bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous Cooling Transformation Diagram, Microstructures, and Properties of the Simulated Coarse-Grain Heat-Affected Zone in a Low-Carbon Bainite E550 Steel
Authors: Zong Yun , Liu Chun-Ming
Published: August 2019

In order to provide important guidance for controlling and obtaining the optimal microstructures and mechanical properties of a welded joint, the continuous cooling transformation diagram of a new low-carbon Nb-microalloyed bainite E550 steel in a simulated coarse-grain heat-affected zone (CGHAZ) has been constructed by thermal dilatation method in this paper. The welding thermal simulation experiments were conducted on a Gleeble-3800 thermo-mechanical simulator. The corresponding microstructure was observed by a LEICA DM2700M. The Vickers hardness (HV) and the impact toughness at −40 °C were measured according to the ASTM E384 standard and the ASTM E2298 standard, respectively. The experimental results may indicate that the intermediate temperature phase transformation of the whole bainite can occur in a wide range of cooling rates of 2–20 °C/s. In the scope of cooling rates 2–20 °C/s, the microstructure of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) mainly consists of lath bainite and granular bainite. Moreover, the proportion of lath bainite increased and granular bainite decreased as the cooling rate increasing. There is a spot of lath martensite in the microstructure of HAZ when the cooling rate is above 20 °C/s. The Vickers hardness increases gradually with the increasing of the cooling rate, and the maximum hardness is 323 HV10. When the cooling time from 800 °C to 500 °C (t8/5) is 5–15 s, it presents excellent −40 °C impact toughness (273–286 J) of the CGHAZ beyond the base material (163 J).
Three-Dimensional Autofocusing Visual Feedback for Automated Rare Cells Sorting in Fluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Wang Huaping , Bai Kailun , Cui Juan , Shi Qing , Sun Tao , Huang Qiang , Dario Paolo , Fukuda Toshio
Published: August 2019

Sorting rare cells from heterogeneous mixtures makes a significant contribution to biological research and medical treatment. However, the performances of traditional methods are limited due to the time-consuming preparation, poor purity, and recovery rate. In this paper, we proposed a cell screening method based on the automated microrobotic aspirate-and-place strategy under fluorescence microscopy. A fast autofocusing visual feedback (FAVF) method is introduced for precise and real-time three-dimensional (3D) location. In the context of this method, the scalable correlation coefficient (SCC) matching is presented for planar locating cells with regions of interest (ROI) created for autofocusing. When the overlap occurs, target cells are separated by a segmentation algorithm. To meet the shallow depth of field (DOF) limitation of the microscope, the improved multiple depth from defocus (MDFD) algorithm is used for depth detection, taking 850 ms a time with an accuracy rate of 96.79%. The neighborhood search based algorithm is applied for the tracking of the micropipette. Finally, experiments of screening NIH/3T3 (mouse embryonic fibroblast) cells verifies the feasibility and validity of this method with an average speed of 5 cells/min, 95% purity, and 80% recovery rate. Moreover, such versatile functions as cell counting and injection, for example, could be achieved by this expandable system.
Bifidobacterial Transfer from Mother to Child as Examined by an Animal Model
Authors: Mancino Walter , Duranti Sabrina , Mancabelli Leonardo , Longhi Giulia , Anzalone Rosaria , Milani Christian , Lugli Gabriele Andrea , Carnevali Luca , Statello Rosario , Sgoifo Andrea , van Sinderen Douwe , Ventura Marco , Turroni Francesca
Published: August 2019

Bifidobacteria commonly constitute the most abundant group of microorganisms in the healthy infant gut. Their intestinal establishment is believed to be maternally driven, and their acquisition has even been postulated to occur during pregnancy. In the current study, we evaluated bifidobacterial mother-to infant transmission events in a rat model by means of quantitative PCR (qPCR), as well as by Internally Transcribed Spacer (ITS) bifidobacterial profiling. The occurrence of strains supplied by mothers during pregnancy to their corresponding newborns was observed and identified by analysis immediately following C-section delivery. These findings provide intriguing support for the existence of an unknown route to facilitate bifidobacterial transfer during the very early stages of life.
An Enhanced Rock Mineral Recognition Method Integrating a Deep Learning Model and Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Liu Chengzhao , Li Mingchao , Zhang Ye , Han Shuai , Zhu Yueqin
Published: August 2019

Rock mineral recognition is a costly and time-consuming task when using traditional methods, during which physical and chemical properties are tested at micro- and macro-scale in the laboratory. As a solution, a comprehensive recognition model of 12 kinds of rock minerals can be utilized, based upon the deep learning and transfer learning algorithms. In the process, the texture features of images are extracted and a color model for rock mineral identification can also be established by the K-means algorithm. Finally, a comprehensive identification model is made by combining the deep learning model and color model. The test results of the comprehensive model reveal that color and texture are important features in rock mineral identification, and that deep learning methods can effectively improve identification accuracy. To prove that the comprehensive model could extract effective features of mineral images, we also established a support vector machine (SVM) model and a random forest (RF) model based on Histogram of Oriented Gradient (HOG) features. The comparison indicates that the comprehensive model has the best performance of all.
Effect of Ionic Composition on Physicochemical Properties of Mono-Ether Functional Ionic Liquids
Authors: Zhou Hancheng , Chen Lifei , Wei Zhuo , Lu Yongjuan , Peng Cheng , Zhang Bin , Zhao Xiaojuan , Wu Lan , Wang Yanbin
Published: August 2019

Tunable properties prompt the development of different “tailor-made” functional ionic liquids (FILs) for specific tasks. FILs with an ether group are good solvents for many organic compounds and enzymatic reactions. However, ionic composition influences the solubility by affecting the physiochemical properties of these FILs. To address the structure effect, a series of novel FILs with a mono-ether group (ME) based on imidazole were prepared through cationic functionalization and anionic exchange reactions, and characterized by NMR, mass spectroscopy, and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effect of ionic composition (cationic structure and anions) on density, viscosity, ionic conductivity, electrochemical window, and thermal properties of these ME-FILs were systematically investigated. In general, the viscosity and heat capacity increases with the bigger cationic volume of ME-FILs; in particular, the 2-alkyl substitution of imidazolium enhances the viscosity remarkably, whereas the density and conductivity decrease on the condition of the same [NTf2]− anion; For these ME-FILs with the same cations, the density follows the order of [NTf2]− > [PF6]− > [BF4]−. The viscosity follows the order of [PF6]− > [BF4]− > [NTf2]−. Ion conductivity follows the order of [NTf2]− ≈ [BF4]− > [PF6]−. It is noted that the dynamic density has a good linear relationship with the temperature, and the slopes are the same for all ME-FILs. Furthermore, these ME-FILs have broad electrochemical windows and glass transition temperatures in addition to a cold crystallization and a melt temperature for ME-FIL7. Therefore, the cationic structure and counter anion affect the physicochemical properties of these ME-FILs together.
Paramylon, a Potent Immunomodulator from WZSL Mutant of Euglena gracilis
Authors: Barsanti Laura , Gualtieri Paolo
Published: August 2019

β-glucans, heterogeneous glucose polymers present in many organisms, have the capability to activate the innate immune system. Efficacy of activation depends on purity of the compound, molecular structure, polymerization degree, and source. One of the purest forms of crystallized β-(1–3)-glucan present in nature is the paramylon extracted from the WZSL non-chloroplastic mutant of Euglena gracilis, which can be processed to produce linear nanofibers capable of interacting with specific receptors present on cell membranes. The effects of these nanofibers, already investigated on plants, animals, and humans, will be analyzed.
N/S-Co-Doped Porous Carbon Sheets Derived from Bagasse as High-Performance Anode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Lili , Hu Lei , Yang Wei , Liang Dewei , Liu Lingli , Liang Sheng , Yang Caoyu , Fang Zezhong , Dong Qiang , Deng Chonghai
Published: August 2019

Heteroatom doping is considered to be an efficient strategy to improve the electrochemical performance of carbon-based anode materials for Na-ion batteries (SIBs), due to the introduction of an unbalanced electron atmosphere and increased electrochemical reactive sites of carbon. However, developing green and low-cost approaches to synthesize heteroatom dual-doped carbon with an appropriate porous structure, is still challenging. Here, N/S-co-doped porous carbon sheets, with a main pore size, in the range 1.8–10 nm, has been fabricated through a simple thermal treatment method, using KOH-treated waste bagasse, as a carbon source, and thiourea, as the N and S precursor. The N/S-co-doped carbon sheet electrodes possess significant defects, high specific surface area, enhanced electronic conductivity, improved sodium storage capacity, and long-term cyclability, thereby delivering a high capacity of 223 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 500 cycles and retaining 155 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 for 2000 cycles. This work provides a low-cost route to fabricate high-performance dual-doped porous carbonaceous anode materials for SIBs.
Synthesis and Electrochemical Energy Storage Applications of Micro/Nanostructured Spherical Materials
Authors: Gong Qinghua , Gao Tingting , Hu Tingting , Zhou Guowei
Published: August 2019

Micro/nanostructured spherical materials have been widely explored for electrochemical energy storage due to their exceptional properties, which have also been summarized based on electrode type and material composition. The increased complexity of spherical structures has increased the feasibility of modulating their properties, thereby improving their performance compared with simple spherical structures. This paper comprehensively reviews the synthesis and electrochemical energy storage applications of micro/nanostructured spherical materials. After a brief classification, the concepts and syntheses of micro/nanostructured spherical materials are described in detail, which include hollow, core-shelled, yolk-shelled, double-shelled, and multi-shelled spheres. We then introduce strategies classified into hard-, soft-, and self-templating methods for synthesis of these spherical structures, and also include the concepts of synthetic methodologies. Thereafter, we discuss their applications as electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors, and sulfur hosts for lithium–sulfur batteries. The superiority of multi-shelled hollow micro/nanospheres for electrochemical energy storage applications is particularly summarized. Subsequently, we conclude this review by presenting the challenges, development, highlights, and future directions of the micro/nanostructured spherical materials for electrochemical energy storage.
Poly(Cyclohexene Phthalate) Nanoparticles for Controlled Dasatinib Delivery in Breast Cancer Therapy
Authors: Niza Enrique , Nieto-Jiménez Cristina , Noblejas-López María del Mar , Bravo Iván , Castro-Osma José Antonio , de la Cruz-Martínez Felipe , Martínez de Sarasa Buchaca Marc , Posadas Inmaculada , Canales-Vázquez Jesús , Lara-Sanchez Agustín , Hermida-Merino Daniel , Solano Eduardo , Ocaña Alberto , Alonso-Moreno Carlos
Published: August 2019

The effect on the activity in breast cancer models of the small tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib (DAS), either alone or in combination with other antitumoral agents, has been recently explored. However, DAS is characterized by its low and highly pH-dependent solubility, which could lead to poor uptake of the drug limiting its tumoral efficacy. Thus far, the development of safe and efficient delivery vehicles of DAS to improve the therapeutic efficacy minimizing the toxicity profile is still required. In this work, a biodegradable and biocompatible polyester is assessed, for the first time, as raw material for the generation of polymeric nanoparticles (NPs). NPs of 100 nm with a narrow polydispersity were formulated for the encapsulation of DAS. The enzymatic and cellular degradation of the new drug delivery system has been studied, and the toxicity and blood compatibility evaluated for its potential clinical use. The new material used for the generation of nanoparticles led to encapsulate DAS in an efficient manner with quicker release DAS profile when compared with the FDA-approved biopolymer Polylactide. The new DAS-loaded polymeric nanocarrier gave a superior efficacy when compared to free DAS with no difference in the mechanism of action. The new NPs shown to be a promising DAS delivery system to be further evaluated for breast cancer treatment.
A Diet High in Processed Foods, Total Carbohydrates and Added Sugars, and Low in Vegetables and Protein Is Characteristic of Youth with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Authors: Harshman Stephanie G. , Wons Olivia , Rogers Madeline S. , Izquierdo Alyssa M. , Holmes Tara M. , Pulumo Reitumetse L. , Asanza Elisa , Eddy Kamryn T. , Misra Madhusmita , Micali Nadia , Lawson Elizabeth A. , Thomas Jennifer J.
Published: August 2019

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is characterized in part by limited dietary variety, but dietary characteristics of this disorder have not yet been systematically studied. Our objective was to examine dietary intake defined by diet variety, macronutrient intake, and micronutrient intake in children and adolescents with full or subthreshold ARFID in comparison to healthy controls. We collected and analyzed four-day food record data for 52 participants with full or subthreshold ARFID, and 52 healthy controls, aged 9–22 years. We examined frequency of commonly reported foods by logistic regression and intake by food groups, macronutrients, and micronutrients between groups with repeated-measures ANOVA. Participants with full or subthreshold ARFID did not report any fruit or vegetable category in their top five most commonly reported food categories, whereas these food groups occupied three of the top five groups for healthy controls. Vegetable and protein intake were significantly lower in full or subthreshold ARFID compared to healthy controls. Intakes of added sugars and total carbohydrates were significantly higher in full or subthreshold ARFID compared to healthy controls. Individuals with full or subthreshold ARFID had lower intake of vitamins K and B12, consistent with limited vegetable and protein intake compared to healthy controls. Our results support the need for diet diversification as part of therapeutic interventions for ARFID to reduce risk for nutrient insufficiencies and related complications.
Antibiotic Hypersensitivity Mechanisms
Authors: Maker Jenana H. , Stroup Cassandra M. , Huang Vanthida , James Stephanie F.
Published: August 2019

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat a variety of bacterial infections. As with all medications, hypersensitivity reactions may occur and clinicians should be able to recognize them accurately and recommend appropriate management. Antibiotic related hypersensitivity reactions may be one of four different types: Type I reactions, which are IgE mediated and may lead to anaphylaxis; Type II reactions that are antibody-mediated and may result in thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, or hemolytic anemia; Type III reaction that involves an immune complex formation such as vasculitis; and Type IV reactions that consist of four subtypes and typically include a rash of varying level of severity with or without systemic signs and symptoms. Herein, we describe the mechanisms of different types of allergic reactions to commonly prescribed antibiotics and offer recommendations for management. Further, we briefly refer to antibiotic reactions that mimic hypersensitivity reactions but are not immune mediated, such as pseudoallergies and serum sickness-like reactions.
Valuable Lessons for Pharmacist PBRNs: Insights and Experiences from Physician PBRN Members
Authors: Planas Lourdes G. , Desselle Shane P. , Cao Kaitlyn
Published: August 2019

Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) rely on a cadre of engaged members to participate in research projects. As pharmacist PBRNs increase in number, it is helpful to understand how members of other professions view their own participation in PBRNs and potential collaborative research endeavors with pharmacists. Due to their longer history of PBRN experience, physician PBRN members may have helpful advice for the establishment of pharmacy networks. The objectives of this study were to describe perceptions among a group of physician PBRN members about: Advice for developing a pharmacist PBRN, practice aspects that might benefit from collaborating with pharmacists who are part of a PBRN, and benefits and challenges of PBRN member participation. This study employed qualitative research methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with physician members of the Oklahoma Physicians Resource/Research Network, a primary care PBRN. Advice for establishing a pharmacist PBRN included identifying a champion, recruiting a core group, and conducting a needs assessment. Collaborative areas of interest included medication use management, patient education on chronic disease states, and physician education on new therapies. Participation benefits were categorized as personal satisfaction, improvement in practice quality improvement, advancement of specialty, peer interaction and learning, and real-time information and support. These findings offer insight into strategies for developing and sustaining pharmacist PBRNs and may inform pharmacist PBRN initiatives related to development, member recruitment and retention, and interprofessional project planning with physician PBRNs.
Pedicularis L. Genus: Systematics, Botany, Phytochemistry, Chemotaxonomy, Ethnopharmacology, and Other
Authors: Frezza Claudio , Venditti Alessandro , Toniolo Chiara , De Vita Daniela , Serafini Ilaria , Ciccòla Alessandro , Franceschin Marco , Ventrone Antonio , Tomassini Lamberto , Foddai Sebastiano , Guiso Marcella , Nicoletti Marcello , Bianco Armandodoriano , Serafini Mauro
Published: August 2019

In this review, the relevance of the plant species belonging to the Pedicularis L. genus has been considered from different points of view. Particular emphasis was given to phytochemistry and ethnopharmacology, since several classes of natural compounds have been reported within this genus and many of its species are well known to be employed in the traditional medicines of many Asian countries. Some important conclusions on the chemotaxonomic and chemosystematic aspects of the genus have also been provided for the first time. Actually, this work represents the first total comprehensive review on this genus.
Mechanisms of Silicon-Mediated Amelioration of Salt Stress in Plants
Authors: Liu Boling , Soundararajan Prabhakaran , Manivannan Abinaya
Published: August 2019

Silicon (Si), the second most predominant element in the earth crust consists of numerous benefits to plant. Beneficial effect of Si has been apparently visible under both abiotic and biotic stress conditions in plants. Supplementation of Si improved physiology and yield on several important agricultural and horticultural crops. Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses that affect growth and yield. The presence of high concentration of salt in growing medium causes oxidative, osmotic, and ionic stresses to plants. In extreme conditions salinity affects soil, ground water, and limits agricultural production. Si ameliorates salt stress in several plants. The Si mediated stress mitigation involves various regulatory mechanisms such as photosynthesis, detoxification of harmful reactive oxygen species using antioxidant and non-antioxidants, and proper nutrient management. In the present review, Si mediated alleviation of salinity stress in plants through the regulation of photosynthesis, root developmental changes, redox homeostasis equilibrium, and regulation of nutrients have been dealt in detail.
Rapid, Single-Step Protein Encapsulation via Flash NanoPrecipitation
Authors: Levit Shani L. , Walker Rebecca C. , Tang Christina
Published: August 2019

Flash NanoPrecipitation (FNP) is a rapid method for encapsulating hydrophobic materials in polymer nanoparticles with high loading capacity. Encapsulating biologics such as proteins remains a challenge due to their low hydrophobicity (logP < 6) and current methods require multiple processing steps. In this work, we report rapid, single-step protein encapsulation via FNP using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein. Nanoparticle formation involves complexation and precipitation of protein with tannic acid and stabilization with a cationic polyelectrolyte. Nanoparticle self-assembly is driven by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. Using this approach, high encapsulation efficiency (up to ~80%) of protein can be achieved. The resulting nanoparticles are stable at physiological pH and ionic strength. Overall, FNP is a rapid, efficient platform for encapsulating proteins for various applications.
Study on the Mechanism of Interfacial Friction Heating in Polymer Ultrasonic Plasticization Injection Molding Process
Authors: Peng Tao , Jiang Bingyan , Zou Yang
Published: August 2019

Ultrasonic Plasticization Injection Molding (UPIM) is an effective way to manufacture polymeric micro parts and has great potential for energy saving with processing polymeric materials of a small amount. To better control the UPIM process and improve the quality of micro parts, it is necessary to study the heat generation mechanism. In this paper, the interfacial friction heating process of UPIM was studied by finite element (FEM) simulation and experiment, and the temperature change in the friction interface was estimated. Then, the effects of different process parameters such as ultrasonic frequency and ultrasonic amplitude on the friction heating process were analyzed. The results showed that the rising trend of friction heating temperature was transient (finished within 1 s), and the change trend of FEM simulation was consistent with experimental results. Adjusting ultrasonic frequency and amplitude has a significant influence on the friction heating process. Increasing the ultrasonic frequency and amplitude can improve the efficiency of friction heating.
Acetoacetate Based Thermosets Prepared by Dual-Michael Addition Reactions
Authors: Konuray Osman , Fernández-Francos Xavier , Ramis Xavier , Serra Àngels
Published: August 2019

A novel set of dual-curable multiacetoacetate-multiacrylate-divinyl sulfone ternary materials with versatile and manipulable properties are presented. In contrast to common dual-curing systems, the first stage polymer herein consists of a densely crosslinked, high Tg network as a result of base-catalyzed multiacetoacetate-divinyl sulfone Michael addition. A more flexible secondary network forms after base-catalyzed Michael addition of remaining multiacetoacetate to multiacrylate. Curing is truly sequential as the rates of the two Michael additions are significantly different. Curing kinetics were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR). The materials at each curing stage were characterized using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and SEM. Although some phase separation was observed in certain formulations, the incompatibilities were minimized when the molar percentage of the acetoacetate-divinyl sulfone polymer network was above 75%. Furthermore, the environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) images of these materials show that the more flexible acetoacetate-acrylate phase is dispersed in the form of polymeric spheres within the rigid acetoacetate-divinyl sulfone matrix. This unique dual microstructure can potentially render these materials highly resilient in applications requiring densely crosslinked polymer architectures with enhanced toughness.
Intergenerational Ties in Latinx Protestant Congregations: Sustaining Ethnicity through Organizational and Affective Connections
Authors: Calvillo Jonathan
Published: August 2019

This paper examines the persistence of intergenerational ties within Latinx Protestant Congregations (LPCs) and the implications these ties have for the persistence of LPCs as distinctly ethnic institutions. Though studies of generational transitions within ethnic congregations tend to emphasize intergenerational discontinuity, this paper uncovers ways that Latinx Protestants maintain intergenerational ties through LPC involvement, both within and across institutional settings. Rather than focusing on the content of intergenerational transmission, such as cultural practices, ethnic material, or explicit identity labels, this paper is concerned with a more preliminary matter of ethnic identity maintenance—the persistence of channels of transmission across generations. In particular, this paper examines how LPC organizational structures sustain cross-generational links, and how later generation Latinxs express affective ties to earlier generation Latinxs. Taking a religious ecology approach, findings are based on in-depth qualitative research conducted within six LPCs, and an informal survey of eleven additional LPCs, all located in the city of Santa Ana, California, a Latinx majority city. Findings suggest that LPCs are successfully cultivating intergenerational ties among a select group of later generation Latinxs, and that later generation Latinxs who stay connected to LPCs value these ties.
Precise Crop Classification Using Spectral-Spatial-Location Fusion Based on Conditional Random Fields for UAV-Borne Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Imagery
Authors: Wei Lifei , Yu Ming , Liang Yajing , Yuan Ziran , Huang Can , Li Rong , Yu Yiwei
Published: August 2019

The precise classification of crop types is an important basis of agricultural monitoring and crop protection. With the rapid development of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, UAV-borne hyperspectral remote sensing imagery with high spatial resolution has become the ideal data source for the precise classification of crops. For precise classification of crops with a wide variety of classes and varied spectra, the traditional spectral-based classification method has difficulty in mining large-scale spatial information and maintaining the detailed features of the classes. Therefore, a precise crop classification method using spectral-spatial-location fusion based on conditional random fields (SSLF-CRF) for UAV-borne hyperspectral remote sensing imagery is proposed in this paper. The proposed method integrates the spectral information, the spatial context, the spatial features, and the spatial location information in the conditional random field model by the probabilistic potentials, providing complementary information for the crop discrimination from different perspectives. The experimental results obtained with two UAV-borne high spatial resolution hyperspectral images confirm that the proposed method can solve the problems of large-scale spatial information modeling and spectral variability, improving the classification accuracy for each crop type. This method has important significance for the precise classification of crops in hyperspectral remote sensing imagery.
A Model for Complex Subsidence Causality Interpretation Based on PS-InSAR Cross-Heading Orbits Analysis
Authors: Mohamadi Bahaa , Balz Timo , Younes Ali
Published: August 2019

Urban areas are subject to subsidence due to varying natural and anthropogenic causes. Often, subsidence is interpreted and correlated to a single causal factor; however, subsidence is usually more complex. In this study, we adopt a new model to distinguish different causes of subsidence in urban areas based on complexity. Ascending and descending Sentinel-1 data were analyzed using permanent scatterer interferometry (PS-InSAR) and decomposed to estimate vertical velocity. The estimated velocity is correlated to potential causes of subsidence, and modeled using different weights, to extract the model with the highest correlations among subsidence. The model was tested in Alexandria City, Egypt, based on three potential causes of subsidence: rock type, former lakes and lagoons dewatering (FLLD), and built-up load (BL). Results of experiments on the tested area reveal singular patterns of causal factors of subsidence distributed across the northeast, northwest, central south, and parts of the city center, reflecting the rock type of those areas. Dual causes of subsidence are found in the southwest and some parts of the southeast as a contribution of rock type and FLLD, whereas the most complex causes of subsidence are found in the southeast of the city, as the newly built-up areas interact with the rock type and FLLD to form a complex subsidence regime. Those areas also show the highest subsidence values among all other parts of the city. The accuracy of the final model was confirmed using linear regression analysis, with an R2 value of 0.88.
Optimization of the Local Split-Window Algorithm for FY-4A Land Surface Temperature Retrieval
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Guo Ni , Wang Wei , Zuo Hongchao
Published: August 2019

FY-4A is a second generation of geostationary orbiting meteorological satellite, and the successful launch of FY-4A satellite provides a new opportunity to obtain diurnal variation of land surface temperature (LST). In this paper, different underlying surfaces-observed data were applied to evaluate the applicability of the local split-window algorithm for FY-4A, and the local split-window algorithm parameters were optimized by the artificial intelligent particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to improve the accuracy of retrieved LST. Results show that the retrieved LST can efficiently reproduce the diurnal variation characteristics of LST. However, the estimated values deviate hugely from the observed values when the local split-window algorithms are directly used to process the FY-4A satellite data, and the root mean square errors (RMSEs) are approximately 6K. The accuracy of the retrieved LST cannot be effectively improved by merely modifying the emissivity-estimated model or optimizing the algorithm. Based on the measured emissivity, the RMSE of LST retrieved by the optimized local split-window algorithm is reduced to 3.45 K. The local split-window algorithm is a simple and easy retrieval approach that can quickly retrieve LST on a regional scale and promote the application of FY-4A satellite data in related fields.
Wavelet-Based Analysis of Physical Activity and Sleep Movement Data from Wearable Sensors among Obese Adults
Authors: Soangra Rahul , Krishnan Vennila
Published: August 2019

Decreased physical activity in obese individuals is associated with a prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Physicians usually recommend that obese individuals change their lifestyle, specifically changes in diet, exercise, and other physical activities for obesity management. Therefore, understanding physical activity and sleep behavior is an essential aspect of obesity management. With innovations in mobile and electronic health care technologies, wearable inertial sensors have been used extensively over the past decade for monitoring human activities. Despite significant progress with the wearable inertial sensing technology, there is a knowledge gap among researchers regarding how to analyze longitudinal multi-day inertial sensor data to explore activities of daily living (ADL) and sleep behavior. The purpose of this study was to explore new clinically relevant metrics using movement amplitude and frequency from longitudinal wearable sensor data in obese and non-obese young adults. We utilized wavelet analysis to determine movement frequencies on longitudinal multi-day wearable sensor data. In this study, we recruited 10 obese and 10 non-obese young subjects. We found that obese participants performed more low-frequency (0.1 Hz) movements and fewer movements of high frequency (1.1–1.4 Hz) compared to non-obese counterparts. Both obese and non-obese subjects were active during the 00:00–06:00 time interval. In addition, obesity affected sleep with significantly fewer transitions, and obese individuals showed low values of root mean square transition accelerations throughout the night. This study is critical for obesity management to prevent unhealthy weight gain by the recommendations of physical activity based on our results. Longitudinal multi-day monitoring using wearable sensors has great potential to be integrated into routine health care checkups to prevent obesity and promote physical activities.
Pre-Impact Detection Algorithm to Identify Tripping Events Using Wearable Sensors
Authors: Aprigliano Federica , Micera Silvestro , Monaco Vito
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to investigate the performance of an updated version of our pre-impact detection algorithm parsing out the output of a set of Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) placed on lower limbs and designed to recognize signs of lack of balance due to tripping. Eight young subjects were asked to manage tripping events while walking on a treadmill. An adaptive threshold-based algorithm, relying on a pool of adaptive oscillators, was tuned to identify abrupt kinematics modifications during tripping. Inputs of the algorithm were the elevation angles of lower limb segments, as estimated by IMUs located on thighs, shanks and feet. The results showed that the proposed algorithm can identify a lack of balance in about 0.37 ± 0.11 s after the onset of the perturbation, with a low percentage of false alarms (<10%), by using only data related to the perturbed shank. The proposed algorithm can hence be considered a multi-purpose tool to identify different perturbations (i.e., slippage and tripping). In this respect, it can be implemented for different wearable applications (e.g., smart garments or wearable robots) and adopted during daily life activities to enable on-demand injury prevention systems prior to fall impacts.
DMS-SLAM: A General Visual SLAM System for Dynamic Scenes with Multiple Sensors
Authors: Liu Guihua , Zeng Weilin , Feng Bo , Xu Feng
Published: August 2019

Presently, although many impressed SLAM systems have achieved exceptional accuracy in a real environment, most of them are verified in the static environment. However, for mobile robots and autonomous driving, the dynamic objects in the scene can result in tracking failure or large deviation during pose estimation. In this paper, a general visual SLAM system for dynamic scenes with multiple sensors called DMS-SLAM is proposed. First, the combination of GMS and sliding window is used to achieve the initialization of the system, which can eliminate the influence of dynamic objects and construct a static initialization 3D map. Then, the corresponding 3D points of the current frame in the local map are obtained by reprojection. These points are combined with the constant speed model or reference frame model to achieve the position estimation of the current frame and the update of the 3D map points in the local map. Finally, the keyframes selected by the tracking module are combined with the GMS feature matching algorithm to add static 3D map points to the local map. DMS-SLAM implements pose tracking, closed-loop detection and relocalization based on static 3D map points of the local map and supports monocular, stereo and RGB-D visual sensors in dynamic scenes. Exhaustive evaluation in public TUM and KITTI datasets demonstrates that DMS-SLAM outperforms state-of-the-art visual SLAM systems in accuracy and speed in dynamic scenes.
Improving GIS-Based Landslide Susceptibility Assessments with Multi-temporal Remote Sensing and Machine Learning
Authors: Lai Jhe-Syuan , Tsai Fuan
Published: August 2019

This study developed a systematic approach with machine learning (ML) to apply the satellite remote sensing images, geographic information system (GIS) datasets, and spatial analysis for multi-temporal and event-based landslide susceptibility assessments at a regional scale. Random forests (RF) algorithm, one of the ML-based methods, was selected to construct the landslide susceptibility models. Different ratios of landslide and non-landslide samples were considered in the experiments. This study also employed a cost-sensitive analysis to adjust the decision boundary of the developed RF models with unbalanced sample ratios to improve the prediction results. Two strategies were investigated for model verification, namely space- and time-robustness. The space-robustness verification was designed for separating samples into training and examining data based on a single event or the same dataset. The time-robustness verification was designed for predicting subsequent landslide events by constructing a landslide susceptibility model based on a specific event or period. A total of 14 GIS-based landslide-related factors were used and derived from the spatial analyses. The developed landslide susceptibility models were tested in a watershed region in northern Taiwan with a landslide inventory of changes detected through multi-temporal satellite images and verified through field investigation. To further examine the developed models, the landslide susceptibility distributions of true occurrence samples and the generated landslide susceptibility maps were compared. The experiments demonstrated that the proposed method can provide more reasonable results, and the accuracies were found to be higher than 93% and 75% in most cases for space- and time-robustness verifications, respectively. In addition, the mapping results revealed that the multi-temporal models did not seem to be affected by the sample ratios included in the analyses.
Evaluating Relative Retention of Polar Stationary Phases in Hydrophilic Interaction Chromatography
Authors: Guo Yong , Bhalodia Nidhi , Fattal Bassel
Published: August 2019

A large number of polar stationary phases with diverse chemistry have been developed for various applications in hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC). However, column manufacturers employ different testing procedures to evaluate retention of the polar stationary phases. This renders the retention data impossible for comparison and makes it difficult for the users to select the right stationary phase based on retention. We have evaluated 25 polar stationary phases using cytosine and uracil as the model compounds in various mobile phase conditions. These stationary phases show a wide range of retention characteristics for the model compounds. The ranking of the stationary phases does not change drastically with the acetonitrile level in the mobile phase.
Biotic Interactions in Experimental Antarctic Soil Microcosms Vary with Abiotic Stress
Authors: Shaw E. Ashley , Wall Diana H.
Published: August 2019

Biotic interactions structure ecological communities but abiotic factors affect the strength of these relationships. These interactions are difficult to study in soils due to their vast biodiversity and the many environmental factors that affect soil species. The McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDV), Antarctica, are relatively simple soil ecosystems compared to temperate soils, making them an excellent study system for the trophic relationships of soil. Soil microbes and relatively few species of nematodes, rotifers, tardigrades, springtails, and mites are patchily distributed across the cold, dry landscape, which lacks vascular plants and terrestrial vertebrates. However, glacier and permafrost melt are expected to cause shifts in soil moisture and solutes across this ecosystem. To test how increased moisture and salinity affect soil invertebrates and their biotic interactions, we established a laboratory microcosm experiment (4 community × 2 moisture × 2 salinity treatments). Community treatments were: (1) Bacteria only (control), (2) Scottnema (S. lindsayae + bacteria), (3) Eudorylaimus (E. antarcticus + bacteria), and (4) Mixed (S. lindsayae + E. antarcticus + bacteria). Salinity and moisture treatments were control and high. High moisture reduced S. lindsayae adults, while high salinity reduced the total S. lindsayae population. We found that S. lindsayae exerted top-down control over soil bacteria populations, but this effect was dependent on salinity treatment. In the high salinity treatment, bacteria were released from top-down pressure as S. lindsayae declined. Ours was the first study to empirically demonstrate, although in lab microcosm conditions, top-down control in the MDV soil food web.
The Impact of an Ice Slurry-Induced Gastrointestinal Heat Sink on Gastrointestinal and Rectal Temperatures Following Exercise
Authors: Deshayes Thomas A. , De La Flore Adrien , Gosselin Jonathan , Beliveau Jeff , Jeker David , Goulet Eric D.B.
Published: August 2019

Gastrointestinal temperature (Tgint) measurement with a telemetric pill (TP) is increasingly used in exercise science. Contact of cool water with a TP invalidates Tgint assessment. However, what effect a heat sink created in the proximity of a TP may have on the assessment of Tgint remains unknown. We examined the impact of an ice slurry-induced heat sink on Tgint and rectal temperature (Trec) following exercise. After 20 min of seating (20–22 °C, 25–40% relative humidity (RH)), 11 men completed two intersperse exercise periods (31–32 °C, 35% RH) at 75–80% of estimated maximal heart rate until a Trec increase of 1 °C above baseline level. Following the first exercise period, participants were seated for 45 min and ingested 7.5 g·kg−1 of thermoneutral water, whereas, following the second period, they ingested 7.5 g·kg−1 of ice slurry. Both Tgint and Trec were measured continuously. The TPs were swallowed 10 h prior to the experiments. A bias ≤0.27 °C was taken as an indication that Tgint and Trec provided similar core temperature indices. Mean biases and 95% limits of agreement during passive sitting, first exercise, water ingestion, second exercise, and ice slurry ingestion periods were 0.16 ± 0.53, 0.13 ± 0.41, 0.21 ± 0.70, 0.17 ± 0.50, and 0.18 ± 0.66 °C, respectively. The rates of decrease in Tgint and Trec did not differ between the water and ice slurry ingestion periods. Our results indicate that ice slurry ingestion following exercise does not impact TP-derived assessment of Tgint compared with Trec.
Pre-Anticipatory Anxiety and Autonomic Nervous System Response to Two Unique Fitness Competition Workouts
Authors: Mangine Gerald T. , Kliszczewicz Brian M. , Boone Joseph B. , Williamson-Reisdorph Cassie M. , Bechke Emily E.
Published: August 2019

To evaluate the feasibility of on-site collection of subjective anxiety, autonomic nervous system activity, and salivary catecholamines surrounding high-intensity functional training (HIFT) competition, ten experienced HIFT competitors completed baseline assessments of anxiety and heart rate variability (HRV). Then, in two consecutive weeks (Workout 1 and 2) within the competition, HRV was recorded and examined in 5-min segments prior to exercise (PRE) and across a 30-min period after competitors completed their choice of the prescribed or scaled each workout. Subjective anxiety ratings and saliva samples were collected at PRE and immediately-(IP), 30-min (30P), and 60-min post-exercise (60P). Saliva samples were analyzed for concentrations of epinephrine and norepinephrine. Generalized linear mixed models with repeated measures revealed significant (p < 0.05) differences between workouts for all measures. Compared to Workout 1, anxiety (~50%), epinephrine (173–340%), norepinephrine (29–234%) were greater in Workout 2 and various HRV-derived indices were more depressed. Additionally, some HRV-derived indices appeared to be modulated (p < 0.05) by competitive level and sex at PRE and throughout the 30-min recovery period. These data suggest that autonomic activity may differ between the competitive and laboratory settings, and that the response may be further modulated by the workout’s design, the athlete’s sex, and competitive level.
A New Approach to the Registration of Buildings towards 3D Land and Property Management in Slovakia
Authors: Raškovič Vladimír , Muchová Zlatica , Petrovič František
Published: August 2019

Slovakia faces a critical period in land and property management. The Land Registry still maintains its old 1990s information system and obsolete manual record system, whose structure and links of the real estate records and ownership titles are unable to meet the current requirements of companies in its graphical representation and visualization of data. Basically, it is a partially structured, digitalized and yet still analog system for recording land titles. It is of the utmost importance for a data model to be set up for a new information system that would provide the entire Land Registry with a wide range of information, together with the right structuring, filtering, sorting, and graphics. The system architecture should be based on unique identifiers in Land Registry entries, fixed links and integrity control mechanisms, while creating an index map of all real estate which can be specified with additional information future legislation might require. Slovak law allows multiple ownership of any land, building or interior. In order to initiate the entire process, the Slovak Land Registry needs to clearly define buildings together with their boundaries by their geometry and location, identify them with a unique code and give them a fixed land reference.
What Does Urban Transformation Look Like? Findings from a Global Prize Competition
Authors: Maassen Anne , Galvin Madeleine
Published: August 2019

Different disciplines are grappling with the concept of ‘urban transformation’ reflecting its planetary importance and urgency. A recent systematic review traces the emergence of a normative epistemic community that is concerned with helping make sustainable urban transformation a reality. Our contribution to this growing body of work springs out of a recent initiative at the World Resources Institute, namely, the WRI Ross Prize for Cities, a global award for transformative projects that have ignited sustainable changes in their city. In this paper we explain the competition-based approach that was used to source transformative initiatives and relate our findings to existing currents in urban transformation scholarship and key debates. We focus on one of the questions at the heart of the normative urban transformation agenda: what does urban transformation look like in practice? Based on an analysis of the five finalists, we describe urban transformation as encompassing a plurality of contextual and relative changes, which may progress and accelerate positively, or regress over time. An evaluative approach that considers varying ‘degrees’ and ‘types’ of urban transformation is proposed to establish meaning within single cases and across several cases of urban transformation.