bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature‐dependent Battery Performance of a Na3V2(PO4)2F3@MWCNT Cathode and In‐situ Heat Generation on Cycling
Authors: Essehli Rachid , Amin Ruhul , Abouimrane Ali , Li Mengya , ben Yahia Hamdi , Maher Kenza , Zakaria Yahya , Belharouak Ilias
Published: July 2020

Excellent structural stability, high operating voltage, and high capacity have made Na3V2(PO4)2F3 a promising cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries. However, high‐temperature battery performances and heat generation measurements have not been systematically reported yet. Carbon‐coated Na3V2(PO4)2F3@MWCNT (multi‐walled carbon nanotube) samples are fabricated by a hydrothermal‐assisted sol‐gel method and the electrochemical performances are evaluated at three different temperatures (25, 45, and 55 °C). The well‐crystallized Na3V2(PO4)2F3@MWCNT samples exhibit good cycling stability at both low and high temperatures; they deliver an initial discharge capacity of 120–125 mAhg−1 at a 1 C rate with a retention of 53 % capacity after 1,400 cycles with 99 % columbic efficiency. The half‐cell delivers a capacity of 100 mAhg−1 even at a high rate of 10 C at room temperature. Furthermore, the Na3V2(PO4)2F3@MWCNT samples show good long‐term durability; the capacity loss is an average of 0.05 % per cycle at a 1 C rate at 55 °C. Furthermore, ionic diffusivity and charge transfer resistance are evaluated as functions of state of charge, and they explain the high electrochemical performance of the Na3V2(PO4)2F3@MWCNT samples. In‐situ heat generation measurements reveal reversible results upon cycling owing to the high structural stability of the material. Excellent electrochemical performances are also demonstrated in the full‐cell configuration with hard carbon as well as antimony Sb/C anodes.
Engineering Heterostructured Nanocatalysts for CO2 Transformation Reactions: Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Zheng Ya‐Li , Liu Hai‐Chao , Zhang Ya‐Wen
Published: July 2020

As a conceivable route to achieving anthropological carbon looping, carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies employ waste CO2 as an accessible C1 building block to generate upgraded chemicals or fuels, thereby simultaneously remedying environmental issues and energy crises. However, efficient CO2 conversion is disfavored by both its thermodynamics and its kinetics. Heterostructured materials with well‐controlled interfaces have great potential for enhanced catalytic performance in various CO2 transformation reactions, owing to the synergistic effects among components, numerous interfacial and/or surface active sites, increased CO2 adsorption capacity, promoted charge transfer efficiency, and unique physicochemical properties. This Review highlights the state of the art in typical heterostructures, such as core‐shell, yolk‐shell, Janus, hierarchical (branched and hollow), and 2D/2D layered structures, applied for CO2 conversion with various energy inputs (radiation, electricity, heat). Fabrication methods of different heterostructures and structure‐composition‐performance relationships are also discussed concisely. Finally, a brief summary and prospective research directions are provided. The motivation of this Review is to offer instructive information on the applicability of inorganic heterostructures for CO2 transformation reactions, and it is hoped that further enlightening studies in this field could emerge in the future.
Body size determines eyespot size and presence in coral reef fishes
Authors: Hemingson Christopher R. , Cowman Peter F. , Bellwood David R.
Published: July 2020

Numerous organisms display conspicuous eyespots. These eye‐like patterns have been shown to effectively reduce predation by either deflecting strikes away from nonvital organs or by intimidating potential predators. While investigated extensively in terrestrial systems, determining what factors shape eyespot form in colorful coral reef fishes remains less well known. Using a broadscale approach we ask: How does the size of the eyespot relate to the actual eye, and at what size during ontogeny are eyespots acquired or lost? We utilized publicly available images to generate a dataset of 167 eyespot‐bearing reef fish species. We measured multiple features relating to the size of the fish, its eye, and the size of its eyespot. In reef fishes, the area of the eyespot closely matches that of the real eye; however, the eyespots “pupil” is nearly four times larger than the real pupil. Eyespots appear at about 20 mm standard length. However, there is a marked decrease in the presence of eyespots in fishes above 48 mm standard length; a size which is tightly correlated with significant decreases in documented mortality rates. Above 75–85 mm, the cost of eyespots appears to outweigh their benefit. Our results identify a “size window” for eyespots in coral reef fishes, which suggests that eyespot use is strictly body size‐dependent within this group.
Cardiac magnetic resonance in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: myocyte, interstitium, microvascular, and metabolic abnormalities
Authors: Quarta Giovanni , Gori Mauro , Iorio Annamaria , D'Elia Emilia , Moon James C. , Iacovoni Attilio , Burocchi Simone , Schelbert Erik B. , Brambilla Paolo , Sironi Sandro , Caravita Sergio , Parati Gianfranco , Gavazzi Antonello , Maisel Alan S. , Butler Javed , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Senni Michele
Published: July 2020

Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a chronic cardiac condition whose prevalence continues to rise, with high social and economic burden, but with no specific approved treatment. Patients diagnosed with HFpEF have a high prevalence of comorbidities and exhibit a high misdiagnosis rate. True HFpEF is likely to have multiple pathophysiological causes – with these causes being clinically ill‐defined due to limitations of current measurement techniques. Myocyte, interstitium, microvascular, and metabolic abnormalities have been regarded as key components of the pathophysiology and potential therapeutic targets. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has the capability to look deeper with a number of tissue characterization techniques which are closer to the underlying specific abnormalities and which could be linked to personalized medicine for HFpEF. This review aims to discuss the potential role of CMR to better define HFpEF phenotypes and to infer measurable therapeutic targets.
Palmitate‐TLR4 signaling regulates the histone demethylase, JMJD3, in macrophages and impairs diabetic wound healing
Authors: Davis Frank M. , denDekker Aaron , Joshi Amrita D. , Wolf Sonya J. , Audu Christopher , Melvin William J. , Mangum Kevin , Riordan Mary O. , Kunkel Steven L. , Gallagher Katherine A.
Published: July 2020

Chronic macrophage inflammation is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and linked to the development of secondary diabetic complications. T2D is characterized by excess concentrations of saturated fatty acids (SFA) that activate innate immune inflammatory responses, however, mechanism(s) by which SFAs control inflammation is unknown. Using monocyte‐macrophages isolated from human blood and murine models, we demonstrate that palmitate (C16:0), the most abundant circulating SFA in T2D, increases expression of the histone demethylase, Jmjd3. Upregulation of Jmjd3 results in removal of the repressive histone methylation (H3K27me3) mark on NFκB‐mediated inflammatory gene promoters driving macrophage‐mediated inflammation. We identify that the effects of palmitate are fatty acid specific, as laurate (C12:0) does not regulate Jmjd3 and the associated inflammatory profile. Further, palmitate‐induced Jmjd3 expression is controlled via TLR4/MyD88‐dependent signaling mechanism, where genetic depletion of TLR4 (Tlr4−/−) or MyD88 (MyD88−/−) negated the palmitate‐induced changes in Jmjd3 and downstream NFκB‐induced inflammation. Pharmacological inhibition of Jmjd3 using a small molecule inhibitor (GSK‐J4) reduced macrophage inflammation and improved diabetic wound healing. Together, we conclude that palmitate contributes to the chronic Jmjd3‐mediated activation of macrophages in diabetic peripheral tissue and a histone demethylase inhibitor‐based therapy may represent a novel treatment for nonhealing diabetic wounds.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric [3+2] Cycloaddition of Vinylethylene Carbonates with 2‐Arylidene‐1,3‐Indandiones: Synthesis of Tetrahydrofuran‐Fused Spirocyclic 1,3‐Indandiones
Authors: Zhang Huihui , Gao Xing , Jiang Feng , Shi Wangyu , Wang Wei , Wu Yongjun , Zhang Cheng , Shi Xueyan , Guo Hongchao
Published: July 2020

An asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition of 2‐arylidene‐1,3‐indandiones with vinylethylene carbonates (VECs) had been achieved in the presence of Pd2dba3·CHCl3 and axially chiral phosphoramidite ligand. The reaction of various substituted VECs and 2‐arylidene‐1,3‐indandiones proceeded smoothly under mild conditions, giving the highly functionalized spirocyclic 1,3‐indanedione derivatives in good to excellent yield with moderate diastereoselectivity and high enantioselectivity. The reaction on the gram scale had also been demonstrated.
Selection of Optimal Ligand and Vanadium(IV) Complexonate for Sensitive Catalytic Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetric Quantification of Germanium
Authors: Zarębski Jerzy , Bobrowski Andrzej , Gonciarczyk Julia , Królicka Agnieszka
Published: July 2020

The study describes the properties of catalytic adsorptive stripping voltammetric (CAdSV) systems based on complexes of Ge(IV) with gallic acid, catechol or pyrogallol as well as vanadium complexes with complexones such as NTA, DHPTA, EDTA, and HEDTA, used as catalytic agents. The most pronounced CAdSV response was observed when the Ge(IV)‐pyrogallol complex was coupled with V(IV)‐HEDTA. In 0.05 M of acetate buffer containing 1 mM of pyrogallol, 2 mM of V(IV) and 4 mM of HEDTA, the peak current of germanium exhibited good linearity for Ge(IV) concentrations over the range from 0.25 nM to 25 nM and a low limit of detection (LOD=0.02 nM). The method was verified by measuring Ge(IV) in real water samples.
A Non‐enzymatic Ag/δ‐FeOOH Sensor for Hydrogen Peroxide Determination using Disposable Carbon‐based Electrochemical Cells
Authors: de Meira Flávio H. A. , Resende Sayton F. , Monteiro Douglas S. , Pereira Márcio C. , Mattoso Luiz H. C. , Faria Ronaldo C. , Afonso André S.
Published: July 2020

A non‐enzymatic sensor for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) determination based on Ag/δ‐FeOOH nanocomposite immobilized on an all‐plastic disposable carbon‐based electrochemical cell (DCell) is constructed by a rapid prototyping technique. Ag/δ‐FeOOH is synthesized by a simple and reproducible method and its structural and morphological properties characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Ag/δ‐FeOOH is successfully immobilized on the DCell, as revealed by SEM images. The electrochemical investigation indicates that the Ag/δ‐FeOOH/DCell has a good electrocatalytic response for the H2O2 reduction, showing detection limit of 71 μmol L−1 H2O2 at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3 and analytical sensitivity of 215.4 μA mM−1 cm−2. Moreover, Ag/δ‐FeOOH/DCell can be used to selectively detect H2O2 in the presence of dopamine (DA), uric acid (UA), and ascorbic acid (AA). Finally, Ag/δ‐FeOOH/DCell can be used to determine H2O2 in fetal bovine serum. The achieved results indicate that the non‐enzymatic Ag/δ‐FeOOH/DCell is a cost‐effective alternative for the determination of H2O2.
Nitrogen oxides and ozone in urban air: A review of 50 plus years of progress
Authors: Erickson Larry E. , Newmark Gregory L. , Higgins Michael J. , Wang Zixian
Published: July 2020

Nitrogen oxides and ozone impact air quality in many parts of the United States, Europe, China, and many other countries. The greatest air quality challenge in Los Angeles, some other areas of California, and some parts of China is to reduce ozone levels to meet regulations. Background ozone is a major factor which makes it more difficult to reduce urban concentrations in Los Angeles and some other locations. Air pollution from China affects the background ozone entering California. More than 50 years of history are reviewed with an emphasis on reducing concentrations of nitrogen oxides and ozone. During this time period, there has been significant progress in reducing levels of these pollutants in urban air in the United States and Europe; however, ozone concentrations in China have increased since 2013. Cost and benefit analysis has shown that benefits associated with the Clean Air Act of 1970 have greatly exceeded costs to improve air quality in the U.S. over the past 50 years. Further actions to consider to improve air quality include reducing combustion of coal and petroleum products and transitioning to renewable energy. Public education is recommended to inform citizens that the benefits of reducing emissions far exceed costs.
Enhanced biohydrogen production from sugar industry effluent using nickel oxide and cobalt oxide as cathode nanocatalysts in microbial electrolysis cell
Authors: Jayabalan Tamilmani , Naina Mohamed Samsudeen , Matheswaran Manickam , Radhakrishnan T.K. , Pugazhendhi Arivalagan , Alagarsamy Arun
Published: July 2020

Development of economically viable cathode catalysts with practicability in the treatment of real effluents is one of the strenuous efforts among the multidisciplinary approaches in microbial electrolysis cell (MEC). Treatment of industrial effluents using this technology had resulted in simultaneous energy production in the form of hydrogen along with wastewater treatment, promoting both energy and environmental benefits. In this study, two metal oxides such as, Nickel Oxide (NiO) and Cobalt oxide (Co3O4) were employed as the cathode catalyst using sugar industry effluent as the substrate for biohydrogen production in the MEC. The addition of NiO and Co3O4 on nickel foam (NF) has demonstrated better hydrogen evolution performance than the control (uncoated) cathode. Electrochemical characterization of the modified cathodes revealed the improved capability analogous to the current density and hydrogen production rate (HPR) obtained in the experimentation. The best performance was achieved by NiO/NF with the maximum HPR of 3.39 ± 0.03 mmol/L/D, coloumbic efficiency of 58 ± 1.4%, hydrogen recovery of 27 ± 1.8% and COD removal efficiency of 52 ± 1.6% when operated with the applied voltage of 1.0 V. Hence, the potential of metal oxides was demonstrated for the candidature of efficient and economical cathode materials in MECs.
Design of a high speed 14‐bit digital to analog converter circuit
Authors: Tang Yu‐Lan , Chen Jian‐hui , Ye Qian
Published: July 2020

A 14‐bit current domain digital to analog converter (DAC) is presented, which employs 4 + 4 + 6 segmented current‐steering architecture. The high 4‐bit and intermediate 4‐bit adopted thermometer code control, and the low‐6 bit used direct control of binary weighted current source, so the dynamic performance of DAC is improved. The detailed design of the core modules of DAC is also given, including high‐precision programmable reference current source, DAC encoding and decoding circuit, and the current source array. The DAC is fabricated in SMIC 0.18 μm 1P6M CMOS technology. The simulation results of Hspice show that the spurious free dynamic range for 80 MHz output signal at 400 MHz sampling clock rate is 72.47 dB, and the design has met the requirements.
A Round Robin of fire modelling for performance‐based design
Authors: Johansson Nils , Anderson Johan , McNamee Robert , Pelo Christian
Published: July 2020

Nine participants, representing eight different Swedish fire consultancy firms participated in a Round Robin study where two different cases were simulated with the Fire Dynamics Simulator. The first case included a large open warehouse where the activation of a sprinkler system was to be studied. In the second case time to critical conditions in a theatre was to be calculated. The participants were given clear instructions on the building layout and heat release rate for the two cases. Still, the results demonstrate a significant variation in time to sprinkler system activation (range of 110 seconds) and available safe escape time (range of 60 seconds), between the participants. It is important to emphasise that some degree of variation is unavoidable, as engineers can model things differently without the modelling solution necessarily being incorrect. Even though it is hard to isolate and specific cause of the variation, some of the variation seen in this study is related to modelling choices that are questionable and consequently problematic for the reliability of the fire safety design.
Tetrahedral adaptive mesh refinement for two‐phase flows using conservative level‐set method
Authors: Antepara Oscar , Balcázar Néstor , Oliva Assensi
Published: July 2020

In this article, we describe a parallel adaptive mesh refinement strategy for two‐phase flows using tetrahedral meshes. The proposed methodology consists of combining a conservative level‐set method with tetrahedral adaptive meshes within a finite volume framework. Our adaptive algorithm applies a cell‐based refinement technique and adapts the mesh according to physics‐based refinement criteria defined by the two‐phase application. The new adapted tetrahedral mesh is obtained from mesh manipulations of an input mesh: operations of refinement and coarsening until a maximum level of refinement is achieved. For the refinement method of tetrahedral elements, geometrical characteristics are taking into consideration to preserve the shape quality of the subdivided elements. The present method is used for the simulation of two‐phase flows, with surface tension, to show the capability and accuracy of 3D adapted tetrahedral grids to bring new numerical research in this context. Finally, the applicability of this approach is shown in the study of the gravity‐driven motion of a single bubble/droplet in a quiescent viscous liquid on regular and complex domains.
Utility Customer Care in the Digital Age: Transforming the Customer Experience to Meet Higher Expectations
Authors: Aweh Amanda , Casagranda Blake , Coughlan Cashel , Patelski Mike
Published: July 2020

For most of the twentieth century, electric and gas utilities focused predominantly on the operational aspects of their business. Given their unique position in many states as the sole provider of electric and gas service in their franchise area, very few utilities focused their attention on the customer experience. For their part, customers have been largely disengaged with their utility provider. In 2016, the average utility customer spent a mere eight minutes looking at their utility bill, or 40 seconds a month. Compared to Facebook, where users spend an average of 20 minutes daily looking at the website, and financial institutions, where customers visit their bank's website or applications on average 17 times a month, utility customers are considerably less engaged.
A geoarchaeological methodology for sourcing chert artefacts in the Mediterranean region: A case study from Neolithic Skorba on Malta
Authors: Chatzimpaloglou Petros
Published: July 2020

This article introduces a robust scientific methodological approach that has been effective on accurately sourcing prehistoric chert artefacts. The research focuses on the lithic assemblage of Skorba, a late Neolithic site of Malta, and local chert rock sources. This assemblage is mainly consisting of chert tools and artefacts, but the origin of the raw materials remains inconclusive. Although chert outcrops are reported on Malta, they have yet to be investigated and their petrological characteristics are unknown. Moreover, it was always assumed that nonlocal chert material has been only imported from Sicily. This, however, remains at a theoretical level and elaborate provenance research is necessary to test it. This archaeological background serves an excellent opportunity to employ an interdisciplinary methodology and address uncertainties that conventional archaeological practices seem unable to provide clear answers. This methodology includes geological techniques that focus on petrological and geochemical characteristics of chert formations. The collected results provide the necessary scientific evidence to connect some artefacts with their actual sources and provided useful information about the possible origin of others. This paper further aims to demonstrate the great prospects of this suite of techniques and its suitability for similar provenance studies of chert material worldwide.
Entropy generation minimization and nonlinear heat transport in MHD flow of a couple stress nanofluid through an inclined permeable channel with a porous medium, thermal radiation and slip
Authors: Rosales Ignacio Gómez , Duharte Guillermo Ibáñez , López Grijalva Aracely , Lastres Danguillecourt Orlando , Reyes‐Nava Juan
Published: July 2020

Irreversible losses and heat transport in a magnetohydrodynamic flow of a viscous, steady, incompressible, and fully developed couple stress Al2O3–water nanofluid through a sloping permeable wall channel with porous medium and under the effect of radiation heat flux and slip were analyzed. The fundamental equations were solved numerically by using Runge‐Kutta together with the shooting technique and the results were in qualitative agreement with an exact solution obtained for a limit case. The impacts of couple stress, Darcy number, solid nanoparticle concentrations, conduction‐radiation parameter, Hartmann number and hydrodynamic slip on flow, temperature, heat transport, and entropy production were examined. It was possible to achieve values of minimum entropy production not yet reported in previous studies. In this way, optimal values of couple stress and slip were obtained. The heat transport was also explored and optimal values of slip flow and conduction‐radiation parameter with maximum heat transfer were found. Finally, in addition to the alumina, the distributions of velocity, temperature, and entropy generation in TiO2–water and Cu–water were presented for different solid nanoparticle concentrations. It was obtained that the local entropy of TiO2–water was lower than Cu–water and Al2O3–water in the channel bottom region while it was greater in the upper region.
Unsteady squeezed Casson nanofluid flow by considering the slip condition and time‐dependent magnetic field
Authors: Archana Manjappa , Praveena Mundalamane Manjappa , Kumar Kondlahalli Ganesh , Shehzad Sabir Ali , Ahmad Manzoor
Published: July 2020

The present flow problem investigates the incompressible and squeezed flow between two parallel plates. The mathematical formulation includes the constitutive equations of Casson nanofluid, which is treated as a lubricant. Brownian movement, slip condition, and thermophoretic mechanisms are also considered. The formulated model is tackled by Runge‐Kutta‐Fehlberg fourth‐ and fifth‐order numerical scheme joint with shooting criteria. Momentum, thermal, and mass species behavior is executed by plots of distinct physical constraints values. It is found that the velocity component is boosted for the larger squeezed parameter whereas the temperature component shows the same behavior for Brownian motion and thermophoresis parameter. Near the lower half of the plate, velocity increases for the slip parameter whereas it decreases for magnetic and Casson parameters.
Dissecting the journey to breast cancer diagnosis in sub‐Saharan Africa: Findings from the multicountry ABC‐DO cohort study
Authors: Foerster Milena , McKenzie Fiona , Zietsman Annelle , Galukande Moses , Anele Angelica , Adisa Charles , Parham Groesbeck , Pinder Leeya , Schüz Joachim , McCormack Valerie , dos‐Santos‐Silva Isabel
Published: July 2020

Most breast cancer patients in sub‐Saharan Africa are diagnosed at advanced stages after prolonged symptomatic periods. In the multicountry African Breast Cancer‐Disparities in Outcomes cohort, we dissected the diagnostic journey to inform downstaging interventions. At hospital presentation for breast cancer, women recalled their diagnostic journey, including dates of first noticing symptoms and health‐care provider (HCP) visits. Negative binomial regression models were used to identify correlates of the length of the diagnostic journey. Among 1429 women, the median (inter‐quartile range) length (months) of the diagnostic journey ranged from 11.3 (5.7‐21.2) in Ugandan, 8.2 (3.4‐16.4) in Zambian, 6.5 (2.4‐15.7) in Namibian‐black to 5.6 (2.3‐13.1) in Nigerian and 2.4 (0.6‐5.5) in Namibian‐non‐black women. Time from first HCP contact to diagnosis represented, on average, 58% to 79% of the diagnostic journey in each setting except Nigeria where most women presented directly to the diagnostic hospital with advanced disease. The median number of HCPs visited was 1 to 4 per woman, but time intervals between visits were long. Women who attributed their initial symptoms to cancer had a 4.1 months (absolute) reduced diagnostic journey than those who did not, while less‐educated (none/primary) women had a 3.6 months longer journey than more educated women. In most settings the long journey to breast cancer diagnosis was not primarily due to late first presentation but to prolonged delays after first presentation to diagnosis. Promotion of breast cancer awareness and implementation of accelerated referral pathways for women with suspicious symptoms are vital to downstaging the disease in the region.
On intellectual capital efficiency and shariah governance in Islamic banking business model
Authors: Nawaz Tasawar , Haniffa Roszaini , Hudaib Mohammad
Published: July 2020

This paper empirically investigates whether intellectual capital (IC) and shariah governance jointly affect the economic performance of Islamic banks (IBs). In contrast to prior research, this paper disaggregate IC and corporate governance features and examine whether the two are jointly related to economic performance. These relationships are further explored before, during and after the financial crisis based on a sample of 64 Islamic banks operating in different regions during the period 2007–2014. The required data to calculate different constituents of IC efficiency and governance mechanism is hand collected from 512 annual reports. After controlling for other corporate governance and bank‐specific characteristics (operational type, bank size, listing status, risk, type of auditor, accounting standard and region), we find both intellectual capital efficiency and shariah governance proxies (size and dominance of prominent scholars of shariah supervisory board) to have a significant positive relationship with accounting measure of performance. However, based on market performance measure, only one proxy for shariah governance mechanism, that is, prominent scholars on SSB, is found to be significant but in the negative direction. These results provide important insights into the relationship between IC efficiency, corporate governance and performance in Islamic banking business model and have policy and practical implications.
IRX3 and IRX5 Inhibit Adipogenic Differentiation of Hypertrophic Chondrocytes and Promote Osteogenesis
Authors: Tan Zhijia , Kong Mingpeng , Wen Songjia , Tsang Kwok Yeung , Niu Ben , Hartmann Christine , Chan Danny , Hui Chi-chung , Cheah Kathryn S.E.
Published: July 2020

Maintaining the correct proportions of different cell types in the bone marrow is critical for bone function. Hypertrophic chondrocytes (HCs) and osteoblasts are a lineage continuum with a minor contribution to adipocytes, but the regulatory network is unclear. Mutations in transcription factors, IRX3 and IRX5, result in skeletal patterning defects in humans and mice. We found coexpression of Irx3 and Irx5 in late-stage HCs and osteoblasts in cortical and trabecular bone. Irx3 and Irx5 null mutants display severe bone deficiency in newborn and adult stages. Quantitative analyses of bone with different combinations of functional alleles of Irx3 and Irx5 suggest these two factors function in a dosage-dependent manner. In Irx3 and Irx5 nulls, the amount of bone marrow adipocytes was increased. In Irx5 nulls, lineage tracing revealed that removal of Irx3 specifically in HCs exacerbated reduction of HC-derived osteoblasts and increased the frequency of HC-derived marrow adipocytes. β-catenin loss of function and gain of function specifically in HCs affects the expression of Irx3 and Irx5, suggesting IRX3 and IRX5 function downstream of WNT signaling. Our study shows that IRX3 and IRX5 regulate fate decisions in the transition of HCs to osteoblasts and to marrow adipocytes, implicating their potential roles in human skeletal homeostasis and disorders.

Abstract

Fate decision of hypertrophic chondrocyte is controlled by Irx3 and Irx5. With normal expression of Irx3 and Irx5, hypertrophic chondrocytes preferentially differentiate into Col1a1+ osteoblasts, and few are differentiated into Perilipin+ adipocytes. Upon deletion of Irx3 and Irx5, osteogenesis of hypertrophic chondrocyte is inhibited and adipogenesis is promoted, which causes repaired bone formation and increased bone marrow adipose tissue amount. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Bisphosphonate Use Is Protective of Radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis Progression Among those With Low Disease Severity and Being Non-Overweight: Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Hayes Kaleen N , Giannakeas Vasily , Wong Andy Kin On
Published: July 2020

Antiresorptive medications have been explored for treating knee osteoarthritis (OA); however, little data exist on the effects of today's more potent nitrogen-containing oral bisphosphonates on radiographic disease-progression in patients with varying disease-severity, especially those who are not overweight. The primary objective of this cohort study was to determine if the use of bisphosphonates is protective against 2-year radiographic-progression of knee OA in Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) participants, stratified by baseline radiographic disease status. Secondary objectives were to examine effects in non-overweight participants (body mass index [BMI] < 25 kg/m2) and cumulative bisphosphonate exposure effects. We identified female OAI participants aged ≥50 years and excluded those missing baseline radiograph readings, bisphosphonate use information, or all clinical questionnaire information at baseline. Participants reporting bisphosphonate use (69% alendronate) were propensity-matched 1:1 to non–bisphosphonate users and followed until first radiographic knee OA progression (1-unit increase in Kellgren and Lawrence [KL] grade) or data were censored (first missed visit or end of 2-year follow-up). Discrete-time logistic regression models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) between bisphosphonate users versus nonusers, with an interaction term for baseline KL grade (KL <2 or KL ≥2). We identified 1977 eligible women (n = 346 bisphosphonate users). Propensity-matched results indicated that bisphosphonate users with KL grade <2 were protected against progression (HRKL<2 0.53; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.79), while bisphosphonate use was not associated with radiographic progression in those with KL grade ≥2 (HRKL≥2 1.06; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.35). When restricting analyses to those with BMI <25 kg/m2, effects were strengthened (HRKL<2 0.49 [95% CI, 0.26 to 0.92]; HRKL≥2 0.69 [95% CI, 0.33 to 1.26]). Duration of bisphosphonate use had no effect on progression, though sample size was limited. Bisphosphonate therapy may be protective against radiographic knee OA progression in early-stage patients, particularly those who are non-overweight, but less so for those with more advanced disease or more weight-bearing joint stress. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Alpha‐lipoic acid prevents brain injury in rats administered with valproic acid
Authors: Turkyilmaz Ismet Burcu , Bilgin Sokmen Bahar , Yanardag Refiye
Published: July 2020

Valproic acid (VPA) is an effective drug, which is preferred for the treatments of epilepsy and various kinds of seizures. Nonetheless, VPA has many life‐threatening side effects associated with free radical production. Alpha‐lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant, which can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). The effects of ALA against VPA‐stimulated brain injury were investigated. In this study, Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided as four groups: Group I, control rats; Group II, ALA‐administered rats (50 mg/kg/d); Group III, VPA‐administered rats (0.5 g/kg/d); Group IV: VPA‐ and ALA‐administered rats at the same dose and time. According to the results, VPA increased lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl, advanced oxidation protein products, total oxidant status, nitric oxide levels and glutathione‐S‐transferase, adenosine deaminase, xanthine oxidase activities, decreased glutathione, total antioxidant capacity levels, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, sodium‐potassium ATPase, and paraoxonase activities. Treatment with ALA reversed these effects. In conclusion, we may suggest that ALA may be a good candidate for prevention of VPA‐induced brain injury.
How much therapy is enough? The dose–response effect and its moderators in a psychology training clinic
Authors: Chen Belinda , Keenan‐Miller Danielle
Published: July 2020

Objective

The current study aims to sharpen the understanding of the psychotherapy dose–response effect and its moderators in a psychology training clinic.

Method

Data were extracted from 58 client records. Weekly Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7, as well as Outcomes Questionnaire‐45.2, administered every fifth session, assessed whether clients achieved reliable change (RC) and clinically significant and reliable change (CSR) during treatment. Survival analyses were conducted to determine the sessions required for 50% of the sample to achieve these outcomes. Multilevel Cox frailty regressions were used to investigate client‐and‐therapy‐based moderators.

Results

The median time for 50% of the sample to achieve RC was 8–10 sessions and 11 sessions to achieve initial CSR. Past treatment history was a significant moderator of time to achieve RC.

Conclusions

From a population perspective, psychotherapy is most beneficial to patients early in treatment. Sharper understanding of the number of sessions required to achieve meaningful change can inform practice in training settings.
Psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire‐15 (INQ‐15‐I)
Authors: Iliceto Paolo , D'Antuono Laura , Fino Emanuele , Carcione Antonino , Candilera Gabriella , Silva Caroline , Joiner Thomas E.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

The Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ‐15) is a self‐report measure of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness, two constructs associated with suicidal ideation. The objective of the current study was to translate the INQ‐15 from English to Italian (INQ‐15‐I) and to test its factor structure, reliability, and validity in Italian samples.

Method:

We examined (a) whether the components of the hypothesized two‐factor measurement model are invariant across a community sample (N = 510) and a clinical sample (N = 259); (b) the relations between the INQ‐15‐I factors and measures of depression (Beck Depression Inventory‐II), hopelessness (Beck Hopelessness Scale), and suicidal ideation (Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation); (c) the reliability and psychometric properties of the INQ‐15‐I.

Results:

Results from multigroup confirmatory factor analyses supported the adequacy of the two‐factor model to represent thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness. The model is invariant across community and clinical groups, showing excellent fit. The two INQ‐15‐I scales measure highly intercorrelated constructs. Both significantly correlate with depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation, and correlations are high in the clinical sample.

Conclusion:

The INQ‐15‐I is a valid and reliable measure of thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness. Implications for research, assessment, and intervention in suicidal ideation are discussed.
Characteristics of nonsuicidal self‐injury among veterans
Authors: Lear Mary K. , Penzenik Molly E. , Forster Jeri E. , Starosta Amy , Brenner Lisa A. , Nazem Sarra
Published: July 2020

Objective

The current study aimed to (a) assess basic nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) characteristics using a validated clinical interview among a sample of veterans not recruited for specific diagnostic or environmental criteria and (b) examine the relation between NSSI and medical severity of prior suicide attempts (SAs) among veterans.

Design

We conducted secondary data analyses among a combined sample of veterans (N = 165) from two parent studies conducted at a large VA Medical Center that implemented identical recruitment protocols. No psychiatric criteria were utilized for inclusion or exclusion purposes.

Results

Approximately 16% of participants reported NSSI history and almost 21% reported SA history. NSSI history was associated with probability of prior SA but not the medical severity of prior SA.

Conclusions

NSSI is a prevalent concern among veterans and is associated with probability of SA. It remains unclear whether prior NSSI is associated with more medically serious SA in this population.
FoxO1a mediated cadmium‐induced annulus fibrosus cells apoptosis contributes to intervertebral disc degeneration in smoking
Authors: Jing Doudou , Wu Wei , Deng Xiangyu , Peng Yizhong , Yang Wenbo , Huang Donghua , Shao Zengwu , Zheng Dong
Published: July 2020

Cadmium (Cd), a type of heavy metal that accumulates in the body because of smoking, mediates the toxic effect of smoking in many diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis. However, the toxic effect of Cd on intervertebral disc tissues have not been reported. In the current study, we demonstrated that Cd induced the apoptosis of annulus fibrosus (AF) cells, which contributed to intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Specifically, Cd induced the nuclear translocation of FoxO1a, which drives AF cells apoptosis through mitochondrial‐related pathway. Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signal pathway is also involved in this process. The combined use of LY29002, an inhibitor of PI3K, and small interfering RNA‐targeting FoxO1a confirmed the relationship between the PI3K/AKT signal pathway and FoxO1a. In summary, present research explores the mechanism behind the contribution of smoking to IVDD and finds a new feasible target for preventing IVDD in smoking.
Vitamin C alleviates the senescence of periodontal ligament stem cells through inhibition of Notch3 during long‐term culture
Authors: Yang Yan , Wang Tao , Zhang Sicheng , Jia Sixun , Chen Hong , Duan Yufeng , Wang Shikai , Chen Guoqing , Tian Weidong
Published: July 2020

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), as potential “seed cells” for periodontal tissue repair and regeneration, require to be expanded in vitro for a large scale. Senescence of PDLSCs occurred during long‐term culture may compromise the therapeutic effects of PDLSCs. Medium supplements may be useful in antisenescence. However, the effects and mechanisms of vitamin C (Vc) treatment on PDLSCs during long‐term culture are still unclear. In this study, we identified that Vc‐treated PDLSCs cells maintained a slender morphology, higher growth rate and migration capacity, stemness, and osteogenic differentiation capability during a long‐term culture. Moreover, we also identified that Notch3 was significantly upregulated during the cell senescence, and Vc treatment alleviated the senescence of PDLSCs through inhibition of Notch3 during long‐term culture. In summary, Vc treatment suppressed PDLSCs senescence by reducing the expression of Notch3 and might be a simple and useful strategy to inhibit cellular senescence during the cell long‐term culture.
Filamentous nestin and nonmuscle myosin IIB are associated with a migratory phenotype in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes
Authors: Bergeron Alexandre , Brezai Andra , Shukr Rami , Villeneuve Louis , Allen Bruce G. , Qureshi Wasay M. S. , Hentges Kathryn E. , Calderone Angelino
Published: July 2020

Cardiomyocyte migration represents a requisite event of cardiogenesis and the regenerative response of the injured adult zebrafish and neonatal rodent heart. The present study tested the hypothesis that the appearance of the intermediate filament protein nestin in neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NNVMs) was associated in part with the acquisition of a migratory phenotype. The cotreatment of NNVMs with phorbol 12,13‐dibutyrate (PDBu) and the p38α/β mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitor SB203580 led to the de novo synthesis of nestin. The intermediate filament protein was subsequently reorganized into a filamentous pattern and redistributed to the leading edge of elongated membrane protrusions translating to significant lengthening of NNVMs. PDBu/SB203580 treatment concomitantly promoted the reorganization of nonmuscle myosin IIB (NMIIB) located predominantly at the periphery of the plasma membrane of NNVMs to a filamentous phenotype extending to the leading edge of elongated membrane protrusions. Coimmunoprecipitation assay revealed a physical interaction between NMIIB and nestin after PDBu/SB203580 treatment of NNVMs. In wild‐type and heterozygous NMIIB embryonic hearts at E11.5–E14.5 days, nestin immunoreactivity was identified in a subpopulation of cardiomyocytes elongating perpendicular to the compact myocardium, at the leading edge of nascent trabeculae and during thickening of the compact myocardium. In mutant embryonic hearts lacking NMIIB protein expression, trabeculae formation was reduced, the compact myocardium significantly thinner and nestin immunoreactivity undetectable in cardiomyocytes at E14.5 days. These data suggest that NMIIB and nestin may act in a coordinated fashion to facilitate the acquisition of a migratory phenotype in neonatal and embryonic cardiomyocytes.
Enhanced protection against lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury by autologous transplantation of adipose‐derived stromal cells combined with low tidal volume ventilation in rats
Authors: Liang Zuodi , Yin Xiuru , Sun Wenchong , Zhang Shuo , Chen Xiaohuan , Pei Ling , Zhao Ning
Published: July 2020

Adipose‐derived stromal cells (ADSCs) showed excellent capacity in regeneration and tissue protection. Low tidal volume ventilation (LVT) strategy demonstrates a therapeutic benefit on the treatment of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS). This study, therefore, aimed to undertaken determine whether the combined LVT and ADSCs treatment exerts additional protection against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced ALI in rats. The animals were randomized into seven groups: Group I (control), Group II (instillation of LPS at 10 mg/kg intratracheally), Group III (LPS+LVT 6 ml/kg), Group IV (LPS+intravenous autologous 5 × 106 ADSCs which were pretreated with a scrambled small interfering RNA [siRNA] of keratinocyte growth factor [KGF] negative control), Group V (LPS+ADSCs which were pretreated with a scrambled siRNA of KGF, Group VI (LPS+LVT and ADSCs as in the Group IV), and Group VII (LPS+LVT and ADSCs as in the Group V). We found that levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α, transforming growth factor‐β1, and interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐6, the proinflammatory cytokines, were remarkably increased in LPS rats. Moreover, the expressions of ENaC, activity of Na, K‐ATPase, and alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) were obviously reduced by LPS‐induced ALI. The rats treated by ADSCs showed improved effects in all these changes of ALI and further enhanced by ADSCs combined with LVT treatment. Importantly, the treatment of ADSCs with siRNA‐mediated knockdown of KGF partially eliminated the therapeutic effects. In conclusion, combined treatment with ADSCs and LVT not only is superior to either ADSCs or LVT therapy alone in the prevention of ALI. Evidence of the beneficial effect may be partly due to improving AFC by paracrine or systemic production of KGF and anti‐inflammatory properties.
Numbers and Units Affect Goal Pursuit Organization and Motivation
Authors: Lembregts Christophe , Pena‐Marin Jorge
Published: July 2020

Goals are one of the most ubiquitous drivers of behavior. Despite the wealth of research on goal pursuit, less is known about how individuals organize their goal pursuit in the first place. This manuscript represents one of the first studies to provide insight into quantitative goal organization, proposing that the unit/numerical value in which a goal is described influences goal pursuit organization. Specifying a superordinate goal in units with larger numbers (e.g., studying for an examination for 120 min per week), rather than with smaller numbers (2 hr per week), leads to a goal pursuit structure that consists of more, but smaller subgoals. We also find that units with larger compared to smaller numbers tend to have a positive effect on goal motivation (i.e., more likely to start the goal earlier and to finish it). Finally, this positive effect on goal motivation is attenuated when consumers focus is on the number of subgoals left (rather than completed) while pursuing the overarching goal. We believe that changing units may be an easy‐to‐implement nudge for anyone (e.g., marketers, managers, public policymakers, behavioral therapists) who wants to increase the likelihood that individuals use a particular goal pursuit structure.
The Challenge of Being a Challenger: Social Dominance Orientation Shapes the Impact of “Challenger vs. Leader” Comparisons
Authors: Li Xingbo , Barone Michael J. , Jain Shailendra P. , Kwon Mina
Published: July 2020

The current research investigates when and how comparative advertising effectiveness is shaped by social dominance orientation (SDO), that is, the degree to which one desires to maintain the status quo in social hierarchies. We examine these issues with regard to “challenger vs. leader” comparisons that seek to change the relative standing of competitors in a product category by documenting the superiority of challenger brands over market leaders. Findings demonstrate that the resistance to change characterizing high (vs. low) SDO individuals makes them respond (1) less favorably to “challenger vs. leader” comparisons that seek to alter the existing category hierarchy and (2) more favorably to “leader vs. challenger” comparisons that preserve this status quo in the category hierarchy. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed, as are avenues for future research.
Predictive values of blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio and other routine blood parameters on disease severity and survival of COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Ok Fesih , Erdogan Omer , Durmus Emrullah , Carkci Serkan , Canik Aggul
Published: July 2020

We aimed to examine independent predictive factors for the severity and survival of COVID‐19 disease, from routine blood parameters, especially the blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine (Cr) ratio. A total of 139 patients with COVID‐19 were investigated at Siirt State Hospital. According to the disease severity, the patients were categorized as three groups (moderate: 85, severe: 54, and critical: 20). Then, patients were divided into two groups: nonsevere (moderate) and severe (severe and critical). Demographic, clinical data, and routine blood parameters were analyzed. In multivariate model adjusted for potential confounders BUN/Cr ratio (odds ratio [OR] = 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20‐2.40; P = .002) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (OR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.20‐4.30; P < .001) were independent predictive factors for disease severity. In multivariate Cox proportional hazard model BUN/Cr ratio (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01‐1.05; P = .030), and NLR (HR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.06‐1.30; P = .020) were independent predictors for survival of COVID‐19 disease. The optimal thresholds of the BUN/Cr ratio at 33.5 and 51.7 had the superior possibility for severe disease and mortality, area under the curve (AUC) were 0.98 and 0.95, respectively. The optimal thresholds of NLR at 3.27 and 5.72 had a superior possibility for severe disease and mortality, AUC were 0.87 and 0.85, respectively. BUN/Cr and NLR are independent predictors for COVID‐19 patient severity and survival. Routine evaluation of BUN/Cr and NLR can help identify high‐risk cases with COVID‐19.