression is elevated in glaucomatous versus healthy cells by about two‐ to sixfold. CD44 is significantly involved in the cellular uptake of HA‐coated nanoparticles. Ex vivo organ culture of porcine, murine, and human eyes demonstrates up to threefold higher accumulation of HA compared to control nanoparticles and much better penetration into the target tissue. Gene silencing in primary human TM cells results in a significant reduction of CTGF expression. Thus, HA‐coated nanoparticles combined with RNA interference may provide a potential strategy for glaucoma therapy.
Re‐ and Preconfigurable Multistable Visible Light Responsive Surface Topographies
Authors: Hendrikx Matthew , ter Schiphorst Jeroen , van Heeswijk Ellen P. A. , Koçer Gülistan , Knie Christopher , Bléger David , Hecht Stefan , Jonkheijm Pascal , Broer Dirk J. , Schenning Albertus P. H. J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLight responsive materials that are able to change their shape are becoming increasingly important. However, preconfigurable bistable or even multi‐stable visible light responsive coatings have not been reported yet. Such materials will require less energy to actuate and will have a longer lifetime. Here, it is shown that fluorinated azobenzenes can be used to create rewritable and pre‐configurable responsive surfaces that show multi‐stable topographies. These surface structures can be formed and removed by using low intensity green and blue light, respectively. Multistable preconfigured surface topographies can also be created in the absence of a mask. The method allows for full control over the surface structures as the topographical changes are directly linked to the molecular isomerization processes. Preliminary studies reveal that these light responsive materials are suitable as adaptive biological surfaces.
Modeling of Electrocatalytic Dinitrogen Reduction on Microstructured Electrodes
Authors: Lu Shengtao , Lee Dong Hyun , Liu Chong 
Published: October 2018

AbstractOne major challenge of electrocatalytic dinitrogen (N2) reduction is the competition between nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). While experimental development of selective NRR catalysts is indispensable, the aim is to derive insights of catalyst design by developing a model that includes both the kinetics of competing reactions on the electrode and the mass transport of reactants in solution. The developed microkinetic model is reported here and it is applied to evaluate NRR selectivity on planar and microstructured electrodes. As a proof‐of‐principle, the model is numerically simulated under an aqueous electrolyte of 0.1 m nonoxidizing strong acid. The analysis indicates that while the first electron transfer to N2 is rate‐limiting in most cases, under certain scenarios the impact of subsequent proton transfer on the reaction rate can be prominent. The microstructure of electrodes can pose a limit of N2 mass transport and intriguingly cast a negative impact on the selectivity of N2 fixation. Overall, the developed model interfaces the kinetics on electrode surfaces with the mass transport in the solution, and will serve as a general platform for the design and optimization of electrochemical N2‐fixing process.
Concise Review: Intercellular Communication Via Organelle Transfer in the Biology and Therapeutic Applications of Stem Cells
Authors: Murray Lisa M.A. , Krasnodembskaya Anna D. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The therapeutic potential of stem cell-based therapies may be largely dependent on the ability of stem cells to modulate host cells rather than on their differentiation into host tissues. Within the last decade, there has been considerable interest in the intercellular communication mediated by the transfer of cytoplasmic material and organelles between cells. Numerous studies have shown that mitochondria and lysosomes are transported between cells by various mechanisms, such as tunneling nanotubes, microvesicles, and cellular fusion. This review will focus on the known instances of organelle transfer between stem cells and differentiated cells, what effects it has on recipient cells and how organelle transfer is regulated. Stem Cells 2019;37:14–25
mDia1 and Cdc42 Regulate Activin B-Induced Migration of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Wang Xueer , Tang Pei , Guo Fukun , Zhang Min , Yan Yuan , Huang Mianbo , Chen Yinghua , Zhang Lu , Zhang Lin 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
In a previous study, we have shown that Activin B is a potent chemoattractant for bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs). As such, the combination of Activin B and BMSCs significantly accelerated rat skin wound healing. In another study, we showed that RhoA activation plays a key role in Activin B-induced BMSC migration. However, the role of the immediate downstream effectors of RhoA in this process is unclear. Here, we demonstrated that mammalian homolog of Drosophila diaphanous-1 (mDia1), a downstream effector of RhoA, exerts a crucial function in Activin B-induced BMSC migration by promoting membrane ruffling, microtubule morphology, and adhesion signaling dynamics. Furthermore, we showed that Activin B does not change Rac1 activity but increases Cdc42 activity in BMSCs. Inactivation of Cdc42 inhibited Activin B-stimulated Golgi reorientation and the cell migration of BMSCs. Furthermore, knockdown of mDia1 affected Activin B-induced BMSC-mediated wound healing in vivo. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the RhoA-mDia1 and Cdc42 pathways regulate Activin B-induced BMSC migration. This study may help to optimize clinical MSC-based transplantation strategies to promote skin wound healing. Stem Cells 2019;37:150–161
HOXC10 Regulates Osteogenesis of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Through Interaction with Its Natural Antisense Transcript lncHOXC-AS3
Authors: Li Bingzong , Han Huiying , Song Sha , Fan Gao , Xu Hongxia , Zhou Wenqi , Qiu Yingchun , Qian Chen'ao , Wang Yijing , Yuan Zihan , Gao Yuan , Zhang Yongsheng , Zhuang Wenzhuo 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
The characteristics of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) which derived from multiple myeloma (MM) patients are typically impaired in osteogenic differentiation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms need to be further investigated. lncRNAs are emerging as critical regulation molecules in oncogenic pathways. In this study, we identified that bioactive lncRNA HOXC-AS3, which is transcribed in opposite to HOXC10, was presented in MSCs derived from bone marrow (BM) of MM patients (MM-MSCs). HOXC-AS3 was able to interact with HOXC10 at the overlapping parts and this interaction increased HOXC10 stability, then promoted its expression, conferring osteogenesis repression to MM-MSCs. In mouse models, intravenously administered siHOXC-AS3 was proven to be effective in prevention of bone loss, sustained by both anticatabolic activities and bone-forming. These data showed that lncHOXC-AS3 was required for osteogenesis in BM-MSCs by enhancing HOXC10 expression. Our finding thus unveils a novel insight for the potential clinical significance of lncRNA HOXC-AS3 as a therapeutic target for bone disease in MM. Stem Cells 2019;37:247–256
Xist Intron 1 Repression by Transcriptional-Activator-Like Effectors Designer Transcriptional Factor Improves Somatic Cell Reprogramming in Mice
Authors: Zhang Jindun , Gao Xuefei , Yang Jian , Fan Xiaoying , Wang Wei , Liang Yanfeng , Fan Lihong , Han Hongmei , Xu Xiaorong , Tang Fuchou , Bao Siqin , Liu Pentao , Li Xihe 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Xist is the master regulator of X chromosome inactivation. In order to further understand the Xist locus in the reprogramming of somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), we tested transcription-activator-like effectors-based designer transcriptional factors (dTFs), which were specific to numerous regions at the Xist locus. We report that the selected dTF repressor 6 (R6) binding the intron 1 of Xist, which caused higher H3K9me3 followed by X chromosome opening and repression of X-linked genes in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, rather than affecting Xist expression, substantially improved the iPSC generation and the SCNT preimplantation embryo development. Conversely, the dTF activator targeting the same genomic region of R6 decreased iPSC formation and blocked SCNT-embryo development. These results thus uncover the critical requirement for the Xist locus in epigenetic resetting, which is not directly related to Xist transcription. This may provide a unique route to improving the reprogramming. Stem Cells 2019;37:599–608
Crystalline Conjugated Polymers for Organic Solar Cells: From Donor, Acceptor to Single‐Component
Authors: Xia Dongdong , Li Cheng , Li Weiwei 
Published: October 2018

AbstractOrganic solar cells have made rapid progress in the last two decades due to the innovation of conjugated materials and photovoltaic devices. Microphase separation that connects with materials and devices plays a crucial role in the charge generation process. In this account, we summary our recent works of developing new crystalline conjugated polymers to control the microphase separation in thin films in order to realize high performance in solar cells, including crystalline diketopyrrolopyrrole‐based donor polymers, perylene bisimide‐based electron acceptors, and “double‐cable” conjugated polymers that contain covalently‐linked crystalline donor and acceptor in one material for single‐component organic solar cells.
Fetal Medicine Foundation reference ranges for umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery pulsatility index and cerebroplacental ratio
Authors: Ciobanu A. , Wright A. , Syngelaki A. , Wright D. , Akolekar R. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo develop gestational age‐based reference ranges for the pulsatility index in the umbilical artery (UA‐PI) and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA‐PI) and the cerebroplacental ratio (MCA‐PI/UA‐PI), and to examine the maternal characteristics and medical history that affect these measurements.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study of 72 387 pregnancies undergoing routine ultrasound examination at 20 + 0 to 22 + 6 weeks' gestation (n = 3712), 31 + 0 to 33 + 6 weeks (n = 29 035), 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks (n = 37 252) or 41 + 0 to 41 + 6 weeks (n = 2388). For the purpose of this study, we included data for only one of the second‐ or third‐trimester visits. The inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancy, dating by fetal crown–rump length at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation, live birth of a morphologically normal neonate and ultrasonographic measurements by sonographers who had received the Fetal Medicine Foundation Certificate of Competence in Doppler ultrasound. Since the objectives of the study were to establish reference ranges, rather than normal ranges, and to examine factors from maternal characteristics and medical history that affect these measurements, we included all pregnancies having routine ultrasound examinations, irrespective of whether the mother had a pre‐existing medical condition, such as diabetes mellitus, or a pregnancy complication, such as pre‐eclampsia or suspected fetal growth restriction. Median and SD models were fitted between UA‐PI, MCA‐PI and CPR and gestational age. Assessment of goodness of fit of the models was by inspection of quantile‐to‐quantile (Q–Q) plots of Z‐scores calculated using the mean and SD models. The distributions of MCA‐PI, UA‐PI and CPR Z‐scores were examined in relation to maternal characteristics and medical history.ResultsThe relationship between the median and gestational age was linear for UA‐PI and cubic for MCA‐PI and CPR and the SD was log quadratic for all three. MCA‐PI and CPR increased with gestational age from 20 weeks' gestation to reach a peak at around 32 and 34 weeks, respectively, and decreased thereafter, whereas UA‐PI decreased linearly with gestational age from 20 to 42 weeks. Compared to the general population, significant deviations in multiples of the median values of UA‐PI, MCA‐PI and CPR were observed in subgroups of maternal age, body mass index, racial origin, method of conception and parity.ConclusionThis study established new reference ranges for UA‐PI, MCA‐PI and CPR, according to gestational age, and reports maternal characteristics and medical history that affect these measurements. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Large‐for‐gestational age and stillbirth: is there a role for antenatal testing?
Authors: Carter E. B. , Stockburger J. , Tuuli M. G. , Macones G. A. , Odibo A. O. , Trudell A. S. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo investigate the association between large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA) pregnancy and stillbirth to determine if the LGA fetus may benefit from antenatal testing with non‐stress test or biophysical profile.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies that were ongoing at 24 weeks' gestation and that had undergone routine second‐trimester anatomy ultrasound examination, during the period 1990 to 2009. Pregnancies complicated by fetal anomaly or aneuploidy, those with missing birth weight information and those that were small‐for‐gestational age were excluded. Appropriate‐for‐gestational age (AGA) and LGA were defined as birth weight between the 10th and 90th percentiles and > 90th percentile, respectively, according to the Alexander growth standard. The incidence of stillbirth was calculated as the number of stillbirths per 10 000 ongoing pregnancies. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% CI for stillbirth in LGA compared with AGA pregnancies were estimated using logistic regression analysis, controlling for pre‐existing and gestational diabetes. The incidence and aOR for stillbirth were estimated at 4‐week intervals from ≥ 24 to ≥ 40 weeks' gestation.ResultsOf 52 749 pregnancies ongoing at 24 weeks, 46 205 (87.6%) were AGA and 6544 (12.4%) were LGA at delivery. The incidence of stillbirth in LGA pregnancies was significantly higher than that in AGA pregnancies from 36 weeks' gestation (26/10 000 vs 7/10 000; aOR, 3.10; 95% CI, 1.68–5.70). When women with diabetes were excluded in stratified analysis, pregnancies complicated by LGA continued to be at increased risk for stillbirth ≥ 36 weeks (18/10 000 vs 7/10 000; OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.27–5.43).ConclusionPregnancies complicated by LGA are at significantly increased risk for stillbirth at or beyond 36 weeks, independent of maternal diabetes status, and may benefit from antenatal testing. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Noncanonical RNA‐capping: Discovery, mechanism, and physiological role debate
Authors: Julius Christina , Yuzenkova Yulia 
Published: October 2018

Recently a new type of 5′‐RNA cap was discovered. In contrast to the specialized eukaryotic m7G cap, the novel caps are abundant cellular cofactors like NAD+. RNAs capped with cofactors are found in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Unlike m7G cap, installed by specialized enzymes, cofactors are attached by main enzyme of transcription, RNA polymerase (RNAP). Cofactors act as noncanonical initiating substrates, provided cofactor's nucleoside base‐pairs with template DNA at the transcription start site. Adenosine—containing NAD(H), flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), and CoA modify transcripts on promoters starting with +1A. Similarly, uridine‐containing cell wall precursors, for example, uridine diphosphate‐N‐acetylglucosamine were shown to cap RNA in vitro on +1U promoters. Noncanonical capping is a universal feature of evolutionary unrelated RNAPs—multisubunit bacterial and eukaryotic RNAPs, and single‐subunit mitochondrial RNAP. Cellular concentrations of cofactors, for example, NAD(H) are significantly higher than their Km in transcription. Yet, only a small proportion of a given cellular RNA is noncanonically capped (if at all). This proportion is a net balance between capping, seemingly stochastic, and decapping, possibly determined by RNA folding, protein binding and transcription rate. NUDIX hydrolases in bacteria and eukaryotes, and DXO family proteins eukaryotes act as decapping enzymes for noncanonical caps. The physiological role of noncanonical RNA capping is only starting to emerge. It was demonstrated to affect RNA stability in vivo in bacteria and eukaryotes and to stimulate RNAP promoter escape in vitro in Escherichia coli. NAD+/NADH capping ratio may connect transcription to cellular redox state. Potentially, noncanonical capping affects mRNA translation, RNA‐protein binding and RNA localization.This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Capping and 5′ End Modifications
RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization
RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry