bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced dispersal at nonexpanding range margins: A matter of disperser identity
Authors: Ben Zvi Gilad , Seifan Merav , Giladi Itamar 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe evolution of dispersal at range margins received much attention recently, especially in the context of dynamic range shifts, such as those following climate change. However, much less attention has been devoted to study variation in and selection on dispersal at nonexpanding range margins, where populations are often small and isolated, and empirical test is dearly missing. To fill this gap, we tested whether dispersal of an ant‐dispersed perennial plant (Sternbergia clusiana) is quantitatively and/or qualitatively reduced toward a nonexpanding range margin. We evaluated plant investment in dispersal structures (elaiosome), seed removal rates, and the relative abundance, activity, and behavior of low‐ and high‐quality seed‐dispersing ants in six sites ranging from mesic Mediterranean site to arid site (>600 to <100 mm of annual rainfall, respectively), which marks the southern range margin of the species. In a set of cafeteria and baiting experiments, we found that overall seed removal rates, the contribution of high‐quality dispersers, maximum dispersal distance and dispersal‐conducive ant behavior decreased toward range margins. These findings agree with a lower investment in reward by range margin plant populations, as reflected by lower elaiosome/seed ratio, but not by variation in the reward chemistry. More than variation in traits controlled by the plants, the variation in ant–seed interactions could be attributed to reduced presence and activity of the more efficient seed‐dispersing ants in the marginal populations. Specifically, we found a mismatch between local distribution of potentially effective seed dispersers and that of the plant, even though those dispersers were observed in the study site. Interestingly, although the observed variation in the outcome of ant–seed interactions supported the prediction of reduced dispersal at nonexpanding range margins with small and isolated populations, the underlying mechanism seems to be incidental difference in the seed‐dispersing ant community rather than a plant‐mediated response to selection.
Unraveling the habitat preferences of two closely related bumble bee species in Eastern Europe
Authors: Geue Julia C. , Thomassen Henri A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCo‐occurrence of closely related species is often explained through resource partitioning, where key morphological or life‐history traits evolve under strong divergent selection. In bumble bees (genus Bombus), differences in tongue lengths, nest sites, and several life‐history traits are the principal factors in resource partitioning. However, the buff‐tailed and white‐tailed bumble bee (Bombus terrestris and B. lucorum respectively) are very similar in morphology and life history, but their ranges nevertheless partly overlap, raising the question how they are ecologically divergent. What little is known about the environmental factors determining their distributions stems from studies in Central and Western Europe, but even less information is available about their distributions in Eastern Europe, where different subspecies occur. Here, we aimed to disentangle the broad habitat requirements and associated distributions of these species in Romania and Bulgaria. First, we genetically identified sampled individuals from many sites across the study area. We then not only computed species distributions based on presence‐only data, but also expanded on these models using relative abundance data. We found that B. terrestris is a more generalist species than previously thought, but that B. lucorum is restricted to forested areas with colder and wetter climates, which in our study area are primarily found at higher elevations. Both vegetation parameters such as annual mean Leaf Area Index and canopy height, as well as climatic conditions, were important in explaining their distributions. Although our models based on presence‐only data suggest a large overlap in their respective distributions, results on their relative abundance suggest that the two species replace one another across an environmental gradient correlated to elevation. The inclusion of abundance enhances our understanding of the distribution of these species, supporting the emerging recognition of the importance of abundance data in species distribution modeling.
Short‐and long‐term administration of imeglimin counters cardiorenal dysfunction in a rat model of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Lachaux Marianne , Soulié Matthieu , Hamzaoui Mouad , Bailly Anaëlle , Nicol Lionel , Rémy‐Jouet Isabelle , Renet Sylvanie , Vendeville Cathy , Gluais‐Dagorn Pascale , Hallakou‐Bozec Sophie , Monteil Christelle , Richard Vincent , Mulder Paul 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionImeglimin, a glucose‐lowering agent targeting mitochondrial bioenergetics, decreases reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and improves glucose homeostasis. We investigated whether this is associated with protective effects on metabolic syndrome‐related left ventricular (LV) and vascular dysfunctions.MethodsWe used Zucker fa/fa rats to assess the effects on LV function, LV tissue perfusion, LV oxidative stress and vascular function induced by imeglimin administered orally for 9 or 90 days at a dose of 150 mg/kg twice daily.ResultsCompared to untreated animals, 9‐ and 90‐day imeglimin treatment decreased LV end‐diastolic pressure and LV end‐diastolic pressure‐volume relation, increased LV tissue perfusion and decreased LV ROS production. Simultaneously, imeglimin restored acetylcholine‐mediated coronary relaxation and mesenteric flow‐mediated dilation. One hour after imeglimin administration, when glucose plasma levels were not yet modified, imeglimin reduced LV mitochondrial ROS production and improved LV function. Ninety‐day imeglimin treatment reduced related LV and kidney fibrosis and improved kidney function.ConclusionIn a rat model, mimicking Human metabolic syndrome, imeglimin immediately countered metabolic syndrome‐related cardiac diastolic and vascular dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress/increased NO bioavailability and improving myocardial perfusion and after 90‐day treatment myocardial and kidney structure, effects that are, at least in part, independent from glucose control.
Angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibition versus individualized RAAS blockade: design and rationale of the PARALLAX trial
Authors: Wachter Rolf , Shah Sanjiv J. , Cowie Martin R. , Szecsödy Peter , Shi Victor , Ibram Ghionul , Zhao Ziqiang , Gong Jianjian , Klebs Sven , Pieske Burkert 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimsAlthough the effect of the angiotensin receptor blocker neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) sacubitril/valsartan on heart failure (HF) hospitalizations and cardiovascular death has been evaluated, its effects on functional capacity in patients with HF and ejection fraction (EF) >40% has yet to be determined. In addition, no prior studies have compared sacubitril/valsartan with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor therapy. We sought to compare the effect of ARNI to background‐medication‐based individualized comparators (BMICs) on N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), functional capacity [6 min walk distance (6MWD)], symptoms, and quality of life [Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ)] in patients with HF and EF >40% in a randomized clinical trial.MethodsPARALLAX is a prospective, randomized, controlled, double‐blind multicentre clinical trial in patients with chronic symptomatic HF with EF >40%, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II–IV symptoms, elevated natriuretic peptides, and evidence of structural heart disease. Eligible patients are randomized to sacubitril/valsartan vs. BMIC for cardiovascular and related co‐morbidities. BMIC includes (i) enalapril, (ii) valsartan, and (iii) placebo depending on the type of medical therapy prior to enrolment. The primary endpoints are the change in plasma NT‐proBNP concentration from baseline to 12 weeks and the change from baseline in 6MWD distance at 24 weeks. The secondary endpoints assess quality of life and symptom burden.ConclusionsPARALLAX will determine if sacubitril/valsartan compared with standard medical therapy for co‐morbidities improves NT‐proBNP levels, exercise capacity, quality of life, and symptom burden in HF patients with EF >40%.
MCT Oil Coating Improves the Oxidative Stability of Surface Lipids in Corn Extrudates
Authors: Amft Jonas , Bauer Jonas L. , Rostek Jens , Spielvogel Sandra , Döring Frank , Schwarz Karin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractLipid‐containing extrudates are highly susceptible to lipid oxidation because of their porous structure and high specific surface area. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of a low‐oxidizable medium‐chain triglycerides (MCT) coating on the oxidative stability. Therefore, cornmeal is extrusion cooked with commercial vegetable oil and various water contents (10–18% on dry matter) and partially coated with 5% w/w MCT oil. Lipid oxidation in the extrudates is examined during storage at +40 °C by measuring hydroperoxide concentrations in different lipid fractions (surface, inner‐surface, and matrix‐incorporated lipids). Hexanal is analyzed using headspace‐gas chromatography. Coating allocation is studied by fatty acid profiles of the lipid fractions, by fluorescence microscopy, and computerized microtomography. Application of an MCT coating leads to lower hydroperoxide concentrations and significantly reduces hexanal formation during storage. In particular, the surface lipids are stabilized. MCT oil diffuse only to small extent inside the extrudates and its effect on lipid oxidation can be attributed to differenct effects: filling surface microcracks, reducing the release of volatiles, and dilution of oxidizable lipids. This effect is strongest in porous extrudates with low feed‐water content.Practical applications: Inhibition of lipid oxidation of fatty extrudates is of great importance for producers as well as consumers. In this study, we examine whether it is possible to improve the oxidative stability of extrudates by application of a lipid‐based coating. The results of this study suggest that it will be possible in the future to produce extrudates that are protected from oxidation by a thin natural oil film. We expect that especially products such as kibbles could benefit from treatment with a low‐oxidizable lipid‐based coating. In these products, fats are already used in combination with other functional ingredients. The combination of an MCT coating with a palatant or antioxidant is, therefore, an obvious alternative and of high relevance for manufacturers.
Core‐level cybersecurity assurance using cloud‐based adaptive machine learning techniques for manufacturing industry
Authors: Sakthivel Rakesh Kumar , Nagasubramanian Gayathri , Al‐Turjman Fadi , Sankayya Muthuramalingam 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCybersecurity is the domain that ensures safeness in both individual system and overall network systems. The classification and learning approaches used in different machine learning (ML) techniques improve the protection of the cyber systems against various attacks. Techniques such as support vector machine (SVM), neural networks (NN), principle component analysis (PCA), and reinforcement learning (RL) are used against various cyber threats. Applying these techniques at the front‐end services (either online or offline) makes less effect than back end process‐level services of any computer system. The proposed work analyzes the benefits of implementing customized ML and deep learning (DL) techniques on the core of the operating system than application level services, which in effect increases the speed and correctness of attack detection. The core (kernel) of the operating system has the capability to extract all internal attributes of process and file systems. The kernel space security activities can be improved by proposed work where the process level attributes classified using ML and DL techniques. The cloud service helps in sharing of the kernel abilities of the system ensuring core level security. The following work uses recurrent NN (RNN), SVM, PCA, and RL for analyzing the system data collected using Process Explorer. This technique finds application in manufacturing domain where the systems are protected from the various attacks to secure the data of the manufacturing company.
Der Erdruhedruckbeiwert K0 von Reibungsböden – Materialgesetz und Bestimmung aus einem Standard‐Triaxialversuch
Authors: Goldscheider Michael 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDie übliche Formel nach Jáky und ein jüngerer Ansatz für den Erdruhedruckbeiwert K0 werden erläutert und kritisch bewertet. Im vorliegenden Bericht wird aus einem sehr einfachen Materialgesetz für proportionale Verformungs‐ und Spannungspfade, das mit hochgenauen Quaderverformungsversuchen an Sand erhalten wurde, eine Gleichung zur Bestimmung des Ruhedruckbeiwerts als Funktion des Reibungswinkels und des Dilatanzverhältnisses bei triaxialer Kompression entwickelt. Die enthaltenen Materialkonstanten lassen sich mit einem gewöhnlichen D‐Triaxialversuch bestimmen. Die K0‐Werte aus dem vorgestellten Materialgesetz sind deutlich größer als die Werte aus den genannten bestehenden Ansätzen. Die Unterschiede nehmen mit zunehmendem Reibungswinkel und Dilatanzverhältnis zu.
Head and neck virtual medicine in a pandemic era: Lessons from COVID‐19
Authors: Prasad Aman , Carey Ryan M. , Rajasekaran Karthik 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) has presented the world and physicians with a unique public health challenge. In light of its high transmissibility and large burden on the health care system, many hospitals and practices have opted to cancel elective surgeries in order to mobilize resources, ration personal protective equipment and guard patients from the virus. Head and neck cancer physicians are particularly affected by these changes given their scope of practice, complex patient population, and interventional focus. In this viewpoint, we discuss some of the many challenges faced by head and neck surgeons in this climate. Additionally, we outline the utility of telemedicine as a potential strategy for allowing physicians to maintain an effective continuum of care.
The mTORC2 Component Rictor Is Required for Load‐Induced Bone Formation in Late‐Stage Skeletal Cells
Authors: Lewis Karl J , Yi Xin , Wright Christian S , Pemberton Emily Z , Bullock Whitney A , Thompson William R , Robling Alexander G 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTBone relies on mechanical cues to build and maintain tissue composition and architecture. Our understanding of bone cell mechanotransduction continues to evolve, with a few key signaling pathways emerging as vital. Wnt/β‐catenin, for example, is essential for proper anabolic response to mechanical stimulation. One key complex that regulates β‐catenin activity is the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORc2). mTORc2 is critical for actin cytoskeletal reorganization, an indispensable component in mechanotransduction in certain cell types. In this study, we probed the impact of the mTORc2 signaling pathway in osteocyte mechanotransduction by conditionally deleting the mTORc2 subunit Rictor in Dmp1‐expressing cells of C57BL/6 mice. Conditional deletion of the Rictor was achieved using the Dmp1–Cre driver to recombine Rictor floxed alleles. Rictor mutants exhibited a decrease in skeletal properties, as measured by DXA, μCT, and mechanical testing, compared with Cre‐negative floxed littermate controls. in vivo axial tibia loading conducted in adult mice revealed a deficiency in the osteogenic response to loading among Rictor mutants. Histological measurements of osteocyte morphology indicated fewer, shorter cell processes in Rictor mutants, which might explain the compromised response to mechanical stimulation. In summary, inhibition of the mTORc2 pathway in late osteoblasts/osteocytes leads to decreased bone mass and mechanically induced bone formation. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Tools for quantitative analysis: The Al Yergey perspective
Authors: Gale P. Jane , Duncan Mark W. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe development of a reliable quantitative method for a specific application requires consideration of several important principles. Although mass spectrometry has become the “gold standard” for sensitive and precise multicomponent quantification, it does not necessarily follow that all quantitative data generated by mass spectrometry are either precise or accurate. Depending on the nature of the sample and the goal of the assay, the endeavor can be challenging. With attention to some critical concerns, valid results can be obtained; without attention to these concerns, results can be misleading and, in some instances, invalid.For almost 10 years, beginning in 1996, the authors of this article, together with their friend and colleague Al Yergey, taught an American Society for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS) Short Course on the principles of quantitative mass spectrometry. In this Special Feature, we revisit and update some of these principles. We pay special attention to the contributions of Al Yergey to the course that not only enriched our own understanding of quantitative analysis but also had a measurable impact on the entire field of mass spectrometry.
Structural dependence of antidiabetic effect of steviol glycosides and their metabolites on streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice
Authors: Myint Khaing Zar , Chen Jun‐ming , Zhou Zhuo‐yu , Xia Yong‐mei , Lin Jianguo , Zhang Jue 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDStevia has been proposed as a potential antidiabetic sweetener, mainly based on inconsistent results from stevioside or the plant extract, yet lacking relative experimental evidence from individual steviol glycosides (SGs) and their metabolites.RESULTSThe results systematically revealed that the typical SGs and their final metabolite (steviol) presented an antidiabetic effect on streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic mice in all assayed antidiabetic aspects. In general, the performance strength of the samples followed the sequence steviol > steviol glucosyl ester > steviolbioside > rubusoside > stevioside > rebaudioside A, which is opposite to their sweetness strength order, and generally in accordance with the glucosyl group numbers in their molecules. This may imply that the antidiabetic effect of the SGs might be achieved through steviol, which presented antidiabetic performance similar to that of metformin with a dose of 1/20 that of metformin. Moreover, the 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose traced micro‐PET experiment revealed that stevioside and steviol could increase the uptake of glucose in the myocardium and brain of the diabetic mice within 60 min, and decrease the accumulation of glucose in the liver and kidney.CONCLUSIONSThe SGs and steviol presented an antidiabetic effect on STZ diabetic mice in all assayed aspects, with an induction time to start the effect of the SGs. Stevioside and steviol could increase uptake of glucose in the myocardium and brain of the diabetic mice, and decrease accumulation of glucose in the liver and kidney. The performance strength of the SGs is generally in accordance with glucosyl group numbers in their molecules.
Orbital metastases from breast cancer: A single institution case series
Authors: Sindoni Alessandro , Fama' Fausto , Vinciguerra Paolo , Dionigi Gianlorenzo , Manara Sofia Ada Assunta Maria , Gaeta Roberto , Gioffre'‐Florio Maria , Di Maria Alessandra 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesAmong orbital tumors, metastatic lesions have a prevalence of 1% to 13%; on the other hand, breast cancer is the most common malignancy causing orbital metastases. The aim of this study is to present our experience dealing with orbital metastases caused by breast cancer, to assess characteristics and clinic‐pathological data of patients suffering from this rare occurrence and to find indexes related with their prognosis and survival.MethodsRecords of 28 patients diagnosed with orbital metastases from breast cancer at the Department of Ophthalmology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Centre of Milano over a 27‐year period (1992‐2018) were retrieved and analyzed.ResultsMean patients' age at breast cancer diagnosis was 56.29 ± 14.63 years. Mean time interval between breast cancer diagnosis and orbital metastasis occurrence was 5 ± 4.17 years. All lesions were estrogen receptor‐positive; 79% of patients harbored progesterone receptor‐positive lesions. Interestingly, the majority of deceased patients presented orbital lesions with MIB‐1 index >50% (P = .0265) and had concomitant lung metastases (P = .0452).ConclusionsThe occurrence of orbital metastasis from breast cancer represents a challenging finding. Patients' clinical picture can include exophthalmos, edema, tumefaction, proptosis and/or diplopia. Significant symptomatic improvement can be achieved through surgery and other adjuvant treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Quantitative Inflammation Assessment for Crohn Disease Using Ultrasensitive Ultrasound Microvessel Imaging
Authors: Gong Ping , Song Pengfei , Kolbe Amy B. , Sheedy Shannon P. , Huang Chengwu , Ling Wenwu , Yu Yue , Zhou Chenyun , Lok U Wai , Tang Shanshan , Bruining David H. , Knudsen John M. , Chen Shigao 
Published: April 2020

ObjectivesCrohn disease (CD) is a chronic inflammation in the digestive tract that affects millions of Americans. Bowel vascularity has important diagnostic information because inflammation is associated with blood flow changes. We recently developed an ultrasensitive ultrasound microvessel imaging (UMI) technique with high vessel sensitivity. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of UMI to assist CD detection and staging.MethodsUltrasound microvessel imaging was performed on 76 bowel wall segments from 48 symptomatic patients with CD. Clinically indicated computed tomographic/magnetic resonance enterography was used as the reference standard. The vessel‐length ratio (VLR, the number of vessel pixels in the bowel wall segment normalized to the segment length) was derived in both conventional color flow imaging (CFI) and UMI to quantitatively stage disease activity. Receiver operating characteristic curves were then analyzed between different disease groups.ResultsThe VLR‐CFI and VLR‐UMI detected similar correlations between vascularization and disease activity: severe inflammation had a higher VLR than normal/mildly inflamed bowels (P < .05). No significant difference was found between quiescent and mild CD due to the small sample size. The VLR‐CFI had more difficulties in distinguishing quiescent versus mild CD compared to the VLR‐UMI. After combining the VLR‐UMI with thickness, in the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the areas under the curves (AUCs) improved to AUC1 = 0.996 for active versus quiescent CD, AUC2 = 0.978 for quiescent versus mild CD, and AUC3 = 0.931 for mild versus severe CD, respectively, compared to those using thickness alone (AUC1 = 0.968; P = .04; AUC2 = 0.919; P = .16; AUC3 = 0.857; P = .01).ConclusionsUltrasound microvessel imaging offers a safe and cost‐effective tool for CD diagnosis and staging, which may potentially assist disease activity classification and therapy efficacy evaluation.