Resolving power and sensitivity in modulation transfer stimulatedresonant Raman spectroscopy

We show that the lineshape and size of the detected signal in ultra-high-resolution stimulated Raman spectroscopy computed from a general expression of the modulated signal are in good agreement with the experimental results. Using the theoretical expression of the signal, we analyze the resolving power and the sensitivity of our Raman spectrometer. We show that a second harmonic detection in high-frequency transfer modulation generates a lineshape without modulation broadening. A 2.6-kHz-wide resonance has been obtained with iodine, mainly limited by both the transit time and collisions     

Investigation of the action patterns of pectinmethylesterase isoforms through kinetic analyses and NMR spectroscopy. Implications In cell wall expansion

Well characterized pectin samples were incubated with cell wall-bound and -solubilized pure isoforms of pectinmethylesterase from mung bean hypocotyls (Vigna radiata). Both enzyme activity and average product structure were determined at intervals along the deesterification pathway at pH 5.6 and 7.6. The latter analyses were performed by 13C NMR spectroscopy, and the degree of esterification was probed by both 13C NMR and potentiometric measurements. A dichotomy was observed in the behavior of the alpha and gamma isoforms when compared with that of the beta isoenzyme. Ideal blockwise deesterification mechanisms reproduced the experimental average structures (methylester distribution) throughout the course of the reaction. In the case of the alpha and gamma isoforms, a single chain mechanism associated with a free carboxyl group at the second nearest neighbor position could be postulated at pH 5.6, whereas some multiple attack character was required to reproduce the data at pH 7.6. Several mechanisms that differed from the preceding ones were compatible with the data for the beta isoform at the two pH values. Both the nature of the polysaccharides produced in these reactions and the role of pectinmethylesterase in the cell wall-stiffening process along the growth gradient are discussed.     

Topographically induced self-deformation of the nuclei of cells: dependence on cell type and proposed mechanisms

Osteosarcoma-derived cell lines (SaOs-2, MG63) have recently been shown to deform their nucleus considerably in response to surface topography. Such a deformation had not been described previously. Here we present results on additional cell lines, including cancerous (OHS4, U2OS), immortalized (F/STRO-1⁺A and FHSO6) and healthy cells (HOP). The cancerous cells were found to deform extensively, the immortalized cells showed small deformations, whereas the healthy cells showed deformation only at short incubation times. These results suggest a strong link between the malignant transformation of cells and the state of the cytoskeletal network. We propose mechanisms to explain the deformation in which the cytoskeleton either pushes down on the nucleus during spreading or pulls it down upon adhesion to the pillars.     

Neurons, viscose fluids, freshwater polyp hydra-and self-organizing information systems

Principles of self-organisation are presented and are applied to the fields of the Web, which has developed its form from the bottom up; e-science, in which a grid of intelligent components interacted towards a greater understanding of the science concerned; peer-to-peer systems, that lend themselves to information systems that do not work with centralized authority; software and hardware agents; and mobile applications, which often defy centralized control.     

Determination of susceptibility to intergranular corrosion and electrochemical reactivation behaviour of AISI 316L type stainless steel

In this study, double loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (DLEPR) test was applied to determine the degree of sensitization in 316L type stainless steel, where obtained results were correlated with revealed microstructures after oxalic acid test and weight loss measurements of Streicher and Huey acid tests. Best agreement was provided with test parameters which are 1 M H₂SO₄ and 0.005 M KSCN at 0.833 mV/s scan rate at 30 °C. Specimens were classified structurally as absence of chromium carbides - step, no single grain completely surrounded by carbides - dual and one or more grain completely surrounded by carbides - ditch, in the as-etched structure, if the I_r:I_a (×100) ratios were obtained to be between 0 and 0.2, 0.2 and 5.0 and 5.0 and higher, respectively. It was also found that at high KSCN concentrations, reactivation current profile skewed to higher potentials where this was attributed the formation of metastable pits, during the anodic scan of the test procedure.     

Surface Oxidation as a Cause of High Open‐Circuit Voltage in CdSe ETA Solar Cells

TiO₂/CdSe/CuSCN extremely thin absorber (ETA) solar cells are found to give relatively high values of open‐circuit voltage (>0.8 V) but low currents upon annealing the cadmium selenide (CdSe) in air (500 ºC). Annealing in N₂ produces much lower photovoltages and slightly lower photocurrents. Band structure measurements show differences between the two annealing regimes that, however, appear to favor the N₂‐annealed CdSe. On the other hand, chemically resolved electrical measurements (CREM) of the cells reveal marked differences in photo‐induced charge trapping, in particular at absorber grain boundaries of the air versus N₂‐annealed systems, correlated with the formation of Cd–O species at the CdSe surface. Using transient absorption and photovoltage decay, pronounced lifetime differences are also observed, in agreement with the strong suppression of charge recombination. The results point to a multiple role of grain surface‐oxidation, which both impedes electron injection from the CdSe to the TiO_2, but, much more significantly, enhances hole injection to the CuSCN via passivation of hole traps that act as efficient recombination centers.     

Effect of ultraviolet and far infrared radiation on microbial decontamination and quality of cumin seeds

Abstract: Cumin seeds might be exposed to a high level of natural bacterial contamination, and this could potentially create a public health risk besides leading to problems in exportation. Ultraviolet (UVC) and far infrared (FIR) radiation has low penetration power, and due to that, there might be no detrimental defects to the products during a possible decontamination process. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of UVC and FIR treatment on microbial decontamination and quality of cumin seeds. For this purpose, FIR treatment at different exposure times and temperatures were applied followed by constant UVC treatment with an intensity of 10.5 mW/cm² for 2 h. Total mesophilic aerobic bacteria of the cumin seeds were decreased to the target level of 10⁴ CFU/g after 1.57, 2.8, and 4.8 min FIR treatment at 300, 250, and 200 °C, respectively, following a 2 h UVC treatment. Under the given conditions, a complete elimination for total yeast and molds were obtained while there were no significant changes in volatile oil content and color of the cumin seeds. Consequently, combined UVC and FIR treatment was determined to be a promising method for decontamination of the cumin seeds. Practical Application: This research attempts to apply UVC and far infrared (FIR) radiation for pasteurization of cumin seeds. The data suggested that combined UVC and FIR radiation treatments can become a promising new method for pasteurization of cumin seeds without causing any detrimental defect to the quality parameters. The results of this industry partnered (Kadioglu Baharat, Mersin, Turkey— http://www.kadioglubaharat.com ) study were already applied in industrial scale production lines.     

智能化温室大棚的工程研究与实施

本文基于WinCe 6.0系统和PID控制算法,设计一套温室大棚的智能化环境监测控制系统,优势在于:可以实现三种不同的操控界面,1每个大棚里的ARM一体机实现实时的监测和手动控制。2工控机可以实现对各个大棚的自主控制。3用手机或者ipad来控制,实现对大棚环境自动监测和控制。一方面是我们的大棚环境控制更加的智能化,方便了农户,可以在有网络的地方时刻了解自己大棚的情况。另一方面,为作物提供最佳的条件,以提高作物产量和效益。     

Bioluminescent Optogenetics: A Novel Experimental Therapy to Promote Axon Regeneration after Peripheral Nerve Injury

Functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is poor, mainly due to the slow and incomplete regeneration of injured axons. Experimental therapies that increase the excitability of the injured axons have proven remarkably successful in promoting regeneration, but their clinical applicability has been limited. Bioluminescent optogenetics (BL-OG) uses luminopsins, fusion proteins of light-generating luciferase and light-sensing ion channels that could be used to increase neuronal excitability if exposed to a suitable substrate. Excitatory luminopsins were expressed in motoneurons of transgenic mice and in wildtype mice transduced with adeno-associated viral vectors. Intraperitoneal administration of coelenterazine (CTZ), a known luciferase substrate, generated intense bioluminescence in peripheral axons. This bioluminescence increased motoneuron excitability. A single administration of CTZ immediately after sciatic nerve transection and repair markedly enhanced motor axon regeneration. Compound muscle action potentials were 3–4 times larger than controls by 4 weeks after injury. The results observed with transgenic mice were comparable to those of mice in which the luminopsin was expressed using viral vectors. Significantly more motoneurons had successfully reinnervated muscle targets four weeks after nerve injury in BL-OG treated mice than in controls. Bioluminescent optogenetics is a promising therapeutic approach to enhancing axon regeneration after PNI.