bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Analysis of Five Forest Certification Programs
Authors: Gutierrez Garzon Alba Rocio , Bettinger Pete , Siry Jacek , Abrams Jesse , Cieszewski Chris , Boston Kevin , Mei Bin , Zengin Hayati , Yeşil Ahmet
Published: August 2020

International expansion of forest certification programs has occurred over the last three decades. Both public and private organizations have shown increased interest in becoming certified by one or more forest certification bodies, to assure the public that forest resources are managed adequately in sustaining forest health and socio-economic viability. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) program is globally used as a benchmark to implement forest certification at the national and regional levels. The Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI) and the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) are also used throughout the United States. In Europe, individual countries such as Bulgaria and Turkey have also developed national forest certification programs. The SFI, ATFS and Bulgarian programs are further endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). The results of a qualitative analysis comparing the FSC forest certification program with the SFI, the ATFS, and the two European national programs (Bulgarian and Turkish) suggest that differences in these programs are not necessarily related to their language, but to the level of detail and prescriptiveness of each program. We find that the FSC is much more detailed and prescriptive in nearly all aspects considered for forest certification. In particular, we find that most of the elements considered in the FSC Principle 6 (Environmental Impact) are either only superficial, or not addressed at all, in the other four programs. Furthermore, the other programs appear to be less comprehensive and detailed in the substance of the FSC monitoring and assessment principles. In a few areas, the Turkish program requires more quantitative indicators for assessing forest management than the other programs. Though a comparison of the legal framework related to forest management in each of the studied countries was briefly introduced, our study focuses on the certification schemes themselves; it may contribute to policy discussions in the future development and implementation of other certification programs.
Isotopic and Water Relation Responses to Ozone and Water Stress in Seedlings of Three Oak Species with Different Adaptation Strategies
Authors: Cocozza Claudia , Paoletti Elena , Mrak Tanja , Zavadlav Saša , Levanič Tom , Kraigher Hojka , Giovannelli Alessio , Hoshika Yasutomo
Published: August 2020

The impact of global changes on forest ecosystem processes is based on the species-specific responses of trees to the combined effect of multiple stressors and the capacity of each species to acclimate and cope with the environment modification. Combined environmental constraints can severely affect plant and ecological processes involved in plant functionality. This study provides novel insights into the impact of a simultaneous pairing of abiotic stresses (i.e., water and ozone (O3) stress) on the responses of oak species. Water stress (using 40 and 100% of soil water content at field capacity—WS and WW treatments, respectively) and O3 exposure (1.0, 1.2, and 1.4 times the ambient concentration—AA, 1.2AA, and 1.4AA, respectively) were carried out on Quercus robur L., Quercus ilex L., and Quercus pubescens Willd. seedlings, to study physiological traits (1. isotope signature [δ13C, δ18O and δ15N], 2. water relation [leaf water potential, leaf water content], 3. leaf gas exchange [light-saturated net photosynthesis, Asat, and stomatal conductance, gs]) for adaptation strategies in a Free-Air Controlled Exposure (FACE) experiment. Ozone decreased Asat in Q. robur and Q. pubescens while water stress decreased it in all three oak species. Ozone did not affect δ13C, whereas δ18O was influenced by O3 especially in Q. robur. This may reflect a reduction of gs with the concomitant reduction in photosynthetic capacity. However, the effect of elevated O3 on leaf gas exchange as indicated by the combined analysis of stable isotopes was much lower than that of water stress. Water stress was detectable by δ13C and by δ18O in all three oak species, while δ15N did not define plant response to stress conditions in any species. The δ13C signal was correlated to leaf water content (LWC) in Q. robur and Q. ilex, showing isohydric and anisohydric strategy, respectively, at increasing stress intensity (low value of LWC). No interactive effect of water stress and O3 exposure on the isotopic responses was found, suggesting no cross-protection on seasonal carbon assimilation independently on the species adaptation strategy.
Termite Resistance of a Fast-Growing Pine Wood Treated by In Situ Polymerization of Three Different Precursors
Authors: Acosta Andrey Pereira , Labidi Jalel , Barbosa Kelvin Techera , Cruz Nidria , Delucis Rafael de Avila , Gatto Darci Alberto
Published: August 2020

This study aims to compare the resistance against subterranean termites of wood–polymer composites produced by in situ polymerization. The biological tests were carried out by choice and no-choice feeding tests. Poly (furfuryl alcohol), poly(styrene) and poly (methyl methacrylate) were studied here. They were impregnated into a Brazilian fast-growing pine wood using a vacuum:pressure method and then cured under simple heating. These treatments were evaluated using chemical (by infrared spectroscopy) and morphological (by scanning electron microscopy) analyses. The termite attack was evaluated by mass loss determination and photography. In general, all the treatments were effective in protecting the fast-growing pine wood. Results obtained by no-choice tests indicated that the treatment solution with 75% of furfuryl alcohol was less effective than the others, which indicates that both choice and no-choice tests may be important in a comprehensive study on the termites resistance of solid woods.
Understanding of Forest Cover Dynamics in Traditional Landscapes: Mapping Trajectories of Changes in Mountain Territories (1824–2016), on the Example of Jeleniogórska Basin, Poland
Authors: Jaworek-Jakubska Justyna , Filipiak Maciej , Napierała-Filipiak Anna
Published: August 2020

Though on a global scale, for ecological reasons, increased forest cover is universally regarded as positive, on a local scale, the reforestation of arable land may pose threats to cultural landscapes by removing characteristic landscape features. Particularly vulnerable are marginal rural areas, e.g., mountain regions, where most traditional land use systems have survived and which are subject to the most spectacular land use change. The purpose of this article is to draw attention to the issue of the management of forest cover in historical cultural landscapes in mountain territories in Poland within the context of widespread land use change in Eastern Europe. Land cover data were obtained from historical and contemporary aerial photographs, as well as topographic maps from five time points between 1824 and 2016. The study was conducted by means of spatio-temporal forest cover trajectory analysis (LCTA), transition and time–depth analysis, and land cover change calculations that were made by means of ArcGIS. Our research indicates that the rate of change has risen considerably in the last two decades, and the current share of forest cover is much bigger than that reflected in the official data. Eight principal forest cover trajectory types were identified. The biggest area is occupied by woodland of long-term stability. Another large group is constituted by forests created on the basis of arable land and grassland as a result of simple conversion at one point in time, mainly in the years 1824–1886 and 1939–1994. At the same time, a sizeable group is made up by areas that have been subject to unplanned cyclical or dynamic changes during various periods. A very important group is comprised new forests that were created in 1994–2016, predominantly as a result of natural succession, that are often not included in official land classifications. The constant expansion of woodlands has led to a shrinking of historical former coppice woodlands. This indicates that the current landscape management mechanisms in Poland are inadequate for protecting the cultural landscape. The barriers include the lack of intersectoral cooperation and the overlooking of the historical context of landscapes. The present situation calls not only for verification of the existing forest policy but also for increasing the role and engagement of local communities, as well as making comprehensive local development plans, all of which may be helped by the findings of our study and of similar research.
The Impact of Visits to Dryland Forests on Environmental Outlook: Results from a National Survey
Authors: Tal Alon , Billig Miriam
Published: August 2020

The effect of visits to the country’s forests on environmental perspectives and commitments was assessed in a national survey of the Israeli public. As a highly urbanized country, visits to the country’s dryland forests constitute an important national pastime across ethnic lines. We evaluated the impact that forest visitation had on the attitudes and perspectives of the visitors. A strong correlation was found between the frequency of visits to forests by individuals and a range of pro-environmental and pro-conservation sentiments. Of particular interest was the response of Israel’s Arab citizens. Not only do Israeli Arabs visit forests more frequently, but they also support environmental policy positions more avidly than do Jewish citizens. The article argues that increasing accessibility to forests and natural sites by expanding public transportation lines should constitute an important component in conservation strategies.
Revisiting Mean Flow and Mixing Properties of Negatively Round Buoyant Jets Using the Escaping Mass Approach (EMA)
Authors: Bloutsos Aristeidis A. , Yannopoulos Panayotis C.
Published: August 2020

The flow formed by the discharge of inclined turbulent negatively round buoyant jets is common in environmental flow phenomena, especially in the case of brine disposal. The prediction of the mean flow and mixing properties of such flows is based on integral models, experimental results and, recently, on numerical modeling. This paper presents the results of mean flow and mixing characteristics using the escaping mass approach (EMA), a Gaussian model that simulates the escaping masses from the main buoyant jet flow. The EMA model was applied for dense discharge at a quiescent ambient of uniform density for initial discharge inclinations from 15° to 75°, with respect to the horizontal plane. The variations of the dimensionless terminal centerline and the external edge’s height, the horizontal location of the centerline terminal height, the horizontal location of centerline and the external edge’s return point as a function of initial inclination angle are estimated via the EMA model, and compared to available experimental data and other integral or numerical models. Additionally, the same procedure was followed for axial dilutions at the centerline terminal height and return point. The performance of EMA is acceptable for research purposes, and the simplicity and speed of calculations makes it competitive for design and environmental assessment studies.
Functionality of Native Starches in Food Systems: Cluster Analysis Grouping of Rheological Properties in Different Product Matrices
Authors: Le Thanh-Blicharz Joanna , Lewandowicz Jacek
Published: August 2020

Industrial application of starch as a texture-forming agent is primarily limited to preparations obtained from waxy corn and potatoes. The main reason behind this is its functionality, which depends mostly on rheological properties. However, in food product matrices, these properties change. Despite the vast amount of information on the rheological properties of various starches, the rational choice of thickener appears to be an extremely difficult task. The aim of the work is to systemize the information on the rheological properties of most popular starches in matrices of various food products, applying principal component and cluster analyses. The investigated material is potato and corn starch of the normal and waxy varieties. Binary mixtures containing salts or sweetening agents, as well as four different food products (ketchup, mayonnaise, pudding, and jelly), are investigated. It was found that compared to normal varieties, waxy starches reveal many similar rheological properties in all investigated models and food systems. Furthermore, in most applications, one waxy starch variety may be substituted by another, with no significant impact on the rheological properties and texture of the food product. Moreover, waxy starch preparations are less altered by the presence of cosolutes, i.e., salts and sugar alcohols. Starch model systems were proven to be useful only for rapid thickener screening tests and cannot be recommended as a final reference for the quality design of food products.
In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Phenolic Extract and Its In Situ Application on Shelf-Life of Beef Meat
Authors: Márquez-Rodríguez Ana Selene , Nevárez-Baca Susana , Lerma-Hernández Julio César , Hernández-Ochoa León Raul , Nevárez-Moorillon Guadalupe Virginia , Gutiérrez-Méndez Néstor , Muñoz-Castellanos Laila Nayzzel , Salas Erika
Published: August 2020

Compounds from spices and herbs extracts are being explored as natural antibacterial additives. A plant extract used in traditional folk medicine is Hibiscus sabdariffa L., also known as Roselle. Therefore, the potential use of a phenolic hibiscus extract as antibacterial or natural food preservative was analyzed in vitro and in situ. A phenolic extract was obtained from hibiscus calyces and fractionated, and then the fractions were tested against foodborne pathogen bacteria. Liquid–liquid extraction and solid-phase extraction were used to fractionate the hibiscus extract, and HPLC was employed to analyze the fractions’ phenolic composition. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) were calculated for brute hibiscus phenolic extract, each of the fractions and pure commercial phenolic compounds. Bacteria tested were Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Bacillus cereus. The fraction obtained after liquid–liquid extraction presented the best performance of MBC and MIC against the bacteria tested. Furthermore, a hibiscus ethanolic extract was employed as a natural preservative to extend the shelf-life of beef. Microbiological, color and sensory analyses were performed to the meat during the shelf-life test. The application of the phenolic hibiscus extract also showed an increase of the duration of the meat`s shelf life.
Promotion of Green Technology under Different Environmental Policies
Authors: Strandholm John C.
Published: August 2020

In this paper, I develop a two-stage game of pollution abatement technology adoption in a Cournot oligopoly to investigate a firm’s decision to adopt pollution abatement technology. In particular, I study the adoption incentives and welfare implications of popular environmental policies, namely emission fees and quotas. Tradeable permits result in identical outcomes to emission fees. Within each policy regime, the conditions for Nash equilibria are identified where both firms invest in the green technology, neither firm invests in the technology, or only one firm invests. The following extensions are also analyzed: asymmetric adoption costs, increase in the marginal cost of production from adoption, and a type-dependent fee where adoption reduces the emission fee. Social welfare under an emission fee is identical to that under a quota. However, when policy is (not) stringent, firms are more willing to adopt expensive technology under a fee (quota) than under a quota (fee, respectively).
A Synonymous Exonic Splice Silencer Variant in IRF6 as a Novel and Cryptic Cause of Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Sylvester Beau , Brindopke Frederick , Suzuki Akiko , Giron Melissa , Auslander Allyn , Maas Richard L. , Tsai Becky , Gao Hanlin , Magee William , Cox Timothy C. , Sanchez-Lara Pedro A.
Published: August 2020

Missense, nonsense, splice site and regulatory region variants in interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) have been shown to contribute to both syndromic and non-syndromic forms of cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). We report the diagnostic evaluation of a complex multigeneration family of Honduran ancestry with a pedigree structure consistent with autosomal-dominant inheritance with both incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity. The proband’s grandmother bore children with two partners and CL/P segregates on both sides of each lineage. Through whole-exome sequencing of five members of the family, we identified a single shared synonymous variant, located in the middle of exon 7 of IRF6 (p.Ser307Ser; g.209963979 G>A; c.921C>T). The variant was shown to segregate in the seven affected individuals and through three unaffected obligate carriers, spanning both sides of this pedigree. This variant is very rare, only being found in three (all of Latino ancestry) of 251,352 alleles in the gnomAD database. While the variant did not create a splice acceptor/donor site, in silico analysis predicted it to impact an exonic splice silencer element and the binding of major splice regulatory factors. In vitro splice assays supported this by revealing multiple abnormal splicing events, estimated to impact >60% of allelic transcripts. Sequencing of the alternate splice products demonstrated the unmasking of a cryptic splice site six nucleotides 5′ of the variant, as well as variable utilization of cryptic splice sites in intron 6. The ectopic expression of different splice regulatory proteins altered the proportion of abnormal splicing events seen in the splice assay, although the alteration was dependent on the splice factor. Importantly, each alternatively spliced mRNA is predicted to result in a frame shift and prematurely truncated IRF6 protein. This is the first study to identify a synonymous variant as a likely cause of NS-CL/P and highlights the care that should be taken by laboratories when considering and interpreting variants.
Centromeric Transcription: A Conserved Swiss-Army Knife
Authors: Arunkumar Ganesan , Melters Daniël P.
Published: August 2020

In most species, the centromere is comprised of repetitive DNA sequences, which rapidly evolve. Paradoxically, centromeres fulfill an essential function during mitosis, as they are the chromosomal sites wherein, through the kinetochore, the mitotic spindles bind. It is now generally accepted that centromeres are transcribed, and that such transcription is associated with a broad range of functions. More than a decade of work on this topic has shown that centromeric transcripts are found across the eukaryotic tree and associate with heterochromatin formation, chromatin structure, kinetochore structure, centromeric protein loading, and inner centromere signaling. In this review, we discuss the conservation of small and long non-coding centromeric RNAs, their associations with various centromeric functions, and their potential roles in disease.
Phenylpropanoids Are Connected to Cell Wall Fortification and Stress Tolerance in Avocado Somatic Embryogenesis
Authors: Olivares-García Carol A. , Mata-Rosas Martín , Peña-Montes Carolina , Quiroz-Figueroa Francisco , Segura-Cabrera Aldo , Shannon Laura M. , Loyola-Vargas Victor M. , Monribot-Villanueva Juan L. , Elizalde-Contreras Jose M. , Ibarra-Laclette Enrique , Ramirez-Vázquez Mónica , Guerrero-Analco José A. , Ruiz-May Eliel
Published: August 2020

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a valuable model for understanding the mechanism of plant embryogenesis and a tool for the mass production of plants. However, establishing SE in avocado has been complicated due to the very low efficiency of embryo induction and plant regeneration. To understand the molecular foundation of the SE induction and development in avocado, we compared embryogenic (EC) and non-embryogenic (NEC) cultures of two avocado varieties using proteomic and metabolomic approaches. Although Criollo and Hass EC exhibited similarities in the proteome and metabolome profile, in general, we observed a more active phenylpropanoid pathway in EC than NEC. This pathway is associated with the tolerance of stress responses, probably through the reinforcement of the cell wall and flavonoid production. We could corroborate that particular polyphenolics compounds, including p-coumaric acid and t-ferulic acid, stimulated the production of somatic embryos in avocado. Exogen phenolic compounds were associated with the modification of the content of endogenous polyphenolic and the induction of the production of the putative auxin-a, adenosine, cellulose and 1,26-hexacosanediol-diferulate. We suggest that in EC of avocado, there is an enhanced phenylpropanoid metabolism for the production of the building blocks of lignin and flavonoid compounds having a role in cell wall reinforcement for tolerating stress response. Data are available at ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD019705.
Complex III Inhibition-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension Affects the Mitochondrial Proteomic Landscape
Authors: James Joel , Valuparampil Varghese Mathews , Vasilyev Mikhail , Langlais Paul R. , Tofovic Stevan P. , Rafikova Olga , Rafikov Ruslan
Published: August 2020

The mitochondria play a vital role in controlling cell metabolism and regulating crucial cellular outcomes. We previously demonstrated that chronic inhibition of the mitochondrial complex III in rats by Antimycin A (AA) induced sustained pulmonary vasoconstriction. On the metabolic level, AA-induced mitochondrial dysfunction resulted in a glycolytic shift that was reported as the primary contributor to pulmonary hypertension pathogenesis. However, the regulatory proteins driving this metabolic shift with complex III inhibition are yet to be explored. Therefore, to delineate the mechanisms, we followed changes in the rat lung mitochondrial proteome throughout AA treatment. Rats treated with AA for up to 24 days showed a disturbed mitochondrial proteome with significant changes in 28 proteins (p < 0.05). We observed a time-dependent decrease in the expression of key proteins that regulate fatty acid oxidation, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, the electron transport chain, and amino acid metabolism, indicating a correlation with diminished mitochondrial function. We also found a significant dysregulation in proteins that controls the protein import machinery and the clearance and detoxification of oxidatively damaged peptides via proteolysis and mitophagy. This could potentially lead to the onset of mitochondrial toxicity due to misfolded protein stress. We propose that chronic inhibition of mitochondrial complex III attenuates mitochondrial function by disruption of the global mitochondrial metabolism. This potentially aggravates cellular proliferation by initiating a glycolytic switch and thereby leads to pulmonary hypertension.
Metabolism of Gallic Acid and Its Distributions in Tea (Camellia sinensis) Plants at the Tissue and Subcellular Levels
Authors: Zhou Xiaochen , Zeng Lanting , Chen Yingjuan , Wang Xuewen , Liao Yinyin , Xiao Yangyang , Fu Xiumin , Yang Ziyin
Published: August 2020

In tea (Camellia sinensis) plants, polyphenols are the representative metabolites and play important roles during their growth. Among tea polyphenols, catechins are extensively studied, while very little attention has been paid to other polyphenols such as gallic acid (GA) that occur in tea leaves with relatively high content. In this study, GA was able to be transformed into methyl gallate (MG), suggesting that GA is not only a precursor of catechins, but also can be transformed into other metabolites in tea plants. GA content in tea leaves was higher than MG content—regardless of the cultivar, plucking month or leaf position. These two metabolites occurred with higher amounts in tender leaves. Using nonaqueous fractionation techniques, it was found that GA and MG were abundantly accumulated in peroxisome. In addition, GA and MG were found to have strong antifungal activity against two main tea plant diseases, Colletotrichum camelliae and Pseudopestalotiopsis camelliae-sinensis. The information will advance our understanding on formation and biologic functions of polyphenols in tea plants and also provide a good reference for studying in vivo occurrence of specialized metabolites in economic plants.
Osteoclast Multinucleation: Review of Current Literature
Authors: Kodama Joe , Kaito Takashi
Published: August 2020

Multinucleation is a hallmark of osteoclast maturation. The unique and dynamic multinucleation process not only increases cell size but causes functional alterations through reconstruction of the cytoskeleton, creating the actin ring and ruffled border that enable bone resorption. Our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying osteoclast multinucleation has advanced considerably in this century, especially since the identification of DC-STAMP and OC-STAMP as “master fusogens”. Regarding the molecules and pathways surrounding these STAMPs, however, only limited progress has been made due to the absence of their ligands. Various molecules and mechanisms other than the STAMPs are involved in osteoclast multinucleation. In addition, several preclinical studies have explored chemicals that may be able to target osteoclast multinucleation, which could enable us to control pathogenic bone metabolism more precisely. In this review, we will focus on recent discoveries regarding the STAMPs and other molecules involved in osteoclast multinucleation.
Wnt/CTNNB1 Signal Transduction Pathway Inhibits the Expression of ZFP36 in Squamous Cell Carcinoma, by Inducing Transcriptional Repressors SNAI1, SLUG and TWIST
Authors: Zanfi Emma D. , Fantini Sebastian , Lotti Roberta , Bertesi Matteo , Marconi Alessandra , Grande Alexis , Manfredini Rossella , Pincelli Carlo , Zanocco-Marani Tommaso
Published: August 2020

The Wnt/CTNNB1 pathway is often deregulated in epithelial tumors. The ZFP36 gene, encoding the mRNA binding protein Tristetraprolin (TTP), is downregulated in several cancers, where it has been described to behave as a tumor suppressor. By this report, we show that Wnt/CTNNB1 pathway is constitutively activated, and ZFP36 expression is downregulated in Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) cell lines compared to normal keratinocytes. Moreover, we suggest that the decrease of ZFP36 expression might depend on the activity of transcriptional repressors SNAI1, SLUG and TWIST, whose expression is induced by Wnt/CTNNB1, highlighting a potential regulatory mechanism underlying ZFP36 downregulation in epithelial cancers.
Predicting Drug-Target Interactions with Electrotopological State Fingerprints and Amphiphilic Pseudo Amino Acid Composition
Authors: Wang Cheng , Wang Wenyan , Lu Kun , Zhang Jun , Chen Peng , Wang Bing
Published: August 2020

The task of drug-target interaction (DTI) prediction plays important roles in drug development. The experimental methods in DTIs are time-consuming, expensive and challenging. To solve these problems, machine learning-based methods are introduced, which are restricted by effective feature extraction and negative sampling. In this work, features with electrotopological state (E-state) fingerprints for drugs and amphiphilic pseudo amino acid composition (APAAC) for target proteins are tested. E-state fingerprints are extracted based on both molecular electronic and topological features with the same metric. APAAC is an extension of amino acid composition (AAC), which is calculated based on hydrophilic and hydrophobic characters to construct sequence order information. Using the combination of these feature pairs, the prediction model is established by support vector machines. In order to enhance the effectiveness of features, a distance-based negative sampling is proposed to obtain reliable negative samples. It is shown that the prediction results of area under curve for Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUC) are above 98.5% for all the three datasets in this work. The comparison of state-of-the-art methods demonstrates the effectiveness and efficiency of proposed method, which will be helpful for further drug development.
Small RNAs, Big Diseases
Authors: Rzeszutek Iwona , Singh Aditi
Published: August 2020

The past two decades have seen extensive research done to pinpoint the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) that have led to discovering thousands of miRNAs in humans. It is not, therefore, surprising to see many of them implicated in a number of common as well as rare human diseases. In this review article, we summarize the progress in our understanding of miRNA-related research in conjunction with different types of cancers and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as their potential in generating more reliable diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Optimal Design, Characterization and Preliminary Safety Evaluation of an Edible Orodispersible Formulation for Pediatric Tuberculosis Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Matawo Nyaradzo , Adeleke Oluwatoyin A. , Wesley-Smith James
Published: August 2020

The severity of tuberculosis (TB) in children is considered a global crisis compounded by the scarcity of pharmaceutical formulations suitable for pediatric use. The purpose of this study was to optimally develop and evaluate a pyrazinamide containing edible orodispersible film formulation potentially suitable for use in pediatrics actively infected with TB. The formulation was prepared employing aqueous-particulate blending and solvent casting methods facilitated by a high performance Box Behnken experimental design template. The optimized orodispersible formulation was mechanically robust, flexible, easy to handle, exhibited rapid disintegration with initial matrix collapse occurring under 60 s (0.58 ± 0.05 min ≡ 34.98 ± 3.00 s) and pyrazinamide release was controlled by anomalous diffusion coupled with matrix disintegration and erosion mechanisms. It was microporous in nature, light weight (57.5 ± 0.5 mg) with an average diameter of 10.5 mm and uniformly distributed pyrazinamide load of 101.13 ± 2.03 %w/w. The formulation was physicochemically stable with no evidence of destructive drug–excipient interactions founded on outcomes of characterization and environmental stability investigations. Preliminary inquiries revealed that the orodispersible formulation was cytobiocompatible, palatable and remained intact under specific storage conditions. Summarily, an edible pyrazinamide containing orodispersible film formulation was optimally designed to potentially improve TB pharmacotherapy in children, particularly the under 5 year olds.
mTOR Pathway is Involved in Energy Homeostasis Regulation as a Part of the Gut–Brain Axis
Authors: Pena-Leon Veronica , Perez-Lois Raquel , Seoane Luisa Maria
Published: August 2020

Mammalian, or mechanic, target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is a crucial factor in the regulation of the energy balance that functions as an energy sensor in the body. The present review explores how the mTOR/S6k intracellular pathway is involved in modulating the production of different signals such as ghrelin and nesfatin-1 in the gastrointestinal tract to regulate food intake and body weight. The role of gastric mTOR signaling in different physiological processes was studied in depth through different genetic models that allow the modulation of mTOR signaling in the stomach and specifically in gastric X/A type cells. It has been described that mTOR signaling in X/A-like gastric cells has a relevant role in the regulation of glucose and lipid homeostasis due to its interaction with different organs such as liver and adipose tissue. These findings highlight possible therapeutic strategies, with the gut–brain axis being one of the most promising targets in the treatment of obesity.
Gene Expression in the Physiology and Pathology of Neurons
Authors: Meldolesi Jacopo
Published: August 2020

The expression of genes is the first process governing the molecular and structural specificity of the various types of cells, initiated by their transcription into the corresponding pre-mRNA [...]
Induction of Glucoraphasatin Biosynthesis Genes by MYB29 in Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) Roots
Authors: Kang Ji-Nam , Won So Youn , Seo Mi-Suk , Lee Jeongyeo , Lee Si Myung , Kwon Soo-Jin , Kim Jung Sun
Published: August 2020

Glucoraphasatin (GRH) is a specific aliphatic glucosinolate (GSL) that is only abundant in radish (Raphanus sativus L.). The gene expression regulating GRH biosynthesis in radish is still poorly understood. We employed a total of 59 radish accessions to analyze GSL profiles and showed that GRH was specific and predominant among the aliphatic GSLs in radish roots. We selected five accessions roots with high, moderate and low GSL biosynthesis, respectively, to conduct a comparative transcriptome analysis and the qRT-PCR of the biosynthesis genes for aliphatic GSLs. In this study, among all the accessions tested, roots with the accession RA157-74 had a high GRH content and showed a significant expression of the aliphatic GSL biosynthesis genes. We defined the genes involved in the GRH biosynthesis process and found that they were regulated by a transcription factor (RSG00789) at the MYB29 locus in radish roots. We found 13 aliphatic GSL biosynthesis genes regulated by the RSG00789 gene in the GRH biosynthesis pathway.
Exploring the Role of Phenylalanine Residues in Modulating the Flexibility and Topography of the Active Site in the Peroxygenase Variant PaDa-I
Authors: Ramirez-Ramirez Joaquin , Martin-Diaz Javier , Pastor Nina , Alcalde Miguel , Ayala Marcela
Published: August 2020

Unspecific peroxygenases (UPOs) are fungal heme-thiolate enzymes able to catalyze a wide range of oxidation reactions, such as peroxidase-like, catalase-like, haloperoxidase-like, and, most interestingly, cytochrome P450-like. One of the most outstanding properties of these enzymes is the ability to catalyze the oxidation a wide range of organic substrates (both aromatic and aliphatic) through cytochrome P450-like reactions (the so-called peroxygenase activity), which involves the insertion of an oxygen atom from hydrogen peroxide. To catalyze this reaction, the substrate must access a channel connecting the bulk solution to the heme group. The composition, shape, and flexibility of this channel surely modulate the catalytic ability of the enzymes in this family. In order to gain an understanding of the role of the residues comprising the channel, mutants derived from PaDa-I, a laboratory-evolved UPO variant from Agrocybe aegerita, were obtained. The two phenylalanine residues at the surface of the channel, which regulate the traffic towards the heme active site, were mutated by less bulky residues (alanine and leucine). The mutants were experimentally characterized, and computational studies (i.e., molecular dynamics (MD)) were performed. The results suggest that these residues are necessary to reduce the flexibility of the region and maintain the topography of the channel.
Evolution and Expression of the Membrane Attack Complex and Perforin Gene Family in the Poaceae
Authors: Yu Lujun , Liu Di , Chen Shiyi , Dai Yangshuo , Guo Wuxiu , Zhang Xue , Wang Linna , Ma Sirui , Xiao Ming , Qi Hua , Xiao Shi , Chen Qinfang
Published: August 2020

Membrane Attack Complex and Perforin (MACPF) proteins play crucial roles in plant development and plant responses to environmental stresses. To date, only four MACPF genes have been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana, and the functions of the MACPF gene family members in other plants, especially in important crop plants, such as the Poaceae family, remain largely unknown. In this study, we identified and analyzed 42 MACPF genes from six completely sequenced and well annotated species representing the major Poaceae clades. A phylogenetic analysis of MACPF genes resolved four groups, characterized by shared motif organizations and gene structures within each group. MACPF genes were unevenly distributed along the Poaceae chromosomes. Moreover, segmental duplications and dispersed duplication events may have played significant roles during MACPF gene family expansion and functional diversification in the Poaceae. In addition, phylogenomic synteny analysis revealed a high degree of conservation among the Poaceae MACPF genes. In particular, Group I, II, and III MACPF genes were exposed to strong purifying selection with different evolutionary rates. Temporal and spatial expression analyses suggested that Group III MACPF genes were highly expressed relative to the other groups. In addition, most MACPF genes were highly expressed in vegetative tissues and up-regulated by several biotic and abiotic stresses. Taken together, these findings provide valuable information for further functional characterization and phenotypic validation of the Poaceae MACPF gene family.
Automated Configuration of NoSQL Performance and Scalability Tactics for Data-Intensive Applications
Authors: Preuveneers Davy , Joosen Wouter
Published: August 2020

This paper presents the architecture, implementation and evaluation of a middleware support layer for NoSQL storage systems. Our middleware automatically selects performance and scalability tactics in terms of application specific workloads. Enterprises are turning to NoSQL storage technologies for their data-intensive computing and analytics applications. Comprehensive benchmarks of different Big Data platforms can help drive decisions which solutions to adopt. However, selecting the best performing technology, configuring the deployment for scalability and tuning parameters at runtime for an optimal service delivery remain challenging tasks, especially when application workloads evolve over time. Our middleware solves this problem at runtime by monitoring the data growth, changes in the read-write-query mix at run-time, as well as other system metrics that are indicative of sub-optimal performance. Our middleware employs supervised machine learning on historic and current monitoring information and corresponding configurations to select the best combinations of high-level tactics and adapt NoSQL systems to evolving workloads. This work has been driven by two real world case studies with different QoS requirements. The evaluation demonstrates that our middleware can adapt to unseen workloads of data-intensive applications, and automate the configuration of different families of NoSQL systems at runtime to optimize the performance and scalability of such applications.
Identification of Immune Regulatory Genes in Apis mellifera through Caffeine Treatment
Authors: Lu Yun-Heng , Wu Carol-P , Tang Cheng-Kang , Lin Yu-Hsien , Maaroufi Houda Ouns , Chuang Yi-Chi , Wu Yueh-Lung
Published: August 2020

Plants and pollinators are mutually beneficial: plants provide nectar as a food source and in return their pollen is disseminated by pollinators such as honeybees. Some plants secrete chemicals to deter herbivores as a protective measure, among which is caffeine, a naturally occurring, bitter tasting, and pharmacologically active secondary compound. It can be found in low concentrations in the nectars of some plants and as such, when pollinators consume nectar, they also take in small amounts of caffeine. Whilst caffeine has been indicated as an antioxidant in both mammals and insects, the effect on insect immunity is unclear. In the present study, honeybees were treated with caffeine and the expression profiles of genes involved in immune responses were measured to evaluate the influence of caffeine on immunity. In addition, honeybees were infected with deformed wing virus (DWV) to study how caffeine affects their response against pathogens. Our results showed that caffeine can increase the expression of genes involved in immunity and reduce virus copy numbers, indicating that it has the potential to help honeybees fight against viral infection. The present study provides a valuable insight into the mechanism by which honeybees react to biotic stress and how caffeine can serve as a positive contributor, thus having a potential application in beekeeping.
Cryptocurrency Trading Using Machine Learning
Authors: Koker Thomas E. , Koutmos Dimitrios
Published: August 2020

We present a model for active trading based on reinforcement machine learning and apply this to five major cryptocurrencies in circulation. In relation to a buy-and-hold approach, we demonstrate how this model yields enhanced risk-adjusted returns and serves to reduce downside risk. These findings hold when accounting for actual transaction costs. We conclude that real-world portfolio management application of the model is viable, yet, performance can vary based on how it is calibrated in test samples.
Model-Based Manipulation of Linear Flexible Objects: Task Automation in Simulation and Real World
Authors: Chang Peng , Padır Taşkın
Published: August 2020

Manipulation of deformable objects is a desired skill in making robots ubiquitous in manufacturing, service, healthcare, and security. Common deformable objects (e.g., wires, clothes, bed sheets, etc.) are significantly more difficult to model than rigid objects. In this research, we contribute to the model-based manipulation of linear flexible objects such as cables. We propose a 3D geometric model of the linear flexible object that is subject to gravity and a physical model with multiple links connected by revolute joints and identified model parameters. These models enable task automation in manipulating linear flexible objects both in simulation and real world. To bridge the gap between simulation and real world and build a close-to-reality simulation of flexible objects, we propose a new strategy called Simulation-to-Real-to-Simulation (Sim2Real2Sim). We demonstrate the feasibility of our approach by completing the Plug Task used in the 2015 DARPA Robotics Challenge Finals both in simulation and real world, which involves unplugging a power cable from one socket and plugging it into another. Numerical experiments are implemented to validate our approach.
Emotional Intelligence of Engineering Students as Basis for More Successful Learning Process for Industry 4.0
Authors: Mitrović Veljković Slavica , Nešić Ana , Dudić Branislav , Gregus Michal , Delić Milan , Meško Maja
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this paper is creating analyses for understanding the personality characteristics related to emotional intelligence and how can this define the development program of personal characteristics in the processes of education for Industry 4.0. The main research goal is to measure dimensions of emotional intelligence in the student population based on a quantitative survey (Emotional Competence Inventory) through dimensions of emotional intelligence: self-regulation, self-awareness, and attitude towards changes. Since the student population was the research target, a group of 338 engineering students was selected. The group was characterized by highly diversified geographic origin, having previously completed school and achieved success. The results show that there are statistically significant differences between all three dimensions of emotional intelligence. Namely, self-regulation and attitude towards changes (both directly and indirectly through self-regulation) are positively affected by self-awareness, while attitude towards changes is positively affected by self-regulation. Developing student emotional potential is one of the most important actuators of business for Industry 4.0, especially in countries with low educational attainment and low social and economic indicators.
On the Finite Orthogonality of q-Pseudo-Jacobi Polynomials
Authors: Masjed-Jamei Mohammad , Saad Nasser , Koepf Wolfram , Soleyman Fatemeh
Published: August 2020

Using the Sturm–Liouville theory in q-difference spaces, we prove the finite orthogonality of q-Pseudo Jacobi polynomials. Their norm square values are then explicitly computed by means of the Favard theorem.
Analysis of Operating Modes for Left Ventricle Assist Devices via Integrated Models of Blood Circulation
Authors: Simakov Sergey , Timofeev Alexander , Gamilov Timur , Kopylov Philip , Telyshev Dmitry , Vassilevski Yuri
Published: August 2020

Left ventricular assist devices provide circulatory support to patients with end-stage heart failure. The standard operating conditions of the pump imply limitations on the rotation speed of the rotor. In this work we validate a model for three pumps (Sputnik 1, Sputnik 2, Sputnik D) using a mock circulation facility and known data for the pump HeartMate II. We combine this model with a 1D model of haemodynamics in the aorta and a lumped model of the left heart with valves dynamics. The model without pump is validated with known data in normal conditions. Simulations of left ventricular dilated cardiomyopathy show that none of the pumps are capable of reproducing the normal stroke volume in their operating ranges while complying with all criteria of physiologically feasible operation. We also observe that the paediatric pump Sputnik D can operate in the conditions of adult circulation with the same efficiency as the adult LVADs.
Resonant Anisotropic (p,q)-Equations
Authors: Gasiński Leszek , Papageorgiou Nikolaos S.
Published: August 2020

We consider an anisotropic Dirichlet problem which is driven by the (p(z),q(z))-Laplacian (that is, the sum of a p(z)-Laplacian and a q(z)-Laplacian), The reaction (source) term, is a Carathéodory function which asymptotically as x±∞ can be resonant with respect to the principal eigenvalue of (−Δp(z),W01,p(z)(Ω)). First using truncation techniques and the direct method of the calculus of variations, we produce two smooth solutions of constant sign. In fact we show that there exist a smallest positive solution and a biggest negative solution. Then by combining variational tools, with suitable truncation techniques and the theory of critical groups, we show the existence of a nodal (sign changing) solution, located between the two extremal ones.
Association between Breakfast Skipping and the Metabolic Syndrome: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2017
Authors: Jung JaeHun , Kim A-Sol , Ko Hae-Jin , Choi Hye-In , Hong Hee-Eun
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives: Recently, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Korea has increased rapidly. Current knowledge reflects the importance of dietary control in relation to the metabolic syndrome. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of skipping breakfast on the metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017 for the second year. A total of 3864 adults aged 20 to 64 were included in the study. We stratified the study population into three groups, based on breakfast patterns: the regular group, irregular group, and skipping group. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between skipping breakfast and the presence of metabolic syndrome. Results: We noted an increase in the proportion of metabolic syndrome cases as follows: skipping group (3.3%), irregular group (5.4%), and regular group (8.5%) (p < 0.001). The multivariate-adjusted odds ratios of metabolic syndrome in the skipping and irregular groups compared with the regular group were 0.68 (95% CI; 0.35 to 1.35) and 0.81 (95% CI; 0.51 to 1.28), respectively. In the 40–65-year-old age group, which had a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome, the multivariate-adjusted odds ratios of metabolic syndrome in the skipping group compared with regular group were 0.78 (95%CI, 0.39 to 1.62). Conclusions: There was no significant correlation between skipping breakfast and risk factors of metabolic syndrome (after adjusting for risk factors), but a tendency of skipping breakfast to lower the risk of metabolic syndrome was observed. A rationale for these results is proposed through the association between skipping breakfast and intermittent fasting.