bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Texas Sour Orange Juice Used in Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Akia Mandana , Salinas Nataly , Rodriguez Cristobal , Gilkerson Robert , Materon Luis , Lozano Karen
Published: July 2018

Fine fibers of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a biopolymer, were developed via a centrifugal spinning technique. The developed fibers have an average diameter of 1.8 µm. Texas sour orange juice (SOJ) was applied as a natural antibacterial agent and infiltrated within the fibrous membranes. The antibacterial activity against common Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively) was evaluated as well as cell adhesion and viability. The PHB/SOJ scaffolds showed antibacterial activity of up to 152% and 71% against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. The cell studies revealed a suitable environment for cell growth and cell attachment. The outcome of this study opens up new opportunities for fabrication of fibrous materials for biomedical applications having multifunctional properties while using natural agents.
Thermal Stability of Ru–Al Multilayered Thin Films on Inconel 617
Authors: Chen Yung-I , Zheng Zhi-Ting , Jhang Jia-Wei
Published: July 2018

Ru-riched and equiatomic Ru–Al multilayered thin films were fabricated on Si and Inconel 617 substrates. These thin films exhibited a multilayered structure that is caused by stacking cyclical gradient concentration through cosputtering. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the as-deposited Ru–Al multilayers comprised Ru and RuAl phases. Oxidation that is caused by annealing atmospheres and elements diffused from substrates was investigated. The results indicated that the inward diffusion of O at 600 °C in a 1% O2–99% Ar atmosphere was restricted by the formation of an amorphous Al-oxide sublayer, and inward diffusion of O at 800 °C in air was limited by the formation of a crystalline Al2O3 scale. Additionally, the outward diffusion of elements from Inconel 617 penetrated the unoxidized parts of the 800 °C–annealed Ru–Al multilayers.
Salivary Exosome and Cell-Free DNA for Cancer Detection
Authors: Hyun Kyung-A , Gwak Hogyeong , Lee Jaehun , Kwak Bongseop , Jung Hyo-Il
Published: July 2018

Liquid biopsies are easier to acquire patient derived samples than conventional tissue biopsies, and their use enables real-time monitoring of the disease through continuous sampling after initial diagnosis, resulting in a paradigm shift to customized treatment according to the patient’s prognosis. Among the various liquid biopsy samples, saliva is easily obtained by spitting or swab sucking without needing an expert for sample collection. In addition, it is known that disease related biomarkers that exist in the blood and have undergone extensive research exist in saliva even at a lower concentration than the blood. Thus, interest in the use of saliva as a liquid biopsy has increased. In this review, we focused on the salivary exosome and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) among the various biomarkers in saliva. Since the exosome and cfDNA in saliva are present at lower concentrations than the biomarkers in blood, it is important to separate and concentrate them before conducting down-stream analyses such as exosome cargo analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and sequencing. However, saliva is difficult to apply directly to microfluidics-based systems for separation because of its high viscosity and the presence of various foreign substances. Therefore, we reviewed the microfluidics-based saliva pretreatment method and then compared the commercially available kit and the microfluidic chip for isolation and enrichment of the exosome and cfDNA in saliva.
Stability of AuCl2− from 25 to 1000 °C at Pressures to 5000 bar and Consequences for Hydrothermal Gold Mobilization
Authors: Zotov Alexander V. , Kuzmin Nikolai N. , Reukov Vladimir L. , Tagirov Boris R.
Published: July 2018

Gold is transported in high-temperature chloride-bearing hydrothermal fluids in the form of AuCl2−. The stability of this complex has been extensively studied, but there is still considerable disagreement between available experimental data on the temperature region 300–500 °C. To solve this problem, we measured the solubility of gold in HCl/NaCl fluids (NaCl concentration varied from 0.1 to 3 mol·(kg·H2O)−1) at 450 °C and pressures from 500 to 1500 bar (1 bar = 105 Pa). The experiments were performed using a batch autoclave method at contrasting redox conditions: in reduced experiments hydrogen was added to the autoclave, and in oxidized experiments the redox state was controlled by the aqueous SO2/SO3 buffer. Hydrogen pressure in the autoclaves was measured after the experiments in the reduced system. The gold solubility constant, Au(cr) + HCl°(aq) + Cl− = AuCl2− + 0.5 H2°(aq), was determined for the experimental T-P parameters as log Ks° = −4.77 ± 0.07 (500 bar), −5.11 ± 0.08 (1000 bar), and −5.43 ± 0.09 (1500 bar). These data, together with values from the literature for temperatures from 25 to 1000 °C, were fitted to the simple equation log Ks° = 4.302 − 7304∙T(K)−1 − 4.77∙log d(w) + 11080∙(log d(w))∙T(K)−1 − 6.94 × 106∙(log d(w)) T(K)−2, where d(w) is the pure water density. This equation can be used together with the extended Debye–Hückel equation for activity coefficients to calculate gold solubility at pressures up to 5000 bar at fluid chlorinities at least up to 30 wt %. The speciation of gold in natural chloride-bearing fluids is discussed.
RETRACTED: Protective Effect of Glycyrrhizic Acid on Alcoholic Liver Injury in Rats by Modulating Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Huo Xiaowei , Yang Sa , Sun Xiaoke , Meng Xiangbo , Zhao Yanyan
Published: July 2018

Glycyrrhhizic acid (GA), including 18α-glycyrrhizic acid (18α-GA) and 18β-glycyrrhizic acid (18β-GA), is the main active ingredient of licorice. GA is generally considered an effective pharmacological strategy protecting against hepatic disease; however, the optimal compatibility proportion of 18α-GA and 18β-GA against alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and the underlying mechanism are not well established. Hence, this study was designed to explore the optimal compatibility proportion of 18α-GA and 18β-GA against ALD, followed by investigating the underlying mechanisms. SD rats were administered 40% ethanol once a day, accompanied by treatment with different proportions of 18α-GA and 18β-GA for four weeks. Then all rats were anesthetized with chloral hydrate and blood samples were taken from the abdominal aorta for biochemical assay. Livers were also collected and the liver function, lipid profile, ROS production, and mRNA and protein levels of related genes involved in lipid metabolism were assessed. The results showed that 18α-GA and 18β-GA, particularly at a proportion of 4:6, significantly reduced liver damage, lipid accumulation, and oxidative stress in ethanol-induced rats, as indicated by the decreased levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aminotransferase (AST) in serum, improvement of liver histopathological changes, regulation of total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and modulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malonaldehyde (MDA). Moreover, the combination treatment with 18α-GA and 18β-GA substantially reduced the mRNA and protein levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and acetyl-coal carboxylase (ACC); meanwhile, increased levels of peroxisome proliferators activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) and carnitine palmitoy transferase-1 (CTP-1) in the liver tissues of ethanol-induced rats. In conclusion, our results indicated that the optimal compatibility proportion of 18α-GA and 18β-GA protecting against ALD was 4:6, and the mechanism was associated with the regulation of oxidative stress and lipid metabolism.
Isolation, Structural Elucidation of Three New Triterpenoids from the Stems and Leaves of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz) Baill.
Authors: Qiu Feng , Liu Han , Duan Huan , Chen Pian , Lu Shao-Juan , Yang Guang-Zhong , Lei Xin-Xiang
Published: July 2018

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz) Baill. is sufficiently well known as a medicinal plant worldwide, which modern research shows has many pharmacological activities such as hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory effect, potent anti-HIV-1 activity, anti-tumor effect, and activity on the central nervous system. With considerable chemical investigation, three new triterpenoids (1–3), together with four known triterpenoids were isolated from the S. chinensis (Turcz) Baill. Their structures were elucidated by 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analyses, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and high-resolution mass spectroscopy, which were identified as Schisanlactone I (1), Schinalactone D, (2), Schisanlactone J, (3) Kadsuphilactone B (4), Schisanlactone C (5), Schisphendilactone B (6), and Schinchinenlactone A (7). The cytotoxicity of those compounds (1–7) was tested against Hep-G2 cell lines, but no apparent antitumor activity was observed at 50 µg/mL using MTT method.
Aflatoxins and A. flavus Reduction in Loaf Bread through the Use of Natural Ingredients
Authors: Quiles Juan M. , Torrijos Raquel , Luciano Fernando B. , Mañes Jordi , Meca Giuseppe
Published: July 2018

In this study, the antifungal activity of yellow mustard (YMF) and oriental mustard (OMF) meal extracts against 14 strains of fungi was tested on a solid medium. The results obtained with the YMF were next confirmed in liquid medium determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungicide concentration (MFC). Finally, the use of YMF as a natural preservative to extend the useful life of bread was evaluated. Breads with different concentrations of YMF (2, 4, 6 and 8 g/kg) were prepared and contaminated with Aspergillus flavus ISPA 8111 and Penicillium nordicum CECT 2320. For 10 days the formation of mycelium was observed, and after that the fungal growth and the mycotoxins production was determined. The results obtained with the YMF were compared with breads treated with the commercial additive sodium propionate (E-281). The results showed a significant reduction of the fungal population using 6 g/kg and 8 g/kg of YMF in bread contaminated with A. flavus and with P. nordicum and an extensions of the breads shelf life of 7 and 5 days, respectively, in comparison with the control experiment. A reduction of 78% of AFB1 was observed using 6 g/kg of YMF while no AFB1 production was detected employing 8 g/kg of YMF in bread preparation.
Effects of Different Oxidation Degrees of Graphene Oxide on P-Type and N-Type Si Heterojunction Photodetectors
Authors: Shih Ching-Kuei , Ciou Yu-Tang , Chiu Chun-Wei , Li Yu-Ru , Jheng Jia-Syun , Chen Yen-Chun , Lin Chu-Hsuan
Published: July 2018

Oxygen-containing functional groups in graphene oxide (GO), a derivative of graphene, can widen the bandgap of graphene. In this study, we varied the amount of hydrogen peroxide used to prepare GO samples with different degrees of oxidation. Transmittance measurement, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to completely characterize the change in oxidation degree. The effects of oxidation degree on p-type and n-type Si heterojunction photodetectors were compared. Notably, GO with a lower oxidation degree led to a larger photoresponse of p-type Si, whereas that with a higher oxidation degree achieved a larger photoresponse of n-type Si.
Kefir Supplementation Modifies Gut Microbiota Composition, Reduces Physical Fatigue, and Improves Exercise Performance in Mice
Authors: Hsu Yi-Ju , Huang Wen-Ching , Lin Jin-Seng , Chen Yi-Ming , Ho Shang-Tse , Huang Chi-Chang , Tung Yu-Tang
Published: July 2018

The present study evaluated the potential beneficial effect of kefir (KF) against fatigue. Furthermore, the composition of the gut microbiota is related to health benefits in the host; therefore, the study also investigated the effect of KF on the gut microbiota composition. Male ICR mice from four groups (n = 8 per group) were orally administered KF once daily for four weeks at 0, 2.15, 4.31, and 10.76 g/kg/day and were designated as the vehicle, KF-1X, KF-2X, and KF-5X groups, respectively. The gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed a significant clustering of cecum after treatment in the vehicle, KF-1X, KF-2X, and KF-5X groups. The KF-2X and KF-5X groups showed a decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio compared with the vehicle group. In addition, anti-fatigue activity and exercise performance were evaluated on the basis of exhaustive swimming time, forelimb grip strength, and levels of serum lactate, ammonia, glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatine kinase (CK) after a swimming exercise. The exhaustive swimming time for the KF-1X, KF-2X, and KF-5X groups was significantly longer than that for the vehicle group, and the forelimb grip strength of the KF-1X, KF-2X, and KF-5X groups was also significantly higher than that of the vehicle group. KF supplementation also decreased serum lactate, ammonia, BUN, and CK levels after the swimming test. However, tissue glycogen content, an important energy source for exercise, increased significantly with KF supplementation. Thus, KF supplementation can alter the gut microbiota composition, improve performance, and combat physical fatigue.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Glass Half Full or Time to Nail the Coffin Shut?
Authors: Maki Kevin C. , Dicklin Mary R.
Published: July 2018

There has been a great deal of controversy in recent years about the potential role of dietary supplementation with long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Four recent meta-analyses have been published that evaluated randomized, controlled trial (RCT) data from studies that assessed the effects of supplemental n-3 PUFA intake on CVD endpoints. The authors of those reports reached disparate conclusions. This review explores the reasons informed experts have drawn different conclusions from the evidence, and addresses implications for future investigation. Although RCT data accumulated to date have failed to provide unequivocal evidence of CVD risk reduction with n-3 PUFA supplementation, many studies were limited by design issues, including low dosage, no assessment of n-3 status, and absence of a clear biological target or pathophysiologic hypothesis for the intervention. The most promising evidence supports n-3 PUFA supplementation for prevention of cardiac death. Two ongoing trials have enrolled high cardiovascular risk subjects with hypertriglyceridemia and are administering larger dosages of n-3 PUFA than employed in previous RCTs. These are expected to clarify the potential role of long-chain n-3 PUFA supplementation in CVD risk management.
Are Total and Individual Dietary Lignans Related to Cardiovascular Disease and Its Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women? A Nationwide Study
Authors: Witkowska Anna Maria , Waśkiewicz Anna , Zujko Małgorzata Elżbieta , Szcześniewska Danuta , Stepaniak Urszula , Pająk Andrzej , Drygas Wojciech
Published: July 2018

The study objectives were to examine total and individual lignan intakes and their dietary sources in postmenopausal Polish women and to investigate the relationship between lignan intake and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and central obesity. A total of 2599 postmenopausal women, participants of the Multi-centre National Population Health Examination Surveys (WOBASZ and WOBASZ II) were selected. Of them, 916 had a history of CVD. Nutritional data were collected using a single 24-h dietary recall. Data on lignan content in food, i.e., lariciresinol (LARI), matairesinol (MAT), pinoresinol (PINO) and secoisolariciresinol (SECO), were collected from the available lignan databases. In postmenopausal women, total and individual lignan intakes (SECO, PINO, MAT) were not associated with the prevalence of CVD and its risk factors. The intake of LARI was linked by 30% to the reduced odds for hypercholestrolemia. This study reinforces the existing concept that dietary total lignans are not associated with the prevalence of CVD, and provides further evidence that they are not linked to CVD risk factors such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and central obesity. However, the intake of LARI should be taken into consideration in further studies with regard to its potentially beneficial effect in hypercholesterolemia.
Development of a Column-Switching HPLC-MS/MS Method and Clinical Application for Determination of Ethyl Glucuronide in Hair in Conjunction with AUDIT for Detecting High-Risk Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Kim Yeon Gyeong , Hwang Jihye , Choi Hwakyung , Lee Sooyeun
Published: July 2018

It is critical to assess the severity of alcohol consumption in certain diseases such as alcohol liver disease and alcohol addiction. Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a highly stable metabolite of ethanol in hair; thus, it was proposed as a long-term monitoring marker for alcohol consumption. Therefore, an HPLC-MS/MS method for EtG in hair was developed and applied to a clinical setting to assess the relevance of the EtG concentration and/or the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score to high-risk alcohol consumption. EtG was extracted from 10 mg of hair using water and analyzed using on-line sample purification coupled to HPLC-MS/MS. The diagnostic performances of the EtG concentration and/or the AUDIT score for detecting high-risk alcohol consumption were statistically evaluated between alcohol addicts (n = 44) and average alcohol users (n = 19). The on-line sample purification resulted in labor-saving with smaller sample amount. Both the EtG concentrations (4.0–587.4 pg/mg vs. 12.9–74.9 pg/mg) and the AUDIT scores (4–40 vs. 5–28) obtained from the alcohol addicts were significantly higher than those from the average alcohol users. The performance evaluation demonstrated that the integration score of the EtG concentration and the AUDIT score increased diagnostic performance for high-risk alcohol consumption.
Associations between Work Activity and Work Setting Categories and Dimensions of Pharmacists’ Quality of Work Life
Authors: Schommer Jon C. , Gaither Caroline A. , Doucette William R. , Kreling David H. , Mott David A.
Published: July 2018

The goal for this study was to use data from the most recently conducted National Pharmacist Workforce Survey to compare eight components of quality of work life for actively practicing pharmacists in the United States categorized by (1) work activity and (2) work setting. The eight components of quality of work life were: (1) time stress; (2) responsibility stress; (3) level of control; (4) work in harmony with home life; (5) home life in harmony with work; (6) job satisfaction; (7) professional commitment; and (8) organizational commitment. Data for this study were obtained from the 2014 National Pharmacist Workforce Survey. For inclusion in analysis, respondents needed to report that they were practicing as a pharmacist. In addition, they needed to provide usable responses for both their percent time devoted to medication providing and to patient care services. This resulted in a total of 1191 responses for the analysis. Data were analyzed using cluster analysis, factor analysis, Cronbach coefficient alpha, chi-square analysis, ANOVA, and linear regression. The findings provide a description of pharmacists’ quality of work life in 2014 and show how type of work, variety of work, and work setting categories are associated with quality of work life for pharmacists.
Fixing PAN Nanofiber Mats during Stabilization for Carbonization and Creating Novel Metal/Carbon Composites
Authors: Sabantina Lilia , Rodríguez-Cano Miguel Ángel , Klöcker Michaela , García-Mateos Francisco José , Ternero-Hidalgo Juan José , Mamun Al , Beermann Friederike , Schwakenberg Mona , Voigt Anna-Lena , Rodríguez-Mirasol José , Cordero Tomás , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: July 2018

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is one of the materials most often used for carbonization. PAN nanofiber mats, created by electrospinning, are an especially interesting source to gain carbon nanofibers. A well-known problem in this process is fixing the PAN nanofiber mats during the stabilization process which is necessary to avoid contraction of the fibers, correlated with an undesired increase in the diameter and undesired bending. Fixing this issue typically results in breaks in the nanofiber mats if the tension is too high, or it is not strong enough to keep the fibers as straight as in the original state. This article suggests a novel method to overcome this problem by electrospinning on an aluminum substrate on which the nanofiber mat adheres rigidly, stabilizing the composite and carbonizing afterwards either with or without the aluminum substrate to gain either a pure carbon nanofiber mat or a metal/carbon composite.
White-Light Emission of Dye-Doped Polymer Submicronic Fibers Produced by Electrospinning
Authors: Enculescu Monica , Evanghelidis Alexandru , Enculescu Ionut
Published: July 2018

Lighting and display technologies are evolving at tremendous rates nowadays; new device architectures based on new, microscopic building blocks are being developed. Besides high light-emission efficiencies, qualities including low cost, low environmental impact, flexibility, or lightweightness are sought for developing new types of devices. Electrospun polymer fibers represent an interesting type of such microscopic structures that can be employed in developing new functionalities. White-light-emitting fiber mats were prepared by the electrospinning of different dye-doped polymer solutions. Two approaches were used in order to obtain white-light emissions: the overlapping of single-dye-doped electrospun fiber mats, and the electrospinning of mixtures of different ratios of single-dye-doped polymer solutions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the morphologies of the electrospun fibers with diameters ranging between 300 nm and 1 µm. Optical absorption and photoluminescence (PL) were evaluated for single-dye-doped submicronic fiber mats, for overlapping mats, and for fiber mats obtained from different compositions of mixtures. Depending on the ratios of the mixtures of different dyes, the luminance was balanced between blue and red emissions. Commission Internationale de L’Eclairage (CIE) measurements depict this fine-tuning of the colors’ intensities, and the right composition for white-light emission of the submicronic fiber mats was found.
Human Engineered Cartilage and Decellularized Matrix as an Alternative to Animal Osteoarthritis Model
Authors: Galuzzi Marta , Perteghella Sara , Antonioli Barbara , Tosca Marta Cecilia , Bari Elia , Tripodo Giuseppe , Sorrenti Milena , Catenacci Laura , Mastracci Luca , Grillo Federica , Marazzi Mario , Torre Maria Luisa
Published: July 2018

(1) Objective: to obtain a reproducible, robust, well-defined, and cost-affordable in vitro model of human cartilage degeneration, suitable for drug screening; (2) Methods: we proposed 3D models of engineered cartilage, considering two human chondrocyte sources (articular/nasal) and five culture methods (pellet, alginate beads, silk/alginate microcarriers, and decellularized cartilage). Engineered cartilages were treated with pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β to promote cartilage degradation; (3) Results: articular chondrocytes have been rejected since they exhibit low cellular doubling with respect to nasal cells, with longer culture time for cell expansion; furthermore, pellet and alginate bead cultures lead to insufficient cartilage matrix production. Decellularized cartilage resulted as good support for degeneration model, but long culture time and high cell amount are required to obtain the adequate scaffold colonization. Here, we proposed, for the first time, the combined use of decellularized cartilage, as aggrecanase substrate, with pellet, alginate beads, or silk/alginate microcarriers, as polymeric scaffolds for chondrocyte cultures. This approach enables the development of suitable models of cartilaginous pathology. The results obtained after cryopreservation also demonstrated that beads and microcarriers are able to preserve chondrocyte functionality and metabolic activity; (4) Conclusions: alginate and silk/alginate-based scaffolds can be easily produced and cryopreserved to obtain a cost-affordable and ready-to-use polymer-based product for the subsequent screening of anti-inflammatory drugs for cartilage diseases.
Quantum Reports: A New Journal for a Broad Audience
Authors: Vaidman Lev
Published: July 2018

A new MDPI journal Quantum Reports is launched as a scientific journal to provide an advanced forum for the growing community of researchers of quantum science [...]
Hedging and Cash Flows in the Presence of Taxes and Expenses in Life and Pension Insurance
Authors: Buchardt Kristian , Møller Thomas
Published: July 2018

In investment and insurance contracts, certain stipulated payments may depend on the hedging strategy. We study the problem of calculation, hedging and valuation of such cash flows, by considering a payment process in a setup with taxes and investment costs that are functions of the investment returns or the current value of the hedging strategy. We determine the market value of the combined liability and decompose the value into the tax part, the investment cost part and the benefit part, and we determine the associated hedging strategies. Moreover, we identify the expected future tax payments and investment cost cash flows. Our results show that the current Danish insurance accounting practice for taxes is in general conservative, when considered in an idealized setting with symmetric and continuously-paid taxes. Finally, we consider the special case of affine interest rates, where explicit results can be obtained, and study some numerical results.
An Omnidirectional Morphological Method for Aerial Point Target Detection Based on Infrared Dual-Band Model
Authors: Liu Rang , Wang Dejiang , Jia Ping , Sun He
Published: July 2018

Aerial infrared point target detection under nonstationary background clutter is a crucial yet challenging issue in the field of remote sensing. This paper presents a novel omnidirectional multiscale morphological method for aerial point target detection based on a dual-band model. Considering that the clutter noise conforms to the Gaussian distribution, the single-band detection model under the Neyman-Pearson (NP) criterion is established first, and then the optimal fused probability of detection under the dual-band model is deduced according to the And fusion rule. Next, the omnidirectional multiscale morphological Top-hat algorithm is proposed to extract all the possible targets distributing in every direction, and the local difference criterion is employed to eliminate the residual background edges further. The dynamic threshold-to-noise ratio (TNR) is adjusted to obtain the optimal probability of detection under the constant false alarm rate (CFAR) criterion. Finally, the dim point target is extracted after dual-band data correlation. The experimental result demonstrates that the proposed method achieves a high probability of detection and performs well with respect to suppressing complex background when compared with common algorithms. In addition, it also has the advantage of low complexity and easy implementation in real-time systems.
Decision Fusion of D-InSAR and Pixel Offset Tracking for Coal Mining Deformation Monitoring
Authors: Ou Depin , Tan Kun , Du Qian , Chen Yu , Ding Jianwei
Published: July 2018

Ground surface subsidence is a universal phenomenon in coal mining areas which can cause serious damage to the surrounding environment. In this paper, we consider the use of differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (D-InSAR), multi-temporal InSAR (MT-InSAR), and the pixel offset tracking technique to monitor the surface deformation of a coal mining area. In this study, we use the two-pass D-InSAR method to generate 19 interferometric image pairs from 20 TerraSAR-X SpotLight images. The results show that D-InSAR can be used to obtain high accuracy surface deformation in the mining areas where there is no high gradient deformation, and the pixel offset tracking method offers advantages in those areas where high gradient deformation is found, but its performance is not stable. This means that the unilateral use of these technologies cannot obtain reliable subsidence information in mining areas. Therefore, it is essential to find a new way to integrate the respective advantages of these different methods. In this paper, a new fusion method combining the D-InSAR result with the offset tracking result based on a spatial decorrelation distribution map is proposed to obtain the subsidence results in a mining area. To ensure the reliability of the results, a decision rule is proposed for the spatial decorrelation distribution map, which is generated manually by union analysis in ArcGIS. In the experiments, the mean absolute error of the fusion result is 0.0748 m, while that of D-InSAR is 0.1890 m, and that of offset tracking is 0.1358 m. It is therefore clear that the proposed fusion method is more reliable and more accurate than the use of individual methods, and it may be able to serve as a reference in mining subsidence monitoring.
Constrained Spectral Clustering of Individual Trees in Dense Forest Using Terrestrial Laser Scanning Data
Authors: Heinzel Johannes , Huber Markus O.
Published: July 2018

The present study introduces an advanced method for 3D segmentation of terrestrial laser scanning data into single tree clusters. It intentionally tackled difficult forest situations with dense and structured tree formations, which inventory practitioners are often faced with. The strongly interlocking tree crowns of different sizes and in different layers characterized the test conditions of close to nature forest plots. Volumetric 3D images of the plots were derived from the original point cloud data. A clustering method with automatically derived priors focused on the segmentation of these images by global optimization. Therefore, each image was segmented as a whole and partitioned into individual tree objects using a combination of state-of-the-art techniques. Multiple steps were combined in a workflow that included a morphological detection of the tree stems, the construction of a similarity graph from the image data, the computation of the eigenspectrum which was weighted with the tree stem priors and the final labelling of the transformed data points in a Markov Random Field framework. The detected trees were verified by number and position which allowed for comparison with other studies. Additionally, for a subset of the data, we provided a detailed verification of the three-dimensional extent of the complete trees. The detection rate by number and position was 97.40% for major trees with a stem diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 12 cm and 84.62% for regeneration trees with a DBH < 12 cm. The three-dimensional extent of the detected trees resulted in an average producer’s accuracy of 93.66% and a user’s accuracy of 94.06%. Overall, these numbers confirm the capacity of the method for accurate segmentation of strongly layered and understory trees. Future studies could test the method on wider areas with large scale data and different forest types in order to determine its general transferability.
The Development of Near Real-Time Biomass and Cover Estimates for Adaptive Rangeland Management Using Landsat 7 and Landsat 8 Surface Reflectance Products
Authors: Jansen Vincent S. , Kolden Crystal A. , Schmalz Heidi J.
Published: July 2018

Rangelands are critical working landscapes and are the focus of considerable conservation planning efforts globally. A key conservation challenge in these landscapes is that high interannual variability in both climatic conditions and land use greatly limits the utility of outdated or static vegetation maps for management decision-making. One potential solution to this problem lies in remote sensing-derived information; however, prospective users must have continuous and timely access to vegetation products tailored to their needs. Google Earth Engine (GEE) can overcome the many storage, processing, and visualization barriers associated with creating ready-to-use remote sensing products for the public. While GEE provides a platform for building tools to analyze data and share results with users in near real-time for adaptive management, monitoring products need to (1) provide accurate and stable estimates over time and (2) align with management goals and the ecology of the rangeland system in question. Here, we assess estimates of vegetation cover and above-ground biomass at two dominant phenological time periods (summer/green and fall/brown), as modeled from the Landsat 7 and Landsat 8 Climatic Data Record (CDR) product. Using a best-subset regression modeling approach, we modeled vegetation cover and biomass, finding that the best predictors vary by season, corresponding to vegetation phenology. We also found that sensor-specific models decreased the relative differences between mapped cover and biomass estimates when comparing Landsat 7 and Landsat 8 scenes one day apart in the summer and fall. Ultimately, we developed an automated model selection process driven by sensor and vegetation greenness that can run in GEE to monitor and analyze vegetation amounts across the grazing season for adaptive management.
Addendum: Xu, X.-Y. et al. Evaluation of Coastal Sea Level Offshore Hong Kong from Jason-2 Altimetry. Remote Sens. 2018, 10, 282
Authors: Xu Xi-Yu , Birol Florence , Cazenave Anny
Published: July 2018

After publication of the paper [1] it was found that there was a typo in the acknowledgments section[...]
Modified Multi-Mode Target Tracker for High-Frequency Surface Wave Radar
Authors: Zhao Mengxiao , Zhang Xin , Yang Qiang
Published: July 2018

In high-frequency surface wave radar (HFSWR), part of the radiation signal inevitably propagates upward and illuminates the target through the ionosphere due to the poor controllability of the antenna’s vertical pattern. As a result, a target may have several echoes from different propagation modes, which affect target detection and tracking and is usually unmanageable in existing HFSWR systems. Without the information of the elevation angle, it is difficult to distinguish the propagation mode of measurements during the target detection phase. This paper makes the first attempt to propose a multi-mode target tracker for HFSWR to solve this problem during the target tracking phase. The multipath probability data association (MPDA) tracker is capable of exploiting multipath target signatures of discrete propagation modes and has been widely used. Based on this, we construct a modified multi-mode probability data association tracker for HFSWR to suppress false tracks caused by multiple propagation modes. Numerical simulations demonstrate that this novel tracker can effectively and accurately track the target from the measurements under multiple propagation modes in HFSWR. The processing results of the actual data collected in Weihai, China indicate that this tracker is of great significance for practical applications.
Acoustic Parametric Signal Generation for Underwater Communication
Authors: Campo-Valera María , Ardid Miguel , Tortosa Dídac D. , Felis Ivan , Martínez-Mora Juan A. , Llorens Carlos D. , Cervantes Pablo
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a study of different types of parametric signals with application to underwater acoustic communications. In all the signals, the carrier frequency is 200 kHz, which corresponds to the resonance frequency of the transducer under study and different modulations are presented and compared. In this sense, we study modulations with parametric sine sweeps (4 to 40 kHz) that represent binary codes (zeros and ones), getting closer to the application in acoustic communications. The different properties of the transmitting signals in terms of bit rate reconstruction, directivity, efficiency, and power needed are discussed as well.
Second Iteration of Photogrammetric Processing to Refine Image Orientation with Improved Tie-Points †
Authors: Truong Giang Nguyen , Muller Jean-Michaël , Rupnik Ewelina , Thom Christian , Pierrot-Deseilligny Marc
Published: July 2018

Photogrammetric processing is available in various software solutions and can easily deliver 3D pointclouds as accurate as 1 pixel. Certain applications, e.g., very accurate shape reconstruction in industrial metrology or change detection for deformation studies in geosciences, require results of enhanced accuracy. The tie-point extraction step is the opening in the photogrammetric processing chain and therefore plays a key role in the quality of the subsequent image orientation, camera calibration and 3D reconstruction. Improving its precision will have an impact on the obtained 3D. In this research work we describe a method which aims at enhancing the accuracy of image orientation by adding a second iteration photogrammetric processing. The result from the classical processing is used as a priori information to guide the extraction of refined tie-points of better photogrammetric quality. Evaluated on indoor and UAV acquisitions, the proposed methodology shows a significant improvement on the obtained 3D point accuracy.
Simultaneous Detection of Adenosine Triphosphate and Glucose Based on the Cu-Fenton Reaction
Authors: Qu Fei , Li Jingwen , Han Wenli , Xia Lian , You Jinmao
Published: July 2018

Both adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and glucose are important to human health, and their abnormal levels are closely related to angiocardiopathy and hypoglycaemia. Therefore, the simultaneous determination of ATP and glucose with a single test mode is highly desirable for disease diagnostics and early recognition. Herein, a new fluorescence on/off switch sensing platform is developed by carbon nanodots (CNDs) to detect ATP and glucose simultaneously. The fluorescence of CNDs can be quenched by Cu2+ and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), due to the formation of hydroxyl radicals (·OH) produced in the Cu-Fenton reaction. Based on the high affinity of Cu2+ with ATP, the fluorescence of CNDs will recover effectively after adding ATP. Additionally, glucose can be efficiently catalyzed by glucose oxidase (GOx) to generate H2O2, so the platform can also be utilized to analyze glucose. Under optimum conditions, this sensing platform displays excellent sensitivity and the linear ranges are from 0.1 to 7 μM for ATP with a limit of detection (LOD) of 30.2 nM, and from 0.1 to 7 mM for glucose with a LOD 39.8 μM, respectively. Benefiting from the high sensitivity and selectivity, this sensing platform is successfully applied for simultaneous detection of ATP and glucose in human serum samples with satisfactory recoveries.
InSAR Baseline Estimation for Gaofen-3 Real-Time DEM Generation
Authors: Lu Huan , Suo Zhiyong , Li Zhenfang , Xie Jinwei , Zhao Jiwei , Zhang Qingjun
Published: July 2018

For Interferometry Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), the normal baseline is one of the main factors that affects the accuracy of the ground elevation. For Gaofen-3 (GF-3) InSAR processing, the poor accuracy of the real-time orbit determination results in a large baseline error, leads to a modulation error in azimuth and a slope error in the range for timely Digital Elevation Model (DEM) generation. In order to address this problem, a novel baseline estimation approach based on Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) DEM is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the orbit fitting is executed to remove the non-linear error factor, which is different from traditional methods. Secondly, the height errors are obtained in a slant-range plane between SRTM DEM and the GF-3 generated DEM, which can be used to estimate the baseline error with a linear variation. Then, the real-time orbit can be calibrated by the baseline error. Finally, the DEM generation is performed by using the modified baseline and orbit. This approach has the merit of spatial and precise orbital free ability. Based on the results of GF-3 interferometric SAR data for Hebei, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified and the accuracy of GF-3 real-time DEM products can be improved extensively.
Designing Interactive Experiences for Children with Cochlear Implant
Authors: Cano Sandra , Flórez-Aristizábal Leandro , Collazos César , Fardaoun Habib , Alghazzawi Daniyal
Published: July 2018

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have grown exponentially in the education context and the use of digital products by children is increasing. As a result, teachers are taking advantage of ICTs to include mobile devices such as Tablets or Smartphones inside the classroom as playful support material to motivate children during their learning. Designing an interactive experience for a child with a special need such as a hearing impairment is a great challenge. In this article, two interactive systems are depicted, using a non-traditional interaction, by the following stages: analysis, design and implementation, with the participation of children with cochlear implant in the Institute of Blind and Deaf Children of Valle del Cauca, Colombia and the ASPAS Institute, Mallorca, Spain, who evaluated both interactive systems, PHONOMAGIC and CASETO. Positive results were obtained, showing that the use of real objects can greatly influence the environment in which children interact with the game, allowing them to explore and manipulate the objects supporting their teaching-learning processes.
Integrating Cyber-Physical Systems in a Component-Based Approach for Smart Homes
Authors: Criado Javier , Asensio José Andrés , Padilla Nicolás , Iribarne Luis
Published: July 2018

Integration of different cyber-physical systems involves a development process that takes into account some solutions for intercommunicating and interoperating heterogeneous devices. Each device can be managed as a thing within the Internet-of-Things concept by using web technologies. In addition, a “thing” can be managed as an encapsulated component by applying component-based software engineering principles. Based on this context, we propose a solution for integrating heterogeneous systems using a specific component-based technology. Specifically, we focus on enabling the connection of different types of subsystems present in smart home solutions. This technology enables interoperability by applying a homogeneous component representation that provides communication features through web sockets, and by implementing gateways in proprietary network connections. Furthermore, our solution eases the extension of these systems by means of abstract representations of the architectures and devices that form part of them. The approach is validated through an example scenario with different subsystems of a smart home solution.
Analysis of Frequency Stability and Thermoelastic Effects for Slotted Tuning Fork MEMS Resonators
Authors: Zega Valentina , Frangi Attilio , Guercilena Andrea , Gattere Gabriele
Published: July 2018

MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) resonators are attracting increasing interest because of their smaller size and better integrability as opposed to their quartz counterparts. However, thermal drift of the natural frequency of silicon structures is one of the main issues that has hindered the development of MEMS resonators. Extensive investigations have addressed both the fabrication process (e.g., introducing heavy doping of the silicon) and the mechanical design (e.g., exploiting proper orientation of the device, slots, nonlinearities). In this work, starting from experimental data published in the literature, we show that a careful design can help reduce the thermal drift even when slots are inserted in the devices in order to decrease thermoelastic losses. A custom numerical code able to predict the dynamic behavior of MEMS resonators for different materials, orientations and doping levels is coupled with an evolutionary optimization algorithm and the possibility to find an optimal mechanical design is demonstrated on a tuning-fork resonator.
Hidden Policy Attribute-Based Data Sharing with Direct Revocation and Keyword Search in Cloud Computing
Authors: Wu Axin , Zheng Dong , Zhang Yinghui , Yang Menglei
Published: July 2018

Attribute-based encryption can be used to realize fine-grained data sharing in open networks. However, in practical applications, we have to address further challenging issues, such as attribute revocation and data search. How do data users search for the data they need in massive amounts of data? When users leave the system, they lose the right to decrypt the shared data. In this case, how do we ensure that revoked users cannot decrypt shared data? In this paper, we successfully address these issues by proposing a hidden policy attribute-based data sharing scheme with direct revocation and keyword search. In the proposed scheme, the direct revocation of attributes does not need to update the private key of non-revoked users during revocation. In addition, a keyword search is realized in our scheme, and the search time is constant with the increase in attributes. In particular, the policy is hidden in our scheme, and hence, users’ privacy is protected. Our security and performance analyses show that the proposed scheme can tackle the security and efficiency concerns in cloud computing.
Sustainable Consumption in Everyday Life: A Qualitative Study of UK Consumer Experiences of Meat Reduction
Authors: Mylan Josephine
Published: July 2018

A reduction in meat consumption is increasingly considered fundamental to a sustainable food system. This paper contributes to understanding how meat consumers enact ‘meat reduction’ in the context of their everyday lives, exploring the motivations, strategies and experiences of eating less meat. Data were generated through twenty in-depth interviews with UK meat eaters, half of whom aimed to reduce their meat intake. Accounts from three meat-reducing respondents are used to present insights from the in-depth exploration of meat reduction in relation to broader practices of eating and food provision in daily life, interpreted through the lens of a practice-oriented understanding of consumption. Findings suggest that the enactment of meat reduction is determined by factors beyond individuals’ ethical stance towards environmental issues or animal welfare. Rather, meat reduction relates to understandings of nutrition and vitality of the body, concerns about the conditions of meat provision, and the personal relationships and routine activities through which meals are sourced, prepared and eaten. The study highlights the variety in understandings underpinning the motivations and strategies of consumer meat reduction. The analysis contributes to the literature on sustainable consumption and production, with a case study of the lived experience of sustainable dietary change.