Hybrid dual mode sensor for simultaneous detection of two serum metabolites

Metabolites are the ultimate readout of disease phenotype that plays a significant role in the study of human disease. Multiple metabolites sometimes serve as biomarkers for a single metabolic disease. Therefore, simultaneous detection and analysis of those metabolites facilitate early diagnostics of the disease. Conventional approaches to detect and quantify metabolites include mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance that require bulky and expensive equipment. Here, we present a disposable sensing platform that is based on complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor process. It contains two sensors: an ion sensitive field-effect transistor and photodiode that can work independently for detection of pH and color change produced during the metabolite-enzyme reaction. Serum glucose and cholesterol have been detected and quantified simultaneously with the new platform, which shows good sensitivity within the physiological range. Low cost and easy manipulation make our device a prime candidate for personal metabolome sensing diagnostics

Comparison of two edible mushroom extract as aquaculture feed additives to enhance immune response of Asian seabass

Limitation of antibiotic practice in aquaculture has created attention to uses of organic immuno-stimulant for growth and survival of juveniles with the development of immune system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of two edible mushroom extracts, Pleurotus sajor-caju and Schizophyllum commune as feed additive in the diets of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) juvenile on serum antibody production. Three experimental diets were formulated with 1% inclusion of P. sajor caju (D1), S. commune (D2) and commercial diet without inclusion of mushroom additive was used as a control (D0). Asian seabass juveniles with average weight of 3±1 g were fed for 30 days. Each juveniles were challenged with 0.1ml bacteria suspension consisted of 108 cfu/ml of Vibrio harveyi. Mortality was observed for 10 days after fishes being challenged. Blood was collected before and on third day of challenged, and serum was used to determine antibody titre. Survival rate of D0, D1 and D2 was 60%, 55% and 80%, respectively. Serum agglutinating antibody titer of D2 significantly showed the highest antibody production followed by D1 and D0. Considering the good performance of S. commune in the present study, this mushroom can be considered as potential feed additive in the diets for enhancing immune response in Asian seabass juveniles challenged with V.harveyi

Wide-Range Optical CMOS-Based Diagnostics

Colorimetric, chemiluminescence and refractive index based diagnostics are some of the most important sensing techniques in biomedical science and clinical medicine. Conventionally laboratories and medical clinics rely on bulky and dedicated equipment for each diagnostic technique independently. In this paper, we present CMOS sensor based solutions, comprising a single photon avalanche detector array and photodiode array. The CMOS platform offers low cost integration and wide range of light-based diagnostic techniques, leading to development of point-of-care devices

A 16 x 16 CMOS amperometric microelectrode array for simultaneous electrochemical measurements

There is a requirement for an electrochemical sensor technology capable of making multivariate measurements in environmental, healthcare, and manufacturing applications. Here, we present a new device that is highly parallelized with an excellent bandwidth. For the first time, electrochemical cross-talk for a chip-based sensor is defined and characterized. The new CMOS electrochemical sensor chip is capable of simultaneously taking multiple, independent electroanalytical measurements. The chip is structured as an electrochemical cell microarray, comprised of a microelectrode array connected to embedded self-contained potentiostats. Speed and sensitivity are essential in dynamic variable electrochemical systems. Owing to the parallel function of the system, rapid data collection is possible while maintaining an appropriately low-scan rate. By performing multiple, simultaneous cyclic voltammetry scans in each of the electrochemical cells on the chip surface, we are able to show (with a cell-to-cell pitch of 456 μm) that the signal cross-talk is only 12% between nearest neighbors in a ferrocene rich solution. The system opens up the possibility to use multiple independently controlled electrochemical sensors on a single chip for applications in DNA sensing, medical diagnostics, environmental sensing, the food industry, neuronal sensing, and drug discovery

Characteristics of Drivers' Lane Choice at Large Multi-lane Roundabout

The use of modern roundabout as an intersection treatment is a popular choice. To increase the capacity, large multi-lane roundabout has been implemented to solve traffic congestions. Comparatively to small single-lane roundabouts, where many studies have been devoted to, the maneuver at multi-lane roundabout is a highly complex situation due to drivers' behavior in lane choosing. Little is known on the drivers' behavior at large multilane roundabouts. This paper aims to explore the drivers' lane choice behavior and its impact on the performance of large multi-lane roundabout. Traffic data were collected at three-lane roundabout on a normal day at peak traffic hours by using voice recorders and video cameras. Drivers' behavior had been characterized by assessing their lane choices from entry lanes to circulating lanes and from circulating lanes to exit lanes. Two models of drivers' lane choices were generated, the first representing reality and the second depicting standard roundabout lane discipline. Both models had been analyzed by using SIDRA Intersection software. Results indicated that the large number of lanes provides high freedom for drivers on their behavior which cannot be fully controlled. Also, drivers tend to follow the natural movement path to go through the roundabout correctly. Lane discipline marking is effective for multi-lane roundabout especially for roundabout with equal number of entry and circulating lanes in improving the traffic performance

ANALYSIS OF PLANTAR SURFACE DATA DURING THE LOADED PHASE OF GAIT ON INCLINED SURFACES

High accuracy three-dimensional (3D) capture of the plantar surface during gait using video-based 3D image processing technique has recently been developed as part of a project to understand plantar geometry and its relationship to plantar function and shoedesign specifications. Literature review determines that the manner the plantar surface and cross-sectional changes during gait on inclined surfaces have not previously been reported. This paper outlines a 3D surface analysis method developed to examine the plantar surface geometry changes while walking on inclined walking surfaces. The plantar surface capture system has a 3D measurement accuracy of ±0.4 mm. The ICC test (using the subjects’ foot) and four operators results show that the ICC (3, 4) was 0.87 with a lower bound = 0.75 and an upper bound = 0.92

Analysis of plantar surface data during the loaded phase of gait on inclined surfaces

High accuracy three-dimensional (3D) capture of the plantar surface during gait using video-based 3D image processing technique has recently been developed as part of a project to understand plantar geometry and its relationship to plantar function and shoedesign specifications. Literature review determines that the manner the plantar surface and cross-sectional changes during gait on inclined surfaces have not previously been reported. This paper outlines a 3D surface analysis method developed to examine the plantar surface geometry changes while walking on inclined walking surfaces. The plantar surface capture system has a 3D measurement accuracy of ±0.4 mm. The ICC test (using the subjects’ foot) and four operators results show that the ICC (3, 4) was 0.87 with a lower bound = 0.75 and an upper bound = 0.92

Extending the spectrum of AKT1 mosaicism - not just the Proteus syndrome

A five-year-old girl was referred to our department for evaluation of a pigmented birthmark on her right cheek, present unchanged since birth. There was no other past medical history of note and no family history of relevant problems. Cutaneous examination revealed a pigmented keratinocytic epidermal naevus following fine Blaschko's lines on the right cheek and neck (Figure 1), and a solitary café-au-lait macule of 1cm on the lower leg

CFD analysis of the fluidised bed hydrodynamic behaviour inside an isothermal gasifier with different perforated plate distributors

The hydrodynamic behaviour of gas-solid mixtures inside Bed Fluidised Beds (BFB) gasifiers has a major impact on the gasification process due to particles - gas and particle - particle contact mechanisms. The Discrete Phase Model DPM with Multiphase Particle-in-Cell method MPPIC was used as a CFD approach to study the hydrodynamic behaviour of an 800 height x 83 mm φ prototype fluidised bed gasifier with 4 different perforated plate distributors. In terms of bubble forming, pressure drop and superficial velocity, the type D distributor, i.e. triangular, had the best performance among the other types and in turn better bed height and bed movement, thus allowing best fluidisation performance as a consequence of better flow distribution