A multi-objective genetic algorithm for a bi-objective facility location problem with partial coverage

In this study, we present a bi-objective facility location model that considers both partial coverage and service to uncovered demands. Due to limited number of facilities to be opened, some of the demand nodes may not be within full or partial coverage distance of a facility. However, a demand node that is not within the coverage distance of a facility should get service from the nearest facility within the shortest possible time. In this model, it is assumed that demand nodes within the predefined distance of opened facilities are fully covered, and after that distance the coverage level decreases linearly. The objectives are defined as the maximization of full and partial coverage, and the minimization of the maximum distance between uncovered demand nodes and their nearest facilities. We develop a new multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) called modified SPEA-II (mSPEA-II). In this method, the fitness function of SPEA-II is modified and the crowding distance of NSGA-II is used. The performance of mSPEA-II is tested on randomly generated problems of different sizes. The results are compared with the solutions of the most well-known MOGAs, NSGA-II and SPEA-II. Computational experiments show that mSPEA-II outperforms both NSGA-II and SPEA-II.     

A New Hybrid Iteration Method for I-Asymptotically Nonexpansive Mappings

In this article, convergence theorems are established for a new hybrid iteration for a finite family of I-asymptotically nonexpansive mappings. Our results extend, generalize, and unify various known results in the existing literature.     

On-chip generation of microbubbles as a practical technology for manufacturing contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging

This paper presents a new manufacturing method to generate monodisperse microbubble contrast agents with polydispersity index (sigma) values of <2% through microfluidic flow-focusing. Micron-sized lipid shell-based perfluorocarbon (PFC) gas microbubbles for use as ultrasound contrast agents were produced using this method. The poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-based devices feature expanding nozzle geometry with a 7 microm orifice width, and are robust enough for consistent production of microbubbles with runtimes lasting several hours. With high-speed imaging, we characterized relationships between channel geometry, liquid flow rate Q, and gas pressure P in controlling bubble sizes. By a simple optimization of the channel geometry and Q and P, bubbles with a mean diameter of <5 microm can be obtained, ideal for various ultrasonic imaging applications. This method demonstrates the potential of microfluidics as an efficient means for custom-designing ultrasound contrast agents with precise size distributions, different gas compositions and new shell materials for stabilization, and for future targeted imaging and therapeutic applications.     

Full Thermal Switching of Enzymes by Thermoresponsive Poly(2-oxazoline)-Based Enzyme Inhibitors

Controlling the activity of enzymes is an important feature for many processes in medicine, bioanalytics, and biotechnology. So far, it has not been possible to fully switch biocatalysts on and off by thermoresponsive enzyme inhibitors. Herein, we present poly(2-oxazoline)s with iminodiacetic acid end groups (POx-IDA) that are lower critical solution temperature (LCST) polymers and thus thermosensitive. They are capable of reversibly inhibiting the activity of horse radish peroxidase and laccase by more than 99 %. Increasing the temperature makes the POx-IDA precipitate, which leads to 100 % recovery of the enzyme activity. This switching cycle is fully reversible. The LCST of the POx-IDA can be tuned by varying the polymer composition to generate a wide range of switching windows.     

Effective uranium biosorption by macrofungus (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Russula sanguinea</Emphasis>) from aqueous solution: equilibrium,thermodynamic and kinetic studies

Russula sanguinea (R. sanguninea) macrofungus was employed as a novel cost-effective biosorbent for efficient removal of U(VI) ions from aqueous solution. FT-IR spectroscopy and SEM/EDS technique were used for morphological and chemical characterizations. The maximum adsorption capacity of the macrofungus was found as 174.3 mg/g at pH 5 and 20 °C. The kinetic data best fit with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (r²?>?0.99 for the studied temperatures). The exothermic and spontaneous nature of the biosorption process was confirmed by the thermodynamic findings. The reusability test demonstrated that the macrofungus had a good sorption/desorption performance.     

Novel pyridine-derived platinum complexes

Pyridine-derived platinum(II) complexes with the general formula [PtCl₂L₂] (L¹: 3,5-dimethylpyridine, L²: 2-amino-5-bromopyridine, L³: 4-(4-nitrobenzyl)pyridine) were synthesized. Characterization of the synthesized complexes was made via FT-IR, UV–Vis, ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR techniques. While the thermal behavior of the complexes was investigated via DTA/TG combined system, their kinetic parameters were investigated by using Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) methods. The activation energy of the decomposition kinetics of the complexes was calculated to be 196.5–31.7 kJ mol^?1 for FWO and 203.4–29.2 kJ mol^?1 for KAS. The cytotoxic effect of the complexes against the colon cancer cell line (DLD-1), which is one of the most common types of cancer observed both in humans and animals, was investigated. The complexes showed high cytotoxicity on DLD-1. In particular, [PtCl₂L ¹₂ ] complex was found to be the most effective compounds against colon cancer cell line during the 24 h incubation period. According to these results, the pyridine-derived platinum(II) complexes would contribute to oncologic treatment as chemotherapeutic agents.

     

Biomimetic Approaches for Membrane Technologies

Membrane technology is the dominant process in water treatment. However, the operation cost of membranes cannot be decreased unless the amount of fouling, the “Achilles heel” of membranes, and energy consumed are cut. The high energy requirements in commercial nanofiltration, reverse osmosis and forward osmosis technologies lead researchers to develop new membrane designs having high flux values with high salt rejection values. The purpose of this review is to present the inadequacies of the membrane processes by considering studies related to fouling and energy minimization. In this respect, lipid bilayers, block copolymers, aquaporin Z proteins and aligned carbon nanotubes can be the base to build biomimetic membranes. Such studies are summarized due to their remarkable properties in fouling control. Furthermore, the review describes the membrane design strategies and points the limitations hindering commercialization. Additionally, it is hoped that this review will trigger further needed studies.     

Pyrene Substituted Phthalonitrile Derivative As a Fluorescent Sensor For Detection of Fe3+ Ions in Solutions

Journal of Fluorescence - In this current study, the novel bis[4,5-(pyrene-2-yl)-3,6-(hexyloxy)] phthalonitrile (SPN) fluorophore has been successfully synthesized. Structural characterization of...     

Analysis of U87 glioma cells by dielectrophoresis

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive and invasive brain cancer consisting of genetically and phenotypically altering glial cells. It has massive heterogeneity due to its highly complex and dynamic microenvironment. Here, electrophysiological properties of U87 human glioma cell line were measured based on a dielectrophoresis phenomenon to quantify the population heterogeneity of glioma cells. Dielectrophoretic forces were generated using a gold-microelectrode array within a microfluidic channel when 3 V_pp and 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 kHz, 1, 2, 5, and 10 MHz frequencies were applied. We analyzed the dielectrophoretic behavior of 500 glioma cells, and revealed that the crossover frequency of glioma cells was around 140 kHz. A quantifying dielectrophoretic movement of the glioma cells exhibited three distinct glioma subpopulations: 50% of the glioma cells experienced strong, 30% of the cells were spread in the microchannel by moderate, and the rest of the cells experienced very weak positive dielectrophoretic forces. Our results demonstrated the dielectrophoretic spectra of U87 glioma cell line. Dielectrophoretic responses of glioma cells linked population heterogeneity to membrane properties of glioma cells rather than their size distribution in the population.