bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Bactericidal Activity of Protein Extracts from Loranthus europaeus Berries: A Natural Resource of Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Ambrosio Rosa Luisa , Gratino Lorena , Mirino Sara , Cocca Ennio , Pollio Antonino , Anastasio Aniello , Palmieri Gianna , Balestrieri Marco , Genovese Angelo , Gogliettino Marta
Published: January 2020

Loranthus europaeus is a well-known and important medicinal plant, with a long history of traditional medicine use. Several studies showed that it contains many bioactive compounds with a wide range of pharmacological effects. In light of these past researches, L. europaeus were chosen to consider its potential antimicrobial action. To this aim, different protocols were performed to selectively extract protein compounds, from L. europaeus yellow fruits, and evaluate the antimicrobial activity against four phytopathogenic fungi (Aspergillus niger, Alternaria spp., Penicillium spp., Botritis cinereus) and a number of foodborne bacterial pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus strains, Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli) by using serial dilutions and colony formation assays. Results evidenced no antifungal activity but a notable bactericidal efficiency of a crude protein extract against two foodborne pathogens, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values between 0.2 and 0.5 mg/mL, being S. aureus strains the most susceptible bacteria. Moreover, a strong bactericidal activity against S. aureus M7 was observed by two partially purified protein fractions of about 600 and 60 kDa molecular mass in native conditions. Therefore, these plant protein extracts could be used as natural alternative preventives to control food poisoning diseases and preserve foodstuff avoiding health hazards of chemically antimicrobial applications.
Bringing Biometric Sensors to the Classroom: A Fingerprint Acquisition Laboratory for Improving Student Motivation and Commitment
Authors: Bogicevic Sretenovic Marija , Milenkovic Ivan , Jovanovic Bojan , Simic Dejan , Minovic Miroslav , Milovanovic Milos
Published: January 2020

This paper presents a research study conducted in a specially developed laboratory for biometric engineering education. The laboratory gives students an opportunity to learn more about fingerprint acquisition and analyze the impact of acquisition on other parts of the biometric authentication process. An IoT approach was used, as different types of sensors (biometric sensors, thermometer, and humidity sensor) and components (heaters and workstations) were included in setting up a working surface for biometric data acquisition. Working surfaces create a network where data collected from each working station is recorded in a database. In parallel with biometric data acquisition, environmental condition parameters are recorded. Collected data is available to students for later analysis through the use of a specially developed visualization tool. In order to fully utilize the possibilities the laboratory provides, a flipped classroom approach was used. An evaluation study was done as a part of the course of Biometric technology held at the University of Belgrade. Research results show improvements in student learning outcomes and motivation.
Use of Bioindication Methods in National, Regional and Local Monitoring in Poland—Changes in the Air Pollution Level over Several Decades
Authors: Godzik Barbara
Published: January 2020

In Poland, the first studies using mosses as indicators of the heavy metal air pollution level were carried out in national parks already in the 1970s. They were continued later in 10-year intervals. In 1990, when Poland join the European Heavy Metals Deposition Program, the entire area of the country was included in such research. Moss surveys were repeated at five-year intervals, to varying degrees. Pleurozium schreberi samples were collected from 150 (1990) to over 300 sites (1995 and 2015) throughout the country, either in selected regions diversified in terms of both the level of industrialization and urbanization (2001 and 2015), or only in national parks (2005). On a small scale, changes in the level of heavy metals were recorded in the period from 1975 to 2014 in the Niepołomice Forest located near Kraków. Concentrations of ten heavy metals were constantly monitored. Additionally, in some moss surveys, other elements or compounds, such as 137cesium, PAHs and nitrogen were analyzed. During the 1990s, in all of Europe, there was a significant decrease in the level of heavy metals. In Poland, the spatial patterns of metal accumulation in mosses were similar throughout the entire study period: The southern part of the country, more industrialized and densely populated, is still the most polluted, and the northeastern part belongs to the cleanest regions. In the Niepołomice Forest, emissions from the big steel mill and from the Kraków agglomeration had the greatest impact on pollution from the 1970s to the 1990s, but lately the impact of local emission sources is more visible. Compared to other European countries, Poland and neighboring countries of Central Europe are at the forefront of the most polluted areas in Europe.
Physico-Chemical Characterization of an Urban Rainwater (Zagreb, Croatia)
Authors: Orlović-Leko Palma , Vidović Kristijan , Ciglenečki Irena , Omanović Dario , Sikirić Mathieu Dutour , Šimunić Ivan
Published: January 2020

The characterization of organic matter (OM) and trace elements (TEs) was conducted in bulk precipitation samples collected in an urban area of Croatia (Zagreb center), from January 2009 to October 2011 (N = 31). Characterization of OM was performed by measurement of dissolved (DOC) and particulate forms of organic carbon (POC), as well as surface-active substances, copper complexing capacity and reduced sulfur species which were determined electrochemically. Concentrations of TEs (Al, Fe, Zn, Cr, Ba, Mn, Cu, Sr, Ti, Pb, V, Ni, Rb, Sb, As, Sn, Se, Co, Cd, Mo) were analyzed by HR ICP-MS. The most important outcome of this study is confirmed relatively low concentrations of DOC (0.69–4.86 mgC L−1) and TEs. Daily fluxes of Zn, Pb, Ni, As, and Cd were two to three times lower than that of those reported for an urban industrial site in Europe. Additionally, this study shows that the value and reactivity of rainwater DOC has not considerably changed if compared with the results from the 1998–1999 study (0.78–4.39 mgC L−1). High traffic density and thermal power plants are assumed to be the main local sources of pollutants in Zagreb. Using Al as a reference element, it was found that Cd, Sb, and Cu were associated with anthropogenic sources. The solubility of Sr, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr, As, and Rb was higher than 70%. Another critical characteristic of precipitation composition is episodic variation in POC concentration because of Saharan dust transport. Obtained data can be valuable for environmental quality assessment, as well as for insight into atmospheric deposition processes.
Genomic Landscape of Young-Onset Bladder Cancer and Its Prognostic Implications on Adult Bladder Cancer
Authors: Im Sun-Wha , Sung Chang Ohk , Kim Kun Suk , Cho Nam Hoon , Kim Young Min , Kwon Ghee Young , Moon Kyung Chul , Choi Song-Yi , Lim Jae Sung , Choi Yeong Jin , Jung Soo Jin , Lim So Dug , Paick Sung Hyun , Lee Ok-Jun , Kang Ho Won , Rha Seo Hee , Hwang Hee Sang , Park Ja-Min , Yoon Sun Young , Chae Jeesoo , Choi Jaeyong , Kim Jong-Il , Cho Yong Mee
Published: January 2020

Due to the rare occurrence of young-onset bladder cancer (YBC), its genomic characteristics remain largely unknown. Twenty-nine biopsy-proven YBC cases were collected using a nation-wide search for bladder cancer diagnosed at 20 years or younger. Whole exome sequencing and RNA sequencing were carried out in 21 and 11 cases, respectively, and compared with those of adult bladder cancer (ABC) cases obtained from public databases. Almost all YBCs were low grade, non-invasive papillary tumors. YBC had a low mutation burden and less complex copy number alterations. All cases harbored putative driver mutations. Mutations were most commonly found in HRAS (10 cases), with a preference for exon 5. FGFR3 gene fusions were noted with various partner genes (7 cases). The alterations on HRAS and FGFR3 occurred in a mutually exclusive manner. Others included KRAS mutations (2 cases), chromosomes 4p and 10q arm-level deletions (1 case), and ERCC2 mutation (1 case). There were no point mutations in TP53 and FGFR3. The gene expression profiles of YBC were similar to those of the ABC group with good prognosis. None of the YBCs and ABCs with YBC-like mutations showed progression to muscle-invasive tumors. Our results suggest that bladder cancer with YBC-like mutations represents an indolent bladder tumor, regardless of age.
Cu-Mg-Fe-O-(Ce) Complex Oxides as Catalysts of Selective Catalytic Oxidation of Ammonia to Dinitrogen (NH3-SCO)
Authors: Górecka Sylwia , Pacultová Kateřina , Górecki Kamil , Smýkalová Aneta , Pamin Katarzyna , Obalová Lucie
Published: January 2020

Multicomponent oxide systems 800-Cu-Mg-Fe-O and 800-Cu-Mg-Fe-O-Ce were tested as catalysts of selective catalytic oxidation of ammonia to dinitrogen (NH3-SCO) process. Materials were obtained by calcination of hydrotalcite-like compounds at temperature 800 °C. Some catalysts were doped with cerium by the wet impregnation method. Not only simple oxides, but also complex spinel-like phases were formed during calcination. The influence of chemical composition, especially the occurrence of spinel phases, copper loading and impregnation by cerium, were investigated. Materials were characterized by several techniques: X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), low-temperature nitrogen adsorption (BET), cyclic voltammetry (CV), temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Examined oxides were found to be active as catalysts of selective catalytic oxidation of ammonia with high selectivity to N2 at temperatures above 300 °C. Catalysts with low copper amounts (up to 12 wt %) impregnated by Ce were slightly more active at lower temperatures (up to 350 °C) than non-impregnated samples. However, when an optimal amount of copper (12 wt %) was used, the presence of cerium did not affect catalytic properties. Copper overloading caused a rearrangement of present phases accompanied by the steep changes in reducibility, specific surface area, direct band gap, crystallinity, dispersion of CuO active phase and Cu2+ accessibility leading to the decrease in catalytic activity.
The Fatty-Acid Hydratase Activity of the Most Common Probiotic Microorganisms
Authors: Serra Stefano , De Simeis Davide , Castagna Antonio , Valentino Mattia
Published: January 2020

In this work, we studied the biotechnological potential of thirteen probiotic microorganisms currently used to improve human health. We discovered that the majority of the investigated bacteria are able to catalyze the hydration reaction of the unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). We evaluated their biocatalytic activity toward the three most common vegetable UFAs, namely oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids. The whole-cell biotransformation experiments were performed using a fatty acid concentration of 3 g/L in anaerobic conditions. Through these means, we assessed that the main part of the investigated strains catalyzed the hydration reaction of UFAs with very high regio- and stereoselectivity. Our biotransformation reactions afforded almost exclusively 10-hydroxy fatty acid derivatives with the single exception of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC SD5212, which converted linoleic acid in a mixture of 13-hydroxy and 10-hydroxy derivatives. Oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids were transformed into (R)-10-hydroxystearic acid, (S)-(12Z)-10-hydroxy-octadecenoic, and (S)-(12Z,15Z)-10-hydroxy-octadecadienoic acids, respectively, usually with very high enantiomeric purity (ee > 95%). It is worth noting that the biocatalytic capabilities of the thirteen investigated strains may change considerably from each other, both in terms of activity, stereoselectivity, and transformation yields. Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103 and Lactobacillus plantarum 299 V proved to be the most versatile, being able to efficiently and selectively hydrate all three investigated fatty acids.
Eco-Friendly ZnO/Chitosan Bionanocomposites Films for Packaging of Fresh Poultry Meat
Authors: Souza Victor , Rodrigues Carolina , Valente Sara , Pimenta Catarina , Pires João , Alves Marta , Santos Catarina , Coelhoso Isabel , Fernando Ana
Published: January 2020

The advances on the development of novel materials capable to enhance the shelf life of food products may contribute to reduce the current worldwide food waste problem. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are considered GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and due to their good antimicrobial properties are suitable to be applied as active compounds in food packaging. ZnO NPs were synthesized to be tested in active bionanocomposites through an eco-friendlier route using apple peel wastes. This work aimed to develop bionanocomposites based on chitosan and incorporated with ZnO NPs to characterize its bioactivity via in vitro and in situ studies, using fresh poultry meat as the food matrix. Overall, bio-based biodegradable films presented good antimicrobial activity, being the intrinsic antimicrobial properties of chitosan enhanced by the ZnO NPs added on the system. When used as primary packaging of the meat, the samples protected with the films presented a decrease on the deterioration speed, which was represented by the preservation of the initial reddish color of the meat and reduction on the oxidation process and microbiological growth. The nanoparticles enhanced especially the antioxidant properties of the films and proved to be potential food preservatives agents to be used in active food packaging.
Historical Shifts in Benthic Infaunal Diversity in the Northern Gulf of Mexico since the Appearance of Seasonally Severe Hypoxia
Authors: Rabalais Nancy N. , Baustian Melissa M.
Published: January 2020

Severe and persistent bottom-water hypoxia (≤2 mg O2 L−1) occurs on the Louisiana/Texas continental shelf from mid-May through mid-September over a large area (up to 23,000 km2 in mid-summer). Benthic infauna are less mobile than demersal organisms and become stressed by the low dissolved oxygen; benthic community composition, abundance, diversity, and biomass become altered. From the 1950s to the early 1970s, when sediment core indicators identified the initiation and subsequent worsening of dissolved oxygen conditions, there were no hydrographic data or benthic infaunal studies within the current area of frequent bottom-water hypoxia. This study highlights the impacts of severe hypoxia on benthic macroinfaunal communities and how they may have changed from less-hypoxic periods. Polychaetes were and are the dominant taxa in the available studies, but polychaete species richness in summer is now curtailed severely beginning with our 1985–1986 data. Species richness of polychaetes in summer hypoxia (1985–1986 and 1990–1991) was about 60% less than comparable taxa in 1972–1973. Abundance of polychaetes was much less in summer than spring, and recent infaunal biomass in summer was only 15% of what was found in spring. The result is less prey for demersal penaeid shrimp and fishes. Over the period of our comparison, infaunal feeding modes shifted from subsurface deposit feeders and surface deposit feeders to primarily surface deposit feeders (i.e., 95.5% of all polychaetes). Most were opportunistic, hypoxia tolerant, and recruited in high numbers following hypoxia abatement, some in fall and winter but most in spring. As benthic communities succumb to the stress of severe and continued seasonal low oxygen, they occupy the few upper centimeters of the sediment profile above the redox discontinuity layer with negative feedbacks to the water column by way of altered biogeochemical processes.
More Than a Functional Group: Diversity within the Legume–Rhizobia Mutualism and Its Relationship with Ecosystem Function
Authors: Taylor Benton N. , Simms Ellen L. , Komatsu Kimberly J.
Published: January 2020

Studies of biodiversity and ecosystem function (BEF) have long focused on the role of nitrogen (N)-fixing legumes as a functional group that occupies a distinct and important niche relative to other plants. Because of their relationship with N-fixing rhizobial bacteria, these legumes access a different pool of N than other plants and therefore directly contribute to increases in productivity and N-cycling. Despite their recognized importance in the BEF literature, the field has not moved far beyond investigating the presence/absence of the legume functional group in species mixtures. Here, we synthesize existing information on how the diversity (species richness and functional diversity) of both legumes and the rhizobia that they host impact ecosystem functions, such as nitrogen fixation and primary productivity. We also discuss the often-overlooked reciprocal direction of the BEF relationship, whereby ecosystem function can influence legume and rhizobial diversity. We focus on BEF mechanisms of selection, complementarity, facilitation, competitive interference, and dilution effects to explain how diversity in the legume–rhizobia mutualism can have either positive or negative effects on ecosystem function—mechanisms that can operate at scales from rhizobial communities affecting individual legume functions to legume communities affecting landscape-scale ecosystem functions. To fully understand the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function, we must incorporate the full diversity of this mutualism and its reciprocal relationship with ecosystem function into our evolving BEF framework.
Heart of the World’s Top Ultramarathon Runner—Not Necessarily Much Different from Normal
Authors: Gajda Robert , Klisiewicz Anna , Matsibora Vadym , Piotrowska-Kownacka Dorota , Biernacka Elżbieta Katarzyna
Published: January 2020

The impact of ultramarathon (UM) runs on the organs of competitors, especially elite individuals, is poorly understood. We tested a 36-year-old UM runner before, 1–2 days after, and 10–11 days after winning a 24-h UM as a part of the Polish Championships (258.228 km). During each testing session, we performed an electrocardiogram (ECG), transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cardiac 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P MRS), and blood tests. Initially, increased cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were identified. The day after the UM, increased levels of white blood cells, neutrophils, fibrinogen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, and N-terminal type B natriuretic propeptide were observed. Additionally, decreases in hemoglobin, hematocrit, cholesterol, LDL-C, and hyponatremia were observed. On day 10, all measurements returned to normal levels, and cholesterol and LDL-C returned to their baseline abnormal values. ECG, TTE, MRI, and 31P MRS remained within the normal ranges, demonstrating physiological adaptation to exercise. The transient changes in laboratory test results were typical for the extreme efforts of the athlete and most likely reflected transient but massive striated muscle damage, liver cell damage, activation of inflammatory processes, effects on the coagulation system, exercise-associated hyponatremia, and cytoprotective or growth-regulatory effects. These results indicated that many years of intensive endurance training and numerous UMs (including the last 24-h UM) did not have a permanent adverse effect on this world-class UM runner’s body and heart. Transient post-competition anomalies in laboratory test results were typical of those commonly observed after UM efforts.
Selection Consistency of Lasso-Based Procedures for Misspecified High-Dimensional Binary Model and Random Regressors
Authors: Kubkowski Mariusz , Mielniczuk Jan
Published: January 2020

We consider selection of random predictors for a high-dimensional regression problem with a binary response for a general loss function. An important special case is when the binary model is semi-parametric and the response function is misspecified under a parametric model fit. When the true response coincides with a postulated parametric response for a certain value of parameter, we obtain a common framework for parametric inference. Both cases of correct specification and misspecification are covered in this contribution. Variable selection for such a scenario aims at recovering the support of the minimizer of the associated risk with large probability. We propose a two-step selection Screening-Selection (SS) procedure which consists of screening and ordering predictors by Lasso method and then selecting the subset of predictors which minimizes the Generalized Information Criterion for the corresponding nested family of models. We prove consistency of the proposed selection method under conditions that allow for a much larger number of predictors than the number of observations. For the semi-parametric case when distribution of random predictors satisfies linear regressions condition, the true and the estimated parameters are collinear and their common support can be consistently identified. This partly explains robustness of selection procedures to the response function misspecification.
Nonlinear Characteristics Compensation of Inverter for Low-Voltage Delta-Connected Induction Motor
Authors: Guo Qiang , Dong Zhiping , Liu Heping , You Xiaoyao
Published: January 2020

This paper proposes a scheme that can compensate for the nonlinear characteristics of voltage source inverters (VSIs) for low-voltage delta-connected induction motors (IMs). Due to the nonlinearity introduced by the dead-time, the on/off delay, and the voltage drop across the power device, the output voltage of VSIs is seriously distorted, causing distortion in the phase current of the IM, which will lead to output torque ripple. However, the existing compensation methods for three-phase VSIs are derived from star-connected loads, or ignore the conducting properties of power devices. Moreover, the current polarity detection near the current zero is quite complex. In this paper, by taking such nonlinear characteristics into consideration, especially the conducting property of metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), an output voltage model of VSIs for low-voltage delta-connected induction motors is presented. After that, in view of the difficulty in detecting the line current polarity near the current zero which might lead to the wrong compensation, an advancing current crossing zero (ACCZ) compensation is proposed. Subsequently, a compensation scheme which combines the compensation based on the VSI output voltage model and ACCZ compensation is proposed. Finally, the proposed compensation scheme is implemented based on a digital signal processor (DSP) drive system. The experimental results show that the proposed scheme has better performance than the common method in terms of suppressing the effect of the nonlinear characteristics of VSI, which demonstrates that the proposed compensation scheme is feasible and effective for the compensation of the nonlinear characteristics of VSI for low-voltage delta-connected IMs.
Robust Cytonuclear Coordination of Transcription in Nascent Arabidopsis thaliana Autopolyploids
Authors: Coate Jeremy E. , Schreyer W. Max , Kum David , Doyle Jeff J.
Published: January 2020

Polyploidy is hypothesized to cause dosage imbalances between the nucleus and the other genome-containing organelles (mitochondria and plastids), but the evidence for this is limited. We performed RNA-seq on Arabidopsis thaliana diploids and their derived autopolyploids to quantify the degree of inter-genome coordination of transcriptional responses to nuclear whole genome duplication in two different organs (sepals and rosette leaves). We show that nuclear and organellar genomes exhibit highly coordinated responses in both organs. First, organelle genome copy number increased in response to nuclear whole genome duplication (WGD), at least partially compensating for altered nuclear genome dosage. Second, transcriptional output of the different cellular compartments is tuned to maintain diploid-like levels of relative expression among interacting genes. In particular, plastid genes and nuclear genes whose products are plastid-targeted show coordinated down-regulation, such that their expression levels relative to each other remain constant across ploidy levels. Conversely, mitochondrial genes and nuclear genes with mitochondrial targeting show either constant or coordinated up-regulation of expression relative to other nuclear genes. Thus, cytonuclear coordination is robust to changes in nuclear ploidy level, with diploid-like balance in transcript abundances achieved within three generations after nuclear whole genome duplication.
Evaluation of a New Rotator Cuff Trainer Based on Oscillating Hydraulic Damping
Authors: Wang Yinghao , Wu Jianfeng , Yang Hongchun , Tang Zhichuan , Chai Guozhong
Published: January 2020

In order to provide a convenient way to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles and prevent rotator cuff injury, this study designed an innovative strength trainer specifically for shoulder rotator cuff based on oscillating hydraulic damping. We carried out a myoelectric testing experiment to evaluate the shoulder rotation training effect and compared the results with traditional training equipment to verify the feasibility and validity of the new rotator cuff trainer (RCT). Then, we further explored the influence of different training postures and motion speeds on shoulder rotation training. In the experiment, subjects used three types of equipment (RCT, dumbbells and elastic bands) to perform shoulder rotation training under two movement speeds and two motion postures. The surface electromyography (sEMG) signals of targeted muscles were collected in real time and then further analyzed. The experimental results showed that when using the RCT, the muscle force generation sequence was more aligned with the biomechanical principles of shoulder rotation than using the other two training methods, and the target training muscles had the higher percentage of muscle work. During RCT training, a higher speed of movement (120°/s) led to a higher degree of muscle activation; coronal axis rotation was better for the infraspinatus training, and sagittal axis rotation was better for teres minor training. Based on these results, the RCT was proved to be more effective than traditional training methods. In order to exercise the different muscles of rotator cuff more comprehensively and extensively, different postures should be selected. Furthermore, the movement speed can be appropriately increased within the safe range to improve muscle activation.
The Neuroprotective and Biomarker Potential of PACAP in Human Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Toth Denes , Tamas Andrea , Reglodi Dora
Published: January 2020

Traumatic brain injury remains a growing public health concern and represents the greatest contributor to death and disability globally among all trauma-related injuries. There are limited clinical data regarding biomarkers in the diagnosis and outcome prediction of TBI. The lack of real effective treatment for recovery calls for research of TBI to be shifted into the area of prevention, treatment of secondary brain injury and neurorehabilitation. The neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) has been reported to act as a hormone, a neuromodulator, a neurotransmitter and a trophic factor, and has been implicated in a variety of developmental and regenerative processes. The importance of PACAP in neuronal regeneration lies in the upregulation of endogenous PACAP and its receptors and the protective effect of exogenous PACAP after different central nervous system injury. The aim of this minireview is to summarize both the therapeutic and biomarker potential of the neuropeptide PACAP, as a novel possible target molecule presently being investigated in several human conditions including TBI, and with encouraging results in animal models of TBI.
Black Edible Films from Protein-Containing Defatted Cake of Nigella sativa Seeds
Authors: Sabbah Mohammed , Altamimi Mohammad , Di Pierro Prospero , Schiraldi Chiara , Cammarota Marcella , Porta Raffaele
Published: January 2020

Black biodegradable/edible protein-based films were prepared from defatted cake waste obtained from Nigella sativa (black cumin) seeds as by-product of oil extraction process. The effects of pH, glycerol concentrations, and transglutaminase-catalyzed protein cross-linking activity on the stability of film-forming solutions were studied to determine the best experimental conditions to produce handleable films. Proteins contained in the analyzed defatted cake were shown to be able to act as transglutaminase acyl donor and acceptor substrates being polymerized when incubated in vitro in the presence of the enzyme. Film-forming solutions containing 20% glycerol and casted at pH 8.0 after treatment with the enzyme gave rise to morphologically more homogeneous films possessing mechanical and barrier properties, as well as antimicrobial activity, compatible with their possible applications as food packaging materials and mulching sheets. These findings confirm the validity of the strategy to consider the seed oil processed cakes as protein-based renewable sources to produce not only fertilizers, animal feed, or culinary food but also further valuable products such as bioplastics.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Diabetes
Authors: Rozanska Olga , Uruska Aleksandra , Zozulinska-Ziolkiewicz Dorota
Published: January 2020

Diabetes and its chronic complications still represent a great clinical problem, despite improvements made in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. People with diabetes have a much higher risk of impaired brain function and psychiatric disorders. Neurotrophins are factors that protect neuronal tissue and improve the function of the central nervous system, and among them is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The level and function of BDNF in diabetes seems to be disturbed by and connected with the presence of insulin resistance. On the other hand, there is evidence for the highly beneficial impact of physical activity on brain function and BDNF level. However, it is not clear if this protective phenomenon works in the presence of diabetes. In this review, we summarize the current available research on this topic and find that the results of published studies are ambiguous.
Hybrid Laser Deposition of Fe-Based Metallic Powder under Cryogenic Conditions
Authors: Lisiecki Aleksander , Ślizak Dawid
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the novel technique of laser deposition of Fe-based powder under cryogenic conditions provided by a liquid nitrogen bath. Comparative clad layers were produced by conventional laser cladding at free cooling conditions in ambient air and by the developed process combining laser cladding and laser gas nitriding (hybrid) under cryogenic conditions. The influence of process parameters and cooling conditions on the geometry, microstructure, and hardness profiles of the clad layers was determined. The optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and XRD test methods were used to determine the microstructure and phase composition. The results indicate that the proposed technique of forced cooling the substrate in a nitrogen bath during the laser deposition of Fe-based powder is advantageous because it provides favorable geometry of the clad, low dilution, a narrow heat-affected zone, a high hardness and uniform profile on the cross-sections, homogeneity, and refinement of the microstructure. The influence of the forced cooling on microstructure refinement was quantitatively determined by measuring the secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS). Additionally, highly dispersed nanometric-sized (200–360 nm) precipitations of complex carbides were identified in interdendritic regions.
Dual Control for Jerk-Driven Robotics in Rehabilitative Planar Applications
Authors: Aggogeri Francesco , Amici Cinzia , Pellegrini Nicola
Published: January 2020

This study compares a set of strategies to plan and control the trajectory of a robotic device in a planar workspace. These strategies are based on an affective application of jerk-laws able to indicate undesirable conditions (e.g., vibrations) facilitating the device control. The jerk is the time derivative of acceleration, and this solution provides an indirect means to control the variation rate of the actuator torques, while avoiding the complex robot dynamic models and their algorithms for computing the dynamics. In order to obtain a smooth trajectory, a regulator to control a robotic device has been developed and validated. It consists of the implementation of two control modules able to (i) generate the predefined trajectory and (ii) guarantee the path tracking, reducing unwanted effects. In this case a simple S-shaped path has been originated by the “trajectory generator module” as a reference movement to rehabilitate upper limb functionality. The numerical simulation and the results of preliminary tests show the efficacy of the proposed approach through the vibration smoothness appraisal associated with the motion profile.
Performance Improvement of Ring-Type PZT Ceramics for Ultrasonic Dispersion System
Authors: Choi Young Min , Lee Yang Lae , Lim Eui Su , Trimzi Mojiz Abbas , Hwangbo Seon Ae , Ham Young Bog
Published: January 2020

This study has been based on the examination of the characterization of ring-type lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics for high-intensity focused ultrasonic dispersion system. The ring-type PZT ceramics were fabricated by the powder molding method. The mechanical properties, dielectric constant, and microstructure of the ceramics were investigated. Consequently, the density of the ceramics was increased with increasing forming pressure while the density of ceramics that were sintered at 1350 °C was decreased due to over-sintering. Furthermore, the mechanical properties were excellent at the higher forming pressure. The dielectric property of the ring-type PZT ceramics was not clearly influenced by the manufacturing and sintering conditions. The abnormal grain growth of the ceramics, however, could be prevented by a lower heating rate in addition to reducing the porosity.
Changes of Quality of Minimally-Processed Pineapple (Ananas comosus, var. ‘Queen Victoria’) during Cold Storage: Fungi in the Leading Role
Authors: Leneveu-Jenvrin Charlène , Quentin Baptiste , Assemat Sophie , Hoarau Mathilde , Meile Jean-Christophe , Remize Fabienne
Published: January 2020

Minimally-processed pineapple stored under refrigerated conditions is highly perishable. We aimed to characterize the evolution of physicochemical, sensory and microbiological quality during cold storage. Pineapple batches were sampled from several locations in Reunion Island and then minimally processed. In the processing step, the variability of firmness and counts of yeasts and molds were observed. Moreover, correlations between the sampling season and pH and b* color component, as well as between fungal population and b* parameter were observed. During storage, the visual aspect of pineapple cuts changed to brown and shiny, whereas olfactive descriptors shifted from fruity descriptors and fresh to fermented, alcoholic and milky. The values for pH, TA and TSS did not significantly vary according to storage time. A decrease in firmness and C* color parameter was observed. Yeast and mold counts were significantly higher after 7 days of storage. The diversity in yeasts and molds was mainly dependent on the considered batches observed from PCR-DGGE profiles. Fungal species were isolated from spoiled pineapple cuts. The implication of Penicilllium citrtrinum, Talaromyces amestolkiae, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Meyerozyma caribbica in the spoilage of minimally-processed pineapple cuts was further demonstrated.
Tracking Cobalt, REE and Gold from a Porphyry-Type Deposit by LA-ICP-MS: A Geological Approach towards Metal-Selective Mining in Tailings
Authors: Velásquez Germán , Carrizo Daniel , Salvi Stefano , Vela Iván , Pablo Marcial , Pérez Agustín
Published: January 2020

High-resolution mineral characterization performed on mine material from a giant porphyry copper deposit shows that critical and precious metals, such as cobalt, lanthanum, gold, silver, and tellurium, are concentrated in pyrite in the form of visible micro-inclusions, invisible mineral nano-inclusions, and trace metals in the mineral lattice. Visible and invisible inclusions consist of Ag-Au-Te sulfosalt and monazite-(La) particles. Trace metal concentrations grade up to 24,000 g/t for cobalt, up to 4000 g/t for lanthanum, and up to 4 g/t for gold. Pyrite, considered a waste material, is removed from the valuable copper ore material and sent to the tailings. Thus, tailings with high contents of pyrite can represent a prime target to explore for critical metals in the porphyry copper mining operations, transforming it into a new source of supply for critical metals. We propose that high-resolution mineral characterization is the key to evolve from a quasi-single-metal (copper) operation to a multi-metals business by developing metal-selective mining. To address this challenge, we coined the Metal-Zone concept to identify zones enriched in a specific metal within a mineral deposit, instead of zones enriched in an ore mineral.
Selenium Attenuates Chronic Heat Stress-Induced Apoptosis via the Inhibition of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Mouse Granulosa Cells
Authors: Xiong Yongjie , Yin Qirun , Jin Erhui , Chen Huatao , He Shaojun
Published: January 2020

Heat stress induces apoptosis in various cells. Selenium, an essential micronutrient, has beneficial effects in maintaining the cellular physiological functions. However, its potential protective action against chronic heat stress (CHS)-induced apoptosis in granulosa cells and the related molecular mechanisms are not fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the roles of selenium in CHS-induced apoptosis in mouse granulosa cells and explored its underlying mechanism. The heat treatment for 6–48 h induced apoptosis, potentiated caspase 3 activity, increased the expression levels of apoptosis-related gene BAX and ER stress markers, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) in mouse granulosa cells. The treatment with ER stress inhibitor 4-PBA significantly attenuated the adverse effects caused by CHS. Selenium treatment significantly attenuated the CHS- or thapsigargin (Tg, an ER stress activator)-induced apoptosis, potentiation of caspase 3 activity, and the increased protein expression levels of BAX, GRP78, and CHOP. Additionally, treatment of the cells with 5 ng/mL selenium significantly ameliorated the levels of estradiol, which were decreased in response to heat exposure. Consistently, administering selenium supplement alleviated the hyperthermia-caused reduction in the serum estradiol levels in vivo. Together, our findings indicate that selenium has protective effects on CHS-induced apoptosis via inhibition of the ER stress pathway. The current study provides new insights in understanding the role of selenium during the process of heat-induced cell apoptosis.
Novel Insights into Dietary Phytosterol Utilization and Its Fate in Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.)
Authors: Chakrabarti Priyadarshini , Lucas Hannah M. , Sagili Ramesh R.
Published: January 2020

Poor nutrition is an important factor in global bee population declines. A significant gap in knowledge persists regarding the role of various nutrients (especially micronutrients) in honey bees. Sterols are essential micronutrients in insect diets and play a physiologically vital role as precursors of important molting hormones and building blocks of cellular membranes. Sterol requirements and metabolism in honey bees are poorly understood. Among all pollen sterols, 24-methylenecholesterol is considered the key phytosterol required by honey bees. Nurse bees assimilate this sterol from dietary sources and store it in their tissues as endogenous sterol, to be transferred to the growing larvae through brood food. This study examined the duration of replacement of such endogenous sterols in honey bees. The dietary 13C-labeled isotopomer of 24-methylenecholesterol added to artificial bee diet showed differential, progressive in vivo assimilation across various honey bee tissues. Significantly higher survival, diet consumption, head protein content and abdominal lipid content were observed in the dietary sterol-supplemented group than in the control group. These findings provide novel insights into phytosterol utilization and temporal pattern of endogenous 24-methylenecholesterol replacement in honey bees.
Asbestos—Cement Roofing Identification Using Remote Sensing and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)
Authors: Krówczyńska Małgorzata , Raczko Edwin , Staniszewska Natalia , Wilk Ewa
Published: January 2020

Due to the pathogenic nature of asbestos, a statutory ban on asbestos-containing products has been in place in Poland since 1997. In order to protect human health and the environment, it is crucial to estimate the quantity of asbestos–cement products in use. It has been evaluated that about 90% of them are roof coverings. Different methods are used to estimate the amount of asbestos–cement products, such as the use of indicators, field inventory, remote sensing data, and multi- and hyperspectral images; the latter are used for relatively small areas. Other methods are sought for the reliable estimation of the quantity of asbestos-containing products, as well as their spatial distribution. The objective of this paper is to present the use of convolutional neural networks for the identification of asbestos–cement roofing on aerial photographs in natural color (RGB) and color infrared (CIR) compositions. The study was conducted for the Chęciny commune. Aerial photographs, each with the spatial resolution of 25 cm in RGB and CIR compositions, were used, and field studies were conducted to verify data and to develop a database for Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) training. Network training was carried out using the TensorFlow and R-Keras libraries in the R programming environment. The classification was carried out using a convolutional neural network consisting of two convolutional blocks, a spatial dropout layer, and two blocks of fully connected perceptrons. Asbestos–cement roofing products were classified with the producer’s accuracy of 89% and overall accuracy of 87% and 89%, depending on the image composition used. Attempts have been made at the identification of asbestos–cement roofing. They focus primarily on the use of hyperspectral data and multispectral imagery. The following classification algorithms were usually employed: Spectral Angle Mapper, Support Vector Machine, object classification, Spectral Feature Fitting, and decision trees. Previous studies undertaken by other researchers showed that low spectral resolution only allowed for a rough classification of roofing materials. The use of one coherent method would allow data comparison between regions. Determining the amount of asbestos–cement products in use is important for assessing environmental exposure to asbestos fibres, determining patterns of disease, and ultimately modelling potential solutions to counteract threats.
Remotely Sensed Mid-Channel Bar Dynamics in Downstream of the Three Gorges Dam, China
Authors: Wen Zhaofei , Yang Hong , Zhang Ce , Shao Guofan , Wu Shengjun
Published: January 2020

The downstream reach of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) along the Yangtze River (1560 km) hosts numerous mid-channel bars (MCBs). MCBs dynamics are crucial to the river’s hydrological processes and local ecological function. However, a systematic understanding of such dynamics and their linkage to TGD remains largely unknown. Using Landsat-image-extracted MCBs and several spatial-temporal analysis methods, this study presents a comprehensive understanding of MCB dynamics in terms of number, area, and shape, over downstream of TGD during the period 1985–2018. On average, a total of 140 MCBs were detected and grouped into four types representing small (<2 km2), middle (2 km2 – 7 km2), large (7 km2 – 33 km2) and extra-large size (>33 km2) MCBs, respectively. MCBs number decreased after TGD closure but most of these happened in the lower reach. The area of total MCBs experienced an increasing trend (2.77 km2/yr, p-value < 0.01) over the last three decades. The extra-large MCBs gained the largest area increasing rate than the other sizes of MCBs. Small MCBs tended to become relatively round, whereas the others became elongate in shape after TGD operation. Impacts of TGD operation generally diminished in the longitudinal direction from TGD to Hankou and from TGD to Jiujiang for shape and area dynamics, respectively. The quantified longitudinal and temporal dynamics of MCBs across the entire Yangtze River downstream of TGD provides a crucial monitoring basis for continuous investigation of the changing mechanisms affecting the morphology of the Yangtze River system.
Quantifying Western U.S. Rangelands as Fractional Components with Multi-Resolution Remote Sensing and In Situ Data
Authors: Rigge Matthew , Homer Collin , Cleeves Lauren , Meyer Debra K. , Bunde Brett , Shi Hua , Xian George , Schell Spencer , Bobo Matthew
Published: January 2020

Quantifying western U.S. rangelands as a series of fractional components with remote sensing provides a new way to understand these changing ecosystems. Nine rangeland ecosystem components, including percent shrub, sagebrush (Artemisia), big sagebrush, herbaceous, annual herbaceous, litter, and bare ground cover, along with sagebrush and shrub heights, were quantified at 30 m resolution. Extensive ground measurements, two scales of remote sensing data from commercial high-resolution satellites and Landsat 8, and regression tree models were used to create component predictions. In the mapped area (2,993,655 km²), bare ground averaged 45.5%, shrub 15.2%, sagebrush 4.3%, big sagebrush 2.9%, herbaceous 23.0%, annual herbaceous 4.2%, and litter 15.8%. Component accuracies using independent validation across all components averaged R2 values of 0.46 and an root mean squared error (RMSE) of 10.37, and cross-validation averaged R2 values of 0.72 and an RMSE of 5.09. Component composition strongly varies by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) level III ecoregions (n = 32): 17 are bare ground dominant, 11 herbaceous dominant, and four shrub dominant. Sagebrush physically covers 90,950 km², or 4.3%, of our study area, but is present in 883,449 km², or 41.5%, of the mapped portion of our study area.
Information Distribution in Multi-Robot Systems: Utility-Based Evaluation Model
Authors: Barciś Michał , Barciś Agata , Hellwagner Hermann
Published: January 2020

This work addresses the problem of information distribution in multi-robot systems, with an emphasis on multi-UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) applications. We present an analytical model that helps evaluate and compare different information distribution schemes in a robotic mission. It serves as a unified framework to represent the usefulness (utility) of each message exchanged by the robots. It can be used either on its own in order to assess the information distribution efficacy or as a building block of solutions aimed at optimizing information distribution. Moreover, we present multiple examples of instantiating the model for specific missions. They illustrate various approaches to defining the utility of different information types. Finally, we introduce a proof of concept showing the applicability of the model in a robotic system by implementing it in Robot Operating System 2 (ROS 2) and performing a simple simulated mission using a network emulator. We believe the introduced model can serve as a basis for further research on generic solutions for assessing or optimizing information distribution.