bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The arginine and serine‐rich domains of Acinus modulate splicing
Authors: Deka Bhagyashree , Singh KusumK
Published: May 2019

Apoptotic chromatin condensation inducer in the nucleus (Acinus) is an RNA‐binding protein that has a functional role in inducing apoptotic chromatin condensation and regulating messenger RNA (mRNA) processing. Acinus interacts with the spliceosomal machinery and is a member of the ASAP (apoptosis and splicing‐associated protein complex) as well as the EJC (exon junction complex), which gets deposited onto mRNA during splicing. In this study, we have used in vivo splicing assays to characterize the function of Acinus in pre‐mRNA splicing more closely. We show that full‐length Acinus‐S′, an isoform of Acinus, does not have a role in modulating splice site selection in human immunodeficiency virus 1 minigene reporter system. In contrast, we observed that the tethering of arginine/serine (RS) and RNPS1‐SAP18‐binding (RSB) domains of Acinus could regulate the selection of alternative splice sites, thereby revealing the potential of Acinus in stimulating alternative splicing. Altogether, our data suggest that the RS and RSB domains play a critical role in regulating splicing activity via selection of distinct splice sites during pre‐mRNA splicing.
Cyclic Naphthalene Diimide Dimer with a Strengthened Ability to Stabilize Dimeric G‐Quadruplex
Authors: Takeuchi Ryusuke , Zou Tingting , Wakahara Daiki , Nakano Yoshifumi , Sato Shinobu , Takenaka Shigeori
Published: May 2019

A new type of dimeric cyclic naphthalene diimide derivatives (cNDI‐dimers) carrying varied linker length were designed and synthesized to recognize dimeric G‐quadruplex structures. All of the cNDI‐dimers exhibited a high preference for recognizing G‐quadruplex structures, and significantly enhanced the thermal stability of the dimeric G‐quadruplex structure over the cNDI monomer by increasing the melting temperature by more than 23 °C, which indicated the strengthened ability of cNDI dimers for stabilizing dimeric G‐quadruplex. cNDI dimers also showed a stronger ability to inhibit telomerase activity and stop telomere DNA elongation than cNDI monomer, which showed an improved anticancer potentiality for further therapeutic application.
Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalyzed Hydride Transfer in the Hydroboration of Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Li Tianhao , Zhang Jianying , Cui Chunming
Published: May 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

N‐Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) enabled the highly efficient catalytic hydroboration of a wide range of ketones and aldehydes under mild conditions, and a new mechanism of catalytic hydroboration reaction which involves direct hydride transfer is proposed.
Real‐world clinical outcomes of olaparib therapy in Chinese patients with advanced serous ovarian cancer treated in Macau
Authors: Cao Yabing , Chen Hongtao , Huang Yaobin , Hu Hao
Published: May 2019

Background

Olaparib has been approved as an active and maintenance therapy for patients with platinum‐sensitive, BRCA‐mutated high‐grade serous ovarian cancer (SOC). However, the efficacy and safety data is lack among Chinese ovarian cancer patients.

Aim

This real‐world study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety profile of olaparib in patients from mainland China, where olaparib is currently unavailable.

Methods and results

This single‐center, observational study included 65 patients with pathologically confirmed advanced serous ovarian cancer from Kiang Wu Hospital in Macau between December 2015 and September 2017. Progression‐free survival (PFS) and other endpoints (treatment response, disease progression, and adverse events) were evaluated. PFS was estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. The median treatment duration was 4 months (range, 1‐15). The median PFS for the overall population was 4.2 months (95% CI 2.7‐5.2), while those for patients with wild‐type BRCA1/2 and BRCA1/2 mutations were 3.1 months (95% CI 1.3‐4.6) and 5.3 months (95% CI 2.8‐7.1), respectively. The median PFS tended to be longer for patients on maintenance therapy (between 9.0 months [95% CI 1.4‐17.5] and 10.0 months [95% CI 2.5‐18.1]) than for those on active therapy (between 3.1 months [95% CI 2.1‐3.8] and 3.0 months [95% CI 1.4‐4.5]). Most patients (87.0%) experienced low‐grade adverse events; the most common of which were fatigue (49.0%) and nausea (35.0%).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate clinical benefit of olaparib to mainland Chinese patients with high‐grade SOC, particularly for patients with BRCA mutations and who require maintenance therapy.
Spider monkey optimization–based high‐level synthesis in VLSI circuits for runtime adaptability
Authors: Rani M. Thillai , Kumar S. Suresh
Published: May 2019

Very‐large‐scale integration (VLSI) is a procedure of designing integrated circuit (IC) by linking number of transistors into single chip where attaining the higher accuracy is difficult task because of variation in process‐voltage‐temperature (PVT). This work presents Stochastic Spider Monkey Optimization–based High‐Level Synthesis (SSMO‐HLS) Model to improve the performance with better runtime adaptability. In SSMO‐HLS model, behavioral input is collected and dataflow analysis is carried out to convert input into dataflow diagram (DFD). Then, compilation process detects error functional unit (FU) in DFD. Spider monkey optimization is carried out to find optimal functional unit for performing allocation, scheduling, and binding process. After binding, output circuit gets generated with better runtime adaptability in case of PVT variations. The performance of SSMO‐HLS model is carried out using ISCAS'89 Benchmark Dataset where designed model increases FU selection accuracy and reduces error rate and circuit adaptability time when compared to state‐of‐the‐art works.
Building a distributed K‐Means model for Weka using remote method invocation (RMI) feature of Java
Authors: Sudarsan V. , Sugumar R.
Published: May 2019

This work attempts to analyze the limits of Weka Data Miner in executing the Simple K‐Means algorithm and makes an attempt to identify how much data is too much data for the Weka Data Miner to execute the algorithm. This work is further based on developing a distributed processing model to offer a better solution in handling large datasets. The required features are implemented using the RMI Call back Server. The Euclidean Distance measure is considered for calculating the distance.
Detection and mitigation of UDP flooding attack in a multicontroller software defined network using secure flow management model
Authors: Gurusamy UmaMaheswari , K Hariharan , MSK Manikandan
Published: May 2019

Software‐Defined Networking (SDN) simplifies the network management and provides a way to virtualize, configure, and manage the network infrastructure centrally. The central management has been exhibited by reinforcing an SDN controller, which separates the network data plane from the control functions and is responsible for managing the flows. Distributed Denial‐of‐Service (DDoS) attacks are the most threatening issue among many security attacks, and it makes the services unavailable in a network. The flow management done by the controller is disrupted when one or more malicious host flood User Datagram Protocol (UDP) packets in the network, focusing on exhausting the bandwidth of the controller. It results in degrading the performance of the controller, leading to control plane saturation. A Secure Flow Management model (SFM), which dynamically identifies and mitigates the UDP flooding attack in a multicontroller SDN has been proposed. The proposed model is a practically applicable defense mechanism against volumetric attack, and it tries to secure the control plane bandwidth. The SFM has been experimented as an extension of the RYU controller and has exploited the attack under different traffic scenarios. Further, an analysis has been made on response time and the CPU utilization taken by the controller to recover from the DoS attack.
The Ligand‐Exchange Reactions of Rod‐Like Au25‐nMn (M=Au, Ag, Cu, Pd, Pt) Nanoclusters with Cysteine – A Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Weng Shiyin , Lv Ying , Yu Haizhu , Zhu Manzhou
Published: May 2019

The atomic precision of ultrasmall noble‐metal nanoclusters (NMNs) is fundamental for elucidating structure‐property relationships and probing their practical applications. So far, the atomic structure of NMNs protected by organic ligands has been widely elucidated, whereas the precise atomic structure of NMNs protected by water‐soluble ligands (such as peptides and nucleic acid), has been rarely reported. With the concept of “precision to precision”, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to probe the thermodynamic plausibility and inherent determinants for synthesizing atomically precise, water‐soluble NMNs via the framework‐maintained two‐phase ligand‐exchange method. A series of rod‐like Au25‐nMn (M=Au, Ag, Cu, Pd, Pt) NMNs with the same framework but varied ligands and metal compositions was chosen as the modeling reactants, and cysteine was used as the modeling water‐soluble ligand. It was found that the acidity of the reaction remarkably affects the thermodynamic facility of the ligand exchange reactions. Ligand effects (structural distortion and acidity) dominate the overall thermodynamic facility of the ligand‐exchange reaction, while the number and type of doped metal atom(s) has little influence.
Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction with a Ruthenium Catalyst in Solution and on Nanocrystalline TiO2
Authors: Li Ting‐Ting , Shan Bing , Xu Wei , Meyer Thomas J.
Published: May 2019

A RuII complex [Ru(PO3Et2‐ph‐tpy)(6‐mbpy)(NCCH3)]2+ [PO3Et2‐ph‐tpy=diethyl(4‐[(2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridin)‐4′‐yl]phenyl)phosphonate; 6‐mbpy=6‐methyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine] is explored as a molecular catalyst for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction in both a homogeneous solution and, as a phosphonated derivative, on nanocrystalline‐TiO2 surfaces. In CH3CN, the complex acts as a selective electrocatalyst for reduction of CO2 to CO at a low overpotential of 340 mV but with a limited turnover number (TON). An enhancement in reactivity was observed by immobilizing the phosphonated derivative of the catalyst on a nanocrystalline‐TiO2 electrode surface, with the catalyst surface protected by a thin overlayer of NiO. The surface‐functionalized electrode was characterized by X‐ray photoelectron and diffuse reflectance spectroscopies (XPS and DRS). Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO occurred at −1.65 V versus Fc+/0 with a TON of 237 per catalyst site during 4 h of electrocatalysis. Post‐catalysis XPS measurements reveal that the molecular structure of the catalyst is retained on TiO2 after the long‐term electrocatalysis.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Chemo‐, Regio‐, and Enantioselective Allylation of 2‐Aminothiazoles with Terminal Allenes
Authors: Zheng Jun , Wörl Benjamin , Breit Bernhard
Published: May 2019

A rhodium‐catalyzed chemo‐, regio‐ and enantioselective intermolecular coupling reaction of 2‐aminobenzothiazoles with terminal allenes is reported. The new reaction displays a wide substrate scope for both reaction partners to deliver the allylation products in good yields, with excellent regio‐ and enantioselectivity. This novel methodology was further applied in an efficient synthesis of chiral isothiourea.
Direct estimation of seismic response in reduced‐degree‐of‐freedom isolation and energy dissipation systems
Authors: Gkatzogias Konstantinos I. , Kappos Andreas J.
Published: May 2019

A methodology for the development of design tools for direct estimation of peak inelastic response in reduced‐degree‐of‐freedom (RDOF) isolation and energy dissipation systems is presented. The suggested procedure is an extension of an earlier method addressing purely hysteretic isolation systems. Herein, the dynamic equation of motion is first normalised to reduce the number of design parameters that significantly affect the response. The sensitivity of normalised response quantities to the amplitude of the ground motion is then investigated through extensive parametric nonlinear dynamic analyses of isolated single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) systems with linear viscous damping using code‐based target spectra. Regression analysis is subsequently employed to develop generalised design equations (GDEs) suitable for design. Further investigations are made to address nonlinear viscous damping and the effect of the transverse component of seismic action in two‐degree‐of freedom (2DOF) systems under bidirectional excitation, making the procedure applicable to common bridge isolation schemes. GDEs constitute an alternative to equivalent linearisation approaches commonly adopted by codes, informing the selection among alternative isolation and energy dissipations schemes without requiring iterative analysis. The approach is incorporated in the Deformation‐Based Design methodology for seismically isolated bridges in a forthcoming paper.
Chemoradiation and local recurrence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and the risk of carotid artery blowout
Authors: Jacobi Christian , Gahleitner Constanze , Bier Henning , Knopf Andreas
Published: May 2019

Background

Carotid blowout syndrome (CBS) is a rare but life‐threatening complication of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Chemoradiation (CRT) may make CBS more likely, but so far no longitudinal analysis of different treatment strategies has been conducted.

Methods

In the present study, 1072 patients with HNSCC were divided into groups depending on whether they had experienced CBS. Disease‐related data were analyzed using chi‐square test, Fisher exact test, and Student's t test. Survival rates were calculated using Kaplan‐Meier test, log‐rank test, and the Cox regression analysis for forward selection.

Results

Thirty‐six patients suffering from CBS demonstrated significantly advanced T status (P = .001) and UICC stage (P = .004) when compared with unaltered counterparts. After adjustment for UICC stage, OS was comparable in both groups, whereas the mean recurrence‐free survival (RFS) rate was better in unaltered patients (67 vs 24 months; P < .0001). Cox regression for forward selection revealed local recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 1.9; P < .0001), T status (HR, 1.9; P = .03), and CRT (HR, 2.0; P < .0001) as independent risk factors for mortality related to CBS.

Conclusion

CBS is a rare event in patients with HNSCC demonstrating reduced OS/RFS. Advanced T status, C/RT, and the recurrence of local tumors increase the risk of CBS‐associated death.
Comparing the release of erythromycin and vancomycin from calcium polyphosphate hydrogel using different drug loading methods
Authors: Chehreghanianzabi Yasaman , Barua Rajib , Shi Tong , Yurgelevic Sally , Auner Gregory , Markel David C. , Ren Weiping
Published: May 2019

Calcium polyphosphate (CPP) hydrogel is used to load erythromycin (EM) and vancomycin (VCM) by means of two loading methods: they are either added directly to the formed CPP hydrogel (Gel Mixture method) or mixed with CPP powders, followed by the formation of CPP‐antibiotic hydrogel (Powder Mixture method). The release of loaded antibiotics from CPP hydrogel is measured up to 48 hr. Compared to Powder Mixture method, Gel Mixture method significantly reduced the burst release of embedded antibiotics. A significant change in CPP hydrogel Raman characteristic peaks is observed only in Gel Mixture method, indicating a close interaction between embedded antibiotics with CPP hydrogel matrix. In contrast, a similarity between characteristic peaks of CPP hydrogel and Powder Mixture method shows that antibiotic incorporation does not interfere with CPP gel formation, resulting in no ionic interaction between antibiotic and polyphosphate chains. Rheometer analysis further confirms that the hydrophobic nature of EM impacts the viscoelastic properties of CPP hydrogel, whereas the hydrophilic VCM exhibits a higher loading efficiency. The potential application of CPP hydrogel as a ceramic matrix for sustained drug release warrants further investigation.
Do firms with dual chief executive officers perform better than their counterparts?
Authors: Ueng C. Joe , Ramaswamy Vinita
Published: May 2019

Agency theory contends that shareholder interests require protection by separation of the roles of board chair and chief executive officer (CEO). Duality (CEO also chairman of the board) increases the likelihood of the CEO entrenchment by reducing board monitoring effectiveness. Stewardship theory argues that shareholder interests are maximized by having the dual CEOs. According to stewardship theory, firms with dual CEOs have some major advantages over their counterparts. Such CEOs establish strong leadership and provide better strategic directions for the firm. Consequently, shareholders benefit form dual CEOs. Evidence on the relationship between dual CEO and firm performance is mixed. While some studies found that there is a positive relationship between two variables, others found an inverse relationship between two. This study attempts to shed some light on this issue. Results from the study indicate that there is a statistically significantly positive relationship between dual CEO and the firm's size, the number of insider director, and the percentage of shares held by the control shareholders. Results from this study indicated that there is no significant relationship between the CEO duality and financial performance in the short run. However, the firms with dual CEO, on average, perform better than their counterparts in the long run.
lncRNA GAS5 acts as a ceRNA for miR‐21 in suppressing PDGF‐bb‐induced proliferation and migration in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Liu Kefeng , Liu Chen , Zhang Zhengyu
Published: May 2019

Aberrant proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contribute significantly to the development of many human cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro functional roles of long noncoding RNA growth arrest‐specific transcript 5 (GAS5) in VSMCs and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that GAS5 was significantly downregulated in PDGF‐bb‐treated VSMCs, and overexpression of GAS5 remarkably attenuated PDGF‐bb‐induced VSMC proliferation and migration. In addition, miR‐21 was observed to potentially bind to GAS5, and we also identified that PDCD4 might be a direct target of miR‐21 in VSMCs. Cotransfection of miR‐21 mimics remarkably reduced the PDCD4 protein expression in GAS5 overexpressing VSMCs. Further, rescue experiments showed that enforced expression of miR‐21 attenuated the inhibitory effects of GAS5 on VSMC proliferation and migration. Collectively, our results demonstrated that GAS5 inhibits PDGF‐bb‐induced VSMC proliferation and migration, partly through acting as a competing endogenous RNA of miR‐21, and provided new evidence that GAS5 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for hypertension.
Biological behavior of the curcumin incorporated chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers for biomedical applications
Authors: Golchin Ali , Hosseinzadeh Simzar , Staji Masumeh , Soleimani Masoud , Ardeshirylajimi Abdolreza , Khojasteh Arash
Published: May 2019

Electrospun composite scaffolds show high ability to be used in regenerative medicine and drug delivery, due to the nanofibrous structure and high surface area to volume ratio. In this study, we used nanofibrous scaffolds fabricated by chitosan (CS), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), carbopol, and polycaprolactone using a dual electrospinning technique while curcumin (Cur) incorporated inside of the CS/PVA fibers. Scaffolds were fully characterized via scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle, tensile measurement, hydration, protein adsorption, and wrinkled tests. Furthermore, viability of the buccal fat pad‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BFP‐MSCs) was also investigated using MTT assay for up to 14 days while cultured on these scaffolds. Cell cycle assay was also performed to more detailed evaluation of the stem cells growth when grown on scaffolds (with and without Cur) compared with the culture plate. Results demonstrated that Cur loaded nanofibrous scaffold had more suitable capability for water absorption and mechanical properties compared with the scaffold without Cur and it could also support the stem cells viability and proliferation. Cur release profile showed a decreasing effect on BFP‐MSCs viability in the initial stage, but it showed a positive effect on stem cell viability in a long‐term manner. In general, the results indicated that this nanofibrous scaffold has great potential as a delivery of the Cur and BFP‐MSCs simultaneously, and so holds the promising potential for use in various regenerative medicine applications.
Effect of resveratrol on the radiosensitivity of 5‐FU in human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells
Authors: Aghamiri Shahin , Jafarpour Ali , Zandsalimi Farshid , Aghemiri Mehran , Shoja Mohsen
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of resveratrol (Res) on radiosensitivity of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) in the spheroid culture of MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line using colony formation examination. Spheroids on day 9 with 300 µm diameters were treated with 20 µM resveratrol and/or 1 µM 5‐FU for one volume doubling time (VDT) (42 hours) and then irradiated with 2 Gy gamma radiation (60Co) in various groups. Then the viability of the cells and clonogenic ability were acquired by blue dye exclusion and colony formation assay, respectively. The population doubling time in the monolayer culture and the VDT of spheroid culture was 22.48  0.23 hours and 42  0.63 hours respectively. None of the drugs and combination of them had any effect on the viability of cells. The combination treatment of 5‐FU+Res+ radiation significantly reduced the colony formation ability of spheroid cells in comparison with each treatment alone. Our results indicated that resveratrol can significantly decrease colony number of breast cancer spheroid cells treated with 5‐FU in combination with gamma‐rays. Thus, resveratrol as a hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1‐alpha inhibitor increased the radiosensitization of breast cancer spheroid cells.
miR‐30e‐5p suppresses cell proliferation and migration in bladder cancer through regulating metadherin
Authors: Zhang Zhenxing , Qin Haixiang , Jiang Bo , Chen Wei , Cao Wenmin , Zhao Xiaozhi , Yuan Hui , Qi Wei , Zhuo Dong , Guo Hongqian
Published: May 2019

Recent studies have suggested that miR‐30e‐5p is dysregulated in several human carcinomas; however, the mechanism of miR‐30e‐5p in bladder cancer (BCa) remains unknown. Here, we confirmed that the expression of miR‐30e‐5p was decreased in human BCa specimens and cell lines by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Upregulation of miR‐30e‐5p decreased the proliferation and migration in T24 and UM‐UC‐3 cells. Metadherin (MTDH) was a potential target for miR‐30e‐5p through bioinformatics analysis. Dual‐luciferase assays were conducted to validate the interaction between miR‐30e‐5p and MTDH, which demonstrates that the relative luciferase activity was significantly downregulated after transfected miR‐30e‐5p mimic compared with control mimic in 293T cells. We also detected that whether silencing of MTDH by using small interfering(si)‐MTDH matched effects caused by miR‐30e‐5p overexpression in BCa cells lines by Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8), colony formation, and transwell assay, and we found the effects of silencing of MTDH same as miR‐30e‐5p overexpression. Furthermore, we verified that the restoration of MTDH in miR‐30e‐5p‐overexpressed BCa cells rescued the inhibitory effects of miR‐30e‐5p. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that miR‐30e‐5p may inhibit BCa cells growth and invasiveness by targeting MTDH and may be a promising therapeutic agent for treating clinical BCa patients.
A miR‐206 regulated gene landscape enhances mammary epithelial differentiation
Authors: Wang Jun , Aydoğdu Eylem , Mukhopadhyay Srijita , Helguero Luisa A. , Williams Cecilia
Published: May 2019

miR‐206 is known to suppress breast cancer. However, while it is expressed in mammary stem cells, its function in such nontumor cells is not well understood. Here, we explore the role of miR‐206 in undifferentiated, stem‐like mammary cells using the murine mammary differentiation model HC11, genome‐wide gene expression analysis, and functional assays. We describe the miR‐206‐regulated gene landscape and propose a network whereby miR‐206 suppresses tumor development. We functionally demonstrate that miR‐206 in nontumor stem‐like cells induces a G1–S cell cycle arrest, and reduces colony formation and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition markers. Finally, we show that addition of miR‐206 accelerates the mammary differentiation process along with related accumulation of lipids. We conclude that miR‐206 impacts a network of signaling pathways, and acts as a regulator of proliferation, stemness, and mammary cell differentiation in nontumor stem‐like mammary cells. Our study provides a broad insight into the breast cancer suppressive functions of miR‐206.
Polyaniline coated hematite sand supported on graphene oxide (HS@PANI‐GO) as a new magnetic material for advanced catalytic oxidation based on sulfate radicals: optimization using response surface methodology
Authors: Ait El Fakir Abdellah , Anfar Zakaria , Benafqir Mohamed , Jada Amane , El Alem Noureddine
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

We report here on the synthesis of a new magnetic and natural material: polyaniline coated hematite sand supported on graphene oxide (HS@PANI‐GO) which was used as an heterogeneous catalyst to activate persulfate (PS) for aqueous solution Orange G (OG) degradation.

RESULTS

The characterization results have revealed that the hematite sand is rich in iron oxide, and the inorganic particles were well coated with polyaniline and successfully dispersed in graphene oxide. Further, catalytic oxidation experiments demonstrated that HS@PANI‐GO material exhibited high activity in the PS activation for the OG degradation. It was found that complete OG removal from aqueous solution was achieved in 90 min at natural pH. In addition, the influence of various reaction conditions such as temperature, concentration of PS, catalyst dose, pH and decomposition time over the HS@PAN‐GO/PS system were investigated and optimized. The catalyst HS@PAN‐GO could be recycled easily by a magnet with good reusability. Finally, the effects of various parameters such as PS concentration, catalyst dose, initial OG concentration, and contact time, were investigated using the response surface methodology (RSM). It transpires that the experimental elimination of OG is 98.14%, as obtained under optimal conditions, was very close to the predicted value (96.58%) determined by RSM.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a promising way for the activation of green oxidant ‘PS’, by using a new magnetic composite suited for environmental remediation and oxidation catalysis. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Respirometric evaluation and modeling of the impact of continuous benzo[a]anthracene feeding on activated sludge
Authors: Basak Serden , Güven Didem , Cokgor Emine , Orhon Derin
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the impact of continuous benzo[a]anthracene (B[a]A) feeding on the biodegradation of peptone/meat extract mixture by means of respirometric testing and modeling results, and microbial community analyses. A sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was operated at a sludge age of 10 days. At steady state, it was sustained with the peptone mixture feeding alone for 21 days. The following 21 days involved continuous dosing of 11 mg L−1 of B[a]A together with peptone mixture. In the last period of 7 days, B[a]A feeding was stopped. Storage of poly‐hydroxy alkanoates (PHA) occurred during substrate utilization. A compatible model was calibrated using the oxygen uptake rate (OUR) and PHA profiles characterizing each phase.

RESULTS

Continuous exposure to B[a]A did not affect the microbial growth process, but slightly increased PHA storage rate and growth on stored PHA. Hydrolysis rates were increased at first exposure followed by a significant decrease. Substrate binding also occurred at first exposure and declined by the end of B[a]A feeding. A major change was observed in biomass composition due to continuous exposure to B[a]A.

CONCLUSION

The major novelty of the study was to prove that B[a]A altered the composition of the enriched microbial culture, characterized by slightly different process kinetics, especially for hydrolysable COD fractions. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
End‐user preference for and choice of four vaginally deliveredHIVprevention methods among young women in South Africa and Zimbabwe: the Quatro Clinical Crossover Study
Authors: Montgomery Elizabeth T , Beksinska Mags , Mgodi Nyaradzo , Schwartz Jill , Weinrib Rachel , Browne Erica N , Mphili Nonhlanhla , Musara Petina , Jaggernath Manjeetha , Ju Susan , Smit Jenni , Chirenje Z Mike , Doncel Gustavo F , van der Straten Ariane
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Adherence toHIVprevention methods is a challenge, particularly for young women in Sub‐Saharan Africa. End‐user research during product development can inform modifiable factors to increase future uptake and adherence.

Methods

Preferences for four vaginally inserted placeboHIVprevention methods were assessed among Zimbabwean and South African young women using a crossover clinical design. For each of months 1 to 4, participants were asked to use a pre‐coitally inserted film, insert (vaginal tablet) and gel once/week for a month, and a monthly ring in a randomly assigned sequence. Participants subsequently chose one preferred product to use as directed for the final study month. Women ranked the four products from most preferred to least preferred at enrolment and after trying all products.

Results

A total of 200 women aged 18 to 30 (mean 23) were enrolled; 178 (89%) completed follow‐up. At baseline, 41% of participants selected the gel as their most preferred product and 61% selected the ring as least preferred. During the crossover period, most (82% to 85%) self‐reported using each product at least once a week, although only half the time with sex. Objective biomarker data confirmed adequate use of all products. After trying each product, rankings changed with the film, ring, insert and gel being selected by 29%, 28%, 26% and 16% respectively. Choice varied significantly by country (p < 0.001): More Zimbabweans chose the film (45%), and more South Africans chose the insert (34%). Among women choosing the ring, 88% reported using it every time with sex. By contrast, self‐reported adherence was lower for “on‐demand” (coitally associated) products, with 40% to 55% using them every time during sex (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Preferences for these four dosage forms varied before and after use, and both within and across countries – there was no clear favourite – indicating the need for a range of options for end‐users. The ring's popularity increased the most with use, was the second most preferred delivery system, and per self‐report, provided more coverage during sex. These end‐user perspectives provide important information to product developers and funding agencies.
Redox (phospho)lipidomics of signaling in inflammation and programmed cell death
Authors: Tyurina Yulia Y , St. Croix Claudette M , Watkins Simon C , Watson Alan M , Epperly Michael W , Anthonymuthu Tamil S , Kisin Elena R , Vlasova Irina I , Krysko Olga , Krysko Dmitri V , Kapralov Alexandr A , Dar Haider H , Tyurin Vladimir A , Amoscato Andrew A , Popova Elena N , Bolevich Sergey B , Timashev Peter S , Kellum John A , Wenzel Sally E , Mallampalli Rama K , Greenberger Joel S , Bayir Hulya , Shvedova Anna A , Kagan Valerian E
Published: May 2019

In addition to the known prominent role of polyunsaturated (phospho)lipids as structural blocks of biomembranes, there is an emerging understanding of another important function of these molecules as a highly diversified signaling language utilized for intra- and extracellular communications. Technological developments in high-resolution mass spectrometry facilitated the development of a new branch of metabolomics, redox lipidomics. Analysis of lipid peroxidation reactions has already identified specific enzymatic mechanisms responsible for the biosynthesis of several unique signals in response to inflammation and regulated cell death programs. Obtaining comprehensive information about millions of signals encoded by oxidized phospholipids, represented by thousands of interactive reactions and pleiotropic (patho)physiological effects, is a daunting task. However, there is still reasonable hope that significant discoveries, of at least some of the important contributors to the overall overwhelmingly complex network of interactions triggered by inflammation, will lead to the discovery of new small molecule regulators and therapeutic modalities. For example, suppression of the production of AA-derived pro-inflammatory mediators, HXA3 and LTB4, by an iPLA2γ inhibitor, R-BEL, mitigated injury associated with the activation of pro-inflammatory processes in animals exposed to whole-body irradiation. Further, technological developments promise to make redox lipidomics a powerful approach in the arsenal of diagnostic and therapeutic instruments for personalized medicine of inflammatory diseases and conditions.
Characterization of arsenic resistant plant‐growth promoting indigenous soil bacteria isolated from Center‐East regions of India
Authors: Pandey Neha , Keshavkant S.
Published: May 2019

A total of 45 morphologically distinct arsenic (As)‐resistant bacterial strains were isolated from the soils of different regions of Chhattisgarh, India. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of these isolates varied widely in the range of 100‐500 mM for arsenate [As(V)] and 15‐30 mM for arsenite [As(III)]. Out of forty‐five, three isolates viz; ARP3, ARRP3, and ADT5 also revealed plant growth‐promoting properties, including phosphate solubilization and production of siderophores, indoleacetic acid, ammonia, and exopolysaccharide. Besides all these, the strains not only exhibited significant growth in the presence of As(V)/As(III) but also displayed higher efficiency (87%‐94%) of As removal from the growth medium followed by intracellular accumulation (17‐19 mg As/g). Hydride generation atomic absorption spectroscopic (HG‐AAS) analysis revealed the intracellular accumulation of As, and the structural changes that took place in these isolates were further confirmed by microscopic studies. The 16 S rRNA and phylogenetic analyses unveiled that the isolates ARP3, ARRP3, and ADT5 belonged to genera Pseudomonas, Exiguobaterium, and Microbacterium, respectively. The conducted study suggested that such beneficial bacterial strains could be conveniently exploited at a commercial level for enhancing plant growth in As‐contaminated agricultural fields, thereby improved productivity and enhanced bioremediation of soil having alarming strength of As.
Evaluating ice‐rafted debris as a proxy for glacier calving in Upernavik Isfjord, NW Greenland
Authors: Vermassen Flor , Wangner David J. , Dyke Laurence M. , Schmidt Sabine , Cordua Amalie E. , Kjær Kurt H. , Haubner Konstanze , Andresen Camilla S.
Published: May 2019

Records of ice‐rafted debris (IRD) in sediments are commonly used as a proxy for iceberg production and to reconstruct past changes of glacier stability. However, the interpretation of IRD is complex as multiple processes modulate its variability. This study investigates the relationship between IRD variability and glaciological change by measuring IRD records from Upernavik Fjord and comparing these to frontal positions of Upernavik Isstrøm during the past century. Results show that the spatial variability of IRD deposition throughout the fjord is high, indicating that randomness inherent to IRD distorts the calving signal. However, we investigate whether IRD records can be combined to improve the reconstruction, as previously suggested, and show the importance of core site selection and number of cores on this approach. The outer‐fjord core compares relatively well to the observed front positions and this is reflected in the composite record: increased IRD deposition in 1937–1946, 1968–1980, and 1996–1999 occurred during periods of faster retreat. Comparison with climatic records shows that the calving episodes in the late ‘30 s/early ‘40 s and late ‘90 s are related to warm ocean and air temperatures, whereas intensified retreat and calving during the ‘70 s reflects partly an internal glacier response to the fjord geometry.
Submandibular gland flap for reconstruction after parotidectomy
Authors: Liang Kevin Y. , Breen Matthew S. , Tracy Jeremiah C. , Vaezi Alec E.
Published: May 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Description of a novel use of a submandibular gland (SMG) flap pedicled on the facial vessels to restore facial volume after parotidectomy, and comparison of clinical outcomes with alternative modes of reconstruction.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

The surgical technique for a SMG flap is described. Retrospective chart review of cases of parotidectomy at a single tertiary medical center was conducted (n = 43). Cases were grouped in three cohorts of consecutive patients depending on reconstruction technique: SMG flap (n = 13), sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) flap (n = 15), and no flap (n = 15). Cohort characteristics and complication rates are reported.

Results

The SMG flap was more often used for a malignant pathology (92%) and in conjunction with a neck dissection (100%), compared to the SCM flap (47% and 15%) or no flap (0% and 0%), respectively. The mean House‐Brackmann score in the immediate postoperative period in the SMG‐flap group was slightly elevated compared to the other groups: 1.6 (standard deviation [SD] ± 0.5) versus 1.1 (SD ± 0.3) and 1.0 (SD ± 0.0). Otherwise, the complication rate was similar across groups.

Conclusions

The SMG flap is a safe and effective option for volume restoration after parotidectomy. It provides durable volume that will not atrophy and is already exposed in the field of dissection for patients undergoing concurrent level I neck dissection.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 130:E155–E162, 2020
Synthesis and Properties of UCST‐Type Thermo‐ and Light‐Responsive Homopolypeptides with Azobenzene Spacers and Imidazolium Pendants
Authors: Zhao Liang , Zhang Lin , Zheng Zelai , Ling Ying , Tang Haoyu
Published: May 2019

Homopolypeptide bearing azobenzene and triethylene glycol spacers, and 1‐butylimidazolium pendants, namely P(Azo‐OEG3‐ImX) (X = Cl, I, BF4) are prepared by 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition and subsequent ion‐exchange reaction. Both 1H NMR and FTIR confirm the polymer structures and reveal a high grafting efficiency (97%). P(Azo‐OEG3‐ImI) shows reversible upper critical solution temperature (UCST)‐type thermoresponsive property in ethanol while P(Azo‐OEG3‐ImI/BF4) shows a UCST in ethanol/water solvent mixtures. P(Azo‐OEG3‐ImI) shows UCST‐type phase transitions in ethanol or ethanol/water solvent mixtures. After UV irradiation, the UCST‐type cloud point temperature (Tcp) remains constant in ethanol. However, it decreases after UV irradiation and increases after visible light irradiation in ethanol/water solvent mixtures due to the trans–cis isomerization of azobenzene moieties. P(Azo‐OEG3‐ImCl/I) shows NaI‐induced UCST in water. The Tcp of the P(Azo‐OEG3‐ImCl/I) aqueous solution is highly related to the polymer/salt concentration and nature of counteranions. P(Azo‐OEG3‐ImCl) also shows reversible light‐responsive properties in NaI aqueous solutions. Higher NaI concentration is needed to induce a UCST for P(Azo‐OEG3‐ImCl) after UV irradiation. Moreover, ciprofloxacin‐loaded hydrogel containing P(Azo‐OEG3‐ImCl) shows more efficient drug release while the UV irradiation leads to slightly low drug release.
Laser welding of copper‐niobium microcomposite wires for pulsed power applications
Authors: Višniakov N. , Mikalauskas G. , Černašėjus O. , Škamat J.
Published: May 2019

The laser welding of copper‐niobium microcomposite wires was investigated. It was determined that the joint structure does not have welding defects, while microscopic examination of the joint cross‐section showed that the microstructure of the autogenous weld consists mainly of a copper‐based solid solution strengthened by niobium‐rich precipitations. The weld obtained with use of filler material consists of two distinct zones, which are formed due to melting of filler wire and microcomposite wire. This structure of the joint provides an insignificant increase in electrical resistance and sufficient ultimate strength and plasticity of the joint. The tensile strength of the sample welded without filler material reaches 335 MPa, but such welded joints are very brittle due to very low ductility. However, an autogenous laser welding joint has about 1.6 times better ductility, and the tensile strength of the joint depends on the applied filler material and is equal to the tensile strength of this material.
Influence of carbon nanotubes and dispersions of SiC on the physical and mechanical properties of pure copper and copper‐nickel alloy
Authors: El‐Khatib S. , Shash A. Y. , El‐Habak A. , Elsayed A. H.
Published: May 2019

This paper investigates the physical and mechanical properties of copper‐nickel alloy (at 50 wt.%–50 wt.%) and pure copper, mixed with various types of reinforcement materials such as carbon nanotubes (0.5 wt.%–2 wt.%) as nanoparticles, silicon carbide (1 wt.%–4 wt.%) as microparticles. The acquired composite specimens characteristics were estimated such as microstructure, density, electrical and thermal conductivity, hardness, and compression stress properties to determine the suitable reinforcement percentage that has the best physical and mechanical properties with different main matrix material whether copper‐nickel mechanical alloying or pure copper powder. The micron‐sized silicon carbide and nanosized carbon nanotubes were added to improve the mechanical and physical properties of the composite. The electrical and thermal conductivity of pure copper alloy enhanced compared with the copper‐nickel alloy matrix material. The hardness and compression yield stress of both pure copper and copper‐nickel composites have enhancement values and for copper‐nickel base composites hardness and compression yield stress have enhanced with the most positive enhancement values to examined an optimum percentage of reinforcing material.
Investigations of geometrical structure and morphology of samples made of hard machinable materials after wire electrical discharge machining and vibro‐abrasive finishing
Authors: Gołąbczak M. , Maksim P. , Jacquet P. , Gołąbczak A. , Woźniak K. , Nouveau C.
Published: May 2019

In this article the results concerned influence of processing conditions of the wire electrical discharge machining and vibro‐abrasive machining on the surface layer and morphology of samples made of hard machinable materials used in aircraft industry like: Titanium 5553 β, Inconel 617, Hastelloy X and Magnesium AZ31 have been presented. For this purpose the cubic and cylindrical samples made of hard machinable alloys have been prepared using optimal electric parameters of wire‐cut electrical discharge machining and finally they have been polished using circular vibratory finishing technology and different ceramic shaped stones.
Aminocyanopyridines as anti‐lung cancer agents by inhibiting the STAT3 pathway
Authors: Xu Lingyuan , Qiu Sensen , Yang Lehe , Xu Haitang , Liu Xu , Fan Shiqian , Cui Ri , Fu Weitao , Zhao Chengguang , Shen Liqun , Wang Liangxing , Huang Xiaoying
Published: May 2019

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Cyanopyridines and aminocyanopyridines with carbon‐nitrogen bonds have been proved to exert significant anticancer, antibacterial, and anti‐inflammatory effects. In this study, we showed that aminocyanopyridine 3o and 3k displaying potent antitumor activity via inhibiting the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway. They blocked the constitutive STAT3 phosphorylation in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner and regulated the transcription of STAT3 target genes encoding apoptosis factors. Most importantly, 3o also inhibited interleukin‐6‐induced STAT3 activation and nuclear localization. Furthermore, 3o significantly inhibited the tumor growth of H460‐derived xenografts. Taken together, these findings suggest that 3o and 3k are promising therapeutic drug candidates for lung cancer by inhibiting persistent STAT3 signaling.
Personal psychological resources mediate parent–child relationship and mental health among left‐behind children
Authors: Mordeno Imelu G. , Gallemit I Marie Joy S. , Lantud Sittie Shayuri B. , Hall Brian J.
Published: May 2019

Discrepant findings on the impact of parental migration on left‐behind children's (LBC) psychological health have been noted in the literature. While several studies have shown the negative effects of parental migration, burgeoning research has demonstrated contradictory findings. The present study aimed to clarify this issue by examining the association between family resources and mental health as mediated by personal psychological resources (PPRs). A sample comprised of 466 LBC (aged 11–17 years) answered a set of questionnaires assessing parent–child relationship, PPRs, and mental health symptoms. The results showed that PPRs, particularly emotional resources, significantly mediated the link between family resources and mental health. This suggests that LBC who have rich family resources (i.e., close parent–child relationship) have lower mental health problems due to higher emotional resources (i.e., satisfaction in life). Conversely, those who reported having poor family resources experienced a lower level of PPRs (i.e., emotional well‐being), which in turn, increased their risk of having psychological distress. The “caravanning” of resources from family to personal resources is vital in protecting LBC's mental health.
Noninvasive assessment of fetal central nervous system insult: Potential application to prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Goetzl Laura , Darbinian Nune , Merabova Nana
Published: May 2019

Objective

We have developed novel methods for isolating fetal central nervous system (CNS)‐derived extracellular vesicles (FCEs) from maternal plasma as a non‐invasive platform for testing aspects of fetal neurodevelopment in early pregnancy. We investigate the hypothesis that levels of defined sets of functional proteins in FCEs can be used to detect abnormalities in fetal neuronal and glial proliferation, differentiation, and survival.

Method

Maternal plasma was obtained between 10 and 19 weeks from women with current heavy EtOH exposure and matched controls. FCE levels of synaptophysin, synaptotagmin, synaptopodin, and neurogranin were quantified normalized to the exosome marker CD81. Quantitative RT‐PCR was performed with specific primers for miR‐9.

Results

FCE cargo protein levels of synaptophysin, synaptotagmin, synaptopodin, and neurogranin were all significantly reduced in pregnancies exposed to current heavy EtOH use (P < .001 for all). Both synaptophysin and neurogranin appeared to be particularly discriminatory with no overlap between exposed and control subjects. Up to tenfold inhibition (90%) in MicroRNA‐9 was observed in FCEs from EtOH exposed fetuses compared with controls.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that FCEs purified from maternal plasma may be a powerful tool to assess abnormal proliferation and differentiation of CNS stem cells as early as the late first trimester.

What's already known about this topic?

Exosomes/extracellular vesicles (ECVs) are emerging as exciting novel biomarkers in neurologic disease (Alzheimers)

What does this study add?

Evidence that Fetal CNS ECVs can be isolated from maternal blood

The origin of the ECVs appears to be the fetal brain and not the placenta

Findings with ECVs correlates with fetal exposure to alcohol.

Potential for first trimester prenatal diagnosis of fetal neurologic disease