bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profiling of Amino Acids in Urine Samples of Patients Suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Piestansky Juraj , Olesova Dominika , Galba Jaroslav , Marakova Katarina , Parrak Vojtech , Secnik Peter , Secnik Peter , Kovacech Branislav , Kovac Andrej , Zelinkova Zuzana , Mikus Peter
Published: September 2019

Urine represents a convenient biofluid for metabolomic studies due to its noninvasive collection and richness in metabolites. Here, amino acids are valuable biomarkers for their ability to reflect imbalances of different biochemical pathways. An impact of amino acids on pathology, prognosis and therapy of various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is therefore the subject of current clinical research. This work is aimed to develop a capillary electrophoresis-tandem mass spectrometry (CE-MS/MS) method for the quantification of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids in human urine samples obtained from patients suffering from IBD and treated with thiopurines. The optimized CE-MS/MS method, with minimum sample preparation (just “dilute and shoot”), exhibited excellent linearity for all the analytes (coefficients of determination were higher than 0.99), with inter-day and intra-day precision yielding relative standard deviations in the range of 0.91–15.12% and with accuracy yielding relative errors in the range of 85.47–112.46%. Total analysis time, an important parameter for the sample throughput demanded in routine practice, was shorter in ca. 17% when compared to established CE-MS methods. Favorable performance of the proposed CE-MS/MS method was also confirmed by the comparison with corresponding ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) method. Consistent data for the investigated amino acid metabolome were obtained using both methods. For the first time, the amino acid profiling by CE-MS approach was applied on the clinical IBD samples. Here, significant differences observed in the concentration levels of some amino acids between IBD patients undergoing thiopurine treatment and healthy volunteers could result from the simultaneous action of the disease and the corresponding therapy. These findings indicate that amino acids analysis could be a valuable tool for the study of mechanism of the IBD treatment by thiopurines.
PSTP-3,5-Me Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation and Bone Resorption
Authors: Cho Eunjin , Chen Zhihao , Lee Jinkyung , Lee Sunwoo , Lee Tae-Hoon
Published: September 2019

Osteogenesis is an orchestrated process regulated by osteoclastogenesis and osteoblastogenesis. Excessive osteoclastogenesis causes bone diseases, such as osteoporosis. Although a few drugs are effective in osteoporosis treatment, these drugs lead to side effects, including cellulitis, flatulence, and hypocalcemia. In this study, we reported a 2-(N-Phenylmethylsulfonamido)-N-(2-(phenylthio)phenyl)propanamide (PSTP) compound, PSTP-3,5-Me, as a potential therapeutic agent for osteoporosis. Mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were differentiated into osteoclasts by receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in the presence of PSTP-3,5-Me. PSTP-3,5-Me inhibited osteoclast differentiation by reduced tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive osteoclasts, and suppressed the expression of osteoclast marker genes, such as cathepsin K (Ctsk) and TRAP (Acp5). We investigated signaling pathways mediated by RANKL and its receptor, RANK, and found that PSTP-3,5-Me inhibits nucleus translocation of nuclear factor of activated T cell cytoplasmic-1 (NFATc1). Moreover, PSTP-3,5-Me inhibited F-actin ring formation and mineral resorption. Overall, our data suggests that PSTP-3,5-Me attenuates osteoclast differentiation by blocking the activation of NFATc1.
Surfactant-Switched Positive/Negative Electrorheological Effect in Tungsten Oxide Suspensions
Authors: Agafonov Alexander V. , Kraev Anton S. , Kusova Tatiana V. , Evdokimova Olga L. , Ivanova Olga S. , Baranchikov Alexander E. , Shekunova Taisiya O. , Kozyukhin Sergey A.
Published: September 2019

The electrorheological (ER) effect was experimentally observed in dielectric suspensions containing tungsten oxide (WO3) modified with surfactant molecules (sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and dodecylamine (DDA)) in electric fields up to several kilovolts per millimeter. The dielectric properties of WO3 suspensions in silicone oil were analyzed, depending on the frequency of the electric field, in the range from 25 to 106 Hz. Unmodified WO3 suspensions, as well as suspensions modified with sodium dodecyl sulfate, were shown to exhibit a positive electrorheological effect, whereas suspensions modified with dodecylamine demonstrated a negative electrorheological effect. The quantitative characteristics of the negative electrorheological effect in the strain–compression and shear regimes were obtained for the first time. Visualization experiments were performed to see the chain structures formed by WO3 particles modified with sodium dodecyl sulfate, as well as for dynamic electroconvection in electrorheological fluids containing WO3 modified with dodecylamine. The negative electrorheological effect was shown to be associated with the processes of phase separation in the electric field, which led to a multiplicative effect and a strong electroconvection of the suspension at field strengths above 1 kV/mm.
Development of a Fragment-Based Screening Assay for the Focal Adhesion Targeting Domain Using SPR and NMR
Authors: Alvarado Carlos , Stahl Erik , Koessel Karissa , Rivera Andrew , Cherry Brian R. , Pulavarti Surya V.S.R.K. , Szyperski Thomas , Cance William , Marlowe Timothy
Published: September 2019

The Focal Adhesion Targeting (FAT) domain of Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) is a promising drug target since FAK is overexpressed in many malignancies and promotes cancer cell metastasis. The FAT domain serves as a scaffolding protein, and its interaction with the protein paxillin localizes FAK to focal adhesions. Various studies have highlighted the importance of FAT-paxillin binding in tumor growth, cell invasion, and metastasis. Targeting this interaction through high-throughput screening (HTS) provides a challenge due to the large and complex binding interface. In this report, we describe a novel approach to targeting FAT through fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD). We developed two fragment-based screening assays—a primary SPR assay and a secondary heteronuclear single quantum coherence nuclear magnetic resonance (HSQC-NMR) assay. For SPR, we designed an AviTag construct, optimized SPR buffer conditions, and created mutant controls. For NMR, resonance backbone assignments of the human FAT domain were obtained for the HSQC assay. A 189-compound fragment library from Enamine was screened through our primary SPR assay to demonstrate the feasibility of a FAT-FBDD pipeline, with 19 initial hit compounds. A final total of 11 validated hits were identified after secondary screening on NMR. This screening pipeline is the first FBDD screen of the FAT domain reported and represents a valid method for further drug discovery efforts on this difficult target.
Chemical Composition, In Vitro Antioxidant Potential, and Antimicrobial Activities of Essential Oils and Hydrosols from Native American Muscadine Grapes
Authors: Georgiev Vasil , Ananga Anthony , Dincheva Ivayla , Badjakov Ilian , Gochev Velizar , Tsolova Violeta
Published: September 2019

Essential oils and hydrosols of two cultivars of muscadine grapes (Muscadinia rotundifolia (Michx.) Small.) were obtained by hydro-distillation of flowers and berry skins. Twenty-three volatile compounds were identified in essential oils from the muscadine flowers, and twenty volatiles in their corresponding hydrosols. The composition of volatiles in berry skins differed significantly from that of the vine flowers. The antioxidant potential of investigated essential oils and hydrosols was evaluated using five in vitro assays: DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method, TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity), FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power), CUPRAC (cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity), and NO (nitric oxide radical scavenging assay). The essential oils from the flowers of both cultivars showed the strongest antioxidant power, whereas the hydrosols were the significantly less active. All investigated essential oils showed very weak antibacterial activities against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, the essential oils from the flowers of both cultivars showed moderate antifungal activities against Candida albicans, which were stronger for the oil from “Carlos” (white muscadine cultivar). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on obtaining and characterizing essential oils and hydrosols from muscadine grapes. This study demonstrated the variations in aromatic compounds accumulated in flowers and mature berry skins of muscadine grapes, and evaluated their possible antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The presented results will be the base for future research, focused on a better understanding of the molecular and regulatory mechanisms involved in aromatic compound biosynthesis and accumulation in muscadine grapes.
Improved Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Anti-adipogenic Properties of Hydroponic Ginseng Fermented by Leuconostoc mesenteroides KCCM 12010P
Authors: Hwang Ji Eun , Kim Kee-Tae , Paik Hyun-Dong
Published: September 2019

Hydroponic ginseng (HPG) has been known to have various bio-functionalities, including an antioxidant effect. Recently, fermentation by lactic acid bacteria has been studied to enhance bio-functional activities in plants by biologically converting their chemical compounds. HPG roots and shoots were fermented with Leuconostoc mesenteroides KCCM 12010P isolated from kimchi. The total phenolic compounds, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-adipogenic effects of these fermented samples were evaluated in comparison with non-fermented samples (control). During 24 h fermentation of HPG roots and shoots, the viable number of cells increased to 7.50 Log colony forming unit (CFU)/mL. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the fermented HPG roots increased by 107.19% and 645.59%, respectively, compared to non-fermented HPG roots. The antioxidant activity of fermented HPG, as assessed by 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), β-carotene-linoleic, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, was also significantly enhanced. In an anti-inflammatory effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, the nitric oxide content and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) decreased when treated with fermented samples. Simultaneously, lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocyte was reduced when treated with fermented HPG. Fermentation by L. mesenteroides showed improved antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-adipogenic HPG effects. These results show that fermented HPG has potential for applications in the functional food industry.
A High Throughput Apoptosis Assay using 3D Cultured Cells
Authors: Lee Sang-Yun , Doh Il , Lee Dong Woo
Published: September 2019

A high throughput apoptosis assay using 3D cultured cells was developed with a micropillar/microwell chip platform. Live cell apoptosis assays based on fluorescence detection have been useful in high content screening. To check the autofluorescence of drugs, controls (no caspase-3/7 reagent in the assay) for the drugs are necessary which require twice the test space. Thus, a high throughput capability and highly miniaturized format for reducing reagent usage are necessary in live cell apoptosis assays. Especially, the expensive caspase-3/7 reagent should be reduced in a high throughput screening system. To solve this issue, we developed a miniaturized apoptosis assay using micropillar/microwell chips for which we tested seventy drugs (six replicates) per chip and reduced the assay volume to 1 µL. This reduced assay volume can decrease the assay costs compared to the 10–40 µL assay volumes used in 384 well plates. In our experiments, among the seventy drugs, four drugs (Cediranib, Cabozatinib, Panobinostat, and Carfilzomib) induced cell death by apoptosis. Those results were confirmed with western blot assays and proved that the chip platform could be used to identify high potency apoptosis-inducing drugs in 3D cultured cells with alginate.
Text Mining in Cybersecurity: Exploring Threats and Opportunities
Authors: de Boer Maaike H. T. , Bakker Babette J. , Boertjes Erik , Wilmer Mike , Raaijmakers Stephan , van der Kleij Rick
Published: September 2019

The number of cyberattacks on organizations is growing. To increase cyber resilience, organizations need to obtain foresight to anticipate cybersecurity vulnerabilities, developments, and potential threats. This paper describes a tool that combines state of the art text mining and information retrieval techniques to explore the opportunities of using these techniques in the cybersecurity domain. Our tool, the Horizon Scanner, can scrape and store data from websites, blogs and PDF articles, and search a database based on a user query, show textual entities in a graph, and provide and visualize potential trends. The aim of the Horizon Scanner is to help experts explore relevant data sources for potential threats and trends and to speed up the process of foresight. In a requirements session and user evaluation of the tool with cyber experts from the Dutch Defense Cyber Command, we explored whether the Horizon Scanner tool has the potential to fulfill its aim in the cybersecurity domain. Although the overall evaluation of the tool was not as good as expected, some aspects of the tool were found to have added value, providing us with valuable insights into how to design decision support for forecasting analysts.
Pitch-Derived Activated Carbon Fibers for Emission Control of Low-Concentration Hydrocarbon
Authors: Lee Hye-Min , Lee Byeong-Hoon , Park Soo-Jin , An Kay-Hyeok , Kim Byung-Joo
Published: September 2019

The unburned hydrocarbon (HC) emissions of automobiles are subject to strong regulations because they are known to be converted into fine dust, ozone, and photochemical smog. Pitch-based activated carbon fibers (ACF) prepared by steam activation can be a good solution for HC removal. The structural characteristics of ACF were observed using X-ray diffraction. The pore characteristics were investigated using N2/77K adsorption isotherms. The butane working capacity (BWC) was determined according to ASTM D5228. From the results, the specific surface area and total pore volume of the ACF were determined to be 840–2630 m2/g and 0.33–1.34 cm3/g, respectively. The butane activity and butane retentivity of the ACF increased with increasing activation time and were observed to range between 15.78–57.33% and 4.19–11.47%, respectively. This indicates that n-butane adsorption capacity could be a function not only of the specific surface area or total pore volume but also of the sub-mesopore volume fraction in the range of 2.0–2.5 nm of adsorbents. The ACF exhibit enhanced BWC, and especially adsorption velocity, compared to commercial products (granules and pellets), with lower concentrations of n-butane due to a uniformly well-developed pore structure open directly to the outer surface.
Ultrawide Color Gamut Perovskite and CdSe/ZnS Quantum-Dots-Based White Light-Emitting Diode with High Luminous Efficiency
Authors: Lin Chih-Hao , Kang Chieh-Yu , Verma Akta , Wu Tingzhu , Pai Yung-Min , Chen Tzu-Yu , Tsai Chun-Lin , Yang Ya-Zhu , Sharma S.K. , Sher Chin-Wei , Chen Zhong , Lee Po-Tseng , Chung Shu-Ru , Kuo Hao-Chung
Published: September 2019

We demonstrate excellent color quality of liquid-type white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) using a combination of green light-emitting CsPbBr3 and red light-emitting CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs). Previously, we reported red (CsPbBr1.2I1.8) and green (CsPbBr3) perovskite QDs (PQDs)-based WLEDs with high color gamut, which manifested fast anion exchange and stability issues. Herein, the replacement of red PQDs with CdSe/ZnS QDs has resolved the aforementioned problems effectively and improved both stability and efficiency. Further, the proposed liquid-type device possesses outstanding color gamut performance (132% of National Television System Committee and 99% of Rec. 2020). It also shows a high efficiency of 66 lm/W and an excellent long-term operation stability for over 1000 h.
Exploring the Effect of the Irradiation Time on Photosensitized Dendrimer-Based Nanoaggregates for Potential Applications in Light-Driven Water Photoreduction
Authors: Martínez Natalia P. , Inostroza-Rivera Ricardo , Durán Boris , Molero Leonard , Bonardd Sebastián , Ramírez Oscar , Isaacs Mauricio , Díaz Díaz David , Leiva Angel , Saldías César
Published: September 2019

Fourth generation polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM, G4) modified with fluorescein units (F) at the periphery and Pt nanoparticles stabilized by L-ascorbate were prepared. These dendrimers modified with hydrophobic fluorescein were used to achieve self-assembling structures, giving rise to the formation of nanoaggregates in water. The photoactive fluorescein units were mainly used as photosensitizer units in the process of the catalytic photoreduction of water propitiated by light. Complementarily, Pt-ascorbate nanoparticles acted as the active sites to generate H2. Importantly, the study of the functional, optical, surface potential and morphological properties of the photosensitized dendrimer aggregates at different irradiation times allowed for insights to be gained into the behavior of these systems. Thus, the resultant photosensitized PAMAM-fluorescein (G4-F) nanoaggregates (NG) were conveniently applied to light-driven water photoreduction along with sodium L-ascorbate and methyl viologen as the sacrificial reagent and electron relay agent, respectively. Notably, these aggregates exhibited appropriate stability and catalytic activity over time for hydrogen production. Additionally, in order to propose a potential use of these types of systems, the in situ generated H2 was able to reduce a certain amount of methylene blue (MB). Finally, theoretical electronic analyses provided insights into the possible excited states of the fluorescein molecules that could intervene in the global mechanism of H2 generation.
Antimicrobial Activity, Antioxidant Potential, Cytotoxicity and Phytochemical Profiling of Four Plants Locally Used against Skin Diseases
Authors: Asong John A. , Amoo Stephen O. , McGaw Lyndy J. , Nkadimeng Sanah M. , Aremu Adeyemi O. , Otang-Mbeng Wilfred
Published: September 2019

Although orthodox medications are available for skin diseases, expensive dermatological services have necessitated the use of medicinal plants as a cheaper alternative. This study evaluated the pharmacological and phytochemical profiles of four medicinal plants (Drimia sanguinea, Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Helichrysum paronychioides, and Senecio longiflorus) used for treating skin diseases. Petroleum ether and 50% methanol extracts of the plants were screened for antimicrobial activity against six microbes: Bacillus cereus, Shigella flexneri, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton tonsurans using the micro-dilution technique. Antioxidant activity was conducted using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and β-carotene linoleic acid models. Cytotoxicity was determined against African green monkey Vero kidney cells based on the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay. Spectrophotometric and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) methods were used to evaluate the phytochemical constituents. All the extracts demonstrated varying degrees of antimicrobial potencies. Shigella flexneri, Candida glabrata, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton tonsurans were most susceptible at 0.10 mg/mL. In the DPPH test, EC50 values ranged from approximately 6–93 µg/mL and 65%–85% antioxidant activity in the β-carotene linoleic acid antioxidant activity model. The phenolic and flavonoid contents ranged from 3.5–64 mg GAE/g and 1.25–28 mg CE/g DW, respectively. The LC50 values of the cytotoxicity assay ranged from 0.015–5622 µg/mL. GC-MS analysis revealed a rich pool (94–198) of bioactive compounds including dotriacontane, benzothiazole, heptacosane, bumetrizole, phthalic acid, stigmasterol, hexanoic acid and eicosanoic acid, which were common to the four plants. The current findings provide some degree of scientific evidence supporting the use of these four plants in folk medicine. However, the plants with high cytotoxicity need to be used with caution.
The EmojiGrid as a Tool to Assess Experienced and Perceived Emotions
Authors: Toet Alexander , van Erp Jan B.F.
Published: September 2019

In a recent study on food-evoked emotions, we observed that people often misunderstood the currently available affective self-report tools. We, therefore, developed a new intuitive and language-independent self-report instrument called the EmojiGrid: a rectangular response grid labeled with facial icons (emoji) that express different degrees of valence and arousal. We found that participants intuitively and reliably reported their affective appraisal of food by clicking on the EmojiGrid, even without verbal instructions. In this study, we investigated whether the EmojiGrid can also serve as a tool to assess one’s own (experienced) emotions and perceived emotions of others. In the first experiment, participants (N = 90) used the EmojiGrid to report their own emotions, evoked by affective images from a database with corresponding normative ratings (obtained with a 9-point self-assessment mannikin scale). In the second experiment, participants (N = 61) used the EmojiGrid to report the perceived emotional state of persons shown in different affective situations, in pictures from a database with corresponding normative ratings (obtained with a 7-point Likert scale). For both experiments, the affective (valence and arousal) ratings obtained with the EmojiGrid show excellent agreement with the data provided in the literature (intraclass correlations of at least 0.90). Also, the relation between valence and arousal shows the classic U-shape at the group level. Thus, the EmojiGrid appears to be a useful graphical self-report instrument for the assessment of evoked and perceived emotions.
Multivariate Analysis of Difference Raman Spectra of the Irradiated Nucleus and Cytoplasm Region of SH-SY5Y Human Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Delfino Ines , Ricciardi Valerio , Manti Lorenzo , Lasalvia Maria , Lepore Maria
Published: September 2019

Previous works showed that spatially resolved Raman spectra of cytoplasm and nucleus region of single cells exposed to X-rays evidence different features. The present work aims to introduce a new approach to profit from these differences to deeper investigate X-ray irradiation effects on single SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. For this aim, Raman micro-spectroscopy was performed in vitro on single cells after irradiation by graded X-ray doses (2, 4, 6, 8 Gy). Spectra from nucleus and cytoplasm regions were selectively acquired. The examination by interval Principal Component Analysis (i-PCA) of the difference spectra obtained by subtracting each cytoplasm-related spectrum from the corresponding one detected at the nucleus enabled us to reveal the subtle modifications of Raman features specific of different spatial cell regions. They were discussed in terms of effects induced by X-ray irradiation on DNA/RNA, lipids, and proteins. The proposed approach enabled us to evidence some features not outlined in previous investigations.
Integrating Geophysical and Multispectral Data to Delineate Homogeneous Management Zones within a Vineyard in Northern Italy
Authors: Ortuani Bianca , Sona Giovanna , Ronchetti Giulia , Mayer Alice , Facchi Arianna
Published: September 2019

Soil electrical conductivity (EC) maps obtained through proximal soil sensing (i.e., geophysical data) are usually considered to delineate homogeneous site-specific management zones (SSMZ), used in Precision Agriculture to improve crop production. The recent literature recommends the integration of geophysical soil monitoring data with crop information acquired through multispectral (VIS-NIR) imagery. In non-flat areas, where topography can influence the soil water conditions and consequently the crop water status and the crop yield, considering topography data together with soil and crop data may improve the SSMZ delineation. The objective of this study was the fusion of EC and VIS-NIR data to delineate SSMZs in a rain-fed vineyard located in Northern Italy (Franciacorta), and the assessment of the obtained SSMZ map through the comparison with data acquired by a thermal infrared (TIR) survey carried out during a hot and dry period of the 2017 agricultural season. Data integration is performed by applying multivariate statistical methods (i.e., Principal Component Analysis). The results show that the combined use of soil, topography and crop information improves the SSMZ delineation. Indeed, the correspondence between the SSMZ map and the CWSI map derived from TIR imagery was enhanced by including the NDVI information.
Electrospinning Nanoparticles-Based Materials Interfaces for Sensor Applications
Authors: Zhang Shan , Jia Zhenxin , Liu Tianjiao , Wei Gang , Su Zhiqiang
Published: September 2019

Electrospinning is a facile technique to fabricate nanofibrous materials with adjustable structure, property, and functions. Electrospun materials have exhibited wide applications in the fields of materials science, biomedicine, tissue engineering, energy storage, environmental science, sensing, and others. In this review, we present recent advance in the fabrication of nanoparticles (NPs)-based materials interfaces through electrospinning technique and their applications for high-performance sensors. To achieve this aim, first the strategies for fabricating various materials interfaces through electrospinning NPs, such as metallic, oxide, alloy/metal oxide, and carbon NPs, are demonstrated and discussed, and then the sensor applications of the fabricated NPs-based materials interfaces in electrochemical, electric, fluorescent, colorimetric, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, photoelectric, and chemoresistance-based sensing and detection are presented and discussed in detail. We believe that this study will be helpful for readers to understand the fabrication of functional materials interfaces by electrospinning, and at the same time will promote the design and fabrication of electrospun nano/micro-devices for wider applications in bioanalysis and label-free sensors.
Die-Attach Structure of Silicon-on-Glass MEMS Devices Considering Asymmetric Packaging Stress and Thermal Stress
Authors: An Jun Eon , Park Usung , Jung Dong Geon , Park Chihyun , Kong Seong Ho
Published: September 2019

Die attach is a typical process that induces thermal stress in the fabrication of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices. One solution to this problem is attaching a portion of the die to the package. In such partial die bonding, the lack of control over the spreading of the adhesive can cause non-uniform attachment. In this case, asymmetric packaging stress could be generated and transferred to the die. The performance of MEMS devices, which employ the differential outputs of the sensing elements, is directly affected by the asymmetric packaging stress. In this paper, we proposed a die-attach structure with a pillar to reduce the asymmetric packaging stress and the changes in packaging stress due to changes in the device temperature. To verify the proposed structure, we fabricated four types of differential resonant accelerometers (DRA) with the silicon-on-glass process. We confirmed experimentally that the pillar can control the spreading of the adhesive and that the asymmetric packaging stress is considerably reduced. The simulation and experimental results indicated that the DRAs manufactured using glass-on-silicon wafers as handle substrates instead of conventional glass wafers have a structure that compensates for the thermal stress.
Improving Cognitive Visual-Motor Abilities in Individuals with Down Syndrome
Authors: Torres-Carrión Pablo V. , González-González Carina S. , Toledo-Delgado Pedro A. , Muñoz-Cruz Vanesa , Gil-Iranzo Rosa , Reyes-Alonso Nuria , Hernández-Morales Selene
Published: September 2019

Down syndrome causes a reduction in cognitive abilities, with visual-motor skills being particularly affected. In this work, we have focused on this skill in order to stimulate better learning. The proposal relies on stimulating the cognitive visual-motor skills of individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) using exercises with a gestural interaction platform based on the KINECT sensor named TANGO:H, the goal being to improve them. To validate the proposal, an experimental single-case study method was designed using two groups: a control group and an experimental one, with similar cognitive ages. Didactic exercises were provided to the experimental group using visual cognitive stimulation. These exercises were created on the TANGO:H Designer, a platform that was designed for gestural interaction using the KINECT sensor. As a result, TANGO:H allows for visual-motor cognitive stimulation through the movement of hands, arms, feet and head. The “Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities (ITPA)” was applied to both groups as a pre-test and post-test in its four reference sections: visual comprehension, visual-motor sequential memory, visual association, and visual integration. Two checks were made, one using the longitudinal comparison of the pre-test/post-test of the experimental group, and another that relied on comparing the difference of the means of the pre-test/post-test. We also used an observational methodology for the working sessions from the experimental group. Although the statistical results do not show significant differences between the two groups, the results of the observations exhibited an improvement in visual-motor cognitive skills.
Microstrip Patch Strain Sensor Miniaturization Using Sierpinski Curve Fractal Geometry
Authors: Herbko Michal , Lopato Przemyslaw
Published: September 2019

In this paper miniaturization of a microstrip patch strain sensor (MPSS) using fractal geometry was proposed and analyzed. For this purpose, the transducer of Sierpinski curve geometry was utilized and compared with the most commonly utilized rectangular resonator-based one. Both sensors were designed for the same resonant frequency value (2.725 GHz). This fact allows analysis of the influence of the patch (resonator) shape and size on the resonant frequency shift. This is very important as the sensors with the same resonator shape but designed on various operating frequencies have various resonant frequency shifts. Simulation and experimental analysis for all sensors were carried out. A good convergence between results of simulation and measurements was achieved. The obtained results proved the possibility of microstrip strain sensor dimensions reduction using Sierpinski curve fractal geometry. Additionally, an influence of microstrip line deformation for proposed sensors was studied.
Impedimetric Immunosensor Utilizing Polyaniline/Gold Nanocomposite-Modified Screen-Printed Electrodes for Early Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Shaikh Muhammad Omar , Srikanth Boyanagunta , Zhu Pei-Yu , Chuang Cheng-Hsin
Published: September 2019

The presence of small amounts of human serum albumin (HSA) in urine or microalbuminuria (30–300 µg/mL) is a valuable clinical biomarker for the early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Herein, we report on the development of an inexpensive and disposable immunosensor for the sensitive, specific, and label-free detection of HSA using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). We have utilized a simple one-step screen-printing protocol to fabricate the carbon-based three-electrode system on flexible plastic substrates. To enable efficient antibody immobilization and improved sensitivity, the carbon working electrode was sequentially modified with electropolymerized polyaniline (PANI) and electrodeposited gold nanocrystals (AuNCs). The PANI matrix serves as an interconnected nanostructured scaffold for homogeneous distribution of AuNCs and the resulting PANI/AuNCs nanocomposite synergically improved the immunosensor response. The PANI/AuNCs-modified working electrode surface was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the electrochemical response at each step was analyzed using EIS in a ferri/ferrocyanide redox probe solution. The normalized impedance variation during immunosensing increased linearly with HSA concentration in the range of 3–300 µg/mL and a highly repeatable response was observed for each concentration. Furthermore, the immunosensor displayed high specificity when tested using spiked sample solutions containing different concentrations of actin protein and J82 cell lysate (a complex fluid containing a multitude of interfering proteins). Consequently, these experimental results confirm the feasibility of the proposed immunosensor for early diagnosis and prognosis of CKD at the point of care.
Multispecies Design and Ethnographic Practice: Following Other-Than-Humans as a Mode of Exploring Environmental Issues
Authors: Gatto Gionata , McCardle John R.
Published: September 2019

Since the early 1980s, the concept of sustainability has been employed by designers to confront the problems deriving from the emergence of the environmental crisis. On the one hand, if this contributed to generating systemic design approaches and methods to mitigate the human impact on the planet, little has been done to explore sustainability as a concept that extends beyond anthropocentrism. Examining environmental issues by considering other-than-human viewpoints could introduce alternative scenarios compared to those envisioned through technocentric means. This work considers a speculative design project that provides a multispecies reading of the notion of environmental contamination through the engagement of human and vegetal perspectives. The considered methodology focusses on the transdisciplinary tactic of “following” plant collectives across the multiple sites and actors that populate their life. Building on post-humanism theories and Guattari’s concept of “ecosophy”, this paper entails that sustainability should be seen not just as the outcome of a design process, but also as a behavioural attitude, and design as an implementation of that attitude. It is argued that following other-than-humans can teach designers to think sustainably by cultivating relations of reciprocity that help to shed light on the multispecies landscapes of the Anthropocene.
Mapping the Narrow-Line Seyfert 1 Galaxy 1H 0323+342
Authors: Foschini Luigi , Ciroi Stefano , Berton Marco , Vercellone Stefano , Romano Patrizia , Braito Valentina
Published: September 2019

Taking advantage of the most recent measurements by means of high-resolution radio observations and other multiwavelength campaigns, it is possible to elaborate a detailed map of the narrow-line Seyfert 1 Galaxy 1H 0323 + 342 . This map will open the possibility of intriguing hypotheses about the generation of high-energy γ rays in the narrow-line region.
A Machine Learning Approach to Study the Relationship between Features of the Urban Environment and Street Value
Authors: Venerandi Alessandro , Fusco Giovanni , Tettamanzi Andrea , Emsellem David
Published: September 2019

Understanding what aspects of the urban environment are associated with better socioeconomic/liveability outcomes is a long standing research topic. Several quantitative studies have investigated such relationships. However, most of such works analysed single correlations, thus failing to obtain a more complete picture of how the urban environment can contribute to explain the observed phenomena. More recently, multivariate models have been suggested. However, they use a limited set of metrics, propose a coarse spatial unit of analysis, and assume linearity and independence among regressors. In this paper, we propose a quantitative methodology to study the relationship between a more comprehensive set of metrics of the urban environment and the valorisation of street segments that handles non-linearity and possible interactions among variables, through the use of Machine Learning (ML). The proposed methodology was tested on the French Riviera and outputs show a moderate predictive capacity (i.e., adjusted R 2 = 0.75 ) and insightful explanations on the nuanced relationships between selected features of the urban environment and street values. These findings are clearly location specific; however, the methodology is replicable and can thus inspire future research of this kind in different geographic contexts.
Long-Term Effects of Dietary Olive Oil and Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil on Expression of Lipogenic Genes in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue of Dairy Cows
Authors: Vargas-Bello-Pérez Einar , Bionaz Massimo , Sciarresi-Arechabala Pietro , Cancino-Padilla Nathaly , Morales María , Romero Jaime , Leskinen Heidi , Garnsworthy Philip , Loor Juan
Published: September 2019

The objective of this study was to characterize the long-term transcriptomic effects of lipogenic genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of dairy cows supplemented with unsaturated (olive oil; OO) and saturated (hydrogenated vegetable oil; HVO) lipids. Cows were fed a control diet with no added lipid, or diets containing OO or HVO (n = 5 cows/group) for 63 days. SAT was obtained from the tail-head area at the onset of the study and after 21, 42, and 63 days of supplementation. Treatments had minor effects on expression of measured genes. Both fat supplements reduced expression of PPARG, HVO decreased transcription of the desaturase FADS2 and lipid droplet formation PLIN2, and OO increased transcription of FABP3. Both lipid treatments decreased expression of the transcription regulator SREBF1 and its chaperone (SCAP) during the first 21 days of treatment. Our data indicated that long-term feeding of OO and HVO have a relatively mild effect on expression of lipogenic genes in SAT of mid-lactating cows.
Comparison of Tab-To-Busbar Ultrasonic Joints for Electric Vehicle Li-Ion Battery Applications
Authors: Das Abhishek , Barai Anup , Masters Iain , Williams David
Published: September 2019

Recent uptake in the use of lithium-ion battery packs within electric vehicles has drawn significant attention to the selection of busbar material and corresponding thickness, which are usually based on mechanical, electrical and thermal characteristics of the welded joints, material availability and cost. To determine joint behaviour corresponding to critical-to-quality criteria, this study uses one of the widely used joining technologies, ultrasonic metal welding (UMW), to produce tab-to-busbar joints using copper and aluminium busbars of varying thicknesses. Joints for electrical and thermal characterisation were selected based on the satisfactory mechanical strength determined from the T-peel tests. Electrical contact resistance and corresponding temperature rise at the joints were compared for different tab-to-busbar joints by passing current through the joints. The average resistance or temperature increase from the 0.3 mm Al tab was 0.6 times higher than the 0.3 mm Cu[Ni] tab, irrespective of busbar selection.
Exploration of Optimal Powertrain Design Using Realistic Load Profiles
Authors: Pathak Aditya , Sethuraman Ganesh , Krapf Sebastian , Ongel Aybike , Lienkamp Markus
Published: September 2019

The electrification of bus-based public transportation contributes to the goal of reducing the adverse environmental impacts caused by urban transportation. However, the penetration of electric vehicles has been slow due to their lower vehicle range and total costs in comparison to vehicles driven by internal combustion engines. By improving the powertrain efficiency, the total costs can be reduced for the same vehicle range. Therefore, this paper proposes a holistic design exploration approach to investigate and identify the optimal powertrain concept for electric city buses based on the component costs and energy consumption costs. The load profiles of speed, slope, and passenger occupancy profiles are derived for a selected bus route in Singapore, which is used in a powertrain design exploration for a 30-passenger vehicle. Six different powertrain architectures are analyzed, together with single and multi-speed gearbox configurations, to identify the optimal powertrain architecture and the resulting component sizes. The powertrain configurations are further analyzed in terms of their influence on the vehicle characteristics and total costs. Multi-motor configurations were found to have better vehicle characteristics and lower total costs in comparison to single rear motor configurations. Concepts with motors on the front and a rear axle could shift the load points to a higher efficiency region, resulting in lower energy consumption and energy costs. The optimal powertrain concept was a fixed-speed two-motor configuration, with a booster motor on the front axle and a motor on the rear axle.
Standardisation de la conception et sur mesure organisationnel. La sous-traitance de l’ingénierie urbaine
Authors: Bataille Nicolas , Lacroix Guillaume
Published: September 2019

At first glance, the increasing call for innovative urban projects contradicts the phenomena of city standardization. Observing the mechanisms of urban planning outsourcing in France through public markets helps in apprehending this apparent paradox. Methodological standardization in urban design can be first understood by looking at urban engineering performance models. Secondly, this is the consequence of public selection process that makes such engineering firms using renowned and standard methods to appears as a reliable contractor. When they do so, urban engineers contribute to the circulation of urban models within the field of urban planning and design. However, urban engineers claim to customize their services to meet organizational and local specificities, thus ensuring urban project success. This claim is part of a broader market strategy to offer highly-awarded consulting services to urban governments.
Référencement international et production urbaine standardisée. Hanoi, des modèles à la déclinaison
Authors: Leducq Divya
Published: September 2019

Cet article interroge la circulation des modèles urbains et la production d’un urbanisme standardisé dans le contexte de Hanoi – capitale du Vietnam – qui se trouve à la croisée de trois enjeux fondamentaux : l’internationalisation, l’inscription dans la compétition urbaine mondiale et la transition métropolitaine. Les résultats obtenus par un examen du Master Plan 2030-2050 approuvé en 2011 et une analyse des projets résidentiels et tertiaires en phase de mise en œuvre (2010-2017) permettent de souligner la multiplicité des idées et pratiques référencées par un système d’acteurs contribuant à réaliser une vision de la région-capitale soumise à de nombreux défis.
L’assistance technique Nord-Sud en urbanisme : circulation de modèles ou circulation d’urbanistes ?
Authors: Chitti Marco
Published: September 2019

This article approach technical assistance in aid development as a case of north-to-south diffusion of urban planning models and ideas. Rooted on post-colonial perspectives, dominant literature focus on gaps between original planning models and local adaptations, neglecting professionals grounded practice. Focusing on the process’s insiders, ethnographic and professional sociology’s approaches put the analysis of the transfer process in the light of the complexity of urban planners ’ expertise and situated professional practice. This paper argues that a closer investigation of urban planners in action in the context of technical assistance would enhance our comprehension on the international diffusion of urban planning.
Nouvelles du Sud. Analyse des processus de standardisation dans les villes latino-américaines. Le cas de Mexico
Authors: Navarrete Escobedo David
Published: September 2019

Depuis au moins 1980, la majorité des villes latino-américaines ont vu homologuer leurs agendas urbains. L’effet perçu est celui d’une ville standardisée avec les mêmes quartiers et équipements, caractéristiques du modèle économique néolibéral et globalisé. Par le biais d’une analyse théorique des processus, des acteurs et des supports de la circulation de modèles urbains dans cette région, cet article remet en question la nature de cette standardisation pour conclure qu’historiquement la ville latino-américaine a toujours été exposée à la standardisation sans que cela exclut une identité propre, c’est-à-dire des hybridations de modèles urbains et actuellement une standardisation soft.
Ville « d’autrefois ». La logique du marketing dans le renouvellement urbain du Plessis-Robinson
Authors: Lupo Giulio , Badiani Barbara
Published: September 2019

Le renouvellement urbain du Plessis-Robinson constitue un cas emblématique où le choix du « traditionnel » s’inscrit dans une logique de marketing. Il fonctionne comme une marque (brand) avec des « solutions » et « figures » réplicables et gagnantes pour vendre la ville. Aujourd’hui, on observe de plus en plus cette marque à une large échelle internationale, uniformisant les formes urbaines et architecturales de plusieurs villes. Cette nouvelle production urbaine masque plusieurs ambiguïtés, par exemple citoyen/client, plan urbain/images de marketing, choix/imposition, authenticité/simulation.
KETERLIBATAN KARYAWAN TERHADAP KINERJA UNTUK PENINGKATAN PELAYANAN PADA POLITEKNIK LP3I JAKRTA KAMPUS BEKASI
Authors: Darmawan Darmawan , Rosita Rahmi
Published: September 2019

Keterlibatan karyawan dalam memberikan pelayanan yang terbaik untuk organisasi berhubungan erat dengan kinerja yang dihasilkan. Semua tentang kemauan dan kemampuan karyawan untuk memberikan upaya peningkatan berkelanjutan sangat membantu organisasi berhasil. Kinerja untuk peningkatan pelayanan dapat disimpulkan seberapa positif karyawan dalam dimensi-dimensi : Kebijakan Perusahaan dan Administrasi, Supervise, Tempat Berkerja, sebagai proaktif karyawan dalam hubungan mencapai tujuan Organisasi dalam rangka peningkatan pelayanan untuk Pelanggan, Kolega dan Stake Holder Lainnya.

Dalam hal ini “Keterlibatan”(dalam arti positif) Karyawan disadur dalam bahasa Inggris aka nada sedikit perbedaan persepsi yang dapat diartikan sebagai status “Engagement” terhadap lingkungan kerja atau perusahaan tempatnya bekerja dengan istilah “Employee Engagement” yang diperkenalakan oleh Gallup. Kondisi keterikatan tersebut adalah kondisi dimana seorang Karyawan merasa mempunyai ikatan yang sangat special dengan lingkungan kerjanya, dan oleh karena itu karyawan tersebut akan dengan suka rela akan melakukan apapun untuk kemajuan perusahaanya dengan terus berkontribusi secara optimal. Sumber daya manusia adalah harta atau aset yang paling penting dimiliki oleh suatu organisasi atau perusahaan, karena keberhasilan organisasi sangat ditentukan oleh unsur manusia. Manusia berperan sebagai perencanaan, pelaksanaan, dan sekaligus pengendalikan terwujudnya tujuan organisasi atau perusanaan.

Kata Kunci : Keterlibatan, Engagement Employee , Sumber Daya Manusia, dan Pelayanan.
PELAKSANAAN PENGAWASAN PROSEDUR PURCHASE ORDER (PO) PADA PT SHOWA INDONESIA DI BEKASI
Authors: Nugroho Edi
Published: September 2019

Artikel ini mengenai Pelaksanaan Pengawasan Prosedur Purchase Order Pada PT Showa Indonesia Manufacturing – Cikarang”. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kendala dan solusi Pelaksanaan Pengawasan Purchase Order Pada PT Showa Indonesia Manufacturing di Cikarang. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian adalah deskriptif kualitatif yaitu menggambarkan hasil observasi dan menganalisa dengan data yang diperoleh perusahaan. Setelah melakukan analisis dan pembahasan masalah, penulis memperoleh kesimpulan bahwa Pengawasan Purchase Order Pada PT Showa Indonesia Manufacturing berjalan dengan baik.

Kata Kunci : Purchase Order, Pengawasan