bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between N1 evoked potential morphology and the perception of voicing
Authors: Sharma Anu , Marsh Catherine M. , Dorman Michael F.
Published: July 2002

Auditory evoked potential (AEP) correlates of the neural representation of stimuli along a /ga/–/ka/ and a /ba/–/pa/ continuum were examined to determine whether the voice-onset time (VOT)-related change in the N1 onset response from a single to double-peaked component is a reliable indicator of the perception of voiced and voiceless sounds. Behavioral identification results from ten subjects revealed a mean category boundary at a VOT of 46 ms for the /ga/–/ka/ continuum and at a VOT of 27.5 ms for the /ba/–/pa/ continuum. In the same subjects, electrophysiologic recordings revealed that a single N1 component was seen for stimuli with VOTs of 30 ms and less, and two components (N1′ and N1) were seen for stimuli with VOTs of 40 ms and more for both continua. That is, the change in N1 morphology (from single to double-peaked) coincided with the change in perception from voiced to voiceless for stimuli from the /ba/–/pa/ continuum, but not for stimuli from the /ga/–/ka/ continuum. The results of this study show that N1 morphology does not reliably predict phonetic identification of stimuli varying in VOT. These findings also suggest that the previously reported appearance of a “double-peak” onset response in aggregate recordings from the auditory cortex does not indicate a cortical correlate of the perception of voicelessness.
Enhanced weak integral formulation for the mixed (u_,p_) poroelastic equations
Authors: Atalla Noureddine , Hamdi M. A. , Panneton Raymond
Published: July 2002

Recently Atalla et al. [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 104, 1444–1452 (1998)] and Debergue et al. [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 106, 2383–2390 (1999)] presented a weak integral formulation and the general boundary conditions for a mixed pressure-displacement version of the Biot’s poroelasticity equations. Finite element discretization was applied to the formulation to solve 3D vibro-acoustic problems involving elastic, acoustic, and poroelastic domains. In this letter, an enhancement of the weak integral formulation is proposed to facilitate its finite element implementation. It is shown that this formulation simplifies the assembly process of the poroelastic medium, the imposition of its boundary conditions, and its coupling with elastic and acoustic media.
Study of the acoustic feedback problem of active noise control by using the l1 and l2 vector space optimization approaches
Authors: Bai Mingsian R. , Wu Tianyau
Published: July 2002

This study attempts to explore the acoustic feedback problem that is frequently encountered in feedforward active noise control (ANC) structure from the standpoint of control theories. The analysis is carried out on the basis of the Youla’s parametrization and the l1-norm and l2-norm vector space optimization. The ANC problem is formulated as a model matching procedure and is solved via linear programming in the dual vector space. These methods alleviate the problems caused by the nonminimum phase (NMP) zeros of the cancellation path. The ANC algorithms are implemented by using a digital signal processor. Various types of noises were chosen for validating the developed algorithms. The proposed methods are also compared with the well-known filtered-u least-mean square (FULMS) method. The experimental results show that the acoustic feedback problem significantly degrades the performance and stability of the ANC system regardless which method is used. Insights into the difficulties due to acoustic feedback are addressed along the line of control theories.
Composite materials for musical instruments: The maturity
Authors: Besnainou Charles
Published: July 2002

Nowadays, musical instruments made of composite materials allow comparison with good instruments made by craftsmen. These instruments result from 20 years of accumulated experiments carried out in laboratories. The first substitute of wood was a composite of wood: plywood. Over 70 years with this new material, honorable results were obtained for an industrial line of products: piano, harp, guitar, double bass. However, composite materials made of fibers and resin are designed to imitate the structure of wood. So a specific knowledge is needed. The first attempts were on bows because it seemed easy; good results were obtained with fiberglass. The next step was to replace the neck of an electric guitar. However, it was a long time before acoustic elements such as a soundboard were designed. One needs first of all to develop a methodology to measure the mechanical parameters of wood: density, Young’s modulus, and damping; and to cross over the mechanical results with the subjective choices of expert craftsmen. Of course, assimilated composite techniques are required. And then to learn, as in traditional apprenticeship, how to feel the quality of an instrument. Paradoxically, in terms of sound qualities, new materials need the same knowhow used by traditional instrument makers. Maturity means that the updated composite techniques are now very simple to be assimilated by craftsmen and manufacturers too; the prices of instruments are sufficiently low and the sound qualities have reached a good level. Some instruments, namely, the violin, lute, and guitar are demonstrated.
A spatially averaged impulse response for an unfocused piston transducer
Authors: Daly Charles J. , Rao N. A. H. K.
Published: July 2002

Fourier–Bessel theory is used to derive a closed-form solution for the spatially averaged velocity-potential impulse response associated with one-way diffraction from an unfocused piston transducer of radius a. The derivation provides additional insight into the problem of diffraction from an unfocused piston transducer.
Pitch shifts of mistuned partials: A time-domain model
Authors: de Cheveigné Alain
Published: July 2002

Mistuning one partial of a complex harmonic tone makes that partial easier to hear as a tone separate from the complex. At the same time, two pitch shifts may be observed. First, the low pitch of the complex is shifted in the direction of the mistuning, as if it were “pulled” by the partial. Second, the mistuning of the partial is perceptually exaggerated, as if the pitch of the partial were “pushed” away from the harmonic series defined by the complex. This paper shows how the latter effect can emerge within a hypothetical neural circuit. The circuit involves a gating neuron fed by three pathways, one direct and excitatory and the other two delayed and inhibitory. The neuron responds to any excitatory input spike unless it is accompanied by an inhibitory input spike on either delayed input, thus acting as a kind of “anticoincidence counter.” The first delay is fixed and tuned to the period of the background harmonic complex. Its purpose is to weaken correlates of in-tune components and allow the mistuned partial to stand out. The second delay is variable and used to estimate the period of the mistuned partial, by searching for a minimum output as a function of delay. With an appropriate choice of parameters, the estimate is subject to shifts that are of the same sign as the mistuning and that peak at about 4% mistuning and decrease beyond, as observed experimentally.
The behavior of spontaneous otoacoustic emissions during and after postural changes
Authors: de Kleine Emile , Wit Hero P. , van Dijk Pim , Avan Paul
Published: July 2002

Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) were studied in humans during and after postural changes. The subjects were tilted from upright to a recumbent position (head down 30 degrees) and upright again in a 6-min period. The SOAEs were recorded continuously and analyzed off-line. The tilting caused a change in the SOAE spectrum for all subjects. Frequency shifts of 10 Hz, together with changes of amplitude (5 dB) and width (5 Hz), were typically observed. However, these changes were observed in both directions (including the appearance and disappearance of emission peaks). The most substantial changes occurred in the frequency region below 2 kHz. An increase of the intracranial pressure, and consequently of the intracochlear fluid pressure, is thought to result in an increased stiffness of the cochlear windows, which is probably mainly responsible for the SOAE changes observed after the downward turn. The time for the spectrum to regain stability after a postural change differed between the two maneuvers: 1 min for the downward and less than 10 s for the upward turn.
On the applicability of Kramers–Krönig relations for ultrasonic attenuation obeying a frequency power law
Authors: Waters Kendall R. , Hughes Michael S. , Mobley Joel , Brandenburger Gary H. , Miller James G.
Published: July 2002

In the recent literature concern has been raised regarding the validity of Kramers–Krönig relations for media with ultrasonic attenuation obeying a frequency power law. It is demonstrated, however, that the Kramers–Krönig dispersion relations for application to these types of media are available. The developed dispersion relations are compared with measurements on several liquids, and agreement is found to better than 1 m/s over the experimentally available bandwidth. A discussion regarding the validity of these dispersion relations, in particular how the dispersion relations relate to the so-called Paley–Wiener conditions, forms the conclusion.
Neighboring spectral content influences vowel identification
Authors: Holt Lori L. , Lotto Andrew J. , Kluender Keith R.
Published: July 2002

Four experiments explored the relative contributions of spectral content and phonetic labeling in effects of context on vowel perception. Two 10-step series of CVC syllables ([bVb] and [dVd]) varying acoustically in F2 midpoint frequency and varying perceptually in vowel height from [ʌ] to [ɛ] were synthesized. In a forced-choice identification task, listeners more often labeled vowels as [ʌ] in [dVd] context than in [bVb] context. To examine whether spectral content predicts this effect, nonspeech–speech hybrid series were created by appending 70-ms sine-wave glides following the trajectory of CVC F2’s to 60-ms members of a steady-state vowel series varying in F2 frequency. In addition, a second hybrid series was created by appending constant-frequency sine-wave tones equivalent in frequency to CVC F2 onset/offset frequencies. Vowels flanked by frequencymodulated glides or steady-state tones modeling [dVd] were more often labeled as [ʌ] than were the same vowels surrounded by nonspeech modeling [bVb]. These results suggest that spectral content is important in understanding vowel context effects. A final experiment tested whether spectral content can modulate vowel perception when phonetic labeling remains intact. Voiceless consonants, with lower-amplitude more-diffuse spectra, were found to exert less of an influence on vowel perception than do their voiced counterparts. The data are discussed in terms of a general perceptual account of context effects in speech perception.
Non-Newtonian Flow through Porous Media. I. Theoretical
Authors: Sadowski Thomas J. , Bird R. Byron
Published: July 2002

A method is suggested for characterizing viscoelastic fluids in an approximate but useful way for the description of flow in complicated geometries. This method rests on the determination of a zero-shear limiting viscosity, a characteristic time, and a dimensionless parameter relating to the slope of a log-log plot of viscosity vs. shear rate in the “power law” region. It is then shown how such parameters can be used in correlating experimental data on pressure drops through packed beds at constant volumetric flow rate. This is done by a combination of a porous medium model calculation and dimensional analysis. It is shown how the characteristic time of the fluid can be used to designate regions of behavior where elastic effects are important.
The Legacy Sketch Machine: From Artificial to Architectural Intelligence
Authors: dPrix Wolf , Schmidbaur Karolin , Bolojan Daniel , Baseta Efilena
Published: April 2022

In the office of Coop Himme(l)blau in Vienna, a series of software machine‐learning protocols and practices continually reinterpret the   firm's past and future projects, unleashing new work and possibilities for architectures yet to exist. Here Wolf dPrix, Karolin Schmidbaur, Daniel Bolojan and Efilena Baseta explain the uses and some of the outputs of this suite of tools.
When Robots Dream: In Conversation with Alexandra Carlson
Authors: del Campo Matias
Published: April 2022

Matias del Campo interviews Alexandra Carlson who had a key role in founding the pioneering Architecture and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (AR2IL) at the University of Michigan's Robotics Department and Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. The synthesis of the architectural and dataset sharing adds another dimension to design possibilities.
Sequential Masterplanning: Using Urban‐GANs
Authors: He Wanyu
Published: April 2022

AI, and particularly the use of generative adversarial networks (GANs), can provide a more dynamic urban‐planning visual tool allowing the development potential of specific sites to be explored. Wanyu He – founder and CEO of XKool Technology, co‐founder of Future Architecture Lab and University of Hong Kong academic – explains how.
Inkjet‐Printed Ag/a‐TiO2/Ag Neuromorphic Nanodevice Based on Functionalized Ink
Authors: Salonikidou Barbara , Mehonic Adnan , Takeda Yasunori , Tokito Shizuo , England Jonathan , Sporea Radu A.
Published: April 2022

This study aims to contribute to the burgeoning field of brain‐inspired computing by expanding it beyond conventional fabrication methods. Herein, the obstacles toward the effective inkjet printing process are encountered and the electrical characteristics are explored, providing new insights into the reliability aspects of fully printed Ag/a‐TiO2/Ag electronic synapses. The versatility of the approach is further enhanced by the highly stable in‐house‐developed a‐TiO2 ink, exhibiting optimal shelf life of five months and repeatable jetting, producing layers with nanoscale thickness resolution. Most importantly, device electrical characterization reveals synaptic dynamics, leading to activity‐dependent conductance state retention and adaptation characteristics, implying inherent learning capabilities. The synaptic dynamics are attained by solely adjusting the duty cycle of the applied pulsed voltage trigger, while keeping amplitude and polarity fixed, a method readily compatible with realistic applications. Furthermore, I–V analysis demonstrates a dynamic range dependence on a‐TiO2 layer thickness and conduction mechanism that is akin to the conventionally developed electronic TiO2 synapses. The developed devices provide a time‐ and cost‐effective ecologically benign alternative toward biomimetic signal processing for future flexible neural networks.
A “Two‐in‐One” Strategy for Flexible Aqueous Batteries Operated at −80 °C
Authors: Hu Yin , Shi Rongwei , Ren Yongyuan , Peng Wansu , Feng Chengdong , Zhao Yan , Zheng Sijie , Li Weizheng , Sun Zhe , Guo Jiangna , Guo Siyu , Wang Xiaoliang , Yan Feng
Published: April 2022

The development of aqueous metal‐ion batteries has attracted great attention due to their relatively low cost and high safety levels. However, their practical applications are hindered by the ease at which their aqueous electrolytes freeze. Inspired by the antifreezing properties of salts and alcohol cryoprotective agents, a “two‐in‐one” cryoprotective agent, hydroxyl‐functionalized poly(ionic liquid) (PIL‐OH)‐based hydrogel electrolyte for aqueous lithium‐ion batteries (ALIBs) is developed. The synergy of both ionic hydration and hydrogen bond interactions between the PIL‐OH and water molecules impairs the hydrogen‐bond networks of water and depresses the freezing point of water below −80 °C. Benefiting from exceptional ultralow temperature tolerance, the prepared PIL‐OH hydrogel exhibits a highly enhanced low temperature adaptability and a high ionic conductivity of 0.08 mS cm−1 at −80 °C. The PIL‐OH hydrogel‐based flexible ALIBs exhibit high flexible durability and good cycling stability with 93% capacity retention over 200 cycles at −80 °C. The PIL‐OH hydrogel report herein opens up new opportunities for practical applications of wearable and flexible aqueous batteries at ultralow temperature environments, such as the North and South Poles.
Intelligent Micro‐/Nanorobots for Cancer Theragnostic
Authors: Wang Jie , Dong Yue , Ma Peng , Wang Yu , Zhang Fangyu , Cai Bocheng , Chen Peng , Liu Bi‐Feng
Published: April 2022

Cancer is one of the most intractable diseases owing to its high mortality rate and lack of effective diagnostic and treatment tools. Advancements in micro‐/nanorobot (MNR)‐assisted sensing, imaging, and therapeutics offer unprecedented opportunities to develop MNR‐based cancer theragnostic platforms. Unlike ordinary nanoparticles, which exhibit Brownian motion in biofluids, MNRs overcome viscous resistance in an ultralow Reynolds number (Re << 1) environment by effective self‐propulsion. This unique locomotion property has motivated the advanced design and functionalization of MNRs as a basis for next‐generation cancer‐therapy platforms, which offer the potential for precise distribution and improved permeation of therapeutic agents. Enhanced barrier penetration, imaging‐guided operation, and biosensing are additionally studied to enable the promising cancer‐related applications of MNRs. Herein, the recent advances in MNR‐based cancer therapy are comprehensively addresses, including actuation engines, diagnostics, medical imaging, and targeted drug delivery; promising research opportunities that can have a profound impact on cancer therapy over the next decade is highlighted.
Polyhedral Carbon Anchored on Carbon Nanosheet with Abundant Atomic Fe‐Nx Moieties for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Liu Dong , Huyan Chenxi , Zhao Yuanyuan , Liu Terence Xiaoteng , Wang Ding , Sun Jining , Dai Sheng , Chen Fei , Xu Ben Bin
Published: April 2022

Carbon‐based single‐atom iron electrocatalysts with nitrogen coordination (CSAIN) have recently shown enormous promise to replace the costly Pt for boosting the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells. However, there remains a great challenge to achieve highly efficient CSAIN catalysts for the ORR in acidic electrolytes. Herein, a novel CSAIN catalyst is synthesized by pyrolyzing a precursor mixture consisting of metal–organic framework and conductive polymer hybrid. After pyrolysis at a high temperature, the CSAIN with a structure of carbon nanosheet supported polyhedral carbon is achieved, where the unique structure endows CSAIN with expediting electron transfer and mass transport, as well as largely exposed surface to host atomically dispersed iron active sites. As a result, the optimal CSAIN catalyst shows a high ORR activity with its half‐wave potential of 0.77 V (vs RHE) and a Tafel slope of 74.1 mV dec–1, which are comparable to that of commercial Pt/C catalyst (0.80 V and 81.9 mV dec–1).
Magnetic Actuator with Programmable Force Distribution and Self‐Sensing for Bidirectional Deformation Control
Authors: Gao Yinduan , Deng Huaxia , Zhang Jingyi , Shu Quan , Xu Zhenbang , Cao Xufeng , Wang Bochao , Gong Xinglong
Published: April 2022

The realization of bidirectional deformation function is an important symbol of most natural creatures and intelligent flexible robots. Currently, most soft actuators are developed on the basis of transition between two different states, which means difficulties of control during the whole movement. In this work, variable distribution positions of hard magnetorheological elastomers (H‐MREs) in the matrix are used to achieve different magnetic force distributions. The programmable force distribution promotes different deformations of the magnetic actuators, which enlarges the deformation range by 51.69% under the same magnetic field. Pre‐magnetizing the H‐MREs makes them have a certain residual magnetization. Due to the residual magnetization property of H‐MREs, the magnetized actuator can not only be attracted but also be repelled by the applied magnetic field. This bidirectional deformation capability gives the actuators a wider deformation range and greater clamping force, such as the smart gripper for pinching up object. In addition, the actuators are integrated with a flexible sensing layer with high resolution and strong stability for self‐sensing. This kind of force distribution programmable technology and self‐sensing performance have the potential to broaden the application of actuators in medical equipment requiring high control accuracy.
Nonlinear Optical Imaging of In‐Plane Anisotropy in Two‐Dimensional SnS
Authors: Maragkakis George Miltos , Psilodimitrakopoulos Sotiris , Mouchliadis Leonidas , Sarkar Abdus Salam , Lemonis Andreas , Kioseoglou George , Stratakis Emmanuel
Published: April 2022

Two‐dimensional (2D) tin(II) sulfide (SnS) crystals belong to a class of orthorhombic semiconducting materials with remarkable properties, such as in‐plane anisotropic optical and electronic response, and multiferroic nature. The 2D SnS crystals exhibit anisotropic response along the in‐plane armchair (AC) and zigzag (ZZ) crystallographic directions, offering an additional degree of freedom in manipulating their behavior. Here, advantage of the lack of inversion symmetry of the 2D SnS crystal, that produces second harmonic generation (SHG), is taken to perform polarization‐resolved SHG (P‐SHG) nonlinear imaging of the in‐plane anisotropy. The P‐SHG experimental data are fitted with a nonlinear optics model, allowing to calculate the AC/ZZ orientation from every point of the 2D crystal and to map with high resolution the AC/ZZ direction of several 2D SnS flakes belonging in the same field of view. It is found that the P‐SHG intensity polar patterns are associated with the crystallographic axes of the flakes and with the relative strength of the second‐order nonlinear susceptibility tensor in different directions. Therefore, the method provides quantitative information of the optical in‐plane anisotropy of orthorhombic 2D crystals, offering great promise for performance characterization during device operation in the emerging optoelectronic applications of such crystals.
Single Bi3+ Ultrabroadband White Luminescence in Double Perovskite via Crystal Lattice Engineering toward Light‐Emitting Diode Applications
Authors: Wu Sheng , Liu Quan , Xiong Puxian , Chen Weiwei , Dong Quan , Chen Dongdan , Wang Dong , Zhang Guoxing , Chen Yan , Li Guogang
Published: April 2022

Single‐phase white luminescence phosphors are emerging for potential phosphor‐converted white light‐emitting diodes (pc‐WLEDs) and alternatives to trichromatic phosphor blends. In this work, Ba2ZnWO6:Bi3+ phosphors are prepared by a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction method and the luminescent properties are investigated. The broadband excitation from 250 to 400 nm is perfectly matched with the emission of nearly ultraviolet (n‐UV) InGaN chip, which ultrabroadband emission band (full width at half maximum = 217 nm) can cover a wider luminescence region. Li+/Na+/K+ codoping is more desirable for the ultrabroadband emission of Ba2ZnWO6:0.006Bi3+ due to the charge compensation and rationally designed lattice distortion while improving the thermal stability of the phosphor. Furthermore, tunable emissions can be achieved either by changing the content of doped ions or the excitation wavelength due to the different occupation of Ba2+ and Zn2+ sites by Bi3+ ions. Finally, single‐phase warm WLED ((x, y) = (0.4170, 0.4035)) devices with a correlated color temperature of 3329 K and color rendering index of Ra = 75.3 are successfully prepared using Ba2ZnWO6:0.006Bi3+, 0.03Na+ phosphor, and 365 nm InGaN chips. These results indicate that Ba2ZnWO6:Bi3+ has excellent potential as phosphor for n‐UV pc‐WLEDs and provides new ideas for the application of ultrabroadband emitting phosphors in WLEDs.
Development of Self‐Folded Corrugated Structures Using Automatic Origami Technique by Inkjet Printing
Authors: Fukatsu Yuki , Shigemune Hiroki
Published: April 2022

The origami technique realizes unique mechanical properties of sheet materials without additional parts. Herein, a self‐folded corrugated structure (SCS) is developed based on the reinforcing properties of the origami technique. The corrugated structures are used as the core materials for a high‐strength, open‐channel sandwich structure. Research on self‐folded core materials is scarce; thus, a design concept is proposed, and the mechanical properties of the SCS are evaluated. First, the structural parameters of the SCS fabricated by changing the printing parameters (e.g., linewidth and number of lines/creases), to derive the structural model, are determined. The model facilitates the design of an SCS with the desired structure. Thereafter, the mechanical properties of the SCSs are evaluated by conducting three‐point bending tests to determine the essential design parameters corresponding to high stiffness. Moreover, SCSs can be stacked without occupying space, thus leading to improved strength. These SCSs fabricated using self‐folding paper by inkjet printing are low cost and ecofriendly. Moreover, they are specialized for rapid design and fabrication, depending on the application. Herein, the use of SCS as a novel smart core because it exhibits high transportation efficiency and stiffness without additional components is proposed. An interactive preprint version of the article can be found at:https://www.authorea.com/doi/full/10.22541/au.164915946.65764739.
Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS): Real‐world data on outcomes and prognostic factors
Authors: Gozzetti Alessandro , Guarnieri Andrea , Zamagni Elena , Zakharova Elena , Coriu Daniel , Bittrich Max , Pika Tomáš , Tovar Natalia , Schutz Natalia , Ciofini Sara , Peña Camila , Rocchi Serena , Rassner Michael , Avivi Irit , Waszczuk‐Gajda Anna , Chhabra Saurabh , Usnarska‐Zubkiewicz Lidia , González‐Calle Verónica , Mateos Maria‐Victoria , Bocchia Monica , Bigi Flavia , Füllgraf Hannah , Bhasin‐Chhabra Bhavna , Gentile Massimo , Davila Julio , Vesole David H. , Cavo Michele , Thapa Bicky , Crusoe Edvan , Einsele Hermann , Legiec Wojciech , Charliński Grzegorz , Jurczyszyn Artur
Published: April 2022

Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) is a recognized clinical entity. Literature regarding treatment and its outcomes in MGRS is sparse due to the rarity and misdiagnosis of MGRS. We retrospectively analyzed 280 adults with an MGRS diagnosis from 2003 to 2020 across 19 clinical centers from 12 countries. All cases required renal biopsy for the pathological diagnosis of MGRS. Amyloidosis‐related to MGRS (MGRS‐A) was present in 180 patients; nonamyloidosis MGRS (MGRS‐NA), including a broad spectrum of renal pathologies, was diagnosed in 100 patients. The median overall survival in the studied cohort was 121.0 months (95% CI: 105.0–121.0). Patients with MGRS‐A had a shorter overall survival than patients with MGRS‐NA (HR = 0.41, 95%CI: 0.25–0.69; p = 0.0007). Both hematologic and renal responses were associated with longer survival. Achievement of ≥VGPR was generally predictive of a renal response (OR = 8.03 95%CI: 4.04–115.96; p < 0.0001), one‐fourth of patients with ≥VGPR were renal nonresponders. In MGRS‐A, factors associated with poor prognosis included elevated levels of creatinine, beta‐2‐microglobulin, and hemodialysis at diagnosis. In MGRS‐NA, only age >65 years was associated with increased risk of death. Treatments provided similar hematologic response rates in both types of MGRS. Autologous stem cell transplantation led to better response than other treatments. This multicenter and international effort is currently the largest report on MGRS.
Visible‐Light Induced Ipso‐Difluoromethylation of N‐Arylpropiolamides to Synthesize 3‐Difluoromethyl Spiro[4.5]trienones
Authors: Zhou Ting , Liu Ruiyue , Wang Xiuxiu , Rui Mingyang , Zhao Xia , Lu Kui
Published: April 2022

A visible light‐induced radical ipso‐difluoromethylation of N‐arylpropiolamides to synthesize 3‐difluoromethyl spiro[4.5]trienones was developed for the first time. In this transformation PhI(O2CCHF2)2 was used as difluoromethylation reagent and PhI(OAc)2 was employed as oxidant. Due to the cheap and readily accessible reagents and oxidant as well as the mild reaction conditions, this method is as an efficient and practical strategy for the synthesis of difluoromethyl‐substituted spiro[4.5]trienones.
Urine washing in urban robust capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.): The relation with visitors
Authors: Reyes Patricio D. , Baldovino María Celia , Aguiar Lucas M.
Published: April 2022

In primates, urine washing (UW) is a behavior in which individuals intentionally deposit urine on their bodies. Social and nonsocial hypotheses have been proposed to explain the adaptive function of this behavior. For capuchins, different functions have been assigned for UW, suggesting it as a flexible behavior, but studies have been mainly in captivity. However, no investigations have been performed in urban environments, where these animals can modify their behavior. Our goal was to study UW in a semi‐provisioned group of an introduced unknown robust capuchin species (Sapajus sp.) living in a tiny urban fragment in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, where they have contact with humans. We assessed the influence of social (sexual, agonistic, and anointing behaviors) and environmental (temperature, relative air humidity, height of the monkeys in the trees, number of people present in the fragment, and human‐monkey interactions) variables, the influence of behavior before and after UW, and the influence of sex‐age classes, on the frequency of UW. We observed 75 records of UW in 300 h of observations, where urine was mostly deposited on hands and passed on to feet (95%). There were no significant differences in the frequency of the behavior between sex‐age classes nor in the behaviors before and after UW. Around 50% of UW took place in the late morning and we found no correlation between UW and temperature, relative air humidity, nor the heights of the monkeys in the trees. However, we found a significant association between UW and the daily number of people in the fragment, but not between UW and human‐monkey interactions, anointing, agonisms, and sexual behavior. Our study increases the scope of UW flexibility by identifying the presence of visitors affecting the occurrence of this behavior. We discussed different possibilities through which people could influence the capuchins to display UW.
Neighborhood disadvantage and dementia incidence in a cohort of Asian American and non‐Latino White older adults in Northern California
Authors: Mobley Taylor M. , Shaw Crystal , Hayes‐Larson Eleanor , Fong Joseph , Gilsanz Paola , Gee Gilbert C. , Brookmeyer Ron , Whitmer Rachel A. , Casey Joan A. , Mayeda Elizabeth Rose
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Some evidence suggests that neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with dementia‐related outcomes. However, prior research is predominantly among non‐Latino Whites.

Methods

We evaluated the association between neighborhood disadvantage (Area Deprivation Index [ADI]) and dementia incidence in Asian American (n = 18,103) and non‐Latino White (n = 149,385) members of a Northern California integrated health care delivery system aged 60 to 89 at baseline. Race/ethnicity‐specific Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for individual‐level age, sex, socioeconomic measures, and block group population density estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for dementia.

Results

Among non‐Latino Whites, ADI was associated with dementia incidence (most vs. least disadvantaged ADI quintile HR = 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02–1.15). Among Asian Americans, associations were close to null (e.g., most vs. least disadvantaged ADI quintile HR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.85–1.21).

Discussion

ADI was associated with dementia incidence among non‐Latino Whites but not Asian Americans. Understanding the potentially different mechanisms driving dementia incidence in these groups could inform dementia prevention efforts.
Medical students' perceptions of emergency medical care before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Uejima Toshifumi , Ota Ikuo , Hamaguchi Mitsuhide , Shigeoka Hironori , Kurita Takashi , Hiraide Atsushi
Published: April 2022

Aim

Understanding how medical students perceive emergency medical care is important in promoting education and recruitment in the field of emergency medicine. This study aimed to clarify the perceptions of undergraduate medical students on emergency medical care with a focus on comparing their perceptions before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Methods

Fourth‐year undergraduate medical students were invited to complete a self‐administered questionnaire in 2017 and 2020. Free comments on emergency medical care were analyzed via text mining. The relationships among categorical words were evaluated via correlation matrix and correspondence analysis.

Results

The number of written words per student were not significantly different between 2017 (4.9 ± 3.4) and 2020 (5.3 ± 4.1). In 2017, the most frequently used word was “busy,” and the words “patients,” “life,” and “care” were not related to each other significantly. In 2020, the frequency of the word “busy” decreased and the word “patients” was related to “life” (P < 0.01) and “care” (P < 0.01). In the correspondence analysis, seven words including “life” and “care” were associated with “patients,” which demonstrates that these words tended to occur together.

Conclusions

Although the responses of the medical students regarding emergency medical care before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic included similar words, their expressions tended to be related to patient care or patient life during the pandemic. This change in perception might cultivate a sense of mission and responsibility and an interest in emergency medical care among medical students.
Complex–Real Transformation of Eigenenergies and Topological Edge States in Square‐Root Non‐Hermitian Topolectrical Circuits
Authors: Zhang Ruo‐Long , Wu Qing‐Ping , Liu Mei‐Rong , Xiao Xian‐Bo , Liu Zheng‐Fang
Published: April 2022

The physical properties of the unconventional complex–real transformation of eigenenergies which is manifested by the multiple degenerate plat bulk bands in the energy spectrum and the topological properties characterized by robust edge states are investigated in the square‐root non‐Hermitian topolectrical circuits. Such a flat bulk band captures all the imaginary eigenenergies of the system, which also determines its destiny as an indicator of complex–real transformation. In addition, its degeneracy is twice the number of unit cells and its possible generation mechanism has also been explored. The existence of robust topological edge states with non‐zero real energy is hinted by a strong impedance resonance peak displayed on the boundary in a modified disordered circuit system. The non‐Bloch theorem is introduced to renovate the broken bulk‐boundary correspondence confirmed by theoretical analysis and numerical calculations. Finally, the entire phase diagram of the system is presented to perfectly show all the intriguing physics. This work further enriches the study of physical characteristics and other exotic topological phenomena on an accessible electronic circuit platform.
Chiral Discrimination via Shortcuts to Adiabaticity and Optimal Control
Authors: Ding Wei‐Wei , Kang Yi‐Hao , Liu Yang , Song Jie , Huang Bi‐Hua , Xia Yan
Published: April 2022

A protocol to distinguish chiral molecules with the help of a cyclic three‐level structure is proposed. Non‐resonant microwave pules are applied to drive the transition of chiral molecules from their ground states to dressed‐states with different eigenenergies, which induce a large energy split in the levels of left‐handed molecules. This dynamics helps to realize a chirality‐selective transition, where only the right‐handed molecules can be excited to the higher levels. By utilizing the SU(2)‐transformation‐based shortcuts to adiabaticity method and the systematic‐error‐sensitivity nullified optimal control method, systematic‐error‐resistant control pulses to realize maximal population difference between molecules with different chirality are designed. Numerical simulations show that the protocol is also insensitive to random noise and energy relaxation. Therefore, the protocol may provide a promising approach for rapid and robust chiral discrimination.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Trisubstituted Alkenes by Nickel‐Catalyzed Benzylation and Alkene Isomerization
Authors: Zhao Yunlong , Liu Chen‐Fei , Lin Leroy Qi Hao , Chan Albert S. C. , Koh Ming Joo
Published: April 2022

Catalytic strategies that provide stereoselective access to highly substituted alkenes from abundant monosubstituted substrates are exceedingly sought‐after but rare. Here, we show that a N‐heterocyclic carbene‐NiI catalytic species mediates efficient union of electronically polarized terminal olefins with benzyl chlorides, in the presence of trimethylsilyl triflate and trimethylamine additives, to generate trisubstituted boron‐ and arene‐containing trans alkenes in excellent regio‐ and stereoselectivities. Control experiments provide evidence for a mechanism involving branched‐selective Heck‐type benzylation that overrides substrate control, followed by trans‐selective 1,3‐hydrogen shift. The method represents a significant addition to the toolbox of reactions for the concise synthesis of unsaturated biologically active compounds.
Clinical perspectives on nasopharyngeal morphology in humans
Authors: Rohde Rebecca , Friedland David R.
Published: April 2022

The nasopharynx is an integral component of the upper aerodigestive tract, whose morphologic features share an intimate relationship with a vast array of clinical, functional, and quality of life conditions related to contemporary humans. Its composite architecture and central location amidst the nasal cavity, pharyngotympanic tube, palate, and skull base bears implications for basic physiologic functions including breathing, vocalization, and alimentation. Over the course of evolution, morphological modifications of nasopharyngeal anatomy have occurred in genus Homo which serve to distinguish the human upper aerodigestive tract from that of other mammals. Understanding of these adaptive changes from both a comparative anatomy and clinical perspective offers insight into the unique blueprint which underpins many clinical pathologies currently encountered by anthropologists, scientists, and otorhinolaryngologists alike. This discussion intends to familiarize readers with the fundamental role that nasopharyngeal morphology plays in upper aerodigestive tract conditions, with consideration of its newfound clinical relevance in the era of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Herbicide Roundup shows toxic effects in nontarget organism Drosophila
Authors: Strilbytska Olha M. , Semaniuk Uliana V. , Strutynska Tetiana R. , Burdyliuk Nadia I. , Tsiumpala Sviatoslav , Bubalo Volodymyr , Lushchak Oleh
Published: April 2022

Glyphosate‐based herbicide Roundup, as the most employed herbicide used for multiple purposes in agriculture, adversely affects nontarget organisms. We tested the effects of Roundup applied at larval and adult stages. Roundup caused developmental delay and increased larvae mortality. Roundup treatment reduced hemolymph glucose and glycogen levels in adult flies of both sexes at the highest concentration tested. Sex‐dependent diverse effects were found in catalase and Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn‐SOD) activities. Decreased aconitase activity, contents of thiols, and lipid peroxides were found after larval Roundup exposure. Furthermore, chronic exposure to adult flies decreased appetite, body weight, and shortened lifespan. Thus, our results suggest that high concentrations of Roundup are deleterious to both larvae and adults, resulting in a shift of the metabolism and antioxidant defense system in Drosophila melanogaster.
The antimalarial activity of 1,2,4‐trioxolane/trioxane hybrids and dimers: A review
Authors: Fang Junman , Song Feng , Wang Fawei
Published: April 2022

Malaria, a mosquito‐borne parasitic infection caused by protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Plasmodium, is a dangerous disease that contributes to millions of hospital visits and hundreds and thousands of deaths across the world, especially in Sub‐Saharan Africa. Antimalarial agents are vital for treating malaria and controlling transmission, and 1,2,4‐trioxolane/trioxane‐containing agents, especially artemisinin and its derivatives, own antimalarial efficacy and low toxicity with unique mechanisms of action. Moreover, artemisinin‐based combination therapies were recommended by the World Health Organization as the first‐line treatment for uncomplicated malaria infection and have remained as the mainstay of the treatment of malaria, demonstrating that 1,2,4‐trioxolane/trioxane derivatives are useful prototypes for the control and eradication of malaria. However, malaria parasites have already developed resistance to almost all of the currently available antimalarial agents, creating an urgent need for the search of novel pharmaceutical interventions for malaria. The purpose of this review article is to provide an emphasis on the current scenario (January 2012 to January 2022) of 1,2,4‐trioxolane/trioxane hybrids and dimers with potential antimalarial activity and the structure–activity relationships are also discussed to facilitate further rational design of more effective candidates.
Inside‐Outside Lithium Deposition Achieved by the Unusual Strategy of Constructing the Hierarchical Lithiophilicity for Dendrite‐Free and Durable Lithium Metal Anode
Authors: Lu Xiao‐Meng , Liu Tiancun , Wang Yong , Du Fei‐Hu
Published: April 2022

Uncontrollable dendritic lithium (Li) growth and huge volume fluctuation are critical issues for the commercialization of Li metal anode. This work reports a three‐dimensional conductive host with hierarchical lithiophilicity to promote the uniform Li plating/stripping. Except for the common merits of the large surface area and excellent conductivity, the unique structural and compositional design, Ag nanoparticles encapsulated inside nitrogen‐doped carbon hollow spheres (Ag@NCHSs), allows a model of inside‐outside Li deposition due to the promising lithiophilicity of Ag component. This type of Li deposition strategy is evidenced by in‐situ optical microscope, in‐situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and endows a promising ability to overcome the fatal issues of Li metal anode even at high areal capacities and current densities. As a result, the developed host with the hierarchical lithiophilicity enables a remarkable enhancement of cycling performances. The strategy of constructing hierarchical lithiophilicity brings new insights to stabilize the Li metal anode.
Teacher and youth priorities for education for environmental sustainability: A co‐created manifesto
Authors: Dunlop Lynda , Rushton Elizabeth A. C. , Atkinson Lucy , Ayre Jacquie , Bullivant Andrea , Essex Jane , Price Laura , Smith Amanda , Summer Maisy , Stubbs Joshua E. , Diepen Maria Turkenburg‐van , Wood Lucy
Published: April 2022

What would it mean to put environmental sustainability at the heart of education? This article describes a process of inclusive, participatory manifesto‐making to identify young people's (aged 16–18 years) and teachers' priorities for education for environmental sustainability across the UK. Drawing on analysis of qualitative data from over 200 teachers and young people who participated in futures and visualisation workshops, we identify key educational priorities at the levels of classroom, school, community and policy, based on consensus between teacher and youth perspectives. Whilst consensus‐seeking comes with a risk of favouring ‘soft’ actions which reinforce unsustainable practices and systems, the process of identifying more desirable futures and immediate barriers that must be negotiated to reach them has the potential to create spaces for more critical pedagogies and practices. There is a need for policy makers and school leaders to recognise the interests of teachers and young people to enable greater participation in decision making at different scales, and to ensure that those with the greatest capacity bear their burden of responsibility for education for environmental sustainability.
A retrospective magnetic resonance imaging analysis of bone and soft tissue changes associated with the spectrum of tarsal coalitions
Authors: Cilengir Atilla Hikmet , Bayraktar Ezgi Suat , Dursun Suat , Ozdemir Mehmet , Altay Sedat , Elmali Ferhan , Tosun Ozgur
Published: April 2022

We aimed to investigate the bone and soft tissue changes accompanying tarsal coalition (TC) and aimed to evaluate their association with the location and type of coalition. Ankle magnetic resonance imagings of 65 patients with TC were included. The relationship between the location and type of coalition and bone marrow edema, subchondral cysts, sinus tarsi syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, posterior impingement syndrome, accessory bone, tibiotalar effusion, talar osteochondritis dissecans, ganglion cysts, and calcaneal spur were evaluated. Twenty‐nine patients without coalition were selected as the control group, and the distribution of these variables between the two groups was analyzed. There were 33 females and 32 males in the coalition group (mean age: 42.0 ± 15.63 years), and 22 females and seven males in the control group (mean age: 44.79 ± 12.33 years). Coalition was most common in the talocalcaneal joint (n = 33, 50.8%), and the most common coalition type was non‐osseous (n = 57, 87.6%). We find no significant difference between the pathologies defined in terms of coalition location and type. Sinus tarsi syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, subchondral cysts, and tibiotalar effusion were found to be more common in the coalition group (p = 0.028, p = 0.010, p = 0.023, and p = 0.006, respectively). The presence of coalition increased the probability of developing tarsal tunnel syndrome 9.91 times (95% CI: [1.25–78.59]; p = 0.029), and sinus tarsi syndrome 3.66 times (95% CI: [1.14–11.78]; p = 0.029). Tarsal coalition may predispose bone and soft tissue changes. In this study, sinus tarsi syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, subchondral cysts and tibiotalar effusion were found to be more common in the coalition group.
Selectivity Control in Photocatalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Bio‐based Aldehydes
Authors: Fu Hongmei , Chen Haijun , Gao Beibei , Lu Tianliang , Su Yunlai , Zhou Lipeng , Liu Meijiang , Li Hongji , Yang Xiaomei
Published: April 2022

The development of selectivity control strategies based on external operational conditions without modification of catalyst is an attractive but challenging issue in photocatalysis. Herein we reported the substrate concentration‐switched selectivity in photocatalytic transfer hydrogenation of biomass‐derived aromatic aldehydes. With the same catalyst, hydrodeoxygenation was realized at low aldehyde concentration and reductive etherification was realized at high aldehyde concentration. Mechanistic studies revealed that the substrate concentration affected the electron density on catalyst, thus controlled the initial reduction of formyl group and types of intermediates. Competitive adsorption of these intermediates on the catalyst affected hydrogenolysis of C−O bonds in the later stage. This method is easy to handle, and achieved selective hydrogenation of diverse bio‐based aldehydes to corresponding deoxygenated products and unsymmetric ether products as potential fuel additives under mild conditions. This work sheds light on the effect of substrate concentration on the selectivity in photocatalysis.