bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fine‐Tuning the Optoelectronic and Redox Properties of an Electropolymerized Thiophene Derivative for Highly Selective OECT‐Based Zinc Detection
Authors: Nicolini Tommaso , Shinde Shekhar , El‐Attar Reem , Salinas Gerardo , Thuau Damien , Abbas Mamatimin , Raoux Matthieu , Lang Jochen , Cloutet Eric , Kuhn Alexander 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOrganic mixed ionic‐electronic conductors (OMIEC) have emerged as pivotal materials in organic bioelectronics, particularly when integrated into organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). Conducting polymer‐based devices have indeed demonstrated their capability to transduce biological signals into amplified output signals, harnessing the high transconductance of OECTs. The OECT operating principle and sensing capability strongly depend on ion‐conjugated backbone coupling: the dual nature of OMIECs, i.e. ion‐conductor and electron/hole‐conductor, presents an intrinsic interface in the bulk of the thin film across which transduction of ionic signals into electronic signals and vice versa occurs. Recent works have shown how selective sodium and potassium detection can be achieved by direct chemical modification of the polymer. Such modifications introduce ligands with affinity for the cations of interest as substituents on the polymer chain. The present work explores the integration of specifically modified conducting polymers into OECT channels, offering selectivity for zinc cations. Zinc fluxes are crucial in various biological processes, and their reliable detection, especially at low concentrations, is an important challenge. By electropolymerizing a thiophene‐based trimer, modified with a dipicolylamine (DPA) substituent, a conducting polymer‐based OECT is obtained that can selectively detect Zn2+ in the 10−6 to 10−3 mol L−1 concentration range in physiological buffers.
Bioprinting Soft 3D Models of Hematopoiesis using Natural Silk Fibroin‐Based Bioink Efficiently Supports Platelet Differentiation
Authors: Di Buduo Christian Andrea , Lunghi Marco , Kuzmenko Volodymyr , Laurent Pierre‐Alexandre , Della Rosa Giulia , Del Fante Claudia , Dalle Nogare Damian Edward , Jug Florian , Perotti Cesare , Eto Koji , Pecci Alessandro , Redwan Itedale Namro , Balduini Alessandra 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) continuously generate platelets throughout one's life. Inherited Platelet Disorders affect ≈ 3 million individuals worldwide and are characterized by defects in platelet formation or function. A critical challenge in the identification of these diseases lies in the absence of models that facilitate the study of hematopoiesis ex vivo. Here, a silk fibroin‐based bioink is developed and designed for 3D bioprinting. This bioink replicates a soft and biomimetic environment, enabling the controlled differentiation of HSPCs into platelets. The formulation consisting of silk fibroin, gelatin, and alginate is fine‐tuned to obtain a viscoelastic, shear‐thinning, thixotropic bioink with the remarkable ability to rapidly recover after bioprinting and provide structural integrity and mechanical stability over long‐term culture. Optical transparency allowed for high‐resolution imaging of platelet generation, while the incorporation of enzymatic sensors allowed quantitative analysis of glycolytic metabolism during differentiation that is represented through measurable color changes. Bioprinting patient samples revealed a decrease in metabolic activity and platelet production in Inherited Platelet Disorders. These discoveries are instrumental in establishing reference ranges for classification and automating the assessment of treatment responses. This model has far‐reaching implications for application in the research of blood‐related diseases, prioritizing drug development strategies, and tailoring personalized therapies.
Magnetic Nanoparticles and Methylprednisolone Based Physico‐Chemical Bifunctional Neural Stem Cells Delivery System for Spinal Cord Injury Repair
Authors: Zhang Wencan , Liu Mingshan , Ren Jie , Han Shuwei , Zhou Xiaolong , Zhang Dapeng , Guo Xianzheng , Feng Haiwen , Ye Lei , Feng Shiqing , Song Xizi , Jin Lin , Wei Zhijian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNeural stem cells (NSCs) transplantation is an attractive and promising treatment strategy for spinal cord injury (SCI). Various pathological processes including the severe inflammatory cascade and difficulty in stable proliferation and differentiation of NSCs limit its application and translation. Here, a novel physico‐chemical bifunctional neural stem cells delivery system containing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs and methylprednisolone (MP) is designed to repair SCI, the former regulates NSCs differentiation through magnetic mechanical stimulation in the chronic phase, while the latter alleviates inflammatory response in the acute phase. The delivery system releases MP to promote microglial M2 polarization, inhibit M1 polarization, and reduce neuronal apoptosis. Meanwhile, NSCs tend to differentiate into functional neurons with magnetic mechanical stimulation generated by MNPs in the static magnetic field, which is related to the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. SCI mice achieve better functional recovery after receiving NSCs transplantation via physico‐chemical bifunctional delivery system, which has milder inflammation, higher number of M2 microglia, more functional neurons, and axonal regeneration. Together, this bifunctional NSCs delivery system combined physical mechanical stimulation and chemical drug therapy is demonstrated to be effective, which provides new treatment insights into clinical transformation of SCI repair.
Alternative Splicing Underpins the ALMT9 Transporter Function for Vacuolar Malic Acid Accumulation in Apple
Authors: Li Chunlong , Krishnan Srinivasan , Zhang Mengxia , Hu Dagang , Meng Dong , Riedelsberger Janin , Dougherty Laura , Xu Kenong , Piñeros Miguel A. , Cheng Lailiang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractVacuolar malic acid accumulation largely determines fruit acidity, a key trait for the taste and flavor of apple and other fleshy fruits. Aluminum‐activated malate transporter 9 (ALMT9/Ma1) underlies a major genetic locus, Ma, for fruit acidity in apple, but how the protein transports malate across the tonoplast is unclear. Here, it is shown that overexpression of the coding sequence of Ma1 (Ma1α) drastically decreases fruit acidity in “Royal Gala” apple, leading to uncovering alternative splicing underpins Ma1's function. Alternative splicing generates two isoforms: Ma1β is 68 amino acids shorter with much lower expression than the full‐length protein Ma1α. Ma1β does not transport malate itself but interacts with the functional Ma1α to form heterodimers, creating synergy with Ma1α for malate transport in a threshold manner (When Ma1β/Ma1α ≥ 1/8). Overexpression of Ma1α triggers feedback inhibition on the native Ma1 expression via transcription factor MYB73, decreasing the Ma1β level well below the threshold that leads to significant reductions in Ma1 function and malic acid accumulation in fruit. Overexpression of Ma1α and Ma1β or genomic Ma1 increases both isoforms proportionally and enhances fruit malic acid accumulation. These findings reveal an essential role of alternative splicing in ALMT9‐mediated malate transport underlying apple fruit acidity.
Pyridine N‐Modulated Adsorption Equilibrium of Highly Dispersed Atomic W‐P Clusters toward Advanced Potassium‐Ion Hybrid Capacitors
Authors: Hu Shuxiao , Chu Shile , Zeng Fanyan , Pan Yang , Liu Baoquan , He Wenxiu , Ma Dui , Xie Meilan , Luo Shenglian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractImproving the atomic utilization of storage sites and developing isotropic transport characteristics become crucial to enhance the performance of potassium‐ion hybrid capacitors (PIHCs), and the disordered strategy and coordination modulation of the electrodes can satisfy the above structure‐activity requirements. Herein, the highly dispersed atomic W‐P clusters are chosen as a platform for the electronic restructuring. Studies and calculations indicate that replacing O in W‐O2/P2 with pyridine N can modulate the electron distribution and electronegativity, and enrich the edge‐dangling bonds of the amorphous clusters (W‐N2/P2), resulting in proper adsorption equilibrium and high affinity for K+ storage. In addition, the clusters have isotropic and bulk‐phase‐indifferent fast ion storage, and in situ protection of carbon nanosheets can provide stable support for ion storage and electron transfer in the clusters. As an anode, the composite (W‐N/P@C) exhibits superior storage properties of K+ (reversible capacity of 181.6 mAh g−1 after 3000 cycles at 5.0 A g−1), with high energy density (163.7 Wh Kg−1) at the high‐power output (3500 W Kg−1) in PIHCs. This work systematically delineates the effects of disordered design and pyridine N‐coordination on energy storage, and provides new research ideas for studying high‐performance PIHCs.
Historic corn yield, production, and economic value trends in Kansas
Authors: Holman Johnathan D. , Obour Augustine K. , O'Brien Daniel , Prasad P. V. V. , Assefa Yared 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWorld corn (Zea mays L.) production has tripled since the 1960s. However, without new breakthrough innovations the trend is expected to plateau or decrease in the future. The objective of this study was to quantify Kansas corn production, economic value, productivity, annual production variation, yield gap trends, and in due course, identify future areas for research. Corn variety performance tests and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) data were used for this study. Results showed that the area planted to corn in Kansas increased from 0.5 million in 1880s to over 2 million ha by 2022, with an increase of 0.05 million ha year−1 between 1984 and 2022. The value of corn produced in Kansas also increased significantly from below $1 billion annually prior to 1990s to the current value of approximately $3–$4 billion. The average corn yield gain from 1972 to 2000 was 132 kg ha−1 year−1, which declined to 12 kg ha−1 year−1 during 2000 to the early 2020s. Also, a relatively high yield variability occurred from 1970 to the early 2020s compared with earlier years (1866–1970), and a 42%–68% gap between the potential and actual corn yields was identified. We concluded that there is a decrease in the rate of corn yield increase and developing farmer awareness and their adoption of new corn production technology, increasing longevity of the Ogallala Aquifer, and integrated research should be priorities to avert the decreasing trend of corn productivity and further increase corn economic value.
High‐Performance Ammonia Electrosynthesis from Nitrate in a NaOH−KOH−H2O Ternary Electrolyte
Authors: Shahid Usman Bin , Kwon Yongjun , Yuan Yuan , Gu Shuang , Shao Minhua 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA glut of dinitrogen‐derived ammonia (NH3) over the past century has resulted in a heavily imbalanced nitrogen cycle and consequently, the large‐scale accumulation of reactive nitrogen such as nitrates in our ecosystems has led to detrimental environmental issues. Electrocatalytic upcycling of waste nitrogen back into NH3 holds promise in mitigating these environmental impacts and reducing reliance on the energy‐intensive Haber–Bosch process. Herein, we report a high‐performance electrolyzer using an ultrahigh alkalinity electrolyte, NaOH−KOH−H2O, for low‐cost NH3 electrosynthesis. At 3,000 mA/cm2, the device with a Fe−Cu−Ni ternary catalyst achieves an unprecedented faradaic efficiency (FE) of 92.5±1.5 % under a low cell voltage of 3.83 V; whereas at 1,000 mA/cm2, an FE of 96.5±4.8 % under a cell voltage of only 2.40 V was achieved. Techno‐economic analysis revealed that our device cuts the levelized cost of ammonia electrosynthesis by ~40 % ($30.68 for Fe−Cu−Ni vs. $48.53 for Ni foam per kmol‐NH3). The NaOH−KOH−H2O electrolyte together with the Fe−Cu−Ni ternary catalyst can enable the high‐throughput nitrate‐to‐ammonia applications for affordable and scalable real‐world wastewater treatments.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Enantio‐ and Regioselective Allylation of Indoles with gem‐Difluorinated Cyclopropanes
Authors: Yang Hui , Zeng Yaxin , Song Xiangyu , Che Lin , Jiang Zhong‐Tao , Lu Gang , Xia Ying 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe use of gem‐difluorinated cyclopropanes (gem‐DFCPs) as fluoroallyl surrogates under transition‐metal catalysis has drawn considerable attention recently but such reactions are restricted to producing achiral or racemic mono‐fluoroalkenes. Herein, we report the first enantioselective allylation of indoles under rhodium catalysis with gem‐DFCPs. This reaction shows exceptional branched regioselectivity towards rhodium catalysis with gem‐DFCPs, which provides an efficient route to enantioenriched fluoroallylated indoles with wide substrate scope and good functional group tolerance.
Understanding Defects in Amorphous Silicon with Million‐Atom Simulations and Machine Learning
Authors: Morrow Joe D. , Ugwumadu Chinonso , Drabold David A. , Elliott Stephen R. , Goodwin Andrew L. , Deringer Volker L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe structure of amorphous silicon (a‐Si) is widely thought of as a fourfold‐connected random network, and yet it is defective atoms, with fewer or more than four bonds, that make it particularly interesting. Despite many attempts to explain such “dangling‐bond” and “floating‐bond” defects, respectively, a unified understanding is still missing. Here, we use advanced computational chemistry methods to reveal the complex structural and energetic landscape of defects in a‐Si. We study an ultra‐large‐scale, quantum‐accurate structural model containing a million atoms, and thousands of individual defects, allowing reliable defect‐related statistics to be obtained. We combine structural descriptors and machine‐learned atomic energies to develop a classification of the different types of defects in a‐Si. The results suggest a revision of the established floating‐bond model by showing that fivefold‐bonded atoms in a‐Si exhibit a wide range of local environments–analogous to fivefold centers in coordination chemistry. Furthermore, it is shown that fivefold (but not threefold) coordination defects tend to cluster together. Our study provides new insights into one of the most widely studied amorphous solids, and has general implications for understanding defects in disordered materials beyond silicon alone.
Temperature dependence of polymer melt viscosity obtained based on DSC data and the consistency between thermodynamic and kinetic fragility
Authors: Fang Chenghui , Chen Huanhuan , Zhou Juan , Chen Liping , Guo Zichao , Chen Wanghua 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe viscosity of the polymer melt has an impact on both the processing and properties of the product. However, conventional viscosity measurement methods have limitations such as strict testing conditions, large sample sizes, and long response times. This paper proposes a simplified method that utilizes differential scanning calorimetry to determine the viscosity–temperature relationship of the polymer melt. The research subjects consist of four noncrystalline polymers and five crystalline polymers. A new thermodynamic fragility formula of crystalline polymer is obtained. Additionally, high‐temperature limiting viscosity shows a good linear relationship with fragility. Compared with the traditional viscosity measurement, this method is a simpler and more effective way to model the viscosity of polymer melt and has broad prospects in application.
Urethral meatus edema with peno‐scrotal edema in a patient with transfusion‐dependent beta‐thalassemia major
Authors: Nasrallah Oussama G. , Mahdi Jana H. , Bachir Bassel G. 
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical MessageUrethral meatus edema is a rare finding and may infer a more severe form of volume overload. Management of patients with thalassemia vary in terms of the severity of the kidney injury due to transfusion, chronicity, and severity of volume overload.
Adipocyte enhancer binding protein 1 knockdown alleviates osteoarthritis through inhibiting NF‐κB signaling pathway‐mediated inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation
Authors: Cao Le , Gao Weilu , Yang Haitao , Zeng Ran , Yin Zongsheng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractInflammation promotes the degradation of the extracellular matrix, which contributes to the development of osteoarthritis (OA). Adipocyte enhancer binding protein 1 (AEBP1) participates in multiple pathological processes related to inflammatory diseases. However, the role of AEBP1 in OA development is unknown. We found a higher AEBP1 expression in articular cartilage of OA patients (n = 20) compared to their normal controls (n = 10). Thus, we inferred that AEBP1 might affect OA progression. Then mice with destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery and chondrocytes with IL‐1β treatment (10 ng/mL) were used to mimic OA. The increased AEBP1 expression was observed in models of OA. AEBP1 knockdown in chondrocytes reversed IL‐1β‐induced inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation, which was mediated by the inactivation of NF‐κB signaling pathway and the increased IκBα activity. Co‐immunoprecipitation assay indicated the interaction between AEBP1 and IκBα. Importantly, IκBα knockdown depleted the protective role of AEBP1 knockdown in OA. Moreover, AEBP1 knockdown in mice with OA showed similar results to those in chondrocytes. Collectively, our findings suggest that AEBP1 knockdown alleviates the development of OA, providing a novel strategy for OA treatment.
Monitoring Ethanol Fermentation in Real Time by a Robust State Observer for Uncertainties
Authors: Aguilar‐López Ricardo , Alvarado‐Santos Eduardo , Thalasso Frederic , López‐Pérez Pablo A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this article, the problem of real‐time estimation of the fermentative ethanol process is tackled. The considered observer is a model‐based technique that is robust regarding the model parameter uncertainties and inline noisy measurements. An unstructured kinetic model was used to describe the production of ethanol in a batch bioreactor for Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The biomass concentration was selected as the measured bioreactor´s output via an inline device, where the estimate variables were the substrate and ethanol concentrations. An experimental prototype was constructed to demonstrate the observer's real‐time performance. The experimental results show that the robust, smooth sliding mode observer performs better than the standard proportional sliding mode observer.
Designing Powerful Biindole‐Based Inherently Chiral Selectors: Enhancing Enantiodiscrimination by Core Functionalization with Additional Coordination Elements
Authors: Grecchi Sara , Bonetti Giorgia , Emanuele Elisa , Ludvík Jiří , Koláčná Lucie , Liška Alan , Hromadová Magdaléna , Arnaboldi Serena , Cirilli Roberto , Mussini Patrizia R. , Benincori Tiziana 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAmong inherently chiral selectors of axial stereogenicity, usually resulting in very good enantiodiscrimination performances, the biindole‐based family has the additional advantage of very easy functionalization of the two nitrogen atoms with a variety of substituents with desirable properties. Aiming to evaluate the possibility of exploiting such feature to enhance the enantiodiscrimination ability of the archetype structure, a series of three inherently chiral monomers were designed and synthesized, characterised by a 2,2’‐biindole atropisomeric core conjugated to bithiophene wings enabling fast and regular electrooligomerization, and functionalised at the nitrogen atoms with an ethyl, a methoxyethyl, or a hydroxyethyl substituent. Nitrogen alkylation was also exploited to obtain for the first time the chemical resolution of the biindole selectors without employing chiral HPLC. The enantiodiscrimination ability of the selector series was comparatively evaluated in proof‐of‐concept chiral voltammetry experiments with a “benchmark” chiral ferrocenyl probe as well as with chiral non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs naproxen and ketoprofen. The large enantiomer potential differences for all probes increased in the ethyl < methoxyethyl ≪ hydroxyethyl sequence of selector substituents, supporting our assumption on the beneficial role of an additional coordination element. The powerful hydroxyethyl selector was also applied to ketoprofen in a commercial drug matrix.
AuNP/MIL‐88B‐NH2 Nanocomposite for the Valorization of Nitroarene by Green Catalytic Hydrogenation
Authors: Lelouche Sorraya N. K. , Lemir Ignacio , Biglione Catalina , Craig Tim , Bals Sara , Horcajada Patricia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe efficiency of a catalytic process is assessed based on conversion, yield, and time effectiveness. However, these parameters are insufficient for evaluating environmentally sustainable research. As the world is urged to shift towards green catalysis, additional factors such as reaction media, raw material availability, sustainability, waste minimization and catalyst biosafety, need to be considered to accurately determine the efficacy and sustainability of the process. By combining the high porosity and versatility of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and the activity of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), efficient, cyclable and biosafe composite catalysts can be achieved. Thus, a composite based on AuNPs and the nanometric flexible porous iron(III) aminoterephthalate MIL‐88B‐NH2 was successfully synthesized and fully characterized. This nanocomposite was tested as catalyst in the reduction of nitroarenes, which were identified as anthropogenic water pollutants, reaching cyclable high conversion rates at short times for different nitroarenes. Both synthesis and catalytic reactions were performed using green conditions, and even further tested in a time‐optimizing one‐pot synthesis and catalysis experiment. The sustainability and environmental impact of the catalytic conditions were assessed by green metrics. Thus, this study provides an easily implementable synthesis, and efficient catalysis, while minimizing the environmental and health impact of the process.
Boosting Electrocatalytic N2 Reduction to NH3 by Enhancing N2 Activation via Interaction between Au Nanoparticles and MIL‐101(Fe) in Neutral Electrolytes
Authors: Ni Ziyang , Yin Fengxiang , Zhang Jie , Kofie Gideon , Li Guoru , Chen Biaohua , Guo Pengju , Shi Liuliu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractElectrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has attracted much attention as a sustainable ammonia production technology, but it needs further exploration due to its slow kinetics and the existence of competitive side reactions. In this research, xAu/MIL‐101(Fe) catalysts were obtained by loading gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) onto MIL‐101(Fe) using a one‐step reduction strategy. Herein, MIL‐101(Fe), with high specific surface area and strong N2 adsorption capacity, is used as a support to disperse Au NPs to increase the electrochemical active surface area. Au NPs, with a high NRR activity, is introduced as the active site to promote charge transfer and intermediate formation rates. More importantly, the strong interaction between Au NPs and MIL‐101(Fe) enhances the electron transfer between Au NPs and MIL‐101(Fe), thereby enhancing the activation of N2 and achieving efficient NRR. Among the prepared catalysts, 15 %Au/MIL‐101(Fe) has the highest NH3 yield of 46.37 μg h−1 mg−1cat and a Faraday efficiency of 39.38 % at −0.4 V (vs. RHE). In‐situ FTIR reveals that the NRR mechanism of 15 %Au/MIL‐101(Fe) follows the binding alternating pathway and also indicates that the interaction between Au NPs and MIL‐101(Fe) strengthens the activation of the N≡N bond in the rate‐limiting process, thereby accelerating the NRR process.