bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Spatio-Temporal Building Exposure Database and Information Life-Cycle Management Solution
Authors: Wieland Marc , Pittore Massimiliano
Published: April 2017

With an ever-increasing volume and complexity of data collected from a variety of sources, the efficient management of geospatial information becomes a key topic in disaster risk management. For example, the representation of assets exposed to natural disasters is subjected to changes throughout the different phases of risk management reaching from pre-disaster mitigation to the response after an event and the long-term recovery of affected assets. Spatio-temporal changes need to be integrated into a sound conceptual and technological framework able to deal with data coming from different sources, at varying scales, and changing in space and time. Especially managing the information life-cycle, the integration of heterogeneous information and the distributed versioning and release of geospatial information are important topics that need to become essential parts of modern exposure modelling solutions. The main purpose of this study is to provide a conceptual and technological framework to tackle the requirements implied by disaster risk management for describing exposed assets in space and time. An information life-cycle management solution is proposed, based on a relational spatio-temporal database model coupled with Git and GeoGig repositories for distributed versioning. Two application scenarios focusing on the modelling of residential building stocks are presented to show the capabilities of the implemented solution. A prototype database model is shared on GitHub along with the necessary scenario data.
MMP-2 and 9 in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Cheng Zhengyuan , Limbu Manoj , Wang Zhi , Liu Jing , Liu Lei , Zhang Xiaoyi , Chen Pingsheng , Liu Bicheng
Published: April 2017

Gelatinases are members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) family; they play an important role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). This effect is also crucial in the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Its expression, as well as its activity regulation are closely related to the cell signaling pathways, hypoxia and cell membrane structural change. Gelatinases also can affect the development and progression of CKD through the various interactions with tumor necrosis factors (TNFs), monocyte chemoattractant proteins (MCPs), growth factors (GFs), oxidative stress (OS), and so on. Currently, their non-proteolytic function is a hot topic of research, which may also be associated with the progression of CKD. Therefore, with the in-depth understanding about the function of gelatinases, we can have a more specific and accurate understanding of their role in the human body.
Minicircle Mediated Gene Delivery to Canine and Equine Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Tidd Naomie , Michelsen Jacob , Hilbert Bryan , Quinn Jane
Published: April 2017

Gene-directed tissue repair offers the clinician, human or veterinary, the chance to enhance cartilage regeneration and repair at a molecular level. Non-viral plasmid vectors have key biosafety advantages over viral vector systems for regenerative therapies due to their episomal integration however, conventional non-viral vectors can suffer from low transfection efficiency. Our objective was to identify and validate in vitro a novel non-viral gene expression vector that could be utilized for ex vivo and in vivo delivery to stromal-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Minicircle plasmid DNA vector containing green fluorescent protein (GFP) was generated and transfected into adipose-derived MSCs from three species: canine, equine and rodent and transfection efficiency was determined. Both canine and rat cells showed transfection efficiencies of approximately 40% using minicircle vectors with equine cells exhibiting lower transfection efficiency. A Sox9-expressing minicircle vector was generated and transfected into canine MSCs. Successful transfection of the minicircle-Sox9 vector was confirmed in canine cells by Sox9 immunostaining. This study demonstrate the application and efficacy of a novel non-viral expression vector in canine and equine MSCs. Minicircle vectors have potential use in gene-directed regenerative therapies in non-rodent animal models for treatment of cartilage injury and repair.
Visible Light-Activated PhotoCORMs
Authors: Kottelat Emmanuel , Fabio Zobi
Published: April 2017

Despite its well-known toxicity, carbon monoxide (CO) is now recognized as a potential therapeutic agent. Its inherent toxicity, however, has limited clinical applications because uncontrolled inhalation of the gas leads to severe systemic derangements in higher organisms. In order to obviate life-threatening effects and administer the gas by bypassing the respiratory system, CO releasing molecules (CORMs) have emerged in the last decades as a plausible alternative to deliver controlled quantities of CO in cellular systems and tissues. As stable, solid-storage forms of CO, CORMs can be used to deliver the gas following activation by a stimulus. Light-activated CORMs, known as photoCORMs, are one such example. This class of molecules is particularly attractive because, for possible applications of CORMs, temporal and spatial control of CO delivery is highly desirable. However, systems triggered by visible light are rare. Most currently known photoCORMs are activated with UV light, but red light or even infrared photo-activation is required to ensure that structures deeper inside the body can be reached while minimizing photo-damage to healthy tissue. Thus, one of the most challenging chemical goals in the preparation of new photoCORMs is the reduction of radiation energy required for their activation, together with strategies to modulate the solubility, stability and nontoxicity of the organic or organometallic scaffolds. In this contribution, we review the latest advances in visible light-activated photoCORMs, and the first promising studies on near-infrared light activation of the same.
Prospecting Biotechnologically-Relevant Monooxygenases from Cold Sediment Metagenomes: An In Silico Approach
Authors: Musumeci Matías , Lozada Mariana , Rial Daniela , Mac Cormack Walter , Jansson Janet , Sjöling Sara , Carroll JoLynn , Dionisi Hebe
Published: April 2017

The goal of this work was to identify sequences encoding monooxygenase biocatalysts with novel features by in silico mining an assembled metagenomic dataset of polar and subpolar marine sediments. The targeted enzyme sequences were Baeyer–Villiger and bacterial cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP153). These enzymes have wide-ranging applications, from the synthesis of steroids, antibiotics, mycotoxins and pheromones to the synthesis of monomers for polymerization and anticancer precursors, due to their extraordinary enantio-, regio-, and chemo- selectivity that are valuable features for organic synthesis. Phylogenetic analyses were used to select the most divergent sequences affiliated to these enzyme families among the 264 putative monooxygenases recovered from the ~14 million protein-coding sequences in the assembled metagenome dataset. Three-dimensional structure modeling and docking analysis suggested features useful in biotechnological applications in five metagenomic sequences, such as wide substrate range, novel substrate specificity or regioselectivity. Further analysis revealed structural features associated with psychrophilic enzymes, such as broader substrate accessibility, larger catalytic pockets or low domain interactions, suggesting that they could be applied in biooxidations at room or low temperatures, saving costs inherent to energy consumption. This work allowed the identification of putative enzyme candidates with promising features from metagenomes, providing a suitable starting point for further developments.
Marine Microbial-Derived Molecules and Their Potential Use in Cosmeceutical and Cosmetic Products
Authors: Corinaldesi Cinzia , Barone Giulio , Marcellini Francesca , Dell’Anno Antonio , Danovaro Roberto
Published: April 2017

The oceans encompass a wide range of habitats and environmental conditions, which host a huge microbial biodiversity. The unique characteristics of several marine systems have driven a variety of biological adaptations, leading to the production of a large spectrum of bioactive molecules. Fungi, fungi-like protists (such as thraustochytrids) and bacteria are among the marine organisms with the highest potential of producing bioactive compounds, which can be exploited for several commercial purposes, including cosmetic and cosmeceutical ones. Mycosporines and mycosporine-like amino acids, carotenoids, exopolysaccharides, fatty acids, chitosan and other compounds from these microorganisms might represent a sustainable, low-cost and fast-production alternative to other natural molecules used in photo-protective, anti-aging and skin-whitening products for face, body and hair care. Here, we review the existing knowledge of these compounds produced by marine microorganisms, highlighting the marine habitats where such compounds are preferentially produced and their potential application in cosmetic and cosmeceutical fields.
Microstructure, Texture Evolution and Mechanical Properties of VT3-1 Titanium Alloy Processed by Multi-Pass Drawing and Subsequent Isothermal Annealing
Authors: Lei Xiaofei , Dong Limin , Zhang Zhiqiang , Liu Yujing , Hao Yulin , Yang Rui , Zhang Lai-Chang
Published: April 2017

Microstructure, texture evolution, and mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–1.5Cr–2.5Mo–0.5Fe–0.3Si (VT3-1) titanium alloy processed by multi-pass drawing and subsequent isothermal annealing were systematically investigated. A fiber-like microstructure is formed after warm drawing at 760 °C with 60% area reduction. After isothermal annealing, the samples deformed to different amounts of area reduction show a similar volume fraction (80%) of α phase, while the sample deformed to 60% exhibits a homogeneous microstructure with a larger grain size (5.8 μm). The major texture component of α phase developed during warm drawing is centered at a position of {φ1 = 10°, φ = 65°, φ2 = 0°}. The textures for annealed samples are almost along the orientation of original deformation textures and show significant increases in orientation density and volume fraction compared with their deformed states. In addition, for the drawn samples, the ultimate tensile strength increases but the ductility decreases with increasing drawing deformation. A negative slope of yield strength of annealed samples versus grain size (d−1/2) is found due to the difference between texture softening for as-rolled + annealed state and texture hardening for drawn + annealed state. The mechanical properties of annealed samples are found to be strongly dependent on grain size and texture, resulting in the balance of the strength and ductility.
Face Centred Cubic Multi-Component Equiatomic Solid Solutions in the Au-Cu-Ni-Pd-Pt System
Authors: Freudenberger Jens , Rafaja David , Geissler David , Giebeler Lars , Ullrich Christiane , Kauffmann Alexander , Heilmaier Martin , Nielsch Kornelius
Published: April 2017

A single-phase solid solution is observed in quaternary and quinary alloys obtained from gold, copper, nickel, palladium and platinum. The lattice parameters of the alloys follow the linear rule of mixture when considering the lattice parameters of the elements and their concentration. The elements are a priori not homogeneously distributed within the respective alloys resulting in segregations. These segregations cause a large broadening of X-ray lines, which is accessed in the present article. This correlation is visualized by the help of local element mappings utilizing scanning electron microscopy including energy dispersive X-ray analysis and their quantitative analysis.
Strength Characteristics and Failure Mechanism of Cemented Super-Fine Unclassified Tailings Backfill
Authors: Qiu Jingping , Yang Lei , Sun Xiaogang , Xing Jun , Li Songbo
Published: April 2017

This experimental study investigates the strength characteristics of cemented super-fine unclassified tailings backfill (CSUTB) and its failure mechanism. Physical and chemical properties of tailings from the Zhongguan Iron Mine (ZGIM) were tested. A series of uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests was conducted to determine the relationships between UCS of CSUTB and three factors of cement-tailings ratio (CTR), solid content and curing time. Gray relational analysis (GRA) method was then used to study the sensitivity of UCS to these three factors. Results indicate that ZGIM unclassified tailings is a kind of alkaline super-fine tailings with high activity and quality. UCS of CSUTB increases exponentially with the increase of CTR and solid content, and increases linearly with curing time. The curing time is the most important factor for the UCS of CSUTB, followed by CTR and solid content. The stress-strain curves obtained from UCS tests show the failure process of CSUTB, including four stages of initial deformation, linear elastic, yield deformation and complete failure. It is the result of damage evolution.
Two New Thymol Derivatives from the Roots of Ageratina adenophora
Authors: Dong Li-Mei , Zhang Mei , Xu Qiao-Lin , Zhang Qiang , Luo Bi , Luo Qing-Wen , Liu Wen-Bin , Tan Jian-Wen
Published: April 2017

Two new thymol derivatives, 7,9-diisobutyryloxy-8-ethoxythymol (1) and 7-acetoxy-8-methoxy-9-isobutyryloxythymol (2), were isolated from fresh roots of Ageratina adenophora, together with four known compounds, 7,9-di-isobutyryloxy-8-methoxythymol (3), 9-oxoageraphorone (4), (−)-isochaminic acid (5) and (1α,6α)-10-hydroxycar-3-ene-2-one (6). Their structures were established on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis, and they were all isolated from the roots of A. adenophora for the first time. All the compounds were tested for their in vitro antibacterial activity toward three Gram-positive and two Gram-negative bacterial strains. Thymol derivatives 1–3 only selectively showed slight in vitro bacteriostatic activity toward three Gram-positive bacteria. The two known carene-type monoterpenes 5 and 6 were found to show moderate in vitro antibacterial activity against all five tested bacterial strains, with MIC values from 15.6 to 62.5 μg/mL. In addition, compounds 5 and 6 were further revealed to show in vitro cytotoxicity against human tumor A549, HeLa and HepG2 cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 18.36 to 41.87 μM. However, their cytotoxic activities were inferior to those of reference compound adriamycin.
Non-Anticoagulant Heparins Are Hepcidin Antagonists for the Treatment of Anemia
Authors: Poli Maura , Asperti Michela , Ruzzenenti Paola , Naggi Annamaria , Arosio Paolo
Published: April 2017

The peptide hormone hepcidin is a key controller of systemic iron homeostasis, and its expression in the liver is mainly regulated by bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which are heparin binding proteins. In fact, heparins are strong suppressors of hepcidin expression in hepatic cell lines that act by inhibiting the phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/8 proteins elicited by the BMPs. The inhibitory effect of heparins has been demonstrated in cells and in mice, where subcutaneous injections of non-anticoagulant heparins inhibited liver hepcidin expression and increased iron bioavailability. The chemical characteristics for high anti-hepcidin activity in vitro and in vivo include the 2O-and 6O-sulfation and a molecular weight above 7 kDa. The most potent heparins have been found to be the super-sulfated ones, active in hepcidin suppression with a molecular weight as low as 4 kDa. Moreover, the alteration of endogenous heparan sulfates has been found to cause a reduction in hepcidin expression in vitro and in vivo, indicating that heparins act by interfering with the interaction between BMPs and components of the complex involved in the activation of the BMP/SMAD1/5/8 pathway. This review summarizes recent findings on the anti-hepcidin activity of heparins and their possible use for the treatment of anemia caused by hepcidin excess, including the anemia of chronic diseases.
Structural Characterization and Antifungal Studies of Zinc-Doped Hydroxyapatite Coatings
Authors: Iconaru Simona , Prodan Alina , Buton Nicolas , Predoi Daniela
Published: April 2017

The present study is focused on the synthesis, characterization and antifungal evaluation of zinc-doped hydroxyapatite (Zn:HAp) coatings. The Zn:HAp coatings were deposited on a pure Si (Zn:HAp_Si) and Ti (Zn:HAp_Ti) substrate by a sol-gel dip coating method using a zinc-doped hydroxyapatite nanogel. The nature of the crystal phase was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The crystalline phase of the prepared Zn:HAp composite was assigned to hexagonal hydroxyapatite in the P63/m space group. The colloidal properties of the resulting Zn:HAp (xZn = 0.1) nanogel were analyzed by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and zeta potential. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the morphology of the zinc-doped hydroxyapatite (Zn:HAp) nanogel composite and Zn:HAp coatings. The elements Ca, P, O and Zn were found in the Zn:HAp composite. According to the EDX results, the degree of Zn substitution in the structure of Zn:HAp composite was 1.67 wt%. Moreover, the antifungal activity of Zn:HAp_Si and Zn:HAp_Ti against Candida albicans (C. albicans) was evaluated. A decrease in the number of surviving cells was not observed under dark conditions, whereas under daylight and UV light illumination a major decrease in the number of surviving cells was observed.
An Efficient One-Pot Protocol for the Synthesis of Substituted 3,4-Dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones Using Metallophthalocyanines (MPcs) as Potent Heterogeneous Catalysts: Synthesis, Characterization, Aggregation and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Hamdi Naceur , Medyouni Rawdha , Bilel Hallouma , Mansour Lamjed , Romerosa Antonio
Published: April 2017

In this study, novel phthalonitrile 3 and their corresponding metal-free 4 and metallophthalocyanine derivatives 5–7 bearing 2-isopropenyl-4-methoxy-1-methylbenzene groups were synthesized and characterized. 3,4-Dihydropyrimidinones have been synthesized by a modified Biginelli-type reaction with various metallophthalocyanines 5–7 as catalysts. Compared to the classical Biginielli reaction, the new method has the advantages of good yield and short reaction time. Among the various metallophthalocyanines studied, cobalt (II)-phthalocyanine was found to be most active for this transformation. The newly prepared compounds were characterized using elemental analyses, MS, IR, 1H/13C-NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. In addition; the 3,4-dihydropyrimidinones (DHPMs) 8–12 were investigated for antimicrobial activities and revealed good activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the microdilution technique in Mueller-Hinton broth. The MICs were recorded after 24 hours of incubation at 37 °C. These results are promising, showing these compounds are biologically active.
Synthesis of Pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrimidine Enantiomers via Domino Ring-Closure followed by Retro Diels-Alder Protocol
Authors: Fekete Beáta , Palkó Márta , Haukka Matti , Fülöp Ferenc
Published: April 2017

From 2-aminonorbornene hydroxamic acids, a simple and efficient method for the preparation of pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrimidine enantiomers is reported. The synthesis is based on domino ring-closure followed by microwave-induced retro Diels-Alder (RDA) protocols, where the chirality of the desired products is transferred from norbornene derivatives. The stereochemistry of the synthesized compounds was proven by X-ray crystallography. The absolute configuration of the product is determined by the configuration of the starting amino hydroxamic acid.
Uncaria tomentosa Leaves Decoction Modulates Differently ROS Production in Cancer and Normal Cells, and Effects Cisplatin Cytotoxicity
Authors: Kośmider Anita , Czepielewska Edyta , Kuraś Mieczysław , Gulewicz Krzysztof , Pietrzak Wioleta , Nowak Renata , Nowicka Grażyna
Published: April 2017

Uncaria tomentosa is a woody vine with a long history of use in traditional Peruvian medicine and nowadays supplements containing this vine as ingredient are available. Immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties of Uncaria tomentosa have been suggested and attributed mainly to the presence of tetracyclic or pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids. However, the synergic action of different compounds occurring in extracts and modulation of redox processes may significantly influence the anticancer activity of Uncaria tomentosa. The aim of the present study was to investigate for the first time the cytotoxic effects of the tetracyclic alkaloids free aqueous extract (decoction) of dried Uncaria tomentosa leaf blades in normal and cancer cells, and to assess the effect of the tested extract on cisplatin (CDDP) cytotoxicity. Tested Uncaria tomentosa extract was not cytotoxic for NHDF cells, but demonstrated cytotoxic effect against HepG2 cells. The extract increased ROS production in HepG2 cells, which resulted in decreased GSH level, leading to apoptosis of these cells through activation of caspase-3 and caspase-7. A reduction of NF-κB active form was observed in cancer cells. In normal cells the extract did not affect ROS production, GSH level and NF-κB activity, and maintained cell viability. HepG2 cells incubation with Uncaria tomentosa decoction and simultaneously with CDDP resulted in an increase in CDPP cytotoxic activity against HepG2, while under the same conditions Uncaria tomentosa prevents NHDF cell viability reduction due to CDDP. The results indicate that Uncaria tomentosa leaves decoction modulates differently cancer and normal cells oxidative metabolism and, enhanced cytotoxicity of CDDP against cancer cells and at the same time increased normal healthy cells resistance to cisplatin. Further studies are needed to confirm our observations and to describe underlying molecular mechanism, and the potential usefulness of Uncaria tomentosa decoction in adjuvant therapy for cancer.
LC-ESI-MS/MS Identification of Biologically Active Phenolic Compounds in Mistletoe Berry Extracts from Different Host Trees
Authors: Pietrzak Wioleta , Nowak Renata , Gawlik-Dziki Urszula , Lemieszek Marta Kinga , Rzeski Wojciech
Published: April 2017

A new, rapid, sensitive and selective liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method was developed to determine the content of flavonoid aglycones and phenolic acids in mistletoe berries (Viscum album L.) harvested from six different Polish host trees. Additionally, the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) as well as an antioxidant and antiproliferative activity were evaluated for the first time. The plant material was selectively extracted using ultrasound assisted maceration with methanol/water (8:2) solution. The obtained TPC and TFC results varied from 7.146 to 9.345 mg GA g−1 and from 1.888 to 2.888 mg Q g−1 of dry extracts, respectively. The LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis demonstrated the highest content of phenolic acids in mistletoe berries from Populus nigra ‘Italica’ L. and flavonoid aglycones in mistletoe berries from Tilia cordata Mill. (354.45 µg and 5.955 µg per g dry extract, respectively). The moderate antioxidant activity of investigated extracts was obtained. The studies revealed that the examined extracts decreased the proliferation of human colon adenocarcinoma cells line LS180 in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxicity in the human colon epithelial cell line CCD 841 CoTr. Moreover, the obtained results suggest considerable impact of polyphenols on the anticancer activity of these extracts.
Release of Doxorubicin by a Folate-Grafted, Chitosan-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticle
Authors: Yang Chung-Lin , Chen Jyh-Ping , Wei Kuo-Chen , Chen Ju-Yu , Huang Chia-Wen , Liao Zi-Xian
Published: April 2017

In clinical tumor therapy, chemotherapeutic routes have caused severe side effects; current delivery methods are unsatisfactory. Successful design of a remotely folate (FA)-grafted chitosan (CS)-coated magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) with low toxicity, has been achieved. A chemotherapeutic drug such as doxorubicin (DOX), is loaded in the MNP-based matrix (FA-grafted CS-DOX-TPP-MNP), which is coated by an activated target tumor molecule of FA-grafted CS biopolymer with the inclusion of tripolyphosphate (TPP) as a linker. The resultant nano-complexes exhibited random aggregates (~240 nm) and zeta potential (−24.9 mV). In vivo experiments using athymic BALB/c nude mice with human glioblastoma U87 cells in a subcutaneous tumor model revealed that magnetic guidance of FA-grafted CS-DOX-TPP-MNP, injected via the tail vein, significantly decreased tumor growth. This manuscript demonstrates the feasibility of magnetizing control of FA-grafted CS-DOX-TPP-MNP to enhance the localization of drug release.
HRTT: A Hierarchical Roof Topology Structure for Robust Building Roof Reconstruction from Point Clouds
Authors: Xu Bo , Jiang Wanshou , Li Lelin
Published: April 2017

The identification and representation of building roof topology are basic, but important, issues for 3D building model reconstruction from point clouds. Always, the roof topology is expressed by the roof topology graph (RTG), which stores the plane–plane adjacencies as graph edges. As the decision of the graph edges is often based on local statistics between adjacent planes, topology errors can be easily produced because of noise, lack of data, and resulting errors in pre-processing steps. In this work, the hierarchical roof topology tree (HRTT) is proposed, instead of traditional RTG, to represent the topology relationships among different roof elements. Building primitives or child structures are taken as inside tree nodes; thus, the plane–model and model–model relations can be well described and further exploited. Integral constraints and extra verifying procedures can also be easily introduced to improve the topology quality. As for the basic plane-to-plane adjacencies, we no longer decide all connections at the same time, but rather we decide the robust ones preferentially. Those robust connections will separate the whole model into simpler components step-by-step and produce the basic semantic information for the identification of ambiguous ones. In this way, the effects from structures of minor importance or spurious ridges can be limited to the building locale, while the common features can be detected integrally. Experiments on various data show that the proposed method can obviously improve the topology quality and produce more precise results. Compared with the RTG-based method, two topology quality indices increase from 80.9% and 79.8% to 89.4% and 88.2% in the test area. The integral model quality indices at the pixel level and the plane level also achieve the precision of 90.3% and 84.7%, accordingly.
Underlying Topography Estimation over Forest Areas Using High-Resolution P-Band Single-Baseline PolInSAR Data
Authors: Fu Haiqiang , Zhu Jianjun , Wang Changcheng , Wang Huiqiang , Zhao Rong
Published: April 2017

This paper discusses the potential and limitations of high-resolution P-band polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry (PolInSAR) in underlying topography estimation over forest areas. Time-frequency (TF) analysis in the azimuth direction is utilized to separate the ground scattering contribution from the total PolInSAR signal, without the use of any physical model, because the P-band PolInSAR data have a significant penetration depth and sufficient observation angle interval. To achieve this goal, a one-dimensional polynomial fitting (PF) method is proposed for correcting the residual motion error (RME). The Krycklan catchment test site, which is covered with pine forest, was selected to test the performance of the digital elevation model (DEM) inversion. The results show that the PF method can correct the RMEs for the sub-look interferograms well. When compared to the existing line-fit method, the TF+PF method can provide a more accurate DEM (the accuracy is improved by 26.9%). Moreover, the performance of the DEM inversion is free from the random-volume-over-ground assumption.
Mapping 2000–2010 Impervious Surface Change in India Using Global Land Survey Landsat Data
Authors: Wang Panshi , Huang Chengquan , Brown de Colstoun Eric
Published: April 2017

Understanding and monitoring the environmental impacts of global urbanization requires better urban datasets. Continuous field impervious surface change (ISC) mapping using Landsat data is an effective way to quantify spatiotemporal dynamics of urbanization. It is well acknowledged that Landsat-based estimation of impervious surface is subject to seasonal and phenological variations. The overall goal of this paper is to map 2000–2010 ISC for India using Global Land Survey datasets and training data only available for 2010. To this end, a method was developed that could transfer the regression tree model developed for mapping 2010 impervious surface to 2000 using an iterative training and prediction (ITP) approachAn independent validation dataset was also developed using Google Earth™ imagery. Based on the reference ISC from the validation dataset, the RMSE of predicted ISC was estimated to be 18.4%. At 95% confidence, the total estimated ISC for India between 2000 and 2010 is 2274.62 ± 7.84 km2.
Comparative Assessments of the Latest GPM Mission’s Spatially Enhanced Satellite Rainfall Products over the Main Bolivian Watersheds
Authors: Satgé Frédéric , Xavier Alvaro , Pillco Zolá Ramiro , Hussain Yawar , Timouk Franck , Garnier Jérémie , Bonnet Marie-Paule
Published: April 2017

The new IMERG and GSMaP-v6 satellite rainfall estimation (SRE) products from the Global Precipitation Monitoring (GPM) mission have been available since January 2015. With a finer grid box of 0.1°, these products should provide more detailed information than their latest widely-adapted (relatively coarser spatial scale, 0.25°) counterpart. Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) and Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation version 6 (GSMaP-v6) assessment is done by comparing their rainfall estimations with 247 rainfall gauges from 2014 to 2016 in Bolivia. The comparisons were done on annual, monthly and daily temporal scales over the three main national watersheds (Amazon, La Plata and TDPS), for both wet and dry seasons to assess the seasonal variability and according to different slope classes to assess the topographic influence on SREs. To observe the potential enhancement in rainfall estimates brought by these two recently released products, the widely-used TRMM Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) product is also considered in the analysis. The performances of all the products increase during the wet season. Slightly less accurate than TMPA, IMERG can almost achieve its main objective, which is to ensure TMPA rainfall measurements, while enhancing the discretization of rainy and non-rainy days. It also provides the most accurate estimates among all products over the Altiplano arid region. GSMaP-v6 is the least accurate product over the region and tends to underestimate rainfall over the Amazon and La Plata regions. Over the Amazon and La Plata region, SRE potentiality is related to topographic features with the highest bias observed over high slope regions. Over the TDPS watershed, the high rainfall spatial variability with marked wet and arid regions is the main factor influencing SREs.
Coastal Areas Division and Coverage with Multiple UAVs for Remote Sensing
Authors: Balampanis Fotios , Maza Iván , Ollero Aníbal
Published: April 2017

This paper tackles the problems of exact cell decomposition and partitioning of a coastal region for a team of heterogeneous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with an approach that takes into account the field of view or sensing radius of the sensors on-board. An initial sensor-based exact cell decomposition of the area aids in the partitioning process, which is performed in two steps. In the first step, a growing regions algorithm performs an isotropic partitioning of the area based on the initial locations of the UAVs and their relative capabilities. Then, two novel algorithms are applied to compute an adjustment of this partitioning process, in order to solve deadlock situations that generate non-allocated regions and sub-areas above or below the relative capabilities of the UAVs. Finally, realistic simulations have been conducted for the evaluation of the proposed solution, and the obtained results show that these algorithms can compute valid and sound solutions in complex coastal region scenarios under different setups for the UAVs.
Fusing Bluetooth Beacon Data with Wi-Fi Radiomaps for Improved Indoor Localization
Authors: Kanaris Loizos , Kokkinis Akis , Liotta Antonio , Stavrou Stavros
Published: April 2017

Indoor user localization and tracking are instrumental to a broad range of services and applications in the Internet of Things (IoT) and particularly in Body Sensor Networks (BSN) and Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) scenarios. Due to the widespread availability of IEEE 802.11, many localization platforms have been proposed, based on the Wi-Fi Received Signal Strength (RSS) indicator, using algorithms such as K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN), Maximum A Posteriori (MAP) and Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE). In this paper, we introduce a hybrid method that combines the simplicity (and low cost) of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and the popular 802.11 infrastructure, to improve the accuracy of indoor localization platforms. Building on KNN, we propose a new positioning algorithm (dubbed i-KNN) which is able to filter the initial fingerprint dataset (i.e., the radiomap), after considering the proximity of RSS fingerprints with respect to the BLE devices. In this way, i-KNN provides an optimised small subset of possible user locations, based on which it finally estimates the user position. The proposed methodology achieves fast positioning estimation due to the utilization of a fragment of the initial fingerprint dataset, while at the same time improves positioning accuracy by minimizing any calculation errors.
Sub-Pixel Extraction of Laser Stripe Center Using an Improved Gray-Gravity Method †
Authors: Li Yuehua , Zhou Jingbo , Huang Fengshan , Liu Lijian
Published: April 2017

Laser stripe center extraction is a key step for the profile measurement of line structured light sensors (LSLS). To accurately obtain the center coordinates at sub-pixel level, an improved gray-gravity method (IGGM) was proposed. Firstly, the center points of the stripe were computed using the gray-gravity method (GGM) for all columns of the image. By fitting these points using the moving least squares algorithm, the tangential vector, the normal vector and the radius of curvature can be robustly obtained. One rectangular region could be defined around each of the center points. Its two sides that are parallel to the tangential vector could alter their lengths according to the radius of the curvature. After that, the coordinate for each center point was recalculated within the rectangular region and in the direction of the normal vector. The center uncertainty was also analyzed based on the Monte Carlo method. The obtained experimental results indicate that the IGGM is suitable for both the smooth stripes and the ones with sharp corners. The high accuracy center points can be obtained at a relatively low computation cost. The measured results of the stairs and the screw surface further demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.
Learning Traffic as Images: A Deep Convolutional Neural Network for Large-Scale Transportation Network Speed Prediction
Authors: Ma Xiaolei , Dai Zhuang , He Zhengbing , Ma Jihui , Wang Yong , Wang Yunpeng
Published: April 2017

This paper proposes a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based method that learns traffic as images and predicts large-scale, network-wide traffic speed with a high accuracy. Spatiotemporal traffic dynamics are converted to images describing the time and space relations of traffic flow via a two-dimensional time-space matrix. A CNN is applied to the image following two consecutive steps: abstract traffic feature extraction and network-wide traffic speed prediction. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated by taking two real-world transportation networks, the second ring road and north-east transportation network in Beijing, as examples, and comparing the method with four prevailing algorithms, namely, ordinary least squares, k-nearest neighbors, artificial neural network, and random forest, and three deep learning architectures, namely, stacked autoencoder, recurrent neural network, and long-short-term memory network. The results show that the proposed method outperforms other algorithms by an average accuracy improvement of 42.91% within an acceptable execution time. The CNN can train the model in a reasonable time and, thus, is suitable for large-scale transportation networks.
Comparison between a Direct-Flow SPR Immunosensor for Ampicillin and a Competitive Conventional Amperometric Device: Analytical Features and Possible Applications to Real Samples
Authors: Tomassetti Mauro , Merola Giovanni , Martini Elisabetta , Campanella Luigi , Sanzò Gabriella , Favero Gabriele , Mazzei Franco
Published: April 2017

In this research, we developed a direct-flow surface plasmon resonance (SPR) immunosensor for ampicillin to perform direct, simple, and fast measurements of this important antibiotic. In order to better evaluate the performance, it was compared with a conventional amperometric immunosensor, working with a competitive format with the aim of finding out experimental real advantages and disadvantages of two respective methods. Results showed that certain analytical features of the new SPR immunodevice, such as the lower limit of detection (LOD) value and the width of the linear range, are poorer than those of a conventional amperometric immunosensor, which adversely affects the application to samples such as natural waters. On the other hand, the SPR immunosensor was more selective to ampicillin, and measurements were more easily and quickly attained compared to those performed with the conventional competitive immunosensor.
A Robust Diffusion Estimation Algorithm with Self-Adjusting Step-Size in WSNs
Authors: Shao Xiaodan , Chen Feng , Ye Qing , Duan Shukai
Published: April 2017

In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), each sensor node can estimate the global parameter from the local data in a distributed manner. This paper proposed a robust diffusion estimation algorithm based on a minimum error entropy criterion with a self-adjusting step-size, which are referred to as the diffusion MEE-SAS (DMEE-SAS) algorithm. The DMEE-SAS algorithm has a fast speed of convergence and is robust against non-Gaussian noise in the measurements. The detailed performance analysis of the DMEE-SAS algorithm is performed. By combining the DMEE-SAS algorithm with the diffusion minimum error entropy (DMEE) algorithm, an Improving DMEE-SAS algorithm is proposed for a non-stationary environment where tracking is very important. The Improving DMEE-SAS algorithm can avoid insensitivity of the DMEE-SAS algorithm due to the small effective step-size near the optimal estimator and obtain a fast convergence speed. Numerical simulations are given to verify the effectiveness and advantages of these proposed algorithms.
A Cost-Effective Geodetic Strainmeter Based on Dual Coaxial Cable Bragg Gratings
Authors: Fu Jihua , Wang Xu , Wei Tao , Wei Meng , Shen Yang
Published: April 2017

Observations of surface deformation are essential for understanding a wide range of geophysical problems, including earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and glaciers. Current geodetic technologies, such as global positioning system (GPS), interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), borehole and laser strainmeters, are costly and limited in their temporal or spatial resolutions. Here we present a new type of strainmeters based on the coaxial cable Bragg grating (CCBG) sensing technology that provides cost-effective strain measurements. Two CCBGs are introduced into the geodetic strainmeter: one serves as a sensor to measure the strain applied on it, and the other acts as a reference to detect environmental noises. By integrating the sensor and reference signals in a mixer, the environmental noises are minimized and a lower mixed frequency is obtained. The lower mixed frequency allows for measurements to be taken with a portable spectrum analyzer, rather than an expensive spectrum analyzer or a vector network analyzer (VNA). Analysis of laboratory experiments shows that the strain can be measured by the CCBG sensor, and the portable spectrum analyzer can make measurements with the accuracy similar to the expensive spectrum analyzer, whose relative error to the spectrum analyzer R3272 is less than ±0.4%. The outputs of the geodetic strainmeter show a linear relationship with the strains that the CCBG sensor experienced. The measured sensitivity of the geodetic strainmeter is about −0.082 kHz/με; it can cover a large dynamic measuring range up to 2%, and its nonlinear errors can be less than 5.3%.
Variable Admittance Control Based on Fuzzy Reinforcement Learning for Minimally Invasive Surgery Manipulator
Authors: Du Zhijiang , Wang Wei , Yan Zhiyuan , Dong Wei , Wang Weidong
Published: April 2017

In order to get natural and intuitive physical interaction in the pose adjustment of the minimally invasive surgery manipulator, a hybrid variable admittance model based on Fuzzy Sarsa(λ)-learning is proposed in this paper. The proposed model provides continuous variable virtual damping to the admittance controller to respond to human intentions, and it effectively enhances the comfort level during the task execution by modifying the generated virtual damping dynamically. A fuzzy partition defined over the state space is used to capture the characteristics of the operator in physical human-robot interaction. For the purpose of maximizing the performance index in the long run, according to the identification of the current state input, the virtual damping compensations are determined by a trained strategy which can be learned through the experience generated from interaction with humans, and the influence caused by humans and the changing dynamics in the robot are also considered in the learning process. To evaluate the performance of the proposed model, some comparative experiments in joint space are conducted on our experimental minimally invasive surgical manipulator.
Implementation and Analysis of Real-Time Streaming Protocols
Authors: Santos-González Iván , Rivero-García Alexandra , Molina-Gil Jezabel , Caballero-Gil Pino
Published: April 2017

Communication media have become the primary way of interaction thanks to the discovery and innovation of many new technologies. One of the most widely used communication systems today is video streaming, which is constantly evolving. Such communications are a good alternative to face-to-face meetings, and are therefore very useful for coping with many problems caused by distance. However, they suffer from different issues such as bandwidth limitation, network congestion, energy efficiency, cost, reliability and connectivity. Hence, the quality of service and the quality of experience are considered the two most important issues for this type of communication. This work presents a complete comparative study of two of the most used protocols of video streaming, Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) and the Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC). In addition, this paper proposes two new mobile applications that implement those protocols in Android whose objective is to know how they are influenced by the aspects that most affect the streaming quality of service, which are the connection establishment time and the stream reception time. The new video streaming applications are also compared with the most popular video streaming applications for Android, and the experimental results of the analysis show that the developed WebRTC implementation improves the performance of the most popular video streaming applications with respect to the stream packet delay.
A New Strategy for Silver Deposition on Au Nanoparticles with the Use of Peroxidase-Mimicking DNAzyme Monitored via a Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Technique
Authors: Kosman Joanna , Jatschka Jacqueline , Csaki Andrea , Fritzsche Wolfgang , Juskowiak Bernard , Stranik Ondrej
Published: April 2017

Peroxidase-mimicking DNAzyme was applied as a catalyst of silver deposition on gold nanoparticles. This DNAzyme is formed when hemin binds to the G-quadruplex-forming DNA sequence. Such a system is able to catalyze a redox reaction with a one- or two-electron transfer. The process of silver deposition was monitored via a localized surface plasmon resonance technique (LSPR), which allows one to record scattering spectrum of a single nanoparticle. Our study showed that DNAzyme is able to catalyze silver deposition. The AFM experiments proved that DNAzyme induced the deposition of silver shells of approximately 20 nm thickness on Au nanoparticles (AuNPs). Such an effect is not observed when hemin is absent in the system. However, we noticed non-specific binding of hemin to the capture oligonucleotides on a gold NP probe that also induced some silver deposition, even though the capture probe was unable to form G-quadruplex. Analysis of SEM images indicated that the surface morphology of the silver layer deposited by DNAzyme is different from that obtained for hemin alone. The proposed strategy of silver layer synthesis on gold nanoparticles catalyzed by DNAzyme is an innovative approach and can be applied in bioanalysis (LSPR, electrochemistry) as well as in material sciences.
The Use of a Pressure-Indicating Film to Determine the Effect of Liner Type on the Measured Teat Load Caused by a Collapsing Liner
Authors: Demba Susanne , Paul Viktoria , Ammon Christian , Rose-Meierhöfer Sandra
Published: April 2017

During milking the teat cup liner is the interface between the teat of a dairy cow and the milking system, so it should be very well adapted to the teat. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of liner type on the directly measuring teat load caused by a collapsing liner with a pressure-indicating film. The Extreme Low pressure-indicating film was used to detect the effect of six different liners on teat load. For each liner, six positions in the teat cup were specified, and six repetitions were performed for each position with a new piece of film each time. Analysis of variance was performed to detect differences between the six liners, the positions within a liner, and the measuring areas. The pressure applied to the teat by a liner depends on the technical characteristics of the liner, especially the shape of the barrel, and for all tested liners, a higher teat load was found at the teat end. In conclusion, with the help of pressure-indicating film, it is possible to determine the different effects of liner type by directly measuring teat load due to liner collapse.
The Impacts of Environmental Regulation on Industrial Activities: Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment in Chinese Prefectures
Authors: Chen Bin , Cheng Yuk-shing
Published: April 2017

We assess the effectiveness of China’s Two Control Zones (TCZ) policy, an environmental policy that tightens the control of acid rain and the emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in targeted areas. To identify the effect of the policy on industrial activities, we use the difference-in-differences (DID) method to study industry-level activities in China’s prefectures based on a unique firm-level data set covering the period from 1999–2009. We find that stricter environmental regulation led to a lower level of polluting industrial activities in TCZ prefectures, which was associated with more closures of polluting firms in targeted prefectures and more new polluting firms in non-targeted locations. In addition, our findings suggest that the TCZ policy had more pronounced effects in the coastal areas and became more effective after China changed its assessment criteria for the performance of local officials in the late 2000s.