bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating animal size or distance in camera trap images: Photogrammetry using the pinhole camera model
Authors: Leorna Scott , Brinkman Todd , Fullman Timothy 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

As camera trapping has become a standard practice in wildlife ecology, developing techniques to extract additional information from images will increase the utility of generated data. Despite rapid advancements in camera trapping practices, methods for estimating animal size or distance from the camera using captured images have not been standardized. Deriving animal sizes directly from images creates opportunities to collect wildlife metrics such as growth rates or changes in body condition. Distances to animals may be used to quantify important aspects of sampling design such as the effective area sampled or distribution of animals in the camera's field‐of‐view.

We present a method of using pixel measurements in an image to estimate animal size or distance from the camera using a conceptual model in photogrammetry known as the ‘pinhole camera model’. We evaluated the performance of this approach both using stationary three‐dimensional animal targets and in a field setting using live captive reindeer Rangifer tarandus ranging in size and distance from the camera.

We found total mean relative error of estimated animal sizes or distances from the cameras in our simulation was −3.0% and 3.3% and in our field setting was −8.6% and 10.5%, respectively. In our simulation, mean relative error of size or distance estimates were not statistically different between image settings within camera models, between camera models or between the measured dimension used in calculations.

We provide recommendations for applying the pinhole camera model in a wildlife camera trapping context. Our approach of using the pinhole camera model to estimate animal size or distance from the camera produced robust estimates using a single image while remaining easy to implement and generalizable to different camera trap models and installations, thus enhancing its utility for a variety of camera trap applications and expanding opportunities to use camera trap images in novel ways.
Endodontic knowledge, attitudes and referral patterns in Australian general dentists
Authors: Bulmer JA , Currell SD , Peters CI , Peters OA 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundGeneral dental practitioners often perceive root canal treatments as complex, and specialist referrals are commonplace in general dental practice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to better understand the knowledge of Australian general dentists and their attitudes regarding endodontics in general, and specifically (RCT), to highlight barriers and facilitating factors in the provision of endodontic care.MethodsA combined paper‐based and online survey was sent to general dental practitioners. The questionnaire consisted of 27 items, presented as checkboxes and in Likert scale format. Responses were tabled and statistically contrasted using Chi‐square tests and linear regression analysis.ResultsA significant proportion of surveyed dentists were not confident in their ability to provide endodontic care, specifically root canal treatments (RCT). Confidence depended on factors, such as time in practice, participation in continuing professional development as well as fear of litigation and type of treatment. Other factors such as the availability of appropriate instruments and referral options, had comparatively little impact on practitioner confidence.DiscussionWhile almost all general dental practitioners (GDPs) surveyed in this study believe RCT is important for improving the long‐term retention of a tooth, just over half of the GDPs say they feel confident in their knowledge and provision of root canal treatment procedures.
Thinner peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer and macular retinal thickness in adolescents with surgically treated hydrocephalus in infancy
Authors: Taha Najim Rezhna , Mybeck Lovisa , Andersson Susann , Andersson Grönlund Marita 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPurposeTo map the morphology of the retina and optic disc in adolescents with surgically treated hydrocephalus (HC) in infancy and to compare the results with healthy controls.MethodsThe study comprised 26 adolescents (16 male, mean age 15 years) with HC and 31 sex‐ and aged‐matched controls. The following optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters were obtained: macular retinal thickness (MRT) and volume (MRV), thickness of the macular and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (ppRNFL), and area of the optic disc, cup and rim.ResultsThe MRT was thinner amongst those with HC compared with controls (right eye (RE) 262.2 ± 15.3 and 275.8 ± 15.1 μm; p = 0.0051), and the MRV was smaller (RE 7.37 ± 0.36 and 7.83 ± 0.35 mm3; p = 0.0002). The HC group showed a thinner ppRNFL (RE 88.3 ± 14.9 and 103.5 ± 8.1 μm; p = 0.0002) but a thicker central macular RNFL (RE 11.6 ± 10.4 and 2.07 ± 3.00 μm; p = <0.0001) and foveal minimum (RE 211.1 ± 32.0 and 186.3 ± 15.9 μm; p = 0.0013). Optic disc variables showed no difference between groups. Correlations were found in the HC group between best corrected visual acuity (expressed in logMAR) and ppRNFL (RE r = −0.56, p = 0.018), and disc area (RE r = −0.52, p = 0.033).ConclusionThinner ppRNFL and MRT and smaller MRV were found in adolescents with surgically treated HC in infancy compared with controls. In contrast, the central macular RNFL and foveal minimum were thicker. Further studies are required to evaluate the diagnostic value of OCT to indicate increased intracranial pressure timely and follow‐up in individuals with surgically treated HC.
How moral neuroenhancement impacts autonomy and agency
Authors: Møller Sofie 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis paper challenges the role individual autonomy has played in debates on moral neuroenhancement (MN). It shows how John Hyman's analysis of agency as consisting of functionally integrated dimensions allows us to reassess the impact of MN on practical agency. I discuss how MN affects what Hyman terms the four dimensions of agency: psychological, ethical, intellectual, and physical. Once we separate the different dimensions of agency, it becomes clear that many authors in the debate conflate the different dimensions in the concept they call ‘autonomous agents’. They contend that, for example, reason‐giving and previous autonomous acts are relevant to agency as such, when in fact they capture only one aspect of functionally integrated agency. This paper reconsiders MN in light of the functional integration of reason and emotions in practical agency. To illustrate the impact of MN on different aspects of agency, I consider examples from legal practice, which show that autonomy cannot be our sole focus when evaluating the moral implications of MN.
Real‐world data on prognostic value of measurable residual disease assessment by fragment analysis or next‐generation sequencing in multiple myeloma
Authors: Cho Hyunsoo , Shin Saeam , Chung Haerim , Jang Ji Eun , Kim Yu Ri , Cheong June‐Won , Min Yoo Hong , Lee Seung‐Tae , Choi Jong Rak , Kim Jin Seok 
Published: May 2022

SummaryMeasurable residual disease (MRD) negativity is a strong prognostic indicator in multiple myeloma (MM). However, the optimal use of MRD in daily clinical practice has been hampered by the limited feasibility of MRD testing. Therefore, we examined the clinical relevance of commercially available MRD modalities based on clonality assays by fragment analysis with IdentiClone® (n = 73 patients) and next‐generation sequencing (NGS) with LymphoTrack® (n = 116 patients) in newly diagnosed patients with MM who received autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). MRD was assessed at the end of induction (pre‐ASCT) and/or at 100 days after ASCT (post‐ASCT). MRD could not predict survival when assessed by fragment analysis. However, NGS‐based MRD negativity at pre‐ or post‐ASCT was beneficial in terms of progression‐free and overall survival. Moreover, NGS‐based MRD negativity was independently associated with improved progression‐free and overall survival, and MRD‐positive patients both pre‐ and post‐ASCT had worst outcome. Indeed, initial adverse prognostic features by high‐risk cytogenetics could be mitigated upon achieving MRD negativity by NGS. We demonstrate the feasibility and clinical benefit of achieving MRD negativity by commercially available clonality‐based MRD assays in MM and support incorporating NGS, but not fragment analysis, to tailor therapeutic strategies in real‐world practice.
The disease course of Castleman disease patients with fatal outcomes in the ACCELERATE registry
Authors: Fajgenbaum David C. , Pierson Sheila K. , Kanhai Karan , Bagg Adam , Alapat Daisy , Lim Megan S. , Lechowicz Mary Jo , Srkalovic Gordan , Uldrick Thomas S. , van Rhee Frits ,   ACCELERATE Registry Team
Published: May 2022

SummaryCastleman disease (CD) describes a group of rare, potentially fatal lymphoproliferative disorders. To determine factors associated with mortality in CD, we analysed data from deceased patients in the ACCELERATE registry and compared them with matched controls. We analysed demographic, treatment and laboratory data from all deceased CD patients, matched controls and a subgroup of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) patients. Of the 140 patients in ACCELERATE with a confirmed CD diagnosis, 10 had died. There were 72 patients with confirmed iMCD; six were deceased. The deceased CD cohort had more hospitalisations per year, higher overall hospitalisations and more days hospitalised per month, and received more treatment regimens per year than the matched‐control group. Analysis of laboratory values showed a significantly decreased absolute lymphocyte count at months 3 and 6 in the deceased cohort compared with controls. Among iMCD patients, there was a higher proportion of iMCD‐TAFRO (thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, reticulin myelofibrosis, renal dysfunction and organomegaly) cases in the deceased group. The deceased iMCD group had significantly lower immunoglobulin M, international normalised ratio and platelet count. These data demonstrate that there may be differences between patients who have fatal and non‐fatal outcomes, and provide preliminary suggestions for parameters to evaluate further.
Children's Covid‐19 writing and drawings and the existential imperative to educate for uncertainty
Authors: Kirby Perpetua , Villani Michela , Webb Rebecca 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe Covid‐19 pandemic provokes a pedagogic crisis: education is ill‐adapted to accommodate multiple uncertainties in students' lives. We examine how pandemic uncertainty is registered in a global collection of writing and drawing from 4 to 17‐years‐old, during the 2020 lockdowns. The study engages with Biesta's (2021) philosophical work on 'world‐centred education', offering empirical examples from the collection that goes beyond the immediacy of everyday lives. We identify educational implications: acknowledging students' present experiences of the world; a slowing of pedagogical tempo; supporting students to navigate desires and fears; a language for expressing uncertainty; and engaging students in ethical and existential difficulty.
Climate change vulnerability of terrestrial vertebrates in a major refuge and dispersal corridor in North America
Authors: Zhu Gengping , Papeş Monica , Armsworth Paul R. , Giam Xingli 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimThe Appalachian forests ecoregion in eastern North America supports a diverse and highly endemic temperate biota, which is potentially threatened by rapid climate change. We investigated possible outlooks for biodiversity in this biologically important ecoregion under future climate change.LocationAppalachian forests ecoregion, USA.MethodsWe estimated distributional shifts for 258 forest‐dependent vertebrates of conservation concern in four major taxonomic groups (amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles) under short‐ (2040) and long‐term (2080s) climate change using ecological niche modelling. We examined which groups are likely most vulnerable to climate change and identified places predicted to experience the greatest changes in their species assemblages and those predicted to support high species richness under various future scenarios. To assess species' vulnerability, we compared and regressed future projected range against present range estimates for each species. To evaluate which places could see greatest changes, we mapped species richness and turnover in each taxonomic group.ResultsA total of 30%–33% and 31%–38% of species were predicted to lose > 50% of area that is currently climatically suitable under short‐ and long‐term climate change, respectively. We expect climate change to impact amphibians and mammals more than birds and reptiles: a much larger fraction of amphibian and mammal (22%–48% in 2040; 29%–56% in 2080s) species were predicted to lose more than half of their present climatically suitable habitat area compared with birds and reptiles (1%–12% in 2040; 6%–12% in 2080s). While species were predicted to move northward and upslope assuming full dispersal, the Blue Ridge, Cumberland Plateau and southern Central Appalachians subregions are poised to remain as richness hotspots under the broad range of scenarios explored in this study.Main conclusionsOur results highlighted species groups and locations that policymakers and conservation practitioners should emphasize in planning vertebrate conservation efforts in the Appalachians under future climate scenarios.
Four‐dimensional quantification on left atrial volume‐strain in coronary heart disease patients without regional wall motion abnormalities: Correlation with the severity of coronary stenosis
Authors: Fei Mengyao , Li Miao , Ran Hong , Sheng Zongxiang , Dong Jing , Zhang Pingyang 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectiveEchocardiography is a time and cost‐effective imaging modality, providing evidence of myocardial ischemia by detecting the regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA). However, quite a few coronary heart disease (CHD) patients do not present RWMA. The left atrium (LA) plays an irreplaceable role in determining the prognosis and risk stratification of cardiovascular disease including CHD. In this present study, we intend to explore the myocardial mechanics changes of LA mainly using four‐dimensional (4D) LA quantitative volume‐strain in CHD patients without RWMA at rest but were confirmed by coronary angiography (CAG) and to figure out several variables of the LA that could contribute to the identification of those patients.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 76 patients who underwent two‐dimensional echocardiography (2DE), four‐dimensional echocardiography (4DE), and CAG for suspected CHD but without echocardiographic visible RWMA at rest. Patients diagnosed with CHD by CAG were furtherly divided into three groups according to the extent of coronary stenosis accessed by Gensini score (GS) as the mild, moderate, and severe CHD group. Twenty‐four subjects with negative CAG results served as the control group. LA end‐systolic anteroposterior diameter (LAAPD) and biplane LV ejection fraction (Biplane LVEF) were measured by 2DE; LA maximum volume (LAVmax), LA minimum volume (LAVmin), LA volume at the onset of atrial contraction (LAVpreA), LAVmax index (LAVmaxI), LA ejection volume (LAEV), LA ejection fraction (LAEF) accompanied by LA longitudinal strain during reservoir phase (LASr), conduit phase (LAScd), contraction phase (LASct) and LA circumferential strain during reservoir phase (LASr_c), conduit phase (LAScd_c), contraction phase (LASct_c) were measured by 4DE automatically. We compared these parameters between groups, explored how they change and whether they are related to the CHD severity.ResultsLAEF, LASr_c, and LASct_c was lower in CHD group compared with the control group (p = .031, .002, .004, respectively). Pearson correlation analysis showed that LASr, LASct, LASr_c, and LASct_c negatively correlated with the GS. Additionally, LASr of patients in the severe CHD group decreased significantly compared with those in the mild CHD group, moderate CHD group, and control group, demonstrating the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) (AUC = .736 [p = .003, 95% CI .589–.884], sensitivity 67.8%, specificity 70.6%) with the cut‐off value of 17.5% for predicting severe CHD patients.ConclusionFour‐dimensional LA strain may provide new insight into identification and management for CHD patients and correlate with CHD severity. LASr showed good sensitivity (67.8%) and specificity (70.6%) for diagnosing severe CHD individuals.
KLF4 prevented angiotensin II‐induced smooth muscle cell senescence by enhancing autophagic activity
Authors: Xu Hongjie , Yu Manli , Yu Yongchao , Li Yang , Yang Fan , Liu Yang , Han Lin , Xu Zhiyun , Wang Guokun 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundVascular aging is an important risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases. Transcription factor krüppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) could regulate the phenotypic transformation of the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) in the pathogenesis of aortic diseases. The present study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of KLF4 in angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced VSMC senescence.MethodsThe VSMC senescence mouse model was induced by sustained release of Ang II (1.0 μg/kg/min) for 4 weeks. The premature senescent VSMCs were induced by Ang II (0.1 μmol/L) for 72 h. Cellular senescence was measured by senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) activity and p53/p16 expression. The autophagic activity was evaluated by autophagic flux and autophagic marker expression.ResultsThe expression of KLF4 was extremely increased in abdominal aorta tissues after 1‐week Ang II stimulation (p < .01) but began to decrease in later periods. Decreased expression of KLF4 was also detected in premature senescent VSMCs. Overexpression of KLF4 could enhance the antisenescence ability of VSMCs. Significantly decreased amounts of SA‐β‐gal‐positive cells and lower p53/p16 expression were detected in KLF4‐overexpressing VSMCs (p < .01). Next, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) was identified as a direct downstream target of KLF4 in VSMCs. Overexpression of KLF4 in VSMCs prevented the decreased expression of TERT under Ang II stimulation condition, which could in turn, contribute to the enhanced autophagic activity, and ultimately to the improved antisenescence ability of VSMCs.ConclusionsOur results demonstrated that overexpression of KLF4 prevented Ang II‐induced VSMC senescence by promoting TERT‐mediated autophagy. These findings provided novel potential targets for the prevention and therapy of vascular aging.
Do EITC eligibility rules encourage college enrollment?
Authors: Ohannessian Shogher , Ost Ben 
Published: May 2022

AbstractEITC benefits are substantially more generous for households with more qualifying children, and children ages 19–23 only qualify if they enroll in college. These eligibility rules result in an implicit college attendance subsidy – up to $4000 per year. The maximum subsidy is targeted at households earning approximately $20,000, so it represents a large fraction of both total earnings and net tuition. We find no evidence that college enrollment responds to these substantial financial incentives and can statistically rule out moderate effects.
Clinical and prognostic features of Heidenhain variant of Creutzfeldt−Jakob disease: A retrospective case series study
Authors: Yang Shi‐Lin , Zhang Lin‐Yuan , Zhang Shu‐Fan , Zhang Miao‐Yi , Zhu Ming , Dong Qiang , Wang Qiao‐Shu , Han Xiang 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundHeidenhain variant of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) remains a diagnostic challenge in clinical practice. We aimed to describe the clinical and prognostic features of Heidenhain cases, through a case series study.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the definite or probable CJD cases admitted to two tertiary referral university hospitals over a decade to identify Heidenhain cases and investigated their survival status by telephone follow‐up. Their clinical characteristics, neuroimaging features, electroencephalography (EEG) results, cerebrospinal fluid profiles, and PRNP gene mutations were also analyzed.ResultsOf a total of 85 CJD cases, 20 (24%) Heidenhain cases (11 women [55%]; median age, 64 years [range, 44–72 years]) were identified. The median survival time was 22 weeks (range, 5–155 weeks). The median duration of isolated visual symptoms was 3 weeks (range, 1–12 weeks). The most common early visual symptom was blurred vision (16/20, 80%), followed by diplopia (6/20, 30%). The prevalence significantly increased for complex visual hallucination (p = 0.005) and cortical blindness (p = 0.046) as the disease progressed. The positive rate of serial magnetic resonance images (20/20, 100%) was higher than that of serial EEGs (16/20, 80%). Two patients (2/10, 20%) had pathogenic PRNP mutations, E196A and T188K, respectively. Heidenhain cases with PRNP mutations had significantly longer survival time than those without PRNP mutations (p = 0.047).ConclusionsBesides blurred vision (80%), diplopia (30%) was also a frequent early visual symptom among Heidenhain cases. Heidenhain phenotype can occur in genetic CJD cases. PRNP mutation status might be an important prognostic factor for Heidenhain cases.
Comparison of anatomical thermal ablation and routine thermal ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma≤50 mm: A propensity score matching
Authors: Li Kai , Long Yinglin , He Xuqi , Wu Yuxuan , Xu Jianliang , Ye Huolin , Xu Erjiao , Zeng Qingjing , Chen Jianning , Yuan Lianxiong , Zheng Rongqin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimThe present study was to evaluated the clinical value of anatomical thermal ablation to treat hepatocellular carcinoma compared with routine thermal ablation.MethodsHepatocellular carcinoma patients with tumor diameter ≤50 mm treated by thermal ablation at our center were retrospectively enrolled from October 2015 to December 2018. Enrolled patients were grouped into the anatomical ablation group and routine ablation group, respectively. To minimize the effects of potential confounders from selection bias, a propensity score matching was carried out. Technical efficacy, recurrence and survivals rates were compared.ResultsAltogether 101 patients (119 lesions) were grouped into the anatomical ablation group and 101 patients (131 lesions) into the routine ablation group. The ablation zone volume of the anatomical ablation group was 36.8 (2.5–176.9) ml, significantly larger than that of the routine ablation group (28.5 [28.5 (2.8–184.3) ml] (p = 0.005)). Adjusted with propensity score matching, The 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year local recurrence rates were 0.0%, 0.0%, and 0.0% for the anatomical ablation group and 6.9%, 10.1%, and 10.1% for the routine ablation group, respectively (p = 0.013). The cumulative 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year progression‐free survival rates were 93.4%, 82.7%, and 79.0% for the anatomical ablation group, 74.2%, 56.9%, and 51.6% for the routine ablation group (p = 0.001).ConclusionsAnatomical ablation could be a favorable ablation strategy to improve therapeutic effect of thermal ablation for HCC with visible feeding vessels and reserved liver function.