bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulating the Electrolyte Microenvironment in Electrical Double Layer for Boosting Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Wen Weidong , Fang Shidong , Zhou Yitong , Zhao Ying , Li Peng , Yu Xin‐Yao 
Published: May 2024

AbstractElectrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) is a promising approach to achieve remediation of nitrate‐polluted wastewater and sustainable production of ammonia. However, it is still restricted by the low activity, selectivity and Faraday efficiency for ammonia synthesis. Herein, we propose an effective strategy to modulate the electrolyte microenvironment in electrical double layer (EDL) by mediating alkali metal cations in the electrolyte to enhance the NO3RR performance. Taking bulk Cu as a model catalyst, the experimental study reveals that the NO3−‐to‐NH3 performance in different electrolytes follows the trend Li+<Cs+<Na+<K+. Theoretical studies illustrate that the proton transport rate in NO3RR and the activity of the rate‐determining step (NO3− to NO2−) increase in the order Li+<Cs+<Na+<K+. The cation effects are also general for two typical nanostructured catalysts including copper/cuprous oxide and nickel phosphides, achieving near‐100 % Faradaic efficiency and over 99 % conversion of NO3− to NH3. Furthermore, we demonstrate that NO3− can be converted to high‐purity NH4Cl by copper/cuprous oxide catalyst in K+‐containing electrolyte.
Hypervalent Iodine Amino Acid Building Blocks for Bioorthogonal Peptide Macrocyclization
Authors: Liu Xing‐Yu , Mykhailenko Olha , Faraone Adriana , Waser Jerome 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEthynylbenziodoxol(on)es (EB(X)xs) reagents have emerged as useful reagents for peptide/protein modification due to their versatile reactivity and high selectivity. Herein, we report the successful introduction of ethynylbenziodoxoles (EBxs) on different amino acid building blocks (Lys/Orn/Dap), and show their compatibility with both solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and solution phase peptide synthesis (SPS). The selective incorporation of the EBx core into peptide sequences enable efficient macrocyclizations under mild conditions for the synthesis of topologically unique cyclic and bicyclic peptides.
Variant‐Localized High‐Concentration Electrolyte without Phase Separation for Low‐Temperature Batteries
Authors: Yang Juan , Shang Jian , Liu Qirong , Yang Xinyu , Tan Yunfei , Zhao Yu , Liu Chenguang , Tang Yongbing 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDual‐ion batteries (DIBs) present great application potential in low‐temperature energy storage scenarios due to their unique dual‐ion working mechanism. However, at low temperatures, the insufficient electrochemical oxidation stability of electrolytes and depressed interfacial compatibility impair the DIB performance. Here, we design a variant‐localized high‐concentration solvation structure for universal low‐temperature electrolytes (ν‐LHCE) without the phase separation via introducing an extremely weak‐solvating solvent with low energy levels. The unique solvation structure gives the ν‐LHCE enhanced electrochemical oxidation stability. Meanwhile, the extremely weak‐solvating solvent can competitively participate in the Li+‐solvated coordination, which improves the Li+ transfer kinetics and boosts the formation of robust interphases. Thus, the ν‐LHCE electrolyte not only has a good high‐voltage stability of >5.5 V and proper Li+ transference number of 0.51 but also shows high ionic conductivities of 1 mS/cm at low temperatures. Consequently, the ν‐LHCE electrolyte enables different types of batteries to achieve excellent long‐term cycling stability and good rate capability at both room and low temperatures. Especially, the capacity retentions of the DIB are 77.7 % and 51.6 %, at −40 °C and −60 °C, respectively, indicating great potential for low‐temperature energy storage applications, such as polar exploration, emergency communication equipment, and energy storage station in cold regions.
Synthesis and in vitro cytotoxicity of benzoxazole‐based PPARα/γ antagonists in colorectal cancer cell lines
Authors: Moreno‐Rodríguez Nazaret , Laghezza Antonio , Cerchia Carmen , Sokolova Darina V. , Spirina Tatiana S. , De Filippis Barbara , Romanelli Virgilio , Recio Rocío , Fernández Inmaculada , Loiodice Fulvio , Pokrovsky Vadim S. , Ammazzalorso Alessandra , Lavecchia Antonio 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA series of benzoxazole‐based amides and sulfonamides were synthesized and evaluated for their human peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)α and PPARγ activity. All tested compounds showed a dual antagonist profile on both PPAR subtypes; based on transactivation results, seven compounds were selected to test their in vitro antiproliferative activity in a panel of eight cancer cell lines with different expression rates of PPARα and PPARγ. 3f was identified as the most cytotoxic compound, with higher potency in the colorectal cancer cell lines HT‐29 and HCT116. Compound 3f induced a concentration‐dependent activation of caspases and cell‐cycle arrest in both colorectal cancer models. Docking experiments were also performed to shed light on the putative binding mode of this novel class of dual PPARα/γ antagonists.
Abnormal expression of serum miR‐4746‐5p in liver cancer patients after interventional chemotherapy and its possible mechanism
Authors: Deng Keping , Wang Wei , Chi Xiaobin , Yu Yan , Zhang Yichuan , Yuan Jianming 
Published: May 2024

AbstractInterventional chemotherapy is a common operation in the clinical treatment of liver cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and molecular mechanism of serum miR‐4746‐5p in liver cancer patients before and after interventional chemotherapy. The levels of miR‐4746‐5p and CDKN1C in serum samples from liver cancer patients were detected using real‐time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Receiver operating characteristic curves revealed the diagnostic value of miR‐4746‐5p in tumors. Differences in clinical indicators between liver cancer patients and healthy controls were assessed using Pearson correlation analysis. Luciferase reporter gene assays confirmed the targeted interaction between miR‐4746‐5p and CDKN1C. In vitro cellular assays were validated by Cell Counting Kit‐8, Transwell assay, and chemoresistance assay. Serum miR‐4746‐5p levels were increased in liver cancer patients but were downregulated after chemotherapy intervention. CDKN1C expression showed the opposite trend. Low levels of miR‐4746‐5p mediated cell growth and metastasis by targeting and negatively regulating CDKN1C expression, while silencing CDKN1C restored cell activity. Inhibition of miR‐4746‐5p reduced chemoresistance, while downregulation of CDKN1C affected cell sensitivity. miR‐4746‐5p may be a potential therapeutic factor for liver cancer diagnosis and interventional chemotherapy.
Enhancing students' agency in learning anatomy vocabulary with a formative intervention design
Authors: Ritchie Helen E. , Yang Hongzhi , Hegedus Elizabeth 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOne of the major challenges for health science students is the rapid acquisition of a new vocabulary in anatomy comprising several hundred new words. Research has shown that vocabulary learning can be improved when students are directed to vocabulary strategies. This paper reported a study with a formative intervention design inspired by Vygotsky's method of double stimulation. In this design, the students were put in a structured situation that invited them to identify the challenges in learning anatomy and then provided them with active guidance and a range of anatomy vocabulary learning strategies that scaffolded them to work out a solution to the challenge and develop their individualized anatomy learning resources. The data were collected from surveys, pre and postquiz results, and group discussion transcripts. The results revealed students perceived one of the main challenges in learning anatomy was learning, memorizing, and remembering many new words. A key finding in our study was that the formative intervention enhanced students' agency in creating resources for learning anatomy vocabulary. In addition, the development of their understanding showed a recursive form: from concrete experiences to abstract concepts and then to concrete new practices.
ProgEdu4Web: An automated assessment tool for motivating the learning of web programming course
Authors: Duong Hoang‐Thanh , Chen Hsi‐Min 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe expanding software industry has increased the demand for proficient programming professionals. However, more than technical expertise is needed for successful software development; code quality assurance and effective teamwork are also indispensable. Unfortunately, recent graduates often exhibit deficiencies in programming, code quality assurance, and teamwork skills, highlighting the need for improvements in these areas. In response to these challenges, this study presents ProgEdu4Web, an innovative Automated Programming Assessment System designed to evaluate code quality and teamwork proficiency in web programming. The system integrates automatic source code evaluation tools for static code analysis, ensuring timely feedback on coding quality issues. To assess the effectiveness of ProgEdu4Web, a questionnaire and hypothesis model was employed, surveying a cohort of 111 students enrolled in web programming classes. The study's findings demonstrate that the system significantly alleviated instructor workload while motivating students to enhance their web programming with good code quality and teamwork abilities.
Soccer match broadcast video analysis method based on detection and tracking
Authors: Li Hongyu , Yang Meng , Yang Chao , Kang Jianglang , Suo Xiang , Meng Weiliang , Li Zhen , Mao Lijuan , Sheng Bin , Qi Jun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe propose a comprehensive soccer match video analysis pipeline tailored for broadcast footage, which encompasses three pivotal stages: soccer field localization, player tracking, and soccer ball detection. Firstly, we introduce sports camera calibration to seamlessly map soccer field images from match videos onto a standardized two‐dimensional soccer field template. This addresses the challenge of consistent analysis across video frames amid continuous camera angle changes. Secondly, given challenges such as occlusions, high‐speed movements, and dynamic camera perspectives, obtaining accurate position data for players and the soccer ball is non‐trivial. To mitigate this, we curate a large‐scale, high‐precision soccer ball detection dataset and devise a robust detection model, which achieved the of 80.9%. Additionally, we develop a high‐speed, efficient, and lightweight tracking model to ensure precise player tracking. Through the integration of these modules, our pipeline focuses on real‐time analysis of the current camera lens content during matches, facilitating rapid and accurate computation and analysis while offering intuitive visualizations.
Controlled cell proliferation and immortalization of human dental pulp stem cells with a doxycycline‐inducible expression system
Authors: Orimoto Ai , Addison William N. , Mochizuki Shinichi , Ariyoshi Wataru , Ono Kentaro , Kitamura Chiaki , Kiyono Tohru , Fukuda Tomokazu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHuman dental pulp stem cells are a potentially useful resource for cell‐based therapies and tissue repair in dental and medical applications. However, the primary culture of isolated dental pulp stem cells has notably been limited. A major requirement of an ideal human dental pulp stem cell culture system is the preservation of efficient proliferation and innate stemness over prolonged passaging, while also ensuring ease of handling through standard, user‐friendly culture methods. In this study, we have engineered a novel human dental pulp stem cell line, distinguished by the constitutive expression of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), and the conditional expression of the R24C mutant cyclin‐dependent kinase 4 (CDK4R24C) and Cyclin D1. We have named this cell line Tet‐off K4DT hDPSCs. Furthermore, we have conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis of their biological attributes in relation to a previously immortalized human dental pulp stem cells, hDPSC‐K4DT, which were immortalized by the constitutive expression of CDK4R24C, Cyclin D1 and TERT. In Tet‐off K4DT cells, the expression of the K4D genes can be precisely suppressed by the inclusion of doxycycline. Remarkably, Tet‐off K4DT cells demonstrated an extended cellular lifespan, increased proliferative capacity, and enhanced osteogenic differentiation potential when compared to K4DT cells. Moreover, Tet‐off K4DT cells had no observable genomic aberrations and also displayed a sustained expression of stem cell markers even at relatively advanced passages. Taken together, the establishment of this new cell line holds immense promise as powerful experimental tool for both fundamental and applied research involving dental pulp stem cells.
An exploratory study on the effect of kynurenine metabolites on sEnd‐2 endothelioma cells
Authors: Nkandeu Danielle Sandra , Joubert Anna Margaretha , Serem June Cheptoo , Bipath Priyesh , Hlophe Yvette Nkondo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCancer is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide. The development of anticancer therapy plays a crucial role in mitigating tumour progression and metastasis. Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a very rare cancer, however, with a high systemic involvement. Kynurenine metabolites which include l‐kynurenine, 3‐hydroxykynurenine, 3‐hydroxyanthranilic acid and quinolinic acid have been shown to inhibit T‐cell proliferation resulting in a decrease in cell growth of natural killer cells and T cells. Furthermore, metabolites such as
l‐kynurenine have been shown to inhibit proliferation of melanoma cells in vitro. Considering these metabolite properties, the present study aimed to explore the in vitro effects of
l‐kynurenine, quinolinic acid and kynurenic acid on endothelioma sEnd‐2 cells and on endothelial (EA. hy926 cells) (control cell line). The in vitro effect at 24, 48, and 72 h exposure to a range of 1−4 mM of the respective kynurenine metabolites on the two cell lines in terms of cell morphology, cell cycle progression and induction of apoptosis was assessed. The half inhibitory concentration (IC50), as determined using nonlinear regression, for
l‐kynurenine, quinolinic acid and kynurenic acid was 9.17, 15.56, and 535.40 mM, respectively. Optical transmitted light differential interference contrast and hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed cells blocked in metaphase, formation of apoptotic bodies and compromised cell density in
l‐kynurenine‐treated cells. A statistically significant increase in the number of cells present in the sub‐G1 phase was observed in
l‐kynurenine‐treated sample. To our knowledge, this was the first in vitro study conducted to investigate the mechanism of action of kynurenine metabolites on endothelioma sEnd‐2 cells. It can be concluded that
l‐kynurenine exerts an antiproliferative effect on the endothelioma sEnd‐2 cell line by decreasing cell growth and proliferation as well as a metaphase block. These hallmarks suggest cell death via apoptosis. Further research will be conducted on
l‐kynurenine to assess the effect on cell adhesion in vitro and in vivo as cell‐cell adhesion has been shown to increase metastasis to distant organs therefore, the inhibition of adhesion may lead to a decrease in metastasis.
Non‐isothermal Thermogravimetric Analysis of Peltophorum pterocarpum and Evaluation of Kinetic Triplet
Authors: Thejaswini Narra , Annapureddy P. K. R. , Kishore Nanda 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe primary focus of the twenty‐first century has been on developing new and cleaner fuels from renewable sources. The increasing availability of renewable energy sources in environment, such as lignocellulosic biomass derived from agricultural and forest residues, has created a plethora of opportunities for biofuel production. For this purpose, the search for appropriate waste biomass source and the design of suitable reactors are very essential, where the latter requires the knowledge of kinetic triplets. These requirements paved the way to the novelty of the present work as a selection of a rarely used biomass source, that is, Peltophorum pterocarpum, and its non‐isothermal thermogravimetric analysis for the evaluation of kinetic triplet of the process. The range of temperature is 298–1173 K attained at heating rates of 10–55 K min−1. Kinetics were estimated using differential Friedman method (DFM), distributed activation energy method (DAEM), Ozawa–Flynn–Wall (OFW), Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS), and Starink (STK) models. Mean activation energy (kJ mol−1) and pre‐exponential factor (min−1) of pyrolysis process by five models were 183.68 and 1.24 × 1017 for DAEM, 194.28 and 3.08 × 1021 for DFM, 183.68 and 4.40 × 1016 for KAS, 184.12 and 2.12 × 1014 for OFW, and 183.93 and 3.56 × 1016 for STK. Average values of changes in Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy by five models are 174 kJ mol−1, 178 kJ mol−1, and 0.007 kJ mol−1 K−1, respectively. Criado's master plots revealed distinct reaction pathways during the process for different conversion levels.
Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and Metal‐Organic Cages (MOCs) for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production.
Authors: Mu Chaoqun , Jian Shijin , Zhang Mingming 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMetal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and metal‐organic cages (MOCs) have garnered significant attention as promising photocatalysts due to their tunable chemical structures and integrated multifunctionality. To increase the photocatalytic efficiency, strategies like ligand functionalization, introducing additional catalytic sites, and doping or encapsulating photosensitizers have been explored for both MOFs and MOCs. This concept review focuses on recent advancements in utilizing MOFs and MOCs for photocatalytic hydrogen production, highlighting their unique characteristics and introducing their respective mechanisms in this field. Moreover, it outlines the current challenges and prospects faced by MOFs and MOCs, offering an outlook on their future in this domain.
Trans‐Concerted Addition to Alkynes: the case of Ynamide Silylzincation
Authors: Guégan Frédéric , Chemla Fabrice , Ferreira Franck , Gérard Hélène , Perez‐Luna Alejandro , Halbert Stéphanie 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAn original concerted antarafacial mechanism for the addition of diorganosilyl‐zinc reagents across the C−C triple bond of ynamides is computationally investigated using DFT calculations. This concerted mechanism, leading to a trans‐product in only one step, results in the formation of a Si−C and a Zn−C σ‐bond on opposite sides of the π‐system. We demonstrate that the mechanism going through a η2‐vinyl intermediate and the proposal of a radical chain pathway are energetically unsustainable. The retained concerted antarafacial pathway is tested on experimental selectivities: the regioselectivity, in favor of the silyl β‐addition in ynamide, and stereoselectivity, which is cis‐ with (Me2PhSi)2Zn but trans‐ with [(Me3Si)3Si]2Zn, are well reproduced by DFT calculations. The regio‐ and stereoselectivity are discussed using the activation strain model and a chemical bonding analysis.
Enantioselective liquid–liquid extraction of 2‐cyclohexylmandelic acid enantiomers using chiral ionic liquids
Authors: Luo Yachun , Deng Xiaoyu , Zhang Yan , Sun Genlin , Yan Zhihong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObtaining optically pure compounds in an eco‐friendly and cost‐efficient manner plays an important role in human health and pharmaceutical industry. Racemic separation using multistage stereoselective liquid–liquid extraction has become one of the most practical and effective approach to access homochiral enantiomers. Currently, chiral ionic liquids (CILs) with structural designability have become a promising chiral additive and enable them as adjustable candidates for racemic separation. Herein, a high‐effective stereoselective liquid–liquid extraction process composed of imidazolium cations and amino acid‐derived anions as the chiral additive was established for racemic 2‐cyclohexylmandelic acid (CHMA) separation. We have systematically investigated the choice of organic solvent, concentration of CIL, extraction temperature, and the pH of aqueous phase. For three‐stage stereoselective extraction, the maximum enantiomeric excess (e.e.) for CHMA was reached up to 40.6%. Furthermore, the mechanism of steric effect and stereoselective capacity between the CILs and racemic CHMA was discussed and simulated. We envision that the work will facilitate the development of CILs in multistage liquid–liquid extraction and promote the large‐scale production of optically pure enantiomers.
Interfacing DNA and Aptamers with Gold Nanoparticles: From Fundamental Colloid and Interface Sciences to Biosensors
Authors: Ding Yuzhe , Liu Juewen 
Published: May 2024

Comprehensive SummaryInterfacing DNA oligonucleotides and DNA aptamers with gold nanoparticles has generated numerous functional hybrid materials for sensing, self‐assembly and drug delivery applications. Our lab has been working in this area for 15 years. In this article, the current understanding of the adsorption of DNA to gold nanoparticles is summarized, and related applications in bioconjugation of DNA to gold surface is described. In addition, problems of using gold nanoparticles to signaling aptamer binding are discussed. Finally, re‐selection of aptamers for previously reported targets using the library‐immobilization method is reviewed.
What is the most favorite and original chemistry developed in your research group?My most favorite and original work is the study of biointerface chemistry between DNA oligonucleotides and gold nanoparticles enabling rapid DNA bioconjugation by lowering the pH and freezing.How do you get into this specific field? Could you please share some experiences with our readers?My PhD training was focused on catalytic DNA for the detection of metal ions, when I used gold nanoparticles to signal the reactions catalyzed by DNA. When I started my independent career in the University of Waterloo in 2009, I realized that there were many fundamental issues regarding gold nanoparticles and DNA to be studied. My first teaching assignment was a course named ‘Surfaces and Interfaces’. By teaching this course, I learned a lot of surface science concepts that were later used in	my research. That was the starting point for me to set up my own research program in this area.What is the most important personality for scientific research?Curiosity, careful observation, critical thinking, and keep trying.How do you keep balance between research and family?Research and personal life don’t have to be always in conflict. New ideas may spark when I am in a relaxed family environment.What are your favorite journals?Journal of the American Chemical Society, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, Nucleic Acids Research, Analytical Chemistry, Langmuir.What are your hobbies?Running; traveling; watching movies.