bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydroxychloroquine Improves Low Complement Levels
Authors: Jacobson Rebecca , Goldman Daniel , Fava Andrea , Magder Laurence , Petri Michelle 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveHaving a low complement level is associated with clinical systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity and future organ damage. We studied the association of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) whole blood levels with changes in complement level.MethodsWe performed two analyses on data prospectively collected from an SLE cohort. In the first (a “new starts on HCQ” analysis), we compared changes in complement level between those starting HCQ and those not starting it. The second analysis evaluated the association between HCQ whole blood levels and low complement level in all cohort visits using conditional logistic regression.ResultsIn the “new starts on HCQ” analysis, a higher percentage of patients starting HCQ (as reflected in HCQ blood levels >50) experienced a normalization of C4 level compared to those not starting HCQ (23 of 57 [40%] vs. 9 of 56 [13%]; P = 0.011), as well as a significantly greater increase in both C3 and C4 level (P = 0.048 and P = 0.017, respectively). In the “all cohort visits” analysis, there was a statistically significant higher probability of having normal C4 levels in visits with higher HCQ whole blood levels (odds ratio 1.8–2.6 depending on the levels). This relationship was most pronounced for whole blood HCQ levels of 200 ng/mL or more.ConclusionWe observed significant improvement in complement levels when HCQ was started and among those with higher whole blood levels of HCQ, particularly with respect to C4. Modulating the pathogenic mechanisms that lead to complement consumption may be one mode by which HCQ prevents poor outcomes in SLE.
Facile Green Synthesis of Zingerone Based Tissue‐Like Biodegradable Polyester with Shape‐Memory Features for Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Jindal Simran , Ghosal Krishanu , Khamaisi Bassma , Kana'an Nadine , Nassar‐Marjiya Eid , Farah Shady 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe abundance of plants as a renewable bioresource has captured the significant attention of researchers, driving them to explore new biodegradable polymeric materials. However, there are still many biobased materials with untapped potential, offering opportunities to synthesize novel biodegradable polymers with multifunctional properties. This work provides a unique solvent and catalyst‐free melt polycondensation process to prepare a series of polyesters using zingerol (Zing‐OH), a reduced form of zingerone, as a primary component for the first time. Briefly, Zing‐OH (a ginger‐based component) is employed in conjunction with a variety of renewable resources, such as citric acid (CA), sebacic acid (SA), and xylitol (Xy), to synthesize multifunctional soft tissue‐like ZCSX polyesters. Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are used to validate the synthesis of the polyesters, while thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and universal testing machine (UTM) are employed to investigate their physicochemical properties. Moreover, the synthesized polyester's thermal, mechanical, and biodegradation properties can be fine‐tuned by simply varying the Zing‐OH feed ratio. The mechanical properties of the synthesized polymer resemble various human tissues, including the liver, uterus, bladder, breast, and temporal and nasal cartilage. This suggests that the synthesized polyesters can potentially be useful in tissue engineering applications. Furthermore, the polyester demonstrated exceptional recovery responses and good shape memory behavior at ambient body temperature. Additionally, as observed from Alamar blue, live/dead assays, and time‐dependent in vitro wound images, the synthesized polyester demonstrated antibacterial activity, good in vitro cytocompatibility, cell proliferation, and wound healing capabilities against mouse fibroblast cells (NIH/3T3). The developed biocompatible polyester also exhibits excellent hemocompatibility for human blood, indicating its potential use in the field of regenerative medicine.
Floating Bimetallic Catalysts for Growing 30 cm‐Long Carbon Nanotube Arrays with High Yields and Uniformity
Authors: Jiang Qinyuan , Wu Yibo , Wang Fei , Zhu Ping , Li Run , Zhao Yanlong , Huang Ya , Wu Xueke , Zhao Siming , Li Yunrui , Wang Baoshun , Gao Di , Zhang Rufan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUltralong carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered as promising candidates for many cutting‐edge applications. However, restricted by the extremely low yields of ultralong CNTs, their practical applications can hardly be realized. Therefore, new methodologies shall be developed to boost the growth efficiency of ultralong CNTs and alleviate their areal density decay at the macroscale level. Herein, a facile, universal, and controllable method for the in situ synthesis of floating bimetallic catalysts (FBCs) is proposed to grow ultralong CNT arrays with high yields and uniformity. Ferrocene and metal acetylacetonates serve as catalyst precursors, affording the successful synthesis of a series of FBCs with controllable compositions. Among these FBCs, the optimized FeCu catalyst increases the areal density of ultralong CNT arrays to a record‐breaking value of ≈8100 CNTs mm−1 and exhibits a lifetime 3.40 times longer than that of Fe, thus achieving both high yields and uniformity. A 30‐centimeters‐long and high‐density ultralong CNT array is also successfully grown with the assistance of FeCu catalysts. As evidenced by this kinetic model and molecular dynamics simulations, the introduction of Cu into Fe can simultaneously improve the catalyst fluidity and decrease carbon solubility, and an optimal catalytic performance will be achieved by balancing this tradeoff.
Self‐Powered Electrical Bandage Based on Body‐Coupled Energy Harvesting
Authors: Kang Minki , Yum Han‐Yup , Kim Hyoung Taek , Park Byung‐Joon , Cho Daniel Sanghyun , Choi YoungHwan , Kim Hye Jin , Cho Youngmin , Kim Young‐Jun , Lee Dong‐Min , Lee Dong‐Gyu , Song Hyun‐Cheol , Nam Soo Hyun , Lee Jong Hee , Choi Byung‐Ok , Kim Sang‐Woo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSelf‐powered electrical bandages (SEBs), integrated with wearable energy harvesters, can provide an effective and autonomous electrical stimulation (ES) solution for rapid and scarless wound healing. A continuously operating, wireless, and applicable‐to‐comprehensive‐wound ES device is essential for the quick restoration of wounds and convenience. This work illustrates a SEB powered by body‐coupled energy harvesting. The SEB continuously treats the wound with 60‐Hz sinusoidal electrical potential gained from the coupling of the human body and ambient electrical waves. It is demonstrated that enough level of electrical potential can be applied to the wound, further enhanced by strong capacitive coupling arising from the use of high‐permittivity poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene):CaCu3Ti4O12 (P(VDF‐TrFE):CCTO) nanocomposite. The potential clinical efficacy of the SEB is illustrated by preclinical analysis of human fibroblasts and mouse wound model, thus confirming the successful expedition of wound recovery. This work suggests a new class of wearable devices to provide ES events and its potential for extension to other conventional wound care materials and device technology.
Self‐Evolving Hierarchical Hydrogel Fibers with Circadian Rhythms and Memory Functions
Authors: Liu Yanjun , Song Yuanzhu , Wu Peiyi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe fusion of hierarchical tissues at interfaces, incorporating ultrafast selective transport channels, enables efficient matter exchange and energy transfer across multiscale structures in living organisms. However, achieving these characteristics simultaneously in an artificial multimaterial system is challenging. Here, this work presents a multimaterial hydrogel fiber with a hierarchical structure of interface fusion, which forms spontaneously through in situ hierarchy evolution induced by ionic cross‐linking and molecular shear flow. Water transport occurs in the angstrom‐scale confined slits created by aligned cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) by direct Coulomb knock‐on, resembling Newton's cradle motion. The fusion of interfaces enables high‐efficiency water transport across multiscale layers, combined with Newton's cradle‐like collective water motion, creating a highly sensitive negative feedback loop within the fiber. These fibers exhibit integrated behaviors of time‐space perception, short‐term memory and adaptive changes in shape. Additionally, they demonstrate rhythm characteristics, changing periodically in a 24‐h day‐night cycle. Composed of natural building blocks, these hierarchical hydrogel fibers exhibit a memristor effect similar to that of an elementary neuron, making them promising for applications in seamless on‐skin and implantable bioelectronics.
Two‐step simulation combining large eddy simulation and population balance Monte Carlo for nanoparticle synthesis in flame spray pyrolysis
Authors: He Song , Su Zhijing , Shang Cheng , Lu Hao , Xu Zuwei , Zhao Haibo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA two‐step simulation approach combining large eddy simulation (LES) for turbulent flame and multidimensional/multivariate population balance Monte Carlo (PBMC) for nanoparticle dynamics is proposed to explore the detailed flame fields and particle dynamics of zirconia nanoparticles in a flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) reactor. The turbulent combustion of gas and spray are simulated by the nonlinear LES‐partially stirred reactor model. Thereafter, the differentially weighted PBMC is applied for the first time to describe the spatially resolved formation and growth of nanoparticles using the flame fields derived from LES as an input. An efficient submodel for particle spatial transport in multidimensional grids is adopted and tested to account for the effect of thermophoresis, convective and diffusion of the nanoparticles. This methodology is successfully applied to an FSP case, demonstrating a reliable level of fidelity when compared to experiments and other model. Simulation results are discussed, in particular the flame fields and the size, morphology, as well as polydisperse primary particle and aggregates size distribution.
Epigenetic underpinnings of the autistic mind: Histone modifications and prefrontal excitation/inhibition imbalance
Authors: Fard Yasaman Arman , Sadeghi Elham Najjar , Pajoohesh Zohreh , Gharehdaghi Zahra , Khatibi Dorsa Mousavi , Khosravifar Shaghayegh , Pishkari Yasamin , Nozari Shadi , Hijazi Ahmed , Pakmehr SeyedAbbas , Shayan Sepideh Karkon 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex neurobehavioral condition influenced by several cellular and molecular mechanisms that are often concerned with synaptogenesis and synaptic activity. Based on the excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance theory, ASD could be the result of disruption in excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission across the brain. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the chief regulator of executive function and can be affected by altered neuronal excitation and inhibition in the course of ASD. The molecular mechanisms involved in E/I imbalance are subject to epigenetic regulation. In ASD, altered enrichment and spreading of histone H3 and H4 modifications such as the activation‐linked H3K4me2/3, H3K9ac, and H3K27ac, and repression‐linked H3K9me2, H3K27me3, and H4K20me2 in the PFC result in dysregulation of molecules mediating synaptic excitation (ARC, EGR1, mGluR2, mGluR3, GluN2A, and GluN2B) and synaptic inhibition (BSN, EphA7, SLC6A1). Histone modifications are a dynamic component of the epigenetic regulatory elements with a pronounced effect on patterns of gene expression with regards to any biological process. The excitation/inhibition imbalance associated with ASD is based on the excitatory and inhibitory synaptic activity in different regions of the brain, including the PFC, the ultimate outcome of which is highly influenced by transcriptional activity of relevant genes.
Controlled Release of Diborane from Alkali Metal Borohydride using Ionic Liquid‐Based Lewis Acids
Authors: Kumar Vasudevan Ashvin , Wang Yujie , Biswas Prithwish , Shi Keren , Zachariah Michael R. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAlkali metal borohydrides present a rich source of energy dense materials of boron and hydrogen, however their potential in propellants has been hitherto untapped. Potassium borohydride is a promising fuel with high gravimetric energy density and relatively low sensitivity to air and moisture. Problems arise due to the dehydrogenation of the borohydride on heating with minimal energy release. Common methods to extract both boron and hydrogen by means of borane species involve direct reaction of boron trifluoride species with alkali borohydrides. However, these methods face storage and safety issues due to rapid release of diborane on mixing the reactants. We propose a method of diborane release through controlled release of boron trifluoride by means of a tetrafluoroborate based ionic liquid. The trifluoride is released from the ionic liquid at elevated temperatures and enables safe mixture of the reactants at room temperature. It was found that the reaction between borohydride and boron trifluoride proceeds well above room temperature with potassium borohydride releasing diborane and potassium fluoride. The reaction pathway shows a primary reaction releasing diborane and potassium fluoride and a second less energy efficient step leading to the formation of potassium tetrafluoroborate. A 3D printed propellant formulation was also tested.
Closed‐Loop Recycling of Mixed Plastics of Polyester and CO2‐Based Polycarbonate to a Single Monomer
Authors: Shi Changxia , Diment Wilfred T. , Chen Eugene Y.‐X. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPhysical blending is an effective strategy for tailoring polymeric materials to specific application requirements. However, physically blended mixed plastics waste adds additional barriers in mechanical or chemical recycling. This difficulty arises from the intricate requirement for meticulous sorting and separation of the various polymers in the inherent incompatibility of mixed polymers during recycling. To overcome this impediment, this work furthers the emerging single‐monomer – multiple‐materials approach through the design of a bifunctional monomer that can not only orthogonally polymerize into two different types of polymers – specifically lactone‐based polyester and CO2‐based polycarbonate – but the resultant polymers and their mixture can also be depolymerized back to the single, original monomer when facilitated by catalysis. Specifically, the lactone/epoxide hybrid bifunctional monomer (BiLO) undergoes ring‐opening polymerization through the lactone manifold to produce polyester, PE(BiLO), and is also applied to ring‐opening copolymerization with CO2, via the epoxide manifold, to yield polycarbonate, PC(BiLO). Remarkably, a one‐pot recycling process of a BiLO‐derived PE/PC blend back to the constituent monomer BiLO in >99 % selectivity was achieved with a superbase catalyst at 150 °C, thereby effectively obviating the requirement for sorting and separation typically required for recycling of mixed polymers.
Polycatenanes Formed of Self‐Assembled Metal‐Organic Cages
Authors: Martí‐Rujas Javier , Famulari Antonino 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPoly‐[n]‐catenanes (PCs) self‐assembled of three‐dimensional (3D) metal organic cages (MOCs) (hereafter referred to as PCs‐MOCs) are a relatively new class of mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) that combine the properties of MOCs and polymers. The synthesis of PCs‐MOCs is challenging because of the difficulties associated with interlocking MOCs, the occurrence of multiple weak supramolecular electrostatic interactions between cages, and the importance of solvent templating effects. The high density of mechanical bonds interlocking the MOCs endows the MOCs with mechanical and physical properties such as enhanced stability, responsive dynamic behavior and low solubility, which can unlock new functional properties. In this Minireview, we highlight the benefit of interlocking MOCs in the formation of PCs‐MOCs structures as well as the synthetic approaches exploited in their preparation, from thermodynamic to kinetic methods, both in the solution and solid‐states. Examples of PCs‐MOCs self‐assembled from various types of nanosized cages (i.e., tetrahedral, trigonal prismatic, octahedral and icosahedral) are described in this article, providing an overview of the research carried out in this area. The focus is on the structure–property relationship with examples of functional applications such as electron conductivity, X‐ray attenuation, gas adsorption and molecular sensing. We believe that the structural and functional aspects of the reviewed PCs‐MOCs will attract chemists in this research field with great potential as new functional materials in nanotechnological disciplines such as gas adsorption, sensing and photophysical properties such as X‐ray attenuation or electron conductivity.
Platinum (II) Schiff Base Complexes and their Effects on the Inhibition of Amyloid β1–42 Aggregation
Authors: İrişli Sevil , Günnaz Salih , Özcan Özge , Arı Aydan , Maral Meltem , Erdem Arzum , Özel Derya , Yurt Fatma 
Published: June 2024

For synthesizing metal–organic molecules with pro‐drug properties to prevent the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ1–42), which is a feature of neurodegenerative Alzheimer's disease, two new Schiff bases with imine/amine donors 2‐([3,3‐diphenylalidene]amino)‐N,N‐dimethylethane‐1‐amine and N,N‐dimethyl‐2‐([quinolin‐4‐ylmethylene]amino)ethane‐1‐amine, as well as their novel Pt (II) complexes (I and II), were synthesized and characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H‐ and 13C‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analyses. The spectroscopic data has shown that the ligands are coordinated to the central atom in a chelating manner.Furthermore, the interaction between these complexes and Aβ1–42 was investigated using the electrochemical methods, square wave voltammetry and pencil graphite electrode, while monitoring the changes in the oxidation signal of the Try residue in Aβ1–42.The ability of the compounds to inhibit Aβ1–42 aggregation was investigated using the human neuroblastoma cell line (SH‐SY5Y). Complex II could actively inhibit the aggregation of Aβ1–42 at a molar ratio of 1.0/1.0, and its Aβ1–42 aggregation kinetics were fluorometrically determined using thioflavin T.These results were supported by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses. Moreover, the interaction of complex II with Aβ1–16 was investigated via 1H‐NMR spectroscopy.As a result, it was observed that complex II was effective in inhibiting the aggregation of Aβ1–42 at a molar ratio of 1.0/1.0. This result shows that studies can be conducted on the effects of Schiff base‐Pt complexes as potential pro‐drugs on Alzheimer's disease.
Gender diversity, intellectual capital, and family ownership: An empirical test of Kanter's hypothesis
Authors: Ali Rizwan , Amin Ali , Rehman Ramiz Ur , Ntim Collins G. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study examines the relationship between gender diversity and intellectual capital performance, and moderating role of family ownership on this relationship. The study used 3730 firm‐year observations of 307 nonfinancial firms listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange over the period 2008–2020 and employed ordinary least squares regression analysis to test the hypotheses. More specifically, the study used group composition (skewed board, tilted board, and balanced board) to examine multiple significance levels of gender diversity on boards, and used five measures (modified value‐added intellectual coefficient, human capital efficiency, structural capital efficiency, relational capital efficiency, and capital employed efficiency) of intellectual capital performance. Using lens of agency theory and resource dependence theory, we found that gender diversity positively influences intellectual capital performance, however, the strongest impact is apparent in case of balanced board. Moreover, family ownership positively influences this relationship. Our study complements the efforts of policy makers by providing empirical support for the mandatory placement of females on boards and urge them to increase number of females on corporate boards to derive maximum benefits of female directors. In addition, our results recommend the enhancement of the professional skills of women work force to ensure their maximum participation in the corporate sector.
Interventions for renal artery stenosis: Appraisal of novel physiological insights and procedural techniques to improve clinical outcome
Authors: Drieghe Benny , De Buyzere Marc , Bové Thierry , De Backer Tine 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRandomized clinical trials failed to show additional benefit of renal artery stenting on top of medical therapy. Instead of writing an obituary on renal artery stenting, we try to explain these disappointing results. A transstenotic pressure gradient is needed to reduce renal perfusion and to activate the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system. In only a minority of patients included in trials, a transstenotic pressure gradient is measured and reported. Like the coronary circulation, integration of physiological lesion assessment will allow to avoid stenting of non‐significant lesions and select those patients that are most likely to benefit from renal artery stenting. Renal artery interventions are associated with peri‐procedural complications. Contemporary techniques, including radial artery access, no‐touch technique to engage the renal ostium and the use of embolic protection devices, will minimize procedural risk. Combining optimal patient selection and meticulous technique might lead to a netto clinical benefit when renal artery stenting is added to optimal medical therapy.
Ion‐Pairing Assemblies of Anion‐Responsive π‐Electronic Systems That Have Noncovalently Assisted Expanded Planar Region
Authors: Kugizaki Rio , Haketa Yohei , Kamada Kenji , Maeda Hiromitsu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractArylethynyl‐substituted dipyrrolyldiketone BF2 complexes as anion‐responsive π‐electronic molecules exhibited characteristic electronic properties derived from conformation changes upon anion binding, which caused an increase in UV/vis absorption and associated two‐photon absorption. The anion complexes showed expanded planar regions assisted by intramolecular interactions, resulting in charge‐by‐charge ion‐pairing assemblies in the solid state.