Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus dynamics in/on variable (micro)structures of fish-based model systems at suboptimal temperatures.

PubMed

Baka, Maria; Verheyen, Davy; Cornette, Nicolas; Vercruyssen, Stijn; Van Impe, Jan F

2017-01-02

The limited knowledge concerning the influence of food (micro)structure on microbial dynamics decreases the accuracy of the developed predictive models, as most studies have mainly been based on experimental data obtained in liquid microbiological media or in/on real foods. The use of model systems has a great potential when studying this complex factor. Apart from the variability in (micro)structural properties, model systems vary in compositional aspects, as a consequence of their (micro)structural variation. In this study, different experimental food model systems, with compositional and physicochemical properties similar to fish patés, are developed to study the influence of food (micro)structure on microbial dynamics. The microbiological safety of fish products is of major importance given the numerous cases of salmonellosis and infections attributed to staphylococcus toxins. The model systems understudy represent food (micro)structures of liquids, aqueous gels, emulsions and gelled emulsions. The growth/inactivation dynamics and a modelling approach of combined growth and inactivation of Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus, related to fish products, are investigated in/on these model systems at temperatures relevant to fish products' common storage (4°C) and to abuse storage temperatures (8 and 12°C). ComBase (http://www.combase.cc/) predictions compared with the maximum specific growth rate (μ max ) values estimated by the Baranyi and Roberts model in the current study indicated that the (micro)structure influences the microbial dynamics. Overall, ComBase overestimated microbial growth at the same pH, a w and storage temperature. Finally, the storage temperature had also an influence on how much each model system affected the microbial dynamics. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Bioethanol production from tuber crops using fermentation technology: a review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thatoi, Hrudayanath; Dash, Preeti Krishna; Mohapatra, Sonali; Swain, Manas Ranjan

2016-05-01

Bioethanol, an alcohol produced by fermentation of plant biomass containing starch and sugars by micro-organisms, considered as a dominant form of fuel for future. Production of this renewable fuel, especially from starchy materials such as tuber crops, holds a remarkable potential to meet the future energy demand because of its high production and comparitively less demand for use as food and fodder. This review focuses on the world bioethanol production scenario from various tuber crops, namely cassava, sweet potato, potato, yam, aroids, sugar beet, etc., fermentation techniques and micro-organisms used in fermentation process along with its future prospects. The advances in metabolic pathway engineering and genetic engineering techniques have led to the development of micro-organisms capable of efficiently converting biomass sugars into ethanol. Several biotechnological tools that are also available for the improvement of microorganisms to meet the harsh environments typically met with certain industrial fermentation process are also discussed.

A review of the promises and challenges of micro-concentrator photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Domínguez, César; Jost, Norman; Askins, Steve; Victoria, Marta; Antón, Ignacio

2017-09-01

Micro concentrator photovoltaics (micro-CPV) is an unconventional approach for developing high-efficiency low-cost PV systems. The micrifying of cells and optics brings about an increase of efficiency with respect to classical CPV, at the expense of some fundamental challenges at mass production. The large costs linked to miniaturization under conventional serial-assembly processes raise the need for the development of parallel manufacturing technologies. In return, the tiny sizes involved allows exploring unconventional optical architectures or revisiting conventional concepts that were typically discarded because of large material consumption or high bulk absorption at classical CPV sizes.

Colorimetric micro-assay for accelerated screening of mould inhibitors

Treesearch

Carol A. Clausen; Vina W. Yang

2013-01-01

Since current standard laboratory methods are time-consuming macro-assays that rely on subjective visual ratings of mould growth, rapid and quantitative laboratory methods are needed to screen potential mould inhibitors for use in and on cellulose-based products. A colorimetric micro-assay has been developed that uses XTT tetrazolium salt to enzymatically assess...

Micro-Sized Enterprises, Innovation and Universities: A Welsh Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Paul; Patz, Ralf; Thomas, Brychan; McCarthy, Simon

2014-01-01

This study considers the linkage between micro-sized enterprises and other organizations, especially universities, in relation to the innovation process. The focus of the research is on non-start-up enterprises in Wales and how they develop their products. The research methodology adopted is a thematic literature review and the case study…

Development of a low energy micro sheet forming machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razali, A. R.; Ann, C. T.; Shariff, H. M.; Kasim, N. I.; Musa, M. A.; Ahmad, A. F.

2017-10-01

It is expected that with the miniaturization of materials being processed, energy consumption is also being `miniaturized' proportionally. The focus of this study was to design a low energy micro-sheet-forming machine for thin sheet metal application and fabricate a low direct current powered micro-sheet-forming machine. A prototype of low energy system for a micro-sheet-forming machine which includes mechanical and electronic elements was developed. The machine was tested for its performance in terms of natural frequency, punching forces, punching speed and capability, energy consumption (single punch and frequency-time based). Based on the experiments, the machine can do 600 stroke per minute and the process is unaffected by the machine's natural frequency. It was also found that sub-Joule of power was required for a single stroke of punching/blanking process. Up to 100micron thick carbon steel shim was successfully tested and punched. It concludes that low power forming machine is feasible to be developed and be used to replace high powered machineries to form micro-products/parts.

Research, Development and Demonstration of Micro-CHP Systems for Residential Applications - Phase I

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Robert A. Zogg

The objective of the Micro-CHP Phase I effort was to develop a conceptual design for a Micro-CHP system including: Defining market potential; Assessing proposed technology; Developing a proof-of-principle design; and Developing a commercialization strategy. TIAX LLC assembled a team to develop a Micro-CHP system that will provide electricity and heating. TIAX, the contractor and major cost-share provider, provided proven expertise in project management, prime-mover design and development, appliance development and commercialization, analysis of residential energy loads, technology assessment, and market analysis. Kohler Company, the manufacturing partner, is a highly regarded manufacturer of standby power systems and other residential products. Kohlermore » provides a compellingly strong brand, along with the capabilities in product development, design, manufacture, distribution, sales, support, service, and marketing that only a manufacturer of Kohler's status can provide. GAMA, an association of appliance and equipment manufacturers, provided a critical understanding of appliance commercialization issues, including regulatory requirements, large-scale market acceptance issues, and commercialization strategies. The Propane Education & Research Council, a cost-share partner, provided cost share and aided in ensuring the fuel flexibility of the conceptual design. Micro-CHP systems being commercialized in Europe and Japan are generally designed to follow the household thermal load, and generate electricity opportunistically. In many cases, any excess electricity can be sold back to the grid (net metering). These products, however, are unlikely to meet the demands of the U.S. market. First, these products generally cannot provide emergency power when grid power is lost--a critical feature to market success in the U.S. Even those that can may have insufficient electric generation capacities to meet emergency needs for many U.S. homes. Second, the extent to which net metering will be available in the U.S. is unclear. Third, these products are typically not designed for use in households having forced hot-air heating, which is the dominant heating system in the U.S. The U.S. market will also require a major manufacturer that has the reputation and brand recognition, low-cost manufacturing capability, distribution, sales, and service infrastructure, and marketing power to achieve significant market size with a previously unknown and unproven product. History has proven time and time again that small-to-medium-size manufacturers do not have the resources and capabilities to achieve significant markets with such products. During the Phase I effort, the Team developed a conceptual design for a Micro-CHP system that addresses key DOE and U.S. market needs: (1) Provides emergency power adequate for critical household loads, with none of the key drawbacks associated with typical, low-cost emergency generators, such as liquid fuel storage, inability to power ''hard-wired'' loads, need to run temporary extension cords for plug loads, manual set up required, susceptibility to overload, and risk of failure due to lack of maintenance and infrequent operation; (2) Requires no special skills to install--plumbers, electricians and HVAC technicians will typically have all necessary skills; (3) Can be used with the major residential fuels in the U.S., including natural gas and propane, and can be easily adapted to fuel oil as well as emerging fuels as they become available; and (4) Significantly reduces household energy consumption and energy costs.« less

Regulation of MicroRNAs, and the Correlations of MicroRNAs and Their Targeted Genes by Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Ovarian Granulosa Cells

PubMed Central

Zhao, Yong; Li, Lan; Min, Ling-Jiang; Zhu, Lian-Qin; Sun, Qing-Yuan; Zhang, Hong-Fu; Liu, Xin-Qi; Zhang, Wei-Dong; Ge, Wei; Wang, Jun-Jie; Liu, Jing-Cai

2016-01-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) have been applied in numerous industrial products and personal care products like sunscreens and cosmetics. The released ZnO NPs from consumer and household products into the environment might pose potential health issues for animals and humans. In this study the expression of microRNAs and the correlations of microRNAs and their targeted genes in ZnO NPs treated chicken ovarian granulosa cells were investigated. ZnSO4 was used as the sole Zn2+ provider to differentiate the effects of NPs from Zn2+. It was found that ZnO-NP-5 μg/ml specifically regulated the expression of microRNAs involved in embryonic development although ZnO-NP-5 μg/ml and ZnSO4-10 μg/ml treatments produced the same intracellular Zn concentrations and resulted in similar cell growth inhibition. And ZnO-NP-5 μg/ml also specifically regulated the correlations of microRNAs and their targeted genes. This is the first investigation that intact NPs in ZnO-NP-5 μg/ml treatment specifically regulated the expression of microRNAs, and the correlations of microRNAs and their targeted genes compared to that by Zn2+. This expands our knowledge for biological effects of ZnO NPs and at the same time it raises the health concerns that ZnO NPs might adversely affect our biological systems, even the reproductive systems through regulation of specific signaling pathways. PMID:27196542

Regulation of MicroRNAs, and the Correlations of MicroRNAs and Their Targeted Genes by Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Ovarian Granulosa Cells.

PubMed

Zhao, Yong; Li, Lan; Min, Ling-Jiang; Zhu, Lian-Qin; Sun, Qing-Yuan; Zhang, Hong-Fu; Liu, Xin-Qi; Zhang, Wei-Dong; Ge, Wei; Wang, Jun-Jie; Liu, Jing-Cai; Hao, Zhi-Hui

2016-01-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) have been applied in numerous industrial products and personal care products like sunscreens and cosmetics. The released ZnO NPs from consumer and household products into the environment might pose potential health issues for animals and humans. In this study the expression of microRNAs and the correlations of microRNAs and their targeted genes in ZnO NPs treated chicken ovarian granulosa cells were investigated. ZnSO4 was used as the sole Zn2+ provider to differentiate the effects of NPs from Zn2+. It was found that ZnO-NP-5 μg/ml specifically regulated the expression of microRNAs involved in embryonic development although ZnO-NP-5 μg/ml and ZnSO4-10 μg/ml treatments produced the same intracellular Zn concentrations and resulted in similar cell growth inhibition. And ZnO-NP-5 μg/ml also specifically regulated the correlations of microRNAs and their targeted genes. This is the first investigation that intact NPs in ZnO-NP-5 μg/ml treatment specifically regulated the expression of microRNAs, and the correlations of microRNAs and their targeted genes compared to that by Zn2+. This expands our knowledge for biological effects of ZnO NPs and at the same time it raises the health concerns that ZnO NPs might adversely affect our biological systems, even the reproductive systems through regulation of specific signaling pathways.

Evaluation of Electromagnetic Near-Field Measurement Technique as Non-Destructive Testing for Composite Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raad Hussein, Alaa; Badri Albarody, Thar M.; Megat Yusoff, Puteri Sri Melor Bt

2018-05-01

Nowadays there is no viable non-destructive method that could detect flaws in complex composite products. Such a method could provide unique tools to allow engineers to minimize time consumption and cost during the evaluation of various product parameters without disturbing production. The latest research and development on propagation waves introduce micro, radio and millimetre waves as new potential non-destructive test methods for evaluation of mechanical flaws and prediction of failure in a product during production. This paper focuses on recent developments, usage, classification of electromagnetic waves under the range of radio frequency, millimetre and micro-waves. In addition, this paper reviews the application of propagation wave and proposed a new health monitoring technique based on Doppler Effect for vibration measurement in complex composite structures. Doppler Effect is influenced by dynamic behaviour of the composite structures and both are effect by flaws occurred inside the structure. Composite manufacturers, especially Aerospace industry are demanding these methods comprehensively inspect and evaluate the damages and defects in their products.

Natural products discovery from micro-organisms in the post-genome era.

PubMed

Ikeda, Haruo

2017-01-01

With the decision to award the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Drs. S. Ōmura, W.C. Campbell, and Y. Tu, the importance and usefulness of natural drug discovery and development have been revalidated. Since the end of the twentieth century, many genome analyses of organisms have been conducted, and accordingly, numerous microbial genomes have been decoded. In particular, genomic studies of actinomycetes, micro-organisms that readily produce natural products, led to the discovery of biosynthetic gene clusters responsible for producing natural products. New explorations for natural products through a comprehensive approach combining genomic information with conventional methods show great promise for the discovery of new natural products and even systematic generation of unnaturally occurring compounds.

CHO microRNA engineering is growing up: Recent successes and future challenges☆

PubMed Central

Jadhav, Vaibhav; Hackl, Matthias; Druz, Aliaksandr; Shridhar, Smriti; Chung, Cheng-Yu; Heffner, Kelley M.; Kreil, David P.; Betenbaugh, Mike; Shiloach, Joseph; Barron, Niall; Grillari, Johannes; Borth, Nicole

2013-01-01

microRNAs with their ability to regulate complex pathways that control cellular behavior and phenotype have been proposed as potential targets for cell engineering in the context of optimization of biopharmaceutical production cell lines, specifically of Chinese Hamster Ovary cells. However, until recently, research was limited by a lack of genomic sequence information on this industrially important cell line. With the publication of the genomic sequence and other relevant data sets for CHO cells since 2011, the doors have been opened for an improved understanding of CHO cell physiology and for the development of the necessary tools for novel engineering strategies. In the present review we discuss both knowledge on the regulatory mechanisms of microRNAs obtained from other biological models and proof of concepts already performed on CHO cells, thus providing an outlook of potential applications of microRNA engineering in production cell lines. PMID:23916872

Optimization of a micro-scale, high throughput process development tool and the demonstration of comparable process performance and product quality with biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

PubMed

Evans, Steven T; Stewart, Kevin D; Afdahl, Chris; Patel, Rohan; Newell, Kelcy J

2017-07-14

In this paper, we discuss the optimization and implementation of a high throughput process development (HTPD) tool that utilizes commercially available micro-liter sized column technology for the purification of multiple clinically significant monoclonal antibodies. Chromatographic profiles generated using this optimized tool are shown to overlay with comparable profiles from the conventional bench-scale and clinical manufacturing scale. Further, all product quality attributes measured are comparable across scales for the mAb purifications. In addition to supporting chromatography process development efforts (e.g., optimization screening), comparable product quality results at all scales makes this tool is an appropriate scale model to enable purification and product quality comparisons of HTPD bioreactors conditions. The ability to perform up to 8 chromatography purifications in parallel with reduced material requirements per run creates opportunities for gathering more process knowledge in less time. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Six-shogaol inhibits production of tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta and nitric oxide from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

PubMed

Levy, A S A; Simon, O R

2009-09-01

We previously reported that 6-shogaol, a phenolic compound from ginger has antiinflammatory properties in a Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) model of mono-arthritic rats. In the present study, we investigated the effects of 6-shogaol on the production of inflammatory mediators from lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. These mediators (TNF-alpha, IL-1-beta and NO) and their output from macrophages are involved in various pathophysiological events of chronic inflammation and arthritis. Effects of 6-shogaol were investigated on the production of the mediators TNF-alpha, IL-1-beta and NO (measured as nitrate)from macrophages. Lipopolysaccharide activated RAW 264.7 macrophages were cultured in the presence and absence of 6-shogaol (2 microM, 10 microM and 20 microM) and ELISA was used to quantify the output of the mediators. 6-shogoal (2 microM, 10 microM and 20 microM) significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO), IL-1beta and TNF-alpha from the LPS activated RAW264.7 macrophages. The results suggest that macrophages are targets for the anti-inflammatory effects of 6-shogaol. Also, the inhibitory effects against TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and NO production from LPS activated macrophages are cellular mechanisms by which 6-shogaol produced its anti-inflammatory effects. These mechanisms provide an explanation of the protection by 6-shogaol against development of joint inflammation and cartilage degradation in CFA induced mono-arthritis that we previously demonstrated (1). Based on these results with 6-shogaol, there is evidence that it exhibits exploitable anti-inflammatory properties.

Wafer integrated micro-scale concentrating photovoltaics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Tian; Li, Duanhui; Li, Lan; Jared, Bradley; Keeler, Gordon; Miller, Bill; Sweatt, William; Paap, Scott; Saavedra, Michael; Das, Ujjwal; Hegedus, Steve; Tauke-Pedretti, Anna; Hu, Juejun

2017-09-01

Recent development of a novel micro-scale PV/CPV technology is presented. The Wafer Integrated Micro-scale PV approach (WPV) seamlessly integrates multijunction micro-cells with a multi-functional silicon platform that provides optical micro-concentration, hybrid photovoltaic, and mechanical micro-assembly. The wafer-embedded micro-concentrating elements is shown to considerably improve the concentration-acceptance-angle product, potentially leading to dramatically reduced module materials and fabrication costs, sufficient angular tolerance for low-cost trackers, and an ultra-compact optical architecture, which makes the WPV module compatible with commercial flat panel infrastructures. The PV/CPV hybrid architecture further allows the collection of both direct and diffuse sunlight, thus extending the geographic and market domains for cost-effective PV system deployment. The WPV approach can potentially benefits from both the high performance of multijunction cells and the low cost of flat plate Si PV systems.

Technical standards for micro sensors in surgery and minimally invasive therapy.

PubMed

Neuder; Dehm

2004-04-01

The development of medical applications is fuelled in the context of steadily growing needs and the requirement of lowering overall costs. Micro systems will have an extremely important impact on medical technology in the future. The great challenges for the wider use of micro structures in health applications are biocompatibility and mass production. Especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need help to overcome these problems by free access to knowledge, the availability of standards and contacts to partners.

Downscaling of conventional laser cladding technique to microengineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

del Val, J.; Comesaña, R.; Lusquiños, F.; Riveiro, A.; Quintero, F.; Pou, J.

To get an adequate response to the high increase of micro-products demand, new techniques have been developed by different types of industries in the last years. One approach is to adapt the laser surface cladding technique to the scale of microengineering. A new experimental configuration has been developed based on a highly stable high power laser with a high beam quality and a micro-feeder adequate to supply submicron particles. This work collects our efforts to extend the operation range of the laser cladding to the laser micro-cladding in order to produce micro-coatings. The viability of this new technique has been demonstrated by depositing coatings with geometrical characteristics in the micrometer range (minimum values obtained: 32 μm of width and 12 μm of height).

Analysis of long-time operation of micro-cogeneration unit with fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patsch, Marek; Čaja, Alexander

2015-05-01

Micro-cogeneration is cogeneration with small performance, with maximal electric power up to 50 kWe. On the present, there are available small micro-cogeneration units with small electric performance, about 1 kWe, which are usable also in single family houses or flats. These micro-cogeneration units operate on principle of conventional combustion engine, Stirling engine, steam engine or fuel cell. Micro-cogeneration units with fuel cells are new progressive developing type of units for single family houses. Fuel cell is electrochemical device which by oxidation-reduction reaction turn directly chemical energy of fuel to electric power, secondary products are pure water and thermal energy. The aim of paper is measuring and evaluation of operation parameters of micro-cogeneration unit with fuel cell which uses natural gas as a fuel.

Micro-scale Plasma Arc Gasification for Waste Treatment and Energy Production Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caraccio, Anne

2015-01-01

As NASA continues to develop technology for spaceflight beyond low earth orbit, we must develop the right systems for sustaining human life on a long duration or planetary mission. Plasma arc gasification (PAG) is an energy efficient mechanism of waste management for power generation and synthetic gas(syngas) production.

Using conjoint and cluster analysis in developing new product for micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) based on customer preferences (Case study: Lampung province's banana chips)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kosasih, Wilson; Salomon, Lithrone Laricha; Hutomo, Reynaldo

2017-08-01

This paper discusses the development of new products of Micro, Small and Medium Entreprises (SMEs) to identify what attributes are considered by consumers, as well as combinations of attributes that need to be analyzed into the main preferences of consumers. The purpose of this research is to increase the added value and competitiveness of SMEs through product innovation. The object of this study is banana chips produced by SMEs from the province of Lampung which it considered to be unique souvenirs of the province. The research data were collected by distributing questionnaires in Jakarta which has heterogeneous population, in order to develop banana chip's marketing and increase its market share in Indonesia. Data processing was performed using conjoint analysis and cluster analysis. Segmentation was performed using conjoint analysis based on the importance level of attributes and part-worth of level attributes of each cluster. Finally, characteristics and consumer preferences of each cluster will be a consideration in determining the product development and marketing strategies.

Using a micro-level model to generate a macro-level model of productive successful aging.

PubMed

Johnson, Jessica K M; Sarkisian, Natalia; Williamson, John B

2015-02-01

Aging successfully entails good physical and cognitive health, as well as ongoing participation in social and productive activity. This study hones in on participation in productive activity, a factor that makes an important contribution to successful aging. One conceptual model of productive activity in later life specifies the antecedents and consequences of productivity. This study draws on that micro-level model to develop a corresponding macro-level model and assesses its utility for examining the predictors of and explaining the relationships between one form of productivity (labor force participation rates) and one aspect of well-being (average life expectancy) among males and females. Random effects regression models and path analysis were used to analyze cross-national longitudinal data for 24 high-income Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries at seven time points (1980-2010; 168 observations total). OECD countries with higher labor force participation rates among older workers have higher life expectancies. Labor force participation mediates the effects of gross domestic product per capita on male and female life expectancy, and it mediates the effect of self-employment rate for men, but it acts as a suppressor with regard to the effect of public spending on male and female life expectancy. A well-known micro-level model of productive activity can be fruitfully adapted to account for macro-level cross-national variation in productivity and well-being. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Development of Fundamental Technologies for Micro Bioreactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Kiichi; Kitamori, Takehiko

This chapter reviews the development of fundamental technologies required for microchip-based bioreactors utilizing living mammalian cells and pressure driven flow. The most important factor in the bioreactor is the cell culture. For proper cell culturing, continuous medium supply from a microfluidic channel and appropriate modification of the channel surface to accommodate cell attachment is required. Moreover, the medium flow rate should be chosen carefully, because shear stress affects cell activity. The techniques presented here could be applied to the development of micro bioreactors such as microlivers, pigment production by plant cells, and artificial insemination.

"Skills for Productive Citizenship for All": The Place of Skills Development for Micro and Small Enterprises in South Africa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGrath, Simon

2005-01-01

Three important elements of a South African vision for high skills must be spreading skills improvements across the population in general, creating policy coherence and constructing new institutions. This article examines these issues through an investigation of the micro and small enterprise (MSE) sector and, in particular, through an analysis of…

Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting: A Green and Clean Alternative for Sustained Power Production

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cook-Chennault, Kimberly Ann; Thambi, Nithya; Bitetto, Mary Anne; Hameyie, E. B.

2008-01-01

Providing efficient and clean power is a challenge for devices that range from the micro to macro in scale. Although there has been significant progress in the development of micro-, meso-, and macro-scale power supplies and technologies, realization of many devices is limited by the inability of power supplies to scale with the diminishing sizes…

Experimental evaluation of tool run-out in micro milling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Attanasio, Aldo; Ceretti, Elisabetta

2018-05-01

This paper deals with micro milling cutting process focusing the attention on tool run-out measurement. In fact, among the effects of the scale reduction from macro to micro (i.e., size effects) tool run-out plays an important role. This research is aimed at developing an easy and reliable method to measure tool run-out in micro milling based on experimental tests and an analytical model. From an Industry 4.0 perspective this measuring strategy can be integrated into an adaptive system for controlling cutting forces, with the objective of improving the production quality, the process stability, reducing at the same time the tool wear and the machining costs. The proposed procedure estimates the tool run-out parameters from the tool diameter, the channel width, and the phase angle between the cutting edges. The cutting edge phase measurement is based on the force signal analysis. The developed procedure has been tested on data coming from micro milling experimental tests performed on a Ti6Al4V sample. The results showed that the developed procedure can be successfully used for tool run-out estimation.

Micro- and nanotechnologies in plankton research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammed, Javeed Shaikh

2015-05-01

A better understanding of the vast range of plankton and their interactions with the marine environment would allow prediction of their large-scale impact on the marine ecosystem, and provide in-depth knowledge on pollution and climate change. Numerous technologies, especially lab-on-a-chip microsystems, are being used to this end. Marine biofouling is a global issue with significant economic consequences. Ecofriendly polymer nanotechnologies are being developed to combat marine biofouling. Furthermore, nanomaterials hold great potential for bioremediation and biofuel production. Excellent reviews covering focused topics in plankton research exist, with only a handful discussing both micro- and nanotechnologies. This work reviews both micro- and nanotechnologies applied to broad-ranging plankton research topics including flow cytometry, chemotaxis/toxicity assays, biofilm formation, marine antifouling/fouling-release surfaces and coatings, green energy, green nanomaterials, microalgae immobilization, and bioremediation. It is anticipated that developments in plankton research will see engineered exploitation of micro- and nanotechnologies. The current review is therefore intended to promote micro-/nanotechnology researchers to team up with limnologists/oceanographers, and develop novel strategies for understanding and green exploitation of the complex marine ecosystem.

Regulatory/Scientific Supports for Micro-, Small-, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) With Medicinal Products Provided by the PMDA and EMA.

PubMed

Kondo, Hideyuki; Shibatsuji, Masayoshi; Yasuda, Naoyuki

2018-01-01

Micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been considered as key players who can bring innovative medicinal products and/or technologies into the field. However, they may need much regulatory/scientific supports to provide their products, technologies, or services to the market in a timely way. Both the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), regulatory authorities for medicinal products in Japan and the EU, respectively, have prepared supportive measures for SMEs from the early phase of product/technology development to the postmarketing phase. With respect to supports for SMEs, both agencies have provided similar SME-specific supportive activities, including routine administrative assistance, consultations about product development strategy from an early phase, as well as specific regulatory/scientific issues and fee incentives. In addition, there is a system to register SME status in the EU, which can be a tool for regulators to know how much potential SME-driven activities have and with whom they should communicate to provide necessary supports. Furthermore, as new technologies and novel products from SMEs are not limited to the region where they are developed, close communication about these topics between the PMDA and the EMA will contribute to advancing patients' access to necessary medicinal products.

Micro-hydromechanical deep drawing of metal cups with hydraulic pressure effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Liang; Jiang, Zhengyi; Wei, Dongbin; Wang, Xiaogang; Zhou, Cunlong; Huang, Qingxue

2018-03-01

Micro-metal products have recently enjoyed high demand. In addition, metal microforming has drawn increasing attention due to its net-forming capability, batch manufacturing potential, high product quality, and relatively low equipment cost. Micro-hydromechanical deep drawing (MHDD), a typical microforming method, has been developed to take advantage of hydraulic force. With reduced dimensions, the hydraulic pressure development changes; accordingly, the lubrication condition changes from the macroscale to the microscale. A Voronoi-based finite element model is proposed in this paper to consider the change in lubrication in MHDD according to open and closed lubricant pocket theory. Simulation results agree with experimental results concerning drawing force. Changes in friction significantly affect the drawing process and the drawn cups. Moreover, defined wrinkle indexes have been shown to have a complex relationship with hydraulic pressure. High hydraulic pressure can increase the maximum drawing ratio (drawn cup height), whereas the surface finish represented by the wear is not linearly dependent on the hydraulic pressure due to the wrinkles.

USSR Report Machine Tools and Metalworking Equipment

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-24

meat -packing plants). In the past, the main emphasis on finished products in individual areas slowed down development and modernization, as well as...social effect . Also related to further improvement in the microelectronic base, micro and minicomputers is development work on the creation of a...more effectively as well as those being built; develop scientific technological and production cooperation; use achievements obtained as a result of

Micro Machining of Injection Mold Inserts for Fluidic Channel of Polymeric Biochips

PubMed Central

Jung, Woo-Chul; Heo, Young-Moo; Yoon, Gil-Sang; Shin, Kwang-Ho; Chang, Sung-Ho; Kim, Gun-Hee; Cho, Myeong-Woo

2007-01-01

Recently, the polymeric micro-fluidic biochip, often called LOC (lab-on-a-chip), has been focused as a cheap, rapid and simplified method to replace the existing biochemical laboratory works. It becomes possible to form miniaturized lab functionalities on a chip with the development of MEMS technologies. The micro-fluidic chips contain many micro-channels for the flow of sample and reagents, mixing, and detection tasks. Typical substrate materials for the chip are glass and polymers. Typical techniques for microfluidic chip fabrication are utilizing various micro pattern forming methods, such as wet-etching, micro-contact printing, and hot-embossing, micro injection molding, LIGA, and micro powder blasting processes, etc. In this study, to establish the basis of the micro pattern fabrication and mass production of polymeric micro-fluidic chips using injection molding process, micro machining method was applied to form micro-channels on the LOC molds. In the research, a series of machining experiments using micro end-mills were performed to determine optimum machining conditions to improve surface roughness and shape accuracy of designed simplified micro-channels. Obtained conditions were used to machine required mold inserts for micro-channels using micro end-mills. Test injection processes using machined molds and COC polymer were performed, and then the results were investigated.

Functional relevance of “seed” and “non-seed” sequences in microRNA-mediated promotion of C. elegans developmental progression

PubMed Central

Zhang, Huibin; Artiles, Karen L.; Fire, Andrew Z.

2015-01-01

The founding heterochronic microRNAs, lin-4 and let-7, together with their validated targets and well-characterized phenotypes in C. elegans, offer an opportunity to test functionality of microRNAs in a developmental context. In this study, we defined sequence requirements at the microRNA level for these two microRNAs, evaluating lin-4 and let-7 mutant microRNAs for their ability to support temporal development under conditions where the wild-type lin-4 and let-7 gene products are absent. For lin-4, we found a strong requirement for seed sequences, with function drastically affected by several central mutations in the seed sequence, while rescue was retained by a set of mutations peripheral to the seed. let-7 rescuing activity was retained to a surprising degree by a variety of central seed mutations, while several non-seed mutant effects support potential noncanonical contributions to let-7 function. Taken together, this work illustrates both the functional partnership between seed and non-seed sequences in mediating C. elegans temporal development and a diversity among microRNA effectors in the contributions of seed and non-seed regions to activity. PMID:26385508

Identification and bioinformatics analysis of microRNAs from the sporophyte and gametophyte of Pyropia haitanensis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Aiyou; Wang, Guangce

2016-05-01

Pyropia haitanensis (T. J. Chang et B. F. Zheng) N. Kikuchi et M. Miyata ( Porphyra haitanensis) is an economically important genus that is cultured widely in China. P. haitanensis is cultured on a larger scale than Pyropia yezoensis, making up an important part of the total production of cultivated Pyropia in China. However, the majority of molecular mechanisms underlying the physiological processes of P. haitanensis remain unknown. P. haitanensis could utilize inorganic carbon and the sporophytes of P. haitanensis might possess a PCK-type C4-like carbon-fixation pathway. To identify microRNAs and their probable roles in sporophyte and gametophyte development, we constructed and sequenced small RNA libraries from sporophytes and gametophytes of P. haitanensis. Five microRNAs were identified that shared no sequence homology with known microRNAs. Our results indicated that P. haitanensis might posses a complex sRNA processing system in which the novel microRNAs act as important regulators of the development of different generations of P. haitanensis.

A microbial identification framework for risk assessment.

PubMed

Bernatchez, Stéphane; Anoop, Valar; Saikali, Zeina; Breton, Marie

2018-06-01

Micro-organisms are increasingly used in a variety of products for commercial uses, including cleaning products. Such microbial-based cleaning products (MBCP) are represented as a more environmentally-friendly alternative to chemically based cleaning products. The identity of the micro-organisms formulated into these products is often considered confidential business information and is not revealed or it is only partly revealed (i.e., identification to the genus, not to the species). That paucity of information complicates the evaluation of the risk associated with their use. The accurate taxonomic identification of those micro-organisms is important so that a suitable risk assessment of the products can be conducted. To alleviate difficulties associated with adequate identification of micro-organisms in MBCP and other products containing micro-organisms, a microbial identification framework for risk assessment (MIFRA) has been elaborated. It serves to provide guidance on a polyphasic tiered approach, combining the data obtained from the use of various methods (i.e., polyphasic approach) combined with the sequential selection of the methods (i.e., tiered) to achieve a satisfactory identity of the micro-organism to an acceptable taxonomic level. The MIFRA is suitable in various risk assessment contexts for micro-organisms used in any commercial product. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Nano Mechanical Machining Using AFM Probe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mostofa, Md. Golam

Complex miniaturized components with high form accuracy will play key roles in the future development of many products, as they provide portability, disposability, lower material consumption in production, low power consumption during operation, lower sample requirements for testing, and higher heat transfer due to their very high surface-to-volume ratio. Given the high market demand for such micro and nano featured components, different manufacturing methods have been developed for their fabrication. Some of the common technologies in micro/nano fabrication are photolithography, electron beam lithography, X-ray lithography and other semiconductor processing techniques. Although these methods are capable of fabricating micro/nano structures with a resolution of less than a few nanometers, some of the shortcomings associated with these methods, such as high production costs for customized products, limited material choices, necessitate the development of other fabricating techniques. Micro/nano mechanical machining, such an atomic force microscope (AFM) probe based nano fabrication, has, therefore, been used to overcome some the major restrictions of the traditional processes. This technique removes material from the workpiece by engaging micro/nano size cutting tool (i.e. AFM probe) and is applicable on a wider range of materials compared to the photolithographic process. In spite of the unique benefits of nano mechanical machining, there are also some challenges with this technique, since the scale is reduced, such as size effects, burr formations, chip adhesions, fragility of tools and tool wear. Moreover, AFM based machining does not have any rotational movement, which makes fabrication of 3D features more difficult. Thus, vibration-assisted machining is introduced into AFM probe based nano mechanical machining to overcome the limitations associated with the conventional AFM probe based scratching method. Vibration-assisted machining reduced the cutting forces and burr formations through intermittent cutting. Combining the AFM probe based machining with vibration-assisted machining enhanced nano mechanical machining processes by improving the accuracy, productivity and surface finishes. In this study, several scratching tests are performed with a single crystal diamond AFM probe to investigate the cutting characteristics and model the ploughing cutting forces. Calibration of the probe for lateral force measurements, which is essential, is also extended through the force balance method. Furthermore, vibration-assisted machining system is developed and applied to fabricate different materials to overcome some of the limitations of the AFM probe based single point nano mechanical machining. The novelty of this study includes the application of vibration-assisted AFM probe based nano scale machining to fabricate micro/nano scale features, calibration of an AFM by considering different factors, and the investigation of the nano scale material removal process from a different perspective.

Self-assembly synthesis of precious-metal-free 3D ZnO nano/micro spheres with excellent photocatalytic hydrogen production from solar water splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Si-yao; Zhao, Tie-jun; Jin, Zu-quan; Wan, Xiao-mei; Wang, Peng-gang; Shang, Jun; Han, Song

2015-10-01

A simple and straightforward solution growth routine is developed to prepare microporous 3D nano/micro ZnO microsphere with a large BET surface area of 288 m2 g-1 at room temperature. The formation mechanism of the hierarchical 3D nano/micro ZnO microsphere and its corresponding hydrogen evolution performance has been deeply discussed. In particular, this novel hierarchical 3D ZnO microspheres performs undiminished hydrogen evolution for at least 24 h under simulated solar light illumination, even under the condition of no precious metal as cocatalyst. Since the complex production process of photocatalysts and high cost of precious metal cocatalyst remains a major constraint that hinders the application of solar water splitting, this 3D nano/micro ZnO microspheres could be expected to be applicable in the precious-metal-free solar water splitting system due to its merits of low cost, simple procedure and high catalytic activity.

Alternate method of source preparation for alpha spectrometry: No electrodeposition, no hydrofluoric acid

DOE PAGES

Kurosaki, Hiromu; Mueller, Rebecca J.; Lambert, Susan B.; ...

2016-07-15

An alternate method of preparing actinide alpha counting sources was developed in place of electrodeposition or lanthanide fluoride micro-precipitation. The method uses lanthanide hydroxide micro-precipitation to avoid the use of hazardous hydrofluoric acid. Lastly, it provides a quicker, simpler, and safer way of preparing actinide alpha counting sources in routine, production-type laboratories that process many samples daily.

Thermal and hydrodynamic studies for micro-channel cooling for large area silicon sensors in high energy physics experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flaschel, Nils; Ariza, Dario; Díez, Sergio; Gerboles, Marta; Gregor, Ingrid-Maria; Jorda, Xavier; Mas, Roser; Quirion, David; Tackmann, Kerstin; Ullan, Miguel

2017-08-01

Micro-channel cooling initially aiming at small-sized high-power integrated circuits is being transferred to the field of high energy physics. Today's prospects of micro-fabricating silicon opens a door to a more direct cooling of detector modules. The challenge in high energy physics is to save material in the detector construction and to cool large areas. In this paper, we are investigating micro-channel cooling as a candidate for a future cooling system for silicon detectors in a generic research and development approach. The work presented in this paper includes the production and the hydrodynamic and thermal testing of a micro-channel equipped prototype optimized to achieve a homogeneous flow distribution. Furthermore, the device was simulated using finite element methods.

The embryonic mir-35 family of microRNAs promotes multiple aspects of fecundity in Caenorhabditis elegans.

PubMed

McJunkin, Katherine; Ambros, Victor

2014-07-21

MicroRNAs guide many aspects of development in all metazoan species. Frequently, microRNAs are expressed during a specific developmental stage to perform a temporally defined function. The C. elegans mir-35-42 microRNAs are expressed abundantly in oocytes and early embryos and are essential for embryonic development. Here, we show that these embryonic microRNAs surprisingly also function to control the number of progeny produced by adult hermaphrodites. Using a temperature-sensitive mir-35-42 family mutant (a deletion of the mir-35-41 cluster), we demonstrate three distinct defects in hermaphrodite fecundity. At permissive temperatures, a mild sperm defect partially reduces hermaphrodite fecundity. At restrictive temperatures, somatic gonad dysfunction combined with a severe sperm defect sharply reduces fecundity. Multiple lines of evidence, including a late embryonic temperature-sensitive period, support a role for mir-35-41 early during development to promote subsequent sperm production in later larval stages. We further show that the predicted mir-35 family target sup-26 (suppressor-26) acts downstream of mir-35-41 in this process, suggesting that sup-26 de-repression in mir-35-41 deletion mutants may contribute to temperature-sensitive loss of fecundity. In addition, these microRNAs play a role in male fertility, promoting proper morphogenesis of male-specific mating structures. Overall, our results demonstrate that robust activity of the mir-35-42 family microRNAs not only is essential for embryonic development across a range of temperatures but also enables the worm to subsequently develop full reproductive capacity. Copyright © 2014 McJunkin and Ambros.

Optimizing laser beam profiles using micro-lens arrays for efficient material processing: applications to solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hauschild, Dirk; Homburg, Oliver; Mitra, Thomas; Ivanenko, Mikhail; Jarczynski, Manfred; Meinschien, Jens; Bayer, Andreas; Lissotschenko, Vitalij

2009-02-01

High power laser sources are used in various production tools for microelectronic products and solar cells, including the applications annealing, lithography, edge isolation as well as dicing and patterning. Besides the right choice of the laser source suitable high performance optics for generating the appropriate beam profile and intensity distribution are of high importance for the right processing speed, quality and yield. For industrial applications equally important is an adequate understanding of the physics of the light-matter interaction behind the process. In advance simulations of the tool performance can minimize technical and financial risk as well as lead times for prototyping and introduction into series production. LIMO has developed its own software founded on the Maxwell equations taking into account all important physical aspects of the laser based process: the light source, the beam shaping optical system and the light-matter interaction. Based on this knowledge together with a unique free-form micro-lens array production technology and patented micro-optics beam shaping designs a number of novel solar cell production tool sub-systems have been built. The basic functionalities, design principles and performance results are presented with a special emphasis on resilience, cost reduction and process reliability.

Effect of quercitrin gallate on zymosan A-induced peroxynitrite production in macrophages.

PubMed

Kim, Byung Hak; Cho, Sung-Min; Chang, Yoon Sook; Han, Sang Bae; Kim, Youngsoo

2007-06-01

We previously isolated quercetin 3-O-beta-(2"-galloyl)-rhamnopyranoside (QGR), a quercitrin gallate, from aerial parts of Persicaria lapathifolia (Polygonaceae) to prevent superoxide produc tion in monocytes from venous blood of healthy human donors. In this study, effects of QGR and its building moieties (quercitrin, quercetin and gallic acid) on the production of peroxyni trite, a coupling oxidant between superoxide and nitric oxide (NO) radicals, were investigated in zymosan A-stimulated macrophages RAW 264.7. The QGR, quercitrin and quercetin inhib ited peroxynitrite production in dose-dependent manners with IC50 values of 2.1 microM, 24.5 microM and 5.1 microM, respectively, but gallic acid even at 100 microM was inactive. QGR also inhibited both zymosan A- and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced superoxide productions with IC50 values of 3.2 microM and 4.7 microM, respectively. However, QGR affected neither zymosan A-induced NO production nor inducible NO synthase synthesis. Taken together, QGR could inhibit peroxynitrite production by blocking superoxide production without affecting NO production. Finally, this study could provide a pharmacological potential of QGR in the oxidative stress-implicated disorders.

MicroGen: a MIAME compliant web system for microarray experiment information and workflow management.

PubMed

Burgarella, Sarah; Cattaneo, Dario; Pinciroli, Francesco; Masseroli, Marco

2005-12-01

Improvements of bio-nano-technologies and biomolecular techniques have led to increasing production of high-throughput experimental data. Spotted cDNA microarray is one of the most diffuse technologies, used in single research laboratories and in biotechnology service facilities. Although they are routinely performed, spotted microarray experiments are complex procedures entailing several experimental steps and actors with different technical skills and roles. During an experiment, involved actors, who can also be located in a distance, need to access and share specific experiment information according to their roles. Furthermore, complete information describing all experimental steps must be orderly collected to allow subsequent correct interpretation of experimental results. We developed MicroGen, a web system for managing information and workflow in the production pipeline of spotted microarray experiments. It is constituted of a core multi-database system able to store all data completely characterizing different spotted microarray experiments according to the Minimum Information About Microarray Experiments (MIAME) standard, and of an intuitive and user-friendly web interface able to support the collaborative work required among multidisciplinary actors and roles involved in spotted microarray experiment production. MicroGen supports six types of user roles: the researcher who designs and requests the experiment, the spotting operator, the hybridisation operator, the image processing operator, the system administrator, and the generic public user who can access the unrestricted part of the system to get information about MicroGen services. MicroGen represents a MIAME compliant information system that enables managing workflow and supporting collaborative work in spotted microarray experiment production.

Modeling and control for micro and nano manipulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wejinya, Uchechukwu C.

Manipulation of micro and nano entities implies the movement of micro and nano entities from an initial position (location) to the desire position (location). This operation is not only necessary, but a required task with great precision. The tools needed for the manipulation needs to be chosen properly because the capabilities of the human hand are very restricted. Smart micro and nano manipulation are becoming of great interest in many applications including medicine and industry. In industry, high precision manipulation systems are especially needed for mass production of both micro and nano systems which consist of different component in respective scales. The transition from assembling and manipulating micro and nano entities manually to mass products with high quality is only attainable by automated assembly and manipulation systems. An example is the testing of integrated circuits which can be carried out by exchanging the manipulation tool by an electric probe. Furthermore, in medical research it is customary to pick up a single cell (human, plant, or animal), and carry it to another device which is used to further analyze the cell. Consequently, the cell of interest has to be separated from the other cells and picked up using the appropriate micro/nano tool. Hence it becomes absolutely necessary that the appropriate tool be used for specific micro or nano entity manipulation and assembly. In this research, we focus on developing micro tool for manipulating micro and nano entities in liquid environment using a micro fluidic end effector system with in-situ Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) sensing. The microfluidic end effector system consists of a DC micro-diaphragm pump and compressor, one region of flexible latex tube, a Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) sensor for in-situ measurement of micro drag force, and a micro pipette. The micro pipette of the novel microfluidic end effector system has an internal diameter (ID) smaller than 20mum used for microfluidic handling and deposition of micro and nano entities such as carbon nanotubes (CNT), DNA, and for droplet control. The novel microfluidic end effector system with force sensing can significantly improve the success rate for handling/depositing micro/nano entities in the case of carbon nanotubes between micro electrodes. The design, calibration, and experimental implementation of the novel microfluidic end effector is carried out in this research. The experimental results show the success rate for carbon nanotube(s) deposition between micro electrodes can reach close to 80%. Furthermore, carbon nanotubes are of particular interest because they are good candidates for many electronics and sensing applications. The interests in using carbon nanotubes to manufacture electronics and sensors have increased in recent years because of the increase need for making electronics smaller, and their excellent electrical and mechanical properties. These potentials can be achieved if CNTs with semiconducting and metallic band structure can be successfully deposited and separated. The use of dielectrophoresis (DEP) has been established as a course towards the efficient deposition and separation of metallic carbon nanotubes from semiconducting carbon nanotubes. For this reason, this research presents a new mathematical model for dielectrophoresis and electrorotation of carbon nanotubes. Simulation results are presented in this research to validate the developed model. The combination of both the micro robotic manipulation system and the atomic force microscopy (AFM) based nano-robotic system will provide a powerful tool for micro and nano manipulation. Additional applications of this research are endless considering the rapid development of micro and nano technologies.

Status of the NASA Micro Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET): overview of the network and future plans, new version 3 data products, and the polarized MPL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Welton, Ellsworth J.; Stewart, Sebastian A.; Lewis, Jasper R.; Belcher, Larry R.; Campbell, James R.; Lolli, Simone

2018-04-01

The NASA Micro Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) is a global federated network of Micro-Pulse Lidars (MPL) co-located with the NASA Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). MPLNET began in 2000, and there are currently 17 long-term sites, numerous field campaigns, and more planned sites on the way. We have developed a new Version 3 processing system including the deployment of polarized MPLs across the network. Here we provide an overview of Version 3, the polarized MPL, and current and future plans.

Contributions of 18 food categories to intakes of 232Th and 238U in Japan.

PubMed

Shiraishi, K; Tagami, K; Muramastu, Y; Yamamoto, M

2000-01-01

Daily intakes of 232Th and 238U and contributions of food categories to those nuclide intakes in Japanese were estimated using a market basket study for 18 food categories. Food categories having higher 238U contents (per g-fresh) were found to be as follows: seaweeds 1,140 microBq; fishes and shellfishes 37 microBq; nuts and seeds 11 microBq; bean products 8.6 microBq; and cooked meals 7.3 microBq. Big contributors to the daily 238U intake in Japan were as follows: seaweeds (50%); fishes and shellfishes (26%); and bean products (4.3%). For 232Th, higher contents (per g-fresh) were found as follows: seaweeds 28 microBq; fishes and shellfishes 13 microBq; nuts and seeds 8.2 microBq; green vegetables 3.9 microBq; cooked meals 3.5 microBq; and bean products 2.9 microBq. Big contributors to the daily 232Th intake were as follows: fishes and shellfishes (44%); green vegetables (11%); bean products (7.4%); and seaweeds (6.0%). For both nuclides, marine food products were big contributors, while minor contributors were oil and fats, eggs, and cooked meals. Daily intakes of 232Th and 238U in Japan were estimated to be 2.7 mBq and 14 mBq per person from the intakes of the 18 categories, respectively. Annual effective doses were estimated to be 232Th, 2.2 x 10(-7) Sv, and 238U, 2.2 x 10(-7) Sv.

Guidelines for the functional annotation of microRNAs using the Gene Ontology

PubMed Central

D'Eustachio, Peter; Smith, Jennifer R.; Zampetaki, Anna

2016-01-01

MicroRNA regulation of developmental and cellular processes is a relatively new field of study, and the available research data have not been organized to enable its inclusion in pathway and network analysis tools. The association of gene products with terms from the Gene Ontology is an effective method to analyze functional data, but until recently there has been no substantial effort dedicated to applying Gene Ontology terms to microRNAs. Consequently, when performing functional analysis of microRNA data sets, researchers have had to rely instead on the functional annotations associated with the genes encoding microRNA targets. In consultation with experts in the field of microRNA research, we have created comprehensive recommendations for the Gene Ontology curation of microRNAs. This curation manual will enable provision of a high-quality, reliable set of functional annotations for the advancement of microRNA research. Here we describe the key aspects of the work, including development of the Gene Ontology to represent this data, standards for describing the data, and guidelines to support curators making these annotations. The full microRNA curation guidelines are available on the GO Consortium wiki (http://wiki.geneontology.org/index.php/MicroRNA_GO_annotation_manual). PMID:26917558

Center for Advanced Bioengineering for Soldier Survivability

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

useful products have been limited. This is in part because the technology development teams have failed to include clinicians and engineers...to useful products have been limited. This is in part because the technology development teams have failed to include clinicians and engineers...7, 14, 21, and 28 days. After 28 days the samples were explanted, fixed, and scanned for mineralized matrix using Micro -CT imaging. Some samples

Production methodologies of polymeric and hydrogel particles for drug delivery applications.

PubMed

Lima, Ana Catarina; Sher, Praveen; Mano, João F

2012-02-01

Polymeric particles are ideal vehicles for controlled delivery applications due to their ability to encapsulate a variety of substances, namely low- and high-molecular mass therapeutics, antigens or DNA. Micro and nano scale spherical materials have been developed as carriers for therapies, using appropriated methodologies, in order to achieve a prolonged and controlled drug administration. This paper reviews the methodologies used for the production of polymeric micro/nanoparticles. Emulsions, phase separation, spray drying, ionic gelation, polyelectrolyte complexation and supercritical fluids precipitation are all widely used processes for polymeric micro/nanoencapsulation. This paper also discusses the recent developments and patents reported in this field. Other less conventional methodologies are also described, such as the use of superhydrophobic substrates to produce hydrogel and polymeric particulate biomaterials. Polymeric drug delivery systems have gained increased importance due to the need for improving the efficiency and versatility of existing therapies. This allows the development of innovative concepts that could create more efficient systems, which in turn may address many healthcare needs worldwide. The existing methods to produce polymeric release systems have some critical drawbacks, which compromise the efficiency of these techniques. Improvements and development of new methodologies could be achieved by using multidisciplinary approaches and tools taken from other subjects, including nanotechnologies, biomimetics, tissue engineering, polymer science or microfluidics.

The pathogenic role of persistent milk signaling in mTORC1- and milk-microRNA-driven type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Melnik, Bodo C

2015-01-01

Milk, the secretory product of the lactation genome, promotes growth of the newborn mammal. Milk delivers insulinotropic amino acids, thus maintains a molecular crosstalk with the pancreatic β-cell of the milk recipient. Homeostasis of β-cells and insulin production depend on the appropriate magnitude of mTORC1 signaling. mTORC1 is activated by branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), glutamine, and palmitic acid, abundant nutrient signals of cow´s milk. Furthermore, milk delivers bioactive exosomal microRNAs. After milk consumption, bovine microRNA-29b, a member of the diabetogenic microRNA-29- family, reaches the systemic circulation and the cells of the milk consumer. MicroRNA-29b downregulates branchedchain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase, a potential explanation for increased BCAA serum levels, the metabolic signature of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In non-obese diabetic mice, microRNA-29b downregulates the antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1, which leads to early β-cell death. In all mammals except Neolithic humans, milk-driven mTORC1 signaling is physiologically restricted to the postnatal period. In contrast, chronic hyperactivated mTORC1 signaling has been associated with the development of age-related diseases of civilization including T2DM. Notably, chronic hyperactivation of mTORC1 enhances endoplasmic reticulum stress that promotes apoptosis. In fact, hyperactivated β-cell mTORC1 signaling induced early β-cell apoptosis in a mouse model. The EPIC-InterAct Study demonstrated an association between milk consumption and T2DM in France, Italy, United Kingdom, Germany, and Sweden. In contrast, fermented milk products and cheese exhibit an inverse correlation. Since the early 1950´s, refrigeration technology allowed widespread consumption of fresh pasteurized milk, which facilitates daily intake of bioactive bovine microRNAs. Persistent uptake of cow´s milk-derived microRNAs apparently transfers an overlooked epigenetic diabetogenic program that should not reach the human food chain.

Application of micro-PIV to the study of staphylococci bacteria biofilm dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sherman, Erica; Moormeier, Derek; Bayles, Kenneth; Wei, Timothy

2014-11-01

Staphylococci bacteria are recognized as the most frequent cause of biofilm-associated infections. A localized staph infection has the potential to enter the bloodstream and lead to serious infections such as endocarditis, pneumonia, or toxic shock syndrome. Changes in flow conditions, such as shear stress, can lead to stable biofilm growth or the dispersion of portions of the biofilm downstream. Exploration of biofilm physiology indicates a link between production of a specific enzyme called nuclease and biofilm architecture -; however the physical impact of this enzyme in directing the location and behavior of biofilm growth remains unclear. This talk investigates the link between sites of nuclease production and the development of biofilm tower structures using the application of micro-PIV and fluorescently labeled bacterial cells producing nuclease. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria were cultured in a BioFlux1000 square microchannel of a 65 by 65 um cross section, and subjected to a steady shear rate of 0.6 dynes. Micro-PIV and nuclease production measurements were taken to quantify the flow over a biofilm tower structure prior and during development. Data were recorded around the structure at a series of two dimensional planes, which when stacked vertically show a two dimensional flow field as a function of tower height.

Micro sculpting technology using DPSSL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Won-Seok; Shin, Bosung; Kim, Jae-gu; Whang, Kyung-Hyun

2003-11-01

Multiple pulse laser ablation of polymer is performed with DPSS (Diode Pumped Solid State) 3rd harmonic Nd:YVO4 laser (355 nm) in order to fabricate three-dimensional micro components. Here we considered mechanistic aspects of the interaction between UV laser and polymer to obtain optimum process conditions for maskless photomachining using DPSSL. The photo-physical and photochemical parameters such as laser wavelength and optical characteristics of polymers are investigated by experiments to reduce plume effect, which induce the re-deposited debris on the surface of substrate. In this study, LDST (laser direct sculpting technique) are developed to gain various three-dimensional shape with size less than 500 micrometer. Main process sequences are from rapid prototyping technology such as CAD/CAM modeling of products, machining path generation, layer-by-layer machining, and so on. This method can be applied to manufacture the prototype of micro device and the polymer mould for mass production without expensive mask fabrication.

Dyadic design interface between energy and agriculture: the case of Pinthali micro hydro system in Nepal.

PubMed

Regmi, A

2003-01-01

Technology, like society, is heterogeneous. It mirrors the context in which it operates. Micro hydro development in Nepal is a rural energy strategy, which relies on technology and innovation and takes place in a specific social context. In designing this energy strategy, both technology and its social context, therefore, need to be considered seriously. In technical design processes, the interplay between the content (technology) and the context (society) needs to be considered, as the outcome will affect the people. For example, the content--micro hydro system--in the domain of the context--agriculture--provides an arena for an integrated water control system. Thus, it is possible to control water for two purposes: to produce power and to provide irrigation. The end product will be "energy" as a "consumptive" output and improved food security as a "productive" output of water. Therefore, within a sociotechnical framework, energy and irrigation become constitutive outputs of the sacrosanct "water". Thus, the metaphor of power--the "sociotechnical code" of "content" and "context"--can be used with the term "agro-anergy" in the design process of micro hydro systems. Evidence suggests that this interaction can lead to a transformed water use system for both productive and consumptive output for the benefit of rural communities.

Development of a Dynamic Operational Scheduling Algorithm for an Independent Micro-Grid with Renewable Energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obara, Shin'ya

A micro-grid with the capacity for sustainable energy is expected to be a distributed energy system that exhibits quite a small environmental impact. In an independent micro-grid, “green energy,” which is typically thought of as unstable, can be utilized effectively by introducing a battery. In the past study, the production-of-electricity prediction algorithm (PAS) of the solar cell was developed. In PAS, a layered neural network is made to learn based on past weather data and the operation plan of the compound system of a solar cell and other energy systems was examined using this prediction algorithm. In this paper, a dynamic operational scheduling algorithm is developed using a neural network (PAS) and a genetic algorithm (GA) to provide predictions for solar cell power output. We also do a case study analysis in which we use this algorithm to plan the operation of a system that connects nine houses in Sapporo to a micro-grid composed of power equipment and a polycrystalline silicon solar cell. In this work, the relationship between the accuracy of output prediction of the solar cell and the operation plan of the micro-grid was clarified. Moreover, we found that operating the micro-grid according to the plan derived with PAS was far superior, in terms of equipment hours of operation, to that using past average weather data.

Laser microjoining of dissimilar and biocompatible materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer, Ingo; Russek, Ulrich A.; Herfurth, Hans J.; Witte, Reiner; Heinemann, Stefan; Newaz, Golam; Mian, A.; Georgiev, D.; Auner, Gregory W.

2004-07-01

Micro-joining and hermetic sealing of dissimilar and biocompatible materials is a critical issue for a broad spectrum of products such as micro-electronics, micro-optical and biomedical products and devices. Today, biocompatible titanium is widely applied as a material for orthopedic implants as well as for the encapsulation of implantable devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, and neural stimulator devices. Laser joining is the process of choice to hermetically seal such devices. Laser joining is a contact-free process, therefore minimizing mechanical load on the parts to be joined and the controlled heat input decreases the potential for thermal damage to the highly sensitive components. Laser joining also offers flexibility, shorter processing time and higher quality. However, novel biomedical products, in particular implantable microsystems currently under development, pose new challenges to the assembly and packaging process based on the higher level of integration, the small size of the device's features, and the type of materials and material combinations. In addition to metals, devices will also include glass, ceramic and polymers as biocompatible building materials that must be reliably joined in similar and dissimilar combinations. Since adhesives often lack long-term stability or do not meet biocompatibility requirements, new joining techniques are needed to address these joining challenges. Localized laser joining provides promising developments in this area. This paper describes the latest achievements in micro-joining of metallic and non-metallic materials with laser radiation. The focus is on material combinations of metal-polymer, polymer-glass, metal-glass and metal-ceramic using CO2, Nd:YAG and diode laser radiation. The potential for applications in the biomedical sector will be demonstrated.

Ocean Literacy from kindergarten to secondary school: a vertically articulated curriculum on marine micro-plastics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Realdon, Giulia; Candussio, Giuliana; Manià, Marinella; Palamin, Serenella

2017-04-01

Marine micro-plastics are a relatively recent issue in research (Thompson et al. 2004), in the media and in education and, due to novelty and relevance, they are a suitable topic for addressing Ocean Literacy within science teaching to different age groups. In fact marine micro-plastics can be used to introduce Ocean Literacy and environmental science, but also traditional science subjects like biology, chemistry and Earth science, with a system approach focused on "understanding the Ocean's influence on humans and human influence on the Ocean". Inspired by the growing public interest for marine micro-plastics and by the lack of specific teaching activities in our country (Italy), we developed a vertically articulated curriculum on micro-plastics for students aged 5-15 years. Our proposal is based on a number of practical activities realized with different language and communication styles to be suitable for different age groups. For younger students (age 5-7) we use drama to address micro-plastics bioaccumulation in marine food chains: children act as fish of different trophic levels who pretend to "eat" micro-plastics models (built from plastic bottles) until the biggest fish is captured and ends up as a "meal" shared by other pupils. Teachers guide the performance and stimulate observations and remarks about the origin of micro-plastics and the correct management of plastic objects. The performance has been documented in a video and presented in a national teacher workshop (3 Giorni per la Scuola, Napoli 2015). For students aged 8-13 we propose observation and manipulation of common household plastic objects, followed by physical/chemical testing of different polymers to understand plastics characteristics that make these materials valuable but troublesome at the same time. Students then observe sand samples, taken from a local beach, containing natural components and man-made fragments (including micro-plastics), so they can directly experience the fate of dumped plastic, discussing more sustainable management of plastic objects. For older (14-16) students we introduce primary micro-plastics by means of personal care products containing micro-beads: students learn to recognize the presence of micro-beads by reading the product's composition, then measure micro-beads content of one of these products and calculate a possible annual dispersion of micro-beads from their town to the sea. Also this activity is followed by classroom discussion about possible solutions to micro-beads water pollution. Micro-plastics activities have been presented to 39 students' groups since November 2014 and have been evaluated though questionnaires given to class teachers. Lesson plans containing these activities have been published - and are freely accessible - in European and in Italian science teacher's journals (EIROforum Science in School, Pearson Italia Science Magazine).

Determination of sucralose in Splenda and a sugar-free beverage using high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection.

PubMed

Hanko, Valoran P; Rohrer, Jeffrey S

2004-07-14

Sucralose is a chlorinated carbohydrate nonnutritive sweetener of food and beverage products. The determination of sucralose in food and beverages is important to ensure consistency in product quality. Sucralose was determined in two commercial products without sample preparation using high-performance anion-exchange (HPAE) chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection (PAD). Sucralose was determined with a 10 min isocratic separation. To determine sucralose and other carbohydrates (e.g., dextrose) simultaneously, a gradient separation was developed. The linear range of electrochemical response extended over 3 orders of magnitude, from 0.01 (LOD) to 40 microM (16 microg/mL; 25 microL injection). High precision, high spike recovery, and method ruggedness were observed for both samples.

Fabrication of piezoelectric ceramic micro-actuator and its reliability for hard disk drives.

PubMed

Jing, Yang; Luo, Jianbin; Yang, Wenyan; Ju, Guoxian

2004-11-01

A new U-type micro-actuator for precisely positioning a magnetic head in high-density hard disk drives was proposed and developed. The micro-actuator is composed of a U-type stainless steel substrate and two piezoelectric ceramic elements. Using a high-d31 piezoelectric coefficient PMN-PZT ceramic plate and adopting reactive ion etching process fabricate the piezoelectric elements. Reliability against temperature was investigated to ensure the practical application to the drive products. The U-type substrate attached to each side via piezoelectric elements also was simulated by the finite-element method and practically measured by a laser Doppler vibrometer in order to testify the driving mechanics of it. The micro-actuator coupled with two piezoelectric elements featured large displacement of 0.875 microm and high-resonance frequency over 22 kHz. The novel piezoelectric micro-actuators then possess a useful compromise performance to displacement, resonance frequency, and generative force. The results reveal that the new design concept provides a valuable alternative for multilayer piezoelectric micro-actuators.

Application of micro- and nanotechnologies for the fabrication of optical devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ehrfeld, Wolfgang; Bauer, Hans-Dieter

1998-03-01

The development of micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) and devices no longer focuses on feasibility studies and expensive demonstrators. On the contrary, fabrication of micro-optical components is already feeding dynamic markets with a large variety of products that are more or less on the verge of inexpensive mass production. A major application area for MOEMS is, without any doubt, tele- and datacommunications, while miniature optical sensors (e.g. spectrometers and interferometers) have a growing part in many kinds of biotechnological, chemical and pharmaceutical applications. In this presentation numerous examples for optical microstructures are given that range from the field of low cost fiberoptic components to polymer waveguide elements, from fiber switches to mass-producible microlenses made of thermoplastics or glass, and from microstructured photonic bandgap materials to optical sensor tips for investigating nanostructures. It is emphasized that for realizing MOEMS very different materials have to be processed while the necessary hybrid integration demands for specific automated assembly methods. In particular, the examples given show now microtechnologies can be adapted and combined with each other to take into account the special requirements of the product.

Utilization of Stop-flow Micro-tubing Reactors for the Development of Organic Transformations.

PubMed

Toh, Ren Wei; Li, Jie Sheng; Wu, Jie

2018-01-04

A new reaction screening technology for organic synthesis was recently demonstrated by combining elements from both continuous micro-flow and conventional batch reactors, coined stop-flow micro-tubing (SFMT) reactors. In SFMT, chemical reactions that require high pressure can be screened in parallel through a safer and convenient way. Cross-contamination, which is a common problem in reaction screening for continuous flow reactors, is avoided in SFMT. Moreover, the commercially available light-permeable micro-tubing can be incorporated into SFMT, serving as an excellent choice for light-mediated reactions due to a more effective uniform light exposure, compared to batch reactors. Overall, the SFMT reactor system is similar to continuous flow reactors and more superior than batch reactors for reactions that incorporate gas reagents and/or require light-illumination, which enables a simple but highly efficient reaction screening system. Furthermore, any successfully developed reaction in the SFMT reactor system can be conveniently translated to continuous-flow synthesis for large scale production.

Going Places No Infrared Temperature Devices Have Gone Before

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

Exergen's IRt/c is a self-powered sensor that matches a thermocouple within specified temperature ranges and provides a predictable and repeatable signal outside of this specified range. Possessing an extremely fast time constant, the infrared technology allows users to measure product temperature without touching the product. The IRt/c uses a device called a thermopile to measure temperature and generate current. Traditionally, these devices are not available in a size that would be compatible with the Exergen IRt/c, based on NASA s quarterinch specifications. After going through five circuit designs to find a thermopile that would suit the IRt/c design and match the signal needed for output, Exergen maintains that it developed a model that totaled just 20 percent of the volume of the previous smallest detector in the world. Following completion of the project with Glenn, Exergen continued development of the IRt/c for other customers, spinning off a new product line called the micro IRt/c. This latest development has broadened applications for industries that previously could not use infrared thermometers due to size constraints. The first commercial use of the micro IRt/c involved an original equipment manufacturer that makes laminating machinery consisting of heated rollers in very tight spots. Accurate temperature measurement for this application requires close proximity to the heated rollers. With the micro IRt/c s 50-millisecond time constant, the manufacturer is able to gain closer access to the intended temperature targets for exact readings, thereby increasing productivity and staying ahead of competition.In a separate application, the infrared temperature sensor is being utilized for avalanche warnings in Switzerland. The IRt/c is mounted about 5 meters above the ground to measure the snow cover throughout the mountainous regions of the country.

Fabrication of micro-cell UO2-Mo pellet with enhanced thermal conductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dong-Joo; Rhee, Young Woo; Kim, Jong Hun; Kim, Keon Sik; Oh, Jang Soo; Yang, Jae Ho; Koo, Yang-Hyun; Song, Kun-Woo

2015-07-01

As one of accident tolerant fuel pellets which should have features of good thermal conductivity and high fission product retention, a micro-cell UO2-Mo pellet has been studied in the aspect of fabrication and thermal property. It was intended to develop the compatible process with conventional UO2 pellet fabrication process. The effects of processing parameters such as the size and density of UO2 granule and the size of Mo powder have been studied to produce sound and dense pellet with completely connected uniform Mo cell-walls. The micro-cell UO2-Mo pellet consists of many Mo micro-cells and UO2 in them. The thermal conductivity of the micro-cell UO2-Mo pellet was measured and compared to those of the UO2 pellet and the UO2-Mo pellet with dispersed form of Mo particles. The thermal conductivity of the micro-cell UO2-Mo pellet was much enhanced and was found to be influenced by the Mo volumetric fraction and pellet integrity. A continuous Mo micro-cell works as a heat conducting channel in the pellet, greatly enhancing the thermal conductivity of the micro cell UO2-Mo pellet.

Combining micro-structures and micro-algae to increase lipid production for bio-fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vyawahare, Saurabh; Zhu, Emilly; Mestler, Troy; Estévez-Torres, André.; Austin, Robert

2011-03-01

3rd generation bio-fuels like lipid producing micro-algae are a promising source of energy that could replace our dependence on petroleum. However, until there are improvements in algae oil yields, and a reduction in the energy needed for processing, algae bio-fuels are not economically competitive with petroleum. Here, we describe our work combining micro-fabricated devices with micro-algae Neochloris oleoabundans, a species first isolated on the sand dunes of Saudi Arabia. Inserting micro-algae of varying fitness into a landscape of micro-habitats allows us to evolve and select them based on a variety of conditions like specific gravity, starvation response and Nile Red fluorescence (which is a marker for lipid production). Hence, we can both estimate the production of lipids and generate conditions that allow the creation and isolation of algae which produce higher amounts of lipids, while discarding the rest. Finally, we can use micro-fabricated structures and flocculation to de-water these high lipid producing algae, reducing the need for expensive centrifugation and filtration.

Sustainable Blended Cements-Influences of Packing Density on Cement Paste Chemical Efficiency.

PubMed

Knop, Yaniv; Peled, Alva

2018-04-18

This paper addresses the development of blended cements with reduced clinker amount by partial replacement of the clinker with more environmentally-friendly material (e.g., limestone powders). This development can lead to more sustainable cements with reduced greenhouse gas emission and energy consumption during their production. The reduced clicker content was based on improved particle packing density and surface area of the cement powder by using three different limestone particle diameters: smaller (7 µm, 3 µm) or larger (70 µm, 53 µm) than the clinker particles, or having a similar size (23 µm). The effects of the different limestone particle sizes on the chemical reactivity of the blended cement were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry and differential thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), loss on ignition (LOI), isothermal calorimetry, and the water demand for reaching normal consistency. It was found that by blending the original cement with limestone, the hydration process and the reactivity of the limestone itself were increased by the increased surface area of the limestone particles. However, the carbonation reaction was decreased with the increased packing density of the blended cement with limestone, having various sizes.

Micro-organisms growing on rapeseed during storage affect the profile of volatile compounds of virgin rapeseed oil.

PubMed

Wagner, Claudia; Bonte, Anja; Brühl, Ludger; Niehaus, Karsten; Bednarz, Hanna; Matthäus, Bertrand

2018-04-01

Micro-organisms populate on rapeseed after harvest during storage depending on the growing conditions. The composition of the bacterial colonization is unknown, although its contribution to the profile of volatile aroma-active compounds determines the sensory quality of virgin cold-pressed rapeseed oil. From four rapeseed samples, 46 bacterial strains were isolated. By DNA-sequencing, the identification of four bacteria species and 17 bacteria genera was possible. In total, 22 strains were selected, based on their typical off-flavors resembling those of virgin sensory bad cold-pressed rapeseed oils. The cultivation of these strains on rapeseed meal agar and examination of volatile compounds by solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry allowed the identification of 29 different compounds, mainly degradation products of fatty acids such as alkanes, alkenes, aldehydes, ketones and alcohols and, in addition, sulfur-containing compounds, including one terpene and three pyrazines. From these compounds, 19 are described as aroma-active in the literature. Micro-organisms populating on rapeseed during storage may strongly influence the sensory quality of virgin rapeseed oil as a result of the development of volatile aroma-active metabolic products. It can be assumed that occurrence of off-flavor of virgin rapeseed oils on the market are the result of metabolic degradation products produced by micro-organisms populating on rapeseed during storage. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Pathogenic Role of Persistent Milk Signaling in mTORC1- and Milk-MicroRNA-Driven Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

PubMed Central

Melnik, Bodo C

2015-01-01

Milk, the secretory product of the lactation genome, promotes growth of the newborn mammal. Milk delivers insulinotropic amino acids, thus maintains a molecular crosstalk with the pancreatic β-cell of the milk recipient. Homeostasis of β-cells and insulin production depend on the appropriate magnitude of mTORC1 signaling. mTORC1 is activated by branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), glutamine, and palmitic acid, abundant nutrient signals of cow´s milk. Furthermore, milk delivers bioactive exosomal microRNAs. After milk consumption, bovine microRNA-29b, a member of the diabetogenic microRNA-29-family, reaches the systemic circulation and the cells of the milk consumer. MicroRNA-29b downregulates branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase, a potential explanation for increased BCAA serum levels, the metabolic signature of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In non-obese diabetic mice, microRNA-29b downregulates the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1, which leads to early β-cell death. In all mammals except Neolithic humans, milk-driven mTORC1 signaling is physiologically restricted to the postnatal period. In contrast, chronic hyperactivated mTORC1 sig-naling has been associated with the development of age-related diseases of civilization including T2DM. Notably, chronic hyperactivation of mTORC1 enhances endoplasmic reticulum stress that promotes apoptosis. In fact, hyperactivated β-cell mTORC1 signaling induced early β-cell apoptosis in a mouse model. The EPIC-InterAct Study demonstrated an association between milk consumption and T2DM in France, Italy, United Kingdom, Germany, and Sweden. In contrast, fermented milk products and cheese exhibit an inverse correlation. Since the early 1950´s, refrigeration technology allowed widespread consumption of fresh pasteurized milk, which facilitates daily intake of bioactive bovine microRNAs. Persistent uptake of cow´s milk-derived microRNAs apparently transfers an overlooked epigenetic diabetogenic program that should not reach the human food chain. PMID:25587719

9 CFR 114.5 - Micro-organisms used as seed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS § 114.5 Micro-organisms used as seed. Micro-organisms used in the preparation of biological products at licensed establishments shall be free from the causative agents of other diseases or... Management and Budget under control number 0579-0059) [39 FR 16869, May 10, 1974, as amended at 48 FR 57473...

9 CFR 114.5 - Micro-organisms used as seed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS § 114.5 Micro-organisms used as seed. Micro-organisms used in the preparation of biological products at licensed establishments shall be free from the causative agents of other diseases or... Management and Budget under control number 0579-0059) [39 FR 16869, May 10, 1974, as amended at 48 FR 57473...

9 CFR 114.5 - Micro-organisms used as seed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS § 114.5 Micro-organisms used as seed. Micro-organisms used in the preparation of biological products at licensed establishments shall be free from the causative agents of other diseases or... Management and Budget under control number 0579-0059) [39 FR 16869, May 10, 1974, as amended at 48 FR 57473...

9 CFR 114.5 - Micro-organisms used as seed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS § 114.5 Micro-organisms used as seed. Micro-organisms used in the preparation of biological products at licensed establishments shall be free from the causative agents of other diseases or... Management and Budget under control number 0579-0059) [39 FR 16869, May 10, 1974, as amended at 48 FR 57473...

9 CFR 114.5 - Micro-organisms used as seed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS § 114.5 Micro-organisms used as seed. Micro-organisms used in the preparation of biological products at licensed establishments shall be free from the causative agents of other diseases or... Management and Budget under control number 0579-0059) [39 FR 16869, May 10, 1974, as amended at 48 FR 57473...

Set-up of a pump as turbine use in micro-pumped hydro energy storage: a case of study in Froyennes Belgium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morabito, A.; Steimes, J.; Bontems, O.; Zohbi, G. Al; Hendrick, P.

2017-04-01

Its maturity makes pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) the most used technology in energy storage. Micro-hydro plants (<100 kW) are globally emerging due to further increases in the share of renewable electricity production such as wind and solar power. This paper presents the design of a micro-PHES developed in Froyennes, Belgium, using a pump as turbine (PaT) coupled with a variable frequency driver (VFD). The methods adopted for the selection of the most suitable pump for pumping and reverse mode are compared and discussed. Controlling and monitoring the PaT performances represent a compulsory design phase in the analysis feasibility of PaT coupled with VFD in micro PHES plant. This study aims at answering technical research aspects of µ-PHES site used with reversible pumps.

MicroRNA Expression Profiles as Biomarkers of Minor Salivary Gland Inflammation and Dysfunction in Sjögren's Syndrome

PubMed Central

Alevizos, Ilias; Alexander, Stefanie; Turner, R. James; Illei, Gabor G.

2013-01-01

Objective MicroRNA reflect physiologic and pathologic processes and may be used as biomarkers of concurrent pathophysiologic events in complex settings such as autoimmune diseases. We generated microRNA microarray profiles from the minor salivary glands of control subjects without Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and patients with SS who had low-grade or high-grade inflammation and impaired or normal saliva production, to identify microRNA patterns specific to salivary gland inflammation or dysfunction. Methods MicroRNA expression profiles were generated by Agilent microRNA arrays. We developed a novel method for data normalization by identifying housekeeping microRNA. MicroRNA profiles were compared by unsupervised mathematical methods to test how well they distinguish between control subjects and various subsets of patients with SS. Several bioinformatics methods were used to predict the messenger RNA targets of the differentially expressed microRNA. Results MicroRNA expression patterns accurately distinguished salivary glands from control subjects and patients with SS who had low-degree or high-degree inflammation. Using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we validated 2 microRNA as markers of inflammation in an independent cohort. Comparing microRNA from patients with preserved or low salivary flow identified a set of differentially expressed microRNA, most of which were up-regulated in the group with decreased salivary gland function, suggesting that the targets of microRNA may have a protective effect on epithelial cells. The predicted biologic targets of microRNA associated with inflammation or salivary gland dysfunction identified both overlapping and distinct biologic pathways and processes. Conclusion Distinct microRNA expression patterns are associated with salivary gland inflammation and dysfunction in patients with SS, and microRNA represent a novel group of potential biomarkers. PMID:21280008

Influence of injection temperatures and fiberglass compositions on mechanical properties of polypropylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keey, Tony Tiew Chun; Azuddin, M.

2017-06-01

Injection molding process appears to be one of the most suitable mass and cost efficiency manufacturing processes for polymeric parts nowadays due to its high efficiency of large scale production. When down-scaling the products and components, the limits of conventional injection molding process are reached. These constraints had initiated the development of conventional injection molding process into a new era of micro injection molding technology. In this study, fiberglass reinforced polypropylenes (PP) with various glass fiber percentage materials were used. The study start with fabrication of micro tensile specimens at three different injection temperature, 260°C, 270°C and 280°C for different percentage by weight of fiberglass reinforced PP. Then evaluate the effects of various injection temperatures on the tensile properties of micro tensile specimens. Different percentage by weight of fiberglass reinforced PP were tested as well and it was found that 20% fiberglass reinforced PP possessed the greatest percentage increase of tensile strength with increasing temperatures.

Microfluidic biosensing systems. Part I. Development and optimisation of enzymatic chemiluminescent micro-biosensors based on silicon microchips.

PubMed

Davidsson, Richard; Genin, Frédéric; Bengtsson, Martin; Laurell, Thomas; Emnéus, Jenny

2004-10-01

Chemiluminescent (CL) enzyme-based flow-through microchip biosensors (micro-biosensors) for detection of glucose and ethanol were developed for the purpose of monitoring real-time production and release of glucose and ethanol from microchip immobilised yeast cells. Part I of this study focuses on the development and optimisation of the micro-biosensors in a microfluidic sequential injection analysis (microSIA) system. Glucose oxidase (GOX) or alcohol oxidase (AOX) was co-immobilised with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) on porous silicon flow through microchips. The hydrogen peroxide produced from oxidation of the corresponding analyte (glucose or ethanol) took part in the chemiluminescent (CL) oxidation of luminol catalysed by HRP enhanced by addition of p-iodophenol (PIP). All steps in the microSIA system, including control of syringe pump, multiposition valve (MPV) and data readout, were computer controlled. The influence of flow rate and luminol- and PIP concentration were investigated using a 2(3)-factor experiment using the GOX-HRP sensor. It was found that all estimated single factors and the highest order of interaction were significant. The optimum was found at 250 microM luminol and 150 microM PIP at a flow rate of 18 microl min(-1), the latter as a compromise between signal intensity and analysis time. Using the optimised system settings one sample was processed within 5 min. Two different immobilisation chemistries were investigated for both micro-biosensors based on 3-aminopropyltriethoxsilane (APTS)- or polyethylenimine (PEI) functionalisation followed by glutaraldehyde (GA) activation. GOX-HRP micro-biosensors responded linear in a log-log format within the range 10-1000 microM glucose. Both had an operational stability of at least 8 days, but the PEI-GOX-HRP sensor was more sensitive. The AOX-HRP micro-biosensors responded linear (log-log) in the range between 1 and 10 mM ethanol, but the PEI-AOX-HRP sensor was in general more sensitive. Both sensors had an operational stability of at least 8 h, but with a half-life of 2-3 days.

Bcl-2 expression is essential for development and normal physiological properties of tooth hard tissue and saliva production.

PubMed

Saghiri, Mohammad Ali; Asatourian, Armen; Gurel, Zafer; Sorenson, Christine M; Sheibani, Nader

2017-09-15

Apoptosis plays a fundamental role in appropriate tissue development and function. Although expression of Bcl-2 has been reported during tooth and submandibular gland (SMG) development, the physiological role Bcl-2 plays during these processes has not been addressed. This study was performed to evaluate the impact of Bcl-2 expression on the formation and properties of tooth hard tissue, and saliva production. Twenty-four mice (12 males and 12 females) were divided into three groups of eight (n=8): group A (Bcl-2 +/+), group B (Bcl-2 +/-), and group C (Bcl-2 -/-) and subjected to micro-CT analyses. The mineral content of first molars was analyzed by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) color dot map. The surface microhardness was determined by Vickers test on labial surfaces of incisors. Saliva was collected from different groups of mice after subcutaneous injection of pilocarpine. Samples from Bcl-2 -/- mice showed significantly smaller micro-CT values, lower and poor crystallinity of hydroxyapatite (HA), and lowest surface micro hardness. SMG from Bcl-2 -/- mice showed remarkable reduction in size, consistent with reduced saliva accumulation. The absence of Bcl-2 expression in SMG did not affect the expression of other Bcl-2 family members. Thus, Bcl-2 expression influence on the formation and properties of tooth hard tissue, and saliva accumulation. Bcl-2 expression has a significant impact on the mineralogical content of enamel crystals of tooth structure. Lack of Bcl-2 expression led to impaired production of enamel ACP crystals. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Novel technology development through thermal drying of encapsulated Kluyveromyces marxianus in micro- and nano-tubular cellulose in lactose fermentation and its evaluation for food production.

PubMed

Papapostolou, Harris; Servetas, Yiannis; Bosnea, Loulouda A; Kanellaki, Maria; Koutinas, Athanasios A

2012-12-01

A novel technology development based on the production of a low-cost starter culture for ripening of cheeses and baking is reported in the present study. The starter culture comprises thermally dried cells of Kluyveromyces marxianus encapsulated in micro- and nano-tubular cellulose. For production of a low-cost and effective biocatalyst, whey was used as raw material for biomass production and thermal drying methods (convective, conventional, and vacuum) were applied and evaluated at drying temperatures ranging from 35 to 60 °C. The effect of drying temperature of biocatalysts on fermentability of lactose and whey was evaluated. Storage stability and suitability of biocatalysts as a commercial starter cultures was also assessed and evaluated. All thermally dried biocatalysts were found to be active in lactose and whey fermentation. In all cases, there was sugar conversion ranging from 92 to 100 %, ethanol concentration of up to 1.47 % (v/v), and lactic acid concentrations ranged from 4.1 to 5.5 g/l. However, convective drying of the encapsulated cells of K. marxianus in micro- and nano-tubular cellulose was faster and a more effective drying method while drying at 42 °C appear to be the best drying temperature in terms of cell activity, ethanol, and lactic acid formation. Storage of the biocatalysts for 3 months at 4 °C proved maintenance of its activity even though fermentation times increased by 50-100 % compared with the fresh dried ones.

Light-focusing human micro-lenses generated from pluripotent stem cells model lens development and drug-induced cataract in vitro

PubMed Central

Murphy, Patricia; Kabir, Md Humayun; Srivastava, Tarini; Mason, Michele E.; Dewi, Chitra U.; Lim, Seakcheng; Yang, Andrian; Djordjevic, Djordje; Killingsworth, Murray C.; Ho, Joshua W. K.; Harman, David G.

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT Cataracts cause vision loss and blindness by impairing the ability of the ocular lens to focus light onto the retina. Various cataract risk factors have been identified, including drug treatments, age, smoking and diabetes. However, the molecular events responsible for these different forms of cataract are ill-defined, and the advent of modern cataract surgery in the 1960s virtually eliminated access to human lenses for research. Here, we demonstrate large-scale production of light-focusing human micro-lenses from spheroidal masses of human lens epithelial cells purified from differentiating pluripotent stem cells. The purified lens cells and micro-lenses display similar morphology, cellular arrangement, mRNA expression and protein expression to human lens cells and lenses. Exposing the micro-lenses to the emergent cystic fibrosis drug Vx-770 reduces micro-lens transparency and focusing ability. These human micro-lenses provide a powerful and large-scale platform for defining molecular disease mechanisms caused by cataract risk factors, for anti-cataract drug screening and for clinically relevant toxicity assays. PMID:29217756

Light-focusing human micro-lenses generated from pluripotent stem cells model lens development and drug-induced cataract in vitro.

PubMed

Murphy, Patricia; Kabir, Md Humayun; Srivastava, Tarini; Mason, Michele E; Dewi, Chitra U; Lim, Seakcheng; Yang, Andrian; Djordjevic, Djordje; Killingsworth, Murray C; Ho, Joshua W K; Harman, David G; O'Connor, Michael D

2018-01-09

Cataracts cause vision loss and blindness by impairing the ability of the ocular lens to focus light onto the retina. Various cataract risk factors have been identified, including drug treatments, age, smoking and diabetes. However, the molecular events responsible for these different forms of cataract are ill-defined, and the advent of modern cataract surgery in the 1960s virtually eliminated access to human lenses for research. Here, we demonstrate large-scale production of light-focusing human micro-lenses from spheroidal masses of human lens epithelial cells purified from differentiating pluripotent stem cells. The purified lens cells and micro-lenses display similar morphology, cellular arrangement, mRNA expression and protein expression to human lens cells and lenses. Exposing the micro-lenses to the emergent cystic fibrosis drug Vx-770 reduces micro-lens transparency and focusing ability. These human micro-lenses provide a powerful and large-scale platform for defining molecular disease mechanisms caused by cataract risk factors, for anti-cataract drug screening and for clinically relevant toxicity assays. © 2018. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Quadrilateral Micro-Hole Array Machining on Invar Thin Film: Wet Etching and Electrochemical Fusion Machining

PubMed Central

Choi, Woong-Kirl; Kim, Seong-Hyun; Choi, Seung-Geon; Lee, Eun-Sang

2018-01-01

Ultra-precision products which contain a micro-hole array have recently shown remarkable demand growth in many fields, especially in the semiconductor and display industries. Photoresist etching and electrochemical machining are widely known as precision methods for machining micro-holes with no residual stress and lower surface roughness on the fabricated products. The Invar shadow masks used for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) contain numerous micro-holes and are currently machined by a photoresist etching method. However, this method has several problems, such as uncontrollable hole machining accuracy, non-etched areas, and overcutting. To solve these problems, a machining method that combines photoresist etching and electrochemical machining can be applied. In this study, negative photoresist with a quadrilateral hole array pattern was dry coated onto 30-µm-thick Invar thin film, and then exposure and development were carried out. After that, photoresist single-side wet etching and a fusion method of wet etching-electrochemical machining were used to machine micro-holes on the Invar. The hole machining geometry, surface quality, and overcutting characteristics of the methods were studied. Wet etching and electrochemical fusion machining can improve the accuracy and surface quality. The overcutting phenomenon can also be controlled by the fusion machining. Experimental results show that the proposed method is promising for the fabrication of Invar film shadow masks. PMID:29351235

Improvement of aquaponic performance through micro- and macro-nutrient addition.

PubMed

Ru, Dongyun; Liu, Jikai; Hu, Zhen; Zou, Yina; Jiang, Liping; Cheng, Xiaodian; Lv, Zhenting

2017-07-01

Aquaponics is one of the "zero waste" industry in the twenty-first century, and is considered to be one of the major trends for the future development of agriculture. However, the low nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) restricted its widely application. To date, many attempts have been conducted to improve its NUE. In the present study, effect of micro- and macro-nutrient addition on performance of tilapia-pak choi aquaponics was investigated. Results showed that the addition of micro- and macro-nutrients improved the growth of plant directly and facilitated fish physiology indirectly, which subsequently increased NUE of aquaponics from 40.42 to 50.64%. In addition, remarkable lower total phosphorus concentration was obtained in aquaponics with micro- and macro-nutrient addition, which was attributed to the formation of struvite. Most of the added micro-nutrients were enriched in plant root, while macro-nutrients mainly existed in water. Moreover, no enrichment of micro- and macro-nutrients in aquaponic products (i.e., fish and plant leaves) was observed, indicating that it had no influence on food safety. The findings here reported manifest that appropriate addition of micro- and macro-nutrients to aquaponics is necessary, and would improve its economic feasibility.

Bio-modification of Cotton and Micro-denier Polyester with Sericin to Develop Potent Antibacterial and Antifungal Textile Products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajalakshmi, M.; Uddandrao, V. V. Sathibabu; Saravanan, G.; Vadivukkarasi, S.; Koushik, C. V.

2018-06-01

The present study was aimed to develop a novel textile product through bio modification of cotton and micro-denier polyester with sericin (Sn) against bacterial and fungal growth. The authors extracted and purified Sn from silk yellow cocoons. Sn solution (10 g/L) was incorporated into the 100% cotton (C), 100% micro-denier polyester (MDP) and 65/35 micro-denier polyester/cotton (MDP/C) in a padding mangle by a 2-dip/2-nip process and fabrics were analysed by Field-Emission scanning electron microscope. Fabrics were divided into six groups such as untreated groups (C, MDP and MDP/C) and Sn-treated groups (Sn + C, Sn + MDP and Sn + MDP/C) and then underwent organoleptic evaluation and as well as anti-bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and anti-fungal (Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma harzianum) activities. Sn treated fabrics were found to show the presence of Sn by scanning electron micrographs and also attained high organoleptic score from the panel members. In addition, the Sn-treated fabrics displayed outstanding anti bacterial and anti fungal properties in terms of both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Sn + MDP/C fabrics have shown potential reduction in bacterial and fungal growth when compared with other treated and untreated fabrics. Hence, this study suggests that bio modification of C, MDP and MDP/C with Sn may make them ideal candidate for their application in medical textiles against pathogens.

Morphological development of cellulose fibrils of a bleached eucalyptus pulp by mechanical fibrillation

Treesearch

Q.Q. Wang; J.Y. Zhu; R. Gleisner; T.A. Kuster; U. Baxa; S.E. McNeil

2012-01-01

This study reports the production of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) from a bleached eucalyptus pulp using a commercial stone grinder. Scanning electronic microscopy and transmission electronic microscopy imaging were used to reveal morphological development of CNF at micro and nano scales, respectively. Two major structures were identified (1) highly kinked, naturally...

First micro-satellite and new enhanced small satellite series in DFH Satellite Co. Ltd.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaomin; Xie, Bin; Dai, Shoulun; Zhang, Weiwen; Hu, Gefeng; Lan, Ding

2007-06-01

As one important department of CAST (Chinese Academy of Space Technology), with responsibility for small and micro-satellite development, DFH Satellite Co. Ltd. (DFHSat) manufactured and launched six small satellites from 2000 to 2004. Nowadays, DFHSat is developing micro-satellite and new enhanced small satellite series. The first micro-satellite as a basic type is named HummerSat-1. HummerSat-1 is three-axis stabilized with orbit control capability. Information and power control are implemented through an on-board network, GaAs solar cell and Li-ion battery are adopted to obtain and storage power, S-band TT&C and data transmission works are used. The payload of HummerSat-1 has a weight of 60 kg and power consumption of 200 W. The enhanced small satellite series based on technology of HummerSat-1 is planned by DFHSat. It would be aiming to form a continuative product spectrum of 80-200 kg. The enhanced series is focused on satisfying different missions, including earth remote sensing, communication, science exploration, etc.

Micro-hydrokinetic turbine potential for sustainable power generation in Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salleh, M. B.; Kamaruddin, N. M.; Mohamed-Kassim, Z.

2018-05-01

Micro-hydrokinetic turbine (μ-HKT) technology is considered a viable option for sustainable, green and low cost power production. In recent years, there is growing number of research and development on this technology to replace conventional power production systems such as fossil fuel as well as to provide off-grid electrification to communities in remote areas. This paper provides an overview of μ-HKT system, the implementation of the technology and the potential of using μ-HKT in Malaysia. A review on the climate in Malaysia shows that its average annual rainfall is higher than the world’s average annual rainfall. It contributes to the total hydropower resource of about 29,000 MW which is available all year-round. Currently, hydropower resource contributes only 7.4% of the total electrical power production in Malaysia but is expected to increase with the main contribution coming from μ-HKT. However, the μ-HKT technology has not been adopted in Malaysia due to some challenges that hinder the development of the system. This paper reviews the μ-HKT technology and its potential for application in Malaysia, particularly in remote areas.

In vivo effects of ecdysterone on puff formation, and RNA and protein synthesis in the salivary glands of Rhynchosciara americana.

PubMed

Alvarenga, C A; Winter, C E; Stocker, A J; Pueyo, M T; Lara, F J

1991-01-01

1. Fourth-instar larvae of Rhynchosciara americana were injected with the insect molting hormone, ecdysterone, giving final hemolymph concentrations from 4.46 to 223 microM. 2. Induction of the DNA puff, B2b, in the proximal (S1) region of the salivary glands of Rhynchosciara americana by 22.6 microM ecdysterone, was accompanied by the production of an mRNA and a polypeptide with the same characteristics as B2b products produced during normal development. This mRNA and polypeptide were restricted to the proximal region of the gland, as is the B2b puff. 3. Synthesis of other poly(A)+RNAs was also stimulated in S1 by ecdysterone, and other puffs that appear during normal development were induced. However, rRNA production in S1 goes through a pattern of inhibition, followed by recovery when B2b is puffed, and subsequent inhibition. 4. Low molecular weight RNA, with a peak in the region of 4S, is stimulated after ecdysterone administration.

Filling of high aspect ratio micro features of a microfluidic flow cytometer chip using micro injection moulding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Haoyang; Fang, Fengzhou; Gilchrist, Michael D.; Zhang, Nan

2018-07-01

Micro injection moulding has been demonstrated as one of the most efficient mass production technologies for manufacturing polymeric microfluidic devices, which have been widely used in life sciences, environmental and analytical fields and agro-food industries. However, the filling of micro features for typical microfluidic devices is complicated and not yet fully understood, which consequently restricts the chip development. In the present work, a microfluidic flow cytometer chip with essential high aspect ratio micro features was used as a typical model to study their filling process. Short-shot experiments and single factor experiments were performed to examine the filling progress of such features during the injection and packing stages of the micro injection moulding process. The influence of process parameters such as shot size, packing pressure, packing time and mould temperature were systematically monitored, characterised and correlated with 3D measurements and real response of the machine such as screw velocity and screw position. A combined melt flow and creep deformation model was proposed to explain the complex influence of process on replication. An approach of over-shot micro injection moulding was proposed and was shown to be effective at improving the replication quality of high aspect ratio micro features.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shattan, Michael; Stowe, Ashley; McIntosh, Kathryn

Explore feasibility of portable LIBS and micro-XRF systems as methods of field screening for real debris; Develop a LIBS Capability to rapidly screen beads for production quality control; Complete 3D elemental mapping of surrogate debris to determine uranium and other elemental migration patterns during debris formation

Macro, mini, micro and nano (M(sup 3)N) technologies for the future

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Friedrich, Craig R.; Warrington, Robert O.; Gao, Robert X.; Lin, Gang

1993-01-01

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), micro systems technologies (MST), and micromanufacturing are relatively recent phrases or acronyms that have become synonymous with the design, development, and manufacture of 'micro' devices and systems. Micromanufacturing encompasses MEMS or MST and, in addition, includes all of the processes involved in the production of micro things. Integration of mechanical and electrical components, including built-in computers, can be formed into systems which must be connected to the macroworld. Macro, mini, micro, and nano technologies are all a part of MEMS or micromanufacturing. At this point in the development of the technology, it is becoming apparent that mini systems, with micro components, could very well be the economic drivers of the technology for the foreseeable future. Initial research in the fabrication of microdevices using IC processing technology took place over thirty years ago. Anisotropic etching of silicon was used to produce piezoresistive diaphragms. Since the early 60's, there has been gradual progress in MEMS until the early 1980's when worldwide interest in the technology really started to develop. During this time high aspect ratio micromachining using x rays was started in Germany. In 1987 the concept of a 'silicon micromechanics foundry' was proposed. Since then the interest in the U.S., Germany, and Japan has increased to the point where hundreds of millions of dollars of research monies are being funneled into the technology (at least in Germany and Japan) and the technology has been classified as critical or as a technology or national importance by the U.S. government.

Hybrid integrated single-wavelength laser with silicon micro-ring reflector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Min; Pu, Jing; Krishnamurthy, Vivek; Xu, Zhengji; Lee, Chee-Wei; Li, Dongdong; Gonzaga, Leonard; Toh, Yeow T.; Tjiptoharsono, Febi; Wang, Qian

2018-02-01

A hybrid integrated single-wavelength laser with silicon micro-ring reflector is demonstrated theoretically and experimentally. It consists of a heterogeneously integrated III-V section for optical gain, an adiabatic taper for light coupling, and a silicon micro-ring reflector for both wavelength selection and light reflection. Heterogeneous integration processes for multiple III-V chips bonded to an 8-inch Si wafer have been developed, which is promising for massive production of hybrid lasers on Si. The III-V layer is introduced on top of a 220-nm thick SOI layer through low-temperature wafer-boning technology. The optical coupling efficiency of >85% between III-V and Si waveguide has been achieved. The silicon micro-ring reflector, as the key element of the hybrid laser, is studied, with its maximized reflectivity of 85.6% demonstrated experimentally. The compact single-wavelength laser enables fully monolithic integration on silicon wafer for optical communication and optical sensing application.

Micro- and nano-scale characterization to study the thermal degradation of cement-based materials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lim, Seungmin, E-mail: lim76@illinois.edu; Mondal, Paramita

2014-06-01

The degradation of hydration products of cement is known to cause changes in the micro- and nano-structure, which ultimately drive thermo-mechanical degradation of cement-based composite materials at elevated temperatures. However, a detailed characterization of these changes is still incomplete. This paper presents results of an extensive experimental study carried out to investigate micro- and nano-structural changes that occur due to exposure of cement paste to high temperatures. Following heat treatment of cement paste up to 1000 °C, damage states were studied by compressive strength test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) atomic force microscopy (AFM) and AFM image analysis.more » Using experimental results and research from existing literature, new degradation processes that drive the loss of mechanical properties of cement paste are proposed. The development of micro-cracks at the interface between unhydrated cement particles and paste matrix, a change in C–S–H nano-structure and shrinkage of C–S–H, are considered as important factors that cause the thermal degradation of cement paste. - Highlights: • The thermal degradation of hydration products of cement is characterized at micro- and nano-scale using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). • The interface between unhydrated cement particles and the paste matrix is considered the origin of micro-cracks. • When cement paste is exposed to temperatures above 300 ºC, the nano-structure of C-S-H becomes a more loosely packed globular structure, which could be indicative of C-S-H shrinkage.« less

Triptonide inhibits the pathological functions of gastric cancer-associated fibroblasts.

PubMed

Wang, Zhenfei; Ma, Daguang; Wang, Changshan; Zhu, Zhe; Yang, Yongyan; Zeng, Fenfang; Yuan, Jianlong; Liu, Xia; Gao, Yue; Chen, Yongxia; Jia, Yongfeng

2017-12-01

Direct attacks on tumour cells with chemotherapeutic drugs have the drawbacks of accelerating tumour metastasis and inducing tumour stem cell phenotypes. Inhibition of tumour-associated fibroblasts, which provide nourishment and support to tumour cells, is a novel and promising anti-tumour strategy. However, effective drugs against tumour-associated fibroblasts are currently lacking. In the present study, we explored the possibility of inhibiting the pathological functions of tumour-associated fibroblasts with triptonide. Paired gastric normal fibroblasts (GNFs) and gastric cancer-associated fibroblasts (GCAFs) were obtained from resected tissues. GCAFs showed higher capacities to induce colony formation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells than GNFs. Triptonide treatment strongly inhibited the colony formation-, migration-, and invasion-promoting capacities of GCAFs. The expression of microRNA-301a was higher and that of microRNA-149 was lower in GCAFs than in GNFs. Triptonide treatment significantly down-regulated microRNA-301a expression and up-regulated microRNA-149 expression in GCAFs. Re-establishment of microRNA expression balance increased the production and secretion of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2, a tumour suppressive factor, and suppressed the production and secretion of IL-6, an oncogenic factor, in GCAFs. Moreover, triptonide treatment abolished the ability of GCAFs to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer cells. These results indicate that triptonide inhibits the malignancy-promoting capacity of GCAFs by correcting abnormalities in microRNA expression. Thus, triptonide is a promisingly therapeutic agent for gastric cancer treatment, and traditional herbs may be a valuable source for developing new drugs that can regulate the tumour microenvironment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Effects of process parameters on the molding quality of the micro-needle array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Z. J.; Ma, Z.; Gao, S.

2016-07-01

Micro-needle array, which is used in medical applications, is a kind of typical injection molded products with microstructures. Due to its tiny micro-features size and high aspect ratios, it is more likely to produce short shots defects, leading to poor molding quality. The injection molding process of the micro-needle array was studied in this paper to find the effects of the process parameters on the molding quality of the micro-needle array and to provide theoretical guidance for practical production of high-quality products. With the shrinkage ratio and warpage of micro needles as the evaluation indices of the molding quality, the orthogonal experiment was conducted and the analysis of variance was carried out. According to the results, the contribution rates were calculated to determine the influence of various process parameters on molding quality. The single parameter method was used to analyse the main process parameter. It was found that the contribution rate of the holding pressure on shrinkage ratio and warpage reached 83.55% and 94.71% respectively, far higher than that of the other parameters. The study revealed that the holding pressure is the main factor which affects the molding quality of micro-needle array so that it should be focused on in order to obtain plastic parts with high quality in the practical production.

Evaluation of a moisturising micro-gel spray for prevention of cell dryness in oral mucosal cells: an in vitro study and evaluation in a clinical setting.

PubMed

Ota, Y; Morito, A; Fujisawa, K; Nishida, M; Hata, H; Ueno, T; Yurikusa, T; Murata, T

2012-11-01

A moisturising micro-gel spray for prevention of dryness was compared with commercial products and artificial saliva in vitro and in a clinical setting in patients with cancer. Survival of cultured human gingival epithelial cells was evaluated after treatment with each product for 15 min. A dry test was performed for products giving a 50% survival rate, in which cell survival was measured after drying of cells treated with each product. The survival rates of cells treated with the micro-gel spray and artificial saliva were significantly higher than those of control cells. The micro-gel spray was then evaluated for 1 week in patients with symptoms of dry mouth caused by cancer treatment. There was significant improvement of these symptoms at night and on awakening and of subjective symptoms of decreased salivary volume (P < 0.05). Mean visual analogue scale scores also significantly decreased (P < 0.01). These data suggest that evaluation of moisturising products for dryness prevention can be performed in cultured cells, since products that performed well in vitro also showed good efficacy for symptoms of dry mouth. The micro-gel spray was particularly effective for relieving symptoms of dry mouth in patients with cancer. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Micro-phytoplankton photosynthesis, primary production and potential export production in the Atlantic Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tilstone, Gavin H.; Lange, Priscila K.; Misra, Ankita; Brewin, Robert J. W.; Cain, Terry

2017-11-01

Micro-phytoplankton is the >20 μm component of the phytoplankton community and plays a major role in the global ocean carbon pump, through the sequestering of anthropogenic CO2 and export of organic carbon to the deep ocean. To evaluate the global impact of the marine carbon cycle, quantification of micro-phytoplankton primary production is paramount. In this paper we use both in situ data and a satellite model to estimate the contribution of micro-phytoplankton to total primary production (PP) in the Atlantic Ocean. From 1995 to 2013, 940 measurements of primary production were made at 258 sites on 23 Atlantic Meridional Transect Cruises from the United Kingdom to the South African or Patagonian Shelf. Micro-phytoplankton primary production was highest in the South Subtropical Convergence (SSTC ∼ 409 ± 720 mg C m-2 d-1), where it contributed between 38 % of the total PP, and was lowest in the North Atlantic Gyre province (NATL ∼ 37 ± 27 mg C m-2 d-1), where it represented 18 % of the total PP. Size-fractionated photosynthesis-irradiance (PE) parameters measured on AMT22 and 23 showed that micro-phytoplankton had the highest maximum photosynthetic rate (PmB) (∼5 mg C (mg Chl a)-1 h-1) followed by nano- (∼4 mg C (mg Chl a)-1 h-1) and pico- (∼2 mg C (mg Chl a)-1 h-1). The highest PmB was recorded in the NATL and lowest in the North Atlantic Drift Region (NADR) and South Atlantic Gyre (SATL). The PE parameters were used to parameterise a remote sensing model of size-fractionated PP, which explained 84 % of the micro-phytoplankton in situ PP variability with a regression slope close to 1. The model was applied to the SeaWiFS time series from 1998-2010, which illustrated that micro-phytoplankton PP remained constant in the NADR, NATL, Canary Current Coastal upwelling (CNRY), Eastern Tropical Atlantic (ETRA), Western Tropical Atlantic (WTRA) and SATL, but showed a gradual increase in the Benguela Upwelling zone (BENG) and South Subtropical Convergence (SSTC). The mean annual carbon fixation of micro-phytoplankton was highest in the CNRY (∼140 g C m-2 yr-1), and lowest in the SATL (27 g C m-2 yr-1). A Thorium-234 based export production (ThExP) algorithm was applied to estimates of total PP in each province. There was a strong coupling between micro-phytoplankton PP and ThExP in the NADR and SSTC where between 23 and 39 % of micro-phytoplankton PP contributed to ThExP. The lowest contribution by micro-phytoplankton to ThExP was in the ETRA and WTRA which were 15 and 21 % respectively. The results suggest that micro-phytoplankton PP in the SSTC is the most efficient export system and the ETRA is the least efficient in the Atlantic Ocean.

Micro Computer Tomography for medical device and pharmaceutical packaging analysis.

PubMed

Hindelang, Florine; Zurbach, Raphael; Roggo, Yves

2015-04-10

Biomedical device and medicine product manufacturing are long processes facing global competition. As technology evolves with time, the level of quality, safety and reliability increases simultaneously. Micro Computer Tomography (Micro CT) is a tool allowing a deep investigation of products: it can contribute to quality improvement. This article presents the numerous applications of Micro CT for medical device and pharmaceutical packaging analysis. The samples investigated confirmed CT suitability for verification of integrity, measurements and defect detections in a non-destructive manner. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Off-Grid Electricity Access and its Impact on Micro-Enterprises: Evidence from Rural Uganda

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muhoro, Peter N.

The history of development shows convincingly that no country has substantially reduced poverty without massively increasing the use of electricity. The development of micro-enterprises in rural areas of Uganda is linked with increased access and use of electricity services. In this study, I combine quantitative and qualitative methods, including informal surveys, intra-business energy allocation studies and historical analysis, to analyze off-grid electricity access among micro-enterprises in rural western Uganda. I explore the linkages between of grid electricity access and the influence it has on micro- enterprises. Data is obtained from 56 micro-enterprises located in 11 village-towns within 3 districts in Uganda. In studying the micro-enterprises. the focus is on the services that are provided by electricity from modern energy carriers. The type of equipment used, forms of transportation, technical support, level of understanding and education of the entrepreneur, financing for energy equipment, and the role of donors are discussed in this thesis. Qualitative methods are used to allow for new insights and prioritization of concepts to emerge from the field rattier than from theory. Micro-enterprises in rural Uganda create income for the poor; they are resources for poverty reduction. With price adjustments, it becomes possible for those who live below the poverty line, nominally less than $1 a day, to afford the products and services and therefore mitigating the vicious cycle of poverty. Energy consumption among the micro-enterprises is at an average of 0.13kWh/day. The cost of accessing this amount of electricity attributes to about 50% of total revenue. I find that the "practices" used in off-grid electricity access lead to situations where the entrepreneurs have to evaluate pricing and output of products and services to generate higher profits. Such numbers indicate the need for appropriate technologies and profitable policies to be implemented. The data indicates that without subsidies, credit-based sales and better financing options, it is unlikely that access to electricity will increase beyond the levels established in the existing cash market. Concerns about equity and other social issues indicate a need for careful attention to the implications of policy choices and the processes that influence the use of technology.

Bioactive compounds from orange epicarp to enrich fish burgers.

PubMed

Spinelli, Sara; Lecce, Lucia; Likyova, Desislava; Del Nobile, Matteo Alessandro; Conte, Amalia

2018-05-01

The orange industry produces considerable amounts of by-products, traditionally used for animal feed or fuel production. Most of these by-products could be used as functional ingredients. To assess the potential food application of orange epicarp, different percentages of micro-encapsulated orange extract were added to fresh fish burgers. Then, an in vitro digestion was also carried out, before and after micro-encapsulation, to measure the bio-accessibility of the active compounds. A significant increase of bio-accessibility of bioactive compounds has been observed in the orange epicarp extract after micro-encapsulation by spray-drying. From the sensory point of view, the fish sample enriched with 50 g kg -1 micro-encapsulated extract was the most comparable to the control burger, even if it showed a higher phenolic, flavonoid and carotenoid bio-accessibility. Orange epicarp may be used as a food additive to enhance the health content of food products. The micro-encapsulation is a valid technique to protect the bioactive compounds and increase their bio-accessibility. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

A wide variety of injection molding technologies is now applicable to small series and mass production

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bloß, P., E-mail: bloss@kuz-leipzig.de, E-mail: juettner@kuz-leipzig.de, E-mail: jacob@kuz-leipzig.de, E-mail: loeser@kuz-leipzig.de, E-mail: michaelis@kuz-leipzig.de, E-mail: krajewsky@kuz-leipzig.de; Jüttner, G., E-mail: bloss@kuz-leipzig.de, E-mail: juettner@kuz-leipzig.de, E-mail: jacob@kuz-leipzig.de, E-mail: loeser@kuz-leipzig.de, E-mail: michaelis@kuz-leipzig.de, E-mail: krajewsky@kuz-leipzig.de; Jacob, S., E-mail: bloss@kuz-leipzig.de, E-mail: juettner@kuz-leipzig.de, E-mail: jacob@kuz-leipzig.de, E-mail: loeser@kuz-leipzig.de, E-mail: michaelis@kuz-leipzig.de, E-mail: krajewsky@kuz-leipzig.de

2014-05-15

Micro plastic parts open new fields for application, e. g., to electronics, sensor technologies, optics, and medical engineering. Before micro parts can go to mass production, there is a strong need of having the possibility for testing different designs and materials including material combinations. Hence, flexible individual technical and technological solutions for processing are necessary. To manufacture high quality micro parts, a micro injection moulding machine named formicaPlast based on a two-step plunger injection technology was developed. Resulting from its design, the residence time and the accuracy problems for managing small shot volumes with reproducible high accuracy are uncompromisingly solved.more » Due to their simple geometry possessing smooth transitions and non adherent inner surfaces, the plunger units allow to process 'all' thermoplastics from polyolefines to high performance polymers, optical clear polymers, thermally sensitive bioresorbables, highly filled systems (the so-called powder injection molding PIM), and liquid silicon rubber (LSR, here with a special kit). The applied platform strategy in the 1K and 2K version allows integrating automation for assembling, handling and packaging. A perpendicular arrangement allows encapsulation of inserts, also partially, and integration of this machine into process chains. Considering a wide variety of different parts consisting of different materials, the high potential of the technology is demonstrated. Based on challenging industrial parts from electronic applications (2K micro MID and bump mat, where both are highly structured parts), the technological solutions are presented in more detail.« less

Micro-feeding and dosing of powders via a small-scale powder pump.

PubMed

Besenhard, M O; Fathollahi, S; Siegmann, E; Slama, E; Faulhammer, E; Khinast, J G

2017-03-15

Robust and accurate powder micro-feeding (<100mg/s) and micro-dosing (<5 mg) are major challenges, especially with regard to regulatory limitations applicable to pharmaceutical development and production. Since known micro-feeders that yield feed rates below 5mg/s use gravimetric feeding principles, feed rates depend primarily on powder properties. In contrast, volumetric powder feeders do not require regular calibration because their feed rates are primarily determined by the feeder's characteristic volume replacement. In this paper, we present a volumetric micro-feeder based on a cylinder piston system (i.e., a powder pump), which allows accurate micro-feeding and feed rates of a few grams per hours even for very fine powders. Our experimental studies addressed the influence of cylinder geometries, the initial conditions of bulk powder, and the piston speeds. Additional computational studies via Discrete Element Method simulations offered a better understanding of the feeding process, its possible limitations and ways to overcome them. The powder pump is a simple yet valuable tool for accurate powder feeding at feed rates of several orders of magnitude. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microcomputers: Independence and Information Access for the Physically Handicapped.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Regen, Shari S.; Chen, Ching-chih

1984-01-01

Provides overview of recent technological developments in microcomputer technology for the physically disabled, including discussion of view expansion, "talking terminals," voice recognition, and price and convenience of micro-based products. Equipment manufacturers and training centers for the physically disabled are listed and microcomputer…

The NASA Micro-Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET): Co-location of Lidars with AERONET

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Welton, Ellsworth J.; Campbell, James R.; Berkoff, Timothy A.; Spinhirne, James D.; Holben, Brent; Tsay, Si-Chee

2004-01-01

We present the formation of a global-ground based eye-safe lidar network, the NASA Micro-Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET). The aim of MPLNET is to acquire long-term observations of aerosol and cloud vertical profiles at unique geographic sites within the NASA Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). Network growth follows a federated approach, pioneered by AERONET, wherein independent research groups may join MPLNET with their own instrument and site. MPLNET utilizes standard instrumentation and data processing algorithms for efficient network operations and direct comparison of data between each site. The micro-pulse lidar is eye-safe, compact, and commercially available, and most easily allows growth of the network without sacrificing standardized instrumentation gods. Red-time data products (next-day) are available, and include Level 1 daily lidar signal images from the surface to -2Okm, and Level 1.5 aerosol extinction provides at times co-incident with AERONET observations. Testing of our quality assured aerosol extinction products, Level 2, is near completion and data will soon be available. Level 3 products, continuous daylight aerosol extinction profiles, are under development and testing has begun. An overview of h4PL" will be presented. Successful methods of merging standardized lidar operations with AERONET will also be discussed, with the first 4 years of MPLNET results serving as an example.

An economical device for carbon supplement in large-scale micro-algae production.

PubMed

Su, Zhenfeng; Kang, Ruijuan; Shi, Shaoyuan; Cong, Wei; Cai, Zhaoling

2008-10-01

One simple but efficient carbon-supplying device was designed and developed, and the correlative carbon-supplying technology was described. The absorbing characterization of this device was studied. The carbon-supplying system proved to be economical for large-scale cultivation of Spirulina sp. in an outdoor raceway pond, and the gaseous carbon dioxide absorptivity was enhanced above 78%, which could reduce the production cost greatly.

Terrestrial Micro Renewable Energy Applications of Space Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komerath, N. M.; Komerath, P. P.

This paper explores the synergy between technologies intended for extraterrestrial in situ resource utilization and those for terrestrial mass-market micro renewable power generation systems. The case for a micro renewable energy architecture is presented. The obstacles hindering market success are summarized, along with opportunities from recent demonstrations suggesting that the public appetite for sophisticated technology worldwide may be underappreciated by technical researchers. Technical innovations from space research are summarized along with estimates of possible conversion efficiencies. It is argued that the cost-effectiveness of micro power generation must be viewed through the value of the first few watts of available power, rather than the marginal cost per kilowatt-hour of electric power from utility power grids. This leads to the finding that the actual target cost per unit power, and efficiency, are well within reach of space technology products. Hybrid systems integrating power extraction from multiple resources, and adaptable for multiple applications, can break through mass market price barriers. Recent work to develop learning resources and test beds as part of a Micro Renewable Energy Laboratory is summarized.

Mini and micro spectrometers pave the way to on-field advanced analytics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouyé, Clémentine; Kolb, Hugo; d'Humières, Benoît.

2016-03-01

First introduced in the 1990's, miniature optical spectrometers were compact, portable devices brought on the market by the desire to move from time-consuming lab-based analyses to on-field and in situ measurements. This goal of getting spectroscopy into the hands of non-specialists is driving current technical and application developments, the ultimate goal being, in a far future, the integration of a spectrometer into a smartphone or any other smart device (tablet, watch, …). In this article, we present the results of our study on the evolution of the compact spectrometers market towards widespread industrial use and consumer applications. Presently, the main market of compact spectrometers remains academic labs. However, they have been adopted on some industrial applications such as optical source characterization (mainly laser and LEDs). In a near future, manufacturers of compact spectrometers target the following industrial applications: agriculture crop monitoring, food process control or pharmaceuticals quality control. Next steps will be to get closer to the consumer market with point-of-care applications such as glucose detection for diabetics, for example. To reach these objectives, technological breakthroughs will be necessary. Recent progresses have already allowed the release of micro-spectrometers. They take advantage of new micro-technologies such as MEMS (MicroElectroMechanical Systems), MOEMS (Micro-Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems), micro-mirrors arrays to reduce cost and size while allowing good performance and high volume manufacturability. Integrated photonics is being investigated for future developments. It will also require new business models and new market approaches. Indeed, spreading spectroscopy to more industrial and consumer applications will require spectrometers manufacturers to get closer to the end-users and develop application-oriented products.

Micro-Bunched Beam Production at FAST for Narrow Band THz Generation Using a Slit-Mask

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hyun, J.; Crawford, D.; Edstrom Jr, D.

We discuss simulations and experiments on creating micro-bunch beams for generating narrow band THz radiation at the Fermilab Accelerator Science and Technology (FAST) facility. The low-energy electron beamline at FAST consists of a photoinjector-based RF gun, two Lband superconducting accelerating cavities, a chicane, and a beam dump. The electron bunches are lengthened with cavity phases set off-crest for better longitudinal separation and then micro-bunched with a slit-mask installed in the chicane. We carried out the experiments with 30 MeV electron beams and detected signals of the micro-bunching using a skew quadrupole magnet in the chicane. In this paper, the detailsmore » of micro-bunch beam production, the detection of micro-bunching and comparison with simulations are described.« less

Testing Microshutter Arrays Using Commercial FPGA Hardware

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rapchun, David

2008-01-01

NASA is developing micro-shutter arrays for the Near Infrared Spectrometer (NIRSpec) instrument on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). These micro-shutter arrays allow NIRspec to do Multi Object Spectroscopy, a key part of the mission. Each array consists of 62414 individual 100 x 200 micron shutters. These shutters are magnetically opened and held electrostatically. Individual shutters are then programmatically closed using a simple row/column addressing technique. A common approach to provide these data/clock patterns is to use a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Such devices require complex VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL) programming and custom electronic hardware. Due to JWST's rapid schedule on the development of the micro-shutters, rapid changes were required to the FPGA code to facilitate new approaches being discovered to optimize the array performance. Such rapid changes simply could not be made using conventional VHDL programming. Subsequently, National Instruments introduced an FPGA product that could be programmed through a Labview interface. Because Labview programming is considerably easier than VHDL programming, this method was adopted and brought success. The software/hardware allowed the rapid change the FPGA code and timely results of new micro-shutter array performance data. As a result, numerous labor hours and money to the project were conserved.

A techno-economic evaluation of anaerobic biogas producing systems in developing countries.

PubMed

Morgan, Hervan Marion; Xie, Wei; Liang, Jianghui; Mao, Hanping; Lei, Hanwu; Ruan, Roger; Bu, Quan

2018-02-01

Biogas production has been the focus of many individuals in the developing world; there have been several investigations that focus on improving the production process and product quality. In the developing world the lack of advanced technology and capital has hindered the development of energy production. Renewable energy has the potential to improve the standard of living for most of the 196 countries which are classified as developing economies. One of the easiest renewable energy compounds that can be produced is biogas (bio-methane). Biogas can be produced from almost any source of biomass through the anaerobic respiration of micro-organisms. Low budget energy systems are reviewed in this article along with various feedstock sources. Adapted gas purification and storage systems are also reviewed, along with the possible economic, social, health and environmental benefits of its implementation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Regulation of Vapor Pressure Deficit by Greenhouse Micro-Fog Systems Improved Growth and Productivity of Tomato via Enhancing Photosynthesis during Summer Season

PubMed Central

Zhang, Dalong; Zhang, Zhongdian; Li, Jianming; Chang, Yibo; Du, Qingjie; Pan, Tonghua

2015-01-01

The role of a proposed micro-fog system in regulating greenhouse environments and enhancing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) productivity during summer season was studied. Experiments were carried out in a multi-span glass greenhouse, which was divided into two identical compartments involving different environments: (1) without environment control and (2) with a micro-fog system operating when the air vapor pressure deficit (VPD) of greenhouse was higher than 0.5 KPa. The micro-fog system effectively alleviated heat stress and evaporative demand in the greenhouse during summer season. The physiologically favourable environment maintained by micro-fog treatment significantly enhanced elongation of leaf and stem, which contributed to a substantial elevation of final leaf area and shoot biomass. These improvements in physiological and morphological traits resulted in around 12.3% increase of marketable tomato yield per plant. Relative growth rate (RGR) of micro-fog treatment was also significantly higher than control plants, which was mainly determined by the substantial elevation in net assimilation rate (NAR), and to a lesser extent caused by leaf area ratio (LAR). Measurement of leaf gas exchange parameters also demonstrated that micro-fog treatment significantly enhanced leaf photosynthesis capacity. Taken together, manipulation of VPD in greenhouses by micro-fog systems effectively enhanced tomato growth and productivity via improving photosynthesis during summer season. PMID:26221726

More Genetic Engineering With Cloned Hemoglobin Genes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bailey, James E.

1992-01-01

Cells modified to enhance growth and production of proteins. Method for enhancing both growth of micro-organisms in vitro and production of various proteins or metalbolites in these micro-organisms provides for incorporation of selected chromosomal or extrachormosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences into micro-organisms from other cells or from artificial sources. Incorporated DNA includes parts encoding desired product(s) or characteristic(s) of cells and parts that control expression of productor characteristic-encoding parts in response to variations in environment. Extended method enables increased research into growth of organisms in oxygen-poor environments. Industrial applications found in enhancement of processing steps requiring oxygen in fermentation, enzymatic degradation, treatment of wastes containing toxic chemicals, brewing, and some oxidative chemical reactions.

Toward Scalable Fabrication of Hierarchical Silica Capsules with Integrated Micro-, Meso-, and Macropores.

PubMed

Zhou, Weizheng; Tong, Gangsheng; Wang, Dali; Zhu, Bangshang; Ren, Yu; Butler, Michael; Pelan, Eddie; Yan, Deyue; Zhu, Xinyuan; Stoyanov, Simeon D

2016-04-06

Hierarchical porous structures are ubiquitous in biological organisms and inorganic systems. Although such structures have been replicated, designed, and fabricated, they are often inferior to naturally occurring analogues. Apart from the complexity and multiple functionalities developed by the biological systems, the controllable and scalable production of hierarchically porous structures and building blocks remains a technological challenge. Herein, a facile and scalable approach is developed to fabricate hierarchical hollow spheres with integrated micro-, meso-, and macropores ranging from 1 nm to 100 μm (spanning five orders of magnitude). (Macro)molecules, micro-rods (which play a key role for the creation of robust capsules), and emulsion droplets have been successfully employed as multiple length scale templates, allowing the creation of hierarchical porous macrospheres. Thanks to their specific mechanical strength, these hierarchical porous spheres could be incorporated and assembled as higher level building blocks in various novel materials. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The Influence of Maternal Language Responsiveness on the Expressive Speech Production of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Microanalysis of Mother-Child Play Interactions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walton, Katherine M.; Ingersoll, Brooke R.

2015-01-01

Adult responsiveness is related to language development both in young typically developing children and in children with autism spectrum disorders, such that parents who use more responsive language with their children have children who develop better language skills over time. This study used a micro-analytic technique to examine how two facets…

Sacrificial component fabrication for optimised production of micro-vascular polymer composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalton, B.; Dixon, D.; McIlhagger, A.; Archer, E.

2015-02-01

Smart functional materials are a viable future goal for advanced applications in aerospace, space and medical applications. In this work micro-vascular polymer composite systems have been developed using sacrificial fibres produced from catalyst loaded Poly(lactic acid). The sacrificial fibres have been produced via a published technique which treated PLA in a solvent catalyst mixture of 60% Trifluoroethanol, 40% H2O dispersed with 10 wt% tin (II) oxalate catalyst. A second process of polymer extrusion of PLA using graded fill contents of tin (II) oxalate has also been developed for the up scaled production of fibres as an alternative to solution treatment. Thermal analysis (TGA) was used to compare sacrificial fibre specimens. PLA fibres produced via the polymer extrusion method outperformed solution treated fibres displaying a lower degradation onset temperature (average 25°C lower), higher degradation rates (observed through a derivative curve comparison) and lower residual catalyst content (0.67% solvent treated fibre against 0.16% extruded fibre). The continuous extrusion process is solvent free and is suitable for high volume production. This work has been carried out to fully understand the fabrication issues with sacrificial components.

RACK1 and the microRNA pathway: is it déjà-vu all over again?

PubMed

Speth, Corinna; Laubinger, Sascha

2014-01-01

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) control many aspects of development and adaption in plants and in animals by post-transcriptional control of mRNA stability and translatability. Over the last years numerous proteins have been identified in the miRNA pathway. The versatile scaffold protein RACK1 has been associated with efficient miRNA production and function in plants and metazoans. Here, we briefly summarize the differences of RACK1 function in the plant and animal miRNA pathways and discuss putative mechanisms and functional roles of RACK1 in miRNA biogenesis and action.

Micro-Tubular Fuel Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kimble, Michael C.; Anderson, Everett B.; Jayne, Karen D.; Woodman, Alan S.

2004-01-01

Micro-tubular fuel cells that would operate at power levels on the order of hundreds of watts or less are under development as alternatives to batteries in numerous products - portable power tools, cellular telephones, laptop computers, portable television receivers, and small robotic vehicles, to name a few examples. Micro-tubular fuel cells exploit advances in the art of proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells. The main advantage of the micro-tubular fuel cells over the plate-and-frame fuel cells would be higher power densities: Whereas the mass and volume power densities of low-pressure hydrogen-and-oxygen-fuel plate-and-frame fuel cells designed to operate in the targeted power range are typically less than 0.1 W/g and 0.1 kW/L, micro-tubular fuel cells are expected to reach power densities much greater than 1 W/g and 1 kW/L. Because of their higher power densities, micro-tubular fuel cells would be better for powering portable equipment, and would be better suited to applications in which there are requirements for modularity to simplify maintenance or to facilitate scaling to higher power levels. The development of PEMFCs has conventionally focused on producing large stacks of cells that operate at typical power levels >5 kW. The usual approach taken to developing lower-power PEMFCs for applications like those listed above has been to simply shrink the basic plate-and-frame configuration to smaller dimensions. A conventional plate-and-frame fuel cell contains a membrane/electrode assembly in the form of a flat membrane with electrodes of the same active area bonded to both faces. In order to provide reactants to both electrodes, bipolar plates that contain flow passages are placed on both electrodes. The mass and volume overhead of the bipolar plates amounts to about 75 percent of the total mass and volume of a fuel-cell stack. Removing these bipolar plates in the micro-tubular fuel cell significantly increases the power density.

Fabrication of nanobeads from nanocups by controlling scission/crosslinking in organic polymer materials.

PubMed

Oyama, Tomoko Gowa; Oshima, Akihiro; Washio, Masakazu; Tagawa, Seiichi

2012-12-14

The development of several kinds of micro/nanofabrication techniques has resulted in many innovations in the micro/nanodevices that support today's science and technology. With feature miniaturization, the fabrication tools have shifted from light to ionizing radiation. Here, we propose a simple micro/nanofabrication technique for organic materials using a scanning beam (SB) of ionizing radiation. By controlling the scission/crosslinking of the material via three-dimensional energy-deposition distribution of the SB, appropriate solvents can easily peel off only the crosslinked region from the bulk material. The technique was demonstrated using a focused ion beam and a chlorinated organic polymer. The polymer underwent main-chain scission upon irradiation, but it crosslinked after high-dose irradiation. Appropriate solvents could easily peel off only the crosslinked region from the bulk material. The technique, 'nanobead from nanocup', enabled the production of desired structures such as nanowires and nanomembranes. It can be also applied to the micro/nanofabrication of functional materials.

Development of hydrogel microtubes for microbe culture in open environment.

PubMed

Ogawa, M; Higashi, K; Miki, N

2015-08-01

This paper describes a microbe culture system in an open environment using hydrogel microtubes. In recent years, oil production microbes, such as Aurantiochytrium, have been found and are studied to produce fuels of new age instead of fossil fuels. Biomass production by microbes is promising, where scale-up, collection of the products and competition against other microbes are the most important challenges. Here, we propose to use hydrogel microtubes to encapsulate, culture, and protect microbes. The tubes can be micro- and mass-fabricated. They allow oxygen and nutrition to go through while they prevent competitive microbes from intruding inside. The microbes and byproducts can be collected together with the tubes. In this paper, we demonstrate the proof-of-concepts experiments: we fabricated hydrogel micro tubes and cultured Coryne glutamicum which produce lactic acid inside the tubes. The microbes were increased inside the tubes and protected even when competitive microbes existed in the culture media. Furthermore, we demonstrated how to collect microbes inside the tubes.

Highlights of marine invertebrate-derived biosynthetic products: Their biomedical potential and possible production by microbial associants

PubMed Central

Radjasa, Ocky K.; Vaske, Yvette M.; Navarro, Gabriel; Vervoort, Hélène C.; Tenney, Karen; Linington, Roger G.; Crews, Phillip

2011-01-01

Coral reefs are among the most productive marine ecosystems and are the source of a large group of structurally unique biosynthetic products. Annual reviews of marine natural products continue to illustrate that the most prolific source of bioactive compounds consist of coral reef invertebrates—sponges, ascidians, mollusks, and bryozoans. This account examines recent milestone developments pertaining to compounds from invertebrates designated as therapeutic leads for biomedical discovery. The focus is on the secondary metabolites, their inspirational structural scaffolds and the possible role of microorganism associants in their biosynthesis. Also important are the increasing concerns regarding the collection of reef invertebrates for the discovery process. The case examples considered here will be useful to insure that future research to unearth bioactive invertebrate-derived compounds will be carried out in a sustainable and environmentally conscious fashion. Our account begins with some observations pertaining to the natural history of these organisms. Many still believe that a serious obstacle to the ultimate development of a marine natural product isolated from coral reef invertebrates is the problem of compound supply. Recent achievements through total synthesis can now be drawn on to forcefully cast this myth aside. The tools of semisynthesis of complex natural products or insights from SAR efforts to simplify an active pharmacophore are at hand and demand discussion. Equally exciting is the prospect that invertebrate-associated micro-organisms may represent the next frontier to accelerate the development of high priority therapeutic candidates. Currently in the United States there are two FDA approved marine-derived therapeutic drugs and two others that are often cited as being marine-inspired. This record will be examined first followed by an analysis of a dozen of our favorite examples of coral reef invertebrate natural products having therapeutic potential. The record of using complex scaffolds of marine invertebrate products as the starting point for development will be reviewed by considering eight case examples. The potential promise of developing invertebrate-derived micro-organisms as the starting point for further exploration of therapeutically relevant structures is considered. Also significant is the circumstance that there are some 14 sponge-derived compounds that are available to facilitate fundamental biological investigations. PMID:21835627

Silk Film Embossing System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paquette, Mark S.

New tools are often required to facilitate new discoveries and test new methods. Commercial offerings can be prohibitively expensive and difficult to customize. The development of ad-hoc tools provides the most flexibility and provides an opportunity to modify and refine a technology. An embossing system was developed for silk film imprinting and stamping in order to facilitate and add versatility to the efforts involving micro- and nanoscale device manufacturing in biopolymers. This system features temperature controlled embossing surfaces, adjustable embossing pressures, and variable embossing times. The device can also be fitted with interchangeable temperature controlled embossing and stamping tools. The design, development, fabrication, applications, and future improvements are explored for the system. This device may facilitate new discoveries in the realm of biopolymer micro- and nanomanufacturing and may provide a path towards high volume production of silk film based technologies.

CD-ROM Networking: Navigating through VINES and NetWare and the New Software Technologies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lieberman, Paula

1995-01-01

Provides an overview of developments in CD-ROM networking technology and describes products offered by Axis, Banyan (VINES--network operating environment), CD Connection, Celerity, Data/Ware, Document Imaging Systems Corporation (DISC), Imagery, Jodian, Meridian, Micro Design International, Microsoft, Microtest, Novell, OnLine Computer Systems,…

Multiple-particle tracking study of the microheterogeneity of beta-glucan-rich hydrocolloidal extractive suspensions

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Nutrim-10 is a newly developed food product containing the dietary of soluble fiber ß-glucan. The micro-structural heterogeneities of Nutrim-10 suspensions were investigated by monitoring the thermally driven displacements of well-dispersed microspheres via video fluorescence microscopy. By comparin...

Combustion Characterization and Model Fuel Development for Micro-tubular Flame-assisted Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Milcarek, Ryan J; Garrett, Michael J; Baskaran, Amrish; Ahn, Jeongmin

2016-10-02

Combustion based power generation has been accomplished for many years through a number of heat engine systems. Recently, a move towards small scale power generation and micro combustion as well as development in fuel cell research has created new means of power generation that combine solid oxide fuel cells with open flames and combustion exhaust. Instead of relying upon the heat of combustion, these solid oxide fuel cell systems rely on reforming of the fuel via combustion to generate syngas for electrochemical power generation. Procedures were developed to assess the combustion by-products under a wide range of conditions. While theoretical and computational procedures have been developed for assessing fuel-rich combustion exhaust in these applications, experimental techniques have also emerged. The experimental procedures often rely upon a gas chromatograph or mass spectrometer analysis of the flame and exhaust to assess the combustion process as a fuel reformer and means of heat generation. The experimental techniques developed in these areas have been applied anew for the development of the micro-tubular flame-assisted fuel cell. The protocol discussed in this work builds on past techniques to specify a procedure for characterizing fuel-rich combustion exhaust and developing a model fuel-rich combustion exhaust for use in flame-assisted fuel cell testing. The development of the procedure and its applications and limitations are discussed.

Process Capability of High Speed Micro End-Milling of Inconel 718 with Minimum Quantity Lubrication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman, Mohamed Abd; Yeakub Ali, Mohammad; Rahman Shah Rosli, Abdul; Banu, Asfana

2017-03-01

The demand for micro-parts is expected to grow and micro-machining has been shown to be a viable manufacturing process to produce these products. These micro-products may be produced from hard-to-machine materials such as superalloys under little or no metal cutting fluids to reduce machining cost or drawbacks associated with health and environment. This project aims to investigate the capability of micro end-milling process of Inconel 718 with minimum quantity lubrication (MQL). Microtools DT-110 multi-process micro machine was used to machine 10 micro-channels with MQL and 10 more under dry condition while maintaining the same machining parameters. The width of the micro-channels was measured using digital microscope and used to determine the process capability indices, Cp and Cpk. QI Macros SPC for Excel was used to analyze the resultant machining data. The results indicated that micro end-milling process of Inconel 718 was not capable under both MQL and dry cutting conditions as indicated by the Cp values of less than 1.0. However, the use of MQL helped the process to be more stable and capable. Results obtained showed that the process variation was greatly reduced by using MQL in micro end-milling of Inconel 718.

Effects of Process Parameters on Ultrasonic Micro-Hole Drilling in Glass and Ruby

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schorderet, Alain; Deghilage, Emmanuel; Agbeviade, Kossi

2011-05-04

Brittle materials such as ceramics, glasses and oxide single crystals find increasing applications in advanced micro-engineering products. Machining small features in such materials represents a manufacturing challenge. Ultrasonic drilling constitutes a promising technique for realizing simple micro-holes of high diameter-to-depth ratio. The process involves impacting abrasive particles in suspension in a liquid slurry between tool and work piece. Among the process performance criteria, the drilling time (productivity) is one of the most important quantities to evaluate the suitability of the process for industrial applications.This paper summarizes recent results pertaining to the ultrasonic micro-drilling process obtained with a semi-industrial 3-axis machine.more » The workpiece is vibrated at 40 kHz frequency with an amplitude of several micrometers. A voice-coil actuator and a control loop based on the drilling force impose the tool feed. In addition, the tool is rotated at a prescribed speed to improve the drilling speed as well as the hole geometry. Typically, a WC wire serves as tool to bore 200 {mu}m diameter micro-holes of 300 to 1,000 {mu}m depth in glass and ruby. The abrasive slurry contains B4C particles of 1 {mu}m to 5 {mu}m diameter in various concentrations.This paper discusses, on the basis of the experimental results, the influence of several parameters on the drilling time. First, the results show that the control strategy based on the drilling force allows to reach higher feed rates (avoiding tool breakage). Typically, a 8 um/s feed rate is achieved with glass and 0.9 {mu}m/s with ruby. Tool rotation, even for values as low as 50 rpm, increases productivity and improves holes geometry. Drilling with 1 {mu}m and 5 {mu}m B4C particles yields similar productivity results. Our future research will focus on using the presented results to develop a model that can serve to optimize the process for different applications.« less

Analysis of ultradian heat production and aortic core temperature rhythms in the rat.

PubMed

Gómez-Sierra, J M; Canela, E I; Esteve, M; Rafecas, I; Closa, D; Remesar, X; Alemany, M

1993-01-01

The rhythms of aortic core temperature and overall heat production in Wistar rats was analyzed by using long series of recordings of temperature obtained from implanted thermocouple probes and heat release values from a chamber calorimeter. There was a very high degree of repetitiveness in the presentation of actual heat rhythms, with high cross-correlation values ascertained wit paired periodograms. No differences were observed between heat production between male and female adult rats. The cross-correlation for temperature gave similar figures. The cross-correlation study between heat production and aortic core temperature in the same animals was significant and showed a displacement of about 30 minutes between heat release and aortic core temperature. The analysis of heat production showed a strong predominance of rhythms with periods of 24 hours (frequencies < 11.6 microHz) or more; other rhythms detected (of roughly the same relative importance) had periods of 8 or 2.2 hours (35 or 126 microHz, respectively). The analysis of aortic core temperature showed a smaller quantitative contribution of the 8 or 2.2 hours (35 or 126 microHz) rhythms, with other harmonic rhythms interspersed (5.1 and 4.0 hours, i.e. 54 and 69 microHz). The proportion of 'noise' or cycles lower than 30 minutes (< 550 microHz) was higher in internal temperature than in the actual release of heat. The results are in agreement with the existence of a basic period of about 130 minutes (126 microHz) of warming/cooling of the blood, with a number of other harmonic rhythms superimposed upon the basic circadian rhythm.

[Role of different scale structures of titanium implant in the biological behaviors of human umbilical vein endothelial cells].

PubMed

Liang, N W; Shi, L; Huang, Y; Deng, X L

2017-02-18

To study the role of different scale structure of Ti implants on the biological behaviors of human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs) and to reveal the role of material surface topographical features on peri-implant angiogenesis. Titanium (Ti) discs with different surface structures (Ti discs with smooth surface, Ti discs with nano scale structure, Ti discs with micro scale structure and Ti discs with micro/nano scale structure, named as SM-Ti, Nano-Ti, Micro-Ti and Micro/Nano-Ti, respectively) were prepared and their surface topographical features were confirmed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation. HUVECs were cultured on these Ti discs. Biological outcomes of HUVECs on different surfaces were carried out, including cell adhesive capacity, proliferation, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production and intracellular expression of Ca(2+). The results of SEM images and immunofluorescence double staining of rhodamine-phalloidin and DAPI showed that compared with the SM-Ti and Nano-Ti group, the adhesive capacity and proliferation behavior of HUVECs on the surfaces of Micro-Ti and Micro/Nano-Ti was decreased. The results of culturing HUVECs on different groups of Ti discs after 24 hours showed that the cells number grew from (18±4) to (42±6)/ vision on SM-Ti, (28±6) to (52±10)/vision on Nano-Ti, (20±4) to (21±6)/vision on Micro-Ti and (16±4) to (18±6)/vision on Micro/Nano-Ti. Moreover, compared with the adhesion and proliferation of HUVECs on SM-Ti group and Nano-Ti, the adhesion and proliferation of HUVECs on Micro-Ti group and Micro/Nano-Ti group was significantly reduced (P<0.05).The results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that the VEGF productions of SM-Ti, Nano-Ti, Micro-Ti and Micro/Nano-Ti were (690±35) ng/L, (560±20) ng/L, (474±43) ng/L and (517±29) ng/L, respectively. Moreover, compared with the VEGF production of HUVECs on SM-Ti group, the VEGF production of HUVECs on Micro-Ti group and Micro/Nano-Ti group was significantly reduced (P<0.05). The results of Ca(2+) ion detection showed that the Ca(2+) expression of HUVECs on Micro-Ti and Micro/Nano-Ti was significantly higher than that on the surface of SM-Ti and Nano-Ti. These results implied that the over expressed Ca(2+) might contributed to the impaired biological function of HUVECs on Micro-Ti and Micro/Nano-Ti. Different topographical features on titanium influenced the biological behaviors of the HUVECs, which may illustrate how topographical features of Ti implant affect peri-implant angiogenesis. These results also suggest that the biological behaviors of HUVECs might be relative to the changed expression of intracellular Ca(2+).

Development of textile-based high-tech products: the new challenge.

PubMed

da Rocha, Ana Maria M F

2004-01-01

The new generation of smart textiles is represented by fibers, yarns, fabrics and other resulting products that have special properties, regarding mechanical, chemical, electrical and thermal performances. These high-tech products, being able to respond to external stimuli through the integration of electronic components, phase change materials, shape memory materials or nano materials, enabled the development of different active and functional products. These products when combining the functions of medium, carrier and interface for micro-systems applications represent the ideal connecting channel between humans and the environment. This is a field of innovation that broadened the scope of the traditional textile and apparel products to high-tech textiles, designed to meet specific needs, involving different technologies and produced according to required properties, like personal protection, safety, leisure or health wear. The development of smart wear is a new challenge for the textile and clothing industry: it has to develop products based not only on design, fashion and comfort concepts but also in terms of functions. Moreover these products must be easy to care and durable.

Micro-Ring Structures Stabilize Microdroplets to Enable Long Term Spheroid Culture in 384 Hanging Drop Array Plates

PubMed Central

Hsiao, Amy Y.; Tung, Yi-Chung; Kuo, Chuan-Hsien; Mosadegh, Bobak; Bedenis, Rachel; Pienta, Kenneth J.; Takayama, Shuichi

2012-01-01

Using stereolithography, 20 different structural variations comprised of millimeter diameter holes surrounded by trenches, plateaus, or micro-ring structures were prepared and tested for their ability to stably hold arrays of microliter sized droplets within the structures over an extended period of time. The micro-ring structures were the most effective in stabilizing droplets against mechanical and chemical perturbations. After confirming the importance of micro-ring structures using rapid prototyping, we developed an injection molding tool for mass production of polystyrene 3D cell culture plates with an array of 384 such micro-ring surrounded through-hole structures. These newly designed and injection molded polystyrene 384 hanging drop array plates with micro-rings were stable and robust against mechanical perturbations as well as surface fouling-facilitated droplet spreading making them capable of long term cell spheroid culture of up to 22 days within the droplet array. This is a significant improvement over previously reported 384 hanging drop array plates which are susceptible to small mechanical shocks and could not reliably maintain hanging drops for longer than a few days. With enhanced droplet stability, the hanging drop array plates with micro-ring structures provide better platforms and open up new opportunities for high-throughput preparation of microscale 3D cell constructs for drug screening and cell analysis. PMID:22057945

Micro-ring structures stabilize microdroplets to enable long term spheroid culture in 384 hanging drop array plates.

PubMed

Hsiao, Amy Y; Tung, Yi-Chung; Kuo, Chuan-Hsien; Mosadegh, Bobak; Bedenis, Rachel; Pienta, Kenneth J; Takayama, Shuichi

2012-04-01

Using stereolithography, 20 different structural variations comprised of millimeter diameter holes surrounded by trenches, plateaus, or micro-ring structures were prepared and tested for their ability to stably hold arrays of microliter sized droplets within the structures over an extended period of time. The micro-ring structures were the most effective in stabilizing droplets against mechanical and chemical perturbations. After confirming the importance of micro-ring structures using rapid prototyping, we developed an injection molding tool for mass production of polystyrene 3D cell culture plates with an array of 384 such micro-ring surrounded through-hole structures. These newly designed and injection molded polystyrene 384 hanging drop array plates with micro-rings were stable and robust against mechanical perturbations as well as surface fouling-facilitated droplet spreading making them capable of long term cell spheroid culture of up to 22 days within the droplet array. This is a significant improvement over previously reported 384 hanging drop array plates which are susceptible to small mechanical shocks and could not reliably maintain hanging drops for longer than a few days. With enhanced droplet stability, the hanging drop array plates with micro-ring structures provide better platforms and open up new opportunities for high-throughput preparation of microscale 3D cell constructs for drug screening and cell analysis.

Micro-heterogeneity and micro-rheological properties of high-viscosity barley beta-glucan solutions studied by diffusion wave spectroscopy (DWS)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Soluble fiber ß-glucan is one of the key dietary materials in healthy food products known for reducing serum cholesterol levels. The micro-structural heterogeneity and micro-rheology of high-viscosity barley ß-glucan solutions were investigated by the diffusing wave spectroscopy (DWS) technology. By...

Micro/nanoencapsulation of essential oils and fragrances: Focus on perfumed, antimicrobial, mosquito-repellent and medical textiles.

PubMed

Ghayempour, Soraya; Montazer, Majid

2016-09-01

Herbal products have been widely used due to good antimicrobial, fragrance and medical properties. Essential oils and fragrances can be applied on the textile substrates as micro/nanocapsules to prolong lifetime by controlling the release rate. The present review tries to give a general overview on the application of micro/nanoencapsulated essential oils on the textile substrates to achieve aromatherapy textiles. These are divided into four diverse categories as the following: antimicrobial, perfumed, mosquito-repellent and medical textiles. The reports in this field revealed that the encapsulation technique plays an important role in the finishing of plant extracts on the textile substrates. It is also anticipated that aromatherapy textiles have to be developed in the new fields such as multifunctional textiles having wound-healing, antimicrobial and fragrant properties.

The effect of micro and macro stressors in the work environment on computer professionals' subjective health status and productive behavior in Japan.

PubMed

Tominaga, Maki; Asakura, Takashi; Akiyama, Tsuyoshi

2007-06-01

To investigate the effect of micro and macro stressors in the work environment on the subjective health status and productive behavior of computer professionals, we conducted a web-based investigation with Japanese IT-related company employees in 53 company unions. The questionnaire consisted of individual attributes, employment characteristics, working hour characteristics, company size and profitability, personal characteristics (i.e., Growth Need Strength), micro and macro stressors scale, and four outcome scales concerning the subjective health status and productive behavior. We obtained 1,049 Japanese IT-related company employees' data (response rate: 66%), and analyzed the data of computer engineers (80%; n=871). The results of hierarchical multiple regressions showed that each full model explained 23% in psychological distress, 20% in cumulative fatigue, 44% in job dissatisfaction, and 35% in intentions to leave, respectively. In micro stressors, "quantitative and qualitative work overload" had the strongest influence on both the subjective health status and intentions to leave. Furthermore, in macro stressors, "career and future ambiguity" was the most important predictor of the subjective health status, and "insufficient evaluation systems" and "poor supervisor's support" were important predictors of productive behavior as well. These findings suggest that improving not only micro stressors but also macro stressors will enhance the subjective health status and increase the productive behavior of computer professionals in Japan.

An FPGA- Based General-Purpose Data Acquisition Controller

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robson, C. C. W.; Bousselham, A.; Bohm

2006-08-01

System development in advanced FPGAs allows considerable flexibility, both during development and in production use. A mixed firmware/software solution allows the developer to choose what shall be done in firmware or software, and to make that decision late in the process. However, this flexibility comes at the cost of increased complexity. We have designed a modular development framework to help to overcome these issues of increased complexity. This framework comprises a generic controller that can be adapted for different systems by simply changing the software or firmware parts. The controller can use both soft and hard processors, with or without an RTOS, based on the demands of the system to be developed. The resulting system uses the Internet for both control and data acquisition. In our studies we developed the embedded system in a Xilinx Virtex-II Pro FPGA, where we used both PowerPC and MicroBlaze cores, http, Java, and LabView for control and communication, together with the MicroC/OS-II and OSE operating systems

R&D in micro-nano-bio systems and contribution to pHealth.

PubMed

Lymberis, Andreas

2012-01-01

The capacity to research, develop and manufacture systems that employ components based on nano- and microstructures with biological functionality, and are capable to share, ubiquitously, information is at the forefront of worldwide competition. A new generation of advanced materials, processes and emerging technologies is building up enabling highly integrated, miniaturized and smart micro-nano-bio-systems to be engineered. These fast technology developments are also stimulating the explosive growth in life sciences, which is leading to an ever increasing understanding of life at the sub-cellular and molecular level. By bringing these parallel developments to biomedicine and health, ultrafast and sensitive systems can be developed to prevent illness, to support lifestyle, to make early diagnosis or treat diseases with high accuracy and less invasiveness, and to support body functions or to replace lost functionality. Such systems will enable the delivery of individualized health services with better access and outcomes at lower costs than previously deemed possible, making a substantial contribution to bringing healthcare expenditures under control and increase its productivity. The MNBS (Micro-Nano-Bio Systems) group of EU funded projects aims at speeding up the convergence of micro- and nanotechnology with the life sciences and accelerating the development of highly integrated diagnostic, monitoring and therapeutics devices. This paper presents R&D activities supported through the MNBS group that are relevant to pHealth and discusses directions to be taken in order to overcome the current problems. Finally, it addresses future challenges to build highly integrated and reliable systems including innovation and usability issues.

MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) for Automotive and Consumer Electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marek, Jiri; Gómez, Udo-Martin

MEMS sensors gained over the last two decades an impressive width of applications: (a) ESP: A car is skidding and stabilizes itself without driver intervention (b) Free-fall detection: A laptop falls to the floor and protects the hard drive by parking the read/write drive head automatically before impact. (c) Airbag: An airbag fires before the driver/occupant involved in an impending automotive crash impacts the steering wheel, thereby significantly reducing physical injury risk. MEMS sensors are sensing the environmental conditions and are giving input to electronic control systems. These crucial MEMS sensors are making system reactions to human needs more intelligent, precise, and at much faster reaction rates than humanly possible. Important prerequisites for the success of sensors are their size, functionality, power consumption, and costs. This technical progress in sensor development is realized by micro-machining. The development of these processes was the breakthrough to industrial mass-production for micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). Besides leading-edge micromechanical processes, innovative and robust ASIC designs, thorough simulations of the electrical and mechanical behaviour, a deep understanding of the interactions (mainly over temperature and lifetime) of the package and the mechanical structures are needed. This was achieved over the last 20 years by intense and successful development activities combined with the experience of volume production of billions of sensors. This chapter gives an overview of current MEMS technology, its applications and the market share. The MEMS processes are described, and the challenges of MEMS, compared to standard IC fabrication, are discussed. The evolution of MEMS requirements is presented, and a short survey of MEMS applications is shown. Concepts of newest inertial sensors for ESP-systems are given with an emphasis on the design concepts of the sensing element and the evaluation circuit for achieving excellent noise performance. The chapter concludes with an outlook on arising new MEMS applications such as energy harvester and micro fuel cells.

Functional micro/nanostructures: simple synthesis and application in sensors, fuel cells, and gene delivery.

PubMed

Guo, Shaojun; Wang, Erkang

2011-07-19

In order to develop new, high technology devices for a variety of applications, researchers would like to better control the structure and function of micro/nanomaterials through an understanding of the role of size, shape, architecture, composition, hybridization, molecular engineering, assembly, and microstructure. However, researchers continue to face great challenges in the construction of well-defined micro/nanomaterials with diverse morphologies. At the same time, the research interface where micro/nanomaterials meet electrochemistry, analytical chemistry, biomedicine, and other fields provides rich opportunities to reveal new chemical, physical, and biological properties of micro/nanomaterials and to uncover many new functions and applications of these materials. In this Account, we describe our recent progress in the construction of novel inorganic and polymer nanostructures formed through different simple strategies. Our synthetic strategies include wet-chemical and electrochemical methods for the controlled production of inorganic and polymer nanomaterials with well-defined morphologies. These methods are both facile and reliable, allowing us to produce high-quality micro/nanostructures, such as nanoplates, micro/nanoflowers, monodisperse micro/nanoparticles, nanowires, nanobelts, and polyhedron and even diverse hybrid structures. We implemented a series of approaches to address the challenges in the preparation of new functional micro/nanomaterials for a variety of important applications This Account also highlights new or enhanced applications of certain micro/nanomaterials in sensing applications. We singled out analytical techniques that take advantage of particular properties of micro/nanomaterials. Then by rationally tailoring experimental parameters, we readily and selectively obtained different types of micro/nanomaterials with novel morphologies with high performance in applications such as electrochemical sensors, electrochemiluminescent sensors, gene delivery agents, and fuel cell catalysts. We expect that micro/nanomaterials with unique structural characteristics, properties, and functions will attract increasing research interest and will lead to new opportunities in various fields of research.

Centrifugal Spinning and Its Energy Storage Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Lu

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and supercapacitors are important electrochemical energy storage systems. LIBs have high specific energy density, long cycle life, good thermal stability, low self-discharge, and no memory effect. However, the low abundance of Li in the Earth's crust and the rising cost of LIBs urge the attempts to develop alternative energy storage systems. Recently, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have become an attractive alternative to LIBs due to the high abundance and low cost of Na. Although the specific capacity and energy density of SIBs are not as high as LIBs, SIBs can still be promising power sources for certain applications such as large-scale, stationary grids. Supercapacitors are another important class of energy storage devices. Electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) are one important type of supercapacitors and they exhibit high power density, long cycle life, excellent rate capability and environmental friendliness. The potential applications of supercapacitors include memory protection in electronic circuitry, consumer portable electronic devices, and electrical hybrid vehicles. The electrochemical performance of SIBs and EDLCs is largely dependent on the electrode materials. Therefore, development of superior electrodes is the key to achieve highperformance alternative energy storage systems. Recently, one-dimensional nano-/micro-fiber based electrodes have become promising candidates in energy storage because they possess a variety of desirable properties including large specific surface area, well-guided ionic/electronic transport, and good electrode-electrolyte contact, which contribute to enhanced electrochemical performance. Currently, most nano-/micro-fiber based electrodes are prepared via electrospinning method. However, the low production rate of this approach hinders its practical application in the production of fibrous electrodes. Thus, it is significantly important to employ a rapid, low-cost and scalable nano-/micro-fiber production method to substitute electrospinning in industrial production. Recently, centrifugal spinning has gained researchers' attention. The centrifugal spinning method avoids the use of high voltage supply and can work with concentrated solutions, and most importantly, it can increase the production rate of nano-/micro-fibers to at least two orders or magnitude higher than that of electrospinning. This novel fiber fabrication approach is mostly used in tissue engineering field, and it can be potentially applied in preparing electrodes for SIBs and EDLCs. In the present work, we firstly study the influence of solution intrinsic properties and operational parameters using polyacrylonitrile as an example, and establish the processing-structure relationships for this spinning technique. We then use this novel spinning method to prepare porous carbon nanofibers (PCNFs), SnO2 microfibers and lithium-substituted sodium layered transition metal oxide fibers and use them as electrodes for EDLCs and SIBs. The as-prepared PCNFs, SnO2 microfibers and lithiumsubstituted sodium layered transition metal oxide fibers exhibit good electrochemical performance. It is therefore demonstrated that centrifugal spinning can be a promising nano- /micro-fiber preparation approach for mass production of electrode materials used in energy storage applications.

On-Chip Production of Size-Controllable Liquid Metal Microdroplets Using Acoustic Waves.

PubMed

Tang, Shi-Yang; Ayan, Bugra; Nama, Nitesh; Bian, Yusheng; Lata, James P; Guo, Xiasheng; Huang, Tony Jun

2016-07-01

Micro- to nanosized droplets of liquid metals, such as eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) and Galinstan, have been used for developing a variety of applications in flexible electronics, sensors, catalysts, and drug delivery systems. Currently used methods for producing micro- to nanosized droplets of such liquid metals possess one or several drawbacks, including the lack in ability to control the size of the produced droplets, mass produce droplets, produce smaller droplet sizes, and miniaturize the system. Here, a novel method is introduced using acoustic wave-induced forces for on-chip production of EGaIn liquid-metal microdroplets with controllable size. The size distribution of liquid metal microdroplets is tuned by controlling the interfacial tension of the metal using either electrochemistry or electrocapillarity in the acoustic field. The developed platform is then used for heavy metal ion detection utilizing the produced liquid metal microdroplets as the working electrode. It is also demonstrated that a significant enhancement of the sensing performance is achieved by introducing acoustic streaming during the electrochemical experiments. The demonstrated technique can be used for developing liquid-metal-based systems for a wide range of applications. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

High resolution laser micro sintering / melting using q-switched and high brilliant laser radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Exner, H.; Streek, A.

2015-03-01

Since the discovery of selective laser sintering/melting, numerous modifications have been made to upgrade or customize this technology for industrial purposes. Laser micro sintering (LMS) is one of those modifications: Powders with particles in the range of a few micrometers are used to obtain products with highly resolved structures. Pulses of a q-switched laser had been considered necessary in order to generate sinter layers from the micrometer scaled metal powders. LMS has been applied with powders from metals as well as from ceramic and cermet feedstock's to generate micro parts. Recent technological progress and the application of high brilliant continuous laser radiation have now allowed an efficient laser sintering/melting of micrometer scaled metal powders. Thereby it is remarkable that thin sinter layers are generated using high continuous laser power. The principles of the process, the state of the art in LMS concerning its advantages and limitations and furthermore the latest results of the recent development of this technology will be presented. Laser Micro Sintering / Laser Micro Melting (LMM) offer a vision for a new dimension of additive fabrication of miniature and precise parts also with application potential in all engineering fields.

Meissner-levitated micro-systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coombs, T. A.; Samad, I.; Hong, Z.; Eves, D.; Rastogi, A.

2006-06-01

Advanced silicon processing techniques developed for the Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) industry have been exploited in recent years to enable the production of micro-fabricated moving mechanical systems known as Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS). These devices offer advantages in terms of cost, scalability and robustness over their preceding equivalents. Cambridge University have worked for many years on the investigation of high temperature superconductors (HTS) in flywheel energy storage applications. This experience is now being used to research into superconducting Micro-Bearings for MEMS, whereby circular permanent magnet arrays are levitated and spun above a superconductor to produce bearings suitable for motors and other micron scale devices. The novelty in the device lies in the fact that the rotor is levitated into position by Meissner flux exclusion, whilst stability is provided by flux pinned within the body of the superconductor. This work includes: the investigation of the properties of various magnetic materials, their fabrication processes and their suitability for MEMS; finite element analysis to analyse the interaction between the magnetic materials and YBCO to determine the stiffness and height of levitation. Finally a micro-motor with the above principles is currently being fabricated within the group.

Trace impurities analysis of aluminum nanopowder and its air combustion product

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kabanov, Denis V.; Merkulov, Viktor G.; Mostovshchikov, Andrey V.; Ilyin, Alexander P.

2018-03-01

Neutron activation analysis (NAA) allows estimating micro-concentrations of chemicals and analyzes tens of elements at one measurement. In this paper we have used NAA to examine metal impurities in the electroexplosive aluminum nanopowder (ANP) and its air-combustion products produced by burning in crucibles in an electric and magnetic field and without application of fields. It has been revealed that in the air-combustion products impurities content is reduced. The presence of impurities in the ANP is associated with electric explosion technology (erosion of electrode and chamber materials) and with the previous development of various nanopowders in the composition of this electric explosive device. NAA is characterized by a high sensitivity and reproducibility to elements content and low metering error. According to the obtained results it has been concluded that NAA metering error does not exceed 10% in the wide concentration range, from 0.01 to 2100 ppm, particularly. Besides, there is high reproducibility of the method that has been proved on macro-elements of Ca (>1000 ppm), Fe (>2000 ppm), and micro-elements as Sm, U, Ce, Sb, Th, etc. (<0.9 ppm). It is recommended to use an individual unit for the production of pure metal powders for electric explosion and production of nanopowders, which is possible with mass production of nanopowders.

Evaluation of stability and size distribution of sunflower oil-coated micro bubbles for localized drug delivery.

PubMed

Filho, Walter Duarte de Araujo; Schneider, Fábio Kurt; Morales, Rigoberto E M

2012-09-20

Micro bubbles were initially introduced as contrast agents for ultrasound examinations as they are able to modify the signal-to-noise ratio in imaging, thus improving the assessment of clinical information on human tissue. Recent developments have demonstrated the feasibility of using these bubbles as drug carriers in localized delivery. In micro fluidics devices for generation of micro bubbles, the bubbles are formed at interface of liquid gas through a strangulation process. A device that uses these features can produce micro bubbles with small size dispersion in a single step. A T-junction micro fluidic device constructed using 3D prototyping was made for the production of mono dispersed micro bubbles. These micro bubbles use sunflower oil as a lipid layer. Stability studies for micro bubbles with diameters different generated from a liquid phase of the same viscosity were conducted to evaluate whether micro bubbles can be used as drug carriers. The biocompatibility of coating layer, the ability to withstand environmental pressure variations combined with echogenicity, are key factors that they can safely play the role of drug transporters. The normal distribution curve with small dispersion of the diameter of bubbles validates the process of generating micro bubbles with low value of variation coefficient, i.e., 0.381 at 1.90%. The results also showed the feasibility of using sunflower oil as the lipid matrix with stable population of bubbles over 217 minutes for micro bubbles with an average diameter of 313.04 μm and 121 minutes for micro bubbles with an average diameter of 73.74 μm, considering bubbles with air as gaseous phase. The results indicate that the micro fluidic device designed can be used for producing micro bubbles with low variation coefficient using sunflower oil as a coating of micro bubbles. These carriers were stable for periods of time that are long enough for clinical applications even when regular air is used as the gas phase. Improved stability can be achieved when biocompatible gas with lower permeability is used.

The effects of cathodic micro-voltage combined with hydrothermal pretreatment on methane fermentation of lignocellulose substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Dianxin; Ning, Ping; Qu, Guangfei; Huang, Xi; Liu, Yuhuan; Zhang, Jian

2017-05-01

The methane fermentation study assisted with cathodic micro-voltage was carried out to investigate the electric field effects on the fermentation of hydrothermally pretreated lignocellulose substrate. It was illustrated that a 0.25V cathode voltage and hydrothermal pretreatment could improve the biogas production, biogas quality and lignocellulose degradation ratio significantly. The cumulative biogas productions in the fermentation of hydrothermally pretreated cow dungs at 50°C, 150°C and 200°C with a 0.25V cathode voltage were observed in a total of 6640mL, 9218mL and 9456mL respectively over a detention time of 33 days. In comparison with the fermentation pretreated at 200°C without any voltage, nearly doubled of cumulative biogas production was obtained in the process of cathode-assisted fermentation. It was also observed that the daily methane content greater than or equal to 70% in the biogas generated with cathode voltage were clearly greater than that without voltages. Furthermore, the fermentation applied with a 0.25V cathode voltage had resulted into significant increases of 12.64% and 9.44% in lignin and cellulose degradation ratio relative to voltage free fermentation. And in the process of fermentation applied with cathode voltage, the final lignocellulose degradation ratio increased with the hydrothermal pretreatment temperature. Thus, the hydrothermal pretreatment and assisting fermentation with low cathode voltage can effectively promote the lignocellulose degradation. All results revealed that cathodic micro-voltage combined with hydrothermal pretreatment can remarkably improve the fermentation of lignocellulosic materials, indicating that a more effective fermentation technology can be developed by applying with cathodic micro-voltage.

Unsuccessful Detection of Plant MicroRNAs in Beer, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Human Plasma After an Acute Ingestion of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

PubMed

Micó, Victor; Martín, Roberto; Lasunción, Miguel A; Ordovás, Jose M; Daimiel, Lidia

2016-03-01

The recent description of the presence of exogenous plant microRNAs from rice in human plasma had profound implications for the interpretation of microRNAs function in human health. If validated, these results suggest that food should not be considered only as a macronutrient and micronutrient supplier but it could also be a way of genomic interchange between kingdoms. Subsequently, several studies have tried to replicate these results in rice and other plant foods and most of them have failed to find plant microRNAs in human plasma. In this scenario, we aimed to detect plant microRNAs in beer and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)--two plant-derived liquid products frequently consumed in Spain--as well as in human plasma after an acute ingestion of EVOO. Our hypothesis was that microRNAs present in beer and EVOO raw material could survive manufacturing processes, be part of these liquid products, be absorbed by human gut and circulate in human plasma. To test this hypothesis, we first optimized the microRNA extraction protocol to extract microRNAs from beer and EVOO, and then tried to detect microRNAs in those samples and in plasma samples of healthy volunteers after an acute ingestion of EVOO.

Chronic Ethanol consumption modulates growth factor release, mucosal cytokine production and microRNA expression in nonhuman primates

PubMed Central

Asquith, Mark; Pasala, Sumana; Engelmann, Flora; Haberthur, Kristen; Meyer, Christine; Park, Byung; Grant, Kathleen A.; Messaoudi, Ilhem

2013-01-01

BACKGROUND Chronic alcohol consumption has been associated with enhanced susceptibility to both systemic and mucosal infections. However, the exact mechanisms underlying this enhanced susceptibility remain incompletely understood. METHODS Using a nonhuman primate model of ethanol self-administration, we examined the impact of chronic alcohol exposure on immune homeostasis, cytokine and growth factor production in peripheral blood, lung and intestinal mucosa following twelve months of chronic ethanol exposure. RESULTS Ethanol exposure inhibited activation-induced production of growth factors HGF, G-CSF and VEGF by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Moreover, ethanol significantly reduced the frequency of colonic Th1 and Th17 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, we did not observe differences in lymphocyte frequency or soluble factor production in the lung of ethanol-consuming animals. To uncover mechanisms underlying reduced growth factor and Th1/Th17 cytokine production, we compared expression levels of microRNAs in PBMC and intestinal mucosa. Our analysis revealed ethanol-dependent upregulation of distinct microRNAs in affected tissues (miR-181a and miR-221 in PBMC; miR-155 in colon). Moreover, we were able to detect reduced expression of the transcription factors STAT3 and ARNT, which regulate expression of VEGF, G-CSF and HGF and contain targets for these microRNAs. To confirm and extend these observations, PBMC were transfected with either mimics or antagomirs of miR181 and 221and protein levels of the transcription factors and growth factors were determined. Transfection of microRNA mimics led to a reduction in both STAT-3/ARNT as well as VEGF/HGF/G-CSF levels. The opposite outcome was observed when microRNA antagomirs were transfected CONCLUSION Chronic ethanol consumption significantly disrupts both peripheral and mucosal immune homeostasis, and this dysregulation may be mediated by changes in microRNA expression. PMID:24329418

Micro-Electronics, Robotics and Jobs. Information Computer Communication Policy Series No. 7.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Paris (France).

This monograph contains selected papers presented at the Second Special Session on Information Technologies, Productivity and Labour Market Implications, which took place at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development on October 19-21, 1981. An introductory note summarizes significant points from the meeting. Part 1 contains a report…

75 FR 25763 - Addition to the List of Validated End-Users: Advanced Micro Devices China, Inc.

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-10

.... Additional Validated End-User in the PRC and Its Respective ``Eligible Items (By ECCN)'' and ``Eligible... to the ``development'' of products under ECCN 4A003). This authorization was made based on an... Country Validated end-user Eligible items (by ECCN) Eligible destination China (People's Republic of...

Nanotechnology: MEMS and NEMS and their applications to smart systems and devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varadan, Vijay K.

2003-10-01

The microelectronics industry has seen explosive growth during the last thirty years. Extremely large markets for logic and memory devices have driven the development of new materials, and technologies for the fabrication of even more complex devices with features sizes now down at the sub micron and nanometer level. Recent interest has arisen in employing these materials, tools and technologies for the fabrication of miniature sensors and actuators and their integration with electronic circuits to produce smart devices and systems. This effort offers the promise of: (1) increasing the performance and manufacturability of both sensors and actuators by exploiting new batch fabrication processes developed including micro stereo lithographic and micro molding techniques; (2) developing novel classes of materials and mechanical structures not possible previously, such as diamond like carbon, silicon carbide and carbon nanotubes, micro-turbines and micro-engines; (3) development of technologies for the system level and wafer level integration of micro components at the nanometer precision, such as self-assembly techniques and robotic manipulation; (4) development of control and communication systems for MEMS devices, such as optical and RF wireless, and power delivery systems, etc. A novel composite structure can be tailored by functionalizing carbon nano tubes and chemically bonding them with the polymer matrix e.g. block or graft copolymer, or even cross-linked copolymer, to impart exceptional structural, electronic and surface properties. Bio- and Mechanical-MEMS devices derived from this hybrid composite provide a new avenue for future smart systems. The integration of NEMS (NanoElectroMechanical Systems), MEMS, IDTs (Interdigital Transducers) and required microelectronics and conformal antenna in the multifunctional smart materials and composites results in a smart system suitable for sending and control of a variety functions in automobile, aerospace, marine and civil strutures and food and medical industries. This unique combination of technologies also results in novel conformal sensors that can be remotely sensed by an antenna system with the advantage of no power requirements at the sensor site. This paper provides a brief review of MEMS and NEMS based smart systems for various applications mentioned above. Carbon Nano Tubes (CNT) with their unique structure, have already proven to be valuable in their application as tips for scanning probe microscopy, field emission devices, nanoelectronics, H2-storage, electromagnetic absorbers, ESD, EMI films and coatings and structural composites. For many of these applications, highly purified and functionalized CNT which are compatible with many host polymers are needed. A novel microwave CVD processing technique to meet these requirements has been developed at Penn State Center for the Engineering of Electronic and Acoustic Materials and Devices (CEEAMD). This method enables the production of highly purified carbon nano tubes with variable size (from 5 - 40 nm) at low cost (per gram) and high yield. Whereas, carbon nano tubes synthesized using the laser ablation or arc discharge evaporation method always include impurity due to catalyst or catalyst support. The Penn State research is based on the use of zeolites over other metal/metal oxides in the microwave field for a high production and uniformity of the product. An extended coventional purification method has been employed to purify our products in order to remove left over impurity. A novel composite structure can be tailored by functionalizing carbon nano tubes and chemically bonding them with the polymer matrix e.g. block or graft copolymer, or even cross-linked copolymer, to impart exceptional structural, electronic and surface properties. Bio- and Mechanical-MEMS devices derived from this hybrid composites will be presented.

MEMS- and NEMS-based smart devices and systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varadan, Vijay K.

2001-11-01

The microelectronics industry has seen explosive growth during the last thirty years. Extremely large markets for logic and memory devices have driven the development of new materials, and technologies for the fabrication of even more complex devices with features sized now don at the sub micron and nanometer level. Recent interest has arisen in employing these materials, tools and technologies for the fabrication of miniature sensors and actuators and their integration with electronic circuits to produce smart devices and systems. This effort offers the promise of: 1) increasing the performance and manufacturability of both sensors and actuators by exploiting new batch fabrication processes developed including micro stereo lithographic an micro molding techniques; 2) developing novel classes of materials and mechanical structures not possible previously, such as diamond like carbon, silicon carbide and carbon nanotubes, micro-turbines and micro-engines; 3) development of technologies for the system level and wafer level integration of micro components at the nanometer precision, such as self-assembly techniques and robotic manipulation; 4) development of control and communication systems for MEMS devices, such as optical and RF wireless, and power delivery systems, etc. A novel composite structure can be tailored by functionalizing carbon nano tubes and chemically bonding them with the polymer matrix e.g. block or graft copolymer, or even cross-linked copolymer, to impart exceptional structural, electronic and surface properties. Bio- and Mechanical-MEMS devices derived from this hybrid composite provide a new avenue for future smart systems. The integration of NEMS (NanoElectroMechanical Systems), MEMS, IDTs (Interdigital Transducers) and required microelectronics and conformal antenna in the multifunctional smart materials and composites results in a smart system suitable for sensing and control of a variety functions in automobile, aerospace, marine and civil structures and food and medical industries. This unique combination of technologies also results in novel conformal sensors that can be remotely sensed by an antenna system with the advantage of no power requirements at the sensor site. This paper provides a brief review of MEMS and NEMS based smart systems for various applications mentioned above. Carbon Nano Tubes (CNT) with their unique structure, have already proven to be valuable in their application as tips for scanning probe microscopy, field emission devices, nanoelectronics, H2-storage, electromagnetic absorbers, ESD, EMI films and coatings and structural composites. For many of these applications, highly purified and functionalized CNT which are compatible with many host polymers are needed. A novel microwave CVD processing technique to meet these requirements has been developed at Penn State Center for the engineering of Electronic and Acoustic Materials and Devices (CEEAMD). This method enables the production of highly purified carbon nano tubes with variable size (from 5-40 nm) at low cost (per gram) and high yield. Whereas, carbon nano tubes synthesized using the laser ablation or arc discharge evaporation method always include impurity due to catalyst or catalyst support. The Penn State research is based on the use of zeolites over other metal/metal oxides in the microwave field for a high production and uniformity of the product. An extended conventional purification method has been employed to purify our products in order to remove left over impurity. A novel composite structure can be tailored by functionalizing carbon nano tubes and chemically bonding them with the polymer matrix e.g. block or graft copolymer, or even cross- linked copolymer, to impart exceptional structural, electronic and surface properties. Bio- and Mechanical-MEMS devices derived from this hybrid composites will be presented.

Quality detection system and method of micro-accessory based on microscopic vision

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Dongjie; Wang, Shiwei; Fu, Yu

2017-10-01

Considering that the traditional manual detection of micro-accessory has some problems, such as heavy workload, low efficiency and large artificial error, a kind of quality inspection system of micro-accessory has been designed. Micro-vision technology has been used to inspect quality, which optimizes the structure of the detection system. The stepper motor is used to drive the rotating micro-platform to transfer quarantine device and the microscopic vision system is applied to get graphic information of micro-accessory. The methods of image processing and pattern matching, the variable scale Sobel differential edge detection algorithm and the improved Zernike moments sub-pixel edge detection algorithm are combined in the system in order to achieve a more detailed and accurate edge of the defect detection. The grade at the edge of the complex signal can be achieved accurately by extracting through the proposed system, and then it can distinguish the qualified products and unqualified products with high precision recognition.

Copper and dyes enhance laccase production in gamma-proteobacterium JB.

PubMed

Malhotra, Kanam; Sharma, Prince; Capalash, Neena

2004-07-01

Laccase production in gamma-proteobacterium JB was enhanced 13-fold by adding 0.1 mM CuSO(4) 24 h after the onset of growth. Ethidium bromide (2.5 microM), Malachite Green, Phenol Red and Thymol Blue (10 microM each) enhanced laccase production 17-, 19-, 4- and 2-fold, respectively. Among the fourteen aromatic/organic compounds tried, p-aminobenzoic acid and an industrial effluent, from where the organism was isolated, showed 1.2- and 1.26-fold increases in production.

Resonance Raman spectroscopy in malaria research.

PubMed

Wood, Bayden R; McNaughton, Don

2006-10-01

In recent years, the field of Raman spectroscopy has witnessed a surge in technological development, with the incorporation of ultrasensitive, charge-coupled devices, improved laser sources and precision Rayleigh-filter systems. This has led to the development of sensitive confocal micro-Raman spectrometers and imaging spectrometers that are capable of obtaining high spatial-resolution spectra and images of subcellular components within single living cells. This review reports on the application of resonance micro-Raman spectroscopy to the study of malaria pigment (hemozoin), a by-product of hemoglobin catabolization by the malaria parasite, which is an important target site for antimalarial drugs. The review aims to briefly describe recent studies on the application of this technology, elucidate molecular and electronic properties of the malaria pigment and its synthetic analog beta-hematin, provide insight into the mechanism of hemozoin formation within the food vacuole of the parasite, and comment on developing strategies for using this technology in drug-screening protocols.

Fabrication of a Flexible Micro Temperature Sensor for Micro Reformer Applications

PubMed Central

Lee, Chi-Yuan; Lin, Chien-Hen; Lo, Yi-Man

2011-01-01

Micro reformers still face obstacles in minimizing their size, decreasing the concentration of CO, conversion efficiency and the feasibility of integrated fabrication with fuel cells. By using a micro temperature sensor fabricated on a stainless steel-based micro reformer, this work attempts to measure the inner temperature and increase the conversion efficiency. Micro temperature sensors on a stainless steel substrate are fabricated using micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and then placed separately inside the micro reformer. Micro temperature sensors are characterized by their higher accuracy and sensitivity than those of a conventional thermocouple. To the best of our knowledge, micro temperature sensors have not been embedded before in micro reformers and commercial products, therefore, this work presents a novel approach to integrating micro temperature sensors in a stainless steel-based micro reformer in order to evaluate inner local temperature distributions and enhance reformer performance. PMID:22163817

Use of response surface methodology to evaluate the effect of metal ions (Ca2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Cu2+) on production of antifungal compounds by Paenibacillus polymyxa.

PubMed

Raza, Waseem; Hongsheng, Wu; Qirong, Shen

2010-03-01

The effects of four metal ions (Ca(2+), Ni(2+), Mn(2+) and Cu(2+)) were evaluated on growth and production of antifungal compounds by Paenibacillus polymyxa SQR-21 and a quadratic predictive model was developed using response surface methodology (RSM). The results revealed, Mn(2+) and Ni(2+) showed most positive synergistic interactive affect on production of antifungal compounds followed by the positive interactive synergistic affect of Cu(2+) and Ni(2+) and then Mn(2+) and Cu(2+). While the interactive effect of Ca(2+) with all other three metals inhibited the production of antifungal compounds. The Mn(2+) (P=0.0384), Ni(2+) (P=0.0004) and Cu(2+) (P=0.0117) significantly affected the production of antifungal compounds while the effect of Ca(2+) (P=0.1851) was less significant. The maximum growth (OD(600)=1.55) was obtained at 500 (0), 125 (0), 100 (-2) and 37.5 (0) microM levels and the maximum size of inhibition zone (31 mm) was measured at 400 (-1), 150 (1), 400 (1) and 25 microM (-1) levels of Ca(2+), Mn(2+), Ni(2+) and Cu(2+), respectively. The RSM model provided an easy and effective way to determine the interactive effect of metal ions on production of antifungal compounds by P. polymyxa SQR-21 so that optimum media recipes can be developed to produce maximum amounts of antifungal compounds under laboratory and commercial fermentation conditions. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High-rate production of micro- and nanostructured surfaces: Injection molding and novel process for metal tooling manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Jesus Vega, Marisely

Devices containing micro and nanostructured surfaces are developing and constantly finding new applications, especially for medical diagnostics, point-of-care applications, and microneedles. They are also employed in the functionalization of surfaces for superhydrophobicity, drag reduction, or reversible adhesion by mimicking bio-inspired surfaces. This research provides a thorough investigation on the effects of different polymeric materials and processing conditions on the replication of micro and nanostructured surfaces via injection molding. In addition, this dissertation also presents a novel approach for the production of durable microstructured metal tooling to be used for the production of surfaces with microchannels via injection molding. Materials such as thermoplastic vulcanizates are substituting regular thermoplastic materials and vulcanized elastomers in many applications due to their outstanding properties and ease of processability. These material properties broaden the scope of applications for microstructured surfaces. However, there is a need for understanding how these materials behave in microinjection molding since thermoplastic elastomers' behavior during injection molding have been shown to differ from that of the widely understood behavior of thermoplastics. Replication of microstructured surfaces using thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) was studied in the first part of this thesis. TPVs with different hardness's were molded using microinjection molding with various processing conditions and the replication and surface details of 20 microm pillars (aspect ratio of 1:1) were characterized. In the second part of this research liquid silicone rubber (LSR) was studied as a material for the production of micro and nanostructured surfaces. LSR is a silicone based material such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which is widely used for research and development of micro and nanostructured devices, and thus provides all the benefits of PDMS but can be rapidly processed via liquid injection molding. LSR with its excellent mechanical properties, transparency, non-toxicity and rapid molding capabilities can bring the production of micro and nanostructured surfaces from laboratory research facilities to high-rate manufacturing. However, previous research on microstructured surfaces made off LSR does not focus on the processing aspect of this material. Therefore, there is a lack of understanding of how different processing conditions affect the replication of microstructures. Additionally, there are no reports molding nanostructures of LSR. Features between 115 microm and 0.250 microm were molded in this work and the effect of different processing conditions and features sizes were studied. For the last part of this work, a novel metal additive manufacturing technique was used for the production of microstructured surfaces to be used as tooling for injection molding. The printing method consists of metal pastes printed through a tip onto a steel substrate. Prior work has shown spreading and swelling of features when metal pastes extrude out of the printing tip. PDMS was studied as a binder material to minimize spreading and swelling of the features by curing right after printing. In addition, prior work has shown durability of this metal printed tool up to 5000 injection molding cycles. This work compares this durability to durability of commercially available selective laser sintering metal tools. Furthermore, surface roughness was studied as this is one of the most important things to consider when molding microchannels for certain applications.

Profiling of drought-responsive microRNA and mRNA in tomato using high-throughput sequencing.

PubMed

Liu, Minmin; Yu, Huiyang; Zhao, Gangjun; Huang, Qiufeng; Lu, Yongen; Ouyang, Bo

2017-06-26

Abiotic stresses cause severe loss of crop production. Among them, drought is one of the most frequent environmental stresses, which limits crop growth, development and productivity. Plant drought tolerance is fine-tuned by a complex gene regulatory network. Understanding the molecular regulation of this polygenic trait is crucial for the eventual success to improve plant yield and quality. Recent studies have demonstrated that microRNAs play critical roles in plant drought tolerance. However, little is known about the microRNA in drought response of the model plant tomato. Here, we described the profiling of drought-responsive microRNA and mRNA in tomato using high-throughput next-generation sequencing. Drought stress was applied on the seedlings of M82, a drought-sensitive cultivated tomato genotype, and IL9-1, a drought-tolerant introgression line derived from the stress-resistant wild species Solanum pennellii LA0716 and M82. Under drought, IL9-1 performed superior than M82 regarding survival rate, H 2 O 2 elimination and leaf turgor maintenance. A total of four small RNA and eight mRNA libraries were constructed and sequenced using Illumina sequencing technology. 105 conserved and 179 novel microRNAs were identified, among them, 54 and 98 were differentially expressed upon drought stress, respectively. The majority of the differentially-expressed conserved microRNAs was up-regulated in IL9-1 whereas down-regulated in M82. Under drought stress, 2714 and 1161 genes were found to be differentially expressed in M82 and IL9-1, respectively, and many of their homologues are involved in plant stress, such as genes encoding transcription factor and protein kinase. Various pathways involved in abiotic stress were revealed by Gene Ontology and pathway analysis. The mRNA sequencing results indicated that most of the target genes were regulated by their corresponding microRNAs, which suggested that microRNAs may play essential roles in the drought tolerance of tomato. In this study, numerous microRNAs and mRNAs involved in the drought response of tomato were identified using high-throughput sequencing, which will provide new insights into the complex regulatory network of plant adaption to drought stress. This work will also help to exploit new players functioning in plant drought-stress tolerance.

Heme oxygenase attenuates angiotensin II-mediated superoxide production in cultured mouse thick ascending loop of Henle cells.

PubMed

Kelsen, Silvia; Patel, Bijal J; Parker, Lawson B; Vera, Trinity; Rimoldi, John M; Gadepalli, Rama S V; Drummond, Heather A; Stec, David E

2008-10-01

Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 induction can attenuate the development of angiotensin II (ANG II)-dependent hypertension. However, the mechanism by which HO-1 lowers blood pressure is not clear. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that induction of HO-1 can reduce the ANG II-mediated increase in superoxide production in cultured thick ascending loop of Henle (TALH) cells. Studies were performed on an immortalized cell line of mouse TALH (mTALH) cells. HO-1 was induced in cultured mTALH cells by treatment with cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP, 10 microM) or hemin (50 microM) or by transfection with a plasmid containing the human HO-1 isoform. Treatment of mTALH cells with 10(-9) M ANG II increased dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence (an index of superoxide levels) from 35.5+/-5 to 136+/-18 relative fluorescence units (RFU)/microm2. Induction of HO-1 via CoPP, hemin, or overexpression of the human HO-1 isoform significantly reduced ANG II-induced DHE fluorescence to 64+/-5, 64+/-8, and 41+/-4 RFU/microm2, respectively. To determine which metabolite of HO-1 is responsible for reducing ANG II-mediated increases in superoxide production in mTALH cells, cells were preincubated with bilirubin or carbon monoxide (CO)-releasing molecule (CORM)-A1 (each at 100 microM) before exposure to ANG II. DHE fluorescence averaged 80+/-7 RFU/microm2 after incubation with ANG II and was significantly decreased to 55+/-7 and 53+/-4 RFU/microm2 after pretreatment with bilirubin and CORM-A1. These results demonstrate that induction of HO-1 in mTALH cells reduces the levels of ANG II-mediated superoxide production through the production of both bilirubin and CO.

Manufacture of gradient micro-structures of magnesium alloys using two stage extrusion dies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hwang, Yeong-Maw; Huang, Tze-Hui; Alexandrov, Sergei

2013-12-16

This paper aims to manufacture magnesium alloy metals with gradient micro-structures using hot extrusion process. The extrusion die was designed to have a straight channel part combined with a conical part. Materials pushed through this specially-designed die generate a non-uniform velocity distribution at cross sections inside the die and result in different strain and strain rate distributions. Accordingly, a gradient microstructure product can be obtained. Using the finite element analysis, the forming temperature, effective strain, and effective strain rate distributions at the die exit were firstly discussed for various inclination angles in the conical die. Then, hot extrusion experiments withmore » a two stage die were conducted to obtain magnesium alloy products with gradient micro-structures. The effects of the inclination angle on the grain size distribution at cross sections of the products were also discussed. Using a die of an inclination angle of 15°, gradient micro-structures of the grain size decreasing gradually from 17 μm at the center to 4 μm at the edge of product were achieved.« less

Development and Deployment Assessment of a Melt-Down Proof Modular Micro Reactor (MDP-MMR)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hawari, Ayman I.; Venneri, Francesco

The objective of this project is to perform feasibility assessment and technology gap analysis and establish a development roadmap for an innovative and highly compact Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) concept that integrates power production, power conversion and electricity generation in a single unit. The MMR is envisioned to use fully ceramic micro-encapsulated (FCM) fuel, a particularly robust form of TRISO fuel, and to be gas-cooled (e.g., He or CO 2) and capable of generating power in the range of 10 to 40 MW-thermal. It is designed to be absolutely melt-down proof (MDP) under all circumstances including complete loss of coolantmore » scenarios with no possible release of radioactive material, to be factory produced, to have a cycle length of greater than 20 years, and to be highly proliferation resistant. In addition, it will be transportable, retrievable and suitable for use in remote areas. As such, the MDP-MMR will represent a versatile reactor concept that is suitable for use in various applications including electricity generation, process heat utilization and propulsion.« less

Separation and determination of methyl tert-butyl ether and its degradation products by a laboratory-constructed micro-cryogenic chromatographic oven.

PubMed

Liu, Jiemin; Jiang, Guibin; Zhou, Qunfang; Liu, Jingfu; Wen, Meijuan

2003-10-01

A laboratory-made micro-cryogenic chromatographic oven was mainly improved in size, which was controlled at 6 x 6 x 2.5 cm. A thermoelectric system was used to cool the capillary column instead of the traditional liquid cryogen. A cold block connected to the cryogenic module was directly solidified at room temperature with thermally conductive adhesive so that the uniformity of transferring heat was greatly improved, and the size of the system was reduced. Moreover, this system was inexpensive and convenient for both operation and control. The newly developed device coupled with headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was successfully applied to the determination of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and its degradation products. During the analysis procedure, a 65 microm polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB) fiber was used to extract MTBE and its degradation products. The extraction was controlled at 50 degrees C for 30 min and the NaCl content in the sample was maintained at 35%. The limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 0.006 microg mL(-1) (for MTBE) to 0.206 microg mL(-1) (for methyl acetate) and the relative standard deviations (RSD%) were below 4%. The spiked recoveries for the developed method were evaluated using various water samples as a matrix.

T(2)-weighted microMRI and evoked potential of the visual system measurements during the development of hypomyelinated transgenic mice.

PubMed

Martin, Melanie; Reyes, Samuel D; Hiltner, Timothy D; Givogri, M Irene; Tyszka, J Michael; Fisher, Robin; Campagnoni, Anthony T; Fraser, Scott E; Jacobs, Russell E; Readhead, Carol

2007-02-01

Our objective was to follow the course of a dysmyelinating disease followed by partial recovery in transgenic mice using non-invasive high-resolution (117 x 117 x 70 microm) magnetic resonance (microMRI) and evoked potential of the visual system (VEP) techniques. We used JOE (for J37 golli overexpressing) transgenic mice engineered to overexpress golli J37, a product of the Golli-mbp gene complex, specifically in oligodendrocytes. Individual JOE transgenics and their unaffected siblings were followed from 21 until 75-days-old using non-invasive in vivo VEPs and 3D T2-weighted microMRI on an 11.7 T scanner, performing what we believe is the first longitudinal study of its kind. The microMRI data indicated clear, global hypomyelination during the period of peak myelination (21-42 days), which was partially corrected at later ages (>60 days) in the JOE mice compared to controls. These microMRI data correlated well with [Campagnoni AT (1995) "Molecular biology of myelination". In: Ransom B, Kettenmann H (eds) Neuroglia--a Treatise. Oxford University Press, London, pp 555-570] myelin staining, [Campagnoni AT, Macklin WB (1988) Cellular and molecular aspects of myelin protein gene-expression. Mol Neurobiol 2:41-89] a transient intention tremor during the peak period of myelination, which abated at later ages, and [Lees MB, Brostoff SW (1984) Proteins in myelin. In: Morell (ed) Myelin. Plenum Press, New York and London, pp 197-224] VEPs which all indicated a significant delay of CNS myelin development and persistent hypomyelination in JOE mice. Overall these non-invasive techniques are capable of spatially resolving the increase in myelination in the normally developing and developmentally delayed mouse brain.

Creatine synthesis: production of guanidinoacetate by the rat and human kidney in vivo.

PubMed

Edison, Erica E; Brosnan, Margaret E; Meyer, Christian; Brosnan, John T

2007-12-01

A fraction of the body's creatine and creatine phosphate spontaneously degrades to creatinine, which is excreted by the kidneys. In humans, this amounts to approximately 1-2 g/day and demands a comparable rate of de novo creatine synthesis. This is a two-step process in which l-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) catalyzes the conversion of glycine and arginine to ornithine and guanidinoacetate (GAA); guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) then catalyzes the S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methylation of GAA to creatine. AGAT is found in the kidney and GAMT in the liver, which implies an interorgan movement of GAA from the kidney to the liver. We studied the renal production of this metabolite in both rats and humans. In control rats, [GAA] was 5.9 microM in arterial plasma and 10.9 microM in renal venous plasma for a renal arteriovenous (A-V) difference of -5.0 microM. In the rat, infusion of arginine or citrulline markedly increased renal GAA production but infusion of glycine did not. Rats fed 0.4% creatine in their diet had decreased renal AGAT activity and mRNA, an arterial plasma [GAA] of 1.5 microM, and a decreased renal A-V difference for GAA of -0.9 microM. In humans, [GAA] was 2.4 microM in arterial plasma, with a renal A-V difference of -1.1 microM. These studies show, for the first time, that GAA is produced by both rat and human kidneys in vivo.

Fuel Testing for Sylvatex: Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number CRD-16-636

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Burton, Jonathan L.

Sylvatex is a green nano-chemistry company that has developed a platform technology utilizing renewable, non-toxic inputs to create a stable nanoparticle that can be used in multiple applications. Their mission is to increase the use of renewables globally, to empower a cleaner and healthier future. The main application is a fuel technology product - MicroX - that utilizes proprietary knowledge to scale low-cost, cleaner-burning renewable diesel fuel and additives by using a co-location commercial model. The aspects of this project will include testing of two Sylvatex MicroX fuels on an engine dynamometer platform. Industry standard ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) B3more » fuel and a ULSD B20 will both be used for comparison of the Sylvatex fuels (U.S. standard diesel fuel at the pump contains an average of approximately 3% biodiesel; this is why B3 would be used as a baseline comparison). Sylvatex is currently using a prototype formulation (MicroX 1) that applies a high cost surfactant. An experimental formulation (MicroX 2) that uses lower cost materials is under development. The MicroX 1 will be blended at a 10% level into the B3 ULSD fuel and the MicroX 2 will be blended at a 10% level into both the B3 and the B20 ULSD fuels for study on the engine dynamometer test platform. All fuel blends will be tested over the FTP transient engine test cycle and a steady state ramped modal engine test cycle. Each test cycle will be performed a minimum of 3 times for each fuel. Tailpipe and/or engine out gaseous exhaust emissions (CO2, CO, NOx, THC, O2,), engine out PM emissions, and brake-specific fuel consumption rates will be evaluated for all test cycles.« less

Yeast alter micro-oxygenation of wine: oxygen consumption and aldehyde production.

PubMed

Han, Guomin; Webb, Michael R; Richter, Chandra; Parsons, Jessica; Waterhouse, Andrew L

2017-08-01

Micro-oxygenation (MOx) is a common winemaking treatment used to improve red wine color development and diminish vegetal aroma, amongst other effects. It is commonly applied to wine immediately after yeast fermentation (phase 1) or later, during aging (phase 2). Although most winemakers avoid MOx during malolactic (ML) fermentation, it is often not possible to avoid because ML bacteria are often present during phase 1 MOx treatment. We investigated the effect of common yeast and bacteria on the outcome of micro-oxygenation. Compared to sterile filtered wine, Saccharomyces cerevisiae inoculation significantly increased oxygen consumption, keeping dissolved oxygen in wine below 30 µg L -1 during micro-oxygenation, whereas Oenococcus oeni inoculation was not associated with a significant impact on the concentration of dissolved oxygen. The unfiltered baseline wine also had both present, although with much higher populations of bacteria and consumed oxygen. The yeast-treated wine yielded much higher levels of acetaldehyde, rising from 4.3 to 29 mg L -1 during micro-oxygenation, whereas no significant difference was found between the bacteria-treated wine and the filtered control. The unfiltered wine exhibited rapid oxygen consumption but no additional acetaldehyde, as well as reduced pyruvate. Analysis of the acetaldehyde-glycerol acetal levels showed a good correlation with acetaldehyde concentrations. The production of acetaldehyde is a key outcome of MOx and it is dramatically increased in the presence of yeast, although it is possibly counteracted by the metabolism of O. oeni bacteria. Additional controlled experiments are necessary to clarify the interaction of yeast and bacteria during MOx treatments. Analysis of the glycerol acetals may be useful as a proxy for acetaldehyde levels. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

A research factory for polymer microdevices: muFac

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anthony, Brian W.; Hardt, David E.; Hale, Melinda; Zarrouati, Nadege

2010-02-01

As part of our research on the manufacturing science of micron scale polymer-based devices, an automated production cell has been developed to explore its use in a volume manufacturing environment. This "micro-factory" allows the testing of models and hardware that have resulted from research on material characterization and simulation, tooling and equipment design and control, and process control and metrology. More importantly it has allowed us to identify the problems that exist between and within unit-processes. This paper details our efforts to produce basic micro-fluidic products in high volume at acceptable production rates and quality levels. The device chosen for our first product is a simple binary micromixer with 40×50 micron channel cross section manufactured by embossing of PMMA. The processes in the cell include laser cutting and drilling, hot embossing, thermal bonding and high-speed inspection of the components. Our goal is to create a "lights-out" factory that can make long production runs (e.g. an 8 hour shift) at high rates (Takt time of less than 3 minutes) with consistent quality. This contrasts with device foundries where prototypes in limited quantities but with high variety are the goal. Accordingly, rate and yield are dominant factors in this work, along with the need for precise material handling strategies. Production data will be presented to include process run charts, sampled functional testing of the products and measures of the overall system throughput.

Contamination versus preservation of cosmetics: a review on legislation, usage, infections, and contact allergy.

PubMed

Lundov, Michael Dyrgaard; Moesby, Lise; Zachariae, Claus; Johansen, Jeanne Duus

2009-02-01

Cosmetics with high water content are at a risk of being contaminated by micro-organisms that can alter the composition of the product or pose a health risk to the consumer. Pathogenic micro-organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are frequently found in contaminated cosmetics. In order to avoid contamination of cosmetics, the manufacturers add preservatives to their products. In the EU and the USA, cosmetics are under legislation and all preservatives must be safety evaluated by committees. There are several different preservatives available but the cosmetic market is dominated by a few preservatives: parabens, formaldehyde, formaldehyde releasers, and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone. Allergy to preservatives is one of the main reasons for contact eczema caused by cosmetics. Concentration of the same preservative in similar products varies greatly, and this may indicate that some cosmetic products are over preserved. As development and elicitation of contact allergy is dose dependent, over preservation of cosmetics potentially leads to increased incidences of contact allergy. Very few studies have investigated the antimicrobial efficiency of preservatives in cosmetics, but the results indicate that efficient preservation is obtainable with concentrations well below the maximum allowed.

Development of a bar adsorptive micro-extraction-large-volume injection-gas chromatography-mass spectrometric method for pharmaceuticals and personal care products in environmental water matrices.

PubMed

Neng, N R; Nogueira, J M F

2012-01-01

The combination of bar adsorptive micro-extraction using activated carbon (AC) and polystyrene-divinylbenzene copolymer (PS-DVB) sorbent phases, followed by liquid desorption and large-volume injection gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, under selected ion monitoring mode acquisition, was developed for the first time to monitor pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) in environmental water matrices. Assays performed on 25 mL water samples spiked (100 ng L(-1)) with caffeine, gemfibrozil, triclosan, propranolol, carbamazepine and diazepam, selected as model compounds, yielded recoveries ranging from 74% to 99% under optimised experimental conditions (equilibrium time, 16 h (1,000 rpm); matrix characteristics: pH 5, 5% NaCl for AC phase; LD: methanol/acetonitrile (1:1), 45 min). The analytical performance showed good precision (RSD < 18%), convenient detection limits (5-20 ng L(-1)) and excellent linear dynamic range (20-800 ng L(-1)) with remarkable determination coefficients (r(2) > 0.99), where the PS-DVB sorbent phase showed a much better efficiency. By using the standard addition methodology, the application of the present analytical approach on tap, ground, sea, estuary and wastewater samples allowed very good performance at the trace level. The proposed method proved to be a suitable sorption-based micro-extraction alternative for the analysis of priority pollutants with medium-polar to polar characteristics, showing to be easy to implement, reliable, sensitive and requiring a low sample volume to monitor PPCPs in water matrices.

Effect of micro-vibration culture system on embryo development.

PubMed

Hur, Yong Soo; Park, Jeong Hyun; Ryu, Eun Kyung; Park, Sung Jin; Lee, Jun Ho; Lee, Soo Hee; Yoon, Jung; Yoon, San Hyun; Hur, Chang Young; Lee, Won Don; Lim, Jin Ho

2013-06-01

Micro-vibration culture system was examined to determine the effects on mouse and human embryo development and possible improvement of clinical outcomes in poor responders. The embryonic development rates and cell numbers of blastocysts were compared between a static culture group (n = 178) and a micro-vibration culture group (n = 181) in mice. The embryonic development rates and clinical results were compared between a static culture group (n = 159 cycles) and a micro-vibration culture group (n = 166 cycles) in poor responders. A micro-vibrator was set at a frequency of 42 Hz, 5 s/60 min duration for mouse and human embryo development. The embryonic development rate was significantly improved in the micro-vibration culture group in mice (p < 0.05). The cell numbers of mouse blastocysts were significantly higher in the micro-vibration group than in the static culture group (p < 0.05). In the poor responders, the rate of high grade embryos was not significantly improved in the micro-vibration culture group on day 3. However, the optimal embryonic development rate on day 5 was improved in the micro-vibration group, and the total pregnancy rate and implantation rate were significantly higher in the micro-vibration group than in the static culture group (p < 0.05). Micro-vibration culture methods have a beneficial effect on embryonic development in mouse embryos. In poor responders, the embryo development rate was improved to a limited extent under the micro-vibration culture conditions, but the clinical results were significantly improved.

On Study of Application of Micro-reactor in Chemistry and Chemical Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yunshen

2018-02-01

Serving as a micro-scale chemical reaction system, micro-reactor is characterized by high heat transfer efficiency and mass transfer, strictly controlled reaction time and good safety performance; compared with the traditional mixing reactor, it can effectively shorten reaction time by virtue of these advantages and greatly enhance the chemical reaction conversion rate. However, problems still exist in the process where micro-reactor is used for production in chemistry and chemical field, and relevant researchers are required to optimize and perfect the performance of micro-reactor. This paper analyzes specific application of micro-reactor in chemistry and chemical field.

Integrative Analysis of Porcine microRNAome during Skeletal Muscle Development

PubMed Central

Qin, Lijun; Chen, Yaosheng; Liu, Xiaohong; Ye, Sanxing; Yu, Kaifan; Huang, Zheng; Yu, Jingwei; Zhou, Xingyu; Chen, Hu; Mo, Delin

2013-01-01

Pig is an important agricultural animal for meat production and provides a valuable model for many human diseases. Functional studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in almost all aspects of skeletal muscle development and disease pathogenesis. To investigate the miRNAs involved in regulating different periods of skeletal muscle development, we herein performed a comprehensive research for porcine microRNAome (miRNAome) during 10 skeletal muscle developmental stages including 35, 49, 63, 77, 91 dpc (days post coitum) and 2, 28, 90, 120, 180 dpn (days postnatal) using Solexa sequencing technology. Our results extend the repertoire of pig miRNAome to 247 known miRNAs processed from 210 pre-miRNAs and 297 candidate novel miRNAs through comparison with known miRNAs in the miRBase. Expression analysis of the 15 most abundant miRNAs in every library indicated that functional miRNAome may be smaller and tend to be highly expressed. A series of muscle-related miRNAs summarized in our study present different patterns between myofibers formation phase and muscle maturation phase, providing valuable reference for investigation of functional miRNAs during skeletal muscle development. Analysis of temporal profiles of miRNA expression identifies 18 novel candidate myogenic miRNAs in pig, which might provide new insight into regulation mechanism mediated by miRNAs underlying muscle development. PMID:24039761

Identification and profiling of conserved and novel microRNAs involved in oil and oleic acid production during embryogenesis in Carya cathayensis Sarg.

PubMed

Wang, Zhengjia; Huang, Ruiming; Sun, Zhichao; Zhang, Tong; Huang, Jianqin

2017-05-01

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of plant development and fruit formation. Mature embryos of hickory (Carya cathayensis Sarg.) nuts contain more than 70% oil (comprising 90% unsaturated fatty acids), along with a substantial amount of oleic acid. To understand the roles of miRNAs involved in oil and oleic acid production during hickory embryogenesis, three small RNA libraries from different stages of embryogenesis were constructed. Deep sequencing of these three libraries identified 95 conserved miRNAs with 19 miRNA*s, 7 novel miRNAs (as well as their corresponding miRNA*s), and 26 potentially novel miRNAs. The analysis identified 15 miRNAs involved in oil and oleic acid production that are differentially expressed during embryogenesis in hickory. Among them, nine miRNA sequences, including eight conserved and one novel, were confirmed by qRT-PCR. In addition, 145 target genes of the novel miRNAs were predicted using a bioinformatic approach. Our results provide a framework for better understanding the roles of miRNAs during embryogenesis in hickory.

Managing design for manufacture and assembly in the development of MEMS-based products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Hung-Yao; Narasimhan, Nachchinarkkinian; Hariz, Alex J.

2006-12-01

Design for manufacturability, assembly and reliability of MEMS products is being applied to a multitude of novel MEMS products to make up for the lack of "Standard Process for MEMS" concept. The latter has proved a major handicap in commercialization of MEMS devices when compared to integrated circuits products. Furthermore, an examination of recent engineering literature seems to suggest convergence towards the development of the design for manufacturability and reliability of MEMS products. This paper will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of conventional techniques that have been pursued up to this point to achieve commercialization of MEMS products, identify some of the problems slowing down development, and explore measures that could be taken to try to address those problems. Successful commercialization critically depends on packaging and assembly, manufacturability, and reliability for micro scale products. However, a methodology that appropriately shadows next generation knowledge management will undoubtedly address most of the critical problems that are hampering development of MEMS industries. Finally this paper will also identify contemporary issues that are challenging the industry in regards to product commercialization and will recommend appropriate measures based on knowledge flow to address those shortcomings and lay out plans to expedient and successful paths to market.

Possible future effects of large-scale algae cultivation for biofuels on coastal eutrophication in Europe.

PubMed

Blaas, Harry; Kroeze, Carolien

2014-10-15

Biodiesel is increasingly considered as an alternative for fossil diesel. Biodiesel can be produced from rapeseed, palm, sunflower, soybean and algae. In this study, the consequences of large-scale production of biodiesel from micro-algae for eutrophication in four large European seas are analysed. To this end, scenarios for the year 2050 are analysed, assuming that in the 27 countries of the European Union fossil diesel will be replaced by biodiesel from algae. Estimates are made for the required fertiliser inputs to algae parks, and how this may increase concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in coastal waters, potentially leading to eutrophication. The Global NEWS (Nutrient Export from WaterSheds) model has been used to estimate the transport of nitrogen and phosphorus to the European coastal waters. The results indicate that the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in the coastal waters may increase considerably in the future as a result of large-scale production of algae for the production of biodiesel, even in scenarios assuming effective waste water treatment and recycling of waste water in algae production. To ensure sustainable production of biodiesel from micro-algae, it is important to develop cultivation systems with low nutrient losses to the environment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of Flexible Micro Temperature Sensor in Oxidative Steam Reforming by a Methanol Micro Reformer

PubMed Central

Lee, Chi-Yuan; Lee, Shuo-Jen; Shen, Chia-Chieh; Yeh, Chuin-Tih; Chang, Chi-Chung; Lo, Yi-Man

2011-01-01

Advances in fuel cell applications reflect the ability of reformers to produce hydrogen. This work presents a flexible micro temperature sensor that is fabricated based on micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology and integrated into a flat micro methanol reformer to observe the conditions inside that reformer. The micro temperature sensor has higher accuracy and sensitivity than a conventionally adopted thermocouple. Despite various micro temperature sensor applications, integrated micro reformers are still relatively new. This work proposes a novel method for integrating micro methanol reformers and micro temperature sensors, subsequently increasing the methanol conversion rate and the hydrogen production rate by varying the fuel supply rate and the water/methanol ratio. Importantly, the proposed micro temperature sensor adequately controls the interior temperature during oxidative steam reforming of methanol (OSRM), with the relevant parameters optimized as well. PMID:22319407

Impact of heavy metals on the oil products biodegradation process.

PubMed

Zukauskaite, Audrone; Jakubauskaite, Viktorija; Belous, Olga; Ambrazaitiene, Dalia; Stasiskiene, Zaneta

2008-12-01

Oil products continue to be used as a principal source of energy. Wide-scale production, transport, global use and disposal of petroleum have made them major contaminants in prevalence and quantity in the environment. In accidental spills, actions are taken to remove or remediate or recover the contaminants immediately, especially if they occur in environmentally sensitive areas, for example, in coastal zones. Traditional methods to cope with oil spills are confined to physical containment. Biological methods can have an advantage over the physical-chemical treatment regimes in removing spills in situ as they offer biodegradation of oil fractions by the micro-organisms. Recently, biological methods have been known to play a significant role in bioremediation of oil-polluted coastal areas. Such systems are likely to be of significance in the effective management of sensitive coastal ecosystems chronically subjected to oil spillage. For this reason the aim of this paper is to present an impact of Mn, Cu, Co and Mo quantities on oil biodegradation effectiveness in coastal soil and to determine the relationship between metal concentrations and degradation of two oil products (black oil and diesel fuel). Soil was collected in the Baltic Sea coastal zone oil products degradation area (Klaipeda, Lithuania). The experiment consisted of two parts: study on the influence of micro-elements on the oil product biodegradation process; and analysis of the influence of metal concentration on the number of HDMs. The analysis performed and results obtained address the following areas: impact of metal on a population of hydrocarbon degrading micro-organisms, impact of metals on residual concentrations of oil products, influence of metals on the growth of micro-organisms, inter-relation of metal concentrations with degradation rates. Statistical analysis was made using ;Statgraphics plus' software. The influence of metals on the growth of micro-organisms, the biodegradation process rate and the oil product concentrations were evaluated with analysis of variance. The impact has been investigated separately and synergetically.

MicroRNA signature of the human developing pancreas.

PubMed

Rosero, Samuel; Bravo-Egana, Valia; Jiang, Zhijie; Khuri, Sawsan; Tsinoremas, Nicholas; Klein, Dagmar; Sabates, Eduardo; Correa-Medina, Mayrin; Ricordi, Camillo; Domínguez-Bendala, Juan; Diez, Juan; Pastori, Ricardo L

2010-09-22

MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression including differentiation and development by either inhibiting translation or inducing target degradation. The aim of this study is to determine the microRNA expression signature during human pancreatic development and to identify potential microRNA gene targets calculating correlations between the signature microRNAs and their corresponding mRNA targets, predicted by bioinformatics, in genome-wide RNA microarray study. The microRNA signature of human fetal pancreatic samples 10-22 weeks of gestational age (wga), was obtained by PCR-based high throughput screening with Taqman Low Density Arrays. This method led to identification of 212 microRNAs. The microRNAs were classified in 3 groups: Group number I contains 4 microRNAs with the increasing profile; II, 35 microRNAs with decreasing profile and III with 173 microRNAs, which remain unchanged. We calculated Pearson correlations between the expression profile of microRNAs and target mRNAs, predicted by TargetScan 5.1 and miRBase algorithms, using genome-wide mRNA expression data. Group I correlated with the decreasing expression of 142 target mRNAs and Group II with the increasing expression of 876 target mRNAs. Most microRNAs correlate with multiple targets, just as mRNAs are targeted by multiple microRNAs. Among the identified targets are the genes and transcription factors known to play an essential role in pancreatic development. We have determined specific groups of microRNAs in human fetal pancreas that change the degree of their expression throughout the development. A negative correlative analysis suggests an intertwined network of microRNAs and mRNAs collaborating with each other. This study provides information leading to potential two-way level of combinatorial control regulating gene expression through microRNAs targeting multiple mRNAs and, conversely, target mRNAs regulated in parallel by other microRNAs as well. This study may further the understanding of gene expression regulation in the human developing pancreas.

MicroRNA signature of the human developing pancreas

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression including differentiation and development by either inhibiting translation or inducing target degradation. The aim of this study is to determine the microRNA expression signature during human pancreatic development and to identify potential microRNA gene targets calculating correlations between the signature microRNAs and their corresponding mRNA targets, predicted by bioinformatics, in genome-wide RNA microarray study. Results The microRNA signature of human fetal pancreatic samples 10-22 weeks of gestational age (wga), was obtained by PCR-based high throughput screening with Taqman Low Density Arrays. This method led to identification of 212 microRNAs. The microRNAs were classified in 3 groups: Group number I contains 4 microRNAs with the increasing profile; II, 35 microRNAs with decreasing profile and III with 173 microRNAs, which remain unchanged. We calculated Pearson correlations between the expression profile of microRNAs and target mRNAs, predicted by TargetScan 5.1 and miRBase altgorithms, using genome-wide mRNA expression data. Group I correlated with the decreasing expression of 142 target mRNAs and Group II with the increasing expression of 876 target mRNAs. Most microRNAs correlate with multiple targets, just as mRNAs are targeted by multiple microRNAs. Among the identified targets are the genes and transcription factors known to play an essential role in pancreatic development. Conclusions We have determined specific groups of microRNAs in human fetal pancreas that change the degree of their expression throughout the development. A negative correlative analysis suggests an intertwined network of microRNAs and mRNAs collaborating with each other. This study provides information leading to potential two-way level of combinatorial control regulating gene expression through microRNAs targeting multiple mRNAs and, conversely, target mRNAs regulated in parallel by other microRNAs as well. This study may further the understanding of gene expression regulation in the human developing pancreas. PMID:20860821

Biorefineries for the production of top building block chemicals and their derivatives.

PubMed

Choi, Sol; Song, Chan Woo; Shin, Jae Ho; Lee, Sang Yup

2015-03-01

Due to the growing concerns on the climate change and sustainability on petrochemical resources, DOE selected and announced the bio-based top 12 building blocks and discussed the needs for developing biorefinery technologies to replace the current petroleum based industry in 2004. Over the last 10 years after its announcement, many studies have been performed for the development of efficient technologies for the bio-based production of these chemicals and derivatives. Now, ten chemicals among these top 12 chemicals, excluding the l-aspartic acid and 3-hydroxybutyrolactone, have already been commercialized or are close to commercialization. In this paper, we review the current status of biorefinery development for the production of these platform chemicals and their derivatives. In addition, current technological advances on industrial strain development for the production of platform chemicals using micro-organisms will be covered in detail with case studies on succinic acid and 3-hydroxypropionic acid as examples. Copyright © 2015 International Metabolic Engineering Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Human Growth Factor Cream and Hyaluronic Acid Serum in Conjunction with Micro Laser Peel

PubMed Central

Katz, Bruce E.; Cohen, Joel L.; Biron, Julie

2010-01-01

The present study investigated the use of a novel hyaluronic acid serum in combination with a cream comprising a mixture of human growth factors in conjunction with the micro laser peel procedure for skin rejuvenation. After preconditioning the face with the hyaluronic acid serum followed by the cream twice daily for one month, 15 female volunteers between 35 to 65 years of age with demonstrable facial wrinkling received a micro laser peel on the entire face using an erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser. Immediately following the laser procedure, the subjects applied the test products twice daily until the second laser peel one month later. Immediately following the second procedure, the subjects reapplied the test products for another month. In the large majority of subjects, erythema or edema, crusts or erosions, and transitory stinging or burning sensations after the micro laser peel were minimal or mild when the skin was treated with the serum followed by the cream. The micro laser peel in conjunction with the test products helped to significantly improve hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and texture as compared to before treatment. This study with the micro laser peel device demonstrated that a novel hyaluronic acid serum combined with the human growth factor cream can be successfully used for skin rejuvenation in conjunction with light-to-medium invasive laser skin treatments. PMID:21203354

Identification of unwanted photoproducts of cosmetic preservatives in personal care products under ultraviolet-light using solid-phase microextraction and micro-matrix solid-phase dispersion.

PubMed

Alvarez-Rivera, Gerardo; Llompart, Maria; Garcia-Jares, Carmen; Lores, Marta

2015-04-17

The photochemical transformation of widely used cosmetic preservatives including benzoates, parabens, BHA, BHT and triclosan has been investigated in this work applying an innovative double-approach strategy: identification of transformation products in aqueous photodegradation experiments (UV-light, 254nm), followed by targeted screening analysis of such photoproducts in UV-irradiated cosmetic samples. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was applied, using different fiber coatings, in order to widen the range of detectable photoproducts in water, whereas UV-irradiated personal care products (PCPs) containing the target preservatives were extracted by micro-matrix solid-phase dispersion (micro-MSPD). Both SPME and micro-MSPD-based methodologies were successfully optimized and validated. Degradation kinetics of parent species, and photoformation of their transformation by-products were monitored by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty nine photoproducts were detected in aqueous photodegradation experiments, being tentatively identified based on their mass spectra. Transformation pathways between structurally related by-products, consistent with their kinetic behavior were postulated. The photoformation of unexpected photoproducts such as 2- and 4-hydroxybenzophenones, and 2,8-dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in PCPs are reported in this work for the first time. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modelling milk production from feed intake in dairy cattle

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Clarke, D.L.

1985-05-01

Predictive models were developed for both Holstein and Jersey cows. Since Holsteins comprised eighty-five percent of the data, the predictive models developed for Holsteins were used for the development of a user-friendly computer model. Predictive models included: milk production (squared multiple correlation .73), natural log (ln) of milk production (.73), four percent fat-corrected milk (.67), ln four percent fat-corrected milk (.68), fat-free milk (.73), ln fat-free milk (.73), dry matter intake (.61), ln dry matter intake (.60), milk fat (.52), and ln milk fat (.56). The predictive models for ln milk production, ln fat-free milk and ln dry matter intakemore » were incorporated into a computer model. The model was written in standard Fortran for use on mainframe or micro-computers. Daily milk production, fat-free milk production, and dry matter intake were predicted on a daily basis with the previous day's dry matter intake serving as an independent variable in the prediction of the daily milk and fat-free milk production. 21 refs.« less

Research on the EDM Technology for Micro-holes at Complex Spatial Locations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Y Liu, J.; Guo, J. M.; Sun, D. J.; Cai, Y. H.; Ding, L. T.; Jiang, H.

2017-12-01

For the demands on machining micro-holes at complex spatial location, several key technical problems are conquered such as micro-Electron Discharge Machining (micro-EDM) power supply system’s development, the host structure’s design and machining process technical. Through developing low-voltage power supply circuit, high-voltage circuit, micro and precision machining circuit and clearance detection system, the narrow pulse and high frequency six-axis EDM machining power supply system is developed to meet the demands on micro-hole discharging machining. With the method of combining the CAD structure design, CAE simulation analysis, modal test, ODS (Operational Deflection Shapes) test and theoretical analysis, the host construction and key axes of the machine tool are optimized to meet the position demands of the micro-holes. Through developing the special deionized water filtration system to make sure that the machining process is stable enough. To verify the machining equipment and processing technical developed in this paper through developing the micro-hole’s processing flow and test on the real machine tool. As shown in the final test results: the efficient micro-EDM machining pulse power supply system, machine tool host system, deionized filtration system and processing method developed in this paper meet the demands on machining micro-holes at complex spatial locations.

An Image-based Micro-continuum Pore-scale Model for Gas Transport in Organic-rich Shale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, B.; Tchelepi, H.

2017-12-01

Gas production from unconventional source rocks, such as ultra-tight shales, has increased significantly over the past decade. However, due to the extremely small pores ( 1-100 nm) and the strong material heterogeneity, gas flow in shale is still not well understood and poses challenges for predictive field-scale simulations. In recent years, digital rock analysis has been applied to understand shale gas transport at the pore-scale. An issue with rock images (e.g. FIB-SEM, nano-/micro-CT images) is the so-called "cutoff length", i.e., pores and heterogeneities below the resolution cannot be resolved, which leads to two length scales (resolved features and unresolved sub-resolution features) that are challenging for flow simulations. Here we develop a micro-continuum model, modified from the classic Darcy-Brinkman-Stokes framework, that can naturally couple the resolved pores and the unresolved nano-porous regions. In the resolved pores, gas flow is modeled with Stokes equation. In the unresolved regions where the pore sizes are below the image resolution, we develop an apparent permeability model considering non-Darcy flow at the nanoscale including slip flow, Knudsen diffusion, adsorption/desorption, surface diffusion, and real gas effect. The end result is a micro-continuum pore-scale model that can simulate gas transport in 3D reconstructed shale images. The model has been implemented in the open-source simulation platform OpenFOAM. In this paper, we present case studies to demonstrate the applicability of the model, where we use 3D segmented FIB-SEM and nano-CT shale images that include four material constituents: organic matter, clay, granular mineral, and pore. In addition to the pore structure and the distribution of the material constituents, we populate the model with experimental measurements (e.g. size distribution of the sub-resolution pores from nitrogen adsorption) and parameters from the literature and identify the relative importance of different physics on gas production. Overall, the micro-continuum model provides a novel tool for digital rock analysis of organic-rich shale.

Enzyme resistant carbohydrate based micro-scale materials from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) pulp for food and pharmaceutical applications

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Bio-based micro scale materials are increasingly used in functional food and pharmaceutical applications. The present study produced carbohydrate-based micro scale tubular materials from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) pulp (SBP), a by-product of sugar beet processing. The isolated carbohydrates wer...

PLC based automatic control of pasteurize mix in ice cream production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Xudong; Liang, Kai

2013-03-01

This paper describes the automatic control device of pasteurized mix in the ice cream production process.We design a scheme of control system using FBD program language and develop the programmer in the STEP 7-Micro/WIN software, check for any bugs before downloading into PLC .These developed devices will able to provide flexibility and accuracy to control the step of pasteurized mix. The operator just Input the duration and temperature of pasteurized mix through control panel. All the steps will finish automatically without any intervention in a preprogrammed sequence stored in programmable logic controller (PLC). With the help of this equipment we not only can control the quality of ice cream for various conditions, but also can simplify the production process. This control system is inexpensive and can be widely used in ice cream production industry.

Application of in-plant control measures in some Egyptian micro-scale dairy enterprises and its impact on heavy metal contents of their products.

PubMed

Abd El-Salam, Magda Magdy; Farahat, Mohamed F; Abu-Zuid, Gaber I; Saad, Samia G

2017-09-05

Egypt is encouraging micro-scale enterprises as proved to be one of the most important reasons of economic growth. Most of the annual milk production is processed in micro-scale dairy enterprises located in squatter areas with high health risks and negative environmental impact. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of in-plant control measures in controlling lead and cadmium levels in dairy products from nine Egyptian micro-scale enterprises. The results revealed that white cheese enterprises had the highest mean lead and cadmium contents; both in their raw milk (0.712 and 0.134 mg/L, respectively) and final products (0.419 and 0.061 mg/kg). Higher compliance percentages were found with cadmium levels specified in the Egyptian standards than with lead levels and ranged from 59.4% in raw milk to 100% in dry milk for cadmium levels and from 8.3% in white cheese to 66.7% in ice cream for lead; moreover, none of the collected raw milk samples were complying with the lead levels. After implementation of in-plant control measures, lower lead levels were found in all samples with reduction percentages ranging from 35.2% in raw milk from the ice cream enterprises to 73.2% in yoghurt; moreover, higher percentages of samples complied with cadmium levels. This study highlights the urgent need for applying in-plant control measures to the Egyptian micro-scale dairy enterprises to improve both safety and quality of their products.

Thermoeconomical Productivity Analysis in Manufacturing Sector in Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liana Aji, Widya; Purqon, Acep

2017-07-01

Negative temperature is a phenomenon interesting to study. In negative temperature regime, Boltzmann distribution is inverted where many particles occupy the higher energy states than the lower one. Iyetomi proposed a negative temperature case in Japan and applied it to the labor productivity distribution where the particle and energy state are replaced by worker and labor productivity, respectively. In this paper, we investigate the negative temperature concept to the labor productivity distribution in manufacturing sector in Indonesia which is divided by three industry groups according to BPS (Center of Statistical Agency of Indonesia), i. e. large and medium industries, small industry, and micro industry. For all industry groups, food industry possesses maximum productivity. The results represent that the negative temperature of large and medium industries is around ten times lower than negative temperature of micro industry indicating large and medium industries is lack demand of worker, while the negative temperature of small industry is among the temperature negative of large and medium industries and micro industry.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marion, Bill; Smith, Benjamin

Using performance data from some of the millions of installed photovoltaic (PV) modules with micro-inverters may afford the opportunity to provide ground-based solar resource data critical for developing PV projects. The method used back-solves for the direct normal irradiance (DNI) and the diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI) from the micro-inverter ac production data. When the derived values of DNI and DHI were then used to model the performance of other PV systems, the annual mean bias deviations were within +/- 4%, and only 1% greater than when the PV performance was modeled using high quality irradiance measurements. An uncertainty analysis showsmore » the method better suited for modeling PV performance than using satellite-based global horizontal irradiance.« less

Development and melt growth of novel scintillating halide crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshikawa, Akira; Yokota, Yuui; Shoji, Yasuhiro; Kral, Robert; Kamada, Kei; Kurosawa, Shunsuke; Ohashi, Yuji; Arakawa, Mototaka; Chani, Valery I.; Kochurikhin, Vladimir V.; Yamaji, Akihiro; Andrey, Medvedev; Nikl, Martin

2017-12-01

Melt growth of scintillating halide crystals is reviewed. The vertical Bridgman growth technique is still considered as very popular method that enables production of relatively large and commercially attractive crystals. On the other hand, the micro-pulling-down method is preferable when fabrication of small samples, sufficient for preliminary characterization of their optical and/or scintillation performance, is required. Moreover, bulk crystal growth is also available using the micro-pulling-down furnace. The examples of growths of various halide crystals by industrially friendly melt growth techniques including Czochralski and edge-defined film-fed growth methods are also discussed. Finally, traveling molten zone growth that in some degree corresponds to horizontal zone melting is briefly overviewed.

A customizable system for real-time image processing using the Blackfin DSProcessor and the MicroC/OS-II real-time kernel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coffey, Stephen; Connell, Joseph

2005-06-01

This paper presents a development platform for real-time image processing based on the ADSP-BF533 Blackfin processor and the MicroC/OS-II real-time operating system (RTOS). MicroC/OS-II is a completely portable, ROMable, pre-emptive, real-time kernel. The Blackfin Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), incorporating the Analog Devices/Intel Micro Signal Architecture (MSA), are a broad family of 16-bit fixed-point products with a dual Multiply Accumulate (MAC) core. In addition, they have a rich instruction set with variable instruction length and both DSP and MCU functionality thus making them ideal for media based applications. Using the MicroC/OS-II for task scheduling and management, the proposed system can capture and process raw RGB data from any standard 8-bit greyscale image sensor in soft real-time and then display the processed result using a simple PC graphical user interface (GUI). Additionally, the GUI allows configuration of the image capture rate and the system and core DSP clock rates thereby allowing connectivity to a selection of image sensors and memory devices. The GUI also allows selection from a set of image processing algorithms based in the embedded operating system.

High-contrast X-ray micro-radiography and micro-CT of ex-vivo soft tissue murine organs utilizing ethanol fixation and large area photon-counting detector

PubMed Central

Dudak, Jan; Zemlicka, Jan; Karch, Jakub; Patzelt, Matej; Mrzilkova, Jana; Zach, Petr; Hermanova, Zuzana; Kvacek, Jiri; Krejci, Frantisek

2016-01-01

Using dedicated contrast agents high-quality X-ray imaging of soft tissue structures with isotropic micrometre resolution has become feasible. This technique is frequently titled as virtual histology as it allows production of slices of tissue without destroying the sample. The use of contrast agents is, however, often an irreversible time-consuming procedure and despite the non-destructive principle of X-ray imaging, the sample is usually no longer usable for other research methods. In this work we present the application of recently developed large-area photon counting detector for high resolution X-ray micro-radiography and micro-tomography of whole ex-vivo ethanol-preserved mouse organs. The photon counting detectors provide dark-current-free quantum-counting operation enabling acquisition of data with virtually unlimited contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Thanks to the very high CNR even ethanol-only preserved soft-tissue samples without addition of any contrast agent can be visualized in great detail. As ethanol preservation is one of the standard steps of tissue fixation for histology, the presented method can open a way for widespread use of micro-CT with all its advantages for routine 3D non-destructive soft-tissue visualisation. PMID:27461900

Profiling Pre-MicroRNA and Mature MicroRNA Expressions Using a Single Microarray and Avoiding Separate Sample Preparation

PubMed Central

Gan, Lin; Denecke, Bernd

2013-01-01

Mature microRNA is a crucial component in the gene expression regulation network. At the same time, microRNA gene expression and procession is regulated in a precise and collaborated way. Pre-microRNAs mediate products during the microRNA transcription process, they can provide hints of microRNA gene expression regulation or can serve as alternative biomarkers. To date, little effort has been devoted to pre-microRNA expression profiling. In this study, three human and three mouse microRNA profile data sets, based on the Affymetrix miRNA 2.0 array, have been re-analyzed for both mature and pre-microRNA signals as a primary test of parallel mature/pre-microRNA expression profiling on a single platform. The results not only demonstrated a glimpse of pre-microRNA expression in human and mouse, but also the relationship of microRNA expressions between pre- and mature forms. The study also showed a possible application of currently available microRNA microarrays in profiling pre-microRNA expression in a time and cost effective manner. PMID:27605179

Fabrication of PDMS architecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adam, Tijjani; Hashim, U.

2017-03-01

The study report novel, yet simple and flexible fabrication method for micro channel patterning PDMS thin mold on glass surfaces, the method allows microstructures with critical dimensions to be formed using PDMS. Micro channel production is a two-step process. First, soft photolithography methods are implemented to fabricate a reusable mold. The mold is then used to create the micro channel, which consists of SU8, PDMS and glass. The micro channel design was performed using AutoCAD and the fabrication begins by creating a replicable mold. The mold is created on a glass slide. by spin-coating speed between 500 to 1250rpm with an acceleration of 100 rpm/s for 100 and 15 second ramp up and down speed respectively. Channel flow rate based on concentration were measured by analyzing the recorded flow profiles which was collected from the high powered microscope at. 80µ, 70µm, 50µm for inlet channel 1, 2, 3 respectively the channel flow were compared for flow efficiency at different concentrations and Re. Thus, the simplicity of device structure and fabrication makes it feasible to miniaturize it for the development of point-of-care kits, facilitating its use in both clinical and non-clinical environments. With its simple geometric structure and potential for mass commercial fabrication, the device can be developed to become a portable photo detection sensor that can be use for both environmental and diagnostic application.

Chronic ethanol consumption modulates growth factor release, mucosal cytokine production, and microRNA expression in nonhuman primates.

PubMed

Asquith, Mark; Pasala, Sumana; Engelmann, Flora; Haberthur, Kristen; Meyer, Christine; Park, Byung; Grant, Kathleen A; Messaoudi, Ilhem

2014-04-01

Chronic alcohol consumption has been associated with enhanced susceptibility to both systemic and mucosal infections. However, the exact mechanisms underlying this enhanced susceptibility remain incompletely understood. Using a nonhuman primate model of ethanol (EtOH) self-administration, we examined the impact of chronic alcohol exposure on immune homeostasis, cytokine, and growth factor production in peripheral blood, lung, and intestinal mucosa following 12 months of chronic EtOH exposure. EtOH exposure inhibited activation-induced production of growth factors hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and vascular-endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Moreover, EtOH significantly reduced the frequency of colonic Th1 and Th17 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, we did not observe differences in lymphocyte frequency or soluble factor production in the lung of EtOH-consuming animals. To uncover mechanisms underlying reduced growth factor and Th1/Th17 cytokine production, we compared expression levels of microRNAs in PBMC and intestinal mucosa. Our analysis revealed EtOH-dependent up-regulation of distinct microRNAs in affected tissues (miR-181a and miR-221 in PBMC; miR-155 in colon). Moreover, we were able to detect reduced expression of the transcription factors STAT3 and ARNT, which regulate expression of VEGF, G-CSF, and HGF and contain targets for these microRNAs. To confirm and extend these observations, PBMC were transfected with either mimics or antagomirs of miR-181 and miR-221, and protein levels of the transcription factors and growth factors were determined. Transfection of microRNA mimics led to a reduction in both STAT3/ARNT as well as VEGF/HGF/G-CSF levels. The opposite outcome was observed when microRNA antagomirs were transfected. Chronic EtOH consumption significantly disrupts both peripheral and mucosal immune homeostasis, and this dysregulation may be mediated by changes in microRNA expression. Copyright © 2013 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

A comprehensive overview on the micro- and nano-technological encapsulation advances for enhancing the chemical stability and bioavailability of carotenoids.

PubMed

Soukoulis, Christos; Bohn, Torsten

2018-01-02

Carotenoids are lipophilic secondary plant compounds, and their consumption within fruits and vegetables has been positively correlated with a decreased risk of developing several chronic diseases. However, their bioavailability is often compromised due to incomplete release from the food matrix, poor solubility and potential degradation during digestion. In addition, carotenoids in food products are prone to oxidative degradation, not only lowering the nutritional value of the product but also triggering other quality deteriorative changes, such as formation of lipid pro-oxidants (free radicals), development of discolorations or off-flavor defects. Encapsulation refers to a physicochemical process, aiming to entrap an active substance in structurally engineered micro- or nano-systems, in order to develop an effective thermodynamical and physical barrier against deteriorative environmental conditions, such as water vapor, oxygen, light, enzymes or pH. In this context, encapsulation of carotenoids has shown to be a very effective strategy to improve their chemical stability under common processing conditions including storage. In addition, encapsulation may also enhance bioavailability (via influencing bioaccessibility and absorption) of lipophilic bioactives, via modulating their release kinetics from the carrier system, solubility and interfacial properties. In the present paper, it is aimed to present the state of the art of carotenoid microencapsulation in order to enhance storability and bioavailability alike.

Utilization of agricultural wastes for production of ethanol. Progress report, October 1979-May 1980

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Singh, B.

1980-05-01

The project proposes to develop methods to utilize agricultural wastes, especially cottonseed hulls and peanut shells to produce ethanol. Initial steps will involve development of methods to break down cellulose to a usable form of substrates for chemical or biological digestion. The process of ethanol production will consist of (a) preparatory step to separate fibrous (cellulose) and non-fibrous (non-cellulosic compounds). The non-cellulosic residues which may include grains, fats or other substrates for alcoholic fermentation. The fibrous residues will be first pre-treated to digest cellulose with acid, alkali, and sulfur dioxide gas or other solvents. (b) The altered cellulose will bemore » digested by suitable micro-organisms and cellulose enzymes before alcoholic fermentation. The digester and fermentative unit will be specially designed to develop a prototype for pilot plant for a continuous process. The first phase of the project will be devoted toward screening of a suitable method for cellulose modification, separation of fibrous and non-fibrous residues, the micro-organism and enzyme preparations. Work is in progress on: the effects of various microorganisms on the degree of saccharification; the effects of higher concentrations of acids, alkali, and EDTA on efficiency of microbial degradation; and the effects of chemicals on enzymatic digestion.« less

MEMS deformable mirror embedded wavefront sensing and control system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Owens, Donald; Schoen, Michael; Bush, Keith

2006-01-01

Electrostatic Membrane Deformable Mirror (MDM) technology developed using silicon bulk micro-machining techniques offers the potential of providing low-cost, compact wavefront control systems for diverse optical system applications. Electrostatic mirror construction using bulk micro-machining allows for custom designs to satisfy wavefront control requirements for most optical systems. An electrostatic MDM consists of a thin membrane, generally with a thin metal or multi-layer high-reflectivity coating, suspended over an actuator pad array that is connected to a high-voltage driver. Voltages applied to the array elements deflect the membrane to provide an optical surface capable of correcting for measured optical aberrations in a given system. Electrostatic membrane DM designs are derived from well-known principles of membrane mechanics and electrostatics, the desired optical wavefront control requirements, and the current limitations of mirror fabrication and actuator drive electronics. MDM performance is strongly dependent on mirror diameter and air damping in meeting desired spatial and temporal frequency requirements. In this paper, we present wavefront control results from an embedded wavefront control system developed around a commercially available high-speed camera and an AgilOptics Unifi MDM driver using USB 2.0 communications and the Linux development environment. This new product, ClariFast TM, combines our previous Clarifi TM product offering into a faster more streamlined version dedicated strictly to Hartmann Wavefront sensing.

Application of a microplate-based ORAC-pyrogallol red assay for the estimation ofantioxidant capacity: First Action 2012.03.

PubMed

Ortiz, Rocío; Antilén, Mónica; Speisky, Hernán; Aliaga, Margarita E; López-Alarcón, Camilo; Baugh, Steve

2012-01-01

A method was developed for microplate-based oxygen radicals absorbance capacity (ORAC) using pyrogallol red (PGR) as probe (ORAC-PGR). The method was evaluated for linearity, precision, and accuracy. In addition, the antioxidant capacity of commercial beverages, such as wines, fruit juices, and iced teas, was measured. Linearity of the area under the curve (AUC) versus Trolox concentration plots was [AUC = (845 +/- 110) + (23 +/- 2) [Trolox, microM]; R = 0.9961, n = 19]. Analyses showed better precision and accuracy at the highest Trolox concentration (40 microM) with RSD and recovery (REC) values of 1.7 and 101.0%, respectively. The method also showed good linearity for red wine [AUC = (787 +/- 77) + (690 +/- 60) [red wine, microL/mL]; R = 0.9926, n = 17], precision and accuracy with RSD values from 1.4 to 8.3%, and REC values that ranged from 89.7 to 103.8%. Red wines showed higher ORAC-PGR values than white wines, while the ORAC-PGR index of fruit juices and iced teas presented a wide range of results, from 0.6 to 21.6 mM of Trolox equivalents. Product-to-product variability was also observed for juices of the same fruit, showing the differences between brands on the ORAC-PGR index.

Capability of Sputtered Micro-patterned NiTi Thick Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bechtold, Christoph; Lima de Miranda, Rodrigo; Quandt, Eckhard

2015-09-01

Today, most NiTi devices are manufactured by a combination of conventional metal fabrication steps, e.g., melting, extrusion, cold working, etc., and are subsequently structured by high accuracy laser cutting. This combination has been proven to be very successful; however, there are several limitations to this fabrication route, e.g., in respect to the fabrication of more complex device designs, device miniaturization or the combination of different materials for the integration of further functionality. These issues have to be addressed in order to develop new devices and applications. The fabrication of micro-patterned films using magnetron sputtering, UV lithography, and wet etching has great potential to overcome limitations of conventional device manufacturing. Due to its fabrication characteristics, this method allows the production of devices with complex designs, high structural accuracy, smooth edge profile, at layer thicknesses up to 75 µm. The aim of this study is to present recent developments in the field of NiTi thin film technology, its advantages and limitations, as well as new possible applications in the medical and in non-medical fields. These developments include among others NiTi scaffold structures covered with NiTi membranes for their potential use as filters, heart valve components or aneurysm treatments, as well as micro-actuators for consumable electronics or automotive applications.

Green nanoparticle production using micro reactor technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kück, A.; Steinfeldt, M.; Prenzel, K.; Swiderek, P.; Gleich, A. v.; Thöming, J.

2011-07-01

The importance and potential of nanoparticles in daily life as well as in various industrial processes is becoming more predominant. Specifically, silver nanoparticles are increasingly applied, e.g. in clothes and wipes, due to their antibacterial properties. For applications in liquid phase it is advantageous to produce the nanoparticles directly in suspension. This article describes a green production of silver nanoparticles using micro reactor technology considering principles of green chemistry. The aim is to reveal the potential and constraints of this approach and to show, how economic and environmental costs vary depending on process conditions. For this purpose our research compares the proposed process with water-based batch synthesis and demonstrates improvements in terms of product quality. Because of the lower energy consumption and lower demand of cleaning agents, micro reactor is the best ecological choice.

Low-parachor solvents extraction and thermostated micro-thin-layer chromatography separation for fast screening and classification of spirulina from pharmaceutical formulations and food samples.

PubMed

Zarzycki, Paweł K; Zarzycka, Magdalena B; Clifton, Vicki L; Adamski, Jerzy; Głód, Bronisław K

2011-08-19

The goal of this paper is to demonstrate the separation and detection capability of eco-friendly micro-TLC technique for the classification of spirulina and selected herbs from pharmaceutical and food products. Target compounds were extracted using relatively low-parachor liquids. A number of the spirulina samples which originated from pharmaceutical formulations and food products, were isolated using a simple one step extraction with small volume of methanol, acetone or tetrahydrofuran. Herb samples rich in chlorophyll dyes were analyzed as reference materials. Quantitative data derived from micro-plates under visible light conditions and after iodine staining were explored using chemometrics tools including cluster analysis and principal components analysis. Using this method we could easily distinguish genuine spirulina and non-spirulina samples as well as fresh from expired commercial products and furthermore, we could identify some biodegradation peaks appearing on micro-TLC profiles. This methodology can be applied as a fast screening or fingerprinting tool for the classification of genuine spirulina and herb samples and in particular may be used commercially for the rapid quality control screening of products. Furthermore, this approach allows low-cost fractionation of target substances including cyanobacteria pigments in raw biological or environmental samples for preliminary chemotaxonomic investigations. Due to the low consumption of the mobile phase (usually less than 1 mL per run), this method can be considered as environmentally friendly analytical tool, which may be an alternative for fingerprinting protocols based on HPLC machines and simple separation systems involving planar micro-fluidic or micro-chip devices. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Task Is a Task Is a Task Is a Task... Or Is It? Researching Telecollaborative Teacher Competence Development--The Need for More Qualitative Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Müller-Hartmann, Andreas

2016-01-01

The concept of task has become central not only to an understanding of language learning per se, but also to the design and research of Online Intercultural Exchanges (OIEs). While research on the design of tasks in OIEs has been very productive, we still lack insights into how teachers develop competences in task design on the micro-level.…

Viability, Longevity, and Egg Production of Drosophila melanogaster Are Regulated by the miR-282 microRNA

PubMed Central

Vilmos, Péter; Bujna, Ágnes; Szuperák, Milán; Havelda, Zoltán; Várallyay, Éva; Szabad, János; Kucerova, Lucie; Somogyi, Kálmán; Kristó, Ildikó; Lukácsovich, Tamás; Jankovics, Ferenc; Henn, László; Erdélyi, Miklós

2013-01-01

The first microRNAs were discovered some 20 years ago, but only a small fraction of the microRNA-encoding genes have been described in detail yet. Here we report the molecular analysis of a computationally predicted Drosophila melanogaster microRNA gene, mir-282. We show that the mir-282 gene is the source of a 4.9-kb-long primary transcript with a 5′ cap and a 3′-poly(A) sequence and a mature microRNA of ∼25 bp. Our data strongly suggest the existence of an independent mir-282 gene conserved in holometabolic insects. We give evidence that the mir-282 locus encodes a functional transcript that influences viability, longevity, and egg production in Drosophila. We identify the nervous system-specific adenylate cyclase (rutabaga) as a target of miR-282 and assume that one of the main functions of mir-282 is the regulation of adenylate cyclase activity in the nervous system during metamorphosis. PMID:23852386

Tools and methods for automated assembly of miniaturized gear systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nienhaus, Matthias; Ehrfeld, Wolfgang; Berg, Udo; Schmitz, Felix; Soultan, H.

2000-10-01

The assembly of gear systems with the size of a pin head is almost beyond the bound of human tactile skills. The magic formula for series fabrication of this hybrid micro systems is the automation of the assembly process. As a contribution, this paper presents and discusses three different assembly methods comprising specifically developed tools for different types of planetary gears with outer diameters of 1.9 mm. Because of the huge importance for the complete micro assembly process, particular attention will be dedicated to the feeding and magazining of the micro gear components. Starting with metallic gear wheels as bulk good, an extremely miniaturized gear system of the Wolfram type has been automatically assembled by employing the strategy of tolerance compensation movement. As a key component, a modular tong gripper with specifically adapted gripping jaws produced by LIGA technology has been used. Further detailed investigations were spend on handling and assembly of micro injection moulded gear wheels made of POM for a three state planetary gear system. One strategy, following the idea of in situ observation, focuses on the intensive use of electronic pattern recognition. Alternatively, an unusual method based on a novel plastic wafer magazine will be discussed in detail. Hereby the exact position and orientation of injection moulded micro components will be presented from the manufacturing process up to the final micro assembly procedure. By simplifying the moulding of the micro gears as well as their handling, storing and assembly, this method has the potential to revolutionize the series fabrication of products with dimensions in the microscopic range in general.

Plant-based microRNA presences in mice and human sera to breast milk

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Plant foods contain hundreds of thousands of different small RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs). A microRNA (miRNA) is a tiny (19-24 nucleotide) piece of RNA that attaches to a specific protein-making mRNA, thus inhibiting protein production. A recent finding shows that a miRNA in rice survives dige...

Pre-stressed piezoelectric bimorph micro-actuators based on machined 40 µm PZT thick films: batch scale fabrication and integration with MEMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, S. A.; Jourdain, R. P.; Owens, S.

2010-09-01

The projected force-displacement capability of piezoelectric ceramic films in the 20-50 µm thickness range suggests that they are well suited to many micro-fluidic and micro-pneumatic applications. Furthermore when they are configured as bending actuators and operated at ~ 1 V µm - 1 they do not necessarily conform to the high-voltage, very low-displacement piezoelectric stereotype. Even so they are rarely found today in commercial micro-electromechanical devices, such as micro-pumps and micro-valves, and the main barriers to making them much more widely available would appear to be processing incompatibilities rather than commercial desirability. In particular, the issues associated with integration of these devices into MEMS at the production level are highly significant and they have perhaps received less attention in the mainstream than they deserve. This paper describes a fabrication route based on ultra-precision ceramic machining and full-wafer bonding for cost-effective batch scale production of thick film PZT bimorph micro-actuators and their integration with MEMS. The resulting actuators are pre-stressed (ceramic in compression) which gives them added performance, they are true bimorphs with bi-directional capability and they exhibit full bulk piezoelectric ceramic properties. The devices are designed to integrate with ancillary systems components using transfer-bonding techniques. The work forms part of the European Framework 6 Project 'Q2M—Quality to Micro'.

Microbial innovations in the world of food.

PubMed

Kawasaki, Hisashi; Ueda, Kenji

2017-01-01

Technological developments in Japan based on the results of microbial research were a major pillar supporting the postwar industrial revolution. The wellspring of these advancements was the sophisticated technology used in traditional brewing, a foundation of the characteristic Japanese food culture. In this manuscript, we will describe the fermentative production of amino acids and nucleic acids following the discovery of the umami component so distinct in Japanese cuisine, which finally revealed the true power of microbial production. Thereafter, we will describe acetic acid production stemming from brewed vinegar production and the fermentative production of some other organic acids. Finally, we will delve into the massive scale of innovations achieved by the discovery of valuable micro-organisms and how they have affected the field of food.

Automatic tracking of red blood cells in micro channels using OpenCV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodrigues, Vânia; Rodrigues, Pedro J.; Pereira, Ana I.; Lima, Rui

2013-10-01

The present study aims to developan automatic method able to track red blood cells (RBCs) trajectories flowing through a microchannel using the Open Source Computer Vision (OpenCV). The developed method is based on optical flux calculation assisted by the maximization of the template-matching product. The experimental results show a good functional performance of this method.

Testing Aspects of the Usability of an Online Learner Dictionary Prototype: A Product- and Process-Oriented Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hamel, Marie-Josee

2012-01-01

This article reports on a study which took place in the context of the design and development of an online dictionary prototype for learners of French. Aspects of the "usability", i.e. the quality of the "learner-task-dictionary interaction" of the prototype were tested. Micro-tasks were designed to focus on learners'…

Role of microRNAs involved in plant response to nitrogen and phosphorous limiting conditions

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Giao N.; Rothstein, Steven J.; Spangenberg, German; Kant, Surya

2015-01-01

Plant microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs which target and regulate the expression of genes involved in several growth, development, and metabolism processes. Recent researches have shown involvement of miRNAs in the regulation of uptake and utilization of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) and more importantly for plant adaptation to N and P limitation conditions by modifications in plant growth, phenology, and architecture and production of secondary metabolites. Developing strategies that allow for the higher efficiency of using both N and P fertilizers in crop production is important for economic and environmental benefits. Improved crop varieties with better adaptation to N and P limiting conditions could be a key approach to achieve this effectively. Furthermore, understanding on the interactions between N and P uptake and use and their regulation is important for the maintenance of nutrient homeostasis in plants. This review describes the possible functions of different miRNAs and their cross-talk relevant to the plant adaptive responses to N and P limiting conditions. In addition, a comprehensive understanding of these processes at molecular level and importance of biological adaptation for improved N and P use efficiency is discussed. PMID:26322069

Role of microRNAs involved in plant response to nitrogen and phosphorous limiting conditions.

PubMed

Nguyen, Giao N; Rothstein, Steven J; Spangenberg, German; Kant, Surya

2015-01-01

Plant microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs which target and regulate the expression of genes involved in several growth, development, and metabolism processes. Recent researches have shown involvement of miRNAs in the regulation of uptake and utilization of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) and more importantly for plant adaptation to N and P limitation conditions by modifications in plant growth, phenology, and architecture and production of secondary metabolites. Developing strategies that allow for the higher efficiency of using both N and P fertilizers in crop production is important for economic and environmental benefits. Improved crop varieties with better adaptation to N and P limiting conditions could be a key approach to achieve this effectively. Furthermore, understanding on the interactions between N and P uptake and use and their regulation is important for the maintenance of nutrient homeostasis in plants. This review describes the possible functions of different miRNAs and their cross-talk relevant to the plant adaptive responses to N and P limiting conditions. In addition, a comprehensive understanding of these processes at molecular level and importance of biological adaptation for improved N and P use efficiency is discussed.

Symposium on 'nutritional effects of new processing technologies'. New processing technologies: an overview.

PubMed

Gould, G W

2001-11-01

Most food-preservation techniques act by slowing down or completely inhibiting the growth of micro-organisms. Few techniques act by inactivating them. While heat remains the technique most extensively used for inactivation, there has been increasing interest recently in the development of alternative approaches in response to the desires of consumers for products which are less organoleptically and nutritionally damaged during processing and less reliant on additives than previously. The new approaches, therefore, mostly involve technologies that offer full or partial alternatives to heat for the inactivation of bacteria, yeasts and moulds. They include the application to foods of high hydrostatic pressure, high-voltage electric discharges, high-intensity laser and non-coherent light pulses, 'manothermosonication' (the combination of mild heating with ultrasonication and slightly-raised pressure), and high-magnetic-field pulses. In addition, a number of naturally-occurring antimicrobials, including lysozyme and low-molecular-weight products of micro-organisms are finding increasing use. High pressure is being used commercially to non-thermally pasteurize a number of foods, while the other physical procedures are in various stages of development and commercial evaluation. Possible nutritional consequences have so far been given little attention compared with microbiological ones.

A microRNA, mir133b, suppresses melanopsin expression mediated by failure dopaminergic amacrine cells in RCS rats.

PubMed

Li, Yaochen; Li, Chunshi; Chen, Zhongshan; He, Jianrong; Tao, Zui; Yin, Zheng Qin

2012-03-01

The photopigment melanopsin and melanopsin-containing RGCs (mRGCs or ipRGCs) represent a brand-new and exciting direction in the field of visual field. Although the melanopsin is much less sensitive to light and has far less spatial resolution, mRGCs have the unique ability to project to brain areas by the retinohypothalamic tract (RHT) and communicate directly with the brain. Unfortunately, melanopsin presents lower expression levels in many acute and chronic retinal diseases. The molecular mechanisms underlying melanopsin expression are not yet really understood. MicroRNAs play important roles in the control of development. Most importantly, the link of microRNA biology to a diverse set of cellular processes, ranging from proliferation, apoptosis and malignant transformation to neuronal development and fate specification is emerging. We employed Royal College of Surgeon (RCS) rats as animal model to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism regulating melanopsin expression using a panel of miRNA by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We identified a microRNA, mir133b, that is specifically expressed in retinal dopaminergic amacrine cells as well as markedly increased expression at early stage during retinal degeneration in RCS rats. The overexpression of mir133b downregulates the important transcription factor Pitx3 expression in dopaminergic amacrine cells in RCS rats retinas and makes amacrine cells stratification deficit in IPL. Furthermore, deficient dopaminergic amacrine cells presented decreased TH expression and dopamine production, which lead to a failure to direct mRGCs dendrite to stratify and enter INL and lead to the reduced correct connections between amacrine cells and mRGCs. Our study suggested that overexpression of mir133b and downregulated Pitx3 suppress maturation and function of dopaminergic amacrine cells, and overexpression of mir133b decreased TH and D2 receptor expression as well as dopamine production, which finally resulted in reduced melanopsin expression. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Individualized Communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

IntelliWeb and IntelliPrint, products from MicroMass Communications, utilize C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS), a development and delivery expert systems tool developed at Johnson Space Center. IntelliWeb delivers personalized messages by dynamically creating single web pages or entire web sites based on information provided by each website visitor. IntelliPrint is a product designed to create tailored, individualized messages via printed media. The software uses proprietary technology to generate printed messages that are personally relevant and tailored to meet each individual's needs. Intelliprint is in use in many operations including Brystol-Myers Squibb's personalized newsletter, "Living at Your Best," geared to each recipient based on a health and lifestyle survey taken earlier; and SmithKline Beecham's "Nicorette Committed Quitters Program," in which customized motivational materials support participants in their attempt to quit smoking.

Economic value of big game habitat production from natural and prescribed fire

Treesearch

Armando Gonzalez-Caban; John B. Loomis; Dana Griffin; Elen Wu; Daniel McCollum; Jane McKeever; Diane Freeman

2003-01-01

A macro time-series model and a micro GIS model were used to estimate a production function relating deer harvest response to prescribed fire, holding constant other environmental variables. The macro time-series model showed a marginal increase in deer harvested of 33 for an increase of 1,100 acres of prescribed burn. The marginal deer increase for the micro GIS model...

MicroRNAs Are Involved in the Regulation of Ovary Development in the Pathogenic Blood Fluke Schistosoma japonicum.

PubMed

Zhu, Lihui; Zhao, Jiangping; Wang, Jianbin; Hu, Chao; Peng, Jinbiao; Luo, Rong; Zhou, Chunjing; Liu, Juntao; Lin, Jiaojiao; Jin, Youxin; Davis, Richard E; Cheng, Guofeng

2016-02-01

Schistosomes, blood flukes, are an important global public health concern. Paired adult female schistosomes produce large numbers of eggs that are primarily responsible for the disease pathology and critical for dissemination. Consequently, understanding schistosome sexual maturation and egg production may open novel perspectives for intervening with these processes to prevent clinical symptoms and to interrupt the life-cycle of these blood-flukes. microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of many biological processes including development, cell proliferation, metabolism, and signal transduction. Here, we report on the identification of Schistosoma japonicum miRNAs using small RNA deep sequencing in the key stages of male-female pairing, gametogenesis, and egg production. We identified 38 miRNAs, including 10 previously unknown miRNAs. Eighteen of the miRNAs were differentially expressed between male and female schistosomes and during different stages of sexual maturation. We identified 30 potential target genes for 16 of the S. japonicum miRNAs using antibody-based pull-down assays and bioinformatic analyses. We further validated some of these target genes using either in vitro luciferase assays or in vivo miRNA suppression experiments. Notably, suppression of the female enriched miRNAs bantam and miR-31 led to morphological alteration of ovaries in female schistosomes. These findings uncover key roles for specific miRNAs in schistosome sexual maturation and egg production.

MicroRNAs Are Involved in the Regulation of Ovary Development in the Pathogenic Blood Fluke Schistosoma japonicum

PubMed Central

Hu, Chao; Peng, Jinbiao; Luo, Rong; Zhou, Chunjing; Liu, Juntao; Lin, Jiaojiao; Jin, Youxin; Davis, Richard E.; Cheng, Guofeng

2016-01-01

Schistosomes, blood flukes, are an important global public health concern. Paired adult female schistosomes produce large numbers of eggs that are primarily responsible for the disease pathology and critical for dissemination. Consequently, understanding schistosome sexual maturation and egg production may open novel perspectives for intervening with these processes to prevent clinical symptoms and to interrupt the life-cycle of these blood-flukes. microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of many biological processes including development, cell proliferation, metabolism, and signal transduction. Here, we report on the identification of Schistosoma japonicum miRNAs using small RNA deep sequencing in the key stages of male-female pairing, gametogenesis, and egg production. We identified 38 miRNAs, including 10 previously unknown miRNAs. Eighteen of the miRNAs were differentially expressed between male and female schistosomes and during different stages of sexual maturation. We identified 30 potential target genes for 16 of the S. japonicum miRNAs using antibody-based pull-down assays and bioinformatic analyses. We further validated some of these target genes using either in vitro luciferase assays or in vivo miRNA suppression experiments. Notably, suppression of the female enriched miRNAs bantam and miR-31 led to morphological alteration of ovaries in female schistosomes. These findings uncover key roles for specific miRNAs in schistosome sexual maturation and egg production. PMID:26871705

Development of a PPT for the EO-1 Spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benson, Scott W.; Arrington, Lynn A.; Hoskins, W. Andrew; Meckel, Nicole J.

2000-01-01

A Pulsed Plasma Thruster (PPT) has been developed for use in a technology demonstration flight experiment on the Earth Observing 1 (EO-1) New Millennium Program mission. The thruster replaces the spacecraft pitch axis momentum wheel for control and momentum management during an experiment of a minimum three-day duration. The EO-1 PPT configuration is a combination of new technology and design heritage from similar systems flown in the 1970's and 1980's. Acceptance testing of the protoflight unit has validated readiness for flight, and integration with the spacecraft, including initial combined testing, has been completed. The thruster provides a range of capability from 90 microN-sec impulse bit at 650 sec specific impulse for 12 W input power, through 860 microN-sec impulse bit at 1400 see specific impulse for 70 W input power. Development of this thruster reinitiates technology research and development and re-establishes an industry base for production of flight hardware. This paper reviews the EO-1 PPT development, including technology selection, design and fabrication, acceptance testing, and initial spacecraft integration and test.

[Influence of microbiological quality of lactic acid cheese on water phase in conditions of hermetic packing].

PubMed

Steinka, Izabela

2005-01-01

Aim of research was to assess the influence of lactic acid cheese micro-flora on water phase fluctuation between surface of products and the packaging. Results of research showed that changes of water content could be expressed with the help of polynomial cubic equation. From linear correlation equations describing level of micro-flora in lactic acid cheese and water content it resulted micro-organisms had a significant influence on the water phase fluctuation. Values of determined coefficients of determination suggested that yeast, enterococci and staphylococci had a significant influence on water fluctuation between product and the packaging.

Topographic design and application of hierarchical polymer surfaces replicated by microinjection compression molding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Wei-Sheng; Huang, Han-Xiong; Wang, Bin

2013-10-01

In recent years, the fast growing demand for biomimetic surfaces featuring unique wettability and functionality in various fields highlights the necessity of developing a reliable technique for mass production. In this work, hierarchical topography designs of templates were applied to prepare superhydrophobic surfaces via microinjection compression molding, comprehensively considering the feasibility of mechanical demolding and the superhydrophobicity and mechanical robustness of the molded polypropylene parts. Mimicking the wettability of a lotus leaf or rose petal, superhydrophobic surfaces were replicated. An unstable wetting state formed on the surface exhibiting the petal effect. On such a surface, the increased water pressure could cause water penetration into the micro gaps between the hierarchical asperities featuring low-roughness sidewalls and bottom surface; the resultant water membrane led to drastically increased water adhesion of the surface. Moreover, the low-adhesion superhydrophobicity of the molded surface was changed into superhydrophilicity, by means of introducing carbonyl groups via ultraviolet/ozone treatment and the subsequent water membrane preserved in microstructures via the pre-wetting process. Patterning the superhydrophilic micro channel on the superhydrophobic surface developed the surface microfluidic devices for micro-liter fluid pumping and mixing processes driven by surface tension.

Novel anti-infective compounds from marine bacteria.

PubMed

Rahman, Hafizur; Austin, Brian; Mitchell, Wilfrid J; Morris, Peter C; Jamieson, Derek J; Adams, David R; Spragg, Andrew Mearns; Schweizer, Michael

2010-03-05

As a result of the continuous evolution of microbial pathogens towards antibiotic-resistance, there have been demands for the development of new and effective antimicrobial compounds. Since the 1960s, the scientific literature has accumulated many publications about novel pharmaceutical compounds produced by a diverse range of marine bacteria. Indeed, marine micro-organisms continue to be a productive and successful focus for natural products research, with many newly isolated compounds possessing potentially valuable pharmacological activities. In this regard, the marine environment will undoubtedly prove to be an increasingly important source of novel antimicrobial metabolites, and selective or targeted approaches are already enabling the recovery of a significant number of antibiotic-producing micro-organisms. The aim of this review is to consider advances made in the discovery of new secondary metabolites derived from marine bacteria, and in particular those effective against the so called "superbugs", including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE), which are largely responsible for the increase in numbers of hospital acquired, i.e., nosocomial, infections.

BAE Systems' 17μm LWIR camera core for civil, commercial, and military applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jeffrey; Rodriguez, Christian; Blackwell, Richard

2013-06-01

Seventeen (17) µm pixel Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) Sensors based on vanadium oxide (VOx) micro-bolometers have been in full rate production at BAE Systems' Night Vision Sensors facility in Lexington, MA for the past five years.[1] We introduce here a commercial camera core product, the Airia-MTM imaging module, in a VGA format that reads out in 30 and 60Hz progressive modes. The camera core is architected to conserve power with all digital interfaces from the readout integrated circuit through video output. The architecture enables a variety of input/output interfaces including Camera Link, USB 2.0, micro-display drivers and optional RS-170 analog output supporting legacy systems. The modular board architecture of the electronics facilitates hardware upgrades allow us to capitalize on the latest high performance low power electronics developed for the mobile phones. Software and firmware is field upgradeable through a USB 2.0 port. The USB port also gives users access to up to 100 digitally stored (lossless) images.

Gene Expression Analysis of Forskolin Treated Basilar Papillae Identifies MicroRNA181a as a Mediator of Proliferation

PubMed Central

Frucht, Corey S.; Uduman, Mohamed; Duke, Jamie L.; Kleinstein, Steven H.; Santos-Sacchi, Joseph; Navaratnam, Dhasakumar S.

2010-01-01

Background Auditory hair cells spontaneously regenerate following injury in birds but not mammals. A better understanding of the molecular events underlying hair cell regeneration in birds may allow for identification and eventually manipulation of relevant pathways in mammals to stimulate regeneration and restore hearing in deaf patients. Methodology/Principal Findings Gene expression was profiled in forskolin treated (i.e., proliferating) and quiescent control auditory epithelia of post-hatch chicks using an Affymetrix whole-genome chicken array after 24 (n = 6), 48 (n = 6), and 72 (n = 12) hours in culture. In the forskolin-treated epithelia there was significant (p<0.05; >two-fold change) upregulation of many genes thought to be relevant to cell cycle control and inner ear development. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed on the data and identified myriad microRNAs that are likely to be upregulated in the regenerating tissue, including microRNA181a (miR181a), which is known to mediate proliferation in other systems. Functional experiments showed that miR181a overexpression is sufficient to stimulate proliferation within the basilar papilla, as assayed by BrdU incorporation. Further, some of the newly produced cells express the early hair cell marker myosin VI, suggesting that miR181a transfection can result in the production of new hair cells. Conclusions/Significance These studies have identified a single microRNA, miR181a, that can cause proliferation in the chicken auditory epithelium with production of new hair cells. PMID:20634979

On-chip micro-power: three-dimensional structures for micro-batteries and micro-supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beidaghi, Majid; Wang, Chunlei

2010-04-01

With the miniaturization of portable electronic devices, there is a demand for micro-power source which can be integrated on the semiconductor chips. Various micro-batteries have been developed in recent years to generate or store the energy that is needed by microsystems. Micro-supercapacitors are also developed recently to couple with microbatteries and energy harvesting microsystems and provide the peak power. Increasing the capacity per footprint area of micro-batteries and micro-supercapacitors is a great challenge. One promising route is the manufacturing of three dimensional (3D) structures for these micro-devices. In this paper, the recent advances in fabrication of 3D structure for micro-batteries and micro-supercapacitors are briefly reviewed.

Micro guidance and control synthesis: New components, architectures, and capabilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mettler, Edward; Hadaegh, Fred Y.

1993-01-01

New GN&C (guidance, navigation and control) system capabilities are shown to arise from component innovations that involve the synergistic use of microminiature sensors and actuators, microelectronics, and fiber optics. Micro-GN&C system and component concepts are defined that include micro-actuated adaptive optics, micromachined inertial sensors, fiber-optic data nets and light-power transmission, and VLSI microcomputers. The thesis is advanced that these micro-miniaturization products are capable of having a revolutionary impact on space missions and systems, and that GN&C is the pathfinder micro-technology application that can bring that about.

Relevance of microbial coculture fermentations in biotechnology.

PubMed

Bader, J; Mast-Gerlach, E; Popović, M K; Bajpai, R; Stahl, U

2010-08-01

The purpose of this article is to review coculture fermentations in industrial biotechnology. Examples for the advantageous utilization of cocultures instead of single cultivations include the production of bulk chemicals, enzymes, food additives, antimicrobial substances and microbial fuel cells. Coculture fermentations may result in increased yield, improved control of product qualities and the possibility of utilizing cheaper substrates. Cocultivation of different micro-organisms may also help to identify and develop new biotechnological substances. The relevance of coculture fermentations and the potential of improving existing processes as well as the production of new chemical compounds in industrial biotechnology are pointed out here by means of more than 35 examples.

Effect of a cecropin-like synthetic peptide (Shiva-3) on the sporogonic development of Plasmodium berghei.

PubMed

Rodriguez, M C; Zamudio, F; Torres, J A; Gonzalez-Ceron, L; Possani, L D; Rodriguez, M H

1995-06-01

The effect of a synthetic cecropin-like peptide, Shiva-3, on in vitro ookinete development and on the early sporogonic stages of Plasmodium berghei in the midgut of Anopheles albimanus was investigated. Peptide concentrations of 75 and 100 microM were effective (P < 0.05) in reducing ookinete production and the number of infected mosquitoes in almost all experiments. These peptide concentrations in the midgut were not toxic for the survival of the mosquitoes. Complete inhibition was obtained if 100 microM Shiva-3 was applied in the first 8 hr of parasite development. The deleterious effect of the peptide on the parasite was effective after exposure for as short as 50 sec and the permanence of free peptide in the mosquito midgut was estimated to be of a minimum of 5 min. These observations indicate the possibility of using Shiva-like peptide genes to engineering malaria-resistant vectors as an alternative in malaria control strategies.

Multiphase and multiscale approaches for modelling the injection of textured moulds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakhoul, Rebecca; Laure, Patrice; Silva, Luisa; Vincent, Michel

2016-10-01

Micro-injection moulding is frequently used for the mass production of devices in micro-medical technologies, micro-optics and micro-mechanics. This work focuses mainly on offering numerical tools to model the injection of micro-textured moulds. Such tools can predict the different filling scenarios of the micro-details and consequently offer optimal operating conditions (mould and melt temperatures, melt flow, stresses, etc.) to analyse the final part quality. To do so, a full Eulerian approach is used to model the injection of textured moulds at both the macroscopic and microscopic scales as usual industrial software cannot handle the filling of micro details. Since heat transfers with the mould are very relevant due to high cooling rates, the coupling between micro- and macro- simulations is primordial to insure a complete and accurate representation of textured mould injection.

High-throughput amplification of mature microRNAs in uncharacterized animal models using polyadenylated RNA and stem-loop reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

PubMed

Biggar, Kyle K; Wu, Cheng-Wei; Storey, Kenneth B

2014-10-01

This study makes a significant advancement on a microRNA amplification technique previously used for expression analysis and sequencing in animal models without annotated mature microRNA sequences. As research progresses into the post-genomic era of microRNA prediction and analysis, the need for a rapid and cost-effective method for microRNA amplification is critical to facilitate wide-scale analysis of microRNA expression. To facilitate this requirement, we have reoptimized the design of amplification primers and introduced a polyadenylation step to allow amplification of all mature microRNAs from a single RNA sample. Importantly, this method retains the ability to sequence reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) products, validating microRNA-specific amplification. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Preliminary assessment of Malaysian micro-algae strains for the production of bio jet fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, J. T.; Mustafa, E. M.; Vello, V.; Lim, P.; Nik Sulaiman, N. M.; Majid, N. Abdul; Phang, S.; Tahir, P. Md.; Liew, K.

2016-10-01

Malaysia is the main hub in South-East Asia and has one of the highest air traffic movements in the region. Being rich in biodiversity, Malaysia has long been touted as country rich in biodiversity and therefore, attracts great interests as a place to setup bio-refineries and produce bio-fuels such as biodiesel, bio-petrol, green diesel, and bio-jet fuel Kerosene Jet A-1. Micro-algae is poised to alleviate certain disadvantages seen in first generation and second generation feedstock. In this study, the objective is to seek out potential micro-algae species in Malaysia to determine which are suitable to be used as the feedstock to enable bio-jet fuel production in Malaysia. From 79 samples collected over 30 sites throughout Malaysia, six species were isolated and compared for their biomass productivity and lipid content. Their lipid contents were then used to derived the require amount of micro-algae biomass to yield 1 kg of certifiable jet fuel via the HEFA process, and to meet a scenario where Malaysia implements a 2% alternative (bio-) jet fuel requirement.

Observation of exclusive charmonium production and gammagamma --> micro;{+}micro;{-} in pp[over] collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV.

PubMed

Aaltonen, T; Adelman, J; Akimoto, T; Albrow, M G; Alvarez González, B; Amerio, S; Amidei, D; Anastassov, A; Annovi, A; Antos, J; Apollinari, G; Apresyan, A; Arisawa, T; Artikov, A; Ashmanskas, W; Attal, A; Aurisano, A; Azfar, F; Azzurri, P; Badgett, W; Barbaro-Galtieri, A; Barnes, V E; Barnett, B A; Bartsch, V; Bauer, G; Beauchemin, P-H; Bedeschi, F; Beecher, D; Behari, S; Bellettini, G; Bellinger, J; Benjamin, D; Beretvas, A; Beringer, J; Bhatti, A; Binkley, M; Bisello, D; Bizjak, I; Blair, R E; Blocker, C; Blumenfeld, B; Bocci, A; Bodek, A; Boisvert, V; Bolla, G; Bortoletto, D; Boudreau, J; Boveia, A; Brau, B; Bridgeman, A; Brigliadori, L; Bromberg, C; Brubaker, E; Budagov, J; Budd, H S; Budd, S; Burke, S; Burkett, K; Busetto, G; Bussey, P; Buzatu, A; Byrum, K L; Cabrera, S; Calancha, C; Campanelli, M; Campbell, M; Canelli, F; Canepa, A; Carls, B; Carlsmith, D; Carosi, R; Carrillo, S; Carron, S; Casal, B; Casarsa, M; Castro, A; Catastini, P; Cauz, D; Cavaliere, V; Cavalli-Sforza, M; Cerri, A; Cerrito, L; Chang, S H; Chen, Y C; Chertok, M; Chiarelli, G; Chlachidze, G; Chlebana, F; Cho, K; Chokheli, D; Chou, J P; Choudalakis, G; Chuang, S H; Chung, K; Chung, W H; Chung, Y S; Chwalek, T; Ciobanu, C I; Ciocci, M A; Clark, A; Clark, D; Compostella, G; Convery, M E; Conway, J; Cordelli, M; Cortiana, G; Cox, C A; Cox, D J; Crescioli, F; Cuenca Almenar, C; Cuevas, J; Culbertson, R; Cully, J C; Dagenhart, D; Datta, M; Davies, T; de Barbaro, P; De Cecco, S; Deisher, A; De Lorenzo, G; Dell'orso, M; Deluca, C; Demortier, L; Deng, J; Deninno, M; Derwent, P F; di Giovanni, G P; Dionisi, C; Di Ruzza, B; Dittmann, J R; D'Onofrio, M; Donati, S; Dong, P; Donini, J; Dorigo, T; Dube, S; Efron, J; Elagin, A; Erbacher, R; Errede, D; Errede, S; Eusebi, R; Fang, H C; Farrington, S; Fedorko, W T; Feild, R G; Feindt, M; Fernandez, J P; Ferrazza, C; Field, R; Flanagan, G; Forrest, R; Frank, M J; Franklin, M; Freeman, J C; Furic, I; Gallinaro, M; Galyardt, J; Garberson, F; Garcia, J E; Garfinkel, A F; Genser, K; Gerberich, H; Gerdes, D; Gessler, A; Giagu, S; Giakoumopoulou, V; Giannetti, P; Gibson, K; Gimmell, J L; Ginsburg, C M; Giokaris, N; Giordani, M; Giromini, P; Giunta, M; Giurgiu, G; Glagolev, V; Glenzinski, D; Gold, M; Goldschmidt, N; Golossanov, A; Gomez, G; Gomez-Ceballos, G; Goncharov, M; González, O; Gorelov, I; Goshaw, A T; Goulianos, K; Gresele, A; Grinstein, S; Grosso-Pilcher, C; Grundler, U; Guimaraes da Costa, J; Gunay-Unalan, Z; Haber, C; Hahn, K; Hahn, S R; Halkiadakis, E; Hamilton, A; Han, B-Y; Han, J Y; Happacher, F; Hara, K; Hare, D; Hare, M; Harper, S; Harr, R F; Harris, R M; Hartz, M; Hatakeyama, K; Hays, C; Heck, M; Heijboer, A; Heinrich, J; Henderson, C; Herndon, M; Heuser, J; Hewamanage, S; Hidas, D; Hill, C S; Hirschbuehl, D; Hocker, A; Hou, S; Houlden, M; Hsu, S-C; Huffman, B T; Hughes, R E; Husemann, U; Hussein, M; Huston, J; Incandela, J; Introzzi, G; Iori, M; Ivanov, A; James, E; Jang, D; Jayatilaka, B; Jeon, E J; Jha, M K; Jindariani, S; Johnson, W; Jones, M; Joo, K K; Jun, S Y; Jung, J E; Junk, T R; Kamon, T; Kar, D; Karchin, P E; Kato, Y; Kephart, R; Keung, J; Khotilovich, V; Kilminster, B; Kim, D H; Kim, H S; Kim, H W; Kim, J E; Kim, M J; Kim, S B; Kim, S H; Kim, Y K; Kimura, N; Kirsch, L; Klimenko, S; Knuteson, B; Ko, B R; Kondo, K; Kong, D J; Konigsberg, J; Korytov, A; Kotwal, A V; Kreps, M; Kroll, J; Krop, D; Krumnack, N; Kruse, M; Krutelyov, V; Kubo, T; Kuhr, T; Kulkarni, N P; Kurata, M; Kwang, S; Laasanen, A T; Lami, S; Lammel, S; Lancaster, M; Lander, R L; Lannon, K; Lath, A; Latino, G; Lazzizzera, I; Lecompte, T; Lee, E; Lee, H S; Lee, S W; Leone, S; Lewis, J D; Lin, C-S; Linacre, J; Lindgren, M; Lipeles, E; Lister, A; Litvintsev, D O; Liu, C; Liu, T; Lockyer, N S; Loginov, A; Loreti, M; Lovas, L; Lucchesi, D; Luci, C; Lueck, J; Lujan, P; Lukens, P; Lungu, G; Lyons, L; Lys, J; Lysak, R; Macqueen, D; Madrak, R; Maeshima, K; Makhoul, K; Maki, T; Maksimovic, P; Malde, S; Malik, S; Manca, G; Manousakis-Katsikakis, A; Margaroli, F; Marino, C; Marino, C P; Martin, A; Martin, V; Martínez, M; Martínez-Ballarín, R; Maruyama, T; Mastrandrea, P; Masubuchi, T; Mathis, M; Mattson, M E; Mazzanti, P; McFarland, K S; McIntyre, P; McNulty, R; Mehta, A; Mehtala, P; Menzione, A; Merkel, P; Mesropian, C; Miao, T; Miladinovic, N; Miller, R; Mills, C; Milnik, M; Mitra, A; Mitselmakher, G; Miyake, H; Moggi, N; Moon, C S; Moore, R; Morello, M J; Morlock, J; Movilla Fernandez, P; Mülmenstädt, J; Mukherjee, A; Muller, Th; Mumford, R; Murat, P; Mussini, M; Nachtman, J; Nagai, Y; Nagano, A; Naganoma, J; Nakamura, K; Nakano, I; Napier, A; Necula, V; Nett, J; Neu, C; Neubauer, M S; Neubauer, S; Nielsen, J; Nodulman, L; Norman, M; Norniella, O; Nurse, E; Oakes, L; Oh, S H; Oh, Y D; Oksuzian, I; Okusawa, T; Orava, R; Osterberg, K; Pagan Griso, S; Palencia, E; Papadimitriou, V; Papaikonomou, A; Paramonov, A A; Parks, B; Pashapour, S; Patrick, J; Pauletta, G; Paulini, M; Paus, C; Peiffer, T; Pellett, D E; Penzo, A; Phillips, T J; Piacentino, G; Pianori, E; Pinera, L; Pinfold, J; Pitts, K; Plager, C; Pondrom, L; Poukhov, O; Pounder, N; Prakoshyn, F; Pronko, A; Proudfoot, J; Ptohos, F; Pueschel, E; Punzi, G; Pursley, J; Rademacker, J; Rahaman, A; Ramakrishnan, V; Ranjan, N; Redondo, I; Renton, P; Renz, M; Rescigno, M; Richter, S; Rimondi, F; Ristori, L; Robson, A; Rodrigo, T; Rodriguez, T; Rogers, E; Rolli, S; Roser, R; Rossi, M; Rossin, R; Roy, P; Ruiz, A; Russ, J; Rusu, V; Saarikko, H; Safonov, A; Sakumoto, W K; Saltó, O; Santi, L; Sarkar, S; Sartori, L; Sato, K; Savoy-Navarro, A; Schlabach, P; Schmidt, A; Schmidt, E E; Schmidt, M A; Schmidt, M P; Schmitt, M; Schwarz, T; Scodellaro, L; Scribano, A; Scuri, F; Sedov, A; Seidel, S; Seiya, Y; Semenov, A; Sexton-Kennedy, L; Sforza, F; Sfyrla, A; Shalhout, S Z; Shears, T; Shepard, P F; Shimojima, M; Shiraishi, S; Shochet, M; Shon, Y; Shreyber, I; Sidoti, A; Sinervo, P; Sisakyan, A; Slaughter, A J; Slaunwhite, J; Sliwa, K; Smith, J R; Snider, F D; Snihur, R; Soha, A; Somalwar, S; Sorin, V; Spalding, J; Spreitzer, T; Squillacioti, P; Stanitzki, M; St Denis, R; Stelzer, B; Stelzer-Chilton, O; Stentz, D; Strologas, J; Strycker, G L; Stuart, D; Suh, J S; Sukhanov, A; Suslov, I; Suzuki, T; Taffard, A; Takashima, R; Takeuchi, Y; Tanaka, R; Tecchio, M; Teng, P K; Terashi, K; Thom, J; Thompson, A S; Thompson, G A; Thomson, E; Tipton, P; Ttito-Guzmán, P; Tkaczyk, S; Toback, D; Tokar, S; Tollefson, K; Tomura, T; Tonelli, D; Torre, S; Torretta, D; Totaro, P; Tourneur, S; Trovato, M; Tsai, S-Y; Tu, Y; Turini, N; Ukegawa, F; Vallecorsa, S; van Remortel, N; Varganov, A; Vataga, E; Vázquez, F; Velev, G; Vellidis, C; Vidal, M; Vidal, R; Vila, I; Vilar, R; Vine, T; Vogel, M; Volobouev, I; Volpi, G; Wagner, P; Wagner, R G; Wagner, R L; Wagner, W; Wagner-Kuhr, J; Wakisaka, T; Wallny, R; Wang, S M; Warburton, A; Waters, D; Weinberger, M; Weinelt, J; Wester, W C; Whitehouse, B; Whiteson, D; Wicklund, A B; Wicklund, E; Wilbur, S; Williams, G; Williams, H H; Wilson, P; Winer, B L; Wittich, P; Wolbers, S; Wolfe, C; Wright, T; Wu, X; Würthwein, F; Xie, S; Yagil, A; Yamamoto, K; Yamaoka, J; Yang, U K; Yang, Y C; Yao, W M; Yeh, G P; Yoh, J; Yorita, K; Yoshida, T; Yu, G B; Yu, I; Yu, S S; Yun, J C; Zanello, L; Zanetti, A; Zhang, L; Zhang, X; Zheng, Y; Zucchelli, S

2009-06-19

In CDF we have observed the reactions p + p[over] --> p + X + p[over], with X being a centrally produced J/psi, psi(2S), or chi_{c0}, and gammagamma-->micro;{+}micro;{-} in pp[over] collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV. The event signature requires two oppositely charged central muons, and either no other particles or one additional photon detected. Exclusive vector meson production is as expected for elastic photoproduction, gamma + p --> J/psi(psi(2S)) + p, observed here for the first time in hadron-hadron collisions. We also observe exclusive chi_{c0} --> J/psi + gamma. The cross sections dsigma/dy|_{y = 0} for J/psi, psi(2S), and chi_{c0} are 3.92 +/- 0.25(stat) +/- 0.52(syst) nb, 0.53 +/- 0.09(stat) +/- 0.10(syst) nb, and 76 +/- 10(stat) +/- 10(syst) nb, respectively, and the continuum is consistent with QED. We put an upper limit on the cross section for Odderon exchange in exclusive J/psi production.

Electropolar effects on anaerobic fermentation of lignocellulosic materials in novel single-electrode cells.

PubMed

Qu, Guangfei; Qiu, Weixia; Liu, Yuhuan; Zhong, Dongwei; Ning, Ping

2014-05-01

As a promising renewable energy technology, anaerobic fermentation is consistently limited by low production and calorific value of biogas, along with the difficulty of lignocellulose degradation. The effects of polarity and micro-voltage on anaerobic fermentation from lignocellulosic materials were investigated in single-electrode fermenter to explore cost-efficient technology. The results illustrated that the biogas production and quality were significantly affected by electric polarity. And cathode-assisted fermentation led to more positive effects than anode-assisted. Compared with results in control group without electrode, the average biogas and methane yield under cathodic micro-voltage (-250 mV) were astonishingly improved by 2.82 and 2.44 mL g(-1)d(-1) respectively. Meanwhile, the degradation ratios of lignin and cellulose were also improved by 23.11% and 19.46%. It demonstrated that single micro-voltage can not only promote lignocellulose degradation but biogas production and calorific value. These micro-voltage effects on fermentation process also provided great opportunity to breakthrough the present limitation of lignocellulosic materials fermentation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Early zebrafish development: It’s in the maternal genes

PubMed Central

Abrams, Elliott W.; Mullins, Mary C.

2009-01-01

Summary The earliest stages of embryonic development in all animals examined rely on maternal gene products that are generated during oogenesis and supplied to the egg. The period of maternal control of embryonic development varies among animals according to the onset of zygotic transcription and the persistence of maternal gene products. This maternal regulation has been little studied in vertebrates, due to the difficulty in manipulating maternal gene function and lack of basic molecular information. However, recent maternal-effect screens in the zebrafish have generated more than 40 unique mutants that are providing new molecular entry points to the maternal control of early vertebrate development. Here we discuss recent studies of 12 zebrafish mutant genes that illuminate the maternal molecular controls on embryonic development, including advances in the regulation of animal-vegetal polarity, egg activation, cleavage development, body plan formation, tissue morphogenesis, microRNA function and germ cell development. PMID:19608405

MicroRNA-7 Promotes Glycolysis to Protect against 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced Cell Death.

PubMed

Chaudhuri, Amrita Datta; Kabaria, Savan; Choi, Doo Chul; Mouradian, M Maral; Junn, Eunsung

2015-05-08

Parkinson disease is associated with decreased activity of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. This defect can be recapitulated in vitro by challenging dopaminergic cells with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)), a neurotoxin that inhibits complex I of electron transport chain. Consequently, oxidative phosphorylation is blocked, and cells become dependent on glycolysis for ATP production. Therefore, increasing the rate of glycolysis might help cells to produce more ATP to meet their energy demands. In the present study, we show that microRNA-7, a non-coding RNA that protects dopaminergic neuronal cells against MPP(+)-induced cell death, promotes glycolysis in dopaminergic SH-SY5Y and differentiated human neural progenitor ReNcell VM cells, as evidenced by increased ATP production, glucose consumption, and lactic acid production. Through a series of experiments, we demonstrate that targeted repression of RelA by microRNA-7, as well as subsequent increase in the neuronal glucose transporter 3 (Glut3), underlies this glycolysis-promoting effect. Consistently, silencing Glut3 expression diminishes the protective effect of microRNA-7 against MPP(+). Further, microRNA-7 fails to prevent MPP(+)-induced cell death when SH-SY5Y cells are cultured in a low glucose medium, as well as when differentiated ReNcell VM cells or primary mouse neurons are treated with the hexokinase inhibitor, 2-deoxy-d-glucose, indicating that a functional glycolytic pathway is required for this protective effect. In conclusion, microRNA-7, by down-regulating RelA, augments Glut3 expression, promotes glycolysis, and subsequently prevents MPP(+)-induced cell death. This protective effect of microRNA-7 could be exploited to correct the defects in oxidative phosphorylation in Parkinson disease. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Development of a high-throughput screening assay for stearoyl-CoA desaturase using rat liver microsomes, deuterium labeled stearoyl-CoA and mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Soulard, Patricia; McLaughlin, Meg; Stevens, Jessica; Connolly, Brendan; Coli, Rocco; Wang, Leyu; Moore, Jennifer; Kuo, Ming-Shang T; LaMarr, William A; Ozbal, Can C; Bhat, B Ganesh

2008-10-03

Several recent reports suggest that stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), the rate-limiting enzyme in monounsaturated fatty acid synthesis, plays an important role in regulating lipid homeostasis and lipid oxidation in metabolically active tissues. As several manifestations of type 2 diabetes and related metabolic disorders are associated with alterations in intracellular lipid partitioning, pharmacological manipulation of SCD1 activity might be of benefit in the treatment of these disease states. In an effort to identify small molecule inhibitors of SCD1, we have developed a mass spectrometry based high-throughput screening (HTS) assay using deuterium labeled stearoyl-CoA substrate and induced rat liver microsomes. The methodology developed allows the use of a nonradioactive substrate which avoids interference by the endogenous SCD1 substrate and/or product that exist in the non-purified enzyme source. Throughput of the assay was up to twenty 384-well assay plates per day. The assay was linear with protein concentration and time, and was saturable for stearoyl-CoA substrate (K(m)=10.5 microM). The assay was highly reproducible with an average Z' value=0.6. Conjugated linoleic acid and sterculic acid, known inhibitors of SCD1, exhibited IC(50) values of 0.88 and 0.12 microM, respectively. High-throughput mass spectrometry screening of over 1.7 million compounds in compressed format demonstrated that the enzyme target is druggable. A total of 2515 hits were identified (0.1% hit rate), and 346 were confirmed active (>40% inhibition of total SCD activity at 20 microM--14% conformation rate). Of the confirmed hits 172 had IC(50) values of <10 microM, including 111 <1 microM and 48 <100 nM. A large number of potent drug-like (MW<450) hits representing six different chemical series were identified. The application of mass spectrometry to high-throughput screening permitted the development of a high-quality screening protocol for an otherwise intractable target, SCD1. Further medicinal chemistry and characterization of SCD inhibitors should lead to the development of reagents to treat metabolic disorders.

Coordinating a Team of Robots for Urban Reconnaisance

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-11-01

Land Warfare Conference 2010 Brisbane November 2010 Coordinating a Team of Robots for Urban Reconnaisance Pradeep Ranganathan , Ryan...without inundating him with micro- management . Behavorial autonomy is also critical for the human operator to productively interact Figure 1: A...today’s systems, a human operator controls a single robot, micro- managing every action. This micro- management becomes impossible with more robots: in

The synthesis and the magnetic properties of Gd 3+-doped Fe xCo 1-x/Co yFe 3-yO 4 micro-octahedrons composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Qin; Li, Shuiming; Wu, Aibing; Yang, Hua

2009-09-01

Gd 3+-substituted micro-octahedron composites (Fe xCo 1-x/Co yGd zFe 3-y-zO 4) in which the Fe-Co alloy has either a bcc or fcc structure and the oxide is a spinel phase were fabricated by the hydrothermal method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicate that the as-synthesized Gd 3+-substituted micro-octahedron composites are well crystallized. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that the final product consists of larger numbers of micro-octahedrons with the size ranging from 1.3 to 5 μm, and the size of products are increased with increasing the concentration of KOH. The effect of the Co 2+/Fe 2+ ratio (0⩽Co 2+/Fe 2+⩽1) and substitution Fe 3+ ions by Gd 3+ ions on structure, magnetic properties of the micro-octahedrons composites were investigated, and a possible growth mechanism is suggested to explain the formation of micro-octahedrons composites. The magnetic properties of the structure show the maximal saturation magnetization (107 emu/g) and the maximal coercivity (1192 Oe) detected by a vibrating sample magnetometer.

Polarization independent polymer waveguide tunable receivers incorporating a micro-optic circulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Xiaoping; Park, Tae-Hyun; Park, Su-Hyun; Seo, Jun-Kyu; Oh, Min-Cheol

2018-06-01

In order to simplify the receiver configuration in a wavelength division multiplexed optical fiber network, compact wavelength tunable filters have long been expected to be used as channel selectors. Bragg reflector inherently has the most suitable reflection spectrum for filtering a single wavelength from the densely multiplexed wavelength signal. Polymer has high thermo-optic coefficient and good thermal insulation property compared to the other optical waveguide materials such as silicon and silica materials. This can be used to broadly tune the reflection spectrum of Bragg reflector using a simple micro-heater. In this work, a micro-optic circulator component and a polymeric Bragg reflector device are assembled to produce a small form factor tunable receiver. Compared to the integrated-optical versions, the micro-optics are based on well-developed manufacturing processes and can achieve competitive production yields. The device exhibits high reflectivity with a flat top passband, and a polarization dependence of 0.06 nm achieved by virtue of the low birefringence of LFR polymer, which make a significant contribution to the implementation of polarization independent tunable receiver. The wavelength tuning range of 40 nm is demonstrated by using a bottom located heater with a groove for heat isolation.

Genetics Home Reference: DICER1 syndrome

MedlinePlus

... called microRNA (miRNA). MicroRNA is a type of RNA, a chemical cousin of DNA, that attaches to a protein's blueprint (a molecule called messenger RNA) and blocks the production of proteins from it. ...

Transactivation of micrornA-320 by microRNA-383 regulates granulosa cell functions by targeting E2F1 and SF-1 proteins.

PubMed

Yin, Mianmian; Wang, Xiaorong; Yao, Guidong; Lü, Mingrong; Liang, Meng; Sun, Yingpu; Sun, Fei

2014-06-27

Our previous studies have shown that microRNA-320 (miR-320) is one of the most down-regulated microRNAs (miRNA) in mouse ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) after TGF-β1 treatment. However, the underlying mechanisms of miR-320 involved in GC function during follicular development remain unknown. In this study, we found that pregnant mare serum gonadotropin treatment resulted in the suppression of miR-320 expression in a time-dependent manner. miR-320 was mainly expressed in GCs and oocytes of mouse ovarian follicles in follicular development. Overexpression of miR-320 inhibited estradiol synthesis and proliferation of GCs through targeting E2F1 and SF-1. E2F1/SF-1 mediated miR-320-induced suppression of GC proliferation and of GC steroidogenesis. FSH down-regulated the expression of miR-320 and regulated the function of miR-320 in mouse GCs. miR-383 promoted the expression of miR-320 and enhanced miR-320-mediated suppression of GC proliferation. Injection of miR-320 into the ovaries of mice partially promoted the production of testosterone and progesterone but inhibited estradiol release in vivo. Moreover, the expression of miR-320 and miR-383 was up-regulated in the follicular fluid of polycystic ovarian syndrome patients, although the expression of E2F1 and SF-1 was down-regulated in GCs. These data demonstrated that miR-320 regulates the proliferation and steroid production by targeting E2F1 and SF-1 in the follicular development. Understanding the regulation of miRNA biogenesis and function in the follicular development will potentiate the usefulness of miRNA in the treatment of reproduction and some steroid-related disorders. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Estimates of phytoplankton class-specific and total primary production in the Mediterranean Sea from satellite ocean color observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uitz, Julia; Stramski, Dariusz; Gentili, Bernard; D'Ortenzio, Fabrizio; Claustre, Hervé

2012-06-01

An approach that combines a recently developed procedure for improved estimation of surface chlorophyll a concentration (Chlsurf) from ocean color and a phytoplankton class-specific bio-optical model was used to examine primary production in the Mediterranean Sea. Specifically, this approach was applied to the 10 year time series of satellite Chlsurfdata from the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor. We estimated the primary production associated with three major phytoplankton classes (micro, nano, and picophytoplankton), which also yielded new estimates of the total primary production (Ptot). These estimates of Ptot (e.g., 68 g C m-2 yr-1for the entire Mediterranean basin) are lower by a factor of ˜2 and show a different seasonal cycle when compared with results from conventional approaches based on standard ocean color chlorophyll algorithm and a non-class-specific primary production model. Nanophytoplankton are found to be dominant contributors to Ptot (43-50%) throughout the year and entire basin. Micro and picophytoplankton exhibit variable contributions to Ptot depending on the season and ecological regime. In the most oligotrophic regime, these contributions are relatively stable all year long with picophytoplankton (˜32%) playing a larger role than microphytoplankton (˜22%). In the blooming regime, picophytoplankton dominate over microphytoplankton most of the year, except during the spring bloom when microphytoplankton (27-38%) are considerably more important than picophytoplankton (20-27%).

Micro-structured heat exchanger for cryogenic mixed refrigerant cycles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomse, D.; Reiner, A.; Rabsch, G.; Gietzelt, T.; Brandner, J. J.; Grohmann, S.

2017-12-01

Mixed refrigerant cycles (MRCs) offer a cost- and energy-efficient cooling method for the temperature range between 80 and 200 K. The performance of MRCs is strongly influenced by entropy production in the main heat exchanger. High efficiencies thus require small temperature gradients among the fluid streams, as well as limited pressure drop and axial conduction. As temperature gradients scale with heat flux, large heat transfer areas are necessary. This is best achieved with micro-structured heat exchangers, where high volumetric heat transfer areas can be realized. The reliable design of MRC heat exchangers is challenging, since two-phase heat transfer and pressure drop in both fluid streams have to be considered simultaneously. Furthermore, only few data on the convective boiling and condensation kinetics of zeotropic mixtures is available in literature. This paper presents a micro-structured heat exchanger designed with a newly developed numerical model, followed by experimental results on the single-phase pressure drop and their implications on the hydraulic diameter.

Mu-opiate receptor and Beta-endorphin expression in nerve endings and keratinocytes in human skin.

PubMed

Bigliardi-Qi, M; Sumanovski, L T; Büchner, S; Rufli, T; Bigliardi, P L

2004-01-01

We have previously shown that human epidermal keratinocytes express a functionally active micro-opiate receptor, which adds a new dimension to the recently developed research in neuroimmunodermatology and neurogenic inflammation in skin diseases. Human keratinocytes specifically bind and also produce beta-endorphin, the endogenous micro-opiate receptor ligand. Using confocal imaging microscopy, we could now demonstrate that micro-opiate receptors are not only expressed in keratinocytes, but also on unmyelinated peripheral nerve fibers in the dermis and epidermis. Some of the peripheral nerve fibers also express the ligand beta-endorphin. The keratinocytes positive for beta-endorphin staining are clustered around the terminal ends of the unmyelinated nerve fibers. Therefore the opiate receptor system seems to be crucial in the direct communication between nerves and skin. The keratinocytes can influence the unmyelinated nerve fibers in the epidermis directly via secreting beta-endorphin. On the other hand, nerve fibers can also secrete beta-endorphin and influence the migration, differentiation and probably also the cytokine production pattern of keratinocytes.

microRNA Profiling of Amniotic Fluid: Evidence of Synergy of microRNAs in Fetal Development.

PubMed

Sun, Tingting; Li, Weiyun; Li, Tianpeng; Ling, Shucai

2016-01-01

Amniotic fluid (AF) continuously exchanges molecules with the fetus, playing critical roles in fetal development especially via its complex components. Among these components, microRNAs are thought to be transferred between cells loaded in microvesicles. However, the functions of AF microRNAs remain unknown. To date, few studies have examined microRNAs in amniotic fluid. In this study, we employed miRCURY Locked Nucleotide Acid arrays to profile the dynamic expression of microRNAs in AF from mice on embryonic days E13, E15, and E17. At these times, 233 microRNAs were differentially expressed (p< 0.01), accounting for 23% of the total Mus musculus microRNAs. These differentially-expressed microRNAs were divided into two distinct groups based on their expression patterns. Gene ontology analysis showed that the intersectional target genes of these differentially-expressed microRNAs were mainly distributed in synapse, synaptosome, cell projection, and cytoskeleton. Pathway analysis revealed that the target genes of the two groups of microRNAs were synergistically enriched in axon guidance, focal adhesion, and MAPK signaling pathways. MicroRNA-mRNA network analysis and gene- mapping showed that these microRNAs synergistically regulated cell motility, cell proliferation and differentiation, and especially the axon guidance process. Cancer pathways associated with growth and proliferation were also enriched in AF. Taken together, the results of this study are the first to show the functions of microRNAs in AF during fetal development, providing novel insights into interpreting the roles of AF microRNAs in fetal development.

Two flavonolignans from milk thistle (Silybum marianum) inhibit CYP2C9-mediated warfarin metabolism at clinically achievable concentrations.

PubMed

Brantley, Scott J; Oberlies, Nicholas H; Kroll, David J; Paine, Mary F

2010-03-01

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a popular herbal product used for hepatoprotection and chemoprevention. Two commercially available formulations are the crude extract, silymarin, and the semipurified product, silibinin. Silymarin consists of at least seven flavonolignans, of which the most prevalent are the diastereoisomers silybin A and silybin B; silibinin consists only of silybin A and silybin B. Based on a recent clinical study showing an interaction between a silymarin product and the CYP2C9 substrate losartan, the CYP2C9 inhibition properties of silybin A and silybin B and corresponding regioisomers, isosilybin A and isosilybin B, were evaluated using human liver microsomes (HLMs), recombinant CYP2C9 (rCYP2C9) enzymes, and the clinically relevant probe, (S)-warfarin. Silybin B was the most potent inhibitor in HLMs, followed by silybin A, isosilybin B, and isosilybin A (IC(50) of 8.2, 18, 74, and >100 microM, respectively). Next, silybin A and silybin B were selected for further characterization. As with HLMs, silybin B was more potent than silybin A toward rCYP2C9 1 (6.7 versus 12 microM), rCYP2C9 2 (9.3 versus 19 microM), and rCYP2C9 3 (2.4 versus 9.3 microM). Using a matrix of five substrate (1-15 microM) and six inhibitor (1-80 microM) concentrations and HLMs, both diastereoisomers inhibited (S)-warfarin 7-hydroxylation in a manner described best by a mixed-type inhibition model (K(i) values of 4.8 and 10 microM for silybin B and silybin A, respectively). These observations, combined with the high systemic silibinin concentrations (>5-75 microM) achieved in a phase I study involving prostate cancer patients, prompt clinical evaluation of a potential warfarin-milk thistle interaction.

Development of Micro Air Vehicle Technology With In-Flight Adaptive-Wing Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waszak, Martin R. (Technical Monitor); Shkarayev, Sergey; Null, William; Wagner, Matthew

2004-01-01

This is a final report on the research studies, "Development of Micro Air Vehicle Technology with In-Flight Adaptrive-Wing Structure". This project involved the development of variable-camber technology to achieve efficient design of micro air vehicles. Specifically, it focused on the following topics: 1) Low Reynolds number wind tunnel testing of cambered-plate wings. 2) Theoretical performance analysis of micro air vehicles. 3) Design of a variable-camber MAV actuated by micro servos. 4) Test flights of a variable-camber MAV.

Effects of resveratrol, curcumin, berberine and other nutraceuticals on aging, cancer development, cancer stem cells and microRNAs.

PubMed

McCubrey, James A; Lertpiriyapong, Kvin; Steelman, Linda S; Abrams, Steve L; Yang, Li V; Murata, Ramiro M; Rosalen, Pedro L; Scalisi, Aurora; Neri, Luca M; Cocco, Lucio; Ratti, Stefano; Martelli, Alberto M; Laidler, Piotr; Dulińska-Litewka, Joanna; Rakus, Dariusz; Gizak, Agnieszka; Lombardi, Paolo; Nicoletti, Ferdinando; Candido, Saverio; Libra, Massimo; Montalto, Giuseppe; Cervello, Melchiorre

2017-06-12

Natural products or nutraceuticals have been shown to elicit anti-aging, anti-cancer and other health-enhancing effects. A key target of the effects of natural products may be the regulation of microRNA (miR) expression which results in cell death or prevents aging, diabetes, cardiovascular and other diseases. This review will focus on a few natural products, especially on resveratrol (RES), curcumin (CUR) and berberine (BBR). RES is obtained from the skins of grapes and other fruits and berries. RES may extend human lifespan by activating the sirtuins and SIRT1 molecules. CUR is isolated from the root of turmeric ( Curcuma longa ). CUR is currently used in the treatment of many disorders, especially in those involving an inflammatory process. CUR and modified derivatives have been shown to have potent anti-cancer effects, especially on cancer stem cells (CSC). BBR is also isolated from various plants ( e.g., Coptis chinensis ) and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat diseases such as adult- onset diabetes. Understanding the benefits of these and other nutraceuticals may result in approaches to improve human health.

Effects of resveratrol, curcumin, berberine and other nutraceuticals on aging, cancer development, cancer stem cells and microRNAs

PubMed Central

McCubrey, James A.; Lertpiriyapong, Kvin; Steelman, Linda S.; Abrams, Steve L.; Yang, Li V.; Murata, Ramiro M.; Rosalen, Pedro L.; Scalisi, Aurora; Neri, Luca M.; Cocco, Lucio; Ratti, Stefano; Martelli, Alberto M.; Laidler, Piotr; Dulińska-Litewka, Joanna; Rakus, Dariusz; Gizak, Agnieszka; Lombardi, Paolo; Nicoletti, Ferdinando; Candido, Saverio; Libra, Massimo; Montalto, Giuseppe; Cervello, Melchiorre

2017-01-01

Natural products or nutraceuticals have been shown to elicit anti-aging, anti-cancer and other health-enhancing effects. A key target of the effects of natural products may be the regulation of microRNA (miR) expression which results in cell death or prevents aging, diabetes, cardiovascular and other diseases. This review will focus on a few natural products, especially on resveratrol (RES), curcumin (CUR) and berberine (BBR). RES is obtained from the skins of grapes and other fruits and berries. RES may extend human lifespan by activating the sirtuins and SIRT1 molecules. CUR is isolated from the root of turmeric (Curcuma longa). CUR is currently used in the treatment of many disorders, especially in those involving an inflammatory process. CUR and modified derivatives have been shown to have potent anti-cancer effects, especially on cancer stem cells (CSC). BBR is also isolated from various plants (e.g., Coptis chinensis) and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat diseases such as adult- onset diabetes. Understanding the benefits of these and other nutraceuticals may result in approaches to improve human health. PMID:28611316

Understanding the fast pyrolysis of lignin.

PubMed

Patwardhan, Pushkaraj R; Brown, Robert C; Shanks, Brent H

2011-11-18

In the present study, pyrolysis of corn stover lignin was investigated by using a micro-pyrolyzer coupled with a GC-MS/FID (FID=flame ionization detector). The system has pyrolysis-vapor residence times of 15-20 ms, thus providing a regime of minimal secondary reactions. The primary pyrolysis product distribution obtained from lignin is reported. Over 84 % mass balance and almost complete closure on carbon balance is achieved. In another set of experiments, the pyrolysis vapors emerging from the micro-pyrolyzer are condensed to obtain lignin-derived bio-oil. The chemical composition of the bio-oil is analyzed by using GC-MS and gel permeation chromatography techniques. The comparison between results of two sets of experiments indicates that monomeric compounds are the primary pyrolysis products of lignin, which recombine after primary pyrolysis to produce oligomeric compounds. Further, the effect of minerals (NaCl, KCl, MgCl(2), and CaCl(2)) and temperature on the primary pyrolysis product distribution is investigated. The study provides insights into the fundamental mechanisms of lignin pyrolysis and a basis for developing more descriptive models of biomass pyrolysis. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

METHOD FOR MICRORNA ISOLATION FROM CLINICAL SERUM SAMPLES

PubMed Central

Li, Yu; Kowdley, Kris V.

2012-01-01

MicroRNAs are a group of intracellular non-coding RNA molecules that have been implicated in a variety of human diseases. Due to their high stability in blood, microRNAs released into circulation could be potentially utilized as non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis or prognosis. Current microRNA isolation protocols are specifically designed for solid tissues and are impractical for biomarker development utilizing small-volume serum samples on a large scale. Thus, a protocol for microRNA isolation from serum is needed to accommodate these conditions in biomarker development. To establish such a protocol, we developed a simplified approach to normalize sample input by using single synthetic spike-in microRNA. We evaluated three commonly used commercial microRNA isolation kits for the best performance by comparing RNA quality and yield. The manufacturer’s protocol was further modified to improve the microRNA yield from 200 μL of human serum. MicroRNAs isolated from a large set of clinical serum samples were tested on the miRCURY LNA real-time PCR panel and confirmed to be suitable for high-throughput microRNA profiling. In conclusion, we have established a proven method for microRNA isolation from clinical serum samples suitable for microRNA biomarker development. PMID:22982505

Association of MicroRNAs with Antibody Response to Mycoplasma bovis in Beef Cattle

PubMed Central

Cai, Guohong; Kuehn, Larry A.; Register, Karen B.; McDaneld, Tara G.; Neill, John D.

2016-01-01

The objective of this study was to identify microRNAs associated with a serum antibody response to Mycoplasma bovis in beef cattle. Serum from sixteen beef calves was collected at three points: in summer after calves were born, in fall at weaning, and in the following spring. All sera collected in the summer were ELISA-negative for anti-M. bovis. By the fall, eight animals were seropositive for IgG (positive group), while eight remained negative (negative group). By spring, all animals in both groups were seropositive. MicroRNAs were extracted from sera and sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq next-generation sequencer. A total of 1,374,697 sequences mapped to microRNAs in the bovine genome. Of these, 82% of the sequences corresponded to 27 microRNAs, each represented by a minimum of 10,000 sequences. There was a statistically significant interaction between ELISA response and season for bta-miR-24-3p (P = 0.0268). All sera collected at the initial summer had a similar number of copies of this microRNA (P = 0.773). In the fall, the positive group had an increased number of copies when compared to the negative group (P = 0.021), and this grew more significant by the following spring (P = 0.0001). There were 21 microRNAs associated (P< 0.05) with season. These microRNAs could be evaluated further as candidates to potentially improve productivity in cattle. The microRNAs bta-let-7b, bta-miR- 24-3p, bta-miR- 92a, and bta-miR-423-5p, were significatly associated with ELISA status (P< 0.05). These microRNAs have been recognized as playing a role in the host defense against bacteria in humans, mice, and dairy cattle. Further studies are needed to establish if these microRNAs could be used as diagnostic marker or indicator of exposure, or whether intervention strategies could be developed as an alternative to antibiotics for controlling disease due to M. bovis. PMID:27537842

[Microbiological verification of a self control plan for a hospital food service].

PubMed

Torre, I; Pennino, F; Crispino, M

2006-01-01

During the past years, it has been an increment of food related infectious diseases. In order to avoid micro biological food contamination, adherence to good manufacturing is required through control measures of food safety practices. Updated national and European regulations underline the need to apply the HACCP system, overcoming the old concept of sample control on the end user product. This work shows results of microbiological controls made along the whole productive chain. Measurements are made using biomolecular techniques (PFGE) in order to assess the management of the micro biological risk of the self control plan applied to a hospital food service of Naples. The use of the PFGE applied on some micro-organisms gram negative potentially pathogen, underlines the circulation, continued in time, of these micro-organisms within the cooking area. In addition, cross contamination between several matrixes of samples has been detected.

Resources, Not Capital: A Case Study of the Gendered Distribution and Productivity of Social Network Ties in Rural Ethiopia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Torkelsson, Asa

2007-01-01

Poor people make use of a variety of contextually relevant resources to pursue their livelihood strategies, and there is wide empirical evidence that opportunities and constraints for accessing these may vary considerably for women and men, particularly in the rural areas of developing countries. In this article, micro-evidence from a case study…

Effects of Fuel and Nozzle Characteristics on Micro Gas Turbine System: A Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akasha Hashim, Muhammad; Khalid, Amir; Salleh, Hamidon; Sunar, Norshuhaila Mohamed

2017-08-01

For many decades, gas turbines have been used widely in the internal combustion engine industry. Due to the deficiency of fossil fuel and the concern of global warming, the used of bio-gas have been recognized as one of most clean fuels in the application of engine to improve performance of lean combustion and minimize the production of NOX and PM. This review paper is to understand the combustion performance using dual-fuel nozzle for a micro gas turbine that was basically designed as a natural gas fuelled engine, the nozzle characteristics of the micro gas turbine has been modelled and the effect of multi-fuel used were investigated. The used of biogas (hydrogen) as substitute for liquid fuel (methane) at constant fuel injection velocity, the flame temperature is increased, but the fuel low rate reduced. Applying the blended fuel at constant fuel rate will increased the flame temperature as the hydrogen percentages increased. Micro gas turbines which shows the uniformity of the flow distribution that can be improved without the increase of the pressure drop by applying the variable nozzle diameters into the fuel supply nozzle design. It also identifies the combustion efficiency, better fuel mixing in combustion chamber using duel fuel nozzle with the largest potential for the future. This paper can also be used as a reference source that summarizes the research and development activities on micro gas turbines.

MicroRNA-211 Regulates Oxidative Phosphorylation and Energy Metabolism in Human Vitiligo.

PubMed

Sahoo, Anupama; Lee, Bongyong; Boniface, Katia; Seneschal, Julien; Sahoo, Sanjaya K; Seki, Tatsuya; Wang, Chunyan; Das, Soumen; Han, Xianlin; Steppie, Michael; Seal, Sudipta; Taieb, Alain; Perera, Ranjan J

2017-09-01

Vitiligo is a common chronic skin disorder characterized by loss of epidermal melanocytes and progressive depigmentation. Vitiligo has complex immune, genetic, environmental, and biochemical causes, but the exact molecular mechanisms of vitiligo development and progression, particularly those related to metabolic control, are poorly understood. In this study we characterized the human vitiligo cell line PIG3V and the normal human melanocyte line HEM-l by RNA sequencing, targeted metabolomics, and shotgun lipidomics. Melanocyte-enriched microRNA-211, a known metabolic switch in nonpigmented melanoma cells, was severely down-regulated in vitiligo cell line PIG3V and skin biopsy samples from vitiligo patients, whereas its predicted targets PPARGC1A, RRM2, and TAOK1 were reciprocally up-regulated. microRNA-211 binds to PGC1-α 3' untranslated region locus and represses it. Although mitochondrial numbers were constant, mitochondrial complexes I, II, and IV and respiratory responses were defective in vitiligo cells. Nanoparticle-coated microRNA-211 partially augmented the oxygen consumption rate in PIG3V cells. The lower oxygen consumption rate, changes in lipid and metabolite profiles, and increased reactive oxygen species production observed in vitiligo cells appear to be partly due to abnormal regulation of microRNA-211 and its target genes. These genes represent potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in human vitiligo. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An endogenous microRNA (miRNA1166.1) can regulate photobio-H2 production in eukaryotic green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

PubMed

Wang, Yuting; Zhuang, Xiaoshan; Chen, Meirong; Zeng, Zhiyong; Cai, Xiaoqi; Li, Hui; Hu, Zhangli

2018-01-01

Hydrogen photoproduction from green microalgae is regarded as a promising alternative solution for energy problems. However, the simultaneous oxygen evolution from microalgae can prevent continuous hydrogen production due to the hypersensitivity of hydrogenases to oxygen. Sulfur deprivation can extend the duration of algal hydrogen production, but it is uneconomical to alternately culture algal cells in sulfur-sufficient and sulfur-deprived media. In this study, we developed a novel way to simulate sulfur-deprivation treatment while constantly maintaining microalgal cells in sulfur-sufficient culture medium by overexpressing an endogenous microRNA (miR1166.1). Based on our previous RNA-seq analysis in the model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii , three endogenous miRNAs responsive to sulfur deprivation (cre-miR1166.1, cre-miR1150.3, and cre-miR1158) were selected. Heat-inducible expression vectors containing the selected miRNAs were constructed and transformed into C. reinhardtii . Comparison of H 2 production following heat induction in the three transgenic strains and untransformed control group identified miR1166.1 as the best candidate for H 2 production regulation. Moreover, enhanced photobio-H 2 production was observed with repeated induction of miR1166.1 expression. This study is the first to identify a physiological function of endogenous miR1166.1 and to show that a natural miRNA can regulate hydrogen photoproduction in the unicellular model organism C. reinhardtii .

Transgenic miR156 switchgrass in the field: growth, recalcitrance and rust susceptibility

DOE PAGES

Baxter, Holly L.; Mazarei, Mitra; Dumitrache, Alexandru; ...

2017-04-24

Sustainable utilization of lignocellulosic perennial grass feedstocks will be enabled by high biomass production and optimized cell wall chemistry for efficient conversion into biofuels. MicroRNAs are regulatory elements that modulate the expression of genes involved in various biological functions in plants, including growth and development. In greenhouse studies, overexpressing a microRNA (miR156) gene in switchgrass had dramatic effects on plant architecture and flowering, which appeared to be driven by transgene expression levels. High expressing lines were extremely dwarfed, whereas low and moderate-expressing lines had higher biomass yields, improved sugar release and delayed flowering. Four lines with moderate or low miR156more » overexpression from the prior greenhouse study were selected for a field experiment to assess the relationship between miR156 expression and biomass production over three years. We also analysed important bioenergy feedstock traits such as flowering, disease resistance, cell wall chemistry and biofuel production. Phenotypes of the transgenic lines were inconsistent between the greenhouse and the field as well as among different field growing seasons. One low expressing transgenic line consistently produced more biomass (25%–56%) than the control across all three seasons, which translated to the production of 30% more biofuel per plant during the final season. The other three transgenic lines produced less biomass than the control by the final season, and the two lines with moderate expression levels also exhibited altered disease susceptibilities. Results of this study emphasize the importance of performing multiyear field studies for plants with altered regulatory transgenes that target plant growth and development.« less

Transgenic miR156 switchgrass in the field: growth, recalcitrance and rust susceptibility

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baxter, Holly L.; Mazarei, Mitra; Dumitrache, Alexandru

Sustainable utilization of lignocellulosic perennial grass feedstocks will be enabled by high biomass production and optimized cell wall chemistry for efficient conversion into biofuels. MicroRNAs are regulatory elements that modulate the expression of genes involved in various biological functions in plants, including growth and development. In greenhouse studies, overexpressing a microRNA (miR156) gene in switchgrass had dramatic effects on plant architecture and flowering, which appeared to be driven by transgene expression levels. High expressing lines were extremely dwarfed, whereas low and moderate-expressing lines had higher biomass yields, improved sugar release and delayed flowering. Four lines with moderate or low miR156more » overexpression from the prior greenhouse study were selected for a field experiment to assess the relationship between miR156 expression and biomass production over three years. We also analysed important bioenergy feedstock traits such as flowering, disease resistance, cell wall chemistry and biofuel production. Phenotypes of the transgenic lines were inconsistent between the greenhouse and the field as well as among different field growing seasons. One low expressing transgenic line consistently produced more biomass (25%–56%) than the control across all three seasons, which translated to the production of 30% more biofuel per plant during the final season. The other three transgenic lines produced less biomass than the control by the final season, and the two lines with moderate expression levels also exhibited altered disease susceptibilities. Results of this study emphasize the importance of performing multiyear field studies for plants with altered regulatory transgenes that target plant growth and development.« less

Micro-sensors for in-situ meteorological measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crisp, David; Kaiser, William J.; Vanzandt, Thomas R.; Tillman, James E.

1993-01-01

Improved in-situ meteorological measurements are needed for monitoring the weather and climate of the terrestrial and Martian atmospheres. We have initiated a program to assess the feasibility and utility of micro-sensors for precise in-situ meteorological measurements in these environments. Sensors are being developed for measuring pressure, temperature, wind velocity, humidity, and aerosol amounts. Silicon micro-machining and large scale integration technologies are being used to make sensors that are small, rugged, lightweight, and require very little power. Our long-term goal is to develop very accurate miniaturized sensors that can be incorporated into complete instrument packages or 'micro weather stations,' and deployed on a variety of platforms. If conventional commercially available silicon production techniques can be used to fabricate these sensor packages, it will eventually be possible to mass-produce them at low cost. For studies of the Earth's troposphere and stratosphere, they could be deployed on aircraft, dropsondes, radiosondes, or autonomous surface stations at remote sites. Improved sensor accuracy and reduced sensor cost are the primary challenges for these applications. For studies of the Martian atmosphere, these sensor packages could be incorporated into the small entry probes and surface landers that are being planned for the Mars Environmental SURvey (MESUR) Mission. That decade-long program will deploy a global network of small stations on the Martian surface for monitoring meteorological and geological processes. Low mass, low power, durability, large dynamic range and calibration stability are the principal challenges for this application. Our progress on each of these sensor types is presented.

Micro-dose hCG as luteal phase support without exogenous progesterone administration: mathematical modelling of the hCG concentration in circulation and initial clinical experience.

PubMed

Andersen, C Yding; Fischer, R; Giorgione, V; Kelsey, Thomas W

2016-10-01

For the last two decades, exogenous progesterone administration has been used as luteal phase support (LPS) in connection with controlled ovarian stimulation combined with use of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger for the final maturation of follicles. The introduction of the GnRHa trigger to induce ovulation showed that exogenous progesterone administration without hCG supplementation was insufficient to obtain satisfactory pregnancy rates. This has prompted development of alternative strategies for LPS. Augmenting the local endogenous production of progesterone by the multiple corpora lutea has been one focus with emphasis on one hand to avoid development of ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome and, on the other hand, to provide adequate levels of progesterone to sustain implantation. The present study evaluates the use of micro-dose hCG for LPS support and examines the potential advances and disadvantages. Based on the pharmacokinetic characteristics of hCG, the mathematical modelling of the concentration profiles of hCG during the luteal phase has been evaluated in connection with several different approaches for hCG administration as LPS. It is suggested that the currently employed LPS provided in connection with the GnRHa trigger (i.e. 1.500 IU) is too strong, and that daily micro-dose hCG administration is likely to provide an optimised LPS with the current available drugs. Initial clinical results with the micro-dose hCG approach are presented.

Improvement of illumination uniformity for LED flat panel light by using micro-secondary lens array.

PubMed

Lee, Hsiao-Wen; Lin, Bor-Shyh

2012-11-05

LED flat panel light is an innovative lighting product in recent years. However, current flat panel light products still contain some drawbacks, such as narrow lighting areas and hot spots. In this study, a micro-secondary lens array technique was proposed and applied for the design of the light guide surface to improve the illumination uniformity. By using the micro-secondary lens array, the candela distribution of the LED flat panel light can be adjusted to similar to batwing distribution to improve the illumination uniformity. The experimental results show that the enhancement of the floor illumination uniformity is about 61%, and that of the wall illumination uniformity is about 20.5%.

The calibration of a model for simulating the thermal and electrical performance of a 2.8 kW AC solid-oxide fuel cell micro-cogeneration device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beausoleil-Morrison, Ian; Lombardi, Kathleen

The concurrent production of heat and electricity within residential buildings using solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) micro-cogeneration devices has the potential to reduce primary energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollutants. A realistic assessment of this emerging technology requires the accurate simulation of the thermal and electrical production of SOFC micro-cogeneration devices concurrent with the simulation of the building, its occupants, and coupled plant components. The calibration of such a model using empirical data gathered from experiments conducted with a 2.8 kW AC SOFC micro-cogeneration device is demonstrated. The experimental configuration, types of instrumentation employed, and the operating scenarios examined are treated. The propagation of measurement uncertainty into the derived quantities that are necessary for model calibration are demonstrated by focusing upon the SOFC micro-cogeneration system's gas-to-water heat exchanger. The calibration coefficients necessary to accurately simulate the thermal and electrical performance of this prototype device are presented and the types of analyses enabled to study the potential of the technology are demonstrated.

Co-generation of biohydrogen and biomethane through two-stage batch co-fermentation of macro- and micro-algal biomass.

PubMed

Ding, Lingkan; Cheng, Jun; Xia, Ao; Jacob, Amita; Voelklein, Markus; Murphy, Jerry D

2016-10-01

Aquatic micro-algae can be used as feedstocks for gaseous biofuel production via biological fermentation. However, micro-algae usually have low C/N ratios, which are not advantageous for fermentation. In this study, carbon-rich macro-algae (Laminaria digitata) mixed with nitrogen-rich micro-algae (Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Nannochloropsis oceanica) were used to maintain a suitable C/N ratio of 20 for a two-stage process combining hydrogen and methane fermentation. Co-fermentation of L. digitata and micro-algae facilitated hydrolysis and acidogenesis, resulting in hydrogen yields of 94.5-97.0mL/gVS; these values were 15.5-18.5% higher than mono-fermentation using L. digitata. Through the second stage of methane co-fermentation, a large portion of energy remaining in the hydrogenogenic effluents was recovered in the form of biomethane. The two-stage batch co-fermentation markedly increased the energy conversion efficiencies (ECEs) from 4.6-6.6% during the hydrogen fermentation to 57.0-70.9% in the combined hydrogen and methane production. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

OxLDL enhances L-type Ca2+ currents via lysophosphatidylcholine-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.

PubMed

Fearon, Ian M

2006-03-01

To examine the mechanisms underlying oxidised LDL- (oxLDL)-induced alterations in Ca(2+) currents, an effect which underlies altered vascular contractility and cardiac myocyte function. Ca(2+) currents (I(Ca)) were recorded by whole-cell patch-clamp in HEK293 cells expressing L-type Ca(2+) channel alpha(1C) subunits or isolated rat ventricular myocytes. oxLDL (but not native LDL) significantly enhanced recombinant I(Ca), an effect mimicked by 1 microM lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). LPC failed to enhance I(Ca) either in mitochondrial electron transport chain-depleted rho(0) cells, or in the presence of rotenone (1 microM), or MPP(+) (10 microM). The LPC response was similarly ablated by ascorbate (200 microM) or TROLOX (500 microM) and by the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, MitoQ (250 nM). In myocytes, enhancement of I(Ca) due to LPC was similarly abrogated with rotenone and MitoQ. These data suggest that LPC enhanced recombinant Ca(2+) currents due to increased mitochondrial ROS production. In support with this, LPC enhanced fluorescence in HEK293 cells and cardiac myocytes loaded with a ROS-sensitive mitochondrial dye, reduced mitotracker red. LPC up-regulates L-type Ca(2+) currents due to altered mitochondrial ROS production, an effect which mediates the response of the native I(Ca) in cardiac myocytes to oxLDL.

Lignin from Micro- to Nanosize: Applications

PubMed Central

Friedl, Anton

2017-01-01

Micro- and nanosize lignin has recently gained interest due to improved properties compared to standard lignin available today. As the second most abundant biopolymer after cellulose, lignin is readily available but used for rather low-value applications. This review focuses on the application of micro- and nanostructured lignin in final products or processes that all show potential for high added value. The fields of application are ranging from improvement of mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites, bactericidal and antioxidant properties and impregnations to hollow lignin drug carriers for hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances. Also, a carbonization of lignin nanostructures can lead to high-value applications such as use in supercapacitors for energy storage. The properties of the final product depend on the surface properties of the nanomaterial and, therefore, on factors like the lignin source, extraction method, and production/precipitation methods, as discussed in this review. PMID:29117142

Product asssurance requirements for micro VCM-apparatus and associated equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1982-10-01

The rules for performing Micro VCM-tests (vacuum tests) on materials for European Space Agency projects are presented. Formal guidelines for initial audits along with annual and special quality assurance reviews are summarized. Inspection forms are displayed.

Fabrication of polymer micro-lens array with pneumatically diaphragm-driven drop-on-demand inkjet technology.

PubMed

Xie, Dan; Zhang, Honghai; Shu, Xiayun; Xiao, Junfeng

2012-07-02

The paper reports an effective method to fabricate micro-lens arrays with the ultraviolet-curable polymer, using an original pneumatically diaphragm-driven drop-on-demand inkjet system. An array of plano convex micro-lenses can be formed on the glass substrate due to surface tension and hydrophobic effect. The micro-lens arrays have uniform focusing function, smooth and real planar surface. The fabrication process showed good repeatability as well, fifty micro-lenses randomly selected form 9 × 9 miro-lens array with an average diameter of 333.28μm showed 1.1% variations. Also, the focal length, the surface roughness and optical property of the fabricated micro-lenses are measured, analyzed and proved satisfactory. The technique shows great potential for fabricating polymer micro-lens arrays with high flexibility, simple technological process and low production cost.

Sustainability Challenge of Micro Hydro Power Development in Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Didik, H.; Bambang, P. N.; Asep, S.; Purwanto, Y. A.

2018-05-01

Rural electrification using renewable energy is the best choice for many locations that far away from national grid. Many renewable energy project have been built for rural electrification such as micro hydro power plant (MHPP) and solar photovoltaic (SPV). Sustainability still the main challenge of off-grid renewable energy development for off-grid rural electrification in Indonesia. The objective of this paper is to review sustainability of micro hydro power development in Indonesia. The research method was done by field observation, interview with MHPP management, and reviewing some research about MHPP in Indonesia. Sustainability issues include various aspects that can be classified into 5 dimensions: technical, economic, socio-cultural, institutional, and environmental. In technical factors that lead to sustainability problem are: improper MHPP design and construction, improper operation and maintenance, availability of spare parts and expertise. In the economic dimension are generally related to: low electricity tariff and utilization of MHPP for productive use. In the social dimension are: the growth of consumer’s load exceeding the capacity, reduced number of consumers, lack of external institutional support. In the institutional side, it is generally related to the ability of human resources in managing, operating and maintaining of MHPP. Environmental factors that lead the sustainability problems of MHPP are: scarcity of water discharge, conflict of water resources, land conversion over the watershed, and natural disasters.

Configurable Crossbar Switch for Deterministic, Low-latency Inter-blade Communications in a MicroTCA Platform

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Karamooz, Saeed; Breeding, John Eric; Justice, T Alan

As MicroTCA expands into applications beyond the telecommunications industry from which it originated, it faces new challenges in the area of inter-blade communications. The ability to achieve deterministic, low-latency communications between blades is critical to realizing a scalable architecture. In the past, legacy bus architectures accomplished inter-blade communications using dedicated parallel buses across the backplane. Because of limited fabric resources on its backplane, MicroTCA uses the carrier hub (MCH) for this purpose. Unfortunately, MCH products from commercial vendors are limited to standard bus protocols such as PCI Express, Serial Rapid IO and 10/40GbE. While these protocols have exceptional throughput capability,more » they are neither deterministic nor necessarily low-latency. To overcome this limitation, an MCH has been developed based on the Xilinx Virtex-7 690T FPGA. This MCH provides the system architect/developer complete flexibility in both the interface protocol and routing of information between blades. In this paper, we present the application of this configurable MCH concept to the Machine Protection System under development for the Spallation Neutron Sources's proton accelerator. Specifically, we demonstrate the use of the configurable MCH as a 12x4-lane crossbar switch using the Aurora protocol to achieve a deterministic, low-latency data link. In this configuration, the crossbar has an aggregate bandwidth of 48 GB/s.« less

Spectrographs for astrophotonics.

PubMed

Blind, N; Le Coarer, E; Kern, P; Gousset, S

2017-10-30

The next generation of extremely large telescopes (ELT), with diameters up to 39 meters, is planned to begin operation in the next decade and promises new challenges in the development of instruments since the instrument size increases in proportion to the telescope diameter D, and the cost as D 2 or faster. The growing field of astrophotonics (the use of photonic technologies in astronomy) could solve this problem by allowing mass production of fully integrated and robust instruments combining various optical functions, with the potential to reduce the size, complexity and cost of instruments. Astrophotonics allows for a broad range of new optical functions, with applications ranging from sky background filtering, high spatial and spectral resolution imaging and spectroscopy. In this paper, we want to provide astronomers with valuable keys to understand how photonics solutions can be implemented (or not) according to the foreseen applications. The paper introduces first key concepts linked to the characteristics of photonics technologies, placed in the framework of astronomy and spectroscopy. We then describe a series of merit criteria that help us determine the potential of a given micro-spectrograph technology for astronomy applications, and then take an inventory of the recent developments in integrated micro-spectrographs with potential for astronomy. We finally compare their performance, to finally draw a map of typical science requirements and pin the identified integrated technologies on it. We finally emphasize the necessary developments that must support micro-spectrograph in the coming years.

Applications of penetrating radiation for small animal imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasegawa, Bruce H.; Wu, Max C.; Iwata, Koji; Hwang, Andrew B.; Wong, Kenneth H.; Barber, William C.; Dae, Michael W.; Sakdinawat, Anne E.

2002-11-01

Researchers long have relied on research involving small animals to unravel scientific mysteries in the biological sciences, and to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in the medical and health sciences. Within the past 2 decades, new techniques have been developed to manipulate the genome of the mouse, allowing the development of transgenic and knockout models of mammalian and human disease, development, and physiology. Traditionally, much biological research involving small animals has relied on the use of invasive methods such as organ harvesting, tissue sampling, and autoradiography during which the animal was sacrificed to perform a single measurement. More recently, imaging techniques have been developed that assess anatomy and physiology in the intact animal, in a way that allows the investigator to follow the progression of disease, or to monitor the response to therapeutic interventions. Imaging techniques that use penetrating radiation at millimeter or submillimeter levels to image small animals include x-ray computed tomography (microCT), single-photon emission computed tomography (microSPECT), and imaging positron emission computed tomography (microPET). MicroCT generates cross-sectional slices which reveal the structure of the object with spatial resolution in the range of 50 to 100 microns. MicroSPECT and microPET are radionuclide imaging techniques in which a radiopharmaceutical is injected into the animal that is accumulated to metabolism, blood flow, bone remodeling, tumor growth, or other biological processes. Both microSPECT and microPET offer spatial resolutions in the range of 1-2 millimeters. However, microPET records annihilation photons produced by a positron-emitting radiopharmaceutical using electronic coincidence, and has a sensitivity approximately two orders of magnitude better than microSPECT, while microSPECT is compatible with gamma-ray emitting radiopharmaceuticals that are less expensive and more readily available than those used with microPET. High-resolution dual-modality imaging systems now are being developed that combine microPET or microSPECT with microCT in a way that facilitates more direct correlation of anatomy and physiology in the same animal. Small animal imaging allows researchers to perform experiments that are not possible with conventional invasive techniques, and thereby are becoming increasingly important tools for discovery of fundamental biological information, and development of new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in the biomedical sciences.

Soil-plant-animal continuum in relation to macro and micro mineral status of dairy cattle in subtropical hill agro ecosystem.

PubMed

Kumaresan, A; Bujarbaruah, K M; Pathak, K A; Brajendra; Ramesh, T

2010-04-01

The purpose of the present study was to study the soil-plant-animal continuum in subtropical hilly areas. Soil (n = 96), fodder (n = 96), and blood serum samples from dairy cattle (n = 120) were collected from eight districts of Mizoram, a hilly state in India. The samples were digested using diacid mixture (HNO(3):HClO(4); 10:4) and analyzed for macro (Ca, P, Mg, Na, and K) and micro (Cu, Co, Mn, Fe, and Zn) mineral concentrations. The macro and micro mineral concentrations varied among the different districts. The correlation values between fodder and cattle were significant for all the minerals studied except for P and K. The correlation value between fodder and cattle was highly significant (P < 0.01) for Ca (0.878), Mg (0.88), Cu (0.885), and Zn (0.928). However, such correlations were not observed between the mineral levels in cattle and mineral levels in soil except for Ca (0.782). Equations developed in the present study for prediction of Ca (R(2) = 0.797), Mg (R(2) = 0.777), Zn (R(2) = 0.937), Fe (R(2) = 0.861), and Cu (R(2) = 0.794) had significant R(2) values. Further, it is inferred that dairy cattle reared under smallholder production system were deficient in most of the minerals and supplementation of required minerals is essential for optimum production.

MicroArray Facility: a laboratory information management system with extended support for Nylon based technologies.

PubMed

Honoré, Paul; Granjeaud, Samuel; Tagett, Rebecca; Deraco, Stéphane; Beaudoing, Emmanuel; Rougemont, Jacques; Debono, Stéphane; Hingamp, Pascal

2006-09-20

High throughput gene expression profiling (GEP) is becoming a routine technique in life science laboratories. With experimental designs that repeatedly span thousands of genes and hundreds of samples, relying on a dedicated database infrastructure is no longer an option.GEP technology is a fast moving target, with new approaches constantly broadening the field diversity. This technology heterogeneity, compounded by the informatics complexity of GEP databases, means that software developments have so far focused on mainstream techniques, leaving less typical yet established techniques such as Nylon microarrays at best partially supported. MAF (MicroArray Facility) is the laboratory database system we have developed for managing the design, production and hybridization of spotted microarrays. Although it can support the widely used glass microarrays and oligo-chips, MAF was designed with the specific idiosyncrasies of Nylon based microarrays in mind. Notably single channel radioactive probes, microarray stripping and reuse, vector control hybridizations and spike-in controls are all natively supported by the software suite. MicroArray Facility is MIAME supportive and dynamically provides feedback on missing annotations to help users estimate effective MIAME compliance. Genomic data such as clone identifiers and gene symbols are also directly annotated by MAF software using standard public resources. The MAGE-ML data format is implemented for full data export. Journalized database operations (audit tracking), data anonymization, material traceability and user/project level confidentiality policies are also managed by MAF. MicroArray Facility is a complete data management system for microarray producers and end-users. Particular care has been devoted to adequately model Nylon based microarrays. The MAF system, developed and implemented in both private and academic environments, has proved a robust solution for shared facilities and industry service providers alike.

MicroArray Facility: a laboratory information management system with extended support for Nylon based technologies

PubMed Central

Honoré, Paul; Granjeaud, Samuel; Tagett, Rebecca; Deraco, Stéphane; Beaudoing, Emmanuel; Rougemont, Jacques; Debono, Stéphane; Hingamp, Pascal

2006-01-01

Background High throughput gene expression profiling (GEP) is becoming a routine technique in life science laboratories. With experimental designs that repeatedly span thousands of genes and hundreds of samples, relying on a dedicated database infrastructure is no longer an option. GEP technology is a fast moving target, with new approaches constantly broadening the field diversity. This technology heterogeneity, compounded by the informatics complexity of GEP databases, means that software developments have so far focused on mainstream techniques, leaving less typical yet established techniques such as Nylon microarrays at best partially supported. Results MAF (MicroArray Facility) is the laboratory database system we have developed for managing the design, production and hybridization of spotted microarrays. Although it can support the widely used glass microarrays and oligo-chips, MAF was designed with the specific idiosyncrasies of Nylon based microarrays in mind. Notably single channel radioactive probes, microarray stripping and reuse, vector control hybridizations and spike-in controls are all natively supported by the software suite. MicroArray Facility is MIAME supportive and dynamically provides feedback on missing annotations to help users estimate effective MIAME compliance. Genomic data such as clone identifiers and gene symbols are also directly annotated by MAF software using standard public resources. The MAGE-ML data format is implemented for full data export. Journalized database operations (audit tracking), data anonymization, material traceability and user/project level confidentiality policies are also managed by MAF. Conclusion MicroArray Facility is a complete data management system for microarray producers and end-users. Particular care has been devoted to adequately model Nylon based microarrays. The MAF system, developed and implemented in both private and academic environments, has proved a robust solution for shared facilities and industry service providers alike. PMID:16987406

Recent developments in drug eluting devices with tailored interfacial properties.

PubMed

Sanchez-Rexach, Eva; Meaurio, Emilio; Sarasua, Jose-Ramon

2017-11-01

Drug eluting devices have greatly evolved during past years to become fundamental products of great marketing importance in the biomedical field. There is currently a large diversity of highly specialized devices for specific applications, making the development of these devices an exciting field of research. The replacement of the former bare metal devices by devices loaded with drugs allowed the sustained and controlled release of drugs, to achieve the desired local therapeutic concentration of drug. The newer devices have been "engineered" with surfaces containing micro- and nanoscale features in a well-controlled manner, that have shown to significantly affect cellular and subcellular function of various biological systems. For example, the topography can be structured to form an antifouling surface mimicking the defense mechanisms found in nature, like the skin of the shark. In the case of bone implants, well-controlled nanostructured interfaces can promote osteoblast differentiation and matrix production, and enhance short-term and long-term osteointegration. In any case, the goal of current research is to design implants that induce controlled, guided, and rapid healing. This article reviews recent trends in the development of drug eluting devices, as well as recent developments on the micro/nanotechnology scales, and their future challenges. For this purpose medical devices have been divided according to the different systems of the body they are focused to: orthopedic devices, breathing stents, gastrointestinal and urinary systems, devices for cardiovascular diseases, neuronal implants, and wound dressings. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Micro Dot Patterning on the Light Guide Panel Using Powder Blasting

PubMed Central

Jang, Ho Su; Cho, Myeong Woo; Park, Dong Sam

2008-01-01

This study is to develop a micromachining technology for a light guide panel(LGP) mold, whereby micro dot patterns are formed on a LGP surface by a single injection process instead of existing screen printing processes. The micro powder blasting technique is applied to form micro dot patterns on the LGP mold surface. The optimal conditions for masking, laminating, exposure, and developing processes to form the micro dot patterns are first experimentally investigated. A LGP mold with masked micro patterns is then machined using the micro powder blasting method and the machinability of the micro dot patterns is verified. A prototype LGP is test- injected using the developed LGP mold and a shape analysis of the patterns and performance testing of the injected LGP are carried out. As an additional approach, matte finishing, a special surface treatment method, is applied to the mold surface to improve the light diffusion characteristics, uniformity and brightness of the LGP. The results of this study show that the applied powder blasting method can be successfully used to manufacture LGPs with micro patterns by just single injection using the developed mold and thereby replace existing screen printing methods. PMID:27879740

Environmental Fate and Exposure Assessment for Arsenic in Groundwater (Addendum)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

These data suggest that small (perhaps nano -to-micro-meter sized) particles are nucleating on short time scales consistent with overall...perhaps nano -to-micro-meter sized) particles are nucleating on short time scales consistent with overall thermodynamic stability, but that ripening...As was indicative of the final product after aging. These data suggest that small (perhaps nano -to-micro-meter sized) particles are nucleating on

Biocatalytic synthesis of 4-pregnen-20,21-diol-3-one, a selective inhibitor of human 5alpha-reductase type II.

PubMed

Hannemann, Frank; Bernhardt, Rita; Jose, Joachim

2007-10-01

Biocatalysis, the conversion of substrates into valuable products by the use of enzymes, has some striking advantages in comparison to standard organic chemistry for drug synthesis. By biocatalysis, substrates that contain several identical reactive groups at different positions can be converted with high regio-selectivity and enantio-selectivity. In this study, an E. coli isolate (E132) was identified which was able to convert the steroid desoxycorticosterone into the product 4-pregnen-20,21-diol-3-one in real terms. The product was purified from the cell culture supernatant by HPLC and its structure was demonstrated by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. It was tested on inhibition of human 5alpha-reductases type I and type II. At a concentration of 10 microM, inhibition was 49.0% for type I and 81.8% for type II, whereas there was no inhibition of human aromatase (CYP19) at 20 microM and human 17alpha-hydroxylase-C17,20-lyase (CYP17) at 2.5 microM detectable. The IC50 value of 4-pregnen-20,21-diol-3-one for human 5alpha-reductase type II was determined to be 1.56 microM.

Inhibition of muscarinic-stimulated polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis and Ca2+ mobilization in cat iris sphincter smooth muscle cells by cAMP-elevating agents.

PubMed

Ding, K H; Husain, S; Akhtar, R A; Isales, C M; Abdel-Latif, A A

1997-09-01

The effects of carbachol (CCh) on inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) production and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) mobilization, and their regulation by cAMP-elevating agents were investigated in SV-40 transformed cat iris sphincter smooth muscle (SV-CISM-2) cells. CCh produced time- and dose-dependent increases in IP3 production; the t1/2 and EC50 values were 68 s and 0.5 microM, respectively. The muscarinic agonist provoked a transient increase in [Ca2+]i which reached maximum within 77 s, and increased [Ca2+]i mobilization in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 1.4 microM. Thapsigargin, a Ca(2+)-pump inhibitor, caused a rapid rise in [Ca2+]i and subsequent addition of CCh was without effect. Both CCh-induced IP3 production and CCh-induced [Ca2+]i mobilization were more potently antagonized by 4-DAMP, an M3 muscarinic receptor antagonist, than by pirenzepine, an M1 receptor antagonist, suggesting that both responses are mediated through the M3 receptor subtype. Treatment of the cells with U73122, a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in both CCh-stimulated IP3 production and [Ca2+]i mobilization. These data indicate close correlation between enhanced IP3 production and [Ca2+]i mobilization in these smooth muscle cells and suggest that the CCh-stimulated increase in [Ca2+]i could be mediated through increased IP3 production. Isoproterenol (ISO) inhibited CCh-induced IP3 production (IC50 = 80 nM) and [Ca2+]i mobilization (IC50 = 0.17 microM) in a concentration-dependent manner. Microsomal fractions isolated from SV-CISM-2 cells contained phospholipase C (PLC) which was stimulated by CCh (10 microM) and GTP gamma S (0.1 microM). Pretreatment of the cells with ISO or forskolin, 5 microM each, produced membrane fractions in which CCh-stimulated PLC activity was significantly attenuated. Furthermore, when microsomal fractions isolated from SV-CISM-2 cells were phosphorylated with Protein kinase A (PKA), the CCh- and GTP gamma S-stimulated IP3 production were significantly inhibited. It can be concluded from these studies that in SV-CISM-2 cells, activation of M3 muscarinic receptors results in stimulation of PLC-mediated PIP2 hydrolysis, generating IP3 which mobilizes [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, elevation of cAMP may inhibit IP3 production and [Ca2+]i mobilization through mechanisms involving PKA-dependent phosphorylation of PLC, G-proteins, IP3 receptor and/or IP3 metabolizing enzymes.

Regulatory structures for gene therapy medicinal products in the European Union.

PubMed

Klug, Bettina; Celis, Patrick; Carr, Melanie; Reinhardt, Jens

2012-01-01

Taking into account the complexity and technical specificity of advanced therapy medicinal products: (gene and cell therapy medicinal products and tissue engineered products), a dedicated European regulatory framework was needed. Regulation (EC) No. 1394/2007, the "ATMP Regulation" provides tailored regulatory principles for the evaluation and authorization of these innovative medicines. The majority of gene or cell therapy product development is carried out by academia, hospitals, and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Thus, acknowledging the particular needs of these types of sponsors, the legislation also provides incentives for product development tailored to them. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and, in particular, its Committee for Advanced Therapies (CAT) provide a variety of opportunities for early interaction with developers of ATMPs to enable them to have early regulatory and scientific input. An important tool to promote innovation and the development of new medicinal products by micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises is the EMA's SME initiative launched in December 2005 to offer financial and administrative assistance to smaller companies. The European legislation also foresees the involvement of stakeholders, such as patient organizations, in the development of new medicines. Considering that gene therapy medicinal products are developed in many cases for treatment of rare diseases often of monogenic origin, the involvement of patient organizations, which focus on rare diseases and genetic and congenital disorders, is fruitful. Two such organizations are represented in the CAT. Research networks play another important role in the development of gene therapy medicinal products. The European Commission is funding such networks through the EU Sixth Framework Program. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Production of drug-loaded polymeric nanoparticles by electrospraying technology.

PubMed

Sosnik, Alejandro

2014-09-01

The pharmaceutical industry struggles with high attrition. The outbreak of pharmaceutical micro/nanotechnology has been fundamental to overcome several (bio)pharmaceutic drawbacks of drugs such as poor aqueous solubility, physicochemical instability, short half life, inappropriate biodistribution and toxicity. The spatiotemporal release of drugs directly in the site of action and the restriction of the systemic exposure by means of nanotechnology has notoriously improved drug safety ratios. At the same time, the development of production methods that are cost-effective, scalable and reproducible under industrial settings becomes crucial to ensure the clinical translation of any development. The electrospraying process, also known as electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA), is a single-stage technique of liquid atomization by means of electrical forces that enables the generation of micro/nanoparticles with especially narrow size distribution. EHDA is based on the ability of an electric field to deform the interface of a liquid drop and break it into smaller mono-disperse droplets. The main advantageous features over conventional methods are the possibility to produce particles without the use of surfactants, at ambient temperature and pressure and with maximum encapsulation efficiency due to the absence of an external medium that allows the migration and/or dissolution of water-soluble cargos. In addition, the mild conditions are optimal for the encapsulation of thermo-sensitive cargos. The present article overviews the applications of this technology for the production of nano-drug delivery systems and discusses its key role to support the transfer of a broad spectrum of nanomedicines to the market.

Content of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) in cardiomyocytes is regulated by microRNA-1 in physiologic and pathologic hypertrophy

PubMed Central

Zaglia, Tania; Ceriotti, Paola; Campo, Antonio; Borile, Giulia; Armani, Andrea; Carullo, Pierluigi; Prando, Valentina; Coppini, Raffaele; Vida, Vladimiro; Stølen, Tomas O.; Ulrik, Wisløff; Cerbai, Elisabetta; Stellin, Giovanni; Faggian, Giuseppe; De Stefani, Diego; Sandri, Marco; Rizzuto, Rosario; Di Lisa, Fabio; Pozzan, Tullio; Catalucci, Daniele; Mongillo, Marco

2017-01-01

The mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter complex (MCUC) is a multimeric ion channel which, by tuning Ca2+ influx into the mitochondrial matrix, finely regulates metabolic energy production. In the heart, this dynamic control of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake is fundamental for cardiomyocytes to adapt to either physiologic or pathologic stresses. Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), which is the core channel subunit of MCUC, has been shown to play a critical role in the response to β-adrenoreceptor stimulation occurring during acute exercise. The molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of MCU, in conditions requiring chronic increase in energy production, such as physiologic or pathologic cardiac growth, remain elusive. Here, we show that microRNA-1 (miR-1), a member of the muscle-specific microRNA (myomiR) family, is responsible for direct and selective targeting of MCU and inhibition of its translation, thereby affecting the capacity of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake machinery. Consistent with the role of miR-1 in heart development and cardiomyocyte hypertrophic remodeling, we additionally found that MCU levels are inversely related with the myomiR content, in murine and, remarkably, human hearts from both physiologic (i.e., postnatal development and exercise) and pathologic (i.e., pressure overload) myocardial hypertrophy. Interestingly, the persistent activation of β-adrenoreceptors is likely one of the upstream repressors of miR-1 as treatment with β-blockers in pressure-overloaded mouse hearts prevented its down-regulation and the consequent increase in MCU content. Altogether, these findings identify the miR-1/MCU axis as a factor in the dynamic adaptation of cardiac cells to hypertrophy. PMID:29073097

The Role of Design-of-Experiments in Managing Flow in Compact Air Vehicle Inlets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, Bernhard H.; Miller, Daniel N.; Gridley, Marvin C.; Agrell, Johan

2003-01-01

It is the purpose of this study to demonstrate the viability and economy of Design-of-Experiments methodologies to arrive at microscale secondary flow control array designs that maintain optimal inlet performance over a wide range of the mission variables and to explore how these statistical methods provide a better understanding of the management of flow in compact air vehicle inlets. These statistical design concepts were used to investigate the robustness properties of low unit strength micro-effector arrays. Low unit strength micro-effectors are micro-vanes set at very low angles-of-incidence with very long chord lengths. They were designed to influence the near wall inlet flow over an extended streamwise distance, and their advantage lies in low total pressure loss and high effectiveness in managing engine face distortion. The term robustness is used in this paper in the same sense as it is used in the industrial problem solving community. It refers to minimizing the effects of the hard-to-control factors that influence the development of a product or process. In Robustness Engineering, the effects of the hard-to-control factors are often called noise , and the hard-to-control factors themselves are referred to as the environmental variables or sometimes as the Taguchi noise variables. Hence Robust Optimization refers to minimizing the effects of the environmental or noise variables on the development (design) of a product or process. In the management of flow in compact inlets, the environmental or noise variables can be identified with the mission variables. Therefore this paper formulates a statistical design methodology that minimizes the impact of variations in the mission variables on inlet performance and demonstrates that these statistical design concepts can lead to simpler inlet flow management systems.

Experimental study of ejecta from shock melted lead

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yongtao; Hu, Haibo; Tang, Tiegang; Ren, Guowu; Li, Qingzhong; Wang, Rongbo; Buttler, William T.

2012-03-01

This effort investigates the dynamic properties of ejecta from explosively shocked, melted Pb targets. The study shows that the ejecta cloud that expands beyond the shocked surface is characterized by a high density and low velocity fragment layer between the free-surface and the high velocity micro-jetting particle cloud. This slow, dense ejecta layer is liquid micro-spall. The properties of micro-spall layer, such as the mass, density and velocity, were diagnosed in a novel application of an Asay window, while micro-jetting particles by lithium niobate piezoelectric pins and high speed photography. The total mass-velocity distribution of ejecta, including micro-spall fragments and micro-jetting particles, is presented. Furthermore, the sensitivity of ejecta production to slight variations in the shockwave drive using the Asay foil is studied.

Marching Microbes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

Under an SBIR contract with Marshall Space Flight Center, Micro-Bac International developed a new system for the treatment of wastewater based on the metabolic activity of photorphic bacteria. These microorganisms are now being sold as a liquid product called Mega-Bac TF. It is currently used for septic systems and wastewater ponds, lakes and lagoons to degrade fat, oil, fecal matter and other biologically derived wastes. Potential applications include homes, agriculture, food processors and chemical manufacturing.

Can Russia Reform? Economic, Political, and Military Perspectives

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

formation of a diversified economic model , it did not halt the growth of the gap between Russia and the developed world either. The result will be...years. The pure model was a unitary state economic governance scheme where Tsars, (principals) unable to micro-plan and command production...subsistence, and dividing the booty arbitrarily among themselves. TSARIST STATE ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT REFORM The core model served its purpose and was

Scalable and continuous fabrication of bio-inspired dry adhesives with a thermosetting polymer.

PubMed

Lee, Sung Ho; Kim, Sung Woo; Kang, Bong Su; Chang, Pahn-Shick; Kwak, Moon Kyu

2018-04-04

Many research groups have developed unique micro/nano-structured dry adhesives by mimicking the foot of the gecko with the use of molding methods. Through these previous works, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has been developed and become the most commonly used material for making artificial dry adhesives. The material properties of PDMS are well suited for making dry adhesives, such as conformal contacts with almost zero preload, low elastic moduli for stickiness, and easy cleaning with low surface energy. From a performance point of view, dry adhesives made with PDMS can be highly advantageous but are limited by its low productivity, as production takes an average of approximately two hours. Given the low productivity of PDMS, some research groups have developed dry adhesives using UV-curable materials, which are capable of continuous roll-to-roll production processes. However, UV-curable materials were too rigid to produce good adhesion. Thus, we established a PDMS continuous-production system to achieve good productivity and adhesion performance. We designed a thermal roll-imprinting lithography (TRL) system for the continuous production of PDMS microstructures by shortening the curing time by controlling the curing temperature (the production speed is up to 150 mm min-1). Dry adhesives composed of PDMS were fabricated continuously via the TRL system.

Carotenoids from microalgae: A review of recent developments.

PubMed

Gong, Mengyue; Bassi, Amarjeet

2016-12-01

Carotenoids have been receiving increasing attention due to their potential health benefits. Microalgae are recognized as a natural source of carotenoids and other beneficial byproducts. However, the production of micro-algal carotenoids is not yet sufficiently cost-effective to compete with traditional chemical synthetic methods and other technologies such as extraction from plant based sources. This review presents the recent biotechnological developments in microalgal carotenoid production. The current technologies involved in their bioprocessing including cultivation, harvesting, extraction, and purification are discussed with a specific focus on downstream processing. The recent advances in chemical and biochemical synthesis of carotenoids are also reviewed for a better understanding of suitable and economically feasible biotechnological strategies. Some possible future directions are also proposed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Micro fabricated enzyme battery].

PubMed

Sasaki, S; Karube, I

1996-10-01

Although various work has been done in the field of implantable micro actuators such as artificial organs and micro surgery robots, a suitable electric power supply for these is yet to be developed. For this purpose a micro fabricated enzyme fuel cell was developed which uses glucose contained in the human body as a fuel. In order to obtain enough voltage each cell was formed as part of a serial array on a silicon wafer. Glucose solution enters the cells by a capillary effect. In this article fuel cells already developed using biocatalysts are described, and the future possibility of a micro fabricated enzyme battery is discussed.

Marketed Marine Natural Products in the Pharmaceutical and Cosmeceutical Industries: Tips for Success

PubMed Central

Martins, Ana; Vieira, Helena; Gaspar, Helena; Santos, Susana

2014-01-01

The marine environment harbors a number of macro and micro organisms that have developed unique metabolic abilities to ensure their survival in diverse and hostile habitats, resulting in the biosynthesis of an array of secondary metabolites with specific activities. Several of these metabolites are high-value commercial products for the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries. The aim of this review is to outline the paths of marine natural products discovery and development, with a special focus on the compounds that successfully reached the market and particularly looking at the approaches tackled by the pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies that succeeded in marketing those products. The main challenges faced during marine bioactives discovery and development programs were analyzed and grouped in three categories: biodiversity (accessibility to marine resources and efficient screening), supply and technical (sustainable production of the bioactives and knowledge of the mechanism of action) and market (processes, costs, partnerships and marketing). Tips to surpass these challenges are given in order to improve the market entry success rates of highly promising marine bioactives in the current pipelines, highlighting what can be learned from the successful and unsuccessful stories that can be applied to novel and/or ongoing marine natural products discovery and development programs. PMID:24549205

Characterization of microcracks by application of digital image correlation to SPM images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keller, Juergen; Gollhardt, Astrid; Vogel, Dietmar; Michel, Bernd

2004-07-01

With the development of micro- and nanotechnological products such as sensors, MEMS/NEMS and their broad application in a variety of market segments new reliability issues will arise. The increasing interface-to-volume ratio in highly integrated systems and nanoparticle filled materials and unsolved questions of size effect of nanomaterials are challenges for experimental reliability evaluation. To fulfill this needs the authors developed the nanoDAC method (nano Deformation Analysis by Correlation), which allows the determination and evaluation of 2D displacement fields based on scanning probe microscopy (SPM) data. In-situ SPM scans of the analyzed object are carried out at different thermo-mechanical load states. The obtained topography-, phase- or error-images are compared utilizing grayscale cross correlation algorithms. This allows the tracking of local image patterns of the analyzed surface structure. The measurement results of the nanoDAC method are full-field displacement and strain fields. Due to the application of SPM equipment deformations in the micro-, nanometer range can be easily detected. The method can be performed on bulk materials, thin films and on devices i.e microelectronic components, sensors or MEMS/NEMS. Furthermore, the characterization and evaluation of micro- and nanocracks or defects in bulk materials, thin layers and at material interfaces can be carried out.

A microfabricated platform to form three-dimensional toroidal multicellular aggregate.

PubMed

Masuda, Taisuke; Takei, Natsuki; Nakano, Takuma; Anada, Takahisa; Suzuki, Osamu; Arai, Fumihito

2012-12-01

Techniques that allow cells to self-assemble into three-dimensional (3D) spheroid microtissues provide powerful in vitro models that are becoming increasingly popular in fields such as stem cell research, tissue engineering, and cancer biology. Appropriate simulation of the 3D environment in which tissues normally develop and function is crucial for the engineering of in vitro models that can be used for the formation of complex tissues. We have developed a unique multicellular aggregate formation platform that utilizes a maskless gray-scale photolithography. The cellular aggregate formed using this platform has a toroidal-like geometry and includes a micro lumen that facilitates the supply of oxygen and growth factors and the expulsion of waste products. As a result, this platform was capable of rapidly producing hundreds of multicellular aggregates at a time, and of regulating the diameter of aggregates with complex design. These toroidal multicellular aggregates can grow as long-term culture. In addition, the micro lumen can be used as a continuous channel and for the insertion of a vascular system or a nerve system into the assembled tissue. These platform characteristics highlight its potential to be used in a wide variety of applications, e.g. as a bioactuator, as a micro-machine component or in drug screening and tissue engineering.

Design and finite element analysis of micro punch CNC machine modeling for medical devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pranoto, Sigiet Haryo; Mahardika, Muslim

2018-03-01

Research on micromanufacturing has been conducted. Miniaturization and weight reduction of various industrial products continue to be developed, machines with high accuracy and good quality of machining results are needed recently. This research includes design and simulation of Micro Punch CNC Machine using Abaqus with pneumatic system. This article concern of modeling simulation of punching miniplate titanium with 0.6 MPa of pressure and 500 µm of thickness. This study explaining von misses stress, safety factor and displacement analysis while the machine had the load of punching. The result gives the reaction forced of punching is 0.5 MPa on punch tip and maximum displacement is 3.237 × 10-1 mm. The safety factor is over than 12, and considered it safe for manufacturing process.

MicroRNAs: Processing, Maturation, Target Recognition and Regulatory Functions

PubMed Central

Shukla, Girish C.; Singh, Jagjit; Barik, Sailen

2012-01-01

The remarkable discovery of small noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs) and their role in posttranscriptional gene regulation have revealed another fine-tuning step in the expression of genetic information. A large number of cellular pathways, which act in organismal development and are important in health and disease, appear to be modulated by miRNAs. At the molecular level, miRNAs restrain the production of proteins by affecting the stability of their target mRNA and/or by down-regulating their translation. This review attempts to offer a snapshot of aspects of miRNA coding, processing, target recognition and function in animals. Our goal here is to provide the readers with a thought-provoking and mechanistic introduction to the miRNA world rather than with a detailed encyclopedia. PMID:22468167

Hybrid Energy System Design of Micro Hydro-PV-biogas Based Micro-grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishrina; Abdullah, A. G.; Risdiyanto, A.; Nandiyanto, ABD

2017-03-01

Hybrid renewable energy system is an arrangement of one or more sources of renewable energy and also conventional energy. This paper describes a simulation results of hybrid renewable power system based on the available potential in an educational institution in Indonesia. HOMER software was used to simulate and analyse both in terms of optimization and economic terms. This software was developed through 3 main principles; simulation, optimization, and sensitivity analysis. Generally, the presented results show that the software can demonstrate a feasible hybrid power system as well to be realized. The entire demand in case study area can be supplied by the system configuration and can be met by ¾ of electricity production. So, there are ¼ of generated energy became an excess electricity.

Integrating macro- and micro-level approaches in the explanation of population change

PubMed Central

Billari, Francesco C.

2015-01-01

Demographers study population change across time and place, and traditionally they place a strong emphasis on a long-range view of population change. This paper builds on current reflections on how to structure the study of population change and proposes a two-stage perspective. The first stage, discovery, focuses on the production of novel evidence at the population level. The second stage, explanation, develops accounts of demographic change and tests how the action and interaction of individuals generate what is discovered in the first stage. This explanatory stage also provides the foundation for the prediction of demographic change. The transformation of micro-level actions and interactions into macro-level population outcomes is identified as a key challenge for the second stage. Specific instances of research are discussed. PMID:25912913

Unlocking nature’s treasure-chest: screening for oleaginous algae

PubMed Central

Slocombe, Stephen P.; Zhang, QianYi; Ross, Michael; Anderson, Avril; Thomas, Naomi J.; Lapresa, Ángela; Rad-Menéndez, Cecilia; Campbell, Christine N.; Black, Kenneth D.; Stanley, Michele S.; Day, John G.

2015-01-01

Micro-algae synthesize high levels of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins photoautotrophically, thus attracting considerable interest for the biotechnological production of fuels, environmental remediation, functional foods and nutraceuticals. Currently, only a few micro-algae species are grown commercially at large-scale, primarily for “health-foods” and pigments. For a range of potential products (fuel to pharma), high lipid productivity strains are required to mitigate the economic costs of mass culture. Here we present a screen concentrating on marine micro-algal strains, which if suitable for scale-up would minimise competition with agriculture for water. Mass-Spectrophotometric analysis (MS) of nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) was subsequently validated by measurement of total fatty acids (TFA) by Gas-Chromatography (GC). This identified a rapid and accurate screening strategy based on elemental analysis. The screen identified Nannochloropsis oceanica CCAP 849/10 and a marine isolate of Chlorella vulgaris CCAP 211/21A as the best lipid producers. Analysis of C, N, protein, carbohydrate and Fatty Acid (FA) composition identified a suite of strains for further biotechnological applications e.g. Dunaliella polymorpha CCAP 19/14, significantly the most productive for carbohydrates, and Cyclotella cryptica CCAP 1070/2, with utility for EPA production and N-assimilation. PMID:26202369

A diagnosis of the microbiological quality of dehydrated bee-pollen produced in Brazil.

PubMed

De-Melo, A A M; Estevinho, M L M F; Almeida-Muradian, L B

2015-11-01

Bee-pollen is an apicultural product with potential for medical and nutritional applications; therefore, its microbiology quality should be monitored. In this context, the objective of this study was to diagnose the microbiological quality of 45 dehydrated bee-pollen samples collected from November 2011 to December 2013 in nine Brazilian States. All the samples were negative for sulphite-reducing Clostridium spores, Salmonella, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli, which are micro-organisms of public health concern. Total aerobic mesophilic micro-organism counts ranged from <10 to 1·10 × 10(4) CFU g(-1) , with psychrotroph counts ranging from <10 to 1·12 × 10(3) CFU g(-1) and total coliforms from <10 to 2·80 × 10(3) CFU g(-1) , while the values for yeasts and moulds were between <10 to 7·67 × 10(3) CFU g(-1) . According to the literature, the microbiota observed in this study were typical; however, it is important to consider that these micro-organisms may cause spoilage and diminish shelf life, reason by which quality control programs should be implemented. Contamination of bee-pollen can occur during production, collection and processing, but there are few studies of the microbiological quality of this product. Brazil is an important producer of dehydrated bee-pollen, therefore, a diagnosis of the microbiological status is important to ensure the safety of many consumers. Salmonella sp., genus Clostridium, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli and even some yeast species are micro-organisms of public health concern and their presence must be monitored. Furthermore, the determination of spoilage micro-organisms indicates whether the production and the processing practices carried out by beekeepers and warehouses were adequate. © 2015 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Potential of genetically engineered hybrid poplar for pyrolytic production of bio-based phenolic compounds.

PubMed

Toraman, Hilal E; Vanholme, Ruben; Borén, Eleonora; Vanwonterghem, Yumi; Djokic, Marko R; Yildiz, Guray; Ronsse, Frederik; Prins, Wolter; Boerjan, Wout; Van Geem, Kevin M; Marin, Guy B

2016-05-01

Wild-type and two genetically engineered hybrid poplar lines were pyrolyzed in a micro-pyrolysis (Py-GC/MS) and a bench scale setup for fast and intermediate pyrolysis studies. Principal component analysis showed that the pyrolysis vapors obtained by micro-pyrolysis from wood of caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT) and caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase (CCoAOMT) down-regulated poplar trees differed significantly from the pyrolysis vapors obtained from non-transgenic control trees. Both fast micro-pyrolysis and intermediate pyrolysis of transgenic hybrid poplars showed that down-regulation of COMT can enhance the relative yield of guaiacyl lignin-derived products, while the relative yield of syringyl lignin-derived products was up to a factor 3 lower. This study indicates that lignin engineering via genetic modifications of genes involved in the phenylpropanoid and monolignol biosynthetic pathways can help to steer the pyrolytic production of guaiacyl and syringyl lignin-derived phenolic compounds such as guaiacol, 4-methylguaiacol, 4-ethylguaiacol, 4-vinylguaiacol, syringol, 4-vinylsyringol, and syringaldehyde present in the bio-oil. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Activation of G proteins mediates flow-induced prostaglandin E2 production in osteoblasts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reich, K. M.; McAllister, T. N.; Gudi, S.; Frangos, J. A.

1997-01-01

Interstitial fluid flow may play a role in load-induced bone remodeling. Previously, we have shown that fluid flow stimulates osteoblast production of cAMP inositol trisphosphate (IP3), and PGE2. Flow-induced increases in cAMP and IP3 were shown to be a result of PG production. Thus, PGE2 production appears to be an important component in fluid flow induced signal transduction. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of flow-induced PGE2 synthesis. Flow-induced a 20-fold increase in PGE2 production in osteoblasts. Increases were also observed with ALF4-(10mM) (98-fold), an activator of guanidine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins), and calcium ionophore A23187 (2 microM) (100-fold) in stationary cells. We then investigated whether flow stimulation is mediated by G proteins and increases in intracellular calcium. Flow-induced PGE2 production was inhibited by the G protein inhibitors GDP beta S (100 microM) and pertussis toxin (1 microgram/ml) by 83% and 72%, respectively. Chelation of extracellular calcium by EGTA (2 mM) and intracellular calcium by quin-2/AM (30 microM) blocked flow stimulation by 87% and 67%, respectively. These results suggest that G proteins and calcium play an important role in mediating mechanochemical signal transduction in osteoblasts.

Patent and product piracy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ignat, V.

2016-08-01

Advanced industrial countries are affected by technology theft. German industry annually loses more than 50 billion euros. The main causes are industrial espionage and fraudulent copying patents and industrial products. Many Asian countries are profiteering saving up to 65% of production costs. Most affected are small medium enterprises, who do not have sufficient economic power to assert themselves against some powerful countries. International organizations, such as Interpol and World Customs Organization - WCO - work together to combat international economic crime. Several methods of protection can be achieved by registering patents or specific technical methods for recognition of product originality. They have developed more suitable protection, like Hologram, magnetic stripe, barcode, CE marking, digital watermarks, DNA or Nano-technologies, security labels, radio frequency identification, micro color codes, matrix code, cryptographic encodings. The automotive industry has developed the method “Manufactures against Product Piracy”. A sticker on the package features original products and it uses a Data Matrix verifiable barcode. The code can be recorded with a smartphone camera. The smartphone is connected via Internet to a database, where the identification numbers of the original parts are stored.

Entrapment of anaerobic thermophilic and hyperthermophilic marine micro-organisms in a gellan/xanthan matrix.

PubMed

Landreau, M; Duthoit, F; Claeys-Bruno, M; Vandenabeele-Trambouze, O; Aubry, T; Godfroy, A; Le Blay, G

2016-06-01

The aims of this study were (i) to develop a protocol for the entrapment of anaerobic (hyper)thermophilic marine micro-organisms; (ii) to test the use of the chosen polymers in a range of physical and chemical conditions and (iii) to validate the method with batch cultures. The best conditions for immobilization were obtained at 80°C with gellan and xanthan gums. After 5-week incubation, beads showed a good resistance to all tested conditions except those simultaneously including high temperature (100°C), low NaCl (<0∙5 mol l(-1) ) and extreme pH (4/8). To confirm the method efficiency, batch cultures with immobilized Thermosipho sp. strain AT1272 and Thermococcus kodakarensis strain KOD1 showed an absence of detrimental effect on cell viability and a good growth within and outside the beads. This suggests that entrapment in a gellan-xanthan matrix could be employed for the culture of anaerobic (hyper)thermophilic marine micro-organisms. (Hyper)thermophilic marine micro-organisms possess a high biotechnological potential. Generally microbial cells are grown as free-cell cultures. The use of immobilized cells may offer several advantages such as protection against phage attack, high cell biomass and better production rate of desired metabolites. © 2016 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

X-ray tomography of powder injection moulded micro parts using synchrotron radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heldele, R.; Rath, S.; Merz, L.; Butzbach, R.; Hagelstein, M.; Haußelt, J.

2006-05-01

Powder injection moulding is one of the most promising replication methods for the mass production of metal and ceramic micro parts. The material for injection moulding, a so-called feedstock, consists of thermoplastic binder components and inorganic filler with approximately equal volume fractions. Injection moulding of the feedstock leads to a green part that can be processed to a dense metal or ceramic micro part by debinding and sintering. During the injection moulding process extremely high shear rates are applied. This promotes the separation of powder and binder leading to a particle density variation in the green part causing anisotropic shrinkage during post-processing. The knowledge of introducing density gradients and defects would consequently allow the optimization of the feedstock, the moulding parameters and the validation of a simulation tool based on the Dissipative Particle Dynamics which is currently under development, as well. To determine the particle density and defect distribution in micro parts synchrotron radiation tomography in absorption mode was used. Due to its parallel and monochromatic character a quantitative reconstruction, free of beam hardening artifacts, is possible. For the measurement, bending bars consisting of dispersed fused silica particles in a polymeric matrix were used. The presented results using this set-up show that crucial defects and density variations can be detected.

Design, fabrication, and evaluation of on-chip micro-supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beidaghi, Majid; Chen, Wei; Wang, Chunlei

2011-06-01

Development of miniaturized electronic systems has stimulated the demand for miniaturized power sources that can be integrated into such systems. Among the different micro power sources micro electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices are particularly attractive because of their high efficiency and relatively high energy density. Electrochemical micro-capacitors or micro-supercapacitors offer higher power density compared to micro-batteries and micro-fuel cells. In this paper, development of on-chip micro-supercapacitors based on interdigitated C-MEMS electrode microarrays is introduced. C-MEMS electrodes are employed both as electrode material for electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) or as three dimensional (3D) current collectors of EDLC or pseudo-capacitive materials. Recent advancements in fabrication methods of C-MEMS based micro-supercapacitors are discussed and electrochemical properties of C-MEMS electrodes and it composites are reviewed.

A micro alkaline direct ethanol fuel cell with platinum-free catalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verjulio, R. W.; Alcaide, F.; Álvarez, G.; Sabaté, N.; Torres-Herrero, N.; Esquivel, J. P.; Santander, J.

2013-11-01

This paper presents the fabrication and characterization of a micro alkaline direct ethanol fuel cell. The device has been conceived as a feasibility demonstrator, using microtechnologies for the fabrication of the current collectors and traditional techniques for the membrane electrode assembly production. The fuel cell works in passive mode, as expected for the simplicity required for micro power systems. Non-noble catalysts have been used in order to implement the main advantage of alkaline systems, showing the feasibility of such a device as a potential very-low-cost power device at mini- and micro scales.

Fabrication of Flower-like ZnO Micro/Nanostructures for Photodegradation of Pre-treated Palm Oil Mill Effluent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lam, Sze-Mun; Wong, Kok-Ann; Sin, Jin-Chung

2018-01-01

Flower-like ZnO micro/nanostructures were fabricated by a simple and surfactant-free reflux method. X-ray diffraction findings showed that the prepared ZnO product was highly crystallite with hexagonal wurtzite structure. The band gap energy of ZnO sample was measured to be 3.18 eV via an optical reflectance spectrum. The flower-like morphological features of ZnO micro/nanostructures were witnessed through field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Such micro/nanoparticles could be used in the photodegradation of pre-treated palm oil mil effluent (POME) under UV irradiation.

Smart Aquarium as Physics Learning Media for Renewable Energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desnita, D.; Raihanati, R.; Susanti, D.

2018-04-01

Smart aquarium has been developed as a learning media to visualize Micro Hydro Power Generator (MHPG). Its used aquarium water circulation system and Wind Power Generation (WPG) which generated through a wheel as a source. Its also used to teach about energy changes, circular motion and wheel connection, electromagnetic impact, and AC power circuit. The output power and system efficiency was adjusted through the adjustment of water level and wind speed. Specific targets in this research are: to achieved: (i) develop green aquarium technology that’s suitable to used as a medium of physics learning, (ii) improving quality of process and learning result at a senior high school student. Research method used development research by Borg and Gall, which includes preliminary studies, design, product development, expert validation, and product feasibility test, and vinalisation. The validation test by the expert states that props feasible to use. Limited trials conducted prove that this tool can improve students science process skills.

A PET system based on 2-18FDG production with a low energy electrostatic proton accelerator and a dual headed PET scanner.

PubMed

Sandell, A; Ohlsson, T; Erlandsson, K; Hellborg, R; Strand, S E

1992-01-01

We have developed a comparatively inexpensive PET system, based on a rotating scanner with two scintillation camera heads, and a nearby low energy electrostatic proton accelerator for production of short-lived radionuclides. Using a 6 MeV proton beam of 5 microA, and by optimization of the target geometry for the 18O(p,n)18F reaction, 750 MBq of 2-18FDG can be obtained. The PET scanner shows a spatial resolution of 6 mm (FWHM) and a sensitivity of 80 s-1kBq-1ml-1 (3 kcps/microCi/ml). Various corrections are included in the imaging process, to compensate for spatial and temporal response variations in the detector system. Both filtered backprojection and iterative reconstruction methods are employed. Clinical studies have been performed with acquisition times of 30-40 min. The system will be used for clinical experimental research with short- as well as long-lived positron emitters. Also the possibility of true 3D reconstruction is under evaluation.

Micro-Level Adaptation, Macro-Level Selection, and the Dynamics of Market Partitioning

PubMed Central

García-Díaz, César; van Witteloostuijn, Arjen; Péli, Gábor

2015-01-01

This paper provides a micro-foundation for dual market structure formation through partitioning processes in marketplaces by developing a computational model of interacting economic agents. We propose an agent-based modeling approach, where firms are adaptive and profit-seeking agents entering into and exiting from the market according to their (lack of) profitability. Our firms are characterized by large and small sunk costs, respectively. They locate their offerings along a unimodal demand distribution over a one-dimensional product variety, with the distribution peak constituting the center and the tails standing for the peripheries. We found that large firms may first advance toward the most abundant demand spot, the market center, and release peripheral positions as predicted by extant dual market explanations. However, we also observed that large firms may then move back toward the market fringes to reduce competitive niche overlap in the center, triggering nonlinear resource occupation behavior. Novel results indicate that resource release dynamics depend on firm-level adaptive capabilities, and that a minimum scale of production for low sunk cost firms is key to the formation of the dual structure. PMID:26656107

[A novel quantitative approach to study dynamic anaerobic process at micro scale].

PubMed

Zhang, Zhong-Liang; Wu, Jing; Jiang, Jian-Kai; Jiang, Jie; Li, Huai-Zhi

2012-11-01

Anaerobic digestion is attracting more and more interests because of its advantages such as low cost and recovery of clean energy etc. In order to overcome the drawbacks of the existed methods to study the dynamic anaerobic process, a novel microscopical quantitative approach at the granule level was developed combining both the microdevice and the quantitative image analysis techniques. This experiment displayed the process and characteristics of the gas production at static state for the first time and the results indicated that the method was of satisfactory repeatability. The gas production process at static state could be divided into three stages including rapid linear increasing stage, decelerated increasing stage and slow linear increasing stage. The rapid linear increasing stage was long and the biogas rate was high under high initial organic loading rate. The results showed that it was feasible to make the anaerobic process to be carried out in the microdevice; furthermore this novel method was reliable and could clearly display the dynamic process of the anaerobic reaction at the micro scale. The results are helpful to understand the anaerobic process.

Micro-Level Adaptation, Macro-Level Selection, and the Dynamics of Market Partitioning.

PubMed

García-Díaz, César; van Witteloostuijn, Arjen; Péli, Gábor

2015-01-01

This paper provides a micro-foundation for dual market structure formation through partitioning processes in marketplaces by developing a computational model of interacting economic agents. We propose an agent-based modeling approach, where firms are adaptive and profit-seeking agents entering into and exiting from the market according to their (lack of) profitability. Our firms are characterized by large and small sunk costs, respectively. They locate their offerings along a unimodal demand distribution over a one-dimensional product variety, with the distribution peak constituting the center and the tails standing for the peripheries. We found that large firms may first advance toward the most abundant demand spot, the market center, and release peripheral positions as predicted by extant dual market explanations. However, we also observed that large firms may then move back toward the market fringes to reduce competitive niche overlap in the center, triggering nonlinear resource occupation behavior. Novel results indicate that resource release dynamics depend on firm-level adaptive capabilities, and that a minimum scale of production for low sunk cost firms is key to the formation of the dual structure.

Visible micro-Raman spectroscopy for determining glucose content in beverage industry.

PubMed

Delfino, I; Camerlingo, C; Portaccio, M; Ventura, B Della; Mita, L; Mita, D G; Lepore, M

2011-07-15

The potential of Raman spectroscopy with excitation in the visible as a tool for quantitative determination of single components in food industry products was investigated by focusing the attention on glucose content in commercial sport drinks. At this aim, micro-Raman spectra in the 600-1600cm(-1) wavenumber shift region of four sport drinks were recorded, showing well defined and separated vibrational fingerprints of the various contained sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose). By profiting of the spectral separation of some peculiar peaks, glucose content was quantified by using a multivariate statistical analysis based on the interval Partial Least Square (iPLS) approach. The iPLS model needed for data analysis procedure was built by using glucose aqueous solutions at known sugar concentrations as calibration data. This model was then applied to sport drink spectra and gave predicted glucose concentrations in good agreement with the values obtained by using a biochemical assay. These results represent a significant step towards the development of a fast and simple method for the on-line glucose quantification in products of food and beverage industry. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Low-cost fabrication of optical waveguides, interconnects and sensing structures on all-polymer-based thin foils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rezem, Maher; Kelb, Christian; Günther, Axel; Rahlves, Maik; Reithmeier, Eduard; Roth, Bernhard

2016-03-01

Micro-optical sensors based on optical waveguides are widely used to measure temperature, force and strain but also to detect biological and chemical substances such as explosives or toxins. While optical micro-sensors based on silicon technology require complex and expensive process technologies, a new generation of sensors based completely on polymers offer advantages especially in terms of low-cost and fast production techniques. We have developed a process to integrate micro-optical components such as embedded waveguides and optical interconnects into polymer foils with a thickness well below one millimeter. To enable high throughput production, we employ hot embossing technology, which is capable of reel-to-reel fabrication with a surface roughness in the optical range. For the waveguide fabrication, we used the thermoplastic polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) as cladding and several optical adhesives as core materials. The waveguides are characterized with respect to refractive indices and propagation losses. We achieved propagation losses are as low as 0.3 dB/cm. Furthermore, we demonstrate coupling structures and their fabrication especially suited to integrate various light sources such as vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSEL) and organic light emitting diodes (OLED) into thin polymer foils. Also, we present a concept of an all-polymer and waveguide based deformation sensor based on intensity modulation, which can be fabricated by utilizing our process. For future application, we aim at a low-cost and high-throughput reel-to-reel production process enabling the fabrication of large sensor arrays or disposable single-use sensing structures, which will open optical sensing to a large variety of application fields ranging from medical diagnosis to automotive sensing.

Ricor's anniversary of 50 innovative years in cryogenic technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filis, Avishai; Segal, Victor; Pundak, Nachman; Bar Haim, Zvi; Danziger, Menachem

2017-05-01

Ricor cryogenics was founded in 1967 and since then it has focused on innovative technologies in the cryogenic field. The paper reviews the initial research and development efforts invested in various technologies that have yielded products such as Cryostats for Mossbauer Effect measurement, Liquid gas Dewar containers, Liquid helium vacuum transfer tubes, Cryosurgery and other innovative products. The major registered patents that matured to products such as a magnetic vacuum valve operator, pumped out safety valve and other innovations are reviewed here. As a result of continuous R and D investment, over the years a new generation of innovative Stirling cryogenic products has developed. This development began with massive split slip-on coolers and has progressed as far as miniature IDDCA coolers mainly for IR applications. The accumulated experience in Stirling technology is used also as a platform for developing self-contained water vapor pumps known as MicroStar and NanoStar. These products are also used in collaboration with a research institute in the field of High Temperature Superconductors. The continuous growth in the cryogenic products range and the need to meet market demands have motivated the expansion, of Ricor's manufacturing facility enabling it to become a world leader in the cryocooler field. To date Ricor has manufactured more than 120,000 cryocoolers. The actual cryogenic development efforts and challenges are also reviewed, mainly in the field of long life cryocoolers, ruggedized products, miniaturization and products for space applications.

Cross disease analysis of co-functional microRNA pairs on a reconstructed network of disease-gene-microRNA tripartite.

PubMed

Peng, Hui; Lan, Chaowang; Zheng, Yi; Hutvagner, Gyorgy; Tao, Dacheng; Li, Jinyan

2017-03-24

MicroRNAs always function cooperatively in their regulation of gene expression. Dysfunctions of these co-functional microRNAs can play significant roles in disease development. We are interested in those multi-disease associated co-functional microRNAs that regulate their common dysfunctional target genes cooperatively in the development of multiple diseases. The research is potentially useful for human disease studies at the transcriptional level and for the study of multi-purpose microRNA therapeutics. We designed a computational method to detect multi-disease associated co-functional microRNA pairs and conducted cross disease analysis on a reconstructed disease-gene-microRNA (DGR) tripartite network. The construction of the DGR tripartite network is by the integration of newly predicted disease-microRNA associations with those relationships of diseases, microRNAs and genes maintained by existing databases. The prediction method uses a set of reliable negative samples of disease-microRNA association and a pre-computed kernel matrix instead of kernel functions. From this reconstructed DGR tripartite network, multi-disease associated co-functional microRNA pairs are detected together with their common dysfunctional target genes and ranked by a novel scoring method. We also conducted proof-of-concept case studies on cancer-related co-functional microRNA pairs as well as on non-cancer disease-related microRNA pairs. With the prioritization of the co-functional microRNAs that relate to a series of diseases, we found that the co-function phenomenon is not unusual. We also confirmed that the regulation of the microRNAs for the development of cancers is more complex and have more unique properties than those of non-cancer diseases.

High-Volume Production of Lightweight Multijunction Solar Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Youtsey, Christopher

2015-01-01

MicroLink Devices, Inc., has transitioned its 6-inch epitaxial lift-off (ELO) solar cell fabrication process into a manufacturing platform capable of sustaining large-volume production. This Phase II project improves the ELO process by reducing cycle time and increasing the yield of large-area devices. In addition, all critical device fabrication processes have transitioned to 6-inch production tool sets designed for volume production. An emphasis on automated cassette-to-cassette and batch processes minimizes operator dependence and cell performance variability. MicroLink Devices established a pilot production line capable of at least 1,500 6-inch wafers per month at greater than 80 percent yield. The company also increased the yield and manufacturability of the 6-inch reclaim process, which is crucial to reducing the cost of the cells.

The Protein Micro-Crystallography Beamlines for Targeted Protein Research Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirata, Kunio; Yamamoto, Masaki; Matsugaki, Naohiro; Wakatsuki, Soichi

In order to collect proper diffraction data from outstanding micro-crystals, a brand-new data collection system should be designed to provide high signal-to noise ratio in diffraction images. SPring-8 and KEK-PF are currently developing two micro-beam beamlines for Targeted Proteins Research Program by MEXT of Japan. The program aims to reveal the structure and function of proteins that are difficult to solve but have great importance in both academic research and industrial application. At SPring-8, a new 1-micron beam beamline for protein micro-crystallography, RIKEN Targeted Proteins Beamline (BL32XU), is developed. At KEK-PF a new low energy micro-beam beamline, BL-1A, is dedicated for SAD micro-crystallography. The two beamlines will start operation in the end of 2010. The present status of the research and development for protein micro-crystallography will be presented.

In vitro food production for isolated closed environments: formation of ripe tomato fruits from excised flower buds.

PubMed

Applewhite, P B; K-Sawhney, R; Galston, A W

1997-01-01

Excised preanthesis flower buds of young Pixie Hybrid tomato plants develop into red ripe fruits in aseptic culture on a modified Murashige-Skoog medium with 3% sucrose at pH 5.8. The addition of certain synthetic auxins (IAA, NAA, IBA), auxin precursors (ISA), or cytokinins (KIN, IPA, ZEA, BAP) to the medium improved the percentage of buds developing into fruits, the weight of the ripe fruits, or both. The best results were obtained by an auxin-cytokinin combination of 10 microM IBA with 1 microM BAP. Storage of the excised buds at low temperature (6 degrees C) for up to 4 weeks before transfer to 27 degrees C caused only minimal deterioration in size and number of the fruit crop. Extension of low-temperature storage to 8 weeks produced smaller fruits that took longer to develop. This system could produce fresh, ripe small tomatoes on a sustained basis for up to 2 months for an isolated environment such as a space vehicle or submarine.

Micro Thermal and Chemical Systems for In Situ Resource Utilization on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wegeng, Robert S.; Sanders, Gerald

2000-01-01

Robotic sample return missions and postulated human missions to Mars can be greatly aided through the development and utilization of compact chemical processing systems that process atmospheric gases and other indigenous resources to produce hydrocarbon propellants/fuels, oxygen, and other needed chemicals. When used to reduce earth launch mass, substantial cost savings can result. Process Intensification and Process Miniaturization can simultaneously be achieved through the application of microfabricated chemical process systems, based on the rapid heat and mass transport in engineered microchannels. Researchers at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) and the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) are collaboratively developing micro thermal and chemical systems for NASA's Mission to Mars program. Preliminary results show that many standard chemical process components (e.g., heat exchangers, chemical reactors and chemical separations units) can be reduced in hardware volume without a corresponding reduction in chemical production rates. Low pressure drops are also achievable when appropriate scaling rules are applied. This paper will discuss current progress in the development of engineered microchemical systems for space and terrestrial applications, including fabrication methods, expected operating characteristics, and specific experimental results.

MicroRNA-214 controls skin and hair follicle development by modulating the activity of the Wnt pathway

PubMed Central

Ahmed, Mohammed I.; Alam, Majid; Emelianov, Vladimir U.; Poterlowicz, Krzysztof; Patel, Ankit; Sharov, Andrey A.; Mardaryev, Andrei N.

2014-01-01

Skin development is governed by complex programs of gene activation and silencing, including microRNA-dependent modulation of gene expression. Here, we show that miR-214 regulates skin morphogenesis and hair follicle (HF) cycling by targeting β-catenin, a key component of the Wnt signaling pathway. miR-214 exhibits differential expression patterns in the skin epithelium, and its inducible overexpression in keratinocytes inhibited proliferation, which resulted in formation of fewer HFs with decreased hair bulb size and thinner hair production. The inhibitory effects of miR-214 on HF development and cycling were associated with altered activities of multiple signaling pathways, including decreased expression of key Wnt signaling mediators β-catenin and Lef-1, and were rescued by treatment with pharmacological Wnt activators. Finally, we identify β-catenin as one of the conserved miR-214 targets in keratinocytes. These data provide an important foundation for further analyses of miR-214 as a key regulator of Wnt pathway activity and stem cell functions during normal tissue homeostasis, regeneration, and aging. PMID:25422376

Electrospray Encapsulation of Toll-Like Receptor Agonist Resiquimod in Polymer Microparticles for the Treatment of Visceral Leishmaniasis

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-15

production using the methods described below. The remaining cells were analyzed for viability. To the cells still adhered to the culture plate, 180 μL of...2009, 43 (9), 902−910. (23) Jaworek, A. Micro - and nanoparticle production by electro- spraying. Powder Technol. 2007, 176 (1), 18−35. (24) Almeria, B...Jhunjhunwala, S.; Raimondi, G.; Thomson, A. W.; Little, S. R. Delivery of rapamycin to dendritic cells using degradable micro - particles. J

Developmental disorders in embryos of the frog Xenopus laevis induced by chloroacetanilide herbicides and their degradation products.

PubMed

Osano, Odipo; Admiraal, Wim; Otieno, Dismas

2002-02-01

Pesticides are known to transform in the environment, but so far the study of their effects in the environment has concentrated on the parent compounds, thereby neglecting the effects of the degradation products. The embryotoxic, developmental, and teratogenic effects of chloroacetanilide herbicides and their environmentally stable aniline degradation products were investigated in this study in view of the massive application of alachlor and metolachlor. Embryos at midblastula to early gastrula stages of a locally abundant African clawed frog Xenopus laevis were used as test organisms. The embryos were exposed to the test chemicals for 96 h in each experiment. Alachlor is more embryotoxic (the concentration causing 50% embryo lethality, 96-h LC50 = 23 microM [6.1 mg/L]) and teratogenic (teratogenic index [TI] = 1.7) than metolachlor (96-h LC50 = 48 microM [13.6 mg/L], TI = 0.2). The degradation products of alachlor and metolachlor, respectively, 2,6-diethylaniline (96-h LC50 = 13 microM [19.4 mg/L], TI = 2.1) and 2-ethyl-6-methyaniline (96-h LC50 = 509 microM [68.8 mg/L], TI = 2.7), are less embryotoxic but more teratogenic than their parent compounds. The most common teratogenic effects observed were edema for alachlor as opposed to axial flexures and eye abnormalities for 2,6-diethylaniline and 2-ethyl-6-methylaniline. Metolachlor is found to be an example of a nonteratogenic herbicide that upon degradation loses toxicity but gains teratogenicity, and both the herbicides, metolachlor and alachlor, are potential sources of teratogenic transformation products.

The Micro-Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET): A Federated Network of Micro-pulse Lidars and AERONET Sunphotometers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Welton, Ellsworth J.; Campbell, James R.; Spinhirne, James D.; Berkoff, Timothy A.; Holben, Brent; Tsay, Si-Chee

2004-01-01

We present the formation of a new global-ground based eye-safe lidar network, the NASA Micro-Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET). The aim of MPLNET is to acquire long- term observations of aerosol and cloud vertical profiles at unique geographic sites within the NASA Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET). MPLNET utilizes standard instrumentation and data processing algorithms for efficient network operations and direct comparison of data between each site. The micro-pulse lidar is eye-safe, compact, and commercially available, and most easily allows growth of the network without sacrificing standardized instrumentation goals. Network growth follows a federated approach, pioneered by AERONET, wherein independent research groups may join MPLNET with their own instrument and site. MPLNET sites produce not only vertical profile data, but also column-averaged products already available from AERONET (aerosol optical depth, sky radiance, size distributions). Algorithms are presented for each MPLNET data product. Real-time Level 1 data products (next-day) include daily lidar signal images from the surface to -2Okm, and Level 1.5 aerosol extinction profiles at times co-incident with AERONET observations. Quality assured Level 2 aerosol extinction profiles are generated after screening the Level 1.5 results and removing bad data. Level 3 products include continuous day/night aerosol extinction profiles, and are produced using Level 2 calibration data. Rigorous uncertainty calculations are presented for all data products. Analysis of MPLNET data show the MPL and our analysis routines are capable of successfully retrieving aerosol profiles, with the strenuous accounting of uncertainty necessary for accurate interpretation of the results.

Scalable fabrication of carbon-based MEMS/NEMS and their applications: a review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Shulan; Shi, Tielin; Zhan, Xiaobin; Xi, Shuang; Long, Hu; Gong, Bo; Li, Junjie; Cheng, Siyi; Huang, Yuanyuan; Tang, Zirong

2015-11-01

The carbon-based micro/nano electromechanical system (MEMS/NEMS) technique provides a powerful approach to large-scale manufacture of high-aspect-ratio carbon structures for wafer-level processing. The fabricated three-dimensional (3D) carbon structures have the advantages of excellent electrical and electrochemical properties, and superior biocompatibility. In order to improve their performance for applications in micro energy storage devices and microsensors, an increase in the footprint surface area is of great importance. Various approaches have been proposed for fabricating large surface area carbon-based structures, including the integration of nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, nanowires, nanofilms and nanowrinkles onto 3D structures, which has been proved to be effective and productive. Moreover, by etching the 3D photoresist microstructures through oxygen plasma or modifying the photoresist with specific materials which can be etched in the following pyrolysis process, micro/nano hierarchical carbon structures have been fabricated. These improved structures show excellent performance in various applications, especially in the fields of biological sensors, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, and energy storage devices such as micro-supercapacitors and fuel cells. With the rapid development of microelectronic devices, the carbon-based MEMS/NEMS technique could make more aggressive moves into microelectronics, sensors, miniaturized power systems, etc. In this review, the recent advances in the fabrication of micro/nano hierarchical carbon-based structures are introduced and the technical challenges and future outlook of the carbon-based MEMS/NEMS techniques are also analyzed.

High-throughput and reliable protocols for animal microRNA library cloning.

PubMed

Xiao, Caide

2011-01-01

MicroRNAs are short single-stranded RNA molecules (18-25 nucleotides). Because of their ability to silence gene expressions, they can be used to diagnose and treat tumors. Experimental construction of microRNA libraries was the most important step to identify microRNAs from animal tissues. Although there are many commercial kits with special protocols to construct microRNA libraries, this chapter provides the most reliable, high-throughput, and affordable protocols for microRNA library construction. The high-throughput capability of our protocols came from a double concentration (3 and 15%, thickness 1.5 mm) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), which could directly extract microRNA-size RNAs from up to 400 μg total RNA (enough for two microRNA libraries). The reliability of our protocols was assured by a third PAGE, which selected PCR products of microRNA-size RNAs ligated with 5' and 3' linkers by a miRCat™ kit. Also, a MathCAD program was provided to automatically search short RNAs inserted between 5' and 3' linkers from thousands of sequencing text files.

Automated Developmental Disabilities Out-Patient Treatment Review System (ADDOPTRS)—Development and Automation of a Microcomputer Based Case Management System

PubMed Central

Fisch, Clifford B.; Fisch, Martin L.

1979-01-01

The Stanley S. Lamm Institute for Developmental Disabilities of The Long Island College Hospital, in conjunction with Micro-Med Systems has developed a low cost micro-computer based information system (ADDOP TRS) which monitors quality of care in outpatient settings rendering services to the developmentally disabled population. The process of conversion from paper record keeping systems to direct key-to-disk data capture at the point of service delivery is described. Data elements of the information system including identifying patient information, coded and English-grammar entry procedures for tracking elements of service as well as their delivery status are described. Project evaluation criteria are defined including improved quality of care, improved productivity for clerical and professional staff and enhanced decision making capability. These criteria are achieved in a cost effective manner as a function of more efficient information flow. Administrative applications including staff/budgeting procedures, submissions for third party reimbursement and case reporting to utilization review committees are considered.

Identification of MicroRNAs and transcript targets in Camelina sativa by deep sequencing and computational methods

DOE PAGES

Poudel, Saroj; Aryal, Niranjan; Lu, Chaofu; ...

2015-03-31

Camelina sativa is an annual oilseed crop that is under intensive development for renewable resources of biofuels and industrial oils. MicroRNAs, or miRNAs, are endogenously encoded small RNAs that play key roles in diverse plant biological processes. Here, we conducted deep sequencing on small RNA libraries prepared from camelina leaves, flower buds and two stages of developing seeds corresponding to initial and peak storage products accumulation. Computational analyses identified 207 known miRNAs belonging to 63 families, as well as 5 novel miRNAs. These miRNAs, especially members of the miRNA families, varied greatly in different tissues and developmental stages. The predictedmore » miRNA target genes are involved in a broad range of physiological functions including lipid metabolism. This report is the first step toward elucidating roles of miRNAs in C. sativa and will provide additional tools to improve this oilseed crop for biofuels and biomaterials.« less

Small RNA profiling in two Brassica napus cultivars identifies microRNAs with oil production- and development-correlated expression and new small RNA classes.

PubMed

Zhao, Ying-Tao; Wang, Meng; Fu, San-Xiong; Yang, Wei-Cai; Qi, Cun-Kou; Wang, Xiu-Jie

2012-02-01

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs are important regulators of plant development and seed formation, yet their population and abundance in the oil crop Brassica napus are still not well understood, especially at different developmental stages and among cultivars with varied seed oil contents. Here, we systematically analyzed the small RNA expression profiles of Brassica napus seeds at early embryonic developmental stages in high-oil-content and low-oil-content B. napus cultivars, both cultured in two environments. A total of 50 conserved miRNAs and 9 new miRNAs were identified, together with some new miRNA targets. Expression analysis revealed some miRNAs with varied expression levels in different seed oil content cultivars or at different embryonic developmental stages. A large number of 23-nucleotide small RNAs with specific nucleotide composition preferences were also identified, which may present new classes of functional small RNAs.

Modeling of flow stress size effect based on variation of dislocation substructure in micro-tension of pure nickel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chuanjie; Liu, Huan; Zhang, Ying; Chen, Gang; Li, Yujie; Zhang, Peng

2017-12-01

Micro-forming is one promising technology for manufacturing micro metal parts. However, the traditional metal-forming theories fail to analyze the plastic deformation behavior in micro-scale due to the size effect arising from the part geometry scaling down from macro-scale to micro-scale. To reveal the mechanism of plastic deformation behavior size effect in micro-scale, the geometrical parameters and the induced variation of microstructure by them need to be integrated in the developed constitutive models considering the free surface effect. In this research, the variations of dislocation cell diameter with original grain size, strain and location (surface grain or inner grain) are derived according the previous research data. Then the overall flow stress of the micro specimen is determined by employing the surface layer model and the relationship between dislocation cell diameter and the flow stress. This new developed constitutive model considers the original grain size, geometrical dimension and strain simultaneously. The flow stresses in micro-tensile tests of thin sheets are compared with calculated results using the developed constitutive model. The calculated and experimental results match well. Thus the validity of the developed constitutive model is verified.

Resveratrol glucuronides as the metabolites of resveratrol in humans: characterization, synthesis, and anti-HIV activity.

PubMed

Wang, Lai-Xi; Heredia, Alonso; Song, Haijing; Zhang, Zhaojun; Yu, Biao; Davis, Charles; Redfield, Robert

2004-10-01

Resveratrol is a natural product with diverse biological activities. We have previously reported that resveratrol possesses potent synergistic inhibitory activity against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection in combination with nucleoside analogs (Heredia et al. 2000. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 25:246-255). As a part of our program in developing resveratrol as a component for anti-HIV chemotherapy, we describe in this article the characterization, chemical synthesis, and biological effects of the human metabolites of resveratrol. We found that resveratrol was metabolized in humans into two metabolites, which were characterized as resveratrol-3-O- and 4'-O-glucuronides. For further biological studies, we reported two simple, alternative methods for the synthesis of the metabolites. The cytotoxic and antiviral activities of resveratrol and its metabolites were compared in cell culture experiments using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Whereas resveratrol was cytotoxic at > or =30 microM, no cytotoxicity was observed for the metabolites at concentrations as high as 300 microM. However, resveratrol showed strong synergistic anti-HIV activity with didanosine at 10 microM, but no synergistic effects were observed for either of the metabolites at up to 300 microM. Nevertheless, the in vitro activity of the metabolites (resveratrol glucuronides) may not necessarily reflect their in vivo function, given the fact that the ubiquitously existing human beta-glucuronidase could convert the metabolites back to resveratrol locally or systematically in vivo. The present studies have implications for future development of resveratrol and/or its derivatives as a chemotherapeutic agent. Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association

Mir-17-3p Controls Spinal Neural Progenitor Patterning by Regulating Olig2/Irx3 Cross-repressive Loop

PubMed Central

Chen, Jun-An; Huang, Yuan-Ping; Mazzoni, Esteban O.; Tan, G. Christopher; Zavadil, Jiri; Wichterle, Hynek

2011-01-01

SUMMARY Neural patterning relies on transcriptional cross-repressive interactions that ensure unequivocal assignment of neural progenitor identity to proliferating cells. Progenitors of spinal motor neurons (pMN) and V2 interneurons (p2) are specified by a pair of cross-repressive transcription factors Olig2 and Irx3. Lineage tracing revealed that many p2 progenitors transiently express the pMN marker Olig2 during spinal cord development. Here we demonstrate that the repression of Olig2 in p2 domain is controlled by mir-17-3p microRNA-mediated silencing of Olig2 mRNA. Mice lacking all microRNAs or just the mir-17~92 cluster manifest a dorsal shift in pMN/p2 boundary and impairment in the production of V2 interneurons. Our findings suggest that microRNA-mediated repression of Olig2 mRNA plays a critical role during the patterning of ventral spinal progenitor domains by shifting the balance of cross-repressive interactions between Olig2 and Irx3 transcription factors. PMID:21338882

Preparation of micro-porous bioceramic containing silicon-substituted hydroxyapatite and beta-tricalcium phosphate.

PubMed

Fuh, Lih-Jyh; Huang, Ya-Jing; Chen, Wen-Cheng; Lin, Dan-Jae

2017-06-01

Dimensional instability caused by sintering shrinkage is an inevitable drawback for conventional processing of hydroxyapatite (HA). A new preparation method for biphasic calcium phosphates was developed to increase micro pores and biodegradation without significant dimensional change. Powder pressed HA discs, under 100MPa, were immersed in a colloidal mixture of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and ammonium hydroxide for 10min, followed by drying, and then were sintered at 900°C, 1050°C, and 1200°C, respectively. Comparing with pure HA discs, the newly prepared product sintered up to 1200°C contained silicon substituted HA, beta-tricalcium phosphate, and calcium silicate with better micro-porosity, high specific surface area, less sintering shrinkage and the strength maintained. The cytocompatibility test demonstrated a better viability for D1 mice stem cells cultured on TEOS treated HA for 14days compared to the pure HA. This simple TEOS sol-gel pretreatment has the potential to be applied to any existing manufacturing process of HA scaffold for better control of sintering shrinkage, create micropores, and increase biodegradation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modeling plastic deformation of post-irradiated copper micro-pillars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crosby, Tamer; Po, Giacomo; Ghoniem, Nasr M.

2014-12-01

We present here an application of a fundamentally new theoretical framework for description of the simultaneous evolution of radiation damage and plasticity that can describe both in situ and ex situ deformation of structural materials [1]. The theory is based on the variational principle of maximum entropy production rate; with constraints on dislocation climb motion that are imposed by point defect fluxes as a result of irradiation. The developed theory is implemented in a new computational code that facilitates the simulation of irradiated and unirradiated materials alike in a consistent fashion [2]. Discrete Dislocation Dynamics (DDD) computer simulations are presented here for irradiated fcc metals that address the phenomenon of dislocation channel formation in post-irradiated copper. The focus of the simulations is on the role of micro-pillar boundaries and the statistics of dislocation pinning by stacking-fault tetrahedra (SFTs) on the onset of dislocation channel and incipient surface crack formation. The simulations show that the spatial heterogeneity in the distribution of SFTs naturally leads to localized plastic deformation and incipient surface fracture of micro-pillars.

Hybrid 3D-2D printing for bone scaffolds fabrication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seleznev, V. A.; Prinz, V. Ya

2017-02-01

It is a well-known fact that bone scaffold topography on micro- and nanometer scale influences the cellular behavior. Nano-scale surface modification of scaffolds allows the modulation of biological activity for enhanced cell differentiation. To date, there has been only a limited success in printing scaffolds with micro- and nano-scale features exposed on the surface. To improve on the currently available imperfect technologies, in our paper we introduce new hybrid technologies based on a combination of 2D (nano imprint) and 3D printing methods. The first method is based on using light projection 3D printing and simultaneous 2D nanostructuring of each of the layers during the formation of the 3D structure. The second method is based on the sequential integration of preliminarily created 2D nanostructured films into a 3D printed structure. The capabilities of the developed hybrid technologies are demonstrated with the example of forming 3D bone scaffolds. The proposed technologies can be used to fabricate complex 3D micro- and nanostructured products for various fields.

Unfertilized ovary: a novel explant for coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) somatic embryogenesis.

PubMed

Perera, Prasanthi I P; Hocher, Valerie; Verdeil, Jean Luc; Doulbeau, Sylvie; Yakandawala, Deepthi M D; Weerakoon, L Kaushalya

2007-01-01

Unfertilized ovaries isolated from immature female flowers of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) were tested as a source of explants for callogenesis and somatic embryogenesis. The correct developmental stage of ovary explants and suitable in vitro culture conditions for consistent callus production were identified. The concentration of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and activated charcoal was found to be critical for callogenesis. When cultured in a medium containing 100 microM 2,4-D and 0.1% activated charcoal, ovary explants gave rise to 41% callusing. Embryogenic calli were sub-cultured into somatic embryogenesis induction medium containing 5 microM abscisic acid, followed by plant regeneration medium (with 5 microM 6-benzylaminopurine). Many of the somatic embryos formed were complete with shoot and root poles and upon germination they gave rise to normal shoots. However, some abnormal developments were also observed. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that all the calli tested were diploid. Through histological studies, it was possible to study the sequence of the events that take place during somatic embryogenesis including orientation, polarization and elongation of the embryos.

[The influence of microbiological factors on the mass of plastics laminates used for packaging of lactic acid cheese].

PubMed

Steinka, Izabela

2007-01-01

The study aimed at assessing changes of physical properties of package lactic acid cheese and the PA/PE and Cryovac laminates after storage of this products. The fluctuation of water in the product and swelling of packaging caused changes in their mass. The changes in the packaging mass could also result from the interactions between micro-organisms present in product. It was found that staphylococci, enterococci and Escherichia coli were the micro-organisms that had contributed to changes of packaging mass to a highest degree. Changes were described with the help of response surface models.

Translational study of microRNAs and its application in kidney disease and hypertension research

PubMed Central

KRIEGEL, Alison J.; MLADINOV, Domagoj; LIANG, Mingyu

2015-01-01

MicroRNA research in humans and mammalian model organisms is in a crucial stage of development. Diagnostic and therapeutic values of microRNAs appear promising, but remain to be established. The physiological and pathophysiological significance of microRNAs is generally recognized, but much better understood in some organ systems and disease areas than others. In the present paper, we review several translational studies of microRNAs, including those showing the potential value of therapeutic agents targeting microRNAs and diagnostic or prognostic microRNA markers detectable in body fluids. We discuss the lessons learned and the experience gained from these studies. Several recent studies have begun to explore translational microRNA research in kidney disease and hypertension. Translational research of microRNAs in the kidney faces unique challenges, but provides many opportunities to develop and apply new methods, and to merge complementary basic and clinical approaches. PMID:22283365

CROSS-DISCIPLINARY PHYSICS AND RELATED AREAS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Surface Micromachined Adjustable Micro-Concave Mirror for Bio-Detection Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Ju-Nan; Chen, Wei-Lun; Jywe, Wen-Yuh

2009-08-01

We present a bio-detection system integrated with an adjustable micro-concave mirror. The bio-detection system consists of an adjustable micro-concave mirror, micro flow cytometer chip and optical detection module. The adjustable micro-concave mirror can be fabricated with ease using commercially available MEMS foundry services (such as multiuser MEMS processes, MUMPs) and its curvature can be controlled utilizing thermal or electrical effects. Experimental results show that focal lengths of the micro-concave mirror ranging from 313.5 to 2275.0 μm are achieved. The adjustable micro-concave mirror can be used to increase the efficiency of optical detection and provide a high signal-to-noise ratio. The developed micro-concave mirror is integrated with a micro flow cytometer for cell counting applications. Successful counting of fluorescent-labeled beads is demonstrated using the developed method.

Research of test fault diagnosis method for micro-satellite PSS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Haichao; Wang, Jinqi; Yang, Zhi; Yan, Meizhi

2017-11-01

Along with the increase in the number of micro-satellite and the shortening of the product's lifecycle, negative effects of satellite ground test failure become more and more serious. Real-time and efficient fault diagnosis becomes more and more necessary. PSS plays an important role in the satellite ground test's safety and reliability as one of the most important subsystems that guarantees the safety of micro-satellite energy. Take test fault diagnosis method of micro-satellite PSS as research object. On the basis of system features of PSS and classic fault diagnosis methods, propose a kind of fault diagnosis method based on the layered and loose coupling way. This article can provide certain reference for fault diagnosis methods research of other subsystems of micro-satellite.

Development of Laser Propulsion and Tracking System for Laser-Driven Micro-Airplane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishikawa, Hiroyasu; Kajiwara, Itsuro; Hoshino, Kentaro; Yabe, Takashi; Uchida, Shigeaki; Shimane, Yoshichika

2004-03-01

The purposes of this paper are to improve the control performance of the developed laser tracking system and to develop an integrated laser propulsion/tracking system for realizing a continuous flight and control of the micro-airplane. The laser propulsion is significantly effective to achieve the miniaturization and lightening of the micro-airplane. The laser-driven micro-airplane has been studied with a paper-craft airplane and YAG laser, resulting in a successful glide of the airplane. In the next stage of the laser-driven micro-airplane development, the laser tracking is expected as key technologies to achieve continuous propulsion. Furthermore, the laser propulsion system should be combined with the laser tracking system to supply continuous propulsion. Experiments are carried out to evaluate the performance of the developed laser tracking system and integrated laser propulsion/tracking system.

Bridging the Information Gap: Remote Sensing and Micro Hydropower Feasibility in Data-Scarce Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muller, Marc Francois

Access to electricity remains an impediment to development in many parts of the world, particularly in rural areas with low population densities and prohibitive grid extension costs. In that context, community-scale run-of-river hydropower---micro-hydropower---is an attractive local power generation option, particularly in mountainous regions, where appropriate slope and runoff conditions occur. Despite their promise, micro hydropower programs have generally failed to have a significant impact on rural electrification in developing nations. In Nepal, despite very favorable conditions and approximately 50 years of experience, the technology supplies only 4% of the 10 million households that do not have access to the central electricity grid. These poor results point towards a major information gap between technical experts, who may lack the incentives or local knowledge needed to design appropriate systems for rural villages, and local users, who have excellent knowledge of the community but lack technical expertise to design and manage infrastructure. Both groups suffer from a limited basis for evidence-based decision making due to sparse environmental data available to support the technical components of infrastructure design. This dissertation draws on recent advances in remote sensing data, stochastic modeling techniques and open source platforms to bridge that information gap. Streamflow is a key environmental driver of hydropower production that is particularly challenging to model due to its stochastic nature and the complexity of the underlying natural processes. The first part of the dissertation addresses the general challenge of Predicting streamflow in Ungauged Basins (PUB). It first develops an algorithm to optimize the use of rain gauge observations to improve the accuracy of remote sensing precipitation measures. It then derives and validates a process-based model to estimate streamflow distribution in seasonally dry climates using the stochastic nature of rainfall, and proposes a novel geostatistical method to regionalize its parameters across the stream network. Although motivated by the needs of micro hydropower design in Nepal, these techniques represent contributions to the broader international challenge of PUB and can be applied worldwide. The economic drivers of rural electrification are then considered by presenting an econometric technique to estimate the cost function and demand curve of micro hydropower in Nepal. The empirical strategy uses topography-based instrumental variables to identify price elasticities. All developed methods are assembled in a computer tool, along with a search algorithm that uses a digital elevation model to optimize the placement of micro hydropower infrastructure. The tool---Micro Hydro [em]Power---is an open source application that can be accessed and operated on a web-browser (http://mfmul.shinyapps.io/mhpower). Its purpose is to assist local communities in the design and evaluation of micro hydropower alternatives in their locality, while using cost and demand information provided by local users to generate accurate feasibility maps at the national level, thus bridging the information gap.

Assessing the drug-likeness of lamellarins, a marine-derived natural product class with diverse oncological activities.

PubMed

Chittchang, Montakarn; Gleeson, M Paul; Ploypradith, Poonsakdi; Ruchirawat, Somsak

2010-06-01

Natural products currently represent an underutilized source of leads for the pharmaceutical industry, especially when one considers that almost 50% of all drugs were either derived from such sources or are very closely related. Lamellarins are a class of natural products with diverse biological activities and have entered into preclinical development for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tumors. Although these compounds demonstrated good cell penetration, as observed by their low microM activity in whole cell models, they have not been extensively profiled from a physicochemical point of view, and this is the goal of this study. For this study, we have determined the experimental logP values of a set of 25 lamellarins, given it is the single most important parameter in determining multiple ADMET parameters. We also discuss the relationship between this natural product class, natural product derivatives in development and on the market, oral marketed drugs, as well as drug molecules in development, using a range of physicochemical parameters in conjunction with principal components analysis (PCA). The impact of this systematic analysis on our ongoing medicinal chemistry strategy is also discussed. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Developing customer databases.

PubMed

Rao, S K; Shenbaga, S

2000-01-01

There is a growing consensus among pharmaceutical companies that more product and customer-specific approaches to marketing and selling a new drug can result in substantial increases in sales. Marketers and researchers taking a proactive micro-marketing approach to identifying, profiling, and communicating with target customers are likely to facilitate such approaches and outcomes. This article provides a working framework for creating customer databases that can be effectively mined to achieve a variety of such marketing and sales force objectives.

Development of a Nanotechnology Platform for Prostate Cancer Gene Therapy

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-01

advan- tages of using recombinant techniques to synthesize fusion biopolymers allowing the production of biomacromolecules in a cost-effective manner...from both legs using a 3mm lancet (GoldenRod). Approximately 200ul of blood was collected in heparinized micro -Hematocrit tubes (Kontes). Blood from...NanoDDS, now entering its eighth year, began in 2003 as a US -Japan mini-symposium organized by Dr. A. Kabanov and Dr. K. Kataoka. According to Dr

Decreased levels of miR-224 and the passenger strand of miR-221 increase MBD2, suppressing maspin and promoting colorectal tumor growth and metastasis in mice

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Colorectal cancer accounts for 130,000 new cancer cases and approximately 56,000 deaths each year in the United States, and it is estimated that half of Western population can expect to develop at least one colorectal tumor by age 70. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules, DNA products, functio...

Electrophoretic separation of cells and particles from rat pituitary and rat spleen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hymer, Wesley C.

1993-01-01

There are 3 parts to the IML-2 TX-101 experiment. Part 1 is a pituitary cell culture experiment. Part 2 is a pituitary cell separation experiment using the Japanese free flow electrophoresis unit (FFEU). Part 3 is a pituitary secretory granule separation experiment using the FFEU. The objectives of this three part experiment are: (1) to determine the kinetics of production of biologically active growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) in rat pituitary GH and PRL cells in microgravity (micro-g); (2) to investigate three mechanisms by which a micro-g-induced lesion in hormone production may occur; and (3) to determine the quality of separations of pituitary cells and organelles by continuous flow electrophoresis (CFE) in micro-g under conditions where buoyancy-induced convection is eliminated.

Micro Dot Patterning on the Light Guide Panel Using Powder Blasting.

PubMed

Jang, Ho Su; Cho, Myeong Woo; Park, Dong Sam

2008-02-08

This study is to develop a micromachining technology for a light guidepanel(LGP) mold, whereby micro dot patterns are formed on a LGP surface by a singleinjection process instead of existing screen printing processes. The micro powder blastingtechnique is applied to form micro dot patterns on the LGP mold surface. The optimalconditions for masking, laminating, exposure, and developing processes to form the microdot patterns are first experimentally investigated. A LGP mold with masked micro patternsis then machined using the micro powder blasting method and the machinability of themicro dot patterns is verified. A prototype LGP is test- injected using the developed LGPmold and a shape analysis of the patterns and performance testing of the injected LGP arecarried out. As an additional approach, matte finishing, a special surface treatment method,is applied to the mold surface to improve the light diffusion characteristics, uniformity andbrightness of the LGP. The results of this study show that the applied powder blastingmethod can be successfully used to manufacture LGPs with micro patterns by just singleinjection using the developed mold and thereby replace existing screen printing methods.

MicroRNA Predictors of Longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans

PubMed Central

Pincus, Zachary; Smith-Vikos, Thalyana; Slack, Frank J.

2011-01-01

Neither genetic nor environmental factors fully account for variability in individual longevity: genetically identical invertebrates in homogenous environments often experience no less variability in lifespan than outbred human populations. Such variability is often assumed to result from stochasticity in damage accumulation over time; however, the identification of early-life gene expression states that predict future longevity would suggest that lifespan is least in part epigenetically determined. Such “biomarkers of aging,” genetic or otherwise, nevertheless remain rare. In this work, we sought early-life differences in organismal robustness in unperturbed individuals and examined the utility of microRNAs, known regulators of lifespan, development, and robustness, as aging biomarkers. We quantitatively examined Caenorhabditis elegans reared individually in a novel apparatus and observed throughout their lives. Early-to-mid–adulthood measures of homeostatic ability jointly predict 62% of longevity variability. Though correlated, markers of growth/muscle maintenance and of metabolic by-products (“age pigments”) report independently on lifespan, suggesting that graceful aging is not a single process. We further identified three microRNAs in which early-adulthood expression patterns individually predict up to 47% of lifespan differences. Though expression of each increases throughout this time, mir-71 and mir-246 correlate with lifespan, while mir-239 anti-correlates. Two of these three microRNA “biomarkers of aging” act upstream in insulin/IGF-1–like signaling (IIS) and other known longevity pathways, thus we infer that these microRNAs not only report on but also likely determine longevity. Thus, fluctuations in early-life IIS, due to variation in these microRNAs and from other causes, may determine individual lifespan. PMID:21980307

Treatment of high salt oxidized modified starch waste water using micro-electrolysis, two-phase anaerobic aerobic and electrolysis for reuse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Xuenong; Wang, Yulin

2017-06-01

A combined process of micro-electrolysis, two-phase anaerobic, aerobic and electrolysis was investigated for the treatment of oxidized modified starch wastewater (OMSW). Optimum ranges for important operating variables were experimentally determined and the treated water was tested for reuse in the production process of corn starch. The optimum hydraulic retention time (HRT) of micro-electrolysis, methanation reactor, aerobic process and electrolysis process were 5, 24, 12 and 3 h, respectively. The addition of iron-carbon fillers to the acidification reactor was 200 mg/L while the best current density of electrolysis was 300 A/m2. The biodegradability was improved from 0.12 to 0.34 by micro-electrolysis. The whole treatment was found to be effective with removal of 96 % of the chemical oxygen demand (COD), 0.71 L/day of methane energy recovery. In addition, active chlorine production (15,720 mg/L) was obtained by electrolysis. The advantage of this hybrid process is that, through appropriate control of reaction conditions, effect from high concentration of salt on the treatment was avoided. Moreover, the process also produced the material needed in the production of oxidized starch while remaining emission-free and solved the problem of high process cost.

Gene silencing using the recessive rice bacterial blight resistance gene xa13 as a new paradigm in plant breeding.

PubMed

Li, Changyan; Wei, Jing; Lin, Yongjun; Chen, Hao

2012-05-01

Resistant germplasm resources are valuable for developing resistant varieties in agricultural production. However, recessive resistance genes are usually overlooked in hybrid breeding. Compared with dominant traits, however, they may confer resistance to different pathogenic races or pest biotypes with different mechanisms of action. The recessive rice bacterial blight resistance gene xa13, also involved in pollen development, has been cloned and its resistance mechanism has been recently characterized. This report describes the conversion of bacterial blight resistance mediated by the recessive xa13 gene into a dominant trait to facilitate its use in a breeding program. This was achieved by knockdown of the corresponding dominant allele Xa13 in transgenic rice using recently developed artificial microRNA technology. Tissue-specific promoters were used to exclude most of the expression of artificial microRNA in the anther to ensure that Xa13 functioned normally during pollen development. A battery of highly bacterial blight resistant transgenic plants with normal seed setting rates were acquired, indicating that highly specific gene silencing had been achieved. Our success with xa13 provides a paradigm that can be adapted to other recessive resistance genes.

Nondestructive web thickness measurement of micro-drills with an integrated laser inspection system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chuang, Shui-Fa; Chen, Yen-Chung; Chang, Wen-Tung; Lin, Ching-Chih; Tarng, Yeong-Shin

2010-09-01

Nowadays, the electric and semiconductor industries use numerous micro-drills to machine micro-holes in printed circuit boards. The measurement of web thickness of micro-drills, a key parameter of micro-drill geometry influencing drill rigidity and chip-removal ability, is quite important to ensure quality control. Traditionally, inefficiently destructive measuring method is adopted by inspectors. To improve quality and efficiency of the web thickness measuring tasks, a nondestructive measuring method is required. In this paper, based on the laser micro-gauge (LMG) and laser confocal displacement meter (LCDM) techniques, a nondestructive measuring principle of web thickness of micro-drills is introduced. An integrated laser inspection system, mainly consisting of a LMG, a LCDM and a two-axis-driven micro-drill fixture device, was developed. Experiments meant to inspect web thickness of micro-drill samples with a nominal diameter of 0.25 mm were conducted to test the feasibility of the developed laser inspection system. The experimental results showed that the web thickness measurement could achieve an estimated repeatability of ± 1.6 μm and a worst repeatability of ± 7.5 μm. The developed laser inspection system, combined with the nondestructive measuring principle, was able to undertake the web thickness measuring tasks for certain micro-drills.

In vitro efficacy of ST246 against smallpox and monkeypox.

PubMed

Smith, Scott K; Olson, Victoria A; Karem, Kevin L; Jordan, Robert; Hruby, Dennis E; Damon, Inger K

2009-03-01

Since the eradication of smallpox and the cessation of routine childhood vaccination for smallpox, the proportion of the world's population susceptible to infection with orthopoxviruses, such as variola virus (the causative agent of smallpox) and monkeypox virus, has grown substantially. In the United States, the only vaccines for smallpox licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have been live virus vaccines. Unfortunately, a substantial number of people cannot receive live virus vaccines due to contraindications. Furthermore, no antiviral drugs have been fully approved by the FDA for the prevention or treatment of orthopoxvirus infection. Here, we show the inhibitory effect of one new antiviral compound, ST-246, on the in vitro growth properties of six variola virus strains and seven monkeypox virus strains. We performed multiple assays to monitor the cytopathic effect and to evaluate the reduction of viral progeny production and release in the presence of the compound. ST-246 had 50% effective concentrations of

An integrated miRNA functional screening and target validation method for organ morphogenesis.

PubMed

Rebustini, Ivan T; Vlahos, Maryann; Packer, Trevor; Kukuruzinska, Maria A; Maas, Richard L

2016-03-16

The relative ease of identifying microRNAs and their increasing recognition as important regulators of organogenesis motivate the development of methods to efficiently assess microRNA function during organ morphogenesis. In this context, embryonic organ explants provide a reliable and reproducible system that recapitulates some of the important early morphogenetic processes during organ development. Here we present a method to target microRNA function in explanted mouse embryonic organs. Our method combines the use of peptide-based nanoparticles to transfect specific microRNA inhibitors or activators into embryonic organ explants, with a microRNA pulldown assay that allows direct identification of microRNA targets. This method provides effective assessment of microRNA function during organ morphogenesis, allows prioritization of multiple microRNAs in parallel for subsequent genetic approaches, and can be applied to a variety of embryonic organs.

Autonomous, agile micro-satellites and supporting technologies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Breitfeller, E; Dittman, M D; Gaughan, R J

1999-07-19

This paper updates the on-going effort at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to develop autonomous, agile micro-satellites (MicroSats). The objective of this development effort is to develop MicroSats weighing only a few tens of kilograms, that are able to autonomously perform precision maneuvers and can be used telerobotically in a variety of mission modes. The required capabilities include satellite rendezvous, inspection, proximity-operations, docking, and servicing. The MicroSat carries an integrated proximity-operations sensor-suite incorporating advanced avionics. A new self-pressurizing propulsion system utilizing a miniaturized pump and non-toxic mono-propellant hydrogen peroxide was successfully tested. This system can provide a nominal 25 kg MicroSatmore » with 200-300 m/s delta-v including a warm-gas attitude control system. The avionics is based on the latest PowerPC processor using a CompactPCI bus architecture, which is modular, high-performance and processor-independent. This leverages commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies and minimizes the effects of future changes in processors. The MicroSat software development environment uses the Vx-Works real-time operating system (RTOS) that provides a rapid development environment for integration of new software modules, allowing early integration and test. We will summarize results of recent integrated ground flight testing of our latest non-toxic pumped propulsion MicroSat testbed vehicle operated on our unique dynamic air-rail.« less

Global Monitoring of Clouds and Aerosols Using a Network of Micro-Pulse Lidar Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Welton, Ellsworth J.; Campbell, James R.; Spinhirne, James D.; Scott, V. Stanley

2000-01-01

Long-term global radiation programs, such as AERONET and BSRN, have shown success in monitoring column averaged cloud and aerosol optical properties. Little attention has been focused on global measurements of vertically resolved optical properties. Lidar systems are the preferred instrument for such measurements. However, global usage of lidar systems has not been achieved because of limits imposed by older systems that were large, expensive, and logistically difficult to use in the field. Small, eye-safe, and autonomous lidar systems are now currently available and overcome problems associated with older systems. The first such lidar to be developed is the Micro-pulse lidar System (MPL). The MPL has proven to be useful in the field because it can be automated, runs continuously (day and night), is eye-safe, can easily be transported and set up, and has a small field-of-view which removes multiple scattering concerns. We have developed successful protocols to operate and calibrate MPL systems. We have also developed a data analysis algorithm that produces data products such as cloud and aerosol layer heights, optical depths, extinction profiles, and the extinction-backscatter ratio. The algorithm minimizes the use of a priori assumptions and also produces error bars for all data products. Here we present an overview of our MPL protocols and data analysis techniques. We also discuss the ongoing construction of a global MPL network in conjunction with the AERONET program. Finally, we present some early results from the MPL network.

Dispersed catalysts for co-processing and coal liquefaction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bockrath, B.; Parfitt, D.; Miller, R.

1995-12-31

The basic goal is to improve dispersed catalysts employed in the production of clean fuels from low value hydrocarbons. The immediate objective is to determine how the properties of the catalysts may be altered to match the demands placed on them by the properties of the feedstock, the qualities of the desired end products, and the economic constraints put upon the process. Several interrelated areas of the application of dispersed catalysts to co-processing and coal conversion are under investigation. The first involves control of the selectivity of MoS{sub 2} catalysts for HDN, HDS, and hydrogenation of aromatics. A second areamore » of research is the development and use of methods to evaluate dispersed catalysts by means of activity and selectivity tests. A micro-flow reactor has been developed for determining intrinsic reactivities using model compounds, and will be used to compare catalysts prepared in different ways. Micro-autoclaves will also be used to develop data in batch experiments at higher partial pressures of hydrogen. The third area under investigation concerns hydrogen spillover reactions between MoS{sub 2} catalysts and carbonaceous supports. Preliminary results obtained by monitoring H{sub 2}/D{sub 2} exchange reactions with a pulse-flow microreactor indicate the presence of spillover between MoS{sub 2} and a graphitic carbon. A more complete study will be made at a later stage of the project. Accomplishments and conclusions are discussed.« less

Influence of the micro-physical properties of the aerosol on the atmospheric correction of OLI data acquired over desert area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manzo, Ciro; Bassani, Cristiana

2016-04-01

This paper focuses on the evaluation of surface reflectance obtained by different atmospheric correction algorithms of the Landsat 8 OLI data considering or not the micro-physical properties of the aerosol when images are acquired in desert area located in South-West of Nile delta. The atmospheric correction of remote sensing data was shown to be sensitive to the aerosol micro-physical properties, as reported in Bassani et al., 2012. In particular, the role of the aerosol micro-physical properties on the accuracy of the atmospheric correction of remote sensing data was investigated [Bassani et al., 2015; Tirelli et al., 2015]. In this work, the OLI surface reflectance was retrieved by the developed OLI@CRI (OLI ATmospherically Corrected Reflectance Imagery) physically-based atmospheric correction which considers the aerosol micro-physical properties available from the two AERONET stations [Holben et al., 1998] close to the study area (El_Farafra and Cairo_EMA_2). The OLI@CRI algorithm is based on 6SV radiative transfer model, last generation of the Second Simulation of a Satellite Signal in the Solar Spectrum (6S) radiative transfer code [Kotchenova et al., 2007; Vermote et al., 1997], specifically developed for Landsat 8 OLI data. The OLI reflectance obtained by the OLI@CRI was compared with reflectance obtained by other atmospheric correction algorithms which do not consider micro-physical properties of aerosol (DOS) or take on aerosol standard models (FLAASH, implemented in ENVI software). The accuracy of the surface reflectance retrieved by different algorithms were calculated by comparing the spatially resampled OLI images with the MODIS surface reflectance products. Finally, specific image processing was applied to the OLI reflectance images in order to compare remote sensing products obtained for same scene. The results highlight the influence of the physical characterization of aerosol on the OLI data improving the retrieved atmospherically corrected reflectance. One of the most important outreach of this research is the retrieval of the highest possible accuracy of the OLI reflectance for land surface variables by spectral indices. Consequently if OLI@CRI algorithm is applied to time series data, the uncertainty into the time curve can be reduced. Kotchenova and Vermote, 2007. Appl. Opt. doi:10.1364/AO.46.004455. Vermote et al., 1997. IEEE Trans. Geosci. Remote Sens. doi:10.1109/36.581987. Bassani et al., 2015. Atmos. Meas. Tech. doi:10.5194/amt-8-1593-2015. Bassani et al., 2012. Atmos. Meas. Tech. doi:10.5194/amt-5-1193-2012. Tirelli et al., 2015. Remote Sens. doi:10.3390/rs70708391. Holben et al., 1998. Rem. Sens. Environ. doi:10.1016/S0034-4257(98)00031-5.

Managing the Manpower Aspects of Applying Micro-Electronics Technology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thornton, P.; Routledge, C.

1980-01-01

Outlines major effects that the application of micro-electronics devices in products/processes and in office systems will have on future manpower and skill requirements in manufacturing organizations. Identifies the type of problems these changes will pose for manpower managers. Provides general guidelines for the successful management of these…

A Simple Approach to the Study of Attached Micro-Algae.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bell, Derek; Bell, J. Wendy

1980-01-01

Describes a modification in the use of artificial substrates to study attached micro-algae. Apparatus is based on glass microscope slides immersed in natural water environments; biomass and primary productivity are assessed by measurement of alpha-chlorophyll. Describes use in studies of colonization, succession, and populational fluctuation. (CS)

Extracting alveolar structure of human lung tissue specimens based on surface skeleton representation from 3D micro-CT images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishimori, Hiroyuki; Kawata, Yoshiki; Niki, Noboru; Nakaya, Yoshihiro; Ohmatsu, Hironobu; Matsui, Eisuke; Fujii, Masashi; Moriyama, Noriyuki

2007-03-01

We have developed a Micro CT system for understanding lung function at a high resolution of the micrometer order (up to 5µm in spatial resolution). Micro CT system enables the removal specimen of lungs to be observed at micro level, has expected a big contribution for micro internal organs morphology and the image diagnosis study. In this research, we develop system to visualize lung microstructures in three dimensions from micro CT images and analyze them. They characterize in that high CT value of the noise area is, and the difficulty of only using threshold processing to extract the alveolar wall of micro CT images. Thus, we are developing a method of extracting the alveolar wall with surface thinning algorithm. In this report, we propose the method which reduces the excessive degeneracy of figure which caused by surface thinning process. And, we apply this algorithm to the micro CT image of the actual pulmonary specimen. It is shown that the extraction of the alveolus wall becomes possible in the high precision.

MicroRNA-mediated regulatory circuits: outlook and perspectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cora', Davide; Re, Angela; Caselle, Michele; Bussolino, Federico

2017-08-01

MicroRNAs have been found to be necessary for regulating genes implicated in almost all signaling pathways, and consequently their dysfunction influences many diseases, including cancer. Understanding of the complexity of the microRNA-mediated regulatory network has grown in terms of size, connectivity and dynamics with the development of computational and, more recently, experimental high-throughput approaches for microRNA target identification. Newly developed studies on recurrent microRNA-mediated circuits in regulatory networks, also known as network motifs, have substantially contributed to addressing this complexity, and therefore to helping understand the ways by which microRNAs achieve their regulatory role. This review provides a summarizing view of the state-of-the-art, and perspectives of research efforts on microRNA-mediated regulatory motifs. In this review, we discuss the topological properties characterizing different types of circuits, and the regulatory features theoretically enabled by such properties, with a special emphasis on examples of circuits typifying their biological significance in experimentally validated contexts. Finally, we will consider possible future developments, in particular regarding microRNA-mediated circuits involving long non-coding RNAs and epigenetic regulators.

Metabotropic glutamate receptors coupled to IP3 production mediate inhibition of IAHP in rat dentate granule neurons.

PubMed

Abdul-Ghani, M A; Valiante, T A; Carlen, P L; Pennefather, P S

1996-10-01

1. Whole cell recordings from dentate granule neurons in the hippocampal slice preparation reveal that (1 S, 3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (ACPD), a selective agonist at metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), inhibits a calcium-activated potassium current (IAHP) responsible for the postspike after-hyperpolarization. Inclusion of 1 mM of the Ca2+ chelator ethylene glycol-bis (beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid in the patch pipette reduced the inhibitory action of ACPD on IAHP while having no effect on a similar action of serotonin (5-HT). Thus the known action of ACPD of mobilizing intracellular Ca2+ may be involved in this inhibitor action of ACPD. 2. Inhibition of IAHP is not secondary to effects on Ca2+ currents, because 10 microM ACPD, which inhibits IAHP by 95 +/- 5% (mean +/- SE), reduced the Ca2+ current by only 8 +/- 4%. 3. Activation of mGluRs accelerates the irreversible inhibition of IAHP that develops when 88 microM GTP-gamma-S is included in the pipette filling solution, whereas inclusion of 1 mM GDP-beta-S attenuated the inhibitory action of ACPD. These results indicate that the response to mGluR activation is G protein mediated. 4. Group I mGluRs, which includes mGluR1 and mGluR5, are G-protein-coupled receptors that are known to stimulate phospholipase C (PLC)-mediated hydrolysis of phosphoinositides to produce 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3), which in turn is known to mobilize the release of intracellular Ca2+. The weak but selective mGluR1 agonist (S)-3-hydroxyphenylglycine (100 microM) completely inhibited IAHP, and the mGluR1 antagonist (S)-4-carboxyphenylglycine (500 microM) reduced IAHP inhibition produced by 5 microM ACPD from 73 +/- 6% to 22 +/- 4%. These results indicate that the mGluR responsible for IAHP inhibition has a similar pharmacological profile to that of those coupled to IP3 production. 5. The effects of agents known to interfere with IP3 production and action also support IP3 involvement in ACPD action. Neomycin (1 mM in pipette solution), which should reduce IP3 production through inhibition of PLC, reduced the ability of 10 microM ACPD to inhibit IAHP from almost 100% to 57 +/- 8% (n = 8). Heparin, an IP3 receptor antagonist that reduces Ca2+ mobilization, attenuated the inhibitory action 10 microM ACPD from almost 100% to 39 +/- 5% (n = 5). Heparin by itself increased the amplitude and duration of IAHP, suggesting that resting levels of IP3 are sufficient to suppress of IAHP partially. 6. In addition to the pool of intracellular Ca2+ that is mobilized by IP3, there is a distinct pool that is responsible for Ca(2+)-triggered Ca2+ release and is blocked by ryanodine or dantrolene. These drugs caused a small reduction of both IAHP and the inhibitory action of ACPD. Possibly the Ca2+ signal mobilized by IP3 is partially amplified by Ca2+ released from the ryanodine-sensitive stores. 7. Activation of PLC can also lead to the production of diacylglycerol and activation of protein kinase C (PKC). However, the inhibitory action of ACPD on IAHP was not affected by staurosporine at a concentration (1 microM) that inhibits both protein kinase A (PKA) and PKC and blocks the action of 5-HT to inhibit IAHP. 8. Activation of PKA by the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin led to inhibition of IAHP. Although activation of mGluR1 agonists can also stimulate adenylate cyclase and activate PKA, inhibition of PKA and the effect of forskolin on IAHP with the Walsh peptide did not affect ACPD inhibition of IAHP. 9. All of our results support the hypothesis that mGluR-mediated inhibition of IAHP is initiated by the production of IP3 and the mobilization of intracellular Ca2+.

Fabrication of micro-lens array on convex surface by meaning of micro-milling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Peng; Du, Yunlong; Wang, Bo; Shan, Debin

2014-08-01

In order to develop the application of the micro-milling technology, and to fabricate ultra-precision optical surface with complex microstructure, in this paper, the primary experimental research on micro-milling complex microstructure array is carried out. A complex microstructure array surface with vary parameters is designed, and the mathematic model of the surface is set up and simulated. For the fabrication of the designed microstructure array surface, a micro three-axis ultra-precision milling machine tool is developed, aerostatic guideway drove directly by linear motor is adopted in order to guarantee the enough stiffness of the machine, and novel numerical control strategy with linear encoders of 5nm resolution used as the feedback of the control system is employed to ensure the extremely high motion control accuracy. With the help of CAD/CAM technology, convex micro lens array on convex spherical surface with different scales on material of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and pure copper is fabricated using micro tungsten carbide ball end milling tool based on the ultra-precision micro-milling machine. Excellent nanometer-level micro-movement performance of the axis is proved by motion control experiment. The fabrication is nearly as the same as the design, the characteristic scale of the microstructure is less than 200μm and the accuracy is better than 1μm. It prove that ultra-precision micro-milling technology based on micro ultra-precision machine tool is a suitable and optional method for micro manufacture of microstructure array surface on different kinds of materials, and with the development of micro milling cutter, ultraprecision micro-milling complex microstructure surface will be achieved in future.

Predictive modeling, simulation, and optimization of laser processing techniques: UV nanosecond-pulsed laser micromachining of polymers and selective laser melting of powder metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Criales Escobar, Luis Ernesto

One of the most frequently evolving areas of research is the utilization of lasers for micro-manufacturing and additive manufacturing purposes. The use of laser beam as a tool for manufacturing arises from the need for flexible and rapid manufacturing at a low-to-mid cost. Laser micro-machining provides an advantage over mechanical micro-machining due to the faster production times of large batch sizes and the high costs associated with specific tools. Laser based additive manufacturing enables processing of powder metals for direct and rapid fabrication of products. Therefore, laser processing can be viewed as a fast, flexible, and cost-effective approach compared to traditional manufacturing processes. Two types of laser processing techniques are studied: laser ablation of polymers for micro-channel fabrication and selective laser melting of metal powders. Initially, a feasibility study for laser-based micro-channel fabrication of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) via experimentation is presented. In particular, the effectiveness of utilizing a nanosecond-pulsed laser as the energy source for laser ablation is studied. The results are analyzed statistically and a relationship between process parameters and micro-channel dimensions is established. Additionally, a process model is introduced for predicting channel depth. Model outputs are compared and analyzed to experimental results. The second part of this research focuses on a physics-based FEM approach for predicting the temperature profile and melt pool geometry in selective laser melting (SLM) of metal powders. Temperature profiles are calculated for a moving laser heat source to understand the temperature rise due to heating during SLM. Based on the predicted temperature distributions, melt pool geometry, i.e. the locations at which melting of the powder material occurs, is determined. Simulation results are compared against data obtained from experimental Inconel 625 test coupons fabricated at the National Institute for Standards & Technology via response surface methodology techniques. The main goal of this research is to develop a comprehensive predictive model with which the effect of powder material properties and laser process parameters on the built quality and integrity of SLM-produced parts can be better understood. By optimizing process parameters, SLM as an additive manufacturing technique is not only possible, but also practical and reproducible.

MEMS-based microprojection system with a 1.5cc optical engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kilcher, Lucio; Abelé, Nicolas

2012-03-01

Lemoptix develops next-generation of Micro-Opto-Electromechanical Systems (MOEMS)-based laser scanning and microprojection technologies and products for professional and industrial applications. Lemoptix LSCAN laser scanning micromirrors are designed to be integrated by OEM (original equipment manufacturer) customers into a number of applications such as printers and industrial sensors, enhancing performances and enabling the development of smaller, higher resolution and lower cost products. Lemoptix MVIEW, world's smallest laser microprojection systems are ideal for integration by OEMs and ODMs (original design manufacturers) into various demanding applications such as headup displays in cars or mobile devices. Embedded MVIEW modules will enable the projection of content and information directly from the device on any nearby surface, enabling users to conveniently view and share information and content without the typical limitations of physical displays.

Regulation of MIR Genes in Response to Abiotic Stress in Hevea brasiliensis

PubMed Central

Gébelin, Virginie; Leclercq, Julie; Hu, Songnian; Tang, Chaorong; Montoro, Pascal

2013-01-01

Increasing demand for natural rubber (NR) calls for an increase in latex yield and also an extension of rubber plantations in marginal zones. Both harvesting and abiotic stresses lead to tapping panel dryness through the production of reactive oxygen species. Many microRNAs regulated during abiotic stress modulate growth and development. The objective of this paper was to study the regulation of microRNAs in response to different types of abiotic stress and hormone treatments in Hevea. Regulation of MIR genes differs depending on the tissue and abiotic stress applied. A negative co-regulation between HbMIR398b with its chloroplastic HbCuZnSOD target messenger is observed in response to salinity. The involvement of MIR gene regulation during latex harvesting and tapping panel dryness (TPD) occurrence is further discussed. PMID:24084713

The bactericidal effect of surface micro-discharge plasma under different ambient conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimizu, T.; Zimmermann, J. L.; Morfill, G. E.

2011-02-01

A series of experiments on the bactericidal properties of plasmas using a surface micro-discharge (SMD) device in an atmosphere under different ambient temperatures and humidities was carried out. This plasma dispenser was developed for use as a disinfection system in private and public places (hospitals, medical practices, etc). The bactericidal effect is due to the interplay of the plasma and the chemical products produced via interactions with O2/N2 and H2O vapour in air. To use this device in different countries and therefore under various ambient conditions, it is important to understand its behaviour and efficiency, especially with respect to air temperature and humidity. The experimental results obtained in this study show that the bactericidal properties of the SMD plasma dispenser are not sensitive to the different temperatures and humidities.

Modelling supply networks and business cycles as unstable transport phenomena

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helbing, Dirk

2003-07-01

Physical concepts developed to describe instabilities in traffic flows can be generalized in a way that allows one to understand the well-known instability of supply chains (the so-called 'bull-whip effect'). That is, small variations in the consumption rate can cause large variations in the production rate of companies generating the requested product. Interestingly, the resulting oscillations have characteristic frequencies which are considerably lower than the variations in the consumption rate. This suggests that instabilities of supply chains may be the reason for the existence of business cycles. At the same time, we establish some links to queueing theory and between micro- and macroeconomics.

Micro-scale energy valorization of grape marcs in winery production plants.

PubMed

Fabbri, Andrea; Bonifazi, Giuseppe; Serranti, Silvia

2015-02-01

The Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) of winery organic waste, with reference to two Italian red and white grapes (i.e. Nero Buono and Greco) by-products was investigated. The study was carried out to verify the possibility to reduce the production impact in a green-waste-management-chain-perspective. The possibility to efficiently utilize wine-related-by-products for energy production at a micro-scale (i.e. small-medium scale winery production plant) was also verified. Results showed as a good correlation can be established between the percentage of COD removal and the biogas production, as the winery can produce, from its waste methanization, about 7800 kW h year(-1) electrical and 8900 kW h year(-1) thermal. A critical evaluation was performed about the possibility to utilize the proposed approach to realize an optimal biomass waste management and an energetic valorization in a local-energy-production-perspective. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation of holder pressure and size effects in micro deep drawing of rectangular work pieces driven by piezoelectric actuator.

PubMed

Aminzahed, Iman; Mashhadi, Mahmoud Mosavi; Sereshk, Mohammad Reza Vaziri

2017-02-01

Micro forming is a manufacturing process to fabricate micro parts with high quality and a cost effective manner. Deep drawing could be a favorable method for production of complicated parts in macro and micro sizes. In this paper piezoelectric actuator is used as a novel approach in the field of micro manufacturing. Also, in current work, investigations are conducted with four rectangular punches and blanks with various thicknesses. Blank holder pressure effects on thickness distributions, punch force, and springback are studied. According to the results of this work, increasing of blank holder pressure in scaled deep drawing, in contrast to thickness of drawn part, leads to decrease in the punch forces and springback. Furthermore, it is shown that in micro deep drawing, the effects of holder pressure on mentioned parameters can be ignored. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Method of Manufacturing Micro-Disperse Particles of Sodium Borohydride

DOEpatents

Kravitz, Stanley H.; Hecht, Andrew M.; Sylwester. Alan P.; Bell, Nelson S.

2008-09-23

A compact solid source of hydrogen gas, where the gas is generated by contacting water with micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride in the presence of a catalyst, such as cobalt or ruthenium. The micro-disperse particles can have a substantially uniform diameter of 1-10 microns, and preferably about 3-5 microns. Ruthenium or cobalt catalytic nanoparticles can be incorporated in the micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride, which allows a rapid and complete reaction to occur without the problems associated with caking and scaling of the surface by the reactant product sodium metaborate. A closed loop water management system can be used to recycle wastewater from a PEM fuel cell to supply water for reacting with the micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride in a compact hydrogen gas generator. Capillary forces can wick water from a water reservoir into a packed bed of micro-disperse fuel particles, eliminating the need for using an active pump.

Micro-domain controlled anisotropic laser ceramics assisted by rare-earth trivalent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Yoichi; Akiyama, Jun; Taira, Takunori

2012-01-01

Principles that enable to synthesize anisotropic laser ceramics have been established. Anisotropic laser ceramics contain micro domains made of anisotropic crystals, and we have invented the novel alignment technology of micro domain structure in laser ceramics assisted by rare-earth trivalent. Our novel process is essentially superior to the traditional electromagnetic processing from the viewpoint of mass production. We discussed the significance of anisotropic laser ceramics, and we also show the result of evaluations to our orientation controlled RE:FAP ceramics.

Perfectly monodisperse micro-bubble production by novel mechanical means. Scaling laws.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganan-Calvo, Alfonso M.; Gordillo, Jose M.; Ouarti, Nawel; Prevost, Thomas; Sampedro, Jose L.

2000-11-01

A continuous stream of controllable, perfectly homogeneous size micro-bubbles (of the order of some microns and larger) can be produced by a novel, extremely simple mechanical means that we call "Flow Focusing" (e.g. see Ganan-Calvo 1998, Phys. Rev. Lett. vol. 80, 285). Using this technique, a capillary gas micro-jet is formed ("focused") by a co-flowing stream of liquid forced through a sub-millimetric orifice. This gas micro-jet undergoes a rapid capillary breakup (e.g. Chandrasekhar 1961 "Hydrodynamic and Hydromagnetic Stability", p. 541) with a strong frequency "self-locking" effect. In this work we present a theoretical model which predicts the micro-bubble size as a function of the physical and geometrical parameters of the system. A complete experimental study is also provided, and the raw data are collapsed into a universal scaling law given by our theoretical model. This novel micro-fluidics phenomenon may have a wide variety of applications ranging from bio-medicine, pharmaceutical specialities, food industry, and even for the mesoscale micro-templating of micro-engineered materials (i.e. photonic crystals, smart materials, etc.).

The effect of an insulin releasing agent, BTS 67582, on advanced glycation end product formation in vitro.

PubMed

Simpson, A E; Jones, R B

1999-01-01

BTS 67582 (1,1-dimethyl-2-(2-morpholinophenyl) guanidine fumarate) is an insulin-releasing agent currently in phase II clinical trials. Its effect on advanced glycation end product (AGE) formation was measured in the BSA/D-glucose and L-lysine/glucose-6-phosphate assay systems and Amadori product formation was measured in the BSA/D-glucose assay system, following a 3 week incubation period. In the BSA/D-glucose assay system, 200 mM BTS 67582 caused an approximate 70% inhibition in AGE formation (p<0.001), whilst at 20 mM and 2 mM it caused a marginal inhibition (21%, (p<0.001) and 8% respectively). 200 mM and 20 mM aminoguanidine-HCl inhibited AGE formation by 95% and 69% (p<0.001), respectively, whereas 2 mM aminoguanidine-HCl had no significant effect. Tolbutamide (200 microM) and glibenclamide (100 microM) had significant, but only marginal, effects on AGE formation (16% and 17%, respectively, p<0.01). In the BSA/D-glucose assay system 200 mM BTS 67582 and 200 mM aminoguanidine-HCl retarded Amadori product formation by 88% (p<0.001) and 60% (p<0.01), respectively. BTS 67582 at 20 mM and 2 mM was shown to inhibit Amadori product formation by 67% and 57%, respectively, (p<0.01). In the lysine and glucose-6-phosphate assay system 200 mM BTS 67582 and 200 mM aminoguanidine-HCl were shown to inhibit AGE formation by about 70% and 96% (p<0.001), respectively. Tolbutamide (200 microM) and glibenclamide (100 microM) had no significant effect on AGE formation.

Ethanol stimulates ROS generation by mitochondria through Ca2+ mobilization and increases GFAP content in rat hippocampal astrocytes.

PubMed

González, Antonio; Pariente, José A; Salido, Ginés M

2007-10-31

We have employed rat hippocampal astrocytes in culture to investigate the effect of ethanol on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production as well as its effect on [Ca2+]c and GFAP expression. Cells were loaded with the fluorescent probes fura-2 and H2DCFDA for the determination of changes in [Ca2+]c and ROS production respectively, employing spectrofluorimetry. GFAP content was determined by immunocytochemistry and confocal scanning microscopy. Our results show ROS production in response to 50 mM ethanol, that was reduced in Ca2+-free medium (containing 0.5 mM EGTA) and in the presence of the intracellular Ca2+ chelator BAPTA (10 microM). The effect of ethanol on ROS production was significantly reduced in the presence of the alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor 4-methylpyrazole (1 mM), and the antioxidants resveratrol (100 microM) or catalase (300 U/ml). Preincubation of astrocytes in the presence of 10 microM antimycin plus 10 microM oligomycin to inhibit mitochondria completely blocked ethanol-evoked ROS production. In addition, ethanol led to a sustained increase in [Ca2+]c that reached a constant level over the prestimulation values. Finally, incubation of astrocytes in the presence of ethanol increased the content of GFAP that was significantly reduced in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ and by resveratrol and catalase pretreatment. The data obtained in the present study suggest that astrocytes are able to metabolize ethanol, which induces two effects on intracellular homeostasis: an immediate response (Ca2+ release and ROS generation) and later changes involving GFAP expression. Both effects may underline various signaling pathways which are important for cell proliferation, differentiation and function.

Lipids from yeasts and fungi: physiology, production and analytical considerations.

PubMed

Athenaki, M; Gardeli, C; Diamantopoulou, P; Tchakouteu, S S; Sarris, D; Philippoussis, A; Papanikolaou, S

2018-02-01

The last years there has been a significant rise in the number of publications in the international literature that deal with the production of lipids by microbial sources (the 'single cell oils; SCOs' that are produced by the so-called 'oleaginous' micro-organisms). In the first part of the present review article, a general overview of the oleaginous micro-organisms (mostly yeasts, algae and fungi) and their potential upon the production of SCOs is presented. Thereafter, physiological and kinetic events related with the production of, mostly, yeast and fungal lipids when sugars and related substrates like polysaccharides, glycerol, etc. (the de novo lipid accumulation process) or hydrophobic substrates like oils and fats (the ex novo lipid accumulation process) were employed as microbial carbon sources, are presented and critically discussed. Considerations related with the degradation of storage lipid that had been previously accumulated inside the cells, are also presented. The interplay of the synthesis of yeast and fungal lipids with other intracellular (i.e. endopolysaccharides) or extracellular (i.e. citric acid) secondary metabolites synthesized is also presented. Finally, aspects related with the lipid extraction and lipidome analysis of the oleaginous micro-organisms are presented and critically discussed. © 2017 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Developing hydropower in Washington state. Volume 2: An electricity marketing manual

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

James, J. W.; McCoy, G. A.

1982-03-01

An electricity marketing manual for the potential small and micro-hydroelectric project developer within the state of Washington is presented. Public utility regulatory policies (PURPA) requires electric utilities to interconnect with and pay a rate based on their full avoided costs for the purchase of electrical output from qualifying small power production facilities. The determination of avoided costs, as business organizational considerations, utility interface concerns, interconnection requirements, metering options, and liability and wheeling are discussed. The utility responses are summarized, legislation which is of importance to hydropower developers and the powers and functions of the authorities responsible for enforcing the mandate of PURPA are described.

Micro-optofluidic Lenses: A review

PubMed Central

Nguyen, Nam-Trung

2010-01-01

This review presents a systematic perspective on the development of micro-optofluidic lenses. The progress on the development of micro-optofluidic lenses are illustrated by example from recent literature. The advantage of micro-optofluidic lenses over solid lens systems is their tunability without the use of large actuators such as servo motors. Depending on the relative orientation of light path and the substrate surface, micro-optofluidic lenses can be categorized as in-plane or out-of-plane lenses. However, this review will focus on the tunability of the lenses and categorizes them according to the concept of tunability. Micro-optofluidic lenses can be either tuned by the liquid in use or by the shape of the lens. Micro-optofluidic lenses with tunable shape are categorized according to the actuation schemes. Typical parameters of micro-optofluidic lenses reported recently are compared and discussed. Finally, perspectives are given for future works in this field. PMID:20714369

Wafer-scale micro-optics fabrication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voelkel, Reinhard

2012-07-01

Micro-optics is an indispensable key enabling technology for many products and applications today. Probably the most prestigious examples are the diffractive light shaping elements used in high-end DUV lithography steppers. Highly-efficient refractive and diffractive micro-optical elements are used for precise beam and pupil shaping. Micro-optics had a major impact on the reduction of aberrations and diffraction effects in projection lithography, allowing a resolution enhancement from 250 nm to 45 nm within the past decade. Micro-optics also plays a decisive role in medical devices (endoscopes, ophthalmology), in all laser-based devices and fiber communication networks, bringing high-speed internet to our homes. Even our modern smart phones contain a variety of micro-optical elements. For example, LED flash light shaping elements, the secondary camera, ambient light and proximity sensors. Wherever light is involved, micro-optics offers the chance to further miniaturize a device, to improve its performance, or to reduce manufacturing and packaging costs. Wafer-scale micro-optics fabrication is based on technology established by the semiconductor industry. Thousands of components are fabricated in parallel on a wafer. This review paper recapitulates major steps and inventions in wafer-scale micro-optics technology. The state-of-the-art of fabrication, testing and packaging technology is summarized.

Molecular Imaging Probe Development using Microfluidics

PubMed Central

Liu, Kan; Wang, Ming-Wei; Lin, Wei-Yu; Phung, Duy Linh; Girgis, Mark D.; Wu, Anna M.; Tomlinson, James S.; Shen, Clifton K.-F.

2012-01-01

In this manuscript, we review the latest advancement of microfluidics in molecular imaging probe development. Due to increasing needs for medical imaging, high demand for many types of molecular imaging probes will have to be met by exploiting novel chemistry/radiochemistry and engineering technologies to improve the production and development of suitable probes. The microfluidic-based probe synthesis is currently attracting a great deal of interest because of their potential to deliver many advantages over conventional systems. Numerous chemical reactions have been successfully performed in micro-reactors and the results convincingly demonstrate with great benefits to aid synthetic procedures, such as purer products, higher yields, shorter reaction times compared to the corresponding batch/macroscale reactions, and more benign reaction conditions. Several ‘proof-of-principle’ examples of molecular imaging probe syntheses using microfluidics, along with basics of device architecture and operation, and their potential limitations are discussed here. PMID:22977436

Getting small: new 10μm pixel pitch cooled infrared products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reibel, Y.; Pere-Laperne, N.; Augey, T.; Rubaldo, L.; Decaens, G.; Bourqui, M.-L.; Manissadjian, A.; Billon-Lanfrey, D.; Bisotto, S.; Gravrand, O.; Destefanis, G.; Druart, G.; Guerineau, N.

2014-06-01

Recent advances in miniaturization of IR imaging technology have led to a burgeoning market for mini thermalimaging sensors. Seen in this context our development on smaller pixel pitch has opened the door to very compact products. When this competitive advantage is mixed with smaller coolers, thanks to HOT technology, we achieve valuable reductions in size, weight and power of the overall package. In the same time, we are moving towards a global offer based on digital interfaces that provides our customers lower power consumption and simplification on the IR system design process while freeing up more space. Additionally, we are also investigating new wafer level camera solution taking advantage of the progress in micro-optics. This paper discusses recent developments on hot and small pixel pitch technologies as well as efforts made on compact packaging solution developed by SOFRADIR in collaboration with CEA-LETI and ONERA.

Developing microRNA therapeutics.

PubMed

van Rooij, Eva; Purcell, Angela L; Levin, Arthur A

2012-02-03

Rarely a new research area has gotten such an overwhelming amount of attention as have microRNAs. Although several basic questions regarding their biological principles still remain to be answered, many specific characteristics of microRNAs in combination with compelling therapeutic efficacy data and a clear involvement in human disease have triggered the biotechnology community to start exploring the possibilities of viewing microRNAs as therapeutic entities. This review serves to provide some general insight into some of the current microRNAs targets, how one goes from the initial bench discovery to actually developing a therapeutically useful modality, and will briefly summarize the current patent landscape and the companies that have started to explore microRNAs as the next drug target.

Micro-kinetic simulations of the catalytic decomposition of hydrazine on the Cu(111) surface.

PubMed

Tafreshi, Saeedeh S; Roldan, Alberto; de Leeuw, Nora H

2017-04-28

Hydrazine (N 2 H 4 ) is produced at industrial scale from the partial oxidation of ammonia or urea. The hydrogen content (12.5 wt%) and price of hydrazine make it a good source of hydrogen fuel, which is also easily transportable in the hydrate form, thus enabling the production of H 2 in situ. N 2 H 4 is currently used as a monopropellant thruster to control and adjust the orbits and altitudes of spacecrafts and satellites; with similar procedures applicable in new carbon-free technologies for power generators, e.g. proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. The N 2 H 4 decomposition is usually catalysed by the expensive Ir/Al 2 O 3 material, but a more affordable catalyst is needed to scale-up the process whilst retaining reaction control. Using a complementary range of computational tools, including newly developed micro-kinetic simulations, we have derived and analysed the N 2 H 4 decomposition mechanism on the Cu(111) surface, where the energetic terms of all states have been corrected by entropic terms. The simulated temperature-programmed reactions have shown how the pre-adsorbed N 2 H 4 coverage and heating rate affect the evolution of products, including NH 3 , N 2 and H 2 . The batch reactor simulations have revealed that for the scenario of an ideal Cu terrace, a slow but constant production of H 2 occurs, 5.4% at a temperature of 350 K, while the discharged NH 3 can be recycled into N 2 H 4 . These results show that Cu(111) is not suitable for hydrogen production from hydrazine. However, real catalysts are multi-faceted and present defects, where previous work has shown a more favourable N 2 H 4 decomposition mechanism, and, perhaps, the decomposition of NH 3 improves the production of hydrogen. As such, further investigation is needed to develop a general picture.

Subchronic toxicity, mutagenicity and allergenicity studies of a cultured dextrose food product.

PubMed

Buard, A; Carlton, B D; Floch, F; Simon, G S

2003-05-01

MicroGARD(R) 200 is a fermented dextrose product used to extend food shelf-life by inhibiting spoilage due to Gram-negative bacteria, selected yeast and molds. The present studies were conducted to evaluate the safety of this food ingredient for determination of GRAS status. MicroGARD 200 was subjected to a bacterial reverse mutation assay, a subchronic oral toxicity study and an oral antigenicity study. It showed no evidence of mutagenic potential or toxicity in four strains of Salmonella typhimurium or in Escherichia coli strain WP2 uvrA with and without metabolic activation. MicroGARD 200 was orally administered to rats for 13 consecutive weeks at dietary concentrations of 0, 0.5, 2.0 or 5.0%. Water consumption and urinary excretion of sodium were slightly increased in both sexes at the high dose due to the sodium content of the test substance (about 6%). Increases in fasting glucose and decreased plasma creatinine were not accompanied by treatment-related histopathological changes and were within the normal range for historical controls. The potential antigenic properties of MicroGARD 200 were investigated via gavage in guinea pigs using an active systemic anaphylaxis (ASA) challenge [Annals of Allergy 67 (1991) 400; Allergy 49 (1994) 361]. There was no evidence of any anaphylactic sensitizing properties for MicroGARD 200.

Microplastic and mesoplastic contamination in canned sardines and sprats.

PubMed

Karami, Ali; Golieskardi, Abolfazl; Choo, Cheng Keong; Larat, Vincent; Karbalaei, Samaneh; Salamatinia, Babak

2018-01-15

No report was found on the occurrence of microplastics in processed seafood products that are manufactured for direct human consumption. This study investigates the potential presence of micro- and mesoplastics in 20 brands of canned sardines and sprats originating from 13 countries over 4 continents followed by their chemical composition determination using micro-Raman spectroscopy. The particles were further inspected for their inorganic composition through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Plastic particles were absent in 16 brands while between 1 and 3 plastic particles per brand were found in the other 4 brands. The most abundant plastic polymers were polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The presence of micro- and mesoplastics in the canned sardines and sprats might be due to the translocation of these particles into the edible tissues, improper gutting, or the result of contamination from the canneries. The low prevalence of micro- and mesoplastics sized >149μm, and the absence of potentially hazardous inorganic elements on them, might indicate the limited health risks associated with their presence in canned sardines and sprats. Due to the possible increase in micro- and mesoplastic loads in seafood products over time, the findings of this study suggest their quantification to be included as one of the components of food safety management systems. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

MEMS-Based Satellite Micropropulsion Via Catalyzed Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hitt, Darren L.; Zakrzwski, Charles M.; Thomas, Michael A.; Bauer, Frank H. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) techniques offer great potential in satisfying the mission requirements for the next generation of "micro-scale" satellites being designed by NASA and Department of Defense agencies. More commonly referred to as "nanosats", these miniature satellites feature masses in the range of 10-100 kg and therefore have unique propulsion requirements. The propulsion systems must be capable of providing extremely low levels of thrust and impulse while also satisfying stringent demands on size, mass, power consumption and cost. We begin with an overview of micropropulsion requirements and some current MEMS-based strategies being developed to meet these needs. The remainder of the article focuses the progress being made at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center towards the development of a prototype monopropellant MEMS thruster which uses the catalyzed chemical decomposition of high concentration hydrogen peroxide as a propulsion mechanism. The products of decomposition are delivered to a micro-scale converging/diverging supersonic nozzle which produces the thrust vector; the targeted thrust level approximately 500 N with a specific impulse of 140-180 seconds. Macro-scale hydrogen peroxide thrusters have been used for satellite propulsion for decades; however, the implementation of traditional thruster designs on a MEMS scale has uncovered new challenges in fabrication, materials compatibility, and combustion and hydrodynamic modeling. A summary of the achievements of the project to date is given, as is a discussion of remaining challenges and future prospects.

Radiation Production by Charged Particle Beams Ejected from a Plasma Focus.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-02-01

The scope of this investigation concerns the development of a pulsed radiation source using the charged particle beam ejected from a plasma focus device...satellite components for radiation hardening and survivability. The plasma focus is operated in a modified geometry such that electron bursts which...a radiation facility. The plasma focus , identified as the Mark IV, is nominally rated at 34 kJ with a capacitance of 168 micro F at 20 kV. The

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lentine, Anthony L.; DeRose, Christopher T.

In this study, small silicon photonics micro-resonator modulators and filters hold the promise for multi-terabit per-second interconnects at energy consumptions well below 1 pJ/bit. To date, no products exist and little known commercial development is occurring using this technology. Why? In this talk, we review the many challenges that remain to be overcome in bringing this technology from the research labs to the field where they can overcome important commercial, industrial, and national security limitations of existing photonic technologies.

Novel in vitro protein fragment complementation assay applicable to high-throughput screening in a 1536-well format.

PubMed

Hashimoto, Junko; Watanabe, Taku; Seki, Tatsuya; Karasawa, Satoshi; Izumikawa, Miho; Seki, Tomoe; Iemura, Shun-Ichiro; Natsume, Tohru; Nomura, Nobuo; Goshima, Naoki; Miyawaki, Atsushi; Takagi, Motoki; Shin-Ya, Kazuo

2009-09-01

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play key roles in all cellular processes and hence are useful as potential targets for new drug development. To facilitate the screening of PPI inhibitors as anticancer drugs, the authors have developed a high-throughput screening (HTS) system using an in vitro protein fragment complementation assay (PCA) with monomeric Kusabira-Green fluorescent protein (mKG). The in vitro PCA system was established by the topological formation of a functional complex between 2 split inactive mKG fragments fused to target proteins, which fluoresces when 2 target proteins interact to allow complementation of the mKG fragments. Using this assay system, the authors screened inhibitors for TCF7/beta-catenin, PAC1/PAC2, and PAC3 homodimer PPIs from 123,599 samples in their natural product library. Compound TB1 was identified as a specific inhibitor for PPI of PAC3 homodimer. TB1 strongly inhibited the PPI of PAC3 homodimer with an IC(50) value of 0.020 microM and did not inhibit PPI between TCF7/beta-catenin and PAC1/PAC2 even at a concentration of 250 microM. The authors thus demonstrated that this in vitro PCA system applicable to HTS in a 1536-well format is capable of screening for PPI inhibitors from a huge natural product library.

Micro-structural characterization of the hydration products of bauxite-calcination-method red mud-coal gangue based cementitious materials.

PubMed

Liu, Xiaoming; Zhang, Na; Yao, Yuan; Sun, Henghu; Feng, Huan

2013-11-15

In this research, the micro-structural characterization of the hydration products of red mud-coal gangue based cementitious materials has been investigated through SEM-EDS, (27)Al MAS NMR and (29)Si MAS NMR techniques, in which the used red mud was derived from the bauxite calcination method. The results show that the red mud-coal gangue based cementitious materials mainly form fibrous C-A-S-H gel, needle-shaped/rod-like AFt in the early hydration period. With increasing of the hydration period, densification of the pastes were promoted resulting in the development of strength. EDS analysis shows that with the Ca/Si of red mud-coal gangue based cementitious materials increases, the average Ca/Si and Ca/(Si+Al) atomic ratio of C-A-S-H gel increases, while the average Al/Si atomic ratio of C-A-S-H gel decreases. MAS NMR analysis reveals that Al in the hydration products of red mud-coal gangue based cementitious materials exists in the forms of Al(IV) and Al(VI), but mainly in the form of Al(VI). Increasing the Ca/Si ratio of raw material promotes the conversion of [AlO4] to [AlO6] and inhibits the combination between [AlO4] and [SiO4] to form C-A-S-H gel. Meanwhile, the polymerization degree of [SiO4] in the hydration products declines. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Effects of different digestible carbohydrates on bile acid metabolism and SCFA production by human gut micro-flora grown in an in vitro semi-continuous culture.

PubMed

Zampa, Andrea; Silvi, Stefania; Fabiani, Roberto; Morozzi, Guido; Orpianesi, Carla; Cresci, Alberto

2004-02-01

The main source of carbon in the human large intestine comes from carbohydrates like starches and oligosaccharides which remain unchanged by gastric digestion. These polysaccharides are metabolised in the colon by saccharolytic bacteria whose composition is dependent upon the substrate availability. Among the metabolites produced, the short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are important for colon function and to prevent diseases. In particular, butyrate affects several cellular functions (proliferation, membrane synthesis, sodium absorption), and it has been shown to be protective against colorectal cancer. In addition, faecal bacteria are responsible for the conversion of primary bile acids (BA) to secondary BA, which are considered tumor promoters. In this study we investigated the in vitro effect of different substrates (CrystaLean starch, xylo-oligosaccharides, corn starch) supplied to human faecal micro-flora, on the SCFA production, on the bowel micro-flora composition and on the primary BA conversion rate. In addition, with corn starch as substrate, we considered the effect of enriching normal human faecal micro-flora with lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, on the above reported parameters.

Determination of phosphonoformate (foscarnet) in calf and human serum by automated solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography with amperometric detection.

PubMed

Ba, B B; Corniot, A G; Ducint, D; Breilh, D; Grellet, J; Saux, M C

1999-03-05

An isocratic high-performance liquid chromatographic method with automated solid-phase extraction has been developed to determine foscarnet in calf and human serums. Extraction was performed with an anion exchanger, SAX, from which the analyte was eluted with a 50 mM potassium pyrophosphate buffer, pH 8.4. The mobile phase consisted of methanol-40 mM disodium hydrogenphosphate, pH 7.6 containing 0.25 mM tetrahexylammonium hydrogensulphate (25:75, v/v). The analyte was separated on a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) column 150x4.6 mm I.D. packed with Kromasil 100 C18, 5 microm. Amperometric detection allowed a quantification limit of 15 microM. The assay was linear from 15 to 240 microM. The recovery of foscarnet from calf serum ranged from 60.65+/-1.89% for 15 microM to 67.45+/-1.24% for 200 microM. The coefficient of variation was < or = 3.73% for intra-assay precision and < or =7.24% for inter-assay precision for calf serum concentrations ranged from 15 to 800 microM. For the same samples, the deviation from the nominal value ranged from -8.97% to +5.40% for same day accuracy and from -4.50% to +2.77% for day-to-day accuracy. Selectivity was satisfactory towards potential co-medications. Replacement of human serum by calf serum for calibration standards and quality control samples was validated. Automation brought more protection against biohazards and increase in productivity for routine monitoring and pharmacokinetic studies.

Nondestructive sensing technologies using micro-optical elements for applications in the NIR-MIR spectral regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otto, Thomas; Saupe, Ray; Bruch, Reinhard F.; Fritzsch, Uwe; Stock, Volker; Gessner, Thomas; Afanasyeva, Natalia I.

2001-11-01

The field of microtechnology is an important industrial and scientific resource for the 21st century. There is a great interest in spectroscopic sensors in the near and middle infrared (NIR-MIR) wavelength regions (1 - 2.5 micrometers ; 2.5 - 4.5 micrometers ; 4 - 6 micrometers ). The potential for cheap and small devices for nondestructive, remote sensing techniques at a molecular level has stimulated the design and development of more compact analyzer systems. Therefore we will try to build analyzers using micro optical components such as micromirrors and embossed micro gratings optimized for the above mentioned spectral ranges. Potentially, infrared sensors can be used for rapid nondestructive diagnostics of surfaces, liquids, gases, polymers and complex biological systems including proteins, blood, cells and cellular debris as well as body tissue. Furthermore, NIR-MIR microsensing spectroscopy will be utilized to monitor the chemical composition of petrochemical products like gasoline and diesel. In addition, miniature analyzers will be used for rapid measuring of food, in particular oil, starch and meat. In this paper we will present an overview of several new approaches for subsurface and surface sensing technologies based on the integration of optical micro devices, the most promising sensors for biomedical, environmental and industrial applications, data processing and evaluation algorithms for classification of the results. Both scientific and industrial applications will be discussed.

Advanced glycation end products are associated with pulse pressure in type 1 diabetes: the EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study.

PubMed

Schram, Miranda T; Schalkwijk, Casper G; Bootsma, Aart H; Fuller, John H; Chaturvedi, Nish; Stehouwer, Coen D A

2005-07-01

We investigated the associations of pulse pressure (a measure of arterial stiffness) with the early glycation products hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and Amadori albumin and the advanced glycation end products pentosidine, Nepsilon-(carboxymethyl)lysine and Nepsilon-(carboxyethyl)lysine in a large group of type 1 diabetic individuals of the EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study. We did a cross-sectional nested case-control study from the EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study of 543 (278 men) European individuals with type 1 diabetes diagnosed at <36 years of age. We used linear regression analyses to investigate the association of pulse pressure with glycation products. Pulse pressure was significantly associated with plasma levels of Nepsilon-(carboxymethyl)lysine and Nepsilon-(carboxyethyl)lysine but not with HbA1c, Amadori albumin, and urinary levels of pentosidine. Regression coefficients adjusted for age, sex, mean arterial pressure, and duration of diabetes were 0.09 mm Hg (P=0.003) per 1 microM/M lysine Nepsilon-(carboxymethyl)lysine; 0.24 mm Hg (P=0.001) and -0.03 mm Hg (P=0.62) per 1 microM/M lysine Nepsilon-(carboxyethyl)lysine (in individuals with and without complications, respectively; P interaction=0.002); and 0.50 mm Hg (P=0.16) per 1% HbA1c; 0.07 mm Hg (P=0.12) per 1 U/mL Amadori albumin; and 0.77 mm Hg (P=0.48) per 1 nmol/mmol creatinine pentosidine. In young type 1 diabetic individuals, arterial stiffness is strongly associated with the advanced glycation end products Nepsilon-(carboxymethyl)lysine and Nepsilon-(carboxyethyl)lysine. These findings suggest that the formation of advanced glycation end products is an important pathway in the development of arterial stiffness in young type 1 diabetic individuals.

Updating the Micro-Tom TILLING platform.

PubMed

Okabe, Yoshihiro; Ariizumi, Tohru; Ezura, Hiroshi

2013-03-01

The dwarf tomato variety Micro-Tom is regarded as a model system for functional genomics studies in tomato. Various tomato genomic tools in the genetic background of Micro-Tom have been established, such as mutant collections, genome information and a metabolomic database. Recent advances in tomato genome sequencing have brought about a significant need for reverse genetics tools that are accessible to the larger community, because a great number of gene sequences have become available from public databases. To meet the requests from the tomato research community, we have developed the Micro-Tom Targeting-Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes (TILLING) platform, which is comprised of more than 5000 EMS-mutagenized lines. The platform serves as a reverse genetics tool for efficiently identifying mutant alleles in parallel with the development of Micro-Tom mutant collections. The combination of Micro-Tom mutant libraries and the TILLING approach enables researchers to accelerate the isolation of desirable mutants for unraveling gene function or breeding. To upgrade the genomic tool of Micro-Tom, the development of a new mutagenized population is underway. In this paper, the current status of the Micro-Tom TILLING platform and its future prospects are described.

Product Plan of New Generation System Camera "OLYMPUS PEN E-P1"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogawa, Haruo

"OLYMPUS PEN E-P1", which is new generation system camera, is the first product of Olympus which is new standard "Micro Four-thirds System" for high-resolution mirror-less cameras. It continues good sales by the concept of "small and stylish design, easy operation and SLR image quality" since release on July 3, 2009. On the other hand, the half-size film camera "OLYMPUS PEN" was popular by the concept "small and stylish design and original mechanism" since the first product in 1959 and recorded sale number more than 17 million with 17 models. By the 50th anniversary topic and emotional value of the Olympus pen, Olympus pen E-P1 became big sales. I would like to explain the way of thinking of the product plan that included not only the simple functional value but also emotional value on planning the first product of "Micro Four-thirds System".

Lactic acid bacteria associated with a heat-processed pork product and sources of variation affecting chemical indices of spoilage and sensory characteristics.

PubMed

Laursen, B G; Byrne, D V; Kirkegaard, J B; Leisner, J J

2009-02-01

To evaluate the potential for developing a quality index for a Danish modified atmosphere packaged (MAP) heat-processed and naturally contaminated pork meat product stored at 5 degrees C. The composition of the predominating microflora and changes in contents of tyramine, arginine, organic acids and sensory characteristics were analysed. The microflora was predominated by Lactobacillus sakei, Leuconostoc carnosum and Carnobacterium divergens. The presence of each species varied between products and batches resulting in limited usefulness of the concentrations of these bacteria or their metabolites as indices of quality. Furthermore, the three species differed in their metabolic activities as shown by use of a model meat extract. However, when MAP storage of the processed pork product was followed by aerobic storage then acetic acid showed some potential as a chemical indicator of sensory quality. Variation in processing parameters and spoilage microbiota limited the usefulness of concentrations of micro-organisms and their metabolites as indices of spoilage for the studied processed MAP pork product. The present study contributes to an understanding of the difficulties experienced in developing quality indices to be used in the control of microbial spoilage of processed MAP meat products.

Structuring osteosarcoma knowledge: an osteosarcoma-gene association database based on literature mining and manual annotation.

PubMed

Poos, Kathrin; Smida, Jan; Nathrath, Michaela; Maugg, Doris; Baumhoer, Daniel; Neumann, Anna; Korsching, Eberhard

2014-01-01

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone cancer exhibiting high genomic instability. This genomic instability affects multiple genes and microRNAs to a varying extent depending on patient and tumor subtype. Massive research is ongoing to identify genes including their gene products and microRNAs that correlate with disease progression and might be used as biomarkers for OS. However, the genomic complexity hampers the identification of reliable biomarkers. Up to now, clinico-pathological factors are the key determinants to guide prognosis and therapeutic treatments. Each day, new studies about OS are published and complicate the acquisition of information to support biomarker discovery and therapeutic improvements. Thus, it is necessary to provide a structured and annotated view on the current OS knowledge that is quick and easily accessible to researchers of the field. Therefore, we developed a publicly available database and Web interface that serves as resource for OS-associated genes and microRNAs. Genes and microRNAs were collected using an automated dictionary-based gene recognition procedure followed by manual review and annotation by experts of the field. In total, 911 genes and 81 microRNAs related to 1331 PubMed abstracts were collected (last update: 29 October 2013). Users can evaluate genes and microRNAs according to their potential prognostic and therapeutic impact, the experimental procedures, the sample types, the biological contexts and microRNA target gene interactions. Additionally, a pathway enrichment analysis of the collected genes highlights different aspects of OS progression. OS requires pathways commonly deregulated in cancer but also features OS-specific alterations like deregulated osteoclast differentiation. To our knowledge, this is the first effort of an OS database containing manual reviewed and annotated up-to-date OS knowledge. It might be a useful resource especially for the bone tumor research community, as specific information about genes or microRNAs is quick and easily accessible. Hence, this platform can support the ongoing OS research and biomarker discovery. Database URL: http://osteosarcoma-db.uni-muenster.de. © The Author(s) 2014. Published by Oxford University Press.

Structuring osteosarcoma knowledge: an osteosarcoma-gene association database based on literature mining and manual annotation

PubMed Central

Poos, Kathrin; Smida, Jan; Nathrath, Michaela; Maugg, Doris; Baumhoer, Daniel; Neumann, Anna; Korsching, Eberhard

2014-01-01

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone cancer exhibiting high genomic instability. This genomic instability affects multiple genes and microRNAs to a varying extent depending on patient and tumor subtype. Massive research is ongoing to identify genes including their gene products and microRNAs that correlate with disease progression and might be used as biomarkers for OS. However, the genomic complexity hampers the identification of reliable biomarkers. Up to now, clinico-pathological factors are the key determinants to guide prognosis and therapeutic treatments. Each day, new studies about OS are published and complicate the acquisition of information to support biomarker discovery and therapeutic improvements. Thus, it is necessary to provide a structured and annotated view on the current OS knowledge that is quick and easily accessible to researchers of the field. Therefore, we developed a publicly available database and Web interface that serves as resource for OS-associated genes and microRNAs. Genes and microRNAs were collected using an automated dictionary-based gene recognition procedure followed by manual review and annotation by experts of the field. In total, 911 genes and 81 microRNAs related to 1331 PubMed abstracts were collected (last update: 29 October 2013). Users can evaluate genes and microRNAs according to their potential prognostic and therapeutic impact, the experimental procedures, the sample types, the biological contexts and microRNA target gene interactions. Additionally, a pathway enrichment analysis of the collected genes highlights different aspects of OS progression. OS requires pathways commonly deregulated in cancer but also features OS-specific alterations like deregulated osteoclast differentiation. To our knowledge, this is the first effort of an OS database containing manual reviewed and annotated up-to-date OS knowledge. It might be a useful resource especially for the bone tumor research community, as specific information about genes or microRNAs is quick and easily accessible. Hence, this platform can support the ongoing OS research and biomarker discovery. Database URL: http://osteosarcoma-db.uni-muenster.de PMID:24865352

Operational test of micro-oven for 48Ca beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozeki, K.; Kageyama, T.; Kidera, M.; Higurashi, Y.; Nakagawa, T.

2014-02-01

In order to supply a high-intensity and stable 48Ca beam from the RIKEN 18-GHz electron cyclotron resonance ion source, we are conducting operational tests of a micro-oven. A mixture of CaO and Al powders is placed into the crucible of the micro-oven and heated to produce metallic calcium by a reductive reaction. The successful production of a calcium beam was confirmed. In addition, we reduced the material consumption rate by using a so-called "hot liner," and we enhanced the beam intensity by applying a negative voltage bias to the micro-oven, the effect of which is similar to the effect of a "biased disk."

Defining products for a new health technology assessment agency in Madrid, Spain: a survey of decision makers.

PubMed

Andradas, Elena; Blasco, Juan-Antonio; Valentín, Beatriz; López-Pedraza, María-José; Gracia, Francisco-Javier

2008-01-01

The aim of this study was to explore the needs and requirements of decision makers in our regional healthcare system for health technology assessment (HTA) products to support portfolio development planning for a new HTA agency in Madrid, Spain. A Delphi study was conducted during 2003. Questionnaires were developed based on a review of products and services offered by other agency members of the International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment, and included preference and prioritization questions to evaluate twenty-two different products and services. The initial Delphi panel involved eighty-seven experts from twenty-one public hospitals, eleven primary healthcare centers, six private hospitals, and eight departments of the Regional Ministry of Health of the Community of Madrid. The global participation rate was 83.9 percent. Ten of the twenty-two possible products were rated of high interest by more than 80 percent of respondents. Important differences in preferences and priorities were detected across different settings. Public hospitals and primary healthcare centers shared a more "micro" perspective, preferring classic technology-centered HTA products, whereas private hospitals and Ministry representatives demanded more "macro" products and services such as organizational model and information system assessments. The high participation rate supports the representativeness of the results for our regional context. The strategic development of an HTA portfolio based on decision makers' needs and requirements as identified in this type of exercise should help achieve a better impact on policy development and decision making.

Exploring the feasibility of private micro flood insurance provision in Bangladesh.

PubMed

Akter, Sonia; Brouwer, Roy; van Beukering, Pieter J H; French, Laura; Silver, Efrath; Choudhury, Saria; Aziz, Syeda Salina

2011-04-01

This paper aims to contribute to the debate on the feasibility of the provision of micro flood insurance as an effective tool for spreading disaster risks in developing countries and examines the role of the institutional-organisational framework in assisting the design and implementation of such a micro flood insurance market. In Bangladesh, a private insurance market for property damage and livelihood risk due to natural disasters does not exist. Private insurance companies are reluctant to embark on an evidently unprofitable venture. Testing two different institutional-organisational models, this research reveals that the administration costs of micro-insurance play an important part in determining the long-term viability of micro flood insurance schemes. A government-facilitated process to overcome the differences observed in this study between the nonprofit micro-credit providers and profit-oriented private insurance companies is needed, building on the particular competence each party brings to the development of a viable micro flood insurance market through a public-private partnership. © 2011 The Author(s). Disasters © Overseas Development Institute, 2011.

Controlled ecological life support systems (CELSS) flight experimentation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kliss, M.; Macelroy, R.; Borchers, B.; Farrance, M.; Nelson, T.; Blackwell, C.; Yendler, B.; Tremor, J.

1994-01-01

The NASA CELSS program has the goal of developing life support systems for humans in space based on the use of higher plants. The program has supported research at universities with a primary focus of increasing the productivity of candidate crops plants. To understand the effects of the space environment on plant productivity, the CELSS Test Facility (CTF) has been conceived as an instrument that will permit the evaluation of plant productivity on Space Station Freedom. The CTF will maintain specific environmental conditions and collect data on gas exchange rates and biomass accumulation over the growth period of several crop plants grown sequentially from seed to harvest. The science requirements for the CTF will be described, as will current design concepts and specific technology requirements for operation in micro-gravity.

A Uniform System For The Annotation Of Human microRNA Genes And The Evolution Of The Human microRNAome

PubMed Central

Fromm, Bastian; Billipp, Tyler; Peck, Liam E.; Johansen, Morten; Tarver, James E.; King, Benjamin L.; Newcomb, James M.; Sempere, Lorenzo F.; Flatmark, Kjersti; Hovig, Eivind; Peterson, Kevin J.

2016-01-01

Although microRNAs (miRNAs) are among the most intensively studied molecules of the past 20 years, determining what is and what is not a miRNA has not been straightforward. Here, we present a uniform system for the annotation and nomenclature of miRNA genes. We show that fewer than a third of the 1,881 human miRBase entries, and only approximately 16% of the 7,095 metazoan miRBase entries, are robustly supported as miRNA genes. Furthermore, we show that the human repertoire of miRNAs has been shaped by periods of intense miRNA innovation, and that mature gene products show a very different tempo and mode of sequence evolution than star products. We establish a new open access database -- MirGeneDB (http://mirgenedb.org) -- to catalog this set of robustly supported miRNAs, which complements the efforts of miRBase, but differs from it by annotating the mature versus star products, and by imposing an evolutionary hierarchy upon this curated and consistently named repertoire. PMID:26473382

Analysis of the reaction products from micro-vial pyrolysis of the mixture glucose/proline and of a tobacco leaf extract:Search for Amadori intermediates.

PubMed

Mitsui, Kazuhisa; David, Frank; Tienpont, Bart; Sandra, Koen; Ochiai, Nobuo; Tamura, Hirotoshi; Sandra, Pat

2015-11-27

Micro-vial pyrolysis (PyroVial) was used to study the production of compounds important for the aroma of heat-treated natural products such as tobacco. Firstly, a mixture of glucose and proline was pyrolyzed as model, as this sugar and amino acid are also abundant in tobacco leaf (Nicotiana tobacum L.). The pyrolysate was analyzed using headspace-GC–MS, liquid injection GC–MS and LC–MS. Next, micro-vial pyrolysis in combination with LC–MS was applied to tobacco leaf extract. Using MS deconvolution, molecular feature extraction and differential analysis it was possible to identify Amadori intermediates of the Maillard reaction in the tobacco leaf extract. The intermediate disappeared as was the case for 1-deoxy-1-prolino-β-d-fructose or the concentration decreased in the pyrolysate compared to the original extract such as for the 1-deoxy-1-[2-(3-pyridyl)-1-pyrrolidinyl]-β-d-fructose isomers indicating that Amadori intermediates are important precursors for aroma compound formation.

MicroUse: The Database on Microcomputer Applications in Libraries and Information Centers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Ching-chih; Wang, Xiaochu

1984-01-01

Describes MicroUse, a microcomputer-based database on microcomputer applications in libraries and information centers which was developed using relational database manager dBASE II. The description includes its system configuration, software utilized, the in-house-developed dBASE programs, multifile structure, basic functions, MicroUse records,…

Design, fabrication, and evaluation of on-chip micro-supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beidaghi, Majid

Due to the increasing demand for high power and reliable miniaturized energy storage devices, the development of micro-supercapacitors or electrochemical micro-capacitors have attracted much attention in recent years. This dissertation investigates several strategies to develop on-chip micro-supercapacitors with high power and energy density. Micro-supercapacitors based on interdigitated carbon micro-electrode arrays are fabricated through carbon microelectromechanical systems (C-MEMS) technique which is based on carbonization of patterned photoresist. To improve the capacitive behavior, electrochemical activation is performed on carbon micro-electrode arrays. The developed micro-supercapacitors show specific capacitances as high as 75 mFcm-2 at a scan rate of 5 mVs -1 after electrochemical activation for 30 minutes. The capacitance loss is less than 13% after 1000 cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycles. These results indicate that electrochemically activated C-MEMS micro-electrode arrays are promising candidates for on-chip electrochemical micro-capacitor applications. The energy density of micro-supercapacitors was further improved by conformal coating of polypyrrole (PPy) on C-MEMS structures. In these types of micro-devices the three dimensional (3D) carbon microstructures serve as current collectors for high energy density PPy electrodes. The electrochemical characterizations of these micro-supercapacitors show that they can deliver a specific capacitance of about 162.07 mFcm-2 and a specific power of 1.62mWcm -2 at a 20 mVs-1 scan rate. Addressing the need for high power micro-supercapacitors, the application of graphene as electrode materials for micro-supercapacitor was also investigated. The present study suggests a novel method to fabricate graphene-based micro-supercapacitors with thin film or in-plane interdigital electrodes. The fabricated micro-supercapacitors show exceptional frequency response and power handling performance and could effectively charge and discharge at rates as high as 50 Vs-1. CV measurements show that the specific capacitance of the micro-supercapacitor based on reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotube composites is 6.1 mFcm -2 at scan rate of 0.01Vs-1. At a very high scan rate of 50 Vs-1, a specific capacitance of 2.8 mFcm-2 (stack capacitance of 3.1 Fcm-3) is recorded. This unprecedented performance can potentially broaden the future applications of micro-supercapacitors.

Non-spherical micro- and nanoparticles: fabrication, characterization and drug delivery applications.

PubMed

Mathaes, Roman; Winter, Gerhard; Besheer, Ahmed; Engert, Julia

2015-03-01

Micro- and nanoparticles in drug and vaccine delivery have opened up new possibilities in pharmaceutics. In the past, researchers focused mainly on particle size, surface chemistry and the use of various materials to control particle characteristics and functions. Lately, shape has been acknowledged as an important design parameter having an impact on the interaction with biological systems. In this review, we report on the latest developments in fabrication methods to tailor particle geometry, summarize analytical techniques for non-spherical particles and highlight the most important findings regarding their interaction with biological systems and their potential applications in drug delivery. The impact of shape on particle internalization into different cell types and particle biodistribution has been extensively studied in the past. Current research focuses on shape-dependent uptake mechanisms and applications for tumour therapy and vaccination. Different fabrication methods can be used to produce a variety of different particle types and shapes. Key challenges will be the transfer of new non-spherical particle fabrication methods from lab-scale to industrial large-scale production. Not all techniques may be scalable for the production of high quantities of particles. It will also be challenging to transfer the promising in vitro findings to suitable in vivo models.

Development of an enzymatic microreactor based on microencapsulated laccase with off-line capillary electrophoresis for measurement of oxidation reactions.

PubMed

Roman-Gusetu, Georgiana; Waldron, Karen C; Rochefort, Dominic

2009-11-20

Microencapsulation is used here as a new technique to immobilize enzymes in a microreactor coupled off-line to capillary electrophoresis (CE), allowing the determination of enzymatic reaction products. The redox enzyme laccase was encapsulated using the method of interfacial cross-linking of poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI). The 50 microm diameter capsules were slurry packed from a suspension into a capillary-sized reactor made easily and quickly from a short length of 530 microm diameter fused-silica tubing. The volume of the bed of laccase microcapsules in the microreactor was in the order of 1.1 microL through which 50 microL of the substrate o-phenylenediamine (OPD) was flowed. The oxidation product 2,3-diaminophenazine (DAP) and the remaining OPD were quantified by CE in a pH 2.5 phosphate buffer. Peak migration time reproducibility was in the order of 0.4% RSD and peak area reproducibility was less than 1.7% RSD within the same day. Using the OPD peak area calibration curve, a conversion efficiency of 48% was achieved for a 2-min oxidation reaction in the microreactor.

Application of the Mars Organic Analyzer to nucleobase and amine biomarker detection.

PubMed

Skelley, Alison M; Cleaves, H James; Jayarajah, Christine N; Bada, Jeffrey L; Mathies, Richard A

2006-12-01

The Mars Organic Analyzer (MOA), a portable microfabricated capillary electrophoresis instrument being developed for planetary exploration, is used to analyze a wide variety of fluorescamine-labeled amine-containing biomarker compounds, including amino acids, mono and diaminoalkanes, amino sugars, nucleobases, and nucleobase degradation products. The nucleobases cytosine and adenine, which contain an exocyclic primary amine, were effectively labeled, separated, and detected at concentrations <500 nM. To test the general applicability of the MOA for biomarker detection, amino acids and mono- and diamines were extracted from bacterial cells using both hydrolysis and sublimation followed by analysis. The extrapolated limit of detection provided by the valine biomarker was approximately 4 x 10(3) cells per sample. Products of an NH(4)CN polymerization that simulate a prebiotic synthesis were also successfully isolated via sublimation and analyzed. Adenine and alanine/serine were detected with no additional sample cleanup at 120 +/- 13 microM and 4.1 +/- 1 microM, respectively, corresponding to a reaction yield of 0.04% and 0.0003%, respectively. This study demonstrates that the MOA provides sensitive detection and analysis of low levels of a wide variety of amine-containing organic compounds from both biological and abiotic sources.

Replacement of Ablators with Phase-Change Material for Thermal Protection of STS Elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaul, Raj K.; Stuckey, Irvin; Munafo, Paul M. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

As part of the research and development program to develop new Thermal Protection System (TPS) materials for aerospace applications at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), an experimental study was conducted on a new concept for a non-ablative TPS material. Potential loss of TPS material and ablation by-products from the External Tank (ET) or Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) during Shuttle flight with the related Orbiter tile damage necessitates development of a non-ablative thermal protection system. The new Thermal Management Coating (TMC) consists of phase-change material encapsulated in micro spheres and a two-part resin system to adhere the coating to the structure material. The TMC uses a phase-change material to dissipate the heat produced during supersonic flight rather than an ablative material. This new material absorbs energy as it goes through a phase change during the heating portion of the flight profile and then the energy is slowly released as the phase-change material cools and returns to its solid state inside the micro spheres. The coating was subjected to different test conditions simulating design flight environments at the NASA/MSFC Improved Hot Gas Facility (IHGF) to study its performance.

EDITORIAL: Nanometrology Nanometrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Mitsuru; Baba, Tetsuya; Postek, Michael T.

2011-02-01

Nanomanufacturing is an essential bridge between the discoveries of nanoscience and real-world nanotech products and is the vehicle by which the world will realize the promise of major technological innovation across a spectrum of products that will affect virtually every industrial sector. For micro and nanotech products to achieve the broad impacts envisioned, they must be manufactured in market-appropriate quantities in a reliable, repeatable, economical and commercially viable manner. In addition, they must be manufactured so that environmental and human health concerns are met, worker safety issues are appropriately assessed and handled, and liability issues are addressed. Critical to this realization of robust manufacturing at the nanoscale is the development of the necessary instrumentation, metrology and standards, i.e. nanometrology. The National Measurement Laboratories are committed to developing the required metrology. Integration of the instruments, their interoperability and appropriate information management are also critical elements that must be considered for viable micro and nanomanufacturing. Advanced instrumentation, metrology and standards will allow the physical dimensions, properties, functionality and purity of the materials, processes, tools, systems, products and emissions that will constitute micro and nanomanufacturing to be measured and characterized. This will in turn enable production to be scalable, controllable, predictable and repeatable to meet market needs. If a product cannot be measured it cannot be manufactured; if that product cannot be made safely it should not be manufactured, and finally, if the metrology is not in place how would you know? The articles in this special feature can be classified into three categories: dimensional metrology (8 papers and one technical design note), density of particles (2 papers) and metrology of thermal properties (3 papers). The articles on dimensional metrology include scanning probe microscope dimensional metrology, the through focus scanning optical (TSOM) imaging method, scatterfield optical microscopy, helium ion microscopy, metrology and combinations of these microscopy and imaging techniques applied to nanostructures and particles such as cellulose nanocrystals, and targeted liposome-based delivery systems. Dimensional metrology covers grating pitch measurement by optical diffraction, measurement of the thickness of silicon oxide by synchrotron radiation x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (SR-XPS) analysis and determination of pore size distribution of porous low-dielectric-constant films by x-ray scattering. The two papers on particle density present number concentration standards for aerosol nanoparticles of larger diameter than about 10 nm and liquid-borne particles in the range of 10-20 µm diameter, respectively. The three papers on metrology of thermal properties present recent innovative progress in thermophysical metrology of thin films by the ultrafast laser flash methods required for understanding of the thermal science at nanoscales and thermal design of nanodevices. The first paper improves the technology applicable under high pressures in a diamond anvil cell. The second extends this technology to thin films on silicon substrates. The third reports the first observation of non-diffusive heat transfer across thin films at low temperatures. In order to guarantee reliability and traceability of developed measurement methods for nanomaterials, a technical infrastructure for nanomaterials such as metrological standards, reference materials and document standards for measurement methods is important. We hope this special feature will be the first step in a collaboration towards a global harmonization of nanometrology.

MicroRNA network changes in the brain stem underlie the development of hypertension.

PubMed

DeCicco, Danielle; Zhu, Haisun; Brureau, Anthony; Schwaber, James S; Vadigepalli, Rajanikanth

2015-09-01

Hypertension is a major chronic disease whose molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. We compared neuroanatomical patterns of microRNAs in the brain stem of the spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR) to the Wistar Kyoto rat (WKY, control). We quantified 419 well-annotated microRNAs in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), from SHR and WKY rats, during three main stages of hypertension development. Changes in microRNA expression were stage- and region-dependent, with a majority of SHR vs. WKY differential expression occurring at the hypertension onset stage in NTS versus at the prehypertension stage in RVLM. Our analysis identified 24 microRNAs showing time-dependent differential expression in SHR compared with WKY in at least one brain region. We predicted potential gene regulatory targets corresponding to catecholaminergic processes, neuroinflammation, and neuromodulation using the miRWALK and RNA22 databases, and we tested those bioinformatics predictions using high-throughput quantitative PCR to evaluate correlations of differential expression between the microRNAs and their predicted gene targets. We found a novel regulatory network motif consisting of microRNAs likely downregulating a negative regulator of prohypertensive processes such as angiotensin II signaling and leukotriene-based inflammation. Our results provide new evidence on the dynamics of microRNA expression in the development of hypertension and predictions of microRNA-mediated regulatory networks playing a region-dependent role in potentially altering brain-stem cardiovascular control circuit function leading to the development of hypertension. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

Development of a continuous roll-to-roll processing system for mass production of plastic optical film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Chih-Yuan; Tsai, Meng-Hsun

2015-12-01

This paper reports a highly effective method for the mass production of large-area plastic optical films with a microlens array pattern based on a continuous roll-to-roll film extrusion and roller embossing process. In this study, a thin steel mold with a micro-circular hole array pattern is fabricated by photolithography and a wet chemical etching process. The thin steel mold was then wrapped onto a metal cylinder to form an embossing roller mold. During the roll-to-roll process operation, a thermoplastic raw material (polycarbonate grains) was put into the barrel of the plastic extruder with a flat T-die. Then, the molten polymer film was extruded and immediately pressed against the surface of the embossing roller mold. Under the proper processing conditions, the molten polymer will just partially fill the micro-circular holes of the mold and due to surface tension form a convex lens surface. A continuous plastic optical film with a microlens array pattern was obtained. Experiments are carried out to investigate the effect of plastic microlens formation on the roll-to-roll process. Finally, the geometrical and optical properties of the fabricated plastic optical film were measured and proved satisfactory. This technique shows great potential for the mass production of large-area plastic optical films with a microlens array pattern.

In-process 3D assessment of micromoulding features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whiteside, B. R.; Spares, R.; Coates, P. D.

2006-04-01

Micro injection moulding (micromoulding) technology has recently emerged as a viable manufacturing route for polymer, metal and ceramic components with micro-scale features and surface textures. With a cycle time for production of a single component of just a few seconds, the proces offers the capability for mass production of microscale devices at a low marginal cost. However, the extreme stresses, strain rates and temperature gradients characteristic of the process have the consequence that a slight fluctuation in material properties or moulding conditions can have a significant impact on the dimensional or structural properties of the resulting component and in-line process monitoring is highly desirable. This paper describes the development of an in-process, high speed 3-dimensional measurement system for evaluation of every component manufactured during the process. A high speed camera and microscope lens coupled with a linear stage are used to create a stack of images which are subsequently processed using extended depth of field techniques to form a virtual 3-dimensional contour of the component. This data can then be used to visually verify the quality of the moulding on-screen or standard machine vision algorithms can be employed to allow fully automated quality inspection and filtering of sub-standard products. Good results have been obtained for a range of materials and geometries and measurement accuracy has been verified through comparison with data obtained using a Wyko NT1100 white light interferometer.

A machine vision system for micro-EDM based on linux

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Rui; Zhao, Wansheng; Li, Gang; Li, Zhiyong; Zhang, Yong

2006-11-01

Due to the high precision and good surface quality that it can give, Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is potentially an important process for the fabrication of micro-tools and micro-components. However, a number of issues remain unsolved before micro-EDM becomes a reliable process with repeatable results. To deal with the difficulties in micro electrodes on-line fabrication and tool wear compensation, a micro-EDM machine vision system is developed with a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) camera, with an optical resolution of 1.61μm and an overall magnification of 113~729. Based on the Linux operating system, an image capturing program is developed with the V4L2 API, and an image processing program is exploited by using OpenCV. The contour of micro electrodes can be extracted by means of the Canny edge detector. Through the system calibration, the micro electrodes diameter can be measured on-line. Experiments have been carried out to prove its performance, and the reasons of measurement error are also analyzed.

Dicer-dependent production of microRNA221 in hepatocytes inhibits p27 and is required for liver regeneration in mice.

PubMed

Oya, Yuki; Masuzaki, Ryota; Tsugawa, Daisuke; Ray, Kevin C; Dou, Yongchao; Karp, Seth J

2017-05-01

Dicer processes microRNAs (miRs) into active forms in a wide variety of tissues, including the liver. To determine the role of Dicer in liver regeneration, we performed a series of in vivo and in vitro studies in a murine 2/3 hepatectomy model. Dicer was downregulated after 2/3 hepatectomy, and loss of Dicer inhibited liver regeneration associated with decreased cyclin A2 and miR-221, as well as increased levels of the cell cycle inhibitor p27. In vitro, miR-221 inhibited p27 production in primary hepatocytes and increased hepatocyte proliferation. Specific reconstitution of miR-221 in hepatocyte-specific Dicer-null mice inhibited p27 and restored liver regeneration. In wild type mice, targeted inhibition of miR-221 using a cholesterol-conjugated miR-221 inhibited hepatocyte proliferation after 2/3 hepatectomy. These results identify Dicer production of miR-221 as an essential component of a miRNA-dependent mechanism for suppression of p27 that controls the rate of hepatocyte proliferation after partial hepatectomy. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our findings demonstrate a direct role for microRNAs in controlling the rate of liver regeneration after injury. By deleting Dicer, an enzyme responsible for processing microRNAs into mature forms, we determined miR-221 is a critical microRNA in the physiological process of restoration of liver mass after injury. miR-221 suppresses p27, releasing its inhibitory effects on hepatocyte proliferation. Pharmaceuticals based on miR-221 may be useful to modulate hepatocyte proliferation in the setting of liver injury. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

A high-content morphological screen identifies novel microRNAs that regulate neuroblastoma cell differentiation

PubMed Central

Zhao, Zhenze; Ma, Xiuye; Hsiao, Tzu-Hung; Lin, Gregory; Kosti, Adam; Yu, Xiaojie; Suresh, Uthra; Chen, Yidong; Tomlinson, Gail E.; Pertsemlidis, Alexander; Du, Liqin

2014-01-01

Neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood, arises from neural crest cell precursors that fail to differentiate. Inducing cell differentiation is an important therapeutic strategy for neuroblastoma. We developed a direct functional high-content screen to identify differentiation-inducing microRNAs, in order to develop microRNA-based differentiation therapy for neuroblastoma. We discovered novel microRNAs, and more strikingly, three microRNA seed families that induce neuroblastoma cell differentiation. In addition, we showed that microRNA seed families were overrepresented in the identified group of fourteen differentiation-inducing microRNAs, suggesting that microRNA seed families are functionally more important in neuroblastoma differentiation than microRNAs with unique sequences. We further investigated the differentiation-inducing function of the microRNA-506-3p/microRNA-124-3p seed family, which was the most potent inducer of differentiation. We showed that the differentiation-inducing function of microRNA-506-3p/microRNA-124-3p is mediated, at least partially, by down-regulating expression of their targets CDK4 and STAT3. We further showed that expression of miR-506-3p, but not miR-124-3p, is dramatically upregulated in differentiated neuroblastoma cells, suggesting the important role of endogenous miR-506-3p in differentiation and tumorigenesis. Overall, our functional screen on microRNAs provided the first comprehensive analysis on the involvements of microRNA species in neuroblastoma cell differentiation and identified novel differentiation-inducing microRNAs. Further investigations are certainly warranted to fully characterize the function of the identified microRNAs in order to eventually benefit neuroblastoma therapy. PMID:24811707

Recent patents on electrophoretic displays and materials.

PubMed

Christophersen, Marc; Phlips, Bernard F

2010-11-01

Electrophoretic displays (EPDs) have made their way into consumer products. EPDs enable displays that offer the look and form of a printed page, often called "electronic paper". We will review recent apparatus and method patents for EPD devices and their fabrication. A brief introduction into the basic display operation and history of EPDs is given, while pointing out the technological challenges and difficulties for inventors. Recently, the majority of scientific publications and patenting activity has been directed to micro-segmented EPDs. These devices exhibit high optical reflectance and contrast, wide viewing angle, and high image resolution. Micro-segmented EPDs can also be integrated with flexible transistors technologies into flexible displays. Typical particles size ranges from 200 nm to 2 micrometer. Currently one very active area of patenting is the development of full-color EPDs. We summarize the recent patenting activity for EPDs and provide comments on perceiving factors driving intellectual property protection for EPD technologies.

Micro-gas analysis system for measurement of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide: respiratory treatment and environmental mobile monitoring.

PubMed

Toda, Kei; Hato, Yuki; Ohira, Shin-ichi; Namihira, Takao

2007-11-05

In this paper, novel microsystems for gas analysis and gas generation are described. The same microchannel devices covered with a gas permeable membrane were used for both the gas collection and the gas generation. For the first time, a dual liquid flow system was utilized in a micro-gas analysis system. Even though micropumps are utilized in the dual line microsystem, a good baseline was obtained in the NO2 measurement with Griess-Saltzman chemistry. The system was developed for on-site measurements in medical treatment; the treatment is of respiratory disease syndrome by NO inhalation and the monitoring is of the product NO and the harmful byproduct NO2. The system was also applied to mobile atmospheric monitoring. Chemical NO generation using the microchannel device was investigated for safe NO inhalation as an alternative to a NO generator based on pulsed arc discharge.

Micro-channel-based high specific power lithium target

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mastinu, P.; Martın-Hernández, G.; Praena, J.; Gramegna, F.; Prete, G.; Agostini, P.; Aiello, A.; Phoenix, B.

2016-11-01

A micro-channel-based heat sink has been produced and tested. The device has been developed to be used as a Lithium target for the LENOS (Legnaro Neutron Source) facility and for the production of radioisotope. Nevertheless, applications of such device can span on many areas: cooling of electronic devices, diode laser array, automotive applications etc. The target has been tested using a proton beam of 2.8MeV energy and delivering total power shots from 100W to 1500W with beam spots varying from 5mm2 to 19mm2. Since the target has been designed to be used with a thin deposit of lithium and since lithium is a low-melting-point material, we have measured that, for such application, a specific power of about 3kW/cm2 can be delivered to the target, keeping the maximum surface temperature not exceeding 150° C.

Fine structuration of low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) microreactors.

PubMed

Jiang, Bo; Haber, Julien; Renken, Albert; Muralt, Paul; Kiwi-Minsker, Lioubov; Maeder, Thomas

2015-01-21

The development of microreactors that operate under harsh conditions is always of great interest for many applications. Here we present a microfabrication process based on low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology for producing microreactors which are able to perform chemical processes at elevated temperature (>400 °C) and against concentrated harsh chemicals such as sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. Various micro-scale cavities and/or fluidic channels were successfully fabricated in these microreactors using a set of combined and optimized LTCC manufacturing processes. Among them, it has been found that laser micromachining and multi-step low-pressure lamination are particularly critical to the fabrication and quality of these microreactors. Demonstration of LTCC microreactors with various embedded fluidic structures is illustrated with a number of examples, including micro-mixers for studies of exothermic reactions, multiple-injection microreactors for ionone production, and high-temperature microreactors for portable hydrogen generation.

Utilization of the UV laser with picosecond pulses for the formation of surface microstructures on elastomeric plastics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antoszewski, B.; Tofil, S.; Scendo, M.; Tarelnik, W.

2017-08-01

Elastomeric plastics belong to a wide range of polymeric materials with special properties. They are used as construction material for seals and other components in many branches of industry and, in particular, in the biomedical industry, mechatronics, electronics and chemical equipment. The micromachining of surfaces of these materials can be used to build micro-flow, insulating, dispensing systems and chemical and biological reactors. The paper presents results of research on the effects of micro-machining of selected elastomeric plastics using a UV laser emitting picosecond pulses. The authors see the prospective application of the developed technology in the sealing technique in particular to shaping the sealing pieces co-operating with the surface of the element. The result of the study is meant to show parameters of the UV laser’s performance when producing typical components such as grooves, recesses for optimum ablation in terms of quality and productivity.

Micro-total envelope system with silicon nanowire separator for safe carcinogenic chemistry.

PubMed

Singh, Ajay K; Ko, Dong-Hyeon; Vishwakarma, Niraj K; Jang, Seungwook; Min, Kyoung-Ik; Kim, Dong-Pyo

2016-02-26

Exploration and expansion of the chemistries involving toxic or carcinogenic reagents are severely limited by the health hazards their presence poses. Here, we present a micro-total envelope system (μ-TES) and an automated total process for the generation of the carcinogenic reagent, its purification and its utilization for a desired synthesis that is totally enveloped from being exposed to the carcinogen. A unique microseparator is developed on the basis of SiNWs structure to replace the usual exposure-prone distillation in separating the generated reagent. Chloromethyl methyl ether chemistry is explored as a carcinogenic model in demonstrating the efficiency of the μ-TES that is fully automated so that feeding the ingredients for the generation is all it takes to produce the desired product. Syntheses taking days can be accomplished safely in minutes with excellent yields, which bodes well for elevating the carcinogenic chemistry to new unexplored dimensions.

Vacuum decay container closure integrity leak test method development and validation for a lyophilized product-package system.

PubMed

Patel, Jayshree; Mulhall, Brian; Wolf, Heinz; Klohr, Steven; Guazzo, Dana Morton

2011-01-01

A leak test performed according to ASTM F2338-09 Standard Test Method for Nondestructive Detection of Leaks in Packages by Vacuum Decay Method was developed and validated for container-closure integrity verification of a lyophilized product in a parenteral vial package system. This nondestructive leak test method is intended for use in manufacturing as an in-process package integrity check, and for testing product stored on stability in lieu of sterility tests. Method development and optimization challenge studies incorporated artificially defective packages representing a range of glass vial wall and sealing surface defects, as well as various elastomeric stopper defects. Method validation required 3 days of random-order replicate testing of a test sample population of negative-control, no-defect packages and positive-control, with-defect packages. Positive-control packages were prepared using vials each with a single hole laser-drilled through the glass vial wall. Hole creation and hole size certification was performed by Lenox Laser. Validation study results successfully demonstrated the vacuum decay leak test method's ability to accurately and reliably detect those packages with laser-drilled holes greater than or equal to approximately 5 μm in nominal diameter. All development and validation studies were performed at Whitehouse Analytical Laboratories in Whitehouse, NJ, under the direction of consultant Dana Guazzo of RxPax, LLC, using a VeriPac 455 Micro Leak Test System by Packaging Technologies & Inspection (Tuckahoe, NY). Bristol Myers Squibb (New Brunswick, NJ) fully subsidized all work. A leak test performed according to ASTM F2338-09 Standard Test Method for Nondestructive Detection of Leaks in Packages by Vacuum Decay Method was developed and validated to detect defects in stoppered vial packages containing lyophilized product for injection. This nondestructive leak test method is intended for use in manufacturing as an in-process package integrity check, and for testing product stored on stability in lieu of sterility tests. Test method validation study results proved the method capable of detecting holes laser-drilled through the glass vial wall greater than or equal to 5 μm in nominal diameter. Total test time is less than 1 min per package. All method development and validation studies were performed at Whitehouse Analytical Laboratories in Whitehouse, NJ, under the direction of consultant Dana Guazzo of RxPax, LLC, using a VeriPac 455 Micro Leak Test System by Packaging Technologies & Inspection (Tuckahoe, NY). Bristol Myers Squibb (New Brunswick, NJ) fully subsidized all work.

Uptake of dietary milk microRNAs by adult humans: Rules for the game of hide and seek

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Milk producers recently used a social media campaign to build public confidence in the health benefits of their product; however, it is not clear why they did not tout the abundant microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA molecules that function in RNA silencing and post-transcriptional regulation o...

Properties of cellulose micro/nanofibers obtained from eucalyptus pulp fiber treated with anaerobic digestate and high shear mixing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

High production costs remain the single greatest factor limiting wider use of cellulose micro/nanofibers in the industry. The objective of the present study was to investigate the potential of using a low-cost bacteria-rich digestate (liquid anaerobic digestate – AD supernatant) on milled eucalyptus...

Design and Performance of Insect-Scale Flapping-Wing Vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whitney, John Peter

Micro-air vehicles (MAVs)---small versions of full-scale aircraft---are the product of a continued path of miniaturization which extends across many fields of engineering. Increasingly, MAVs approach the scale of small birds, and most recently, their sizes have dipped into the realm of hummingbirds and flying insects. However, these non-traditional biologically-inspired designs are without well-established design methods, and manufacturing complex devices at these tiny scales is not feasible using conventional manufacturing methods. This thesis presents a comprehensive investigation of new MAV design and manufacturing methods, as applicable to insect-scale hovering flight. New design methods combine an energy-based accounting of propulsion and aerodynamics with a one degree-of-freedom dynamic flapping model. Important results include analytical expressions for maximum flight endurance and range, and predictions for maximum feasible wing size and body mass. To meet manufacturing constraints, the use of passive wing dynamics to simplify vehicle design and control was investigated; supporting tests included the first synchronized measurements of real-time forces and three-dimensional kinematics generated by insect-scale flapping wings. These experimental methods were then expanded to study optimal wing shapes and high-efficiency flapping kinematics. To support the development of high-fidelity test devices and fully-functional flight hardware, a new class of manufacturing methods was developed, combining elements of rigid-flex printed circuit board fabrication with "pop-up book" folding mechanisms. In addition to their current and future support of insect-scale MAV development, these new manufacturing techniques are likely to prove an essential element to future advances in micro-optomechanics, micro-surgery, and many other fields.

[Ecological misunderstanding, integrative approach, and potential industries in circular economy transition].

PubMed

Wang, Rusong

2005-12-01

Based on the Social-Economic-Natural Complex Ecosystem theory, this paper questioned 8 kinds of misunderstandings in current planning, incubation, development, and management of circular economy, which had led to either ultra-right or ultra-left actions in ecological and economic development. Rather than concentrated only on the 3-r micro-principles of "reduce-reuse-recycle", thise paper suggested 3-R macro-principles of "Rethinking-Reform-Refunction" for circular economy development. Nine kinds of eco-integrative strategies in industrial transition were put forward, i.e., food web-based horizontal/parallel coupling, life cycle-oriented vertical/serial coupling, functional service rather than products-oriented production, flexible and adaptive structure, ecosystem-based regional coupling, social integrity, comprehensive capacity building, employment enhancement, and respecting human dignity. Ten promising potential eco-industries in China's near-future circular economy development were proposed, such as the transition of traditional chemical fertilizer and pesticide industry to a new kind of industrial complex for agro-ecosystem management.

The role of biofilms in persistent infections and factors involved in ica-independent biofilm development and gene regulation in Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Figueiredo, Agnes Marie Sá; Ferreira, Fabienne Antunes; Beltrame, Cristiana Ossaille; Côrtes, Marina Farrel

2017-09-01

Staphylococcus aureus biofilms represent a unique micro-environment that directly contribute to the bacterial fitness within hospital settings. The accumulation of this structure on implanted medical devices has frequently caused the development of persistent and chronic S. aureus-associated infections, which represent an important social and economic burden worldwide. ica-independent biofilms are composed of an assortment of bacterial products and modulated by a multifaceted and overlapping regulatory network; therefore, biofilm composition can vary among S. aureus strains. In the microniches formed by biofilms-produced by a number of bacterial species and composed by different structural components-drug refractory cell subpopulations with distinct physiological characteristics can emerge and result in therapeutic failures in patients with recalcitrant bacterial infections. In this review, we highlight the importance of biofilms in the development of persistence and chronicity in some S. aureus diseases, the main molecules associated with ica-independent biofilm development and the regulatory mechanisms that modulate ica-independent biofilm production, accumulation, and dispersion.

Friend or Foe: MicroRNAs in the p53 network.

PubMed

Luo, Zhenghua; Cui, Ri; Tili, Esmerina; Croce, Carlo

2018-04-10

The critical tumor suppressor gene TP53 is either lost or mutated in more than half of human cancers. As an important transcriptional regulator, p53 modulates the expression of many microRNAs. While wild-type p53 uses microRNAs to suppress cancer development, microRNAs that are activated by gain-of-function mutant p53 confer oncogenic properties. On the other hand, the expression of p53 is tightly controlled by a fine-tune machinery including microRNAs. MicroRNAs can target the TP53 gene directly or other factors in the p53 network so that expression and function of either the wild-type or the mutant forms of p53 is downregulated. Therefore, depending on the wild-type or mutant p53 context, microRNAs contribute substantially to suppress or exacerbate tumor development. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

MicroRNA function in Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Carthew, Richard W; Agbu, Pamela; Giri, Ritika

2017-05-01

Over the last decade, microRNAs have emerged as critical regulators in the expression and function of animal genomes. This review article discusses the relationship between microRNA-mediated regulation and the biology of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. We focus on the roles that microRNAs play in tissue growth, germ cell development, hormone action, and the development and activity of the central nervous system. We also discuss the ways in which microRNAs affect robustness. Many gene regulatory networks are robust; they are relatively insensitive to the precise values of reaction constants and concentrations of molecules acting within the networks. MicroRNAs involved in robustness appear to be nonessential under uniform conditions used in conventional laboratory experiments. However, the robust functions of microRNAs can be revealed when environmental or genetic variation otherwise has an impact on developmental outcomes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hybrid 3D-2D printing of bone scaffolds Hybrid 3D-2D printing methods for bone scaffolds fabrication.

PubMed

Prinz, V Ya; Seleznev, Vladimir

2016-12-13

It is a well-known fact that bone scaffold topography on micro- and nanometer scale influences the cellular behavior. Nano-scale surface modification of scaffolds allows the modulation of biological activity for enhanced cell differentiation. To date, there has been only a limited success in printing scaffolds with micro- and nano-scale features exposed on the surface. To improve on the currently available imperfect technologies, in our paper we introduce new hybrid technologies based on a combination of 2D (nano imprint) and 3D printing methods. The first method is based on using light projection 3D printing and simultaneous 2D nanostructuring of each of the layers during the formation of the 3D structure. The second method is based on the sequential integration of preliminarily created 2D nanostructured films into a 3D printed structure. The capabilities of the developed hybrid technologies are demonstrated with the example of forming 3D bone scaffolds. The proposed technologies can be used to fabricate complex 3D micro- and nanostructured products for various fields. Copyright 2016 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Activation and control of microlens liquid arrays on functionalized polar electric crystal substrates by electro-wetting effect and temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferraro, Pietro; Grilli, Simonetta; Miccio, Lisa; Vespini, Veronica; Finizio, Sergio DeNicola Andrea

2008-11-01

In recent years a variety of liquid bases optical elements have been conceived, designed and fabricated even for commercial products like digital cameras o cellular phone cameras. The impressive development of microfluidic systems in conjunction with optics has led to the creation of a completely new Science field of investigation named optofludics. Optofludics, among others topics, deals with investigation and methods for realizing liquid micro-lenses. A variety of liquid micro-lenses have been designed and realized by using different configurations. We demonstrate that a lensing effect can be obtained in an open microfluidic system by using a thin layer of liquid on a polar electric crystal such as Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3). Electrowetting patterning on LiNbO3 surface is obtained by pyroelectric effect consisting in a simple but reliable electrodes-less and circuit-less configuration. The electrodes are intrinsically embedded into the substrate. The material is functionalised by means of a micro-engineering electric filed poling process. Lens array with variable focus has been demonstrated with a large number of lens elements (10x10) on micrometric scale (aperture of single lens 100 microns).

Micro-Raman spectroscopic identification of bacterial cells of the genus Staphylococcus and dependence on their cultivation conditions.

PubMed

Harz, M; Rösch, P; Peschke, K-D; Ronneberger, O; Burkhardt, H; Popp, J

2005-11-01

Microbial contamination is not only a medical problem, but also plays a large role in pharmaceutical clean room production and food processing technology. Therefore many techniques were developed to achieve differentiation and identification of microorganisms. Among these methods vibrational spectroscopic techniques (IR, Raman and SERS) are useful tools because of their rapidity and sensitivity. Recently we have shown that micro-Raman spectroscopy in combination with a support vector machine is an extremely capable approach for a fast and reliable, non-destructive online identification of single bacteria belonging to different genera. In order to simulate different environmental conditions we analyzed in this contribution different Staphylococcus strains with varying cultivation conditions in order to evaluate our method with a reliable dataset. First, micro-Raman spectra of the bulk material and single bacterial cells that were grown under the same conditions were recorded and used separately for a distinct chemotaxonomic classification of the strains. Furthermore Raman spectra were recorded from single bacterial cells that were cultured under various conditions to study the influence of cultivation on the discrimination ability. This dataset was analyzed both with a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and a support vector machine (SVM).

The influence of maternal language responsiveness on the expressive speech production of children with autism spectrum disorders: a microanalysis of mother-child play interactions.

PubMed

Walton, Katherine M; Ingersoll, Brooke R

2015-05-01

Adult responsiveness is related to language development both in young typically developing children and in children with autism spectrum disorders, such that parents who use more responsive language with their children have children who develop better language skills over time. This study used a micro-analytic technique to examine how two facets of maternal utterances, relationship to child focus of attention and degree of demandingness, influenced the immediate use of appropriate expressive language of preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorders (n = 28) and toddlers with typical development (n = 16) within a naturalistic mother-child play session. Mothers' use of follow-in demanding language was most likely to elicit appropriate expressive speech in both children with autism spectrum disorders and children with typical development. For children with autism spectrum disorders, but not children with typical development, mothers' use of orienting cues conferred an additional benefit for expressive speech production. These findings are consistent with the naturalistic behavioral intervention philosophy and suggest that following a child's lead while prompting for language is likely to elicit speech production in children with autism spectrum disorders and children with typical development. Furthermore, using orienting cues may help children with autism spectrum disorders to verbally respond. © The Author(s) 2014.

Wafer-level micro-optics: trends in manufacturing, testing, packaging, and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voelkel, Reinhard; Gong, Li; Rieck, Juergen; Zheng, Alan

2012-11-01

Micro-optics is an indispensable key enabling technology (KET) for many products and applications today. Probably the most prestigious examples are the diffractive light shaping elements used in high-end DUV lithography steppers. Highly efficient refractive and diffractive micro-optical elements are used for precise beam and pupil shaping. Micro-optics had a major impact on the reduction of aberrations and diffraction effects in projection lithography, allowing a resolution enhancement from 250 nm to 45 nm within the last decade. Micro-optics also plays a decisive role in medical devices (endoscopes, ophthalmology), in all laser-based devices and fiber communication networks (supercomputer, ROADM), bringing high-speed internet to our homes (FTTH). Even our modern smart phones contain a variety of micro-optical elements. For example, LED flashlight shaping elements, the secondary camera, and ambient light and proximity sensors. Wherever light is involved, micro-optics offers the chance to further miniaturize a device, to improve its performance, or to reduce manufacturing and packaging costs. Wafer-scale micro-optics fabrication is based on technology established by semiconductor industry. Thousands of components are fabricated in parallel on a wafer. We report on the state of the art in wafer-based manufacturing, testing, packaging and present examples and applications for micro-optical components and systems.

Multi Response Optimization of Laser Micro Marking Process:A Grey- Fuzzy Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shivakoti, I.; Das, P. P.; Kibria, G.; Pradhan, B. B.; Mustafa, Z.; Ghadai, R. K.

2017-07-01

The selection of optimal parametric combination for efficient machining has always become a challenging issue for the manufacturing researcher. The optimal parametric combination always provides a better machining which improves the productivity, product quality and subsequently reduces the production cost and time. The paper presents the hybrid approach of Grey relational analysis and Fuzzy logic to obtain the optimal parametric combination for better laser beam micro marking on the Gallium Nitride (GaN) work material. The response surface methodology has been implemented for design of experiment considering three parameters with their five levels. The parameter such as current, frequency and scanning speed has been considered and the mark width, mark depth and mark intensity has been considered as the process response.

20131201-1231_Green Machine Florida Canyon Hourly Data

DOE Data Explorer

Thibedeau, Joe

2014-01-08

Employing innovative product developments to demonstrate financial and technical viability of producing electricity from low temperature geothermal fluids, coproduced in a mining operation, by employing ElectraTherm's modular and mobile heat-to-power "micro geothermal" power plant with output capacity expected in the 30-70kWe range. The Green Machine is an Organic Rankine Cycle power plant. The Florida Canyon machine is powered by geothermal brine with air cooled condensing. The data provided is an hourly summary from 01 Dec to 31 Dec 2013.

20131101-1130_Green Machine Florida Canyon Hourly Data

DOE Data Explorer

Thibedeau, Joe

2013-12-02

Employing innovative product developments to demonstrate financial and technical viability of producing electricity from low temperature geothermal fluids, coproduced in a mining operation, by employing ElectraTherm's modular and mobile heat-to-power "micro geothermal" power plant with output capacity expected in the 30-70kWe range. The Green Machine is an Organic Rankine Cycle power plant. The Florida Canyon machine is powered by geothermal brine with air cooled condensing. The data provided is an hourly summary from 01 Nov to 30 Nov 2013.

20130416_Green Machine Florida Canyon Hourly Data

DOE Data Explorer

Vanderhoff, Alex

2013-04-24

Employing innovative product developments to demonstrate financial and technical viability of producing electricity from low temperature geothermal fluids, coproduced in a mining operation, by employing ElectraTherm's modular and mobile heat-to-power "micro geothermal" power plant with output capacity expected in the 30-70kWe range. The Green Machine is an Organic Rankine Cycle power plant. The Florida Canyon machine is powered by geothermal brine with air cooled condensing. The data provided is an hourly summary from 4/16/13.

20131001-1031_Green Machine Florida Canyon Hourly Data

DOE Data Explorer

Thibedeau, Joe

2013-11-05

Employing innovative product developments to demonstrate financial and technical viability of producing electricity from low temperature geothermal fluids, coproduced in a mining operation, by employing ElectraTherm's modular and mobile heat-to-power "micro geothermal" power plant with output capacity expected in the 30-70kWe range. The Green Machine is an Organic Rankine Cycle power plant. The Florida Canyon machine is powered by geothermal brine with air cooled condensing. The data provided is an hourly summary from 1 Oct 2013 to 31 Oct 2013.

20140201-0228_Green Machine Florida Canyon Hourly Data

DOE Data Explorer

Thibedeau, Joe

2014-03-03

Employing innovative product developments to demonstrate financial and technical viability of producing electricity from low temperature geothermal fluids, coproduced in a mining operation, by employing ElectraTherm's modular and mobile heat-to-power "micro geothermal" power plant with output capacity expected in the 30-70kWe range. The Green Machine is an Organic Rankine Cycle power plant. The Florida Canyon machine is powered by geothermal brine with air cooled condensing. The data provided is an hourly summary from 01 Feb to 28 Feb 2014.

20130801-0831_Green Machine Florida Canyon Hourly Data

DOE Data Explorer

Vanderhoff, Alex

2013-09-10

Employing innovative product developments to demonstrate financial and technical viability of producing electricity from low temperature geothermal fluids, coproduced in a mining operation, by employing ElectraTherm's modular and mobile heat-to-power "micro geothermal" power plant with output capacity expected in the 30-70kWe range. The Green Machine is an Organic Rankine Cycle power plant. The Florida Canyon machine is powered by geothermal brine with air cooled condensing. The data provided is an hourly summary from 8/1/13 to 8/31/13.

20140101-0131_Green Machine Florida Canyon Hourly Data

DOE Data Explorer

Thibedeau, Joe

2014-02-03

Employing innovative product developments to demonstrate financial and technical viability of producing electricity from low temperature geothermal fluids, coproduced in a mining operation, by employing ElectraTherm's modular and mobile heat-to-power "micro geothermal" power plant with output capacity expected in the 30-70kWe range. The Green Machine is an Organic Rankine Cycle power plant. The Florida Canyon machine is powered by geothermal brine with air cooled condensing. The data provided is an hourly summary from 01 Jan to 31 Jan 2014.

20140430_Green Machine Florida Canyon Hourly Data

DOE Data Explorer

Thibedeau, Joe

2014-05-05

Employing innovative product developments to demonstrate financial and technical viability of producing electricity from low temperature geothermal fluids, coproduced in a mining operation, by employing ElectraTherm's modular and mobile heat-to-power "micro geothermal" power plant with output capacity expected in the 30-70kWe range. The Green Machine is an Organic Rankine Cycle power plant. The Florida Canyon machine is powered by geothermal brine with air cooled condensing. The data provided is an hourly summary from 01 April to 30 April 2014.

20140301-0331_Green Machine Florida Canyon Hourly Data

DOE Data Explorer

Thibedeau, Joe

2014-04-07

Employing innovative product developments to demonstrate financial and technical viability of producing electricity from low temperature geothermal fluids, coproduced in a mining operation, by employing ElectraTherm's modular and mobile heat-to-power "micro geothermal" power plant with output capacity expected in the 30-70kWe range. The Green Machine is an Organic Rankine Cycle power plant. The Florida Canyon machine is powered by geothermal brine with air cooled condensing. The data provided is an hourly summary from 01 Mar to 31 Mar 2014.

20140501-0531_Green Machine Florida Canyon Hourly Data

DOE Data Explorer

Thibedeau, Joe

2014-06-02

Employing innovative product developments to demonstrate financial and technical viability of producing electricity from low temperature geothermal fluids, coproduced in a mining operation, by employing ElectraTherm's modular and mobile heat-to-power "micro geothermal" power plant with output capacity expected in the 30-70kWe range. The Green Machine is an Organic Rankine Cycle power plant. The Florida Canyon machine is powered by geothermal brine with air cooled condensing. The data provided is an hourly summary from 01 May to 31 May 2014.

20140601-0630_Green Machine Florida Canyon Hourly Data

DOE Data Explorer

Thibedeau, Joe

2014-06-30

Employing innovative product developments to demonstrate financial and technical viability of producing electricity from low temperature geothermal fluids, coproduced in a mining operation, by employing ElectraTherm's modular and mobile heat-to-power "micro geothermal" power plant with output capacity expected in the 30-70kWe range. The Green Machine is an Organic Rankine Cycle power plant. The Florida Canyon machine is powered by geothermal brine with air cooled condensing. The data provided is an hourly summary from 01 June to 30 June 2014.

20140701-0731_Green Machine Florida Canyon Hourly Data

DOE Data Explorer

Thibedeau, Joe

2014-07-31

Employing innovative product developments to demonstrate financial and technical viability of producing electricity from low temperature geothermal fluids, coproduced in a mining operation, by employing ElectraTherm's modular and mobile heat-to-power "micro geothermal" power plant with output capacity expected in the 30-70kWe range. The Green Machine is an Organic Rankine Cycle power plant. The Florida Canyon machine is powered by geothermal brine with air cooled condensing. The data provided is an hourly summary from 01 July to 31 July 2014.

20130901-0930_Green Machine Florida Canyon Hourly Data

DOE Data Explorer

Thibedeau, Joe

2013-10-25

Employing innovative product developments to demonstrate financial and technical viability of producing electricity from low temperature geothermal fluids, coproduced in a mining operation, by employing ElectraTherm's modular and mobile heat-to-power "micro geothermal" power plant with output capacity expected in the 30-70kWe range. The Green Machine is an Organic Rankine Cycle power plant. The Florida Canyon machine is powered by geothermal brine with air cooled condensing. The data provided is an hourly summary from 1 September 2013 to 30 September 2013.

Green Machine Florida Canyon Hourly Data 20130731

DOE Data Explorer

Vanderhoff, Alex

2013-08-30

Employing innovative product developments to demonstrate financial and technical viability of producing electricity from low temperature geothermal fluids, coproduced in a mining operation, by employing ElectraTherm's modular and mobile heat-to-power "micro geothermal" power plant with output capacity expected in the 30-70kWe range. The Green Machine is an Organic Rankine Cycle power plant. The Florida Canyon machine is powered by geothermal brine with air cooled condensing. The data provided is an hourly summary from 7/1/13 to 7/31/13.

20130501-20130531_Green Machine Florida Canyon Hourly Data

DOE Data Explorer

Vanderhoff, Alex

2013-06-18

Employing innovative product developments to demonstrate financial and technical viability of producing electricity from low temperature geothermal fluids, coproduced in a mining operation, by employing ElectraTherm's modular and mobile heat-to-power "micro geothermal" power plant with output capacity expected in the 30-70kWe range. The Green Machine is an Organic Rankine Cycle power plant. The Florida Canyon machine is powered by geothermal brine with air cooled condensing. The data provided is an hourly summary from May 2013

Green Machine Florida Canyon Hourly Data

DOE Data Explorer

Vanderhoff, Alex

2013-07-15

Employing innovative product developments to demonstrate financial and technical viability of producing electricity from low temperature geothermal fluids, coproduced in a mining operation, by employing ElectraTherm's modular and mobile heat-to-power "micro geothermal" power plant with output capacity expected in the 30-70kWe range. The Green Machine is an Organic Rankine Cycle power plant. The Florida Canyon machine is powered by geothermal brine with air cooled condensing. The data provided is an hourly summary from 6/1/13 to 6/30/13

An Unwelcome Future: Updating United States Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Strategy Regarding Emerging Technology

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-23

botany, zoology, microbiology , physiology, biochemistry, and related subjects. This broad term is used throughout the strategy to emphasize the...exports for U.S. based food items, and developing long-term distrust of U.S. products. This is a short list of the likely outcomes of a major biological...successfully deliver a payload directly into the mouse’s stomach wall.21 The micro-motors then dissolved in the acid of the stomach, leaving no trace .22

Computer-aided design of microvasculature systems for use in vascular scaffold production.

PubMed

Mondy, William Lafayette; Cameron, Don; Timmermans, Jean-Pierre; De Clerck, Nora; Sasov, Alexander; Casteleyn, Christophe; Piegl, Les A

2009-09-01

In vitro biomedical engineering of intact, functional vascular networks, which include capillary structures, is a prerequisite for adequate vascular scaffold production. Capillary structures are necessary since they provide the elements and compounds for the growth, function and maintenance of 3D tissue structures. Computer-aided modeling of stereolithographic (STL) micro-computer tomographic (micro-CT) 3D models is a technique that enables us to mimic the design of vascular tree systems containing capillary beds, found in tissues. In our first paper (Mondy et al 2009 Tissue Eng. at press), using micro-CT, we studied the possibility of using vascular tissues to produce data capable of aiding the design of vascular tree scaffolding, which would help in the reverse engineering of a complete vascular tree system including capillary bed structures. In this paper, we used STL models of large datasets of computer-aided design (CAD) data of vascular structures which contained capillary structures that mimic those in the dermal layers of rabbit skin. Using CAD software we created from 3D STL models a bio-CAD design for the development of capillary-containing vascular tree scaffolding for skin. This method is designed to enhance a variety of therapeutic protocols including, but not limited to, organ and tissue repair, systemic disease mediation and cell/tissue transplantation therapy. Our successful approach to in vitro vasculogenesis will allow the bioengineering of various other types of 3D tissue structures, and as such greatly expands the potential applications of biomedical engineering technology into the fields of biomedical research and medicine.

Effect of Staged Dissolved Oxygen Optimization on In-situ sludge Reduction and Enhanced Nutrient Removal in an A2MMBR-M System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Shan-Shan; Pang, Ji-Wei; Jin, Xiao-Man; Wu, Zhong-Yang; Yang, Xiao-Yin; Guo, Wan-Qian; Zhao, Zhi-Qing; Ren, Nan-Qi

2018-03-01

Redundant excess sludge production and considerable non-standard wastewater discharge from existing activated sludge processes are facing more and more challenges. The investigations on lower sludge production and higher sewage treatment efficiency are urgently needed. In this study, an anaerobic/anoxic/micro-aerobic/oxic-MBR combining a micro-aerobic starvation sludge holding tank (A2MMBR-M) system is developed. Batch tests on the optimization of the staged dissolved oxygen (DO) in the micro-aerobic, the first oxic, and the second oxic tanks were carried out by a 3-factor and 3-level Box-Behnken design (BBD). The optimal actual values of X1 , X2 , and X3 were DO1 of 0.3-0.5 mg/L, DO2 of 3.5-4.5 mg/L, and DO3 of 3-4 mg/L. After the optimization tests, continuous-flow experiments of anaerobic/anoxic/oxic (AAO) and A2MMBR-M systems were further conducted. Compared to AAO system, a 37.45% reduction in discharged excess sludge in A2MMBR-M system was achieved. The COD, TN, and TP removal efficiencies in A2MMBR-M system were respective 4.06%, 2.68%, and 4.04% higher than AAO system. The A2MMBR-M system is proved a promising wastewater treatment technology possessing enhanced in-situ sludge reduction and improved effluent quality. The staged optimized DO concentrations are the key controlling parameters for the realization of simultaneous in-situ sludge reduction and nutrient removal.

Micro-Eukaryotic Diversity in Hypolithons from Miers Valley, Antarctica

PubMed Central

Gokul, Jarishma K.; Valverde, Angel; Tuffin, Marla; Cary, Stephen Craig; Cowan, Don A.

2013-01-01

The discovery of extensive and complex hypolithic communities in both cold and hot deserts has raised many questions regarding their ecology, biodiversity and relevance in terms of regional productivity. However, most hypolithic research has focused on the bacterial elements of the community. This study represents the first investigation of micro-eukaryotic communities in all three hypolith types. Here we show that Antarctic hypoliths support extensive populations of novel uncharacterized bryophyta, fungi and protists and suggest that well known producer-decomposer-predator interactions may create the necessary conditions for hypolithic productivity in Antarctic deserts. PMID:24832664

Piezoelectric polymer gated OFET: Cutting-edge electro-mechanical transducer for organic MEMS-based sensors

PubMed Central

Thuau, Damien; Abbas, Mamatimin; Wantz, Guillaume; Hirsch, Lionel; Dufour, Isabelle; Ayela, Cédric

2016-01-01

The growth of micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) based sensors on the electronic market is forecast to be invigorated soon by the development of a new branch of MEMS-based sensors made of organic materials. Organic MEMS have the potential to revolutionize sensor products due to their light weight, low-cost and mechanical flexibility. However, their sensitivity and stability in comparison to inorganic MEMS-based sensors have been the major concerns. In the present work, an organic MEMS sensor with a cutting-edge electro-mechanical transducer based on an active organic field effect transistor (OFET) has been demonstrated. Using poly(vinylidenefluoride/trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) piezoelectric polymer as active gate dielectric in the transistor mounted on a polymeric micro-cantilever, unique electro-mechanical properties were observed. Such an advanced scheme enables highly efficient integrated electro-mechanical transduction for physical and chemical sensing applications. Record relative sensitivity over 600 in the low strain regime (<0.3%) was demonstrated, which represents a key-step for the development of highly sensitive all organic MEMS-based sensors. PMID:27924853

Development of a miniature microwave electron cyclotron resonance plasma ion thruster for exospheric micro-propulsion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dey, Indranuj, E-mail: indranuj@aees.kyushu-u.ac.jp; Toyoda, Yuji; Yamamoto, Naoji

A miniature microwave electron cyclotron resonance plasma source [(discharge diameter)/(microwave cutoff diameter) < 0.3] has been developed at Kyushu University to be used as an ion thruster in micro-propulsion applications in the exosphere. The discharge source uses both radial and axial magnetostatic field confinement to facilitate electron cyclotron resonance and increase the electron dwell time in the volume, thereby enhancing plasma production efficiency. Performance of the ion thruster is studied at 3 microwave frequencies (1.2 GHz, 1.6 GHz, and 2.45 GHz), for low input powers (<15 W) and small xenon mass flow rates (<40 μg/s), by experimentally measuring the extractedmore » ion beam current through a potential difference of ≅1200 V. The discharge geometry is found to operate most efficiently at an input microwave frequency of 1.6 GHz. At this frequency, for an input power of 8 W, and propellant (xenon) mass flow rate of 21 μg/s, 13.7 mA of ion beam current is obtained, equivalent to an calculated thrust of 0.74 mN.« less

Effects of soda-lime-silica waste glass on mullite formation kinetics and micro-structures development in vitreous ceramics.

PubMed

Marinoni, Nicoletta; D'Alessio, Daniela; Diella, Valeria; Pavese, Alessandro; Francescon, Ferdinando

2013-07-30

The effects of soda-lime waste glass, from the recovery of bottle glass cullet, in partial replacement of Na-feldspar for sanitary-ware ceramic production are discussed. Attention is paid to the mullite growth kinetics and to the macroscopic properties of the final output, the latter ones depending on the developed micro-structures and vitrification grade. Measurements have been performed by in situ high temperature X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermal dilatometry, water absorption and mechanical testing. Glass substituting feldspar from 30 to 50 wt% allows one (i) to accelerate the mullite growth reaction kinetics, and (ii) to achieve macroscopic features of the ceramic output that comply with the latest technical requirements. The introduction of waste glass leads to (i) a general saving of fuel and reduction of the CO2-emissions during the firing stage, (ii) a preservation of mineral resources in terms of feldspars, and (iii) an efficient management of the bottle glass refuse by readdressing a part of it in the sanitary-ware manufacturing. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermoelastic damping in thin microrings with two-dimensional heat conduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Yuming; Li, Pu

2015-05-01

Accurate determination of thermoelastic damping (TED) is very challenging in the design of micro-resonators. Microrings are widely used in many micro-resonators. In the past, to model the TED effect on the microrings, some analytical models have been developed. However, in the previous works, the heat conduction within the microring is modeled by using the one-dimensional approach. The governing equation for heat conduction is solved only for the one-dimensional heat conduction along the radial thickness of the microring. This paper presents a simple analytical model for TED in microrings. The two-dimensional heat conduction over the thermoelastic temperature gradients along the radial thickness and the circumferential direction are considered in the present model. A two-dimensional heat conduction equation is developed. The solution of the equation is represented by the product of an assumed sine series along the radial thickness and an assumed trigonometric series along the circumferential direction. The analytical results obtained by the present 2-D model show a good agreement with the numerical (FEM) results. The limitations of the previous 1-D model are assessed.

Piezoelectric polymer gated OFET: Cutting-edge electro-mechanical transducer for organic MEMS-based sensors.

PubMed

Thuau, Damien; Abbas, Mamatimin; Wantz, Guillaume; Hirsch, Lionel; Dufour, Isabelle; Ayela, Cédric

2016-12-07

The growth of micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) based sensors on the electronic market is forecast to be invigorated soon by the development of a new branch of MEMS-based sensors made of organic materials. Organic MEMS have the potential to revolutionize sensor products due to their light weight, low-cost and mechanical flexibility. However, their sensitivity and stability in comparison to inorganic MEMS-based sensors have been the major concerns. In the present work, an organic MEMS sensor with a cutting-edge electro-mechanical transducer based on an active organic field effect transistor (OFET) has been demonstrated. Using poly(vinylidenefluoride/trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) piezoelectric polymer as active gate dielectric in the transistor mounted on a polymeric micro-cantilever, unique electro-mechanical properties were observed. Such an advanced scheme enables highly efficient integrated electro-mechanical transduction for physical and chemical sensing applications. Record relative sensitivity over 600 in the low strain regime (<0.3%) was demonstrated, which represents a key-step for the development of highly sensitive all organic MEMS-based sensors.

Modeling and Reconstruction of Micro-structured 3D Chitosan/Gelatin Porous Scaffolds Using Micro-CT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Haibo; Li, Dichen; He, Jiankang; Liu, Yaxiong; Lian, Qin; Zhao, Jinna

2008-09-01

Three dimensional (3D) channel networks are the key to promise the uniform distribution of nutrients inside 3D hepatic tissue engineering scaffolds and prompt elimination of metabolic products out of the scaffolds. 3D chitosan/gelatin porous scaffolds with predefined internal channels were fabricated and a combination of light microscope, laser confocal microscopy and micro-CT were employed to characterize the structure of porous scaffolds. In order to evaluate the flow field distribution inside the micro-structured 3D scaffolds, a computer reconstructing method based on Micro-CT was proposed. According to this evaluating method, a contrast between 3D porous scaffolds with and without predefined internal channels was also performed to assess scaffolds' fluid characters. Results showed that the internal channel of the 3D scaffolds formed the 3D fluid channel network; the uniformity of flow field distribution of the scaffolds fabricated in this paper was better than the simple porous scaffold without micro-fluid channels.

Recent developments in the field of environmental reference materials at the JRC Ispra.

PubMed

Muntau, H

2001-06-01

The production of reference materials for environmental analysis started in the Joint Research Centre at Ispra/Italy in 1972 with the objective of later certification by the BCR, but for obvious budget reasons only a fraction of the total production achieved at Ispra ever reached certification level, although all materials were produced according to the severe quality requirements requested for certified reference materials. Therefore, the materials not destinated to certification are in growing demand as inter-laboratory test materials and as laboratory reference materials, for internal quality control, e.g., by control charts. The history of reference material production within the Joint Research Centre is briefly reviewed and the latest additions described. New developments such as micro-scale reference materials intended for analytical methods requiring sample intakes at milligram or sub-milligram level and therefor not finding supply on the reference material market, and "wet" environmental reference materials, which meet more precisely the "real-world" environmental analysis conditions, are presented and the state-of-the-art discussed.

Recent progress in the development of solid catalysts for biomass conversion into high value-added chemicals

PubMed Central

Hara, Michikazu; Nakajima, Kiyotaka; Kamata, Keigo

2015-01-01

In recent decades, the substitution of non-renewable fossil resources by renewable biomass as a sustainable feedstock has been extensively investigated for the manufacture of high value-added products such as biofuels, commodity chemicals, and new bio-based materials such as bioplastics. Numerous solid catalyst systems for the effective conversion of biomass feedstocks into value-added chemicals and fuels have been developed. Solid catalysts are classified into four main groups with respect to their structures and substrate activation properties: (a) micro- and mesoporous materials, (b) metal oxides, (c) supported metal catalysts, and (d) sulfonated polymers. This review article focuses on the activation of substrates and/or reagents on the basis of groups (a)–(d), and the corresponding reaction mechanisms. In addition, recent progress in chemocatalytic processes for the production of five industrially important products (5-hydroxymethylfurfural, lactic acid, glyceraldehyde, 1,3-dihydroxyacetone, and furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid) as bio-based plastic monomers and their intermediates is comprehensively summarized. PMID:27877800

Recent progress in the development of solid catalysts for biomass conversion into high value-added chemicals.

PubMed

Hara, Michikazu; Nakajima, Kiyotaka; Kamata, Keigo

2015-06-01

In recent decades, the substitution of non-renewable fossil resources by renewable biomass as a sustainable feedstock has been extensively investigated for the manufacture of high value-added products such as biofuels, commodity chemicals, and new bio-based materials such as bioplastics. Numerous solid catalyst systems for the effective conversion of biomass feedstocks into value-added chemicals and fuels have been developed. Solid catalysts are classified into four main groups with respect to their structures and substrate activation properties: (a) micro- and mesoporous materials, (b) metal oxides, (c) supported metal catalysts, and (d) sulfonated polymers. This review article focuses on the activation of substrates and/or reagents on the basis of groups (a)-(d), and the corresponding reaction mechanisms. In addition, recent progress in chemocatalytic processes for the production of five industrially important products (5-hydroxymethylfurfural, lactic acid, glyceraldehyde, 1,3-dihydroxyacetone, and furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid) as bio-based plastic monomers and their intermediates is comprehensively summarized.

Recent progress in the development of solid catalysts for biomass conversion into high value-added chemicals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hara, Michikazu; Nakajima, Kiyotaka; Kamata, Keigo

2015-06-01

In recent decades, the substitution of non-renewable fossil resources by renewable biomass as a sustainable feedstock has been extensively investigated for the manufacture of high value-added products such as biofuels, commodity chemicals, and new bio-based materials such as bioplastics. Numerous solid catalyst systems for the effective conversion of biomass feedstocks into value-added chemicals and fuels have been developed. Solid catalysts are classified into four main groups with respect to their structures and substrate activation properties: (a) micro- and mesoporous materials, (b) metal oxides, (c) supported metal catalysts, and (d) sulfonated polymers. This review article focuses on the activation of substrates and/or reagents on the basis of groups (a)-(d), and the corresponding reaction mechanisms. In addition, recent progress in chemocatalytic processes for the production of five industrially important products (5-hydroxymethylfurfural, lactic acid, glyceraldehyde, 1,3-dihydroxyacetone, and furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid) as bio-based plastic monomers and their intermediates is comprehensively summarized.

Role of calcium in the regulation of theca cell androstenedione production in the domestic hen.

PubMed

Levorse, J M; Tilly, J L; Johnson, A L

1991-05-01

Theca cells were collected from the second largest preovulatory follicle. Chelation of extracellular calcium with EGTA attenuated LH (10 ng)-induced androstenedione production by theca cells, and this effect was more pronounced in calcium-deficient than in calcium-replete incubation medium. Incubation of theca cells with steroidogenic agonists in the presence of the calcium channel blocker verapamil (100 microM) suppressed androstenedione production stimulated by LH (a 57% decrease), the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin (a 59% decrease) and the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) analog 8-bromo-cAMP (a 61% decrease). Furthermore, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid 8-(diethylamino)octyl ester (TMB-8), a putative inhibitor of intracellular calcium mobilization, suppressed LH-induced androstenedione production in a dose-dependent fashion. The calmodulin inhibitors trifluoperazine (100 microM) and R24571 (50 microM) inhibited androstenedione production stimulated by hormonal (LH) and non-hormonal (forskolin, 8-bromo-cAMP) agonists (decreases ranging from 76 to 98%). While increasing the intracellular calcium ion concentrations with the calcium ionophore A23187 did not affect basal concentrations of androstenedione, treatment of LH-stimulated cells with the ionophore caused dose-dependent inhibition of androstenedione production; these effects were enhanced by coincubation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (a known activator of protein kinase C). We conclude that the mobilization of calcium is critical for agonist-stimulated steroidogenesis in hen theca cells, apparently requiring the interaction of calcium with its binding protein, calmodulin. Furthermore, increased cytosolic calcium concentrations may be involved in the suppression of androstenedione production, possibly as a result of an interaction with protein kinase C.

Micro Machining Enhances Precision Fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2007-01-01

Advanced thermal systems developed for the Space Station Freedom project are now in use on the International Space Station. These thermal systems employ evaporative ammonia as their coolant, and though they employ the same series of chemical reactions as terrestrial refrigerators, the space-bound coolers are significantly smaller. Two Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts between Creare Inc. of Hanover, NH and Johnson Space Center developed an ammonia evaporator for thermal management systems aboard Freedom. The principal investigator for Creare Inc., formed Mikros Technologies Inc. to commercialize the work. Mikros Technologies then developed an advanced form of micro-electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM) to make tiny holes in the ammonia evaporator. Mikros Technologies has had great success applying this method to the fabrication of micro-nozzle array systems for industrial ink jet printing systems. The company is currently the world leader in fabrication of stainless steel micro-nozzles for this market, and in 2001 the company was awarded two SBIR research contracts from Goddard Space Flight Center to advance micro-fabrication and high-performance thermal management technologies.

Contributions to advances in blend pellet products (BPP) research on molecular structure and molecular nutrition interaction by advanced synchrotron and globar molecular (Micro)spectroscopy.

PubMed

Guevara-Oquendo, Víctor H; Zhang, Huihua; Yu, Peiqiang

2018-04-13

To date, advanced synchrotron-based and globar-sourced techniques are almost unknown to food and feed scientists. There has been little application of these advanced techniques to study blend pellet products at a molecular level. This article aims to provide recent research on advanced synchrotron and globar vibrational molecular spectroscopy contributions to advances in blend pellet products research on molecular structure and molecular nutrition interaction. How processing induced molecular structure changes in relation to nutrient availability and utilization of the blend pellet products. The study reviews Utilization of co-product components for blend pellet product in North America; Utilization and benefits of inclusion of pulse screenings; Utilization of additives in blend pellet products; Application of pellet processing in blend pellet products; Conventional evaluation techniques and methods for blend pellet products. The study focus on recent applications of cutting-edge vibrational molecular spectroscopy for molecular structure and molecular structure association with nutrient utilization in blend pellet products. The information described in this article gives better insight on how advanced molecular (micro)spectroscopy contributions to advances in blend pellet products research on molecular structure and molecular nutrition interaction.

Multi-Scale Ordered Cell Structure for Cost Effective Production of Hydrogen by HTWS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Elangovan, Elango; Rao, Ranjeet; Colella, Whitney

Production of hydrogen using an electrochemical device provides for large scale, high efficiency conversion and storage of electrical energy. When renewable electricity is used for conversion of steam to hydrogen, a low-cost and low emissions pathway to hydrogen production emerges. This project was intended to demonstrate a high efficiency High Temperature Water Splitting (HTWS) stack for the electrochemical production of low cost H2. The innovations investigated address the limitations of the state of the art through the use of a novel architecture that introduces macro-features to provide mechanical support of a thin electrolyte, and micro-features of the electrodes to lowermore » polarization losses. The approach also utilizes a combination of unique sets of fabrication options that are scalable to achieve manufacturing cost objectives. The development of HTWS process and device is guided by techno-economic and life cycle analyses.« less

Microbial bio-fuels: a solution to carbon emissions and energy crisis.

PubMed

Kumar, Arun; Kaushal, Sumit; Saraf, Shubhini A; Singh, Jay Shankar

2018-06-01

Increasing energy demand, limited fossil fuel resources and climate change have prompted development of alternative sustainable and economical fuel resources such as crop-based bio-ethanol and bio-diesel. However, there is concern over use of arable land that is used for food agriculture for creation of biofuel. Thus, there is a renewed interest in the use of microbes particularly microalgae for bio-fuel production. Microbes such as micro-algae and cyanobacteria that are used for biofuel production also produce other bioactive compounds under stressed conditions. Microbial agents used for biofuel production also produce bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antiviral, anticoagulant, antioxidant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity. Because of importance of such high-value compounds in aquaculture and bioremediation, and the potential to reduce carbon emissions and energy security, the biofuels produced by microbial biotechnology might substitute the crop-based bio-ethanol and bio-diesel production.

The role of microRNAs in synaptic development and function

PubMed Central

Corbin, Rachel; Olsson-Carter, Katherine; Slack, Frank

2015-01-01

MicroRNAs control gene expression by inhibiting translation or promoting degradation of their target mRNAs. Since the discovery of the first microRNAs, lin-4 and let-7, in C. elegans, hundreds of microRNAs have been identified as key regulators of cell fate determination, lifespan, and cancer in species ranging from plants to humans. However, while microRNAs have been shown to be particularly abundant in the brain, their role in the development and activity of the nervous system is still largely unknown. In this review, we describe recent advances in our understanding of microRNA function at synapses, the specialized structures required for communication between neurons and their targets. We also propose how these advances might inform the molecular model of memory. PMID:19335998

Diverse correlation patterns between microRNAs and their targets during tomato fruit development indicates different modes of microRNA actions.

PubMed

Lopez-Gomollon, Sara; Mohorianu, Irina; Szittya, Gyorgy; Moulton, Vincent; Dalmay, Tamas

2012-12-01

MicroRNAs negatively regulate the accumulation of mRNAs therefore when they are expressed in the same cells their expression profiles show an inverse correlation. We previously described one positively correlated miRNA/target pair, but it is not known how widespread this phenomenon is. Here, we investigated the correlation between the expression profiles of differentially expressed miRNAs and their targets during tomato fruit development using deep sequencing, Northern blot and RT-qPCR. We found an equal number of positively and negatively correlated miRNA/target pairs indicating that positive correlation is more frequent than previously thought. We also found that the correlation between microRNA and target expression profiles can vary between mRNAs belonging to the same gene family and even for the same target mRNA at different developmental stages. Since microRNAs always negatively regulate their targets, the high number of positively correlated microRNA/target pairs suggests that mutual exclusion could be as widespread as temporal regulation. The change of correlation during development suggests that the type of regulatory circuit directed by a microRNA can change over time and can be different for individual gene family members. Our results also highlight potential problems for expression profiling-based microRNA target identification/validation.

MicrO: an ontology of phenotypic and metabolic characters, assays, and culture media found in prokaryotic taxonomic descriptions.

PubMed

Blank, Carrine E; Cui, Hong; Moore, Lisa R; Walls, Ramona L

2016-01-01

MicrO is an ontology of microbiological terms, including prokaryotic qualities and processes, material entities (such as cell components), chemical entities (such as microbiological culture media and medium ingredients), and assays. The ontology was built to support the ongoing development of a natural language processing algorithm, MicroPIE (or, Microbial Phenomics Information Extractor). During the MicroPIE design process, we realized there was a need for a prokaryotic ontology which would capture the evolutionary diversity of phenotypes and metabolic processes across the tree of life, capture the diversity of synonyms and information contained in the taxonomic literature, and relate microbiological entities and processes to terms in a large number of other ontologies, most particularly the Gene Ontology (GO), the Phenotypic Quality Ontology (PATO), and the Chemical Entities of Biological Interest (ChEBI). We thus constructed MicrO to be rich in logical axioms and synonyms gathered from the taxonomic literature. MicrO currently has ~14550 classes (~2550 of which are new, the remainder being microbiologically-relevant classes imported from other ontologies), connected by ~24,130 logical axioms (5,446 of which are new), and is available at (http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/MicrO.owl) and on the project website at https://github.com/carrineblank/MicrO. MicrO has been integrated into the OBO Foundry Library (http://www.obofoundry.org/ontology/micro.html), so that other ontologies can borrow and re-use classes. Term requests and user feedback can be made using MicrO's Issue Tracker in GitHub. We designed MicrO such that it can support the ongoing and future development of algorithms that can leverage the controlled vocabulary and logical inference power provided by the ontology. By connecting microbial classes with large numbers of chemical entities, material entities, biological processes, molecular functions, and qualities using a dense array of logical axioms, we intend MicrO to be a powerful new tool to increase the computing power of bioinformatics tools such as the automated text mining of prokaryotic taxonomic descriptions using natural language processing. We also intend MicrO to support the development of new bioinformatics tools that aim to develop new connections between microbial phenotypes and genotypes (i.e., the gene content in genomes). Future ontology development will include incorporation of pathogenic phenotypes and prokaryotic habitats.

Microscopic Study of Carbon Surfaces Interacting with High Carbon Ferromanganese Slag

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Safarian, Jafar; Kolbeinsen, Leiv

2015-02-01

The interaction of carbon materials with molten slags occurs in many pyro-metallurgical processes. In the production of high carbon ferromanganese in submerged arc furnace, the carbothermic reduction of MnO-containing silicate slags yields the metal product. In order to study the interaction of carbon with MnO-containing slags, sessile drop wettability technique is employed in this study to reduce MnO from a molten slag drop by carbon substrates. The interfacial area on the carbon substrate before and after reaction with slag is studied by scanning electron microscope. It is indicated that no Mn metal particles are found at the interface through the reduction of the MnO slag. Moreover, the reduction of MnO occurs through the contribution of Boudouard reaction and it causes carbon consumption in particular active sites at the interface, which generate carbon degradation and open pore growth at the interface. It is shown that the slag is fragmented to many micro-droplets at the reaction interface, potentially due to the effect on the interfacial energies of a provisional liquid Mn thin film. The rapid reduction of these slag micro-droplets affects the carbon surface with making deep micro-pores. A mechanism for the formation of slag micro-droplets is proposed, which is based on the formation of provisional micro thin films of liquid Mn at the interface.

Monitoring micro-crack healing in an engineered cementitious composite using the environmental scanning electron microscope

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Suryanto, B., E-mail: b.suryanto@hw.ac.uk; Buckman

Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM) is used to study the origin of micro-crack healing in an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC). ESEM images were acquired from ECC specimens cut from pre-cracked, dog-bone samples which then subjected to submerged curing followed by exposure to the natural environment. The mineralogical and chemical compositions of the healing products were determined using the EDX facility in the ESEM. It is shown that the precipitation of calcium carbonate is the main contributor to micro-crack healing at the crack mouth. The healing products initially appeared in an angular rhombohedral morphology which then underwent a discernable transformation inmore » size, shape and surface texture, from relatively flat and smooth to irregular and rough, resembling the texture of the original surface areas surrounding the micro-cracks. It is also shown that exposure to the natural environment, involving intermittent wetting/drying cycles, promotes additional crystal growth, which indicates enhanced self-healing capability in this environment. - Highlights: •ESEM with EDX used to characterize the origin of micro-crack healing in an ECC •Evolution of healing precipitates studied at three specific locations over four weeks •Specimens exposed to laboratory environment, followed by the natural environment •Calcium carbonate is the main contributor to crack healing at the crack mouth. •Outdoor exposure involving intermittent rain promotes additional crystal growth.« less

Iodine Deficiency in a Study Population of Norwegian Pregnant Women-Results from the Little in Norway Study (LiN).

PubMed

Dahl, Lisbeth; Wik Markhus, Maria; Sanchez, Perla Vanessa Roldan; Moe, Vibeke; Smith, Lars; Meltzer, Helle Margrete; Kjellevold, Marian

2018-04-20

Iodine sufficiency is particularly important in pregnancy, where median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in the range of 150⁻250 µg/L indicates adequate iodine status. The aims of this study were to determine UIC and assess if dietary and maternal characteristics influence the iodine status in pregnant Norwegian women. The study comprises a cross-sectional population-based prospective cohort of pregnant women (Little in Norway (LiN)). Median UIC in 954 urine samples was 85 µg/L and 78.4% of the samples ( n = 748) were ≤150 µg/L. 23.2% ( n = 221) of the samples were ≤50 µg/L and 5.2% ( n = 50) were above the requirements of iodine intake (>250 µg/L). Frequent iodine-supplement users ( n = 144) had significantly higher UIC (120 µg/L) than non-frequent users (75 µg/L). Frequent milk and dairy product consumers (4⁻9 portions/day) had significantly higher UIC (99 µg/L) than women consuming 0⁻1 portion/day (57 µg/L) or 2⁻3 portions/day (83 µg/L). Women living in mid-Norway ( n = 255) had lowest UIC (72 µg/L). In conclusion, this study shows that the diet of the pregnant women did not necessarily secure a sufficient iodine intake. There is an urgent need for public health strategies to secure adequate iodine nutrition among pregnant women in Norway.

Quantification of the 2-deoxyribonolactone and nucleoside 5'-aldehyde products of 2-deoxyribose oxidation in DNA and cells by isotope-dilution gas chromatography mass spectrometry: differential effects of gamma-radiation and Fe2+-EDTA.

PubMed

Chan, Wan; Chen, Bingzi; Wang, Lianrong; Taghizadeh, Koli; Demott, Michael S; Dedon, Peter C

2010-05-05

The oxidation of 2-deoxyribose in DNA has emerged as a critical determinant of the cellular toxicity of oxidative damage to DNA, with oxidation of each carbon producing a unique spectrum of electrophilic products. We have developed and validated an isotope-dilution gas chromatography-coupled mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for the rigorous quantification of two major 2-deoxyribose oxidation products: the 2-deoxyribonolactone abasic site of 1'-oxidation and the nucleoside 5'-aldehyde of 5'-oxidation chemistry. The method entails elimination of these products as 5-methylene-2(5H)-furanone (5MF) and furfural, respectively, followed by derivatization with pentafluorophenylhydrazine (PFPH), addition of isotopically labeled PFPH derivatives as internal standards, extraction of the derivatives, and quantification by GC-MS analysis. The precision and accuracy of the method were validated with oligodeoxynucleotides containing the 2-deoxyribonolactone and nucleoside 5'-aldehyde lesions. Further, the well-defined 2-deoxyribose oxidation chemistry of the enediyne antibiotics, neocarzinostatin and calicheamicin gamma(1)(I), was exploited in control studies, with neocarzinostatin producing 10 2-deoxyribonolactone and 300 nucleoside 5'-aldehyde per 10(6) nt per microM in accord with its established minor 1'- and major 5'-oxidation chemistry. Calicheamicin unexpectedly caused 1'-oxidation at a low level of 10 2-deoxyribonolactone per 10(6) nt per microM in addition to the expected predominance of 5'-oxidation at 560 nucleoside 5'-aldehyde per 10(6) nt per microM. The two hydroxyl radical-mediated DNA oxidants, gamma-radiation and Fe(2+)-EDTA, produced nucleoside 5'-aldehyde at a frequency of 57 per 10(6) nt per Gy (G-value 74 nmol/J) and 3.5 per 10(6) nt per microM, respectively, which amounted to 40% and 35%, respectively, of total 2-deoxyribose oxidation as measured by a plasmid nicking assay. However, gamma-radiation and Fe(2+)-EDTA produced different proportions of 2-deoxyribonolactone at 7% and 24% of total 2-deoxyribose oxidation, respectively, with frequencies of 10 lesions per 10(6) nt per Gy (G-value, 13 nmol/J) and 2.4 lesions per 10(6) nt per microM. Studies in TK6 human lymphoblastoid cells, in which the analytical data were corrected for losses sustained during DNA isolation, revealed background levels of 2-deoxyribonolactone and nucleoside 5'-aldehyde of 9.7 and 73 lesions per 10(6) nt, respectively. Gamma-irradiation of the cells caused increases of 0.045 and 0.22 lesions per 10(6) nt per Gy, respectively, which represents a approximately 250-fold quenching effect of the cellular environment similar to that observed in previous studies. The proportions of the various 2-deoxyribose oxidation products generated by gamma-radiation are similar for purified DNA and cells. These results are consistent with solvent exposure as a major determinant of hydroxyl radical reactivity with 2-deoxyribose in DNA, but the large differences between gamma-radiation and Fe(2+)-EDTA suggest that factors other than hydroxyl radical reactivity govern DNA oxidation chemistry.

Integrating micro-ignitors with Al/Bi2O3/graphene oxide composite energetic films to realize tunable ignition performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Xiaoxia; Cheng, Shengxian; Hu, Yan; Ye, Yinghua; Shen, Ruiqi

2018-03-01

The integration of composite energetic films (CEFs) with various types of initiators can effectively adjust their performance and represents potential applications in microscale energy-demanding systems. In this study, the Al/Bi2O3/graphene oxide (GO) CEFs were successfully integrated into copper micro-ignitors by electrophoretic deposition, a low-cost and time-saving method. The effects of the Al/Bi2O3/GO CEFs with different GO contents on exothermic performance and ignition properties of micro-ignitors were then systematically investigated in terms of heat release, activation energy, ignition duration, the maximum height of the ignition product, and ignition delay time. The results showed that the addition of GO promoted more heat releases and higher activation energies of Al/Bi2O3/GO CEFs. The addition of ≤3.5 wt. % GO prolonged the ignition duration from 450 μs to 950 μs and increased the maximum height of the ignition product from about 40 mm to 60 mm. However, the micro-ignitors with more than 3.5 wt. % GO cannot be ignited, which suggested that GO played a contradictory role in the ignition properties of micro-ignitors and the controlled GO content was a prerequisite for improved ignition performance. The ignition delay time gradually extended from 10.7 μs to 27.6 μs with increases in the GO contents of Al/Bi2O3 CEFs, revealing that an increase in the weight ratio of GO leads to lower ignition sensitivity of micro-ignitors.

Potential use of duckweed based anaerobic digester effluent as a feed source for heterotrophic growth of micro-algae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmadi, L.; Dupont, R.

2013-12-01

Finding an alternative source of energy for the growing world's demand is a challenging task being considered by many scientists. Various types of renewable energy alternatives are being investigated by researchers around the world. The abundance of duckweed (i.e., Lemna and Wolfia sp.) in wetlands and wastewater lagoons, their rapid growth, and their capacity for nutrient, metal and other contaminant removal from wastewater suggests their potential as an inexpensive source of biomass for biofuel production. Another source of biomass for biofuel and energy production is micro-algae. The large-scale growth of micro-algae can potentially be achieved in a smaller footprint and at a higher rate and lower cost via heterotrophic growth compared to autotrophic growth for specific species that can grow under both conditions. Here we describe two types of research. First, two lab-scale, 5 L anaerobic digesters containing municipal raw wastewater that were set up, maintained and monitored over the course of 6 months using duckweed as the feed source. The pH, salinity, amount of gas production and gas composition were measured on a daily basis. The results from these measurements show that duckweed can be used as a good source of biofuel production in the form of methane gas. The second set of reactors consisted of two 1 L batch fed reactors containing algae (Chlorella vulgaris) grown in the lab environment heterotrophically. The pH and DO were monitored on a daily basis in order to investigate their effect on algae growth. Lipid analysis of the harvested algal biomass was done to investigate the efficiency of harvestable biofuel products. A nutrient solution containing glucose as an energy source was used as the initial feed solution, and the potential substitution of the glucose solution with the organic carbon residue from the duckweed digester effluent was investigated. Methane production, carbon stabilization, and gas composition results from the duckweed fed anaerobic digesters, and the growth and biolipid production of heterotrophic micro-algae fed pure substrate versus residual digester effluent carbon are discussed in detail in this study.