bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of cyclooxygenase inhibitor use on immunotherapy efficacy in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kanai Osamu , Ito Takanori , Saito Zentaro , Yamamoto Yuki , Fujita Kohei , Okamura Misato , Hashimoto Masayuki , Nakatani Koichi , Sawai Satoru , Mio Tadashi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundA synergistic effect of cyclooxygenase inhibitors (COX‐I) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been suggested. However, the impact of COX‐I on the efficacy of ICIs is unclear. Here, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between COX‐I use and the efficacy of ICI in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed NSCLC patients who received ICI monotherapy. We defined COX‐I use as regular use of COX‐I other than low‐dose aspirin during the initiation of ICIs to the first evaluation of efficacy. The efficacy of ICIs was evaluated with response rate (RR), disease control rate (DCR), progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Differences in baseline characteristics by COX‐I use were controlled by using an inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPW) adjusted analysis.ResultsA total of 198 patients with NSCLC received ICIs; 128, 50, and 20 patients received nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and atezolizumab, respectively; there were 65 (32.8%) COX‐I users. While there was no significant difference in RR (15.4% vs. 13.5%; p = 0.828), DCR (41.5% vs. 49.6%; p = 0.294), PFS (median, 2.69 vs. 3.68 months; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.77–5.19 vs. 2.20–4.60 months; p = 0.630), COX‐I users had significantly shorter OS than non‐COX‐I users (median, 6.08 vs. 16.10 months; 95% CI: 3.78–11.66 vs. 9.49–19.68 months; p = 0.003). On IPW adjusted analysis, there was no significant difference in OS (median, 7.85 vs. 15.11 months; 95% CI: 5.03–14.92 vs. 9.49–19.32 months; p = 0.081).ConclusionsThere was no additional or negative impact of COX‐I use on the efficacy of ICIs in NSCLC.
GPSeqClus: An R package for sequential clustering of animal location data for model building, model application and field site investigations
Authors: Clapp Justin G. , Holbrook Joseph D. , Thompson Daniel J. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Evaluating the concentration of animal locations, in space and time, provides insight regarding animal activity and behaviour. Most commonly collected via global positioning system technology, these concentrations are identified using rule sets resulting in location ‘clusters’. Cluster algorithms provide a framework for modelling and predicting behavioural states when paired with field data to evaluate habitat characteristics and validate results.

We provide a sequential clustering algorithm package (GPSeqClus) to process location datasets based on user‐defined parameters. GPSeqClus also calculates an array of movement attributes commonly applied as covariates to develop cluster‐based models. Our package maps locations and clusters, with additional functions to assess specific clusters for site investigations and to export GPS Exchange format (.gpx) files for navigation. We highlight the ability of GPSeqClus to modify existing cluster attributes or to append additional attributes, and the flexibility to accommodate archived or near real‐time (satellite‐driven) datasets.

Although spatio‐temporal clustering is widely used in animal ecology, clustering routines are commonly applied to assess carnivore movement patterns to predict denning or feeding locations, evaluate prey composition and estimate kill rates and handling times. We demonstrate the applicability of GPSeqClus by constructing clusters using mountain lion Puma concolor location data.

Our package provides an efficient data processing routine to build, characterize, visualize and navigate to clusters. Attributes provided within GPSeqClus can be used when developing predictive cluster models, or can be applied to other modelling procedures to advance understandings of animal behaviour.
High abundance and large proportion of medium and large duikers in an intact and unhunted afrotropical protected area: Insights into monitoring methods
Authors: Breuer Thomas , Breuer‐Ndoundou Hockemba Mireille , Opepa Cisquet Kiebou , Yoga Sarah , Mavinga Franck Barrel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractUnsustainable hunting of bushmeat has dramatic impacts on ecological processes and people's livelihoods. Unfortunately, there is often a strong controversy regarding the sustainability of duiker hunting due to their continued presence in bushmeat markets, on the one hand, and the predictions of sustainable harvest models for duiker abundance, on the other. This apparent contradiction is largely due to biased low abundance estimates from dung surveys. We present results from a 52.4 km line transect dung survey using site decay rates to estimate duiker densities. In addition, camera trapping (14,995 camera trap‐days) was used to provide detection rates and a baseline for the ratio of blue to red duikers as an index of hunting pressure from Nouabalé‐Ndoki National Park, with almost zero levels of hunting. Dung surveys revealed high overall duiker densities (totalling 107.4 duikers per km2) and quick dung decay rate. Camera trapping revealed high‐duiker detection rates and a high ratio of red to blue duikers. Pristine protected areas and no‐hunting zones continue to act as source habitats for high recruitment of harvested species. We discuss future options for monitoring duikers and applying the ratio of red to blue duikers as an index of the level of duiker hunting.
How Does Minority Political Representation Affect School District Administration and Student Outcomes?
Authors: Kogan Vladimir , Lavertu Stéphane , Peskowitz Zachary 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe employ a regression discontinuity design leveraging close school board elections to investigate how the racial and ethnic composition of California school boards affects school district administration and student achievement. We find some evidence that increases in minority representation lead to cumulative achievement gains of approximately 0.1 standard deviations among minority students by the sixth post‐election year. These gains do not come at the expense of white students' academic performance, which also appears to improve. Turning to the policy mechanisms that may explain these effects, we find that an increase in minority representation leads to greater capital funding and a larger proportion of district principals who are non‐white. We find no significant effects of minority representation on school segregation, the reclassification of English language learners, or teacher staffing.
The impact of peripheral arterial disease on left ventricular assist device implantation: A propensity‐matched analysis of the nationwide inpatient sample database
Authors: Ullah Waqas , Zahid Salman , Thalambedu Nishant , Khan Maria , Massey Howard , Haas Donald , Tchantchaleishvili Vakhtang , Rame Eduardo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractLeft ventricular assist device (LVAD) candidacy screening includes evaluation for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). However, given current evidence, the impact of PAD on post‐LVAD complications remains unknown. The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (2002‐2017) was utilized to identify all LVAD cases. The in‐hospital safety endpoints included major cardiovascular adverse events and its components. A propensity‐matched analysis was used to obtain adjusted odds ratios (aOR). A subgroup analysis of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) with PAD was also performed. A total of 27 424 patients with LVAD implantation (PAD: 516 [1.8%] and no‐PAD 26 908 [98.2%]) were included. There were significant intergroup differences in the demographics and baseline comorbidities. A weighted sample of 1053 (no‐PAD 537, PAD 516) propensity‐matched population was selected. The adjusted odds for in‐hospital mortality (aOR 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2‐2.44, P = .004) were found to be significantly higher for LVAD‐patients with PAD. There was no significant difference in the adjusted odds of MACE (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 0.87‐1.5), postprocedure bleeding (aOR 0.88, 95% CI 0.62‐1.26, P = .54) and risk of pneumonia (aOR 0.67, 95% CI 0.44‐1.15, P = .63) between the two groups. A selected cohort of DM‐only population (7339) consistently showed a higher adjusted mortality rate in PAD patients with LVAD implantation (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2‐4.47, P = .01). The rate of MACE (P = .17), myocardial infarction (P = .12), stroke (P = .60), postprocedural (0.10), and major bleeding (P = .51) remained identical between patients with PAD and those with no‐PAD. PAD confers an increased risk of in‐hospital all‐cause mortality in patients undergoing LVAD implantation. This risk increases further in patients with a concomitant diagnosis of DM.
Biocompatibility performance evaluation of high flux hydrophilic CO3Ap/HAP/PSF composite membranes for hemodialysis application
Authors: Zaman Shafiq Uz , Saif‐ur‐Rehman  , Zaman Muhammad Khaliq U , Arshad Amber , Rafiq Sikander , Muhammad Nawshad , Saqib Sidra , Jamal Muddasar , Wajeeh Salman , Imtiaz Sania , Sadiq Muhammad Tahseen 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCarbonate apatite/hydroxyapatite (CO3Ap/HAP) additive was obtained by calcination of wasted chicken bones at 900°C. Intermolecular attraction exists between CO3Ap/HAP additive and blended polysulfone (PSF) polymer. Electron dispersive X‐ray (EDX) and FTIR analysis were carried out to check the elemental composition and bonding chemistry of prepared additive. The instantaneous demixing process generated consistent finger‐like networks in CO3Ap/HAP/PSF‐based composite membranes while sponge‐like structure was shown by PSF as revealed by SEM images. The increase in weight % of additive loading is also confirmed by EDX analysis. Furthermore, the interaction mechanism of CO3Ap/HAP additive with polysulfone medium was analyzed by FTIR exploration. The water absorption experiment defined a 93% expansion in hydrophilic performance. Change in porosity occurs with additive loading and pure water permeation flux improved up to 11 times. Approximately, antifouling results revealed that 87% of water flux was recovered after treating with a protein solution, whereas a 30% improvement in antifouling capability in case of bovine serum albumin solution occurred. In vitro cytotoxicity, and clotting times study was carried out to evaluate virulent behavior and anticoagulation activity of formulated membranes.
Elevated sputum IL‐36 levels are associated with neutrophil‐related inflammation in COPD patients
Authors: Li Wei , Meng Xiaoli , Hao Yuqiu , Chen Mo , Jia Yuxi , Gao Peng 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundInterleukin (IL)‐36, including IL‐36α, IL‐36β, and IL‐36γ in the IL‐1 family, are agonists of their receptors. IL‐36 expression is associated with inflammation, including lung infection in humans. However, there is no information on its role in the inflammation of different types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).ObjectiveThis study focused on the sputum IL‐36α, IL‐36β, and IL‐36γ levels in stable COPD patients and their relationship with lung function and other cytokines in different inflammatory types of COPD patients.MethodsSputum specimens were collected from 73 stable COPD patients and 20 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls. The levels of sputum IL‐36α, IL‐36β, and IL‐36γ and other cytokines were quantified and sputum cells were characterized. The potential relationship between the levels of sputum IL‐36α, IL‐36β, or IL‐36γ and lung functional measures, inflammatory cells, and cytokines was analyzed.ResultsIn comparison with the healthy controls, sputum IL‐36α and IL‐36γ levels significantly increased in COPD (106.8 pg/mL vs. 76.9 pg/mL P =.001, 397.9 pg/mL vs. 359.5 pg/mL P =.006). The sputum IL‐36α and IL‐36γ levels were significantly higher in the neutrophilic and mixed granulocytic types than that in the eosinophilic and paucigranulocytic types of COPD patients. The sputum IL‐36α levels were positively correlated with sputum IL‐36γ levels and the numbers of sputum neutrophils, and the sputum IL‐36γ levels were positively correlated with the numbers of sputum lymphocytes in COPD patients.ConclusionsElevated levels of sputum IL‐36α and IL‐36γ were detected in COPD patients and may provide insights into the inflammatory pathways in neutrophilic COPD.
Density dependence influences competition and hybridization at an invasion front
Authors: Wood Connor M. , Kryshak Nick , Gustafson Michaela , Hofstadter Daniel F. , Hobart Brendan K. , Whitmore Sheila A. , Dotters Brian P. , Roberts Kevin N. , Keane John J. , Sawyer Sarah C. , Gutiérrez Rocky J. , Peery M. Zachariah 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimLandscape and climatic change are promoting range shifts, potentially leading to competition and hybridization between formerly isolated species. However, density‐dependent interactions can impede the timely identification of associated conservation problems. The barred owl's expansion into the spotted owl's range provides a natural experiment to test for density dependence in niche overlap and hybridization in the early versus late stages of a biological invasion, thus illuminating an important biogeographical process.LocationPacific Northwest, USA to the northern Sierra Nevada, California, USA.MethodsIn the northern Sierra Nevada, where barred owl density was low, we quantified niche overlap between barred owls and spotted owls along three axes (landscape‐scale habitat selection based on passive acoustic survey data, foraging habitat selection measured with GPS tag data, and diet measured with stable isotopes) and assessed hybridization with phenotypic data. We then compared our findings to studies on these species from the Pacific Northwest, where barred owl density is high.ResultsIn the Sierra Nevada, overlap in landscape‐scale habitat selection was low (spotted owl sites also occupied by barred owls: 21%), overlap in foraging habitat selection and diet was high (Pianka's niche overlap: 0.802; stable isotope ellipse overlap: 0.52), and hybridization was common (hybrid:barred owl ratio: 0.364). In the Pacific Northwest, niche overlap was high (barred owl occupancy of spotted owl territories: 40%–95%, Pianka's niche overlap of foraging habitat selection and diet: 0.809 and 0.429) and hybridization was rare (hybrid:barred ratio: 0.061).Main conclusionsForaging habitat selection and diet were density‐independent and therefore predictive of the competitive exclusion of spotted owls in the Pacific Northwest that has resulted from the barred owl invasion. Landscape‐scale monitoring programmes capable of yielding systematic data on multiple species can offer an early warning of biological invasions; however, individual‐level traits such as foraging habitat selection may influence the population processes that can determine the outcome of those invasions.
Simplified endoscopic pressure study integrated system for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Nishikawa Yohei , Inoue Haruhiro , Shimamura Yuto , Abad Mary Raina Angeli , Fujiyoshi Yusuke , Owada Kaori , Toshimori Akiko , Tanabe Mayo , Ikeda Haruo , Onimaru Manabu 
Published: February 2021

Endoscopic pressure study integrated system (EPSIS) is a novel tool for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease. It enables the evaluation of the function of the lower esophageal sphincter by monitoring intragastric pressure (IGP) while insufflating the stomach during esophagogastroduodenoscopy. EPSIS can predict abnormal acid reflux with high accuracy based on previous studies. IGP was measured by inserting through the working channel of the scope an intragastric catheter connected to a pressure measuring device. Herein, we assess the feasibility of an updated EPSIS system, which can be performed just by connecting a flush tube to the working channel. This method does not require inserting foreign objects in the stomach and spares catheter insertion in order to simplify the procedure and reduce costs. A single‐center pilot study was conducted to evaluate the association between catheter‐based EPSIS and the updated EPSIS. The results of EPSIS in 20 patients who underwent both methods were assessed. In all cases, the waveform pattern of IGP measured by catheter‐based EPSIS and updated EPSIS was consistent with 15 uphill pattern and five flat pattern. Intraobserver agreement of waveform pattern was perfect between two examiners with kappa value = 1. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for intraobserver reliability for maximum IGP was excellent with 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI] of 0.77 < ICC < 0.96) and for pressure gradient was also good with 0.89 (95% CI of 0.71 < ICC < 0.95). In conclusion, our study suggests that the updated EPSIS can be performed without the use of a catheter.
Center of pressure responses to unpredictable external perturbations indicate low accuracy in predicting fall risk in people with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Moraca Gabriel Antonio Gazziero , Beretta Victor Spiandor , dos Santos Paulo Cezar Rocha , Nóbrega‐Sousa Priscila , Orcioli‐Silva Diego , Vitório Rodrigo , Gobbi Lilian Teresa Bucken 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFalls are associated with impairment in postural control in people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD). We aimed to predict the fall risk through models combining postural responses with clinical and cognitive measures. Also, we compared the center of pressure (CoP) between PwPD fallers and non‐fallers after unpredictable external perturbations. We expected that CoP parameters combined with clinical and cognitive measures would predict fall risk. Seventy‐five individuals participated in the study. CoP parameters were measured during postural responses through five trials with unpredictable translations of the support‐surface in posterior direction. Range and peak of CoP were analyzed in two periods: early and late responses. Time to peak (negative peak) and recovery time were analyzed regardless of the periods. Models included the CoP parameters in early (model 1), late responses (model 2), and temporal parameters (model 3). Clinical and cognitive measures were entered into all models. Twenty‐nine participants fell at least once, and 46 PwPD did not fall during 12 months following the postural assessment. Range of CoP in late responses was associated with fall risk (p = .046). However, although statistically non‐significant, this parameter indicated low accuracy in predicting fall risk (area under the curve = 0.58). Fallers presented a higher range of CoP in early responses than non‐fallers (p = .033). In conclusion, although an association was observed between fall risk and range of CoP in late responses, this parameter indicated low accuracy in predicting fall risk in PwPD. Also, fallers demonstrate worse postural control during early responses after external perturbations than non‐fallers, measured by CoP parameters.
Mast cell activation ameliorates pentylenetetrazole‐induced seizures in rats: The potential role for serotonin
Authors: Kilinc Erkan , Torun Ibrahim Ethem , Cetinkaya Ayhan , Tore Fatma 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNeuroinflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Mast cells are multifunctional immune cells that are also activated by stress. The effects of activated mast cells on epileptogenesis are not yet known. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of compound 48/80‐stimulated mast cell activation on pentylenetetrazole‐induced epileptic seizures in rats. Male Wistar rats were separated into seven groups (n = 12). Group‐1(NS+PTZ) received intraperitoneal saline solution, while groups 2(C‐48/80+PTZ‐1), 3(C‐48/80+PTZ‐2), and 4(C‐48/80+PTZ‐3) received compound‐48/80 at doses of 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg, respectively, 30 min before 45 mg/kg pentylenetetrazole administration. Similarly, Group‐5(Cr+C‐48/80+PTZ) received 10 mg/kg cromolyn plus 2 mg/kg compound‐48/80 before pentylenetetrazole, and Group‐6(MC Dep+C‐48/80+PTZ) was exposed to a mast cell‐depletion process, and then received 2 mg/kg compound‐48/80. Group‐7(5‐HT+PTZ) received 10 mg/kg serotonin. Seizure stages were evaluated using Racine's scale. Compound‐48/80 at 2 mg/kg induced anticonvulsive effects against pentylenetetrazole‐induced seizures by extending onset‐times of both myoclonic‐jerk and generalized tonic–clonic seizures (p = 0.0001), and by shortening the duration of generalized tonic–clonic seizure (p = 0.008). These effects were reversed by cromolyn (p = 0.0001). These effects were not observed in mast cell‐depleted rats. Similarly to compound 48/80, serotonin also exhibited anticonvulsive effects against seizures (p < 0.05). Compound 48/80 acts as an anticonvulsant by activating mast cells in a dose‐dependent manner. The anticonvulsive effects of mast cell activation may be mediated by serotonin. Mast cell activation may therefore provide protective activity against seizures under appropriate circumstances.
Frightening times
Authors: Bordini Davide , Torrengo Giuliano 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we discuss the inherent temporal orientation of fear, a matter on which philosophers seem to have contrasting opinions. According to some, fear is inherentlypresent‐oriented; others instead maintain that it is inherentlyfuture‐oriented or that it hasnoinherent temporal orientation at all. Despite the differences, however, all these views seem to understand fear's temporal orientation asone‐dimensional—that is, as uniquely determined by the represented temporal location of the intentional object of fear. By contrast, we present a view that introduces atwo‐dimensional account of fear's temporal orientation. On such a view, we can say that fear is inherently future‐oriented, independently of its being about something in the present or the future.
Range dynamics mediated by compensatory life stage responses to experimental climate manipulations
Authors: Oldfather Meagan F. , Koontz Michael J. , Doak Daniel F. , Ackerly David D. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe expectations of polar or upslope distributional shifts of species ranges in response to warming climate conditions have been recently questioned. Diverse responses of different life stages to changing temperature and moisture regimes may alter these predicted range dynamics. Furthermore, the climate driver(s) influencing demographic rates, and the contribution of each demographic rate to population growth rate (λ), may shift across a species range. We investigated these demographic effects by experimentally manipulating climate and measuring responses of λ in nine populations spanning the elevation range of an alpine plant (Ivesia lycopodioides). Populations exhibited stable growth rates (λ ~ 1) under naturally wet conditions and declining rates (λ < 1) under naturally dry conditions. However, opposing vital rate responses to experimental heating and watering lead to negligible or negative effects on population stability. These findings indicate that life stage–specific responses to changing climate can disrupt the current relationships between population stability and climate across species ranges.