bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetically Mediated Ciliogenesis and Cell Cycle Regulation, and Their Translational Potential
Authors: Li Linda Xiaoyan , Li Xiaogang
Published: July 2021

Primary cilia biogenesis has been closely associated with cell cycle progression. Cilia assemble when cells exit the cell cycle and enter a quiescent stage at the post-mitosis phase, and disassemble before cells re-enter a new cell cycle. Studies have focused on how the cell cycle coordinates with the cilia assembly/disassembly process, and whether and how cilia biogenesis affects the cell cycle. Appropriate regulation of the functions and/or expressions of ciliary and cell-cycle-associated proteins is pivotal to maintaining bodily homeostasis. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and histone/chromatin modifications, are involved in the regulation of cell cycle progression and cilia biogenesis. In this review, first, we discuss how epigenetic mechanisms regulate cell cycle progression and cilia biogenesis through the regulation of DNA methylation and chromatin structures, to either promote or repress the transcription of genes associated with those processes and the modification of cytoskeleton network, including microtubule and actin. Next, we discuss the crosstalk between the cell cycle and ciliogenesis, and the involvement of epigenetic regulators in this process. In addition, we discuss cilia-dependent signaling pathways in cell cycle regulation. Understanding the mechanisms of how epigenetic regulators contribute to abnormal cell cycle regulation and ciliogenesis defects would lead to developing therapeutic strategies for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases, such as cancers, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and other ciliopathy-associated disorders.
Myogenic Differentiation of iPS Cells Shows Different Efficiency in Simultaneous Comparison of Protocols
Authors: Ulman Aleksandra , Kot Marta , Skrzypek Klaudia , Szewczyk Barbara , Majka Marcin
Published: July 2021

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells constitute a perfect tool to study human embryo development processes such as myogenesis, thanks to their ability to differentiate into three germ layers. Currently, many protocols to obtain myogenic cells have been described in the literature. They differ in many aspects, such as media components, including signaling modulators, feeder layer constituents, and duration of culture. In our study, we compared three different myogenic differentiation protocols to verify, side by side, their efficiency. Protocol I was based on embryonic bodies differentiation induction, ITS addition, and selection with adhesion to collagen I type. Protocol II was based on strong myogenic induction at the embryonic bodies step with BIO, forskolin, and bFGF, whereas cells in Protocol III were cultured in monolayers in three special media, leading to WNT activation and TGF-β and BMP signaling inhibition. Myogenic induction was confirmed by the hierarchical expression of myogenic regulatory factors MYF5, MYOD, MYF6 and MYOG, as well as the expression of myotubes markers MYH3 and MYH2, in each protocol. Our results revealed that Protocol III is the most efficient in obtaining myogenic cells. Furthermore, our results indicated that CD56 is not a specific marker for the evaluation of myogenic differentiation.
MMP2 Modulates Inflammatory Response during Axonal Regeneration in the Murine Visual System
Authors: Andries Lien , Masin Luca , Salinas-Navarro Manuel , Zaunz Samantha , Claes Marie , Bergmans Steven , Brouwers Véronique , Lefevere Evy , Verfaillie Catherine , Movahedi Kiavash , De Groef Lies , Moons Lieve
Published: July 2021

Neuroinflammation has been put forward as a mechanism triggering axonal regrowth in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), yet little is known about the underlying cellular and molecular players connecting these two processes. In this study, we provide evidence that MMP2 is an essential factor linking inflammation to axonal regeneration by using an in vivo mouse model of inflammation-induced axonal regeneration in the optic nerve. We show that infiltrating myeloid cells abundantly express MMP2 and that MMP2 deficiency results in reduced long-distance axonal regeneration. However, this phenotype can be rescued by restoring MMP2 expression in myeloid cells via a heterologous bone marrow transplantation. Furthermore, while MMP2 deficiency does not affect the number of infiltrating myeloid cells, it does determine the coordinated expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules. Altogether, in addition to its role in axonal regeneration via resolution of the glial scar, here, we reveal a new mechanism via which MMP2 facilitates axonal regeneration, namely orchestrating the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules by infiltrating innate immune cells.
Non-Coding RNAs in Legumes: Their Emerging Roles in Regulating Biotic/Abiotic Stress Responses and Plant Growth and Development
Authors: Chand Jha Uday , Nayyar Harsh , Mantri Nitin , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: July 2021

Noncoding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), small interference RNAs (siRNAs), circular RNA (circRNA), and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), control gene expression at the transcription, post-transcription, and translation levels. Apart from protein-coding genes, accumulating evidence supports ncRNAs playing a critical role in shaping plant growth and development and biotic and abiotic stress responses in various species, including legume crops. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) interact with DNA, RNA, and proteins, modulating their target genes. However, the regulatory mechanisms controlling these cellular processes are not well understood. Here, we discuss the features of various ncRNAs, including their emerging role in contributing to biotic/abiotic stress response and plant growth and development, in addition to the molecular mechanisms involved, focusing on legume crops. Unravelling the underlying molecular mechanisms and functional implications of ncRNAs will enhance our understanding of the coordinated regulation of plant defences against various biotic and abiotic stresses and for key growth and development processes to better design various legume crops for global food security.
Identification of Impaired Executive Functioning after Pediatric Liver Transplantation Using Two Short and Easily Applicable Tests: Cognitive Functioning Module PedsQL and Children’s Color Trail Test
Authors: Goldschmidt Imeke , van Dick Rolf , Jacobi Christoph , Pfister Eva Doreen , Baumann Ulrich
Published: July 2021

We aimed to assess executive functioning in children after liver transplantation compared with healthy controls and in relation to real-life school performance using the PedsQLTM Cognitive Functioning Scale (CogPedsQL) and the Childrens’ Color Trail Test (CCTT). One hundred and fifty five children (78f, median age 10.4 (1.2–18.3) years) underwent testing with CogPedsQL and/or CCTT 4.9 (0.1–17.0) years after transplantation. Results were compared to those of 296 healthy children (165f, median age 10.0 (2.0–18.0) years). Liver transplanted children displayed significantly reduced scores for cogPedsQL and CCTT1&2 compared to healthy controls. Overall, school performance was lower in patients compared to controls. In both patients and controls, results of CCTT2 and CogPedsQL correlated strongly with school performance. In contrast to controls, school performance in patients correlated with the level of maternal but not paternal primary education degree (r = −0.21, p = 0.03). None of the patient CCTT or CogPedsQL test results correlated with parental school education. Conclusion: CogPedsQL and CCTT 1&2 were easily applicable in children after OLT and revealed reduced executive functioning compared to controls. Results reflect real life school performance. The association of parental education with school performance is reduced in transplanted children, which possibly indicates the overriding impact of transplant-associated morbidity on cognitive outcomes.
Plasma Spraying of a Microwave Absorber Coating for an RF Dummy Load
Authors: Killinger Andreas , Gantenbein Gerd , Illy Stefan , Ruess Tobias , Weggen Jörg , Martinez-Garcia Venancio
Published: July 2021

The European fusion reactor research facility, called International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), is one of the most challenging projects that involves design and testing of hundreds of separately designed reactor elements and peripheric modules. One of the core elements involved in plasma heating are gyrotrons. They are used as a microwave source in electron–cyclotron resonance heating systems (ECRH) for variable injection of RF power into the plasma ring. In this work, the development and application of an alumina-titania 60/40 mixed oxide ceramic absorber coating on a copper cylinder is described. The cylinder is part of a dummy load used in gyrotron testing and its purpose is to absorb microwave radiation generated by gyrotrons during testing phase. The coating is applied by means of atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). The absorber coating is deposited on the inner diameter of a one-meter cylindrical tube. To ensure homogeneous radiation absorption when the incoming microwave beam is repeatedly scattered along the inner tube surface, the coating shows a varying thickness as a function of the tube length. By this it is ensured that the thermal power is distributed homogeneously on the entire inner tube surface. This paper describes a modeling approach of the coating thickness distribution, the manufacturing concept for the internal plasma spray coating and the coating characterization with regard to coating microstructure and microwave absorption characteristics.
Design and Fabrication of an Integrated Dual-Channel Thin-Film Filter for the Mid-Infrared
Authors: Zhou Shun , Zhang Liyu , Guo Feng , Wu Chunfang , Xu Junqi , Zhang Kaifeng , Li Kun , Liu Zheng , Xiao Xiangguo , Song Shigeng , Liu Weiguo
Published: July 2021

Micro-filters fabricated using integration methods is now the trend for multichannel filters in imaging spectrum systems. Traditional multichannel bandpass filters are mainly fabricated separately by multilayered thin films and then glued together. This approach involves the complexity of precision cutting, dicing, and adhesive bonding; therefore, the possibility of miniaturization is quite limited. In this work, a dual channel bandpass thin film filter for the mid-infrared was fabricated by using the lift-off process. The structure of a 4-cavity Fabray–Perot (F-P) type filter was designed and optimized. The bandpass filter over the range 3.55–3.75 µm with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 274 nm and the bandpass filter over the range 4.85–4.95 µm with FWHM of 246 nm were obtained with a 4.5 µm joint width. The average transmittance of the filters is more than 83.5% and optical density value of the cutoff is 3. The thickness of 3.55–3.75 µm bandpass filter was measured and the thickness error was analyzed. The results show that the thickness error, especially the thickness error of spacer layers, induces the degradations of peak transmission and bandwidth. This kind of mid-infrared filter has important application in space remote sensing, military, and civil fields.
Potassium Plus Biopolymer Coating Controls Nitrogen Dynamics of Urea in Soil and Increases Wheat Production
Authors: Nezami Qurat-ul-Ain , Abbas Shah Ghulam , Hassan Zeshan , Niazi Muhammad Bilal Khan , Sadiq Maqsood , Bran Atiku , Arthur Kamusiime , Iqbal Zahid , Mahmood Imran , Ali Nadeem , Rashid Muhammad Imtiaz
Published: July 2021

The low nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) of commercial fertilizers is one of the main hurdles in higher crop production and reduction of fertilizer N losses to the environment. However, interactions between most the macronutrients could have synergistic outcomes that affect crop NUE. The coating of urea with macronutrients and biopolymers may control N release and synergistically impact its crop NUE. In this study, urea was coated with 3% of different polymers, combined with 5% potassium iodide (KI) (i) Gum Arabica (GA + KI), (ii) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA + KI), and (iii) gelatin (Gelatin + KI) to control its N release, leaching, and increase of wheat NUE. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the successful coating of all KI and biopolymer combinations on urea granules. All coating combinations slowed down urea release in water and reduced its leaching from the soil, but the highest reduction in both parameters was observed with the GA + KI treatment, compared to the uncoated urea. After soil application, GA + KI decreased urea leaching by 26% than the uncoated urea in lysimeter. In the field, soil mineral N remained significantly high with the GA + KI and PVA + KI treatments at the wheat tillering, booting, grain filling and maturity stages, compared to the uncoated urea. However, K content was only high (28%) with the GA + KI treatment at final harvest. Likewise, microbial biomass N was only high with GA + KI at grain filling (20%) and maturity stages (24%) than the uncoated urea. Such synchronized N availability led to high wheat grain yield (28%), N (56%) uptake, and apparent N recovery (130%) with the GA + KI treatment, compared to the uncoated fertilizer. The increment in NUE with GA + KI could be due to the synergistic effect of K on N availability; therefore, we observed higher wheat yield and N utilization efficiency with this treatment. Hence, urea coated with macronutrient (K) plus biopolymer is recommended to improve wheat yield, NUE, and for reduction of environmental N losses.
Crack Resistance of Insulated GRC-PC Integrated Composite Wall Panels under Different Environments: An Experimental Study
Authors: Chen Dong , Li Pengkun , Cheng Baoquan , Chen Huihua , Wang Qiong , Zhao Baojun
Published: July 2021

GRC-PC wall is a new type of integrated composite exterior wall with decorative and structural functions. It is formed by superimposing GRC surface layer on the outer leaf of prefabricated PC wall. Due to the complexity of indoor and outdoor environment and the difference of shrinkage performance between concrete and GRC materials, GRC surface layer in GRC-PC wall is prone to shrinkage and cracking, among which, the connection modes between GRC layer and PC layer and change of temperature and humidity have the greatest influence. Therefore, GRC material formula was adjusted, and seven experimental panels were produced. In view of the temperature and the humidity changes in different indoor and outdoor environments, the influences of different connection modes between GRC layer and PC layer on the material shrinkage performance were studied, and a one year material shrinkage performance experiment was conducted. The results show that, in indoor environment, the shrinkage of GRC layer and PC layer is relatively gentle due to the small range of temperature and humidity change. Compared with the indoor environment, the changes of outdoor temperature and humidity are more drastic. The shrinkage changes of GRC layer and PC layer show great fluctuations, but the overall strain value is still within a reasonable range, and there is no crack. At the same time, this suggests that smooth interface is more conducive to crack resistance of GRC surface layer compared with different interface types between GRC layer and PC layer. The research provides an experimental basis for the large-scale application of the wall panel, and it has great advantages in improving the efficiency of prefabricated building construction.
Design of Novel POB/h-BN Co-Filled PTFE Composites with Enhanced Thermal–Mechanical Properties
Authors: Wang Yu , Liu Qi , Bai Yu , Liu Haibo , He Tao , Jia Hua , Chang Zhandong , Liu Xin , Su Haixia , Ma Yushan
Published: July 2021

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is provided with excellent self-lubricating properties and corrosion resistance. However, the lower thermal resistance greatly limits its high-temperature applications. In the present work, two types of fillers with rigid organic polymers and submicron-sized inorganic hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) were added to the PTFE matrix. The microstructure and thermal–mechanical properties of PTFE-based composites with different filler types or ratios were comparatively investigated. The results suggested that the polyphenyl ester (POB)/h-BN co-filled PTFE composites exhibited excellent thermal–mechanical properties compared with the polyimide (PI)/h-BN/PTFE materials at high temperature. The optimal ratios of POB and h-BN were 25 wt.% and 5 wt.%, respectively. The Vicat softening temperature of 25 wt.% POB/5 wt.% PI/PTFE composite increased by 41.3% compared to that of pure PTFE, which was due to the cross-linked reticulation structure with regularly distributed pores and higher crystallization degree. The storage modulus increased from 51.99 MPa to 685.76 MPa at 260 °C and reached 187.82 MPa at 320 °C. The uniform distribution of anisotropic orientation of the h-BN flakes showed an obvious pinning effect, and further improved the thermal–mechanical stability of POB/h-BN/PTFE composites.
Primary Localized Cutaneous Nodular Amyloidosis and Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis: Additional Cases with Dermatoscopic and Histopathological Correlation of Amyloid Deposition
Authors: Atzori Laura , Ferreli Caterina , Matucci-Cerinic Caterina , Pilloni Luca , Rongioletti Franco
Published: July 2021

Primary localized cutaneous nodular amyloidosis (PLCNA) is a rare condition due to the plasma cell proliferation and skin deposition of immunoglobulin light chains, without systemic amyloidosis or hematological dyscrasias. The association with autoimmune connective tissue diseases has been reported, especially with Sjogren’s syndrome, and in a few cases with systemic sclerosis. Herein, we describe three cases of PLCNA occurring in women with a diagnosis of limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis and review the literature on the topic to highlight a stereotypical presentation. Moreover, we support the usefulness of dermoscopy, characterized by a yellow–orange waxy pattern surrounded by telangiectasias, for a rapid and non-invasive diagnostic assessment. Thus, when asymptomatic nodules occur on lower limbs of women affected with limited systemic sclerosis, and dermoscopy identifies yellow–orange blotches, a diagnosis of PLCNA can be considered and further confirmed by histopathology. Monitoring for systemic amyloidosis development is advisable, although the risk of progression is considered very low.
Comorbidity, Radiation Duration, and Pretreatment Body Muscle Mass Predict Early Treatment Failure in Taiwanese Patients with Locally Advanced Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma after Completion of Adjuvant Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Lin Yu-Ching , Ling Hang Huong , Chang Pei-Hung , Pan Yi-Ping , Wang Cheng-Hsu , Chou Wen-Chi , Chen Fang-Ping , Yeh Kun-Yun
Published: July 2021

Few prospective cohort trials have evaluated the potential risk factors of early treatment failure of locally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (LAOCSCC) patients following the completion of postoperative adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). We collected clinicopathological variables, nutrition-inflammatory markers and total body composition data assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) before and after CCRT. A factor analysis was used to reduce the number of DXA-derived parameters. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to determine the risk factors associated with early treatment failure defined as tumor progression or death within 180 days of CCRT completion. A total of 69 patients were eligible for analysis. After CCRT, the body weight, body mass index, nutritional markers, and muscle mass decreased, whereas C-reactive protein level increased. Five factors reflecting different body composition statuses were identified. A total of 21 patients (30.4%) developed early treatment failure. Comorbidities (hazard ratio ((HR)), 2.699; 95% confidence interval ((CI)), 1.005–7.913; p = 0.044), radiation duration (HR, 1.092; 95% CI, 1.015–1.174; p = 0.018) and the pretreatment body muscle mass (HR, 0.578; 95% CI, 0.345–0.957; p = 0.037) independently contributed to early treatment failure. Comorbidities, longer radiation duration, and lower pretreatment body muscle mass are predictive factors for early treatment failure in LAOCSCC patients following postoperative adjuvant CCRT completion.
Mapping European Rice Paddy Fields Using Yearly Sequences of Spaceborne Radar Reflectivity: A Case Study in Italy
Authors: Marzi David , Dell’Acqua Fabio
Published: July 2021

Although a vast literature exists on satellite-based mapping of rice paddy fields in Asia, where most of the global production takes place, little has been produced so far that focuses on the European context. Detection and mapping methods that work well in the Asian context will not offer the same performance in Europe, where different seasonal cycles, environmental contexts, and rice varieties make distinctive features dissimilar to the Asian case. In this context, water management is a key clue; watering practices are distinctive for rice with respect to other crops, and within rice there exist diverse cultivation practices including organic and non-organic approaches. In this paper, we focus on satellite-observed water management to identify rice paddy fields cultivated with a traditional agricultural approach. Building on established research results, and guided by the output of experiments on real-world cases, a new method for analyzing time-series of Sentinel-1 data has been developed, which can identify traditional rice fields with a high degree of reliability. Typical watering practices for traditional rice cultivation leave distinctive marks on the yearly sequence of spaceborne radar reflectivity that are identified by the proposed classifier. The method is tested on a small sample of rice paddy fields, built by direct collection of ground reference information. Automated setting of parameters was sufficient to achieve accuracy values beyond 90%, and scanning of a range of values led to touch full score on an independent test set. This work is a part of a broader initiative to build space-based tools for collecting additional pieces of evidence to support food chain traceability; the whole system will consider various parameters, whose analysis procedures are still at their early stages of development.
The Educational Technology of Monological Speaking Skills Formation of Future Lawyers
Authors: Almazova Nadezhda , Sheredekina Oksana , Odinokaya Maria , Smolskaia Natalia
Published: July 2021

In modern higher education, there was a change in the educational paradigm, when the emphasis shifted to the formation of competencies. The goal of the competence approach is to improve the quality of education, which is impossible without the use of educational technologies that guarantee a steady effective result. The priority of teaching foreign languages to future lawyers is the foreign speaking skills formation in general and the monological ones in particular. The introduction of educational technology in the process of monological speaking skills formation, including a set of methods and techniques such as peer review, discussion, working with the text, etc., took place over the course of the pedagogical experiment. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis allowed us to determine the difference in the level of the monological speaking skills formation in experimental and control groups at all stages of the experiment conducted. The effectiveness of the developed technology is determined by the significance of the adaptation stage, the use of the peer review method, which implements the potential of students’ metacognitive skills, and the possibility to change the role while evaluating students’ answers.
A Unified and Open LTSPICE Memristor Model Library
Authors: Mladenov Valeri
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a unified and open linear technology simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (LTSPICE) memristor library is proposed. It is suitable for the analysis, design, and comparison of the basic memristors and memristor-based circuits. The library could be freely used and expanded with new LTSPICE memristor models. The main existing standard memristor models and several enhanced and modified models based on transition metal oxides such as titanium dioxide, hafnium dioxide, and tantalum oxide are included in the library. LTSPICE is one of the best software for analysis and design of electronic schemes. It is an easy to use, widespread, and free product with very good convergence. Memristors have been under intensive analysis in recent years due to their nano-dimensions, low power consumption, high switching speed, and good compatibility with traditional complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. In this work, their behavior and potential applications in artificial neural networks, reconfigurable schemes, and memory crossbars are investigated using the considered memristor models in the proposed LTSPICE library. Furthermore, a detailed comparison of the presented LTSPICE memristor model library is conducted and related to specific criteria, such as switching speed, operating frequencies, nonlinear ionic drift representation, boundary effects, switching modes, and others.
Robust Predictive Control Scheme for Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Generators Based Modern Wind Turbines
Authors: Abdelrahem Mohamed , Hackl Christoph , Kennel Ralph
Published: July 2021

In this article, a deadbeat predictive control (DB-PC) strategy for permanent-magnet synchronous generators (PMSGs)-based modern wind turbines is proposed. The main advantages of the DB-PC technique are its excellent dynamics and its constant switching frequency. However, the main idea of DB-PC is obtaining the actuation voltage for the next sample from the mathematical model of the generator. Therefore, the DB-PC is highly sensitive to mismatches in the parameters of the PMSG. In order to obviate this problem, a disturbance estimator (extended Kalman filter (EKF)) is employed in this work to enhance the robustness of the proposed DB-PC scheme by estimating the total disturbance due to parameter mismatches and adding it to the calculation of the actuation voltage. Furthermore, the same EKF observe the rotor speed and position of the PMSG, i.e., mechanical sensors are not required. Moreover, the EKF is able to reduce the harmonic distortion in the stator currents of the PMSG. The proposed DB-PC strategy is implemented in the laboratory. The experimental results proved the superiority of the proposed DB-PC strategy over the traditional DB-PC technique.
Dnase1 Family in Autoimmunity
Authors: Engavale Minal , McCord Jon , Mapp Britney , Nzimulinda Nadine , Bengtson Elisabeth , Sutton R. Bryan , Keyel Peter A.
Published: July 2021

The deoxyribonuclease 1 (Dnase1) family is a key family of endonucleases that degrades DNA. Loss of Dnase1 family function causes several diseases where the host’s immune system targets the host, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome.
Effects of Plant Growth Regulators on the Rapid Propagation System of Broussonetia papyrifera L. Vent Explants
Authors: Zhou Jiakang , Liu Yang , Wu Liang , Zhao Yunlin , Zhang Wan , Yang Guiyan , Xu Zhenggang
Published: July 2021

Broussonetia papyrifera is an important ecological and economic tree species. The sexual reproduction of B. papyrifera not only has a low germination rate, but also requires high environmental conditions. Therefore, asexual propagation using tissue culture can effectively improve the propagation efficiency of B. papyrifera. In this study, the leaves and budded shoots of B. papyrifera were used as explants, and different concentrations of plant growth regulators were added to Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) to establish a suitable system for explant callus formation, adventitious buds differentiation and rooting. The results showed that MS + 0.50 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) + 0.25 mg/L 6-benzyladenine(6-BA) and MS + 0.25 mg/L NAA + 0.50 mg/L 6-BA were the best mediums for rapid callus induction from leaf explants and shoot explants, respectively. The best medium combination for shoot differentiation and proliferation was MS + 0.05 mg/L NAA + 0.50 mg/L 6-BA, and the high propagation coefficient could also promote adventitious bud growth. The best rooting medium in the establishment of B. papyrifera tissue culture was MS + 0.25 mg/L NAA. Under this condition, the average rooting numbers of leaf explants and shoot explants were 1.71 and 13.86, respectively. In addition, the best transplanting substrate was a mixture of soil:perlite:vermiculite (20:1:1), and the survival rate was 91.1%. This study established a propagation system in vitro culture of B. papyrifera, and provided a reference for tissue culture of other woody plants.
Definitions of and Perspectives on Forests of High Value: A Systematic Map Protocol
Authors: Savilaakso Sini , Lausberg Nik , Garcia Claude , Grenacher Raymond , Kleinschroth Fritz , Waeber Patrick
Published: July 2021

Forests are defined in many different ways. Apart from ecological and structural factors, associated values and provided ecosystem services are an important part of forest definitions. Typically, forest types are differentiated based on climatic regions and on degrees of human modification. A better understanding of how to distinguish different forests on the basis of the values they provide is needed to advance global policies put forward by organisations such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), or the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These policies so far approach all forests in a similar manner, regardless of their condition. Without this distinction, benefits stemming from forest intactness and their contribution to global environmental challenges remain unaccounted for. Forest definitions provide the basis for policies and monitoring systems driving or enabling deforestation, degradation, reforestation, and restoration. Here, we provide a systematic approach to disentangle and synthesise different value classifications of forests. As part of a collaboration between ETH Zurich, the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), the University of Liège and Biotope, Forest Stewardship Council International (FSC) commissioned a systematic map that aims to clarify how definitions of forests of high value are understood and described. Focusing on forests of high value, the systematic map will address three research questions: (1) How are various terms linked to forests of high value defined in the literature?; (2) Do definitions vary between different actors?; and (3) How common are the various definitions? Bibliographic databases and organisational websites will be searched, and internet search engines used to find relevant peer-reviewed and grey literature. The searches will be conducted in English, French and Spanish. Data extraction and coding will be performed at the same time when full texts are considered for inclusion. Definitions will be extracted as well as their respective sources and other study information. We will produce a catalogue of definitions for different terms associated with forests of high value, a narrative synthesis describing the evidence base, and visualisations illustrating the relationships between definitions and terms for forests of high value and their frequencies in the literature.
Telehealth Using PoseNet-Based System for In-Home Rehabilitation
Authors: Chua Jiaming , Ong Lee-Yeng , Leow Meng-Chew
Published: July 2021

The increasing cost of healthcare services is accelerating the development of the telehealth system to fulfill the necessity of delivering an efficient and cost-effective remote healthcare services. Moreover, the ageing of the global population and the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic are creating a rapid rise of demand for healthcare services. This includes those who are in need of remote monitoring for chronic conditions through rehabilitation exercises. Therefore, this paper presents a telehealth system using PoseNet for in-home rehabilitation, with built-in statistical computation for doctors to analyze the patient’s recovery status. This system enables patients to perform rehabilitation exercises at home using an ordinary webcam. The PoseNet skeleton-tracking method is applied to detect and track the patients’ angular movements for both elbows and knees. By using this system, the measurement of the elbow and knee joint angles can be calculated and recorded while patients are performing rehabilitation exercises in front of the laptop webcam. After the patients complete their rehabilitation exercises, the skeleton results of four body parts will be generated. Based on the same actions performed by patients on selected days, the doctors can examine and evaluate the deviation rate of patients’ angular movements between different days to determine the recovery rate.
Micromechanical Modeling of Anisotropy and Strain Rate Dependence of Short-Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastics
Authors: Zhang Shaokang , van Dommelen Johannes A. W. , Govaert Leon E.
Published: July 2021

The anisotropy and strain rate dependence of the mechanical response of short-fiber-reinforced thermoplastics was studied using a straightforward micromechanical finite element analysis of representative volume elements (RVEs). RVEs are created based on the fiber orientation tensor, which quantifies the processing-induced fiber orientation distribution. The matrix is described by a strain rate-dependent constitutive model (the Eindhoven glassy polymer (EGP) model), which accurately captures the intrinsic response of amorphous polymers. The micromechanical results indicate that the influence of strain rate and that of the loading direction on the yield stress are multiplicatively decouplable, which confirms previous experimental observations. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the yield stress, to a good approximation, can be directly linked to the fiber orientation in the direction of loading. This leads to a new relation that uniquely links the rate dependence of the yield stress to the fiber orientation in loading direction.
A Study of the Occurrence of Aflatoxin M1 in Milk Supply Chain over a Seven-Year Period (2014–2020): Human Exposure Assessment and Risk Characterization in the Population of Central Italy
Authors: Roila Rossana , Branciari Raffaella , Verdini Emanuela , Ranucci David , Valiani Andrea , Pelliccia Alessandro , Fioroni Laura , Pecorelli Ivan
Published: July 2021

Aflatoxin food contamination represents a rising global issue that will continue to increase due to climate change. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is of high concern for the whole dairy industry. In light of AFM1′s harmful potential, a human health exposure assessment and risk characterization were performed for all age populations of central Italy with regard to milk and cheese consumption by means of the margin of exposure (MOE). In total, 16,934 cow and ewe’s milk samples were collected from 2014 to 2020 and analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) screening method, confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). The average concentration of AFM1 in cow’s milk ranged from 0.009 to 0.015 µg/kg, while in ewe’s milk, the average concentration ranged from 0.009 to 0.013 µg/kg. The average amount of AFM1 exposure ranged from 0.00005 to 0.00195 g/kg bw/day, with the main contributor represented by drinking milk, followed by the consumption of soft cheeses. A high level of public health concern related to the youngest consumers has arisen from risk characterizations highlighting the need for constant monitoring of AFM1′s occurrence in milk by inspection authorities, alongside regular updates with regard to exposure assessments.
The High Content of Quercetin and Catechin in Airen Grape Juice Supports Its Application in Functional Food Production
Authors: García-Martínez Daniel J. , Arroyo-Hernández María , Posada-Ayala María , Santos Cruz
Published: July 2021

Ensuring healthy lives and well-being constitutes one of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 agenda. Consequently, research into how natural products may promote health is essential for the new generation of nutraceuticals and functional foods that are in high demand today. Grape juice is a natural foodstuff composed of water, sugars, minerals, vitamins and a wide array of polyphenols. Polyphenols are bioactive compounds of great interest due to their antioxidant properties and benefits to health, supporting antimicrobial, anti-aging, and anticarcinogenic activity. The majority of grape juice produced in the world is used for the production of wine, although a small part is used in the food industry, mainly in baby food and sports drinks. The aim of this work is to determine the polyphenol content in the natural and concentrated juice of Airen grapes, the main white grape variety produced in Spain. For this, fresh juices from five grape varietals (Airen, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Verdejo and Tempranillo) and concentrated Airen juice were analyzed and compared. Results showed similar contents of phenolic acids and stilbenes in all grape varietals studied, although the Airen variety demonstrated a higher concentration of two flavonoids: quercetin and catechin. It can be concluded that the grape juice concentration process negatively affects the stability of these compounds, causing a reduction in the polyphenol content that ranges between 54–71%, with the exception of quercetin and catechin.
Dietary Intake of Coumarins and Furocoumarins through Citrus Beverages: A Detailed Estimation by a HPLC-MS/MS Method Combined with the Linear Retention Index System
Authors: Arigò Adriana , Rigano Francesca , Russo Marina , Trovato Emanuela , Dugo Paola , Mondello Luigi
Published: July 2021

Official regulations concerning the maximum number of substances in food are introduced as a consequence of possible adverse effects, after oral administration. In this regard, analytical methods are necessary in order to determine specific targets. Among oxygen heterocyclic compounds (OHCs, that are furocoumarins, coumarins and polymethoxyflavones), only coumarin is subject to restriction by the Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 of the European Parliament. Furocoumarins are known for their phototoxicity and other side effects due to their dietary intake; however, an official limit about the maximum content of these compounds in food is still missing. The lack of information about the real amount of these compounds in food is responsible for the conflicting opinions about the introduction of an official limit. The HPLC-MS/MS method here proposed, in combination with the linear retention index system, represents an innovative analytical strategy for the characterization of OHCs in citrus beverages. Several types of drinks were analysed in order to quantify 35 OHCs in total. This method is suitable for the quality control of OHCs in food and the obtained results may be considered as informative data useful for the regulatory authorities in the emission of new opinions and for a potential new regulation in this field.
Effect on Benzoic Acid Production of Yoghurt Culture and the Temperatures of Storage and Milk Heat Treatment in Yoghurts from Cow, Goat and Sheep Milk
Authors: Bartáková Klára , Vorlová Lenka , Dluhošová Sandra , Borkovcová Ivana , Bursová Šárka , Pospíšil Jan , Janštová Bohumíra
Published: July 2021

Yoghurts from cow, goat and sheep milk were produced and stored under defined conditions to monitor the influence of various factors on the benzoic acid content as determined by Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC). The highest level of benzoic acid was found in sheep yoghurt (43.26 ± 5.11 mg kg−1) and the lowest in cow yoghurt (13.38 ± 3.56 mg kg−1), with goat yoghurt (21.31 ± 5.66 mg kg−1) falling in between. Benzoic acid content did not show statistically significant variation until the second and third weeks of storage, and the dynamics of this variation varied depending on the type of yoghurt. The yoghurt culture containing different strains of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus also affected the contents of benzoic acid. Further, the different storage temperatures (2 and 8 °C) as well as the temperatures used to milk heat treatment before yoghurt production (80, 85 and 90 °C) affected the amount of benzoic acid in different types of yoghurts.
Understanding BRCA2 Function as a Tumor Suppressor Based on Domain-Specific Activities in DNA Damage Responses
Authors: Andreassen Paul R. , Seo Joonbae , Wiek Constanze , Hanenberg Helmut
Published: July 2021

BRCA2 is an essential genome stability gene that has various functions in cells, including roles in homologous recombination, G2 checkpoint control, protection of stalled replication forks, and promotion of cellular resistance to numerous types of DNA damage. Heterozygous mutation of BRCA2 is associated with an increased risk of developing cancers of the breast, ovaries, pancreas, and other sites, thus BRCA2 acts as a classic tumor suppressor gene. However, understanding BRCA2 function as a tumor suppressor is severely limited by the fact that ~70% of the encoded protein has not been tested or assigned a function in the cellular DNA damage response. Remarkably, even the specific role(s) of many known domains in BRCA2 are not well characterized, predominantly because stable expression of the very large BRCA2 protein in cells, for experimental purposes, is challenging. Here, we review what is known about these domains and the assay systems that are available to study the cellular roles of BRCA2 domains in DNA damage responses. We also list criteria for better testing systems because, ultimately, functional assays for assessing the impact of germline and acquired mutations identified in genetic screens are important for guiding cancer prevention measures and for tailored cancer treatments.
Transcriptome Profiling Reveals Candidate Key Genes Involved in Sinigrin Biosynthesis in Brassica nigra
Authors: Li Yang , Yu Youjian , Xu Liai , Guo Erbiao , Zang Yunxiang , He Yong , Zhu Zhujun
Published: July 2021

Glucosinolates (GSLs) are important secondary metabolites in Brassicales related to insect and disease resistance, flavor formation, and human health. Here, we determined the GSL profile with sinigrin as the predominant GSL in Brassica nigra. A total of 184 GSL biosynthetic genes (BniGSLs) were identified in B. nigra by a genome-wide search for orthologs of 82 of the 95 known GSL genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. Transcriptome data demonstrated that at least one BniGSL was highly expressed in stems and leaves at each step of the sinigrin synthesis pathway, which ensured the synthesis of a large amount of sinigrin in B. nigra. Among these key candidates of BniGSLs, the high expression of BniMAM1-2, BniCYP79F1, and BniAOP2-1/2, and the absence of MAM3 and AOP3, may contribute remarkably to the synthesis and accumulation of sinigrin. In addition, the low expression of some key BniGSLs partially explains the low content of indolic and aromatic GSLs in B. nigra. This study provided a genetic explanation for the formation of the unique GSL profile with sinigrin as the main GSL in B. nigra. The results of this study will be valuable for further functional analysis of BniGSLs and genetic improvement of GSLs in B. nigra and other Brassica species.
Facemasks: A Looming Microplastic Crisis
Authors: Dissanayake Janith , Torres-Quiroz Cecilia , Mahato Jyoti , Park Junboum
Published: July 2021

Single-use disposable facemasks have been used as a preventive measure against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, many researchers have found evidence that these facemasks are being dumped into lakes, rivers, and open garbage dumps. Facemasks have the potential of releasing microplastic fibers into the environment; a phenomenon that has been poorly investigated. Moreover, microplastic fibers composed of plastics have the potential of affecting the flora and fauna of many ecosystems. In this preliminary study, we investigate how many microplastic fibers had been released to the water by KF-AD, KF94, surgical, and FFP1 standard facemasks, which are the most widely available facemask standards in South Korea. The waterbody in our research was mechanically agitated for 24, 48, and 72 h. Findings showed that most of the layers of facemasks are composed of polypropylene. The surgical and KF94 standard facemasks released the highest number of microplastic fibers. Furthermore, under our research conditions, a single facemask can release at least 47 microplastic fibers per day (e.g., KF-AD standard mask), which can lead to the release of at least 1381 million microplastic fibers per day in total in South Korea if 70% of the urban population uses a single mask every day. Moreover, the released microplastic fibers significantly increased when the agitation time extended from 24 to 48 h. This finding suggests that the number of released microplastic fibers is likely to increase drastically.
A Scoping Review of the Association of Social Disadvantage and Cerebrovascular Disease Confirmed by Neuroimaging and Neuropathology
Authors: Keller Sarah A. , Hansmann Kellia J. , Powell W. Ryan , Bendlin Barbara B. , Kind Amy J. H.
Published: July 2021

Social disadvantage—a state of low-income, limited education, poor living conditions, or limited social support—mediates chronic health conditions, including cerebrovascular disease. Social disadvantage is a key component in several health impact frameworks, providing explanations for how individual-level factors interact with interpersonal and environmental factors to create health disparities. Understanding the association between social disadvantage and vascular neuropathology, brain lesions identified by neuroimaging and autopsy, could provide insight into how one’s social context interacts with biological processes to produce disease. The goal of this scoping review was to evaluate the scientific literature on the relationship between social disadvantage and cerebrovascular disease, confirmed through assessment of vascular neuropathology. We reviewed 4049 titles and abstracts returned from our search and included records for full-text review that evaluated a measure of social disadvantage as an exposure variable and cerebrovascular disease, confirmed through assessment of vascular neuropathology, as an outcome measure. We extracted exposures and outcomes from 20 articles meeting the criteria after full-text review, and described the study findings and populations sampled. An improved understanding of the link between social factors and cerebrovascular disease will be an important step in moving the field closer to addressing the fundamental causes of disease and towards more equitable brain health.