Model of tunneling transistors based on graphene on SiC

Recent experiments shown that graphene epitaxially grown on Silicon Carbide (SiC) can exhibit a energy gap of 0.26 eV, making it a promising material for electronics. With an accurate model, we explore the design parameter space for a fully ballistic graphene-on-SiC Tunnel Field-Effect Transistors (TFETs), and assess the DC and high frequency figures of merit. The steep subthreshold behavior can enable I_{ON}/I_{OFF} ratios exceeding 10^4 even with a low supply voltage of 0.15 V, for devices with gatelength down to 30 nm. Intrinsic transistor delays smaller than 1 ps are obtained. These factors make the device an interesting candidate for low-power nanoelectronics beyond CMOS

The dysbindin-containing complex (BLOC-1) in brain: developmental regulation, interaction with SNARE proteins and role in neurite outgrowth.

Previous studies have implicated DTNBP1 as a schizophrenia susceptibility gene and its encoded protein, dysbindin, as a potential regulator of synaptic vesicle physiology. In this study, we found that endogenous levels of the dysbindin protein in the mouse brain are developmentally regulated, with higher levels observed during embryonic and early postnatal ages than in young adulthood. We obtained biochemical evidence indicating that the bulk of dysbindin from brain exists as a stable component of biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex-1 (BLOC-1), a multi-subunit protein complex involved in intracellular membrane trafficking and organelle biogenesis. Selective biochemical interaction between brain BLOC-1 and a few members of the SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) superfamily of proteins that control membrane fusion, including SNAP-25 and syntaxin 13, was demonstrated. Furthermore, primary hippocampal neurons deficient in BLOC-1 displayed neurite outgrowth defects. Taken together, these observations suggest a novel role for the dysbindin-containing complex, BLOC-1, in neurodevelopment, and provide a framework for considering potential effects of allelic variants in DTNBP1--or in other genes encoding BLOC-1 subunits--in the context of the developmental model of schizophrenia pathogenesis

A non-contact optical technique for vehicle tracking along bounded trajectories

This paper presents a method for measuring the non-controlled trajectory of a cart along a bounded rectilinear path. The method uses non-contact measurement devices to identify the position of a movable laser scanner working in helical mode in order to reconstruct the 3D model of bridges. The main idea of the proposed method is to use vision systems in order to identify the coordinates of the laser scanner placed on the cart with respect to the global reference system. A fit-to-purpose vision system has been implemented: the system uses three CCD's cameras mounted on the cart to identify the relative rotations with respect to the environment. Two lasers pointers and a laser distance meter are fixed at the starting point of the trajectory and pointing in the direction of motion of the cart, creating three dots on a plane placed on the cart. One of the camera detects the cart displacements and rotations in the plane using a blob analysis procedure. The method described in this paper has a constant uncertainty and the measurement range only depends on the lasers power. The theoretical accuracy of the measurement system is close to 1 mm for the translation along the motion direction and around 0.5 mm along the other two directions. Orientations measurement have a theoretical accuracy of less than 0.1 °. The solution has been implemented for the 3D reconstruction of concrete bridge; preliminary experimental results are presented and discussed

Effects of putrescine, cadaverine, spermine, spermidine and β-phenylethylamine on cultured bovine mammary epithelial cells

A bovine mammary epithelial cell line (BME-UV1) and three-dimensional collagen primary bovine organoids were used to evaluate the effects of cadaverine, putrescine, spermine, spermidine and β-phenylethylamine on mammary epithelial cells. Each biogenic amine was diluted in several concentrations (0-50 mM in BME-UV1 and 0-4 mM in primary bovine organoids) in the appropriate saline solution for the cell culture considered. In order to determine the activity of each compound tritiated thymidine incorporation was used. At low concentrations, all amines induced cell proliferation in both cultures. In BME-UV1, spermine significantly inhibited cell proliferation (P<0.001), while the other amines inhibited at higher concentrations (50mM). In primary bovine organoids, β−phenylethylamine significantly (P<0.001) inhibited cell proliferation at 4 mM. Organoids cultured in the presence of all amines, except β-phenylethylamine, had stellate projections indicating intense cell proliferation. Proliferation of mammary epithelial cells was stimulated at low concentrations, while at high concentrations it was inhibited. Our results suggested that the effects of each compound on mammary epithelial cells could be related to the compound itself and not to mediating by the bovine amino oxidase, responsible of the formation of toxic metabolites

Role of alpha-tocopherol in counteracting DNA damage induced by Ochratoxin A in primary porcine fibroblasts

Ochratoxin A is a mycotoxin responsible for disease states in both humans and animals. OTA mechanisms of action are numerous, including lipid peroxidation. Oxidative damage results in the modification of macromolecules (i.e. DNA), cell death and tissue injure. Several strategies, such as the use of antioxidants, have been used to reduce OTA cytotoxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of alpha-tocopherol in counteracting DNA damage induced by OTA in cell cultures. Primary porcine fibroblasts, isolated from embryo and from ear, were incubated for 24h with several concentrations of OTA in order to detect DNA fragmentation. OTA produced DNA fragmentation in a concentration dependent manner in both primary cell cultures. The pre-treatment with alpha-tocopherol caused the reduction of DNA fragmentation in both primary cell cultures, after 24h of incubation with OTA. In particular, when OTA was added at 10 µg/ml in embryo fibroblasts, alpha-tocopherol at the concentrations of 1 nM was significantly (P<0.05) able to reduce DNA fragmentation by 16%. In ear fibroblast cultures, alpha-tocopherol at the 1nM concentration was significantly (P<0.05) able to reduce DNA fragmentation by 15.23% in the presence of 5 µg/ml of OTA

Experimental Observation of Non-Ideal Nozzle Flow of Siloxane Vapor MDM

The first experimental results from the Test-Rig for Organic Vapors (TROVA) at Politecnico di Milano are reported. The facility implements an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) where the expansion process takes place within a straight axis convergent-divergent nozzle, which is the simplest geometry representative of an ORC turbine blade passage. In order to reduce the required input thermal power, a batch operating mode was selected for the plant. Experimental runs with air allowed to verify the throttling valve operation and the measurement techniques, which include total pressure and temperature measurements in the settling chamber, static pressure measurements along the nozzle axis. A double-passage Schlieren technique is used to visualize the flow field in the nozzle throat and divergent section and to determine the position of shock waves within the flow field. The first experimental observation of non-ideal nozzle flows are presented for the expansion of siloxane fluid MDM (C8H24O2Si3, octamethyltrisiloxane) for vapor expansion in the close proximity of the liquid-vapor saturation curve, at relatively low pressure of operation. A supersonic flow is attained within the divergent section of the nozzle, as demonstrated by the observation of an oblique shock wave at the throat section, where a 0.1 mm recessed step is located. Schlieren visualizations are limited by the occurrence of condensation along the mirror side of the nozzle. Pressure measurements are compatible with the observed flow field

EU legislation on feed related issues : an update

This review aims at providing an update of the current European Union (EU) legislation on feed-related issues. Regulations and Directives were classified into the following categories: general food law, placing on the market and use of feed, official controls, sampling and analysis, hygiene, undesirable substances, additives, animal by-products, OGMs, feed intended for particular nutritional purposes, and organic production. An overview of all laws related to the above-mentioned topics is given, and the main points of each law, cited in conjunction with its effect on previous laws (replacement, modification, amendments, and main related acts), are reported in tables

Left Displacement of the Abomasum in 4 Beef Calves

Citation: Oman, R. E., Streeter, R. N., Reppert, E. J., & Chako, C. Z. (2016). Left Displacement of the Abomasum in 4 Beef Calves. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 30(4), 1376-1380. doi:10.1111/jvim.14353BackgroundLittle is known about the occurrence rate, underlying etiology or treatment of left displacement of the abomasum in beef calves. ObjectiveDescribe the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of left displacement of the abomasum in 4 beef calves. AnimalsFour client-owned beef breed calves with left displaced abomasum (LDA). MethodsRetrospective case series. Hospital medical records were reviewed to identify all beef breed cattle under the age of 6 months diagnosed with LDA. ResultsFour beef calves were treated for left displacement of the abomasum. All four had a history of decreased appetite and left-sided abdominal distention. Two had recently been treated for necrotic laryngitis and one was being treated for clostridial abomasitis. Ultrasonography confirmed the abomasum to be displaced between the rumen and the left body wall in all calves. The calves were initially treated by rolling to correct the abomasal displacement. The abomasum redisplaced in 3 of 4 calves within 1 hour to 6 days; 1 calf developed a mesenteric volvulus. A right paramedian abomasopexy was performed in all cases. Three of 4 calves grew well and remained in the herd 6-18 months later; 1 calf was euthanized because of complications associated with necrotic laryngitis. Conclusions and clinical importanceLeft displacement of the abomasum should be considered as a differential diagnosis for beef calves with abdominal distention. Concurrent necrotic laryngitis can increase the risk of abomasal displacement in beef calves. Treatment should include surgical correction as rolling is not curative and might be associated with mesenteric volvulus

Development of Wind Alarm Systems for Road and Rail Vehicles: Presentation of the WEATHER project

The development of a new concept of wind alarm systems for road and rail transportation is presented. The alarm is funded on a risk assessment approach, taking into account wind modelling and prediction, aerodynamic forces, vehicle dynamics