bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FPGA Implementation of a BPSK 1D-CNN Demodulator
Authors: Liu Yan , Shen Yue , Li Li , Wang Hai
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we propose a field programmable gate array (FPGA) implementation of a one-dimensional convolution neural network (1D-CNN) demodulator for binary phase shift keying (BPSK). The 1D-CNN demodulator includes two 1D-CNNs and a decision module. Discrete time series of BPSK signals are imported into the well-trained 1D-CNNs. The 1D-CNNs detect the phase shifts’ moment and type, including phase shift from 0 to π and that from π to 0. The decision module combines results of the two 1D-CNNs and outputs the demodulated data. In order to improve the efficiency of resource utilization and operation speed of the FPGA circuit, a time-delay network for convolutional calculation and a structure for piecewise approximation for the activation function were designed. To enhance the performance of the 1D-CNN demodulator, universal and diversity training data considering five impact factors were generated specially. Experimental results under different channel conditions show that the proposed demodulator has good adaptability to frequency offset and short latency. The demodulation loss of the proposed demodulator can almost be kept within 2 dB.
Comparison of Nonlinear Compensation Techniques for 400-Gb/s Coherent Multi-Band OFDM Super-Channels
Authors: Vgenopoulou Vasiliki , Song Mengdi , Pincemin Erwan , Jaouën Yves , Sygletos Stylianos , Roudas Ioannis
Published: March 2018

The last few years, many studies have been published on the 3rd-order inverse Volterra series transfer function nonlinear equalizer (IVSTF-NLE) in long-haul optical communication systems. Nonetheless, no experimental work has been published on investigating the potential of the 3rd-order IVSTF-NLE for the compensation of Kerr nonlinearities in a long-haul wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) system consisting of high-bit rate super-channels, as high as 400 Gb/s. In this paper, we study experimentally the performance of a 3rd-order IVSTF-NLE in a coherent optical WDM system, with a central, 400-Gb/s, 4-band, dual-polarization (DP), 16-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) super-channel. We compare its performance against the performance of the digital back-propagation split-step Fourier (DBP-SSF) method for the compensation of nonlinearities after 10 × 100 km of ITU-T G.652 standard single mode fiber (SSMF). In the second part of this paper, we compare, via Monte Carlo simulations, the performance of the 3rd-order IVSTF-NLE and the DBP-SSF method, in terms of reach extension and computational complexity, after propagation through ITU-T G.652 SSMF and a ITU-T G.655 large effective area fiber (LEAF). By means of both experimental evaluation and simulations, we show that, in the presence of strong nonlinear effects, the 3rd-order IVSTF-NLE, which uses a single step per span, performs similarly with the two-steps-per-span DBP-SSF, whereas the eight-steps-per-span DBP-SSF is only marginally better but at the vast expense of computational complexity.
Detecting Coastline Change with All Available Landsat Data over 1986–2015: A Case Study for the State of Texas, USA
Authors: Xu Nan
Published: March 2018

Coastline change often results from social and natural factors, such as human activities in the coastal zone, long-term and short-term sea level change, hurricane occurrences, subsequent recovery, and so on. Tracking coastline change is essential to deepen our understanding of coastal responses to these factors. Such information is also required for land use planning and sustainable development of coastal zones. In this context, we aimed to collect all available Landsat data (TM: Thematic Mapper, ETM+: Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus and OLI: Operational Land Imager) over 1986–2015 for tracking the coastline dynamic and estimating its change rate in the State of Texas, USA. First, the land vs. water maps at an annual scale were derived from the satellite images. The border between land and water represents the coastline in this study. Second, the annual land area was obtained to characterize the coastline dynamic and a linear regression model was used for estimating the change rate. We also analyzed the potential driving factors of the observed coastline change. The results reveal that the coastline in the State of Texas changed at a rate of −0.154 ± 0.063 km2/year from 1986 to 2015, which indicates that the coastline has mainly experienced an erosion over the past three decades. Specifically, 52.58% of the entire coastline retreated to the land while a 47.42% portion advanced to the ocean. Long-term sea level rise can result in the erosion of coastline. Hurricane occurrences can explain the relatively strong coastline erosion. Besides, significant difference between the coastline change rate with a higher curvature and a lower curvature was observed. This study establishes a general method for detecting coastline change at large spatial and long-term temporal scales, by using remote sensing that can give fundamental information on coastline change. This is important for making scientific and reasonable policies of sustainable development of coastal zones.
Update on Immunohistochemistry for the Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Authors: Inamura Kentaro
Published: March 2018

Immunohistochemistry is a widely available technique that is less challenging and can provide clinically meaningful results quickly and cost-efficiently in comparison with other techniques. In addition, immunohistochemistry allows for the evaluation of cellular localization of proteins in the context of tumor structure. In an era of precision medicine, pathologists are required to classify lung cancer into specific subtypes and assess biomarkers relevant to molecular-targeted therapies. This review summarizes the hot topics of immunohistochemistry in lung cancer, including (i) adenocarcinoma vs squamous cell carcinoma; (ii) neuroendocrine markers; (iii) ALK, ROS1, and EGFR; (iv) PD-L1 (CD274); (v) lung carcinoma vs malignant mesothelioma; and (vi) NUT carcinoma. Major pitfalls in evaluating immunohistochemical results are also described.
Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Ubiquitination and De-Ubiquitination in Signal Transduction and Receptor Trafficking
Authors: Critchley William , Pellet-Many Caroline , Ringham-Terry Benjamin , Harrison Michael , Zachary Ian , Ponnambalam Sreenivasan
Published: March 2018

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are membrane-based sensors that enable rapid communication between cells and their environment. Evidence is now emerging that interdependent regulatory mechanisms, such as membrane trafficking, ubiquitination, proteolysis and gene expression, have substantial effects on RTK signal transduction and cellular responses. Different RTKs exhibit both basal and ligand-stimulated ubiquitination, linked to trafficking through different intracellular compartments including the secretory pathway, plasma membrane, endosomes and lysosomes. The ubiquitin ligase superfamily comprising the E1, E2 and E3 enzymes are increasingly implicated in this post-translational modification by adding mono- and polyubiquitin tags to RTKs. Conversely, removal of these ubiquitin tags by proteases called de-ubiquitinases (DUBs) enables RTK recycling for another round of ligand sensing and signal transduction. The endocytosis of basal and activated RTKs from the plasma membrane is closely linked to controlled proteolysis after trafficking and delivery to late endosomes and lysosomes. Proteolytic RTK fragments can also have the capacity to move to compartments such as the nucleus and regulate gene expression. Such mechanistic diversity now provides new opportunities for modulating RTK-regulated cellular responses in health and disease states.
Effects of V and Cr on Laser Cladded Fe-Based Coatings
Authors: Wang Haiyang , Zhang Song , Zhang Chunhua , Wu Chenliang , Zhang Jingbo , Abdullah Adil
Published: March 2018

Fe-based coatings with high V and Cr content were obtained by laser cladding using Fe-based powder with different Cr3C2 and FeV50 content. The results showed that Fe-based coatings were uniform and dense. The constituent phases were mainly composed of α-Fe solid solution with the increase of Cr3C2 and FeV50, γ-Fe and V8C7 phases were achieved. The microstructure of the coatings exhibited a typical dendrite structure. The concentration of C, V and Cr were saturated in dendritic areas, and the other alloying elements were mainly dissolved in the interdendritic areas. The hardness and wear resistance of Fe-based coatings were enhanced with the Cr3C2 and FeV50 addition. The specimen with 15% Cr3C2 and 16% FeV50 had the highest hardness of 66.1 ± 0.6 HRC, which was 1.05 times higher than the sample with 4.5% Cr3C2 and 5% FeV50, and the wear resistance of the former was three times greater than the latter.
The Formation Mechanism of Cu(In0.7Ga0.3)Se2 Nanoparticles and the Densification Trajectory of the Se-Rich Quaternary Target by Hot Pressing
Authors: Ma Qiang , Zhang Weijia , Jiang Zhaoyi , Ma Denghao , Zhang Yulong , Lu Chaoqun , Fan Zhiqiang
Published: March 2018

In this paper, a method to obtain the CuInGaSe2 (CIGS) absorber layer with an appropriate selenium content is put forward, in which a Se-rich target is used to deposit a CIGS thin-film and this film is annealed in a Se-free inert atmosphere. The key issue of this method is the preparation of a Se-rich target with a homogeneous composition and a high-density. The formation mechanism of CuInSe2 and CuGaSe2 is investigated and the results point to the intermediate phase Cu2−xSe playing a role of a nucleation core. The sintering densification trajectory of the target with the addition of extra selenium is researched. Additionally, an effective way to avoid the sintering defects is proposed. Finally, a conversion efficiency of 11.2% for the CIGS solar cell is reached by sputtering from the obtained Se-rich target.
Trustworthiness Measurement Algorithm for TWfMS Based on Software Behaviour Entropy
Authors: Han Qiang
Published: March 2018

As the virtual mirror of complex real-time business processes of organisations’ underlying information systems, the workflow management system (WfMS) has emerged in recent decades as a new self-autonomous paradigm in the open, dynamic, distributed computing environment. In order to construct a trustworthy workflow management system (TWfMS), the design of a software behaviour trustworthiness measurement algorithm is an urgent task for researchers. Accompanying the trustworthiness mechanism, the measurement algorithm, with uncertain software behaviour trustworthiness information of the WfMS, should be resolved as an infrastructure. Based on the framework presented in our research prior to this paper, we firstly introduce a formal model for the WfMS trustworthiness measurement, with the main property reasoning based on calculus operators. Secondly, this paper proposes a novel measurement algorithm from the software behaviour entropy of calculus operators through the principle of maximum entropy (POME) and the data mining method. Thirdly, the trustworthiness measurement algorithm for incomplete software behaviour tests and runtime information is discussed and compared by means of a detailed explanation. Finally, we provide conclusions and discuss certain future research areas of the TWfMS.
Real-Time ECG-Based Detection of Fatigue Driving Using Sample Entropy
Authors: Wang Fuwang , Wang Hong , Fu Rongrong
Published: March 2018

In present work, the heart rate variability (HRV) characteristics, calculated by sample entropy (SampEn), were used to analyze the driving fatigue state at successive driving stages. Combined with the relative power spectrum ratio β/(θ + α), subjective questionnaire, and brain network parameters of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, the relationships between the different characteristics for driving fatigue were discussed. Thus, it can conclude that the HRV characteristics (RR SampEn and R peaks SampEn), as well as the relative power spectrum ratio β/(θ + α) of the channels (C3, C4, P3, P4), the subjective questionnaire, and the brain network parameters, can effectively detect driving fatigue at various driving stages. In addition, the method for collecting ECG signals from the palm part does not need patch electrodes, is convenient, and will be practical to use in actual driving situations in the future.
Study on the Method for Analyzing Electric Network Resonance Stability
Authors: Xu Zheng , Wang Shijia , Xing Facai , Xiao Huangqing
Published: March 2018

With the increasing utilization of power electronic equipment in power systems, there has been an increase in the occurrence of oscillatory behavior from unknown sources in recent years. This paper puts forward the concept of electric network resonance stability (ENRS) analysis and tries to classify the above-mentioned oscillations into the category of ENRS. With this method, many complex power system oscillations can be analyzed with the linear network theory, which is mathematically mature. The objective of this paper is to establish a systematic approach to analyze ENRS. By introducing the s-domain nodal admittance matrix (NAM) of the electric network, this paper transforms the judgment of ENRS into the zero-point solution of the determinant of the s-domain NAM. First, the zero-points of the determinant of the s-domain NAM are proved to correspond to the eigenvalues of the system. Then, a systematic approach is proposed to analyze ENRS, which includes the identification of the dominant resonance region and the determination of the key components related to resonance modes. The effectiveness of the proposed approach for analyzing ENRS is illustrated through case studies.
On the Classification of Low Voltage Feeders for Network Planning and Hosting Capacity Studies
Authors: Bletterie Benoît , Kadam Serdar , Renner Herwig
Published: March 2018

The integration of large amounts of generation into distribution networks faces some limitations. By deploying reactive power-based voltage control concepts (e.g., volt/var control with distributed generators), the voltage rise caused by generators can be partly mitigated. As a result, the network hosting capacity can be accordingly increased, and costly network reinforcement might be avoided or postponed. This works however only for voltage-constrained feeders (opposed to current-constrained feeders). Due to the low level of monitoring in low voltage networks, it is important to be able to classify feeders according to the expected constraint in order to avoid the overloading risk. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate to which extent it is possible to predict the hosting capacity constraint (voltage or current) of low voltage feeders on the basis of a large network data set. Two machine-learning techniques have been implemented and compared: clustering (unsupervised) and classification (supervised). The results show that the general performance of the classification or clustering algorithms might be considered as rather poor at a first glance, reflecting the diversity of real low voltage feeders. However, a detailed analysis shows that the benefit of the classification is significant.
Forest Plantations’ Externalities: An Application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process to Non-Industrial Forest Owners in Central Chile
Authors: Bottaro Giorgia , Roco Lisandro , Pettenella Davide , Micheletti Stefano , Vanhulst Julien
Published: March 2018

The forestry sector in Chile has an important role in the domestic economy, being the second leading export sector after the mining industry. Investments in forest plantations have grown in the last 40 years thanks to implementation of the Decree Law 701. Planted forests currently account for 17.4% of the total national forest cover. The objective of the study is to analyse non-industrial forest owners’ perceptions of positive and negative externalities of forest plantations in four less developed municipalities of the Maule Region. We implemented a literature review, the estimation of an Expert’s Response Indicator (ERI), and the implementation of an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology for the analysis. The results indicate that non-industrial forest owners in the four municipalities perceive the importance of each externality in a different way according to their territorial specificities. However, considering the whole study area, “CO2 sequestration”, “improvement of livelihood”, and “more importance of small and medium forest owners” were considered the most important positive externalities, while the most relevant negative externalities were “water shortage”, “power asymmetry”, and “land loss”. The study encourages further research with a similar detailed analysis on stakeholders’ perceptions of plantation projects, both to revise investment features and inform local stakeholders on their real impacts.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Windage Losses in the Narrow Gap Region of a High-Speed Electric Motor
Authors: Anderson Kevin , Lin Jun , Wong Alexander
Published: March 2018

Windage (drag) losses have been found to be a key design factor for high power density and high-speed electric motor development. Inducing axial flow between rotor and stator is a common method in cooling the rotor. Hence, it is necessary to understand the effect on windage while forced axial airflow is in present in the air gap. The current paper presents results from experimental testing and modeling of a high-speed motor designed to operate at 30,000 revolutions per minute (RPM) and utilize axial air cooling of 200 Liters per minute (LPM) to cool the motor. Details of the experimental apparatus and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of the small gap narrow region of the stator/rotor are outlined in the paper. The experimental results are used to calibrate the CFD model. Results for windage losses, flow rate of cooling air, power and torque of the motor versus mass flow rate are given in the paper. Trade studies of CFD on the effect of inlet cooling flow rate, and parasitic heat transfer losses on the Taylor–Couette flow coherent flow structure breakdown are presented. Windage losses on the order of 20 W are found to be present in the configuration tested and simulated.
Phylogeny and Phylogeography of Rhizobial Symbionts Nodulating Legumes of the Tribe Genisteae
Authors: Stępkowski Tomasz , Banasiewicz Joanna , Granada Camille , Andrews Mitchell , Passaglia Luciane
Published: March 2018

The legume tribe Genisteae comprises 618, predominantly temperate species, showing an amphi-Atlantic distribution that was caused by several long-distance dispersal events. Seven out of the 16 authenticated rhizobial genera can nodulate particular Genisteae species. Bradyrhizobium predominates among rhizobia nodulating Genisteae legumes. Bradyrhizobium strains that infect Genisteae species belong to both the Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Bradyrhizobium elkanii superclades. In symbiotic gene phylogenies, Genisteae bradyrhizobia are scattered among several distinct clades, comprising strains that originate from phylogenetically distant legumes. This indicates that the capacity for nodulation of Genisteae spp. has evolved independently in various symbiotic gene clades, and that it has not been a long-multi-step process. The exception is Bradyrhizobium Clade II, which unlike other clades comprises strains that are specialized in nodulation of Genisteae, but also Loteae spp. Presumably, Clade II represents an example of long-lasting co-evolution of bradyrhizobial symbionts with their legume hosts.
Distinct Roles of Velvet Complex in the Development, Stress Tolerance, and Secondary Metabolism in Pestalotiopsis microspora, a Taxol Producer
Authors: Akhberdi Oren , Zhang Qian , Wang Dan , Wang Haichuan , Hao Xiaoran , Liu Yanjie , Wei Dongsheng , Zhu Xudong
Published: March 2018

The velvet family proteins have been shown to play critical roles in fungal secondary metabolism and development. However, variations of the roles have been observed in different fungi. We report here the observation on the role of three velvet complex components VeA, VelB, and LaeA in Pestalotiopsis microspora, a formerly reported taxol-producing fungus. Deletion of individual members led to the retardation of vegetative growth and sporulation and pigmentation, suggesting critical roles in these processes. The mutant strain △velB appeared hypersensitive to osmotic stress and the dye Congo red, whereas △veA and △laeA were little affected by the pressures, suggesting only velB was required for the integrity of the cell wall. Importantly, we found that the genes played distinct roles in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in P. microspora. For instance, the production of pestalotiollide B, a previously characterized polyketide, required velB and laeA. In contrast, the veA gene appeared to inhibit the pestalotiollide B (PB) role in its biosynthesis. This study suggests that the three components of the velvet complex are important global regulators, but with distinct roles in hyphal growth, asexual production, and secondary metabolism in P. microspora. This work provides information for further understanding the biosynthesis of secondary metabolism in the fungus.
Regional Geomorphological Conditions Related to Recent Changes of Glacial Lakes in the Issyk-Kul Basin, Northern Tien Shan
Authors: Daiyrov Mirlan , Narama Chiyuki , Yamanokuchi Tsutomu , Tadono Takeo , Kääb Andreas , Ukita Jinro
Published: March 2018

To assess the current state of glacial lakes, we examine the seasonal lake-area changes of 339 glacial lakes in the Teskey and Kungoy Ranges of the Issyk-Kul Basin, Kyrgyzstan, during 2013–2016 based on optical satellite images (Landsat7/ETM+ and 8/OLI). The glacial lakes are classified into six types based on their seasonal variations in area: stable, increasing, decreasing, appearing, vanishing, and short-lived. We then track the number of each type in a given year and examine how each number changes from one year to the next. We find that many appearing, vanishing, and short-lived types occurred in both mountain ranges, having a large variability in number that is not directly related to the local short-term summer temperature anomaly, nor to precipitation or glacier recession. However, those in the Teskey Range vary significantly more than those in the Kungoy Range. To determine if the changing number and distribution of the various lake types may be due to changes in ground ice, we apply differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR) analysis using ALOS-2/PALSAR-2 for the debris landforms behind which glacial lakes appear. In the Teskey Range, ground ice occurs in 413 out of a total of 930 debris landforms, whereas in the Kungoy Range, ground ice occurs in 71 out of 180. In zones with predominant glacier-retreat during 1971–2010 (from Corona KH-4B and ALOS/PRISM), the Teskey Range had 180 new lake depressions as potential lake-basins, whereas the Kungoy Range had just 22. Existing depressions also expanded when melting ice produced subsidence. Such subsidence, together with debris landforms containing ground ice and ice tunnels, appear to cause the observed large number variability. In particular, the deposition of ice and debris by tunnel collapse or the freezing of storage water in a debris landform may close-off an ice tunnel, causing a lake to appear. Subsequent re-opening via melting of such blockage would produce either a vanishing or a short-lived type. In this way, the large variability in the number of each lake type and the distribution of types over this four-year period arises from regional geomorphological conditions and not directly from the local short-term summer temperature anomaly and precipitation or glacier recession.
Reflections on Health Promotion and Disability in Low and Middle-Income Countries: Case Study of Parent-Support Programmes for Children with Congenital Zika Syndrome
Authors: Kuper Hannah , Smythe Tracey , Duttine Antony
Published: March 2018

Universal health coverage (UHC) has been adopted by many countries as a national target for 2030. People with disabilities need to be included within efforts towards UHC, as they are a large group making up 15% of the world’s population and are more vulnerable to poor health. UHC focuses both on covering the whole population as well as providing all the services needed and must include an emphasis on health promotion, as well as disease treatment and cure. Health promotion often focusses on tackling individual behaviours, such as encouraging exercise or good nutrition. However, these activities are insufficient to improve health without additional efforts to address poverty and inequality, which are the underlying drivers of poor health. In this article, we identify common challenges, opportunities and examples for health promotion for people with disabilities, looking at both individual behaviour change as well as addressing the drivers of poor health. We present a case study of a carer support programme for parents of children with Congenital Zika Syndrome in Brazil as an example of a holistic programme for health promotion. This programme operates both through improving skills of caregivers to address the health needs of their child and tackling poverty and exclusion.
Access to Street Markets and Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables by Adolescents Living in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Nogueira Luana , Fontanelli Mariane , Aguiar Breno , Failla Marcelo , Florindo Alex , Barrozo Ligia , Goldbaum Moisés , Cesar Chester , Alves Maria , Fisberg Regina
Published: March 2018

Food environment and income act as determinants of diet, and consequently, of the consumption of fruits and vegetables. The objective of this study is to investigate the association between fruit and vegetable consumption, income, and street market density in adolescents living in São Paulo, Brazil. Data from 521 adolescents (12 to 19 years) participating in the 2015 Health Survey of São Paulo were used. Buffers (500, 1000, and 1500 m) were drawn around the households and the street markets were counted in each zone. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between fruit and vegetable consumption, income, and street market density. The main results showed that the presence of a street market in the zone closest to the households (500 m) was associated with higher consumption of fruits and vegetables (OR: 1.73; CI 95% 1.01–3.00). Higher family income was associated with a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables for models of 500 m buffer (OR: 2.56; CI 95% 1.47–4.45), 1000 m (OR: 2.30; CI 95% 1.33–3.96), and 1500 m (OR: 2.32; CI 95% 1.35–4.00). These results support the implementation of public policies that jointly consider income and the availability of street markets or healthy food environments.
The Spatial Distributions and Variations of Water Environmental Risk in Yinma River Basin, China
Authors: Di Hui , Liu Xingpeng , Zhang Jiquan , Tong Zhijun , Ji Meichen
Published: March 2018

Water environmental risk is the probability of the occurrence of events caused by human activities or the interaction of human activities and natural processes that will damage a water environment. This study proposed a water environmental risk index (WERI) model to assess the water environmental risk in the Yinma River Basin based on hazards, exposure, vulnerability, and regional management ability indicators in a water environment. The data for each indicator were gathered from 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015 to assess the spatial and temporal variations in water environmental risk using particle swarm optimization and the analytic hierarchy process (PSO-AHP) method. The results showed that the water environmental risk in the Yinma River Basin decreased from 2000 to 2015. The risk level of the water environment was high in Changchun, while the risk levels in Yitong and Yongji were low. The research methods provide information to support future decision making by the risk managers in the Yinma River Basin, which is in a high-risk water environment. Moreover, water environment managers could reduce the risks by adjusting the indicators that affect water environmental risks.
The Relationship between Obesity, Sleep and Physical Activity in Chinese Preschool Children
Authors: Ji Meimei , Tang Amber , Zhang Yefu , Zou Jiaojiao , Zhou Guangyu , Deng Jing , Yang Lina , Li Mingzhi , Chen Jihua , Qin Hong , Lin Qian
Published: March 2018

Background: Pediatric overweight and obesity has become a major public health problem in China. The goal of this study is to understand overweight and obesity in preschool children in Changsha City in the context of their sleep and physical activity. These results offer feasible proposals to reduce levels of overweight and obesity among preschool children. Methods: A total of 112 preschoolers aged three to six years old were investigated using multiple stage stratified cluster sampling and simple random sampling. Questionnaires were used to collect general information about children and their families. Body mass index (BMI) was used as an indicator of overweight and obesity. Age- and sex-specific cutoff values for Chinese children and adolescents were used to determine child weight status. Children’s sedentary time was reported by caregivers, while physical activity and sleep were recorded using fitness bracelets (Misfit Shine 2). Results: The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity were 15.2% and 9.8% respectively. Preschool-aged children travelled 11,111 ± 3357 and 10,350 ± 2973 steps per day on weekdays and weekends respectively. The number of daily steps was not statistically different between weekdays and weekends. The amount of time spent daily doing vigorous activity on weekdays and weekends was significantly different, with an average time of 20.5 ± 31.6 min and 10.3 ± 15.3 min respectively (p = 0.002). Furthermore, 10.7% and 50.9% of children used screens for more than two hours on weekdays and weekends respectively (p < 0.001). Children slept for significantly longer on weekends (8.3 ± 0.9 h) than on weekdays (8.1 ± 0.7 h) (p = 0.037). A significantly higher proportion of students also fell asleep before 10:00 p.m. on weekends (26.8%) compared to weekdays (15.2%) (p < 0.001). Parent’s BMI values were positively correlated with child BMI, the monthly household income was negatively associated with child BMI. Male children were more likely to have a higher BMI than female children. Children who were obese were also more likely to have shorter sleep times compared to children of normal weight (p = 0.047). Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among the Chinese preschool children in this study. Students also demonstrated poor sleep and physical activity habits. Future research is necessary to explore the relationship between sleep, physical activity and weight status for young children in China.
Representing Time-Dynamic Geospatial Objects on Virtual Globes Using CZML—Part II: Impact, Comparison, and Future Developments
Authors: Zhu Liangfeng , Li Zhiwen , Wang Zhongliang
Published: March 2018

This is the second and final part of our Cesium Markup Language (CZML) study. Here, we describe the relevant applications, academic influence, and future developments of CZML. Since its emergence in 2011, CZML has become widely used in the geoscientific environment. It is also having a positive impact on geoscience. Numerous applications use CZML for generating time-dynamic geovisualization, facilitating data interoperability, and promoting spatial data infrastructures. In this paper, we give an overview of the available tools and services, representative applications, as well as the role that CZML plays for geoscientific research. Furthermore, we also discuss key similarities and differences between CZML and KML (Keyhole Markup Language), and outline some of the future improvements for CZML’s research and development.
Multitemporal SAR Data and 2D Hydrodynamic Model Flood Scenario Dynamics Assessment
Authors: Scarpino Santina , Albano Raffaele , Cantisani Andrea , Mancusi Leonardo , Sole Aurelia , Milillo Giovanni
Published: March 2018

The increasing number of floods and the severity of their consequences, which is caused by phenomena, such as climate change and uncontrolled urbanization, create a growing need to develop operational procedures and tools for accurate and timely flood mapping and management. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), with its day, night, and cloud-penetrating capacity, has proven to be a very useful source of information during calibration of hydrodynamic models considered indispensable tools for near real-time flood forecasting and monitoring. The paper begins with the analysis of radar signatures of temporal series of SAR data, by exploiting the short revisit time of the images that are provided by the Cosmo-SkyMed constellation of four satellites, in combination with a Digital Elevation Model for the extraction of flood extent and spatially distributed water depth in a flat area with complex topography during a flood event. These SAR-based hazard maps were then used to perform a bi-dimensional hydraulic model calibration on the November 2010 flood event at the mouth of the Bradano River in Basilicata, Italy. Once the best fit between flood predictions of hydrodynamic models was identified and the efficacy of SAR data in correcting hydrodynamic inconsistencies with regard to reliable assessment of flood extent and water-depth maps was shown by validation with the December 2013 Bradano River event. Based on calibration and validation results, the paper aims to show how the combination of the time series of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) derived water-depth maps with the data from the hydrodynamic model can provide valuable information for flood dynamics monitoring in a flat area with complex topography. Future research should focus on the integration and implementation of the semi-automatic proposed method in an operational system for near real-time flood management.
On the Use of Geographic Information in Humanities Research Infrastructure: A Case Study on Cultural Heritage
Authors: Mościcka Albina , Zwirowicz-Rutkowska Agnieszka
Published: March 2018

As an invaluable source of knowledge about the past, cultural heritage may be an important element of the humanities research infrastructure, along with other elements, such as spatial references. Therefore, this paper attempts to provide an answer to the questions concerning the ways in which spatial information can contribute to the development of this infrastructure and the aspects of storytelling based on cultural resources that can be supported by such infrastructure. The objective of the methodology that was used was to combine the aspects that refer to spatial information and cultural items into a single, common issue, and to describe them in a formalized way with use of Unified Modeling Language (UML). As a result, the study presents a proposal of the Humanities Infrastructure Architecture based on spatially-oriented movable cultural items, taking into account their use in the context of interoperability, along with the concept of creating spatial databases that would include movable monuments. The authors also demonstrate that the ISO 19100 series of geographical information standards may be a source of interesting conceptual solutions that may be used in the process of the standardization of geographical information that was recorded in the descriptions of cultural heritage items in form of metadata and data structure descriptions.
An Indoor Scene Recognition-Based 3D Registration Mechanism for Real-Time AR-GIS Visualization in Mobile Applications
Authors: Ma Wei , Xiong Hanjiang , Dai Xuefeng , Zheng Xianwei , Zhou Yan
Published: March 2018

Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) systems are becoming ideal platforms for visualization, permitting users to better comprehend and interact with spatial information. Subsequently, this technological development, in turn, has prompted efforts to enhance mechanisms for registering virtual objects in real world contexts. Most existing AR 3D Registration techniques lack the scene recognition capabilities needed to describe accurately the positioning of virtual objects in scenes representing reality. Moreover, the application of such registration methods in indoor AR-GIS systems is further impeded by the limited capacity of these systems to detect the geometry and semantic information in indoor environments. In this paper, we propose a novel method for fusing virtual objects and indoor scenes, based on indoor scene recognition technology. To accomplish scene fusion in AR-GIS, we first detect key points in reference images. Then, we perform interior layout extraction using a Fully Connected Networks (FCN) algorithm to acquire layout coordinate points for the tracking targets. We detect and recognize the target scene in a video frame image to track targets and estimate the camera pose. In this method, virtual 3D objects are fused precisely to a real scene, according to the camera pose and the previously extracted layout coordinate points. Our results demonstrate that this approach enables accurate fusion of virtual objects with representations of real world indoor environments. Based on this fusion technique, users can better grasp virtual three-dimensional representations on an AR-GIS platform.
Graph-Based Matching of Points-of-Interest from Collaborative Geo-Datasets
Authors: Novack Tessio , Peters Robin , Zipf Alexander
Published: March 2018

Several geospatial studies and applications require comprehensive semantic information from points-of-interest (POIs). However, this information is frequently dispersed across different collaborative mapping platforms. Surprisingly, there is still a research gap on the conflation of POIs from this type of geo-dataset. In this paper, we focus on the matching aspect of POI data conflation by proposing two matching strategies based on a graph whose nodes represent POIs and edges represent matching possibilities. We demonstrate how the graph is used for (1) dynamically defining the weights of the different POI similarity measures we consider; (2) tackling the issue that POIs should be left unmatched when they do not have a corresponding POI on the other dataset and (3) detecting multiple POIs from the same place in the same dataset and jointly matching these to the corresponding POI(s) from the other dataset. The strategies we propose do not require the collection of training samples or extensive parameter tuning. They were statistically compared with a “naive”, though commonly applied, matching approach considering POIs collected from OpenStreetMap and Foursquare from the city of London (England). In our experiments, we sequentially included each of our methodological suggestions in the matching procedure and each of them led to an increase in the accuracy in comparison to the previous results. Our best matching result achieved an overall accuracy of 91%, which is more than 10% higher than the accuracy achieved by the baseline method.
Validation of Pleiades Tri-Stereo DSM in Urban Areas
Authors: Panagiotakis Emmanouil , Chrysoulakis Nektarios , Charalampopoulou Vasiliki , Poursanidis Dimitris
Published: March 2018

We present an accurate digital surface model (DSM) derived from high-resolution Pleiades-1B 0.5 m panchromatic tri-stereo images, covering an area of 400 km2 over the Athens Metropolitan Area. Remote sensing and photogrammetry tools were applied, resulting in a 1 m × 1 m posting DSM over the study area. The accuracy of the produced DSM was evaluated against measured elevations by a differential Global Positioning System (d-GPS) and a reference DSM provided by the National Cadaster and Mapping Agency S.A. Different combinations of stereo and tri-stereo images were used and tested on the quality of the produced DSM. Results revealed that the DSM produced by the tri-stereo analysis has a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.17 m in elevation, which lies within the best reported in the literature. On the other hand, DSMs derived by standard analysis of stereo-pairs from the same sensor were found to perform worse. Line profile data showed similar patterns between the reference and produced DSM. Pleiades tri-stereo high-quality DSM products have the necessary accuracy to support applications in the domains of urban planning, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, hydrological modelling, and natural hazards, being an important input for simulation models and morphological analysis at local scales.
Transcriptome Analysis Identifies a 140 kb Region of Chromosome 3B Containing Genes Specific to Fusarium Head Blight Resistance in Wheat
Authors: Li Xin , Zhong Shengfu , Chen Wanquan , Fatima Syeda , Huang Qianglan , Li Qing , Tan Feiquan , Luo Peigao
Published: March 2018

Fusarium head blight (FHB), mainly caused by Fusarium graminearum, is one of the most destructive fungal diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Because of the quantitative nature of FHB resistance, its mechanism is poorly understood. We conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis to identify genes that are differentially expressed in FHB-resistant and FHB-susceptible wheat lines grown under field conditions for various periods after F. graminearum infection and determined the chromosomal distribution of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). For each line, the expression in the spike (which exhibits symptoms in the infected plants) was compared with that in the flag leaves (which do not exhibit symptoms in the infected plants). We identified an island of 53 constitutive DEGs in a 140 kb region with high homology to the FhbL693b region on chromosome 3B. Of these genes, 13 were assigned to specific chloroplast-related pathways. Furthermore, one gene encoded inositol monophosphate (IMPa) and two genes encoded ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO). Our findings suggest that the temporary susceptibility in locally infected spikes results from the cross-talk between RuBisCO and IMPa, which blocks secondary signaling pathways mediated by salicylic acid and induces a systemic acquired resistance in the distant leaf tissue.
Blocking β1/β2-Adrenergic Signaling Reduces Dietary Fat Absorption by Suppressing Expression of Pancreatic Lipase in High Fat-Fed Mice
Authors: Baek Kyunghwa , Park Danbi , Hwang Hyo , Kim Seong-Gon , Lee Heesu , Baek Jeong-Hwa
Published: March 2018

We investigated whether β-adrenergic antagonists attenuates dietary fat absorption through the regulation of pancreatic lipase (PNLIP) expression in pancreatic acinar cells in the context of high fat diet feeding. Male six-week-old C57BL/6 mice were assigned into an ad libitum fed control diet (CON) and a high fat diet (HIGH). Within each diet group, subgroups of mice were treated with vehicle (VEH) or propranolol, a β-adrenergic antagonist (BB). Over 12 weeks, body weight gain observed in HIGHVEH was mitigated in HIGHBB (+103% vs. +72%). Increase in fecal fat amount observed in HIGHVEH was further increased in HIGHBB. Increase in PNLIP expressions observed in HIGHVEH pancreatic tissues was abolished in HIGHBB. PNLIP expression in mouse primary pancreatic acinar cells and 266-6 cell lines increased with isoproterenol treatment, which was blocked by propranolol. Isoproterenol increased PNLIP expression in a cAMP/protein kinase A/ cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB)-dependent manner. CREB directly bound to the CRE on the mouse PNLIP promoter and transactivated PNLIP expression. These results suggest that sympathetic activation increases dietary fat absorption through the upregulation of PNLIP expression and that a β-adrenergic antagonist attenuates obesity development partly through the downregulation of PNLIP expression and inhibition of dietary fat absorption in the context of high fat diet feeding.
Comparative Methods for Molecular Determination of Host-Specificity Factors in Plant-Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Borah Nilam , Albarouki Emad , Schirawski Jan
Published: March 2018

Many plant-pathogenic fungi are highly host-specific. In most cases, host-specific interactions evolved at the time of speciation of the respective host plants. However, host jumps have occurred quite frequently, and still today the greatest threat for the emergence of new fungal diseases is the acquisition of infection capability of a new host by an existing plant pathogen. Understanding the mechanisms underlying host-switching events requires knowledge of the factors determining host-specificity. In this review, we highlight molecular methods that use a comparative approach for the identification of host-specificity factors. These cover a wide range of experimental set-ups, such as characterization of the pathosystem, genotyping of host-specific strains, comparative genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics, as well as gene prediction and functional gene validation. The methods are described and evaluated in view of their success in the identification of host-specificity factors and the understanding of their functional mechanisms. In addition, potential methods for the future identification of host-specificity factors are discussed.
Impact of Cationic and Neutral Gemini Surfactants on Conidia and Hyphal Forms of Aspergillus brasiliensis
Authors: Koziróg Anna , Brycki Bogumił , Pielech-Przybylska Katarzyna
Published: March 2018

This study investigates the biological activity of two cationic gemini surfactants, hexamethylene-1,6-bis-(N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylammonium bromide) C6 and pentamethylene-1,5-bis-(N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecyla,.mmonium bromide) C5, and their two neutral analogs, hexamethylene-1,6-bis-(N-methyl-N-dodecylamine) (A6) and pentamethylene-1,5-bis-(N-methyl-N-dodecylamine) (A5). Experiments were performed with Aspergillus brasiliensis, which is used in the standard tests for biocides. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for conidia and mycelium were determined using the dilution method. The viability of the conidia was evaluated using the plate count method. The dry mass of the mycelium was determined using the thermogravimetric method. Ergosterol was extracted from the mycelium and evaluated by gas chromatography. The effect of gemini surfactants on fungal morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy. Cationic gemini surfactants were found to be active at lower concentrations compared to their non-ionic analogues, rapidly reducing the total number of conidia that were able to grow. They also decreased both the ergosterol content in the mycelium and its dry weight. These results suggest that cationic gemini surfactants C6 and C5 could have a wide range of practical applications as active compounds. However, it should be remembered that usage at too low concentrations, below the MIC, will only lead to short-term disturbances in the development of conidia and mycelium.
A Heat-Stimulated Luminous Fiber Using Heat-Sensitive Green TF-G Pigment
Authors: Jin Yang , An Xiaolong , Ge Mingqiao
Published: March 2018

In this study, we fabricated a heat-stimulated luminous fiber (HSLF) by wet spinning. The HSLF consists of Sr2ZnSi2O7: Eu2+, Dy3+ (SZSO), Y2O2S: Eu3+, Mg2+, Ti4+ (YOS), and heat-sensitive green TF-G pigment (HSGP). SZSO and YOS serve as a source of luminescence to yield a long afterglow system. HSGP is a heat-stimulating agent which develops the link between luminescence and temperature for HSLF. The luminescence of the HSLF is dull below 30 °C, but vivid above 30 °C. The luminescence of HSLFs can be stimulated by low heat (human body temperature). Emission spectra were recorded at 20 °C and 30 °C to investigate the heat-stimulated luminescent performance of HSLFs. HSLF is a smart material which can discern the exciting light to change color because of the photo-thermal effect. This characteristic provides optimum conditions for SZSO and YOS to store energy. The results demonstrated that most luminescence from SZSO and YOS could be absorbed by HSGP at 20 °C, but the luminescence could be liberated at 30 °C. The heat-stimulated phenomenon could also be verified by afterglow and the naked eye.