bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case study of the downslope wind of Japan “Rokko‐oroshi”
Authors: Takimoto Ieyasu
Published: April 2022

In Japan, several local strong winds that are unique to a particular region are known by names such as “oroshi,” “dashi,” and “kaze,” including Akagi‐oroshi and Kiyokawa‐dashi. In the area around Kobe City, northerly downslope winds from Mt. Rokko, or “Rokko‐oroshi,” blow. However, there have not been many studies on Rokko‐oroshi, and its nature is not yet fully known. In particular, the nature of Rokko‐oroshi in the middle of Mt. Rokko (34.7321°N, 135.2539°E) and temperature changes induced by the blow of Rokko‐oroshi have not been studied so far. For example, during the blowing of Rokko‐oroshi, wind speeds up to 12 m/s can be recorded at the downwind while experiencing a rapid temperature decrease of between 5 and 8°C. In this study, winds and temperatures in the middle of Mt. Rokko were observed to investigate the characteristics and temperature reduction effect of Rokko‐oroshi. First, characteristics of wind speed and direction in the middle of Mt. Rokko were clarified to determine the intensity and duration in which Rokko‐oroshi blew. Second, hourly changes in temperature, wind speed, and wind direction were analyzed to relate variations in wind speed and direction with temperature reductions upwind and downwind of Mt. Rokko and within Kobe City. Lastly, radiosonde measurements upwind and downwind of Mt. Rokko were inspected to elucidate the physical mechanisms necessary for the generation of Rokko‐oroshi.
Combining voice and language features improves automated autism detection
Authors: MacFarlane Heather , Salem Alexandra C. , Chen Liu , Asgari Meysam , Fombonne Eric
Published: April 2022

Variability in expressive and receptive language, difficulty with pragmatic language, and prosodic difficulties are all features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Quantifying language and voice characteristics is an important step for measuring outcomes for autistic people, yet clinical measurement is cumbersome and costly. Using natural language processing (NLP) methods and a harmonic model of speech, we analyzed language transcripts and audio recordings to automatically classify individuals as ASD or non‐ASD. One‐hundred fifty‐eight participants (88 ASD, 70 non‐ASD) ages 7 to 17 were evaluated with the autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS‐2), module 3. The ADOS‐2 was transcribed following modified SALT guidelines. Seven automated language measures (ALMs) and 10 automated voice measures (AVMs) for each participant were generated from the transcripts and audio of one ADOS‐2 task. The measures were analyzed using support vector machine (SVM; a binary classifier) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC). The AVM model resulted in an ROC area under the curve (AUC) of 0.7800, the ALM model an AUC of 0.8748, and the combined model a significantly improved AUC of 0.9205. The ALM model better detected ASD participants who were younger and had lower language skills and shorter activity time. ASD participants detected by the AVM model had better language profiles than those detected by the language model. In combination, automated measurement of language and voice characteristics successfully differentiated children with and without autism. This methodology could help design robust outcome measures for future research.

Lay Summary

People with autism often struggle with communication differences which traditional clinical measures and language tests cannot fully capture. Using language transcripts and audio recordings from 158 children ages 7 to 17, we showed that automated, objective language and voice measurements successfully predict the child's diagnosis. This methodology could help design improved outcome measures for research.
Reducing prostate biopsies and magnetic resonance imaging with prostate cancer risk stratification
Authors: Davik Petter , Remmers Sebastiaan , Elschot Mattijs , Roobol Monique J. , Bathen Tone Frost , Bertilsson Helena
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To recalibrate and validate the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer risk calculators (ERSPC RCs) 3/4 and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐ERSPC‐RCs to a contemporary Norwegian setting to reduce upfront prostate multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) and prostate biopsies.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively identified and entered all men who underwent prostate mpMRI and subsequent prostate biopsy between January 2016 and March 2017 in a Norwegian centre into a database. mpMRI was reported using PI‐RADS v2.0 and clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) defined as Gleason ≥ 3 + 4. Probabilities of csPCa and any prostate cancer (PCa) on biopsy were calculated by the ERSPC RCs 3/4 and the MRI‐ERSPC‐RC and compared with biopsy results. RCs were then recalibrated to account for differences in prevalence between the development and current cohorts (if indicated), and calibration, discrimination and clinical usefulness assessed.

Results

Three hundred and three patients were included. The MRI‐ERSPC‐RCs were perfectly calibrated to our cohort, although the ERSPC RCs 3/4 needed recalibration. Area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) for the ERSPC RCs 3/4 was 0.82 for the discrimination of csPCa and 0.77 for any PCa. The AUC for the MRI‐ERSPC‐RCs was 0.89 for csPCa and 0.85 for any PCa. Decision curve analysis showed clear net benefit for both the ERSPC RCs 3/4 (>2% risk of csPCa threshold to biopsy) and for the MRI‐ERSPC‐RCs (>1% risk of csPCa threshold), with a greater net benefit for the MRI‐RCs. Using a >10% risk of csPCa or 20% risk of any PCa threshold for the ERSPC RCs 3/4, 15.5% of mpMRIs could be omitted, missing 0.8% of csPCa. Using the MRI‐ERSPC‐RCs, 23.4% of biopsies could be omitted with the same threshold, missing 0.8% of csPCa.

Conclusion

The ERSPC RCs 3/4 and MRI‐ERSPC‐RCs can considerably reduce both upfront mpMRI and prostate biopsies with little risk of missing csPCa.
Increasing creative self‐efficacy: Developing the confidence of biochemistry undergraduates to innovate
Authors: Payne Simon Mark , Whitworth David Edward
Published: April 2022

Biochemistry graduates need to be creative, however assessing creativity requires the production of novelty, judged by or against that of peers. A related phenomenon is ‘creative self‐efficacy’ (CSE) – one's self‐belief in producing creative outcomes. CSE is a contributor to creativity, but is more easily assessed, and thus more amenable for targeting pedagogically. To investigate interactions between student CSE and the learning environment, a biochemistry laboratory exercise was deployed within a ‘creative’ module, wherein students created their own experimental protocols. Students completed questionnaires at the beginning and end of the module. Compared to ‘control’ modules lacking overtly creative activities, the creative module significantly increased students' perceptions of their own creativity and whether their studies had increased their creativity. Students' confidence in meeting degree learning outcomes (for instance the ability to work productively in a laboratory), and motivation to study, were also significantly increased. Marks attained from the creative exercise correlated with students' CSE, but surprisingly, students' expected marks correlated negatively with their CSE, implying they had a poor understanding of the relationship between creativity and success. Our results suggest that the learning environment can positively affect students' CSE, promoting academic attainment of learning outcomes, motivation, and their confidence as biochemists.
Proven and not proven: A potential alternative to the current Scottish verdict system
Authors: Curley Lee John , Munro James , Turner Jim , Frumkin Lara A. , Jackson Elaine , Lages Martin
Published: April 2022

The current Scottish verdict system includes three verdicts: ‘guilty’, ‘not guilty’ and ‘not proven’. The Scottish Government are currently reviewing the utility of the not proven verdict. Proponents of the not proven verdict suggest that it directs jurors to their true role of determining whether the prosecution's case has, or has not, been ‘proven’. Reformists suggest a move to a system similar to England and Wales, with only guilty and not guilty verdicts. However, legal professionals have indicated a preference for an alternative system of proven and not proven. The aim of the current study was to test the effects of a proven and not proven system on verdicts given, when compared to alternative verdict systems (specifically, the current Scottish and Anglo‐American verdict systems). 227 mock jurors watched a staged murder trial, filmed in a real‐life courtroom, with legal professionals questioning witnesses and a judge giving legal direction. Jurors were significantly more likely to convict in a guilty and not guilty verdict system than either a proven and not proven or a guilty, not guilty and not proven verdict system. Future research should replicate this study with a focus on the impact of the not proven verdict in sexual offences.
Impact of recreational cannabis legalization on cannabis use, other substance use, and drug‐related offending among justice‐system‐involved youth
Authors: Kan Emily , Beardslee Jordan , Steinberg Laurence , Frick Paul J. , Cauffman Elizabeth
Published: April 2022

The present study assessed whether cannabis use, other types of substance use, and drug‐related offending changed among 1216 justice‐system‐involved youth after recreational cannabis legalization. Using generalized estimating equation population‐averaged models, we compared youth in California, where recreational cannabis is legalized, and Pennsylvania, where recreational use is still prohibited. Results indicated that cannabis use, cannabis selling, and driving under the influences (DUIs) increased more among Pennsylvanian than Californian youth. We found no changes in alcohol or noncannabis drug use after legalization. Cigarette use did not change significantly among Pennsylvanian youth, but Californian youth exhibited decreased cigarette use after legalization. Although not directly tested in the present analysis, it is possible that changes in state‐level recreational cannabis policies throughout the U.S. may contribute to more permissive attitudes toward cannabis, which leads to higher use and use‐related outcomes. Future research should continue to consider the potential impacts of legalization on other types of risky and illegal behavior.
Exercise‐induced thoracic outlet syndrome and concomitant osteomyelitis in cervical rib with a possible familial origin: A case report
Authors: Bint I Bilal Ammara , Gul Mohammadshah Isam , Ata Fateen , Ibrahem Renan E. , Danjuma Muhammad I.
Published: April 2022

Cervical ribs are rare and usually asymptomatic. Occasionally, they can cause nerve impingements and compressive symptoms. In cervical ribs, osteomyelitis secondary to trauma is unheard of. We report such a case made more interesting by the familial presence of bilateral cervical ribs in two generations, indicating a familial origin.
α‐MnO2‐Sensitized SrCO3−Sr(OH)2 Supported on Two‐Dimensional Carbon Composites as Stable Electrode Material for Asymmetric Supercapacitor and Oxygen Evolution Catalysis
Authors: Gowrisankar Aruchamy , Selvaraju Thangavelu
Published: April 2022

We developed α‐MnO2‐sensitized SrCO3−Sr(OH)2 supported on amine functionalized reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets (denoted as MSSG) to understand the energy storage and the electrocatalytic properties. Three different nanocomposites with the tuned Mn precursors such as 0.625, 1.25 and 2.5 mmol, were prepared and denoted as MSSG‐1, MSSG‐2 and MSSG‐3, respectively and loaded on the electrode's surface. Among the nanocomposites loaded electrodes, MSSG‐1 loaded electrodes exhibit a maximum specific capacitance (Csp) of 792 F/g at 3.5 A/g current density and is morphologically stable even after 5000 cycles with a retention level of 95.9 %. With this outcome, the assembled asymmetric supercapacitor (AASC) device is mechanized effectively to power the light emitting diodes (LEDs) for 62 s continuously. In addition, the prepared electrode materials were examined for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for enhanced electrocatalytic performance with low overpotential (346 mV at 10 mA cm−2 current density) and Tafel slope (97 mV Dec−1). In addition, the long‐term durability study represents a stable performance of the loaded electrode lasting up to 72 h. Notably, the mesoporous nanostructures at the electrode surface offer an effective synergistic effect between SrCO3−Sr(OH)2 supported on NH2‐functionalized rGO nanosheets (SSG) and α‐MnO2.
Poor prognostic factors of Sézary syndrome: A retrospective single‐center study from Japan
Authors: Mizuno Yuka , Miyagaki Tomomitsu , Suga Hiraku , Kamijo Hiroaki , Boki Hikari , Kawana Yuki , Oka Kenta , Hisamoto Teruyoshi , Oka Tomonori , Takahashi‐Shishido Naomi , Sugaya Makoto , Sato Shinichi
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Although the prognosis of Sézary syndrome (SS) is highly unfavorable, the prognostic factors have not been fully understood. In this study, we tried to investigate the prognostic factors in Japanese SS patients for the first time.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 19 SS patients who visited our hospital between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2019. The collected clinical findings were age, gender, performance status (PS), and TNMB staging at diagnosis. TNMB staging was determined according to the International Society for Cutaneous Lymphomas and the cutaneous task force of the European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer criteria. The collected hematological findings were serum levels of soluble IL‐2 receptor (sIL‐2R), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC), and immunoglobulin E (IgE), Sézary cell count, Sézary cell ratio among white blood cells, and eosinophil count in peripheral blood at diagnosis.

Results

We analyzed the correlations between overall survival and various clinical and hematological findings. In the log‐rank test, PS1‐3, N2‐3 stage, higher serum levels of LDH (≥355 IU/L), sIL‐2R (≥1729 U/ml) and TARC (≥19,867 pg/ml), and higher Sézary cell count (≥7480/μl) and Sézary cell ratio among white blood cells (≥52%) at diagnosis were associated with decreased overall survival.

Conclusions

This is the first report evaluating prognostic factors in Asian SS patients. This study may contribute to selecting the treatment strategy and improving survival and quality of life of Asian SS patients.
Corrigendum and Addendum: Identification of the Polaron Measure I: Fixed Coupling Regime and the Central Limit Theorem for Large Times
Authors: Mukherjee Chiranjib , Varadhan S. R. S.
Published: April 2022

The proof of [7, theorem 4.8] for large coupling constant α has a gap (while the proof remains correct for small α). We correct this error by giving a direct proof of [7, theorem 4.8], which holds for any coupling parameter α > 0. Consequently, the main results of [7] on existence and identification of the Polaron measure and its CLT now hold for any α > 0. © 2022 The Authors. Communications on Pure and Applied Mathematics published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A privacy preserving data aggregation and query for metro passenger flow via mobile crowdsensing
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Ying Zuobin , Zhao Bowen , Chen Chun Lung Philip
Published: April 2022

With the popularity of mobile Internet networks and mobile terminal equipment, mobile crowdsensing (MCS) has become a popular and economical way of data collection, sharing, and query services. However, the existing privacy‐preserving query schemes MCS‐based less consider the sensing user's privacy leakage at data aggregation phase and querier's privacy leakage at query service phase simultaneously. In this article, we propose a novel privacy‐preserving aggregation and query scheme applied in metro passenger flow via MCS, which achieves the metro passenger flow acquisition and query service and protects the sensing user's identity and location privacy as well as the querier's query privacy. We exploit Paillier cryptosystem and pseudonym mechanism to prevent the privacy leakage, and utilize secure kNN algorithm to protect the query privacy. Meanwhile, we achieve the sensing user accountability based on digital signature algorithm and credible management. The privacy analysis demonstrates that our scheme satisfies the privacy‐preserving and security requirements. The performance evaluation and experimental result show the efficiency of our scheme in practice.
High Median Utility Itemset Mining for recovering streaming window transaction using novel Modified Heap‐based Optimization
Authors: Kumar Ponna Mahesh , Srinivasa Rao P.
Published: April 2022

High utility itemsets (HUIs) are items in the dynamically streaming transaction list that generate a high‐profit margin. Many of the real‐time applications depend on finding HUIs from the transaction list. However, HUI mining is time‐consuming and results in high complexity due to memory requirements, a large search space, and the cost of HUI estimation. To overcome these issues we have proposed a novel High Median Utility Itemset Mining (HMUIM) approach. This approach utilizes the HMUI‐Miner which effectively ignores the unnecessary itemsets, that is, items with less profit, and mines the HUIs from the database. Furthermore, it has the limitation of deleting the transaction list based on the sliding window size used while conducting a dynamic streaming dataset. To tackle this issue we proposed a novel Modified Heap‐based Optimizer (MHBO) algorithm which effectively copies the HUIs transaction list and preserves it for further process. The MHBO is the combination of Heap Based Optimizer and nine fuzzy rules. The fuzzy rules are used to analyze the priority of the transaction list and based on that it ignores the transaction list with low priorities. Experimental analysis is performed for the proposed method on the real‐time dataset and compared with HUI and HAUIM approaches. The proposed method reduces the execution time and memory usage based on the minimum threshold. Meanwhile, the proposed MHBO approach is compared with iMEFIM, REX, and FCHUIM state‐of‐art works based on the sliding window concept. The execution time to store the replicated copies of original data is less for our proposed method.
The differential impacts of coercive pressure from environmental law and proactive environmental strategy on corporate environmental performance: The case study of a pulp and paper company
Authors: Gu Fangyu , Xie Yu
Published: April 2022

Pulp and paper companies are characterized by high‐energy consumption and high‐emission in production, placing a heavy burden on the environment. Exploring ways to improve their environmental performance is urgently needed. External coercive pressure from environmental law and internal proactive environmental strategy both enable companies to perform better, but little is known about the difference between them. To close this knowledge gap, our analysis is conducted on a case company in pulp and paper industry to compare the differential impacts of the New Environmental Protection Law of China and the proactive environmental strategy on its environmental performance. In addition, accurately evaluating the environmental performance of pulp and paper companies is essential while research on this topic is scant. Therefore, a novel environmental performance evaluation system for pulp and paper companies (EPESPP) is constructed, including not only internal but also external evaluation indexes based on news reports of various media measured by SNOWNLP sentiment analysis. According to the system, the environmental performance of the case company from 2010 to 2018 is evaluated by the entropy‐weight‐based catastrophe progression method (EWCPM). The results of our case study show that the implementation of a proactive environmental strategy is more conducive to comprehensively improving corporate environmental performance. In other words, the driving effect of the New Environmental Protection Law is not as strong as that of the proactive environmental strategy.
A single‐phase q‐source AC‐AC converter with continuous input current, safe commutation feature, and reduced bidirectional switch counts
Authors: Abdoli Iman , Mosallanejad Ali
Published: April 2022

This paper proposes a single‐phase q‐source AC‐AC converter with a wide and flexible voltage gain. The converter only incorporates two bidirectional power switches. This new topology has many bold features like continuous input current, non‐inverting boost, and inverting buck modes. The high voltage gain is achieved by utilizing a coupled inductor in the converter. The converter gain is increased by the turns ratio of the coupled inductor proportionately. The proposed q‐source comprises one input inductor, one coupled inductor, and one capacitor, which are less than other competitors. In order to reduce the voltage and current stresses on power semiconductors, a safe commutation strategy for the converter is also introduced that eliminates snubber circuits. The input and output filters are no longer required due to the proposed converter specifications. So the volume and cost of the converter are decreased significantly. The achieved efficiency equals 94.5% due to utilizing the proposed optimized topology and switching strategy. In this paper, the operating principle of the converter is presented in detail. An experimental prototype has been designed to examine the performance of the suggested converter. Results confirm the theory and operation of the proposed topology.
The anisotropic plasma wave in the plasma turbulence
Authors: Khodadadi Azadboni Fatemeh
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the influence of plasma turbulence due to the sheared and body stress flow on the dispersion characteristics of the transverse electromagnetic modes in strongly coupled plasma is analysed. Using kinetic theory and solving the scattering relationship for the Vlasov‐Maxwell system, the influence of plasma turbulence on the growth of the electromagnetic mode is investigated. The minimum value of the stress rate threshold for the growth rate of electromagnetic instability in the linear polarization is higher than that of circular polarization. It is shown that the instability growth rate maximum for the circular polarization is about 100 times higher than that of the linear polarization. In the circular polarization, the value minimum of the shear stress is 1.2 times the minimum volume of the body stress. For the linear polarization, the value minimum of the body stress is 1.5 times the minimum volume of the shear stress. Increasing the density gradient of plasma leads to a higher stress threshold rate, and the range of propagation angles of growing modes is limited. With increasing steps of the density gradient plasma in the low‐density corona, electromagnetic instability occurs at a higher stress flow.
Real‐time electrochemical screening of cocaine in lab and field settings with automatic result generation
Authors: de Jong Mats , Van Echelpoel Robin , Langley Amelia R. , Eliaerts Joy , van den Berg Jorrit , De Wilde Mark , Somers Norbert , Samyn Nele , De Wael Karolien
Published: April 2022

This work presents the results of a novel application for the fast on‐site screening of cocaine and its main cutting agents in suspicious and confiscated samples. The methodology behind the novel application consists of portable electrochemical detection coupled with a peak recognition algorithm for automated result output generation, validated both in laboratory and field settings. Currently used field tests, predominantly colorimetric tests, are lacking accuracy, often giving false positive or negative results. This presses the need for alternative approaches to field testing. By combining portable electrochemical approaches with peak recognition algorithms, an accuracy of 98.4% concerning the detection of cocaine was achieved on a set of 374 powder samples. In addition, the approach was tested on multiple “smuggled,” colored cocaine powders and cocaine mixtures in solid and liquid states, typically in matrices such as charcoal, syrup, and clothing. Despite these attempts to hide cocaine, our approach succeeded in detecting cocaine during on‐site screening scenarios. This feature presents an advantage over colorimetric and optical detection techniques, which can fail with colored sample matrices. This enhanced accuracy on smuggled samples will lead to increased efficiency in confiscation procedures in the field, thus significantly reducing societal economic and safety concerns and highlighting the potential for electrochemical approaches in on‐the‐spot identification of drugs of abuse.
Between a rock and a hard place: Regulation of mineralization in the periodontium
Authors: Andras Natalie L. , Mohamed Fatma F. , Chu Emily Y. , Foster Brian L.
Published: April 2022

The periodontium supports and attaches teeth via mineralized and nonmineralized tissues. It consists of two, unique mineralized tissues, cementum and alveolar bone. In between these tissues, lies an unmineralized, fibrous periodontal ligament (PDL), which distributes occlusal forces, nourishes and invests teeth, and harbors progenitor cells for dentoalveolar repair. Many unanswered questions remain regarding periodontal biology. This review will focus on recent research providing insights into one enduring mystery: the precise regulation of the hard‐soft tissue borders in the periodontium which define the interfaces of the cementum–PDL–alveolar bone structure. We will focus on advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms that maintain the unmineralized PDL “between a rock and a hard place” by regulating the mineralization of cementum and alveolar bone.
Dehydroepiandrosterone status and efficacy of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation for bone health in anorexia nervosa: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin James , Kao Ting‐Wan , Cheng Ying‐Chih , Fan Kang‐Chih , Huang Yu‐Chen , Liu Che‐Wei
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study was designed to determine the status of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in women with anorexia nervosa (AN) and to assess the efficacy of DHEA supplementation as a treatment for bone health in women with AN.

Method

Studies were retrieved from the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases from inception to February 14, 2022. Observational studies that compared serum DHEA levels between women with AN and healthy controls were included for meta‐analysis, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of DHEA supplementation on bone mass were reviewed.

Results

Meta‐analysis of 15 cross‐sectional studies revealed that patients with AN had significantly elevated serum DHEA levels (mean difference (MD) = 311.63 ng/dl; 95% confidence interval (CI), 78.01–545.25) and reduced DHEAS levels (MD = −24.90 μg/dl; 95% CI, −41.72 to −8.07) compared with healthy controls. A systematic review of seven RCTs found that DHEA monotherapy does not improve bone mineral density (BMD) compared with placebo after adjusting for weight gain. While the combination of DHEA and conjugated oral contraceptives has led to increased bone strength and decreased bone loss, the beneficial effect appears to be limited to older adolescents and adults with closed physes. Potential detrimental effects on BMD were identified in younger adolescents with open physes in one study.

Discussion

Due to the lack of apparent benefit of DHEA in women with AN and its potential detrimental effect on BMD in young patients with AN, current evidence does not support the use of DHEA.

Public Significance

This study demonstrates that women with anorexia nervosa have abnormal levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), which have been suggested by previous studies to play a role in the development of low bone density in this condition. However, current evidence does not support the use of DHEA as a treatment to preserve bone health in patients with anorexia nervosa given the lack of clear benefit following its use and also because of a potential detrimental effect on bone mineral density in young patients with anorexia nervosa.
The ecological importance of moss ground cover in dry shrubland restoration within an irrigated agricultural landscape matrix
Authors: Dollery Rebecca , Bowie Mike H. , Dickinson Nicholas M.
Published: April 2022

Kānuka (Kunzea serotina, Myrtaceae) dryland shrubland communities of the lowland plains of South Island (Te Wai Pounamu), New Zealand (Aoteoroa), contain a ground cover largely consisting of mosses, predominantly Hypnum cupressiforme. There has been no previous study of the role of mosses in this threatened habitat which is currently being restored within a contemporary irrigated and intensively farmed landscape that may be incompatible with this component of the ecosystem.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of moss ground cover on hydrology, nitrogen (N) availability and vascular plant interactions, and in relation to nutrient spillover from adjacent farmland. Experimental work was a combination of glasshouse experiments and field‐based studies.

Extremes of soil temperature and moisture were found to be mediated by the moss carpet, which also influenced N speciation; available N declined with moss depth. The moss layer decreased the amount of germination and establishment of vascular plants but, in some cases, enhanced their growth. Spillover of mineral nitrogen and phosphate from farmland enhanced invasion of exotic grasses which may have benefited from conditions provided by the moss carpet.

Synthesis: We found the moss layer to be crucial to ecosystem functioning in these dry habitats with low nutrient substrate. However, when the moss layer is accompanied by nutrient spillover, it has the potential to increase exotic weed encroachment. Our results not only emphasize the importance of non‐vascular plant inclusion in restoration schemes but also highlights the importance of mitigating for nutrient spillover.
A natural experiment identifies an impending ecological trap for a neotropical amphibian in response to extreme weather events
Authors: Clark Morgan A. , Ota William M. , Smith Sierra J. , Muramoto Brett K. , Ngo Summer , Chan Gabriella E. , Kenyon Maxwell A. , Sturtevant Matthew C. , Diamond Max G. , Bucciarelli Gary M. , Kats Lee B.
Published: April 2022

Extreme weather events are predicted to increase as a result of climate change, yet amphibian responses to extreme disturbance events remain understudied, especially in the Neotropics. Recently, an unprecedented windstorm within a protected Costa Rican rainforest opened large light gaps in sites where we have studied behavioral responses of diurnal strawberry poison frogs (Oophaga pumilio) to ultraviolet radiation for nearly two decades. Previous studies demonstrate that O. pumilio selects and defends perches where ultraviolet radiation (UV‐B) is relatively low, likely because of the lethal and sublethal effects of UV‐B. In this natural experiment, we quantified disturbance to O. pumilio habitat, surveyed for the presence of O. pumilio in both high‐disturbance and low‐disturbance areas of the forest, and assessed UV‐B levels and perch selection behavior in both disturbance levels. Fewer frogs were detected in high‐disturbance habitat than in low‐disturbance habitat. In general, frogs were found vocalizing at perches in both disturbance levels, and in both cases, in significantly lower UV‐B levels relative to ambient adjacent surroundings. However, frogs at perches in high‐disturbance areas were exposed to UV‐B levels nearly 10 times greater than males at perches in low‐disturbance areas. Thus, behavioral avoidance of UV‐B may not reduce the risks associated with elevated exposure under these novel conditions, and similarly, if future climate and human‐driven land‐use change lead to sustained analogous environments.
Phenotypic plasticity and genetic diversity elucidate rarity and vulnerability of an endangered riparian plant
Authors: Boyd Jennifer Nagel , Odell Jared , Cruse‐Sanders Jennifer , Rogers Will , Anderson Jill T. , Baskauf Carol , Brzyski Jessica
Published: April 2022

Environmental change, accelerated by anthropogenic activities, threatens many species and can be especially challenging for rare species given their potentially limited capacity for migration and adaptation relative to more common species. The ability to acclimate via phenotypic plasticity could provide an important path to species persistence in the face of such change. We investigated the responses of an endangered plant species endemic to a highly dynamic riparian habitat in southeastern Tennessee, USA, and its most widespread congener to environmental change to elucidate their current statuses and future vulnerability. Specifically, we compared the population‐ and species‐level plasticity of rarePityopsis ruthiiand commonP. graminifoliato contrasting light, temperature, and water conditions in a growth chamber experiment to evaluate their potential to acclimate to environmental change. Contrary to our expectations,P. ruthiihad greater phenotypic plasticity than its common congener in response to both altered light and water availability. But this plasticity was not associated with increased fitness, suggesting that it was not adaptive. Concurrently, we genotyped these individuals at nine putatively neutral microsatellite loci to contrast genetic diversity across the range of each species. As expected,P. ruthiiexhibited reduced genetic diversity relative to its more common congener. Overall, our findings accord with the narrow range and current habitat specificity ofP. ruthii, especially its tolerance of highly variable water, and highlight its potential vulnerability to future environmental change.
Exploring Glycan Binding Specificity of Odorranalectin by Alanine Scanning Library
Authors: Singh YashoNandini , Cudic Predrag , Cudic Maré
Published: April 2022

Fluorescently labelled alanine scan analogues of odorranalectin (OL), a cyclic peptide that exhibits lectin like properties, were screened for binding BSA‐conjugated monosaccharides using an enzyme‐linked lectin assay (ELLA). Results revealed that Lys5, Phe7, Tyr9, Gly12, Leu14, and Thr17 were crucial for binding BSA‐L‐fucose, BSA‐D‐galactose and BSA‐N‐acetyl‐D‐galactosamine. Notably, Ala substitution of Ser3, Pro4, and Val13 resulted in higher binding affinities compared to the native OL. The obtained data also indicated that Arg8 plays an important role in differentiation of binding for BSA‐L‐fucose/D‐galactose from BSA‐N‐acetyl‐D‐galactosamine. The thermodynamics of binding of the selected alanine analogues was evaluated by isothermal titration calorimetry. Low to moderate binding affinities were determined for the tetravalent MUC1 glycopeptide and asialofetuin, respectively, and high for the fucose rich polysaccharide, fucoidan. The thermodynamic profile of interactions with asialofetuin exhibits shift to an entropy‐driven mechanism compared to the fucoidan, which displayed an enthalpy‐entropy compensation, typically associated with the carbohydrate‐lectin recognition process.
4‐Hydrazinobenzoic‐Acid Antioxidant for High‐Efficiency Sn–Pb Alloyed Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Zihan , Chang Zhen , Wang Kai , Bai Dongliang , Liu Lu , Yang Yang , Wang Le , Wang Shiwei , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: April 2022

Partial tin replacement of lead is expected to be an effective means to fine‐tune the bandgap of Sn–Pb alloyed lead‐halide perovskite to harvest near‐infrared light and thus further increase the efficiency of solar cells based on it, in particular for use as a bottom component cell in the tandem cell design to break through the theoretical Shockley–Queisser (S–Q) limit of the single‐junction solar cells. However, the efficiency of Sn–Pb alloyed perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is still lower than expected owing to the easy oxidation of Sn2+. Herein, a reducing agent 4‐hydrazinobenzoic acid is developed as an additive to suppress the oxidation of Sn2+ and, meanwhile, passivate surface defects. It is found that the optoelectronic performance of Sn–Pb alloyed perovskites is improved as evidenced by the mitigated trap state density and suppressed nonradiative recombination. As a result, the Sn–Pb alloyed PSC efficiency is increased to 21.09%, one of the highest for cells with this bandgap. It is expected that this method is applicable for general Sn–Pb‐based perovskite optoelectronics.
Ultrathin triphenylamine–perylene diimide polymer with D–A structure for photocatalytic oxidation of N‐heterocycles using ambient air
Authors: Zhang Hanjie , Yu Kunyi , Wu Zhaohui , Zhu Yongfa
Published: April 2022

An ultrathin porous triphenylamine–perylene diimide (PDI) polymer photocatalyst with photooxidative ability was prepared. Triphenylamine–PDI oxidizes 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline to 3,4‐dihydroisoquinoline with a yield of 84% and selectivity of 92% under the following conditions: room temperature, ambient air, aqueous solution and 420 nm irradiation. The yield was 62% higher than that of mesoporous g‐C3N4 and 72% higher than that of self‐assembled PDI. The high yield and enhanced catalytic activity of the triphenylamine–PDI were attributed to the introduction of the electron‐donating triphenylamine motif into PDI, thereby forming a donor–acceptor structure, which greatly promotes the separation of photogenerated charges. In addition, the triphenylamine–PDI with high crystallinity of was conducive to fast charge transport. Triphenylamine–PDI was also applicable to other N‐heterocyclic substrates. Moreover, using aqueous media and air as oxidant are consistent with green chemistry, and the photocatalyst can be recycled after the reaction.

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Structure, seismostratigraphy, and tectonic evolution of Lago Roca (southern Patagonia, Argentina)
Authors: Lozano Jorge G. , Gutierrez Yasmin S. , Bran Donaldo M. , Lodolo Emanuele , Cerredo María E. , Tassone Alejandro , Vilas Juan F.
Published: April 2022

Lago Roca is a NE–SW elongated lacustrine body located to the south of Lago Argentino, the largest lake of the UNESCO ‘Los Glaciares’ National Park. An extensive high‐resolution seismic survey carried out within the Lago Roca, integrated with geological information gathered in the area, have allowed to produce: (a) a complete bathymetric map of the lake; (b) a basement topography map and a structural map; and (c) an analysis of the geometry, distribution, and thickness of the sedimentary infill. Two sub‐basins were recognized in Lago Roca, separated by a central basement high that shows a pop‐up structure. The northern and southern margins of the lake basement are bounded by NE–SW trending strike‐slip faults that constitute subsidiary faults strands of the regional structural lineament known as the ‘Lago Argentino transfer fault’. The shallow, low magnitude seismicity recorded in the area supports the interpretation that this fault segment is active at the present. The relative motion along the fault led to the deformation of the sedimentary infill of the lake, which was also affected by several subsidiary normal faults oriented parallel to the Lago Argentino transfer fault. Data show the peculiar asymmetry in the sedimentary filling of Lago Roca, typical of those of pull‐apart basins generated along transform margins. A simplified model for the evolution of Lago Roca is also here proposed, based on the analysed data and the regional tectonic background.
A regression framework for a probabilistic measure of cost‐effectiveness
Authors: Illenberger Nicholas , Mitra Nandita , Spieker Andrew J.
Published: April 2022

To make informed health policy decisions regarding a treatment, we must consider both its cost and its clinical effectiveness. In past work, we introduced the net benefit separation (NBS) as a novel measure of cost‐effectiveness. The NBS is a probabilistic measure that characterizes the extent to which a treated patient will be more likely to experience benefit as compared to an untreated patient. Due to variation in treatment response across patients, uncovering factors that influence cost‐effectiveness can assist policy makers in population‐level decisions regarding resource allocation. In this paper, we introduce a regression framework for NBS in order to estimate covariate‐specific NBS and find determinants of variation in NBS. Our approach is able to accommodate informative cost censoring through inverse probability weighting techniques, and addresses confounding through a semiparametric standardization procedure. Through simulations, we show that NBS regression performs well in a variety of common scenarios. We apply our proposed regression procedure to a realistic simulated data set as an illustration of how our approach could be used to investigate the association between cancer stage, comorbidities and cost‐effectiveness when comparing adjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy in post‐hysterectomy endometrial cancer patients.
Intestinal peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α‐fatty acid‐binding protein 1 axis modulates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Yan Tingting , Luo Yuhong , Yan Nana , Hamada Keisuke , Zhao Nan , Xia Yangliu , Wang Ping , Zhao Changdong , Qi Dan , Yang Shoumei , Sun Lulu , Cai Jie , Wang Qiong , Jiang Changtao , Gavrilova Oksana , Krausz Kristopher W. , Patel Daxesh P. , Yu Xiaoting , Wu Xuan , Hao Haiping , Liu Weiwei , Qu Aijuan , Gonzalez Frank J.
Published: April 2022

Background and Aims

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) regulates fatty acid transport and catabolism in liver. However, the role of intestinal PPARα in lipid homeostasis is largely unknown. Here, intestinal PPARα was examined for its modulation of obesity and NASH.

Approach and Results

Intestinal PPARα was activated and fatty acid‐binding protein 1 (FABP1) up‐regulated in humans with obesity and high‐fat diet (HFD)–fed mice as revealed by using human intestine specimens or HFD/high‐fat, high‐cholesterol, and high‐fructose diet (HFCFD)‐fed C57BL/6N mice and PPARA‐humanized, peroxisome proliferator response element–luciferase mice. Intestine‐specific Ppara or Fabp1 disruption in mice fed a HFD or HFCFD decreased obesity‐associated metabolic disorders and NASH. Molecular analyses by luciferase reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays in combination with fatty acid uptake assays in primary intestinal organoids revealed that intestinal PPARα induced the expression of FABP1 that in turn mediated the effects of intestinal PPARα in modulating fatty acid uptake. The PPARα antagonist GW6471 improved obesity and NASH, dependent on intestinal PPARα or FABP1. Double‐knockout (Ppara/Fabp1
ΔIE) mice demonstrated that intestinal Ppara disruption failed to further decrease obesity and NASH in the absence of intestinal FABP1. Translationally, GW6471 reduced human PPARA‐driven intestinal fatty acid uptake and improved obesity‐related metabolic dysfunctions in PPARA‐humanized, but not Ppara‐null, mice.

Conclusions

Intestinal PPARα signaling promotes NASH progression through regulating dietary fatty acid uptake through modulation of FABP1, which provides a compelling therapeutic target for NASH treatment.
The effectiveness of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in responding to HIV/AIDS in Four African Countries
Authors: Kim Yiyeon
Published: April 2022

Background

The purpose of this study is to examine how PEPFAR's policies have changed and how these affects Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) issue in two focus countries (Botswana and Ethiopia) and two non‐focus countries (Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, or DR of Congo).

Method

This study investigates one country with the highest HIV rate (Botswana) and one with the lowest rates (Ethiopia) among the focus countries, as well as one each with the highest rate (Zimbabwe) and the lowest rate (DR Congo) among the non‐focus countries.

Results

This study finds that President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has tended to change its strategies depending on a recipient country's epidemiology and has spent less in non‐focus than in focus countries.

Conclusions

But by revealing the contributions and limitations of PEPFAR in four African countries, this study shows how PEPFAR can improve its future policies in these countries.
The effect of Sr‐doped zinc oxide nanoadditives on the performance and emission parameters of a VCR engine powered by soybean biodiesel
Authors: Gavhane Rakhamaji S. , Kate Ajit M.
Published: April 2022

In the present study, the effects of soybean biodiesel (SB)–diesel blends containing 1% strontium (Sr) doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) on the performance and emission parameters of a variable compression ratio (VCR) engine were investigated. To make the fuel blends, 25% soybean biodiesel (SB25) was added to the diesel. To improve the blend's stability, Sr/ZnO NP additions were blended with SB25 at 50 and 75 ppm utilizing an ultrasonication method and a surfactant at 2%. Various physicochemical techniques, such as X‐ray diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and ultraviolet spectroscopy, were used to characterize the produced NPs. These blends improved overall engine characteristics when used with a VCR. In comparison to the absence of nanoadditives, the brake thermal efficiency increased by 10.37% and the brake‐specific fuel consumption decreased by 16.76% while using 50 ppm Sr/ZnO NPs additive in SB25 (SB25Sr/ZnO50). In addition, the presence of Sr/ZnO in SB25 results in lower harmful emissions such as hydrocarbon, CO, CO2, and smoke, which are reduced by 11.20%, 13.81%, 41.43%, and 21.34%, respectively, when compared to SB25 fuel. The Sr/ZnO NPs in the blend are an excellent choice for improving engine emission and performance.
Human papillomavirus‐based screening at extended intervals missed fewer cervical precancers than cytology in the HPV For Cervical Cancer (HPV FOCAL) trial
Authors: Gottschlich Anna , Gondara Lovedeep , Smith Laurie W. , Cook Darrel , Martin Ruth Elwood , Lee Marette , Peacock Stuart , Proctor Lily , Stuart Gavin , Krajden Mel , Franco Eduardo L. , van Niekerk Dirk , Ogilvie Gina
Published: April 2022

While cervix screening using cytology is recommended at 2‐ to 3‐year intervals, given the increased sensitivity of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐based screening to detect precancer, HPV‐based screening is recommended every 4‐ to 5‐years. As organized cervix screening programs transition from cytology to HPV‐based screening with extended intervals, there is some concern that cancers will be missed between screens. Participants in HPV FOr CervicAL Cancer (HPV FOCAL) trial received cytology (Cytology Arm) at 24‐month intervals or HPV‐based screening (HPV Arm) at 48‐month intervals; both arms received co‐testing (cytology and HPV testing) at exit. We investigated the results of the co‐test to identify participants with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or higher (CIN2+) who would not have had their precancer detected if they had only their arm's respective primary screen. In the Cytology Arm, 25/62 (40.3%) identified CIN2+s were missed by primary screen (ie, normal cytology/positive HPV test) and all 25 had normal cytology at the prior 24‐month screen. In the HPV arm, three CIN2+s (3/49, 6.1%) were missed by primary screen (ie, negative HPV test/abnormal cytology). One of these three misses had low‐grade cytology findings and would also not have been referred to colposcopy outside of the trial. Multiple rounds of cytology did not detect some precancerous lesions detected with one round of HPV‐based screening. In our population, cytology missed more CIN2+, even at shorter screening intervals, than HPV‐based screening. This assuages concerns about missed detection postimplementation of an extended interval HPV‐based screening program. We recommend that policymakers consider a shift from cytology to HPV‐based cervix screening.