Scaling-based forest structural change detection using an inverted geometric-optical model in the Three Gorges region of China

We use the Li-Strahler geometric-optical model combined with a scaling-based approach to detect forest structural changes in the Three Gorges region of China. The physical-based Li-Strahler model can be inverted to retrieve forest structural properties. One of the main input variables for the inverted model is the fractional component of sunlit background, which is calculated by using pure reflectance spectra (endmembers) of surface components. In this study, we extract these endmembers from moderate spatial resolution MODIS data using two scaling-based methods (namely, a regional based linear unmixing and a purest-pixel approach) relying on corresponding high spatial resolution Landsat TM images. Then, the forest structural property crown closure (CC) is estimated by inverting the Li-Strahler model based on the extracted endmembers. Changes in CC are mapped using MODIS mosaics dated 2002 and 2004 for the whole Three Gorges region. Validation of the estimated CC using 25 sample sites indicates that the regional scaling-based endmembers extracted using linear unmixing are more suitable to be used in combination with the inverted Li-Strahler model for monitoring the forest CC than the purest-pixel approach, and results in significantly better estimates in both years (R²₂₀₀₂ = 0.614, RMSE₂₀₀₂ = 6%, R²₂₀₀₄ = 0.631 and RMSE₂₀₀₄ = 5.2%). A change detection map of the model derived CC in 2002 and 2004 shows a decrease in CC in the eastern counties of the Three Gorges region located close to the Three Gorges Dam. An increase in CC has been observed in other counties of the Three Gorges region, implying a preliminary positive feedback on certain policy measures taken safeguarding forest structure.     

Effect of relative humidity on germination of ascospores and macroconidia of Gibberella zeae and deoxynivalenol production

Cereals are frequently infested by mycotoxin-producing fungi such as Gibberella zeae. G. zeae produces sexual spores (ascospores, dispersed by wind) and asexual spores (macroconidia, dispersed by rain droplets) to infect host plants. The production of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) and the germination of ascospores and macroconidia of G. zeae were studied at 20 degrees C in relation to relative humidity (RH). The DON contents of wheat heads and autoclaved rice grain samples, artificially inoculated with ascospore or macroconidia suspensions of equal spore density, were determined at 35 days after inoculation by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The average DON production 35 days after inoculation was much lower on rice (3.95+/-1.34 mg kg(-1)) than on wheat heads (302.30+/-57.46 mg kg(-1)). Macroconidia inoculi produced more DON than ascospore inoculi at relative humidities >90%, but less DON between 53% and 80% RH. At RH < or = 53%, no significant differences in DON production were observed between macroconidia and ascospore inoculi. DON production increased with RH irrespective of spore type. Germination of ascospores and macroconidia was monitored during incubation above six constant humidity solutions ranging from 30% to 93% RH. Ascospores only required a RH > or = 53%, whereas macroconidia required RH of > or = 80% for germination. The different humidity requirements of the two spore types for germination are discussed as a potential reason for the differential DON production of ascospore and macroconidia inoculi in relation to humidity. The results indicate that DON contamination levels partly dependent upon the interaction of spore type and RH and may confer an ecological advantage to G. zeae over other Fusarium head blight pathogens.     

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus: diagnosis and prognosis

BACKGROUND: Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is a recently recognized, poorly differentiated variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which is located predominantly in the upper aerodigestive tract. METHODS: In this study, clinical and pathologic parameters of 17 BSCCs and 133 typical SCCs of the esophagus that underwent potentially curative resection (no distant metastases, no residual tumor) were compared. In addition, light microscopic, electron microscopic, and immunohistochemical features of BSCC were investigated, to determine whether this type of carcinoma could be differentiated from other poorly differentiated carcinomas of the esophagus. RESULTS: Light microscopic study showed that BSCC was composed of relatively small tumor cells, arranged in solid lobules with abundant comedo-type necrosis. BSCC was almost invariably accompanied by areas of concomitant typical SCC, foci of squamous cell differentiation, and/or severe squamous cell dysplasia or carcinoma in situ of the adjacent mucosa. Ultrastructurally, BSCC inconsistently showed features of squamous cell differentiation. Immunohistochemically, BSCC displayed poor reactivity for antibodies against wide-range cytokeratins and cytokeratin subtypes that are typical of squamous cell epithelia (cytokeratin 13 and cytokeratin 14). Infrequently, expression of Leu7, smooth muscle actin, and S-100 protein was found. In comparison with typical SCC, the characteristic features of BSCC were older patient age, higher proliferative activity (MIB-1 labelling index), and higher apoptotic indices. No differences were found with regard to pT classification, pN classification, tumor size, blood vessel invasion, lymphatic vessel invasion, neural invasion, or patient gender. Moreover, no differences in overall survival rates were found. CONCLUSIONS: BSCC is a distinct histopathologic variant of SCC, characterized by a poor degree of differentiation and high proliferative activity. However, after potentially curative resection, the prognosis of patients with BSCC of the esophagus does not differ from that of patients with typical SCC.     

On the Role of Bathocuproine in Organic Photovoltaic Cells

The effect of bathocuproine (BCP) on the optical and electrical properties of organic planar heterojunction photovoltaic cells is quantified by current–voltage characterization under 1 sun AM 1.5D simulated solar illumination and spectral response at short‐circuit conditions. By inserting a 10 nm BCP layer in an indium tin oxide (ITO)/subphthalocyanine (SubPc)/buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀)/BCP/Al thin‐film structure, an increase in power‐conversion efficiency from 0.05 to 3.0% is observed, mostly reflected in the enhanced open‐circuit voltage up to 920 mV. Furthermore, the incorporation of a 10‐nm BCP layer in an ITO/C₆₀/BCP/Al structure leads to an increase in built‐in potential from 250 to 850 mV, as demonstrated by electroabsorption. It is argued that BCP passivates C₆₀ such that a 10‐nm layer provides a sufficient buffer layer that prohibits Al contacting the C₆₀ where it would otherwise create donor states.     

Spatial information during public participation within environmental impact assessment in Kenya

This study set out to evaluate the use of spatial information during public participation within Environmental Impact Assessment (EAI) in Kenya, through a case study. A conceptual framework developed for this study considered four key elements: the stages of EIA in Kenya (EIA study stage), public participation (limited to ‘inform’), aspects of spatial information relevant for public participation (availability, accessibility, content, appropriateness, language, translation and technical support), and categories of participants (limited to ‘affected persons’). It was established that a cadastral map had been used, and met the requirements for accessibility, language, translation and technical support; it was unsatisfactory in the aspect of availability, and unconfirmed for content and appropriateness. Recommendations are made for the use of spatial information during public participation within EIA.     

Early stomach carcinoma--pathologic-anatomic findings and prognosis

BACKGROUND: The therapy for early gastric cancer (endoscopy, gastric resection, D1/2 dissection) is controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study (4/86-12/95) we analyzed the prognosis of 57 early gastric cancer patients with respect to pathological findings and surgical therapy. RESULTS: The R0 resection rate was 100%. In 7% multifocal tumor growth was seen. The 5-year survival rate was 70%. LN-metastases were found in 12% of all cases, more often in pT1b than in pT1 a tumors (17 vs 9%) and more often in large carcinomas than in small carcinomas (> 1000 mm2: 27%; < 300 mm2: 0%). Long-term survival was significantly better in pN0 patients than in patients with LN metastasis (P = 0.020). CONCLUSION: Prognosis of early gastric cancer after curative resection is good.     

Perfluorinated Subphthalocyanine as a New Acceptor Material in a Small‐Molecule Bilayer Organic Solar Cell

The complex refractive index of fluorinated subphthalocyanines (SubPcs) deposited by vacuum sublimation is determined by spectral ellipsometry. Their performance as acceptor material is characterized in a range of donor/acceptor heterojunctions in organic photovoltaic cells (OPVCs) by current–voltage measurements under 1 sun AM 1.5D simulated solar illumination and spectral response. Both electron and hole transfer between donor and acceptor materials is demonstrated. Power conversion efficiencies of 0.96% are found with an open‐circuit bias of 940 mV. Hence, it is shown that fluorinated SubPcs can be considered as an acceptor material in OPVCs with an absorption in the visible comparable to that of well‐known metallophthalocyanines.