bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypomimia in Parkinson's Disease: What Is It Telling Us?
Authors: Maycas-Cepeda Teresa , López-Ruiz Pedro , Feliz-Feliz Cici , Gómez-Vicente Lidia , García-Cobos Rocío , Arroyo Rafael , García-Ruiz Pedro J.
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Amimia is one of the most typical features of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, its significance and correlation with motor and nonmotor symptoms is unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between amimia and motor and nonmotor symptoms, including cognitive status, depression, and quality of life in PD patients. We also tested the blink rate as a potential tool for objectively measuring upper facial bradykinesia.

Methods: We prospectively studied amimia in PD patients. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and timed tests. Cognitive status, depression, and quality of life were assessed using the Parkinson's Disease Cognitive Rating Scale (PD-CRS), the 16-Item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS-SR16), and the PDQ-39, respectively. Amimia was clinically evaluated according to item 19 of UPDRS III. Finally, we studied upper facial amimia by measuring resting blink frequency and blink rate during spontaneous conversation.

Results: We included 75 patients. Amimia (item 19 UPDRS III) correlated with motor and total UPDRS (r: 0.529 and 0.551 Spearman), and its rigidity, distal bradykinesia, and motor axial subscores (r: 0.472; r: 0.252, and r: 0.508, respectively); Hoehn and Yahr scale (r: 0.392), timed tests, gait freezing, cognitive status (r: 0.29), and quality of life (r: 0.268) correlated with amimia. Blinking frequency correlated with amimia (measured with item 19 UPDRS), motor and total UPDRS.

Conclusion: Amimia correlates with motor (especially axial symptoms) and cognitive situations in PD. Amimia could be a useful global marker of overall disease severity, including cognitive decline.
Electrical Source Imaging in Freely Moving Rats: Evaluation of a 12-Electrode Cortical Electroencephalography System
Authors: Jiricek Stanislav , Koudelka Vlastimil , Lacik Jaroslav , Vejmola Cestmir , Kuratko David , Wójcik Daniel K. , Raida Zbynek , Hlinka Jaroslav , Palenicek Tomas
Published: January 2021

This work presents and evaluates a 12-electrode intracranial electroencephalography system developed at the National Institute of Mental Health (Klecany, Czech Republic) in terms of an electrical source imaging (ESI) technique in rats. The electrode system was originally designed for translational research purposes. This study demonstrates that it is also possible to use this well-established system for ESI, and estimates its precision, accuracy, and limitations. Furthermore, this paper sets a methodological basis for future implants. Source localization quality is evaluated using three approaches based on surrogate data, physical phantom measurements, and in vivo experiments. The forward model for source localization is obtained from the FieldTrip-SimBio pipeline using the finite-element method. Rat brain tissue extracted from a magnetic resonance imaging template is approximated by a single-compartment homogeneous tetrahedral head model. Four inverse solvers were tested: standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography, exact low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA), linear constrained minimum variance (LCMV), and dynamic imaging of coherent sources. Based on surrogate data, this paper evaluates the accuracy and precision of all solvers within the brain volume using error distance and reliability maps. The mean error distance over the whole brain was found to be the lowest in the eLORETA solution through signal to noise ratios (SNRs) (0.2 mm for 25 dB SNR). The LCMV outperformed eLORETA under higher SNR conditions, and exhibiting higher spatial precision. Both of these inverse solvers provided accurate results in a phantom experiment (1.6 mm mean error distance across shallow and 2.6 mm across subcortical testing dipoles). Utilizing the developed technique in freely moving rats, an auditory steady-state response experiment provided results in line with previously reported findings. The obtained results support the idea of utilizing a 12-electrode system for ESI and using it as a solid basis for the development of future ESI dedicated implants.
A Novel Mechanism of 17-AAG Therapeutic Efficacy on HSP90 Inhibition in MYCN-Amplified Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Hanna Reine , Abdallah Jad , Abou-Antoun Tamara
Published: January 2021

Background

Neuroblastoma is the most common pediatric extra-cranial nervous system tumor, originating from neural crest elements and giving rise to tumors in the adrenal medulla and sympathetic chain ganglia. Amplification of MYCN confers increased malignancy and poorer prognosis in high-risk neuroblastoma. Our SILAC proteomics analysis revealed over-expression of HSP90 in MYCN-amplified IMR-32 compared to the non-MYCN amplified SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells, rendering them highly resistant to therapeutic intervention.

Methods

We used cellular bio-functional (proliferation, migration/invasion, apoptosis, viability and stem-cell self-renewal) assays and Western blot analysis to elucidate the therapeutic efficacy of HSP90 inhibition with 17-AAG.

Results

17-AAG treatment significantly inhibited cellular proliferation, viability and migration/invasion and increased apoptosis in both cell lines. Moreover, drug treatment significantly abrogated stem-cell self-renewal potential in the MYCN-amplified IMR-32 cells. Differential tumorigenic protein expression revealed a novel mechanism of therapeutic efficacy after 17-AAG treatment with a significant downregulation of HMGA1, FABP5, Oct4, MYCN, prohibitin and p-L1CAM in SK-N-SH cells. However, we observed a significant up-regulation of p-L1CAM, MYCN and prohibitin, and significant down-regulation of Oct4, FABP5, HMGA1, p-ERK, cleaved/total caspase-3 and PARP1 in IMR-32 cells.

Conclusions

HSP90 inhibition revealed a novel therapeutic mechanism of antitumor activity in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells that may enhance therapeutic sensitivity.
Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Astrocytopathy in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Huang Haixia , Bai Ke , Fu Yueqiang , Lu Siwei , Ran Yunni , Dang Hongxing , Li Jing
Published: January 2021

Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy is a novel form of autoimmune meningoencephalitis related to GFAP autoantibodies. This condition is still being characterized, and few pediatric patients have been identified. Here, we report three patients presenting with fever, nausea, and headache, following progressive disturbance of consciousness, limb weakness, dyspnea, or urine retention. MRI analysis revealed that T2-hyperintense lesions, or enhancement of the meninges and spinal cord. CSF and serum analyses revealed they were positive for GFAP antibody, confirming GFAP astrocytopathy diagnosis. Treating the patients with IVIG, with or without intravenous steroids, gradually improved their clinical symptoms. Our findings indicate that GFAP astrocytopathy should be considered in children who are clinically diagnosed with meningoencephalitis, whether or not myelitis is present, and if the MRI reveals enhancement of meninges or spinal cord, T2-hyperintense lesions, or a pattern of linear perivascular gadolinium enhancement. Suspected cases should be tested for GFAP antibody as soon as possible because these patients may benefit from immunotherapy.
The Efficacy and Mechanism of Chinese Herbal Medicines in Lowering Serum Uric Acid Levels: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chen Liqian , Luo Zhengmao , Wang Ming , Cheng Jingru , Li Fei , Lu Hanqi , He Qiuxing , You Yanting , Zhou Xinghong , Kwan Hiu Yee , Zhao Xiaoshan , Zhou Lin
Published: January 2021

Background. Chinese herbal medicines are widely used to lower serum uric acid levels. However, no systemic review summarizes and evaluates their efficacies and the underlying mechanisms of action. Objectives. To evaluate the clinical and experimental evidences for the effectiveness and the potential mechanism of Chinese herbal medicines in lowering serum uric acid levels. Methods. Four electronic databases PubMed, Wed of Science, the Cochrane Library and Embase were used to search for Chinese herbal medicines for their effects in lowering serum uric acid levels, dated from 1 January 2009 to 19 August 2020. For clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included; and for experimental studies, original articles were included. The methodological quality of RCTs was assessed according to the Cochrane criteria. For clinical trials, a meta-analysis of continuous variables was used to obtain pooled effects. For experimental studies, lists were used to summarize and integrate the mechanisms involved. Results. A total of 10 clinical trials and 184 experimental studies were included. Current data showed that Chinese herbal medicines have promising clinical efficacies in patients with elevated serum uric acid levels (SMD: −1.65, 95% CI: −3.09 to −0.22; p = 0.024). There was no significant difference in serum uric acid levels between Chinese herbal medicine treatments and Western medicine treatments (SMD: −0.13, 95% CI: −0.99 to 0.74; p = 0.772). Experimental studies revealed that the mechanistic signaling pathways involved in the serum uric acid lowering effects include uric acid synthesis, uric acid transport, inflammation, renal fibrosis and oxidative stress. Conclusions. The clinical studies indicate that Chinese herbal medicines lower serum uric acid levels. Further studies with sophisticated research design can further demonstrate the efficacy and safety of these Chinese herbal medicines in lowering serum uric acid levels and reveal a comprehensive picture of the underlying mechanisms of action.
Grain Inorganic Arsenic Content in Rice Managed Through Targeted Introgressions and Irrigation Management
Authors: Fernández-Baca Cristina P. , McClung Anna M. , Edwards Jeremy D. , Codling Eton E. , Reddy Vangimalla R. , Barnaby Jinyoung Y.
Published: January 2021

Arsenic (As) accumulation in rice grain is a significant public health concern. Inorganic As (iAs) is of particular concern because it has increased toxicity as compared to organic As. Irrigation management practices, such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD), as well as genotypic differences between cultivars, have been shown to influence As accumulation in rice grain. A 2 year field study using a Lemont × TeQing backcross introgression line (TIL) mapping population examined the impact of genotype and AWD severity on iAs grain concentrations. The “Safe”-AWD [35–40% soil volumetric water content (VWC)] treatment did not reduce grain iAs levels, whereas the more severe AWD30 (25–30% VWC) consistently reduced iAs concentrations across all genotypes. The TILs displayed a range of iAs concentrations by genotype, from less than 10 to up to 46 μg kg–1 under AWD30 and from 28 to 104 μg kg–1 under Safe-AWD. TIL grain iAs concentrations for flood treatments across both years ranged from 26 to 127 μg kg–1. Additionally, seven quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified in the mapping population associated with grain iAs. A subset of eight TILs and their parents were grown to confirm field-identified grain iAs QTLs in a controlled greenhouse environment. Greenhouse results confirmed the genotypic grain iAs patterns observed in the field; however, iAs concentrations were higher under greenhouse conditions as compared to the field. In the greenhouse, the number of days under AWD was negatively correlated with grain iAs concentrations. Thus, longer drying periods to meet the same soil VWC resulted in lower grain iAs levels. Both the number and combinations of iAs-affecting QTLs significantly impacted grain iAs concentrations. Therefore, identifying more grain iAs-affecting QTLs could be important to inform future breeding efforts for low iAs rice varieties. Our study suggests that coupling AWD practices targeting a soil VWC of less than or equal to 30% coupled with the use of cultivars developed to possess multiple QTLs that negatively regulate grain iAs concentrations will be helpful in mitigating exposure of iAs from rice consumption.
How Do Movement Patterns in Weightlifting (Clean) Change When Using Lighter or Heavier Barbell Loads?—A Comparison of Two Principal Component Analysis-Based Approaches to Studying Technique
Authors: Werner Inge , Szelenczy Nicolai , Wachholz Felix , Federolf Peter
Published: January 2021

This study compared whole body kinematics of the clean movement when lifting three different loads, implementing two data analysis approaches based on principal component analysis (PCA). Nine weightlifters were equipped with 39 markers and their motion captured with 8 Vicon cameras at 100 Hz. Lifts of 60, 85, and 95% of the one repetition maximum were analyzed. The first PCA (PCAtrial) analyzed variance among time-normed waveforms compiled from subjects and trials; the second PCA (PCAposture) analyzed postural positions compiled over time, subjects and trials. Load effects were identified through repeated measures ANOVAs with Bonferroni-corrected post-hocs and through Cousineau-Morey confidence intervals. PCAtrial scores differed in the first (p < 0.016, ηp2 = 0.694) and fifth (p < 0.006, ηp2 = 0.768) principal component, suggesting that increased barbell load produced higher initial elevation, lower squat position, wider feet position after squatting, and less inclined arms. PCAposture revealed significant timing differences in all components. We conclude, first, barbell load affects specific aspects of the movement pattern of the clean; second, the PCAtrial approach is better suited for detecting deviations from a mean motion trajectory and its results are easier to interpret; the PCAposture approach reveals coordination patterns and facilitates comparisons of postural speeds and accelerations.
Enhancing Communication Skills of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders While Maintaining Social Distancing Using Two Tele-Operated Robots
Authors: Kumazaki Hirokazu , Muramatsu Taro , Yoshikawa Yuichiro , Haraguchi Hideyuki , Sono Taichi , Matsumoto Yoshio , Ishiguro Hiroshi , Kikuchi Mitsuru , Sumiyoshi Tomiki , Mimura Masaru
Published: January 2021

COVID-19 has affected many areas of daily life, including communication and learning. Social distancing is essential to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In these situations, teaching communication skills is essential for helping individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) reach their full potential. To provide communication education while maintaining social distancing, we developed a communication training system using a tele-operated robot. In this system, we prepared a PC and a robot for each participant. The participants were grouped in pairs and communicated with each other through the tele-operated robot. The objective of this study was to test whether this system can maintain motivation for training in individuals with ASD and whether our system was useful for improving communication skills. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the taking a class by teachers alone (TCT) group or robot-mediated communication exercise (RMC) group. Participants in the TCT group took a class about communication skills from their teacher. Participants in the RMC group, in addition to taking a class by teacher, were grouped in pairs and communicated with each other through the tele-operated robot once a week over 4 weeks (for a total of five sessions). In total, twenty individuals with ASD participated in the study. One-way ANOVA revealed that there were significantly greater improvements in being good at describing their thoughts to others, which was self-rated (F = 6.583; p = 0.019), and good at listening to the thoughts or feelings of others, which was rated by themselves (F = 5.635; p = 0.029) and their teacher (F = 5.333; p = 0.033). As expected, the motivation for training using this system was maintained during a session. Overall, this study revealed that our system was useful for improving communication skills (e.g., listening to the thoughts or feelings of others). Teaching communication skills under pandemic conditions is important, and this study demonstrated the feasibility of communication training using tele-operated robots.
In Defense of Merit to Overcome Merit
Authors: Daraio Cinzia
Published: January 2021

Bibliometric indicators such as the number of published articles and citations received are subject to a strong ambiguity. A high numerical value of bibliometric indicators may not measure the quality of scientific production, but only a high level of activity of a researcher. There may be cases of good researchers who do not produce a high number of articles, but have few research products of high quality. The sociology of science relies on the so-called “Matthew effect,” which is inspired by Matthew’s Gospel on Talents. “Those that have more will have more” seems to support the idea that those that publish more, merit to have higher bibliometric indicators, and to be recognized for their major results. But is this really the case? Can bibliometric indicators be considered a measure of the merit of scholars or they come from luck and chance? The answer is of fundamental importance to identify best practices in research assessment. In this work, using philosophical argumentation, we show how Christian theology, in particular St. Thomas Aquinas, can help us to clarify the concept of merit, overcoming the conceptual ambiguities and problems highlighted by the existing literature. By doing this, Christian theology, will allow us to introduce the evaluation framework in a broader perspective better suited to the interpretation of the complexity of research evaluation.
Utility of Blood Flow/Resistance Index Ratio (Qx) as a Marker of Stenosis and Future Thrombotic Events in Native Arteriovenous Fistulas
Authors: Colombo Alessandro , Provenzano Michele , Rivoli Laura , Donato Cinzia , Capria Marinella , Leonardi Giuseppe , Chiarella Salvatore , Andreucci Michele , Fuiano Giorgio , Bolignano Davide , Coppolino Giuseppe
Published: January 2021

Objective: The resistance index (RI) and the blood flow volume (Qa) are the most used Doppler ultrasound (DUS) parameters to identify the presence of stenosis in arteriovenous fistula (AVF). However, the reliability of these indexes is now matter of concern, particularly in predicting subsequent thrombosis. In this study, we aimed at testing the diagnostic capacity of the Qa/RI ratio (Qx) for the early identification of AVF stenosis and for thrombosis risk stratification.

Methods: From a multicentre source population of 336 HD patients, we identified 119 patients presenting at least one “alarm sign” for clinical suspicious of stenosis. Patients were therefore categorized by DUS as stenotic (n = 60) or not-stenotic (n = 59) and prospectively followed. Qa, RI, and QX, together with various clinical and laboratory parameters, were recorded.

Results: Qa and Qx were significantly higher while RI was significantly lower in non-stenotic vs. stenotic patients (p < 0.001 for each comparison). At ROC analyses, Qx had the best discriminatory power in identifying the presence of stenosis as compared to Qa and RI (AUCs 0.976 vs. 0.953 and 0.804; p = 0.037 and p < 0.0001, respectively). During follow-up, we registered 30 thrombotic events with an incidence rate of 12.65 (95% CI 8.54–18.06) per 100 patients/year. In Cox-regression proportional hazard models, Qx showed a better capacity to predict thrombosis occurrence as compared to Qa (difference between c-indexes: 0.012; 95% CI 0.004–0.01).

Conclusions: In chronic haemodialysis patients, Qx might represent a more reliable and valid indicator for the early identification of stenotic AVFs and for predicting the risk of following thrombosis.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Antibodies in 2020
Authors:   Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Antibodies maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Pickering Raelene J.
Published: January 2021

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which include a number of cardiac and vascular conditions, resulted in approximately 17 [...]
The Role of Soil Stabilisation in Mitigating the Impact of Climate Change in Transport Infrastructure with Reference to Wetting Processes
Authors: Heitor Ana , Parkinson Joshua , Kotzur Thomas
Published: January 2021

Cost efficient and robust transport systems are of critical importance to future economic prosperity as well as for the society’s social and environmental well-being. However, current performance shortcomings in the transport infrastructure formations induced by extreme climatic events cause excessive maintenance requirements with increased costs and disruptions to commuters and loss of productivity in the freight services. This is particularly important in locations where soils are sensitive to moisture changes caused by extreme climatic events. In this paper the role of soil stabilisation in halting volumetric deformation and associated reduction in shear strength derived from the wetting processes (e.g., rainfall periods) is examined for an expansive soil. Two stabilizers commonly used in road construction are examined, i.e., hydrated lime and Portland cement. An additional non-traditional stabiliser composed of a blend of ground granulated blast furnace slag and hydrated lime is also considered. A series of one-dimensional swelling and direct shear box tests were conducted adopting vertical stresses relevant for pavements and simulate wetting process that can take place after a period of rainfall. Results indicate that while all stabilizers contribute to a reduction of swelling and smaller losses in shear strength upon wetting, the blend of blast furnace slag and hydrated lime is the most favourable in terms of carbon footprint.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Biomolecules in 2020
Authors:   Biomolecules Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Biomolecules maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Non-Oncologic Applications of Nanomedicine-Based Phototherapy
Authors: Yoo Su Woong , Oh Gyungseok , Ahn Jin Chul , Chung Euiheon
Published: January 2021

Phototherapy is widely applied to various human diseases. Nanomedicine-based phototherapy can be classified into photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT). Activated photosensitizer kills the target cells by generating radicals or reactive oxygen species in PDT while generating heat in PTT. Both PDT and PTT have been employed for treating various diseases, from preclinical to randomized controlled clinical trials. However, there are still hurdles to overcome before entering clinical practice. This review provides an overview of nanomedicine-based phototherapy, especially in non-oncologic diseases. Multiple clinical trials were undertaken to prove the therapeutic efficacy of PDT in dermatologic, ophthalmologic, cardiovascular, and dental diseases. Preclinical studies showed the feasibility of PDT in neurologic, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and musculoskeletal diseases. A few clinical studies of PTT were tried in atherosclerosis and dry eye syndrome. Although most studies have shown promising results, there have been limitations in specificity, targeting efficiency, and tissue penetration using phototherapy. Recently, nanomaterials have shown promising results to overcome these limitations. With advanced technology, nanomedicine-based phototherapy holds great potential for broader clinical practice.
A Rare Case of Spontaneous Arachnoid Cyst Rupture Presenting as Right Hemiplegia and Expressive Aphasia in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Bryden Anne , Majors Natalie , Puri Vinay , Moriarty Thomas
Published: January 2021

This study examines an 11-year-old boy with a known history of a large previously asymptomatic arachnoid cyst (AC) presenting with acute onset of right facial droop, hemiplegia, and expressive aphasia. Shortly after arrival to the emergency department, the patient exhibited complete resolution of right-sided hemiplegia but developed headache and had persistent word-finding difficulties. Prior to symptom onset while in class at school, there was an absence of reported jerking movements, headache, photophobia, fever, or trauma. At the time of neurology consultation, the physical exam showed mildly delayed cognitive processing but was otherwise unremarkable. The patient underwent MRI scanning of the brain, which revealed left convexity subdural hematohygroma and perirolandic cortex edema resulting from ruptured left frontoparietal AC. He was evaluated by neurosurgery and managed expectantly. He recovered uneventfully and was discharged two days after presentation remaining asymptomatic on subsequent outpatient visits. The family express concerns regarding increased anxiety and mild memory loss since hospitalization.
The Performance of a Gradient-Based Method to Estimate the Discretization Error in Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Satyadharma Adhika , Harinaldi
Published: January 2021

Although the grid convergence index is a widely used for the estimation of discretization error in computational fluid dynamics, it still has some problems. These problems are mainly rooted in the usage of the order of a convergence variable within the model which is a fundamental variable that the model is built upon. To improve the model, a new perspective must be taken. By analyzing the behavior of the gradient within simulation data, a gradient-based model was created. The performance of this model is tested on its accuracy, precision, and how it will affect a computational time of a simulation. The testing is conducted on a dataset of 36 simulated variables, simulated using the method of manufactured solutions, with an average of 26.5 meshes/case. The result shows the new gradient based method is more accurate and more precise then the grid convergence index(GCI). This allows for the usage of a coarser mesh for its analysis, thus it has the potential to reduce the overall computational by at least by 25% and also makes the discretization error analysis more available for general usage.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Electronics in 2020
Authors:   Electronics Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Electronics maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Energies in 2020
Authors:   Energies Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Energies maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Numerical Prediction of Turbulent Spray Flame Characteristics Using the Filtered Eulerian Stochastic Field Approach Coupled to Tabulated Chemistry
Authors: Dressler Louis , Sacomano Filho Fernando Luiz , Ries Florian , Nicolai Hendrik , Janicka Johannes , Sadiki Amsini
Published: January 2021

The Eulerian stochastic fields (ESF) method, which is based on the transport equation of the joint subgrid scalar probability density function, is applied to Large Eddy Simulation of a turbulent dilute spray flame. The approach is coupled with a tabulated chemistry approach to represent the subgrid turbulence–chemistry interaction. Following a two-way coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian procedure, the spray is treated as a multitude of computational parcels described in a Lagrangian manner, each representing a heap of real spray droplets. The present contribution has two objectives: First, the predictive capabilities of the modeling framework are evaluated by comparing simulation results using 8, 16, and 32 stochastic fields with available experimental data. At the same time, the results are compared to previous studies, where the artificially thickened flame (ATF) model was applied to the investigated configuration. The results suggest that the ESF method can reproduce the experimental measurements reasonably well. Comparisons with the ATF approach indicate that the ESF results better describe the flame entrainment into the cold spray core of the flame. Secondly, the dynamics of the subgrid scalar contributions are investigated and the reconstructed probability density distributions are compared to common presumed shapes qualitatively and quantitatively in the context of spray combustion. It is demonstrated that the ESF method can be a valuable tool to evaluate approaches relying on a pre-integration of the thermochemical lookup-table.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Foods in 2020
Authors:   Foods Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Foods maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
The Modern and Digital Transformation of Oral Health Care: A Mini Review
Authors: Alauddin Muhammad Syafiq , Baharuddin Ahmad Syukran , Mohd Ghazali Mohd Ifwat
Published: January 2021

Dentistry is a part of the field of medicine which is advocated in this digital revolution. The increasing trend in dentistry digitalization has led to the advancement in computer-derived data processing and manufacturing. This progress has been exponentially supported by the Internet of medical things (IoMT), big data and analytical algorithm, internet and communication technologies (ICT) including digital social media, augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR), and artificial intelligence (AI). The interplay between these sophisticated digital aspects has dramatically changed the healthcare and biomedical sectors, especially for dentistry. This myriad of applications of technologies will not only be able to streamline oral health care, facilitate workflow, increase oral health at a fraction of the current conventional cost, relieve dentist and dental auxiliary staff from routine and laborious tasks, but also ignite participatory in personalized oral health care. This narrative article review highlights recent dentistry digitalization encompassing technological advancement, limitations, challenges, and conceptual theoretical modern approaches in oral health prevention and care, particularly in ensuring the quality, efficiency, and strategic dental care in the modern era of dentistry.
Visible and “Invisible” Aspects of Historic Mediterranean Metropolises Perpetually Emerging through Augmented Reality
Authors: Moira Maria , Makris Dimitrios
Published: January 2021

Alexandria and Istanbul, through diverse texts and writers, meet and intersect in their attempt to reconstruct and rebuild the metropolis’s character. Our method advocates spatiotemporal events in augmented literature that enable reflection of the palimpsest of historical frames. On a higher level, what we propose in this work is the dialogic field between the two metropolises, as it could be provided by novels’ chronotopes with the aid of augmented reality. We undertake a twofold task, to reveal the awareness of the connections between places and the connection and attachment of particular spaces, by unifying two approaches. First, Ecocriticism that comprises the ways in which novels express socio-cultural frameworks of the natural environment. The second approach is based on the strong interrelations of place engagement with collective and cultural memory. The linking of both urban, spatial geometry and topology with the waterscape for both metropolises, in our proposed conceptualization of a chronotope-based augmented continuum, endeavors to provide, firstly, the dialogic relations between the two metropolises, between each metropolis and the waterscape and, secondly, between urbanscape and waterscape and the novels’ fictional frameworks. Within the framework of the augmented reality, we synthesize the writers’ fictional cities with the factual surroundings of the metropolises in order to reconstruct the fragmented natural and architectural urban views in the continuity of the urban fabric, thus ending up proposing a dynamic repository of the metropolis landscape’s natural, collective and cultural memory.
Composting Spent Mushroom Substrate from Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus Production as a Growing Media Component for Baby Leaf Lettuce Cultivation under Pythium irregulare Biotic Stress
Authors: Hernández Daniel , Ros Margarita , Carmona Francisco , Saez-Tovar José , Pascual Jose
Published: January 2021

Composts of spent mushrooms substrates can be an alternative for the partial replacement of peat as growing media in horticulture. Three mature composts from Agaricus bisporus (Ag), Pleurotus ostreatus (Pl), and 70% Ag:30% Pl (AgPl) production were used as partial components of peat growing media, used at a 1:4 compost:peat ratio for growing red baby leaf lettuce. They showed higher yields, between 3 and 7 times more than that for peat itself, even under the pressure of the plant pathogen Pythium irregulare. AgPl showed the higher suppressiveness (50%) against Pythium irregulare than Ag- (38%) or Pl- (15%) supplemented media. The combination of these raw materials and a suitable composting process is important for obtaining mature compost for use as a partial component of peat-based growing media.
Current and Future Trends in the Laboratory Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Authors: Caruso Giorgia , Giammanco Anna , Virruso Roberta , Fasciana Teresa
Published: January 2021

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to exert a considerable public health and social burden globally, particularly for developing countries. Due to the high prevalence of asymptomatic infections and the limitations of symptom-based (syndromic) diagnosis, confirmation of infection using laboratory tools is essential to choose the most appropriate course of treatment and to screen at-risk groups. Numerous laboratory tests and platforms have been developed for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, trichomoniasis, genital mycoplasmas, herpesviruses, and human papillomavirus. Point-of-care testing is now a possibility, and microfluidic and high-throughput omics technologies promise to revolutionize the diagnosis of STIs. The scope of this paper is to provide an updated overview of the current laboratory diagnostic tools for these infections, highlighting their advantages, limitations, and point-of-care adaptability. The diagnostic applicability of the latest molecular and biochemical approaches is also discussed.
Sepsis: Current Clinical Practices and New Perspectives: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Hecker Andreas , Padberg Winfried , Hecker Matthias
Published: January 2021

Despite modern approaches in intensive care medicine, surgery, and immunology, the mortality of sepsis remains unacceptably high [...]
Progress for Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology in 2020
Authors: Musumeci Giuseppe
Published: January 2021

The Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (JFMK, ISSN: 2411-5142), which was first released in March 2016, developed greatly in 2020 [...]
Hand Motion-Aware Surgical Tool Localization and Classification from an Egocentric Camera
Authors: Shimizu Tomohiro , Hachiuma Ryo , Kajita Hiroki , Takatsume Yoshifumi , Saito Hideo
Published: January 2021

Detecting surgical tools is an essential task for the analysis and evaluation of surgical videos. However, in open surgery such as plastic surgery, it is difficult to detect them because there are surgical tools with similar shapes, such as scissors and needle holders. Unlike endoscopic surgery, the tips of the tools are often hidden in the operating field and are not captured clearly due to low camera resolution, whereas the movements of the tools and hands can be captured. As a result that the different uses of each tool require different hand movements, it is possible to use hand movement data to classify the two types of tools. We combined three modules for localization, selection, and classification, for the detection of the two tools. In the localization module, we employed the Faster R-CNN to detect surgical tools and target hands, and in the classification module, we extracted hand movement information by combining ResNet-18 and LSTM to classify two tools. We created a dataset in which seven different types of open surgery were recorded, and we provided the annotation of surgical tool detection. Our experiments show that our approach successfully detected the two different tools and outperformed the two baseline methods.
Towards Least-CO2 Ferry Routes in the Adriatic Sea
Authors: Mannarini Gianandrea , Carelli Lorenzo , Orović Josip , Martinkus Charlotte , Coppini Giovanni
Published: January 2021

Carbon intensity of ship emissions is a cornerstone of contemporary regulatory actions, with measurable targets of reduction being enforced in the coming decade. Short term measures to achieve them include voyage optimization. Therefore, the VISIR ship routing model was upgraded for computing least-CO2 routes depending on ocean analysis products related to waves and sea currents. The speed loss in waves and the CO2 emission rate of a medium size Ro-Pax ship were obtained from a coupled command-bridge engine-room simulator. The geographical and topological features of least-CO2 routes resulting from VISIR were characterised by means of various types of isolines. A case study in the Adriatic Sea leads to bundles of optimal routes with significant spatial diversions even on short-sea routes. The carbon intensity savings were compared to the CO2 savings, highlighting also their dependence on both route lengthening and fractional engine load. For a case study in winter, carbon intensity reductions up to 11% were computed with respect to least-distance routes between the same couple of ports of call. This is promising, as a reduction of this magnitude represents a significant amount of the carbon intensity curbing target required at International level.
Evaluation of Different Deep-Learning Models for the Prediction of a Ship’s Propulsion Power
Authors: Theodoropoulos Panayiotis , Spandonidis Christos C. , Themelis Nikos , Giordamlis Christos , Fassois Spilios
Published: January 2021

Adverse conditions within specific offshore environments magnify the challenges faced by a vessel’s energy-efficiency optimization in the Industry 4.0 era. As the data rate and volume increase, the analysis of big data using analytical techniques might not be efficient, or might even be infeasible in some cases. The purpose of this study is the development of deep-learning models that can be utilized to predict the propulsion power of a vessel. Two models are discriminated: (1) a feed-forward neural network (FFNN) and (2) a recurrent neural network (RNN). Predictions provided by these models were compared with values measured onboard. Comparisons between the two types of networks were also performed. Emphasis was placed on the different data pre-processing phases, as well as on the optimal configuration decision process for each of the developed deep-learning models. Factors and parameters that played a significant role in the outcome, such as the number of layers in the neural network, were also evaluated.
How Does COVID-19 Affect House Prices? A Cross-City Analysis
Authors: Wang Bingbing
Published: January 2021

Using individual level transaction data and a revised difference-in-differences method with nonparametric smoothing, we study the effect of COVID-19 on house prices. The analyses are performed on the areas of Houston, Santa Clara, Honolulu, Irvine, and Des Moines in the US, which vary in the economic features and the implementation of stay home orders. The results show that only Honolulu experienced noticeable house price declines from the outbreak, suggesting that a heavier reliance on service industries might be correlated with higher vulnerabilities. Santa Clara and Irvine lead the house price increase rates, followed by Des Moines and Houston, indicating that stronger housing market fundamentals, better amenities and less dependence on service industries are associated with more positive house price effects.
A Random Forests Approach to Predicting Clean Energy Stock Prices
Authors: Sadorsky Perry
Published: January 2021

Climate change, green consumers, energy security, fossil fuel divestment, and technological innovation are powerful forces shaping an increased interest towards investing in companies that specialize in clean energy. Well informed investors need reliable methods for predicting the stock prices of clean energy companies. While the existing literature on forecasting stock prices shows how difficult it is to predict stock prices, there is evidence that predicting stock price direction is more successful than predicting actual stock prices. This paper uses the machine learning method of random forests to predict the stock price direction of clean energy exchange traded funds. Some well-known technical indicators are used as features. Decision tree bagging and random forests predictions of stock price direction are more accurate than those obtained from logit models. For a 20-day forecast horizon, tree bagging and random forests methods produce accuracy rates of between 85% and 90% while logit models produce accuracy rates of between 55% and 60%. Tree bagging and random forests are easy to understand and estimate and are useful methods for forecasting the stock price direction of clean energy stocks.
Application of the 4Es in Online Crowdfunding Platforms: A Comparative Perspective of Germany and China
Authors: Konhäusner Peter , Shang Bing , Dabija Dan-Cristian
Published: January 2021

As a dynamic way to raise funds for professional and private projects in recent years, crowdfunding has made tremendous progress, especially through online platforms. However, research on this subject is still young, leaving room for different perspectives. We therefore approach the marketing mix adaptability of online crowdfunding platforms and its impact on campaign efficiency and company strategy in two major economies: Germany and China. With the help of case examples based on secondary data, we performed an in-depth analysis of the 4E marketing mix benefits on crowdfunding, highlighting best practice approaches. We critically discuss the 4Es marketing mix approach, focusing on experience, value exchange, and marketing scales, and clarify the compatibility between crowdfunding and 4Es to better understand how these theories are applied to crowdfunding activities. As a result, the suitability of the 4E marketing mix adapted to crowdfunding needs is shown. From a market-oriented perspective, managers of crowdfunding platforms, as well as project owners from Germany and China, will be better able to attract their target audience by applying the 4E adaptation provided.
Influence of Magnetic Field on the Electrodeposition and Capacitive Performances of MnO2
Authors: Girimonte Aldo , Stefani Andrea , Innocenti Massimo , Fontanesi Claudio , Giovanardi Roberto
Published: January 2021

This study focuses on the influence of an applied external magnetic field on the electrodeposition process and capacitive performances of MnO2, as pseudo-capacitive active material for supercapacitors electrodes. MnO2 was electrochemically deposited on Si/Au substrates in the presence and in the absence of a 0.5 T magnet, and its capacitive performance was tested via electrochemical characterization. The samples obtained in the presence of the magnetic field show a positive influence on the deposition process: the increase in deposition efficiency leads to more compact and uniform MnO2 coatings, with a decrease in capacitance values for the samples produced with the magnetic field.
A Comprehensive Review of Detection Methods for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Eftekhari Aziz , Alipour Mahdieh , Chodari Leila , Maleki Dizaj Solmaz , Ardalan Mohammadreza , Samiei Mohammad , Sharifi Simin , Zununi Vahed Sepideh , Huseynova Irada , Khalilov Rovshan , Ahmadian Elham , Cucchiarini Magali
Published: January 2021

Recently, the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, in China and its subsequent spread across the world has caused numerous infections and deaths and disrupted normal social activity. Presently, various techniques are used for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, with various advantages and weaknesses to each. In this paper, we summarize promising methods, such as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), serological testing, point-of-care testing, smartphone surveillance of infectious diseases, nanotechnology-based approaches, biosensors, amplicon-based metagenomic sequencing, smartphone, and wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) that can also be utilized for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. In addition, we discuss principles, advantages, and disadvantages of these detection methods, and highlight the potential methods for the development of additional techniques and products for early and fast detection of SARS-CoV-2.
Shedding Light on the African Enigma: In Vitro Testing of Homo sapiens-Helicobacter pylori Coevolution
Authors: Cavadas Bruno , Leite Marina , Pedro Nicole , Magalhães Ana C. , Melo Joana , Correia Marcelo , Máximo Valdemar , Camacho Rui , Fonseca Nuno A. , Figueiredo Ceu , Pereira Luísa
Published: January 2021

The continuous characterization of genome-wide diversity in population and case–cohort samples, allied to the development of new algorithms, are shedding light on host ancestry impact and selection events on various infectious diseases. Especially interesting are the long-standing associations between humans and certain bacteria, such as the case of Helicobacter pylori, which could have been strong drivers of adaptation leading to coevolution. Some evidence on admixed gastric cancer cohorts have been suggested as supporting Homo-Helicobacter coevolution, but reliable experimental data that control both the bacterium and the host ancestries are lacking. Here, we conducted the first in vitro coinfection assays with dual human- and bacterium-matched and -mismatched ancestries, in African and European backgrounds, to evaluate the genome wide gene expression host response to H. pylori. Our results showed that: (1) the host response to H. pylori infection was greatly shaped by the human ancestry, with variability on innate immune system and metabolism; (2) African human ancestry showed signs of coevolution with H. pylori while European ancestry appeared to be maladapted; and (3) mismatched ancestry did not seem to be an important differentiator of gene expression at the initial stages of infection as assayed here.