bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utilizing Formate as an Energy Carrier by Coupling CO2 Electrolysis with Fuel Cell Devices
Authors: Bienen Fabian , Kopljar Dennis , Löwe Armin , Aßmann Pia , Stoll Marvin , Rößner Paul , Wagner Norbert , Friedrich Andreas , Klemm Elias 
Published: May 2019

AbstractElectrochemical reduction of CO2 to useful chemicals can change the role of CO2 from harmful waste to a valuable feedstock. Despite a lot of progress in the alkaline electrochemical conversion of CO2 to formate, there is still a lack of potential applications for the generated aqueous formate solution. Here, the general ability of formate to be used as an energy or hydrogen carrier is discussed and compared to well‐known energy storage chemicals. Concepts to employ formate solution as an energy carrier by combining CO2 electrolysis with the reconversion of formate into electricity via a direct formate fuel cell or catalytic decomposition to H2 combined with a proton exchange membrane fuel cell are demonstrated.
A comparison of two quasi‐static computational models for assessment of intra‐myocardial injection as a therapeutic strategy for heart failure
Authors: Fan Yiling , Ronan William , Teh Irvin , Schneider Jurgen E. , Varela Claudia E. , Whyte William , McHugh Peter , Leen Sean , Roche Ellen 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMyocardial infarction, or heart attack, is the leading cause of mortality globally. Although the treatment of myocardial infarct has improved significantly, scar tissue that persists can often lead to increased stress and adverse remodeling of surrounding tissue and ultimately to heart failure. Intra‐myocardial injection of biomaterials represents a potential treatment to attenuate remodeling, mitigate degeneration, and reverse the disease process in the tissue. In vivo experiments on animal models have shown functional benefits of this therapeutic strategy. However, a poor understanding of the optimal injection pattern, volume, and material properties has acted as a barrier to its widespread clinical adoption. In this study, we developed two quasistatic finite element simulations of the left ventricle to investigate the mechanical effect of intra‐myocardial injection. The first model employed an idealized left ventricular geometry with rule‐based cardiomyocyte orientation. The second model employed a subject‐specific left ventricular geometry with cardiomyocyte orientation from diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging. Both models predicted cardiac parameters including ejection fraction, systolic wall thickening, and ventricular twist that matched experimentally reported values. All injection simulations showed cardiomyocyte stress attenuation, offering an explanation for the mechanical reinforcement benefit associated with injection. The study also enabled a comparison of injection location and the corresponding effect on cardiac performance at different stages of the cardiac cycle. While the idealized model has lower fidelity, it predicts cardiac function and differentiates the effects of injection location. Both models represent versatile in silico tools to guide optimal strategy in terms of injection number, volume, site, and material properties.
Employees' corporate social responsibility perceptions and organizational citizenship behaviors for the environment: The mediating roles of organizational identification and environmental orientation fit
Authors: Cheema Sadia , Afsar Bilal , Javed Farheen 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe importance of organizational citizenship behaviors for the environment (OCBEs) has been clearly established in the environmental literature. The purpose of this study is to examine the mediation of organizational identification and environmental orientation fit on the relationship between employees' corporate social responsibility (CSR) perceptions and their engagement in organizational citizenship behaviors for the environment. On the basis of 374 survey responses from employees, our structural equation modeling results indicated that CSR perceptions had a positive effect on employees' OCBEs. Moreover, both organizational identification and environmental orientation fit mediated the effect of CSR perceptions on employees' OCBEs. This study contributed to three literature streams (i.e., CSR, pro‐environmental behaviors and environmental management, and person–environment fit). Managerial implications and recommendations for future research are given at the end.
Development and evolution of the metazoan heart
Authors: Poelmann Robert E. , Gittenberger‐de Groot Adriana C. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe mechanisms of the evolution and development of the heart in metazoans are highlighted, starting with the evolutionary origin of the contractile cell, supposedly the precursor of cardiomyocytes. The last eukaryotic common ancestor is likely a combination of several cellular organisms containing their specific metabolic pathways and genetic signaling networks. During evolution, these tool kits diversified. Shared parts of these conserved tool kits act in the development and functioning of pumping hearts and open or closed circulations in such diverse species as arthropods, mollusks, and chordates. The genetic tool kits became more complex by gene duplications, addition of epigenetic modifications, influence of environmental factors, incorporation of viral genomes, cardiac changes necessitated by air‐breathing, and many others. We evaluate mechanisms involved in mollusks in the formation of three separate hearts and in arthropods in the formation of a tubular heart. A tubular heart is also present in embryonic stages of chordates, providing the septated four‐chambered heart, in birds and mammals passing through stages with first and second heart fields. The four‐chambered heart permits the formation of high‐pressure systemic and low‐pressure pulmonary circulation in birds and mammals, allowing for high metabolic rates and maintenance of body temperature. Crocodiles also have a (nearly) separated circulation, but their resting temperature conforms with the environment. We argue that endothermic ancestors lost the capacity to elevate their body temperature during evolution, resulting in ectothermic modern crocodilians. Finally, a clinically relevant paragraph reviews the occurrence of congenital cardiac malformations in humans as derailments of signaling pathways during embryonic development.
Vibration control for pneumatic isolation table with feedforward control input
Authors: Koike Masakazu , Nakata Takumi , Zhang Feifei , Tahara Junichiro 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we consider a vibration suppression problem for a pneumatic isolation table with on–off valves using the feedforward control input profile. In this system, it is possible to enhance the vibration suppression performance by adjusting the flow rate of air into and from air springs. However, there is a significant problem that a steady‐state deviation, namely an offset, for displacement of the table occurs. Therefore, we propose an efficient search method of the optimal feedforward control input profile, which provides high vibration suppression performance without a steady‐state deviation. A key idea is to update the control input profile to belong to a space where velocity of the table does not change.
Development of electrically conductive hybrid nanofibers based on CNT‐polyurethane nanocomposite for cardiac tissue engineering
Authors: Shokraei Nasim , Asadpour Shiva , Shokraei Shabnam , Nasrollahzadeh Sabet Mehrdad , Faridi‐Majidi Reza , Ghanbari Hossein 
Published: May 2019

AbstractConductive nanofibers have been considered as one of the most interesting and promising candidate scaffolds for cardiac patch applications with capability to improve cell–cell communication. Here, we successfully fabricated electroconductive nanofibrous patches by simultaneous electrospray of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on polyurethane nanofibers. A series of CNT/PU nanocomposites with different weight ratios (2:10, 3:10, and 6:10wt%) were obtained. Scanning electron microscopy, conductivity analysis, water contact angle measurements, and tensile tests were used to characterize the scaffolds. FESEM showed that CNTs were adhered on PU nanofibers and created an interconnected web‐like structures. The SEM images also revealed that the diameters of nanofibers were decreased by increasing CNTs. The electrical conductivity, tensile strength, Young's modulus, and hydrophilicity of CNT/PU nanocomposites also enhanced after adding CNTs. The scaffolds revealed suitable cytocompatibility for H9c2 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). This study indicated that simultaneous electrospinning and electrospray can be used to fabricate conductive CNT/PUnanofibers, resulting in better cytocompatibility and improved interactions between the scaffold and cardiomyoblasts.
A comparison of diverticulitis in Crohn's disease versus ulcerative colitis
Authors: Persaud Alana , Ahmed Ahmed , Kakked Gaurav , Shulik Oleg , Ahlawat Sushil 
Published: May 2019

Background and AimInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and diverticulitis both increase morbidity, especially when associated with in‐patient hospitalization. This study aimed to evaluate whether hospitalization burden differs for diverticulitis in patients with a history of Crohn's disease (CD) compared to ulcerative colitis (UC).MethodAll patients hospitalized for acute diverticulitis with pre‐existing UC or CD in 2014 were selected using the national in‐patient sample. Cases were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition codes. Primary outcomes were mortality, cost of admission, length of stay (LOS), and colectomy.ResultsA total of 1815 patients were admitted with diverticulitis, and those with CD had a hospitalization associated with decreased cost (aOR −14 537, 95% CI −27 316 to −1758; P = 0.026) and LOS (aOR −1.31, 95% CI −2.41 to −0.208; P = 0.02) compared to UC. A second analysis comparing diverticulitis hospitalization between those with CD and those with the absence of IBD showed no significant difference in mortality (aOR 2.47, 95% CI 0.59 to 10.36; P = 0.22), LOS (aOR 0.03, 95% CI −0.47 to 0.54; P = 0.92), or cost of admission (aOR −2196, 95% CI −6933 to 2539; P = 0.36) between the cohorts.ConclusionPatients with UC have worsened hospitalization outcomes when being treated for diverticulitis compared to CD. While the findings may be a result of a difference in colectomy rates, the etiology may also be multifactorial. These conclusions have not been previously described, and further investigations would better characterize these associations.
Macrophage priming is dispensable for NLRP3 inflammasome activation and restriction of Leishmania amazonensis replication
Authors: de Carvalho Renan V H , Silva Alexandre L N , Santos Leonardo L , Andrade Warrison A , de Sá Keyla S G , Zamboni Dario S 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in response to multiple stimuli and triggers activation of caspase-1 (CASP1), IL-1β production, and inflammation. NLRP3 activation requires two signals. The first leads to transcriptional regulation of specific genes related to inflammation, and the second is triggered when pathogens, toxins, or specific compounds damage cellular membranes and/or trigger the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we assess the requirement of the first signal (priming) for the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) infected with Leishmania amazonensis. We found that BMDMs express the inflammasome components NLRP3, ASC, and CASP1 at sufficient levels to enable the assembly and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in response to infection. Therefore, priming was not required for the formation of ASC specks, CASP1 activation (measured by fluorescent dye FAM-YVAD), and restriction of L. amazonensis replication via the NLRP3 inflammasome. By contrast, BMDM priming was required for CASP1 cleavage (p20) and IL-1β secretion, because priming triggers robust up-regulation of pro-IL-1β and CASP11 that are important for efficient processing of CASP1 and IL-1β. Taken together, our data shed light into the cellular and molecular processes involved in activation of the NLRP3 in macrophages by Leishmania, a process that is important for the outcome of Leishmaniasis.
Interaction of aloe active compounds with calf thymus DNA
Authors: Das Abhi , Suresh Kumar Gopinatha , Dutta Sanjay 
Published: May 2019

AbstractNatural anthraquinone compounds have emerged as potent anticancer chemotherapeutic agents because of their promising DNA‐binding properties. Aloe vera is among one of the very well‐known medicinal plants, and the anthraquinone derivatives like aloe emodin (ALM), aloins (ALN), and aloe emodin‐8‐glucoside (ALMG) are known to have immense biological activities. Here, we have used biophysical methods to elucidate the comparative DNA‐binding abilities of these three molecules. Steady‐state fluorescence study indicated complexation between calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) and both the molecules ALM and ALMG whereas ALN showed very weak interaction with DNA. Displacement assays with ctDNA‐bound intercalator (ethidium bromide) and a groove binder (Hoechst 33258) indicated preferential binding of both ALM and ALMG to minor groove of DNA. Isothermal titration calorimetric (ITC) data suggested spontaneous exothermic single binding mode of both the molecules: ALM and ALMG. Entropy is the most important factor which contributed to the standard molar Gibbs energy associated with relatively small favorable enthalpic contribution. The equilibrium constants of binding to ctDNA were (6.02 ± 0.10) × 104 M−1 and (4.90 ± 0.11) × 104 M−1 at 298.15 K, for ALM and ALMG, respectively. The enthalpy vs temperature plot yielded negative standard molar heat capacity value, and a strong negative correlation between enthalpy and entropy terms was observed which indicates the enthalpy entropy compensation behavior in both systems. All these thermodynamic phenomena indicate that hydrophobic force is the key factor which is involved in the binding process. Moreover, the enhancement of thermal stability of DNA helix by ALM and ALMG fully agreed to the complexation of these molecules with DNA.
Cartilage Wear Particles Induce an Inflammatory Response Similar to Cytokines in Human Fibroblast‐Like Synoviocytes
Authors: Estell Eben G. , Silverstein Amy M. , Stefani Robert M. , Lee Andy J. , Murphy Lance A. , Shah Roshan P. , Ateshian Gerard A. , Hung Clark T. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTThe synovium plays a key role in the development of osteoarthritis, as evidenced by pathological changes to the tissue observed in both early and late stages of the disease. One such change is the attachment of cartilage wear particles to the synovial intima. While this phenomenon has been well observed clinically, little is known of the biological effects that such particles have on resident cells in the synovium. The present work investigates the hypothesis that cartilage wear particles elicit a pro‐inflammatory response in diseased and healthy human fibroblast‐like synoviocytes, like that induced by key cytokines in osteoarthritis. Fibroblast‐like synoviocytes from 15 osteoarthritic human donors and a subset of three non‐osteoarthritic donors were exposed to cartilage wear particles, interleukin‐1α or tumor necrosis factor‐α for 6 days and analyzed for proliferation, matrix production, and release of pro‐inflammatory mediators and degradative enzymes. Wear particles significantly increased proliferation and release of nitric oxide, interleukin‐6 and ‐8, and matrix metalloproteinase‐9, ‐10, and ‐13 in osteoarthritic synoviocytes, mirroring the effects of both cytokines, with similar trends in non‐osteoarthritic cells. These results suggest that cartilage wear particles are a relevant physical factor in the osteoarthritic environment, perpetuating the pro‐inflammatory and pro‐degradative cascade by modulating synoviocyte behavior at early and late stages of the disease. Future work points to therapeutic strategies for slowing disease progression that target cell‐particle interactions. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1979–1987, 2019
Detecting Ankle Instability With an Instrumented Ankle Arthrometer: An Experimental Study
Authors: Gehring Dominic , Li Lu , Bonsignore Giuseppe , Dorn‐Lange Nadja , Gollhofer Albert , Lohrer Heinz 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTA new instrumented device was developed to quantify ankle joint stability during an anterior talar drawer test. The aim of the present study was to validate this device comparing bone kinematics with arthrometer measurement outcomes. An anterior talar drawer test was performed with 14 cadaver legs using a custom instrumented ankle arthrometer. Using clusters of bone‐pin markers, the relative three‐dimensional movement of calcaneus, talus, and fibula was simultaneously measured. Anterior drawer test was applied on the intact foot and after sequentially sectioning the anterior talofibular ligament, the calcaneofibular ligament, and the posterior talofibular ligament. Cutting the anterior talofibular ligament caused a significant increase in bone‐pin measured anterior translations of calcaneus and talus as well as in the anterior translation of the arthrometer. Analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves indicates a fair to good ability to discriminate between the intact and the sectioned conditions with the arthrometer. Distal distraction, inversion, and internal rotation movements were observed when two and three ligaments were cut. Results revealed that the ankle arthrometer was sensitive to detect changes in bone‐to‐bone movements during an anterior talar drawer test, when the anterior talofibular ligament was sectioned. Presumably due to movements in additional planes of motion, the arthrometer was not able to differentiate between situations with one or more ligaments cut. In conclusion, the instrumented anterior talar drawer tester may augment current procedures in assessing ankle instability primarily caused by ruptures of the anterior talofibular ligament. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2019–2026, 2019
Use of Allogeneic Hypoxic Mesenchymal Stem Cells For Treating Disc Degeneration in Rabbits
Authors: Chiang En‐Rung , Ma Hsiao‐Li , Wang Jung‐Pan , Chang Ming‐Chau , Liu Chien‐Lin , Chen Tain‐Hsiung , Hung Shih‐Chieh 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTIntervertebral discs (IVDs) are important biomechanical components of the spine. Once degenerated, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐based therapies may aid in the repair of these discs. Although hypoxic preconditioning enhances the chondrogenic potential of MSCs, it is unknown whether bone marrow MSCs expanded under hypoxic conditions (1% O2, here referred to as hypoxic MSCs) are better than bone marrow MSCs expanded under normoxic conditions (air, here referred to as normoxic MSCs) with regards to disc regeneration capacity. The purpose of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of hypoxic and normoxic MSCs in a rabbit needle puncture degenerated disc model after intra‐disc injection. Six weeks after needle puncture, MSCs were injected into the IVD. A vehicle‐treated group and an un‐punctured sham‐control group were included as controls. The tissues were analyzed by histological and immunohistochemical methods 6 and 12 weeks post‐injection. At 6 and 12 weeks, less disc space narrowing was evident in the hypoxic MSC‐treated group compared to the normoxic MSC‐treated group. Significantly better histological scores were observed in the hypoxic MSC group. Discs treated with hypoxic MSCs also demonstrated significantly better extracellular matrix deposition in type II and XI collagen. Increased CD105 and BMP‐7 expression were also observed upon injection of hypoxic MSCs. In conclusion, hypoxic MSC injection was more effective than normoxic MSC injection for reducing IVD degeneration progression in vivo. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1440–1450, 2019.
Kinetics of epoxidation by a Musa paradisiaca chloroperoxidase
Authors: Yadav Pratibha , Khare Sunil K. , Sharma Satyawati 
Published: May 2019

AbstractEpoxidations of indene, styrene, 2‐chlorostyrene, 3‐chlorostyrene, 4‐chlorostyrene, 4‐bromostyrene, and naphthalene using Musa paradisiaca plant juice chloroperoxidase in the presence of H2O2 and t‐butyl peroxide as oxidants have been studied. The steady‐state kinetic parameters, Km and kcat of the enzyme for the above substrates have been determined. The temperature and pH optima of the epoxidation are 25°C and 6.2, respectively. The yield of styrene oxide in the presence of H2O2 was 44%. The results show that M. paradisiaca plant juice chloroperoxidase is a potential biocatalyst for organic epoxidation reactions.
Objective measures and the standardized letter of recommendation in the otolaryngology residency match
Authors: Hu Allison C. , Gu Jeffrey T. , Wong Brian J. F. 
Published: May 2019

Objectives/HypothesisThe objective of this study were to determine if any of the 10 attributes of the standardized letter of recommendation (SLOR) correlate significantly with objective measures of each applicant and to determine whether professor characteristics were associated with reported SLOR attributes.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsWe reviewed 339 SLORs from 187 otolaryngology residency applicants. The 10 SLOR attributes were converted into a percentile score and statistically analyzed.ResultsAll 10 SLOR attributes had a mean ± standard deviation above the 80th percentile (0.82‐0.93 ± 0.08‐0.52) and negative skewness. United States Medical Licensing Examination step 1 and 2 scores correlated most strongly with match potential (B = 93.1,P < .001 and B = 96.3, P = .002, respectively). Students from top 40 National Institutes of Health–funded institutions had a significant difference in length of relationship with their letter writer (B = −0.51, P = .02) and interpersonal communication skills (B = −12.9, P = .011). Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) and non‐AOA members differed in medical knowledge (B = 21.0, P = .007), research (B = −8.80, P = .036), and commitment to otolaryngology (B = −25.89, P = .020). Total number of research experiences correlated most strongly with medical knowledge (B = −16.55, P = .011). There was a significant difference in means between length of relationship and professorial rank (F[4, 339] = 3.61, P = .023), administrative position (F[5, 339] = 5.43, P = .002), and institution of the letter writer (P < .001).ConclusionsOverall, the lack of correlation between SLOR attributes and objective measures suggests that the SLOR adds little to the residency application. Professor characteristics were similarly not associated with any of the 10 SLOR attributes; however, there were significant differences in the length of relationship between the professor and students with respect to professor rank, administrative rank, and institution of the letter writer.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 130:603–608, 2020