bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replacement of Soybean Meal with Heat-Treated Canola Meal in Finishing Diets of Meatmaster Lambs: Physiological and Meat Quality Responses
Authors: Sekali Mpolokeng , Mlambo Victor , Marume Upenyu , Mathuthu Manny
Published: September 2020

The study investigated whether heat treatment (190 °C for 90 min) could improve the quality of expeller canola meal (CM) protein in finishing diets of Meatmaster lambs. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated by partially (50%) or completely replacing SBM as the major protein source with untreated or heat-treated CM in a commercial lamb finishing diet. Diets were randomly allocated to 40 lambs (24.73 ± 1.311 kg; 4.5 months old) for 77 days. No dietary differences were observed for growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality. Diets had no effect (p > 0.05) on blood parameters, except for hemoglobin and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Lambs that were fed the control diet had higher hemoglobin concentration compared with lambs on CM-containing diets. The highest AST value was observed when SBM was completely replaced with untreated CM (159.88 IU/L), while complete replacement with heat-treated CM resulted in the lowest AST value (103.25 IU/L). All lambs had a body condition score of 3 at slaughter. It was concluded that heat treatment did not improve the protein value of CM. However, CM inclusion promoted similar growth performance and meat quality parameters in lambs as SBM. Untreated CM can be used to completely substitute SBM in finishing diets of Meatmaster lambs.
A Cluster of Candida auris Blood Stream Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Oman from 2016 to 2019
Authors: Mohsin Jalila , Weerakoon Sanjeewani , Ahmed Sarah , Puts Ynze , Al Balushi Zainab , Meis Jacques F. , Al-Hatmi Abdullah M.S.
Published: September 2020

(1) Background: Candida auris has been reported as emerging yeast pathogen that can cause invasive bloodstream infections in healthcare settings. It is associated with high mortality rates and resistance to multiple classes of antifungal drugs and is difficult to identify with standard laboratory methods. (2) Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological records for 23 C. auris fungemia cases at the Royal Hospital, a tertiary care facility in Oman, between 2016 and 2018. Demographic data, risk factors associated with mortality, microbiology investigation and treatment regimens are described. Yeasts were identified by MALDI-TOF. (3) Results: We identified 23 patients with C. auris fungemia. All positive samples from patients were confirmed as C. auris using MALDI-TOF, and ITS-rDNA sequencing. Microsatellite genotyping showed that the Omani isolates belong to the South Asian clade I. The majority of patients had multiple underlying illnesses and other risk factors that have been associated with fungemia. All isolates were non-susceptible to fluconazole. Isolates from all patients were sensitive to echinocandins and these were used as first line therapy. (4) Conclusions: Candida auris affects adults and children with a variety of risk factors including central venous catheters and overuse of antibiotics. Infections occur in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. Mortality was high in this series, and the organism can be transmitted in healthcare settings. Programs for raising awareness in Oman hospitals are warranted. Caspofungin remains 1st line therapy as MICs are still low despite its wide use.
A Reliable Transport Scheme for Human Opportunistic Networks
Authors: Liu Meihua , Tian Mao , Chen Xiaoli , Wu Jianbin
Published: September 2020

The human opportunistic networks (ONs) formed by hand-held smart devices can facilitate peer-to-peer communication when humans are on the move, despite contemporaneous end-to-end paths rarely existing. In some scenarios, where network resources, especially power, are scarce and the traffic is large, the data delivery is prone to poor user experience and unbounded delay, although the best effort mechanism “store-carry-forward” is used. To cope with that, most transport/routing schemes obtain an acceptable latency at the cost of energy resources. In real-life human ONs, however, excessive energy consumption will trigger passive participation of the relays in message forwarding, so as to save their limited energy resource. Thus, the reliability of these schemes may get worse in real-life human ONs. In this paper, a reliable transport scheme is developed by making an optimal trade-off between the file round-trip delay and the energy consumption of relays. We make use of acknowledgements and coding at the source to enable successful file delivery. When setting up the network model, the cache management rule referred as “full-duplex” strategy is formulated, and then a mathematical model is established to analyze the proposed scheme. This model describes the evolution of packet dissemination and allows both the mean file round-trip delay and the energy consumption up to the reception of the last acknowledgement by the source to be expressed. Subsequently, a new function based on these two metrics is proposed to reflect the number of files that can be delivered under time and energy constraints. Through optimization procedure, the configurations that can maximize the function are obtained; thus, the optimization of these two metrics is achieved. Numerous simulations and comparisons are conducted and the results verify the accuracy of the analytical model. Comparison results show that with limited energy and passive relays, the proposed transport scheme can significantly reduce the energy consumption of file delivery, which obviously alleviates the selfish behavior of nodes. Therefore, the reliability and stability of the communication service in human ONs are enhanced.
Training Set Enlargement Using Binary Weighted Interpolation Maps for the Single Sample per Person Problem in Face Recognition
Authors: Lee Yonggeol , Choi Sang-Il
Published: September 2020

We propose a method of enlarging the training dataset for a single-sample-per-person (SSPP) face recognition problem. The appearance of the human face varies greatly, owing to various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In order to build a face recognition system that can operate robustly in an uncontrolled, real environment, it is necessary for the algorithm to learn various images of the same person. However, owing to limitations in the collection of facial image data, only one sample can typically be obtained, causing difficulties in the performance and usability of the method. This paper proposes a method that analyzes the changes in pixels in face images associated with variations by extracting the binary weighted interpolation map (B-WIM) from neutral and variational images in the auxiliary set. Then, a new variational image for the query image is created by combining the given query (neutral) image and the variational image of the auxiliary set based on the B-WIM. As a result of performing facial recognition comparison experiments on SSPP training data for various facial-image databases, the proposed method shows superior performance compared with other methods.
Optimization of Extraction of Gelatin from the Head of Kalamtra Sturgeon (Huso dauricus × Acipenser scherenkii × Acipenser transmontanus)
Authors: Islam Md. Rashidul , Yuhi Tomoharu , Ura Kazuhiro , Takagi Yasuaki
Published: September 2020

To develop a new method for extracting gelatin from the sturgeon head, the conditions for pretreatment and extraction were optimized. Treatment at 65 °C (3–3.5 h) was enough to separate the head into mixed tissues (skin, scales, pectoral fins, muscle, bones, gills, and small cartilage pieces), skull cartilage, and liquid. From the intensities of α-, β- and γ-bands and yields, the optimized pretreatment conditions for type A and type B gelatin were 0.05 M HCl (1 h) and 0.1 M NaOH (1 h), respectively. The best extraction conditions were: (1) for type A gelatin: with distilled water (DW) (w/v 1:5) at 35 °C, pH 7 when stirring at 200 rpm for 3 h, and (2) for type B gelatin: with DW (w/v 1:5) at 50 °C, pH 8 when stirring at 200 rpm for 1 h. After the decalcification of extracted residues with 0.05 M HCl for 3 h, re-extraction of gelatin was possible. Under the best extraction conditions, yields of type A and B gelatins were 5.01 and 7.25% (dry gelatin weight/wet sample weight), respectively. Thus, it is possible to extract an industrial amount of gelatin from sturgeon heads, making them valuable by-products.
Camera Geolocation Using Digital Elevation Models in Hilly Area
Authors: Pan Zhibin , Tang Jin , Tjahjadi Tardi , Xiao Xiaoming , Wu Zhihu
Published: September 2020

The geolocation of skyline provides an important application in unmanned vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other fields. However, the existing methods are not effective in hilly areas. In this paper, we analyze the difficulties to locate in hilly areas and propose a new geolocation method. According to the vegetation in hilly area, two new skyline features, enhanced angle chain code and lapel point, are proposed. In order to deal with the skyline being close to the camera, we also propose a matching method which incorporates skyline distance heatmap and skyline pyramid. The experimental results show that the proposed method is highly effective in hilly area and has a robust performance against noise and rotation effects.
Pt(II) Derivatives with Rollover-Coordinated 6-substituted 2,2′-bipyridines: Ligands with Multiple Personalities
Authors: Zucca Antonio , Maidich Luca , Pilo Maria I. , Pischedda Sara , Sedda Mondina , Stoccoro Sergio
Published: September 2020

We report here the synthesis, characterization and behavior of a series of Pt(II) cyclometalated rollover complexes with two substituted bipyridines, 6-ethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (bpy6Et) and 6-methoxy-2,2′-bipyridine (bpy6OMe), in comparison with previously studied 2,2′-bipyridine complexes. The two ligands have similar steric hindrance but different electronic properties. As a result, the reactivity of the two series of complexes follows very different routes. In particular, the new complexes behave differently towards protonation reactions, differences given by substituents and ancillary ligands, added to the presence of several nucleophilic centers. Reaction of complex [Pt(bpy6OMe-H)(PPh3)Me)] with [H3O⋅18-crown-6][BF4] results in a retro-rollover reaction whose final product is the cationic adduct [Pt(bpy6OMe)(PPh3)Me)]+. Surprisingly, only the isomer with the cis-PPh3-OMe geometry is formed; in spite of an expected instability due to steric hindrance, Density-Functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that this isomer is the most stable. This result shows that the cone angle is far from being a real “solid cone” and should lead to a different interpretation of well-known concepts concerning steric bulk of ligands, such as cone angle. Proton affinity values of ligands, neutral complexes and their protonated counterparts were analyzed by means of DFT calculations, allowing a comparison of their properties.
Additively Manufactured Parametric Universal Clip-System: An Open Source Approach for Aiding Personal Exposure Measurement in the Breathing Zone
Authors: Kukko Kirsi , Akmal Jan Sher , Kangas Anneli , Salmi Mika , Björkstrand Roy , Viitanen Anna-Kaisa , Partanen Jouni , Pearce Joshua M.
Published: September 2020

Design for additive manufacturing is adopted to help solve problems inherent to attaching active personal sampler systems to workers for monitoring their breathing zone. A novel and parametric 3D printable clip system was designed with an open source Computer-aided design (CAD) system and was additively manufactured. The concept was first tested with a simple clip design, and when it was found to be functional, the ability of the innovative and open source design to be extended to other applications was demonstrated by designing another tooling system. The clip system was tested for mechanical stress test to establish a minimum lifetime of 5000 openings, a cleaning test, and a supply chain test. The designs were also tested three times in field conditions. The design cost and functionalities of the clip system were compared to commercial systems. This study presents an innovative custom-designed clip system that can aid in attaching different tools for personal exposure measurement to a worker’s harness without hindering the operation of the worker. The customizable clip system opens new possibilities for occupational health professionals since the basic design can be altered to hold different kinds of samplers and tools. The solution is shared using an open source methodology.
Chemical Regeneration of Thermally Conditioned Basalt Fibres
Authors: Lilli Matteo , Sarasini Fabrizio , Fausto Lorenzo Di , González Carlos , Fernández Andrea , Lopes Cláudio Saúl , Tirillò Jacopo
Published: September 2020

The disposal of fibre reinforced composite materials is a problem widely debated in the literature. This work explores the ability to restore the mechanical properties of thermally conditioned basalt fibres through chemical treatments. Inorganic acid (HF) and alkaline (NaOH) treatments proved to be effective in regenerating the mechanical strength of recycled basalt fibres, with up to 94% recovery of the strength on treatment with NaOH. In particular, HF treatment proved to be less effective compared to NaOH, therefore pointing towards a more environmentally sustainable approach considering the disposal issues linked to the use of HF. Moreover, the strength regeneration was found to be dependent on the level of temperature experienced during the thermal treatment process, with decreasing effectiveness as a function of increasing temperature. SEM analysis of the fibres’ lateral surfaces suggests that surface defects removal induced by the etching reaction is the mechanism controlling recovery of fibre mechanical properties. In addition, studies on the fracture toughness of the regenerated single fibres were carried out, using focussed ion beam (FIB) milling technique, to investigate whether any structural change in the bulk fibre occurred after thermal exposure and chemical regeneration. A significant increase in the fracture toughness for the regenerated fibres, in comparison with the as-received and heat-treated basalt ones, was measured.
GPU Parallel Implementation for Real-Time Feature Extraction of Hyperspectral Images
Authors: Li Chunchao , Peng Yuanxi , Su Mingrui , Jiang Tian
Published: September 2020

As the application of real-time requirements gradually increases or real-time processing and responding become the bottleneck of the task, parallel computing in hyperspectral image applications has also become a significant research focus. In this article, a flexible and efficient method is utilized in the noise adaptive principal component (NAPC) algorithm for feature extraction of hyperspectral images. From noise estimation to feature extraction, we deploy a complete CPU-GPU collaborative computing solution. Through the computer experiments on three traditional hyperspectral datasets, our proposed improved NAPC (INAPC) has stable superiority and provides a significant speedup compared with the OpenCV and PyTorch implementation. What’s more, we creatively establish a complete set of uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) photoelectric platform, including UAV, hyperspectral camera, NVIDIA Jetson Xavier, etc. Flight experimental results show, considering hyperspectral image data acquisition and transmission time, the proposed algorithm meets the feature extraction of real-time processing.
Model-Free Current Loop Autotuning for Synchronous Reluctance Motor Drives
Authors: Pasqualotto Dario , Tinazzi Fabio , Zigliotto Mauro
Published: September 2020

Synchronous reluctance motors are arousing lively interest as a possible alternative to the less efficient induction motors. An open issue is the effective tuning of the inner current loops because of the nonlinearity that cannot be overlooked. The present paper uses a relay feedback approach to perform autotuning without resorting to any parameter knowledge. The tuning is iterated at different working points, to get a uniform current control bandwidth everywhere. Unlike many solutions in the field, the algorithm is truly autonomous, in the sense that it also suggests a correct value for the bandwidth specification. The paper includes both simulation and experimental results, obtained on a laboratory prototype.
Brewing Characteristics of the Maltotriose-Positive Yeast Zygotorulaspora florentina Isolated from Oak
Authors: Nikulin Jarkko , Eerikäinen Ronja , Hutzler Mathias , Gibson Brian
Published: September 2020

The use of wild yeasts in fermentation is becoming a viable option for the differentiation of beers. To achieve good fermentation rates and alcohol yields, however, such yeasts must have the ability to utilize the wort sugars maltose and maltotriose, a relatively rare trait amongst non-domesticated yeasts. Zygotorulaspora florentina is a species with the ability to utilize both sugars, and was evaluated here with respect to its brewing potential. The strain studied (VTT C-201041) was isolated from bark of an oak tree (Quercus robur) in Espoo, Finland. The fermentation performance of the strain was compared to that of two ale yeasts as well as the species type strain (VTT C-94199). Both Z. florentina strains fermented wort efficiently (apparent attenuation levels >77%). While the type strain had the highest yield, the Finnish strain produced more volatile aroma compounds. The species is capable of decarboxylating ferulic acid to produce the spice/clove-like compound 4-vinylguaiacol, which was present in beers at a concentration above the typical flavor threshold. The characteristic flavor of 4-vinylguaiacol was not however perceptible in taste trials, possibly due to the masking effect of other compounds. The potential of this species for industrial application is discussed, particularly in relation to its apparent ethanol sensitivity.
Basophils and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Murine Models and Human Patients
Authors: Dossybayeva Kuanysh , Abdukhakimova Diyora , Poddighe Dimitri
Published: September 2020

Basophils are the rarest cell population in the blood. Even though basophils are known to participate in some allergic reactions and immune responses to parasitic infections, their immunological role is still largely elusive. Recent evidence has suggested that in some murine models of systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus-like nephritis, basophils may also be implicated in autoimmunity processes by promoting autoantibody production and tissue injury. We conducted a systematic search to collect the available evidence on basophils’ potential immunomodulatory role in autoimmunity and, particularly, systemic lupus erythematosus. We identified several articles investigating basophils’ role in murine models of lupus (n = 3) and in patients affected with systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 8). Even though the alteration of the “adaptive” immune response is considered the main immunopathological event in systemic lupus erythematosus, the contribution from the mechanisms of “innate” immunity and, particularly, basophils may be relevant as well, by modulating the activation, polarization, and survival of lymphocytes.
Arsenic Methyltransferase and Methylation of Inorganic Arsenic
Authors: Roy Nirmal K. , Murphy Anthony , Costa Max
Published: September 2020

Arsenic occurs naturally in the environment, and exists predominantly as inorganic arsenite (As (III) and arsenate As (V)). Arsenic contamination of drinking water has long been recognized as a major global health concern. Arsenic exposure causes changes in skin color and lesions, and more severe health conditions such as black foot disease as well as various cancers originating in the lungs, skin, and bladder. In order to efficiently metabolize and excrete arsenic, it is methylated to monomethylarsonic and dimethylarsinic acid. One single enzyme, arsenic methyltransferase (AS3MT) is responsible for generating both metabolites. AS3MT has been purified from several mammalian and nonmammalian species, and its mRNA sequences were determined from amino acid sequences. With the advent of genome technology, mRNA sequences of AS3MT have been predicted from many species throughout the animal kingdom. Horizontal gene transfer had been postulated for this gene through phylogenetic studies, which suggests the importance of this gene in appropriately handling arsenic exposures in various organisms. An altered ability to methylate arsenic is dependent on specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in AS3MT. Reduced AS3MT activity resulting in poor metabolism of iAs has been shown to reduce expression of the tumor suppressor gene, p16, which is a potential pathway in arsenic carcinogenesis. Arsenic is also known to induce oxidative stress in cells. However, the presence of antioxidant response elements (AREs) in the promoter sequences of AS3MT in several species does not correlate with the ability to methylate arsenic. ARE elements are known to bind NRF2 and induce antioxidant enzymes to combat oxidative stress. NRF2 may be partly responsible for the biotransformation of iAs and the generation of methylated arsenic species via AS3MT. In this article, arsenic metabolism, excretion, and toxicity, a discussion of the AS3MT gene and its evolutionary history, and DNA methylation resulting from arsenic exposure have been reviewed.
Utility of Three-Dimensional Cultures of Primary Human Hepatocytes (Spheroids) as Pharmacokinetic Models
Authors: Mizoi Kenta , Arakawa Hiroshi , Yano Kentaro , Koyama Satoshi , Kojima Hajime , Ogihara Takuo
Published: September 2020

This paper reviews the usefulness, current status, and potential of primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) in three-dimensional (3D) cultures, also known as spheroids, in the field of pharmacokinetics (PK). Predicting PK and toxicity means pharmaceutical research can be conducted more efficiently. Various in vitro test systems using human hepatocytes have been proposed as tools to detect hepatic toxicity at an early stage in the drug development process. However, such evaluation requires long-term, low-level exposure to the test compound, and conventional screening systems such as PHHs in planar (2D) culture, in which the cells can only survive for a few days, are unsuitable for this purpose. In contrast, spheroids consisting of PHH are reported to retain the functional characteristics of human liver for at least 35 days. Here, we introduce a fundamental PK and toxicity assessment model of PHH spheroids and describe their applications for assessing species-specific metabolism, enzyme induction, and toxicity, focusing on our own work in these areas. The studies outlined in this paper may provide important information for pharmaceutical companies to reduce termination of development of drug candidates.
Change of Title: From High-Throughput to BioTech
Authors: Iadarola Paolo , Negrini Massimo
Published: September 2020

Founded in 2012, High-Throughput (formerly Microarrays) is a MDPI peer-reviewed journal that has published 216 articles so far, 29 of which are frequently cited (10 to 100 times) reports [...]
Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of β-Ga2O3 Nanostructures for Decomposition of Formaldehyde under Deep Ultraviolet Irradiation
Authors: Lee Jin-Hwan , Doan Tuan Anh , Park Young Jae , Hoa Huynh Tran My , Phuong Pham Hoai , Le Dung Tien , Hung Nguyen Hoang , Tran Quang Trung , Lee Hong-Shik , Ryu Jae Hyoung , Yoo Ji-Yoon , Cuong Tran Viet
Published: September 2020

An attempt to degrade volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and sterilize air simultaneously is highly desirable to improve indoor air quality. With the help of deep ultraviolet (UVC) lighting, harmful bacteria that exists in the air can be destroyed. Thus, a new photocatalytic substance that can break down VOCs under UVC irradiation is required. Here, we demonstrate the photocatalytic activity of β-Ga2O3 nanostructures, synthesized via the solvothermal method for removing formaldehyde (HCHO) under deep ultraviolet irradiation. The Raman and XRD results indicated that as-synthesized nanostructures showed β-crystalline phase with a monoclinic structure. The photoluminescence spectrum exhibited a broad and strong green emission peak at 510 nm, which was likely attributed to a considerable amount of oxygen and gallium vacancies formed during the calcinating process. The photocatalytic efficiency for decomposing HCHO at room temperature under deep ultraviolet irradiation (278 nm) of the synthesized β-Ga2O3 nanoparticles is higher than that of the β-Ga2O3 nanorods. Both nanoparticles and nanorods obeyed the pseudo-first-order Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model with a degradation rate constant of 0.057 and 0.033 min−1, corresponding to the efficiency of 82% and 62% in the formaldehyde removal, respectively.
TNF Production and Release from Microglia via Extracellular Vesicles: Impact on Brain Functions
Authors: Raffaele Stefano , Lombardi Marta , Verderio Claudia , Fumagalli Marta
Published: September 2020

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a pleiotropic cytokine powerfully influencing diverse processes of the central nervous system (CNS) under both physiological and pathological conditions. Here, we analyze current literature describing the molecular processes involved in TNF synthesis and release from microglia, the resident immune cells of the CNS and the main source of this cytokine both in brain development and neurodegenerative diseases. A special attention has been given to the unconventional vesicular pathway of TNF, based on the emerging role of microglia-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the propagation of inflammatory signals and in mediating cell-to-cell communication. Moreover, we describe the contribution of microglial TNF in regulating important CNS functions, including the neuroinflammatory response following brain injury, the neuronal circuit formation and synaptic plasticity, and the processes of myelin damage and repair. Specifically, the available data on the functions mediated by microglial EVs carrying TNF have been scrutinized to gain insights on possible novel therapeutic strategies targeting TNF to foster CNS repair.
ARID2 Chromatin Remodeler in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Loesch Robin , Chenane Linda , Colnot Sabine
Published: September 2020

Chromatin remodelers are found highly mutated in cancer including hepatocellular carcinoma. These mutations frequently occur in ARID (AT-rich Interactive Domain) genes, encoding subunits of the ATP-dependent SWI/SNF remodelers. The increasingly prevalent complexity that surrounds the functions and specificities of the highly modular BAF (BG1/BRM-associated factors) and PBAF (polybromo-associated BAF) complexes, including ARID1A/B or ARID2, is baffling. The involvement of the SWI/SNF complexes in diverse tissues and processes, and especially in the regulation of gene expression, multiplies the specific outcomes of specific gene alterations. A better understanding of the molecular consequences of specific mutations impairing chromatin remodelers is needed. In this review, we summarize what we know about the tumor-modulating properties of ARID2 in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Principal Postulates of Centrosomal Biology. Version 2020
Authors: Uzbekov Rustem E. , Avidor-Reiss Tomer
Published: September 2020

The centrosome, which consists of two centrioles surrounded by pericentriolar material, is a unique structure that has retained its main features in organisms of various taxonomic groups from unicellular algae to mammals over one billion years of evolution. In addition to the most noticeable function of organizing the microtubule system in mitosis and interphase, the centrosome performs many other cell functions. In particular, centrioles are the basis for the formation of sensitive primary cilia and motile cilia and flagella. Another principal function of centrosomes is the concentration in one place of regulatory proteins responsible for the cell’s progression along the cell cycle. Despite the existing exceptions, the functioning of the centrosome is subject to general principles, which are discussed in this review.
Development and Validation of a Fully GMP-Compliant Process for Manufacturing Stromal Vascular Fraction: A Cost-Effective Alternative to Automated Methods
Authors: François Pauline , Giraudo Laurent , Veran Julie , Bertrand Baptiste , Dumoulin Chloé , Aboudou Houssein , Grimaud Fanny , Vogtensperger Marie , Velier Mélanie , Arnaud Laurent , Lyonnet Luc , Simoncini Stéphanie , Guillet Benjamin , Dignat-George Françoise , Magalon Jérémy , Sabatier Florence
Published: September 2020

The therapeutic use of adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is expanding in multiple pathologies. Various processes have been proposed for manufacturing SVF but they must be revisited based on advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP) regulations. We report here the development and validation of a fully good manufacturing practices (GMP)-compliant protocol for the isolation of SVF. Adipose tissue was collected from healthy volunteers undergoing lipoaspiration. The optimal conditions of collagenase digestion and washing were determined based on measurements of SVF cell viability, yield recovery, and cell subset distribution. Comparability of the SVF obtained using the newly developed manufacturing process (n = 6) and the Celution-based automated method (n = 33), used as a reference, was established using inter-donor analyses. Characteristics of SVF (n = 5) generated using both manufacturing protocols were analyzed for an intra-donor comparison. In addition, these comparisons also included the determination of colony-forming unit fibroblast frequency, in vitro angiogenic activity, and in vivo regenerative effects in a mouse ischemic cutaneous wound model. We successfully developed a process for the generation of SVF presenting higher cell viability and yield recovery compared to the Celution device-based protocol. Characteristics of the SVF including phenotype, capacity for angiogenesis, and wound-healing promotion attested to the comparability of the two manufacturing processes. We validated an optimized non-automated process that should allow for a GMP-compliant, more affordable, and reduced-cost strategy to exploit the potential of SVF-based regenerative therapies.
Influences of Central Units and Terminal Chains on the Banana-Shaped Liquid Crystals
Authors: Ting Tang Xin , Sarjadi Mohd Sani , Rahman Md Lutfor
Published: September 2020

Azo-functionalized materials are one of the appealing groups of the functionalized materials owing to their photoswitching behaviour and have been explored for various potential applications viz., optical data storage, sensor, display devices, nonlinear materials and molecular switches. Recently, azo-functionalized bent-core liquid crystals (BCLCs) have gained significant attention because they have dual properties of BCLCs and azobenzene, which enables to generate new multifaceted functional and smart materials. In this report, the recently synthesized azobenzene containing bent-core mesogens and its subclass, the so-called hockey stick and V-shaped molecules are summarized. The mesomorphic behaviour of reported BCLCs affected by the type of central core unit, the nature, number and position of the lateral substituents and the type and length of the terminal chain are discussed. The photoisomerization process of these photoresponsive BCLCs in solid, solution and mesophase, as well as the impact of light on the chemical and electrical properties of them, are discussed.
Electric Transport of Nodal Line Semimetals in Single-Component Molecular Conductors
Authors: Suzumura Yoshikazu , Kato Reizo , Ogata Masao
Published: September 2020

We examine an effect of acoustic phonon scattering on the electric conductivity of a single-component molecular conductor [Pd(dddt)2] (dddt = 5,6-dihydro-1,4-dithiin-2,3-dithiolate) with a half-filled band by applying the previous calculation in a two-dimensional model with Dirac cone [Phys. Rev. B. 98, 161205 (2018)], wherethe electric transport by the impurity scattering exhibits a noticeable interplay of the Dirac cone and the phonon scattering, resulting in maximum of the conductivity with increasing temperature. The conductor shows a nodal line semimetal, where the band crossing of HOMO (Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital) and LUMO (Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital) provides a loop of Dirac points located close to the Fermi energy followed by the density of states (DOS) similar to that of a two-dimensional Dirac cone. Using a tight-binding (TB) model [arXiv:2008.09277], which was obtained using the crystal structure observed from a recent X ray diffraction experiment under pressure, it is shown that the obtained conductivity explains reasonably the anomalous behavior in [Pd(dddt)2] exhibiting temperature-independent resistivity at finite temperatures. This paper demonstrates a crucial role of the acoustic phonon scattering at finite temperatures in the electric conductivity of Dirac electrons. The present theoretical results of conductivity are compared with those of the experiments.
Temporal Evolution of Diatoms in a Temporary Pond Situated in the Massif du Sancy Mountains (Massif Central, France) and Description of a New Pinnularia Species
Authors: Beauger Aude , Allain Elisabeth , Voldoire Olivier , Wetzel Carlos E. , Ector Luc , Van de Vijver Bart
Published: September 2020

A floristic survey was performed on a temporary pond, “Laqui du Seignavoux”, situated in the Mont-Dore massif of the French Massif Central, between 2017 and 2019. Except in 2017, each year, we performed four sampling campaigns from April/May to December. Water samples and diatoms were collected. The temporary pond evolved from a poorly mineralized ecosystem due to snow, inducing oligotrophic and oligosaprobic water, well oxygenated in spring, to a more mineralized, less oxygenated, eutrophic–hypereutrophic, and polysaprobic environment in summer. This change in abiotic conditions was found to be linked to the presence of cattle, beginning in May, that trample and excrete in the pond, leading to higher ammonium and nitrate concentrations. During this period, the dominant species were Pinnularia sp., Nitzschia palea, and Nitzschia palea var. tenuirostris. In spring and winter, different species of Eunotia dominated the community such as Eunotia pseudogroenlandica. Finally, light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations on a new species of the genus Pinnularia from the temporary pond are presented and the ecological preferences are discussed.
Drone-Based Participatory Mapping: Examining Local Agricultural Knowledge in the Galapagos
Authors: Colloredo-Mansfeld Mia , Laso Francisco J. , Arce-Nazario Javier
Published: September 2020

Agriculture is cultural heritage, and studies of agricultural spaces and practices help this heritage to be valued and protected. In the Galapagos Islands, little focus has been placed on local agricultural practices and agroforestry, despite their increasing importance for food security and invasive species management. This article discusses the possibilities for unoccupied aerial vehicle (UAV) high-resolution imagery in examining agricultural and agroforestry spaces, techniques, and practices. It describes and assesses an UAV-assisted participatory methodology for on-farm qualitative research that aims to investigate the visible and invisible features of farming practices. An analysis of the types of responses elicited by different methods of interviews with Galapagos farmers demonstrates how incorporating UAV data affects what we took away from the interview, and how the perceived relationship between farmer and land is reflected. Specifically, we find that when interacting with orthomosaics created from UAV images of their farms, farmers’ responses reveal a greater focus on management strategies at larger spatial and temporal scales. UAV imagery thus supports studies of agricultural heritage not only by recording agricultural spaces but also by revealing agrarian knowledge and practices.
Adsorption/Desorption Patterns of Selenium for Acid and Alkaline Soils of Xerothermic Environments
Authors: Zafeiriou Ioannis , Gasparatos Dionisios , Massas Ioannis
Published: September 2020

Selenium adsorption/desorption behavior was examined for eight Greek top soils with different properties, aiming to describe the geochemistry of the elements in the selected soils in terms of bioavailability and contamination risk by leaching. Four soils were acid and four alkaline, and metal oxides content greatly differed between the two groups of soils. The concentrations of Se(IV) used for the performed adsorption batch experiments ranged from 1 to 50 mg/L, while the soil to solution ratio was 1 g/0.03 L. Acid soils adsorbed significantly higher amounts of the added Se(IV) than alkaline soils. Freundlich and Langmuir equations adequately described the adsorption of Se(IV) in the studied soils, and the parameters of both isotherms significantly correlated with soil properties. In particular, both KF and qm values significantly positively correlated with ammonium oxalate extractable Fe and with dithionite extractable Al and Mn, suggesting that amorphous Fe oxides and Al and Mn oxides greatly affect exogenous Se(IV) adsorption in the eight soils. These two parameters were also significantly negatively correlated with soil electrical conductivity (EC) values, indicating that increased soluble salts concentration suppresses Se(IV) adsorption. No significant relation between adsorbed Se(IV) and soil organic content was recorded. A weak salt (0.25 M KCl) was used at the same soil to solution ratio to extract the amount of the adsorbed Se(IV) that is easily exchangeable and thus highly available in the soil ecosystem. A much higher Se(IV) desorption from alkaline soils was observed, pointing to the stronger retention of added Se(IV) by the acid soils. This result implies that in acid soils surface complexes on metal oxides may have been formed restricting Se desorption.
Role of Sensory Evaluation in Consumer Acceptance of Plant-Based Meat Analogs and Meat Extenders: A Scoping Review
Authors: Fiorentini Martina , Kinchla Amanda J. , Nolden Alissa A.
Published: September 2020

Growing demand for sustainable food has led to the development of meat analogs to satisfy flexitarians and conscious meat-eaters. Successful combinations of functional ingredients and processing methods result in the generation of meat-like sensory attributes, which are necessary to attract non-vegetarian consumers. Sensory science is a broader research field used to measure and interpret responses to product properties, which is not limited to consumer liking. Acceptance is evaluated through hedonic tests to assess the overall liking and degree of liking for individual sensory attributes. Descriptive analysis provides both qualitative and quantitative results of the product’s sensory profile. Here, original research papers are reviewed that evaluate sensory attributes of meat analogs and meat extenders through hedonic testing and/or descriptive analysis to demonstrate how these analytical approaches are important for consumer acceptance. Sensory evaluation combined with instrumental measures, such as texture and color, can be advantageous and help to improve the final product. Future applications of these methods might include integration of sensory tests during product development to better direct product processing and formulation. By conducting sensory evaluation, companies and researchers will learn valuable information regarding product attributes and overall liking that help to provide more widely accepted and sustainable foods.
Susceptibility to Bacteriocins in Biofilm-Forming, Variable Staphylococci Isolated from Local Slovak Ewes’ Milk Lump Cheeses
Authors: Lauková Andrea , Pogány Simonová Monika , Focková Valentína , Kološta Miroslav , Tomáška Martin , Dvorožňáková Emília
Published: September 2020

Seventeen staphylococci isolated from 54 Slovak local lump cheeses made from ewes’ milk were taxonomically allotted to five species and three clusters/groups involving the following species: Staphylococcus aureus (5 strains), Staphylococcus xylosus (3 strains), Staphylococcus equorum (one strain) Staphylococcus succinus (5 strains) and Staphylococcus simulans (3 strains). Five different species were determined. The aim of the study follows two lines: basic research in connection with staphylococci, and further possible application of the bacteriocins. Identified staphylococci were mostly susceptible to antibiotics (10 out of 14 antibiotics). Strains showed γ-hemolysis (meaning they did not form hemolysis) except for S. aureus SAOS1/1 strain, which formed β-hemolysis. S. aureus SAOS1/1 strain was also DNase positive as did S. aureus SAOS5/2 and SAOS51/3. The other staphylococci were DNase negative. S. aureus SAOS1/1 and SAOS51/3 showed biofilm formation on Congo red agar. However, using quantitative plate assay, 12 strains out of 17 showed low-grade biofilm formation (0.1 ≤ A570 < 1), while five strains did not form biofilm (A570 < 0.1). The growth of all strains, including those strains resistant to enterocins, was inhibited by nisin and gallidermin, with high inhibition activity resulting in the inhibition zone in size from 1600 up to 102,400 AU/mL (arbitrary unit per milliliter). This study contributes to microbiota colonization associated with raw ewe’s milk lump cheeses; it also indicates bacteriocin treatment benefit, which can be used in prevention and/or elimination of staphylococci.
The Relationship between In Vitro and In Vivo Starch Digestion Kinetics of Breads Varying in Dietary Fibre
Authors: Rojas-Bonzi Patricia , Vangsøe Cecilie Toft , Nielsen Kirstine Lykke , Lærke Helle Nygaard , Hedemann Mette Skou , Knudsen Knud Erik Bach
Published: September 2020

The relationship between in vitro and in vivo starch digestion kinetics was studied in portal vein catheterised pigs fed breads varying in dietary fibre (DF) content and composition. The breads were a low DF white wheat bread, two high DF whole grain rye breads without and with whole kernels and two experimental breads with added arabinoxylan or oat β-glucan concentrates, respectively. In vitro, samples were collected at 0, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min and the cumulative hydrolysis curve for starch was modelled, whereas the in vivo cumulative absorption models for starch were based on samples taken every 15 min up to 60 min and then every 30 min up to 240 min. The starch hydrolysis rate in vitro (0.07 to 0.16%/min) was far higher than the rate of glucose appearance in vivo (0.017 to 0.023% absorbed starch/min). However, the ranking of the breads was the same in vitro and in vivo and there was a strong relationship between the kinetic parameters.
Measuring Protein Content in Food: An Overview of Methods
Authors: Hayes Maria
Published: September 2020

In order to determine the quantity of protein in food, it is important to have standardized analytical methods. Several methods exist that are used in different food industries to quantify protein content, including the Kjeldahl, Lowry, Bradford and total amino acid content methods. The correct determination of the protein content of foods is important as, often, as is the case with milk, it determines the economic value of the food product and it can impact the economic feasibility of new industries for alternative protein production. This editorial provides an overview of different protein determination methods and describes their advantages and disadvantages.
Addition of Coriander during Fermentation of Korean Soy Sauce (Gangjang) Causes Significant Shift in Microbial Composition and Reduction in Biogenic Amine Levels
Authors: Mannaa Mohamed , Seo Young-Su , Park Inmyoung
Published: September 2020

The microflora of Korean soy sauce (gangjang) play an important role in maintaining its quality and safety. Hence, it is important to study the microflora and the possible approaches to improve their composition. In this study, the effect of adding coriander during soy sauce fermentation on the microflora and biogenic amines was evaluated using metagenomics and 1H NMR analyses, respectively. The β-diversity showed a clear distinction between the microbiota of the coriander and control groups. Microbial composition analysis revealed noticeable shifts, as Firmicutes abundance was significantly higher in the coriander group (91.77%) than that in the control (38.78%). The dominant bacterial family in the coriander group was the Bacillaceae (57.94%), while Halomonadaceae was dominant in the control group (49.77%). At the species level, Chromohalobacter beijerinckii dominated the microbial community in the control group (49.54%), but not (4.43%) in the coriander group. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between the Bacillaceae and several other bacterial families, including Halomonadaceae, which indicated a possible antagonism and partly explained the reduction in Chromohalobacter abundance in the coriander group. The levels of the biogenic amines histamine, putrescine, and tyramine, which are considered potential health risk factors, were significantly lower in the coriander soy sauce than those in the control sauce. The results of this study suggest that the addition of coriander during Korean soy sauce fermentation is beneficial, as coriander significantly reduces the levels of biogenic amines and the bacteria that produce them.
Food Consumption and Emotions at a Salad Lunch Buffet in a Multisensory Environment
Authors: Hoppu Ulla , Puputti Sari , Mattila Saila , Puurtinen Marjaana , Sandell Mari
Published: September 2020

The food experience is multisensory and multisensory external stimuli may affect food choice and emotions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multisensory eating environment on food choice, intake and the emotional states of the subjects in a salad lunch buffet setting. A total of 30 female subjects consumed a salad lunch twice in the multisensory laboratory. The two test conditions (control and multisensory condition with environmental stimuli) were randomized and the visits were scheduled one week apart. Subjects selected and ate a meal from a salad buffet including 14 food items and the intake of each item was weighed. They answered an online questionnaire about the meal and their emotional states (20 different emotion terms) after the lunch. There was no significant difference in the food consumption between the control and multisensory conditions. The subjects were very satisfied with their lunch for both study visits but the pleasantness of the eating environment was rated higher under the multisensory condition. In emotional terms, the subjects selected the term “happy” significantly more frequently under the multisensory condition compared with the control. In conclusion, the multisensory eating environment in this study was not related to food intake but may be associated with positive emotions. The effect of the eating environment on food choice and experience deserves further study with a larger study population in a real lunch restaurant setting.