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Soft Ionic Pressure Sensor with Aloe Vera Gel for Low-Pressure Applications. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13020146. [PMID: 35208271 PMCID: PMC8874697 DOI: 10.3390/mi13020146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Ionic pressure sensors are made of ionic compounds suspended in a suitable solvent mixture. When external pressure is exerted on them, it is reflected as a change in electrical parameters due to physical deformation and a redistribution of ions within the sensing medium. Variations in the composition and material of the sensing medium result in different pressure sensors with varying operating ranges and sensitivity. This work presents the design and fabrication procedure of a novel soft-pressure sensor for a very low-pressure range (<20 mm Hg) using Aloe vera gel and Glycerin as the solvent for the ionic sensing medium. We also provide a comparative study on the performance of sensor prototypes with varying solvent concentrations and geometric parameters based on a series of characterization experiments. Maximum sensitivity (7.498×10−4 Ω/mmHg) was observed when using 40% glycerin in the sensing medium, filled in a toroidal geometry with outer and inner channel diameters of 8 mm and 7 mm, respectively. The proposed sensor is entirely soft and can be designed to conform to any desired geometry.
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Volkov AG, Toole S, WaMaina M. Electrical signal transmission in the plant-wide web. Bioelectrochemistry 2019; 129:70-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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G. Volkov A, B. Shtessel Y. Electrotonic signal transduction between Aloe vera plants using underground pathways in soil: Experimental and analytical study. AIMS BIOPHYSICS 2017. [DOI: 10.3934/biophy.2017.4.576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Volkov AG, Nyasani EK, Tuckett C, Scott JM, Jackson MMZ, Greeman EA, Greenidge AS, Cohen DO, Volkova MI, Shtessel YB. Electrotonic potentials in Aloe vera L.: Effects of intercellular and external electrodes arrangement. Bioelectrochemistry 2016; 113:60-68. [PMID: 27756010 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Electrostimulation of plants can induce plant movements, activation of ion channels, ion transport, gene expression, enzymatic systems activation, electrical signaling, plant-cell damage, enhanced wound healing, and influence plant growth. Here we found that electrical networks in plant tissues have electrical differentiators. The amplitude of electrical responses decreases along a leaf and increases by decreasing the distance between polarizing Pt-electrodes. Intercellular Ag/AgCl electrodes inserted in a leaf and extracellular Ag/AgCl electrodes attached to the leaf surface were used to detect the electrotonic potential propagation along a leaf of Aloe vera. There is a difference in duration and amplitude of electrical potentials measured by electrodes inserted in a leaf and those attached to a leaf's surface. If the external reference electrode is located in the soil near the root, it changes the amplitude and duration of electrotonic potentials due to existence of additional resistance, capacitance, ion channels and ion pumps in the root. The information gained from this study can be used to elucidate extracellular and intercellular communication in the form of electrical signals within plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Volkov
- Department of Chemistry, Oakwood University, 7000 Adventist Blvd., Huntsville, AL 35896, USA.
| | - Eunice K Nyasani
- Department of Chemistry, Oakwood University, 7000 Adventist Blvd., Huntsville, AL 35896, USA
| | - Clayton Tuckett
- Department of Chemistry, Oakwood University, 7000 Adventist Blvd., Huntsville, AL 35896, USA
| | - Jessenia M Scott
- Department of Chemistry, Oakwood University, 7000 Adventist Blvd., Huntsville, AL 35896, USA
| | - Mariah M Z Jackson
- Department of Chemistry, Oakwood University, 7000 Adventist Blvd., Huntsville, AL 35896, USA
| | - Esther A Greeman
- Department of Chemistry, Oakwood University, 7000 Adventist Blvd., Huntsville, AL 35896, USA
| | - Ariane S Greenidge
- Department of Chemistry, Oakwood University, 7000 Adventist Blvd., Huntsville, AL 35896, USA
| | - Devin O Cohen
- Department of Chemistry, Oakwood University, 7000 Adventist Blvd., Huntsville, AL 35896, USA
| | - Maia I Volkova
- Department of Chemistry, Oakwood University, 7000 Adventist Blvd., Huntsville, AL 35896, USA
| | - Yuri B Shtessel
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA
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Tian L, Meng Q, Wang L, Dong J, Wu H. Research on the Effect of Electrical Signals on Growth of Sansevieria under Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Lighting Environment. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131838. [PMID: 26121469 PMCID: PMC4487690 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The plant electrical signal has some features, e.g. weak, low-frequency and time-varying. To detect changes in plant electrical signals, LED light source was used to create a controllable light environment in this study. The electrical signal data were collected from Sansevieria leaves under the different illumination conditions, and the data was analyzed in time domain, frequency domain and time–frequency domain, respectively. These analyses are helpful to explore the relationship between changes in the light environment and electrical signals in Sansevieria leaves. The changes in the plant electrical signal reflected the changes in the intensity of photosynthesis. In this study, we proposed a new method to express plant photosynthetic intensity as a function of the electrical signal. That is, the plant electrical signal can be used to describe the state of plant growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liguo Tian
- School of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key laboratory of Information Sensing & Intelligent Control, Tianjin University of Technology and Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Qinghao Meng
- School of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- * E-mail: (QM); (JD)
| | - Liping Wang
- Sansom Institute for Health Research, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jianghui Dong
- School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- * E-mail: (QM); (JD)
| | - Hai Wu
- Tianjin Key laboratory of Information Sensing & Intelligent Control, Tianjin University of Technology and Education, Tianjin, China
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Lim ZX, Cheong KY. Effects of drying temperature and ethanol concentration on bipolar switching characteristics of natural Aloe vera-based memory devices. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2015; 17:26833-53. [DOI: 10.1039/c5cp04622j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Natural Aloe vera provides a biodegradable, biocompatible, and renewable avenue for the sustainable development of electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Xi Lim
- Electronic Materials Research Group
- School of Materials & Mineral Resources Engineering
- Universiti Sains Malaysia
- 14300 Nibong Tebal
- Malaysia
| | - Kuan Yew Cheong
- Electronic Materials Research Group
- School of Materials & Mineral Resources Engineering
- Universiti Sains Malaysia
- 14300 Nibong Tebal
- Malaysia
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Volkov AG, Nyasani EK, Blockmon AL, Volkova MI. Memristors: Memory elements in potato tubers. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2015; 10:e1071750. [PMID: 26237427 PMCID: PMC4883904 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2015.1071750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 07/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A memristor is a nonlinear element because its current-voltage characteristic is similar to that of a Lissajous pattern for nonlinear systems. This element was postulated recently and researchers are looking for it in different biosystems. We investigated electrical circuitry of red Irish potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.). The goal was to discover if potato tubers might have a new electrical component - a resistor with memory. The analysis was based on a cyclic current-voltage characteristic where the resistor with memory should manifest itself. We found that the electrostimulation by bipolar sinusoidal or triangle periodic waves induces electrical responses in the potato tubers with fingerprints of memristors. Tetraethylammonium chloride, an inhibitor of voltage gated K(+) channels, transforms a memristor to a resistor in potato tubers. Our results demonstrate that a voltage gated K(+) channel in the excitable tissue of potato tubers has properties of a memristor. Uncoupler carbonylcyanide-4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl hydrazone decreases the amplitude of electrical responses at low and high frequencies of bipolar periodic sinusoidal or triangle electrostimulating waves. The discovery of memristors in plants creates a new direction in the understanding of electrical phenomena in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maya I Volkova
- Department of Chemistry; Oakwood University; Huntsville, AL USA
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Volkov AG, Tucket C, Reedus J, Volkova MI, Markin VS, Chua L. Memristors in plants. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2014; 9:e28152. [PMID: 24556876 PMCID: PMC4091481 DOI: 10.4161/psb.28152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
We investigated electrical circuitry of the Venus flytrap, Mimosa pudica and Aloe vera. The goal was to discover if these plants might have a new electrical component--a resistor with memory. This element was postulated recently and the researchers were looking for its presence in different systems. The analysis was based on cyclic current-voltage characteristic where the resistor with memory should manifest itself. We found that the electrostimulation of plants by bipolar sinusoidal or triangle periodic waves induces electrical responses in the Venus flytrap, Mimosa pudica and Aloe vera with fingerprints of memristors. Tetraethylammonium chloride, an inhibitor of voltage gated K(+) channels, transforms a memristor to a resistor in plant tissue. Our results demonstrate that a voltage gated K(+) channel in the excitable tissue of plants has properties of a memristor. This study can be a starting point for understanding mechanisms of memory, learning, circadian rhythms, and biological clocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Volkov
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Oakwood University; Huntsville, AL USA
- Correspondence to: Alexander G Volkov,
| | - Clayton Tucket
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Oakwood University; Huntsville, AL USA
| | - Jada Reedus
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Oakwood University; Huntsville, AL USA
| | - Maya I Volkova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Oakwood University; Huntsville, AL USA
| | - Vladislav S Markin
- Department of Neurology; University of Texas; Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
| | - Leon Chua
- Department of EECS; University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley, CA USA
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Volkov AG, Reedus J, Mitchell CM, Tucket C, Forde-Tuckett V, Volkova MI, Markin VS, Chua L. Memristors in the electrical network of Aloe vera L. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2014; 9:e29056. [PMID: 25763487 PMCID: PMC4091316 DOI: 10.4161/psb.29056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
A memristor is a resistor with memory, which is a non-linear passive two-terminal electrical element relating magnetic flux linkage and electrical charge. Here we found that memristors exist in vivo. The electrostimulation of the Aloe vera by bipolar sinusoidal or triangle periodic waves induce electrical responses with fingerprints of memristors. Uncouplers carbonylcyanide-3-chlorophenylhydrazone and carbonylcyanide-4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl hydrazone decrease the amplitude of electrical responses at low and high frequencies of bipolar periodic sinusoidal or triangle electrostimulating waves. Memristive behavior of an electrical network in the Aloe vera is linked to the properties of voltage gated ion channels: the K(+) channel blocker TEACl reduces the electric response to a conventional resistor. Our results demonstrate that a voltage gated K(+) channel in the excitable tissue of plants has properties of a memristor. The discovery of memristors in plants creates a new direction in the modeling and understanding of electrical phenomena in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Volkov
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Oakwood University; Huntsville, AL USA
- Correspondence to: Alexander G Volkov,
| | - Jada Reedus
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Oakwood University; Huntsville, AL USA
| | - Colee M Mitchell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Oakwood University; Huntsville, AL USA
| | - Clayton Tucket
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Oakwood University; Huntsville, AL USA
| | | | - Maya I Volkova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Oakwood University; Huntsville, AL USA
| | - Vladislav S Markin
- Department of Neurology; University of Texas; Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
| | - Leon Chua
- Department of EECS; University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley CA USA
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Markin VS, Volkov AG, Chua L. An analytical model of memristors in plants. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2014; 9:e972887. [PMID: 25482769 PMCID: PMC4622502 DOI: 10.4161/15592316.2014.972887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The memristor, a resistor with memory, was postulated by Chua in 1971 and the first solid-state memristor was built in 2008. Recently, we found memristors in vivo in plants. Here we propose a simple analytical model of 2 types of memristors that can be found within plants. The electrostimulation of plants by bipolar periodic waves induces electrical responses in the Aloe vera and Mimosa pudica with fingerprints of memristors. Memristive properties of the Aloe vera and Mimosa pudica are linked to the properties of voltage gated K(+) ion channels. The potassium channel blocker TEACl transform plant memristors to conventional resistors. The analytical model of a memristor with a capacitor connected in parallel exhibits different characteristic behavior at low and high frequency of applied voltage, which is the same as experimental data obtained by cyclic voltammetry in vivo.
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Key Words
- Aloe vera
- Bioelectrochemistry
- C, capacitance
- DAQ, data acquisition
- G, meminductance
- I, electrical current
- Mimosa pudica
- PXI, PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation
- TEACl, tetraethylammonium chloride
- V, voltage
- VFG, voltage of a function generator
- VR, voltage on resistor R
- Vp, voltage between electrodes in plants
- cyclic voltammetry
- electrophysiology
- ion channel
- memristor
- signal transduction
- t, time
- τ, delay time
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav S Markin
- Department of Neurology; University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX USA
| | - Alexander G Volkov
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Oakwood University; Huntsville, AL USA
| | - Leon Chua
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences; University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley CA USA
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Volkov AG, Murphy VA, Clemmons JI, Curley MJ, Markin VS. Energetics and forces of the Dionaea muscipula trap closing. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2012; 169:55-64. [PMID: 21908071 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2011.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Revised: 08/16/2011] [Accepted: 08/16/2011] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The Venus flytrap is the most famous carnivorous plant. The electrical stimulus between a midrib and a lobe closes the Venus flytrap upper leaf in 0.3s without mechanical stimulation of trigger hairs. Here we present results for direct measurements of the closing force of the trap of Dionaea muscipula Ellis after mechanical or electrical stimulation of the trap using the piezoelectric thin film or Fuji Prescale indicating sensor film. The closing force was 0.14N and the corresponding pressure between rims of two lobes was 38 kPa. We evaluated theoretically using the Hydroelastic Curvature Model and compared with experimental data velocity, acceleration and kinetic energy from the time dependencies of distance between rims of lobes during the trap closing. The Charge Stimulation Method was used for trap electrostimulation between the midrib and lobes. From the dependence of voltage between two Ag/AgCl electrodes in the midrib and one of the lobes, we estimated electrical charge, current, resistance, electrical energy and electrical power dependencies on time during electrostimulation of the trap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Volkov
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Oakwood University, Huntsville, 7000 Adventist Blvd., AL 35896, USA.
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Volkov AG, Wooten JD, Waite AJ, Brown CR, Markin VS. Circadian rhythms in electrical circuits of Clivia miniata. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2011; 168:1753-60. [PMID: 21546115 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2011.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2011] [Revised: 03/30/2011] [Accepted: 03/31/2011] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The biological clock regulates a wide range of physiological processes in plants. Here we show circadian variation of the Clivia miniata responses to electrical stimulation. The biologically closed electrochemical circuits in the leaves of C. miniata (Kaffir lily), which regulate its physiology, were analyzed in vivo using the charge stimulation method. The electrostimulation was provided with different voltages and electrical charges. Resistance between Ag/AgCl electrodes in the leaf of C. miniata was higher at night than during the day or the following day in the darkness. The biologically closed electrical circuits with voltage gated ion channels in C. miniata are activated the next day, even in the darkness. C. miniata memorizes daytime and nighttime. At continuous light, C. miniata recognizes nighttime and increases the input resistance to the nighttime value even under light. These results show that the circadian clock can be maintained endogenously and has electrochemical oscillators, which can activate voltage gated ion channels in biologically closed electrochemical circuits. The activation of voltage gated channels depends on the applied voltage, electrical charge and speed of transmission of electrical energy from the electrostimulator to the C. miniata leaves. We present the equivalent electrical circuits in C. miniata and its circadian variation to explain the experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Volkov
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL 35896, USA.
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Volkov AG, Baker K, Foster JC, Clemmons J, Jovanov E, Markin VS. Circadian variations in biologically closed electrochemical circuits in Aloe vera and Mimosa pudica. Bioelectrochemistry 2011; 81:39-45. [PMID: 21334987 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2011.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2010] [Revised: 01/16/2011] [Accepted: 01/23/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The circadian clock regulates a wide range of electrophysiological and developmental processes in plants. This paper presents, for the first time, the direct influence of a circadian clock on biologically closed electrochemical circuits in vivo. Here we show circadian variation of the plant responses to electrical stimulation. The biologically closed electrochemical circuits in the leaves of Aloe vera and Mimosa pudica, which regulate their physiology, were analyzed using the charge stimulation method. The electrostimulation was provided with different timing and different voltages. Resistance between Ag/AgCl electrodes in the leaf of Aloe vera was higher during the day than at night. Discharge of the capacitor in Aloe vera at night was faster than during the day. Discharge of the capacitor in a pulvinus of Mimosa pudica was faster during the day. The biologically closed electrical circuits with voltage gated ion channels in Mimosa pudica are also activated the next day, even in the darkness. These results show that the circadian clock can be maintained endogenously and has electrochemical oscillators, which can activate ion channels in biologically closed electrochemical circuits. We present the equivalent electrical circuits in both plants and their circadian variation to explain the experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Volkov
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Oakwood University, 7000 Adventist Blvd., Huntsville, AL 35896, USA.
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