bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congestive nephropathy: a neglected entity? Proposal for diagnostic criteria and future perspectives
Authors: Husain‐Syed Faeq , Gröne Hermann‐Josef , Assmus Birgit , Bauer Pascal , Gall Henning , Seeger Werner , Ghofrani Ardeschir , Ronco Claudio , Birk Horst‐Walter
Published: December 2020

Venous congestion has emerged as an important cause of renal dysfunction in patients with cardiorenal syndrome. However, only limited progress has been made in differentiating this haemodynamic phenotype of renal dysfunction, because of a significant overlap with pre‐existing renal impairment due to long‐term hypertension, diabetes, and renovascular disease. We propose congestive nephropathy (CN) as this neglected clinical entity. CN is a potentially reversible subtype of renal dysfunction associated with declining renal venous outflow and progressively increasing renal interstitial pressure. Venous congestion may lead to a vicious cycle of hormonal activation, increased intra‐abdominal pressure, excessive renal tubular sodium reabsorption, and volume overload, leading to further right ventricular (RV) stress. Ultimately, renal replacement therapy may be required to relieve diuretic‐resistant congestion. Effective decongestion could preserve or improve renal function. Congestive acute kidney injury may not be associated with cellular damage, and complete renal function restoration may be a confirmatory diagnostic criterion. In contrast, a persistently low renal perfusion pressure might induce renal dysfunction and histopathological lesions with time. Thus, urinary markers may differ. CN is mostly seen in biventricular heart failure but may also occur secondary to pulmonary arterial hypertension and elevated intra‐abdominal pressure. An increase in central venous pressure to >6 mmHg is associated with a steep decrease in glomerular filtration rate. However, the central venous pressure range that can provide an optimal balance of RV and renal function remains to be determined. We propose criteria to identify cardiorenal syndrome subgroups likely to benefit from decongestive or pulmonary hypertension‐specific therapies and suggest areas for future research.
Development and validation of a daily Injustice Experience Questionnaire
Authors: Sturgeon John , Seward Joshua , Rumble Deanna , Trost Zina
Published: December 2020

Background

Patterns of cognitive appraisal related to chronic pain may manifest differentially across time due to a variety of factors, but variability of injustice appraisals across time has not been examined. The current study details the validation of a brief, daily version of the Injustice Experience Questionnaire (IEQ), which measures injustice appraisals related to the experience of pain and disability.

Methods

Injustice Experience Questionnaire items were adapted for daily use and evaluated using cognitive interviews, and the resulting measure was administered for 10 days to two Internet‐based samples of US adults with chronic lower back pain.

Results

Study 1 (N = 126) refined the 12‐item IEQ measure into a six‐item short form; exploratory factor analyses suggested optimal model fit for the two‐factor model established in the original IEQ. Using confirmatory factor analyses, Study 2 (N = 131) replicated the two‐factor structure and demonstrated significant correlations of the Daily IEQ with other relevant constructs to chronic pain, such as pain catastrophizing, pain intensity, pain‐related activity and social interference, depressed mood and anxiety. Daily IEQ items showed a significant degree of clustering (intraclass correlations ranging from .577 to .735) but demonstrated sufficient variability at the daily level to allow for daily‐level analysis.

Conclusions

Injustice appraisals show a sufficient degree of daily variability to warrant their measurement as a time‐varying construct. Further examination of antecedents and correlates of daily injustice appraisals, as well as their potential role as mechanisms of effect, may better explain the dynamics of affective and behavioral responses to chronic pain.

Significance

The current study presents a validation of a daily version of the Injustice Experience Questionnaire in chronic low back pain. Results indicate that injustice appraisals vary significantly from day to day, and daily variability in injustice perception shows robust associations with pain intensity, pain‐related interference in physical and social activity, and mood in chronic low back pain. These results emphasize the importance of assessing injustice perception as a time‐varying, rather than stable construct in future empirical and clinical studies.
A numerical study on convection and diffusion of mass transfer in proton exchange membrane fuel cells with orientated‐type flow channels
Authors: Chen Hao , Guo Hang , Ye Fang , Ma Chong Fang
Published: December 2020

The transfer processes of reactants and products affect each other in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), because they have contrast transfer directions between flow channels and gas diffusion layers (GDLs). In this study, a two‐dimensional, two‐phase, non‐isothermal and steady state model is developed to analyze the species transportation behaviors through diffusion and convection in PEMFCs with orientated‐type flow channels. Five conventional shape baffles effects on mass transfers are compared, and the relationships between convection and diffusion of reactants and produced water vapor are discussed. Simulation results reveal that baffle shapes affect the mass transportation through the baffles leading angles and volumes, and larger leading angles enhance the reactants and the water vapor convective transferring into GDLs; meanwhile, larger baffle volumes enhance the reactant transferring into GDLs and water vapor transferring out from GDLs through diffusion processes. In addition, transportation processes of reactants and vapor affect each other, where more reactants convectively transferring into GDLs causes more water vapor entering GDLs; enhancing the reactants diffusively transferring into GDLs reduces water vapor diffusive transportation out from GDLs.
A comprehensive review of distribution generation integratedDCmicrogrid protection: issues, strategies, and future direction
Authors: Sarangi Swetalina , Sahu Binod Kumar , Rout Pravat Kumar
Published: December 2020

The evolution of small‐scaled distributed generators and emerging power electronic devices opens up a new arena of power generation, distribution, and consumption. Operationally, the DC microgrid has attracted significant attention as it offers considerable safety benefits, cost‐effectiveness, energy efficiency, and reliability as compared to traditional AC microgrid systems. Looking at the protection aspects, the DC microgrid has some serious issues both for low‐voltage and mid‐voltage DC system. It needs to be focused on bidirectional power flow, non‐zero crossing point, detection and mitigation of grounding faults, high value of fault current, etc., for an adequate solution. In recent times, these issues are considered by various researchers to arrive at a robust and reliable approach toward protecting the DC microgrid. But certain important areas are still out of sight for researchers. In a blend of conventional and modern approaches, there are many hindrances in developing a flexible universal protective scheme. This work focuses on the protection aspects parallel with the challenges and tried to unearth the loopholes which open up a wider area of research to develop a more robust protective architecture. An extensive review has been done systematically and chronologically keeping in mind the DC microgrid architecture, standards, protection hurdles, traditional as well as latest protective measures, and suggested some reliable improvements. In addition, the futuristic possibility to invent a novel comprehensive approach based on the best technology and techniques is presented in a more secure, reliable, and efficient protection system to combat the power system faults, keeping in view the different modes of operation and configuration of the microgrid.
Anticipating an imminent large rock slope failure at the Hochvogel (Allgäu Alps)
Authors: Leinauer Johannes , Jacobs Benjamin , Krautblatter Michael
Published: December 2020

Costs for installation and maintenance of protective structures are increasing while alpine hazards progressively threaten alpine communities, infrastructure and economics. Thus, reliable process‐based anticipation and early warning strategies offer a cost‐effective and smart solution for alpine societies in the near future. However, only few comprehensive pre‐failure observations of alpine rock slopes have been reported so far. This paper demonstrates pre‐failure observations of a rapidly deforming rock mass (potentially 260,000 m3) at the Hochvogel (Allgäu Alps, 2,592 m a.s.l.) and a geotechnical monitoring and warning concept. This is implemented in the complementary multi‐method approach of the AlpSenseBench project and the basis for an effective and reliable early warning system. Since 2014, overall displacement rates in the range of 2 to 10 mm/month in the main decametre deep fracture are observed. It is expected that predictive acceleration patterns will appear in the final pre‐failure stage. A detailed knowledge of multiple anticipative signals in correlation with accelerating rock slope deformations will contribute to an advance in accuracy and reliability of rock slide early warning.
Couple stress effects on the stability of three‐component convection‐diffusion in a porous layer
Authors: Raghunatha K. R. , Shivakumara I. S. , Pallavi G.
Published: December 2020

In this study, the stability (linear and weak nonlinear) of triple‐diffusive convection in a couple stress fluid‐saturated porous layer has been studied. A normal mode analysis yields an exact dispersion equation of fourth degree, and the criterion for the onset of stationary and oscillatory convection is obtained accordingly. The numerical computations are carried out for diffusivity elements experimentally determined for an aqueousNaCl‐KCl‐Sucrosesystem. Contrary to the double‐diffusive couple stress fluid system, it is found that (i) oscillatory convection occurs even if the diffusivity ratios are greater than unity and (ii) a disconnected heart‐shaped oscillatory neutral curve exists for certain choices of physical parameters, demonstrating the requirement of three critical values of Darcy‐Rayleigh number to specify the linear instability criteria. The impact of a couple stress parameter on some of these unusual behaviors is emphasized. The cubic Landau equations are derived by performing a weak nonlinear stability analysis and the stability of stationary and oscillatory bifurcating solutions is discussed. The heat and mass transfer for stationary and oscillatory convection modes is presented, and the influence of the couple stress parameter on the same is analyzed.
Trade credit and firm profitability: Empirical evidence from India
Authors: Baker H. Kent , Pattnaik Debidutta , Kumar Satish
Published: December 2020

We investigate the association between trade credit and firm profitability among large, Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) listed Indian corporations, identify an optimal trade credit level, and analyse how financial constraints influence the relation between trade credit and firm profitability. We use a sample of six broad non‐financial sectors, constituting over 60 industrial sub‐sectors, presented in panel form, and apply regression analysis to examine the relationship between trade credit and firm profitability. The findings suggest an inverted U‐shaped relationship between trade credit and firm profitability and support an optimal receivables and payables level. Trade credit is profitable for firms until the associated benefits exceed the costs. Breaching the optimal level affects firm profitability. The extent of the financial constraints influences the optimal level of trade credit. Knowing the relation between trade credit and firm profitability may induce managers to form proactive trade credit management policies and help investors assess firm profitability and operational risk. However, given that our study involves only large, BSE‐listed firms, generalizing the findings to other companies and settings requires caution.
Heart and neural crest derivative 2‐induced preservation of sympathetic neurons attenuates sarcopenia with aging
Authors: Rodrigues Anna Carolina Zaia , Wang Zhong‐Min , Messi María Laura , Bonilla Henry Jacob , Liu Liang , Freeman Willard M. , Delbono Osvaldo
Published: December 2020

Background

Sarcopenia, or age‐dependent decline in muscle force and power, impairs mobility, increasing the risk of falls, institutionalization, co‐morbidity, and premature death. The discovery of adrenoceptors, which mediate the effects of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) neurotransmitter norepinephrine on specific tissues, sparked the development of sympathomimetics that have profound influence on skeletal muscle mass. However, chronic administration has serious side effects that preclude their use for muscle‐wasting conditions. Interventions that can adjust neurotransmitter release to changing physiological demands depend on understanding how the SNS affects neuromuscular transmission, muscle motor innervation, and muscle mass.

Methods

We examined age‐dependent expression of theheart and neural crest derivative 2(Hand2), a critical transcription factor for SN maintenance, and we tested the possibility that inducing its expression exclusively in sympathetic neurons (SN) will prevent (i) motor denervation, (ii) impaired neuromuscular junction (NMJ) transmission, and (iii) loss of muscle mass and function in old mice. To test this hypothesis, we delivered a viral vector carrying Hand2 expression or an empty vector exclusively in SNs by vein injection in 16‐month‐old C57BL/6 mice that were sacrificed 6 months later. Techniques include RNA‐sequencing, real‐time PCR, genomic DNA methylation, viral vector construct, tissue immunohistochemistry, immunoblot, confocal microscopy, electrophysiology, andin vivomouse physical performance.

Results

Hand2 expression declines throughout life, but inducing its expression increased (i) the number and size of SNs, (ii) muscle sympathetic innervation, (iii) muscle weight and force and whole‐body strength, (iv) myofiber size but not muscle fibre‐type composition, (v) NMJ transmission and nerve‐evoked muscle force, and (vi) motor innervation in old mice. Additionally, the SN controls a set of genes to reduce inflammation and to promote transcription factor activity, cell signalling, and synapse in the skeletal muscle. Hand2 DNA methylation may contribute, at least partially, to gene silencing.

Conclusions

Selective expression of Hand2 in the mouse SNs from middle age through old age increases muscle mass and force by (i) regulating skeletal muscle sympathetic and motor innervation; (ii) improving acetylcholine receptor stability and NMJ transmission; (iii) preventing inflammation and myofibrillar protein degradation; (iv) increasing autophagy; and (v) probably enhancing protein synthesis.
The National Leadership Education Research Agenda 2020–2025: Advancing the State of Leadership Education Scholarship
Authors: Andenoro Anthony C. , Skendall Kristan Cilente
Published: December 2020

The second iteration of the National Leadership Education Research Agenda creates intentionality and structure for the advancement of scholarship and leadership learning within higher education contexts. The current paper provides critical insight for the nine guiding research priorities included within the agenda, the process that led to their development, and strategies for maximizing their utility. The perspectives inherent to the current paper provide broad implications for leadership education, its application across multidisciplinary contexts, and provides a trajectory for the development of leadership learners for a complex world. Leadership educators and scholars should utilize the current paper and the corresponding research agenda priorities to inspire constructive dialogue, collaborative research, and further legitimize the diverse fields of leadership education.
Resonant Raman scattering of anthracene‐based carbons in the secondary carbonization stage
Authors: Maslova Olga Aleksandrovna , Ammar Mohamed‐Ramzi , Fantini Cristiano , Barannikova Svetlana Aleksandrovna , Pimenta Marcos Assunção
Published: December 2020

The Raman spectra of graphene‐based matter exhibit a set of defect/disorder‐induced bands. The D band, which exhibits a strong dispersion up to ~50 cm−1/eV, comes from transverse optical phonons around K or K′ in the first Brillouin zone and involves an intervalley double resonance (DR) Raman process. In the present work, resonant Raman scattering (lines ranging from 1.58 to 3.81 eV) is used to study the unusual behavior of the one‐phonon Raman band of a carbonaceous material (anthracene‐based carbon which is one of the graphitizable carbons) upon its secondary carbonization stage (450°C–1000°C). While the G band appears to be nondispersive, the D band exhibits a change in both position and intensity. Its dispersion progressively rises from ~6 cm−1/eV to values close to what is usually observed in defected graphene‐based systems when anthracene‐based carbon becomes almost pure. This evolution appears to be correlated with a release of hydrogen (fixed on the edges of polyaromatic layers) questioning their role in changing the D band resonance conditions.
Adjuvant therapy following induction therapy and surgery improves survival in N2‐positive non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: White Abby A. , Lee Daniel N. , Mazzola Emanuele , Kucukak Suden , Polhemus Emily , Jaklitsch Michael T. , Mentzer Steven J. , Wee Jon O. , Bueno Raphael , Swanson Scott J.
Published: December 2020

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate treatment strategies and factors influencing overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) in resectable, non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with mediastinal (N2) lymph node metastasis.

Methods

All patients undergoing surgery for NSCLC with N2 disease between 2006 and 2016 were included. Treatment approaches included surgery only, neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery, surgery followed by adjuvant therapy, and neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery and adjuvant therapy (triple therapy). Patient clinical and pathologic data were retrospectively collected.

Results

A total of 281 patients were included in the study. In total, 209 patients had neoadjuvant therapy, 47.4% of which went on to received additional adjuvant therapy. The pathologic complete response rate was 12.9%. The treatment strategy which included triple therapy was isolated as a significant contributor to improved OS and DFS. Nodal downstaging (N0) after induction therapy conferred an OS benefit (38.3% vs. 15.6%, p = .03). Patients with single‐station N2 disease experienced higher DFS. Video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy completion rates were higher at the end of the study period compared to the beginning (p < .001).

Conclusions

Patients who undergo neoadjuvant therapy for N2‐positive NSCLC may benefit from additional adjuvant therapy. Single‐station N2 disease confers higher DFS. VATS completion rates for lobectomy increase as experience increases.
Metachronous peritoneal metastases following curative resection for colon cancer: Understanding risk factors and patterns of recurrence
Authors: Le Viet H. , Thornblade Lucas , Ituarte Phillip H. G. , Lai Lily L. , Melstrom Kurt A.
Published: December 2020

Background

A subset of metachronous colon cancer recurrence manifests as peritoneal metastases (PM). Risk factors for metachronous PM recurrence are not well‐defined in patients with stage II or III colon cancers after curative resection and standard adjuvant treatments.

Methods

Population data from the California Cancer Registry for patients with Stage II or III colon cancer were collected between 2004 and 2012. Multivariate analysis was used to identify factors associated with metachronous PM.

Results

Of the 2077 patients with stage II or III colon cancer, female patients (odds ratio [OR] = 1.84, p = 0.02), T4 primary tumor (OR = 2.36, p = 0.02), mucinous (OR = 3.97, p < 0.01) or signet‐ring histology (OR = 6.01, p = 0.01), and right‐sided cancer (OR = 2.2, p < 0.01) were found with increased risk of metachronous isolated PM recurrence after curative resection. Median survival after diagnosis for patients without PM recurrence was 22 months, compared with 12 months for PM recurrence (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

PM recurrence groups have a worse overall survival than patients with recurrent disease in other sites. A better understanding of the tumor biology and molecular characteristics of colon cancers likely to recur as PM is needed to explain behavior and identify potential targeted therapy.
Analyzing ethical practices in the public healthcare sector using fuzzy cognitive mapping
Authors: Abrantes Joana A. T. , Ferreira Fernando A. F. , Zopounidis Constantin , Pereira Leandro F. , Meidutė‐Kavaliauskienė Ieva
Published: December 2020

This study focused on some of the most important aspects of ethics in the healthcare industry and examined the relevance of the system created to evaluate ethical healthcare practices in the public sector. The research included developing a conceptual model representing variables that influence ethics in public healthcare services in Portugal, using fuzzy cognitive mapping to facilitate the identification of the most significant variables. This method is a well‐established decision problem‐structuring tool that allows experts to define cause‐and‐effect relationships between variables and make decisions. The insights obtained were generated in face‐to‐face group meetings with experts in the public healthcare sector, showing that professional profiles, management, team relationships, external factors, equity principles, and respect are among the most relevant determinants of ethical healthcare. That is, these criteria are the most commonly applied standards in analyses of ethical practices in public healthcare services. The resulting assessment framework and its applicability were validated by both the panel of experts and the chairperson of the board of directors of S. Francisco Xavier Hospital in Lisbon, Portugal. The advantages and limitations of the analysis developed in this study are also discussed.
Polarization‐independent reconfigurable frequency selective rasorber/absorber with low‐insertion loss
Authors: Yuan Jing , Kong Xiangkun , Wang Xuemeng , Jiang Shunliu , Kong Lingqi
Published: December 2020

A polarization‐independent reconfigurable frequency selective rasorber (FSR)/absorber with low‐insertion loss (IL) based on diodes is proposed in this article. The presented structure consists of a lossy layer based on square loops and a bandpass frequency‐selective surface. These two layers are separated by an air layer. Each layer has an embedded bias network that provides the bias voltage to the diodes through metallic via. This configuration can avoid undesirable effects associated with the additional biasing wire. When the diodes are in off‐state, the structure is in FSR mode and exhibits a transmission window at 4.28 GHz with only 0.69 dB IL within the absorption bands. While diodes are in on‐state and the structure switches to absorber mode, it achieves perfect absorption with absorptivity of over 90% ranging from 2.8 to 5.2 GHz. An equivalent circuit model is developed to analyze the physical mechanism of the structure. A prototype of the proposed architecture is fabricated and measured, where reasonable agreements between simulations and measurements are observed, verifying the effectiveness of this design.
Die Materialsynthesemaschine
Authors: Stein Helge , Suta Markus , George Janine
Published: December 2020

Bevor Materialien hergestellt werden, ist klar, welche Eigenschaften sie haben sollen, aber unklar, welche Elemente dazu geeignet sind. Die kombinatorische Materialforschung durchsucht den chemischen Raum nach geeigneten Kombinationen und spart durch automatisierte Synthese Arbeit, Material und Zeit.
Gele als Reaktoren
Authors: Abramov Alex , Maiti Binoy , Diaz Diaz David
Published: December 2020

Viele naturinspirierte Photonanoreaktoren basieren auf supramolekularen, selbstanordnenden Systemen. Ein Beispiel sind viskoelastische Gele als Reaktionsmedien, die den Reaktionsraum einschränken und damit die Reaktivität verbessern können. Sie sind einfach herzustellen und zu verarbeiten, und ihre Eigenschaften lassen sich einstellen.
Das Virus und die Nase
Authors: Kleber Christoph , Hassel Achim Walter , Rebholz Heike
Published: December 2020

Eine Eigenheit des derzeit grassierenden Coronavirus Sars‐Cov‐2 ist, dass Infizierte einige Gerüche nicht mehr wahrnehmen. Das lässt sich nutzen, um eine Infektion frühzeitig nachzuweisen.
Bauchemie im Irak
Authors: Plank Johann
Published: December 2020

Als kulturgeschichtlich interessierter Student hatte Johann Plank, Professor für Bauchemie an der TU München, in den 1970er Jahren den Irak kennen und ob des damals sehr hohen Bildungsstands schätzen gelernt. Heute unterstützt er das vom Krieg mit dem Islamischen Staat (IS) schwer gebeutelte Land durch Vermittlung bauchemischen Know‐hows.
In‐situ graphene alignment in self‐sealing stretchable films for efficient thermal interface materials
Authors: Clausi Marialaura , Bayer Ilker S.
Published: December 2020

Although graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are known to have demonstrated significant potential as functional fillers to improve the electrical and thermal properties of polymers, aside from the state of dispersion, the level of improvement has been found to be strongly correlated with the in situ orientation. However, achieving in situ orientation within a polymer presents significant technological challenges. In this paper, we show a simple and repeatable thermoforming process to fabricate high thermal conductive GnP nanocomposite pads using a self‐sealing stretchable film (parafilm, PF). The pads could be sliced and reoriented into vertical stacks and fused into new pads due to self‐sealing nature of PF. Hybrids pads were also constructed with MWCNTs. Vertically aligned hybrids featured thermal conductivities close to 6 W mK‐1 that could be effectively modeled by Maxwell‐Garnett (MG‐EMA) theory. Vertical alignment also improved bulk (volume) electrical conductivity to 0.1 S cm‐1. Moreover, MWCNTs have exceedingly enhanced the ductility and elongation at break values of GnP nanocomposites that justified their incorporation into the nanocomposites. These hybrids can be easily adapted to various thermal management applications either in the form of freestanding thick pads (1‐3 mm) or thermal coatings due to the self‐sealing nature of the matrix.
Manipulating of polyacrylonitrile membrane porosity via SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles: Thermodynamic and experimental point of view
Authors: Hamta Afshin , Zokaee Ashtiani Farzin , Karimi Mohammad , Safikhani Amir
Published: December 2020

In this work, the membrane formation of the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was investigated in the presence of different solvents named N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) and dimethylformamide (DMF). In this way, two ternary systems water/NMP/PAN and water/DMF/PAN were studied and compared both experimentally and thermodynamically. According to the binodal data, changing the solvent from NMP to DMF could expand the two‐phase region, which was proved by Hansen solubility parameters. The binodal data were predicted and the results showed that the Flory‐Huggins results are in good agreement with experimental data with less than 2% deviation, which is important to have a rational design of porous membrane and appropriate prediction of its morphology. Furthermore, the effects of TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles were investigated on dope solution viscosity, thickness, porosity and contact angle of the membranes in both solvents. The results showed that the pattern of changes in characteristics was similar using each nanoparticle. Lower concentrations of nanoparticles enhance the porosity of the membranes and above the optimum amount, adding the NPs leads to decrement the porosity of the nanocomposite membranes. Finally, the fluxes of the manufactured membranes in both cases were examined using distilled water or oil‐in‐water emulsion as feed. The initial permeate flux of oil‐in‐water emulsion was increased from 62 to 73 L m−2 hr−1 using the membrane fabricated by DMF instead of NMP and this fact showed that the PAN membranes potentially can be used for oil/water separation due to the low fouling and hence, the low flux drop during the time.
Synergistic effect of crosslinking and dual reinforcement on the thermal and mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol
Authors: Sonker Amit Kumar , Roy Soumyendu , Wagner Hanoch Daniel , Zak Alla , Sui XiaoMeng , Bajpai Reeti
Published: December 2020

We examined the combined effect of crosslinking and dual reinforcement on the thermal and mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Glutaric acid (GA) was used as crosslinker while tungsten disulfide nanotubes (WSNT) and carboxylated multiwall carbon nanotubes (f‐MWCNT) were used as dual reinforcing agents. Tensile strength and toughness of the hybrid composite, that is, crosslinked PVA reinforced with both f‐MWCNT and WSNT, was higher than those of neat PVA, crosslinked PVA, crosslinked PVA reinforced with WSNT and crosslinked PVA reinforced with f‐MWCNT. The hybrid composite showed remarkable improvement over neat PVA: tensile strength increased by 138%, Young's modulus increased by 142%, and toughness increased by 246%. Water uptake tendency and thermal stability of the composites were also examined and compared. The advantage of using dual reinforcement was a simultaneous increment in tensile strength and toughness, similar to what is observed in some natural materials like nacre.
Gas separation through polyurethane–ZnO mixed matrix membranes and mathematical modeling of the interfacial morphology
Authors: Fakhar Afsaneh , Maghami Saeid , Sameti Elham , Shekari Monireh , Sadeghi Morteza
Published: December 2020

A series of polyurethane/ZnO membranes was fabricated via thermal phase inversion of the solution of polymer/nanoparticle in N,N‐dimethylformamide solvent. The polyurethane synthesis was done via two‐step polymerization method using polytetramethylene glycol, isophorone diisocyanate, and 1,4‐butanediol in the ratio of 1:3:2. Different concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles (5, 10, 15, and 20) were incorporated into the polyurethane matrix. FTIR, SEM, and X‐Ray analysis were performed to characterize the membranes. FTIR and SEM results suggests an increment in the phase mixing of polyurethane with ZnO loading. Gas permeation performance through polyurethane‐ZnO mixed matrix membranes with ZnO loading by as much as 20 wt% were elucidated for pure N2, O2, CH4, and CO2 and gases. Based on the results, all permeability values decreased as the loading of ZnO nanoparticles increased, whereas CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 selectivities increased. Moreover, interfacial structure of the polyurethane/ZnO nanocomposites were characterized by molecular probing approach. The results revealed the presence of a rigidified polymer chain layer with 65 ± 6 Å thickness around the ZnO nanoparticles.
Bayesian optimization design for dose‐finding based on toxicity and efficacy outcomes in phase I/II clinical trials
Authors: Takahashi Ami , Suzuki Taiji
Published: December 2020

In phase I trials, the main goal is to identify a maximum tolerated dose under an assumption of monotonicity in dose–response relationships. On the other hand, such monotonicity is no longer applied to biologic agents because a different mode of action from that of cytotoxic agents potentially draws unimodal or flat dose–efficacy curves. Therefore, biologic agents require an optimal dose that provides a sufficient efficacy rate under an acceptable toxicity rate instead of a maximum tolerated dose. Many trials incorporate both toxicity and efficacy data, and drugs with a variety of modes of actions are increasingly being developed; thus, optimal dose estimation designs have been receiving increased attention. Although numerous authors have introduced parametric model‐based designs, it is not always appropriate to apply strong assumptions in dose–response relationships. We propose a new design based on a Bayesian optimization framework for identifying optimal doses for biologic agents in phase I/II trials. Our proposed design models dose–response relationships via nonparametric models utilizing a Gaussian process prior, and the uncertainty of estimates is considered in the dose selection process. We compared the operating characteristics of our proposed design against those of three other designs through simulation studies. These include an expansion of Bayesian optimal interval design, the parametric model‐based EffTox design, and the isotonic design. In simulations, our proposed design performed well and provided results that were more stable than those from the other designs, in terms of the accuracy of optimal dose estimations and the percentage of correct recommendations.
Sonochemical Synthesis of 6‐Substituted Indolo[3′,2′:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3‐b]quinoxaline Derivatives as Potential Cytotoxic Agents
Authors: Rao Mandava V. B. , SriLaxmi Dandamudi , Vardhini Suryadevara V. , Guttikonda Venkata R. , Kapavarapu Ravikumar , Pal Manojit
Published: December 2020

In the current study, we have explored 6‐substituted indolo[3′,2′:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3‐b]quinoxaline derivatives as potential cytotoxic agents. These compounds were readily prepared via the reaction of 2‐chloro‐3‐(2‐chloro‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)quinoxaline with an appropriate amine under ultrasound irradiation in good to acceptable yields. The in vitro testing of all these compounds against MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 cell lines using a cell‐based assay and then against SIRT1 (or sirtuin 1) using an enzyme‐based assay was performed. The compound 3 a [i. e. 6‐(4‐methoxybenzyl)‐6,7‐dihydroindolo[3′,2′:4,5]pyrrolo[2,3‐b]quinoxaline] showed promising growth inhibition of both MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 cell lines (61 and 54 % at 10 μM, respectively) and inhibition of SIRT1 (IC50∼2.09±0.40 μM in vitro). Moreover, molecular modelling studies indicated interaction of 3 a with several residues e. g. GLU345, ILE347, PHE273, ILE270, PHE312, PRO271, ILE279, ILE316 at the active site of SIRT1 with estimated total energy=−99.90 kcal/mol and the ADME prediction in silico suggested 3 a as a potential hit molecule.
Two Colorimetric and Fluorescent Dual‐Channel Chemosensors for the Selective Detection of pH in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Ozdemir Mecit
Published: December 2020

Fluorescent probe – which can detect metal ions, pH, and other analytical species through spectroscopic approaches – have recently attracted significant research attention in the fields of analytical and biological chemistry. For this study, two novel colorimetric and fluorescent probes, named RP1 and RP2, were designed and synthesized. Their structural confirmations were then achieved through elemental analysis, FT‐IR, NMR (1H and 13C) spectroscopies, and tandem MS spectrometry. To gain full understanding of the photophysical properties and chemosensory performances of these two dyes, both the UV‐Vis absorption and fluorescence titration experiments were carefully performed in aqueous media. Notably, upon treatment of RP1 and RP2 in solutions with each competitive metal ion, neither increases in absorption and fluorescence spectra above 400 nm nor any changes in color were observed. However, at lower pH (i. e.,<7.0), those two sensors exhibited a drastic change in color from colorless to pink, followed by broadened absorption bands. As expected, upon excitation at 510 nm, a strong enhancement of the fluorescence emissions was obtained. By conducting 1H NMR and optical titrations, the spirolactam‐ring opening reaction of these receptors, induced by H+ ions at lower pH, was approved. The results demonstrate that the fluorescent dyes RP1 and RP2 can be effectively used as reversible pH‐responsive chromogenic and fluorogenic “Off‐On” switches in real samples.
Precise Phase Control of Large‐Scale Inorganic Perovskites via Vapor‐Phase Anion‐Exchange Strategy
Authors: Cen Guobiao , Xia Yufan , Zhao Chuanxi , Fu Yong , An Yipeng , Yuan Ye , Shi Tingting , Mai Wenjie
Published: December 2020

Anion exchange offers great flexibility and high precision in phase control, compositional engineering, and optoelectronic property tuning. Different from previous successful anion exchange process in liquid solution, herein, a vapor‐phase anion‐exchange strategy is developed to realize the precise phase and bandgap control of large‐scale inorganic perovskites by using gas injection cycle, producing some perovskites such as CsPbCl3 which has never been reported in thin film morphology. Ab initio calculations also provide the insightful mechanism to understand the impact of anion exchange on tuning the electronic properties and optimizing the structural stability. Furthermore, because of precise control of specific atomic concentrations, intriguing tunable photoluminescence is observed and photodetectors with tunable photoresponse edge from green to ultraviolet light can be realized accurately with an ultrahigh spectral resolution of 1 nm. Therefore, a new, universal vapor‐phase anion exchange method is offered for inorganic perovskite with fine‐tunable optoelectronic properties.
Foley catheter vs oral misoprostol for induction of labor: individual participant data meta‐analysis
Authors: Kemper J. I. , Li W. , Goni S. , Flanagan M. , Weeks A. , Alfirevic Z. , Bracken H. , Mundle S. , Goonewardene M. , ten Eikelder M. , Bloemenkamp K. , Rengerink K. O. , Kruit H. , Mol B. W. , Palmer K. R.
Published: December 2020

Objective

To compare the effectiveness and safety of Foley catheter and oral misoprostol for induction of labor (IOL).

Methods

The Cochrane Review on Mechanical Methods for Induction of Labour and Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE via Ovid, Ovid Emcare, CINAHL Plus,
ClinicalTrials.gov and Scopus, from inception to April 2019, were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing Foley catheter to oral misoprostol for IOL in viable singleton gestations. Eligible trials for which raw data were obtained were included and individual participant data meta‐analysis was performed. Primary outcomes were vaginal birth, a composite of adverse perinatal outcome (including stillbirth, neonatal death, neonatal seizures, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, severe respiratory compromise or meconium aspiration syndrome) and a composite of adverse maternal outcome (including admission to the intensive care unit, maternal infection, severe postpartum hemorrhage, maternal death or uterine rupture). The quality of the included RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. A two‐stage random‐effects model was used for meta‐analysis according to the intention‐to‐treat principle and interactions between treatment and baseline characteristics were assessed.

Results

Of seven eligible trials, four provided individual participant data for a total of 2815 participants undergoing IOL, of whom 1399 were assigned to Foley catheter and 1416 to oral misoprostol. All four trials provided data for each of the primary outcomes in all 2815 women. Compared with those receiving oral misoprostol, Foley catheter recipients had a slightly decreased chance of vaginal birth (risk ratio (RR), 0.95 (95% CI, 0.91–0.99); I2, 2.0%; moderate‐certainty evidence). A trend towards a lower rate of composite adverse perinatal outcome was found in women undergoing IOL using a Foley catheter compared with oral misoprostol (RR, 0.71 (95% CI, 0.48–1.05); I2, 14.9%; low‐certainty evidence). Composite adverse maternal outcome did not differ between the groups (RR, 1.00 (95% CI, 0.97–1.03); I2, 0%; moderate‐certainty evidence). Meta‐analyses of effect modifications did not show significant interactions between intervention and parity or gestational age for any of the primary outcomes.

Conclusions

For women undergoing IOL, Foley catheter is less effective than oral misoprostol, as it was associated with fewer vaginal births. However, while we found no significant difference in maternal safety, Foley catheter induction may reduce adverse perinatal outcomes. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A Conceptual Framework for Evidence‐Based Leadership Development Practices
Authors: Soria Krista M. , Johnson Matthew R.
Published: December 2020

In this chapter, the authors synthesize research on existing leadership development programs and practices, highlight why some practices are more effective in students’ leadership development than others, draw theoretical connections between the most influential practices and students’ leadership development, and offer a broad conceptual framework about evidence‐based practices for students’ leadership development.
Experiential Components of Co‐Curriculars: High‐Impact Opportunities for Social Change and Perspective Taking Within Student Organizations
Authors: Soria Krista M. , Johnson Matthew R.
Published: December 2020

In this chapter, the authors investigate whether students’ participation in the experiential components of co‐curricular activities—specifically student organizations—is associated with their perspective taking and engagement in social change.
A Critical Examination of Community Engagement as a Practice to Foster Leadership
Authors: Messmore Niki , Davis Jessica M.
Published: December 2020

The authors of this chapter describe how leadership educators can create community engagement experiences to foster student leadership. The authors center social justice, critical race theory, and trauma informed practices in order to advocate for justice and equity with communities and students.
Green Recovery: Europe and the World
Authors: Pollin Robert
Published: December 2020

In Europe, and elsewhere, it is critical to recognize that this clean energy investment project will pay for itself in full over time in strictly financial terms – i.e. in addition to its obvious ecological benefits.
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Patients with Primary Immunodeficiency
Authors: Delavari Samaneh , Abolhassani Hassan , Abolnezhadian Farhad , Babaha Fateme , Iranparast Sara , Ahanchian Hamid , Moazzen Nasrin , Nabavi Mohammad , Arshi Saba , Fallahpour Morteza , Bemanian Mohammad Hassan , Shokri Sima , Momen Tooba , Sadeghi-Shabestari Mahnaz , Molatefi Rasol , Shirkani Afshin , Vosughimotlagh Ahmad , Safarirad Molood , Sharifzadeh Meisam , Pashangzadeh Salar , Salami Fereshte , Shirmast Paniz , Rezaei Arezou , Moeini Shad Tannaz , Mohraz Minoo , Rezaei Nima , Hammarström Lennart , Yazdani Reza , Aghamohamamdi Asghar
Published: December 2020

Although it is estimated that COVID-19 life-threatening conditions may be diagnosed in less than 1:1000 infected individuals below the age of 50, but the real impact of this pandemic on pediatric patients with different types of primary immunodeficiency (PID) is not elucidated. The current prospective study on a national registry of PID patients showed that with only 1.23 folds higher incidence of infections, these patients present a 10-folds higher mortality rate compared to population mainly in patients with combined immunodeficiency and immune dysregulation. Therefore, further management modalities against COVID-19 should be considered to improve the survival rate in these two PID entities using hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and immunomodulatory agents.
Atmospheric Dynamics of Hot Giant Planets and Brown Dwarfs
Authors: Showman Adam P. , Tan Xianyu , Parmentier Vivien
Published: December 2020

Groundbased and spacecraft telescopic observations, combined with an intensive modeling effort, have greatly enhanced our understanding of hot giant planets and brown dwarfs over the past ten years. Although these objects are all fluid, hydrogen worlds with stratified atmospheres overlying convective interiors, they exhibit an impressive diversity of atmospheric behavior. Hot Jupiters are strongly irradiated, and a wealth of observations constrain the day-night temperature differences, circulation, and cloudiness. The intense stellar irradiation, presumed tidal locking and modest rotation leads to a novel regime of strong day-night radiative forcing. Circulation models predict large day-night temperature differences, global-scale eddies, patchy clouds, and, in most cases, a fast eastward jet at the equator—equatorial superrotation. The warm Jupiters lie farther from their stars and are not generally tidally locked, so they may exhibit a wide range of rotation rates, obliquities, and orbital eccentricities, which, along with the weaker irradiation, leads to circulation patterns and observable signatures predicted to differ substantially from hot Jupiters. Brown dwarfs are typically isolated, rapidly rotating worlds; they radiate enormous energy fluxes into space and convect vigorously in their interiors. Their atmospheres exhibit patchiness in clouds and temperature on regional to global scales—the result of modulation by large-scale atmospheric circulation. Despite the lack of irradiation, such circulations can be driven by interaction of the interior convection with the overlying atmosphere, as well as self-organization of patchiness due to cloud-dynamical-radiative feedbacks. Finally, irradiated brown dwarfs help to bridge the gap between these classes of objects, experiencing intense external irradiation as well as vigorous interior convection. Collectively, these diverse objects span over six orders of magnitude in intrinsic heat flux and incident stellar flux, and two orders of magnitude in rotation rate—thereby placing strong constraints on how the circulation of giant planets (broadly defined) depend on these parameters. A hierarchy of modeling approaches have yielded major new insights into the dynamics governing these phenomena.
Geo-seismic model for petroleum plays an assessment of the Zamzama area, Southern Indus Basin, Pakistan
Authors: Qureshi Muhammad Akram , Ghazi Shahid , Riaz Muhammad , Ahmad Shakeel
Published: December 2020

Seismic as well as structural techniques were exploited to elucidate the subsurface structure of the Zamzama area that directly led to petroleum system. Zamzama gas field is located in the Kirthar Foredeep, southern Indus Basin, Pakistan. The current research is based on data scrutinized systematically through eight seismic lines (796-JH-01, 02, 03, 07, 10, GHPK-98A-32, 34 and 40) and three wells (Zamzama-02, 03 and 05) drilled in the Zamzama field. Seismic interpretation reveals that Tertiary and Cretaceous sequence is deformed by transpressive tectonics, and a reverse fault is located from 400 to 3400 ms deep on the vertical seismic section. The hanging wall moves up along the fault plane under the action of eastward directed stress as a result an extensive North–South oriented and eastward verging thrusted anticline is formed. Stratigraphically, area encompasses well-developed Mesozoic–Cenozoic sequence. The Late Cretaceous Pab Formation is well-known primary hydrocarbon reservoir capped by the shale of the Paleocene Ranikot Formation that acts as a regional seal rock. The Jurassic and Cretaceous shales of the Sember and Goru formations are substantiated as main source rocks. The execution and portrayal of seismic and subsurface geological data provide the clues that area contains appropriate petroleum play potential. Present study suggests a worthwhile regional geo-seismic model that might be significant for future exploration in the Kirther Foredeep and adjacent areas.