bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Likelihood of Falling in Older Cannabis Users vs. Non-Users
Authors: Workman Craig D. , Fietsam Alexandra C. , Sosnoff Jacob , Rudroff Thorsten
Published: January 2021

Cannabis is one of the most common drugs in the United States and is the third most prevalent substance consumed by adults aged 50 years and older. Normal aging is associated with physiological changes that make older adults vulnerable to impaired function and geriatric conditions (e.g., falls, cognitive impairment). However, the impact of medical cannabis use on fall risk in older adults remains unexplored. The purpose of this study was to investigate if cannabis use in older adults influences fall risk, cognitive function, and motor function. It was hypothesized that older chronic cannabis users would perform worse than non-users on gait, balance, and cognitive tests. Sixteen older adults, split into cannabis Users and age- and sex-matched Non-Users groups (n = 8/group), participated in the study. The results indicate a higher fall risk, worse one leg standing balance performance, and slower gait speed in Users vs. Non-Users. No significant differences in cognitive function were found. Thus, chronic cannabis use was purported to exacerbate the poorer balance control and slower gait velocity associated with normal aging. Future mechanistic (e.g., neuroimaging) investigations of the short- and long-term effects of using a variety of cannabis products (e.g., THC/CBD ratios, routes of administration) on cognitive function, motor function, and fall incidence in older adults are suggested.
Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality for School-Aged Children with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Chen Chih-Chi , Chen Carl P. C. , Chen Chien-Hung , Hsieh Yu-Wei , Chung Chia-Ying , Liao Chien-Hung
Published: January 2021

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of mortality in children. There are few studies focused on school-aged children with TBI. We conducted this study to identify the early predictors of in-hospital mortality in school-aged children with severe TBI. In this 10 year observational cohort study, a total of 550 children aged 7–18 years with TBI were enrolled. Compared with mild/moderate TBI, children with severe TBI were older; more commonly had injury mechanisms of traffic accidents; and more neuroimage findings of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), subdural hemorrhage (SDH), parenchymal hemorrhage, cerebral edema, and less epidural hemorrhage (EDH). The in-hospital mortality rate of children with severe TBI in our study was 23%. Multivariate analysis showed that falls, being struck by objects, motor component of Glasgow coma scale (mGCS), early coagulopathy, and SAH were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. We concluded that school-aged children with severe TBI had a high mortality rate. Clinical characteristics including injury mechanisms of falls and being struck, a lower initial mGCS, early coagulopathy, and SAH are predictive of in-hospital mortality.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Catalysts in 2020
Authors:   Catalysts Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Catalysts maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Pin1 Regulates IL-5 Induced Eosinophil Polarization and Migration
Authors: Shen Zhong-Jian , Hu Jie , O’Neal Melissa A. , Malter James S.
Published: January 2021

Eosinophils become polarized in response to cytokines such IL-5 or eotaxin prior to directional migration. Polarization is preceded by F-actin assembly, but the mechanisms that regulate these events and how the shape change influences cell migration from the peripheral blood into the lung remain unclear. In this study, we show that the prolyl isomerase, Pin1, is required for IL-5-induced Eos polarization and migration. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence analysis revealed that Pin1 directly interacts with members of Rho GTPase family. Mouse eosinophils lacking Pin1 or human cells treated with Pin1 inhibitors showed significantly reduced IL-5-induced GTPase activity and cofilin phosphorylation, resulting in reduced F-actin polymerization, cell polarization, and directional migration to chemokines. Our result suggests that Pin1 regulates cytoskeletal re-organization, eosinophil morphology, and cell migration through the modulation of Rho GTPase activity. Targeting Pin1 along with GTPases could provide a new approach to reduce pulmonary Eos accumulation during asthmatic exacerbations.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of ChemEngineering in 2020
Authors:   ChemEngineering Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that ChemEngineering maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Functionalized Surfaces as a Tool for Virus Sensing: A Demonstration of Human mastadenovirus Detection in Environmental Waters
Authors: Gularte Juliana Schons , de Oliveira Hansen Roana , Demoliner Meriane , Fiutowski Jacek , Eisen Ana Karolina Antunes , Heldt Fagner Henrique , Rodrigues de Almeida Paula , Müller de Quevedo Daniela , Rubahn Horst-Günter , Rosado Spilki Fernando
Published: January 2021

The main goal of this study was to apply magnetic bead surface functionalization in the form of immunomagnetic separation (IMS) combined with real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) (IMS-qPCR) to detect Human mastadenovirus species C (HAdV-C) and F (HAdV-F) in water samples. The technique efficiency was compared to a nonfunctionalized method (ultracentrifugation) followed by laboratory detection. Tests were carried out to standardize IMS parameters followed by tests on 15 water samples concentrated by IMS and ultracentrifugation. Microscopic analyses detected a successful beads–antibody attachment. HAdV was detected up to dilutions of 10−6 by IMS-qPCR, and samples concentrated by IMS were able to infect cell cultures. In water samples, HAdV-C was detected in 60% (monoclonal) and 47% (polyclonal) by IMS-qPCR, while 13% of samples concentrated by ultracentrifugation gave a positive result. HAdV-F was positive in 27% of samples by IMS-qPCR (polyclonal) and ultracentrifugation and 20% by IMS-qPCR (monoclonal). The rate of detection varied from 4.55 × 102 to 5.83 × 106 genomic copies/L for IMS-qPCR and from 2.00 × 102 to 2.11 × 103 GC/L for ultracentrifugation. IMS showed to be a more effective concentration technique for HAdV than ultracentrifugation, improving the assessment of infectious HAdV in water resources.
Exploring the Moderation Effect of Educational Stage on Visual Magnocellular Functioning Linked to Reading: A Study in French Primary School Children
Authors: Bellocchi Stéphanie , Leclercq Virginie
Published: January 2021

Many studies have investigated the visual magnocellular system functioning in dyslexia. However, very little is known on the relationship between the visual magnocellular system functioning and reading abilities in typical developing readers. In this study, we aimed at studying this relationship and more specifically the moderation effect of educational stage on this link. We thus tested 82 French typical developing readers (40 beginning readers—Grade 1 and 42 advanced readers—Grade 5) with reading tests and a coherent dot motion task measuring the visual magnocellular functioning. Results indicate positive correlations between visual magnocellular functioning and reading for beginning readers but not for advanced readers. Moreover, moderation analyses confirm that reading proficiency moderates the relationship between magnocellular system functioning and reading outcomes. We concluded that the relationship between visual magnocellular pathway functioning and reading abilities in typical developing readers could depend on reading proficiency.
Community Based Pollution Prevention for Two Urban Cities—A Case Study
Authors: Meegoda Jay N. , Watts Daniel , Hsieh Hsin-Neng , Bezerra de Souza Bruno
Published: January 2021

Pollution prevention is an approach for generating less waste using fewer toxic chemicals while conserving water and energy. Even though pollution prevention practices have been encouraged for over thirty years, many smaller businesses have not considered or adopted such techniques. This study examines the effect of a community-based approach designed to emphasize the benefits to the health and economic well-being of urban communities when source reduction practices are implemented by businesses in the community. Partnering with existing community groups in Newark and Jersey City, NJ, technical assistance was provided to small and medium-sized businesses under grant funding from Region 2 of the US Environmental Protection Agency. In this research, 32 small and medium-sized businesses were evaluated for source reduction opportunities and implementation plans were drawn up. After these businesses implemented operational changes, emission and cost savings were determined and reported back to respective small business owners as well as to the communities during community meetings designed to encourage additional participation. Based on 32 case studies, several measurable benefits were achieved, including the yearly saving of 932 pounds of hazardous waste, 3917 pounds of non-hazardous waste, 13.62 metric tons of carbon equivalent (MTCE) of greenhouse gases and $5335 USD. The initial findings suggest that community-based programs such as this can be beneficial but must be sustained over a period of time. One issue that was repeatedly observed, and is likely widely believed, is the concern of small business operators that cooperation with any group funded by a government program may lead to the assessment of fines or penalties for environmental violations. This concern limits the willingness of many smaller businesses to participate. The findings of this study suggest that a sustained community-based program may overcome that concern through demonstration of the benefit to the business and the community, and through credibility building achieved by regular community reporting and the absence of official intervention.
Assessing Annual Actual Evapotranspiration Based on Climate, Topography and Soil in Natural and Agricultural Ecosystems
Authors: Demertzi Kleoniki , Pisinaras Vassilios , Lekakis Emanuel , Tziritis Evangelos , Babakos Konstantinos , Aschonitis Vassilis
Published: January 2021

Simple formulas for estimating annual actual evapotranspiration (AET) based on annual climate data are widely used in large scale applications. Such formulas do not have distinct compartments related to topography, soil and irrigation, and for this reason may be limited in basins with high slopes, where runoff is the dominant water balance component, and in basins where irrigated agriculture is dominant. Thus, a simplistic method for assessing AET in both natural ecosystems and agricultural systems considering the aforementioned elements is proposed in this study. The method solves AET through water balance based on a set of formulas that estimate runoff and percolation. These formulas are calibrated by the results of the deterministic hydrological model GLEAMS (Groundwater Loading Effects of Agricultural Management Systems) for a reference surface. The proposed methodology is applied to the country of Greece and compared with the widely used climate-based methods of Oldekop, Coutagne and Turk. The results show that the proposed methodology agrees very well with the method of Turk for the lowland regions but presents significant differences in places where runoff is expected to be very high (sloppy areas and areas of high rainfall, especially during December–February), suggesting that the proposed method performs better due to its runoff compartment. The method can also be applied in a single application considering irrigation only for the irrigated lands to more accurately estimate AET in basins with a high percentage of irrigated agriculture.
Plasma Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition of Ruthenium Films Using Ru(EtCp)2 Precursor
Authors: Rogozhin Alexander , Miakonkikh Andrey , Smirnova Elizaveta , Lomov Andrey , Simakin Sergey , Rudenko Konstantin
Published: January 2021

Ruthenium thin films were deposited by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) technology using Ru(EtCp)2 and oxygen plasma on the modified surface of silicon and SiO2/Si substrates. The crystal structure, chemical composition, and morphology of films were characterized by grazing incidence XRD (GXRD), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques, respectively. It was found that the mechanism of film growth depends crucially on the substrate temperature. The GXRD and SIMS analysis show that at substrate temperature T = 375 °C, an abrupt change in surface reaction mechanisms occurs, leading to the changing in film composition from RuO2 at low temperatures to pure Ru film at higher temperatures. It was confirmed by electrical resistivity measurements for Ru-based films. Mechanical stress in the films was also analyzed, and it was suggested that this factor increases the surface roughness of growing Ru films. The lowest surface roughness ~1.5 nm was achieved with a film thickness of 29 nm using SiO2/Si-substrate for deposition at 375 °C. The measured resistivity of Ru film is 18–19 µOhm·cm (as deposited).
Patterned Photoalignment in Thin Films: Physics and Applications
Authors: Chigrinov Vladimir , Kudreyko Aleksey , Guo Qi
Published: January 2021

Photoalignment of liquid crystals by using azo dye molecules is a commonly proposed alternative to traditional rubbing alignment methods. Photoalignment mechanism can be well described in terms of rotational diffusion of azo dye molecules exposed by ultraviolet polarized light. A specific feature of the irradiated light is the intensity dependent change of azimuthal anchoring of liquid crystals. While there are various mechanisms of azo dye photoalignment, photo-reorientation occurs when dye molecules orient themselves perpendicular to the polarization of incident light. In this review, we describe both recent achievements in applications of photoaligned liquid crystal cells and its simulation. A variety of display and photonic devices with azo dye aligned nematic and ferroelectric liquid crystals are presented: q-plates, optically rewritable flexible e-paper (monochromatic and color), and Dammann gratings. Some theoretical aspects of the alignment process and display simulation are also considered.
Reproductive Tract Infections in Dairy Cows: Can Probiotics Curb Down the Incidence Rate?
Authors: Rosales Eduardo Barahona , Ametaj Burim N.
Published: January 2021

Postpartum uterine diseases are common in dairy cows and are a great concern for the dairy industry as they are associated with various consequences, including lower fertility, lower milk yield, and an overall negative impact on the host health. An infected uterus is a source of bacterial compounds and cytokines that spill into the systemic circulation, spreading inflammation to other organs. In this review article, we discuss a short overview of the anatomy of the reproductive tract of dairy cows and several infectious diseases of the uterus including metritis, endometritis, and pyometra. Additionally, we discuss the microbiome of the reproductive tract in health and during uterine diseases. As well, diagnostic criteria for metritis and endometritis and contributing factors for increased susceptibility to metritis infection are important topics of this review. To better understand how the uterus and reproductive tract respond to bacterial pathogens, a section of this review is dedicated to immunity of the reproductive tract. Both the innate and adaptive immunity systems are also discussed. We conclude the review with a factual discussion about the current treatments of uterine diseases and the new developments in the area of application of probiotics for uterine health. Mechanisms of actions of probiotics are discussed in detail and also some applications to prevent uterine infections in dairy cows are discussed.
Balancing Plurality and Educational Essence: Higher Education Between Data-Competent Professionals and Data Self-Empowered Citizens
Authors: Hachmeister Nils , Weiß Katharina , Theiß Juliane , Decker Reinhold
Published: January 2021

Data are increasingly important in central facets of modern life: academics, professions, and society at large. Educating aspiring minds to meet highest standards in these facets is the mandate of institutions of higher education. This, naturally, includes the preparation for excelling in today’s data-driven world. In recent years, an intensive academic discussion has resulted in the distinction between two different modes of data related education: data science and data literacy education. As a large number of study programs and offers is emerging around the world, data literacy in higher education is a particular focus of this paper. These programs, despite sharing the same name, differ substantially in their educational content, i.e., a high plurality can be observed. This paper explores this plurality, comments on the role it might play and suggests ways it can be dealt with by maintaining a high degree of adaptiveness and plurality while simultaneously establishing a consistent educational “essence”. It identifies a skill set, data self-empowerment, as a potential part of this essence. Data science and literacy education are still experiencing changeability in their emergence as fields of study, while additionally being stirred up by rapid developments, bringing about a need for flexibility and dialectic.
The Search for Biomarkers in Fibromyalgia
Authors: Hackshaw Kevin V.
Published: January 2021

Fibromyalgia is the most common of the central sensitivity syndromes affecting 2–5% of the adult population in the United States. This pain amplification syndrome has enormous societal impact as measured by work absenteeism, decreased work productivity, disability and injury compensation and over-utilization of healthcare resources. Multiple studies have shown that early diagnosis of this condition can improve patient outlook and redirect valuable healthcare resources towards more appropriate targeted therapy. Efforts have been made towards improving diagnostic accuracy through updated criteria. The search for biomarkers for diagnosis and verification of Fibromyalgia is an ongoing process. Inadequacies with current diagnostic criteria for this condition have fueled these efforts for identification of a reproducible marker that can verify this disease in a highly sensitive, specific and reproducible manner. This review focuses on areas of research for biomarkers in fibromyalgia and suggests that future efforts might benefit from approaches that utilize arrays of biomarkers to identify this disorder that presents with a diverse clinical phenotype.
Observations on the Occurrence, Transmission and Management of the COVID-19 Pandemic Derived from Physics
Authors: Ingersoll John G.
Published: January 2021

Three important observations derived from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could result in the development of novel approaches to deal with it and avoid or at least minimize the occurrence and impact of future outbreaks. First, the dramatic increase in pandemics in the past decade alone suggests that the current relationship of humans with the environment is quickly becoming unstable, with potentially catastrophic consequences. In order to reduce the toll in life and property, we would need to shift our emphasis from control of nature to a symbiosis with nature. This, then, can become the new framework for dealing effectively with environmental issues such as climate change, whereby properly applied medical science would provide the necessary impetus for action. Second, the existence of superspreaders of infection among populations in this pandemic requires that we develop objective tests, most likely of a genetic nature, to identify them rather than apply indiscriminate and draconian controls across the board. Not identifying superspreaders in a timely fashion could allow this pandemic to turn into a black swan event, with a catastrophic impact on society. Third, we need to refocus our efforts in dealing with this pandemic from the virus itself to the human hosts. An objective morbidity risk index can be developed such that most of us can go about our daily business without the fear of becoming seriously ill, while measures can be implemented to protect those who are most vulnerable to this virus. These observations point clearly to a need for a paradigm shift.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Econometrics in 2020
Authors:   Econometrics Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Econometrics maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Primary Teacher Attitudes towards Productive Struggle in Mathematics in Remote Learning versus Classroom-Based Settings
Authors: Russo James , Bobis Janette , Downton Ann , Livy Sharyn , Sullivan Peter
Published: January 2021

Given what is known about the importance of productive struggle for supporting student learning of mathematics at all levels, the current study sought to examine teacher attitudes towards student struggle when students learn mathematics in remote learning settings compared with classroom settings. Eighty-two Australian early years primary teachers involved in a professional learning initiative focused on teaching mathematics through sequences of challenging tasks completed a questionnaire inviting them to compare the two settings. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach, we found that teachers were more positive about the value of student struggle in classroom-based settings compared with remote learning settings. Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses revealed four themes capturing why teachers viewed efforts to support productive struggle in a remote learning setting as potentially problematic: absence of a teacher-facilitated, synchronous, learning environment; parents’ negative attitudes towards struggle when learning mathematics; lack of social connection and peer-to-peer collaboration; and difficulties accessing learning materials. Suggestions for mitigating some of these challenges in the future are put forward.
Socio-Cultural Development Approach to Investigate Teacher Learning across Two Contexts
Authors: Kim Hee-Jeong
Published: January 2021

Teacher professional learning occurs across various contexts. Previous studies on teacher learning and changes in practice have focused on either classroom contexts or learning communities outside of school, but have rarely investigated teacher learning across multiple contexts. Investigating teacher learning across the double contexts of classroom and learning community has presented methodological challenges. In response, this paper proposes the suitability of adopting a socio-cultural development framework to further the analytical approach to such challenges. Using the framework, this paper considers the case study of a middle school mathematics teacher who resolved a problem of teaching practice through interacting with other members of the community of practice where they build shared goals and knowledge. This paper contributes to the field by expanding the scope of research on teacher learning across these two contexts, in which problem of practice becomes conceptual resources that the teacher uses in her teaching practice.
Testing the Role of Emotion Dysregulation as a Predictor of Juvenile Recidivism
Authors: Salinas Kalin Z. , Venta Amanda
Published: January 2021

The current study proposed to determine whether adolescent emotion regulation is predictive of the amount and type of crime committed by adolescent juvenile offenders. Despite evidence in the literature linking emotion regulation to behaviour problems and aggression across the lifespan, there is no prior longitudinal research examining the predictive role of emotion regulation on adolescent recidivism, nor data regarding how emotion regulation relates to the occurrence of specific types of crimes. Our primary hypothesis was that poor emotion regulation would positively and significantly predict re-offending among adolescents. We tested our hypothesis within a binary logistic framework utilizing the Pathways to Desistance longitudinal data. Exploratory bivariate analyses were conducted regarding emotion regulation and type of crime in the service of future hypothesis generation. Though the findings did not indicate a statistically significant relation between emotion regulation and reoffending, exploratory findings suggest that some types of crime may be more linked to emotion regulation than others. In sum, the present study aimed to examine a hypothesized relation between emotion regulation and juvenile delinquency by identifying how the individual factor of dysregulated emotion regulation may have played a role. This study’s findings did not provide evidence that emotion regulation was a significant predictor of recidivism over time but did suggest that emotion regulation is related to participation in certain types of crime one year later. Directions for future research that build upon the current study were described. Indeed, identifying emotion regulation as a predictor of adolescent crime has the potential to enhance current crime prevention efforts and clinical treatments for juvenile offenders; this is based on the large amount of treatment literature, which documents that emotion regulation is malleable through treatment and prevention programming.
Architecture Design for Feature Extraction and Template Matching in a Real-Time Iris Recognition System
Authors: Ngo Hau , Rakvic Ryan , Broussard Randy , Ives Robert , Carothers Matthew
Published: January 2021

Real-time support for an iris recognition algorithm is a considerable challenge for a portable system that is commonly used in the field. In this paper, an efficient parallel and pipeline architecture design for the feature extraction and template matching processes in the Ridge Energy Direction (RED) algorithm for iris recognition is presented. Several techniques used in the proposed architecture design to reduce the computational complexity while supporting a high performance capability include (i) a circle approximation method for the iris unwrapping process, (ii) a parallel design with an on-chip buffer for 2D convolution in the feature extraction process, and (iii) an approximation method for log2 and inverse-log2 conversion in the template matching process. Performance analysis shows that the proposed architecture achieves a speedup of 881 times compared to the conventional method. The proposed design can be integrated with an embedded microprocessor to realize a complete system-on-chip solution for a portable iris recognition system.
GaN Power Amplifier Digital Predistortion by Multi-Objective Optimization for Maximum RF Output Power
Authors: Mengozzi Mattia , Gibiino Gian Piero , Angelotti Alberto M. , Florian Corrado , Santarelli Alberto
Published: January 2021

While digital predistortion (DPD) usually targets only the linearity performance of the radio–frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA), this work addresses more than a single PA performance metric exploiting a multi-objective optimization approach. We present a predistorer learning procedure based on a constrained optimization algorithm that maximizes the RF output power, while guaranteeing a prescribed linearity level, i.e., a maximum normalized mean square error (NMSE) or adjacent-channel power ratio (ACPR). Experimental results on a Gallium Nitride (GaN) PA show that the proposed approach outperforms the classical indirect learning architecture (ILA), yet using the same predistorter structure with predetermined nonlinearity and memory orders.
Multi-Time Scale Evaluation of Forest Water Conservation Function in the Semiarid Mountains Area
Authors: Wang Zhiyin , Cao Jiansheng , Yang Hui
Published: January 2021

Forest water conservation function is an important part of forest ecosystem services. The discontinuous distribution of forests in semiarid areas brings difficulties to the quantitative evaluation of forest water conservation functions at the basin scale. In this paper, we took the upstream of Xiong’an New Area (Zijingguan—ZJG, Zhongtangmei—ZTM and Fuping—FP basins) as an example and combine the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) and the water balance method to calculate the amount of forest water conservation (AFWC) at annual, monthly and daily scales from 2007 to 2017, and analyzed the changes of AFWC. The results showed that the hydrological response unit (HRU) generated with the threshold area zero can accurately reflect the forest patch distribution in the three basins. On an annual scale, the annual AFWC were all positive in ZJG and ZTM basins from 2007 to 2017. While, the annual AFWC in the FP basin was negative in 2009, 2013, 2014 and 2017. On a monthly scale, the positive values of AFWC mainly appear from June to September, and the negative values of AFWC mainly appear from December to March. On a daily scale, the AFWC during extreme precipitation was positive, while that was negative during extreme drought. The annual and monthly AFWC in the three basins was positively correlated with the wetness index, and FP basin needs more humid climate conditions than ZJG and ZTM basins to make the forest store water and keep in a stable water storage state. The above results can not only provide important insight into sustainable forest and water resources management in the region, but also serve as reference cases for other regions to carry out relevant research work.
Preservation of Human Gut Microbiota Inoculums for In Vitro Fermentations Studies
Authors: de Carvalho Nelson Mota , Oliveira Diana Luazi , Dib Saleh Mayra Anton , Pintado Manuela , Madureira Ana Raquel
Published: January 2021

The use of fecal inoculums for in vitro fermentation models requires a viable gut microbiota, capable of fermenting the unabsorbed nutrients. Fresh samples from human donors are used; however, the availability of fresh fecal inoculum and its inherent variability is often a problem. This study aimed to optimize a method of preserving pooled human fecal samples for in vitro fermentation studies. Different conditions and times of storage at −20 °C were tested. In vitro fermentation experiments were carried out for both fresh and frozen inoculums, and the metabolic profile compared. In comparison with the fresh, the inoculum frozen in a PBS and 30% glycerol solution, had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) bacterial count (<1 log CFU/mL). However, no significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between the metabolic profiles after 48 h. Hence, a PBS and 30% glycerol solution can be used to maintain the gut microbiota viability during storage at −20 °C for at least 3 months, without interfering with the normal course of colonic fermentation.
Mulberry Protection through Flowering-Stage Essential Oil of Artemisia annua against the Lesser Mulberry Pyralid, Glyphodes pyloalis Walker
Authors: Oftadeh Marziyeh , Sendi Jalal Jalali , Ebadollahi Asgar , Setzer William N. , Krutmuang Patcharin
Published: January 2021

In the present study, the toxicity and physiological disorders of the essential oil isolated from Artemisia annua flowers were assessed against one of the main insect pests of mulberry, Glyphodes pyloalis Walker, announcing one of the safe and effective alternatives to synthetic pesticides. The LC50 (lethal concentration to kill 50% of tested insects) values of the oral and fumigant bioassays of A. annua essential oil were 1.204 % W/V and 3.343 μL/L air, respectively. The A. annua essential oil, rich in camphor, artemisia ketone, β-selinene, pinocarvone, 1,8-cineole, and α-pinene, caused a significant reduction in digestive and detoxifying enzyme activity of G. pyloalis larvae. The contents of protein, glucose, and triglyceride were also reduced in the treated larvae by oral and fumigant treatments. The immune system in treated larvae was weakened after both oral and fumigation applications compared to the control groups. Histological studies on the midgut and ovaries showed that A. annua essential oil caused an obvious change in the distribution of the principal cells of tissues and reduction in yolk spheres in oocytes. Therefore, it is suggested that the essential oil from A. annua flowers, with wide-range bio-effects on G. pyloalis, be used as an available, safe, effective insecticide in the protection of mulberry.
Variation in the Chemical Composition of Five Varieties of Curcuma longa Rhizome Essential Oils Cultivated in North Alabama
Authors: Setzer William N. , Duong Lam , Poudel Ambika , Mentreddy Srinivasa Rao
Published: January 2021

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is an important spice, particularly is Asian cuisine, and is also used in traditional herbal medicine. Curcuminoids are the main bioactive agents in turmeric, but turmeric essential oils also contain health benefits. Turmeric is a tropical crop and is cultivated in warm humid environments worldwide. The southeastern United States also possesses a warm humid climate with a growing demand for locally sourced herbs and spices. In this study, five different varieties of C. longa were cultivated in north Alabama, the rhizome essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation, and the essential oils were analyzed by gas chromatographic techniques. The major components in the essential oils were α-phellandrene (3.7–11.8%), 1,8-cineole (2.6–11.7%), α-zingiberene (0.8–12.5%), β-sesquiphellandrene (0.7–8.0%), ar-turmerone (6.8–32.5%), α-turmerone (13.6–31.5%), and β-turmerone (4.8–18.4%). The essential oil yields and chemical profiles of several of the varieties are comparable with those from tropical regions, suggesting that these should be considered for cultivation and commercialization in the southeastern United States.
Influence of Refrigerated Storage on Water Status, Protein Oxidation, Microstructure, and Physicochemical Qualities of Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber scombrus)
Authors: Lin Rong , Cheng Shasha , Wang Siqi , Tan Mingqian , Zhu Beiwei
Published: January 2021

Moisture migration, protein oxidation, microstructure, and the physicochemical qualities of Atlantic mackerel during storage at 4 °C and 0 °C were explored in this study. Three proton components were observed in mackerel muscle using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation, which were characterized as bound water, immobilized water, and lipid. The relaxation peak of immobilized water shifted to a shorter relaxation time and its intensity decreased with the proceeding of the storage process. T1 and T2 weighted images obtained by magnetic resonance imaging showed a slightly continuous decrease in the intensity of water. The significant decrease in sulfhydryl (SH) content and the increase in carbonyl group (CP) content, disulfide bond content, and hydrophobicity revealed the oxidation of protein during storage. The contents of α-helixes in proteins decreased while that of random coils increased during storage, which suggested changes in the secondary structure of mackerel protein. The storage process also caused the contraction and fracture of myofibrils, and the granulation of endolysin protein. In addition, the drip loss, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) value, and b* value increased significantly with the storage time.
Milk Alternatives and Non-Dairy Fermented Products: Trends and Challenges
Authors: Pontonio Erica , Rizzello Carlo Giuseppe
Published: January 2021

The growing prevalence of allergenicity towards cow’s milk, lactose intolerance, and hypercholesterolemia, as well as the trend of plant-based diets (vegetarian and vegan), is pushing the food industry and the global market towards the design, supply and production of novel plant-based milk alternatives [...]
Experimental Validation of an Innovative Approach for GDI Spray Pattern Recognition
Authors: Rosignoli Federico , Postrioti Lucio
Published: January 2021

In the present automotive scenario, along with hybridization, GDI technology is progressively spreading in order to improve the powertrain thermal efficiency. In order to properly match the fuel spray development with the combustion chamber design, using robust and accurate diagnostics is required. In particular, for the evaluation of the injection quality in terms of spray shape, vision tests are crucial for GDI injection systems. By vision tests, parameters such as spray tip penetration and cone angles can be measured, as the operating conditions in terms of mainly injection pressure, injection strategy, and chamber counter-pressure are varied. Provided that a complete experimental spray characterization requires the acquisition of several thousand spray images, an automated methodology for analyzing spray images objectively and automatically is mandatory. A decisive step in a spray image analysis procedure is binarization, i.e., the extraction of the spray structure from the background. Binarization is particularly challenging for GDI sprays, given their lower compactness with respect to diesel sprays. In the present paper, two of the most diffused automated binarization algorithms, namely the Otsu and Yen methods, are comparatively validated with an innovative approach derived from the Triangle method—the Last Minimum Criterion—for the analysis of high-pressure GDI sprays. GDI spray images acquired with three injection pressure levels (up to 600 bar) and two different optical setups (backlight and front illumination) were used to validate the considered algorithms in challenging conditions, obtaining encouraging results in terms of accuracy and robustness for the proposed approach.
Novel KCNH1 Mutations Associated with Epilepsy: Broadening the Phenotypic Spectrum of KCNH1-Associated Diseases
Authors: von Wrede Randi , Jeub Monika , Ariöz Idil , Elger Christian E. , von Voss Hubertus , Klein Hanns-Georg , Becker Albert J. , Schoch Susanne , Surges Rainer , Kunz Wolfram S.
Published: January 2021

Here, we describe four patients suffering from a rather broad spectrum of epilepsy-related disorders, ranging from developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with intellectual disability (DEE) to genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE), which all harbor novel KCNH1 mutations. In one family, we found a weak association of a novel nonsense mutation with epilepsy, suggesting reduced penetrance, and which shows, in agreement with previous findings, that gain-of-function effects rather than haploinsufficiency are important for the pathogenicity of mutations. De novo missense variants in the pore region of the channel result in severe phenotypes presenting usually with DEE with various malformations. The potential pathogenicity of a novel KCNH1 germline mutation located outside of the critical pore domain observed in a GGE patient with a milder phenotype is supported by the fact that the very same amino acid exchange was detected as a somatic mutation in the resected brain tissue of a patient suffering from a focal cortical dysplasia type IIb. Thus, our case series broadens the phenotypic spectrum of KCNH1-associated diseases.
Ensemble-AMPPred: Robust AMP Prediction and Recognition Using the Ensemble Learning Method with a New Hybrid Feature for Differentiating AMPs
Authors: Lertampaiporn Supatcha , Vorapreeda Tayvich , Hongsthong Apiradee , Thammarongtham Chinae
Published: January 2021

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are natural peptides possessing antimicrobial activities. These peptides are important components of the innate immune system. They are found in various organisms. AMP screening and identification by experimental techniques are laborious and time-consuming tasks. Alternatively, computational methods based on machine learning have been developed to screen potential AMP candidates prior to experimental verification. Although various AMP prediction programs are available, there is still a need for improvement to reduce false positives (FPs) and to increase the predictive accuracy. In this work, several well-known single and ensemble machine learning approaches have been explored and evaluated based on balanced training datasets and two large testing datasets. We have demonstrated that the developed program with various predictive models has high performance in differentiating between AMPs and non-AMPs. Thus, we describe the development of a program for the prediction and recognition of AMPs using MaxProbVote, which is an ensemble model. Moreover, to increase prediction efficiency, the ensemble model was integrated with a new hybrid feature based on logistic regression. The ensemble model integrated with the hybrid feature can effectively increase the prediction sensitivity of the developed program called Ensemble-AMPPred, resulting in overall improvements in terms of both sensitivity and specificity compared to those of currently available programs.
Inverse Infiltration Modeling of Dike Covers Made of Dredged Material Using PEST and AMALGAM
Authors: Jurisch Tim , Cantré Stefan , Saathoff Fokke
Published: January 2021

A variety of studies recently proved the applicability of different dried, fine-grained dredged materials as replacement material for erosion-resistant sea dike covers. In Rostock, Germany, a large-scale field experiment was conducted, in which different dredged materials were tested with regard to installation technology, stability, turf development, infiltration, and erosion resistance. The infiltration experiments to study the development of a seepage line in the dike body showed unexpected measurement results. Due to the high complexity of the problem, standard geo-hydraulic models proved to be unable to analyze these results. Therefore, different methods of inverse infiltration modeling were applied, such as the parameter estimation tool (PEST) and the AMALGAM algorithm. In the paper, the two approaches are compared and discussed. A sensitivity analysis proved the presumption of a non-linear model behavior for the infiltration problem and the Eigenvalue ratio indicates that the dike infiltration is an ill-posed problem. Although this complicates the inverse modeling (e.g., termination in local minima), parameter sets close to an optimum were found with both the PEST and the AMALGAM algorithms. Together with the field measurement data, this information supports the rating of the effective material properties of the applied dredged materials used as dike cover material.
‘Study Is Like the Heaven’s Glorious Sun’—Learning through Shakespeare for Men Convicted of Sexual Offences
Authors: Mackenzie Rowan
Published: January 2021

Emergency Shakespeare is a collaboratively owned theatre company based in an English prison for men convicted of sexual offences. It is the first permanent theatre company of its kind with this population. This article explores the ways in which Shakespeare is used as a way of developing transferable skills such as self-confidence, resilience, teamwork and negotiation with a group of people whom society will stigmatise for their convictions. Constructivist educational methodologies are employed by the Artistic Director to encourage those involved to develop their own sense of autonomy and ownership of the artistic work created.
Dialektik der Erschließung: The German–Austrian Alps between Exploration and Exploitation
Authors: Ireton Sean
Published: January 2021

Focusing on the so-called Nördliche Kalkalpen or Northern Limestone Alps of Germany and Austria, I will discuss how human interaction with these mountains during the age of the Anthropocene shifts from scientific and athletic exploration to commercial and industrial exploitation. More specifically, I will examine travel narratives by the nineteenth-century mountaineers Friedrich Simony and Hermann von Barth, juxtaposing their respective experiences in diverse Alpine subranges with the environmental history of those regions. This juxtaposition harbors a deeper paradox, one that can be formulated as follows: Whereas Simony and Barth both rank as historically important Erschließer of the German and Austrian Alps, having explored their crags and glaciers in search of somatic adventure and geoscientific knowledge, these very sites of rock and ice were about to become so erschlossen by modernized tourism that one wonders where the precise boundaries between individual-based discovery and technology-driven development lie. In other words, during the nineteenth century a kind of Dialektik der Erschließung (a variation on Horkheimer and Adorno’s Dialektik der Aufklärung) manifests itself in the increasing anthropogenic alteration of the Alps.
Introduction to the Special Issue “The Challenge of Folklore to the Humanities”
Authors: Ben-Amos Dan
Published: January 2021

Five and a half decades ago, when Stith Thompson was the doyen of American folklore studies, he published his essay “The Challenge of Folklore” in PMLA, a leading journal of the Humanities (Thompson 1964) [...]
The Otteroo: A Case Series Exploring Its Potential to Support Physical Therapy Intervention in Infants with or at Risk for Developmental Delay
Authors: Reed Isabel , Menz Stacy , Smith Beth A.
Published: January 2021

The objective of this case series was to examine the potential of the Otteroo as a tool to support physical therapy intervention in infants with or at risk for developmental disability. The Otteroo is a float with potential for use in aquatic therapy sessions or as part of a home exercise program. By tracking the amount of use and caregiver perception of the child’s response, we aimed to generate an understanding of the Otteroo’s potential as a family-based adjunct to physical therapy. Four children at risk of developmental delay participated in this study. The Otteroo was provided for four weeks, with recommendations for use. We used an activity log to track usage and collected survey data of caregiver perception of the child’s response. Activity logs showed that use ranged from 3–7 interactions and a total of 40–99.5 min (x¯ = 54.88, SD = 29.75). The survey responses varied as to whether caregivers perceived their children enjoyed the experience. Future research should focus on finding effective methods of encouraging Otteroo use if efficacy of an intervention is to be tested. This initial work provides a foundation for future efficacy research with the Otteroo in children with or at risk for developmental delay.
The Effect of Lifestyle Intervention on Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Marcos-Delgado Alba , Hernández-Segura Natalia , Fernández-Villa Tania , Molina Antonio J. , Martín Vicente
Published: January 2021

The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the effects of a lifestyle intervention through health education on nutrition, physical activity, and healthy habits on physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL), in adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The databases used were PubMed, WOS, and Scopus. The inclusion criteria were: observational, longitudinal and randomized clinical trial (RCT) study designs, adults (both sexes), with at least two criteria of MetS, lifestyle intervention and comparison with a control group, and a measurement of HRQoL with a validated questionnaire. We analyzed the Hedges’ g and SF-36 score. I2 statistics were calculated and possible publication and small study biases were assessed using Egger’s test and funnel plots. Seven RCTs were selected for meta-analysis, based on 637 study participants. Significant improvements were found in the physical dimensions of the HRQoL scores for subjects in the active intervention compared to the group that received general lifestyle information (Hedges’ g 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.31–0.91). Mental health-related quality of life was also significantly improved in the intervention group compared with the control group (Hedges’ g 0.84, 95% CI = 0.64–1.03). In conclusion, our results suggest that, according to the RCTs selected for this meta-analysis, a lifestyle intervention significantly improves HRQoL in all its domains.