bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of random and gradient amino functionalized poly(2‐oxazoline)s: Can the transfection efficiency be tuned by the macromolecular structure?
Authors: Hertz David , Leiske Meike N. , Wloka Thomas , Traeger Anja , Hartlieb Matthias , Kessels Michael M. , Schubert Stephanie , Qualmann Britta , Schubert Ulrich S. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTPoly(ethylene imine) can be considered as the gold standard for DNA delivery into cells in vitro, but severe cytotoxic side‐effects and inapplicability for targeted approaches in vivo urgently call for the design of new gene carriers. Since poly(2‐oxazoline)s (P(Ox)s) can be easily synthesized and modified, this polymer class might be ideal for the optimization of polymeric transfection processes. The utilization of 2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline (MeOx) and 2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline (EtOx) is also known to be beneficial because these monomers were suggested to overcome solubility issues, mediate stealth behavior and, consequently, facilitate a reduction of cytotoxicity. A series of amino (AmOx) functionalized P(Ox) copolymers with either MeOx (gradient copolymers) or EtOx (random copolymers) was synthesized, deprotected and biochemically characterized regarding cytotoxicity, polyplex formation ability, cellular uptake, and transfection efficiency. Polymers with percentages of AmOx higher than 35 mol % showed stable polyplex formation and also an increase in cytotoxicity. All elucidated P(Ox)s revealed a poor transfection efficiency in both L929 and Hepa1‐6 cell lines. However, the investigations contribute to the understanding of the influence of stealth units (MeOx and EtOx) and their distribution within the polymer chain on selected properties of polyplexes and describe characteristics of amino functionalized P(Ox)s in different cell lines. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1210–1224
Grain size controls on cryoturbation and soil organic carbon density in permafrost‐affected soils
Authors: Palmtag Juri , Kuhry Peter 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis meta‐analysis aims to describe the relationship between grain size distributions and soil organic carbon (SOC) storage in mineral subsoil and SOC‐enriched cryoturbated pockets in five areas of continuous permafrost that differ in glaciation history and soil parent materials. Our results show a positive relationship between the proportion of soil particles in fine‐grained fractions (colloid to medium silt) and SOC storage. Finer textured soils had significantly higher SOC storage in mineral subsoil samples (not SOC‐enriched through cryoturbation) than coarser textured soils. However, the process of SOC enrichment through cryoturbation was most pronounced in soils with coarser grain sizes in the range of coarse silt and very fine sand. Although fine‐grained textures provide better physical and biochemical protection for soil organic matter, their strong cohesion reduces the mixing of soil horizons and the effectiveness of cryoturbation. A higher ratio of coarse silt to clay in samples was a good predictor of SOC enrichment through cryoturbation across soil samples, soil profiles and study areas.
Primary racemose hemangioma with bronchial‐pulmonary arterial fistula
Authors: Ito Atsushi , Takao Motoshi , Shimamoto Akira , Shimpo Hideto 
Published: April 2018

Key messagePrimary racemose hemangioma with bronchial‐pulmonary arterial fistula is a very rare abnormality. We herein report an asymptomatic case of primary racemose hemangioma with no significant size change in 5 years.
Metal‐Free γ,δ‐Unsaturated β‐Ketothiolester: Solvatochromism, AIEE and Detection of Picric Acid
Authors: Babu Seenivasagaperumal Sriram , Shanmugam Sivakumar 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA synthesis of γ,δ‐unsaturated β‐ketothiolester depend on the properties of solvent and their relative humidity. γ,δ‐unsaturated β‐ketothiolester shows solvent dependent emission due to excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). Increasing solvent polarity makes larger Stokes’ shifts ranging from 4072 to 6459 cm−1. γ,δ‐unsaturated β‐ketothiolester exhibit red‐shifted emission (591 nm) in the solid state than the solution. In THF‐H2O mixture, solvent polarity parameter (Δf) increases by increasing H2O ratio (0‐90%) where aggregation‐induced emission enhancement (AIEE) of γ,δ‐unsaturated β‐ketothiolester enhanced by increasing Δf. The Intermolecular interaction by polar protic solvent with γ,δ‐unsaturated β‐ketothiolester is the response for decrease in emission above 60% H2O in THF‐H2O mixture. Picric acid detection of γ,δ‐unsaturated β‐ketothiolester enhanced by AIEE with a detection limit of 2 μM. Emission quenching mechanism was identified using NMR technique. Selective detection of picric acid is high when with compared to other nitroaromatic compounds and act as a inexpensive test strip detector for picric acid.
Evolution of Hollow N‐Doped Mesoporous Carbon Microspheres from Outdated Milk as Sulfur Cathodes for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Luo Rongjie , Lu Yang , Hou Xiaoyi , Yu Qiuhong , Wu Naiteng , Peng Tao , Yan Hailong , Liu Xianming , Kim Jang‐Kyo , Luo Yongsong 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLi‐sulfur batteries possess many advantages, such as high theoretical capacities, high energy densities, environmental benignity and natural abundance of sulfur with a high theoretical capacity of 1672 mAh⋅g−1. However, their commercialization has been hindered due to many prevailing issues, including the poor electrical conductivity of sulfur and the high solubility of polysulfide intermediates. We report a facile and scalable, solution‐based spray drying technique to synthesize hollow N‐doped mesoporous carbon microspheres (HNMCMs) with an exceptionally large surface area of 872 m2⋅g−1 using outdated dairy products as carbon source. The novel electrode prepared from a high loading of sulfur accommodated by the HNMCM hosts delivers high initial discharge capacities of 781 and 682 mAh⋅g−1 at 0.5 and 1 C, respectively. It was further obtained that the capability retention can be retained as high as 79.4% at 1 C after 400 cycles. The excellent cyclic stability and rate capability of the HNMCM/S cathode can be ascribed to the large surface area, high electrical conductivity enhanced by the high content of doped nitrogen and unique hollow microsphere structure of HNMCMs.
Improved Structural Reversibility and Cycling Stability of Li2MnSiO4 Cathode Material by the Pillar Effect of [TiOx] Polyanions
Authors: Wu Xia , Zhao Shi‐Xi , Wei Lei , Zhao En‐Lai , Li Jing‐Wei , Nan Ce‐Wen 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLi2MnSiO4 cathode material suffers from structural distortion caused by irreversible transition of [MnO4] tetrahedron to [MnO6] octahedron and layer exfoliation upon full delithiation, thus resulting in rapid capacity decay during cycling. In this study, Ti was introduced into the Mn site in Li2MnSiO4 as pillars to prevent the structural collapse. The results showed that [TiO4] tetrahedrons and [TiO6] octahedrons coexisted in Mn sites, and the proportion of [TiO6] octahedrons increased with increasing Ti. [TiOx] pillared Li2MnSiO4 samples presented greatly improved cycling stability, especially [TiO6] enriched Li2Mn0.85Ti0.15SiO4, which achieved the highest initial Coulumbic efficiency (86%) and the best capacity retention at C/20 rate. Moreover, Li2Mn0.85Ti0.15SiO4 exhibited excellent rate performance and retained 93% of initial discharge capacity after 50th cycles at C/2 rate. Ex‐situ XPS revealed [TiOx] pillars, especially [TiO6] pillars facilitated the reversible transition of [MnOx] during cycling. Ex‐situ XRD demonstrated better structure reversibility of [TiO6] enriched sample. The enhanced structural reversibility and cycling stability are ascribed to the pillaring effect of [TiOx], especially large [TiO6] octahedrons in structure, which ensure the reversible oxidation/reduction of Mn and alleviate the layer exfoliation during cycling.
Synthesis of Novel Functionalized Triphenylphosphanylidene‐Spirobarbiturates through a Three‐Component Reaction
Authors: Gupta Shruti , Aggarwal Komal , Khurana Jitender M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSynthesis of novel functionalized triphenylphosphanylidene‐7,9‐diazaspiro[4.5]dec‐1‐ene‐2‐carboxylates has been reported by one‐pot three component reactions of triphenyl phosphine, dialkyl acetylene dicarboxylates, and 5‐arylidene‐1,3‐dimethylpyrimidine‐2,4,6‐triones in THF at room temperature. The products are obtained in high yields and have been fully characterized. The structure has been further confirmed by X‐ray analysis of single crystal of one of the compounds.
An Integrated Production of Diesel Fuel Precursors from Carbohydrates and 2‐Methylfuran over Sn‐Mont Catalyst
Authors: Shinde Suhas H. , Rode Chandrashekhar V. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractCondensation of 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) with 2‐methylfuran provides precursor of diesel fuel. However, HMF production is critical due to its tedious isolation and purification. Herein, we have developed an integrated process for production of diesel precursors directly from cheap HMF precursors and 2‐methylfuran. This process involves, dehydration of carbohydrates to HMF followed by latter's condensation with 2‐methylfuran to give 5,5′‐((5‐((5‐methylfuran‐2‐yl)methyl)furan‐2‐yl)methylene)bis(2‐methylfuran) (1). Over Sn‐Mont catalyst, in solvents like water, DMSO and C4mimBr the product 1 was produced in negligible yields. The yield of 1 was significantly improved to 36% in formic acid medium. Sn‐Mont facilitates the isomerization of glucose to fructose with its Lewis acid sites and formic acid promotes the dehydration of fructose to a mixture of HMF +5‐(formyloxymethyl)furfural (FMF) which was further treated with 2‐methylfuran in same pot. The product 1 was obtained with 40% and 54% yields from sucrose and fructose, respectively. Using this strategy xylose was converted into 5,5′‐(furan‐2‐ylmethylene)bis(2‐methylfuran) (2) in 25% yield.
Patterning of Discotic Liquid Crystals with Tunable Molecular Orientation for Electronic Applications
Authors: Zou Cheng , Wang Jingxia , Wang Meng , Wu Yuchen , Gu Kehua , Shen Zhihao , Xiong Guirong , Yang Huai , Jiang Lei , Ikeda Tomiki 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe large‐area formation of functional micropatterns with liquid crystals is of great significance for diversified applications in interdisciplinary fields. Meanwhile, the control of molecular alignment in the patterns is fundamental and prerequisite for the adequate exploitation of their photoelectric properties. However, it would be extremely complicated and challenging for discotic liquid crystals (DLCs) to achieve the goal, because they are insensitive to external fields and surface chemistry. Herein, a simple method of patterning and aligning DLCs on flat substrates is disclosed through precise control of the formation and dewetting of the capillary liquid bridges, within which the DLC molecules are confined. Large‐area uniform alignment occurs spontaneously due to directional shearing force when the solvent is slowly evaporated and programmable patterns could be directly generated on desired substrates. Moreover, the in‐plane column direction of DLCs is tunable by slightly tailoring their chemical structures which changes their self‐assembly behaviors in liquid bridges. The patterned DLCs show molecular orientation–dependent charge transport properties and are promising for templating self‐assembly of other materials. The study provides a facile method for manipulation of the macroscopic patterns and microscopic molecular orientation which opens up new opportunities for electronic applications of DLCs.
In Situ/Operando Characterization Techniques to Probe the Electrochemical Reactions for Energy Conversion
Authors: Li Xuning , Wang Hsin‐Yi , Yang Hongbin , Cai Weizheng , Liu Song , Liu Bin 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe water‐splitting reaction, including the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, as well as the electrochemical oxygen and CO2 reduction reactions offer promising solutions to address the global energy scarcity and the associated environmental issues. However, the lack of deep insight into the reaction mechanisms and clear identification of the catalytic active sites hinder any breakthrough for the development of efficient electrocatalysts with high performance and durability. Operando characterization techniques allowing in situ monitoring the surface oxidation state and local atomic‐structure transformation are capable of probing the active sites and promoting the fundamental understanding of the reaction mechanism in these systems. Herein, the recent applications of various operando characterization techniques in identifying the active sites and capturing the geometric structure, oxidation state, and local atomic‐structure evolution of the catalysts during water electrolysis and O2/CO2 electroreduction are thoroughly summarized. The challenges and outlook in developing operando techniques to further extend the understanding of the underlying mechanism during electrochemical energy‐conversion reactions are discussed.
MiR‐146a regulates PM1‐induced inflammation via NF‐κB signaling pathway in BEAS‐2B cells
Authors: Liu Limin , Wan Chong , Zhang Wei , Guan Longfei , Tian Guoxiong , Zhang Fang , Ding Wenjun 
Published: April 2018

AbstractExposure to particulate matter (PM) leads to kinds of cardiopulmonary diseases, such as asthma, COPD, arrhythmias, lung cancer, etc., which are related to PM‐induced inflammation. We have found that PM2.5 (aerodynamics diameter <2.5 µm) exposure induces inflammatory response both in vivo and in vitro. Since the toxicity of PM is tightly associated with its size and components, PM1 (aerodynamics diameter <1.0 µm) is supposed to be more toxic than PM2.5. However, the mechanism of PM1‐induced inflammation is not clear. Recently, emerging evidences prove that microRNAs play a vital role in regulating inflammation. Therefore, we studied the regulation of miR‐146a in PM1‐induced inflammation in human lung bronchial epithelial BEAS‐2B cells. The results show that PM1 induces the increase of IL‐6 and IL‐8 in BEAS‐2B cells and up‐regulates the miR‐146a expression by activating NF‐κB signaling pathway. Overexpressed miR‐146a prevents the nuclear translocation of p65 through inhibiting the IRAK1/TRAF6 expression, and downregulates the expression of IL‐6 and IL‐8. Taken together, these results demonstrate that miR‐146a can negatively feedback regulate PM1‐induced inflammation via NF‐κB signaling pathway in BEAS‐2B cells.
The ethanol extraction of prepared Psoralea corylifolia induces apoptosis and autophagy and alteres genes expression assayed by cDNA microarray in human prostate cancer PC‐3 cells
Authors: Lin Chia‐Hsin , Funayama Shinji , Peng Shu‐Fen , Kuo Chao‐Lin , Chung Jing‐Gung 
Published: April 2018

AbstractProstate cancer is the most common male reproductive system cancer. The prevalence of prostate cancer in Europe and the United States is higher than that in the Asian region. However, the treatment of prostate cancer remains unsatisfactory. Psoralea corylifolia has been used to cure this disease as Chinese medicine in the Asian region. In this study, we analyzed the components of ethanol extraction of unprepared and prepared P. corylifolia by HPLC. Psoralen and isopsoralen content from the prepared P. corylifolia is twofold higher than that from unprepared, so we use the prepared extraction in this study. However, the effects of the ethanol extraction of P. corylifolia (PCE) on PC‐3 human prostate cancer cells remain unclear. PC‐3 cells were treated with PCE for different time periods and cells were examined for cell morphological change and total viable cells by using contrast phase microscopy and flow cytometer, respectively. Results indicated that PCE induced cell morphological changes and cytotoxic effect in PC‐3 cells in dose‐dependent manners. PCE induced chromatin condensation of PC‐3 cells dose‐dependently. PCE also induced apoptosis and autophagy in PC‐3 by western blotting and acridine orange (AO) staining, respectively. Furthermore, a complementary DNA microarray analysis demonstrated that PCE treatment led to 944 genes upregulation and 872 genes downregulation. For example, the DNA damage‐associated gene DNA‐damage‐inducible transcript 3 (DDIT 3) had a 62.1‐fold upregulation and CDK1 2.68‐fold downregulation. The differential genes were classified according to the Gene Ontology. Furthermore, GeneGo software was used for the key genes involved and their possible interaction pathways. Those genes were affected by P. corylifolia, which provided information for the understanding of the antiprostate cancer mechanism at the genetic level and provide additional targets for the treatments of human prostate cancer.
Intrafamilial oocyte donation in classic galactosemia: ethical and societal aspects
Authors: Haskovic M. , Poot W. J. , van Golde R. J. T. , Benneheij S. H. , Oussoren E. , de Wert G. M. W. R. , Krumeich A. , Rubio‐Gozalbo M. Estela 
Published: April 2018

AbstractClassic galactosemia is a rare inherited disorder of galactose metabolism. Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) with subfertility affects > 80% of female patients and is an important concern for patients and their parents. Healthcare providers are often consulted for subfertility treatment possibilities. An option brought up by the families is intrafamilial oocyte donation (mother‐to‐daughter or sister‐to‐sister). In addition to POI, galactosemia patients can also present varying cognitive and neurological impairments, which may not be fully clear at the time when mother‐to‐daughter oocyte donation is considered. Ethical and societal aspects arise when exploring this option. This study aimed to provide guidance in aspects to consider based on the views of different groups involved in the oocyte donation process. A qualitative study using in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with > 50 participants (patients, family members, and healthcare providers) was conducted. From these interviews, themes of concern emerged, which are illustrated and reviewed: (1) family relations, (2) medical impact, (3) patients’ cognitive level, (4) agreements to be made in advance and organization of counseling, (5) disclosure to the child, and (6) need for follow‐up. We conclude that discussing and carrying out intrafamilial oocyte donation in galactosemia patients requires carefully addressing these themes. This study adds value to the already existing recommendations on intrafamilial oocyte donation in general, since it highlights important additional aspects from the perspectives of patients and their families.
Accelerating Alzheimer's disease drug innovations from the research pipeline to patients
Authors: Goldman Dana P. , Fillit Howard , Neumann Peter 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn June 2017, a diverse group of experts in Alzheimer's disease convened to discuss how to accelerate getting new drugs to patients to both prevent and treat the disease. Participants concluded that we need a more robust, diversified drug development pipeline. Strategic policy measures can help keep new Alzheimer's disease therapies (whether to treat symptoms, prevent onset, or cure) affordable for patients while supporting innovation and facilitating greater information sharing among payers, providers, researchers, and the public, including a postmarket surveillance study system, disease registries, innovative payment approaches, harmonizing federal agency review requirements, allowing conditional coverage for promising therapeutics and technology while additional data are collected, and opening up channels for drug companies to communicate with payers (and each other) about data and outcomes. To combat reimbursement issues, policy makers should address the latency time between potential treatment—which may be costly and fall on private payers—and societal benefits that accrue elsewhere.
Secret digital coin mining and trading is a threat to your business
Authors: Sampson Jesse 
Published: April 2018

Digital coin software could be infecting your desktops and servers with malware, opening the doors to hackers. They could be after your customer lists, your passwords, your databases. Or they could be looking to turn your computers and devices into bots. Jesse Sampson of Ziften explains the nature of the threat and what to do about it. Bitcoin? Monero? Ethereum? It doesn't matter. Coin mining and trading activities by employees – or by hackers – is a huge security problem that every organisation needs to address.
ULTRASIM: Ultrasound in trauma simulation
Authors: McLean Devon , Hewitson Leanne , Atkinson Paul , Lewis David , Fraser Jacqueline , Verheul Glenn , Mekwan Jayanand , Robinson Bryn 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study sought to assess the effectiveness of ultrasound simulation as a component of high-fidelity trauma simulation, in training diagnostic capabilities of resident and attending physicians participating in simulated trauma scenarios.MethodsTwelve residents and 20 attending physicians participated in 114 trauma simulations. Participants generated a ranked differential diagnosis list after a physical exam and subsequently after a simulated extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (E-FAST) ultrasound scan. We compared reports to determine whether the addition of ultrasound improved diagnostic performance.ResultsThe primary diagnosis accuracy improved significantly with the addition of simulated ultrasound (p<0.0001). Median diagnostic ranking scores also improved (p<0.0001). Further, participants reported a higher confidence in their diagnoses (p<0.0001) and narrowed their differential diagnosis list (p<0.0001).ConclusionWe demonstrated that a low-cost ultrasound simulator can be successfully integrated into trauma simulations, resulting in an associated improvement in measures of diagnostic accuracy, confidence, and precision for participating resident and attending physicians.
A quantitative comparison of microfossil extraction methods from ice cores
Authors: BRUGGER SANDRA O. , GOBET E. , SCHANZ F. R. , HEIRI O. , SCHWÖRER C. , SIGL M. , SCHWIKOWSKI M. , TINNER W. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTMicrofossil records from ice archives allow vegetation, fire and land-use activity reconstructions on broad spatial scales. Samples typically contain low microfossil concentrations. Therefore, large ice volumes are often needed for palynology. Hence, it is crucial to extract maximum microfossil numbers through appropriate physical-chemical treatments. We compare six methods covering the main water reduction procedures: evaporation, filtration and centrifugation with snow samples. Adding a known number of Lycopodium marker spores prior to sample treatment and a second marker (Eucalyptus) after laboratory processing allows a quantitative microfossil loss assessment during pollen extraction. We applied the best-performing method (average loss of 22%) to high-alpine firn cores from Colle Gnifetti glacier for validation with a natural archive containing extremely low microfossil concentrations. We conclude that samples processed with different microfossil extraction protocols may give different results for pollen concentrations, percentages and ratios between different pollen types, especially if vesiculate conifer pollen is an important pollen assemblage component. We recommend a new evaporation-based method which delivers the smallest and least variable losses among the tested approaches. Since microfossil losses are inevitable during laboratory procedure, adding markers prior to sample processing is mandatory to achieve reliable microfossil concentration and influx estimates.