State estimation and experimental verification of a robotic vehicle with six in-wheel drives using Kalman filter

Microsystem Technologies - In this research we present an algorithm for a six-wheeled robotic vehicle with articulated suspension (RVAS) to estimate the vehicle velocity and acceleration states,...     

Modeling and control of a finger-like mechanism using bending shape memory alloys

Microsystem Technologies - In this research a biologically inspired finger-like mechanism similar to human musculoskeletal system is developed based on Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs). SMA actuators are...     

Multiple precursor ion scanning of gangliosides and sulfatides with a reversed-phase microfluidic chip and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Precise profiling of polar lipids including gangliosides and sulfatides is a necessary step in understanding the diverse physiological role of these lipids. We have established an efficient method for the profiling of polar lipids using reversed-phase nano high-performance liquid chromatography microfluidic chip quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (nano-HPLC-chip Q-TOF/MS). A microfluidic chip design provides improved chromatographic performance, efficient separation, and stable nanospray while the advanced high-resolution mass spectrometer allowed for the identification of complex isobaric polar lipids such as NeuAc- and NeuGc-containing gangliosides. Lipid classes were identified based on the characteristic fragmentation product ions generated during data-dependent tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments. Each class was monitored by a postprocessing precursor ion scan. Relatively simple quantitation and identification of intact ions was possible due to the reproducible retention times provided by the nano-HPLC chip. The method described in this paper was used to profile polar lipids from mouse brain, which was found to contain 17 gangliosides and 13 sulfatides. Types and linkages of the monosaccharides and their acetyl modifications were identified by low-energy collision-induced dissociation (CID) (40 V), and the type of sphingosine base was identified by higher energy CID (80 V). Accurate mass measurements and chromatography unveiled the degree of unsaturation and hydroxylation in the ceramide lipid tails.     

Chemical Characterization of Tomato Juice Fermented with Bifidobacteria

Abstract: The objective of this research was to characterize the chemical properties of tomato juice fermented with bifidobacterial species. Tomato juice was prepared from fresh tomatoes and heated at 100 °C prior to fermentation. Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bifidobacterium infantis were inoculated in tomato juice and kept at 35 to 37 °C for up to 6 h. Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) was added to tomato juice prior to fermentation. The analyses for brix, total titratable acidity (TTA), pH, color, and lycopene content were conducted to characterize tomato juices fermented with bifidobacterial species. Heat treatment of tomato juice did not cause any significant changes in brix, pH, and TTA. Only the redness of tomato juice was significantly increased, as the heating time increased to 30 min. The tomato juices fermented with B. breve and B. longum exhibited significant decreases in pH (3.51 and 3.80, respectively) and significant increases in TTA (13.50 and 12.50, respectively) (P < 0.05). B. infantis did not cause any significant change in the chemical properties of tomato juice. The addition of FOS further improved the fermentation of tomato juice by bifidobacterial species. The lycopene contents of tomato juice were significantly increased from 88 to 113 μg/g by heat treatment at 100 °C (P < 0.05), however did not exhibit any significant change after fermentation with bifidobacterial species.