bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression of distortion product otoacoustic emissions and hearing threshold
Authors: Pienkowski Martin , Kunov Hans
Published: July 2002

A distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) suppression tuning curve (STC) shows the minimum level of suppressor tone that is required to reduce DPOAE level by a fixed amount, as a function of suppressor frequency. Several years ago, Mills [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 103, 507–523 (1998)] derived, theoretically, an approximately linear relationship between the tip-to-tail suppressor level difference on a DPOAE STC, and the gain of the cochlear amplifier, defined as the maximum increase in the active over the passive basilar membrane (BM) response. In this paper, preliminary data from adult human subjects are presented that establish a correlation between this tip-to-tail DPOAE STC difference and the threshold of hearing, the latter measured at the frequency of the f2 primary tone. Assuming that both suppression and the DPOAE are by-products of active, nonlinear BM dynamics, the above result suggests that threshold elevation in mild levels of hearing loss may be attributed, in part, to a reduction of cochlear amplifier gain, which is detectable with the suppression paradigm.
Inner hair cell response patterns: Implications for low-frequency hearing
Authors: Cheatham M. A. , Dallos P.
Published: July 2002

Inner hair cell (IHC) responses to tone-burst stimuli were measured from three locations in the apical half of the guinea pig cochlea. In addition to the measurement of ac receptor potentials, average intracellular voltages, reflecting both ac and dc components of the receptor potential, were computed and compared to determine how bandwidth changes with level. Companion phase measures were also obtained and evaluated. Data collected from turn 2, where best frequency (BF) is approximately 4000 Hz, indicate that frequency response functions are asymmetrical with steeper slopes above the best frequency of the cell. However, in turn 4, where BF is around 250 Hz, the opposite behavior is observed and the steepest slopes are measured below BF. The data imply that cochlear filters are generally asymmetrical with steeper slopes above BF. High-pass filtering by the middle ear serves to reduce this asymmetry in turn 3 and to reverse it in turn 4. Apical response patterns are used to assess the degree to which the middle ear transfer function, the IHC’s velocity dependence and the shunting effect of the helicotrema influence low-frequency hearing in guinea pigs. Implications for low-frequency hearing in man are also discussed.
Coupled-mode modeling of acoustic scattering from three-dimensional, axisymmetric objects
Authors: Fawcett John A.
Published: July 2002

In this paper a coupled-mode method for computing the wave field scattered by three-dimensional, axisymmetric fluid objects is presented. The method provides a unified approach to solving three-dimensional scattering problems for axisymmetric objects in free space, in a waveguide, or partially or fully buried in a basement. Numerical computations of scattering from finite cylinders in free space and embedded between two half-spaces are presented. Also, the method is used to compute the scattering from an infinitely long cylinder for which analytical results are available.
An experimental investigation of the propagation of sound over a curved, rough, rigid surface
Authors: Chambers James P. , Berthelot Yves H.
Published: July 2002

Small-scale laboratory experiments have been conducted to study the propagation of sound over a curved, rough, rigid, convex surface in the range kR=275–550, and kε=0.09–0.18, where k is the wave number, R the radius of curvature, and ε the characteristic roughness length scale of steep-sloped, densely packed scatterers. Experimental results are presented at 6, 8, and 12 kHz, with the receiver successively on the surface, along the line of sight behind the surface, and along a vertical axis in the shadow zone. At low frequencies (f=6 kHz, kε=0.09), a boundary wave caused by coherent multiple scattering develops near the surface, creeps into the deep shadow zone, and increases the sound-pressure levels measured in the deep shadow zone by up to 8 dB as compared to the levels measured in the absence of surface roughness. At high frequencies (f=12 kHz, kε=0.18), surface roughness causes incoherent scattering and decreases the measured sound-pressure levels by about 10 dB on the surface, in the shadow zone, and by 10 to 20 dB along the line of sight behind the apex. It is shown that incoherent scattering occurs mostly in the bright zone, before the apex, whereas coherent scattering (boundary wave growth) occurs all along the surface, even in the deep shadow.
Energy reflectance in the ear canal can exceed unity near spontaneous otoacoustic emission frequencies
Authors: Burns Edward M. , Keefe Douglas H. , Ling Robert
Published: July 2002

There is some controversy in the literature over whether the so-called “active mechanism” or “cochlear amplifier” is actually a power amplifier that can produce an output signal with more power than its input, or whether it simply minimizes dissipative losses within the cochlea without providing an actual power gain greater than unity. A corollary of this controversy is whether spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) represent the output of a nonlinear oscillator mechanism, i.e., a power amplifier which can produce an oscillatory output signal in the absence of an input oscillatory signal, or whether they represent the output of a noise-driven, passive, nonlinear system. This paper describes measurements of energy reflectance and acoustic impedance in the ear canals of human subjects with strong SOAEs. The reflectance, and the resistive and reactive parts of the acoustic impedance, all show a frequency fine structure which correlates with SOAE frequencies, and which becomes more pronounced at low stimulus levels. In some ears at some SOAE frequencies, energy reflectance exceeds unity, and correspondingly, acoustic resistance is negative. This result demonstrates that there is a power gain at these frequencies: The power reflected from the cochlea to the ear canal exceeds the power incident. It is also consistent with the theory that these SOAEs are produced by a nonlinear oscillator mechanism in the cochlea.
A measuring method for shear wave velocity of marine sediment using radiation impedance
Authors: Kimura Masao
Published: July 2002

Radiation impedance of a circular vibrating plate on the surface of viscoelastic medium such as marine sediment varies with the viscoelastic properties of the medium. Therefore it is possible to predict the viscoelastic properties using the characteristics of the radiation impedance. It was demonstrated that the shear wave velocity of viscoelastic media can be determined using the value of the frequency at which the imaginary part of radiation impedance becomes zero, and the measured results of shear wave velocities for dry and wet sands were shown. In this study, the radiation impedance is measured for some kinds of marine sediment models. Then, the values of shear wave velocities obtained from the measurements of the radiation impedance, and the measured values using a bimorph type piezoelectic transducer, are compared. Moreover, the effect of the size of the radius of the circular vibrating plate on the measured values of shear wave velocities are considered.
On the relation between peripheral compression and the growth of loudness
Authors: Buus So/ren , Florentine Mary , Poulsen Torben , Müsch Hannes
Published: July 2002

This presentation reviews similarities and differences between normal listeners’ pure-tone loudness functions and the compressive basilar-membrane, BM, input-output function. Loudness matches between pure tones and multitone complexes with widely separated components reveal that the loudness function can be modeled by a modified power function with local exponents around unity near threshold and 0.2 at moderate levels [S. Buus et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 104, 399–410 (1998)]. Loudness matches between short and long tones show that the SPL difference at equal loudness is a nonmonotonic function of SPL and is largest at moderate levels [S. Buus et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 101, 669–680 (1997)]. These data can be explained by a loudness function that is flattest at moderate levels, where its local exponent also is around 0.2. This value is close to that obtained for BM input-output functions. The steepening of the loudness function at low levels is qualitatively similar to BM measurements. The steepening at high levels is absent in BM data when the state of the animals’ cochleae is carefully controlled. One possible explanation is that the cochleae of normal adult listeners are in worse condition than those of carefully treated animals. [Work supported by NIH/NIDCD.]
Measurements and computations of shooting noise. Part 1: Muzzle noise
Authors: Salomons Erik M. , van den Berg Frank H. A.
Published: July 2002

The accuracy of a model for propagation of shooting noise is investigated by comparison with experimental data for muzzle noise and detonation noise of several weapons, over ranges up to 15 km. The caliber of the weapons ranges from 7.62 to 155 mm. The model is based on a database with values of the transmission loss computed with the parabolic equation method for a set of 27 atmospheric sound speed profiles, three ground types, and many different source–receiver configurations. For the comparisons between the model and the measurements, sound-speed profiles are selected from a set of 27 profiles, based on experimental profiles computed from meteorological data collected during the measurements. In general, good agreement is obtained between measured and computed sound levels and spectra. It is found that sound propagation over water yields considerably higher levels than sound propagation over grassland does. Situations with heterogeneous grounds are investigated as well, e.g., consisting of a grass area and a water area. [This work was coordinated and financed by the Dutch Ministry of Defence, Defence Co-ordinator Physical Planning and Environmental Affairs (MODNL-CROMD).]
Quality aspects of violin bows
Authors: Askenfelt Anders , Guettler Knut
Published: July 2002

The string player’s test of a bow includes four major aspects: (1) the bow should be ‘‘well balanced’’ with an appropriate total weight; (2) the bow should have a good grip of the string over the entire length of the bow stroke; (3) the ‘‘timbre of the bow’’ should be pleasing; and (4) the bow should bounce easily in advanced bowing patterns like rapid spiccato and ricochet. A poor bow will: fatigue the player by demanding too much physical effort (in particular in string crossings); tend to lose the grip of the string when approaching the tip; disguise the tonal quality of a fine instrument; and be sluggish and scratchy in rapid bouncing sequences. Some plausible physical properties which govern these four quality aspects will be presented, focusing on the last, the bouncing bow. [Work supported by School of Electrical Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm.]
A coherent line source in a turbulent atmosphere
Authors: Salomons Erik M.
Published: July 2002

The sound field of a coherent line source in a nonrefracting, turbulent atmosphere is studied. An expression for the sound pressure level in the frequency domain is developed, based on a discretization of the line source into a set of point sources. Atmospheric turbulence is taken into account by the mutual coherence function. Numerical computations for various turbulent atmospheres show that the geometrical attenuation is 3 dB per distance doubling (3 dB/dd) at a small distance (cylindrical spreading), 6 dB/dd at a large distance (spherical spreading), and 7.5 dB/dd in a transition region. The anomalous value of 7.5 dB/dd is confirmed by an analytic approximation. Next, a computational method in the time domain is developed, for arbitrary wave forms emitted by the source. Atmospheric turbulence is taken into account in this method by including random fluctuations of the acoustic travel times, based on the spectral density of the travel time correlation function. For a harmonic coherent line source, the method yields results that agree with results computed in the frequency domain.
An investigation of correlations between geometry, acoustic variables, and psychoacoustic parameters for French horn mouthpieces
Authors: Plitnik George R. , Lawson Bruce A.
Published: July 2002

Because brass instrument mouthpieces are considered by musicians to be the single most important component of the instrument, a comparative investigation was made of seven French horn mouthpieces widely used by professional musicians. Acoustic parameters were obtained from both measured and computed impedance curves for the mouthpieces attached to a cylindrical tube with an overall length approximating that of the horn in B-flat. Hypothesized psychoacoustic correlates to these parameters were used by professional musicians to evaluate the mouthpieces by means of comparative testing. It was discovered that the peak amplitudes and Q values of the impedance peaks, as well as their respective variability, correlated well to the musicians’ preference ratings. Based on the presented documented changes in the ratio of French horn mouthpiece cup length to throat plus backbore length throughout the twentieth century, the acoustical properties of modern designs to the older versions are compared. These results show that the average harmonics’ peak amplitude has increased, while variability has simultaneously decreased, resulting in a more even envelope. Also, the impedance peak’s average Q’s have increased, a probable explanation for musicians’ expressed preference for mouthpieces which facilitate greater pitch control.
Anomalous absorption of bulk shear acoustic waves by an ultra-thin layer of a non-Newtonian fluid
Authors: Gramotnev Dmitri K. , Mather Melissa L.
Published: July 2002

A strong maximum of absorptivity (as much as dozens of per cent) of bulk shear acoustic waves by an ultra-thin layer of a non-Newtonian fluid between two solid surfaces is shown to be achieved at an optimal layer thickness. This optimal thickness is demonstrated to be usually much smaller than the wavelength and the wave penetration depth in the fluid. The coefficients of reflection, transmission, and absorption of shear waves polarized perpendicular to the plane of incidence are determined as functions of incidence angle, layer thickness, fluid viscosity, relaxation time(s), frequency, and parameters of solids. A frictional contact approximation, in which the layer can be considered as a contact with friction is justified for non-Newtonian fluids. The anomalous absorption of bulk shear waves in thin nonuniform fluid layers with viscosity and/or relaxation time varying across the layer is analyzed in the frictional contact approximation. It is shown that unlike the anomalous absorption in Newtonian fluids, the anomalous absorption in non-Newtonian fluid layers is frequency dependent even in the frictional contact approximation. This dependence is analyzed analytically and numerically.
Dichotic pitches as illusions of binaural unmasking. III. The existence region of the Fourcin pitch
Authors: Culling John F.
Published: July 2002

Two experiments explored the existence region of the Fourcin pitch. In each experiment, detectability was assessed by measuring listeners’ ability to discriminate pitch changes. In the first experiment, the detectability of the pitch was measured as a function of the number of noises used to generate it. In the second experiment, the pitch was generated using two noises with equal and opposite interaural delays and detectability was measured as a function of the difference between these two delays, and thus of the perceived pitch height. In each case, the experimental results were compared with the predictions produced by a model of binaural unmasking, based on equalization cancellation, that had been designed to recover broadband sounds, such as speech, from interfering noise [Culling and Summerfield, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 98, 785–797 (1995)]. The model accurately predicted the results from experiment 1, but failed to show an adequate decline in performance for small differences in interaural delay (corresponding to higher perceived pitches) in experiment 2. A revised model, based on similar principles, but using data on listeners’ sensitivity to interaural decorrelation, rather than an equalization-cancellation mechanism, was able to predict the results of both experiments successfully.
Transient interaction of parallel thin-walled cylindrical piezoelectric ceramic radiators
Authors: Babaev Artashes E. , Savin Viktor G. , Leiko Andrei A.
Published: July 2002

This paper includes formulation of the multiconnected transient problem for an underwater transducer system of two thin-walled cylindrical piezoelectric ceramic radiators, description of an analytical method of solution, and investigation of fundamental regularities of transient processes. All these points take into account the interaction of reflectors. Radiators with continuous and sectioned electrodes are considered during excitation with different electrical impulses. An experimental test of selected mathematical models has been done.
On the dichotic pitch of simultaneously presented interaurally delayed white noises. Implications for binaural theory
Authors: Bilsen Frans A. , Raatgever Johan
Published: July 2002

A dichotic pitch known as Fourcin Pitch (FP) is perceived when two independent interaurally delayed white noises are presented simultaneously. Experiments in the past mainly dealt with stimulus situations where one interaural delay was smaller than 4 ms and the other was in the range 0–10 ms. Here, experiments are reported showing a novel pitch percept that occurs when one noise is interaurally delayed at the left ear and the other noise is about equally delayed at the right ear, for delays in the range of 4–10 ms. It is shown that, for both the previously reported FP and the novel pitch, the Central Spectrum (CS) theory [Raatgever and Bilsen, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 80, 429–441 (1986)] provides a correct prediction of both the pitch value and the lateral position of the pitch image, where other current theories partly or completely fail. Further experiments indicate that the lateralized position of the pitch image is essentially not influenced by an interaural intensity difference (IID). This is also predicted by the CS model and leads to the generalized conclusion that interaural time and intensity differences are processed separately in the auditory system until, at least, the level where the dichotic pitch is generated.
On the relaxation spectra for models of dilute polymer solutions
Authors: Öttinger Hans Christian , Zylka Waldemar
Published: July 2002

Predictions for the relaxation spectra of bead-spring chain and ring models for dilute polymer solutions are presented. The influence of the hydrodynamic-interaction effect on the relaxation times and relaxation weights is studied within the Gaussian approximation for the hydrodynamic interaction. The relaxation spectra which are analyzed by numerical methods and by perturbation theory in the hydrodynamic-interaction parameter are then compared to the corresponding predictions of the preaveraging approach and of the model without hydrodynamic-interaction effects. For bead-spring chains and rings with the Gaussian approximation for the hydrodynamic interaction, both the relaxation times and weights are sensitive to the strength of the hydrodynamic interaction. Furthermore, the number of relaxation times in a bead-spring chain is found to be much larger than the number of springs in the chain. These results suggest that the widespread interpretation of relaxation spectra in terms of normal modes is impossible when the equations of motion include nonlinear effects. The Gaussian approximation for the hydrodynamic interaction is used in order to analyze the effect of nonlinear dynamics on the relaxation spectrum.
X-ray diffraction data of C16H14O4Ru2M (M=Ge,Si)
Authors: PuLan Yu , Shuang Ding , YuanYuan Qiao , XinKan Yao , Chong Liu , ShaoFan Lin
Published: July 2002

Two compounds have been studied by means of powder diffraction and their unit cell parameters are reported. The monoclinic cell parameters for dimethylgermanyl-bridged bis cyclopentadienyl tetracarbonyl diruthenium are a=11.03(2) Å, b=13.65(2) Å, c=11.609(2) Å, β=105.81(1)°, Z=4, space group P21/n (No. 14), Dx=2.135 mg/m3. The monoclinic cell parameters for λ-dimethylsilyl-dicyclopentadienyl-π, π′-tetracarbonyl diruthenium, are a=11.113(3) Å, b=13.60(1) Å, c=11.674(7) Å, and β=106.00(3)°, Z=4, space group P21/n (No. 14), and Dx=1.946 mg/m3. The cells found for the two compounds are in good agreement with those obtained from single crystal X-ray diffractometry.
Cardiac Manifestations of “Long COVID” (Post–COVID-19 Conditions)
Authors: Demeter Stephen L.
Published: October 2022

The Centers for Disease Control has defined long COVID—or post–COVID-19 conditions—as a clinical syndrome reflecting a wide range of new, persistent, or recurring health problems experienced by individuals infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]). What is known is that symptoms in these individuals diminish with time. It is unclear how long it takes to achieve maximum medical improvement. This article addresses the cardiac manifestations (including the pulmonary vascular and peripheral vascular manifestations) of long COVID. Emphasis is placed on recent articles (published in the last year) and issues relating to impairment evaluations.
Target localization and multicircular circumnavigation with bearing‐only measurements
Authors: Chen Ke , Qi Guoqing , Li Yinya , Sheng Andong
Published: October 2022

This article studies the multicircular circumnavigation problem of a stationary target using bearing‐only measurements. The proposed estimator‐based control strategy drives the networked mobile agents to move around an unknown target along different circles with any prescribed inter‐agent angular spacing. The results presented in this article are as follows: First, a new estimator is developed by introducing a linear filter into an estimation algorithm which has been widely used in the existing literature. The novelty of the proposed estimator lies in its enhanced convergence rate. Analytical results show that the exponential convergence rate of the estimator can be adjusted to be arbitrarily high by increasing the estimation gain. Second, a distributed controller is designed such that global exponential convergence of the agents to the desired circular formation can be achieved. Besides, the proposed algorithms guarantee that each agent can keep a safe distance from the target, and high angular velocities of the agents can be avoided even if the circumnavigation radii become small. Finally, several numerical simulations are given to corroborate the theoretical results.
From SAMHSA: Harm reduction's place in the continuum
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2022

The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has developed a comprehensive prevention strategy and has placed harm reduction as part of the continuum of care.
Harm reduction innovation: Abstinence, move over
Authors: De Miranda John
Published: October 2022

Earlier this year, signs of a growing acceptance of harm reduction practices emerged in Washington, D. C. The Biden administration identified harm reduction as a policy priority and followed up with $30 million in grants to treatment programs to institute limited harm reduction strategies. I term this innovation limited or “harm reduction lite” (see “Treatment and recovery discover harm reduction: Now what?,” ADAW July 18; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33500) because treatment programs can qualify by only conducting community presentations and Narcan distribution. Altering treatment protocols to “meet clients where they are,” including people who do not want to pursue abstinence, is another matter.
Biomimetic Macrophage Membrane and Lipidated Peptide Hybrid Nanovesicles for Atherosclerosis Therapy
Authors: Guo Linmiao , Miao Yunqiu , Wang Ying , Zhang Ying , Zhou Erfen , Wang Jiangyue , Zhao Yanqi , Li Lijun , Wang Aohua , Gan Yong , Zhang Xinxin
Published: October 2022

Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause for cardiovascular disease. Current pharmacotherapies are limited by the inadequate targeting and insufficient treatment. Herein, inspired by the interaction of macrophage and lipoprotein as a typical hallmark of atherosclerosis, hybrid nanovesicles (MLP‐NVs) are designed by fusion of anti‐inflammatory M2‐phenotype macrophage membranes and lipidated peptide (DOPE‐pp‐HBSP) to mimic the binding manner of cell‐lipoprotein for atherosclerotic treatment. Through hybridization of M2 macrophage membranes and lipidated peptide film, MLP‐NVs facilitate the inflammatory cell internalization at atherosclerotic site, and sequester the proinflammatory cytokines to suppress local inflammation. Moreover, MLP‐NVs exhibit a matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP2)‐responsive release of the peptide HBSP in plaques, leading to the restoration of dysfunctional endothelial cells. In the ApoE−/− mice with atherosclerosis, simvastatin‐loaded MLP‐NVs provide comprehensive treatment by inherent inflammation suppression, endothelial repair, and cholesterol efflux capacities, resulting in atherosclerotic plaques regression. Through closely mimicking physiological cues, this biomimetic hybrid nanovesicle platform provides a potential strategy for anti‐atherosclerotic therapy.
An Engineered Paper‐Based 3D Coculture Model of Pancreatic Cancer to Study the Impact of Tissue Architecture and Microenvironmental Gradients on Cell Phenotype
Authors: Cadavid Jose L. , Latour Simon , Nowlan Ferris , Co Ileana L. , Landon‐Brace Natalie , Wouters Bradly G. , Grünwald Barbara T. , Nitz Mark , Jackson Hartland Warren , McGuigan Alison P.
Published: October 2022

The spatial configuration of cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) affects both cancer and fibroblast cell phenotypes contributing to the clinical challenge of tumor heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance. This is a particular challenge in stroma‐rich pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Here, a versatile system is described to study the impact of tissue architecture on cell phenotype using PDAC as a model system. This fully human system encompassing both primary pancreatic stellate cells and primary organoid cells using the TRACER platform to allow the creation of user‐defined TME architectures that have been inferred from clinical PDAC samples and are analyzed by CyTOF to characterize cells extracted from the system. High dimensional characterization using CyTOF demonstrates that tissue architecture leads to distinct hypoxia and proliferation gradients. Furthermore, phenotypic markers for both cell types are also graded in ways that cannot be explained by either hypoxia or coculture alone. This demonstrates the importance of using complex models encompassing cancer cells, stromal cells, and allowing control over architecture to explore the impact of tissue architecture on cell phenotype. It is anticipated that this model will help decipher how tissue architecture and cell interactions regulate cell phenotype and hence cellular and tissue heterogeneity.
Swelling‐Dependent Shape‐Based Transformation of a Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells‐Laden 4D Bioprinted Construct for Cartilage Tissue Engineering
Authors: Díaz‐Payno Pedro J. , Kalogeropoulou Maria , Muntz Iain , Kingma Esther , Kops Nicole , D'Este Matteo , Koenderink Gijsje H. , Fratila‐Apachitei Lidy E. , van Osch Gerjo J. V. M. , Zadpoor Amir A.
Published: October 2022

3D bioprinting is usually implemented on flat surfaces, posing serious limitations in the fabrication of multilayered curved constructs. 4D bioprinting, combining 3D bioprinting with time‐dependent stimuli‐induced transformation, enables the fabrication of shape‐changing constructs. Here, a 4D biofabrication method is reported for cartilage engineering based on the differential swelling of a smart multi‐material system made from two hydrogel‐based materials: hyaluronan and alginate. Two ink formulations are used: tyramine‐functionalized hyaluronan (HAT, high‐swelling) and alginate with HAT (AHAT, low‐swelling). Both inks have similar elastic, shear‐thinning, and printability behavior. The inks are 3D printed into a bilayered scaffold before triggering the shape‐change by using liquid immersion as stimulus. In time (4D), the differential swelling between the two zones leads to the scaffold's self‐bending. Different designs are made to tune the radius of curvature and shape. A bioprinted formulation of AHAT and human bone marrow cells demonstrates high cell viability. After 28 days in chondrogenic medium, the curvature is clearly present while cartilage‐like matrix production is visible on histology. A proof‐of‐concept of the recently emerged technology of 4D bioprinting with a specific application for the design of curved structures potentially mimicking the curvature and multilayer cellular nature of native cartilage is demonstrated.
Atomically Dispersed Dual‐Site Cathode with a Record High Sulfur Mass Loading for High‐Performance Room‐Temperature Sodium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhang Bin‐Wei , Cao Liuyue , Tang Cheng , Tan Chunhui , Cheng Ningyan , Lai Wei‐Hong , Wang Yun‐Xiao , Cheng Zhen‐Xiang , Dong Juncai , Kong Yuan , Dou Shi‐Xue , Zhao Shenlong
Published: October 2022

Room‐temperature sodium–sulfur (RT‐Na/S) batteries possess high potential for grid‐scale stationary energy storage due to their low cost and high energy density. However, the issues arising from the low S mass loading and poor cycling stability caused by the shuttle effect of polysulfides seriously limit their operating capacity and cycling capability. Herein, sulfur‐doped graphene frameworks supporting atomically dispersed 2H‐MoS2 and Mo1 (S@MoS2‐Mo1/SGF) with a record high sulfur mass loading of 80.9 wt.% are synthesized as an integrated dual active sites cathode for RT‐Na/S batteries. Impressively, the as‐prepared S@MoS2‐Mo1/SGF display unprecedented cyclic stability with a high initial capacity of 1017 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and a low‐capacity fading rate of 0.05% per cycle over 1000 cycles. Experimental and computational results including X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, in situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and density‐functional theory calculations reveal that atomic‐level Mo in this integrated dual‐active‐site forms a delocalized electron system, which could improve the reactivity of sulfur and reaction reversibility of S and Na, greatly alleviating the shuttle effect. The findings not only provide an effective strategy to fabricate high‐performance dual‐site cathodes, but also deepen the understanding of their enhancement mechanisms at an atomic level.
Locking Active Li Metal through Localized Redistribution of Fluoride Enabling Stable Li‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Li Guocheng , Duan Xiangrui , Liu Xueting , Zhan Renming , Wang Xiancheng , Du Junmou , Chen Zihe , Li Yuanjian , Cai Zhao , Shen Yue , Sun Yongming
Published: October 2022

The creation of fluorinated interphase has emerged as an effective strategy for improving Li‐metal anodes for rechargeable high‐energy batteries. In contrast to the introduction of fluorine‐containing species through widely adopted electrolyte engineering, a Li‐metal composite design is reported in which LiF can locally redistribute on the Li‐metal surface in liquid electrolytes via a dissolution–reprecipitation mechanism, and enable the formation of a high‐fluorine‐content solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). For validation, a Li/Li22Sn5/LiF ternary composite is investigated, where the as‐formed LiF‐rich SEI locks the active Li metal from corrosive electrolyte. The Li/Li22Sn5/LiF anode displays an impressive average Coulombic efficiency (ACE, ≈99.2%) at 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2 in a carbonate electrolyte and a remarkable cycling life of over 1600 h at 1 mA cm−2 and 2 mAh cm−2. Applied to a LiCoO2 full cell with a high cathode areal capacity of 4.0 mAh cm−2, a high capacity retention of ≈91.1% is realized for 100 cycles at 0.5 C between 2.8 to 4.5 V with a low negative/positive (N/P) ratio of 2:1. This design is conceptually different from the design employing the widely used fluorine‐containing electrolyte additive and provides an alternative approach to realize reliable Li‐metal batteries.
Systematic Substituent Control in Blue Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence (TADF) Emitters: Unraveling the Role of Direct Intersystem Crossing between the Same Charge‐Transfer States
Authors: Ryoo Chi Hyun , Han Jongseok , Yang Jung‐hoon , Yang Kwangmo , Cho Illhun , Jung Seyoung , Kim Sehun , Jeong Hyein , Lee Changhee , Kwon Ji Eon , Serdiuk Illia E. , Park Soo Young
Published: October 2022

A molecular structural approach is applied by introducing substituent groups (X) to explore the structure–property correlation of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) mechanism and develop blue TADF materials. D–A–X emitters show blue emissions from 446 to 487 nm and exhibit high rate constants of reverse intersystem crossing (krISC) from 0.76 × 106 to 2.13 × 106 s−1. Organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on D–A–X emitters exhibit efficient external quantum efficiency from 17.2% to 23.9%. Furthermore, the theoretical analysis of spin–flip transitions between states of various nature reveals that the highest rISC rates can be achieved by the increase of charge‐transfer (CT) strength and enhancement of direct transition between triplet (3CT) and singlet (1CT) charge transfer states. Rotational tolerance of dihedral angle, low energy gap, and low reorganization energy between the 3CT and 1CT states provides fast rISC even when triplet states of different (LE) nature have much higher energy not to enable the three‐level interaction. By both experimental and theoretical methods, the investigations reveal that for the design of efficient TADF‐OLED emitters, the enhancement of the 3CT–1CT transition is as much important as that of 3LE–1CT.
Structural‐Functional Pluralistic Modification of Silk Fibroin via MOF Bridging for Advanced Wound Care
Authors: Zhu Zhou , Liu Yanhua , Chen Junyu , He Zihan , Tan Pengfei , He Yong , Pei Xibo , Wang Jian , Tan Lin , Wan Qianbing
Published: October 2022

Silk fibroin (SF) is widely used to fabricate biomaterials for skin related wound caring or monitoring, and its hydrogel state are preferred for their adaptability and easy to use. However, in–depth development of SF hydrogel is restricted by their limited mechanical strength, increased risk of infection, and inability to accelerate tissue healing. Therefore, a structure–function pluralistic modification strategy using composite system of metal organic framework (MOF) as bridge expanding SF's biomedical application is proposed. After developing the photocuring and bonding SF hydrogel, a MOF drug–loading system is utilized to enhance hydrogel's structural strength while endowing its antibacterial and angiogenic properties, yielding a multifunctional SF hydrogel. The synergy between the MOF and SF proteins at the secondary structure level gives this hydrogel reliable mechanical strength, making it suitable for conventional wound treatment, whether for closing incisions quickly or acting as adhesive dressings (five times the bonding strength of ordinary fibrin glue). Additionally, with the antibacterial and angiogenic functions getting from MOF system, this modified SF hydrogel can even treat ischemic trauma with cartilage exposure. This multiple modification should contribute to the improvement of advanced wound care, by promoting SF application in the production of tissue engineering materials.
Upregulation of Superenhancer‐Driven LncRNA FASRL by USF1 Promotes De Novo Fatty Acid Biosynthesis to Exacerbate Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Peng Jiang‐Yun , Cai Dian‐Kui , Zeng Ren‐Li , Zhang Chao‐Yang , Li Guan‐Cheng , Chen Si‐Fan , Yuan Xiao‐Qing , Peng Li
Published: October 2022

Superenhancers drive abnormal gene expression in tumors and promote malignancy. However, the relationship between superenhancer‐associated long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and abnormal metabolism is unknown. This study identifies a novel lncRNA, fatty acid synthesis‐related lncRNA (FASRL), whose expression is driven by upstream stimulatory factor 1 (USF1) through its superenhancer. FASRL promotes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, FASRL binds to acetyl‐CoA carboxylase 1 (ACACA), a fatty acid synthesis rate‐limiting enzyme, increasing fatty acid synthesis via the fatty acid metabolism pathway. Moreover, the expression of FASRL, USF1, and ACACA is increased, and their high expression indicates a worse prognosis in HCC patients. In summary, USF1 drives FASRL transcription via a superenhancer. FASRL binding to ACACA increases fatty acid synthesis and lipid accumulation to mechanistically exacerbate HCC. FASRL may serve as a novel prognostic marker and treatment target in HCC.
Photocatalytic Pt(IV)‐Coordinated Carbon Dots for Precision Tumor Therapy
Authors: Guo Dongbo , Lei Josh Haipeng , Rong Dade , Zhang Tesen , Zhang Bohan , Tang Zikang , Shen Han‐Ming , Deng Chu‐Xia , Qu Songnan
Published: October 2022

Rapid, efficient, and precise cancer therapy is highly desired. Here, this work reports solvothermally synthesized photoactivatable Pt(IV)‐coordinated carbon dots (Pt‐CDs) and their bovine serum albumin (BSA) complex (Pt‐CDs@BSA) as a novel orange light‐triggered anti‐tumor therapeutic agent. The homogeneously distributed Pt(IV) in the Pt‐CDs (Pt: 17.2 wt%) and their carbon cores with significant visible absorption exhibit excellent photocatalytic properties, which not only efficiently releases cytotoxic Pt(II) species but also promotes hydroxy radical generation from water under orange light. When triggered with a 589 nm laser, Pt‐CDs@BSA possesses the ultrastrong cancer cell killing capacities of intracellular Pt(II) species release, hydroxyl radical generation, and acidification, which induce powerful immunogenic cell death. Activation of Pt‐CDs@BSA by a single treatment with a 589 nm laser effectively eliminated the primary tumor and inhibited distant tumor growth and lung metastasis. This study thus presents a new concept for building photoactivatable Pt(IV)‐enriched nanodrug‐based CDs for precision cancer therapy.
Suppressing Chemical Corrosions of Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Lu Bingyu , Li Weikang , Cheng Diyi , Bhamwala Bhargav , Ceja Miguel , Bao Wurigumula , Fang Chengcheng , Meng Ying Shirley
Published: October 2022

The lithium metal anode is essential for next‐generation high‐energy‐density rechargeable Li‐metal batteries. Although extensive studies have been performed to prolong the cycle life of Li‐metal batteries, the calendar life, which associates with the chemical corrosion of Li metal in liquid electrolytes, has not been quantitatively understood. Here, by combing the titration gas chromatography method and cryogenic focused ion beam, a quantitative relationship between the chemical corrosion rate and electrochemically deposited Li morphology in various liquid electrolyte systems is established. It has been identified that the corrosion rate is dominated by the porosity of the deposited Li. The larger the porosity of deposited Li has, the faster the corrosion rate will be. Strategies to mitigate the chemical corrosion on Li thus to extend the calendar life of Li‐metal batteries are further proposed. By strictly controlling the stacking pressure during Li plating, Li deposits with ultra‐low porosity can be achieved, suppressing the corrosion rate to 0.08 ± 0.16%/day compared with 1.71 ± 0.19%/day of the high‐porosity Li.
Fluorogenic detection of mercury ion in aqueous environment using hydrogel‐based AIE sensing films
Authors: Wu Shujun , Yang Yujiao , Cheng Yao , Wang Shuodong , Zhou Zhibiao , Zhang Pei , Zhu Xinqi , Wang Baodui , Zhang Hua , Xie Sheng , Zeng Zebing , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: October 2022

A “turn‐on” fluorescent sensing strategy was developed for ultrasensitive detection of heavy metal mercury ion (Hg2+) directly in water. It utilized an aqueous soluble aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐active probe, named 1,1,2,2‐tetrakis(4‐(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl)phenyl)ethene (TPE‐4TA), composing of a luminescent tetraphenylene core and multiple anionic tetrazolate spawns. The probe retained dark when molecularly dissolved in water. However, mercury ions can ligate with multiple tetrazolate groups to form infinite coordination polymer particles spontaneously, thus inducing a fluorogenic AIE response for in situ analysis. Moreover, by embedding this AIE sensing molecules in a hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol substrate, the resulting hydrogel film allowed in situ detection of Hg2+ on a laser‐induced fluorescence analysis setup in aqueous environment. This strategy worked effectively in common aqueous environments with pH from 4 to 7.5 and showed high sensitivity (limit of detection down to 0.38 ppb/1.9 nM), good selectivity and a wide linearity range for quantification. This work may lead to a reliable and promising platform for on‐site environmental water analysis.
A large, ten‐generation family with autosomal dominant preaxial polydactyly/triphalangeal thumb: Historical, clinical, genealogical, and molecular studies
Authors: Álvarez Luis Francisco González , Tenorio‐Castaño Jair , Poletta Fernando A. , Santos‐Simarro Fernando , Arias Pedro , Gallego Natalia , Orioli Iêda Maria , Mundlos Stefan , Castilla Eduardo E. , Martínez‐Glez Víctor , Martínez‐Frías María Luisa , Ruiz‐Pérez Víctor L. , Nevado Julián , Lapunzina Pablo
Published: October 2022

We present a large, ten‐generation family of 273 individuals with 84 people having preaxial polydactyly/triphalangeal thumb due to a pathogenic variant in the zone of polarizing activity regulatory sequence (ZRS) within the exon 5 of LMBR1. The causative change maps to position 396 of the ZRS, located at position c.423 + 4909C > T (chr7:156791480; hg38; LMBR1 ENST00000353442.10; rs606231153 NG_009240.2) in the intron 5 of LMBR1. The first affected individual with the disorder was traced back to mid‐1700, when some settlers and workers established in Cervera de Buitrago, a small village about 82 km North to Madrid. Clinical and radiological studies of most of the affected members have been performed for 42 years (follow‐up of the family by LFGA). Molecular studies have confirmed a pathogenic variant in the ZRS that segregates in this family. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest family with preaxial polydactyly/triphalangeal thumb reported so far.
Biallelic GTF2IRD1 variants in brothers with profound neurodevelopmental disorder: A possible novel disorder involving a critical gene for Williams syndrome
Authors: Cummings Christopher Thomas , Starr Lois Janelle
Published: October 2022

GTF2IRD1, a gene on chromosome 7 which encodes a transcription factor, is of significant clinical interest due to its heterozygous loss as part of the classical deletion associated with Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS). However, biallelic variants in GTF2IRD1 alone as part of an autosomal recessive disease have not been previously reported. Here, we present two full brothers with variants in trans of GTF2IRD1 at c.1231C > T (p.Arg411Trp) and c.2632C > G (p.Leu878Val). A detailed clinical phenotype is described, which includes severe neurodevelopmental disability, facial dysmorphology, and pectus excavatum. Importantly, out of eight full siblings, only these two brothers harboring both variants in trans present with the profound described phenotype. We present the possibility that these brothers represent the identification of a new syndrome characterized by biallelic variants in GTF2IRD1, which may also have important implications for the molecular etiology of WBS.
Engineering pedicled vascularized bladder tissue for functional bladder defect repair
Authors: Yu Mingming , Chen Jiasheng , Wang Lin , Huang Yichen , Xie Hua , Bian Yu , Chen Fang
Published: October 2022

An engineered bladder construct that mimics the structural and functional characteristics of native bladder is a promising therapeutic option for bladder substitution. We previously showed that pedicled vascularized smooth muscle tissue fabricated by grafting smooth muscle cell (SMC) sheets onto an axial capsule vascular bed had the potential for reliable bladder reconstruction. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of buccal mucosa graft (BMG) integration with the pedicled vascularized smooth muscle tissue to generate a full‐layer pedicled vascularized bladder construct. BMG transplanted onto vascularized smooth muscle tissue showed good survival and developed into a pedicled vascularized bladder construct with full‐layer structures, appropriate thickness, abundant vascularization, and effective barrier function. Then the full‐thickness bladder defects were, respectively, reconstructed by pedicled capsule tissue (pedicled capsule group), nonpedicled vascularized bladder construct (nonpedicled construct group), and pedicled vascularized bladder construct (pedicled construct group). The picrosirius red (PSR) staining and immunohistochemistry results showed minimal fibrosis, maximal smooth muscle proportion, and high vascular density in the pedicled construct group. A continuous mucosal layer was observed only in the pedicled construct group. Moreover, morphological and functional studies revealed better bladder compliance and good ductility in the pedicled construct group. Overall, these results suggested that the BMG could be well integrated with vascularized smooth muscle tissue and generated a pedicled, fully vascularized, and structurally organized bladder construct, which facilitated structural remodeling and functional recovery and could become an alternative to bladder reconstruction.
How talking therapists experience working with adult clients who have autism
Authors: Brook Yvette
Published: October 2022

This research aims to gain new insight by exploring the thoughts, feelings and experiences of therapists working with clients who have autism. Three professional talking therapists participated in the study. Unstructured interviews were conducted and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Six main themes and 13 sub‐themes were found which include therapists’ validation of autism, how therapists integrated autism when addressing mental health problems, how their personal experiences of autism impacted on their work and how they experienced the situation in which autism emerges during the therapy. Helpful suggestions are made for clinicians, namely, to zoom‐in and zoom‐out of autism, hold the knowledge that people with autism process information differently, incorporate working with trauma, consider disclosing a personal connection to autism and consider carefully whether, or not, to tell a client that they may have autism.
mRNA Manufacturing and Single‐use Technology – A Perfect Liaison
Authors: Grilo António L. , Schmidhalter Diego R.
Published: October 2022

The Covid‐19 pandemic imposed a lockdown on the world. In this situation, the pharmaceutical industry reacted with incredible speed and delivered vaccines at the global scale in record time. Critical to this major accomplishment were existing mRNA vaccine expertise and single‐use manufacturing technologies. The combination of a moderate facility footprint requirement for mRNA production and the flexibility of disposable technology allowed rapid scale‐up and scale‐out of vaccine manufacturing, even over multiple continents. The present paper discusses opportunities provided by single‐use process solutions for mRNA manufacturing using the Covid‐19 vaccines as a case study.