bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of the DNA Damage Response by RNA Viruses
Authors: Ryan Ellis , Hollingworth Robert , Grand Roger
Published: January 2016

RNA viruses are a genetically diverse group of pathogens that are responsible for some of the most prevalent and lethal human diseases. Numerous viruses introduce DNA damage and genetic instability in host cells during their lifecycles and some species also manipulate components of the DNA damage response (DDR), a complex and sophisticated series of cellular pathways that have evolved to detect and repair DNA lesions. Activation and manipulation of the DDR by DNA viruses has been extensively studied. It is apparent, however, that many RNA viruses can also induce significant DNA damage, even in cases where viral replication takes place exclusively in the cytoplasm. DNA damage can contribute to the pathogenesis of RNA viruses through the triggering of apoptosis, stimulation of inflammatory immune responses and the introduction of deleterious mutations that can increase the risk of tumorigenesis. In addition, activation of DDR pathways can contribute positively to replication of viral RNA genomes. Elucidation of the interactions between RNA viruses and the DDR has provided important insights into modulation of host cell functions by these pathogens. This review summarises the current literature regarding activation and manipulation of the DDR by several medically important RNA viruses.
Asymmetric Mach–Zehnder Interferometer Based Biosensors for Aflatoxin M1 Detection
Authors: Chalyan Tatevik , Guider Romain , Pasquardini Laura , Zanetti Manuela , Falke Floris , Schreuder Erik , Heideman Rene , Pederzolli Cecilia , Pavesi Lorenzo
Published: January 2016

In this work, we present a study of Aflatoxin M1 detection by photonic biosensors based on Si3N4 Asymmetric Mach–Zehnder Interferometer (aMZI) functionalized with antibodies fragments (Fab′). We measured a best volumetric sensitivity of 104 rad/RIU, leading to a Limit of Detection below 5 × 10−7 RIU. On sensors functionalized with Fab′, we performed specific and non-specific sensing measurements at various toxin concentrations. Reproducibility of the measurements and re-usability of the sensor were also investigated.
DNA Barcoding as a Molecular Tool to Track Down Mislabeling and Food Piracy
Authors: Barcaccia Gianni , Lucchin Margherita , Cassandro Martino
Published: January 2016

DNA barcoding is a molecular technology that allows the identification of any biological species by amplifying, sequencing and querying the information from genic and/or intergenic standardized target regions belonging to the extranuclear genomes. Although these sequences represent a small fraction of the total DNA of a cell, both chloroplast and mitochondrial barcodes chosen for identifying plant and animal species, respectively, have shown sufficient nucleotide diversity to assess the taxonomic identity of the vast majority of organisms used in agriculture. Consequently, cpDNA and mtDNA barcoding protocols are being used more and more in the food industry and food supply chains for food labeling, not only to support food safety but also to uncover food piracy in freshly commercialized and technologically processed products. Since the extranuclear genomes are present in many copies within each cell, this technology is being more easily exploited to recover information even in degraded samples or transformed materials deriving from crop varieties and livestock species. The strong standardization that characterizes protocols used worldwide for DNA barcoding makes this technology particularly suitable for routine analyses required by agencies to safeguard food safety and quality. Here we conduct a critical review of the potentials of DNA barcoding for food labeling along with the main findings in the area of food piracy, with particular reference to agrifood and livestock foodstuffs.
Economic Analysis of Alternative Strategies for Detection of ALK Rearrangements in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Doshi Shivang , Ray David , Stein Karen , Zhang Jie , Koduru Prasad , Fogt Franz , Wellman Axel , Wat Ricky , Mathews Charles
Published: January 2016

Identification of alterations in ALK gene and development of ALK-directed therapies have increased the need for accurate and efficient detection methodologies. To date, research has focused on the concordance between the two most commonly used technologies, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). However, inter-test concordance reflects only one, albeit important, aspect of the diagnostic process; laboratories, hospitals, and payors must understand the cost and workflow of ALK rearrangement detection strategies. Through literature review combined with interviews of pathologists and laboratory directors in the U.S. and Europe, a cost-impact model was developed that compared four alternative testing strategies—IHC only, FISH only, IHC pre-screen followed by FISH confirmation, and parallel testing by both IHC and FISH. Interviews were focused on costs of reagents, consumables, equipment, and personnel. The resulting model showed that testing by IHC alone cost less ($90.07 in the U.S., $68.69 in Europe) than either independent or parallel testing by both FISH and IHC ($441.85 in the U.S. and $279.46 in Europe). The strategies differed in cost of execution, turnaround time, reimbursement, and number of positive results detected, suggesting that laboratories must weigh the costs and the clinical benefit of available ALK testing strategies.
Assessments of Population Structure, Diversity, and Phylogeography of the Swiss Needle Cast Fungus (Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii) in the U.S. Pacific Northwest
Authors: Bennett Patrick , Stone Jeffrey
Published: January 2016

Swiss needle cast (SNC) is a foliar disease of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) caused by Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii (Rohde) Petrak. This fungus is endemic to western North America, where it has historically had little impact in native forests. However, increasing disease severity in western Oregon since the 1990s has prompted renewed interest in P. gaeumannii and SNC. For this study, we analyze multilocus microsatellite genotypes from 482 single-spore isolates from 68 trees across 14 sites in the western Coast Range of Oregon and southwestern Washington. This study assesses genotypic variation and genetic structure at several levels of population hierarchy. Despite the observation that most of the genetic variation occurred within subpopulations, our analyses detected significant differentiation at all hierarchical levels. Clustering among the 482 isolates based on genetic distance clearly supports the existence of two previously described cryptic lineages of P. gaeumannii in the western United States. The two lineages occur in varying proportions along latitudinal and longitudinal gradients in western Oregon and Washington, suggesting a relationship between climate and phylogeography. Sites near Tillamook, Oregon, where SNC is most severe, consist of sympatric subpopulations in which the two lineages comprise roughly equal proportions.
Gibbs Free Energy of Formation for Selected Platinum Group Minerals (PGM)
Authors: Olivotos Spiros , Economou-Eliopoulos Maria
Published: January 2016

Thermodynamic data for platinum group (Os, Ir, Ru, Rh, Pd and Pt) minerals are very limited. The present study is focused on the calculation of the Gibbs free energy of formation (ΔfG°) for selected PGM occurring in layered intrusions and ophiolite complexes worldwide, applying available experimental data on their constituent elements at their standard state (ΔG = G(species) − ΔG(elements)), using the computer program HSC Chemistry software 6.0. The evaluation of the accuracy of the calculation method was made by the calculation of (ΔGf) of rhodium sulfide phases. The calculated values were found to be ingood agreement with those measured in the binary system (Rh + S) as a function of temperature by previous authors (Jacob and Gupta (2014). The calculated Gibbs free energy (ΔfG°) followed the order RuS2 < (Ir,Os)S2 < (Pt, Pd)S < (Pd, Pt)Te2, increasing from compatible to incompatible noble metals and from sulfides to tellurides.
Cognitive Impairment in Hospitalized Seniors
Authors: Dasgupta Monidipa
Published: January 2016

Cognitive disorders are highly prevalent in hospitalized seniors, and can be due to delirium, dementia, as well as other disorders. Hospitalization can have adverse cognitive effects, and cognitive dysfunction adversely affects hospital outcomes. In this article, the literature is reviewed on how hospitalization affects cognitive function and how cognitive impairment affects hospital outcomes. Possible interventions in cognitively impaired hospitalized seniors are reviewed.
Structural Model for the Effects of Environmental Elements on the Psychological Characteristics and Performance of the Employees of Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Realyvásquez Arturo , Maldonado-Macías Aidé , García-Alcaraz Jorge , Cortés-Robles Guillermo , Blanco-Fernández Julio
Published: January 2016

This paper analyzes the effects of environmental elements on the psychological characteristics and performance of employees in manufacturing systems using structural equation modeling. Increasing the comprehension of these effects may help optimize manufacturing systems regarding their employees’ psychological characteristics and performance from a macroergonomic perspective. As the method, a new macroergonomic compatibility questionnaire (MCQ) was developed and statistically validated, and 158 respondents at four manufacture companies were considered. Noise, lighting and temperature, humidity and air quality (THAQ) were used as independent variables and psychological characteristics and employees’ performance as dependent variables. To propose and test the hypothetical causal model of significant relationships among the variables, a data analysis was deployed. Results found that the macroergonomic compatibility of environmental elements presents significant direct effects on employees’ psychological characteristics and either direct or indirect effects on the employees’ performance. THAQ had the highest direct and total effects on psychological characteristics. Regarding the direct and total effects on employees’ performance, the psychological characteristics presented the highest effects, followed by THAQ conditions. These results may help measure and optimize manufacturing systems’ performance by enhancing their macroergonomic compatibility and quality of life at work of the employees.
Personal Care Product Use in Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: Implications for Exposure Assessment
Authors: Lang Carly , Fisher Mandy , Neisa Angelica , MacKinnon Leona , Kuchta Sandra , MacPherson Susan , Probert Adam , Arbuckle Tye
Published: January 2016

Concern regarding the potential for developmental health risks associated with certain chemicals (e.g., phthalates, antibacterials) used in personal care products is well documented; however, current exposure data for pregnant women are limited. The objective of this study was to describe the pattern of personal care product use in pregnancy and the post-partum period. Usage patterns of personal care products were collected at six different time points during pregnancy and once in the postpartum period for a cohort of 80 pregnant women in Ottawa, Canada. The pattern of use was then described and groups of personal care product groups commonly used together were identified using hierarchical cluster analysis. The results showed that product use varied by income and country of birth. General hygiene products were the most commonly used products and were consistently used over time while cosmetic product use declined with advancing pregnancy and post-delivery. Hand soaps and baby products were reported as used more frequently after birth. This study is the first to track personal care product use across pregnancy and into the postpartum period, and suggests that pregnant populations may be a unique group of personal care product users. This information will be useful for exposure assessments.
Comments on Scheffler et al. Cytotoxic Evaluation of E-Liquid Aerosol using Different Lung Derived Cell Models. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2015, 12, 12466-12474
Authors: Polosa Riccardo , Caruso Massimo , Guarino Francesca
Published: January 2016

There is merit in considering a simple toxicological screening method that evaluates the total cytotoxic potential of e-liquids or electronic cigarettes (ECs) aerosol emissions in one single testing. However, there is growing confusion, with several researchers endorsing their personal solution to the problem. Here, we discuss as an example the recent paper by Scheffler and colleagues, in which the authors suggest that more relevant and well differentiated cell lines from human airways could be the most suitable candidates for toxicological evaluation of ECs aerosol emissions. We advance recommendations for validated protocols and advocate for an international coordinated effort aimed at establishing consensus on methodology.
Calisthenics with Words: The Effect of Readability and Investor Sophistication on Investors’ Performance Judgment
Authors: Cui Xiao
Published: January 2016

Since the 1990s, the SEC has advocated for financial disclosures to be in “plain English” so that they would be more readable and informative. Past research has shown that high readability is related to more extreme investor judgments of firm performance. Processing fluency is the prevalent theory to explain this: higher readability increases the investor’s subconscious reliance on the disclosure, so positive (negative) news leads to more positive (negative) judgments. The relationship may not be so simple, though: drawing on research from cognitive psychology, I predict and find that investor financial literacy simultaneously influences investor decision-making, and that it has an interactive effect with readability. When presented with financial disclosure containing conflicting financial information, investors with higher financial literacy make more negative judgments than investors with low financial literacy when the disclosure is easy to read, but the effect becomes insignificant when the disclosure becomes difficult to read. This effect is moderated by a comprehension gap between the two investor groups. Financial literacy and readability interact to impact both how and how well the investor processes financial information.
Remote Sensing and GIS Applied to the Landscape for the Environmental Restoration of Urbanizations by Means of 3D Virtual Reconstruction and Visualization (Salamanca, Spain)
Authors: Martínez-Graña Antonio , Valdés Rodríguez Virginia
Published: January 2016

The key focus of this paper is to establish a procedure that combines the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing in order to achieve simulation and modeling of the landscape impact caused by construction. The procedure should be easily and inexpensively developed. With the aid of 3D virtual reconstruction and visualization, this paper proposes that the technologies of remote sensing and GIS can be applied to the landscape for post-urbanization environmental restoration. The goal is to create a rural zone in an urban development sector that integrates the residential areas and local infrastructure into the surrounding natural environment in order to measure the changes to the preliminary urban design. The units of the landscape are determined by means of two cartographic methods: (1) indirect, using the components of the landscape; and (2) direct methods, using the landscape’s elements. The visual basins are calculated for the most transited by the population points, while establishing the zones that present major impacts for the urbanization of their landscape. Based on this, the different construction types are distributed (one-family houses, blocks of houses, etc.), selecting the types of plant masses either with ornamentals or integration depending on the zone; integrating water channels, creating a water channel in recirculation and green spaces and leisure time facilities. The techniques of remote sensing and GIS allow for the visualization and modeling of the urbanization in 3D, simulating the virtual reality of the infrastructure as well as the actions that need to be taken for restoration, thereby providing at a low cost an understanding of landscape integration before it takes place.
Insecticide Resistance and Management Strategies in Urban Ecosystems
Authors: Zhu Fang , Lavine Laura , O’Neal Sally , Lavine Mark , Foss Carrie , Walsh Douglas
Published: January 2016

The increased urbanization of a growing global population makes imperative the development of sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for urban pest control. This emphasizes pests that are closely associated with the health and wellbeing of humans and domesticated animals. Concurrently there are regulatory requirements enforced to minimize inadvertent exposures to insecticides in the urban environment. Development of insecticide resistance management (IRM) strategies in urban ecosystems involves understanding the status and mechanisms of insecticide resistance and reducing insecticide selection pressure by combining multiple chemical and non-chemical approaches. In this review, we will focus on the commonly used insecticides and molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying insecticide resistance in six major urban insect pests: house fly, German cockroach, mosquitoes, red flour beetle, bed bugs and head louse. We will also discuss several strategies that may prove promising for future urban IPM programs.
Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid: Biodegradable Polymer for Potential Protection of Beneficial Viruses
Authors: Khalil Ibrahim , Irorere Victor , Radecka Iza , Burns Alan , Kowalczuk Marek , Mason Jessica , Khechara Martin
Published: January 2016

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a naturally occurring polymer, which due to its biodegradable, non-toxic and non-immunogenic properties has been used successfully in the food, medical and wastewater industries. A major hurdle in bacteriophage application is the inability of phage to persist for extended periods in the environment due to their susceptibility to environmental factors such as temperature, sunlight, desiccation and irradiation. Thus, the aim of this study was to protect useful phage from the harmful effect of these environmental factors using the γ-PGA biodegradable polymer. In addition, the association between γ-PGA and phage was investigated. Formulated phage (with 1% γ-PGA) and non-formulated phage were exposed to 50 °C. A clear difference was noticed as viability of non-formulated phage was reduced to 21% at log10 1.3 PFU/mL, while phage formulated with γ-PGA was 84% at log10 5.2 PFU/mL after 24 h of exposure. In addition, formulated phage remained viable at log10 2.5 PFU/mL even after 24 h of exposure at pH 3 solution. In contrast, non-formulated phages were totally inactivated after the same time of exposure. In addition, non-formulated phages when exposed to UV irradiation died within 10 min. In contrast also phages formulated with 1% γ-PGA had a viability of log10 4.1 PFU/mL at the same exposure time. Microscopy showed a clear interaction between γ-PGA and phages. In conclusion, the results suggest that γ-PGA has an unique protective effect on phage particles.
Isolation of Terpenoids from the Stem of Ficus aurantiaca Griff and their Effects on Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Chemotactic Activity of Neutrophils
Authors: Mawa Shukranul , Jantan Ibrahim , Husain Khairana
Published: January 2016

Three new triterpenoids; namely 28,28,30-trihydroxylupeol (1); 3,21,21,26-tetrahydroxy-lanostanoic acid (2) and dehydroxybetulinic acid (3) and seven known compounds; i.e., taraxerone (4); taraxerol (5); ethyl palmitate (6); herniarin (7); stigmasterol (8); ursolic acid (9) and acetyl ursolic acid (10) were isolated from the stem of Ficus aurantiaca Griff. The structures of the compounds were established by spectroscopic techniques. The compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) chemotaxis by using the Boyden chamber technique and on human whole blood and neutrophil reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by using a luminol-based chemiluminescence assay. Among the compounds tested, compounds 1–4, 6 and 9 exhibited strong inhibition of PMN migration towards the chemoattractant N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) with IC50 values of 6.8; 2.8; 2.5; 4.1; 3.7 and 3.6 μM, respectively, comparable to that of the positive control ibuprofen (6.7 μM). Compounds 2–4, 6, 7 and 9 exhibited strong inhibition of ROS production of PMNs with IC50 values of 0.9; 0.9; 1.3; 1.1; 0.5 and 0.8 μM, respectively, which were lower than that of aspirin (9.4 μM). The bioactive compounds might be potential lead molecules for the development of new immunomodulatory agents to modulate the innate immune response of phagocytes.
Chemical Analysis of the Herbal Medicine Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Danshen)
Authors: Pang Hanqing , Wu Liang , Tang Yuping , Zhou Guisheng , Qu Cheng , Duan Jin-ao
Published: January 2016

Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae et Rhizoma, known as Danshen in China, is one of the most popular traditional Chinese medicines. Recently, there has been increasing scientific attention on Danshen for its remarkable bioactivities, such as promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, and clearing away heat. This review summarized the advances in chemical analysis of Danshen and its preparations since 2009. Representative established methods were reviewed, including spectroscopy, thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography, liquid chromatography (LC), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), capillary electrophoresis, electrochemistry, and bioanalysis. Especially the analysis of polysaccharides in Danshen was discussed for the first time. Some proposals were also put forward to benefit quality control of Danshen.
Synthesis of Chlorinated Tetracyclic Compounds and Testing for Their Potential Antidepressant Effect in Mice
Authors: Karama Usama , Sultan Mujeeb , Almansour Abdulrahman , El-Taher Kamal
Published: January 2016

The synthesis of the tetracyclic compounds 1-(4,5-dichloro-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracen-11-yl)-N-methylmethanamine (5) and 1-(1,8-dichloro-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracen-11-yl)-N-methylmethanamine (6) as a homologue of the anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs benzoctamine and maprotiline were described. The key intermediate aldehydes (3) and (4) were successfully synthesized via a [4 + 2] cycloaddition between acrolein and 1,8-dichloroanthracene. The synthesized compounds were investigated for antidepressant activity using the forced swimming test. Compounds (5), (6) and (3) showed significant reduction in the mice immobility indicating significant antidepressant effects. These compounds significantly reduced the immobility times at a dose 80 mg/kg by 84.0%, 86.7% and 71.1% respectively.
Polyphenols and Glycemic Control
Authors: Kim Yoona , Keogh Jennifer , Clifton Peter
Published: January 2016

Growing evidence from animal studies supports the anti-diabetic properties of some dietary polyphenols, suggesting that dietary polyphenols could be one dietary therapy for the prevention and management of Type 2 diabetes. This review aims to address the potential mechanisms of action of dietary polyphenols in the regulation of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity based on in vitro and in vivo studies, and to provide a comprehensive overview of the anti-diabetic effects of commonly consumed dietary polyphenols including polyphenol-rich mixed diets, tea and coffee, chocolate and cocoa, cinnamon, grape, pomegranate, red wine, berries and olive oil, with a focus on human clinical trials. Dietary polyphenols may inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase, inhibit glucose absorption in the intestine by sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1), stimulate insulin secretion and reduce hepatic glucose output. Polyphenols may also enhance insulin-dependent glucose uptake, activate 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), modify the microbiome and have anti-inflammatory effects. However, human epidemiological and intervention studies have shown inconsistent results. Further intervention studies are essential to clarify the conflicting findings and confirm or refute the anti-diabetic effects of dietary polyphenols.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Activation is Associated with Altered Plasma One-Carbon Metabolites and B-Vitamin Status in Rats
Authors: Lysne Vegard , Strand Elin , Svingen Gard , Bjørndal Bodil , Pedersen Eva , Midttun Øivind , Olsen Thomas , Ueland Per , Berge Rolf , Nygård Ottar
Published: January 2016

Plasma concentrations of metabolites along the choline oxidation pathway have been linked to increased risk of major lifestyle diseases, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) have been suggested to be involved in the regulation of key enzymes along this pathway. In this study, we investigated the effect of PPAR activation on circulating and urinary one-carbon metabolites as well as markers of B-vitamin status. Male Wistar rats (n = 20) received for 50 weeks either a high-fat control diet or a high-fat diet with tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA), a modified fatty acid and pan-PPAR agonist with high affinity towards PPARα. Hepatic gene expression of PPARα, PPARβ/δ and the enzymes involved in the choline oxidation pathway were analyzed and concentrations of metabolites were analyzed in plasma and urine. TTA treatment altered most biomarkers, and the largest effect sizes were observed for plasma concentrations of dimethylglycine, nicotinamide, methylnicotinamide, methylmalonic acid and pyridoxal, which were all higher in the TTA group (all p < 0.01). Hepatic Pparα mRNA was increased after TTA treatment, but genes of the choline oxidation pathway were not affected. Long-term TTA treatment was associated with pronounced alterations on the plasma and urinary concentrations of metabolites related to one-carbon metabolism and B-vitamin status in rats.
Energetic Tuning in Spirocyclic Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Bronstein Hugo , King Frank
Published: January 2016

Precise control of the energy levels in a conjugated polymer is the key to allowing their exploitation in optoelectronic devices. The introduction of spirocycles into conjugated polymers has traditionally been used to enhance their solid state microstructure. Here we present a highly novel method of energetic tuning through the use of electronically active spirocyclic systems. By modifying the size and oxidation state of a heteroatom in an orthogonal spirocycle we demonstrate energetic fine tuning in both the absorption and emission of a conjugated polymer. Furthermore, the synthesis of highly novel triplet-decker spirocyclic conjugated polymers is presented. This new method of energetic manipulation in a conjugated polymer paves the way for future application targeted synthesis of polymers with electronically active spirocycles.
Consumers’ Perspective on Full-Scale Adoption of Smart Meters: A Case Study in Västerås, Sweden
Authors: Vassileva Iana , Campillo Javier
Published: January 2016

Large-scale deployment of reliable smart electricity metering networks has been considered as the first step towards a smart, integrated and efficient grid. On the consumer’s side, however, the real impact is still uncertain and limited. This paper evaluates the consumer’s perspective in the city of Västerås, Sweden, where full implementation of smart meters has been reached. New services, such as consumption feedback and the possibility to choose dynamic electricity pricing contracts, have been available from the adoption of this infrastructure. A web-based survey evaluating customers’ perception of these new services was carried out. The survey included consumers’ personal information, preferences about the type of information and the frequency of delivery and the preference for electricity pricing contracts. The results showed that the electricity consumption information offered by distribution system operators (DSOs) today is not detailed enough for customers to react accordingly. Additionally, while variable pricing contracts are becoming more popular, the available pricing schemes do not encourage customers to increase their consumption flexibility. Therefore, more detailed information from the smart meters should be made available, including disaggregated electricity consumption per appliance that would allow consumers to have more control over their energy consumption activities.
Determining Subcanopy Psidium cattleianum Invasion in Hawaiian Forests Using Imaging Spectroscopy
Authors: Barbosa Jomar , Asner Gregory , Martin Roberta , Baldeck Claire , Hughes Flint , Johnson Tracy
Published: January 2016

High-resolution airborne imaging spectroscopy represents a promising avenue for mapping the spread of invasive tree species through native forests, but for this technology to be useful to forest managers there are two main technical challenges that must be addressed: (1) mapping a single focal species amongst a diverse array of other tree species; and (2) detecting early outbreaks of invasive plant species that are often hidden beneath the forest canopy. To address these challenges, we investigated the performance of two single-class classification frameworks—Biased Support Vector Machine (BSVM) and Mixture Tuned Matched Filtering (MTMF)—to estimate the degree of Psidium cattleianum incidence over a range of forest vertical strata (relative canopy density). We demonstrate that both BSVM and MTMF have the ability to detect relative canopy density of a single focal plant species in a vertically stratified forest, but they differ in the degree of user input required. Our results suggest BSVM as a promising method to disentangle spectrally-mixed classifications, as this approach generates decision values from a similarity function (kernel), which optimizes complex comparisons between classes using a dynamic machine learning process.
Spectral Cross-Calibration of VIIRS Enhanced Vegetation Index with MODIS: A Case Study Using Year-Long Global Data
Authors: Obata Kenta , Miura Tomoaki , Yoshioka Hiroki , Huete Alfredo , Vargas Marco
Published: January 2016

In this study, the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) was spectrally cross-calibrated with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) EVI using a year-long, global VIIRS-MODIS dataset at the climate modeling grid (CMG) resolution of 0.05°-by-0.05°. Our cross-calibration approach was to utilize a MODIS-compatible VIIRS EVI equation derived in a previous study [Obata et al., J. Appl. Remote Sens., vol.7, 2013] and optimize the coefficients contained in this EVI equation for global conditions. The calibrated/optimized MODIS-compatible VIIRS EVI was evaluated using another global VIIRS-MODIS CMG dataset of which acquisition dates did not overlap with those used in the calibration. The calibrated VIIRS EVI showed much higher compatibility with the MODIS EVI than the original VIIRS EVI, where the mean error (MODIS minus VIIRS) and the root mean square error decreased from −0.021 to −0.003 EVI units and from 0.029 to 0.020 EVI units, respectively. Error reductions on the calibrated VIIRS EVI were observed across nearly all view zenith and relative azimuth angle ranges, EVI dynamic range, and land cover types. The performance of the MODIS-compatible VIIRS EVI calibration appeared limited for high EVI values (i.e., EVI > 0.5) due likely to the maturity of the VIIRS dataset used in calibration/optimization. The cross-calibration methodology introduced in this study is expected to be useful for other spectral indices such as the normalized difference vegetation index and two-band EVI.
Automatic Sun Glint Removal of Multispectral High-Resolution Worldview-2 Imagery for Retrieving Coastal Shallow Water Parameters
Authors: Martin Javier , Eugenio Francisco , Marcello Javier , Medina Anabella
Published: January 2016

Remote sensing of coastal areas requires multispectral satellite images with a high spatial resolution. In this sense, WorldView-2 is a very high resolution satellite, which provides an advanced multispectral sensor with eight narrow bands, allowing the proliferation of new environmental monitoring and mapping applications in shallow coastal ecosystems. These challenges need the accurate determination of the water radiance, which is not often valued compared to other sources such as atmosphere and specular water reflection (sun glint). In this context, the atmospheric correction and the glinting removal have demonstrated to be critical steps in the preprocessing chain of high resolution images. In this work, the Second Simulation of a Satellite Signal in the Solar Spectrum (6S) is used to compensate the atmospheric effects and to compute part of the deglinting algorithm using the modeled direct normalized irradiance. This paper describes a novel automatic deglinting procedure, integrated in the Radiative Transfer Modeling (RTM) inversion of the shallow water environments, which allows computing the water Inherent Optical Properties (IOPs), bathymetry and seafloor albedo contributions. The proposed methodology has demonstrated a proper performance for environmental monitoring in shallow water areas.
Pedestrian Counting with Occlusion Handling Using Stereo Thermal Cameras
Authors: Kristoffersen Miklas , Dueholm Jacob , Gade Rikke , Moeslund Thomas
Published: January 2016

The number of pedestrians walking the streets or gathered in public spaces is a valuable piece of information for shop owners, city governments, event organizers and many others. However, automatic counting that takes place day and night is challenging due to changing lighting conditions and the complexity of scenes with many people occluding one another. To address these challenges, this paper introduces the use of a stereo thermal camera setup for pedestrian counting. We investigate the reconstruction of 3D points in a pedestrian street with two thermal cameras and propose an algorithm for pedestrian counting based on clustering and tracking of the 3D point clouds. The method is tested on two five-minute video sequences captured at a public event with a moderate density of pedestrians and heavy occlusions. The counting performance is compared to the manually annotated ground truth and shows success rates of 95.4% and 99.1% for the two sequences.
Contactless Inductive Bubble Detection in a Liquid Metal Flow
Authors: Gundrum Thomas , Büttner Philipp , Dekdouk Bachir , Peyton Anthony , Wondrak Thomas , Galindo Vladimir , Eckert Sven
Published: January 2016

The detection of bubbles in liquid metals is important for many technical applications. The opaqueness and the high temperature of liquid metals set high demands on the measurement system. The high electrical conductivity of the liquid metal can be exploited for contactless methods based on electromagnetic induction. We will present a measurement system which consists of one excitation coil and a pickup coil system on the opposite sides of the pipe. With this sensor we were able to detect bubbles in a sodium flow inside a stainless steel pipe and bubbles in a column filled with a liquid Gallium alloy.
Performance Evaluation of Target Detection with a Near-Space Vehicle-Borne Radar in Blackout Condition
Authors: Li Yanpeng , Li Xiang , Wang Hongqiang , Deng Bin , Qin Yuliang
Published: January 2016

Radar is a very important sensor in surveillance applications. Near-space vehicle-borne radar (NSVBR) is a novel installation of a radar system, which offers many benefits, like being highly suited to the remote sensing of extremely large areas, having a rapidly deployable capability and having low vulnerability to electronic countermeasures. Unfortunately, a target detection challenge arises because of complicated scenarios, such as nuclear blackout, rain attenuation, etc. In these cases, extra care is needed to evaluate the detection performance in blackout situations, since this a classical problem along with the application of an NSVBR. However, the existing evaluation measures are the probability of detection and the receiver operating curve (ROC), which cannot offer detailed information in such a complicated application. This work focuses on such requirements. We first investigate the effect of blackout on an electromagnetic wave. Performance evaluation indexes are then built: three evaluation indexes on the detection capability and two evaluation indexes on the robustness of the detection process. Simulation results show that the proposed measure will offer information on the detailed performance of detection. These measures are therefore very useful in detecting the target of interest in a remote sensing system and are helpful for both the NSVBR designers and users.
The Effects of Ambient Water Quality and Eurasian Watermilfoil on Lakefront Property Values in the Coeur d’Alene Area of Northern Idaho, USA
Authors: Liao Felix , Wilhelm Frank , Solomon Mark
Published: January 2016

Amenity value of water resources has become a major driving force of recent population growth in the region centered on Coeur d’Alene Lake in northern Idaho, USA. Despite regulatory measures aimed to protect lake water quality, surface water quality is increasingly threatened by lakefront development and invasions of Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), a non-indigenous aquatic plant species. We used hedonic modeling to estimate the effects of ambient water quality and the presence of Eurasian watermilfoil on lakefront property values of single-family homes in the Coeur d´Alene area. We find that property values are positively associated with Secchi depth (a proxy of water quality or clarity), and negatively related to the presence of watermilfoil. Results of spatial regime analysis indicate the geographical variations of these associations. The presence of watermilfoil was related to a 13% decline in mean property value, corresponding to $64,255 USD, on average, lower property sales price. Our study demonstrates that proactive mitigation approaches to cope with potential environmental degradation in lake ecosystems could have significant economic benefits to owners of lakefront properties and local communities.
Overcoming Barriers in Oncolytic Virotherapy with HDAC Inhibitors and Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Authors: Marchini Antonio , Scott Eleanor , Rommelaere Jean
Published: January 2016

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) target and destroy cancer cells while sparing their normal counterparts. These viruses have been evaluated in numerous studies at both pre-clinical and clinical levels and the recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of an oncolytic herpesvirus-based treatment raises optimism that OVs will become a therapeutic option for cancer patients. However, to improve clinical outcome, there is a need to increase OV efficacy. In addition to killing cancer cells directly through lysis, OVs can stimulate the induction of anti-tumour immune responses. The host immune system thus represents a “double-edged sword” for oncolytic virotherapy: on the one hand, a robust anti-viral response will limit OV replication and spread; on the other hand, the immune-mediated component of OV therapy may be its most important anti-cancer mechanism. Although the relative contribution of direct viral oncolysis and indirect, immune-mediated oncosuppression to overall OV efficacy is unclear, it is likely that an initial period of vigorous OV multiplication and lytic activity will most optimally set the stage for subsequent adaptive anti-tumour immunity. In this review, we consider the use of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors as a means of boosting virus replication and lessening the negative impact of innate immunity on the direct oncolytic effect. We also discuss an alternative approach, aimed at potentiating OV-elicited anti-tumour immunity through the blockade of immune checkpoints. We conclude by proposing a two-phase combinatorial strategy in which initial OV replication and spread is maximised through transient HDAC inhibition, with anti-tumour immune responses subsequently enhanced by immune checkpoint blockade.
Direct Identification of Enteroviruses in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients with Suspected Meningitis by Nested PCR Amplification
Authors: Krasota Alexandr , Loginovskih Natalia , Ivanova Olga , Lipskaya Galina
Published: January 2016

Enteroviruses, the most common human viral pathogens worldwide, have been associated with serous meningitis, encephalitis, syndrome of acute flaccid paralysis, myocarditis and the onset of diabetes type 1. In the future, the rapid identification of the etiological agent would allow to adjust the therapy promptly and thereby improve the course of the disease and prognosis. We developed RT-nested PCR amplification of the genomic region coding viral structural protein VP1 for direct identification of enteroviruses in clinical specimens and compared it with the existing analogs. One-hundred-fifty-nine cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) from patients with suspected meningitis were studied. The amplification of VP1 genomic region using the new method was achieved for 86 (54.1%) patients compared with 75 (47.2%), 53 (33.3%) and 31 (19.5%) achieved with previously published methods. We identified 11 serotypes of the Enterovirus species B in 2012, including relatively rare echovirus 14 (E-14), E-15 and E-32, and eight serotypes of species B and 5 enteroviruses A71 (EV-A71) in 2013. The developed method can be useful for direct identification of enteroviruses in clinical material with the low virus loads such as CSF.
High Level of Virological Suppression among HIV-Infected Adults Receiving Combination Antiretroviral Therapy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Mekuria Legese A , Nieuwkerk Pythia T , Yalew Alemayehu W , Sprangers Mirjam AG , Prins Jan M
Published: January 2016

Background

Plasma viral load (pVL) is a key indicator of therapeutic response in HIV-infected patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), but is often unavailable in routine clinical care in resource-limited settings. Previous model-based simulation studies have suggested that the benefits of routine pVL monitoring among patients on first-line regimens in resource-limited settings are modest, but this needs corroboration in well-defined study populations.

Methods

We investigated virological suppression levels and identified predictors of detectable viraemia among 870 randomly selected patients who started cART between May 2009 and April 2012 in 10 health-care facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 656 (75.4%) patients, who were alive, were retained in HIV care and receiving cART for at least 6 months provided a blood sample for pVL measurement. Predictors of detectable viraemia were identified in a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

In on-treatment analysis, 94.5% (95% CI 92.5, 96.1) of the patients achieved virological suppression below 400 copies/ml after a median (IQR) of 26 (17–35) months on cART. When patients who were lost to follow-up, dead or stopped were assumed to have had detectable viraemia, the proportion of patients with virological suppression ≤400 copies/ml decreased to 74.6% (95% CI 71.5%, 77.4%). Younger age, lower educational status, ≤95% medication adherence, lower CD4+ T-cell count at cART initiation and/ or the diagnosis of immunological failure thereafter significantly predicted detectable viraemia.

Conclusions

Virological suppression levels can be high in an established ART programme in a resource-limited setting, even without the availability of routine pVL monitoring. Efforts to improve treatment outcomes should focus on younger and illiterate patients, earlier detection of HIV-positive status and cART initiation before patients are severely immunocompromised, and improving retention in care.
Inaction publique et immobilisme privé : quand le renouvellement urbain échoue à Philadelphie
Authors: Nussbaum Florence
Published: January 2016

L’attention portée aux villes de tradition industrielle aux États-Unis concerne avant tout les initiatives de renouvellement urbain. Or une large part des anciens quartiers industriels demeure en marge de cette dynamique et semble plutôt marquée par un délabrement durable. À partir de l’exemple de Kensington à Philadelphie, nous avons cherché à savoir si cette persistance du délaissement témoignait du désintérêt des principaux acteurs en présence ou, au contraire, révélait les stratégies de contrôle de l’espace mises en place par le secteur privé. Au terme de notre travail, il est apparu que la léthargie de ce quartier – visible à travers le grand nombre de propriétés vacantes – découle à la fois de l’immobilisme calculé de certains acteurs privés et de l’impuissance des services municipaux. D’une part, la rétention foncière et la spéculation immobilière de nombreux propriétaires contribuent à entretenir une situation figée qui exclut toute rénovation. D’autre part, la municipalité est paralysée par un budget insuffisant et un manque d’organisation hérité de longue date, de sorte qu’elle ne parvient pas à limiter l’ampleur de la vacance. En définitive, l’abandon apparent de tels espaces résulte en réalité d’intérêts locaux contradictoires tant sur le plan politique que sur le plan économique.
Approche comparative de la ségrégation socio-spatiale dans les aires urbaines françaises
Authors: Madoré François
Published: January 2016

L’objet de cet article est de mesurer l’intensité de la ségrégation socio-spatiale dans les cinquante premières aires urbaines françaises. Trois principales conclusions ressortent. La hiérarchisation socio-spatiale du territoire est bien marquée dans toutes les villes. La ségrégation est plus forte dans la ville dense (pôle urbain) que dans la ville étalée (couronne périurbaine). Enfin, des variations inter-urbaines de la ségrégation apparaissent, structurées par un effet de rang (la ségrégation est plus marquée dans les grandes aires urbaines) et de contexte régional (les villes plus ségrégées sont plutôt dans la moitié nord de la France, héritage de la révolution industrielle), mais ces deux variables n’expliquent que partiellement les différences d’intensité.
Globes, savoir situé et éducation à la beauté : Patrick Geddes géographe et sa relation avec les Reclus
Authors: Ferretti Federico
Published: January 2016

Cet article interroge la relation que Patrick Geddes a entretenue avec la géographie. Elle est souvent citée, mais elle n’est pas encore étudiée systématiquement à travers une analyse de sa collaboration avec le réseau des géographes anarchistes : Pierre Kropotkine, Élie, Élisée et Paul Reclus. Nos sources principales sont les archives et les travaux géographiques de Geddes. Nous suivons l’exhortation de Charles Withers, qui invite à étudier la géographie interne de l’Outlook Tower d’Édimbourg par l’analyse des objets exposés dans ce « musée géographique ». Notre problématique s’ordonne autour de deux aspects thématiques contigus. Le premier d’entre eux est l’engagement de Geddes dans l’enseignement de la géographie et la résonance de sa critique du système éducatif, qualifié de « fabrique d’imbéciles artificiels », avec la pédagogie libertaire. Le second aspect est sa critique, tout à la fois didactique et épistémologique – et inspirée par Élisée Reclus –, de la carte plane en tant qu’instrument de représentation du monde.
Érosion du tissu productif en France
Authors: Aglietta Michel , Ragot Xavier
Published: January 2016

Ce texte présente une synthèse des facteurs à la fois macroéconomiques et microéconomiques de l’érosion du tissu productif français. Il part d’un résumé des divergences européennes pour préciser le diagnostic sur le tissu productif français. Les prix immobiliers, les divergences des coûts unitaires du travail sont des facteurs qui ont indubitablement pesé sur la rentabilité du capital en France. On discute ensuite la financiarisation de la gouvernance des entreprises et l’on avance qu’elle peut constituer un frein à la définition de stratégies de long terme pour monter en gamme. Le renforcement du tissu productif passera par des efforts importants et coordonnés de toutes les parties des entreprises.