bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seabirds of human settlements in Antarctica: A case study of the Mirny Station
Authors: Golubev Sergey
Published: August 2021

Antarctica is free of urbanisation, however, 40 year-round and 32 seasonal Antarctic stations operate there. The effects of such human settlements on Antarctic wildlife are insufficiently studied. The main aim of this study was to determine the organization of the bird population of the Mirny Station. The birds were observed on the coast of the Davis Sea in the Mirny (East Antarctica) from January 8, 2012 to January 7, 2013 and from January 9, 2015 to January 9, 2016. The observations were carried out mainly on the Radio and Komsomolsky nunataks (an area of about 0.5 km). The duration of observations varied from 1 to 8 hours per day. From 1956 to 2016, 13 non-breeding bird species (orders Sphenisciformes, Procellariiformes, Charadriiformes) were recorded in the Mirny. The South polar skuas (Catharacta maccormicki) and Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) form the basis of the bird population. South polar skuas are most frequently recorded at the station. Less common are Brown skuas (Catharacta antarctica lonnbergi) and Adélie penguins. Adélie penguins, Wilson's storm petrels (Oceanites oceanicus), South polar and Brown skuas are seasonal residents, the other species are visitors. Adélie penguins, Emperor (Aptenodytes forsteri), Macaroni (Eudyptes chrysolophus) and Chinstrap penguins (Pygoscelis antarctica), Wilson's storm petrels, South polar and Brown skuas interacted with the station environment, using it for comfortable behavior, feeding, molting, shelter from bad weather conditions, and possible breeding. South polar and Brown skuas tend to be attracted to the station, while other Antarctic bird species are indifferent to humans. Birds spend part of the annual cycle at the station or visit it with different frequency, but they cannot meet their ecological needs there all year round. The study improves our understanding of the regularities of the phenomenon of urbanization of the avifauna in the polar regions of the planet Earth.
The use of radar technologies in the hydraulic engineering in seismic zones
Authors: Oralbekova Zhanar , Tyulepberdinova Gulnur , Gaziz Gulnur , Adamova Aigul , Sholpanbaev Bakytgerey
Published: August 2021

Hydraulic structures are designed in a standard way if it is necessary to regulate the water course and maintain the volume of irrigation. The obstacles to the construction of such structures are mainly technical and economic, when instead of building a new hydraulic complex, it is gradually modernised. Consideration of the issues of creating complexes of hydraulic structures leads to the statement of a fact that the water balance of the territory changes. The novelty of the study is determined by the fact that hydraulic structures can be used as prerequisites for the development of qualitatively new programmes for runoff regulation. The authors note that this is particularly important for seismologically unstable areas. It is necessary to lay out plans taking into account not only the possible seismological load, but also the modes and technologies that are used to modernise the already operating hydraulic structures. The practical significance of the study is determined by the fact that the development of hydrotechnical complexes makes it possible to create a system not only for improving the quality of the water balance, but also performs technological support for the safety of the technologies used.
Social and economic determinants of support for a strong non-democratic leader in democracies differ from non-democracies
Authors: Xuereb Silas , Wohl Michael J. A. , Stefaniak Anna , Elgar Frank J.
Published: August 2021

A growing body of evidence suggests that support for a strong non-democratic leader is driven, in part, by low economic development and economic inequality at the country level, and low income and interpersonal trust at the individual level. In the current research, we tested the hypothesis that although such a pattern predicts support for a strong non-democratic leader in democracies, it should produce decreased support for a strong non-democratic leader in non-democracies (where the presence of such leaders is the political status quo). Using three waves of World Values Survey data (2005-2020), as predicted, we found that in democracies, low economic development, high inequality, and low interpersonal trust predicted support for a strong non-democratic leader. However, in non-democracies, support for a strong non-democratic leader was higher in more economically developed countries and among individuals with higher social trust. These results contradict modernization theory’s proposition that development promotes support for democratic rule and suggest that economic development reinforces support for the existing political system.
Procedimentos analíticos em perícia ambiental: gravimetria
Authors: Lenz Elenice Rachid da Silva , Pereira Raphael do Couto , Aguiar Lais Alencar de , Silva Cleber Vinicius Vitorio da , Almeida Josimar Ribeiro de
Published: August 2021

O perito ambiental terá atenção às questões relativas à exatidão e à precisão esperada dos métodos dados e, além disso, não deve desprezar fatores como tempo e custo. O método mais exato para certa determinação pode ser muito demorado ou envolver o uso de reagentes caros. Por tal motivo, o apropriado é avaliar que exatidão se faz necessária. Em muitos casos, é possível escolher um método que, embora menos exato, proporcione, num tempo razoável, resultados satisfatórios.
Outorga de uso de direito: uma revisão sobre o instrumento no Tocantins
Authors: Linhares Lucas de Sena , Aguiar Felipe Martins de
Published: August 2021

A Lei nº 9.433 é a responsável pelo estabelecimento da Política Nacional de Recursos Hídricos; pela criação do Sistema Nacional de Gerenciamento de Recursos Hídricos e definição dos critérios de outorga de direitos de uso dos recursos. A outorga de direito de uso de recursos hídricos é um instrumento essencial não apenas como ato administrativo de autorização de uso da água, mas uma ferramenta de controle, um instrumento que garante a segurança dos corpos hídricos diante das diversas demandas da sociedade. O objetivo desse trabalho é analisar a importância da outorga dos direitos de uso como instrumento regulador na gestão dos recursos hídricos. Existem fragilidades na utilização desse instrumento que precisam ser resolvidas para assegurar a sua eficácia na gestão dos recursos hídricos. A primeira dessas fragilidades é a fiscalização. Dadas as grandes dimensões do Brasil grande parte dos setores de fiscalização, não apenas os que regulam os recursos hídricos, enfrentam problemas de logística. Outra fragilidade é com relação ao critério de cálculo das vazões outorgáveis.
Direct Health Education by Christian Doctors: Sharing Experiences during Community Service in Local Church Communities in Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Siagian Forman Erwin
Published: August 2021

Health education is important because of the need to promote health among members of the community, to maintain the health status and, if possible, to prevent people to get sick. Specific communities such as church members have unique characteristics that can facilitate health education so that it can be more easily accepted and implemented. The existence of Christian scholars among those specific communities can help the church to promote daily healthy living activities and maintain health standards, especially in the era of the Covid pandemic. This article aims to share our experience of doing multi-form community service in a specific community, a local church located in Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Multi‐omic molecular profiling guide’s efficacious treatment selection in refractory metastatic breast cancer: a prospective phase II clinical trial
Authors: Pierobon Mariaelena , Robert Nicholas J. , Northfelt Donald W. , Jahanzeb Mohammad , Wong Shukmei , Hodge Kimberly A. , Baldelli Elisa , Aldrich Jessica , Craig David W. , Liotta Lance A. , Avramovic Sanja , Wojtusiak Janusz , Alemi Farrokh , Wulfkuhle Julia D. , Bellos Angela , Gallagher Rosa I. , Arguello David , Conrad Amber , Kemkes Ariane , Loesch David M. , Vocila Linda , Dunetz Bryant , Carpten John D. , Petricoin Emanuel F. , Anthony Stephen P.
Published: August 2021

This prospective phase II clinical trial (Side Out 2) explored the clinical benefits of treatment selection informed by multi‐omic molecular profiling (MoMP) in refractory metastatic breast cancers (MBCs). Core needle biopsies were collected from 32 patients with MBC at trial enrollment. Patients had received an average of 3.94 previous lines of treatment in the metastatic setting before enrollment in this study. Samples underwent MoMP, including exome sequencing, RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq), immunohistochemistry, and quantitative protein pathway activation mapping by Reverse Phase Protein Microarray (RPPA). Clinical benefit was assessed using the previously published growth modulation index (GMI) under the hypothesis that MoMP‐selected therapy would warrant further investigation for GMI ≥ 1.3 in ≥ 35% of the patients. Of the 32 patients enrolled, 29 received treatment based on their MoMP and 25 met the follow‐up criteria established by the trial protocol. Molecular information was delivered to the tumor board in a median time frame of 14 days (11–22 days), and targetable alterations for commercially available agents were found in 23/25 patients (92%). Of the 25 patients, 14 (56%) reached GMI ≥ 1.3. A high level of DNA topoisomerase I (TOPO1) led to the selection of irinotecan‐based treatments in 48% (12/25) of the patients. A pooled analysis suggested clinical benefit in patients with high TOPO1 expression receiving irinotecan‐based regimens (GMI ≥ 1.3 in 66.7% of cases). These results confirmed previous observations that MoMP increases the frequency of identifiable actionable alterations (92% of patients). The MoMP proposed allows the identification of biomarkers that are frequently expressed in MBCs and the evaluation of their role as predictors of response to commercially available agents. Lastly, this study confirmed the role of MoMP for informing treatment selection in refractory MBC patients: more than half of the enrolled patients reached a GMI ≥ 1.3 even after multiple lines of previous therapies for metastatic disease.
Fuzzy approximation‐based adaptive control of nonstrict feedback stochastic nonlinear systems with time‐varying state constraints
Authors: Liu Yongchao , Zhu Qidan
Published: August 2021

This article develops an approximation‐based fuzzy control scheme for nonstrict feedback stochastic nonlinear systems (NFSNS) with time‐varying state constraints. The difficulty in constructing controller is how to conquer the algebraic loop problem caused by nonstrict feedback structure, as well as prevent the state constraints from violating. To dispose the time‐varying state constraints, time‐varying barrier Lyapunov function is incorporated into the backstepping design framework. The lumped uncertainties of NFSNS are approximated by the fuzzy logic systems. By virtue of fuzzy basis function, the algebraic loop problem is effectively handled. Theoretical analysis shows that the predefined state constraints are not violated and all signals of the closed‐loop systems are bounded. Finally, simulation results substantiate the validity of the devised method.
PIM‐1 as a Multifunctional Framework to Enable High‐Performance Solid‐State Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Ji Yuchen , Yang Kai , Liu Mingqiang , Chen Shiming , Liu Xinhua , Yang Biao , Wang Zijian , Huang Weiyuan , Song Zhibo , Xue Shida , Fu Yanda , Yang Luyi , Miller Thomas S. , Pan Feng
Published: August 2021

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) is a promising solid electrolyte material for solid‐state lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, but low intrinsic ionic conductivity, poor mechanical properties, and failure to hinder the polysulfide shuttle effect limits its application. Herein, a polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM) is synthesized and applied as an organic framework to comprehensively enhance the performance of PEO by forming a composite electrolyte (PEO‐PIM). The unique structure of PIM‐1 not only enhances the mechanical strength and hardness over the PEO electrolyte by an order of magnitude, increasing stability toward the metallic lithium anode but also increases its ionic conductivity by lowering the degree of crystallinity. Furthermore, the PIM‐1 is shown to effectively trap lithium polysulfide species to mitigate against the detrimental polysulfide shuttle effect, as electrophilic 1,4‐dicyanooxanthrene functional groups possess higher binding energy to polysulfides. Benefiting from these properties, the use of PEO‐PIM composite electrolyte has achieved greatly improved rate performance, long‐cycling stability, and excellent safety features for solid‐state Li‐S batteries. This methodology offers a new direction for the optimization of solid polymer electrolytes.
Facile Defect Engineering of Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks towards Enhanced C3H6/C3H8 Separation Performance
Authors: An Heseong , Cho Kie Yong , Lyu Qiang , Chiou Da‐Shiuan , Nam Ki Jin , Kang Dun‐Yen , Lin Li‐Chiang , Lee Jong Suk
Published: August 2021

Membrane‐based olefin/paraffin separations can be an attractive alternative to the current energy‐intensive cryogenic distillation for their high energy efficiency. This paper reports an amine modulator‐induced defect engineering of zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (AZIF8) nanoparticles (60 nm) for enhanced molecular sieving ability and good compatibility with various polymer matrices. It is revealed that an initial suppression of nuclei formation during synthesis enables amine modulators to deprotonate the neutral organic ligand as well as coordinate with Zn2+ ions. The resulting AZIF8s exhibit more rigid characteristics compared to the conventional ZIF‐8 counterparts as demonstrated by its delayed gate opening pressure. Molecular dynamics simulations also suggest that AZIF8s exhibit a narrower pore size distribution with a smaller opening compared to the conventional ZIF‐8 analogues, which makes them more suitable for size‐discrimination between C3H6 and C3H8. Furthermore, the coordination of alkyl amines into frameworks allows excellent compatibility with various commercial polymer matrices. The highly concentrated 6FDA‐DAM/AZIF8 (50/50 w/w) mixed matrix membrane (MMM) exhibits superior C3H6/C3H8 separation performance (C3H6 permeability of 79.38 Barrer and C3H6/C3H8 selectivity of 39.8 at single gas condition) to most existing MMMs. The structural engineering proposed herein can be applied to other metal–organic frameworks for optimizing their performance in molecular separations.
Transition‐Metal‐Free C(sp2)‐H Dithiocarbamation and Chromone Annulation Cascade for 3‐Dithiocarbamyl Chromone Synthesis
Authors: Zhang Tao , Yao Weijun , Wan Jie‐Ping , Liu Yunyun
Published: August 2021

The transition‐metal‐free synthesis of 3‐dithiocarbamyl chromones by reacting o‐hydroxyphenylenaminones with thiurams in the presence of KIO3 and TEMPO is reported. In addition, the 3‐dithiocarbamyl chromones synthesized herein have been successfully utilized as starting materials in the synthesis of 3‐dithiocarbamyl pyrimidines and 3‐(benzylthio)chromones via featured chromone ring opening and C−S bond cleavage, respectively.

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Non‐Chelate‐Assisted Palladium‐Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Heck Reaction of Fluorobenzenes and Other Arenes: When Does the C−H Activation Need Help?
Authors: Villalba Francisco , Albéniz Ana C.
Published: August 2021

The pyridone fragment in the ligand [2, 2’‐bipyridin]‐6(1H)‐one (bipy‐6‐OH) enables the oxidative Heck reaction of simple arenes with oxygen as the sole oxidant and no redox mediator. Arenes with either electron‐donating or electron‐withdrawing groups can be functionalized in this way. Experimental data on the reaction with toluene as the model arene shows that the C−H activation step is turnover limiting and that the ligand structure is crucial to facilitate the reaction, which supports the involvement of the pyridone fragment in the C−H activation step. In the case of fluoroarenes, the alkenylation of mono and 1,2‐difluoro benzenes requires the presence of bipy‐6‐OH. In contrast, this ligand is detrimental for the alkenylation of 1,3‐difluoro, tri, tetra and pentafluoro benzenes which can be carried out using just [Pd(OAc)2]. This correlates with the acidity of the fluoroarenes, the most acidic undergoing easier C−H activation so other steps of the reaction such as the coordination‐insertion of the olefin become kinetically important for polyfluorinated arenes. The use of just a catalytic amount of sodium molybdate as a base proved to be optimal in all these reactions.

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Quantum Coherence Regulated by Nanoparticles in a Whispering‐Gallery‐Mode Microresonator
Authors: Peng Jia‐Xin , Jin Chao , Jin Lei , Liu Zeng‐Xing
Published: August 2021

A theoretical investigation of the macroscopic quantum coherence in a whispering‐gallery‐mode optical microresonator is conducted, where clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW) propagating modes are coupled in nonreciprocal non‐Hermitian manner induced by nanoparticles. The results indicate that the dynamic control of quantum coherence/intercoherence can be realized by adjusting relative phase angle of the nanoparticles. A rather more exotic finding is that chiral optical quantum coherence can be achieved in the context of asymmetric backscattering. Especially in the vicinity of the exceptional point, chiral optical quantum coherence phenomenon is most obvious; that is, the CW(CCW) mode generated by backscattering exhibits strong quantum coherence while the coherence of CCW(CW) mode generated by backscattering is completely suppressed. Further, the optomechanical coherence between photons and phonons also shows chiral behavior. Finally, the experimental feasibility of quantum coherence is evaluated, and experimental scheme to readout and measure coherence is discussed briefly.
Hierarchically Porous Metal–Organic Framework/MoS2 Interface for Selective Photocatalytic Conversion of CO2 with H2O into CH3COOH
Authors: Yu Fengyang , Jing Xu , Wang Yao , Sun Mingyang , Duan Chunying
Published: August 2021

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) provide a platform to design new heterogeneous catalysts for catalytic CO2 reduction, but selective formation of C2 valuable liquid fuel products remains a challenge. Herein, we propose a strategy to synthesize composites by integrating MoS2 nanosheets into hierarchically porous defective UiO‐66 (d‐UiO‐66) to form Mo‐O‐Zr bimetallic sites on the interfaces between UiO‐66 and MoS2. The active interfaces are favorable for the efficient transfer of photo‐generated charge carriers and for promoting the activity, whereas, the synergy of the components at the interfaces achieves selectivity for C2 production. The d‐UiO‐66/MoS2 composite facilitates the photo‐catalytic conversion of gas phase CO2 and H2O to CH3COOH under visible light irradiation without any other adducts. The evolution rate and selectivity of CH3COOH reached 39.0 μmol g−1 h−1 and 94 %, respectively, without any C1 products, suggesting a new approach for the design of highly efficient photocatalysts of CO2 for C2 production. Theoretical calculations demonstrate the charge‐polarized Zr‐O‐Mo aided the C−C coupling process with the largely reduced energy barrier.
Clinical Issues—September 2021
Authors: Wood Amber
Published: August 2021

THIS MONTH

Interviewing the patient about cannabis use

Key words: cannabis, marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), patient interview.

AORN guidance for non‐OR settings

Key words: cardiac catheterization laboratory, endoscopy suite, interventional radiology suite, practice setting, invasive procedure.

Using personal continuous positive airway pressure devices in the perioperative setting

Key words: continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), home equipment, biomedical engineering, electrical devices.

Screening for cognitive impairment in the older adult patient

Key words: older adult patient, dementia, delirium, cognitive impairment screening tool, prehabilitation.
Sequential transformation study of minerals during underground coal gasification: Promising to indirectly reflect the actual reaction condition
Authors: Ma Weiping , Wang Yubo , Li Zhen , Yang Lanhe , Liu Shuqin
Published: August 2021

The mineralogical characteristics of underground coal gasification (UCG) residuals are closely related to the gasification conditions. The study of the mineral composition and transformation of ash and slag under different gasification conditions has important scientific significance for understanding the real gasification conditions, improving the utilization efficiency of coal, and identifying and controlling the environmental impact. In this paper, the sequential transformation of minerals under different temperature and atmosphere are studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and FactSage software, and the elemental composition of the surface of the UCG ash and slag is characterized by SEM‐EDX. The results show that the main minerals in the semicoke are quartz (SiO2), illite (K1.5Al4(Si6.5Al1.5)O20(OH)4), and sanidine (KAlSi3O8). In the 900–1300°C reduction, ash, quartz, sanidine, hercynite (FeAl2O4), anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8), and mullite (Al6Si2O13) are the main minerals. The minerals in the oxidation residuals (1100–1500°C) are quartz, anorthite, hematite (Fe2O3), hercynite, cordierite (Fe2Al4Si5O18), and cristobalite. The reaction temperature has a significant effect on the changes in mineralogy. The reaction temperature is low during the pyrolysis process, and most changes involve only structural changes. With the reaction temperature increases, a series of reactions occur between different minerals. The reaction atmosphere also has a significant effect on the mineralogy. The research on the transformation of minerals in UCG residues can indirectly reflect the actual process of UCG, which can provide suggestions for the stable operation of the UCG process.
Versuche am Bau mit Kunststoffdübeln im Beton nach Technischer Regel des DIBt
Authors: Scheller Eckehard , Küenzlen Jürgen , Becker Rainer , Kuhn Thomas
Published: August 2021

Versuche am Bauwerk im Verankerungsgrund Beton sind auf europäischer Ebene und in Deutschland nur für Kunststoffdübel mit Europäischer Technischer Bewertung (ETA) geregelt. Im September 2019 wurde dazu vom Deutschen Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt) die „Technische Regel Durchführung und Auswertung von Versuchen am Bau für Kunststoffdübel in Beton und Mauerwerk mit ETA …“ veröffentlicht. Für die praktische Umsetzung dieser Technischen Regel für Verankerungen in Mauerwerk wurde dazu vom Deutschen Ausschuss für Mauerwerk e.V. (DAfM) im Jahr 2020 das Heft 4 der DAfM Schriftenreihe „(Dübel‐) Versuche am Bauwerk in Mauerwerk – Aktuelle Regelungen für Kunststoffdübel und Metall‐Injektionsanker zur Verankerung im Mauerwerk“ herausgegeben. Dieser Fachbeitrag fasst die wesentlichen Inhalte der Technischen Regel des DIBt für Verankerungen in Beton zusammen und zeigt die geringfügigen Abweichungen zu den Regelungen im Verankerungsgrund Mauerwerk auf.
Ressourcenschonende Lärmschutzelemente aus Textilbeton als Alternative für konventionelle Stahlbetonfertigteile
Authors: Orlowsky Jeanette , Maurer Reinhard , Heeke Guido , Beßling Markus , Bettin Matthias
Published: August 2021

Dieser Beitrag beschreibt den Entwurf, die Herstellung und Untersuchung des Bauteilverhaltens einer Tragschicht aus Textilbeton als Alternative für konventionelle Lärmschutzwandelemente aus Stahlbeton. Mit dem Einsatz nichtmetallischer Bewehrungsstrukturen ist eine Reduktion der Betondeckung auf ein für die sichere Übertragung der Verbundkräfte erforderliches Minimum möglich. Der aus diesem Grundsatz abgeleitete und hinsichtlich der Bewehrung und des Herstellungsaufwands optimierte Querschnitt erlaubt eine Verringerung des Betonvolumens um zwei Drittel. Für die Materialwahl werden verschiedene technische Textilien miteinander verglichen und ein speziell für das Vorhaben konfiguriertes Textil als Vorzugsvariante gewählt. Kleinformatige Biegeversuche dienen der Anpassung der Material‐ und Querschnittseigenschaften, während die Untersuchung der Bauteilbemessung anhand großformatiger Bauteilversuche erfolgt. Das Ergebnis des Projekts sind neuartige, ressourcenschonende Lärmschutzwandelemente, welche sich durch ein deutlich geringeres Bauteilgesamtvolumen und ‐gewicht auszeichnen und zusätzlich wirtschaftlich herzustellen sind.
Structure‐guided identification of a peptide for bio‐enabled gold nanoparticle synthesis
Authors: Thaker Amar , Sirajudeen Luqmanal , Simmons Chad R. , Nannenga Brent L.
Published: August 2021

In this study, we show that maltose‐binding protein (MBP) is capable of facilitating stable gold nanoparticle synthesis, and a structure of MBP in the presence of gold ions was determined by X‐ray crystallography. Using this high‐resolution structure of gold ion bound MBP, a peptide (AT1) was selected and synthesized and was shown to also aid in the synthesis of stable gold nanoparticles under similar experimental conditions to those used for protein facilitated synthesis. This structure‐based approach represents a new potential method for the selection of peptides capable of facilitating stable nanoparticle synthesis.
Sodium fluoride‐rich solid electrolyte interphase for sodium–metal and sodium–oxygen batteries
Authors: Kim Sujung , Jung Younguk , Park Jiwon , Hong Misun , Byon Hye Ryung
Published: August 2021

We studied solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on metallic sodium (Na) electrodes. Among sodium hexafluorophosphate (NaPF6), sodium triflate (NaOTf), and sodium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (NaTFSI) electrolytes, sodium fluoride (NaF)‐rich and compact SEI was only formed by chemical reduction of NaPF6. Excellent rigidity and insolubility of NaF‐rich SEI layer enhanced electrochemical cycling performances for both Na/Na symmetric cells and sodium–oxygen (Na–O2) cells. By contrast, the Na electrodes using NaOTf and NaTFSI formed porous and carbonaceous SEI layers rather than NaF. Soluble carbonaceous species were detached from the Na electrode, which led to the undesired decomposition of electrolyte solution. It resulted in the substantial formation of the dead Na and dendritic Na and caused cycling failure of Na–O2 cells within 10 cycles, demonstrated by NaOTf.
The expression of PHB2 in the cochlea: Possible relation to age‐related hearing loss
Authors: Yu Xiaoyu , Guan Ming , Shang Haiqiong , Teng Yaoshu , Gao Yueqiu , Wang Bin , Ma Zhiqi , Cao Xiaolin , Li Yong
Published: August 2021

Age‐related hearing loss (ARHL) is the most prevalent sensory deficit in the elderly, but its mechanism remains unclear. Scaffold protein prohibitin 2 (PHB2) has been widely involved in aging and neurodegeneration. However, the role of PHB2 in ARHL is undeciphered to date. To investigate the expression pattern and the role of PHB2 in ARHL, we used C57BL/6 mice and HEI‐OC1 cell line as models. In our study, we have found PHB2 exists in the cochlea and is expressed in hair cells, spiral ganglion neurons, and HEI‐OC1 cells. In mice with ARHL, mitophagy is reduced and correspondingly the expression level of PHB2 is decreased. Moreover, after H2O2 treatment the mitophagy is activated and the PHB2 expression is increased. These findings indicate that PHB2 may exert an important role in ARHL through mitophagy. Findings from this study will be helpful for elucidating the mechanism underlying the ARHL and for providing a new target for ARHL treatment.
Molecular Recognition of Natural and Non‐Natural Substrates by Cellodextrin Phosphorylase from Ruminiclostridium Thermocellum Investigated by NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Gabrielli Valeria , Muñoz‐García Juan C. , Pergolizzi Giulia , de Andrade Peterson , Khimyak Yaroslav Z. , Field Robert A. , Angulo Jesús
Published: August 2021

β‐1→4‐Glucan polysaccharides like cellulose, derivatives and analogues, are attracting attention due to their unique physicochemical properties, as ideal candidates for many different applications in biotechnology. Access to these polysaccharides with a high level of purity at scale is still challenging, and eco‐friendly alternatives by using enzymes in vitro are highly desirable. One prominent candidate enzyme is cellodextrin phosphorylase (CDP) from Ruminiclostridium thermocellum, which is able to yield cellulose oligomers from short cellodextrins and α‐d‐glucose 1‐phosphate (Glc‐1‐P) as substrates. Remarkably, its broad specificity towards donors and acceptors allows the generation of highly diverse cellulose‐based structures to produce novel materials. However, to fully exploit this CDP broad specificity, a detailed understanding of the molecular recognition of substrates by this enzyme in solution is needed. Herein, we provide a detailed investigation of the molecular recognition of ligands by CDP in solution by saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR spectroscopy, tr‐NOESY and protein‐ligand docking. Our results, discussed in the context of previous reaction kinetics data in the literature, allow a better understanding of the structural basis of the broad binding specificity of this biotechnologically relevant enzyme.
A Pseudorotaxane System Containing γ‐Cyclodextrin Formed via Chiral Recognition with an AuI6AgI3CuII3 Molecular Cap
Authors: Kojima Tatsuhiro , Takeda Hiroto , Kuwamura Naoto , Konno Takumi
Published: August 2021

Solvent‐mediated crystal‐to‐crystal transformations of [Au6Ag3Cu3(H2O)3(d‐pen)6(tdme)2]3+ (d‐[1(H2O)3]3+; pen2−=penicillaminate, tdme=1,1,1‐tris(diphenylphosphinomethyl)ethane) to form unique supramolecular species are reported. Soaking crystals of d‐[1(H2O)3]3+ in aqueous Na2bdc (bdc2−=1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate) yielded crystals containing d‐[1(bdc)(H2O)2]+ due to the replacement of a terminal aqua ligand in d‐[1(H2O)3]3+ by a monodentate bdc2− ligand. When γ‐cyclodextrin (γ‐CD) was added to aqueous Na2bdc, d‐[1(H2O)3]3+ was transformed to d‐[1(bdc@γ‐CD)(H2O)2]+, where a γ‐CD ring was threaded by a bdc2− molecule to construct a pseudorotaxane structure. While the use of dicarboxylates with an aliphatic carbon chain instead of bdc2− afforded analogous pseudorotaxanes, such pseudorotaxane species were not formed when crystals of [Au6Ag3Cu3(H2O)3(l‐pen)6(tdme)2]3+ (l‐[1(H2O)3]3+) enantiomeric to d‐[1(H2O)3]3+ were soaked in aqueous Na2bdc and γ‐CD, affording only crystals containing l‐[1(bdc)(H2O)2]+.
RuxBi1‐x‐oxide as an electrode material for pseudocapacitors
Authors: Yu Hao , Sridhar Deepak , Omanovic Sasha
Published: August 2021

The influence of RuxBi1‐x‐oxide composition on the materials' charge storage/delivery capabilities as potential supercapacitor electrode materials was investigated in an alkaline medium. The oxides were produced as 2D coatings on a Ti substrate and were characterized by employing cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. It was found that with an increase in Ru content in the binary oxide, the corresponding specific areal capacitance increased, reaching a maximum value of 338 ± 4 mF/cm2 at the current density of 3 mA/cm2 for the Ru0.6Bi0.4‐oxide composition, and then decreased with a further increase in Ru content. Ru0.6Bi0.4‐oxide was found to retain ~72% of its initial charge storage capacity after 5000 charging/discharging cycles at a high current density (200 mA/cm2). These results indicate that Ru0.6Bi0.4‐oxide exhibits excellent charge storage/delivery capabilities and could be a potential candidate for nanostructured electrode materials for supercapacitors.
Assessment of coverage error for two common commercial dental shade guides using a spectrophotometric method
Authors: Tabatabaian Farhad , Khezri Amir Saleh , Ourang Seyed AmirHossein , Namdari Mahshid
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to assess the coverage error and the coverage error percentage for two common commercial dental shade guides named VITA classical A1‐D4 shade guide and VITA Toothguide 3D‐MASTER. Totally, 197 dental students with intact maxillary anterior teeth were randomly selected to participate in the study. CIELAB values of the teeth were measured with a spectrophotometer. The teeth matched shades were selected by using the spectrophotometer. ∆E00 and ∆E*ab color differences between the matched shades and the teeth shades were calculated. The mean ∆E00 and ∆E*ab values represented the coverage errors for the shade guides. The coverage error values were compared with the thresholds for perceptibility and acceptability using 1‐sample t test (α = 0.05). To calculate the coverage error percentages for the shade guides, a color matching error for the shade guides was considered when the color difference value was greater than the thresholds. For VITA classical shade guide, the coverage error was 3.0 ± 1.2 (∆E00) and 3.3 ± 1.3(∆E*ab) while the coverage error percentages ranged between 63.6% and 99.4%. For VITA 3D‐MASTER guide, the coverage error was 2.5 ± 1.3 (∆E00) and 2.9 ± 1.5 (∆E*ab) while the coverage error percentages ranged between 44.5% and 96.9%. Overall, the teeth were more reddish than their matched shades of the shade guides. Using these shade guides may cause inaccurate shade determination in the population studied due to their high coverage error and coverage error percentage values.
How Divalent Cations Interact with the Internal Channel Site of Guanine Quadruplexes
Authors: Zaccaria Francesco , van der Lubbe Stephanie C. C. , Nieuwland Celine , Hamlin Trevor A. , Fonseca Guerra Célia
Published: August 2021

The formation of guanine quadruplexes (GQ) in DNA is crucial in telomere homeostasis and regulation of gene expression. Pollution metals can interfere with these DNA superstructures upon coordination. In this work, we study the affinity of the internal GQ channel site towards alkaline earth metal (Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+), and (post‐)transition metal (Zn2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, and Pb2+) cations using density functional theory computations. We find that divalent cations generally bind to the GQ cavity with a higher affinity than conventional monovalent cations (e. g. K+). Importantly, we establish the nature of the cation‐GQ interaction and highlight the relationship between ionic and nuclear charge, and the electrostatic and covalent interactions. The covalent interaction strength plays an important role in the cation affinity and can be traced back to the relative stabilization of cations’ unoccupied atomic orbitals. Overall, our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how pollution metals could induce genomic instability.
A full‐duplex transceiver for 20‐Gbps high‐speed simultaneous bidirectional signaling across global on‐chip interconnections
Authors: Ebrahimi Jarihani Arash , Sturm Johannes , Tonello Andrea M.
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a high‐speed simultaneous bidirectional transceiver (SBT) for on‐chip wireline communications. A MOS hybrid transistor is utilized to split the received data from the superimposed signal at both ends of the on‐chip interconnection with the assistance of two drivers, namely main and auxiliary. Moreover, a high‐pass filter (HPF) is used as a differentiator to generate the echo cancelation signal. Consequently, the echo‐cancelation for simultaneous bidirectional signaling (SBS) is realized by the combination of the hybrid device and the differentiator. The proposed SBT has been designed and evaluated using 28‐nm CMOS technology over a narrow 5‐mm on‐chip interconnection, which possesses 11.9‐dB loss at the Nyquist frequency (half a bit rate). The energy‐efficiency of the proposed full‐duplex transceiver (FDT) for 20‐Gbps simultaneous bidirectional data transmission is 0.147 PJ/b/mm. The performance results show that the proposed SBT has better overall performance compared to the previous architectures reported in the literature to date. The layout of the presented SBT occupies a low area of 1574 μm2.
Prevalence and concentrations of new designer stimulants, synthetic opioids, benzodiazepines, and hallucinogens in postmortem hair samples: A 13‐year retrospective study
Authors: Niebel André , Westendorf Lena , Krumbiegel Franziska , Hartwig Sven , Parr Maria Kristina , Tsokos Michael
Published: August 2021

Hair samples are frequently analyzed in order to characterize consumption patterns of drugs. However, the interpretation of new psychoactive substance (NPS) findings in hair remains difficult because of lacking data for comparison. In this study, selected postmortem hair samples (n = 1203) from 2008 to 2020 were reanalyzed for synthetic cathinones, piperazines, phenethylamines, hallucinogens, benzodiazepines and opioids to evaluate prevalence data and concentration ranges. Hair samples were extracted using a two‐step extraction procedure and analyzed using a validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method. Overall NPSs were detected in 381 cases (31.6%). Many cases were tested positive for more than one NPS in the same time span. A variety of NPS with a large range of concentrations was observed. For better comparability and interpretation of positive cases in routine work, quantitation data for 13 NPS were calculated as percentiles. The most frequently detected NPS in this study were N‐ethylamphetamine, α‐pyrrolidinovalerophenone, mephedrone, benzedrone, metamfepramone, and 4‐fluoroamphetamine. In conclusion, a high prevalence of these drugs was observed from postmortem hair samples. The results show a growing use of many different NPSs by mainly young drug‐using adults. Consequently, NPS screening procedures should be included in forensic toxicology. Our quantitative data may support other toxicologists in their assessment of NPS hair concentrations.
Improving the climate change mitigation regime of major emitting countries: The case of South Africa, China, Germany and the United States of America
Authors: Abraham‐Dukuma Magnus C. , Dioha Michael O. , Okpaleke Francis N. , Bogado Natalia
Published: August 2021

The recent report (the Sixth Assessment Report of Working Group 1) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change clearly points to the urgency of global climate action. Optimal governance regimes are necessary for climate change mitigation in major greenhouse gas‐emitting countries and economic sectors. Given our study's domain, the ‘climate change governance’ concept suffices as our theoretical framework. Adopting comparative legal and policy analysis and the case study approach, we examine the climate governance regimes in four regional carbon‐intensive countries – South Africa, China, Germany, and the United States of America – with the primary objective of identifying areas for improving their regulatory capacity to mitigate climate change. Thus, we examine the relationship between climate policy goals/targets, the prevailing policy environment, and supportive strategies for achieving policy goals in our case study countries. Drawing on the climate governance literature, we adopt ‘target setting’, ‘supportive measures/strategies’, ‘comprehensiveness’, and ‘oversight body’ as the indices for our analysis. Our results reveal striking similarities and contrasts in the focus countries, signalling opportunities for improvements across different parameters. The study suggests the need for policy symmetry between governance (emissions reduction) goals and regime design elements such as proportional supportive strategies and comprehensive coverage of carbon‐intensive economy sectors. We also canvass the necessity of avoiding policy and institutional fragmentations that hamper the emergence of clear and well‐coordinated climate policy direction in countries. As climate change governance is now at a critical juncture, this study will significantly improve the regimes of our focus countries and other jurisdictions with similar peculiarities.
Chroman‐4‐one‐Based Amino Bidentate Ligand: An Efficient Ligand for Suzuki‐Miyaura and Mizoroki‐Heck Coupling Reactions in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Khan Danish , Parveen Iram
Published: August 2021

A new family of phosphine‐free Amino‐chroman‐4‐one ((Z)‐2‐ethoxy‐3‐((phenylamino)methylene)chroman‐4‐one) bidentate ligands ware successfully synthesised and characterised. The bidentate ligand act as efficient catalyst with combination of Pd (II) salt in the C−C bond formation and exhibited excellent performance in the Suzuki‐Miyaura and Mizoroki‐Heck coupling reaction. A broad range of substrates, including heterocyclic, flavones, Isatin and sterically hindered coupling partner, were well tolerated under the optimized reaction conditions. Metal complex and all the intermediates were formed in the catalytic cycle were characterized by mass spectrometry to support the reaction mechanism.
Near‐infrared Responsive Photoelectrochemical Biosensors
Authors: Li Ting , Dong Hui , Hao Yuanqiang , Zhang Yintang , Chen Shu , Xu Maotian , Zhou Yanli
Published: August 2021

Near‐infrared (NIR) light‐driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing is a highly promising analytical technique, especially for in situ bioanalysis, due to the deep penetration capability and minimal invasiveness of NIR light. In this mini review, we provide a brief overview of recently developed NIR PEC sensors, focusing on NIR light‐responsive materials and the representative applications of this type of PEC sensor. Future perspectives for NIR PEC sensors are also described.
Alternative Heating and Cooling Systems for the Retrofit of Medium‐Rise Residential Buildings in Greece
Authors: Panagiotidou Maria , Aye Lu , Rismanchi Behzad
Published: August 2021

The European Union recently set the target of doubling building retrofit rates through the European Green Deal. Currently, more than half of the households’ energy consumption is accounted for space conditioning, with southern European countries experiencing increasing demand for cooling systems over the past decade. Herein, the performance of market‐available heating and cooling systems that can replace the existing low‐efficiency systems in multiresidential buildings in Greece is compared. The study's objectives are to minimize the operating greenhouse gas emissions and the life‐cycle cost. Results demonstrate that air‐to‐air heat pumps have the lowest life‐cycle cost. In areas where natural gas is not available, the replacement of the diesel‐oil boiler with a biomass boiler leads to a 48% to 73% decrease of the operating greenhouse gas emissions. In areas where natural gas is available, the gas absorption heat pump has the lowest operating greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating a reduction between 40% and 54% when compared to a conventional gas boiler; however, it dramatically increases the life‐cycle cost, making it less attractive than heat pumps and condensing gas boilers. The findings are in line with the current residential space conditioning market, while indicating the potential of biomass boilers and gas absorption heat pumps.
Autonomic cloud computing based management and security solutions: State‐of‐the‐art, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Agrawal Neha
Published: August 2021

The advancements and rapid adoption of service oriented architecture, utility computing, virtualization, etc., have emerged in a new computing paradigm called cloud computing, in the last few years. Cloud computing enables on‐demand delivery of data, software, and hardware in the form of services over the Internet. But the growing scale of cloud‐users and type‐of‐services urge for an autonomous environment to automate the highly complex cloud environment in a suitable way to improve the overall management of the cloud systems. To counter these automation related issues, autonomic computing (AC) emerges as a potential solution to optimize the performance of cloud computing. The merge of these two prominent technologies gives rise to a new technological domain called autonomic cloud computing (ACC). In this survey article, the existing AC assisted solutions for cloud computing is broadly categorized into two groups, namely features based and parameters based. Features based solutions are further classified into management (of services, workload, and resources) and security aware solutions. Similarly, parameters based solutions are grouped into quality‐of‐service aware and performance management solutions. Finally, the comparative analysis of state‐of‐the‐art ACC approaches with respect to the approach referred, performance metrics, outcome, and the derived inference is also presented to have an in‐depth understanding of the existing literature. Overall, the work excites the research community to design the effective autonomous solutions for ACC resources and services. Additionally, several research gaps and challenges are identified and discussed in this article based on the study with a focus on the future research directions.
The mutual predictability of Bitcoin and web search dynamics
Authors: Süssmuth Bernd
Published: August 2021

Economic theory predicts the price dynamics of an unbacked asset to be inherently unforecastable. The same applies to exchange rates of unbacked currencies. Albeit, empirically investors are found to be driven by online and offline news media. This study analyzes the Bitcoin cryptocurrency price series and web search queries with regard to their mutual predictability and cause‐effect delay structure. Chinese Baidu engine searches and compounded Baidu–Google search statistics predict Bitcoin price dynamics at relatively high frequencies ranging from 2 to 5 months. In the other direction, Granger‐causality runs from the cryptocurrency price to queries statistics across nearly all frequencies. In both directions, the reaction time computed from a phase delay measure for the relevant frequency bands with significant causality ranges from about 1 to 4 months. For either direction, out‐of‐sample forecasts are more accurate than forecasts of a benchmark stochastic process. Bivariate models including the Baidu Search Index slightly outperform competing models that include a Baidu–Google composite index. Predictive power seems less diluted if the September 2017 trade regulations by the Chinese government are controlled for.