bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is E‐mobility a panacea for emission mitigation? A case study of an Indian city
Authors: De Krishnarti , Majumder Suman , Kumar Praveen
Published: July 2020

Catering to the growing demand for urban mobility and emphasis on reducing air pollution in towns and cities are mutually conflicting objectives. One solution is a paradigm shift of the transportation policies from personal vehicles to public transportation system using electric buses. Using electric bus fleets for public transportation is not straightforward in Indian cities for two reasons, viz., weak electricity grid and predominantly coal‐based power generation. In this work, a novel transportation system, that uses solar PV generation and large capacity batteries, is analyzed for its impact on air pollution and environmental sustainability. A detailed well to wheel analysis of the system, for various power generation scenarios, is presented and also compared with the existing ones. The analysis done in this work answers the question: “Can the electric bus‐based public transportation contribute towards emission reduction in transportation?” The results also elaborate that to reach the target under the Paris Protocol, India has to take drastic majors like phasing out of coal by 2030. To phase out Coal, India has to reduce its contribution by 5% each year from now and use renewable energy sources extensively.
The effect of nickel oxide nano‐additives in Azadirachta indica biodiesel‐diesel blend on engine performance and emission characteristics by varying compression ratio
Authors: Campli Srinidhi , Acharya Madhusudhan , Channapattana Shylesh V. , Pawar Abhay A. , Gawali Shivaji V. , Hole Jitendra
Published: July 2020

The utilization of biodiesel‐diesel blends in compression ignition (CI) engines are a viable option for the current energy crises. But due to better combustion features of biodiesel‐diesel blends leading to high NOx release from engine exhaust hinders the use of such blends. Usually all of the harmful exhaust emissions like HC and CO reduces marginally, except nitrogen oxides at higher compression ratios with biodiesel blended fuel. The present paper focuses on the study of variation of compression ratio and use of NiO nanoparticles in neem biodiesel‐diesel mixture (NB25) at different braking loads. A total of four test fuels of NB25 blend were prepared having nickel oxides at different concentration levels of 25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm. The current findings reveal that the use of 75 ppm of NiO in NB25 blend reduces the amount of thermal NOx by 6.2% compared to the absence of nanoparticles. Also, the performance parameters such as brake thermal efficiency improved by 2.9% and brake specific fuel consumption reduced by 1.8%. The presence of 75 ppm of NiO in NB25 not only shows best performance and also lower harmful emission.
Adjoint variable‐based shape optimization with bounding surface constraints
Authors: Damigos Marios G. , Papoutsis‐Kiachagias Evangelos M. , Giannakoglou Kyriakos C.
Published: July 2020

This article presents an algorithm for constraining shape deformations in adjoint‐based aerodynamic shape optimization. The algorithm considers known bounding surfaces and constrains the shape undergoing optimization not to intersect with them. For each and every node on the shape, its signed distance to the bounding surfaces is computed. The signed distance function returns a positive value, in case a node lies outside the bounds, or a negative one otherwise. It can, therefore, serve as an inequality constraint, the satisfaction of which ensures that this node does not violate the no‐intersection criteria. To increase the efficiency and make this imposition of constraints usable with any parameterization scheme, the resulting inequality constraints are transformed to a single‐equality constraint by means of a penalty function which is, then, summed over the shape to be optimized. The shape parameterization used in this article is spline‐based but this is not restrictive and any other parameterization type (node‐based, RBF, etc) can be used instead. The gradient of the objective function of the aerodynamic problem with respect to the design variables defined by the parameterization is computed using the continuous adjoint method. The method is demonstrated in the optimization of a 2D manifold case and two industrial‐like cases including the shape optimization of a U‐bend cooling duct, constrained to stay within a box, and the side mirror of a passenger car constrained to retain an almost undeformed reflector glass.
Finance and growth: Particular role of Zakat to levitate development in transition economies
Authors: Shaukat Badiea , Zhu Qigui
Published: July 2020

Financial institutions in transition economies maintain higher liquidity at the cost of economic growth. This study offers an alternative policy tool to achieve higher liquidity without compromising economic growth. We show that Zakat—an obligatory Islamic charity with a fixed rate of 2.5%—can be an alternative to the interest rate and that its use as a policy tool promotes economic growth. Instead of considering zakat as a fiscal tool—an alternative to tax—we present it as a monetary policy tool to substitute the interest rate. We provide a framework based on the endogenous growth model, which allows the use of Zakat as a tool to overcome liquidity constraints in transition economies. We also construct an index‐based varying zakat rate adjusted for economic fundamentals, such as economic growth, for each economy. We provide empirical evidence using system generalized method of moments (GMM) in a simultaneous equation model on a panel data of 38 countries for the period 1996–2015. The results show that zakat rate has a significantly positive impact on economic growth. Furthermore, as a policy tool, Zakat has a statistically significant positive impact on FDI and domestic investment, while reducing corruption (CR). The results are robust for various regions and income classifications in different transition economies. The overall findings corroborate that zakat can help achieve the dual objectives of enhanced liquidity and higher levels of economic growth.
An empirical analysis of the impacts of real exchange rate on GDP, manufacturing output and services sector in Mauritius
Authors: Babubudjnauth Ashok , Seetanah Boopen
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the real exchange rate (RER) movements on gross domestic product, manufacturing and services sectors growth in Mauritius. A Vector Autoregressive approach is used which accounts for both dynamics and endogeneity in the exchange‐growth modeling. In the growth model, real currency depreciation is observed to be contractionary in the short‐run while it is expansionary in the long‐run. Conversely, real home currency depreciation has expansionary effect on manufacturing output growth in the short‐run while it drops manufacturing output in the long‐run. Finally, real domestic currency depreciation has positive long term effect on services sector performance in Mauritius.
Fine‐grained management of cloud‐native applications, based on TOSCA
Authors: Bogo Matteo , Soldani Jacopo , Neri Davide , Brogi Antonio
Published: July 2020

Containers and container‐based orchestrators allow deploying and managing multi‐service applications over cloud platforms, by coupling the lifecycle of each application service to that of its hosting container. In this use case letter, we demonstrate how the OASIS standard TOSCA and Toskose allow overcoming such a coupling by enabling to exploit Docker containers as system containers where to independently deploy and manage application services. More precisely, we show how TOSCA and Toskose enable a fine‐grained, service‐aware management of a third‐party multi‐service application on top of existing Docker‐based container orchestrators (such as Docker Compose and Kubernetes) and independently of whether the application is deployed on premises or on a public cloud (such as MS Azure).
Experimental and theoretical investigations of the influences of one‐dimensional hydroxyapatite nanostructures on cytocompatibility
Authors: Jia Yile , Qin Lu , Gong Yi , Chen Rui , Yang Yulu , Yang Weihu , Cai Kaiyong
Published: July 2020

Due to their simple crystal structures, one‐dimensional hydroxyapatite (HA) nanostructures are easily to be applied to understand the fundamental concepts about the influences of HA dimensionality on physical, chemical, and biological properties. So, in this work, three typical HA one‐dimensional nanostructures, HA nanotubes, HA nanowires, and HA nanospheres, were prepared, whose theoretical structures were built also. in vitro cytocompatibility test proved that, contrasting with TCPS, HA one‐dimensional nanostructures had certain degree of cytotoxicity because HA nanostructures increase the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular calcium. Theoretical simulation indicated that HA nanosphere has higher intracellular ROS generation and lower ROS storage amount than HA nanowire and HA nanotube, which were the possible reasons for its stronger cytotoxicity. Among these typical one‐dimensional nanostructures, owing to higher drug storage amount and sustained delivery ability, HA nanotube was more potential application in orthopedics. The tubular structure of HA nanotubes could be used as reservoirs for small molecule drugs or growth factors. The cytocompatibility of HA nanostructures can be improved obviously when they were produced into two‐dimensional structures. The prepared multilayer structure can simulate lamellar structures of Harvard system and enhance the cytocompatibility of Ti substrate. Therefore, the method used in this work is a prospective method to improve the inherently bio‐inert of Ti when used in hard tissue repairing.
Vernodalin induces apoptosis through the activation of ROS/JNK pathway in human colon cancer cells
Authors: Mohebali Nooshin , Pandurangan Ashok Kumar , Mustafa Mohd Rais , Anandasadagopan Suresh Kumar , Alagumuthu Tamilselvi
Published: July 2020

Colorectal cancer is one of the most leading death‐causing cancers in the world. Vernodalin, a cytotoxic sesquiterpene, has been reported to possess anticancer properties against human breast cancer cells. We aimed to examine the anticancer mechanism of vernodalin on human colon cancer cells. Vernodalin was used on human colon cancer cells, HT‐29 and HCT116. The cytotoxicity of vernodalin on human colon cancer cells was determined through in vitro 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide assay. Small interfering RNA was used to analyze the cascade activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) in HT‐29, and HCT116 cells against vernodalin treatment. The protein expressions of caspase 3, Bcl‐2, and Bax were examined through Western blot analysis. Immunoblot analysis on the JNK, ERK, and p38 MAPK pathways showed increased activation due to vernodalin treatment. It was proven from the JNK and p38 inhibition test that both pathways are significantly activated by vernodalin to induce apoptosis. Our results, collectively, showed the apoptosis‐induced anticancer mechanism of vernodalin on human colon cancer cells that was mediated through the activation of JNK pathway and apoptotic regulator proteins. These results suggest that vernodalin could be developed as a potent chemotherapeutic agent for human colorectal cancer treatment.
Regulation of cancer cell glucose metabolism is determinant for cancer cell fate after melatonin administration
Authors: Rodríguez Carmen , Puente‐Moncada Noelia , Reiter Russel J. , Sánchez‐Sánchez Ana M. , Herrera Federico , Rodríguez‐Blanco Jezabel , Duarte‐Olivenza Cristina , Turos‐Cabal María , Antolín Isaac , Martín Vanesa
Published: July 2020

Several oncogenic pathways plus local microenvironmental conditions, such as hypoxia, converge on the regulation of cancer cells metabolism. The major metabolic alteration consists of a shift from oxidative phosphorylation as the major glucose consumer to aerobic glycolysis, although most of cancer cells utilize both pathways to a greater or lesser extent. Aerobic glycolysis, together with the directly related metabolic pathways such as the tricarboxylic acid cycle, the pentose phosphate pathway, or gluconeogenesis are currently considered as therapeutic targets in cancer research. Melatonin has been reported to present numerous antitumor effects, which result in a reduced cell growth. This is achieved with both low and high concentrations with no relevant side effects. Indeed, high concentrations of this indolamine reduce proliferation of cancer types resistant to low concentrations and induce cell death in some types of tumors. Previous work suggest that regulation of glucose metabolism and other related pathways play an important role in the antitumoral effects of high concentration of melatonin. In the present review, we analyze recent work on the regulation by such concentrations of this indolamine on aerobic glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the pentose phosphate pathways of cancer cells.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Subcutaneous Sarilumab and Intravenous Tocilizumab Following Single‐Dose Administration in Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis on Stable Methotrexate
Authors: Paccaly Anne J. , Kovalenko Pavel , Parrino Janie , Boyapati Anita , Xu Christine , van Hoogstraten Hubert , Ishii Tomonori , Davis John D. , DiCioccio A. Thomas
Published: July 2020

We assessed pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and PK/PD relationships of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), soluble IL‐6 receptor, and C‐reactive protein (CRP) in serum, and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) in blood following single doses of subcutaneous sarilumab versus intravenous tocilizumab (NCT02097524) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are inadequate responders to methotrexate (MTX) and on a stable dose of MTX. Patients with RA randomized (1:1:1:1) to single‐dose sarilumab (150 or 200 mg subcutaneously) or tocilizumab (4 or 8 mg/kg intravenously) were included (n = 101), and PK, PD, and PK/PD relationships and safety were assessed over 6 weeks postdose. PK profiles for both drugs are described by parallel linear and nonlinear target‐mediated clearance pathways. PD markers showed similar onset of effect during the first week postdose, regardless of dose or route of administration. CRP and ANC decreased, with median postdose nadirs at 7‐15 days for CRP and 3‐5 days for ANC. Both drugs at low and high doses achieved the same nadir for ANC and a similar return toward baseline within 2 weeks postdose, suggesting a saturation of effect. Safety profiles of sarilumab and tocilizumab were generally similar. In conclusion, despite differences in PK, the onset of the decrease in CRP (efficacy) and ANC (safety) after a single dose were similar for subcutaneous sarilumab and intravenous tocilizumab. PD effects and safety were consistent with previous studies.
Successive incrementing non‐matching‐to‐samples in rats: An automated version of the odor span task
Authors: Galizio Mark , Mason Madeleine G. , Bruce Katherine
Published: July 2020

The odor span task is a procedure frequently used to study remembering of multiple stimuli in rodents. A large arena is used and odor stimuli are presented using scented cups. Selection of each odor is reinforced when first presented, but not on subsequent presentations; correct selections depend on remembering which stimuli were previously presented. The use of an arena setting with manual stimulus presentation makes the odor span task labor‐intensive and limits experimental control; thus, an automated version of the task would be of value. The present study used an operant chamber equipped with an olfactometer and trained rats using successive conditional discrimination procedures under an incrementing non‐matching‐to‐samples contingency. High rates of responding developed to odor stimuli when they were session‐novel with low rates of responding to subsequent presentations of that odor. Additional experiments assessed variations of the procedure to determine the role of the frequency of odor presentation and the retention interval separating sample and comparison. Discrimination was impaired with long retention intervals suggesting the importance of this variable. These findings confirmed that rats differentiate between stimuli that are session‐novel and those previously encountered and support the use of an automated procedure as an alternative to the odor span task.
Poly(acrylamide/vinylsulfonic acid) hydrogel for invertase immobilization
Authors: Öztop Hesna N. , Akyildiz Furkan , Saraydin Dursun
Published: July 2020

Poly (acrylamide/vinylsulfonic acid) PA/VSA and poly (acrylamide) PA hydrogels were prepared by free radical polymerization in the presence of a crosslinker, to be used as a support for the invertase enzyme. Spectrophotometric, thermal analysis methods, swelling, and diffusion experiments were used for the characterization of hydrogels. SEM images show that the hydrogels have a smooth, homogeneous, highly porous and spongy morphology. The swelling of PA/VSA was higher than that of PA in water. The diffusion of water within the hydrogel was found to be non‐Fickian. Invertase was immobilized onto PA and PA/VSA (immobilized invertases named PA‐I and PA/VSA‐I, respectively). The optimum pH values were found to be; 5.0, 3.0, and 3.0 for free invertase, PA‐I, and PA/VSA‐I, respectively. The optimum temperature values were 40°C, 50°C, and 60°C for free invertase, PA‐I and PA/VSA‐I respectively. Michaelis Constant, Km; for free invertase and PA‐I and PA/VSA‐I were found to be 11.80, 21.40, and 18.42 mM, respectively. Maximum reaction rate; Vmax value for free invertase and PA‐I and PA/VSA‐I were found to be 7.46 μmol min−1, 5.91 μmol min−1, and 6.35 μmol min−1, respectively. PA/VSA‐I showed excellent thermal, operational, storage, and pH stability.
The effects of liking on informational elements in investigative interviews
Authors: Hwang Hyisuing C. , Matsumoto David
Published: July 2020

The efficacy of principles of persuasion and influence in aiding uncooperative individuals to become more cooperative has been well documented in the basic science literature. Less known is their effects in investigative interviews. This study examined the effects of liking (positivity) on informational elements produced in investigative interviews. Interviewees participated in a mock theft experiment and were randomly assigned to tell the truth or lie about the potential theft. Half the interviews were conducted in a high liking condition, the other half in a low liking condition. High liking produced less relevant details in both the interviews and written statements for truthtellers. Rapport had direct, positive effects on relevant and irrelevant details in the interviews but not the written statements and mediated the association between liking and relevant and irrelevant details in the interviews. Veracity condition moderated the association between liking and informational elements; liking had negative effects on relevant details for truthtellers in the interviews and written statements but positive effects on irrelevant details for liars in written statements. These findings suggested the need to examine how and when liking as a social influence tactic may be effective in investigative interviews.
Radiosynthesis of a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, [11C]Tolebrutinib, via palladium‐NiXantphos‐mediated carbonylation
Authors: Dahl Kenneth , Turner Timothy , Vasdev Neil
Published: July 2020

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a key component in the B‐cell receptor signaling pathway and is consequently a target for in vivo imaging of B‐cell malignancies as well as in multiple sclerosis (MS) with positron emission tomography (PET). A recent Phase 2b study with Sanofi's BTK inhibitor, Tolebrutinib (also known as [a.k.a.] SAR442168, PRN2246, or BTK'168) showed significantly reduced disease activity associated with MS. Herein, we report the radiosynthesis of [11C]Tolebrutinib ([11C]5) as a potential PET imaging agent for BTK. The N‐[11C]acrylamide moiety of [11C]5 was labeled by 11C‐carbonylation starting from [11C]CO, iodoethylene, and the secondary amine precursor via a novel palladium‐NiXantphos‐mediated carbonylation protocol, and the synthesis was fully automated using a commercial carbon‐11 synthesis platform (TracerMaker™, Scansys Laboratorieteknik). [11C]5 was obtained in a decay‐corrected radiochemical yield of 37 ± 2% (n = 5, relative to starting [11C]CO activity) in >99% radiochemical purity, with an average molar activity of 45 GBq/μmol (1200 mCi/μmol). We envision that this methodology will be generally applicable for the syntheses of labeled N‐acrylamides.
Marginal linear gingival leukoplakia progressing to “ring around the collar”—An ominous sign of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia
Authors: Upadhyaya Jasbir D. , Fitzpatrick Sarah G. , Islam Mohammed N. , Bhattacharyya Indraneel , Narayana Nagamani , Cohen Donald M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Potentially malignant lesions of the gingiva may frequently present as well‐demarcated white lesions confined to the marginal gingiva. These lesions often become thick and verrucoid and spread along the marginal gingiva to encircle the tooth. Some cases of marginal gingival leukoplakia, over time, progress to extensively involve the gingiva fulfilling the criteria for proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL). The objective of this study is to raise awareness of this pattern of leukoplakia by reporting a series of cases of marginal gingival leukoplakia.

Methods

An Institutional Review Board approved retrospective search of University of Florida and University of Nebraska Medical Center oral biopsy services was performed for all gingival biopsies. Inclusion criteria included cases exhibiting marginal gingival leukoplakia, and with accompanying clinical images.

Results

A total of 30 cases of marginal gingival leukoplakia were included. All cases presented as well‐demarcated leukoplakias, either on the buccal or lingual gingival margin, or circumferentially forming a “ring around the collar” of single or multiple teeth. Eight patients had recurrent lesions and 12 had multifocal involvement. Six of the 12 patients with multifocal involvement presented with a “ring around the collar.” The histopathologic diagnoses were representative of benign lesions in seven cases, premalignant in 13, and malignant or suggestive of malignancy in 10 cases. Seven patients had carcinoma at the time of first biopsy, whereas 6 cases showed progression at time of follow‐up.

Conclusion

This study aims to raise awareness that marginal gingival leukoplakia may represent potentially malignant lesions, and if circumferential and/or thick, may be the first manifestation of PVL.
Novel Hydroxylated Cardanol Quaternary Ammonium Salts from Renewable Resource and its Synergistic Vesicles of Binary and Ternary Composite System in Detergent
Authors: Zhao Xuehua , Lv Jinge , Wang Limin , Han Jianwei
Published: July 2020

A series of novel hydroxylated cardanol quaternary ammonium salts (HCQAS 3a–3g) with one or two hydroxyl groups, derived from renewable cardanol, a plant‐based and low‐cost material natural cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), have been rationally designed and investigated as additive in detergent. CMC, γCMC, C20, pC20, and CMC/C20 were employed to exhibit the surface properties of HCQAS, reflecting that the surfactivity were superior to general cationic surfactants. In addition, HCQAS revealed excellent water solubility and wettability by krafft point and contact angle tests. Moreover, emulsifiability and foamability conversions were monitored versus time and volume of foam, respectively. Also, TEM micrographs were taken to provide the aggregation morphologies of HCQAS 3a aqueous solution at different concentration. Furthermore, HCQAS 3a and BGF‐10 binary composite system as well as HCQAS 3a, BGF‐10, and SDBS ternary composite system were investigated by CMC, γCMC, emulsifiability, and foamability to determine the optimum molar ratio (HCQAS 3a: BGF‐10: SDBS = 0.24:0.36:0.4), and then, analysis of morphology by TEM showed that the incorporation of HCQAS 3a, BGF‐10, and SDBS in aqueous solution accelerated the formation of abundant vesicles with large volume and surface area. Finally, a green concentrated detergent was designed and prepared with the filtered ratio, where the presence of vesicles greatly enhanced detergency to promisingly replace the familiar use of petroleum‐based TX‐10 in detergent. This study on the structure and performance of HCQAS may shed some light on the development of novel environmentally friendly surfactant.
QSAR Modeling of SARS‐CoV Mpro Inhibitors Identifies Sufugolix, Cenicriviroc, Proglumetacin, and other Drugs as Candidates for Repurposing against SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Alves Vinicius M. , Bobrowski Tesia , Melo‐Filho Cleber C. , Korn Daniel , Auerbach Scott , Schmitt Charles , Muratov Eugene N. , Tropsha Alexander
Published: July 2020

The main protease (Mpro) of the SARS‐CoV‐2 has been proposed as one of the major drug targets for COVID‐19. We have identified the experimental data on the inhibitory activity of compounds tested against the closely related (96 % sequence identity, 100 % active site conservation) Mpro of SARS‐CoV. We developed QSAR models of these inhibitors and employed these models for virtual screening of all drugs in the DrugBank database. Similarity searching and molecular docking were explored in parallel, but docking failed to correctly discriminate between experimentally active and inactive compounds, so it was not relied upon for prospective virtual screening. Forty‐two compounds were identified by our models as consensus computational hits. Subsequent to our computational studies, NCATS reported the results of experimental screening of their drug collection in SARS‐CoV‐2 cytopathic effect assay (https://opendata.ncats.nih.gov/covid19/). Coincidentally, NCATS tested 11 of our 42 hits, and three of them, cenicriviroc (AC50 of 8.9 μM), proglumetacin (tested twice independently, with AC50 of 8.9 μM and 12.5 μM), and sufugolix (AC50 12.6 μM), were shown to be active. These observations support the value of our modeling approaches and models for guiding the experimental investigations of putative anti‐COVID‐19 drug candidates. All data and models used in this study are publicly available via Supplementary Materials, GitHub (https://github.com/alvesvm/sars‐cov‐mpro), and Chembench web portal (https://chembench.mml.unc.edu/).
Delayed analogue of three‐parameter Mittag‐Leffler functions and their applications to Caputo‐type fractional time delay differential equations
Authors: Huseynov Ismail T. , Mahmudov Nazim I.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we consider a Cauchy problem for a Caputo‐type time delay linear system of fractional differential equations with permutable matrices. First, we provide a new representation of solutions to linear homogeneous fractional differential equations using the Laplace integral transform and variation of constants formula via a newly defined delayed Mittag‐Leffler type matrix function introduced through a three‐parameter Mittag‐Leffler function. Second, with the help of a delayed perturbation of a Mittag‐Leffler type matrix function, we attain an explicit formula for solutions to a linear nonhomogeneous time delay fractional order system using the superposition principle. Furthermore, we prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions to nonlinear fractional delay differential equations using the contraction mapping principle. Finally, we present an example to illustrate the applicability of our results.
Compact high bandwidth dimension ratio steering‐shaped super wideband antenna for future wireless communication applications
Authors: Alluri Srinivasarao , Rangaswamy Nakkeeran
Published: July 2020

In this article, a compact super wideband (SWB) high bandwidth dimension ratio (BDR) steering‐shaped antenna is proposed for future wireless communication applications. The proposed antenna consists of a linearly tapered microstrip‐fed circular ring with four elliptical spokes to connect with a central circular disk to form a steering‐shaped radiating patch and a rounded cornered notch‐loaded rectangular partial ground. The experimental results demonstrate a SWB from 2.3 to 34.8 GHz with a ratio bandwidth (RBW) of 15.13:1 and percentage bandwidth of 175.2% for |S11| ≤ −10 dB that are in good agreement with simulation results. The overall size of the proposed antenna is 35 × 35 × 1.6 mm3 with a BDR of 2403.3. The simulated average peak gain of the antenna is 4.76 dBi. Due to the compact size and good radiation properties over a wide bandwidth, the designed antenna is suitable for civilian and military wireless applications.
Anagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, improved bladder function and hemodynamics in rats with bilateral internal iliac artery ligation
Authors: Hotta Yuji , Takahashi Sena , Tokoro Misato , Naiki‐Ito Aya , Maeda Kotomi , Kawata Ryoya , Kataoka Tomoya , Ota Yuya , Hamakawa Takashi , Takahashi Satoru , Yasui Takahiro , Kimura Kazunori
Published: July 2020

Aims

To investigate the effect of anagliptin (Ana), a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor, on acute ischemia‐induced bladder dysfunction in rats.

Methods

Eight‐week‐old female Wistar‐ST rats were randomly assigned into four groups: (a) sham; (b) ligation (Lig); (c) Lig + Ana; and (d) Lig + Liraglutide (a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 [GLP‐1] receptor agonist; Lira). Rats in the Lig, Lig + Ana, and Lig + Lira groups underwent ligature of the bilateral internal iliac arteries. Ana was orally administered mixed with the CE‐2 diet. Lira was subcutaneously administered once a day. Blood glucose levels, plasma dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP‐4) activity, GLP‐1 levels, and bladder function were measured in all groups. Bladder blood flow was measured in the sham, Lig, and Lig + Ana groups, 4 weeks postsurgery.

Results

No differences in blood glucose levels among the groups were observed. DPP‐4 activity decreased in the Lig + Ana group (P < .01). GLP‐1 levels in the Lig + Ana and Lig + Lira groups were higher than those in the sham and Lig groups (P < .01). Intercontraction intervals (ICIs) were longer in the Lig and Lig + Lira groups than in the sham group (P < .05), but similar to those observed in the Lig + Ana and sham groups. The Lig group exhibited reduced bladder blood flow relative to the sham group (P < .01); however, this measure improved in the Lig + Ana group (P < .01).

Conclusions

Ana administration improved ICIs and bladder blood flow after acute bladder ischemia through a GLP‐1 receptor‐independent signaling pathway, without altering the blood glucose levels. Therefore, Ana dosing might be useful to prevent ischemia‐induced bladder dysfunctions.
Sustained release of a thiosemicarbazone from antibacterial electrospun poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) fiber mats
Authors: Barani Hossein , Haseloer Alexander , Mathur Sanjay , Klein Axel
Published: July 2020

Antibacterial fiber mats of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) were produced in the presence of different amounts of the thiosemicarbazone (TSC) N4‐(S)‐(1‐phenylethyl)‐2‐(pyridin‐2‐ylmethylene)hydrazine‐1‐carbothioamide (HfpyTSCmB) through electrospinning. Increasing amounts (0, 2.5, 5, and 10 wt%) of TSC in the PLGA spinning solution in 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (TFE) caused an increase up to 230% in conductivity and up to 27% in viscosity. The morphology of the electrospun fibers was studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and showed the formation of uniform, bead free, cylindrical, and smooth fiber mats. Increasing amounts of HfpyTSCmB in the polymer solution resulted also in significant shrinking of the diameter and narrowing of the size distribution of the fibers in line with the increased conductivity of the spinning solutions. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and thermal methods (DSC and TG/DTA) gave proof for the chemical integrity of HfpyTSCmB in the fiber mats after the electrospinning process. The release profile of HfpyTSCmB from the fibers was examined using UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy. The observed release data during 21 days was fitted to different mathematical models with the best results obtained from the Higuchi release model. The fiber mat samples showed effective antibacterial properties with inhibition zones of 0.5 to 1.5 mm against the Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus and the Gram‐negative Escherichia coli.
Injection of a microtextured polymer part surface: Influence of experimental parameters on the replication rate
Authors: Brulez Anne‐Catherine , Boschard Cédric , Larochette Mathieu , Benayoun Stéphane
Published: July 2020

Injection manufacturing makes it possible to functionalize the surfaces of microtextured plastic parts without resorting to expensive post‐treatments. An instrumented mold was developed and microtextures were etched in the cavity with a femtosecond laser. A setting methodology only following in situ parameters, especially cavity pressurizing velocity was used to complete process control. The quality of the replication was quantified by the ratio, R, of microtexture part height replication over etched texture depth in the cavity. Different setting parameters such as injection velocity, Vf, mold temperature, TMo, and holding pressure, PHMax, were investigated on two different injection molding machine. A statistical analysis enabled a validation of the protocol while showing that the influence of the injection molding machine is nonsignificant. Furthermore, injection velocity appeared as a key parameter, it acts at the same time on the thermal aspect of the flow front, frozen‐layer fraction creation, but more importantly on the polymer's viscosity. An injection velocity threshold where above, mold temperature and holding pressure become secondary for better quality replication. This allowed as well to establish an empiric expression which makes it possible to calculate a pattern quality replication ratio, R, according to different parameters (Vf, TMo, PHMax).
Personality in Action: Assessing Personality to Identify an ‘Ideal’ Conscientious Response Type with Two Different Behavioural Tasks
Authors: Gniewosz Gabriela , Ortner Tuulia M. , Scherndl Thomas
Published: July 2020

Performance on achievement tests is characterized by an interplay of different individual attributes such as personality traits, motivation or cognitive styles. However, the prediction of individuals’ performance from classical self–report personality measures obtained during large and comprehensive aptitude assessments is biased by, for example, subjective response tendencies. This study goes beyond by using behavioural data based on two different types of tasks, requiring different conscientious–related response behaviours. Moreover, a typological approach is proposed, which includes different behavioural indicators to obtain information on complex personality characteristics. © 2020 The Authors. European Journal of Personality published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Association of Personality Psychology
Learning how to fine‐tune diradical properties by structure refinement
Authors: Dressler Justin J. , Haley Michael M.
Published: July 2020

The literature has seen a large increase in the number of new carbon‐based organic diradicals/diradicaloids in recent years. While a plethora of new and exciting structures have been created, there seemingly is a gap in knowledge of what fundamental electronic parameters are in play and thus how to rationally manipulate said parameters to “fine tune” the resultant diradical properties. Since 2014, the Haley group has been exploring methods to systematically alter the diradical character and the singlet‐triplet energy gap in said class of molecules. Our entrance into organic diradicals began with the π‐expansion of the benzene core of indeno[1,2‐b]fluorene up to the anthracene core of diindenoanthracene (DIAn). DIAn possessed moderate diradical character (y = 0.62) with a surprising level of stability (more than 2 months in solution). From this molecular blueprint for producing stable diradicals, the Haley lab has investigated how to fine tune diradical properties via structural changes in two key positions: (a) the length of the acene core and (b) thoughtful exchange of the outer arenes. With this strategy at our disposal, we can make large scale changes to the diradical character index and singlet‐triplet energy gap through changing the core length, and these properties can be further fine‐tuned in a series of closely related diradicals by careful exchange of the outer arenes utilizing the straightforward methods described in this mini‐review.
Association of patient weight status with plasma surfactant protein D, a biomarker of alveolar epithelial injury, in children with acute respiratory failure
Authors: Ward Shan L. , Dahmer Mary K. , Weeks Heidi M. , Sapru Anil , Quasney Michael W. , Curley Martha A. Q. , Liu Kathleen D. , Matthay Michael A. , Flori Heidi R.
Published: July 2020

Aims and Objectives

Alveolar epithelial injury is a key determinant of acute respiratory failure (ARF) severity. Plasma surfactant protein D (SP‐D), a biomarker of alveolar epithelial injury, is lower in obese adults with ARF compared to their lean peers. We aimed to determine if children with ARF have similar variance in plasma SP‐D associated with their weight status on admission.

Methods

Plasma SP‐D was measured on days 0, 1, or 2 in children (1‐18 years) with ARF enrolled in the genetic variation and biomarkers in children with acute lung injury and RESTORE studies. Weight classification (underweight, normal, overweight, and obese) was based on body mass index or weight‐for‐height z‐scores. Associations between weight group and SP‐D on each day were tested.

Results

Inclusion criteria were met in 212 subjects, 24% were obese. There were no differences among weight groups in SP‐D levels on days 0 and 1. However, on day 2, there was a statistically significant linear trend for lower SP‐D levels as weight increased in both the univariate analysis (P = .02) and when adjusting for age, ethnicity, and diagnosis of pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (P = .05).

Conclusions

Obesity was associated with lower plasma SP‐D levels on day 2 of ARF. This finding may be explained by altered ARF pathogenesis in obese individuals or a reduced incidence of ventilator‐induced lung injury.
Clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 in children: A systematic review
Authors: Yasuhara Jun , Kuno Toshiki , Takagi Hisato , Sumitomo Naokata
Published: July 2020

Background

Limited pediatric cases with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) have been reported and the clinical profiles regarding COVID‐19 in children remain obscure. Our aim was to investigate the clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 in children.

Methods

PUBMED and EMBASE were searched through 20 June 2020, for case reports and case series reporting pediatric COVID‐19 cases. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were collected and analyzed to compare by age.

Results

Our search identified 46 eligible case reports and case series. A total of 114 pediatric cases with COVID‐19 were included. The main clinical features were mild symptoms including fever (64%), cough (35%), and rhinorrhea (16%), or no symptoms (15%). Ground‐like opacities were common radiological findings (54%). The main laboratory findings were lymphopenia (33%) and elevated D‐dimer (52%) and C‐reactive protein (40%) levels. We identified 17 patients (15%) with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C) manifesting with symptoms overlapping with, but distinct from, Kawasaki disease, including gastrointestinal symptoms, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, shock, and marked elevated inflammatory biomarkers. Twelve percent of the patients including 65% of the MIS‐C cases required intensive care because of hypotension. No deaths were reported.

Conclusion

This systematic review found that children with COVID‐19 are generally less severe or asymptomatic. However, infants might be seriously ill and older children might develop MIS‐C with severe illness. Early detection of children with mild symptoms or an asymptomatic state and early diagnosis of MIS‐C are mandatory for the management of COVID‐19 and the prevention of transmission and a severe inflammatory state.
MMRMvs joint modeling of longitudinal responses and time to study drug discontinuation in clinical trials using a “de jure” estimand
Authors: García‐Hernandez Alberto , Pérez Teresa , Pardo María del Carmen , Rizopoulos Dimitris
Published: July 2020

In pre‐marketing stages of drug development, trialists focus on drug efficacy rather than effectiveness, and observations collected after study drug discontinuation are excluded from the analysis, following the so‐called “de jure” estimand. In this setting, mixed models for repeated measures (MMRM) are becoming the benchmark to analyze normally distributed longitudinal responses. We have compared the performance of MMRM against shared parameter models (SPM) that jointly fit the longitudinal response and time to study drug discontinuation. Our simulations have first confirmed that MMRM lead to biased treatment effect estimates when longitudinal and event processes are associated via latent shared parameters, especially if the relationship is heterogeneous across treatment groups. SPM produced unbiased estimates with SPM data but faced two important obstacles: (a) SPM led to considerable bias when treatment discontinuation and response were associated with models of the time‐varying covariates (TVC) family, and (b) SPM were rather sensitive to the choice of the parameterization to model the relationship between longitudinal and time‐to‐event processes. When we simulated SPM data but used an incorrect equation to relate the random effects and time‐to‐event response, SPM led to a bigger bias than that seen with MMRM. We have finally evaluated a methodology to choose between MMRM and SPM consisting of expanding the MMRM density into the likelihood of both longitudinal and time‐to‐event data by plugging in the likelihood of a parametric TVC model. This approach allowed us to accurately select the optimal tool (MMRM or SPM) with sample sizes typical of phases 2b and 3.
Haemorrhagic bronchial casts causing complete ventilatory failure in a COVID‐19 patient on ECMO
Authors: Herath Samantha , Kruit Natalie , Eslick Adam , Giroy Nicole
Published: July 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) was identified as causing an unusual pneumonia in Wuhan in late 2019 and rapidly evolved to a pandemic. We present a case of an otherwise well 55‐year‐old female patient who had seemingly mild symptoms when she presented to the emergency department, and then rapidly deteriorated with progressive ventilatory deficit requiring intubation, ventilation, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We present the surprise finding of haemorrhagic endobronchial casts in the airways causing a complete ventilatory failure, managed by cryobiopsy and argon plasma coagulation (APC) leading to improved ventilation. To our knowledge, this is the only patient placed on ECMO for COVID‐19 infection in Australia and we would like to highlight the complications and challenges when trying to manage pulmonary haemorrhagic casts whilst on ECMO.
Fashion with heart: Sustainable fashion entrepreneurs, emotional labour and implications for a sustainable fashion system
Authors: Heinze Lisa
Published: July 2020

Recent years have seen a rise in the number of fashion entrepreneurs who practise sustainable fashion design, including the use of environmentally friendly materials and transparent supply chains. However, mainstream fashion practises remain unsustainable and the pathway to a sustainable fashion system is not yet clear. Using qualitative data gathered from in‐depth interviews with sustainable fashion entrepreneurs, this article examines the practise of sustainable fashion design to understand the industry's transition towards sustainability. Building upon social practise theory, the management of emotional labour is identified as a key element in sustainable fashion design as indicated by the pro‐social motives of the entrepreneurs, financial precarity, entrepreneurial risk and the management of ethical complexities in sustainable fashion businesses. I argue that the element of managing emotional labour limits the reproduction potential of sustainable fashion design by other practitioners, thus slowing the transition to a sustainable fashion system.
Environmental collaboration, sustainable innovation, and small and medium‐sized enterprise growth in sub‐Saharan Africa: Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Adomako Samuel
Published: July 2020

This article investigates the impact of environmental collaboration on sustainable innovation and its impact on firm growth. The hypotheses are tested using data from 455 small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana. The findings from the study show that environmental collaboration positively relates to sustainable innovation and this relationship is moderated by environmental commitment. The results also show that sustainable innovation is positively associated with SME growth. Finally, the results suggest that sustainable innovation mediates the environmental collaboration‐SME growth relationship. The theoretical and practical implications of the study are discussed.
Analytic models in strategy, organizations, and management research: A guide for consumers
Authors: Hannah Douglas P. , Tidhar Ron , Eisenhardt Kathleen M.
Published: July 2020

Research summary

Analytic models are a powerful approach for developing theory, yet are often poorly understood in the strategy and organizations community. Our goal is to enhance the influence of the method by clarifying for consumers of modeling research how to understand and appreciate analytic modeling and use modeling results to enhance their own research. Our primary contribution is a guide for reading analytic models. Using comparisons with other methods and exemplar analytic models, we explore key features as well as counterintuitive aspects and common misconceptions. We also add by illuminating strengths and weaknesses of analytic modeling relative to other theory‐building methods. Finally, we identify under‐exploited opportunities for pairing analytic models with complementary methods. Overall, our aim is enhancing the influence of analytic modeling by better‐informing consumers.

Managerial summary

In this paper, we explore the use of analytic (mathematical) models for developing strategy and organizations theory. Analytic modeling is common in related fields like economics but is often poorly understood among the broader of strategy and organizations community. Whereas existing resources on analytic modeling are geared towards modelers, our aim is to enhance understanding and appreciation of the method among potential consumers of modeling research. We offer three specific contributions in this regard. The first is a guide for reading analytic models, including key features, counterintuitive aspects, and common misconceptions. Second, we clarify the strengths and weaknesses of analytic modeling relative to other theory‐building methods. Finally, we discuss promising opportunities for pairing methods.