bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating livetrapping and camera-based indices of small-mammal density
Authors: Parsons Mitchell A. , Orloff Alishia E. , Prugh Laura R. 
Published: March 2021

Density estimates are integral to wildlife management, but they can be costly to obtain. Indices of density may provide efficient alternatives, but calibration is needed to ensure the indices accurately reflect density. We evaluated several indices of small-mammal density using livetrapping and motion-activated cameras in the Cascade Mountains of Washington (USA). We used linear regression to compare spatially explicit capture–recapture density estimates of mice (genus Peromyscus Gloger, 1841), voles (genera Microtus Schrank, 1798 and Myodes Pallas, 1811), and chipmunks (genus Neotamias A.H. Howell, 1929) with four indices. Two indices were based on livetrapping (minimum number alive (MNA) and number of captures per 100 trap-nights) and two indices were based on photos from motion-activated cameras (proportion of cameras detecting a species and number of independent detections). We evaluated how the accuracy of trap-based indices increased with trapping effort using subsets of the full dataset (n = 7 capture occasions per site). Most indices provided reliable indicators of small-mammal density, and livetrapping indices (R2 = 0.64–0.98) outperformed camera-based indices (R2 = 0.24–0.86). All indices performed better for more abundant species. The effort required to estimate each index varied and indices that required more effort performed better. These findings should help managers, conservation practitioners, and researchers select small-mammal monitoring methods that best fit their needs.
Detecting Intergranular Phases in UNS N07725. Part II: Double-Loop Electrochemical Potentiokinetic Reactivation Test Validation
Authors: Hazarabedian Maria Sofia , Quadir Md Zakaria , Iannuzzi Mariano 
Published: March 2021

The formation of interconnected grain boundary (GB) phases in precipitation hardening (PH) nickel Alloy 725 (UNS N07725) compromises its mechanical properties and has been linked to hydrogen embrittlement failures. However, normative industry standards such as API 6ACRA are inadequate for differentiating between Alloy 725 batches with a critical extent of GB precipitation, creating the need for a complementary qualification method.
In Alloy 725, intergranular phases produce a Cr and Mo depletion adjacent to GBs (i.e., sensitization). In Part I of this work, this impoverishment in Cr and Mo was used as the basis to develop a double-loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (DL-EPR) test, optimized to quantify the extent of GB precipitation in Alloy 725. Part II explores the reproducibility and sensitivity of the new approach using three new independent commercial batches containing different extents of precipitation. Results were highly reproducible and confirmed the method’s sensitivity to detect small amounts of GB phases. Additionally, the DL-EPR procedure revealed clear microstructural inhomogeneities across the bars’ thickness, which increased with increasing bar diameter. This investigation strongly supports the validity of the new DL-EPR technique as a reliable and straightforward industry-friendly qualification method to quantify the extent of intergranular phases in Alloy 725.
A Phase Ib Open-Label, Dose-Escalation Study of NUC-1031 in Combination with Carboplatin for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Kazmi Farasat , Nicum Shibani , Roux Rene L. , Spiers Laura , Gnanaranjan Chat , Sukumaran Ajithkumar , Gabra Hani , Ghazaly Essam , McCracken Nigel W. , Harrison David J. , Blagden Sarah P. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Purpose:
NUC-1031 is a first-in-class ProTide modification of gemcitabine. In PRO-002, NUC-1031 was combined with carboplatin in recurrent ovarian cancer.

Patients and Methods:
NUC-1031 was administered on days 1 and 8 with carboplatin on day 1 every 3 weeks for up to six cycles. Four dose cohorts of NUC-1031 (500, 625, and 750 mg/m2) with carboplatin (AUC4 or 5) were investigated. Primary endpoint was recommended phase II combination dose (RP2CD). Secondary endpoints included safety, investigator-assessed objective response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), progression-free survival (PFS), and pharmacokinetics.

Results:
A total of 25 women with recurrent ovarian cancer, a mean of 3.8 prior lines of chemotherapy, and a median platinum-free interval of 5 months (range: 7–451 days) were enrolled; 15 of 25 (60%) were platinum resistant, 9 (36%) were partially platinum sensitive, and 1 (4%) was platinum sensitive. Of the 23 who were response evaluable, there was 1 confirmed complete response (4%), 5 partial responses (17%), and 8 (35%) stable disease. The ORR was 26% and CBR was 74% across all doses and 100% in the RP2CD cohort. Median PFS was 27.1 weeks. NUC-1031 was stable in the plasma and rapidly generated high intracellular dFdCTP levels that were unaffected by carboplatin.

Conclusions:
NUC-1031 combined with carboplatin is well tolerated in recurrent ovarian cancer. Highest efficacy was observed at the RP2CD of 500 mg/m2 NUC-1031 on days 1 and 8 with AUC5 carboplatin day 1, every 3 weeks for six cycles. The ability to deliver carboplatin at AUC5 and the efficacy of this schedule even in patients with platinum-resistant disease makes this an attractive therapeutic combination.
ZFTA–RELA Dictates Oncogenic Transcriptional Programs to Drive Aggressive Supratentorial Ependymoma
Authors: Arabzade Amir , Zhao Yanhua , Varadharajan Srinidhi , Chen Hsiao-Chi , Jessa Selin , Rivas Bryan , Stuckert Austin J. , Solis Minerva , Kardian Alisha , Tlais Dana , Golbourn Brian J. , Stanton Ann-Catherine J. , Chan Yuen San , Olson Calla , Karlin Kristen L. , Kong Kathleen , Kupp Robert , Hu Baoli , Injac Sarah G. , Ngo Madeline , Wang Peter R. , De León Luz A. , Sahm Felix , Kawauchi Daisuke , Pfister Stefan M. , Lin Charles Y. , Hodges H. Courtney , Singh Irtisha , Westbrook Thomas F. , Chintagumpala Murali M. , Blaney Susan M. , Parsons Donald W. , Pajtler Kristian W. , Agnihotri Sameer , Gilbertson Richard J. , Yi Joanna , Jabado Nada , Kleinman Claudia L. , Bertrand Kelsey C. , Deneen Benjamin , Mack Stephen C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMore than 60% of supratentorial ependymomas harbor a ZFTA–RELA (ZRfus) gene fusion (formerly C11orf95–RELA). To study the biology of ZRfus, we developed an autochthonous mouse tumor model using in utero electroporation (IUE) of the embryonic mouse brain. Integrative epigenomic and transcriptomic mapping was performed on IUE-driven ZRfus tumors by CUT&RUN, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing, and RNA sequencing and compared with human ZRfus-driven ependymoma. In addition to direct canonical NFκB pathway activation, ZRfus dictates a neoplastic transcriptional program and binds to thousands of unique sites across the genome that are enriched with PLAGL family transcription factor (TF) motifs. ZRfus activates gene expression programs through recruitment of transcriptional coactivators (Brd4, Ep300, Cbp, Pol2) that are amenable to pharmacologic inhibition. Downstream ZRfus target genes converge on developmental programs marked by PLAGL TF proteins, and activate neoplastic programs enriched in Mapk, focal adhesion, and gene imprinting networks.Significance:Ependymomas are aggressive brain tumors. Although drivers of supratentorial ependymoma (ZFTA- and YAP1-associated gene fusions) have been discovered, their functions remain unclear. Our study investigates the biology of ZFTA–RELA-driven ependymoma, specifically mechanisms of transcriptional deregulation and direct downstream gene networks that may be leveraged for potential therapeutic testing.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2113
Association of Serum Testosterone and Luteinizing Hormone With Blood Pressure and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Middle‐Aged and Elderly Men
Authors: Qu Mengyuan , Feng Chenzhao , Wang Xiaotong , Gu Yiqun , Shang Xuejun , Zhou Yuanzhong , Xiong Chengliang , Li Honggang 
Published: March 2021

Background
The age‐related decline in testosterone levels is thought to be of great importance for male aging and cardiovascular diseases. However, data are controversial on whether abnormal sex hormones are linked to the presence of cardiovascular diseases and it is also uncertain how blood pressure modifies the association between testosterone levels and major cardiovascular diseases.

Methods and Results
This is a multicenter, population‐based, cross‐sectional study of 6296 men conducted between 2013 and 2016. Basic information and clinical symptoms were obtained by questionnaires. Blood pressure and plasma levels of total testosterone, sex hormone–binding globulin, luteinizing hormone, and free testosterone were determined in men in a multistage random, cluster sampling in 6 provinces of China. There were 5786 Chinese men (mean [SD] age 55.0 [10.1] years) included after exclusion criteria were applied; 37.2% (2150) of them were diagnosed with hypertension. Total testosterone, free testosterone, and sex hormone–binding globulin were inversely associated with the prevalence of hypertension. Age >65 years or body mass index ≥24 negatively impacted the inverse correlation between testosterone levels and hypertension, whereas smoking and family history of hypertension strengthened the correlation. In participants with grade 2 hypertension, total testosterone was positively associated with the presence of stroke, and luteinizing hormone was also positively correlated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Conclusions
Lower total testosterone could be a promising risk marker for prevalent hypertension. Both low and high levels of testosterone are associated with greater cardiovascular risk. Primary hypogonadism may be a risk marker for major cardiovascular diseases in men with severe hypertension.
Unus Pro Omnibus, Omnes Pro Uno
Authors: Natoli Tommaso 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Neighbouring States form regional institutions for purposes that they cannot meet singularly, as in case of exceptional events that overwhelm national capacities. Comparing regional organizations endowed with specific Disaster Management (DM) functions provides a suitable analytical lens of this phenomenon, being a means for exploring how fundamental principles like sovereignty or solidarity are differently combined within their legal frameworks. Building on a comparative analysis of two regional models (EU and ASEAN-AHA), the article suggests that the positioning of regional organizations on the sovereignty-solidarity axis is facilitated by an adapted use of the well-known Latin maxim ‘unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno’. This indicates both dynamics in which the organization is endowed with autonomous capacities of acting in support of members stricken by a catastrophic event, and those regional mechanisms whose functioning depends on the case-by-case involvement of their membership. As will be maintained, whereas these interrelated dynamics coexist in the two organizations analysed, they are differently modelled according to the respective regulatory settings. Yet, common trends in the development of respective institutional functioning can be detected.
Slavery at the Court of the ‘Humanist Prince’ Reexamining Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen and his Role in Slavery, Slave Trade and Slave-smuggling in Dutch Brazil
Authors: Monteiro Carolina , Odegard Erik 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
From 1630 until its fall in 1654, the Dutch West India Company maintained a colony in northeastern Brazil where it tried to profit from the cultivation of sugar using enslaved African labor. Count Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen served as this colony’s governor-general from 1636 until 1644, this being the most heavily studied period of the colony’s existence. But the role of Johan Maurits in the transatlantic slave trade and enslavement in Brazil is poorly covered by research, with some historians recently arguing that there is ‘no proof’ of any personal involvement. This article presents a clear argument for the personal involvement of Johan Maurits in the slave trade and shows his involvement in slave-smuggling. Understanding the social relations between the count, his court and the Luso-Brazilian elite is in fact simply impossible without bringing in the trade and smuggling of enslaved Africans.
WRF Precipitation Performance and Predictability for Systematically Varied Parameterizations over Complex Terrain
Authors: Jeworrek Julia , West Gregory , Stull Roland 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPhysics parameterizations in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model are systematically varied to investigate precipitation forecast performance over the complex terrain of southwest British Columbia (BC). Comparing a full year of modeling data from over 100 WRF configurations to station observations reveals sensitivities of precipitation intensity, season, location, grid resolution, and accumulation window. The choice of cumulus and microphysics parameterizations is most important. The WSM5 microphysics scheme yields competitive verification scores when compared to more sophisticated and computationally expensive parameterizations. Although the scale-aware Grell–Freitas cumulus parameterization performs better for summertime convective precipitation, the conventional Kain–Fritsch parameterization better simulates wintertime frontal precipitation, which contributes to the majority of the annual precipitation in southwest BC. Finer grid spacings have lower relative biases and a more realistic spread in precipitation intensity distribution, yet higher relative standard deviations of their errors—they produce finer spatial differences and local extrema. Finer resolutions produce the best fraction of correct-to-incorrect forecasts across all precipitation intensities, whereas the coarser 27-km domain yields the highest hit rates and equitable threat scores. Verification metrics improve greatly with longer accumulation windows—hourly precipitation values are prone to double-penalty issues, while longer accumulation windows compensate for timing errors but lose information about short-term precipitation intensities. This study provides insights regarding WRF precipitation performance in complex terrain across a wide variety of configurations, using metrics important to a range of end users.
Intraoperative angiography during coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Tolegenuly Almas , Ordiene Rasa , Jakuska Povilas , Mamedov Arslan , Unikas Ramunas , Benetis Rimantas 
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence rate of technical failure of graft patency while performing intra-operative angiography after coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods: This prospective pilot study included 50 patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, in addition to intra-operative angiographic graft assessments, on open-chest. Overall, 144 grafts and 160 distal anastomoses were assessed in a hybrid operating room. Results: Intra-operative angiography allowed the identification of 23 angiographic defects (15.9% of all grafts) in 22 patients (44%): three graft defects (2% of all grafts), 17 anastomotic defects (10.6% of all distal anastomoses), and three target artery errors (1.8% of all grafted arteries). Ten re-interventions (43.4%) were performed based on the angiographic defects detected. During the follow-up period, computed tomography angiography of the attached grafts at a mean of 224 days (range, 80–318 days) showed that all repaired grafts were patent. During surgery, the total mean dose of radiation was 1.848 ± 0.54 mSv (range, 0.78–3.4 mSv) per patient and investigation time was 19.4 ± 4.94 minute (range, 9–31 minute). Conclusions: Intra-operative angiography is a powerful tool allowing the identification of graft defects, anastomotic defects and target vessel errors. Assuming relatively low level of exposure to radiation and short investigation time, intra-operative angiography could be included in routine practice as safe procedure improving surgery quality.
Comparative analysis of differences between preoperative endoscopic biopsy and postoperative pathological examination for diagnosis of gastric intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Wu Yangqing , Sang Jianzhong , Zhou Jianbo , Fang Ying 
Published: March 2021

Objective This study was performed to compare the differences between preoperative endoscopic biopsy (PEB) and postoperative pathological examination (PPE) for diagnosis of gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (GIN). Methods From September 2016 to July 2019, 188 consecutive patients with GIN at Yuyao People’s Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The 188 patients had 218 GIN lesions. All patients underwent PEB and either endoscopic submucosal dissection or surgical treatment. PPE was performed on pathological tissues that had been surgically removed. Results Among 138 cases of low-grade dysplasia (LGD) diagnosed by PEB, 46 were upgraded to high-grade dysplasia (HGD), 20 were upgraded to early gastric cancer (EGC), and 2 were downgraded to inflammation after PPE. Among 42 cases of HGD, 23 were upgraded to EGC, 2 were downgraded to LGD, and 2 were downgraded to inflammation after PPE. Among 38 cases of EGC, 1 was downgraded to HGD and 2 were downgraded to LGD after PPE. The original diagnosis was maintained after the operation in 120 cases of GIN. Conclusion Biopsy did not fully reflect the lesions of GIN. Biopsy review should be actively performed, and the lesions should be clarified by endoscopic submucosal dissection or surgery.
Arthroscopic Management of Femoroacetabular Impingement in Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Maffulli Nicola 
Published: March 2021

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is highly prevalent in adolescent athletes. There has been an increasing trend for arthroscopic surgery for FAI, and the results of several clinical studies on outcome after arthroscopic surgery for FAI are available. Purpose: To conduct a systematic review to investigate the role of arthroscopic management for FAI in adolescents. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. In August 2020, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and EMBASE were accessed. All clinical trials concerning the arthroscopic treatment for adolescents with FAI were identified. Only studies on patients aged less than 18 years at the time of surgery reporting data over a minimum follow-up of 12 months were considered. Results: Data from 406 adolescents (470 procedures; mean age at surgery, 15.9 years; mean follow-up, 30.4 months) with FAI were retrieved. At a mean of 28.0 months of follow-up, 94% of the adolescents had already returned to sport. All the scores of interest were improved at the final follow-up: visual analog scale ( P = .01), modified Harris Hip Score ( P < .0001), Non-Arthritic Hip Score ( P = .03), Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living ( P = .01), Hip Outcome Score–Sport-Specific Subscale ( P < .0001), and Tegner score ( P < .0001). Complications occurred in 1.1% (5/470) of procedures, and revision arthroscopy was performed in 4.7% (22/470) of procedures. Conclusion: Arthroscopic surgery in adolescents with FAI achieves excellent outcomes and a high rate of return to sport, with rates of complication and revision surgery of 1% and 5%, respectively.
Spirometry Abnormalities and Its Associated Factors Among Primary School Children in a Nigerian City
Authors: Ndukwu Chizalu Ifeyinwa , Ozoh Obianuju B , Ale Boni Maxime , Ayuk Adaeze C , Elo-Ilo Jacinta C , Awokola Babatunde I 
Published: March 2021

Background: There is paucity of data on objectively measured lung function abnormalities in Nigerian children using diagnostic testing methods such as spirometry. Such assessments could prompt early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. Methods: This was a cross sectional study among children aged 6 to 12 years in South-Eastern Nigeria. We selected participants from one school using a multistage stratified random sampling technique. A structured respiratory questionnaire was administered to obtain necessary data. The lung functions of the children were measured by spirometry. We used Lower Limits of Normal (LLN) based on GLI reference equations for African-American and mixed ethnicities to define abnormal spirometry. We studied the association between the exposures and lung function using logistic regression/chi-squared tests. Results: A total of 145 children performed acceptable and repeatable tests. There were 73 males (50.3%), mean age of 9.13 years (+1.5) and age range 6 to 12 years. Frequency of respiratory symptoms was cough- 64 (44.1%) and wheeze in 19 (13.1%). Using GLI for African-Americans, fifty-five (37.9%) children had abnormal spirometryobstructive pattern in 40 (27.6%) and restrictive pattern in 15 (10.3%). The two references showed significant differences in interpretation of abnormality (χ2 = 72.86; P < .001). Respiratory symptom-wheeze was an independent determinant of abnormal lung function in this population.(OR = 0.31; 95%CI: 0.10–0.94; P = .04) Conclusion: There is a high burden of respiratory symptoms and abnormal spirometry among these children. The need for objective evaluation of lung function especially for children with respiratory symptoms is evident.
Confidence of nurses with inhaler device education and competency of device use in a specialised respiratory inpatient unit
Authors: Swami Vinita , Cho Jin-Gun , Smith Tracy , Wheatley John , Roberts Mary 
Published: March 2021

We performed a cross-sectional study within a specialised respiratory inpatient unit assessing 25 nurses’ [85% female, 8.0 ± 7.9 (mean ± SD) years’ experience in nursing] confidence in providing inhaler device education using a self-reported questionnaire, and their competency (% correct steps) in using eight different inhaler devices. Sixteen percent of participants were ‘not confident’ providing inhaler education, while 84% were ‘moderately’ or ‘extremely’ confident. The mean (±SD)% correct steps for all devices was 47 ± 17%. There was no correlation between % correct steps and nursing years (r = 0.21, p = 0.31), or ‘confidence’ with providing inhaler education (r = 0.02, p = 0.91) but % correct steps strongly correlated with number of individual device prescriptions within the hospital in the preceding year (r = 0.78, p = 0.039). Most respiratory nurses felt confident in teaching inhaler technique but their overall demonstrated ability to correctly use inhalers was poor, especially for less frequently prescribed devices within our hospital. Regular assessment and ongoing education on correct inhaler technique for respiratory nurses is necessary to optimise all device usage by nurses, irrespective of experience or confidence.