bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Droughty times in mesic places: factors associated with forest mortality vary by scale in a temperate subalpine region
Authors: Harvey Brian J. , Andrus Robert A. , Battaglia Mike A. , Negrón José F. , Orrego Alexandra , Veblen Thomas T. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUnderstanding how drivers of ecological disturbance operate across scales is important in an era of increasing disturbance activity. Severe and extensive Dendroctonus bark beetle outbreaks across western North America have left in their wake dominance by shade‐tolerant and commonly late‐seral trees such as subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa), which can foster resilience of forest cover. However, subalpine fir decline (SFD) is a poorly understood phenomenon that has killed trees across millions of hectares in western North America with unknown consequences for future forest resilience. How different factors (e.g., climate, topography, host‐tree characteristics, and abundance) govern SFD presence and severity across spatial scales from individual trees to a subcontinental scale has not been explored in a single framework. Here, we combine broad‐scale geospatial data on SFD occurrence, stand‐scale field data on SFD severity, and fine‐scale individual tree data on mortality to test the relative importance of factors related to SFD across spatial scales spanning >10 orders of magnitude (<1 m to >10 M hectares). At the broadest scale (subcontinental, ~25 M ha), annual areal extent of SFD over time increased sharply with antecedent drought. At regional‐ (~6 M ha) and stand‐ (0.1–0.25 ha) scales, the occurrence and severity of SFD were spatially associated with more mesic topographic positions and greater host‐tree abundance. Finally, at the individual tree‐ and tree‐neighborhood‐ (<1 m) scale, the probability of mortality increased for larger trees and trees closer to dead conspecific neighbors. The positive temporal association of SFD with drought at broad scales versus the positive spatial association of SFD with mesic sites at fine scales suggests strong importance of local biotic processes in mediating drought‐driven forest decline and highlights the need for understanding multi‐scale drivers of ecological disturbance.
Passive Sampler Exchange Kinetics in Large and Small Water Volumes Under Mixed Rate Control by Sorbent and Water Boundary Layer
Authors: Booij Kees 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Exchange kinetics of organic compounds between passive samplers and water can be partly or completely controlled by transport in the sorbent. In such cases diffusion models are needed. A model is discussed that is based on a series of cosines (space) and exponentials (time). The model applies to mixed rate control by sorbent and water boundary layer under conditions of fixed aqueous concentrations (open systems, infinite water volumes, in situ sampling) and fixed amounts (closed systems, finite water volumes, ex situ sampling). Details on the implementation of the model in computational software and spreadsheet programs are discussed, including numerical accuracy. Key parameters are Biot number (ratio of internal/external transfer resistance) and sorbent/water phase ratio. Small Biot numbers are always indicative of rate control by the water boundary layer, but for large Biot numbers this may still be the case over short time scales. Application to environmental monitoring of nonpolar compounds showed that diffusion models are rarely needed for sampling with commonly used single-phase polymers. For determining sorption coefficients in batch incubations, the model demonstrated a profound effect of sorbent/water phase ratio on time to equilibrium. Application of the model to sampling of polar organic compounds by extraction disks with or without a membrane showed that moderate to major sorbent-controlled kinetics is likely to occur. This implies that the use of sampling rate models for such samplers needs to be reconsidered. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1241–1254. © 2021 SETAC
Power, Privilege, and Competence: Using the 2018 AEA Evaluator Competencies to Shape Socially Just Evaluation Practice
Authors: Symonette Hazel , Miller Robin Lin , Barela Eric 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTwenty‐first century evaluators face an imperative to recognize their privileged role in navigating socially complex terrain in ways that are ethical, demonstrate sensitivity to local and global social inequities, and reflect awareness of contested views of reality. Social justice and equity are increasingly viewed as a foundation of practice, necessitating that evaluators learn how to address potential power imbalances occurring within evaluations, the larger contexts in which those evaluations occur, and the emerging profession itself. This chapter addresses how the 2018 American Evaluation Association (AEA) Evaluator Competencies may help evaluators direct explicit attention to issues of power, privilege, and equity. We discuss how these competencies can aid evaluators in honing their practice to support evaluation's role in attaining social justice. We also spotlight some programmatic exemplars that offer insights and resources for this work.
Using the 2018 AEA Evaluator Competencies for Evaluator Education and Professional Development
Authors: LaVelle John M. , Galport Nicole 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis chapter addresses using the 2018 American Evaluation Association (AEA) Evaluator Competencies to structure evaluator education and training, the benefits of doing so, and the negative consequences when the competencies are not used. It discusses what educator use of competencies might look like in the design of educational experiences and the eventual potential for the accreditation of university‐based and nonuniversity training programs. The chapter concludes by calling on evaluator education programs to take an evaluative look at their own offerings.
Effects of gellan gum and inulin on mixed‐gel properties and molecular structure of gelatin
Authors: Wang Juanjuan , Zhao Xue , Zhou Changyu , Wang Chong , Zheng Yanyan , Ye Keping , Li Chunbao , Zhou Guanghong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGellan gum (GG) is often added to gelatin (GL) to improve the gel property. GG‐based or inulin (IL)‐based hydrogels were developed. Rigid and brittle gels or smooth and delicate gels were prepared with GG and IL, respectively. This study aimed to explore the properties and interaction mechanisms of the mixed‐gel system containing GL, GG, and IL, in which different ratios of GG‐IL (0.4%) (10:0, 8:2, 6:4, 5:5, 4:6, 2:8, and 0:10) were added to GL (6%). Texture profiles, rheological properties, water mobility, intermolecular forces, circular dichroism (CD) spectra, and microstructures were analyzed. The results showed that addition of GG‐IL could improve the hardness, chewiness, and cohesiveness of mixed‐gel, besides maintaining appropriate springiness. Water mobility of the mixed‐gel decreased while viscoelasticity increased upon the addition GG. At GG:IL = 2:8, the melting temperature of mixed‐gel was far higher than that of GL gel itself. The GL‐GG‐IL gel showed decrease in nonspecific bonding and increase in hydrogen bonding compared with the GL gel. CD spectra indicated the promotion of GL unfolding by GG, hence suggesting the binding of GG to GL; binding ability was better at GG:IL >5:5. Cryo‐SEM provided evidence for the formation of cross‐linked network within GL‐GG‐IL. Overall, we concluded that addition of GG‐IL to GL system would be most suitable for improving the properties of mixed‐gel. This finding may be potentially applicable in the further development of gel food products, such as meat jellies and gummy jellies.
Feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an online training and support program for caregivers of people with dementia in India: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Baruah Upasana , Varghese Mathew , Loganathan Santosh , Mehta Kala M. , Gallagher‐Thompson Dolores , Zandi Diana , Dua Tarun , Pot Anne Margriet 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectivesInternet‐based interventions involving elements of cognitive behavior therapy, psychoeducation, relaxation and skills training for caregivers of people with dementia have been found to be promising in Western countries. Given these outcomes, the adapted version of a multi‐component online caregiver skills training and support program of the World Health Organization, called iSupport, was tested for feasibility and preliminary effectiveness in India.MethodsOne hundred fifty‐one caregivers of family members with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or dementia were randomized to either the intervention arm (iSupport; n = 74) or to the control group (an education‐only e‐book program; n = 77). Participants were assessed using self‐rated measures of depression and perceived burden, which were the primary outcome measures, at baseline and 3‐month follow‐up. Person‐centered attitude, self‐efficacy, mastery and self‐rated health were also assessed.ResultsFifty‐five caregivers (29 in the iSupport group and 26 in the control condition) completed the study. The recruitment and retention rate of the study were 44.67% and 36.42% respectively. No significant differences were found between the two groups at 3‐month follow‐up on the primary outcomes. Among the secondary outcomes, significant improvement was only seen in caregivers' person‐centered attitude towards persons with dementia in the iSupport group (t = 2.228; p < 0.05).ConclusionsDespite efforts to recruit and retain participants to the online program, this study had a low recruitment and retention rate, which require closer attention and indicates a need for further adaptations of the Indian version of the iSupport program to improve its acceptability and accessibility. The lessons learned from this study will guide the further development of caregiver training and support interventions in India. The trial was registered with the Clinical Trials Registry‐India (Trial Registration No. CTRI/2017/02/007876).
Simultaneous immunofluorescence and histology in pemphigus vulgaris using ex vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Bağcı Işın Sinem , Aoki Rui , Vladimirova Gabriela , Sárdy Miklós , Ruzicka Thomas , French Lars E. , Hartmann Daniela 
Published: January 2021

AbstractEx vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (ex vivo CLSM) provides rapid, high‐resolution imaging and immunofluorescence examinations of the excised tissues. We aimed to evaluate the applicability of ex vivo CLSM in histomorphological and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) examination of pemphigus vulgaris (PV). 20 PV sections were stained with fluorescent‐labeled anti‐IgG and anti‐C3 using various dilutions and incubation periods. Subsequently, the determined ideal staining protocol was applied on 20 additional PV and 20 control sections. Ex vivo CLSM identified intraepidermal blisters and acantholytic cells in 80% and 60% of PV patients, respectively. The sensitivity of ex vivo CLSM in detecting intraepidermal fluorescence was 90% both with IgG and C3. The specificity of staining for IgG and C3 was 70% and 90%, respectively. Histomorphological and immunofluorescence features of PV could be detected within the same ex vivo CSLM session showing a comparable performance to conventional histopathology and DIF microscopy.
A highly‐sensitive vascular endothelial growth factor‐A(165) immunosensor, as a tool for early detection of cancer
Authors: Taati Yengejeh Fatemeh , Shabani Shayeh Javad , Rahmandoust Moones , Fatemi Fattaneh , Arjmand Sareh 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBiomarkers can be ideal indicators for assessing the risk of the presence of a disease. In this study, a label‐free electrochemical biosensor was designed to quantify the vascular endothelial growth factor A (165) (VEGF‐A(165)) antigen, using reduced graphene oxide‐gold nanoparticle for early detection of breast cancer. The conductivity of gold nanoparticle along with its biocompatibility provide an enhanced surface, suitable for anti‐VEGF antibody immobilization. 11‐mercaptoundecanoic acid was used to facilitate a single‐step and convenient bonding of the antibodies to the surface, compared to previous studies. The dynamic range of the biosensor was between 20 to 120 pg/ml and its limit of detection of the biomarker VEGF‐A(165) was obtained to be about 0.007 pg/ml, using different electric signal transduction modes. Hence, the biosensor is a beneficial immunosensor with high sensitivity and ideal dynamic range for early‐stage diagnosis of breast cancer and other cancers diseases associated with expression of VEGF‐A(165). The as‐prepared immunosensor could be efficiently employed for designing a point‐of‐care diagnostic platform.
Hepatoprotective effect of arjunolic acid against cisplatin‐induced hepatotoxicity: Targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis
Authors: Sherif Iman O. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMinimizing the adverse effects of chemotherapeutic agents remains a therapeutic challenge. Cisplatin (CP) induces hepatotoxicity through activation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis cascades which is considered a significant drawback. Thus, this study aimed to highlight the possible hepatoprotective role of arjunolic acid (Arj) in a rat model of CP‐induced hepatotoxicity. Four groups of rats were included; the normal control group, Arj control group, CP group which was injected with 7.5 mg/kg CP intraperitoneally to induce hepatotoxicity, and the treated group (Arj + CP), which was orally administered 20 mg/kg Arj for 10 days with a CP hepatotoxic dose on day 5. Blood and liver tissues were assembled for analysis at the end of the study. Pretreatment with Arj exhibited a marked improvement in liver function as well as histopathology when compared with the CP group. Moreover, Arj suppressed the oxidative stress in hepatic tissue by significantly decreasing malondialdehyde and nitric oxide contents along with markedly elevating the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione when compared with CP injected rats. Attenuation of hepatic inflammation and apoptosis was also reported with Arj treatment through the marked reduction in the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α level as well as the apoptotic marker caspase‐3 protein expression in comparison to the CP group. This study explored for the first time the Arj hepatoprotective effect against CP‐induced hepatotoxicity through its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities.
Sediment phosphorus buffering in streams at baseflow: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Simpson Zachary P. , McDowell Richard W. , Condron Leo M. , McDaniel Marshall D. , Jarvie Helen P. , Abell Jonathan M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPhosphorus (P) pollution of surface waters remains a challenge for protecting and improving water quality. Central to the challenge is understanding what regulates P concentrations in streams. This quantitative review synthesizes the literature on a major control of P concentrations in streams at baseflow—the sediment P buffer—to better understand streamwater–sediment P interactions. We conducted a global meta‐analysis of sediment equilibrium phosphate concentrations at net zero sorption (EPC0), which is the dissolved reactive P (DRP) concentration toward which sediments buffer solution DRP. Our analysis of 45 studies and >900 paired observations of DRP and EPC0showed that sediments often have potential to remove or release P to the streamwater (83% of observations), meaning that “equilibrium” between sediment and streamwater is rare. This potential for P exchange is moderated by sediment and stream characteristics, including sorption affinity, stream pH, exchangeable P concentration, and particle sizes. The potential for sediments to modify streamwater DRP concentrations is often not realized owing to other factors (e.g., hydrologic interactions). Sediment surface chemistry, hyporheic exchange, and biota can also influence the potential exchange of P between sediments and the streamwater. Methodological choices significantly influenced EPC0determination and thus the estimated potential for P exchange; we therefore discuss how to measure and report EPC0to best suit research objectives and aid in interstudy comparison. Our results enhance understanding of the sediment P buffer and inform how EPC0can be effectively applied to improve management of aquatic P pollution and eutrophication.
Automatic quantification of lymphocyte vacuolization in peripheral blood smears of patients with Batten's disease (CLN3 disease)
Authors: Nonkes Lourens J. P. , Kuper Willemijn F. E. , Berrens‐Hogenbirk Karin , Musson Ruben E. A. , van Hasselt Peter M. , Huisman Albert 
Published: January 2021

AbstractQuantifying lymphocyte vacuolization in peripheral blood smears (PBSs) serves as a measure for disease severity in CLN3 disease—a lysosomal storage disorder of childhood‐onset. However, thus far quantification methods are based on labor‐intensive manual assessment of PBSs. As machine learning techniques like convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been deployed quite successfully in detecting pathological features in PBSs, we explored whether these techniques could be utilized to automate quantification of lymphocyte vacuolization. Here, we present and validate a deep learning pipeline that automates quantification of lymphocyte vacuolization. By using two CNNs in succession, trained for cytoplasm‐segmentation and vacuolization‐detection, respectively, we obtained an excellent correlation with manual quantification of lymphocyte vacuolization (r = 0.98, n = 40). These results show that CNNs can be utilized to automate the otherwise cumbersome task of manually quantifying lymphocyte vacuolization, thereby aiding prompt clinical decisions in relation to CLN3 disease, and potentially beyond.
Safety and efficacy of cryoballoon ablation for the treatment of paroxysmal and persistent AF in a real‐world global setting: Results from the Cryo AF Global Registry
Authors: Chun Kyoung Ryul Julian , Okumura Ken , Scazzuso Fernando , Keun On Young , Kueffer Fred J. , Braegelmann Kendra M. , Kaur Khelae Surinder , Al‐Kandari Fawzia , Földesi Csaba ,   the Cryo Global Registry Investigators
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundCryoballoon ablation is a commonly used approach to treat patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).ObjectivesReport on the safety and efficacy of cryoballoon ablation for the treatment of AF in the largest global cohort of cryoablated patients prospectively studied within a single registry.MethodsThe Cryo AF Global Registry is a prospective, multi‐center registry. Patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF) or persistent AF (PsAF) were treated with the cryoballoon catheter according to routine practices at 93 sites across 36 countries. Primary efficacy endpoints included freedom from AF and freedom from AF/atrial flutter (AFL)/atrial tachycardia (AT) ≥30 seconds. The primary safety endpoint was serious device‐ or procedure‐related adverse events over 12 month follow‐up.ResultsDuring this evaluation window, 2922 subjects completed an index cryoballoon procedure, and 1440 completed 12 month follow‐up. The cohort was 61 ± 12 years of age, 36.3% female, and 78.7% PAF. Serious device‐ and procedure‐related adverse event rates were 1.5% and 3.4%, respectively. Freedom from AF/AFL/AT after the 90 day blanking period was 86.4% (95% CI: 84.3%‐88.3%) in patients with PAF and 70.9% (95% CI: 64.6%‐76.4%) in patients with PsAF. Freedom from AF/AFL/AT in first‐line PAF and PsAF was 90.0% (95% CI: 86.4%‐92.7%) and 72.9% (95% CI: 58.6%‐83.0%) at 12 months, respectively.ConclusionsThe Cryo Global AF Registry is the largest evaluation to demonstrate cryoablation is an efficient, safe, and effective treatment for patients with AF worldwide. Cryoablation was commonly used to treat patients prior to an AAD failure and may facilitate earlier therapy for patients on the AF disease continuum.
Cervical Extension of the Normal Thymus in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Xia Chunxia , Chen Shuang , Baikpour Masoud , Pierce Theodore T. , Duan Yu , Li Qian , Chen Lei , Cheah Eugene , Samir Anthony E. 
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveThis study aims to confirm the prevalence of incidental cervical extension of normal thymus in children and adolescents undergoing neck ultrasound and describe the ultrasound appearance to minimize future misdiagnosis.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted in a single institution. Thyroid and lower neck ultrasound images of the consecutive pediatric subjects between January 1, 2011 and September 30, 2017 were independently reviewed by 2 radiologists for the presence of cervical thymus. When identified on sonographic images, cervical thymus was described on the basis of echogenicity, location, and shape.ResultsIn 278 consecutive cases, the 2 reviewers identified 105 (37.8%) and 103 (37.1%) cases respectively as having sonographically visible tissue in the expected location of cervical extension of the thymus. The internal echotexture was variable with 38.1% of cases being hypoechoic, 37.1% mixed, and 24.8% hyperechoic. Cervical extension of the thymus was most commonly (65.0%) to the left of the trachea or (30.9%) bilateral/anterior to the trachea; isolated right paratracheal thymus was uncommon. Thymic shape was variable: quadrilateral (30.9%), oval (29.9%), triangular (25.8%), and other (13.4%). The logistic regression model including age, gender, and BMI z‐scores showed that, when controlled for sex and BMI z‐scores, younger age was a predictor for the presence of cervical thymic extension (p < .001).ConclusionCervical thymic extension is sonographically visible as a soft tissue mass of variable appearance in about a third of children and adolescents undergoing neck ultrasonography with decreasing prevalence with age. Sonographically visible cervical thymic tissue is more common in younger patients.
Therapeutic Ultrasound‐Enhanced Transcorneal PHMB Delivery In Vitro
Authors: Karpinecz Bianca , Edwards Natalie , Zderic Vesna 
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveDelivery of therapeutic agents to the cornea is a difficult task in the treatment of parasitic keratitis. In this study, we looked at using different combinations of ultrasound parameters to enhance corneal permeability to polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), a clinically available ophthalmic antiparasitic formulation.MethodsPermeability of PHMB was investigated in vitro using a standard diffusion cell setup. Continuous or 25% duty‐cycle ultrasound was used at frequencies of 400 or 600 kHz, intensities of 0.5 or 0.8 W/cm2, and exposure times ranging from 1 to 5 minutes. Structural changes in the cornea were examined using light microscopy.ResultsUltrasound exposure produced increases in transcorneal delivery in every treatment parameter combination when compared to the sham treatment. The highest increase was 2.36 times for 5 minutes of continuous ultrasound at a frequency of 600 kHz and an intensity of 0.5 W/cm2 with statistical significance (p <.001). Histological analysis showed that ultrasound application only caused structural changes in the corneal epithelium, with most damage being at the surface layers.ConclusionsThis study suggests the possibility of therapeutic ultrasound as a novel drug delivery technique for the treatment of parasitic keratitis. Further studies are needed to examine the thermal effects of these proposed ultrasound applications and the long‐term viability of this treatment.