bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Effects of Diatom-Derived Oxylipins on the Sea Urchin Paracentrotus lividus
Authors: Esposito Roberta , Ruocco Nadia , Albarano Luisa , Ianora Adrianna , Manfra Loredana , Libralato Giovanni , Costantini Maria
Published: January 2020

Oxylipins are diatom-derived secondary metabolites, deriving from the oxidation of polyunsatured fatty acids that are released from cell membranes after cell damage or senescence of these single-celled algae. Previous results revealed harmful toxic effects of polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUAs) and hydroxyacids (HEPEs) on sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus embryonic development by testing individual compounds and mixtures of the same chemical group. Here, we investigated the combined effects of these compounds on sea urchin development at the morphological and molecular level for the first time. Our results demonstrated that oxylipin mixtures had stronger effects on sea urchin embryos compared with individual compounds, confirming that PUAs induce malformations and HEPEs cause developmental delay. This harmful effect was also confirmed by molecular analysis. Twelve new genes, involved in stress response and embryonic developmental processes, were isolated from the sea urchin P. lividus; these genes were found to be functionally interconnected with 11 genes already identified as a stress response of P. lividus embryos to single oxylipins. The expression levels of most of the analyzed genes targeted by oxylipin mixtures were involved in stress, skeletogenesis, development/differentiation, and detoxification processes. This work has important ecological implications, considering that PUAs and HEPEs represent the most abundant oxylipins in bloom-forming diatoms, opening new perspectives in understanding the molecular pathways activated by sea urchins exposed to diatom oxylipins.
Global Transcriptomic Analysis of Zebrafish Glucagon Receptor Mutant Reveals Its Regulated Metabolic Network
Authors: Kang Qi , Hu Mengyi , Jia Jianxin , Bai Xuanxuan , Liu Chengdong , Wu Zhiqiang , Chen Wenbiao , Li Mingyu
Published: January 2020

The glucagon receptor (GCGR) is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that mediates the activity of glucagon. Disruption of GCGR results in many metabolic alterations, including increased glucose tolerance, decreased adiposity, hypoglycemia, and pancreatic α-cell hyperplasia. To better understand the global transcriptomic changes resulting from GCGR deficiency, we performed whole-organism RNA sequencing analysis in wild type and gcgr-deficient zebrafish. We found that the expression of 1645 genes changes more than two-fold among mutants. Most of these genes are related to metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids. Genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation, amino acid catabolism, and ureagenesis are often downregulated. Among gcrgr-deficient zebrafish, we experimentally confirmed increases in lipid accumulation in the liver and whole-body glucose uptake, as well as a modest decrease in total amino acid content. These results provide new information about the global metabolic network that GCGR signaling regulates in addition to a better understanding of the receptor’s physiological functions.
Chromium-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation by Altering the Enzymatic Antioxidant System and Associated Cytotoxic, Genotoxic, Ultrastructural, and Photosynthetic Changes in Plants
Authors: Wakeel Abdul , Xu Ming , Gan Yinbo
Published: January 2020

Chromium (Cr) is one of the top seven toxic heavy metals, being ranked 21st among the abundantly found metals in the earth’s crust. A huge amount of Cr releases from various industries and Cr mines, which is accumulating in the agricultural land, is significantly reducing the crop development, growth, and yield. Chromium mediates phytotoxicity either by direct interaction with different plant parts and metabolic pathways or it generates internal stress by inducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus, the role of Cr-induced ROS in the phytotoxicity is very important. In the current study, we reviewed the most recent publications regarding Cr-induced ROS, Cr-induced alteration in the enzymatic antioxidant system, Cr-induced lipid peroxidation and cell membrane damage, Cr-induced DNA damage and genotoxicity, Cr-induced ultrastructural changes in cell and subcellular level, and Cr-induced alterations in photosynthesis and photosynthetic apparatus. Taken together, we conclude that Cr-induced ROS and the suppression of the enzymatic antioxidant system actually mediate Cr-induced cytotoxic, genotoxic, ultrastructural, and photosynthetic changes in plants.
Disparate Phenotypes Resulting from Mutations of a Single Histidine in Switch II of Geobacillus stearothermophilus Translation Initiation Factor IF2
Authors: Tomsic Jerneja , Smorlesi Arianna , Caserta Enrico , Giuliodori Anna Maria , Pon Cynthia L. , Gualerzi Claudio O.
Published: January 2020

The conserved Histidine 301 in switch II of Geobacillus stearothermophilus IF2 G2 domain was substituted with Ser, Gln, Arg, Leu and Tyr to generate mutants displaying different phenotypes. Overexpression of IF2H301S, IF2H301L and IF2H301Y in cells expressing wtIF2, unlike IF2H301Q and IF2H301R, caused a dominant lethal phenotype, inhibiting in vivo translation and drastically reducing cell viability. All mutants bound GTP but, except for IF2H301Q, were inactive in ribosome-dependent GTPase for different reasons. All mutants promoted 30S initiation complex (30S IC) formation with wild type (wt) efficiency but upon 30S IC association with the 50S subunit, the fMet-tRNA reacted with puromycin to different extents depending upon the IF2 mutant present in the complex (wtIF2 ≥ to IF2H301Q > IF2H301R >>> IF2H301S, IF2H301L and IF2H301Y) whereas only fMet-tRNA 30S-bound with IF2H301Q retained some ability to form initiation dipeptide fMet-Phe. Unlike wtIF2, all mutants, regardless of their ability to hydrolyze GTP, displayed higher affinity for the ribosome and failed to dissociate from the ribosomes upon 50S docking to 30S IC. We conclude that different amino acids substitutions of His301 cause different structural alterations of the factor, resulting in disparate phenotypes with no direct correlation existing between GTPase inactivation and IF2 failure to dissociate from ribosomes.
Placental Hofbauer Cell Polarization Resists Inflammatory Cues In Vitro
Authors: Schliefsteiner Carolin , Ibesich Sandra , Wadsack Christian
Published: January 2020

Feto-placental Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are macrophages residing in placental stroma. They are generally described as anti-inflammatory M2 polarized cells, promoting tolerance and tissue remodeling. In certain pathologies, however, a possible phenotypical switch towards pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages has been proposed. The study aimed to determine if HBCs can acquire an M1 phenotype under pro-inflammatory conditions in vitro. HBCs were isolated from healthy human term placentas. Cells were cultivated upon addition of LPS and INF-γ or IL-4 and IL-13 to induce the M1 and M2 phenotype, respectively. Specific cell polarization markers and cytokines, associated with respective phenotypes, were investigated by flow cytometry and ELISA. THP-1 macrophages served as positive control. Pro-inflammatory stimuli reduced M2 markers CD163 and DC-SIGN, but did not induce M1 markers. TNF-α release was increased, but at the same time TGF-β and IL-10 release was upregulated, resembling in part the M2b sub-phenotype. Anti-inflammatory stimuli had no effect on HBC polarization. HBCs maintain their M2 phenotype in vitro despite inflammatory stimuli, which might represent a state of adaption and tolerance to avoid rejection of the semiallogeneic feto-placental unit.
Plant Abandonment by Busseola fusca (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae: Do Bt Toxins Have an Effect?
Authors: Visser Andri , Du Plessis Hannalene , Erasmus Annemie , Van den Berg Johnnie
Published: January 2020

Busseola fusca (Fuller; Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important pest of maize in Africa and can be effectively controlled by Bt maize. However, the sustainability of this technology is threatened by resistance evolution, which necessitates the implementation of the high-dose/refuge insect resistance management (IRM) strategy. Despite the success of this IRM strategy, it is based on several assumptions about insect-hostplant interactions that are not always valid for different pest species. In this study, the plant abandonment behavior of Cry1Ab-resistant and susceptible B. fusca larvae were evaluated on a non-Bt, single toxin (Cry1Ab), and a pyramid event (Cry1.105 + Cry2Ab2) of maize over a four-day period. The aim was to determine if larvae are more likely to abandon maize plants that contain Bt-toxins than conventional non-Bt plants, and if resistance to the Cry1Ab-toxin affects this behavior. This study found that both Bt-resistant and susceptible B. fusca neonate larvae show feeding avoidance behavior and increased plant abandonment rates when exposed to Bt maize leaf tissue. The implications of these findings for the design of IRM strategies and choice of refuge structures are discussed in the context of Bt maize in Africa.
Language Dominance Modulates the Perception of Spanish Approximants in Late Bilinguals
Authors: Black Martha , Joanisse Marc F. , Rafat Yasaman
Published: January 2020

The ability to discriminate phonetically similar first language (L1) and second language (L2) sounds has significant consequences for achieving target-like proficiency in second-language learners. This study examines the L2 perception of Spanish approximants [β, δ, ɣ] in comparison with their voiced stop counterparts [b, d, g] by adult English-Spanish bilinguals. Of interest is how perceptual effects are modulated by factors related to language dominance, including proficiency, language history, attitudes, and L1/L2 use, as measured by the Bilingual Language Profile questionnaire. Perception of target phones was assessed in adult native Spanish speakers (n = 10) and Spanish learners (n = 23) of varying proficiency levels, via (vowel-consonant-vowel) VCV sequences featuring both Spanish approximants and voiced stops during an AX discrimination task. Results indicate a significant positive correlation between perceptual accuracy and a language dominance score. Findings further demonstrate a significant hierarchy of increasing perceptual difficulty: β < δ < ɣ. Through an examination of bilingual language dominance, composed of the combined effects of language history, use, proficiency, and attitudes, the present study contributes a more nuanced and complete examination of individual variables that affect L2 perception, reaching beyond proficiency and experience alone.
3D Printing of Polycaprolactone–Polyaniline Electroactive Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Wibowo Arie , Vyas Cian , Cooper Glen , Qulub Fitriyatul , Suratman Rochim , Mahyuddin Andi Isra , Dirgantara Tatacipta , Bartolo Paulo
Published: January 2020

Electrostimulation and electroactive scaffolds can positively influence and guide cellular behaviour and thus has been garnering interest as a key tissue engineering strategy. The development of conducting polymers such as polyaniline enables the fabrication of conductive polymeric composite scaffolds. In this study, we report on the initial development of a polycaprolactone scaffold incorporating different weight loadings of a polyaniline microparticle filler. The scaffolds are fabricated using screw-assisted extrusion-based 3D printing and are characterised for their morphological, mechanical, conductivity, and preliminary biological properties. The conductivity of the polycaprolactone scaffolds increases with the inclusion of polyaniline. The in vitro cytocompatibility of the scaffolds was assessed using human adipose-derived stem cells to determine cell viability and proliferation up to 21 days. A cytotoxicity threshold was reached at 1% wt. polyaniline loading. Scaffolds with 0.1% wt. polyaniline showed suitable compressive strength (6.45 ± 0.16 MPa) and conductivity (2.46 ± 0.65 × 10−4 S/cm) for bone tissue engineering applications and demonstrated the highest cell viability at day 1 (88%) with cytocompatibility for up to 21 days in cell culture.
Compressive Strength Prediction of PVA Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites Containing Nano-SiO2 Using BP Neural Network
Authors: Liu Ting-Yu , Zhang Peng , Wang Juan , Ling Yi-Feng
Published: January 2020

In this study, a method to optimize the mixing proportion of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber-reinforced cementitious composites and improve its compressive strength based on the Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation (BP) neural network algorithm and genetic algorithm is proposed by adopting a three-layer neural network (TLNN) as a model and the genetic algorithm as an optimization tool. A TLNN was established to implement the complicated nonlinear relationship between the input (factors affecting the compressive strength of cementitious composite) and output (compressive strength). An orthogonal experiment was conducted to optimize the parameters of the BP neural network. Subsequently, the optimal BP neural network model was obtained. The genetic algorithm was used to obtain the optimum mix proportion of the cementitious composite. The optimization results were predicted by the trained neural network and verified. Mathematical calculations indicated that the BP neural network can precisely and practically demonstrate the nonlinear relationship between the cementitious composite and its mixture proportion and predict the compressive strength. The optimal mixing proportion of the PVA fiber-reinforced cementitious composites containing nano-SiO2 was obtained. The results indicate that the method used in this study can effectively predict and optimize the compressive strength of PVA fiber-reinforced cementitious composites containing nano-SiO2.
Algorithms for Instance Retrieval and Realization in Fuzzy Ontologies
Authors: Huitzil Ignacio , Bernad Jorge , Bobillo Fernando
Published: January 2020

Fuzzy description logics, the formalism behind fuzzy ontologies, are an important mathematical method with applications in many artificial intelligence scenarios. This paper proposes the first specific algorithms to solve two reasoning tasks with respect to a fuzzy ontology: the instance retrieval and the realization problem. Our algorithms are based on a reduction of the number of optimization problems to solve by merging some of them. Our experimental evaluation shows that the novel algorithm to solve the instance retrieval outperforms the previous algorithm, and that in practice it is common to be able to solve a single optimization problem.
Emerging Designs of Electronic Devices in Biomedicine
Authors: Coluccio Maria Laura , Pullano Salvatore A. , Vismara Marco Flavio Michele , Coppedè Nicola , Perozziello Gerardo , Candeloro Patrizio , Gentile Francesco , Malara Natalia
Published: January 2020

A long-standing goal of nanoelectronics is the development of integrated systems to be used in medicine as sensor, therapeutic, or theranostic devices. In this review, we examine the phenomena of transport and the interaction between electro-active charges and the material at the nanoscale. We then demonstrate how these mechanisms can be exploited to design and fabricate devices for applications in biomedicine and bioengineering. Specifically, we present and discuss electrochemical devices based on the interaction between ions and conductive polymers, such as organic electrochemical transistors (OFETs), electrolyte gated field-effect transistors (FETs), fin field-effect transistor (FinFETs), tunnelling field-effect transistors (TFETs), electrochemical lab-on-chips (LOCs). For these systems, we comment on their use in medicine.
Genome Sequencing of Pantoea agglomerans C1 Provides Insights into Molecular and Genetic Mechanisms of Plant Growth-Promotion and Tolerance to Heavy Metals
Authors: Luziatelli Francesca , Ficca Anna , Cardarelli Mariateresa , Melini Francesca , Cavalieri Andrea , Ruzzi Maurizio
Published: January 2020

Distinctive strains of Pantoea are used as soil inoculants for their ability to promote plant growth. Pantoea agglomerans strain C1, previously isolated from the phyllosphere of lettuce, can produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), solubilize phosphate, and inhibit plant pathogens, such as Erwinia amylovora. In this paper, the complete genome sequence of strain C1 is reported. In addition, experimental evidence is provided on how the strain tolerates arsenate As (V) up to 100 mM, and on how secreted metabolites like IAA and siderophores act as biostimulants in tomato cuttings. The strain has a circular chromosome and two prophages for a total genome of 4,846,925-bp, with a DNA G+C content of 55.2%. Genes related to plant growth promotion and biocontrol activity, such as those associated with IAA and spermidine synthesis, solubilization of inorganic phosphate, acquisition of ferrous iron, and production of volatile organic compounds, siderophores and GABA, were found in the genome of strain C1. Genome analysis also provided better understanding of the mechanisms underlying strain resistance to multiple toxic heavy metals and transmission of these genes by horizontal gene transfer. Findings suggested that strain C1 exhibits high biotechnological potential as plant growth-promoting bacterium in heavy metal polluted soils.
Nonstoichiometric Cu0.6Ni0.4Co2O4 Nanowires as an Anode Material for High Performance Lithium Storage
Authors: Li Junhao , Jiang Ningyi , Liao Jinyun , Feng Yufa , Liu Quanbing , Li Hao
Published: January 2020

Transition metal oxide is one of the most promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Generally, the electrochemical property of transition metal oxides can be improved by optimizing their element components and controlling their nano-architecture. Herein, we designed nonstoichiometric Cu0.6Ni0.4Co2O4 nanowires for high performance lithium-ion storage. It is found that the specific capacity of Cu0.6Ni0.4Co2O4 nanowires remain 880 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles, exhibiting much better electrochemical performance than CuCo2O4 and NiCo2O4. After experiencing a large current charge and discharge state, the discharge capacity of Cu0.6Ni0.4Co2O4 nanowires recovers to 780 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1, which is ca. 88% of the initial capacity. The high electrochemical performance of Cu0.6Ni0.4Co2O4 nanowires is related to their better electronic conductivity and synergistic effect of metals. This work may provide a new strategy for the design of multicomponent transition metal oxides as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.
Composite Nanogels Based on Zeolite-Poly(ethylene glycol) Diacrylate for Controlled Drug Delivery
Authors: Spatarelu Catalina Paula , (Radu) Chiriac Anita-Laura , Cursaru Bogdan , Iordache Tanta-Verona , Gavrila Ana-Mihaela , Cojocaru Crina-Thea , Botez Razvan-Edward , Trica Bogdan , Sarbu Andrei , Teodorescu Mircea , Tofan Vlad , Perrin Francois-Xavier , Zaharia Anamaria
Published: January 2020

This study presents the design of novel composites nanogels, based on poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and natural zeolite particles, that are able to act as materials with controlled drug delivery properties. Natural zeolite–nanogels composite, with varying zeolite contents, were obtained by an inverse mini-emulsion technique and loaded with 5-fluorouracil, a widely used chemotherapeutic drug. Herein, the possibility of adjusting final properties by means of modifying the preparation conditions was investigated. The prepared composite nanogels are characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In light of this tunable drug-loading capability, swelling behaviour, and cytotoxicity, these composite nanogels could be highly attractive as drug reservoirs.
Gut Microbiota Profile of Obese Diabetic Women Submitted to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Its Association with Food Intake and Postoperative Diabetes Remission
Authors: Al Assal Karina , Prifti Edi , Belda Eugeni , Sala Priscila , Clément Karine , Dao Maria-Carlota , Doré Joel , Levenez Florence , Taddei Carla R. , Fonseca Danielle Cristina , Rocha Ilanna Marques , Balmant Bianca Depieri , Thomas Andrew Maltez , Santo Marco A. , Dias-Neto Emmanuel , Setubal João Carlos , Zucker Jean-Daniel , Belarmino Giliane , Torrinhas Raquel Susana , Waitzberg Dan L.
Published: January 2020

Gut microbiota composition is influenced by environmental factors and has been shown to impact body metabolism. Objective: To assess the gut microbiota profile before and after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and the correlation with food intake and postoperative type 2 diabetes remission (T2Dr). Design: Gut microbiota profile from obese diabetic women was evaluated before (n = 25) and 3 (n = 20) and 12 months (n = 14) after RYGB, using MiSeq Illumina-based V4 bacterial 16S rRNA gene profiling. Data on food intake (7-day record) and T2Dr (American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria) were recorded. Results: Preoperatively, the abundance of five bacteria genera differed between patients with (57%) and without T2Dr (p < 0.050). Preoperative gut bacteria genus signature was able to predict the T2Dr status with 0.94 accuracy ROC curve (receiver operating characteristic curve). Postoperatively (vs. preoperative), the relative abundance of some gut bacteria genera changed, the gut microbial richness increased, and the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio (rFB) decreased (p < 0.05) regardless of T2Dr. Richness levels was correlated with dietary profile pre and postoperatively, mainly displaying positive and inverse correlations with fiber and lipid intakes, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Gut microbiota profile was influenced by RYGB and correlated with diet and T2Dr preoperatively, suggesting the possibility to assess its composition to predict postoperative T2Dr.
Long-Term Blackcurrant Supplementation Modified Gut Microbiome Profiles in Mice in an Age-Dependent Manner: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Cao Lei , Lee Sang Gil , Melough Melissa M. , Sakaki Junichi R. , Maas Kendra R. , Koo Sung I. , Chun Ock K.
Published: January 2020

Recent studies have suggested that blackcurrant (BC) anthocyanins have promising health benefits, possibly through regulating gut microbiome. Three- and eighteen-month old female mice were fed standard mouse diets for 4 months, each with or without BC (1% w/w) supplementation (n = 3 in each treatment group, 12 in total). We then assessed gut microbiome profiles using 16S sequencing of their feces. Old mice had a less diverse microbiome community compared to young mice and there was a remarkable age-related difference in microbiome composition in the beta diversity analysis. BC supplementation did not significantly affect alpha or beta diversity. The relative abundance of several phyla, including Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Tenericutes, was lower in old mice. BC downregulated Firmicutes abundance in young mice and upregulated Bacteroidetes in both age groups, leading to a decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. There were age-specific differences in the effect of BC supplementation on the microbiome. Twenty-four operational taxonomic units showed a significant interaction between age and BC supplementation (p < 0.01), which suggests that the ecosystem and the host health status affect the functions and efficiency of BC intake. These results indicate that BC supplementation favorably modulates gut microbiome, but there are distinct age-specific differences. Studies with human hosts are needed to better understand BC’s regulatory effects on the gut microbiome.
Effects of Extrinsic Wheat Fiber Supplementation on Fecal Weight; A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Brandl Beate , Lee Yu-Mi , Dunkel Andreas , Hofmann Thomas , Hauner Hans , Skurk Thomas
Published: January 2020

Higher fiber intake may confer beneficial effects on health. Our objective was to investigate the impact of 10 g extrinsic wheat fiber on fecal bulk. Therefore, we performed two randomized intervention studies in which we provided extrinsic wheat fiber-enriched products or appropriate control products for five days together with normal diet. In one trial, 10 participants received fiber-enriched food products, whereas in the second study, 19 participants supplemented their daily diet with fiber-enriched drinks. The main outcome variable of this intervention was fecal bulk. Other outcomes were gut microbiota composition, short chain fatty acids in feces, and stool consistency and frequency. Fecal wet weight was significantly increased (p < 0.02) with extrinsic wheat fiber-enriched foods. In contrast, ingestion of extrinsic wheat fiber in the form of drinks did not significantly change fecal wet weight. In both groups, fecal dry weight was not altered upon extrinsic wheat fiber supplementation. However, the intake of fiber-enriched foods resulted in higher acetic acid levels in feces compared to fiber-enriched drinks. Regarding gut microbiota profiles, extrinsic wheat fiber-enriched food products were not associated with substantial alterations. In conclusion, 10 g extrinsic wheat fiber added to a normal diet increased fecal bulk if administered in a solid food matrix, but not if applied in the form of drinks. DRKS, DRKS00015792.Registered 30 October 2018.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Proteomes in 2019
Authors: Proteomes Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

The editorial team greatly appreciates the reviewers who have dedicated their considerable time and expertise to the journal’s rigorous editorial process over the past 12 months, regardless of whether the papers are finally published or not [...]
Facing the Monsters: Otherness in H. P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos and Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim and Hellboy
Authors: McConeghy David
Published: January 2020

What happens when we imagine the unimaginable? This article compares recent films inspired by H. P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos with that author’s original early 20th century pulp horror stories. In Guillermo del Toro’s films Pacific Rim and Hellboy, monsters that would have been obscured to protect Lovecraft’s readers are now fully revealed for Hollywood audiences. Using the period-appropriate theories of Rudolf Otto on the numinous and Sigmund Freud on the uncanny, that share Lovecraft’s troubled history with racist othering, I show how modern adaptations of Lovecraft’s work invert central features of the mythos in order to turn tragedies into triumphs. The genres of Science Fiction and Horror have deep commitments to the theme of otherness, but in Lovecraft’s works otherness is insurmountable. Today, Hollywood borrows the tropes of Lovecraftian horror but relies on bridging the gap between humanity and its monstrous others to reveal a higher humanity forged through difference and diversity. This suggests that otherness in modern science fiction is a means of reconciliation, a way for the monsters to be defeated rather than the source of terror as they were in Lovecraft’s stories.
Using Earth Observation for Monitoring SDG 11.3.1-Ratio of Land Consumption Rate to Population Growth Rate in Mainland China
Authors: Wang Yunchen , Huang Chunlin , Feng Yaya , Zhao Minyan , Gu Juan
Published: January 2020

Urban sustainable development has attracted widespread attention worldwide as it is closely linked with human survival. However, the growth of urban areas is frequently disproportionate in relation to population growth in developing countries; this discrepancy cannot be monitored solely using statistics. In this study, we integrated earth observation (EO) and statistical data monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 11.3.1: “The ratio of land consumption rate to the population growth rate (LCRPGR)”. Using the EO data (including China’s Land-Use/Cover Datasets (CLUDs) and the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program/Operational Linescan System (DMSP/OLS) nighttime light data) and census, we extracted the percentage of built-up area, disaggregated the population using the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model, and depicted the spatial heterogeneity and dynamic tendency of urban expansion and population growth by a 1 km × 1 km grid at city and national levels in mainland China from 1990 to 2010. Then, the built-up area and population density datasets were compared with other products and statistics using the relative error and standard deviation in our research area. Major findings are as follows: (1) more than 95% of cities experienced growth in urban built-up areas, especially in the megacities with populations of 5–10 million; (2) the number of grids with a declined proportion of the population ranged from 47% in 1990–2000 to 54% in 2000–2010; (3) China’s LCRPGR value increased from 1.69 in 1990–2000 to 1.78 in 2000–2010, and the land consumption rate was 1.8 times higher than the population growth rate from 1990 to 2010; and (4) the number of cities experiencing uncoordinated development (i.e., where urban expansion is not synchronized with population growth) increased from 93 (27%) in 1990–2000 to 186 (54%) in 2000–2010. Using EO has the potential for monitoring the official SDGs on large and fine scales; the processes provide an example of the localization of SDG 11.3.1 in China.
GNSS-RO Refractivity Bias Correction Under Ducting Layer Using Surface-Reflection Signal
Authors: Wang Kuo-Nung , Ao Chi , de la Torre Juárez Manuel
Published: January 2020

Due to its high vertical resolution and cloud-penetrating capability, GNSS-Radio Occultation (RO) remote sensing technique has been utilized to observe the vertical structure of the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) in recent years. However, the critical refraction, or ducting, caused by large refractivity gradients usually associated with the top of the stratocumulus clouds, can negatively bias the retrieved refractivity and humidity within the PBL. Previous research has shown that combining RO retrievals and the external information, such as collocated precipitable water (PW) estimates, can effectively reduce the negative bias and enhance the retrieval quality. Nevertheless, the requirement of collocated observations from other techniques limits the applicability of this reconstruction method in practice. Here, we describe an alternative approach that uses the coherent grazing signals from the same RO event that are reflected by the Earth’s surface to remove the bias due to ducting. Additional observations are no longer necessary in this approach because the reflected signals provide the extra constraint. A least squares framework is used to select the candidate from a family of solutions wherein reflected bending angle best matches the corresponding observation. This new method was validated by both multiple phase screen (MPS) simulation and the simulated RO bending angle via forward Abel transform, and it was tested with the actual GPS-RO measurements. While, in general, the reflected bending retrieved from the current mission was noisy, the results show that this approach can potentially reduce the negative bias and improve RO observation within the PBL without assistance by the external information, such as PW.
Correction: Zhu, Q., et al. Hyperspectral Remote Sensing of Phytoplankton Species Composition Based on Transfer Learning. Remote Sensing 2019, 11, 2001
Authors: Zhu Qing , Shen Fang , Shang Pei , Pan Yanqun , Li Mengyu
Published: January 2020

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper[...]
Evaluating the Feasibility of Illegal Open-Pit Mining Identification Using Insar Coherence
Authors: Wang Shunyao , Lu Xiaoping , Chen Zhenwei , Zhang Guo , Ma Taofeng , Jia Peng , Li Beibei
Published: January 2020

Illegal open-pit mining causes environmental harm and undermines sustainable development. Conventional monitoring approaches such as field research and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery are time-consuming and labor-intensive, making large-scale monitoring difficult. In comparison, optical remote sensing imagery can cover large areas but is vulnerable to adverse weather conditions and is not sensitive to vertical ground changes. As open-pit excavation causes sudden changes in the scattering properties of ground objects along with dramatic vertical deformation, we evaluated the feasibility of using interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) coherence to identify illegal mining activities. Our method extracts the coherence coefficient from two SAR images taken on different dates, applies thresholding and filtering to extract a decorrelation map, and then overlays this with legal mining boundaries and optical satellite images to identify illegal mining activities. For three test cases in southwestern Inner Mongolia, China, 49 legal mining sites were correctly detected (with an accuracy of 90.74%) as well as six illegal mining sites. Ground truthing confirmed the presence of ongoing activity at one of these sites. Our study shows that InSAR coherence is suitable for the identification of mining activities, and our method provides a new approach for the detection and monitoring of illegal open-pit mining.
Ecological Risk Assessment and Impact Factor Analysis of Alpine Wetland Ecosystem Based on LUCC and Boosted Regression Tree on the Zoige Plateau, China
Authors: Hou Mengjing , Ge Jing , Gao Jinlong , Meng Baoping , Li Yuanchun , Yin Jianpeng , Liu Jie , Feng Qisheng , Liang Tiangang
Published: January 2020

The Zoige Plateau is typical of alpine wetland ecosystems worldwide, which play a key role in regulating global climate and ecological balance. Due to the influence of global climate change and intense human activities, the stability and sustainability of the ecosystems associated with the alpine marsh wetlands are facing enormous threats. It is important to establish a precise risk assessment method to evaluate the risks to alpine wetlands ecosystems, and then to understand the influencing factors of ecological risk. However, the multi-index evaluation method of ecological risk in the Zoige region is overly focused on marsh wetlands, and the smallest units of assessment are relatively large. Although recently developed landscape ecological risk assessment (ERA) methods can address the above limitations, the final directionality of the evaluation results is not clear. In this work, we used the landscape ERA method based on land use and land cover changes (LUCC) to evaluate the ecological risks to an alpine wetland ecosystem from a spatial pixel scale (5 km × 5 km). Furthermore, the boosted regression tree (BRT) model was adopted to quantitatively analyze the impact factors of ecological risk. The results show the following: (1) From 1990 to 2016, the land use and land cover (LULC) types in the study area changed markedly. In particular, the deep marshes and aeolian sediments, and whereas construction land areas changed dramatically, the alpine grassland changed relatively slowly. (2) The ecological risk in the study area increased and was dominated by regions with higher and moderate risk levels. Meanwhile, these areas showed notable spatio-temporal changes, significant spatial correlation, and a high degree of spatial aggregation. (3) The topographic distribution, climate changes and human activities influenced the stability of the study area. Elevation (23.4%) was the most important factor for ecological risk, followed by temperature (16.2%). Precipitation and GDP were also seen to be adverse factors affecting ecological risk, at levels of 13.0% and 12.1%, respectively. The aim of this study was to provide more precise and specific support for defining conservation objectives, and ecological management in alpine wetland ecosystems.
A Wearable Electrocardiogram Telemonitoring System for Atrial Fibrillation Detection
Authors: Shao Minggang , Zhou Zhuhuang , Bin Guangyu , Bai Yanping , Wu Shuicai
Published: January 2020

In this paper we proposed a wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) telemonitoring system for atrial fibrillation (AF) detection based on a smartphone and cloud computing. A wearable ECG patch was designed to collect ECG signals and send the signals to an Android smartphone via Bluetooth. An Android APP was developed to display the ECG waveforms in real time and transmit every 30 s ECG data to a remote cloud server. A machine learning (CatBoost)-based ECG classification method was proposed to detect AF in the cloud server. In case of detected AF, the cloud server pushed the ECG data and classification results to the web browser of a doctor. Finally, the Android APP displayed the doctor’s diagnosis for the ECG signals. Experimental results showed the proposed CatBoost classifier trained with 17 selected features achieved an overall F1 score of 0.92 on the test set (n = 7270). The proposed wearable ECG monitoring system may potentially be useful for long-term ECG telemonitoring for AF detection.
Highly Sensitive, Calibration-Free WM-DAS Method for Recovering Absorbance—Part II: Experimental Analysis
Authors: Peng Zhimin , Du Yanjun , Ding Yanjun
Published: January 2020

Following the theoretical work in Part I, in this experimental study, the robustness, temporal resolution, and the narrow scan performance of the proposed wavelength modulation-direct absorption spectroscopy (WM-DAS) method are experimentally validated in a high-temperature tube furnace. The electromagnetic and other random-frequency noises can be effectively eliminated by extracting the characteristic spectra of the light intensity. The performance of WM-DAS with modulation frequencies from 0.1 to 100 kHz and scan indexes from 3.3 to 11.1 are also investigated at atmospheric pressure. The proposed method produces accurate line profile and high SNR over 500 consistently even with a weak absorption. As for real applications, the spectral line parameters of CO at 4300.6999 cm−1 including the collisional broadening, Dicke narrowing, and their dependence on temperature are measured. Furthermore, the high-speed measurement (1 ms) of the temperature and CO concentration of a McKenna flat flame are demonstrated.
In-Plane and Out-of-Plane MEMS Piezoresistive Cantilever Sensors for Nanoparticle Mass Detection
Authors: Setiono Andi , Bertke Maik , Nyang’au Wilson Ombati , Xu Jiushuai , Fahrbach Michael , Kirsch Ina , Uhde Erik , Deutschinger Alexander , Fantner Ernest J. , Schwalb Christian H. , Wasisto Hutomo Suryo , Peiner Erwin
Published: January 2020

In this study, we investigate the performance of two piezoresistive micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS)-based silicon cantilever sensors for measuring target analytes (i.e., ultrafine particulate matters). We use two different types of cantilevers with geometric dimensions of 1000 × 170 × 19.5 µm3 and 300 × 100 × 4 µm3, which refer to the 1st and 2nd types of cantilevers, respectively. For the first case, the cantilever is configured to detect the fundamental in-plane bending mode and is actuated using a resistive heater. Similarly, the second type of cantilever sensor is actuated using a meandering resistive heater (bimorph) and is designed for out-of-plane operation. We have successfully employed these two cantilevers to measure and monitor the changes of mass concentration of carbon nanoparticles in air, provided by atomizing suspensions of these nanoparticles into a sealed chamber, ranging from 0 to several tens of µg/m3 and oversize distributions from ~10 nm to ~350 nm. Here, we deploy both types of cantilever sensors and operate them simultaneously with a standard laboratory system (Fast Mobility Particle Sizer, FMPS, TSI 3091) as a reference.
An Energy-Efficient Coverage Enhancement Strategy for Wireless Sensor Networks Based on a Dynamic Partition Algorithm for Cellular Grids and an Improved Vampire Bat Optimizer
Authors: Zhao Xiaoqiang , Cui Yanpeng , Guo Zheng , Hao Zhanjun
Published: January 2020

Sensor nodes perform missions based on the effectual invariable coverage of events, and it is commonly guaranteed by the determinate deployment for sensor nodes who deviate from the optimum site frequently. To reach the optimal coverage effect with the lowest costs is a primary goal of wireless sensor networks. In this paper, by splicing the sensing area optimally with cellular grids, the best deployment location for sensors and the required minimum number of them are revealed. The optimization problem of coverage rate and energy consumption is converted into a task assignment problem, and a dynamic partition algorithm for cellular grids is also proposed to improve the coverage effect when the number of sensors is variable. Furthermore, on the basis of solving the multi-objective problem of reducing and balancing the energy cost of sensors, the vampire bat optimizer is improved by introducing virtual bats and virtual preys, and finally solves the asymmetric assignment problem once the number of cellular grids is not equal to that of sensors. Simulation results indicate that the residual energy of sensors during redeployment is balanced notably by our strategy when compared to three other popular coverage-enhancement algorithms. Additionally, the total energy cost of sensor nodes and coverage rate can be optimized, and it also has a superior robustness when the number of nodes changes.
PVDF-TrFE-Based Stretchable Contact and Non-Contact Temperature Sensor for E-Skin Application
Authors: Marchiori Bastien , Regal Simon , Arango Yanid , Delattre Roger , Blayac Sylvain , Ramuz Marc
Published: January 2020

Development of stretchable electronics has been driven by key applications such as electronics skin for robotic or prosthetic. Mimicking skin functionalities imposes at a minimal level: stretchability, pressure, and temperature sensing capabilities. While the research on pressure sensors for artificial skin is extensive, stretchable temperature sensors remain less explored. In this work, a stretchable temperature and infrared sensor has been developed on a polydimethylsiloxane substrate. The sensor is based on poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) as a pyroelectric material. This material is sandwiched between two electrodes. The first one consists of aluminium serpentines, covered by gold in order to get electrical contact and maximum stretchability. The second one is based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) that has shown good electrical compatibility with PVDF-TrFE and provides the stretchability of the top electrode. Without poling the PVDF-TrFE, sensor has shown a sensitivity of around 7 pF.°C−1 up to 35% strain without any change in its behaviour. Then, taking advantage on infrared absorption of PEDOT:PSS, a poled device has shown a pyroelectric peak of 13 mV to an infrared illumination of 5 mW at 830 nm. This stretchable device valuably allows an electronic skin (e-skin) use for contact and more importantly non-contact thermal sensing.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Societies in 2019
Authors: Societies Editorial Office
Published: January 2020

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing. The editorial teamgreatly appreciates the reviewers who contributed their knowledge and expertise to the journal’seditorial process over the past 12 months. [...]
Scientific Landscape of Smart and Sustainable Cities Literature: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Janik Agnieszka , Ryszko Adam , Szafraniec Marek
Published: January 2020

The smart sustainable city (SSC) is a concept created in response to problems and challenges arising from rapid urbanization. This is a relatively new term that is developing dynamically, which is confirmed by the growing number of publications over recent years. For this reason, this article presented an up-to-date comprehensive bibliometric analysis to describe and assess the scientific landscape of smart and sustainable cities literature. The analysis was based on two bibliographic sources—the Web of Science Core Collection and the Scopus database. It covers publications on the SSC, as well as documents describing the smart city (SC) and the sustainable city (SuC) concepts separately. VOSviewer and Biblioshiny were selected as software tools for the bibliometric analysis. Based on the descriptive bibliometric analysis, quantity and quality indicators were determined separately for the SC, SuC, and SSC concepts, while the network analysis mapped and covered the level of multi-faceted scientific cooperation in the field of the SSC research. The analysis results were intended to familiarize scholars and practitioners with the most prolific authors, sources, institutions, and countries in the analyzed scientific field, to identify the most influential research channels and impact from authors, sources, countries, and research topics, to determine major clusters of the SSC research and also to provide valuable information for further investigation.
Multimodal Accessibility to Primary Health Services for the Elderly: A Case Study of Naples, Italy
Authors: Carpentieri Gerardo , Guida Carmen , Masoumi Houshmand E.
Published: January 2020

In Europe, the share of people aged 65 years and above is expected to increase exponentially, and in 2050, for the first time in human history, the number of older people will be larger than the number of children under the age of 15. Aging is associated with increased vulnerability and dependence on medical care services. For these reasons, providing access to health services to people aged 65 years and over is crucial. From the perspective of social equity, everyone should have the opportunity to access healthcare services equally, but due to economic and geographical issues, achieving this level of equity is challenging. The aim of this study was to fill the gap between scientific and actual practices using an accessibility measure to evaluate urban accessibility to primary healthcare services and to support decision-makers to better allocate resources in local restructuring of welfare policies. The accessibility measure was designed considering both the land use and the transportation components, the local healthcare supply system, and a multimodal transportation network. The methodology was applied to the city of Naples considering Local Health Agency (ASL) healthcare services to the elderly. The ASL is the largest health agency in Europe, consisting of 17 buildings serving nearly 200,000 elderly. The results show that the entire elderly neighborhood population suffers from poor accessibility to primary health services, especially in the city suburbs, and that the methodology could be effectively applied to urban planning strategies to achieve a high quality of life for elderly people. Due to poor dialogue between the authorities, this could help to improve the decision-making process through the lens of social equity.
Children’s Physical Self-Concept and Body Image According to Weight Status and Physical Fitness
Authors: Sánchez-Miguel Pedro Antonio , Leo Francisco Miguel , Amado Alonso Diana , Hortigüela-Alcalá David , Tapia-Serrano Miguel Angel , De La Cruz-Sánchez Ernesto
Published: January 2020

Previous researchers have found that low body satisfaction may be a barrier to engaging in physical activity. Therefore, this research examines the association between self-concept, body dissatisfaction, fitness, and weight status in adolescents. The sample was formed by 303 students from primary schools, (males (n = 150) and female (n = 153)) aged 10 to 13 years (M = 11.74; SD = 0.86). Initially, participants’ BMIs, as well as waist-to-hip ratio were assessed. Later, all individuals answered a questionnaire about their perception of self-concept and body image perception. Moreover, agility run test and 6-min walking test were developed to assess children’s physical fitness. Results showed self-concept differences according to different fitness level. Moreover, some factors from self-concept emerged as relevant to explain body dissatisfaction. Finally, outcomes suggest the importance of physical fitness and the perception of competence and self-esteem in adolescent boys and girls, so these two issues might be promoted in primary school classes to improve body satisfaction.