bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Clinical Relevance of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer
Authors: Silva Andreia , Bullock Marc , Calin George
Published: October 2015

Non-coding RNAs have long been associated with cancer development and progression, and since their earliest discovery, their clinical potential in identifying and characterizing the disease has been pursued. Long non-coding (lncRNAs), a diverse class of RNA transcripts >200 nucleotides in length with limited protein coding potential, has been only modestly studied relative to other categories of non-coding RNAs. However, recent data suggests they too may be important players in cancer. In this article, we consider the value of lncRNAs in the clinical setting, and in particular their potential roles as diagnostic and prognostic markers in cancer. Furthermore, we summarize the most significant studies linking lncRNA expression in human biological samples to cancer outcomes. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and validity of these non-coding RNA transcripts is compared in the various biological compartments in which they have been detected including tumor tissue, whole body fluids and exosomes.
On the Effect of Preparation Methods of PdCe-MOR Catalysts as NOx CH4-SCR System for Natural Gas Vehicles Application
Authors: Mendes Acácio , Ribeiro Maria , Henriques Carlos , Da Costa Patrick
Published: October 2015

In the present work, the effect of several parameters involved in the preparation of PdCe-HMOR catalysts active for NOx selective catalytic reduction with methane (NOx CH4-SCR) was studied. Results show that the catalytic performance of Pd-HMOR is better when palladium is introduced by ion-exchange, namely at room temperature. It was also shown that Pd loading does not influence the formation of cerium species, namely surface Ce4+ (CeO2) species and CeO2 species in interaction with Pd. However, when Ce is introduced before Pd, more surface CeO2 species are stabilized in the support and less CeO2 become in interaction with Pd, which results in a worse NOx CH4-SCR catalytic performance.
Echo State Network with Bayesian Regularization for Forecasting Short-Term Power Production of Small Hydropower Plants
Authors: Li Gang , Li Bao-Jian , Yu Xu-Guang , Cheng Chun-Tian
Published: October 2015

As a novel recurrent neural network (RNN), an echo state network (ESN) that utilizes a reservoir with many randomly connected internal units and only trains the readout, avoids increased complexity of training procedures faced by traditional RNN. The ESN can cope with complex nonlinear systems because of its dynamical properties and has been applied in hydrological forecasting and load forecasting. Due to the linear regression algorithm usually adopted by generic ESN to train the output weights, an ill-conditioned solution might occur, degrading the generalization ability of the ESN. In this study, the ESN with Bayesian regularization (BESN) is proposed for short-term power production forecasting of small hydropower (SHP) plants. According to the Bayesian theory, the weights distribution in space is considered and the optimal output weights are obtained by maximizing the posterior probabilistic distribution. The evidence procedure is employed to gain optimal hyperparameters for the BESN model. The recorded data obtained from the SHP plants in two different counties, located in Yunnan Province, China, are utilized to validate the proposed model. For comparison, the feed-forward neural networks with Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm (LM-FNN) and the generic ESN are also employed. The results indicate that BESN outperforms both LM-FNN and ESN.
Electricity Customer Clustering Following Experts’ Principle for Demand Response Applications
Authors: Kang Jimyung , Lee Jee-Hyong
Published: October 2015

The clustering of electricity customers might have an effective meaning if, and only if, it is verified by domain experts. Most of the previous studies on customer clustering, however, do not consider real applications, but only the structure of clusters. Therefore, there is no guarantee that the clustering results are applicable to real domains. In other words, the results might not coincide with those of domain experts. In this paper, we focus on formulating clusters that are applicable to real applications based on domain expert knowledge. More specifically, we try to define a distance between customers that generates clusters that are applicable to demand response applications. First, the k-sliding distance, which is a new distance between two electricity customers, is proposed for customer clustering. The effect of k-sliding distance is verified by expert knowledge. Second, a genetic programming framework is proposed to automatically determine a more improved distance measure. The distance measure generated by our framework can be considered as a reflection of the clustering principles of domain experts. The results of the genetic programming demonstrate the possibility of deriving clustering principles.
A First-Order Study of Reduced Energy Consumption via Increased Thermal Capacitance with Thermal Storage Management in a Micro-Building
Authors: Wilson Mary , Luck Rogelio , Mago Pedro
Published: October 2015

This study uses a first-order approximation of a micro-building to investigate the major factors determining how increased thermal capacitance (ITC) with thermal storage management (TSM) can reduce energy consumption in locations with relatively mild weather conditions such as the southeastern part of the United States of America. In this study, ITC is achieved through water circulation between a large storage tank and pipes embedded within the building envelope. Although ITC results in a larger dominant time constant for the thermal response of a building, an adaptive allocation and control of the added capacitance through TSM significantly improves the benefits of the extra capacitance. This paper compares two first-order models for a micro-building: a reference case model with a single lumped thermal capacitance associated with the building, and another model, with the building’s capacitance plus the capacitance of the water system. Results showed that the ITC/TSM system reduced the cost of conditioning the building by reducing the operating time of both the cooling and the heating systems. May through September, the air conditioning operating time was reduced by an average of 70%, and October through April, the operation of the heating system was reduced by an average of 25%.
Model Property Based Material Balance and Energy Conservation Analysis for Process Industry Energy Transfer Systems
Authors: Ma Fumin , O’Hare Gregory , Zhang Tengfei , O’Grady Michael
Published: October 2015

Conventional historical data based material and energy balance analyses are static and isolated computations. Such methods cannot embody the cross-coupling effect of energy flow, material flow and information flow in the process industry; furthermore, they cannot easily realize the effective evaluation and comparison of different energy transfer processes by alternating the model module. In this paper, a novel method for material balance and energy conservation analysis of process industry energy transfer system is developed based on model property. Firstly, a reconfigurable energy transfer process model, which is independent of energy types and energy-consuming equipment, is presented from the viewpoint of the cross-coupling effect of energy flow, material flow and information flow. Thereafter the material balance determination is proposed based on both a dynamic incidence matrix and dynamic balance quantity. Moreover, the model-weighted conservation determination theorem is proved, and the energy efficiency analysis method is also discussed. Results confirmed the efficacy of the proposed methods, confirming its potential for use by process industry in energy efficiency analyses.
Effects of CO2 Bubble Size, CO2 Flow Rate and Calcium Source on the Size and Specific Surface Area of CaCO3 Particles
Authors: Bang Jun-Hwan , Song Kyungsun , Park Sangwon , Jeon Chi , Lee Seung-Woo , Kim Wonbaek
Published: October 2015

The effects of CO2 flow rate and calcium source on the particle size (PS) and specific surface area (SSA) of CaCO3 particles were evaluated using microbubble generator (MBG) and air diffuser (AD) systems. The carbonate mineralization (CM) and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) methods were employed to produce CaCO3 using gypsum and Ca(OH)2 as the calcium sources, respectively. The CaCO3 particles prepared using the MBG were smaller (with larger specific surface area) than those obtained using the conventional AD, regardless of the calcium source. The average PSs were 2–3 and 7–9 μm for the MBG and AD systems, respectively. Moreover, the PS and SSA of the particles prepared using the MBG were not greatly affected by the CO2 injection rate. This study clearly demonstrates that the use of an MBG ensures the stable production of fine CaCO3 particles using various calcium sources and a wider range of CO2 flow rates.
Indoor Heating Drives Water Bacterial Growth and Community Metabolic Profile Changes in Building Tap Pipes during the Winter Season
Authors: Zhang Hai-Han , Chen Sheng-Nan , Huang Ting-Lin , Shang Pan-Lu , Yang Xiao , Ma Wei-Xing
Published: October 2015

The growth of the bacterial community harbored in indoor drinking water taps is regulated by external environmental factors, such as indoor temperature. However, the effect of indoor heating on bacterial regrowth associated with indoor drinking water taps is poorly understood. In the present work, flow cytometry and community-level sole-carbon-source utilization techniques were combined to explore the effects of indoor heating on water bacterial cell concentrations and community carbon metabolic profiles in building tap pipes during the winter season. The results showed that the temperature of water stagnated overnight (“before”) in the indoor water pipes was 15–17 °C, and the water temperature decreased to 4–6 °C after flushing for 10 min (“flushed”). The highest bacterial cell number was observed in water stagnated overnight, and was 5–11 times higher than that of flushed water. Meanwhile, a significantly higher bacterial community metabolic activity (AWCD590nm) was also found in overnight stagnation water samples. The significant “flushed” and “taps” values indicated that the AWCD590nm, and bacterial cell number varied among the taps within the flushed group (p < 0.01). Heatmap fingerprints and principle component analyses (PCA) revealed a significant discrimination bacterial community functional metabolic profiles in the water stagnated overnight and flushed water. Serine, threonine, glucose-phosphate, ketobutyric acid, phenylethylamine, glycerol, putrescine were significantly used by “before” water samples. The results suggested that water stagnated at higher temperature should be treated before drinking because of bacterial regrowth. The data from this work provides useful information on reasonable utilization of drinking water after stagnation in indoor pipes during indoor heating periods.
Image Segmentation Parameter Optimization Considering Within- and Between-Segment Heterogeneity at Multiple Scale Levels: Test Case for Mapping Residential Areas Using Landsat Imagery
Authors: Johnson Brian , Bragais Milben , Endo Isao , Magcale-Macandog Damasa , Macandog Paula
Published: October 2015

Multi-scale/multi-level geographic object-based image analysis (MS-GEOBIA) methods are becoming widely-used in remote sensing because single-scale/single-level (SS-GEOBIA) methods are often unable to obtain an accurate segmentation and classification of all land use/land cover (LULC) types in an image. However, there have been few comparisons between SS-GEOBIA and MS-GEOBIA approaches for the purpose of mapping a specific LULC type, so it is not well understood which is more appropriate for this task. In addition, there are few methods for automating the selection of segmentation parameters for MS-GEOBIA, while manual selection (i.e., trial-and-error approach) of parameters can be quite challenging and time-consuming. In this study, we examined SS-GEOBIA and MS-GEOBIA approaches for extracting residential areas in Landsat 8 imagery, and compared naïve and parameter-optimized segmentation approaches to assess whether unsupervised segmentation parameter optimization (USPO) could improve the extraction of residential areas. Our main findings were: (i) the MS-GEOBIA approaches achieved higher classification accuracies than the SS-GEOBIA approach, and (ii) USPO resulted in more accurate MS-GEOBIA classification results while reducing the number of segmentation levels and classification variables considerably.
Identification and Analysis of Regulatory Elements in Porcine Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 Gene Promoter
Authors: Wan Qianhui , Wang Yaxian , Wang Huayan
Published: October 2015

Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) is secreted by the mammalian oocytes and is indispensable for ovarian follicular development, ovulation, and fertility. To determine the regulation mechanism of BMP15 gene, the regulatory sequence of porcine BMP15 was investigated in this study. The cloned BMP15 promoter retains the cell-type specificity, and is activated in cells derived from ovarian tissue. The luciferase assays in combination with a series of deletion of BMP15 promoter sequence show that the −427 to −376 bp region of BMP15 promoter is the primary regulatory element, in which there are a number of transcription factor binding sites, including LIM homeobox 8 (LHX8), newborn ovary homeobox gene (NOBOX), and paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 1 (PITX1). Determination of tissue-specific expression reveals that LHX8, but not PITX1 and NOBOX, is exclusively expressed in pig ovary tissue and is translocated into the cell nuclei. Overexpression of LHX8 in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells could significantly promote BMP15 promoter activation. This study confirms a key regulatory element that is located in the proximal region of BMP15 promoter and is regulated by the LHX8 factor.
Hormonal Regulation of Response to Oxidative Stress in Insects—An Update
Authors: Kodrík Dalibor , Bednářová Andrea , Zemanová Milada , Krishnan Natraj
Published: October 2015

Insects, like other organisms, must deal with a wide variety of potentially challenging environmental factors during the course of their life. An important example of such a challenge is the phenomenon of oxidative stress. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of adipokinetic hormones (AKH) as principal stress responsive hormones in insects involved in activation of anti-oxidative stress response pathways. Emphasis is placed on an analysis of oxidative stress experimentally induced by various stressors and monitored by suitable biomarkers, and on detailed characterization of AKH’s role in the anti-stress reactions. These reactions are characterized by a significant increase of AKH levels in the insect body, and by effective reversal of the markers—disturbed by the stressors—after co-application of the stressor with AKH. A plausible mechanism of AKH action in the anti-oxidative stress response is discussed as well: this probably involves simultaneous employment of both protein kinase C and cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate pathways in the presence of extra and intra-cellular Ca2+ stores, with the possible involvement of the FoxO transcription factors. The role of other insect hormones in the anti-oxidative defense reactions is also discussed.
The Effects of Zr Doping on the Optical, Electrical and Microstructural Properties of Thin ZnO Films Deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Herodotou Stephania , Treharne Robert , Durose Ken , Tatlock Gordon , Potter Richard
Published: October 2015

Transparent conducting oxides (TCOs), with high optical transparency (≥85%) and low electrical resistivity (10−4 Ω·cm) are used in a wide variety of commercial devices. There is growing interest in replacing conventional TCOs such as indium tin oxide with lower cost, earth abundant materials. In the current study, we dope Zr into thin ZnO films grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) to target properties of an efficient TCO. The effects of doping (0–10 at.% Zr) were investigated for ~100 nm thick films and the effect of thickness on the properties was investigated for 50–250 nm thick films. The addition of Zr4+ ions acting as electron donors showed reduced resistivity (1.44 × 10−3 Ω·cm), increased carrier density (3.81 × 1020 cm−3), and increased optical gap (3.5 eV) with 4.8 at.% doping. The increase of film thickness to 250 nm reduced the electron carrier/photon scattering leading to a further reduction of resistivity to 7.5 × 10−4 Ω·cm and an average optical transparency in the visible/near infrared (IR) range up to 91%. The improved n-type properties of ZnO: Zr films are promising for TCO applications after reaching the targets for high carrier density (>1020 cm−3), low resistivity in the order of 10−4 Ω·cm and high optical transparency (≥85%).
Advances in Metabolic Engineering of Cyanobacteria for Photosynthetic Biochemical Production
Authors: Lai Martin , Lan Ethan
Published: October 2015

Engineering cyanobacteria into photosynthetic microbial cell factories for the production of biochemicals and biofuels is a promising approach toward sustainability. Cyanobacteria naturally grow on light and carbon dioxide, bypassing the need of fermentable plant biomass and arable land. By tapping into the central metabolism and rerouting carbon flux towards desirable compound production, cyanobacteria are engineered to directly convert CO2 into various chemicals. This review discusses the diversity of bioproducts synthesized by engineered cyanobacteria, the metabolic pathways used, and the current engineering strategies used for increasing their titers.
Antioxidants of Edible Mushrooms
Authors: Kozarski Maja , Klaus Anita , Jakovljevic Dragica , Todorovic Nina , Vunduk Jovana , Petrović Predrag , Niksic Miomir , Vrvic Miroslav , Van Griensven Leo
Published: October 2015

Oxidative stress caused by an imbalanced metabolism and an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) lead to a range of health disorders in humans. Our endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms and our dietary intake of antioxidants potentially regulate our oxidative homeostasis. Numerous synthetic antioxidants can effectively improve defense mechanisms, but because of their adverse toxic effects under certain conditions, preference is given to natural compounds. Consequently, the requirements for natural, alternative sources of antioxidant foods identified in edible mushrooms, as well as the mechanistic action involved in their antioxidant properties, have increased rapidly. Chemical composition and antioxidant potential of mushrooms have been intensively studied. Edible mushrooms might be used directly in enhancement of antioxidant defenses through dietary supplementation to reduce the level of oxidative stress. Wild or cultivated, they have been related to significant antioxidant properties due to their bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, vitamins, carotenoids and minerals. Antioxidant and health benefits, observed in edible mushrooms, seem an additional reason for their traditional use as a popular delicacy food. This review discusses the consumption of edible mushrooms as a powerful instrument in maintaining health, longevity and life quality.
Unique Reactivity of Transition Metal Atoms Embedded in Graphene to CO, NO, O2 and O Adsorption: A First-Principles Investigation
Authors: Chu Minmin , Liu Xin , Sui Yanhui , Luo Jie , Meng Changgong
Published: October 2015

Taking the adsorption of CO, NO, O2 and O as probes, we investigated the electronic structure of transition metal atoms (TM, TM = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn) embedded in graphene by first-principles-based calculations. We showed that these TM atoms can be effectively stabilized on monovacancy defects on graphene by forming plausible interactions with the C atoms associated with dangling bonds. These interactions not only give rise to high energy barriers for the diffusion and aggregation of the embedded TM atoms to withstand the interference of reaction environments, but also shift the energy levels of TM-d states and regulate the reactivity of the embedded TM atoms. The adsorption of CO, NO, O2 and O correlates well with the weight averaged energy level of TM-d states, showing the crucial role of interfacial TM-C interactions on manipulating the reactivity of embedded TM atoms. These findings pave the way for the developments of effective monodispersed atomic TM composites with high stability and desired performance for gas sensing and catalytic applications.
Elevated Expression and Pro-Inflammatory Activity of IL-36 in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Chu Man , Wong Chun , Cai Zhe , Dong Jie , Jiao Delong , Kam Ngar , Lam Christopher , Tam Lai
Published: October 2015

We investigated the expression and proinflammatory activity of interleukin (IL)-36 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The expression level of IL-36, its putative receptors and the frequency of CD19+CD24highCD27+ regulatory B (Breg) lymphocytes of peripheral blood from 43 SLE patients and 16 normal control (NC) subjects were studied using ELISA and flow cytometry. Plasma cytokines/chemokines and ex vivo productions of cytokine/chemokine from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated with recombinant IL-36 were determined by Luminex multiplex assay. Plasma concentrations of IL-36α, IL-36γ and the proportions of circulating IL-36R-positive CD19+ B lymphocytes in total B lymphocytes and PBMC were significantly increased in active SLE patients compared with NC (all p < 0.05). Plasma IL-36α and IL-36γ correlated positively with SLE disease activity and elevated plasma IL-10 concentration (all p < 0.05). The frequencies of circulating Breg lymphocytes in total B lymphocytes and PBMC were significantly decreased in both inactive and active SLE patients compared with NC (all p < 0.01). The frequency of Breg lymphocytes in total B lymphocytes correlated negatively with the proportion of IL-36R-positive B lymphocytes (p < 0.05). IL-36α exerted substantial proinflammatory effect in PBMC from SLE patients by inducing the production of IL-6 and CXCL8. Upon stimulation with IL-36α and IL-36γ, ex vivo productions of IL-6 and CXCL8 were significantly increased in SLE patients compared with NC (all p < 0.05). This cross-sectional study demonstrated that over expression of circulating IL-36α may exert a proinflammatory effect as observed in human SLE.
Real Time Monitoring of Inhibition of Adipogenesis and Angiogenesis by (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Tang Wenjing , Song Huanlei , Cai Wei , Shen Xiuhua
Published: October 2015

Little is known about the effect of (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on angiogenesis in adipocytes. We aimed to test the effect of EGCG on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in adipocytes. The levels of VEGF secretion, the expression of VEGF message ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and VEGF protein in 3T3-L1 cells were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. The xCELLigence real time cell analysis system was used to study the growth and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. A coculture system was used to test the effects of 3T3-L1 cells on proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The conditioned media derived from 3T3-L1 cells treated with or without EGCG was used to culture the HUVECs for a tube formation assay. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), two transcription factors related to both adipogenesis and angiogenesis, were examined to explore the potential mechanism. We found that all the three measurements of VEGF expression in adipocytes (mRNA, protein and secretion in media) were reduced after EGCG treatment. The growth of HUVECs co-cultured with 3T3-L1 cells was significantly increased and the conditioned media from EGCG treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes inhibited tube formation in HUVECs. Both PPARγ and C/EBPα expression in adipocytes were decreased with EGCG treatment. In conclusion, findings from this study suggest that EGCG may inhibit angiogenesis by regulating VEGF expression and secretion in adipocytes.
Biodegradable Shape Memory Polymeric Material from Epoxidized Soybean Oil and Polycaprolactone
Authors: Tsujimoto Takashi , Takayama Takeshi , Uyama Hiroshi
Published: October 2015

This article deals with the synthesis of plant oil-based shape memory materials from epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and polycaprolactone (PCL). PolyESO/PCLs were synthesized by an acid-catalyzed curing in the presence of PCL. During the reaction, PCL scarcely reacted with ESO and the crystallinity of the PCL component decreased to form a semi-interpenetrating network structure. The incorporation of the PCL components improved the maximum stress and strain at break of ESO-based network polymer. The polyESO/PCL was gradually degraded by Pseudomonas cepasia lipase. Furthermore, the polyESO/PCLs exhibited excellent shape memory properties, and the strain fixity depended on the feed ratio of ESO and PCL. The shape memory-recovery behaviors were repeatedly practicable. The resulting materials are expected to contribute to the development of biodegradable intelligent materials.
The Cytosolic Oligosaccharide-Degrading Proteome of Butyrivibrio Proteoclasticus
Authors: Dunne Jonathan , Kelly William , Leahy Sinead , Li Dong , Bond Judy , Peng Lifeng , Attwood Graeme , Jordan T.
Published: October 2015

The growth and productivity of ruminants depends on a complex microbial community found in their fore-stomach (rumen), which is able to breakdown plant polysaccharides and ferment the released sugars. Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus B316T is a Gram-positive polysaccharide-degrading, butyrate-producing bacterium that is present at high numbers in the rumen of animals consuming pasture or grass silage based diets. B316T is one of a small number of rumen fibrolytic microbes capable of efficiently degrading and utilizing xylan, as well as being capable of utilizing arabinose, xylose, pectin and starch. We have therefore carried out a proteomic analysis of B316T to identify intracellular enzymes that are implicated in the metabolism of internalized xylan. Three hundred and ninety four proteins were identified including enzymes that have potential to metabolize assimilated products of extracellular xylan digestion. Identified enzymes included arabinosidases, esterases, an endoxylanase, and β-xylosidase. The presence of intracellular debranching enzymes indicated that some hemicellulosic side-chains may not be removed until oligosaccharides liberated by extracellular digestion have been assimilated by the cells. The results support a model of extracellular digestion of hemicellulose to oligosaccharides that are then transported to the cytoplasm for further digestion by intracellular enzymes.
Effective Generation and Update of a Building Map Database Through Automatic Building Change Detection from LiDAR Point Cloud Data
Authors: Awrangjeb Mohammad
Published: October 2015

Periodic building change detection is important for many applications, including disaster management. Building map databases need to be updated based on detected changes so as to ensure their currency and usefulness. This paper first presents a graphical user interface (GUI) developed to support the creation of a building database from building footprints automatically extracted from LiDAR (light detection and ranging) point cloud data. An automatic building change detection technique by which buildings are automatically extracted from newly-available LiDAR point cloud data and compared to those within an existing building database is then presented. Buildings identified as totally new or demolished are directly added to the change detection output. However, for part-building demolition or extension, a connected component analysis algorithm is applied, and for each connected building component, the area, width and height are estimated in order to ascertain if it can be considered as a demolished or new building-part. Using the developed GUI, a user can quickly examine each suggested change and indicate his/her decision to update the database, with a minimum number of mouse clicks. In experimental tests, the proposed change detection technique was found to produce almost no omission errors, and when compared to the number of reference building corners, it reduced the human interaction to 14% for initial building map generation and to 3% for map updating. Thus, the proposed approach can be exploited for enhanced automated building information updating within a topographic database.
Quantitative Estimation of Fluorescence Parameters for Crop Leaves with Bayesian Inversion
Authors: Zhao Feng , Guo Yiqing , Huang Yanbo , Verhoef Wout , Van der Tol Christiaan , Dai Bo , Liu Liangyun , Zhao Huijie , Liu Guang
Published: October 2015

In this study, backward and forward fluorescence radiance within the emission spectrum of 640–850 nm were measured for leaves of soybean, cotton, peanut and wheat using a hyperspectral spectroradiometer coupled with an integration sphere. Fluorescence parameters of crop leaves were retrieved from the leaf hyperspectral measurements by inverting the FluorMODleaf model, a leaf-level fluorescence model able to simulate chlorophyll fluorescence spectra for both sides of leaves. This model is based on the widely used and validated PROSPECT (leaf optical properties) model. Firstly, a sensitivity analysis of the FluorMODleaf model was performed to identify and quantify influential parameters to assist the strategy for the inversion. Implementation of the Extended Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test (EFAST) method showed that the leaf chlorophyll content and the fluorescence lifetimes of photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII) were the most sensitive parameters among all eight inputs of the FluorMODleaf model. Based on results of sensitivity analysis, the FluorMODleaf model was inverted using the leaf fluorescence spectra measured from both sides of crop leaves. In order to achieve stable inversion results, the Bayesian inference theory was applied. The relative absorption cross section of PSI and PSII and the fluorescence lifetimes of PSI and PSII of the FluorMODleaf model were retrieved with the Bayesian inversion approach. Results showed that the coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE) between the fluorescence signal reconstructed from the inverted fluorescence parameters and measured in the experiment were 0.96 and 3.14 × 10−6 W·m−2·sr−1·nm−1, respectively, for backward fluorescence, and 0.92 and 3.84 × 10−6 W·m−2·sr−1·nm−1 for forward fluorescence. Based on results, the inverted values of the fluorescence parameters were analyzed, and the potential of this method was investigated.
Flood Hazard Mapping Combining Hydrodynamic Modeling and Multi Annual Remote Sensing data
Authors: Giustarini Laura , Chini Marco , Hostache Renaud , Pappenberger Florian , Matgen Patrick
Published: October 2015

This paper explores a method to combine the time and space continuity of a large-scale inundation model with discontinuous satellite microwave observations, for high-resolution flood hazard mapping. The assumption behind this approach is that hydraulic variables computed from continuous spatially-distributed hydrodynamic modeling and observed as discrete satellite-derived flood extents are correlated in time, so that probabilities can be transferred from the model series to the observations. A prerequisite is, therefore, the existence of a significant correlation between a modeled variable (i.e., flood extent or volume) and the synchronously-observed flood extent. If this is the case, the availability of model simulations over a long time period allows for a robust estimate of non-exceedance probabilities that can be attributed to corresponding synchronously-available satellite observations. The generated flood hazard map has a spatial resolution equal to that of the satellite images, which is higher than that of currently available large scale inundation models. The method was applied on the Severn River (UK), using the outputs of a global inundation model provided by the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts and a large collection of ENVISAT ASAR imagery. A comparison between the hazard map obtained with the proposed method and with a more traditional numerical modeling approach supports the hypothesis that combining model results and satellite observations could provide advantages for high-resolution flood hazard mapping, provided that a sufficient number of remote sensing images is available and that a time correlation is present between variables derived from a global model and obtained from satellite observations.
The Potential of EnMAP and Sentinel-2 Data for Detecting Drought Stress Phenomena in Deciduous Forest Communities
Authors: Dotzler Sandra , Hill Joachim , Buddenbaum Henning , Stoffels Johannes
Published: October 2015

Given the importance of forest ecosystems, the availability of reliable, spatially explicit information about the site-specific climate sensitivity of tree species is essential for implementing suitable adaptation strategies. In this study, airborne hyperspectral data were used to assess the response of deciduous species (dominated by European beech and Sessile and Pedunculate oak) to water stress during a summery dry spell. After masking canopy gaps, shaded crown areas and non-deciduous species, potentially indicative spectral indices, the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI), Moisture Stress Index (MSI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), and Chlorophyll Index (CI), were analyzed with respect to available maps of site-specific soil moisture regimes. PRI provided an important indication of site-specific photosynthetic stress on leaf level in relation to limitations in soil water availability. The CI, MSI and NDWI revealed statistically significant differences in total chlorophyll and water concentration at the canopy level. However, after reducing the canopy effects by normalizing these indices with respect to the structure-sensitive simple ratio (SR) vegetation index, it was not yet possible to identify site-specific concentration differences in leaf level at this early stage of the drought. The selected indicators were also tested with simulated EnMAP and Sentinel-2 data (derived from the original airborne data set). While PRI proved to be useful also in the spatial resolution of EnMAP (GSD = 30 m), this was not the case with Sentinel-2, owing to the lack of adequate spectral bands; the remaining indicators (MSI, CI, SR) were also successfully produced with Sentinel-2 data at superior spatial resolution (GSD = 10 m). The study confirms the importance of using earth observation systems for supplementing traditional ecological site classification maps, particularly during dry spells and heat waves when ecological gradients are increasingly reflected in the spectral response at the tree crown level. It also underlined the importance of using Sentinel-2 and EnMAP in synergy, as soon as both systems become available.
An Unmanned Airship Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing System for Low-Altitude and High Spatial Resolution Monitoring of Urban Thermal Environments: Integration and an Experiment
Authors: Ren Peng , Meng Qinglin , Zhang Yufeng , Zhao Lihua , Yuan Xu , Feng Xiaoheng
Published: October 2015

Satellite remote sensing data that lacks spatial resolution and timeliness is of limited ability to access urban thermal environment on a micro scale. This paper presents an unmanned airship low-altitude thermal infrared remote sensing system (UALTIRSS), which is composed of an unmanned airship, an onboard control and navigation subsystem, a task subsystem, a communication subsystem, and a ground-base station. Furthermore, an experimental method and an airborne-field experiment for collecting land surface temperature (LST) were designed and conducted. The LST pattern within 0.8-m spatial resolution and with root mean square error (RMSE) value of 2.63 °C was achieved and analyzed in the study region. Finally, the effects of surface types on the surrounding thermal environment were analyzed by LST profiles. Results show that the high thermal resolution imagery obtained from UALTIRSS can provide more detailed thermal information, which are conducive to classify fine urban material and assess surface urban heat island (SUHI). There is a significant positive correlation between the average LST of profiles and the percent impervious surface area (ISA%) with R2 around 0.917. Overall, UALTIRSS and the retrieval method were proved to be low-cost and feasible for studying micro urban thermal environments.
In-Line Measurement of Water Contents in Ethanol Using a Zeolite-Coated Quartz Crystal Microbalance
Authors: Kim Byoung , Yamamoto Takuji , Kim Young
Published: October 2015

A quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) was utilized to measure the water content in ethanol. For the improvement of measurement sensitivity, the QCM was modified by applying zeolite particles on the surface with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) binder. The measurement performance was examined with ethanol of 1% to 5% water content in circulation. The experimental results showed that the frequency drop of the QCM was related with the water content though there was some deviation. The sensitivity of the zeolite-coated QCM was sufficient to be implemented in water content determination, and a higher ratio of silicon to aluminum in the molecular structure of the zeolite gave better performance. The coated surface was inspected by microscopy to show the distribution of zeolite particles and PMMA spread.
Quantification Method for Electrolytic Sensors in Long-Term Monitoring of Ambient Air Quality
Authors: Masson Nicholas , Piedrahita Ricardo , Hannigan Michael
Published: October 2015

Traditional air quality monitoring relies on point measurements from a small number of high-end devices. The recent growth in low-cost air sensing technology stands to revolutionize the way in which air quality data are collected and utilized. While several technologies have emerged in the field of low-cost monitoring, all suffer from similar challenges in data quality. One technology that shows particular promise is that of electrolytic (also known as amperometric) sensors. These sensors produce an electric current in response to target pollutants. This work addresses the development of practical models for understanding and quantifying the signal response of electrolytic sensors. Such models compensate for confounding effects on the sensor response, such as ambient temperature and humidity, and address other issues that affect the usability of low-cost sensors, such as sensor drift and inter-sensor variability
Toward a Smartphone Application for Estimation of Pulse Transit Time
Authors: Liu He , Ivanov Kamen , Wang Yadong , Wang Lei
Published: October 2015

Pulse transit time (PTT) is an important physiological parameter that directly correlates with the elasticity and compliance of vascular walls and variations in blood pressure. This paper presents a PTT estimation method based on photoplethysmographic imaging (PPGi). The method utilizes two opposing cameras for simultaneous acquisition of PPGi waveform signals from the index fingertip and the forehead temple. An algorithm for the detection of maxima and minima in PPGi signals was developed, which includes technology for interpolation of the real positions of these points. We compared our PTT measurements with those obtained from the current methodological standards. Statistical results indicate that the PTT measured by our proposed method exhibits a good correlation with the established method. The proposed method is especially suitable for implementation in dual-camera-smartphones, which could facilitate PTT measurement among populations affected by cardiac complications.
A Monolithic CMOS Magnetic Hall Sensor with High Sensitivity and Linearity Characteristics
Authors: Huang Haiyun , Wang Dejun , Xu Yue
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a fully integrated linear Hall sensor by means of 0.8 μm high voltage complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. This monolithic Hall sensor chip features a highly sensitive horizontal switched Hall plate and an efficient signal conditioner using dynamic offset cancellation technique. An improved cross-like Hall plate achieves high magnetic sensitivity and low offset. A new spinning current modulator stabilizes the quiescent output voltage and improves the reliability of the signal conditioner. The tested results show that at the 5 V supply voltage, the maximum Hall output voltage of the monolithic Hall sensor microsystem, is up to ±2.1 V and the linearity of Hall output voltage is higher than 99% in the magnetic flux density range from ±5 mT to ±175 mT. The output equivalent residual offset is 0.48 mT and the static power consumption is 20 mW.
A Low-Cost Modular Platform for Heterogeneous Data Acquisition with Accurate Interchannel Synchronization
Authors: Blanco-Claraco José , López-Martínez Javier , Torres-Moreno José , Giménez-Fernández Antonio
Published: October 2015

Most experimental fields of science and engineering require the use of data acquisition systems (DAQ), devices in charge of sampling and converting electrical signals into digital data and, typically, performing all of the required signal preconditioning. Since commercial DAQ systems are normally focused on specific types of sensors and actuators, systems engineers may need to employ mutually-incompatible hardware from different manufacturers in applications demanding heterogeneous inputs and outputs, such as small-signal analog inputs, differential quadrature rotatory encoders or variable current outputs. A common undesirable side effect of heterogeneous DAQ hardware is the lack of an accurate synchronization between samples captured by each device. To solve such a problem with low-cost hardware, we present a novel modular DAQ architecture comprising a base board and a set of interchangeable modules. Our main design goal is the ability to sample all sources at predictable, fixed sampling frequencies, with a reduced synchronization mismatch (<1 µs) between heterogeneous signal sources. We present experiments in the field of mechanical engineering, illustrating vibration spectrum analyses from piezoelectric accelerometers and, as a novelty in these kinds of experiments, the spectrum of quadrature encoder signals. Part of the design and software will be publicly released online.
Exposure to West Nile Virus Increases Bacterial Diversity and Immune Gene Expression in Culex pipiens
Authors: Zink Steven , Van Slyke Greta , Palumbo Michael , Kramer Laura , Ciota Alexander
Published: October 2015

Complex interactions between microbial residents of mosquitoes and arboviruses are likely to influence many aspects of vectorial capacity and could potentially have profound effects on patterns of arbovirus transmission. Such interactions have not been well studied for West Nile virus (WNV; Flaviviridae, Flavivirus) and Culex spp. mosquitoes. We utilized next-generation sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA bacterial genes derived from Culex pipiens Linnaeus following WNV exposure and/or infection and compared bacterial populations and broad immune responses to unexposed mosquitoes. Our results demonstrate that WNV infection increases the diversity of bacterial populations and is associated with up-regulation of classical invertebrate immune pathways including RNA interference (RNAi), Toll, and Jak-STAT (Janus kinase-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription). In addition, WNV exposure alone, without the establishment of infection, results in similar alterations to microbial and immune signatures, although to a lesser extent. Multiple bacterial genera were found in greater abundance inWNV-exposed and/or infected mosquitoes, yet the most consistent and notable was the genus Serratia.
Comparison of FDG and FDG-labeled leukocytes PET/CT in diagnosis of infection
Authors: Aliyev A. , Ekmekcioglu O. , Ozhan M. , Uslu L. , Vatankulu B. , Sager S. , Halaç M. , Sönmezoğlu K. , Yilmaz S.
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study is to compare FDG and FDG-labeled leukocyte (WBC) PET/CT in the diagnosis of infection using different SUV and visual thresholds for interpretation. Patients, material, method: 49 consecutive patients (27 men, 22 women, mean age: 55.7 years, range: 16-89 years) with suspected musculoskeletal infection (n = 34), vascular graft infection (n = 5), aortitis (n =1 ), endo - carditis (n = 1), mass lesion which is suspicious for infection or malignity (n = 6), and fever of unknown origin (n = 2) underwent both FDG and WBC-PET/CT. Images were evaluated by both visual analysis (grade 1-3) according to uptake intensity and quantitative grading (grade 1-3) based on lesion to background SUVmax values. Final diagnosis was made by histopathological, microbiological analysis or clinical-radiological work-up. Results: The diagnosis of infection was made in total 24 patients, of whom 14 were diagnosed by histopathological and the rest by clinical-radiological work-up. WBC-PET/CT imaging with the visual threshold of 1b as infection positivity (for truncal lesions uptake equivalent to liver or lumbar vertebrae uptake; for extremity lesions uptake significantly higher than neighbouring soft tissue uptake or higher than neighbouring bone marrow uptake) was found to have the highest diagnostic accuracy (AUC: 0.874, CI: 0.771-0.997, p < 0.001). The optimal SUV threshold was found to be 8.8 (p = 0.006; sensitivity: 72.7%, specificity: 82.8) and 5.3 (p < 0.001; sensitivity: 81.8%, specificity: 79.3%) for FDG and WBC-PET/CT, respectively by ROC curve analysis. Conclusion: WBC-PET/CT is more valuable than FDG PET/CT in the imaging of infection. Visual threshold of >1b seems to be more suitable for detection of infection.
Breaking the Waves de Lars von Trier : système sacrificiel et féminin
Authors: Juranville Anne
Published: October 2015

On postule que la fiction Breaking the Waves de Lars von Trier (1996) possède une cohérence psychologique et structurelle. L’intérêt de ce film est de se prêter à un démontage du dispositif sacrificiel à la lumière des apports logiques de Lacan concernant le féminin, selon l’extrémisme de deux dimensions de liberté par rapport à la castration. Bess, l’héroïne, est un personnage surdéterminé dont l’« amour fou » la situe à la croisée de deux destins : du côté du « pas-tout » phallique et du côté de l’érotomanie. D’une part, sa position d’exclue fait d’elle la victime désignée d’un ordre traditionnel qu’elle met en question, d’un monde qui « fait exister le rapport sexuel ». Mais d’autre part, elle participe de cet univers patriarcal traditionnel en idéalisant imaginairement le Phallus – ce qui témoigne de sa captation dans l’orbe d’un féminin tout-puissant affranchi de la loi du langage, du féminin tel qu’il est mis en jeu dans le sacrifice. Le système sacrificiel s’avère un marqueur décisif pour illustrer un aspect de la rupture introduite par la modernité dont la logique recoupe celle du féminin.
Quand l’avènement d’un enfant-fétiche participe à singulariser la maternité
Authors: Mathon-Tourné Laurence
Published: October 2015

La maternité est une expérience psychique singulière à chaque fois et pour chacune. La bisexualité psychique du sujet apparaît comme éclairage pour mieux comprendre la singularité de la maternalité à travers des naissances successives. La bisexualité psychique ne serait pas figée une fois pour toutes, les intrications des dispositions masculines et féminines de la femme s’articulant différemment à chaque naissance. De plus, un fantasme de complétude émergerait lors de la maternité, se vivant différemment à chacune d’entre elles. Dans cet article, nous proposons d’aborder la situation où, aux prises avec une imago maternelle phallique, certaines femmes envisageraient l’un de leurs enfants comme un fétiche, moyen de maintenir intact le fantasme de bisexualité psychique d’être tout (sujet et objet, femme et homme).