Integrated Microwave and Optical Scanning Probe for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

We demonstrate a scanning microwave near-field probe based on a slit aperture that is capable of performing spatially-resolved magnetic resonance measurements in the frequency range of 3–90 GHz. We demonstrate local electron spin resonance (ESR), ferromagnetic resonance (FMR), and spin-wave resonance (SWR) studies on model materials. The probe can serve as a local contactless heater as well. We demonstrate also a further application, a dual microwave/optical near-field probe that can be useful in contactless measurements of photoconductivity and fluorescence under microwave irradiation.     

Gain and offset analysis of comparator using the bisection theorem and a balanced method

Gain and offset represent two important measures to determine the accuracy of a comparator. Thus, analysis on these parameters is very important as they offer designers better understanding of the circuit and allow exploring trade-offs during design. In this paper, two methods were presented to derive a set of design equations that describe the gain, sensitivity, offset, and systematic mismatches observed in typical comparator circuits. A three-stage, fast complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) comparator structure is analysed and simulated in order to validate the proposed methods. A 0.13 μm CMOS technology is used for simulations with 1.5 V supply voltage. Bisection theorem was used for gain and sensitivity analysis. Simulation results show that high gain improvement can be possible by using the design equations. The input offset voltage, due to mismatch in the width of the metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFET) (W) and mismatches in the threshold voltages of the N and P type MOSFETs (V_THN, V_THP), is analysed using a proposed balanced method. The same comparator structure is used for the input offset voltage analysis. Simulations show that an offset improvement can be achieved following the design equations found through the proposed method.     

Use of the smart technology for water quality control: feedback from large-scale experimentation

The main purpose of drinking water network is to ensure safe quality of water to users. However, accidental contamination and malicious attacks in water networks can degrade the water quality. Such critical events threat the human health and lead to harmful diseases. Water utilities are concerned by the control of water quality. Since conventional methods based on laboratory analyses require several days, online control technology presents good opportunity to rapid detection of any water contamination. Devices based on smart technology have been developed for real-time control of the water quality. However, the use of these devices is recent and yet requires investigations. This paper presents feedback of the use of the smart technology in a large-scale experimentation conducted at the campus of Lille University within the European project “SmartWater4Europe”. Two devices are used: S::CAN, which measures various parameters such as Conductivity and Turbidity and EventLab, which measures the variation of the refractive index. This paper presents the implementation of these devices, data storage and management as well as analysis of recorded data.     

Two-dimensional ultrasonic strain rate measurement of the human heart in vivo

A study is presented in which the feasibility of two-dimensional strain rate estimation of the human heart in vivo has been demonstrated. To do this, ultrasonic B-mode data were captured at a high temporal resolution of 3.8 ms and processed off-line. The motion of the RF signal patterns within the two-dimensional sector image was tracked and used as the basis for strain rate estimation. Both axial and lateral motion and strain rate estimates showed a good agreement with the results obtained by more established, one-dimensional techniques     

A Novel Antibody Targeting the Second Extracellular Loop of the Serotonin 5-HT2A Receptor Inhibits Platelet Function

Serotonin (5-hydroxytriptamine or 5-HT) is known to be a weak platelet agonist, and is involved in thrombus formation. While 5-HT cannot induce platelet aggregation on its own, when secreted from the alpha granules, it binds to its G-protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR; i.e., 5HT_2AR), thereby acting to amplify platelet functional responses (e.g., aggregation). Thus, 5HT_2AR-mediated responses are more involved in the secondary amplification of platelet aggregation in the growing thrombus. Therefore, even though 5-HT can be seen as a weak inducer of platelet activation, it is an important amplifier of aggregation triggered by agonists such as ADP, collagen, and epinephrine, thereby enhancing thrombogenesis. The 5HT_2AR/5HT_2A signaling pathway is of clinical interest to the scientific and medical communities as it has been implicated in the genesis of several forms of cardiovascular disorders. However, efforts to develop antagonists for 5HT_2AR as therapeutic agents in cardiovascular diseases have thus far failed due to these reagents having deleterious side-effects, and/or to lack of selectivity, amongst other reasons. In light of research efforts that identified that the 5HT_2AR ligand binding domain resides in the second extracellular loop (EL2; amino acids P²⁰⁹-N²³³), we developed an antibody, i.e., referred to as 5HT_2ARAb, against the EL2 region, and characterized its pharmacological activity in the context of platelets. Thus, we utilized platelets from healthy human donors, as well as C57BL/6J mice (10–12 weeks old) to analyze the inhibitory effects of the 5HT_2ARAb on platelet activation in vitro, ex vivo, and on thrombogenesis in vivo as well as on 5HT_2AR ligand binding. Our results indicate that the 5HT_2ARAb inhibits 5-HT-enhanced platelet activation in vitro and ex vivo, but has no apparent effects on that which is agonist-induced. The 5HT_2ARAb was also found to prolong the thrombus occlusion time, and it did so without modulating the tail bleeding time, in mice unlike the P2Y12 antagonist clopidogrel and the 5HT_2AR antagonist ketanserin. Moreover, it was found that the 5HT_2ARAb does so by directly antagonizing the platelet 5HT_2AR. Our findings document that the custom-made 5HT_2ARAb exhibits platelet function blocking activity and protects against thrombogenesis without impairing normal hemostasis.     

Optimal design of a district cooling grid: structure,technology integration,and operation

The concept of a district cooling grid that allows the integration of several cooling technologies with different availability and supply patterns is introduced. An integrated multi-period optimization model for a district cooling grid configuration is developed. An approximate decomposition strategy is proposed to aid in the efficient design of large grids. Results of extensive computational study are provided that demonstrate the solvability of the developed model to optimality and the effectiveness of the proposed decomposition strategy as a viable solution approach.     

Effect of Salt and Ethanol Addition on Zein–Starch Dough and Bread Quality

Development of viscoelastic doughs from non‐wheat proteins allows for a wider range of gluten‐free products. Little work has been completed to describe mechanisms of zein functionality in food systems. To identify factors responsible for dough development in zein–starch mixtures and their influence on zein bread quality, a mixture of 20% zein–80% maize starch was mixed with water and various reagents. Salts, NaSCN, NaCl, and Na₂SO₄ were evaluated at concentrations from 0 to 2M for their influence on the properties of zein–starch dough systems. NaSCN at low concentrations produced softer dough. Ethanol treatments produced softer more workable dough in the absence of salts. Increasing concentrations of NaCl and Na₂SO₄ resulted in coalescing of the proteins and no dough formation. The addition of β‐ME had minimal softening effects on zein–starch dough. Specific volumes of zein–starch bread increased with decreasing NaCl addition in bread formulations. Likewise, including 5% ethanol (v/v) in the bread formula increased bread quality.