bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal changes and the influence of tree species and ambient temperature on the fission-fusion dynamics of tree-roosting bats
Authors: Ruczyński Ireneusz , Bartoń Kamil A. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Many species of bats live in dynamic associations in which individuals aggregate or split into smaller or larger groups, moving between roost sites, but factors influencing group size and roost switching decisions in bats living in fission-fusion societies are poorly understood. To test the extent to which fission-fusion dynamics are species-specific and shaped by environmental factors, we radio-tracked two closely related species: noctule bats Nyctalus noctula and Leisler’s bats N. leisleri in well-preserved, old-growth stands of the Białowieża Forest, where roost availability and diversity is high and bats can potentially freely exhibit fission-fusion behaviour. We estimated the number of bats per roost and noted the tree species selected as roost sites. We evaluated the influence of ambient temperature and roost tree species on bat group size and the process of roost switching, and their seasonal component. Our results revealed that bat group size showed species-specific differences in seasonal variation, relationship to ambient temperature and tree species. The number of noctule bats emerging from a roost was relatively stable with a weak tendency to decrease during the breeding season while the number of Leisler’s bats emerging from a roost increased when the juveniles started to be volant. Group size of noctule bats increased with ambient temperature. Leisler’s bats formed smaller colonies in oaks and ashes than in other tree species. Roost switching rate was associated with ambient temperature and tree species selected by the bats. The bats changed roosts more frequently when the minimum ambient temperature increased, and less often in ashes than in oaks and other tree species. Our results show that bat group size and roost switching behaviour are shaped by both environmental factors and the stage of reproduction.

Significance statement
Environmental factors may affect group size and roost switching behaviour of bats forming fission-fusion associations, but this is expected to vary depending on body size, environmental conditions, as well as seasonally. Few studies have explored this behaviour in tree-dwelling bats and examined how it differs between species. Here, we studied the group size dynamics and the process of roost switching in closely related bat species living in well-preserved, European old-growth forests, for which the knowledge of these patterns is particularly poor. We demonstrate for the first time that bat group size and roost switching rate relates to roost tree species selected by bats, the ambient temperature and varies seasonally, and that these effects are species-specific. The results point out the importance of the availability of suitable roost trees providing a range of microclimatic conditions for maintaining efficient fission-fusion dynamics throughout the reproductive period.
Diagnostic value of the novel CMR parameter “myocardial transit-time” (MyoTT) for the assessment of microvascular changes in cardiac amyloidosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chatzantonis Grigorios , Bietenbeck Michael , Florian Anca , Meier Claudia , Stalling Philipp , Korthals Dennis , Reinecke Holger , Yilmaz Ali 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is present in various non-ischemic cardiomyopathies and in particular in those with left-ventricular hypertrophy. This study evaluated the diagnostic value of the novel cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) parameter “myocardial transit-time” (MyoTT) in distinguishing cardiac amyloidosis from other hypertrophic cardiomyopathies.

Methods
N = 20 patients with biopsy-proven cardiac amyloidosis (CA), N = 20 patients with known hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and N = 20 control patients without relevant cardiac disease underwent dedicated CMR studies on a 1.5-T MR scanner. The CMR protocol comprised cine and late-gadolinium-enhancement (LGE) imaging as well as first-pass perfusion acquisitions at rest for MyoTT measurement. MyoTT was defined as the blood circulation time from the orifice of the coronary arteries to the pooling in the coronary sinus (CS) reflecting the transit-time of gadolinium in the myocardial microvasculature.

Results
MyoTT was significantly prolonged in patients with CA compared to both groups: 14.8 ± 4.1 s in CA vs. 12.2 ± 2.5 s in HCM (p = 0.043) vs. 7.2 ± 2.6 s in controls (p < 0.001). Native T1 and extracellular volume (ECV) were significantly higher in CA compared to HCM and controls (p < 0.001). Both parameters were associated with a higher diagnostic accuracy in predicting the presence of CA compared to MyoTT: area under the curve (AUC) for native T1 = 0.93 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.83–1.00; p < 0.001) and AUC for ECV = 0.95 (95% CI = 0.88–1.00; p < 0.001)—compared to the AUC for MyoTT = 0.76 (95% CI = 0.60–0.92; p = 0.008). In contrast, MyoTT performed better than all other CMR parameters in differentiating HCM from controls (AUC for MyoTT = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.81–1.00; p = 0.003 vs. AUC for native T1 = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.44–0.93; p = 0.20 vs. AUC for ECV = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.66–1.00; p = 0.017).

Conclusion
The relative severity of CMD (measured by MyoTT) in relationship to extracellular changes (measured by native T1 and/or ECV) is more pronounced in HCM compared to CA—in spite of a higher absolute MyoTT value in CA patients. Hence, MyoTT may improve our understanding of the interplay between extracellular/intracellular and intravasal changes that occur in the myocardium during the disease course of different cardiomyopathies.
Active HPV infection and its influence on survival in head and neck squamous-cell cancer
Authors: Janecka-Widła Anna , Mucha-Małecka Anna , Majchrzyk Kaja , Halaszka Krzysztof , Przewoźnik Marcin , Słonina Dorota , Biesaga Beata 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPurposeHPV is involved in the development of some head and neck squamous-cell carcinomas (HNSCC). It was suggested that only transcriptionally active virus can induce carcinogenesis, therefore, the aim of our study was to analyze the frequency of active HPV infection, virus type, and its prognostic role in HNSCC patients.MethodsStatus of active HPV infection was assessed for 155 HNSCC patients based on p16 expression and HPV DNA presence. Univariate and multivariate analyses with Cox proportional regression model were performed to select independent prognostic factors.ResultsActive HPV infection was detected in 20.65% of patients. We identified 16.0, 40.9 and 1.7% of HPV positive oral cavity, oropharyngeal, and laryngeal cancer cases, respectively. HPV16 was dominant (81.25%) followed by HPV35 (9.38%) and double infections with HPV16 and 35 (6.25%) or HPV35 and 18 (3.12%). Patients with active HPV infection demonstrated significantly higher survival than HPV negative ones (OS 80.89% vs. 37.08%,p = 0.000; DFS 93.0% vs. 53.35%,p = 0.000, respectively). Longer OS and DFS were maintained for infected patients when oropharyngeal and non-oropharyngeal cases were analyzed separately. Interestingly, all patients infected with other than HPV16 types survived 5 years without cancer progression. In the analyzed group of 155 patients the strongest independent favourable prognostic factor for both OS and DFS was HPV presence.ConclusionsHigh prevalence of HPV-driven HNSCC (mostly within oropharynx) was detected, with HPV16 type the most frequent, followed by HPV35 and HPV18. The presence of active HPV infection improved survival of both oropharyngeal and non-oropharyngeal cancer patients and should be taken into account in treatment planning.
Quantification of total mercury in samples from cement production processing with thermal decomposition coupled with AAS
Authors: Berisha Sabina , Živković Igor , Kotnik Jože , Mlakar Tanja Ljubič , Horvat Milena 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis work aimed to assess the efficiency of a portable total mercury (Hg) analyzer (Lumex RA-915 +) that employs direct thermal decomposition atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) to liberate Hg from a sample matrix as well as validate the quantification method of total Hg in different materials that are used in cement production. Regarding the solid matrix of the samples, the approaches included matrix-matched certified reference materials (CRM) calibration and adding a standard calibration solution to the solid samples. While both calibration approaches were suitable for the instrumentation employed, the uncertainty of the Hg mass fraction in a CRM and the need to include several matrix CRMs that differed in analyte content added to the complexity of the case. Spiked calibration is an acceptable alternative to calibration because it provides a lower expanded uncertainty at 15 %, 15.5 %, and 21.7 %, for the highest (> 200 ng), middle (50–150 ng), and lowest (< 50 ng) concentration ranges, respectively, compared to matrix CRM calibration. The obtained expanded uncertainty, the minimal requirements for sample preparation, easy and straightforward calibration and measurement, and high sample output indicate that the quantification of total Hg with thermal decomposition coupled with AAS is suitable for materials that are used in cement production.
Glycolytic competence in gastric adenocarcinomas negatively impacts survival outcomes of patients treated with salvage paclitaxel-ramucirumab
Authors: Ruzzo Annamaria , Graziano Francesco , Bagaloni Irene , Di Bartolomeo Maria , Prisciandaro Michele , Aprile Giuseppe , Ongaro Elena , Vincenzi Bruno , Perrone Giuseppe , Santini Daniele , Fornaro Lorenzo , Vivaldi Caterina , Tomasello Gianluca , Loupakis Fotios , Lonardi Sara , Fassan Matteo , Valmasoni Michele , Sarti Donatella , Lorenzini Paola , Catalano Vincenzo , Bisonni Renato , Del Prete Michela , Collina Guido , Magnani Mauro 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Introduction
For energy production, cancer cells maintain a high rate of glycolysis instead of oxidative phosphorylation converting glucose into lactic acid. This metabolic shift is useful to survive in unfavorable microenvironments. We investigated whether a positive glycolytic profile (PGP) in gastric adenocarcinomas may be associated with unfavorable outcomes under an anticancer systemic therapy, including the anti-angiogenic ramucirumab.

Materials and methods
Normal mucosa (NM) and primary tumor (PT) of 40 metastatic gastric adenocarcinomas patients who received second-line paclitaxel-ramucirumab (PR) were analyzed for mRNA expression of the following genes: HK-1, HK-2, PKM-2, LDH-A, and GLUT-1. Patients were categorized with PGP when at least a doubling of mRNA expression (PT vs. NM) in all glycolytic core enzymes (HK-1 or HK-2, PKM-2, LDH-A) was observed. PGP was also related to TP53 mutational status.

Results
Mean LDH-A, HK-2, PKM-2 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in PT compared with NM. 18 patients were classified as PGP, which was associated with significantly worse progression-free and overall survival times. No significant association was observed between PGP and clinical-pathologic features, including TP53 positive mutational status, in 28 samples.

Conclusions
Glycolytic proficiency may negatively affect survival outcomes of metastatic gastric cancer patients treated with PR systemic therapy. TP53 mutational status alone does not seem to explain such a metabolic shift.
A preliminary analysis of the costs and benefits of the biological control agent Dactylopius opuntiae on Opuntia stricta in Laikipia County, Kenya
Authors: Witt Arne B. R. , Nunda Winnie , Makale Fernadis , Reynolds Kathryn 
Published: May 2020

AbstractOpuntia stricta(Haw.) Haw (Cactaceae) is invasive in Laikipia County, Kenya, impacting negatively on biodiversity and livelihoods. To control this invasive plant the biocontrol agentDactylopius opuntiae(Cockerell) (Hemiptera; Dactylopiidae) ‘stricta’ biotype was released in 2014. A preliminary once-off survey to determine the impact of the cochineal revealed that it had contributed to a significant reduction in the number of cladodes, flowers and fruit of plants with cochineal. Fruits that were produced on plants with the cochineal were also smaller and had fewer seeds. Although still preliminary, an analysis of the costs of implementing this biocontrol programme indicates that it is the most cost-effective management intervention compared to physical and/or chemical control. Although the impact of the cochineal is still fairly localized we are confident that it will establish in much of the invaded range and reduce the impacts of the invasive cactus, consequently improving rangeland condition and livelihoods.
Correlation of left atrial strain with left ventricular end-diastolic pressure in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Fan Jia-Li , Su Bo , Zhao Xin , Zhou Bing-Yuan , Ma Chang-Sheng , Wang Hai-Peng , Hu Sheng-Da , Zhou Ya-Feng , Ju Yi-Jiao , Wang Ming-Han 
Published: May 2020

AbstractLeft ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) remains challenging to be assessed by echocardiography. We sought to explore the relationship between left atrial strain and left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by invasive left-heart catheterization. 55 consecutive individuals with LVEF > 50% underwent LV catheterization. Standard transthoracic echocardiography was performed during 12 h before or after the procedure. Left atrial (LA) strain were obtained by speckle tracking echocardiography. When LVEF ≥ 50%, the group with elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) (n = 35) showed decreased left atrial reservoir strain (LASr) (35.2 ± 7.7% vs 21.3 ± 7.2%, p < 0.001), left atrial conduit strain (LASct) (17.6 ± 6.3% vs 11.9 ± 4.1%, p < 0.001), left atrial contraction strain (LAScd) (16.6 ± 7.2% vs 9.5 ± 5.0%, p < 0.001) and increased E/e′ ration(8.9 ± 2.6 vs 10.1 ± 3.5, p = 0.17). LVEDP negatively correlated with LASr (R = 0.662, p < 0.001), LASct (R = 0.575, p < 0.001) and LAScd (R = 0.456, p < 0.001), but not with E/e′. LASr, LASct and LAScd were all independent predictors of elevated LVEDP (p < 0.05), with a higher C-statistic for the model including LASr (0.95, 0.86 and 0.93 respectively). The area under the curve (AUC) for LASr is 0.914 (cutoff value is 26.7%, sensitivity is 90%, specificity is 82.9%). In patients with normal LV ejection fraction, left atrial strain presented good correlation with LVEDP, and LASr was superior to LASct and LAScd to predict LVEDP. LA strain demonstrated better agreement with the invasive reference than E/e′.
Evidence and Knowledge from Computer Simulation
Authors: Parker Wendy S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCan computer simulation results be evidence for hypotheses about real-world systems and phenomena? If so, what sort of evidence? Can we gain genuinely new knowledge of the world via simulation? I argue that evidence from computer simulation is aptly characterized as higher-order evidence: it is evidence that other evidence regarding a hypothesis about the world has been collected. Insofar as particular epistemic agents do not have this other evidence, it is possible that they will gain genuinely new knowledge of the world via simulation. I illustrate with examples inspired by uses of simulation in meteorology and astrophysics.
Synthesis, characterization of V2O5 nanoparticles and determination of catalase mimetic activity by new colorimetric method
Authors: Rasheed Rashed Taleb , Mansoor Hadeel S. , Abdullah Thamer Adnan , Juzsakova Tatjana , Al-Jammal Noor , Salman Ali Dawood , Al-Shaikhly Rasha R. , Le Phuoc Cuog , Domokos Endre , Abdulla Thaer A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis paper deals with an advanced colorimetric method used to determine the catalase mimetic activity of V2O5 nanoparticles by measuring the decrease in potassium permanganate concentration in a mixture containing V2O5 and hydrogen peroxide. The experiments were carried out in batch reactor at room temperature for 3 min at wavelength number of 525 nm. Vanadium pentoxide was synthesized by hydrothermal method (reflux) from ammonium metavanadate (NH4VO3) as a precursor and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as a surfactant. The annealing of the product was carried out for 2 h, at temperatures of 250, 500 and 750 °C. In order to determine the structure and the chemical nature of the nanoparticles prepared, the characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic techniques. Atomic force microscopic and thermal gravimetric investigations have shown the decomposition steps of V2O5 at different temperatures. UV–visible spectroscopic technique and Fourier transform spectrometry were used to further characterize the nanoparticles. Advanced colorimetric method was used to study the catalase mimetic activity of the newly synthesized vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanoparticles using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as substrate. V2O5 nanoparticles resulted in an increase in the catalase mimetic activity with increasing the annealing temperature of the V2O5 nanoparticles. The maximum activity was found at 500 °C, which subsequently decreased with further increase in the annealing temperature.
Reflective interventions: Enactivism and phenomenology on ways of bringing the body into intellectual engagement
Authors: Laner Iris 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWhen it comes to the body, the professional pedagogical field shows a paradoxical attitude: With regard to sense-oriented school subjects, educational policies tend to underline a close relatedness of body and mind. However, where learning is primarily connected with mental activities and intellectual engagement, the body is rarely assigned an integral role. Discussing the grounding ideologies of this paradox, I will consult phenomenological and enactivist perspectives in order to develop an approach to embodied learning which takes into account both sense-oriented as well as intellectual domains. I will argue that considering the interdependence of body and mind including their situatedness does not only benefit the cultivation of the body and the senses, but also opens up further perspectives for intellectual engagement.
Pyrolysis of fatty acids derived from hydrolysis of brown grease with biosolids
Authors: Omidghane Mehdi , Bartoli Mattia , Asomaning Justice , Xia Lin , Chae Michael , Bressler David C. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe escalating generation of biosolids and increasing regulations regarding their safe handling and disposal have created a great environmental challenge. Recently, biosolids have been incorporated into the hydrolysis step of a two-step thermal lipid conversion process to act as water replacement in the production of renewable chemicals and fuels. Here, the hexane extract recovered from hydrolysis of biosolids, lipids from brown grease hydrolyzed using either water (control) or biosolids as a water replacement, was pyrolyzed at 410–450 °C for 2 h. The product distribution and composition were not significantly different when biosolids were used to hydrolyze brown grease instead of water. The liquid product consisted mainly of alkanes, alkenes, aromatics, and cyclic compounds similar to those in petroleum-derived liquid fuels. However, the use of biosolids as a water substitute resulted in a significant increase in sulphur content of the pyrolysate, which will necessitate processes to reduce the sulphur content before or after pyrolysis. Nevertheless, the pathways proposed in this paper are considered as potentially economically viable approaches to not only resolve the issues associated with disposal of biosolids but also to produce renewable hydrocarbons for fuel and chemical applications.
Cryo-EM snapshots of mycobacterial arabinosyltransferase complex EmbB2-AcpM2
Authors: Zhang Lu , Zhao Yao , Gao Ruogu , Li Jun , Yang Xiuna , Gao Yan , Zhao Wei , Gurcha Sudagar S. , Veerapen Natacha , Batt Sarah M. , Besra Kajelle Kaur , Xu Wenqing , Bi Lijun , Zhang Xian’en , Guddat Luke W. , Yang Haitao , Wang Quan , Besra Gurdyal S. , Rao Zihe 
Published: May 2020

AbstractInhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) cell wall assembly is an established strategy for anti-TB chemotherapy. Arabinosyltransferase EmbB, which catalyzes the transfer of arabinose from the donor decaprenyl-phosphate-arabinose (DPA) to its arabinosyl acceptor is an essential enzyme for Mtb cell wall synthesis. Analysis of drug resistance mutations suggests that EmbB is the main target of the front-line anti-TB drug, ethambutol. Herein, we report the cryo-EM structures of Mycobacterium smegmatis EmbB in its “resting state” and DPA-bound “active state”. EmbB is a fifteen-transmembrane-spanning protein, assembled as a dimer. Each protomer has an associated acyl-carrier-protein (AcpM) on their cytoplasmic surface. Conformational changes upon DPA binding indicate an asymmetric movement within the EmbB dimer during catalysis. Functional studies have identified critical residues in substrate recognition and catalysis, and demonstrated that ethambutol inhibits transferase activity of EmbB by competing with DPA. The structures represent the first step directed towards a rational approach for anti-TB drug discovery.
Lack of research on efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents
Authors: Kothgassner Oswald D. , Felnhofer Anna 
Published: May 2020

SummaryAnxiety disorders are one of the most prevalent mental disorders in children and adolescents which may effectively be treated by several forms of exposure therapy. An emerging approach to exposure is virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET), but a literature search synthesis focusing specifically on the use of VRET in children and adolescents is still lacking. This systematic review sets out to provide an overview concerning VRET for the treatment of anxiety disorders in this age group. Four published trials covering an overall sample of 100 participants between the ages of 8 and 16 years were found during a systematic literature search and were included in the current review. Results reveal that participants show clinical improvements regarding anxiety symptoms after VRET. Nevertheless, the high potential of virtual reality as a tool for treating children and adolescents with anxiety disorders is contrasted by a considerable lack of controlled trials. Despite the evidence of VRET in adult samples, there is a need for more research with younger cohorts in order to be able to support this promising field of application.
Biochar as adsorbent in purification of clear-cut forest runoff water: adsorption rate and adsorption capacity
Authors: Saarela Taija , Lafdani Elham Kakaei , Laurén Ari , Pumpanen Jukka , Palviainen Marjo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractForest management practices in boreal peatlands increase nutrient export and suspended solids to watercourses calling for development of new water protection methods. One potential solution could be adsorption-based purification of runoff water using biochar. The aim of this study was to determine the adsorption rate and capacity for Norway spruce and silver birch biochars to design a biochar-filled reactor for a ditch drain. In a 10-day laboratory experiment, biochar was stirred with runoff water from a clear-cut peatland forest, and changes in water pH, total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, phosphorus, and total organic carbon concentrations were measured. Based on the concentration changes, adsorption was quantified and adsorption model containing the adsorption rate and capacity was fitted to the data. Our results indicate that biochar effectively adsorbs both inorganic and organic nitrogen from runoff water. Birch biochar had higher adsorption capacity of nitrogen than spruce biochar. This study demonstrates that the adsorption of nitrogen compounds onto biochar surfaces increases with increasing initial concentrations. Thus, aquatic ecosystems exposed to high nutrient loads from fertile peatlands would particularly benefit from biochar-based water purification.