bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Description of Fusarium graminearum Pigments and Related Compounds
Authors: Cambaza Edgar
Published: October 2018

Several studies have explored in depth the biochemistry and genetics of the pigments present in Fusarium graminearum, but there is a need to discuss their relationship with the mold’s observable surface color pattern variation throughout its lifecycle. Furthermore, they require basic cataloguing, including a description of their major features known so far. Colors are a viable alternative to size measurement in growth studies. When grown on yeast extract agar (YEA) at 25 °C, F. graminearum initially exhibits a whitish mycelium, developing into a yellow-orange mold by the sixth day and then turning into wine-red. The colors are likely due to accumulation of the golden yellow polyketide aurofusarin and the red rubrofusarin, but the carotenoid neurosporaxanthin also possibly plays a major role in the yellow or orange coloration. Torulene might contribute to red tones, but it perhaps ends up being converted into neurosporaxanthin. Culmorin is also present, but it does not contribute to the color, though it was initially isolated in pigment studies. Additionally, there is the 5-deoxybostrycoidin-based melanin, but it mostly occurs in the teleomorph’s perithecium. There is still a need to chemically quantify the pigments throughout the lifecycle, and analyze their relationships and how much each impacts F. graminearum’s surface color.
Systematic Review of Pharyngeal and Esophageal Manometry in Healthy or Dysphagic Older Persons (>60 years)
Authors: Cock Charles , Omari Taher
Published: October 2018

We undertook a systematic review of swallowing biomechanics, as assessed using pharyngeal and esophageal manometry in healthy or dysphagic older individuals aged over 60 years of age, comparing findings to studies of younger participants. PRISMA-P methodology was used to identify, select, and evaluate eligible studies. Across studies, older participants had lower upper esophageal sphincter (UES) resting pressures and evidence of decreased UES relaxation when compared to younger groups. Intrabolus pressures (IBP) above the UES were increased, demonstrating flow resistance at the UES. Pharyngeal contractility was increased and prolonged in some studies, which may be considered as an attempt to compensate for UES flow resistance. Esophageal studies show evidence of reduced contractile amplitudes in the distal esophagus, and an increased frequency of failed peristaltic events, in concert with reduced lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, in the oldest subjects. Major motility disorders occurred in similar proportions in older and young patients in most clinical studies, but some studies show increases in achalasia or spastic motility in older dysphagia and noncardiac chest pain patients. Overall, study qualities were moderate with a low likelihood of bias. There were few clinical studies specifically focused on swallowing outcomes in older patient groups and more such studies are needed.
Differential Effect of Cobalt and Chromium Ions as Well as CoCr Particles on the Expression of Osteogenic Markers and Osteoblast Function
Authors: Drynda Andreas , Drynda Susanne , Kekow Jörn , Lohmann Christoph Hubertus , Bertrand Jessica
Published: October 2018

The balance of bone formation and resorption is the result of a regulated crosstalk between osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes. Inflammation, mechanical load, and external stimuli modulate this system. Exposure of bone cells to metal ions or wear particles are thought to cause osteolysis via activation of osteoclasts and inhibition of osteoblast activity. Co2+ ions have been shown to impair osteoblast function and the expression of the three transforming growth factor (TGF)-β isoforms. The current study was performed to analyze how Co2+ and Cr3+ influence the expression, proliferation, and migration profile of osteoblast-like cells. The influence of Co2+, Cr3+, and CoCr particles on gene expression was analyzed using an osteogenesis PCR Array. The expression of different members of the TGF-β signaling cascade were down-regulated by Co2+, as well as several TGF-β regulated collagens, however, Cr3+ had no effect. CoCr particles partially affected similar genes as the Co2+treatment. Total collagen production of Co2+ treated osteoblasts was reduced, which can be explained by the reduced expression levels of various collagens. While proliferation of MG63 cells appears unaffected by Co2+, the migration capacity was impaired. Our data may improve the knowledge of changes in gene expression patterns, and the proliferation and migration effects caused by artificial materials.
Improvement of Soybean Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation Efficiency by Adding Glutamine and Asparagine into the Culture Media
Authors: Chen Li , Cai Yupeng , Liu Xiujie , Yao Weiwei , Guo Chen , Sun Shi , Wu Cunxiang , Jiang Bingjun , Han Tianfu , Hou Wensheng
Published: October 2018

As a genetically modified crop, transgenic soybean occupies the largest global scale with its food, nutritional, industrial, and pharmaceutical uses.Efficient transformation is a key factor for the improvement of genetically modified soybean. At present, the Agrobacterium-mediated method is primarily used for soybean transformation, but the efficiency of this method is still relatively low (below 5%) compared with rice (above 90%). In this study, we examined the influence of l-glutamine and/or l-asparagine on Agrobacterium-mediated transformation in soybean and explored the probable role in the process of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The results showed that when the amino acids l-glutamine and l-asparagine were added separately or together to the culture medium, the shoot induction frequency, elongation rate, and transformation frequency were improved. The combined effects of l-glutamine and l-asparagine were better than those of l-glutamine and l-asparagine alone. The 50 mg/L l-glutamine and 50 mg/L l-asparagine together can enhance the transformation frequency of soybean by attenuating the expression level of GmPRs (GmPR1, GmPR4, GmPR5, and GmPR10) and suppression of the plant defense response. The transgene was successfully transmitted to the T1 generation. This study will be useful in genetic engineering of soybean.
Seasonal Change in Distribution and Heat Coma Temperature of Oceanic Skaters, Halobates (Insecta, Heteroptera: Gerridae)
Authors: Harada Tetsuo , Nakajo Mitsuru , Furuki Takahiro , Umamoto Noritomo , Moku Masatoshi , Sekimoto Takero , Katagiri Chihiro
Published: October 2018

A series of studies were conducted during two cruises between Tokyo and Honolulu in September 2010 and from February to March 2012. The aims of the studies were to (1) compare the distribution of three species of Halobates oceanic skaters, H. germanus, H. micans, and H. sericeus, with respect to their temperature limits; (2) identify the lower temperature limit of H. sericeus, the species that displays the widest distribution range (40°N–35°S) latitude; and (3) test the hypothesis that H. sericeus can change their temperature tolerance to adapt to seasonal changes in sea surface temperatures. The heat coma temperature (HCT) was measured during the two cruises and the values were compared between the two populations of H. sericeus. The species collected in September 2010 were H. germanus, H. micans, and H. sericeus. H. sericeus was dominant, occupying more than 90% of the collecting sites. H. germanus and H. micans were collected in the northern and western part of the cruise track (29–34°N, 141–151°E), and not in the southern and eastern part. The population density of these two species was 9000–150,000/km2 in the first cruise, which took place in summer. On the other hand, H. sericeus was collected throughout the cruise track during that cruise. The population density of H. sericeus was relatively high, at 4000–310,000/km2, in the southern and eastern part of the cruise track (19–29°N, 152°E–165°W). In February and March 2012, only H. sericeus was collected at a density of 17,000–80,000/km2 and only in the eastern and southern part, at 25°–28°N, 169°E–178°W. No Halobates oceanic skaters were found in the western or northern part (30°N and further north, 159°E and further west) during that cruise. The lower limit for the inhabitation of sea surface temperatures appeared to be 27.8 °C or slightly lower for H. germanus and H. micans, but was 22.1 °C or slightly lower for H. sericeus. H. sericeus specimens, mostly adults, that had been collected during the two cruises were used in heat coma experiments. Summer specimens showed significantly higher heat coma temperatures (HCTs) than the winter specimens. This difference in HCTs may be the result of relatively long term temperature acclimation in the summer or winter for the adults that inhabit the temperate and subtropical areas along the cruise tracks between Tokyo and Honolulu in the Pacific Ocean. This temperature plasticity of H. sericeus may be related to the wider latitude area inhabited by this species (main range: 40°N–25°S).
Evaluation of Intensity of Sleep Bruxism in Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Martynowicz Helena , Dymczyk Pawel , Dominiak Marzena , Kazubowska Klaudia , Skomro Robert , Poreba Rafal , Gac Paweł , Wojakowska Anna , Mazur Grzegorz , Wieckiewicz Mieszko
Published: October 2018

Sleep bruxism (SB) is a masticatory muscle activity during sleep that is characterized as rhythmic (phasic) or non-rhythmic (tonic). The recent hypothesis on the etiology of SB supports the role of the central and autonomic nervous systems. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to assess the intensity of SB in patients with arterial hypertension. A total of 70 adults participated in this study: 35 patients with hypertension (study group) and 35 normotensive subjects (control group). Data were recorded using home portable cardiorespiratory polygraphy. The bruxism episode index (BEI) in the study group was found to be significantly higher compared to the control group (3.4 ± 3.25 vs. 2.35 ± 2.29, p = 0.04). Hypertension, higher body mass index (BMI), lower values of mean oxygen saturation (SpO2), and a higher percentage of SpO2 < 90% constituted independent risk factors for increased BEI. These results suggest the need for special oral care in hypertensive patients, patients with higher BMI, lower values of SpO2 and a higher percentage of SpO2 < 90%.
Fucosterol from an Edible Brown Alga Ecklonia stolonifera Prevents Soluble Amyloid Beta-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction in Aging Rats
Authors: Oh Jeong Hwan , Choi Jae Sue , Nam Taek-Jeong
Published: October 2018

Fucosterol from edible brown seaweeds has various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-adipogenic, antiphotoaging, anti-acetylcholinesterase, and anti-beta-secretase 1 activities. However, little is known about its effects on soluble amyloid beta peptide (sAβ)-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and cognitive impairment. Fucosterol was isolated from the edible brown seaweed Ecklonia stolonifera, and its neuroprotective effects were analyzed in primary hippocampal neurons and in aging rats. Fucosterol attenuated sAβ1-42-induced decrease in the viability of hippocampal neurons and downregulated sAβ1-42-induced increase in glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) expression in hippocampal neurons via activation of tyrosine receptor kinase B-mediated ERK1/2 signaling. Fucosterol co-infusion attenuated sAβ1-42-induced cognitive impairment in aging rats via downregulation of GRP78 expression and upregulation of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in the dentate gyrus. Fucosterol might be beneficial for the management of cognitive dysfunction via suppression of aging-induced ER stress.
Significance of Brownian Motion for Nanoparticle and Virus Capture in Nanocellulose-Based Filter Paper
Authors: Gustafsson Olof , Gustafsson Simon , Manukyan Levon , Mihranyan Albert
Published: October 2018

Pressure-dependent breakthrough of nanobioparticles in filtration was observed and it was related to depend on both convective forces due to flow and diffusion as a result of Brownian motion. The aim of this work was to investigate the significance of Brownian motion on nanoparticle and virus capture in a nanocellulose-based virus removal filter paper through theoretical modeling and filtration experiments. Local flow velocities in the pores of the filter paper were modeled through two different approaches (i.e., with the Hagen–Poiseuille equation) and by evaluating the superficial linear flow velocity through the filter. Simulations by solving the Langevin equation for 5 nm gold particles and 28 nm ΦX174 bacteriophages showed that hydrodynamic constraint is favored for larger particles. Filtration of gold nanoparticles showed no difference in retention for the investigated fluxes, as predicted by the modeling of local flow velocities. Filtration of ΦX174 bacteriophages exhibited a higher retention at higher filtration pressure, which was predicted to some extent by the Hagen–Poiseuille equation but not by evaluation of the superficial linear velocity. In all, the hydrodynamic theory was shown able to explain some of the observations during filtration.
Machine Learning Approaches for Protein–Protein Interaction Hot Spot Prediction: Progress and Comparative Assessment
Authors: Liu Siyu , Liu Chuyao , Deng Lei
Published: October 2018

Hot spots are the subset of interface residues that account for most of the binding free energy, and they play essential roles in the stability of protein binding. Effectively identifying which specific interface residues of protein–protein complexes form the hot spots is critical for understanding the principles of protein interactions, and it has broad application prospects in protein design and drug development. Experimental methods like alanine scanning mutagenesis are labor-intensive and time-consuming. At present, the experimentally measured hot spots are very limited. Hence, the use of computational approaches to predicting hot spots is becoming increasingly important. Here, we describe the basic concepts and recent advances of machine learning applications in inferring the protein–protein interaction hot spots, and assess the performance of widely used features, machine learning algorithms, and existing state-of-the-art approaches. We also discuss the challenges and future directions in the prediction of hot spots.
Tailoring of Magnetic Properties of NiO/Ni Composite Particles Fabricated by Pulsed Laser Irradiation
Authors: Swiatkowska-Warkocka Zaneta , Pyatenko Alexander , Shimizu Yoshiki , Perzanowski Marcin , Zarzycki Arkadiusz , Jany Benedykt R. , Marszalek Marta
Published: October 2018

We present NiO/Ni composite particles with face-centered cubic (fcc) structure prepared by a pulsed laser irradiation of NiO nanoparticles dispersed in liquid. The sizes of particles and the Ni content in NiO/Ni composites were controlled by tuning the laser parameters, such as laser fluence and irradiation time. We found that the weight fraction of Ni has a significant impact on magnetic properties of composite particles. Large exchange bias (HEB) and coercivity field (HC) were observed at 5 K due to the creation of heterojunctions at interfaces of ferromagnetic Ni and antiferromagnetic NiO. For the NiO/Ni composites with 80% of NiO we have observed the largest values of exchange bias (175 Oe) and coercive field (950 Oe), but the increase of Ni weight fraction resulted in the decrease of both HC and HEB values.
Simultaneous Enhancement of Mechanical and Magnetic Properties in Extremely-Fine Nanograined Ni-P Alloys
Authors: He Qiongyao , Zhu Wanquan , Fu Xiaoxiao , Zhang Ling , Wu Guilin , Huang Xiaoxu
Published: October 2018

Exploring structural effects that influence both the mechanics and magnetism in nanocrystalline materials, particularly extremely-fine nanograined ones with grain sizes down to several nanometers, is of high interest for developing multifunctional materials combining superior mechanical and magnetic performances. We found in this work that electrodeposited extremely-fine nanograined Ni-P alloys exhibit a significant enhancement of magnetization, simultaneously along with an increase in hardness, after low-temperature annealing. The relaxation of non-equilibrium structures, precipitation of the second phase and the segregation of P atoms to grain boundaries (GBs) during annealing have then been sequentially evidenced. By systematically comparing the variations in macroscopic and microstructural investigation results among several Ni-P alloys with different P contents, we suggest that the second phase has little effect on magnetization enhancement, and essentially both the structural relaxation and GB segregation can play important roles in hardening by governing GB stability, and in the improvement of magnetization by enhancing Ni–Ni atom exchange interactions.
Maternal Protein Restriction Alters the Renal Ptger1 DNA Methylation State in SHRSP Offspring
Authors: Miyoshi Moe , Sato Masayuki , Saito Kenji , Otani Lila , Shirahige Katsuhiko , Miura Fumihito , Ito Takashi , Jia Huijuan , Kato Hisanori
Published: October 2018

We previously reported that maternal protein restriction (LP) during pregnancy increases salt sensitivity in offspring using the Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHRSP). In the present study, we focus on DNA methylation profiles of prostaglandin E receptor 1 gene (ptger1), which is known to be associated with hypertension. We evaluated the ptger1 DNA methylation status via bisulfite sequencing, and analyzed the expression of ptger1-related genes. The results of these analyses showed that, compared to controls, the LP-S offspring exhibited both marked ptger1 hypermethylation, and significantly increased ptger1 expression. Moreover, they also exhibited significantly decreased expression of the downstream gene epithelial Na+ channel alpha (enacα). Interestingly, LP offspring that were provided with a standard water drinking supply (W) also exhibited increased ptger1 methylation and expression. Together, these results suggest that maternal protein restriction during pregnancy modulates the renal ptger1 DNA methylation state in SHRSP offspring, and thereby likely mediates ptger1 and enacα gene expression to induce salt sensitivity.
Are Clean Eating Blogs a Source of Healthy Recipes? A Comparative Study of the Nutrient Composition of Foods with and without Clean Eating Claims
Authors: Dickinson Kacie M. , Watson Michelle S. , Prichard Ivanka
Published: October 2018

Food blogs are an increasingly popular source of information about food and nutrition. There is a perception that foods published on clean eating blogs, which promote unprocessed foods, are healthier than comparable foods without these claims. However, foods with these claims and their nutrient composition have not previously been evaluated. The purpose of the study was to describe the nutritional content of clean eating recipes compared to recipes without clean eating claims and the nutritional guidelines published by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Clean eating recipes were systematically selected from 13 popular clean eating blogs and were described and compared with control recipes without clean eating claims. The nutrient profiles from the included recipes were summarised and evaluated against criteria from WHO recommendations for chronic disease prevention and criteria from the U.K. Food Standards Agency. Data for 86 clean eating recipes were extracted that represented five food categories: breakfast, snacks, treats, desserts, and smoothies. These were matched with 86 control recipes without clean eating claims. The clean eating recipes, per portion, provide the equivalent of 15% of daily energy intake. The average serving sizes were not significantly different between clean eating and control recipes. Overall, the clean eating recipes contained significantly more protein (8.1 ± 7.3 g vs. 5.7 ± 4.1 g, p = 0.01), fat (15.8 ± 10.6 g vs. 12.4 ± 9.3 g, p = 0.03), and fibre (5.0 ± 4.3 g vs. 2.8 ± 2.9 g, p < 0.01) per serving than control recipes. There were no significant differences between clean eating and control recipes with respect to the energy (1280 ± 714 kJ vs. 1137 ± 600 kJ, p = 0.16), carbohydrate (31.5 ± 27.3 g vs. 33.9 ± 19.4 g, p = 0.51), sugar (21.1 ± 20.9 g vs. 23.2 ± 14.9 g, p = 0.46), and sodium content (196.7 ± 269 vs. 155.8 ± 160.8, p = 0.23). Less than 10% of clean eating and control recipes met the WHO constraints for proportions of energy from fat and sugar intake. A simulated nutrient profile of an average clean and control recipe shows that nutrients for both are similarly classified as moderate to high in fat, saturated fat, salt, and sugar. Foods with clean eating claims contained the same amount of energy, sugar, and sodium as foods without those claims. Clean eating claims are potentially misleading for consumers who may believe these foods are healthy alternatives, potentially undermining people’s efforts to eat a healthy diet.
Gut Microbiota and Iron: The Crucial Actors in Health and Disease
Authors: Yilmaz Bahtiyar , Li Hai
Published: October 2018

Iron (Fe) is a highly ample metal on planet earth (~35% of the Earth’s mass) and is particularly essential for most life forms, including from bacteria to mammals. Nonetheless, iron deficiency is highly prevalent in developing countries, and oral administration of this metal is so far the most effective treatment for human beings. Notably, the excessive amount of unabsorbed iron leave unappreciated side effects at the highly interactive host–microbe interface of the human gastrointestinal tract. Recent advances in elucidating the molecular basis of interactions between iron and gut microbiota shed new light(s) on the health and pathogenesis of intestinal inflammatory diseases. We here aim to present the dynamic modulation of intestinal microbiota by iron availability, and conversely, the influence on dietary iron absorption in the gut. The central part of this review is intended to summarize our current understanding about the effects of luminal iron on host–microbe interactions in the context of human health and disease.
Multifunctional Ionogels Incorporated with Lanthanide (Eu3+, Tb3+) Complexes Covalently Modified Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Li Qiuping
Published: October 2018

Ionogels refer to an emerging composite material made from the confinement of ionic liquids within some specific cross-linked network matrices. They have potential applications in areas such as electrochemical and optical-electric materials. Incorporation of lanthanide (Eu3+, Tb3+) complexes covalently functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in ionogels provide new ideas to design and synthesize novel luminescent hybrid materials that have excellent characteristics of luminescence and ionic conductivity. Here, the multifunctional ionogels were synthesized by confining an ionic liquid and the rare earth functionalized MWCNTs in the cross-linked polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) networks, resulting in a novel optical/electric multifunctional hybrid material. The SEM images and digital photographs suggest that the lanthanide functionalized MWCNTs are evenly dispersed in the hybrid matrices, thus leading to a certain transparency bulky gel. The resulting ionogels exhibit certain viscosity and flexibility, and display an intense red/green emission under UV-light irradiation. The intrinsic conductibility of the embedded ionic liquids and carbon nanotubes in conjunction with the outstanding photoluminescent properties of lanthanide complexes makes the soft hybrid gels a material with great potential and valuable application in the field of optical-electric materials.
Cost-Effective, Highly Selective and Environmentally Friendly Superhydrophobic Absorbent from Cigarette Filters for Oil Spillage Clean up
Authors: Xiong Qiancheng , Bai Qiuhong , Li Cong , Lei Huan , Liu Chaoyun , Shen Yehua , Uyama Hiroshi
Published: October 2018

Ecological and environmental damage caused by oil spillage has attracted great attention. Used cigarette filters (CF) have also caused negative environmental consequences. Converting CF to economical materials is a feasible way to address these problems. In this study, we demonstrate a simple method for production of a highly hydrophobic absorbent from CF. CF was modified by using different volume ratios of octadecyltrichlorosilane and methyltrimethoxysilane. When the volume ratio was 3:2, the modified CF had the high water contact angle of 155°. It could selectively and completely absorb silicone oil from an oil-water mixture and showed a good absorption capacity of 38.3 g/g. The absorbed oil was readily and rapidly recovered by simple mechanical squeezing, and it could be reused immediately without any additional treatments. The as-obtained superhydrophobic modified CF retained an absorption capacity of 80% for pump oil and 82% for silicone oil after 10 cycles. The modified CF showed good elasticity in the test of repeated use. The present study provides novel design of a functional material for development of hydrophobic absorbents from used CF via a facile method toward oil spillage cleanup, as well as a new recycling method of CF to alleviate environmental impacts.
Fire Activity and Fuel Consumption Dynamics in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Roberts Gareth , Wooster Martin J. , Xu Weidong , He Jiangping
Published: October 2018

African landscape fires are widespread, recurrent and temporally dynamic. They burn large areas of the continent, modifying land surface properties and significantly affect the atmosphere. Satellite Earth Observation (EO) data play a pivotal role in capturing the spatial and temporal variability of African biomass burning, and provide the key data required to develop fire emissions inventories. Active fire observations of fire radiative power (FRP, MW) have been shown to be linearly related to rates of biomass combustion (kg s−1). The Meteosat FRP-PIXEL product, delivered in near real-time by the EUMETSAT Land Surface Analysis Satellite Applications Facility (LSA SAF), maps FRP at 3 km resolution and 15-min intervals and these data extend back to 2004. Here we use this information to assess spatio-temporal variations in fire activity across sub-Saharan Africa, and identify an overall trend of decreasing annual fire activity and fuel consumption, agreeing with the widely-used Global Fire Emissions Database (GFEDv4) based on burned area measures. We provide the first comprehensive assessment of relationships between per-fire FRE-derived fuel consumption (Tg dry matter, DM) and temporally integrated Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) net photosynthesis (PSN) (Tg, which can be converted into pre-fire fuel load estimates). We find very strong linear relationships over southern hemisphere Africa (mean r = 0.96) that are partly biome dependent, though the FRE-derived fuel consumptions are far lower than those derived from the accumulated PSN, with mean fuel consumptions per unit area calculated as 0.14 kg DM m−2. In the northern hemisphere, FRE-derived fuel consumption is also far lower and characterized by a weaker linear relationship (mean r = 0.76). Differences in the parameterization of the biome look up table (BLUT) used by the MOD17 product over Northern Africa may be responsible but further research is required to reconcile these differences. The strong relationship between fire FRE and pre-fire fuel load in southern hemisphere Africa is encouraging and highlights the value of geostationary FRP retrievals in providing a metric that relates very well to fuel consumption and fire emission variations. The fact that the estimated fuel consumed is only a small fraction of the fuel available suggests underestimation of FRE by Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) and/or that the FRE-to-fuel consumption conversion factor of 0.37 MJ kg−1 needs to be adjusted for application to SEVIRI. Future geostationary imaging sensors, such as on the forthcoming Meteosat Third Generation (MTG), will reduce the impact of this underestimation through its ability to detect even smaller and shorter-lived fires than can the current second generation Meteosat.
Detecting Human Presence and Influence on Neotropical Forests with Remote Sensing
Authors: Santos Maria J. , Disney Mathias , Chave Jérôme
Published: October 2018

The Amazon, and Neotropical forests, are one of the most important global biomes because of their extent and unique biodiversity, as well as their importance to global climate and as a habitat and resource for humans. Unravelling the influence of human presence on these forests is fundamental to our understanding of the biodiversity, ecosystem function, and service-providing potential. Human presence in these tropical rainforests dates back 13,000 years, and the impacts of this presence are hotly debated. Some authors suggest persistent effects of pre-Columbian plant domestication on current Amazonian forest composition. Other authors suggest that post-Columbian influence on forest composition is orders of magnitude higher than that of pre-Columbian times. Evidence from remote sensing has become increasingly useful as a way to help settle these debates. Here we review past, current, and future uses of remote sensing technology to detect human infrastructure in the Amazon and other Neotropical forests over the several historical periods of human presence, from archaeological to post-modern societies. We define human presence in terms of activities that left behind a footprint, such as settlements, earth-mounds, roads, use of timber and fuelwood, agriculture, soil, etc. Lastly, we discuss opportunities and challenges for the use of remote sensing to provide data and information necessary to expand our understanding of the history of human occupation in the Neotropical forests, and how this human occupation might affect biodiversity. There have been many recent applications of remote sensing to the detection of Pre-Columbian human infrastructure, from visual inspection of aerial photographs over deforested sites to uses of LiDAR on airborne and UAV platforms to detect infrastructure and smaller settlements under the canopy. Similar efforts are yet to be conducted for the Post-Columbian period, especially during the colonization and imperialism periods. Finally, our knowledge of human impacts in the modern era (20th and 21st centuries) is not-surprisingly more extensive. Remote sensing is still under-used and extremely useful for this type of application, and new missions might provide solutions that were unavailable before. Yet systematic ground surveys are irreplaceable, and detection accuracies of human presence from the combination of remote sensing and ground surveys need to be improved. It is vital therefore to understand how Neotropical forest biodiversity has developed in the presence of people in the past, the implications of this for predicting future directions of change in the Amazon and elsewhere.
Implications of Whole-Disc DSCOVR EPIC Spectral Observations for Estimating Earth’s Spectral Reflectivity Based on Low-Earth-Orbiting and Geostationary Observations
Authors: Song Wanjuan , Knyazikhin Yuri , Wen Guoyong , Marshak Alexander , Mõttus Matti , Yan Kai , Yang Bin , Xu Baodong , Park Taejin , Chen Chi , Zeng Yelu , Yan Guangjian , Mu Xihan , Myneni Ranga B.
Published: October 2018

Earth’s reflectivity is among the key parameters of climate research. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) onboard National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) spacecraft provides spectral reflectance of the entire sunlit Earth in the near backscattering direction every 65 to 110 min. Unlike EPIC, sensors onboard the Earth Orbiting Satellites (EOS) sample reflectance over swaths at a specific local solar time (LST) or over a fixed area. Such intrinsic sampling limits result in an apparent Earth’s reflectivity. We generated spectral reflectance over sampling areas using EPIC data. The difference between the EPIC and EOS estimates is an uncertainty in Earth’s reflectivity. We developed an Earth Reflector Type Index (ERTI) to discriminate between major Earth atmosphere components: clouds, cloud-free ocean, bare and vegetated land. Temporal variations in Earth’s reflectivity are mostly determined by clouds. The sampling area of EOS sensors may not be sufficient to represent cloud variability, resulting in biased estimates. Taking EPIC reflectivity as a reference, low-earth-orbiting-measurements at the sensor-specific LST tend to overestimate EPIC values by 0.8% to 8%. Biases in geostationary orbiting approximations due to a limited sampling area are between − 0.7 % and 12%. Analyses of ERTI-based Earth component reflectivity indicate that the disagreement between EPIC and EOS estimates depends on the sampling area, observation time and vary between − 10 % and 23%.
In Field Fruit Sizing Using A Smart Phone Application
Authors: Wang Zhenglin , Koirala Anand , Walsh Kerry , Anderson Nicholas , Verma Brijesh
Published: October 2018

In field (on tree) fruit sizing has value in assessing crop health and for yield estimation. As the mobile phone is a sensor and communication rich device carried by almost all farm staff, an Android application (“FruitSize”) was developed for measurement of fruit size in field using the phone camera, with a typical assessment rate of 240 fruit per hour achieved. The application was based on imaging of fruit against a backboard with a scale using a mobile phone, with operational limits set on camera to object plane angle and camera to object distance. Image processing and object segmentation techniques available in the OpenCV library were used to segment the fruit from background in images to obtain fruit sizes. Phone camera parameters were accessed to allow calculation of fruit size, with camera to fruit perimeter distance obtained from fruit allometric relationships between fruit thickness and width. Phone geolocation data was also accessed, allowing for mapping fruits of data. Under controlled lighting, RMSEs of 3.4, 3.8, 2.4, and 2.0 mm were achieved in estimation of avocado, mandarin, navel orange, and apple fruit diameter, respectively. For mango fruit, RMSEs of 5.3 and 3.7 mm were achieved on length and width, benchmarked to manual caliper measurements, under controlled lighting, and RMSEs of 5.5 and 4.6 mm were obtained in-field under ambient lighting.
Pulse Ultrasonic Cure Monitoring of the Pultrusion Process
Authors: Scholle Patrick , Sinapius Michael
Published: October 2018

This article discusses the results of a series of experiments on pulse ultrasonic cure monitoring of carbon fiber reinforced plastics applied to the pultrusion process. The aim of this study is to validate the hypothesis that pulse ultrasonic cure monitoring can be applied (a) for profiles having small cross sections such as 7 mm × 0.5 m m and (b) within the environment of the pultrusion process. Ultrasonic transducers are adhesively bonded to the pultrusion tool as actuators and sensors. The time-of-flight and the amplitude of an ultrasonic wave are analyzed to deduce the current curing state of the epoxy matrix. The experimental results show that ultrasonic cure monitoring is indeed applicable even to very thin cross sections. However, significant challenges can be reported when the techniques are used during the pultrusion process.
Non-Stationary Platform Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar Maneuvering Target Imaging Based on Phase Retrieval
Authors: Shi Hongyin , Xia Saixue , Qin Qi , Yang Ting , Qiao Zhijun
Published: October 2018

As a powerful signal processing tool for imaging moving targets, placing radar on a non-stationary platform (such as an aerostat) is a future direction of Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) systems. However, more phase errors are introduced into the received signal due to the instability of the radar platform, making it difficult for popular algorithms to accurately perform motion compensation, which leads to severe effects in the resultant ISAR images. Moreover, maneuvering targets may have complex motion whose motion parameters are unknown to radar systems. To overcome the issue of non-stationary platform ISAR autofocus imaging, a high-resolution imaging method based on the phase retrieval principle is proposed in this paper. Firstly, based on the spatial geometric and echo models of the ISAR maneuvering target, we can deduce that the radial motion of the radar platform or the vibration does not affect the modulus of the ISAR echo signal, which provides a theoretical basis for the phase recovery theory for the ISAR imaging. Then, we propose an oversampling smoothness (OSS) phase retrieval algorithm with prior information, namely, the phase of the blurred image obtained by the classical imaging algorithm replaces the initial random phase in the original OSS algorithm. In addition, the size of the support domain of the OSS algorithm is set with respect to the blurred target image. Experimental simulation shows that compared with classical imaging methods, the proposed method can obtain the resultant motion-compensated ISAR image without estimating the radar platform and maneuvering target motion parameters, wherein the fictitious target is perfectly focused.
Enhanced Gas-Sensing Performance of GO/TiO2 Composite by Photocatalysis
Authors: Lee Eunji , Lee Doohee , Yoon Jaesik , Yin Yilin , Lee You Na , Uprety Sunil , Yoon Young Soo , Kim Dong-Joo
Published: October 2018

Few studies have investigated the gas-sensing properties of graphene oxide/titanium dioxide (GO/TiO2) composite combined with photocatalytic effect. Room temperature gas-sensing properties of the GO/TiO2 composite were investigated towards various reducing gases. The composite sensor showed an enhanced gas response and a faster recovery time than a pure GO sensor due to the synergistic effect of the hybridization, such as creation of a hetero-junction at the interface and modulation of charge carrier density. However, the issue of long-term stability at room temperature still remains unsolved even after construction of a composite structure. To address this issue, the surface and hetero-junction of the GO/TiO2 composite were engineered via a UV process. A photocatalytic effect of TiO2 induced the reduction of the GO phase in the composite solution. The comparison of gas-sensing properties before and after the UV process clearly showed the transition from n-type to p-type gas-sensing behavior toward reducing gases. This transition revealed that the dominant sensing material is GO, and TiO2 enhanced the gas reaction by providing more reactive sites. With a UV-treated composite sensor, the function of identifying target gas was maintained over a one-month period, showing strong resistance to humidity.
Characteristics and Trends of Research on New Energy Vehicle Reliability Based on the Web of Science
Authors: Zhao Xian , Wang Siqi , Wang Xiaoyue
Published: October 2018

In order to satisfy the increasing energy demand and deal with the environmental problem caused by the conventional energy vehicle; the new energy vehicle (NEV), especially the electric vehicle (EV), has attracted increasing attention and the corresponding research has developed rapidly in recent years. The electric vehicle requires a battery with high energy density and frequent charging. In order to ensure high performance of the electric vehicle; the reliability of its charging system is extremely important. In this paper; an overview of the research on electric vehicle charging system reliability from 1998 to 2017 is presented from a bibliometric perspective. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current research climate and the emerging trends from the following four aspects: basic characteristics of publication outputs; including annual publication outputs and document types; collaboration analysis of countries/territories; institutions and authors; co-citation analysis of cited authors and cited references; co-occurrence analysis of subjects and keywords. By using CiteSpace; the collaboration relationship; co-citation and co-occurrence networks are shown clearly. According to the analysis results; studies in this research field will keep developing rapidly in the near future and several future research directions are proposed in the conclusions.
Constructing an Efficient Model to Inspire Design Education Sustainability in Rural Areas
Authors: Fan Kuo-Kuang , Zhong Xiang-Ming , Xu Ye , Zhang Bao-Jun
Published: October 2018

Advancements of information and communication technologies, as well as the reduction of computer prices, have brought computer-assisted design from applications by large manufacturers to education. The number of computer-assisted learning activities and research projects in developing countries and rural areas has been on the rise over recent years. However, there are very few studies focused on the design education of rural areas. Understandably, it is critical to establish a fundamental environment integrating design education and constructing an efficiently model to inspire design education sustainability in rural areas. By considering limited resources and the educational milieu prevalent in rural areas, this paper constructed a central kitchen model anchored in teaching equipment of design education and designed an algorithm for supporting the operation of this model efficiently. We analyzed the core algorithm MMAFS (A Memory Management Algorithm with Fast Speed) of model and comparing the MMAFS algorithm with the current popular Segregated lists algorithm and the Buddy algorithm by adopting the comparative analysis method, also demonstrated the feasibility of this central kitchen model through a case study. Given the large number of urgent and unresolved issues in developing countries and rural areas, it is essential to emphasize design education and encourage local design education specifically for rural communities and promoting a positive loop in the rural ecology through local designs.
An Approach to Discovering Product/Service Improvement Priorities: Using Dynamic Importance-Performance Analysis
Authors: Wu Jiacong , Wang Yu , Zhang Ru , Cai Jing
Published: October 2018

The cost budget and resources of a business are limited. In order to be competitive sustainably in the market, it is necessary for a businesses to discover the improvement priorities of their product/service features effectively and allocate their resources appropriately for higher customer satisfaction. Online customer review mining has been attracting increasing attention for businesses to discover priorities of product/service improvement from online customer reviews. Despite some prior related studies, their methods have several limitations, such as simply using the frequencies of mentioned product features in reviews as an indicator of importance; neglecting the market competition; and focusing only on the static importance and performance of the target product/service features. To address those limitations, this study proposes a novel approach to discovering a product/service’s improvement priorities through dynamic importance-performance analysis of online customer reviews. It first clusters similar features into a feature group and calculate the relative performance of the feature groups using sentiment analysis. Next, the importance of each feature group’s performance to overall customer satisfaction is measured by the factor categories based on the Kano’s model. The factor categories are determined by the significance values of each feature group in both positive and negative sentiment polarities derived from the constructed decision tree. Finally, feature improvement priorities of a target product/service will be discovered based on the dynamic performance trend and predicted importance using a dynamic importance-performance analysis. The evaluation results show that the dynamic importance-performance analysis approach proposed in this study is a much better approach for product/service improvement priorities discovering than the product opportunity mining approach proposed in the prior studies. This study makes new research contributions to automatic discovery of product/service improvement priorities from large-scale online customer reviews. The proposed approach can also be used for product/service performance monitoring and customer needs analysis to improve product/service design and marketing campaigns.
Contribution à l'étude radiocristalîographique de l'effet des neutrons sur les monocristaux de LiF
Authors: Dubois M. , Tournarie Max
Published: October 2018

Nous avons étudié l'évolution des réflexions 200 et 400 de monocristaux de LiF irradié aux neutrons pour des doses variant de 10¹⁷ à 101⁸ n/cm². Les réflexions présentent une nette dissymétrie et pour des doses inférieures à 5.10¹⁷ semblent constituées d'un pic fin associé à une base large et diffuse. Il semble qu'il y ait des rassemblements organisés de défauts ponctuels pour donner des zones perturbées dont le nombre varierait peu avec l'irradiation et lui serait peut-être préexistant.
Contribution aux méthodes de dosage du cobalt, du cuivre, du nickel et du vanadium dans les roches silicatées
Authors: Maurel Pierre , Ruppli C.
Published: October 2018

Exposé d'unie méthode spectrographique de dosage du cobalt, du chrome, du cuivre, du nickel et du vanadium dans des roches silicatées de compositions variées, après attaque sulfofluorhydrique de l'échantillon, par la technique des additions successives. Étude de la reproductibilité des dosages, et comparaison avec les résultats obtenus par une méthode indépendante, la colorimétrie. Discussion des teneurs déterminées pour les échantillons standards américains, le granite G₁ et la diabase W₁.
Application de la méthode des moindres carrés à la détermination des coordonnées atomiques zn dans la structure du parabromophénylsuccinimide
Authors: Tsoucaris Georges
Published: October 2018

La méthode des moindres carrés, appliquée successivement à différentes régions de l'espace réciproque, a permis la détermination rapide de la structure du p-bromophénylsuccinimide. L'erreur moyenne commise sur les coordonnées atomiques zn dans la structure d'essai est de 1,85 À, l'erreur maxima, de 3,2 Â. La convergence de l'affinement utilisant les réflexions h k 1 est très rapide, malgré l'erreur importante dont les coordonnées sont entachées.
Nouvelles données sur la picropharmacolite
Authors: Pierrot Roland
Published: October 2018

Au cours d'une étude systématique des arséniates de calcium et de magnésium, il a été possible de caractériser la picropharmacolite décrite à Rie-chelsdorf par Stromeyer en 1819, mais, par la suite, très souvent confondue avec d'autres espèces minérales.

Les caractères cristallographiques et optiques de la picropharmacolite ainsi que de nouvelles analyses chimiques sont données : monoclinique, les cristaux fibreux sont allongés suivant l'axe c = 6,74 Â ± 0,02 Â ; les autres paramètres, difficiles à mesurer, sont de l'ordre de : a = 21 Â, b = 13,5 Â, [3 = 140° ; biaxe positif : 2 V = 50° ; extinction oblique à 8° avec allongement positif ; ng = 1,578 ; nm = 1,571 ; np = 1,566.

La formule peut s'écrire : (Ca, Mg)₃(AsO₄)₂ 6 H₂O.

Les gisements dans lesquels la picropharmacolite a été reconnue sont mentionnés.