Diagnostic system failure functional fuel cells through virtual instrumentation and signal processing

Emilio Contreras, Universidad APEC, República Dominicana; Yrvin Rivera, Universidad APEC, República Dominicana; Alvin Rodríguez, Universidad APEC, República Dominicana.Este proyecto de investigación se fundamenta en las Celdas de Combustibles (CC) de membrana de intercambio protónico (PEM), como elemento de producción de energía renovable limpia. En este trabajo de investigación se espera desarrollar algoritmos y técnicas que permitan hacer diagnósticos sobre los fallos que presentan en su funcionamiento las celdas, los cuales no son predecibles. Se plantea que, mediante el uso de software y hardware, se puede caracterizar y generar un modelo capaz de simular el comportamiento electroquímico de la celda de combustible. Para lograr estos objetivos formulados se instalará una celda de 4.5 kW en un área dedicada exclusivamente para estudiar el comportamiento bajo condiciones controlables de los parámetros de funcionamiento de la celda. Los resultados de las pruebas serán capturados utilizando instrumentación virtual y registrada en una base de datos integrada a un sistema computacional, los cuales servirán para diseñar y validar el modelo que define la celda. Como estrategia metodología esta investigación se divide en tres etapas; de las cuales, este trabajo aborda las dos primeras etapas con sus resultados y se plantea la tercera como una expansión futura. Los resultados esperados son: la creación de un Centro de energía renovable localizado en el Campus de Ingeniería de la Universidad APEC, la instalación de la celda de combustible instalada y el diseño de la instrumentación virtual para la captura de información que permitan validar los hallazgos de los estudios sobre las fallas funcionales de la celda PEM. // Abstract: This research project is based on fuel cells (FC) of proton exchange membrane (PEM), as an element of production of clean renewable energy. In this research is expected to develop algorithms and techniques to make diagnoses on the failures that occur in the cells operation, which are not predictable. It is stated that by using software and hardware, can be characterized and generate a model that can simulate the electrochemical behavior of the fuel cell. To achieve these objectives formulated a cell of 4.5 kw will be installed on a dedicated exclusively to study the behavior under controlled conditions of the operating parameters of the cell area. The test results will be captured using virtual instrumentation and recorded in a database integrated with a computer system which will be used to design and validate the model that defines the cell. As a strategy this research methodology is divided into three stages, this paper addresses the first two stages with their results and the third is planned as a future expansion. Expected results at this stage are: the establishment of a Renewable Energy Center located on the campus of Engineering at the University APEC, the installation of the fuel cell, the design and installation of virtual instrumentation to capture information to validate the findings of studies on the functional failures of the PEM cell.Universidad APEC (UNAPEC)

Mixing and mass transfer in shake flasks and their relationship with antibodies productivity of CHO cells

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Subcellular fractionation coupled to shotgun proteomics allows the identification of novel targets of the classical secretion pathway associated with increased productivity in recombinant CHO cells

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Expression of Novel Opsins and Intrinsic Light Responses in the Mammalian Retinal Ganglion Cell Line RGC-5. Presence of OPN5 in the Rat Retina

The vertebrate retina is known to contain three classes of photoreceptor cells: cones and rods responsible for vision, and intrinsically photoresponsive retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) involved in diverse non-visual functions such as photic entrainment of daily rhythms and pupillary light responses. In this paper we investigated the potential intrinsic photoresponsiveness of the rat RGC line, RGC-5, by testing for the presence of visual and non-visual opsins and assessing expression of the immediate-early gene protein c-Fos and changes in intracellular Ca2+mobilization in response to brief light pulses. Cultured RGC-5 cells express a number of photopigment mRNAs such as retinal G protein coupled receptor (RGR), encephalopsin/panopsin (Opn3), neuropsin (Opn5) and cone opsin (Opn1mw) but not melanopsin (Opn4) or rhodopsin. Opn5 immunoreactivity was observed in RGC-5 cells and in the inner retina of rat, mainly localized in the ganglion cell layer (GCL). Furthermore, white light pulses of different intensities and durations elicited changes both in intracellular Ca2+ levels and in the induction of c-Fos protein in RGC-5 cell cultures. The results demonstrate that RGC-5 cells expressing diverse putative functional photopigments display intrinsic photosensitivity which accounts for the photic induction of c-Fos protein and changes in intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. The presence of Opn5 in the GCL of the rat retina suggests the existence of a novel type of photoreceptor cell

Phase Transitions for Al-base Alloy on Themicro Structural Experimental Measurements

ABSTRACT:The ternary Al-base alloys were re-melted and processed with a rapid extraction of thermal energy. In an effort to find the influences of the temperature on the solid transition, the materials were annealing at 500 °C during 48 hours. The effects of the rapid extraction of thermal energy plus the phase transition on the morphology were studied by SEM. Microstructural morphology has been related to mechanical properties thought-out the high cooling rate. In order to provide a means of determine their mechanical properties,the microhardness, and tensile tests have been characterized. The microstructure refinement of ternary Al-base alloy was observed due to melt undercooling associated with the cooling rate. The transition phase process from melt to solid by conventional methods of melting and casting has been approached by cooling rate parameter.A successful approach to finer microstructure is correlated with the grain size measured. Reduced grain size results depends on increased cooling rates because nucleation events become more frequent by establishing a positive temperature gradient in the melt ahead of the advancing solid-liquid interface. The purpose of the present study in this paper, is evaluatethe relationship between microstructure, rapid extraction of thermal energy, and the mechanical properties as hardness and tensile tests.The present investigation clearly compared the hardness measurements inthe Al-VIIB-VIB alloy processed at high cooling rateswith the less microhardness values from the annealed condition. Correlation between tensile tests results and fracture type indicate that a transgranular + intergranular mode depend on the solidification route compared with the microstructural changes associated with an increment on grain-size refinement.In both cases, in as-spun and annealed condition grain size was found to depend significant on the magnitude of the cooling rate parameter obtained by the wheel speed velocity

Crecimiento, regeneración y radiosensibilidad de callos de caña de azúcar (Saccharum spp. híbrido var. “SP 70-1284”) tratados con radiación gamma fuente 60Co

Calluses in growth of sugar cane, variety “SP 70-1284”, were radiated with a source of 60Co. The studied doses were between 10 and 80 Gy. The affectation of the Gamma radiation source 60Co in the growth of the callus and the regeneration of plants was evaluated. The results indicated that the dose that diminished the growth of callus in a value under 50% was the one of 30 Gy, and also the dose that diminished the regenerative capacity of the callus below to the 50% of the population was the one of 30 Gy. The results showed that for this variety of sugar cane doses superior to 30Gy of Gamma radiations jeopardizes the growth and the later regeneration of the callus. Its application is recommended to induce genetic variability in the variety of sugar cane “SP 70-1284”, as well as in programs of genetic improvement by mutations, in susceptible varieties of the sugar cane red blight (Puccinia melanocephala Syd) using calluses in growth.Key words: callus, hybrid, in vitro, improvement, rust, Saccharum sp, variabilityCallos en crecimiento de caña de azúcar de la variedad “SP 70-1284”, fueron irradiados con una fuente de 60Co. Las dosis estudiadas fueron entre 10 y 80 Gy. Se evaluó la afectación de la radiación Gamma fuente 60Co en el crecimiento del callo y la regeneración de plantas. Los resultados indicaron que la dosis que disminuyó el crecimiento de callo en un valor por debajo del 50% fue la de 30 Gy, así mismo se encontró que la dosis que disminuyó la capacidad regenerativa del callo menor al 50% de la población fue la de 30 Gy. Los resultados mostraron que para esta variedad de caña de azúcar dosis superiores a 30 Gy de radiaciones Gamma comprometen el crecimiento y la posterior regeneración del callo. Se recomienda su aplicación para inducir variabilidad genética en la variedad de caña de azúcar “SP 70-1284”, así como en programas de mejora genética por mutaciones, en variedades susceptibles a roya de la caña de azúcar (Puccinia melanocephala Syd) empleando callos en crecimiento.Palabras clave: callo, híbrido, in vitro, mejoramiento, roya, Saccharum sp., variabilida

Experimental and quantum chemical studies of a novel synthetic prenylated chalcone

BACKGROUND: Chalcones are ubiquitous natural compounds with a wide variety of reported biological activities, including antitumoral, antiviral and antimicrobial effects. Furthermore, chalcones are being studied for its potential use in organic electroluminescent devices; therefore the description of their spectroscopic properties is important to elucidate the structure of these molecules. One of the main techniques available for structure elucidation is the use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR). Accordingly, the prediction of the NMR spectra in this kind of molecules is necessary to gather information about the influence of substituents on their spectra. RESULTS: A novel substituted chalcone has been synthetized. In order to identify the functional groups present in the new synthesized compound and confirm its chemical structure, experimental and theoretical (1)H-NMR and (13)C-NMR spectra were analyzed. The theoretical molecular structure and NMR spectra were calculated at both the Hartree-Fock and Density Functional (meta: TPSS; hybrid: B3LYP and PBE1PBE; hybrid meta GGA: M05-2X and M06-2X) levels of theory in combination with a 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The structural parameters showed that the best method for geometry optimization was DFT:M06-2X/6-311++G(d,p), whereas the calculated bond angles and bond distances match experimental values of similar chalcone derivatives. The NMR calculations were carried out using the Gauge-Independent Atomic Orbital (GIAO) formalism in a DFT:M06-2X/6-311++G(d,p) optimized geometry. CONCLUSION: Considering all HF and DFT methods with GIAO calculations, TPSS and PBE1PBE were the most accurate methods used for calculation of (1)H-NMR and (13)C-NMR chemical shifts, which was almost similar to the B3LYP functional, followed in order by HF, M05-2X and M06-2X methods. All calculations were done using the Gaussian 09 software package. Theoretical calculations can be used to predict and confirm the structure of substituted chalcones with good correlation with the experimental data

Differential antibody response against conformational and linear epitopes of the L1 protein from human papillomavirus types 16/18 is generated in vaccinated woman or with different exposures to the virus

Antibodies against human papillomavirus (HPV) L1 protein are associated to past infections and related to the evolution of the disease, while antibodies against L1 virus like particles (VLPs-L1) are used to follow the neutralizing immune response in vaccinated women. In this study, sera antibodies against conformational and linear epitopes of L1 protein from HPV16/18 were evaluated to discriminate HPV vaccinated women from those naturally infected or with uterine cervical lesions. The VLPs-L1 from HPV16/18 generated in baculovirus were purified by CsCl gradient and linear L1 protein obtained by denature VLPs. Serum antibodies against VLPs-L1 and L1 from vaccinated women or with different exposures to the virus were measured by ELISA. Regresion and ROC analysis were carried out to evaluete the test performance to discriminate the different women populations. The results showed that antibodies against VLPs-L1-16/18 highly associated with vaccinated women (OR=2.11e+08 and 57.74, respectively), but not associations were observed with natural infected women or with cervical lesions. However, antibodies against L1-16/18 showed high associations with vaccinated women (OR= 101.33 and 37.91, respectively) (p≤ 0.05), but also associations of these antibodies were observed with the cervical cancer (CC) group (OR= 3.33 and 5.65, respectively). The ROC analysis showed that antibodies against VLPs-L1 and L1 16/18 were highly effective to detect vaccinated women (AUC= 0.96, 0.91. 0.80 and 0.78, respectively), with high sensitivity for HPV16 (100% and 86.3%), and moderate for HPV18 (63.6%). However, anti-L1 antibodies had the best test performance to discriminate the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3)/CC group from controls (AUC= 0.67 HPV16 and 0.63 HPV18), with low sensitivity (15% to 20%, respectively) and high specificity (96% and 92%, respectively). In conclusion, our results suggested that anti-VLPs-L1 16/18 antibodies are highly efficient to detect vaccinated women, but anti-L1 antibodies are better to discriminate CIN3/CC among the general population

Teaching bioreactors operation and scale-up of bioprocesses: Multidisciplinary training in a theoretical-practical course of one week

La biotecnología es un área emergente y prioritaria para países en vías de desarrollo. Los biorreactores son un equipo fundamental y se convierten en un elemento clave para el desarrollo e innovación en bioprocesos. El conocimiento de estos equipos es fundamental para lograr el crecimiento y desarrollo de microorganismos, células animales y vegetales, e inclusive la micropropagación de plantas. En una iniciativa conjunta por parte de los autores de este artículo y con el apoyo de las respectivas instituciones académicas, desde 2012 el Curso Internacional “Escalado de Bioprocesos y Entrenamiento en Operación de Biorreactores” se ha realizado por siete ocasiones. El objetivo del curso es ofrecer a la comunidad científica de Iberoamérica un entrenamiento Teórico - Práctico en bioprocesos. Producto de este curso, se ha capacitado a más de 1400 personas a través de conferencias y a 216 personas con las habilidades prácticas en el laboratorio. El curso ha permitido fomentar una red de contactos que operan en la consultoría y en la movilidad de personas. Además, uno de los productos destacados es la integración de un libro, que contribuye como una obra de consulta en el tema.Biotechnology is an emerging and priority area for developing countries. Bioreactors are essential equipment and a key element for development and innovation in bioprocesses. The knowledge of this equipment is essential to achieve the growth of microorganisms, animal and plant cells, and even the micropropagation of plants. In a joint initiative by the authors of this article, and with the support of the respective academic institutions, the International Course “Bioprocess Scaling and Training in Bioreactor Operation” has been held seven times since 2012. The objective of this course is to offer to the Latin American scientific community a theoretical and practical training in bioprocesses. As a result of this course, more than 1400 people have been trained through lectures and 216 people with practical skills in the laboratory. The course has promoted a network of contacts that operate in consulting and people mobility. In addition to the fact that one of the outstanding products is the integration of a book.Fil: Trujillo Roldán, Mauricio A.. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; MéxicoFil: Orozco Sánchez, Fernando. Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Sede Medellín; ColombiaFil: Valdez Cruz, Norma A.. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; MéxicoFil: Rodríguez Monroy, Mario. Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Centro de Desarrollo de Productos Bióticos; MéxicoFil: Busto, Víctor Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Nanobiotecnología. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Nanobiotecnología; Argentin