bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Controlling the Supramolecular Polymerization of Donor‐Acceptor π‐Systems through Hydrogen Bond Intervention
Authors: Nair Vishnu Sukumaran , Vedhanarayanan Balaraman , Ajayaghosh Ayyappanpillai 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSupramolecular polymerization of donor‐acceptor type molecules leads to mixed or self‐sorted assemblies depending on the donor‐acceptor strength and extent of noncovalent interactions between the components. Herein, we discuss how competing hydrogen bonding motifs control the supramolecular polymerization pathway of a two‐component molecular π‐system of oligo(p‐phenylenevinylene) (OPV‐B and OPV‐P) donors and perylene bisimide (PBI‐B and PBI‐A) acceptors. It is shown that among the four different binary combinations (M1–M4) studied, the carboxylic acid/pyridine heterosystem (1 : 2 molar ratio) in M4 favors the coassembled donor‐acceptor stacks with a distinct morphology, whose aggregation pathways in toluene/THF (v/v : 9/1) is different from that of the individual components. The nanoscopic molecular arrangement of OPV‐P driven by PBI‐A in M4 was found to influence the bulk properties such as, morphology, thermomechanical stability and electrical conductivity. For example, the G′ and G′′ values of M4 is an order of the magnitude higher and exhibited a four‐probe electrical conductivity (11.93 Scm−1) higher than that of its individual components. Thus, hydrogen‐bond intervention is a powerful strategy to control the supramolecular polymerization of two‐component donor‐acceptor π‐systems.
Direct Growth of CNTs@CoSxSe2(1−x) on Carbon Cloth for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Qiu Yunfeng , Ji Xinyang , Ma Tiange , Ma Zhuo , Hu Ping An 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSearching for low‐cost, high‐efficiency, bifunctional, non‐noble‐metal electrocatalysts for overall water splitting is crucial to renewable energy conversion. Herein, a series of component‐controllable CC/CNTs@CoSxSe2(1−x) (CC: carbon cloth, CNT: carbon nanotube) with excellent bifunctional properties in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) were obtained by chemical vapor deposition. In this strategy, the Zif‐67 precursor served as a structural inducer, which was directly grown on CC and pyrolyzed with the assistance of melamine to form multi‐walled CNT‐encapsulated CoSxSe2(1−x) hierarchical nanostructures. Subsequently, the electrocatalytic properties of the as‐prepared materials were optimized by adjusting the S/Se molar ratio. Of note is that the lattice distortion caused by the different radii of Se and S generated a polarized electric field for easy adsorption of the intermediate products. The CoOOH generated in situ on the surface of CoSxSe2(1−x), as well as n‐ and p‐type domains in carbon, synergistically resulted in abundant active sites to boost the electrocatalytic activity. CC/CNTs@CoS0.74Se0.52 exhibited overpotentials for the HER and OER of 225 and 285 mV, respectively and attained a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline solution. The as‐prepared electrocatalysts could act as both cathode and anode in a water electrolyzer showing a cell voltage of 1.74 V and delivering 10 mA cm−2, comparable to those of noble‐metal‐based water electrolyzers.
Amplifying Bone Marrow Progenitors Expressing α‐Smooth Muscle Actin Produce Zonal Insertion Sites During Tendon‐to‐Bone Repair
Authors: Kamalitdinov Timur B. , Fujino Keitaro , Shetye Snehal S. , Jiang Xi , Ye Yaping , Rodriguez Ashley B. , Kuntz Andrew F. , Zgonis Miltiadis H. , Dyment Nathaniel A. 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTTraditional tendon‐to‐bone repair where the tendon is reattached to bone via suture anchors often results in disorganized scar production rather than the formation of a zonal insertion. In contrast, ligament reconstructions where tendon grafts are passed through bone tunnels can yield zonal tendon‐to‐bone attachments between the graft and adjacent bone. Therefore, ligament reconstructions can be used to study mechanisms that regulate zonal tendon‐to‐bone repair in the adult. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions are one of the most common reconstruction procedures and while we know that cells from outside the graft produce the attachments, we have not yet established specific cell populations that give rise to this tissue. To address this knowledge gap, we performed ACL reconstructions in lineage tracing mice where α‐smooth muscle actin (αSMACreERT2) was used to label αSMA‐expressing progenitors within the bone marrow that produced zonal attachments. Expression of αSMA was increased during early stages of the repair process such that the contribution of SMA‐labeled cells to the tunnel integration was highest when tamoxifen was delivered in the first week post‐surgery. The zonal attachments shared features with normal entheses, including tidemarks oriented perpendicularly to collagen fibers, Col1a1‐expressing cells, alkaline phosphatase activity, and proteoglycan‐rich staining. Finally, the integration strength increased with time, requiring 112% greater force to remove the graft from the tunnel at 28 days compared with 14 days post‐surgery. Future studies will target these progenitor cells to define the pathways that regulate zonal tendon‐to‐bone repair in the adult. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:105–116, 2020
Omega‐3‐rich Isochrysis sp. biomass enhances brain docosahexaenoic acid levels and improves serum lipid profile and antioxidant status in Wistar rats
Authors: Balakrishnan Jeyakumar , Dhavamani Sugasini , Sadasivam Selvam Govindan , Arumugam Muthu , Vellaikumar Sampathrajan , Ramalingam Jagadeesan , Shanmugam Kathiresan 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDIsochrysis sp. is a marine microalga, rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The potential use of its biomass as an alternative source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) has not been studied in animal models. Male albino Wistar rats were divided into three groups and treated for 28 days. The rats were fed with (1) standard chow (control group), (2) microalgal biomass rich in EPA and DHA along with standard chow (microalga group), and (3) fish oil that contains equivalent amounts of EPA and DHA along with standard chow (fish oil group). After intervention, biochemical indices, histopathological indices, relative mRNA expression of PUFA genes, antioxidant genes, inflammatory markers, and the fatty acid profile of major tissues were studied.RESULTSAnimals treated with microalgal biomass showed significantly increased serum HDL levels (P < 0.05) and reduced oxidative stress markers with a concomitant decrease in urea and creatinine levels. Oral supplementation of microalgal biomass did not show any toxicity or damage in any major organs. The mRNA expression of PUFA genes was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05) and antioxidant genes were upregulated. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of pro‐inflammatory markers was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05) and anti‐inflammatory markers were upregulated. Oral supplementation of microalgal biomass improved DHA status in brain and liver.CONCLUSIONThe present study demonstrated that Isochrysis sp. can be used as a safe, alternative food supplement for ω‐3 fatty acids. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Successful treatment of lymphedema in a vasculopath and neuropathic patient
Authors: Inchauste Suzanne , Zelones Justin , Rochlin Danielle , Nguyen Dung H. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis is a case report of a 68‐year‐old male with stage III right lower extremity lymphedema following right inguinal lymph node dissection and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma. He developed peripheral neuropathy and radiation‐induced right femoral artery thrombosis, treated with saphenous vein graft. He underwent three vascularized lymph node transfers (VLNTs) to the upper medial thigh, posterior calf, and ankle with placement of nanofibrillar collagen scaffolds. Three months after surgery, he had volume reduction, less neuropathic pain, and improved ambulation.
Banding‐free balanced SSFP cardiac cine using frequency modulation and phase cycle redundancy
Authors: Datta Anjali , Nishimura Dwight G. , Baron Corey A. 
Published: June 2019

PurposeTo develop a method for banding‐free balanced SSFP cardiac cine imaging in a single breath‐hold.MethodsA frequency modulation scheme was designed for cardiac applications to eliminate the time normally required for steady‐state stabilization between multiple phase‐cycled acquisitions. Highly undersampled acquisitions were reconstructed using a model‐based reconstruction that exploits redundancy both over time and between phase cycles. Performance of the methods was evaluated using both retrospective and prospective undersampling in scans with and without frequency modulation from four subjects.ResultsThe proposed methods enabled balanced SSFP cardiac cine with three effective phase cycles in only 10 heartbeats. Images acquired with frequency modulation and with standard phase cycling were of similar quality. The combination of temporal and inter‐acquisition similarity constraints reduced errors by approximately 45% compared to enforcing similarity constraints over time alone.ConclusionsIn off‐resonance conditions that preclude the acquisition of single‐acquisition balanced SSFP, phase cycling can eliminate the dark bands in balanced SSFP cine cardiac imaging at the expense of some SNR efficiency. The proposed techniques permit these types of acquisitions in a single breath‐hold.
Photoinduced cationic frontal polymerization of epoxy–carbon fibre composites
Authors: Sangermano Marco , Antonazzo Ippazio , Sisca Lorenzo , Carello Massimiliana 
Published: June 2019

AbstractUV‐activated frontal polymerization was exploited for the preparation of epoxy–carbon fibre composites. The curing process was investigated showing the frontal behaviour, and the final properties of UV‐cured composites were compared with those of the same composites obtained by thermal curing in the presence of amine as hardener. The best curing formulations were designed, defining the photoinitiator‐to‐thermal initiator ratio, which was 1.5:1.5. It was observed that the presence of the carbon fibres induced an acceleration of the front velocity. By comparing the thermomechanical properties of the thermally cured composite and the same composite crosslinked using the frontal process, we could observe that the latter showed higher Tg value and lower σf. This was attributed to the formation of a different polymeric network structure. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Strain hardening in glassy polymers: Influence of network density on elastic and viscous contributions
Authors: Clarijs Coen C. W. J. , Govaert Leon E. 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTIn this study, the rate‐ and temperature‐dependent strain hardening and the Bauschinger effect is studied for three glassy polymers. It appeared that for all materials, an equal distribution of elastic and viscous hardening was necessary to accurately predict the Bauschinger effect, as well as the rate‐ and temperature‐dependent strain hardening response. As for the elastic contribution, the viscous contribution appears to increase with an increase in entanglement network density. Investigating the effect of temperature on the Bauschinger effect revealed that at elevated temperatures the model predictions are not accurately enough. It is shown that this is caused by the magnitude of the elastic hardening contribution; to improve the predictions, a temperature‐dependent elastic contribution is necessary. © 2019 The Authors.Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physicspublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1001–1013
Targeting prosurvival BCL2 signaling through Akt blockade sensitizes castration‐resistant prostate cancer cells to enzalutamide
Authors: Pilling Amanda B. , Hwang Clara 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundProstate cancer that recurs after initial treatment inevitably progresses to castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), the lethal stage of the disease. Despite improvements in outcomes from next generation androgen receptor (AR)‐axis inhibitors, CRPC remains incurable. Therapeutic strategies to target AR antagonist resistance are urgently needed to improve outcomes for men with this lethal form of prostate cancer.MethodsApoptosis and BCL2 family signaling were characterized in cell line models of CRPC. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to determine BCL2 expression levels. Drug sensitivity was determined by proliferation, survival and apoptosis analysis. Protein‐protein interactions were evaluated by coimmunoprecipitation followed by Western blot detection.ResultsIn the present study, we identify antiapoptotic BCL2 protein signaling as a mechanism of resistance to AR antagonist enzalutamide. In CRPC cell line models, we found that BCL‐xL and MCL‐1 proteins block apoptosis through binding and sequestering proapoptotic proteins BIM and BAX, resulting in cell survival in response to enzalutamide. Treatment with BH3‐mimetics targeting BCL‐xL or MCL‐1 disrupts these interactions and activates apoptosis, sensitizing CRPC cells to enzalutamide. Importantly, we demonstrate that PI3K/Akt signaling is activated in response to enzalutamide and mediates apoptosis evasion through inactivation of BAD, a BH3‐only protein that activates proapoptotic signlaing through inhbition of BCL‐xL. Inhibition of Akt activates BAD, resulting in increased apoptosis and sensitivity to enzalutamide, demonstrating an alternative therapeutic strategy to target drug resistance.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that CRPC cells employ multiple mechanisms to mediate apoptosis evasion through BCL2 signaling, suggesting this pathway is critical for survival. This study provides a strong preclinical rationale for developing therapeutic strategies to target antiapoptotic BCL2 signaling in combination with AR antagonists to improve treatment options for patients with advanced prostate cancer.
Benzofuran‐2‐acetic esters as a new class of natural‐like herbicides
Authors: Araniti Fabrizio , Mancuso Raffaella , Lupini Antonio , Sunseri Francesco , Abenavoli Maria Rosa , Gabriele Bartolo 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn recent decades, the use of synthetic herbicides has been increasing, mainly in emerging countries. However, their intensive and indiscriminate application is a major cause of environmental pollution and human health injury. Therefore, there is an increasing need to develop new herbicides with safer toxicological and environmental profiles. A promising strategy is to synthesize new molecules containing the core of natural products as a template for the production of ‘bio‐inspired’ or ‘natural‐like’ herbicides.RESULTSThe potential herbicidal activity of some benzofuran‐2‐acetic esters was assessed in vitro on Arabidopsis thaliana, a model species. All five molecules (M1‐M5) showed significant phytotoxic activity, reducing both shoot and root system at low concentrations. In particular, methyl 2‐(5‐methoxybenzofuran‐2‐yl)hexanoate (M3) exhibited the highest phytotoxicity displayed against two crops and weeds, monocots (Zea mays L. and E. crus‐galli) and dicots (Lactuca sativa L. and Amaranthus retroflexus L.). The M3 activity was also compared with glyphosate, a common herbicide, showing a lower but similar activity. Moreover, the results evidenced that M3 was more effective in post‐emergency.CONCLUSIONReadily synthesizable benzofuran‐2‐acetic esters possessing the benzofuran ring as ‘bio‐inspired’ core, show significant herbicidal activity making them very efficient even at low concentrations. They can be sprayed in liquid form, and the addition of adjuvants can improve penetration through the leaf cuticle. These results confirm the importance of these molecules as models for the development of new natural‐like herbicides. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Risk assessment for pesticide mixtures on aquatic ecosystems in China: a proposed framework
Authors: Chen Lang , Li Shibin , Zhou Yanming , Zhou Xinxin , Jiang Hui , Liu Xingang , Yuan Shankui 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDWith over 12 000 registered mixture formulations in China, environmental risk assessment of co‐formulated pesticide mixtures to aquatic ecosystems is of increasing interest to scientists, risk assessors, and risk managers. This study proposed a pragmatic approach based on widely accepted scientific concepts and strategies.RESULTSThe proposed approach has three tiers, a preliminary Tier 0 stage, a Tier 1 stage, and a refinement stage as Tier 2, which are demonstrated with one case study. Because of the large number of co‐formulated pesticide mixtures available in China, a unique Tier 0 stage is proposed with practicable criteria to identify mixtures requiring further evaluation. For Tier‐1 assessment, exposure is assessed based on the application scheme and local scenarios in China. Hazard is evaluated using the concentration addition model as the default approach, which was developed a century ago and was adopted by the majority of the regulators globally. Given the unique characteristics of mixtures in the environment, data variability and ratio changes of active ingredients are also evaluated for hazard assessment. More accurate assessments with decreased uncertainties can be achieved by higher tier refinements in Tier‐2, such as alternative models, consideration of co‐formulants, and higher tier effect and exposure analyses.CONCLUSIONWidely accepted concepts, methodologies, and criteria should be used for aquatic risk assessment for pesticide mixtures in China. To avoid unnecessary workload and a more accurate assessment, unique perspectives such as local agricultural practice, local scenarios and a preliminary screening stage (Tier 0) should be implemented. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Small Janus dimer as electric field manipulated molecular clam switch and electric information storage unit
Authors: Chen Wei‐Hong , He Hui‐Min , Li Ying , Yang Hui , Liu Jia‐Yuan , Yu Dan , Wu Di , Zhou Zhong‐Jun , Sun Wei‐Ming , Gu Feng‐Long , Li Zhi‐Ru 
Published: June 2019

AbstractA small Janus molecular dimer, as external electric field (Fz) manipulated both a molecular clam switch and a novel electric information storage unit, is found by quantum chemical computations for the first time. The molecular clam switching is intriguing and reversible. A critical Fz value of 95 × 10−4 au causes a dramatically open change in conformation from Closed form to Open form. And a small reversed electric field of Fz = −10 × 10−4 au performs a close change from Open form to Closed form. In the switching process, owing to the existence of a great electric dipole moment (μ) contrast between 0 and 22.13 D, the molecular clam switch may serve as an electric information storage unit. Gratifyingly, the reading, writing, and erasing of binary information on the electric information storage unit are easy. And further calculations show that Janus graphene fragment dimer can also serve as a molecular clam switch. Thus, this work proposes a new molecular switch prototype in the invention of artificial molecular machines, and a novel electric information storage unit in the field of molecular electronics.
Structural stigma and sexual orientation‐related reproductive health disparities in a longitudinal cohort study of female adolescents
Authors: Charlton Brittany M. , Hatzenbuehler Mark L. , Jun Hee‐Jin , Sarda Vishnudas , Gordon Allegra R. , Raifman Julia R.G. , Austin S. Bryn 
Published: June 2019

ABSTRACTIntroductionSexual minority female adolescents have worse reproductive health than heterosexual peers; research into the origins of these disparities is limited. Our objective was to examine whether exposure to structural stigma (e.g., societal‐level conditions, cultural norms, institutional policies/practices that constrain the lives of the stigmatized) is associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and teen pregnancy in sexual minority female adolescents.MethodsLongitudinal data were utilized from 6581 female adolescents aged 9–14 years at baseline (1996) in the U.S.‐based Growing Up Today Study and followed through 2007. We used a previously‐validated structural stigma scale composed of four state‐level items (e.g., employment non‐discrimination policies) with one item added relevant to reproductive health. Risk ratios were generated from multivariate models.ResultsSexual minority female adolescents were significantly more likely than heterosexual peers to have an STI diagnosis and teen pregnancy. Sexual minority female adolescents living in states with lower, compared to higher, levels of structural stigma were significantly less likely to have an STI diagnosis, after adjustment for individual‐ and state‐level covariates (relative risk [RR] = 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51, 0.97). In contrast, among completely heterosexual adolescents, structural stigma was not associated with STI diagnosis. Teen pregnancy risk—a rare outcome—did not vary by level of structural stigma for sexual minority or heterosexual adolescents.ConclusionsStructural stigma is a potential risk factor for adverse reproductive health among sexual minority female adolescents. Changing laws and policies to be inclusive of all people, regardless of sexual orientation, can help alleviate entrenched reproductive health disparities.
Rectal carcinoma with synchronous liver metastases
Authors: Li Jiele , Barbosa Laura Elisabete Ribeiro 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIntroduction Colorectal cancer is amongst the most prevailing malignancies in the world and it is associated with a relatively high mortality rate. Rectal cancer occurs in 20–30% of all colorectal cancer cases, and 25% of this present synchronous metastatic disease. This study aims to review the current treatment approaches for rectal cancer patients with synchronous liver metastases, as there are no specific guidelines for the management of this group of patients.Methods A systematic literature search was performed on Pubmed database with a 10 year timeline limitation from 2008 to 2018.Results Currently, the only potentially curative approach remains to be the surgical resection. Conventionally, the classical strategy of these patients involves resection of rectal tumor, followed by liver resection, with chemotherapy sessions between the two procedures. However, recent studies have reported no inferiority, in safety and survival outcomes, when compared with other approaches (liver-first resection or simultaneous resection), except when symptoms of primary tumor are present. Hence, treatment strategy should be individualized based on the assessment of metastatic extent, primary tumor symptoms and the patient's overall clinical status. Chemotherapy and targeted agents have substantially contributed to overall survival improvements, allowing enhanced tumor down staging.Conclusion Complete resection of liver metastases is considered the major condition for a potential survival outcome in these patients. Management of these patients should include a multidisciplinary team with consideration of each individual specificities. Prospective randomized trials are needed to elucidate the optimal treatment strategy.