Interfacing microfluidics to LDI-MS by automatic robotic spotting

We developed a method of interfacing microfluidics with mass spectrometry (MS) using a robotic spotting system to automate the contact spotting process. We demonstrate that direct and automated spotting of analyte from multichannel microfluidic chips to a custom microstructured MALDI target plate was a simple, robust, and high-throughput method for interfacing parallel microchannels using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). Using thermoplastic cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) polymer microfluidic chips containing eight parallel 100 μm × 46 μm microchannels connected to a single input port, spotting volume repeatability and MALDI-MS signal uniformity are evaluated for a panel of sample peptides. The COC microfluidic chips were fabricated by hot embossing and solvent bonding techniques followed by chip dicing to create open ends for MS interfacing. Using the automatic robotic spotting approach, microfluidic chip-based reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) separations were interfaced with electrochemically etched nanofilament silicon (nSi) target substrate, demonstrating the potential of this approach toward chip-based microfluidic separation coupled with matrix-free laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.     

Effects of promotion cost sharing policy with the sales learning curve on supply chain coordination

Promotional activity has become increasingly more common in the service industry. This research considers a two-echelon multiple-retailer distribution channel under retailers’ promotional efforts and the sales learning curve. The competition between retailers arises from substitution effect due to shortages. This paper incorporates the idea of the sales learning curve into the promotion cost. The objective is to solve the retailers’ promotion and replenishment decisions under retailer competition and promotional effort with the sales learning curve. The current study considers promotion cost sharing as a mechanism to achieve coordination. The model shows that keeping the fractions of promotion cost sharing within an appropriate range increases profits for all parties. This work also discusses how retailer competition and the sales learning curve affect channel decisions and profits. Concepts from retailer competition and the sales learning curve, along with numerical studies on a few interesting cases help deliver several important managerial insights. These results should be a useful reference for managerial decisions and administrations.     

An integrated flywheel energy storage system with homopolar inductor motor/generator and high-frequency drive

The design, construction, and test of an integrated flywheel energy storage system with a homopolar inductor motor/generator and high-frequency drive is presented in this paper. The work is presented as an integrated design of flywheel system, motor, drive, and controller. The motor design features low rotor losses, a slotless stator, construction from robust and low cost materials, and a rotor that also serves as the energy storage rotor for the flywheel system. A high-frequency six-step drive scheme is used in place of pulsewidth modulation because of the high electrical frequencies. A speed-sensorless controller that works without state estimation is also described. A prototype of the flywheel system has been demonstrated at a power level of 9.4 kW, with an average system efficiency of 83% over a 30000-60000 r/min speed range.     

Corrosion behaviors of Al-Si-Cu-based filler metals and 6061-T6 brazements

The corrosion behaviors of a series of Al-Si-Cu-based filler metals and the 6061-T6 butt joints brazed with these filler metals are evaluated by polarization tests and immersion tests in a 3.5% NaCl aqueous solution. For comparison, a traditional Al-12Si filler metal is also employed. The results indicate that the Al-Si-Cu-based filler metals before brazing possess much higher corrosion current densities and pitting tendencies than the Al-12Si filler metal. However, brazing of the 6061-T6 alloy with an Al-12Si filler metal produces a wider butt joint, which, in this case, creates a more extensive corrosion region. Severe galvanic corrosion occurs at the 6061-T6 joints when brazed with Al-Si-Cu-based filler metals. However, in the case of the 6061-T6/Al-12Si brazements, selective corrosion of the Al-12Si eutectic phase can be observed. The bonding strengths of the 6061-T6 butt joints brazed with various filler metals are also measured before and after the immersion tests.     

Improving prediction of salt effect on vle of isopropyl alcohol-h2o-salt and methanol-h2o-salt systems with preferential association

When a salt is added to an azeotropic mixture, the azeotropic composition tends to shift or even disappear, due to salt-in and salt-out effects. Models from the literature are applied to calculate the vapor-liquid equilibrium of systems of isopropyl alcohol H₂O-salt, and methanol H₂O-salt. Schmitt and Vogelpohl's model (1982) gives the best results. With the concept of preferential association, an improvement can be accomplished through the modified distribution factor of the salt associating with components of the mixture for the systems mentioned above. Owing to the lack of solubility data of the salt in the individual components of the azeotropic mixture, the generality of this modification has not yet been demonstrated.     

Reduced vascular beta-adrenergic receptors and catecholamine response in rats with lead induced hypertension

Beta-adrenergic receptor-mediated relaxation of blood vessels declines in lead induced hypertension although the mechanism is unknown. We have utilized the aorta of lead hypertensive rats to investigate this problem. In an effort to elucidate the mechanism responsible for this alteration we examined plasma catecholamine levels, vascular beta-adrenergic receptor density, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production in lead hypertensive rats. The density of beta-adrenergic receptors was 41% lower in the blood vessels of lead hypertensive rats compared with control rats. The corresponding apparent Kd values were not significantly different between two groups. The plasma catecholamine level was significantly higher in lead hypertensive rats compared with controls (P < 0.001). Stimulation of the vascular beta-adrenoceptor resulted in significantly lower levels of cAMP in lead hypertensive rats compared with controls (P < 0.001). The present results suggest that there is reduced beta-adrenoceptor density and diminished cAMP accumulation in blood vessels from lead hypertensive rats. Plasma catecholamine may play a role in the diminished beta-adrenoceptor and responsiveness to cAMP-mediated vascular relaxation in lead exposure.     

New diagnosis approach to epoxy resin transformer partial discharge using acoustic technology

This paper first investigates the correlation between acoustic signals and electric power-source signal angles using ultrasonic detection technique. This paper then compares said acoustic signals' three-dimensional patterns with their polar-coordinate patterns and, with angle-zones established, provides a new analyzing and identification method for partial discharge (PD) fault types. This method is applicable to field inspection and measurement and can help identify epoxy-resin transformers' PD fault types. We first produce specific PD fault types in the laboratory and receive PD signals using ultrasonic technique. Then, we adopt polar-coordinate patterns to analyze their characteristics, deduce said characteristics into zone-identification patterns, and apply the D parameters to identify fault types. After utilizing this analyzing method to field epoxy-resin transformers, we learn that its diagnosis ability is fine and effective.     

Ammonium chloride alters renal tubular cell growth and protein turnover

1. Toxicokinetics of pentachloroanisole (PCA) were studied in F344 rat and B6C3F1 mouse of both sexes by gavage at doses of 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg and by i.v. at 10 mg/kg. 2. PCA was rapidly demethylated to pentachlorophenol (PCP) in both rat and mouse and the resulting PCP plasma concentrations were much higher than that of parent PCA due to the much smaller apparent volume of distribution of PCP. 3. Peak plasma concentrations of PCA and PCP increased with dose in both rat and mouse. 4. Bioavailability of PCA was low in both rat and mouse and was sex independent. 5. The high plasma concentrations and relatively long biological half-life of PCP in both species after both i.v. and oral dosing with PCA indicate possible bioaccumulation of PCP upon multiple oral administrations of PCA.     

The effect of fluorine on MOSFET channel length

The effect of fluorine on MOS device channel length has been evaluated. Fluorine has been introduced into the transistor by self-aligned ion implantation after the lightly doped drain (LDD) implant. The impact of fluorine in the LDD region, and its effect on the electrically determined channel length (L_eff), has been examined. Measurements taken from 0.6-μm LDD MOSFETs show a significant dependence of the L_eff on fluorine implant dose. The n⁺ resistor also shows more width reduction compared to unfluorinated samples. The decrease in channel length reduction by adding fluorine in the LDD region may yield way to relieve short-channel effects for the continuous scaling of CMOS devices into the deep-submicrometer region     

Frequency-Weighted Minimum-Variance Adaptive Control of Laser Beam Jitter

This paper introduces a frequency-weighting method for adaptive disturbance rejection. The method constrains the high-frequency gain of the prediction filter in a minimum-variance adaptive controller. In an experimental application, the method is used to control a microelectromechanical system fast steering mirror to suppress laser beam jitter. The paper analyzes the effect of sensor noise on the performance of the adaptive control system and demonstrates that sufficient levels of high-frequency noise and/or disturbance combined with control saturation produce a spiking phenomenon in the output error. The experimental results show that the frequency weighting eliminates the spiking.