BioMEMS for processing and testing of hydrogel-based bio-interfaces

A BioMEMS platform for development, processing and testing of hydrogels is presented. It is based on standard silicon micromachining including smart assembly and interconnection techniques. Hydrogel materials can be brought into the device by several methods. Material tests and functionalizations of the hydrogels can take place in the system as well as cell cultivation for biotests. First results are promising for easy and parallel testing of several materials / samples and for further biomedical applications

Automated cell cultivation and analysis: an approach for a user interface design

While automation is standard in most industrial and research fields, cell cultivation is still dominated “handling”, manual processes. To improve the situation, our group focusses on the development of a bio-centred, automated cell cultivation tool. Modular design may help to realize a variety of experiments. Cultivation processes are observed and controlled via a graphical user interface. This article describes the systematic approach, the overall speci-fication (with process analyses) and the preliminary results for the prototype of a graphical user interface

A unified model for BAM function that takes into account type Vc secretion and species differences in BAM composition

Transmembrane proteins in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria are almost exclusively β-barrels. They are inserted into the outer membrane by a conserved and essential protein complex called the BAM (for β-barrel assembly machinery). In this commentary, we summarize current research into the mechanism of this protein complex and how it relates to type V secretion. Type V secretion systems are autotransporters that all contain a β-barrel transmembrane domain inserted by BAM. In type Vc systems, this domain is a homotrimer. We argue that none of the current models are sufficient to explain BAM function particularly regarding type Vc secretion. We also find that current models based on the well-studied model system Escherichia coli mostly ignore the pronounced differences in BAM composition between different bacterial species. We propose a more holistic view on how all OMPs, including autotransporters, are incorporated into the lipid bilayer

A Cross-Disciplinary Bibliography on Visual Languages for Information Sharing and Archiving

This bibliography offers citations for people who are interested in learning more about visual language, new types of communicating and archiving information with emphases on novel technologies and theoretical works in these multidisciplinary areas. This bibliography is considered in its broadest sense and covers references of research in humanities and social sciences as well as computer technology. Far from being exhaustive, it nevertheless covers essential resources in a selective way, so that the material can provide starting points for many different directions. What is not included here are references to visual programming languages

Foundations of MIRACLE: Multimedia Information Repository, A Computer-supported Language Effort

Research in neurosciences, cognitive psychology and media sciences indicates that "visual thinking" carries a potential of the human mind that is generally still neglected today but could heavily be fostered by novel types of communicating and archiving information. Computer technology (information systems, telecommunication and visual tools) in turn promises to provide a wide range of highly effective tools to support visual, dynamic communication. MIRACLE treads new paths to address a crucial issue: In what way and to what extent can and should current and future systems support new ways of communicating and archiving information using dynamic, visual information? This paper gives a survey of the numerous attempts that have been made so far to overcome language barriers by introducing artificial languages (both on a spoken/text and on a visual basis). It also analyzes the general status of technology (computer hardware and software) to support such efforts as well as a number of specific projects. From this overview we draw the conclusion that computer-based systems designed to support communicating and archiving dynamic visual information should focus on the following features: Support dynamic language elements on a structural level in addition to traditional animated icons, Incorporate gestural language elements (inspired by natural sign languages) anticipating future ways of human-computer interaction, Allow evolutionary development of the language in a group-dynamic and interactive process involving large international groups of participants. In a final section we give a brief outline of the cluster of specific projects carried out under the heading of MIRACLE

Applications of MIRACLE: Working With Dynamic Visual Information

Systems supporting new forms of communication and archiving of dynamic visual information have a range of potential applications, some of which are described in this paper on a conceptual basis. We present a visual language for dynamic (historic) maps, applications of pictorial lexicons, concepts for interactive support systems for assembly and repair, and a platform for abstract movies