bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
College Student Psychological Distress: Relationship to Self‐Esteem and Career Decision Self‐Efficacy Beliefs
Authors: Thompson Mindi N. , Her Pa , Fetter Anna Kawennison , Perez‐Chavez Jessica
Published: December 2019

College students experience a number of stressors, such as adjustment to a new environment, postgraduation planning, and the balancing of changing roles and responsibilities. These stressors may contribute to increased rates of psychological distress that have implications for their educational and career development. The purpose of this study was to extend understanding of the nature of the relationships among psychological distress, self‐esteem, and career decision self‐efficacy (CDSE) beliefs. Results from 292 undergraduate students demonstrated support for the proposed hypotheses. Psychological distress negatively related to self‐esteem and to CDSE. Self‐esteem was positively related to, yet distinct from, CDSE, and both self‐esteem and psychological distress contributed unique variance to the prediction of CDSE. Results highlight the importance of attending to student psychological distress in the provision of career counseling services. Future research that centralizes mental health is needed to better understand relationships among career development processes over time and within diverse student populations.
Student Veteran Career Transition Readiness, Career Adaptability, and Academic and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Ghosh Arpita , Kessler Matthew , Heyrman Katelyn , Opelt Brett , Carbonelli Matthew , Fouad Nadya A.
Published: December 2019

Student military veterans pursuing higher education present with unique career development needs. To better understand these needs, the authors conducted an exploratory study to examine career transition readiness, career adaptability, academic satisfaction, and satisfaction with life among 134 student military veterans (34 women, 100 men). Results indicated statistically significant positive correlations between satisfaction with life scores and scores on measures of career transition readiness and career adaptability. Regression results demonstrated that career transition readiness and career adaptability predicted satisfaction with life, but not academic satisfaction. The findings suggest a need to understand the complexity of student veterans’ career and academic development in both research and practice.
A Mechanochemical‐Assisted Synthesis of Boron, Nitrogen Co‐Doped Porous Carbons as Metal‐Free Catalysts
Authors: Zhao Li‐Yuan , Dong Xiao‐Ling , Chen Jun‐Yue , Lu An‐Hui
Published: December 2019

A green and convenient solid‐state method assisted by mechanical energy is employed for the synthesis of boron (B) and nitrogen (N) co‐doped porous carbons (B,N‐Cs). Glutamic acid (Glu) and boric acid (H3BO3) are used as the N‐containing carbon precursor and boron source, respectively. This method is easy to perform and proved to be efficient towards co‐doping B and N into the carbon matrix with high contents of B (7 atom %) and N (10 atom %). By adjusting the molar ratio of H3BO3 to Glu, the surface chemical states of B and N could be readily modulated. When increasing H3BO3 dosage, the pore size of B,N‐Cs could be tuned ranging from micropores to mesopores with a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area up to 940 m2 g−1. Finally, the B,N‐Cs were applied as metal‐free catalysts for the cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides, which outperform the N‐doped carbon catalyst (NC‐900) and the physically mixed catalyst of NC‐900/B4C. The enhanced activity is attributed to the cooperative effect between B and N sites. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis reveals that BN3 in the B,N‐Cs serves as a critical active site for the cooperative catalysis.
Supercritical water oxidation treatment of humic acid as a model organic compound of landfill leachate
Authors: C. C. Martins Danielly , J. Scandelai Ana Paula , Cardozo‐Filho Lúcio , G. Tavares Célia Regina
Published: December 2019

Landfill leachate is a complex and variable effluent, rich in organic and inorganic matters resistant to decomposition, and is an extreme pollutant. Humic acids (HA) are some of the most refractive substances in the leachates, which is the reason why they have been used as an organic model. The degradation of an HA solution through supercritical water oxidation (ScWO) was evaluated under a constant pressure of 22.5 MPa, temperatures from 400°C to 600°C, and reaction times from 15 to 60 seconds. The results showed that the most influential factor was temperature and it guided the operational conditions of the ScWO for the landfill leachate (22.5 MPa, 600°C, and 60 seconds). The landfill leachate treatment promoted high removal rates of true colour (87%), total dissolved solids (94%), nitrate (70%), and total phosphorus (96%). In addition, it removed 57% of the COD, which was similar to the HA removal rate (61%) under the same operational conditions. This indicates that HA are an adequate organic model for landfill leachates. The results suggest that ScWO is a clean and promising treatment technology that can be applied to landfills and can have even better results if used in combination with oxidizers and catalysts, or with the use of higher temperatures.
Role of cell‐to‐cell communication in cancer: New features, insights, and directions
Authors: Eugenin Eliseo A.
Published: December 2019

The current special issue entitled “Role of tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) in carcinogenesis” was designed to discuss the role of cell‐to‐cell communication, especially TNTs, in cancer pathogenesis. In addition, we discuss the exploitation of TNTs as a potential therapeutic target to prevent and reduce cancer incidence. It is accepted that cell‐to‐cell communication is essential for the development of multicellular systems, and it is coordinated by soluble factors, associated membrane proteins, exosomes, gap junction channels, and TNTs. An old belief in the cancer field is that cancer cells are “disconnected” from healthy cells, resulting in loss of cell‐to‐cell communication and neighbor control. However, recent data obtained from different kind of tumors indicate that TNTs and others forms of communication (exosomes and localized cell‐to‐cell communication) are highly expressed and functional during tumor development . In physiological conditions, TNTs are expressed by few cells, and their main function is to coordinate long‐distance signaling. However, upon carcinogenesis, TNTs proliferate and provide an alternative route of communication to enable the transfer of several signaling molecules and organelles to spread disease and toxicity. We propose that TNTs and their cargo are an attractive therapeutic target to reduce or prevent cancer development. All these unique aspects of cell‐to‐cell diffusion and organelle sharing will be discussed in this special issue.
Low phase noise L‐band oscillators based on novel general Chebyshev bandpass filters
Authors: Xu Jun , Xiao Fei , Cao Yu
Published: December 2019

Oscillators act as signal sources for wireless communication systems, radars, wireless charging, and other industrial applications, whose phase noises directly determine system performance. In this paper, two low‐phase noise microwave oscillators based on novel microstrip second‐order band‐pass filters are presented. These filters are characterized by good frequency selectivity owing to two transmission zeros near to the passbands. As a result, relatively high group delay can be achieved at center frequencies, which is vital to the phase noise performance of the oscillators to be designed. Simultaneously, the bandwidths can be made narrow enough so that actual oscillating frequency is very close to the designed one. In addition, the introduction of stepped impedance makes these filters capable of harmonic suppression, which efficiently suppresses the harmonics in the output such as the second harmonic. These filters are compact and also of easy design. Finally, two microwave oscillators at 2.0 GHz are designed on these microstrip filters. As the measured results show, their output frequencies are 2.002 GHz. The phase noises are −127.21 and −127.03 dBc/Hz@100 kHz, respectively. The second harmonic suppressions are as great as 30.45 and 39.21 dBc, respectively.
A new design of QCA‐based nanoscale multiplexer and its usage in communications
Authors: Xingjun Li , Zhiwei Shao , Hongping Cheng , Haghighi Mohammad Reza Jamali
Published: December 2019

Quantum‐dot cellular automata (QCA) is one of the proposed nanotechnologies in the electronics industry, which offers a new construction for scheming digital circuits with less energy consumption on the nanoscale and possibly can be an appropriate replacement of complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Nanocommunication in QCA has attracted a wide range of researcher's attention. However, there is still a broad scope to design QCA‐based architecture for nanocommunication. The multiplexer is hugely used in the telecommunication system and transmits multiple data at the same time. Therefore, in this paper, a useful structure to implement a 2 to 1 multiplexer based on the novel XOR gate is presented and is used as a module to implement the 4 to 1 and 8 to 1 multiplexers. Simulations using QCADesigner tool are done to check the performance of the suggested designs. The 2 to 1, 4 to 1, and 8 to 1 QCA multiplexer structures utilize 22, 92, and 260 cells and consume 0.03, 0.12, and 0.40 μm2 of area, respectively. They have shown that the suggested designs have stable and applicable structures regarding area, cost, and complexity.
Multiple input and multiple output and energy‐aware peering routing protocol for energy consumption in sensor networks
Authors: Raj A. Sundar , Chinnadurai M.
Published: December 2019

Wireless sensor network consumes large number of energy‐constrained nodes that are used to monitor the external devices while transferring the information in the sensor networks. At the time of the information transmission process, node contains high energy, and battery of node may be recharged continuously, which leads to reduction of the entire information transmission system performance. This paper introduces the multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) method with energy‐efficient protocol for reducing the energy consumption in the network. Initially, the network coverage is determined by applying the shadow fading sensing model, and the clusters are formed with the help of the particle dual clustering process. After the cluster is formed, the information has been transmitted with the help of the energy‐aware peering routing protocol (EPR), which reduces the network traffic and also improves the energy efficiency with efficient manner. Then, the efficiency of the system is analyzed with the help of experimental results in terms of coverage fraction, accuracy of the cluster, and energy consumption.
Simple validated method of LC–MS/MS determination of BZ agent in rat plasma samples
Authors: Herman David , Dlabkova Alzbeta , Cechova Lenka , Vanova Nela , Misik Jan , Jun Daniel , Zdarova Karasova Jana
Published: December 2019

Agent BZ (3‐quinuclidinyl benzilate) is a centrally acting synthetic anticholinergic agent, considered as a potential military incapacitating chemical warfare agent. Despite its significance as a model compound in pharmacological research and its potential misuse in chemical attacks, few modern analytical methods for BZ determination in biological samples have been published. The goal of the present work is to develop and validate a sensitive and rapid LC–MS/MS method for the determination of agent BZ in rat plasma. The sample preparation was based on solid‐phase extraction on C‐18 cartridges. The reversed‐phase HPLC coupled with the mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization in the positive ion‐selective reaction monitoring mode was employed in the BZ analysis. Atropine was used as an internal standard. The presented method is selective, accurate, precise, and linear (r2 = 0.9947) in a concentration range from 0.5 ng/mL to 1 000 ng/mL and sensitive enough (limit of detection 0.2 ng/mL; limit of quantification 0.5 ng/mL) to determine the BZ plasma levels in rats exposed to 2 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg of BZ. The highest level of BZ in plasma was observed 5 minutes after intramuscular administration (154.6 ± 22.3 ng/mL in rats exposed to 2 mg/kg of BZ and 1024 ± 269 ng/mL in rats exposed to 10 mg/kg). After 48 h, no BZ was observed at detectable levels. This new method allows the detection and quantification of BZ in biological samples after exposure of an observed organism and it will be further optimized for other tissues to observe the distribution of BZ in organs.
High Pressure Processing of Lipase (Thermomyces lanuginosus): Kinetics and Structure Assessment
Authors: Ramos‐de‐la‐Peña Ana Mayela , Aguilar Oscar
Published: December 2019

Lipases are highly demanded enzymes, used to synthesize high commercial value products in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, textile, paper, and detergent industries. The effect of high pressure processing (HPP) on Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase is studied at 0.1, 100, and 300 MPa and 25 °C. Kinetics is assessed after HPP treatment in three sets of time series: 0–25, 51–75, and 101–112 min. Conformational change of lipase is studied by infrared attenuated total reflectance (ATR)–FTIR spectra deconvolution and 1D 1H NMR. Pressure treatment lead to changes in enzymatic activity from 51 to 75 and from 101 to 112 min. Treated enzyme at 300 MPa has the highest activity (≈twofold higher than untreated lipase). Statistical difference in activity (p  > 0.05) is not found during the first 25 min. Lipase activity is best described by first‐order model (0–25 min) and zero‐order model (51–75 and 101–112 min). Lipase unfolding is evident at 100 MPa due to an increase of β‐turns and β‐sheet components. Pressurized enzyme at 300 MPa enhances its activity from 51 to 112 min, due to an increase of β‐sheet and α‐helix structures (refolding). These findings impact directly on cost‐effectiveness of lipase catalyzed products manufacture.

Practical Applications: Enzyme enhanced activity and stability improves the performance of manufacture processes. Assessment of structure changes of lipase induced by HPP lead to accurate parameter selection to increase stability and profitability of lipase catalyzed products processing. Pressure levels of 100 MPa led to enzyme unfolding, whereas 300 MPa causes improved activity and stability provoked by lipase refolding. Pressure treatment at 300 MPa of Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase is recommended for long term bioprocessing (≥112 min), which require increased activity and stability of the enzyme.
A first approach using micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography for the determination of fipronil and fipronil‐sulfone in eggs
Authors: Aparicio‐Muriana M. Mar , Lhotská Ivona , García‐Campaña Ana M. , Lara Francisco J.
Published: December 2019

Fipronil is an insecticide that is not approved in the European Union in food. In 2017, fipronil was involved in a European health alert due to its presence in fresh hen eggs because of an illicit use in poultry farms, so reliable methods are needed to determine fipronil and its main metabolites in these matrixes. In this work, we report the first approach to the study of fipronil and two metabolites, fipronil‐sulfone and fipronil‐sulfide by CE. MEKC mode was employed using a solution of 50 mM ammonium perfluorooctanoate pH 9.0 with 10% (v/v) methanol as background electrolyte. The proposed method was combined with a simple sample treatment based on salting‐out assisted LLE (SALLE) using acetonitrile as extraction solvent and ammonium sulfate as salt. The SALLE–MEKC–UV method allowed the simultaneous quantification of fipronil and fipronil‐sulfone. Validation parameters yielded satisfactory results, with precision, expressed as relative SD, below 14% and recoveries higher than 83%. Limits of detection were 90 µg/kg for fipronil and 150 µg/kg for fipronil‐sulfone, so in terms of sensitivity further studies of sample treatments allowing extra preconcentration or the use of more sensitive detection, such as MS, would be needed.
Semitransparent Perovskite Solar Cells with Dielectric/Metal/Dielectric Top Electrodes
Authors: Xie Xixi , Wu Cuncun , Sun Shuren , Xu Xiaolong , Xu Wanjin , Qin Guogang , Xiao Lixin
Published: December 2019

A semitransparent perovskite solar cell (PSC) with a dielectric/metal/dielectric (DMD) multilayer film as the top transparent electrode is investigated. Through adjusting the thickness and the deposition rate of Ag and WO3 layers, a transparent electrode with a low sheet resistance of 7 Ω sq−1 and high average visible transmittance (AVT) of 73% in the visible wavelength range of 400–800 nm is obtained. Using the resultant DMD film as the top transparent electrode and different bandgap perovskites of CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3), CH(NH2)2PbI3 (FAPbI3), and FA0.5MA0.38Cs0.12PbI2.04Br0.96 as the optical active layer, a solar cell with a device architecture of ITO/SnO2/perovskite/spiro‐OMeTAD/MoO3/Ag/WO3 is fabricated. A series of efficient semitransparent PSCs with high transmittance are achieved.
Performance and Matching Band Structure Analysis of Tandem Organic Solar Cells Using Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Lee Min-Hsuan
Published: December 2019

Organic solar cells (OSCs) based on tandem configuration have been drastically studied for boosting power conversion efficiency (PCE) in the the past decade and are a potential improvement to current commercial photovoltaic solar cell technology. Although a series of promising efficiency achievements on tandem OSCs have been reported, the crucial issue is how to estimate tandem OSCs performance based on known physical properties of different photoactive materials. Herein, a set of electronic features of photovoltaic materials is trained using machine‐learning algorithms for accurate efficiency predictions of tandem OSCs. The well‐trained machine‐learning model presented herein aims at 1) designing the matching band structures of active blends in each sub‐cell and 2) identifying the characteristics of the materials to be used to achieve high PCE values. The machine‐learning approach provides an effective strategy for suggesting the ideal properties of photovoltaic materials in terms of highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), and bandgap, which is useful for the rational design of high‐efficiency tandem OSCs.
Thermal Emission‐Enhanced and Optically Modulated Radioisotope Thermophotovoltaic Generators
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Tang Xiaobin , Liu Yunpeng , Xu Zhiheng , Yuan Zicheng , Liu Kai , Zhang Zhengrong , Jiang Tongxin
Published: December 2019

Infrared radiation generated by high‐energy‐density radioisotope decay can be converted to electrical energy in radioisotope thermophotovoltaic (RTPV) generators. Thermal emission intensity and spectral properties have substantial implications in this thermal energy conversion process. To improve the performance of the RTPV generator, a silicone coating material is used as a thermal emission enhancer, and SiO2 is used as a filter. The silicone coating has excellent thermal emissivity at high temperatures. The SiO2 filter is used for optical modulation during the thermal energy conversion process. The heat transfer optimization problem caused by the internal temperature distribution of the system is discussed. Compared with the experimental model before optimization, the output power of the RTPV generator increased by 126% obtains an open‐circuit voltage of 2.64 V, an electric power of 89.88 mW, and an energy conversion efficiency of 5.62%. The RTPV generator is expected to be a potential candidate for energy supply in extreme environments.
Tunnelbohrmaschinen für Hartgestein – Stand der Technik im Jahr 2020
Authors: Flora Matthias , Goliasch Robert , Strauss Armin , Atzori Denis
Published: December 2019

At this year's International Planning Design and Construction (IPDC) Workshop of the Unit of Project and Construction Management (i3b) of the University of Innsbruck, a selected group of tunnelling engineers took a closer look at the state of the art of hard rock tunnel boring machines and the challenges of tunnelling systems along the Brenner axis. The three currently active construction contracts using mechanized tunnelling technology at the Brenner Base Tunnel have an intersection of comparable geological/geotechnical conditions (quartz phyllite, schist, gneiss and granite) and yet different machine types were selected: a Gripper TBM for the Tulfes‐Pfons exploration tunnel – H33, three Double Shield machines for the Mauls 2/3 contract and four Single Shield machines for contract H51. The focus of this workshop was accordingly: from geology/geotechnics to the key specifications of the TBM as a basis, followed by the consideration of the type‐independent TBM parameters, the differences as well as advantages and disadvantages of the three machine types and finally an outlook into the future regarding further developments and need for innovation. This article summarizes the contents of the workshop.
Diagenesis of tight sandstone reservoirs of Xujiahe Formation (Upper Triassic), the Xinchang Gas Field, western Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Zhong Yi‐Jiang , Huang Ke‐Ke , Ye Li‐Ming , Lan Ye‐Fang , Liu Lei
Published: December 2019

The tight sandstones of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation are important gas reservoirs in the western part of the Sichuan Basin, China. However, their diagenesis and the factors controlling diagenetic processes are poorly constrained. The petrological and geochemical nature of diagenetic minerals of the Xujiahe sandstone reservoirs was analysed from 105 core samples of three wells in the Xinchang Gas Field. The lower member, Xu‐2, sandstones have an average framework composition of Q65F16R19, and 47% of the total lithic fragments are volcanic rock fragments (VRFs). In contrast, the upper member, Xu‐4, sandstones have an average framework composition of Q53F0R47 with a near absence of feldspar and VRFs. The main phase of carbonate cementation in the Xu‐2 sandstones is mesogenetic ferroan dolomite, whereas in the Xu‐4 sandstones, it is intergranular poikilotopic calcite. A fair amount (0.97% in bulk rock and 29% in clay fraction) of authigenic kaolinites appear in the Xu‐4 sandstones, but they are completely absent in the Xu‐2 sandstones. The observed textural occurrence of kaolinites, in combination with the positive relationship between δ13C and δ18O in the calcite cements, suggests that meteoric water flushed the Xu‐4 sandstones, resulting in the dissolution of feldspar to a negligible amount. Quartz cementation is more extensive (1.4 vol%) in the Xu‐2 sandstones than in the Xu‐4 sandstones (0.4 vol%). The fluid inclusions within the quartz cements in the Xu‐2 sandstones have a higher homogenization temperature interval (84–217°C) than those in the Xu‐4 sandstones (81–147°C), indicating that quartz cementation continued to affect the Xu‐2 sandstones during deep burial but ceased relatively early in the Xu‐4 sandstones. High‐intensity chlorite authigenesis, feldspar overgrowth, and albitization occur only in the Xu‐2 sandstones, suggesting that the source of these sandstones was primarily from the alteration of VRFs during late‐stage diagenesis. These clear variations in diagenetic features between the Xu‐2 and Xu‐4 members were most likely controlled by the significant variations in their depositional environments (marine vs. non‐marine) and in the original framework compositions.
The right VLPFC and downregulation of social pain: A TMS study
Authors: He Zhenhong , Zhao Jun , Shen Junshi , Muhlert Nils , Elliott Rebecca , Zhang Dandan
Published: December 2019

Previous studies have demonstrated that the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (RVLPFC) is crucially involved in downregulating physical and social pain. However, it remains unclear whether the RVLPFC is more specific to either physical or social pain. The present study compares the role of RVLPFC in emotion regulation in physical‐ and social‐pain conditions using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). A total of 60 healthy participants underwent active (n = 30) or sham (n = 30) rTMS over the RVLPFC. Following each TMS session, participants performed a non‐reappraisal and then a reappraisal task to downregulate imagined physical or social pain evoked by pictures. Self‐reported negative emotional ratings and electroencephalogram data were recorded during the emotion regulation task. Participants were then required to rate the valence and arousal of those pictures 30 min after the task. It is found that rTMS‐activated RVLPFC led to reductions in subjective negative feelings and amplitudes of the late positive potential during reappraisal; however, these effects were found exclusively in the social‐pain condition. Participants also reported higher positive valence for socially, compared to physically, painful pictures after 30 min of the task. Behavioral and electrophysiological evidence both supported the functional specificity of RVLPFC in regulation of social pain. The prominent delayed effect of rTMS makes it possible to consider the potential application of rTMS‐VLPFC in clinical practice for social pain relief.
Pain modulates neural responses to reward in the medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Wang Chenbo , Bao Chaofei , Gao Jiatao , Gu Yujin , Dong Xiao‐Wei
Published: December 2019

Pain has been found to promote reward‐seeking behaviors, which might be a consequence of modulated brain activities in the reward neural circuitry in a painful state. The present study investigated how pain affected reward processing and reward‐related neural activities using fMRI technique. A total of 50 healthy participants were recruited and used for data analyses, with half being treated with topical capsaicin cream and the other half with hand cream (treatment: pain or control). The participants were asked to perform a card‐guessing game when their brain activities responding to feedbacks (outcome: win or loss) were recorded. Behavioral results showed that participants in pain group overestimated their correct choices in the card‐guess game. Whole‐brain fMRI analysis revealed that the main effect of outcome (win vs. loss) activated a typical network of the reward neural circuitry, including the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the bilateral nucleus accumbens (NAcc). Importantly, the region of interest analysis revealed a significant interaction of treatment and outcome in the mPFC, with increased mPFC neural activity responding to win outcome in pain condition. Moreover, the functional connectivity between the mPFC and the NAcc was decreased in pain condition. We conclude that the pain‐induced modulation of the mPFC activity could result in alterations of both the emotional response to and the cognitive evaluation of reward.
Disruptions of frontoparietal control network and default mode network linking the metacognitive deficits with clinical symptoms in schizophrenia
Authors: Jia Wenbin , Zhu Hong , Ni Yinmei , Su Jie , Xu Rui , Jia Hongxiao , Wan Xiaohong
Published: December 2019

The metacognitive deficit in awareness of one's own mental states is a core feature of schizophrenia (SZ). The previous studies suggested that the metacognitive deficit associates with clinical symptoms. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the relationship remain largely unknown. We here investigated the neural activities associated with the metacognitive deficit and the neural signatures associated with clinical symptoms in 38 patients with SZ using functional magnetic resonance imaging with a perceptual decision‐making task accompanied with metacognition, in comparison to 38 age, gender, and education matched healthy control subjects. The metacognitive deficit in patients with SZ was associated with reduced regional activity in both the frontoparietal control network (FPCN) and the default mode network. Critically, the anticorrelational balance between the two disrupted networks was substantially altered during metacognition, and the extent of alteration positively scaled with negative symptoms. Conversely, decoupling between the two networks was impaired when metacognitive monitoring was not required, and the strength of excessive neural activity positively scaled with positive symptoms. Thus, disruptions of the FPCN and the default mode network underlie the metacognitive deficit, and alternations of network balance between the two networks correlate with clinical symptoms in SZ. These findings implicate that rebalancing these networks holds important clinical potential in developing more efficacious therapeutic treatments.
The clinical strategies for tendon repair with biomaterials: A review on rotator cuff and Achilles tendons
Authors: Veronesi Francesca , Borsari Veronica , Contartese Deyanira , Xian Jie , Baldini Nicola , Fini Milena
Published: December 2019

Tendon repair is a complex process due to the low tenocyte density, metabolism, and vascularization. Tears of rotator cuff (RCT) and Achilles tendons ruptures have a major impact on healthcare costs and quality of life of patients. Scaffolds are used to improve the healing rate after surgery and long‐term results. A systematic search was carried out to identify the different types of scaffolds used during RCT and Achilles tendon repair surgery in the last 10 years. A higher number of clinical studies were reported on RCT ruptures. Biological scaffolds were used more than synthetic ones, for both rotator cuff and Achilles tendons. Moreover, platelet‐rich plasma (PRP)‐based scaffolds were the most widely used in RCT. A different type of synthetic scaffold was used in each of the five studies found. Biological scaffolds either provide variable results, in particular PRP‐based ones, or poor results, such as bovine equine pericardium. All the synthetic scaffolds demonstrated a significant increase in clinical and functional scores in biomechanics, and a significant decrease in pain and re‐tear rate in comparison to conventional surgery. Despite the limited number of studies, further investigation in the clinical use of synthetic scaffolds should be carried out.
miR‐4500 suppresses cell proliferation and migration in bladder cancer via inhibition of STAT3/CCR7 pathway
Authors: Peng Wei , Dong Na , Wu Shihao , Gui Dingwen , Ye Zhihua , Wu Haixia , Zhong Xintai
Published: December 2019

Bladder cancer (BC) is a prevalent type of cancer that occurs in human urinary system threatening the human health. microRNA‐4500 (miRNA‐4500) is a novel miRNA that serves as a potential biomarker in several types of cancers. However, the in‐depth molecular mechanism of miR‐4500 in BC has not yet been fully elucidated. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reactionq and Western blot analysis were applied to analyze the expressions of miR‐4500, STAT3, and C‐C chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7). Gain‐of‐function assays involving Cell Counting Kit‐8, 5′‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine incorporation assay, and Transwell were employed to evaluate miR‐4500 function in cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation, RNA immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assay were performed to explore the molecular mechanism underlying function of miR‐4500. We found the downregulation of miR‐4500 in BC cells, and ectopic expression of miR‐4500 hampered cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition. Importantly, miR‐4500 directly targeted STAT3 3′‐untranslated region, leading to repression on STAT3 expression. Intriguingly, STAT3 transcriptionally regulated CCR7. Rescue experiments validated the presence of miR‐4500/STAT3/CCR7 axis in control of BC growth and progression. Our data highlighted miR‐4500 as a potent cancericidal gene in BC, and might provide a theoretical grounding for development of target‐oriented therapies of patients afflicted with BC.
Regulatory T cells for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease: A clinical and preclinical systematic review
Authors: Rajabinejad Misagh , Ranjbar Sedigheh , Afshar Hezarkhani Leila , Salari Farhad , Gorgin Karaji Ali , Rezaiemanesh Alireza
Published: December 2019

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by neuronal degeneration and inflammation in the nerves. The role of the immune system has been concentrated by researchers in the etiopathogenesis of the disease. Given the inhibitory roles of regulatory T cells (Tregs), it is expected that increasing or activating their populations in patients with ALS can have significant therapeutic effects. Here we searched databases, including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus,clinicaltrials.gov, and ICTRP for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and non‐RCTs until March 2019. For preclinical studies, we searched PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar up to June 2019. We also included preclinical studies, due to the lack of clinical information available, which used Tregs (or directly targeting them) for treating mice models of ALS. We identified 29 records (CENTRAL 7, MEDLINE 4, CINAHL Plus 8, andclinicaltrials.gov10) and removed 10 duplicated publications. After screening, we identified one RCT which had been published as an abstract, three non‐RCTs, and four ongoing studies. We also identified 551 records (PubMed 446, Google Scholar 68, and Scopus 37) for preclinical studies and performed a meta‐analysis. Finally, we found three papers that matched our inclusion criteria for preclinical studies. Results indicated the effectiveness of the application of Tregs in the treatment of ALS. Our meta‐analysis on preclinical studies revealed that Tregs significantly prolonged survival in mice models of ALS. Overall, our analysis testified that exertion of Tregs in the treatment of ALS is a promising approach, that notwithstanding, requires further evaluations.
A Reinforcer Pathology perspective on relapse
Authors: Bickel Warren K. , Athamneh Liqa N.
Published: December 2019

The Reinforcer Pathology theory proposes conditions under which drugs emerge as excessively preferred reinforcers compared to other available reinforcers among drug users. The theory highlights 2 key variables as important determinants of drug preference: (a) excessive preference for immediate rewards (high discounting of future rewards); and (b) excessive valuation for addictive reinforcers (e.g., drugs). Two iterations of the Reinforcer Pathology theory exist with the latest iteration (i.e., Reinforcer Pathology 2.0) specifying that the temporal window of reinforcer integration (measured by delay discounting) is a determinant of reinforcer value. The 2 iterations of the Reinforcer Pathology theory are described. A novel insight and understanding of abstinence and relapse from a Reinforcer Pathology perspective, limitations, and future directions are discussed. The Reinforcer Pathology theory continues the long‐standing efforts to scientifically understand and better define novel concepts and methods to further translational research and improve treatment outcomes. Exploring the complementary relation between the Reinforcer Pathology perspective and other current approaches could have a valuable effect.
Using transactions data to improve consumer returns forecasting
Authors: Shang Guangzhi , McKie Erin C. , Ferguson Mark E. , Galbreth Michael R.
Published: December 2019

Although generous return policies have been shown to have marketing benefits, such as a higher willingness to pay and a higher purchase frequency, counterbalancing these benefits is an increased volume of consumer returns, which presents significant operational challenges for both retailers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Since accurate return forecasts are inputs into strategic and tactic decision support tools for operations managers, advancements in better forecast accuracy can yield significant savings from the returns management practice. We propose a forecasting approach that incorporates transaction‐level data, such as purchase and return timestamps, and predicts future return quantities using a two‐step “predict‐aggregate” process. To enhance the generalizability of our framework, we test it on two distinct datasets provided by a bricks‐and‐mortar electronics retailer and an online jewelry retailer. We find that our approach demonstrates significant forecasting error reduction, in the range of 10–20%, over benchmark models constructed from common industry practices and the existing literature. As our approach leverages the same data inputs as existing models, it can be easily adapted by practitioners. We also consider a number of extensions to generalize our approach into contexts such as restricted return time windows, new product returns, and inflated same‐day returns. Last, we discuss broad implications of return forecast accuracy improvements in the areas such as inventory management, staffing level, reverse logistics, and return recovery decisions.
Multi‐Axis Fatigue Experimentation System of Intramedullary Implants for Femur and Tibia
Authors: Kanerva Mikko , Pärnänen Tuomas , Jokinen Jarno , Haaja Juha , Ritvanen Antti , Schlenzka Dietrich
Published: December 2019

Current designs of leg‐lengthening implants have faced serious failures due to inadequacies in the mechanical design. The failure typically is the result of fatigue induced by a combined loading condition with axial and shear components acting in the tubular body of the implant. One of the reasons leading to the failure is improper verification testing for the design of the fatigue limit. The current test standards for pre‐clinical design phases of nail implants are relatively straightforward and widely accepted yet cannot produce the three‐dimensional stress state representative of the anticipated operation in a patient during the consolidation phase. This work introduces a major improvement toward a method for verifying fatigue life of tubular as well as solid implants under combined torque, axial load, and bending. The report describes a new loading fixture, a calibration method, and compares the qualification results of finite element simulation analyses and experimental measurements during cyclic loading tests. The findings state that the fixture produces controlled multi‐axial loadings to study varied osteotomy locations, quasi‐static strength and fatigue of intramedullary implants at an intermediate, 2 Hz, cycle rate. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 38:984‐995, 2020
Translational relevance of the goat as a preclinical model of the human labrum and chondrolabral junction—histological study
Authors: Rajappa Ravikumar , Nazal Mark R. , Stelzer John W. , Hsu Hu Ping , Conaway William K. , Rokkappanavar Swetha , Niu Wanting , Upadhyaya Shivam , Alpaugh Kyle , Spector Myron , Martin Scott D.
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histologic features of the caprine labrum, with emphasis on the chondrolabral junction, with the goal of informing the feasibility of the goat as an animal model. The left hip joint of six adolescent Spanish goats (Capra pyrenaica) was harvested and subjected to anatomical and histological assessments. Human acetabular and femoral head samples, collected during total hip arthroplasty, served as comparison samples. The caprine labrum was found to consist of mostly type I collagen with uniform crimp, with an average crimp length of 20.8 µm. Upon histological assessment, acetabular articular chondrocytes were found to express substance‐P, especially near or in the chondrolabral junction. And the majority of nonvascular cells expressed α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA), with no notable elastin and laminin expression. Human labrum demonstrated similar staining patterns. Overall, the goat hip was found to be homologous to the human hip, demonstrating potential as a useful animal model for future studies. This is the first report of a crimped collagen structure in the labrum. Crimped type I collagen at the chondrolabral junction imparts an extension‐recovery property which allows for toleration of stress without permanent deformation, underlying the importance of its preservation during surgery. The high expression of substance‐P reflects the degree to which the labrum is innervated. Finally, the expression of α‐SMA with contractile characteristics could indicate the potential for chondrocyte (i.e., myochondrocytes) modeling of the extracellular matrix. Statement of Clinical Significance: Establishment of a large animal model and deeper knowledge of the histological composition of the hip joint will enhance our study of the acetabular labrum, including repair techniques. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:1070‐1080, 2020
Central Venous Access Device Complications in Patients Receiving Parenteral Nutrition in General Ward Settings: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Martincich Irena , Cini Krystle , Lapkin Samuel , Lord Heidi , Fernandez Ritin
Published: December 2019

Background

Central venous access devices (CVADs) are used widely in acute clinical settings for the infusion of parenteral nutrition (PN) in patients who are unable to meet their nutrition requirements via the oral or enteral routes. The aim of this study was to characterize the frequency and nature of CVAD complications in patients receiving PN in general ward settings.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of CVAD‐related outcomes for adult patients who received PN from January 2014 to December 2016 was conducted.

Results

A total of 629 CVADs were placed in 475 patients for parenteral administration in general ward settings during the 3‐year study period. A total 104 (16.53%) episodes of CVAD‐associated complications were reported during this period, including suspected line infection, leak at site, catheter blockage, and generalized patient sepsis. Overall, 13 CVAD catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) were diagnosed in the patient cohort over 8695 PN feeding days, giving an incidence of 1.49 CVAD infections per 1000 PN feeding days.

Conclusion

The results showed that patients receiving PN through CVADs within general ward settings experience CRBSI at rates no different from those reported within critical care settings. These findings demonstrate that with appropriate nursing care, CVADs appear safe when used for the administration of PN in general ward settings.
I (do not) consume; therefore, I am: Investigating materialism and voluntary simplicity through a moderated mediation model
Authors: Kuanr Abhisek , Pradhan Debasis , Chaudhuri Himadri Roy
Published: December 2019

With the burgeoning of consumer culture and materialism on a global scale, a counter‐culture movement, namely, voluntary simplicity, is slowly gaining currency. Extant research reveals a degree of disparateness in the relationship between materialism and voluntary simplicity. Drawing on the value‐basis theory and anti‐consumption research, the current study attempts at an unorthodox study of the fledgling culture of anti‐consumption in urban India. The paper empirically examines the relationship between materialism and voluntary simplicity in India. This research, through an experimental study followed by a sample survey, conducted among urban Indian consumers, examines how satisfaction with life, self‐efficacy, and individualism interact with materialistic values to eventually influence voluntary simplicity attitudes. In Study 1 (N = 74 working professionals), we experimentally triggered materialistic aspirations and evaluated their effects on voluntary simplicity in comparison to a control condition. In Study 2 (N = 315), individuals self‐rated their materialistic values, satisfaction with life, self‐efficacy, cultural orientation, and voluntary simplicity attitude. Our study, contrary to the suggestions in the existing literature, demonstrates that materialists espouse voluntary simplicity attitudes when environmental degradation around them directly impacts their health, wealth, and well‐being. In addition to the positive direct effect, satisfaction with life and self‐efficacy serially mediate the relationship between materialism and voluntary simplicity, providing a welcome divergence from dark‐sided conceptualizations of materialism. Our results help global marketers, and public policymakers better understand the interaction between materialistic values and sustainable consumption attitudes, in the developing country perspective.
The adaptive response to iron involves changes in energetic strategies in the pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Duval Celia , Macabiou Carole , Garcia Camille , Lesuisse Emmanuel , Camadro Jean‐Michel , Auchère Françoise
Published: December 2019

Candida albicans is an opportunist pathogen responsible for a large spectrum of infections, from superficial mycosis to systemic diseases known as candidiasis. Its ability to grow in different morphological forms, such as yeasts or filamentous hyphae, contributes to its survival in diverse microenvironments. Iron uptake has been associated with virulence, and C. albicans has developed elaborate strategies for acquiring iron from its host. In this work, we analyze the metabolic changes in response to changes in iron content in the growth medium and compare C. albicans adaptation to the presence or absence of iron. Functional and morphological studies, correlated to a quantitative proteomic analysis, were performed to assess the specific pathways underlying the response to iron, both in the yeast and filamentous forms. Overall, the results show that the adaptive response to iron is associated with a metabolic remodeling affecting the energetic pathways of the pathogen. This includes changes in the thiol‐dependent redox status, the activity of key mitochondrial enzymes and the respiratory chain. Iron deficiency stimulates bioenergetic pathways, whereas iron‐rich condition is associated with greater biosynthetic needs, particularly in filamentous forms. Moreover, we found that C. albicans yeast cells have an extraordinary capability to adapt to changes in environmental conditions.
A novel 3D microdevice for the in vivo capture of cancer‐associated cells
Authors: Jiménez‐Zenteno Alejandro K. , Estève Aurore , Cayron Hélène , Bou Elise , Bourrier David , Sanson Sylvain , Calise Denis , Blatché Charline , Vieu Christophe , Malavaud Bernard , Cerf Aline
Published: December 2019

Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) correlate by their number to the lethal potential of the tumour and can be characterized in terms of molecular properties. The repeated isolation of living CTCs has now appeared as an unavoidable step towards their use as biomarkers in clinical routine. We introduce a 3D stealthy microdevice adapted to the in vivo capture of CTCs in the venous blood flow, on the basis of their physical characteristics, size and rigidity. Embedded in a fluidic bench mimicking an artificial arm vein, it readily captured human prostate cancer cells spiked into donor blood down to a concentration of 1,000 cells/ml. The isolation of cancer cells in venous circulation was validated in an animal model in vivo. These results open new avenues to the characterization of CTCs in prognosis, personalization of treatments and follow‐up, not only as a research tool, but also for repeated monitoring in clinical practice.
Monitoring the temperature of a direct contact membrane distillation
Authors: Boumenir Amin , Ghattassi Mohamed , Laleg‐Kirati Taous Meriem
Published: December 2019

This paper deals with the heat transfer monitoring occurring within an inaccessible membrane distillation system. The membrane separates heated sea water and filtered cooled drinkable water. By adjusting the temperature of the incoming heated sea water and knowing its temperature distribution, engineers can keep its temperature within its best operating parameters and avoid hot spots to form. This would help prolong its life cycle and minimize the cost of the distillation process. In particular, we show that an external observation is enough to reconstruct the temperature of the membrane, which is considered as an unknown source term in a parabolic system.