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• Novel discovery approaches are based on proteolytic activation. • Antibody therapies targeting proteolytic activation. • Activatable pro-forms of antibodies or effector proteins. Proteases have crucial roles in homeostasis and disease; and protease inhibitors and recombinant proteases in enzyme replacement therapy have become key therapeutic applications of protease biology across several indications. This review briefly summarises therapeutic approaches based on protease activation and focuses on how recent insights into the spatial and temporal control of the proteolytic activation of growth factors and interleukins are leading to unique strategies for the discovery of new medicines. In particular, two emerging areas are covered: the first is based on antibody therapies that target the process of proteolytic activation of the pro-form of proteins rather than their mature form; the second covers a potentially new class of biopharmaceuticals using engineered, proteolytically activable and initially inactive pro-forms of antibodies or effector proteins to increase specificity and improve the therapeutic window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Quantitative assessment of human exposure to semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC), such as tricresyl phosphates (TCP) that may originate from engine oil contamination of the cabin air, during air travel is challenging due to the technical complexity of the air supply in commercial jet aircraft. Normal flight operations involve reduced air exchange before and during takeoff, which results in increased concentrations of potential cabin air pollutants. During cruise, normal ventilation rates (>20 h− 1) are reestablished and thus lower pollutant concentrations are also reestablished. This relationship between changes in ventilation rate and associated changes in pollutant concentrations during the departure phase is first described in the present study, although this effect was found by previous studies that investigated distinct flight phases. The perception of so-called "smell events" in cabin air does not necessarily indicate the presence of harmful contaminants and TCP-containing oil mist must be clearly distinguished thereof. Thus, aldehydes, VOCs, and organophosphates such as TCP were investigated. In this paper, the occurrence of TCP contamination in a bleed air free Boeing 787 (B787) aircraft is reported for the first time. The results presented here show that there are TCP sources other than bleed air from leaky engines. Furthermore, exceptional release behavior of TCP suggests that a more detailed classification for engine oil-triggered cabin air contamination (CAC) events is necessary. This study evaluated measurement data from 177 flights that were either commissioned by the EASA or conducted as part of studies with the support of Lufthansa, Condor, and British Airways. Highlights • Compilation of cabin air quality data from the most used aircraft types, including the B787. • Effect of different ventilation rates during different phases of flight on the measurement of volatile organic compounds. • "Smell events" classified as oil leakage with odor perception are mostly identified as false positives. • VOC and TCP concentrations during normal flight conditions are considered no threat for human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: The evaluation of exhaled breath profiles by electronic nose (eNose) is considered as a promising non-invasive diagnostic tool, and the discrimination of breathprints between patients with COPD and asthma has been reported. The aim of this study was to assess, whether exhaled breath profile analysis can detect the inflammatory airway response induced by ozone inhalation. Methods: In a randomized double-blind, cross-over study 14 healthy ozone-responsive subjects were exposed to 250ppb ozone and filtered room air for 3h with intermittent exercise. Blood biomarkers, exhaled NO, exhaled CO, and breathprints (Cyranose 320®) were assessed prior and at 3 time points up to 24h post exposure. Induced sputum was collected at baseline and 3h post exposure. Multivariate analysis of eNose data was performed using transformed and normalized datasets. Results: Significantly increased numbers of sputum and blood neutrophils were observed after ozone, whereas the eNose signals showed no differences between exposures and no correlation with neutrophilic airway inflammation. However, independent of ozone exposure, sensor data correlated with serum SP-D levels and to a smaller extent with blood neutrophil numbers. Conclusions: Exhaled breath profiles as measured by the Cyranose 320® did not reflect airway responses to ozone. This suggests that exhaled volatiles did not change with ozone challenges or that the changes were below the detection limits. Conversely, the correlation of eNose signals with blood neutrophils and serum SP-D, i.e. markers of systemic inflammation and lung permeability, suggested that the Cyranose 320® can detect volatile organic compounds of systemic origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are a hot topic in the communications society. Currently, research is primarily focusing on setting up Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) based on WLAN technology. However, VANETs are heavily dependent on high market penetration or infrastructure support. Third-generation (3G) networks might complement these efforts. They are already widely deployed and can serve as the basis for Car-to-Infrastructure (C2I) applications. We developed a simulation framework for holistic analysis of complex UMTS-based ITS. This framework couples simulation models with corresponding protocols of the UMTS link level, of higher network layers, and of road traffic. Based on our simulation framework and real-world 3G network coverage data, we evaluated a UMTS-based Traffic Information Systems (TIS) in a typical highway scenario in which information about traffic jams needed to be communicated to other cars for optimized route planning. The evaluation clearly outlines the capabilities of the simulation framework and evaluation results are consistent with all expectations. For example, we show that the availability of UMTS multicast distribution services are demanded for an efficient operation of the TIS application. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Five commercially available insect sprays were applied in a model room. Spraying was performed in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions and in an overdosed manner in order to simulate worst-case conditions or an unforeseeable misuse. In addition, we examined electro-vaporizers. The Respicon™ aerosol monitoring system was applied to determine inhalation exposure. During normal spraying (10 seconds) and during the following 2–3 minutes, exposure concentrations ranged from 70 to 590μg/m3 for the pyrethroids tetramethrin, d-phenothrin, cyfluthrin, bioallethrin, and the pyrethrins. Calculated inhalable doses were 2–16μg. A concentration of approximately 850μg chlorpyrifos/m3 (inhalable dose: approximately 20μg) was determined when the “Contra insect fly spray” was applied. Highest exposure concentrations (1100–2100μg/m3) were measured for piperonyl butoxide (PBO), corresponding to an inhalation intake of 30–60μg. When simulating worst-case conditions, exposure concentrations of 200–3400μg/m3 and inhalable doses of 10–210μg were determined for the various active substances. Highest concentrations (4800–8000μg/m3) were measured for PBO (inhalable: 290–480μg). By applying the electro-vaporizer “Nexa Lotte” plug-in mosquito killer concentrations for d-allethrin were in the range of 5–12μg/m3 and 0.5–2μg/m3 for PBO while with the “Paral” plug-in mosquito killer concentrations of 0.4–5μg/m3 for pyrethrins and 1–7μg/m3 for PBO were measured. Potential dermal exposures were determined using exposure pads. Between 80 and 1000μg active substance (tetramethrin, phenothrin, cyfluthrin, bioallethrin, pyrethrins, chlorpyrifos) were deposited on the clothing of the total body surface area of the spray user. Highest levels (up to 3000μg) were determined for PBO. Worst-case uses of the sprays led to 5–9 times higher concentrations. Also a 2-hour stay nearby an operating electro-vaporizer led to a contamination of the clothing (total amounts on the whole body were 450μg d-allethrin and 50μg PBO for “Nexa Lotte” plug-in mosquito killer and 80μg pyrethrins and 190μg PBO for “Paral” plug-in mosquito killer). Human biomonitoring data revealed urine concentrations of the metabolite (E)-trans-chrysanthemum dicarboxylic acid ((E)-trans-CDCA) between 1.7μg/l and 7.1μg/l after 5 minutes of exposure to the different sprays. Also the use of electro-vaporizers led to (E)-trans-CDCA concentrations in the urine in the range of 1.0μg/l to 6.2μg/l (1–3 hours exposure period). The exposure data presented can be used for performing human risk assessment when these biocidal products were applied indoors. The airborne concentrations of the non-volatile active chemical compounds could be predicted from first principles using a deterministic exposure model (SprayExpo). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For evolution of the GSM/EDGE radio access network (RAN), the use of higher order modulation like 16- and 32-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) is considered in standardization for increased peak data rates and reduced transmission delays. In this paper, an optimized receiver design for different packet data transmission schemes is proposed. Turbo coding and turbo equalization is discussed for improved power efficiency and interference robustness. An efficient complexity reduction of the equalizer enables the usage of turbo equalization at a complexity comparable to that of separate equalization and decoding for turbo-coded transmission. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Using accurate inputs of wind speed is crucial in wind resource assessment, as predicted power is proportional to the wind speed cubed. First, wind speeds retrieved from a series of 91 ERS-2 SAR and Envisat ASAR images, at moderate wind speeds (2–15 m s−1), were validated against in situ measurements from an offshore mast in the North Sea. The wind direction input, necessary for SAR wind speed retrievals, was obtained from the meteorological mast and from a local gradient analysis of wind streaks in the SAR images. A wind speed standard deviation of ∼1.1 m s−1 was found when in situ wind directions were used. The use of local gradient wind directions yielded a standard deviation of ∼1.3 m s−1. Wind speeds retrieved from three geophysical model functions (CMOD-IFR2, CMOD4, and CMOD5) were compared. The best approximation to the in situ measurements of wind speed was found for CMOD-IFR2, despite a bias on the order of −0.3 m s−1. CMOD4 retrievals also underestimated the wind speed, whereas the bias on CMOD5 retrievals was negligible. Then, wind resource assessments were made from the SAR-based wind observations to show how errors in wind speed from the different SAR wind retrievals were reflected in the wind statistics. The mean wind speed, obtained for all of the 91 SAR scenes, was linked closely to the bias of SAR wind retrievals. Agreement to ±15% of the in situ measurements was found for all the wind retrieval methods tested. The accuracy of power density estimates for the entire data set was evaluated by the standard deviation of SAR wind retrievals relative to the in situ measurements. SAR wind fields retrieved with CMOD-IFR2, using in situ wind direction inputs, exactly yielded the power density predicted from in situ measurements alone. The SAR-based wind resource assessment also corresponded well to predictions from longer time series of in situ measurements. This indicates that a reliable wind resource assessment may be achieved from a series of randomly selected SAR images. The findings presented here could be useful in future wind resource assessment based on SAR images. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new “pre-embarkation” method for aircraft disinsection was investigated using two different 2% d-phenothrin containing aerosols. Five experiments in aircrafts of the type Airbus 310 (4×) and Boeing 747–400 (1×) were performed. In the absence of passengers and crew the d-phenothrin aerosol was sprayed under the seat rows and in a second step at the height of approximately 1.60m by moving from one end of the cabin to the other. Concentration levels of d-phenothrin were determined at different time periods after application of the aerosol spray. In a B 747–400 with the air conditioning system operating the concentrations ranged between 853 and 1753μg/m3 during and till 5min after the beginning of spraying at different locations in the cabin. Within 5–20min after the end of the spraying concentrations of 36–205μg/m3 and 20–40min thereafter only ca. 1μg d-phenothrin/m3 were detectable (average values in relation to each period of measurement). On cabin interior surfaces the median values for mainly horizontal areas ranged from 100 to 1160ng d-phenothrin/cm2. d-Phenothrin concentrations in the air were sufficient to kill flying insects like house flies and mosquitoes within 20min. Horizontal surfaces were 100% effective against insects up to 24h after spraying. Doses inhaled by sprayers determined by personal measurements were calculated to be 30–235μg d-phenothrin per 100g spray applied (30% in the respirable fraction for Arrow Aircraft Disinsectant; 10% for Aircraft Disinsectant Denka). If passengers will board, e.g., 20min after the end of the disinsection operation, inhalation exposure is estimated to be practically negligible. Also possible dermal exposure from residues in seats and headrests is very low for passengers during the flight. Therefore any health effects for passengers and crew members are very unlikely. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Exposure measurements were carried out in parked aircrafts during and after application of a biocide aerosol spray (simulated in-flight spraying). The aerosol product SRA spray (Standard Reference Aerosol Spray) was used for spraying. Concentrations of the pyrethrins – the active ingredients – in the air of the passenger cabin (airborne particles, measured during spray application and 40 minutes afterwards) varied from 11 to 65 μg/m3; those of the synergist piperonyl butoxide were 200 – 485 μg/m3. The concentrations on surfaces of the cabin furniture differed widely. Low concentrations were determined on surfaces in vertical positions (median values: pyrethrins ≤2 ng/cm2; piperonyl butoxide ≤17 ng/cm2), while under seats, on seats and on headrests the concentrations were up to 55.5 ng/cm2 for pyrethrins and 1162.5 ng/cm2 for piperonyl butoxide (median values). The inhaled doses for sprayers (using 100 g of spray) and persons sitting in the passenger cabin were calculated to be 17 μg for pyrethrins and 200 μg for piperonyl butoxide (maximum values). Maximum total external body doses for the applicators during spraying were 830 μg for pyrethrins and 8840 μg for piperonyl butoxide. The potential dermal dose for persons sitting in the passenger cabin was about a factor of two lower. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We examined the contribution of perceptual processes to cognitive ability with respect to stimulus complexity, response mode, level of encoding, and attention. The participants were 124 university students. Stimulus complexity due to presenting both irrelevant and relevant information led to a substantial increase in correlation between reaction time and measures of cognitive ability. Two different response modes, correctness in brief exposures and motor response, yielded correlations of equal size. Three levels of encoding were compared. These were related to signal detection, stimulus discrimination, and stimulus identification. It was very interesting to find that the correlation of the level relating to stimulus discrimination exceeded the other correlations. The consideration of attention showed clearly that about 70% of the common variance of perceptual processes and cognitive ability were due to attentive processes and 30% to preattentive processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a revision of Cattell's Investment Theory which assumes that learning mediates the influence of fluid on crystallized intelligence. Cognitive basis of fluid intelligence; Major properties of the cognitive basis of fluid intelligence; Major characteristic of the suggested revision of Cattell's Investment theory.

Three different building blocks have been synthesised and used for the synthesis of linear triazole linked pseudo oligosaccharides with copper(I)-catalysed cycloaddition (CuAAC). Ethynylferrocene has been used as analytical probe to improve the UV/Vis properties and HPLC methods have been used and optimised for the analysis of the pseudo oligosaccharides. The smallest ones have been isolated and characterised by analytical HPLC, NMR, ESI-MS and elemental analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A multistatic passive radar system exploits illuminators of opportunity like radio or television transmitters for target surveillance. In this paper we analyze the use of the illumination of television or radio stations broadcasting digital signals (DAB/DVB-T) from a target tracking view point. An important characteristic of this type of illuminators is the joint operation of several illuminators in a single frequency network (SFN). As a consequence it is a priori unknown which measurement belongs to which illuminator. This property expands the typical association task of associating measurements with targets by the task of associating measurements with illuminators. In this paper we present a comprehensive concept for target tracking in DAB/DVB-T networks accounting for the characteristics of this signal. The derived algorithms will be tested with respect to numerical simulations including a sensitivity study for parameter mismatch between simulations and tracking model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The contribution of perceptual processes to the correlation between measures of sustained attention and intelligence was investigated in considering computerized and paper-pencil tests of sustained attention. Perceptual processes were represented by tasks demanding signal detection and stimulus discrimination. A total of 117 participants completed two attention tests, as well as two tests that required signal detection and stimulus discrimination. Intelligence was measured by means of Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) and Berliner Intelligenzstruktur-Test (BIS). Structural equation modeling showed that intelligence was best predicted by one independent latent variable, which included loadings of sustained attention, speed of signal detection, and of stimulus discrimination. The investigation of the structure of prediction revealed speed of stimulus discrimination and genuine sustained attention as major predictors of intelligence. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fumes from oxidized asphalt (OA), corresponding to workplace fumes, were collected. • Nose-only exposure of rats to fume of OA at 158 and 536 mg/m3 caused adverse effects in dams. • Nose-only exposure to fumes from OA at 536 mg/m3 did not induce any fetal abnormalities. The prenatal developmental toxicity of the fumes of oxidised asphalt (OA) was tested by nose-only inhalation in the rat. The test material was generated by collecting fumes from the headspace of storage tanks filled with OA. The composition of these fumes was matched to fumes sampled at a workplace where the same OA was applied in a pour-and-roll operation, representing occupational exposure with high concentrations of fumes to not underestimate the possible hazard. In the main study, dams were exposed to 0, 53, 158 and 536 mg/m3 of fume (as total organic mass), for 6 h/day for 19 days p.c. The maternal NOAEC was 53 mg/m³ (lowest dose tested). In the high-dose group treatment-related effects on body weight gain were seen. In the mid- and high-dose groups treatment-related effects on food consumption, lung weights, and histopathological changes in lungs and the upper respiratory tract were observed. The NOAEC for prenatal developmental toxicity was 536 mg/m³ since no exposure-related effects were found in any of the exposure groups for any of the investigated reproductive endpoints. Furthermore, nose-only exposure to OA fumes in concentrations up to 536 mg/m³ from days 1–19 p.c. did not induce any significant fetal abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fumes from bitumen corresponding to occupational exposures were collected. • Nose-only exposure to bitumen fume at 151 and 482 mg/m3 caused weight loss in dams. • Nose-only exposure to fumes from bitumen did not induce fetal abnormalities. The prenatal developmental toxicity of bitumen fume was tested by nose-only inhalation in the rat. The fumes for exposure were collected from the headspace of a storage tank filled with a bitumen corresponding in composition to an anticipated worst-case occupational exposure. The composition of these fumes was compared to actual paving site fumes to ensure its representativeness for workplace exposures. In a dose-range-finding study male and female rats were exposed to 0, 103, 480 or 1043 mg/m3 of fume (as total organic mass), for 6 h/day during 20 days post conception (p.c.). Dose-related effects on body weight and lungs were observed in the mid- and high-dose groups. In the main study, dams were exposed to 0, 52, 151 and 482 mg/m3 of fume, for 6 h/day during 19 days p.c. The maternal NOAEL was 52 mg/m³. In the high-dose group treatment-related effects on body weight (gain), food consumption, lung weights, and histopathological changes in lungs and larynx were observed. In the mid-dose group only histopathological changes in the larynx and lungs were found. The NOAEL for prenatal developmental toxicity was 151 mg/m³ based on reduced fetal weight in the high-dose group (482 mg/m³). However, these changes are most likely a consequence of the maternal toxicity, in particular the reduction of maternal body weight gain by 26 % as compared to control. Nose-only exposure to bitumen fumes in concentrations up to 482 mg/m³ from days 1–19 p.c. did not induce any significant fetal anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The beet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii is able to infect Arabidopsis plants and induce feeding sites in the root. These syncytia are the only source of nutrients for the nematodes throughout their life and are a nutrient sink for the host plant. We have studied here the role of amino acid transporters for nematode development. Arabidopsis contains a large number of different amino acid transporters in several gene families but those of the AAP family were found to be especially expressed in syncytia. Arabidopsis contains 8 AAP genes and they were all strongly expressed in syncytia with the exception of AAP5 and AAP7, which were slightly downregulated. We used promoter::GUS lines and in situ RT-PCR to confirm the expression of several AAP genes and LHT1, a lysine- and histidine-specific amino acid transporter, in syncytia. The strong expression of AAP genes in syncytia indicated that these transporters are important for the transport of amino acids into syncytia and we used T-DNA mutants for several AAP genes to test for their influence on nematode development. We found that mutants of AAP1, AAP2, and AAP8 significantly reduced the number of female nematodes developing on these plants. Our study showed that amino acid transport into syncytia is important for the development of the nematodes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] Oxidative stress is conjectured to be related to many diseases. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that radiofrequency fields may induce oxidative stress in various cell types and thereby compromise human and animal health. This systematic review (SR) aims to summarize and evaluate the literature related to this hypothesis. The main objective of this SR is to evaluate the associations between the exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and oxidative stress in experimental models (in vivo and in vitro). The SR framework has been developed following the guidelines established in the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development and the Handbook for Conducting a Literature-Based Health Assessment). We will include controlled in vivo and in vitro laboratory studies that assess the effects of an exposure to RF-EMF on valid markers for oxidative stress compared to no or sham exposure. The protocol is registered in PROSPERO. We will search the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and the EMF-Portal. The reference lists of included studies and retrieved review articles will also be manually searched. Data will be extracted according to a pre-defined set of forms developed in the DistillerSR online software and synthesized in a meta -analysis when studies are judged sufficiently similar to be combined. If a meta -analysis is not possible, we will describe the effects of the exposure in a narrative way. The risk of bias will be assessed with the NTP/OHAT risk of bias rating tool for human and animal studies. We will use GRADE to assess the certainty of the conclusions (high, moderate, low, or inadequate) regarding the association between radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and oxidative stress. This work was funded by the World Health Organization (WHO). The protocol was registered on the PROSPERO webpage on July 8, 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The exhaled breath of humans contains droplets originating from the lung lining fluid. An analysis of these droplets for non-volatile proteinaceous biomarkers holds potential as a non-invasive diagnosis of lung diseases. To ease the interpretation of the diagnostic results, the source strength of the particles should be known und therefore an understanding of the particle generation process is required. It is assumed that during reopening of a collapsed terminal airway a liquid bridge of the lung lining fluid ruptures and droplets are generated. The objective of our experimental and theoretical study was to clarify the mechanisms of droplet generation for quiet breathing patterns by investigating in detail the number flux and the particle size distribution in the exhaled breath. The process of liquid film rupture is modelled by computational fluid dynamics analysis from which the droplet size distribution is calculated. In addition the number emission flux and the droplet size distribution are systematically measured in the exhaled breath of healthy volunteers. The strong increase of the particle emission flux with tidal volume and the good agreement between measured and calculated droplet number distribution both showing droplets primarily in the submicron range confirm the present hypothesis that reopening of collapsed airway structures associated with the rupture of a surfactant film is the physical mechanism of droplet generation. This was hypothesized previously in the literature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Data on inhalational and potential dermal exposures during spray application of liquid biocidal products were generated. On the one hand, model experiments with different spraying devices using fluorescent tracers were carried out to investigate the influence of parameters relevant to the exposure (e.g. spraying equipment, nozzle size, direction of application). On the other hand, measurements were performed at selected workplaces (during disinfection operations in food and feed areas; pest control operations for private, public and veterinary hygiene; wood protection and antifouling applications) after application of biocidal products such as Empire 20, Responsar SC, Omexan-forte, Actellic, Perma-forte; Fendona SC, Pyrethrum mist; CBM 8, Aldekol Des 03, TAD CID, Basileum, Basilit. The measurements taken in the model rooms demonstrated dependence of the inhalation exposure on the type of spraying device used, in the following order: “spraying with low pressure”<“airless spraying”<“fogging” indicating that the particle diameter of the released spray droplets is the most important parameter. In addition inhalation exposure was lowest when the spraying direction was downward. Also for the potential dermal exposure, the spraying direction was of particular importance: overhead spraying caused the highest contamination of body surfaces. The data of inhalational and potential dermal exposures gained through workplace measurements showed considerable variation. During spraying procedures with low-pressure equipments, dose rates of active substances inhaled by the operators ranged from 7 to 230μg active substance (a.s.)/h. An increase in inhaled dose rates (6–33mga.s./h) was observed after use of high application volumes/time unit during wood protection applications indoors. Spraying in the veterinary sector using medium-pressure sprayers led to inhaled dose rates between 2 and 24mga.s./h. The highest inhaled dose rates were measured during fogging (114mga.s./h) and after-high-pressure applications in the antifouling sector (110–300mga.s./h). The potential dermal exposure of spray operators was lowest (dose rates from 0.2 to 7mga.s./h) in the areas of food and feed disinfection and private and public hygiene during spraying with low-pressure devices. During fogging, wood protection and antifouling applications, high-potential dermal exposures of the operators were determined. Dermal dose rates varied between 100 and 34,000mga.s./h. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Discusses fungi, plant and animal amino acid transporters. Bases for comparing the transporters of eukaryotic genomes; Details on the five superfamilies of amino acid transporters; Examination of amino acid transporters used for organellar transport; Information on other amino acid transporters.