bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Audio-Based Event Detection at Different SNR Settings Using Two-Dimensional Spectrogram Magnitude Representations
Authors: Papadimitriou Ioannis , Vafeiadis Anastasios , Lalas Antonios , Votis Konstantinos , Tzovaras Dimitrios
Published: September 2020

Audio-based event detection poses a number of different challenges that are not encountered in other fields, such as image detection. Challenges such as ambient noise, low Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and microphone distance are not yet fully understood. If the multimodal approaches are to become better in a range of fields of interest, audio analysis will have to play an integral part. Event recognition in autonomous vehicles (AVs) is such a field at a nascent stage that can especially leverage solely on audio or can be part of the multimodal approach. In this manuscript, an extensive analysis focused on the comparison of different magnitude representations of the raw audio is presented. The data on which the analysis is carried out is part of the publicly available MIVIA Audio Events dataset. Single channel Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT), mel-scale and Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs) spectrogram representations are used. Furthermore, aggregation methods of the aforementioned spectrogram representations are examined; the feature concatenation compared to the stacking of features as separate channels. The effect of the SNR on recognition accuracy and the generalization of the proposed methods on datasets that were both seen and not seen during training are studied and reported.
Analysis of Input Voltage Switching Ripple in Three-Phase Four-Wire Split Capacitor PWM Inverters
Authors: Hammami Manel , Mandrioli Riccardo , Viatkin Aleksandr , Ricco Mattia , Grandi Gabriele
Published: September 2020

Three-phase, four-wire split capacitor inverters are currently employed in many applications, such as photovoltaic systems, battery chargers for electric vehicles, active power filters, and, in general, in all grid-tied applications that deal with possible grid voltage and/or current unbalances. This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of the capacitor-switching voltage ripple and dc-link switching voltage ripple for the three-phase, four-wire, split capacitor inverters. Specifically, analytical formulations of the peak-to-peak and rms values of the voltage ripples are originally pointed out in this paper and determined in the case of balanced three-phase and unbalanced (two-phase and single-phase) output (ac) currents. The obtained results can help in designing the considered inverter and sizing of the dc-link capacitors. Reference is made to the sinusoidal PWM modulation and sinusoidal three-phase output currents with an almost unity power factor, representing a grid-connected application. Extensive numerical simulations have been carried out to thoroughly verify all the analytical developments presented in this paper. Furthermore, some experimental tests, having balanced output currents on the ac side, have been accomplished, validating numerical simulations and analytical developments.
A Hybrid RCS Reduction Method for Wind Turbines
Authors: Ueng Shyh-Kuang
Published: September 2020

Wind turbine towers produce significant scatterings when illuminated by radars. Their reflectivity affects air traffic control, military surveillance, vessel tracking, and weather data sensing processes. Reducing the radar cross-section (RCS) of wind turbines is an essential task when building wind farms. It has been proved that round and bumpy structures can scatter radar waves and reduce the RCS of a reflector. Other research showed that taper towers generate smaller radar returns than cylindrical towers. In this research, we combine both strategies to devise a more effective method for designing wind turbine towers in the hope that their RCS can be further reduced. The test results reveal that the proposed method out-performs current reshaping methods. Wind turbine towers possessing taper shapes and periodic surface bumps deflect incident electromagnetic waves to insignificant directions. Thus, radar returns in the back-scattering directions decrease. Other experiments also verify that the proposed method maintains its effectiveness for radar waves with varying frequencies and polarization.
Evaluation of the Ignition Effect in Constant Volume Combustion Chamber Based on Matching Effect of High Voltage (MEHV) Method
Authors: Kim Kwonse , Han Jaeyoung , Im Seokyeon
Published: September 2020

The characteristics of spark ignition with a constant volume combustion chamber (CVCC) is evaluated for the efficiency of capacitive-assisted ignition (CAI), such as spark kernel and flame growth. The conventional spark method and matching effect of high voltage (MEHV) method are evaluated to compare the spark growth distribution characteristics. To do this study, a plasma system is used and is consisted of input power, three capacitors, a transformer, high voltage cable, J-type of a spark plug, diode, and CVCC. The experiment is conducted under various operating conditions, such as 1 bar, 295 K of initial temperature, 50, 100, 150 V of ignition box, 400 V of MEHV, 0.7 ms of spark duration, and 0 kΩ of plug resistor. The results show that the spark growth at the initial voltages of 100 V and 150 V has the same characteristic, and the surface area is increased by 13 mm2 at 150 V compared to 100 V because capacitance energy stored in three capacitors is efficiently induced by the effect of dielectric breakdown and electron collision. Consequently, the spark growth of MEVH is widely distributed atmospheric more than the conventional spark, and the internal temperature of the spark kernel could be presumed to change the non-thermal plasma to thermal plasma by MEHV.
Monochamus Saltuarius Endangers Pinus tabuliformis Carr. and Carries Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Buhrer) in China
Authors: Pan Long , Li Yongxia , Cui Rong , Liu Zhenkai , Zhang Xingyao
Published: September 2020

The pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) can cause fatal damage to trees and is transmitted by the vector species of the Monochamus genus. In December 2017, pinewood nematodes were found to be harming a large plot of pine trees, Pinus tabuliformis, in a new region with an average annual temperature of 6.7 °C in China. However, the vector insects were unknown and urgently needed to be identified. Hence, in April 2018, we collected wood sections of P. tabuliformis trees that had died from pine wilt disease. All 127 longhorn beetles that emerged from the P. tabuliformis samples were identified as Monochamus saltuarius, and the nematodes they carried were fourth-stage dispersal juveniles of the pinewood nematode. The carrier rate of pinewood nematodes in the M. saltuarius population was 58.3%, and the average carrying capacity was 642.4 ± 89.3. In the same P. tabuliformis plot, 742 M. saltuarius beetles were collected from hormone traps. Our results revealed that M. saltuarius can damage P. tabuliformis and is a new vector species of the pinewood nematode in China. These findings can inform the prevention and control of pinewood nematode damage to pine forests.
Determinants of Landowners’ Willingness to Participate in Bioenergy Crop Production: A Case Study from Northern Kentucky
Authors: Nepal Sandhya , Tran Liem T. , Hodges Donald G.
Published: September 2020

Bioenergy crops are considered as potential biomass feedstocks to support the bioenergy industry in the southern US. Even though there are suitable areas to grow bioenergy crops, commercial scale production of bioenergy crops has not been established to meet the increasing energy demand. Establishing bioenergy crops in the region requires landowners’ participation and it is crucial to understand whether they intend to promote bioenergy crop production. This study evaluated landowners’ perception of bioenergy and their willingness to supply lands for bioenergy crops in northern Kentucky. A questionnaire survey of randomly selected landowners was administered in four selected counties. Results indicated that landowners’ land use decisions for bioenergy crop production were based on their current land management practices, socio-economic and environmental factors. Overall, there was a low willingness of landowners to participate in bioenergy crop production. Those who were interested indicated that a higher biomass price would be required to promote bioenergy crops on their land. This information could be useful to plan for policies that provide economic incentives to landowners for large-scale production of bioenergy crops in the study area and beyond. Further, results showed how landowners’ opinion on bioenergy affected their preferences for land use decisions. Younger landowners with positive attitude towards bioenergy were more willing to promote bioenergy crops. This information could be useful to develop outreach programs for landowners to encourage them to promote bioenergy crops in the study area.
Evaluation of Country Dietary Habits Using Machine Learning Techniques in Relation to Deaths from COVID-19
Authors: García-Ordás María Teresa , Arias Natalia , Benavides Carmen , García-Olalla Oscar , Benítez-Andrades José Alberto
Published: September 2020

COVID-19 disease has affected almost every country in the world. The large number of infected people and the different mortality rates between countries has given rise to many hypotheses about the key points that make the virus so lethal in some places. In this study, the eating habits of 170 countries were evaluated in order to find correlations between these habits and mortality rates caused by COVID-19 using machine learning techniques that group the countries together according to the different distribution of fat, energy, and protein across 23 different types of food, as well as the amount ingested in kilograms. Results shown how obesity and the high consumption of fats appear in countries with the highest death rates, whereas countries with a lower rate have a higher level of cereal consumption accompanied by a lower total average intake of kilocalories.
Change in Oxidative Stress Biomarkers During 30 Days in Saturation Dive: A Pilot Study
Authors: Mrakic-Sposta Simona , Vezzoli Alessandra , D’Alessandro Federica , Paganini Matteo , Dellanoce Cinzia , Cialoni Danilo , Bosco Gerardo
Published: September 2020

Saturation diving allows divers to reduce the risk of decompression sickness while working at depth for prolonged periods but may increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Such modifications can affect endothelial function by exacerbating oxidative stress. This study investigated the effects of saturation diving on oxidative stress damage. Redox status was evaluated through: ROS production; total antioxidant capacity (TAC); nitric oxide metabolites (NOx); nitrotyrosine (3-NT); and lipid peroxidation (8-iso-PGF2α) assessment. Creatinine and neopterin were analyzed as markers of renal function and damage. Measurements were performed on saliva and urine samples obtained at four time points: pre; deep; post; and 24 h post. Four divers were included in the study. After the saturation dive (post), significant (p < 0.05) increases in ROS (0.12 ± 0.03 vs. 0.36 ± 0.06 µmol.min−1), TAC (1.88 ± 0.03 vs. 2.01 ± 0.08 mM), NOx (207.0 ± 103.3 vs. 441.8 ± 97.3 µM), 3-NT (43.32 ± 18.03 vs. 18.64 ± 7.45 nM·L−1), and 8-iso-PGF2α (249.7 ± 45.1 vs. 371.9 ± 54.9 pg·mg−1 creatinine) were detected. Markers of renal damage were increased as well after the end of the saturation dive (creatinine 0.54 ± 0.22 vs. 2.72 ± 1.12 g-L−1; neopterin 73.3 ± 27.9 vs. 174.3 ± 20.53 μmol·mol−1 creatinine). These results could ameliorate commercial or military diving protocols or improve the understanding of symptoms caused by oxygen level elevation.
A Comprehensive Assessment of the Associations Between Season of Conception and Birth Defects, Texas, 1999–2015
Authors: Benavides Elisa , Lupo Philip J. , Langlois Peter H. , Schraw Jeremy M.
Published: September 2020

Birth defects prevalence may vary seasonally, but previous studies have focused on a few commonly occurring phenotypes. We performed a phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) in order to evaluate the associations between season of conception and a broad range of birth defects. Date of conception was estimated for all livebirths and birth defect cases in Texas from 1999–2015 using data from vital records, provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services Center for Health Statistics. Birth defects diagnoses were obtained from the Texas Birth Defects Registry, a statewide, active surveillance system. We estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) for phenotypes with ≥50 cases according to conception in spring (March-May), summer (June–August) or fall (September–November) relative to winter (December–February), using Poisson regression. Season of conception was associated with 5% of birth defects studied in models adjusted for maternal age, education, race/ethnicity, and number of previous livebirths. Specifically, summer conception was associated with any monitored birth defect (PR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.04) and five specific phenotypes, most notably Hirschsprung disease (PR 1.46, 95% CI 1.22–1.75). These findings suggest that seasonally variable exposures influence the development of several birth defects and may assist in identifying novel environmental risk factors.
The Importance of Self-Determination to the Quality of Life of People with Intellectual Disability: A Perspective
Authors: Wehmeyer Michael L.
Published: September 2020

There is both an intuitive and theoretical link between self-determination and quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Theoretically, definitions of self-determination have framed the construct with regard to its contribution to a person’s overall quality of life, while theoretical frameworks of quality of life have included self-determination among the core dimensions contributing to enhanced quality of life. These theoretical linkages have been supported by research on the quality of life and self-determination of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the relationships between these constructs. This article provides an overview of theoretical frameworks of self-determination, their relationship with theoretical frameworks of quality of life, and research pertaining to these constructs with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is concluded that self-determination and quality of life are important constructs in designing supports that enable people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and that an important means to enhance the quality of life of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is to promote and enable people to be self-determined.
Information Technology Use and Cyberbullying Behavior in South Thailand: A Test of the Goldilocks Hypothesis
Authors: Sittichai Ruthaychonnee , Smith Peter K.
Published: September 2020

There has been concern about the effects of high levels of internet use on the mental well-being of young people. This has generally been phrased in terms of a displacement hypothesis, that the extent of internet use and mental well-being are directly proportional. This linear model has been contrasted with a Goldilocks Hypothesis, proposed by Przybylski and Weinstein. This supposes that moderate levels of internet use may be the least harmful, conforming to a curvilinear relationship. Here these hypotheses were tested on a sample of 1140 adolescents (42% boys, 58% girls) aged 12–18 years, in 12 schools from Southern Thailand. We first report levels of internet use, and of cybervictimization, taken as one important aspect of mental well-being. We then assess the relationship of four factors of internet use (frequency, time spent, number of places accessed, number of activities) with (a) being a victim of cyberbullying, and (b) being a frequent victim; taking these as indicators of mental well-being. For (a) there was limited evidence of a Goldilocks effect on two out of four measures. For (b) the evidence did support a Goldilocks effect for all four measures, but these were under-powered analyses and the findings did not reach statistical significance. If substantiated on larger samples, a curvilinear relationship between aspects of internet use and cyberbullying would suggest a ‘safe zone’ for adolescent internet use, bringing its benefits while minimizing risks of cyberbullying. In the future, similar research should use larger sample sizes or longitudinal measures when exploring nonlinear trends and include other aspects of mental well-being.
Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals Accumulated on PM2.5 Fractioned Road Dust from Two Cities of Pakistan
Authors: Moryani Haseeb Tufail , Kong Shuqiong , Du Jiangkun , Bao Jianguo
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study is to identify and investigate levels of toxic heavy metals in PM2.5 fractioned road dust to better understand the associated inhalation risk and potential health impacts. To achieve this aim, concentrations of seven traffic generated heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Sb, and Cr) were determined in the PM2.5 fraction of road dust samples from four different locations (offices, residential, hospital, and school) in two cities (Karachi and Shikarpur) of Pakistan using ICP-MS. The average concentration values of heavy metals in Karachi were as follows: 332.9 mg/kg Cu, 426.6 mg/kg Pb, 4254.4 mg/kg Zn, 62.3 mg/kg Cd, 389.7 mg/kg Ni, 70.4 mg/kg Sb, 148.1 mg/kg Cr, whereas the average concentration values of heavy metals in Shikarpur were 245.8 mg/kg Cu, 538.4 mg/kg Pb, 8351.0 mg/kg Zn, 57.6 mg/kg Cd, 131.7 mg/kg Ni, 314.5 mg/kg Sb, 346.6 mg/kg Cr. The pollution level was assessed through two pollution indices enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo). These indices showed moderate to extreme level pollution in studied areas of both cities. The health risk assessment through inhalation contact was conducted according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) model for children and adults. Both non-cancerous and cancerous risks were characterised in the road dust samples for each location. As yet, there is not a single study on the concentrations of heavy metals in PM2.5 fractions of road dust in Karachi and Shikarpur, findings of this research will facilitate researchers for further investigations in current field.
What Makes Hotel Chefs in Korea Interact with SNS Community at Work? Modeling the Interplay between Social Capital and Job Satisfaction by the Level of Customer Orientation
Authors: Seo Sang-Won , Kim Hyeon-Cheol , Zhu Zong-Yi , Lee Jung-Tak
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to investigate the effect of social network services (SNS) on hotel chef job satisfaction, and to provide an effective strategy to reduce chef turnover and maintain sustainable economic development in hospitality. The intention was to empirically test and analyze the effect of SNS on hotel chef job satisfaction by applying the social capital theory. The social capital theory was explored and the effect of chefs’ social capital on their social presence and job satisfaction was demonstrated. Furthermore, this study aimed to determine the moderation effect of customer orientation. A total of 130 surveys were collected from chefs working at Michelin-starred restaurants in Seoul, Korea. SPSS and AMOS were used to conduct statistical analyses. The outputs included exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, convergent analysis, discriminant analysis, path analysis, mediation effect analysis, and moderation effect analysis. The results illustrated that bridging social capital significantly impacts chef social presence, while bonding social capital does not significantly influence their presence. In addition, both bonding and bridging social capital positively relate to chef job satisfaction. Significant mediation and moderation effects were demonstrated on the path taken by chefs. The results of this study offer theoretical and managerial implications for hotel human resources managers to enhance chef job satisfaction.
HealthyBlock: Blockchain-Based IT Architecture for Electronic Medical Records Resilient to Connectivity Failures
Authors: Gutiérrez Omar , Romero Giordy , Pérez Luis , Salazar Augusto , Charris Marina , Wightman Pedro
Published: September 2020

The current information systems for the registration and control of electronic medical records (EMR) present a series of problems in terms of the fragmentation, security, and privacy of medical information, since each health institution, laboratory, doctor, etc. has its own database and manages its own information, without the intervention of patients. This situation does not favor effective treatment and prevention of diseases for the population, due to potential information loss, misinformation, or data leaks related to a patient, which in turn may imply a direct risk for the individual and high public health costs for governments. One of the proposed solutions to this problem has been the creation of electronic medical record (EMR) systems using blockchain networks; however, most of them do not take into account the occurrence of connectivity failures, such as those found in various developing countries, which can lead to failures in the integrity of the system data. To address these problems, HealthyBlock is presented in this paper as an architecture based on blockchain networks, which proposes a unified electronic medical record system that considers different clinical providers, with resilience in data integrity during connectivity failure and with usability, security, and privacy characteristics. On the basis of the HealthyBlock architecture, a prototype was implemented for the care of patients in a network of hospitals. The results of the evaluation showed high efficiency in keeping the EMRs of patients unified, updated, and secure, regardless of the network clinical provider they consult.
Profile of Self-Reported Physical Tasks and Physical Training in Brazilian Special Operations Units: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Marins Eduardo , Barbosa Ossian , Machado Eduardo , Orr Robin , Dawes Jay , Del Vecchio Fabrício
Published: September 2020

There is limited research examining the physical tasks that Brazilian special policemen groups can perform in the line of duty. The aims of this study were to (a) identify the occupational tasks of specialist police personnel serving in the Rapid Response Group (GRR) and Tactical Operations Command (COT), and to profile the frequency, difficulty, and importance of these tasks, and (b) to explore the current physical training these special operations police units (SOPUs) officers undertake to maintain their operational fitness. Univariate analysis for numerical variables (mean and standard deviation (SD)), as well as the absolute and relative frequencies for categorical variables were performed. Two Brazilian SOPUs performed a questionnaire with demographic, performance, and physical training sections. A total of 78 respondents (24 of the GRR and 54 of the COT) completed the survey. “Standing and/or sitting with complete equipment for long periods in different climatic conditions”, and “lifting/pushing/pulling heavier objects” were the most frequent and difficult occupational tasks of both SOPUs, respectively. “Shooting a long weapon” and “breaking a door” were the most important for GRR and COT, respectively. All officers undertook regular physical training (~9 h/week), in an unstructured manner, without supervision, and planning of physical training is carried out autonomously (COT) or a mixture of autonomously and directed (GRR), with the main objectives of developing aerobic endurance and muscle strength. It is important that SOPUs teams train their members’ physical capabilities to perform the tasks identified in this study, as well as follow a structured, supervised, and planned physical training program.
Effects of Mini-Dystrophin on Dystrophin-Deficient, Human Skeletal Muscle-Derived Cells
Authors: Meng Jinhong , Counsell John , Morgan Jennifer E.
Published: September 2020

Background: We are developing a novel therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), involving the transplantation of autologous, skeletal muscle-derived stem cells that have been genetically corrected to express dystrophin. Dystrophin is normally expressed in activated satellite cells and in differentiated muscle fibres. However, in past preclinical validation studies, dystrophin transgenes have generally been driven by constitutive promoters that would be active at every stage of the myogenic differentiation process, including in proliferating muscle stem cells. It is not known whether artificial dystrophin expression would affect the properties of these cells. Aims: Our aims are to determine if mini-dystrophin expression affects the proliferation or myogenic differentiation of DMD skeletal muscle-derived cells. Methods: Skeletal muscle-derived cells from a DMD patient were transduced with lentivirus coding for mini-dystrophins (R3–R13 spectrin-like repeats (ΔR3R13) or hinge2 to spectrin-like repeats R23 (ΔH2R23)) with EGFP (enhanced green fluorescence protein) fused to the C-terminus, driven by a constitutive promoter, spleen focus-forming virus (SFFV). Transduced cells were purified on the basis of GFP expression. Their proliferation and myogenic differentiation were quantified by ethynyl deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation and fusion index. Furthermore, dystrophin small interfering ribonucleic acids (siRNAs) were transfected to the cells to reverse the effects of the mini-dystrophin. Finally, a phospho-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) array assay was performed to investigate signalling pathway changes caused by dystrophin expression. Results: Cell proliferation was not affected in cells transduced with ΔR3R13, but was significantly increased in cells transduced with ΔH2R23. The fusion index of myotubes derived from both ΔR3R13- and ΔH2R23 -expressing cells was significantly compromised in comparison to myotubes derived from non-transduced cells. Dystrophin siRNA transfection restored the differentiation of ΔH2R23-expressing cells. The Erk1/2- signalling pathway is altered in cells transduced with mini-dystrophin constructs. Conclusions: Ectopic expression of dystrophin in cultured human skeletal muscle-derived cells may affect their proliferation and differentiation capacity. Caution should be taken when considering genetic correction of autologous stem cells to express dystrophin driven by a constitutive promoter.
Iris Colour and the Risk of Developing Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Houtzagers Laurien E. , Wierenga Annemijn P. A. , Ruys Aleid A. M. , Luyten Gregorius P. M. , Jager Martine J.
Published: September 2020

Uveal melanoma (UM) is a global disease which especially occurs in elderly people. Its incidence varies widely between populations, with the highest incidence among Caucasians, and a South-to-North increase in Europe. As northern Europeans often have blond hair and light eyes, we wondered whether iris colour may be a predisposing factor for UM and if so, why. We compared the distribution of iris colour between Dutch UM patients and healthy Dutch controls, using data from the Rotterdam Study (RS), and reviewed the literature regarding iris colour. We describe molecular mechanisms that might explain the observed associations. When comparing a group of Dutch UM patients with controls, we observed that individuals from Caucasian ancestry with a green/hazel iris colour (Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.64, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 2.57–5.14) and individuals with a blue/grey iris colour (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.04–1.82) had a significantly higher crude risk of UM than those with brown eyes. According to the literature, this may be due to a difference in the function of pheomelanin (associated with a light iris colour) and eumelanin (associated with a brown iris colour). The combination of light-induced stress and aging may affect pheomelanin-carrying melanocytes in a different way than eumelanin-carrying melanocytes, increasing the risk of developing a malignancy.
First Evidence of Kv3.1b Potassium Channel Subtype Expression during Neuronal Serotonergic 1C11 Cell Line Development
Authors: Tabka Hager , Cheikh Amani , Maatoug Sonia , Ayeb Mohamed El , Bendahhou Saïd , Benkhalifa Rym
Published: September 2020

Kv3.1 channel is abundantly expressed in neurons and its dysfunction causes sleep loss, neurodegenerative diseases and depression. Fluoxetine, a serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor commonly used to treat depression, acts also on Kv3.1. To define the relationship between Kv3.1 and serotonin receptors (SR) pharmacological modulation, we showed that 1C11, a serotonergic cell line, expresses different voltage gated potassium (VGK) channels subtypes in the presence (differentiated cells (1C11D)) or absence (not differentiated cells (1C11ND)) of induction. Only Kv1.2 and Kv3.1 transcripts increase even if the level of Kv3.1b transcripts is highest in 1C11D and, after fluoxetine, in 1C11ND but decreases in 1C11D. The Kv3.1 channel protein is expressed in 1C11ND and 1C11D but is enhanced by fluoxetine only in 1C11D. Whole cell measurements confirm that 1C11 cells express (VGK) currents, increasing sequentially as a function of cell development. Moreover, SR 5HT1b is highly expressed in 1C11D but fluoxetine increases the level of transcript in 1C11ND and significantly decreases it in 1C11D. Serotonin dosage shows that fluoxetine at 10 nM blocks serotonin reuptake in 1C11ND but slows down its release when cells are differentiated through a decrease of 5HT1b receptors density. We provide the first experimental evidence that 1C11 expresses Kv3.1b, which confirms its major role during differentiation. Cells respond to the fluoxetine effect by upregulating Kv3.1b expression. On the other hand, the possible relationship between the fluoxetine effect on the kinetics of 5HT1b differentiation and Kv3.1bexpression, would suggest the Kv3.1b channel as a target of an antidepressant drug as well as it was suggested for 5HT1b.
Information Sharing Strategies in the Social Media Era: The Perspective of Financial Performance and CSR in the Food Industry
Authors: Mądra-Sawicka Magdalena , Paliszkiewicz Joanna
Published: September 2020

This paper aims to identify financial measures that are related to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) involvement activities. The study concerns the food industry, in which clients, as well as stakeholders, increasingly appreciate socially responsible companies, which could be a crucial factor for future growth strategy. An analysis was made on a sample of 448 food companies from 50 countries in 2009–2020. As a financial measure for CSR assessment, we used profitability ratios, dividend payout ratio, price-to-earnings ratio and market capitalization. The results confirmed that CSR reporting was a crucial division that differentiated companies from the perspective of profitability, OE, market capitalization, and share price. The CSR practices that are realized and published in reports become an important signal for investors that the company has a good financial situation and is able to invest in CSR without reducing its performance.
A Newly Reported Parasitoid, Pentatomophaga latifascia (Diptera: Tachinidae), of Adult Halyomorpha halys in Beijing, China
Authors: Chen Juhong , Li Wenjing , Mi Qianqian , Zhang Feng , Shi Shusen , Zhang Jinping
Published: September 2020

Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a serious pest in agriculture and forests, as both adults and nymphs feed by piercing the surface of the plant and fruit tissues, causing damage. The eggs of H. halys are commonly attacked by parasitoids, however, the nymph and the adult are rarely attacked by natural enemies. We surveyed the parasitoids of adult H. halys by collecting samples from overwintering populations at three different locations and checked their body surfaces for the presence of tachinid eggs. Any host adults carrying tachinid eggs were reared in a cage for further species identification. We found that the eggs of Pentatomophaga latifascia (Villeneuve) (Diptera: Tachinidae) were laid on the surface of H. halys, and the hatched larvae penetrated the host body and fed internally to develop. The last larval instar emerged from the host to develop into pupae, killing the host in the process. According to the field survey, the average parasitism of H. halys by P. latifascia was 2.42%. The parasitoids of adult H. halys in their native range have so far been little studied and may provide a complementary component of egg parasitoids for biological control against H. halys in invaded areas.
Abdominal Symptoms and Colonic Diverticula in Marfan’s Syndrome: A Clinical and Ultrasonographic Case Control Study
Authors: Maconi Giovanni , Pini Alessandro , Pasqualone Elia , Ardizzone Sandro , Bassotti Gabrio
Published: September 2020

Background: Marfan’s syndrome (MFS) seems to be frequently associated with colonic diverticulosis, but the prevalence of diverticula and symptoms evocative of diverticular disease in this population are still unknown. Methods: This prospective case control study included 90 consecutive patients with MFS, 90 unselected controls, and 90 asymptomatic subjects. The clinical characteristics, including lower gastrointestinal symptoms, and ultrasonographic features of the bowel, including diverticula and thickening of the muscularis propria of the sigmoid colon, were investigated. In addition, the genotype of MFS patients was assessed. The characteristics of patients and controls were compared using parametric tests. Results: Complaints of abdominal symptoms were made by 23 (25.6%) patients with MFS and 48 (53%) control subjects (p < 0.01). Constipation and bloating were reported less frequently by MFS patients than controls (constipation: 13.3% vs. 26.6%, p = 0.039; bloating: 3.3% vs. 41.1%, p < 0.0001), while other symptoms were not significantly different. Sigmoid diverticulosis was detected in 12 (12.3%) patients with MFS, as well as in 3 (3.3%) asymptomatic healthy subjects and 4 (4.4%) random controls (p = 0.0310). The genetic variants of MFS were not correlated with symptoms or diverticula. Conclusion: Patients with MFS have a greater prevalence of diverticula, although less abdominal symptoms, compared to the general population. Symptoms and diverticula in MFS are not correlated with any genetic variant.
Vedolizumab Serum Trough Concentrations and Response to Dose Escalation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Vaughn Byron P. , Yarur Andres J. , Graziano Elliot , Campbell James P. , Bhattacharya Abhik , Lee Jennifer Y. , Gheysens Katherine , Papamichael Konstantinos , Osterman Mark T. , Cheifetz Adam S. , Cross Raymond K.
Published: September 2020

Serum vedolizumab concentrations are associated with clinical response although, it is unknown if vedolizumab concentrations predict response to dose escalation. The aim of this study was to identify if vedolizumab trough concentrations predicted the response to vedolizumab dose escalation. We assessed a retrospective cohort of patients on maintenance vedolizumab dosing at five tertiary care centers with vedolizumab trough concentrations. Multivariate logistic regression was used to control for potential confounders of association of vedolizumab concentration and clinical status. Those who underwent a dose escalation were further examined to assess if vedolizumab trough concentration predicted the subsequent response. One hundred ninety-two patients were included. On multivariate analysis, vedolizumab trough concentration (p = 0.03) and the use of immunomodulator (p = 0.006) were associated with clinical remission. Receiver operator curve analysis identified a cut off of 7.4 μg/mL for clinical remission. Of the fifty-eight patients with dose escalated, 74% of those with a vedolizumab concentration <7.4 μg/mL responded versus 52% of those with a vedolizumab trough concentration ≥7.4 μg/mL (p = 0.08). After adjustment for relevant confounders, the odds ratio for response with vedolizumab concentration <7.4 μg/mL was 3.7 (95% CI, 1.1–13; p = 0.04). Vedolizumab trough concentration are associated with clinical status and can identify individuals likely to respond to dose escalation. However, a substantial portion of patients above the identified cut off still had a positive response. Vedolizumab trough concentration is a potentially helpful factor in determining the need for dose escalation in patients losing response.
Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy Assessment of Pituitary Tumor Microstructure: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Belykh Evgenii , Ngo Brandon , Farhadi Dara S. , Zhao Xiaochun , Mooney Michael A. , White William L. , Daniels Jessica K. , Little Andrew S. , Eschbacher Jennifer M. , Preul Mark C.
Published: September 2020

This is the first study to assess confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) use within the transsphenoidal approach and show the feasibility of obtaining digital diagnostic biopsies of pituitary tumor tissue after intravenous fluorescein injection. We confirmed that the CLE probe reaches the tuberculum sellae through the transnasal transsphenoidal corridor in cadaveric heads. Next, we confirmed that CLE provides images with identifiable histological features of pituitary adenoma. Biopsies from nine patients who underwent pituitary adenoma surgery were imaged ex vivo at various times after fluorescein injection and were assessed by a blinded board-certified neuropathologist. With frozen sections used as the standard, pituitary adenoma was diagnosed as “definitively” for 13 and as “favoring” in 3 of 16 specimens. CLE digital biopsies were diagnostic for pituitary adenoma in 10 of 16 specimens. The reasons for nondiagnostic CLE images were biopsy acquisition <1 min or >10 min after fluorescein injection (n = 5) and blood artifacts (n = 1). In conclusion, fluorescein provided sufficient contrast for CLE at a dose of 2 mg/kg, optimally 1–10 min after injection. These results provide a basis for further in vivo studies using CLE in transsphenoidal surgery.
Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin, Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha, and Calprotectin as Non-Invasive Biomarkers of Food Protein-Induced Allergic Proctocolitis in Infants
Authors: Rycyk Artur , Cudowska Beata , Lebensztejn Dariusz M.
Published: September 2020

Diagnosis of non-IgE mediated food allergy presents a special challenge due to lack of a single, non-invasive diagnostic method. We selected three fecal biomarkers of allergic inflammation of gastrointestinal origin in order to improve the diagnostic process. Twenty-seven infants with symptoms of hematochezia were prospectively enrolled into this study. All patients underwent a complete differential diagnosis of rectal bleeding. Non-IgE mediated food allergy was confirmed by an open, oral food challenge. The control group included twenty-five infants with functional gastrointestinal disorders. Eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and calprotectin concentration were measured in stools of all children by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) using commercial kits. Median eosinophil-derived neurotoxin and calprotectin fecal levels were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The difference of fecal tumor necrosis factor alpha concentration between both groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The best diagnostic performance was reached in a combination of fecal calprotectin (fCal) and EDN i.e., 88.9% and 84%, respectively. Fecal EDN and fCAl are reliable tools in differentiating between food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis and gastrointestinal functional disorders in infants.
Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Total Knee Replacement in Patients <65 Years of Age—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Trieu Jason , Gould Daniel J. , Schilling Chris , Spelman Tim , Dowsey Michelle M. , Choong Peter F.
Published: September 2020

An increasing number of total knee replacements (TKRs) are being performed in response to the growing burden of osteoarthritis. Patients <65 years of age represent the fastest growing group of TKR recipients and are expected to account for an increasing number of primary and revision procedures. Concerns have been raised about the outcomes that can be expected by this age demographic who are more active, physically demanding, and have longer life expectancies compared to older TKR recipients. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of TKR for osteoarthritis in patients <65 years of age, compared to older individuals. A systematic search of Embase and Medline was conducted to identify studies which examined patient-reported outcomes measured using disease-specific and generic health-related quality of life instruments. Ten studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in this review. These studies comprised 1747 TKRs performed between 1977 and 2014. In the meta-analysis of two prospective studies (288 TKRs), patients <65 years of age were able to attain large and clinically meaningful improvements in pain, function, and quality of life. One of these studies (61 TKRs) suggested that patients <55 years of age attained a larger degree of improvement compared to older individuals. Results into the second postoperative decade were less certain, with some data suggesting a high prevalence of pain and patterns of functional decline. Further research is required to investigate longer-term outcomes following TKR for osteoarthritis in younger patients.
The Effect of Virtual Reality on Preoperative Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Koo Chang-Hoon , Park Jin-Woo , Ryu Jung-Hee , Han Sung-Hee
Published: September 2020

Virtual reality (VR), a technology that provides a stimulated sensory experience, has recently been implemented in various fields of medicine. Several studies have investigated the efficacy of VR on preoperative anxiety. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to validate whether VR could relieve preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing surgery. Electronic databases were searched to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of VR on preoperative anxiety. The primary outcome was defined as the preoperative anxiety scores. We estimated the effect size using the standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random effect model. Ultimately, 10 RCTs, with a total of 813 patients, were included in the final analysis. Preoperative anxiety was significantly lower in the VR group than in the control group (SMD −0.64, 95% CI −1.08 to −0.20, p = 0.004). In a subgroup analysis, the preoperative anxiety scores were lower in the VR group than in the control group in pediatric patients (SMD −0.71, 95% CI −1.14 to −0.27, p = 0.002), whereas a significant difference was not observed between the two groups in adult patients (p = 0.226). The results of this meta-analysis indicated that VR could decrease preoperative anxiety, especially in pediatric patients.
Special Issue “Oral Health and Systemic Diseases”
Authors: Schmalz Gerhard , Ziebolz Dirk
Published: September 2020

With an enormous prevalence worldwide, diseases of the oral cavity and respective tissues are a highly relevant global health issue [...]
Irisin in Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Kukla Michał , Skladany Lubomir , Menżyk Tomasz , Derra Aleksandra , Stygar Dominika , Skonieczna Magdalena , Hudy Dorota , Nabrdalik Katarzyna , Gumprecht Janusz , Marlicz Wojciech , Koulaouzidis Anastasios , Koller Tomas
Published: September 2020

Background: Sarcopenia is a prevalent muscle abnormality characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, common among patients with decompensated advanced chronic liver disease (dACLD). Irisin is a recently identified myokine, which is mainly expressed and secreted by skeletal muscle. Pointing to the essential role of irisin in metabolic regulation and energy expenditure we hypothesize that it plays an important role in cirrhosis development and progression. Aim: To assess irisin serum levels in patients with dACLD, with different cirrhosis stage and etiology. To analyze relationship between sarcopenia and irisin serum levels. Methods: Serum irisin concentrations were measured with commercially available ELISA kits in 88 cirrhotic patients. Recorded parameters of muscle mass were hand-grip strength (HGS), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAC), and transversal psoas muscle index (TPMI). Results: There was no difference in serum irisin levels between cirrhotic patients with different Child-Pugh (CTP) and model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, and those with and without ascites. The Liver Frailty Index (LFI) was significantly higher in patients with more advanced liver disease according to CTP and MELD. There was no association between serum irisin level with MAC (r = 0.04, p = 0.74) nor with TPMI (r = 0.20, p = 0.06). We observed significant negative correlation between serum irisin level and age (r = −0.35, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Serum irisin levels did not correlate with sarcopenia. There was no difference in serum irisin levels between cirrhotic patients with and without diabetes. There was no difference in serum irisin levels among patients with more severe dACLD, although we observed significant LFI increase among patients with more advanced liver disease.
Extent of Soil Acidity in No-Tillage Systems in the Western Cape Province of South Africa
Authors: Liebenberg Adriaan , van der Nest John Richard (Ruan) , Hardie Ailsa G. , Labuschagne Johan , Swanepoel Pieter Andreas
Published: September 2020

Roughly 90% of farmers in the Western Cape Province of South Africa have converted to no-tillage systems to improve the efficiency of crop production. Implementation of no-tillage restricts the mixing of soil amendments, such as limestone, into soil. Stratification of nutrients and pH is expected. A soil survey was conducted to determine the extent and geographical spread of acid soils and pH stratification throughout the Western Cape. Soil samples (n = 653) were taken at three depths (0–5, 5–15, 15–30 cm) from no-tillage fields. Differential responses (p ≤ 0.05) between the two regions (Swartland and southern Cape), as well as soil depth, and annual rainfall influenced (p ≤ 0.05) exchangeable acidity, Ca and Mg, pH(KCl), and acid saturation. A large portion (19.3%) of soils (specifically in the Swartland region) had at least one depth increment with pH(KCl) ≤ 5.0, which is suboptimal for wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), and canola (Brassica napus). Acid saturation in the 5–15 cm depth increment in the Swartland was above the 8% threshold for production of most crops. Acid soils are a significant threat to crop production in the region and needs tactical agronomic intervention (e.g. strategic tillage) to ensure sustainability.
Mixture Optimization of Recycled Aggregate Concrete Using Hybrid Machine Learning Model
Authors: Nunez Itzel , Marani Afshin , Nehdi Moncef L.
Published: September 2020

Recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) contributes to mitigating the depletion of natural aggregates, alleviating the carbon footprint of concrete construction, and averting the landfilling of colossal amounts of construction and demolition waste. However, complexities in the mixture optimization of RAC due to the variability of recycled aggregates and lack of accuracy in estimating its compressive strength require novel and sophisticated techniques. This paper aims at developing state-of-the-art machine learning models to predict the RAC compressive strength and optimize its mixture design. Results show that the developed models including Gaussian processes, deep learning, and gradient boosting regression achieved robust predictive performance, with the gradient boosting regression trees yielding highest prediction accuracy. Furthermore, a particle swarm optimization coupled with gradient boosting regression trees model was developed to optimize the mixture design of RAC for various compressive strength classes. The hybrid model achieved cost-saving RAC mixture designs with lower environmental footprint for different target compressive strength classes. The model could be further harvested to achieve sustainable concrete with optimal recycled aggregate content, least cost, and least environmental footprint.