bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustics wave propagation from an underground waveguide
Authors: Kostarev Stanislav A.
Published: July 2002

A simple enough model of an underground acoustic waveguide is proposed. A special structure of nonhomogeneity of the subsurface layer in the soil may lead to the capture of acoustic waves within a channel. In this case, a sound signal will propagate with a sufficiently small decay in comparison with homogeneous media (due to the lack of discrepancy of the wavefront). In this case vibration is observed at large distances from the source. A maximum value of the acoustic level is reached near the axes of the waveguide. In practice, this effect may be significant for the case of vibration generation for buildings on the piles. Under these conditions, enhanced values of vibration may take place even when the vibration of the ground surface is negligible.
Spectro-temporal factors in two-dimensional human sound localization
Authors: Hofman Paul M. , Van Opstal A. John
Published: July 2002

This paper describes the effect of spectro-temporal factors on human sound localization performance in two dimensions (2D). Subjects responded with saccadic eye movements to acoustic stimuli presented in the frontal hemisphere. Both the horizontal (azimuth) and vertical (elevation) stimulus location were varied randomly. Three types of stimuli were used, having different spectro-temporal patterns, but identically shaped broadband averaged power spectra: noise bursts, frequency-modulated tones, and trains of short noise bursts. In all subjects, the elevation components of the saccadic responses varied systematically with the different temporal parameters, whereas the azimuth response components remained equally accurate for all stimulus conditions. The data show that the auditory system does not calculate a final elevation estimate from a long-term (order 100 ms) integration of sensory input. Instead, the results suggest that the auditory system may apply a “multiple-look” strategy in which the final estimate is calculated from consecutive short-term (order few ms) estimates. These findings are incorporated in a conceptual model that accounts for the data and proposes a scheme for the temporal processing of spectral sensory information into a dynamic estimate of sound elevation.
A modeling of distance perception based on an auditory parallax model
Authors: Suzuki Yôiti , Takane Shouichi , Kim Hae-Young , Sone Toshio
Published: July 2002

Distance perception of sound from a source (<5 m) situated close to a listener was studied under the state without information on intensity and reflections using a small movable loudspeaker in an anechoic room. Distance perception in such a condition is modeled by use of the difference in HRTF (head-related transfer function) due to the parallax angle calculated from the difference between directions from each ear to the source. This model is called the ‘‘auditory parallax model’’ here. Sound signals to realize this model were digitally synthesized for the listening experiment. In addition, an experiment with an actual sound source and one with HRTF synthesized as precisely as possible were also conducted. The distances obtained for sound with the auditory parallax model and that with synthesized HRTF showed very similar tendencies to those with actual sound sources. That is, in all the three conditions, the perceived distance of a sound image monotonically increased with the physical distance of source for distances up to around 1.2 m. If the presented distance was over 1.2 m, the perceived distance increased lower. These results show that the cues for the distance perception derived by the auditory parallax model is almost sufficient.
Modeling global and focal hyperarticulation during human–computer error resolution
Authors: Oviatt Sharon , Levow Gina-Anne , Moreton Elliott , MacEachern Margaret
Published: July 2002

When resolving errors with interactive systems, people sometimes hyperarticulate—or adopt a clarified style of speech that has been associated with increased recognition errors. The primary goals of the present study were: (1) to provide a comprehensive analysis of acoustic, prosodic, and phonological adaptations to speech during human–computer error resolution after different types of recognition error; and (2) to examine changes in speech during both global and focal utterance repairs. A semi-automatic simulation method with a novel error-generation capability was used to compare speech immediately before and after system recognition errors. Matched original-repeat utterance pairs then were analyzed for type and magnitude of linguistic adaptation during global and focal repairs. Results indicated that the primary hyperarticulate changes in speech following all error types were durational, with increases in number and length of pauses most noteworthy. Speech also was adapted toward a more deliberate and hyperclear articulatory style. During focal error repairs, large durational effects functioned together with pitch and amplitude to provide selective prominence marking of the repair region. These results corroborate and generalize the computer-elicited hyperarticulate adaptation model (CHAM). Implications are discussed for improved error handling in next-generation spoken language and multimodal systems.
Sub-bottom scattering: A modeling approach
Authors: Holland Charles W. , Neumann Peter
Published: July 2002

Bottom scatter strength data exhibit artifacts when the sub-bottom plays a role in the scattering process. The artifacts arise from the classical assumption in the data processing that the scattering process occurs at the water–sediment interface. Many of the current bottom scattering models, even those that explicitly treat sub-bottom scattering, do not address these artifacts. A new bottom scatter modeling approach is proposed. The essence of the approach is to (1) employ a geoacoustic model capable of predicting the sub-bottom insonified field, (2) avoid the usual plane-wave assumption, and (3) compute the received level in the time domain. The first condition suggests the analysis of bottom loss data concurrent with bottom scatter data and leads naturally to the idea of a self-consistent geoacoustic basis. The model is employed to analyze a data set that showed surprising discrepancies between low angle (<20°) and intermediate angle (28°–50°) bottom scattering strength. The proposed acoustic model predicts this discrepancy, which arises from the fact that the two angular regimes are controlled by entirely different scattering mechanisms. The difference in mechanisms suggests caution in the current and common practice of extrapolation from survey (intermediate angle) measurements to the low angles of interest for system performance prediction.
Application of genetic algorithms to ultrasonic tomography
Authors: Delsanto P. P. , Romano A. , Scalerandi M. , Moldoveanu F.
Published: July 2002

A new method for ultrasonic tomography based on genetic algorithms is proposed for the prediction of the geometry of an inclusion of known physical properties in a given specimen. New inversion operators are introduced in order to take full advantage of the physical properties of the system investigated. The efficiency of the proposed method is tested through a comparison with other existing techniques for the solution of the inverse problem. The accuracy of the procedure is verified by using a variety of sets of synthetic data. Good and fast convergence is obtained even in the case of complex geometries if parallel processing is adopted.
A seven-octave-bandwidth echo sounding system for application to fish and zooplankton
Authors: Foote Kenneth G. , Knutsen Tor , Atkins Philip R. , Bongiovanni Claire , Francis David T. I. , Eriksen Peter K. , Mortensen Tom
Published: July 2002

A new echo sounder has been designed and built for measuring broadband acoustic scattering signatures of fish and zooplankton (BASS), which is also the name of the underwriting EU MAST-III project. Development of the system is described in terms of four elements: (1) acoustics, consisting of seven nominally octave-bandwidth transducers spanning the frequency range 25 kHz to 3.2 MHz, depth rated to 300 m, (2) electronics, for control of the transmission and echo reception processes, (3) man–machine interface, allowing remote operation of the transducers and electronics by a menu-driven personal computer, and (4) housing, including mounting of transducers on a bracket and packaging of electronics in a proximate pressure vessel. The system is presently configured for use as a vertical sonde, with ship-derived power. Early in situ applications to euphausiids and Norwegian spring-spawning herring observed on cruises in October and December 1998 are described. The issue of calibration is addressed. Supporting work on modeling the backscattering cross section of marine organisms based on measurement of their morphology and physical properties, and on measuring the same cross section ex situ in a so-called mesocosm of approximate volume 100 cubic meters, is mentioned. [Work supported by the EU through RTD Contract No. MAS3-CT95-0031.]
Detection of modulation in spectral envelopes and linear-rippled noises by budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)
Authors: Amagai Satoshi , Dooling Robert J. , Shamma Shihab , Kidd Tracy L. , Lohr Bernard
Published: July 2002

Budgerigars were trained to discriminate complex sounds with two different types of spectral profiles from flat-spectrum, wideband noise. In one case, complex sounds with a sinusoidal ripple in (log) amplitude across (log) frequency bandwidth were generated by combining 201 logarithmically spaced tones covering the frequency region from 500 Hz to 10 kHz. A second type of rippled stimulus was generated by delaying broadband noise and adding it to the original noise in an iterative fashion. In each case, thresholds for modulation depth (i.e., peak-to-valley in dB) were measured at several different ripple frequencies (i.e., cycles/octave for logarithmic profiles) or different repetition pitches (i.e., delay for ripple noises). Budgerigars were similar to humans in detecting ripple at low spatial frequencies, but were considerably more sensitive than humans in detecting ripples in log ripple spectra at high spatial frequencies. Budgerigars were also similar to humans in detecting linear ripple in broadband noise over a wide range of repetition pitches. Taken together, these data show that the avian auditory system is at least as good, if not better, than the human auditory system at detecting spectral ripples in noise despite gross anatomical differences in both the peripheral and central auditory nervous systems.
Predicting the detectability of tones with unexpected durations
Authors: Dai Huanping , Wright Beverly A.
Published: July 2002

This letter supplies the predictions of the energy-detector model and two versions of the multiple-look model for detecting tones with unexpected durations.
Respiratory system changes in relation to prosodic cues at the beginning of speech
Authors: Slifka Janet
Published: July 2002

The research presented here examines regional changes in respiratory drive and respiratory-influenced laryngeal adjustments in relation to acoustic signal changes associated with prosody. The respiratory system acts to create subglottal pressure (PSG). When PSG is changing rapidly, such as at the initiation of an utterance at the start of an exhalation, timing and amplitude constraints may be present. The actions of the articulators and the chest wall must be coordinated to rapidly reverse a negative PSG during inhalation to a PSG in the speech range. The current study has involved collection of simultaneous recordings of the acoustic signal and several physiologically related signals including subglottal pressure as estimated from esophageal pressure. Test utterances either begin with a stressed syllable or have one unstressed syllable prior to the first stressed syllable. Present results indicate that: (1) PSG continues to rise from the initiation of an exhale until the first stressed syllable; (2) PSG falls following the initial peak; and (3) fundamental frequency rise is not directly related to the rise in PSG. Applications such as articulatory-related speech synthesis may benefit from such information. [This research was supported in part by NIH grants ♯5T32DC00038 and ♯5R01-DC00266-14.]
Intermediate range fish detection with a 12-kHz sidescan sonar
Authors: Farmer David M. , Trevorrow Mark V. , Pedersen Bjarke
Published: July 2002

The application of a prototype 12-kHz sidescan sonar suitable for horizontal imaging of fish distributions is described. The sonar consisted of a 40-element (20λ) array transmitting a 1600 Hz×0.2 s FM sweep with correlation processing of the received echoes. Observations are reported for two different implementations: (i) a configuration in which the sonar was towed at ∼35 m in water of depth 60–220 m in the southern Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, where the primary target was sockeye salmon, and (ii) a bottom-mounted deployment in a shallow (10–14 m) channel near Copenhagen, Denmark, where herring were present. In the Strait of Georgia, discrete fish targets were detected with up to 25-dB signal-to-reverberation ratio at ranges from 1 to 7 km. In the shallow Danish waters, herring schools were detected at ranges up to 1.2 km. In each case an acoustic propagation analysis identifies the useful detection characteristics. In the Strait of Georgia the signal is confined to a subsurface sound channel, requiring additional knowledge of vertical distributions of salmon in order to make abundance estimates. In contrast, fish detectability is nearly depth independent in the shallow Danish waters. In the Danish deployment the sonar could be swept in azimuth, providing a sequence of sector images that reveals the changing shape and movement of herring schools. These preliminary results provide an indication of the potential value and limitations of intermediate range sidescan surveys for fish stock assessment.
Using phase space diagrams to interpret multiple frequency drive sonoluminescence
Authors: Ketterling Jeffrey A. , Apfel Robert E.
Published: July 2002

The recent experimental results of J. Holzfuss, M. Rüggeberg, and R. Mettin [Phys. Rev. Lett. 81, 1961 (1998)] in which a second harmonic drive system was used to generate sonoluminescence (SL) have been analyzed in the context of the dissociation hypothesis (DH) of D. Lohse and S. Hilgenfeldt [J. Chem. Phys. 107, 6986 (1997)]. The second harmonic introduces two more variables that are under experimental control: a phase and an additional pressure term to the acoustic drive pressure. Diffusive equilibrium curves for a fixed gas concentration were calculated as was the Mach criterion. A phase space diagram was constructed to permit the prediction of regions of stable SL, unstable SL, stable non-SL, and unstable non-SL. These were compared to Holzfuss' experimental observations, and excellent quantitative agreement was seen. The results provide further evidence that the underlying assumptions of DH are sound. They also indicate the utility of DH for determining appropriate experimental conditions to achieve SL and for optimizing an experimental system.
Contribution to the hydroacoustic ocean monitoring of the UN Test Ban Treaty; signal classification by an autonomous buoy system
Authors: Brecht Dieter , Ginzkey Lothar
Published: July 2002

A concept for the detection of nuclear underwater explosions in the ocean with an autonomous, battery supplied hydroacoustic monitoring station is described. According to 26 Article IV of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), a low-cost station can be used as a quick temporary substitute in order to provide for cases of breakdown of a permanent facility. The on-board detector uses robust criteria to reduce false alarms caused by the background of natural events. For suspicious events, the typical characteristics are transmitted by a surface buoy satellite link to the data center. The classification technique has been tested with real data. With simple rules, an effective false alarm suppression can be achieved without losing sensitivity against suspicious in-water explosions.
Vocal control of acoustic information for sonar discriminations by the echolocating bat, Eptesicus fuscus
Authors: Wadsworth James , Moss Cynthia F.
Published: July 2002

This study aimed to determine whether bats using frequency modulated (FM) echolocation signals adapt the features of their vocalizations to the perceptual demands of a particular sonar task. Quantitative measures were obtained from the vocal signals produced by echolocating bats (Eptesicus fuscus) that were trained to perform in two distinct perceptual tasks, echo delay and Doppler-shift discriminations. In both perceptual tasks, the bats learned to discriminate electronically manipulated playback signals of their own echolocation sounds, which simulated echoes from sonar targets. Both tasks utilized a single-channel electronic target simulator and tested the bat’s in a two-alternative forced choice procedure. The results of this study demonstrate changes in the features of the FM bats’ sonar sounds with echolocation task demands, lending support to the notion that this animal actively controls the echo information that guides its behavior.
On the Properties of the Motion With Constant Stretch History Occurring in the Maxwell Rheometer
Authors: Huilgol R. R.
Published: July 2002

The motion in the Maxwell orthogonal rheometer has been treated by several authors recently. The original purpose of this instrument was to measure the normal and shear stresses in a polymer melt being subjected to a shearing in three directions simultaneously. Later on, attempts were made to relate the experiment to the material constants of a nonlinear Maxwell model and an empirical model. The purpose of this article is two fold: to show that the steady motion in this rheometer is a motion with constant stretch history, and then to determine the five material functions for the general simple fluid if it were used in the rheometer. It is found that a close relation exists between these five material functions and the viscometric functions. The BKZ model is used to compute the stresses for this flow. The relation between the measured forces in the rheometer and the material functions is pointed out, and it is shown that this rheometer can be used to determine whether the fluid being sheared is a simple fluid with fading memory or not. In the Appendix it is shown that for the BKZ model, the memory functions determined from viscometric flows can be used to calculate the present five functions at low shear rates.
Long term stability of a modern powder diffractometer
Authors: Wunschel Markus , Dinnebier Robert E. , van Smaalen Sander
Published: July 2002

The characteristics of the (101) peak of α-quartz and the (104) peak of the NIST SRM 1976 alumina flat plate standard have been measured in dependence of time for 60 h with Cu-Kα1 radiation in Bragg-Brentano geometry with a Philips X’Pert diffractometer equipped with a primary Ge(111) monochromator. It was found that the reproducibility of the peak position and the peak shape falls well in the ±3σ range, whereas the peak intensity strongly depends on the power history of the X-ray generator and the temperature of the diffraction system. The effects on Rietveld refinements are discussed and recommendations are given for optimized data collection.
X-ray powder data for a new phase of dicalcium silicate, x-Ca2SiO4
Authors: Yamazaki S. , Toraya H.
Published: July 2002

X-ray powder diffraction data for a new phase of dicalcium silicate, x-Ca2SiO4, are reported. The sample was prepared by the dehydration of hydrothermally synthesized α-type dicalcium silicate hydrate, Ca2(SiO4H)OH, at a temperature of 800 °C. Crystallographic data were Ca2SiO4, monoclinic, P21/c (No. 14), a=8.2127(5), b=9.7930(4), c=9.7954(5) Å, β=94.848(5)°, V=785.00(7) Å3, Z=8, and Dx=2.91 g·cm−3.
The structure of two manganese hexacyanometallates(II): Mn2[Fe(CN)6].8H2O and Mn2[Os(CN)6].8H2O
Authors: Gómez A. , Lara V. H. , Bosch P. , Reguera E.
Published: July 2002

The crystal structures of two manganese hexacyanometallates(II), Mn2[Fe(CN)6].8H2O and Mn2[Os(CN)6].8H2O, were refined from X-ray powder diffraction data using the Rietveld method, with the reported structure for Mn2[Ru(CN)6].8H2O used as a structural model. These compounds are isomorphous and crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/n. Their crystallization water is not firmly bound and can be removed without disrupting the M–C≡N–Mn network. In the dehydrated complexes, the outer cation (Mn) remains linked to only three N atoms from CN ligands while the inner cation (Fe,Os) preserves its coordination sphere. The IR, Raman, and Mössbauer spectra for the hydrated and anhydrous forms are explained based on the refined structures.
Association of Spironolactone Use With Risk of Cancer
Authors: Bommareddy Kanthi , Hamade Hassan , Lopez-Olivo Maria A. , Wehner Mackenzie , Tosh Traci , Barbieri John S.
Published: February 2022

Importance

While originally approved for the management of heart failure, hypertension, and edema, spironolactone is commonly used off label in the management of acne, hidradenitis, androgenetic alopecia, and hirsutism. However, spironolactone carries an official warning from the US Food and Drug Administration regarding potential for tumorigenicity.

Objective

To determine the pooled occurrence of cancers, in particular breast and prostate cancers, among those who were ever treated with spironolactone.

Data Sources

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception through June 11, 2021. The search was restricted to studies in the English language.

Study Selection

Included studies reported the occurrence of cancers in men and women 18 years and older who were exposed to spironolactone.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Two independent reviewers (K.B. and H.H.) selected studies, extracted data, and appraised the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Studies were synthesized using random effects meta-analysis.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Cancer occurrence, with a focus on breast and prostate cancers.

Results

Seven studies met eligibility criteria, with sample sizes ranging from 18 035 to 2.3 million and a total population of 4 528 332 individuals (mean age, 62.6-72.0 years; in the studies without stratification by sex, women accounted for 17.2%-54.4%). All studies were considered to be of low risk of bias. No statistically significant association was observed between spironolactone use and risk of breast cancer (risk ratio [RR], 1.04; 95% CI, 0.86-1.22; certainty of evidence very low). There was an association between spironolactone use and decreased risk of prostate cancer (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.68-0.90; certainty of evidence very low). There was no statistically significant association between spironolactone use and risk of ovarian cancer (RR, 1.52; 95% CI, 0.84-2.20; certainty of evidence very low), bladder cancer (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.71-1.07; certainty of evidence very low), kidney cancer (RR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.85-1.07; certainty of evidence low), gastric cancer (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.80-1.24; certainty of evidence low), or esophageal cancer (RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.91-1.27; certainty of evidence low).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, spironolactone use was not associated with a substantial increased risk of cancer and was associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer. However, the certainty of the evidence was low and future studies are needed, including among diverse populations such as younger individuals and those with acne or hirsutism.
Proximate stimuli: An overlooked driving force for risk‐induced trait responses affecting interactions in aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Okamiya Hisanori , Kishida Osamu
Published: February 2022

Inducible responses in prey to predation risk can influence species interaction strength, with significant ecological consequences. Much of the past research on interactions in aquatic ecosystems has focused on remote stimuli (e.g., diffusible chemicals emitted from predators and injured conspecifics, which easily propagate through environmental water), as cues triggering trait responses in prey, and has overlooked the importance of proximate stimuli (e.g., physical disturbance and less‐diffusible chemicals), which occur in attack or direct contact to prey by predators. Proximate stimuli from predators as well as remote stimuli may induce significant responses in prey functional traits such as behavior, morphology, and life history and, therefore, act as an important mechanism of top‐down effects in aquatic ecosystems. In this opinion paper, we argue that studying the effects of proximate stimuli is essential to better understanding of individual adaptation to predation risk in nature and ecological consequences of predator–prey interactions. Here, we propose research directions to examine the role of proximate stimuli for phenotypic plasticity and interaction systems.
Optimizing the Electrocatalytic Selectivity of Carbon Dioxide Reduction Reaction by Regulating the Electronic Structure of Single‐Atom M‐N‐C Materials
Authors: Tang Tianmi , Wang Zhenlu , Guan Jingqi
Published: February 2022

Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) is an efficient strategy to relieve global environmental and energy issues by converting excess CO2 from the atmosphere to value‐added products. Atomically dispersed metal‐nitrogen‐doped carbon (M‐N‐C) materials are superior catalysts for electrocatalytic CO2RR because of the 100% atomic utilization, unsaturated coordination configuration, relatively uniform active sites, and well‐defined and adjustable structure of active centers. However, the electrochemical CO2RR is a great challenge due to the process involving proton‐coupled multi‐electron transfer with a high energy barrier, which leads to unsatisfactory selectivity to the targeted product, especially for C2 products (e.g., C2H4 and C2H5OH). Here, the authors systematically summarize effective means, including reasonable selection of isolated metal sites, regulation of the coordination environment of isolated metal atoms, and fabrication of dimetallic single‐atom sites for attaining optimal geometric and electronic structures of M‐N‐C materials and further correlate these structures with catalytic selectivity to various C1 (e.g., CO and CH4) and C2 products in the CO2RR. Moreover, constructive strategies to further optimize M‐N‐C materials for electrocatalytic CO2RR are provided. Finally, the challenges and future research directions of the application of M‐N‐C materials for electrocatalytic CO2RR are proposed.
Advances in MEMS and Microfluidics‐Based Energy Harvesting Technologies
Authors: Mahmud M. A. Parvez , Bazaz Sajad Razavi , Dabiri Soroush , Mehrizi Ali Abouei , Asadnia Mohsen , Warkiani Majid Ebrahimi , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: February 2022

Energy harvesting from mechanical vibrations, thermal gradients, electromagnetic radiations, and solar radiations has experienced rapid progress in recent times not only to develop an alternative power source that can replace conventional batteries to energize portable and personal electronics smartly but also to achieve sustainable self‐sufficient micro/nanosystems. Utilizing micro‐electromechanical system (MEMS) and microfluidics technologies through selective designs and fabrications effectively, those energy harvesters can be considerably downsized while ensuring a stable, portable, and consistent power supply. Although ambient energy sources such as solar radiation are harvested for decades, recent developments have enabled ambient vibrations, electromagnetic radiation, and heat to be harvested wirelessly, independently, and sustainably. Developments in the field of microfluidics have also led to the design and fabrication of novel energy harvesting devices. This paper reviews the recent advancements in energy harvesting technologies such as piezoelectric, electromagnetic, electrostatic, thermoelectric, radio frequency, and solar to drive self‐powered portable electronics. Moreover, the potential application of MEMS and microfluidics as well as MEMS‐based structures and fabrication techniques for energy harvesting are summarized and presented. Finally, a few crucial challenges affecting the performance of energy harvesters are addressed.
State‐of‐the‐Art Advances, Development, and Challenges of Metal Oxide Semiconductor Nanomaterials for Photothermal Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Tan Kar Woon , Yap Chun Man , Zheng Ziyue , Haw Choon Yian , Khiew Poi Sim , Chiu Wee Siong
Published: February 2022

Solar steam generation has drawn high levels of attention from the research community in recent years due to its wide application and abundantly available energy source—sunlight. To the best of the author's knowledge, a specialized overview of photothermal semiconductor solar steam generation has not been conducted to date. In this review, the recently reported solar evaporators using metal oxide semiconductors as the photoabsorber material are investigated, from the perspective of nanostructure, synthesis method, and installation method. A timeline sequence map is generated with the CiteSpace analysis tool to visualize the trend of metal oxide semiconductors as photoabsorbers. The nanostructure of metal oxide semiconductor is emphasized, due to its significant effect on regulating photothermal efficiency in solar steam generation. In addition, other considerations are suggested to enable a fair evaluation of future synthesized photoabsorbers, including cost, stability, reproducibility, recyclability, and regenerative ability. A brief summary of divergent application of solar steam generation is conducted to show the merits of solar steam generation, as well to provide insights for production of photoabsorbers targeted to varying usage and scenarios. Furthermore, the challenges and opportunities of metal oxide solar steam generation system are elaborated from the viewpoint of the authors, with the aim to provide useful insights for future development of photothermal solar steam generation.
Ensemble Machine‐Learning‐Based Analysis for In Situ Electron Diffraction
Authors: Ge Mengshu , Liu Xiaozhi , Zhao Zhicheng , Su Fei , Gu Lin , Su Dong
Published: February 2022

In situ transmission electron microscopy is an important characterization approach for exploring the structural dynamics of materials. However, the recorded high resolution in situ videos normally have tremendous amount of data, which is challenging for quantitative analysis. In case of in situ electron diffraction (ED), the classical analysis method only tracks changes of the integral profile and ignores important information of position, intensity, and distribution angle due to the lack of a proper data processing tool. In this work, an ensemble machine‐learning‐based framework which enables the fore‐and‐after tracking of all diffraction spots of an in situ ED video is established. As demonstrated in the case of the lithiation of the Co3O4 nanoparticles, the method precisely quantifies the changes of lattice parameters and then unveils the inhomogeneous structural evolution induced by the insertion of lithium ions. This method is generally applicable to analyze in situ ED data derived from any dynamical processes, enlarging the capability to grasp the key information from massive in situ data.
Induced Cognitive Impairments Reversed by Grafts of Neural Precursors: A Longitudinal Study in a Macaque Model of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Wianny Florence , Dzahini Kwamivi , Fifel Karim , Wilson Charles Robert Eden , Bernat Agnieszka , Dolmazon Virginie , Misery Pierre , Lamy Camille , Giroud Pascale , Cooper Howard Michael , Knoblauch Kenneth , Procyk Emmanuel , Kennedy Henry , Savatier Pierre , Dehay Colette , Vezoli Julien
Published: February 2022

Parkinson's disease (PD) evolves over an extended and variable period in humans; years prior to the onset of classical motor symptoms, sleep and biological rhythm disorders develop, significantly impacting the quality‐of‐life of patients. Circadian‐rhythm disorders are accompanied by mild cognitive deficits that progressively worsen with disease progression and can constitute a severe burden for patients at later stages. The gold‐standard 6‐methyl‐1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridin (MPTP) macaque model of PD recapitulates the progression of motor and nonmotor symptoms over contracted periods of time. Here, this multidisciplinary/multiparametric study follows, in five animals, the steady progression of motor and nonmotor symptoms and describes their reversal following grafts of neural precursors in diverse functional domains of the basal ganglia. Results show unprecedented recovery from cognitive symptoms in addition to a strong clinical motor recuperation. Both motor and cognitive recovery and partial circadian rhythm recovery correlate with the degree of graft integration, and in a subset of animals, with in vivo levels of striatal dopaminergic innervation and function. The present study provides empirical evidence that integration of neural precursors following transplantation efficiently restores function at multiple levels in parkinsonian nonhuman primates and, given interindividuality of disease progression and recovery, underlines the importance of longitudinal multidisciplinary assessments in view of clinical translation.
Fate of nitrogen (15N) fertilizer in tall fescue seed systems at different application timings
Authors: Carrijo Daniela R. , Verhoeven Elizabeth
Published: February 2022

Optimal stewardship of fertilizer N is necessary to reduce the effects of reactive N on the environment. However, insufficient information on fertilizer fate and N use efficiency is available for tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Shreb.) Dumort.] seed crops. Furthermore, changing weather patterns can lead to increasingly early spring N applications. A field trial using 15N‐labeled urea applied at three spring timings (Early, Late, and Split) was implemented at three locations in western Oregon representing different soil drainage levels. We hypothesized that Early applications on the location having a poorly drained soil would lead to the highest fertilizer N losses and the lowest fertilizer N recovery efficiency (REN) at harvest. The REN was not affected by application timing or location and averaged 57%. Overall, 91% of fertilizer was recovered in the soil–plant system at harvest, with 24% remaining in the soil (0–45 cm), almost all in the organic pool, and 10% remaining in belowground (roots and crowns) biomass. Six months after harvest (i.e., 1 yr after application), total fertilizer recovery in the plant–soil system was unchanged. Spring fertilizer contributed only 31% of aboveground N content at harvest, indicating that N sources outside of spring fertilizer applications supplied most of plant N demand. Combined, our results suggest that fertilizer rates could be reduced and that historical N applications may be leading to elevated soil N and N cycling. Further, we show preliminary evidence that roots and crowns can play an important role in cycling fertilizer N in tall fescue seed systems.
Computational fluid dynamics modeling of biomass catalytic fast pyrolysis in bubbling fluidized reactor: Effects of catalyst parameters on process performance
Authors: Qiu Yajun , Xu Qixiang , Pang Shusheng , Ma Xiaoyuechuan
Published: February 2022

In this study, a computational fluid dynamics mathematical model has been developed for catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) of biomass based on multiphase flow, transfer process, and biomass pyrolysis reactions in a bubbling fluidized bed reactor. The multiphase fluid flow, and the inter‐phase momentum and energy transfer processes are modeled with Eulerian multiphase formulas, representing the flows of gases and solids (catalyst and biomass) within the reactor. The biomass CFP reactions are described by using a two‐stage, semi‐global model. Specified secondary tar catalytic cracking process, which considers both intrinsic reaction rates and mass‐transfer process, is embedded to the developed model by user‐defined function. The model simulation results of pyrolysis product yield and distribution are compared with the experimental data with close agreement. The model is then employed to investigate the effects of structural properties of catalyst, such as specific internal area, average size of active sites, pore diameter, and tortuosity, on products yields and composition. The tar cracking process by the selected catalyst is proposed and the influences of adsorption capability of tar molecule on catalyst surface and external film mass transfer are also analyzed. The developed model can be solved with short computational time and thus it can be employed for further research and engineering designs of the catalytic pyrolysis of carbonaceous materials.
Acute cholangitis due to food reflux after self‐expanding metal stent implantation without duodenal obstruction: A case report
Authors: Yang Min‐Jie , Han Ming‐Lun , Liu Kao‐Lang , Chien Yu‐Heng
Published: February 2022

Acute cholangitis has been reported as an uncommon adverse event after self‐expandable metallic stent (SEMS) implantation. Herein, we report a case of an acute cholangitis caused by duodenal refluxate without duodenal obstruction. A 62‐year‐old woman received SEMS for an obstructive jaundice caused by a pancreatic head adenocarcinoma. She had been in stable condition until her percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) was clamped on the second postoperative day, and when a high fever and severe right epigastric pain developed. Fecal‐impacted bowel loops were found through abdominal X‐rays, and food contents were drained from PTCD afterward. Acute cholangitis caused by SEMS migration was initially suspected, and SEMS revision was performed two times, which did not improve the chymus reflux from PTCD. Metoclopramide was given after the second SEMS revision, and post‐procedural upper gastrointestinal series with urografin shows no duodenal obstruction. No febrile event has been noted since the administration of metoclopramide. Acute cholangitis after SEMS implantation without duodenal obstruction could develop in patient with moderate to severe constipation. Prompt post‐procedural prophylactic prokinetics for few days may prevent such episodes.
Efficacy of local‐regional treatment plus sorafenib in intermediate‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma patients refractory to transarterial chemoembolization
Authors: Hong Tzu‐Chun , Tsai Hong‐Ming , Lin Yih‐Jyh , Chen Chiung‐Yu , Chuang Chiao‐Hsiung , Wu I‐Chin , Chang Ting‐Tsung , Han Meng‐Zhi , Lin Sheng‐Hsiang , Chen Shang‐Hung , Wang Hao‐Chen , Chen Po‐Jun , Hsieh Ming‐Tsung , Chiang Hsueh‐Chien , Liu Chieh‐Yen , Kuo Hsin‐Yu
Published: February 2022

Sorafenib treatment is suggested for patients with intermediate‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) refractory to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). This study aimed to study if combining local‐regional treatment with sorafenib adds benefit to patients who had tumor progression after three sessions of TACE within 12 months. We retrospectively analyzed the treatment outcomes of sorafenib alone and combined treatment of sorafenib and local‐regional therapies in intermediate‐stage HCC patients after using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Forty‐nine patients were enrolled; 28 patients were treated with sorafenib alone, whereas 21 patients received TACE or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in addition to sorafenib. After IPTW, the two groups were well‐balanced for most baseline characteristics. The overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were significantly higher in the sorafenib‐combination group than the sorafenib‐alone group (ORR: 41.3% vs 10.0%, P = .001; DCR: 44.6% vs 22.1%). The PFS was also significantly longer in the patients of the sorafenib‐combination group than the alone group (median 5.3 vs 3.0 months, HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.35‐0.88). The risk of extrahepatic metastases was significantly lower in the sorafenib‐combination group (HR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01‐0.50). The incidence of adverse events was comparable between sorafenib‐combination and sorafenib‐alone groups. Loco‐regional therapy may be still able to exert additional survival benefit to patients taking sorafenib for TACE‐refractory intermediate‐stage HCC showing a better PFS and lower risk of extrahepatic metastases without causing significant liver dysfunction. Further investigations to identify patients who will be more likely to benefit from the combination of sorafenib with local‐regional therapy are needed.
Ultrasensitive Flexible Memory Phototransistor with Detectivity of 1.8×1013 Jones for Artificial Visual Nociceptor
Authors: Gong Yue , Xing Xuechao , Lv Ziyu , Chen Jiangming , Xie Peng , Wang Yan , Huang Shenming , Zhou Ye , Han Su-Ting
Published: February 2022

Emerging intelligent devices that can simulate an artificial intelligence vision system are of great interest for the development of modern information technology. Nociceptor is a crucial sensory neuron that recognizes harmful inputs and sends pain signals to the central nervous system to avoid injury; however, visual nociceptors, considered to be a key bionic function to protect eyesight based on optoelectronic devices, have yet to be developed. Herein this study, a three‐terminal flexible memory phototransistor (MPT) is first fabricated, which simulates the visual nociceptive behavior by adjusting light stimulation. The CsPbBr3 quantum‐dots (QDs)‐few‐layered black phosphorous nanosheets (FLBP NSs) heterojunction MPT demonstrates high responsivity of 7.2 × 103 AW−1 and high detectivity of 1.8 × 1013 Jones due to the high absorption coefficient of CsPbBr3 QDs materials and a high carrier transport property of FLBP NSs. Moreover, the proposed device can be used to emulate ultraviolet‐stimuli‐induced characteristics of visual nociceptors such as a threshold, no adaption, relaxation, allodynia, and hyperalgesia. It provides a new avenue for the realization of next‐generation neural‐integrated devices via its visual pain sense‐perception abilities.
Nanoparticle Internalization Promotes the Survival of Primary Macrophages
Authors: Jarai Bader M. , Fromen Catherine A.
Published: February 2022

Macrophages, a class of tissue resident innate immune cells, are responsible for sequestering foreign objects through the process of phagocytosis, making them a promising target for immune modulation via particulate engineering. Herein, it is reported that nanoparticle (NP) dosing and cellular internalization via phagocytosis significantly enhance survival of ex vivo cultures of primary bone marrow‐derived, alveolar, and peritoneal macrophages over particle‐free controls. The enhanced survival is attributed to suppression of caspase‐dependent apoptosis and is linked to phagocytosis and lysosomal signaling. Uniquely, poly(ethylene glycol)‐based NP treatment extends cell viability in the absence of macrophage polarization and enhances expression of prosurvival B cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2) protein in macrophages following multiple routes of in vivo administration. The enhanced survival phenomenon is also applicable to NPs of alternative chemistries, indicating the potential universality of this phenomenon with relevant drug delivery particles. These findings provide a framework for extending the lifespan of primary macrophages ex vivo for drug screening, vaccine studies, and cell therapies and have implications for in vivo particulate immune‐engineering applications.
Luciferin Synthesis and Pesticide Detection by Luminescence Enzymatic Cascades
Authors: Watthaisong Pratchaya , Kamutira Philaiwarong , Kesornpun Chatchai , Pongsupasa Vinutsada , Phonbuppha Jittima , Tinikul Ruchanok , Maenpuen Somchart , Wongnate Thanyaporn , Nishihara Ryo , Ohmiya Yoshihiro , Chaiyen Pimchai
Published: February 2022

D‐Luciferin (D‐LH2), a substrate of firefly luciferase (Fluc), is important for a wide range of bioluminescence applications. This work reports a new and green method using enzymatic reactions (HELP, HadA Enzyme for Luciferin Preparation) to convert 19 phenolic derivatives to 8 D‐LH2 analogues with ≈51 % yield. The method can synthesize the novel 5′‐methyl‐D‐LH2 and 4′,5′‐dimethyl‐D‐LH2, which have never been synthesized or found in nature. 5′‐Methyl‐D‐LH2 emits brighter and longer wavelength light than the D‐LH2. Using HELP, we further developed LUMOS (Luminescence Measurement of Organophosphate and Derivatives) technology for in situ detection of organophosphate pesticides (OPs) including parathion, methyl parathion, EPN, profenofos, and fenitrothion by coupling the reactions of OPs hydrolase and Fluc. The LUMOS technology can detect these OPs at parts per trillion (ppt) levels. The method can directly detect OPs in food and biological samples without requiring sample pretreatment.
Logical Analysis of Multiple Single‐Nucleotide‐Polymorphisms with Programmable DNA Molecular Computation for Clinical Diagnostics
Authors: Zhang Chao , Zheng Tingting , Ma Qian , Yang Linlin , Zhang Mingzhi , Wang Junyan , Teng Xiaoyan , Miao Yanyan , Lin Hsiao‐chu , Yang Yang , Han Da
Published: February 2022

Analyzing complex single‐nucleotide‐polymorphism (SNP) combinations in the genome is important for research and clinical applications, given that different SNP combinations can generate different phenotypic consequences. Recent works have shown that DNA‐based molecular computing is powerful for simultaneously sensing and analyzing complex molecular information. Here, we designed a switching circuit‐based DNA computational scheme that can integrate the sensing of multiple SNPs and simultaneously perform logical analysis of the detected SNP information to directly report clinical outcomes. As a demonstration, we successfully achieved automatic and accurate identification of 21 different blood group genotypes from 83 clinical blood samples with 100 % accuracy compared to sequencing data in a more rapid manner (3 hours). Our method enables a new mode of automatic and logical sensing and analyzing subtle molecular information for clinical diagnosis, as well as guiding personalized medication.
Support‐Free PEDOT:PSS Fibers as Multifunctional Microelectrodes for In Vivo Neural Recording and Modulation
Authors: Xu Tianci , Ji Wenliang , Wang Xiaofang , Zhang Yue , Zeng Hui , Mao Lanqun , Zhang Meining
Published: February 2022

In vivo microelectrodes are essential for neuroscience studies. However, development of microelectrodes with both flexibility and multifunctionality for recording chemical and electrical signals in the same extracellular microspace and modulating neural activity remains challenging. Here, we find that pure PEDOT:PSS fibers (i.e., support‐free) exhibit high conductivity, fast heterogeneous electron transfer, and suitable charge storage and injection capabilities, and can thus directly act as microelectrodes not only for chemical and electrophysiological recording in the same extracellular microspace, but also for electromodulation of neural microcircuit activity. Moreover, the microelectrodes mechanically match with neural tissues, exhibiting less foreign body responses. Given the multifunctionality, flexibility, and biocompatibility, the support‐free PEDOT:PSS‐based microelectrodes offer a new avenue to microelectrode technology for neuroscience research, diagnostics and therapeutics.
Static Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Images Reveal the Mechanism of Supramolecular Polymerization of an Oligopyridine on Graphite
Authors: Goll Felix D. , Taubmann Gerhard , Ziener Ulrich
Published: February 2022

Supramolecular polymerization of a donor–acceptor bisterpyridine (BTP) equipped with an electron‐rich carbazole unit is observed by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) at the highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG)|solution interface. It is shown that two‐dimensional crystals of supramolecular (co)polymers are formed by chain growth polymerization, which in turn can be described by copolymerization statistics. From concentration‐dependent measurements, derived copolymerization parameters and DFT calculations, a mechanism for self‐assembly is developed that suggests a kinetically driven polymerization process in combination with thermodynamically controlled crystallization.