bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Versatile Dynamic Mussel‐Inspired Biointerface: From Specific Cell Behavior Modulation to Selective Cell Isolation
Authors: Liu Lei , Tian Xiaohua , Ma Yue , Duan Yuqing , Zhao Xin , Pan Guoqing 
Published: May 2018

AbstractReported here is a novel dynamic biointerface based on reversible catechol‐boronate chemistry. Biomimetically designed peptides with a catechol‐containing sequence and a cell‐binding sequence at each end were initially obtained. The mussel‐inspired peptides were then reversibly bound to a phenylboronic acid (PBA) containing polymer‐grafted substrate through sugar‐responsive catechol‐boronate interactions. The resultant biointerface is thus capable of dynamic presentation of the bioactivity (i.e. the cell‐binding sequence) by virtue of changing sugar concentrations in the system (similar to human glycemic volatility). In addition, the sugar‐responsive biointerface enables not only dynamic modulation of stem cell adhesion behaviors but also selective isolation of tumor cells. Considering the highly biomimetic nature and biological stimuli‐responsiveness, this mussel‐inspired dynamic biointerface holds great promise in both fundamental cell biology research and advanced medical applications.
NaYF4:Yb,Er/NaYF4 Core/Shell Nanocrystals with High Upconversion Luminescence Quantum Yield
Authors: Homann Christian , Krukewitt Lisa , Frenzel Florian , Grauel Bettina , Würth Christian , Resch‐Genger Ute , Haase Markus 
Published: May 2018

AbstractUpconversion core/shell nanocrystals with different mean sizes ranging from 15 to 45 nm were prepared via a modified synthesis procedure based on anhydrous rare‐earth acetates. All particles consist of a core of NaYF4:Yb,Er, doped with 18 % Yb3+ and 2 % Er3+, and an inert shell of NaYF4, with the shell thickness being equal to the radius of the core particle. Absolute measurements of the photoluminescence quantum yield at a series of different excitation power densities show that the quantum yield of 45 nm core/shell particles is already very close to the quantum yield of microcrystalline upconversion phosphor powder. Smaller core/shell particles prepared by the same method show only a moderate decrease in quantum yield. The quantum yield of 15 nm core/shell particles, for instance, is reduced by a factor of three compared to the bulk upconversion phosphor at high power densities (100 W cm−2) and by approximately a factor of 10 at low power densities (1 W cm−2).
Magnetic Properties of a Terbium–[1]Ferrocenophane Complex: Analogies between Lanthanide–Ferrocenophane and Lanthanide–Bis‐phthalocyanine Complexes
Authors: Latendresse Trevor P. , Vieru Veacheslav , Wilkins Branford O. , Bhuvanesh Nattamai S. , Chibotaru Liviu F. , Nippe Michael 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA rare example of an organometallic terbium single‐ion magnet is reported. A Tb3+–[1]ferrocenophane complex displays a larger barrier to magnetization reversal than its isostructural Dy3+ analogue, which is reminiscent of trends observed for lanthanide–bis‐phthalocyanine complexes. Detailed ab initio calculations support the experimental observations and suggest a significantly larger ground‐state stabilization for the non‐Kramers ion Tb3+ in the Tb complex than for the Kramers‐ion Dy3+ in the Dy complex.
The preparation of fully bio‐based flame retardant poly(lactic acid) composites containing casein
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Jin Xiaodong , Gu Xiaoyu , Chen Chen , Li Hongfei , Zhang Zongwen , Sun Jun 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTIn this work, a bio‐based flame retardant, casein, was incorporated into poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix by melt compounding in order to improve the fire resistance and sustain the biodegradable character of PLA simultaneously. The fire performance of PLA composites was evaluated by limiting oxygen index, UL‐94 vertical burning, and cone calorimeter tests, respectively. The results indicated that the introduction of 20% casein increased the limiting oxygen index value of PLA composites from 20.0% to 32.2%, upgraded the UL‐94 rating from no rating to V‐0, and decreased the peak heat release rate from 779 to 639 kW/m2. The decomposition products of PLA composites were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared, and the morphology of the char after combustion was observed by scanning electron microscopy. It was suggested that casein took effects in both gas phase by releasing non‐flammable gases (such as NH3 and H2O) and condensed phase by the formation of protective char layers. However, the presence of casein in PLA induced an unavoidable deterioration in the mechanical performance. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46599.
Application of metallic phytates to poly(vinyl chloride) as efficient biobased phosphorous flame retardants
Authors: Cheng Luyao , Wu Weihong , Meng Weihua , Xu Shuo , Han Hongda , Yu Yongfang , Qu Hongqiang , Xu Jianzhong 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTSimple, direct precipitation was used to synthesize green, renewable, biobased flame retardants. Copper phytate (Cu–Phyt), zinc phytate, aluminum phytate, and tin phytate (Sn–Phyt) were synthesized. Thermogravimetric analysis performed in N2 revealed that the metallic phytate (M–Phyt, where M is Cu, Zn, Al, or Sn) salts showed good charring. The limiting oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimetry (CONE) test data, tensile strength, and impact toughness were measured for flexible poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) containing 15 wt % M–Phyt salts. The PVC/Sn–Phyt LOI rose from 24.9 to 30.3%, and the PVC/Sn–Phyt mechanical properties were on par with those of the pure PVC. The CONE test results indicate that PVC/Cu–Phyt showed the lowest total smoke production (TSP) and peak heat‐release rate (pHRR) among the samples. The TSP and pHRR of PVC/Cu–Phyt were 15.77 m2 and 181.77 kW/m2, respectively, 62.63 and 44.48% lower than those of the neat PVC. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46601.
Soy‐filled polyethylene fibers for modified surface and hydrophilic characteristics
Authors: Guzdemir Ozgun , Lukubira Sam , Ogale Amod A. 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTBy adding soy flour (soy) to linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE), soy‐PE fibers with enhanced hydrophilic characteristics were developed. Blends containing only soy and LLDPE had limited draw‐down, and the resulting thick fibers showed poor mechanical properties. When monoglyceride was added as a compatibilizer, thin fibers with good properties could be successfully spun due to improved dispersion of soy agglomerates in the LLDPE melt. Fibers spun from a blend containing 23/7/70 wt % of soy‐monoglyceride‐LLDPE displayed a tensile modulus and strength of 615 ± 38 and 57 ± 8 MPa, respectively. At 30% less synthetic content, these fibers still displayed mechanical properties generally comparable to those of base polyethylene fibers. Contact angle measurements showed that the soy‐based fibers had a hydrophilic surface (contact angle of 33° ± 4°). Moisture absorption studies confirmed that soy‐PE fibers gained about 20 wt % moisture in 1 h, whereas neat LLDPE fibers did not absorb any significant amount (LLDPE is hydrophobic). This hydrophilic behavior of soy‐PE fibers mimics that of natural fibers. Presence small soy agglomerates on the fiber surface also provides a textured surface and a desired tactile feel to the soy‐PE fibers, which coupled with hydrophilic behavior indicates their potential use in disposable nonwovens. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46609.
Nanoplatelet reinforcement of cavity cell walls in polymer foams using carbon dioxide supercritical fluid
Authors: Seo Hee Won , Kim Young Jun , Kim Sanghoon , Park Jungwoo , Choi Kisuk , Park In‐Kyung , Kim Taesung , Suhr Jonghwan , Kim Kwang Jin , Nam Jae‐Do 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTReinforcing the cavity cell walls of polymer foams using nanoparticles can offer a new era for the property‐structure‐processing field in the development of functionalized ultra‐light components and devices manufactured from foam. When the nanoparticles are exfoliated in polymers, the viscosity substantially increases and thus mixing or foaming usually becomes almost impossible. We use CO2 supercritical fluid (CO2 SCF) for the mixing and foaming of poly(ethylene‐vinyl acetate) copolymer (EVA) with montmorillonite (MMT) nanoplatelets. The in situ evaporation of CO2 induces robust cavity cells of the EVA/MMT nanocomposite foam in a stable form of spherical shapes, which are seldom achieved by other methods. As the bubble grows and becomes stabilized in CO2 SCF, the exfoliated MMT nanoparticles are aligned at the cell walls by the Gibbs adsorption principle to minimize the surface energy at the gas–liquid interface and increase the rupture strength of the cavity walls. It is demonstrated that the developed methodology can be successfully used for foaming EVA containing high vinyl acetate (VA) content (>40%). Since EVA is too soft to construct cell walls of foam using conventional methods, the applicability of the developed methodology is extensively broadened for superior adhesion and compatibility with other materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46615.
Polyurethane foams from chlorinated and non‐chlorinated metathesis modified canola oil polyols
Authors: Pillai Prasanth K. S. , Li Shaojun , Bouzidi Laziz , Narine Suresh S. 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTThe product of 1‐butene metathesis of canola triacylglycerol (CMTAG), with shortened structures, terminal double bonds (50% of the total), and oligomers (40% dimer and trimer, and 10% higher oligomers) was used to synthesize novel polyols and polyurethane foams. A non‐chlorinated (Pol‐1) and a chlorinated polyol (Pol‐2) having OH value (170 and 190 mg KOH/g, respectively) were synthesized from CMTAG by epoxidation followed by hydroxylation, and epoxidation followed by hydrogenation, respectively. Both polyols remained liquid below ambient temperature and demonstrated physical characteristics such as viscosity which allowed for the facile preparation of polyurethane foams. The foam obtained with Pol‐1 was relatively soft (∼0.32 MPa at 10% strain) and very flexible (recovery ∼90%); whereas, the foam obtained with Pol‐2 was semi‐rigid (∼1.1 MPa at 10% strain and recovery of 64%). The higher strength and rigidity of Pol‐2 foam compared to Pol‐1 foam is chiefly attributable to the effect of the bulky chlorines on the crosslink density. Importantly, this work highlights that one can improve and control jointly the mechanical properties and deformation recovery ability of bio‐based foams by combining primary functional groups, oligomers, and high molar volume molecules in the polyols. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46616.
Compatibilization of starch/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) blown films using itaconic acid and sodium hypophosphite
Authors: Garcia Patrícia S. , Baron Alessandra M. , Yamashita Fabio , Mali Suzana , Eiras Daniel , Grossmann Maria Victoria E. 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTItaconic acid (IA) has potential as a compatibilizing agent in polymeric blends due to its unique chemical characteristics. Sodium hypophosphite (SHP) has been studied as a catalyst in esterifying reactions using multicarboxylic acids. Starch/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) blown films containing IA, with and without SHP, were produced. The film containing IA presented higher tensile strength (8.166 MPa) and elongation (891.473%) than the control film (5.548 MPa and 487.637%, respectively). When SHP was added (sample IA‐SHP), tensile strength increased even more (9.215 MPa); however, elongation (636.821%) was lower than in the IA film. This behavior was attributed to crosslinking between two starch itaconoate molecules intermediated by SHP. The increase in the compatibility between the polymeric phases justified the lower permeability to water vapor of the IA‐SHP films and was responsible for the production of films with a more compact and homogeneous structure. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46629.
Synchronous curable deoxidizing capability of epoxy–anhydride adhesive: Deoxidation quantification via spectroscopic analysis
Authors: Jang Keon‐Soo , Eom Yong‐Sung , Choi Kwang‐Seong , Bae Hyun‐Cheol 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTThermoset resins have been extensively utilized as an adhesive for electronic devices. In particular, semiconductor packaging materials between chips/substrates require electrical interconnections by using deoxidizing agents along with thermoset adhesives. In this study, a facile combination of hydroxyl‐functionalized epoxy and cyclohexane‐structured cyclic anhydrides produced curable acidic moieties, thereby allowing synchronous deoxidizing and curing without the use of a deoxidizing agent. By contrast, unitary cyclic anhydrides rarely presented acidic moieties, probably due to their rapid networkable reactivity caused by structural flexibility once opened, which was detected and quantified by spectroscopic analyses. This binary system in the absence of additional deoxidizing agents achieved the complete wetting of common Sn‐based solders via chip bonding systems due to the generated acidic moieties. The binary mixture also showed an increased glass transition temperature of 110 °C and enhanced Young's modulus of 1.6 GPa, relative to the ternary mixture (85 °C and 0.8 GPa) comprising a deoxidizing agent. This discovery is beneficial in terms of the simplification of composition design and mechanical robustness of solderable adhesives. Quantification via spectroscopic studies can also help anticipate the deoxidizing capability of binary and ternary systems at different temperatures for various bondable and solderable applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46639.
Design, synthesis, and antitumor evaluation of quinoline‐imidazole derivatives
Authors: Xiao Zhen , Lei Fei , Chen Xiuying , Wang Xiaolei , Cao Lujie , Ye Kejun , Zhu Wufu , Xu Shan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA series of compounds bearing quinoline‐imidazole (8a–e, 9a–e, 10a–e, 11a–e, and 12a–e) not reported previously were designed and synthesized. The target compounds were evaluated for antitumor activity against A549, PC‐3, HepG2, and MCF‐7 cells by the MTT method, with NVP‐BEZ235 being the positive control. Most compounds showed moderate activity and compound 12a showed the best activity against HepG2, A549, and PC‐3 cells, with half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 2.42 ± 1.02 µM, 6.29 ± 0.99 µM, and 5.11 ± 1.00 µM, respectively, which was equal to NVP‐BEZ235 (0.54 ± 0.13 µM, 0.36 ± 0.06 µM, 0.20 ± 0.01 µM). Besides, the IC50 value of 12a against the cell line WI‐38 (human fetal lung fibroblasts) was 32.8 ± 1.23 µM, indicating that the target compounds were selective for cancer cells. So, 11a and 12a were evaluated against PI3Kα and mTOR to find out if the compounds acted through the PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR signal transduction pathway. The inhibition ratios to PI3Kα and mTOR were slightly lower than that of NVP‐BEZ235, suggesting there may be some other mechanisms of action. The structure–activity relationships and docking study of 11a and 12a revealed that the latter was superior. Moreover, the target compounds showed better in vitro anticancer activity when the C‐6 of the quinoline ring was replaced by a bromine atom.
Synthesis of substituted fluorobenzimidazoles as inhibitors of 5‐lipoxygenase and soluble epoxide hydrolase for anti‐inflammatory activity
Authors: Nandha B. , Ramareddy Sureshbabu A. , Kuntal Hazra 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA new series of 4‐((5‐fluoro‐6‐(substituted)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐ylthio)methyl)‐benzoic acids 4a–o and 2‐(5‐fluoro‐6‐(substituted)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐ylthio)‐2‐methylpropanoic acids 8a–e were synthesized, and their inhibitory potencies against soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LOX) were investigated. These molecules were designed based on the combination of 5‐LOX and sEH pharmacophores, resulting in hybrid analogs with potent sEH and 5‐LOX inhibitory activity. Compound 4g showed remarkable activity with IC50 values of less than 1 μM (0.9 μM) against 5‐LOX, while compound 4k displayed promising activity against sEH with IC50 ≤ 1 μM (0.7 μM). These compounds were evaluated for their in vivo potential using the carrageenan‐induced rat paw edema assay. Based on the obtained results, the structure–activity relationship was established and a correlation between the activities was observed. Compounds 4f, 4g, 4k, 4n, and 8e showed potent anti‐inflammatory activity and significant inhibition of edema (64.13, 67.39, 66.30, 65.21, and 58.69%, respectively) at a dose of 100 mg/kg, comparable to the standard drug ibuprofen (70.65%) at 3 h.
Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor 1 Antagonist SAR100842 for Patients With Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Allanore Yannick , Distler Oliver , Jagerschmidt Alexandre , Illiano Stephane , Ledein Laetitia , Boitier Eric , Agueusop Inoncent , Denton Christopher P. , Khanna Dinesh 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivePreclinical studies suggest a role for lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We undertook this study to assess SAR100842, a potent selective oral antagonist of the LPA1 receptor, for safety, biomarkers, and clinical efficacy in patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc).MethodsAn 8‐week double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study followed by a 16‐week open‐label extension with SAR100842 was performed in patients with early dcSSc who had a baseline modified Rodnan skin thickness score (MRSS) of at least 15. The primary end point was safety during the double‐blind phase of the trial. Exploratory end points included the identification of an LPA‐induced gene signature in patients’ skin.ResultsSeventeen of 32 patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo and 15 to receive SAR100842; 30 patients participated in the open‐label extension study. The most frequent adverse events reported for SAR100842 during the blinded phase were headache, diarrhea, nausea, and falling, and the safety profile was acceptable during the open‐label extension. At week 8, the reduction in MRSS was numerically greater in the SAR100842 group than in the placebo group (mean ± SD change −3.57 ± 4.18 versus −2.76 ± 4.85; treatment effect −1.2 [95% confidence interval −4.37, 2.02]; P = 0.46). A greater reduction of LPA‐related genes was observed in skin samples from the SAR100842 group at week 8, indicating LPA1 target engagement.ConclusionSAR100842, a selective orally available LPA1 receptor antagonist, was well tolerated in patients with dcSSc. The MRSS improved during the study although the difference was not significant, and additional gene signature analysis suggested target engagement. These results need to be confirmed in a larger controlled trial.
Average Consensus for Multi‐Agent System with Measurement Noise and Binary‐Valued Communication
Authors: Wang Ximei , Wang Ting , Xu Changbao , Zhao Yanlong 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis paper considers the average consensus problems of a class of multi‐agent systems (MAS) with binary‐valued communication. Each agent can only obtain its neighbor's binary‐valued information under measurement noise because of limited bandwidth in communication channels. To seek consensus, we propose a two‐scale multi‐agent consensus algorithm with distributed strategy by combining state estimation and control design alternately. An exponential step size is chosen in the state estimation process and the estimation method can be proved to be asymptotically efficient. Additionally, by utilizing a distributed control law designed based on the estimates of the neighbors' states with a constant gain, we further prove that the proposed average consensus algorithm is convergent. Furthermore, the proposed average consensus algorithm is given and proved. Finally, some simulation results, which illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained results, are also given in the paper.
Network correlation analysis revealed potential new mechanisms for neural tube defects beyond folic acid
Authors: Gao Xiaoya , Finnell Richard H. , Wang Hongyan , Zheng Yufang 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundNeural tube defects (NTDs) are clinically significant congenital malformations which are known to be folic acid (FA) responsive, such that supplementation significantly reduces the prevalence of NTDs. Nonetheless, some individuals fail to respond to FA supplementation; hence NTDs remain a significant public health concern. The mechanisms that underlie the beneficial effects of FA supplementation remain poorly understood. Mouse models have been used extensively to study the mechanisms driving neural tube closure (NTC).MethodsMicroarray data of GSE51285 was downloaded from the NCBI GEO database, which contains the RNA expression profiles of livers from five NTD mouse mutants (heterozygous females) and their corresponding wildtype (WT) controls. Those five NTD mutants have different responsiveness to FA supplementation. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between NTD heterozygous and WT mice, as well as the DEGs between FA‐responsive and FA‐resistant mutants were carefully examined. Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed in order to identify genes with high correlations to either FA responsiveness or NTDs, respectively.ResultsIn total, we identified 18 genes related to the pathogenesis of NTDs, as well as 55 genes related to FA responsiveness. Eight more candidate genes (Abcc3, Gsr, Gclc, Mthfd1, Gart, Bche, Slc25a32, and Slc44a2) were identified by examining the DEGs of those genes involved in the extended folate metabolic pathway between FA‐responsive and FA‐resistant mutants.ConclusionsThose genes are involved in mitochondrial choline metabolism, de novo purine synthesis, and glutathione generation, suggesting that formate, choline, and manipulating antioxidant levels may be effective interventions in FA‐resistant NTDs.
Dietary α‐cyclodextrin modifies gut microbiota and reduces fat accumulation in high‐fat‐diet‐fed obese mice
Authors: Nihei Nanako , Okamoto Hinako , Furune Takahiro , Ikuta Naoko , Sasaki Kengo , Rimbach Gerald , Yoshikawa Yutaka , Terao Keiji 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe investigated the effect of α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) on the bacterial populations of gut microbiota, production of organic acids, and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and lipid metabolism in obese mice induced by feeding a high‐fat diet (HFD). Male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to three diet groups: normal diet (ND) (5% [w/w] fat), HFD (35% [w/w] fat), and HFD (35% [w/w] fat) + 5.5% (w/w) α‐CD for 16 weeks. Increases in body and epididymal adipose tissue weights were observed in the HFD group compared with the ND group, which were attenuated in the HFD+α‐CD group. The supplementation of α‐CD increased the total number of bacteria, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus that were decreased in gut microbiota of mice by feeding the HFD. Importantly, α‐CD administration increased the concentrations of lactic acid and SCFAs, such as acetic, propionic, and butyric acids, and decreased glucose concentrations in cecal contents. Furthermore, supplementation of α‐CD upregulated the gene expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)γ involved in adipocyte differentiation and PPARα involved in energy expenditure and downregulated that of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c) and fatty acid synthase involved in fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis in adipose tissue. This study revealed that the alteration in gut microbiota and increased production of lactic acid and SCFAs by supplementation of α‐CD have beneficial antiobesity effects via modulating the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism, indicating a prebiotic property of α‐CD. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(4):336–347, 2018