bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of SO2 on the Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx over V2O5-CeO2/TiO2-ZrO2 Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Yaping , Wu Peng , Zhuang Ke , Shen Kai , Wang Sheng , Guo Wanqiu
Published: August 2019

The effect of SO2 on the selective catalytic reduction of NOx by NH3 over V2O5-0.2CeO2/TiO2-ZrO2 catalysts was studied through catalytic activity tests and various characterization methods, like Brunner−Emmet−Teller (BET) surface measurement, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), hydrogen temperature-programmed desorption (H2-TPR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and in situ diffused reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS). The results showed that the catalyst exhibited superior SO2 resistance when the volume fraction of SO2 was below 0.02%. As the SO2 concentration further increased, the NOx conversion exhibited some degree of decline but could restore to the original level when stopping feeding SO2. The deactivation of the catalyst caused by water in the flue gas was reversible. However, when 10% H2O was introduced together with 0.06% SO2, the NOx conversion was rapidly reduced and became unrecoverable. Characterizations indicated that the specific surface area of the deactivated catalyst was significantly reduced and the redox ability was weakened, which was highly responsible for the decrease of the catalytic activity. XPS results showed that more Ce3+ was generated in the case of reacting with SO2. In situ DRIFTS results confirmed that the adsorption capacity of SO2 was enhanced obviously in the presence of O2, while the SO2 considerably refrained the adsorption of NH3. The adsorption of NOx was strengthened by SO2 to some extent. In addition, NH3 adsorption was improved after pre-adsorbed by SO2 + O2, indicating that the Ce3+ and more oxygen vacancy were produced.
Utilization of Carbon Nanospheres in Photocatalyst Production: From Composites to Highly Active Hollow Structures
Authors: Gyulavári Tamás , Veréb Gábor , Pap Zsolt , Réti Balázs , Baan Kornelia , Todea Milica , Magyari Klára , Szilágyi Imre Miklós , Hernadi Klara
Published: August 2019

Titanium dioxide–carbon sphere (TiO2–CS) composites were constructed via using prefabricated carbon spheres as templates. By the removal of template from the TiO2–CS, TiO2 hollow structures (HS) were synthesized. The CS templates were prepared by the hydrothermal treatment of ordinary table sugar (sucrose). TiO2–HSs were obtained by removing CSs with calcination. Our own sensitized TiO2 was used for coating the CSs. The structure of the CSs, TiO2–CS composites, and TiO2–HSs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The effect of various synthesis parameters (purification method of CSs, precursor quantity, and applied furnace) on the morphology was investigated. The photocatalytic activity was investigated by phenol model pollutant degradation under visible light irradiation (λ > 400 nm). It was established that the composite samples possess lower crystallinity and photocatalytic activity compared to TiO2 hollow structures. Based on XPS measurements, the carbon content on the surface of the TiO2–HS exerts an adverse effect on the photocatalytic performance. The synthesis parameters were optimized and the TiO2–HS specimen having the best absolute and surface normalized photocatalytic efficiency was identified. The superior properties were explained in terms of its unique morphology and surface properties. The stability of this TiO2–HS was investigated via XRD and SEM measurements after three consecutive phenol degradation tests, and it was found to be highly stable as it entirely retained its crystal phase composition, morphology and photocatalytic activity.
Antimicrobial Silver Nanoparticles for Wound Healing Application: Progress and Future Trends
Authors: Paladini Federica , Pollini Mauro
Published: August 2019

Recent data have reported that the burden of infections related to antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA) can be estimated as the cumulative burden of tuberculosis, influenza, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In wound management, the control of infections represents a crucial issue and a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide. For diabetic wounds ulcers, in particular, infections are related to the majority of amputations in diabetic patients, which today represent an increasing number of the elderly. The greatest barrier to healing is represented by the biofilm, an organized consortium of bacteria encapsulated in a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance with high resistance to conventional antimicrobial therapies. There is an urgent need for novel anti-biofilm strategies and novel antimicrobial agents and, in this scenario, silver nanotechnology has received tremendous attention in recent years in therapeutically enhanced healthcare. Due to its intrinsic therapeutic properties and the broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy, silver nanoparticles have opened new horizons towards novel approaches in the control of infections in wound healing. This review aims at providing the reader with an overview of the most recent progress in silver nanotechnology, with a special focus on the role of silver in the wound healing process.
Comparative Study of Electrophoretic Deposition of Doped BaCeO3-Based Films on La2NiO4+δ and La1.7Ba0.3NiO4+δ Cathode Substrates
Authors: Kalinina Elena , Pikalova Elena , Kolchugin Alexandr , Pikalova Nadezhda , Farlenkov Andrey
Published: August 2019

This paper presents the results of a comparative study of methods to prevent the loss of barium during the formation of thin-film proton-conducting electrolyte BaCe0.89Gd0.1Cu0.01O3−δ (BCGCuO) on La2NiO4+δ-based (LNO) cathode substrates by electrophoretic deposition (EPD). Three different methods of the BCGCuO film coating were considered: the formation of the BCGCuO electrolyte film without (1) and with a protective BaCeO3 (BCO) film (2) on the LNO electrode substrate and the formation of the BCGCuO electrolyte film on a modified La1.7Ba0.3NiO4+δ (LBNO) cathode substrate (3). After the cyclic EPD in six stages, the resulting BCGCuO film (6 μm) (1) on the LNO substrate was completely dense, but the scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed the absence of barium in the film caused by its intensive diffusion into the substrate and evaporation during the sintering. The BCO layer prevented the barium loss in the BCGCuO film (2); however, the protective film possessed a porous island structure, which resulted in the deterioration of the film’s conductivity. The use of the modified LBNO cathode also effectively prevented the loss of barium in the BCGCuO film (3). A BCGCuO film whose conductivity behavior most closely resembled that of the compacts was obtained by using this method which has strong potential for practical applications in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology.
Monte Carlo Methods and the Koksma-Hlawka Inequality
Authors: Ermakov Sergey , Leora Svetlana
Published: August 2019

The solution of a wide class of applied problems can be represented as an integral over the trajectories of a random process. The process is usually modeled with the Monte Carlo method and the integral is estimated as the average value of a certain function on the trajectories of this process. Solving this problem with acceptable accuracy usually requires modeling a very large number of trajectories; therefore development of methods to improve the accuracy of such algorithms is extremely important. The paper discusses Monte Carlo method modifications that use some classical results of the theory of cubature formulas (quasi-random methods). A new approach to the derivation of the well known Koksma-Hlawka inequality is pointed out. It is shown that for high ( s > 5 ) dimensions of the integral, the asymptotic decrease of the error comparable to the asymptotic behavior of the Monte Carlo method, can be achieved only for a very large number of nodes N. It is shown that a special criterion can serve as a correct characteristic of the error decrease (average order of the error decrease). Using this criterion, it is possible to analyze the error for reasonable values of N and to compare various quasi-random sequences. Several numerical examples are given. Obtained results make it possible to formulate recommendations on the correct use of the quasi-random numbers when calculating integrals over the trajectories of random processes.
A Wireless Implantable System for Facilitating Gastrointestinal Motility
Authors: Wang Po-Min , Dubrovsky Genia , Dunn James , Lo Yi-Kai , Liu Wentai
Published: August 2019

Gastrointestinal (GI) electrical stimulation has been shown in several studies to be a potential treatment option for GI motility disorders. Despite the promising preliminary research progress, however, its clinical applicability and usability are still unknown and limited due to the lack of a miniaturized versatile implantable stimulator supporting the investigation of effective stimulation patterns for facilitating GI dysmotility. In this paper, we present a wireless implantable GI modulation system to fill this technology gap. The system consists of a wireless extraluminal gastrointestinal modulation device (EGMD) performing GI electrical stimulation, and a rendezvous device (RD) and a custom-made graphical user interface (GUI) outside the body to wirelessly power and configure the EGMD to provide the desired stimuli for modulating GI smooth muscle activities. The system prototype was validated in bench-top and in vivo tests. The GI modulation system demonstrated its potential for facilitating intestinal transit in the preliminary in vivo chronic study using porcine models.
Microfluidic Generation of Amino-Functionalized Hydrogel Microbeads Capable of On-Bead Bioassay
Authors: Kim Seongsoo , Lee Sang-Myung , Lee Sung Sik , Shin Dong-Sik
Published: August 2019

Microfluidic generation of hydrogel microbeads is a highly efficient and reproducible approach to create various functional hydrogel beads. Here, we report a method to prepare crosslinked amino-functionalized polyethylene glycol (PEG) microbeads using a microfluidic channel. The microbeads generated from a microfluidic device were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and confocal laser scanning microscopy, respectively. We found that the microbeads were monodisperse and the amino groups were localized on the shell region of the microbeads. A swelling test exhibited compatibility with various solvents. A cell binding assay was successfully performed with RGD peptide-coupled amino-functionalized hydrogel microbeads. This strategy will enable the large production of the various functional microbeads, which can be used for solid phase peptide synthesis and on-bead bioassays.
Enhanced Photon Emission Efficiency Using Surface Plasmon Effect of Pt Nanoparticles in Ultra-Violet Emitter
Authors: Choi Hee-Jung , Kim Sohyeon , Chu Eun-Kyung , Noh Beom-Rae , Lee Won-Seok , Kwon Soon-Hwan , Oh Semi , Kim Kyoung-Kook
Published: August 2019

We demonstrate the surface plasmon (SP)-enhanced ultraviolet (UV) emitter using Pt nanoparticles (NPs). The UV emitter is hole-patterned on the p-AlGaN layer to consider the penetration depth of Pt NPs. The Pt NPs with sizes under 50 nm are required to realize the plasmonic absorption in UV wavelength. In this study, we confirm the average Pt NP sizes of 10 nm, 20 nm, and 25 nm, respectively, at an annealing temperature of 600 °C. The absorption of annealed Pt NPs is covered with the 365-nm wavelength. The electroluminescence intensity of SP-UV is 70% higher than that of reference UV emitter without hole-patterns and Pt NPs. This improvement can be attributed to the increase of spontaneous emission rate through resonance coupling between the excitons in multiple quantum wells and Pt NPs deposited on the p-AlGaN layer.
Genomic Sequence Analysis of the Multidrug-Resistance Region of Avian Salmonella enterica serovar Indiana Strain MHYL
Authors: Lu Yan , Wen Yanjia , Hu Ge , Liu Yuqi , Beier Ross C. , Hou Xiaolin
Published: August 2019

A series of human and animal diseases that are caused by Salmonella infections pose a serious threat to human health and huge economic losses to the livestock industry. We found antibiotic resistance (AR) genes in the genome of 133 strains of S. Indiana from a poultry production site in Shandong Province, China. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Indiana strain MHYL had multidrug-resistance (MDR) genes on its genome. Southern blot analysis was used to locate genes on the genomic DNA. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to determine the gene sequence of the MHYL genome. Areas containing MDR genes were mapped based on the results of gene annotation. The AR genes blaTEM, strA, tetA, and aac(6′)-Ib-cr were found on the MHYL genome. The resistance genes were located in two separate MDR regions, RR1 and RR2, containing type I integrons, and Tn7 transposons and multiple IS26 complex transposons with transposable functions. Portions of the MDR regions were determined to be highly homologous to the structure of plasmid pAKU_1 in S. enterica serovar Paratyphi A (accession number: AM412236), SGI11 in S. enterica serovar Typhimurium (accession number: KM023773), and plasmid pS414 in S. Indiana (accession No.: KC237285).
Flavonoids from Brazilian Cerrado: Biosynthesis, Chemical and Biological Profile
Authors: Peixoto Josana de Castro , Neves Bruno Junior , Vasconcelos Flávia Gonçalves , Napolitano Hamilton Barbosa , Barbalho Maria Gonçalves da Silva , Silva Sandro Dutra e , Rosseto Lucimar Pinheiro
Published: August 2019

Flavonoids are highly bioactive compounds with very low toxicity, which makes them attractive starting points in drug discovery. This study aims to provide information on plant species containing flavonoids, which are found in the Brazilian Cerrado. First, we present the characterization and plant diversity with emphasis on the families of flavonoid-producing plants, and then we describe the phenylpropanoid pathway which represents the flavonoids’ main route biosynthesis—generally conserved in all species. Chemical structures and biological activities of flavonoids isolated from the Cerrado’s plant species are also described based on examples from the relevant literature studies. Finally, research on the biodiversity of the Cerrado biome should be encouraged, due to the discovery of new sources of flavonoids which can provide several benefits to human health and the possibility of developing new drugs by the pharmaceutical industry.
Complementary Untargeted and Targeted Metabolomics for Differentiation of Extra Virgin Olive Oils of Different Origin of Purchase Based on Volatile and Phenolic Composition and Sensory Quality
Authors: Da Ros Alessio , Masuero Domenico , Riccadonna Samantha , Brkić Bubola Karolina , Mulinacci Nadia , Mattivi Fulvio , Lukić Igor , Vrhovsek Urska
Published: August 2019

In order to differentiate the extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) of different origin of purchase, such as monovarietal Italian EVOO with protected denomination of origin (PDO) and commercial-blended EVOO purchased in supermarkets, a number of samples was subjected to the analysis of volatile aroma compounds by both targeted gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and untargeted profiling by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOF-MS), analysis of phenols by targeted high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS), and quantitative descriptive sensory analysis. Monovarietal PDO EVOOs were characterized by notably higher amounts of positive LOX-derived C6 and C5 volatile compounds, which corresponded to the higher intensities of all the assessed positive fruity and green odor sensory attributes. Commercial-blended EVOOs had larger quantities of generally undesirable esters, alcohols, acids, and aldehydes, which coincided with the occurrence of sensory defects in many samples. Many minor volatile compounds that were identified by GC×GC-TOF-MS were found to differentiate each of the two investigated groups. The differences between the groups with respect to phenols and taste characteristics were evident, but less pronounced. The results that were obtained in this study have undoubtedly confirmed the existence of the large heterogeneity of oils that are sold declared as EVOO. It was shown that GC-MS, GC×GC-TOF-MS, and HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS analyses have complementary outputs, and that their use in combination has advantages in supporting the results of sensory analysis and objectively differentiating these groups of EVOO.
Cordycepin Isolated from Cordyceps militaris: Its Newly Discovered Herbicidal Property and Potential Plant-Based Novel Alternative to Glyphosate
Authors: Quy Tran Ngoc , Xuan Tran Dang , Andriana Yusuf , Tran Hoang-Dung , Khanh Tran Dang , Teschke Rolf
Published: August 2019

There is currently much interest in finding new phytochemicals among plants and fungi as nature-based alternatives to replace problematic herbicides such as glyphosate, which are preferentially used in agricultural production. We discovered striking herbicidal potency in Cordyceps militaris (L.) and identified cordycepin as its principal plant growth inhibitor. Cordycepin obtained as an ethyl acetate extract was subjected to column chromatography and evaluated for its bioassay-guided phytotoxic capacity against Raphanus sativus (radish), showing a maximum inhibition on germination and growth of radish (IC50 = 0.052–0.078 mg/mL). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) (m/z: 251.2) and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) ([M + Na]+ m/z: 274.1; [M + H]+ m/z: 252.1) analyses confirmed cordycepin as the major component of the tested column fraction (55.38%). At 0.04 mg/mL, cordycepin showed 3.8–5.9- and 3.3–3.7-fold greater inhibition of the germination and growth of radish than benzoic acid (BA) and glyphosate, respectively. Compared with BA, isolated cordycepin reduced plant chlorophyll and carotenoid contents (2.0–9.5 -fold), while proline, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were increased 1.2–1.8-fold. Finally, cordycepin promoted electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde accumulation in radish aerial parts. Thus, cordycepin successfully isolated from Cordyceps militaris is a highly potent plant growth inhibitor with pending worldwide patent and may become a potential plant-based novel alternative to the disputed glyphosate.
A Traditional Mediterranean Diet Effectively Reduces Inflammation and Improves Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Razquin Cristina , Martinez-Gonzalez Miguel A.
Published: August 2019

Chrysohoou et al. fifteen years ago, showed in an elegant analysis nested within the ATTICAstudy [1] that a dietary score reflecting adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) wasinversely associated with plasma biomarkers of low-grade inflammation [...]
The Mediterranean Diet in the Stroke Belt: A Cross-Sectional Study on Adherence and Perceived Knowledge, Barriers, and Benefits
Authors: Knight Caroline J. , Jackson Olivia , Rahman Imran , Burnett Donna O. , Frugé Andrew D. , Greene Michael W.
Published: August 2019

The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is recommended by the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans, yet little is known about the perceived barriers and benefits to the diet in the U.S., particularly in the Stroke Belt (SB). Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine MedDiet adherence and perceived knowledge, benefits, and barriers to the MedDiet in the U.S. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1447 participants in the U.S., and responses were sorted into geographic groups: the SB, California (CA), and all other US states (OtherUS). Linear models and multivariable linear regression analysis was used for data analysis. Convenience, sensory factors, and health were greater barriers to the MedDiet in the SB group, but not the OtherUS group (p < 0.05). Weight loss was considered a benefit of the MedDiet in the SB (p < 0.05), while price and familiarity were found to be less of a benefit (p < 0.05). Respondents with a bachelor’s degree or greater education had greater total MEDAS scores (p < 0.05) and obese participants had a lower MedDiet adherence score (p < 0.05). Our results identify key barriers and benefits of the MedDiet in the SB which can inform targeted MedDiet intervention studies.
Tracking Kids’ Food: Comparing the Nutritional Value and Marketing Appeals of Child-Targeted Supermarket Products Over Time
Authors: Elliott Charlene
Published: August 2019

Marketing unhealthy foods negatively impacts children’s food preferences, dietary habits and health, prompting calls for regulations that will help to create an “enabling” food environment for children. One powerful food marketing technique is product packaging, but little is known about the nature or quality of child-targeted food products over time. This study assesses how child-targeted supermarket foods in Canada have transformed with respect to nutritional profile and types of marketing appeals (that is, the power of such marketing). Products from 2009 (n = 354) and from 2017 (n = 374) were first evaluated and compared in light of two established nutritional criteria, and then compared in terms of marketing techniques on packages. Overall, child-targeted supermarket foods did not improve nutritionally over time: 88% of child-targeted products (across both datasets) would not be permitted to be marketed to children, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, and sugar levels remained consistently high. Despite this poor nutritional quality, the use of nutrition claims increased significantly over time, as did the use of cartoon characters and appealing fonts to attract children’s attention. Character licensing—using characters from entertainment companies—remained consistent. The findings reveal the critical need to consider packaging as part of the strategy for protecting children from unhealthy food marketing. Given the poor nutritional quality and appealing nature of child-oriented supermarket foods, food product packaging needs to be included in the WHO’s call to improve the restrictions on unhealthy food marketing to children.
Longitudinal Changes of Mineral Concentrations in Preterm and Term Human Milk from Lactating Swiss Women
Authors: Sabatier Magalie , Garcia-Rodenas Clara L. , De Castro Carlos A. , Kastenmayer Peter , Vigo Mario , Dubascoux Stéphane , Andrey Daniel , Nicolas Marine , Richoz Payot Janique , Bordier Valentine , Thakkar Sagar K. , Beauport Lydie , Tolsa Jean-François , Fischer Fumeaux Céline J. , Affolter Michael
Published: August 2019

An adequate mineral supply to preterm infants is essential for normal growth and development. This study aimed to compare the mineral contents of human milk (HM) from healthy mothers of preterm (28–32 weeks) and full term (>37 weeks) infants. Samples were collected weekly for eight weeks for the term group (n = 34) and, biweekly up to 16 weeks for the preterm group (n = 27). Iron, zinc, selenium, copper, iodine, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium were quantitatively analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. The mineral contents of both HM showed parallel compositional changes over the period of lactation, with occasional significant differences when compared at the same postpartum age. However, when the comparisons were performed at an equivalent postmenstrual age, preterm HM contained less zinc and copper from week 39 to 48 (p < 0.002) and less selenium from week 39 to 44 (p < 0.002) than term HM. This translates into ranges of differences (min–max) of 53% to 78%, 30% to 72%, and 11% to 33% lower for zinc, copper, and selenium, respectively. These data provide comprehensive information on the temporal changes of ten minerals in preterm HM and may help to increase the accuracy of the mineral fortification of milk for preterm consumption.
Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) Suppresses Pancreatic Cancer Cell Growth, Invasion, and Migration partly through the Inhibition of Akt Pathway and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition: Enhanced Efficacy When Combined with Gemcitabine
Authors: Wei Ran , Cortez Penso Natalia E. , Hackman Robert M. , Wang Yuefei , Mackenzie Gerardo G.
Published: August 2019

Most pancreatic cancers are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage when they have already metastasized. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major polyphenolic constituent of green tea, has been shown to reduce pancreatic cancer growth, but its effect on metastasis remains elusive. This study evaluated the capacity of EGCG to inhibit pancreatic cancer cell migration and invasion and the underlying mechanisms. EGCG reduced pancreatic cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo. EGCG prevented “Cadherin switch” and decreased the expression level of TCF8/ZEB1, β-Catenin, and Vimentin. Mechanistically, EGCG inhibited the Akt pathway in a time-dependent manner, by suppressing IGFR phosphorylation and inducing Akt degradation. Co-treatment with catalase or N-Acetyl-L-cysteine did not abrogate EGCG’s effect on the Akt pathway or cell growth. Moreover, EGCG synergized with gemcitabine to suppress pancreatic cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion, through modulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers and inhibiting Akt pathway. In summary, EGCG may prove beneficial to improve gemcitabine sensitivity in inhibiting pancreatic cancer cell migration and invasion, to some extent through the inhibition of Akt pathway and epithelial–mesenchymal transition.
Effects of Jasmonate on Ethylene Function during the Development of Tomato Stamens
Authors: Schubert Ramona , Grunewald Stephan , von Sivers Lea , Hause Bettina
Published: August 2019

The phenotype of the tomato mutant jasmonate-insensitive1-1 (jai1-1) mutated in the JA-Ile co-receptor COI1 demonstrates JA function in flower development, since it is female-sterile. In addition, jai1-1 exhibits a premature anther dehydration and pollen release, being in contrast to a delayed anther dehiscence in the JA-insensitive Arabidopsis mutant coi1-1. The double mutant jai1-1 Never ripe (jai1-1 Nr), which is in addition insensitive to ethylene (ET), showed a rescue of the jai1-1 phenotype regarding pollen release. This suggests that JA inhibits a premature rise in ET to prevent premature stamen desiccation. To elucidate the interplay of JA and ET in more detail, stamen development in jai1-1 Nr was compared to wild type, jai1-1 and Nr regarding water content, pollen vitality, hormone levels, and accumulation of phenylpropanoids and transcripts encoding known JA- and ET-regulated genes. For the latter, RT-qPCR based on nanofluidic arrays was employed. The data showed that additional prominent phenotypic features of jai1-1, such as diminished water content and pollen vitality, and accumulation of phenylpropanoids were at least partially rescued by the ET-insensitivity. Hormone levels and accumulation of transcripts were not affected. The data revealed that strictly JA-regulated processes cannot be rescued by ET-insensitivity, thereby emphasizing a rather minor role of ET in JA-regulated stamen development.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates Synthesized by Aeromonas Species: Trends and Challenges
Authors: Możejko-Ciesielska Justyna , Marciniak Paulina , Szacherska Karolina
Published: August 2019

The negative effects of petrochemical-derived plastics on the global environment and depletion of global fossil fuel supplies have paved the way for exploring new technologies for the production of bioplastics. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are considered an alternative for synthetic polymers because of their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. Many bacteria have been reported to have the ability to synthesize PHAs. Among them, the Aeromonas species seem to be ideal hosts for the industrial production of these biopolyesters due to their robust growth, simple growth requirements, their ability for the synthesis of homopolymers, co-polymers, and terpolymers with unique material properties. Some Aeromonas strains were able to produce PHAs in satisfactory amounts from simple carbon sources. Efforts have been made to use genetically modified Aeromonas strains for enhanced PHAs and to obtain bacteria with modified compositions and improved properties. This review discusses the current state of knowledge of polyhydroxyalkanoates synthesized by Aeromonas species, with a special focus on their potential, challenges, and progress in PHA synthesis.
Multitemporal Remote Sensing Based on an FVC Reference Period Using Sentinel-2 for Monitoring Eichhornia crassipes on a Mediterranean River
Authors: Ghoussein Youssra , Nicolas Hervé , Haury Jacques , Fadel Ali , Pichelin Pascal , Abou Hamdan Hussein , Faour Ghaleb
Published: August 2019

Invasive aquatic plants are a serious global ecological and socio-economic problem because they can cause local extinction of native species and alter navigation and fishing. Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) is a dangerous invasive floating plant that is widely distributed throughout the world. In Lebanon, it has spread since 2006 in the Al Kabir River. Remote sensing techniques have been widely developed to detect and monitor dynamics and extents of invasive plants such as water hyacinth over large areas. However, they become challenging to use in narrow areas such as the Al Kabir River and we developed a new image-analysis method to extract water hyacinth areas on the river. The method is based on a time series of a biophysical variable obtained from Sentinel-2 images. After defining a reference period between two growing cycles, we used the fractional vegetation cover (FVC) to estimate the water hyacinth surface area in the river. This method makes it possible to monitor water hyacinth development and estimate the total area it colonizes in the river corridor. This method can help ecologists and other stakeholders to map invasive plants in rivers and improve their control.
Analysis of Site-dependent Pinus halepensis Mill. Defoliation Caused by ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pini’ through Shape Selection in Landsat Time Series
Authors: Trujillo-Toro Jesus , Navarro-Cerrillo Rafael M.
Published: August 2019

High levels of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pini’ have produced extensive forest mortality on Pinus halepensis Mill forests in eastern Spain. This has led to the widespread levels of forest mortality. We used archival Landsat imagery and shapes algorithm implemented in the Google Earth Engine to explore the potential of the LandTrendr algorithm and its outputs, together with field observations, to analyze and predict the health status in P. halepensis stands affected by ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pini’ in Andalusia (south-eastern Spain). We found that the Landsat time series algorithm (LandTrendr) has captured both long- and short-duration trends and changes in spectral reflectance related to phytoplasma disturbance in the Aleppo pine forest stands investigated. The normalized burn ratio (NBR) trends were positively associated with environmental variables: Annual precipitation, mean temperature, soil depth, percent base saturation and aspect. Environmental variables were tested for their contributions to the mapping of changes in Aleppo pine cover in the study area, as an empirical modeling approach to disturbance mapping in forests of south-eastern Spain. The methodology outlined in this paper has produced valuable results that indicate new possibilities for the use in forest management of remote-sensing technologies based on spectral trajectories associated with pest-diseases defoliation. Given the likely increase in pest risks in the forests of southern Europe, accurate assessment and map of pest outbreaks on forests will become increasingly important, both for research and for practical applications in forest management.
An Integrated Indicator Framework for the Assessment of Multifunctional Green Infrastructure—Exemplified in a European City
Authors: Wang Jingxia , Pauleit Stephan , Banzhaf Ellen
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study is to provide an integrated indicator framework for the Assessment of Multifunctional Green Infrastructure (AMGI) to advance the evolution of the Green Infrastructure (GI) concept, and simultaneously deliver an approach do conduct a GI assessment using remote sensing datasets at multiple spatial and spectral scales. Based on this framework, we propose an explicit methodology for AMGI, while addressing the multi-dimensional pillars (ecology, socio-economy, socio-culture, and human health) for urban sustainability and the multifunctionality of GI. For the purpose of validation, we present the extensive process of employing our framework and methodology, and give an illustrative case exemplified in a European city, i.e., Leipzig, Germany. In this exemplification, we deployed three stages regarding how a single assessment can be conducted: from conceptual framework for priority setting, contextual assessment, to retrospective assessment. In this illustrative case study, we enclosed 18 indicators, as well as identified hot and cold spots of selected GI functions and their multifunctionality. A clear framework and methodology is crucial for the sustainable management of spatially oriented GI plans over time and for different stakeholder groups. Therefore, GI planners and policy makers may now refer to our integrative indicator framework and provided application methodology as common grounds for a better mutual understanding amongst scientists and stakeholders. This study contributes to discourses regarding the enhancement of the GI concept and is expected to provoke more discussion on the improvements of high-quality Remote Sensing (RS) data as well as the development of remote sensing-based methods at multiple spatial, temporal, and spectral scales to support GI plans.
Machine-Learning-Based Detection of Craving for Gaming Using Multimodal Physiological Signals: Validation of Test-Retest Reliability for Practical Use
Authors: Kim Hodam , Kim Laehyun , Im Chang-Hwan
Published: August 2019

Internet gaming disorder in adolescents and young adults has become an increasing public concern because of its high prevalence rate and potential risk of alteration of brain functions and organizations. Cue exposure therapy is designed for reducing or maintaining craving, a core factor of relapse of addiction, and is extensively employed in addiction treatment. In a previous study, we proposed a machine-learning-based method to detect craving for gaming using multimodal physiological signals including photoplethysmogram, galvanic skin response, and electrooculogram. Our previous study demonstrated that a craving for gaming could be detected with a fairly high accuracy; however, as the feature vectors for the machine-learning-based detection of the craving of a user were selected based on the physiological data of the user that were recorded on the same day, the effectiveness of the reuse of the machine learning model constructed during the previous experiments, without any further calibration sessions, was still questionable. This “high test-retest reliability” characteristic is of importance for the practical use of the craving detection system because the system needs to be repeatedly applied to the treatment processes as a tool to monitor the efficacy of the treatment. We presented short video clips of three addictive games to nine participants, during which various physiological signals were recorded. This experiment was repeated with different video clips on three different days. Initially, we investigated the test-retest reliability of 14 features used in a craving detection system by computing the intraclass correlation coefficient. Then, we classified whether each participant experienced a craving for gaming in the third experiment using various classifiers—the support vector machine, k-nearest neighbors (kNN), centroid displacement-based kNN, linear discriminant analysis, and random forest—trained with the physiological signals recorded during the first or second experiment. Consequently, the craving/non-craving states in the third experiment were classified with an accuracy that was comparable to that achieved using the data of the same day; thus, demonstrating a high test-retest reliability and the practicality of our craving detection method. In addition, the classification performance was further enhanced by using both datasets of the first and second experiments to train the classifiers, suggesting that an individually customized game craving detection system with high accuracy can be implemented by accumulating datasets recorded on different days under different experimental conditions.
A Methodology for Choosing Time Synchronization Strategies for Wireless IoT Networks
Authors: Tirado-Andrés Francisco , Rozas Alba , Araujo Alvaro
Published: August 2019

The wireless Internet of Things (IoT) family grows without interruption. Every day more applications and wireless devices are available to interconnect and help solve multiple problems in areas such as health, critical infrastructure, industry, etc. Many of the tasks to be performed by the IoT network require time synchronization for their correct operation, either to use the spectrum more efficiently, to add data from different sensors, or to carry out coordinated communications. Each of these applications has different requirements regarding time synchronization. This means that the decision of which strategy to follow to synchronize an IoT end device becomes a task that requires important prior analysis and usually, if developers are experts in the topic, ends with the implementation of an ad hoc solution. In this article, we present a methodology to choose an adequate time-synchronization strategy for any wireless IoT application. We also present a tool that executes the methodology, guiding the IoT application developer through some input forms. This combination of methodology and tool abstracts developers from the complexities of time-synchronization strategies, allowing them to choose the correct strategy regardless of their level of knowledge in wireless IoT time synchronization. As a result, the methodology offers a set of time-synchronization strategies that are adjusted to the needs of developers and applications.
Multifunctional Flexible Sensor Based on Laser-Induced Graphene
Authors: Han Tao , Nag Anindya , Simorangkir Roy B. V. B. , Afsarimanesh Nasrin , Liu Hangrui , Mukhopadhyay Subhas Chandra , Xu Yongzhao , Zhadobov Maxim , Sauleau Ronan
Published: August 2019

The paper presents the design and fabrication of a low-cost and easy-to-fabricate laser-induced graphene sensor together with its implementation for multi-sensing applications. Laser-irradiation of commercial polymer film was applied for photo-thermal generation of graphene. The graphene patterned in an interdigitated shape was transferred onto Kapton sticky tape to form the electrodes of a capacitive sensor. The functionality of the sensor was validated by employing them in electrochemical and strain-sensing scenarios. Impedance spectroscopy was applied to investigate the response of the sensor. For the electrochemical sensing, different concentrations of sodium sulfate were prepared, and the fabricated sensor was used to detect the concentration differences. For the strain sensing, the sensor was deployed for monitoring of human joint movements and tactile sensing. The promising sensing results validating the applicability of the fabricated sensor for multiple sensing purposes are presented.
Development of Fast E-nose System for Early-Stage Diagnosis of Aphid-Stressed Tomato Plants
Authors: Cui Shaoqing , Inocente Elvia Adriana Alfaro , Acosta Nuris , Keener Harold. M. , Zhu Heping , Ling Peter P.
Published: August 2019

An electronic nose (E-nose) system equipped with a sensitive sensor array was developed for fast diagnosis of aphid infestation on greenhouse tomato plants at early stages. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by tomato plants with and without aphid attacks were detected using both the developed E-nose system and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. Sensor performance, with fast sensor responses and high sensitivity, were observed using the E-nose system. A principle component analysis (PCA) indicated accurate diagnosis of aphid-stressed plants compared to healthy ones, with the first two PCs accounting for 86.7% of the classification. The changes in VOCs profiles of the healthy and infested tomato plants were quantitatively determined by GC-MS. Results indicated that a group of new VOCs biomarkers (linalool, carveol, and nonane (2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethyl-)) played a role in providing information on the infestation on the tomato plants. More importantly, the variation in the concentration of sesquiterpene VOCs (e.g., caryophyllene) and new terpene alcohol compounds was closely associated with the sensor responses during E-nose testing, which verified the reliability and accuracy of the developed E-nose system. Tomato plants growing in spring had similar VOCs profiles as those of winter plants, except several terpenes released from spring plants that had a slightly higher intensity.
Feature Extraction Methods Proposed for Speech Recognition Are Effective on Road Condition Monitoring Using Smartphone Inertial Sensors
Authors: Cabral Frederico Soares , Fukai Hidekazu , Tamura Satoshi
Published: August 2019

The objective of our project is to develop an automatic survey system for road condition monitoring using smartphone devices. One of the main tasks of our project is the classification of paved and unpaved roads. Assuming recordings will be archived by using various types of vehicle suspension system and speeds in practice, hence, we use the multiple sensors found in smartphones and state-of-the-art machine learning techniques for signal processing. Despite usually not being paid much attention, the results of the classification are dependent on the feature extraction step. Therefore, we have to carefully choose not only the classification method but also the feature extraction method and their parameters. Simple statistics-based features are most commonly used to extract road surface information from acceleration data. In this study, we evaluated the mel-frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC) and perceptual linear prediction coefficients (PLP) as a feature extraction step to improve the accuracy for paved and unpaved road classification. Although both MFCC and PLP have been developed in the human speech recognition field, we found that modified MFCC and PLP can be used to improve the commonly used statistical method.
3D Simulations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Detection Using Broadband Microwave Technology
Authors: Fhager Andreas , Candefjord Stefan , Elam Mikael , Persson Mikael
Published: August 2019

Early, preferably prehospital, detection of intracranial bleeding after trauma or stroke would dramatically improve the acute care of these large patient groups. In this paper, we use simulated microwave transmission data to investigate the performance of a machine learning classification algorithm based on subspace distances for the detection of intracranial bleeding. A computational model, consisting of realistic human head models of patients with bleeding, as well as healthy subjects, was inserted in an antenna array model. The Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method was then used to generate simulated transmission coefficients between all possible combinations of antenna pairs. These transmission data were used both to train and evaluate the performance of the classification algorithm and to investigate its ability to distinguish patients with versus without intracranial bleeding. We studied how classification results were affected by the number of healthy subjects and patients used to train the algorithm, and in particular, we were interested in investigating how many samples were needed in the training dataset to obtain classification results better than chance. Our results indicated that at least 200 subjects, i.e., 100 each of the healthy subjects and bleeding patients, were needed to obtain classification results consistently better than chance (p < 0.05 using Student’s t-test). The results also showed that classification results improved with the number of subjects in the training data. With a sample size that approached 1000 subjects, classifications results characterized as area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) approached 1.0, indicating very high sensitivity and specificity.
Olfaction, Vision, and Semantics for Mobile Robots. Results of the IRO Project
Authors: Monroy Javier , Ruiz-Sarmiento Jose-Raul , Moreno Francisco-Angel , Galindo Cipriano , Gonzalez-Jimenez Javier
Published: August 2019

Olfaction is a valuable source of information about the environment that has not been sufficiently exploited in mobile robotics yet. Certainly, odor information can contribute to other sensing modalities, e.g., vision, to accomplish high-level robot activities, such as task planning or execution in human environments. This paper organizes and puts together the developments and experiences on combining olfaction and vision into robotics applications, as the result of our five-years long project IRO: Improvement of the sensory and autonomous capability of Robots through Olfaction. Particularly, it investigates mechanisms to exploit odor information (usually coming in the form of the type of volatile and its concentration) in problems such as object recognition and scene–activity understanding. A distinctive aspect of this research is the special attention paid to the role of semantics within the robot perception and decision-making processes. The obtained results have improved the robot capabilities in terms of efficiency, autonomy, and usefulness, as reported in our publications.
Microparticles, Microspheres, and Microcapsules for Advanced Drug Delivery
Authors: Lengyel Miléna , Kállai-Szabó Nikolett , Antal Vince , Laki András József , Antal István
Published: August 2019

Microparticles, microspheres, and microcapsules are widely used constituents of multiparticulate drug delivery systems, offering both therapeutic and technological advantages. Microparticles are generally in the 1–1000 µm size range, serve as multiunit drug delivery systems with well-defined physiological and pharmacokinetic benefits in order to improve the effectiveness, tolerability, and patient compliance. This paper reviews their evolution, significance, and formulation factors (excipients and procedures), as well as their most important practical applications (inhaled insulin, liposomal preparations). The article presents the most important structures of microparticles (microspheres, microcapsules, coated pellets, etc.), interpreted with microscopic images too. The most significant production processes (spray drying, extrusion, coacervation, freeze-drying, microfluidics), the drug release mechanisms, and the commonly used excipients, the characterization, and the novel drug delivery systems (microbubbles, microsponges), as well as the preparations used in therapy are discussed in detail.