Min Response Time Research Articles

Film bulk acoustic formaldehyde sensor with layer-by-layer assembled carbon nanotubes/polyethyleneimine multilayers

Trace formaldehyde vapor was detected by a micron-scale AlN film bulk acoustic resonator based on mass-sensitive mechanism. The layer-by-layer carbon nanotubes/polyethyleneimine multilayers were assembled on the resonator surface as the sensitive coating. An almost linear decrease of the resonant frequency was observed as a function of the number of nanotubes/polyethyleneimine periods. The multilayers showed a random and porous structure and thus provided a large specific surface area for gas adsorption and diffusion. At the same time, the amine groups in polyethyleneimine had an strong affinity to formaldehyde with excellent selectivity. When exposed to gaseous formaldehyde, the attachment of gas molecules induced a small decrease in the resonant frequency, which made the sensor easily detect formaldehyde at ppb levels with 1 min response time. A linear relationship was observed between the formaldehyde concentrations and the frequency downshift of the resonator. The layer number had an obvious influence on the absorption/desorption behavior of formaldehyde. The gas sensitivity of FBAR sensors was 1.29–1.90 kHz ppb−1 with the limit of detection of 24–38 ppb.

Locating helicopter emergency medical service bases to optimise population coverage versus average response time

BackgroundNew South Wales (NSW), Australia has a network of multirole retrieval physician staffed helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) with seven bases servicing a jurisdiction with population concentrated along the eastern seaboard. The aim of this study was to estimate optimal HEMS base locations within NSW using advanced mathematical modelling techniques.MethodsWe used high resolution census population data for NSW from 2011 which divides the state into areas containing 200–800 people. Optimal HEMS base locations were estimated using the maximal covering location problem facility location optimization model and the average response time model, exploring the number of bases needed to cover various fractions of the population for a 45 min response time threshold or minimizing the overall average response time to all persons, both in green field scenarios and conditioning on the current base structure. We also developed a hybrid mathematical model where average response time was optimised based on minimum population coverage thresholds.ResultsSeven bases could cover 98% of the population within 45mins when optimised for coverage or reach the entire population of the state within an average of 21mins if optimised for response time. Given the existing bases, adding two bases could either increase the 45 min coverage from 91% to 97% or decrease the average response time from 21mins to 19mins. Adding a single specialist prehospital rapid response HEMS to the area of greatest population concentration decreased the average state wide response time by 4mins. The optimum seven base hybrid model that was able to cover 97.75% of the population within 45mins, and all of the population in an average response time of 18 mins included the rapid response HEMS model.ConclusionsHEMS base locations can be optimised based on either percentage of the population covered, or average response time to the entire population. We have also demonstrated a hybrid technique that optimizes response time for a given number of bases and minimum defined threshold of population coverage. Addition of specialized rapid response HEMS services to a system of multirole retrieval HEMS may reduce overall average response times by improving access in large urban areas.

Simulation-based decision support framework for dynamic ambulance redeployment in Singapore

ObjectiveDynamic ambulance redeployment policies tend to introduce much more flexibilities in improving ambulance resource allocation by capitalizing on the definite geospatial-temporal variations in ambulance demand patterns over the time-of-the-day and day-of-the-week effects. A novel modelling framework based on the Approximate Dynamic Programming (ADP) approach leveraging on a Discrete Events Simulation (DES) model for dynamic ambulance redeployment in Singapore is proposed in this paper. MethodsThe study was based on the Singapore’s national Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system. Based on a dataset comprising 216,973 valid incidents over a continuous two-years study period from 1 January 2011–31 December 2012, a DES model for the EMS system was developed. An ADP model based on linear value function approximations was then evaluated using the DES model via the temporal difference (TD) learning family of algorithms. The objective of the ADP model is to derive approximate optimal dynamic redeployment policies based on the primary outcome of ambulance coverage. ResultsConsidering an 8min response time threshold, an estimated 5% reduction in the proportion of calls that cannot be reached within the threshold (equivalent to approximately 8000 dispatches) was observed from the computational experiments. The study also revealed that the redeployment policies which are restricted within the same operational division could potentially result in a more promising response time performance. Furthermore, the best policy involved the combination of redeploying ambulances whenever they are released from service and that of relocating ambulances that are idle in bases. ConclusionThis study demonstrated the successful application of an approximate modelling framework based on ADP that leverages upon a detailed DES model of the Singapore’s EMS system to generate approximate optimal dynamic redeployment plans. Various policies and scenarios relevant to the Singapore EMS system were evaluated.

Highly selective thiocyanate optochemical sensor based on manganese(III)-salophen ionophore

We report on the development of optochemical sensor based on Mn(III)-salophen ionophore. The sensor was prepared by embedding the ionophore in a plasticized poly (vinyl chloride) impregnated with the chromoionophore ETH7075. Optical response to thiocyanate occurred due to thiocyanate extraction into the polymer via formation of strong complex with the ionophore and simultaneous protonation of the indicator dye yielding the optical response at 545nm. The developed optochemical sensor exhibited high selectivity for thiocyanate over other anions including the most lipophilic species such as salicylate and perchlorate. For instance, the optical selectivity coefficients, logKSCN,anionopt, were as follow: ClO4−=−5.8; Sal−=−4.0; NO3−˂−6. Further, the thiocyanate optical selectivity obtained using the present optochemical sensor was greatly enhanced in comparison with that obtained using an anion-exchanger based sensor. Also, the optimized optochemical sensor exhibited micro-molar detection limit with 2min response time at pH4.5 using acetate buffer. The reversibility of the optimized sensor was poor due to strong ligation of the thiocyanate to the central Metal ion, log K=14.1, which can be overcome by soaking the optode in sodium hydroxide followed by soaking in buffer solution. The developed sensor was utilized successfully for the determination of thiocyanate in human saliva and in spiked saliva samples.

Novel low-temperature fabrication process for integrated high-aspect ratio zinc oxide nanowire sensors

The authors present a new low-temperature nanowire fabrication process that allows high-aspect ratio nanowires to be readily integrated with microelectronic devices for sensor applications. This process relies on a new method of forming a close-packed array of self-assembled high-aspect-ratio nanopores in an anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) template in a thin (2.5 μm) aluminum film deposited on a silicon substrate. This technique is in sharp contrast to the traditional free-standing thick film methods, and the use of an integrated thin aluminum film greatly enhances the utility of such methods. The authors have demonstrated the method by integrating ZnO nanowires onto the metal gate of a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistor to form an integrated chemical field-effect transistor (ChemFET) sensor structure. The novel thin film AAO process uses a novel multistage aluminum anodization, alumina barrier layer removal, ZnO atomic layer deposition (ALD), and pH controlled wet release etching. This new process selectively forms the ZnO nanowires on the aluminum gate of the transistor while maintaining the remainder of the aluminum film intact for other integrated device components and interconnects. This self-assembled high-density AAO template was selectively formed in an ultrasmooth 2.5 μm thick aluminum layer deposited through e-beam evaporation without the electropolishing required in AAO template formation in traditional 100 μm thick free standing films. The resulting nanopore AAO template consists of nanopores of 90 nm in diameter and 1 μm in height at an aerial density of 1.3 × 1010 nanopores/cm2. This thin film AAO template was then filled with ZnO using ALD at 200 °C, forming polycrystalline ZnO nanowires inside the pores. The alumina template was then removed with a buffered NaOH solution, leaving free standing ZnO nanowires of 1 μm height and 90 nm diameter, offering an increase in 38× the surface area over a standard flat ZnO film for sensing applications. The aluminum film remains intact (unanodized) in nonselected regions of the device as well as underlying the ZnO nanowires, acting as the gate of the MOS transistor. The ZnO nanowires were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy to verify stoichiometry and crystal structure. Additionally, the response of a ZnO nanowire ChemFET was measured using ammonia as a target gas. I-V characterization and transient response to ammonia in the range of 25–200 ppm were examined. The ammonia response to the threshold limit value concentration of ammonia (25 ppm) shows a 56 mV shift in threshold voltage, an overall sensitivity of 14%, an 8 min response time, and a 27 min recovery period. The ZnO nanowire fabrication sequence that the authors present is accomplished at low-temperature (<200 °C) and can be accomplished selectively, making it readily amenable to integration with standard metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor processing as well as other microelectronic sensors such as surface acoustic wave devices. This new process has initially been demonstrated using ZnO, but is also adaptable to a variety of nanowire materials using appropriate deposition methods as well as selective nanowire release methods. This allows the potential to conveniently fabricate a variety of high-aspect ratio nanowire based microelectronic sensors for a range of applications.

Biosensor application of extracellular catalase from Ganoderma lucidum AVK-1 and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus AV-6 and Comparative study of commercial catalase from Bovine liver catalase

An amperometric biosensor based on catalase enzyme was developed for the investigation of the effect of calcium ions on the activity of the enzyme. Calcium plays an activator role for the catalase enzyme that catalysis the degradation of hydrogen peroxide to O2 and H2O. Determination method of the effect of calcium ion on the activity of the enzyme was based on the assay of the differences on the responses of the biosensor in the absence and the presence of calcium in the reaction medium. The biosensor had a linear relation to calcium concentrations and good measurement correlation between 0.05 and 15 mM with 3 min response time. PPB-HCl buffer (pH 6.8; 20 mM) and 37oC were obtained as the optimum working conditions. In the application studies, the biosensor was used determination of calcium level of real samples such as cow milk, Aavin (green) and MD water. In the characterization studies of the biosensor some parameters such as reproducibility, substrate specificity, operational and storage stability were carried out. Finally, by using the biosensor developed and enzymatic-spectrophotometric method alcohol concentrations of some alcoholic drinks were determined and results were compared.

Kinetics of Photosynthetic Response to Ultraviolet and Photosynthetically Active Radiation in Synechococcus WH8102 (CYANOBACTERIA)

The picoplanktonic cyanobacteria, Synechococcus spp., (Nägeli) are important contributors to global ocean primary production that can be stressed by solar radiation, both in the photosynthetically active (PAR) and ultraviolet (UV) range. We studied the responses of PSII quantum yield (active fluorescence), carbon fixation ((14)C assimilation) and oxygen evolution (membrane inlet mass spectrometry) in Synechococcus WH8102 under moderate UV and PAR. PSII quantum yield decreased during exposure to moderate UV and UV+PAR, with response to the latter being faster (6.4 versus 2.8 min, respectively). Repair processes were also faster when UV+PAR exposure was followed by moderate PAR (1.68 min response time) than when UV was followed by very low PAR (10.5 min response time). For the UV+PAR treatment, the initial decrease in quantum yield was followed by a 50% increase ("rebound") after 7 min exposure, showing an apparent photoprotection induction. While oxygen uptake increased with PAR, it did not change under UV, suggesting that this oxygen-dependent mechanism of photoprotection, which may be acting as an electron sink, is not an important strategy against UV. We used propyl gallate, an antioxidant, to test for plastid terminal oxidase (ptox) or ptox-like enzymes activity, but it caused nonspecific and toxic effects on Synechococcus WH8102.

A NOVEL BIOSENSOR BASED ON Lactobacillus acidophilus FOR DETERMINATION OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS IN MILK PRODUCTS AND WASTEWATER

Different branches of industry need to use phenolic compounds (PCs) in their production, so determination of PCs sensitively, accurately, rapidly, and economically is very important. For the sensitive determination of PCs, some biosensors based on pure polyphenol oxidase, plant tissu,e and microorganisms were developed before. But there has been no study to develop a microbial phenolic compounds biosensor based on Lactobacillus species, which contain polyphenol oxidase enzyme. In this study, we used different forms of Lactobacillus species as enzyme sources of biosensor and compared biosensor performances of these forms for determination of PCs. For this purpose, we used lyophilized Lactobacillus cells (containing L. bulgaricus, L. acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus), pure L. acidophilus, pure L. bulgaricus, and L. acidophilus- and L. bulgaricus adapted to catechol in Lactobacilli MRS Broth. The most suitable form was determined and optimization studies of the biosensor were carried out by using this form. For preparing the bioactive layer of the biosensor, the Lactobacillus cells were immobilized in gelatin by using glutaraldehyde. In the study, we used catechol as a substrate. Phenolic compound determination is based on the assay of the differences on the respiration activity of the cells on the oxygen meter in the absence and the presence of catechol. The microbial biosensor response depends directly on catechol concentration between 0.5 and 5.0 mM with 18 min response time. In the optimization studies of the microbial biosensor the most suitable microorganism amount was found to be 10 mg, and also phosphate buffer (pH 8.0; 50 mM) and 37.5°C were obtained as the optimum working conditions. In the characterization studies of the microbial biosensor some parameters such as substrate specificity on the biosensor response and operational and storage stability were examine. Furthermore, the determination of PC levels in synthetic wastewater, industrial wastewater, and milk products was investigated by using the developed biosensor under optimum conditions.

Evaluating emergency medical service performance measures

The ultimate goal of emergency medical service systems is to save lives. However, most emergency medical service systems have performance measures for responding to 911 calls within a fixed timeframe (i.e., a response time threshold), rather than measures related to patient outcomes. These response time thresholds are used because they are easy to obtain and to understand. This paper proposes a methodology for evaluating the performance of response time thresholds in terms of resulting patient survival rates. A model that locates ambulances to optimize patient survival rates is used for base comparison. Results are illustrated using real-world data collected from Hanover County, Virginia. The results indicate that locating ambulances to maximize seven and eight min response time thresholds simultaneously maximize patient survival. Nine and 10 min response time thresholds result in more equitable patient outcomes, with improved patient survival rates in rural regions.

Construction of Effective Receptor for Recognition of Avian Influenza H5N1 Protein HA1 by Assembly of Monohead Glycolipids on Polydiacetylene Vesicle Surface

Fast and sensitive detection of epidemic virus is of the utmost importance for human being in nowadays. Various biosensors have been designed for this goal based on conjugation event between host cell glycolipids and invading virus. However, multihead glycolipids analogous to native receptors on cell surface are known to be very difficult to mimic because of the complexity of chemical synthesis. Here, we developed a new approach where two types of monohead glycolipids, active sialic acid-beta-glucoside (G1) and inactive lactose-beta-glucoside (G2), are embedded onto the surface of a polydiacetylene (PDA) vesicle to mimic native glycolipids on the cell surface. Vesicles prepared in this manner show good selectivity with a 10 ng/mL detection limit and 5 min response time to Hemagglutinin (HA1), which is more sensitive than any HA1 biosensors ever known. Moreover, in the formation of color-changeable vesicles, a very strong synergistic effect between G1 and G2 has been found, offering a novel strategy to construct effective biosensor receptors, as well as a new way to study the surface combination effect that is potentially important to the immunology study of epidemic disease.

Determination of calcium in milk and water samples by using catalase enzyme electrode

A biosensor based on catalase enzyme was developed for the investigation of the effect of calcium ions on the activity of the enzyme. Calcium plays an activator role for the catalase enzyme that catalyses the degradation of hydrogen peroxide to O 2 and H 2O. Determination method of the effect of calcium ion on the activity of the enzyme was based on the assay of the differences on the responses of the biosensor in the absence and the presence of calcium in the reaction medium. The biosensor had a linear relation to calcium concentrations and good measurement correlation between 1 and 10 mM with 1 min response time. Tris–HCl buffer (pH 7.0; 50 mM) and 37 °C were obtained as the optimum working conditions. In the application studies, the biosensor was used determination of calcium level of real samples such as milk, spring and mineral water.

Fabrication of nanoelectrodes and nanojunction hydrogen sensor

A simple method to fabricate nanoelectrodes with controllable gap was demonstrated by local electrical melting of nickel nanowire. The width of nanogap was tuned by diameter of nanowire and the gap distance was controlled by voltage sweep rate. These nanoelectrodes were then electrochemically backfilled with palladium to fabricate hydrogen nanojunction sensor. Sensors showed excellent sensing performance (dynamic range from 0.1% to 4% H2 and <1 min response time for H2 concentration >2%) at room temperature. Our method of electrochemically backfilling a nanogap opens up a possibility to create various nanojunction devices in a cost-effective matter.

A novel biosensor based on activation effect of thiamine on the activity of pyruvate oxidase

A biosensor based on pyruvate oxidase (POX) enzyme was developed for the investigation of the effect of thiamine (vitamin B 1) molecule on the activity of the enzyme. The biosensor was prepared with a chemical covalent immobilization method on the dissolved oxygen (DO) probe by using gelatin and cross-linking agent, glutaraldehyde. POX catalyzes the degradation of pyruvate to acetylphosphate, CO 2 and H 2O 2 in the presence of phosphate and oxygen. Thiamine is an activator for POX enzyme and determination method of the biosensor was based on this effect of thiamine on the activity of the enzyme. The biosensor responses showed increases in the presence of thiamine. Increases in the biosensor responses were related to thiamine concentration. Thiamine determination is based on the assay of the differences on the biosensor responses on the oxygenmeter in the absence and the presence of thiamine. The biosensor response depend linearly on thiamine concentration between 0.025 and 0.5 μM with 2 min response time. In the optimization studies of the biosensor the most suitable enzyme amount was found as 2.5 U cm −2 and also phosphate buffer (pH 7.0; 50 mM) and 35 °C were obtained as the optimum working conditions. In the characterization studies of the biosensor some parameters such as activator and interference effects of some substances on the biosensor response and reproducibility were carried out.

Silicon-based nanochannel glucose sensor

Silicon nanochannel biological field effect transistors have been developed for glucose detection. The device is nanofabricated from a silicon-on-insulator wafer with a top-down approach and surface functionalized with glucose oxidase. The differential conductance of silicon nanowires, tuned with source-drain bias voltage, is demonstrated to be sensitive to the biocatalyzed oxidation of glucose. The glucose biosensor response is linear in the 0.5–8mM concentration range with 3–5min response time. This silicon nanochannel-based glucose biosensor technology offers the possibility of high density, high quality glucose biosensor integration with silicon-based circuitry.

Activation‐Based Catalase Enzyme Electrode and its Usage for Glucose Determination

In this study, a novel type amperometric biosensor, which is based on the activation of catalase enzyme by glucose, was developed and used for the sensitive determination of glucose. For the preparation of the biosensor catalase enzyme was immobilized in gelatin by using cross‐linking agent glutaraldehyde and fixed on a pretreated teflon membrane of a dissolved oxygen probe. Glucose was used as an activator for the catalase enzyme and determination of glucose is based on the assay of the differences on the catalase activity of the biosensor on the oxygenmeter in the absence and the presence of glucose in the reaction medium. The responses of the activation based catalase biosensor have a linear relation to glucose concentrations and good measurement correlation between 0.5 and 5.0 µM with 2 min response time. In the optimization studies of the biosensor the most suitable catalase amount were found as 1324 U cm−2 and also phosphate buffer (pH: 7.0; 50 mM) and 35°C were obtained as the optimum working conditions. For the characterization studies of the biosensor some parameters such as activator and interference effects of some substances on the biosensor response, reproducibility and operational stability were performed.

Application of a biosensor for monitoring of ethanol

An alcohol biosensor for the measurement of ethanol has been developed. It comprises an alcohol oxidase/chitosan immobilized eggshell membrane and a commercial oxygen sensor. Ethanol determination is based on the depletion of dissolved oxygen content upon exposure to ethanol solution. The decrease in oxygen level was monitored and related to the ethanol concentration. The biosensor response depends linearly on ethanol concentration between 60 μM and 0.80 mM with a detection limit of 30 μM (S/N = 3) and 1 min response time. In the optimization studies of the enzyme biosensor the most suitable enzyme and chitosan amounts were found to be 1.0 mg and 0.30% (w/v), respectively. The phosphate buffer (pH 7.4, 25 mM) and room temperature (20–25 °C) were chosen as the optimum working conditions. In the characterization studies of the ethanol biosensor some parameters such as interference effects, operational and storage stability were studied in detail. The biosensor was also tested with various wine samples. The results of this newly developed biosensor were comparable to the results obtained by a gas chromatographic method.

Sensitive determination of l-lysine with a new amperometric microbial biosensor based on Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells

A new amperometric microbial biosensor based on Saccharomyces cerevisiae NRRL-12632 cells, which had been induced for lysine oxidase enzyme and immobilized in gelatin by a cross-linking agent was developed for the sensitive determination of L-lysine amino acid. To construct the microbial biosensor S. cerevisiae cells were activated and cultured in a suitable culture medium. By using gelatine (8.43 mg cm(-2)) and glutaraldehyde (0.25%), cells obtained in the logarithmic phase of the growth curve at the end of a 14 h period were immobilized and fixed on a pretreated oxygen sensitive Teflon membrane of a dissolved oxygen probe. The assay procedure of the microbial biosensor is based on the determination of the differences of the respiration activity of the cells on the oxygenmeter in the absence and the presence of L-lysine. According to the end point measurement technique used in the experiments it was determined that the microbial biosensor response depended linearly on L-lysine concentrations between 1.0 and 10.0 microM with a 1 min response time. In optimization studies of the microbial biosensor, the most suitable microorganism quantities were found to be 0.97x10(5)CFU cm(-2). In addition phosphate buffer (pH 7.5; 50 mM) and 30 degrees C were obtained as the optimum working conditions. In characterization studies of the microbial biosensor some parameters such as substrate specificity, interference effects of some substances on the microbial biosensor responses, reproducibility of the biosensor and operational and storage stability were investigated.

An amperometric microbial biosensor development based on Candida tropicalis yeast cells for sensitive determination of ethanol

Different branchs of industry need to use ethanol in their production and some progress and not only the industry also to determine ethanol sensitively, accurately, fast and economical is very important. For the sensitive determination of ethanol a new amperometric biosensor based on Candida tropicalis cells, which contains alcohol oxidase enzyme, immobilized in gelatin by using glutaraldehyde was developed. In the study, before the microbial biosensor construction C. tropicalis cells were activated and cultured in a culture medium. By using gelatine and glutaraldehyde (0.1%) C. tropicalis cells obtained in logarithmic phase were immobilized and fixed on a pretreated teflon membrane of a dissolved oxygen probe. Ethanol determination is based on the assay of the differences on the respiration activity of the cells on the oxygenmeter in the absence and the presence of ethanol. The microbial biosensor response was depend linearly on ethanol concentration between 0.5 and 7.5 mM with 2 min response time. In the optimization studies of the microbial biosensor the most suitable microorganism amount were found as 4.42 mg cm −2 and also phosphate buffer (pH:7.5; 50 mM) and 30 °C were obtained as the optimum working conditions. In the characterization studies of the microbial biosensor some parameters such as substrate specificity, interference effects of some substances on the biosensor response, operational and storage stability were carried out.

On-line detection of low naphthalene concentrations with a bioluminescent sensor

On-line tests with Pseudomonas fluorescens HK44 were carried out using a biosensor system with a flow-through cell and sample injections to detect low concentrations of naphthalene. Kinetic experiments permitted a 19 min response time and definition of a 50 min induction period for bioluminescence assays. A mathematical model showed that 0.2 g/l is the best cell concentration to be used in the detection of low naphthalene concentrations, with the highest acceleration rate of bioluminescence sensitivity increase (0.46 nA l/(g min 2)). Calibration curves with different concentrations of naphthalene showed a linear correlation up to 0.4 mg/l (3 μM) corresponding to 211 nA output signal. The lower limit of naphthalene detection by strain HK44 was in the region of 0.02 mg/l (0.16 μM), below the naphthalene health advisory limit for drinking water consumed over a lifetime suggested by EPA.

Investigation of the Ag2SO4 — BaSO4 binary system from an SOx sensor point of view

The binary phase diagram of Ag2SO4 — BaSO4 system is proposed using X-ray powder diffraction, thermal analysis (DTA/DSC), scanning electron microscopy, and electrical conductivity results. About 5 mol-% BaSO4 is soluble in β-Ag2SO4. The two-phase (Ag2SO4+BaSO4) mixture exists for 10–90 mol-% of BaSO4 between room temperature and 578 °C. An eutectic of 578 °C exists of the composition 70Ag2SO4+30BaSO4 The conductivity maximum within the solid solubility limits is due to the generation of extrinsic vacancies and lattice expansion as a result of partial substitution of the bigger aliovalent Ba2+ for the Ag+-ions. The eutectic composition shows the maximum conductivity in the entire binary system due to the minimum in grain size, thereby providing a maximum surface ion conducting path. About 1 min response time of the sensor based on using the eutectic composition, as solid electrolyte, is much shorter than that of the sensor with pure Ag2SO4.