Large batch dimensional metrology demonstrated in the example of a LIGA fabricated spring.

Deep x-ray lithography in combination with electroforming is capable of producing high precision metal parts in small lot series. This study deals with a high aspect ratio structure with overall dimensions on the order of 10 mm x 7 mm x 1.5 mm, with the smallest line width being 150 {micro}m. The lateral deviation from the design is to be kept to a minimum, preferably below 5 {micro}m. To ensure adequate quality control, a semi-automated metrology technique has been established to measure all parts. While the paper will give a brief overview of all involved techniques, it focuses on the method to measure the top and bottom of the parts and the top of geometries following the process. The instrument used is a View Engineering Voyager V6x12 microscope, which is fully programmable. The microscope allows direct measurement of geometries but also is capable of saving all captured data as point clouds. These point clouds play a central role when evaluating part geometry. After measuring the part, the point cloud is compared to the computer aided design (CAD) contour of the part, using a commercially available software package. The challenge of proper edge lighting on a nickel alloy part is evaluated by varying lighting conditions systematically. Results of two conditions are presented along with a set of optimized parameters. With the introduced set of tools, process flow can be monitored by measuring geometries, e.g. linewidths in every step of the process line. An example for such analysis is given. After delivery of a large batch of parts, extensive numbers of datasets were available allowing the evaluation of the variation of part geometries. Discussed in detail is the deviation from part top to part bottom geometries indicating swelling of the PMMA mold in the electroplating bath

Evaluation of the effects of L-Theanine on neurobehavior in an adult male Sprague-Dawley Rat Model of PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) continues to be one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States and may occur in response to traumatic experiences. Currently, there are no interventions that prevent the development of PTSD. L-Theanine (L-Th), a major compound in green tea has been found to decrease anxiety and prevent memory impairment and may have potential effects in the prevention of PTSD. Sixty rats were divided into six experimental groups: control vehicle, control L-Th, control naïve, PTSD vehicle, PTSD Pre-L-Th (prophylactic), PTSD Post-L-Th (non-prophylactic). PTSD was induced by a 3-day restraint/tail shock stress model. The effects of L-Th on neurobehavior were evaluated by Elevated Plus-Maze (EPM), Morris Water Maze (MWM), and Forced Swim Test (FST). Our study found that the total food intake weight of PTSD Pre-L-Th (prophylactic) rats were significantly increased compared to that of PTSD vehicle rats (p = .04). Administration of L-Th 24 hours before the initial PTSD event or for 10 days following the last PTSD stress event did not statistically improve mean open arm exploration on the EPM, spatial memory, and learning in the MWM or behavioral despair measured by the FST (p > 0.05). Although the 3-day restraint/tail shock stress model caused stress in the rodents, it did not produce reported PTSD-like anxiety and depression or spatial memory loss. The effect of Pre-L-Th or Post-L-Th treatment, on the neurobehavioral functions could not be effectively evaluated. However, this study provides a foundation for future studies to try different rodent PTSD models to induce PTSD-like neurobehavioral impairments to explore dosage, frequency, as well as the duration of L-Th administration before and/or after the post-traumatic event. The 3-day restraint/tail shock stress model caused stress in the rodents, Pre-L-Theanine treatment preconditioned the PTSD rats to endure stress

Final-part metrology for LIGA springs, Build Group 1.

The LIGA spring is a recently designed part for defense program applications. The Sandia California LIGA team has produced an initial group build of these nickel alloy parts. These are distinctive in having a macroscopic lateral size of about 1 cm, while requiring microscopic dimensional precision on the order of a few micrometers. LIGA technology capabilities at Sandia are able to manufacture such precise structures. While certain aspects of the LIGA process and its production capabilities have been dimensionally characterized in the past, [1-6] the present work is exclusive in defining a set of methods and techniques to inspect and measure final LIGA nickel alloy parts in large prototype quantities. One hundred percent inspection, meaning that every single LIGA part produced needs to be measured, ensures quality control and customer satisfaction in this prototype production run. After a general visual inspection of the parts and an x-ray check for voids, high precision dimensional metrology tools are employed. The acquired data is analyzed using both in house and commercially available software. Examples of measurements illustrating these new metrology capabilities are presented throughout the report. These examples furthermore emphasize that thorough inspection of every final part is not only essential to characterize but also improve the LIGA manufacturing process

Detectors For the Detection of Chemical Contaminations for the Unmanned Mobile Platform (Strażak)

Cel: Celem artykułu jest prezentacja budowy oraz wyników działania detektora do wykrywania skażeń chemicznych zainstalowanego na bezzałogowej platformie lądowej (BPL) „Strażak”, którą zaprezentowano w artykule przeglądowym BiTP Vol. 30, Issue 2, 2013, pp. 81-90. Wprowadzenie: Obecny stan zaawansowania techniki pożarniczej wymaga uwzględnienia w planach realizacji akcji ratowniczogaśniczych starannego rozpoznania zagrożeń, jakie mogą zaistnieć w trakcie wykonywania zadania. Oczywista jest konieczność rozpoznania wynikająca z charakteru gaszonego obiektu. Przygotowując środki do zdławienia pożaru, należy brać pod uwagę te niebezpieczne substancje chemiczne, jakie na danym obiekcie występują oraz ich charakter (bojowe środki trujące, toksyczne środki przemysłowe, materiały wybuchowe, gazy tworzące mieszanki łatwopalne lub samozapalne, źródła promieniotwórcze itp.). Do niedawna PSP nie dysponowała odpowiednim sprzętem, który umożliwiałby zdalną detekcję. Obecnie w dyspozycji CNBOP jest bezzałogowa platforma lądowa pn. „Strażak”, która została wyposażona w odpowiedni detektor monitorujący zagrożenie oraz generujący sygnał alarmowy w momencie wykrycia zagrożenia. Przyrząd taki jest elementem wspomagającym decyzje osób kierujących akcją ratowniczo-gaśniczą. Metodologia: Detekcja zagrożeń realizowana jest za pomocą wieloczujnikowego układu pomiarowego pn. „FireChem”. Układ pomiarowy został zainstalowany jako integralny element BPL „Strażak”. Służy on do detekcji emisji zanieczyszczeń niebezpiecznymi substancjami chemicznymi. Składa on się z trzech modułów: modułu z czujnikami elektrochemicznymi, spektrometru optycznego oraz spektrometru ruchliwości jonów (IMS). Dzięki tak unikalnej budowie układ ten jest w stanie wykrywać substancje chemiczne (toksyczne środki przemysłowe) z niekontrolowanych uwolnień oraz bojowe środki trujące, które mogą się pojawić w przypadku ataku terrorystycznego lub znaleziska. Istotną częścią układu detekcji jest spektrometr optyczny, który służy przede wszystkim do ostrzegania o wejściu w strefę zagrożoną wybuchem. Za jego pomocą można bardzo skutecznie wykrywać węglowodory alifatyczne (metan oraz mieszaninę propanu z butanem). W pracy przedstawiono podstawowe informacje na temat budowy i zasady działania detektora IMS oraz wyniki pomiarów wybranych substancji przez detektor „FireChem”. Wnioski: Podstawowe cele sformułowane w nazwie projektu badawczo-rozwojowego nr OR00004812 pt. „Technologia zmniejszania zagrożenia wywołanego niekontrolowanym uwalnianiem substancji niebezpiecznych” zostały zrealizowane poprzez budowę BPL „Strażak” oraz wyposażenie go w m.in. detektor „FireChem”. Pojazd oddany do użytku jest wszechstronnie testowany i poddany szeregom prób terenowych. Po okresie prób na terenie CNBOP przewidziane jest jego przekazanie do wytypowanej JRG i użycie w warunkach realnej akcji ratowniczo-gaśniczej. Projekt traktuje zbudowanie BPL „Strażak” jako demonstratora technologii. Oznacza to, że po okresie prób i testów sporządzone zostanie sprawozdanie przedstawiające wnioski na temat dalszych losów tej konstrukcji. Autorzy żywią nadzieję, że konstrukcja po uwzględnieniu tych wniosków będzie mogła zostać wdrożona do produkcji seryjnej i wejdzie na wyposażenie jednostek PSP.Objective: The aim of the article is to present the structure and performance of the detector for the chemical contamination detection, installed on the unmanned mobile platform “Strażak” (Fireman) presented in the review article BiTP Vol. 30 Issue 2, 2013, pp. 81-90. Introduction: The current advancement state of the firefighting techniques requires to take into account in rescue and firefighting action plans a thorough diagnosis of the risks that may appear during the execution of the task. The need to recognize the type of burning object is obvious. Preparing means to suppress the fire, one should take into account dangerous chemicals that are present on the site (chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial agents, explosives, gases forming a flammable mixture, radioactive sources, etc.). Until now, the PSP did not have appropriate equipment that would enable remote detection. Currently at the disposal of CNBOP is an unmanned platform “Strażak”, which was equipped with a detector for monitoring risk and generating an alarm signal when the threat is detected. Methodology: The detection of the threats was done by the multi-sensing measuring set: “FireChem”. This device was mounted as an integral part of “Strażak”. It is used to detect the emission of hazardous chemicals. It consists of three modules: electrochemical sensors, optical spectrometer and ion mobility spectrometer (IMS). With such a unique design this system is able to detect chemicals (toxic industrial compounds) with uncontrolled releases and chemical warfare that may arise in the event of a terrorist attack. An important part of the detection system is an optical spectrometer, which is primarily used to warn of entry into the hazardous zone. Using it, aliphatic hydrocarbons may be detected with high precision (methane, propane and butane mixture). This paper presents basic information about the construction and operation of the IMS detector and the results of measurements of selected substances by the detector “FireChem”. Conclusions: Main objectives in the R&D project no. OR00004812 “Technology for decreasing threat caused by uncontrolled releasing hazardous substances” were achieved by developing “Strażak” and equipping it with detector “FireChem”. The vehicle has been thoroughly tested and subjected to a series of field trials. After a period of testing CNBOP is anticipated to transfer to JRG and use under real emergency response. The project takes to build a BPL “Strażak” as a demonstrator of technology. This means that after a period of trial and testing, the report will be submitted with applications for the further aspects of the construction

Effects of L-Theanine on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Induced Changes in Rat Brain Gene Expression

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by the occurrence of a traumatic event that is beyond the normal range of human experience. The future of PTSD treatment may specifically target the molecular mechanisms of PTSD. In the US, approximately 20% of adults report taking herbal products to treat medical illnesses. L-theanine is the amino acid in green tea primarily responsible for relaxation effects. No studies have evaluated the potential therapeutic properties of herbal medications on gene expression in PTSD. We evaluated gene expression in PTSD-induced changes in the amygdala and hippocampus of Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were assigned to PTSD-stressed and nonstressed groups that received either saline, midazolam, L-theanine, or L-theanine + midazolam. Amygdala and hippocampus tissue samples were analyzed for changes in gene expression. One-way ANOVA was used to detect significant difference between groups in the amygdala and hippocampus. Of 88 genes examined, 17 had a large effect size greater than 0.138. Of these, 3 genes in the hippocampus and 5 genes in the amygdala were considered significant (P<0.05) between the groups. RT-PCR analysis revealed significant changes between groups in several genes implicated in a variety of disorders ranging from PTSD, anxiety, mood disorders, and substance dependence

Effects of pregabalin on neurobehavior in an adult male rat model of PTSD.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a very debilitating condition. Effective approaches to prevent and treat PTSD are important areas of basic science research. Pregabalin (PGB), a gabapentinoid derivative of γ-aminobutyric acid, possesses the potential to positively affect neurobehavioral changes associated with PTSD. Using a rodent model of PTSD, the aims of this study were to determine the effects of PGB as a possible prevention for the development of PTSD-like symptoms and its use as a possible treatment. A prospective, experimental, between groups design was used in conjunction with a three-day restraint/shock PTSD stress model. Sixty rats were randomly assigned between two groups, non-stressed and stressed (PTSD). Each of the main two groups was then randomly assigned into six experimental groups: control vehicle, control PGB, control naïve, PTSD vehicle, PTSD Pre-PGB (prophylactic), PTSD Post-PGB (non-prophylactic). The neurobehavioral components of PTSD were evaluated using the elevated plus maze (EPM), Morris water maze (MWM), and forced swim test (FST). Pregabalin administered 24 hours before the initial PTSD event or for 10 days following the last PTSD stress event did not statistically improve mean open arm exploration on the EPM, spatial memory, and learning in the MWM or behavioral despair measured by the FST (p > 0.05)