bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiation crosslinking of linear polyethyleneimine‐based nanoparticles grafted to poly(glycidyl methacrylate) via trimethylolpropane triacrylate as potential electronic packaging material
Authors: Ibrahim Saber , Lotfy Salah 
Published: January 2021

AbstractLinear polyethyleneimine (L‐PEI)‐based nanoparticles were synthesized via hydrolysis of poly‐2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline (PMeOx), which was prepared by cationic ring‐opening polymerization of the oxazoline five‐membered ring. Herein, a kinetic study of the ring‐opening polymerization reaction is discussed. The nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of PMeOx verified the presence of repeating units and terminal groups in the polymer's structure. Molar ratios of PEI and PMeOx were characterized using size exclusion chromatography with low‐polydispersity polymer chains as the controlled polymerization reaction. PEI and PMeOx exhibited narrow particle size distribution with hydrodynamic radii of 89 and 67 nm, respectively, as determined via dynamic light scattering analysis. In addition, atomic forces and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the topography of the PEI thin films. Poly(glycidyl methacrylate) P(GMA) was grafted onto a PEI chain in the presence of trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) as the crosslinking agent to synthesize the P(GMA–PEI–TMPTA) tripolymer via free radical polymerization using gamma irradiation. The thermal characterization of the P(GMA–PEI–TMPTA) tripolymer was conducted using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimeter. Generally, the thermal stability of the P(GMA–PEI–TMPTA) tripolymer was improved at low‐glycidyl methacrylate concentrations. The prepared tripolymer could be used as effective packaging materials for electronics industries.
A comprehensive review of COVID‐19 in India: A frequent catch of the information
Authors: Shivangi  , Meena Laxman S. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe arrival of novel health crisis by a novel member of coronavirus group named as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) by World Health Organization took the whole world in global emergency by affecting 206 countries. The virus infects 206 countries with 86,839,226 confirmed cases, 61,565,949 recoveries, and 1,876,243 deaths as on January 6, 2021. Evidence pointed out the fact that virus might first originated in bats in China and it took only 2 months to spread over almost every country of the world. SARS‐CoV‐2 belongs to beta coronavirus and is enveloped, positive sense, and single‐stranded RNA virus. The treatment would be difficult as SARS‐CoV‐2 is an RNA virus and thus the mutation rate is higher in comparison with the DNA viruses. The virus infection also leads to generation of effective protective immune response of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor, granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, and so on that may help in virus elimination. The speed of the global spread of the current pandemic is of major concern and it has created a significant threat to economic and human health across the world. In India, the infection spreads with an infection and fatality rates of the disease are 1.7% and 2.8%, respectively. By this review, we want to emphasize the actual situation and major factors associated with COVID‐19 pandemic, its significance, destructions, important findings, treatments, and preventive measures taken by all nations to provide better cure without having much loss.
The interplay of ROS and the PI3K/Akt pathway in autophagy regulation
Authors: Kma Lakhan , Baruah Taranga Jyoti 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAutophagy causes the breakdown of damaged proteins and organelles to their constituent components. The phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway played an important role in regulating the autophagic response of cells in response to changing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The PI3K α catalytic subunit inhibits autophagy, while its β catalytic subunit promotes autophagy in response to changes in ROS levels. The downstream Akt protein acts against autophagy initiation in response to increases in ROS levels under nutrient‐rich conditions. Akt acts by activating a mechanistic target of the rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and by arresting autophagic gene expression. The AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) protein counteracts the Akt actions. mTORC1 and mTORC2 inhibit autophagy under moderate ROS levels, but under high ROS levels, mTORC2 can promote cellular senescence via autophagy. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) protein are the negative regulators of the PI3K pathway, and it has proautophagic activities. Studies conducted on cells treated with flavonoids and ionizing radiation showed that the moderate increase in ROS levels in the flavonoid‐treated groups corresponded with higher PTEN levels and lowered Akt levels leading to a higher occurrence of autophagy. In contrast, higher ROS levels evoked by ionizing radiation caused a lowering of the incidence of autophagy.
Investigation of inhibition effect of butanol and water extracts of Matricaria chamomilla L. on angiotensin‐converting enzyme purified from human plasma
Authors: Bas Zehra , Turkoglu Vedat , Goz Yasar 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAngiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) liable for the regulation of blood pressure was purified from human plasma by affinity chromatography. Impact of water and butanol extracts of Matricaria chamomilla L. on purity ACE was examined. ACE was purified using the affinity chromatography method. The enzyme activity was evaluated at 345 nm by a spectrophotometer. Extracts of M. chamomilla plant with butanol and water were prepared. Lisinopril was utilized as a specific inhibitor. ACE was purified 3,659‐fold from human plasma and the specific activity was 1,350 EU/mg protein. The molecular weight and purity of ACE were found by SDS‐PAGE and two bands of 60 and 70 kDa on the gel were detected. Water and butanol extracts of M. chamomilla demonstrated inhibitor impact on ACE activity. IC50 constants for water and butanol extracts of M. chamomilla were computed to be 1.292 and 0.353 mg/mL, respectively. The type of inhibition for whole inhibitors was identified as noncompetitive. IC50 and Ki constants for lisinopril were calculated to be 0.781 and 0.662 nM, respectively. These results indicate that butanol and water extracts of M. chamomilla may have an ACE inhibitor potential.
Asiaticoside inhibits renal fibrosis development by regulating the miR‐142‐5p/ACTN4 axis
Authors: Zhang Min , Liu Shuhuan , Fang Liming , Wang Gang , Yin Liping 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRenal fibrosis results in the progressive renal dysfunction and leads to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and ultimately end‐stage renal disease. Asiaticoside was reported to regulate synaptopodin, desmin, nephrin, and podocin levels in adriamycin‐induced nephropathy of rats. In this study, we found out that asiaticoside inhibited renal fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, miR‐142‐5p was upregulated in in vitro and in vivo models of CKD. MiR‐142‐5p promoted the levels of collagen‐I, collagen‐IV, and fibronectin proteins. Additionally, miR‐142‐5p overexpression partly rescued the protective effect of asiaticoside on renal fibrosis. Mechanistically, miR‐142‐5p inhibited ACTN4 levels by binding with its 3´untranslated region, and further reduced its translation. Treatment of asiaticoside decreased miR‐142‐5p levels and increased ACTN4 levels. Rescue assays revealed that ACTN4 overexpression partially rescued the effect of miR‐142‐5p on renal fibrosis. Asiaticoside mitigated renal fibrosis by regulating the miR‐142‐5p/ACTN4 axis. In conclusion, asiaticoside inhibits renal fibrosis by regulating the miR‐142‐5p/ACTN4 axis. This novel discovery suggested that asiaticoside may serve as a potential medicine for renal fibrosis improvement.
Beurteilung der Bauwerkszuverlässigkeit durch Bauwerksmonitoring
Authors: Herbrand Martin , Wenner Marc , Ullerich Christof , Rauert Tim , Zehetmaier Gerhard , Marx Steffen 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDurch den schlechten Zustand vieler älterer Brücken und Änderungen in den Regelwerken ergeben sich häufig Defizite bei der Nachrechnung von Bestandsbrücken nach Nachrechnungsrichtlinie. Für den Fall, dass die erforderliche Bauwerkssicherheit nicht nachgewiesen werden kann, können Bauwerksmessungen zeitlich begrenzt oder als Dauermonitoring durchgeführt werden, um Erkenntnisse über die zeitlich veränderliche Beanspruchung zu gewinnen. Zentral hierfür ist die Ableitung von Zustandsindikatoren für das Bauwerk, die letztendlich den Handlungsbedarf für Betreiber und Ingenieure anzeigen. Im einfachsten Fall wird hierfür z. B. ein Ausnutzungsgrad ermittelt, der allerdings keinen Rückschluss auf das Risiko ermöglicht und streng genommen nur eine binäre Bewertung zulässt. In diesem Beitrag wird daher eine Vorgehensweise erläutert und am Beispiel der Hamburger Köhlbrandbrücke umgesetzt, die es erlaubt, einen Zuverlässigkeitsindex als zeitlich veränderlichen Zustandsindikator bezogen auf den Beulnachweis aus den dynamischen Monitoringdaten abzuleiten.
Distinguishing three effects of time pressure on risk taking: Choice consistency, risk preference, and strategy selection
Authors: Olschewski Sebastian , Rieskamp Jörg 
Published: January 2021

AbstractQuick decision making under risk is ubiquitous in modern times, yet its consequences are not fully understood. Time pressure might change people's risk preferences, lead to less consistent choices, or change people's decision strategy. With the present work, we make the novel contribution of testing all hypotheses against each other in a unifying hierarchical Bayesian model. In two studies, participants decided repeatedly between two risky gambles either with or without high time pressure. We found a significant increase in risky choices under time pressure. With modeling, we show that time pressure decreased choice consistency but did not systematically affect people's risk preferences. In addition, the number of participants using simple, noncompensatory strategies increased slightly under time pressure. Finally, participants did not systematically choose easier gambles more often under time pressure. Thus, a reliable analysis of the effect of time pressure on preferential choice requires a model framework that allows for the distinction between the various effects time pressure can have.
Physical ‘strength’ of the multi‐protein chain connecting immune cells: Does the weakest link limit antibody affinity maturation?
Authors: Desikan Rajat , Antia Rustom , Dixit Narendra M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe affinities of antibodies (Abs) for their target antigens (Ags) gradually increase in vivo following an infection or vaccination, but reach saturation at values well below those realisable in vitro. This ‘affinity ceiling’ could in many cases restrict our ability to fight infections and compromise vaccines. What determines the affinity ceiling has been an unresolved question for decades. Here, we argue that it arises from the strength of the chain of protein complexes that is pulled by B cells during the process of Ag acquisition. The affinity ceiling is determined by the strength of the weakest link in the chain. We identify the weakest link and show that the resulting affinity ceiling can explain the Ab affinities realized in vivo, providing a conceptual understanding of Ab affinity maturation. We explore plausible evolutionary underpinnings of the affinity ceiling, examine supporting evidence and alternative hypotheses and discuss implications for vaccination strategies.
Role of luteolin in overcoming Parkinson's disease
Authors: Siddique Yasir Hasan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder affecting elderly people (>60 years old) worldwide. There is no permanent cure for the disease but the symptomatic relief can be obtained by using dopamine agonists besides L‐dopa therapy. The longer use of the drugs is associated with several side effects. Hence, the researchers have made a considerable attention toward the development of neuroprotective agents from plants. A number of phytochemicals have been demonstrated for their protective effects in various in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. In this context, luteolin, a flavone which is present in fruits and vegetables has been attributed to a number of pharmacological properties including neuroprotective. The present review demonstrates the bioavailability, oral absorption, and mechanism of action against PD.
Online discussions in biochemistry to increase peer interactions and student interest
Authors: Wilson Kristy J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe online environment poses a number of challenges, including creating opportunities for students to interact and get to know each other. I propose adding online discussions that can allow students to explore the real‐world implications of biochemistry to provide course context, build the classroom community, diversify student assessment, and practice communication and information literacy skills. Utilizing current events and elements of students' daily lives can help students interconnect what they are learning and increase student interest in the course. These discussions ask students to explore a topic, reflect on what they would like to learn, find information, and report back on what they have learned. Herein I provide an example of a discussion prompt, a table of other potential discussion topics that are aligned with common biochemistry course topics, and results from student survey supporting discussion format.
Phenotypic characterization of frontal cortex microglia in a rat model of post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Cotrone Thomas S. , Hocog Charina B. , Ramsey Joseph T. , Sanchez Marcus A. , Sullivan Heather M. , Scrimgeour Angus G. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionPost‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder induced by psychologically traumatic events. Using a rat model, this study aimed to determine whether psychological trauma alters relative expression between pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory markers in microglia. To meet this goal, expression of genes encoding i‐NOS, arginase, TNF‐α, interleukin‐10, CD74, and Mannose Receptor C was analyzed on multiple days following trauma exposure.MethodsSingle‐prolonged stress (SPS) was used to model PTSD in male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Twenty‐four rats (12 Controls and 12 SPS‐exposed) were sacrificed on Days 1, 3, and 7 post‐SPS. Twenty‐four (12 Controls and 12 SPS‐exposed) additional rats were exposed to classical fear conditioning on Day 7, and fear extinction on Days 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17. Freezing behavior was measured to assess fear resolution. Microglial isolates were collected from the frontal cortex, and RNA was extracted. Changes in relative expression of target genes were quantified via RT‐PCR.ResultsSPS rats showed significant decreases in IL‐10 and TNF‐α expression and increases in the i‐NOS:Arginase and TNF‐α:IL‐10 ratios compared to Controls on Day 1, but not on Day 3 or Day 7 for any of the dependent variables. Day 17 SPS rats showed a significant decrease in IL‐10 expression and an increase in the TNF‐α:IL‐10 ratio, further characterized by a significant inverse relationship between IL‐10 expression and fear persistence.ConclusionPsychological trauma impacts the immunological phenotype of microglia of the frontal cortex. Consequently, future studies should further evaluate the mechanistic role of microglia in PTSD pathology.
Implementing circular economy in the textile and clothing industry
Authors: Saha Krishnendu , Dey Prasanta Kumar , Papagiannaki Eleni 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis research reveals the current state of the circular economy (CE), challenges and opportunities of implementing CE and interventions that could facilitate effective implementation of CE in the textile and clothing (TC) industry. The study uses a survey method within 114 TC companies based in Bangladesh, Vietnam and India revealing the correlation of CE fields of action (take, make, distribute, use and recover) with sustainability (economic, environmental and social) performance. The lack of financial, technological and human resources along with management's reluctance and end‐user's indifference to sustainability is the biggest challenge for CE implementation. The research further derives that the TC firms are unable to eradicate the challenges to CE implementation without a holistic approach that involves the collective effort from the industry, host government's incentives, their buyers and above all the conscience of the end‐users. Finally, the study reveals that the collaborative efforts, knowledge sharing in sustainability management across the value chain and marketisation of the waste recycling, among others, are a few actions the stakeholders of the TC industry must adopt for implementing CE successfully.
How to innovate business models for a circular bio‐economy?
Authors: Donner Mechthild , de Vries Hugo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractShifting from a linear to a circular bio‐economy requires new business models. The objective was getting insights into the uncharted research field of business model innovation for a circular and sustainable bio‐economy within the agrifood sector. Eight European cases valorising agricultural waste and by‐products by closing loops or cascading were studied regarding their innovation drivers and elements, via interviews, on‐site visits and secondary data. In this domain, the findings highlight that business model innovations are depending on the (i) macro‐environmental institutional‐legal conditions and market trends, (ii) driven by internal economic, environmental and/or social objectives, but especially strongly linked to (iii) other actors often from different sectors seeking synergies and (iv) value co‐creation via combined organisational and technological innovations. Business models for a circular bio‐economy thus depend on various action levels and need radical combined organisational and technological innovations for a most efficient usage of agricultural waste and by‐products. This also means new business configurations instead of linear innovation strategies currently still being dominant due to economic viability.
Model‐based workflow for scale‐up of process strategies developed in miniaturized bioreactor systems
Authors: Arndt Lukas , Wiegmann Vincent , Kuchemüller Kim B. , Baganz Frank , Pörtner Ralf , Möller Johannes 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMiniaturized bioreactor (MBR) systems are routinely used in the development of mammalian cell culture processes. However, scale‐up of process strategies obtained in MBR‐ to larger scale is challenging due to mainly non‐holistic scale‐up approaches. In this study, a model‐based workflow is introduced to quantify differences in the process dynamics between bioreactor scales and thus enable a more knowledge‐driven scale‐up. The workflow is applied to two case studies with antibody‐producing Chinese hamster ovary cell lines. With the workflow, model parameter distributions are estimated first under consideration of experimental variability for different scales. Second, the obtained individual model parameter distributions are tested for statistical differences. In case of significant differences, model parametric distributions are transferred between the scales. In case study I, a fed‐batch process in a microtiter plate (4 ml working volume) and lab‐scale bioreactor (3750 ml working volume) was mathematically modeled and evaluated. No significant differences were identified for model parameter distributions reflecting process dynamics. Therefore, the microtiter plate can be applied as scale‐down tool for the lab‐scale bioreactor. In case study II, a fed‐batch process in a 24‐Deep‐Well‐Plate (2 ml working volume) and shake flask (40 ml working volume) with two feed media was investigated. Model parameter distributions showed significant differences. Thus, process strategies were mathematically transferred, and model predictions were simulated for a new shake flask culture setup and confirmed in validation experiments. Overall, the workflow enables a knowledge‐driven evaluation of scale‐up for a more efficient bioprocess design and optimization.
Synthetic biology in biofilms: Tools, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Tran Peter , Prindle Arthur 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe field of synthetic biology seeks to program living cells to perform novel functions with applications ranging from environmental biosensing to smart cell‐based therapeutics. Bacteria are an especially attractive chassis organism due to their rapid growth, ease of genetic manipulation, and ability to persist across many environmental niches. Despite significant progress in bacterial synthetic biology, programming bacteria to perform novel functions outside the well‐controlled laboratory context remains challenging. In contrast to planktonic laboratory growth, bacteria in nature predominately reside in the context of densely packed communities known as biofilms. While biofilms have historically been considered environmental and biomedical hazards, their physiology and emergent behaviors could be leveraged for synthetic biology to engineer more capable and robust bacteria. Specifically, bacteria within biofilms participate in complex emergent behaviors such as collective organization, cell‐to‐cell signaling, and division of labor. Understanding and utilizing these properties can enable the effective deployment of engineered bacteria into natural target environments. Toward this goal, this review summarizes the current state of synthetic biology in biofilms by highlighting new molecular tools and remaining biological challenges. Looking to future opportunities, advancing synthetic biology in biofilms will enable the next generation of smart cell‐based technologies for use in medicine, biomanufacturing, and environmental remediation.
Mismatch repair protein and MLH1 methylation status as predictors of response to adjuvant therapy in endometrial cancer
Authors: Loukovaara Mikko , Pasanen Annukka , Bützow Ralf 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundMismatch repair (MMR) system has been implicated in the response of mammalian cells to ionizing radiation and DNA damaging agents. We investigated the value of the MMR system in predicting response to adjuvant therapy in endometrial cancer.MethodsThis was a single institution retrospective study. MMR protein status of endometrial carcinomas was assessed by immunohistochemistry. MMR deficient (MMR‐D) tumors were identified as MLH1 methylated or nonmethylated by methylation‐specific multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification. Tumors with abnormal p53 staining or polymerase ϵ exonuclease domain mutation were excluded from the MMR proficient subgroup, which was termed as “no specific molecular profile” (NSMP). Disease‐specific survival analyses were adjusted for age, stage, histology and grade, depth of myometrial invasion, and lymphovascular space invasion.ResultsA total of 505 patients were included in the study. Median follow‐up time was 81 months (range 1–136). Whole pelvic radiotherapy (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.092 vs. no adjuvant therapy) and chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy (adjusted HR 0.18) were associated with improved disease‐specific survival in the NSMP subgroup (n = 218). In contrast, adjuvant therapies showed no effect on disease‐specific survival in the full MMR‐D cohort (n = 287) or in MLH1 methylated tumors (n = 154). Whole pelvic radiotherapy (adjusted HR 25 vs. no adjuvant therapy/vaginal brachytherapy) and chemotherapy combined with whole pelvic radiotherapy (adjusted HR 32) were associated with poor disease‐specific survival in MMR‐D nonmethylated tumors (n = 70).ConclusionMMR protein and MLH1 methylation status predict the response to adjuvant therapy in endometrial cancer. The MMR system could be utilized for selection of patients who most likely benefit from adjuvant therapy.