bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alcohol‐involved motor vehicle crashes and the size and duration of random breath testing checkpoints
Authors: Morrison Christopher N. , Kwizera Muhire , Chen Qixuan , Puljevic Cheneal , Branas Charles C. , Wiebe Douglas J. , Peek‐Asa Corinne , McGavin Kirsten M. , Franssen Shellee J. , Le Vy K. , Keating Michael , Williams Frances M. , Ferris Jason 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveSobriety checkpoints have strong empirical and theoretical support as an intervention to reduce alcohol‐involved motor vehicle crashes. The purpose of this study was to examine whether checkpoint size (the number of police officers) and checkpoint duration (the amount of time in operation) affect associations between individual checkpoints and subsequent alcohol‐related crash incidence.MethodQueensland Police Service provided latitude–longitude coordinates and date and time data for all breath tests that occurred in Brisbane, Australia, from January 2012 to June 2018. We applied hierarchical cluster analysis to the latitude–longitude coordinates for breath tests, identifying checkpoints as clusters of ≥25 breath tests conducted by ≥3 breath testing devices over a duration of 3 to 8 hours. Generalized linear autoregressive moving average (GLARMA) models related counts of alcohol‐involved motor vehicle crashes to the number of checkpoints conducted per week, as well as 1 week prior and 2 weeks prior.ResultsA total of 3420 alcohol‐related crashes occurred and 2069 checkpoints were conducted in Brisbane over the 6.5‐year (339‐week) study period. On average, checkpoints included a mean of 266.0 breath tests (SD = 216.3), 16.4 devices (SD = 13.7), and were 286.3 minutes in duration (SD = 104.2). Each 10 additional checkpoints were associated with a 12% decrease in crash incidence at a lag of 1 week (IRR = 0.88; 95%CI: 0.80, 0.97). We detected no differential associations according to checkpoint size or duration.ConclusionsSobriety checkpoints are associated with fewer alcohol‐related motor vehicle crashes for around 1 week. Checkpoint size and duration do not appear to affect this relationship.
Do accounting information and market environment matter for cross‐asset predictability?
Authors: Thakerngkiat Narongdech , Nguyen Hung T. , Nguyen Nhut H. , Visaltanachoti Nuttawat 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper examines whether the differences in accounting information between stocks affect cross‐asset return predictability. We use a comprehensive set of accounting variables and find that abnormal accruals, earnings smoothness, book‐to‐market, firm age, leverage, abnormal capital investment and investment growth, among others, explain the variation in return predictability across pairing stocks. Moreover, our results show that cross‐asset predictability varies over time and is associated with funding liquidity and market sentiment. A simple trading strategy based on our findings yields a higher mean return, lower standard deviation and higher Sharpe ratio compared to a buy‐and‐hold strategy.
Different is better: how unique initial coin offering language in white papers enhances success
Authors: Yen Ju‐Chun , Wang Tawei , Chen Yu‐Hung 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study examines whether the unique and common content of initial coin offering (ICO) white papers is related to ICO fund raising and post‐ICO trading activities. Based on the signalling theory, we expect that high‐quality ICOs can provide more unique content in their white papers to distinguish themselves from low‐quality ICOs because it may be costly for low‐quality ICOs to provide unique and specific information. Our results show that ICOs that have more unique or less common content in their white papers raise more funds or are subject to more active trading and higher market values in the post‐ICO period.
Terrestrial slug uses a vertical bridge of mucus to descend rapidly from heights
Authors: Gould John , Valdez Jose W. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAmong the terrestrial slugs, mucus secretions are used for a variety of purposes that typically require the mucus to be excreted from the slug’s foot along surfaces or excreted onto epithelial linings. However, terrestrial slugs are also capable of producing mucus threads that are anchored to surfaces but extended into the open air. These threads are akin to spider silk and may serve as an alternative form of locomotion, allowing for rapid movement between surfaces of different heights. Herein, we report on the production of mucus threads by a terrestrial slug for the first time in Australia, and its possible use as a tethered vertical bridge for locomotion. Field observations revealed a striped field slug, Lehmannia nyctelia, descended from a single thread of mucus that was not only tethered to the top of a fence line but extended in front of the slug to the ground where it was tethered also to gravel. Our observations suggest that slugs produce tethered bridge lines of mucus, over which they can traverse in order to descend from heights. This is in contrast to previous reports of mucus thread production among this and other terrestrial slugs, in which individuals only hang freely from one end of a thread that is attached to a surface above. We suggest that producing a mucus thread that is tethered on both ends may be adaptive by stabilising individuals and preventing excessive sideways movements during descent, particularly when it is windy, which could lead to premature thread breakage.
Butterflies on the brink: identifying the Australian butterflies (Lepidoptera) most at risk of extinction
Authors: Geyle Hayley M , Braby Michael F , Andren Mick , Beaver Ethan P , Bell Phil , Byrne Catherine , Castles Madelaine , Douglas Fabian , Glatz Richard V , Haywood Bryan , Hendry Peter , Kitching Roger L , Lambkin Trevor A , Meyer Cliff E , Moore Michael D , Moss John T , Nally Simon , New Tim R , Palmer Christopher M , Petrie Ed , Potter‐Craven Josephine , Richards Karen , Sanderson Chris , Stolarski Alex , Taylor Gary S , Williams Matthew R , Woinarski John C Z , Garnett Stephen T 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe diversity and abundance of native invertebrates is declining globally, which could have significant consequences for ecosystem functioning. Declines are likely to be at least as severe as those observed for vertebrates, although often are difficult to quantify due to a lack of historic baseline data and limited monitoring effort. The Lepidoptera are well studied in Australia compared with other invertebrates, so we know that some species are imperilled or declining. Despite this, few butterfly taxa are explicitly listed for protection by legislation. Here we aim to identify the butterfly taxa that would most benefit from listing by determining the Australian butterflies at most immediate risk of extinction. We also identify the research and management actions needed to retain them. For 26 taxa identified by experts and various conservation schedules, we used structured expert elicitation to estimate the probability of extinction within 20 years (i.e. by 2040) and to identify key threatening processes, priority research and management needs. Collation and analysis of expert opinion indicated that one taxon, the laced fritillary (Argynnis hyperbius inconstans), is particularly imperilled, and that four taxa (Jalmenus eubulus, Jalmenus aridus, Hypochrysops piceatus and Oreisplanus munionga larana) have a moderate–high (>30%) risk of extinction by 2040. Mapped distributions of the 26 butterflies revealed that most are endemic to a single state or territory, and that many occupy narrow ranges. Inappropriate fire regimes, habitat loss and fragmentation (through agricultural practices), invasive species (mostly through habitat degradation caused by weeds and rabbits) and climate change were the most prevalent threats affecting the taxa considered. Increased resourcing and management intervention will be required to prevent these extinctions. We provide specific recommendations for averting such losses.
Altered mitochondrial function in spermatozoa from patients with repetitive fertilization failure after ICSI revealed by proteomics
Authors: Torra‐Massana Marc , Jodar Meritxell , Barragán Montserrat , Soler‐Ventura Ada , Delgado‐Dueñas David , Rodríguez Amelia , Oliva Rafael , Vassena Rita 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundUnexplained fertilization failure (FF), occurring in 1–3% of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles, results in both psychological and financial burden for the patients. However, the molecular causes behind FF remain largely unknown. Mass spectrometry is a powerful technique to identify and quantify proteins across samples; however, no study so far has used it to dissect the proteomic signature of spermatozoa with FF after ICSI.ObjectiveTo investigate whether sperm samples from patients suffering repetitive FF after ICSI display alterations in their protein content.Material and methodsSeventeen infertile men were included: 5 patients presented FF in ≥3 consecutive ICSI cycles, while 12 patients had a fertilization rate >75% (controls). Individual sperm samples were subjected to 2D‐LC‐MS/MS. Both conventional and novel statistical approaches were used to identify differentially abundant proteins. Additionally, analysis of mitochondrial and proteasomal abundance and activity were performed, using Western blot, FACS analysis of JC‐1 staining and AMC‐peptide fluorometric assay.ResultsFour proteins presented lower abundance (FMR1NB, FAM209B, RAB2B, and PSMA1) in the FF group compared to controls, while five mitochondrial proteins presented higher abundance in FF (DLAT, ATP5H, SLC25A3, SLC25A6, and FH) (p < 0.05). The altered abundance of mitochondrial DLAT and proteasomal PSMA1 was corroborated by Western blot. Of relevance, novel stable‐protein pair analysis identified 73 correlations comprising 28 proteins within controls, while different mitochondrial proteins (ie, PDHA2, PHB2, and ATP5F1D) lost >50% of these correlations in specific FF samples pointing out specific mitochondrial deregulations.DiscussionThis is the first proteomic analysis of spermatozoa from patients who resulted in fertilization failure after ICSI. The altered proteins, most of them related to mitochondrial function, could help to identify diagnostic/prognostic markers of fertilization failure and could further dissect the molecular paternal contribution to reach successful fertilization.ConclusionSperm samples from patients with FF after ICSI present altered abundance of different proteins, including mainly mitochondrial proteins.
Clinical hemocompatibility of double‐filtration lipoprotein apheresis comparing polyethersulfone and ethylene‐vinyl alcohol copolymer membranes
Authors: Krieter Detlef H. , Jeyaseelan Jarline , Rüth Marieke , Lemke Horst‐Dieter , Wanner Christoph , Drechsler Christiane 
Published: February 2021

AbstractActivation of the complement system and leukocytes by blood–membrane interactions may further promote arteriosclerosis typically present in patients on lipoprotein apheresis. As clinical data on the hemocompatibility of lipoprotein apheresis are scarce, a controlled clinical study comparing two different types of plasma separation and fractionation membranes used in double‐filtration lipoprotein apheresis was urgently needed, as its outcome may influence clinical decision‐making. In a prospective, randomized, crossover controlled trial, eight patients on double‐filtration lipoprotein apheresis were subjected to one treatment with recent polyethersulfone (PES) plasma separation and fractionation membranes and one control treatment using a set of ethylene‐vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVAL) membranes. White blood cell (WBC) and platelet (PC) counts, complement factor C5a and thrombin–antithrombin III (TAT) concentrations were determined in samples drawn at defined times from different sites of the extracorporeal blood and plasma circuit. With a nadir at 25 minutes, WBCs in EVAL decreased to 33.5 ± 10.7% of baseline compared with 63.8 ± 22.0% at 20 minutes in PES (P < .001). The maximum C5a levels in venous blood reentering the patients were measured at 30 minutes, being 30.0 ± 11.2 µg/L with EVAL and 12.3 ± 9.0 µg/L with PES (P < .05). The highest C5a concentrations were found in plasma after the plasma filters (EVAL 56.1 ± 22.0 µg/L at 15 minutes vs PES 23.3 ± 15.2 µg/L at 10 minutes; P < .001). PC did not significantly decrease over time with both membrane types, whereas TAT levels did not rise until the end of the treatment without differences between membranes. Regarding lipoprotein(a) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol removal, both membrane sets performed equally. Compared with EVAL, PES membranes cause less leukocyte and complement system activation, the classical parameters of hemocompatibility of extracorporeal treatment procedures, at identical treatment efficacy. Better hemocompatibility may avoid inflammation‐promoting effects through blood–material interactions in patients requiring double‐filtration lipoprotein apheresis.
Prophylactic mechanical circulatory support for protected ventricular tachycardia ablation: A meta‐analysis of the literature
Authors: Mariani Silvia , Napp L. Christian , Kraaier Karin , Li Tong , Bounader Karl , Hanke Jasmin S. , Dogan Günes , Schmitto Jan D. , Lorusso Roberto 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAcute hemodynamic decompensation (AHD) during ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation occurs in about 11% of cases. Prophylactic use of temporary mechanical circulatory support (pro‐tMCS) has been applied to prevent AHD during VT ablation, but evidence supporting this practice is still lacking. This systematic review and meta‐analysis assessed the procedural characteristics and outcomes of pro‐tMCS for VT ablation. PubMed/Medline was screened until February 2020. Articles including adults receiving pro‐tMCS for VT ablation were included, and a meta‐analysis to compare proMCS and no‐tMCS was performed. Primary outcome was in‐hospital/30‐day mortality. Five observational studies presenting 400 procedures (pro‐tMCS: n = 187; no‐tMCS: n = 213) were included. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Impella and TandemHeart were used in 86.6% and 13.4% of cases, respectively. In the pro‐tMCS group, more VTs were induced (mean difference: 0.52, confidence interval [CI]: 0.26‐0.77, P < .0001), and patients remained in VT on average for 24.04 minutes longer (CI: 18.28‐29.80, P < .00001). Procedural success was comparable between groups, as was VT recurrence. Pro‐tMCS patients had an odds ratio of 0.55 (CI: 0.28‐1.05, P = .07) for in‐hospital/30‐day mortality and 0.55 (CI: 0.32‐0.94, P = .03) for mortality at follow‐up. Sixty‐four percent of no‐tMCS patients received rescue tMCS. The most common tMCS‐related complications were bleeding events. Pro‐tMCS allowed for a prolonged time on VTs and the induction of more VTs. Although these advantages were not associated with differences in procedural success, VT recurrence, or in‐hospital/30‐day mortality in the overall population, pro‐tMCS might improve long‐term survival. Further prospective studies are urgently needed to confirm these results.
Podocyte apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy by BASP1 activation of the p53 pathway via WT1
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Xu Chengxian , Ye Qing , Tong Lingxiao , Jiang Hong , Zhu Xiujuan , Huang Limin , Lin Weiqiang , Fu Haidong , Wang Jingjing , Persson Pontus B. , Lai En Yin , Mao Jianhua 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimsDiabetic nephropathy (DN) is a leading cause of end‐stage renal disease. BASP1 (brain acid‐soluble protein) is up‐regulated in podocyte‐specific protein phosphatase 2A knockout mice (Pod‐PP2A‐KO) that develop kidney dysfunction. Here, we explore the role of BASP1 for podocytes in DN.MethodsBASP1 was assessed in kidneys from DN patients and DN mouse models, podocyte specific BASP1 knockout mice (Pod‐BASP1‐KO mice) were generated and studied in vivo. Furthermore, podocyte injury and apoptosis were measured after BASP1 knockdown and overexpression in a mouse podocyte cell line (MPC5). Potential signalling pathways involved in podocyte apoptosis were detected.ResultsBASP1 expression was up‐regulated in DN patients compared to normal controls. BASP1 specific deletion in podocytes protected against podocyte injury by reducing the loss of expression of slit diaphragm molecules and foot process effacement in the DN model. BASP1 promoted actin cytoskeleton rearrangements and apoptosis in the MPC5 podocyte line. Molecules involved in the p53 pathway were down‐regulated in BASP1 knockdown podocytes treated with high glucose compared to controls. BASP1 promoted podocyte apoptosis and P53 pathway activation through co‐repression with Wilms' tumour 1 transcription factor (WT1).ConclusionBASP1 activates the p53 pathway through modulation of WT1 to induce podocyte apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy.
Complement C3 participates in the development of goose fatty liver potentially by regulating the expression of FASN and ETNK1
Authors: Xing Ya , Xu Cheng , Lin Xiao , Zhao Minmeng , Gong Daoqing , Liu Long , Geng Tuoyu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs in humans, domestic animals and poultry. Different from upregulation of complement C3 in human NAFLD, C3 expression is inhibited in goose fatty liver (GFL), implying a specific role of C3 in GFL. This study was mainly focused on uncovering the uniqueness of goose liver cells in the regulation of C3 expression and identifying the downstream genes of C3 to improve understanding on the specific role of C3 in GFL. The results showed that C3 expression was inhibited in the liver, muscle and fat tissues of the overfed versus control (normally fed) geese. Oleate and insulin could inhibit C3 expression in goose primary hepatocytes but induce it in mouse primary hepatocytes. A total of 1,123 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were affected by C3 overexpression and were mainly enriched in immune response/inflammation and catabolism‐related KEGG pathways. Additionally, the representative downstream genes (FASN and ETNK1) of C3 could mediate the role of C3 in the development of GFL. In conclusion, the suppression of C3 in GFL is at least partially attributed to hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia and uniqueness of goose liver cells. Complement C3 does not only affect hepatic steatosis but also affect inflammation/immune response in GFL.
Influence of molecular classes and growth hormone treatment on growth and dysmorphology in Prader‐Willi syndrome: A multicenter study
Authors: Mahmoud Ranim , Leonenko Anna , Butler Merlin G. , Flodman Pamela , Gold June‐Anne , Miller Jennifer L. , Roof Elizabeth , Dykens Elisabeth , Driscoll Daniel J. , Kimonis Virginia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPrader‐Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic disorder with three molecular classes but clinical ascertainment is based on distinctive features. The prevalence of dysmorphic features was studied in 355 PWS participants (61% deletion, 36% maternal disomy [UPD], and 3% imprinting defects) from the National Institute of Health PWS Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network. The effect of growth hormone (GH) treatment on growth and dysmorphic features was compared. Among participants, upslanting palpebral fissures were seen in 23%; strabismus in 42%; abnormal dentition in 32%; small hands in 63% and small feet in 70%; hypopigmentation in 30%; striae in 32% and skin picking in 26%. Compared to those with UPD, participants with deletions were found to be heavier (p = 0.002), had smaller head circumference (HC) (p = 0.009), higher incidence of a flat occiput (p = 0.005); low‐anterior hairline (p = 0.04); abnormal dentition (p = 0.009); abdominal striae (p = 0.045), nail abnormalities (p = 0.050), and fair‐haired (p < 0.001). Participants in both genetic groups receiving GH were taller (p = 0.005), had larger HCs (p = 0.005), and longer hands (p = 0.049). This study suggested that PWS genetic subtypes and GH treatment can influence growth and dysmorphic features that may impact clinical diagnosis of PWS, such as stature, head shape and appearance of the eyes, nose, and genitalia.
Threats of illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing to biodiversity and food security in the Republic of the Congo
Authors: Doherty Philip D. , Atsango Benoit C. , Ngassiki Gaston , Ngouembe Appolinaire , Bréheret Nathalie , Chauvet Eva , Godley Brendan J. , Machin Lucie , Moundzoho Baudelaire Dissondet , Parnell Richard J. , Metcalfe Kristian 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIllegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing poses a major threat to effective management of marine resources, affecting biodiversity and communities dependent on these coastal resources. Spatiotemporal patterns of industrial fisheries in developing countries are often poorly understood, and global efforts to describe spatial patterns of fishing vessel activity are currently based on automatic identification system (AIS) data. However, AIS is often not a legal requirement on fishing vessels, likely resulting in underestimates of the scale and distribution of legal and illegal fishing activity, which could have significant ramifications for targeted enforcement efforts and the management of fisheries resources. To help address this knowledge gap, we analyzed 3 years of vessel monitoring system (VMS) data in partnership with the national fisheries department in the Republic of the Congo to describe the behavior of national and distant‐water industrial fleets operating in these waters. We found that the spatial footprint of the industrial fisheries fleet encompassed over one‐quarter of the Exclusive Economic Zone. On average, 73% of fishing activity took place on the continental shelf (waters shallower than 200 m). Our findings highlight that VMS is not acting as a deterrent or being effectively used as a proactive management tool. As much as 33% (13% on average) of fishing effort occurred in prohibited areas set aside to protect biodiversity, including artisanal fisheries resources, and the distant‐water fleet responsible for as much as 84% of this illegal activity. Given the growth in industrial and distant‐water fleets across the region, as well as low levels of management and enforcement, these findings highlight that there is an urgent need for the global community to help strengthen regional and national capacity to analyze national scale data sets if efforts to combat IUU fishing are to be effective.