bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basic characteristics of distortion product otoacoustic emissions in infants and children
Authors: Prieve Beth A. , Fitzgerald Tracy S. , Schulte Laura E. , Kemp David T.
Published: July 2002

Distortion-product otoacoustic emissions at the 2 f1−f2 frequency (DPOAEs) are being advocated as a clinical tool for diagnosis of peripheral auditory pathology. Because they can be measured quickly and noninvasively, they may be an excellent method for identifying hearing loss in infants and children. However, few studies have examined the characteristics of DPOAEs in infants and children or detailed if, and how, their responses differ from those of adults. The purpose of the current study was to determine basic characteristics of DPOAEs in infants, toddlers, children, and young adults and to define any differences among age groups. An additional goal was to ensure that the presence of spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) did not confound any developmental effect. DPOAE input/output (I/O) functions at seven f2 frequencies and SOAEs were measured from one ear of 196 subjects. Children aged less than 1 yr had significantly higher mean DPOAE levels than older children and adults, and children aged 1–3 yr had higher mean DPOAE levels than teens and adults. These differences were dependent on frequency but were independent of f2 level and SOAE status. At every f2 frequency, groups of individuals having SOAEs had higher mean DPOAE levels than those not having SOAEs.
Detection of ultrasonic tones and simulated dolphin echolocation clicks by a teleost fish, the American shad (Alosa sapidissima)
Authors: Mann David A. , Lu Zhongmin , Hastings Mardi C. , Popper Arthur N.
Published: July 2002

The authors previously reported that American shad (Alosa sapidissima) can detect sounds from 100 Hz to 180 kHz, with two regions of best sensitivity, one from 200 to 800 Hz and the other from 25 to 150 kHz [Mann et al., Nature 389, 341 (1997)]. These results demonstrated ultrasonic hearing by shad, but thresholds at lower frequencies were potentially masked by background noise in the experimental room. In this study, the thresholds of the American shad in a quieter and smaller tank, as well as thresholds for detecting simulated echolocation sounds of bottlenosed dolphins was determined. Shad had lower thresholds for detection (from 0.2 to 0.8 kHz) in the quieter and smaller tank compared with the previous experiment, with low-frequency background noise but similar thresholds at ultrasonic frequencies. Shad were also able to detect echolocation clicks with a threshold of 171 dB re: 1 μPa peak to peak. If spherical spreading and an absorption coefficient of 0.02 dB/m of dolphin echolocation clicks are assumed, shad should be able to detect echolocating Tursiops truncatus at ranges up to 187 m. The authors propose that ultrasonic hearing evolved in shad in response to selection pressures from echolocating odontocete cetaceans.
Measures of auditory–visual integration in nonsense syllables and sentences
Authors: Grant Ken W. , Seitz Philip F.
Published: July 2002

For all but the most profoundly hearing-impaired (HI) individuals, auditory–visual (AV) speech has been shown consistently to afford more accurate recognition than auditory (A) or visual (V) speech. However, the amount of AV benefit achieved (i.e., the superiority of AV performance in relation to unimodal performance) can differ widely across HI individuals. To begin to explain these individual differences, several factors need to be considered. The most obvious of these are deficient A and V speech recognition skills. However, large differences in individuals’ AV recognition scores persist even when unimodal skill levels are taken into account. These remaining differences might be attributable to differing efficiency in the operation of a perceptual process that integrates A and V speech information. There is at present no accepted measure of the putative integration process. In this study, several possible integration measures are compared using both congruent and discrepant AV nonsense syllable and sentence recognition tasks. Correlations were tested among the integration measures, and between each integration measure and independent measures of AV benefit for nonsense syllables and sentences in noise. Integration measures derived from tests using nonsense syllables were significantly correlated with each other; on these measures, HI subjects show generally high levels of integration ability. Integration measures derived from sentence recognition tests were also significantly correlated with each other, but were not significantly correlated with the measures derived from nonsense syllable tests. Similarly, the measures of AV benefit based on nonsense syllable recognition tests were found not to be significantly correlated with the benefit measures based on tests involving sentence materials. Finally, there were significant correlations between AV integration and benefit measures derived from the same class of speech materials, but nonsignificant correlations between integration and benefit measures derived from different classes of materials. These results suggest that the perceptual processes underlying AV benefit and the integration of A and V speech information might not operate in the same way on nonsense syllable and sentence input.
Comparison between intensity and pressure as measures of sound level in the ear canal
Authors: Neely Stephen T. , Gorga Michael P.
Published: July 2002

In-the-ear calibration of sound pressure level may be problematic at frequencies above 2 kHz, because the pressure can vary significantly along the length of the ear canal, due to reflection of sound waves at the eardrum. This issue has been investigated by measuring behavioral thresholds to tones in a group of human subjects (N=61) for two different insertion depths of an insert earphone. The change in insertion depth was intended to alter the distribution of pressure in the ear canal, shifting the frequency at which spectral notches occur. The inset earphone or “probe” (Etymotic ER-10C) also contained a calibrated microphone, allowing the recording of sound pressure levels in the ear canal. Prior to the threshold measurements in each subject, the Thevenin acoustic source characteristics of the probe were determined by a special calibration procedure. This calibration allowed the expression of the sound level at threshold in terms of acoustic intensity ( W/m2). The impact of changes in insertion depth was determined by measuring behavioral threshold at each depth. Because cochlear sensitivity remained constant, the level of sound entering the ear at threshold should have been the same (within measurement error) for both insertions. The difference in sound pressure level (SPL) at threshold between the two probe insertions was greatest at the notch frequency of the first insertion. At this notch frequency, the SPL at threshold increased by an average of 11.4 dB. The change in sound intensity level (SIL) at threshold was almost always less than the change in SPL. At the notch frequency, the SIL decreased, on average, by only 0.5 dB. These results suggest that SIL may be a better indicator than SPL of the sound level entering the ear, especially for frequencies in the 4–8 kHz range.
Acoustic hot-spots and breaking wave noise in the surf zone
Authors: Deane Grant B.
Published: July 2002

Measurements of the horizontal directivity of the underwater sound made behind individual breaking waves in the surf zone are presented. To an observer behind a breaking wave, the breaking noise appears to radiate from acoustic hot-spots, which are compact sources at the ends of the breaking wavecrest. The hot-spots move through the surf zone as the length of breaking wavecrest increases, leading to systematic temporal variations in the wave noise directionality. Measurements of the acoustical properties of the mixture of water and bubbles left behind the breaking wave are presented. Sound speeds as low as 500 m/s and acoustic absorption up to 50 dB per meter occur in the bubbly region. Based on these measurements and a propagation model for the surf noise, it is proposed that the observed horizontal directivity is caused by the interaction between the noise radiated by the breaking wavecrest and the residue of bubbly water left behind the wave.
Acoustic thermometry of ocean climate (ATOC)
Authors: Munk Walter
Published: July 2002

The purpose of ATOC is to monitor ocean variability over scales exceeding 1 year and 5000 km, using the method of ocean acoustic tomography. ATOC takes advantage of the favorable condition in the sound channel for low-frequency propagation. By forming long-range averages, the very intense mesoscale variance is reduced by two orders of magnitude to permit the detection of the relatively weak climate signals. Results of 15 months of transmissions from a source off Monterey, California will be shown. The exploration of the oceans by acoustics dates back to the use of acoustic depth meters and the navigation of drifting buoys. With the modern development led by Brekhovskikh, the move is toward matched-field methods which attempt to interpret the entire recorded sound field in terms of the pertinent ocean parameters.
The effect of partially restored hearing on speech production of postlingually deafened adults with multichannel cochlear implants
Authors: Kishon-Rabin Liat , Taitelbaum Riki , Tobin Yishai , Hildesheimer Minka
Published: July 2002

The effect of auditory feedback on speech production was investigated in five postlingually deafened adults implanted with the 22-channel Nucleus device. Changes in speech production were measured before implant and 1, 6, and 24 months postimplant. Acoustic measurements included: F1 and F2 of vowels in word-in-isolation and word-in-sentence context, voice-onset-time (VOT), spectral range of sibilants, fundamental frequency (F0) of word-in-isolation and word-in-sentence context, and word and sentence duration. Perceptual ratings of speech quality were done by ten listeners. The significant changes after cochlear implantation included: a decrease of F0, word and sentence duration, and F1 values, and an increase of voiced plosives’ voicing lead (from positive to negative VOT values) and fricatives’ spectral range. Significant changes occurred until 2 years postimplant when most measured values fell within Hebrew norms. Listeners were found to be sensitive to the acoustic changes in the speech from preimplant to 1, 6, and 24 months postimplant. Results suggest that when hearing is restored in postlingually deafened adults, calibration of speech is not immediate and occurs over time depending on the age-at-onset of deafness, years of deafness, and perception skills. The results also concur with hypothesis that the observed changes of some speech parameters are an indirect consequence of intentional changes in other articulatory parameters.
Studies of a Polymer Melt in an Orthogonal Rheometer
Authors: Maxwell Bryce , Chartoff R. P.
Published: July 2002

A method has been developed for measuring three orthogonal forces in a polymer melt subjected to shear. Data are presented showing the relationship of these forces to shear rate for linear polyethylene. It has been found possible to measure the elastic and viscous forces while varying the shear rate in two different independent manners: (1) by varying the time scale of applying a given magnitude of shear deformation; (2) by varying the magnitude of shear deformation for a given time scale of application. Method number one results in the usual nonlinear relationship between shear stress and shear rate for polymer melts. Method number two results in a linear relationship between shear stress and shear rate thus making it possible to determine a single value of the coefficient of viscosity for any given time scale of application of shear strain. By varying the time scale of strain application, it has been found possible to measure polymer melt viscosities from essentially the zero shear rate viscosity to the disentangled viscosity.
Assessment of efficacy in automated plan generation for Varian Ethos intelligent optimization engine
Authors: Pokharel Shyam , Pacheco Abilio , Tanner Suzanne
Published: January 2022

Varian Ethos, a new treatment platform, is capable of automatically generating treatment plans for initial planning and for online, adaptive planning, using an intelligent optimization engine (IOE). The primary purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of Varian Ethos IOE for auto‐planning and intercompare different treatment modalities within the Ethos treatment planning system (TPS). A total of 36 retrospective prostate and proximal seminal vesicles cases were selected for this study. The prescription dose was 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions to the proximal seminal vesicles, with a simultaneous integrated boost of 70 Gy to the prostate gland. Based on RT intent, three treatment plans were auto‐generated in the Ethos TPS and were exported to the Eclipse TPS for intercomparison with the Eclipse treatment plan. When normalized for the same planning target volume (PTV) coverage, Ethos plans Dmax% were 108.1 ± 1.2%, 108.4 ± 1.6%, and 109.6 ± 2.0%, for the 9‐field IMRT, 12‐field IMRT, and 2‐full arc VMAT plans, respectively. This compared well with Eclipse plan Dmax% values, which was 108.8 ± 1.4%. OAR indices were also evaluated for Ethos plans using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group report 0415 as a guide and were found to be comparable to each other and the Eclipse plans. While all Ethos plans were comparable, we found that, in general, the Ethos 12‐field IMRT plans met most of the dosimetric goals for treatment. Also, Ethos IOE consistently generated dosimetrically hotter VMAT plans versus IMRT plans. On average, Ethos TPS took 13 min to generate 2‐full arc VMAT plans, compared to 5 min for 12‐field IMRT plans. Varian Ethos TPS can generate multiple treatment plans in an efficient time frame and the quality of the plans could be deemed clinically acceptable when compared to manually generated treatment plans.
Interfacial Microextraction Boosting Nitrogen Feed for Efficient Ambient Ammonia Synthesis in Aqueous Electrolyte
Authors: Shen Xiaowei , Liu Sisi , Xia Xinyao , Wang Mengfan , Ji Haoqing , Wang Zhenkang , Liu Jie , Zhang Xinsong , Yan Chenglin , Qian Tao
Published: January 2022

The extremely low nitrogen (N2) solubility in aqueous solution greatly limits the gas reactant supply to catalysts resulting in a bottleneck in establishing efficient electrocatalytic N2 reduction reaction (NRR). Here, aiming at fairly few N2 dissolving in aqueous electrolyte, an N2‐microextractor (NME) that can extract the N2 from water, then feed it to catalysts on electrodes, is reported. The NME consists of polymer framework and extractant that possess high solubility for N2, which serves as an ultra‐thin interfacial system wrapping around electrodes. As expected, the enhancement of N2 supply in NRR leads to a record‐high Faradaic efficiency (80.1%) with an ammonia yield rate of 58.3 µg h−1 mg−1 under ambient conditions. This is of great significance to a sustainable “Ammonia Economy.”
Cyber‐Physical Watermarking with Inkjet Edible Bioprinting
Authors: Jeon Hee‐Jae , Leem Jung Woo , Ji Yuhyun , Park Sang Mok , Park Jongwoo , Kim Kee‐Young , Kim Seong‐Wan , Kim Young L.
Published: January 2022

Counterfeit medicines are a fundamental healthcare problem, threatening patient safety and public health as well as causing economic damage. Online pharmacies and the ongoing pandemic have promoted medicine counterfeiting. However, the existing anticounterfeit methods are limited because of material toxicity, low security, and complicated fabrication. Here a dosage‐level security method is introduced that combines digital watermarking and physical printing at the material level. A set of requirements is designed to ensure the edibility, printability, imperceptibility, and robustness of cyber‐physical watermarking. An inkjet printer using safe food coloring is adapted to print a watermarked image on a recombinant luminescent silk protein taggant to enhance attack resistance. Machine learning of color accuracy recovers unavoidable color distortions during printing and acquisition, allowing robust smartphone readability. An edible watermarked taggant affixed to each individual medicine can offer anticounterfeit and authentication features at the dosage level, empowering every patient to aid in abating illicit medicines.
Advances in High‐Performance Autonomous Energy and Self‐Powered Sensing Textiles with Novel 3D Fabric Structures
Authors: Dong Kai , Peng Xiao , Cheng Renwei , Ning Chuan , Jiang Yang , Zhang Yihan , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: January 2022

The seamless integration of emerging triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology with traditional wearable textile materials has given birth to the next‐generation smart textiles, i.e., textile TENGs, which will play a vital role in the era of Internet of Things and artificial intelligences. However, low output power and inferior sensing ability have largely limited the development of textile TENGs. Among various approaches to improve the output and sensing performance, such as material modification, structural design, and environmental management, a 3D fabric structural scheme is a facile, efficient, controllable, and scalable strategy to increase the effective contact area for contact electrification of textile TENGs without cumbersome material processing and service area restrictions. Herein, the recent advances of the current reported textile TENGs with 3D fabric structures are comprehensively summarized and systematically analyzed in order to clarify their superiorities over 1D fiber and 2D fabric structures in terms of power output and pressure sensing. The forward‐looking integration abilities of the 3D fabrics are also discussed at the end. It is believed that the overview and analysis of textile TENGs with distinctive 3D fabric structures will contribute to the development and realization of high‐power output micro/nanowearable power sources and high‐quality self‐powered wearable sensors.
Supercritical Methanol Solvolysis and Catalysis for the Conversion of Delignified Woody Biomass into Light Alcohol Gasoline Bioblendstock
Authors: Nguyen Hannah , Huq Nabila A. , Stück Daniela , Tifft Stephen M. , Conklin Davis R. , Koehler Andrew J. , McNeary William Wilson , Fioroni Gina M. , Hays Cameron , Christensen Earl D. , McNamara Ian , Bartling Andrew , Davis Ryan , Unocic Kinga A. , Vardon Derek R.
Published: January 2022

Supercritical methanol (SCM) solvolysis and catalysis has recently emerged as a promising pathway to produce gasoline‐range light alcohols from woody biomass through staged depolymerization and hydro‐deoxygenation (DHDO). Here, structure–property relationships of Cu“M”AlOx catalysts (M = Mg, Zr, and Ce) are examined for upgrading delignified hybrid poplar via SCM‐DHDO. CuCeAlOx displays the highest activity, increasing the C2C7 alcohol production rate and selectivity by twofold in batch reactions, and >50% in semicontinuous reactions relative to the current state‐of‐the‐art CuMgAlOx. The performance of CuCeAlOx is correlated with its high reducibility and acidity. Cu sintering and biogenic impurity poisoning are identified as possible deactivation mechanisms over 60 h of continuous testing. The gasoline‐range SCM‐DHDO products are comprised of primarily aliphatic alcohols that result in improved energy density and favorably reduced vapor pressure, relative to ethanol, with the tradeoff of nonsynergistic octane blending with conventional gasoline and lower oxidation stability. Overall, this work highlights the potential to produce suitable light oxygenates by SCM‐DHDO processing for gasoline bioblendstock applications.
Charge Regulated Diffusion of Silica Nanoparticles into Wood for Flame Retardant Transparent Wood
Authors: Samanta Archana , Höglund Martin , Samanta Pratick , Popov Sergei , Sychugov Ilya , Maddalena Lorenza , Carosio Federico , Berglund Lars A.
Published: January 2022

The preparation of wood substrates modified by charged inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) diffusing into the internal cell wall structure is investigated for generating functional properties. The flammability problem of wood biocomposites is addressed. NPs applied from colloidal sols carry charge to stabilize them against aggregation. The influence of charge on particle diffusion and adsorption should play a role for their spatial distribution and localization in the wood substrate biocomposite. It is hypothesized that improved dispersion, infiltration, and stability of NPs into the wood structure can be achieved by charge control diffusion, also restricting NP agglomeration and limiting distribution to the wood cell wall. Cationic and anionic silica NPs of ≈30 nm are therefore allowed to diffuse into bleached wood. The influence of charge on distribution in wood is investigated as a function of initial sol concentration. Transparent wood is fabricated by in situ polymerization of a thiol‐ene in the wood pore space. These biocomposites demonstrate excellent flame retardancy with self‐extinguishing characteristics. The approach has potential for commercial fabrication of flame retardant transparent composites for glazing and other building applications.
Lodging resistance and feeding quality of triticale and cereal rye lines in an alpine pastoral area of P. R. China
Authors: Yang Yongqiang , Liu Hancheng , Tian Xinhui , Du Wenhua
Published: January 2022

Triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) is a hybrid progeny of wheat (Triticum spp.) and rye (Secale cereale L.) and exhibits significant heterosis compared with its parents. Triticale is grown in many countries as a forage crop and has broad application prospects. In this study, conducted in 2015 and 2016 at Gansu, P. R. China, the morphological characteristics of stems, the microstructural features of the second internode from the base, and the chemical components of two triticale lines and two rye lines were compared. This study found that the plant height of triticale was lower than that of rye (P < .01), whereas the triticale internode diameter was larger (P < .05). Compared with values in rye, the diameter of the second internode from the base, thickness of the stem wall, ratio of the length of the second internode to the total length, and the sheath/internode weight ratio were all greater in triticale. Examination of the anatomical structure of the second internode revealed that the basic and vascular tissues of stems of triticale were more developed than those of rye. In addition, cellulose, lignin, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and ash contents of triticale stems were less than those of rye, whereas the triticale soluble sugar content was greater (p < .01). Therefore, we inferred that triticale stems have greater nutritional value, palatability, lodging resistance, and production potential than rye and were suitable for planting and popularizing in alpine pastoral areas.
Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Families to Stay Together from the Start (SAFeST Start): Urgent call to action to address crisis in infant removals
Authors: Chamberlain Catherine , Gray Paul , Bennet Debra , Elliott Alison , Jackomos Marika , Krakouer Jacynta , Marriott Rhonda , O'Dea Birri , Andrews Julie , Andrews Shawana , Atkinson Caroline , Atkinson Judy , Bhathal Alex , Bundle Gina , Davies Shanamae , Herrman Helen , Hunter Sue‐Anne , Jones‐Terare Glenda , Leane Cathy , Mares Sarah , McConachy Jennifer , Mensah Fiona , Mills Catherine , Mohammed Janine , Hetti Mudiyanselage Lumbini , O'Donnell Melissa , Orr Elizabeth , Priest Naomi , Roe Yvette , Smith Kristen , Waldby Catherine , Milroy Helen , Langton Marcia
Published: January 2022

Reducing the rate of over‐representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out‐of‐home care (OOHC) is a key Closing the Gap target committed to by all Australian governments. Current strategies are failing. The “gap” is widening, with the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in OOHC at 30 June 2020 being 11 times that of non‐Indigenous children. Approximately, one in five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children entering OOHC each year are younger than one year. These figures represent compounding intergenerational trauma and institutional harm to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities. This article outlines systemic failures to address the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents during pregnancy and following birth, causing cumulative harm and trauma to families, communities and cultures. Major reform to child and family notification and service systems, and significant investment to address this crisis, is urgently needed. The Family Matters Building Blocks and five elements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle (Prevention, Participation, Partnership, Placement and Connection) provide a transformative foundation to address historical, institutional, well‐being and socioeconomic drivers of current catastrophic trajectories. The time for action is now.
Synthesis, anti‐proliferative activities, docking studies, and computational calculations of novel isonicotinic mixed complexes
Authors: Fahim Asmaa M. , Magar Hend S. , Mahmoud Nelly H.
Published: January 2022

In this investigation, we studied the mixing of two ligands, isonicotinohydrazide (L1) and 3‐hydroxyisonicotinic acid (L2), with different metal ions to afford the corresponding stable metal complexes. Consequently, intensive physico‐chemical analysis including elemental analysis, UV–visible, Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), mass, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), magnetic, and molar conductance measurements has been performed. The thermal stability of all complexes was determined using TGA, and the kinetic parameters were obtained using the Coats–Redfern method. Both the degree of crystallinity and the unit cell of all complexes were determined utilizing XRD studies. Furthermore, these metal complexes exhibited excellent anti‐proliferative activity against human breast cancer (MCF‐7) and human liver cancer (HepG2) cell lines against the doxorubicin drug. The Co(II) complex outperformed all other metal complexes in terms of activity, which was confirmed by molecular docking stimulation via the binding energy with amino acids in a structural complex of Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) thymidylate synthase (PDBID:5H38) and the ternary complex of KRIT1 bound to both the Rap1 GTPase and the Heart of Glass (HEG1) cytoplasmic tail (PDBID:4hdq) and shortage. Moreover, these metal complexes were optimized via theoretical investigation through a density functional theory (DFT)/B3LYP/LANL2DZ basis set to confirm the stability of these metals theoretically and detect frontier molecular orbitals (FMO), electrostatic potential (ESP), energy gap, and physical computational calculations. Eventually, the electrochemical features were explored using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS).
Clinical Issues—February 2022
Authors: Seeman Kristyn
Published: January 2022

THIS MONTH

Performing systematic reviews

Key words: systematic review protocol, nurse researcher, literature search strategy, scoping review, methodology.

Sequential application of patient skin antiseptic solution

Key words: sequential antisepsis, surgical site preparation, skin antiseptic, instructions for use (IFU), preoperative.

Patient radiology shielding

Key words: radiation safety officer (RSO), gonadal shielding, radiosensitive organs, as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA), radiological exposure.

Patient hair removal for neurosurgery

Key words: patient hair removal, surgical site infection, neurosurgical procedures, patient satisfaction, disposable clipper system.
Conservation evaluation of three Nigerian streams in different vegetation zones demonstrates why pristine freshwater ecosystems in the Afrotropics should be protected
Authors: Akindele Emmanuel O. , Adedapo Abiodun M. , Fagbohun Ibrahim R. , Akinpelu Oluwaseun T. , Amoo Timothy O. , Aliu Olanrewaju O. , Adeniyi Akinkunle V.
Published: January 2022

Pristine freshwater ecosystems are becoming rarer globally, increasing the urgency of protecting sites of special conservation importance, particularly in regions where biological information is scarce.

This short article describes how the aquatic macroinvertebrate‐based Community Conservation Index (CCI) approach was used to assess the conservation value of three waterfall‐dominated stream systems located in different vegetation zones of Nigeria.

Samples were collected in the wet and dry seasons of 2020, showing that all three sites had very high conservation values (CCI > 20) in both time periods. The results provide a benchmark for similar evaluations in the region.

The use of biological evaluations such as CCI can improve the way freshwater ecosystems are assessed in the Afrotropics, helping to identify streams that could become freshwater protected areas or Ramsar sites.
Continuous‐time optimal pension indexing in pay‐as‐you‐go systems
Authors: Roch Oriol
Published: January 2022

An aging population and the economic crisis have placed pay‐as‐you‐go pension systems in need of mechanisms to ensure their financial stability. In this article, we consider optimal indexing of pensions as an instrument to cope with the financial imbalances typically found in these systems. Using dynamic programming techniques in a stochastic continuous‐time framework, we compute the optimal pension index and portfolio strategy that best target indexing and liquidity objectives determined by the government. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the results.
Identifying autism symptom severity trajectories across childhood
Authors: Waizbard‐Bartov Einat , Ferrer Emilio , Heath Brianna , Rogers Sally J. , Nordahl Christine Wu , Solomon Marjorie , Amaral David G.
Published: January 2022

An individual's autism symptom severity level can change across childhood. The prevalence and direction of change, however, are still not well understood. Nor are the characteristics of children that experience change. Symptom severity trajectories were evaluated from early to middle childhood (approximately ages 3–11) for 182 autistic children. Symptom severity change was evaluated using individual change scores and the Reliable Change Index. Fifty‐one percent of participants experienced symptom severity change: 27% of children decreased in severity, 24% increased and 49% were stable. Symptom severity decreases were more common during early childhood. Severity increases occurred at both early and middle childhood but increase in social affect severity was especially prominent during middle childhood. Most children experienced significant change during only one period and remained stable during the other. Girls decreased more and increased less in symptom severity than boys. Children that increased in severity decreased in adaptive functioning across childhood. Exploratory analyses indicated that a decrease in severity was associated with higher parental education level and older parental age at the time of the child's birth. Conversely, increase in autism severity was associated with lower parental education level and younger parental age at the child's birth. These findings extend recent observations that symptom severity change is more likely than previously appreciated. An understanding of the role of both biological and sociodemographic factors in determining a child's symptom trajectory may factor into future decisions on allocation and type of interventions distributed to young autistic children.

Lay Summary

We studied whether a child's autism severity changed from initial diagnosis until middle childhood (ages 3–11). We found that 27% of the children decreased in severity, 24% increased and the rest stayed the same. Symptom severity decreases were more common during early childhood while severity increases were more prominent during middle childhood. We also found that girls were more likely to decrease than boys. Whether a child decreased or increased is related, in part, to parental characteristics.
Der Demonstrator D1244: das weltweit erste adaptive Hochhaus
Authors: Blandini Lucio , Haase Walter , Weidner Stefanie , Böhm Michael , Burghardt Timon , Roth Daniel , Binz Hansgeorg , Sawodny Oliver , Sobek Werner
Published: January 2022

Adaptive Gebäudehüllen und Tragwerke sind ein möglicher Weg hin zu mehr Ressourceneffizienz im Bauwesen. Eine aktive Manipulation der Geometrie und des Tragwerkverhaltens ermöglicht es, Spannungsverteilungen zu optimieren, Verformungen zu reduzieren und Schwingungen zu dämpfen. Adaptive Gebäudehüllen wiederum können sich an wechselnde Bedingungen im Innen‐ bzw. Außenbereich anpassen und besser auf Nutzerbedürfnisse eingehen als herkömmliche Systeme. Adaptivität bedeutet die Manipulierbarkeit der Gebäudehülle oder des Tragwerks – und erfordert daher Aktuierung, Sensorik, Steuerungstechnik und Regelungskonzepte. Das übergeordnete Ziel der Adaptivität ist eine Minimierung des Material‐ und Energieverbrauchs sowie eine Reduktion der mit dem Bauwerk verbundenen direkten und indirekten Emissionen von Treibhausgasen. Das Konzept der Adaptivität wird seit vielen Jahren an der Universität Stuttgart erforscht. Seit 2017 sind diese Arbeiten im interdisziplinären Sonderforschungsbereich SFB 1244 zusammengefasst. Zur Verifizierung der gesammelten Erkenntnisse wurde auf dem Universitätscampus in Stuttgart‐Vaihingen Anfang 2021 der Demonstrator D1244 errichtet – das weltweit erste adaptive Hochhaus. Das ca. 36,5 m hohe Gebäude dient als multifunktionale Experimentalplattform, in dessen Stahltragwerk 24 hydraulische Aktoren integriert sind. Jedes Bauteil kann einzeln entnommen und gegen neu entwickelte adaptive Systeme ausgetauscht werden. Der Demonstrator erlaubt in den kommenden Jahren eine flexible Erprobung und Validierung unterschiedlichster Technologien und Materialien im Bereich des Tragwerks und der Fassade.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on urological cancers: The surgical experience of two cancer hubs in London and Milan
Authors: Monroy‐Iglesias Maria J. , Rai Sonpreet , Mistretta Francesco A. , Roberts Graham , Dickinson Harvey , Russell Beth , Moss Charlotte , De Berardinis Rita , Ferro Matteo , Musi Gennaro , Brown Christian , Nair Rajesh , Thurairaja Ramesh , Fernando Archana , Cathcart Paul , Khan Azhar , Dasgupta Prokar , Malde Sachin , Hadijpavlou Marios , Dolly Saoirse , Haire Kate , Tagliabue Marta , de Cobelli Ottavio , Challacombe Ben , Van Hemelrijck Mieke
Published: January 2022

Objective

To report on the outcomes of urological cancer patients undergoing radical surgery between March–September 2020 (compared with 2019) in the European Institute of Oncology (IEO) in Milan and the South East London Cancer Alliance (SELCA).

Materials and Methods

Since March 2020, both institutions implemented a COVID‐19 minimal ‘green’ pathway, whereby patients were required to isolate for 14 days prior to admission and report a negative COVID‐19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 3 days of surgery. COVID‐19 positive patients had surgery deferred until a negative swab. Surgical outcomes assessed were: American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade; surgery time; theatre time; intensive care unit (ICU) stay >24 h; pneumonia; length of stay (LOS); re‐admission. Postoperative COVID‐19 infection rates and associated mortality were also recorded.

Results

At IEO, uro‐oncological surgery increased by 4%, as compared with the same period in 2019 (n = 515 vs. 534). The main increase was observed for renal (16%, n = 98 vs. 114), bladder (24%, n = 45 vs. 56) and testicular (27%, n = 26 vs. 33). Patient demographics were all comparable between 2019 and 2020. Only one bladder cancer patient developed COVID‐19, reporting mild/moderate disease. There was no COVID‐19 associated mortality. In the SELCA cohort, uro‐oncological surgery declined by 23% (n = 403 vs. 312) compared with the previous year. The biggest decrease was seen for prostate (−42%, n = 156 vs. 91), penile (−100%, n = 4 vs. 0) and testicular cancers (−46%, n = 35 vs. 24). Various patient demographic characteristics were notably different when comparing 2020 versus 2019. This likely reflects the clinical decision of deferring COVID‐19 vulnerable patients. One patient developed COVID‐19, with no COVID‐19 related mortality.

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 minimal ‘green’ pathways that were put in place have shown to be safe for uro‐oncological patients requiring radical surgery. There were limited complications, almost no peri‐operative COVID‐19 infection and no COVID‐19‐related mortality in either cohort.
Direct capture and selective elution of a secreted polyglutamate‐tagged nanobody using bare magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Zanker Alexander A. , Stargardt Patrick , Kurzbach Sophie C. , Turrina Chiara , Mairhofer Juergen , Schwaminger Sebastian P. , Berensmeier Sonja
Published: January 2022

Background

The secretion and direct capture of proteins from the extracellular medium is a promising approach for purification, thus enabling integrated bioprocesses.

Major Results

We demonstrate the secretion of a nanobody (VHH) to the extracellular medium (EM) and its direct capture by bare, non‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). An ompA signal peptide for periplasmic localization, a polyglutamate‐tag (E8) for selective MNP binding, and a factor Xa protease cleavage site were fused N‐terminally to the nanobody. The extracellular production of the E8‐VHH (36 mg L–1) was enabled using a growth‐decoupled Escherichia coli‐based expression system. The direct binding of E8‐VHH to the bare magnetic nanoparticles was possible and could be drastically improved up to a yield of 88% by adding polyethylene glycol (PEG). The selectivity of the polyglutamate‐tag enabled a selective elution of the E8‐VHH from the bare MNPs while raising the concentration factor (5x) and purification factor (4x) significantly.

Conclusion

Our studies clearly show that the unique combination of a growth‐decoupled E. coli secretion system, the polyglutamate affinity tag, non‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles, and affinity magnetic precipitation is an innovative and novel way to capture and concentrate nanobodies.
Titer improvement of milbemycins via coordinating metabolic competition and transcriptional co‐activation controlled by Streptomyces antibiotic regulatory protein family regulator in Streptomyces bingchenggensis
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Liu Yuqing , Cheng Xu , Zhang Yanyan , Li Shanshan , Wang Xiangjing , Xiang Wensheng
Published: January 2022

Streptomyces bingchenggensis is a promising producer of milbemycins (MILs), the macrolide pesticide used widely in agriculture. The relationship between different biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) and the MIL BGC remains unclear, which hinders the precise metabolic engineering of S. bingchenggensis for titer improvement. To address this issue, this study discovered the regulatory function of a previously unidentified regulator KelR on a type‐II polyketide BGC, MIL BGC, and two other BGCs, and caused titer improvement. First, a type II polyketide synthase (PKS) gene cluster kel with a bidirectional effect on MIL biosynthesis was found using transcriptome analysis. A Streptomyces antibiotic regulatory protein (SARP) family regulator KelR from the kel cluster was then characterized as an activator of several BGCs including mil and kel clusters. Metabolic competition between mil and kel clusters at the late fermentation stage was confirmed. Finally, KelR and those BGCs were manipulated in S. bingchenggensis, which led to a 71.7% titer improvement of MIL A3/A4 to 4058.2 ± 71.0 mg/L. This study deciphered the regulatory function of a previously unidentified regulatory protein KelR on several BGCs including mil in S. bingchenggensis and provided an example of coordinating metabolic competition and coregulation for titer improvement of secondary metabolites.
The pH‐Dependence of the Hydration of 5‐Formylcytosine: an Experimental and Theoretical Study
Authors: Zott Fabian L. , Korotenko Vasily , Zipse Hendrik
Published: January 2022

5‐Formylcytosine is an important nucleobase in epigenetic regulation, whose hydrate form has been implicated in the formation of 5‐carboxycytosine as well as oligonucleotide binding events. The hydrate content of 5‐formylcytosine and its uracil derivative has now been quantified using a combination of NMR and mass spectroscopic measurements as well as theoretical studies. Small amounts of hydrate can be identified for the protonated form of 5‐formylcytosine and for neutral 5‐formyluracil. For neutral 5‐formylcytosine, however, direct detection of the hydrate was not possible due to its very low abundance. This is in full agreement with theoretical estimates.
Furfural Adsorption and Hydrogenation at the Oxide‐Metal Interface: Evidence of the Support Influence on the Selectivity of Iridium‐Based Catalysts
Authors: Campisi Sebastiano , Motta Davide , Barlocco Ilaria , Stones Rebecca , Chamberlain Thomas W. , Chutia Arunabhiram , Dimitratos Nikolaos , Villa Alberto
Published: January 2022

Here, tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride‐protected colloidal iridium nanoparticles were deposited by sol‐immobilisation on three different supports (CeO2, NiO and TiO2) and were investigated for the liquid‐phase direct hydrogenation (H2 atmosphere) and catalytic transfer hydrogenation – CTH (N2 atmosphere) of furfural to study the effect of the H donor. The occurrence of strong‐metal support interactions in 1 wt % Ir/CeO2 catalyst, as disclosed by XPS, was revealed to be responsible for the high activity observed in the direct hydrogenation (81 % conversion after 6 h) and for the unusual selectivity to 2‐methylfuran (70 %) under CTH conditions. On the other hand, Ir/NiO showed peculiar selectivity to tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol in both H2 and N2 atmospheres (71 % and 70 %, respectively). The density functional theory calculations further showed that the unique selectivity of Ir/NiO may be ascribed to the adsorption properties of furfural on the support, which activates a dual‐site hydrogenation mechanism.
Exploring the Association of Electron‐Donating Corroles with Phthalocyanines as Electron Acceptors
Authors: Platzer Benedikt , Berionni Berna Beatrice , Bischetti Martina , Cicero Daniel O. , Paolesse Roberto , Nardis Sara , Torres Tomás , Guldi Dirk M.
Published: January 2022

Electron‐donating corroles (Cor) were integrated with electron‐accepting phthalocyanines (Pc) to afford two different non‐covalent Cor ⋅ Pc systems. At the forefront was the coordination between a 10‐meso‐pyridine Cor and a ZnPc. The complexation was corroborated in a combination of NMR, absorption, and fluorescence assays, and revealed association with binding constants as high as 106 m−1. Steady‐state and time‐resolved spectroscopies evidenced that regardless of exciting Cor or Pc, the charge‐separated state evolved efficiently in both cases, followed by a slow charge‐recombination to reinstate the ground state. The introduction of non‐covalent linkages between Cor and Pc induces sizeable differences in the context of light harvesting and transfer of charges when compared with covalently linked Cor‐Pc conjugates.
Analysis of a novel immune checkpoint, Siglec‐15, in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Xianlong , Mo Shengwei , Zhang Yue , Ma Heng , Lu Zhaohui , Yu Shuangni , Chen Jie
Published: January 2022

Siglec‐15, a novel immune checkpoint, is an emerging target for next‐generation cancer immunotherapy. However, the role of Siglec‐15 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains poorly understood. We investigated the expression of Siglec‐15 and its association with clinicopathological characteristics, programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1), immune cells, and DNA damage repair (DDR) molecules in a cohort of 291 patients with PDAC. Positive tumour cell expression of Siglec‐15 and PD‐L1 was observed in 18.6 and 30.3% of the samples, respectively. We also detected Siglec‐15 positivity in macrophages in 3.4% of patients. Co‐expression of Siglec‐15 with PD‐L1 was observed in 6.1% of the patients. A total of 33 PD‐L1‐negative samples (18.0%) were Siglec‐15‐positive. Siglec‐15 was observed more frequently in moderate‐to‐well‐differentiated tumours. Siglec‐15 was associated with a low density of Tregs and CD45RO T cells, high BRCA1 expression, and improved survival. Both Siglec‐15 and PD‐L1 are independent factors of patient outcomes. The prognostic significance of Siglec‐15 for survival was more discriminative in lymph node‐negative, high BRCA1 expression, or low BRCA2 expression tumours than in lymph node‐positive, low BRCA1 expression, or high BRCA2 expression tumours. In conclusion, we identified Siglec‐15 as a promising predictor for prognosis combined with different DDR molecular statuses and complex tumour‐infiltrating cells in PDAC. Targeting Siglec‐15 may be a novel therapeutic option for patients who are unresponsive to anti‐PD‐1 therapy. Future studies are needed to validate the prognostic significance of Siglec‐15 and to investigate its regulatory mechanisms in this disease.
Growth and Genetic Manipulation of Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Suleiman Rene L. , Ralston Katherine S.
Published: January 2022

Entamoeba histolytica is a parasitic protozoan and the causative agent of amoebiasis in humans. Amoebiasis has a high incidence of disease, resulting in ∼67,900 deaths per year, and it poses a tremendous burden of morbidity and mortality in children. Despite its importance, E. histolytica is an understudied parasite. These protocols describe the in vitro growth, maintenance, cryopreservation, genetic manipulation, and cloning of axenic E. histolytica trophozoites. There has been significant progress in genetic manipulation of this organism over the past decade, and these protocols outline the ways in which these advances can be implemented. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Culturing E. histolytica trophozoites

Support Protocol 1: Preparation of TYI‐S‐33 medium

Support Protocol 2: Lot testing of Biosate peptone and adult bovine serum for TYI‐S‐33 medium

Basic Protocol 2: Cryopreservation of E. histolytica trophozoites

Support Protocol 3: Preparation of cryoprotectant solutions

Basic Protocol 3: Transfection of E. histolytica trophozoites with Attractene reagent

Basic Protocol 4: Creating clonal lines using limiting dilution

Basic Protocol 5: Knockdown of one to two genes with trigger‐induced RNA interference

Support Protocol 4: Evaluation of RNA interference knockdown with reverse transcriptase PCR

Basic Protocol 6: E. histolytica growth curves
High step‐up buck–boost DC–DC converter with coupled inductor and low component count for distributed PV generation systems
Authors: Toebe Ademir , Miguel Klein Faistel Tiago , Manuel Santos Spencer Andrade António
Published: January 2022

This paper presents a non‐isolated high step‐up buck–boost with a coupled inductor DC–DC converter relevant for distributed photovoltaic (PV) generation systems. The proposed topology can reach high voltage gain through the combination of a buck–boost converter with a coupled inductor. The configuration of the proposed converter allows to achieve a natural voltage clamp circuit for the switch, recovering the energy stored in the leakage inductance of the coupled inductor. Moreover, the converter allows soft‐switching conditions, that is, Zero Current Switching (ZCS) for the diodes and nearly ZCS for the active switch. Also, the proposed converter presents a low component count and common ground connection of the input and output. The proposed converter is evaluated theoretically by the principle of operation in continuous‐conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous‐conduction mode (DCM), voltage gain derivation, external characteristics, semiconductor voltage stress, current stress, and design guidelines. Finally, a 650‐W, 36/380‐V, 50‐kHz prototype was built in the laboratory to experimentally evaluate the proposed converter, which reached a maximum efficiency rate of 96.58%.