bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) change their activity and space use in response to domestic cat (Felis catus) excreta?
Authors: Keane Brian , Long Phillip J. , Fleifil Yasmeen , Solomon Nancy G. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Behavioral changes that reduce the risk of predation in response to predator-derived odor cues are widespread among mammalian taxa and have received a great deal of attention. Although voles of the genus Microtus are staples in the diet of many mammalian predators, including domestic cats (Felis catus), there are no previous studies on vole space utilization and activity levels in response to odor cues from domestic cats. Therefore, the objective of our study was to investigate responses of adult prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) living in semi-natural habitats to odor cues from domestic cat excreta. Contrary to expectations, neither adult males or females showed significant changes in space use or willingness to enter traps in response to cat odors. One hypothesis to explain our results are that prairie voles have not co-evolved with domestic cats long enough to respond to their odors. Other possible explanations include whether levels of odors in the environment were sufficient to trigger a response or that the perceived risk of predation from odor cues alone did not outweigh relative costs of changing space use and activity levels. Future studies should consider multiple factors when determining what cues are sufficient to elicit antipredatory behavior.
On a functional equation that has the quadratic-multiplicative property
Authors: Park Choonkil , Tamilvanan Kandhasamy , Balasubramanian Ganapathy , Noori Batool , Najati Abbas 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
In this article, we obtain the general solution and prove the Hyers-Ulam stability of the following quadratic-multiplicative functional equation:

ϕ
(
s
t
−
u
v
)
+
ϕ
(
s
v
+
t
u
)
=
[
ϕ
(
s
)
+
ϕ
(
u
)
]
[
ϕ
(
t
)
+
ϕ
(
v
)
]

\phi (st-uv)+\phi (sv+tu)={[}\phi (s)+\phi (u)]{[}\phi (t)+\phi (v)]

by using the direct method and the fixed point method.
A boundedness result for Marcinkiewicz integral operator
Authors: Hawawsheh Laith , Abudayah Mohammad 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
We extend a boundedness result for Marcinkiewicz integral operator. We find a new space of radial functions for which this class of singular integral operators remains

L

p

{L}^{p}

-bounded when its kernel satisfies only the sole integrability condition.
On the density of lines and Santalo’s formula for computing geometric size measures
Authors: El Khaldi Khaldoun , Saleeby Elias G. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Methods from integral geometry and geometric probability allow us to estimate
geometric size measures indirectly. In this article, a Monte Carlo algorithm for
simultaneous estimation of hyper-volumes and hyper-surface areas of a class of
compact sets in Euclidean space is developed. The algorithm is based on
Santalo’s formula and the Hadwiger formula from integral geometry, and employs a
comparison principle to assign geometric probabilities. An essential component
of the method is to be able to generate uniform sets of random lines on the
sphere. We utilize an empirically established method to generate these random
chords, and we describe a geometric randomness model associated with it. We
verify our results by computing measures for hyper-ellipsoids and certain
non-convex sets.
Hidden Markov Model with Markovian emission
Authors: Elkimakh Karima , Nasroallah Abdelaziz 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
In our paper [A. Nasroallah and K. Elkimakh,
HMM with emission process resulting from a special combination of independent Markovian emissions,
Monte Carlo Methods Appl. 23 2017, 4, 287–306] we have studied, in a first scenario, the three fundamental hidden Markov problems assuming that, given the hidden process, the observed one selects emissions from a combination of independent Markov chains evolving at the same time. Here, we propose to conduct the same study with a second scenario assuming that given the hidden process, the emission process selects emissions from a combination of independent Markov chain evolving according to their own clock.
Three basic numerical examples are studied to show the proper functioning of the iterative algorithm adapted to the proposed model.
Successful de-escalation antibiotic therapy using cephamycins for sepsis caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae bacteremia: A sequential 25-case series
Authors: Kuwana Tsukasa , Yamaguchi Junko , Kinoshita Kosaku , Hori Satoshi , Ihara Shingo , Taniguchi Tetsuya 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Carbapenems are frequently used to treat infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E), but carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae bacteria are a clinical concern. Although cephamycins (cefmetazole; CMZ) have been shown to be effective against mild cases of ESBL-E infection, data on their use for severe ESBL-E infections with sepsis or septic shock remain scarce. Herein, we discuss a de-escalation therapy to CMZ that could be used after empiric antibiotic therapy in ICU patients with sepsis or septic shock caused by ESBL-E bacteremia. A sequence of 25 cases diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock caused by ESBL-E bacteria was evaluated. The attending infectious disease specialist physicians selected the antibiotics and decided the de-escalation timing. The median SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) and APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II) severity scores were 8 and 30; the rate of septic shock was 60%. Infections originated most frequently with urinary tract infection (UTI) (56%) and Escherichia coli (85%). Eleven patients were de-escalated to CMZ after vital signs were stable, and all survived. No patients died of UTI regardless of with or without de-escalation. The median timing of de-escalation antibiotic therapy after admission was 4 days (range, 3–6 days). At the time of de-escalation, the median SOFA score fell from 8 to 5, the median APACHE II score from 28 to 22, and the rate of septic shock from 55% to 0%. We conclude that for sepsis in UTI caused by ESBL-E bacteremia, de-escalation therapy from broad-spectrum antibiotics to CMZ is a potential treatment option when vital signs are stable.
Voltage-dependent anion channels mediated apoptosis in refractory epilepsy
Authors: Zhao Yan , Jiang Wen-Jing , Ma Lin , Lin Yan , Wang Xing-Bang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) in mitochondria-mediated apoptosis of neurons in refractory epilepsy. Western blot analyses were carried out to detect the changes in cytochrome C, caspase 9, Bax, and Bcl-2. TUNEL assays were also carried out to investigate cell apoptosis under the upregulation and downregulation of VDAC1 with or without Bax or Bcl-2. VDAC1 induced Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase 9, increasing the release of cytochrome C. VDAC1 played an essential role in the apoptotic cell death of refractory epilepsy. It is concluded that VDAC1 plays an important role in refractory epilepsy and could be a possible therapeutic target of anti-epileptic drugs. The current study provides a new understanding of the possible mechanisms of refractory epilepsy.
Clinical significance and potential mechanisms of miR-223-3p and miR-204-5p in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck: a study based on TCGA and GEO
Authors: Zhao Lei , Tian Congzhe , Xiao Erbin , Du Jinduo , Liang Jingwei , Chen Xianghong , Chi Weiwei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objective
To explore the clinical significance and mechanisms of altered miRNAs in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) and provide references for SCCHN diagnosis and prognosis.

Method
Differential expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in SCCHN were screened through gene expression omnibus (GEO) DataSets and verified by the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database. Next, the overall survival analysis, receiver operating characteristics, and clinical correlation analysis were adopted to filter the miRNAs with diagnostic and prognostic values. Finally, functional enrichment analyses were conducted for inquiring into the mechanisms of miRNAs.

Results
Total 103 DEMs (p < 0.05, fold change ≥ 2) in SCCHN were screened out from GSE124566. Partly, the expression levels of the selected (12/17) miRNAs were verified by TCGA. Followed, of the 12 miRNAs, two miRNA expression levels were associated with the overall survival, and five miRNAs showed diagnostic values (AUC ≥ 0.85). Besides, miR-223-3p and miR-204-5p expression levels were correlated to certain clinical features. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) related biological process and energy metabolism controlling related AMPK signaling pathway might mediate the roles of miR-223-3p and miR-204-5p, respectively.

Conclusion
With diagnostic and prognostic values, miR-223-3p and miR-204-5p may be involved in the progression of SCCHN through EMT-related biological process and energy balance related AMPK signaling pathway, respectively.
A critical inquiry on the ideological and hegemonic practices in EFL textbooks
Authors: Ulum Ömer Gökhan , Köksal Dinçay 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The expanding hegemony of English caused English Language Teaching to suddenly turn into an international business with huge financial investment, and accordingly produced EFL textbooks evolved into a cornerstone of the business. Further, studies on the relation between ideology, hegemony, and textbooks have multiplied in recent decades as a result of the rise of critical theory, critical pedagogy, and critical thinking skills which have inspired scholars to establish a critical perspective towards EFL textbooks considering the compounds of ideology and hegemony. In this paper, using a mixed method research design, qualitatively collected data through interviews and quantitatively gathered data through a questionnaire aimed to reveal the views of teachers/instructors and learners about the ideological and hegemonic practices contained in the EFL textbooks. The results of questionnaire and interview showed that ideology and hegemony are closely related to each other. Moreover, it is hard to give a clear-cut definition of these two terms because both textbooks and participants often used these two terms interchangeably. However, the participants declared diverse views on the underlying ideology and hegemonic practices in globally and locally written EFL textbooks.
Dealing with hate to boost multiculturalism in colleges/schools of education
Authors: Obiakor Festus E. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Hate has always been a part of our lives and world. We have rationalized about it and pretended that it is a personality difference that is not very harmful and hurtful. However, hate continues to be devastating and visible in the forms of discrimination, racism, xenophobia, linguistic superiority, religious bigotry, Messiah Complex, White supremacy, and prejudice, to mention a few. At Colleges/Schools of Education (C/SOE) and their respective colleges and universities, hate and its related problems continue to manifest themselves in these institutions in divergent ways, thereby making them unsafe, unhealthy, and uncomfortable environments to culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) and vulnerable individuals who have been traditionally devalued, disenfranchized, disadvantaged, and disillusioned. In this article, I discuss the dangers of hate in C/SOE and recommend what we can do to boost multiculturalism in these educational environments.
Crystal structure of 4-[(4-methoxy-2-nitrophenyl)carbamoyl]butanoic acid, C12H14N2O6
Authors: Hanifa Bibi , Sirajuddin Muhammad , Lo Kong Mun , Tiekink Edward R.T. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
C12H14N2O6, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 4.8835(4) Å, b = 9.2111(7) Å, c = 14.6655(7) Å, α = 76.135(5)°, β = 82.693(6)°, γ = 87.379(7)°, V = 635.19(8) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0449, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1297, T = 293(1) K.
Clinical implications of fear extinction in anxiety disorders
Authors: Zlomuzica Armin , Schneider Silvia , Konrad Carolin , Merz Christian J. , Wolf Oliver T. , Raeder Friederike , Margraf Jürgen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Anxiety disorders (ADs) are characterized by increased chronicity and comorbidity with other ADs. Although exposure is the most effective therapy option for ADs, some patients show poor treatment response and a heightened vulnerability for relapse after treatment completion. Hence, significant research effort needs to be devoted to improve the long-term effectiveness of exposure effects. Recent attempts to increase exposure therapy efficacy use strategies aimed at promoting the acquisition and retrieval of extinction memories. The present review illustrates the value and limitations of such extinction-based therapy approaches. We present and discuss recent findings from translational studies using cortisol and self-efficacy enhancement as an add-on to exposure therapy. We illustrate how the integration of findings from experimental research on fear extinction learning and self-efficacy could advance the development of more optimized treatments for ADs.
A reliable analytical technique for fractional Caudrey-Dodd-Gibbon equation with Mittag-Leffler kernel
Authors: Veeresha P. , Prakasha D. G. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe pivotal aim of the present work is to find the solution for fractional Caudrey-Dodd-Gibbon (CDG) equation using q-homotopy analysis transform method (q-HATM). The considered technique is graceful amalgamations of Laplace transform technique with q-homotopy analysis scheme, and fractional derivative defined with Atangana-Baleanu (AB) operator. The fixed point hypothesis considered in order to demonstrate the existence and uniqueness of the obtained solution for the projected fractional-order model. In order to illustrate and validate the efficiency of the future technique, we analysed the projected model in terms of fractional order. Moreover, the physical behaviour of q-HATM solutions have been captured in terms of plots for diverse fractional order and the numerical simulation is also demonstrated. The obtained results elucidate that, the considered algorithm is easy to implement, highly methodical as well as accurate and very effective to examine the nature of nonlinear differential equations of arbitrary order arisen in the connected areas of science and engineering.
Effect of magnetized variable thermal conductivity on flow and heat transfer characteristics of unsteady Williamson fluid
Authors: Shankar Usha , Naduvinamani N. B. , Basha Hussain 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA two-dimensional mathematical model of magnetized unsteady incompressible Williamson fluid flow over a sensor surface with variable thermal conductivity and exterior squeezing with viscous dissipation effect is investigated, numerically. Present flow model is developed based on the considered flow geometry. Effect of Lorentz forces on flow behaviour is described in terms of magnetic field and which is accounted in momentum equation. Influence of variable thermal conductivity on heat transfer is considered in the energy equation. Present investigated problem gives the highly complicated nonlinear, unsteady governing flow equations and which are coupled in nature. Owing to the failure of analytical/direct techniques, the considered physical problem is solved by using Runge-Kutta scheme (RK-4) via similarity transformations approach. Graphs and tables are presented to describe the physical behaviour of various control parameters on flow phenomenon. Temperature boundary layer thickens for the amplifying value of Weissenberg parameter and permeable velocity parameter. Velocity profile decreased for the increasing squeezed flow index and permeable velocity parameter. Increasing magnetic number increases the velocity profile. Magnifying squeezed flow index magnifies the magnitude of Nusselt number. Also, RK-4 efficiently solves the highly complicated nonlinear complex equations that are arising in the fluid flow problems. The present results in this article are significantly matching with the published results in the literature.
Analysing urban traffic volumes and mapping noise emissions in Rome (Italy) in the context of containment measures for the COVID-19 disease
Authors: Aletta Francesco , Brinchi Stefano , Carrese Stefano , Gemma Andrea , Guattari Claudia , Mannini Livia , Patella Sergio Maria 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
This study presents the result of a traffic simulation analysis based on Floating Car Data and a noise emission assessment to show the impact of mobility restriction for COVID-19 containment on urban vehicular traffic and road noise pollution on the road network of Rome, Italy. The adoption of strong and severe measures to contain the spreading of Coronavirus during March-April 2020 generated a significant reduction in private vehicle trips in the city of Rome (-64.6% during the lockdown). Traffic volumes, obtained through a simulation approach, were used as input parameters for a noise emission assessment conducted using the CNOSSOS-EU method, and an overall noise emissions reduction on the entire road network was found, even if its extent varied between road types.
Influence of meteorological conditions on noise dispersion in the Port of Thessaloniki
Authors: Piličić Stjepan , Kegalj Igor , Tserga Eirini , Milošević Teodora , Žigulić Roberto , Skoblar Ante , Traven Luka 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Although noise dispersion models are widely used for the assessment of noise levels across different domains, the influence of meteorological conditions on environmental noise is usually neglected even though modelling requirements often list meteorological data as a key part for conducting successful modelling exercises. In order to evaluate the magnitude of influence of meteorological conditions on noise dispersion, different meteorological scenarios have been tested. The meteorological parameters that have been addressed include wind speed and direction, air temperature and atmospheric pressure. The simulations have been performed using data obtained from the Port of Thessaloniki, which include standard noise data (locations of noise sources and barriers, noise power levels of individual sources), as well as yearly averages and extremes for the meteorological parameters. Wind speed and direction have been shown to have a major influence on environmental noise levels. The modelled difference in levels due to changes in wind speed and direction reached 7 dB in several receivers indicating an effect that should not be neglected. Air temperature and atmospheric pressure had very little influence on noise levels. In conclusion, when addressing and modelling environmental noise levels, wind speed and direction must be properly accounted for and should not be neglected.
Foundations as “Amigos o Rebeldes”: The Influence of Philanthropic Funding on Local Immigration Policy Outputs
Authors: Calderon Maria Apolonia 
Published: August 2020

AbstractResearch on foundations public policy influence, traditionally, focuses on policy reform. Largely unexplored is the influence that philanthropic funding has on recipient communities. Unlike previous research, this study uses a newly compiled dataset on immigration-related giving to study how funding for political citizenship services, integration services, and government-related advocacy influences the identification of deportable immigrants across the continental United States. The quantitative analysis indicates foundations exert indirect influence within local immigration policy outputs through the use of targeted philanthropic grants. However, the effect of the indirect influence depends upon the policy activities receiving funding. Philanthropic foundations’ providing funding for political citizenship and integration services lead to decreases in immigration enforcement. While funding for government-related advocacy can help increase immigration enforcement, it can also help address issues of equity in immigration enforcement. Interviews with foundation grantees provide further insights into how the funding of these policy activities can alter the relationship between the philanthropic community and the government agencies implementing U.S. immigration policy.
Antibacterial polymer nanofiber-coated and high elastin protein-expressing BMSCs incorporated polypropylene mesh for accelerating healing of female pelvic floor dysfunction
Authors: Liu Min , Wang Lei , Tong Xiaowen , Dai Jiamu , Li Guang , Zhang Peihua , Li Huaifang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
To solve the bio-inertness of widely used polypropylene (PP) mesh for treating pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), a novel strategy of incorporation with elastin gene-transfected bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) and antibacteria drug-loaded polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibrous mat covering layer was proposed to overcome the limitation of the pristine PP mesh. Then, a series of physicochemical and in vitro experiments were applied to investigate the improvement of the as-prepared material. The elastin protein expression was proved to be upregulated without obvious cytotoxicity influence after the gene transfection and also improved the cell migration rate. In addition, the antibacteria drug-loaded PLA nanofibrous mat on the PP mesh could efficiently inhibit bacteria and showed no significant impact on cell adhesion and proliferation. Thus, we believe that the incorporation of the elastin gene-transfected BMSCs and nanofiber-coated PP mesh would be a potential candidate in the application of female PFD.
Development of SPE clean-up procedure for acrylamide determination from potato-based products by GC-MS/MS
Authors: Negoiță Mioara , Mihai Adriana Laura , Horneț Gabriela Andreea , Duță Denisa Eglantina 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The aim of this work was to develop an analytical method for determining acrylamide in potato-based products by gas chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS/MS) using solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up. Different conditions for extraction and clean-up of AA extracts were studied on a potato crisps reference material (RM) with the value of 625 ± 45 μg/kg: the solvent volume used for AA elution, the extraction water temperature, the volume of hexane used, and also the addition of Carrez solutions. The SPE cartridge sorbents contain silica-based C-18 groups (anion and cation exchangers) and polymers (polystyrene-divinylbenzene). After SPE clean-up, extracts were derivatized with bromine compounds. A good efficiency for AA extraction and a cleaned-up extract from this matrix were obtained when the SPE procedure was carried out with water at room temperature, simultaneous with hexane, without Carrez solutions, by using two types of SPE cartridges (Isolute Multimode; Isolute ENV+), and 5 mL of elution solvent. The SPE clean-up procedure functionality was demonstrated by the results obtained in the Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme proficiency test (z-score: −0.8) on French fries (precooked) matrix and also by comparative analysis with a laboratory procedure, validated and accredited on cereal-based food matrices, in which liquid–liquid extraction and clean-up through a florisil column were realized (RSD(R) = 2.23–5.10%).