bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation and Performance Analysis of Integrated Gasification–Syngas Fermentation Plant for Lignocellulosic Ethanol Production
Authors: Safarian Sahar , Unnthorsson Runar , Richter Christiaan
Published: July 2020

This study presents a new simulation model developed with ASPEN Plus of waste biomass gasification integrated with syngas fermentation and product recovery units for bioethanol production from garden waste as a lignocellulosic biomass. The simulation model includes three modules: gasification, fermentation, and ethanol recovery. A parametric analysis is carried out to investigate the effect of gasification temperature (500–1500 °C) and equivalence ratio (0.2–0.6) on the gasification performance and bioethanol production yield. The results reveal that, for efficient gasification and high ethanol production, the operating temperature range should be 700–1000 °C, as well as an equivalence ratio between 0.2 and 0.4. At optimal operating conditions, the bioethanol production yield is 0.114 kg/h per 1 kg/h input garden waste with 50% moisture content. It is worth mentioning that this parameter increases to 0.217 kgbioethanol/kggarden waste under dry-based conditions.
Effects of Flat-Shaped Face Layer Particles and Core Layer Particles of Intentionally Greater Thickness on the Properties of Wood-Reduced Particleboard
Authors: Benthien Jan T. , Ohlmeyer Martin
Published: July 2020

Against the background of the intention to reduce the amount of wood used in the production of particleboard for economic reasons, the associated reduction in panel density and consequently the panel properties, the influence of the alternative use of flat-shaped face layer particles and core layer particles of intentionally greater thickness on the panel properties was investigated. Appropriate particles were made for this purpose, panels with typical (650 kg/m3) and reduced wood usage (500 kg/m3) were produced, and e.g., their bending properties and internal bond strength were determined. Particle size characterization was done with sieve analysis, image analysis (length and width measurement), and manual thickness gauging. It was found that the alternative use of the flat-shaped particle significantly increased the bending properties and thus the level of the reference can be achieved despite the reduced use of wood. The reason for the increased bending properties was assumed to be the higher strength of the particles themselves and the more effective adhesive bond between the particles. The increase in internal bond strength when using alternative particles could be attributed solely the different production history (e.g., use of fresh cutting blades and laboratory scale production).
The Effects of Grid Accuracy on Flow Simulations: A Numerical Assessment
Authors: Allahyari Majid , Esfahanian Vahid , Yousefi Kianoosh
Published: July 2020

High-quality, accurate grid generation is a critical challenge in the computational simulation of fluid flows around complex geometries. In particular, the accuracy of the grids is an effective factor in order to achieve a successful numerical simulation. In the current study, we present a series of systematic numerical simulations for fluid flows around a NACA 0012 airfoil using different computational grid generation techniques, including the standard second-order, fourth-order compact, and Theodorsen transformation approaches, to assess the effects of grid accuracy on the flow solutions. The flow solvers are based on the second- and fourth-order schemes for spatial discretizations and Beam-Warming linearization method for time advancement. The obtained grids, as well as the metrics and the corresponding numerical flow solution for each grid generation technique, are compared and studied in detail. It is demonstrated that the quality and orthogonality of the grids is improved by using the fourth-order compact scheme. Moreover, the numerical assessment showed that the accuracy and the quality of the grids directly influence the numerical flow solutions. Finally, the higher-order accurate flow solvers are found to be more sensitive to the accuracy of the generated grid.
A Multi-Scale Approach to Investigate Adhesion Properties of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 to Geotrichum candidum LG-8, a Potential Probiotic Yeast
Authors: Meng Ling , Zhou Siduo , Xu Xiao , Li Dian , Lin Yanfei , Lyu Fangxin , Dong Mingsheng
Published: July 2020

This study investigated properties of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 adhesion to Geotrichum candidum LG-8 cells in variable pH and salt conditions. The primary mechanism was revealed by multi-scale microscopy technics. The adhesion of PAO1 to the living fungus occurred within 1 h and was limited at concentrations of bile salts higher than 0.5%. The adhesion efficiency gradually increased to 58.1% with the pH increasing from 2.0 to 7.0 and then decreased to 48.2% at pH 9.0. However, the dead LG-8 has an advantage over the living ones to adhere PAO1 in same pH and bile salt conditions. Optical microscopy showed that both unsterilized and sterilized G. candidum LG-8 cells removed approximately one hundred fold bacteria in 4 h. Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) analysis indicated that polysaccharides of the fungus contributed to adhesion. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis proved that syrup-like EPS (extracellular polymeric substances) of LG-8 coating PAO1 was in part a mechanism. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed roughness of the LG-8 surface changed in the adhesion process. Furthermore, a pedestal-like structure of bacteria was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, indicating that the bacteria were also actively involved in the adhesion process. G. candidum LG-8 is a potential candidate for the control of P. aeruginosa PAO1 in the food industry and immunodeficiency patients.
Effect of Blanching Plus Fermentation on Selected Functional Properties of Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) Powders
Authors: Borremans An , Bußler Sara , Sagu Sorel Tchewonpi , Rawel Harshadrai , Schlüter Oliver K. , Leen Van Campenhout
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of blanching followed by fermentation of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) with commercial meat starter cultures on the functional properties of powders produced from the larvae. Full fat and defatted powder samples were prepared from non-fermented and fermented mealworm pastes. Then the crude protein, crude fat, and dry matter contents, pH, bulk density, colour, water and oil binding capacity, foaming capacity and stability, emulsion capacity and stability, protein solubility, quantity of free amino groups, and protein composition of the powders were evaluated. Regardless of the starter culture used, the blanching plus fermentation process reduced the crude and soluble protein contents of the full fat powders and in general impaired their water and oil binding, foaming, and emulsifying properties. Defatting of the powders improved most functional properties studied. The o-phthaldialdehyde assay revealed that the amount of free amino groups was higher in the fermented powders while sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the soluble proteins of the fermented powders were composed of molecules of lower molecular mass compared to non-fermented powders. As molecular sizes of the soluble proteins decreased, it was clear that the protein structure was also modified by the fermentation process, which in turn led to changes in functional properties. In general, it was concluded that fermentation of mealworms with blanching as a pre-treatment does not contribute to the functional properties studied in this work. Nevertheless, the results confirmed that the properties of non-fermented powders are comparable to other food protein sources.
Recovery of Phytochemicals via Electromagnetic Irradiation (Microwave-Assisted-Extraction): Betalain and Phenolic Compounds in Perspective
Authors: Zin Moh Moh , Anucha Chukwuka Bethel , Bánvölgyi Szilvia
Published: July 2020

Food colorants processed via agro-industrial wastes are in demand as food waste management becomes vital not only for its health benefits but also for cost reduction through waste valorization. Huge efforts have been made to recover valuable components from food wastes and applied in various fields to prove their versatility rather than for feed ruminant usage only. Betalains and phenolics, antioxidant-rich compounds responsible for host color and so commonly used as natural colorants in food and cosmetic industries, are copiously present in several kinds of fruits and vegetables as well as their wastes. Technological innovation has brought extensive convenient ways of bioactive compounds extraction with many advantages like less use of solvents and energy in a short period of processing time in comparison with the classical solid–liquid extraction methods. Emerging technologies, particularly microwave irradiation, have been amenable to electromagnetic technology for decades. Practically, they have been deployed for functional and supplement food production. In this review, the feasibility of dielectric heating (microwave irradiation) in the extraction of betalain and phenolic compounds mostly from fruit and vegetable wastes was discussed.
Microbiological Quality of Foodstuffs Sold on Expiry Date at Retail in Portugal: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Maio Rita , García-Díez Juan , Saraiva Cristina
Published: July 2020

Currently, food waste represents an important issue due to its negative economic, social and environmental impact. To reduce the food waste levels, some retailers’ brands implement discounting based on the proximity to expiry. Since this practice may involve potential food poisoning, a total of 94 food products from animal origin, purchased in two supermarkets in North Portugal on the expiry date, were analyzed for selected foodborne and spoilage microorganisms. Moreover, the samples were classified as satisfactory and not satisfactory according to their microbiological quality. The results showed that none of the samples presented counts for Salmonella spp., S. aureus, B. cereus. L. monocytogenes was detected in one sample over the limit of 2 log cfu/g as defined by Regulation 2073/2005. The evaluation of food hygiene and spoilage indicators showed that the processed foods displayed lower counts than raw products (beef, pork, chicken and fish). Regarding Enterobacteriaceae, raw products presented on average over 2 log cfu/g than processed foods, with the exception of beef samples that accounted over 3 log cfu/g more than processed foods. In addition, E. coli was mainly detected in fresh meat of which chicken and pork displayed the highest counts. Regarding the qualitative classification, 51.06% of the samples were not satisfactory for the total mesophilic counts, while 62.76% and 58.51% displayed positive results for Enterobacteriaceae and molds and yeasts (M&Y) criteria, respectively. In all, 70.21% of the samples analyzed at the expiry date failed, at least, in one microbiological criterion. The results indicate that the foods available at the end of the shelf life in supermarkets do not represent a risk for food poisoning due to the absence of foodborne pathogens. Since the microbiological indicators of storage/handling of raw products were mainly unsatisfactory, this indicates that the sale of these perishable foods at the end of the shelf life may not be recommended. On the other hand, processed products subjected to food conservation procedures (i.e., thermal processing) could be sold at the end of their shelf life or donated beyond the best-before date, due to its physical, chemical and microbiological stability. However, evidences of foodborne outbreaks associated to this kind of foodstuffs indicated the need of a proper risk assessment. Moreover, it is important to remark that other factors such as small sample size, the absence of the evaluation of the handling, and storage conditions along the food chain or organoleptic alterations must be assessed in further studies.
Food Authentication: Truffle (Tuber spp.) Species Differentiation by FT-NIR and Chemometrics
Authors: Segelke Torben , Schelm Stefanie , Ahlers Christian , Fischer Markus
Published: July 2020

Truffles are certainly the most expensive mushrooms; the price depends primarily on the species and secondly on the origin. Because of the price differences for the truffle species, food fraud is likely to occur, and the visual differentiation is difficult within the group of white and within the group of black truffles. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a reliable method for the authentication of five commercially relevant truffle species via Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy as an easy to handle approach combined with chemometrics. NIR-data from 75 freeze-dried fruiting bodies were recorded. Various spectra pre-processing techniques and classification methods were compared and validated using nested cross-validation. For the white truffle species, the most expensive Tuber magnatum could be differentiated with an accuracy of 100% from Tuber borchii. Regarding the black truffle species, the relatively expensive Tuber melanosporum could be distinguished from Tuber aestivum and the Chinese truffles with an accuracy of 99%. Since the most expensive Italian Tuber magnatum is highly prone to fraud, the origin was investigated and Italian T. magnatum truffles could be differentiated from non-Italian T. magnatum truffles by 83%. Our results demonstrate the potential of FT-NIR spectroscopy for the authentication of truffle species.
Fatty Acid Composition of Meat and Edible Offal from Free-Living Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
Authors: Razmaitė Violeta , Pileckas Vidmantas , Šiukščius Artūras , Juškienė Violeta
Published: July 2020

The objective of the study was to characterize tissue-associated differences in the fatty acid composition of fat in skeletal muscles M. longissimus dorsi (loin), M. biceps femoris (hind quarter), and M. triceps brachii (shoulder), and internal organs (i.e., liver, heart, and kidney) from free-living red deer (Cervus elaphus) females (n = 11) hunted in Lithuania. Skeletal muscles were characterized by lower content of free fat compared with the offal. The highest percentage of saturated fatty acids was found in the liver fat, whereas the lowest percentage was in the heart. Red deer offal showed significantly lower and higher proportions of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to meat, respectively. Higher proportions of oleic fatty acid in the shoulder and hind quarter compared to the loin were the only significant differences between skeletal muscles. The lowest and the highest n-6 polyunsaturated/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6/n-3PUFA) ratio were found in the liver and heart, respectively. More favorable lower atherogenic index and higher hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio found in the offal showed their high nutritional value, however, higher peroxidizability index indicated higher susceptibility to lipid peroxidation compared to skeletal muscles.
Roasted Rye as a Coffee Substitute: Methods for Reducing Acrylamide
Authors: Pitsch Johannes , Höglinger Otmar , Weghuber Julian
Published: July 2020

Acrylamide is assumed to be a potential carcinogen, and reference values have therefore been implemented in EU legislation. Thus, the food industry needs to reduce the acrylamide content in consumer products to the lowest possible value. In this study, roasted rye was evaluated for its suitability as a coffee substitution product with respect to its acrylamide content. The influence of process modifiers, free asparagine content, storage, and rye type on the final content of acrylamide was investigated. Changes in carbohydrate composition and brightness caused by the roasting process were described. Sample analysis was conducted via GC-MS and HPLC-CAD. Existing methods were adapted to roasted rye as the sample matrix. CaCl2 and asparaginase treatment as well as pH adjustments prior to roasting did not prove to reduce the acrylamide content. A significantly (* p < 0.027) lower free asparagine content in the raw material resulted in a lower formation of acrylamide in the final product. The acrylamide content significantly decreased (**** p < 0.0001) after 3 (1100 ± 18 µg kg−1) and 6 (490 ± 7 µg kg−1) months of long-term storage. Only samples stored for 6 months (490 ± 7 µg kg−1) met the EU acrylamide content requirements (<500 µg kg−1) for grain-based coffee substitution products.
Volatile Composition and Sensory Attributes of Smoothies Based on Pomegranate Juice and Mediterranean Fruit Purées (Fig, Jujube and Quince)
Authors: Issa-Issa Hanán , Cano-Lamadrid Marina , Calín-Sánchez Ángel , Wojdyło Aneta , Carbonell-Barrachina Ángel. A.
Published: July 2020

To increase the intake of fruits and vegetables—especially among young people—the food industry is trying to develop new, easy-to-eat and long-shelf-life products, such as smoothies. Nowadays, consumers are choosing their foods based not only on nutritional/functional properties (content of polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, among others), but also on sensory attributes. The aim of this study was to investigate the volatile composition by HS-SPME and the sensory profile by descriptive sensory analysis of novel smoothies prepared by blending fig, jujube or quince purée with pomegranate juices (cv. Mollar de Elche or Wonderful) at two ratios purée:juice (40:60 or 60:40). Twenty-three volatile compounds were identified by GC-MS and classified as alcohols, aldehydes, esters, furans, ketones, terpenes and terpenoids. Among volatile compounds, the five predominant ones in the studied smoothies were: (i) 5-HMF (30.6%); (ii) 3-hexen-1-ol (9.87%); (iii) hexanal (9.43%); (iv) 1-hexanol (8.54%); and (v) 3-octanone (7.67%). Fig smoothies were sweet and had flavor and volatiles related to fig, pomegranate, and grape. While jujube products were bitter and had jujube and pear notes. Finally, quince smoothies were consistent, sour and had quince, apple and floral notes. Thus, the type of fruit purée used clearly determined the flavor of the final product. The smoothies prepared with Mollar de Elche pomegranate juice were characterized by having high intensity of pear odor/aroma and consistency, and the Wonderful smoothies were characterized by lower consistency and more intense pomegranate aroma and sourness.
Application of Recombined Milk to Produce Crescenza-Type Cheese in Laboratory-Scale Cheesemaking: Implications on Technology and Sensory Properties
Authors: Tidona Flavio , Francolino Salvatore , Ghiglietti Roberta , Locci Francesco , Brusa Gianluca , Alinovi Marcello , Mucchetti Germano , Giraffa Giorgio
Published: July 2020

This work evaluated the effect of recombined skimmed milk (RM), mixed in different ratios (40, 60, and 100%) with fresh cow milk, on the processing technology and quality of Crescenza, an industrial soft cheese of the Italian dairy tradition. Crescenza-type cheeses were produced at a laboratory scale, following the industrial process. Control cheese consisted of Crescenza-type cheese produced with 100% whole fresh milk. Compared to control cheese, the substitution of fresh milk with 60–100% of RM deteriorated the coagulation properties and led to a higher moisture retention, whereas, with 40% of RM, the differences were not statistically significant. Cheeses produced with any concentration of RM, although of acceptable quality, differed significantly in terms of sensory properties from control cheese. The addition of colloidal calcium phosphate, or CaCl2 together with a reduction in the size of the curd at cutting, minimized the differences in composition and sensory properties between cheeses produced with 40% RM and control cheese. This study suggested the applicability of 40% RM to obtain Crescenza-type cheese with suitable quality characteristics. The type of product, the technology, the quality, and quantity of the powders are all key factors to be taken into account for a successful application.
Influence of Plasma Treatment on the Polyphenols of Food Products—A Review
Authors: Munekata Paulo E. S. , Domínguez Rubén , Pateiro Mirian , Lorenzo José M.
Published: July 2020

The consumption of bioactive compounds, especially phenolic compounds, has been associated with health benefits such as improving the health status and reducing the risk of developing certain diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, the preservation of natural bioactive compounds in food products is a major challenge for the food industry. Due to the major impact of conventional thermal processing, nonthermal technologies such as cold plasma have been proposed as one of the most promising solutions for the food industry. This review will cover the current knowledge about the effects of cold plasma in polyphenols found in food products. The increasing number of studies in the last years supports the continuous search for specific treatment conditions for each type of food and the central role of plasma treatments as a food-processing technology.
Functional Microbiota for Polypeptide Degradation during Hypertonic Moromi-Fermentation of Pixian Broad Bean Paste
Authors: Zhang Lijie , Bao Yida , Chen Haifeng , Huang Jiaquan , Xu Yan
Published: July 2020

Traditional fermented bean pastes are indispensable seasonings in many East Asian countries. They are produced via hypertonic solutions by spontaneous fermentation. Functional, unknown microbiota carry great risks for food safety and stable quality. Thus, analysis and subsequent utilization of functional microbiota will be a good strategy to resolve these problems. During bean fermentation, the microbial functions were divided into two stages, including first stage-raw material (polypeptide) degradation and second stage-amino acid catabolism. In this study, we aimed to analyze the functional microbiota of first stage. Omics-studies, including high-throughput sequencing, correlation analysis and extracellular proteome, were used to generate candidate functional microbes for polypeptide degradation in this study. Then, we cultured the candidate functional microbes. After the batch fermentation and enzymatic analysis, we found three strains secreted peptidase and resulted amino acid accumulation, involving Aspergillus niger, Candida zeylanoides and Bacillus licheniformis. Thus, A. niger, C. zeylanoides and B. licheniformis conducted the functional microbiota for polypeptide degrading during hypertonic moromi fermentation. This study supplies a strategy for functional microbiota analysis. In addition, this is the first report that C. zeylanoides can secrete proteome and produce amino acids from polypeptide.
Optimized Extraction of Phenylpropanoids and Flavonoids from Lemon Verbena Leaves by Supercritical Fluid System Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Leyva-Jiménez Francisco Javier , Lozano-Sánchez Jesús , Fernández-Ochoa Álvaro , Cádiz-Gurrea María de la Luz , Arráez-Román David , Segura-Carretero Antonio
Published: July 2020

The aim of this work was to optimize the recovery of phenolic compounds from Lippia citriodora using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). To achieve this goal, response surface methodology based on a 23 central composite design was used to evaluate the effects of the following experimental factors: temperature, pressure and co-solvent percentage. The effects of these variables on the extraction yield and total polar compound contents were evaluated. With respect to the phytochemical composition, an exhaustive individual phenolic compound quantitation was carried out by HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS to analyze the functional ingredients produced by this system design. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a standardized supercritical fluid process has been developed to obtain functional ingredients based on phenolic compounds from L. citriodora in which the individual compound concentration was monitored over the different SFE conditions. The results enabled the establishment of the optimal technical parameters for developing functional ingredients and revealed the main factors that should be included in the extraction process control. This functional food ingredient design could be used as a control system to be applied in nutraceutical and functional food production industry.
Health Promoting Bioactive Properties of Novel Hairless Canary Seed Flour after In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion
Authors: Mason Emily , L’Hocine Lamia , Achouri Allaoua , Pitre Mélanie , Karboune Salwa
Published: July 2020

The bioactive properties and health-promoting effects of two novel yellow (C09052, C05041) and two brown (Calvi, Bastia) hairless canary seed (Phalaris canariensis L.) cultivars were investigated in comparison to two common cereal grains (wheat and oat). The cereal flours were digested using the standardized INFOGEST in vitro human gastrointestinal digestion model. The three-kilo dalton molecular weight cutoff (3 kDa MWCO) permeate of the generated digestates was assessed in vitro for their antioxidant, chelating, antihypertensive and antidiabetic activities. The results showed no significant differences in studied bioactivities between yellow and brown canary seed cultivars, except for antioxidant activity by the DPPH and chelating Fe2+ assays, where brown cultivars had higher activities. Canary seeds had superior or equivalent antioxidant activity than those from oat and wheat. The anti-hypertensive activity (Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition) in yellow canary seed cultivars was significantly higher than that of oat and wheat, particularly for C09052 and Calvi varieties. Peptides exhibiting the highest antihypertensive activity from the permeate of the C09052 canary seed variety were further fractionated and identified by mass spectrometry. Forty-six peptides were identified belonging to 18 proteins from the Pooideae subfamily. Fourteen of the parent proteins were homologous to barley proteins. Peptides were analyzed in silico to determine potential bioactivity based on their amino acid composition. All 46 peptides had potential anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic activities and 20 had potential antioxidant activity, thereby validating the in vitro assay data. Canary seed peptides also exhibited potential antiamnestic, antithrombotic, immunostimulating, opioid and neuro-activity, demonstrating important potential for health promoting effects, particularly against cardiovascular disease.
Pro12Ala PPAR-γ2 and +294T/C PPAR-δ Polymorphisms and Association with Metabolic Traits in Teenagers from Northern Mexico
Authors: Carrillo-Venzor Martín A. , Erives-Anchondo Nancy R. , Moreno-González Janette G. , Moreno-Brito Verónica , Licón-Trillo Angel , González-Rodríguez Everardo , Hernández-Rodríguez Pilar del Carmen , Reza-López Sandra A. , Loera-Castañeda Verónica , Leal-Berumen Irene
Published: July 2020

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) play roles in glucose and lipid metabolism regulation. Pro12Ala PPAR-γ2 and +294T/C PPAR-δ have been associated with dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and high body mass index (BMI). We compared metabolic traits and determined associations with Pro12Ala PPAR-γ2 or +294T/C PPAR-δ polymorphism among teenagers from different ethnicity. Four hundred and twelve samples with previous biochemical and biometric measurements were used. Genomic DNA from peripheral blood was extracted and analyzed by end-point PCR for Pro12Ala PPAR-γ2. The +294T/C PPAR-δ PCR product was also digested with Bsl I. Two genotype groups were formed: major allele homozygous and minor allele carriers. Pro12Ala PPAR-γ2 G minor allele frequencies were: 10% in Mestizo-1, 19% in Mestizo-2, 23% in Tarahumara, 12% in Mennonite, and 17% in the total studied population. The +294T/C PPAR-δ C minor allele frequencies were: 18% in Mestizo-1, 20% in Mestizo-2, 6% in Tarahumara, 13% in Mennonite, and 12% in the total studied population. Teenagers with PPAR-γ2 G allele showed a greater risk for either high waist/height ratio or low high-density lipoprotein; and, also had lower total cholesterol. Whereas, PPAR-γ2 G allele showed lower overweight/obesity phenotype (BMI Z-score) frequency, PPAR-δ C allele was a risk factor for it. Metabolic traits were associated with both PPAR polymorphisms.
Evolution of NIN and NIN-like Genes in Relation to Nodule Symbiosis
Authors: Liu Jieyu , Bisseling Ton
Published: July 2020

Legumes and actinorhizal plants are capable of forming root nodules symbiosis with rhizobia and Frankia bacteria. All these nodulating species belong to the nitrogen fixation clade. Most likely, nodulation evolved once in the last common ancestor of this clade. NIN (NODULE INCEPTION) is a transcription factor that is essential for nodulation in all studied species. Therefore, it seems probable that it was recruited at the start when nodulation evolved. NIN is the founding member of the NIN-like protein (NLP) family. It arose by duplication, and this occurred before nodulation evolved. Therefore, several plant species outside the nitrogen fixation clade have NLP(s), which is orthologous to NIN. In this review, we discuss how NIN has diverged from the ancestral NLP, what minimal changes would have been essential for it to become a key transcription controlling nodulation, and which adaptations might have evolved later.
Genomic Selection in Winter Wheat Breeding Using a Recommender Approach
Authors: Lozada Dennis N. , Carter Arron H.
Published: July 2020

Achieving optimal predictive ability is key to increasing the relevance of implementing genomic selection (GS) approaches in plant breeding programs. The potential of an item-based collaborative filtering (IBCF) recommender system in the context of multi-trait, multi-environment GS has been explored. Different GS scenarios for IBCF were evaluated for a diverse population of winter wheat lines adapted to the Pacific Northwest region of the US. Predictions across years through cross-validations resulted in improved predictive ability when there is a high correlation between environments. Using multiple spectral traits collected from high-throughput phenotyping resulted in better GS accuracies for grain yield (GY) compared to using only single traits for predictions. Trait adjustments through various Bayesian regression models using genomic information from SNP markers was the most effective in achieving improved accuracies for GY, heading date, and plant height among the GS scenarios evaluated. Bayesian LASSO had the highest predictive ability compared to other models for phenotypic trait adjustments. IBCF gave competitive accuracies compared to a genomic best linear unbiased predictor (GBLUP) model for predicting different traits. Overall, an IBCF approach could be used as an alternative to traditional prediction models for important target traits in wheat breeding programs.
Quantitative Analysis and Monitoring of EZH2 Mutations Using Liquid Biopsy in Follicular Lymphoma
Authors: Nagy Ákos , Bátai Bence , Balogh Alexandra , Illés Sarolta , Mikala Gábor , Nagy Noémi , Kiss Laura , Kotmayer Lili , Matolcsy András , Alpár Donát , Masszi Tamás , Masszi András , Bödör Csaba
Published: July 2020

Recent advances in molecular technologies enable sensitive and quantitative assessment of circulating tumor DNA, offering a noninvasive disease monitoring tool for patients with malignant disorders. Here, we demonstrated on four follicular lymphoma cases that circulating tumor DNA based EZH2 mutation analysis performed by a highly sensitive droplet digital PCR method may be a valuable treatment monitoring approach in EZH2 mutant follicular lymphoma. EZH2 variant allele frequencies changed in parallel with the volume of metabolically active tumor sites observed on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computer tomography (PET-CT) scans. Variant allele frequencies of EZH2 mutations decreased or were eliminated rapidly upon successful treatment, with treatment failure being associated with elevated EZH2 variant allele frequencies. We also demonstrated spatial heterogeneity in a patient with two different EZH2 mutations in distinct anatomical sites, with both mutations simultaneously detected in the liquid biopsy specimen. In summary, circulating tumor DNA based EZH2 mutation analysis offers a rapid, real-time, radiation-free monitoring tool for sensitive detection of EZH2 mutations deriving from different anatomical sites in follicular lymphoma patients receiving immunochemotherapy.
Evidence for Dosage Compensation in Coccinia grandis, a Plant with a Highly Heteromorphic XY System
Authors: Fruchard Cécile , Badouin Hélène , Latrasse David , Devani Ravi S. , Muyle Aline , Rhoné Bénédicte , Renner Susanne S. , Banerjee Anjan K. , Bendahmane Abdelhafid , Marais Gabriel A. B.
Published: July 2020

About 15,000 angiosperms are dioecious, but the mechanisms of sex determination in plants remain poorly understood. In particular, how Y chromosomes evolve and degenerate, and whether dosage compensation evolves as a response, are matters of debate. Here, we focus on Coccinia grandis, a dioecious cucurbit with the highest level of X/Y heteromorphy recorded so far. We identified sex-linked genes using RNA sequences from a cross and a model-based method termed SEX-DETector. Parents and F1 individuals were genotyped, and the transmission patterns of SNPs were then analyzed. In the >1300 sex-linked genes studied, maximum X-Y divergence was 0.13–0.17, and substantial Y degeneration is implied by an average Y/X expression ratio of 0.63 and an inferred gene loss on the Y of ~40%. We also found reduced Y gene expression being compensated by elevated expression of corresponding genes on the X and an excess of sex-biased genes on the sex chromosomes. Molecular evolution of sex-linked genes in C. grandis is thus comparable to that in Silene latifolia, another dioecious plant with a strongly heteromorphic XY system, and cucurbits are the fourth plant family in which dosage compensation is described, suggesting it might be common in plants.
Transcriptional Profiling of Normal, Stenotic, and Regurgitant Human Aortic Valves
Authors: Greene Christina L. , Jaatinen Kevin J. , Wang Hanjay , Koyano Tiffany K. , Bilbao Mary S. , Woo Y. Joseph
Published: July 2020

The genetic mechanisms underlying aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic insufficiency (AI) disease progression remain unclear. We hypothesized that normal aortic valves and those with AS or AI all exhibit unique transcriptional profiles. Normal control (NC) aortic valves were collected from non-matched donor hearts that were otherwise acceptable for transplantation (n = 5). Valves with AS or AI (n = 5, each) were collected from patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement. High-throughput sequencing of total RNA revealed 6438 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for AS vs. NC, 4994 DEGs for AI vs. NC, and 2771 DEGs for AS vs. AI. Among 21 DEGs of interest, APCDD1L, CDH6, COL10A1, HBB, IBSP, KRT14, PLEKHS1, PRSS35, and TDO2 were upregulated in both AS and AI compared to NC, whereas ALDH1L1, EPHB1, GPX3, HIF3A, and KCNT1 were downregulated in both AS and AI (p < 0.05). COL11A1, H19, HIF1A, KCNJ6, PRND, and SPP1 were upregulated only in AS, and NPY was downregulated only in AS (p < 0.05). The functional network for AS clustered around ion regulation, immune regulation, and lipid homeostasis, and that for AI clustered around ERK1/2 regulation. Overall, we report transcriptional profiling data for normal human aortic valves from non-matched donor hearts that were acceptable for transplantation and demonstrated that valves with AS and AI possess unique genetic signatures. These data create a roadmap for the development of novel therapeutics to treat AS and AI.
Data-Driven Field Observational Method of a Contiguous Bored Pile Wall System Affected by Accidental Groundwater Drawdown
Authors: Chong Elizabeth Eu-Mee , Ong Dominic Ek-Leong
Published: July 2020

This paper presents the use of a 700 mm-diameter contiguous bored pile (CBP) wall for a main basement deep excavation project with cut-and-cover tunnel. Due to the presence of cement grout columns between piles behind the CBP wall, the main basement was considered to be ‘impermeable’. However, site observations have shown that installation of ground anchors have unintentionally punctured the water tightness of the wall, creating leakages through the CBP wall and the possibility of localized groundwater lowering, as evidenced by the relatively large settlements. In the absence of cement grout columns at the cut-and-cover tunnel section, immediate groundwater drawdown was observed with the excavation rate. Settlement induced by the excavation and groundwater drawdown only slowed down upon the casting of skinwall to prevent groundwater from flowing through the wall. The accidental groundwater leakage led to small wall deflection. The ratio of maximum settlement to maximum deflection is atypical to those reported in the literature. The analysis also revealed that corner effect is significant with smaller settlement registered at the corners of the wall.
An Analytical Random Field Solution for the Reliability of Axially Loaded Piles in the Ultimate Limit State Considering the Effect of Soil Sampling
Authors: Gravanis Elias , Pantelidis Lysandros , Christodoulou Panagiotis
Published: July 2020

The present work is concerned with the effect of soil spatial variability on estimating the ultimate soil resistance of floating axially loaded piles from point measurements of soil properties along the pile. The ultimate limit state is considered. In particular, closed form formulae for (i) determining the optimal sampling depth for minimizing statistical uncertainty and (ii) the optimal—minimum required—safety factor for a desired failure probability level are derived. A dimensionless parameter, the cohesion-to-friction parameter Λ, is introduced which quantifies the weight of soil’s cohesion contribution relative to that of soil’s friction in the linear trend of the ultimate soil strength. The analysis shows that the probability of failure profile with the sampling depth attains a minimum, designating the optimal sampling point. This depends on the scaled spatial correlation length of the soil Θ (i.e., the spatial correlation length of soil over the length of the pile) and the parameter Λ, but not on the coefficient of variance of the ultimate soil strength (covu) or the safety factor. Furthermore, it was found that the optimal depth is always at the lower half of the pile, approaching the mid-point or the bottom end of the pile for Λ>>1 or Λ<<1, respectively. In addition, it was found that for large Θ, the optimal depth tends to be closer to the mid-point of the pile, while for small Θ, the optimal sampling depth arises closer to the bottom end. The practical usefulness of the results is related to a suitable choice of the safety factor. Inverting the probability of failure formula at its minimum value, an optimal safety factor is obtained as a function of the desired (acceptable) probability of failure, and the parameters Θ, Λ and covu. The optimal safety factor is the minimum value required for a desired level of the probability of failure.
Sex-Based Differences in the Association between Nutrition Label Awareness and the Prevalence of Atopic Dermatitis: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Kwon Soo Jin , Kim Yoonjung
Published: July 2020

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic allergic disease with multifactorial causation. Although its association with diet has been demonstrated, it remains unclear whether the prevalence of atopic dermatitis among adults is associated with nutrition label awareness. Nutrition label awareness indicates knowledge of the existence of nutrition labels on processed food, and the use of them for food selection. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed the relationship between nutrition label awareness and the prevalence of atopic dermatitis among men and women using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VI (2013–2015), including a nationally representative sample of 13,505 Korean adults (aged > 19 years). The relationship between the prevalence of atopic dermatitis and nutrition label awareness was evaluated using t-tests, χ2 tests and multivariate adjusted logistic regression analysis. Although univariate analysis showed that atopic dermatitis was associated with nutrition label awareness in both men and women, after adjustment for covariates, there was no significant association among men. The significant association between the prevalence of atopic dermatitis and nutrition label awareness among women reveals a sex-based difference in this relationship in adults, and atopic dermatitis may be managed and prevented among women by targeted education regarding nutrition labels and diet.
The Correlation between Social Support and Quality of Life of Seniors without Cognitive Disorders from an Institutional Environment—A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Chruściel Paweł , Dobrowolska Beata
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to confirm the correlation between social support and the quality of life of seniors who live without cognitive disorders, but are living in an institutional environment. The measurement of variables was based on a cross-sectional survey method. A representative sample of 957 seniors participated in the survey. The study covered public nursing homes (NHs) and residential care homes (RCHs) selected for the study by stratified sampling. The results confirmed a linear correlation between social support and the quality of life of seniors (p < 0.001). It was also confirmed that there were differences in the range of studied variables depending on the type of institution (NH versus RCH; p < 0.001). Social support is a significant component, and at the same time, a modifier of the perception of the quality of life for older people. Its variable level determines the subjective assessment of functioning in particular domains of quality of life. RCH as an institution of a social nature satisfies the needs for support at a higher level than NH, which translates into a better perception of older people’s quality of life.
Social Distancing among Medical Students during the 2019 Coronavirus Disease Pandemic in China: Disease Awareness, Anxiety Disorder, Depression, and Behavioral Activities
Authors: Xiao Huidi , Shu Wen , Li Menglong , Li Ziang , Tao Fangbiao , Wu Xiaoyan , Yu Yizhen , Meng Heng , Vermund Sten H. , Hu Yifei
Published: July 2020

Background: During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, harsh social distancing measures were taken in China to contain viral spread. We examined their impact on the lives of medical students. Methods: A nation-wide cross-sectional survey of college students was conducted from 4–12 February 2020. We enrolled medical students studying public health in Beijing and Wuhan to assess their COVID-19 awareness and to evaluate their mental health status/behaviors using a self-administered questionnaire. We used the Patient Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Health Questionnaire-9 to measure anxiety disorders and depression. We used multivariable logistic regression and path analysis to assess the associations between covariates and anxiety disorder/depression. Results: Of 933 students, 898 (96.2%) reported wearing masks frequently when going out, 723 (77.5%) reported daily handwashing with soap, 676 (72.5%) washed hands immediately after arriving home, and 914 (98.0%) reported staying home as much as possible. Prevalence of anxiety disorder was 17.1% and depression was 25.3%. Multivariable logistic regression showed anxiety to be associated with graduate student status (odds ratio (aOR) = 2.0; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2–3.5), negative thoughts or actions (aOR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.4–1.7), and feeling depressed (aOR = 6.8; 95% CI: 4.0–11.7). Beijing students were significantly less likely to have anxiety than those in the Wuhan epicenter (aOR = 0.9; 95% CI: 0.8–1.0), but depression did not differ. Depression was associated with female students (aOR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.2–3.3), negative thoughts or actions (aOR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.5–1.9), and anxiety disorder (aOR = 5.8; 95% CI: 3.4–9.9). Path analysis validated these same predictors. Conclusions: Despite medical students’ knowledge of disease control and prevention, their lives were greatly affected by social distancing, especially in the Wuhan epicenter. Even well-informed students needed psychological support during these extraordinarily stressful times.
Multidimensional Visualization and Processing of Big Open Urban Geospatial Data on the Web
Authors: Kilsedar Candan , Brovelli Maria
Published: July 2020

The focus of this research is addressing a subset of the geovisualization (i.e., geographic visualization) challenges identified in the literature, namely multidimensional vector and raster geospatial data visualization. Moreover, the work implements an approach for multidimensional raster geospatial data processing. The results of this research are provided through a geoportal comprised of multiple applications that are related to 3D visualization of cities, ground deformation, land use and land cover and mobility. In a subset of the applications, the datasets handled are considered to be large in volume. The geospatial data were visualized on dynamic and interactive virtual globes to enable visual exploration. The geoportal is available on the web to enable cross-platform access to it. Furthermore, the geoportal was developed employing open standards, free and open source software (FOSS) and open data, most importantly to ensure interoperability and reduce the barriers to access it. The geoportal brings together various datasets, different both in terms of context and format employing numerous technologies. As a result, the existing web technologies for geovisualization and geospatial data processing were examined and exemplary and innovative software was developed to extend the state of the art.
Analyzing Links between Spatio-Temporal Metrics of Built-Up Areas and Socio-Economic Indicators on a Semi-Global Scale
Authors: Sapena Marta , Ruiz Luis , Taubenböck Hannes
Published: July 2020

Manifold socio-economic processes shape the built and natural elements in urban areas. They thus influence both the living environment of urban dwellers and sustainability in many dimensions. Monitoring the development of the urban fabric and its relationships with socio-economic and environmental processes will help to elucidate their linkages and, thus, aid in the development of new strategies for more sustainable development. In this study, we identified empirical and significant relationships between income, inequality, GDP, air pollution and employment indicators and their change over time with the spatial organization of the built and natural elements in functional urban areas. We were able to demonstrate this in 32 countries using spatio-temporal metrics, using geoinformation from databases available worldwide. We employed random forest regression, and we were able to explain 32% to 68% of the variability of socio-economic variables. This confirms that spatial patterns and their change are linked to socio-economic indicators. We also identified the spatio-temporal metrics that were more relevant in the models: we found that urban compactness, concentration degree, the dispersion index, the densification of built-up growth, accessibility and land-use/land-cover density and change could be used as proxies for some socio-economic indicators. This study is a first and fundamental step for the identification of such relationships at a global scale. The proposed methodology is highly versatile, the inclusion of new datasets is straightforward, and the increasing availability of multi-temporal geospatial and socio-economic databases is expected to empirically boost the study of these relationships from a multi-temporal perspective in the near future.