bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation and Experiment on Droplet Volume for the Needle-Type Piezoelectric Jetting Dispenser
Authors: Lu Shizhou , Chen Xi , Zheng Hai , Zhao Yupei , Long Yizhou
Published: September 2019

The needle-type piezoelectric jetting dispenser is widely applied in the microelectronics packaging field, and it is important to control the droplet size to ensure that the droplet jetting process is successful. In this study, we analyzed the influences of system parameters, such as air pressure, nozzle size, needle strokes, and liquid properties, on droplet size and morphology by considering the droplet formation and separation process through a numerical simulation. An experimental platform was also designed to verify the reliability of the simulations and further analyze strategies for controlling the droplet size. We found that the droplet volume can be increased with an increase in air pressure, needle strokes, and nozzle size until the flow-stream or satellite droplets appear. On the other hand, very small values of these parameters will lead to adhesion or micro-dots. A large nozzle and needle displacement should be chosen for the high-viscosity liquid in order to produce normal droplets. The results also show the recommended ranges of parameter values and suitable droplet volumes for liquids with different viscosities, and these findings can be used to guide the droplet volume control process for needle-type jetting dispensers.
The Structure and Species Co-Occurrence Networks of Soil Denitrifying Bacterial Communities Differ Between A Coniferous and A Broadleaved Forests
Authors: Chen Jie , Li Jiajia , Shen Weijun , Xu Han , Li Yide , Luo Tushou
Published: September 2019

Acacia mangium (AM) and Pinus massoniana (PM) are widely planted in tropical regions, whereas their effects on soil microbial communities remain unclear. We did a comprehensive investigation of soil denitrifying bacterial communities in AM and PM monoculture plantations in Southern China based on the high throughput sequencing data of their functional genes: nirK, nirS, and nosZ. The average abundance of nosZ (1.3 × 107) was significantly higher than nirS (5.6 × 106) and nirK (4.9 × 105). Shannon estimator revealed a markedly higher α-diversity of nirS and nosZ communities in PM than in AM plantations. The AM and PM plantations were dominated by different nirS and nosZ taxa belonging to proteobacteria, actinobacteria, thermoleophilia, chloroflexia, and acidobacteria, while the dominant nirK taxa were mainly categorized into proteobacteria in both types of plantations. The structure of nirS and nosZ communities shifted substantially from AM to PM plantations with changes in soil moisture, NH4+, and microbial biomass nitrogen content. The species co-occurrence network of nirK community was better organized in a more modular manner compared to nirS and nosZ communities, and the network keystone species mostly occurred in PM plantations. These results indicated a highly species corporation of nirK community in response to environmental changes, especially in PM plantations. AM and PM plantations can form different soil denitrifying microbial communities via altering soil physicochemical properties, which may further affect soil N transformations.
Horizontal Gene Transfer and Its Association with Antibiotic Resistance in the Genus Aeromonas spp.
Authors: Bello-López J. Manuel , Cabrero-Martínez Omar A. , Ibáñez-Cervantes Gabriela , Hernández-Cortez Cecilia , Pelcastre-Rodríguez Leda I. , Gonzalez-Avila Luis U. , Castro-Escarpulli Graciela
Published: September 2019

The evolution of multidrug resistant bacteria to the most diverse antimicrobials known so far pose a serious problem to global public health. Currently, microorganisms that develop resistant phenotypes to multiple drugs are associated with high morbidity and mortality. This resistance is encoded by a group of genes termed ‘bacterial resistome’, divided in intrinsic and extrinsic resistome. The first one refers to the resistance displayed on an organism without previous exposure to an antibiotic not involving horizontal genetic transfer, and it can be acquired via mutations. The latter, on the contrary, is acquired exclusively via horizontal genetic transfer involving mobile genetic elements that constitute the ‘bacterial mobilome’. This transfer is mediated by three different mechanisms: transduction, transformation, and conjugation. Recently, a problem of public health due to implications in the emergence of multi-drug resistance in Aeromonas spp. strains in water environments has been described. This is derived from the genetic material transfer via conjugation events. This is important, since bacteria that have acquired antibiotic resistance in natural environments can cause infections derived from their ingestion or direct contact with open wounds or mucosal tissue, which in turn, by their resistant nature, makes their eradication complex. Implications of the emergence of resistance in Aeromonas spp. by horizontal gene transfer on public health are discussed.
Development of Salmonellosis as Affected by Bioactive Food Compounds
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Allison Abimbola , Henry Monica , Scales Anita , Fouladkhah Aliyar Cyrus
Published: September 2019

Infections caused by Salmonella serovars are the leading cause of foodborne hospitalizations and deaths in Americans, extensively prevalent worldwide, and pose a considerable financial burden on public health infrastructure and private manufacturing. While a comprehensive review is lacking for delineating the role of dietary components on prevention of Salmonellosis, evidence for the role of diet for preventing the infection and management of Salmonellosis symptoms is increasing. The current study is an evaluation of preclinical and clinical studies and their underlying mechanisms to elaborate the efficacy of bioactive dietary components for augmenting the prevention of Salmonella infection. Studies investigating dietary components such as fibers, fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds, and probiotics exhibited efficacy of dietary compounds against Salmonellosis through manipulation of host bile acids, mucin, epithelial barrier, innate and adaptive immunity and gut microbiota as well as impacting the cellular signaling cascades of the pathogen. Pre-clinical studies investigating synergism and/or antagonistic activities of various bioactive compounds, additional randomized clinical trials, if not curtailed by lack of equipoise and ethical concerns, and well-planned epidemiological studies could augment the development of a validated and evidence-based guideline for mitigating the public health burden of human Salmonellosis through dietary compounds.
Geochemical Fingerprinting of Conflict Minerals Using Handheld XRF: An Example for Coltan, Cassiterite, and Wolframite Ores from Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa
Authors: Somarin Alireza K.
Published: September 2019

Conflict minerals are those mined in politically unstable regions of the world and are then sold to finance war or other illegal activities. Industrial manufacturers are required to show that minerals used in their applications are not derived from conflict areas. Several geochemical and geochronological methods have been suggested to fingerprint conflict minerals; however, all these methods require sophisticated and extensive laboratory procedures. Portable X-ray fluorescence data of 108 samples from various location in Democratic Republic of the Congo shows that cassiterite and wolframite ores from all studied regions can be fingerprinted using various discrimination diagrams. Coltan ore samples from several regions can also be discriminated using major and trace elements of these samples. In addition, patterns in chondrite-normalized spider diagrams for each region are unique and can be used as fingerprinting tools.
Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation of Protein β-Tubulin and Antifungal Cyclic Lipopeptides
Authors: Cob-Calan Nubia Noemi , Chi-Uluac Luz America , Ortiz-Chi Filiberto , Cerqueda-García Daniel , Navarrete-Vázquez Gabriel , Ruiz-Sánchez Esaú , Hernández-Núñez Emanuel
Published: September 2019

To elucidate interactions between the antifungal cyclic lipopeptides iturin A, fengycin, and surfactin produced by Bacillus bacteria and the microtubular protein β-tubulin in plant pathogenic fungi (Fusarium oxysporum, Colletrotrichum gloeosporioides, Alternaria alternata, and Fusarium solani) in molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, we retrieved the structure of tubulin co-crystallized with taxol from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) (ID: 1JFF) and the structure of the cyclic lipopeptides from PubChem (Compound CID: 102287549, 100977820, 10129764). Similarity and homology analyses of the retrieved β-tubulin structure with those of the fungi showed that the conserved domains shared 84% similarity, and the root mean square deviation (RMSD) was less than 2 Å. In the molecular docking studies, within the binding pocket, residues Pro274, Thr276, and Glu27 of β-tubulin were responsible for the interaction with the cyclic lipopeptides. In the molecular dynamics analysis, two groups of ligands were formed based on the number of poses analyzed with respect to the RMSD. Group 1 was made up of 10, 100, and 500 poses with distances 0.080 to 0.092 nm and RMSDs of 0.10 to 0.15 nm. For group 2, consisting of 1000 poses, the initial and final distance was 0.1 nm and the RMSDs were in the range of 0.10 to 0.30 nm. These results suggest that iturin A and fengycin bind with higher affinity than surfactin to β-tubulin. These two lipopeptides may be used as lead compounds to develop new antifungal agents or employed directly as biorational products to control plant pathogenic fungi.
Isothioureas, Ureas, and Their N-Methyl Amides from 2-Aminobenzothiazole and Chiral Amino Acids
Authors: Padilla-Martínez Itzia I. , González-Encarnación José Miguel , García-Báez Efrén V. , Cruz Alejandro , Ramos-Organillo Ángel Andrés
Published: September 2019

In this investigation, the reaction of 2-dithiomethylcarboimidatebenzothiazole with a series of six chiral amino-acids was studied. The reaction proceeds through the isolable sodium salt of SMe-isothiourea carboxylates as intermediates, whose reaction with methyl iodide in stirring DMF as solvent affords SMe-isothiourea methyl esters. The presence of water in the reaction leads to the corresponding urea carboxylates as isolable intermediates, whose methyl esters were obtained. Finally, the urea N-methyl amide derivatives were isolated when SMe-isothiourea or urea methyl esters were reacted with methylamine in the presence of water. The structures of synthesized compounds were established by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance and the structures of SMe-isothiourea methyl esters derived from (l)-glycine, (l)-alanine, (l)-phenylglycine, and (l)-leucine, by X-ray diffraction analysis. This methodology allows to functionalize 2-aminobenzothiazole with SMe-isothiourea, urea, and methylamide groups derived from chiral amino acids to get benzothiazole derivatives containing coordination sites and hydrogen bonding groups. Further research on the biological activities of some of these derivatives is ongoing.
Ultrafast Patterning Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotube Forest on Al Foil and Si Substrate Using Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
Authors: Li Yan-Rui , Huang Chin-Ping , Su Chih-Chung , Chang Shuo-Hung
Published: September 2019

This study introduces a method of patterning carbon nanotube (CNTs) forests that is both fast and simple. We found that, as commercially available oil-based markers undergo nanotube synthesis, a thin film forms that prevents the catalyst, ferrocene, from coming into contact with the surface of the test sample. This, thus, blocks CNT growth. Through further deduction, we used styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) to conduct CNT patterning, in addition to analyzing the relationship between the weight percent concentration of the SMA and the extent to which it blocked CNT growth. We developed two separate methods for applying ink to soft and hard substrates: one method involved ink printing and the other laser stripping. In the CNT pattern we produced, a minimum line width of around 10 µm was attained.
Gold@Silica Nanoparticles Functionalized with Oligonucleotides: A Prominent Tool for the Detection of the Methylated Reprimo Gene in Gastric Cancer by Dynamic Light Scattering
Authors: Marchant María José , Guzmán Leda , Corvalán Alejandro H. , Kogan Marcelo J.
Published: September 2019

Reprimo (RPRM) is a tumor suppressor gene involved in the development of gastric cancer. Hypermethylation of the RPRM promoter region has been found in tumor tissue and plasma samples from patients with gastric cancer. These findings suggest that circulating methylated DNA of RPRM could be a candidate for a noninvasive detection of gastric cancer. We designed a nanosystem based on the functionalization of silica coated gold nanoparticles with oligonucleotides that recognize a specific DNA fragment of the RPRM promoter region. The functionality of the oligonucleotide on the surface of the nanoparticle was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The nanoparticles were incubated with a synthetic DNA fragment of methylated DNA of RPRM and changes in the size distribution after hybridization were evaluated by dynamic light scattering (DLS). A difference in the size distribution of nanoparticles hybridized with genomic DNA from the KATO III gastric cancer cell line was observed when was compared with DNA from the GES-1 normal cell line. These results showed that this nanosystem may be a useful tool for the specific and sensitive detection of methylated DNA of RPRM in patients at risk of developing gastric cancer.
Plant Bioactives and the Prevention of Prostate Cancer: Evidence from Human Studies
Authors: Livingstone Tracey L. , Beasy Gemma , Mills Robert D. , Plumb Jenny , Needs Paul W. , Mithen Richard , Traka Maria H.
Published: September 2019

Prostate cancer has become the most common form of non-cutaneous (internal) malignancy in men, accounting for 26% of all new male visceral cancer cases in the UK. The aetiology and pathogenesis of prostate cancer are not understood, but given the age-adjusted geographical variations in prostate cancer incidence quoted in epidemiological studies, there is increasing interest in nutrition as a relevant factor. In particular, foods rich in phytochemicals have been proposed to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Epidemiological studies have reported evidence that plant-based foods including cruciferous vegetables, garlic, tomatoes, pomegranate and green tea are associated with a significant reduction in the progression of prostate cancer. However, while there is well-documented mechanistic evidence at a cellular level of the manner by which individual dietary components may reduce the risk of prostate cancer or its progression, evidence from intervention studies is limited. Moreover, clinical trials investigating the link between the dietary bioactives found in these foods and prostate cancer have reported varied conclusions. Herein, we review the plant bioactives for which there is substantial evidence from epidemiological and human intervention studies. The aim of this review is to provide important insights into how particular plant bioactives (e.g., sulfur-containing compounds, carotenoids and polyphenols) present in commonly consumed food groups may influence the development and progression of prostate cancer.
The Clinical Importance of 21-Day Combined Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition in Active Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients
Authors: Mańkowska-Wierzbicka Dorota , Karczewski Jacek , Swora-Cwynar Ewelina , Dobrowolska Agnieszka , Stelmach-Mardas Marta
Published: September 2019

The aim of the study was to show the clinical magnitude of short-term feeding: enteral nutrition (EN) combined with parenteral nutrition (PN) in active Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients. Among 122 eligible inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, 65 met the inclusion criteria. Combined EN and PN was administered for 21 days, wherein over the first 3–5 days of treatment, trophic enteral nutrition (300 kcal/day) was used with an energy increase of up to 1500 kcal. An EN was administered using a nasogastric tube or, in case of intolerance, using a naso-jejunal tube. For PN, the “All in One” system was used according to individually prepared admixtures (ESPEN Guidelines). In addition to routine blood measurement (i.e., ALAT, ASPAT, GGTP, creatinine, lipid profile), the following parameters were assessed: adiponectin, leptin, (hs)TNF-α, hsIL-6 and hsIL-10, TSH, NT-proBNP, serum vitamin B12 concentration, and tHcy. The results showed a considerable improvement in all clinically significant parameters (p < 0.05), showing the benefits and importance of short-term well-balanced EN combined with PN for nutritional and clinical status in IBD patients with active disease. The daily work at hospitals with active IBD patients demonstrates the potential of continued administration of home-based nutrition by patients.
The Impact of Nutrition Education Intervention with and Without a Mobile Phone Application on Nutrition Knowledge Among Young Endurance Athletes
Authors: Heikkilä Maria , Lehtovirta Mikko , Autio Ossi , Fogelholm Mikael , Valve Raisa
Published: September 2019

Athletes often have significant gaps in their nutrition knowledge. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether young Finnish endurance athletes’ nutrition knowledge and dietary intake can be improved through an education intervention with or without a mobile food application. Seventy-nine endurance athletes, 18.0 years (SD: 1.4), participated in this randomized, controlled intervention. We compared the effects of participatory nutrition education sessions alone (group EDU) to those including the use of a mobile food application (group EDU + APP) for four days after each session. Both groups attended three 90-min education sessions fortnightly. The participants completed a validated nutrition knowledge questionnaire in Weeks 0, 5, and 17, and a three-day food diary in Weeks 0 and 17. The education plan was based on the Self-Determination Theory and the concept of meaningful learning process. The EDU group’s nutrition knowledge scores were: 78 (week 0), 85 (week 5), and 84 (week 17) and the EDU + APP group’s 78, 86, and 85, respectively. Nutrition knowledge increased significantly (main effect of time (p < 0.001)), but we observed no significant group × time interaction (p = 0.309). The changes in dietary intakes were minor (p > 0.05). The amount of carbohydrates was below endurance athletes’ recommendations throughout the intervention. The reported energy intakes were also below the estimated energy expenditures. In conclusion, nutrition knowledge improved significantly after only three education sessions and food diary feedback, but the mobile app did not improve learning further. However, the nutrition education intervention alone was not enough to change dietary intake.
New Taxon-Specific Heterobasidion PCR Primers Detect and Differentiate North American Heterobasidion spp. in Various Substrates and Led to the Discovery of Heterobasidion irregulare in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Shamoun Simon Francis , Hammett Craig , Sumampong Grace , Li Xiang , Garbelotto Matteo
Published: September 2019

Heterobasidion annosum sensu lato is a species complex of pathogenic white-rot wood decay fungi which cause root and butt rot in conifer and hardwood species across the Northern hemisphere. Annual losses to forest managers are valued in the billions of dollars, due to tree mortality, reduction in timber yield, and wood decay. In North America, H. irregulare and H. occidentale have a partially overlapping host and geographic range, cause similar disease symptoms and produce similar fruiting bodies, making discrimination between the two of them often difficult. We developed two sets of primers that bind specifically to conserved, but species-specific portions of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and elongation factor 1α alleles. The method is sensitive enough to detect either species from infected wood. Analysis of North American isolates has further clarified the distribution of both species on this continent, including the detection of H. irregulare for the first time on ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) in British Columbia. This method has the potential to be a valuable tool for the detection of the pathogen in exported/imported wood products, as well as for the further identification and assessment of the distribution of North American Heterobasidion species.
Evolutionary Insight into the Trypanosomatidae Using Alignment-Free Phylogenomics of the Kinetoplast
Authors: Kaufer Alexa , Stark Damien , Ellis John
Published: September 2019

Advancements in next-generation sequencing techniques have led to a substantial increase in the genomic information available for analyses in evolutionary biology. As such, this data requires the exponential growth in bioinformatic methods and expertise required to understand such vast quantities of genomic data. Alignment-free phylogenomics offer an alternative approach for large-scale analyses that may have the potential to address these challenges. The evolutionary relationships between various species within the trypanosomatid family, specifically members belonging to the genera Leishmania and Trypanosoma have been extensively studies over the last 30 years. However, there is a need for a more exhaustive analysis of the Trypanosomatidae, summarising the evolutionary patterns amongst the entire family of these important protists. The mitochondrial DNA of the trypanosomatids, better known as the kinetoplast, represents a valuable taxonomic marker given its unique presence across all kinetoplastid protozoans. The aim of this study was to validate the reliability and robustness of alignment-free approaches for phylogenomic analyses and its applicability to reconstruct the evolutionary relationships between the trypanosomatid family. In the present study, alignment-free analyses demonstrated the strength of these methods, particularly when dealing with large datasets compared to the traditional phylogenetic approaches. We present a maxicircle genome phylogeny of 46 species spanning the trypanosomatid family, demonstrating the superiority of the maxicircle for the analysis and taxonomic resolution of the Trypanosomatidae.
Cutaneous Biodistribution: A High-Resolution Methodology to Assess Bioequivalence in Topical Skin Delivery
Authors: Quartier Julie , Capony Ninon , Lapteva Maria , Kalia Yogeshvar N.
Published: September 2019

A draft guideline from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) highlights the need for methods to assess the quality/equivalence of topical drug formulations. The “cutaneous biodistribution method”, which provides insight into a drug’s spatial distribution in the epidermis/dermis, was used to compare cutaneous bioavailability of econazole nitrate (ECZ) from a reference medicinal product (RMP) and two approved bioequivalent generic creams under finite dose conditions. Statistically significant differences between the ECZ biodistributions from the RMP/Generics were determined and used with acceptance criteria based on those from the EMA to evaluate bioequivalence. In porcine skin, ECZ deposition in total skin, epidermis, upper and lower dermis from Generic 1 was within the acceptance interval, contrary to Generic 2, which was marginally below it. For human skin, Generic 1 deposition was marginally above the acceptance interval and not bioequivalent. The results were consistent with those using the EMA’s acceptance intervals using the ratio of the mean ECZ depositions of Generic 1 and the RMP. Differences identified using this data-rich technique may not translate to observable differences in clinical efficacy; however, generics with non-statistically different biodistributions to the RMP should have a comparable clinical effect. The cutaneous biodistribution method could benchmark the development of topical generic products.
Macrolide Allergic Reactions
Authors: Shaeer Kristy M. , Chahine Elias B. , Varghese Gupta Sheeba , Cho Jonathan C.
Published: September 2019

Macrolides are antimicrobial agents that can be used to treat a variety of infections. Allergic reactions to macrolides occur infrequently but can include minor to severe cutaneous reactions as well as systemic life-threatening reactions such as anaphylaxis. Most reports of allergic reactions occurred in patients without prior exposure to a macrolide. Cross-reactivity among macrolides may occur due to the similarities in their chemical structures; however, some published literature indicates that some patients can tolerate a different macrolide. Most published reports detailed an allergic reaction to erythromycin. Desensitization protocols to clarithromycin and azithromycin have been described in the literature. The purpose of this article is to summarize macrolide-associated allergic reactions reported in published literature. An extensive literature search was conducted to identify publications linking macrolides to hypersensitivity reactions.
Aptamer-Functionalized Liposomes as a Potential Treatment for Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Cadinoiu Anca N. , Rata Delia M. , Atanase Leonard I. , Daraba Oana M. , Gherghel Daniela , Vochita Gabriela , Popa Marcel
Published: September 2019

More than one out of every three new cancers is a skin cancer, and the large majority are basal cell carcinomas (BCC). Targeted therapy targets the cancer’s specific genes, proteins, or tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival and blocks the growth as well as the spread of cancer cells while limiting damage to healthy cells. Therefore, in the present study AS1411 aptamer-functionalized liposomes for the treatment of BCC were obtained and characterized. Aptamer conjugation increased liposome size, suggesting that the presence of an additional hydrophilic molecule on the liposomal surface increased the hydrodynamic diameter. As expected, the negatively charged DNA aptamer reduced the surface potential of the liposomes. Vertical Franz diffusion cells with artificial membranes were used to evaluate the in vitro release of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The aptamer moieties increase the stability of the liposomes and act as a supplementary steric barrier leading to a lower cumulative amount of the released 5-FU. The in vitro cell viability, targeting capability and apoptotic effects of liposomes on the human dermal fibroblasts and on the basal cell carcinoma TE 354.T cell lines were also evaluated. The results indicate that the functionalized liposomes are more efficient as nanocarriers than the non-functionalized ones.
Fabrication and Evaluation of a Novel Non-Invasive Stretchable and Wearable Respiratory Rate Sensor Based on Silver Nanoparticles Using Inkjet Printing Technology
Authors: Al-Halhouli Ala’aldeen , Al-Ghussain Loiy , El Bouri Saleem , Liu Haipeng , Zheng Dingchang
Published: September 2019

The respiration rate (RR) is a key vital sign that links to adverse clinical outcomes and has various important uses. However, RR signals have been neglected in many clinical practices for several reasons and it is still difficult to develop low-cost RR sensors for accurate, automated, and continuous measurement. This study aims to fabricate, develop and evaluate a novel stretchable and wearable RR sensor that is low-cost and easy to use. The sensor is fabricated using the soft lithography technique of polydimethylsiloxane substrates (PDMS) for the stretchable sensor body and inkjet printing technology for creating the conductive circuit by depositing the silver nanoparticles on top of the PDMS substrates. The inkjet-printed (IJP) PDMS-based sensor was developed to detect the inductance fluctuations caused by respiratory volumetric changes. The output signal was processed in a Wheatstone bridge circuit to derive the RR. Six different patterns for a IJP PDMS-based sensor were carefully designed and tested. Their sustainability (maximum strain during measurement) and durability (the ability to go bear axial cyclic strains) were investigated and compared on an automated mechanical stretcher. Their repeatability (output of the sensor in repeated tests under identical condition) and reproducibility (output of different sensors with the same design under identical condition) were investigated using a respiratory simulator. The selected optimal design pattern from the simulator evaluation was used in the fabrication of the IJP PDMS-based sensor where the accuracy was inspected by attaching it to 37 healthy human subjects (aged between 19 and 34 years, seven females) and compared with the reference values from e-Health nasal sensor. Only one design survived the inspection procedures where design #6 (array consists of two horseshoe lines) indicated the best sustainability and durability, and went through the repeatability and reproducibility tests. Based on the best pattern, the developed sensor accurately measured the simulated RR with an error rate of 0.46 ± 0.66 beats per minute (BPM, mean ± SD). On human subjects, the IJP PDMS-based sensor and the reference e-Health sensor showed the same RR value, without any observable differences. The performance of the sensor was accurate with no apparent error compared with the reference sensor. Considering its low cost, good mechanical property, simplicity, and accuracy, the IJP PDMS-based sensor is a promising technique for continuous and wearable RR monitoring, especially under low-resource conditions.
Self-Healing Performance of Multifunctional Polymeric Smart Coatings
Authors: Habib Sehrish , Khan Adnan , Nawaz Muddasir , Sliem Mostafa , Shakoor Rana , Kahraman Ramazan , Abdullah Aboubakr , Zekri Atef
Published: September 2019

Multifunctional nanocomposite coatings were synthesized by reinforcing a polymeric matrix with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) loaded with corrosion inhibitor (NaNO3) and urea formaldehyde microcapsules (UFMCs) encapsulated with a self-healing agent (linseed oil (LO)). The developed polymeric nanocomposite coatings were applied on the polished mild steel substrate using the doctor’s blade technique. The structural (FTIR, XPS) and thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses reveal the loading of HNTs with NaNO3 and encapsulation of UFMCs with linseed oil. It was observed that self-release of the inhibitor from HNTs in response to pH change was a time dependent process. Nanocomposite coatings demonstrate decent self-healing effects in response to the external controlled mechanical damage. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic analysis (EIS) indicates promising anticorrosive performance of novel nanocomposite coatings. Observed corrosion resistance of the developed smart coatings may be attributed to the efficient release of inhibitor and self-healing agent in response to the external stimuli. Polymeric nanocomposite coatings modified with multifunctional species may offer suitable corrosion protection of steel in the oil and gas industry.
Numerical Solutions of Heat Transfer for Magnetohydrodynamic Jeffery-Hamel Flow Using Spectral Homotopy Analysis Method
Authors: Mahmood Asad , Md Basir Md , Ali Umair , Mohd Kasihmuddin Mohd , Mansor Mohd.
Published: September 2019

This paper studies heat transfer in a two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic viscous incompressible flow in convergent/divergent channels. The temperature profile was obtained numerically for both cases of convergent/divergent channels. It was found that the temperature profile increases with an increase in Reynold number, Prandtl number, Nusselt number and angle of the wall but decreases with an increase in Hartmann number. A relatively new numerical method called the spectral homotopy analysis method (SHAM) was used to solve the governing non-linear differential equations. The SHAM 3rd order results matched with the DTM and shooting, showing that SHAM is feasible as a technique to be used.
Green and Facile Synthesis of Dendritic and Branched Gold Nanoparticles by Gelatin and Investigation of Their Biocompatibility on Fibroblast Cells
Authors: Vo Quoc Khuong , Nguyen Thi My Nuong , Nguyen Thi Phuong Phong , Nguyen Duy Trinh
Published: September 2019

In this work, gold nanostar (AuNPs) and gold nanodendrites were synthesized by one-pot and environmentally friendly approach in the presence of gelatin. Influence of gelatin concentrations and reaction conditions on the growth of branched (AuNPs) were investigated further. Interestingly, the conversion of morphology between dendritic and branched nanostructure can be attained by changing the pH value of gelatin solution. The role of gelatin as a protecting agent through the electrostatic and steric interaction was also revealed. Branched nanoparticles were characterized by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (SPR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), XRD, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta-potential. The chemical interaction of gelatin with branched gold nanoparticles was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IT) technique. Ultraviolet visible spectroscopy results indicated the formation of branched gold nanoparticles with the maximum surface plasmon resonance peak at 575–702 nm. The structure of both nanodendrites and nanostars were determined by TEM. The crystal sizes of nano-star ranged from 42 to 55 nm and the nanodendrites sizes were about 75–112 nm. Based on the characterizations, a growth mechanism could be proposed to explain morphology evolutions of branched AuNPs. Moreover, the branched AuNPs is high viability at 100 μg/mL concentration when performed by the SRB assay with human foreskin fibroblast cells.
Biogas Generation through Anaerobic Digestion of Compost Leachate in Semi-Continuous Completely Stirred Tank Reactors
Authors: Siciliano Alessio , Limonti Carlo , Curcio Giulia Maria , Calabrò Vincenza
Published: September 2019

The composting process of organic fraction of municipal solid waste, besides to the residual compost, generates a wastewater that is characterized by a high organic load. The application of anaerobic processes represents an advantageous solution for the treatment and valorization of this type of wastewater. Nevertheless, few works have been focused on the anaerobic digestion of compost leachate. To overcome this dearth, in the present paper an extensive experimental investigation was carried out to develop and analyse the anaerobic treatment of young leachate in completely stirred tank reactors (CSTR). Initially, it was defined a suitable leachate pretreatment to correct its acidic characteristics that is potentially able to inhibit methanogenic biomass activity. The pretreated leachate was fed to the digester over the start-up phase that was completed in about 40 days. During the operational period, the organic load rate (OLR) changed between 4.25 kgCOD/m3d and 38.5 kgCOD/m3d. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) abatement was higher than 90% for OLR values up to 14.5 kgCOD/m3d and around to 80% for applied loads equal to 24.5 kgCOD/m3d. At this OLR, it was reached the maximum daily biogas production of about 9.3 Lbiogas/(Lreactord). The CH4 fraction was between 70%–78% and the methane production yield in the range 0.34–0.38 LCH4/gCODremoved. The deterioration of biogas production started for OLR values that were over the threshold of 24.5 kgCOD/m3d when a volatile fatty acids (VFA) accumulation occurred and the pH dropped below 6.5. The maximum ratio between VFA and alkalinity (ALK) tolerable in the CSTR was identified to be 0.5 gCH3COOH/gCaCO3. Through an economic analysis, it was proven that the digestion of compost leachate could ensure significant economic profits. Furthermore, the produced digestate had characteristics that were compatible for agricultural applications.
Science of Landsat Analysis Ready Data
Authors: Zhu Zhe
Published: September 2019

The free and open policy of Landsat data in 2008 completely changed the way that Landsat data was analyzed and used, particularly for applications such as time series analysis. Nine years later, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) released the first version of Landsat Analysis Ready Data (ARD) for the United States, which was another milestone in Landsat history. The Landsat time series is so convenient and easy to use and has triggered science that was not possible a few decades ago. In this Editorial, we review the current status of Landsat ARD, introduce scientific studies of Landsat ARD from this special issue, and discuss global Landsat ARD.
Ocean Color Quality Control Masks Contain the High Phytoplankton Fraction of Coastal Ocean Observations
Authors: Houskeeper Henry F. , Kudela Raphael M.
Published: September 2019

Satellite estimation of oceanic chlorophyll-a content has enabled characterization of global phytoplankton stocks, but the quality of retrieval for many ocean color products (including chlorophyll-a) degrades with increasing phytoplankton biomass in eutrophic waters. Quality control of ocean color products is achieved primarily through the application of masks based on standard thresholds designed to identify suspect or low-quality retrievals. This study compares the masked and unmasked fractions of ocean color datasets from two Eastern Boundary Current upwelling ecosystems (the California and Benguela Current Systems) using satellite proxies for phytoplankton biomass that are applicable to satellite imagery without correction for atmospheric aerosols. Evaluation of the differences between the masked and unmasked fractions indicates that high biomass observations are preferentially masked in National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) ocean color datasets as a result of decreased retrieval quality for waters with high concentrations of phytoplankton. This study tests whether dataset modification persists into the default composite data tier commonly disseminated to science end users. Further, this study suggests that statistics describing a dataset’s masked fraction can be helpful in assessing the quality of a composite dataset and in determining the extent to which retrieval quality is linked to biological processes in a given study region.
Fluorescence Characteristics of Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) in Percolation Water and Lateral Seepage Affected by Soil Solution (S-S) in a Lysimeter Test
Authors: Chiu Teng-Pao , Huang Wei-Shiang , Chen Ting-Chien , Yeh Yi-Lung
Published: September 2019

The composition and structure of dissolved organic matter (DOM) are sensitive indicators that guide the water infiltration process in soil. The DOM chemical composition in seepage affects river water quality and changes soil organic matter (SOM). In this lysimeter test study, fluorescence spectra and optical indices were used to examine the interaction between the percolation water (P-W) and leachate water (L-W) DOMs affected by the soil solution (S-S). The L-W DOM had a higher aromaticity (SUVA254), average molecular weight (S275-295) and terrestrial source (fluorescence index (FI)), but fewer autochthonous sources (biological index (BIX)) than the P-W DOM. Organic carbon standardization (OCS) and protein- (PLF), fulvic- (FLF) and humic-like fluorescence (HLF) intensity showed that L-W DOM increased 44%, 55% and 81%, respectively, compared to the P-W DOM. The linear regression slopes between OCS FLF and PLF were 0.62, 1.74 and 1.79 for P-W, L-W and S-S, respectively. The slopes between OCS HLF and PLF were 0.15, 0.58 and 0.64 for P-W, L-W and S-S, respectively. The P-W DOM was in contact with the soil litter layer, where S-S labile lignin phenolic compounds released and dissolved into the L-W DOM. This increased its aromaticity, and extent of humification.
Detection of Cu2+ Ions with GGH Peptide Realized with Si-Nanoribbon ISFET
Authors: Synhaivska Olena , Mermoud Yves , Baghernejad Masoud , Alshanski Israel , Hurevich Mattan , Yitzchaik Shlomo , Wipf Mathias , Calame Michel
Published: September 2019

The presence of heavy metal ions such as copper in the human body at certain concentrations and specific conditions can lead to the development of different diseases. The currently available analytical detection methods remain expensive, time-consuming, and often require sample pre-treatment. The development of specific and quantitative, easy-in-operation, and cost-effective devices, capable of monitoring the level of Cu2+ ions in environmental and physiological media, is necessary. We use silicon nanoribbon (SiNR) ion-sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) devices modified with a Gly–Gly–His peptide for the detection of copper ions in a large concentration range. The specific binding of copper ions causes a conformational change of the ligand, and a deprotonation of secondary amine groups. By performing differential measurements, we gain a deeper insight into the details of the ion–ligand interaction. We highlight in particular the importance of considering non-specific interactions to explain the sensors’ response.
An Extensible Positioning System for Locating Mobile Robots in Unfamiliar Environments
Authors: Xu Xiaosu , Liu Xinghua , Zhao Beichen , Yang Bo
Published: September 2019

In this paper, an extensible positioning system for mobile robots is proposed. The system includes a stereo camera module, inertial measurement unit (IMU) and an ultra-wideband (UWB) network which includes five anchors, one of which is with the unknown position. The anchors in the positioning system are without requirements of communication between UWB anchors and without requirements of clock synchronization of the anchors. By locating the mobile robot using the original system, and then estimating the position of a new anchor using the ranging between the mobile robot and the new anchor, the system can be extended after adding the new anchor into the original system. In an unfamiliar environment (such as fire and other rescue sites), it is able to locate the mobile robot after extending itself. To add the new anchor into the positioning system, a recursive least squares (RLS) approach is used to estimate the position of the new anchor. A maximum correntropy Kalman filter (MCKF) which is based on the maximum correntropy criterion (MCC) is used to fuse data from the UWB network and IMU. The initial attitude of the mobile robot relative to the navigation frame is calculated though comparing position vectors given by a visual simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) system and the UWB system respectively. As shown in the experiment section, the root mean square error (RMSE) of the positioning result given by the proposed positioning system with all anchors is 0.130 m. In the unfamiliar environment, the RMSE is 0.131 m which is close to the RMSE (0.137 m) given by the original system with a difference of 0.006 m. Besides, the RMSE based on Euler distance of the new anchor is 0.061 m.
A Lane Detection Method Based on a Ridge Detector and Regional G-RANSAC
Authors: Lu Zefeng , Xu Ying , Shan Xin , Liu Licai , Wang Xingzheng , Shen Jianhao
Published: September 2019

Lane detection plays an important role in improving autopilot’s safety. In this paper, a novel lane-division-lines detection method is proposed, which exhibits good performances in abnormal illumination and lane occlusion. It includes three major components: First, the captured image is converted to aerial view to make full use of parallel lanes’ characteristics. Second, a ridge detector is proposed to extract each lane’s feature points and remove noise points with an adaptable neural network (ANN). Last, the lane-division-lines are accurately fitted by an improved random sample consensus (RANSAC), termed the (regional) gaussian distribution random sample consensus (G-RANSAC). To test the performances of this novel lane detection method, we proposed a new index named the lane departure index (LDI) describing the departure degree between true lane and predicted lane. Experimental results verified the superior performances of the proposed method over others in different testing scenarios, respectively achieving 99.02%, 96.92%, 96.65% and 91.61% true-positive rates (TPR); and 66.16, 54.85, 55.98 and 52.61 LDIs in four different types of testing scenarios.
Analysis of Land Surface Deformation in Chagan Lake Region Using TCPInSAR
Authors: Wang Fengyan , Ding Qing , Zhang Lei , Wang Mingchang , Wang Qing
Published: September 2019

Due to earthquakes and large-scale exploitation of oil, gas, groundwater, and coal energy, large-scope surface deformation has occurred in Songyuan City, Jilin Province, China, and it is posing a serious threat to sustainable development, including urban development, energy utilization, environmental protection, and construction to improve saline–alkali land. In this study, we selected the Chagan Lake region, which is located in Songyuan City, as our research area. Using temporarily coherent point synthetic aperture radar interferometry (TCPInSAR), we obtained a time series of land surface deformation and the deformation rate in this area from 20 ALOS PALSAR images from 2006 to 2010. The results showed that the deformation rate in the Chagan Lake region ranged from −46.7 mm/year to 41.7 mm/year during the monitoring period. In three typical land cover areas of the Chagan Lake region, the subsidence in the wetland area was larger than that in the saline–alkali area, while the highway experienced a small uplift. In addition, surface deformation in lakeside areas with or without dykes was different; however, as this was mainly affected by soil freeze–thaw cycles and changes in groundwater level, the deformation showed a negative correlation with temperature and precipitation. By monitoring and analyzing surface deformation, we can provide a data reference and scientific basis for sustainable ecological and economic development in the Chagan Lake region and adjacent areas.
A Comprehensive Thermal Comfort Analysis of the Cooling Effect of the Stand Fan Using Questionnaires and a Thermal Manikin
Authors: Mun Sun-Hye , Kwak Younghoon , Kim Yeonjung , Huh Jung-Ho
Published: September 2019

In this study a quantitative analysis was performed on the effect on thermal comfort of the stand fan, a personal cooling device that creates local air currents. A total of 20 environmental conditions (indoor temperatures: 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 °C; fan modes: off, low (L) mode, medium (M) mode, and high (H) mode) were analyzed using questionnaires on male and female subjects in their 20s and a thermal manikin test. The contents of the questionnaire consisted of items on thermal sensation, thermal comfort, thermal acceptability, and demands on changes to the air velocity. This step was accompanied by the thermal manikin test to analyze the convective heat transfer coefficient and cooling effect quantitatively by replicating the stand fan. Given that this study provides data on the cooling effect of the stand fan in quantitative values, it allows for a comparison of energy use with other cooling systems such as the air conditioner, and may be used as a primary data set for analysis of energy conservation rates.
Congestion, Road Safety, and the Effectiveness of Public Policies in Urban Areas
Authors: Albalate Daniel , Fageda Xavier
Published: September 2019

Congestion and road accidents are both considered essential challenges for sustainable mobility in large cities, but their relationship is only partially explored by the literature. In this paper, we empirically examine different public policies aimed at reducing urban traffic congestion but which may also have indirect effects on road accidents and casualties. We use data from 25 large urban areas in Spain for the period 2008–2017 and apply econometric methods to investigate how a variety of public policies do affect both negative externalities. Although the relationship between congestion and road safety is complex, we find that the promotion of certain modes of public transportation and the regulation of parking spaces may contribute to making cities more sustainable, both in terms of the time spent traveling and the probability of being affected by an accident. Considering whether policies addressing congestion improve or damage road safety as an indirect result is a useful approach for local policy-makers and planners in their attempt to get sustainable transportation outcomes.