bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adipose Tissue and FoxO1: Bridging Physiology and Mechanisms
Authors: Ioannilli Laura , Ciccarone Fabio , Ciriolo Maria Rosa
Published: April 2020

Forkhead box O class proteins (FoxOs) are expressed nearly in all tissues and are involved in different functions such as energy metabolism, redox homeostasis, differentiation, and cell cycle arrest. The plasticity of FoxOs is demonstrated by post-translational modifications that determine diverse levels of transcriptional regulations also controlled by their subcellular localization. Among the different members of the FoxO family, we will focus on FoxO1 in adipose tissue, where it is abundantly expressed and is involved in differentiation and transdifferentiation processes. The capability of FoxO1 to respond differently in dependence of adipose tissue subtype underlines the specific involvement of the transcription factor in energy metabolism and the “browning” process of adipocytes. FoxO1 can localize to nuclear, cytoplasm, and mitochondrial compartments of adipocytes responding to different availability of nutrients and source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Specifically, fasted state produced-ROS enhance the nuclear activity of FoxO1, triggering the transcription of lipid catabolism and antioxidant response genes. The enhancement of lipid catabolism, in combination with ROS buffering, allows systemic energetic homeostasis and metabolic adaptation of white/beige adipocytes. On the contrary, a fed state induces FoxO1 to accumulate in the cytoplasm, but also in the mitochondria where it affects mitochondrial DNA gene expression. The importance of ROS-mediated signaling in FoxO1 subcellular localization and retrograde communication will be discussed, highlighting key aspects of FoxO1 multifaceted regulation in adipocytes.
Sol-Gel and Layer-by-Layer Coatings for Flame-Retardant Cotton Fabrics: Recent Advances
Authors: Malucelli Giulio
Published: April 2020

Surface-engineered coatings for the fire protection of cotton are being increasing used thanks to the ease of application of the coatings and their effectiveness in preventing flame propagation and improving resistance to irradiative heat flux exposure. Two main approaches have been extensively investigated, namely sol-gel derived coatings and layer-by-layer assemblies. These approaches are both capable of providing treated fabrics with outstanding flame-retardant features. Notwithstanding, according to the composition of the sol-gel recipes and the type of deposited layers, it is possible to design multifunctional (for example hydrophobic and electrically conductive) treatments. This review aims at discussing recent advances with respect to both strategies, highlighting current limitations, open challenges, and possible advances.
Thin Film Flow of Couple Stress Magneto-Hydrodynamics Nanofluid with Convective Heat over an Inclined Exponentially Rotating Stretched Surface
Authors: Tassaddiq Asifa , Amin Ibni , Shutaywi Meshal , Shah Zahir , Ali Farhad , Islam Saeed , Ullah Asad
Published: April 2020

In this article a couple stress magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) nanofluid thin film flow over an exponential stretching sheet with joule heating and viscous dissipation is considered. Similarity transformations were used to obtain a non-linear coupled system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) from a system of constitutive partial differential equations (PDEs). The system of ordinary differential equations of couple stress magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) nanofluid flow was solved using the well-known Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM). Nusselt and Sherwood numbers were demonstrated in dimensionless forms. At zero Prandtl number the velocity profile was analytically described. Furthermore, the impact of different parameters over different state variables are presented with the help of graphs. Dimensionless numbers like magnetic parameter M, Brownian motion parameter Nb, Prandtl number Pr, thermophoretic parameter Nt, Schmidt number Sc, and rotation parameter S were analyzed over the velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles. It was observed that the magnetic parameter M increases the axial, radial, drainage, and induced profiles. It was also apparent that Nu reduces with greater values of Pr. On increasing values of the Brownian motion parameter the concentration profile declines, while the thermophoresis parameter increases.
Waterborne Coating Binders Based on Self-Crosslinking Acrylic Latex with Embedded Inorganic Nanoparticles: A Comparison of Nanostructured ZnO and MgO as Crosslink Density Enhancing Agents
Authors: Machotová Jana , Kalendová Andréa , Zlámaná Barbora , Šňupárek Jaromír , Palarčík Jiří , Svoboda Roman
Published: April 2020

This paper is focused on a simple preparation of functional acrylic latex coating binders comprising embedded nanoparticles originating from ZnO and MgO, respectively, in the role of interfacial ionic self-crosslinking agents. The incorporation of surface-untreated powdered nano-oxides into the coating binder was achieved in the course of the latex synthesis performed by a technique of the two-step emulsion polymerization. By means of this technological approach, latexes comprising dispersed nanoparticles in the content of ca 0.5–1.1 wt % (based on solids) were successfully prepared. For the interfacial covalent self-crosslinking, diacetone acrylamide repeat units were introduced into the latex polymer to ensure functionalities for the subsequent reaction with adipic acid dihydrazide. The latex storage stability and coating performance were compared with respect to the type and concentration of the incorporated nanoparticles. It was determined that all latex coating binders comprising nanoparticles exhibited long-term storage stability and provided interfacially crosslinked transparent smooth coating films of high gloss, excellent solvent resistance, and favorable physico-mechanical properties. Moreover, latexes with embedded nanoparticles, which originated from MgO, manifested a pronounced drop in minimum film forming temperature and provided highly water whitening resistant coating films.
Inhibiting the Segregation of Germanium in Silver Nanolayers
Authors: Ciesielski Arkadiusz , Trzcinski Marek , Szoplik Tomasz
Published: April 2020

It is generally acknowledged that using germanium as a wetting film for silver nanolayers decreases the surface roughness of the metal. However, germanium atoms also tend to segregate towards the surface of silver films, increasing ohmic losses in the structure. Here we propose an Au/Ge/Ag based structure where the segregation of germanium in silver is inhibited. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results show that for the Au/Ge/Ag system, the surface concentration of germanium drops by an order of magnitude relative to multilayers containing only one type of metal (Ag or Au). We have also observed that the time-dependent decrease in the reflectivity due to localized surface plasmon excitation is less prominent in the case of the Au/Ge/Ag structure than in the case of Ag/Ge/Ag. We provide XPS as well as optical reflectometry results to support that claim.
Flux Single Crystal Growth of BaFe12−xTixO19 with Titanium Gradient
Authors: Zhivulin Vladimir E. , Trofimov Evgeny A. , Zaitseva Olga V. , Zherebtsov Dmitry A. , Uchaev Danil A. , Vinnik Denis A.
Published: April 2020

Titanium substituted barium hexaferrite BaFe12−xTixO19 single crystal was grown by the top seeded solution growth method from flux on the seed with controlled cooling below 1175 °C. Titanium substitution level gradient in the single crystal in the vertical and horizontal directions was studied. Two planes were cut and polished. A justification for the linear gradient of Ti substitution in a BaFe12−xTixO19 single crystal is proposed; substitution levels in the center and periphery were determined. It was shown that upon growth by the top seeded solution growth method, crystals with a linear Ti substitution level gradient from x = 0.73 to x = 0.77 for a distance of 11 mm along pulling direction were obtained. The study led to the conclusion about the relationship of the gradient and changes in the composition of the nutrient solution.
Structural, Non-Covalent Interaction, and Natural Bond Orbital Studies on Bromido-Tricarbonyl Rhenium(I) Complexes Bearing Alkyl-Substituted 1,4-Diazabutadiene (DAB) Ligands
Authors: Kia Reza , Kalaghchi Azadeh
Published: April 2020

The synthesis, characterization, structural and computational studies of Re(I) tricarbonyl bromo complexes bearing alkyl-substituted 1,4-diazabutadiene ligands, [Re(CO)3(1,4-DAB)Br], where 1,4-DAB = N,N-bis(2,4-dimethylbenzene)-1,4-diazabutadiene, 2,4-Me2DAB (1); N,N-bis(2,4-dimethylbenzene)-2,3-dimethyl-1,4-diazabutadiene, 2,4-Me2DABMe (2); N,N-bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzene)-1,4-diazabutadiene, 2,4,6-Me3DAB (3); and N,N-bis(2,6-diisopropylbenzene)-1,4-diazabutadiene, 2,6-ipr2DAB (4) are reported. The complexes were characterized by different spectroscopic methods such as FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and elemental analyses and their solid-state structures were confirmed by X-ray diffraction. In each complex, the Re(I) centre shows a distorted octahedral shape with a facial geometry of carbonyl groups. The gas phase geometry of the complexes was identified by density functional theory. Interesting intermolecular n…π* interactions of complexes 1 and 3 were investigated by non-covalent interaction index (NCI), and natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses. The intramolecular n…σ*, σ…π*, π…σ* interactions were also studied in complexes 3 and 4.
Taxonomic, Phylogenetic, and Functional Diversity of Ferns at Three Differently Disturbed Sites in Longnan County, China
Authors: Dai Xiaohua , Chen Chunfa , Li Zhongyang , Wang Xuexiong
Published: April 2020

Human disturbances are greatly threatening to the biodiversity of vascular plants. Compared to seed plants, the diversity patterns of ferns have been poorly studied along disturbance gradients, including aspects of their taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity. Longnan County, a biodiversity hotspot in the subtropical zone in South China, was selected to obtain a more thorough picture of the fern–disturbance relationship, in particular, the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity of ferns at different levels of disturbance. In 90 sample plots of 5 × 5 m2 along roadsides at three sites, we recorded a total of 20 families, 50 genera, and 99 species of ferns, as well as 9759 individual ferns. The sample coverage curve indicated that the sampling effort was sufficient for biodiversity analysis. In general, the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity measured by Hill numbers of order q = 0–3 indicated that the fern diversity in Longnan County was largely influenced by the level of human disturbance, which supports the ‘increasing disturbance hypothesis’. Many functional traits of ferns at the most disturbed site were adaptive to the disturbance. There were also some indicators of fern species responding to the different disturbance levels. Hence, ferns may be considered as a good indicator group for environmental stress.
Key Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Implementation and Scale up of HIV Self-Testing in Rwanda
Authors: Dzinamarira Tafadzwa , Kamanzi Collins , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani Phosa
Published: April 2020

Introduction: The World Health Organisation recommends HIV self-testing as an alternative testing method to help reach underserved populations, such as men in sub-Saharan Africa. Successful implementation and scale-up of HIV self-testing (HIVST) in Rwanda relies heavily on relevant stakeholders’ involvement. We sought to explore HIVST key stakeholders’ perceptions of the implementation and scale-up of HIVST in Rwanda. Method: We conducted in-depth interviews with personnel involved in HIV response projects in Rwanda between September and November 2019. We purposively sampled and interviewed 13 national-level key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, Rwanda Biomedical Center, non-governmental organizations and HIV clinics at tertiary health facilities in Kigali. We used a thematic approach to analysis with a coding framework guided by Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (intervention characteristics, inner setting, outer setting, characteristics of individuals involved in the implementation and the implementation process). Results: Key stakeholders perceived HIVST as a potentially effective initiative, which can be used in order to ensure that there is an improvement in uptake of testing services, especially for underserved populations in Rwanda. The following challenges for implementation and scale-up of HIVST were revealed: lack of awareness of the kits, high cost of the self-test kits, and concerns on results interpretation. Key stakeholders identified the following as prerequisites to the successful implementation and scale-up of HIVST in Rwanda; creation of awareness, training those involved in the implementation process, regulation of the selling of the self-test kits, reduction of the costs of acquiring the self-test kits through the provision of subsidies, and ensuring consistent availability of the self-test kits. Conclusions: Key stakeholders expressed confidence in HIVST’s ability to improve the uptake of HIV testing services. However, they reported challenges, which need to be addressed to ensure successful implementation and scale-up of the HIVST. There is a need for further research incorporating lower level stakeholders to fully understand HIVST implementation and scale-up challenges and strategies to inform policy.
Clinical Evaluation of the Nasopalatine Canal in Implant-Prosthetic Treatment: A Pilot Study
Authors: Fernández Bodereau Enrique , Flores Viviana Yolanda , Naldini Pablo , Torassa Daniel , Tortolini Patricia
Published: April 2020

Implant-prosthetic rehabilitation of missing teeth in the anterior maxilla is often challenging due to ongoing bone resorption and remodeling events and may require regeneration procedures involving the nasopalatine canal (NPC). We describe a surgical approach with a block graft in relation to the NPC and evaluate clinical performance, sensory perception, and aesthetic result of the implant-prosthetic treatment over a two- to nine-year (mean: 3.5 years) follow-up. Ten implants (six in the right central incisor and four in the left central incisor) were, respectively, placed in 10 consecutive patients with bone defects affecting the NPC and unfavorable widening of the incisive foramen. Treatment stages included: (1) Diagnosis: evaluation of clinical-aesthetic parameters using Cone Beam Computed Tomography; (2) Surgery: block graft placement by palatine and incisal with simultaneous guided bone regeneration, and late (6–10 months) implant placement; (3) Prosthetics: placement of a screw-retained crown (torque of 32 N/cm). At treatment initiation, all the NPCs evaluated in our study were free of pathologies. Treatment evaluation included bone crest thickness, neurosensory status, patients’ treatment perception, and pink and white aesthetic scores (PES/WES). Pre-surgery, anterior ridge thickness at the level of the incisive foramen was (mean ± SD) 3.5 ± 2 mm, 5.4 ± 1.5 mm, and 6.1 ± 1.9 mm at heights of 4, 8, and 14 mm apical to the marginal bone crest, respectively. Post-treatment values were, respectively, 10.1 ± 2.0 mm, 10.5 ± 1.0 mm, and 13.4 ± 3.0 mm. The perception of treatment with the aesthetic pink and white indices (PES/WES) was an average of 7.5 and 7 points, respectively, out of a total of 10 each index, with a recovery of 100% of the neurosensory perception of the area. We propose that bone augmentation using block and particulate graft material can compensate for anatomical variations in the NPC, optimize implant’s three-dimensional positioning and improve facial contour, providing tissue and implant stability and good aesthetic outcomes.
Application of Multivariate Statistical Methods and Artificial Neural Network for Facies Analysis from Well Logs Data: an Example of Miocene Deposits
Authors: Puskarczyk Edyta
Published: April 2020

The main purpose of the study is a detailed interpretation of the facies and relate these to the results of standard well logs interpretation. Different methods were used: firstly, multivariate statistical methods, like principal components analysis, cluster analysis and discriminant analysis; and secondly, the artificial neural network, to identify and discriminate the facies from well log data. Determination of electrofacies was done in two ways: firstly, analysis was performed for two wells separately, secondly, the neural network learned and trained on data from the W-1 well was applied to the second well W-2 and a prediction of the facies distribution in this well was made. In both wells, located in the area of the Carpathian Foredeep, thin-layered sandstone-claystone formations were found and gas saturated depth intervals were identified. Based on statistical analyses, there were recognized presence of thin layers intersecting layers of much greater thickness (especially in W-2 well), e.g., section consisting mainly of claystone and sandstone formations with poor reservoir parameters (Group B) is divided with thin layers of sandstone and claystone with good reservoir parameters (Group C). The highest probability of occurrence of hydrocarbons exists in thin-layered intervals in facies C.
Realization of a Generalized Switched-Capacitor Multilevel Inverter Topology with Less Switch Requirement
Authors: Ahmad Anzar , Anas MU , Sarwar Adil , Zaid Mohammad , Tariq Mohd , Ahmad Javed , Beig Abdul R.
Published: April 2020

Conventional multilevel inverter topologies like neutral point clamped (NPC), flying capacitor (FC), and cascade H bridge (CHB) are employed in the industry but require a large number of switches and passive and active components for the generation of a higher number of voltage levels. Consequently, the cost and complexity of the inverter increases. In this work, the basic unit of a switched capacitor topology was generalized utilizing a cascaded H-bridge structure for realizing a switched-capacitor multilevel inverter (SCMLI). The proposed generalized MLI can generate a significant number of output voltage levels with a lower number of components. The operation of symmetric and asymmetric configurations was shown with 13 and 31 level output voltage generation, respectively. Self-capacitor voltage balancing and boosting capability are the key features of the proposed SCMLI structure. The nearest level control modulation scheme was employed for controlling and regulating the output voltage. Based on the longest discharging time, the optimum value of capacitance was also calculated. A generalized formula for the generation of higher voltage levels was also derived. The proposed model was simulated in the MATLAB®/Simulink 2016a environment. Simulation results were validated with the hardware implementation.
An Improved LPTN Method for Determining the Maximum Winding Temperature of a U-Core Motor
Authors: Li Bin , Yan Liang , Cao Wenping
Published: April 2020

In a traditional lumped-parameter thermal network, no distinction is made between the heat and non-heat sources, resulting in both larger heat flux and temperature drop in the uniform heat source. In this paper, an improved lumped-parameter thermal network is proposed to deal with such problems. The innovative aspect of this proposed method is that it considers the influence of heat flux change in the heat source, and then gives a half-resistance theory for the heat source to achieve the temperature drop balance. In addition, the coupling relationship between the boundary temperature and loading position of the heat generator is also added in the lumped-parameter thermal network, so as to amend the loading position and nodes’ temperature through iterations. This approach breaks the limitation of the traditional lumped-parameter thermal network: that the heat generator can only be loaded at the midpoint, which is critical to determining the maximum temperature in asymmetric heat dissipation. By adjusting the location of heat generator and thermal resistances of each branch, the accuracy of temperature prediction is further improved. A simulation and an experiment on a U-core motor show that the improved lumped-parameter thermal network not only achieves higher accuracy than the traditional one, but also determines the loading position of the heat generator well.
Time Series Decomposition of the Daily Outdoor Air Temperature in Europe for Long-Term Energy Forecasting in the Context of Climate Change
Authors: Moreno-Carbonell Santiago , Sánchez-Úbeda Eugenio F. , Muñoz Antonio
Published: April 2020

Temperature is widely known as one of the most important drivers to forecast electricity and gas variables, such as the load. Because of that reason, temperature forecasting is and has been for years of great interest for energy forecasters and several approaches and methods have been published. However, these methods usually do not consider temperature trend, which causes important error increases when dealing with medium- or long-term estimations. This paper presents several temperature forecasting methods based on time series decomposition and analyzes their results and the trends of 37 different European countries, proving their annual average temperature increase and their different behaviors regarding trend and seasonal components.
Characterizing Variations in the Indoor Temperature and Humidity of Guest Rooms with an Occupancy-Based Climate Control Technology
Authors: Kim Hyojin , Oldham Emily
Published: April 2020

This paper characterizes variations in the indoor temperature and humidity profiles of actual guest rooms equipped with Occupancy-Based Climate Control (OBCC) systems that were used to initiate a temperature setback to 15.6 °C in the winter and to 26.7 °C in the summer in the guest rooms. Empirical knowledge of these conditions can provide useful insights for an improved field demonstration and optimization of OBCC, as well as for a more realistic temperature and occupancy input for building simulations for hotel guest rooms. As a result, one year of one minute temperatures and humidity data was characterized against outdoor climate for three different occupancy modes, which was useful to identify the observed room-to-room variations in heat losses and resultant indoor temperatures during the heating season due to the different dynamic heat balance conditions of the guest rooms. This indicated potential discomfort in the rooms that appeared to have a stronger association between outdoor and indoor temperatures, which was also identified from the thermal comfort survey indicating thermostat-related discomfort sources. Interestingly enough, the guests who stayed in these rooms tended to set their thermostat at higher setpoint temperatures when they occupied the room, which appeared to compensate for the low balance-point temperatures of these rooms.
Analysis and Mitigation of Sub-Synchronous Resonance for Doubly Fed Induction Generator under VSG Control
Authors: Jiao Yingzong , Li Feng , Dai Hui , Nian Heng
Published: April 2020

This paper presents the analysis and mitigation of sub-synchronous resonance (SSR) for doubly fed induction generators (DFIG) under virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control, based on impedance methods. VSGs are considered to have grid-supporting ability and good stability in inductance-based weak grids, and are implemented in renewable power generations, including DFIG systems. However, stability analyses of VSGs for DFIG connecting with series capacitor compensation are absent. Therefore, this paper focuses on the analysis and mitigation of SSR for DFIG under VSG control. Impedance modeling of DFIG systems is used to analyze SSR stability. Based on impedance analysis, the influence of VSG control parameters and the configuration of damping factor of reactive power are discussed. Next, a parameter configuration method to mitigate SSR is proposed. Finally, time-domain simulation and fast fourier transform (FFT) results are given to validate the correctness and effectiveness of the impedance model and parameter configuration methods.
Supporting Women’s Participation in Developing A Seaweed Supply Chain in Kiribati for Health and Nutrition
Authors: Swanepoel Libby , Tioti Tereere , Eria Taati , Tamuera Karibanang , Tiitii Ulusapeti , Larson Silva , Paul Nicholas
Published: April 2020

Seaweeds are a source of food throughout the Pacific region. Kiribati, however, does not have a strong history of using seaweed in their diets, despite having reliable access to indigenous edible seaweeds. A series of peer-led seaweed training workshops held in Kiribati between 2018 and 2019 provided women with knowledge, skills, and motivational support needed to engage in the seaweed supply chain, from harvesting, processing, and marketing to consumption. This study aimed to identify opportunities and enablers to support women’s participation across the seaweed supply chain. Structured interviews with 49 women explored their interest and expected costs and benefits from involvement in the supply chain. There was high interest in most seaweed-related activities and the key motivators were health and nutrition for themselves and their family. Participants were also interested in developing and sharing new skills and saw the potential for income generation. However, there were also clear barriers including a desire for further training in seaweed harvesting, processing, and recipe creation; additional social support; and in public promotion. Given the natural resources and desire of women to engage in developing this new edible seaweed supply chain in Kiribati, there is now a need for capacity development to build social and economic wellbeing and food security across the broader community. Additional peer-to-peer training opportunities may look to other Pacific Islands where seaweed is already an established and traditional food.
Oleic Acid Is not the Only Relevant Mono-Unsaturated Fatty Ester in Olive Oil
Authors: Rotondo Archimede , La Torre Giovanna Loredana , Dugo Giacomo , Cicero Nicola , Santini Antonello , Salvo Andrea
Published: April 2020

(1) Background: Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a precious and universally studied food matrix. Recently, the quantitative chemical composition was investigated by an innovative processing method for the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments called Multi-Assignment Recovered Analysis (MARA)-NMR. (2) Methods: Any EVOO 13-carbon NMR (13C-NMR) profile displayed inconsistent signals. This mismatch was resolved by comparing NMR data to the official gas-chromatographic flame ionization detection (GC-FID) experiments: the analyses concerned many EVOOs but also the “exotic” Capparis spinosa oil (CSO). (3) Results: NMR and GC-FID evidenced the overwhelming presence of cis-vaccenic esters in the CSO and, more importantly, cis-vaccenic 13C-NMR resonances unequivocally matched the misunderstood 13C-NMR signals of EVOOs. The updated assignment revealed the unexpected relevant presence of cis-vaccenic ester (around 3%) in EVOOs; it was neglected, so far, because routine and official GC-FID profiles did not resolve oleic and cis-vaccenic signals leading to the total quantification of both monounsaturated fatty esters. (4) Conclusions: The rebuilt MARA-NMR and GC-FID interpretations consistently show a meaningful presence of cis-vaccenic esters in EVOOs, whose content could be a discrimination factor featuring specific cultivar or geographical origin. The study paves the way toward new quantification panels and scientific research concerning vegetable oils.
Influence of Cardoon Flower (Cynara cardunculus L.) and Flock Lactation Stage in PDO Serra da Estrela Cheese
Authors: Fogeiro Élia , Barracosa Paulo , Oliveira Jorge , Wessel Dulcineia F.
Published: April 2020

Serra da Estrela (SE) cheese is one of the most appreciated Portuguese cheeses, being produced only from raw ewe’s milk, cardoon flower and salt. Cardoon takes part in two important processes in cheese production—coagulation and proteolysis—contributing to its unique features. Furthermore, milk chemical characteristics change during the milking season, being another factor that account for the high variability of cheese attributes. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to study the influence of cardoon flower (commercial, 6 M and 3 M) and flock lactation stage (November 2018, February and April 2019) in the final characteristics of SE cheese. The parameters analysed were moisture, protein, fat and salt contents, texture and colour. Results showed that flock lactation stage has the highest influence in all the studied characteristics, corresponding the early stages of lactation to the most protein-rich and low-fat cheeses. Cardoon flower affects mainly fat and rind colour. This study allows us to conclude that seasonal changes in ewe’s milk have a considerable impact in cheese attributes, and that although cardoon type had a more restrained effect, when used with expertise it may help adjust cheese sensory characteristics in order to obtain a final product that matches consumer acceptability requirements.
Food Preservation: Challenges and Efforts for the Future
Authors: Kourkoutas Yiannis , Proestos Charalampos
Published: April 2020

Microbial hazards and food oxidation have acquired substantial economical, ethical and legal importance in the food industry [...]
Effects of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Visual Cues on Consumer Emotion and Purchase Intent: A Case of Ready-to-Eat Salad
Authors: Chonpracha Pitchayapat , Ardoin Ryan , Gao Yupeng , Waimaleongora-ek Pamarin , Tuuri Georgianna , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: April 2020

With increasing demand for ready-to-eat (RTE) fresh vegetables, it is important to understand how visual information cues, both intrinsic and extrinsic, affect consumer perception of these products. This study developed an emotional and wellness lexicon related to RTE salads. Subsequent questionnaires with images of salads were used to quantify consumer (N = 150) emotional and hedonic perceptions related to green color shade, shape/size of pieces, multicolor scheme, product name, and packaging. The different visual cues significantly impacted emotions and their intensities. Qualitatively, feelings of health and wellness predominated across salad samples. Negative emotions were more influenced by size of piece and green-color (intrinsic), while positive emotions were influenced by viewing salads of multiple colors (intrinsic) and packaging (extrinsic). Pale green salads were generally less liked than darker green ones. Values, in one case, ranged from 4.39 to 7.28 (on a 9-point hedonic scale), but naming the product (“iceberg lettuce”) did raise the lowest score to 5.75. The addition of vegetables with orange and purple colors to the salad mix had a positive impact on the perception of pale green salads. This study demonstrated that intrinsic and extrinsic visual cues significantly influenced consumer emotions, hedonic perception and purchase intent of RTE salads, but the effects of extrinsic cues were generally less prominent.
Facilitating Consumers Choice of Healthier Foods: A Comparison of Different Front-of-Package Labelling Schemes Using Slovenian Food Supply Database
Authors: Pivk Kupirovič Urška , Hristov Hristo , Hribar Maša , Lavriša Živa , Pravst Igor
Published: April 2020

Summary indicator front-of-package nutrition labelling schemes are gaining momentum. In Europe, an example of such a scheme is Nutri-Score, which was first introduced in France. Supported by additional research, the scheme has the potential to expand into other countries. Such a scenario opens a series of questions related to the use of Nutri-Score in the territories with pre-existing food labelling schemes. A key question is whether different nutrition labelling schemes would provide conflicting information for consumers when applied to same foods. The goal of our study was, therefore, to evaluate the alignment of different front-of-package nutrition labelling schemes. The study was conducted using cross-sectional data on the composition of selected categories of prepacked foods with high penetration nutrition/health claims and symbols in the Slovenian food supply. We evaluated a variety of existing front-of-package nutrition labelling schemes: three interpretive nutrition rating systems (Nutri-Score, Health Star Rating (HSR), Traffic light system), four health symbols (Protective Food symbol, Choices, Finnish heart, and Keyhole symbol), and also three nutrient profile models developed for other purposes (Office of Communications (United Kingdom, Ofcom), World Health Organization Regional office for Europe (WHOE) and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)). Overall, our results indicate that interpretive nutrition rating systems (i.e., Nutri-Score) are mostly less strict than the nutrient profiles of tested health symbols. A risk of conflicting information would happen in a scenario where food is eligible to carry a health symbol, but is at the same time rated to have lower nutritional quality by an accompanying interpretive nutrition rating system. When Protective Food symbol and Nutri-Score are used together, this would occur for 5% of foods in our sample. To avoid such risks, schemes for health symbols could be adapted to be stricter than interpretive nutrition rating systems used in the same territory/market, but such adaptations are challenging and should be well planned. While our study showed that, in most cases, Nutri-Score is a less strict model than tested health symbols, the rating-system approach might offer useful support and incentive for food producers towards gradual food reformulation.
Family History: Fact versus Fiction
Authors: Meyer Luanna
Published: April 2020

Current interest in genealogy and family history has soared, but the research journey may be fraught. Original intentions may be inhibited and inevitably altered as the actual historical details are revealed and documented through recorded evidence. While liberties may be taken with memoir and even autobiography, critical family history requires scrutiny of the lived events uncovered—some of which may be in sharp contrast to family myths passed down through generations. I traveled to three states and conducted archival research in local libraries, court houses, historical county archives, and museums in my search for original sources of authentic information about the names listed on a family tree over centuries. This article reports on how and why research on the genealogy of two families joined by marriage shifted from a straightforward recording of chronological facts to the development of a novel. The case can be made that fiction provides an effective and engaging tool for the elaboration of interconnected lives through the addition of historical context, enriching personal details, and imagined dialogue. Key accuracies needed for a critical family history can be preserved but in a genre that enables characters and their stories to come to life.
Assessment of Genotoxicity in Human Cells Exposed to Modulated Electromagnetic Fields of Wireless Communication Devices
Authors: Schuermann David , Ziemann Christina , Barekati Zeinab , Capstick Myles , Oertel Antje , Focke Frauke , Murbach Manuel , Kuster Niels , Dasenbrock Clemens , Schär Primo
Published: April 2020

Modulated electromagnetic fields (wEMFs), as generated by modern communication technologies, have raised concerns about adverse health effects. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies them as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B), yet, the underlying molecular mechanisms initiating and promoting tumorigenesis remain elusive. Here, we comprehensively assess the impact of technologically relevant wEMF modulations on the genome integrity of cultured human cells, investigating cell type-specificities as well as time- and dose-dependencies. Classical and advanced methodologies of genetic toxicology and DNA repair were applied, and key experiments were performed in two separate laboratories. Overall, we found no conclusive evidence for an induction of DNA damage nor for alterations of the DNA repair capacity in cells exposed to several wEMF modulations (i.e., GSM, UMTS, WiFi, and RFID). Previously reported observations of increased DNA damage after exposure of cells to GSM-modulated signals could not be reproduced. Experimental variables, presumably underlying the discrepant observations, were investigated and are discussed. On the basis of our data, we conclude that the possible carcinogenicity of wEMF modulations cannot be explained by an effect on genome integrity through direct DNA damage. However, we cannot exclude non-genotoxic, indirect, or secondary effects of wEMF exposure that may promote tumorigenesis in other ways.
Symbiotic Outcome Modified by the Diversification from 7 to over 700 Nodule-Specific Cysteine-Rich Peptides
Authors: Roy Proyash , Achom Mingkee , Wilkinson Helen , Lagunas Beatriz , Gifford Miriam L.
Published: April 2020

Legume-rhizobium symbiosis represents one of the most successfully co-evolved mutualisms. Within nodules, the bacterial cells undergo distinct metabolic and morphological changes and differentiate into nitrogen-fixing bacteroids. Legumes in the inverted repeat lacking clade (IRLC) employ an array of defensin-like small secreted peptides (SSPs), known as nodule-specific cysteine-rich (NCR) peptides, to regulate bacteroid differentiation and activity. While most NCRs exhibit bactericidal effects in vitro, studies confirm that inside nodules they target the bacterial cell cycle and other cellular pathways to control and extend rhizobial differentiation into an irreversible (or terminal) state where the host gains control over bacteroids. While NCRs are well established as positive regulators of effective symbiosis, more recent findings also suggest that NCRs affect partner compatibility. The extent of bacterial differentiation has been linked to species-specific size and complexity of the NCR gene family that varies even among closely related species, suggesting a more recent origin of NCRs followed by rapid expansion in certain species. NCRs have diversified functionally, as well as in their expression patterns and responsiveness, likely driving further functional specialisation. In this review, we evaluate the functions of NCR peptides and their role as a driving force underlying the outcome of rhizobial symbiosis, where the plant is able to determine the outcome of rhizobial interaction in a temporal and spatial manner.
Spectrum of Genetic Variants Associated with Anterior Segment Dysgenesis in South Florida
Authors: Thanikachalam Saradadevi , Hodapp Elizabeth , Chang Ta C. , Morel Swols Dayna , Cengiz Filiz B. , Guo Shengru , Zafeer Mohammad F. , Seyhan Serhat , Bademci Guney , Scott William K. , Grajewski Alana , Tekin Mustafa
Published: April 2020

Anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) comprises a wide spectrum of developmental conditions affecting the cornea, iris, and lens, which may be associated with abnormalities of other organs. To identify disease-causing variants, we performed exome sequencing in 24 South Florida families with ASD. We identified 12 likely causative variants in 10 families (42%), including single nucleotide or small insertion–deletion variants in B3GLCT, BMP4, CYP1B1, FOXC1, FOXE3, GJA1, PXDN, and TP63, and a large copy number variant involving PAX6. Four variants were novel. Each variant was detected only in one family. Likely causative variants were detected in 1 out of 7 black and 9 out of 17 white families. In conclusion, exome sequencing for ASD allows us to identify a wide spectrum of rare DNA variants in South Florida. Further studies will explore missing variants, especially in the black communities.
Transcriptional Regulation of HMOX1 Gene in Hezuo Tibetan Pigs: Roles of WT1, Sp1, and C/EBPα
Authors: Wang Wei , Yang Qiaoli , Xie Kaihui , Wang Pengfei , Luo Ruirui , Yan Zunqiang , Gao Xiaoli , Zhang Bo , Huang Xiaoyu , Gun Shuangbao
Published: April 2020

Heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) is a stress-inducing enzyme with multiple cardiovascular protective functions, especially in hypoxia stress. However, transcriptional regulation of swine HMOX1 gene remains unclear. In the present study, we first detected tissue expression profiles of HMOX1 gene in adult Hezuo Tibetan pig and analyzed the gene structure. We found that the expression level of HMOX1 gene was highest in the spleen of the Hezuo Tibetan pig, followed by liver, lung, and kidney. A series of 5’ deletion promoter plasmids in pGL3-basic vector were used to identify the core promoter region and confirmed that the minimum core promoter region of swine HMOX1 gene was located at −387 bp to −158 bp region. Then we used bioinformatics analysis to predict transcription factors in this region. Combined with site-directed mutagenesis and RNA interference assays, it was demonstrated that the three transcription factors WT1, Sp1 and C/EBPα were important transcription regulators of HMOX1 gene. In summary, our study may lay the groundwork for further functional study of HMOX1 gene.
Study of the Association between microRNA (miR-25T>C, miR-32C>A, miR-125C>T, and miR-222G>T) Polymorphisms and the Risk of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss in Korean Women
Authors: Lee Jeong Yong , Kim Jung Oh , Park Han Sung , Ryu Chang Soo , Kim Ji Hyang , Kim Young Ran , Lee Woo Sik , Lee Jung Ryeol , Kim Nam Keun
Published: April 2020

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), which is defined as two pregnancy losses that occur before 20 weeks of gestation, is relatively common, occurring in approximately 1–5% of women. The underlying cause is often unclear, although numerous factors may contribute to RPL, including environmental and immunological factors, blood coagulation disorders, and genetics. In particular, single nucleotide variants have been associated with RPL, including those found in microRNAs (miRNAs). We investigated the association between four miRNA polymorphisms, miR-25T>C, miR-32C>A, miR-125aC>T, and miR-222G>T, and RPL in a cohort consisting of 361 RPL patients and 272 controls. Subjects were genotyped at miRNA loci by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis, and genotype frequencies were calculated. We then performed allele and genotype combination analyses and measured the association between miRNA polymorphisms and clinical variables in both RPL patients and controls. We detected a statistically significant association between RPL and the miR-25T/miR-32C/miR-125aT/miR-222T allele combination (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 4.361; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.496–12.72; P = 0.003). Three-gene combinations, including miR-32C/miR-125aT/miR-222T (AOR, 3.085; 95% CI, 1.254–7.588; P = 0.010) and miR-25T/miR-125aT/miR-222T (AOR, 2.929; 95% CI, 1.183–7.257; P = 0.015), and the two-gene combination miR-125aT/miR-222T (AOR, 2.417; 95% CI, 1.084–5.386; P = 0.026) were also associated with RPL. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that platelet counts and blood urea nitrogen levels were significantly different in RPL patients expressing different miR-125aC>T and miR-25T>C genotypes, respectively (P < 0.05). In addition, creatinine levels were lower in RPL patients expressing the minor alleles miR-25T>C and miR-32C>A. We investigated miRNAs (miR-25, miR-32, miR-125a, miR-222) in RPL patients and healthy controls. Significantly different allele frequencies were detected by ANOVA. We suggest that miRNAs and clinical factors can impact RPL occurrence.
DNA Methylation in the Diagnosis of Monogenic Diseases
Authors: Cerrato Flavia , Sparago Angela , Ariani Francesca , Brugnoletti Fulvia , Calzari Luciano , Coppedè Fabio , De Luca Alessandro , Gervasini Cristina , Giardina Emiliano , Gurrieri Fiorella , Lo Nigro Cristiana , Merla Giuseppe , Miozzo Monica , Russo Silvia , Sangiorgi Eugenio , Sirchia Silvia M , Squeo Gabriella Maria , Tabano Silvia , Tabolacci Elisabetta , Torrente Isabella , Genuardi Maurizio , Neri Giovanni , Riccio Andrea
Published: April 2020

DNA methylation in the human genome is largely programmed and shaped by transcription factor binding and interaction between DNA methyltransferases and histone marks during gamete and embryo development. Normal methylation profiles can be modified at single or multiple loci, more frequently as consequences of genetic variants acting in cis or in trans, or in some cases stochastically or through interaction with environmental factors. For many developmental disorders, specific methylation patterns or signatures can be detected in blood DNA. The recent use of high-throughput assays investigating the whole genome has largely increased the number of diseases for which DNA methylation analysis provides information for their diagnosis. Here, we review the methylation abnormalities that have been associated with mono/oligogenic diseases, their relationship with genotype and phenotype and relevance for diagnosis, as well as the limitations in their use and interpretation of results.
Comparative Genomics of Lactobacillus crispatus from the Gut and Vagina Reveals Genetic Diversity and Lifestyle Adaptation
Authors: Zhang Qiuxiang , Zhang Lili , Ross Paul , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei
Published: April 2020

Lactobacillus crispatus colonizes the human feces, human vagina, and the crops and ceca of chicken. To explore the genetic characteristics and evolutionary relationships of L. crispatus isolated from different niches, we selected 37 strains isolated from the human vagina (n = 17), human feces (n = 11), and chicken feces (n = 9), and used comparative genomics to explore the genetic information of L. crispatus from the feces and vagina. No significant difference was found in the three sources of genomic features such as genome size, GC content, and number of protein coding sequences (CDS). However, in a phylogenetic tree constructed based on core genes, vagina-derived L. crispatus and feces-derived strains were each clustered separately. Therefore, the niche exerted an important impact on the evolution of L. crispatus. According to gene annotation, the L. crispatus derived from the vagina possessed a high abundance of genes related to acid tolerance, redox reactions, pullulanase, and carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs). These genes helped L. crispatus to better adapt to the acidic environment of the vagina and obtain more nutrients, maintaining its dominance in the vagina in competition with other strains. In feces-derived bacteria, more genes encoding CRISPR/Cas system, glycoside hydrolases (GHs) family, and tetracycline/lincomycin resistance genes were found to adapt to the complex intestinal environment. This study highlights the evolutionary relationship of L. crispatus strains isolated from the vagina and feces, and the adaptation of L. crispatus to the host environment.
The Polycomb Orthologues in Teleost Fishes and Their Expression in the Zebrafish Model
Authors: Raby Ludivine , Völkel Pamela , Le Bourhis Xuefen , Angrand Pierre-Olivier
Published: April 2020

The Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) is a chromatin-associated protein complex involved in transcriptional repression of hundreds of genes controlling development and differentiation processes, but also involved in cancer and stem cell biology. Within the canonical PRC1, members of Pc/CBX protein family are responsible for the targeting of the complex to specific gene loci. In mammals, the Pc/CBX protein family is composed of five members generating, through mutual exclusion, different PRC1 complexes with potentially distinct cellular functions. Here, we performed a global analysis of the cbx gene family in 68 teleost species and traced the distribution of the cbx genes through teleost evolution in six fish super-orders. We showed that after the teleost-specific whole genome duplication, cbx4, cbx7 and cbx8 are retained as pairs of ohnologues. In contrast, cbx2 and cbx6 are present as pairs of ohnologues in the genome of several teleost clades but as singletons in others. Furthermore, since zebrafish is a widely used vertebrate model for studying development, we report on the expression of the cbx family members during zebrafish development and in adult tissues. We showed that all cbx genes are ubiquitously expressed with some variations during early development.