ATTITUDE DETERMINATION AND CONTROL SYSTEM OF KITSAT-1

The attitude dynamics of KITSAT-1 are modeled including the gravity gradient stabilization method. We define the operation scenario during the initial attitude stabilization period by means of a magnetorquering control algorithm. The required constraints for the gravity gradient boom deployment are also examined. Attitude dynamics model and control laws are verified by analyzing in-orbit attitude sensor telemetry data

Abl Tyrosine Kinase Regulates Hepatitis C Virus Entry

Abl is a central regulator of multiple cellular processes controlling actin dynamics, proliferation, and differentiation. Here, we showed that knockdown of Abl impaired hepatitis C virus (HCV) propagation. Treatment of Abl tyrosine kinase-specific inhibitor, imatinib and dasatinib, also significantly decreased HCV RNA and protein levels in HCV-infected cells. We showed that both imatinib and dasatinib selectively inhibited HCV infection at the entry step of HCV life cycle, suggesting that Abl kinase activity may be necessary for HCV entry. Using HCV pseudoparticle infection assays, we verified that Abl is required for viral entry. By employing transferrin uptake and immunofluorescence assays, we further demonstrated that Abl was involved in HCV entry at a clathrin-mediated endocytosis step. These data suggest that Abl may represent a novel host factor for HCV entry

Close-packed poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticle arrays-coated polyethylene separators for high-power lithium-ion polymer batteries

In an endeavor to improve the discharge C-rate performance of lithium-ion polymer batteries targeting high-power applications, we develop a novel gel polymer electrolyte-coated separator, which is based on introduction of close-packed poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA) nanoparticle arrays onto a polyethylene (PE) separator. In contrast to a conventional PMMA dense coating layer, a noticeable feature of the PMMA nanoparticle array coating layer is its highly ordered nanoporous structure, i.e. well-connected interstitial voids formed between the close-packed PMMA nanoparticles. This unique morphology allows for not only favorable liquid electrolyte wettability but also facile ionic conduction of the PMMA nanoparticle arrays-coated separator, both of which play crucial roles in improving the discharge C-rate performance of cells assembled with the separator. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reservedclose313

Patterning microconductor using nanosecond laser ablation of metal nanoparticle film

Ablation of metal nanoparticle film using frequency doubled Nd:YAG nanosecond laser is explored to apply for trimming drop on demand (DOD) inkjet printed electrical micro-conductor for flexible electronics. While elevated rim structure due to expulsion of molten pool is observed in sintered nanoparticle film, the ablation of unsintered nanoparticle film results in a Gaussian-shaped ablation profile, so that a clean precise patterning is possible. In addition, the ablation fluence threshold of unsintered metal nanoparticle Film is at least ten times lower than that of a corresponding metal film. Therefore, by using nanosecond laser ablation, inkjet printed metal nanoparticles compatible for flexible polymer can be patterned efficiently with a high resolution.N

Identification of antigenic peptide recognized by the anti-JL1 leukemia-specific monoclonal antibody from combinatorial peptide phage display libraries

PURPOSE: In the present study an antigen-mimetic peptide of the anti-JL1 leukemia-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) was identified and characterized. METHODS: From combinatorial peptide phage display libraries displaying the random linear heptapeptides and dodecapeptides, we selected clones with affinity to anti-JL1 mAb through repeated rounds of panning on a mAb-coated ELISA plate. The antigenicity and immunogenicity of the peptide epitopes were then studied using chemically synthesized peptides. RESULTS: The selected clones had the LXPSIP consensus sequence. Two synthetic peptides LPPSIPFGLTVGGGGS and LLPSIPNQAYLGGGGS specifically reacted with anti-JL1 mAb in ELISA. These two peptides were found to inhibit the interaction between anti-JL1 mAb and JL1 antigen-positive Molt-4 cells. Although the immune sera raised against the keyhole limpet hemocyanin-conjugated peptides failed to react with Molt-4 cells, it showed strong reactivity to the peptide epitope. However, one mAb raised by peptide immunization successfully bound to Molt-4 cells. CONCLUSION: An epitope-mimetic peptide of anti-JL1 mAb was found using combinatorial peptide phage display libraries. It induced strong humoral response against itself, but only a limited fraction of this humoral response was cross-reactive with the original JL1 antigen

Effects of High Levels of Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone on Growth Performance, and Hematological and Immunological Parameters in Pigs

Background: Deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) are common food contaminants produced by Fusarium sp. Mycotoxins are a potential health hazard because of their toxicological effects on both humans and farmed animals. Methods: We analyzed three groups of pigs: a control group (fed a standard diet), and the DON and ZEN groups, fed a diet containing 8 mg/kg DON and 0.8 mg/kg ZEN respectively, for four weeks. Results: DON and ZEN exposure decreased body weight (BW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), food conversion rate (FCR), and the serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM. The total antioxidant levels significantly decreased in serum and increased in urine samples of both treatment groups. Additionally, DON and ZEN exposure increased serotonin levels in urine. Hematological parameters were not affected by the investigated toxins. Microscopic lesions were evident in sections of kidneys from either treatment group: we found sporadic interstitial nephritis in the DON group and renal glomerulus atrophy in the ZEN group. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokine marker genes were reduced in tissues from DON- and ZEN-exposed pigs. Conclusions: chronic ingestion of high doses of DON and ZEN alters the immune response and causes organs damage, and might be associated with various diseases in pigs

Close-packed SiO2/poly(methyl methacrylate) binary nanoparticles-coated polyethylene separators for lithium-ion batteries

In an endeavour to improve not only the thermal shrinkage but also the electrochemical performance of separators in lithium-ion batteries, a novel composite separator is developed, i.e., a close-packed SiO2/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) binary nanoparticles-coated polyethylene (PE) separator. The introduction of SiO2 nanoparticles to the coating layer effectively suppresses thermal shrinkage of the composite separator. In contrast to a SiO2/PMMA coating layer having a film-shaped PM MA binder, the SiO2/PMMA binary nanoparticle coating layer employs PMMA particles as a binder. As a consequence, a highly porous structure. i.e., well-connected interstitial voids, is formed between the binary SiO2 and PMMA nanoparticles. The unique porous morphology allows favourable liquid electrolyte wettability and facile ionic conduction, which play a crucial role in improving cell performance such as the discharge capacity and the C-rate capability of the composite separator.close453