bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A poly(L‐lactic acid) monofilament with high mechanical properties for application in biodegradable biliary stents
Authors: Tian Yuan , Zhang Jing , Cheng Jie , Wu Gensheng , Zhang Yi , Ni Zhonghua , Zhao Gutian 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this article, a poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) monofilament with high mechanical properties which can be used to construct biodegradable biliary stents (BBS) is prepared. Compared with a commercial polydioxanone (PDO) suture, the PLLA monofilament has much higher Young's modulus. As a result, chronic outward force (COF) of the stent braided by PLLA monofilament is more than three times higher than that of the stent braided by PDO suture. Furthermore, by physicochemical indexes characterizations, it is acceptable that the PLLA monofilament has stable Young's modulus and higher elongation at break without brittle fracture risk during degradation in bile. In contrast, although PDO suture can also maintain Young's modulus well during degradation, its elongation at break is attenuated rapidly, which shows a high brittle fracture risk. These results indicate that PLLA monofilament is more suitable for constructing BBS with high COF, which are promising in treating more complex biliary strictures that need longer support time.
The crosslinking directing dynamic behavior of polymer latex under the investigation toward waterborne damping coatings
Authors: Li Yue , Guo Longhai , Ye Jun , He Lifan , Qiu Teng , Li Xiaoyu 
Published: July 2020

AbstractLatex polymers with precisely designed dynamic mechanical behavior are the key for waterborne damping coatings, which are widely desired in noise and vibration reduction with additional environmental benefits. In this work, we synthesized series of polymer latexes with various crosslinking agents (CA) and network distributions through the control on emulsion polymerization processes. We have revealed that the variation on crosslinking can significantly direct the latex behavior under dynamic conditions as well as its films. The variables involve the CA composition, the functionality, the crosslinking manner, the hydrophilic‐hydrophobic feature as well as the feeding method. Although all the latex films showed the damping peaks locating in the range from −10 to 70°C, their damping behaviors were quite different. Suggested by the empirical parameters of LA and TA, the product from sequential monomer feeding method tended to give good extensional damping performance. Especially when the crosslinking of diacetone acrylamide (DAAM)/adipic dihydrazide was applied, there was a linear increase on LA with the increasing dosage of DAAM from 0 to 10 mmol in the final monomer addition batch. Meanwhile, good constrained layer damping is expected on the products from the power monomer feeding method with the maximum CA dosage shown below 7.5 mmol. The best TA was achieved when the CA of divinylbenzene was used in the dosage of 5 mmol. These results would be valuable to be referenced in the engineering on organic damping materials toward modern industrial and vehicles applications.
Iodine‐loaded poly(silicic acid) gellan nanocomposite mucoadhesive film for antibacterial application
Authors: Sharma Rashmi , Pahwa Rimpy , Ahuja Munish 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIodine‐loaded poly(silicic acid) gellan nanocomposite film was fabricated and evaluated for antibacterial properties. Poly(silicic acid) nanoparticles were synthesized by condensation of silicic acid under alkaline conditions in the presence of polyvinyl pyrrolidone, phosphate ions, and molecular iodine. The nanoparticles were incorporated into gellan dispersion to prepare gellan nanocomposite film using the solvent casting method. The nanocomposite films were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X‐ray diffraction studies. The results of characterization studies indicated improved thermal stability and an increase in the degree of crystallinity. The scanning electron micrographs and energy dispersive X‐ray spectrum confirmed the uniform dispersion of silica and iodine in the nanocomposite films. The analysis of physical and mechanical properties revealed the enhanced tensile strength, moisture resistance, and higher folding endurance of poly(silicic acid) gellan nanocomposite films as compared to gellan film. Further, the iodine‐loaded poly(silicic acid) gellan nanocomposite films showed good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and effective mucoadhesive strength. The results indicate that iodine‐loaded poly(silicic acid) gellan nanocomposite mucoadhesive film can be used for potential antibacterial applications in pharmaceuticals.
Trifunctional quinoxaline‐based maleimide and its polymer alloys with benzoxazine: Synthesis, characterization, and properties
Authors: Wang Hui , Dayo Abdul Qadeer , Wang Jun , Wang Jun‐yi , Liu Wen‐bin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractNovel quinoxaline‐based trismaleimide (2,3‐di[3‐maleimido]phenyl‐6‐ maleimidoquinoxaline, namely TQMI) and its polymer alloys with 3‐phenyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐1,3‐benzoxazine (P‐a) were successfully prepared and characterized. Differential scanning calorimetry investigation of TQMI exhibited distinct double exothermic peaks, which implied that the curing behavior of different type of maleimide group was discrepant. The curing temperature of P‐a/TQMI prepolymers was lower than that of both neat TQMI and P‐a monomer. The temperatures at 5% (T5) and 10% (T10) weight loss and the char yield (Yc) of cured TQMI at 800°C reached 513°C, 524°C, and 63.5%, respectively, which were much higher than the record of traditional 4,4′‐bismaleimideodiphenylmethane (BMDPM) resin as well as most of other reported bismaleimide resins. Moreover, the addition of TQMI enhanced thermal stability, glass transition temperature (Tg), and limiting oxygen index of benzoxazine resin dramatically. Attractively, the Tg value of P‐a/TQMI copolymer at 30 wt% TQMI loadings was approximately 20°C higher than that of P‐a/BMDPM copolymer owing to the bulky quinoxaline group.
Transparent, methacrylate‐based polymer networks with controlled crosslinker ductility
Authors: Masser Kevin A. , Orlicki Joshua A. , Napadensky Eugene , Taylor Terrence , Harris Doug 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA series of transparent methacrylate‐based crosslinked polymer networks are prepared in which the crosslinker length is controlled as a means to investigate the effects of network ductility on mechanical and ballistic properties. In each network the optical clarity of pure poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is retained, as well as a low value of haze. Both the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the tensile modulus of the networks are highly tunable, with network values both above and well below that of pure PMMA or the pure crosslinker network. The ballistic performance is likewise affected, with performance values of up to 400% greater than neat PMMA. We examine the effects of the crosslinker molecular weight on the impact performance, finding that, in these systems, the molecular weight between crosslinks is not a driving factor for the impact performance, and this may broadly translate to polymer networks in general. We find that improvements in ballistic performance can be realized at low molecular weight between crosslinks, provided the crosslinking agent is of sufficient ductility.
Reciprocally convex approach for cooperative tracking control of general network systems with fixed/switching topologies
Authors: Li Yanzhou , Wu Yuanqing , He Shenghuang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe cooperative tracking problem of general network systems with fixed/switching topology having a directed spanning tree is investigated in this paper. A distributed sampled‐data controller is preferentially designed for each follower to track the independent leader. By using tools from input‐delay and a reciprocally convex approach, some sufficient conditions ensuring the purpose of tracking are derived. Theoretical analysis is then extended to the case that the topologies of network systems are time‐varying. It is demonstrated that the cooperative tracking problem for network systems can be solved under some sufficient conditions. Through the above investigation, the cooperative tracking problem of general network systems with fixed/switching topology is solved. The capabilities of the proposed control algorithm are finally verified on our experimental platform.
Upconversion process in BaY2F8:Yb3+,Ho3+ phosphor for optical thermometry
Authors: Nair Govind B. , Sharma Ashwini K. , Dhoble S.J. , Swart H.C. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA BaY2F8:Yb3+,Ho3+ phosphor was synthesized using a simple precipitation method. The temperature‐sensing properties of BaY2F8:Yb3+,Ho3+ phosphor were investigated using the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) of the thermally coupled energy levels (5F4 and 5S2) of Ho3+. Energy transitions 5F4→5I8 and 5S2→5I8 gave rise to emission peaks at 538 nm and 549 nm, respectively. The areas under these two emission peaks were used to calculate the FIR. Temperature‐dependent upconversion luminescence was recorded in the temperature range 303–623 K using a 980 nm laser excitation source. The results suggested that the BaY2F8:Yb3+, Ho3+ phosphor has the potential to be used as a non‐contact optical temperature sensor.
In vivo interpretation of model predicted inhibition in acrylate pathway engineered Lactococcus lactis
Authors: Balasubramanian Sowmiya , Chandrasekran Priyadharshini , Yesudhas Anitha J. R. , Ganapathyraman Padmapriya , Eiteman Mark A. , Subramanian Ramalingam 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTo maximize the productivity of engineered metabolic pathway, in silico model is an established means to provide features of enzyme reaction dynamics. In our previous study, Escherichia coli engineered with acrylate pathway yielded low propionic acid titer. To understand the bottleneck behind this low productivity, a kinetic model was developed that incorporates the enzymatic reactions of the acrylate pathway. The resulting model was capable of simulating the fluxes reported under in vitro studies with good agreement, suggesting repression of propionyl‐CoA transferase (Pct) by carboxylate metabolites as the main limiting factor for propionate production. Furthermore, the predicted flux control coefficients of the pathway enzymes under steady state conditions revealed that the control of flux is shared between Pct and lactoyl‐CoA dehydratase. Increase in lactate concentration showed gradual decrease in flux control coefficients of Pct that in turn confirmed the control exerted by the carboxylate substrate. To interpret these in silico predictions under in vivo system, an organized study was conducted with a lactic acid bacteria strain engineered with acrylate pathway. Analysis reported a decreased product formation rate on attainment of inhibitory titer by suspected metabolites and supported the model.
Generation of highly selective monoclonal antibodies inhibiting a recalcitrant protease using decoy designs
Authors: Lee Ki Baek , Dunn Zachary S. , Lopez Tyler , Mustafa Zahid , Ge Xin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMatrix metalloproteinase‐12 (MMP‐12), also known as macrophage elastase, is a potent inflammatory mediator and therefore an important pharmacological target. Clinical trial failures of broad‐spectrum compound MMP inhibitors suggested that specificity is the key for a successful therapy. To provide the required selectivity, monoclonal antibody (mAb)‐based inhibitors are on the rise. However, poor production of active recombinant human MMP‐12 catalytic domain (cdMMP‐12) presented a technical hurdle for its inhibitory mAb development. We hypothesized that this problem could be solved by designing an expression‐optimized cdMMP‐12 mutant without structural disruptions at its reaction cleft and surrounding area, and thus isolated active‐site inhibitory mAbs could maintain their binding and inhibition functions toward wild‐type MMP‐12. We combined three advances in the field—PROSS algorithm for cdMMP‐12 mutant design, convex paratope antibody library construction, and functional selection for inhibitory mAbs. As a result, isolated Fab inhibitors showed nanomolar affinity and potency toward cdMMP‐12 with high selectivity and high proteolytic stability. Particularly, Fab LH11 targeted the reaction cleft of wild‐type cdMMP‐12 with 75 nM binding KD and 23 nM inhibition IC50. We expect that our methods can promote the development of mAbs inhibiting important proteases, many of which are recalcitrant to functional production.
Melflufen, a peptide‐conjugated alkylator, is an efficient anti‐neo‐plastic drug in breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Schepsky Alexander , Traustadottir Gunnhildur Asta , Joelsson Jon Petur , Ingthorsson Sævar , Kricker Jennifer , Bergthorsson Jon Thor , Asbjarnarson Arni , Gudjonsson Thorkell , Nupponen Nina , Slipicevic Ana , Lehmann Fredrik , Gudjonsson Thorarinn 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMelphalan flufenamide (hereinafter referred to as “melflufen”) is a peptide‐conjugated drug currently in phase 3 trials for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Due to its lipophilic nature, it readily enters cells, where it is converted to the known alkylator melphalan leading to enrichment of hydrophilic alkylator payloads. Here, we have analysed in vitro and in vivo the efficacy of melflufen on normal and cancerous breast epithelial lines. D492 is a normal‐derived nontumorigenic epithelial progenitor cell line whereas D492HER2 is a tumorigenic version of D492, overexpressing the HER2 oncogene. In addition we used triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA‐MB231. The tumorigenic D492HER2 and MDA‐MB231 cells were more sensitive than normal‐derived D492 cells when treated with melflufen. Compared to the commonly used anti‐cancer drug doxorubicin, melflufen was significantly more effective in reducing cell viability in vitro while it showed comparable effects in vivo. However, melflufen was more efficient in inhibiting metastasis of MDA‐MB231 cells. Melflufen induced DNA damage was confirmed by the expression of the DNA damage proteins ƴH2Ax and 53BP1. The effect of melflufen on D492HER2 was attenuated if cells were pretreated with the aminopeptidase inhibitor bestatin, which is consistent with previous reports demonstrating the importance of aminopeptidase CD13 in facilitating melflufen cleavage. Moreover, analysis of CD13high and CD13low subpopulations of D492HER2 cells and knockdown of CD13 showed that melflufen efficacy is mediated at least in part by CD13. Knockdown of LAP3 and DPP7 aminopeptidases led to similar efficacy reduction, suggesting that also other aminopeptidases may facilitate melflufen conversion. In summary, we have shown that melflufen is a highly efficient anti‐neoplastic agent in breast cancer cell lines and its efficacy is facilitated by aminopeptidases.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) in Chinese oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC): A strong predilection for the tonsil
Authors: Xu Tingting , Shen Chunying , Wei Ye , Hu Chaosu , Wang Yu , Xiang Jun , Sun Guo‐Hua , Su Fengtao , Wang Qifeng , Lu Xueguan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveCompared with Occident's data, the incidence of Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐driven oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) had been reported as relatively low in Mainland China. The objective of this study was to report the integrated prevalence of HPV and Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), and further evaluate the different behaviors of HPV‐positive and ‐negative OPSCCs in eastern China.MethodsIn a cohort of 170 nonmetastatic OPSCCs treated from January 2007 to July 2019, p16 protein expression, HPV genotypes, and Epstein‐Barr virus‐encoded RNA (EBER) were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH). The clinical and pathologic findings were further collected and analyzed to comprehensively reveal the behaviors of Chinese OPSCCs.ResultsOut of the 170 tumor tissues evaluated, 57.6% (98) samples had positive p16 expressions. A total of 65.1% (99/152) samples had positive HPV genotypes, besides HPV16 (92/152), HPV11, 18, 33, 53, and 58 were also detected. The positive rate of EBER was 7.2% (9/124), and the co‐infection rate of EBV/HPV was 4.0%. Related to the unequal distributions of p16 expression, HPV‐related tumors arisen from tonsillar and non‐tonsillar accounted for 68.8% (75/109) and 37.7% (23/61) of their cases, respectively (P < .001). With a median follow‐up time of 13.1 months, significant survival advantages of HPV‐related OSPCC were observed; 1‐year OS, PFS, RFS, and MFS were 83.2% vs 96.7% (P < .001), 71.6% vs 96.2% (P < .001), 77.7% vs 96.2% (P = .002), and 90.4% vs 100.0% (P = .024) in p16‐negative and ‐positive cases, respectively.ConclusionsThe relative percent of HPV‐positive OPSCCs in this study is close to the positive rate in many Western countries and a strong predilection was discovered for the tonsillar. The EBV infection and co‐infection of HPV/EBV were largely low. The prognosis of HPV‐positive OSPCCs was more favorable than its negative counterpart.
Acceptability of insects in animal feed: A survey of French consumers
Authors: Bazoche Pascale , Poret Sylvaine 
Published: July 2020

AbstractUsing insects as an alternative protein source is increasingly becoming part of the future food security equation. Westerners tend to be squeamish or phobic about insects; thus, before we can manage this kind of change in the human diet, we need to start by introducing this new protein source into the animal diet. This article investigates the French consumer acceptability of farmed trout fed insect meal instead of fish meal. From an online survey of 327 consumers, the present work set out to identify the determinants of acceptability and determine how information on the benefits of insect meal for fishery resources can change the acceptability. Our statistical analysis highlights three key factors shaping the acceptability of these novel insect‐fed products, namely, being informed, gender and food neophobia. Providing information on the negative effects of overfishing and on insect meal as a viable alternative to fishmeal in aquafeed can improve the acceptability of insects as fish feed. In all, 76% of informed participants would be ready to eat insect‐fed fish against only 64% of uninformed participants. Males appeared readier to eat insect‐fed fish, and the ‘Reluctants’ class, which represented 8% of our sample, was composed of 78% females. The ‘Fans’, which represented 41% of our sample, were more likely to be males and individuals with a lower than average food neophobia score.
Peptidyl Acyloxymethyl Ketones as Activity‐Based Probes for the Main Protease of SARS‐CoV‐2**
Authors: van de Plassche Merel A. T. , Barniol‐Xicota Marta , Verhelst Steven H. L. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe global pandemic caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 calls for the fast development of antiviral drugs against this particular coronavirus. Chemical tools to facilitate inhibitor discovery as well as detection of target engagement by hit or lead compounds from high‐throughput screens are therefore in urgent need. We here report novel, selective activity‐based probes that enable detection of the SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease. The probes are based on acyloxymethyl ketone reactive electrophiles combined with a peptide sequence including unnatural amino acids that targets the nonprimed site of the main protease substrate binding cleft. They are the first activity‐based probes for the main protease of coronaviruses and display target labeling within a human proteome without background. We expect that these reagents will be useful in the drug‐development pipeline, not only for the current SARS‐CoV‐2, but also for other coronaviruses.
VDAC oligomer pores: A mechanism in disease triggered by mtDNA release
Authors: Yan Jialong , Liu Wei , Feng Fen , Chen Linxi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA recent study suggests that voltage‐dependent anion channel (VDAC) oligomer pores promote mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and allow mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to be released into the cytosol in live cells. It challenges the notion that only occurs in apoptotic cells via BAX/BAK macropores. Cytosolic mtDNA activates cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS)–stimulator of IFN gene (STING) pathway and triggers type I interferon (IFN) response thereafter, which ultimately causes systemic lupus erythematosus. Mechanistically, mtDNA can interact with three positively charged residues (Lys12, Arg15, and Lys20) at the N‐terminus of VDAC1, thereby strengthening VDAC1 oligomerization and facilitating mtDNA release. In addition, there are other pathways that can mediate mtDNA release, such as BAX/BAK macropores and virus‐derived pores. The mtDNA released into the cytosol also triggers type I IFN response via the generally accepted cGAS–STING–TANK‐binding kinase 1–IFN regulatory factor 3 axis. Collectively, VDAC oligomer pores provide us an attractive direction for us to understand mtDNA release‐related diseases.
TRIM31 inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis of retinal pigment epithelial cells through ubiquitination of NLRP3
Authors: Huang Peirong , Liu Wenjia , Chen Jieqiong , Hu Yifan , Wang Yuwei , Sun Junran , Feng Jingyang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractNOD‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) is associated with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells serve as the immune defense of macula, and their dysfunction causes clinically relevant changes in AMD. In the present study, oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) activated the NLRP3 inflammasome in human RPE cell line ARPE‐19. Our data showed that the expression of NLRP3, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and caspase‐1 and the release of IL‐1β in ARPE‐19 cells were substantially increased by ox‐LDL, whereas the addition of NLRP3 inhibitor INF39 dose‐dependently reversed the effect of ox‐LDL. Overexpression of tripartite motif‐containing protein 31 (TRIM31) also suppressed the effect of ox‐LDL in ARPE‐19 cells. TRIM31 knockdown had similar effects with ox‐LDL but INF39 could block the effect of TRIM31 knockdown. Moreover, TRIM31 could interact with NLRP3 in ARPE‐19 cells. Overexpression of TRIM31 increased NLRP3 ubiquitination. In conclusion, the results propose that TRIM31 could enhance NLRP3 ubiquitination, therefore inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis in human RPE cells.