bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Postponing Topdressing-N on the Yield of Different Types of japonica Rice and Its Relationship with Soil Fertility
Authors: Ye Chang , Huang Xiu , Chu Guang , Chen Song , Xu Chunmei , Zhang Xiufu , Wang Danying
Published: December 2019

N fertilizer is usually supplied via multiple applications in rice production in China. Due to the high N-recovery efficiency (NRE) of panicle fertilizer, applying large amounts of fertilizer at the booting stage is considered to be an effective measure of increasing yields, although it has adverse effects on eating quality. In this study, using six inbred and four hybrid japonica varieties, we postponed topdressing-N to increase the ratio of panicle N from 20% to 40% by correspondingly reducing the N amount applied only at the tillering stage. We also analyzed the effects of postponing the topdressing-N on grain yield and dry matter accumulation in both high- and low-fertility blue clayey paddy fields in 2016 and 2017. The effects of postponing topdressing-N applications on japonica rice were related to variety, meteorological conditions, and soil fertility. With respect to the inbred varieties, regardless of whether panicle N was applied as a single or split application, increasing the ratio of panicle N had no effect on the yield components or dry matter accumulation of plants grown in either high- and low-fertility soils. Regarding the hybrid varieties grown in the high-fertility soil, although postponing the topdressing-N application had no effect on yield under good weather conditions (no low-temperature stress during grain-filling), a single application of 40% of the total N at the panicle initiation stage significantly decreased both the dry matter accumulation after heading and the seed-setting rate of varieties that presented long growth periods under low-temperature conditions. With respect to hybrid varieties grown in low-fertility soil, postponing the application of topdressing-N had an adverse effect on the number of effective panicles. Our results suggested that the proportion of panicle N applied to japonica rice should not exceed 30% in clayey paddy fields and that fertilizer management with respect to rice production should be adjusted according to soil type, soil fertility, and variety.
Performance Evaluation and Optimization of a Building-Integrated Photovoltaic/Thermal Solar Water Heating System for Exterior Shading: A Case Study in South China
Authors: Chen Xiao , Wang Wanying , Luo Dandan , Zhu Chihui
Published: December 2019

Building-integrated photovoltaic/thermal (BIPV/T) systems can produce both electrical and thermal energy through the use of photovoltaic/thermal modules integrated with building envelope. Exterior shading is a common way to improve summer indoor thermal environment of the buildings in low latitudes. This study presents a BIPV/T solar water heating system for exterior shading of residences. In order to evaluate and optimize the system performances, a model was developed to simulate the thermal and electrical production of such system. The simulations for an example system in Guangzhou, a city in South China, were performed to investigate the influences of tank installation height and panel tilt angle on system performances. According to simulation results, the suggested tank installation height is 0.6~0.8 m. The shading coefficient ranges from 0.797 to 0.828 when the tilt angle varies from 14° to 38°. The reduction of panel tilt angle causes a certain improvement of shading performance. The annual auxiliary heat reaches the minimum when the panel tilt angle equals 28°, and the annual electric energy output changes little when the panel tilt angle ranges from 20° to 28°. Comprehensively considering thermal, electrical, and shading performances, the suggested panel tilt angle is 20°~28°. The average thermal and electrical efficiencies are respectively 38.25% and 11.95% when the panel tilt angle ranges from 20° to 28°. The presented system is a promising way to provide hot water, electricity, and exterior shading for residences.
Phase 1 Dose Escalation Study of the Allosteric AKT Inhibitor BAY 1125976 in Advanced Solid Cancer—Lack of Association between Activating AKT Mutation and AKT Inhibition-Derived Efficacy
Authors: Schneeweiss Andreas , Hess Dagmar , Joerger Markus , Varga Andrea , Moulder Stacy , Tsimberidou Apostolia M. , Ma Cynthia , Hurvitz Sara A. , Rentzsch Christine , Rudolph Marion , Thiele Silke , Boix Oliver , Wilkinson Gary , Lagkadinou Eleni , Ocker Matthias
Published: December 2019

This open-label, phase I first-in-human study (NCT01915576) of BAY 1125976, a highly specific and potent allosteric inhibitor of AKT1/2, aimed to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and maximum tolerated dose of BAY 1125976 in patients with advanced solid tumors. Oral dose escalation was investigated with a continuous once daily (QD) treatment (21 days/cycle) and a twice daily (BID) schedule. A dose expansion in 28 patients with hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer, including nine patients harboring the AKT1E17K mutation, was performed at the recommended phase 2 dose (R2D) of 60 mg BID. Dose-limiting toxicities (Grades 3–4) were increased in transaminases, γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT), and alkaline phosphatase in four patients in both schedules and stomach pain in one patient. Of the 78 patients enrolled, one patient had a partial response, 30 had stable disease, and 38 had progressive disease. The clinical benefit rate was 27.9% among 43 patients treated at the R2D. AKT1E17K mutation status was not associated with tumor response. Genetic analyses revealed additional mutations that could promote tumor cell growth despite the inhibition of AKT1/2. BAY 1125976 was well tolerated and inhibited AKT1/2 signaling but did not lead to radiologic or clinical tumor responses. Thus, the refinement of a selection of biomarkers for AKT inhibitors is needed to improve their monotherapy activity.
Multi-omics Signatures and Translational Potential to Improve Thyroid Cancer Patient Outcome
Authors: Boufraqech Myriem , Nilubol Naris
Published: December 2019

Recent advances in high-throughput molecular and multi-omics technologies have improved our understanding of the molecular changes associated with thyroid cancer initiation and progression. The translation into clinical use based on molecular profiling of thyroid tumors has allowed a significant improvement in patient risk stratification and in the identification of targeted therapies, and thereby better personalized disease management and outcome. This review compiles the following: (1) the major molecular alterations of the genome, epigenome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome found in all subtypes of thyroid cancer, thus demonstrating the complexity of these tumors and (2) the great translational potential of multi-omics studies to improve patient outcome.
One-Step Preparation of Hyperbranched Polyether Functionalized Graphene Oxide for Improved Corrosion Resistance of Epoxy Coatings
Authors: Miao Xuepei , Xing An , He Lifan , Meng Yan , Li Xiaoyu
Published: December 2019

In this paper, hyperbranched polyether functionalized graphene oxide (EHBPE-GO) was prepared by a facile one-step method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), and trans-mission electron microscopy (TEM) results confirmed the formation of EHBPE-GO. Then, EHBPE-GO was cured with phenolic amides at room temperature to prepare epoxy coatings. The corrosion resistance of epoxy coatings was investigated systematically by using electrochemical and traditional immersion methods. Results show that a small amount of EHBPE-GO (8 wt % of Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA)) in epoxy coating achieves 50% higher improvement in acid-resistance than unmodified neat DGEBA resin. For the nanocomposite epoxy coating, the superior acid-resistance is attributed to the increased crosslink density and the impermeable 2D structure of EHBPE-GO. This work provides a facile strategy to develop the effective improved corrosion resistance nanofiller for epoxy coating.
Twelve Weeks of Combined Resistance and Aerobic Exercise Improves Cardiometabolic Biomarkers and Enhances Red Blood Cell Hemorheological Function in Obese Older Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim Sung-Woo , Jung Won-Sang , Park Wonil , Park Hun-Young
Published: December 2019

The present study examined the effect of a 12-week combined resistance and aerobic exercise training program on cardiometabolic biomarkers and red blood cell (RBC) hemorheological function in 20 obese older men (mean age: 68.8 ± 0.9 years). Subjects were randomly divided into two groups (exercise intervention [EXP; n = 10] and control [CON; n = 10]). The EXP subjects performed resistance and aerobic exercise training program three times per week for 12 weeks, and the CON subjects maintained their regular lifestyle during the intervention period. Body composition was estimated using bioelectrical impedance analysis equipment. Cardiometabolic biomarkers (glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), HOMA β-cell function, and leptin) and RBC hemorheological parameters (RBC deformability and aggregation) were analyzed. Percent body fat decreased significantly in the EXP group during the intervention period but increased significantly in the CON group. Insulin increased significantly in the CON group over the 12-week period and both insulin and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in the CON group than in the EXP group at post-test. RBC deformability (RBC EI_3Pa) and aggregation (RBC AI_3Pa) improved significantly only in the EXP group. The present study suggests that combined exercise training can be useful for improving cardiometabolic biomarkers and RBC hemorheological parameters in obese older men and may help prevent metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases.
Molecular Mechanisms That Define Redox Balance Function in Pathogen-Host Interactions—Is There a Role for Dietary Bioactive Polyphenols?
Authors: Mu Kaiwen , Wang Danni , Kitts David D.
Published: December 2019

To ensure a functional immune system, the mammalian host must detect and respond to the presence of pathogenic bacteria during infection. This is accomplished in part by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) that target invading bacteria; a process that is facilitated by NADPH oxidase upregulation. Thus, bacterial pathogens must overcome the oxidative burst produced by the host innate immune cells in order to survive and proliferate. In this way, pathogenic bacteria develop virulence, which is related to the affinity to secrete effector proteins against host ROS in order to facilitate microbial survival in the host cell. These effectors scavenge the host generated ROS directly, or alternatively, manipulate host cell signaling mechanisms designed to benefit pathogen survival. The redox-balance of the host is important for the regulation of cell signaling activities that include mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), p21-activated kinase (PAK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathways. An understanding of the function of pathogenic effectors to divert host cell signaling is important to ascertain the mechanisms underlying pathogen virulence and the eventual host–pathogen relationship. Herein, we examine the effectors produced by the microbial secretion system, placing emphasis on how they target molecular signaling mechanisms involved in a host immune response. Moreover, we discuss the potential impact of bioactive polyphenols in modulating these molecular interactions that will ultimately influence pathogen virulence.
Optimizing Manufacturing Protocols of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells for Improved Anticancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Stock Sophia , Schmitt Michael , Sellner Leopold
Published: December 2019

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy can achieve outstanding response rates in heavily pretreated patients with hematological malignancies. However, relapses occur and they limit the efficacy of this promising treatment approach. The cellular composition and immunophenotype of the administered CART cells play a crucial role for therapeutic success. Less differentiated CART cells are associated with improved expansion, long-term in vivo persistence, and prolonged anti-tumor control. Furthermore, the ratio between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells has an effect on the anti-tumor activity of CART cells. The composition of the final cell product is not only influenced by the CART cell construct, but also by the culturing conditions during ex vivo T cell expansion. This includes different T cell activation strategies, cytokine supplementation, and specific pathway inhibition for the differentiation blockade. The optimal production process is not yet defined. In this review, we will discuss the use of different CART cell production strategies and the molecular background for the generation of improved CART cells in detail.
In Vitro Generation of Oocytes from Ovarian Stem Cells (OSCs): In Search of Major Evidence
Authors: Silvestris Erica , D’Oronzo Stella , Cafforio Paola , Kardhashi Anila , Dellino Miriam , Cormio Gennaro
Published: December 2019

The existence of ovarian stem cells (OSCs) in women as well as their physiological role in post-menopausal age are disputed. However, accumulating evidence demonstrated that, besides the animal models including primarily mice, even in adult women putative OSCs obtained from ovarian cortex are capable to differentiate in vitro into oocyte-like cells (OLCs) expressing molecular markers typical of terminal stage of oogonial cell lineage. Recent studies describe that, similarly to mature oocytes, the OSC-derived OLCs also contain haploid karyotype. As proof of concept of their stem commitment, OSCs from mice differentiated to oocytes in vitro are suitable to be fertilized and implanted in sterilized animals resulting in embryo development. Despite enthusiasm for these data, which definitely require extended confirmation before considering potential application in humans for treatment of ovarian insufficiency, OSCs appear suitable for other clinical uses, restoring the endocrine derangements in premature ovarian failure or for fertility preservation in oncologic patients after anti-cancer treatments. In this context, the selection of viable oocytes generated from OSCs before chemotherapy protocols would overcome the potential adjunct oncogenic risk in women bearing hormone-dependent tumors who are repeatedly stimulated with high dose estrogens to induce oocyte maturation for their egg recruitment and cryopreservation.
Plasma Extracellular Vesicles in Children with OSA Disrupt Blood–Brain Barrier Integrity and Endothelial Cell Wound Healing In Vitro
Authors: Khalyfa Abdelnaby , Gozal David , Kheirandish-Gozal Leila
Published: December 2019

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (P-OSA) is associated with neurocognitive deficits and endothelial dysfunction, suggesting the possibility that disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) may underlie these morbidities. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which include exosomes, are small particles involved in cell–cell communications via different mechanisms and could play a role in OSA-associated end-organ injury. To examine the roles of EVs in BBB dysfunction, we recruited three groups of children: (a) absence of OSA or cognitive deficits (CL, n = 6), (b) OSA but no evidence of cognitive deficits (OSA-NC(−), n = 12), and (c) OSA with evidence of neurocognitive deficits (OSA-NC(+), n = 12). All children were age-, gender-, ethnicity-, and BMI-z-score-matched, and those with OSA were also apnea–hypopnea index (AHI)-matched. Plasma EVs were characterized, quantified, and applied on multiple endothelial cell types (HCAEC, HIAEC, human HMVEC-D, HMVEC-C, HMVEC-L, and hCMEC/D3) while measuring monolayer barrier integrity and wound-healing responses. EVs from OSA children induced significant declines in hCMEC/D3 transendothelial impedance compared to CL (p < 0.001), and such changes were greater in NC(+) compared to NC(−) (p < 0.01). The effects of EVs from each group on wound healing for HCAEC, HIAEC, HMVED-d, and hCMEC/D3 cells were similar, but exhibited significant differences across the three groups, with evidence of disrupted wound healing in P-OSA. However, wound healing in HMVEC-C was only affected by NC(+) (p < 0.01 vs. NC(−) or controls (CO). Furthermore, no significant differences emerged in HMVEC-L cell wound healing across all three groups. We conclude that circulating plasma EVs in P-OSA disrupt the integrity of the BBB and exert adverse effects on endothelial wound healing, particularly among OSA-NC(+) children, while also exhibiting endothelial cell type selectivity. Thus, circulating EVs cargo may play important roles in the emergence of end-organ morbidity in pediatric OSA.
Adhesive, Transparent Tannic Acid@ Sulfonated Lignin-PAM Ionic Conductive Hydrogel Electrode with Anti-UV, Antibacterial and Mild Antioxidant Function
Authors: Wang Qinhua , Zhang Hui , Pan Xiaofeng , Ma Xiaojuan , Cao Shilin , Ni Yonghao
Published: December 2019

Inspired by mussel adhesion chemistry and ion electronics, a novel Ca2+-tannic acid@ sulfonated lignin-polyacrylamide (TA@SL-PAM) hydrogel was prepared via Ca2+-TA@SL composites and the PAM system, where a Ca2+-TA@SL composite was fabricated via TA doping with SL and the subsequent adsorption of Ca2+. The properties of the hydrogel were thoroughly investigated and the hydrogel was presented as multifunctional. The introduction of Ca2+-TA@SL composites endowed the hydrogel with excellent conductivity, adhesion and ultraviolet (UV) resistance, and improved antioxidant and antibacterial properties. More importantly, the Ca2+-TA@SL-PAM hydrogel electrode could accurately detect physiological signals of human (e.g., electrocardiogram (ECG), electromyography (EMG).
A New Criterion for Model Selection
Authors: Pham Hoang
Published: December 2019

Selecting the best model from a set of candidates for a given set of data is obviously not an easy task. In this paper, we propose a new criterion that takes into account a larger penalty when adding too many coefficients (or estimated parameters) in the model from too small a sample in the presence of too much noise, in addition to minimizing the sum of squares error. We discuss several real applications that illustrate the proposed criterion and compare its results to some existing criteria based on a simulated data set and some real datasets including advertising budget data, newly collected heart blood pressure health data sets and software failure data.
Thiostrepton: A Novel Therapeutic Drug Candidate for Mycobacterium abscessus Infection
Authors: Kim Tae Ho , Hanh Bui Thi Bich , Kim Guehye , Lee Da-Gyum , Park June-Woo , Lee So Eui , Kim Jae-Sung , Kim Byoung Soo , Ryoo Sungweon , Jo Eun-Kyeong , Jang Jichan
Published: December 2019

Mycobacterium abscessus is a rapid-growing, multidrug-resistant, non-tuberculous mycobacterial species responsible for a variety of human infections, such as cutaneous and pulmonary infections. M. abscessus infections are very difficult to eradicate due to the natural and acquired multidrug resistance profiles of M. abscessus. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of effective drugs or regimens against M. abscessus infections. Here, we report the activity of a US Food and Drug Administration approved drug, thiostrepton, against M. abscessus. We found that thiostrepton significantly inhibited the growth of M. abscessus wild-type strains, subspecies, clinical isolates, and drug-resistant mutants in vitro and in macrophages. In addition, treatment of macrophages with thiostrepton significantly decreased proinflammatory cytokine production in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting an inhibitory effect of thiostrepton on inflammation induced during M. abscessus infection. We further showed that thiostrepton exhibits antimicrobial effects in vivo using a zebrafish model of M. abscessus infection.
Zinc(II) Terpyridine Complexes: Substituent Effect on Photoluminescence, Antiproliferative Activity, and DNA Interaction
Authors: Li Jiahe , Liu Rongping , Jiang Jinzhang , Liang Xing , Huang Ling , Huang Gang , Chen Hailan , Pan Lixia , Ma Zhen
Published: December 2019

A series of ZnCl2 complexes (compounds 1–10) with 4′-(substituted-phenyl)-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine that bears hydrogen (L1), p-methyl (L2), p-methoxy (L3), p-phenyl (L4), p-tolyl (L5), p-hydroxyl (L6), m-hydroxyl (L7), o-hydroxyl (L8), p-carboxyl (L9), or p-methylsulfonyl (L10) were prepared and then characterized by 1H NMR, electrospray mass-spectra (ESI-MS), IR, elemental analysis, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. In vitro cytotoxicity assay was used to monitor the antiproliferative activities against tumor cells. Absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence titration, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and molecular modeling studied the DNA interactions. All of the compounds display interesting photoluminescent properties and different maximal emission peaks due to the difference of the substituent groups. The cell viability studies indicate that the compounds have excellent antiproliferative activity against four human carcinoma cell lines, A549, Bel-7402, MCF-7, and Eca-109, with the lowest IC50 values of 0.33 (10), 0.66 (6), 0.37 (7), and 1.05 (7) μM, respectively. The spectrophotometric results reveal that the compounds have strong affinity binding with DNA as intercalator and induce DNA conformational transition. Molecular docking studies indicate that the binding is contributed by the π…π stacking and hydrogen bonds, providing an order of nucleotide sequence binding selectivity as ATGC > ATAT > GCGC. These compounds intercalate into the base pairs of the DNA of the tumor cells to affect their replication and transcription, and the process is supposed to play an important role in the anticancer mechanism.
Enhancing Photoluminescence Quenching in Donor–Acceptor PCE11:PPCBMB Films through the Optimization of Film Microstructure
Authors: Todor-Boer Otto , Petrovai Ioan , Tarcan Raluca , Vulpoi Adriana , David Leontin , Astilean Simion , Botiz Ioan
Published: December 2019

We show that a precise control of deposition speed during the fabrication of polyfullerenes and donor polymer films by convective self-assembly leads to an optimized film microstructure comprised of interconnected crystalline polymer domains comparable to molecular dimensions intercalated with similar polyfullerene domains. Moreover, in blended films, we have found a correlation between deposition speed, the resulting microstructure, and photoluminescence quenching. The latter appeared more intense for lower deposition speeds due to a more favorable structuring at the nanoscale of the two donor and acceptor systems in the resulting blend films.
Carbohydrate Intake in the Context of Exercise in People with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Scott Sam , Kempf Patrick , Bally Lia , Stettler Christoph
Published: December 2019

Although the benefits of regular exercise on cardiovascular risk factors are well established for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), glycemic control remains a challenge during exercise. Carbohydrate consumption to fuel the exercise bout and/or for hypoglycemia prevention is an important cornerstone to maintain performance and avoid hypoglycemia. The main strategies pertinent to carbohydrate supplementation in the context of exercise cover three aspects: the amount of carbohydrates ingested (i.e., quantity in relation to demands to fuel exercise and avoid hypoglycemia), the timing of the intake (before, during and after the exercise, as well as circadian factors), and the quality of the carbohydrates (encompassing differing carbohydrate types, as well as the context within a meal and the associated macronutrients). The aim of this review is to comprehensively summarize the literature on carbohydrate intake in the context of exercise in people with T1D.
Snack Portion Sizes for Preschool Children Are Predicted by Caregiver Portion Size, Caregiver Feeding Practices and Children′s Eating Traits
Authors: Reale Sophie , Simpson Rebecca M. , Marr Colette , Carstairs Sharon A. , Cecil Joanne E. , Hetherington Marion M. , Caton Samantha J.
Published: December 2019

Caregivers are mostly responsible for the foods young children consume; however, it is unknown how caregivers determine what portion sizes to serve. This study examined factors which predict smaller or larger than recommended snack portion sizes in an online survey. Caregivers of children aged 2 to 4 years were presented with 10 snack images, each photographed in six portion sizes. Caregivers (n = 659) selected the portion they would usually serve themselves and their child for an afternoon snack. Information on child eating traits, parental feeding practices and demographics were provided by caregivers. Most caregivers selected portions in line with recommended amounts for preschool children, demonstrating their ability to match portion sizes to their child′s energy requirements. However, 16% of caregivers selected smaller than recommended low energy-dense (LED, e.g., fruits and vegetables) snacks for their child which was associated with smaller caregiver′s own portion size, reduced child food liking and increased satiety responsiveness. In contrast, 28% of caregivers selected larger than recommended amounts of high energy-dense (HED, e.g., cookies, crisps) snacks for their child which were associated with larger caregiver′s own portion size, greater frequency of consumption, higher child body mass index (BMI), greater pressure to eat and lower child food liking. These findings suggest that most caregivers in this study select portions adjusted to suit their child′s age and stage of development. Future interventions could provide support to caregivers regarding the energy and nutrient density of foods given the relatively small portion sizes of LED and large portions of HED snacks offered to some children.
Moving the Needle: A 50-State and District of Columbia Landscape Review of Laws Regarding Pharmacy Technician Vaccine Administration
Authors: Eid Deeb , Osborne Joseph , Borowicz Brian
Published: December 2019

Pharmacy technicians are essential for inner workings of pharmacy teams and their depth of involvement in roles continues to evolve. An innovative role for pharmacy technicians, administration of vaccines, has emerged. With Idaho, Rhode Island, and Utah recently implementing changes that allow pharmacy technicians to safely perform this role, the need arose for a detailed examination of the law climate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. A nine-question survey was sent out to all 51 state boards of pharmacy inquiring to legislative and regulatory environment of pharmacy technician vaccine administration. Additionally, a protocol driven, peer-reviewed process of state-specific regulations and statutes revealed categorized trends pertaining to this topic. Each state was classified per protocol into four different categories. The categorization resulted in identification of nine states in which pharmacy technician administered vaccination may be considered “Not Expressly Prohibited”. A majority of states were categorized as prohibited (either directly or indirectly). Board of pharmacy respondents (43%) reported varying viewpoints on technician administered vaccines. While three states (Idaho, Rhode Island, Utah) have already made changes to allow for pharmacy technician administered vaccinations, opportunities exist for other states to consider changes to statutes or rules.
Muhammad at the Museum: Or, Why the Prophet Is Not Present
Authors: Grinell Klas
Published: December 2019

This article analyses museum responses to the contemporary tensions and violence in response to images of Muhammad, from The Satanic Verses to Charlie Hebdo. How does this socio-political frame effect the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY, the V&A and British Museum in London, and the Louvre in Paris? Different genres of museums and histories of collections in part explain differences in approaches to representations of Muhammad. The theological groundings for a possible ban on prophetic depictions is charted, as well as the widespread Islamic practices of making visual representations of the Prophet. It is argued that museological framings of the religiosity of Muslims become skewed when the veneration of the Prophet is not represented.
Assessing Spatiotemporal Variations of Sentinel-1 InSAR Coherence at Different Time Scales over the Atacama Desert (Chile) between 2015 and 2018
Authors: Ullmann Tobias , Sauerbrey Julia , Hoffmeister Dirk , May Simon Matthias , Baumhauer Roland , Bubenzer Olaf
Published: December 2019

This study investigates synthetic aperture radar (SAR) time series of the Sentinel-1 mission acquired over the Atacama Desert, Chile, between March 2015 and December 2018. The contribution analyzes temporal and spatial variations of Sentinel-1 interferometric SAR (InSAR) coherence and exemplarily illustrates factors that are responsible for observed signal differences. The analyses are based on long temporal baselines (365–1090 days) and temporally dense time series constructed with short temporal baselines (12–24 days). Results are compared to multispectral data of Sentinel-2, morphometric features of the digital elevation model (DEM) TanDEM-X WorldDEM™, and to a detailed governmental geographic information system (GIS) dataset of the local hydrography. Sentinel-1 datasets are suited for generating extensive, nearly seamless InSAR coherence mosaics covering the entire Atacama Desert (>450 × 1100 km) at a spatial resolution of 20 × 20 meter per pixel. Temporal baselines over several years lead only to very minor decorrelation, indicating a very high signal stability of C-Band in this region, especially in the hyperarid uplands between the Coastal Cordillera and the Central Depression. Signal decorrelation was associated with certain types of surface cover (e.g., water or aeolian deposits) or with actual surface dynamics (e.g., anthropogenic disturbance (mining) or fluvial activity and overland flow). Strong rainfall events and fluvial activity in the periods 2015 to 2016 and 2017 to 2018 caused spatial patterns with significant signal decorrelation; observed linear coherence anomalies matched the reference channel network and indicated actual episodic and sporadic discharge events. In the period 2015–2016, area-wide loss of coherence appeared as strip-like patterns of more than 80 km length that matched the prevailing wind direction. These anomalies, and others observed in that period and in the period 2017–2018, were interpreted to be caused by overland flow of high magnitude, as their spatial location matched well with documented heavy rainfall events that showed cumulative precipitation amounts of more than 20 mm.
A Point-Wise LiDAR and Image Multimodal Fusion Network (PMNet) for Aerial Point Cloud 3D Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Poliyapram Vinayaraj , Wang Weimin , Nakamura Ryosuke
Published: December 2019

3D semantic segmentation of point cloud aims at assigning semantic labels to each point by utilizing and respecting the 3D representation of the data. Detailed 3D semantic segmentation of urban areas can assist policymakers, insurance companies, governmental agencies for applications such as urban growth assessment, disaster management, and traffic supervision. The recent proliferation of remote sensing techniques has led to producing high resolution multimodal geospatial data. Nonetheless, currently, only limited technologies are available to fuse the multimodal dataset effectively. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel deep learning-based end-to-end Point-wise LiDAR and Image Multimodal Fusion Network (PMNet) for 3D segmentation of aerial point cloud by fusing aerial image features. PMNet respects basic characteristics of point cloud such as unordered, irregular format and permutation invariance. Notably, multi-view 3D scanned data can also be trained using PMNet since it considers aerial point cloud as a fully 3D representation. The proposed method was applied on two datasets (1) collected from the urban area of Osaka, Japan and (2) from the University of Houston campus, USA and its neighborhood. The quantitative and qualitative evaluation shows that PMNet outperforms other models which use non-fusion and multimodal fusion (observational-level fusion and feature-level fusion) strategies. In addition, the paper demonstrates the improved performance of the proposed model (PMNet) by over-sampling/augmenting the medium and minor classes in order to address the class-imbalance issues.
Review of Methods for Documentation, Management, and Sustainability of Cultural Heritage. Case Study: Museum of King Jan III’s Palace at Wilanów
Authors: Tobiasz Aleksandra , Markiewicz Jakub , Łapiński Sławomir , Nikel Joanna , Kot Patryk , Muradov Magomed
Published: December 2019

All countries around the world are blessed with particularly rich cultural heritage. Nowadays, many researchers are exploring different methods for documentation, management, and sustainability of cultural heritage. The aim of this article is to review the state-of-the-art documentation, management, and sustainability techniques in the field of cultural heritage based on the case study in the Museum of King Jan III’s Palace at Wilanów. Various 2D/3D image and range-based methods are discussed demonstrating their applications and drawbacks. The geographical information system (GIS) is presented as a method for management, storage, and maintenance of cultural heritage documentation.
China’s One Belt and One Road Initiative and Outward Chinese Foreign Direct Investment in Europe
Authors: Ma Degong , Lei Chun , Ullah Farid , Ullah Raza , Baloch Qadar Bakhsh
Published: December 2019

For the last few years, the execution of the Belt and Road Initiative (hereinafter referred to as the BRI) and China’s outward foreign direct investment (hereinafter referred to as OFDI) in Europe have seen a significant upward trend. For our current paper, we collected empirical data pertaining to China’s OFDI and foreign trade (gathered from 21 European countries in the trade gravity market for the period 2003 to 2016) that yielded the following results: (a) China’s OFDI to Europe has significantly promoted international trade between China and European countries. On the other hand, OFDI has equally promoted China’s exports to European counties, while it has not encouraged China’s imports from European counties. (b) The Belt and Road Initiative has had a positive impact on China’s exports to European counties and has had a negative impact on China’s imports from European counties. (c) There have been both complementary trade impacts and substitution trade impacts when China has directly invested in European countries, but the complementary impact was much stronger than its substitution impact in the chosen sample period.
Factor Analysis of Customized Bus Attraction to Commuters with Different Travel Modes
Authors: Li Jing , Lv Yongbo , Ma Jihui , Ren Yuan
Published: December 2019

The customized bus (CB) is an innovative and environmental supplementary mode of public transport, providing demand-responsive and user-oriented service to specific passenger groups with similar travel demands, especially commuters, based on online reservations. However, sufficient travel demand is essential for the successful operation of CB. The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors influencing the attraction of CB to commuters, which is tied to the ordered mode shift decisions, do no transfer to CB, remain undecided, and transfer to CB. A combination of revealed preference (RP) survey and stated preference (SP) survey is conducted among commuters in Beijing through online and offline questionnaire, collecting 1304 valid commuting demands. The ordered logit (OL) model and two-level mixed-effect ordered logit (MEOL) model are used to estimate the variable effects and the difference in five commute modes, including car, taxi, bus, rail, bus + rail, is considered. Common variables significantly influencing the transfer decision in all groups are specified in models, including familiarity to CB, seat availability, and gender. Meanwhile, travel cost, travel time, and transfer time of the current travel mode have positive effects on the attraction of CB. In addition, car ownership and accessibility to bus stations also influence the attraction of CB to certain group commuters. This paper can provide references to CB operators for formulating differentiation strategies and attracting more passengers in Beijing.
Proteo-Transcriptomic Characterization of the Venom from the Endoparasitoid Wasp Pimpla turionellae with Aspects on Its Biology and Evolution
Authors: Özbek Rabia , Wielsch Natalie , Vogel Heiko , Lochnit Günter , Foerster Frank , Vilcinskas Andreas , von Reumont Björn Marcus
Published: December 2019

Within mega-diverse Hymenoptera, non-aculeate parasitic wasps represent 75% of all hymenopteran species. Their ovipositor dual-functionally injects venom and employs eggs into (endoparasitoids) or onto (ectoparasitoids) diverse host species. Few endoparasitoid wasps such as Pimpla turionellae paralyze the host and suppress its immune responses, such as encapsulation and melanization, to guarantee their offspring’s survival. Here, the venom and its possible biology and function of P. turionellae are characterized in comparison to the few existing proteo-transcriptomic analyses on parasitoid wasp venoms. Multiple transcriptome assembly and custom-tailored search and annotation strategies were applied to identify parasitoid venom proteins. To avoid false-positive hits, only transcripts were finally discussed that survived strict filter settings, including the presence in the proteome and higher expression in the venom gland. P. turionella features a venom that is mostly composed of known, typical parasitoid enzymes, cysteine-rich peptides, and other proteins and peptides. Several venom proteins were identified and named, such as pimplin2, 3, and 4. However, the specification of many novel candidates remains difficult, and annotations ambiguous. Interestingly, we do not find pimplin, a paralytic factor in Pimpla hypochondriaca, but instead a new cysteine inhibitor knot (ICK) family (pimplin2), which is highly similar to known, neurotoxic asilid1 sequences from robber flies.
Protective Immunity against Canine Distemper Virus in Dogs Induced by Intranasal Immunization with a Recombinant Probiotic Expressing the Viral H Protein
Authors: Jiang Yanping , Jia Shuo , Zheng Dianzhong , Li Fengsai , Wang Shengwen , Wang Li , Qiao Xinyuan , Cui Wen , Tang Lijie , Xu Yigang , Xia Xianzhu , Li Yijing
Published: December 2019

Canine distemper virus (CDV) elicits a severe contagious disease in a broad range of hosts. CDV mortality rates are 50% in domestic dogs and 100% in ferrets. Its primary infection sites are respiratory and intestinal mucosa. This study aimed to develop an effective mucosal CDV vaccine using a non-antibiotic marked probiotic pPGΔCm-T7g10-EGFP-H/L. casei 393 strain expressing the CDV H protein. Its immunogenicity in BALB/c mice was evaluated using intranasal and oral vaccinations, whereas in dogs the intranasal route was used for vaccination. Our results indicate that this probiotic vaccine can stimulate a high level of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA)-based mucosal and IgG-based humoral immune responses in mice. SIgA levels in the nasal lavage and lungs were significantly higher in intranasally vaccinated mice than those in orally vaccinated mice. Both antigen-specific IgG and sIgA antibodies were effectively elicited in dogs through the intranasal route and demonstrated superior immunogenicity. The immune protection efficacy of the probiotic vaccine was evaluated by challenging the immunized dogs with virulent CDV 42 days after primary immunization. Dogs of the pPGΔCm-T7g10-EGFP-H/L. casei 393 group were completely protected against CDV. The proposed probiotic vaccine could be promising for protection against CDV infection in dogs.
Keeping Flows Separate: Good Management Practices in Novel Urban Water Systems Derived from Error Analyses
Authors: Schramm Engelbert , Ebert Björn , Wang Bingxiang , Winker Martina , Zimmermann Martin
Published: December 2019

This article examines the causes and addresses the prevention of unintended interconnections, particularly cross-connections, in novel urban water systems using the example of Qingdao, where a Resource Recovery Centre for the reuse of greywater and blackwater has been established for 12,000 inhabitants. With respect to cross-connections, this work incorporated both social-scientific and technical error analyses. The social-scientific error analysis systematically focused on the planning, implementation, and operational phases of the project. Organisational shortcomings were identified in four areas: (A) Coordination and consensus between the commissioned design institutes, (B) information in tenders, expertise, and awareness, (C) ownership by investors, and (D) time management. Based on empirical evidence, this article derives and discusses (eight) recommendations for good management, integrating technical and organisational measures aimed at preventing cross-connections. The pursuit of such measures is appropriate in order to prevent most types of misconnections—not just for the case under discussion, but for other novel urban water systems as well.
Water–Isotope Capacity Building and Demonstration in a Developing World Context: Isotopic Baseline and Conceptualization of a Lake Malawi Catchment
Authors: Banda Limbikani C. , Rivett Michael O. , Kalin Robert M. , Zavison Anold S.K. , Phiri Peaches , Kelly Laura , Chavula Geoffrey , Kapachika Charles C. , Nkhata Macpherson , Kamtukule Sydney , Mleta Prince , Nhlema Muthi
Published: December 2019

Developing countries such as Malawi require improved access to isotope tracer tools to better characterize and manage water resources threatened by land development, deforestation and climate change. This is the first published study to use an isotope facility developed in Malawi for this purpose, instead of relying upon sample analyses from abroad. Results from this new facility are used to evaluate an important Lake Malawi catchment in the Rift Valley. This work successfully established a stable-isotope baseline, hydrochemical signatures, and system conceptualization against which future policy change and management strategies may be measured. Precipitation isotopic composition was consistent with the Global Meteoric Water Line, but varied, confirming different precipitation systems nationally. Groundwater largely followed a Local Meteoric Water Line, with limited isotopic variation indicating predominant areal groundwater recharge, but with dry-season evaporative enrichment of groundwater near Lake Malawi. Surface-water isotopes widely varied with local precipitation, suggesting the latter accounted for wet-season river flows, but upstream dambo (complex wetlands occupying a shallow, seasonal waterlogged depression) helped sustain dry-season flows. Isotope capacity reinforced water-resource conceptualization and provenance in a hydrologically complex, but not atypical, Rift Valley system, exhibiting a noted complexity of groundwater–surface-water interactions. The latter, critical to integrated water resource management, requires more focused study, to which an expanded array of isotopes will contribute to tracking Sustainable Development Goal 6 targets. This study and future catchment studies should help underpin Malawian water-resource policy implementation on several identified fronts.
Diatom Biodiversity in Karst Springs of Mediterranean Geographic Areas with Contrasting Characteristics: Islands vs Mainland
Authors: Lai Giuseppina G. , Burato Sara , Padedda Bachisio M. , Zorza Raffaella , Pizzul Elisabetta , Delgado Cristina , Lugliè Antonella , Cantonati Marco
Published: December 2019

Karst ecosystems are considered as priority environments for the protection of biodiversity on a global scale. This study provides a first comparative analysis of epilithic diatom flora from karst springs in two Mediterranean geographic areas (Spain and Italy) with contrasting characteristics (islands vs mainland). We investigated twenty-three springs with different anthropogenic impact levels once in the winter season between 2007 and 2017 (N = 23). A total of 176 diatom taxa (56 genera) were found of which 101 (44 genera) were observed in single sites. A general good biotic integrity was revealed by structural indices (species richness, diversity and evenness). However, crenophilous species were generally present and abundant in less impacted springs. Comparing islands and mainland, significant differences were found in species composition and diversity (H’) based on multivariate analyses (global R = 0.610; p = 0.001) and t-test (t = 2.304; p = 0.031). Discharge and Cl− were the most significant variables in determining diatom assemblages. Our results confirm the role of springs as multiple ecotones and refuges for rare species and suggest that the geographic insularity may be an important factor in maintaining diatom biodiversity.
Die spätlatènezeitliche Tier- und Menschdarstellung aus Mähren
Authors: Čižmář Miloš
Published: December 2019

Ce travail vise à donner un tableau complet des représentations humaines et animales dans les trouvailles provenant de sites laténiens tardifs en Moravie. On a laissé de côté les représentations offertes par les monnaies celtiques d’or et d’argent, qui méritent une attention particulière. En tout 22 objets sont pris en compte, dont 21 ont été produits en bronze ; dans un seul cas, il s’agit d’une gravure sur céramique. Ces trouvailles proviennent en majorité de l’oppidum de Staré Hradisko (14 pièces), un plus petit nombre provient d’établissements de plaine (5 pièces), de dépôts (1 pièce) et deux statuettes sont des trouvailles isolées dont la provenance n’est pas claire. Les représentations animales sont les plus nombreuses (13 pièces), en fait de mammifères et d’oiseaux. Il s’agit de sept statuettes indépendantes ou fragmentaires, qui servaient la plupart de pendentifs, et qui représentent aussi bien des animaux domestiques que sauvages (porc, chèvre, chien, canard, cerf). Dans cinq autres cas, des figures en forme de têtes de béliers ont été apposées à des anneaux en spirale (4 pièces) où elles décorent, avec des têtes de canard, l’extrémité d’un fléau de balance (1 pièce). Un cas isolé est constitué par la gravure d’une grue sur un récipient de céramique. Si dans le cas des figures animales il est très vraisemblable qu’il s’agit des témoignages d’un art celtique local, il n’y a pas de doute qu’il faut chercher en-dehors du domaine morave, et très certainement dans un milieu italien, la provenance des représentations humaines (jusqu’ici 9 trouvailles). Les pendentifs en forme de mains, avec le «fica » , pourraient certes être tenus pour des produits locaux, bien qu’ils aient été influencés au moins idéologiquement par la culture romaine républicaine.
Place-Names reflecting Gaulish *coslo-dūnon: Coudun, Colembert and Heusden
Authors: Toorians Lauran
Published: December 2019

Plusieurs toponymes français paraissent conserver le nom gaulois du «coudrier », * koslo-, comme Coulon (Yonne, anc. Coslumnus), Coolus (Marne, Coslus, 869), et Coole (Marne, Cosla, 983). Ils ont curieusement conservé le groupe -sl-. L’auteur propose d’ajouter à ce groupe deux composés, Coudun (Oise, Cusdum 1157, Cosdunum 756) et Colembert (Pas-de-Calais, Colesberc 1121, Coslesberc 1172), composés avec les éléments gaul. dūnum, et germ. Berg. Le sens devait être : «hauteur couverte de coudriers » . L’auteur a trouvé un parallèle à Coudun * Coslo-dūnum, dans le toponyme Heusden, connu par trois exemples, dans le Limbourg belge (Husdinio 929), dans le Nord Brabant néerlandais (Hysdene 1108), et près de Gand. Il envisage aussi de rattacher un toponyme du Nord de la France, Houdain, Houdent, Houdeng. Pour Heusden comme pour Coudun, il faut supposer une simplification du groupe consonantique -sld-> -sd-.