bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellulase Production from Bacillus subtilis SV1 and Its Application Potential for Saccharification of Ionic Liquid Pretreated Pine Needle Biomass under One Pot Consolidated Bioprocess
Authors: Nargotra Parushi , Vaid Surbhi , Bajaj Bijender
Published: November 2016

Pretreatment is the requisite step for the bioconversion of lignocellulosics. Since most of the pretreatment strategies are cost/energy intensive and environmentally hazardous, there is a need for the development of an environment-friendly pretreatment process. An ionic liquid (IL) based pretreatment approach has recently emerged as the most appropriate one as it can be accomplished under ambient process conditions. However, IL-pretreated biomass needs extensive washing prior to enzymatic saccharification as the enzymes may be inhibited by the residual IL. This necessitated the exploration of IL-stable saccharification enzymes (cellulases). Current study aims at optimizing the bioprocess variables viz. carbon/nitrogen sources, medium pH and fermentation time, by using a Design of Experiments approach for achieving enhanced production of ionic liquid tolerant cellulase from a bacterial isolate Bacillus subtilis SV1. The cellulase production was increased by 1.41-fold as compared to that under unoptimized conditions. IL-stable cellulase was employed for saccharification of IL (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate) pretreated pine needle biomass in a newly designed bioprocess named as “one pot consolidated bioprocess” (OPCB), and a saccharification efficiency of 65.9% was obtained. Consolidated bioprocesses, i.e., OPCB, offer numerous techno-economic advantages over conventional multistep processes, and may potentially pave the way for successful biorefining of biomass to biofuel, and other commercial products.
Correlation Analysis of Delays between Variations of Gamma-Ray and Optical Light Curves of Blazars
Authors: Williamson Karen , Jorstad Svetlana , Marscher Alan , Larionov Valeri , Agudo Iván , Arkharov Arkady , Blinov Dmitry , Casadio Carolina , Gómez José , Hagen-Thorn Vladimir , Joshi Manasvita , Konstantinova Tatiana , Kopatskaya Evgenia , Larionova Elena , Larionova Liudmilla , Malmrose Michael , McHardy Ian , Molina Sol , Morozova Daria , Taylor Brian , Troitsky Ivan
Published: November 2016

We have been performing multi-wavelength monitoring of a sample of γ -ray blazars since the launch of the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope in 2008. We present γ -ray and optical light curves for several quasars and BL Lac objects from the sample to illustrate different patterns of variability. We investigate correlations between γ -ray and R-band light curves and, if these are statistically significant, determine delays between variations at the two wavebands. Such time delays can reveal the relative locations of the emitting regions in AGN jets and the origin of the high-energy photons. We present preliminary results of this analysis. Of the 29 blazars with sufficient time coverage, 17 display a significant, singular, correlated time lag when tested over the entire 7-year period. Of these sources, the six that exhibit a consistent time lag across a majority of epochs of high activity have lags of 0 ± 7 days; the 11 without consistency across epochs of high activity generally display longer mean lags, with γ -ray leading optical. Eleven sources display no significant singular correlation over either the entire 7-year period or across shorter intervals. No significant difference is apparent between the BL Lac objects and FSRQs. Even after 7 years of monitoring, our correlation analysis remains plagued with uncertainties due to insufficient data.
Effects of Scale, Question Location, Order of Response Alternatives, and Season on Self-Reported Noise Annoyance Using ICBEN Scales: A Field Experiment
Authors: Brink Mark , Schreckenberg Dirk , Vienneau Danielle , Cajochen Christian , Wunderli Jean-Marc , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Röösli Martin
Published: November 2016

The type of noise annoyance scale and aspects of its presentation such as response format or location within a questionnaire and other contextual factors may affect self-reported noise annoyance. By means of a balanced experimental design, the effect of type of annoyance question and corresponding scale (5-point verbal vs. 11-point numerical ICBEN (International Commission on Biological Effects of Noise) scale), presentation order of scale points (ascending vs. descending), question location (early vs. late within the questionnaire), and survey season (autumn vs. spring) on reported road traffic noise annoyance was investigated in a postal survey with a stratified random sample of 2386 Swiss residents. Our results showed that early appearance of annoyance questions was significantly associated with higher annoyance scores. Questionnaires filled out in autumn were associated with a significantly higher annoyance rating than in the springtime. No effect was found for the order of response alternatives. Standardized average annoyance scores were slightly higher using the 11-point numerical scale whereas the percentage of highly annoyed respondents was higher based on the 5-point scale, using common cutoff points. In conclusion, placement and presentation of annoyance questions within a questionnaire, as well as the time of the year a survey is carried out, have small but demonstrable effects on the degree of self-reported noise annoyance.
Sociocultural Determinants of Risky Sexual Behaviors among Adult Latinas: A Longitudinal Study of a Community-Based Sample
Authors: Rojas Patria , Huang Hui , Li Tan , Ravelo Gira , Sanchez Mariana , Dawson Christyl , Brook Judith , Kanamori Mariano , De La Rosa Mario
Published: November 2016

Few studies have examined the sociocultural determinants of risky sexual behavior trajectories among adult Latinas. To longitudinally examine the link between sociocultural determinants of risky sexual behaviors, we followed a sample of adult Latina mother-daughter dyads (n = 267) across a 10-year span through four waves of data collection. The present study investigates how risky sexual behavior (operationalized as sex under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, sex without a condom, or multiple sex partners) is affected by: (a) socioeconomic conditions; (b) mental health; (c) medical health; (d) acculturation to U.S. culture; (e) interpersonal support; (f) relationship stress; (g) mother-daughter attachment; (h) intimate partner violence; (i) religious involvement; and (j) criminal justice involvement. Results indicate the following factors are negatively associated with risky sexual behavior: drug and alcohol use, treating a physical problem with prescription drugs, religious involvement, and mother–daughter attachment. The following factors are positively associated with risky sexual behavior: higher number of mental health symptoms, being U.S.-born, and criminal justice involvement. We discuss implications for the future development of culturally relevant interventions based on the study findings.
Prevalence and Parental Risk Factors for Speech Disability Associated with Cleft Palate in Chinese Children—A National Survey
Authors: Yun Chunfeng , Wang Zhenjie , He Ping , Guo Chao , Chen Gong , Zheng Xiaoying
Published: November 2016

Although the prevalence of oral clefts in China is among the highest worldwide, little is known about the prevalence of speech disability associated with cleft palate in Chinese children. The data for this study were collected from the Second China National Sample Survey on Disability, and identification of speech disability associated with cleft palate was based on consensus manuals. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A weighted number of 112,070 disabled children affected by cleft palate were identified, yielding a prevalence of 3.45 per 10,000 children (95% CI: 3.19–3.71). A history of speech disability in the mother (OR = 20.266, 95% CI 5.788–70.959, p < 0.0001), older paternal child-bearing age (OR = 1.061, 95% CI 1.017–1.108, p = 0.0065, per year increase in age), and lower parental education (maternal: OR = 3.424, 95% CI 1.082–10.837, p = 0.0363; paternal: OR = 2.923, 95% CI 1.245–6.866, p = 0.0138) were strongly associated with risk of speech disability associated with cleft palate in the offspring. Our results showed that maternal speech disability, older paternal child-bearing age, and lower levels of parental education were independent risk factors for speech disability associated with cleft palate for children in China. These findings may have important implications for health disparities and prevention.
Evaluation Research of the Effects of Longitudinal Speed Reduction Markings on Driving Behavior: A Driving Simulator Study
Authors: Ding Han , Zhao Xiaohua , Ma Jianming , Rong Jian
Published: November 2016

The objective of this paper is to explore the effects of longitudinal speed reduction markings (LSRMs) on vehicle maneuvering and drivers’ operation performance on interchange connectors with different radii. Empirical data were collected in a driving simulator. Indicators—relative speed change, standard deviation of acceleration, and gas/brake pedal power—were proposed to characterize driving behavior. Statistical results revealed that LSRMs could reduce vehicles’ travel speed and limit drivers’ willingness to increase speed in the entire connector. To probe the impacts of LSRMs, the connecter was split into four even sections. Effects of LSRMs on driving behavior were stronger in the second and the final sections of connectors. LSRMs also enhanced drivers’ adaptability in the first three quarters of a connector when the radius was 50 m. Drivers’ gas pedal operation would be impacted by LSRMs in the entire connector when the radius was 50 m. LSRMs could only make drivers press brake pedal more frequently in the second section with 80 m and 100 m radius. In the second quarter section of a connector—from the FQP (the first quartile point) to the MC (the middle point of curve)—LSRMs have better effects on influencing vehicle maneuvering and drivers’ operation performance.
Effects of Fetal Exposure to Asian Sand Dust on Development and Reproduction in Male Offspring
Authors: Yoshida Seiichi , Ichinose Takamichi , Arashidani Keiichi , He Miao , Takano Hirohisa , Shibamoto Takayuki
Published: November 2016

In recent experimental studies, we reported the aggravating effects of Asian sand dust (ASD) on male reproduction in mice. However, the effects of fetal ASD exposure on male reproduction have not been investigated. The present study investigated the effects of fetal ASD exposure on reproduction in male offspring. Using pregnant CD-1 mice, ASD was administered intratracheally on days 7 and 14 of gestation, and the reproduction of male offspring was determined at 5, 10, and 15 weeks after birth. The secondary sex ratio was significantly lower in the fetal ASD-exposed mice than in the controls. Histologic examination showed partial vacuolation of seminiferous tubules in immature mice. Moreover, daily sperm production (DSP) was significantly less in the fetal ASD-exposed mice than in the controls. DSP in the fetal ASD-exposed mice was approximately 10% less than the controls at both 5 and 10 weeks. However, both the histologic changes and the DSP decrease were reversed as the mice matured. These findings suggest that ASD exposure affects both the fetal development and the reproduction of male offspring. In the future, it will be necessary to clarify the onset mechanisms of ASD-induced male fetus death and male reproductive disorders.
Regulation of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathways in Osteosarcoma Cells Following Oleandrin Treatment
Authors: Ma Yunlong , Zhu Bin , Yong Lei , Song Chunyu , Liu Xiao , Yu Huilei , Wang Peng , Liu Zhongjun , Liu Xiaoguang
Published: November 2016

Our previous study has reported the anti-tumor effect of oleandrin on osteosarcoma (OS) cells. In the current study, we mainly explored its potential regulation on intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathway in OS cells. Cells apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were detected using fluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Caspase-3 activity was detected using a commercial kit. The levels of cytoplasmic cytochrome c, mitochondrial cytochrome c, bcl-2, bax, caspase-9, Fas, FasL, caspase-8 and caspase-3 were detected by Western blotting. z-VAD-fmk was applied to block both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways, and cells apoptosis was also tested. Furthermore, we used z-LEHD-fmk and Fas blocking antibody to inhibit intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, separately, and the selectivity of oleandrin on these pathways was explored. Results showed that oleandrin induced the apoptosis of OS cells, which was accompanied by an increase in ROS and a decrease in MMP. Furthermore, cytochrome c level was reduced in mitochondria but elevated in the cytoplasm. Caspase-3 activity was enhanced by oleandrin in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Oleandrin also down-regulated the expression of bcl-2, but up-regulated bax, caspase-9, Fas, FasL, caspase-8 and caspase-3. In addition, the suppression of both apoptotic pathways by z-VAD-fmk greatly reverted the oleandrin-induced apoptosis. Moreover, the suppression of one pathway by a corresponding inhibitor did not affect the regulation of oleandrin on another pathway. Taken together, we concluded that oleandrin induced apoptosis of OS cells via activating both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways.
d-Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) as a Model of Psychosis: Mechanism of Action and Pharmacology
Authors: De Gregorio Danilo , Comai Stefano , Posa Luca , Gobbi Gabriella
Published: November 2016

d-Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD) is known for its hallucinogenic properties and psychotic-like symptoms, especially at high doses. It is indeed used as a pharmacological model of psychosis in preclinical research. The goal of this review was to understand the mechanism of action of psychotic-like effects of LSD. We searched Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and articles’ reference lists for preclinical studies regarding the mechanism of action involved in the psychotic-like effects induced by LSD. LSD’s mechanism of action is pleiotropic, primarily mediated by the serotonergic system in the Dorsal Raphe, binding the 5-HT2A receptor as a partial agonist and 5-HT1A as an agonist. LSD also modulates the Ventral Tegmental Area, at higher doses, by stimulating dopamine D2, Trace Amine Associate receptor 1 (TAAR1) and 5-HT2A. More studies clarifying the mechanism of action of the psychotic-like symptoms or psychosis induced by LSD in humans are needed. LSD’s effects are mediated by a pleiotropic mechanism involving serotonergic, dopaminergic, and glutamatergic neurotransmission. Thus, the LSD-induced psychosis is a useful model to test the therapeutic efficacy of potential novel antipsychotic drugs, particularly drugs with dual serotonergic and dopaminergic (DA) mechanism or acting on TAAR1 receptors.
Microarray Expression Profiling of Long Non-Coding RNAs Involved in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Metastasis
Authors: Wen Xin , Tang Xinran , Li Yingqin , Ren Xianyue , He Qingmei , Yang Xiaojing , Zhang Jian , Wang Yaqin , Ma Jun , Liu Na
Published: November 2016

Increasing evidence has demonstrated a significant role for long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumorigenesis. However, their functions in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) metastasis remain largely unknown. In this study, a model comparing high and low metastatic NPC cell lines (5-8F vs. 6-10B and S18 vs. S26) was constructed to determine the expression profile of lncRNAs using the microarray analysis, and we found 167 lncRNAs and 209 mRNAs were differentially expressed. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that the dysregulated mRNAs participated in important biological regulatory functions in NPC. Validation of 26 significantly dysregulated lncRNAs by qRT-PCR showed the expression patterns of 22 lncRNAs were in accordance with the microarray data. Furthermore, the expression level of ENST00000470135, which was the most upregulated lncRNA in high metastatic cell lines, was significantly higher in NPC cell lines and tissues with lymph node metastasis (LNM) and knocking down ENST00000470135 suppressed the migration, invasion and proliferation of NPC cells in vitro. In conclusion, our study revealed expression patterns of lncRNAs in NPC metastasis. The dysregulated lncRNAs may act as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for NPC.
Microfluidic Mixing and Analog On-Chip Concentration Control Using Fluidic Dielectrophoresis
Authors: Mavrogiannis Nicholas , Desmond Mitchell , Ling Kenny , Fu Xiaotong , Gagnon Zachary
Published: November 2016

Microfluidic platforms capable of complex on-chip processing and liquid handling enable a wide variety of sensing, cellular, and material-related applications across a spectrum of disciplines in engineering and biology. However, there is a general lack of available active microscale mixing methods capable of dynamically controlling on-chip solute concentrations in real-time. Hence, multiple microfluidic fluid handling steps are often needed for applications that require buffers at varying on-chip concentrations. Here, we present a novel electrokinetic method for actively mixing laminar fluids and controlling on-chip concentrations in microfluidic channels using fluidic dielectrophoresis. Using a microfluidic channel junction, we co-flow three electrolyte streams side-by-side so that two outer conductive streams enclose a low conductive central stream. The tri-laminar flow is driven through an array of electrodes where the outer streams are electrokinetically deflected and forced to mix with the central flow field. This newly mixed central flow is then sent continuously downstream to serve as a concentration boundary condition for a microfluidic gradient chamber. We demonstrate that by actively mixing the upstream fluids, a variable concentration gradient can be formed dynamically downstream with single a fixed inlet concentration. This novel mixing approach offers a useful method for producing variable on-chip concentrations from a single inlet source.
Dirty Money: A Matter of Bacterial Survival, Adherence, and Toxicity
Authors: Vriesekoop Frank , Chen Jing , Oldaker Jenna , Besnard Flavien , Smith Reece , Leversha William , Smith-Arnold Cheralee , Worrall Julie , Rufray Emily , Yuan Qipeng , Liang Hao , Scannell Amalia , Russell Cryn
Published: November 2016

In this study we report the underlying reasons to why bacteria are present on banknotes and coins. Despite the use of credit cards, mobile phone apps, near-field-communication systems, and cryptocurrencies such as bitcoins which are replacing the use of hard currencies, cash exchanges still make up a significant means of exchange for a wide range of purchases. The literature is awash with data that highlights that both coins and banknotes are frequently identified as fomites for a wide range of microorganisms. However, most of these publications fail to provide any insight into the extent to which bacteria adhere and persist on money. We treated the various currencies used in this study as microcosms, and the bacterial loading from human hands as the corresponding microbiome. We show that the substrate from which banknotes are produced have a significant influence on both the survival and adherence of bacteria to banknotes. Smooth, polymer surfaces provide a poor means of adherence and survival, while coarser and more fibrous surfaces provide strong bacterial adherence and an environment to survive on. Coins were found to be strongly inhibitory to bacteria with a relatively rapid decline in survival on almost all coin surfaces tested. The inhibitory influence of coins was demonstrated through the use of antimicrobial disks made from coins. Despite the toxic effects of coins on many bacteria, bacteria do have the ability to adapt to the presence of coins in their environment which goes some way to explain the persistent presence of low levels of bacteria on coins in circulation.
Exchange Bias Effects in Iron Oxide-Based Nanoparticle Systems
Authors: Phan Manh-Huong , Alonso Javier , Khurshid Hafsa , Lampen-Kelley Paula , Chandra Sayan , Stojak Repa Kristen , Nemati Zohreh , Das Raja , Iglesias Óscar , Srikanth Hariharan
Published: November 2016

The exploration of exchange bias (EB) on the nanoscale provides a novel approach to improving the anisotropic properties of magnetic nanoparticles for prospective applications in nanospintronics and nanomedicine. However, the physical origin of EB is not fully understood. Recent advances in chemical synthesis provide a unique opportunity to explore EB in a variety of iron oxide-based nanostructures ranging from core/shell to hollow and hybrid composite nanoparticles. Experimental and atomistic Monte Carlo studies have shed light on the roles of interface and surface spins in these nanosystems. This review paper aims to provide a thorough understanding of the EB and related phenomena in iron oxide-based nanoparticle systems, knowledge of which is essential to tune the anisotropic magnetic properties of exchange-coupled nanoparticle systems for potential applications.
A Prospective Study of Serum Trace Elements in Healthy Korean Pregnant Women
Authors: Choi Rihwa , Sun Jiyu , Yoo Heejin , Kim Seonwoo , Cho Yoon , Kim Hye , Kim Sun , Chung Jae , Oh Soo-young , Lee Soo-Youn
Published: November 2016

This prospective study sought to investigate serum levels of trace elements (cobalt, copper, zinc, and selenium) and to assess their effects on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Serum levels of trace elements in 245 Korean pregnant women (median gestational age at delivery was 39 + 4 weeks and interquartile range was 38 + 4–40 + 1 weeks) were compared with those of 527 general adults and those of previous studies in other ethnic groups. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, neonatal birth weight, and congenital abnormalities were assessed. The median serum trace element concentrations of all pregnant women were: cobalt: 0.39 μg/L (interquartile range, IQR 0.29–0.53), copper: 165.0 μg/dL (IQR 144.0–187.0), zinc: 57.0 μg/dL (IQR 50.0–64.0), and selenium: 94.0 μg/L (IQR 87.0–101.0). Serum cobalt and copper concentrations were higher in pregnant women than in the general population, whereas zinc and selenium levels were lower (p < 0.01). Concentrations of all four trace elements varied significantly during the three trimesters (p < 0.05), and seasonal variation was found in copper, zinc, and selenium, but was not observed for cobalt. The prevalence of preeclampsia was significantly lower with high copper (p = 0.03). Trace element levels varied by pregnancy trimester and season, and alteration in copper status during pregnancy might influence pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia.
Effect of Six-Month Diet Intervention on Sleep among Overweight and Obese Men with Chronic Insomnia Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tan Xiao , Alén Markku , Wang Kun , Tenhunen Jarkko , Wiklund Petri , Partinen Markku , Cheng Sulin
Published: November 2016

Growing evidence suggests that diet alteration affects sleep, but this has not yet been studied in adults with insomnia symptoms. We aimed to determine the effect of a six-month diet intervention on sleep among overweight and obese (Body mass index, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) men with chronic insomnia symptoms. Forty-nine men aged 30–65 years with chronic insomnia symptoms were randomized into diet (n = 28) or control (n = 21) groups. The diet group underwent a six-month individualized diet intervention with three face-to-face counseling sessions and online supervision 1–3 times per week; 300–500 kcal/day less energy intake and optimized nutrient composition were recommended. Controls were instructed to maintain their habitual lifestyle. Sleep parameters were determined by piezoelectric bed sensors, a sleep diary, and a Basic Nordic sleep questionnaire. Compared to the controls, the diet group had shorter objective sleep onset latency after intervention. Within the diet group, prolonged objective total sleep time, improved objective sleep efficiency, lower depression score, less subjective nocturnal awakenings, and nocturia were found after intervention. In conclusion, modest energy restriction and optimized nutrient composition shorten sleep onset latency in overweight and obese men with insomnia symptoms.
Probiotic Supplements Beneficially Affect Tryptophan–Kynurenine Metabolism and Reduce the Incidence of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Trained Athletes: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Strasser Barbara , Geiger Daniela , Schauer Markus , Gostner Johanna , Gatterer Hannes , Burtscher Martin , Fuchs Dietmar
Published: November 2016

Background: Prolonged intense exercise has been associated with transient suppression of immune function and an increased risk of infections. In this context, the catabolism of amino acid tryptophan via kynurenine may play an important role. The present study examined the effect of a probiotic supplement on the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and the metabolism of aromatic amino acids after exhaustive aerobic exercise in trained athletes during three months of winter training. Methods: Thirty-three highly trained individuals were randomly assigned to probiotic (PRO, n = 17) or placebo (PLA, n = 16) groups using double blind procedures, receiving either 1 × 1010 colony forming units (CFU) of a multi-species probiotic (Bifidobacterium bifidum W23, Bifidobacterium lactis W51, Enterococcus faecium W54, Lactobacillus acidophilus W22, Lactobacillus brevis W63, and Lactococcus lactis W58) or placebo once per day for 12 weeks. The serum concentrations of tryptophan, phenylalanine and their primary catabolites kynurenine and tyrosine, as well as the concentration of the immune activation marker neopterin were determined at baseline and after 12 weeks, both at rest and immediately after exercise. Participants completed a daily diary to identify any infectious symptoms. Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, post-exercise tryptophan levels were lowered by 11% (a significant change) in the PLA group compared to the concentrations measured before the intervention (p = 0.02), but remained unchanged in the PRO group. The ratio of subjects taking the placebo who experienced one or more URTI symptoms was increased 2.2-fold compared to those on probiotics (PLA 0.79, PRO 0.35; p = 0.02). Conclusion: Data indicate reduced exercise-induced tryptophan degradation rates in the PRO group. Daily supplementation with probiotics limited exercise-induced drops in tryptophan levels and reduced the incidence of URTI, however, did not benefit athletic performance.
Interpolation of GPS and Geological Data Using InSAR Deformation Maps: Method and Application to Land Subsidence in the Alto Guadalentín Aquifer (SE Spain)
Authors: Béjar-Pizarro Marta , Guardiola-Albert Carolina , García-Cárdenas Ramón , Herrera Gerardo , Barra Anna , López Molina Antonio , Tessitore Serena , Staller Alejandra , Ortega-Becerril José , García-García Ramón
Published: November 2016

Land subsidence resulting from groundwater extractions is a global phenomenon adversely affecting many regions worldwide. Understanding the governing processes and mitigating associated hazards require knowing the spatial distribution of the implicated factors (piezometric levels, lithology, ground deformation), usually only known at discrete locations. Here, we propose a methodology based on the Kriging with External Drift (KED) approach to interpolate sparse point measurements of variables influencing land subsidence using high density InSAR measurements. In our study, located in the Alto Guadalentín basin, SE Spain, these variables are GPS vertical velocities and the thickness of compressible soils. First, we estimate InSAR and GPS rates of subsidence covering the periods 2003–2010 and 2004–2013, respectively. Then, we apply the KED method to the discrete variables. The resulting continuous GPS velocity map shows maximum subsidence rates of 13 cm/year in the center of the basin, in agreement with previous studies. The compressible deposits thickness map is significantly improved. We also test the coherence of Sentinel-1 data in the study region and evaluate the applicability of this methodology with the new satellite, which will improve the monitoring of aquifer-related subsidence and the mapping of variables governing this phenomenon.
Biomass Estimation Using 3D Data from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Imagery in a Tropical Woodland
Authors: Kachamba Daud , Ørka Hans , Gobakken Terje , Eid Tron , Mwase Weston
Published: November 2016

Application of 3D data derived from images captured using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in forest biomass estimation has shown great potential in reducing costs and improving the estimates. However, such data have never been tested in miombo woodlands. UAV-based biomass estimation relies on the availability of reliable digital terrain models (DTMs). The main objective of this study was to evaluate application of 3D data derived from UAV imagery in biomass estimation and to compare impacts of DTMs generated based on different methods and parameter settings. Biomass was modeled using data acquired from 107 sample plots in a forest reserve in miombo woodlands of Malawi. The results indicated that there are no significant differences (p = 0.985) between tested DTMs except for that based on shuttle radar topography mission (SRTM). A model developed using unsupervised ground filtering based on a grid search approach, had the smallest root mean square error (RMSE) of 46.7% of a mean biomass value of 38.99 Mg·ha−1. Amongst the independent variables, maximum canopy height (Hmax) was the most frequently selected. In addition, all models included spectral variables incorporating the three color bands red, green and blue. The study has demonstrated that UAV acquired image data can be used in biomass estimation in miombo woodlands using automatically generated DTMs.
Estimation of Building Density with the Integrated Use of GF-1 PMS and Radarsat-2 Data
Authors: Zhou Yi , Lin Chenxi , Wang Shixin , Liu Wenliang , Tian Ye
Published: November 2016

Building density, as a component of impervious surface fraction, is a significant indicator of population distribution as essentially all humans live and conduct activities in buildings. Because population spatialization usually occurs over large areas, large-scale building density estimation through a proper, time-efficient, and relatively precise way is urgently required. Therefore, this study constructed a decision tree by the Classification and Regression Tree (CART) algorithm combining synthetic aperture radar (SAR) with optical images. The input features included four spectral bands (B1–4) of GF-1 PMS imagery; Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), and Ratio Built-up Index (RBI) derived from them; and backscatter intensity (BI) of Radarsat-2 SAR data. In addition, a new index called amended backscatter intensity (ABI), which takes the influence created by different spatial patterns into account, was introduced and calculated through fractal dimension and lacunarity. Result showed that before the integration use of multisource data, a model using B1–4, NDVI, NDWI, and RBI had the highest accuracy, with RMSE of 10.28 and R2 of 0.63 for Jizhou and RMSE of 20.34 and R2 of 0.36 for Beijing. In Comparison, the best model after combining two data sources (i.e., the model employing B1–4, NDVI, NDWI, RBI and ABI) reduced the RMSE to 8.93 and 16.21 raised the R2 to 0.80 and 0.64, respectively. The result indicated that the synergistic use of optical and SAR data has the potential to improve the building density estimation performance and the addition of ABI has a better capacity for improving the model than other input features.
Modeling and Reconstruction of Time Series of Passive Microwave Data by Discrete Fourier Transform Guided Filtering and Harmonic Analysis
Authors: Shang Haolu , Jia Li , Menenti Massimo
Published: November 2016

Daily time series of microwave radiometer data obtained in one-orbit direction are full of observation gaps due to satellite configuration and errors from spatial sampling. Such time series carry information about the surface signal including surface emittance and vegetation attenuation, and the atmospheric signal including atmosphere emittance and atmospheric attenuation. To extract the surface signal from this noisy time series, the Time Series Analysis Procedure (TSAP) was developed, based on the properties of the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). TSAP includes two stages: (1) identify the spectral features of observation gaps and errors and remove them with a modified boxcar filter; and (2) identify the spectral features of the surface signal and reconstruct it with the Harmonic Analysis of Time Series (HANTS) algorithm. Polarization Difference Brightness Temperature (PDBT) at 37 GHz data were used to illustrate the problems, to explain the implementation of TSAP and to validate this method, due to the PDBT sensitivity to the water content both at the land surface and in the atmosphere. We carried out a case study on a limited heterogeneous crop land and lake area, where the power spectrum of the PDBT time series showed that the harmonic components associated with observation gaps and errors have periods ≤8 days. After applying the modified boxcar filter with a length of 10 days, the RMSD between raw and filtered time series was above 11 K, mainly related to the power reduction in the frequency range associated with observation gaps and errors. Noise reduction is beneficial when applying PDBT observations to monitor wet areas and open water, since the PDBT range between dryland and open water is about 20 K. The spectral features of the atmospheric signal can be revealed by time series analysis of rain-gauge data, since the PDBT at 37 GHz is mainly attenuated by hydrometeors that yield precipitation. Thus, the spectral features of the surface signal were identified in the PDBT time series with the help of the rain-gauge data. HANTS reconstructed the upper envelope of the signal, i.e., correcting for atmospheric influence, while retaining the spectral features of the surface signal. To evaluate the impact of TSAP on retrieval accuracy, the fraction of Water Saturated Surface (WSS) in the region of Poyang Lake was retrieved with 37 GHz observations. The retrievals were evaluated against estimations of the lake area obtained with MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (ASAR) data. The Relative RMSE on WSS was 39.5% with unfiltered data and 23% after applying TSAP, i.e., using the estimated surface signal only.
A Real-Time Kinect Signature-Based Patient Home Monitoring System
Authors: Blumrosen Gaddi , Miron Yael , Intrator Nathan , Plotnik Meir
Published: November 2016

Assessment of body kinematics during performance of daily life activities at home plays a significant role in medical condition monitoring of elderly people and patients with neurological disorders. The affordable and non-wearable Microsoft Kinect (“Kinect”) system has been recently used to estimate human subject kinematic features. However, the Kinect suffers from a limited range and angular coverage, distortion in skeleton joints’ estimations, and erroneous multiplexing of different subjects’ estimations to one. This study addresses these limitations by incorporating a set of features that create a unique “Kinect Signature”. The Kinect Signature enables identification of different subjects in the scene, automatically assign the kinematics feature estimations only to the subject of interest, and provide information about the quality of the Kinect-based estimations. The methods were verified by a set of experiments, which utilize real-time scenarios commonly used to assess motor functions in elderly subjects and in subjects with neurological disorders. The experiment results indicate that the skeleton based Kinect Signature features can be used to identify different subjects in high accuracy. We demonstrate how these capabilities can be used to assign the Kinect estimations to the Subject of Interest, and exclude low quality tracking features. The results of this work can help in establishing reliable kinematic features, which can assist in future to obtain objective scores for medical analysis of patient condition at home while not restricted to perform daily life activities.
Co-Creating the Cities of the Future
Authors: Gutiérrez Verónica , Theodoridis Evangelos , Mylonas Georgios , Shi Fengrui , Adeel Usman , Diez Luis , Amaxilatis Dimitrios , Choque Johnny , Camprodom Guillem , McCann Julie , Muñoz Luis
Published: November 2016

In recent years, the evolution of urban environments, jointly with the progress of the Information and Communication sector, have enabled the rapid adoption of new solutions that contribute to the growth in popularity of Smart Cities. Currently, the majority of the world population lives in cities encouraging different stakeholders within these innovative ecosystems to seek new solutions guaranteeing the sustainability and efficiency of such complex environments. In this work, it is discussed how the experimentation with IoT technologies and other data sources form the cities can be utilized to co-create in the OrganiCity project, where key actors like citizens, researchers and other stakeholders shape smart city services and applications in a collaborative fashion. Furthermore, a novel architecture is proposed that enables this organic growth of the future cities, facilitating the experimentation that tailors the adoption of new technologies and services for a better quality of life, as well as agile and dynamic mechanisms for managing cities. In this work, the different components and enablers of the OrganiCity platform are presented and discussed in detail and include, among others, a portal to manage the experiment life cycle, an Urban Data Observatory to explore data assets, and an annotations component to indicate quality of data, with a particular focus on the city-scale opportunistic data collection service operating as an alternative to traditional communications.
Identification-While-Scanning of a Multi-Aircraft Formation Based on Sparse Recovery for Narrowband Radar
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Xu Jia , Peng Shi-Bao , Mao Er-Ke , Long Teng , Peng Ying-Ning
Published: November 2016

It is known that the identification performance of a multi-aircraft formation (MAF) of narrowband radar mainly depends on the time on target (TOT). To realize the identification task in one rotated scan with limited TOT, the paper proposes a novel identification-while-scanning (IWS) method based on sparse recovery to maintain high rotating speed and super-resolution for MAF identification, simultaneously. First, a multiple chirp signal model is established for MAF in a single scan, where different aircraft may have different Doppler centers and Doppler rates. Second, based on the sparsity of MAF in the Doppler parameter space, a novel hierarchical basis pursuit (HBP) method is proposed to obtain satisfactory sparse recovery performance as well as high computational efficiency. Furthermore, the parameter estimation performance of the proposed IWS identification method is analyzed with respect to recovery condition, signal-to-noise ratio and TOT. It is shown that an MAF can be effectively identified via HBP with a TOT of only about one hundred microseconds for IWS applications. Finally, some numerical experiment results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method based on both simulated and real measured data.
Design of Fresnel Lens-Type Multi-Trapping Acoustic Tweezers
Authors: Tu You-Lin , Chen Shih-Jui , Hwang Yean-Ren
Published: November 2016

In this paper, acoustic tweezers which use beam forming performed by a Fresnel zone plate are proposed. The performance has been demonstrated by finite element analysis, including the acoustic intensity, acoustic pressure, acoustic potential energy, gradient force, and particle distribution. The acoustic tweezers use an ultrasound beam produced by a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) transducer operating at 2.4 MHz and 100 Vpeak-to-peak in a water medium. The design of the Fresnel lens (zone plate) is based on air reflection, acoustic impedance matching, and the Fresnel half-wave band (FHWB) theory. This acoustic Fresnel lens can produce gradient force and acoustic potential wells that allow the capture and manipulation of single particles or clusters of particles. Simulation results strongly indicate a good trapping ability, for particles under 150 µm in diameter, in the minimum energy location. This can be useful for cell or microorganism manipulation.
Molecularly Imprinted Filtering Adsorbents for Odor Sensing
Authors: Shinohara Sho , Chiyomaru You , Sassa Fumihiro , Liu Chuanjun , Hayashi Kenshi
Published: November 2016

Versatile odor sensors that can discriminate among huge numbers of environmental odorants are desired in many fields, including robotics, environmental monitoring, and food production. However, odor sensors comparable to an animal’s nose have not yet been developed. An animal’s olfactory system recognizes odor clusters with specific molecular properties and uses this combinatorial information in odor discrimination. This suggests that measurement and clustering of odor molecular properties (e.g., polarity, size) using an artificial sensor is a promising approach to odor sensing. Here, adsorbents composed of composite materials with molecular recognition properties were developed for odor sensing. The selectivity of the sensor depends on the adsorbent materials, so specific polymeric materials with particular solubility parameters were chosen to adsorb odorants with various properties. The adsorption properties of the adsorbents could be modified by mixing adsorbent materials. Moreover, a novel molecularly imprinted filtering adsorbent (MIFA), composed of an adsorbent substrate covered with a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) layer, was developed to improve the odor molecular recognition ability. The combination of the adsorbent and MIP layer provided a higher specificity toward target molecules. The MIFA thus provides a useful technique for the design and control of adsorbents with adsorption properties specific to particular odor molecules.
Ultra-Low Power Optical Sensor for Xylophagous Insect Detection in Wood
Authors: Perles Angel , Mercado Ricardo , Capella Juan , Serrano Juan
Published: November 2016

The early detection of pests is key for the maintenance of high-value masterpieces and historical buildings made of wood. In this work, we the present detailed design of an ultra-low power sensor device that permits the continuous monitoring of the presence of termites and other xylophagous insects. The operating principle of the sensor is based on the variations of reflected light induced by the presence of termites, and specific processing algorithms that deal with the behavior of the electronics and the natural ageing of components. With a typical CR2032 lithium battery, the device lasts more than nine years, and is ideal for incorporation in more complex monitoring systems where maintenance tasks should be minimized.
Representation Method for Spectrally Overlapping Signals in Flow Cytometry Based on Fluorescence Pulse Time-Delay Estimation
Authors: Zhang Wenchang , Lou Xiaoping , Meng Xiaochen , Zhu Lianqing
Published: November 2016

Flow cytometry is being applied more extensively because of the outstanding advantages of multicolor fluorescence analysis. However, the intensity measurement is susceptible to the nonlinearity of the detection method. Moreover, in multicolor analysis, it is impossible to discriminate between fluorophores that spectrally overlap; this influences the accuracy of the fluorescence pulse signal representation. Here, we focus on spectral overlap in two-color analysis, and assume that the fluorescence follows the single exponential decay model. We overcome these problems by analyzing the influence of the spectral overlap quantitatively, which enables us to propose a method of fluorescence pulse signal representation based on time-delay estimation (between fluorescence and scattered pulse signals). First, the time delays are estimated using a modified chirp Z-transform (MCZT) algorithm and a fine interpolation of the correlation peak (FICP) algorithm. Second, the influence of hardware is removed via calibration, in order to acquire the original fluorescence lifetimes. Finally, modulated signals containing phase shifts associated with these lifetimes are created artificially, using a digital signal processing method, and reference signals are introduced in order to eliminate the influence of spectral overlap. Time-delay estimation simulation and fluorescence signal representation experiments are conducted on fluorescently labeled cells. With taking the potentially overlap of autofluorescence as part of the observed fluorescence spectrum, rather than distinguishing the individual influence, the results show that the calculated lifetimes with spectral overlap can be rectified from 8.28 and 4.86 ns to 8.51 and 4.63 ns, respectively, using the comprehensive approach presented in this work. These values agree well with the lifetimes (8.48 and 4.67 ns) acquired for cells stained with single-color fluorochrome. Further, these results indicate that the influence of spectral overlap can be eliminated effectively. Moreover, modulation, mixing with reference signals, and low-pass filtering are performed with a digital signal processing method, thereby obviating the need for a high-speed analog device and complex circuit system. Finally, the flexibility of the comprehensive method presented in this work is significantly higher than that of existing methods.
A Testbed to Evaluate the FIWARE-Based IoT Platform in the Domain of Precision Agriculture
Authors: Martínez Ramón , Pastor Juan , Álvarez Bárbara , Iborra Andrés
Published: November 2016

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) represent one of the most promising technologies for precision farming. Over the next few years, a significant increase in the use of such systems on commercial farms is expected. WSNs present a number of problems, regarding scalability, interoperability, communications, connectivity with databases and data processing. Different Internet of Things middleware is appearing to overcome these challenges. This paper checks whether one of these middleware, FIWARE, is suitable for the development of agricultural applications. To the authors’ knowledge, there are no works that show how to use FIWARE in precision agriculture and study its appropriateness, its scalability and its efficiency for this kind of applications. To do this, a testbed has been designed and implemented to simulate different deployments and load conditions. The testbed is a typical FIWARE application, complete, yet simple and comprehensible enough to show the main features and components of FIWARE, as well as the complexity of using this technology. Although the testbed has been deployed in a laboratory environment, its design is based on the analysis of an Internet of Things use case scenario in the domain of precision agriculture.