bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequencing of Bacterial Genomes: Principles and Insights into Pathogenesis and Development of Antibiotics
Authors: Donkor Eric
Published: October 2013

The impact of bacterial diseases on public health has become enormous, and is partly due to the increasing trend of antibiotic resistance displayed by bacterial pathogens. Sequencing of bacterial genomes has significantly improved our understanding about the biology of many bacterial pathogens as well as identification of novel antibiotic targets. Since the advent of genome sequencing two decades ago, about 1,800 bacterial genomes have been fully sequenced and these include important aetiological agents such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Vibrio cholerae, Clostridium difficile and Staphylococcus aureus. Very recently, there has been an explosion of bacterial genome data and is due to the development of next generation sequencing technologies, which are evolving so rapidly. Indeed, the field of microbial genomics is advancing at a very fast rate and it is difficult for researchers to be abreast with the new developments. This highlights the need for regular updates in microbial genomics through comprehensive reviews. This review paper seeks to provide an update on bacterial genome sequencing generally, and to analyze insights gained from sequencing in two areas, including bacterial pathogenesis and the development of antibiotics.
Integrating Sustainability in Management Education
Authors: Raufflet Emmanuel
Published: October 2013

Over the last decade, numerous modules, courses, and programs in Management Education have integrated sustainability into their curricula. However, this “integration” has translated into very diverse forms and contents. This article aims to clarify these ambiguities. It maps four forms of sustainability integration in Management Education. These four distinct forms are (1) discipline-based integration, in which the anchoring point is the business discipline (sustainability is added as a dimension of this body of knowledge); (2) strategic-/competitive-based integration, in which the anchoring point is the strategy of the organization (sustainability is viewed as a potential contributor to the firm’s competitive advantage); (3) integration by application, in which managerial tools and approaches from business disciplines are applied so as to contribute to addressing a sustainability challenge; and, last, (4) systemic integration, in which the anchoring point is a social-ecological-economic challenge defined from an interdisciplinary perspective. Implications of this chapter for the design of courses and programs and the practice of sustainability in Management Education are twofold. First, this article contributes to going beyond the prevailing tendency of studies in the field of sustainability in Management Education to focus mainly on tools and applications. In doing so, this article helps frame these challenges on the level of course and program design. Second, this article helps management educators map what they are intending to achieve by the integration of sustainability into the Management Education curriculum.
Spatially Interpolated Disease Prevalence Estimation Using Collateral Indicators of Morbidity and Ecological Risk
Authors: Congdon Peter
Published: October 2013

This paper considers estimation of disease prevalence for small areas (neighbourhoods) when the available observations on prevalence are for an alternative partition of a region, such as service areas. Interpolation to neighbourhoods uses a kernel method extended to take account of two types of collateral information. The first is morbidity and service use data, such as hospital admissions, observed for neighbourhoods. Variations in morbidity and service use are expected to reflect prevalence. The second type of collateral information is ecological risk factors (e.g., pollution indices) that are expected to explain variability in prevalence in service areas, but are typically observed only for neighbourhoods. An application involves estimating neighbourhood asthma prevalence in a London health region involving 562 neighbourhoods and 189 service (primary care) areas.
Physiological and Proteomic Responses of Diploid and Tetraploid Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) Subjected to Salt Stress
Authors: Wang Zhiming , Wang Mingyue , Liu Likun , Meng Fanjuan
Published: October 2013

Tetraploid black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is adaptable to salt stress. Here, we compared morphological, physiological, ultrastructural, and proteomic traits of leaves in tetraploid black locust and its diploid relatives under salt stress. The results showed that diploid (2×) plants suffered from greater negative effects than those of tetraploid (4×) plants. After salt treatment, plant growth was inhibited, photosynthesis was reduced, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde content, and relative electrolyte leakage increased, and defense-related enzyme activities decreased in 2× compared to those in 4×. In addition, salt stress resulted in distorted chloroplasts, swollen thylakoid membranes, accumulation of plastoglobules, and increased starch grains in 2× compared to those in 4×. However, 4× developed diverse responses under salt stress. A comparative proteomic analysis revealed that 41 and 37 proteins were differentially expressed in 2× and 4×, respectively. These proteins were mainly involved in photosynthesis, stress and defense, energy, metabolism, transcription/translation, and transportation. Distinct patterns of protein changes between 2× and 4× were analyzed. Collectively, our results suggest that the plants showed significantly different responses to salt stress based on ploidy level of the plant. The 4× possessed a better salt protection mechanism than that of 2×, suggesting salt tolerance in the polyploid plant.
MicroRNA Expression Profiling of the Porcine Developing Hypothalamus and Pituitary Tissue
Authors: Zhang Lifan , Cai Zhaowei , Wei Shengjuan , Zhou Huiyun , Zhou Hongmei , Jiang Xiaoling , Xu Ningying
Published: October 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNA molecules, play important roles in gene expressions at transcriptional and post-transcriptional stages in mammalian brain. So far, a growing number of porcine miRNAs and their function have been identified, but little is known regarding the porcine developing hypothalamus and pituitary. In the present study, Solexa sequencing analysis showed 14,129,397 yielded reads, 6,680,678 of which were related to 674 unique miRNAs. After a microarray assay, we detected 175 unique miRNAs in the hypothalamus, including 136 previously known miRNAs and 39 novel candidates, while a total of 140 miRNAs, including 104 known and 36 new candidate miRNAs, were discovered in pituitary. More importantly, 37 and 30 differentially expressed miRNAs from several developmental stages of hypothalamus and pituitary were revealed, respectively. The 37 differentially expressed miRNAs in hypothalamus represented 6 different expression patterns, while the 30 differentially expressed miRNAs in pituitary represented 7 different expression patterns. To clarify potential target genes and specific functions of these differentially expressed miRNAs in hypothalamus and pituitary, TargetScan and Gorilla prediction tools were then applied. The current functional analysis showed that the differentially expressed miRNAs in hypothalamus and pituitary shared many biological processes, with the main differences being found in tissue-specific processes including: CDP-diacylglycerol biosynthetic/metabolic process; phosphatidic acid biosynthetic/metabolic process; energy reserve metabolic process for hypothalamus; adult behavior; sterol transport/homeostasis; and cholesterol/reverse cholesterol transport for pituitary. Overall, this study identified miRNA profiles and differentially expressed miRNAs among various developmental stages in hypothalamus and pituitary and indicated miRNA profiles change with age and brain location, enhancing our knowledge about spatial and temporal expressions of miRNAs in the porcine developing brain.
Molecular Study of a Hoxa2 Gain-of-Function in Chondrogenesis: A Model of Idiopathic Proportionate Short Stature
Authors: Deprez Pierre , Nichane Miloud , Lengelé Benoît , Rezsöhazy René , Nyssen-Behets Catherine
Published: October 2013

In a previous study using transgenic mice ectopically expressing Hoxa2 during chondrogenesis, we associated the animal phenotype to human idiopathic proportionate short stature. Our analysis showed that this overall size reduction was correlated with a negative influence of Hoxa2 at the first step of endochondral ossification. However, the molecular pathways leading to such phenotype are still unknown. Using protein immunodetection and histological techniques comparing transgenic mice to controls, we show here that the persistent expression of Hoxa2 in chondrogenic territories provokes a general down-regulation of the main factors controlling the differentiation cascade, such as Bapx1, Bmp7, Bmpr1a, Ihh, Msx1, Pax9, Sox6, Sox9 and Wnt5a. These data confirm the impairment of chondrogenic differentiation by Hoxa2 overexpression. They also show a selective effect of Hoxa2 on endochondral ossification processes since Gdf5 and Gdf10, and Bmp4 or PthrP were up-regulated and unmodified, respectively. Since Hoxa2 deregulation in mice induces a proportionate short stature phenotype mimicking human idiopathic conditions, our results give an insight into understanding proportionate short stature pathogenesis by highlighting molecular factors whose combined deregulation may be involved in such a disease.
An Emerging Role for Long Non-Coding RNA Dysregulation in Neurological Disorders
Authors: Fenoglio Chiara , Ridolfi Elisa , Galimberti Daniela , Scarpini Elio
Published: October 2013

A novel class of transcripts, long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs), has recently emerged as key players in several biological processes, including dosage compensation, genomic imprinting, chromatin regulation, embryonic development and segmentation, stem cell pluripotency, cell fate determination and potentially many other biological processes, which still are to be elucidated. LncRNAs are pervasively transcribed in the genome and several lines of evidence correlate dysregulation of different lncRNAs to human diseases including neurological disorders. Although their mechanisms of action are yet to be fully elucidated, evidence suggests lncRNA contributions to the pathogenesis of a number of diseases. In this review, the current state of knowledge linking lncRNAs to different neurological disorders is discussed and potential future directions are considered.
Twist and miR-34a Are Involved in the Generation of Tumor-Educated Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Wang Xin , Chang Xusheng , Zhuo Guangzuan , Sun Mingjuan , Yin Kai
Published: October 2013

Tumors can induce the generation and accumulation of immunosuppressive cells such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the tumor microenvironment, contributing to tumor immunological escapes. Many studies have demonstrated that multiple factors could induce myeloid precursor cells into myeloid-derived suppressor cells, not dendritic cells. In our study, we found that tumor supernatants could induce the generation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells by disturbing the development of dendritic cells. Twist and miR-34a may regulate the effect of tumor cells inducing myeloid-derived suppressor cells via TGF-β and/or IL-10.
Transcriptome Comparative Profiling of Barley eibi1 Mutant Reveals Pleiotropic Effects of HvABCG31 Gene on Cuticle Biogenesis and Stress Responsive Pathways
Authors: Yang Zujun , Zhang Tao , Lang Tao , Li Guangrong , Chen Guoxiong , Nevo Eviatar
Published: October 2013

Wild barley eibi1 mutant with HvABCG31 gene mutation has low capacity to retain leaf water, a phenotype associated with reduced cutin deposition and a thin cuticle. To better understand how such a mutant plant survives, we performed a genome-wide gene expression analysis. The leaf transcriptomes between the near-isogenic lines eibi1 and the wild type were compared using the 22-k Barley1 Affymetrix microarray. We found that the pleiotropic effect of the single gene HvABCG31 mutation was linked to the co-regulation of metabolic processes and stress-related system. The cuticle development involved cytochrome P450 family members and fatty acid metabolism pathways were significantly up-regulated by the HvABCG31 mutation, which might be anticipated to reduce the levels of cutin monomers or wax and display conspicuous cuticle defects. The candidate genes for responses to stress were induced by eibi1 mutant through activating the jasmonate pathway. The down-regulation of co-expressed enzyme genes responsible for DNA methylation and histone deacetylation also suggested that HvABCG31 mutation may affect the epigenetic regulation for barley development. Comparison of transcriptomic profiling of barley under biotic and abiotic stresses revealed that the functions of HvABCG31 gene to high-water loss rate might be different from other osmotic stresses of gene mutations in barley. The transcriptional profiling of the HvABCG31 mutation provided candidate genes for further investigation of the physiological and developmental changes caused by the mutant.
Bone Targeted Therapies for Bone Metastasis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Razaq Wajeeha
Published: October 2013

Cancer metastasis to the bone develops commonly in patients with various malignancies, and is a major cause of morbidity and diminished quality of life in many affected patients. Emerging treatments for metastatic bone disease have arisen from advances in our understanding of the unique cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the bone metastasis. The tendency of cancer cells to metastasize to bone is probably the end result of many factors including vascular pathways, the highly vascular nature of the bone marrow (which increases the probability that cancer cells will be deposited in bone marrow capillaries), and molecular characteristics of the cancer cells that allow them to adapt to the bone marrow microenvironment. The goals of treating osseous metastases are manifold. Proper treatment can lead to significant improvements in pain control and function, and maintain skeletal integrity. The treatment plan requires a multidisciplinary approach. Widespread metastatic disease necessitates systemic therapy, while a localized problem is best managed with surgery, external beam radiotherapy, or both. Patients with bone metastasis can have prolonged survival, and proper management can have a significant impact on their quality of life. We will review the factors in this article that are promising molecular bone-targeted therapies or will be likely targets for future therapeutic intervention to restore bone remodeling and suppress tumor growth.
Chlorella 11-Peptide Inhibits the Production of Macrophage-Induced Adhesion Molecules and Reduces Endothelin-1 Expression and Endothelial Permeability
Authors: Shih Mei , Chen Lih , Cherng Jong
Published: October 2013

The inflammation process in large vessels involves the up-regulation of vascular adhesion molecules such as endothelial cell selectin (E-selectin), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) which are also known as the markers of atherosclerosis. We have reported that Chlorella 11-peptide exhibited effective anti-inflammatory effects. This peptide with an amino sequence Val-Glu-Cys-Tyr-Gly-Pro-Asn-Arg-Pro-Gln-Phe was further examined for its potential in preventing atherosclerosis in this study. In particular, the roles of Chlorella 11-peptide in lowering the production of vascular adhesion molecules, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) and expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1) from endothelia (SVEC4-10 cells) were studied. The production of E-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and MCP-1 in SVEC4-10 cells was measured with ELISA. The mRNA expression of ET-1 was analyzed by RT-PCR and agarose gel. Results showed that Chlorella 11-peptide significantly suppressed the levels of E-selectin, ICAM, VCAM, MCP-1 as well as ET-1 gene expression. The inhibition of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 production by Chlorella 11-peptide was reversed in the presence of protein kinase A inhibitor (H89) which suggests that the cAMP pathway was involved in the inhibitory cause of the peptide. In addition, this peptide was shown to reduce the extent of increased intercellular permeability induced by combination of 50% of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells medium and 50% normal SEVC cell culture medium (referred to as 50% RAW-conditioned medium). These data demonstrate that Chlorella 11-peptide is a promising biomolecule in preventing chronic inflammatory-related vascular diseases.
Harnessing the Potential of Halogenated Natural Product Biosynthesis by Mangrove-Derived Actinomycetes
Authors: Li Xue-Gong , Tang Xiao-Min , Xiao Jing , Ma Guang-Hui , Xu Li , Xie Shu-Jie , Xu Min-Juan , Xiao Xiang , Xu Jun
Published: October 2013

Mangrove-derived actinomycetes are promising sources of bioactive natural products. In this study, using homologous screening of the biosynthetic genes and anti-microorganism/tumor assaying, 163 strains of actinomycetes isolated from mangrove sediments were investigated for their potential to produce halogenated metabolites. The FADH2-dependent halogenase genes, identified in PCR-screening, were clustered in distinct clades in the phylogenetic analysis. The coexistence of either polyketide synthase (PKS) or nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) as the backbone synthetases in the strains harboring the halogenase indicated that these strains had the potential to produce structurally diversified antibiotics. As a validation, a new enduracidin producer, Streptomyces atrovirens MGR140, was identified and confirmed by gene disruption and HPLC analysis. Moreover, a putative ansamycin biosynthesis gene cluster was detected in Streptomyces albogriseolus MGR072. Our results highlight that combined genome mining is an efficient technique to tap promising sources of halogenated natural products synthesized by mangrove-derived actinomycetes.
The Complex Role of Branched Chain Amino Acids in Diabetes and Cancer
Authors: O'Connell Thomas
Published: October 2013

The obesity and diabetes epidemics are continuing to spread across the globe. There is increasing evidence that diabetes leads to a significantly higher risk for certain types of cancer. Both diabetes and cancer are characterized by severe metabolic perturbations and the branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) appear to play a significant role in both of these diseases. These essential amino acids participate in a wide variety of metabolic pathways, but it is now recognized that they are also critical regulators of a number of cell signaling pathways. An elevation in branched chain amino acids has recently been shown to be significantly correlated with insulin resistance and the future development of diabetes. In cancer, the normal demands for BCAAs are complicated by the conflicting needs of the tumor and the host. The severe muscle wasting syndrome experience by many cancer patients, known as cachexia, has motivated the use of BCAA supplementation. The desired improvement in muscle mass must be balanced by the need to avoid providing materials for tumor proliferation. A better understanding of the complex functions of BCAAs could lead to their use as biomarkers of the progression of certain cancers in diabetic patients.
Structural Studies and Investigation on the Activity of Imidazole-Derived Thiosemicarbazones and Hydrazones against Crop-Related Fungi
Authors: Reis Débora , Despaigne Angel , Silva Jeferson , Silva Nayane , Vilela Camila , Mendes Isolda , Takahashi Jacqueline , Beraldo Heloisa
Published: October 2013

New imidazole derived thiosemicarbazones and hydrazones were prepared by condensation of 4(5)-imidazole carboxaldehyde, 4-(1H-imidazole-1-yl)benzaldehyde and 4-(1H-imidazole-1-yl)acetophenone with a thiosemicarbazide or hydrazide. All compounds were characterized by quantitative elemental analysis, IR and NMR techniques. Eight structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The antifungal activities of the compounds were evaluated. None of the compounds exhibited significant activity against Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans, while 4(5)-imidazolecarboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (ImT) and 4-(1H-imidazole-1-yl)benzaldehyde thiosemicabazone (4ImBzT) were highly and selectively active against Cladosporium cladosporioides. 4(5)-Imidazolecarboxaldehyde benzoyl hydrazone (4(5)ImPh), 4(5)-imidazolecarboxaldehyde-para-chlorobenzoyl hydrazone (4(5)ImpClPh), 4(5)-imidazolecarboxaldehyde-para-nitrobenzoyl hydrazone (4(5)ImpNO2Ph), 4-(imidazole-1-yl)acetophenone-para-chloro-benzoyl hydrazone (4ImAcpClPh) and 4-(imidazole-1-yl)acetophenone-para-nitro-benzoylhydrazone (4ImAcpNO2Ph) were highly active against Candida glabrata. 4(5)ImpClPh and 4(5)ImpNO2Ph were very effective against C. cladosporioides. In many cases, activity was superior to that of the reference compound nystatin.
Orbital Interaction and Electron Density Transfer in PdII([9]aneB2A)L2 Complexes: Theoretical Approaches
Authors: Kwak Ock , Arooj Mahreen , Yoon Yong-Jin , Jeong Euh , Park Jong
Published: October 2013

The geometric structures of Pd-complexes {Pd([9]aneB2A)L2 and Pd([9]aneBAB)L2 where A = P, S; B = N; L = PH3, P(CH3)3, Cl−}, their selective orbital interaction towards equatorial or axial (soft A…Pd) coordination of macrocyclic [9]aneB2A tridentate to PdL2, and electron density transfer from the electron-rich trans L-ligand to the low-lying unfilled a1g(5s)-orbital of PdL2 were investigated using B3P86/lanl2DZ for Pd and 6-311+G** for other atoms. The pentacoordinate endo-[Pd([9]aneB2A)(L-donor)2]2+ complex with an axial (soft A--Pd) quasi-bond was optimized for stability. The fifth (soft A--Pd) quasi-bond between the σ-donor of soft A and the partially unfilled a1g(5s)-orbital of PdL2 was formed. The pentacoordinate endo-Pd([9]aneB2A)(L-donor)2]2+ complex has been found to be more stable than the corresponding tetracoordinate endo-Pd complexes. Except for the endo-Pd pentacoordinates, the tetracoordinate Pd([9]aneBAB)L2 complex with one equatorial (soft A-Pd) bond is found to be more stable than the Pd([9]aneB2A)L2 isomer without the equatorial (A-Pd) bond. In particular, the geometric configuration of endo-[Pd([9]anePNP)(L-donor)2]2+ could not be optimized.
Adiponectin: An Attractive Marker for Metabolic Disorders in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Authors: Bianco Andrea , Mazzarella Gennaro , Turchiarelli Viviana , Nigro Ersilia , Corbi Graziamaria , Scudiero Olga , Sofia Matteo , Daniele Aurora
Published: October 2013

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease which may be complicated by development of co-morbidities including metabolic disorders. Metabolic disorders commonly associated with this disease contribute to lung function impairment and mortality. Systemic inflammation appears to be a major factor linking COPD to metabolic alterations. Adipose tissue seems to interfere with systemic inflammation in COPD patients by producing a large number of proteins, known as “adipokines”, involved in various processes such as metabolism, immunity and inflammation. There is evidence that adiponectin is an important modulator of inflammatory processes implicated in airway pathophysiology. Increased serum levels of adiponectin and expression of its receptors on lung tissues of COPD patients have recently highlighted the importance of the adiponectin pathway in this disease. Further, in vitro studies have demonstrated an anti-inflammatory activity for this adipokine at the level of lung epithelium. This review focuses on mechanisms by which adiponectin is implicated in linking COPD with metabolic disorders.
Anorexia of Aging: A Modifiable Risk Factor for Frailty
Authors: Martone Anna , Onder Graziano , Vetrano Davide , Ortolani Elena , Tosato Matteo , Marzetti Emanuele , Landi Francesco
Published: October 2013

Anorexia of aging, defined as a loss of appetite and/or reduced food intake, affects a significant number of elderly people and is far more prevalent among frail individuals. Anorexia recognizes a multifactorial origin characterized by various combinations of medical, environmental and social factors. Given the interconnection between weight loss, sarcopenia and frailty, anorexia is a powerful, independent predictor of poor quality of life, morbidity and mortality in older persons. One of the most important goals in the management of older, frail people is to optimize their nutritional status. To achieve this objective it is important to identify subjects at risk of anorexia and to provide multi-stimulus interventions that ensure an adequate amount of food to limit and/or reverse weight loss and functional decline. Here, we provide a brief overview on the relevance of anorexia in the context of sarcopenia and frailty. Major pathways supposedly involved in the pathogenesis of anorexia are also illustrated. Finally, the importance of treating anorexia to achieve health benefits in frail elders is highlighted.
Effects of EGFR Inhibitor on Helicobacter pylori Induced Gastric Epithelial Pathology in Vivo
Authors: Crabtree Jean , Jeremy Anthony , Duval Cedric , Dixon Michael , Danjo Kazuma , Carr Ian , Pritchard D. , Robinson Philip
Published: October 2013

Helicobacter pylori transactivates the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and predisposes to gastric cancer development in humans and animal models. To examine the importance of EGFR signalling to gastric pathology, this study investigated whether treatment of Mongolian gerbils with a selective EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, EKB-569, altered gastric pathology in chronic H. pylori infection. Gerbils were infected with H. pylori and six weeks later received either EKB-569-supplemented, or control diet, for 32 weeks prior to sacrifice. EKB-569-treated H. pylori-infected gerbils had no difference in H. pylori colonisation or inflammation scores compared to infected animals on control diet, but showed significantly less corpus atrophy, mucous metaplasia and submucosal glandular herniations along with markedly reduced antral and corpus epithelial proliferation to apoptosis ratios. EKB-569-treated infected gerbils had significantly decreased abundance of Cox-2, Adam17 and Egfr gastric transcripts relative to infected animals on control diet. EGFR inhibition by EKB-569 therefore reduced the severity of pre-neoplastic gastric pathology in chronically H. pylori-infected gerbils. EKB-569 increased gastric epithelial apoptosis in H. pylori-infected gerbils which counteracted some of the consequences of increased gastric epithelial cell proliferation. Similar chemopreventative strategies may be useful in humans who are at high risk of developing H.pylori-induced gastric adenocarcinoma.
Analysis and Inter-Calibration of Wet Path Delay Datasets to Compute the Wet Tropospheric Correction for CryoSat-2 over Ocean
Authors: Fernandes M. , Nunes Alexandra , Lázaro Clara
Published: October 2013

Unlike most altimetric missions, CryoSat-2 is not equipped with an onboard microwave radiometer (MWR) to provide wet tropospheric correction (WTC) to radar altimeter measurements, thus, relying on a model-based one provided by the European Center for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). In the ambit of ESA funded project CP4O, an improved WTC for CryoSat-2 data over ocean is under development, based on a data combination algorithm (DComb) through objective analysis of WTC values derived from all existing global-scale data types. The scope of this study is the analysis and inter-calibration of the large dataset of total column water vapor (TCWV) products from scanning MWR aboard Remote Sensing (RS) missions for use in the WTC computation for CryoSat-2. The main issues regarding the computation of the WTC from all TCWV products are discussed. The analysis of the orbital parameters of CryoSat-2 and all other considered RS missions, their sensor characteristics and inter-calibration is presented, providing an insight into the expected impact of these datasets on the WTC estimation. The most suitable approach for calculating the WTC from TCWV is investigated. For this type of application, after calibration with respect to an appropriate reference, two approaches were found to give very similar results, with root mean square differences of 2 mm.
Processing and Assessment of Spectrometric, Stereoscopic Imagery Collected Using a Lightweight UAV Spectral Camera for Precision Agriculture
Authors: Honkavaara Eija , Saari Heikki , Kaivosoja Jere , Pölönen Ilkka , Hakala Teemu , Litkey Paula , Mäkynen Jussi , Pesonen Liisa
Published: October 2013

Imaging using lightweight, unmanned airborne vehicles (UAVs) is one of the most rapidly developing fields in remote sensing technology. The new, tunable, Fabry-Perot interferometer-based (FPI) spectral camera, which weighs less than 700 g, makes it possible to collect spectrometric image blocks with stereoscopic overlaps using light-weight UAV platforms. This new technology is highly relevant, because it opens up new possibilities for measuring and monitoring the environment, which is becoming increasingly important for many environmental challenges. Our objectives were to investigate the processing and use of this new type of image data in precision agriculture. We developed the entire processing chain from raw images up to georeferenced reflectance images, digital surface models and biomass estimates. The processing integrates photogrammetric and quantitative remote sensing approaches. We carried out an empirical assessment using FPI spectral imagery collected at an agricultural wheat test site in the summer of 2012. Poor weather conditions during the campaign complicated the data processing, but this is one of the challenges that are faced in operational applications. The results indicated that the camera performed consistently and that the data processing was consistent, as well. During the agricultural experiments, promising results were obtained for biomass estimation when the spectral data was used and when an appropriate radiometric correction was applied to the data. Our results showed that the new FPI technology has a great potential in precision agriculture and indicated many possible future research topics.
Leaf Area Index (LAI) Estimation in Boreal Mixedwood Forest of Ontario, Canada Using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and WorldView-2 Imagery
Authors: Pope Graham , Treitz Paul
Published: October 2013

Leaf Area Index (LAI) is an important input variable for forest ecosystem modeling as it is a factor in predicting productivity and biomass, two key aspects of forest health. Current in situ methods of determining LAI are sometimes destructive and generally very time consuming. Other LAI derivation methods, mainly satellite-based in nature, do not provide sufficient spatial resolution or the precision required by forest managers for tactical planning. This paper focuses on estimating LAI from: (i) height and density metrics derived from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR); (ii) spectral vegetation indices (SVIs), in particular the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI); and (iii) a combination of these methods. For the Hearst Forest of Northern Ontario, in situ measurements of LAI were derived from digital hemispherical photographs (DHPs) while remote sensing variables were derived from low density LiDAR (i.e., 1 m−2) and high spatial resolution WorldView-2 data (2 m). Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) models were generated using these variables. Results from these analyses demonstrate: (i) moderate explanatory power (i.e., R2 = 0.53) for LiDAR height and density metrics that have proven to be related to canopy structure; (ii) no relationship when using SVIs; and (iii) no significant improvement of LiDAR models when combining them with SVI variables. The results suggest that LiDAR models in boreal forest environments provide satisfactory estimations of LAI, even with narrow ranges of LAI for model calibration. Models derived from low point density LiDAR in a mixedwood boreal environment seem to offer a reliable method of estimating LAI at high spatial resolution for decision makers in the forestry community. This method can be easily incorporated into simultaneous modeling efforts for forest inventory variables using LiDAR.
A Buoy for Continuous Monitoring of Suspended Sediment Dynamics
Authors: Mueller Philip , Thoss Heiko , Kaempf Lucas , Güntner Andreas
Published: October 2013

Knowledge of Suspended Sediments Dynamics (SSD) across spatial scales is relevant for several fields of hydrology, such as eco-hydrological processes, the operation of hydrotechnical facilities and research on varved lake sediments as geoarchives. Understanding the connectivity of sediment flux between source areas in a catchment and sink areas in lakes or reservoirs is of primary importance to these fields. Lacustrine sediments may serve as a valuable expansion of instrumental hydrological records for flood frequencies and magnitudes, but depositional processes and detrital layer formation in lakes are not yet fully understood. This study presents a novel buoy system designed to continuously measure suspended sediment concentration and relevant boundary conditions at a high spatial and temporal resolution in surface water bodies. The buoy sensors continuously record turbidity as an indirect measure of suspended sediment concentrations, water temperature and electrical conductivity at up to nine different water depths. Acoustic Doppler current meters and profilers measure current velocities along a vertical profile from the water surface to the lake bottom. Meteorological sensors capture the atmospheric boundary conditions as main drivers of lake dynamics. It is the high spatial resolution of multi-point turbidity measurements, the dual-sensor velocity measurements and the temporally synchronous recording of all sensors along the water column that sets the system apart from existing buoy systems. Buoy data collected during a 4-month field campaign in Lake Mondsee demonstrate the potential and effectiveness of the system in monitoring suspended sediment dynamics. Observations were related to stratification and mixing processes in the lake and increased turbidity close to a catchment outlet during flood events. The rugged buoy design assures continuous operation in terms of stability, energy management and sensor logging throughout the study period. We conclude that the buoy is a suitable tool for continuous monitoring of suspended sediment concentrations and general dynamics in fresh water bodies.
A Coded Structured Light System Based on Primary Color Stripe Projection and Monochrome Imaging
Authors: Barone Sandro , Paoli Alessandro , Razionale Armando
Published: October 2013

Coded Structured Light techniques represent one of the most attractive research areas within the field of optical metrology. The coding procedures are typically based on projecting either a single pattern or a temporal sequence of patterns to provide 3D surface data. In this context, multi-slit or stripe colored patterns may be used with the aim of reducing the number of projected images. However, color imaging sensors require the use of calibration procedures to address crosstalk effects between different channels and to reduce the chromatic aberrations. In this paper, a Coded Structured Light system has been developed by integrating a color stripe projector and a monochrome camera. A discrete coding method, which combines spatial and temporal information, is generated by sequentially projecting and acquiring a small set of fringe patterns. The method allows the concurrent measurement of geometrical and chromatic data by exploiting the benefits of using a monochrome camera. The proposed methodology has been validated by measuring nominal primitive geometries and free-form shapes. The experimental results have been compared with those obtained by using a time-multiplexing gray code strategy.
Potential of Visible and Near Infrared Spectroscopy and Pattern Recognition for Rapid Quantification of Notoginseng Powder with Adulterants
Authors: Nie Pengcheng , Wu Di , Sun Da-Wen , Cao Fang , Bao Yidan , He Yong
Published: October 2013

Notoginseng is a classical traditional Chinese medical herb, which is of high economic and medical value. Notoginseng powder (NP) could be easily adulterated with Sophora flavescens powder (SFP) or corn flour (CF), because of their similar tastes and appearances and much lower cost for these adulterants. The objective of this study is to quantify the NP content in adulterated NP by using a rapid and non-destructive visible and near infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy method. Three wavelength ranges of visible spectra, short-wave near infrared spectra (SNIR) and long-wave near infrared spectra (LNIR) were separately used to establish the model based on two calibration methods of partial least square regression (PLSR) and least-squares support vector machines (LS-SVM), respectively. Competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) was conducted to identify the most important wavelengths/variables that had the greatest influence on the adulterant quantification throughout the whole wavelength range. The CARS-PLSR models based on LNIR were determined as the best models for the quantification of NP adulterated with SFP, CF, and their mixtures, in which the rP values were 0.940, 0.939, and 0.867 for the three models respectively. The research demonstrated the potential of the Vis-NIR spectroscopy technique for the rapid and non-destructive quantification of NP containing adulterants.
G3 Assisted Rational Design of Chemical Sensor Array Using Carbonitrile Neutral Receptors
Authors: Rosli Ahmad , Bakar Maizathul , Manan Ninie , Woi Pei , Lee Vannajan , Zain Sharifuddin , Ahmad Mohd , Alias Yatimah
Published: October 2013

Combined computational and experimental strategies for the systematic design of chemical sensor arrays using carbonitrile neutral receptors are presented. Binding energies of acetonitrile, n-pentylcarbonitrile and malononitrile with Ca(II), Mg(II), Be(II) and H+ have been investigated with the B3LYP, G3, CBS-QB3, G4 and MQZVP methods, showing a general trend H+ > Be(II) > Mg(II) > Ca(II). Hydrogen bonding, donor-acceptor and cation-lone pair electron simple models were employed in evaluating the performance of computational methods. Mg(II) is bound to acetonitrile in water by 12.5 kcal/mol, and in the gas phase the receptor is more strongly bound by 33.3 kcal/mol to Mg(II) compared to Ca(II). Interaction of bound cations with carbonitrile reduces the energies of the MOs involved in the proposed σ-p conjugated network. The planar malononitrile-Be(II) complex possibly involves a π-network with a cationic methylene carbon. Fabricated potentiometric chemical sensors show distinct signal patterns that can be exploited in sensor array applications.
Omnidirectional Structured Light in a Flexible Configuration
Authors: Paniagua Carmen , Puig Luis , Guerrero José
Published: October 2013

Structured light is a perception method that allows us to obtain 3D information from images of the scene by projecting synthetic features with a light emitter. Traditionally, this method considers a rigid configuration, where the position and orientation of the light emitter with respect to the camera are known and calibrated beforehand. In this paper we propose a new omnidirectional structured light system in flexible configuration, which overcomes the rigidness of the traditional structured light systems. We propose the use of an omnidirectional camera combined with a conic pattern light emitter. Since the light emitter is visible in the omnidirectional image, the computation of its location is possible. With this information and the projected conic in the omnidirectional image, we are able to compute the conic reconstruction, i.e., the 3D information of the conic in the space. This reconstruction considers the recovery of the depth and orientation of the scene surface where the conic pattern is projected. One application of our proposed structured light system in flexible configuration consists of a wearable omnicamera with a low-cost laser in hand for visual impaired personal assistance.
Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Two Lectins from Dwarf Elder (Sambucus ebulus L.) Blossoms Related to the Sam n1 Allergen
Authors: Jimenez Pilar , Cabrero Patricia , Basterrechea José , Tejero Jesús , Cordoba-Diaz Damian , Girbes Tomas
Published: October 2013

Sambucus species contain a number of lectins with and without antiribosomal activity. Here, we show that dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus L.) blossoms express two D-galactose-binding lectins that were isolated and purified by affinity chromatography and gel filtration. These proteins, which we named ebulin blo (A-B toxin) and SELblo (B-B lectin)—blo from blossoms—were subjected to molecular characterization and analysis by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and tryptic peptide fingerprinting. Both lectins share a high degree of amino acid sequence homology with Sambucus lectins related to the Sam n1 allergen. Ebulin blo, but not SELblo, was highly toxic by nasal instillation to mice. Overall, our results suggested that both lectins would belong to an allergen family exemplified by Sam n1 and could trigger allergy responses. Furthermore, they raise a concern about ebulin blo toxicity.
Stream Water and Groundwater Interaction Revealed by Temperature Monitoring in Agricultural Areas
Authors: Lee Jin-Yong , Lim Hyoun , Yoon Ho , Park Youngyun
Published: October 2013

Variations in stream water, streambed, adjacent stream sediment, and groundwater temperatures in the Haean basin, Korea were examined using time series analyses including auto-correlation, spectral density, and cross-correlation functions. The temperatures of the ambient air, stream water, streambed (depth = 10 cm), and adjacent stream sediment (depth = 10 cm) showed distinctive diurnal variations with long-term seasonal cooling trends, while groundwater temperature showed only a seasonal decreasing trend with little diurnal variations. Auto-correlations and spectral densities of the stream water, streambed, and sediment temperatures also revealed strong daily cyclical behaviors, with longer periodic cycles varying from weekly to monthly. Amplitudes and lag times of the streambed thermal signals were also affected by the hydraulic conductivities of the sediments. Lower hydraulic conductivity indicates a more attenuated and slower thermal response for the streambed. The calculated vertical water flow velocities of the streambed revealed that the investigated stream locations were under losing or gaining conditions, depending on the location and time.
La participation du personnel à la gestion des entreprises dans les pays de démocratie populaire
Authors: Simon Claude
Published: October 2013

Les difficultés qui se sont accumulées au cours des dernières années dans les pays de l'Europe Orientale ont incité certains de leurs dirigeants à reviser leurs conceptions de la structure de l'Etat et de l'économie : la Yougoslavie a été la première à rechercher et appliquer de nouvelles méthodes, elle est suivie maintenant par la Pologne ; mais, même dans les autres pays, restés plus fidèles à la conception orthodoxe du communisme des innovations ont été introduites dans la gestion des entreprises. La présente étude est consacrée aux Conseils Ouvriers, une des pièces maîtresses du nouveau régime de décentralisation économique. La description de leur structure et de leur fonctionnement a exigé nécessairement une analyse des textes juridiques ; d'autre part, il a paru utile de donner quelques aperçus sur les conditions politiques qui ont accompagné la création des Conseils Ouvriers.
Marché commun et problèmes démographiques
Authors: Hérouville Hubert d'
Published: October 2013

La mise en route prochaine du Marché commun a suscité, jusqu'ici, des études portant sur les aspects les plus apparents : production des matières premières, volume et courants des échanges extérieurs, niveau comparé des salaires et des prix... Les problèmes de population, cependant, joueront aussi un rôle qui ne sera pas moins essentiel, et il est utile de les aborder dès à présent, quoique les données soient moins nombreuses et présentent quelques incertitudes. Cette restriction devait être d'autant plus formulée dès l'abord que, sans négliger le passé en ce qui concerne les points les plus intéressants — dont il était facile de donner un raccourci de l'évolution — et après examen de la situation actuelle (ou du moins récente, en raison des retards statistiques) c'est surtout /'avenir qui a retenu l'attention, en dépit des difficultés et des approximations que chacun devine pour une telle projection. Car le Marché commun, encore à naître, sera une création de longue haleine, et l'essentiel est bien de chercher à prévoir, au moins, les grands traits probables de l'évolution de cet organisme important, où sont appelés à se fondre partiellement des intérêts au départ si nombreux et si variés, voire si opposés.
L'institution comme système. Une lecture systémique de l'institutionnel
Authors: Pain Jacques
Published: October 2013

La pédagogie et la psychothérapie institutionnelles sont des pratiques que l’on peut lire comme systémiques. En effet, la structuration qu’elles revendiquent les situe dans une liaison opératoire de systèmes d’instances, d’activités, et de sous-systèmes articulant des institutions multiples, plurielles. Cette matrice de pensée qu’est l’Institutionnel a des fonctions génériques qui permettent de « systémiser » et systématiser des pratiques apparemment différentes, scolaires, éducatives, cliniques, à partir du moment où elles se reconnaissent comme institutionnelles.
Comment écrire un livre en équipe ? Liberté et créativité, structure et interactivité
Authors: Casimir Nathalie , Van den Broeck Danièle , Verdys Céline , Kinoo Philippe
Published: October 2013

Il y a quatre ans, l’idée d’écrire un livre sur le travail en hôpital de jour pédopsychiatrique a été semée par l’un d’entre nous. L’idée a germé et le manuscrit s’est construit avec l’ensemble de l’équipe. Des réunions ont permis à chacun de se dévoiler un peu plus, d’exprimer ses émotions, de dire ses envies. Des binômes, des trios se sont organisés, chacun a mis en mots ses pratiques, ses doutes, ses savoir-faire, ses réflexions, avec cette envie de transmettre, de témoigner, de partager. Quel est le modèle institutionnel qui a permis une écriture collective ? Selon nous, c’est une expérience préalable de travail alliant d’une part cadre, structure et exigence, et d’autre part, liberté, créativité et interactivité de chacun dans son travail. L’article reprend deux types d’ateliers décrits dans le livre (« psychomotricité/école » et « ateliers avec parents ») pour illustrer le contenu de l’ouvrage. Ensuite, c’est le processus écriture, mis en résonance avec le « modèle institutionnel », qui est présenté.
Familles, jeunes et institutions : quelques réflexions
Authors: Segers-Laurent Annig
Published: October 2013

Les relations entre familles, jeunes et institutions sont souvent difficiles et complexes. Le temps est au centre de cette complexité. Le temps des familles, des jeunes, des institutions et des intervenants plonge chacun dans une logique temporelle qui lui est propre et différente de celle des autres. Des questions telles que compétition, coopération, loyautés sont en jeu dans ces rencontres. Les notions de relations et d’appartenances multiples, de mémoires et d’histoires sont abordées, en lien avec la question temporelle, et tout en montrant que la complexité des choses ouvre sur des possibilités d’alliances de travail.