bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formulation and Evaluation of Spray-Dried Reconstituted Flaxseed Oil-in-Water Emulsions Based on Flaxseed Oil Cake Extract as Emulsifying and Stabilizing Agent
Authors: Drozłowska Emilia , Bartkowiak Artur , Trocer Paulina , Kostek Mateusz , Tarnowiecka-Kuca Alicja , Łopusiewicz Łukasz
Published: January 2021

Spray drying of emulsions is a promising way of increasing their durability, offering the possibility of reconstitution, with the addition of water. The present study aimed to examine the properties of flaxseed oil cake extract (FOCE) as an emulsifying and stabilizing agent for spray-dried reconstituted oil-in-water emulsions. Maltodextrin: starch: flaxseed oil emulsions with FOCE or distilled water as liquid phases, and 10% and 20% of oil were spray-dried at 180 °C. The solubility, flowability, cohesiveness, bulk, and tapped densities of the spray-dried powders were analyzed. Additionally, the characteristics of initial and reconstituted emulsions, such as stability, creaming index, color, particle size, and rheological properties were evaluated. Results showed that FOCE could be an adequate emulsifier for spray-dried emulsions with a high oil content providing high stability after reconstitution, when compared to emulsions based only on maltodextrin–starch wall material with water as the liquid phase. This study showed an encouraging way for producing natural and plant-based spray-dried oil-loaded emulsions for food applications.
Selection of Vegetable Oils and Frying Cycles Influencing Acrylamide Formation in the Intermittently Fried Beef Nuggets
Authors: Ahmad Siti Nur Syahirah , Tarmizi Azmil Haizam Ahmad , Razak Raznim Arni Abd , Jinap Selamat , Norliza Saparin , Sulaiman Rabiha , Sanny Maimunah
Published: January 2021

This study aims to investigate the effect of different vegetable oils and frying cycles on acrylamide formation during the intermittent frying of beef nuggets. Different vegetable oils, palm olein (PO), red palm olein (RPO), sunflower oil (SFO), and soybean oil (SBO), were used for a total of 80 frying cycles. Oil was collected at every 16th frying cycle and analyzed for peroxide value (PV), p-anisidine value (p-AV), free fatty acid (FFA), total polar compound (TPC), polar compound fractions, and fatty acid composition (FAC). Total oxidation (TOTOX) value was calculated, and acrylamide content was quantified in the nuggets. Regardless of the oil type, PV, p-AV, and TOTOX initially increased but gradually decreased. However, FFA and TPC continued to develop across the 80 frying cycles. The C18:2/C16:0 remained almost unchanged in PO and RPO but dropped progressively in SFO and SBO. The lowest acrylamide content in fried products was observed in the PO, while the highest content was observed in RPO. Bivariate correlation analysis showed no significant (p ≤ 0.05) correlation between oil quality attributes and acrylamide concentration. The oil type but not the frying cycle significantly affected the acrylamide concentration in beef nuggets.
Changes in Physicochemical and Microbiological Properties, Fatty Acid and Volatile Compound Profiles of Apuseni Cheese during Ripening
Authors: Mureşan Crina Carmen , Marc Romina Alina (Vlaic) , Anamaria Semeniuc Cristina , Ancuţa Socaci Sonia , Fărcaş Anca , Fracisc Dulf , Rodica Pop Carmen , Rotar Ancuţa , Dodan Andreea , Mureşan Vlad , Mureşan Andruţa Elena
Published: January 2021

The evolution during ripening on the quality of Apuseni cheese was studied in this research. The cheese samples were controlled and evaluated periodically (at 4 months) during 16 months of storage (at 2–8 °C) for physicochemical parameters (pH, moisture, fat, fat in dry matter, total protein, ash, NaCl), microbiological (total combined yeasts and molds count (TYMC), total viable count (TVC), Escherichia coli, Staphylococcusaureus, Salmonella, lactic acid bacteria (LAB)), fatty acids (FA) and volatile compounds. For better control of the quality of the cheese, the storage space was evaluated for TYMC and TVC. The ripening period showed improved effects on the quality of the cheese, showing lower values for moisture and pH and an increase in macronutrients. Both the cheese samples and the storage space were kept within the allowed microbiological limits. Lipids are predominant, the predominant FAs being saturated fatty acids (SFAs), which decrease, while monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) increase. During ripening, the microbiological and chemical changes result in the development of flavor. Major volatile compounds such as 2-heptanone show accumulations, while acetophenone, limonene, or thymol show a decrease. In conclusion, Apuseni ripening cheese clearly involves a complex series of transformations, leading to a ripening cheese with improved nutritional and aromatic characteristics.
Effect of Active-Edible Coating and Essential Oils on Lamb Patties Oxidation during Display
Authors: Pelaes Vital Ana Carolina , Guerrero Ana , Guarnido Pablo , Cordeiro Severino Izabella , Olleta José Luis , Blasco Miguel , Nunes do Prado Ivanor , Maggi Filippo , Campo María del Mar
Published: January 2021

The use of natural products to reduce the use of synthetic additives in meat products, reducing the oxidation and improving the shelf life is a current challenge. Meat quality from lamb patties during 10 days of display on modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and active-edible coating were tested under six treatments: uncoated patties without coating (CON); patties with alginate coating (EC) and patties with coating and 0.1 or 0.05% of essential oils (EOs) from either thyme (TH 0.1; TH 0.05) or oregano (OR 0.1; OR 0.05). Display and treatment significantly modified (P < 0.001) all the studied meat quality variables (pH, color, water holding capacity, weight losses, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), antioxidant activity). Display produced discoloration and lipid oxidation, however, the samples with essential oils presented lower (P < 0.001) lipid oxidation than the CON or EC groups. Coated samples with or without EOs showed better color (lower lightness but higher redness and yellowness) and lower water losses (P < 0.001) than the CON. The addition of thyme EO caused a decrease (P < 0.001) in the consumer’s overall acceptability, whereas no statistical differences appeared between CON, EC and oregano EO addition. Thus, using EOs as natural antioxidants, especially those from oregano at low dosages (0.05%), could be considered a viable strategy to enhance the shelf life and the product quality of lamb meat patties without damaging the sensory acceptability.
Fabrication and Characterization of Diclofenac Sodium Loaded Hydrogels of Sodium Alginate as Sustained Release Carrier
Authors: Suhail Muhammad , Khan Arshad , Rosenholm Jessica M , Minhas Muhammad Usman , Wu Pao-Chu
Published: January 2021

The aim of the current study was to fabricate naturally derived polymer based hydrogels for controlled release of diclofenac sodium (DS) for a long duration of time. In this research work, sodium alginate-co-poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulphonic acid) (SA-co-poly(AMPS)) hydrogels were prepared by the free radical polymerization technique, where sodium alginate (SA) and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulphonic acid (AMPS) were used as the polymer and monomer while ammonium peroxodisulfate (APS) and N,N′-Methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) were used as the initiator and cross-linker, respectively. A swelling study was performed to determine the swelling index of developed hydrogels in both acidic (pH 1.2) and basic (pH 7.4) media and pH-independent swelling was observed due to the presence of AMPS. An in vitro release study was conducted to evaluate the percentage of drug released, and a high release of the drug was found at the higher pH of 7.4. Sol–gel analysis was performed to analyze the crosslinked and uncrosslinked part of the hydrogels, and results showed a rise in gel fraction as the composition of SA, AMPS and MBA increased while the sol fraction decreased and vice versa. This work demonstrated a potential for sustained delivery of diclofenac sodium by employing various concentration of SA, AMPS and MBA.
Long Noncoding RNA HOXA11-AS and Transcription Factor HOXB13 Modulate the Expression of Bone Metastasis-Related Genes in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Misawa Aya , Kondo Yukihiro , Takei Hiroyuki , Takizawa Toshihiro
Published: January 2021

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as critical regulators of gene expression, which play fundamental roles in cancer development. In this study, we found that homeobox A11 antisense RNA (HOXA11-AS), a highly expressed lncRNA in cell lines derived from prostate cancer bone metastases, promoted the cell invasion and proliferation of PC3 prostate cancer cells. Transcription factor homeobox B13 (HOXB13) was identified as an upstream regulator of HOXA11-AS.HOXA11-AS regulated bone metastasis-associated C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2)/C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) signaling in both PC3 prostate cancer cells and SaOS2 osteoblastic cells. The HOXB13/HOXA11-AS axis also regulated integrin subunits (ITGAV and ITGB1) specific to prostate cancer bone metastasis. HOXB13, in combination with HOXA11-AS, directly regulated the integrin-binding sialoprotein (IBSP) promoter. Furthermore, conditioned medium containing HOXA11-AS secreted from PC3 cells could induce the expression of CCL2 and IBSP in SaOS2 osteoblastic cells. These results suggest that prostate cancer HOXA11-AS and HOXB13 promote metastasis by regulation of CCL2/CCR2 cytokine and integrin signaling in autocrine and paracrine manners.
Screening for Scientific Skills in Spanish-Speaking Occupational Therapists (HACTO-Screen): Study Protocol of a Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Prieto-Botella Daniel , Fernández-Pires Paula , Valera-Gran Desirée , Hurtado-Pomares Miriam , Espinosa-Sempere Cristina , Sánchez-Pérez Alicia , Juárez-Leal Iris , Peral-Gómez Paula , Navarrete-Muñoz Eva María
Published: January 2021

The acquisition of scientific competencies for the application of evidence-based practice (EBP) is considered an essential part of healthcare education programs in order to improve clinical effectiveness. An examination of scientific skills in occupational therapists may be helpful in understanding their current practice as well as being useful in providing a basis for applying suitable approaches to the development and implementation of EBP. Hence, this study was designed with a double main objective: (1) to describe the level of acquisition of scientific skills and academic achievement in Spanish-speaking occupational therapists; (2) to examine the factors associated with these skills. The screening for Scientific Skills in Occupational Therapists (HAbilidades Científicas en Terapeutas Ocupacionales), the HACTO-Screen, is an online cross-sectional survey divided into five sections: sociodemographic data, academic and professional background; assessment of scientific skills; research training and development needs; experience as a researcher and/or academic. A total sample of 1159 occupational therapists finally participated. Main associations will be analyzed using multiple linear and/or Poisson regression models with/without robust variance. Our findings will provide valuable insights on the research skills and associated factors in a large sample of Spanish-speaking occupational therapists. The results will also be helpful to enhance research training and research career development in occupational therapy in order to promote the use of EBP.
The Real Time Geometric Effect of a Lordotic Curve-Controlled Spinal Traction Device: A Randomized Cross Over Study
Authors: Lee Chang-Hyung , Heo Sung Jin , Park So Hyun
Published: January 2021

Background: A standard spinal traction (ST) device was designed to straighten the spine without considering physiological lumbar lordosis. Using lordotic curve-controlled traction (LCCT), which maintains the lordotic curve during traction, the traction force would be applied to the posterior spinal structure effectively. Thus, the purpose of our study was to evaluate real-time biomechanical changes while applying the LCCT and ST. Methods: In this study, 40 subjects with mild non-radicular low back pain (LBP) were included. The participants underwent LCCT and ST in random order. Anterior and posterior intervertebral distance, ratios of anterior/posterior intervertebral distance (A/P ratio), and lordotic angles of intervertebral bodies (L2~L5) were measured by radiography. Results: Mean intervertebral distances were greater during LCCT than those measured prior to applying traction (p < 0.05). Mean A/P ratio was also significantly greater during LCCT than during ST or initially (p < 0.05). In particular, for the L4/5 intervertebral segment, which is responsible for most of the lordotic curve, mean LCCT angle was similar to mean lordotic angle in the standing position (10.9°). Conclusions: Based on measurements of radiologic geometrical changes with real-time clinical setting, the newly developed LCCT appears to be a useful traction device for increasing intervertebral disc spaces by maintaining lordotic curves.
Analyzing the Effects of Short-Term Persistence and Shift in Sea Level Records along the US Coast
Authors: Joshi Neekita , Kalra Ajay , Thakur Balbhadra , Lamb Kenneth W. , Bhandari Swastik
Published: January 2021

Is sea level change affected by the presence of autocorrelation and abrupt shift? This question reflects the importance of trend and shift detection analysis in sea level. The primary factor driving the global sea level rise is often related to climate change. The current study investigates the changes in sea level along the US coast. The sea level records of 59 tide gauge data were used to evaluate the trend, shift, and persistence using non-parametric statistical tests. Mann-Kendall and Pettitt’s tests were utilized to estimate gradual trends and abrupt shifts, respectively. The study also assessed the presence of autocorrelation in sea level records and its effect on both trend and shift was examined along the US coast. The presence of short-term persistence was found in 57 stations and the trend significance of most stations was not changed at a 95% confidence level. Total of 25 stations showed increasing shift between 1990–2000 that was evaluated from annual sea level records. Results from the current study may contribute to understanding sea level variability across the contiguous US. This study extends an elaborative understanding of sea level trends and shifts which might be useful for water managers.
Development of a Hydrogeological Conceptual Model of the Varaždin Alluvial Aquifer
Authors: Karlović Igor , Marković Tamara , Vujnović Tatjana , Larva Ozren
Published: January 2021

The Varaždin aquifer represents the main source of water for public supply, agricultural, and industrial purposes in the Varaždin County in NW Croatia. In the last decades, this area has experienced contamination of groundwater with nitrates. This study describes the conceptualization of the Varaždin aquifer for the purpose of developing numerical model of groundwater flow and nitrate transport. Within the study, three important elements are defined: aquifer geometry, recharge from precipitation, and other boundary conditions. 3D aquifer model revealed that Varaždin aquifer consist of three layers: upper aquifer, semipermeable interlayer, and lower aquifer. The Wetspass-M model was used for the assessment of spatial and temporal distribution of water balance components for the period 2008–2017. Results of the model indicate that the average annual precipitation is distributed as 34% groundwater recharge, 21% surface runoff, and 45% actual evapotranspiration. The maps of equipotential lines show the behavior of the aquifer system and define boundary conditions, i.e., recharge and discharge areas of the aquifer: an inflow boundary from Drava River and accumulation lake Varaždin on the northwest and north, no flow boundary on the west and south, and an outflow boundary on the east.
A One-Way Coupled Hydrodynamic Advection-Diffusion Model to Simulate Congested Large Wood Transport
Authors: Persi Elisabetta , Petaccia Gabriella , Sibilla Stefano , Bentivoglio Roberto , Armanini Aronne
Published: January 2021

An advection-diffusion model is proposed to simulate large wood transport during high flows. The mathematical model is derived from the wood mass balance, taking into consideration both the wood mass concentration and the log orientation, which affects log transport and, most importantly, wood accumulation. Focusing on wood mass transport, the advection-diffusion equation is implemented in a hydrodynamic model to provide a one-way coupled solution of the flow and of the floating wood mass. The model is tested on a large series of flume experiments, involving at least 30 logs and different control parameters (flow Froude number, log length, diameter, release point). The validation through the experimental data shows that the proposed model can predict the correct displacement of the most probable position of the logs and to simulate with a sufficient accuracy the planar diffusion of the wooden mass. Transversal wood distribution is more accurate than the streamwise one, indicating that a higher control on the longitudinal diffusion needs to be implemented.
Sorption Constant of Bisphenol A and Octylphenol Onto Size-Fractioned Dissolved Organic Matter Using a Fluorescence Method
Authors: Chuang Cheng-Wen , Huang Wei-Shiang , Chen Hong-Sheng , Hsu Liang-Fong , Liu Yung-Yu , Chen Ting-Chien
Published: January 2021

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a complex and heterogeneous mixture ubiquitously present in aquatic systems. DOM affects octylphenol (OP) and bisphenol A (BPA) distribution, transport, bioavailability, and toxicity. This study investigated OP and BPA sorption constants, log KCOC, with three size-fractioned DOM. The molecular weights of the sized fractions were low molecular weight DOM (LDOM, <1 kDa), middle molecular weight DOM (MDOM, 1–10 kDa), and high molecular weight DOM (HDOM, 10 kDa–0.45 μm). The log KCOC ranged from 5.34 to 6.14 L/kg-C for OP and from 5.59 to 6.04 L/kg-C for BPA. The OP and BPA log KCOC values were insignificantly different (p = 0.37) and had a strong positive correlation (r = 0.85, p < 0.001). The OP and BPA LDOM log KCOC was significantly higher than the HDOM and MDOM log KCOC (p = 0.012 for BPA, p = 0.023 for OP). The average specific ultraviolet absorption (SUVA254) values were 32.0 ± 5.4, 13.8 ± 1.0, and 17.9 ± 2.8 L/mg-C/m for LDOM, MDOM, and HDOM, respectively. The log KCOC values for both OP and BPA had a moderately positive correlation with the SUVA254 values (r = 0.79–0.84, p < 0.002), which suggested the aromatic group content in the DOM had a positive impact on sorption behavior.
On Conflicts between Pharmaceutical Patent Protection and the Right to Life and Health Based on a Stackelberg Game
Authors: Xu Chunming , Zhu Debao
Published: January 2021

To solve the conflict between pharmaceutical patent protection and the right to life, health and increased patient satisfaction, drug prices can be regulated by levying an excess profit tax. An optimal tax strategy was formulated that not only could lower drug prices and improve public health and welfare, but also considers companies’ earnings. The strategy was based on the Stackelberg game theory as a bi-level mathematical model. In the model, the government is the leader, with patient satisfaction as the main goal, and pharmaceutical companies are the followers, with maximum drug revenue as the goal. The results show that under the premise of ensuring sufficient incentives for patent holders, the optimized tax on excess profit can effectively compensate for the shortcomings of pharmaceutical patent protection, alleviate the failure of market regulation of drug prices, improve patient satisfaction, and increase total social welfare.
Micro-Fabric Analyzer (MFA): A New Semiautomated ArcGIS-Based Edge Detector for Quantitative Microstructural Analysis of Rock Thin-Sections
Authors: Visalli Roberto , Ortolano Gaetano , Godard Gaston , Cirrincione Rosolino
Published: January 2021

Micro-Fabric Analyzer (MFA) is a new GIS-based tool for the quantitative extrapolation of rock microstructural features that takes advantage both of the characteristics of the X-ray images and the optical image features. Most of the previously developed edge mineral grain detectors are uniquely based on the physical properties of the X-ray-, electron-, or optical-derived images; not permitting the exploitation of the specific physical properties of each image type at the same time. More advanced techniques, such as 3D microtomography, permit the reconstruction of tridimensional models of mineral fabric arrays, even though adjacent mineral grain boundaries with the same atomic density are often not detectable. Only electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) allows providing high-performing grain boundary detection that is crystallographically differentiated per mineral phase, even though it is relatively expensive and can be executed only in duly equipped microanalytical laboratories by suitably trained users. Instead, the MFA toolbox allows quantifying fabric parameters subdivided per mineral type starting from a crossed-polarizers high-resolution RGB image, which is useful for identifying the edges of the individual grains characterizing rock fabrics. Then, this image is integrated with a set of micro-X-ray maps, which are useful for the quantitative extrapolation of elemental distribution maps. In addition, all this is achieved by means of low-cost and easy-to-use equipment. We applied the tool on amphibolite, mylonitic-paragneiss, and -tonalite samples to extrapolate the particle fabric on different metamorphic rock types, as well as on the same sandstone sample used for another edge detector, which is useful for comparing the obtained results.
Reduction in Egg Fertility of Aedes albopictus Mosquitoes in Greece Following Releases of Imported Sterile Males
Authors: Balatsos Georgios , Puggioli Arianna , Karras Vasileios , Lytra Ioanna , Mastronikolos George , Carrieri Marco , Papachristos Dimitrios P. , Malfacini Marco , Stefopoulou Angeliki , Ioannou Charalampos S. , Balestrino Fabrizio , Bouyer Jérémy , Petrić Dušan , Pajović Igor , Kapranas Apostolos , Papadopoulos Nikos T. , Milonas Panagiotis G. , Bellini Romeo , Michaelakis Antonios
Published: January 2021

Aedes albopictus, an invasive mosquito species, is currently well established in many European countries, posing high risks to human health. A preliminary trial using repetitive releases of irradiated sterile male mosquitoes was designed, implemented and evaluated for the first time in Greece. The main scope of this trial was to investigate the efficacy of sterile insect technique (SIT) on wild population egg hatch rate in Greece using mass-produced sterile male mosquitoes from another country (Italy). The study was conducted in Vravrona area, close to Athens International Airport (Attica Region). The number of eggs laid in ovitraps was similar in all intervention and control plots. However, a significant reduction in egg hatch rate was recorded in the SIT plot in comparison with both control plots starting two weeks after the first release. This trial validates the logistics (transportation, releases handling and monitoring) as a major step towards implementing efficient, environmentally safe control approaches as an additional tool against the invasive Aedes species in Greece and more widely in Europe.
Lipoprotein(a), Immunity, and Inflammation in Polyvascular Atherosclerotic Disease
Authors: Tmoyan Narek A. , Afanasieva Olga I. , Ezhov Marat V. , Klesareva Elena A. , Balakhonova Tatiana V. , Pokrovsky Sergei N.
Published: January 2021

Background and aims: lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a genetically determined risk factor for coronary artery disease and its complications, although data on the association with other vascular beds and the severity of atherosclerosis is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of atherosclerosis of various vascular beds with Lp(a), as well as its autoantibodies and generalized inflammatory markers. Material and methods: this study included 1288 adult patients with clinical and imaging examination of three vascular beds (coronary, carotid, and lower limb arteries). Patients were categorized according to the number of affected vascular beds (with at least one atherosclerotic stenosis ≥50%): 0 (n = 339), 1 (n = 470), 2 (n = 315), 3 (n = 164). We assessed blood cell count, lipid profile, C-reactive protein, circulating immune complexes, Lp(a), and its autoantibodies. Results: the number of affected vascular beds was associated with an increasing level of Lp(a) and a lower level of IgM autoantibodies to Lp(a). Hyperlipoproteinemia(a) (Lp(a) ≥ 30 mg/dL) was detected more frequently in patients with atherosclerosis. In logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and smoking, an elevated Lp(a) level was independently associated with stenotic atherosclerosis and lesion severity. There was a positive association of the number of affected vascular beds with C-reactive protein (r = 0.21, p < 0.01) and a negative association with circulating immune complexes (r = −0.29, p < 0.01). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher and the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio was significantly lower in patients with atherosclerosis compared to the controls (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Lp(a), C-reactive protein, circulating immune complexes, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio are associated with the stenotic atherosclerosis of different vascular beds. Lp(a) levels increase and IgM autoantibodies to Lp(a) decrease with the number of affected vascular beds.
Breathing Re-Education and Phenotypes of Sleep Apnea: A Review
Authors: McKeown Patrick , O’Connor-Reina Carlos , Plaza Guillermo
Published: January 2021

Four phenotypes of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) have been identified. Only one of these is anatomical. As such, anatomically based treatments for OSAHS may not fully resolve the condition. Equally, compliance and uptake of gold-standard treatments is inadequate. This has led to interest in novel therapies that provide the basis for personalized treatment protocols. This review examines each of the four phenotypes of OSAHS and explores how these could be targeted using breathing re-education from three dimensions of functional breathing: biochemical, biomechanical and resonant frequency. Breathing re-education and myofunctional therapy may be helpful for patients across all four phenotypes of OSAHS. More research is urgently needed to investigate the therapeutic benefits of restoring nasal breathing and functional breathing patterns across all three dimensions in order to provide a treatment approach that is tailored to the individual patient.
Multi-Stability and Consequent Phenotypic Plasticity in AMPK-Akt Double Negative Feedback Loop in Cancer Cells
Authors: Chedere Adithya , Hari Kishore , Kumar Saurav , Rangarajan Annapoorni , Jolly Mohit Kumar
Published: January 2021

Adaptation and survival of cancer cells to various stress and growth factor conditions is crucial for successful metastasis. A double-negative feedback loop between two serine/threonine kinases AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) and Akt can regulate the adaptation of breast cancer cells to matrix-deprivation stress. This feedback loop can significantly generate two phenotypes or cell states: matrix detachment-triggered pAMPKhigh/ pAktlow state, and matrix (re)attachment-triggered pAkthigh/ pAMPKlow state. However, whether these two cell states can exhibit phenotypic plasticity and heterogeneity in a given cell population, i.e., whether they can co-exist and undergo spontaneous switching to generate the other subpopulation, remains unclear. Here, we develop a mechanism-based mathematical model that captures the set of experimentally reported interactions among AMPK and Akt. Our simulations suggest that the AMPK-Akt feedback loop can give rise to two co-existing phenotypes (pAkthigh/ pAMPKlow and pAMPKhigh/pAktlow) in specific parameter regimes. Next, to test the model predictions, we segregated these two subpopulations in MDA-MB-231 cells and observed that each of them was capable of switching to another in adherent conditions. Finally, the predicted trends are supported by clinical data analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) breast cancer and pan-cancer cohorts that revealed negatively correlated pAMPK and pAkt protein levels. Overall, our integrated computational-experimental approach unravels that AMPK-Akt feedback loop can generate multi-stability and drive phenotypic switching and heterogeneity in a cancer cell population.
Interspecies Correlations between Human and Mouse NR2E3-Associated Recessive Disease
Authors: Iannaccone Alessandro , Brabbit Emily , Lopez-Miro Christiaan , Love Zoe , Griffiths Victoria , Kedrov Marina , Haider Neena B.
Published: January 2021

NR2E3-associated recessive disease in humans is historically defined by congenital night blinding retinopathy, characterized by an initial increase in short-wavelength (S)-cone sensitivity and progressive loss of rod and cone function. The retinal degeneration 7 (rd7) murine model, harboring a recessive mutation in the mouse ortholog of NR2E3, has been a well-studied disease model and recently evaluated as a therapeutic model for NR2E3-associated retinal degenerations. This study aims to draw parallels between human and mouse NR2E3-related disease through examination of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging between different stage of human disease and its murine counterpart. We propose that SD-OCT is a useful non-invasive diagnostic tool to compare human clinical dystrophy presentation with that of the rd7 mouse and make inference that may be of therapeutically relevance. Additionally, a longitudinal assessment of rd7 disease progression, utilizing available clinical data from our patients as well as extensive retrospective analysis of visual acuity data from published cases of human NR2E3-related disease, was curated to identify further valuable correlates between human and mouse Nr2e3 disease. Results of this study validate the slow progression of NR2E3-associated disease in humans and the rd7 mice and identify SD-OCT characteristics in patients at or near the vascular arcades that correlate well with the whorls and rosettes that are seen also in the rd7 mouse and point to imaging features that appear to be associated with better preserved S-cone mediated retinal function. The correlation of histological findings between rd7 mice and human imaging provides a solid foundation for diagnostic use of pathophysiological and prognostic information to further define characteristics and a relevant timeline for therapeutic intervention in the field of NR2E3-associated retinopathies.
Investigation of Mechanical Loads Distribution for the Process of Generating Gear Grinding
Authors: de Oliveira Teixeira Patricia , Brimmers Jens , Bergs Thomas
Published: January 2021

In grinding, interaction between the workpiece material and rotating abrasive tool generates high thermo-mechanical loads in the contact zone. If these loads reach critically high values, workpiece material properties deteriorate. To prevent the material deterioration, several models for thermomechanical analysis of grinding processes have been developed. In these models, the source of heat flux is usually considered as uniform in the temperature distribution calculation. However, it is known that heat flux in grinding is generated from frictional heating as well as plastic deformation during the interaction between workpiece material and each grain from the tool. To consider these factors in a future coupled thermomechanical model specifically for the process of gear generating grinding, an investigation of the mechanical load distribution during interaction between grain and workpiece material considering the process kinematics is first required. This work aims to investigate the influence of process parameters as well as grain shape on the distribution of the mechanical loads along a single-grain in gear generating grinding. For this investigation, an adaptation of a single-grain energy model considering the chip formation mechanisms is proposed. The grinding energy as well as normal force can be determined either supported by measurements or solely based on prediction models.
Optimal Design of Slit Impeller for Low Specific Speed Centrifugal Pump Based on Orthogonal Test
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhou Ling , Zhou Hongtao , Lv Wanning , Wang Jian , Shi Weidong , He Zhaoming
Published: January 2021

Marine centrifugal pumps are mostly used on board ship, for transferring liquid from one point to another. Based on the combination of orthogonal testing and numerical simulation, this paper optimizes the structure of a drainage trough for a typical low-specific speed centrifugal pump, determines the priority of the various geometric factors of the drainage trough on the pump performance, and obtains the optimal impeller drainage trough scheme. The influence of drainage tank structure on the internal flow of a low-specific speed centrifugal pump is also analyzed. First, based on the experimental validation of the initial model, it is determined that the numerical simulation method used in this paper is highly accurate in predicting the performance of low-specific speed centrifugal pumps. Secondly, based on the three factors and four levels of the impeller drainage trough in the orthogonal test, the orthogonal test plan is determined and the orthogonal test results are analyzed. This work found that slit diameter and slit width have a large impact on the performance of low-specific speed centrifugal pumps, while long and short vane lap lengths have less impact. Finally, we compared the internal flow distribution between the initial model and the optimized model, and found that the slit structure could effectively reduce the pressure difference between the suction side and the pressure side of the blade. By weakening the large-scale vortex in the flow path and reducing the hydraulic losses, the drainage trough impellers obtained based on orthogonal tests can significantly improve the hydraulic efficiency of low-specific speed centrifugal pumps.
Dynamic Behavior of a Flexible Multi-Column FOWT in Regular Waves
Authors: Takata Taisuke , Takaoka Mayuko , Gonçalves Rodolfo T. , Houtani Hidetaka , Yoshimura Yasuo , Hara Kentaro , Oh Sho , Dotta Raúl , Malta Edgard B. , Iijima Kazuhiro , Suzuki Hideyuki
Published: January 2021

A tank experiment using a flexible multi-column floating offshore wind turbine (FOWT) model in regular waves was carried out to clarify the floater elastic response and its influence on the floater motion. The model motion response from the experiment was compared with the numerical simulations by NK-UTWind and WAMIT codes. The dynamic elastic deformation of the model was also compared between the experiment and NK-UTWind. The experiment observed significant elastic deformation for the decks and columns of the model around the wave period corresponding to the natural period of the structural vibration. Furthermore, comparing the heave response amplitude operator (RAO) between experiments and numerical simulations, a small peak appeared around this period in the experiment and NK-UTWind simulation instead of WAMIT simulation. These results indicated that dynamic elastic deformation affected the heave response of the model. The change in the model rigidity revealed that such elastic deformation could affect the motion response statistics in an actual sea condition if the peak period of the onsite wave spectrum is close to the floater natural vibration period. These investigations indicated the importance of considering the elastic behavior of a FOWT at its design stage.
Sparse Bayesian Learning Based Direction-of-Arrival Estimation under Spatially Colored Noise Using Acoustic Hydrophone Arrays
Authors: Liang Guolong , Shi Zhibo , Qiu Longhao , Sun Sibo , Lan Tian
Published: January 2021

Direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation in a spatially isotropic white noise background has been widely researched for decades. However, in practice, such as underwater acoustic ambient noise in shallow water, the ambient noise can be spatially colored, which may severely degrade the performance of DOA estimation. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a DOA estimation method based on sparse Bayesian learning with the modified noise model using acoustic vector hydrophone arrays. Firstly, an applicable linear noise model is established by using the prolate spheroidal wave functions (PSWFs) to characterize spatially colored noise and exploiting the excellent performance of the PSWFs in extrapolating band-limited signals to the space domain. Then, using the proposed noise model, an iterative method for sparse spectrum reconstruction is developed under a sparse Bayesian learning (SBL) framework to fit the actual noise field received by the acoustic vector hydrophone array. Finally, a DOA estimation algorithm under the modified noise model is also presented, which has a superior performance under spatially colored noise. Numerical results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Glyoxysomal Protease LON2 Is Involved in Fruiting-Body Development, Ascosporogenesis and Stress Resistance in Sordaria macrospora
Authors: Werner Antonia , Otte Kolja , Stahlhut Gertrud , Hanke Leon M. , Pöggeler Stefanie
Published: January 2021

Microbodies, including peroxisomes, glyoxysomes and Woronin bodies, are ubiquitous dynamic organelles that play important roles in fungal development. The ATP-dependent chaperone and protease family Lon that maintain protein quality control within the organelle significantly regulate the functionality of microbodies. The filamentous ascomycete Sordaria macrospora is a model organism for studying fruiting-body development. The genome of S. macrospora encodes one Lon protease with the C-terminal peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS1) serine-arginine-leucine (SRL) for import into microbodies. Here, we investigated the function of the protease SmLON2 in sexual development and during growth under stress conditions. Localization studies revealed a predominant localization of SmLON2 in glyoxysomes. This localization depends on PTS1, since a variant without the C-terminal SRL motif was localized in the cytoplasm. A ΔSmlon2 mutant displayed a massive production of aerial hyphae, and produced a reduced number of fruiting bodies and ascospores. In addition, the growth of the ΔSmlon2 mutant was completely blocked under mild oxidative stress conditions. Most of the defects could be complemented with both variants of SmLON2, with and without PTS1, suggesting a dual function of SmLON2, not only in microbody, but also in cytosolic protein quality control.
Coccidioidomycosis in Brazil: Historical Challenges of a Neglected Disease
Authors: Cordeiro Rossana , Moura Santiago , Castelo-Branco Débora , Rocha Marcos Fábio , Lima-Neto Reginaldo , Sidrim José Júlio
Published: January 2021

Coccidioidomycosis is a deep-seated fungal infection that occurs exclusively in semiarid areas in the Americas. In Brazil, coccidioidomycosis occurs exclusively in rural areas in the northeast region and affects counties that are hit by recurrent droughts, poverty and economic stagnation. Since 1978, approximately 136 cases of the disease have been reported in Brazil, according to scientific publications. However, a lack of governmental epidemiological data as well as a similarity to tuberculosis have led scientists and experts to assume that a greater number of cases occur in the country, which are not diagnosed and/or reported. In this review, general characteristics of coccidioidomycosis are presented, followed by a description of the main clinical and epidemiological data of cases in Brazil. The purpose of this article is to discuss the inclusion of coccidioidomycosis in the list of neglected tropical diseases. We believe that the adoption of coccidioidomycosis as a neglected tropical disease will enable the creation of an effective epidemiological surveillance system and the development of feasible public health solutions for its control in vulnerable populations.
Global Trends on Food Security Research: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Xie Hualin , Wen Yuyang , Choi Yongrok , Zhang Xinmin
Published: January 2021

The issue of food security has been widely studied by the international community. To reveal the research situation as it pertains to food security objectively, this paper comprehensively utilizes bibliometrics techniques (i.e., Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace) to explore the research status and development trends in the area of food security. The results show that: (1) food security research has shown an increasing trend during the past 30 years. The 2013–2019 period was shown to be an active period with a high yield of articles, which were published mainly in the developed regions of Europe and America. Particularly, the number of articles published in the United States was far ahead of other countries in the world. (2) Food security research involved agriculture, environmental science and ecology, food science and technology, and business economics. The research topic is an interdisciplinary subject with a good momentum of development and a large space remaining for research. (3) Climate change, poverty, gender, nutrition, and diet structure have been the focuses of food security research in recent years. Food security in China, India, and sub-Saharan Africa has attracted wide attention. (4) Food security research is becoming more and more mature. The research scope extended from food security to food security and water and land resource security. Research topics range from decentralized to systematic. (5) Food security research is likely to gain much attention in the future based on three pillars: food supply, food access, and food use. Sustainability and diversity of food supply, along with dietary restructuring and food conservation initiatives, are expected to be new trends in future research on land management.
Digital Transformation of Land Services in Indonesia: A Readiness Assessment
Authors: Kusmiarto Kusmiarto , Aditya Trias , Djurdjani Djurdjani , Subaryono Subaryono
Published: January 2021

In 2020, digital transformation was a major theme to commemorate Indonesia’s main agrarian law’s anniversary. This theme is a reminder of the need to fully implement digital services to improve the quality of land registration products that are cheap, easy to operate, perform quickly, and are trusted by the community. However, no research has comprehensively assessed the readiness of the digital transformation of land services in Indonesia. This paper aims to evaluate the readiness of a land office to achieve digital transformation visions. Here, we apply the Digital Governance Assessment Framework (DGRA), adapted to the land service sector, as the basis for conducting this evaluation. The nine core indicators of the DGRA toolkit are used as a basis for assessment. Desk studies were conducted to identify formal legislation and to find the technical specifications. Direct observations and in-depth interviews were conducted with stakeholders to find user needs and evaluate the implementation of current regulations on the land service business process. Quality assessment was carried out on land registration data at the Land Office of Yogyakarta City as a sample. The quality assessment results indicate a problem with completeness, conformity, consistency, accuracy, duplication, and integrity. In conclusion, the readiness level still needs improvement, especially in the indicator related to Cyber Security, Privacy, and Resilience (1.0). Even though the Leadership and Governance, User-Centered Design, and Public Administration Reforms and Change Management sections shows a reasonably high score (≥2.0), other core sections, namely Technology Infrastructure (1.7), Legislation and Regulation (1.4), Data Infrastructure, Strategies, and Governance (1.8) are mediocre, and therefore they need improvement.
Farmland Transitions in China: An Advocacy Coalition Approach
Authors: Zhou Xiaoping , Li Xiaotian , Song Wei , Kong Xiangbin , Lu Xiao
Published: January 2021

In recent decades, global social and economic development has resulted in substantial land-use transitions. This was first observed with respect to losses of forested land, attracting worldwide concern. Forest transitions have an important impact on global ecology, whilst farmland transitions are key in terms of global food security. However, research into farmland transitions is lacking, particularly with respect to mechanistic analysis. Using data on China’s farmland areas between 1950 and 2017, we investigated the transitional characteristics, and triggers, of farmland change through linear regression analysis. Furthermore, based on the Advocacy Coalition Framework, we reveal the internal mechanism of these transitions. Our main findings are as follows: (1) between 1950 and 2017, China’s farmland area exhibited significant growth, and there were two transitions, namely in 1984 and 2004; (2) macroscopic economic and social changes determine the overall evolution of the farmland area; (3) there were two advocacy coalitions in the farmland transition policy subsystem—the farmland supplement and farmland consumption coalitions; (4) under the influence of macroscopic economic and social development, external events play a catalytic role in the transitions, and relatively stable parameters have an indirect but lasting effect in terms of transition outcomes.
T2-high Asthma, Classified by Sputum mRNA Expression of IL4, IL5, and IL13, is Characterized by Eosinophilia and Severe Phenotype
Authors: Rijavec Matija , Krumpestar Tomaž , Škrgat Sabina , Kern Izidor , Korošec Peter
Published: January 2021

Asthma is a common chronic disease, with different underlying inflammatory mechanisms. Identification of asthma endotypes, which reflect a variable response to different treatments, is important for more precise asthma management. T2 asthma is characterized by airway inflammation driven by T2 cytokines including interleukins IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. This study aimed to determine whether induced sputum samples can be used for gene expression profiling of T2-high asthma classified by IL4, IL5, and IL13 expression. Induced sputum samples were obtained from 44 subjects, among them 36 asthmatic patients and eight controls, and mRNA expression levels of IL4, IL5, and IL13 were quantified by RT-qPCR. Overall, gene expression levels of IL4, IL5, and IL13 were significantly increased in asthmatic patients’ samples compared to controls and there was a high positive correlation between expressions of all three genes. T2 gene mean was calculated by combining the expression levels of all three genes (IL4, IL5, and IL13) and according to T2 gene mean expression in controls, we set a T2-high/T2-low cutoff value. Twenty-four (67%) asthmatic patients had T2-high endotype and those patients had significantly higher eosinophil blood and sputum counts. Furthermore, T2-high endotype was characterized as a more severe, difficult-to-treat asthma, and often uncontrolled despite the use of inhaled and/or oral corticosteroids. Therefore, the majority of those patients (15 [63%] of 24) needed adjunct biological therapy to control their asthma symptoms/exacerbations. In conclusion, we found that interleukins IL4, IL5, and IL13 transcripts could be effectively detected in sputum from asthmatic patients. Implementation of T2 gene mean can be used as sputum molecular biomarker to categorize patients into T2-high endotype, characterized by eosinophilia and severe, difficult-to-treat asthma, and often with a need for biological treatment.