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Sensor System (sensor + system)
Selected AbstractsFluorescence Regeneration as a Signaling Principle for Choline and Carnitine Binding: A Refined Supramolecular Sensor System Based on a Fluorescent Azoalkane,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 2 2006H. Bakirci Abstract The fluorescent azoalkane, 2,3-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-ene (DBO), forms inclusion complexes with p -sulfonatocalix[4]arene (CX4). The binding constants are on the order of 103,M,1 in water. The addition of CX4 to DBO solutions results in an efficient fluorescence quenching (up to 90,%). This supramolecular system can be used as a truly water-soluble sensor system to signal the binding of organic ammonium ions over a large pH range. Addition of choline and carnitine derivatives and tetraalkylammonium ions results in regeneration of this fluorescence, from which the binding constants (KC,=,103,105,M,1) are calculated by means of a competitive complexation model. Electrostatic effects are observed, namely, a more-than-one order of magnitude weaker binding of the carnitines in neutral solution. [source] Nondestructive Measurement of Oxygen in Modified Atmosphere Packaged Hams Using a Phase-Fluorimetric Sensor SystemJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 8 2002D.B. Papkovsky ABSTRACT: The phase-fluorimetric oxygen sensing system recently developed by our team was used for nondestructive measurement of oxygen content in the heasdspace of 4 types of ham slice products. The system allowed accurate measurement of oxygen levels in all types of ham packs in a contact-less nondestructive fashion; it worked satisfactorily under ambient light and in conditions of direct contact with packaged cooked ham slices and variation of sample temperature. A primary screening for oxygen content of the modified atmosphere packs revealed that a significant proportion of packs contained elevated levels of oxygen. The sensor demonstrated minor changes in calibration as a result of direct physical contact with food and prolonged exposure. [source] Clinical Application of Peroneal Nerve Stimulator System Using Percutaneous Intramuscular Electrodes for Correction of Foot Drop in Hemiplegic PatientsNEUROMODULATION, Issue 4 2006Yoichi Shimada MD Abstract Objective., To assess the orthotic effect of a functional electrical stimulation device (Akita Heel Sensor System; AHSS) in the treatment of hemiplegic gait with foot drop. Materials and Methods., In the AHSS, a heel sensor is attached to a small plastic heel brace, and the peroneal nerve is stimulated via percutaneous intramuscular electrodes. During the swing phase of the hemiplegic gait, the common peroneal nerve is stimulated by the AHSS. Eight patients in chronic stages of hemiplegia participated in this study. Walking speeds and step cadences on a 10-m course were compared between walking with stimulation and walking without stimulation. Results., Mean walking speed (± SD) was 0.50 ± 0.26 m/sec without stimulation and 0.64 ± 0.31 m/sec with stimulation. The mean percentage increase in walking speed with stimulation was 30.1%. Mean step cadence was 31 ± 7 steps/10 m without stimulation and 27 ± 7 steps/10 m with stimulation. By correcting foot drop, the AHSS significantly increased walking speed and decreased cadence (p < 0.05). Conclusion., The AHSS can significantly improve walking in hemiplegic patients with foot drop. [source] Continuous glucose monitoring system: an attractive support tool in diabetes educationEUROPEAN DIABETES NURSING, Issue 1 2005L Saez-de-Ibarra BSc Diabetes Specialist Nurse Abstract The study was designed to determine the usefulness of the CGMS (continuous glucose monitoring system) as a support tool in type 1 diabetes education. The CGMS is a sensor system that measures interstitial glucose levels every five minutes for three or more days, by means of a microelectrode inserted in the subcutaneous tissue. People with type 1 diabetes (n=52), who actively participated in diabetes self-management programmes, were monitored with CGMS during three to five days. Patients were selected for CGMS when unsatisfied with the glycaemic results achieved, given the effort made. Ten patients used CSII, 14 used insulin glargine plus rapid acting insulin analogue and 28 used NPH insulin plus short acting insulin. All patients used blood glucose self-monitoring, with a mean of 6.5±1.4 glucose readings per day. The CGMS register was evaluated with the patient. Mean capillary glucose during the 15 days prior to CGMS, mean capillary glucose during CGMS and mean capillary glucose during the 15 days after CGMS are compared. Discussion of the record with the patient frequently allowed detection of inappropriate solving attitudes. Mean capillary glucose dropped from 155±20mg/dL (8.60±1.11mmol/L) prior to CGMS to 143±20mg/dL (7.94±1.11mmol/L) after CGMS (p=0.000). The effectiveness of CGMS (number of patients in whom mean glucose improved) rose from 66.7% in 2001 to 70.6% in 2002, 78.9% in 2003 and 88.8% in 2004. When the patient is involved in the analysis of glucose fluctuations, CGMS is a useful tool in diabetes education that will help achieve attitude changes because of the evidence depicted by the continuous glucose record. Experience in the use of this tool by the professional will improve its effectiveness. Copyright © 2005 FEND. [source] Connection of transport and sensing by UhpC, the sensor for external glucose-6-phosphate in Escherichia coliFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 7 2003Christian Schwöppe UhpC is a membrane-bound sensor protein in Escherichia coli required for recognizing external glucose-6-phosphate (Glc6P) and induction of the transport protein UhpT. Recently, it was shown that UhpC is also able to transport Glc6P. In this study we investigated whether these transport and sensing activities are obligatorily coupled in UhpC. We expressed a His-UhpC protein in a UhpC-deficient E. coli strain and verified that this construct does not alter the basic biochemical properties of the Glc6P sensor system. The effects of arginine replacements, mutations of the central loop, and introduction of a salt bridge in UhpC on transport and sensing were compared. The exchanges R46C, R266C and R149C moderately affected transport by UhpC but strongly decreased the sensing ability. This suggested that the affinity for Glc6P as a transported substrate is uncoupled in UhpC from its affinity for Glc6P as an inducer. Four of the 11 arginine mutants showed a constitutive phenotype but had near wild-type transport activity suggesting that Glc6P can be transported by a molecule locked in the inducing conformation. Introduction of an intrahelical salt bridge increased the transport activity of UhpC but abolished sensing. Three conserved residues from the central loop were mutated and although none of these showed transport, one exhibited increased affinity for sensing. Taken together, these data show that transport by UhpC is not required for sensing, that conserved arginine residues are important for sensing and not for transport, and that residues located in the central hydrophilic loop are critical for transport and for sensing. [source] Fluorescence Regeneration as a Signaling Principle for Choline and Carnitine Binding: A Refined Supramolecular Sensor System Based on a Fluorescent Azoalkane,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 2 2006H. Bakirci Abstract The fluorescent azoalkane, 2,3-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-2-ene (DBO), forms inclusion complexes with p -sulfonatocalix[4]arene (CX4). The binding constants are on the order of 103,M,1 in water. The addition of CX4 to DBO solutions results in an efficient fluorescence quenching (up to 90,%). This supramolecular system can be used as a truly water-soluble sensor system to signal the binding of organic ammonium ions over a large pH range. Addition of choline and carnitine derivatives and tetraalkylammonium ions results in regeneration of this fluorescence, from which the binding constants (KC,=,103,105,M,1) are calculated by means of a competitive complexation model. Electrostatic effects are observed, namely, a more-than-one order of magnitude weaker binding of the carnitines in neutral solution. [source] Formation of a geometric pattern with a mobile wireless sensor networkJOURNAL OF FIELD ROBOTICS (FORMERLY JOURNAL OF ROBOTIC SYSTEMS), Issue 10 2004Justin Lee Mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSNs) will enable information systems to gather detailed information about the environment on an unprecedented scale. These self-organizing, distributed networks of sensors, processors, and actuators that are capable of movement have a broad range of potential applications, including military reconnaissance, surveillance, planetary exploration, and geophysical mapping. In many of the foreseen applications, the MWSN will need to form a geometric pattern without assistance from the user. In military reconnaissance, for example, the nodes will be dropped onto the battlefield from a plane and land at random positions. The nodes will be expected to arrange themselves into a predetermined formation in order to perform a specific task. Thus, we present algorithms for forming a line, circle, and regular polygon from a given set of random positions. The algorithms are distributed and use no communication between the nodes to minimize energy consumption. Unlike past studies of geometric problems where algorithms are either tested in simulations where each node has global knowledge of all the other nodes or implemented on a small number of robots, the robustness of our algorithms has been studied with simulations that model the sensor system in detail. The simulations demonstrate that the algorithms are robust against random errors in the sensors and actuators. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Response of periodontal ligament fibroblasts and gingival fibroblasts to pulsating fluid flow: nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 release and expression of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase activityJOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH, Issue 6 2000M. T. M. Van Der Pauw The capacity of the periodontal ligament to alter its structure and mass in response to mechanical loading has long been recognized. However, the mechanism by which periodontal cells can detect physical forces and respond to them is largely unknown. Besides transmission of forces via cell-matrix or cell-cell interactions, the strain-derived flow of interstitial fluid through the periodontal ligament may mechanically activate the periodontal cells, as well as ensure transport of cell signaling molecules, nutrients and waste products. Mechanosensory cells, such as endothelial and bone cells, are reported to respond to a flow of fluid with stimulated prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and nitric oxide production. Therefore, we examined the PGE2 and nitric oxide response of human periodontal ligament and gingival fibroblasts to pulsating fluid flow and assessed the expression of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase activity. Periodontal ligament and gingival fibroblasts were subjected to a pulsating fluid flow (0.7±0.02 Pa, 5 Hz) for 60 min. PGE2 and nitric oxide concentrations were determined in the conditioned medium after 5, 10, 30 and 60 min of flowing. After fluid flow the cells were cultured for another 60 min without mechanical stress. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts, but not gingival fibroblasts, responded to fluid flow with significantly elevated release of nitric oxide and decreased expression of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase activity. In both periodontal ligament and gingival fibroblasts, PGE2 production was significantly increased after 60 min of flowing. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts, but not gingival fibroblasts, produced significantly higher levels of PGE2 during the postflow culture period. We conclude that human periodontal ligament fibroblasts are more responsive to pulsating fluid flow than gingival fibroblasts. The similarity of the early nitric oxide and PGE2 responses to fluid flow in periodontal fibroblasts with bone cells and endothelial cells suggests that these three cell types possess a similar sensor system for fluid shear stress. [source] Optical fiber sensor for localizing heating positions in multiple points using multichannel gratings with phase sampling and wavelength division multiplexing techniquesMICROWAVE AND OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 11 2008Li Xia Abstract An optical fiber sensor system with multichannel fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) is proposed. The gratings are designed and fabricated by phase sampling technique within strongly chirped phase masks. The sensing application can be realized at multiple points through wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technique. It means that the different point can be monitored by different gratings, which occupies different wavelength region, according to the central pitch and chirp coefficient of phase masks. The heating position with high resolution can be analyzed through three corresponding channel shifts in the multichannel profile. In our experiment, the two multichannel gratings with channel spacing of 0.8 and 1.6 nm, respectively, are fabricated and used for sensing in two points. At last, the 400 ,m accuracy of localizing the heating position is achieved. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 2951,2954, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23832 [source] Simultaneous detection of cyanide and heavy metals for environmental analysis by means of µISEsPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 4 2010Monika Turek Abstract In environmental analysis, cyanide and heavy metals play an important role, because these substances are highly toxic for biological systems. They can lead to chronic and acute diseases. Due to the chemical properties of cyanide it is frequently used for industrial processes such as extraction of silver and gold. Heavy metals can be found as trace elements in nature and are often applied in industries e.g., galvanization processes. Up to now, cyanide and heavy metals can be detected by several sensors separately and their detection is often limited to laboratory investigations. In this publication, with regard to an in situ analysis, a new miniaturized silicon-based sensor system for the simultaneous detection of cyanide and heavy metals in aqueous solutions is presented that is based on chalcogenide glass-based micro ion-selective electrodes (µISEs). The µISEs are incorporated into a specially designed measuring system for the simultaneous detection of heavy metals and cyanide in solutions and validated by simultaneous measurements of Cu2+ - and CN, -ions, Cd2+ - and CN, - ions and Pb2+ - and CN, -ions. The particular sensor system has shown good sensor properties in the µ-molar ion-concentration range. For simultaneous measurements in complex heavy metal and cyanide solutions an intelligent software using fuzzy logic is discussed. [source] Cervicocephalic kinaesthesia: reliability of a new test approachPHYSIOTHERAPY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2001Eythor Kristjansson Faculty of Medicine Abstract Background and Purpose Relocating either the natural head posture (NHP) or predetermined points in range are clinical tests of impaired neck proprioception but memory might influence these tests. Three new tests, reasoned to be more challenging for the proprioceptive system, were developed. The objectives were to assess the reliability of all tests and whether the three new tests were more challenging for the proprioceptive system. Method A test,retest design was used to assess the reproducibility and errors of all five tests. Twenty asymptomatic volunteers were assessed a week apart, using an electromagnetic movement sensor system, the 3-Space Fastrak. A measure of error magnitude was used to detect kinaesthetic sensibility. Comparison of the means and their corresponding dispersion were analysed descriptively. The between-day intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated and plots of mean differences between days 1 and 2 were conducted to estimate test reliability. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and least significant difference (LSD) pairwise comparisons were performed to compare the test accuracy between different target positions. Results ICCs were between 0.35 and 0.9, but plotting the data modified the interpretation in some tests. Relocating a NHP was easier when the trunk was in a neutral position than when pre-rotated (error 2.46° (±0.2°) versus 5.95° (±0.7°). Relocating a 30° rotation position (error 5.8° (±0.6°) and repeatedly moving through a target (error 4.82° (±0.7°) was also difficult. Conclusions The new tests were more challenging than relocating the NHP but the reliability of tests relocating uncommon positions was questionable. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] A fiber optic thermoset cure monitoring sensorPOLYMER COMPOSITES, Issue 4 2000Michele Giordano Curing determines the chemical and physical properties of a reacting resin. Among these, the optical properties strongly correlate with the structural features of the developing polymeric network. By monitoring changes of the refractive index, it is possible to analyze the polymerization of thermoset resin. In this work, a fiber optic sensor system has been designed and developed (based on the optical time domain reflectometry principle) to measure the reflection coefficient at the interface between the fiber optic and the resin during a curing process. Correlation between the sensor output and conversion has been proposed, following the Lorentz-Lorenz law. Isothermal data from the sensor have been compared with calorimetric analysis of an epoxy-based resin. [source] LDA Velocity Measurements of High-Viscosity Fluids in Mixing Vessel with Vane Geometry ImpellerTHE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 6 2007Lidija Slemenik Perse Abstract The object of this work was to measure the velocity field in non-Newtonian fluids inside mixing vessel. The six-bladed vane rotor used for mixing was designed from rotating vane geometry of a sensor system, commonly used for rheometrical measurements of complex fluids (Barnes and Nguyen, J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech. 98, 1-14 (2001); Schramm, 1994). During mixing, the viscosity was determined by measuring the torque at different impeller speeds, and compared to rheologically obtained shear dependent viscosity. The velocity field was determined by LDA measurements at twelve places inside mixing vessel. It was observed that axial and radial component of the velocity were insignificant at all measurement points. On the other hand, the results showed the periodic nature of tangential component of the velocity, which was confirmed with computer-aided visualization method. Ce travail avait pour objectif de mesurer le champ de vitesse dans des fluides non newtoniens dans un réservoir de mélange. Le rotor à six pales utilisé pour le mélange a été conçu d'après la géométrie des ailettes rotatives d'un système de senseurs, communément utilisés dans les mesures rhéométriques de fluides complexes (Barnes and Nguyen, J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech. 98, 1-14 (2001); Schramm, 1994). Lors du mélange, on a déterminé la viscosité en mesurant le couple à différentes vitesses de turbine, puis on l'a comparée à la viscosité de cisaillement obtenue rhéologiquement. Le champ de vitesse a été déterminé par des mesures LDA à douze positions dans le réservoir de mélange. On a observé que la composante axiale et radiale de la vitesse était négligeable pour tous les points de mesure. Par ailleurs, les résultats montrent la nature périodique de la composante tangentielle de la vitesse, ce qui est confirmé par une méthode de visualisation assistée par ordinateur. [source] ADLOC: An Aptamer-Displacement Assay Based on Luminescent Oxygen ChannelingCHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 36 2010Dipl.-Chem. Abstract Functional nucleic acids, such as aptamers and allosteric ribozymes, can sense their ligands specifically, thereby undergoing structural alterations that can be converted into a detectable signal. The direct coupling of molecular recognition to signal generation enables the production of versatile reporters that can be applied as molecular probes for various purposes, including high-throughput screening. Here we describe an unprecedented type of a nucleic acid-based sensor system and show that it is amenable to high-throughput screening (HTS) applications. The approach detects the displacement of an aptamer from its bound protein partner by means of luminescent oxygen channeling. In a proof-of-principle study we demonstrate that the format is feasible for efficient identification of small drug-like molecules that bind to a protein target, in this case to the Sec7 domain of cytohesin. We extended the approach to a new cytohesin-specific single chain DNA aptamer, C10.41, which exhibits a similar binding behavior to cytohesins but has the advantage of being more stable and easier to synthesize and to modify than the RNA-aptamer M69. The results obtained with both aptamers indicate the general suitability of the aptamer-displacement assay based on luminescent oxygen channelling (ADLOC) for HTS. We also analyzed the potential for false positive hits and identified from a library of 18,000 drug-like small molecules two compounds as strong singlet-oxygen quenchers. With full automation and the use of commercially available plate readers, we estimate that the ADLOC-based assay described here could be used to screen at least 100,000 compounds per day. [source] Application of Nanoparticles in Electrochemical Sensors and BiosensorsELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 4 2006Xiliang Luo Abstract The unique chemical and physical properties of nanoparticles make them extremely suitable for designing new and improved sensing devices, especially electrochemical sensors and biosensors. Many kinds of nanoparticles, such as metal, oxide and semiconductor nanoparticles have been used for constructing electrochemical sensors and biosensors, and these nanoparticles play different roles in different sensing systems. The important functions provided by nanoparticles include the immobilization of biomolecules, the catalysis of electrochemical reactions, the enhancement of electron transfer between electrode surfaces and proteins, labeling of biomolecules and even acting as reactant. This minireview addresses recent advances in nanoparticle-based electrochemical sensors and biosensors, and summarizes the main functions of nanoparticles in these sensor systems. [source] Accuracy of computer-automated caries detection in digital radiographs compared with human observersEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 3 2002Ann Wenzel The aim of this study was to compare diagnostic accuracy of a caries detection program with that of human observers. A total of 190 extracted teeth were radiographed with two Trophy RVG (RadioVisioGraphy) digital sensor systems. Four observers scored the approximal surfaces in all images on a disease severity scale. Each observer thereafter used the Logicon Caries Detector (LCD) program to analyse the surfaces in the digital images and recorded their outcome. To determine the true absence or presence of caries, histological validation was used. Sensitivities, specificities, positive and negative predictive values were calculated and differences between the diagnostic methods tested. Specificities for the outcome with the LCD were significantly lower for three observers than when they themselves assessed the RVG images and, correspondingly, the positive predictive values were lower for the LCD outcome for three of the observers. Sensitivity was also lower for two observers on the diagnostic threshold caries in dentine. It was concluded that the automated caries detection program is less accurate than human observers in detecting approximal caries lesions. [source] DNAPL Characterization Methods and Approaches, Part 2: Cost ComparisonsGROUND WATER MONITORING & REMEDIATION, Issue 1 2002Mark L. Kram Contamination from the use of chlorinated solvents, often classified as dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) when in an undissolved state, pose environmental threats to ground water resources worldwide. DNAPL site characterization method performance comparisons are presented in a companion paper (Kram et al. 2001). This study compares the costs for implementing various characterization approaches using synthetic unit model scenarios (UMSs), each with particular physical characteristics. Unit costs and assumptions related to labor, equipment, and consumables are applied to determine costs associated with each approach for various UMSs. In general, the direct-push sensor systems provide cost-effective characterization information in soils that are penetrable with relatively shallow (less than 10 to 15 m) water tables. For sites with impenetrable lithology using direct-push techniques, the Ribbon NAPL Sampler Flexible Liner Underground Technologies Everting (FLUTe) membrane appears to be the most cost-effective approach. For all scenarios studied, partitioning interwell tracer tests (PITTs) are the most expensive approach due to the extensive pre-and post-PITT requirements. However, the PITT is capable of providing useful additional information, such as approximate DNAPL saturation, which is not generally available from any of the other approaches included in this comparison. [source] Ultrathin Films of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Electronics and Sensors: A Review of Fundamental and Applied AspectsADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 1 2009Qing Cao Abstract Ultrathin films of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) represent an attractive, emerging class of material, with properties that can approach the exceptional electrical, mechanical, and optical characteristics of individual SWNTs, in a format that, unlike isolated tubes, is readily suitable for scalable integration into devices. These features suggest the potential for realistic applications as conducting or semiconducting layers in diverse types of electronic, optoelectronic and sensor systems. This article reviews recent advances in assembly techniques for forming such films, modeling and experimental work that reveals their collective properties, and engineering aspects of implementation in sensors and in electronic devices and circuits with various levels of complexity. A concluding discussion provides some perspectives on possibilities for future work in fundamental and applied aspects. [source] Single-Carbon-Atomic-Resolution Detection of Odorant Molecules using a Human Olfactory Receptor-based Bioelectronic Nose,ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 1 2009Tae Hyun Kim Single-carbon-atomic-resolution detection of odorant molecules has been demonstrated using a human olfactory receptor-based bioelectric nose. Furthermore, since the human olfactory receptor is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), these sensor systems may be a new powerful platform for the development of new drugs and fragrances. [source] EM design of broadband RF multiport toggle switchesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RF AND MICROWAVE COMPUTER-AIDED ENGINEERING, Issue 4 2004W. Simon Abstract Radio frequency (RF) MEMS is an emerging sub-area of MEMS technology that is revolutionizing RF and microwave applications. RF MEMS devices have a broad range of optional applications in military and commercial wireless communication, and navigation and sensor systems. This article presents the EM design of different multiport toggle switches. Such a multiport switch can be used in the compact designs of switching matrices, routing networks, or phase shifters. One application range is the creation of electronically steerable antenna arrays, which can be used for radar applications and satellite communication. The miniaturized switches are based on the single pole single throw (SPST) toggle switch and, in addition to their small size, they have an increased RF performance regarding losses and operation bandwidth (DC to 50 GHz). A 3D FDTD field solver has been used for the electromagnetic design of all the switches. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 14: 329,337, 2004. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||