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Micrometers
Kinds of Micrometers Terms modified by Micrometers Selected AbstractsMicrometer- and Nanometer-Sized, Single-Crystalline Ribbons of a Cyclic Triphenylamine Dimer and Their Application in Organic TransistorsADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 16 2009Rongjin Li A cyclic triphenylamine dimer with high crystallinity is demonstrated. Micrometer- and nanometer-sized single-crystalline ribbons are easily produced by a physical vapor transport technique. Field-effect transistors of the ribbons exhibit mobilities up to 0.05,cm2 V,1 s,1. The mobility of the devices depends greatly on the size of the ribbons: the smaller the ribbons, the higher the mobility. [source] Multifunctional FeCo/TiN Multilayer Thin Films with Combined Magnetic and Protective Properties,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 12 2009Christian Klever Abstract Coatings with thicknesses ranging from a few nanometer up to several micrometer produced by physical vapor deposition (PVD) processes have been established in engineering technologies since the early 1980s. In particular, magnetron sputtered wear resistance coatings are industrially established and capable to enhance tool lifetimes significantly. However, in cases where optical inspection of a coating in use is not possible, an intrinsic sensor function of the film would be beneficial. Therefore, the development of wear resistant coatings with an integrated sensor functionality based on the insertion of a magnetoelastic ferromagnetic phase is suggested. In combination with appropriate read-out electronics such a film system would be ready for online monitoring of the coatings' actual state (e.g., strain, temperature, volume loss). This paper focuses on the development of wear resistance coatings which simultaneously supply beneficial mechanical properties as well as ferromagnetic properties optimized for online non-contact read-out applications. Multilayer coatings obtained through alternate stacking of magnetron sputtered TiN and FeCo layers with a nominal total thickness of 1000,nm were produced as a model system meeting the above conditions. The bilayer period was varied down to 2.6,nm while the individual layer thickness ratio tTiN/tFeCo was determined by the deposition rates and maintained constant at a value of about 3/1. The films were vacuum annealed ex situ in a static magnetic field subsequent to the deposition. The constitution of the as-deposited and annealed coatings as well as their mechanical (nanohardness, Young's modulus) and magnetic properties (magnetization hysteresis, frequency-dependent permeability) are described. Finally, the suitability of the coatings for the use in remote-interrogable wear sensor applications is briefly discussed. [source] Biomineralization: Amorphous Calcium Carbonate is Stabilized in Confinement (Adv. Funct.ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 13 2010Mater. F. C. Meldrum, H. K. Christenson, et al. describe on page 2108 a device based on two crossed cylinders used to study confinement effects on precipitation of calcium carbonate. Amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) remains stable for days even when the confining surfaces are as far as a micrometer apart. Such stabilization of ACC in vitro may have important implications for the understanding of biomineralization. [source] Amorphous Calcium Carbonate is Stabilized in ConfinementADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 13 2010Christopher J. Stephens Abstract Biominerals typically form within localized volumes, affording organisms great control over the mineralization process. The influence of such confinement on crystallization is studied here by precipitating CaCO3 within the confines of an annular wedge, formed around the contact point of two crossed half-cylinders. The cylinders are functionalized with self-assembled monolayers of mercaptohexadecanoic acid on gold. This configuration enables a systematic study of the effects of confinement since the surface separation increases continuously from zero at the contact point to macroscopic (mm) separations. While oriented rhombohedral calcite crystals form at large (>10,µm) separations, particles with irregular morphologies and partial crystallinity are observed as the surface separation approaches the dimensions of the unconfined crystals (5,10,µm). Further increase in the confinement has a significant effect on the crystallization process with flattened amorphous CaCO3 (ACC) particles being formed at micrometer separations. These ACC particles show remarkable stability when maintained within the wedge but rapidly crystallize on separation of the cylinders. A comparison of bulk and surface free-energy terms shows that ACC cannot be thermodynamically stable at these large separations, and the stability is attributed to kinetic factors. This study therefore shows that the environment in which minerals form can have a significant effect on their stability and demonstrates that ACC can be stabilized with respect to the crystalline polymorphs of CaCO3 by confinement alone. That ACC was stabilized at such large (micrometer) separations is striking, and demonstrates the versatility of this strategy, and its potential value in biological systems. [source] Facile Fabrication of Monolithic 3D Porous Silica Microstructures and a Microfluidic System Embedded with the MicrostructureADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 9 2010ZuoYi Xiao Abstract Monolithic 3D porous silica structures are fabricated into a multilayer framework with a bimodal pore size distribution in the micrometer and sub-micrometer range. The fabrication , which involves directed assembly of colloidal spheres, transfer printing, and removal of a sacrificial template , yields robust and mechanically stable structures over a large area. The structure becomes monolithic upon pyrolyzing the stacked layers, which induces necking of the particles. The monolithic microstructures can easily be embedded in microchannels with the aid of photolithography, leading to the formation of a microfluidic system with a built-in microstructure in a site- and shape-controlled manner. Utilization of the system results in a fourfold increase in the mixing efficiency in the microchannel. [source] Fabrication of a Macroporous Microwell Array for Surface-Enhanced Raman ScatteringADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 19 2009Martina Zamuner Abstract Here, a colloidal templating procedure for generating high-density arrays of gold macroporous microwells, which act as discrete sites for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), is reported. Development of such a novel array with discrete macroporous sites requires multiple fabrication steps. First, selective wet-chemical etching of the distal face of a coherent optical fiber bundle produces a microwell array. The microwells are then selectively filled with a macroporous structure by electroless template synthesis using self-assembled nanospheres. The fabricated arrays are structured at both the micrometer and nanometer scale on etched imaging bundles. Confocal Raman microscopy is used to detect a benzenethiol monolayer adsorbed on the macroporous gold and to map the spatial distribution of the SERS signal. The Raman enhancement factor of the modified wells is investigated and an average enhancement factor of 4,×,104 is measured. This demonstrates that such nanostructured wells can enhance the local electromagnetic field and lead to a platform of ordered SERS-active micrometer-sized spots defined by the initial shape of the etched optical fibers. Since the fabrication steps keep the initial architecture of the optical fiber bundle, such ordered SERS-active platforms fabricated onto an imaging waveguide open new applications in remote SERS imaging, plasmonic devices, and integrated electro-optical sensor arrays. [source] Dimensional accuracy of upper complete denture bases: the effect of metallic flask closure methodsGERODONTOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Rafael Leonardo Xediek Consani Objectives:, To verify the dimensional accuracy of upper complete denture bases under the effect of different methods of metallic flask closure. Materials and methods:, Wax record bases were assigned to six groups: 1,2: traditional clamp; 3,4: RS system; and 5,6: flask with screws. Flasks were immediately polymerised or bench stored for 6 h prior to polymerisation. Resin base-cast sets were sectioned at regions corresponding to the canines, first molars and posterior palatal zone. Gap discrepancies were measured at five points: right and left ridge crests, palatal midline, and right and left marginal limits of the flanges. An optical micrometer was used for measurement purposes. Results:, Data were submitted to anova, and the means compared by Tukey's test (, = 0.05). Results revealed significant differences in the flask closure technique, polymerisation time, section, and their interactions. Discrepancy values for the RS system and flask with screws were significantly lower than those related to the traditional clamp, regardless of whether resin polymerisation was immediate or delayed for 6 h. Conclusions:, Flask closure methods should be considered when the denture base stability and comfort of the patient are being assessed during clinical use of the dentures. [source] Fluorimetric Nerve Gas Sensing Based on Pyrene Imines Incorporated into Films and Sub-Micrometer FibersADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 5 2009Jeremy M. Rathfon Abstract The chemical sensing of nerve gas agents has become an increasingly important goal due to the 1995 terrorist attack in a Tokyo subway as well as national security concerns in regard to world affairs. Chemical detection needs to be sensitive and selective while being facile, portable, and timely. In this paper, a sensing approach using a pyrene imine molecule is presented that is fluorimetric in response. The detection of a chloro-Sarin surrogate is measured at 5 ppmv in less than 1 second and is highly selective towards halogenated organophosphates. The pyrene imine molecule is incorporated into polystyrene films as well as micrometer and sub-micrometer fibers. Using both a direct drawing approach and electrospinning, micrometer and nanofibers can be easily manufactured. Applications for functional sensing micrometer and nanofibers are envisioned for optical devices and photonics in addition to solution and airflow sensing devices. [source] Phase Segregation in Thin Films of Conjugated Polyrotaxane, Poly(ethylene oxide) Blends: A Scanning Force Microscopy Study,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 6 2007L. Sardone Abstract Scanning force microscopy (SFM) is used to study the surface morphology of spin-coated thin films of the ion-transport polymer poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blended with either cyclodextrin (CD)-threaded conjugated polyrotaxanes based on poly(4,4,-diphenylene-vinylene) (PDV), ,-CD,PDV, or their uninsulated PDV analogues. Both the polyrotaxanes and their blends with PEO are of interest as active materials in light-emitting devices. The SFM analysis of the blended films supported on mica and on indium tin oxide (ITO) reveals in both cases a morphology that reflects the substrate topography on the (sub-)micrometer scale and is characterized by an absence of the surface structure that is usually associated with phase segregation. This observation confirms a good miscibility of the two hydrophilic components, when deposited by using spin-coating, as suggested by the luminescence data on devices and thin films. Clear evidence of phase segregation is instead found when blending PEO with a new organic-soluble conjugated polymer such as a silylated poly(fluorene)- alt -poly(para -phenylene) based polyrotaxane (THS,,-CD,PF,PPP). The results obtained are relevant to the understanding of the factors influencing the interfacial and the intermolecular interactions with a view to optimizing the performance of light-emitting diodes, and light-emitting electrochemical cells based on supramolecularly engineered organic polymers. [source] Polyimide Orientation Layers Prepared from Lyotropic Aromatic Poly(Amic Ethyl Ester)s,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 5 2003C. Neuber Abstract The synthesis and characterization of liquid-crystalline precursor polymer solutions[1] for polyimides permit for the first time the preparation of bulk- and surface-oriented polyimide thin films from the nematic lyotropic state by shear. A special shearing technique was developed and optimized to orient viscous solutions into thin films with thicknesses below 100 nm. The films produced were thermally imidized and characterized by polarized light microscopy, as well as polarized FTIR and UV-vis spectroscopy before and after imidization. The dichroic ratios (DRs) before imidization were determined as 5 by FTIR, and 4.5 by UV-vis spectroscopies. After imidization the DRs increased to 14 and 7, respectively. The shear-oriented layers possess a surface profile in the form of striations, which was characterized by mechanical surface scanning and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The profile height was determined in the nanometer range in contrast to the profile distance in the micrometer range, thus the latter is a magnitude larger than the film thickness. To quantify and compare the orientation potential of the obtained orientation layers, cells with a liquid-crystalline host and a dichroic azo dye as guest were prepared. Interesting for this class of rod-like polyimides is that layers, which were cast from low concentration isotropic solutions and rubbed, exhibited an almost doubled DR of 15 compared to analogously prepared alignment layers based on commercial flexible polyimide systems (DR,=,8). [source] Degradable, Surfactant-Free, Monodisperse Polymer-Encapsulated Emulsions as Anticancer Drug CarriersADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 18 2009Sri Sivakumar Anticancer emulsions: Degradable, surfactant- free, micrometer- to sub-micrometer-sized polymer-encapsulated emulsions loaded with lipophilic drugs (doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil) are prepared. In vitro drug-release studies demonstrate controlled release under redox conditions and incubation with human colorectal cancer cells triggers cell death with greater efficiency (,106 fold) than the free drug. [source] A simple mounting model for consistent determination of the accuracy and repeatability of apex locatorsINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 2 2006A. ElAyouti Abstract Aim, To develop a precise and simple mounting model (MM) for evaluating apex locators and to compare the repeatability of the MM with a conventional visual method (VM). Methodology, Electronic working length determination was performed in 32 maxillary central incisors using two methods: (i) the MM method and (ii) a conventional VM. The MM utilizes a micrometer to determine the distance travelled by the measuring file during working length determination. In the VM, the length of the measuring file (representing the working length) is determined visually using a caliper and a microscope at 6× magnification. Each measurement was repeated once. The repeatability of each method was evaluated by calculating the coefficient of repeatability. Results, The coefficient of repeatability, which includes 95% of the differences between repeated measurements, was 0.04 mm for MM compared with 0.9 mm for VM. The measurement error of MM was significantly lower than VM (0.02 and 0.4 mm respectively). There was a statistically significant difference between the means of absolute difference in repeated measurements: MM 0.01 mm (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01; 0.02 mm) compared with VM 0.4 mm (95% CI: 0.3; 0.5 mm). Conclusion, The new MM had superior repeatability in comparison with the conventional method where visual interpretation is a source of inaccurate measurement. [source] Cleaning efficacy of two apical preparation regimens following shaping with hand files of greater taperINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 3 2000P. J. Lumley Abstract Aim The aim of this investigation was to assess canal cleaning following shaping with hand files of greater taper. Methodology Thirty mesial canals and 30 distal canals in mandibular molars were prepared with .08 and .10 hand files of greater taper, respectively. Following initial preparation, 0.02 instruments were used incrementally shorter in a stepback manner. In half the canals instrumentation was performed to size 35 1 mm short of the canal terminus. In the other half the series was continued through to size 60 using stepback increments of half to one millimetre as appropriate (foramen size was maintained at size 20 in all groups). Sodium hypochlorite (4.5%) and REDTA (17%) were used as irrigants for all groups. Cleaning efficacy was evaluated by scoring the amount of remaining debris using a light microscope (×50) and calibrated eyepiece micrometer (range 0,3). Results Canals stepped back through to a size 60 were significantly cleaner than those instrumented to a size 35 only (Mann,Whitney P < 0.05). Conclusion Refining the apical region of canal preparation by stepping back through to a size 60 reduced remaining debris following shaping with files of greater taper. [source] Stability study of inverse suspension copolymerization of 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguandium acrylate and N,N, -methylenebisacrylamideJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 3 2010Jie Dong Abstract In a previous study, we synthesized crosslinked P(TMGA- co -MBA) via an inverse suspension copolymerization of 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguandium acrylate (TMGA) and N,N,-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) and found that the product is a good SO2 sorbent. However, the polymerization stability appeared to be poor under some reaction conditions and is far from being elucidated. In this study, the inverse suspension copolymerization was carried out using cyclohexane as solvent, Span60 as dispersant, and ammonium persulfate (APS) as initiator. The effects of the reaction conditions such as stirring speed, dispersant concentration, and temperature on the polymerization stability and particle size were systematically examined. It is found that the polymerization stability is a strong function of these parameters. Stable crosslinked poly(TMGA- co -MBA) particles from micrometer to millimeter diameters were synthesized under optimized conditions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source] Relationship between the size of mist droplets and ethanol condensation efficiency at ultrasonic atomization on ethanol,water mixturesAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 3 2010Hitomi Kobara Abstract High-frequency (2.4 MHz) ultrasonic irradiation to an ethanol,water mixture can induce the generation of ethanol-rich mist droplets at lower temperatures. Two groups of droplets in micrometer- and nanometer-sized were observed in the mist generated by the ultrasonic atomization. Nanosized droplets were considered to be ethanol-rich droplets which cause ethanol condensation. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010 [source] The role of ultrasound and magnetic resonance in local drug deliveryJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 2 2008Roel Deckers MS Abstract Local drug delivery has recently attracted much attention since it represents a strategy to increase the drug concentration at the target location and decrease systemic toxicity effects. Ultrasound can be used in different ways to trigger regional drug delivery. It can cause the local drug release from a carrier vehicle and the local increase of cell membrane permeability either by a mechanical action or by a temperature increase. Ultrasound contrast agents may enhance these effects by means of cavitation. Ultrasound can be focused deep inside the body into a small region with dimensions on the order of 1 mm. Several types of drug microcarriers have been proposed, from nano- to micrometer sized particles. The objective of real-time imaging of local drug delivery is to assure that the delivery takes place in the target region, that the drug concentration and the resulting physiological reaction are sufficient, and to intervene if necessary. Ultrasound and nuclear imaging techniques play an important role. MRI is rather insensitive but allows precise targeting of (focused) ultrasound, can provide real-time temperature maps, and gives access to a variety of imaging biomarkers that may be used to assess drug action. Examples from recent articles illustrate the potential of the principles of ultrasound-triggered local drug delivery. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;27:400,409. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Use of a bioscaffold to improve healing of a patellar tendon defect after graft harvest for ACL reconstruction: A study in rabbitsJOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 2 2008Sinan Karaoglu Abstract Following harvest of a bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft, the central third of the patellar tendon (PT) does not heal well. The healing tissues also form adhesions to the fat pad and can cause abnormal patellofemoral joint motion. The hypotheses were that a bioscaffold could enhance patellar tendon healing through contact guidance and chemotaxis, and the scaffold could serve as a barrier to decrease adhesion formation between the neo-PT and infrapatellar fat pad. In 20 New Zealand White rabbits, a central-third PT defect was created. One strip of porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) was attached to both the anterior and posterior sides of the PT defect of the SIS-treated group (n,=,10). For comparison, a central defect was left nontreated (n,=,10). At 12 weeks, histomorphology was examined using Masson's trichrome staining. The cross-sectional area (CSA) was determined with a laser micrometer, and the central BPTB complexes were tested in uniaxial tension. SIS-treated samples showed a greater amount of healing tissue with denser and well-oriented collagen fibers and more spindle-shaped cells. There was no noticeable adhesion formation in the SIS-treated group. For the nontreated group, there were significantly more and diffuse adhesive formations. The SIS-treated group also had a 68% increase in neo-PT CSA, 98% higher stiffness, and 113% higher ultimate load than that in the nontreated group. SIS treatment increased the quantity of healing tissue, improved the histological appearance and biomechanical properties of the neo-PT, and prevented adhesion formation between the PT and fat pad. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:255,263, 2008 [source] 94 An obligate(?) heterokont biflagellate parasite in codium fragileJOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY, Issue 2003T. F. Lee Specimens of Codium fragile (Suringar) Hariot ssp. tomentosoides were collected from 9 sites in New England, and Long Island, New York at intervals throughout the years 1999-2003. Segments were removed from the thalli and chopped into fine fragments, mostly individual utricles and medullary filaments. Fragments were incubated in enriched seawater in dim light at 15C, 12:12 LD. Within 2,3 days, in almost all cases (more than 300) motile cells formed in many of the utricles and filaments. These were 10,15 micrometer elongated biflagellate heterokont cells. They appeared to consume the chloroplasts, and within 24 hours were reduced to colorless cells, about 5 micrometers long. These cells are unable to grow in Codium chloroplast suspensions. They appear to be always associated with Codium thalli, despite attempts to clean the thalli, and were never seen in utricles or filaments of intact plants. Their ultrastructure is under investigation and will be reported on here. [source] Ordered Ceramic Microstructures from Butterfly Bio-templateJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 7 2006Bo Li Ordered lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) structures with micrometer and submicrometer periods were created by an impressing sol,gel process, in which PLZT was used as the ceramic precursor and various butterfly wings were used as biological templates. It is a simple, inexpensive, and lithography-free method for fabricating two-dimensional-ordered microstructures using natural biological templates, which can be used to study the periodic submicrometer dimension effect and photonic bandgap property of functional ceramics. [source] PVC nanocomposites,Nanoclay chemistry and performance,JOURNAL OF VINYL & ADDITIVE TECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2008Daphne Benderly Nanoclay applications in poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) have been limited, as the organic modifier of conventional nanoclays can promote PVC degradation. Novel nanoclays designed for enhanced PVC compatibility were compounded with PVC. Hectorite and bentonite clays were studied as nanoclay fillers. Two incorporation methods were evaluated to determine the effect on nanoclay dispersion and composite performance. A two-stage method, in which the nanoclay was predispersed in plasticizer, resulted in good nanoclay dispersion at both the micrometer and nanometer scales. The nanocomposites were characterized by using a wide range of analytical tools. They exhibited significantly improved heat stability, an increase of up to 200% in storage modulus, and a decrease of up to 77% in oxygen permeation, as compared to unfilled PVC. Bentonite nanoclays provided a greater increase in barrier and mechanical properties. No change was seen in the PVC glass transition temperature. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] Template-Directed Control of Crystal MorphologiesMACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE, Issue 2 2007Fiona C. Meldrum Abstract Biominerals are characterised by unique morphologies, and it is a long-term synthetic goal to reproduce these synthetically. We here apply a range of templating routes to investigate whether a fascinating category of biominerals, the single crystals with complex forms, can be produced using simple synthetic methods. Macroporous crystals with sponge-like morphologies identical to that of sea urchin skeletal plates were produced on templating with a sponge-like polymer membrane. Similarly, patterning of individual crystal faces was achieved from the micrometer to nanometer scale through crystallisation on colloidal particle monolayers and patterned polymer thin films. These experiments demonstrate the versatility of a templating approach to producing single crystals with unique morphologies. [source] Bioinspired Mineralization of Inorganics from Aqueous Media Controlled by Synthetic PolymersMACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE, Issue 2 2007Katarzyna Gorna Abstract The formation of inorganic structures in nature is commonly controlled by biogenic macromolecules. The understanding of mineralization phenomena and the nucleation and growth mechanisms involved is still a challenge in science but also of great industrial interest. This article focuses on the formation and mineralization of two archetypical inorganic materials: zinc oxide and amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC). Zinc oxide is selected as a model compound to investigate the role that polymers play in mineralization. Most of the effort has been devoted to the investigation of the effects of double-hydrophilic block and graft copolymers. Recent work has demonstrated that latex particles synthesized by miniemulsion polymerization, properly functionalized by various chemical groups, have similar effects to conventional block copolymers and are excellently suited for morphology control of ZnO crystals. Latex particles might serve as analogues of natural proteins in biomineralization. The second example presented, ACC, addresses the issue of whether this amorphous phase is an intermediate in the biomineralization of calcite, vaterite, or aragonite. Conditions under which amorphous calcium carbonate can be obtained as nanometer-sized spheres as a consequence of a liquid,liquid phase segregation are presented. Addition of specific block copolymers allows control of the particle size from the micrometer to the submicrometer length scale. The physical properties of novel materials synthesized from concentrated solution and their potential applications as a filler of polymers are also discussed. [source] Biomimetic Polymer Nanostructures by Injection MoldingMACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 1 2003Nikolaj Gadegaard Abstract The nanometer scale topography of self-assembling structural protein complexes in animals is believed to induce favorable cell responses. An important example of such nanostructured biological complexes is fibrillar collagen that possesses a cross-striation structure with a periodicity of 69 nm and a peak-to-valley distance of 4,6 nm. Bovine collagen type I was assembled into fibrillar structures in vitro and sedimented onto solid supports. Their structural motif was transferred into a nickel replica by physical vapor deposition of a small-grained metal layer followed by galvanic plating. The resulting inverted nickel structure was found to faithfully present most of the micrometer and nanometer scale topography of the biological original. This nickel replica was used as a die for the injection molding of a range of different thermoplastic polymers. Total injection molding cycle times were in the range of 30,45 seconds. One of the polymer materials investigated, polyethylene, displayed poor replication of the biological nanotopographical motif. However, the majority of the polymers showed very high replication fidelity as witnessed by their ability to replicate the cross-striation features of less than 5 nm height difference. The latter group of materials includes poly(propylene), poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(L -lactic acid), polycaprolactone, and a copolymer of cyclic and linear olefins (COC). This work suggests that the current limiting factor for the injection molding of nanometer scale topography in thermoplastic polymers lies with the grain size of the initial metal coating of the mold rather than the polymers themselves. [source] Single photon fluorescent microlithography for live-cell imagingMICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 1 2010Darío Kunik Abstract Using fluorescent dyes to trigger the polymerization of a commercial polyurethane resin allows a rapid fabrication of micrometer and submicrometer sized fluorescent structures by one-photon absorption. Here, we show that standard He,Ne lasers emitting at 632.8 nm can be used to start the photopolymerization and that very low laser power is required. This procedure allows the fabrication of fiduciary fluorescent references on standard glass coverslips, mica sheets, or gold-coated coverslips for laser scanning or standard fluorescent microscopy. The biocompatibility of the polymerized resin with cells in culture was tested by growing Xenopus melanophores and a standard laser scanning microscope was used to demonstrate that it is possible to use equipment readily available in several laboratories. We show that fluorescent structure with less than 10 nm in height may be used as references in fluorescence microscopy allowing a smooth environment for cell growth. Different dyes were tested and the conditions for one-photon polymerization were outlined. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Ultrastructure of the vegetative gametophytic cells of Porphyra leucosticta (Rhodophyta) grown in red, blue and green lightPHYCOLOGICAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2002Ioannes Tsekos SUMMARY The ultrastructure of the vegetative gametophytic cells of Porphyra leucosticta Thuret grown in red, blue and green light was studied both in ultrathin sections and in replicas of rapidly frozen cells. High activity of dictyosornes and mucilage sacs results in a dramatic decrease of the protoplasmic area and in thicker cell walls in red light in comparison with blue light and the control. There are numerous well-formed phycobili-somes in blue light, whereas not well-formed ones are present in red and especially in green light. There are also many phycobilisomes in the intrapyrenoidal thylakoids in blue light, fewer in green light, but they are absent in red light and in the control. It seems that in red and especially in green light, the phycobilisomes have fewer rods than in blue light. In green light, chloroplasts bear numerous genophores in contrast to blue and red light. The spacings of neighboring parallel thylakoids are as follows: control 64.3 nm, blue light 90.6 nm, red light 41.3 nm, green light 43.7 nm. Due to the relatively small spacing of the neighboring parallel thylakoids in red (41.3 nm) and in green light (43.7 nm) and of the given height of phycobilisomes (35 nm), the alternate phycobilisomes attached to neighboring lamellae are forced to interdigitate. The density of phycobilisomes per square micrometer of thylakoid surface dramatically increases in blue light (800 ,m,2) in relation to red (250 ,m,2) and green light (180 ,m,2). The protoplasmic fracture face of the thylakoids reveals numerous, tightly packed, but randomly distributed particles. The particle size distribution is uniform in the two types of fracture faces, with an average diameter of about 11.5 nm. In blue light, both the phycobilisomes and exoplasmic face particles are organized into rows with a spacing of 60,70 nm. The results (changes: in the protoplasmic area; in the spacing of the thylakoids; in phycobilisome arrangement; in structure, shape and size of phycobilisomes; and in the accumulation of plastoglobuli), have shown that the monochromatic light (blue, red and green) brings about marked changes in the package effect and consequently in the efficiency of light absorption. In addition, the blue light contributes to the intense production of chlorophyll a, phycoerythrin, phycocyanin and soluble proteins, while intense production of polysaccharidic material is attributed to red light. [source] Coupled thermo-mechanical analysis for plastic thermoformingPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 8 2000Yuhua Song An FEM software ARVIP-3D was developed to simulate the process of 3-D plastic thermoforming. The coupled thermo-mechanical analysis, thermal stress and warpage analysis for plastic thermoforming was carried out by means of this software. Rigid visco-plastic formula was adopted to simulate the deforming process. During this process, the method of comparing velocity, time and area was adopted as the contact algorithm at different nodes and triangular elements. Sticking contact was assumed when the nodes become in contact with tool surface. The Arrhenius equation and the Williams equation were employed to ascertain the temperature dependence of material properties. In order to analyze the temperature field of plastic thermoforming, the Galerkin FEM code and the dynamic heat conduction boundary condition were adopted; latent heat and deformation heat were treated as dynamic internal heat sources. Based on the above, the model of coupled thermomechanical analysis was established. Assuming that the thermal deformation occurs under elastic conditions, the thermal stress and the warpage following the cooling stage were estimated. Experiments of plastic thermoforming were made for high-density polyethylene (HDPE). An infrared thermometer was used to record the temperature field and a spiral micrometer was used to measure the thickness of the part. Results of numerical calculation for thickness distribution, temperature field and warpage were in good agreement with experimental results. [source] Eating and rumination behaviour in Brahman grade cattle and crossbred water buffalo fed on high roughage dietANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL, Issue 5 2010Renato S. A. VEGA ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to compare feeding and other behavior and nutrient digestibility of tropical grade Brahman (body weight (BW) = 231 kg ± 12.4; n = 3) and crossbred water buffalo (BW = 300 kg ± 13.9; n = 3). This experiment on digestibility and measures of muscles of mastication utilized one-way, and animal behavior two-way, analysis of variance, respectively. Two video camcorders were installed in each pair of buffalo and Brahman for 24 h period programmed on the 107th, 109th and 111th days of the digestion trials. Frequency and duration of feeding, meal intake, rumination, bolus, chews, drinking, defecating, standing and lying were recorded daily. Muscle diameter of Digastricus, Masseter and Pterygoid and different regions of the tongue were sampled and measured under light microscope using a standard micrometer. Buffalo obtained significantly higher intake of dry matter, roughage, crude protein, total digestible nutrient and metabolized energy than Brahman. This was supported by longer meal duration (P , 0.05), and shorter meal breaks (P , 0.05) of buffalo than Brahman. The diameter of the muscles for mastication was bigger (P , 0.05) in buffalo than in Brahman, which is indicative of stronger chewing ability. Briefly, lesser and slower chewing action; higher intake of roughage and crude protein; and longer resting behavior of crossbred water buffalo than Brahman are all indicative of better digestive and metabolic performance of the buffalo under high roughage feeding conditions. [source] Cell deposition system based on laser guidanceBIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL, Issue 9 2006Russell K. Pirlo Abstract We have designed a laser cell deposition system that employs the phenomenon of laser guidance to place single cells at specific points in a variety of in vitro environments. Here, we describe the components of the system: the laser optics, the deposition chamber, the microinjection cell feeding system and our custom system control software application. We discuss the requirements and challenges involved in laser guidance of cells and how our present system overcomes these challenges. We demonstrate that the patterning system is accurate within one micrometer by repeatedly depositing polymer microspheres and measuring their position. We demonstrate its ability to create highly defined living patterns of cells by creating a defined pattern of neurons with neurite extensions displaying normal function. We found that the positional accuracy of our system is smaller than the variations in cell size and pattern disruptions that occur from normal cell movement during substrate adhesion. The laser cell deposition system is a potentially useful tool that can be used to achieve site- and time-specific placement of an individual cell in a cell culture for the systematic investigation of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. [source] 4432: Comparison of the two domains of visual optics: the aberrometric domain and the straylight domainACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010TJTP VAN DEN BERG Purpose The ocular point-spread-function defines the functional problem originating from optical defects in the eye. Aberrations as well as scatter degrade the psf. How do these two types of defect differ with respect to their effect on the psf, and on functional measures? Methods Literature models for different aspects of the optical irregularities in the eye media, in particular Thibos et al. JOSA A 2002 for the aberration structure and Van den Berg et al. VR 1999 for small particle scattering, were used to delineate their effects on the psf. The Thibos et al. model was extrapolated to allow inclusion of the high orders of aberration not normally included in aberrometry, but potentially visible with double pass. With respect to the visual function counterparts, straylight (C-Quant from Oculus) outcomes were compared to visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in 2400 subjects. Results As a reference the full scale psf standard model of Vos et al. CIE 1999 was used. The modeled aberration structures of the eye proved to predict the central part of the psf up till about 0.3 degrees if extreme high orders were included. For angles >1 degree predicted values were far below the actual values of the psf. Small particle scattering was essential to predict the psf for angles above 1 degree. Conclusion In the assessment of disturbances to the optical media two domains must be discriminated: the aberration domain and the small particle domain, with corresponding parts (small angle vs large angle) to the psf. Straylight typically originates from irregularities of size 10 micrometer and below, as opposed to aberrations originating from refractile humps and bumps extending over 100 micrometer and more. Straylight has independent value. [source] Optimizing the point spread function in phase-encoded magnetic resonance microscopyCONCEPTS IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE, Issue 1 2004A.G. Webb Abstract Three-dimensional phase-encoded magnetic resonance microscopy is the most promising method for obtaining images with isotropic spatial resolutions on the order of a few micrometers. The attainable spatial resolution is limited by the available gradient strength (Gmax) and the molecular self-diffusion coefficient (D) of the sample. In this study, numerical simulations in the microscopic-size regime are presented in order to show that for given values of Gmax and D, there exists an optimum number of phase-encoding steps that maximize the spatial resolution in terms of minimizing the full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the image point spread function (PSF). Unlike the case of "macroscopic" imaging, in which diffusion plays an insignificant role in determining spatial resolution, acquiring data beyond this optimal value actually degrades the image PSF. An alternative version of phase encoding, using a variable phase-encoding time rather than a variable gradient strength, is analyzed in terms of improvements in the image PSF and/or reductions in the data acquisition time for a given spatial resolution. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson 22A: 25,36, 2004. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||