bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A retrospective study of patients receiving polymyxin B intravenous treatment in PUMCH: real clinical practice
Authors: Zuo Wei , Gao Daihui , Xu Xiuli , Yang Yuhui , Wu Bin , Zhang Yan , Yang Yang , Zhang Bo
Published: February 2020

Background Polymyxin B once had to exit the market due to its toxicity. As antibacterial is widely used, the problem of drug-resistance, especially the gram-negative bacteria, has become a major threat to global health. Polymyxin B has reappeared as a last resort for the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Gram-negative bacteria. With its return, the use of polymyxin B greatly increased over time in China. The aim of our study was to overview the actual clinical application of polymyxin B in patients with MDR and XDR Gram-negative bacteria in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Moreover its usage characteristics were summarized in detail.Methods: All the patients hospitalized in Perking Union Medical College of Hospital (PUMCH) from August 2018 (available in PUMCH) to December 2019 who received polymyxin B were enrolled in the study. Patients’ basic information, previous medical history, antimicrobial susceptibility, the use of antimicrobials throughout the hospital stay, adverse reactions, and clinical outcomes were extracted and recorded for descriptive analysis.Results: A total of 84 hospitalized patients received polymyxin B intravenous injection. Most of the patients had underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes or in the states of immunosuppression, who had already received other antibiotic therapy, particularly carbapenems, β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor and tigecycline, prior to receiving polymyxin B. About 73.81% of the patients had mixed infections, with pneumonia being the most common. The leading pathogens were Acinetobacter baumannii (73.81%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (28.57%) and Klebsiella pneumonia (20.23). The microbiological clearance of the targeted bacteria after therapy was 17.88%. Clinical amelioration at the last day of polymyxin B therapy was observed in 52.38% of cases, while mortality was observed in 32.14%. Nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity were observed in 5 and 1 cases respectively.Conclusion: Polymyxin B was used to fight against MDR and XDR Gram-negative bacterial infections under the conditions of previous treatment failure, changes of antimicrobial susceptibility, and drug intolerance in PUMCH. However, owing to lack of experience and widely recognized application criteria, the use of polymyxin B demanded more research to help achieve uniform standards and rules to guide the clinical application of polymyxin B, thus leading to better clinical outcomes.
Tetrandrine Ameliorated Alzheimer’s Disease through Suppressing the Inflammatory Activation of Microglia in 5XFAD Mouse
Authors: Ren Defang , Fu Yu , Wang Li , Zhong Xia , Yuan Jiyuan , Jiang Chaoli , Wang Honglian , Li Zhi
Published: February 2020

Background Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder prevalent in aged population. Tetrandrine is a natural metabolite isolated from herbal medicine Stephania tetrandra with various activities. Our previous study showed that tetrandrine can ameliorate acute cognitive impairment in a rat model induced by Aβ 1-42 intra-hippocampus injection. In this study, we further investigated the therapeutic role of tetrandrine in the transgenic 5XFAD mouse, a chronic model of Alzheimer’s disease. Methods High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the distribution of tetrandrine in brain. 5XFAD mice were treated with intraperitoneal injection of saline or tetrandrine (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg per 2 days) for 2 months. Cognitive ability was measured by Morris water maze test. The distribution of amyloid plaque was determined by immunohistochemistry in the brains. The expression of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, iNOS and NF-κB were quantified by RT-PCR. In vitro , the inflammatory activation of microglial BV2 cells was checked by secretion of TNFα and IL-1β determined by ESLIA. Proinflammatory factors including TLR4, NF-κB, iNOS and COX-2 were analyzed by Western blot. In PC12-derived neural cells, CCK8 assay was used to determine the cell viability. Flow cytometry was applied to quantify cell apoptosis. Immunofluorescence was used to study the expression of apoptosis-involved protein cleaved Caspase-3 and Bcl-2. Results Tetrandrine can be distributed in the brain after intraperitoneal injection. Injection of tetrandrine significantly improved the cognitive ability of 5XFAD mice in the Morris water maze test. 5XFAD mice receiving tetrandrine showed notably reduced deposition of amyloid plaque in the brain and decreased cell apoptosis in the hippocampus. Further, tetrandrine treatment suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6) and inflammation modulator (COX-2, iNOS, NF-κB) in the brain tissue. In vitro , tetrandrine suppressed Aβ 1-42-induced inflammatory activation of microglial BV2 cells as revealed by decreased secretion of TNFα and IL-1β, and inhibited expression of TLR4, NF-κB, iNOS and COX-2. Treatment of PC12-derived neural cells with conditional medium from Aβ 1-42-stimulated BV2 cells remarkably impaired cell viability and promoted cell apoptosis, which was attenuated by tetrandrine pre-treatment of the BV2 cells. Conclusions Tetrandrine improves the Alzheimer’s disease at least partially through suppressing microgrlia-mediated inflammation and neurotoxicity.
Immune and clinical features of CD96 expression in glioma by large-scale analysis
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zhong Hua , Fan Yinchun , Liu Qian , Song Jiancheng , Yao Shengtao , Cao Fang
Published: February 2020

Background: Immune checkpoints target regulatory pathways in T cells which enhance antitumor immune responses and elicit durable clinical responses . As a novel immune checkpoint, CD96 is an attractive key target for cancer immunotherapy. However, there is no integrative investigation of CD96 in glioma. Our study explored the relationship between CD96 expression and clinical prognosis in glioma. Methods: A total of 1,024 RNA and clinical data were enrolled in this study, including 325 samples from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database and 699 samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. R language was used to perform statistical analysis and draw figures. Results: CD96 had a consistently positive relationship with glioblastoma and highly enriched in IDH-wildtype and mesenchymal subtype glioma. GO enrichment and GSVA analyses suggested that CD96 was more involved in immune functions, especially related to T cell-mediated immune response in glioma. Subsequent immune infiltration analysis manifes ted that CD96 was positively correlated with infiltrating levels of CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells, macrophages , neutrophils, and DCs in GBM and LGG. Additionally, CD96 was tightly associated with other immune checkpoints including PD-1 , CTLA-4 , TIGIT , and TIM-3 . Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated that CD96 acts as an independent indicator of poor prognosis in glioma. Conclusion: CD96 expression was increased in malignant phenotype and negatively associated with overall survival (OS) in glioma. CD96 also showed a positive correlation with other immune checkpoints, immune response, and inflammatory activity. Our findings indicate that CD96 is a promising clinical target for further immunotherapeutic in glioma patients.
Measuring Early Childhood Development with the Early Human Capability Index (eHCI): A Reliability and Validity Study in China
Authors: Zhao Jin , Brinkman Sally Anne , Song Yingquan , Lu Chunling , Young Mary Eming , Zhang Yue , IP Patrick , Shan Wenjie , Zhang Yunting , Jiang Fan
Published: February 2020

Background: With the importance of early childhood development more recognized by the international society, low-cost and cross-culturally comparable measures of early childhood development is in great demand, both in China and worldwide. In this study, we aim to test the psychometrics of the Chinese version of The Early Human Capability Index (eHCI), which is designed as a measurement for school readiness in large population.
Methods: We evaluated the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, inter-rater reliability, factor structure, criterion-related validity, and discriminant validity of the eHCI in 20,324 preschool children in Shanghai. We also compared eHCI scores with test result of ASQ in 815 children in Yexian and EAP-ECDS in 6,947 children in Daming.
Results: The ICC between parents and teachers were 0.83 and 0.63 for Literacy Numeracy and Overall Development. The confirmatory factor analyses showed good model fit (c2 = 509323, p<0.001; CFI=0.901; RMSEA=0.038). The correlations between the scores of eHCI and other ECD metrics ranged between r =-0.42 and r =0.53. The scale discriminated between children’s developmental level based on gender, parental education, family income and family assets.
Conclusions: Results from Chinese population suggested that eHCI is valid and reliable for measuring early childhood development in children aged 3-6 years. The eHCI can be applied to map the global distribution of early childhood development for allocating scarce resources to help those in greatest demand. Longitudinal studies are warranted to test its predictive validity for later outcomes.
Bayesian network analysis of open, laparoscopic and Robot-assisted Radical cystectomy.
Authors: Dong Lin , Lin Chen , Hu Tinghui , Mou Xiaoxi , Shu Cui , Wu Tao
Published: February 2020

Background We performed the conventional meta-analysis and network meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Robot-assisted Radical cystectomy (RARC) versus laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) versus open radical cystectomy (ORC) for bladder cancer (BCa). Methods A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase was performed up to until Dec 20, 2019. Outcome indexes include: oncologic outcomes: the recurrence rate, mortality; pathologic outcomes: Lymph node yield (LNY), Positive lymph node (PLN), positive surgical margins (PSM); perioperative outcomes: operating time (OP), estimated blood loss (EBL), blood transfusion rate, the length of hospital stay, and the time to regular diet. And Postoperative 90-day complications. Results 59 articles describing 8 RCTs, 25 Prospective study, 26 Retrospective study (6944 patients) were analyzed. No significant differences were found between RARC, LEC and ORC in two oncologic outcomes: the recurrence rate and mortality. However, for the recurrence rate, patients with LRC has the highest probability, ORC has the second highest probability, and RARC has the lowest probability. For the mortality, patients with ORC has the highest probability, LRC has the second probability, and RARC has the lowest probability. In three pathologic outcomes: direct meta-analysis indicates that ORC is more than RARC or LRC in PSM and RARC is more than ORC in LNY. On the other hand, network meta-analysis indicates that ORC is more than RARC in PSM. No significant differences were found between RARC, LEC and ORC in other pathologic outcomes: LNY and PLN. for LNY, patients with RARC has the highest probability, ORC has the second highest probability, and LRC has the lowest probability by our network meta-analysis. For PLN, patients with ORC has the highest probability, LRC has the second probability, and RARC has the lowest probability by our network meta-analysis. With respect to perioperative outcomes, direct meta-analysis indicates that RARC is shorter time than LRC or ORC in OP. On the other hand, network meta-analysis indicates that patients with ORC have significantly longer OP than LRC or RARC. Direct meta-analysis and network meta-analysis both indicate that ORC is more than RARC or LRC in EBL, ORC is longer than RARC or LRCConclusion The conventional meta-analysis and network meta-analysis suggest that RARC is a safest and most effective surgical approach in the treatment of BCa and LRC rankes second. However, large sample size and more high-quality studies are still needed to further improve and verify.
To describe minimally invasive esophagectomy with a focus on peri-esophageal lacuna anatomy
Authors: Chen Nanzheng , Yang Xiaomei , He Haiqi , Zhang Guangjian , Wu Qifei , Geng Donghong , Chen Jian , Fu Junke , Zhang Yong
Published: February 2020

Background: Lacuna anatomy has been studied widely in various organs to improve the operative approach and surgical procedure. However, there are few studies about the peri-esophageal lacuna (PEL). The aim of this study was to describe minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) with a focus on PEL anatomy.Methods: From August 2012 to December 2015, patients with esophageal carcinoma underwent MIE by the same group of surgeons at our institution. A double lumen endotracheal tube was used with left lung ventilation without pneumothorax for patients in group 1. A single lumen endotracheal tube was used with two-lung ventilation and right artificial pneumothorax for patients in group 2. The methods that we used for thoracic esophagus mobilization and modularized lymph node dissection, based on the American joint committee on cancer (AJCC) staging manual, in the peri-esophageal space are described. We evaluated the surgical effect, postoperative complications and follow-up results.Results: A total of 147 patients (107 men; mean ± standard deviation age 63.1 ± 7.7 years) were enrolled. Among them, 67 were placed in group 1 and 80 in group 2. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, tumor location, T stage, N stage or comorbidities. The mean operation duration (283±46 vs 307±69 minutes; p=0.007) and blood loss (129±84 vs 260±225 mL; p=0.000) was less in group 2 than group 1. Group 2 also yielded a larger number of lymph nodes compared with group 1 (22.5 ± 11.1 vs 16.4 ± 7.4; p=0.007). Complication rates were similar between the two groups, with hoarseness developing in a significantly smaller number of patients in group 1 than group 2 (1% vs 21%; p=0.000). There was no significant difference between the two groups in one-year (78.3% vs 84.2%; p=0.345) and three-year (52.1% vs 62.7%; p=0.210) survival rates for group 1 (a double lumen endotracheal tube with left lung ventilation without pneumothorax) versus group 2 (a single lumen endotracheal tube with two-lung ventilation and right artificial pneumothorax).Conclusion: Esophageal mobilization based on PEL and the modularized lymph node dissection based on the AJCC cancer staging manual improves surgical outcomes.
WITHDRAWN: Grassland utilization estimation method and system based on environmental sense
Authors: Wang Chuanjian , Li Dong , Yan Tianying , Wang Qilei , Wang Ju , Bing Wanlong
Published: February 2020

The utilization of natural grassland is an important part of grazing animal husbandry. Effective monitoring and accurate estimation of the utilization of natural grassland is an inevitable requirement for the sustainable development of grazing animal husbandry. In order to estimate the utilization process of natural grassland effectively, this paper proposes a grassland utilization estimation method based on environmental sense. In this paper, the distribution of feed intake was obtained by the GPS track data, and the distribution of grassland biomass was obtained by the satellite remote sensing estimation model of natural grassland. The feed intake and grassland biomass are classified and compared respectively. According to the value of the two, the utilization of grassland in each region was obtained. And this study designed a grassland utilization estimating system based on this estimating method and 3S technology. The results show that this method is of great significance to the rational utilization of grassland and the implementation of rotational grazing. The system can provide decision-making basis for ranchers and grassland livestock management departments to manage grazing and grassland. It enables ranchers to make reasonable and effective grazing plans, so as to make balanced utilization of grassland resources and promote the sustainable development of grazing animal husbandry.
Risk factors for acute kidney injury among patients with rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Yang Jia , Zhou Jiaojiao , Wang Xin , Wang Siwen , Tang Yi , Yang Lichuan
Published: February 2020

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a life-threatening complication of rhabdomyolysis (RM). The aim of the present study was to assess patients at high risk for the occurrence of AKI defined by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria and in-hospital mortality. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of patients with creatine kinase levels >1000 U/L, who were admitted to the West China Hospital of Sichuan University between January 2011 and March 2019. The sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory data of these patients were obtained from an electronic medical records database, and univariate and multivariate regression analyses were subsequently conducted. Results: For the 329 patients included in our study, the incidence of AKI was 61.4%, and the overall mortality rate was 19.8%; furthermore, patients with AKI tended to have higher mortality rates than those without AKI (24.8% vs. 11.8%; P<0.01). The clinical conditions most frequently associated with RM were trauma (28.3%), sepsis (14.6%), bee sting (12.8%), thoracic and abdominal surgery (11.2%) and exercise (7.0%). Furthermore, patients with RM resulting from sepsis, bee sting and acute alcoholism were more susceptible to AKI. The risk factors for the occurrence of AKI among RM patients included age ≥60 years (OR=3.070), chronic alcoholism (OR=3.256), hypertension (OR=4.252), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS; OR=7.244), high levels of white blood cell count (OR=1.047) and elevated serum phosphorus (OR=5.526). Age ≥60 years (OR=3.188), MODS (OR=2.262), diabetes (OR=2.746) and elevated prothrombin time (OR=1.079) were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in RM patients with AKI. Conclusions: AKI is independently associated with mortality in patients with RM, and several risk factors were found to be associated with the occurrence of AKI and in-hospital mortality. These findings suggest that, to improve the quality of medical care, the early prevention of AKI should focus on high-risk patients and more effective management.
High dose saccharin supplementation does not induce gut microbiota dysbiosis or glucose intolerance in healthy humans and mice
Authors: Serrano Joan , Smith Kathleen R , Crouch Audra L , Sharma Vandana , Yi Fanchao , Vargova Veronika , LaMoia Traci E , Dupont Lydia M , Serna Vanida , Tang Fenfen , Gomes-Dias Laisa , Blakeslee Joshua , Hatzakis Emmanuel , Peterson Scott N , Anderson Matthew , Pratley Richard E , Kyriazis George
Published: February 2020

Background : Non-caloric artificial sweeteners (NCAS) are widely used as a substitute for dietary sugars to control body weight or glycemia. Paradoxically, saccharin and other NCAS have been reported to induce glucose intolerance in mice fed a high-fat diet and in a subset of humans by directly inducing unfavorable changes in gut microbiota. These findings have raised concerns about NCAS and called into question their broad use. Whether these results can be generalized to healthy populations consuming conventional diets is unknown. It is also unclear how different NCAS, that do not share a common chemical structure, can produce identical direct effects on gut microbiota. A common feature of all NCAS is their strong affinity for sweet taste receptors (STRs) which are expressed in the intestine. However, their role in mediating NCAS-induced effects has not been addressed.
Results : We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel arm study exploring the effects of saccharin on gut microbiota and glucose tolerance in healthy men and women. Participants were randomized to placebo, saccharin, lactisole (STR inhibitor), or saccharin with lactisole administered in capsules twice daily to achieve the maximum acceptable daily intake for two weeks. In parallel, we performed a ten-week study administering high-dose saccharin in the drinking water of chow-fed mice with genetic ablation of STRs (T1R2-KO) and wild-type (WT) littermate controls. In humans and mice alike, none of the interventions affected glucose or hormonal responses to a glucose tolerance test, nor ex vivo glucose absorption in mice. Similarly, saccharin supplementation did not alter microbial diversity or abundance at any taxonomic level in humans or mice. No treatment effects were also noted in readouts of microbial activity such as fecal metabolites or short chain fatty acids (SCFA). However, compared to WT, T1R2-KO mice were protected from age-dependent increases in fecal SCFA and the development of glucose intolerance.
Predicting the cytotoxicity of MXenes - layered materials - using machine learning methods.
Authors: Marchwiany Maciej , Birowska Magdalena , Popielski Mariusz , Majewski Jacek A. , Jastrzębska Agnieszka M.
Published: February 2020

Background: Prediction of the compound cytotoxicity is a crucial issue in the development of new drugs and potential biomedical applications. Experimental studies are time-consuming and expensive. Machine learning models can quickly predict the cytotoxicity of compounds, by extracting new insights from large materials and biological data sets, and provide further guidance for experimental studies. Results: Here, we identify the most relevant features that are responsible for the cytotoxic behavior of layered MXenes materials. The most important result of our work is the identification of 2D MXenes specific surface parameters as responsible for the potential cytotoxicity of these materials, in particular, the presence of transition metal oxides and Lithium atoms on the surface. After successful verification of the correct predictions of our model,we have also succeeded in predicting toxicity for 2D MXenes not tested in vitro. Hence, we have been able to complement the existing knowledge coming from in vitro studies. Conclusions: Our results allow for the future selection of synthesis methods preventing surface oxidation, which should allow production of non-toxic 2D MXenes. Such materials might find application in many fields of science and technology, especially in biotechnology and nanomedicine.
Specific Antibiofilm of Carbon Quantum Dots by Destroying P. gingivalis Biofilm Related Proteins Self-assembly
Authors: liang gaofeng , Shi Hao , Qi Yijun , Li Jinghua , Jing Aihua , Liu Qiwei , Feng Wenpo , Li Guangda , Gao Shegan
Published: February 2020

Biofilms protected bacteria from antibiotics and produced drug-resistant strains, especially the main pathogen of periodontitis- Porphyromonas gingivalis ( P. gingivalis ). In this investigation, the carbon quantum dots (TCDs and MCDs) were prepared by hydrothermal method with clinic antibacterial drug-Tinidazole and Metronidazole and exhibited unique antibiofilm properties. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed that the TCDs and MCDs had uniform sizes and the results of UV-vis and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) confirmed their important carbon polymerization structures. The prepared TCDs and MCDs were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and still kept the activity of nitro group, which still had an obvious effect on P. gingivalis . Interestingly, the results showed that they both have significant antibacterial effect on P. gingivalis , while the effect of TCDs was better than MCDs. However the TCDs has almost ineffect on other bacteria including Escherichia coli ( E. coli ), Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ) and Prevotella nigrescens ( P. nigrescens ), the MCDs still have obviously antibacterial ability to P. ningrescens . Importantly, the TCDs can penetrate the biofilms to further effectively inhibited the growth of P. gingivalis under the biofilms. Furtherly, we revealed the hydrophilic TCDs destroy P. gingivalis ’ adhesion and impair toxicity by inhibiting the major virulence factors and related genes involved in biofilm formation of P. gingivalis, thus affect the self-assembly of biofilm related proteins. The findings may not only develop a new promising method for improve the periodontitis treatment efficiency by penetrating P. gingivalis biofilm with preparation of nano-level antibacterial drugs.
New approaches for improving selectivity and sensitivity of resistive gas sensors: A review
Authors: Smulko Janusz , Trawka Maciej , Ionescu Radu , Annanouch Fatima E. , ETSE-DEEEA Eduard Llobet , Granqvist Claes G. , Kish Laszlo B.
Published: February 2020

Resistive gas sensors are very popular and reliable but suffer from low selectivity and sensitivity. Various methods have been suggested to improve both features without increasing the number of sensors in gas detection systems. Fluctuation enhanced gas sensing was proposed to improve gas detection efficiency by analyzing low-frequency resistance fluctuations, and noise parameters can be more informative than the single DC resistance and can advance gas detection systems by improving detection and limiting energy consumption. Gas sensor temperature can be modulated as well to further increase selectivity and sensitivity. Finally, some gas sensing layers exhibit a photo-catalytic effect, which can be applied to improve detection and yield lower operating temperatures of the gas sensing materials.
Magneto-optical study of microwire in presence of magnetic field of super high frequency
Authors: Chizhik Alexander , Gonzalez Julian , Zhukov Arcady , Stupakiewicz Andrzej , Maziewski Andrzej
Published: February 2020

The work is dedicated to the magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) study of the magnetization reversal in the microwire in the presence of super high frequency (SHF) circular magnetic field. This study is important for elucidation of functioning of sensor based on giant magneto-impedance (GMI) effect. Magnetic domains images have been obtained using MOKE polarizing microscopy. Hysteresis loops were obtained as a result of images processing. It was found that SHF magnetic field induces strong change of the mechanism of magnetization reversal.
Fluctuation enhanced gas sensing using UV irradiated Au-nanoparticle-decorated WO3-nanowire films
Authors: Trawka Maciej , Smulko Janusz , Hasse Lech , Granqvist Claes G. , Ionescu Radu , Annanouch Fatima E. , ETSE-DEEEA Eduard Llobet , Kish Laszlo B.
Published: February 2020

WO3 nanowires (WO3-NWs) decorated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were utilized in resistive gas sensor devices to detect ethanol by use of fluctuation enhanced sensing (FES). The experimental system records both DC resistance and fluctuations of the sensing film. Our data verify that the sensitivity and selectivity of the gas sensor are improved by applying FES when the sensor is stimulated with a combination of UV light and heating. We conclude that UV light can produce improved gas sensing at low operating temperatures for the investigated AuNP-decorated WO3-NWs films.
Ammonia sensing properties of ZnO nanoparticles on flexible substrate
Authors: Acuautla M. , Bernardini S. , Bendahan M. , Gallais L.
Published: February 2020

We report the ammonia gas sensing properties of ZnO nanoparticles on flexible substrates. The flexible platform contains Ti/Pt interdigitated electrodes for gas detection and a micro heater device. The Ti/Pt film has been deposited by Magnetron Sputtering with thickness of 5nm and 100 nm respectively. The circuit patterning has been fabricated by standard photolithography and femtosecond laser ablation processes. ZnO thin film has been deposited by drop coating process with a thickness of 275 nm and the gas sensing properties towards ammonia have been studied. The physical properties obtained by both processes have been observed and theirs effects on the gas sensitivity have been discussed. Despite there are small variations in the physical characteristics between the samples fabricated by different patterning processes, both devices present high sensitivity and reproducibility to different ammonia concentrations from 5 ppm to 100 ppm at 300 °C.
Optical Detection of Herbicides in Water using Dye-Modified Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Banimuslem Hikmat , Hassan Aseel , Basova Tamara , Gülmez Asuman Dakoğlu , Durmuş Mahmut , Gürek Ayşe Gül , Ahsen Vefa
Published: February 2020

Hybrid materials were produced by mixing CuPcR4 with acidified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and characterised by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Thin films of pristine CuPcR4 and SWCNT/CuPcR4 were prepared by spin coating onto gold-coated glass slides and applied as active layers to detect pentachlorophenol (PCP), 2-chlorophenol, diuron and simazine in water utilizing Total Internal Reflection Ellipsometry (TIRE) as an optical detection method. Different concentrations in water ranging from 0.5 to 20 μg/L have been examined in the current work. It is revealed that the shifts in Δ(λ) spectra of SWCNT/CuPcR4 films were evidently larger than those produced by the pristine CuPcR4 films, indicating largely improved films’ sensitivity of the hybrid films.
Investigation of tissue bioimpedance using a macro-needle with a potential application in determination of needle-to-nerve proximity
Authors: Helen Lisa , Messina Walter , Moore Eric , O’Donnell Brian
Published: February 2020

Our research is concentrated on development of a ‘smart’ needle which will improve the safety of ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block (USgPNB) by providing the clinician with bioimpedance data to identify the type of tissue the needle tip is in contact with. This paper outlines a feasibility study performed to determine the electrical bioimpedance of a number of different tissue types and the extent to which they can be differentiated from each other based on this variable factor. All cells have different electrical properties which results in characteristic bioimpedance profiles. A macro-needle was constructed to facilitate determination of this trait in lamb, pork and beef tissue samples. Frequencies of between 10 kHz - 100 kHz were identified as the optimum range for measurement of samples at both 12 °C and 37 °C. Our study showed that bioimpedance was inversely proportional to temperature. Further investigations in muscle, fat and connective tissue were performed at 30 kHz, 50 kHz and 70 kHz demonstrating significant order of magnitude of separation between all three sample types. These results allowed the determination of bioimpedance ranges for each tissue. The possibility of using bioimpedance to differentiate between tissue types was demonstrated successfully during this study and thus supports the concept of the ‘smart’ needle for this application.
Design of magnetic field alarm powered by magnetic energy harvesting
Authors: Tashiro Kunihisa , Ikegami Azusa , Shimada Syoichiro , Kojima Hiroaki , wakiwaka Hiroyuki
Published: February 2020

This paper presents a design of magnetic field alarm powered by magnetic energy harvesting. It consists of an energy harvesting module, Cockcroft-walton circuit and piezo buzzer. The energy harvesting module is composed of coil and magnetic flux concentration core. It can generate 200 μW from an environmental magnetic field of 200 μT at 60 Hz. The Cockcroft-walton circuit can converts the ac voltage to a suitable dc voltage for the piezo buzzer. This alarm can notice not only the magnetic field level defined by ICNIRP2010 but also the existence of magnetic field energy to be harvested. It is the first demonstration of a “self-generating component” powered by magnetic energy harvesting.
A Novel Fiber Bragg Grating Accelerometer Based on Fiber Vibrating Wire
Authors: Jiang Qi , Yu Minghao , Zhou Xin , Guo Tengyun , Song Jinxue
Published: February 2020

A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) accelerometer based on fiber vibrating wire is presented. Finite element analysis has been done and experiments are carried out to demonstrate the performance of this FBG accelerometer. The seismic simulation experimental results indicate that the system has a good response to the 50–400 Hz vibration signal. What more, the accelerometer has a high sensitivity which can reach 108.6 pm/G at 100Hz. The linear responsivity and repeatability are also tested. The responsivity error is less than 2.5% and repeatability error is less than 0.03%. There is an extremely linear relationship between amplitude of detected signal and acceleration.
Novel Application of Spherical Microphone Array Sensor with Three-Dimensional Directivity
Authors: Nakadai Takahiro , Taguchi Tomoki , Mizoguchi Hiroshi , Egusa Ryohei , Yamaguchi Etsuji , Inagaki Shigenori , Takeda Yoshiaki , Namatame Miki , Sugimoto Masanori , Kusunoki Fusako
Published: February 2020

Mixed sounds can be separated from multiple sound sources by utilizing a microphone array and signal processing. We believe that promotion of interest in this technique can lead to significant developments in future science and technology. Consequently, in order to experience this technique, we designed a language game for children called “KIKIWAKE 3D” that uses a sound source separation system with the aim of arousing children’s interest in this technology. In this paper, we discuss the development of a spherical microphone array with threedimensional directivity introduced to make the game more interesting and to facilitate a larger number of participants.
A promising optoelectronic clock solution for time-interleaved ADC
Authors: Wu Zhongying , Lv Fangxing , Ding Hui
Published: February 2020

A promising optoelectronic clock solution with low jitter, high bandwidth and accurate delay for a TIADC is proposed by exploiting optical pulses and tunable optical delay lines. It is feasible to construct the optoelectronic clock system with optical pulse source, dispersive medium, tunable delay line in optical domain and conditioning circuits in electronic domain while photodiodes as the bridge. The testing result of the designed conditioning circuit shows that using electronic method to adjust the signal will induce jitter degradation of the optoelectronic clock system.
Information and Assisted Navigation System for Blind People
Authors: Duarte Karen , Cec’lio Jose , Silva Jorge Sa , Furtado Pedro
Published: February 2020

Nowadays public buildings are changing constantly, often people have to take different routes to reach known destinations. At the same time, new services and places are made available to attract more people to the shopping center. This dynamic environment is usually signalled and labelled with visual marks and signs which are not appropriated for blind persons. Therefore, blind users are unintentionally deprived of a full participation in the society. With the purpose of equalize the access to services and spaces among all persons, this work proposes an innovative indoor navigation and information system for public buildings, namely shopping centers, based on existing technologies not used for this purpose. Intending to allow a comfortable and helpful aid on blind persons trips to the shopping center, this proposal system relies on users smartphone and wireless sensors deployed in the environment.
Computational Model Of Plasma-Organic-Polymer-Film-Coated QCR Sensor For Analysing Its Dynamic Response
Authors: Takahashi Kazuhiko , Nishiwaki Naoki , Sugimoto Iwao
Published: February 2020

This paper proposes a computational model of the mass-sensitive chemical sensor with plasma-organic-polymer-film-coated quartz crystal resonators for use in sensor signal processing to develop a high-performance electronic nose system. Assuming one-dimensional Fickian diffusion of sample gas molecules, diffusion equation is applied to sample gas molecules in the sensor film bulk to describe the responses of the chemical sensor to the sample gas. Green’s function is introduced to solve the diffusion equation, and the computational model of the chemical sensor response is derived. A computational experiment of the chemical sensor response is conducted to compare the sensor responses calculated by the proposed model with the experimental results obtained by the gas sensing system using water vapour as sample gas. The result shows the feasibility of the proposed model to estimate the responses of the chemical sensor.
Automated Monitoring of Foraging Behaviour in Free Ranging Sheep Grazing a Bio-diverse Pasture using Audio and Video Information
Authors: Sneddon J. , Mason A.
Published: February 2020

Non-invasive methods for monitoring foraging choice in free ranging grazing animals are largely limited to accelerometers and video calibration. Acoustic data from a wireless microphone attached to the skull has been used to distinguish between resting and feeding bouts in free ranging cattle, sheep and goats. Similar data has been reported in restrained sheep presented with forage of differing dry matter content. We take these approaches further by using a small video camera attached to a halter in free range sheep, and software developed specifically for the analysis of animal sounds. Combined biting and mastication sounds allowed us to distinguish between foraged grasses and browsing activity, and non-foraging chewing activity in four sheep of differing body size and breed in the height of a UK summer for up to 8 hours.
Signature Extraction from 3D Point Clouds using Frame Theory for Environmental Modeling
Authors: Martino Fabio , Patruno Cosimo , Marani Roberto , Stella Ettore
Published: February 2020

In this paper a method based on the well-known frame theory is presented for the identification and classification of objects inside a scene. Three-dimensional (3D) point clouds have been firstly acquired using a laser triangulation system exploiting a high resolution camera, in order to derive accurate datasets for the method validation. The method performs a quadratic fit on the acquired samples and then extracts local curvatures from the analytical reconstructed surfaces. Such information is referred to a vocabulary of curvatures, created making use of the frame basis. Meaningful signatures can be finally analyzed to derive the recurrences of objects in the investigated scene. Specifically, by fixing a threshold value ζ, similarities can be estimated and thus objects can be recognized. Results prove the capability of the method to distinguish surface properties among several objects, validating this algorithm against the contributions of the measurement noise.
Magnetoelastic Biosentinels for the Capture and Detection of Low-Concentration Pathogens in Liquid
Authors: Horikawa Shin , Chai Yating , Wikle Howard C. , Chin Bryan A.
Published: February 2020

This paper investigates phage-coated magnetoelastic (ME) biosentinels that capture and detect low-concentration pathogenic bacteria in stagnant liquid. These biosentinels are composed of a freestanding ME resonator platform coated with a landscape phage that specifically binds with the pathogens of interest. These biosentinels can be moved through a liquid by externally applied magnetic fields. When a time-varying magnetic field is applied, the ME biosentinels can be placed into mechanical resonance by magnetostriction. As soon as the biosentinels bind with the target pathogen through the phagebased biomolecular recognition, a change in the biosentinel’s resonant frequency occurs, and thereby the presence of the target pathogen can be detected. Detection of Bacillus anthracis spores under stagnant flow conditions was demonstrated.
Overcoming Long Recovery Time of Metal-Oxide Gas Sensor With Certainty Factor Sensing Algorithm
Authors: Eu Kok Seng , Yap Kian Meng
Published: February 2020

Gas leaking in gas production industry is a serious issue which could cause explosion or pose a high risk to human life. The searching of leaking gas can be performed by robots. It is better than using human beings because searching of leaking gas is a high risk task. Most of the gas sensors used in industries is semiconductor metal-oxide (MOX) type due to its low cost, ease of use, high sensitivity and fast response time in gas sensing, and ability to detect large number of gases. However, there is a fatal limitation i. e. long recovery time after the exposure of the target gas. It definitely causes robots to fail in gas/odour plume searching tasks due to delay of responses during the absent of gas plume. This paper proposes a sensing algorithm based on evidential theory which is using certainty factors and evidential reasoning to overcome the long recovery problem. Based on the conducted experiments, the proposed algorithm has improved the accuracy and reliability while maintaining its performance in recovery time. It performs better than other algorithms such as simple threshold methods, transient response algorithm and system modelling approach.
Reprogramming Embedded Systems at Run-Time
Authors: Oliver Richard , Wilde Adriana , Zaluska Ed
Published: February 2020

The dynamic re-programming of embedded systems is a long-standing problem in the field. With the advent of wireless sensor networks and the ‘Internet of Things’ it has now become necessary to be able to reprogram at run-time due to the difficulty of gaining access to such systems once deployed. The issues of power consumption, flexibility, and operating system protections are examined for a range of approaches, and a critical comparison is given. A combination of approaches is recommended for the implementation of real-world systems and areas where further work is required are highlighted.
A New Scheme for Determination of Respiration Rate in Human Being using MEMS Based Capacitive Pressure Sensor: Simulation Study
Authors: Chattopadhyay Madhurima , Chakraborty Deborshi
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a MEMS based capacitive nasal sensor system for measuring Respiration Rate (RR) of human being is developed. At first two identical diaphragm based MEMS capacitive nasal sensors are designed and virtually fabricated. A proposed schematic of the system consists of signal conditioning circuitry alongwith the sensors is described here. In order to measure the respiration rate the sensors are mounted below Right Nostril (RN) and Left Nostril (LN), in such a way that the nasal airflow during inspiration and expiration impinge on the sensor diaphragms. Due to nasal airflow, the designed square diaphragm of the sensor is being deflected and thus induces a corresponding change in the original capacitance value. This change in capacitance value is to be detected by a correlated- double-sampling (CDS) capacitance-to-voltage converter is designed for a precision interface with a MEMS capacitive pressure sensor, followed by an amplifier and a differential cyclic ADC to digitize the pressure information. The designed MEMS based capacitive nasal sensors is capable of identifying normal RR (18.5±1.5 bpm) of human being. The design of sensors and its characteristics analysis are performed in a FEA/BEA based virtual simulation platform.
A Method for Improving Conversion Rate and Accuracy of a Capacitance-to-Digital Converter
Authors: Vooka Prashanth , George Boby
Published: February 2020

Capacitance-to-Digital Converter (CDC) ICs available in the market use square wave excitation signals but a sinusoidal excitation is preferred in various applications, such as ice detection, liquid level measurement, humidity measurement, proximity sensing, etc. A dual slope technique based CDC that employs a sinusoidal excitation has been reported recently, but it requires a large number of excitation cycles, to complete an accurate conversion. This paper presents an improved CDC that employs a specially designed method to achieve high accuracy even when a much smaller number of excitation cycles, than the reported scheme, are employed to complete the conversion. A prototype CDC has been developed and tested. In comparison with an existing CDC, the new CDC achieved a substantial reduction (by a factor of 4000) in the number of excitation cycles during integration period, resulting in an improved update rate. Worst case error observed from the prototype CDC was less than 0.24%.
Schottky Diode Graphene Based Sensors
Authors: Ashour A. , Saqr M. , M. AbdelKarim , Gamal A. , Sharaf A. , Serry M.
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we aim to demonstrate a novel scheme for integration of nanostructured semiconductor Graphene Oxide (GO) shottky diodes on flexible substrate for a wide range of sensing applications. The platform introduces a novel flexible GO/Pt/n-Si and GO/Pt/SiN composite structures which provides excellent optical and electrical properties, while maintaining an acceptable mechanical, biocompatibility, and return loss performance. The new structure was investigated for glucose, radiation, and infrared sensing. The sensors results showed ultrahigh sensitivity and high linearity in the targeted regions of interest. Moreover, the use of nanostructured materials allows for the development of a new generation of modern printed circuit antennas and will enable wide range of applications merging both technologies for a wide range of wearable and implantable sensing devices.
Organoleptic Properties Remote Sensing and Life- Time Prediction along the Perishables Goods Supply-Chain
Authors: Annese V.F. , Biccario G.E. , Cipriani S. , De Venuto D.
Published: February 2020

Nowadays, two of the most compelling challenges in the field of food safety and certification are the reduction of the multitude of food losses and wastes in the supply chain and the improvement of certification and monitoring procedures during each stage of production. The aim of this paper is to propose an effective solution to both problems: a wireless sensor network (WSN) combined with a further data processing for real-time monitoring and shelf life prediction.
Polymer Optical Fibre Sensor for Measuring Breathing Rate of Lying Person
Authors: Ahmed Nabeel , Scully Patricia , Vaughan John , Wilson Christine Brown , Ozanyan Krikor
Published: February 2020

A physiological sensor enabling measurement of one of the vital signs (breathing rate) of a person without direct contact with the person is presented. Compared to current vital signs measuring devices we present a much simpler and less time consuming method of measuring vital signs with the potential for applications in hospitals and homes. A practical prototype sensor, based on polymer optical fibre (POF) sensor instrumentation was fabricated using Toray specific grade fibre exhibiting an increase in 30 % bending losses from the standard (FX 1000) commercial fibre. A 640 nm light-emitting diode was used to illuminate the fibre, with its sensitivity to bending increased by cutting transversal grooves along the fibre and then by applying plastic rods along the fibre to increase bending loss. Although both methods increased the bending loss of the fibre, grooving reduced POF durability and integrity, whereas use of the plastic rods enhanced bending losses without damaging the fibre. Signals from respiration as well as postural movements of a person lying on the POF sensor allow measurements to be taken in an unobtrusive manner. Bending losses attenuating light transmission through the fibre were related to displacement of POF during respiration (expansion and contraction of the chest cavity displace the surface in contact with the upper torso – in this case the meandering arrangement of the fibre sensor located on a TREDAIRE substrate). Bending losses were converted to voltage signals and captured by National Instruments hardware together with LabVIEW software. The sensor was found to be competent in evaluating respiration with a resolution of 100 μV and a sensitivity of 2.3 % change in light transmission for each breathing cycle of the person under study.