bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Analysis of Cystatins of Early-Emerging Metazoans Reveals a Novel Subtype in Parasitic Cnidarians
Authors: Bartošová-Sojková Pavla , Kyslík Jiří , Alama-Bermejo Gema , Hartigan Ashlie , Atkinson Stephen D. , Bartholomew Jerri L. , Picard-Sánchez Amparo , Palenzuela Oswaldo , Faber Marc Nicolas , Holland Jason W. , Holzer Astrid S.
Published: February 2021

The evolutionary aspects of cystatins are greatly underexplored in early-emerging metazoans. Thus, we surveyed the gene organization, protein architecture, and phylogeny of cystatin homologues mined from 110 genomes and the transcriptomes of 58 basal metazoan species, encompassing free-living and parasite taxa of Porifera, Placozoa, Cnidaria (including Myxozoa), and Ctenophora. We found that the cystatin gene repertoire significantly differs among phyla, with stefins present in most of the investigated lineages but with type 2 cystatins missing in several basal metazoan groups. Similar to liver and intestinal flukes, myxozoan parasites possess atypical stefins with chimeric structure that combine motifs of classical stefins and type 2 cystatins. Other early metazoan taxa regardless of lifestyle have only the classical representation of cystatins and lack multi-domain ones. Our comprehensive phylogenetic analyses revealed that stefins and type 2 cystatins clustered into taxonomically defined clades with multiple independent paralogous groups, which probably arose due to gene duplications. The stefin clade split between the subclades of classical stefins and the atypical stefins of myxozoans and flukes. Atypical stefins represent key evolutionary innovations of the two parasite groups for which their origin might have been linked with ancestral gene chimerization, obligate parasitism, life cycle complexity, genome reduction, and host immunity.
Molecular and Genetic Mechanisms That Mediate Transmission of Yersinia pestis by Fleas
Authors: Hinnebusch B. Joseph , Jarrett Clayton O. , Bland David M.
Published: February 2021

The ability to cause plague in mammals represents only half of the life history of Yersinia pestis. It is also able to colonize and produce a transmissible infection in the digestive tract of the flea, its insect host. Parallel to studies of the molecular mechanisms by which Y. pestis is able to overcome the immune response of its mammalian hosts, disseminate, and produce septicemia, studies of Y. pestis–flea interactions have led to the identification and characterization of important factors that lead to transmission by flea bite. Y. pestis adapts to the unique conditions in the flea gut by altering its metabolic physiology in ways that promote biofilm development, a common strategy by which bacteria cope with a nutrient-limited environment. Biofilm localization to the flea foregut disrupts normal fluid dynamics of blood feeding, resulting in regurgitative transmission. Many of the important genes, regulatory pathways, and molecules required for this process have been identified and are reviewed here.
Multimodal Sensorimotor Integration of Visual and Kinaesthetic Afferents Modulates Motor Circuits in Humans
Authors: Zschorlich Volker R. , Behrendt Frank , de Lussanet Marc H. E.
Published: February 2021

Optimal motor control requires the effective integration of multi-modal information. Visual information of movement performed by others even enhances potentials in the upper motor neurons through the mirror-neuron system. On the other hand, it is known that motor control is intimately associated with afferent proprioceptive information. Kinaesthetic information is also generated by passive, external-driven movements. In the context of sensory integration, it is an important question how such passive kinaesthetic information and visually perceived movements are integrated. We studied the effects of visual and kinaesthetic information in combination, as well as isolated, on sensorimotor integration, compared to a control condition. For this, we measured the change in the excitability of the motor cortex (M1) using low-intensity Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We hypothesised that both visual motoneurons and kinaesthetic motoneurons enhance the excitability of motor responses. We found that passive wrist movements increase the motor excitability, suggesting that kinaesthetic motoneurons do exist. The kinaesthetic influence on the motor threshold was even stronger than the visual information. Moreover, the simultaneous visual and passive kinaesthetic information increased the cortical excitability more than each of them independently. Thus, for the first time, we found evidence for the integration of passive kinaesthetic- and visual-sensory stimuli.
Challenges in Crohn’s Disease Management after Gastrointestinal Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Fiorillo Claudio , Schena Carlo Alberto , Quero Giuseppe , Laterza Vito , Pugliese Daniela , Privitera Giuseppe , Rosa Fausto , Schepis Tommaso , Salvatore Lisa , Di Stefano Brunella , Larosa Luigi , Minordi Laura Maria , Natale Luigi , Tortora Giampaolo , Armuzzi Alessandro , Alfieri Sergio
Published: February 2021

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with a progressive course, potentially affecting the entire gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus. Several studies have shown an increased risk of both intestinal and extra-intestinal cancer in patients with CD, due to long-standing transmural inflammation and damage accumulation. The similarity of symptoms among CD, its related complications and the de novo onset of gastrointestinal cancer raises difficulties in the differential diagnosis. In addition, once a cancer diagnosis in CD patients is made, selecting the appropriate treatment can be particularly challenging. Indeed, both surgical and oncological treatments are not always the same as that of the general population, due to the inflammatory context of the gastrointestinal tract and the potential exacerbation of gastrointestinal symptoms of patients with CD; moreover, the overlap of the neoplastic disease could lead to adjustments in the pharmacological treatment of the underlying CD, especially with regard to immunosuppressive drugs. For these reasons, a case-by-case analysis in a multidisciplinary approach is often appropriate for the best diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation of patients with CD after gastrointestinal cancer onset.
Risk of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers and Parkinson’s Disease—Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Krasowska Danuta , Gerkowicz Agnieszka , Mlak Radosław , Leziak Milena , Małecka-Massalska Teresa , Krasowska Dorota
Published: February 2021

Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have an increased risk of melanoma compared with the general population. Considering that Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers (NMSCs) share similar risk factors with melanoma, there is a need to understand a possible connection between PD and NMSCs. The aim of the study was the evaluation of NMSC risk among PD patients via meta-analysis and systematic review. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted, including studies from January 2000 to April 2020. We identified 16 eligible studies including 140291 PD patients. Upon statistical analysis, a significantly higher risk of developing NMSCs in PD patients was found compared with the control group (odds ratio (OR) = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.17–1.33; p < 0.0001). Among all NMSCs, the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma in PD patients was significantly higher (OR = 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15–1.47; p < 0.0001), contrary to squamous cell carcinoma. Further analysis revealed a significantly higher risk of developing NMSCs in patients with previously diagnosed PD (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.19–1.33; p < 0.0001). Our data suggest the necessity for regular skin examination of PD patients, though further studies are required to explore the mechanisms forming this relationship.
Identification of Clinical Phenotypes and Related Survival in Patients with Large HCCs
Authors: Carr Brian I. , Guerra Vito , Donghia Rossella , Farinati Fabio , Giannini Edoardo G. , Muratori Luca , Rapaccini Gian Ludovico , Di Marco Maria , Caturelli Eugenio , Zoli Marco , Sacco Rodolfo , Celsa Ciro , Campani Claudia , Mega Andrea , Guarino Maria , Gasbarrini Antonio , Svegliati-Baroni Gianluca , Foschi Francesco Giuseppe , Biasini Elisabetta , Masotto Alberto , Nardone Gerardo , Raimondo Giovanni , Azzaroli Francesco , Vidili Gianpaolo , Brunetto Maurizia Rossana , Trevisani Franco
Published: February 2021

Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) factors, especially maximum tumor diameter (MTD), tumor multifocality, portal vein thrombosis (PVT), and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), influence survival. Aim. To examine patterns of tumor factors in large HCC patients. Methods. A database of large HCC patients was examined. Results. A multiple Cox proportional hazard model on death identified low serum albumin levels and the presence of PVT and multifocality, with each having a hazard ratio ≥2.0. All combinations of these three parameters were examined in relation to survival. Using univariate Cox analysis, the combination of albumin >3.5 g/dL and the absence of both PVT and multifocality had the best survival rate, while all combinations that included the presence of PVT had poor survival and hazard ratios. We identified four clinical phenotypes, each with a distinct median survival: patients with or without PVT or multifocality plus serum albumin ≥3.5 (g/dL), with each subgroup displaying high (≥100 IU/mL) or low (<100 IU/mL) blood AFP levels. Across a range of MTDs, we identified only two significant trends, blood AFP and platelets. Conclusions. Patients with large HCCs have distinct phenotypes and survival, as identified by the combination of PVT, multifocality, and blood albumin levels.
MicroRNAs: Tiny Regulators of Gene Expression with Pivotal Roles in Normal B-Cell Development and B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Katsaraki Katerina , Karousi Paraskevi , Artemaki Pinelopi I. , Scorilas Andreas , Pappa Vasiliki , Kontos Christos K. , Papageorgiou Sotirios G.
Published: February 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a class of small non-coding RNAs bearing regulatory potency. The implication of miRNAs in physiological cellular processes has been well documented so far. A typical process orchestrated by miRNAs is the normal B-cell development. A stage-specific expression pattern of miRNAs has been reported in the developmental procedure, as well as interactions with transcription factors that dictate B-cell development. Besides their involvement in normal hematopoiesis, miRNAs are severally implicated in hematological malignancies, a typical paradigm of which is B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). B-CLL is a highly heterogeneous disease characterized by the accumulation of abnormal B cells in blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen. Therefore, timely, specific, and sensitive assessment of the malignancy is vital. Several studies have attempted to highlight the remarkable significance of miRNAs as regulators of gene expression, biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, progression, and therapy response prediction, as well as molecules with potential therapeutic utility. This review seeks to outline the linkage between miRNA function in normal and malignant hematopoiesis by demonstrating the main benchmarks of the implication of miRNAs in the regulation of normal B-cell development, and to summarize the key findings about their value as regulators, biomarkers, or therapeutic targets in B-CLL.
Exogenous Application of ABA and NAA Alleviates the Delayed Coloring Caused by Puffing Inhibitor in Citrus Fruit
Authors: Ma Gang , Zhang Lancui , Kudaka Rin , Inaba Hayato , Furuya Takuma , Kitamura Minami , Kitaya Yurika , Yamamoto Risa , Yahata Masaki , Matsumoto Hikaru , Kato Masaya
Published: February 2021

Combined spraying of gibberellin (GA) and prohydrojasmon (PDJ) was an effective method to reduce peel puffing in Satsuma mandarins. However, in the GA-and-PDJ combined treatment, fruit color development was delayed during the ripening process. In the present study, to improve the coloration of the GA and PDJ-treated fruit, the effects of exogenous application of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) on chlorophyll and carotenoid accumulation were investigated. The results showed that both ABA and NAA treatments accelerated the color changes from green to orange in the GA and PDJ-treated fruit during the ripening process. With the NAA and ABA treatments, chlorophylls contents were decreased rapidly, and the contents of β,β-xanthophylls were significantly enhanced in the GA and PDJ-treated fruit. In addition, gene expression results showed that the changes of the chlorophyll and carotenoid metabolisms in the NAA and ABA treatments were highly regulated at the transcriptional level. The results presented in this study suggested that the application of NAA and ABA could potentially be used for improving the coloration of the GA and PDJ-treated fruit.
Adolescent Engagement in a Binge-Eating Behavioral Health Intervention: Influence of Perceptions of Physical Appearance and Locus of Control
Authors: Kamody Rebecca C. , Thurston Idia B. , Burton E. Thomaseo
Published: February 2021

Traditional weight management approaches focused solely on weight loss as a measure of success may lead youth to internalize negative beliefs about their appearance, and feel they have little control over their health. We examined how perceptions of appearance and health-related locus of control (HRLOC) influenced engagement and outcomes in a behavioral health intervention for binge eating. Thirty adolescents aged 14–18 years completed measures of self-perception, HRLOC, and eating behaviors. Half (n = 15) completed baseline assessments only, while the other half participated in a 10-week intervention targeting dysregulated eating behaviors. Analyses revealed negative perceptions of physical appearance and internal HRLOC were higher at baseline among youth who completed the intervention compared to those who completed baseline assessments only. Among those completing the intervention, however, greater internal HRLOC and more positive perception of physical appearance at baseline was associated with greater reduction in objective binge episodes and emotional eating post-intervention. Findings of the present study suggest that while having a more negative perception of one’s appearance may initially motivate youth to participate in weight-related interventions, such perceptions can actually lead to poorer health outcomes, and further supports the extant literature on the benefits of interventions that engender positive body image.
Diversity of Ostrya carpinifolia Forests in Ravine Habitats of Serbia (S-E Europe)
Authors: Sekulić Dimitrije , Karadžić Branko , Kuzmanović Nevena , Jarić Snežana , Mitrović Miroslava , Pavlović Pavle
Published: February 2021

We investigated vegetation in ravine habitats of Serbia, in order to classify hop hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia Scop.) forests in syntaxonomic terms, assess the effects of environmental factors on their floristic differentiation, and detect the biodiversity components of the analyzed communities. Both K-means clustering and Bayesian classification revealed five ecologically interpretable groups of forests that belong to the alliances Ostryo carpinifoliae-Fagion sylvaticae, Ostryo carpinifoliae-Tilion platyphylli, Fraxino orni-Ostryion carpinifoliae, Pseudofumario albae-Ostryion carpinifoliae, and Achilleo ageratifoliae-Ostryion carpinifoliae. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that these alliances are clearly differentiated along a combined light–moisture gradient (from shade and mesic to sunny and xeric variants). The alpha diversity increases from xeric to mesic alliances. A lower alpha diversity in xeric forests may be explained by the stress conditions that prevent mesic species from colonizing the saxatile habitats. Extremely high—almost the greatest possible—values of both the species turnover and beta diversity were detected in all variants of the analyzed forests. Such high diversity may be the result of the strong environmental gradients in ravine habitats. The investigated forests represent an important pool of rare, paleo-endemic species that survived Quaternary glaciations in ravine refugia.
Retinal Fundus Multi-Disease Image Dataset (RFMiD): A Dataset for Multi-Disease Detection Research
Authors: Pachade Samiksha , Porwal Prasanna , Thulkar Dhanshree , Kokare Manesh , Deshmukh Girish , Sahasrabuddhe Vivek , Giancardo Luca , Quellec Gwenolé , Mériaudeau Fabrice
Published: February 2021

The world faces difficulties in terms of eye care, including treatment, quality of prevention, vision rehabilitation services, and scarcity of trained eye care experts. Early detection and diagnosis of ocular pathologies would enable forestall of visual impairment. One challenge that limits the adoption of computer-aided diagnosis tool by ophthalmologists is the number of sight-threatening rare pathologies, such as central retinal artery occlusion or anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and others are usually ignored. In the past two decades, many publicly available datasets of color fundus images have been collected with a primary focus on diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and few other frequent pathologies. To enable development of methods for automatic ocular disease classification of frequent diseases along with the rare pathologies, we have created a new Retinal Fundus Multi-disease Image Dataset (RFMiD). It consists of 3200 fundus images captured using three different fundus cameras with 46 conditions annotated through adjudicated consensus of two senior retinal experts. To the best of our knowledge, our dataset, RFMiD, is the only publicly available dataset that constitutes such a wide variety of diseases that appear in routine clinical settings. This dataset will enable the development of generalizable models for retinal screening.
Doppler Ultrasound Monitoring of Echogenicity in Asymptomatic Subcritical Carotid Stenosis and Assessment of Response to Oral Supplementation of Vitamin K2 (PLAK2 Randomized Controlled Trial)
Authors: Tshomba Yamume , Baccellieri Domenico , Carta Niccolò , Cilli Giuseppe , Ardita Vincenzo , Apruzzi Luca , Loschi Diletta , Kahlberg Andrea , Bertoglio Luca , Castellano Renata , Simonini Elisa , Andreotti Felicita , Chiesa Roberto
Published: February 2021

Background: Plaque composition may predict the evolution of carotid artery stenosis rather than its sole extent. The grey scale median (GSM) value is a reproducible and standardized value to report plaque echogenicity as an indirect measure of its composition. We monitored plaque composition in asymptomatic subcritical carotid stenosis and evaluated the effect of an oral modulating calcification factor (vitamin K2). Methods: Carotid plaque composition was assessed by GSM value. Monitoring the effects of standard therapy (acetylsalicylic acid and low–medium dosage statin) (acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) arm) or standard therapy plus vitamins K2 oral supplementation (ASA + K2 arm) over a 12 months period was conducted using an ultrasound scan in a prospective, open-label, randomized controlled trial (PLAK2). Results: Sixty patients on low–medium dosage statin therapy were enrolled and randomized (30 per arm) to either ASA + K2 or ASA alone. Thirty-seven patients (61.6%) showed at 12 months a stable plaque with a mean increase in the GSM value in respect to the baseline of 2.6% with no differences between the two study arms (p = 0.66). Fifteen patients (25%) showed an 8% GSM value reduction respect the baseline with no differences between the two study arms (p = 0.99). At multivariable analysis, the adjusted mean (95% confidence interval) GSM change per month from baseline was greater in the ASA + K2 arm (−0.55 points, p = 0.048) compared to ASA alone (−0.18 points, p = 0.529). Conclusions: Carotid plaque composition monitoring through GSM value represents a laborious procedure. Although its use may not be applied to everyday practice, a specific application consists in evaluating the effect of pharmacological therapy on plaque composition. This 12 months randomized trial showed that the majority of subcritical asymptomatic carotid plaque on treatment with low–medium dosage statin presented a stable or increased echogenicity. Although vitamin K2 beyond standard therapy did not determine a significant change in plaque composition, for those who presented with GSM reduction it did enhance a GSM monthly decline.
Trends and Challenges in Multi-Level Inverter with Reduced Switches
Authors: Srinivasan Ganesh Kumar , Rivera Marco , Loganathan Vijayaraja , Ravikumar Dhanasekar , Mohan Balaji
Published: February 2021

Multilevel inverter had been paid a lot of attention from the academia and research community in recent times due to its role in high and medium power applications. In this paper, a detailed survey is made on the recently designed multilevel inverter to find the suitability of the inverters for particular applications. Research is performed on various types of multilevel inverters such as: Symmetric, asymmetric, hybrid and modularized multilevel inverter in order to identify the issues in generating more levels at the output. A summary of various issues in multilevel inverter with reduced switch count is provided, so that a novel topology of multilevel inverter can be designed in future. Further, an 81-level switched ladder multilevel inverter using unidirectional and bidirectional switches is designed. Simulation work is carried out using Matlab/Simulink in order to validate the performance of the inverter with change in resistive load and impedance load. The output of the 81-level inverter is fed to a 110 V, 186.5 W single phase induction motor in order to study the characteristics, further speed control of motor is performed by varying the input voltage of the motor and the results are presented.
Selective Water Plugging Technology for Horizontal Well with Screen Completion
Authors: Deng Bo , Jia Zhiwei , Liu Wei , Liu Xiaoqiang , Gu Jianwei , Ye Weibao , Wen Hongbin , Qu Zhanqing
Published: February 2021

The SD107 gel system developed has good oil–water phase selective gelation and oil–water phase selective blocking properties. The static gel-forming experiment results showed that the gel water shutoff system formulated with oilfield reinjection water (oil content < 0.05%) has a viscosity of 200 mPa·s after gelation, and the gel water plugging system formulated with oilfield produced fluid (oil content ≥ 20.0%) had a viscosity of 26 mPa·s after gelation. Results of the core physical simulation experiment indicated that the enhanced recovery rate was the highest (34.6%) when the resistance ratio of the high-low permeability core was about 10.0 after plugging. As per the fluid volume (Q) of the oil well to be blocked, the maximum production pressure difference (∆P) was predicted, and on the basis of economic output, the resistance of the oil section, the resistance of the high water cut section, and the resistance of the water outlet section after plugging was used to calculate the plugging depth (re1, the limit water plugging radius), which offers a basis for the design of water plugging process parameters for horizontal wells. The field water plugging test results showed that after using this water plugging technology, the daily oil production increased from about 4 t/d to 20 t/d, the daily oil increase was 16 t/d, and the water cut decreased from 75% to about 25%. The water-blocking construction was a success.
The CPV “Toolbox”: New Approaches to Maximizing Solar Resource Utilization with Application-Oriented Concentrator Photovoltaics
Authors: Apostoleris Harry , Stefancich Marco , Chiesa Matteo
Published: February 2021

As the scaling of silicon PV cells and module manufacturing has driven solar energy penetration up and costs down, concentrator photovoltaic technologies, originally conceived as a cost-saving measure, have largely been left behind. The loss of market share by CPV is being locked in even as solar energy development encounters significant obstacles related to space constraints in many parts of the world. The inherently higher collection efficiency enabled by the use of concentrators could substantially alleviate these challenges, but the revival of CPV for this purpose requires substantial reinvention of the technology to actually capture the theoretically possible efficiency gains, and to do so at market-friendly costs. This article will discuss recent progress in key areas central to this reinvention, including miniaturization of cells and optics to produce compact, lightweight “micro-CPV” systems; hybridization of CPV with thermal, illumination and other applications to make use of unused energy streams such as diffuse light and waste heat; and the integration of sun-tracking into the CPV module architecture to enable greater light collection and more flexible deployment, including integration into built structures. Applications showing particular promise include thermal applications such as water heating, industrial processes and desalination; agricultural photovoltaics; building-integrated photovoltaics with dynamic daylighting capabilities; and chemical processes including photocatalysis and hydrogen production. By appropriately tailoring systems to the available solar resource and local energy demand, we demonstrate how CPV can finally achieve real-world efficiencies, or solar resource utilization factors, far higher than those of standard silicon-based PV systems. This makes the argument for sustained development of novel CPV designs that can be applied to the real-world settings where this efficiency boost will be most beneficial.
A Novel Canopy Drag Coefficient Model for Analyzing Urban Wind Environments Based on the Large Eddy Simulation
Authors: Shen Lian , Han Yan , Xu Guoji , Cai Chunsheng , Yang Ying , Hua Xugang
Published: February 2021

It is very challenging to capture the drag effects for the computational fluid dynamics numerical simulations of the urban canopy wind environment. This study proposed a novel canopy drag coefficient model for accurate analysis of the urban wind environment based on a large eddy simulation, where the drag coefficients varied with quantitatively identified canopy parameters along with the height. Four computational parameters, namely the average kinetic energy, turbulent kinetic energy, sub-grid scale turbulent kinetic energy, and sub-grid scale dissipation, were incorporated into the conventional drag coefficient. The Meixi Lake International Community in Changsha, China, was considered as a case study. The inlet boundary conditions were provided by the Weather Research and Forecasting model, and the proposed drag coefficient model was utilized to simulate the wind field characteristics. The results showed that the drag coefficient was relatively large near the ground, and it decreased with the increase of height overall. The decay rate of the drag coefficient below 0.4 times the building was significantly higher than the other areas. Finally, compared with the field measurement data, the proposed model had good accuracy of the simulated wind field compared to previous approaches, thus offering a reliable model for analyzing the urban wind environment.
Cross-Flow Tidal Turbines with Highly Flexible Blades—Experimental Flow Field Investigations at Strong Fluid–Structure Interactions
Authors: Hoerner Stefan , Kösters Iring , Vignal Laure , Cleynen Olivier , Abbaszadeh Shokoofeh , Maître Thierry , Thévenin Dominique
Published: February 2021

Oscillating hydrofoils were installed in a water tunnel as a surrogate model for a hydrokinetic cross-flow tidal turbine, enabling the study of the effect of flexible blades on the performance of those devices with high ecological potential. The study focuses on a single tip-speed ratio (equal to 2), the key non-dimensional parameter describing the operating point, and solidity (equal to 1.5), quantifying the robustness of the turbine shape. Both parameters are standard values for cross-flow tidal turbines. Those lead to highly dynamic characteristics in the flow field dominated by dynamic stall. The flow field is investigated at the blade level using high-speed particle image velocimetry measurements. Strong fluid–structure interactions lead to significant structural deformations and highly modified flow fields. The flexibility of the blades is shown to significantly reduce the duration of the periodic stall regime; this observation is achieved through systematic comparison of the flow field, with a quantitative evaluation of the degree of chaotic changes in the wake. In this manner, the study provides insights into the mechanisms of the passive flow control achieved through blade flexibility in cross-flow turbines.
Predicting Energy Demand in Semi-Remote Arctic Locations
Authors: Foldvik Eikeland Odin , Bianchi Filippo Maria , Apostoleris Harry , Hansen Morten , Chiou Yu-Cheng , Chiesa Matteo
Published: February 2021

Forecasting energy demand within a distribution network is essential for developing strategies to manage and optimize available energy resources and the associated infrastructure. In this study, we consider remote communities in the Arctic located at the end of the radial distribution network without alternative energy supply. Therefore, it is crucial to develop an accurate forecasting model to manage and optimize the limited energy resources available. We first compare the accuracy of several models that perform short-and medium-term load forecasts in rural areas, where a single industrial customer dominates the electricity consumption. We consider both statistical methods and machine learning models to predict energy demand. Then, we evaluate the transferability of each method to a geographical rural area different from the one considered for training. Our results indicate that statistical models achieve higher accuracy on longer forecast horizons relative to neural networks, while the machine-learning approaches perform better in predicting load at shorter time intervals. The machine learning models also exhibit good transferability, as they manage to predict well the load at new locations that were not accounted for during training. Our work will serve as a guide for selecting the appropriate prediction model and apply it to perform energy load forecasting in rural areas and in locations where historical consumption data may be limited or even not available.
A Local Ecosystem Assessment of the Potential for Net Negative Heavy-Duty Truck Greenhouse Gas Emissions through Biomethane Upcycling
Authors: Atkins Penny , Milton Gareth , Atkins Andrew , Morgan Robert
Published: February 2021

Decarbonising heavy-duty trucks is challenging due to high journey power and energy requirements. With a growing fleet of commercial vehicles in the UK, biomethane can provide significant reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to fossil diesel. Methane is a potent GHG with a global warming potential (GWP) of 23–36, therefore reducing levels in the atmosphere can have a significant impact on climate change. There are a range of anthropogenic sources of methane that could be collected and processed to provide sustainable energy (upcycled), e.g., agricultural waste and the waste water system. This paper explores the impact of using upcycled methane in transport in South East England, evaluating local sources of anthropogenic methane and the environmental and economic impact of its use for a heavy-duty truck compared to fossil and battery electric alternatives. Analysis concludes that the use of upcycled methane in transport can provide significant reductions in lifecycle GHG emissions compared to diesel, fossil natural gas or battery electric trucks, and give net negative GHG emissions where avoided environmental methane emissions are considered. Furthermore, upcycling solutions can offer a lower cost route to GHG reduction compared to electrification.
Carbon Life Cycle Assessment on California-Specific Wood Products Industries: Do Data Backup General Default Values for Wood Harvest and Processing?
Authors: Buchholz Thomas , Mason Tad , Springsteen Bruce , Gunn John , Saah David
Published: February 2021

Carbon life cycle assessments (C LCA) play a major role in greenhouse gas (GHG)-related forest management analytics for wood products and consist of several steps along a forest to disposal path. Yet, input values for wood product C LCAs frequently rely on potentially outdated generic datasets for wood product outputs and mill efficiencies. Assumptions regarding sawmill efficiencies and sawmill-specific wood product outputs have a direct and significant impact on wood product C LCAs because these variables affect the net carbon footprint of the finished product. The goal of this analysis was to evaluate how well standard wood product C LCA inputs and assumptions for the two initial wood products LCA steps (i) forest operations and (ii) wood processing represent the current state of the wood processing industry in California. We found that sawmill efficiencies and wood product outputs both support and deviate from lookup tables currently used in publications supporting the climate-forest policy dialogue. We recommend further analysis to resolve the major discrepancies in the carbon fraction stored in durable wood products and production-related emissions to improve C LCA metrics and advance forest-related climate policy discussions in California and elsewhere.
Wood Ash Application Reduces Bryophyte Cover and Changes Species Composition in a Norway Spruce (Picea abies) Plantation
Authors: Ethelberg-Findsen Ditte , Rønn Regin , Ekelund Flemming
Published: February 2021

Return of wood ash from power plants to plantations makes it possible to recycle nutrients, counteract acidification, and to reduce economically costly waste deposition of the wood ash. However, current legislation restricts the amount of wood ash that can be applied and it is desirable to increase the allowed application dose, if possible, without negative effects on the plantation ecosystems. Here, we applied wood ash in levels corresponding to 0, 3, 9, 15, 30, and 90 t ash ha−1 and monitored the effect of the different ash doses on bryophytes in a Norway spruce (Picea abies) plantation with a dense bryophyte cover dominated by Hypnum jutlandicum, Dicranum scoparium, and Pleurozium schreberi. We used two complementary methods, image analysis, and pinpoint registration during a three-year period. To our knowledge, we are the first to apply this combined effort, which provides a much more exhaustive description of the effects than the use of each method separately. Moreover, the inclusion of a wide range of different wood ash levels enabled us to establish detailed dose-response relationships, which previous authors have not presented. The bryophyte cover decreased with increasing ash level with concomitant changes in species composition. At ash doses above the currently allowed 3 t ha−1, the ash significantly reduced the bryophyte cover, which only re-established very slowly. With increasing wood ash dose, the dominating species changed to Brachythecium rutabulum, Ceratodon purpureus, and Funaria hygrometrica. We conclude that application of more wood ash in spruce plantations than currently allowed will reduce total cover of bryophytes and cause a pronounced change in bryophyte species composition. These changes will in particular harm bryophyte species with specific environmental requirements and generally impair the bryophyte cover as habitat for invertebrates and its economic value for moss harvesting.
Numerical Flow Characterization around a Type 209 Submarine Using OpenFOAM
Authors: Paredes Ruben J. , Quintuña Maria T. , Arias-Hidalgo Mijail , Datla Raju
Published: February 2021

The safety of underwater operation depends on the accuracy of its speed logs which depends on the location of its probe and the calibration thoroughness. Thus, probes are placed in areas where the flow of water is smooth, continuous, without high velocity gradients, air bubbles, or vortical structures. In the present work, the flow around two different submarines is numerically described in deep-water and near-surface conditions to identify hull zones where probes could be installed. First, the numerical setup of a multiphase solver supplied with OpenFOAM v7 was verified and validated using the DARPA SUBOFF-5470 submarine at scaled model including the hull and sail configuration at H/D=5.4 and Fr=0.466. Later, the grid sensitivity of the resistance was assessed for the full-scale Type 209/1300 submarine at H/D=0.347 and Fr=0.194. Free-surface effect on resistance and flow characteristics was evaluated by comparing different operational conditions. Results shows that the bow and near free-surface regions should be avoided due to high flow velocity gradient, pressure fluctuations, and large turbulent vortical structures. Moreover, free-surface effect is stronger close to the bow nose. In conclusion, the probe could be installed in the acceleration region where the local flow velocity is 15% higher than the navigation speed at surface condition. A 4% correction factor should be applied to the probe readings to compensate free-surface effect.
Antiproliferative Rapeseed Defatted Meal Protein and Their Hydrolysates on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells and Human Fibroblasts
Authors: Ferrero Romina L. , Soto-Maldonado Carmen , Weinstein-Oppenheimer Caroline , Cabrera-Muñoz Zaida , Zúñiga-Hansen María Elvira
Published: February 2021

Defatted rapeseed meal (DRM) is a sub-valorized agro-industrial by-product, with a high protein content whose peptides could have potential anticancer activity against cancer cell lines. The objective of the present study is to obtain an enzymatic hydrolysate of rapeseed protein that inhibits proliferation on a breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), but not healthy human fibroblast cells. The DRM was solubilized in an alkaline medium to obtain an alkaline rapeseed extract (RAE). Acid precipitation of the proteins contained in RAE recovered a rapeseed protein isolate (RPI). To produce protein hydrolysates, two alkaline protease and different enzyme/substrate ratios were used. All the protein hydrolysates showed antiproliferative activity on MCF-7 cells. However, only the hydrolysate recovered from the enzymatic hydrolysis of RPI (Degree of hydrolysis (DH ) between 8.5 and 9% (DH1)) did not affect human fibroblast cells, inhibiting 83.9% of MCF-7 cells’ proliferation and showing a mass yield of 22.9% (based on the initial DRM). The SDS-PAGE gel revealed that DH1 was composed mainly of 10 kDa peptides and, to a lesser extent, 5 and 2 kDa. It is concluded that DH1 is a promising peptide extract for future research as a putative anti-breast cancer agent.
Effect of Interfacial Ionic Layers on the Food-Grade O/W Emulsion Physical Stability and Astaxanthin Retention during Spray-Drying
Authors: Morales Eduardo , Burgos-Díaz César , Zúñiga Rommy N. , Jorkowski Johanna , Quilaqueo Marcela , Rubilar Mónica
Published: February 2021

The utilization of astaxanthin in food processing is considered to be narrow because of its substandard solubility in aqueous matrices and the instability of chemical compounds during the processing of food and the instability of chemical compounds during the processing of food. The investigation sought to evaluate multilayer emulsions stabilized by ionic interfacial layers of lupin protein isolate (LPI), ι-carrageenan (CA), and chitosan (CHI) on the physical stability of the emulsion as well as the retention of astaxanthin during the spray drying process. Primary emulsion (Pr-E) was prepared by adding LPI on oil droplet surfaces containing astaxanthin. The homogenization pressure and cycles to obtain the Pr-E were investigated. The secondary emulsion (Se-E) and tertiary emulsion (Te-E) were elaborated by mixing CA/Pr-E and CHI/Se-E, respectively. Emulsion stability was assessed under different environmental stresses (pH and NaCl). Astaxanthin retention of emulsions was determined immediately after finishing the spray-drying process. The results showed that Pr-E was stabilized with 1.0% (w/v) of LPI at 50 MPa and three cycles. Se-E and Te-E were obtained with CA/Pr-E and Se-E/CHI of 70/30 and 50/50% (w/w), respectively. The Se-E was the most stable compared to the Pr-E and Te-E when subjected to different pHs; nevertheless, once the NaCl concentration rose, no variations in the ζ-potential of all emulsions studied or destabilization were observed. The Se-E and Te-E derived provided higher astaxanthin retention (>95%) during the spray-drying process compared to Pr-E (around 88%). The results indicated that these astaxanthin multilayer emulsions show considerable potential as a functional ingredient in food products.
Food Choice Determinants and Perceptions of a Healthy Diet among Italian Consumers
Authors: Wongprawmas Rungsaran , Mora Cristina , Pellegrini Nicoletta , Guiné Raquel P. F. , Carini Eleonora , Sogari Giovanni , Vittadini Elena
Published: February 2021

Healthy food choices are crucial for a healthy lifestyle. However, food choices are complex and affected by various factors. Understanding the determinant factors affecting food choices could aid policy-makers in designing better strategies to promote healthy food choices in the general public. This study aims to evaluate the food choice motivations and to segment consumer groups, according to their food choice motivations, in a sample of 531 Italian consumers (collected by convenience sampling), through offline and online survey platforms. K-means cluster analysis was applied to identify consumer groups using six food choice motivation categories (health, emotional, economic and availability, social and cultural, environmental and political, and marketing and commercial). The results suggest that the strongest determinants for the food choices of Italian consumers are Environmental factors and Health. Two consumer profiles were identified through the segmentation analysis: Emotional eating and Health-driven consumers. The respondents were found to have a good awareness of what comprises a healthy diet. There is a potential market for healthy and sustainable food products, especially products with minimal or environmentally friendly packages. Food labels and information strategies could be promoted as tools to assist consumers to make healthy food choices.
Food Texture Design by 3D Printing: A Review
Authors: Pereira Tatiana , Barroso Sónia , Gil Maria M.
Published: February 2021

An important factor in consumers’ acceptability, beyond visual appearance and taste, is food texture. The elderly and people with dysphagia are more likely to present malnourishment due to visually and texturally unappealing food. Three-dimensional Printing is an additive manufacturing technology that can aid the food industry in developing novel and more complex food products and has the potential to produce tailored foods for specific needs. As a technology that builds food products layer by layer, 3D Printing can present a new methodology to design realistic food textures by the precise placement of texturing elements in the food, printing of multi-material products, and design of complex internal structures. This paper intends to review the existing work on 3D food printing and discuss the recent developments concerning food texture design. Advantages and limitations of 3D Printing in the food industry, the material-based printability and model-based texture, and the future trends in 3D Printing, including numerical simulations, incorporation of cooking technology to the printing, and 4D modifications are discussed. Key challenges for the mainstream adoption of 3D Printing are also elaborated on.
A Review on the Occurrence and Analytical Determination of PAHs in Olive Oils
Authors: Bertoz Valentina , Purcaro Giorgia , Conchione Chiara , Moret Sabrina
Published: February 2021

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental and processing contaminants, which may contaminate vegetable oils due to atmospheric fall-out or bad production practices. Due to their carcinogenic and toxic effects, surveillance schemes and mitigation strategies are needed to monitor human exposure to PAHs. In particular, due to the lipophilic nature of these substances, edible oils may present unsafe levels of these compounds. Among these, olive oil, and in particular extra virgin olive oil, is a high-value commodity, also known for its health benefits. Therefore, the occurrence of contaminants in this product is not only of health concern but also causes economic and image damage. In this review, an overview of the occurrence of PAHs in all categories of olive oil is provided, as well as a description of the official methods available and the analytical developments in the last 10 years.
The PSY Peptide Family—Expression, Modification and Physiological Implications
Authors: Tost Amalie Scheel , Kristensen Astrid , Olsen Lene Irene , Axelsen Kristian Buhl , Fuglsang Anja Thoe
Published: February 2021

Small post-translationally modified peptides are gaining increasing attention as important signaling molecules in plant development. In the family of plant peptides containing tyrosine sulfation (PSYs), only PSY1 has been characterized at the mature level as an 18-amino-acid peptide, carrying one sulfated tyrosine, and involved in cell elongation. This review presents seven additional homologs in Arabidopsis all sharing high conservation in the active peptide domain, and it shows that PSY peptides are found in all higher plants and mosses. It is proposed that all eight PSY homologs are post-translationally modified to carry a sulfated tyrosine and that subtilisin-like subtilases (SBTs) are involved in the processing of PSY propeptides. The PSY peptides show differential expression patterns indicating that they serve several distinct functions in plant development. PSY peptides seem to be at least partly regulated at the transcriptional level, as their expression is greatly influenced by developmental factors. Finally, a model including a receptor in addition to PSY1R is proposed.
A Combined Approach for Health Assessment in Adolescent Endurance Runners
Authors: Tong Tomas K. , Baker Julien S. , Henriquez Fiona L. , Shi Qingde , Zhang Haifeng , Kong Zhaowei , Nie Jinlei
Published: February 2021

Background: It has been shown that prolonged exhaustive exercise, such as half-marathon running, could lead to transient post-exercise elevation of cardiac troponins, increase in oxidative stress, and mild decline in renal function in adolescent athletes. With increases in sports participation involving young people, there has been much interest in pre and post health evaluations following exercise. Evaluations can be used to identify pre-existing health confounders and to examine any detrimental responses that may occur post exercise. Study purpose & Methods: The purpose of this study was to evaluate pre and post exercise measures of cardiac function, serum albumin, systemic immunoglobulin (Serum IgA and IgG), cortisol and testosterone in adolescent (age: 16.2 ± 0.6) male endurance runners performing in 21-km maximal run. Results: Results revealed that cortisol, IgA and IgG levels significantly decreased 2, 4, and 24 h post exercise compared to pre-exercise levels (p < 0.05). Testosterone levels reduced 4 h post exercise (p < 0.05) but were restored to baseline values following 24 h. There were no changes recorded for albumin levels post exercise (p > 0.05). ECG assessments did not show any abnormalities at the T wave axis, ST segments and Q wave pre or post exercise. Conclusions: The findings from this study suggest that a single bout of prolonged maximum running is not likely to induce abnormal electrical activity in the heart, but does decrease serum immunoglobulin, and homeostasis of anabolic and catabolic hormones in trained adolescent endurance runners.