bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractA 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.
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

SummaryA 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

AbstractBackgroundCarotid 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.MethodsIn 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.ResultsThirty‐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.ConclusionCBS 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

AbstractCalcium 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

AbstractAgency 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

AbstractAberrant 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

AbstractElectrospun 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractRecent 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

AbstractmiR‐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

AbstractBACKGROUNDWe 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.RESULTSThe 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.CONCLUSIONThis 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

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis 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.RESULTSContinuous 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.CONCLUSIONThe 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

AbstractIntroductionAdherence 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.MethodsPreferences 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.ResultsA 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).ConclusionsPreferences 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

Abstract
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.