bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and Diversity of Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) Pneumatophores in a Deforested and Sand-Filled Forest at Eagle Island, Niger Delta Nigeria
Authors: Numbere Aroloye O. , Camilo Gerardo R. 
Published: March 2023

Pneumatophores are a major channel of oxygen circulation in mangrove forest. It is hypothesized that soil condition, canopy cover and stagnant pool of water can influence pneumatophore growth rate. Pneumatophore characteristics i.e., abundance, diversity in root types, microbial and chemical composition in sand-filled mangrove forest was studied. Six plots were established within a rectangular area measuring 4152.24 m2 in a rand@om block design to investigate the effect of soil conditions on pneumatophore growth. A total of 9,586 pneumatophores were physically counted and differentiated into four types namely 1-branch, 2-branch, 3-branch, and 4-branch pneumatophores. Soil samples were also collected, and the physico-chemistry determined in the laboratory. The ANOVA results shows that there is significant difference in the abundance of pneumatophore types (F3, 20 = 7.61, p<.001). The most abundant pneumatophore type is the one branch pneumatophore (n=4747) while the least is the four branched pneumatophores. The stagnant pool site with silty and muddy soil has the most abundant pneumatophore growth whereas plots in the seashore site with sandy soil has the least abundant pneumatophores. In contrast, the seashore site has the highest diversity (H=1.367), which means more root types (i.e., 2-, 3- and 4-branch) while the stagnant pool has the lowest diversity (H=0.956), which means more of the 1-branch type. Metal concentration was higher in the stagnant pool site while microbial count is higher in the seashore site. The study shows that soil condition, canopy cover, stagnant pool plus tidal action influenced pneumatophore growth, which means that deforestation of mangrove trees leads to poor soil formation (i.e., sandy soil) and affect root formation in mangrove soil. Therefore, the destruction of mangrove trees should be discouraged to prevent soil degradation.
Charge Regulation on Hybrid Nanosheet Stereoassembly via Interfacial PO Coupling Enables Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Wu Kaili , Wang Xin , Wang Wenqing , Luo Yan , Cao Wei , Cao Yiyao , Xie Haijiao , Yan Yan , Lin Huijuan , Zhu Jixin , Rui Kun 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPrecise regulation on interfacial electronic coupling is essential to achieve efficient catalysts with tailored electrocatalytic behaviors but remains challenging. Herein, a straightforward topochemical strategy is presented to realize Co‐based heterostructured nanofiber stereoassembled with PO coupled nanosheet (CoHF/PO). By constructing well‐defined metal oxide/phosphide interface, prominent electron redistribution can be established via interfacial PO coupling, which is strongly correlated with the catalytic activities. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the rational interface engineering renders accelerated charge transfer and more importantly, optimized surface adsorption/desorption behaviors, contributing to boosted kinetics for both hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction. Particularly, CoHF/PO featuring promoted intrinsic activity and accessible active sites exhibits intriguing activity and stability at higher current densities in alkaline media, surpassing commercial Pt/C and Ir/C. This study is expected to demonstrate noteworthy promise of covalent coupling toward modulated electronic environment and interface chemistry for electrocatalytic applications and beyond.
Large‐Scale, Controllable Synthesis of Ultrathin Platinum Diselenide Ribbons for Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Li Zechen , Huang Meirong , Li Jing , Zhu Hongwei 
Published: March 2023

Abstract2D platinum diselenide (PtSe2) exhibits exceptional layer‐dependent electrical properties and high catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reactions, making it an ideal system for studying structure–activity correlations. However, the synthesis of high‐quality atomically thin PtSe2 materials has proven challenging. This study presents a simple chemical vapor deposition method for synthesizing high‐quality ultrathin 1T‐PtSe2 ribbons on Au foils, making it easily applicable. Theoretical and experimental results confirm that these atomically thin 1T‐PtSe2 ribbons possess abundant catalytic sites and can serve as ideal electrocatalysts. This study advances the large‐scale synthesis and potential application of ultrathin transition metal disulfides and presents a novel method for designing and synthesizing highly active ultrathin catalysts.
Unusual Surface Coagulation Activation Patterns of Crystalline and Amorphous Silicate‐Based Biominerals
Authors: Liu Chunyu , Cui Xu , Du Yunbo , Wang Xue , Kim Jua , Li Shuaijie , Zhang Liyan , Zhao Xiaoli , Zhao Limin , Tian Pengfei , Zhang Hao , Su Kun , Li Xian , Pan Haobo 
Published: March 2023

AbstractActivation of coagulation cascades, especially FX and prothrombin, prevents blood loss and reduces mortality from hemorrhagic shock. Inorganic salts are efficient but cannot stop bleeding completely in hemorrhagic events, and rebleeding carries a significant mortality risk. The coagulation mechanism of biominerals has been oversimplified in the past two decades, limiting the creation of novel hemostats. Herein, at the interface, the affinity of proteins, the protease activity, fibrinolysis, hydration shell, and dynamic microenvironment are monitored at the protein level. Proteomic analysis reveals that fibrinogen and antithrombin III's affinity for kaolin's interface causes a weak thrombus and rebleeding during hemostasis. Inspiringly, amorphous bioactive glass (BG) with a transient‐dynamic ion microenvironment breaches the hydration layer barrier and selectively and slightly captures procoagulant components of kiniogen‐1, plasma kallikrein, FXII, and FXI proteins on its interface, concurrently generating a continuous biocatalytic interface to rapidly activate both intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathways. Thus, prothrombin complexes are successfully hydrolyzed to thrombin without platelet membrane involvement, speeding production of high‐strength clots. This study investigates how the interface of inorganic salts assists in coagulation cascades from a more comprehensive micro‐perspective that may help elucidate the clinical application issues of kaolin‐gauze and pave the way to new materials for managing hemorrhage.
Molecular Chameleon Carriers for Nucleic Acid Delivery: The Sweet Spot between Lipoplexes and Polyplexes
Authors: Thalmayr Sophie , Grau Melina , Peng Lun , Pöhmerer Jana , Wilk Ulrich , Folda Paul , Yazdi Mina , Weidinger Eric , Burghardt Tobias , Höhn Miriam , Wagner Ernst , Berger Simone 
Published: March 2023

AbstractTaking advantage of effective intracellular delivery mechanisms of both cationizable lipids and polymers, highly potent double pH‐responsive nucleic acid carriers are generated by combining at least two lipo amino fatty acids (LAFs) as hydrophobic cationizable motifs with hydrophilic cationizable aminoethylene units into novel sequence‐defined molecules. The pH‐dependent tunable polarity of the LAF is successfully implemented by inserting a central tertiary amine, which disrupts the hydrophobic character once protonated, resulting in pH‐dependent structural and physical changes. This “molecular chameleon character” turns out to be advantageous for dynamic nucleic acid delivery via lipopolyplexes. By screening different topologies (blocks, bundles, T‐shapes, U‐shapes), LAF types, and LAF/aminoethylene ratios, highly potent pDNA, mRNA, and siRNA carriers are identified, which are up to several 100‐fold more efficient than previous carrier generations and characterized by very fast transfection kinetics. mRNA lipopolyplexes maintain high transfection activity in cell culture even in the presence of ≥90% serum at an ultra‐low mRNA dose of 3 picogram (≈2 nanoparticles/cell), and thus are comparable in potency to viral nanoparticles. Importantly, they show great in vivo performance with high expression levels especially in spleen, tumor, lungs, and liver upon intravenous administration of 1–3 µg luciferase‐encoding mRNA in mice.
A Novel Potassium Salt Regulated Solvation Chemistry Enabling Excellent Li‐Anode Protection in Carbonate Electrolytes
Authors: Zhang Shenghang , Zhuang Xiangchun , Du Xiaofan , Zhang Xiaohu , Li Jiedong , Xu Gaojie , Ren Zhongqin , Cui Zili , Huang Lang , Wang Shitao , Sun Fun , Qiao Lixin , Dong Shanmu , Cui Guanglei 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn lithium‐metal batteries (LMBs), the compatibility of Li anode and conventional lithium hexafluorophosphate‐(LiPF6) carbonate electrolyte is poor owing to the severe parasitic reactions. Herein, to resolve this issue, a delicately designed additive of potassium perfluoropinacolatoborate (KFPB) is unprecedentedly synthesized. On the one hand, KFPB additive can regulate the solvation structure of the carbonate electrolyte, promoting the formation of Li+FPB− and K+PF6− ion pairs with lower lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels. On the other hand, FPB− anion possesses strong adsorption ability on Li anode. Thus, anions can preferentially adsorb and decompose on the Li‐anode surface to form a conductive and robust solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. Only with a trace amount of KFPB additive (0.03 m) in the carbonate electrolyte, Li dendrites’ growth can be totally suppressed, and Li||Cu and Li||Li half cells exhibit excellent Li‐plating/stripping stability upon cycling. Encouragingly, KFPB‐assisted carbonate electrolyte enables high areal capacity LiCoO2||Li, LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811)||Li, and LiNi0.8Co0.05Al0.15O2 (NCA)||Li LMBs with superior cycling stability, showing its excellent universality. This work reveals the importance of designing novel additives to regulate the solvation structure of carbonate electrolytes in improving its interface compatibility with the Li anode.
Modeling and Quantifying Optimal Dynamics of Extraction of Charge Carriers in the Operation of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Mehdizadeh‐Rad Hooman , Ram Kiran Sreedhar , Setsoafia Daniel Dodzi Yao , Ompong David , Singh Jai 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this paper, a mathematical model and the relevant computer code are developed to quantify the extraction probability rate of charge carriers (EPRCC) in a perovskite solar cell of the structure: Glass/ITO/PEDOT: PSS/CH3NH3PbI3/PC60BM/Al to investigate the influence of interfaces and grain boundaries. It is found that, without passivation, the probability of an electron generated near the anode reaches to the cathode is only 35%, while by passivating the interfaces and grain boundaries, this probability increases to about 60% at maximum power point condition. Likewise, without passivation, the probability of a hole generated near the electron transport layer‐active layer interface reaches to the hole transport layer is only 15%, while by passivating the interfaces and grain boundaries, this probability increases to about 45% at maximum power point condition. The same calculation has been done at the short‐circuit current condition, and it is found that at the maximum power point condition, passivation works better for increasing the EPRCC than at the short circuit current condition. The authors have also investigated the influence of grain boundary sizes on the EPRCC, and the results show that the EPRCC is almost grain boundary size independent.
Nanoscale Porosity of High Surface Area Gadolinium Oxide Nanofoam Obtained With Combustion Synthesis
Authors: de Boer Roos M. , Chen Xiaodan , Cvejn Daniel , Peterek Dědková Kateřina , van Huis Marijn A. , Mendes Rafael G. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractNanoscale gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) is a promising nanomaterial with unique physicochemical properties that finds various applications ranging from biomedicine to catalysis. The preparation of highly porous Gd2O3 nanofoam greatly increases its surface area thereby boosting its potential for functional use in applications such as water purification processes and in catalytic applications. By using the combustion synthesis method, a strong exothermic redox reaction between gadolinium nitrate hexahydrate and glycine causes the formation of crystalline nanoporous Gd2O3. In this study, the synthesis of Gd2O3 nanofoam is achieved with combustion synthesis at large scale (grams). Its nanoscale porosity is investigated by nitrogen physisorption and its nanoscale 3D structure by electron tomography, and the formation process is investigated as well by means of in situ heating inside the transmission electron microscope. The bulk nanofoam product is highly crystalline and porous with a surface area of 67 m2 g−1 as measured by physisorption, in good agreement with the electron tomographic 3D reconstructions showing an intricate interconnected pore network with pore sizes varying from 2 to 3 nm to tens of nanometers. In situ heating experiments point to many possibilities for tuning the porosity of the Gd2O3 nanofoam by varying the experimental synthesis conditions.
Site‐Selective Decarboxylative Direct Formylation of Nitrogen Heterocycles (Azaindoles, Indoles, Pyrroles) and Anilines Utilizing Glyoxylic Acid
Authors: Laha Joydev K. , Hunjan Mandeep Kaur , Maity Tapas , Hazra Amitava 
Published: March 2023

AbstractA new method for formylation of nitrogen heterocycles overcoming the limitations of classical approaches using a cheap feedstock formylating agent especially under mild and neutral conditions is the subject of this current investigation. This work describes direct formylation of nitrogen heterocycles (azaindoles, indoles, pyrroles) and anilines using glyoxylic acid as the formyl source and K2S2O8 as the exclusive reagent. The key features include a general method for both C‐ and N‐formylation under neutral and mild reaction conditions. The application of the method is further demonstrated in the tandem synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles, pharmaceuticals, and a natural product. Unlike aroylation with arylglyoxylic acids, a previously unknown pathway for the direct formylation with glyoxylic acid in the presence of K2S2O8 is now unveiled.magnified image
I2‐Catalyzed/Mediated C−S and C−I Bond Formation: Solvent‐ and Metal‐Free Approach for the Synthesis of β‐Keto Sulfones and Branched Sulfones
Authors: Tyagi Aparna , Taneja Neha , Khan Jabir , Kumar Hazra Chinmoy 
Published: March 2023

AbstractHerein, we report a solvent‐ and transition‐metal‐free, iodine‐catalyzed formation of C−S (sulfone) bonds for the synthesis of β‐keto sulfones using readily accessible methyl ketones and sulfonyl hydrazides. This study also features the α‐functionalization of β‐keto sulfones to synthesize β‐keto thiosulfones and α‐iodo‐β‐keto sulfones via iodine‐catalyzed carbon‐sulfide (C−S) bond formation under solvent‐free conditions and iodine‐mediated C−I bond formation under aqueous conditions, respectively. The analytical studies and control experiments allow insights into a free‐radical coupling strategy. Overall, the presented protocol is operationally simple and scalable, has a broad range of functional group tolerance, and provides access to three functionalized organic scaffolds.magnified image
Self‐Driven Prenucleation‐Induced Perovskite Crystallization Enables Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Yao , Li Lingcong , Wu Zhujie , Zhang Ruike , Hong Jin , Zhang Jianxin , Rao Huashang , Pan Zhenxiao , Zhong Xinhua 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPerovskite film with high crystal quality is fundamental to achieving high‐performance solar cells. A fast nucleation process is crucial to improving the crystallization quality. Here, we propose a self‐driven prenucleation strategy to achieve fast nucleation. This is realized through rational solvent design. The key characteristics of different solvents are systematically evaluated. Among them, formamide, with ultra‐high dielectric constant, low Gutman donor number, and a high boiling point, is selected as the co‐solvent. These unique characteristics render formamide a double‐face solvent that is a good solvent for formamidinium iodide (FAI) and CsI while a poor solvent for PbI2. As a result, formamide induces the self‐driven prenucleation of PbI2‐DMSO seeding crystals and accelerates the nucleation, improving the crystalline quality of perovskite film. The efficiency of the hole transport layer‐free carbon‐based perovskite solar cells is boosted beyond 19 % for the first time.
Metal‐Free Arylation of Benzothiophenes at C4 by Activation as their Benzothiophene S‐Oxides
Authors: Bisht Ranjana , Popescu Mihai V. , He Zhen , Ibrahim Ameer M. , Crisenza Giacomo E. M. , Paton Robert S. , Procter David J. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBenzothiophenes, activated by oxidation to the corresponding S‐oxides, undergo C−H/C−H‐type coupling with phenols to give C4 arylation products. While an electron‐withdrawing group at C3 of the benzothiophene is important, the process operates without a directing group and a metal catalyst, thus rendering it compatible with sensitive functionalities—e.g. halides and formyl groups. Quantum chemical calculations suggest a formal stepwise mechanism involving heterolytic cleavage of an aryloxysulfur species to give a π‐complex of the corresponding benzothiophene and a phenoxonium cation. Subsequent addition of the phenoxonium cation to the C4 position of the benzothiophene is favored over the addition to C3; Fukui functions predict that the major regioisomer is formed at the more electron‐rich position between C3 and C4. Varied selective manipulation of the benzothiophene products showcase the synthetic utility of the metal‐free arylation process.
Enhanced oral bioavailability of capsaicin‐loaded microencapsulation complex via electrospray technology: Preparation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Zhu Yuan , Li Shuang , Wang Haiqiao , Adu‐Frimpong Michael , Xue Yuanyuan , Gu Zhengqing , Yu Jiangnan , Xu Ximing 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe purpose of this work was to fabricate the microencapsulation of capsaicin using electrospray technology and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K30 as a carrier. The morphological characteristics of capsaicin‐PVP electrosprayed microencapsulation complex under different processing parameters were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), while the best process was determined, wherein it comprised of 10 KV (voltage), 0.8 ml·h−1 (solution flow rate), 0.9 mm (the inner diameter of the needle), and 10 cm (receiving distance). The X‐ray diffraction results of the electrosprayed complex showed that capsaicin was present in the carrier in an amorphous form. The drug release properties of capsaicin powder and electrosprayed complex in different media were investigated. The results showed that in vitro release rates of the capsaicin complex in different media were much higher than that of capsaicin powder, with correspondingly improved bioavailability, defined by intravenous and oral dosing in rats in vivo, for the electrosprayed complex compared to that of capsacin powder. The dose absorbed of the electrosprayed complex was 2.2‐fold that of the capsaicin powder. In short, electrospray technology can be used to prepare capsaicin‐loaded electrosprayed microencapsulation complex. This technique can improve the solubility and bioavailability of capsaicin, and provide a new idea for the solubilization of other insoluble drugs.
Resveratrol activation of SIRT1/MFN2 can improve mitochondria function, alleviating doxorubicin‐induced myocardial injury
Authors: Zhang Qingling , Zhang Yunpeng , Xie Bingxin , Liu Daiqi , Wang Yueying , Zhou Zandong , Zhang Yue , King Emma , Tse Gary , Liu Tong 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundDoxorubicin is a widely used cytotoxic chemotherapy agent for treating different malignancies. However, its use is associated with dose‐dependent cardiotoxicity, causing irreversible myocardial damage and significantly reducing the patient's quality of life and survival. In this study, an animal model of doxorubicin‐induced cardiomyopathy was used to investigate the pathogenesis of doxorubicin‐induced myocardial injury. This study also investigated a possible treatment strategy for alleviating myocardial injury through resveratrol therapy in vitro.MethodsAdult male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group and a doxorubicin group. Body weight, echocardiography, surface electrocardiogram, and myocardial histomorphology were measured. The mechanisms of doxorubicin cardiotoxicity in H9c2 cell lines were explored by comparing three groups (phosphate‐buffered saline, doxorubicin, and doxorubicin with resveratrol).ResultsCompared to the control group, the doxorubicin group showed a lower body weight and higher systolic arterial pressure, associated with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening, prolonged PR interval, and QT interval. These abnormalities were associated with vacuolation and increased disorder in the mitochondria of cardiomyocytes, increased protein expression levels of α‐smooth muscle actin and caspase 3, and reduced protein expression levels of Mitofusin2 (MFN2) and Sirtuin1 (SIRT1). Compared to the doxorubicin group, doxorubicin + resveratrol treatment reduced caspase 3 and manganese superoxide dismutase, and increased MFN2 and SIRT1 expression levels.ConclusionDoxorubicin toxicity leads to abnormal mitochondrial morphology and dysfunction in cardiomyocytes and induces apoptosis by interfering with mitochondrial fusion. Resveratrol ameliorates doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity by activating SIRT1/MFN2 to improve mitochondria function.
Early survival for patients newly diagnosed with cancer during COVID‐19 in Ontario, Canada: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Fu Rui , Sutradhar Rinku , Li Qing , Kamalraj Pabiththa , Dare Anna , Hanna Timothy P. , Chan Kelvin K. W. , Irish Jonathan C. , Coburn Natalie , Hallet Julie , Singh Simron , Parmar Ambica , Earle Craig C. , Lapointe‐Shaw Lauren , Krzyzanowska Monika K. , Louie Alexander V. , Mahar Alyson , Urbach David R. , McIsaac Daniel I. , Enepekides Danny , Gomez David , Look Hong Nicole J. , Tinmouth Jill , Eskander Antoine 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the association between the COVID‐19 pandemic and early survival among newly diagnosed cancer patients.MethodsThis retrospective population‐based cohort study used linked administrative datasets from Ontario, Canada. Adults (≥18 years) who received a cancer diagnosis between March 15 and December 31, 2020, were included in a pandemic cohort, while those diagnosed during the same dates in 2018/2019 were included in a pre‐pandemic cohort. All patients were followed for one full year after the date of diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess survival in relation to the pandemic, patient characteristics at diagnosis, and the modality of first cancer treatment as a time‐varying covariate. Interaction terms were explored to measure the pandemic association with survival for each cancer type.ResultsAmong 179,746 patients, 53,387 (29.7%) were in the pandemic cohort and 37,741 (21.0%) died over the first post‐diagnosis year. No association between the pandemic and survival was found when adjusting for patient characteristics at diagnosis (HR 0.99 [95% CI 0.96–1.01]), while marginally better survival was found for the pandemic cohort when the modality of treatment was additionally considered (HR 0.97 [95% CI 0.95–0.99]). When examining each cancer type, only a new melanoma diagnosis was associated with a worse survival in the pandemic cohort (HR 1.25 [95% CI 1.05–1.49]).ConclusionsAmong patients able to receive a cancer diagnosis during the pandemic, one‐year overall survival was not different than those diagnosed in the previous 2 years. This study highlights the complex nature of the COVID‐19 pandemic impact on cancer care.