3D LiDAR Scanning of Urban Forest Structure Using a Consumer Tablet

Forest measurements using conventional methods may not capture all the important information required to properly characterize forest structure. The objective of this study was to develop a low-cost alternative method for forest inventory measurements and characterization of forest structure using handheld LiDAR technology. Three-dimensional (3D) maps of trees were obtained using an iPad Pro with a LiDAR sensor. Freely-available software programs, including 3D Forest Software and CloudCompare software, were used to determine tree diameter at breast height (DBH) and distance between trees. The 3D point cloud data obtained from the iPad Pro LiDAR sensor was able to estimate tree DBH accurately, with a residual error of 2.4 cm in an urban forest stand and 1.9 cm in an actively managed experimental forest stand. Distances between trees also were accurately estimated, with mean residual errors of 0.21 m for urban forest, and 0.38 m for managed forest stand. This study demonstrates that it is possible to use a low-cost consumer tablet with a LiDAR sensor to accurately measure certain forest attributes, which could enable the crowdsourcing of urban and other forest tree DBH and density data because of its integration into existing Apple devices and ease of use

Erratum

Genetic characterization of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) germplasm from Southeast Anatolia by SSR markersVitis 50 (3), 99-106 (2011

An analysis of maximum clique formulations and saturated linear dynamical network

Several formulations and methods used in solving an NP-hard discrete optimization problem, maximum clique, are considered in a dynamical system perspective proposing continuous methods to the problem. A compact form for a saturated linear dynamical network, recently developed for obtaining approximations to maximum clique, is given so its relation to the classical gradient projection method of constrained optimization becomes more visible. Using this form, gradient-like dynamical systems as continuous methods for finding the maximum clique are discussed. To show the one to one correspondence between the stable equilibria of the saturated linear dynamical network and the minima of objective function related to the optimization problem, La Salle's invariance principle has been extended to the systems with a discontinuous right-hand side. In order to show the efficiency of the continuous methods simulation results are given comparing saturated the linear dynamical network, the continuous Hopfield network, the cellular neural networks and relaxation labelling networks. It is concluded that the quadratic programming formulation of the maximum clique problem provides a framework suitable to be incorporated with the continuous relaxation of binary optimization variables and hence allowing the use of gradient-like continuous systems which have been observed to be quite efficient for minimizing quadratic costs. © Springer-Verlag 1999

Genetic characterization of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) germplasm from Southeast Anatolia by SSR markers

Southeast Anatolia is located in close proximity to the center of origin of grapes and is an important grape producing area of Turkey. The important location of this region for grape genetic diversity together with its diverse ecological conditions may have led to the development of grape germplasm that is unique to this region. However, so far little has been done to genetically analyze this grape germplasm. In this study, we genetically analyzed 55 grape cultivars originating from six different provinces of this region using 14 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci and a number of ampeolographic characteristics. Based on these analyses, one case of synonymous and four cases of homonymous grape cultivars were identified. The contribution of our results to better characterization of the grape germplasm of the region as well as future germplasm management and breeding efforts is discussed.

Application of the Hybrid-Maize model for limits to maize productivity analysis in a semiarid environment

Effects of meteorological variables on crop production can be evaluated using various models. We have evaluated the ability of the Hybrid-Maize model to simulate growth, development and grain yield of maize (Zea mays L.) cultivated on the Loess Plateau, China, and applied it to assess effects of meteorological variations on the performance of maize under rain-fed and irrigated conditions. The model was calibrated and evaluated with data obtained from field experiments performed in 2007 and 2008, then applied to yield determinants using daily weather data for 2005-2009, in simulations under both rain-fed and irrigated conditions. The model accurately simulated Leaf Area Index , biomass, and soil water data from the field experiments in both years, with normalized percentage root mean square errors < 25 %. Gr.Y and yield components were also accurately simulated, with prediction deviations ranging from -2.3 % to 22.0 % for both years. According to the simulations, the maize potential productivity averaged 9.7 t ha-1 under rain-fed conditions and 11.53 t ha-1 under irrigated conditions, and the average rain-fed yield was 1.83 t ha-1 less than the average potential yield with irrigation. Soil moisture status analysis demonstrated that substantial potential yield may have been lost due to water stress under rain-fed conditions

Molecular Characterization of a Strawberry FaASR Gene in Relation to Fruit Ripening

BACKGROUND: ABA-, stress- and ripening-induced (ASR) proteins have been reported to act as a downstream component involved in ABA signal transduction. Although much attention has been paid to the roles of ASR in plant development and stress responses, the mechanisms by which ABA regulate fruit ripening at the molecular level are not fully understood. In the present work, a strawberry ASR gene was isolated and characterized (FaASR), and a polyclonal antibody against FaASR protein was prepared. Furthermore, the effects of ABA, applied to two different developmental stages of strawberry, on fruit ripening and the expression of FaASR at transcriptional and translational levels were investigated. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: FaASR, localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus, contained 193 amino acids and shared common features with other plant ASRs. It also functioned as a transcriptional activator in yeast with trans-activation activity in the N-terminus. During strawberry fruit development, endogenous ABA content, levels of FaASR mRNA and protein increased significantly at the initiation of ripening at a white (W) fruit developmental stage. More importantly, application of exogenous ABA to large green (LG) fruit and W fruit markedly increased endogenous ABA content, accelerated fruit ripening, and greatly enhanced the expression of FaASR transcripts and the accumulation of FaASR protein simultaneously. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that FaASR may be involved in strawberry fruit ripening. The observed increase in endogenous ABA content, and enhanced FaASR expression at transcriptional and translational levels in response to ABA treatment might partially contribute to the acceleration of strawberry fruit ripening

Erratum to: 36th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13054-016-1208-6.]

The pregnancy following kidney transplantation and interdisciplinary approach: Review [Böbrek transplantasyonu sonrasi{dotless} gebelik ve disiplinlerarasi{dotless} yaklaşi{dotless}m]

A sizable portion of females that are 15 to 49 years old in reproductive age become pregnant following kidney transplantation. After a successful transplantation, renal and endocrine functions quickly return to normal in many women and ovulation ensues as well normal sexual life continues. Data exist in medical literature about the increased rate of live births and pregrancy following dialysis and especially transplantation. Five percent of women in reproductive age, who under went transplantation can conceive. However, permission which is given 18 to 24 months after transplantation for conceiving, is important for maternal and fetal well being. Today, transplantation became a frequently utilized option for the treatment of end stage kidney disease. With technical improvements, pregnancy following transplantation is considered frequently and live birth rates are increased along with. According to the "The National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry (NTPR)" 2008 data, which is the center for the registry of pregnant patients under went kidney transplantation, a total 1.262 births from 1.226 pregnancies (including twins and trip lets) are seen in 787 patients after kidney transplantation. Maternal and fetal risks should al ways be considered although succesful pregnancy rates have been reported to be increased in female patients following kidney transplantation. For successful pregnancy following transplantation, physician, nurse and mid wifes contribute to get her for continuity for the antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum follow up, care, treatment that are given as interdisciplinary approach. © 2010 by Türkiye Klinikleri