bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐10 and Transforming Growth Factor‐β Cytokines Decrease Immune Activation During Normothermic Ex Vivo Machine Perfusion of the Rat Liver
Authors: Carlson Kristin N. , Pavan‐Guimaraes Juliana , Verhagen Joshua C. , Chlebeck Peter , Verhoven Bret , Jennings Heather , Najmabadi Feridoon , Liu Yongjun , Burlingham William , Capitini Christian M. , Al‐Adra David P. 
Published: June 2021

Normothermic ex vivo liver perfusion (NEVLP) is a novel system for organ preservation that may improve over static cold storage clinically and offers the chance for graft modification prior to transplantation. Although recent studies have shown the presence of inflammatory molecules during perfusion, none have yet shown the effects of NEVLP on liver‐resident immune cell activation. We investigated the effects of NEVLP on liver‐resident immune cell activation and assessed the ability of anti‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin 10 (IL10) and transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) to improve organ function and reduce immune activation during perfusion. Rat livers were perfused for 4 hours at 37°C with or without the addition of 20 ng/mL of each IL10 and TGF‐β (n = 7). Naïve and cold storage (4 hours at 4°C) livers served as controls (n = 4). Following preservation, gene expression profiles were assessed through single‐cell RNA sequencing; dendritic cell and macrophage activation was measured by flow cytometry; and cytokine production was assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. NEVLP induced a global inflammatory gene expression signature, most notably in liver‐resident macrophages and dendritic cells, which was accompanied by an increase in cell‐surface levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II, CD40, and CD86. Immune activation was partially ameliorated by IL10 and TGF‐β treatment, but no changes were observed in inflammatory cytokine production. Overall levels of liver damage and cellular apoptosis from perfusion were low, and liver function was improved with IL10 and TGF‐β treatment. This is the first study to demonstrate that liver‐resident immune cells gain an activated phenotype during NEVLP on both the gene and protein level and that this activation can be reduced through therapeutic intervention with IL10 and TGF‐β.
A Review: Optimization for Poly(glycerol sebacate) and Fabrication Techniques for Its Centered Scaffolds
Authors: Wu Zebin , Jin Kaixiang , Wang Lizhen , Fan Yubo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPoly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS), an emerging promising thermosetting polymer synthesized from sebacic acid and glycerol, has attracted considerable attention due to its elasticity, biocompatibility, and tunable biodegradation properties. But it also has some drawbacks such as harsh synthesis conditions, rapid degradation rates, and low stiffness. To overcome these challenges and optimize PGS performance, various modification methods and fabrication techniques for PGS‐based scaffolds have been developed in recent years. Outlining the current modification approaches of PGS and summarizing the fabrication techniques for PGS‐based scaffolds are of great importance to accelerate the development of new materials and enable them to be appropriately used in potential applications. Thus, this review comprehensively overviews PGS derivatives, PGS composites, PGS blends, processing for PGS‐based scaffolds, and their related applications. It is envisioned that this review could instruct and inspire the design of the PGS‐based materials and facilitate tissue engineering advances into clinical practice.
Enhanced Eradication of Mucin‐Embedded Bacterial Biofilm by Locally Delivered Antibiotics in Functionalized Microcontainers
Authors: Birk Stine Egebro , Serioli Laura , Cavallo Valentina , Haagensen Janus Anders Juul , Molin Søren , Nielsen Line Hagner , Zór Kinga , Boisen Anja 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBacterial biofilm‐related infections are difficult to eradicate and require repeated treatments with high doses of antibiotics. Thus, there is an urgent need for new treatment strategies that minimize the use of antibiotics while enhancing biofilm eradication. Functionalized reservoir‐based microdevices, such as, microcontainers (MCs), offer, high drug loading capacity, mucus embedment, and tuneable drug release. Here, MCs are loaded with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP), and sealed with a lid consisting of chitosan (CHI) and a mucolytic agent, N‐acetylcysteine (NAC). It is found that CHI and NAC work synergistically, showing improved mucoadhesive and mucolytic properties. To better mimic the in vivo habitat of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), the biofilm is grown in a mucin‐containing medium on a newly developed centrifugal microfluidic system. The CHI/NAC coated MCs improve eradication of biofilm (88.22 ± 2.89%) compared to CHI‐coated MCs (72.68 ± 3.73%) or bolus injection (39.86 ± 13.28%). The findings suggest that MCs are significantly more efficient than a bolus treatment. Furthermore, CHI/NAC functionalized MCs kill most of the biomass already after 5 h (80.75 ± 3.50%), mainly due to a fast drug release. This is the first time that CHI/NAC has been combined as a coating to explore mucolytic properties on bacterial biofilms.
Silk Biomaterials for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Ding Zhaozhao , Cheng Weinan , Mia Md Shipan , Lu Qiang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSilk is a natural fibrous polymer with application potential in regenerative medicine. Increasing interest remains for silk materials in bone tissue engineering due to their characteristics in biocompatibility, biodegradability and mechanical properties. Plenty of the in vitro and in vivo studies confirmed the advantages of silk in accelerating bone regeneration. Silk is processed into scaffolds, hydrogels, and films to facilitate different bone regenerative applications. Bioactive factors such as growth factors and drugs, and stem cells are introduced to silk‐based matrices to create friendly and osteogenic microenvironments, directing cell behaviors and bone regeneration. The recent progress in silk‐based bone biomaterials is discussed and focused on different fabrication and functionalization methods related to osteogenesis. The challenges and potential targets of silk bone materials are highlighted to evaluate the future development of silk‐based bone materials.
Blends of Bio‐Based Poly(Limonene Carbonate) with Commodity Polymers
Authors: Neumann Simon , Hu Pin , Bretschneider Felix , Schmalz Holger , Greiner Andreas 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this study, blends of the bio‐based poly(limonene carbonate) (PLimC) with different commodity polymers are investigated in order to explore the potential of PLimC toward generating more sustainable polymer materials by reducing the amount of petro‐ or food‐based polymers. PLimC is employed as minority component in the blends. Next to the morphology and thermal properties of the blends the impact of PLimC on the mechanical properties of the matrix polymers is studied. The interplay of incompatibility and zero‐shear melt viscosity contrast determines the blend morphology, leading for all blends to a dispersed droplet morphology for PLimC. Blends with polymers of similar structure to PLimC (i.e., aliphatic/aromatic polyester) show the best performance with respect to mechanical properties, whereas blends with polystyrene or poly(methyl methacrylate) are too brittle and polyamide 12 blends show very low elongations at break. In blends with Ecoflex (poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)) and Arnitel EM400 (copoly(ether ester)) with poly(butylene terephthalate) hard and polytetrahydrofuran soft segments) a threefold increase in E‐modulus can be achieved, while keeping the elongation at break at reasonable high values of ≈200%, making these blends highly interesting for applications.
Nanoporous Membranes Prepared from Homogeneous Lamellar Structure Developed via Biaxial Melt‐Drawing of Ultra‐High Molecular Weight Polyethylene/Normal Molecular Weight Polyethylene Blend Films
Authors: Tanaka Hidekazu , Takazawa Ayaka , Kakiage Masaki , Yamanobe Takeshi , Uehara Hiroki 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBiaxial melt‐drawing of blend films composed of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene and normal molecular weight polyethylene produced a unique network structure consisting of 30‐nm thick homogeneous folded chain crystals. Subsequent biaxial solid‐drawing produced a nanoporous structure covering a large area of the membrane surface (120 mm × 120 mm). Effects of preparation parameters, including annealing and subsequent solid‐drawing, on resultant nanoporous morphology are also testified to achieve the desirable membrane. The higher gas permeability coefficients of the nanoporous membranes indicate that these nanopores are interconnected along the thickness direction. Despite such excellent porosity, the tensile strength reached 30 MPa, which is similar to that for the initial non‐porous film. Consistence of membrane porousness and robustness is highly desirable for various separation applications, including filtration, water purification, dialysis, and lithium‐ion batteries.
Facile Construction of Zn2+‐Carboxyl Salt‐Bonding as Sacrificial Unit in EPDM Rubber toward Mechanical and Sealing Resilience Performance Enhancement
Authors: Li Chengjie , Yuan Zun , Ye Lin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn view of the facile reaction between carboxyl groups and zinc oxide (ZnO), Zn2+‐carboxyl salt‐bonding is constructed in ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber system by grafting reaction of glutamic acid (Glu), serving as sacrificial unit endowed EPDM‐g‐Glu/ZnO sample with excellent reprocessing and recycling ability. Through reaction of ZnO/methacrylic acid (MAA), EPDM‐g‐Glu/zinc dimethacrylate (ZDMA) composite is further prepared by in situ formation of ZDMA, and ZDMA is rapidly polymerized to form poly‐ZDMA (PZDMA) containing massive Zn2+‐carboxyl ion pairs once vulcanized, which exhibits fuzzy interface with the matrix. Relative to EPDM/ZDMA, the higher polymerization degree of ZDMA is achieved with the reduction of the size of PZDMA clusters, demonstrating the improvement of interfacial bonding, which results in the formation of a developed crosslinking network structure for EPDM‐g‐Glu/ZDMA. The mechanical strength, fracture toughness, and hysteresis loss of EPDM‐g‐Glu/ZDMA‐40% show a significant increase in comparison with EPDM/CB‐40% and EPDM/ZDMA‐40%, meanwhile the relatively lower compression set and slower contact stress relaxation are achieved by energy dissipation mechanism of preferential rupture of Zn2+‐carboxyl salt‐bonding before breakage of covalent bonds during compression aging process, revealing the effective enhancement of durable sealing resilience performance.
Flexible Inserts for Injection Molding of Complex Micro‐Structured Polymer Components
Authors: Hamilton Alex , Perris Jack , Convery Neil , Mulvihill Daniel M. , Gadegaard Nikolaj 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMass production of microfluidic devices commonly relies on injection molding. Injection molding requires a master surface made using micro or nanofabrication. Conventionally, electroplating from a silicon master is used for mold insert production, but this is expensive and cannot be used with masters produced via the Bosch process as interlocking of the scalloping between polymer and metal insert hinders part ejection. Here, an alternative to the electroplating process is developed by adapting a nanoimprint route to produce flexible micro‐structured polymer inserts capable of molding using a Bosch process‐produced master. An optimized fabrication approach using silicon masters with smooth sidewalls (produced using the mixed process) is used to characterize the limits of the process. Aspect ratios of 1 and below are successfully replicated. Feature spacings down to 20 µm are successfully produced with minimal variation between repeated parts. Masters produced using two different Bosch etches exhibiting both coarse and fine nanometer scalloping are also studied. Parts are successfully ejected with retained nanometer scalloping in all samples although inlay damage occurred after >10 replicas. A proof‐of‐concept microfluidic device is successfully produced vindicating the use of this approach as an efficient and cost‐effective approach for the rapid prototyping of complex micro‐structured designs.
Biocompatible Catechol‐Functionalized Cellulose‐Based Adhesives with Strong Water Resistance
Authors: Tang Zuwu , Bian Shuai , Lin Zewei , Xiao He , Zhang Min , Liu Kai , Li Xiuliang , Du Bihui , Huang Liulian , Chen Lihui , Ni Yonghao , Wu Hui 
Published: June 2021

AbstractNumerous traditional adhesives have good adhesion in dry environments. However, non‐environmental‐friendliness and poor water resistance largely limit their practical applications. To prepare biocompatible adhesives with strong water resistance and adhesion strength, in this paper, catechol‐functionalized cellulose‐based adhesive polymers are synthesized by grafting N‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenethyl)methacrylamide and methyl methacrylate onto cellulose chain through atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The successful synthesis of the catechol‐functionalized cellulose‐based adhesive polymers is confirmed by FTIR and 1H NMR. The different characteristics of the adhesive polymers, such as thermal stability, swelling ratio, biocompatibility, and adhesion strength are investigated. Strong water resistance on various substrates is realized in underwater environment for the catechol‐functionalized cellulose‐based adhesive with addition of Fe3+. The adhesion strength and thermal stability are enhanced when the catechol content is increased. The adhesive with catechol content of 25.4% shows the adhesion strength of 0.45 MPa for iron substrate in underwater environment. In addition, the adhesive with addition of Fe3+ exhibits excellent adhesion in dry environment, with maximum adhesion strength of 3.50 MPa for iron substrate. The cell culture test shows that the adhesive polymers have excellent biocompatibility. The biocompatible adhesives with strong water resistance have potential application in electronic, wood, and building fields.
Synergistic Flame Retardant Effects of Carbon Nanotube‐Based Multilayer Nanocoatings
Authors: Kim Jinhong , Jang Junho , Yun Sehui , Kim Hyeon Deok , Byun You Young , Park Yong Tae , Song Jung Il , Cho Chungyeon 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn an effort to develop highly functionalized flame retardant materials, hybrid nanocoatings are prepared by alternately depositing a positively charged polyaniline (PANi) and negatively charged montmorillonite (MMT) using the layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly technique. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are employed in polymer nanocomposites as effective reinforcement, where nanotubes are stabilized in MMT aqueous solution. The 3D structure and high density of CNTs deposited in the PANi/CNTs‐MMT multilayers produce thicker and heavier coatings in comparison to the LbL assemblies without CNTs. Vertical and horizontal flame testing show that the incorporation of CNTs improves fire resistance. Additionally, cone calorimetry reveals that stacking two nanomaterials (MMT and CNTs) in a single coating shows a significant reduction in peak heat release rate (up to 51%), total smoke release (up to 47%), and total heat release (up to 37%) for the polyurethane foam. The enhancement of flame retardancy is attributed to a synergistic effect; MMT serves as a physical barrier that retards the diffusion of heat and gas. The addition of CNTs strengthens the thermal stability and high char yield. These results, coupled with the simplicity with which the LbL deposition is applied, present a viable alternative to halogen‐free flame retardant nanocoatings to natural and synthetic fibers.
Nanomaterials for 3D Printing of Polymers via Stereolithography: Concept, Technologies, and Applications
Authors: Palucci Rosa Raphael , Rosace Giuseppe 
Published: June 2021

AbstractStereolithography (SLA) is an additive manufacturing method with one of the highest accuracies (down to 100 nm) of all solid freeform techniques and has been used in various areas, such as medicine, automotive, aerospace, electronics, and others. However, most resins available nowadays are derived from petroleum. Its toxicity, low biocompatibility, and growing environmental concerns are limiting its application. This review discusses the development of biobased and biocompatible materials for different SLA processes as well as the usage of nanocomposites to increase their applicability. A comprehensive overview of the SLA technologies, photopolymerization chemistry, and resin properties are also provided. Finally, various examples using different types of materials are explored, to show the current and future capabilities of the SLA technique.
A remark on global strong solution of two‐dimensional inhomogeneous nematic liquid crystal flows in a bounded domain
Authors: Zhong Xin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe study an initial boundary value problem of two‐dimensional (2D) inhomogeneous incompressible nematic liquid crystal flows with nonnegative density. It is proved that there exists a unique global strong solution provided that the initial orientation satisfies a geometric condition.
Tensor norms on ordered normed spaces, polarization constants, and exchangeable distributions
Authors: Janson Svante 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe define new norms for symmetric tensors over ordered normed spaces; these norms are defined by considering linear combinations of tensor products or powers of positive elements only. Relations between the different norms are studied. The results are applied to the problem of representing a finitely exchangeable distribution as a mixture of powers, i.e., mixture of distributions of i.i.d. sequences, using a signed mixing measure.
Noncommutative pointwise convergence of orthogonal expansions of several variables
Authors: Pang Changbao , Wang Maofa , Xu Bang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this paper, the boundedness of the maximal function for an operator‐valued weighted L1 space on the unit sphere of , in which the weight functions are invariant under finite reflection groups, is established. We use it to prove the boundedness of orthogonal expansions in h‐harmonics and this result applies to various methods of summability. Furthermore, we obtain the corresponding pointwise convergence theorems. At last, we give some results in the special reflection group .
M‐normal subgroups and non‐abelian lower continuous topological groups
Authors: He Wei , Peng Dekui 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce the notion of m‐normal subgroups and show that the m‐normal subgroups of connect locally compact groups and that of compact groups are closely related to Lie groups. As applications, we extend Theorem 3.8 in [D. Peng and W. He, Lower continuous topological groups, Topol. Appl. 265 (2019)] by giving a lower continuity criterion for dense subgroups of arbitrary topological groups. It is shown that lower continuity is preserved under taking topological products. It is also shown that an infinite compact group is hereditarily lower continuous if and only if the normalizer of every non‐trivial finite subgroup is finite.
Mild Neurological Signs in FMR1 Premutation Women in an Unselected Community‐Based Cohort
Authors: Mailick Marsha R. , Hong Jinkuk , Movaghar Arezoo , DaWalt Leann , Berry‐Kravis Elizabeth M. , Brilliant Murray H. , Boero Jaime , Todd Peter K. , Hall Deborah 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundPremutation‐sized (55–200) CGG repeat expansions in the FMR1 gene cause fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). Most studies of premutation carriers utilized reverse ascertainment to identify patients, leading to a selection bias for larger repeats. As shorter CGG premutation repeats are common in the population, understanding their impact on health outcomes has a potentially large public health footprint.ObjectiveThe study's objective was to compare an unselected group of premutation carriers (n = 35, 55–101 CGG repeats) with matched controls (n = 61, 29–39 CGG repeats) with respect to FXTAS‐type signs using structured neurological assessments.MethodsThree neurologists independently rated signs, using an adapted version of the FXTAS Rating Scale (Leehey MA, Berry‐Kravis E, Goetz CG, et al. FMR1 CGG repeat length predicts motor dysfunction in premutation carriers. Neurology. 2008). This was a double‐blind study, as genetic status (premutation vs. control) was known neither by the participants nor by any of the neurologists. Analyses controlled potentially confounding comorbid conditions in the electronic health record (eg, osteoarthritis and stroke) and probed the association of age with signs.ResultsAlthough there was no overall difference between carriers and controls, among individuals without any potentially confounding comorbid diagnoses, there was a statistically significant age‐associated elevation in FXTAS‐type signs in premutation carriers compared to controls.ConclusionsAmong those who do not have other comorbid diagnoses, women who have CGG repeats at the lower end of the premutation range may be at greater risk for ataxia and parkinsonism than their age peers, although their overall risk of developing such clinical features is low. This study should provide reassurance to those who share characteristics with the present cohort. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Sweet or Bland Dreams? Taste Loss in Isolated REM‐Sleep Behavior Disorder and Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Nigam Milan , Ayadi Ines , Noiray Camille , Branquino‐Bras Ana Catarina , Herraez Sanchez Erika , Leu‐Semenescu Smaranda , Vidailhet Marie , Dodet Pauline , Arnulf Isabelle 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundHyposmia and isolated REM sleep behavior disorder are well‐established features of prodromal Parkinson's disease (PD).ObjectivesThe objective of the present study was to evaluate whether taste loss (reported in PD and possibly suggesting brain stem involvement) is present at the isolated REM sleep behavior disorder stage.MethodsWe assessed taste function using the Taste Strip Test (evaluating 4 concentrations of bitter, sweet, sour, and salty) in 44 participants with isolated REM sleep behavior disorder, 19 with PD, and 29 controls. All participants underwent video‐polysomnography, standardized questionnaires, and clinical examination, including olfactory assessment.ResultsParticipants with isolated REM sleep behavior disorder and PD had lower taste scores than controls. There was no difference between isolated REM sleep behavior disorder and PD cohorts, nor was there any correlation between taste and olfaction, age, disease duration, cognition, or autonomic function.ConclusionThis study demonstrates for the first time the presence of taste impairment in isolated REM sleep behavior disorder that is independent of olfactory dysfunction and comparable to participants with PD. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Design of frequency selective surface using proximity mode coupling and its applications to Ku band RCS reduction
Authors: Swaminathan Anand , Chermakani Saravana Ruban , Athivel Sathish Periyasamy , Jeyaraj Josephine Pon Gloria 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis article proposes a novel approach to design a frequency selective surface (FSS) based on proximity coupling modes. Two closely placed modes given by two different structures are merged to achieve the coupled modes to improve the operation bandwidth (BW). This method reduces the radar cross section (RCS) of the patch antenna without deteriorating the radiation characteristics like gain, directivity, and radiation efficiency. A FSS unit cell of dimension 8 × 8 mm is made into a 3 × 2 array and is placed in the same layer around the microstrip patch antenna for RCS reduction in single layer. The simulated and measured results show the RCSR of 17 dB with a BW of 5.2 GHz in radar Ku band.