bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased level of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA due to a single bout of strenuous physical exercise
Authors: Ohlsson Lars , Hall Anna , Lindahl Hanne , Danielsson Ravi , Gustafsson Anna , Lavant Eva , Ljunggren Lennart 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPurposePhysical exercise is reported to affect the immune response in various ways. Thus, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as the abundance of circulating leukocytes are changed. In this study, the occurence of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cfmtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nDNA) was investigated in connection with a single bout of strenuous physical exercise.MethodsHealthy volunteers performed a controlled ergo-spirometry cycle test and venous blood samples were taken at different time-points to analyze the concentration of blood components before, during and after the test. The number of circulating leukocytes was measured, as well as secretion of the soluble urokinase activator receptor (suPAR).ResultsCf-mtDNA significantly increased during exercise, compared to baseline values and after 30 and 90 min of rest. Circulating leukocytes increased during exercise, but returned to baseline levels afterwards. Surface expression of the urokinase plasminogen activating receptor (uPAR) on neutrophils decreased significantly during exercise. The concentration of suPAR tended to increase during exercise but only significantly after 90 min of rest.ConclusionIncreased concentration of cf-mtDNA indicates that cell damage takes place during high intensity training. Hypoxia and tissue damage are likely causes of cf-mtDNA from muscle cells. The levels of cf-mtDNA remain high during the initial rest, due to the decreasing numbers of leukocytes normally clearing the plasma from cf-mtDNA. The increased levels of suPAR further emphasize that strenuous physical exercise causes a reaction similar to inflammation. Further studies are needed to detect the source of increased cf-mtDNA and the corresponding increase of suPAR liberation.
Shared cerebral metabolic pathology in non-transgenic animal models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Barilar Jelena Osmanovic , Knezovic Ana , Perhoc Ana Babic , Homolak Jan , Riederer Peter , Salkovic-Petrisic Melita 
Published: February 2020

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are the most common chronic neurodegenerative disorders, characterized by motoric dysfunction or cognitive decline in the early stage, respectively, but often by both symptoms in the advanced stage. Among underlying molecular pathologies that PD and AD patients have in common, more attention is recently paid to the central metabolic dysfunction presented as insulin resistant brain state (IRBS) and altered cerebral glucose metabolism, both also explored in animal models of these diseases. This review aims to compare IRBS and alterations in cerebral glucose metabolism in representative non-transgenic animal PD and AD models. The comparison is based on the selectivity of the neurotoxins which cause experimental PD and AD, towards the cellular membrane and intracellular molecular targets as well as towards the selective neurons/non-neuronal cells, and the particular brain regions. Mitochondrial damage and co-expression of insulin receptors, glucose transporter-2 and dopamine transporter on the membrane of particular neurons as well as astrocytes seem to be the key points which are further discussed in a context of alterations in insulin signalling in the brain and its interaction with dopaminergic transmission, particularly regarding the time frame of the experimental AD/PD pathology appearance and the correlation with cognitive and motor symptoms. Such a perspective provides evidence on IRBS being a common underlying metabolic pathology and a contributor to neurodegenerative processes in representative non-transgenic animal PD and AD models, instead of being a direct cause of a particular neurodegenerative disorder.
Early non-social behavioural indicators of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in siblings at elevated likelihood for ASD: a systematic review
Authors: Canu Daniela , Van der Paelt Sara , Canal-Bedia Ricardo , Posada Manuel , Vanvuchelen Marleen , Roeyers Herbert 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe aimed at identifying early non-social behavioural indicators that predict later ASD. Likewise, we were interested in the moment in which non-social signs discriminate between children at elevated likelihood for ASD with a later diagnosis of ASD, and children at elevated likelihood for ASD with a typical developmental outcome. In addition, we intended to explore the developmental evolution of children’s symptomatology over time. A systematic literature search was conducted for longitudinal studies on early non-social behavioural indicators among siblings at elevated likelihood for ASD. The following databases were searched: PUBMED, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL and EMBASE. The study identification process was conducted by two reviewers independently. Compared to siblings at elevated likelihood for ASD with a typical developmental outcome, siblings at elevated likelihood for ASD with later ASD show impairments in attention disengagement, in gross and fine motor development and characteristic restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours, starting at 12 months of age. Moreover, early attention disengagement exerts a predictive role towards a later ASD diagnosis, given that from 12 months siblings at elevated likelihood for ASD who will receive an independent ASD diagnosis towards 24–36 months present marked difficulties in disengaging in comparison with siblings at elevated likelihood for ASD that will not satisfy the criteria for an ASD diagnosis. The findings call for a more comprehensive vision on early indicators of ASD. Further research is needed to extend results to other behavioural domains.
Tailoring participatory action research to deal with the latent problem of an invasive alien vine on Saba, Caribbean Netherlands
Authors: Vaas Jetske , Driessen Peter P. J. , Giezen Mendel , van Laerhoven Frank , Wassen Martin J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractParticipatory action research (PAR) is an approach for fully co-creating research into environmental problems with the public. We argue this is mostly done for manifest environmental problems that clearly threaten livelihoods and have highly predictable impacts. But the conventional PAR approach is not suitable when the impacts are poorly understood and pose a low threat to livelihoods. Such latent environmental problems do not have a clear conflict to be resolved; instead, the community’s inertia should be overcome. In this article, we develop what we call the PAR-L approach, for which we present a step-by-step guide and an evaluation framework. We then demonstrate this approach on the latent problem of the invasive alien Coralita vine (Antigonon leptopus) on Saba (Caribbean Netherlands) and find that it results in thorough understanding of the community inertia. Overcoming the inertia would require a project to run longer and a simultaneous knowledge-gathering effort, but PAR-L is a good starting point.
Stronger feelings of loneliness among Moroccan and Turkish older adults in the Netherlands: in search for an explanation
Authors: van Tilburg Theo G. , Fokkema Tineke 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe prevalence of loneliness among Turkish–Dutch and Moroccan–Dutch older adults is higher than among Dutch older adults of non-migrant origin. Three explanations may account for this difference: (1) differential item functioning might result in scores that vary in intensity and in meaning across categories; (2) the position of migrants is much more vulnerable than that of non-migrants; (3) the lack of protective factors has more severe consequences for older migrants. The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam interviewed 176 persons born in Morocco and 235 born in Turkey, aged 55–66 and living in urban areas. They are compared with a matched sample of 292 Dutch persons. The psychometric properties of the loneliness scale are satisfying, although there is some differential item functioning. Older migrants have more frequent social contacts but are at a disadvantage in other domains. Taking into account differences in social participation, satisfaction with income, mastery and depressive symptoms, the difference between older migrants’ and non-migrants’ loneliness is reduced by more than half. Protective factors are equally important for older migrants and non-migrants. Exceptions are marriage (less protective for Moroccans), frequent contact with children/children-in-law (mostly for Turks), a higher educational level (protects Moroccans and Turks) and better physical functioning (less for Turks). Being an older migrant and belonging to a minority might further contribute to feelings of loneliness. Interventions can be directed at stimulating social contact, but also at aspects like enhancing the appreciation of their social status and avoiding negative interpretations of a situation.
Monitoring, modeling and harvest management of non-native invasive green iguanas on Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Authors: Rivera-Milán Frank F. , Haakonsson Jane 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe green iguana (Iguana iguana) was most likely introduced as a pet and became overabundant during the last 20 years on Grand Cayman. Because negative impacts were unmanageable (e.g., damage to buildings and other infrastructure), a harvest management strategy was developed and implemented, and over 874,252 green iguanas were removed between October 2018 and August 2019. Distance sampling surveys were conducted to estimate abundance in February 2019 and annually in August 2014–2019. Abundance estimates were used to develop a Bayesian state-space logistic model, generate the posterior distributions of population and harvest management parameters, and make future predictions of abundance for August 2020–2030. Abundance increased over fivefold between August 2014 and 2018, from an average of 254,162 to 1,319,939 green iguanas. However, after harvesting for 5 months, abundance declined to an average of 600,113 green iguanas in February 2019; and after 11 months, abundance declined to an average of 103,020 green iguanas in August 2019. Maximum population growth rate averaged 1.552, carrying capacity averaged 1,611,013, equilibrium abundance averaged 805,506, maximum sustainable total harvest averaged 628,491, and maximum sustainable harvest rate averaged 0.776. With harvest rates between 0.600 and 0.800, predicted abundance averaged 28,751 green iguanas for August 2020–2030. However, harvest mortality may have unforeseen outcomes due to the release from density dependence and overcompensation through high survival and fecundity rates. Because natural resource managers have partial control over harvesting and incomplete understanding of green iguana population dynamics, monitoring and modeling are essential to assess population response and guide harvest management decisions.
Carbon dynamics in a Boreal land-stream-lake continuum during the spring freshet of two hydrologically contrasting years
Authors: Miettinen H. , Pumpanen J. , Rantakari M. , Ojala A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe studied in 2013 and 2014 the spring carbon dynamics in a Boreal landscape consisting of a lake and 15 inflowing streams and an outlet. The first year had weather and a hydrological regime typical of past years with a distinct spring freshet connected with the thaw of the average snowpack. The latter year had higher air temperatures which did not permit snow accumulation, despite similar winter precipitation. As such, there was hardly any spring freshet in 2014, and stream discharge peaked in January, i.e., the conditions resembled those predicted in the future climate. Despite the hydrological differences between the years, there were only small interannual differences in the stream CO2 and DOC concentrations. The relationship between the concentrations and discharge was stronger in the typical year. CO2 concentrations in medium-sized streams correlated negatively with the discharge, indicating dilution effect of melting snowpacks, while in large-sized streams the correlation was positive, suggesting stronger groundwater influence. The DOC pathway to these streams was through the subsurface soil layers, not the groundwater. The total amount of carbon transported into the lake was ca. 1.5-fold higher in the typical year than in the year with warm winter. In 2013, most of the lateral inputs took place during spring freshet. In 2014, the majority of inputs occurred earlier, during the winter months. The lateral CO2 signal was visible in the lake at 1.5 m depth. DOC dominated the carbon transport, and in both years, 12% of the input C was in inorganic form.
Glucocorticoid Resistance is Associated with Poor Functional Outcome After Stroke
Authors: Lopatkiewicz Anna Maria , Gradek-Kwinta Elzbieta , Czyzycki Mateusz , Pera Joanna , Slowik Agnieszka , Dziedzic Tomasz 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSystemic inflammation is associated with poor outcome after stroke. Glucocorticoids (GCs) play a fundamental role in limiting inflammation. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between GC sensitivity, systemic inflammation, and outcome after ischemic stroke. The study population compised 246 ischemic stroke patients (median age: 69.0 years; 41.1% female). To assess GC sensitivity, we incubated venous blood samples that were obtained at day 3 after stroke with lipopolysaccharide (10 ng/mL) and dexamethasone (10–6 mol/L). We defined the GC sensitivity index as the ratio of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) released after blood stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and dexamethasone to the amount of TNFα released after blood stimulation with lipopolysaccharide alone. A higher index indicates higher GC resistance. The patients with poor functional outcome had a higher GC sensitivity index than those with good outcome (median: 16.1% vs. 13.5%, P < 0.01). In a logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, stroke severity, pneumonia, leukocyte count, plasma interleukin-6, and TNFα release ex vivo, a higher GC sensitivity index was associated with a higher risk of poor outcome after stroke (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.21–4.45, P = 0.01). In conclusion, GC resistance is associated with poor functional outcome after stroke.
Increased prevalence of Barrett’s esophagus in patients with MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP)
Authors: Daans Ceranza G. , Ghorbanoghli Zeinab , Velthuizen Mary E. , Vasen Hans F. A. , Offerhaus George J. A. , Lacle Miangela M. , Siersema Peter D. , Ausems Margreet G. E. M. , Boonstra Jurjen J. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBarrett’s oesophagus (BE) has been associated with an increased risk of both colorectal adenomas and colorectal cancer. A recent investigation reported a high frequency of BE in patients with adenomatous polyposis coli (APC)-associated polyposis (FAP). The aim of the present study is to evaluate the prevalence of BE in a large cohort of patients with MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP) and APC-associated adenomatous polyposis. Patients with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or MAP were selected and upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy reports, pathology reports of upper GI biopsies were reviewed to determine the prevalence of BE in these patients. Histologically confirmed BE was found in 7 (9.7%) of 72 patients with MAP. The mean age of diagnosis was 60.2 years (range 54.1–72.4 years). Two patients initially diagnosed with low grade dysplasia showed fast progression into high grade dysplasia and esophageal cancer, respectively. Only 4 (1.4%) of 365 patients with FAP were found to have pathologically confirmed BE. The prevalence of BE in patients with MAP is much higher than reported in the general population. We recommend that upper GI surveillance of patients with MAP should not only focus on the detection of gastric and duodenal adenomas but also on the presence of BE.
Antimatter and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
Authors: Etesi Gábor 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this short paper we make a proposal that the second law of thermodynamics holds true for a closed physical system consisting of pure antimatter in the thermodynamical limit, but in a reversed form. We give two plausible arguments in favour to this proposal: one refers to the CPT theorem of relativistic quantum field theories while the other one is based on general thermodynamical arguments. However in our understanding the ultimate validity or invalidity of this idea can be decided only by future physical experiments. As a consequence of the proposal we argue that the dynamical evolution of pure macroscopic antimatter systems can be very different from that of ordinary matter systems in the sense that sufficiently massive antimatter systems could have stronger tendency to form black holes during time evolution than their ordinary counterparts. Taking into account the various uniqueness theorems in black hole physics as well, as a result, antimatter could tracelessly disappear behind black hole event horizons faster in time than ordinary matter. The observed asymmetry of matter and antimatter could then be explained even if their presence in the Universe was symmetric in the beginning.
Electrical and thermal properties of Pr0.6Sr0.4−xAgxMnO3 (x = 0.05 and 0.1) manganite
Authors: Thaljaoui R. , Szewczyk D. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMonovalent silver-doped Pr0.6Sr0.4−xAgxMnO3 manganite has been chosen for the electrical and thermal transport studies. The electrical measurements confirmed a metal–insulator transition around room temperature. For the analysis of the resistivity data, in the high-temperature paramagnetic region, the adiabatic small polaron hopping model was operative. The magnetoresistance studies, under different external magnetic field, showed that the MR peak is located at the metal–insulator transition and ferromagnetic–paramagnetic transition, which is characteristic for an intrinsic magnetoresistance. The thermal conductivity results exhibit a semicrystalline character with grain boundary scattering as a main mechanism limiting the heat transfer in samples. The electrical contribution to the thermal conductivity is relatively small, around 1%, as in most of the manganites. The transition point around room temperature is also visible. The additionally calculated thermal diffusivity parameter shows values of the order typically found in perovskites.
Nobel laureates are not hot
Authors: Kosmulski Marek 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe achievements of all 97 Nobel laureates in Chemistry, Economy, Medicine, and Physics of the period 2010–2019 are compared with achievements of top non-Nobel scientists in terms of standard bibliometric indicators (number of publications, number of citations, Hirsch index), of the numbers of highly cited papers and of hot papers (as defined by WoS®), and of c, a composite score (Ioannidis et al. in PLoS Biol 14:e1002501, 2016). Ninety recent Nobel laureates were in top 100,000 scientists in terms of c, and 45 recent Nobel laureates were in top 6000 scientists in terms of c. Only 32 recent Nobel laureates were in top 6000 scientists in terms of ch (Hirsch-type index with self-citations excluded),
32 recent Nobel laureates were in top 6000 scientists in terms of the number of citations (self-citations excluded), 17 recent Nobel laureates were among the 6000 Highly Cited Researchers (WoS®), 4 recent Nobel laureates were in top 6000 scientists in terms of the number of hot papers, and 2 recent Nobel laureates were in top 6000 scientists in terms of the number of highly cited papers.
‘Zero-error’ versus ‘good-enough’: towards a ‘frugality’ narrative for defence procurement policy
Authors: Patil Kapil , Bhaduri Saradindu 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe procurement decision-making process for complex military product systems (CoPS) has significant implications for military end-users, suppliers, and exchequers. This study examines the usefulness of adopting a fast and frugal decision-making approach for the acquisition of military CoPS. Defence procurement environment is complex. On the one hand, there are uncertainties and severe resource constraints due to regularly changing threat perceptions, limited flow of information about new technologies, and the growing demand to reduce defence related expenses. On the other hand, several stakeholders remain pre-occupied with the demand for ‘zero-error’ technologies. In such a setting, recurrent cost overruns and delays in supply are common in defence procurement programmes, across countries. Taking the illustrative examples of the missile system, fighter jet, and radar system acquisitions in India, we elucidate on ‘optimising’ versus ‘satisficing’ dynamics in the procurement decisions. The paper argues that a fast and frugal decision-making process by relying on judgement, experiential knowledge, and intuitive learning might make procurement processes, adaptively, more efficient. Such an approach would enable a ‘good enough’ technology to be inducted, and improved upon, through regular feedback from the actual environment. The study has implications for policy scholarships on innovation policy instruments under uncertainty.
The externalities of energy production in the context of development of clean energy generation
Authors: Bielecki Andrzej , Ernst Sebastian , Skrodzka Wioletta , Wojnicki Igor 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we present a comparative review of the externalities of electricity production. First of all, the environmental impact is considered. A discussion of the influence of various electricity production processes on human health follows. The studies are conducted in the context of historical development. Current trends, as well as a historical background that resulted in the changes that can be observed today, are presented. The considerations are supported by a few case studies. Analysis of perspectives for the development of electricity generation methods, in particular the indication of clean energy sources and the perspectives of their exploitation, is the main aim of this paper.
Covalent triazine framework with efficient photocatalytic activity in aqueous and solid media
Authors: Ayed Cyrine , Huang Wei , Zhang Kai A. I. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCovalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) have been recently employed for visible light-driven photocatalysis due to their unique optical and electronic properties. However, the usually highly hydrophobic nature of CTFs, which originates from their overall aromatic backbone, leads to limitations of CTFs for applications in aqueous media. In this study, we aim to extend the range of the application media of CTFs and design hybrid material of a CTF and mesoporous silica (SBA-15) for efficient photocatalysis in aqueous medium. A thiophene-containing CTF was directly synthesized in mesopores of SBA-15. Due to the high surface area and the added hydrophilic properties by silica, the hybrid material demonstrated excellent adsorption of organic molecules in water. This leads not only to high photocatalytic performance of the hybrid material for the degradation of organic dyes in water, but also for efficient photocatalysis in solvent-free and solid state. Furthermore, the reusability, stability and easy recovery of the hybrid material offers promising metal-free heterogeneous photocatalyst for broader applications in different reaction media.