bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant Effect of Quillaja saponaria Saponin (QSS) on Protective Efficacy and IgM Generation in Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) upon Immersion Vaccination
Authors: Wang Yujuan , Wang Xiuhua , Huang Jie , Li Jun
Published: March 2016

The adjuvant effect of Quillaja saponaria saponin (QSS) on protection of turbot fry was investigated with immersion vaccination of formalin-killed Vibrio anguillarum O1 and various concentrations of QSS (5, 25, 45 and 65 mg/L). Fish were challenged at days 7, 14 and 28 post-vaccination. Significantly high relative percent of survival (RPS) ((59.1 ± 13.6)%, (81.7 ± 8.2)%, (77.8 ± 9.6)%) were recorded in the fish that received bacterins immersion with QSS at 45 mg/L, which is comparable to the positive control group vaccinated by intraperitoneal injection (IP). Moreover, a remarkably higher serum antibody titer was also demonstrated after 28 days in the vaccinated fish with QSS (45 mg/L) than those vaccinated fish without QSS (p < 0.05), but lower than the IP immunized fish (p < 0.05). Significant upregulation of IgM gene expression has also been identified in the tissues of skin, gill, spleen and kidney from the immunized fish in comparison to the control fish. Taken together, the present study indicated that QSS was able to dramatically evoke systemic and mucosal immune responses in immunized fish. Therefore, QSS might be a promising adjuvant candidate for fish vaccination via an immersion administering route.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Associated ROS
Authors: Zeeshan Hafiz , Lee Geum , Kim Hyung-Ryong , Chae Han-Jung
Published: March 2016

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a fascinating network of tubules through which secretory and transmembrane proteins enter unfolded and exit as either folded or misfolded proteins, after which they are directed either toward other organelles or to degradation, respectively. The ER redox environment dictates the fate of entering proteins, and the level of redox signaling mediators modulates the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Accumulating evidence suggests the interrelation of ER stress and ROS with redox signaling mediators such as protein disulfide isomerase (PDI)-endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductin (ERO)-1, glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disuphide (GSSG), NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4), NADPH-P450 reductase (NPR), and calcium. Here, we reviewed persistent ER stress and protein misfolding-initiated ROS cascades and their significant roles in the pathogenesis of multiple human disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, inflammation, ischemia, and kidney and liver diseases.
Gleditsia sinensis Thorn Attenuates the Collagen-Based Migration of PC3 Prostate Cancer Cells through the Suppression of α2β1 Integrin Expression
Authors: Ryu Sujin , Park Ki , Lee Seung
Published: March 2016

Gleditsia sinensis thorns (GST) have been used as a traditional medicine for carbuncles and skin diseases. The purpose of this study was to decide whether non-toxicological levels of water extract of GST (WEGST) are effective in inhibiting the progress of prostate cancer formation and to identify the target molecule involved in the WEGST-mediated inhibitory process of prostate cancer cell migration and in vivo tumor formation. Through the Boyden chamber migration assay, we found that non-toxic levels of WEGST could not attenuate the PC3 migration to the bottom area coated with serum but significantly inhibited PC3 cell migration to the collagen-coated bottom area. We also found that non-toxic levels of WEGST significantly attenuated collagen against adhesion. Interestingly, ectopic administration of WEGST could not affect the expression of α2β1 integrin, which is known as a receptor of collagen. However, when the PC3 cells adhered to a collagen-coated plate, the expression of α2 integrin but not that of β1 integrin was significantly inhibited by the administration of non-toxic levels of WEGST, leading to the inhibition of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation. Furthermore, oral administration of WEGST (25 mg/kg/day) significantly inhibited the size of a PC3 cell-xenografted tumor. Taken together, these results suggest a novel molecular mechanism for WEGST to inhibit prostate cancer progression at particular stages, such as collagen-mediated adhesion and migration, and it might provide further development for the therapeutic use of WEGST in the treatment of prostate cancer progression.
Cardiovascular Outcomes in Renal Transplant Recipients: Feasibility and Clinical Role of 2D Speckle Tracking to Assess Myocardial Function
Authors: Stefani Laura , Pedrizzetti Gianni , Pedri Stefano , Minetti Enrico , Mandoli Marco , Tosi Benedetta , Galanti Giorgio
Published: March 2016

Left ventricular (LV) function is normally improved after renal transplant; however, cardiovascular mortality remains elevated. Moderate physical activity has a positive impact on myocardial function; however, few data are available about the role of 2D echocardiography (2DE) and 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) on renal transplant recipients (RTR). From a large cohort of RTR submitted to a supervised exercise as the prescription program, 10 subjects who were regularly trained were studied for sixth months. They underwent periodically an echo evaluation (ESAOTE MyLab 50), cardiopulmonary test (CPT) and strength test for the lower and upper limbs. The LV function study was completed with the speckle tracking longitudinal strain (Lo Strain) measure calculated by dedicated software (XStrain–Esaote) at the end of the protocol. All of the cardiovascular parameters were normal: the ejection fraction (EF) increased significantly (from 62.7 ± 4 to 67.2 ± 2.3 with p < 0.05), as well as the anaerobic threshold (15.3 ± 6.8 to 20.5 ± 10.1 with p < 0.05). Particularly, the global longitudinal strain (GLS) values were within the normal range (−19.2% ± 5.1), maintaining the physiological gradient from the basal (−13.2 ± 4.1; −16.5 ± 5.21) to the apex level (−21 ± 2.3; −25.7 ± −7.0). 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) can be effectively used to confirm the presence of preserved physiological myocardial function in post-renal transplantation subjects submitted to a physical training.
Cancer Metabolomics and the Human Metabolome Database
Authors: Wishart David , Mandal Rupasri , Stanislaus Avalyn , Ramirez-Gaona Miguel
Published: March 2016

The application of metabolomics towards cancer research has led to a renewed appreciation of metabolism in cancer development and progression. It has also led to the discovery of metabolite cancer biomarkers and the identification of a number of novel cancer causing metabolites. The rapid growth of metabolomics in cancer research is also leading to challenges. In particular, with so many cancer-associate metabolites being identified, it is often difficult to keep track of which compounds are associated with which cancers. It is also challenging to track down information on the specific pathways that particular metabolites, drugs or drug metabolites may be affecting. Even more frustrating are the difficulties associated with identifying metabolites from NMR or MS spectra. Fortunately, a number of metabolomics databases are emerging that are designed to address these challenges. One such database is the Human Metabolome Database (HMDB). The HMDB is currently the world’s largest and most comprehensive, organism-specific metabolomics database. It contains more than 40,000 metabolite entries, thousands of metabolite concentrations, >700 metabolic and disease-associated pathways, as well as information on dozens of cancer biomarkers. This review is intended to provide a brief summary of the HMDB and to offer some guidance on how it can be used in metabolomic studies of cancer.
Xanthones of Lichen Source: A 2016 Update
Authors: Le Pogam Pierre , Boustie Joël
Published: March 2016

An update of xanthones encountered in lichens is proposed as more than 20 new xanthones have been described since the publication of the compendium of lichen metabolites by Huneck and Yoshimura in 1996. The last decades witnessed major advances regarding the elucidation of biosynthetic schemes leading to these fascinating compounds, accounting for the unique substitution patterns of a very vast majority of lichen xanthones. Besides a comprehensive analysis of the structures of xanthones described in lichens, their bioactivities and the emerging analytical strategies used to pinpoint them within lichens are presented here together with physico-chemical properties (including NMR data) as reported since 1996.
Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Extraction Conditions for Five Major Bioactive Compounds from Flos Sophorae Immaturus (Cultivars of Sophora japonica L.) Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Liu Jin-Liang , Li Long-Yun , He Guang-Hua
Published: March 2016

Microwave-assisted extraction was applied to extract rutin; quercetin; genistein; kaempferol; and isorhamnetin from Flos Sophorae Immaturus. Six independent variables; namely; solvent type; particle size; extraction frequency; liquid-to-solid ratio; microwave power; and extraction time were examined. Response surface methodology using a central composite design was employed to optimize experimental conditions (liquid-to-solid ratio; microwave power; and extraction time) based on the results of single factor tests to extract the five major components in Flos Sophorae Immaturus. Experimental data were fitted to a second-order polynomial equation using multiple regression analysis. Data were also analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Optimal extraction conditions were as follows: extraction solvent; 100% methanol; particle size; 100 mesh; extraction frequency; 1; liquid-to-solid ratio; 50:1; microwave power; 287 W; and extraction time; 80 s. A rapid and sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography method coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (EIS-Q-TOF MS/MS) was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of rutin; quercetin; genistein; kaempferol; and isorhamnetin in Flos Sophorae Immaturus. Chromatographic separation was accomplished on a Kinetex C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm; 2.6 μm) at 40 °C within 5 min. The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% aqueous formic acid and acetonitrile (71:29; v/v). Isocratic elution was carried out at a flow rate of 0.35 mL/min. The constituents of Flos Sophorae Immaturus were simultaneously identified by EIS-Q-TOF MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring mode. During quantitative analysis; all of the calibration curves showed good linear relationships (R2 > 0.999) within the tested ranges; and mean recoveries ranged from 96.0216% to 101.0601%. The precision determined through intra- and inter-day studies showed an RSD% of <2.833%. These results demonstrate that the developed method is accurate and effective and could be readily utilized for the comprehensive quality control of Flos Sophorae Immaturus.
Anticancer Effects of Sinulariolide-Conjugated Hyaluronan Nanoparticles on Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Hsiao Kuan , Wu Yi-Jhen , Liu Zi , Chuang Chin , Huang Han , Kuo Shyh
Published: March 2016

Lung cancer is one of the most clinically challenging malignant diseases worldwide. Sinulariolide (SNL), extracted from the farmed coral species Sinularia flexibilis, has been used for suppressing malignant cells. For developing anticancer therapeutic agents, we aimed to find an alternative for non-small cell lung cancer treatment by using SNL as the target drug. We investigated the SNL bioactivity on A549 lung cancer cells by conjugating SNL with hyaluronan nanoparticles to form HA/SNL aggregates by using a high-voltage electrostatic field system. SNL was toxic on A549 cells with an IC50 of 75 µg/mL. The anticancer effects of HA/SNL aggregates were assessed through cell viability assay, apoptosis assays, cell cycle analyses, and western blotting. The size of HA/SNL aggregates was approximately 33–77 nm in diameter with a thin continuous layer after aggregating numerous HA nanoparticles. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the HA/SNL aggregate-induced apoptosis was more effective at a lower SNL dose of 25 µg/mL than pure SNL. Western blotting indicated that caspases-3, -8, and -9 and Bcl-xL and Bax played crucial roles in the apoptotic signal transduction pathway. In summary, HA/SNL aggregates exerted stronger anticancer effects on A549 cells than did pure SNL via mitochondria-related pathways.
Elucidation of Transport Mechanism of Paeoniflorin and the Influence of Ligustilide, Senkyunolide I and Senkyunolide A on Paeoniflorin Transport through Mdck-Mdr1 Cells as Blood–Brain Barrier in Vitro Model
Authors: Hu Peng-Yi , Liu Dan , Zheng Qin , Wu Qing , Tang Yu , Yang Ming
Published: March 2016

The objectives of the present investigation were to: (1) elucidate the transport mechanism of paeoniflorin (PF) across MDCK-MDR1 monolayers; and (2) evaluate the effect of ligustilide (LIG), senkyunolide I (SENI) and senkyunolide A (SENA) on the transport of PF through blood–brain barrier so as to explore the enhancement mechanism. Transport studies of PF were performed in both directions, from apical to basolateral side (A→B) and from basolateral to apical sides (B→A). Drug concentrations were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. PF showed relatively poor absorption in MDCK-MDR1 cells, apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) ranging from 0.587 × 10−6 to 0.705 × 10−6 cm/s. In vitro experiments showed that the transport of PF in both directions was concentration dependent and not saturable. The B→A/A→B permeability ER of PF was more than 2 in the MDCK-MDR1 cells, which indicated that the transport mechanism of PF might be passive diffusion as the dominating process with the active transportation mediated mechanism involved. The increased Papp of PF in A→B direction by EDTA-Na2 suggested that PF was absorbed via the paracellular route. The P-gp inhibitor verapamil could significantly increase the transport of PF in A→B direction, and ER decreased from 2.210 to 0.690, which indicated that PF was P-gp substance. The transport of PF in A→B direction significantly increased when co-administrated with increasing concentrations of LIG, SENI and SENA. An increased cellular accumulation of Rho 123 and Western blot analysis indicated that LIG, SENI and SENA had increased the transport of PF in the BBB models attribute to down-regulate P-gp expression. A decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) during the permeation experiment can be explained by the modulation and opening of the tight junctions caused by the permeation enhancer LIG, SENI and SENA.
Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Angiogenic Properties of Resveratrol in Ocular Diseases
Authors: Lançon Allan , Frazzi Raffaele , Latruffe Norbert
Published: March 2016

Resveratrol (3,4′,5 trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is one of the best known phytophenols with pleiotropic properties. It is a phytoalexin produced by vine and it leads to the stimulation of natural plant defenses but also exhibits many beneficial effects in animals and humans by acting on a wide range of organs and tissues. These include the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, anti-cancer potential, neuroprotective effects, homeostasia maintenance, aging delay and a decrease in inflammation. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the main causes of deterioration of vision in adults in developed countries This review deals with resveratrol and ophthalmology by focusing on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic effects of this molecule. The literature reports that resveratrol is able to act on various cell types of the eye by increasing the level of natural antioxidant enzymatic and molecular defenses. Resveratrol anti-inflammatory effects are due to its capacity to limit the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, such as interleukins and prostaglandins, and also to decrease the chemo-attraction and recruitment of immune cells to the inflammatory site. In addition to this, resveratrol was shown to possess anti-VEGF effects and to inhibit the proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells. Resveratrol has the potential to be used in a range of human ocular diseases and conditions, based on animal models and in vitro experiments.
Effects of Cereal, Fruit and Vegetable Fibers on Human Fecal Weight and Transit Time: A Comprehensive Review of Intervention Trials
Authors: De Vries Jan , Birkett Anne , Hulshof Toine , Verbeke Kristin , Gibes Kernon
Published: March 2016

Cereal fibers are known to increase fecal weight and speed transit time, but far less data are available on the effects of fruits and vegetable fibers on regularity. This study provides a comprehensive review of the impact of these three fiber sources on regularity in healthy humans. We identified English-language intervention studies on dietary fibers and regularity and performed weighted linear regression analyses for fecal weight and transit time. Cereal and vegetable fiber groups had comparable effects on fecal weight; both contributed to it more than fruit fibers. Less fermentable fibers increased fecal weight to a greater degree than more fermentable fibers. Dietary fiber did not change transit time in those with an initial time of <48 h. In those with an initial transit time ≥48 h, transit time was reduced by approximately 30 min per gram of cereal, fruit or vegetable fibers, regardless of fermentability. Cereal fibers have been studied more than any other kind in relation to regularity. This is the first comprehensive review comparing the effects of the three major food sources of fiber on bowel function and regularity since 1993.
Effects of Trigonelline, an Alkaloid Present in Coffee, on Diabetes-Induced Disorders in the Rat Skeletal System
Authors: Folwarczna Joanna , Janas Aleksandra , Pytlik Maria , Cegieła Urszula , Śliwiński Leszek , Krivošíková Zora , Štefíková Kornélia , Gajdoš Martin
Published: March 2016

Diabetes increases bone fracture risk. Trigonelline, an alkaloid with potential antidiabetic activity, is present in considerable amounts in coffee. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of trigonelline on experimental diabetes-induced disorders in the rat skeletal system. Effects of trigonelline (50 mg/kg p.o. daily for four weeks) were investigated in three-month-old female Wistar rats, which, two weeks before the start of trigonelline administration, received streptozotocin (60 mg/kg i.p.) or streptozotocin after nicotinamide (230 mg/kg i.p.). Serum bone turnover markers, bone mineralization, and mechanical properties were studied. Streptozotocin induced diabetes, with significant worsening of bone mineralization and bone mechanical properties. Streptozotocin after nicotinamide induced slight glycemia increases in first days of experiment only, however worsening of cancellous bone mechanical properties and decreased vertebral bone mineral density (BMD) were demonstrated. Trigonelline decreased bone mineralization and tended to worsen bone mechanical properties in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. In nicotinamide/streptozotocin-treated rats, trigonelline significantly increased BMD and tended to improve cancellous bone strength. Trigonelline differentially affected the skeletal system of rats with streptozotocin-induced metabolic disorders, intensifying the osteoporotic changes in streptozotocin-treated rats and favorably affecting bones in the non-hyperglycemic (nicotinamide/streptozotocin-treated) rats. The results indicate that, in certain conditions, trigonelline may damage bone.
ICAR ATRP of Acrylonitrile under Ambient and High Pressure
Authors: Huang Zhicheng , Chen Jing , Zhang Lifen , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: March 2016

It is well known that well-defined polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with high molecular weight (Mw > 106 g·mol−1) is an excellent precursor for high performance carbon fiber. In this work, a strategy for initiators for a continuous activator regeneration atom transfer radical polymerization (ICAR ATRP) system for acrylonitrile (AN) was firstly established by using CuCl2·2H2O as the catalyst and 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) (AIBN) as the thermal initiator in the presence of ppm level catalyst under ambient and high pressure (5 kbar). The effect of catalyst concentration and polymerization temperature on the polymerization behaviors was investigated. It is important that PAN with ultrahigh viscosity and average molecular weight (Mη = 1,034,500 g·mol−1) could be synthesized within 2 h under high pressure.
Organic Photovoltaics: More than Ever, an Interdisciplinary Field
Authors: Biniek Laure , Nielsen Christian
Published: March 2016

Despite the growing interest and rapid advancement of alternative photovoltaic (PV) technologies such as perovskite based PV devices, we still believe that organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices have a significant potential for stable, low-cost solar power generation. [...]
Comparing Simplification Strategies for the Skeletal Muscle Proteome
Authors: Geary Bethany , Young Iain , Cash Phillip , Whitfield Phillip , Doherty Mary
Published: March 2016

Skeletal muscle is a complex tissue that is dominated by the presence of a few abundant proteins. This wide dynamic range can mask the presence of lower abundance proteins, which can be a confounding factor in large-scale proteomic experiments. In this study, we have investigated a number of pre-fractionation methods, at both the protein and peptide level, for the characterization of the skeletal muscle proteome. The analyses revealed that the use of OFFGEL isoelectric focusing yielded the largest number of protein identifications (>750) compared to alternative gel-based and protein equalization strategies. Further, OFFGEL led to a substantial enrichment of a different sub-population of the proteome. Filter-aided sample preparation (FASP), coupled to peptide-level OFFGEL provided more confidence in the results due to a substantial increase in the number of peptides assigned to each protein. The findings presented here support the use of a multiplexed approach to proteome characterization of skeletal muscle, which has a recognized imbalance in the dynamic range of its protein complement.
Extracting Semantic Information from Visual Data: A Survey
Authors: Liu Qiang , Li Ruihao , Hu Huosheng , Gu Dongbing
Published: March 2016

The traditional environment maps built by mobile robots include both metric ones and topological ones. These maps are navigation-oriented and not adequate for service robots to interact with or serve human users who normally rely on the conceptual knowledge or semantic contents of the environment. Therefore, the construction of semantic maps becomes necessary for building an effective human-robot interface for service robots. This paper reviews recent research and development in the field of visual-based semantic mapping. The main focus is placed on how to extract semantic information from visual data in terms of feature extraction, object/place recognition and semantic representation methods.
Simulating an Autonomously Operating Low-Cost Static Terrestrial LiDAR for Multitemporal Maize Crop Height Measurements
Authors: Crommelinck Sophie , Höfle Bernhard
Published: March 2016

In order to optimize agricultural processes, near real-time spatial information about in-field variations, such as crop height development (i.e., changes over time), is indispensable. This development can be captured with a LiDAR system. However, its applicability in precision agriculture is often hindered due to high costs and unstandardized processing methods. This study investigates the potential of an autonomously operating low-cost static terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) for multitemporal height monitoring of maize crops. A low-cost system is simulated by artificially reducing the point density of data captured during eight different campaigns. The data were used to derive and assess crop height models (CHM). Results show that heights calculated with CHM based on the unreduced point cloud are accurate when compared to manually measured heights (mean deviation = 0.02 m, standard deviation = 0.15 m, root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.16 m). When reducing the point cloud to 2% of its original size to simulate a low-cost system, this difference increases (mean deviation = 0.12 m, standard deviation = 0.19 m, RMSE = 0.22 m). We found that applying the simulated low-cost TLS system in precision agriculture is possible with acceptable accuracy up to an angular scan resolution of 8 mrad (i.e., point spacing of 80 mm at 10 m distance). General guidelines for the measurement set-up and an automatically executable method for CHM generation and assessment are provided and deserve consideration in further studies.
Radiometric Calibration of a Dual-Wavelength, Full-Waveform Terrestrial Lidar
Authors: Li Zhan , Jupp David , Strahler Alan , Schaaf Crystal , Howe Glenn , Hewawasam Kuravi , Douglas Ewan , Chakrabarti Supriya , Cook Timothy , Paynter Ian , Saenz Edward , Schaefer Michael
Published: March 2016

Radiometric calibration of the Dual-Wavelength Echidna® Lidar (DWEL), a full-waveform terrestrial laser scanner with two simultaneously-pulsing infrared lasers at 1064 nm and 1548 nm, provides accurate dual-wavelength apparent reflectance (ρapp), a physically-defined value that is related to the radiative and structural characteristics of scanned targets and independent of range and instrument optics and electronics. The errors of ρapp are 8.1% for 1064 nm and 6.4% for 1548 nm. A sensitivity analysis shows that ρapp error is dominated by range errors at near ranges, but by lidar intensity errors at far ranges. Our semi-empirical model for radiometric calibration combines a generalized logistic function to explicitly model telescopic effects due to defocusing of return signals at near range with a negative exponential function to model the fall-off of return intensity with range. Accurate values of ρapp from the radiometric calibration improve the quantification of vegetation structure, facilitate the comparison and coupling of lidar datasets from different instruments, campaigns or wavelengths and advance the utilization of bi- and multi-spectral information added to 3D scans by novel spectral lidars.
SHM-Based Probabilistic Fatigue Life Prediction for Bridges Based on FE Model Updating
Authors: Lee Young-Joo , Cho Soojin
Published: March 2016

Fatigue life prediction for a bridge should be based on the current condition of the bridge, and various sources of uncertainty, such as material properties, anticipated vehicle loads and environmental conditions, make the prediction very challenging. This paper presents a new approach for probabilistic fatigue life prediction for bridges using finite element (FE) model updating based on structural health monitoring (SHM) data. Recently, various types of SHM systems have been used to monitor and evaluate the long-term structural performance of bridges. For example, SHM data can be used to estimate the degradation of an in-service bridge, which makes it possible to update the initial FE model. The proposed method consists of three steps: (1) identifying the modal properties of a bridge, such as mode shapes and natural frequencies, based on the ambient vibration under passing vehicles; (2) updating the structural parameters of an initial FE model using the identified modal properties; and (3) predicting the probabilistic fatigue life using the updated FE model. The proposed method is demonstrated by application to a numerical model of a bridge, and the impact of FE model updating on the bridge fatigue life is discussed.
Compressive Video Recovery Using Block Match Multi-Frame Motion Estimation Based on Single Pixel Cameras
Authors: Bi Sheng , Zeng Xiao , Tang Xin , Qin Shujia , Lai King
Published: March 2016

Compressive sensing (CS) theory has opened up new paths for the development of signal processing applications. Based on this theory, a novel single pixel camera architecture has been introduced to overcome the current limitations and challenges of traditional focal plane arrays. However, video quality based on this method is limited by existing acquisition and recovery methods, and the method also suffers from being time-consuming. In this paper, a multi-frame motion estimation algorithm is proposed in CS video to enhance the video quality. The proposed algorithm uses multiple frames to implement motion estimation. Experimental results show that using multi-frame motion estimation can improve the quality of recovered videos. To further reduce the motion estimation time, a block match algorithm is used to process motion estimation. Experiments demonstrate that using the block match algorithm can reduce motion estimation time by 30%.
Factors Affecting Rural Households’ Resilience to Food Insecurity in Niger
Authors: Gambo Boukary Aboubakr , Diaw Adama , Wünscher Tobias
Published: March 2016

Niger faces many natural and human constraints explaining the erratic evolution of its agricultural production over time. Unfortunately, this is likely to cause a decline in the food supply. This study attempts to identify factors affecting rural households’ resilience to food insecurity in Niger. For this, we first create a resilience index by using principal component analysis and later apply structural equation modeling to identify its determinants. Data from the 2010 National Survey on Households’ Vulnerability to Food Insecurity done by the National Institute of Statistics is used. The study shows that asset and social safety net indicators are significant and have a positive impact on households’ resilience. Climate change approximated by long-term mean rainfall has a negative and significant effect on households’ resilience. Therefore, to strengthen households’ resilience to food insecurity, there is a need to increase assistance to households through social safety nets and to help them gather more resources in order to acquire more assets. Furthermore, early warning of climatic events could alert households, especially farmers, to be prepared and avoid important losses that they experience anytime an uneven climatic event occurs.
Investigating Trends in Streamflow and Precipitation in Huangfuchuan Basin with Wavelet Analysis and the Mann-Kendall Test
Authors: Chen Yuzhuang , Guan Yiqing , Shao Guangwen , Zhang Danrong
Published: March 2016

This study aims to investigate trends in streamflow and precipitation in the period 1954–2010 in a semiarid region of the Yellow River watershed, Huangfuchuan basin, China. The combination of the wavelet transform and different Mann-Kendall (MK) tests were employed to figure out the basic trends structure in streamflow and precipitation and what time scales are affecting the observed trends. The comparative analysis with five MK test methods showed that the modified MK tests with full serial correlation structure performed better when significant autocorrelations exhibited for more than one lag. Three criteria were used to determine the optimal smooth mother wavelet, the decomposition level and the extension mode used in the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) procedure. The first criteria referred to the relative error of the wavelet approximated component and the original series. The second one was the relative error of MK Z-values of approximation component and the original series. Additionally, a new criterion (Er), based on the relative error of energy between the approximate component and the original series, was proposed in this study, with better performance than the previous two criteria. Further, a new powerful index, the energy of the hydrological time series, was proposed to verify the dominant periodic components for the observed trends. The analysis indicated that all monthly, seasonal and annual streamflow showed significant decreasing trends, while no significant trends were found in precipitation. Results from the DWT and MK tests revealed that the main factors influencing the trends in the monthly and seasonal series in Huangfuchuan watershed are intra-annual cycles, while the leading factors affecting the trends in the annual series are decadal events. Different driving factors (e.g., seasonal cycles, solar activities, etc.) related to the periodicities identified in these data types resulted in this discrepancy.
Le plus ancien peuplement de l'Europe : la réapparition d'une question controversée.
Authors: Tuffreau Alain
Published: March 2016

La reconnaissance des traces les plus anciennes d'une occupation humaine en Europe a toujours suscité des controverses concernant le caractère intentionnel des assemblages ou leur âge. Cette question a fait l'objet de nombreuses discussions au XIXe siècle et au début du XXe siècle. La découverte des australopithèques en Afrique australe puis en Afrique orientale, ainsi que celle des premiers représentants de la lignée Homo, montrèrent que l'Europe occidentale n'était pas concernée par la question de l'origine de l'humanité. Ce n'est qu'à partir d'environ 550 000 ans que les traces d'un peuplement de l'Europe sont attestées par des pierres taillées nombreuses et des ossements d'animaux présentant la marque d'activités anthropiques. Les plus anciens fossiles humains d'Europe sont tous postérieurs à cette période. Un colloque organisé en novembre 1993 par l'European Science Foundation a permis d'examiner de façon critique les indices d'une présence humaine en Europe d'un âge compris entre un million d'années et 550 000 ans. Il apparaît nettement que les préhistoriens sont divisés entre partisans d'une chronologie longue (première colonisation de l'Europe à partir de 1 million d'années) et partisans d'une chronologie courte (premier peuplement à partir de 550 000 ans). Certains ont même avancé qu'il existerait en Europe des indices d'une occupation beaucoup plus ancienne, d'un âge presque comparable à celui des industries les plus anciennes d'Afrique, ce qui, en l'état des connaissances, relève plus de la fiction que de la réalité.
La partie agricole d'une grande exploitation rurale d'époque romaine : le gisement des "Hauts de Clauwiers", Seclin (Nord).
Authors: Révillion Stéphane , Bouche Karl , Wozny Luc
Published: March 2016

Het landbouwgedeelte van een grote boerderij in de Romeinse tijd : "Hauts de Clauwiers", te Seclin (Nord).

Na een opgraving in de site "Hauts de Clauwaert", te Seclin (Nordfrankrijk) kon men de sporen bestuderen van een circelvormige Hallstattbewoning en een aantal rechthoekige houten gebouwen die naar een protohistorische bewoning verwijzen. Tijdens de gallo-romeinse tijd is er eerst een bebouwing in aarde en hout (hutten, opslagruimte en woningen), daarna in steen (woningen en grote gebouwen). Het geheel stond op een uitgegraven terrein en werd van de Iste tot de IVde eeuw bewoond. De plattegrond gelijkt op die van de grote villa's in de pars rustica in Noordgallië. De aanwezigheid van grote graanzolders, die steeds maar zullen uitgebreid worden tot in de IVde eeuw, wijst op de centrale ligging in een productiegebied. Op het einde van de gallo-romeinse période wordt ailes omgebouwd en komt er een opslagplaats (een silotoren) binnen een omheining (grachten en beschermde ingangen), wat wijst op de onzekere toestand van toen. Twe menselijke skeletten opgegraven bij deze toren getuigen wellicht van de bewogen gebeurtenissen voor het verlaten van de site.

Men kon heel wat informatie verwerven over de manier van bouwen in het gallo-romeinse platteland uit de studie van de plattegronden van de opeenvolgende gebouwen. Zo bestond er een zekere overeenkomst tussen de architectuur in aarde en hout en die in steen. Bovendien kan men hier ook de architectuur zelf, het aardewerk, de munten en de archeozoologie bestuderen, in een site die een centrale plaats bekleedde in een microregio met een bepaalde archeologische en geografische inhoud. De nabijheid van verschilende gallo-romeinse lagen laat toe deze nederzetting in het antieke weefsel een plaats te geven. De aanwezigheid van protohistorische bewoning wijst naar een geschiktheid voor menselijke bewoning van de site, een hoogte tussen twee valleien, die zowel strategisch als door de aanwezigheid van natuurlijke hulpbronnen (uitzicht, geomorfologie, hydrografie, fauna, flora) goed geplaatst was.
Pollen limitation is not the rule in nival plants: A study from the European Central Alps
Authors: Wagner Johanna , Lechleitner Martin , Hosp Daniela
Published: March 2016

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Seed output of high‐mountain plants in the uppermost life zones is highly variable. One possible reason might be pollen limitation due to inadequate pollinator services.

METHODS:

We tested this hypothesis for the insect‐pollinated speciesCerastium uniflorum,Ranunculus glacialis, andSaxifraga bryoides, which have their distribution center in the subnival and nival zone of the European Central Alps. We recorded insect visitors and determined their impact as pollinators. By analyzing pollination success and seed set following natural and saturating hand pollination, the magnitude of quantitative and qualitative pollen limitation was assessed.

KEY RESULTS:

Anthomyiid and muscid flies had the highest pollination impact forR. glacialisandS. bryoidesand syrphids forC. uniflorum. Natural stigma pollen load was highly variable in individual flowers of all species, but in most cases the number of conspecific pollen grains clearly exceeded the number of ovules to be fertilized. There was also a surplus in germinated pollen grains, whereas the pollen tube to ovule ratio was only sufficient inR. glacialis(2.6 on average) andS. bryoides(1.3), but not inC. uniflorum(0.6). Accordingly, seed to ovule ratio was around 0.8 inR. glacialis, 0.7 inS. bryoidesbut 0.4 inC. uniflorum. InC. uniflorum, saturating pollination slightly increased seed set. Regression analyses revealed that natural pollination success was more frequently limited by quality than by quantity.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results do not support the idea of chronic, widespread pollen limitation in the subnival but rather fit into the concept of parental optimism by overinvesting in the number of ovules as an adaptation to variable resource availability.
Diverse ecological relations of male gametophyte populations in stylar environments
Authors: Harder Lawrence D. , Aizen Marcelo A. , Richards Shane A. , Joseph Michael A. , Busch Jeremiah W.
Published: March 2016

PREMISE OF STUDY:

Pollen on a stigma represents a local population of male gametophytes vying for access to female gametophytes in the associated ovary. As in most populations, density‐independent and density‐dependent survival depend on intrinsic characteristics of male gametophytes and environmental (pistil) conditions. These characteristics and conditions could differ among flowers, plants, populations, and species, creating diverse male‐gametophyte population dynamics, which can influence seed siring and production.

METHODS:

For nine species, we characterized the relations of both the mean and standard deviation of pollen‐tube number at the style base to pollen receipt with nonlinear regression. Models represented asymptotic or peaked relations, providing information about the incidence and magnitude of facilitation and competition, the spatial and temporal characteristics of competition, and the intensity and relative timing of density‐independent mortality.

KEY RESULTS:

We infer that pollen tubes of most species competed sequentially, their tips ceasing growth if earlier tubes had depleted stylar space/resources; although two species experienced simultaneous competition. Tube success of three species revealed positive density dependence (facilitation) at low density. For at least four species, density‐independent mortality preceded competition. Tube success varied mostly within plants, rather than among plants or conspecific populations. Pollen quality influenced tube success for two of three species; affecting density‐independent survival in one and density‐dependent performance in the other.

CONCLUSIONS:

The diverse relations of pollen‐tube success to pollen receipt evident among just nine species indicate significant contributions of the processes governing pollen germination and tube growth to the reproductive diversity of angiosperms.
Aluminacyclopentanes in the synthesis of 3-substituted phospholanes and α,ω-bisphospholanes
Authors: D’yakonov Vladimir A , Makhamatkhanova Alevtina L , Agliullina Rina A , Dilmukhametova Leisan K , Tyumkina Tat’yana V , Dzhemilev Usein M
Published: March 2016

An efficient one-pot process for the synthesis of 3-substituted phospholanes and α,ω-bisphospholanes was developed. The method involves the replacement of aluminium in aluminacyclopentanes, prepared in situ by catalytic cycloalumination of α-olefins and α,ω-diolefins, by phosphorus atoms on treatment with dichlorophosphines (R′PCl2). Hydrogen peroxide oxidation and treatment with S8 of the synthesized phospholanes and α,ω-bisphospholanes afforded the corresponding 3-alkyl(aryl)-1-alkyl(phenyl)phospholane 1-oxides, 3-alkyl(aryl)-1-alkyl(phenyl)phospholane 1-sulfides, bisphospholane 1,1'-dioxides, and bisphospholane 1,1'-disulfides in nearly quantitative yields. The complexes LMo(CO)5 (L = 3-hexyl-1-phenylphospholane, 3-benzyl-1-methylphospholane, 1,2-bis(1-phenylphospholan-3-yl)ethane, and 1,6-bis(1-phenylphospholan-3-yl)hexane were prepared by the reaction of 3-substituted phospholanes and α,ω-bisphospholanes with molybdenum hexacarbonyl. The structure of the complexes was proved by multinuclear 1H, 13C, and 31P spectroscopy.
Evolutionary history of the sequestrate genus Rossbeevera (Boletaceae) reveals a new genus Turmalinea and highlights the utility of ITS minisatellite-like insertions for molecular identification
Authors: Orihara T. , Lebel T. , Ge Z.-W. , Smith M.E. , Maekawa N.
Published: March 2016

The sequestrate (truffle-like) basidiomycete genera Rossbeevera, Chamonixia, and Octaviania are closely related to the epigeous mushroom genera Leccinum and Leccinellum. In order to elucidate the properties and placement of several undescribed sequestrate
taxa in the group and to reveal the evolutionary history of Rossbeevera and its allies, we conducted phylogenetic analyses based on three nuclear (ITS, nLSU, EF-1α) and two mitochondrial DNA loci (ATP6 and mtSSU) as well as precise morphological observations. Phylogenetic
analyses of three nuclear loci suggest a complex evolutionary history with sequestrate fruiting bodies present in several clades, including a previously unrecognized sister clade to Rossbeevera. Here we propose a new sequestrate genus, Turmalinea, with four new species and one
new subspecies as well as two new species of Rossbeevera. The three-locus nuclear phylogeny resolves species-level divergence within the Rossbeevera-Turmalinea lineage, whereas a separate phylogeny based on two mitochondrial genes corresponds to geographic distance within each
species-level lineage and suggests incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) and gene introgression within several intraspecific lineages of Rossbeevera. Furthermore, topological incongruence among the three nuclear single-locus phylogenies suggests that ancient speciation within Rossbeevera
probably involved considerable ILS. We also found an unusually long, minisatellite-like insertion within the ITS2 in all Rossbeevera and Turmalinea species. A barcode gap analysis demonstrates that the insertion is more informative for discrimination at various taxonomic levels
than the rest of the ITS region and could therefore serve as a unique molecular barcode for these genera.
Guidance for Improving Sanitation in El Salvador's Tourism Areas Through Decentralized Wastewater Management Systems
Authors: Robbins David
Published: March 2016

El Salvador’s tourist areas are at risk due to unregulated wastewater discharge as practiced by the very businesses tourists rely upon for their services such as hotels, restaurants and public markets. Local governments can work with private sector entrepreneurs, service providers and other stakeholders to develop an enabling environment where a decentralized approach to wastewater management can effectively address this problem. The enabling environment is created by raising awareness among local business owners through targeted evidence based promotions campaigns, and coupling the raised awareness with a model sanitation ordinance that encourages compliance through incentives. Both activities work together to drive demand, which can be served through the commercialization of locally manufactured products and services. One such wastewater treatment product, the cocopeat biofilter, provides an especially attractive option based on its low cost, local abundance of the cocopeat material, and ease of installation. When commercialized into a locally manufactured product that can be sold and installed by local service providers, implementation on a large scale is possible.
DEFECTIVENESS OF EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL SURFACES OF THE MAIN OIL AND GAS PIPELINES AFTER LONG-TERM OPERATION
Authors: MARUSCHAK Pavlo , PRENTKOVSKIS Olegas , BISHCHAK Roman
Published: March 2016

Damage by pitting corrosion of the surface areas of the local oil and gas pipelines was identified and numeri-cally analysed in this paper. Having used the methods of optical and scanning electron microscopy, the basic laws of structural and mechanical degradation were established. Based on the data of fractographic control, the shape of defects and substantiated morphological characteristics were examined. It was established that certain informative signs of the defects correspond to certain stages of operation. Having used methods of fractodiagnostics, the main reasons for the performance defects of main oil and gas pipelines were established, and the mechanisms of degradation as well as frac-ture of the materials they are made from were described. According to the findings, the cause of the decrease in the reli-ability of the main oil and gas pipeline networks is general and localised corrosion as well as technological defects in the pipeline metal. These studies are essential for the establishment of the complex of mechanical and corrosion-mechanical properties, particularly sensitive to degradation in the steel used for the pipe wall after a lengthy use of a pipe.
FIRST-ORDER PARTICLE ACCELERATION IN MAGNETICALLY DRIVEN FLOWS
Authors: Beresnyak Andrey , Li Hui
Published: March 2016

We demonstrate that particles are regularly accelerated while experiencing curvature drift in flows driven by magnetic tension. Some examples of such flows include spontaneous turbulent reconnection and decaying magnetohydrodynamic turbulence, where a magnetic field relaxes to a lower-energy configuration and transfers part of its energy to kinetic motions of the fluid. We show that this energy transfer, which normally causes turbulent cascade and heating of the fluid, also results in a first-order acceleration of non-thermal particles. Since it is generic, this acceleration mechanism is likely to play a role in the production of non-thermal particle distribution in magnetically dominant environments such as the solar chromosphere, pulsar magnetospheres, jets from supermassive black holes, and γ-ray bursts.
THE SPATIALLY RESOLVED NUV–r COLOR OF LOCAL STAR-FORMING GALAXIES AND CLUES FOR QUENCHING
Authors: Pan Zhizheng , Zheng Xianzhong , Lin Weipeng , Li Jinrong , Wang Jing , Fan Lulu , Kong Xu
Published: March 2016

Using a sample of ∼6000 local face-on star-forming galaxies (SFGs) we examine the correlations between the NUV–r colors both inside and outside the half-light radius, stellar mass M
*, and Sérsic index n to understand how the quenching of star formation is linked to galaxy structure. For these less dust-attenuated galaxies, NUV–r is found to be linearly correlated with

, supporting  NUV–r as a good photometric indicator of stellar age (or specific star formation rate). First, we find that at

the central NUV–r is on average only ∼0.25 mag redder than the outer NUV–r; the intrinsic value would be even smaller after accounting for dust correction. However, the central NUV–r becomes systematically much redder than the outer NUV–r for more massive galaxies at

. Second, the central NUV–r shows no dependence on Sérsic index n at

, while above this mass galaxies with a higher n tend to be redder in the central NUV–r color. These results suggest that galaxies with

exhibit similar star formation activity from the inner

region to the

region. In contrast, a considerable fraction of the

galaxies, especially those with a high n, have harbored a relatively inactive bulge component.