Monitoring Urban Greenness Dynamics Using Multiple Endmember Spectral Mixture Analysis

Urban greenness is increasingly recognized as an essential constituent of the urban environment and can provide a range of services and enhance residents’ quality of life. Understanding the pattern of urban greenness and exploring its spatiotemporal dynamics would contribute valuable information for urban planning. In this paper, we investigated the pattern of urban greenness in Hangzhou, China, over the past two decades using time series Landsat-5 TM data obtained in 1990, 2002, and 2010. Multiple endmember spectral mixture analysis was used to derive vegetation cover fractions at the subpixel level. An RGB-vegetation fraction model, change intensity analysis and the concentric technique were integrated to reveal the detailed, spatial characteristics and the overall pattern of change in the vegetation cover fraction. Our results demonstrated the ability of multiple endmember spectral mixture analysis to accurately model the vegetation cover fraction in pixels despite the complex spectral confusion of different land cover types. The integration of multiple techniques revealed various changing patterns in urban greenness in this region. The overall vegetation cover has exhibited a drastic decrease over the past two decades, while no significant change occurred in the scenic spots that were studied. Meanwhile, a remarkable recovery of greenness was observed in the existing urban area. The increasing coverage of small green patches has played a vital role in the recovery of urban greenness. These changing patterns were more obvious during the period from 2002 to 2010 than from 1990 to 2002, and they revealed the combined effects of rapid urbanization and greening policies. This work demonstrates the usefulness of time series of vegetation cover fractions for conducting accurate and in-depth studies of the long-term trajectories of urban greenness to obtain meaningful information for sustainable urban development.     

基于多端元光谱混合分析方法的大兴安岭火后植被盖度恢复研究

火干扰是北方针叶林结构、功能及动态的主要调节因子之一。研究火后植被恢复对理解火干扰和生态系统的交互作用具有重要意义。火烧迹地通常由植被与基质混合组成,在中低分辨率（ > 10 m）遥感影像中表现为混合像元,因此研究亚像元尺度上植被的恢复是精确量化植被恢复的关键。本研究以2000年大兴安岭呼中自然保护区中8700 hm²火烧迹地为研究区,以两期（2014年6月1日和2010年6月22日）中分辨率Landsat ETM+影像（30 m）为基础数据,比较多端元光谱混合分析（Multiple Endmember Spectral Mixture Analysis,MESMA）和归一化植被指数（Normalized Difference Vegetation Index,NDVI）获得的植被盖度,以高分辨率（2 m）WorldView-2影像（2014年7月1日）为验证数据,对两种方法计算的植被盖度精度进行比较。结果表明,MESMA方法获得的植被盖度（R²=0.691）与传统的NDVI获得的植被盖度（R²=0.700）精度无统计差异,中烈度下获得的植被覆盖精度高于低、高火烧烈度。为验证同一端元能否运用到不同时相的Landsat影像中,本研究将从2014年影像中获取的最佳端元运用到2010年影像中获得植被盖度图,结果表明2014年与2010年得到的RMSE（均方根误差）均值分别为0.0015和0.0065,说明最佳端元可用于不同时相的影像分解。本研究表明MESMA方法可有效监测北方针叶林中火后植被盖度恢复,并可运用于时间序列遥感影像监测植被恢复动态。     

植被生化组分光谱模型抗土壤背景能力分析

应用LOPEX'93(Leaf Optical Properties Experiment)数据,分析了统计回归模型在进行植被叶绿素和水分反演中抗土壤背景影响的能力,模型参数分别使用了:反射率及其变化形式、光谱位置变量、植被指数。在LOPEX'93数据库的植被波谱中分别加入10%-90%的实测土壤光谱信息,得到植被与土壤的混合光谱,并分析混合光谱对植被生化组分的响应。结果表明:应用反射率及其变化形式进行植被叶绿素反演时,以730nm和400nm组合的反射率和反射率倒数的对数为参数的模型具有最高的抗土壤背景能力,在土壤背景所占比例从低到高的变化过程中,以二者反射率组合为参数的模型与叶绿素的相关系数,始终保持在0.645附近,以二者反射率倒数的对数为参数的模型与植被叶绿素的相关系数保持在0.650附近;应用反射率及其变化形式进行植被含水量反演时,以1100,1170,1000,1040,1080nm组合的反射率为参数的模型以及以1170,960,1210,1090,1080,950,1220,1210nm反射率倒数的对数组合为参数的模型具有较高的稳定性,在土壤组分变化的过程中,以上模型与植被含水量的相关系数均稳定的高于0.99;对于光谱位置变量的分析中,以红边-绿峰-红谷组合的模型与植被叶绿素含量具有较高、而且稳定的相关系数,在土壤背景所占比例变化的情况下,相关系数稳定在0.53附近;在应用植被指数进行叶绿素的反演过程中,植被指数与叶绿素的相关系数在土壤背景所占比例变化的情况下变化较大,抗土壤背景的能力均较差;在应用植被指数进行植被水分含量的反演时,以水分指数Ratio975和Ratio1200相关系数最高,且在不同比例土壤背景变化下稳定,相关系数分别分布在0.980附近和0.960附近。该结果可用于指导不同植被覆盖条件下植被冠层参数的反演,提高反演的稳定性和准确性。     

Californian Salt-Marsh Vegetation: An Improved Model of Spatial Pattern

Although tidal wetland vegetation patterns are typically related to elevation, we hypothesized that the vertical range of a species may shift where the topography is more heterogeneous. We examined plant species occurrences in relation to elevation, proximity to the bay, and proximity to tidal creeks at a near-pristine wetland in San Quintín Bay, Baja California, Mexico. At the whole-wetland scale, most species occurred primarily within a 30-cm elevation band (the marsh plain). However, Spartina foliosa occurred only at the bayward margin, even though “suitable” elevations were present further inland. A similar pattern was found in San Diego Bay. At the microtopographic scale, three species on the marsh plain were strongly influenced by elevation, whereas four species responded to both elevation and proximity to tidal creeks. The latter species tended to “avoid” the lower 10 cm of the marsh plain except near a tidal creek. Species richness was thus greater (by 0.6 species at the lowest 10-cm class) at the tidal creek margin. Better drainage near creeks is the hypothesized cause. Our results help explain why species that are transplanted to constructed wetlands do not always grow at the full range of elevations they occupy in natural wetlands. We recommend that species be introduced to their modal elevation (determined from nearby reference marshes) and that salt-marsh construction designs include topographic heterogeneity (complex tidal creek networks). The analysis of broad-scale and fine-scale patterns of occurrence also suggests new habitat nomenclature. Elevation-based terms (“low,”“middle,” and “high” marsh) should be replaced by a system that considers elevation, landscape position, and conspicuous species. We suggest three habitat designations: (a) the high marsh—a 30- to 70-cm elevation range with Salicornia subterminalis; (b) the marsh plain—a 30-cm elevation range with heterogeneous topography and up to nine common species; and (c) cordgrass habitat—the bayward portion of the marsh plain and lower elevations, all occupied by Spartina foliosa. Although these habitats do not have discrete boundaries, separate terms are needed for wetland restoration plans and these designations will improve recognition that vegetation patterns respond to horizontal, as well as vertical, position.     

Equivariant Estimation for the Parameters of an Exponential Model Based on Censored Sampling

Lehmann (1983) provides a detailed discussion on equivariant estimation of the parameters of location, scale and location-scale models. Edwin Prabakaran and Chandrasekar (1994) developed simultaneous equivariant estimation approach and illustrated the method with examples. In this paper, we consider exponential models and obtain minimum risk equivariant estimators of the parameters based on Type II censored samples. The equivariant method of estimation is illustrated with biological and reliability applications.     

多尺度遥感综合监测我国北方典型草原区植被盖度

利用多尺度遥感影像综合进行全球和区域尺度的土地利用/覆盖变化(LUCC)研究是最近全球变化研究的重要方向之一。本文综合利用野外群落样方、数字相机、ETM+影像、NOAA/AVHRR影像,在遥感、GIS和GPS支持下,对我国北方典型草原区植被盖度进行了综合监测、模拟与分析。结果表明:(1) 利用经处理后的数字相机影像测量盖度的结果准确性较高,可以作为植被盖度测量的标准结果,反映真实的覆盖特征,并用以验证利用其它方法测量结果的精度。(2) 利用野外1 m2样方网格法目视估测的植被盖度结果变化较大,不稳定。本次实验中,与数字相机测量结果相比,样方估测的盖度普遍偏高,平均偏差为9.92%;但两者相关性较好(r2=0.89)。(3) 采用Gutman模型ETM+影像、NOAA/AVHRR影像反演植被盖度的结果与数字相机测量结果偏差分别为7.03%、7.83%,ETM+像元分解NOAA像元后得到的植被盖度与数字相机测量结果偏差5.68%。三者与数字相机测量结果的相关系数r2分别为0.78、0.61和0.76。(4)利用野外实测植被盖度数据直接与NOAA-NDVI影像建立统计模型估算植被盖度的精度较低(r2=0.65),而通过空间分辨率介于两者之间的ETM+影像进行转换后,该精度得到一定的提高(r2=0.80)。利用像元分解的方法提高了大尺度植被盖度监测的精度,是利用遥感数据进行尺     

多尺度遥感综合监测我国北方典型草原区植被盖度

利用多尺度遥感影像综合进行全球和区域尺度的土地利用/覆盖变化(LUCC)研究是最近全球变化研究的重要方向之一.本文综合利用野外群落样方、数字相机、ETM+影像、NOAA/AVHRR影像,在遥感、GIS和GPS支持下,对我国北方典型草原区植被盖度进行了综合监测、模拟与分析.结果表明:(1)利用经处理后的数字相机影像测量盖度的结果准确性较高,可以作为植被盖度测量的标准结果,反映真实的覆盖特征,并用以验证利用其它方法测量结果的精度.(2)利用野外1 m2样方网格法目视估测的植被盖度结果变化较大,不稳定.本次实验中,与数字相机测量结果相比,样方估测的盖度普遍偏高,平均偏差为9.92%;但两者相关性较好(r2=0.89).(3)采用Gutman模型ETM+影像、NOAA/AVHRR影像反演植被盖度的结果与数字相机测量结果偏差分别为7.03%、7.83%,ETM+像元分解NOAA像元后得到的植被盖度与数字相机测量结果偏差5.68%.三者与数字相机测量结果的相关系数r2分别为0.78、0.6l和0.76.(4)利用野外实测植被盖度数据直接与NOAA-NDVI影像建立统计模型估算植被盖度的精度较低(r2=0.65),而通过空间分辨率介于两者之间的ETM+影像进行转换后,该精度得到一定的提高(r2=0.80).利用像元分解的方法提高了大尺度植被盖度监测的精度,是利用遥感数据进行尺度转换研究的重要实践.多尺度遥感影像的综合对地观测对大区域上反演植被盖度有很好的促进作用.     

基于高分一号 WFV 卫星影像的黄河口湿地草本植被生物量估算模型研究

基于高分一号 WFV 卫星数据,通过计算 NDVI、SRI、SAVI、MSAVI、GBNDVI 和 DVI 6种植被指数,结合黄河口湿地现场草本植被地上干生物量样本,进行一元线性、指数、对数和幂4种模型的回归分析,从中选出生物量最佳估算模型。结果表明：（1）指数模型是 NDVI 和 GBNDVI 的最佳生物量回归模型,幂模型是其它植被指数的最佳回归模型（P ＜0．001）;（2）6种植被指数干生物量最佳回归模型的决定系数（R2）都大于0．7,最大为0．77,由大到小排序为 MSAVI ＞SAVI ＞NDVI ＞DVI ＞SRI ＞GBNDVI;（3）各最佳回归模型的平均相对误差（MRE）都小于54％,最小为23．9％,由小到大排序为 NDVI ＜GBNDVI ＜SRI ＜DVI ＝SAVI ＜MSAVI。     

Estimation in an Island Model Using Simulation

Estimation for an island model where mutation maintains ak-allele neutral polymorphism at a single locus on each island is considered. The likelihood of an observed sample type configuration is obtained by applying a computational algorithm analogous to Griffiths and Tavaré (Theor. Popul. Biol.46(1994), 131–159). This allows the computation of sampling distributions in an island model and investigation of their properties. Given a sample type configuration, the maximum likelihood estimate of the migration parameter is obtained by simulating independently the likelihood at a grid of points and, also, using a surface simulation method. The latter method generates the whole likelihood trajectory in a single application of the simulation program. An estimate of variance of the estimate of the migration parameter is obtained using the likelihood trajectory. A comparison of the maximum likelihood estimates of the gene flow between subpopulations is made with those obtained by using Wright'sF_STstatistic.     

基于频谱图像灰度共生矩阵的无损测温方法

本文提出了一种基于哈达玛变换的频谱图像灰度共生矩阵(Hadamard-GLCM)的高强度聚焦超声治疗无损测温方法。利用高强度聚焦超声辐照新鲜离体猪肉组织,获取辐照前后的B超图像的减影图像,采用Hadamard变换对其进行处理,获取频谱图像,将频谱图像的灰度共生矩阵惯性矩作为反应温度变化的信息参数。实验表明:不仅单组数据的Hadamard-GLCM惯性矩(HGMI)和温度能很好的线性拟合,而且多组数据的Hadamard-GLCM惯性矩与温度也成近似的线性关系,而且斜率非常接近,拟合度更接近1,误差小,对温度的分辨能力高,容错能力强,与传统的测温方法相比有着明显的优势,能为HIFU治疗过程中的无损测温提供有效的实时依据。     

A Study on the Model for Estimation Winter Wheat Yield Using Spectral Data of Wheat Field

A new dynamic vegetation index (VI)-yield model, that is, the leaf area duration (LAD)-yield model was structured for estimating winter wheat yield according to the measured reflection spectral data on the wheat field, and the relationship between wheat yield and LAI. The model had the information on the photosynthetic area and time during the later period of wheat growth, i. e., the period from the heading stage to the end of filling stage. The accuracy of the estimated wheat yield arrived up to 98% .In addition, the winter wheat yield was also estimated by a VI-yield model in a given wheat growing stage, and the VI in several main wheat growing stages were used for this purpose. The results suggested that the best season for estimating wheat yield using the VI-yield model was in the middle of wheat filling stage for the case study in Yucheng, Shandong province. The accuracy of the estimation could arrive at 96%.     

Diffusion Model Based Spectral Clustering for Protein-Protein Interaction Networks

Background

A goal of systems biology is to analyze large-scale molecular networks including gene expressions and protein-protein interactions, revealing the relationships between network structures and their biological functions. Dividing a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network into naturally grouped parts is an essential way to investigate the relationship between topology of networks and their functions. However, clear modular decomposition is often hard due to the heterogeneous or scale-free properties of PPI networks.

Methodology/Principal Findings

To address this problem, we propose a diffusion model-based spectral clustering algorithm, which analytically solves the cluster structure of PPI networks as a problem of random walks in the diffusion process in them. To cope with the heterogeneity of the networks, the power factor is introduced to adjust the diffusion matrix by weighting the transition (adjacency) matrix according to a node degree matrix. This algorithm is named adjustable diffusion matrix-based spectral clustering (ADMSC). To demonstrate the feasibility of ADMSC, we apply it to decomposition of a yeast PPI network, identifying biologically significant clusters with approximately equal size. Compared with other established algorithms, ADMSC facilitates clear and fast decomposition of PPI networks.

Conclusions/Significance

ADMSC is proposed by introducing the power factor that adjusts the diffusion matrix to the heterogeneity of the PPI networks. ADMSC effectively partitions PPI networks into biologically significant clusters with almost equal sizes, while being very fast, robust and appealing simple.     

Improved Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimation by an Artificial Neural Network

Background

Accurate evaluation of glomerular filtration rates (GFRs) is of critical importance in clinical practice. A previous study showed that models based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) could achieve a better performance than traditional equations. However, large-sample cross-sectional surveys have not resolved questions about ANN performance.

Methods

A total of 1,180 patients that had chronic kidney disease (CKD) were enrolled in the development data set, the internal validation data set and the external validation data set. Additional 222 patients that were admitted to two independent institutions were externally validated. Several ANNs were constructed and finally a Back Propagation network optimized by a genetic algorithm (GABP network) was chosen as a superior model, which included six input variables; i.e., serum creatinine, serum urea nitrogen, age, height, weight and gender, and estimated GFR as the one output variable. Performance was then compared with the Cockcroft-Gault equation, the MDRD equations and the CKD-EPI equation.

Results

In the external validation data set, Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated that the precision of the six-variable GABP network was the highest among all of the estimation models; i.e., 46.7 ml/min/1.73 m² vs. a range from 71.3 to 101.7 ml/min/1.73 m², allowing improvement in accuracy (15% accuracy, 49.0%; 30% accuracy, 75.1%; 50% accuracy, 90.5% [P<0.001 for all]) and CKD stage classification (misclassification rate of CKD stage, 32.4% vs. a range from 47.3% to 53.3% [P<0.001 for all]). Furthermore, in the additional external validation data set, precision and accuracy were improved by the six-variable GABP network.

Conclusions

A new ANN model (the six-variable GABP network) for CKD patients was developed that could provide a simple, more accurate and reliable means for the estimation of GFR and stage of CKD than traditional equations. Further validations are needed to assess the ability of the ANN model in diverse populations.     

Illumination Normalization of Face Image Based on Illuminant Direction Estimation and Improved Retinex

Illumination normalization of face image for face recognition and facial expression recognition is one of the most frequent and difficult problems in image processing. In order to obtain a face image with normal illumination, our method firstly divides the input face image into sixteen local regions and calculates the edge level percentage in each of them. Secondly, three local regions, which meet the requirements of lower complexity and larger average gray value, are selected to calculate the final illuminant direction according to the error function between the measured intensity and the calculated intensity, and the constraint function for an infinite light source model. After knowing the final illuminant direction of the input face image, the Retinex algorithm is improved from two aspects: (1) we optimize the surround function; (2) we intercept the values in both ends of histogram of face image, determine the range of gray levels, and stretch the range of gray levels into the dynamic range of display device. Finally, we achieve illumination normalization and get the final face image. Unlike previous illumination normalization approaches, the method proposed in this paper does not require any training step or any knowledge of 3D face and reflective surface model. The experimental results using extended Yale face database B and CMU-PIE show that our method achieves better normalization effect comparing with the existing techniques.     

基于NDVI的米仓山植被覆盖变化趋势分析

基于1998年4月至2009年12月的SPOT-VEGETATION逐旬NDVI数据,采用MVC(最大值合成法)获得月NDVI值,用均值法计算各季及年均NDVI值;对5种植被类型的年均NDVIy和生长季NDVIg进行一元线性回归,辅助以趋势线分析定量描述研究区植被覆盖动态变化,并采用R/S分析(重标极差法)动态预测米仓山植被覆盖未来变化趋势。结果表明:研究区12年间NDVI整体呈上升趋势,相对于前期(1999~2001年)、中期(2003~2005年)和后期(2007~2009年)的NDVI增加显著;年最大NDVI≥0.70的区域占总面积的98.95%,年均NDVI≥0.70的区域占93.69%,且植被覆盖增加的面积远大于减少的面积;划分的5种植被类型中,阔叶林类NDVI值最高,人工植被类NDVI值最低;R/S法计算结果显示,Hurst指数(H)为0.876 8,表现为很强的持续性,预示未来一定时限内米仓山植被覆盖将有稳定的增加趋势。     

Simultaneous Discovery,Estimation and Prediction Analysis of Complex Traits Using a Bayesian Mixture Model

Gene discovery, estimation of heritability captured by SNP arrays, inference on genetic architecture and prediction analyses of complex traits are usually performed using different statistical models and methods, leading to inefficiency and loss of power. Here we use a Bayesian mixture model that simultaneously allows variant discovery, estimation of genetic variance explained by all variants and prediction of unobserved phenotypes in new samples. We apply the method to simulated data of quantitative traits and Welcome Trust Case Control Consortium (WTCCC) data on disease and show that it provides accurate estimates of SNP-based heritability, produces unbiased estimators of risk in new samples, and that it can estimate genetic architecture by partitioning variation across hundreds to thousands of SNPs. We estimated that, depending on the trait, 2,633 to 9,411 SNPs explain all of the SNP-based heritability in the WTCCC diseases. The majority of those SNPs (>96%) had small effects, confirming a substantial polygenic component to common diseases. The proportion of the SNP-based variance explained by large effects (each SNP explaining 1% of the variance) varied markedly between diseases, ranging from almost zero for bipolar disorder to 72% for type 1 diabetes. Prediction analyses demonstrate that for diseases with major loci, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, Bayesian methods outperform profile scoring or mixed model approaches.     

Addition of Nitrogen Increases Variability of Vegetation Cover in an Arid System with Unpredictable Rainfall

Ecosystems - Addition of nitrogen (N) to rangeland that has been degraded through overgrazing or drought can hasten vegetation recovery. Additional N may influence temporal stability of vegetation...     

Development of an Improved Selective Agar Medium for Isolation of Yersinia pestis

Existing media designed for selective isolation of clinically important members of the genus Yersinia were found to be unsatisfactory for the growth and isolation of Yersinia pestis. We report the development of a new selective agar medium (termed BIN) that supports the growth of Y. pestis. The development of the formulation of this medium was based on a fluorescence screening system designed for monitoring bacterial growth on semisolid media, using a green fluorescent protein-expressing strain. High-throughput combinatorial experiments can be conducted for the quantitative evaluation of the effect of different medium components on growth. Generation of fluorescence plots in this system, using microplates, allowed the quantitative evaluation of the growth rate of Y. pestis EV76 cultures in different agar compositions. The final BIN formulation is based on brain heart infusion agar, to which the selective agents irgasan, cholate salts, crystal violet, and nystatin were introduced. It was found that BIN agar is more efficient in supporting colony formation and recovery of Y. pestis than are the conventional semisolid media MacConkey agar and Yersinia-selective agar (cefsulodin-irgasan-novobiocin agar). The advantage of BIN over other media has been also demonstrated in recovering virulent Y. pestis from the mixed bacterial populations found in decaying carcasses of infected mice. The BIN medium is suggested as a selective medium for isolation and recovery of Y. pestis from various backgrounds.     

基于CASA模型研究祁连山地区植被净初级生产力的时空变化

基于2003~2012年的遥感数据及DEM高程模型校准后的气候数据,利用CASA模型估算了祁连山地区植被净初级生产力(NPP),并对NPP的年内、年际变化以及时空分布规律和变化趋势进行分析。结果表明:(1)祁连山地区年内NPP集中在6~8月,占全年NPP总量的86.39%;2003~2007年,NPP年均值在165.28~192.75g·m-2·a-1之间小幅波动;2007~2009年呈现出较明显的下降趋势,由168.63g·m-2·a-1下降到153.17g·m-2·a-1;2009~2012年表现出明显的上升趋势,最大值达207.13g·m-2·a-1。(2)祁连山地区的NPP东西部分布差异大,东部地区大多在200~400g·m-2·a-1之间,部分地区可达500g·m-2·a-1之上;中部地区存在较明显的南北差异,南部大多地区在100~300g·m-2·a-1之间,北部大多地区在100~400g·m-2·a-1之间;西部广大地区大多在0~100g·m-2·a-1之间,荒漠和高山冰雪覆盖区域生物量最低。(3)近十年来,祁连山地区的NPP呈波动增加趋势,增加面积约9 867km2,约占植被总面积的21.19%,减少面积约8 173km2,约占植被总面积的17.52%,表明祁连山的生态健康水平总体在改善但局部在恶化。