Principles of Genetic Engineering Technology

Genetic Engineering Technology has made possible the manipulation of genetic information and has been described as the new revolution in science. It is responsible for the development of new industrial applications and areas of basic research. In the pharmaceutical field, alone, it has applications to the production of natural and synthetic drugs (proteins/enzymes) at levels that cannot be achieved by conventional methods. It can be applied diagnostically to detect disease or the potentiality of disease. Not only is it being used to improve industrial processes for the production of current market drugs, but will also generate novel drugs for the future. There is also the potential that this technology will correct defective genes in humans with genetic diseases. In addition, this technology has numerous applications for agricultural, chemical and other industries. Genetic engineering is not a single technique but represents a collection of interrelated techniques, including recombinant DNA technologies. The principles of genetic engineering will be highlighted in this review.     

Engineering Informatics: State of the Art and Future Trends

Engineering informatics is an emerging engineering discipline integrating information technology or informatics with a variety of engineering disciplines. It is an interdisciplinary scientific subject focusing on applying advanced information and communications technology (ICT) to a variety of engineering disciplines. Rapid advances in industrial information integration methods have spurred the growth of new techniques that can be used for probing industrial information integration including engineering informatics. These techniques include business process management (BPM), enterprise architecture (EA), enterprise application integration (EAI), service-oriented architecture (SOA), and others. Practical applications may require a combination of these techniques that have originated from different disciplines. These techniques have the potential to contribute to engineering informatics. For integrating complex engineering systems, both formal methods and systems methods are crucial. In this paper, we briefl review the state of the art of engineering informatics as it interfacing with industrial information integration.     

New materials for industrial gas turbines

Abstract

Recent developments in superalloy technology for turbine aerofoil applications are reviewed, such as single crystals (SC), oxide dispersion strengthening (ODS), and rapid solidification (RS). Single crystal and ODS superalloys are in production use in aircraft turbine engines. While ODS superalloys exhibit higher strength at high temperatures, SC superalloys are somewhat stronger at intermediate temperatures. It will depend on engine design which alloy can give greater advantage. The strength potential of RS superalloys is probably less than or equal to SC superalloys which does not justify the complicated processing. If SC or ODS technology is to be applied to industrial engines of high power, more corrosion resistant alloys must be developed and component fabrication methods will have to be scaled-up.

MST/518     

Industrial use of HiPIMS and the hiP‐V hiPlus technology

It has been demonstrated by several groups that HiPIMS is a state of the art tool for applying demanding coatings with superior film properties. The real industrial breakthrough for the HiPIMS‐technology, has not yet happened. On the other hand, the up till now available HiPIMS‐PS were mainly been up‐scaled “prototypes”, far away from industrial work horses. With the hiP‐V HiPIMS power system, a direct derivative of a robust power supply technology already in commercial use for public transportation systems, another milestone is set to make the HiPIMS technology go mainstream. HiPIMS is not a revolution that will make all other technologies obsolete, yet it is a very powerful complement. With a reliable, multi‐functional power supply and with a rapid arc‐handling, it could possibly be a start of a new era in thin film production. Just consider the possibility of etching and implantation to increase cleanliness and adhesion of the samples. Until now, most of the R&D work done in HiPIMS, has been dedicated to hard coatings and tool coatings. Here, HiPIMS is surely useful but not the expected technological breakthrough. For the future, the implementation of the new positive reverse pulse, the hiP‐V hiPlus HiPIMS technology, is opening a whole new field of possible applications for i.e. nonconductive substrates where no bias can be applied. Glass and plastics can be processed with remarkable results in hardness, enhanced film properties and additionally, it is achieved at lower substrate temperatures. It has been a slow start for HiPIMS, but the future looks bright.     

防止粉状工业炸药连续化生产发生燃烧爆炸事故的对策

新型粉状工业炸药以及连续化生产工艺取代铵梯炸药和间断式生产工艺后,防止重特大燃烧爆炸事故发生,减少事故损失,已经成为工业炸药生产工程建设和科研生产管理的当务之急和重大课题。文章结合国内粉状工业炸药连续化生产工艺的现状,提出了具有应用价值的对策。     

An Overview of Metal–Organic Frameworks for Green Chemical Engineering

Given the current global energy and environmental issues resulting from the fast pace of industrialization, the discovery of new functional materials has become increasingly imperative in order to advance science and technology and address the associated challenges. The boom in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and MOF-derived materials in recent years has stimulated profound interest in exploring their structures and applications. The preparation, characterization, and processing of MOF materials are the basis of their full engagement in industrial implementation. With intensive research in these topics, it is time to promote the practical utilization of MOFs on an industrial scale, such as for green chemical engineering, by taking advantage of their superior functions. Many famous MOFs have already demonstrated superiority over traditional materials in solving real-world problems. This review starts with the basic concept of MOF chemistry and ends with a discussion of the industrial production and exploitation of MOFs in several fields. Its goal is to provide a general scope of application to inspire MOF researchers to convert their focus on academic research to one on practical applications. After the obstacles of cost, scale-up preparation, processability, and stability have been overcome, MOFs and MOF-based devices will gradually enter the factory, become a part of our daily lives, and help to create a future based on green production and green living.     

关于技术创新问题的若干认识

讨论了科学、技术、工程、产业的本质与含义，研究了科学-技术-工程-产业的知识链，指出技术、工程与经济的关联程度远高于科学与经济的关联程度。文章强调科学与基础研究是资金向知识的转化，而技术创新则是在资本的支持下，使知识通过市场向效益、利润的转化。工程师是新生产力的重要创造者，也是新兴产业的积极开拓者。工程师要面对的是不同层次、不同领域、不同尺度上的技术创新。在经济快速成长时期，应该更加重视工程师的创造性劳动。培养大批工程技术创新人才是推进经济发展、社会进步的必然要求。     

Using patent statistics as knowledge base indicators in the biotechnology sectors: An application to France,Germany and the U.K.

In order to formulate firm, national or regional technology policy, it is necessary to have indicators that can measure technological competence. This paper develops a set of indicators using patent statistics to compare the “knowledge base” of individuals, laboratories, firms or nations. These indicators are then applied to the patent applications in France, Germany and the U.K. in the biotechnology sectors. The paper shows that France is lagging behind Germany and the U.K. in technology stocks (or its patent applications) in all biotechnology fields. However it is the leader in the technology network supporting the foods industry. It has a comparative advantage in terms of either technology stock counts or networks in Genetic Engineering, Pharmaceuticals, Foods, Chemicals, Cell Culture and Biocatalysis. Germany is leading in many sectors, but in all sectors in which it is a leader, it is a specialized leader, i.e. its technology networks need to be more extensive. It has a comparative advantage in terms of either technology stock counts or networks in all sectors except Genetic Engineering, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture and Cell Culture. The U.K. is the leader in the important field of Genetic Engineering and in terms of the entire technology networks in the biotechnology sectors. It has a comparative advantage in terms of either technology stock counts or networks in Genetic Engineering, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture and Purification. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Virus‐Inspired Nanogenes Free from Man‐Made Materials for Host‐Specific Transfection and Bio‐Aided MR Imaging

Many viruses have a lipid envelope derived from the host cell membrane that contributes much to the host specificity and the cellular invasion. This study puts forward a virus‐inspired technology that allows targeted genetic delivery free from man‐made materials. Genetic therapeutics, metal ions, and biologically derived cell membranes are nanointegrated. Vulnerable genetic therapeutics contained in the formed “nanogene” can be well protected from unwanted attacks by blood components and enzymes. The surface envelope composed of cancer cell membrane fragments enables host‐specific targeting of the nanogene to the source cancer cells and homologous tumors while effectively inhibiting recognition by macrophages. High transfection efficiency highlights the potential of this technology for practical applications. Another unique merit of this technology arises from the facile combination of special biofunction of metal ions with genetic therapy. Typically, Gd(III)‐involved nanogene generates a much higher T₁ relaxation rate than the clinically used Gd magnetic resonance imaging agent and harvests the enhanced MRI contrast at tumors. This virus‐inspired technology points out a distinctive new avenue for the disease‐specific transport of genetic therapeutics and other biomacromolecules.     

Development of indigenous technology for production of titanium sponge by the Kroll process

Titanium has emerged as a major structural metal for a wide range of industrial applications due to its attractive engineering properties. India has a large and rich reserve base for this metal in the beach sands of the eastern and southern regions with well established production facilities for their separation into individual minerals. Research and Development activities for establishing the metal production technology have been underway in the country for over two decades. The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Hyderabad, has already demonstrated the metal production technology by the conventional Kroll process on 2000 kg/batch scale and is now all set for demonstrating the same by the more advanced, energy efficient combined process route on 4000 kg/batch scale. The paper reviews the R & D efforts undertaken so far in the field of metal extraction with emphasis on the current status of this developmental activity at DMRL.     

嵌入式技术推动工业工程发展的战略思考

通过研究嵌入式技术应用与发展前景,探讨了嵌入式技术与工业工程的互动关系.提出了嵌入式技术拓展制造业信息化的范围,将成为工业工程发展新推动力的观点,并从工业工程的角度对嵌入式企业管理的模式进行了研究,指出工业工程专业的建设必须根据我国科学技术发展现状进行重新界定和革新,补充新的内容,嵌入式技术将是现代工业工程发展的重要支撑条件.     

New filler metals and process for fluxless brazing of aluminium engineering alloys

Abstract

Many high strength aluminium engineering alloys cannot be joined by brazing because they either degrade or melt at the temperature at which commercially available aluminium brazes are used. A brazing process suitable for joining aluminium engineering alloys has been developed employing two novel low melting point brazes. The brazes are available as ductile foil preforms. The process is fluxless and no post-joining cleaning treatments are necessary. The aluminium components and the brazing foil require a simple chemical treatment before use. The brazing process is tolerant and can be satisfactorily implemented by heating to a temperature of 510–550°C, maintained for a period of 5–45 min, in either vacuum or a furnace chamber that is purged continuously with nitrogen gas. The joints exhibit high strength and adequate resistance to corrosion for most applications. Some promising new applications for aluminium brazing technology based on this new process are described.

MST/3183     

可拓工程研究

介绍可拓工程研究的基本思想、工具和方法及其在检测、控制、管理、信息和计算机等领域的应用研究概况。     

Scientific Research in the Field of Mesh Method Based Modeling of AC Losses in Superconductors: A Review

As in all research in engineering sciences, the final target in the research of superconductor technology is the construction of new and innovative applications—hopefully with commercial potential. Mesh method based modeling of AC losses in superconductors is an important field of engineering science when considering the commercialization of superconductivity, as AC losses can often be a restricting factor for the feasibility of superconducting AC applications, and thus, analyzing them beforehand is necessary. Hence, it is important that new results and ideas in this field are widely recognized and acknowledged both in scientific and industrial circles. To achieve a wider impact, a clear classification of the research is beneficial. In this topical review, we discuss the possibilities in this field by presenting a classification of research into seven different research directions. We emphasize the roles of these different types of research as connections between steps on the path from theory to applications. Furthermore, we present a review of recent research in these research directions.     

Public confidence in scientific research: The British response to genetic engineering

The author, former Chairman of the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Group (GMAG), describes the development of the United Kingdom's set of standards and practices for recombinant DNA research. He outlines the problem GMAG faced initially as it organized to engage scientists and lay members to the tasks at hand. The author recounts the work of GMAG and compares it with the work of NIH, describing further its collaboration with NIH and similar scientific bodies in Europe to ensure a commonality of practices. Then he comments on scientific activity within political bodies, such as the European Economic Community (EEC). The author concludes by urging that some kind of advisory group be formed akin to GMAG to advise and inform the public in unbiased ways about the contributions of genetic engineering to such areas as foods, disease resistance, new sources of energy, conversions of energy, conversions of wastes, vaccines, and anticancer drugs.     

Atomic Layer Deposition

Atomic layer deposition, ALd, is a thin film deposition technology that enables new and highly competitive products. As a disruptive technology, it can often replace existing production technology and improve throughput, coating quality and sometimes process sustainability. ALd is also a powerful resource for advanced nanotechnology research. Today's industrial applications of ALd habitually address a concrete requirement to manufacture precise nanometer–thick, dense and pinhole–free conformal thin films of exact chemical composition on various shapes and geometries. For today's businesses, ALd and Beneq offer the necessary tools to enable growth, by means of new and innovative applications, reliable production equipment and attractive cost of ownership.     

Continuous Synthesis of Nanocrystals via Flow Chemistry Technology

Modern nanotechnologies bring humanity to a new age, and advanced methods for preparing functional nanocrystals are cornerstones. A considerable variety of nanomaterials has been created over the past decades, but few were prepared on the macro scale, even fewer making it to the stage of industrial production. The gap between academic research and engineering production is expected to be filled by flow chemistry technology, which relies on microreactors. Microreaction devices and technologies for synthesizing different kinds of nanocrystals are discussed from an engineering point of view. The advantages of microreactors, the important features of flow chemistry systems, and methods to apply them in the syntheses of salt, oxide, metal, alloy, and quantum dot nanomaterials are summarized. To further exhibit the scaling‐up of nanocrystal synthesis, recent reports on using microreactors with gram per hour and larger production rates are highlighted. Finally, an industrial example for preparing 10 tons of CaCO₃ nanoparticles per day is introduced, which shows the great potential for flow chemistry processes to transfer lab research to industry.     

Thermotropic liquid crystal polymers for engineering applications

Abstract

It is relatively recently that thermotropic liquid crystal polymers for load bearing applications have become commercially available. These materials possess good mechanical properties and excellent processability and are intended for use at elevated temperatures in harsh chemical environments. In this paper, the phenomenon of liquid crystallinity is described and the way in which it improves the mechanical properties and processability of polymers is explained. The synthetic strategies involved in obtaining nematic mesophases in polyesters are discussed fully, particularly those involved in the synthesis of commercially available materials. The future of these new types of engineering thermoplastic will depend on cost and on the appropriate application of the unique properties they offer.

MST/875     

Laser-Ultrasonics: From the Laboratory to the Shop Floor

Ultrasonics is a powerful technique for inspecting and characterizing industrial materials. It not only can detect bulk and surface flaws, but also obtain information on material microstructure, which determines engineering properties, such as elastic moduli and ultimate strength. However, traditional ultrasound requires liquid or contact coupling for its generation and detection, making it difficult or impossible to apply in many industrial situations. This occurs, in particular, on curved parts and on parts at elevated temperature, a situation widely found in industrial products and during the processing of industrial materials.Through a continuing effort that started more than 10 years ago, the Industrial Materials Institute of the National Research Council of Canada working in collaboration with UltraOptec Inc. has developed a technique called laser-ultrasonics, that circumvents the limitations of the conventional techniques. This novel technique is based on the generation and detection of ultrasound with lasers. The technology we have developed has been demonstrated to be applicable to real industrial conditions. In particular, a system was brought to a steel mill to measure on-line the wall thickness of tubes at 1000°C moving at 4 m/s. The capability of our technology to inspect advanced aircrafts made of composite materials was also demonstrated by inspecting a CF-18 in the hangar of a maintenance facility. UltraOptec Inc. is now in the process of commercializing this technology, in particular, for these two demonstrated industrial applications.     

Research on automatic high velocity arc spraying technique and metastable coating materials

Into the 21st century, remanufacturing engineering has been accepted by more and more people in China. Remanufacturing is an industrial maintenance
technology for worn or waste electro-mechanical products using advanced technology, which means the high-level stage for the maintenance and surface engineering. In this paper, a new automotive high velocity arc spraying system was introduced. And three kinds of advanced amorphous and nanocrystalline metastable coatings were developed, including Fe, Ni and Al-based amorphous and nanocrystalline composite coatings. Their research development and
applications were introduced. And the development trends of high velocity arc spraying system and advanced metastable surface protective coating materials on the remanufacturing engineering were indicated.