bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of River Herring Science in Support of Species Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration
Authors: Hare Jonathan A. , Borggaard Diane L. , Alexander Michael A. , Bailey Michael M. , Bowden Alison A. , Damon-Randall Kimberly , Didden Jason T. , Hasselman Daniel J. , Kerns Toni , McCrary Rachel , McDermott Sean , Nye Janet A. , Pierce Jeffrey , Schultz Eric T. , Scott James D. , Starks Caitlin , Sullivan Kevin , Beth Tooley Mary
Published: November 2021

River herring—a collective name for the Alewife Alosa pseudoharengus and Blueback Herring A. aestivalis—play a crucial role in freshwater and marine ecosystems along the Eastern Seaboard of North America. River herring are anadromous and return to freshwater habitats in the tens to hundreds of millions to spawn, supplying food to many species and providing nutrients to freshwater ecosystems. After two and a half centuries of habitat loss, habitat degradation, and overfishing, river herring are at historic lows. In 2013, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries established the Technical Expert Working Group (TEWG) to synthesize information about river herring and to provide recommendations to advance the science related to their restoration. This paper was composed largely by the chairs of the TEWG subgroups and represents a review of the current state of knowledge of river herring, with an emphasis on identification of threats and discussion of recent research and management actions related to understanding and reducing these threats. Important research needs are then identified and discussed. Finally, current knowledge is synthesized, considering the relative importance of different threats. This synthesis identifies dam removal and increased stream connectivity as critical to river herring restoration. Better understanding and accounting for predation, climate change, and fisheries are also important for restoration. Finally, there is recent evidence that the effects of human development and contamination on habitat quality may be more important threats than previously recognized. Given the range of threats, an ecosystem approach is needed to be successful with river herring restoration. To facilitate this ecosystem approach, collaborative forums such as the TEWG (renamed the Atlantic Coast River Herring Collaborative Forum in 2020) are needed to share and synthesize information among river herring managers, researchers, and community groups from across the species’ range.
Glycogen synthesis and beyond, a comprehensive review of GSK3 as a key regulator of metabolic pathways and a therapeutic target for treating metabolic diseases
Authors: Wang Li , Li Jiajia , Di Li‐jun
Published: November 2021

Glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK3) is a highly evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine protein kinase first identified as an enzyme that regulates glycogen synthase (GS) in response to insulin stimulation, which involves GSK3 regulation of glucose metabolism and energy homeostasis. Both isoforms of GSK3, GSK3α, and GSK3β, have been implicated in many biological and pathophysiological processes. The various functions of GSK3 are indicated by its widespread distribution in multiple cell types and tissues. The studies of GSK3 activity using animal models and the observed effects of GSK3‐specific inhibitors provide more insights into the roles of GSK3 in regulating energy metabolism and homeostasis. The cross‐talk between GSK3 and some important energy regulators and sensors and the regulation of GSK3 in mitochondrial activity and component function further highlight the molecular mechanisms in which GSK3 is involved to regulate the metabolic activity, beyond its classical regulatory effect on GS. In this review, we summarize the specific roles of GSK3 in energy metabolism regulation in tissues that are tightly associated with energy metabolism and the functions of GSK3 in the development of metabolic disorders. We also address the impacts of GSK3 on the regulation of mitochondrial function, activity and associated metabolic regulation. The application of GSK3 inhibitors in clinical tests will be highlighted too. Interactions between GSK3 and important energy regulators and GSK3‐mediated responses to different stresses that are related to metabolism are described to provide a brief overview of previously less‐appreciated biological functions of GSK3 in energy metabolism and associated diseases through its regulation of GS and other functions.
On multilinear distorted multiplier estimate and its applications
Authors: Yang Kailong
Published: November 2021

In this article, we investigate the multilinear distorted multiplier estimate (Coifman–Meyer type theorem) associated with the Schrödinger operator
in the framework of the corresponding distorted Fourier transform. Our result is the “distorted” analog of the multilinear Coifman–Meyer multiplier operator theorem in Coifman and Meyer (1978), which extends the bilinear estimates of Germain et al (2015) to multilinear case for all dimensions. As applications, we give the estimate of Leibniz's law of integer‐order derivations for the multilinear distorted multiplier for the first time, and we obtain small data scattering for a kind of generalized mass‐critical NLS with good potential in low dimensions
.
A LabVIEW‐based TDLAS methane detection system using a wavelet denoising method
Authors: Ye Weilin , Xu Xiaohuan , Peng Changxin , Xiao Xupeng , Xia Zikun , Liu Weihao , Luo Wenxuan , Wu Fupei , Wu Tao
Published: November 2021

A methane detection system based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) using LabVIEW platform was demonstrated. To suppress the noise interference in the system, a wavelet denoising method was studied and experiments with different parameters were carried out. With the threshold of Hard, the wavelet basis of Coif5 and the rule of Heursure, high frequency noises of the sensor can be effectively decreased with the harmonic amplitude increased. Experiments showed that, the 1σ minimum detection limit (MDL) was 23.68 ppbv (part per billion of volume) with an integration time of 300 s.
Calculation model and analysis of laser echo power based on dual‐transmitter and dual‐receiver laser circumferential scanning detection mechanism
Authors: Shi Zhijun , Lei Zhiyong
Published: November 2021

To ensure that the laser proximity fuze can detect the ground target during the intersection between the laser detection system and the ground target, based on the dual‐transmitter dual‐receiver laser circumferential scanning detection mechanism, we established the constraint functions of scanning frequency and laser pulse frequency without missing measurement. According to the surface characteristics of the plane target, we derived the calculation models of the laser echo power and the minimum detectable echo power of the detection system to the plane target under the random intersection attitude. The calculation function of the angle between adjacent laser beams is obtained based on the minimum detectable echo power. We discussed the relation of the scanning frequency, the laser pulse frequency, the angle between adjacent laser beams and the intersection angle, focused on the influence of the intersection angle and the detection distance on the laser echo power. The simulation experiments were carried out under different laser peak powers and detection distances, the experimental results fully demonstrate that the laser echo power calculation model established in this paper is correct; the detection ability of the system is improved to a certain extent by increasing the laser peak power.
Starfish oocytes of A. pectinifera reveal marked differences in sperm‐induced electrical and intracellular calcium changes during oocyte maturation and at fertilization
Authors: Mohri Tatsuma , Kyozuka Keiichiro
Published: November 2021

Although changes in membrane potential and intracellular Ca2+ (Cai) during fertilization in starfish oocytes have been known for long time, little is known precisely about how and what kind of channels are involved during oocyte maturation and in fertilization, and how the mechanisms of changes in Cai in oocytes develop during oocyte maturation. Since in starfish, oocyte maturation‐inducing hormone, 1‐methyladenine (1MA) is well known, we took advantage of it to investigate the developmental process of channel‐function and changes in Cai in three different developmental stages using 1MA. Sperm‐induced membrane current at voltage clamp and changes in Cai in starfish oocytes, Asterina pectinifera, were examined in stages of immature, partly mature (a state in 15–20 min after sufficient concentration, 1 µM of 1MA addition, or 30–40 min exposure to subthreshold concentration of 1MA), and mature oocytes (MO). We found some immature and many partly MOs showed fluctuating responses in membrane current, membrane potential, and corresponding changes in Cai, which are distinct from those in MOs. The responses in immature and partly MOs indicate physiologically characteristic responses of insufficient changes in Cai and its corresponding electrical responses at the partial developmental stage during maturation. Our data should shed light on the mechanism of egg activation and oocyte maturation in terms of examining membrane current and corresponding changes in Cai.
Impact of socioeconomic conditions on happiness: Evidence from emerging market economies
Authors: Kumari Neha , Sahu Naresh Chandra , Sahoo Dukhabandhu , Kumar Pushp
Published: November 2021

The objective of the present study is to examine the impact of socioeconomic conditions on happiness in 21 Emerging Market Economies (EMEs) with the help of three sub‐samples comprising America, Asia, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) countries from 2006 to 2019. For this objective, panel corrected standard error model is used to resolve the problem of cross‐sectional dependence, group‐wise heteroscedasticity, and panel autocorrelation. The results of the study reveal that economic growth plays a positive role in determining the happiness of EMEs of America and EMEA sample countries. At the same time, globalisation and inflation affect the happiness of people in American sample countries in a negative way. In the sample of Asian countries, social support has a substantial impact on happiness. Corruption in the government and business sectors reduces the happiness of selected countries of both Asia and America. This article contributes to the existing literature by first time considering EMEs which have undergone liberalisation reforms and experienced transformation in their socioeconomic conditions. In conclusion, the study suggests that GDP per capita and social support positively stimulates happiness while the perception of corruption negatively impacts happiness in selected EMEs. These implications can help in building a line of actions for strengthening anti‐corruption institutions and promoting social integrations among these EMEs.
Synergistic effect of expandable graphite and aluminum hypophosphite in flame‐retardant ethylene vinyl acetate composites
Authors: Yang Jiajie , Chen Xiaohong , Zhou Honglei , Guo Weichun , Zhang Jian , Miao Zhen , He Daihua
Published: November 2021

In this work, flame‐retardant ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) composites were prepared by compounding expandable graphite (EG) and aluminum hypophosphite (AHP). The combustion behavior and mechanical properties of EG and AHP in flame‐retardant EVA composites were tested, and flame retardant mechanism was also investigated. According to the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results, AHP and EG can promote the carbonization of EVA to form the char layer at high temperature. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) test and vertical burning test (UL‐94) test results show that when the mass ratio of EG to AHP is 2:1, the sample (EVA/10EG/5AHP) passes the UL‐94 V‐0 rating, and its LOI value reaches 30.5%. The cone calorimetry test (CCT) results show that the EVA/10EG/5AHP sample has a significantly reduction on heat release and smoke release. Mechanical tests show that as the content of EG decreases and the content of AHP increases, both the strength and the elongation at break of EVA composites increase and the rigidity decreases. Whatever, we used SEM, Raman, and TG‐IR to understand the flame‐retardant mechanism of the EVA composites and the synergistic effect of EG and AHP It was found that the combination of condensed‐phase and gaseous‐phase is realized in the burning process.
Bone tissue engineering using 3‐D polycaprolactone/gelatin nanofibrous scaffold containing berberine: In vivo and in vitro study
Authors: Ehterami Arian , Abbaszadeh‐Goudarzi Ghasem , Haghi‐Daredeh Saeed , Niyakan Maryam , Alizadeh Morteza , JafariSani Moslem , Atashgahi Mahboubeh , Salehi Majid
Published: November 2021

A solid structure similar to an extracellular matrix network is needed for bone cells attachment and starting healing of bone damages. Different biomaterials and fabrication techniques are used for scaffold fabrication to prepare a supportive structure in bone tissue engineering. In the current study, a 3‐D polycaprolactone (PCL)/gelatin scaffold was developed by blending electrospinning and freeze‐drying techniques to make an appropriate structure for bone healing. In addition, different concentrations of berberine that have a positive effect on bone healing were loaded to enhance the healing process. Fabricated scaffolds were characterized by different tests like surface morphology, water contact angle, degradation rate, compressive strength, porosity, and Fourier transform infrared. Their interactions with blood and cells were evaluated by hemolysis, and MTT test, and the healing process was also evaluated by implanting scaffolds in the rat calvaria defect model. Based on the results, the average porosity of scaffolds was about 80% and by adding berberine, mechanical strength decreased while due to its hydrophilic properties, degradation rate increased. In vivo and in vitro tests showed better cell proliferation and bone healing in PCL/gelatin/berberine 0.1%‐treated group. These results showed the positive effect of fabricated scaffold on osteogenesis and bone healing and the possibility of using it in clinical trials.
A novel methodology to model the creep behavior of polymers at different temperatures
Authors: Kühl Andre , Polak Maria Anna
Published: November 2021

A new methodology for modeling the creep behavior of polymers at different temperatures, by using phenomenological constitutive models, is presented in this paper. The viscoelastic model is given by a combination of springs and dashpots and is used to describe the nonlinear response of polymers, and the viscoplastic formulation is given by a power‐law equation. The approach proposed in this work is based on building master curves for different stress levels, and finding the dependency of the constitutive parameters with the temperature. After fitting the equations to the tensile creep tests at different temperatures, the final constitutive formulation is capable of modeling the behavior of polymers at any stress level and temperatures. Poly methyl metacrytale (PMMA) was used to investigate the accuracy of this proposal, and the results showed good agreement with the experimental data.
Detecting temporal anomalies with pseudo age groups: Homeownership in Canada, 1981 to 2016
Authors: Yuan Yue , Gu Jiaxin , Guo Xin , Zhu Yushu , Fu Qiang
Published: November 2021

Methodological advances in demographic research, especially age‐period‐cohort (APC) analysis, primarily focus on developing new models yet often fail to consider practical concerns in empirical analysis. We propose a mixed approach that integrates multiple data imputation and structural change analysis in time series so that scholars can (i) construct pseudo age groups based on more coarsely grouped age data and (ii) identify temporal anomalies. This approach is illustrated using multiple waves of Canadian Population Census data (1981–2016). We construct pseudo age groups based on more coarse age information available in the Census data and identify a local anomaly in the temporal trajectory of homeownership in Canada's less populous provinces and territories. These findings are assessed and validated in comparison with results from more populous Canadian provinces. This research broadens the methodological repertoire for demographers, geographers, and social scientists in general and extends the literature on homeownership in an understudied area.
Biological and pharmacological effects and nutritional impact of phytosterols: A comprehensive review
Authors: Nattagh‐Eshtivani Elyas , Barghchi Hanieh , Pahlavani Naseh , Barati Mehdi , Amiri Yasaman , Fadel Abdulmannan , Khosravi Maryam , Talebi Saeedeh , Arzhang Pishva , Ziaei Rahele , Ghavami Abed
Published: November 2021

Phytosterols (PSs), classified into plant sterols and stanols, are bioactive compounds found in foods of plant origin. PSs have been proposed to exert a wide number of pharmacological properties, including the potential to reduce total and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and thereby decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Other health‐promoting effects of PSs include anti‐obesity, anti‐diabetic, anti‐microbial, anti‐inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Also, anticancer effects have been strongly suggested, as phytosterol‐rich diets may reduce the risk of cancer by 20%. The aim of this review is to provide a general overview of the available evidence regarding the beneficial physiological and pharmacological activities of PSs, with special emphasis on their therapeutic potential for human health and safety. Also, we will explore the factors that influence the physiologic response to PSs.
Features of atmospheric deep convection in northwestern South America obtained from infrared satellite data
Authors: Hernandez‐Deckers Daniel
Published: November 2021

Atmospheric deep convection in equatorial continental regions is not homogeneously distributed in space or time, primarily due to surface inhomogeneities such as elevated topography and coastlines. This is the case in northwestern South America, which has particularly complex topography which, together with its geographical location, is responsible for some of the most prominent precipitation features around the globe. Although some of these features have been previously investigated in detail, others have not yet been studied, and some not even documented in the literature. The diverse atmospheric convective activity that takes place in this region constitutes a natural laboratory that can provide important insights into fundamental questions relevant for global climate. We use seven years of infrared brightness temperature data in 30 min intervals from the GOES‐13 geostationary satellite to estimate the spatial, seasonal and diurnal distributions of deep convective events in this region. By doing so, we bring forward several relevant features, providing a starting point for future investigations. For example, we find that deep convective events have a bimodal seasonal distribution throughout most of the Colombian Orinoco and Amazon basins, where precipitation is known to have a unimodal distribution. Furthermore, deep convective events in this region tend to be comparable in size to those offshore the Colombian Pacific coast or over the Magdalena river valley, but with significantly shorter lifetimes. On the other hand, nocturnal convection dominates at several continental locations; one of these, the middle‐lower Magdalena river valley, has been previously identified as one of the most active lightning hotspots on Earth, but its convective mechanisms have not yet been fully investigated. Another such location worth investigating is the middle Magdalena river valley, which may have strong similarities with the Maracaibo Lake area.
Room‐Temperature Solid‐State Quantum Emitters in the Telecom Range
Authors: Mu Zhao , Rasmita Abdullah , Yang Jianqun , Li Xingji , Gao Weibo
Published: November 2021

Building a quantum network is the ultimate goal of quantum information science. Among the candidates to realize quantum node, quantum repeater, and quantum channel, the solid‐state emitters are particularly outstanding because of the presence of the spin‐photon interface. Some of the solid‐state emitters such as carbon nanotubes, color centers, transition metal ions, and rare earth ions can give telecom wavelength emission at room temperature. These emitters have different origins of single‐photon emission. Here, the basic properties of each kind of emitter and their progress towards applications are reviewed. This review also introduces the current efforts to improve the emitters’ brightness by integrating them into nanostructures.
Definition and analysis of stability margins for a class of nonlinear systems
Authors: Das Siddharth Sankar , Shtessel Yuri , Zhang Cheng , Plestan Franck
Published: November 2021

In this article, phase and gain stability margins are defined and studied for a class of nonlinear systems namely, the Lur'e type. The computation algorithms for practical phase and gain margin identification in such systems based on the describing function—harmonic balance technique, circle criterion, and Lyapunov methods involving linear matrix inequalities are presented. The efficacy of the proposed methodologies is validated on a case study.
Finite‐time and fixed‐time sliding mode control for discontinuous nonidentical recurrent neural networks with time‐varying delays
Authors: Aouiti Chaouki , Bessifi Mayssa
Published: November 2021

This article investigates the synchronization problem in finite‐time and fixed‐time of the drive‐response delayed recurrent neural networks (RNNs). Moreover, it is assumed that the parameters of the RNNs are nonidentical and the activation functions are discontinuous. For addressing the synchronization problem in finite‐time and fixed‐time, an improved sliding mode control (SMC) approach is presented. In a first time, by applying the drive‐response concept and the synchronization error between the drive‐response model, two novel integral sliding mode surfaces are constructed such that the synchronization error can converge to zero in finite‐time and fixed‐time. In second time, two SMC is created to overcome the finite‐time and fixed‐time synchronization problem of delayed RNNs. On the basis of Lyapunov stability theory, several sufficient criteria are obtained for the considered discontinuous nonidentical RNNs with time‐varying delays models to achieve finite‐time synchronization and fixed‐time synchronization. Moreover, two types of setting time, which are dependent and independent on the initial values, are given respectively. In the end, three numerical simulations are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the synchronization criteria.
System demonstrations of Ka‐band 5‐Gbps data transmission for satellite applications
Authors: Lu Fan , Jiang Yu , Wang Rui , Wang Hu , Zhao Pengfei , Wei Hongbo , Ma Bing , Ma Chao
Published: November 2021

Satellite‐ground‐link high‐rate high‐efficiency data transmission technique is one of the key supports for the development of high‐resolution low‐earth‐orbit (LEO) earth observation satellite systems. Ka‐band, frequency ranging from 24.6 to 40 GHz, shares a wide available bandwidth, high frequency reuse rate, and strong ability of anti‐jamming. Satellite operators have utilized the Ka‐band for satellite‐earth data transmission, which requires higher traffic capacity, and even have planned to launch new satellites with Ka‐band capacity. In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a 5‐Gbps uncoded data rate (corresponding to the channel rate of 6 Gbps) of Ka‐band data‐transmission system with dual‐circular polarization and frequency reuse for satellite‐earth applications. The objective of the experiment is gathering experimental data to validate the performance of the proposed four channel systems, including bit error ratio (BER) and link budget. Our work could support future satellite communication applications and meet the imperative demands of high rate transmission to earth.
Intense Blue Chromophores in Cobalt Doped Phenacite‐Type Zinc Germanate System through Jahn‐Teller Distortion of Co Tetrahedron
Authors: Raj Athira K. V. , Rao Padala Prabhakar
Published: November 2021

In the quest for new blue chromophores with less usage of cobalt alternatives to the carcinogenic and expensive zinc‐cobalt aluminate system, we developed cobalt doped phenacite type zinc germanate system. Rietveld analysis reveals that the CoO4 tetrahedron intensely experienced Jahn‐Teller distortions leading to irregular geometry on substitution. The UV‐vis‐IR absorption spectra exhibit intense Co2+ d‐d transitions with three fold splitting associated with the CoO4 tetrahedron in the visible and IR region, indicating low symmetry. The crystal field strength 10Dq, Racah parameter and Nephelauxetic ratio variations reflect on the improved covalency of the Co2+ environment. Thus the synergetic effect of Jahn‐Teller distortions and covalency of the CoO4 tetrahedron lead to strong absorptions in the green to red region resulting in intense blue colors with low cobalt content (2.2 to 8.9 mol %). The typical composition Zn1.6Co0.4GeO4 exhibits intense blue hue b*=−58.64, much higher than that of the commercial CoAl2O4 system.
One‐Pot Synthesis of α‐Aminonitriles in Water Using Iron (III) Tosylate Hexahydrate (Fe(OTs)3 ⋅ 6H2O) as a Green Catalyst
Authors: Dave Alpa Y. , Begari Eeshwaraiah
Published: November 2021

An efficient and environmentally friendly synthetic protocol has been presented to synthesize α‐aminonitriles from aldehydes, amines and trimethylsilyl cyanide using 10 mol% iron(III) tosylate hexahydrate (Fe(OTs)3 ⋅ 6H2O) as a green catalyst in aqueous media through one‐pot procedure. Iron(III) tosylate hexahydrate is a promising catalyst, introduced first time for the synthesis of α‐aminonitriles in aqueous media as it is commercially available, inexpensive, non‐toxic, operational simplicity and has a short reaction time with excellent yields is awaited to contribute to the development of novel green protocol for the synthesize α‐aminonitriles.
Substituted 2‐(ortho‐hydroxyaryl)cyclopenta[b]pyridines: Synthesis and Fluorescent Properties under Neutral, Acidic Medium and Solid State
Authors: Batalin Sergey D. , Golikova Margarita A. , Khrustaleva Alexandra A. , Bakal Artem A. , Ponomareva Tatyana S. , Goryacheva Irina Yu.
Published: November 2021

New derivatives of substituted 2‐(ortho‐hydroxyaryl)cyclopenta[b]pyridines were synthesized by pseudo‐five component reaction of cyclopentanone, two molecules of aromatic aldehyde, Kröhnke salt of ortho‐hydroxy substituted aromatic ketone and ammonium acetate. On the basis of the counter four‐component synthesis, the path of this transformation has been established. The fluorescent properties of the obtained structures are considered in chloroform under neutral, acidic conditions (TFA added) and in the solid state.
Multicomponent Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Hirshfeld Surface Analysis, and Molecular Docking of 4H‐Pyrans
Authors: Lalhruaizela  , Marak Brilliant N. , Sran Balkaran S. , Singh Ved Prakash
Published: November 2021

In this study, a series of four 4H‐pyrans were synthesized by multicomponent reaction, crystallized, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction was used to obtain their molecular geometries. The supramolecular assembly of the molecules through non‐covalent interactions was then studied and demonstrated. The weak intermolecular interactions in the molecular packing of compounds were further validated through Hirshfeld surface analysis. The synthesized compounds′ biological activity was predicted in Pass prediction. A molecular docking study was employed to validate its activity by analyzing its binding affinity and mode in the binding pocket of the beta‐adrenoreceptors (β1‐AR and β2‐AR). Results showed that ethyl 6‐amino‐5‐cyano‐2‐methyl‐4‐(2‐nitrophenyl)‐4H‐pyran‐3‐carboxylate have good antiischemic activity and binding affinity to both the adrenoreceptors. This study further demonstrated the importance of non‐covalent intermolecular interactions of 4H‐pyrans in the formation of supramolecular self‐assembly and contributions of weak interactions in binding affinity towards the target receptor. The studied compounds displayed distinctive intermolecular interactions of N−H…N, N−H…O hydrogen‐bonding patterns and C−H…π and π…π close contact interactions.
Graphene Oxide Supported Cubic ZnO for Enhanced Photodecomposition of Dyes
Authors: Wang Lianhuan , Sun Heyu , Ji Zhicheng , Zhang Dongdong , Zhao Yiping , Chen Li
Published: November 2021

A new nanocomposites photocatalyst was fabricated including cubic zinc oxide (ZnO) and the graphene oxide (GO) by simple solvothermal method. The hexagonal ZnO nanoparticles with cubic shapes were acquired via calcination of zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) pyrolysis at 450 °C. The result of optical absorption property and photoelectrochemical performance showed that GO enhanced the photocatalytic performance of ZnO due to the enhanced visible light absorption, the fewer electron‐hole pairs recombine, the efficient transfer of electron‐hole pairs and effectively reduced the accumulation of ZnO. The ZnO‐GO nanocomposites photocatalyst was demonstrated remarkable degradation performance that almost completely degraded Rhodamine B (RhB) in 40 min and Methyl orange (MO) in 100 min under sunlight. It also exhibits good recyclability after 5 cycles that keep high photocatalytic efficiencies of 94 %. This kind of catalyst with photocatalytic activity and stable performance is expected to be widely used in the photocatalytic degradation of dyes, heavy metal ions, antibiotics and other fields.
Investigation of Indole‐3‐piperazinyl Derivatives as Potential Antidepressants: Design, Synthesis, In‐Vitro, In‐Vivo and In‐Silico Analysis
Authors: Kumar Ravi R. , Kumar Vijay , Kaur Dilpreet , Nandi Nilay K. , Dwivedi Ashish R. , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Bhupinder
Published: November 2021

Depression is declared the second leading cause of disability worldwide. Recently, cases of depression have increased significantly in adolescents, young adults as well as in elder population. Monoamine oxidase‐A (MAO‐A) is considered one of the major targets for the treatment of depression. In the current study, we have designed and synthesized various indole functionalized piperazinyl derivatives and evaluated them for in vitro MAO‐A inhibitory activity and in vivo antidepressant‐like activity. Most of the compounds were found to possess potent MAO‐A inhibitory activity with IC50 values in the sub‐micromolar range along with significant selectivity over MAO‐B. Compounds RP1 and RP9 emerged as the most promising reversible MAO‐A inhibitors with IC50 values of 0.11±0.03 μM and 0.14±0.02 μM and displayed selectivity of 193 folds and 178 folds over Monoamine oxidase‐B (MAO‐B), respectively. In the series, RP1 showed good intracellular ROS inhibitory activity along with neuroprotective properties. These compounds were found nontoxic against SH‐SY5Y cells and explored antidepressant activities. In the in vivo Forced swimming test (FST) and Tail suspension test (TST) studies, RP1 exhibited potential antidepressant‐like behavior similar to standard drug fluoxetine while compound RP9 showed antidepressant‐like activity only in the TST studies. The molecular docking and dynamics studies further supported the results obtained in the in vitro and in vivo studies. Thus, the indole functionalized piperazinyl derivatives were found to be promising ligands and can be developed as new antidepressant molecules.
Porous Ga2O3 Nanotubes Derived from Urease‐Mediated Interfacially‐Grown NH4Ga(OH)2CO3 for High‐Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Ting , Wang Zheng‐Wu , Zhang Ye , Yang Xiao‐Ting , Zhu Yi‐Zhou , Wang He‐Fang
Published: November 2021

The authors proposed a novel template‐free strategy, urease‐mediated interfacial growth of NH4Ga(OH)2CO3 nanotubes at 20–50 °C, to fabricate the porous Ga2O3 nanotubes. The subtlety of the proposed strategy is all the products from urea enzymolysis are utilized in formation of NH4Ga(OH)2CO3 precipitates, and the key for interfacial growth of NH4Ga(OH)2CO3 nanotubes is the dynamic match between the rate of CO2 bubble fusion and NH4Ga(OH)2CO3 precipitation. The proposed strategy works well for the doped porous Ga2O3 nanotubes. As a proof‐of‐concept, the porous β‐Ga2O3 and β‐Ga2O3:Cr0.001 nanotubes are used as photocatalysts or co‐catalysts with Pt, for H2 evolution from water splitting. The H2 evolution rate of porous β‐Ga2O3 nanotubes reach 39.3 mmol g−1 h−1 with solar‐to‐hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency of 2.11% (Hg lamp) or 498 µmol g−1 h−1 with STH of 0.03% (Xe lamp) respectively, both about 3 times of β‐Ga2O3 nanoparticles synthesized at pH 9.0 without urease. The Cr‐doping enhances the in‐the‐dark H2 evolution rate pre‐lighted by Hg lamp, and Pt co‐catalysis further elevates the H2 evolution rate, for instance, the H2 evolution rate of Pt‐loaded β‐Ga2O3:Cr0.001 nanotubes reaches 54.7 mmol g−1 h−1 with STH of 2.94% under continuous lighting of Hg lamp and 1062 µmol g−1 h−1 in‐the‐dark.
Er@C82 as a Bifunctional Additive to the Spiro‐OMeTAD Hole Transport Layer for Improving Performance and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ye Xiaoqin , Yu Pengwei , Shen Wangqiang , Hu Shuaifeng , Akasaka Takeshi , Lu Xing
Published: November 2021

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis‐(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenylamino)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene Spiro‐OMeTAD hole transport layer (HTL) have achieved a huge success in power conversion efficiency (PCE), but the required lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Li‐TFSI) dopant in Spiro‐OMeTAD HTL is hygroscopic, not only impairing the charge transport but also inducing the instability of PSCs. Herein, Er@C82, which consists of a hydrophobic fullerene cage encapsulating an Er3+ ion, is first introduced as a novel additive to modify the Li‐TFSI‐based Spiro‐OMeTAD HTL. By adding a tiny amount of Er@C82 (0.09 mg mL−1) in the Spiro‐OMeTAD HTL, the PSC exhibits an efficiency promotion from 17.53% to 19.22%. The PCE enhancement is mainly attributed to the improved film quality of HTL after adding Er@C82, which promotes the oxidation of Spiro‐OMeTAD, resulting in faster hole transport and less charge recombination. Simultaneously, the hydrophobic Er@C82 and the improved film quality of HTL lead to a dramatically enhanced stability of PSCs. Accordingly, the Er@C82‐modified devices can maintain over 70% and 80% of the initial efficiencies after exposure in air for 400 h and in an Ar atmosphere for 2000 h, respectively. Therefore, this bifunctional Er@C82 additive provides a promising pathway for fabricating highly efficient and stable PSCs.
Linguistically Responsive Instruction in International Branch Campuses: Beliefs and Practices of Liberal Arts and STEM Instructors
Authors: Hillman Sara
Published: November 2021

This study proposes employing linguistically responsive instruction (LRI) in transnational higher education such as international branch campuses (IBCs). It sheds light on the beliefs and practices of content instructors teaching in English‐medium IBCs, in terms of supporting students’ academic language development. Previous studies have shown how content instructors, particularly in STEM fields, do not see teaching language as part of their role in the classroom and do not attach importance to it. However, students in IBC contexts often need more language support. 101 IBC instructors from various disciplines completed a survey regarding their beliefs about providing language support for students. A purposeful sampling of 6 engineering, science, and liberal arts instructors were also video‐recorded teaching their classes and then interviewed about LRI practices using stimulated‐recall techniques. Findings show that while STEM instructors tended to align less with LRI than liberal arts instructors on the surveys, they employed multiple LRI practices while observed teaching. The study shows the importance of going beyond just attitudinal surveys when it comes to understanding STEM instructors’ dispositions toward teaching language, and it is proposed that IBCs create dialogic, multidisciplinary faculty learning communities on academic language development and meaning making resources.
An Introduction to Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Hair Joseph F. , Hult G. Tomas M. , Ringle Christian M. , Sarstedt Marko , Danks Nicholas P. , Ray Soumya
Published: November 2021

Structural equation modeling is a multivariate data analysis method for analyzing complex relationships among constructs and indicators. To estimate structural equation models, researchers generally draw on two methods: covariance-based SEM (CB-SEM) and partial least squares SEM (PLS-SEM). Whereas CB-SEM is primarily used to confirm theories, PLS represents a causal–predictive approach to SEM that emphasizes prediction in estimating models, whose structures are designed to provide causal explanations. PLS-SEM is also useful for confirming measurement models. This chapter offers a concise overview of PLS-SEM’s key characteristics and discusses the main differences compared to CB-SEM. The chapter also describes considerations when using PLS-SEM and highlights situations that favor its use compared to CB-SEM.
Operator bases in effective field theories with sterile neutrinos: d ≤ 9
Authors: Li Hao-Lin , Ren Zhe , Xiao Ming-Lei , Yu Jiang-Hao , Zheng Yu-Hui
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We obtain the complete and independent bases of effective operators at mass dimension 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 in both standard model effective field theory with light sterile right-handed neutrinos (νSMEFT) and low energy effective field theory with light sterile neutrinos (νLEFT). These theories provide systematical parametrizations on all possible Lorentz-invariant physical effects involving in the Majorana/Dirac neutrinos, with/without the lepton number violations. In the νSMEFT, we find that there are 2 (18), 29 (1614), 80 (4206), 323 (20400), 1358 (243944) independent operators with sterile neutrinos included at the dimension 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 for one (three) generation of fermions, while 24, 5223, 3966, 25425, 789426 independent operators in the νLEFT for two generations of up-type quarks and three generations of all other fermions.
Causality and gravity
Authors: Donoghue John F. , Menezes Gabriel
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We show how uncertainty in the causal structure of field theory is essentially inevitable when one includes quantum gravity. This includes the fact that lightcones are ill-defined in such a theory. This effect is small in the effective field theory regime, where it is independent of the UV completion of the theory, but grows with energy and represents an unknown uncertainty for a generic UV completion. We include details of the causality uncertainty which arises in a particular UV completion, i.e. quadratic gravity. We describe how the mechanisms uncovered in the effective field theory treatment, and some of those in quadratic gravity, could be common features of quantum gravity.
„Technology-enhanced learning“ in Anästhesiologie und Notfallmedizin
Authors: Bergmans Elonka , Metelmann Camilla , Metelmann Bibiana , Rübsam Marie-Luise , von Au Felix , Thies Karl-Christian
Published: November 2021

Hintergrund

Die COVID-19 Pandemie stellt die medizinischen Fakultäten vor beispiellose Herausforderungen. Kontaktbeschränkung als wirksamstes Mittel der Infektionsprävention macht den traditionellen Präsenzunterricht nahezu unmöglich. Daher sind neue Lehrmethoden erforderlich, um das Infektionsrisiko einzudämmen und gleichzeitig hochwertigen Unterricht zu gewährleisten.

Fragestellung

Um den Bedarf an Präsenzunterricht zu reduzieren, wurde unter Anwendung von Open-Source-Software im Rahmen eines Pilotprojekts eine multimediale, virtuelle Lernumgebung für das Fach „Anästhesiologie und Notfallmedizin“ entwickelt und deren Akzeptanz bei Studierenden untersucht. Gleichzeitig beantworten wir die Frage, ob diese Technologie eine taugliche Alternative zum klassischen Präsenzunterricht darstellt.

Material und Methoden

Wir haben mit dem Lernmanagementsystem „Moodle“ eine multimediale eLearning-Plattform entsprechend dem Lehrplan „Anästhesiologie und Notfallmedizin“ für das 2. klinische Studienjahr geschaffen. Es wurde eine anonymisierte Nachkursbefragung mit Multiple-Choice- und Freitextfragen durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

85,4 % der 157 Teilnehmer bewerteten den Kurs als „sehr gut“, 12,1 % als „gut“ und 1,9 % als „o.k.“. Niedrigere Bewertungen wurden nicht gegeben. 54,8 % bewerteten den Kursinhalt als „sehr relevant“, 43,3 % als „relevant“ und 1,9 % als „neutral“. 94,3 % waren der Ansicht, dass „mehr vergleichbare Online-Kurse angeboten werden sollten“. Die Freitextantworten zeigten, dass Barrierefreiheit und multimediales, selbstgesteuertes Lernen sehr geschätzt wurden. Es wurde jedoch auch angemerkt, dass die praktische Ausbildung nicht durch eLearning ersetzt werden kann.

Diskussion

„Technology enhanced learning“ wurde von unseren Studierenden sehr gut angenommen und als gute Alternative zum Präsenzunterricht bewertet. Für das Erlernen praktischer Fertigkeiten bleibt der Präsenzunterricht jedoch unverzichtbar.
Characterisation of trocar associated gas leaks during laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Robertson Daniel , Sterke Frank , van Weteringen Willem , Arezzo Alberto , Mintz Yoav , Nickel Felix ,   the Technology committee of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES), Boni Luigi , Baldari Ludovica , Carus Thomas , Chand Manish , Fuchs Hans , Ficuciello Fanny , Marconi Stefania , Mylonas George , Kim Young Woo , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Schijven Marlies , Valdastri Pietro , Sagiv Chen , Mascagni Pietro , Myśliwiec Piotr , Petz Wanda , Sánchez-Margallo Francisco , Horeman Tim
Published: November 2021

Background

During laparoscopy, the abdominal cavity is insufflated with carbon dioxide (CO2) that could become contaminated with viruses and surgical smoke. Medical staff is potentially exposed when this gas leaks into the operating room through the instruments and past trocar valves. No detailed studies currently exist that have quantified these leakage pathways. Therefore, the goal of this study was to quantify the gas leakages through trocars and instruments, during minimally invasive procedures.

Methods

A model of the surgical environment was created, consisting of a rigid container with an interface for airtight clamping of laparoscopic equipment such as trocars and surgical instruments. The model was insufflated to 15 mm Hg using a pressure generator and a pneumotachograph measured the equipment gas leak. A protocol of several use cases was designed to simulate the motions and forces the surgeon exerts on the trocar during surgery.

Results

Twenty-three individual trocars and twenty-six laparoscopic instruments were measured for leakage under the different conditions of the protocol. Trocar leakages varied between 0 L/min and more than 30 L/min, the instruments revealed a range of leakages between 0 L/min and 5.5 L/min. The results showed that leakage performance varied widely between trocars and instruments and that the performance and location of the valves influenced trocar leakage.

Conclusions

We propose trocar redesigns to overcome specific causes of gas leaks. Moreover, an international testing standard for CO2 leakage for all new trocars and instruments is needed so surgical teams can avoid this potential health hazard when selecting new equipment.
Bowel function after laparoscopic right hemicolectomy: a randomized controlled trial comparing intracorporeal anastomosis and extracorporeal anastomosis
Authors: Małczak Piotr , Wysocki Michał , Pisarska-Adamczyk Magdalena , Major Piotr , Pędziwiatr Michał
Published: November 2021

Background

The laparoscopic right hemicolectomy is the standard surgical treatment for right-sided colon cancer. The continuity of the digestive tract is restored through ileocolic anastomosis which can be performed extracorporeally or intracorporeally. The study aimed to compare both anastomotic techniques in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy.

Materials and methods

A single-blinded two-armed randomized control trial with 1:1 parallel allocation carried out from 2016 to 2020 in a single center. The follow-up period was 30 days. Compared interventions involved extracorporeal and intracorporeal ileocolic anastomosis in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. The main outcome of the study was bowel recovery measured as the time to the first stool. Other outcomes involved the time to the first flatus, morbidity, and duration of surgery.

Results

One hundred and seventeen patients undergoing a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with curative intent were eligible for the trial. Eight patients refused to participate. One hundred and two patients were analyzed, 52 in the intracorporeal group and 50 in the extracorporeal group. The groups did not differ in terms of cancer stage or body mass index, but did differ in age and sex. Intracorporeal anastomosis was associated with a shorter time to the first stool than extracorporeal, 32.8 h (26.0–43.7) vs. 41.7 (35.9–50.0), p = 0.017. There was no significant difference in the time to the first flatus, 30 h (23.2–42.3) vs. 26.6 h (21.8–37.3), p = 0.165. Similarly, overall complications did not differ (EC 12/50 vs. IC 10/52, p = 0.56). There were no differences in length of surgery, 190 min (150–230) and 190 min (180–220), p = 0.55.

Conclusion

Intracorporeal ileocolic anastomosis following laparoscopic right hemicolectomy results in slightly faster bowel recovery, with no differences in morbidity and duration of surgery.
„Warum wird der Notruf 112 gewählt?“ – Befragung zum Notrufverhalten der Berliner Bevölkerung
Authors: Dahmen Janosch , Brettschneider Paul , Poloczek Stefan , Pommerenke Christopher , Wollenhaupt Lisa , Breuer Florian
Published: November 2021

Hintergrund

Steigende Notrufzahlen und vermehrte Inanspruchnahme notfallmedizinischer Versorgungsstrukturen sind derzeit Gegenstand umfassender gesundheitspolitischer Debatten in Deutschland. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht in einer repräsentativen Befragung die Kenntnisse, das Verhalten und mögliche Ursachen in Zusammenhang mit dem Notruf 112 im Land Berlin.

Methode

In Zusammenarbeit mit Infratest dimap wurde eine Telefonumfrage nach dem Random-digit-dialing(RDD)-Verfahren mit einer repräsentativen Zufallsstichprobe von 1002 Personen der deutschsprachigen Berliner Wohnbevölkerung zu Kenntnissen und dem Umgang mit dem Notruf 112 durchgeführt. Eingeschlossen wurden Menschen im Land Berlin, die zum Befragungszeitraum mindestens 14 Jahre alt waren und über einen Festnetzanschluss verfügten. In 12 Fragen wurden Informationen zum Wissensstand über den Notruf 112, alternative Versorgungsstrukturen, das Nutzungsverhalten der Befragten und alternative Hilfsangebote einschließlich standardisierter Fallbeispiele abgefragt. Experteninterviews wurden ebenfalls durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

58 % der Befragten gaben an, den Notruf 112 für medizinische Notfälle, 74 % für Notfälle der Brandbekämpfung zu kennen. 91 % der Befragten gaben an, dass sie den Notruf 112 nur bei lebensbedrohlichen medizinischen Situationen wählen würden. Befragte männlichen Geschlechts, ältere Menschen und Befragte mit einem niedrigeren Bildungsstand gaben häufiger an, den Notruf 112 auch bei nicht lebensbedrohlichen medizinischen Problemen in Anspruch zu nehmen. Alternativen zum Notruf kannten 56 % der Befragten, wobei insbesondere die hausärztliche Versorgung kaum eine Rolle spielte. Experten sehen die fehlende Verfügbarkeit von Alternativen als ursächlich für die zunehmende Frequenz von Notrufen.

Schlussfolgerung

Fehlende suffiziente Alternativen in der Notfallversorgung könnten bei der vermehrten Inanspruchnahme des Notrufs eine Rolle spielen. Dennoch scheint die Berliner Bevölkerung durchaus mit der richtigen Nutzung des Notrufs vertraut zu sein. Die Gesundheitskompetenz von vulnerablen Gruppen sollte in Bezug auf das Wissen zum Notruf 112 gestärkt werden. Eine Bevölkerungskampagne könnte einen sinnvollen Ansatz darstellen. Weiterhin muss die Verfügbarkeit alternativer Versorgungsformen verbessert werden.