bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Turn-on Fluorescence Sensor for Heparin Detection Based on a Release of Taiwan Cobra Cardiotoxin from a DNA Aptamer or Adenosine-Based Molecular Beacon
Authors: Shi Yi-Jun , Wang Liang-Jun , Lee Yuan-Chin , Huang Chia-Hui , Hu Wan-Ping , Chang Long-Sen
Published: February 2018

This study presents two sensitive fluorescent assays for sensing heparin on the basis of the electrostatic interaction between heparin and Naja naja atra cardiotoxin 3 (CTX3). Owing to CTX3-induced folded structure of an adenosine-based molecular beacon (MB) or a DNA aptamer against CTX3, a reduction in the fluorescent signal of the aptamer or MB 5′-end labeled with carboxyfluorescein (FAM) and 3′-end labeled with 4-([4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]azo)-benzoic acid (DABCYL) was observed upon the addition of CTX3. The presence of heparin and formation of the CTX3–heparin complex caused CTX3 detachment from the MB or aptamer, and restoration of FAM fluorescence of the 5′-FAM-and-3′-DABCYL-labeled MB and aptamer was subsequently noted. Moreover, the detection of heparin with these CTX3-aptamer and CTX3-MB sensors showed high sensitivity and selectivity toward heparin over chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid regardless of the presence of plasma. The limit of detection for heparin in plasma was determined to be 16 ng/mL and 15 ng/mL, respectively, at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. This study validates the practical utility of the CTX3-aptamer and CTX3-MB systems for determining the concentration of heparin in a biological matrix.
A Comparative Assessment of Biological Effects and Chemical Profile of Italian Asphodeline lutea Extracts
Authors: Melucci Dora , Locatelli Marcello , Locatelli Clinio , Zappi Alessandro , De Laurentiis Francesco , Carradori Simone , Campestre Cristina , Leporini Lidia , Zengin Gokhan , Picot Carene , Menghini Luigi , Mahomoodally Mohamad
Published: February 2018

The present study aims to highlight the therapeutic potential of Asphodeline lutea (AL), a wild edible plant of the Mediterranean diet. Roots, aerial parts, and flowers of AL at two different phenological stages were collected from three locations in Italy. The inhibitory activities of extracts on strategic enzymes linked to human diseases were assessed. The antioxidant properties were evaluated in vitro, using six standard bioassays. The phenolic and anthraquinone profiles were also established using HPLC-PDA. Zinc, cadmium, lead, and copper contents were also determined. All the samples inhibited acetylcholinesterase (from 1.51 to 2.20 mg GALAEs/g extract), tyrosinase (from 7.50 to 25.3 mg KAEs/g extract), and α-amylase (from 0.37 to 0.51 mmol ACAEs/g extract). Aloe-emodin and physcion were present in all parts, while rhein was not detected. The phenolic profile and the heavy metals composition of specimens gathered from three different regions of Italy were different. It can be argued that samples collected near the street can contain higher concentrations of heavy metals. The experimental data confirm that the A. lutea species could be considered as a potential source of bioactive metabolites, and its consumption could play a positive and safe role in human health maintenance.
Characterization of the Key Aroma Compounds in Proso Millet Wine Using Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Liu Jingke , Zhao Wei , Li Shaohui , Zhang Aixia , Zhang Yuzong , Liu Songyan
Published: February 2018

The volatile compounds in proso millet wine were extracted by headspace solid-phase microextraction (85 μm polyacrylate (PA), 100 μm polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), 75 μm Carboxen (CAR)/PDMS, and 50/30 μm divinylbenzene (DVB)/CAR/PDMS fibers), and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; the odor characteristics and intensities were analyzed by the odor activity value (OAV). Different sample preparation factors were used to optimize this method: sample amount, extraction time, extraction temperature, and content of NaCl. A total of 64 volatile compounds were identified from the wine sample, including 14 esters, seven alcohols, five aldehydes, five ketones, 12 benzene derivatives, 12 hydrocarbons, two terpenes, three phenols, two acids, and two heterocycles. Ethyl benzeneacetate, phenylethyl alcohol, and benzaldehyde were the main volatile compounds found in the samples. According to their OAVs, 14 volatile compounds were determined to be odor-active compounds (OAV > 1), and benzaldehyde, benzeneacetaldehyde, 1-methyl-naphthalene, 2-methyl-naphthalene, and biphenyl were the prominent odor-active compounds (OAV > 50), having a high OAV. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed the difference of distribution of the 64 volatile compounds and 14 odor-active compounds with four solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibers.
Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis of Different Extracts from Thymus algeriensis Aerial Parts
Authors: Boutaoui Nassima , Zaiter Lahcene , Benayache Fadila , Benayache Samir , Carradori Simone , Cesa Stefania , Giusti Anna , Campestre Cristina , Menghini Luigi , Innosa Denise , Locatelli Marcello
Published: February 2018

This study was performed to evaluate the metabolite recovery from different extraction methods applied to Thymus algeriensis aerial parts. A high-performance liquid chromatographic method using photodiode array detector with gradient elution has been developed and validated for the simultaneous estimation of different phenolic compounds in the extracts and in their corresponding purified fractions. The experimental results show that microwave-assisted aqueous extraction for 15 min at 100 °C gave the most phenolics-enriched extract, reducing extraction time without degradation effects on bioactives. Sixteen compounds were identified in this extract, 11 phenolic compounds and five flavonoids, all known for their biological activities. Color analysis and determination of chlorophylls and carotenoids implemented the knowledge of the chemical profile of this plant.
2D SnO2 Nanosheets: Synthesis, Characterization, Structures, and Excellent Sensing Performance to Ethylene Glycol
Authors: Wan Wenjin , Li Yuehua , Ren Xingping , Zhao Yinping , Gao Fan , Zhao Heyun
Published: February 2018

Two dimensional (2D)SnO2 nanosheets were synthesized by a substrate-free hydrothermal route using sodium stannate and sodium hydroxide in a mixed solvent of absolute ethanol and deionized water at a lower temperature of 130 °C. The characterization results of the morphology, microstructure, and surface properties of the as-prepared products demonstrated that SnO2 nanosheets with a tetragonal rutile structure, were composed of oriented SnO2 nanoparticles with a diameter of 6–12 nm. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (FETEM) results demonstrated that the dominant exposed surface of the SnO2 nanoparticles was (101), but not (110). The growth and formation was supposed to follow the oriented attachment mechanism. The SnO2 nanosheets exhibited an excellent sensing response toward ethylene glycol at a lower optimal operating voltage of 3.4 V. The response to 400 ppm ethylene glycol reaches 395 at 3.4 V. Even under the low concentration of 5, 10, and 20 ppm, the sensor exhibited a high response of 6.9, 7.8, and 12.0 to ethylene glycol, respectively. The response of the SnO2 nanosheets exhibited a linear dependence on the ethylene glycol concentration from 5 to 1000 ppm. The excellent sensing performance was attributed to the present SnO2 nanoparticles with small size close to the Debye length, the larger specific surface, the high-energy exposed facets of the (101) surface, and the synergistic effects of the SnO2 nanoparticles of the nanosheets.
Memristic Characteristics from Bistable to Tristable Memory with Controllable Charge Trap Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Li Lei , Wen Dianzhong
Published: February 2018

The incorporation of the one-dimensional carbon nanomaterial carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was found to successfully develop a resistive switching. It implements memristic characteristics which shift from bistable to tristable memory. The localized current pathways in the organic nanocomposite layers for each intermediate resistive state (IRS) are attributed to the trapping mechanism consistent with the fluorescent measurements. Multi-bit organic memories have attracted considerable interest, which provide an effective way to increase the memory density per unit cell area. This study will be useful for the development and tuning of multi-bit storable organic nanocomposite memory device systems.
A Brief Note on the Magnetowetting of Magnetic Nanofluids on AAO Surfaces
Authors: Chien Yu-Chin , Weng Huei Chu
Published: February 2018

In magnetowetting, the material properties of liquid, surface morphology of solid, and applied external field are three major factors used to determine the wettability of a liquid droplet on a surface. For wetting measurements, an irregular or uneven surface could result in a significant experimental uncertainty. The periodic array with a hexagonal symmetry structure is an advantage of the anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) structure. This study presents the results of the wetting properties of magnetic nanofluid sessile droplets on surfaces of various AAO pore sizes under an applied external magnetic field. Stable, water-based magnetite nanofluids are prepared by combining the chemical co-precipitation with the sol-gel technique, and AAO surfaces are then generated by anodizing the aluminum sheet in the beginning. The influence of pore size and magnetic field gradient on the magnetowetting of magnetic nanofluids on AAO surfaces is then investigated by an optical test system. Experimental results show that increasing the processing voltage of AAO templates could result in enhanced non-wettability behavior; that is, the increase in AAO pore size could lead to the increase in contact angle. The contact angle could be reduced by the applied magnetic field gradient. In general, the magnetic field has a more significant effect at smaller AAO pore sizes.
Differential Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Status and Placental Transport in Adolescent Pregnancies
Authors: Fonseca Fernanda Carrilho Pinto da , Mucci Daniela de Barros , Assumpção Renata Pereira , Marcondes Henrique , Sardinha Fátima Lúcia de Carvalho , Silva Simone Vargas , Citelli Marta , Tavares do Carmo Maria das Graças
Published: February 2018

Adolescent pregnancy increases risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Placental delivery of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) is essential for fetal growth and development. In this pilot study, we aimed to assess maternal and fetal status of fatty acids (FA) measured at birth and the expression of key genes involved in FA uptake, transport and metabolism in the placenta of fifteen adolescents and fifteen adults. FA were quantified by gas-liquid chromatography. Placental expression of FA transporters was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) was quantified by Western Blot. Adolescents had lower docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3) and total n-3 FA levels in maternal erythrocytes and placenta, but these were not different in fetal erythrocytes. Arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4 n-6) concentration was increased in placenta but lower in fetal circulation. Plasma membrane fatty acid binding protein (FABPpm) and fatty acid transport protein (FATP) 4 mRNA expressions were not different, however FATP1, fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) and fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3) mRNA and PPARγ protein levels were decreased in placenta of adolescents. Despite significant downregulation of FATP1, CD36 and FABP3, there was only a modest decrease in LCPUFA (10%) and AA (12%) and no difference in DHA content in cord blood, suggesting that FA transfer to the fetus was partially protected by other factors in adolescents from this cohort.
Achieving Optimal Post-Exercise Muscle Protein Remodeling in Physically Active Adults through Whole Food Consumption
Authors: Van Vliet Stephan , Beals Joseph W. , Martinez Isabel G. , Skinner Sarah K. , Burd Nicholas A.
Published: February 2018

Dietary protein ingestion is critical to maintaining the quality and quantity of skeletal muscle mass throughout adult life. The performance of acute exercise enhances muscle protein remodeling by stimulating protein synthesis rates for several hours after each bout, which can be optimized by consuming protein during the post-exercise recovery period. To date, the majority of the evidence regarding protein intake to optimize post-exercise muscle protein synthesis rates is limited to isolated protein sources. However, it is more common to ingest whole food sources of protein within a normal eating pattern. Emerging evidence demonstrates a promising role for the ingestion of whole foods as an effective nutritional strategy to support muscle protein remodeling and recovery after exercise. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy of the ingestion of nutrient-rich and protein-dense whole foods to support post-exercise muscle protein remodeling and recovery with pertinence towards physically active people.
Patterns of Protein Food Intake Are Associated with Nutrient Adequacy in the General French Adult Population
Authors: De Gavelle Erwan , Huneau Jean-François , Mariotti François
Published: February 2018

Protein food intake appears to partially structure dietary patterns, as most current emergent diets (e.g., vegetarian and flexitarian) can be described according to their levels of specific protein sources. However, few data are available on dietary protein patterns in the general population and their association with nutrient adequacy. Based on protein food intake data concerning 1678 adults from a representative French national dietary survey, and non-negative-matrix factorization followed by cluster analysis, we were able to identify distinctive dietary protein patterns and compare their nutrient adequacy (using PANDiet probabilistic scoring). The findings revealed eight patterns that clearly discriminate protein intakes and were characterized by the intakes of one or more specific protein foods: ‘Processed meat’, ‘Poultry’, ‘Pork’, ‘Traditional’, ‘Milk’, ‘Take-away’, ‘Beef’ and ‘Fish’. ‘Fish eaters’ and ‘Milk drinkers’ had the highest overall nutrient adequacy, whereas that of ‘Pork’ and ‘Take-away eaters’ was the lowest. Nutrient adequacy could often be accounted for by the characteristics of the food contributing to protein intake: ‘Meat eaters’ had high probability of adequacy for iron and zinc, for example. We concluded that protein patterns constitute strong elements in the background structure of the dietary intake and are associated with the nutrient profile that they convey.
Effect of a Fibroin Enzymatic Hydrolysate on Memory Improvement: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study
Authors: Kang Yong Koo , Lee Boo Yong , Bucci Luke R. , Stohs Sidney J.
Published: February 2018

The consumption of a specifically prepared silk fibroin protein enzymatic hydrolysate (FPEH) has been reported to improve cognitive function in healthy humans. The objective of the current study is to evaluate the dose-dependent effects of the FPEH on memory. Healthy adults with an average age of approximately 55 years were administered doses of 0, 280, 400 and 600 mg of FPEH per day in two divided doses for 3 weeks. The Rey–Kim Auditory Verbal Learning Test and the Rey–Kim Complex Figure Test of the Rey–Kim Memory Test were used to evaluate memory at baseline and after 3 weeks. The scores for each test were combined into the memory quotient score (MQ). Learning gradient, memory maintenance, retrieval efficacy, and drawing/recall scores were also compared. After 3 weeks of FPEH, dose-dependent increases were observed for the MQ, the learning gradient, the numbers of words remembered, the retrieval efficiency, and drawing/recall. The optimal dose for FPEH was 400 or 600 mg, depending on the end point measured. No adverse effects were reported. FPEH significantly improved measurements of memory in healthy adults by 3 weeks at doses over 280 mg daily, with an apparent plateau effect at 400–600 mg daily.
Silent Vestibulopathy in Asymmetric Hearing Loss Can Be a Sign of a Cerebellopontine Angle Tumor
Authors: Sunwoo Woongsang , Jeon Yung Jin , Park Han Gyeol , Song Yoonjae , Song Jae-Jin , Choi Byung Yoon , Koo Ja-Won
Published: February 2018

The presence of an ipsilateral cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumor should be ruled out in patients with asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss (ASNHL). Although many patients with CPA tumors have ipsilateral vestibular hypofunction, some of them do not experience dizziness even with ipsilateral vestibular hypofunction. We analyzed the incidence of CPA tumors among patients with ASNHL without subjective dizziness based on the presence of vestibulopathy. We hypothesized that a patient with silent unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH) is more likely to be diagnosed with a CPA tumor. Among 157 subjects who underwent MRI for ASNHL, those who did not have “subjective dizziness” were selected. All subjects underwent hearing and vestibular function tests. UVH was diagnosed if canal paresis ≥ 25%, positive head-shake nystagmus, or gain of head-impulse test < 0.8 were detected. The diameters of the CPA tumors were measured along the petrosal ridge on the axial plane of MRI. Among the enrolled subjects, 44 (28.02%) were diagnosed with a CPA tumor. The 37 patients (84.1%) with a CPA tumor had silent UVH, while only 33 of the 113 patients (29.2%) without a CPA tumor had silent UVH (chi-square test, odds ratio = 12.8, p < 0.001). Silent UVH in patients with ASNHL may be a sign of a CPA tumor.
A π-Halogen Bond of Dibenzofuranones with the Gatekeeper Phe113 in Human Protein Kinase CK2 Leads to Potent Tight Binding Inhibitors
Authors: Schnitzler Alexander , Gratz Andreas , Bollacke Andre , Weyrich Michael , Kuckländer Uwe , Wünsch Bernhard , Götz Claudia , Niefind Karsten , Jose Joachim
Published: February 2018

Human protein kinase CK2 is an emerging target for neoplastic diseases. Potent lead structures for human CK2 inhibitors are derived from dibenzofuranones. Two new derivatives, 7,9-dichloro-1,2-dihydro-8-hydroxy-4-[(4-methoxyphenylamino)-methylene]dibenzo[b,d]furan-3(2H)-one (4a) and (E)-1,3-dichloro-6-[(4-methoxyphenylimino)-methyl]dibenzo[b,d]furan-2,7-diol (5) were tested for inhibition of CK2 and induction of apoptosis in LNCaP cells. Both turned out to be tight binding inhibitors, with IC50 values of 7 nM (4a) and 5 nM (5) and an apparent Ki value of 0.4 nM for both. Compounds 4a and 5 reduced cellular CK2 activity, indicating cell permeability. Cell viability was substantially impaired in LNCaP cells, as well as apoptosis was induced, which was not appearing in non-neoplastic ARPE-19 cells. Co-crystallization of 4a and 5 revealed an unexpected π-halogen bond of the chloro substituent at C9 with the gatekeeper amino acid Phe113, leading to an inverted binding mode in comparison to parent compound 4b, with the Cl at C6 instead, which was co-crystallized as a control. This indicates that the position of the chloro substituent on ring A of the dibenzofuran scaffold is responsible for an inversion of the binding mode that enhances potency.
Probabilistic Justification Logic
Authors: Lurie Joseph
Published: February 2018

Justification logics are constructive analogues of modal logics. They are often used as epistemic logics, particularly as models of evidentialist justification. However, in this role, justification (and modal) logics are defective insofar as they represent justification with a necessity-like operator, whereas actual evidentialist justification is usually probabilistic. This paper first examines and rejects extant candidates for solving this problem: Milnikel’s Logic of Uncertain Justifications, Ghari’s Hájek–Pavelka-Style Justification Logics and a version of probabilistic justification logic developed by Kokkinis et al. It then proposes a new solution to the problem in the form of a justification logic that incorporates the essential features of both a fuzzy logic and a probabilistic logic.
Evidence of Adaptation to Recent Changes in Atmospheric CO2 in Four Weedy Species
Authors: Bunce James
Published: February 2018

Seeds of three C3 and one C4 annual weedy species were collected from agricultural fields in Beltsville, Maryland in 1966 and 2006, when atmospheric CO2 concentrations averaged about 320 and 380 mol mol−1, respectively. Plants from each collection year were grown over a range of CO2 concentrations to test for adaptation of these weedy species to recent changes in atmospheric CO2. In all three of the C3 species, the increase in CO2 concentration from 320 mol mol−1 to 380 mol mol−1 increased total dry mass at 24 days in plants from seeds collected in 2006, but not in plants from seeds collected in 1966. Shoot and seed dry mass at maturity was greater at the higher growth CO2 in plants collected in 2006 than in 1966 in two of the species. Down-regulation of photosynthetic carboxylation capacity during growth at high CO2 was less in the newer seed lots than in the older in two of the species. Overall, the results indicate that adaptation to recent changes in atmospheric CO2 has occurred in some of these weedy species.
Plasma Medicine: A Brief Introduction
Authors: Laroussi Mounir
Published: February 2018

This mini review is to introduce the readers of Plasma to the field of plasma medicine. This is a multidisciplinary field of research at the intersection of physics, engineering, biology and medicine. Plasma medicine is only about two decades old, but the research community active in this emerging field has grown tremendously in the last few years. Today, research is being conducted on a number of applications including wound healing and cancer treatment. Although a lot of knowledge has been created and our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that play important roles in the interaction between low temperature plasma and biological cells and tissues has greatly expanded, much remains to be done to get a thorough and detailed picture of all the physical and biochemical processes that enter into play.
Mucoadhesive Cyclodextrin-Modified Thiolated Poly(aspartic acid) as a Potential Ophthalmic Drug Delivery System
Authors: Budai-Szűcs Mária , Kiss Eszter , Szilágyi Barnabás , Szilágyi András , Gyarmati Benjámin , Berkó Szilvia , Kovács Anita , Horvát Gabriella , Aigner Zoltán , Soós Judit , Csányi Erzsébet
Published: February 2018

Thiolated poly(aspartic acid) is known as a good mucoadhesive polymer in aqueous ophthalmic formulations. In this paper, cyclodextrin-modified thiolated poly(aspartic acid) was synthesized for the incorporation of prednisolone, a lipophilic ophthalmic drug, in an aqueous in situ gellable mucoadhesive solution. This polymer combines the advantages of cyclodextrins and thiolated polymers. The formation of the cyclodextrin-drug complex in the gels was analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction. The ocular applicability of the polymer was characterized by means of physicochemical, rheological and drug diffusion tests. It was established that the chemical bonding of the cyclodextrin molecule did not affect the complexation of prednisolone, while the polymer solution preserved its in situ gellable and good mucoadhesive characteristics. The chemical immobilization of cyclodextrin modified the diffusion profile of prednisolone and prolonged drug release was observed. The combination of free and immobilized cyclodextrins provided the best release profile because the free complex can diffuse rapidly, while the bonded complex ensures a prolonged action.
Effect of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane on the Melting, Structure, and Mechanical Behavior of Polyoxymethylene
Authors: Czarnecka-Komorowska Dorota , Sterzynski Tomasz
Published: February 2018

The effects of octakis[(3-glycidoxypropyl)dimethylsiloxy]octasilsesquioxane (GPOSS) on the crystallinity, crystal structure, morphology, and mechanical properties of polyoxymethylene (POM) and POM/GPOSS composites were investigated. The POM/GPOSS composites with varying concentrations of GPOSS nanoparticles (0.05–0.25 wt %) were prepared via melt blending. The structure of POM/GPOSS composites was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), and polarized light microscopy (PLM). The mechanical properties were determined by standardized tensile tests. The morphology and dispersion of GPOSS nanoparticles in the POM matrix were investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. It was observed that the dispersion of the GPOSS nanoparticles was uniform. Based on DSC studies, it was found that the melting temperature, lamellar thickness, and the degree of crystallinity of the POM/GPOSS composites increased. The POM/GPOSS composites showed an increased Young’s modulus and tensile strength. Finally, compared with the pure POM, the addition of GPOSS reduced the spherulites’ size and improved the crystallinity of the POM, which demonstrates that the nucleation effect of GPOSS is favorable for the mechanical properties of POM.
Mechanical Processing of GFRP Waste into Large-Sized Pieces for Use in Concrete
Authors: Yazdanbakhsh Ardavan , Bank Lawrence C. , Tian Yuan
Published: February 2018

Recycling glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite materials has been proven to be challenging due to their high mechanical performance and high resistance to harsh chemical and thermal conditions. This work discusses the efforts made in the past to mechanically process GFRP waste materials by cutting them into large-sized (cm scale) pieces, as opposed to pulverization, for use in concrete mixtures. These pieces can be classified into two main categories—coarse aggregate and discrete reinforcement, here referred to as “needles.” The results from all the studies show that using GFRP coarse aggregate leads to significant reductions in the compressive strength and tensile strength of concrete. However, GFRP needles lead to sizable increases in the energy absorption capacity of concrete. In addition, if the glass fibers are longitudinally aligned within the needles, these elements can substantially increase the tensile strength of concrete. Processing GFRP waste into needles requires less energy and time than that for producing GFRP coarse aggregate. Also, compared to pulverized GFRP waste, which consists of broken and separate particles of glass and resin that at best can be used as low-quality fillers, GFRP needles are high strength composite elements.
Ecological Drought: Accounting for the Non-Human Impacts of Water Shortage in the Upper Missouri Headwaters Basin, Montana, USA
Authors: McEvoy Jamie , Bathke Deborah J. , Burkardt Nina , Cravens Amanda E. , Haigh Tonya , Hall Kimberly R. , Hayes Michael J. , Jedd Theresa , Poděbradská Markéta , Wickham Elliot
Published: February 2018

Water laws and drought plans are used to prioritize and allocate scarce water resources. Both have historically been human-centric, failing to account for non-human water needs. In this paper, we examine the development of instream flow legislation and the evolution of drought planning to highlight the growing concern for the non-human impacts of water scarcity. Utilizing a new framework for ecological drought, we analyzed five watershed-scale drought plans in southwestern Montana, USA to understand if, and how, the ecological impacts of drought are currently being assessed. We found that while these plans do account for some ecological impacts, it is primarily through the narrow lens of impacts to fish as measured by water temperature and streamflow. The latter is typically based on the same ecological principles used to determine instream flow requirements. We also found that other resource plans in the same watersheds (e.g., Watershed Restoration Plans, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Watershed Assessments or United States Forest Service (USFS) Forest Plans) identify a broader range of ecological drought risks. Given limited resources and the potential for mutual benefits and synergies, we suggest greater integration between various planning processes could result in a more holistic consideration of water needs and uses across the landscape.
Hyperspectral Image Classification Using Convolutional Neural Networks and Multiple Feature Learning
Authors: Gao Qishuo , Lim Samsung , Jia Xiuping
Published: February 2018

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been extended to hyperspectral imagery (HSI) classification due to its better feature representation and high performance, whereas multiple feature learning has shown its effectiveness in computer vision areas. This paper proposes a novel framework that takes advantage of both CNNs and multiple feature learning to better predict the class labels for HSI pixels. We built a novel CNN architecture with various features extracted from the raw imagery as input. The network generates the corresponding relevant feature maps for the input, and the generated feature maps are fed into a concatenating layer to form a joint feature map. The obtained joint feature map is then input to the subsequent layers to predict the final labels for each hyperspectral pixel. The proposed method not only takes advantage of enhanced feature extraction from CNNs, but also fully exploits the spectral and spatial information jointly. The effectiveness of the proposed method is tested with three benchmark data sets, and the results show that the CNN-based multi-feature learning framework improves the classification accuracy significantly.
Shortwave IR Adaption of the Mid-Infrared Radiance Method of Fire Radiative Power (FRP) Retrieval for Assessing Industrial Gas Flaring Output
Authors: Fisher Daniel , Wooster Martin J.
Published: February 2018

The radiative power (MW) output of a gas flare is a useful metric from which the rate of methane combustion and carbon dioxide emission can be inferred for inventorying purposes and regular global surveys based on such assessments are now being used to keep track of global gas flare reduction efforts. Several multispectral remote sensing techniques to estimate gas flare radiative power output have been developed for use in such surveys and single band approaches similar to those long used for the estimation of landscape fire radiative power output (FRP) can also be applied. The MIR-Radiance method, now used for FRP retrieval within the MODIS active fire products, is one such single band approach—but its applicability to gas flare targets (which are significantly hotter than vegetation fires) has not yet been assessed. Here we show that the MIR-Radiance approach is in fact not immediately suitable for retrieval of gas flare FRP due to their higher combustion temperatures but that switching to use data from a SWIR (rather than MWIR) spectral channel once again enables the method to deliver unbiased FRP retrievals. Over an assumed flaring temperature range of 1600–2200 K we find a maximum FRP error of ±13.6% when using SWIR observations at 1.6 µm and ±6.3% when using observations made at 2.2 µm. Comparing these retrievals to those made by the multispectral VIIRS ‘NightFire’ algorithm (based on Planck Function fits to the multispectral signals) we find excellent agreement (bias = 0.5 MW, scatter = 1.6 MW). An important implication of the availability of this new SWIR radiance method for gas flare analysis is the potential to apply it to long time-series from older and/or more spectrally limited instruments, unsuited to the use of multispectral algorithms. This includes the ATSR series of sensors operating between 1991–2012 on the ERS-1, ERS-2 and ENVISAT satellites and such long-term data can be used with the SWIR-Radiance method to identify key trends in global gas flaring that have occurred over the last few decades.
Assessing the Impact of Spectral Resolution on Classification of Lowland Native Grassland Communities Based on Field Spectroscopy in Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Melville Bethany , Lucieer Arko , Aryal Jagannath
Published: February 2018

This paper presents a case study for the analysis of endangered lowland native grassland communities in the Tasmanian Midlands region using field spectroscopy and spectral convolution techniques. The aim of the study was to determine whether there was significant improvement in classification accuracy for lowland native grasslands and other vegetation communities based on hyperspectral resolution datasets over multispectral equivalents. A spectral dataset was collected using an ASD Handheld-2 spectroradiometer at Tunbridge Township Lagoon. The study then employed a k-fold cross-validation approach for repeated classification of a full hyperspectral dataset, a reduced hyperspectral dataset, and two convoluted multispectral datasets. Classification was performed on each of the four datasets a total of 30 times, based on two different class configurations. The classes analysed were Themeda triandra grassland, Danthonia/Poa grassland, Wilsonia rotundifolia/Selliera radicans, saltpan, and a simplified C3 vegetation class. The results of the classifications were then tested for statistically significant differences using ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc comparisons. The results of the study indicated that hyperspectral resolution provides small but statistically significant increases in classification accuracy for Themeda and Danthonia grasslands. For other classes, differences in classification accuracy for all datasets were not statistically significant. The results obtained here indicate that there is some potential for enhanced detection of major lowland native grassland community types using hyperspectral resolution datasets, and that future analysis should prioritise good performance in these classes over others. This study presents a method for identification of optimal spectral resolution across multiple datasets, and constitutes an important case study for lowland native grassland mapping in Tasmania.
Quality Assessment of DSMs Produced from UAV Flights Georeferenced with On-Board RTK Positioning
Authors: Forlani Gianfranco , Dall’Asta Elisa , Diotri Fabrizio , Cella Umberto Morra di , Roncella Riccardo , Santise Marina
Published: February 2018

High-resolution Digital Surface Models (DSMs) from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) imagery with accuracy better than 10 cm open new possibilities in geosciences and engineering. The accuracy of such DSMs depends on the number and distribution of ground control points (GCPs). Placing and measuring GCPs are often the most time-consuming on-site tasks in a UAV project. Safety or accessibility concerns may impede their proper placement, so either costlier techniques must be used, or a less accurate DSM is obtained. Photogrammetric blocks flown by drones with on-board receivers capable of RTK (real-time kinematic) positioning do not need GCPs, as camera stations at exposure time can be determined with cm-level accuracy, and used to georeference the block and control its deformations. This paper presents an experimental investigation on the repeatability of DSM generation from several blocks acquired with a RTK-enabled drone, where differential corrections were sent from a local master station or a network of Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS). Four different flights for each RTK mode were executed over a test field, according to the same flight plan. DSM generation was performed with three block control configurations: GCP only, camera stations only, and with camera stations and one GCP. The results show that irrespective of the RTK mode, the first and third configurations provide the best DSM inner consistency. The average range of the elevation discrepancies among the DSMs in such cases is about 6 cm (2.5 GSD, ground sampling density) for a 10-cm resolution DSM. Using camera stations only, the average range is almost twice as large (4.7 GSD). The average DSM accuracy, which was verified on checkpoints, turned out to be about 2.1 GSD with the first and third configurations, and 3.7 GSD with camera stations only.
Using Support Vector Regression and Hyperspectral Imaging for the Prediction of Oenological Parameters on Different Vintages and Varieties of Wine Grape Berries
Authors: Silva Rui , Gomes Véronique , Mendes-Faia Arlete , Melo-Pinto Pedro
Published: February 2018

The performance of a support vector regression (SVR) model with a Gaussian radial basis kernel to predict anthocyanin concentration, pH index and sugar content in whole grape berries, using spectroscopic measurements obtained in reflectance mode, was evaluated. Each sample contained a small number of whole berries and the spectrum of each sample was collected during ripening using hyperspectral imaging in the range of 380–1028 nm. Touriga Franca (TF) variety samples were collected for the 2012–2015 vintages, and Touriga Nacional (TN) and Tinta Barroca (TB) variety samples were collected for the 2013 vintage. These TF vintages were independently used to train, validate and test the SVR methodology; different combinations of TF vintages were used to train and test each model to assess the performance differences under wider and more variable datasets; the varieties that were not employed in the model training and validation (TB and TN) were used to test the generalization ability of the SVR approach. Each case was tested using an external independent set (with data not included in the model training or validation steps). The best R2 results obtained with varieties and vintages not employed in the model’s training step were 0.89, 0.81 and 0.90, with RMSE values of 35.6 mg·L−1, 0.25 and 3.19 °Brix, for anthocyanin concentration, pH index and sugar content, respectively. The present results indicate a good overall performance for all cases, improving the state-of-the-art results for external test sets, and suggesting that a robust model, with a generalization capacity over different varieties and harvest years may be obtainable without further training, which makes this a very competitive approach when compared to the models from other authors, since it makes the problem significantly simpler and more cost-effective.
Comparison between AMSR2 Sea Ice Concentration Products and Pseudo-Ship Observations of the Arctic and Antarctic Sea Ice Edge on Cloud-Free Days
Authors: Pang Xiaoping , Pu Jian , Zhao Xi , Ji Qing , Qu Meng , Cheng Zian
Published: February 2018

In recent years, much attention has been paid to the behavior of passive microwave sea ice concentration (SIC) products for marginal ice zones. Based on the definition of ice edges from ship observations, we identified pseudo-ship observations (PSO) and generated PSO ice edges from twelve cloud-free moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) images. Two SIC products of the advanced microwave scanning radiometer 2 (AMSR2) were compared at the PSO ice edges: ARTIST (arctic radiation and turbulence interaction study) sea ice (ASI-SIC) and bootstrap (BST-SIC). The mean values of ASI-SIC pixels located at ice edges were 10.5% and 10.3% for the Arctic and the Antarctic, respectively, and are below the commonly applied 15% threshold, whereas the mean values of corresponding BST-SIC pixels were 23.6% and 27.3%, respectively. The mean values of both ASI-SIC and BST-SIC were lower in summer than in winter. The spatial gaps among the 15% ASI-SIC ice edge, the 15% BST-SIC ice edge and the PSO ice edge were mostly within 35 km, whereas the 15% ASI-SIC ice edge matched better with the PSO ice edge. Results also show that the ice edges were located in the thin ice region, with a mean ice thickness of around 5–8 cm. We conclude that the 15% threshold well determines the ice edge from passive microwave SIC in both the Arctic and the Antarctic.
The Challenges of Remotely Measuring Oil Slick Thickness
Authors: Fingas Merv
Published: February 2018

The thickness of oil spills on the sea is an important but poorly studied topic. Means to measure slick thickness are reviewed. More than 30 concepts are summarized. Many of these are judged not to be viable for a variety of scientific reasons. Two means are currently available to remotely measure oil thickness, namely, passive microwave radiometry and time of acoustic travel. Microwave radiometry is commercially developed at this time. Visual means to ascertain oil thickness are restricted by physics to thicknesses smaller than those of rainbow sheens, which rarely occur on large spills, and thin sheen. One can observe that some slicks are not sheen and are probably thicker. These three thickness regimes are not useful to oil spill countermeasures, as most of the oil is contained in the thick portion of a slick, the thickness of which is unknown and ranges over several orders of magnitude. There is a continuing need to measure the thickness of oil spills. This need continues to increase with time, and further research effort is needed. Several viable concepts have been developed but require further work and verification. One of the difficulties is that ground truthing and verification methods are generally not available for most thickness measurement methods.
A Novel Method of Autonomous Inspection for Transmission Line based on Cable Inspection Robot LiDAR Data
Authors: Qin Xinyan , Wu Gongping , Lei Jin , Fan Fei , Ye Xuhui , Mei Quanjie
Published: February 2018

With the growth of the national economy, there is increasing demand for electricity, which forces transmission line corridors to become structurally complicated and extend to complex environments (e.g., mountains, forests). It is a great challenge to inspect transmission line in these regions. To address these difficulties, a novel method of autonomous inspection for transmission line is proposed based on cable inspection robot (CIR) LiDAR data, which mainly includes two steps: preliminary inspection and autonomous inspection. In preliminary inspection, the position and orientation system (POS) data is used for original point cloud dividing, ground point filtering, and structured partition. A hierarchical classification strategy is established to identify the classes and positions of the abnormal points. In autonomous inspection, CIR can autonomously reach the specified points through inspection planning. These inspection targets are imaged with PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras by coordinate transformation. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified by test site experiments and actual line experiments, respectively. The proposed method greatly reduces manpower and improves inspection accuracy, providing a theoretical basis for intelligent inspection of transmission lines in the future.
Responsive Polydiacetylene Vesicles for Biosensing Microorganisms
Authors: Lebègue Estelle , Farre Carole , Jose Catherine , Saulnier Joelle , Lagarde Florence , Chevalier Yves , Chaix Carole , Jaffrezic-Renault Nicole
Published: February 2018

Polydiacetylene (PDA) inserted in films or in vesicles has received increasing attention due to its property to undergo a blue-to-red colorimetric transition along with a change from non-fluorescent to fluorescent upon application of various stimuli. In this review paper, the principle for the detection of various microorganisms (bacteria, directly detected or detected through the emitted toxins or through their DNA, and viruses) and of antibacterial and antiviral peptides based on these responsive PDA vesicles are detailed. The analytical performances obtained, when vesicles are in suspension or immobilized, are given and compared to those of the responsive vesicles mainly based on the vesicle encapsulation method. Many future challenges are then discussed.
Ring Laser Gyro G-Sensitive Misalignment Calibration in Linear Vibration Environments
Authors: Wang Lin , Wu Wenqi , Li Geng , Pan Xianfei , Yu Ruihang
Published: February 2018

The ring laser gyro (RLG) dither axis will bend and exhibit errors due to the specific forces acting on the instrument, which are known as g-sensitive misalignments of the gyros. The g-sensitive misalignments of the RLG triad will cause severe attitude error in vibration or maneuver environments where large-amplitude specific forces and angular rates coexist. However, g-sensitive misalignments are usually ignored when calibrating the strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS). This paper proposes a novel method to calibrate the g-sensitive misalignments of an RLG triad in linear vibration environments. With the SINS is attached to a linear vibration bench through outer rubber dampers, rocking of the SINS can occur when the linear vibration is performed on the SINS. Therefore, linear vibration environments can be created to simulate the harsh environment during aircraft flight. By analyzing the mathematical model of g-sensitive misalignments, the relationship between attitude errors and specific forces as well as angular rates is established, whereby a calibration scheme with approximately optimal observations is designed. Vibration experiments are conducted to calibrate g-sensitive misalignments of the RLG triad. Vibration tests also show that SINS velocity error decreases significantly after g-sensitive misalignments compensation.
Spectral Optical Readout of Rectangular–Miniature Hollow Glass Tubing for Refractive Index Sensing
Authors: Rigamonti Giulia , Bello Valentina , Merlo Sabina
Published: February 2018

For answering the growing demand of innovative micro-fluidic devices able to measure the refractive index of samples in extremely low volumes, this paper presents an overview of the performances of a micro-opto-fluidic sensing platform that employs rectangular, miniature hollow glass tubings. The operating principle is described by showing the analytical model of the tubing, obtained as superposition of different optical cavities, and the optical readout method based on spectral reflectivity detection. We have analyzed, in particular, the theoretical and experimental optical features of rectangular tubings with asymmetrical geometry, thus with channel depth larger than the thickness of the glass walls, though all of them in the range of a few tens of micrometers. The origins of the complex line-shape of the spectral response in reflection, due to the different cavities formed by the tubing flat walls and channel, have been investigated using a Fourier transform analysis. The implemented instrumental configuration, based on standard telecom fiberoptic components and a semiconductor broadband optical source emitting in the near infrared wavelength region centered at 1.55 µm, has allowed acquisition of reflectivity spectra for experimental verification of the expected theoretical behavior. We have achieved detection of refractive index variations related to the change of concentration of glucose-water solutions flowing through the tubing by monitoring the spectral shift of the optical resonances.