A simple switching unit for gradient reorientation in fast projection-reconstruction NMR imaging

This note describes a simple unit dedicated to monitor the three gradient values during a projection-reconstruction NMR imaging sequence. Typically, the unit can be used to acquire two- or three-dimensional fast gradient-echo images.     

Statistical analysis of absorption spectra of phytoplankton and of pigment concentrations observed during three POMME cruises using a neural network clustering method

We present a neural network methodology for clustering large data sets into pertinent groups. We applied this methodology to analyze the phytoplankton absorption spectra data gathered by the Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche. We first partitioned the data into 100 classes by means of a self-organizing map (SOM) and then we clustered these classes into 6 significant groups. We focused our analysis on three POMME campaigns. We were able to interpret the absorption spectra of the samples taken in the first oceanic optical layer during these campaigns, in terms of seasonal variability. We showed that spectra from the PROSOPE Mediterranean campaign, which was conducted in a different region, were strongly similar to those of the POMME-3 campaign. This analysis led us to propose regional empirical relationships, linking phytoplankton absorption spectra to pigment concentrations, that perform better than the previously derived overall relation.     

Modulated interaction in double-layer shape memory-based micro-designed actuators

The effect of superposed transitions in actuators with layered shape memory alloy (SMA) films undergoing martensitic phase transformation is analyzed in terms of a model developed for two layers of different composition, deposited at the same temperature on a substrate. A significant difference is observed in the actuation versus temperature relationship, depending on the thermal and elastic properties of the SMA layers and their martensitic transformation temperature. The prediction of the actuation is exemplified using a multilayer model and is verified for a cantilever actuator with NiTi and NiMnGa layers deposited on a Si substrate. The model sets the ground for a smart selection of SMAs in order to achieve a modulated actuation.     

Elaboration and relationships between structure and rheological properties of microtalc or nanotalc/polyamide composites

This study focuses on the elaboration of nanocomposites processed by melt mixing of a polyamide 12 matrix and a hydrogel filled with synthetic talc particles. The systems are obtained by simultaneous mixing using either an internal mixer or a lab twin‐screw extruder. The structure and rheological properties of synthetic talc/polyamide composites are compared with those of natural talc/polyamide microcomposites and modified montmorillonite/polyamide nanocomposites. A multiscale structure, composed of numerous nanometric particles but also few micrometric aggregates, is obtained for synthetic talc/polyamide composites. In terms of processability, the lab twin‐screw extruder is more adequate than the internal mixer for the elaboration of synthetic talc/polyamide composites with relatively high filler volume fractions. For composites elaborated with the extruder, the percolation threshold, estimated from linear viscoelastic measurements, is close to 1, 6, and 11%, respectively, with modified montmorillonite, synthetic talc, and natural talc particles, in agreement with structural results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42299.     

Influence of dietary protein level and source on the course of protein digestion along the small intestine of the veal calf

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of the dietary crude protein (CP) content and source on the distribution of digesta proteins and peptides according to their molecular mass along the small intestine of veal calves. Diets contained 14, 104, 205, and 279 g/kg of CP supplied by skim milk powder (SMP) in experiment 1. Diets contained only SMP or SMP plus proteins (1:1 on digestible CP basis) from either a soybean protein concentrate (SPC), an isolated soy protein partially hydrolyzed (HSPI), or a potato protein concentrate (PPC) in experiment 2. Duodenal, jejunal, and ileal digesta were collected from calves fitted with simple cannulae and continuously infused the milk replacers into the abomasum. The distribution of molecular mass (Mr) of proteins and peptides was studied by gel filtration chromatography. Increasing the dietary CP level of milk replacers increased the flow of oligopeptides and free amino acids in ileal digesta. Incorporating plant protein increased the flow of proteins with Mr > 20,000 in the duodenum and that of proteins and peptides with Mr < 10,000 in the ileum. Hydrolysis of oligopeptides and absorption may be a limiting step in the digestion of plant protein in the veal calf.     

Calcium imaging with chemiluminescence.

This review updates the imaging of free cytosolic calcium with the chemiluminescent aequorins. Basic principles of chemiluminescence are discussed and the biochemistry of aequorins is briefly described. The review provides practical tips on handling and microinjecting aequorins and describes available ultra low light imaging systems. It is argued that aequorin-based calcium imaging is the method of choice for exploratory studies, since it is extremely sensitive, can detect a broad range of calcium concentrations, and allows for continuous recording during long periods of time. However, fluorescent methods are needed to attain high spatial resolution.