bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sharing teaching ideas
Authors: Schultz Donald B. , May Beverly A. , Moore Theodore F.
Published: January 2021

“Sharing Teaching Ideas” offers practical tips on the teaching of topics related to the secondary school curriculum We hope to include classroom-tested approaches that offer new slants on familiar subjects for the beginning and the experienced teacher. See the masthead page for details on submitting manuscripts for review.
Developmental Math: Problem Solving and Survival
Authors: Chisko Ann M.
Published: January 2021

Before students enroll in such college- level mathematics classes as calculus, statistics, or precalculus algebra and trigonometry, they may need to take preliminary courses. These courses cover prealgebra arithmetic or beginning and intermediate algebraic topics commonly offered at the middle and secondary school levels.
Model Solutions to Quadratic Equations
Authors: McNaughton Alastair
Published: January 2021

Here is a method of representing quadratic functions by three-dimensional wire models. It enables one to form a simple geometric concept of the location of the imaginary zeros. I have been using this material with my students and have been delighted with the ease with which they respond to it. As a result, their confidence in dealing with complex numbers has increased, their concept of functions has shown much improvement, and they are attacking problems with real insight.
Microcomputer-Assisted Mathematics: Using the Microcomputer to Find the Zeros of a Polynomial Function
Authors: Friesen Charles D.
Published: January 2021

Mathematics teachers are finding more and more opportunities to use the microcomputer as a tool in their classes. The synthetic-division program listed in the Appendix has been used in advanced algebra, analysis, and calculus classes. This program can be used in a variety of settings. This article will deal with its use in searching for the zeros of polynomial functions. The program can also be used to evaluate polynomials, obtain quotients, and search for the upper and lower bounds of the zeros of a polynomial.
Effect of Concussions on National Football League Quarterback Performance
Authors: Heintz Elizabeth C. , Foret Emily F. , Foreman Jeremy J.
Published: January 2021

Background: Sports-related concussion (SRC) rates are higher in American football than any other sport; therefore, the effects of SRCs on professional football players is a prevalent topic. Previous research has shown that sustaining an SRC has negative financial and overall career outcomes for athletes and may cause performance decrements after an athlete returns to play, however, the results of previous research regarding athlete performance after returning from an SRC are mixed. While some studies found that player performance in the National Football League (NFL) was unaffected upon returning from an SRC, evidence also suggests significant scoring reductions in offensive players. Although previous research has found that NFL running backs and wide receivers perform at levels similar to their performance before sustaining an SRC, little is known about quarterback performance after an SRC. There is also evidence that SRCs decrease neurocognitive performance, a quality that is crucial, especially for quarterbacks. Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine changes in NFL quarterback performances upon return to play from an SRC. Method: Quarterback ratings (QBRs) and concussion data from 2012-2015 were used to determine if changes occurred in NFL quarterback performance following an SRC. Results: QBRs decreased by 13.3 points (p = 0.014) after quarterbacks return from an SRC. Conclusions: Changes in on-field performance for NFL quarterbacks after sustaining an SRC could be the result of neurocognitive decrements that impact quick reaction and decision-making skills, which may have greater impacts on quarterbacks than other positions.
Brain Injuries in American Football: Understanding the Injury, Difficulty in Helmet Optimization, and Current Communication Practices – A Narrative Review
Authors: Sebastian Kali M. , Burch V Reuben F. , Rogers Preston “Stick”
Published: January 2021

Background: Over 2.7 million people suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) annually in the United States. TBI involves the application and generation of external forces and impulse loads respectively to the head whereby the brain moves relative to the skull. Despite numerous studies, further understanding of TBIs is necessary, requiring consistent attention. Objective: The purpose of this article is to investigate the history of American football helmets and provide an academic and practitioner review as it relates to TBIs. This study is a literature review that also considers perspectives from an autoethnographic frame. Method: An extensive literature review was performed to assess the history of TBI as it relates to American football. This article evaluates helmet design optimization and American football safety as well as an exploration into the sports’ education methods for players and staff alike. Results: Despite developing helmet designs that can better attenuate impact forces, reducing linear and rotational movement, the skull and brain move very differently relative to one another. Helmet designs and tools for measuring forces require further validation techniques to determine resultant forces and movement for the brain. Current biomechanics research lacks sufficient methodology for defining TBI thresholds, making helmet optimization difficult. Conclusion: According to past research, no helmet can eliminate all TBI risk; however, processes are in place lead by the National Football League (NFL) and NFL Players Association to educate players, coaches, and staff at all levels of competition of the protective capabilities of available helmet options.
The Influence of Time-dependent Surface Properties on Sprint Running Performance between Male and Female Athletes
Authors: Hales Michael , Johnson John David
Published: January 2021

Background: The body of research on field based player-surface interaction consists of some contradictory findings and the comparison of male and female physiological responses on different surfaces is limited. Objective: The study investigates the influence of surface properties on sprint running before and after completing a muscle fatiguing intervention. Methodology: Muscle activity was recorded using surface electromyography (EMG). The vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris (BF), medial head of the gastrocnemius (MG), and the tibialis anterior (TA) sites were selected for analysis. The mechanical properties (MPs) of each field were shown to be different using ASTM F-3189 protocol. Results: A statistically significant three-way repeated measures ANOVA interaction between field properties, sprint trial and muscle groups was determined, F(3,36) = 10.82, p = .006, ηρ2 = .474. Further analyses revealed an interaction effect between field properties and sprint trial, F(1,12) = 26.57, p = .001, ηρ2 = .689, between muscle groups and field properties F(1,12) = 8.78, p = .012, ηρ2 = .422 and between muscle group and sprint trial F(1,12) = 7.29, p = .019, ηρ2 = .378. In addition, pre-intervention mean sprint time was less on the field possessing more energy return by 9.1%. Post-intervention sprint test results show a significant difference for BF peak muscle activity on the field displaying greater force attenuation. Conclusion: Both pre and post intervention sprint results suggest time-dependent properties associated with a sport field could potentially influence muscle activation patterns differently for males and females.
Dosimetric impact of the positioning variation of tumor treating field electrodes in the PriCoTTF‐phase I/II trial
Authors: Nour Youness , Pöttgen Christoph , Kebir Sied , Lazaridis Lazaros , Lüdemann Lutz , Guberina Maja , Gauler Thomas , Scheffler Björn , Jabbarli Ramazan , Pierscianek Daniela , Sure Ulrich , Schmidt Teresa , Oster Christoph , Hau Peter , Glas Martin , Lübcke Wolfgang , Stuschke Martin , Guberina Nika
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The aim of the present study based on the PriCoTTF‐phase I/II trial is the quantification of skin‐normal tissue complication probabilities of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme treated with Tumor Treating Field (TTField) electrodes, concurrent radiotherapy, and temozolomide. Furthermore, the skin‐sparing effect by the clinically applied strategy of repetitive transducer array fixation around their center position shall be examined.

Material and Methods

Low‐dose cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of all fractions of the first seven patients of the PriCoTTF‐phase I/II trial, used for image guidance, were applied for the dosimetric analysis, for precise TTField transducer array positioning and contour delineation. Within this trial, array positioning was varied from fixation‐to‐fixation period with a standard deviation of 1.1 cm in the direction of the largest variation of positioning and 0.7 cm in the perpendicular direction. Physical TTField electrode composition was examined and a respective Hounsfield Unit attributed to the TTField electrodes. Dose distributions in the planning CT with TTField electrodes in place, as derived from prefraction CBCTs, were calculated and accumulated with the algorithm Acuros XB. Dose‐volume histograms were obtained for the first and second 2 mm scalp layer with and without migrating electrodes and compared with those with fixed electrodes in an average position. Skin toxicity was quantified according to Lyman's model. Minimum doses in hot‐spots of 0.05 cm2 and 25 cm2 (D0.05cm2, D25cm2) size in the superficial skin layers were analyzed.

Results

Normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCPs) for skin necrosis ranged from 0.005% to 1.474% (median 0.111%) for the different patients without electrodes. NTCP logarithms were significantly dependent on patient (P < 0.0001) and scenario (P < 0.0001) as classification variables. Fixed positioning of TTField arrays increased skin‐NTCP by a factor of 5.50 (95%, CI: 3.66–8.27). The variation of array positioning increased skin‐NTCP by a factor of only 3.54 (95%, CI: 2.36–5.32) (P < 0.0001, comparison to irradiation without electrodes; P = 0.036, comparison to irradiation with fixed electrodes). NTCP showed a significant rank correlation with D25cm2 over all patients and scenarios (rs = 0.76; P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Skin‐NTCP calculation uncovers significant interpatient heterogeneity and may be used to stratify patients into high‐ and low‐risk groups of skin toxicity. Array position variation may mitigate about one‐third of the increase in surface dose and skin‐NTCP by the TTField electrodes.
Increased atrial fibrillation risk in Parkinson’s disease: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Han Seokmoon , Moon Inki , Choi Eue‐Keun , Han Kyung‐Do , Cho Hae‐Chan , Lee Seo‐Young , Yang Seokhun , Kwon Soonil , Choi You‐jung , Lee Hyun‐Jung , Lee Euijae , Lee So‐Ryung , Oh Seil
Published: January 2021

Objective

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder associated with various morbidities. Although the relationship between cardiovascular disease and PD has been studied, a paucity of information on PD and atrial fibrillation (AF) association exists. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether patients with PD have an increased risk of AF.

Methods

This study included 57,585 patients with newly diagnosed PD (≥40‐year‐old, mean age 69.7 years, men 40.2%) and without a history of AF from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database between 2010 and 2015. Furthermore, an equal number of age‐ and sex‐matched subjects without PD were selected for comparison. The primary outcome was new‐onset AF.

Results

During the mean follow‐up period of 3.4 ± 1.8 years, AF was newly diagnosed in 3,665 patients. A significantly higher incidence rate of AF was noted among patients with PD than among patients without PD (10.75 and 7.86 per 1000 person‐year, respectively). Multivariate Cox‐regression analysis revealed that PD was an independent risk factor for AF (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18–1.36). Furthermore, subgroup analyses revealed that AF risk was higher in the younger age subgroups, and compared with the non‐PD group, the youngest PD group (age: 40–49 years) had a threefold increased risk of AF (HR: 3.06, 95% CI: 1.20–7.77).

Interpretation

Patients with PD, especially the younger age subgroups, have an increased risk of AF. Active surveillance and management of AF should be considered to prevent further complications.
Coupling particle scale model and SuperDEM‐CFD for multiscale simulation of biomass pyrolysis in a packed bed pyrolyzer
Authors: Gao Xi , Yu Jia , Lu Liqiang , Rogers William A.
Published: January 2021

An efficient biomass pyrolysis process requires a comprehensive understanding of the chemical and physical phenomena that occur at multi‐length and time scales. In this study, a multiscale computational approach was developed and validated for biomass pyrolysis in a packed‐bed reactor by integrating pyrolysis kinetics, a particle scale model, and Superquadric Discrete Element Method‐Computational Fluid Dynamics (SuperDEM‐CFD) in open‐source code MFiX. A one‐dimensional particle–scale model that discretizes the characteristic length of biomass particle into layers was developed to predict the intraparticle phenomena inside a single particle. The 1D model was validated by comparing it with a single biomass particle pyrolysis experiment. A recently developed SuperDEM‐CFD model was employed to simulate the non‐spherical particle–particle contact and fluid‐particle interaction. The coupled model was applied to simulate the pyrolysis of cubic biomass particles in a packed bed and validated by comparing with experimental data. Simulation with and without particle–scale model was compared, and the effect of the gas–solid heat transfer models was also investigated.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection and radiofrequency ablation for patients with flat‐type esophageal squamous cell neoplasia
Authors: Chou Yeh‐Pin , Tai Wei‐Chen , Lu Lung‐Sheng , Yao Chih‐Chien , Wu Keng‐Liang , Chuah Seng‐Kee , Lin Chih‐Yun
Published: January 2021

Several studies have demonstrated that endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are effective for patients with flat‐type esophageal squamous cell neoplasia (ESCN). In the present study, we aimed to report the outcomes achieved using these two endoscopic treatments. Patients who underwent ESD or RFA for flat‐type ESCN at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between January 2011 and December 2016 were included in this retrospective chart review. Treatment outcome, procedure time, and complication and recurrence rates were compared. Among 35 patients with flat‐type ESCN enrolled, 31 were treated with ESD and 4 with RFA. Overall mean age was 58.34 ± 11.5 years; 32 patients were men and 3 were women. The mean procedure times were 138.13 ± 101.47 minutes for ESD and 26.75 ± 11.1 minutes for RFA (P < .05). Complications occurred in 2 of the 31 patients (6.5%) in the ESD group—a perforation and a stricture. Further, one of the four patients after single RFA (25%) experienced a stricture. Recurrences occurred in three out of the four patients (75%) after single RFA; however, none occurred in patients in the ESD group. Of these recurrences, one was a submucosal invasion that was cured using photodynamic therapy followed by esophagectomy, whereas the other two were small focal epithelial recurrences that were cured using cap‐assisted endoscopic mucosal resection. No further recurrences were noted. ESD for flat‐type ESCN is effective for the eradication of ESCN. RFA for flat‐type ESCN carries a high risk of recurrence.
Epstein‐Barr virus infection manifested by hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis, and acute cerebellar ataxia: A case report and literature review
Authors: Chou Shao‐Ju , Hsieh Cheng‐Yu , Chang Li‐Jen
Published: January 2021

We described the case of an adult who presented with acute cerebellar ataxia (ACA) after Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection. We also reviewed the literature on the pathogenesis of ACA due to EBV infection using the Pubmed database. A 25‐year‐old man suffered from fever, sore throat, and poor appetite. Ataxia with nausea and vomiting developed in the following disease course. Laboratory tests showed atypical leukocytosis and hepatitis. The serological test confirmed a recent EBV infection. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was unremarkable, so was brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). He was diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis and ACA. He fully recovered after conservative treatment. Possible pathogenetic mechanisms of EBV‐associated central nervous system (CNS) manifestations could be categorized as a direct viral invasion of tissue and a postinfectious immune response. Most patients with ACA after EBV infection could be managed with supportive care. The diagnosis of ACA after EBV infection is typically made based on clinical symptoms and signs along with serological detection of EBV‐specific antibodies.
The Effect of SMN Gene Dosage on ALS Risk and Disease Severity
Authors: Moisse Matthieu , Zwamborn Ramona A. J. , van Vugt Joke , van der Spek Rick , van Rheenen Wouter , Kenna Brendan , Van Eijk Kristel , Kenna Kevin , Corcia Philippe , Couratier Philippe , Vourc'h Patrick , Hardiman Orla , McLaughin Russell , Gotkine Marc , Drory Vivian , Ticozzi Nicola , Silani Vincenzo , de Carvalho Mamede , Mora Pardina Jesús S. , Povedano Monica , Andersen Peter M. , Weber Markus , Başak Nazli A. , Chen Xiao , Eberle Michael A. , Al‐Chalabi Ammar , Shaw Chris , Shaw Pamela J. , Morrison Karen E. , Landers John E. , Glass Jonathan D. , Robberecht Wim , van Es Michael , van den Berg Leonard , Veldink Jan , Van Damme Philip ,   Project MinE Sequencing Consortium
Published: January 2021

Objective

The role of the survival of motor neuron (SMN) gene in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is unclear, with several conflicting reports. A decisive result on this topic is needed, given that treatment options are available now for SMN deficiency.

Methods

In this largest multicenter case control study to evaluate the effect of SMN1 and SMN2 copy numbers in ALS, we used whole genome sequencing data from Project MinE data freeze 2. SMN copy numbers of 6,375 patients with ALS and 2,412 controls were called from whole genome sequencing data, and the reliability of the calls was tested with multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification data.

Results

The copy number distribution of SMN1 and SMN2 between cases and controls did not show any statistical differences (binomial multivariate logistic regression SMN1 p = 0.54 and SMN2 p = 0.49). In addition, the copy number of SMN did not associate with patient survival (Royston‐Parmar; SMN1 p = 0.78 and SMN2 p = 0.23) or age at onset (Royston‐Parmar; SMN1 p = 0.75 and SMN2 p = 0.63).

Interpretation

In our well‐powered study, there was no association of SMN1 or SMN2 copy numbers with the risk of ALS or ALS disease severity. This suggests that changing SMN protein levels in the physiological range may not modify ALS disease course. This is an important finding in the light of emerging therapies targeted at SMN deficiencies. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:686–697
S100A8 promotes epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and metastasis under TGF‐β/USF2 axis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Si , Zhang Jun , Qian Senmi , Wu Xuesong , Sun Liang , Ling Tianyi , Jin Yao , Li Wenxiao , Sun Lichao , Lai Maode , Xu Fangying
Published: January 2021

Background

The transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) pathway plays a pivotal role in inducing epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is a key step in cancer invasion and metastasis. However, the regulatory mechanism of TGF‐β in inducing EMT in colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been fully elucidated. In previous studies, it was found that S100A8 may regulate EMT. This study aimed to clarify the role of S100A8 in TGF‐β‐induced EMT and explore the underlying mechanism in CRC.

Methods

S100A8 and upstream transcription factor 2 (USF2) expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in 412 CRC tissues. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis was performed. In vitro, Western blot, and migration and invasion assays were performed to investigate the effects of S100A8 and USF2 on TGF‐β‐induced EMT. Mouse metastasis models were used to determine in vivo metastasis ability. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay were used to explore the role of USF2 on S100A8 transcription.

Results

During TGF‐β‐induced EMT in CRC cells, S100A8 and the transcription factor USF2 were upregulated. S100A8 promoted cell migration and invasion and EMT. USF2 transcriptionally regulated S100A8 expression by directly binding to its promoter region. Furthermore, TGF‐β enhanced the USF2/S100A8 signaling axis of CRC cells whereas extracellular S100A8 inhibited the USF2/S100A8 axis of CRC cells. S100A8 expression in tumor cells was associated with poor overall survival in CRC. USF2 expression was positively related to S100A8 expression in tumor cells but negatively related to S100A8‐positive stromal cells.

Conclusions

TGF‐β was found to promote EMT and metastasis through the USF2/S100A8 axis in CRC while extracellular S100A8 suppressed the USF2/S100A8 axis. USF2 was identified as an important switch on the intracellular and extracellular S100A8 feedback loop.
Isothermal redox cycling of A‐ and B‐site substituted manganite‐based perovskites for CO2 conversion
Authors: Shrestha Pradeep , Nair Mahesh M. , Mahinpey Nader
Published: January 2021

Conversion of CO2 into fuels and valuable chemicals can simultaneously address two major global issues: climate change and the increasing energy demand. Most of the previous studies regarding the thermochemical splitting of CO2 into CO have been carried out at elevated temperatures of up to 1400°C. In this study, under isothermal reaction conditions, manganite‐based perovskites are used to convert CO2 to CO in a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). In addition, the use of CH4 as a reducing agent has lowered the reaction temperatures (≤900°C). This study primarily focuses on the influence of A‐ and B‐site substitution on the redox performances of the manganite‐based perovskites. Based on the redox performances of four samples (CaMnO3, La0.5Ca0.5MnO3, La0.5Sr0.5MnO3, and Y0.5Sr0.5MnO3) with different A‐site compositions, La0.5Sr0.5MnO3 displays the best stability. Similarly, in the La1‐xSrxMnO3 perovskite family (x = 0.5, 0.25, and 0.10), the performance of La0.5Sr0.5MnO3 outshines the other two compositions. It is observed that as the Sr content increases, the activation energy for reduction decreases. Substituting Mn with Al and Fe in the B‐site of the La1‐xSrxMnO3 perovskite, did not enhance the performance. The perovskite materials investigated have shown decrease in activity after the first cycle, possibly due to sintering and powder densification. However, after the first cycle, the perovskites illustrated good stability for 10 redox cycles. In this paper, size variance and metal‐oxygen bond strength provide the best explanation for the trends observed during the reduction of the perovskites.
Uncarialins J—M from Uncaria rhynchophylla and Their Anti‐depression Mechanism in Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress‐Induced Mice via Activating 5‐HT1A Receptor
Authors: Yu Zhen‐Long , Bai Rong , Zhou Jun‐Jun , Huang Hui‐Lian , Zhao Wen‐Yu , Huo Xiao‐Kui , Yang Ya‐Hui , Luan Zhi‐Lin , Zhang Bao‐Jing , Sun Cheng‐Peng , Ma Xiao‐Chi
Published: January 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Uncaria rhynchophylla has been widely used to treat central nervous system diseases for a long history. After investigation of U. rhynchophylla, eleven monoterpene indole alkaloids, including four new compounds uncarialins J—M (1—4) and seven known analogues (5—11), were isolated and identified. Their structural characterization was conducted using HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra, and quantum chemical computations. Compounds 1, 2, 7, and 9—11 displayed significant agonistic effects towards 5‐HT1A receptor, and their EC50 values were 7.86, 7.32, 2.24, 1.18, 1.52, and 3.75 μmol/L, respectively. Furthermore, in vivo experimental results fully revealed that hirsuteine (7) displayed a significant antidepression effect in unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS)‐induced depression mice mainly via regulating 5‐HT1A signaling pathway. Molecular docking and site‐directed amino acid mutation verified that amino acid residues Asp116 and Asn386 were the binding sites of hirsuteine (7) with 5‐HT1A receptor. In addition, pre‐treatment of mice with WAY 100635 also blocked the anti‐depression effect of hirsuteine (7), which further demonstrated that 5‐HT1A receptor was a potential target of hirsuteine (7) to effectively treat depression. These findings indicated the therapeutic material basis of U. rhynchophylla and the anti‐depression underlying mechanism of hirsuteine (7), and further provided the useful guidance for the development of hirsuteine (7) as a potential antidepressant candidate.
Assessment of chilling injury in hypothermic stored boar spermatozoa by multicolor flow cytometry
Authors: Jäkel Helen , Henning Heiko , Luther Anne‐Marie , Rohn Karl , Waberski Dagmar
Published: January 2021

Hypothermic storage of boar semen may allow antibiotic‐free semen preservation but is limited due to chilling sensitivity of boar spermatozoa. Progress in this area requires sensitive tools to detect chilling injury. Therefore, multiparameter flow cytometry panels were evaluated to ascertain whether they are useful tools for identifying sublethal damage of sperm function at a single cell level, thus considering the high intrinsic sperm heterogeneity in a sample. The first fluorochrome panel consisted of Hoechst 33342 to identify DNA‐containing events, Yo‐Pro 1 to detect viability, merocyanine 540 to describe membrane fluidity, and PNA‐Alexa Fluor™ 647 to identify acrosomic integrity. The second fluorochrome panel consisted of SiR700‐DNA to identify DNA‐containing events, JC‐1 to characterize the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MMP), and Calbryte 630 to assess the intracellular calcium level. Extended boar semen was stored either at 17°C (control) or 5°C (chilled). It is shown that chilling increased membrane fluidity in the viable (Yo‐Pro 1 negative) sperm population at 24 h (p < 0.05). At 144 h, the viable, acrosomic intact sperm population with low membrane fluidity was similar for both storage temperatures. Moreover, chilling reduced the main sperm population with high MMP, medium fluorescence for JC‐1 monomer and low intracellular calcium level (p < 0.05). However, after in vitro sperm capacitation, this population did not differ between the two storage temperatures. Exemplary computational data visualization in t‐distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t‐SNE) maps and moving radar plots revealed similar subpopulations as identified by three‐dimensional stacked bar charts. In conclusion, sperm surviving an initial chilling injury withstand long‐term storage and respond in a similar manner to capacitation conditions as sperm stored conventionally at 17°C. Multicolor flow cytometry is a valuable tool for detecting chilling‐induced alterations of cell function in sperm subpopulations.
A fault tolerance metaheuristic‐based scheme for controller placement problem in wireless software‐defined networks
Authors: Samarji Nivine , Salamah Muhammed
Published: January 2021

Software‐defined networking (SDN) paradigm has become the master solver for traditional network restrictions. The fundamental concept of SDN is moving the control plane into one or more servers called controllers and confining the data plane to several forwarding network elements allowing dynamic and flexible network management. A critical challenging issue in SDN‐based network architecture is the controller placement problem (CPP) that is an NP‐hard problem. Trends of researches try solving the CPP based on evolutionary algorithms focusing on either propagation delay or balancing the load among distributed controllers. In this paper, we have proposed a fault tolerance metaheuristic‐based scheme for CPP in wireless software‐defined networks, named FTMBS. The aim of our proposed FTMBS scheme is as follows: maximizing the network connectivity, maximizing the load balance among controllers, minimizing the worst‐case latency between controllers and associated nodes and between controllers themselves, and maximizing the network lifetime. When dealing with a multi‐objective‐based scheme, a trade‐off exists mainly when these multi‐objective metrics compete with each other, and it will be up to the decision maker to decide on this trade‐off. We have considered a network of 500 randomly distributed sensor nodes and demonstrated various simulations for different network performance metrics and concluded that three controllers are enough for such networks. For performance evaluation, we have verified our solutions to be close to Pareto optimal ones provided by non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm‐II (NSGA‐II).
Region‐specific sex modulation of central oxytocin receptor by gut microbiota: An ontogenic study
Authors: Effah Felix , de Gusmão Taveiros Silva Nívea Karla , Camarini Rosana , Joly Fatima , Rabot Sylvie , Bombail Vincent , Bailey Alexis
Published: January 2021

Oxytocin (OT) is a developmentally important neuropeptide recognized to play a dominant role in social functioning and stress‐related behaviors, in a sex‐dependent manner. Nonetheless, the underlining factors driving OT and OT receptor (OTR) early brain development remain unclear. Recent evidence highlight the critical influence of gut microbiota and its bidirectional interaction with the brain on neurodevelopment via the gut microbiota‐brain axis. Therefore, we aimed to determine the impact of gut microbiota on the OTR system of the rat brain at different developmental stages in a pilot study. Quantitative OTR [125I]‐OVTA autoradiographic binding was carried out in the forebrain of male and female conventional (CON) and germ‐free (GF) rats at postnatal days (PND) 8, 22, and 116–150. OTR binding was also assessed in the eyes of PND 1 and PND 4 GF female rats. Significant “microbiota × sex × region” interaction and age‐dependent effects on OTR binding were demonstrated. Microbiota status influenced OTR levels in males but not females with higher levels of OTR observed in GF versus CON rats in the cingulate, prelimbic, and lateral/medial/ventral orbital cortex, and septum across all age groups, while sex differences were observed in GF, but not in CON rats. Interestingly, OTRs present in the eyes of CON rats were abolished in GF rats. This is the first study to uncover a sex‐specific role of gut microbiota on the central OTR system, which may have implications in understanding the developmental neuroadaptations critical for behavioral regulation and the etiology of certain neurodevelopmental disorders.
Heavy metals modulate DNA compaction and methylation at CpG sites in the metal hyperaccumulator Arabidopsis halleri
Authors: Galati Serena , Gullì Mariolina , Giannelli Gianluigi , Furini Antonella , DalCorso Giovanni , Fragni Rosaria , Buschini Annamaria , Visioli Giovanna
Published: January 2021

Excess heavy metals affect plant physiology by inducing stress symptoms, however several species have evolved the ability to hyperaccumulate metals in above‐ground tissues without phytotoxic effects. In this study we assume that at subcellular level, different strategies were adopted by hyperaccumulator versus the non‐accumulator plant species to face the excess of heavy metals. At this purpose the comet assay was used to investigate the nucleoid structure modifications occurring in response to Zn and Cd treatments in the I16 and PL22 populations of the hyperaccumulator Arabidopsis halleri versus the nonaccumulator species Arabidopsis thaliana. Methy‐sens comet assay and RT‐qPCR were also performed to associate metal induced variations in nucleoids with possible epigenetic modifications. The comet assay showed that Zn induced a mild but non significant reduction in the tail moment in A. thaliana and in both I16 and PL22. Cd treatment induced an increase in DNA migration in nuclei of A. thaliana, whereas no differences in DNA migration was observed for I16, and a significant increase in nucleoid condensation was found in PL22 Cd treated samples. This last population showed higher CpG DNA methylation upon Cd treatment than in control conditions, and an up‐regulation of genes involved in symmetric methylation and histone deacetylation. Our data support the hypothesis of a possible role of epigenetic modifications in the hyperaccumulation trait to cope with the high Cd shoot concentrations. In addition, the differences observed between PL22 and I16 could reinforce previous suggestions of divergent strategies for metals detoxification developing in the two metallicolous populations.
Influence of organic amendments on acidic soil responsive crop groundnut (Arachis hypogaeaL.)
Authors: Hazarika Samarendra , Sohliya Bakhriamdor , Thakuria Dwipendra , Kataki Sampriti , Rangappa Krishnappa
Published: January 2021

The present study evaluated the comparative effects of organic amendments on physiology, growth, and yield of acidic soil responsive crop groundnut and soil physicochemical and biochemical (dehydrogenase, acid phosphatases, and glucosidase activity) parameters. The treatments comprise of control (recommended dose of fertilizer or RDF), lime at 25% (L25 + RDF) and 100% lime requirement (L100 + RDF), farmyard manure+ RDF, compost+ RDF, poultry manure+ RDF, and pig manure+ RDF. The impact of organic amendments was also investigated on root exudation and crop parameters in a controlled growth chamber. At active growth stage, organic amendment application especially poultry and pig manures maintained higher leaf cell membrane integrity, chlorophyll content and stomatal frequency/or density compared to other treatments. Soil available P under organic manure (particularly pig and poultry manure) or lime was significantly higher over control. In contrast, exchangeable acidity and readily soluble Al were significantly lower under pig and poultry manure. Increased soil P availability was due to P availability from manure, increased soil pH, exchangeable Ca + Mg, organic carbon and enzyme activities, and reduction in exchangeable acidity and readily soluble Al as evident by their significant correlation with soil available P. In conclusion, pig and poultry manures seems to be effective substitute of lime for amelioration of soil acidity by maintaining favorable soil pH, organic carbon and microbial biomass carbon, available nutrients, exchangeable Ca and Mg, enzyme activities, and thereby improved plant physiological condition. These findings confirmed the applicability of poultry and pig manures as recyclable low‐cost farm wastes as alternative liming materials in acidic soils.
Sequential uptake of cadmium and methylene blue from binary solution using zeolite‐TiO2 modified porous CaCu3Ti4O12 photocatalyst
Authors: Saqib Najm Us , Adnan Rohana , Shah Irfan , Hussain Ishtiaq
Published: January 2021

This work describes the synthesis of CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) by a facile conventional oxide mixing method. The prepared CCTO particles were further modified with anatase TiO2 NPs (~55 nm size) and zeolite supported TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) (~58 nm size) for the photocatalytic removal of MB and Cd2+ from the aqueous media under compact fluorescent light. Both nascent and modified CCTO composite materials were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron micrograph /energy dispersion X‐ray, BET, UV–VIS‐DRS, and pH of the point of zero charge analyses. These composite materials revealed with remarkable affinity toward MB and Cd2+, whereby the maximum photocatalytic degradation and adsorption capacity reached to 73 and 77 mg/g, respectively. The cations removal efficiencies of the prepared composite materials were found increased in the binary solutions of MB and Cd2+ ions resulting in enhanced degradation and adsorption capacity, qe, up to 132, and 137 mg/g, respectively. The reusability tests revealed that the efficiencies of prepared composites gradually decreased upon reuse.
Dehydration kinetics of antibiotic fermentation residues by dehydration agents at room temperature
Authors: Guo Chenchen , Zhou Chang , Liu Xiaolin , Liu Qingfen
Published: January 2021

Harmless disposal of antibiotics fermentation residues (AFRs) is required due to the risk of inducing drug‐resistant via the residual antibiotics. AFRs are rich in colloidal water to be hardly removed by mechanical methods, leading to the energy‐intensive dewatering. Dehydration agents (DAs) can be used to treat the wet AFRs, in which colloidal water was transferred into the hydrate of DA and formed solid AFRs–DA mixture at room temperature. In this article, the dehydration kinetics of AFRs was investigated systematically. The results show that the dehydration followed the first‐order kinetic equation and the main influences were temperature, feed ratio, and the particle size of DA. In addition, the quantitative relationship of kinetic parameters with the feed ratio and temperature were established, providing the basic data for further reducing the energy consumption of AFRs disposal.
Process optimization for the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. seeds aromatic extract with respect to yield and trans‐anethole contents using Box‐Behnken design
Authors: Maitusong Jumai , Aimila Aoken , Zhang Junping , Mahinur Bakri , Maiwulanjiang Maitinuer , Aisa Haji Akber
Published: January 2021

Fennel (seeds of Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) is the widely used aromatic and medicinal plant throughout the world. In this research, supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) extraction was carried out to extract the aromatic extract from F vulgare seeds under various operating conditions, and aromatic extract samples were characterized for properties such as yield and trans‐anethole content. A three‐level Box‐Behnken design from response surface method was applied to optimize the extraction parameters such as pressure, temperature, and extraction time with an aim to obtain high yield and rich trans‐anethole content. The optimum extraction conditions were found to be 177 bar, 40°C and 68 min where the predicted oil yield and trans‐anethole contents were found to be 3.798% and 95 mg/g, respectively. Under the optimum conditions, the experimental oil yield was 3.85%, and the content of trans‐anethole was 94 mg/g. The results were very close to the values predicted by the model. At the same time, the chemical compositions of the oils from two different extraction methods, hydrodistillation and SC‐CO2, were compared. The chemical constituents of oils from two different extraction methods found to be the same, and they showed slight difference in terms of the quantity of the main chemicals. Antibacterial and antioxidant effects of the oils obtained by the two extraction methods were compared, and they showed similar effects.
Inflation, inflation volatility and terrorism in Africa
Authors: Ajide Kazeem Bello , Alimi Olorunfemi Yasiru
Published: January 2021

Can inflation or inflation volatility incites terrorism? This question is salient as there is a latent belief that both can actually produce hardships for people, making them to be economically deprived and aggrieved, thereby reducing their opportunity costs of rebellion against the incumbent government. This study answers the above raised question using a negative binomial regression on 38 African economies over the period 1980–2012, in which the following findings are established. Inflation volatility and not inflation per se constitutes a significant predictor of terrorism, particularly, for the domestic terrorist activity over the period of coverage. The prevailing impacts of other confounding variables such as surface areas, ethnicity, physical integrity rights, as well as the lagged value of terrorism are consistently notable across the model specifications. Thus, the paper argues that the non‐statistical significance of inflation does not render it less important as it offers the enabling condition that makes inflation volatility to thrive.
Does corporate tax planning mitigate financial constraints? Evidence from China
Authors: Sun Jie , Makosa Lewis , Yang Jinkun , Yin Fangyuan , Sitsha Lovemore
Published: January 2021

We hypothesize that tax planning behaviour mitigates a firm's financial constraints, and this effect is more pronounced in non‐state‐owned enterprises and big firms compared to their counterparts. We use data for Chinese listed firms during the period 2010–2018 to test the hypotheses, based on both ordinary least squares and fixed‐effect models. The regression results show that tax planning is positively and significantly associated with mitigation of financial constraints, suggesting that cash tax savings are likely to improve firms' financial slack. This effect is stronger for non‐state‐owned enterprises, big firms, non‐political firms and firms in the eastern region of China. Further analyses reveal that, in the long run, tax planning increases firms' financial constraints, supporting Scholes‐Wolfson's point of view of tax planning, that minimizing taxes is not the same as effective tax planning. These results are robust to various tests. Overall, our results suggest that minimizing tax generally produces immediate cash flow benefits and mitigates financial constraints in the short run; however, in the long run, firms should adopt sustainable financing strategies.
Endogenous discounting, investment and asset pricing
Authors: Niu Yingjie , Zhao Siqi , Zou Zhentao
Published: January 2021

We extend an equilibrium business cycle/asset pricing model of production and capital accumulation by introducing wealth‐dependent time preferences. First, we find that the aggregate consumption is no longer proportional to the output and the consumption volatility is always lower than the volatility of output. Second, the expected real growth rate is increasing in the capital stock, which leads to a twin‐peak shape of the world wealth distribution as shown in the data. With respect to financial markets, we show that the equity risk premium is reduced by the endogenous discounting and exhibits a cyclical pattern, which depends on the capital stock. Finally, time‐varying discount rate leads to welfare improvement and the welfare gain is decreasing in the capital stock.
Intelligent audio analysis techniques for identification of music in smart devices
Authors: Mangla Pragun , Arora Shefali , Bhatia Mohinder Pal Singh
Published: January 2021

Audio classification in smart devices is complex in comparison to image or text classification and recognition as it requires to clean the audio or pre‐process it before extracting its features and thus the accuracy heavily depends upon the pre‐processing of the audio. In this paper, we have used an envelope function having a specific threshold that removes the useless part of the audio which cannot be used to differentiate one audio from another by the smart device. Further, pre‐processed sounds from different musical instruments are subjected to feature extraction and classification using deep convolutional neural networks and Recurrent Neural Networks. It is observed that our proposed approach is suitable for audio classification for smart devices, with results at par with state‐of‐the‐art techniques.
In utero substrate restriction by placental insufficiency or maternal undernutrition decreases optical redox ratio in foetal perirenal fat
Authors: Lazniewska Joanna , Darby Jack R. T. , Holman Stacey L. , Sorvina Alexandra , Plush Sally E. , Massi Massimiliano , Brooks Doug A. , Morrison Janna L.
Published: January 2021

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can result from reduced delivery of substrates, including oxygen and glucose, during pregnancy and may be caused by either placental insufficiency or maternal undernutrition. As a consequence of IUGR, there is altered programming of adipose tissue and this can be associated with metabolic diseases later in life. We have utilised two sheep models of IUGR, placental restriction and late gestation undernutrition, to determine the metabolic effects of growth restriction on foetal perirenal adipose tissue (PAT). Two‐photon microscopy was employed to obtain an optical redox ratio, which gives an indication of cell metabolism. PAT of IUGR foetuses exhibited higher metabolic activity, altered lipid droplet morphology, upregulation of cytochrome c oxidase subunit genes and decreased expression of genes involved in growth and differentiation. Our results indicate that there are adaptations in PAT of IUGR foetuses that might be protective and ensure survival in response to an IUGR insult.
Intraspecific differentiation of sandflies specimens by optical spectroscopy and multivariate analysis
Authors: Casaril Aline E. , Santos Carlos G. , Marangoni Bruno S. , Lima Sandro M. , Andrade Luis H. C. , Fernandes Wagner S. , Infran Jucelei O. M. , Alves Natália O. , Borges Moacir D. G. L. , Cena Cicero , Oliveira Alessandra G.
Published: January 2021

Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lutzomyia cruzi are the main sandflies species involved in the transmission of Leishmania infantum protozoan in Brazil. The morphological characteristics can be used for species identification of males specimens, while females are indistinguishable. Although, sandflies identification is essential to understand vectorial capacity, and susceptibility to infectious agents or insecticides, there is a lack of new strategies for specimen identification. In this study, Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis identified intraspecific differences between Lutzomyia populations. Successfully group clustering was achieved by principal component analysis. The main differences observed can be related to the protein content of the specimens. A classification with 100% accuracy was obtained using machine learning approach, allowing the identification of sandflies specimens.
Diurnal variation of corneal elasticity in healthy young human using air‐puff optical coherence elastography
Authors: Chen Sisi , Jin Zi , Zheng Gu , Ye Shuling , Wang Yiyi , Wang Weicheng , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhu Dexi , Shen Meixiao , Lu Fan
Published: January 2021

Due to the disruption of intraocular pressure (IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT), diurnal variation in normal young human corneal elasticity is not clear. Using the custom‐built air‐puff optical coherence elastography, one eye of 21 normal subjects is enrolled randomly to measure the central corneal elasticity, IOP, and CCT in different time points within a day. Based on the multi‐level model, the corneal elastic modulus is found to have a linear positive relation with IOP (P < .01) but not CCT (P = .175) and time point (P = .174–.686). A new indicator, corneal elasticity change rate, is proposed to present the magnitude of corneal elasticity change caused by 1 mmHg IOP, which can correct the interference effect of IOP. The results show that the corneal elasticity in the normal young human does not have the characteristics of diurnal variation under IOP control. Furthermore, IOP plays an important role in the corneal elasticity, and corneal elasticity change rate can increase the comparability of results between individuals.