bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of the head-related transfer function at close range
Authors: Calamia Paul T. , Hixson Elmer L.
Published: July 2002

The head-related transfer function (HRTF) is generally considered to be a function of four variables: azimuth, elevation, range (all measured in a head-centered coordinate system), and frequency. The range dependence drops off with increasing distance, and thus HRTFs measured at a sufficiently large distance from the head may accurately represent the function at all points in the head’s ‘‘far field.’’ This fact has resulted in a large body of research on far-field HRTFs, while very little has been done to characterize the function at close range. In this on-going work, HRTF measurements are being made on a KEMAR manikin at distances of 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 m. The experimental setup and procedure will be discussed, as will the results of the measurements. Preliminary analysis in anticipation of the authors’ future work in close-range sound localization may also be presented.
Trends in electromechanical transduction
Authors: Busch-Vishniac Ilene
Published: July 2002

Electromechanical transducers (sensors and actuators) are devices which link electrical and mechanical energy domains. Ideal sensors are transducers in which the state of a system is monitored without being affected. Ideal actuators are transducers in which a system state is imposed, regardless of the load imposed. In recent years there has been growing attention on electromechanical transducers for a number of reasons: they are becoming more common in consumer items instead of being limited to laboratory equipment and industrial facilities; the demands placed on transducers, particularly with regard to size, speed, cost, and sensitivity, are becoming progressively harder to meet; the applications arenas for transducers are expanding to new domains; there is a push for miniaturization of sensors and actuators; more attention is being focused on actuators, as they are very difficult to design; and the time from discovery of new materials and techniques to the application in transducers is shrinking significantly. These trends, supported with reviews of research in the area, will be examined. Repercussions of these trends, current and in the near future, will also be discussed.
Formant trajectory characteristics in persons with Parkinson, cerebellar, and upper motor neuron disease
Authors: Weismer Gary , Wildermuth Jill
Published: July 2002

Vocalic nuclei appear to have a good deal of importance in understanding the speech motor control deficit in dysarthria. Research in our laboratory over the past ten years has shown that the slope of formant transitions and the size of the acoustic vowel space are both predictive of the speech intelligibility deficit associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Moreover, certain aspects of formant trajectories, such as transition duration and transition extent, seem to provide useful inferences about the articulatory disorder in ALS and in Parkinson disease (PD). In the present study the investigation of vocalic nucleus production in persons with dysarthria is broadened, by reporting on formant trajectory characteristics of persons with Parkinson, cerebellar, and upper motor neuron disease due to stroke. The hypothesis of pathology-specific trajectory characteristics is evaluated, and some methodological considerations concerning the parametrization of formant trajectories are discussed. [Work supported by NIDCD DC00319.]
Syllable-based speech recognition using auditorylike features
Authors: Greenberg Steven , Arai Takayuki , Kingsbury Brian , Morgan Nelson , Shire Michael , Silipo Rosaria , Wu Su-Lin
Published: July 2002

Classical models of speech recognition (both human and machine) assume that a detailed, short-term analysis of the signal is essential for accurate decoding of spoken language via a linear sequence of phonetic segments. This classical framework is incommensurate with quantitative acoustic/phonetic analyses of spontaneous discourse (e.g., the Switchboard corpus for American English). Such analyses indicate that the syllable, rather than the phone, is likely to serve as the representational interface between sound and meaning, providing a relatively stable representation of lexically relevant information across a wide range of speaking and acoustic conditions. The auditory basis of this syllabic representaion appears to be derived from the low-frequency (2–16 Hz) modulation spectrum, whose temporal properties correspond closely to the distribution of syllabic durations observed in spontaneous speech. Perceptual experiments confirm the importance of the modulation spectrum for understanding spoken language and demonstrate that the intelligibility of speech is derived from both the amplitude and phase components of this spectral representation. Syllable-based automatic speech recognition systems, currently under development, have proven useful under various acoustic conditions representative of the real world (such as reverberation and background noise) when used in conjunction with more traditional, phone-based recognition systems.
Importance of temporal-envelope cues in consonant recognition
Authors: van der Horst René , Leeuw A. Rens , Dreschler Wouter A.
Published: July 2002

The role of different modulation frequencies in the speech envelope were studied by means of the manipulation of vowel–consonant–vowel (VCV) syllables. The envelope of the signal was extracted from the speech and the fine-structure was replaced by speech-shaped noise. The temporal envelopes in every critical band of the speech signal were notch filtered in order to assess the relative importance of different modulation frequency regions between 0 and 20 Hz. For this purpose notch filters around three center frequencies (8, 12, and 16 Hz) with three different notch widths (4-, 8-, and 12-Hz wide) were used. These stimuli were used in a consonant-recognition task in which ten normal-hearing subjects participated, and their results were analyzed in terms of recognition scores. More qualitative information was obtained with a multidimensional scaling method (INDSCAL) and sequential information analysis (SINFA). Consonant recognition is very robust for the removal of certain modulation frequency areas. Only when a wide notch around 8 Hz is applied does the speech signal become heavily degraded. As expected, the voicing information is lost, while there are different effects on plosiveness and nasality. Even the smallest filtering has a substantial effect on the transfer of the plosiveness feature, while on the other hand, filtering out only the low-modulation frequencies has a substantial effect on the transfer of nasality cues.
Low-frequency ambient sound in the North Pacific: Long time series observations
Authors: Curtis Keith R. , Howe Bruce M. , Mercer James A.
Published: July 2002

Long-term statistics of ambient sound in an ocean basin have been derived from 2 years of data collected on 13 widely distributed receivers in the North Pacific. The data consist of single hydrophone spectra (1–500 Hz in 1-Hz bands) averaged over 170 s and recorded at 5-min intervals. Cumulative probability distributions of the ambient sound level show that for the open-ocean arrays at 75 Hz, sound levels are 3 dB higher than the median level 10% of the time and 6 dB higher 1% of the time. For the coastal arrays, sound levels are 7 dB higher than the median level 10% of the time and 15 dB higher 1% of the time. The clearest feature in many of the spectrograms is a strong annual cycle in the 15–22 Hz band with peak signal levels up to 25 dB above the sound floor; this cycle is attributed to the presence and migration of blue and fin whales. On average, whales are detected 43% of the time. Ships are heard 31%–85% of the time on the coastal receivers and 19%–87% of the time on the open-ocean receivers, depending on the receiver. On average, ships are detected 55% of the time. The correlation coefficient between the sound level in the 200–400 Hz band and wind speed, determined from satellite and global meteorological analysis, is on average 0.56 for the coastal receivers and 0.79 for the open-ocean receivers. For some receivers, the sound level in the 12–15 Hz band is correlated with the sound level in the 200–400 Hz band, with a correlation coefficient of 0.5.
Sound scattering by bubble clouds near the sea surface
Authors: Gaunaurd Guillermo C. , Huang Hanson
Published: July 2002

The classical exact formulation required to evaluate the form function (or the scattering cross-section, SCS) of a single, ideal, air bubble in a boundless liquid is briefly recalled. It is then immediately generalized to the case of a round cloud of many possibly interacting such bubbles of known volume concentration, contained within the same boundless medium. This is further generalized to the case when the bubble cloud is near a free surface. The presence of the nearby pressure release surface, assumed flat, substantially alters the cloud’s scattering cross-section relative to its value in the absence of boundaries. We then use an earlier technique of ours [i.e., see I.E.E.E. J. Ocean. Eng. 20, 285–293 (1995)] based on the method of images that uses the addition theorem for the spherical wave functions, to relate all the scattered sound fields to a common origin and thus obtain the (modified) SCS of the cloud now near the boundary. This formulation accounts for all orders of multiple scattering and yields an infinite set of coupled algebraic equations for the coupling coefficients. This set is then solved for the coupling coefficients in terms of infinite sums of products of pairs of Wigner 3-j symbols, which are then used to construct and evaluate the form function. We display numerical results in four cases that correspond to geographical sites in which the bubble concentrations within the cloud have been measured along a couple of oblique upward directions, or have been assumed to have increasing (and in a few instances, purposely unrealistically high) values. In all cases considered here the bubble clouds are only a few meters beneath the sea surface and consist of ideal bubbles. The results are also compared to those found in the absence of a boundary in all the cases considered.
Classification of electronically generated phantom targets by an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Aubauer Roland , Au Whitlow W. L. , Nachtigall Paul E. , Pawloski Deborah A. , DeLong Caroline M.
Published: July 2002

Animal behavior experiments require not only stimulus control of the animal’s behavior, but also precise control of the stimulus itself. In discrimination experiments with real target presentation, the complex interdependence between the physical dimensions and the backscattering process of an object make it difficult to extract and control relevant echo parameters separately. In other phantom-echo experiments, the echoes were relatively simple and could only simulate certain properties of targets. The echo-simulation method utilized in this paper can be used to transform any animal echolocation sound into phantom echoes of high fidelity and complexity. The developed phantom-echo system is implemented on a digital signal-processing board and gives an experimenter fully programmable control over the echo-generating process and the echo structure itself. In this experiment, the capability of a dolphin to discriminate between acoustically simulated phantom replicas of targets and their real equivalents was tested. Phantom replicas were presented in a probe technique during a materials discrimination experiment. The animal accepted the phantom echoes and classified them in the same manner as it classified real targets.
Overview of polycapillary X-ray optics
Authors: Schields Paul J. , Gibson David M. , Gibson Walter M. , Gao Ning , Huang Huapeng , Ponomarev Igor Yu.
Published: July 2002

Polycapillary optics are utilized in a wide variety of applications and are integral components in many state of the art instruments. Polycapillary optics operate by collecting X-rays and efficiently propagating them by total external reflection to form focused and parallel beams. We discuss the general parameters for designing these optics and provide specific examples on balancing the interrelations of beam flux, source size, focal spot-size, and beam divergence. The development of compact X-ray sources with characteristics tailored to match the requirements of polycapillary optics allows substantial reduction in size, weight, and power of complete X-ray systems. These compact systems have enabled the development of portable, remote, and in-line sensors for applications in industry, science and medicine. We present examples of the utility and potential of these optics for enhancing a wide variety of X-ray analyses.
Mithraism
Authors: Gordon Richard L.
Published: December 2022

Roman Mithraism is a modern term for the worship in the Roman Empire of Mithras, the Latinized name of the Zoroastrian god (yazata) Miθra. Since there are very few references either to the god or his worship in contemporary Greco‐Roman literature, modern reconstructions depend very largely upon archaeology, whose discoveries are not only haphazard and often difficult to interpret but also often fail to tell us what we would like to know. In particular, the implications of the usual classification of Mithraism as a mystery‐cult need careful scrutiny. In Roman Antiquity, Mithras‐worship was believed to have been introduced from Persia; in modern times, however, and especially recently, the legitimacy of this claim has often been radically doubted, since the organizers of Mithraic groups differed widely in their emphasis upon Persia and there are so few elements of the Roman cult that seem to derive directly from Zoroastrian traditions. Rather than speaking of transfer, therefore, it is best to think in terms of selective adaption and appropriation of themes, above all that of a creative bull‐sacrifice, taken from already extensively Hellenized but ultimately Iranian traditions about Miθra/Mithras in Asia Minor, and embellished by repeated Persianist additions largely taken from Roman acquaintance with Hellenistic histories of the Achaemenid Empire. Nevertheless, there are some indications that in third‐ and fourth‐centuryceRoman Syria, abutting on the Persian sphere of influence, there was both greater interest in Persian themes and even some knowledge, direct or indirect, of Zoroastrian beliefs.
Lu
Authors: Vankeerberghen Griet
Published: December 2022

Lu 魯 is the name of a domain located around Qufu 曲阜 in modern Shandong province. The Western Zhou royal house, at the beginning of the first millenniumbce, assigned Lu to the Duke of Zhou 周公 or his son Bo Qin 伯禽. It remained within their lineage until 249bce, when Lu, defeated by Chu 楚, ceased to exist. Lu is the home state of Confucius or Kongzi 孔子 (551(?)–479bce). Due to the connection with the sage, the annals of Lu were not only preserved but became part of the classical canon. In the Western (202bce–8ce) and Eastern Han (25ce–220ce) periods, Lu was revived as a regional kingdom (wangguo王國). Histories of the period celebrate the place as a bastion of classical learning and as a site of memory related to Confucius.
Micro‐CT Analysis of Implanted Poly‐Ether‐Ether‐Ketone Scaffolds: Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation Increases Osteoconduction
Authors: Katsifis Georgio , Kruse Hedi , Lewin Will , Al Maruf Abdullah , Clark Jonathan R. , McKenzie David R , Suchowerska Natalka
Published: December 2022

Poly‐ether‐ether‐ketone (PEEK) is a biocompatible, high‐strength polymer with biomechanical properties similar to soft bone that has been proposed as an alternative to titanium for orthopedic implants. Herein, micro‐CT imaging of a 3D printed PEEK scaffold treated with plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) to assess the degree of osteoconduction relative to an identical untreated structure, by implantation in the scapula of sheep, is performed. To overcome the lack of contrast between soft tissue and PEEK, a customized apparatus and alignment technique is designed and constructed. Principal component analysis is used to accurately locate the boundaries of the implant in the 3D dataset, with respect to reference coordinates. It is found that, within the interior volume of the scaffold, the PIII treated PEEK contains bone that is both more dense and in higher amounts than for untreated PEEK. The untreated PEEK shows more bone immediately outside the boundaries of the scaffold, indicating a lower affinity of the untreated scaffold for in‐diffusion of osteocytes and associated mineralization. The greater osteoconduction of the PIII treated scaffold is attributed to the improvement in hydrophilicity and the provision of protein covalent binding.
Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells with TOASiW12‐Modified Al as a Cathode
Authors: Yu Chengzhuo , Hu Yun , Yang Jialin , Huang Jingsong , Li Bao , Wu Lixin , Li Fenghong
Published: December 2022

Inexpensive metal Al is scarcely utilized as the cathode in the perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) because its violent reaction with perovskite active layer results in poor device stability in air. It is urgent to improve the efficiency and stability of PVSCs with Al as the cathode for mass production of low‐cost PVSCs. Herein, a novel solution‐processed cathode interlayer material, surfactant‐encapsulated polyoxometalate complex [(C8H17)4N]4[SiW12O40] (TOASiW12) is reported. Using TOASiW12‐modified Al as the cathode, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.64% has been achieved in the inverted PVSCs. The findings demonstrate that a thin TOASiW12 layer can effectively obstruct the chemical reaction between Al and perovskite layer, and significantly enhance the device stability. The unencapsulated devices with TOASiW12‐modified Al retain more than 80% of the initial PCE after 350 h storage in the ambient atmosphere at 45% relative humidity. This study provides an excellent alternative cathode interlayer material for efficient and stable inverted PVSCs.
Metal Halide Perovskite Surfaces with Mixed A‐Site Cations: Atomic Structure and Device Stability
Authors: Hieulle Jeremy , Son Dae‐Yong , Jamshaid Afshan , Meng Xin , Stecker Collin , Ohmann Robin , Liu Zonghao , Ono Luis K. , Qi Yabing
Published: December 2022

Mixing cations in the perovskite structure has been shown to improve optoelectronic device performance and stability. In particular, CsxMA1‐xPbBr3 (MA = CH3NH3) has been used to build high‐efficiency light‐emitting diodes. Despite those advantages, little is known about the exact location of the cations in the mixed perovskite film, and how cation distribution affects device properties and stability. By using scanning tunneling microscopy , the exact atomic structure of the mixed cation CsxMA1‐xPbBr3 perovskite interface is revealed. In addition, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy and inverse photoemission spectroscopy are used to study the stability and electronic properties of the CsxMA1‐xPbBr3 perovskite film. Partial substitution of MA+ by Cs+ induces a modification of the perovskite surface structure, leading to improved device stability is shown. These results provide a better understanding of the key parameters involved in the stability of mixed cation perovskite solar cells.
Weakening Li+De‐solvation Barrier for Cryogenic Li–S Pouch Cells
Authors: Ji Haoqing , Wang Zhenkang , Sun Yawen , Zhou Yang , Li Sijie , Zhou Jinqiu , Qian Tao , Yan Chenglin
Published: December 2022

Li–S batteries hold promise for pushing cell‐level energy densities beyond 300 Wh kg‐1while operating at low temperatures (LTs, below 0 °C). However, the capacity release of existing Li–S batteries at LTs is still barely satisfactory, and there is almost no verification of the practicability of Li–S batteries at LTs in the Ah‐level pouch cell. Here, antecedent molecular dynamics (MDs) combined with density functional theory analysis are used to systematically investigate Li+solvation structure in conventional Li–S batteries at LTs, which unprecedentedly reveals the positive correlation between lithium salt concentration and Li+de‐solvation barrier, indicating dilute electrolytes can enhance the Li+de‐solvation kinetics and thus improve the capacity performance of cryogenic Li–S batteries. These insights derived from theoretical simulations invested Li–S batteries with a 67.34% capacity retention at −40 °C compared to their room temperature performance. In particular, an Ah‐level Li–S pouch cell using dilute electrolytes with a high sulfur loading (5.6 mg cm‐2) and lean electrolyte condition is fabricated, which delivers a discharge capacity of about 1000 mAh g‐1and ultra‐high energy density of 350 Wh kg‐1at 0 °C, offering a promising route toward a practical high‐energy cryogenic Li–S battery.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Bromodifluoromethylphosphonates with Arylboron Reagents
Authors: Kuriyama Masami , Maeda Genki , Kamata Kazuya , Kodama Yusuke , Yamamoto Kosuke , Onomura Osamu
Published: December 2022

The nickel‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of bromodifluoromethylphosphonates with arylboron reagents was developed with a 1,10‐phenanthroline‐type ligand. In this process, functionalized and heterocycle‐containing boroxines were found to be suitable partners, and the catalytic modification of biologically active molecules, such as fenofibrate and indomethacin, was also successfully achieved. Furthermore, the gram‐scale reaction smoothly proceeded to give the desired product in a high yield.

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Nitric Oxide‐Releasing Bioinspired Scaffold for Exquisite Regeneration of Osteoporotic Bone via Regulation of Homeostasis
Authors: Lee Jun‐Kyu , Kim Da‐Seul , Park So‐Yeon , Baek Seung‐Woon , Jung Ji‐Won , Kim Tae‐Hyung , Han Dong Keun
Published: December 2022

Osteoporotic bone regeneration is a challenging process which involves the occurrence of sophisticated interactions. Although various polymeric scaffolds have been proposed for bone repair, research on osteoporotic bone regeneration remains practically limited. In particular, achieving satisfactory bone regeneration when using osteoporotic drugs is challenging including bisphosphonates. Here, a novel nitric oxide‐releasing bioinspired scaffold with bioactive agents for the exquisite regeneration of osteoporotic bone is proposed. The bone‐like biomimetic poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) scaffold is first prepared in combination with organic/inorganic ECM and magnesium hydroxide as the base implant material. Nanoparticles containing bioactive agents of zinc oxide (ZO), alendronate, and BMP2 are incorporated to the biomimetic scaffold to impart multifunctionality such as anti‐inflammation, angiogenesis, anti‐osteoclastogenesis, and bone regeneration. Especially, nitric oxide (NO) generated from ZO stimulates the activity of cGMP and protein kinase G; in addition, ZO downregulates the RANKL/osteoprotegerin ratio by suppressing the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. The new bone is formed much better in the osteoporotic rat model than in the normal model through the regulation of bone homeostasis via the scaffold. These synergistic effects suggest that such a bioinspired scaffold could be a comprehensive way to regenerate exceptionally osteoporotic bones.
Resilience and resistance to the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in centenarians: An age‐continuous perspective
Authors: Zhang Meng , Ganz Andrea B. , Rohde Susan , Rozemuller Annemieke J.M. , Bank Netherlands Brain , Reinders Marcel J.T. , Scheltens Philip , Hulsman Marc , Hoozemans Jeroen J.M. , Holstege Henne
Published: December 2022

Introduction

With increasing age, neuropathological substrates associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) accumulate in brains of cognitively healthy individuals—are they resilient, or resistant to AD‐associated neuropathologies?

Methods

In 85 centenarian brains, we correlated NIA (amyloid) stages, Braak (neurofibrillary tangle) stages, and CERAD (neuritic plaque) scores with cognitive performance close to death as determined by Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. We assessed centenarian brains against 2131 brains from AD patients, non‐AD demented, and non‐demented individuals in an age continuum ranging from 16 to 100+ years.

Results

With age, brains from non‐demented individuals reached the NIA and Braak stages observed in AD patients, while CERAD scores remained lower. In centenarians, NIA stages varied (22.4% were the highest stage 3), Braak stages rarely exceeded stage IV (5.9% were V), and CERAD scores rarely exceeded 2 (4.7% were 3); within these distributions, we observed no correlation with the MMSE (NIA: P = 0.60; Braak: P = 0.08; CERAD: P = 0.16).

Discussion

Cognitive health can be maintained despite the accumulation of high levels of AD‐related neuropathological substrates.

Highlights

Cognitively healthy elderly have AD neuropathology levels similar to AD patients.

AD neuropathology loads do not correlate with cognitive performance in centenarians.

Some centenarians are resilient to the highest levels of AD neuropathology.
MGMT, a risk factor for both genetic and environmental forms of dementia
Authors: Kisby Glen E. , Oakes Heaton , Beckett David , Spencer Peter S.
Published: December 2022

MGMT, the gene coding for the DNA‐repair protein O6‐methylguanine methyltransferase, which has been recently shown to be a risk factor for inherited forms of Alzheimer's disease (AD), notably among women, might also be linked to Western Pacific amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinsonism‐dementia complex (ALS/PDC), one phenotype of which is an AD‐like dementia. Guam ALS/PDC is strongly considered to be an environmental disorder caused by oral exposure to natural toxins (i.e., genotoxic/epigenotoxic chemicals), notably methylazoxymethanol (MAM) that alkylates guanine to form O6‐methylguanine, found in the seed of cycad plants traditionally used for food. Thus, the DNA‐repair protein MGMT might participate in both AD and in the AD‐related disorder ALS/PDC.
Fabrication of whey protein isolate/chitosan complexes and its protective effect on allicin
Authors: Ding Shuang , Zhao Jun , Jiang Zhiyuan , Mu Jing , Huang Liurong , Dai Chunhua
Published: December 2022

Whey protein isolate (WPI) and chitosan (CS) complexes were prepared by complex coacervation method. The effects of different WPI/CS ratios and pH values on the formation of complexes were investigated. And then the protective effect of the WPI/CS complexes on allicin was further analyzed. The turbidity, particle size and zeta potential data showed that optimum soluble complex coacervation occurred at pH 5.0 when the WPI/CS ratio was 4:1. Electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding were the main driving forces involved in the coacervation. Changes in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves indicated that WPI/CS complexes exhibited higher thermal denaturation temperature than WPI. The retention ratio of encapsulated allicin was 71.4% after stored at 4°C for 14 weeks, which was increased by 51.6% as compared with that of free allicin. Due to the denaturation of protein, a high‐temperature (90°C) and long‐time (7 h) treatment would result in a decrease of stability for encapsulated allicin. Results of this study would be helpful for designing food particles, which can be used for encapsulation and protection of bioactive molecules under certain conditions.
Importance of precursor complexation for green solvent‐processed perovskite crystals
Authors: Jo Na‐Yeon , Kim Hui‐Seon
Published: December 2022

Perovskite solar cells have received great attention as one of the most promising photovoltaics for commercialization. While tremendous efforts have been made to ensure long‐term stability, green solvent for perovskite solution process have been enormously explored because of an increasing importance of the safety and environmental issues for market entry. Methylammonium propionate (MAP), being an ionic liquid, has been considered as a suitable nonhazardous and green solvent to replace conventional toxic solvents such as dimethylformamide and dimethyl sulfoxide. In this study, the aging effect of perovskite precursor solution based on MAP is investigated, where the formation of dimethylammonium (DMA) during the precursor aging plays a key role in the perovskite growth. A complexation of MAP, PbI6, and DMA is expected to promote the crystal growth toward photo‐active black phase, leading to a superior absorbance of the resultant film compared to that from the as‐prepared precursor solution without aging.
Antigen B modulates anti‐inflammatory cytokines in the EAE model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mariki Aliakbar , Barzin Zahra , Fasihi Harandi Majid , Karbasi Ravari Kimia , Davoodi Mahboubeh , Mousavi Seyed Mohammad , Rezakhani Soheila , Nazeri Masoud , Shabani Mohammad
Published: December 2022

Introduction

: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by the destruction of the blood–brain barrier, loss of myelin sheath, and contribution of inflammatory interleukins such as TNF‐alpha, interleukin‐17, and interleukin‐6.

Methods

: The current study investigated the effect of antigen B of hydatid cyst fluid on the reduction of anti‐inflammatory cytokines and nerve conduction velocity in rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)‐induced MS. After isolation of antigen B from sterile cyst fluid, the rats were randomly divided into four groups: saline, EAE, EAE + teriflunomide (EAE + TF), and EAE + antigen B (EAE + AngB). The EAE model was induced using cow spinal cord homogenization, in combination with Freund's complete adjuvant. The serum concentration of cytokines including IL‐1B and IL‐17, IL‐10, IL‐6, and TNF‐X was measured by the ELISA method, and real‐time PCR was performed to study gene expression. Electrophysiological, behavioral, and neuropathological tests were also conducted.

Results

: Nerve conduction velocity and IL‐10 concentration were increased in the antigen B group. The results of this study showed that antigen B reduced the inflammatory component of the EAE MS animal model by modulating the immune system compared to teriflunomide, which eventually led to a reduction in symptoms at the behavioral and electrophysiological level.

Conclusions

: It seems that antigen B plays a critical role in regulating immunity and it can be used as a possible therapeutic agent to modulate the immune system in MS patients. It might be rational to consider hydatid cyst fluid antigen as a modifier in MS.
Antigen rapid diagnostic test monitoring for SARS‐CoV‐2 in asymptomatic and fully vaccinated cancer patients: Is it cost‐effective?
Authors: Caccese Mario , Saieva Anna Maria , Guarneri Valentina , Lonardi Sara , Cacco Massimo , Sileni Vanna Chiarion , Gottardi Michele , Mioranza Eleonora , Bergamo Francesca , Brunello Antonella , Zagonel Vittorina , Benini Patrizia
Published: December 2022

Background

Routine testing for cancer patients not presenting COVID‐19‐related symptoms and fully vaccinated for SARS‐CoV‐2 prior to cancer treatment is controversial.

Methods

In this retrospective study we evaluated whether antigen‐rapid‐diagnostic‐test (Ag‐RDT) monitoring for SARS‐CoV‐2 in a large cohort of consecutive asymptomatic (absence of SARS‐CoV‐2‐related symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or nasal congestion) and fully vaccinated cancer patients enrolled in a short period during cancer treatment has an impact on the therapeutic path of cancer patients.

Results

From December 27, 2021, to February 11, 2022, 2439 cancer patients were screened through Ag‐RDT for SARS‐CoV‐2 before entering the hospital for systemic treatment. Fifty‐three patients (2.17%) tested positive, of whom 7 (13.2%) subsequently developed COVID‐related symptoms, generally mild. Cancer treatment was discontinued, as a precaution, in 49 patients (92.5%) due to the test positivity.

Conclusion

SARS‐CoV‐2 screening in asymptomatic and fully vaccinated cancer patients during systemic treatment appeared to be not cost‐effective: the low rate of SARS‐CoV‐2 positive patients and the low percentage of overt associated infection do not seem proportional to the direct costs (nursing work for swabs, costs of materials and patient monitoring) and indirect costs (dedicated rooms, extension of waiting times for patients and oncologists in delivering therapy as well as its discontinuation in the positive ones). It can, on the other hand, be detrimental when systemic cancer treatment is suspended as a precaution. Given the small number of patients testing positive and the rapid and favorable trend of the infection, it is recommended to always consider continuing systemic oncological treatment, especially when this impacts patient survival as in the adjuvant or neoadjuvant setting.
Circulating gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase and risk of pancreatic cancer: A prospective cohort study in the UK Biobank
Authors: Liao Weiting , Yang Yu , Yang Huazhen , Qu Yuanyuan , Song Huan , Li Qiu
Published: December 2022

Background

To determine whether serum gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) level is associated with pancreatic cancer risk in a large prospective cohort.

Methods

The study analyzed serum GGT concentration at baseline of 421,032 participants recruited in the UK Biobank since 2006 through 2010. Information on incidence of pancreatic cancer was obtained from cancer and death registers, updated until 2015 in Scotland or 2016 in England and Wales. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to measure the association between serum GGT and pancreatic cancer risk.

Results

The study identified 586 cases of pancreatic cancer over a median follow‐up period of 7.16 years. In the multivariable‐adjusted Cox model, serum GGT level was associated with 14% higher pancreatic cancer risk (hazard ratio (HR) per one standard deviation increment of log2 GGT level = 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.28, p = 0.025). In the total population, the HR for the highest GGT group was 1.68 (95%CI: 1.22–2.30) versus the lowest GGT group. The HR for the highest GGT group in men (≥50.2 U/L) was 1.72 (95%CI: 1.14–2.61) and that in women (≥31.6 U/L) was 1.75 (95%CI: 1.06–2.88) versus the lowest GGT group.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested a positive association of serum GGT in pancreatic cancer etiology, implying the potential of monitoring GGT level for identifying at‐risk individuals for pancreatic cancer.
MFAP2, upregulated by m1A methylation, promotes colorectal cancer invasiveness via CLK3
Authors: Xue Meng , Mi Shuyi , Zhang Zizhen , Wang Hao , Chen Wenwen , Wei Wei , Lou Guochun
Published: December 2022

Background

Distant metastasis is the main cause of mortality in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. N1‐methyladenosine (m1A) is a type of epitranscriptome modification. While its regulatory effect on mRNA and its role in CRC metastasis remain unclear.

Methods

The m1A methylation profile of mRNAs in CRC was revealed by m1A methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing. The expression of MFAP2 in tumor tissues was measured by immunohistochemistry and then correlated with the clinical characteristics and prognosis of CRC patients. The role of MFAP2 in the invasiveness of CRC cells was evaluated by transwell assays and peritoneal metastatic model in nude mice. The downstream targets of MFAP2 was screened by mass spectrometry analysis. Then the role of MFAP2‐CLK3 signaling axis was verified by cotransfecting MFAP2 siRNA and CLK3 plasmid in CRC cells.

Results

Microfibril associated protein 2 (MFAP2) mRNA was overexpressed and m1A‐hypermethylated in CRC. High expression of MFAP2 was closely related to lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis, leading to poor prognosis in patients with CRC. In vivo and in vitro studies showed that silencing of MFAP2 inhibited the migration, invasion and metastasis of CRC cells. CDC Like Kinase 3 (CLK3) was a potential downstream target of MFAP2. Further studies showed that MFAP2 depletion might induce autophagic degradation of CLK3, and the role of MFAP2 in the invasiveness of CRC cells was dependent on CLK3.

Conclusions

Our results uncover a newly identified MFAP2‐CLK3 signaling axis, which is a potential therapeutic target for CRC metastasis.
Xanthones and Phenylpropanoids from the Whole Herb of Swertia pseudochinensis and Their Anti‐Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Yan Yushu , Li Yuxia , Sa Kuiru , Sun Dejuan , Li Hua , Chen Lixia
Published: December 2022

An undescribed xanthone dimer, 1,3,5,8‐tetrahydroxy‐7‐(1′,5′,8′‐trihydroxy‐3′‐methoxy‐2′‐xanthonyl)xanthone (1) was separated together with eleven known compounds (2–12) from the dried whole herb of Swertia pseudochinensis. It was the first time that the compounds 8–12 were isolated from the Swertia genus. The structure of compound 1 was illuminated based on chemical evidence and spectral data analysis (UV, 1D and 2D‐NMR, HR‐ESI‐MS). Moreover, the inhibitory effects of all compounds on NO production in LPS‐induced RAW 264.7 cells were tested, compounds 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 showing significant inhibition. The IC50 value of compound 12 was 3.05±1.10 μM. Using target screening and molecular docking, we hypothesized that compound 12 may bind neutrophil elastase to exert its anti‐inflammatory effects.
IrGa Bimetallic Catalyst with Atomical Metal Dispersion for Propane Dehydrogenation with High Stability
Authors: Zeng Lei , Li Wei , Wei Xueer , Cheng Jiawei , Zhou Wei , Zheng Yanping , Cai Fan , Liu Yuefeng , Cheng Kang , Zhang Qinghong , Wang Ye
Published: December 2022

Industrial catalysts for alkane dehydrogenation to olefins suffer from fast deactivation due to the coking and sintering of active metal under harsh reaction conditions. Herein, iridium, a noble metal rarely applied in C−H activation, has been employed to construct an ultra‐stable IrGa/Al2O3 catalyst with atomical metal dispersion for non‐oxidative propane dehydrogenation (PDH). A synergetic effect between metallic Ir and GaOx is discovered which contributes to both high PDH activity and propylene selectivity. Notably, the Ir0.5Ga2/Al2O3 with 0.5 wt % of Ir and 2.0 wt % of Ga exhibited a propylene selectivity of 98 % at a 19 % propane conversion at 550 °C and 86 % at a 35 % propane conversion at 600 °C. A stable PDH performance of 100 h was observed after a deactivation process at the initial reaction stage. The catalytic performance of the IrGa/Al2O3 is comparable to that of Pt‐based catalysts, endowing the Ir‐based catalyst with great potential in dehydrogenation reactions.
Optimized Reduction of a Graphene Oxide‐MWCNT Composite with Electrochemically Deposited Copper Nanoparticles on Screen Printed Electrodes for a Wide Range of Detection of Nitrate
Authors: Anurag Adiraju , Al‐Hamry Ammar , Attuluri Yashwanth , Palaniyappan Saravanan , Wagner Guntram , Dentel Doreen , Tegenkamp Christoph , Kanoun Olfa
Published: December 2022

In this report, we demonstrate the capability of electrochemically deposited copper (Cu) nanoparticles on electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO)‐multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) composite on screen printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) for electrochemical detection of nitrate. Prior to the detection, extensive fundamental investigations on the electrochemical reduction of GO on SPCE and role of MWCNT in the reduction process and the degree of reduction have been carried out which has not been previously reported. Profiting from the complementary information obtained from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry (CV), the role of MWCNT and optimal number of scans in CV (15 scans) for the reduction was obtained. The determination of nitrate on Cu/ERGO‐MWCNT/SPCE was performed by square wave voltammetry and shows a wide linear range from 10 to 750 μM and low limit of detection of 3.3 μM, thereby enhancing the applicability of the developed electrode in the regions of low and high concentrations as well. The electrode was tested in tap water and the analytical capability was compared using F‐test and matrix effect (4.8 %), which highlights excellent analytical ability of the Cu/ERGO‐MWCNT modified electrodes to detect nitrate.
PIDA‐mediated Oxidative Decarboxylation of Oxamic Acids. The Role of Radical Acidity Enhancement.
Authors: Ogbu Ikechukwu Martin , Kurtay Gülbin , Badufle Margaux , Robert Frédéric , Lopez Carlos Silva , Landais Yannick
Published: December 2022

The PIDA‐mediated oxidative decarboxylation of oxamic acids in the presence of alcohols is shown to afford the corresponding urethanes under thermal conditions. Computational and experimental mechanistic exploration allows to rationalize the different reactivity of PIDA as compared to related cyclic BI‐OAc and highlights the importance of the enhanced acidity of the proton in the carbamoyl radical intermediate.
Stabilization of 2D Imine‐Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks: From Linkage Chemistry to Interlayer Interaction
Authors: Jiang Guoxing , Zou Wenwu , Ou Zhaoyuan , Zhang Weifeng , Liang Zhenxing , Du Li
Published: December 2022

Imine‐linked covalent organic frameworks (imine‐COFs) represent the most sought‐after class of COFs due to their broad monomer scope and ease of synthesis. Owing to the reversible nature of imine linkages, however, the chemical stability of most imine‐COFs is still far from adequate. In this context, emerging strategies, ranging from linkage chemistry to interlayer interaction, have been employed to construct stable imine‐COFs for their applications in electronics, sensing, and energy storage devices. This Concept article summarizes the latest advances aimed at tuning the structural stability of imine‐COFs. Furthermore, this Concept provides a prospective for the precise design of stable imine‐COFs based on the characteristics of structure, physical properties, and chemical functions, as well as the mechanism of structure locking and stabilization during crystal growth.
Incidence of abnormal anal cytology in HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected men who have sex with men
Authors: Benevolo Maria , Latini Alessandra , Rollo Francesca , Giuliani Massimo , Giglio Amalia , Giuliani Eugenia , Cristaudo Antonio , Morrone Aldo , Donà Maria Gabriella
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Anal cytology is used in the prevention of anal cancer, which disproportionally affects men who have sex with men (MSM). Data on the incidence of cytologic abnormalities in these individuals are scant.

Methods

MSM with baseline negative anal cytology and at least one further adequate cytology were included. Incidence rate for positive atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC‐US+) was calculated. Kaplan–Meier curves were compared by log‐rank test according to HIV status, baseline high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) (high‐risk HPV‐negative, HPV16‐positive, other high‐risk HPV‐positive [non‐HPV16]) and high‐risk HPV persistence (positive from baseline to the first ASC‐US+ or last visit for those who remained cytologically negative). Cox univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 250 MSM were included: 52/153 (34.0%) HIV‐uninfected MSM had an ASC‐US+ report at follow‐up (incidence: 13.1 × 100 person‐years; 95% CI, 9.8–17.2); 48/97 (49.5%) HIV‐infected MSM developed cytologic abnormalities (incidence: 16.0 × 100 person‐years; 95% CI, 11.8–21.2). ASC‐US+ incidence in HIV‐uninfected and HIV‐infected MSM did not differ significantly (p = .32). Kaplan–Meier curves did not differ significantly according to baseline high‐risk HPV. Differences were significant between those with and without persistent high‐risk HPVs, both among HIV‐uninfected (p = .03) and HIV‐infected MSM (p = .008). Age (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96–0.99), high‐risk HPV persistence (aHR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.02–2.39), and condomless receptive anal sex (aHR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.31–3.03) were predictors for incident ASC‐US+.

Conclusions

Despite the limited number of subjects, in our study HIV‐uninfected and HIV‐infected MSM have a similar ASC‐US+ incidence. Occurrence of ASC‐US+ was significantly affected by age, high‐risk HPV persistence, and condomless receptive anal sex. The assessment of HPV persistence might identify those MSM at higher risk for anal lesions.
Phase 1 Clinical Trial of PPMX‐T003, a Novel Human Monoclonal Antibody Specific for Transferrin Receptor 1, to Evaluate Its Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics
Authors: Ogama Yoichiro , Kumagai Yuji , Komatsu Norio , Araki Marito , Masubuchi Nami , Akiyoshi Hiroko , Matsuura Tadashi , Kirisako Hiromi , Kyoya Akiko , Nomura Fumiko , Ohira Yuta , Yokokawa Takuya , Yamamoto Yukiya
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of PPMX‐T003, a novel human monoclonal antibody for transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), in healthy individuals. Forty participants were enrolled and randomized to PPMX‐T003 dose groups (n = 6/group) and the placebo group (n = 10). The safety and pharmacokinetics profiles were assessed according to the sequential, ascending single‐dose intravenous infusions of PPMX‐T003 from 0.008 mg/kg to 0.25 mg/kg. Adverse events (AEs) after PPMX‐T003 administration occurred in 16 of 30 participants. Any severe AE and AE incidence were not reported, but they tended to increase depending on the dose. Laboratory tests, vital signs, and standard 12‐lead electrocardiogram showed no clinically relevant changes. Five participants experienced an infusion‐related reaction but recovered on days 5–10. Regarding pharmacokinetics, PPMX‐T003 has a nonlinear elimination pattern. PPMX‐T003 in the 0.25 mg/kg group showed apparent (>50%) decreased serum levels of reticulocytes from day 3 and sustained moderate (<10%) fall of hematocrit and hemoglobin counts from day 7. In conclusion, the antibody‐mediated blockade of TFR1 elicited the expected fall in blood cell levels and showed an acceptable safety profile, supporting the continuing development of PPMX‐T003 as a new candidate for polycythemia vera treatment.
A variable neighborhood search for Open Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Ozcetin Erdener , Ozturk Gurkan
Published: December 2022

In this study, the Open Vehicle Routing Problem, which the companies widely employ in practice using third‐party logistics services, is discussed. This problem is in the class of high‐dimensional and complex optimization problems. A three‐phase Variable Neighborhood Search Algorithm was proposed to solve large‐scale problems efficiently. In this proposed method, eight different neighborhoods are used, four within the route and four between the routes. In addition to this, wise shaking strategies are designed to escape local optimal solutions. The method's performance was tested on literature test instances and comparatively reported its competitiveness.
A CuI Cluster‐Based Covalent Metal‐Organic Framework as a Photocatalyst for Efficient Visible‐Light‐Driven Reduction of CO2
Authors: Cui Jinxian , Fu Yaomei , Song Jian , Meng Bo , Zhou Jie , Zhou Ziyan , Su Zhongmin
Published: December 2022

The application of solar energy to convert CO2 into high‐value chemicals and fuels has been considered a highly desirable approach to relieving the greenhouse effect and energy crisis. However, the exploration of appropriate photocatalysts remains a major challenge. Combining the respective advantages of covalent organic frameworks and metal−organic frameworks to construct covalent metal−organic frameworks (CMOFs) can be a valid strategy to provide efficient, reliable, and eco‐friendly photocatalysts. In this study, a CuI cluster‐based CMOF (JNM‐2) is used as a photocatalyst for CO2 photoreduction under visible‐light irradiation. JNM‐2 exhibits remarkable efficiency in photocatalytic CO2 reduction with high production rates of HCOOH (9019 μmol g−1 h−1) and CO (835 μmol g−1 h−1). The active center, reaction intermediates, and product generation pathways are elucidated by in situ DRIFTS and DFT calculations. This work demonstrates the tremendous possibilities of CMOFs as photocatalysts for CO2 reduction and provides profound insights into the mechanism of CO2 conversion into HCOOH/CO by using a molecularly accurate structural model.