Domain freezing in potassium dihydrogen phosphate, triglycine sulfate, and CuAlZnNi

The temperature dependence of the dielectric constant and dissipation in potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP), its deuterated compound (DKDP), triglycine sulfate (TGS), and TGS doped with α-alanine (LATGS) has been studied at various frequencies. It is found that the relaxation time of domain freezing in KDP and DKDP in the kHz range can be described by the Vogel-Fulcher relation. Evidence of domain freezing in TGS is presented through an analysis of relaxation time related to domain walls and a comparison between TGS and LATGS. Studies of internal friction and compliance show preliminary evidence of domain freezing in CuAlZnNi alloy. A domain-freezing model is proposed based upon the collective pinning of randomly distributed pinning centers to domain walls. Some key experiments related to domain freezing, such as (1) the Vogel-Fulcher relation for relaxation time; (2) the size effect of domain freezing; (3) two kinds of relaxation in low- and high-frequency ranges, respectively; and (4) the dependence of TF on defect density and applied field, etc., are explained.published_or_final_versio

Garment patterns generating based on 3-D body scanning

2009-2010 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

Model-based assessment of chromate reduction and nitrate effect in a methane-based membrane biofilm reactor

© 2019 Zhejiang University Chromate contamination can pose a high risk to both the environment and public health. Previous studies have shown that CH4-based membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) is a promising method for chromate removal. In this study, we developed a multispecies biofilm model to study chromate reduction and its interaction with nitrate reduction in a CH4-based MBfR. The model-simulated results were consistent with the experimental data reported in the literature. The model showed that the presence of nitrate in the influent promoted the growth of heterotrophs, while suppressing methanotrophs and chromate reducers. Moreover, it indicated that a biofilm thickness of 150 μm and an influent dissolved oxygen concentration of 0.5 mg O2/L could improve the reactor performance by increasing the chromate removal efficiency under the simulated conditions

Characterization of upstream sequences from the 8S globulin gene of Vigna radiata

Seeds rich in protein in nature, are ideal bioreactors for economic production and storage of valueadded recombinant proteins and enzymes for industries. The upstream region of the seed storage protein gene is able to provide an attractive promoter for seed-specific expression of heterologous genes. Our previous research showed that 8S globulin occupied the majority of total soluble protein stored in seeds of mung bean (Vigna radiata), a rich source of protein, indicating that the promoter of this gene could be a seed-specific promoter with high activity. To improve the expression of heterologous proteins in plants to act as a bioreactor, the putative seed-specific promoter of 8S globulin gene was characterized in this study. Hence, this potential promoter of beta subunit gene of 8S globulin (8SGb) was isolated by genome walking. Analysis with various promoter prediction softwares showed that the promoter sequence possessed many common motifs related to gene transcription in the seed (such as W-box, ABRE element, E-box, etc.). The putative promoter was subsequently cloned into the binary vector pBI121-GFP by replacing the CaMV 35S promoter. The resultant construct designated as pBI-8SGb-GFP was transformed to mung bean cotyledon mesophyll protoplasts. Reporter gene GFP was expressed high in cotyledon protoplasts, which was detected by confocal microscopy, demonstrating the specific activity of 8SGb promoter in driving gene expression. This study also proved that the 8SGb promoter is an efficient regulatory element for plant seeds to act as a bioreactor.Key words: Seed-specific, promoter, genome walking, Vigna radiata

Brief advice and active referral for smoking cessation services among community smokers: a study protocol for randomized controlled trial

published_or_final_versio

Spontaneous cervical epidural haematoma: role of antiplatelets

Cervical epidural haematomas should be considered in any patient presenting with neck pain and suspected stroke particularly if taking antiplatelets

Passive Dielectrophoretic Focusing of Particles and Cells in Ratchet Microchannels.

Focusing particles into a tight stream is critical for many microfluidic particle-handling devices such as flow cytometers and particle sorters. This work presents a fundamental study of the passive focusing of polystyrene particles in ratchet microchannels via direct current dielectrophoresis (DC DEP). We demonstrate using both experiments and simulation that particles achieve better focusing in a symmetric ratchet microchannel than in an asymmetric one, regardless of the particle movement direction in the latter. The particle focusing ratio, which is defined as the microchannel width over the particle stream width, is found to increase with an increase in particle size or electric field in the symmetric ratchet microchannel. Moreover, it exhibits an almost linear correlation with the number of ratchets, which can be explained by a theoretical formula that is obtained from a scaling analysis. In addition, we have demonstrated a DC dielectrophoretic focusing of yeast cells in the symmetric ratchet microchannel with minimal impact on the cell viability

Brief intervention to promote smoking cessation and improve glycemic control in smokers with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial

published_or_final_versio

Laser-Stimulated Fluorescence in Paleontology

Fluorescence using ultraviolet (UV) light has seen increased use as a tool in paleontology over the last decade. Laser-stimulated fluorescence (LSF) is a next generation technique that is emerging as a way to fluoresce paleontological specimens that remain dark under typical UV. A laser’s ability to concentrate very high flux rates both at the macroscopic and microscopic levels results in specimens fluorescing in ways a standard UV bulb cannot induce. Presented here are five paleontological case histories that illustrate the technique across a broad range of specimens and scales. Novel uses such as back-lighting opaque specimens to reveal detail and detection of specimens completely obscured by matrix are highlighted in these examples. The recent cost reductions in medium-power short wavelength lasers and use of standard photographic filters has now made this technique widely accessible to researchers. This technology has the potential to automate multiple aspects of paleontology, including preparation and sorting of microfossils. This represents a highly cost-effective way to address paleontology's preparatory bottleneck.published_or_final_versio

The Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale (TEPS) : exploration and confirmation of factor structure in a healthy Chinese sample

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