bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Difference in Uptake of Tetrodotoxin and Saxitoxins into Liver Tissue Slices among Pufferfish, Boxfish and Porcupinefish
Authors: Nagashima Yuji , Ohta Akira , Yin Xianzhe , Ishizaki Shoichiro , Matsumoto Takuya , Doi Hiroyuki , Ishibashi Toshiaki
Published: January 2018

Although pufferfish of the family Tetraodontidae contain high levels of tetrodotoxin (TTX) mainly in the liver, some species of pufferfish, boxfish of the family Ostraciidae, and porcupinefish of the family Diodontidae do not. To clarify the mechanisms, uptake of TTX and saxitoxins (STXs) into liver tissue slices of pufferfish, boxfish and porcupinefish was examined. Liver tissue slices of the pufferfish (toxic species Takifugu rubripes and non-toxic species Lagocephalus spadiceus, L. cheesemanii and Sphoeroides pachygaster) incubated with 50 µM TTX accumulated TTX (0.99–1.55 µg TTX/mg protein) after 8 h, regardless of the toxicity of the species. In contrast, in liver tissue slices of boxfish (Ostracion immaculatus) and porcupinefish (Diodon holocanthus, D. liturosus, D. hystrix and Chilomycterus reticulatus), TTX content did not increase with incubation time, and was about 0.1 µg TTX/mg protein. When liver tissue slices were incubated with 50 µM STXs for 8 h, the STXs content was <0.1 µg STXs/mg protein, irrespective of the fish species. These findings indicate that, like the toxic species of pufferfish T. rubripes, non-toxic species such as L. spadiceus, L. cheesemanii and S. pachygaster, potentially take up TTX into the liver, while non-toxic boxfish and porcupinefish do not take up either TTX or STXs.
European Ethnopharmaceuticals for Self-Medication in Japan: Review Experience of Vitis vinifera L., Folium Extract and Vitex agnus-castus L., Fructus Extract as OTC Drugs
Authors: Hoshino Tatsuro , Muto Nanami , Tsukada Shinsuke , Nakamura Takatoshi , Maegawa Hikoichiro
Published: January 2018

Since the publication of “Application Guideline for Western Traditional Herbal Medicines as OTC Drugs” in 2007, only two European ethnopharmaceuticals, Vitis vinifera L., folium extract (Antistax) and Vitex agnus-castus L., fructus extract (Prefemin), have been approved as OTC drugs in Japan. In this review, we describe the current regulation of Western ethnopharmaceuticals in Japan, summarize our regulatory experiences and discuss the scientific and regulatory issues involved.
Role of Polyamines in Asthma Pathophysiology
Authors: Jain Vaibhav
Published: January 2018

Asthma is a complex disease of airways, where the interactions of immune and structural cells result in disease outcomes with airway remodeling and airway hyper-responsiveness. Polyamines, which are small-sized, natural super-cations, interact with negatively charged intracellular macromolecules, and altered levels of polyamines and their interactions have been associated with different pathological conditions including asthma. Elevated levels of polyamines have been reported in the circulation of asthmatic patients as well as in the lungs of a murine model of asthma. In various studies, polyamines were found to potentiate the pathogenic potential of inflammatory cells, such as mast cells and granulocytes (eosinophils and neutrophils), by either inducing the release of their pro-inflammatory mediators or prolonging their life span. Additionally, polyamines were crucial in the differentiation and alternative activation of macrophages, which play an important role in asthma pathology. Importantly, polyamines cause airway smooth muscle contraction and thus airway hyper-responsiveness, which is the key feature in asthma pathophysiology. High levels of polyamines in asthma and their active cellular and macromolecular interactions indicate the importance of the polyamine pathway in asthma pathogenesis; therefore, modulation of polyamine levels could be a suitable approach in acute and severe asthma management. This review summarizes the possible roles of polyamines in different pathophysiological features of asthma.
Ab Initio-Based Modelling of the Yield Strength in High-Manganese Steels
Authors: Sevsek Simon , Bleck Wolfgang
Published: January 2018

An ab initio-based model for the strength increase by short-range ordering of C-Mn-Al clusters has been developed. The model is based on ab initio calculations of ordering energies. The impact of clusters on the yield strength of high-manganese austenitic steels (HMnS) is highly dependent on the configurational structure of the cells that carbon atoms will position themselves as interstitial atoms. The impact of the alloying elements C, Mn, and Al on the potential and actual increase in yield strength is analyzed. A model for the calculation of yield strengths of HMnS is derived that includes the impact of short-range ordering, grain size refinement, and solid solution strengthening. The model is in good agreement with experimental data and performs better than other models that do not include strengthening by short-range ordering.
The Evolution of Cast Microstructures on the HAZ Liquation Cracking of Mar-M004 Weld
Authors: Cheng Yi-Hsin , Chen Jyun-Ting , Shiue Ren-Kae , Tsay Leu-Wen
Published: January 2018

The causes of liquation cracking in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of a cast Mar-M004 superalloy weld were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) were applied to identify the final microconstituents at the solidification boundaries of the cast alloy. Fine borides and lamellar eutectics were present in front of some γ-γ′ colonies, which were expected to be liquefied prematurely during welding. The metal carbide (MC) enriched in Nb, Hf; M3B2 and M5B3 borides enriched in Cr and Mo; and lamellar Ni-Hf intermetallics were mainly responsible for the induced liquation cracking of the Mar-M004 weld, especially the MC carbides. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) fractographs showed that the fracture features of those liquation cracks were associated with the interdendritic constituents in the cast superalloy.
Hydrometallurgical Approach for Leaching of Metals from Copper Rich Side Stream Originating from Base Metal Production
Authors: Mohanty Udit , Rintala Lotta , Halli Petteri , Taskinen Pekka , Lundström Mari
Published: January 2018

Pyrometallurgical metal production results in side streams, such as dusts and slags, which are carriers of metals, though commonly containing lower metal concentrations compared to the main process stream. In order to improve the circular economy of metals, selective leaching of copper from an intermediate raw material originating from primary base metal production plant was investigated. The raw material investigated was rich in Cu (12.5%), Ni (2.6%), Zn (1.6%), and Fe (23.6%) with the particle size D80 of 124 µm. The main compounds present were nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4), fayalite (Fe2SiO4), cuprite (Cu2O), and metallic copper. Leaching was studied in 16 different solutions. The results revealed that copper phases could be dissolved with high yield (>90%) and selectivity towards nickel (Cu/Ni > 7) already at room temperature with the following solutions: 0.5 M HCl, 1.5 M HCl, 4 M NaOH, and 2 M HNO3. A concentration of 4 M NaOH provided a superior selectivity between Cu/Ni (340) and Cu/Zn (51). In addition, 1–2 M HNO3 and 0.5 M HCl solutions were shown to result in high Pb dissolution (>98%). Consequently, 0.5 M HCl leaching is suggested to provide a low temperature, low chemical consumption method for selective copper removal from the investigated side stream, resulting in PLS (pregnant leach solution) which is a rich in Cu and lead free residue, also rich in Ni and Fe.
Characterization of Two VAO-Type Flavoprotein Oxidases from Myceliophthora thermophila
Authors: Ferrari Alessandro , Rozeboom Henriëtte , Vugts Aniek , Koetsier Martijn , Floor Robert , Fraaije Marco
Published: January 2018

The VAO flavoprotein family consists mostly of oxidoreductases harboring a covalently linked flavin cofactor. The linkage can be either monocovalent at position 8 with a histidine or tyrosine or bicovalent at position 8 with a histidine and at position 6 with a cysteine. Bicovalently bound flavoproteins show a preference for bulkier substrates such as oligosaccharides or secondary metabolites. The genome of the thermophilic fungus Myceliophthora thermophila C1 was found to be rich in genes encoding putative covalent VAO-type flavoproteins. Enzymes from this fungus have the advantage of being rather thermostable and homologous overexpression in M. thermophila C1 is feasible. Recently we discovered a new and VAO-type carbohydrate oxidase from this fungus: xylooligosaccharide oxidase. In this study, two other putative VAO-type oxidases, protein sequence XP_003663615 (MtVAO615) and XP_003665713 (MtVAO713), were expressed in M. thermophila C1, purified and characterized. Enzyme MtVAO615 was found to contain a bicovalently bound FAD, while enzyme MtVAO713 contained a monocovalent histidyl-bound FAD. The crystal structures of both proteins were obtained which revealed atypical active site architectures. It could be experimentally verified that both proteins, when reduced, rapidly react with molecular oxygen, a hallmark of flavoprotein oxidases. A large panel of alcohols, including carbohydrates, steroids and secondary alcohols were tested as potential substrates. For enzyme MtVAO713 low oxidase activity was discovered towards ricinoleic acid.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel N-Pyridyl-Hydrazone Derivatives as Potential Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitors
Authors: Turan-Zitouni Gülhan , Hussein Weiam , Sağlık Begüm , Tabbi Aouatef , Korkut Büşra
Published: January 2018

A new series of N-pyridyl-hydrazone derivatives was synthesized by using a simple and efficient method. The final compounds obtained were screened for their inhibitory potency against monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B. The newly synthesized compounds 2a–2n specifically inhibited monoamine oxidases, displaying notably low IC50 values. Compounds 2i and 2j, with a CF3 and OH group on the 4-position of the phenyl ring, respectively, showed considerable MAO-A and MAO-B inhibitory activities. Compounds 2k, 2l and 2n, with N-methylpyrrole, furan and pyridine moieties instead of the phenyl ring, were the most powerful and specific inhibitors of MAO-A, with IC50 values of 6.12 μM, 10.64 μM and 9.52 μM, respectively. Moreover, these active compounds were found to be non-cytotoxic to NIH/3T3 cells. This study supports future studies aimed at designing MAO inhibitors to obtain more viable medications for neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease.
Zeolites as Catalysts for Fuels Refining after Indirect Liquefaction Processes
Authors: Klerk Arno
Published: January 2018

The use of zeolite catalysts for the refining of products from methanol synthesis and Fisher–Tropsch synthesis was reviewed. The focus was on fuels refining processes and differences in the application to indirect liquefaction products was compared to petroleum, which is often a case of managing different molecules. Processes covered were skeletal isomerisation of n-butenes, hydroisomerisation of n-butane, aliphatic alkylation, alkene oligomerisation, methanol to hydrocarbons, ethanol and heavier alcohols to hydrocarbons, carbonyls to hydrocarbons, etherification of alkenes with alcohols, light naphtha hydroisomerisation, catalytic naphtha reforming, hydroisomerisation of distillate, hydrocracking and fluid catalytic cracking. The zeolite types that are already industrially used were pointed out, as well as zeolite types that have future promise for specific conversion processes.
Iridoids and Other Monoterpenes in the Alzheimer’s Brain: Recent Development and Future Prospects
Authors: Habtemariam Solomon
Published: January 2018

Iridoids are a class of monoterpenoid compounds constructed from 10-carbon skeleton of isoprene building units. These compounds in their aglycones and glycosylated forms exist in nature to contribute to mechanisms related to plant defenses and diverse plant-animal interactions. Recent studies have also shown that iridoids and other structurally related monoterpenes display a vast array of pharmacological effects that make them potential modulators of the Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This review critically evaluates the therapeutic potential of these natural products by assessing key in vitro and in vivo data published in the scientific literature. Mechanistic approach of scrutiny addressing their effects in the Alzheimer’s brain including the τ-protein phosphorylation signaling, amyloid beta (Aβ) formation, aggregation, toxicity and clearance along with various effects from antioxidant to antiinflammatory mechanisms are discussed. The drug likeness of these compounds and future prospects to consider in their development as potential leads are addressed.
Quantum-Chemical Insights into the Self-Assembly of Carbon-Based Supramolecular Complexes
Authors: Calbo Joaquín , Sancho-García Juan Carlos , Ortí Enrique , Aragó Juan
Published: January 2018

Understanding how molecular systems self-assemble to form well-organized superstructures governed by noncovalent interactions is essential in the field of supramolecular chemistry. In the nanoscience context, the self-assembly of different carbon-based nanoforms (fullerenes, carbon nanotubes and graphene) with, in general, electron-donor molecular systems, has received increasing attention as a means of generating potential candidates for technological applications. In these carbon-based systems, a deep characterization of the supramolecular organization is crucial to establish an intimate relation between supramolecular structure and functionality. Detailed structural information on the self-assembly of these carbon-based nanoforms is however not always accessible from experimental techniques. In this regard, quantum chemistry has demonstrated to be key to gain a deep insight into the supramolecular organization of molecular systems of high interest. In this review, we intend to highlight the fundamental role that quantum-chemical calculations can play to understand the supramolecular self-assembly of carbon-based nanoforms through a limited selection of supramolecular assemblies involving fullerene, fullerene fragments, nanotubes and graphene with several electron-rich π-conjugated systems.
Novel 4-Methylumbelliferone Amide Derivatives: Synthesis, Characterization and Pesticidal Activities
Authors: Wei Yan , Miao Kai-Long , Hao Shuang-Hong
Published: January 2018

A series of novel 4-methylumbelliferone amide derivatives were designed, synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HR-ESI-MS. The structures of compounds 4bd and 4be (compounds named by authors) were further confirmed by X-ray single crystal diffraction. The acaricidal, herbicidal and antifungal activities of the synthesized compounds were assayed for their potential use as pesticide. The results indicated that compounds 4bi, 4ac and 4bd were strong acaricidals against Tetranychus cinnabarinus, with 72h corrected mortalities of greater than 80% at 1000 mg/L. Meanwhile, compounds 4bh and 4bf exhibit the strongest inhibition against the taproot development of Digitaria sanguinalis and Chenopodium glaucum, and were even more potent than the commercial herbicide Acetochlor against D. sanguinalis. In addition, compounds 4bk, 4bh and 4bp showed the highest antifungal activity against the mycelium growth of Valsa mali, which makes them more effective than commercial fungicide Carbendazim.
Comparative Evaluation of U.S. Brand and Generic Intravenous Sodium Ferric Gluconate Complex in Sucrose Injection: Physicochemical Characterization
Authors: Sun Dajun , Rouse Rodney , Patel Vikram , Wu Yong , Zheng Jiwen , Karmakar Alokita , Patri Anil , Chitranshi Priyanka , Keire David , Ma Jia , Jiang Wenlei
Published: January 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate physicochemical equivalence between brand (i.e., Ferrlecit) and generic sodium ferric gluconate (SFG) in sucrose injection by conducting a series of comparative in vitro characterizations using advanced analytical techniques. The elemental iron and carbon content, thermal properties, viscosity, particle size, zeta potential, sedimentation coefficient, and molecular weight were determined. There was no noticeable difference between brand and generic SFG in sucrose injection for the above physical parameters evaluated, except for the sedimentation coefficient determined by sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation (SV-AUC) and molecular weight by asymmetric field flow fractionation-multi-angle light scattering (AFFF-MALS). In addition, brand and generic SFG complex products showed comparable molecular weight distributions when determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The observed minor differences between brand and generic SFG, such as sedimentation coefficient, do not impact their biological activities in separate studies of in vitro cellular uptake and rat biodistribution. Coupled with the ongoing clinical study comparing the labile iron level in healthy volunteers, the FDA-funded post-market studies intended to illustrate comprehensive surveillance efforts ensuring safety and efficacy profiles of generic SFG complex in sucrose injection, and also to shed new light on the approval standards on generic parenteral iron colloidal products.
Relationships between Breastfeeding Patterns and Maternal and Infant Body Composition over the First 12 Months of Lactation
Authors: Gridneva Zoya , Rea Alethea , Hepworth Anna , Ward Leigh , Lai Ching , Hartmann Peter , Geddes Donna
Published: January 2018

Breastfeeding has been implicated in the establishment of infant appetite regulation, feeding patterns and body composition (BC). A holistic approach is required to elucidate relationships between infant and maternal BC and contributing factors, such as breastfeeding parameters. Associations between maternal and breastfed term infant BC (n = 20) and feeding parameters during first 12 months of lactation were investigated. BC was measured at 2, 5, 9 and/or 12 months postpartum with ultrasound skinfolds (US; infants only) and bioimpedance spectroscopy (infants and mothers). 24-h milk intake (MI) and feeding frequency (FFQ) were measured. Higher FFQ was associated with larger 24-h MI (p ≤ 0.003). Higher 24-h MI was associated with larger infant fat mass (FM) (US: p ≤ 0.002), greater percentage FM (US: p ≤ 0.008), greater FM index (FMI) (US: p ≤ 0.001) and lower fat-free mass index (FFMI) (US: p = 0.015). Lower FFQ was associated with both larger FFM (US: p ≤ 0.001) and FFMI (US: p < 0.001). Greater maternal adiposity was associated with smaller infant FFM measured with US (BMI: p < 0.010; %FM: p = 0.004; FMI: p < 0.011). Maternal BC was not associated with FFQ or 24-h MI. These results reinforce that early life is a critical window for infant programming and that breastfeeding may influence risk of later disease via modulation of BC.
Breastfeeding Determinants in Healthy Term Newborns
Authors: Colombo Lorenzo , Crippa Beatrice , Consonni Dario , Bettinelli Maria , Agosti Viola , Mangino Giulia , Bezze Elena , Mauri Paola , Zanotta Lidia , Roggero Paola , Plevani Laura , Bertoli Donatella , Giannì Maria , Mosca Fabio
Published: January 2018

Breastfeeding is the normative standard for infant feeding. Despite its established benefits, different factors can affect breastfeeding rates over time. The purpose of this study was to evaluate breastfeeding determinants in healthy term newborns during the first three months of life. A prospective, observational, single-center study was conducted in the nursery of Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan, Italy. The mother-baby dyads that were admitted to the Clinic in January and February 2017 were enrolled. Only healthy term babies with birth weight ≥10th percentile for gestational age were included. Data were collected through medical records and questionnaires administered during the follow-up period. Then, we fitted univariate and multivariate logistic models and calculated odds ratios. 746 dyads were included but 640 completed the study. The factors found to be favoring breastfeeding were a previous successful breastfeeding experience, a higher level of education of the mother, attending prenatal classes, no use of pacifier, rooming in practice, and breastfeeding on demand. Factors acting negatively on breastfeeding were advanced maternal age, non-spontaneous delivery, perception of low milk supply, mastitis, and nipple fissures. This study highlights the need to individualize the assistance provide to breastfeeding mothers, paying special attention to personal experiences.
Development of a Communication Strategy to Increase Interprofessional Collaboration in the Outpatient Setting
Authors: Renfro Chelsea , Ferreri Stefanie , Barber Tiffany , Foley Stephanie
Published: January 2018

Managing patient health is a complex task, requiring the support of an interprofessional healthcare team. Collaboration between neighboring community pharmacies and primary care practices can be an alternate solution for team-based patient care. The purpose of this project was to design and implement a communication strategy for patients with diabetes and hypertension between a community pharmacy and physician practice. An interprofessional team for the practice settings was formed to develop a strategy for collaboration. After agreeing on the common goals and target patient population for the disease states, the team devised a way to communicate via electronic health record (EHR). The communication strategy allowed for more frequent follow-up with the patients which has the potential to result in better clinical outcomes. A communication strategy between a community pharmacy and a physician practice office can be achieved using EHR technology. The greatest outcome of this project was the formation of the collaborative team between the practice settings that continues to work together on additional patient-centered initiatives. Further research is warranted to allow for incorporation of patient perspectives in development of communication strategies.
Pharmacy Practice and Education in Romania
Authors: Sandulovici Roxana , Mircioiu Constantin , Rais Cristina , Atkinson Jeffrey
Published: January 2018

The PHARMINE (“Pharmacy Education in Europe”) project examined the organisation of pharmacy practice and education in the European Union (EU). An electronic survey was sent out to representatives of different sectors (community, hospital, industrial pharmacists, university staff, and students) in each individual EU member state. This paper presents the results of the PHARMINE survey on pharmacy practice and education in Romania. In the light of this data we examine to what extent harmonisation of practice and education with EU norms has occurred, whether this has promoted mobility of pharmacy professionals, academics and students, and what impact it has had on healthcare in Romania. The survey reveals the substantial changes in Romanian pharmacy practice and education since the 1989 change in government and Romania joining the EU in 2007. Romania remains, however, a poor country with expenditure on healthcare less than one-third of the EU average. This factor also impacts pharmacy practice. Although practice seems aligned with EU norms, this masks the substantial imbalance between the situation in the richer capital, Bucharest, and that of the poorer countryside. Harmonisation to EU norms in pharmacy education has not promoted student exchange and mobility but, rather, a brain drain in pharmaceutical graduates to other EU countries. Specialisation in industrial practice has been lost since 1989 with pharmacists being replaced by chemists. In hospitals the hospital pharmacist is being replaced by the clinical pharmacist.
Rheo-Kinetic Study of Sol-Gel Phase Transition of Chitosan Colloidal Systems
Authors: Owczarz Piotr , Ziółkowski Patryk , Modrzejewska Zofia , Kuberski Sławomir , Dziubiński Marek
Published: January 2018

Chitosan colloidal systems, created by dispersing in aqueous solutions of hydrochloric acid, with and without the addition of disodium β-glycerophosphate (β-NaGP), were prepared for the investigation of forming mechanisms of chitosan hydrogels. Three types of chitosan were used in varying molecular weights. The impacts of the charge and shape of the macromolecules on the phase transition process were assessed. The chitosan system without the addition of β-NaGP was characterized by stiff and entangled molecules, in contrast to the chitosan system with the addition of β-NaGP, wherein the molecules adopt a more flexible and disentangled form. Differences in molecules shapes were confirmed using the Zeta potential and thixotropy experiments. The chitosan system without β-NaGP revealed a rapid nature of phase transition—consistent with diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA). The chitosan system with β-NaGP revealed a two-step nature of phase transition, wherein the first step was consistent with reaction-limited aggregation (RLA), while the second step complied with diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA).
Trifluoromethyl-Substituted Large Band-Gap Polytriphenylamines for Polymer Solar Cells with High Open-Circuit Voltages
Authors: Yi Shuwang , Deng Wanyuan , Sun Sheng , Lan Linfeng , He Zhicai , Yang Wei , Zhang Bin
Published: January 2018

Two large band-gap polymers (PTPACF and PTPA2CF) based on polytriphenylamine derivatives with the introduction of electron-withdrawing trifluoromethyl groups were designed and prepared by Suzuki polycondensation reaction. The chemical structures, thermal, optical and electrochemical properties were characterized in detail. From the UV-visible absorption spectra, the PTPACF and PTPA2CF showed the optical band gaps of 2.01 and 2.07 eV, respectively. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurement displayed the deep highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels of −5.33 and −5.38 eV for PTPACF and PTPA2CF, respectively. The hole mobilities, determined by field-effect transistor characterization, were 2.5 × 10−3 and 1.1 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 S−1 for PTPACF and PTPA2CF, respectively. The polymer solar cells (PSCs) were tested under the conventional device structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/polymer:PC71BM/PFN/Al. All of the PSCs showed the high open circuit voltages (Vocs) with the values approaching 1 V. The PTPACF and PTPA2CF based PSCs gave the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 3.24% and 2.40%, respectively. Hence, it is a reliable methodology to develop high-performance large band-gap polymer donors with high Vocs through the feasible side-chain modification.
‘Partakers of the Divine Nature’: Ripley’s Discourses and the Transcendental Annus Mirabilis
Authors: Robinson David
Published: January 2018

In declaring 1836 the “Annus Mirabilis” of Transcendentalism, Perry Miller captured the emerging vitality of a new religious movement, described by Convers Francis as “the spiritual philosophy”. Francis first listed George Ripley’s Discourses on the Philosophy of Religion (1836) as a sign of the new movement. Ripley’s book, strongly influenced by William Ellery Channing’s sermon “Likeness to God” (1828), captured the metamorphosis of Transcendentalism from its Unitarian theological roots, and sheds light on the Transcendentalists’ theory of religious experience. Ripley presented Transcendentalism as the purist form of Christian theology. This new religious awareness enabled a realization of the divine “inner nature”, and described a religious life dedicated to the practice of spiritual self-cultivation. This new awareness brought with it “universal love”, and a vision of what it meant to partake of divinity.
Preliminary Study of Soil Available Nutrient Simulation Using a Modified WOFOST Model and Time-Series Remote Sensing Observations
Authors: Cheng Zhiqiang , Meng Jihua , Qiao Yanyou , Wang Yiming , Dong Wenquan , Han Yanxin
Published: January 2018

The approach of using multispectral remote sensing (RS) to estimate soil available nutrients (SANs) has been recently developed and shows promising results. This method overcomes the limitations of commonly used methods by building a statistical model that connects RS-based crop growth and nutrient content. However, the stability and accuracy of this model require improvement. In this article, we replaced the statistical model by integrating the World Food Studies (WOFOST) model and time series of remote sensing (T-RS) observations to ensure stability and accuracy. Time series of HJ-1 A/B data was assimilated into the WOFOST model to extrapolate crop growth simulations from a single point to a large area using a specific assimilation method. Because nutrient-limited growth within the growing season is required and the SAN parameters can only be used at the end of the growing season in the original model, the WOFOST model was modified. Notably, the calculation order was changed, and new soil nutrient uptake algorithms were implemented in the model for nutrient-limited growth estimation. Finally, experiments were conducted in the spring maize plots of Hongxing Farm to analyze the effects of nutrient stress on crop growth and the SAN simulation accuracy. The results confirm the differences in crop growth status caused by a lack of soil nutrients. The new approach can take advantage of these differences to provide better SAN estimates. In general, the new approach can overcome the limitations of existing methods and simulate the SAN status with reliable accuracy.
A Comparison of Regression Techniques for Estimation of Above-Ground Winter Wheat Biomass Using Near-Surface Spectroscopy
Authors: Yue Jibo , Feng Haikuan , Yang Guijun , Li Zhenhai
Published: January 2018

Above-ground biomass (AGB) provides a vital link between solar energy consumption and yield, so its correct estimation is crucial to accurately monitor crop growth and predict yield. In this work, we estimate AGB by using 54 vegetation indexes (e.g., Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index) and eight statistical regression techniques: artificial neural network (ANN), multivariable linear regression (MLR), decision-tree regression (DT), boosted binary regression tree (BBRT), partial least squares regression (PLSR), random forest regression (RF), support vector machine regression (SVM), and principal component regression (PCR), which are used to analyze hyperspectral data acquired by using a field spectrophotometer. The vegetation indexes (VIs) determined from the spectra were first used to train regression techniques for modeling and validation to select the best VI input, and then summed with white Gaussian noise to study how remote sensing errors affect the regression techniques. Next, the VIs were divided into groups of different sizes by using various sampling methods for modeling and validation to test the stability of the techniques. Finally, the AGB was estimated by using a leave-one-out cross validation with these powerful techniques. The results of the study demonstrate that, of the eight techniques investigated, PLSR and MLR perform best in terms of stability and are most suitable when high-accuracy and stable estimates are required from relatively few samples. In addition, RF is extremely robust against noise and is best suited to deal with repeated observations involving remote-sensing data (i.e., data affected by atmosphere, clouds, observation times, and/or sensor noise). Finally, the leave-one-out cross-validation method indicates that PLSR provides the highest accuracy (R2 = 0.89, RMSE = 1.20 t/ha, MAE = 0.90 t/ha, NRMSE = 0.07, CV (RMSE) = 0.18); thus, PLSR is best suited for works requiring high-accuracy estimation models. The results indicate that all these techniques provide impressive accuracy. The comparison and analysis provided herein thus reveals the advantages and disadvantages of the ANN, MLR, DT, BBRT, PLSR, RF, SVM, and PCR techniques and can help researchers to build efficient AGB-estimation models.
Mapping Burned Areas in Tropical Forests Using a Novel Machine Learning Framework
Authors: Mithal Varun , Nayak Guruprasad , Khandelwal Ankush , Kumar Vipin , Nemani Ramakrishna , Oza Nikunj
Published: January 2018

This paper presents an application of a novel machine-learning framework on MODIS (moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer) data to map burned areas over tropical forests of South America and South-east Asia. The RAPT (RAre Class Prediction in the absence of True labels) framework is able to build data adaptive classification models using noisy training labels. It is particularly suitable when expert annotated training samples are difficult to obtain as in the case of wild fires in the tropics. This framework has been used to build burned area maps from MODIS surface reflectance data as features and Active Fire hotspots as training labels that are known to have high commission and omission errors due to the prevalence of cloud cover and smoke, especially in the tropics. Using the RAPT framework we report burned areas for 16 MODIS tiles from 2001 to 2014. The total burned area detected in the tropical forests of South America and South-east Asia during these years is 2,071,378 MODIS (500 m) pixels (approximately 520 K sq. km.), which is almost three times compared to the estimates from collection 5 MODIS MCD64A1 (783,468 MODIS pixels). An evaluation using Landsat-based reference burned area maps indicates that our product has an average user’s accuracy of 53% and producer’s accuracy of 55% while collection 5 MCD64A1 burned area product has an average user’s accuracy of 61% and producer’s accuracy of 27%. Our analysis also indicates that the two products can be complimentary and a combination of the two approaches is likely to provide a more comprehensive assessment of tropical fires. Finally, we have created a publicly accessible web-based viewer that helps the community to visualize the burned area maps produced using RAPT and examine various validation sources corresponding to every detected MODIS pixel.
Monitoring Water Surface and Level of a Reservoir Using Different Remote Sensing Approaches and Comparison with Dam Displacements Evaluated via GNSS
Authors: Pipitone Claudia , Maltese Antonino , Dardanelli Gino , Lo Brutto Mauro , La Loggia Goffredo
Published: January 2018

Remote sensing allowed monitoring the reservoir water level by estimating its surface extension. Surface extension has been estimated using different approaches, employing both optical (Landsat 5 TM, Landsat 7 ETM+ SLC-Off, Landsat 8 OLI-TIRS and ASTER images) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images (Cosmo SkyMed and TerraSAR-X). Images were characterized by different acquisition modes, geometric and spectral resolutions, allowing the evaluation of alternative and/or complementary techniques. For each kind of image, two techniques have been tested: The first based on an unsupervised classification and suitable to automate the process, the second based on visual matching with contour lines with the aim of fully exploiting the dataset. Their performances were evaluated by comparison with water levels measured in situ (r2 = 0.97 using the unsupervised classification, r2 = 0.95 using visual matching) demonstrating that both techniques are suitable to quantify reservoir surface extension. However ~90% of available images were analyzed using the visual matching method, and just 37 images out of 58 using the other method. The evaluation of the water level from the water surface, using both techniques, could be easily extended to un-gauged reservoirs to manage the variations of the levels during normal operation. In addition, during the period of investigation, the use of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) allowed the estimation of dam displacements. The advantage of using as reference a GNSS permanent station positioned relatively far from the dam, allowed the exclusion of any interaction with the site deformations. By comparing results from both techniques, relationships between the orthogonal displacement component via GNSS, estimated water levels via remote sensing and in situ measurements were investigated. During periods of changing water level (April 2011–September 2011 and October 2011–March 2012), the moving average of displacement time series (middle section on the dam crest) shows a range of variability of ±2 mm. The dam deformation versus reservoir water level behavior differs during the reservoir emptying and filling periods indicating a hysteresis-kind loop.
Identifying Generalizable Image Segmentation Parameters for Urban Land Cover Mapping through Meta-Analysis and Regression Tree Modeling
Authors: Johnson Brian , Jozdani Shahab
Published: January 2018

The advent of very high resolution (VHR) satellite imagery and the development of Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA) have led to many new opportunities for fine-scale land cover mapping, especially in urban areas. Image segmentation is an important step in the GEOBIA framework, so great time/effort is often spent to ensure that computer-generated image segments closely match real-world objects of interest. In the remote sensing community, segmentation is frequently performed using the multiresolution segmentation (MRS) algorithm, which is tuned through three user-defined parameters (the scale, shape/color, and compactness/smoothness parameters). The scale parameter (SP) is the most important parameter and governs the average size of generated image segments. Existing automatic methods to determine suitable SPs for segmentation are scene-specific and often computationally intensive, so an approach to estimating appropriate SPs that is generalizable (i.e., not scene-specific) could speed up the GEOBIA workflow considerably. In this study, we attempted to identify generalizable SPs for five common urban land cover types (buildings, vegetation, roads, bare soil, and water) through meta-analysis and nonlinear regression tree (RT) modeling. First, we performed a literature search of recent studies that employed GEOBIA for urban land cover mapping and extracted the MRS parameters used, the image properties (i.e., spatial and radiometric resolutions), and the land cover classes mapped. Using this data extracted from the literature, we constructed RT models for each land cover class to predict suitable SP values based on the: image spatial resolution, image radiometric resolution, shape/color parameter, and compactness/smoothness parameter. Based on a visual and quantitative analysis of results, we found that for all land cover classes except water, relatively accurate SPs could be identified using our RT modeling results. The main advantage of our approach over existing SP selection approaches is that our RT model results are not scene-specific, so they can be used to quickly identify suitable SPs in other VHR images.
Ocean Dynamics Observed by VIIRS Day/Night Band Satellite Observations
Authors: Shi Wei , Wang Menghua
Published: January 2018

Three cases of Day/Night Band (DNB) observations of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) onboard the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) are explored for applications to assess the ocean environment and monitor ocean dynamics. An approach to use the ratio between the target radiance and the reference radiance was developed in order to better assess the ocean diurnal and short-term environmental changes with VIIRS DNB observations. In the La Plata River Estuary, the sediment fronts showed 20–25 km diurnal inshore-offshore movements on 13 March 2017. In the waters off the coast of Argentina in the South Atlantic, VIIRS DNB measurements provided both daytime and nighttime observations and monitoring of the algal bloom development and migration between 24 and 26 March 2016. This algal bloom generally kept the same spatial patterns, but moved nearly 20 km eastward in the three-day period. In the Yangtze River Estuary and Hangzhou Bay region along China’s east coast, VIIRS DNB observations also revealed complicated coastal dynamic changes between 12 and 14 April 2017. Even though there are still some challenges and limitations for monitoring the ocean environment with VIIRS DNB observations, this study shows that satellite DNB observations can provide additional data sources for ocean observations, especially observations during the nighttime.
Enhancing Land Cover Mapping through Integration of Pixel-Based and Object-Based Classifications from Remotely Sensed Imagery
Authors: Chen Yuehong , Zhou Ya’nan , Ge Yong , An Ru , Chen Yu
Published: January 2018

Pixel-based and object-based classifications are two commonly used approaches in extracting land cover information from remote sensing images. However, they each have their own inherent merits and limitations. This study, therefore, proposes a new classification method through the integration of pixel-based and object-based classifications (IPOC). Firstly, it employs pixel-based soft classification to obtain the class proportions of pixels to characterize the land cover details from pixel-scale properties. Secondly, it adopts area-to-point kriging to explore the class spatial dependence between objects for each pixel from object-based soft classification results. Thirdly, the class proportions of pixels and the class spatial dependence of pixels are fused as the class occurrence of pixels. Last, a linear optimization model on objects is built to determine the optimal class label of pixels within each object. Two remote sensing images are used to evaluate the effectiveness of IPOC. The experimental results demonstrate that IPOC performs better than the traditional pixel-based hard classification and object-based hard classification methods. Specifically, the overall accuracy of IPOC is 7.64% higher than that of pixel-based hard classification and 4.64% greater than that of object-based hard classification in the first experiment, while the overall accuracy improvements in the second experiment are 3.59% and 3.42%, respectively. Meanwhile, IPOC produces less salt and pepper effect than the pixel-based hard classification method and generates more accurate land cover details and small patches than the object-based hard classification method.
A Weld Position Recognition Method Based on Directional and Structured Light Information Fusion in Multi-Layer/Multi-Pass Welding
Authors: Zeng Jinle , Chang Baohua , Du Dong , Wang Li , Chang Shuhe , Peng Guodong , Wang Wenzhu
Published: January 2018

Multi-layer/multi-pass welding (MLMPW) technology is widely used in the energy industry to join thick components. During automatic welding using robots or other actuators, it is very important to recognize the actual weld pass position using visual methods, which can then be used not only to perform reasonable path planning for actuators, but also to correct any deviations between the welding torch and the weld pass position in real time. However, due to the small geometrical differences between adjacent weld passes, existing weld position recognition technologies such as structured light methods are not suitable for weld position detection in MLMPW. This paper proposes a novel method for weld position detection, which fuses various kinds of information in MLMPW. First, a synchronous acquisition method is developed to obtain various kinds of visual information when directional light and structured light sources are on, respectively. Then, interferences are eliminated by fusing adjacent images. Finally, the information from directional and structured light images is fused to obtain the 3D positions of the weld passes. Experiment results show that each process can be done in 30 ms and the deviation is less than 0.6 mm. The proposed method can be used for automatic path planning and seam tracking in the robotic MLMPW process as well as electron beam freeform fabrication process.
The Effect of the Accelerometer Operating Range on Biomechanical Parameters: Stride Length, Velocity, and Peak Tibial Acceleration during Running
Authors: Mitschke Christian , Kiesewetter Pierre , Milani Thomas
Published: January 2018

Previous studies have used accelerometers with various operating ranges (ORs) when measuring biomechanical parameters. However, it is still unclear whether ORs influence the accuracy of running parameters, and whether the different stiffnesses of footwear midsoles influence this accuracy. The purpose of the present study was to systematically investigate the influence of OR on the accuracy of stride length, running velocity, and on peak tibial acceleration. Twenty-one recreational heel strike runners ran on a 15-m indoor track at self-selected running speeds in three footwear conditions (low to high midsole stiffness). Runners were equipped with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) affixed to the heel cup of the right shoe and with a uniaxial accelerometer at the right tibia. Accelerometers (at the tibia and included in the IMU) with a high OR of ±70 g were used as the reference and the data were cut at ±32, ±16, and at ±8 g in post-processing, before calculating parameters. The results show that the OR influenced the outcomes of all investigated parameters, which were not influenced by tested footwear conditions. The lower ORs were associated with an underestimation error for all biomechanical parameters, which increased noticeably with a decreasing OR. It can be concluded that accelerometers with a minimum OR of ±32 g should be used to avoid inaccurate measurements.
Genotyping of KRAS Mutational Status by the In-Check Lab-on-Chip Platform
Authors: Guarnaccia Maria , Iemmolo Rosario , San Biagio Floriana , Alessi Enrico , Cavallaro Sebastiano
Published: January 2018

The KRAS oncogene is involved in the pathogenesis of several types of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC). The most frequent mutations in this gene are associated with poor survival, increased tumor aggressiveness and resistance to therapy with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies. For this reason, KRAS mutation testing has become increasingly common in clinical practice for personalized cancer treatments of CRC patients. Detection methods for KRAS mutations are currently expensive, laborious, time-consuming and often lack of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. In this study, we describe the development of a Lab-on-Chip assay for genotyping of KRAS mutational status. This assay, based on the In-Check platform, integrates microfluidic handling, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a low-density microarray. This integrated sample-to-result system enables the detection of KRAS point mutations, including those occurring in codons 12 and 13 of exon 2, 59 and 61 of exon 3, 117 and 146 of exon 4. Thanks to its miniaturization, automation, rapid analysis, minimal risk of sample contamination, increased accuracy and reproducibility of results, this Lab-on-Chip platform may offer immediate opportunities to simplify KRAS genotyping into clinical routine.