bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell-Free Approaches and Therapeutic Biomolecules for Cardiac Regeneration
Authors: Gyöngyösi Mariann
Published: January 2021

In contrast with some adult human organs, such as liver or skin, the adult human heart shows very limited self-regeneration capacity, attributed to the negligible presence of resident cardiac stem cells or cardiac progenitors [...]
Effect of Humanizing Mutations on the Stability of the Llama Single-Domain Variable Region
Authors: Soler Miguel A. , Medagli Barbara , Wang Jiewen , Oloketuyi Sandra , Bajc Gregor , Huang He , Fortuna Sara , de Marco Ario
Published: January 2021

In vivo clinical applications of nanobodies (VHHs) require molecules that induce minimal immunoresponse and therefore possess sequences as similar as possible to the human VH domain. Although the relative sequence variability in llama nanobodies has been used to identify scaffolds with partially humanized signature, the transformation of the Camelidae hallmarks in the framework2 still represents a major problem. We assessed a set of mutants in silico and experimentally to elucidate what is the contribution of single residues to the VHH stability and how their combinations affect the mutant nanobody stability. We described at molecular level how the interaction among residues belonging to different structural elements enabled a model llama nanobody (C8WT, isolated from a naïve library) to be functional and maintain its stability, despite the analysis of its primary sequence would classify it as aggregation-prone. Five chimeras formed by grafting CDRs isolated from different nanobodies into C8WT scaffold were successfully expressed as soluble proteins and both tested clones preserved their antigen binding specificity. We identified a nanobody with human hallmarks that seems suitable for humanizing selected camelid VHHs by grafting heterologous CDRs in its scaffold and could serve for the preparation of a synthetic library of human-like single domains.
Nanoparticles Targeting Receptors on Breast Cancer for Efficient Delivery of Chemotherapeutics
Authors: Jahan Sulltana , Karim Md. Emranul , Chowdhury Ezharul Hoque
Published: January 2021

The journey of chemotherapeutic drugs from the site of administration to the site of action is confronted by several factors including low bioavailability, uneven distribution in major organs, limited accessibility of drug molecules to the distant tumor tissues, and lower therapeutic indexes. These unavoidable features of classical chemotherapeutics necessitate an additional high, repetitive dose of drugs to obtain maximum therapeutic responses with the result of unintended adverse side effects. An erratic tumor microenvironment, notable drawbacks of conventional chemotherapy, and multidrug-resistant mechanisms of breast cancer cells warrant precisely designed therapeutics for the treatment of cancers. In recent decades, nanoparticles have been deployed for the delivery of standard anticancer drugs to maximize the therapeutic potency while minimizing the adverse effects to increase the quality and span of life. Several organic and inorganic nanoplatforms that have been designed exploiting the distinctive features of the tumor microenvironment and tumor cells offer favorable physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetic profiles of a parent drug, with delivery of higher amounts of the drug to the pathological site and its controlled release, thereby improving the balance between its efficacy and toxicity. Advances to this front have included design and construction of targeted nanoparticles by conjugating homing devices like peptide, ligand, and Fab on the surface of nanomaterials to navigate nanoparticledrug complexes towards the target tumor cell with minimal destruction of healthy cells. Furthermore, actively targeting nanoparticles can facilitate the delivery and cellular uptake of nanoparticle-loaded drug constructs via binding with specific receptors expressed aberrantly on the surface of a tumor cell. Herein, we present an overview of the principle of targeted delivery approaches, exploiting drug-nanoparticle conjugates with multiple targeting moieties to target specific receptors of breast cancer cells and highlighting therapeutic evaluation in preclinical studies. We conclude that an understanding of the translational gap and challenges would show the possible future directions to foster the development of novel targeted nanotherapeutics.
UV-B Filter Octylmethoxycinnamate Alters the Vascular Contractility Patterns in Pregnant Women with Hypothyroidism
Authors: Lorigo Margarida , Quintaneiro Carla , Breitenfeld Luiza , Cairrao Elisa
Published: January 2021

Increasing evidence relating the exposure and/or bioaccumulation of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) with cardiovascular system are arising. Octylmethoxycinnamate (OMC) is the most widely used UV-B filter and as EDC interacts with TH receptors. However, their effects on thyroid diseases during pregnancy remain unknown. The purpose of this work was to assess the short- and long-term effects of OMC on arterial tonus of pregnant women with hypothyroidism. To elucidate this, human umbilical artery (HUA) rings without endothelium were used to explore the vascular effects of OMC by arterial and cellular experiments. The binding energy and the modes of interaction of the OMC into the active center of the TSHR and THRα were analyzed by molecular docking studies. Our results indicated that OMC altered the contractility patterns of HUA contracted with serotonin, histamine and KCl, possibly due to an interference with serotonin and histamine receptors or an involvement of the Ca2+ channels. The molecular docking analysis show that OMC compete with T3 for the binding center of THRα. Taken together, these findings pointed out to alterations in HUA reactivity as result of OMC-exposure, which may be involved in the development and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The Relevance of the SH2 Domain for c-Src Functionality in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Mayoral-Varo Víctor , Sánchez-Bailón María Pilar , Calcabrini Annarica , García-Hernández Marta , Frezza Valerio , Martín María Elena , González Víctor M. , Martín-Pérez Jorge
Published: January 2021

The role of Src family kinases (SFKs) in human tumors has been always associated with tyrosine kinase activity and much less attention has been given to the SH2 and SH3 adapter domains. Here, we studied the role of the c-Src-SH2 domain in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). To this end, SUM159PT and MDA-MB-231 human cell lines were employed as model systems. These cells conditionally expressed, under tetracycline control (Tet-On system), a c-Src variant with point-inactivating mutation of the SH2 adapter domain (R175L). The expression of this mutant reduced the self-renewal capability of the enriched population of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), demonstrating the importance of the SH2 adapter domain of c-Src in the mammary gland carcinogenesis. In addition, the analysis of anchorage-independent growth, proliferation, migration, and invasiveness, all processes associated with tumorigenesis, showed that the SH2 domain of c-Src plays a very relevant role in their regulation. Furthermore, the transfection of two different aptamers directed to SH2-c-Src in both SUM159PT and MDA-MB-231 cells induced inhibition of their proliferation, migration, and invasiveness, strengthening the hypothesis that this domain is highly involved in TNBC tumorigenesis. Therefore, the SH2 domain of c-Src could be a promising therapeutic target and combined treatments with inhibitors of c-Src kinase enzymatic activity may represent a new therapeutic strategy for patients with TNBC, whose prognosis is currently very negative.
Macrophage and Lymphocyte Infiltration Is Associated with Volumetric Tumor Size but Not with Volumetric Growth in the Tübingen Schwannoma Cohort
Authors: Gonçalves Vítor Moura , Suhm Elisa-Maria , Ries Vanessa , Skardelly Marco , Tabatabai Ghazaleh , Tatagiba Marcos , Schittenhelm Jens , Behling Felix
Published: January 2021

Most patients with vestibular schwannomas can be cured with microsurgical resection, or tumor growth can be stabilized by radiotherapy in certain cases. Recurrence is rare but usually difficult to treat. Treatment alternatives to local therapies are not established. There is growing evidence of the role of inflammatory processes in schwannomas, which may be exploitable by targeted innovative therapies. To further define the impact of inflammation with tumor growth in vestibular schwannoma, we performed immunohistochemical analyses of CD3, CD8, CD68 and CD163 to assess lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration in 923 tumor tissue samples of surgically resected vestibular schwannomas. An inflammatory score was compared with tumor size and volumetric growth. We observed a significantly larger preoperative tumor size with increased expression rates of CD3, CD8, CD68 and CD163 (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p = 0.0015 and p < 0.0001, respectively), but no differences in percentual volumetric tumor growth. When all four markers were combined as an inflammatory score, tumors with high inflammatory infiltration showed slower percentual growth in a multivariate analysis, including MIB1 expression (p = 0.0249). We conclude that inflammatory cell infiltration increases with larger tumor size but is associated with slower percentual volumetric tumor growth.
Diagnosis of Lynch Syndrome and Strategies to Distinguish Lynch-Related Tumors from Sporadic MSI/dMMR Tumors
Authors: Leclerc Julie , Vermaut Catherine , Buisine Marie-Pierre
Published: January 2021

Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a hallmark of Lynch syndrome (LS)-related tumors but is not specific to it, as approximately 80% of MSI/mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) tumors are sporadic. Methods leading to the diagnosis of LS have considerably evolved in recent years and so have tumoral tests for LS screening and for the discrimination of LS-related to MSI-sporadic tumors. In this review, we address the hallmarks of LS, including the clinical, histopathological, and molecular features. We present recent advances in diagnostic and screening strategies to identify LS patients. We also discuss the pitfalls associated with the current strategies, which should be taken into account to improve the diagnosis of LS and avoid inappropriate clinical management.
Prognostic Value of Metabolic Imaging Data of 11C-choline PET/CT in Patients Undergoing Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Donadon Matteo , Lopci Egesta , Galvanin Jacopo , Giudici Simone , Del Fabbro Daniele , Lanza Ezio , Pedicini Vittorio , Chiti Arturo , Torzilli Guido
Published: January 2021

11C-choline positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has been used for patients with some types of tumors, but few data are available for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We queried our prospective database for patients with HCC staged with 11C-choline PET/CT to assess the clinical impact of this imaging modality. Seven parameters were recorded: maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean), liver standardized uptake value (SUVliver), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), photopenic area, metabolic tumor burden (MTB = MTVxSUVmean), and SUVratio (SUVmax/SUVliver). Analysis was performed to identify parameters that could be predictors of overall survival (OS). Sixty patients were analyzed: fourteen (23%) were in stage 0-A, 37 (62%) in stage B, and 9 (15%) in stage C of the Barcelona classification. The Cox regression for OS showed that Barcelona stages (HR = 2.94; 95%CI = 1.41–4.51; p = 0.003) and MTV (HR = 2.11; 95%CI = 1.51–3.45; p = 0.026) were the only factors independently associated with OS. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis revealed MTV ability in discriminating survival (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.77; 95%CI = 0.57–097; p < 0.001: patients with MTV ≥ 380 had worse OS (p = 0.015)). The use of 11C-choline PET/CT allows for better prognostic refinement in patients undergoing hepatectomy for HCC. Incorporation of such modality into HCC staging system should be considered.
RUNX3 Transcript Variants Have Distinct Roles in Ovarian Carcinoma and Differently Influence Platinum Sensitivity and Angiogenesis
Authors: Heinze Karolin , Hölzer Martin , Ungelenk Martin , Gerth Melanie , Thomale Jürgen , Heller Regine , Morden Claire R. , McManus Kirk J. , Mosig Alexander S. , Dürst Matthias , Runnebaum Ingo B. , Häfner Norman
Published: January 2021

The prognosis of late-stage epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients is affected by chemotherapy response and the malignant potential of the tumor cells. In earlier work, we identified hypermethylation of the runt-related transcription factor 3 gene (RUNX3) as a prognostic biomarker and contrary functions of transcript variants (TV1 and TV2) in A2780 and SKOV3 cells. The aim of the study was to further validate these results and to increase the knowledge about RUNX3 function in EOC. New RUNX3 overexpression models of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) were established and analyzed for phenotypic (IC50 determination, migration, proliferation and angiogenesis assay, DNA damage analysis) and transcriptomic consequences (NGS) of RUNX3 TV1 and TV2 overexpression. Platinum sensitivity was affected by a specific transcript variant depending on BRCA background. RUNX3 TV2 induced an increased sensitivity in BRCA1wt cells (OVCAR3), whereas TV1 increased the sensitivity and induced a G2/M arrest under treatment in BRCA1mut cells (A13-2-12). These different phenotypes relate to differences in DNA repair: homologous recombination deficient A13-2-12 cells show less γH2AX foci despite higher levels of Pt-DNA adducts. RNA-Seq analyses prove transcript variant and cell-line-specific RUNX3 effects. Pathway analyses revealed another clinically important function of RUNX3—regulation of angiogenesis. This was confirmed by thrombospondin1 analyses, HUVEC spheroid sprouting assays and proteomic profiling. Importantly, conditioned media (CM) from RUNX3 TV1 overexpressing A13-2-12 cells induced an increased HUVEC sprouting. Altogether, the presented data support the hypothesis of different functions of RUNX3 transcript variants related to the clinically relevant processes—platinum resistance and angiogenesis.
Application of Magnetic and Dielectric Nanofluids for Electromagnetic-Assistance Enhanced Oil Recovery: A Review
Authors: Hassan Yarima Mudassir , Guan Beh Hoe , Zaid Hasnah Mohd , Hamza Mohammed Falalu , Adil Muhammad , Adam Abdullahi Abbas , Hastuti Kurnia
Published: January 2021

Crude oil has been one of the most important natural resources since 1856, which was the first time a world refinery was constructed. However, the problem associated with trapped oil in the reservoir is a global concern. Consequently, Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) is a modern technique used to improve oil productivity that is being intensively studied. Nanoparticles (NPs) exhibited exceptional outcomes when applied in various sectors including oil and gas industries. The harshness of the reservoir situations disturbs the effective transformations of the NPs in which the particles tend to agglomerate and consequently leads to the discrimination of the NPs and their being trapped in the rock pores of the reservoir. Hence, Electromagnetic-Assisted nanofluids are very consequential in supporting the effective performance of the nanoflooding process. Several studies have shown considerable incremental oil recovery factors by employing magnetic and dielectric NPs assisted by electromagnetic radiation. This is attributed to the fact that the injected nanofluids absorb energy disaffected from the EM source, which changes the fluid mobility by creating disruptions within the fluid’s interface and allowing trapped oil to be released. This paper attempts to review the experimental work conducted via electromagnetic activation of magnetic and dielectric nanofluids for EOR and to analyze the effect of EM-assisted nanofluids on parameters such as sweeping efficiency, Interfacial tension, and wettability alteration. The current study is very significant in providing a comprehensive analysis and review of the role played by EM-assisted nanofluids to improve laboratory experiments as one of the substantial prerequisites in optimizing the process of the field application for EOR in the future.
The Effect of Heat Treatment on Dynamic Properties of an Additively Manufactured Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Zhang Shuangyin , Wang Yunfei , Suo Tao , Yao Jin , Lin Xin , Huang Weidong , Li Yulong , Shen Jianghua
Published: January 2021

Heat treatment processing is commonly applied for additively manufactured metal materials, since the as-fabricated material frequently exhibits high internal stress and self-cracking. In this work, a heat treatment route was applied to an additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V alloy, and its effect on the dynamic compressive behavior was investigated. The experimental results showed that the heat treatment process not only increased the dynamic compressive strength of the material, but also induced a change of the dynamic compressive strength from isotropic to anisotropic. In addition, the strain rate sensitivity of the material was reduced by heat treatment, even though both the as-deposited and heat-treated samples demonstrated positive sensitivity to the loading rate. Microstructural analysis suggested that the grain size and morphology were the same before and after heat treatment, while the internal stress increased due to heat treatment.
Insight into Rare Structurally Characterized Homotrinuclear CuII Non-Symmetric Salamo-Based Complex
Authors: Peng Yun-Dong , Li Ruo-Yu , Li Peng , Sun Yin-Xia
Published: January 2021

A rare homotrinuclear CuII salamo-based complex [Cu3(L)2(μ-OAc)2(H2O)2]·2CHCl3·5H2O was prepared through the reaction of a non-symmetric salamo-based ligand H2L and Cu(OAc)2·H2O, and validated by elemental analyses, UV-Visible absorption, fluorescence and infrared spectra, molecular simulation and single-crystal X-ray analysis techniques. It is shown that three CuII atoms and two wholly deprotonated ligand (L)2− moieties form together a trinuclear 3:2 (M:L) complex with two coordination water molecules and two bi-dentate briging μ-acetate groups (μ-OAc−). Besides, the Hirshfeld surface analysis of the CuII complex was investigated. Compared with other ligands, the fluorescent strength of the CuII complex was evidently lowered, showing that the CuII ions possess fluorescent quenching effect.
Multifunctional Optical Crystals for All-Solid-State Raman Lasers
Authors: Zhao Hui , Dai Shibo , Zhu Siqi , Yin Hao , Li Zhen , Chen Zhenqiang
Published: January 2021

In the past few decades, the multifunctional optical crystals for all-solid-state Raman lasers have been widely studied by many scholars due to their compactness, convenience and excellent performance. In this review, we briefly show two kinds of multifunctional Raman crystals: self-Raman (laser and Raman effects) crystals and self-frequency-doubled Raman (frequency-doubling and Raman effects) crystals. We firstly introduce the properties of the self-Raman laser crystals, including vanadate, tungstate, molybdate and silicate doped with rare earth ions, as well as self-frequency-doubled Raman crystals, including KTiOAsO4 (KTA) and BaTeMo2O9 (BTM). Additionally, the domestic and international progress in research on multifunctional Raman crystals is summarized in the continuous wave, passively Q-switched, actively Q-switched and mode-locked regimes. Finally, we present the bottleneck in multifunctional Raman crystals and the outlook for future development. Through this review, we contribute to a general understanding of multifunctional Raman crystals.
Mechatronics: Experiential Learning and the Stimulation of Thinking Skills
Authors: Habib Maki K. , Nagata Fusaomi , Watanabe Keigo
Published: January 2021

The development of experiential learning methodologies is gaining attention, due to its contributions to enhancing education quality. It focuses on developing competencies, and build-up added values, such as creative and critical thinking skills, with the aim of improving the quality of learning. The interdisciplinary mechatronics field accommodates a coherent interactive concurrent design process that facilitates innovation and develops the desired skills by adopting experiential learning approaches. This educational learning process is motivated by implementation, assessment, and reflections. This requires synergizing cognition, perception, and behavior with experience sharing and evaluation. Furthermore, it is supported by knowledge accumulation. The learning process with active student’s engagement (participation and investigation) is integrated with experimental systems that are developed to facilitate experiential learning supported by properly designed lectures, laboratory experiments, and integrated with course projects. This paper aims to enhance education, learning quality, and contribute to the learning process, while stimulating creative and critical thinking skills. The paper has adopted a student-centered learning approach and focuses on developing training tools to improve the hands-on experience and integrate it with project-based learning. The developed experimental systems have their learning indicators where students acquire knowledge and learn the target skills through involvement in the process. This is inspired by collaborative knowledge sharing, brainstorming, and interactive discussions. The learning outcomes from lectures and laboratory experiments are synergized with the project-based learning approach to yield the desired promising results and exhibit the value of learning. The effectiveness of the developed experimental systems along with the adopted project-based learning approach is demonstrated and evaluated during laboratory sessions supporting different courses at Sanyo-Onoda City University, Yamaguchi, Japan, and at the American University in Cairo.
An Advanced CNN-LSTM Model for Cryptocurrency Forecasting
Authors: Livieris Ioannis E. , Kiriakidou Niki , Stavroyiannis Stavros , Pintelas Panagiotis
Published: January 2021

Nowadays, cryptocurrencies are established and widely recognized as an alternative exchange currency method. They have infiltrated most financial transactions and as a result cryptocurrency trade is generally considered one of the most popular and promising types of profitable investments. Nevertheless, this constantly increasing financial market is characterized by significant volatility and strong price fluctuations over a short-time period therefore, the development of an accurate and reliable forecasting model is considered essential for portfolio management and optimization. In this research, we propose a multiple-input deep neural network model for the prediction of cryptocurrency price and movement. The proposed forecasting model utilizes as inputs different cryptocurrency data and handles them independently in order to exploit useful information from each cryptocurrency separately. An extensive empirical study was performed using three consecutive years of cryptocurrency data from three cryptocurrencies with the highest market capitalization i.e., Bitcoin (BTC), Etherium (ETH), and Ripple (XRP). The detailed experimental analysis revealed that the proposed model has the ability to efficiently exploit mixed cryptocurrency data, reduces overfitting and decreases the computational cost in comparison with traditional fully-connected deep neural networks.
Hierarchical Motion Planning of AUVs in Three Typical Marine Environments
Authors: Ran Xiangrui , Bian Hongyu , Zhang Guocheng , Sun Yushan
Published: January 2021

Broad waters, harbor waters, and waterway waters make up more than 90% of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) navigation area, and each of them has its typical environmental characteristics. In this paper, a three-layer AUV motion planning architecture was designed to improve the planning logic of an AUV when completing complex underwater tasks. The AUV motion planning ability was trained by the improved deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) combined with the experience pool of classification. Compared with the traditional DDPG algorithm, the proposed algorithm is more efficient. Using the strategy obtained from the training and the motion planning architecture proposed in the paper, the tasks of AUVs searching in broad waters, crossing in waterway waters and patrolling in harbor waters were realized in the simulation experiment. The reliability of the planning system was verified in field tests.
An Enhanced Multicell-to-Multicell Battery Equalizer Based on Bipolar-Resonant LC Converter
Authors: Luo Xuan , Kang Longyun , Lu Chusheng , Linghu Jinqing , Lin Hongye , Hu Bihua
Published: January 2021

In a battery management system (BMS), battery equalizer is used to achieve voltage consistency between series connected battery cells. Recently, serious inconsistency has been founded to exist in retired batteries, and traditional equalizers are slow or inefficient to handle the situation. The multicell-to-multicell (MC2MC) topology, which can directly transfer energy from consecutive strong cells to consecutive weak cells, is promising to solve the problem, but its performance is limited by the existing converter. Therefore, this paper proposes an enhanced MC2MC equalizer based on a novel bipolar-resonant LC converter (BRLCC), which supports flexible and efficient operation modes with stable balancing power, can greatly improve the balancing speed without much sacrificing the efficiency. Mathematical analysis and comparison with typical equalizers are provided to illustrate its high balancing speed and good efficiency. An experimental prototype for 8 cells is built, and the balancing powers under different operation modes are from 1.426 W to 12.559 W with balancing efficiencies from 84.84% to 91.68%.
High Purity/Recovery Separation of Propylene from Propyne Using Anion Pillared Metal-Organic Framework: Application of Vacuum Swing Adsorption (VSA)
Authors: Khraisheh Majeda , AlMomani Fares , Walker Gavin
Published: January 2021

Propylene is one of the world’s most important basic olefin raw material used in the production of a vast array of polymers and other chemicals. The need for high purity grade of propylene is essential and traditionally achieved by the very energy-intensive cryogenic separation. In this study, a pillared inorganic anion SIF62− was used as a highly selective C3H4 due to the square grid pyrazine-based structure. Single gas adsorption revealed a very high C3H4 uptake value (3.32, 3.12, 2.97 and 2.43 mmol·g−1 at 300, 320, 340 and 360 K, respectively). The values for propylene for the same temperatures were 2.73, 2.64, 2.31 and 1.84 mmol·g−1, respectively. Experimental results were obtained for the two gases fitted using Langmuir and Toth models. The former had a varied degree of representation of the system with a better presentation of the adsorption of the propylene compared to the propyne system. The Toth model regression offered a better fit of the experimental data over the entire range of pressures. The representation and fitting of the models are important to estimate the energy in the form of the isosteric heats of adsorption (Qst), which were found to be 45 and 30 kJ·Kmol−1 for propyne and propylene, respectively. A Higher Qst value reveals strong interactions between the solid and the gas. The dynamic breakthrough for binary mixtures of C3H4/C3H6 (30:70 v/v)) were established. Heavier propylene molecules were eluted first from the column compared to the lighter propyne. Vacuum swing adsorption was best suited for the application of strongly bound materials in adsorbents. A six-step cycle was used for the recovery of high purity C3H4 and C3H6. The VSA system was tested with respect to changing blowdown time and purge time as well as energy requirements. It was found that the increase in purge time had an appositive effect on C3H6 recovery but reduced productivity and recovery. Accordingly, under the experimental conditions used in this study for VSA, the purge time of 600 s was considered a suitable trade-off time for purging. Recovery up to 99%, purity of 98.5% were achieved at a purge time of 600 s. Maximum achieved purity and recovery were 97.4% and 98.5% at 100 s blowdown time. Energy and power consumption varied between 63–70 kWh/ton at the range of purge and blowdown time used. The VSA offers a trade-off and cost-effective technology for the recovery and separation of olefins and paraffin at low pressure and high purity.
GLSDC Based Parameter Estimation Algorithm for a PMSM Model
Authors: Sel Artun , Sel Bilgehan , Kasnakoglu Cosku
Published: January 2021

In this study, a GLSDC (Gaussian Least Squares Differential Correction) based parameter estimation algorithm is used to identify a PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) model. In this method, a nonlinear model is assumed to be the correct representation of the underlying state dynamics and the output signals are assumed to be measured in a noisy environment. Using noisy input and output signals, parameters that constitute the coefficients of the nonlinear state and input signal terms are to be estimated using the state transition matrix which is computed by the numerical means that are detailed. Since a GLSDC algorithm requires correct initial state value, this term is also estimated in addition to the unknown coefficients whose bounds are assumed to be known, which is mostly the case in the industrial applications. The batch input and output signals are used to iteratively estimate the parameter set before and after the convergence, and to recover the filtered state trajectories. A couple of different scenarios are tested by means of numerical simulations and the results are addressed. Different methods are discussed to compute better initial estimate values, to shorten the convergence time.
Differences in Response of Butterfly Diversity and Species Composition in Urban Parks to Land Cover and Local Habitat Variables
Authors: Han Dan , Zhang Chang , Wang Cheng , She Junying , Sun Zhenkai , Zhao Dexian , Bian Qi , Han Wenjing , Yin Luqin , Sun Ruilin , Wang Xinyu , Cheng He
Published: January 2021

Background and Objectives: As urbanisation is a significant global trend, there is a profound need for biodiversity protection in urban ecosystems. Moreover, the potential of urban green space to support urban biodiversity should be appreciated. Butterflies are environmental indicators that are sensitive to urbanisation. Therefore, it is important to identify butterfly distribution patterns and the factors influencing butterfly diversity and species composition in urban parks within cities. Research Highlights: To our knowledge, ours is the first study evaluating the effects of both land cover and local habitat features on butterfly species composition in urban parks of Beijing, China. Materials and Methods: In this study, we surveyed butterfly richness and abundance in 28 urban parks in Beijing, China. The parks differed in age and location in the urban area. Meanwhile, we investigated the green space in the surroundings of the parks at multi-spatial scales at the landscape level. We also investigated local park characteristics including the age of the park (Age), perimeter/area ratio of the park (SQPRA), area of the park (ha) (Area), green space cover within the park (Greenp), nectar plant species richness (Necpl), abundance of flowering nectar plants (Necabu) and overall plant species richness (Pl). Generalised linear models (GLMs) and redundancy discriminant analysis (RDA) were applied to relate butterfly diversity and butterfly species composition to environmental variables, respectively. Results: We recorded 3617 individuals belonging to 26 species from July to September in 2019. Parks on the city fringe had significantly higher butterfly diversity. Butterfly species richness was mostly related to total plant richness. The abundance of flowering nectar plants was closely linked to butterfly abundance. Land cover had little impact on butterfly diversity and community structure in urban parks. Conclusions: Once a park has sufficient plants and nectar resources, it becomes a useful haven for urban butterflies, regardless of the surrounding land cover. Well-planned urban parks focused on local habitat quality support butterfly conservation.
Estimating Biomass and Carbon Storage by Georgia Forest Types and Species Groups Using the FIA Data Diameters, Basal Areas, Site Indices, and Total Heights
Authors: Cieszewski Chris J. , Zasada Michał , Lowe Roger C. , Liu Shanbin
Published: January 2021

We present here an example of research into methodology of an estimation of carbon and biomass pools in forests using the USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA), data of the 1989 and 1998 surveys for Georgia forests, as relevant for comparison with other extremely highly-cited estimates of similar, but different, methodologies. Based on the derived estimates, we produce an example map of the biomass density and pools at a sub-county level resolution, which is based on spatially explicit simulations of the potential cover-type polygons implied by the FIA data with approximate plot locations. Our results include estimates of the biomass pools in the belowground biomass in roots, aboveground woody biomass in trees, and the biomass of foliage. We estimated the biomass densities and pools at a tree level using diameters and heights and previously published models, then propagated these results to the plot level using tree expansion factors, and then transformed these estimates to plot-dependent polygons using plot expansion factors. The plot-dependent polygons were spatially simulated using a simplified assumption of homogeneity of conditions surrounding each plot to the extent of the area defined by this plot’s expansion factors. The derived map provides a visual representation of the distribution of forest biomass densities and pools in the state of Georgia with distinctive patterns observed in various areas of urban development, federally owned forests, primary commercial forestland, and other land use areas. Coniferous forests with the highest total biomass density are located mostly in three regions: northern Georgia (Appalachian Highlands), the southern part of Piedmont, and the eastern part of Coastal Plain. Deciduous and mixed forests with the highest biomass density are concentrated mostly in the northern part of the state—especially in the Blue Ridge physiographic province, and in the western part of the East Gulf Coastal Plain. Counties with the highest biomass density were located primarily in the northern part of the state, while counties with the lowest density tended to be located in the Coastal Georgia area.
Upcycling of Whey Permeate through Yeast- and Mold-Driven Fermentations under Anoxic and Oxic Conditions
Authors: Marcus Justin Fisk , DeMarsh Timothy A. , Alcaine Samuel David
Published: January 2021

Dairy manufacturing generates whey by-products, many of them considered waste; others, such as whey permeate, a powder high in lactose and minerals from deproteinated whey, have unrealized potential. This study identified yeast species capable of utilizing lactose from whey permeate to produce ethanol or organic acids, and identified fungal species that reduced the acidity of whey by-products. Reconstituted whey permeate was fermented anaerobically or aerobically for 34 days, using species from Cornell University’s Food Safety Lab, Alcaine Research Group, and Omega Labs. Yeast species: Kluyveromyces marxianus, Kluyveromyces lactis, Dekkera anomala, Brettanomyces claussenii, Brettanomyces bruxellensis; mold species: Mucor genevensis and Aureobasidium pullulans. Density, pH, cell concentrations, organic acids, ethanol, and sugar profiles were monitored. Under anoxic conditions, K. marxianus exhibited the greatest lactose utilization and ethanol production (day 20: lactose non-detectable; 4.52% ± 0.02 ethanol). Under oxic conditions, D. anomala produced the most acetic acid (day 34: 9.18 ± 3.38 g/L), and A. pullulans utilized the most lactic acid, increasing the fermentate’s pH (day 34: 0.26 ± 0.21 g/L, pH: 7.91 ± 0.51). This study demonstrates that fermentation of whey could produce value-added alcoholic or organic acid beverages, or increase the pH of acidic by-products, yielding new products and increasing sustainability.
Fatty Acid Profile of Lipid Fractions of Mangalitza (Sus scrofa domesticus) from Northern Romania: A GC-MS-PCA Approach
Authors: Petroman Cornelia , Popescu Gabriela , Szakal Raymond-Nandy , Păunescu Virgil , Drăghia Lavinia P. , Bujancă Gabriel S. , Chirilă Cosmina A. , Hădărugă Daniel I. , Văduva Loredana , Hădărugă Nicoleta G. , Petroman Ioan
Published: January 2021

Mangalitza pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) becomes more popular in European countries. The goal of this study was to evaluate the fatty acid profile of the raw and thermally processed Mangalitza hard fat from Northern Romania. For the first time, the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-Principal component analysis technique (GC-MS-PCA)—was applied to evaluate the dissimilarity of Mangalitza lipid fractions. Three specific layers of the hard fat of Mangalitza from Northern Romania were subjected to thermal treatment at 130 °C for 30 min. Derivatized samples were analyzed by GC-MS. The highest relative content was obtained for oleic acid (methyl ester) in all hard fat layers (36.1–42.4%), while palmitic acid was found at a half (21.3–24.1%). Vaccenic or elaidic acids (trans) were found at important concentrations of 0.3–4.1% and confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. These concentrations are consistently higher in thermally processed top and middle lipid layers, even at double values. The GC-MS-PCA coupled technique allows us to classify the unprocessed and processed Mangalitza hard fat specific layers, especially through the relative concentrations of vaccenic/elaidic, palmitic, and stearic acids. Further studies are needed in order to evaluate the level of degradation of various animal fats by the GC-MS-PCA technique.
Development and Validation of the Perceived Authenticity Scale for Cheese Specialties with Protected Designation of Origin
Authors: Sidali Katia Laura , Capitello Roberta , Manurung Akhsa Joanne Taridaasi
Published: January 2021

Authenticity has become increasingly important in the modern market as consumers seek products more resonant of tradition and originality. This study aimed to develop and validate a perceived authenticity scale for food specialties. Furthermore, this work exposed the causal relationship between authenticity and consumer behaviour, by quantitatively analysing the effects of perception of authenticity and identification with a product on consumers’ willingness to consume the cheese Algovian Emmentaler, an iconic dairy product produced in southern Germany and protected with the designation of origin. Three surveys were conducted over two different timeframes. One served as a pre-test in Germany with a representative sample for the second two in Germany and Italy with a gourmet sample. Both objective authenticity and subjective authenticity were considered, with the former comprising concepts such as whether the respondent was sure of the cheese’s origin and the latter what the cheese embodied. Identification with Algovian Emmentaler was also surveyed. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted on the survey data in order to construct an authenticity scale. Based on this scale, structural equation models were constructed. Objective authenticity was found to positively contribute to stated willingness to consume, as well as mediate subjective authenticity, which itself mediated the effects of identification. Subjective authenticity was a large contributing factor to willingness to consume among German consumers, whereas the effects of objective authenticity were higher in Italy compared with the former. Expectedly, identification with Algovian Emmentaler also had a high direct effect on willingness to consume in Germany.
Edible Films and Coatings as Food-Quality Preservers: An Overview
Authors: Díaz-Montes Elsa , Castro-Muñoz Roberto
Published: January 2021

Food preservation technologies are currently facing important challenges at extending the shelf-life of perishable food products (e.g., meat, fish, milk, eggs, and many raw fruits and vegetables) that help to meet the daily nutrient requirement demand. In addition, food preservation has gone beyond only preservation; the current techniques are focused on the fulfillment of two additional objectives, the suitability of the used processes and generation of environmentally friendly products with non-presence of any side effect on health. Moreover, they are also looking for additional nutritional properties. One of these preservation protocols deals with the use of edible films and coatings. Therefore, this review shows an overview of synthetic materials (e.g., glass, aluminum, plastic, and paperboard), as well as the regulations that limit their application in food packaging. Further, this review releases the current-state-of-the-art of the use of films and edible coatings as an alternative to conventional packaging, providing the main features that these biodegradable packaging should meet towards specific uses for the conservation and improvement of various food products. Herein, particular attention has been paid to the main used components (e.g., biopolymers, additives, bioactive, and probiotic components), manufacturing methods (for edible films or coatings) and their application to specific products. In addition, an outlook of the application of edible films and coatings as quality indicators of perishable products is shown.
Effects of Stocking and Transport Conditions on Physicochemical Properties of Meat and Acute-Phase Proteins in Cattle
Authors: Abubakar Ahmed A. , Zulkifli Idrus , Goh Yong M. , Kaka Ubedullah , Sabow Azad B. , Imlan Jurhamid C. , Awad Elmutaz A. , Othman Azalea H. , Raghazli Razlina , Mitin Helen , Sazili Awis Q.
Published: January 2021

This study’s objective was to evaluate the effects of distance and stocking density on physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of meat and acute-phase proteins in Brahman crossbred cattle transported by road under hot and humid tropical conditions. Sixty Brahman crossbred heifers were subjected to road transport from a cattle feedlot farm located in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, to a commercial ruminant abattoir in Shah Alam, Selangor. Animals were assigned to long and short distances and high, medium, and low stocking densities. The results revealed that the intensity of response significantly increased in meat samples from animals subjected to long-distance transportation and higher stocking density. Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein and serum amyloid-A values increased considerably and were different from the baseline values recorded at preload. In conclusion, the current results revealed that the color, pH, shear force values, water holding capacity (WHC), glycogen level, and malondilaldehyde assay (MDA) concentrations in meat and acute-phase proteins (APP) were affected by both distances and stocking densities, as evidenced by the significant changes recorded from the parameters above.
Using Spatial Validity and Uncertainty Metrics to Determine the Relative Suitability of Alternative Suites of Oceanographic Data for Seabed Biotope Prediction. A Case Study from the Barents Sea, Norway
Authors: Dolan Margaret F.J. , Ross Rebecca E. , Albretsen Jon , Skarðhamar Jofrid , Gonzalez-Mirelis Genoveva , Bellec Valérie K. , Buhl-Mortensen Pål , Bjarnadóttir Lilja R.
Published: January 2021

The use of habitat distribution models (HDMs) has become common in benthic habitat mapping for combining limited seabed observations with full-coverage environmental data to produce classified maps showing predicted habitat distribution for an entire study area. However, relatively few HDMs include oceanographic predictors, or present spatial validity or uncertainty analyses to support the classified predictions. Without reference studies it can be challenging to assess which type of oceanographic model data should be used, or developed, for this purpose. In this study, we compare biotope maps built using predictor variable suites from three different oceanographic models with differing levels of detail on near-bottom conditions. These results are compared with a baseline model without oceanographic predictors. We use associated spatial validity and uncertainty analyses to assess which oceanographic data may be best suited to biotope mapping. Our results show how spatial validity and uncertainty metrics capture differences between HDM outputs which are otherwise not apparent from standard non-spatial accuracy assessments or the classified maps themselves. We conclude that biotope HDMs incorporating high-resolution, preferably bottom-optimised, oceanography data can best minimise spatial uncertainty and maximise spatial validity. Furthermore, our results suggest that incorporating coarser oceanographic data may lead to more uncertainty than omitting such data.
Roles of Si and SiNPs in Improving Thermotolerance of Wheat Photosynthetic Machinery via Upregulation of PsbH, PsbB and PsbD Genes Encoding PSII Core Proteins
Authors: Hassan Heba , Alatawi Aishah , Abdulmajeed Awatif , Emam Manal , Khattab Hemmat
Published: January 2021

Photosystem II is extremely susceptible to environmental alterations, particularly high temperatures. The maintenance of an efficient photosynthetic system under stress conditions is one of the main issues for plants to attain their required energy. Nowadays, searching for stress alleviators is the main goal for maintaining photosynthetic system productivity and, thereby, crop yield under global climate change. Potassium silicate (K2SiO3, 1.5 mM) and silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2NPs, 1.66 mM) were used to mitigate the negative impacts of heat stress (45 °C, 5 h) on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. (Shandawelly) seedlings. The results showed that K2SiO3 and SiO2NPs diminished leaf rolling symptoms and electrolyte leakage (EL) of heat-stressed wheat leaves. Furthermore, the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and the performance index (PIabs), as well as the photosynthetic pigments and organic solutes including soluble sugars, sucrose, and proline accumulation, were increased in K2SiO3 and SiO2NPs stressed leaves. At the molecular level, RT-PCR analysis showed that K2SiO3 and SiO2NPs treatments stimulated the overexpression of PsbH, PsbB, and PsbD genes. Notably, this investigation indicated that K2SiO3 was more effective in improving wheat thermotolerance compared to SiO2NPs. The application of K2SiO3 and SiO2NPs may be one of the proposed approaches to improve crop growth and productivity to tolerate climatic change.