bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Hydrogel Platform that Incorporates Laminin Isoforms for Efficient Presentation of Growth Factors – Neural Growth and Osteogenesis
Authors: Dobre Oana , Oliva Mariana A. G. , Ciccone Giuseppe , Trujillo Sara , Rodrigo‐Navarro Aleixandre , Venters Douglas Cormac , Llopis‐Hernandez Virginia , Vassalli Massimo , Gonzalez‐Garcia Cristina , Dalby Matthew J. , Salmeron‐Sanchez Manuel 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLaminins (LMs) are important structural proteins of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The abundance of every LM isoform is tissue‐dependent, suggesting that LM has tissue‐specific roles. LM binds growth factors (GFs), which are powerful cytokines widely used in tissue engineering due to their ability to control stem cell differentiation. Currently, the most commonly used ECM mimetic material in vitro is Matrigel, a matrix of undefined composition containing LM and various GFs, but subjected to batch variability and lacking control of physicochemical properties. Inspired by Matrigel, a new and completely defined hydrogel platform based on hybrid LM‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels with controllable stiffness (1–25 kPa) and degradability is proposed. Different LM isoforms are used to bind and efficiently display GFs (here, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP‐2) and beta‐nerve growth factor (β‐NGF)), enabling their solid‐phase presentation at ultralow doses to specifically target a range of tissues. The potential of this platform to trigger stem cell differentiation toward osteogenic lineages and stimulate neural cells growth in 3D, is demonstrated. These hydrogels enable 3D, synthetic, defined composition, and reproducible cell culture microenvironments reflecting the complexity of the native ECM, where GFs in combination with LM isoforms yield the full diversity of cellular processes.
R3HDM1 haploinsufficiency is associated with mild intellectual disability
Authors: Fukushi Daisuke , Inaba Mie , Katoh Kimiko , Suzuki Yasuyo , Enokido Yasushi , Nomura Noriko , Tokita Yoshihito , Hayashi Shin , Mizuno Seiji , Yamada Kenichiro , Wakamatsu Nobuaki 
Published: March 2021

AbstractR3HDM1 (R3H domain containing 1) is an uncharacterized RNA‐binding protein that is highly expressed in the human cerebral cortex. We report the first case of a 12‐year‐old Japanese male with haploinsufficiency of R3HDM1. He presented with mild intellectual disability (ID) and developmental delay. He had a pericentric inversion of 46,XY,inv(2)(p16.1q21.3)dn with breakpoints in intron 19 of R3HDM1 (2q21.3) and the intergenic region (2p16.1). The R3HDM1 levels in his lymphoblastoid cells were reduced to approximately half that of the healthy controls. However, the expression of MIR128‐1, in intron 18 of R3HDM1, was not affected via the pericentric inversion. Knockdown of R3HDM1 in mouse embryonic hippocampal neurons suppressed dendritic growth and branching. Notably, the Database of Genomic Variants reported the case of a healthy control with a 488‐kb deletion that included both R3HDM1 and MIR128‐1. miR‐128 has been reported to inhibit dendritic growth and branching in mouse brain neurons, which directly opposes the novel functions of R3HDM1. These findings suggest that deleting both R3HDM1 and MIR128‐1 alleviates the symptoms of the disease caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in R3HDM1 only. Thus, haploinsufficiency of R3HDM1 in the patient may be the cause of the mild ID due to the genetic imbalance between R3HDM1 and MIR128‐1.
Oxygen Bridged Bimetallic CuMoO4Nanocatalyst for Benzylic Alcohol Oxidation; Mechanism and DFT Study
Authors: Behera Pradyota Kumar , Choudhury Prabhupada , Sahu Santosh Kumar , Sahu Rashmi Ranjan , Harvat Alisha N. , McNulty Caitlin , Stitgen Abigail , Scanlon Joseph , Kar Manoranjan , Rout Laxmidhar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThough concept of oxygen bridged bimetallic catalyst for organic reaction is not well understood. Herein, we have tried to explain the concept by experimental as well as its support by full DFT study. We report here a competent protocol for dehydrogenative oxidation of benzylic alcohol using an oxygen bridged bimetallic CuMoO4nano catalyst. Careful demonstration reveals that oxidation is not effective either with mono‐metallic Cu (II) or Mo(VI); instead combination of both the metals through the oxygen bridge [Cu−O−Mo] unexpectedly and interestingly catalyzed the reaction efficiently. The new concept is strongly supported by computational DFT study. DFT study reveals dehydrogenative oxidation is preferred at copper centre over molybdenum and aromatic benzyl alcohols are greatly stabilised. Interaction barrier energy of monometallic CuO and MoO3catalyst is much higher than bimetallic CuMoO4. Hydrogen transfer has larger barrier heights for CuO (31.5 kcal/mol) and MoO3(40.3 kcal/mol) than bimetallic CuMoO4.
Surface Grafting “Band‐Aid” for “Everyone”: Filter Paper‐Assisted Surface‐Initiated Polymerization in the Presence of Air
Authors: Li Wei , Sheng Wenbo , Li Bin , Jordan Rainer 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe report herein a facile and generalized approach to the modification of solid surfaces with polymer brushes under ambient conditions: filter paper‐assisted surface‐initiated Cu0‐mediated controlled radical polymerization (PSI‐CuCRP). The polymerization solution wetted filter paper is sandwiched between a copper plate and an initiator‐modified substrate, which allows the creation of a surface‐initiated polymerization (SIP) “band‐aid” so that everyone can perform the surface grafting selectively with good control over the quality of the polymer brushes employing low concentration and microliter amounts of the monomer solution. The versatility of this method is demonstrated by grafting different homo‐, block‐, and multicomponent polymer brushes by using the same activation system and reaction conditions, the polymerization process can be precisely controlled to yield uniform polymers and show high chain‐end functionality which is exemplified by in situ tetra‐copolymerization. The combination of photolithography and paper cutting enables to prepare arbitrary three‐dimensional patterned polymer brushes on the surface.
Syntheses and Physical Properties of Cationic BN‐Embedded Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Gotoh Hajime , Nakatsuka Soichiro , Tanaka Hiroki , Yasuda Nobuhiro , Haketa Yohei , Maeda Hiromitsu , Hatakeyama Takuji 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCationic BN‐embedded polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (BN‐PAH+s) were synthesized from a nitrogen‐containing macrocycle via pyridine‐directed tandem C−H borylation. Incorporating BN into PAH+resulted in a remarkable hypsochromic shift due to an increase in the LUMO energy and the symmetry changes of the HOMO and LUMO. Electrophilic substitution or anion exchange of BN‐PAH+possessing tetrabromoborate as a counter anion (BN+[BBr4−]) afforded air‐stable BN‐PAH/PAH+s. Of these,BN+[TfO−]allowed reversible two‐electron reduction and the formation of two‐dimensional brickwork‐type π‐electronic ion pair with 1,2,3,4,5‐pentacyanocyclopentadienyl anion, demonstrating the potential application of BN‐PAH+as electronic materials.
Application of Cocultures of Fungal Mycelium during Solid‐State Fermentation of Canola Meal for Potential Feed Application
Authors: Alhomodi Ahmad F. , Zavadil Andrea , Berhow Mark , Gibbons William R. , Karki Bishnu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this study, the mono‐, bi‐, and tri‐cultivation of Aureobasidium pullulans, Neurospora crassa, and Trichoderma reesei in solid‐state fermentation were applied to improve the nutritional values of hexane extracted canola meal (HECM) along with the reduction of antinutritional factors for animal feed applications. Static fermentation trials of 50% moisture content HECM were conducted in 500 mL Erlenmeyer flasks for 168 hours at 30 °C. The results showed that fungal cultivation had positive effects on the level of protein, fiber, and, glucosinolates (GLS). Monoculture of N. crassa exhibited the highest protein level of 49%. The combination of A. pullulans and N. crassa provided the highest reduction of crude fiber, acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber by 21.9%, 1.7%, and 9.1%, respectively. Bi‐culture of A. pullulans and T. reesei resulted in the best GLS reduction by 81.3% (0.3 vs. 1.6 μM g−1 GLS of uninoculated control). These results indicate that each fungal strain possesses different enzymatic ability and selectively can work with other fungi in synergistic relationship for better fungal conversion of canola meal.
Effects of molecular weight and molecular weight distribution on creep properties of polypropylene homopolymer
Authors: Kurt Gökçe , Kasgoz Alper 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe molecular weights of the industrial‐grade isotactic polypropylene (i‐PP) homopolymers samples were determined by the melt‐state rheological method and effects of molecular weight and molecular weight distribution on solid and melt state creep properties were investigated in detail. The melt‐state creep test results showed that the creep resistance of the samples increased by Mw due to the increased chain entanglements, while variations in the polydispersity index (PDI) values did not cause a considerable change in the creep strain values. Moreover, the solid‐state creep test results showed that creep strain values increased by Mw and PDI due to the decreasing amount of crystalline structure in the polymer. The results also showed that the amount of crystalline segment was more effective than chain entanglements that were caused by long polymer chains on the creep resistance of the polymers. Modeling the solid‐state viscoelastic structure of the samples by the Burger model revealed that the weight of the viscous strain in the total creep strain increased with Mw and PDI, which meant that the differences in the creep strain values of the samples would be more pronounced at extended periods of time.
Preparation and properties of wear‐resistant and flame‐retardant polyphenylsulfoneurea/monomer casting nylon copolymers
Authors: Lang Feng , Song Ling , Lin Yi , You Yilan , Li Duxin , Jiang Qibin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA poly(phenylsulfone)‐urea (PPSUU) macro‐activator is synthesized by in situ anionic polymerization of 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylsulfone and hexamethylene diisocyanate. The PPSUU segment is embedded into the nylon molecular chain through copolymerization to improve the wear resistance and flame retardancy of monomer cast nylon 6 (MC PA6) materials. The mechanical properties, thermal stability, friction and wear properties and combustion heat release rate of copolymers with different macro‐activator contents are tested. Results indicate that a small amount of PPSUU can improve the wear resistance and impact properties of nylon materials. The wear loss of MC nylon is 54.8% less than pure MC nylon from 1.049 × 10−8 to 0.474 × 10−8 g/Nm with 6 wt% PPSUU. Moreover, better flame retardancy is verified. The peak of HRR reduced 36.8% from 654 to 413 kw/m2 with 4 wt% PPSUU, accompanied by advanced ignition time and flame extinction time, thus reducing the risk of fire.
Extracting flavonoid from Ginkgo biloba using lignocellulolytic bacteria Paenarthrobacter sp. and optimized via response surface methodology
Authors: Han Sihai , Chio Chonlong , Ma Tianxiao , Mokale Kognou Aristide Laurel , Shrestha Sarita , Chen Feifei , Qin Wensheng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGinkgo biloba flavonoids are important natural bioactive compounds with strong physiological effects. To develop an eco‐friendly and effective method for extracting flavonoids from plants, a microbial method involving lignocellulose‐degrading bacterial enzymes was developed to improve flavonoid extraction from Ginkgo biloba leaves. In this study, a newly isolated bacterial strain, Paenarthrobacter sp. S1.3, was employed for the fermentation processing of Ginkgo biloba leaf powder. The enzymatic characteristics of xylanase, CMCase, polygalacturonase, and β‐glucosidase from Paenarthrobacter sp. S1.3 were also investigated. The major fermentation parameters for the microbial extraction of Ginkgo biloba flavonoids were optimized using response surface methodology. Under optimal conditions (30.6 °C, initial pH 7.6, and fermentation time 25 h), a total flavonoid yield of 34.15 ± 0.52 mg g−1 dry weight was obtained, which was 2.11 fold and 1.42 fold higher than the yields obtained from the unfermented and ethanol extraction methods, respectively. The optimized results also suggest that the polygalacturonase and β‐glucosidase might play an important role in flavonoid extraction. Fermentation utilizing lignocellulose‐degrading bacteria was a feasible green approach to improve the extraction of natural compounds from plants. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The role of extracellular DNA in the formation, architecture, stability, and treatment of bacterial biofilms
Authors: Panlilio Hannah , Rice Charles V. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAdvances in biotechnology to treat and cure human disease have markedly improved human health and the development of modern societies. However, substantial challenges remain to overcome innate biological factors that thwart the activity and efficacy of pharmaceutical therapeutics. Until recently, the importance of extracellular DNA (eDNA) in biofilms was overlooked. New data reveal its extensive role in biofilm formation, adhesion, and structural integrity. Different approaches to target eDNA as anti‐biofilm therapies have been proposed, but eDNA and the corresponding biofilm barriers are still difficult to disrupt. Therefore, more creative approaches to eradicate biofilms are needed. The production of eDNA often originates with the genetic material of bacterial cells through cell lysis. However, genomic DNA and eDNA are not necessarily structurally or compositionally identical. Variations are noteworthy because they dictate important interactions within the biofilm. Interactions between eDNA and biofilm components may as well be exploited as alternative anti‐biofilm strategies. In this review, we discuss recent developments in eDNA research, emphasizing potential ways to disrupt biofilms. This review also highlights proteins, exopolysaccharides, and other molecules interacting with eDNA that can serve as anti‐biofilm therapeutic targets. Overall, the array of diverse interactions with eDNA is important in biofilm structure, architecture, and stability.
Studies on effect of Tongfengxiaofang in HUM model mice using a UPLC–ESI–Q‐TOF/MS metabolomic approach
Authors: Chen Renhao , Wang Qi , Li Zhifeng , Wang Dongxu , Yang Shilin , Feng Yulin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHyperuricemia (HUM) is a major risk factor for the development of gout. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) complex prescription Tongfengxiaofang (TFXF) is composed of a variety of TCMs. To study the therapeutic effect of TFXF on HUM mice and the mechanisms by which it exerts a therapeutic effect, the biochemical indices were measured and qPCR technique was used. In addition, plasma metabolomics analysis was carried out based on UPLC–Q‐TOF/MS to evaluate the characteristics of the metabolic spectrum changes. TFXF significantly downregulated the contents of uric acid, urea nitrogen and creatinine in serum and the concentration of xanthine oxidase in liver of HUM mice. In addition, TFXF significantly inhibited the overexpression of uric acid transporter 1 and glucose transporter 9 and upregulated the expression of organic anion transporter 1 in the kidney. A total of 152 metabolites were identified and 11 key biomarkers were further selected from these pathways to understand the mechanism of TFXF on the arginine biosynthesis, galactose metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism and the citrate cycle (TCA cycle). The results of this confirmed the effect of TFXF on HUM and revealed the metabolic activity mechanism.
Hypoxia‐induced cofilin 1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating the PLD1/AKT pathway
Authors: Yao Bowen , Li Yazhao , Chen Tianxiang , Niu Yongshen , Wang Yufeng , Yang Yuanyuan , Wei Xinyu , Liu Qingguang , Tu Kangsheng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth fatal malignant tumour type worldwide. However, the exact molecular mechanism involved in HCC progression remains unclear.MethodsThree pairs of HCC and matched portal vein tumour thrombus (PVTT) tissue samples were analysed by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) assay to investigate the differentially expressed proteins. Real‐time quantitative PCR, immunostaining, and immunoblotting were performed to detect cofilin 1 (CFL1) in HCC and non‐tumour tissues. CCK8 and EdU, and Transwell assays, respectively, determined cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. Further, subcutaneous and tail vein injection were performed in nude mice for investigating HCC growth and lung metastasis in vivo. Regulatory effect of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) on CFL1 was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Finally, interaction between CFL1 and phospholipase D1 (PLD1) was studied using immunoprecipitation (IP) assay.ResultsThe iTRAQ analysis identified expression of CFL1 to be significantly upregulated in PVTT than in HCC tissues. Increased expression of CFL1 was closely associated with unfavourable clinical features, and was an independent risk predictor of overall survival in HCC patients. The knockdown of CFL1 inhibited cell growth viability, invasiveness, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in HCC cells. Furthermore, CFL1 silencing significantly suppressed the growth and lung metastasis of HCC cells in nude mice. Next, HIF‐1α directly regulated CFL1 transcription by binding to the hypoxia‐responsive element (HRE) in the promoter. Moreover, we disclosed the interaction between CFL1 and PLD1 in HCC cells using IP assay. Mechanistically, CFL1 maintained PLD1 expression by repressing ubiquitin‐mediated protein degradation, thereby activating AKT signalling in HCC cells. Notably, the CFL1/PLD1 axis was found mediating the hypoxia‐induced activation of the AKT pathway and EMT.ConclusionThe analysis suggests that hypoxia‐induced CFL1 increases the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT in HCC by activating the PLD1/AKT pathway.
Spatially clustered count data provide more efficient search strategies in invasion biology and disease control
Authors: Stevens Michael C. A. , Faulkner Sally C. , Wilke André B. B. , Beier John C. , Vasquez Chalmers , Petrie William D. , Fry Hannah , Nichols Richard A. , Verity Robert , Le Comber Steven C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGeographic profiling, a mathematical model originally developed in criminology, is increasingly being used in ecology and epidemiology. Geographic profiling boasts a wide range of applications, such as finding source populations of invasive species or breeding sites of vectors of infectious disease. The model provides a cost‐effective approach for prioritizing search strategies for source locations and does so via simple data in the form of the positions of each observation, such as individual sightings of invasive species or cases of a disease. In doing so, however, classic geographic profiling approaches fail to make the distinction between those areas containing observed absences and those areas where no data were recorded. Absence data are generated via spatial sampling protocols but are often discarded during the inference process. Here we construct a geographic profiling model that resolves these issues by making inferences via count data, analyzing a set of discrete sentinel locations at which the number of encounters has been recorded. Crucially, in our model this number can be zero. We verify the ability of this new model to estimate source locations and other parameters of practical interest via a Bayesian power analysis. We also measure model performance via real‐world data in which the model infers breeding locations of mosquitoes in bromeliads in Miami‐Dade County, Florida, USA. In both cases, our novel model produces more efficient search strategies by shifting focus from those areas containing observed absences to those with no data, an improvement over existing models that treat these areas equally. Our model makes important improvements upon classic geographic profiling methods, which will significantly enhance real‐world efforts to develop conservation management plans and targeted interventions.
Climate policy integration viewed through the stakeholders' eyes: A co‐production of knowledge in social‐ecological transformation research
Authors: Plank Christina , Haas Willi , Schreuer Anna , Irshaid Jenan , Barben Daniel , Görg Christoph 
Published: March 2021

AbstractClimate policy integration (CPI) is regarded in the literature as key to combatting climate change. It has been critically discussed to what extent climate policy is integrated in different policy fields at the European and the national level. In this paper, we analyze the expectations toward CPI from the perspective of stakeholders focusing on two fields in Austria — energy and land use. We combine CPI approaches with social‐ecological transformation research, which highlights obstacles for CPI, which can be found in the polity, leading to conflicts between different actor groups or institutions. More specifically, we examine, through a process of co‐production of knowledge together with stakeholder groups, how CPI functions in its categories of horizontal and vertical policy integration, cooperation and conflict, reporting, vision, uncertainties, and reflexivity. Results show that policy integration remains contested, alternative visions to economic growth are needed and communication with policy‐makers needs to be improved. Furthermore, reflexive learning is central for the success of CPI. Finally, it matters who has access and who plays a role in governance structures. Co‐production of knowledge can play a crucial role, but faces a challenging tension between being inclusive and losing its transformative capacities. A shift from a narrow focus on policy making to consider the limiting or enabling structural conditions for interaction between a wide variety of stakeholders is required. Instead of reflexive learning how to best accommodate the powerful interest groups, this could increase the space for reflexive and adaptive policy integration aimed at achieving normative climate targets.
Effect of Chelate Ring Size of Binuclear Copper(II) Complexes on Catecholase Activity and DNA Cleavage
Authors: Homrich Alana M. , Farias Giliandro , Amorim Suélen M. , Xavier Fernando R. , Gariani Rogério A. , Neves Ademir , Terenzi Hernán , Peralta Rosely A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCatecholase activity of dicopper(II) complexes containing different numbers of chelate members in the pyridine groups of the ligand was studied to identify a functional model for copper enzyme catechol oxidase. Complexes [CuII(μ‐OH)CuII(L1)](ClO4) (1), [CuII(μ‐OH)CuII(L2)](ClO4) (2), and [CuII(μ‐OH)CuII(L3)](ClO4) (3) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and electrochemistry. Their catalytic activity in the oxidation of 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol was determined. Changing the number of members of the chelate rings altered the catalytic activity. Complex 2 showed the highest catalytic activity due to a high turnover rate, with efficiency of 3.40±0.61. Mechanistic investigations indicate that the catalytic reaction occurs through the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) with formation of hydrogen peroxide. The spectroscopic and catecholase activity were further rationalized through DFT and TD‐DFT calculations. Interestingly, all three complexes also showed DNA binding properties, which were also corroborated via molecular docking studies.