Entwicklung einer leistungsstarken Mikrorektifikationsapparatur für analytische und präparative Anwendungen

In this contribution it is reported about the realization of efficient micro rectification equipment (MRA), which can be operated intermittently or continuously and be used both for analytical as well as for preparative separations of mixtures of liquid substances. Different binary systems were separated. A theoretical separation stage number of 12 was obtained together with a height equivalent to one theoretical plate of 1.08 cm. Compared to the state of microtechnology this can be regarded as an excellent progress.     

Schrifttumsberichte

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Numerical Characterization of Particle Beam Collimation: Part II Integrated Aerodynamic-Lens–Nozzle System

As a sequel to our previous effort on the modeling of particle motion through a single lens or nozzle, flows of gas–particle suspensions through an integrated aerodynamic-lens–nozzle inlet have been investigated numerically. It is found that the inlet transmission efficiency (η_t) is unity for particles of intermediate diameters (D_p ～ 30–500 nm). The transmission efficiency gradually diminishes to ～40% for large particles (D_p > 2500 nm) because of impact losses on the surface of the first lens. There is a catastrophic reduction of η_t to almost zero for very small particles (D_p ≤ 15 nm) because these particles faithfully follow the final gas expansion. We found that, for very small particles, particle transmission is mainly controlled by nozzle geometry and operating conditions. A lower upstream pressure or a small inlet can be used to improve transmission of very small particles, but at the expense of sampling rate, or vice versa. Brownian motion exacerbates the catastrophic reduction in η_t for small particles; we found that the overall particle transmission efficiency can be roughly calculated as the product of the aerodynamic and the purely Brownian efficiencies. For particles of intermediate diameters, Brownian motion is irrelevant, and the modeling results show that the transmission efficiency is mainly controlled by the lenses. Results for an isolated lens or nozzle are used to provide guidance for the design of alternative inlets. Several examples are given, in which it is shown that one can configure the inlet to preferentially sample large particles (with η_t > 50% for D_p = 50–2000 nm) or ultrafine particles (with η_t > 50% for D_p = 20–1000 nm). Some of the results have been compared with experimental data, and reasonable agreement has been demonstrated.     

Schrifttumsberichte

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Schrifttumsberichte

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Modelling oxygen diffusion and cell growth in a porous, vascularising scaffold for soft tissue engineering applications

Soft tissue engineering presents significant challenges compared to other tissue engineering disciplines such as bone, cartilage or skin engineering. The very high cell density in most soft tissues, often combined with large implant dimensions, means that the supply of oxygen is a critical factor in the success or failure of a soft tissue scaffold. A model is presented for oxygen diffusion in a 15-60 mm diameter dome-shaped scaffold fed by a blood vessel loop at its base. This model incorporates simple models for vascular growth, cell migration and the effect of cell density on the effective oxygen diffusivity. The model shows that the dynamic, homogeneous cell seeding method often employed in small-scale applications is not applicable in the case of larger scale scaffolds such as these. Instead, we propose the implantation of a small biopsy of tissue close to a blood supply within the scaffold as a technique more likely to be successful.     

Potential prognostic value of C-erbB-2 expression in medulloblastomas in very young children

PURPOSE: The expression of the c-erbB-2 oncogene was studied in childhood medulloblastoma to evaluate its prognostic value, which has been claimed previously. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Tumor material from 45 patients < 15 years old at diagnosis was studied using 3 monoclonal antibodies against the internal and external domains of the c-erbB-2 oncogene product. RESULTS: Six of the 45 (13%) tumor specimens were found to be positive. C-erbB-2 expression was found more often in patients < 3 years old at diagnosis (4 of 15 patients, 27%) than in older patients (2 of 30, 6.6%). During the follow-up period (5.8 +/- 2.8 years) all patients with c-erbB-2 expression died of disease (after 1.2 +/- 0.7 years). Kaplan-Meier estimation revealed a highly significant correlation of c-erbB-2 expression and survival (p = 0.002). A further study of the expression of synaptophysin and the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the 45 tumors revealed a negative correlation of the expression of c-erbB-2 and these proteins. CONCLUSION: C-erbB-2, which may be predominantly expressed by less differentiated tumors, was found to delineate a poorer prognostic subgroup, especially when diagnosed in patients < 3 years old.     

Neuropsychology evolving.

Reviews the book, From neuropsychology to mental structure by Tim Shallice (see record 1989-97122-000). The basic question that the book addresses is "what can be learned about normal function from impaired behaviour?" The author approaches this question in two ways. First, he assumes that cognitive processing is organized into basic processing elements, much like Fodor's modules. The goal is to determine how the modules function together to underlie cognitive processes. Second, Shallice asks how neuropsychological data provide inferences about the nature of the modules. Overall, I liked this book, even if I cannot easily identify with the top-down approach to studying brain function. Nonetheless, this is a volume that will force psychologists of all stripes to think about questions surrounding the study of cognition and brain function. Indeed, one can seriously ask the question of whether cognitive neuropsychology is a natural evolution of Hebb's neuropsychology as opposed to a new and divergent species that will fill a different niche. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)