scholarly journals The Use of UAVs for the Characterization and Analysis of Rocky Coasts

Drones ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Alejandro Gómez-Pazo ◽  
Augusto Pérez-Alberti
Keyword(s):  
High Spatial Resolution ◽  
Ecological Value ◽  
Field Surveys ◽  
Gis Tools ◽  
Lower Variation ◽  
Low Costs ◽  
Rocky Coasts ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Function ◽  
Shore Platforms

Rocky coasts represent three quarters of all coastlines worldwide. These areas are part of ecosystems of great ecological value, but their steep configuration and their elevation make field surveys difficult. This fact, together with their lower variation rates, explains the lower numbers of publications about cliffs and rocky coasts in general compared with those about beach-dune systems. The introduction of UAVs in research, has enormously expanded the possibilities for the study of rocky coasts. Their relative low costs allow for the generation of information with a high level of detail. This information, combined with GIS tools, enables coastal analysis based on Digital Models and high spatial resolution images. This investigation summarizes the main results obtained with the help of UAVs between 2012 and the present day in rocky coastline sections in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. These investigations have particularly focused on monitoring the dynamics of boulder beaches, cliffs, and shore platforms, as well as the structure and function of ecosystems. This work demonstrates the importance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for coastal studies and their usefulness for improving coastal management. The Galician case was used to explain their importance and the advances in the UAVs’ techniques.

L2 acquisition of the bei passive in Mandarin Chinese: A constructionist approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-198
Author(s):  
Chen Chen ◽  
Feng-hsi Liu
Keyword(s):  
Mandarin Chinese ◽  
Choice Task ◽  
L2 Acquisition ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Passive Construction ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
L2 Learners ◽  
Constructionist Approach ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Function

Abstract A major claim in the constructionist approach to language acquisition is that grammar is learned by pairings of form and function. In this study we test this claim by examining how L2 learners of Mandarin Chinese acquire the bei passive construction, a construction that is associated with the meaning of adversity. Our goal is to find out whether L2 learners make the association between the passive and adversity. Participants performed a sentence choice task under four conditions: an adversative context with an adversative verb, an adversative context with a neutral verb, a neutral context with a neutral verb and a positive context with a neutral verb. In each context participants were asked to select either the bei passive construction or its active counterpart. We found that high-level learners consistently chose the bei passive significantly more in adversative contexts than in non-adversative contexts regardless of the connotations of the verbs, while low-level learners made the distinction half of the time. In addition, while low-level learners did not yet associate adversity with the form of the construction, high-level learners did. We conclude that L2 learners do learn the bei passive construction as a form-meaning pair. The constructionist approach is supported.

scholarly journals Spine impairment in mice high-expressing neuregulin 1 due to LIMK1 activation

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng Chen ◽  
Hongyang Jing ◽  
Mingtao Xiong ◽  
Qian Zhang ◽  
Dong Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neural Development ◽  
Protein Level ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Postmortem Brain ◽  
Pathophysiological Mechanism ◽  
Brain Disorders ◽  
Spine Density ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Function

AbstractThe genes encoding for neuregulin1 (NRG1), a growth factor, and its receptor ErbB4 are both risk factors of major depression disorder and schizophrenia (SZ). They have been implicated in neural development and synaptic plasticity. However, exactly how NRG1 variations lead to SZ remains unclear. Indeed, NRG1 levels are increased in postmortem brain tissues of patients with brain disorders. Here, we studied the effects of high-level NRG1 on dendritic spine development and function. We showed that spine density in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus was reduced in mice (ctoNrg1) that overexpressed NRG1 in neurons. The frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) was reduced in both brain regions of ctoNrg1 mice. High expression of NRG1 activated LIMK1 and increased cofilin phosphorylation in postsynaptic densities. Spine reduction was attenuated by inhibiting LIMK1 or blocking the NRG1–LIMK1 interaction, or by restoring NRG1 protein level. These results indicate that a normal NRG1 protein level is necessary for spine homeostasis and suggest a pathophysiological mechanism of abnormal spines in relevant brain disorders.

scholarly journals Structure and function relationships of proteins based on polar profile: a review.

2016 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Polanco ◽  
Thomas Buhse ◽  
Vladimir N Uversky
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Structure ◽  
Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Training Data ◽  
Main Function ◽  
Pharmaceutical Drugs ◽  
Linear Sequence ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Function

Proteins in the post-genome era impose diverse research challenges, the main are the understanding of their structure-function mechanism, and the growing need for new pharmaceutical drugs, particularly antibiotics that help clinicians treat the ever- increasing number of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs). Although, there is a wide range of mathematical-computational algorithms to satisfy the demand, among them the Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship algorithms that have shown better performance using a characteristic training data of the property searched; their performance has stagnated regardless of the number of metrics they evaluate and their complexity. This article reviews the characteristics of these metrics, and the need to reconsider the mathematical structure that expresses them, directing their design to a more comprehensive algebraic structure. It also shows how the main function of a protein can be determined by measuring the polarity of its linear sequence, with a high level of accuracy, and how such exhaustive metric stands as a "fingerprint" that can be applied to scan the protein regions to obtain new pharmaceutical drugs, and thus to establish how the singularities led to the specialization of the protein groups known today.

scholarly journals Champa Citadels: An Archaeological and Historical Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 70-105
Author(s):  
Trường Giang Đỗ ◽  
Tomomi Suzuki ◽  
Văn Quảng Nguyễn ◽  
Mariko Yamagata
Keyword(s):  
Fifteenth Century ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Ninth Century ◽  
Historical Study ◽  
Joint Research ◽  
Field Surveys ◽  
Historical Material ◽  
And Function ◽  
Role And Function ◽  
Archaeological Excavations

Abstract From 2009 to 2012, a joint research team of Japanese and Vietnamese archaeologists led by the late Prof. Nishimura Masanari conducted surveys and excavations at fifteen sites around the Hoa Chau Citadel in Thua Thien Hue Province, built by the Champa people in the ninth century and used by the Viet people until the fifteenth century. This article introduces some findings from recent archaeological excavations undertaken at three Champa citadels: the Hoa Chau Citadel, the Tra Kieu Citadel in Quang Nam Province, and the Cha Ban Citadel in Binh Dinh Province. Combined with historical material and field surveys, the paper describes the scope and structure of the ancient citadels of Champa, and it explores the position, role, and function of these citadels in the context of their own nagaras (small kingdoms) and of mandala Champa as a whole. Through comparative analysis, an attempt is made to identify features characteristic of ancient Champa citadels in general.

scholarly journals Management of the Crooked Nose

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 168-172
Author(s):  
Jessica W Scordino ◽  
Frederick J Stucker
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Successful Outcome ◽  
Open Approach ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
Crooked Nose ◽  
Self Image ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Function ◽  
Nasal Function

ABSTRACT Aim: To describe an approach for the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with crooked nose. Background Patients with crooked nose suffer from functional ailments, most significant nasal obstruction, as well as esthetic concerns which may impact their self-image as well as others’ perception of them. As such, management of the crooked nose is an especially challenging task in that it demands careful attention to both nasal function and appearance. There are a plethora of surgical techniques which may be utilized, and the surgeon's approach must be tailored to each individual patient's presentation. Technique Accurate diagnosis is imperative for a successful outcome and relies on a thorough history and careful physical examination. Surgical intervention may be addressed by either an endonasal or open approach based on the location and severity of the deformity. It is helpful to break down the nose in vertical thirds when planning your surgical approach. Different techniques are used to address the upper third comprising the nasal bones, middle third composed of the upper lateral cartilages and septum, and the lower third composed of the lower lateral cartilages and caudal septum. Conclusion Management of the crooked nose is a technically challenging endeavor that highlights the need to address both form and function for a successful outcome. Effective treatment can significantly improve a patient's quality of life leading to a high level of satisfaction for both the patient and the surgeon. How to cite this article Scordino JW, Stucker FJ. Management of the Crooked Nose. Int J Head Neck Surg 2016;7(3):168-172.

scholarly journals Design and verification of additional filtration for the application of ecological transmission and hydraulic fluids in tractorc

2013 ◽  
Vol 61 (5) ◽  
pp. 1305-1311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavel Máchal ◽  
Radoslav Majdan ◽  
Zdenko Tkáč ◽  
Bohuslav Stančík ◽  
Rudolf Abrahám ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Elements ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Additive Concentration ◽  
Test Operation ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Medium Level ◽  
Agricultural Tractors ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Function

This contribution presents the design and function verification of additional filtration. It is intended for the common transmission and hydraulic oil filling of tractors. The main role of this filtration concept is to ensure a high level of oil cleanness as a condition for the application of ecologic fluids in tractors. The next one is to decrease the wear of lubricated tractor components, the degradation of oil and eventually to extend the interval of oil change. The designed additional filtering is characterized by ease installation through the use of quick couplings and hoses to the external hydraulic circuit. Therefore, the filtration is suitable for various tractor types. Filter element has been designed with the filter ability 1micron and the ability to separate to 0.5 dm3 of water from oil. Function of additional filtration was verified during the 150 engine hours of tractor operation. During this time period the oil contamination was evaluated on the basis of chemical elements content such as Fe, Cu, Si, Al, Ni, Mo and Cr. The additive concentration was evaluated on the basis of chemical elements content such as Ca, P and Zn. During the test operation of tractor the concentration decrease of chemical elements reached the values 25.53 % (Fe), 23.53 % (Si), 25 % (Al) and 5.5 % (Cu). The decrease of additive concentration reached only medium level (6.6 %). Therefore, the designed additional filtration doesn’t remove additives from oil. Based on the evaluation of the content of chemical elements (that representing contamination and additives), we can say that the designed filtering method is suitable for use in agricultural tractors.

Studying and mapping the soils of the southern part Sea of Okhotsk sector of the Kunashir island, Kuril islands

2021 ◽  
Vol 969 (3) ◽  
pp. 19-27
Author(s):  
M.Yu. Grischchenko ◽  
V.V. Khlyustova ◽  
E.A. Izyumnikova ◽  
I.V. Kalimova
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Soil Cover ◽  
High Spatial Resolution ◽  
Field Surveys ◽  
Kunashir Island ◽  
Soil Forming Processes ◽  
Kuril Ridge ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Zonal Soils

The paper deals with compilation of a large-scale soil map for the site of “Kurilsky” nature reserve, located in the southern part of Kunashir island, the Greater Kuril ridge. The islands make a remote and poorly studied area, and the soil is one of the least examined components of the local geosystems. The zonal soils here are cambisoil, but the variety of soil-forming processes characteristic of the island provides a comparative diversity of the cover. Modern volcanism affects the formation process significantly, although its role is sometimes overestimated. The study is based on field surveys performed in the considered area in 2014–2019, during which descriptions of soils were compiled according to standard methods. The map was compiled using a multispectral image of high spatial resolution from the Pleiades-1B satellite and topographic maps. Thus, the abundance of soils from different levels and divisions does not make a significant effect on the general heterogeneity of the territory soil cover due to the small area of intrazonal soils.

Proteinase-activated receptors in ovine cervical function

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon E. Mitchell ◽  
John J. Robinson ◽  
Margaret E. King ◽  
Lynda M. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
In Situ Hybridisation ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Cervical Dilation ◽  
Proteinase Activated Receptors ◽  
Pregnant Ewe ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Function

In sheep, inflammation not only functions in cervical dilation at parturition, but also plays an important part in the non-pregnant ewe cervix, as demonstrated by the high level of expression of interleukin (IL)-8 at oestrus. Ewes artificially induced to ovulate have significantly lower levels of IL-8 gene expression at oestrus compared with natural oestrus, indicating an inhibition of inflammation and function, offering an explanation for the low rates of conception in vaginally inseminated synchronised ewes. To identify potential pro-inflammatory agents to combat the anti-inflammatory effects of hormonal synchronisation of oestrus, we have investigated the role of proteinase-activated receptor (PAR)-1 and PAR-2. To localise and measure the level of expression of these receptors, ovine-specific probes were derived for PAR-1 and PAR-2 and used for quantitative in situ hybridisation in the ovine cervix. Both PAR-1 and PAR-2 were expressed in the luminal epithelium of the cervix throughout the oestrous cycle, with expression being highest at oestrus. The gene expression of PAR-2 at oestrus was approximately 30% higher than that of PAR-1. Artificial synchronisation of oestrus by either an intravaginal progesterone sponge or prostaglandin F2α injections did not inhibit PAR-1 or PAR-2 expression at oestrus; rather, in the case of PAR-2, progesterone synchronisation increased it. Both synchronising procedures increased the expression of PAR-1 and PAR-2 during the luteal phase of the cycle. Therefore, agonists of PAR-1 and PAR-2 may be potentially useful pro-inflammatory agents countering the inhibition of inflammation by hormonal synchronisation.

Immunoprobe Localization by Correlative Microscopy

2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 195-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia G. Calarco
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Light Microscopy ◽  
Ultrastructural Level ◽  
Correlative Microscopy ◽  
Microtubule Organizing Center ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Organizing Center ◽  
Gamma Tubulin ◽  
High Level ◽  
And Function

AbstractMammalian oocytes present challenges for optimal study by electron microscopy (EM) due to their high level of hydration, their large size, and their relatively undifferentiated cytoplasm. This is particularly true for immunoprobe localization which has led to a dependence on light microscopic (LM) techniques, such as immunofluorescence. This study presents correlative LM and EM data to describe an example of the failure of light microscopy to correctly predict the ultrastructure of one particular organelle. Immunoprobe localization of centrosome and microtubule organizing center (MTOC) antigens in the mammalian egg was made by immunofluorescence and post-embedding immuno-EM, with best EM results achieved in Lowicryl-embedded material. Centrosome and MTOC antigens were detected by 5051 and an antibody to gamma tubulin (γtubulin). Gamma tubulin is a highly conserved element of MTOCs in many species and, thus, is highly diagnostic for them; it is also considered essential for microtubule (MT) nucleation. Results indicate that prior to nuclear breakdown, 5051 antigens and γ-tubulin are found exclusively in a type of “organelle,” the multivesicular aggregate (MVA), that bears no resemblance to MTOCs at the ultrastructural level. Until recently, the MVA was considered an organelle without a known function, while standard MTOCs were presumed to be the entities that carry the proteins recognized by centrosome antibodies. LM localization of centrosomal antigens carried the presumption that standard MTOCs were the entities labeled. Whether or not other molecules are shown to co-localize to these MVA, the presence of γ-tubulin supports the contention that MVA, or their contents, serve as centrosomal precursors with a unique ultrastructure. Thus, dependence on LM techniques alone can lead to erroneous conclusions on organelle identity and function.

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