How Can Selection of Biologically Inspired Features Improve the Performance of a Robust Object Recognition Model?

Humans can effectively and swiftly recognize objects in complex natural scenes. This outstanding ability has motivated many computational object recognition models. Most of these models try to emulate the behavior of this remarkable system. The human visual system hierarchically recognizes objects in several processing stages. Along these stages a set of features with increasing complexity is extracted by different parts of visual system. Elementary features like bars and edges are processed in earlier levels of visual pathway and as far as one goes upper in this pathway more complex features will be spotted. It is an important interrogation in the field of visual processing to see which features of an object are selected and represented by the visual cortex. To address this issue, we extended a hierarchical model, which is motivated by biology, for different object recognition tasks. In this model, a set of object parts, named patches, extracted in the intermediate stages. These object parts are used for training procedure in the model and have an important role in object recognition. These patches are selected indiscriminately from different positions of an image and this can lead to the extraction of non-discriminating patches which eventually may reduce the performance. In the proposed model we used an evolutionary algorithm approach to select a set of informative patches. Our reported results indicate that these patches are more informative than usual random patches. We demonstrate the strength of the proposed model on a range of object recognition tasks. The proposed model outperforms the original model in diverse object recognition tasks. It can be seen from the experiments that selected features are generally particular parts of target images. Our results suggest that selected features which are parts of target objects provide an efficient set for robust object recognition.     

A new species of Rhytidognathus (Carabidae,?Migadopini) from Argentina

The Migadopini are a small tribe of Carabidae with 47 species that occur in South America, Australia, and New Zealand, in the sub-Antarctic areas. In South America, most of the genera inhabit areas related to sub-Antartic Nothofagus forest except two monogeneric genera, the Ecuadorian genus Aquilex Moret and the Pampean genus Rhytidognathus Chaudoir. These two genera are geographically isolated from the remaining five South American genera. New material of Rhytidognathus from the northeast of Buenos Aires province and from Entre Ríos province permits establishing that the previous records of Rhytidognathus ovalis (Dejean) for Argentina were erroneous and that it belongs to a new species. Based on external morphological characters and from male and female genitalia we describe Rhytidognathus platensis as a new species. In this contribution we provide illustrations, keys, habitat characteristics and some biogeographic considerations on the distribution of Rhytidognathus.     

Amentoflavone Ameliorates Aβ<Subscript>1–42</Subscript>-Induced Memory Deficits and Oxidative Stress in Cellular and Rat Model

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system, is the most common cause of senile dementia. This study aimed to investigate whether amentoflavone (AF), a biflavonoid compound, could exert neuroprotective activities against AD. The AD model was established by the intracranial injection of amyloid-beta (Aβ) in rat models. The effect of AF on cognitive function was examined using the Morris water maze test. Cell survival and apoptosis in the hippocampal region in an animal model were detected using Nissl staining and a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferased UTP nick-end labeling assay, respectively. The levels of oxidant enzymes were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Signaling molecule expressions were examined by western blotting. Our results showed that AF significantly attenuated Aβ-induced deficits in neurological functions as well as neuronal cell death and apoptosis in the hippocampal region. Moreover, our findings revealed that AF increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and translocation and activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. In a cellular model of AD established by exposing PC12 cells to Aβ, our results provided further evidence that the neuroprotective activities of AF were mediated by modulating Nrf2 through AMPK/glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta signaling. AF exerts a protective effect against Aβ_1–42-induced neurotoxcicity by inducing Nrf2 antioxidant pathways via AMPK signaling activation, which provided experimental evidence that AF might provide a clinical benefit to patients with AD.     

Chronic Total Occlusions in Sweden – A Report from the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR)

Introduction

Evidence for the current guidelines for the treatment of patients with chronic total occlusions (CTO) in coronary arteries is limited. In this study we identified all CTO patients registered in the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR) and studied the prevalence, patient characteristics and treatment decisions for CTO in Sweden.

Methods and Results

Between January 2005 and January 2012, 276,931 procedures (coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention) were performed in 215,836 patients registered in SCAAR. We identified all patients who had 100% luminal diameter stenosis known or assumed to be ≥3 months old. After exclusion of patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or coronary occlusions due to acute coronary syndrome, we identified 16,818 CTO patients. A CTO was present in 10.9% of all coronary angiographies and in 16.0% of patients with coronary artery disease. The majority of CTO patients were treated conservatively and PCI of CTO accounted for only 5.8% of all PCI procedures. CTO patients with diabetes and multivessel disease were more likely to be referred to CABG.

Conclusion

CTO is a common finding in Swedish patients undergoing coronary angiography but the number of CTO procedures in Sweden is low. Patients with CTO are a high-risk subgroup of patients with coronary artery disease. SCAAR has the largest register of CTO patients and therefore may be valuable for studies of clinical importance of CTO and optimal treatment for CTO patients.     

Structure and Expression of a Dhurrinase (β-Glucosidase) from Sorghum

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) has two isozymes of the cyanogenic β-glucosidase dhurrinase: dhurrinase-1 (Dhr1) and dhurrinase-2 (Dhr2). A nearly full-length cDNA encoding dhurrinase was isolated from 4-d-old etiolated seedlings and sequenced. The cDNA has a 1695-nucleotide-long open reading frame, which codes for a 565-amino acid-long precursor and a 514-amino acid-long mature protein, respectively. Deduced amino acid sequence of the sorghum Dhr showed 70% identity with two maize (Zea mays) β-glucosidase isozymes. Southern-blot data suggested that β-glu-cosidase is encoded by a small multigene family in sorghum. Northern-blot data indicated that the mRNA corresponding to the cloned Dhr cDNA is present at high levels in the node and upper half of the mesocotyl in etiolated seedlings but at low levels in the root—only in the zone of elongation and the tip region. Light-grown seedling parts had lower levels of Dhr mRNA than those of etiolated seedlings. Immunoblot analysis performed using maize-anti-β-glucosidase sera detected two distinct dhurrinases (57 and 62 kD) in sorghum. The distribution of Dhr activity in different plant parts supports the mRNA and immunoreactive protein data, suggesting that the cloned cDNA corresponds to the Dhr1 (57 kD) isozyme and that the dhr1 gene shows organ-specific expression.     

A new species of Coccus (Hemiptera,Coccoidea,?Coccidae) from China

A new species of soft scale, Coccus multisetus Wang & Feng, sp. n. is described and illustrated from Yunnan, China. A key to adult females of all Coccusknown from China is provided.     

A Neural Network Model for K(λ) Retrieval and Application to Global K par Monitoring

Accurate estimation of diffuse attenuation coefficients in the visible wavelengths K _d(λ) from remotely sensed data is particularly challenging in global oceanic and coastal waters. The objectives of the present study are to evaluate the applicability of a semi-analytical K _d(λ) retrieval model (SAKM) and Jamet’s neural network model (JNNM), and then develop a new neural network K _d(λ) retrieval model (NNKM). Based on the comparison of K _d(λ) predicted by these models with in situ measurements taken from the global oceanic and coastal waters, all of the NNKM, SAKM, and JNNM models work well in K _d(λ) retrievals, but the NNKM model works more stable and accurate than both SAKM and JNNM models. The near-infrared band-based and shortwave infrared band-based combined model is used to remove the atmospheric effects on MODIS data. The K _d(λ) data was determined from the atmospheric corrected MODIS data using the NNKM, JNNM, and SAKM models. The results show that the NNKM model produces <30% uncertainty in deriving K _d(λ) from global oceanic and coastal waters, which is 4.88-17.18% more accurate than SAKM and JNNM models. Furthermore, we employ an empirical approach to calculate K _par from the NNKM model-derived diffuse attenuation coefficient at visible bands (443, 488, 555, and 667 nm). The results show that our model presents a satisfactory performance in deriving K _par from the global oceanic and coastal waters with 20.2% uncertainty. The K _par are quantified from MODIS data atmospheric correction using our model. Comparing with field measurements, our model produces ~31.0% uncertainty in deriving K _par from Bohai Sea. Finally, the applicability of our model for general oceanographic studies is briefly illuminated by applying it to climatological monthly mean remote sensing reflectance for time ranging from July, 2002- July 2014 at the global scale. The results indicate that the high K _d(λ) and K _par values are usually found around the coastal zones in the high latitude regions, while low K _d(λ) and K _par values are usually found in the open oceans around the low-latitude regions. These results could improve our knowledge about the light field under waters at either the global or basin scales, and be potentially used into general circulation models to estimate the heat flux between atmosphere and ocean.     

On the Productivity and Properties of l-Asparaginase from Escherichia coli A–l–3

Oxidation of grayanotoxin (GTX) II with lead (IV) acetate in methanol gave a new derivative, the 1(R)-spiro-3,6(S),14,16-tetra-hydroxy-5-keto derivative. Treatment of GTX-II tetraacetate in acetic acid by using Pb(IV) acetate as an oxidizing agent gave a novel 1,5-seco-GTX derivative, Δ¹⁽¹⁰⁾-1,5-seco-GTX-pentaacetate, together with the 1,5-seco-GTX-1(R) derivative. Oxidation of GTX-II-tetraacetate with Tl(III) acetate in acetic acid or benzene gave the 1,5-seco-GTX-1(S) derivative.     

Bioactive Peptides from Marine Ascidians and Future Drug Development–A Review

Marine ascidians are considered as one of the richest sources of bioactive compounds. The extraction and utilization of marine peptides have been attracted much attention owing to their potential health benefits. Most of the bioactive compounds from marine ascidians are already in different phases of the clinical and preclinical pipeline. They can be used in different functional and nutraceutical values due to their antineoplastic, antihypertensive, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The screening in vivo and in vitro bioassays are coupled to the purification process for the exploration of its biological interest which is of great value. The growing significance to study marine natural products results from the discovery of novel pharmacological tools including potent anticancer drugs and other drugs are in clinical/pre-clinical trials. The present review highlights the recent research progress in marine ascidians’ peptides and its prospects for the future pharmaceutical development.     

Corrections to Agrilus related species–group names in the world catalogue of Bellamy and new substitute names for Agrilus species–group homonyms

The work treats 52 species–group names related to genus Agrilus incorrectly cited in the world catalogue of Bellamy (2008). The name dimorphus Théry, 1941 from the genus Aphanisticus and mulleri Théry, 1925 from the genus Australodraco are also treated. Four primary or secondary homonyms are replaced by substitute names. Most of the proposed changes refer to the availability, validity, spelling and authorship of the names. The following new nomenclatural acts are proposed: Four new substitute names for homonyms: gola Jendek for filiformis Gory & Laporte, 1839 not Herbst, 1801; lukesi Obenberger, 1936 for modicus Kerremans, 1892 not Solier, 1833; thomsoni Jendek for impressipennis Thomson not Uhler, 1855; walkerianus Jendek (Aphanisticus) for sulcicollis Walker not Lacordaire, 1835. New synonyms: turei Curletti, 2002 is an objective synonym of thurei Curletti, 1996. Lectotype designations: A lectotype is designated for Agrilus dualaecola Obenberger, 1923.     

A Jump-Growth Model for Predator–Prey Dynamics: Derivation and Application to Marine Ecosystems

This paper investigates the dynamics of biomass in a marine ecosystem. A stochastic process is defined in which organisms undergo jumps in body size as they catch and eat smaller organisms. Using a systematic expansion of the master equation, we derive a deterministic equation for the macroscopic dynamics, which we call the deterministic jump-growth equation, and a linear Fokker–Planck equation for the stochastic fluctuations. The McKendrick–von Foerster equation, used in previous studies, is shown to be a first-order approximation, appropriate in equilibrium systems where predators are much larger than their prey. The model has a power-law steady state consistent with the approximate constancy of mass density in logarithmic intervals of body mass often observed in marine ecosystems. The behaviours of the stochastic process, the deterministic jump-growth equation, and the McKendrick–von Foerster equation are compared using numerical methods. The numerical analysis shows two classes of attractors: steady states and travelling waves.     

Trichocarotins A–H and trichocadinin A,nine sesquiterpenes from the marine-alga-epiphytic fungus Trichoderma virens

In addition to CAF-603, 14-hydroxy CAF-603 (trichocarane B), 7-β-hydroxy CAF-603, and trichocarane A, eight new carotane sesquiterpenes, trichocarotins A–H, and one new cadinane sesquiterpene, trichocadinin A, were isolated from the culture of Trichoderma virens Y13-3, obtained from the surface of a marine red alga. Their structures and relative configurations were unambiguously assigned by interpretation of 1D/2D NMR and MS data, and their absolute configurations were established by X-ray diffraction or ECD spectra aided by quantum chemical calculations. These compounds represent two rarely occurring sesquiterpene types from filamentous fungi, and six of them feature potent inhibition against some marine plankton species.     

A taxonomic contribution to the genus Dolichomitus Smith (Hymenoptera,Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae) from?Brazil

In the present study, two new species of Pimplinae, Dolichomitus jataisp. n. and Dolichomitus moacyrisp. n. are described, and the distribution range of Dolichomitus annulicornis (Cameron, 1886) is extended. The specimens were collected using Malaise traps in areas of Atlantic forest and Brazilian savannah (cerrado) in southeastern Brazil and are deposited in a Brazilian collection (DCBU).