bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frying of Foods and Snack Food Production
Authors: Gupta Monoj K.
Published: February 2020

Cooking is the process that includes frying, sautéing, flash frying, cooking food containing gravy, and roasting. Without definite historical evidence, one has to assume that roasting of food such as meat came first. Roasting of vegetables and grains came next. Frying must have come much later after man invented wild oilseeds and oil palm and learnt to control fire and invented pots to fry food in. The historians and the archeologists have theories and beliefs that are extensive. It is, however, believed by the archeologists that controlled fire became known to man between 400 000 and 750 000 BC.

Frying of food is an old and traditional means to prepare food quickly and enjoy the preparation for culinary delight. The frying technique has improved over the years and has evolved from kitchen frying to large‐scale industrial frying. Coated products, par‐fried products with or without seasoning, have become popular across the world. The fried products are packaged and distributed for sale. Innovation of the packaging technology has enabled the fried food industry to distribute the products that maintain freshness over an extended period.
Flavor and Sensory Aspects
Authors: Malcolmson Linda J. , Winkler‐Moser Jill K.
Published: February 2020

Sensory evaluation is a scientific discipline that uses humans to measure the acceptability and sensory properties of food and other materials. Sensory properties important in food products include attributes of appearance, odor, flavor, texture, and mouthfeel. The use of humans as measuring devices is necessary because only humans can define what is “acceptable,” and in many cases, no instrumental or chemical method can adequately measure or replicate the human response. For this reason, sensory evaluation is a vital component in any quality assessment program. In such programs, sensory evaluation can be used to monitor product quality, determine the effects of alternative processing, ingredients, or formulations, evaluate packaging, and determine product shelf life.
Confectionery Lipids
Authors: Smith Kevin W.
Published: February 2020

Cocoa butter may be considered the original confectionery fat. Following the introduction of the chocolate bar to the world, the number and variety of confectionery items based on chocolate have increased greatly. For economic and supply reason, alternatives to cocoa butter have been developed. The chocolate confectionery market continues to grow, both in volume and value, which highlights the importance of these fats. This article takes a look principally at cocoa butter, and its alternatives, while noting other fats used in confectionery.
Shortenings: Science and Technology
Authors: Metzroth Douglas J. , Shahidi Fereidoon
Published: February 2020

Shortening is a commercially prepared edible fat used in frying, cooking, baking, and as an ingredient in fillings, icings, and confectionary items. It may have been named so because when dough is mixed, the water‐insoluble fat prevents cohesion of gluten strands, literally shortening them and thus generating tender baked goods. Shortening is typically a 100% fat product formulated with animal and/or vegetable oil. These oils have been processed for functionality (describes how well a product performs in a certain application) and to remove any undesirable flavor and aroma. Overall, shortening improves the texture and palatability of food products. Products with characteristics similar to shortening are discussed in this article, but only when similarities in raw material, usage, production methods, and equipment are similar to those of shortenings.

Formulations include concerns about crystalline nature of the fats, fatty acid distribution, fractionation, hydrogenation, and interesterification. Manufacturing and processing equipment are detailed. The many forms of shortenings, i.e. solid, liquid, high stability, all purpose, pourable, and special formulations, are discussed. Packaging and storage of the final products are also presented.
Tree Nut Oils
Authors: Shahidi Fereidoon , Peng Han
Published: February 2020

Tree nut oils are primarily composed of triacylglycerols, but also contain diacylglycerols (DAG), monoacylglycerols (MAG), free fatty acids (FFA), and other minor components, including natural antioxidants and fat‐soluble vitamins. The chemical composition of edible fats and oils largely determines their stability, quality, nutritional value, sensory properties, and potential health effects. Generally, the monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), predominantly oleic acid, are the major fatty acids present in tree nuts oil, followed by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and small amounts of saturated lipids. Besides, tree nut oils contain abundant bioactive components including phytosterols, carotenoids, tocols, phospholipids, and sphingolipids. And as the major antioxidants in tree nut oil, the content of carotenoids and tocols remarkably affects the oil oxidative stability, as well as their degree of unsaturation and pigment content.

Tree nuts have long been considered to be an important component of the Mediterranean diet. Their by‐products, especially defatted meals, skins, and hulls, may also be considered as excellent sources of protein and phytochemicals. Epidemiological evidence indicates that consumption of whole tree nuts may exert antioxidative stress, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐obesity, anti‐diabetes, and cardioprotective effects in animal or human body. Recent investigations have also shown that dietary consumption of either whole tree nuts, oils or polyphenol extract has beneficial effects on animal or human body, which implies that both the lipid components in oil and phenolics in defatted meal are responsible for the health‐enhanced results of tree nuts fed. In this article, the specific chemical composition, oxidative stability, and potential health effects of nine commercial tree nut oils (almond oil, hazelnut oil, pecan oil, walnut oil, pistachio oil, Brazil nut oil, pine nut oil, cashew nut oil, and macadamia nut oil) are summarized. In addition, the major amino acids profile, phenolic constituent, and health effects of tree nut by‐products are also presented.
Safflower Oil
Authors: Yeo JuDong , Shahidi Fereidoon , Smith Joseph
Published: February 2020

Safflower has a long history of cultivation. Some would classify it as the world's oldest crop. Because safflower was introduced to many lands, it is known by a number of different names, for example, false saffron, benihana, safflor, thistle saffron, and so on. Safflower is a plant of desert origin. Flowering takes place during the warmest part of the growing season. Most farming areas of the world receive some summer rains. If rains occur, then the safflower has a chance of surviving. However, the chances also increase for the plant to be attacked by various molds. The history and botanical description of safflower are detailed in this chapter. Safflower seed consists of a tough fibrous hull that protects the kernel. Attempts have been made to produce commercial hybrids of safflower seed by exploiting heterosis to increase seed or oil content. Safflower oil is pale yellow to golden and exhibits the highest level of linoleic fatty acid of any commercial oil. This high level has made safflower oil attractive to consumers. Processing of the safflower to produce the oil is done in various stages: extraction, refining, bleaching, and deodorizing. Marketing of safflower and the quality assessment of the seed and oil are discussed. Unique uses for safflower seeds include bird feed, ornamental plantings, food coloring, dyes, in medicinal products, and in cosmetics.
Progress in Supercritical Fluid Technology for Fats and Oils Processing
Authors: Temelli Feral , Güçlü‐Üstündağ Özlem , Couto Ricardo
Published: February 2020

Supercritical CO
2
(SC‐CO
2
) processing of fats and oils has been widely investigated since SC‐CO
2
offers an environmentally friendly alternative with added advantages such as moderate operating conditions and solvent‐free extracts and residues. From a processing perspective, a unique advantage of SC‐CO
2
processing lies in its versatility, which results from the ability to modify solvent properties by changing operating conditions (temperature and pressure) or by the addition of cosolvents. A good understanding of the fundamentals of solubility behavior of lipid components in SC‐CO
2
as affected by operating conditions and solute properties is required to realize its full potential in fats and oils processing. The operational flexibility offered by supercritical fluid technology enables the processor to fine‐tune solvent properties and to develop novel processes by the integration of unit operations of extraction, fractionation, reaction, and particle formation to meet the process objectives. These unit operations have been effectively utilized for the extraction and refining of oils, concentration of bioactive components from oils or oil by‐products, modification of the physical properties of fats and oils, production of oleochemicals and design of delivery systems for numerous applications.
Novel Separation Techniques for Isolation and Purification of Fatty Acids and Oil By‐Products
Authors: Wanasundara Udaya N. , Wanasundara P.K. Janitha P.D. , Shahidi Fereidoon
Published: February 2020

Although triacylglycerols (TAGs) are the predominant molecular form of edible fats and oils, it might be necessary to subject them to separation according to their chemical composition or to modify them in different ways.

Principles of separating fatty acids are based on specific properties of each acid or acid group. Two major properties – vapor pressure and melting point difference – are used in developing separation techniques. The vapor pressure of a mixture of fatty acids varies significantly with the chain length of fatty acids involved, which is used in fractional distillation as a means of separating short‐ and long‐chain fatty acids. However, vapor pressure does not change much with the degree of unsaturation. In the other method, the melting point of fatty acids changes considerably with the degree of unsaturation, which could be used to separate a mixture of fatty acids into saturated and unsaturated components. By changing the temperature of the mixture, fatty acids can be separated according to the degree of unsaturation at their respective crystallization temperature.
Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Use of Lipids
Authors: Hernandez Ernesto M.
Published: February 2020

Fats and oils in general are considered reliable ingredients, excipients or carriers in many pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. More recently, biological and functional properties as well as health benefits of many fatty acids and lipid phytochemicals have been studied for their potential applications in health products and disease prevention. This has resulted in the development of new products and applications of these bioactives into more specialized pharmaceutical and cosmetic products such as coadjuvants, skin emolliency agents, and transdermal carriers. New, more specifically targeted applications of lipids in pharma and cosmeceutical fields also include the manufacture of lipid vesicles with entrapped bioactive elements able to partition into the skin layers and deliver drugs and bioactive cosmetics transdermally. Lipids used in pharmaceutical and cosmetics require higher standards of purity and have to fulfill more stringent regulatory specifications. Therefore it is necessary to conduct additional processing steps to remove contaminants and other impurities to trace or non‐detectable levels. In order to make lipids more functional and recover lipid biological actives new processing techniques have to be applied such as molecular distillation, supercritical extraction, and fractionation techniques.
Marine Mammal Oils
Authors: Shahidi Fereidoon , Zhong HYing Joy , Tan Zhuliang
Published: February 2020

Marine oils are obtained from the flesh of fatty fish, liver of lean whitefish, and blubber of marine mammals. Lipids from marine fish have been used as food and medicine, and traditional uses of blubber lipids of marine mammals were mostly industrially oriented, except for Innus and Eskimos. Marine mammal oils were used as lubricants or “train” oils as well as fuel and used for lighting. Research findings on the importance of long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFA) in human health have opened new channels for their value‐added use in food and pharmaceutical industries. During the last three decades, it has been established that Greenland Eskimos living on their traditional diet have a lower incidence of coronary heart disease than do Danes living on a western‐style diet. It has been recognized that PUFA could be useful in controlling serum triacylglycerols, but the fatty acids provided by the food industry were often of the Ω6 family. This article summarizes the current knowledge available on marine mammal oils with focus on seal and whale oils. It presents the lipid class, fatty acid compositions, and oxidative stability of marine mammal oils. The process, production of omega‐3 fatty acid concentrates, and application of common marine mammal oils are discussed. The health benefits and disease prevention properties of seal oils, especially the two unique ingredients, namely docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and long‐chain monounsaturated fatty acids, (LC‐MUFA) are reviewed. Finally, the fatty acid profile, position distribution, and health benefits of marine mammal oils are compared with those of fish oils.
Fats and Oils in Feedstuffs and Pet Foods
Authors: Riaz Mian N. , Alam Mohammad S.
Published: February 2020

Fats and oils are major source of energy compared to carbohydrates and proteins. They are essential for human consumption as well for animals. In early ages, whole oil seeds from farms were used to feed the cattle's, however, due to the advancement in extraction sciences careful technologies are being exercised to extract and isolate the right quality of fats minimizing extracting the natural toxins and growth hormones. The major animal fats resulting from slaughtering cattle's is tallow, lard from swine and poultry fats. Currently, rendered animal fats and inedible recycled tallows are in surplus. A wide variety of fats from plant sources are also being used in animal feed including soybean, cottonseed, rapeseed, palm, and palm kernel oil including fat blends, fish oil, greases, and used cooking oils. Depending on the structure and melting points, fats are classified into three major categories such as saturated fats with no double bond, mono‐saturated fats with single bond, and poly‐saturated fats with more than two bonds (PUFAs). Omega‐3 PUFAs are being marketed for various health benefits. Adding fats to feeds supplies the animal with essential fatty acids, needed for production and growth.
Emulsifiers for the Food Industry
Authors: Stauffer Clyde E. , Ambigaipalan Priyatharini , Shahidi Fereidoon
Published: February 2020

Emulsifiers are widely used in the food industry. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable systems consisting of two immiscible phases, such as oil and water, which could be in the form of either oil‐in‐water (o/w) emulsion or water‐in‐oil (w/o) emulsion. Putting mechanical energy into the system (e.g. by mixing) in a way that subdivided one phase will increase the total amount of interfacial area and energy. Thus, the lower the amount of interfacial free energy per unit area, the larger the amount of new interfacial area that can be created for a given amount of energy input. The subdivided phase is called the dispersed phase, and the other phase is the continuous phase. Emulsifiers are more concentrated in the interfacial region than in the bulk solution phase that is amphiphilic in nature, with the lipophilic (or hydrophobic) part of the molecule preferring to be in a lipid (nonpolar) environment and the hydrophilic part preferring to be in an aqueous (polar) environment. Examples of emulsifiers are phospholipids, proteins, polysaccharides, and other surface‐active polymers. This article emphasizes the thermodynamic approach of emulsion and emulsifiers as well as their industrial food applications in detail.
Processing of Fats and Oils Using Membrane Technologies
Authors: Hernandez Ernesto M.
Published: February 2020

Membrane technologies are now widely used in many separation processes in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Several processes, particularly pressure‐driven membrane processes including reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, and microfiltration are actively applied on an industrial scale for the recovery and purification of many food and bioproducts.

Several applications of membrane technologies in fats and oils have received increasing attention due to many potential advantages such as lower cost and energy efficiency, flexibility of operation and eco friendliness. The main applications of membranes in fats and oils processing include solvent recovery, degumming, deacidification, recovery of byproducts, and waste treatment. While larger scale uses of membrane technologies are still limited, the development of commercial applications such as membrane‐based degumming, deacidification, and dewaxing are now been explored at an industrial scale. Added advantages of using membranes in vegetable oil processing include reduction in processing cost, better product quality, and increased yields. The development of new fabrication materials such as ceramic and polymer composites has made it possible to apply these new solvent stable membranes systems in most of the processing steps of fats and oils production including manufacture of biofuels.
Polar Lipids: Phospholipids and Glycolipids
Authors: Ahmad Moghis U. , Ali Shoukath M. , Ahmad Ateeq , Sheikh Saifuddin , Chen Paul , Ahmad Imran
Published: February 2020

Nature was remarkably inventive in creating the variety of polar lipids that form the matrix of biological membranes. Both phospholipids and glycolipids are polar lipids and are important constituents of natural membranes. Typically found on the outer surface of cellular membranes, glycolipids maintain the stability of the membrane, facilitate cellular regulation, and enable cell‐to‐cell communication. Phospholipids are the major lipid constituent in cell membrane, thus maintaining the structural integrity between the cell and its environment and providing boundaries between compartments within the cell. Phospholipids have many functions in biological systems, including as fuels, as membrane structural elements, as signaling agents, and as surfactants. As main components of the cellular membrane, phospholipids have excellent biocompatibility and amphiphilicity. These unique properties make phospholipids most appropriate to be employed as important pharmaceutical excipients, and they have a very wide range of applications in drug delivery systems. In addition, phospholipids are widely used in food, feed, agriculture, cosmetics, and chemical industries. This article focuses on the basic chemistry, sources, synthesis, physical and analytical chemistry, and applications of phospholipids and glycolipids.
Camelina, Sophia, Chia, and Hempseed Oils and Their Oxidative Stability
Authors: Shahidi Fereidoon , Yeo JuDong
Published: February 2020

Specialty oils are important either because of their fatty acid composition or application area as well as their minor components. In this contribution, the origin, production, fatty acid profiles, antioxidants, and the oxidative stability of camelina, chia, sophia, and hempseed oils are discussed. The potential of the said oils in health promotion is also considered.
Medium‐Chain Oils
Authors: Heydinger Galante Jenifer
Published: February 2020

Medium‐chain triglycerides (MCT) are glycerine esters of primarily C8:0 and C10:0 fatty acids. Since these oils first became available in the 1950s, they have been the subject of attention because of their unique properties. MCT are more easily metabolized than conventional long‐chain fats and provide a rapid, concentrated source of energy. As a result of their unique metabolic pathway, their first use was in medical foods for the critically ill and those unable to digest or metabolize conventional long‐chain fats. MCT with odd‐chain length fatty acids (especially C7:0) are also of interest for the management of certain diseases due to their ability to provide fuel for energy production. Ongoing research continues to demonstrate the potential health benefits MCT offer for a variety of conditions, especially brain health and weight management, and for individuals ranging from premature infants to aging adults. Animals including pets can also benefit from the supplementation of MCT in their diet. In addition, the physical properties of MCT are distinct from those of conventional fats and oils. This has led to the use of MCT in a number of other applications, especially in the food industry. This article provides an overview of MCT production and metabolism followed by a discussion of their use in various applications, emphasizing current research into nutritional applications. The utility of both even‐chained and odd‐chained MCT will be presented.
Tocopherols and Tocotrienols in Fats and Oils
Authors: Mudgil Priti , Kamal‐Eldin Afaf
Published: February 2020

This article introduces tocopherols and tocotrienols, which are natural derivatives of chroman‐6‐ol and members of the vitamin E family. Typical levels of tocopherols and tocotrienols in fats and oils, the effect of refining, and vitamin E potency are discussed. In addition, the main biological functions of tocopherols and tocotrienols are briefly presented, placing particular focus on their antioxidant role.
Fats and Oils in Aquafeed Formulations
Authors: Colombo Stefanie M. , Foroutani Maryam B. , Parrish Christopher C.
Published: February 2020

Aquaculture is the fastest growing food production sector and is expected to provide over 60% of the world's seafood by 2030. Lipids represent the major energy contribution in aquaculture nutrition, and as such, reach high inclusion levels in energy–dense aquafeeds. Lipids are a prominently studied nutrient in aquaculture, since they supply energy and essential fatty acids and because of the unique abundance of the ω3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are found in fish. Lipids from fish are well known to have positive impacts on human health, and as such, the transfer of lipids from the diet to fish to consumer is of great importance. Therefore, the fats and oils that are supplied for the health, growth, and development of aquaculture fish must be of good quality and sourced sustainably for the future of aquaculture production. This article describes the role of fats and oils in aquafeeds. In order to understand how the fats and oils are utilized, this article reviews the lipid and fatty acid requirements, lipid digestibility, and lipid synthesis of aquaculture fish. It also describes the most common fats and oils that are used in aquafeed formulations, as well as novel, innovative lipid sources, and new methods of formulating fatty acids in aquafeeds. The different lipid and fatty acid compositions of these fat and oil sources in the diet can directly impact the nutritional and product quality of farmed fish. The practical consideration for using high levels of dietary lipid in aquafeeds is the feed quality, particularly considering lipid oxidation.
Nonconventional Lipid Sources for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Bueno‐Borges Larissa B. , Sangaletti‐Gerhard Naiane , de Camargo Adriano C. , Regitano‐d'Arce Marisa A.B.
Published: February 2020

In the beginning, the diesel engine ran on vegetable oil, and it was peanut oil, an edible oil, that was first used for this purpose. As fossil fuels may become scarce and prices could escalate, soybean, canola/rapeseed, and other known oils are being used. As the discussion on food security, environmental protection, and energy generation continues, alternative sources of oils or fats for biodiesel synthesis are being studied. Waste frying oil and animal fats have also been used as feedstock for biodiesel production at the same time as nonedible oils (
Jatropha
, castor), oil industrial plants coproduct (palm fatty acid distillate), and unconventional lipid sources (microbial oils and sewage sludge) have now been brought into light. When it comes to long‐term implementation of adoption in a commercial scale one of these so‐called nonconventional lipid sources, what has been observed is that continuous production of regular quality feedstock, adequate infrastructure for collecting or harvesting, storing, processing, and transporting (logistics) prevails; only cost‐effective choices have proven successful.
Lipids and Arthritis
Authors: He Zouyan , Kwek Erika , Chen Zhen‐Yu
Published: February 2020

It is estimated that 355 million people suffer from arthritis in the world. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common type of autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. Humans obtain about 25–40% calories from dietary fats. This article summarizes the findings of recent studies regarding the effect of dietary fat on the risk and treatment of RA. The thorough literature review has clearly demonstrated that the effects of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on RA are multifaceted. Research from both animal experiments and human clinical trials provide solid evidence that n‐3 PUFAs and MUFAs possess an anti‐inflammatory activity and have beneficial effects on RA. In contrast, SFAs may promote arthritis by enhancing inflammation and disturbing bone homeostasis. Amongst n‐6 PUFAs, gamma‐linolenic acid (GLA) and dihomo‐gamma‐linolenic acid (DGLA) are antiarthritic, whereas the effects of linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) on arthritic progression still remain elusive.
Lipids, Brain, and Mental Health
Authors: Hussain Ghulam , Rasul Azhar , Anwar Haseeb , Malik Shoaib Ahmad , Sun Tao , Razzaq Aroona , Aziz Nimra , Shabbir Asghar
Published: February 2020

Lipids in nervous system are of particular interest because of the high concentration of lipids in brain, second only to adipose tissue, of which a major part is found in myelin. These lipids are involved in the structure of cell membranes in the brain and display a variety of biological functions to maintain vital cellular processes at various levels: work as energy source, serve as signaling molecules, and withstand structural integrity of cellular compartment and membranes. Lipids in the form of fatty acids participate actively in the development of the nervous system at embryonic and early postnatal stage and are crucial for its maintenance throughout adulthood. The involvement of deregulated metabolism of lipids in many nervous system disorders, pathological conditions and injuries underscores the importance of lipids in maintaining normal cell signaling and tissue physiology. The correction of altered lipid levels by exogenous supply is considered as a most promising therapeutic approach. It is believed that they contribute in their own right by as yet incompletely understood mechanisms to those pathological processes. This article attempts to provide an overview of the lipid imbalances associated with CNS injury (traumatic brain injury, stroke, and spinal cord injury), neurological disorders (schizophrenia, anxiety, and depressive illnesses), and neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis). Fatty acids as biomarkers of diseases are briefly discussed as well as their therapeutic potential which will provide new insights to exploit these lipids to open new avenues for improving brain health, prevention, and treatment of nervous system disorders.
Lipids and Diabetes
Authors: Gangadaran Surendiran , Bonomini Francesca , Favero Gaia , Rezzani Rita , Moghadasian Mohammed H.
Published: February 2020

Diabetes is now a major health issue worldwide, affecting millions of people. Diabetes negatively impacts the quality of life and productivity of subjects in both direct and indirect ways. A range of abnormalities are associated with diabetes. One of such abnormalities is alterations in lipid metabolism, resulting in the production of atherogenic lipoprotein profile. Subjects with long‐term diabetes usually develop a state of dyslipidemia known as “diabetic dyslipidemia.” These subjects usually have higher serum triacylglycerol levels with increased levels of small dense low‐density lipoprotein as well as lower levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Many strategies have been suggested for the management of diabetes and associated dyslipidemia. Among them, changes in dietary habits and lifestyle modification are included in the first line of management strategies. Many such patients may require lipid‐lowering drugs. In this regard, several countries have developed guidelines for the management of “diabetic dyslipidemia.” In this article features of “diabetic dyslipidemia” as well as its management strategies have been summarized.
Population ecology and spatial synchrony in the abundance of leaf gall wasps within and among populations of valley oak (Quercus lobata)
Authors: Barringer Brian C. , Koenig Walter D. , Pearse Ian S. , Knops Johannes M. H.
Published: February 2020

What factors drive population variability through space and time? Here we assess patterns of abundance of seven species of gall wasps in three genera occurring on the leaves of valley oaks (Quercus lobata) at 10 sites throughout this species' statewide range in California, from 2000 to 2006. Our primary goals were to understand the factors driving variability in gall abundance and to assess the extent of spatial synchrony in gall wasp communities at both large and small geographic scales. On the large, statewide scale, there was significant site‐to‐site variation in gall abundance, driven in all cases primarily by differences in mean maximum seasonal temperatures, and lesser year‐to‐year variation. In contrast, on the small, local scale, differences were more pronounced from year to year than from tree to tree, and were to some extent correlated with differences in acorn production, suggesting an interaction with the reproductive effort of hosts. Significant spatial synchrony was detected, particularly at the statewide scale, but in no case did synchrony decline significantly with distance, despite sites being up to 741 km apart. Variation in spatial synchrony was correlated with a number of exogenous factors, including seasonal weather conditions, the acorn crop at the statewide scale and soil phosphorus availability at the local scale; however, most variation in spatial synchrony in our analyses remained unexplained.
From astrocytoma to glioblastoma: a clonal evolution study
Authors: Yang Fuhua , Zou Yunding , Gong Qiang , Chen Jieping , Li Wei‐Dong , Huang Qilin
Published: February 2020

Astrocytomas often recur after surgical resection, but the underlying mechanism remains enigmatic. Elucidation of clonal evolution in primary and relapse tumors may provide important information on tumor progression. Here, we examined genetic factors underlying recurrence in a patient with astrocytoma initially diagnosed with World Health Organization (WHO) grade II astrocytoma, who then relapsed with glioblastoma (WHO grade IV) complicated with local anaplastic astrocytoma (WHO grade III). We performed genomic DNA sequencing and data analysis of paired tumor tissue specimens and a peripheral blood sample (control), and used expands software for subclone analysis. A germline NOTCH1 missense mutation was identified in the peripheral blood sample, the primary tumor and the relapse tumor; in addition, we identified a tumor protein p53 (TP53) heterozygous nonsense mutation in the primary tumor and a TP53 homozygous nonsense mutation and an IDH1 heterozygous missense mutation in the relapse tumor. Clonal evolution trees indicated higher heterogeneity in the relapse tumor. Although germline mutations might contribute to the driving force of the primary tumor, aggressive chemotherapy and radiation may apply selective pressure for tumor clonal evolution; furthermore, a total loss of function of gatekeeping genes (TP53) may result in impaired DNA repair and catastrophic chromosomal aberrations.
Modeling the head of PRIMUS linear accelerator for electron‐mode at 10 MeV for different applicators
Authors: Negm Hani , Aly Moamen M. O. M. , Fathy Walaa M.
Published: February 2020

Objective

This study is to validate the utilization of Monte Carlo (MC) simulation to model the head of Primus linear accelerator, thereafter, using it to estimate the energy fluence distribution (EFD), the percentage depth dose (PDD), and beam profiles.

Materials and Methods

The BEAMNRC code that is based on the EGSNRC code has been used for modeling the linear accelerator head for 10 MeV electron beam with different applicator sizes (10 × 10, 15 × 15, and 20 × 20 cm2). The phase space was acquired from BEAMNRC at the end of each applicator and then used as an input file to DOSXYZNRC and BEAMDP to calculate the EFD, PDD, and beam profiles.

Results

There were a good consistency between the outcomes of the MC simulation and measured PDD and off‐axis dose profiles that performed in a water phantom for all applicators. The PDD for the applicators proved to be favorable as a direct comparison of R100, R90, R80, and R50 yielded results of < 2 mm, while it was 6 mm in R100 for the applicator 15 × 15 cm2. The discrepancies in the surface doses (<3%) showed a quick decline in the build‐up region and differences reached 0% within the first 2.4 mm. For the beam profiles comparison, the differences ranged from 2% (2 mm) to 3% (6 mm) for all applicators.

Conclusion

Our examination demonstrated that the MC simulation by BEAMNRC code was accurate in modeling the Primus linear accelerator head.
Eyewitness descriptions without memory: The (f)utility of describing faces
Authors: Kramer Robin S. S. , Gous Georgina
Published: February 2020

Eyewitness descriptions provide critical information for the police and other agencies to use during investigations. While researchers have typically considered the impact of memory, little consideration has been given to the utility of facial descriptions themselves, without the additional memory demands. In Experiment 1, participants described face images to their partners, who were then required to select these faces from photographic lineups. Performance was error‐prone when the same image appeared in the lineup (73% correct), and decreased further when a different image of the same face was presented (22% correct). We found some evidence to suggest this was due, in part, to difficulties with recognizing that two different images depicted the same person. In Experiment 2, we demonstrated that descriptions of the same face given by different people showed only moderate agreement. Taken together, these results highlight the problematic nature of facial descriptions, even without memory, and their limited utility.
Sensor attack detection and isolation based on sliding mode observer for cyber‐physical systems
Authors: Ye Lei , Zhu Fanglai , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2020

This article investigates the sensor attack detection and isolation problems for cyber‐physical systems under attacked situation. To begin with, an overall system is constructed for the network of dynamic system and all the issues are dealt with for the overall system instead of every subsystem. Then, we prove that the preconditions which are made on the original subsystem can be transferred on to the overall system. After this, for the overall system, a sliding mode observer that is robust to the disturbance but sensitive to the sensor attack is designed as sensor attack detector to issue an alarm when at least one subsystem is attacked. In addition, we cope with the sensor fault isolation problem by building an augmented descriptor system for the overall system and we further prove that the precondition can be kept for the augmented descriptor system. Then, another robust sliding mode observer is designed to reach the goal of attack isolation. Finally, a simulation example is given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Biocompatible Poly(lactic acid)‐Based Hybrid Piezoelectric and Electret Nanogenerator for Electronic Skin Applications
Authors: Gong Shaobo , Zhang Bowen , Zhang Jinxi , Wang Zhong Lin , Ren Kailiang
Published: February 2020

Human machine interface (HMI) devices, which can convert human motions to electrical signals to control/charge electronic devices, have attracted tremendous attention from the engineering and science fields. Herein, the high output voltage from a nonpiezoelectric meso‐poly(lactic acid) (meso‐PLA) electret‐based triboelectric nanogenerator (NG) is combined with the relatively high current from a double‐layered poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA)‐based piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) for an E‐skin (electronic skin) (HMI) device application. The hybrid NG with a cantilever structure can generate an output voltage of 70 V and a current of 25 µA at the resonance frequency of 19.7 Hz and a tip load of 4.71 g. Moreover, the output power of the hybrid NG reaches 0.31 mW, which is 11% higher than that from the PLLA‐based PENG. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the PLA‐based hybrid NG can be used to turn a light‐emitting diode light on and off through an energy management circuit during a bending test. Finally, it is demonstrated that the PLA‐based woven E‐skin device can generate the output signals of 35 V (Voc) and 1 µA (Isc) during an elbow bending test. The advantages of biocompatible, ease of fabrication, and relatively high output power in the hybrid NG device show great promise for future E‐skin applications.
Designing Scaffolds for Corneal Regeneration
Authors: Ahearne Mark , Fernández‐Pérez Julia , Masterton Sophia , Madden Peter W. , Bhattacharjee Promita
Published: February 2020

Corneal blindness is one of the most common causes of vision loss worldwide, affecting millions of people. To treat these patients, researchers have been examining different approaches to engineer corneal scaffolds suitable for transplantation. Scaffolds have been developed to replace part or all of the cornea depending on the patient requirements. Both acellular and cell‐seeded scaffolds have been tested in animal models. Materials that have been under investigation for manufacturing scaffolds include collagen, silk fibroin, amniotic membrane, decellularized cornea, fibrin, chitosan, gelatin, agarose, alginate, and hyaluronic acid in addition to several synthetic polymers. Different combinations of materials, fiber crosslinking techniques, and incorporation of bioactive molecules have also been examined. Factors such as the physical properties, cytocompatibility, degradation behavior, and optical characteristics have to be considered when selecting a suitable scaffold material. Recent advancements in materials fabrication techniques such as bioprinting, electrospinning, and different collagen alignment techniques, allow scaffolds to be generated that more accurately mimic the structure of the corneal stroma. A number of scaffolds have commenced clinical trials to determine their suitability for corneal regeneration.
Cell and Tissue Instructive Materials for Central Nervous System Repair
Authors: Rocha Luís A. , Silva Deolinda , Barata‐Antunes Sandra , Cavaleiro Helena , Gomes Eduardo D. , Silva Nuno A. , Salgado António J.
Published: February 2020

Neurodegenerative disorders and traumatic events affecting the central nervous system (CNS) represent one of the main health problems nowadays. The level of disability and impairment of these patients is very high, both at physiological and psychological level, drastically altering a person's lifestyle. The fact that CNS tissue has a limited capacity of regeneration has hampered the development of possible therapies to these conditions. The specificity of each disease also increases the complexity of creating strategies capable of inducing significant recovery. Therefore, the search for a solution for these problems most likely demands a combinatorial approach that integrates knowledge from different fields. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) concepts merge areas such as biology, chemistry, physics, or biomaterials science, and it is a strong candidate for CNS applications. In particular, the development of cell and tissue instructive materials (CTIMs) can bring new opportunities for the treatment of these conditions. In this review, the authors summarize and discuss the most recent advances in the development of CTIMs for CNS applications, focusing on traumatic conditions such as spinal cord injuy, traumatic brain injuy, but also stroke, and other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease as well as multiple sclerosis.
Flexible Composite Carbon Films Prepared by a Pancake‐Making Method for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Yang Minglong , Wei Qiang , Li Jianjun , Wang Yao , Guo Hongfei , Gao Liya , Huang Li , He Xiaodong , Li Yibin , Yuan Ye
Published: February 2020

Inspired by the traditional Chinese “pancake‐making” method, the efficient electromagnetic interferences (EMI) shielding composite carbon films are conveniently obtained by assembling graphene oxide (GO) sheets, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and Co/C nanocomposites into a laminated “nacre‐like” structure. The developed composite carbon films are characterized by a shielding effectiveness (SE) up to ≈51 dB in X band with a small thickness of ≈34.3 µm. Moreover, the composite carbon film shows favorable flexibility and the SE values almost keep a constant after repeatedly bending test. These results demonstrate a promising approach to simply fabricate a flexible and highly efficient EMI shielding material.
Interfacial Engineering for Gradient Optical Fiber
Authors: Lan Bijiao , Feng Xu , Zhang Weida , Yu Yongze , Liu Jiantao , Zhou Guiyao , Qiu Jianrong , Zhou Shifeng
Published: February 2020

Gradient functionalization is a widely applied process in materials science that involves generating gradient distribution of composition or structure to yield materials with new functions or improved properties. Here an interfacial engineering is described for construction of gradient fiber, which exhibits gradient distribution of active centers, bonding configuration, and the resultant optical response. It is shown that the interfacial diffusion of protype niobium (Nb) in the core and cladding region of the fiber can be tuned via rational control of the viscosity of melt and the subsequent thermal activation. This leads to gradient distribution of Nb species and active [NbO6]7− centers within 10–20 µm region. As a result, unique optical properties including the tunable energy transfer between active centers and special annular emission beam can be obtained. These results highlight a fundamental principle to develop novel photonic fibers and provide a great step in expanding the scope of gradient materials.
Oxidative Radical Relay Functionalization for the Synthesis of Benzimidazo[2,1‐a]iso‐quinolin‐6(5H)‐ones
Authors: Sun Kai , Li Guofeng , Li Yuyang , Yu Jie , Zhao Qing , Zhang Zhiguo , Zhang Guisheng
Published: February 2020

Here, a mild and general oxidative radical relay carbocyclization reaction with 2‐arylbenzoimidazoles and cyclic ethers is reported. This method provides an efficient access to a wide range of structurally diverse benzimidazo[2,1‐a]isoquinoline‐6(5H)‐ones under metal‐free conditions. The wide substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and scale‐up operation of this method are expected to promote its potential applications in biotechnology and pharmacy.

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Integrated Photorechargeable Energy Storage System: Next‐Generation Power Source Driving the Future
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Lai Yanqing , Jiang Liangxing , Liu Fangyang , Hao Xiaojing , Wang Lianzhou , Green Martin A.
Published: February 2020

Solar energy is one of the most abundant renewable energy sources. For efficient utilization of solar energy, photovoltaic technology is regarded as the most important source. However, due to the intermittent and unstable characteristics of solar radiation, photoelectric conversion (PC) devices fail to meet the requirements of continuous power output. With the development of rechargeable electric energy storage systems (ESSs) (e.g., supercapacitors and batteries), the integration of a PC device and a rechargeable ESS has become a promising approach to solving this problem. The so‐called integrated photorechargeable ESSs which can directly store sunlight generated electricity in daylight and reversibly release it at night time, has a huge potential for future applications. This review summarizes the development of several types of mainstream integrated photorechargeable ESSs and introduces different working mechanisms for each photorechargeable ESS in detail. Several general perspectives on challenges and future development in the field are also provided.
Reconstructing the history of the sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Bargnesi Filippo , Gridelli Stefano , Cerrano Carlo , Ferretti Francesco
Published: February 2020

Sharks are globally exposed to several anthropogenic threats, which, in many cases, have severely reduced their distribution and have impacted populations. In the Mediterranean Sea, because of its long history of exploitation and the relatively short span of scientific monitoring, reconstructing shark baselines is challenging. Many vulnerable species declined in population abundance and geographic distribution before it was possible to adequately track these changes. Consequently, for many of these species, current conservation assessments are now suffering from a severe case of shifting baseline syndrome, whereby their historical occurrence in the area is questioned.

The sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) is one of these cases. Characterized by high philopatry, restricted home range, and low interchange between populations, its Mediterranean population may have been severely impacted by the high historical fishing pressure in the region before scientific monitoring began.

In this study, the history of the abundance and distribution of C. taurus in the Mediterranean Sea was reconstructed through a comprehensive search of occurrence records in the literature and in museum collections. Between 1810 and 2008, 31 occurrence records and 54 publications provided information on the presence of the species in the area. These records were sparse but systematic over time and indicated occurrence hot spots in the south‐western Mediterranean Sea and in the eastern Adriatic Sea.

The presence of ten sightings of juveniles from a total of 18 sightings with length information suggested local parturition. Habitat and extinction models indicate that the area has suitable oceanographic conditions for the occurrence of the species and that the species cannot be considered extinct in the Mediterranean Sea. Our study suggests that there is still hope for the recovery of the species and underlines the crucial role of historical investigations to reconstruct the history of large elasmobranchs in the Mediterranean Sea.