White Appearance Research Articles

FGW1, a protein containing DUF630 and DUF632 domains, regulates grain size and filling in Oryza sativa L.

Grain filling influences grain size and quality in cereal crops. The molecular mechanisms that regulate grain endosperm development remain elusive. In this study, we characterized a filling-defective and grain width mutant, fgw1, whose mutation increased rice seed width mainly via cell division and expansion in grains. Sucrose contents were higher but starch contents lower in the fgw1 mutant during the grain-filling stage, resulting in inferior endosperm of opaque, white appearance with loosely packed starch granules. Map-based cloning revealed that FGW1 encoded a protein containing DUF630/DUF632 domains, localized in the plasma membrane with preferential expression in the panicle. RNA interference in FGW1 resulted in increased grain width and weight, whereas overexpression of FGW1 led to slightly narrower kernels and better grain filling. In a yeast two-hybrid assay, FGW1 interacted directly with the 14–3–3 protein GF14f, bimolecular fluorescence complementation verified that the site of interaction was the membrane, and the mutated FGW1 protein failed to interact with GF14f. The expression of GF14f was down-regulated in fgw1, and the activities of AGPase, StSase, and SuSase in the endosperm of fgw1 increased similarly to those of a reported GF14f-RNAi. Transcriptome analysis indicated that FGW1 also regulates cellular processes and carbohydrate metabolism. Thus, FGW1 regulated grain formation via the GF14f pathway.

The origin of black and white coloration of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae).

Micro- and nanostructures of the white and black scales on the tarsi of the mosquito Aedes albopictus are analysed using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. Reflectance spectra of the white areas are measured. No clear difference is present in the morphology of micro- and nanostructures of black and white scales in SEM and TEM, but black scales contain a dark pigment. The white colour of the scales has a structural origin. The structural white produced by the micro- and nanostructures of the scales on the tarsi of Ae. albopictus appears bright and is angle-dependent, since the reflected light changes according to the angle detection and according to the tarsus orientation. The optical appearance of the scale system of Ae. albopictus has a complex nature and can be explained by the combination of several effects. Among them, multiple refraction and reflection on the micro- and nanostructures of the scales are mainly responsible for the white appearance. The results suggest that mosquito scales, in addition to their superhydrophobic function, produce structural white. The biological role of white and black patches in mate recognition and defensive behaviour in the mosquitoes of the genus Aedes is hypothesized.

Adele Logan Alexander. Princess of the Hither Isles: A Black Suffragist’s Story from the Jim Crow South.

In Princess of the Hither Isles: A Black Suffragist’s Story from the Jim Crow South, Adele Alexander has written a beautiful and challenging “memoir” of her grandmother Adella Hunt Logan. Although the book is deeply researched and includes archival sources and oral histories, Alexander chose to weave these sources together with her literary imagination, creating dialogue and composite characters in order to tell the story of several generations of her family. As such, the book inspires readers to meditate on story, truth, the archives, and the historian. Princess of the Hither Isles reveals the myriad ways Logan and members of the family fought injustice, racism, and sexism. Set in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, primarily in Georgia and Alabama, with scenes in New York, Michigan, and Massachusetts, Logan and her family and friends experienced violence and segregation. Her nearly white physical appearance provided safe passage occasionally, when she chose to pass as white for travel or to attend segregated events or institutions.

Laser ablation under intraductal cholangioscopic guidance for cholangiocarcinoma.

An 82-year-old man was admitted for progressively worsening jaundice. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) showed a stenosis of 2 cm in length in the common bile duct, with dilatation of the biliary system above ([Fig. 1]). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-guided cytologic brushing confirmed adenocarcinoma. The patient refused surgery owing to his age and significant co-morbidities. Another ERCP with intraductal cholangioscopic (SpyGlass) observation was arranged. Some mucosal erosions and nodular hyperplasia were found endoscopically ([Fig. 2]). A circumferential irradiation fiber was introduced through the channel of the endoscope ([Fig. 3]) and connected to a laser system (Leonardo, 1470 nm and 980 nm dual wavelength; CeramOpteec GmbH of Biolitec AG, Bonn, Germany). Continuous ablation was carried out until all visualized tumors had been burned to a whitish and necrotic appearance, producing a wider lumen ([Fig. 4]), before a metal stent was placed ([Fig. 5]). The patient recovered unremarkably and was discharged 5 days later ([Video 1]).

Scalable Colored Subambient Radiative Coolers Based on a Polymer-Tamm Photonic Structure.

Daytime radiative coolers cool objects below the air temperature without any electricity input, while most of them are limited by a silvery or whitish appearance. Colored daytime radiative coolers (CDRCs) with diverse colors, scalable manufacture, and subambient cooling have not been achieved. We introduce a polymer-Tamm photonic structure to enable a high infrared emittance and an engineered absorbed solar irradiance, governed by the quality factor (Q-factor). We theoretically determine the theoretical thresholds for subambient cooling through yellow, magenta, and cyan CDRCs. We experimentally fabricate and observe a temperature drop of 2.6-8.8 °C on average during the daytime and 4.0-4.4 °C during the nighttime. Furthermore, we demonstrate a scalable-manufactured magenta CDRC with a width of 60 cm and a length of 500 cm by a roll-to-roll deposition technique. This work provides guidelines for large-scale CDRCs and offers unprecedented opportunities for potential applications with energy-saving, aesthetic, and visual comfort demands.

Dental Fluorosis – A Review

Dental fluorosis is a dental enamel development disturbance caused by repeated exposure to high fluoride concentrations during tooth development, resulting in enamel with a lower mineral content and more porosity. Dental fluorosis shows white opaque appearance of hypomineralized enamel subsurface, with pitting and subsequent loss of enamel surface leads to brown color. The lesions take place in these forms : hypoplasia of dental enamel, pitting, decalcified areas, mottling, brownin. Fluorides are always considered as double-edged sword. Fluorides are necessary for the healthy growth and development of the body, however excessive fluoride intake can be harmful and causes severe deformities by understanding the sources of fluoride, knowing to avoid over exposure, fluorosis can be prevented. They are also treated with bleaching, micro abrasion, resin infiltration, resin infiltration with bleaching, and microabrasion with bleaching.

Replacing the Addition of Sulfite in Mustard Pickle Products by High-Hydrostatic-Pressure Processing to Delay Quality Deterioration during Storage.

This study aimed to assess the use of the high-hydrostatic-pressure (HHP) method (200-600 MPa, 5 min) for bleaching mustard pickle products as an alternative to the conventional method of sulfite addition. The aerobic plate count (APC) and lactic acid bacteria count (LAB) of the samples decreased with the increase in pressure, and the yeast count decreased to no detectable levels. Next, compared with the control group (no high-pressure treatment) the L* (lightness), W (whiteness), ΔE (color difference), and texture (hardness and chewiness) of the HHP-processed samples, which increased significantly with increasing pressure, while the a* (redness) and b* (yellowness) values decreased slightly. This indicates that HHP processing gave the mustard pickle a harder texture and a brighter white color and appearance. Furthermore, when the mustard pickle was treated with HHP 400 and 600 MPa for 5 min and stored at 25 °C for 60 days, it was found that the APC and LAB counts in the HHP-processed group recovered rapidly and did not differ from those in the control group (the non-HHP treated group) but significantly delayed the growth of yeast, the increase in pH value, and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN). The high-throughput sequencing (HTS) analysis revealed that the predominant bacterial genera in the non-HHP-treated mustard pickle were Lactiplantibacillus (74%), Lactilactobacillus (12%), and Levilactobacillus (6%); after 60 days of storage, Companilactobacillus (80%) became dominant. However, after 60 days of storage, Lactiplantibacillus (92%) became dominant in the samples processed at 400 MPa, while Levilactobacillus (52%), Pediococcus (17%), and Lactiplantibacillus (17%) became dominant in the samples processed at 600 MPa. This indicated that the HHP treatment changed the lactic acid bacterial flora of the mustard pickle during the storage period. Overall, it is recommended to treat the mustard pickle with HHP above 400 MPa for 5 min to improve its texture and color and delay the deterioration of quality during storage. Therefore, HHP technology has the potential to be developed as a treatment technique to replace the addition of sulfite.

The molecular regulators, pathways, and environmental impacts of white flowers

White flowers are an important element of natural beauty, although they are thought of colorless. Anthocyanins are the major compounds responsible for a variety of pigments in flowers. White flowers surely lack pigmented anthocyanins and other compounds, but there are regulatory mechanisms that hinder the deposition of color pigments in white flowers. Moreover, there are also some compounds that deposit to instigate white appearance and the genetic regulators control the biosynthesis and deposition of such compounds. Experts have shown that fluctuation in the equilibrium of FLS and DFR genes determines the degree of accumulation of anthocyanins and flavonols in the flowers, leading to different color patterns. The gene suppression techniques to suppress certain flavonoid pathway genes, such as CHS, or the insertion of DNA transposable elements into CHS produce white flower color in a number of species. Although pigments find wide application in the everyday life, white color does possess special importance in nature. Land plants use white flowers for reproductive viability during cold early spring to conserve energy and reduce nutrient costs, particularly in low density pollinations. Moreover, white fruit skins deposit specific amounts of anthocyanins and phenols with significant health benefits. This review, thus, deciphers the regulatory mechanisms for the absence of pigments in the white flowers and the deposition of special compounds causing white appearance and the benefits of white color in nature.

EVALUATION OF MULTIDIMENSIONAL BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF SYNTHESISED COMPLEXES OF Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) USING SCHIFF BASE LIGANDS

Schiff base ligands are chemical compounds having diverse biological activities like industrial, agriculture and pharmaceutical. The current work discusses the evaluation of the biological properties of different synthesized mononuclear Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes. The complexes were synthesized using a condensation reaction which demonstrated the appearance of White, Cream, Black and Green. Biological activities for synthesized metal complexes were assessed against S. aureus, B. cereus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa and by comparing the zones of inhibition it can be depicted that metal complexes are fairly more effective inhibitors of gram-positive bacteria. Furthermore the antioxidant potential of these complexes was also evaluated and it concluded that copper complexes showed promising antioxidant activity which is higher in association with Ni(II), Fe(II), and Co(II). Hence, these metal complexes were biologically active and further studies are required.

“Wood-Bark Sign” in Dermoscopy of Aquagenic Syringeal Acrokeratoderma

“Wood-Bark Sign” in Dermoscopy of Aquagenic Syringeal Acrokeratoderma

Comparative studies of the effect of processing conditions on cooking and sensory properties of selected rice varieties

Cooking and sensory properties of rice varieties are important quality indices that influence market value and consumer acceptability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of processing conditions on cooking and sensory properties of five rice varieties grown in Nigeria. The rice varieties; FARO 44, FARO 52, FARO 60, FARO 61 and NERICA 8, were processed using four processing parameters at varying conditions [soaking temperature (65-75°C), soaking time (10-16 h), steaming time (20 – 30 min) and paddy moisture content (12-16%)] using response surface methodology. The effect of processing conditions on cooking properties (cooking time, water uptake ratio and elongation ratio) was analyzed using standard procedures. Quantitative descriptive analysis and principal component analysis were used to describe eleven sensory characteristics (uniform appearance, black specks, whitish appearance, yellow colour, brown colour, creamy flavour, typical rice odour, sweet taste, sticky texture, grainy texture and hard texture) of the rice varieties. The cooking time, elongation ratio and water uptake ratio ranged from 12.75 to 51.58 min, 0.91 to 1.94 and 2.21 to 4.95, respectively. The cooking properties differed with respect to rice varieties and processing conditions. The shortest cooking time, longest elongation ratio and highest water uptake ratio varied from one variety to another. It was observed that NERICA 8 had the shortest cooking time (12.75 min) at 65ºC soaking temperature, 16 h soaking time, 20 min steaming time and 16% paddy moisture content while FARO 52 had the highest water uptake ratio (4.95) at 65ºC soaking temperature, 16 h soaking time, 20 min steaming time and 16% paddy moisture content. The maximum elongation ratio (1.94) was observed at 65ºC soaking temperature, 16 h soaking time, 30 min steaming time and 12% paddy moisture content in FARO 60. The sensory properties of the rice varieties were generally characterised as having uniform appearance, whitish appearance, sweet taste, creamy flavour and rice odour. The information on the cooking and sensory properties of the rice varieties would assist rice processors and consumers in selecting rice variety of choice. Key words: Cooking properties, Rice varieties, Processing conditions, Sensory properties

Electrospun octenylsuccinylated starch-pullulan nanofiber mats: Adsorption for the odor of oyster peptides and structural characterization

Oyster peptides usually have strong off-flavors, which seriously affect the acceptability and application of products. Electrospinning of three commercial octenylsuccinylated (OS) starches (Purity Gum Ultra (PGU), Hi-Cap 100 (HC100) and Purity Gum 2000 (PG2000)) and pullulan (PUL) may be a potential method of adsorbing the odor of oyster peptides, which is simple, green and sustainable. All the electrospun PUL-OS starch fiber mats had an excellent white appearance with smooth, continuous, bead-free and randomly oriented nanofibers (70–240 nm). The adsorption rates of PUL-PGU, PUL-HC100 and PUL-PG2000 nanofiber mats for the volatile compounds of oyster peptides were 50.58%, 34.36% and 20.88%, respectively, attributing to physical adsorption evidenced by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A significant positive correlation was observed between the pore areas of nanofiber mats and the adsorption rates of acids and alkanes, which may be related to the formation of π-complexes on the nanofiber surface. For the first time, we demonstrated that the starch-based nanofiber mats prepared using a green process can improve the flavors of marine products.

The capability of Sentinel-1 polarization combinations for oil spill detection (study case: Karawang, Indonesia)

Marine pollution is one of issues that is widely discussed such as marine debris, chemical contamination, and oil spill. It has many impacts on the environment. Remote sensing helps detect the presence of an oil spill via satellite platform. One commonly used satellite is Synthetic-Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery, which can see oil spills even in cloudy conditions. However, the black and white appearance of the radar sometimes makes it difficult to distinguish between an oil spill and look alike. Therefore, this study aims to determine the polarization combination in the Sentinel-1 SAR imagery. Sentinel-1 Single Look Complex (SLC) is used as input and processes through various stages to obtain Coherence Vertical-Vertical (VV) and Vertical-Horizontal (VH) results. There are four steps for processing the data; convert the data to backscattering coefficient from SLC data, stacking, Terrain Observation by Progressive Scan (TOPS) coherence, and building the robust combinations. The polarization in the Sentinel-1 was calculated to determine artificial bands for the correct combination, namely Divide (VV/VH) as band 1, Average ((VV+VH)/2) as band 2, Multiple (VVxVH) as band 3, Add (VV+VH) as band 4, and Subtract (VV-VH) as band 5. Furthermore, the determination of the band used in the polarization composite display is based on the intensity value. As a result, the recommendation for Sentinel-1 polarization is obtained, which involves bands 2, 3, and 5.

Improvement of emulsifying properties of potato starch via complexation with nanoliposomes for stabilizing Pickering emulsion

The complexation between nanoliposomes (NL) and potato starch (PS) was investigated to evaluate the improvement of PS ability to stabilize the Pickering emulsion. The visual appearances and emulsification index values showed that a milky white and uniform appearance of NLPS-stabilized Pickering emulsions (NPPE) was formed, and the stability of NPPE significantly increased compared with that of PS-stabilized emulsions. Droplet size determination of emulsions displayed that the droplet size D (4, 3) of NPPE was smaller than that of PS-stabilized emulsions, and the droplet size distribution of NPPE was more uniform. CLSM results presented that NLPS was inclined to adsorb on the oil-water interfaces for NPPE stability. Furthermore, TEM and SEM images manifested that NLPS was irregular and could form a gel network, and NLPS mainly ranged between 50 nm and 500 nm in size. Interfacial characteristics and three-phase contact angle results indicated that the hydrophobicity and the amphiphilicity of PS enhanced after complexation with NL, and the surface tensions and interfacial tensions of NLPS significantly decreased. FTIR and Zeta-potential analysis of NLPS demonstrated that hydrogen bonds and electrostatic forces played a vital role in the interactions between NL and PS. The present study suggests that the complexation between NL and PS can be an effective strategy for improving the ability of PS to stabilize Pickering emulsions.

Hermes Ἀργεϊφόντης and Agni bhā́r̥jīka

Abstract The paper concerns Ἀργεϊφόντης, an epithet of Hermes in Greek hexameter poetry. I propose that the form is ultimately to be interpreted as a Kunstform, i.e. a metrical adaptation of *ἀργεϊφάων, the univerbation of *ἄργεϊ φάων ‘shining in white (light)’, as first proposed by Koller (1976). Furthermore, I identify Vedic bhā́r̥jīka‑ (RV), an epithet of Agni, as a phraseological match for the Greek appellative. I argue that bhā́r̥jīka‑ may be understood as ‘flashing with white appearance’ or ‘whose white appearance is shining.’ Moreover, the compound is built with the same lexical material as Greek ἀργεϊφόντης: IE *bʰeh₂‑ ‘to shine, become visible’ and IE *h₂erǵ‑ ‘white.’

FP.39 An international retrospective early natural history study of LAMA2-related dystrophies

<i>LAMA2</i>-related dystrophies (LAMA2-RDs), caused by recessively inherited mutations in the <i>LAMA2</i> gene, represent one of the most common forms of congenital muscular dystrophy and are characterized by a complete or partial deficiency of laminin-211 (merosin). Patients with LAMA2-RDs presenting congenitally typically have a phenotype of severe weakness, delayed motor milestones, failure to thrive and progressive respiratory insufficiency. While a comprehensive prospective natural history study has been performed in LAMA2-RD patients >5 years, the early natural history of patients with LAMA2-RD 5 years and younger has not been comprehensively characterized. Extracting data from the CMD international registry, we describe a cohort of 62 patients with LAMA2-RD from 10 countries. Data for ages birth-5 years was retrospectively collected from the medical records. Inclusion criteria required that the patients had either two causative <i>LAMA2</i> variants or one confirmed causative <i>LAMA2</i> variant and a supporting clinical phenotype. Initial analyses reveal key findings including significant elevations of creatine kinase during the neonatal period which declined rapidly within the first few months of life. The mean age of first recognition of abnormal brain white matter appearance on MRI was 12.0 months. The first report of failure to thrive was at a mean age of 23.4 months. Noninvasive ventilation was initiated in half the patients by 24 months of age. This data represents the largest multinational retrospective early natural history study of LAMA2-RD which provides data essential for understanding early clinical history, especially as international, prospective early natural history data collection is in progress. Promising therapies in preclinical development for LAMA2-RD may ameliorate the phenotype of LAMA2-RD, particularly when initiated early in the course of the disease, making the comprehensive understanding of early natural history of LAMA2-RD timely and of great importance.

Immunologically Neutral Dental Implants Ceramic (Zirconia) Implants

Since their introduction in the 1960s, titanium implants have dominated the field of dental implants. As a result, titanium implant systems are largely the foundation for the goods and solutions, scientific and clinical research, as well as the development and effectiveness of this treatment.The subject of when and why to substitute titanium implants with ceramics is evident for practitioners thinking about adding ceramic implants to their portfolios. Of course, every situation and patient are different, but there are a few things to take into account if ceramic and Titanium implants are an option based on the signs.The patient's resistance to having metallic medical devices inside their body, which might manifest as mucosal recession and the visibility of gray Titanium is one of the problems with titanium implants. The emotional feel of a more 'natural' alternative may be of preference.From a clinical perspective, recent developments in zirconia solutions now mean that the restorative flexibility of a two-piece, cemented, and/or screw-retained options are available, along with proven osseointegration and soft tissue adhesion, [1] generally lower plaque accumulation, [2] and less bacterial adhesion than titanium implants [3]. Titanium implants are narrower at the implant-abutment transition; however, ceramic implants should be wider, and which is what SDS has done since the wide tulip stabilizes the gingiva allowing it to attach. To preserve soft tissue and pink esthetics, Ceramic implants should be placed tissue-level. This will also prevent the disturbance of the valuable bond between implant and the tissue.In various range of cases, Ceramic implants are used as the substitute of the titanium implants as they are given esthetic white appearance and are 100% metal-free.

A Versatile Tetraphenylethene Derivative Bearing Excitation Wavelength Dependent Emission, Multistate Mechanochromism, Reversible Photochromism, and Circularly Polarized Luminescence and Its Applications in Multimodal Anticounterfeiting

A Versatile Tetraphenylethene Derivative Bearing Excitation Wavelength Dependent Emission, Multistate Mechanochromism, Reversible Photochromism, and Circularly Polarized Luminescence and Its Applications in Multimodal Anticounterfeiting

Scalable and paint-format colored coatings for passive radiative cooling

Passive radiative cooling is an innovative way to radiate heat from objects to outer space by reflecting the sunlight and producing emission in the infrared spectrum especially in the atmospheric transparency window without additional energy input, which has received a widespread attention. However, state-of-the-art radiative coolers have a white appearance in the reflection of the total incoming solar radiation, facing inevitable challenges for anti-glare and other aesthetic issues. To address these problems, we have developed scalable colored coatings by using a facile solvothermal reaction. A combination of color and efficient radiative cooling has, thereby, been achieved by sacrificing a part of the reflections in the visible spectrum. The reflectance in the near-infrared spectrum, and emittance in the atmospheric window, were then maximized to 0.99 and 0.97, respectively. Without the contribution of an additional reflective layer, this type of coating has been found to achieve a sub-ambient temperature drop of 2.31°C (under a solar irradiance of 885 Wm -2 ) and a net cooling power of 68 Wm -2 . Due to the low cost of raw oxide materials, and simple preparation process, the present study has demonstrated a novel potential for large-scale practical applications of colored coatings for passive radiative cooling. • Colored coatings were synthesized, characterized and fabricated. • Attained cooling performance by maximizing near-infrared reflectance and emittance in the atmospheric window. • Achieved color performance through sacrificed partial reflection in visible spectrum. • Exhibited a sub-ambient temperature drop of 2.31°C and a net cooling power of 68 Wm -2 .

Gelatin extracted from jundiá skin (Rhamdia quelen): An alternative to the discarded by-product

The production of gelatin from by-products of the fishing industry values ​​the discarded raw material and serves a part of the population that does not consume products originating from mammals. Therefore, the objective of the research was to use the jundiá skin (Rhamdia quelen) (JS) to obtain gelatin (GJS) and characterize this product, not yet studied until the present moment. Thus, the extraction process showed a yield of 7.3 % for JS and 18.2 % for GJS (in wet weight). Both JS and GJS presented, in their composition, high concentration of protein (26.3 and 88.1 %), low levels of fixed mineral residue (1.0 and 1.9 %), lipids (1.7 and 1.5 %) and hydroxyproline content (1.5 and 7.2 %), respectively. The GJS dispersion had a pH value of 4.7 and the color analysis indicated a snow effect with a white appearance. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed amide bands commonly found in gelatin, gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) showed high molecular weight bands, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed a denaturation temperature of 69.4 °C and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed a compact and non-porous structure. The emulsifying property was high when subjected to a temperature of 80 °C for 30 min, while the foaming capacity was significant at a concentration of 1 %. The highest dispersivity was observed at pH 2.0 and, in this condition, the viscosity was higher than that of other gelatin sources (25.5 cP). In view of the above, attention is drawn to the use of JS as a raw material for obtaining gelatin and for the various possibilities of application.