bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leaf Wetness Evaluation Using Artificial Neural Network for Improving Apple Scab Fight
Authors: Stella Alessandro , Caliendo Gennaro , Melgani Farid , Goller Rino , Barazzuol Maurizio , La Porta Nicola
Published: June 2017

Precision agriculture represents a promising technological trend in which governments and local authorities are increasingly investing. In particular, optimising the use of pesticides and having localised models of plant disease are the most important goals for the farmers of the future. The Trentino province in Italy is known as a strong national producer of apples. Apple production has to face many issues, however, among which is apple scab. This disease depends mainly on leaf wetness data typically acquired by fixed sensors. Based on the exploitation of artificial neural networks, this work aims to spatially extend the measurements of such sensors across uncovered areas (areas deprived of sensors). Achieved results have been validated comparing the apple scab risk of the same zone using either real leaf wetness data and estimated data. Thanks to the proposed method, it is possible to get the most relevant parameter of apple scab risk in places where no leaf wetness sensor is available. Moreover, our method permits having a specific risk evaluation of apple scab infection for each orchard, leading to an optimization of the use of chemical pesticides.
Population Characteristics in a Tertiary Pain Service Cohort Experiencing Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: Weight Status, Comorbidities, and Patient Goals
Authors: Brain Katherine , Burrows Tracy , Rollo Megan , Hayes Chris , Hodson Fiona , Collins Clare
Published: June 2017

We describe the characteristics of patients attending an Australian tertiary multidisciplinary pain service and identify areas for nutrition interventions. This cross-sectional study targets patients experiencing chronic pain who attended the service between June–December 2014. Self-reported data was captured from: (1) an Electronic Persistent Pain Outcomes Collaboration (ePPOC) referral questionnaire, incorporating demographics, pain status, and mental health; (2) a Pain Assessment and Recovery Plan (PARP), which documents patients’ perceived problems associated with pain and personal treatment goals. The ePPOC referral questionnaire was completed by 166 patients and the PARP by 153. The mean (SD) patient age was 53 ± 13 years, with almost 60% experiencing pain for >5 years. Forty-five percent of patients were classified as obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, mean (SD) BMI was 31 ± 7 kg/m2), with a mean waist circumference of 104 ± 19.4 cm (SD). The most frequent patient nominated treatment goals related to physical activity (39%), followed by nutritional goals (23%). Traditionally, pain management programs have included physical, psychosocial, and medical, but not nutritional, interventions. By contrast, patients identified and reported important nutrition-related treatment goals. There is a need to test nutrition treatment pathways, including an evaluation of dietary intake and nutrition support. This will help to optimize dietary behaviors and establish nutrition as an important component of multidisciplinary chronic pain management.
Association between Food for Life, a Whole Setting Healthy and Sustainable Food Programme, and Primary School Children’s Consumption of Fruit and Vegetables: A Cross-Sectional Study in England
Authors: Jones Mat , Pitt Hannah , Oxford Liz , Bray Issy , Kimberlee Richard , Orme Judy
Published: June 2017

The promotion of dietary health is a public health priority in England and in other countries. Research shows that the majority of children do not consume the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables (F&V). There has been relatively little research on the impact of programmes, such as Food for Life, that (a) integrate action on nutrition and food sustainability issues, and (b) are delivered as commissions in a local authority area. The study sought to assess pupil F&V in schools engaged with the Food for Life (FFL) programme. The design was a cross-sectional study comparing pupils in FFL engaged (n = 24) and non-engaged (n = 23) schools. A total of 2411 pupils aged 8–10 completed a validated self-report questionnaire. After adjusting for confounders, pupils in schools engaged with FFL consumed significantly more servings of F&V compared to pupils in comparison schools (M = 2.03/1.54, p < 0.001). Pupils in FFL schools were twice as likely to eat five or more portions of F&V per day (Odds Ratio = 2.07, p < 0.001, Confidence Interval = 1.54, 2.77). Total F&V consumption was significantly higher (p < 0.05) amongst pupils in schools with a higher level FFL award. Whilst limitations include possible residual confounding, the study suggests primary school engagement with the FFL programme may be an effective way of improving children’s dietary health.
Molecular Cloning and Functional Characterization of a Hexokinase from the Oriental River Prawn Macrobrachium nipponense in Response to Hypoxia
Authors: Sun Shengming , Xuan Fujun , Fu Hongtuo , Zhu Jian , Ge Xianping
Published: June 2017

Metabolic adjustment to hypoxia in Macrobrachium nipponense (oriental river prawn) implies a shift to anaerobic metabolism. Hexokinase (HK) is a key glycolytic enzyme in prawns. The involvement of HK in the hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) pathway is unclear in prawns. In this study, the full-length cDNA for HK (MnHK) was obtained from M. nipponense, and its properties were characterized. The full-length cDNA (2385 bp) with an open reading frame of 1350 bp, encoded a 450-amino acid protein. MnHK contained highly conserved amino acids in the glucose, glucose-6-phosphate, ATP, and Mg+2 binding sites. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR assays revealed the tissue-specific expression pattern of MnHK, with abundant expression in the muscle, and gills. Kinetic studies validated the hexokinase activity of recombinant HK. Silencing of HIF-1α or HIF-1β subunit genes blocked the induction of HK and its enzyme activities during hypoxia in muscles. The results suggested that MnHK is a key factor that increases the anaerobic rate, and is probably involved in the HIF-1 pathway related to highly active metabolism during hypoxia.
Enhanced Osteogenic Differentiation in Zoledronate-Treated Osteoporotic Patients
Authors: Dalle Carbonare Luca , Mottes Monica , Malerba Giovanni , Mori Antonio , Zaninotto Martina , Plebani Mario , Dellantonio Alessandra , Valenti Maria
Published: June 2017

Bisphosphonates are well known inhibitors of osteoclast activity and thus may be employed to influence osteoblast activity. The present study was designed to evaluate the in vivo effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) on the proliferation and osteoblastic commitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in osteoporotic patients. We studied 22 postmenopausal osteoporotic patients. Densitometric, biochemical, cellular and molecular data were collected before as well as after 6 and 12 months of ZA treatment. Peripheral blood MSC-like cells were quantified by colony-forming unit fibroblastic assay; their osteogenic differentiation potential was evaluated after 3 and 7 days of induction, respectively. Circulating MSCs showed significantly increased expression levels of osteoblastic marker genes such as Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and Osteonectin (SPARC) during the 12 months of monitoring time. Lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) variation and SPARC gene expression correlated positively. Bone turnover marker levels were significantly lowered after ZA treatment; the effect was more pronounced for C terminal telopeptide (CTX) than for Procollagen Type 1 N-Terminal Propeptide (P1NP) and bone alkaline phosphatase (bALP). Our findings suggest a discrete anabolic activity supported by osteogenic commitment of MSCs, consequent to ZA treatment. We confirm its anabolic effects in vivo on osteogenic precursors.
Terpenoids from Platostoma rotundifolium (Briq.) A. J. Paton Alter the Expression of Quorum Sensing-Related Virulence Factors and the Formation of Biofilm in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
Authors: Rasamiravaka Tsiry , Ngezahayo Jérémie , Pottier Laurent , Ribeiro Sofia , Souard Florence , Hari Léonard , Stévigny Caroline , Jaziri Mondher El , Duez Pierre
Published: June 2017

Platostoma rotundifolium (Briq.) A. J. Paton aerial parts are widely used in Burundi traditional medicine to treat infectious diseases. In order to investigate their probable antibacterial activities, crude extracts from P. rotundifolium were assessed for their bactericidal and anti-virulence properties against an opportunistic bacterial model, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. Whereas none of the tested extracts exert bacteriostatic and/or bactericidal proprieties, the ethyl acetate and dichloromethane extracts exhibit anti-virulence properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 characterized by an alteration in quorum sensing gene expression and biofilm formation without affecting bacterial viability. Bioguided fractionation of the ethyl acetate extract led to the isolation of major anti-virulence compounds that were identified from nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution molecular spectroscopy spectra as cassipourol, β-sitosterol and α-amyrin. Globally, cassipourol and β-sitosterol inhibit quorum sensing-regulated and -regulatory genes expression in las and rhl systems without affecting the global regulators gacA and vfr, whereas α-amyrin had no effect on the expression of these genes. These terpenoids disrupt the formation of biofilms at concentrations down to 12.5, 50 and 50 µM for cassipourol, β-sitosterol and α-amyrin, respectively. Moreover, these terpenoids reduce the production of total exopolysaccharides and promote flagella-dependent motilities (swimming and swarming). The isolated terpenoids exert a wide range of inhibition processes, suggesting a complex mechanism of action targeting P. aeruginosa virulence mechanisms which support the wide anti-infectious use of this plant species in traditional Burundian medicine.
Laser Ablation for Cancer: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Schena Emiliano , Saccomandi Paola , Fong Yuman
Published: June 2017

Laser ablation (LA) is gaining acceptance for the treatment of tumors as an alternative to surgical resection. This paper reviews the use of lasers for ablative and surgical applications. Also reviewed are solutions aimed at improving LA outcomes: hyperthermal treatment planning tools and thermometric techniques during LA, used to guide the surgeon in the choice and adjustment of the optimal laser settings, and the potential use of nanoparticles to allow biologic selectivity of ablative treatments. Promising technical solutions and a better knowledge of laser-tissue interaction should allow LA to be used in a safe and effective manner as a cancer treatment.
The Role of Mechanical Connection during Friction Stir Keyholeless Spot Welding Joints of Dissimilar Materials
Authors: Liu Xiao , Wang Xijing , Wang Boshi , Zhang Liangliang , Yang Chao , Chai Tingxi
Published: June 2017

Contrast experiments of lap joints among dissimilar AZ31B Mg alloy, Mg99.50, zinc-coated DP600 sheet, and non-zinc-coated DP600 sheet were made by friction stir keyholeless spot welding (FSKSW) and vacuum diffusion welding (VDW), respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS) were used to investigate the microstructures and components of the joints welded. The experimental results show that the FSKSW bonding method is a kind of compound mode that contains a mechanical connection and element diffusion fusion connection, in which mechanical connection has the main decisive function on joints of Mg/steel. Elements diffusion exists in the interfacial region of the joints and the elements diffusion extent is basically the same to that of VDW. The elements’ diffusion in Mg/steel using FSKSW is defined in the reaction between small amounts elements of the base metal and zinc-coated metals. The intermetallic compounds and composite oxide perform some reinforcement on the mechanical connection strength.
Modifications of Porphyrins and Hydroporphyrins for Their Solubilization in Aqueous Media
Authors: Luciano Michael , Brückner Christian
Published: June 2017

The increasing popularity of porphyrins and hydroporphyrins for use in a variety of biomedical (photodynamic therapy, fluorescence tagging and imaging, photoacoustic imaging) and technical (chemosensing, catalysis, light harvesting) applications is also associated with the growing number of methodologies that enable their solubilization in aqueous media. Natively, the vast majority of synthetic porphyrinic compounds are not water-soluble. Moreover, any water-solubility imposes several restrictions on the synthetic chemist on when to install solubilizing groups in the synthetic sequence, and how to isolate and purify these compounds. This review summarizes the chemical modifications to render synthetic porphyrins water-soluble, with a focus on the work disclosed since 2000. Where available, practical data such as solubility, indicators for the degree of aggregation, and special notes for the practitioner are listed. We hope that this review will guide synthetic chemists through the many strategies known to make porphyrins and hydroporphyrins water soluble.
Production of Putative Diterpene Carboxylic Acid Intermediates of Triptolide in Yeast
Authors: Forman Victor , Callari Roberta , Folly Christophe , Heider Harald , Hamberger Björn
Published: June 2017

The development of medical applications exploiting the broad bioactivities of the diterpene therapeutic triptolide from Tripterygium wilfordii is limited by low extraction yields from the native plant. Furthermore, the extraordinarily high structural complexity prevents an economically attractive enantioselective total synthesis. An alternative production route of triptolide through engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) could provide a sustainable source of triptolide. A potential intermediate in the unknown biosynthetic route to triptolide is the diterpene dehydroabietic acid. Here, we report a biosynthetic route to dehydroabietic acid by transient expression of enzymes from T. wilfordii and Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) in Nicotiana benthamiana. The combination of diterpene synthases TwTPS9, TwTPS27, and cytochromes P450 PsCYP720B4 yielded dehydroabietic acid and a novel analog, tentatively identified as ‘miltiradienic acid’. This biosynthetic pathway was reassembled in a yeast strain engineered for increased yields of the pathway intermediates, the diterpene olefins miltiradiene and dehydroabietadiene. Introduction in that strain of PsCYP720B4 in combination with two alternative NADPH-dependent cytochrome P450 reductases resulted in scalable in vivo production of dehydroabietic acid and its analog from glucose. Approaching future elucidation of the remaining biosynthetic steps to triptolide, our findings may provide an independent platform for testing of additional recombinant candidate genes, and ultimately pave the way to biotechnological production of the high value diterpenoid therapeutic.
Potential of Icariin Metabolites from Epimedium koreanum Nakai as Antidiabetic Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Kim Da Hye , Jung Hyun Ah , Sohn Hee Sook , Kim Jin Woong , Choi Jae Sue
Published: June 2017

The therapeutic properties of Epimedium koreanum are presumed to be due to the flavonoid component icariin, which has been reported to have broad pharmacological potential and has demonstrated anti-diabetic, anti-Alzheimer’s disease, anti-tumor, and hepatoprotective activities. Considering these therapeutic properties of icariin, its deglycosylated icaritin and glycosylated flavonoids (icaeriside II, epimedin A, epimedin B, and epimedin C) were evaluated for their ability to inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and α-glucosidase. The results show that icaritin and icariside II exhibit potent inhibitory activities, with 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) values of 11.59 ± 1.39 μM and 9.94 ± 0.15 μM against PTP1B and 74.42 ± 0.01 and 106.59 ± 0.44 μM against α-glucosidase, respectively. With the exceptions of icaritin and icariside II, glycosylated flavonoids did not exhibit any inhibitory effects in the two assays. Enzyme kinetics analyses revealed that icaritin and icariside II demonstrated noncompetitive-type inhibition against PTP1B, with inhibition constant (Ki) values of 11.41 and 11.66 μM, respectively. Moreover, molecular docking analysis confirmed that icaritin and icariside II both occupy the same site as allosteric ligand. Thus, the molecular docking simulation results were in close agreement with the experimental data with respect to inhibition activity. In conclusion, deglycosylated metabolites of icariin from E. koreanum might offer therapeutic potential for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Antimicrobial Activity of Truncated and Polyvalent Peptides Derived from the FKCRRQWQWRMKKGLA Sequence against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923
Authors: Huertas Nataly , Monroy Zuly , Medina Ricardo , Castañeda Javier
Published: June 2017

Peptides derived from LfcinB were designed and synthesized, and their antibacterial activity was tested against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Specifically, a peptide library was constructed by systemically removing the flanking residues (N or C-terminal) of Lfcin 17–31 (17FKCRRWQWRMKKLGA31), maintaining in all peptides the 20RRWQWR25 sequence that corresponds to the minimal antimicrobial motif. For this research, also included were (i) a peptide containing an Ala instead of Cys ([Ala19]-LfcinB 17–31) and (ii) polyvalent peptides containing the RRWQWR sequence and a non-natural amino acid (aminocaproic acid). We established that the lineal peptides LfcinB 17–25 and LfcinB 17–26 exhibited the greatest activity against E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. aureus ATCC 25923, respectively. On the other hand, polyvalent peptides, a dimer and a tetramer, exhibited the greatest antibacterial activity, indicating that multiple copies of the sequence increase the activity. Our results suggest that the dimeric and tetrameric sequence forms potentiate the antibacterial activity of lineal sequences that have exhibited moderate antibacterial activity.
Protein Interaction and Na/K-ATPase-Mediated Signal Transduction
Authors: Cui Xiaoyu , Xie Zijian
Published: June 2017

The Na/K-ATPase (NKA), or Na pump, is a member of the P-type ATPase superfamily. In addition to pumping ions across cell membrane, it is engaged in assembly of multiple protein complexes in the plasma membrane. This assembly allows NKA to perform many non-pumping functions including signal transduction that are important for animal physiology and disease progression. This article will focus on the role of protein interaction in NKA-mediated signal transduction, and its potential utility as target for developing new therapeutics.
Microwave-Assisted Facile Synthesis, Anticancer Evaluation and Docking Study of N-((5-(Substituted methylene amino)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)methyl) Benzamide Derivatives
Authors: Tiwari Shailee , Siddiqui Sumaiya , Seijas Julio , Vazquez-Tato M. , Sarkate Aniket , Lokwani Deepak , Nikalje Anna
Published: June 2017

In the present work, 12 novel Schiff’s bases containing a thiadiazole scaffold and benzamide groups coupled through appropriate pharmacophore were synthesized. These moieties are associated with important biological properties. A facile, solvent-free synthesis of a series of novel 7(a–l) N-((5-(substituted methylene amino)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)methyl) benzamide was carried out under microwave irradiation. Structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR, NMR, mass spectral study and elemental analysis. All the synthesized hybrids were evaluated for their in vitro anticancer activity against a panel of four human cancer cell lines, viz. SK-MEL-2 (melanoma), HL-60 (leukemia), HeLa (cervical cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer) and normal breast epithelial cell (MCF-10A) using 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay method. Most of the synthesized compounds exhibited promising anticancer activity, showed comparable GI50 values comparable to that of the standard drug Adriamycin. The compounds 7k, 7l, 7b, and 7a were found to be the most promising anticancer agents in this study. A molecular docking study was performed to predict the probable mechanism of action and computational study of the synthesized compounds 7(a–l) was performed to predict absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) properties, by using QikProp v3.5 (Schrödinger LLC). The results showed the good oral drug-like behavior of the synthesized compounds 7(a–l).
Molecular Orientation of a Terbium(III)-Phthalocyaninato Double-Decker Complex for Effective Suppression of Quantum Tunneling of the Magnetization
Authors: Yamabayashi Tsutomu , Katoh Keiichi , Breedlove Brian , Yamashita Masahiro
Published: June 2017

Single-molecule magnet (SMM) properties of crystals of a terbium(III)-phthalocyaninato double-decker complex with different molecular packings (1: TbPc2, 2: TbPc2·CH2Cl2) were studied to elucidate the relationship between the molecular packing and SMM properties. From single crystal X-ray analyses, the high symmetry of the coordination environment of 2 suggested that the SMM properties were improved. Furthermore, the shorter intermolecular Tb–Tb distance and relative collinear alignment of the magnetic dipole in 2 indicated that the magnetic dipole–dipole interactions were stronger than those in 1. This was confirmed by using direct current magnetic measurements. From alternating current magnetic measurements, the activation energy for spin reversal for 1 and 2 were similar. However, the relaxation time for 2 is three orders of magnitude slower than that for 1 in the low-T region due to effective suppression of the quantum tunneling of the magnetization. These results suggest that the SMM properties of TbPc2 highly depend on the molecular packing.
Highly Sensitive Magnetic-SERS Dual-Function Silica Nanoprobes for Effective On-Site Organic Chemical Detection
Authors: Jeong Cheolhwan , Kim Hyung-Mo , Park So , Cha Myeong , Park Sung-Jun , Kyeong San , Pham Xuan-Hung , Hahm Eunil , Ha Yuna , Jeong Dae , Jun Bong-Hyun , Lee Yoon-Sik
Published: June 2017

We report magnetic silver nanoshells (M-AgNSs) that have both magnetic and SERS properties for SERS-based detection. The M-AgNSs are composed of hundreds of Fe3O4 nanoparticles for rapid accumulation and bumpy silver shell for sensitive SERS detection by near-infrared laser excitation. The intensity of the SERS signal from the M-AgNSs was strong enough to provide single particle-level detection. We obtained much stronger SERS signal intensity from the aggregated M-AgNSs than from the non-aggregated AgNSs. 4-Fluorothiophenol was detected at concentrations as low as 1 nM, which corresponds to 0.16 ppb. The limit of detection for tetramethylthiuram disulfide was 10 μM, which corresponds to 3 ppm. The M-AgNSs can be used to detect trace amounts of organic molecules using a portable Raman system.
Alpha- and Gamma-Tocopherol and Telomere Length in 5768 US Men and Women: A NHANES Study
Authors: Tucker Larry
Published: June 2017

Antioxidants have a number of potential health benefits. The present investigation was designed to determine the relationship between serum alpha- and gamma-tocopherol levels (powerful antioxidants), and leukocyte telomere length (a biomarker of biological aging). A cross-sectional design was employed to study 5768 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). DNA was obtained via blood samples. Telomere length was assessed using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction method. Serum concentrations of alpha- and gamma-tocopherol were measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results showed that for each one-year increase in age, telomeres were 15.6 base pairs shorter (F = 410.4, p < 0.0001). After adjusting for differences in the demographic covariates, for each µg/dL higher level of gamma-tocopherol, telomeres were 0.33 base pairs shorter (F = 7.1, p = 0.0126). Telomeres were approximately 1 year shorter (15.6 base pairs) for each increment of 47.3 to 55.7 µg/dL of gamma-tocopherol in the blood, depending on the variables controlled. Adults at the 75th percentile of gamma-tocopherol had 2.8–3.4 years greater cellular aging than those at the 25th percentile, depending on the covariates in the model. However, alpha-tocopherol was not related to telomere length. Evidently, gamma-tocopherol levels, but not alpha-tocopherol, account for meaningful increases in biological aging.
Comparative Phenotypical and Molecular Analyses of Arabidopsis Grown under Fluorescent and LED Light
Authors: Seiler Franka , Soll Jürgen , Bölter Bettina
Published: June 2017

Comparative analyses of phenotypic and molecular traits of Arabidopsis thaliana grown under standardised conditions is still a challenge using climatic devices supplied with common light sources. These are in most cases fluorescent lights, which have several disadvantages such as heat production at higher light intensities, an invariable spectral output, and relatively rapid “ageing”. This results in non-desired variations of growth conditions and lowers the comparability of data acquired over extended time periods. In this study, we investigated the growth behaviour of Arabidopsis Col0 under different light conditions, applying fluorescent compared to LED lamps, and we conducted physiological as well as gene expression analyses. By changing the spectral composition and/or light intensity of LEDs we can clearly influence the growth behaviour of Arabidopsis and thereby study phenotypic attributes under very specific light conditions that are stable and reproducible, which is not necessarily given for fluorescent lamps. By using LED lights, we can also roughly mimic the sun light emission spectrum, enabling us to study plant growth in a more natural-like light set-up. We observed distinct growth behaviour under the different light regimes which was reflected by physiological properties of the plants. In conclusion, LEDs provide variable emission spectra for studying plant growth under defined, stable light conditions.
Religion and Genocide Nexuses: Bosnia as Case Study
Authors: Temoney Kate
Published: June 2017

Social scientists have been involved in systematic research on genocide for over forty years, yet an under-examined aspect of genocide literature is a sustained focus on the nexuses of religion and genocide, a lacuna that this article seeks to address. Four ways religion and genocide intersect are proposed, of which two will receive specific attention: (1) how religious rhetoric and (2) how religious individuals and institutions foment genocide. These two intersections are further nuanced by combining a Weberian method of typologies, the Durkheimian theory of collective violence, and empirical data in the form of rhetoric espoused by perpetrators and supporters of the 1995 Bosnian genocide. This combination yields the three typologies of “othering”, justification, and authorization, which are further supported by a review of genocide literature. The typologies provide a framework for analyzing the synergistic relationship between religion and genocide in the interest of devising a model that can be applied to other genocides for investigative and comparative purposes and reveal that religion is both instrumentalized by individuals and institutionally instrumental in genocide perpetration. Individuals explicitly employ religious rhetoric to prey on the fear of the masses, and religious institutions and individuals are indispensable to lending religious justification and moral authority to genocidal campaigns. These results may serve as a starting point for devising strategies that neuter the destructive links between genocide and religion as well as leveraging the ambiguity of religion in favor of its constructive and obviating potential.
On-Board Detection and Matching of Feature Points
Authors: Huang Jingjin , Zhou Guoqing
Published: June 2017

This paper presents a FPGA-based method for on-board detection and matching of the feature points. With the proposed method, a parallel processing model and a pipeline structure are presented to ensure a high frame rate at processing speed, but with a low power consumption. To save the FPGA resources and increase the processing speed, a model which combines the modified SURF detector and a BRIEF descriptor, is presented as well. Three pairs of images with different land coverages are used to evaluate the performance of FPGA-based implementation. The experiment results demonstrate that (1) when the image pairs with artificial features (such as buildings and roads), the performance of FPGA-based implementation is better than those image pairs with natural features (such as woods); (2) the proposed FPGA-based method is capable of ensuring the processing speed at a high frame rate, such as the speed of can achieve 304 fps under a 100 MHz clock frequency. The speedup of the proposed implementation is about 27 times higher than that when using the PC-based implementation.
Atmospheric Effect Analysis and Correction of the Microwave Vegetation Index
Authors: Ji Da-Bin , Shi Jian-Cheng , Letu Husi , Wang Tian-Xing , Zhao Tian-Jie
Published: June 2017

Microwave vegetation index (MVI) is a vegetation index defined in microwave bands. It has been developed based on observations from AMSR-E and widely used to monitor global vegetation. Recently, our study found that MVI was influenced by the atmosphere, although it was calculated from microwave bands. Ignoring the atmospheric influence might bring obvious uncertainty to the study of global vegetation. In this study, an atmospheric effect sensitivity analysis for MVI was carried out, and an atmospheric correction algorithm was developed to reduce the influence of the atmosphere. The sensitivity analysis showed that water vapor, clouds and precipitation were main parameters that had an influence on MVI. The result of the atmospheric correction on MVI was validated at both temporal and spatial scales. The validation showed that the atmospheric correction algorithm developed in this study could obviously improve the underestimation of MVI on most land surfaces. Seasonal patterns in the uncorrected MVI were obviously related to atmospheric water content besides vegetation changes. In addition, global maps of MVI showed significant differences before and after atmospheric correction in the northern hemisphere in the northern summer. The atmospheric correction will make the MVI more reliable and improve its performance in calculating vegetation biomass.
Sentinel-1A/B Combined Product Geolocation Accuracy
Authors: Schubert Adrian , Miranda Nuno , Geudtner Dirk , Small David
Published: June 2017

Sentinel-1A and -1B are twin spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors developed and operated by the European Space Agency under the auspices of the Copernicus Earth observation programme. Launched in April 2014 and April 2016, Sentinel-1A and -1B are currently operating in tandem, in a common orbital configuration to provide an increased revisit frequency. In-orbit commissioning was completed for each unit within months of their respective launches, and level-1 SAR products generated by the operational SAR processor have been geometrically calibrated. In order to compare and monitor the geometric characteristics of the level-1 products from both units, as well as to investigate potential improvements, products from both satellites have been monitored since their respective commissioning phases. In this study, we present geolocation accuracy estimates for both Sentinel-1 units based on the time series of level-1 products collected thus far. While both units were demonstrated to be performing consistently, and providing SAR data products according to the nominal product specifications, a subtle beam- and mode-dependent azimuth bias common to the data from both units was identified. A method for removing the bias is proposed, and the corresponding improvement to the geometric accuracies is demonstrated and quantified.
Influence of Plot Size on Efficiency of Biomass Estimates in Inventories of Dry Tropical Forests Assisted by Photogrammetric Data from an Unmanned Aircraft System
Authors: Kachamba Daud , Ørka Hans , Næsset Erik , Eid Tron , Gobakken Terje
Published: June 2017

Applications of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) to assist in forest inventories have provided promising results in biomass estimation for different forest types. Recent studies demonstrating use of different types of remotely sensed data to assist in biomass estimation have shown that accuracy and precision of estimates are influenced by the size of field sample plots used to obtain reference values for biomass. The objective of this case study was to assess the influence of sample plot size on efficiency of UAS-assisted biomass estimates in the dry tropical miombo woodlands of Malawi. The results of a design-based field sample inventory assisted by three-dimensional point clouds obtained from aerial imagery acquired with a UAS showed that the root mean square errors as well as the standard error estimates of mean biomass decreased as sample plot sizes increased. Furthermore, relative efficiency values over different sample plot sizes were above 1.0 in a design-based and model-assisted inferential framework, indicating that UAS-assisted inventories were more efficient than purely field-based inventories. The results on relative costs for UAS-assisted and pure field-based sample plot inventories revealed that there is a trade-off between inventory costs and required precision. For example, in our study if a standard error of less than approximately 3 Mg ha−1 was targeted, then a UAS-assisted forest inventory should be applied to ensure more cost effective and precise estimates. Future studies should therefore focus on finding optimum plot sizes for particular applications, like for example in projects under the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, plus forest conservation, sustainable management of forest and enhancement of carbon stocks (REDD+) mechanism with different geographical scales.
Comparing Passive Microwave with Visible-To-Near-Infrared Phenometrics in Croplands of Northern Eurasia
Authors: Alemu Woubet , Henebry Geoffrey
Published: June 2017

Planting and harvesting times drive cropland phenology. There are few datasets that derive explicit phenological metrics, and these datasets use the visible to near infrared (VNIR) spectrum. Many different methods have been used to derive phenometrics such as Start of Season (SOS) and End of Season (EOS), leading to differing results. This discrepancy is partly due to spatial and temporal compositing of the VNIR satellite data to minimize data gaps resulting from cloud cover, atmospheric aerosols, and solar illumination constraints. Phenometrics derived from the downward Convex Quadratic model (CxQ) include Peak Height (PH) and Thermal Time to Peak (TTP), which are more consistent than SOS and EOS because they are minimally affected by snow and frost and other non-vegetation related issues. Here, we have determined PH using the vegetation optical depth (VOD) in three microwave frequencies (6.925, 10.65 and 18.7 GHz) and accumulated growing degree-days derived from AMSR-E (Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer on EOS) data at a spatial resolution of 25 km. We focus on 50 AMSR-E cropland pixels in the major grain production areas of Northern Eurasia (Ukraine, southwestern Russia, and northern Kazakhstan) for 2003–2010. We compared the land surface phenologies of AMSR-E VOD and MODIS NDVI data. VOD time series tracked cropland seasonal dynamics similar to that recorded by the NDVI. The coefficients of determination for the CxQ model fit of the NDVI data were high for all sites (0.78 < R2 < 0.99). The 10.65 GHz VOD (VOD1065GHz) achieved the best linear regression fit (R2 = 0.84) with lowest standard error (SEE = 0.128); it is therefore recommended for microwave VOD studies of cropland land surface phenology. Based on an Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) analysis, the slopes from the linear regression fit were not significantly different by microwave frequency, whereas the intercepts were significantly different, given the different magnitudes of the VODs. PHs for NDVI and VOD were highly correlated. Despite their strong correspondence, there was generally a lag of AMSR-E PH VOD10.65GHz by about two weeks compared to MODIS peak greenness. To evaluate the utility of the PH determination based on maximum value, we correlated the CxQ derived and maximum value determined PHs of NDVI and found that they were highly correlated with R2 of 0.87, but with a one-week bias. Considering the one-week bias between the two methods, we find that PH of VOD10.65GHz lags PH of NDVI by three weeks. We conclude, therefore, that maximum-value based PH of VOD can be a complementary phenometric for the CxQ model derived PH NDVI, especially in cloud and aerosol obscured regions of the world.
Effect of National-Scale Afforestation on Forest Water Supply and Soil Loss in South Korea, 1971–2010
Authors: Kim Gang , Lim Chul-Hee , Kim Sea , Lee Jongyeol , Son Yowhan , Lee Woo-Kyun
Published: June 2017

Afforestation of forests in South Korea may provide an example of the benefit of afforestation on precipitation storage and erosion control. In this study, we presented the effects of afforestation on water supply and soil loss prevention. A spatio-temporal simulation of forest water yield and soil loss was performed from 1971–2010 using InVEST water yield and SWAT models. A forest stock change map was produced by combining land cover data and National Forest Inventory data. The forest water yield increased about twice with changes in forest stock and climate from 1971–2010 and showed a spatially homogeneous water supply capacity. In the same period, the soil loss decreased more than three times, and the volatility of soil loss, in the 2010s, was smaller than before. The analysis of the change in forest stock without considering climate change showed an increase of 43% in forest water yield and a decrease of 87% in soil loss. An increase in precipitation increased the water yield, but also increased the soil loss volume. A change in forest stock led to positive changes in both. This study presents functional positive effects of the afforestation program in South Korea that can be useful in various afforestation programs in other countries.
Occurrence of Penicillium brocae and Penicillium citreonigrum, which Produce a Mutagenic Metabolite and a Mycotoxin Citreoviridin, Respectively, in Selected Commercially Available Rice Grains in Thailand
Authors: Shiratori Nozomi , Kobayashi Naoki , Tulayakul Phitsanu , Sugiura Yoshitsugu , Takino Masahiko , Endo Osamu , Sugita-Konishi Yoshiko
Published: June 2017

Commercially available rice grains in Thailand were examined to isolate the monoverticillate Penicillium species responsible for toxic yellowed rice. Penicillium species were obtained from seven out of 10 rice samples tested. Among them, one Penicillium citreonigrum isolate and six Penicillium brocae isolates were morphologically identified. The P. citreonigrum isolate produced the mycotoxin citreoviridin on a yeast extract sucrose broth medium. Mycotoxin surveys showed that citreoviridin was not detected in any samples, but one out of 10 rice samples tested was positive for aflatoxin B1 at a level of 5.9 μg/kg. An Ames test revealed that methanol extracts from rice grains inoculated with selected P. brocae isolates were positive for strains TA100 and YG7108 of Salmonella typhimurium, suggesting the presence of base-pair substitution and DNA alkylation mutagens. Our data obtained here demonstrated that aflatoxin B1 and toxic P. citreonigrum were present on domestic rice grains in Thailand, although limited samples were tested. Penicillium brocae, which may produce mutagenic metabolites, was isolated for the first time from the surface of Thai rice grains.
The Understanding of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Among Medical Practitioners of Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Shakeel Sadia , Iffat Wajiha , Naqvi Atta , Ahmed Fouzia , Usmani Shugufta , Mazhar Manahil , Nisar Ayesha
Published: June 2017

The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged the large West African Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak to be a community health disaster of global concern, and the spread of disease demands a synchronized response. Medical practitioners have an increased risk of contracting the disease as compared to others as they are directly exposed to patients’ blood or fluids. This study evaluated the knowledge of medical practitioners in Karachi regarding EVD. It was descriptive and exploratory in nature and took place over a period of 4 months, i.e., August 2016 to November 2016. The respondents were randomly selected by convenience sampling and surveyed with a 20-item questionnaire. Overall, 403 questionnaires were included in the study and a response rate of 80.6% was achieved. The majority (56.3%) considered themselves to be somewhat knowledgeable; females had more knowledge as compared to male (p < 0.003). More than 80% knew about the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Interestingly, the findings revealed that respondents’ knowledge about diagnosis and identification of EVD is good. Respondents considered EVD a severe disease and emphasized on the need for protective measures when contacting affected patients. Interventions should be tailored to focus on areas where respondents showed a lack of knowledge about the disease.
Field Studies Evaluating Bait Acceptance and Handling by Dogs in Navajo Nation, USA
Authors: Bender Scott , Bergman David , Vos Adrian , Martin Ashlee , Chipman Richard
Published: June 2017

Mass parenteral vaccination remains the cornerstone of dog rabies control. Oral rabies vaccination (ORV) could increase vaccination coverage where free-roaming dogs represent a sizeable segment of the population at risk. ORV’s success is dependent on the acceptance of baits that release an efficacious vaccine into the oral cavity. A new egg-flavored bait was tested alongside boiled bovine intestine and a commercially available fishmeal bait using a hand-out model on the Navajo Nation, United States, during June 2016. A PVC capsule and biodegradable sachet were tested, and had no effect on bait acceptance. The intestine baits had the highest acceptance (91.9%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 83.9%–96.7%), but the fishmeal (81.1%; 95% CI, 71.5%–88.6%) and the egg-flavored baits (77.4%; 95% CI, 72.4%–81.8%) were also well accepted, suggesting that local bait preference studies may be warranted to enhance ORV’s success in other areas where canine rabies is being managed. Based on a dyed water marker, the delivery of a placebo vaccine was best in the intestine baits (75.4%; 95% CI, 63.5%–84.9%), followed by the egg-flavored (68.0%; 95% CI, 62.4%–73.2%) and fishmeal (54.3%; 95% CI, 42.9%–65.4%) baits. Acceptance was not influenced by the supervision or ownership, or sex, age, and body condition of the dogs. This study illustrates that a portion of a dog population may be orally vaccinated as a complement to parenteral vaccination to achieve the immune thresholds required to eliminate dog rabies.
Mechanisms of Adaptive Immunity to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus
Authors: Rahe Michael , Murtaugh Michael
Published: June 2017

The adaptive immune response is necessary for the development of protective immunity against infectious diseases. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), a genetically heterogeneous and rapidly evolving RNA virus, is the most burdensome pathogen of swine health and wellbeing worldwide. Viral infection induces antigen-specific immunity that ultimately clears the infection. However, the resulting immune memory, induced by virulent or attenuated vaccine viruses, is inconsistently protective against diverse viral strains. The immunological mechanisms by which primary and memory protection are generated and used are not well understood. Here, we summarize current knowledge regarding cellular and humoral components of the adaptive immune response to PRRSV infection that mediate primary and memory immune protection against viruses.
Phage-Phagocyte Interactions and Their Implications for Phage Application as Therapeutics
Authors: Jończyk-Matysiak Ewa , Weber-Dąbrowska Beata , Owczarek Barbara , Międzybrodzki Ryszard , Łusiak-Szelachowska Marzanna , Łodej Norbert , Górski Andrzej
Published: June 2017

Phagocytes are the main component of innate immunity. They remove pathogens and particles from organisms using their bactericidal tools in the form of both reactive oxygen species and degrading enzymes—contained in granules—that are potentially toxic proteins. Therefore, it is important to investigate the possible interactions between phages and immune cells and avoid any phage side effects on them. Recent progress in knowledge concerning the influence of phages on phagocytes is also important as such interactions may shape the immune response. In this review we have summarized the current knowledge on phage interactions with phagocytes described so far and their potential implications for phage therapy. The data suggesting that phage do not downregulate important phagocyte functions are especially relevant for the concept of phage therapy.
Bridging Glaciological and Hydrological Trends in the Pamir Mountains, Central Asia
Authors: Knoche Malte , Merz Ralf , Lindner Martin , Weise Stephan
Published: June 2017

With respect to meteorological changes and glacier evolution, the southern Pamir Mountains are a transition zone between the Pamirs, Hindu Kush and Karakoram, which are water towers of Central Asia. In this study, we compare runoff and climate trends in multiple time periods with glacial changes reported in the literature. Recent glacier evolution in the Southern Pamirs and its contribution to river runoff are studied in detail. Uncertainties of estimating glacier retreat contribution to runoff are addressed. Runoff trends in the Pamir-Hindu Kush-Karakoram region appear to be a strong proxy for glacier evolution because they exhibit the same spatial pattern as glacial change. There is an anomaly in the North-West Pamirs and Northern Karakoram, showing decreasing runoff trends. In the opposite way, there is a glacier and hydrological change experienced in the Southern Pamirs and Hindu Kush. The prevailing hypothesis for the Karakoram Anomaly, decreasing summer temperatures along with increasing precipitation rates, seems to be valid for the North-Western Pamirs, as well. In the Southern Pamirs, temperature trends have been rising since 1950. Here, the unique water cycle of exclusively winter precipitation does not protect glaciers from accelerated retreat. Snow cover is preset to melt within the seasonal water cycle, due to much lower precipitation amounts falling on glaciers. Therefore, a probable increase in westerly precipitation in both regions causes glacier mass gain in the Northern Pamirs and rising river flows in the Southern Pamirs.