bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Prismatic Cells for Rechargeable Seawater Batteries
Authors: Kim Youngjin , Shin Kwangho , Jung Youngjae , Lee Wang‐Geun , Kim Youngsik
Published: March 2022

Rechargeable seawater batteries (SWBs) using seawater as a catholyte have attracted extensive attention owing to the ocean's high theoretical energy density (3051 Wh L‐1, 3145 Wh kg‐1) and excellent thermal management. However, despite many improvements in materials and cell designs used in SWBs so far, there is a limit on the energy density in practical use, because of the lack of optimization of the cell structure. Herein, this work introduces a novel design by applying a rigid frame with an extended space called “prismatic‐type.” Consequently, an energy density of 23 Wh (242 Wh L‐1) is obtained by increasing the specific area of the unit cell and the capability of the anode active materials in the internal space. In addition, it enables the design of a discrete type that can improve the power density by increasing the surface area of the cathode current collectors. With the increased surface area, a peak power of 1162 mW is achieved for the discrete type compared to 727 mW for the integral type. These results suggest that these newly designed prismatic SWBs could contribute to practical applications in the near future.
Vertical Heterostructures between Transition‐Metal Dichalcogenides—A Theoretical Analysis of the NbS2/WSe2 Junction
Authors: Golsanamlou Zahra , Kumari Poonam , Sementa Luca , Cusati Teresa , Iannaccone Giuseppe , Fortunelli Alessandro
Published: March 2022

Low‐dimensional metal‐semiconductor vertical heterostructures (VH) are promising candidates in the search of electronic devices at the extreme limits of miniaturization. Within this line of research, here a theoretical/computational study of the NbS2/WSe2 metal‐semiconductor vertical hetero‐junction using density functional theory (DFT) and conductance simulations is presented. First atomistic models of the NbS2/WSe2 VH considering all the five possible stacking orientations at the interface are constructed, and DFT and quantum‐mechanical (QM) scattering simulations are conducted to obtain information on band structure and transmission coefficients. Then an analysis of the QM results in terms of electrostatic potential, fragment decomposition, and band alignment is carried out. The behavior of transmission expected from this analysis is in excellent agreement with, and thus fully rationalizes, the DFT results, and the peculiar double‐peak profile of transmission. Finally, maximally localized Wannier functions, projected density of states, and a simple analytic formula to predict and explain quantitatively the differences in transport in the case of epitaxial misorientation are used. Within the class of Transition‐Metal Dichalcogenide systems, the NbS2/WSe2 VH exhibits a wide interval of finite transmission and a double‐peak profile, features that can be exploited in applications.
Designing a universal tool for developing content of debriefing: The how and what questions
Authors: Rajendran Gunaseelan , Mahalingam Sasikumar , Balaraman Nithya , Kumaran Aswin , Ganessane Ezhilkugan
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Clear and specific content for debriefing promotes learning and reflection for the learner. Currently, there is no universal tool for developing the content for debriefing.

Methods

We developed a tool for debriefing that can be applied for developing content for debriefing, which can be used for instructor‐led and within‐team debriefing. These tools include two sets of eight questions, namely, the how and the what questions.

Results

We used these tools in our monthly simulation activities and got a favorable response from the residents who used them.

Conclusions

The how question deals with human factors, and the what questions deal with educational factors.
Deep learning to predict power output from respiratory inductive plethysmography data
Authors: Husom Erik Johannes B. L. G , Bernabé Pierre , Sen Sagar
Published: March 2022

Power output is one of the most accurate methods for measuring exercise intensity during outdoor endurance sports, since it records the actual effect of the work performed by the muscles over time. However, power meters are expensive and are limited to activity forms where it is possible to embed sensors in the propulsion system such as in cycling. We investigate using breathing to estimate power output during exercise, in order to create a portable method for tracking physical effort that is universally applicable in many activity forms. Breathing can be quantified through respiratory inductive plethysmography (RIP), which entails recording the movement of the rib cage and abdomen caused by breathing, and it enables us to have a portable, non‐invasive device for measuring breathing. RIP signals, heart rate and power output were recorded during a N‐of‐1 study of a person performing a set of workouts on a stationary bike. The recorded data were used to build predictive models through deep learning algorithms. A convolutional neural network (CNN) trained on features derived from RIP signals and heart rate obtained a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 0.20 (ie, 20% average error). The model showed promising capability of estimating correct power levels and reactivity to changes in power output, but the accuracy is significantly lower than that of cycling power meters.
When good intentions are not enough: Professionals’ perceptions of the South Australian communication partner scheme
Authors: Hoff Sarah , Powell Martine , Plater David
Published: March 2022

Children and other vulnerable parties such as those with a cognitive, social or communication impairment frequently struggle to understand, and be understood in, the criminal justice environment. One way this has been addressed in jurisdictions around Australia and overseas is through the introduction of intermediary (or communication partner) schemes, whereby an independent third party assists vulnerable witnesses, and in some cases, defendants, with their communication needs. The South Australian Government introduced a trained volunteer communication partner scheme for defendants and prosecution witnesses as one element of its Disability Justice Plan in 2016. However, the scheme had relatively limited use and ceased operation on 1 March 2020. This study provides a qualitative analysis of stakeholders’ (N = 23 professionals) perceptions of how the scheme was implemented, the factors that constrained the usefulness of the scheme and how the initiative could be improved. Participants highlighted the need for a future communication partner service to include highly trained and specialized professionals situated within a government agency.
Attitudes and beliefs about family and domestic violence in faith‐based communities: An exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Truong Mandy , Sharif Mienah , Olsen Anna , Pasalich Dave , Calabria Bianca , Priest Naomi
Published: March 2022

Family and domestic violence (FDV) is a major social, economic and health issue that is associated with a range of physical, mental and behavioural health outcomes. Religion and faith are powerful and influential in shaping the lives of many individuals and societies, in addition to the social practices, norms and structures that are significant in understanding and responding to FDV. This study examines the influence of religious beliefs and values on attitudes and beliefs of FDV among culturally diverse faith communities in Australia. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 64 participants from a range of cultural and religious backgrounds and included faith leaders, community members and FDV sector workers. Overall, findings indicate that tensions exist between expressions of faith and attitudes to women and FDV. Whilst there is general agreement among participants that their faiths did not condone violence, they also identified cultural structures related to their faiths that enabled and ignored abuse against women. Further exploration of these issues within specific faith communities, as well as how to support and engage with these communities in increasing understandings of FDV and developing effective responses, is needed in the Australian context.
Organic Four‐Electron Redox Systems Based on Bipyridine and Phenanthroline Carbene Architectures
Authors: Antoni Patrick W. , Golz Christopher , Hansmann Max M.
Published: March 2022

Novel organic redox systems that display multistage redox behaviour are highly sought‐after for a series of applications such as organic batteries or electrochromic materials. Here we describe a simple strategy to transfer well‐known two‐electron redox active bipyridine and phenanthroline architectures into novel strongly reducing four‐electron redox systems featuring fully reversible redox events with up to five stable oxidation states. We give spectroscopic and structural insight into the changes involved in the redox‐events and present characterization data on all isolated oxidation states. The redox‐systems feature strong UV/Vis/NIR polyelectrochromic properties such as distinct strong NIR absorptions in the mixed valence states. Two‐electron charge–discharge cycling studies indicate high electrochemical stability at strongly negative potentials, rendering the new redox architectures promising lead structures for multi‐electron anolyte materials.
High efficiency preparation of standard grade γ‐tocopherol and its antioxidant activity
Authors: Li Yaping , Zhang Linshang , Wang Zhide , Bi Yanlan , Peng Dan
Published: March 2022

Natural standard grade γ‐tocopherol is of great interest due to its good antioxidant activity and special pharmacological functions. This study separated and purified γ‐tocopherol from mixed tocopherols using eco‐friendly and low toxicity solvents. γ‐Tocopherol (0.28 g) was obtained per performance with a purity of (98.89 ± 0.68)% and a recovery rate of (93.23 ± 0.89)%. The purification conditions were as follows: elution solvent n‐hexane/ethyl acetate 94.5:5.5 (v/v), sample load 0.5 g, a column height to diameter ratio of 16:1 (length and diameter, 60 × 3 cm) and an elution rate of 2 ml/min. The purity and structure of γ‐tocopherol was confirmed by high‐performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. The adsorption isotherm of γ‐tocopherol on silica gel (200–300 mesh) fitted the Langmuir isotherm model well. The antioxidant activity analysis showed that γ‐tocopherol had the strongest antioxidant activity followed by δ‐tocopherol and α‐tocopherol. This study provides an economically attractive solution for the production of natural standard grade γ‐tocopherol.
Integrating tissue‐direct PCR into genetic identification: An upgraded molecular ecology approach to survey fern gametophytes in the field
Authors: Wu Yi‐Hsuan , Ke Ya‐Ting , Chan Yuan‐Yao , Wang Goang‐Jiun , Kuo Li‐Yaung
Published: March 2022

Premise

The gametophytes of different fern species collected in the field can be difficult to distinguish because of their morphological similarities. Nonetheless, emerging molecular ecology techniques are starting to be used to tackle such limitations. Here, using case studies and a detailed protocol, we demonstrate a convenient methodology, tissue‐direct PCR (TD‐PCR), that foregoes a traditional DNA extraction and facilitates the identification of fern gametophytes, as well as enabling the elucidation of their natural distribution.

Methods

Based on updated plastome information, we designed a universal primer set targeting the trnL‐L‐F region, which is effective across extant ferns. We used this primer set to perform TD‐PCR on the case‐studied populations of Taiwanese Lomariopsis gametophytes, using the generated sequences for their identification. In the case study concerning the microhabitat preference of Vaginularia junghuhnii, we designed and used a taxon‐specific primer set.

Results

Compared with approaches requiring DNA extraction, the use of TD‐PCR with either universal or taxon‐specific primers could save significant time, money, labor, and research materials in the genetic identification of fern gametophytes.

Discussion

The use of modern genetic tools can aid in the identification of fern gametophytes. An updated TD‐PCR strategy not only facilitates the DNA‐based identification of gametophytes, but also promotes new avenues of research for investigating these plants in the field.
Fluted giant clam (Tridacna squamosa) restocking experiment in an urban turbid reef environment
Authors: Ow Yong Wei Long , Todd Peter A. , Ang Ambert C.F. , Ying Lynette S.M. , Teo Aaron , Lee Samuel H.R. , Low Jeffrey , Neo Mei Lin
Published: March 2022

Giant clam populations in Singapore are endangered due to historical exploitation, habitat loss, and sediment pollution.

Transplanting cultured giant clams onto reefs is a potential conservation strategy. This study examined the growth and survival of three initial size classes (50.0–60.0 mm, 60.1–70.0 mm, >70 mm) of cultured juvenile fluted giant clams, Tridacna squamosa, transplanted to three reef sites under two caging treatments (caged and uncaged).

After 145 days, there was no significant difference in clam survival within the size classes and within caging treatments across reef sites, even though environmental conditions varied greatly between sites. However, there was a significant effect of initial size class on T. squamosa survival, with higher survival with increasing size class (50.0–60.0 mm: 11.1%; 60.1–70.0 mm: 34.1%; >70.0 mm: 46.9%).

Clams in caged treatments had significantly lower survival (16.7%) than uncaged clams (43.1%), likely due to biofouling atop caged treatments reducing light availability. Growth rates in the caged treatment (2.2 ± SD 1.8 mm month−1) were also lower than those in the uncaged treatment (3.9 ± SD 2.2 mm month−1).

By optimizing transplant procedures for Singapore's turbid reef conditions, T. squamosa restocking efforts could play an important role in boosting local population numbers to facilitate natural recovery.
Scaling Methodology to Describe the Capacity Dependent Responses During Thermal Runaway of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Doose Stefan , Hahn Alexander , Bredekamp Michael , Haselrieder Wolfgang , Kwade Arno
Published: March 2022

In this work, internal short‐circuit tests on prototypically battery cells of different cell capacities were performed to determine scalable dependencies of the thermal runaway. It shows that this pouch cells with NMC111/graphite electrodes must have a minimum capacity of 1.5 A h to develop a thermal runaway. In addition, it could be determined that with increasing battery capacity the strength of the reaction also increases, which is visible, among other things, in the linear temperature increase on the cell surface from 1.5 A h to 3.0 A h of overall 66.77 °C and the increasing weight loss, of up to 37.5 % compared to the starting weight. It could also be shown that the processes of the thermal runaway can be described within certain limits by simple linear (cell surface temperatures, penetration depth, time until cell voltage reaches 0 V) and nonlinear fits (cell weight loss, setoff voltage at TR). This allows the determination of scalable parameters and test results with a minimum of test effort. Furthermore, increasing concentrations of the determined substances could be measured for the infrared‐active gaseous reaction products. In particular, the decomposition products CO and CO2, as well as the linear hydrocarbons, increase significantly with increasing capacity. On the whole, parameters for the description of the thermal runaway could be determined, which describe the effects and reactions of the thermal runaway well and could minimize test efforts with known materials.
TRPV4: A trigger of pathological RhoA activation in neurological disease
Authors: Bagnell Anna M. , Sumner Charlotte J. , McCray Brett A.
Published: March 2022

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a member of the TRP superfamily, is a broadly expressed, cell surface‐localized cation channel that is activated by a variety of environmental stimuli. Importantly, TRPV4 has been increasingly implicated in the regulation of cellular morphology. Here we propose that TRPV4 and the cytoskeletal remodeling small GTPase RhoA together constitute an environmentally sensitive signaling complex that contributes to pathological cell cytoskeletal alterations during neurological injury and disease. Supporting this hypothesis is our recent work demonstrating direct physical and bidirectional functional interactions of TRPV4 with RhoA, which can lead to activation of RhoA and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Furthermore, a confluence of evidence implicates TRPV4 and/or RhoA in pathological responses triggered by a range of acute neurological insults ranging from stroke to traumatic injury. While initiated by a variety of insults, TRPV4–RhoA signaling may represent a common pathway that disrupts axonal regeneration and blood–brain barrier integrity. These insights also suggest that TRPV4 inhibition may represent a safe, feasible, and precise therapeutic strategy for limiting pathological TRPV4–RhoA activation in a range of neurological diseases.
Interaction properties of biosynthesized cadmium sulphide quantum dots with human serum albumin: further investigation of antibacterial activities and sensing applications
Authors: Haque Mahabul , Lyndem Sona , Singha Roy Atanu
Published: March 2022

The synthesis of small‐sized quantum dots (QDs) (1–10 nm) via the green route has garnered great interest regarding their prospective use in many biological applications (diagnosis, drug delivery and in vivo sensing); this is difficult to achieve using chemical synthesis methods, which produce larger size QD particles and also require hazardous reagents. Here, we synthesized biogenic cadmium sulphide (CdS) QDs using green tea extract as the reducing agent to produce particles that were homogeneous and a smaller size of 2–4 nm. We also elucidated the (a) protein binding, (b) antibacterial use and (c) sensing applications of biogenic CdS QDs in this present work. The biosynthesized CdS QDs were found to have extensive antibacterial activity against both Gram‐negative Escherichia coli and Gram‐positive Enterococcus faecalis bacterial strains. The introduction of QDs in biological medium can lead to the formation of protein–QD complexes; therefore we investigated the binding interaction of CdS QDs with the carrier protein human serum albumin (HSA) in vitro. The synthesized CdS QDs quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA through a static quenching mechanism and the binding constant (Kb) was in the order of 104 M−1. It was also observed that the presence of biogenic CdS QDs affected the HSA–ligand interactions in vitro. The synthesized CdS made highly effective sensors for tetracycline, rifampicin, and bilirubin with limit of detection (LOD) values of 99, 141 and 29 ng/ml, respectively.
Differential effects on natural killer cell production by membrane‐bound cytokine stimulations
Authors: Chang Meiping , Tang Xiaoyan , Nelson Luke , Nyberg Gregg , Du Zhimei
Published: March 2022

Robust manufacturing production of natural killer (NK) cells has been challenging in allogeneic NK cell‐based therapy. Here, we compared the impact of cytokines on NK cell expansion by developing recombinant K562 feeder cell lines expressing membrane‐bound cytokines, mIL15, mIL21, and 41BBL, individually or in combination. We found that 41BBL played a dominant role in promoting up to 500,000‐fold of NK cell expansion after a 21‐day culture process without inducing exhaustion. However, 41BBL stimulation reduced the overall cytotoxic activity of NK cells when combined with mIL15 and/or mIL21. Additionally, long‐term stimulation with mIL15 and/or mIL21, but not 41BBL, increased CD56 expression and the CD56bright population, which is unexpectedly correlated with NK cell cytotoxicity. By conducting single‐cell sequencing, we identified distinct subpopulations of NK cells induced by different cytokines, including an adaptive‐like CD56brightCD16‐CD49a+ subset induced by mIL15. Through gene expression analysis, we found that different cytokines modulated signaling pathways and target genes involved in cell cycle, senescence, self‐renewal, migration, and maturation in different ways. Together, our study demonstrates that cytokine signaling pathways play distinct roles in NK cell expansion and differentiation, which sheds light on NK cell process designs to improve productivity and product quality.
Managing tensions in sustainable development in Chinese and New Zealand business partnerships: Integrative approaches
Authors: Chen Sitong (Michelle) , Eweje Gabriel
Published: March 2022

Existing research posits that there are tensions in addressing divergent sustainability issues which need to be managed and embraced by firms. However, if these tensions cannot be addressed adequately, it will not only have negative impacts on individuals' interests but also on the development of organisations and ultimately the prosperity of the society, ultimately resulting in unethical consequences. Hence, this paper empirically examines tensions in addressing divergent sustainability issues and how to manage them between Chinese and New Zealand firms in business partnerships. Guided by an interpretivist philosophy, this research adopts a qualitative and abductive approach as the preferred research method. In doing so, 33 in‐depth individual interviews alongside one informal group discussion were carried out at 16 relatively large Chinese and New Zealand firms known for their commitment to sustainability that are in business partnerships. Interestingly, we find that these companies are faced with complex and multiple sustainability tensions. In order to better manage these tensions, we found that these firms adopt integrative approaches with opening, surfacing, collaborative and synergistic strategies which can help these companies to enhance their organisational ambidexterity.
Green consumerism, green perceived value, and restaurant revisit intention: Millennials' sustainable consumption with moderating effect of green perceived quality
Authors: Riva Farzana , Magrizos Solon , Rubel Mohammad Rabiul Basher , Rizomyliotis Ioannis
Published: March 2022

Adopting green practices does not always guarantee customer retention and loyalty. Employing the theoretical lens of cue utilization theory, we conceptualize green perceived quality as sending internal and external cues which help consumers form judgments about product quality and perceived value. Based on a survey of 280 restaurant customers, we hypothesize and report a positive and significant influence of both green consumerism and green perceived value on customer revisit intention. Further, the results confirm the moderating role of green perceived quality. From a practical point of view, managers interested in benefiting from the green practices of their restaurants should focus on increasing their customers' evaluation and overall judgment of the environmental quality of both their food and services.
Engineering hypertrophic cartilage grafts from lipoaspirate for critical‐sized calvarial bone defect reconstruction: An adipose tissue‐based developmental engineering approach
Authors: Huang Ru‐Lin , Fu Rao , Yan Yuxin , Liu Chuanqi , Yang Jing , Xie Yun , Li Qingfeng
Published: March 2022

Developmental engineering of living implants from different cell sources capable of stimulating bone regeneration by recapitulating endochondral ossification (ECO) is a promising strategy for large bone defect reconstruction. However, the clinical translation of these cell‐based approaches is hampered by complex manufacturing procedures, poor cell differentiation potential, and limited predictive in vivo performance. We developed an adipose tissue‐based developmental engineering approach to overcome these hurdles using hypertrophic cartilaginous (HyC) constructs engineered from lipoaspirate to repair large bone defects. The engineered HyC constructs were implanted into 4‐mm calvarial defects in nude rats and compared with decellularized bone matrix (DBM) grafts. The DBM grafts induced neo‐bone formation via the recruitment of host cells, while the HyC pellets supported bone regeneration via ECO, as evidenced by the presence of remaining cartilage analog and human NuMA‐positive cells within the newly formed bone. However, the HyC pellets clearly showed superior regenerative capacity compared with that of the DBM grafts, yielding more new bone formation, higher blood vessel density, and better integration with adjacent native bone. We speculate that this effect arises from vascular endothelial growth factor and bone morphogenetic protein‐2 secretion and mineral deposition in the HyC pellets before implantation, promoting increased vascularization and bone formation upon implantation. The results of this study demonstrate that adipose‐derived HyC constructs can effectively heal large bone defects and present a translatable therapeutic option for bone defect repair.
The uncanny valley of a virtual animal
Authors: Sierra Rativa Alexandra , Postma Marie , van Zaanen Menno
Published: March 2022

Virtual robots, including virtual animals, are expected to play a major role within affective and aesthetic interfaces, serious games, video instruction, and the personalization of educational instruction. Their actual impact, however, will very much depend on user perception of virtual characters as the uncanny valley hypothesis has shown that the design of virtual characters determines user experiences. In this article, we investigated whether the uncanny valley effect, which has already been found for the human‐like appearance of virtual characters, can also be found for animal‐like appearances. We conducted an online study (N = 163) in which six different animal designs were evaluated in terms of the following properties: familiarity, commonality, naturalness, attractiveness, interestingness, and animateness. The study participants differed in age (under 10–60 years) and origin (Europe, Asia, North America, and South America). For the evaluation of the results, we ranked the animal‐likeness of the character using both expert opinion and participant judgments. Next to that, we investigated the effect of movement and morbidity. The results confirm the existence of the uncanny valley effect for virtual animals, especially with respect to familiarity and commonality, for both still and moving images. The effect was particularly pronounced for morbid images. For naturalness and attractiveness, the effect was only present in the expert‐based ranking, but not in the participant‐based ranking. No uncanny valley effect was detected for interestingness and animateness. This investigation revealed that the appearance of virtual animals directly affects user perception and thus, presumably, impacts user experience when used in applied settings.
A conceptual multilevel approach to polyolefin reaction engineering
Authors: Soares João B. P. , McKenna Timothy F. L.
Published: March 2022

This article gives a wide overview of different types of mathematical models that can be used to describe the polymerization of linear olefins with coordination catalysts. We expanded the conventional classification of mathematical models into micro‐, meso‐, and macroscale, to include seven modelling levels: catalysis, polymerization kinetics, thermodynamic equilibrium, particle transport phenomena, particle interactions, reactor fluid dynamics, and reactor residence time distribution. Some of these levels may coexist at the same scale, but they are better treated separately because they make use of distinct modelling approaches. How complex the models in each level need to be, as well as how many modelling levels should beimplicitlyincluded, depends on the type of application intended for the simulations. In this paper, we will argue that the proposed levels of mathematical modelling not only bring to our attention the complexity behind the simulation of laboratory‐ and industrial‐scale olefin polymerization reactors but are also useful conceptual tools to assist us to decide which levels to include and which ones to exclude when we develop simulation packages to describe olefin polymerization processes.
Effect of smoking reduction, cessation, and resumption on cancer risk: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Yoo Jung Eun , Han Kyungdo , Shin Dong Wook , Jung Wonyoung , Kim Dahye , Lee Cheol Min , Kwon Hyuktae , Jung Kyu‐Won , Song Yun‐Mi
Published: March 2022

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of reduction, cessation, and resumption of smoking on cancer development.

Methods

The authors identified 893,582 participants who currently smoked, had undergone a health screening in 2009, and had a follow‐up screening in 2011. Among them, 682,996 participated in a third screening in 2013. Participants were categorized as quitters, reducers I (≥50% reduction), reducers II (<50% reduction), sustainers (referent), or increasers (≥20% increase). Outcome data were obtained through December 31, 2018.

Results

Reducers I exhibited a decreased risk of all cancers (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93‐0.99), smoking‐related cancers (aHR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92‐0.99), and lung cancer (aHR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.77‐0.88). Quitters had the lowest risk of all cancers (aHR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.92‐0.96), smoking‐related cancers (aHR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.89‐0.93), and lung cancer (aHR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.76‐0.83). In further analysis with 3 consecutive screenings, additional smoking reduction (from reducers II to reducers I) lowered the risk of lung cancer (aHR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.58‐0.94) in comparison with sustainers. Quitting among reducers I further decreased the risk of all cancers (aHR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.80‐1.00), smoking‐related cancers (aHR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.81‐0.92), and lung cancer (aHR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.52‐0.84) in comparison with sustainers. Smoking resumption after quitting, even at a lower level, increased the risk of smoking‐related cancers (aHR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.06‐1.33) and lung cancer (aHR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.21‐1.80) in comparison with sustained quitting.

Conclusions

Smoking cessation and, to a lesser extent, smoking reduction decreased the risks of cancer. Smoking resumption increased cancer risks in comparison with sustained quitting.

Lay Summary

Worldwide, tobacco use is the single leading preventable risk factor for cancer and cancer death.

This study examined the effects of reduction, cessation, and resumption of smoking on cancer development by measuring smoking behavior repetitively.

Although smoking reduction has a substantial cancer prevention benefit for those who cannot quit, cessation should be encouraged whenever possible. Quitters should be monitored to ensure that they do not resume smoking.
Circulating tumor DNA in head and neck cancer: Early successes and future promise
Authors: Soo Joanne , Jin Michael C. , Beadle Beth M. , Holsinger F. Christopher , Finegersh Andrey
Published: March 2022

Lay Summary

The genetic components (DNA) of human papillomavirus–related throat cancer (in the oropharynx) might be measured after surgery to help to predict whether treatment has been successful.
Single operational transresistance amplifier‐based grounded resistance‐controlled synthetic inductor configuration
Authors: Bhaskar Data Ram , Garima  , Kumar Pragati
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a grounded lossy inductance (parallel RL type) simulator circuit employing an operational transresistance amplifier (OTRA), five resistors, and a virtually grounded capacitor is proposed. The value of simulated inductor can be controlled independently through a grounded resistance and/or virtually grounded capacitor without affecting the parallel equivalent resistance. Application examples using the presented lossy inductor have been provided. The performance of the application examples has been verified by sample experimental results employing an OTRA implemented using AD844‐type current feedback operational amplifiers.
A range based node localization scheme with hybrid optimization for underwater wireless sensor network
Authors: Nain Mamta , Goyal Nitin , Awasthi Lalit Kumar , Malik Amita
Published: March 2022

A great interest among researchers to establish Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSN) with mobile nodes have been created in recent past because of numerous potential applications in aquatic science. In comparison of radio communication, acoustic communication has lower bandwidth and larger propagation delay. This enacts additional restrictions on any localization algorithm. Existing range‐based approaches involve increased localization latency and error even with large deployment of anchor nodes. Some of the optimized localization techniques involve higher energy consumption and cost. In order to solve these issues, a hybrid optimized localization technique is proposed that can accurately localize mobile nodes in UWSN. In this algorithm, a fitness function is concluded based on the number of hops from the anchor node, Time of Arrival (ToA) distance estimation error and transmission delay. In comparison of existing localization techniques, proposed algorithm helps in reducing the energy consumption, localization error, localization delay and localization cost and experiment results proved the same.
The social learning of threat and safety in the family: Parent‐to‐child transmission of social fears via verbal information
Authors: Aktar Evin , Nimphy Cosima A. , van Bockstaele Bram , Pérez‐Edgar Koraly
Published: March 2022

Parental verbal threat (vs. safety) information regarding the social world may impact a child's fear responses, evident in subjective, behavioral, cognitive, and physiological indices of fear. In this study, primary caregivers provided standardized verbal threat or safety information to their child (N = 68, M = 5.27 years; 34 girls) regarding two strangers in the lab. Following this manipulation, children reported fear beliefs for each stranger. Physiological and behavioral reactions were recorded as children engaged with the two strangers (who were blind to their characterization) in a social interaction task. Child attention to the strangers was measured in a visual search task. Parents also reported their own, and their child's, social anxiety symptoms. Children reported more fear for the stranger paired with threat information, but no significant differences were found in observed child fear, attention, or heart rate. Higher social anxiety symptoms on the side of the parents and the children exacerbated the effect of parental verbal threat on observed fear. Our findings reveal a causal influence of parental verbal threat information only for child‐reported fear and highlight the need to further refine the conditions under which acquired fear beliefs persist and generalize to behavior/physiology or get overruled by nonaversive real‐life encounters.
Improved management of farm dams increases vegetation cover, water quality, and macroinvertebrate biodiversity
Authors: Westgate Martin J. , Crane Clare , Smith David , O’Malley Colleen , Siegrist Angelina , Florance Dan , Lang Eleanor , Crane Mason , Hingee Kassel , Scheele Ben C. , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: March 2022

In many farming landscapes, aquatic features, such as wetlands, creeks, and dams, provide water for stock and irrigation, while also acting as habitat for a range of plants and animals. Indeed, some species threatened by land‐use change may otherwise be considerably rarer—or even suffer extinction—in the absence of these habitats. Therefore, a critical issue for the maintenance of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes is the extent to which the management of aquatic systems can promote the integration of agricultural production and biodiversity conservation. We completed a cross‐sectional study in southern New South Wales (southeastern Australia) to quantify the efficacy of two concurrently implemented management practices—partial revegetation and control of livestock grazing—aimed at enhancing the vegetation structure, biodiversity value, and water quality of farm dams. We found that excluding livestock for even short periods resulted in increased vegetation cover. Relative to unenhanced dams (such as those that remained unfenced), those that had been enhanced for several years were characterized by reduced levels of turbidity, nutrients, and fecal contamination. Enhanced dams also supported increased richness and abundance of macroinvertebrates. In contrast, unenhanced control dams tended to have high abundance of a few macroinvertebrate taxa. Notably, differences remained between the macroinvertebrate assemblages of enhanced dams and nearby “natural” waterbodies that we monitored as reference sites. While the biodiversity value of semilotic, natural waterbodies in the region cannot be replicated by artificial lentic systems, we consider the extensive system of farm dams in the region to represent a novel ecosystem that may nonetheless support some native macroinvertebrates. Our results show that management interventions such as fencing and grazing control can improve water quality in farm dams, improve vegetation structure around farm dams, and support greater abundance and diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates.
Age‐ and sex‐specific survival of the Gunnison's prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni)
Authors: Farid Rashidah H. , Karelus Dana L. , Hull Vanessa
Published: March 2022

Age‐ and sex‐specific survival rates are essential for understanding animal population dynamics and discerning environmental influences on population parameters. To date, little research has been done on age‐ and sex‐specific survival of the Gunnison's prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni), a colonial ground‐dwelling squirrel inhabiting the sagebrush ecosystem of the southwestern United States. To discern impacts of the year of study, age, sex, and reproductive status on survival, we conducted a capture‐mark‐recapture analysis on a previously collected long‐term dataset of a population of Gunnison's prairie dogs (n = 2508) from 1989 to 1995. We implemented two models: age‐cohort Cormack–Jolly–Seber (CJS) models (to examine survival by age, sex, and year) and multistate mark‐recapture models (to analyze survival by age and year, as well as breeding status). Females had higher apparent survival than males. Yearlings had a low apparent survival rate (0.288 ± 0.022, [±SE]) compared to juveniles (0.461 ± 0.019) and adults (0.482 ± 0.055). Less than 50% (48.0 ± 2.7) of female yearlings successfully weaned litters each year. Yearling survival rate was lower than other highly social prairie dog species that do not reproduce as yearlings, suggesting that there may be a cost to reproduction. We also constructed a postbreeding matrix population model and associated elasticity analysis, which indicated that the reproductive output of yearlings was the most significant potential driver of population growth. Our findings provide more nuanced estimates for age‐ and sex‐specific survival in this species than were previously available and also more broadly inform linkages between demography and sociality in prairie dogs.
Functional dispersion of wetland birds, invertebrates, and plants more strongly influenced by hydroperiod than each other
Authors: Daniel Jody , Rooney Rebecca C.
Published: March 2022

The relative role of biological and abiotic filters in the assembly of co‐occurring taxa is of broad interest to ecologists. While some authors point to biological interactions (e.g., competition) as the stronger driver of ecological selection, others assert that abiotic conditions are more important because they filter species at the regional level. Because communities influenced by a dominant abiotic filter (e.g., Prairie Pothole Region [PPR] wetlands, each varying in their ponded water permanence) often have strong cross‐taxon relationships, we can study these communities to better understand the relative influence of abiotic versus biotic filters on community structure. Using functional dispersion as our measure of communities, we test six alternate hypotheses about the relative importance of various pathways representing influence of biological and permanence filters on birds, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and wetland plants in the northwest PPR using structural equation modeling. We aimed to understand whether (1) ponded water permanence alone explained functional dispersion; (2) the influence of permanence on functional dispersion was direct or mediated; and (3) abiotic filtering by permanence was stronger than biotic filtering by co‐occurring taxa. The best model suggests that there is a direct influence of permanence on the functional dispersion of each taxonomic group and that both bird and macroinvertebrate functional dispersion are causally related to plant functional dispersion, though for invertebrates, the influence of plants is much less than that of permanence. Thus, the relative importance of wetland permanence and the functional dispersion of co‐occurring taxa depend on which taxon is considered in PPR wetlands.
Average kinship within bighorn sheep populations is associated with connectivity, augmentation, and bottlenecks
Authors: Flesch Elizabeth , Graves Tabitha , Thomson Jennifer , Proffitt Kelly , Garrott Robert
Published: March 2022

Understanding the influence of population attributes on genetic diversity is important to advancement of biological conservation. Because bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) populations vary in size and management history, the species provides a unique opportunity to observe the response of average pairwise kinship, inversely related to genetic diversity, to a spectrum of natural and management influences. We estimated average pairwise kinship of bighorn sheep herds and compared estimates with population origin (native/indigenous/extant or reintroduced), historical minimum count, connectivity, and augmentation history, to determine which predictors were the most important. We evaluated 488 bighorn sheep from 19 wild populations with past minimum counts of 16–562 animals, including native and reintroduced populations that received 0–165 animals in augmentations. Using the Illumina High Density Ovine array, we generated a dataset of 7728 single nucleotide polymorphisms and calculated average pairwise kinship for each population. Multiple linear regression analysis determined that connectivity between populations via dispersal, greater number of animals received in augmentations, and greater minimum count were correlated with lower average pairwise kinship at the population level, and whether the population was extant or reintroduced was less important. Thus, our results indicated that genetic isolation of populations can result in increased levels of inbreeding. By determining that natural and human‐assisted gene flow were likely the most important influences of average pairwise kinship at the population level, this study can serve as a benchmark for future management of bighorn sheep populations and aid in identifying populations of genetic concern to define priorities for conservation of wild populations.
Why do sea turtle nests fail? Modeling clutch loss across the southeastern United States
Authors: Lyons Marta P. , von Holle Betsy , Weishampel John F.
Published: March 2022

Understanding the relative influence of environmental conditions and disturbance types on species' nest success is imperative to our estimation of current and future population trajectories of vulnerable species, especially ectotherms. The reproductive output of oviparous species is highly dependent on the location of a nest in terms of the environment experienced by incubating embryos and the risk of disturbance events. Climate change may present a particular danger to oviparous species because eggs cannot behaviorally regulate and avoid extreme temperatures. Hierarchical Bayesian models offer a powerful tool for utilizing available long‐term datasets to predict current and future species–environment relations in a manipulatable framework. We modeled the probability of depredation and inundation events occurring during incubation and how these disturbances, along with local climate, predict total clutch failure for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) using a dataset of over 9000 nest inventories from five nesting areas that span the latitudinal extent of primary nesting locations in the United States. We found that nesting distance from the high waterline was important in determining the probability of inundation and depredation disturbance events, as well as clutch failure. Nests that experienced at least one inundation event were more likely to have no emergence than nests that experienced at least one depredation event, which may be the result of concerted efforts to control highly destructive nest predators in our study sites or the magnitude of inundation disturbances. Extreme high‐temperature events increased the probability of clutch failure, but the probability of clutch failure decreased with increasing average temperatures up to a critical threshold. The results of these models have clear implications for conservation management decisions on where to deploy predator deterrents and relocate nests, as well as the potential for predicting future changes in nest productivity across the broad nesting range of loggerhead sea turtles.
Synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation: a case report of a novel extra‐cardiac intervention for chronic heart failure
Authors: Goldberg Lee R. , Jorbenadze Ana , Shaburishvilli Tamaz , Mirro Michael J. , Fudim Marat , Zuber Michel , Stämpfli Simon F. , Tanner Felix C. , Erne Paul , Cleland John G.
Published: March 2022

Synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation (SDS) is a novel extra‐cardiac device‐based therapy for symptomatic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. SDS provides imperceptible chronic stimulation of the diaphragm through a laparoscopically implanted system consisting of an implantable pulse generator and two sensing/stimulating leads affixed to the inferior surface of the diaphragm delivering imperceptible R‐wave gaited pulses that alter intrathoracic pressure improving ventricular filling and cardiac output. We describe, in a man with a history of myocardial infarctions resulting in heart failure and persistent New York Heart Association Class III symptoms despite standard therapies, the successful implantation of SDS resulting in improved quality of life, N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide, cardiac function, and exercise tolerance through 12 months of follow‐up. Randomized trials are now required to validate these findings.
Catalytic Enantioselective Decarboxylative Aldol Reactions of Malonic Acid Half Thio(oxy)ester and β‐Ketoacids
Authors: Chowdhury Raghunath , Dubey Akhil K. , Waser Mario
Published: March 2022

Organocatalyzed and metal complex‐catalyzed asymmetric decarboxylative aldol reactions of malonic acid half thioesters (MAHTs), malonic acid half oxyester (MAHOs), and β‐ketoacids with different carbonyl compounds are transformations of high synthetic value. These reactions, which are heavily inspired by nature's synthesis strategies, represent important methods for the direct synthesis of valuable enantio‐enriched β‐hydroxy esters and ketones. Within this short review we wish to give an overview about the recent progress in this field by discussing the leading strategies to carry out decarboxylative aldol reactions using organocatalytic methods as well as metal catalysis.