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At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1991

The UT 19-channel DC SQUID based neuromagnetometer.

A 19-channel DC SQUID based neuromagnetometer is under construction at the University of Twente (UT). Except for the cryostat all elements of the system are developed at the UT. It comprises 19 wire-wound first-order gradiometers in a hexagonal configuration. The gradiometers are connected to planar DC SQUIDs fabricated with a Nb/Al, AlO kappa/Nb technology. For this connection we developed a method to bond a Nb wire to a Nb thin-film. The SQUIDs are placed in compartmentalised Nb modules. Further, external feedback is incorporated in order to eliminate cross talk between the gradiometers. The electronics basically consist of a phase-locked loop operating with a modulation frequency of 100 kHz. Between SQUID and preamplifier a small transformer is used to limit the noise contribution of the preamplifier. In the paper the overall system is described, and special attention is paid to the SQUID module (bonding, compartments, external-feedback setup, output transformer).

Equipment Design↗

PubMed1977

Tear-film dynamics and oxygen tension under a circular contact lens.

The cornea requires a minimum level of oxygenation; this may be prevented by a contact lens, and corneal swelling and other undesirable effects may result. By employing thin-film lubrication theory, this study derives analytical solutions for tear-film velocity components and pressure under a circular contact lens. Oxygen-tension contours are then obtained for various values of squeeze action and parallel motion of the lens.

Contact Lenses↗

PubMed1992

Regeneration microelectrode array for peripheral nerve recording and stimulation.

A microelectrode array capable of recording from and stimulating peripheral nerves at prolonged intervals after surgical implantation has been demonstrated. The microelectrode array, fabricated on a silicon substrate perforated by multiple holes (referred to as via holes), is implanted between the ends of a surgically severed nerve. Regenerating tissue fixes the device in place to provide a stable mapping between the microelectrodes and the axons in the nerve. Processes were developed for the fabrication of thin-film iridium microelectrodes, micromachined via holes, and silicon nitride passivation layers. All fabrication methods were designed to be compatible with standard CMOS/BiCMOS processes to allow for on-chip signal processing circuits in future designs. Such arrays, implanted in the peroneal nerves of rats, were used to record from and stimulate the nerves at up to 13 months postoperatively.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Perspective and limitations of cryo-electron microscopy. From model systems to biological specimens.

We investigated the possibility of vitrifying temperature-sensitive lipid phases as well as (small) biological specimens. From a suspension of unilamellar vesicles, prepared from dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), thin aqueous films were formed at various temperatures. With cryo-electron microscopy vesicles were found to be smooth, rippled and faceted or faceted only, depending on the temperature of thin-film formation (318, 312 and 296 K respectively). The morphology and the electron diffraction patterns indicate that membranes can by physically fixed by vitrification in their high-temperature configuration and studied at low temperature by cryo-electron microscopy. This finding suggests that it may also be possible to preserve, in their original state, the more complex membrane systems found in living organisms by initiating rapid-cooling at a physiological temperature. This was explored by vitrification of thin films formed on specimen grids with (human) blood platelets adhering to collagen fibres. Low-temperature observation with an acceleration voltage of 120 kV revealed subcellular details, More details were observed when using higher accelerating voltages (200 and 300 kV) of the electron beam. The results presented in this paper illustrate the great potential of cryo-electron microscopy in the study of membrane dynamics, both in relatively simple model membrane systems and in more complex biological membrane systems.

Blood Platelets↗

PubMed1985

Evaluation of flatbed reciprocal motion agitators for resuspension of stored platelet concentrates.

We studied the storage characteristics of platelet concentrates prepared in polyolefin (PL-732) and thin-film polyvinyl chloride (CLX) plastic bags and stored on a newly designed flatbed reciprocal motion agitator with a 1.5 inch (3.8 cm) lateral movement and an oscillation frequency of 70 cycles/min. We also studied the ability of this device to resuspend the platelet button formed after preparative centrifugation. Results showed that platelet concentrates stored on the 1.5-inch shaker had storage characteristics equivalent to those reported for the conventional 70 cycles/min, 1-inch (2.5-cm) lateral movement flatbed shaker. Due to a more rapid acceleration and deceleration rate, however, the 1.5-inch shaker resuspended the platelet button formed after preparative centrifugation much more efficiently than did the less dynamic 1-inch shaker. Furthermore, with either agitator, platelet aggregates in the CLX bag were more readily resuspended than were aggregates in the PL-732 bag due in part to differences in plastic bag wall elasticity.

Blood Platelets↗

PubMed1987

Divisionistic generation of skin hue and the change of shade in the scalycheek damselfish, Pomacentrus lepidogenys.

In addition to melanophores and xanthophores, there existed two types of iridophore in the dermis of the scalycheek damselfish, Pomacentrus lepidogenys. There are dendritic iridophores which reflect white light-rays by Tyndall scattering, and the round or somewhat ellipsoidal iridophores which reflect rays with a relatively narrow spectral peak from blue to green through the non-ideal thin-film interference. Most of the dendritic iridophores were covered with xanthophores and were situated over melanophores, thus constituting a kind of chromatophore unit which produces a yellow or yellowish-green color. The characteristic yellowish-green hue of the integument results from a compound effect of small contributions by more elementary colors. During color changes of the skin, the position of the spectral peak does not shift. Unlike the iridophores of the blue damselfish, both types of iridophore of the scalycheek damselfish were found to be inactive. It appears, therefore, that the aggregation and dispersion of pigment within the melanophores is the primary mechanism responsible for the changes in color of this species.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Demonstration of megavoltage and diagnostic x-ray imaging with hydrogenated amorphous silicon arrays.

Flat-panel imagers consisting of the first large area, self-scanning, pixelated, solid-state arrays made with hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) are under development by the authors for applications in diagnostic x-ray and megavoltage radiotherapy imaging. The arrays, designated by the acronym MASDA for multi-element amorphous silicon detector array, consist of a two-dimensional array of a-Si:H photodiodes and thin-film transistors and are used in conjunction with scintillating materials. Imagers utilizing MASDA arrays offer a variety of advantages over existing technologies. This article presents initial megavoltage and diagnostic-quality x-ray images taken with several such arrays including the first examples of anatomical-phantom images. The external readout electronics and imaging techniques required to obtain such images are outlined, the construction, operation, and advantages of the arrays briefly reviewed, and the future potential of this new technology discussed.

Diagnostic Imaging↗

PubMed1988

Scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic force microscopy: application to biology and technology.

The scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and the atomic force microscope (AFM) are scanning probe microscopes capable of resolving surface detail down to the atomic level. The potential of these microscopes for revealing subtle details of structure is illustrated by atomic resolution images including graphite, an organic conductor, an insulating layered compound, and individual adsorbed oxygen atoms on a semiconductor. Application of the STM for imaging biological materials directly has been hampered by the poor electron conductivity of most biological samples. The use of thin conductive metal coatings and replicas has made it possible to image some biological samples, as indicated by recently obtained images of a recA-DNA complex, a phospholipid bilayer, and an enzyme crystal. The potential of the AFM, which does not require a conductive sample, is shown with molecular resolution images of a nonconducting organic monolayer and an amino acid crystal that reveals individual methyl groups on the ends of the amino acids. Applications of these new microscopes to technology are demonstrated with images of an optical disk stamper, a diffraction grating, a thin-film magnetic recording head, and a diamond cutting tool. The STM has even been used to improve the quality of diffraction gratings and magnetic recording heads.

Animals↗

PubMed1986

Oxygen equilibrium curve shape and allohemoglobin interaction in sheep whole blood.

Adult sheep (Ovis aries) exhibit hemoglobin heterogeneity controlled by two autosomal alleles with codominant expression (Hb AA, AB, BB). Isoelectric points for Hb A and Hb B were 6.94 and 7.15, respectively; for Hb AB animals, the two allohemoglobins were present in equimolar concentrations (Hb A = 52%, Hb B = 48%). Dynamic O2 equilibrium curves (O2ECs) were generated for sheep whole blood at 39 degrees C using thin-film techniques. Half-saturation PO2 values (P50) at pH 7.50 were 31.3, 35.7, and 40.7 Torr for Hb AA, AB, and BB, respectively. CO2 Bohr coefficients at saturation (S) = 0.5 (delta log P50/delta pH) were similar for all phenotypes, ranging from -0.38 to -0.40. The Bohr slopes were also saturation independent between 0.2 and 0.8 S. Standard O2ECs for each phenotype were accurately fitted to three-constant third-order polynomial expressions. Sheep equilibrium curves were not isomorphic with other mammalian O2ECs (e.g., human and dog); sheep curves exhibited greater sigmoidicity. Furthermore, allohemoglobin interaction was not detected in heterozygous sheep. The blood O2 binding characteristics (P50, curve shape, and delta log PO2/delta pH) for Hb AB sheep and an experimental blood mixture containing equal proportions of Hb AA and Hb BB erythrocytes were equivalent.

Alleles↗

PubMed1990

Evaluation of a silicon-substrate modiolar eighth nerve implant in a guinea pig.

The availability of thin-film multichannel electrodes provides new possibilities for implantation and direct stimulation of the modiolar portion of the auditory nerve. Electrodes in direct contact with the auditory nerve should be functional at lower thresholds and might require fewer remaining neurons for stimulation compared to electrodes in the scala tympani. This strategy would also provide close contact with neural elements subserving a greater frequency range. Implantation of the eighth nerve may also be advantageous in profoundly deaf subjects who lack an implantable scala tympani. In this study we evaluated the effect of surgical implantation and chronic placement of a silicon substrate implant in the modiolar portion of the auditory nerve of the guinea pig. Of six chronically implanted ears, five showed changes limited to the loss of spiral ganglion cells in the canal of Rosenthal, immediately adjacent to the implant. The sixth ear showed more extensive cochlear alteration in a pattern suggestive of vascular injury. In separate acute experiments, implants were placed in the modiolar portion of the auditory nerve and electrophysiologic analysis was performed. Middle latency responses with good morphology were obtained at thresholds below those found with scala tympani implants. Input-output functions exhibited a plateau in response amplitude at stimulus levels below thresholds for seventh or vestibular portion of the eighth nerve. Further modifications of the modiolar portion of the auditory nerve electrode design will include development of an electrode interconnect that will allow chronic implantation with stimulation.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

[The preparation and stability of liposome-encapsulated Ara-A].

This paper uses several preparation methods, such as thin-film, reverse-phase evaporation and freeze-thawing methods, and also compares encapsulation percentage of Ara-A in liposome (EN%) of these methods. The best operational conditions of preparing liposome-encapsulated Ara-A are explored. A higher EN%, about 50%, which is ten times that reported in foreign literature, is obtained by using improved freeze-thawing method, and this method is easy to operate and repeatable. At the same time, the physical and chemical stabilities of the liposome-encapsulated Ara-A were observed. The result shows that there are no distinct changes in shape, size distribution of liposome, and EN% as well as Ara-A contained in liposome by means of sterilization at 100 degrees C for 30 minutes. Accelerating test at a constant temperature indicates that liposome-entrapped Ara-A has certain chemical stability.

Drug Stability↗

PubMed1990

Antigen-binding activity of antibodies immobilized on styrene copolymer beads.

An important element of the Kodak thin-film immunoassay is antibody immobilized on small polymer beads. Monodisperse styrene copolymer beads offer a well-defined, high surface area substrate for covalent immobilization of monoclonal antibodies. The authors have used the ability of an immobilized monoclonal antibody directed against phenobarbitol, Phe 1.9, to recognize an antigen-enzyme conjugate to determine the extent of antibody activity retention and find that the packing density of antibody at the surface and the copolymer composition are important variables. For polystyrene homopolymer and some copolymers, antibody retention is greater as the packing density at the surface increases. Small changes in the copolymer composition, such as addition of 1% acrylamide or 10% acrylic acid, significantly increase the retention of binding activity of the antibody. The chemistry for covalent coupling of the antibody to the surface is also important. Phe 1.9 coupled to chloromethyl styrene copolymer beads retains less activity than when coupled to vinyl sulfone copolymer beads. Monodisperse sytrene copolymer beads provide great flexibility in the design of rapid immunoassays since a copolymer bead can be tailored to the specific requirements of the antibody and the analyte.

Antigen-Antibody Reactions↗

PubMed1988

Early detection of skeletal muscle injury by assay of creatine kinase MM isoforms in serum after acute exercise.

We could detect skeletal muscle injury early after an acute exercise bout by measuring creatine kinase (CK, EC 2.7.3.2) MM isoforms in serum. Eleven men performed 120 alternating-arm, eccentric (muscle lengthening) biceps contractions with the intensity of each contraction being 110% of maximal concentric strength--a form of exercise previously shown to cause significant increases of CK in serum at 24 h and muscle soreness 48 h after exercise. Total CK and CK-MM isoform activities in serum were determined before and at 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, and 6 h after exercise. Using thin-film agarose gels and a rapid isoelectric focusing technique, we separated the MM isoforms into MM3 (skeletal muscle form), MM2, and MM1 (in vivo conversion forms). The isoforms reflected the MM form released into the serum from tissue as well as the conversion of one form to another. There were no significant increases in total CK from before to 6 h after exercise: 75 (SD 36) vs 91 (SD 33) U/L. However, CK MM3 in serum increased significantly (P less than 0.01) within 2 h after exercise from 22 (SD 6)% to 28 (SD 6)%. The MM3 to MM1 ratio also increased significantly (P less than 0.05) during this time, from 0.6 (SD 0.3) to 0.9 (SD 0.4). Thus, quantification of CK MM isoforms permitted very early detection of skeletal muscle enzyme release.

Creatine Kinase↗

PubMed1987

Analytical systems ranked by freedom from interferences.

We determined the effect of hemolysis, lipemia, and bilirubinemia on clinical-chemical analytical results under standardized conditions, for serum specimens prepared by us. Our purpose was to assess results obtained with 22 commonly available analytical systems. The quantitative rating scheme described is derived from the observed interference(s) divided by the number of analytical methods evaluated. The combined ranking reveals which chemistry analyzers are least affected and which are most affected by the added substances. Generally, systems that incorporate physical barriers or protein-separation steps perform better than those without thin-film layers, glass-fiber barriers, or dialysis membranes. Among the "direct" analyzers, fewer interferences are seen if appropriate "blanking" wavelengths are used, especially if a "specimen blank" absorbance is used appropriately in the analytical system. Centrifugal analyzers tended to perform poorly, according to the criteria presented here.

Autoanalysis↗

PubMed1986

A multilayer element for determining hemoglobin in whole blood: principles and analytical performance.

We described the structure and analytical performance of a thin-film element for determining total hemoglobin in whole blood. The element can be used with the Kodak Ektachem DT60 analyzer. The method, analogous to the standard Drabkin's method, provides accurate and precise results on 10-microL samples of undiluted whole blood. Dynamic range is linear from 0 to 200 g/L, and the method is relatively free from interference.

Autoanalysis↗

PubMed1976

Controlled environment culture of bone marrow explants from human myeloma.

Bone marrow biopsy specimens from patients with myeloma were cultured in either 1 of 2 thin-film culture systems, a controlled environment steady state system or a rocker tube configuration of the system, for periods up to 42 days. Both functional and morphological characteristics of the myeloma cells were well-maintained in these systems. Cytocentrifuge preparations of the culture media disclosed hematopoietic cells that included from 5% to almost 100% plasma cells. Histological examination of the cultured specimens disclosed infiltration of the marrow with myeloma cells. Myeloma proteins were released at a steady rate throughout the period of culture after the 1st 4 days. Bone-resorbing activity was demonstrated in the culture media in 7 of 9 myeloma culture media and was well maintained, particularly during the 1st week of culture. This activity was associated with severe osteolytic lesions in the donor patient and marked infiltration of the cultured specimen by myeloma cells. The potential use of these organ culture systems for the further definitive identification of the factor responsible for bone destruction in myeloma is discussed.

Bone Marrow↗

PubMed1966

A comparative study of thick and thin blood films in the diagnosis of scanty malaria parasitaemia.

In an attempt to explain the shortcomings of the routine thick-film examination in the diagnosis of scanty malaria parasitaemias, a direct comparison, in terms of positivity and parasite counts, was made between the results of routine thick-film study and long-term examination of thin films taken at the same time from the same individuals. Calculation of the average thickness of the thick and thin films prepared allowed these comparative results to be corrected according to the actual volume of blood examined. From these corrected figures it was observed that both parasite counts and positivity were significantly higher in the thin-film series, and it has been deduced that heavy losses in parasites, varying from 60% to 90%, occurred during the dehaemoglobinization and staining of thick films.The epidemiological implications of this finding in malaria practice are discussed. Emphasis is laid on the importance of further research in order to improve the sensitivity of the routine thick film in the diagnosis of the scanty parasitaemias met with in the later stages of malaria-eradication programmes.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2026

Enhanced Performance in All-Inorganic AgBiS2 Photodetectors via Oxygen-Inhibited Spray Pyrolysis Deposition.

AgBiS2 has emerged as a promising optoelectronic material due to its broad spectral response and strong light absorption. However, the current use of high-boiling solvents and organic buffers restricts fundamental studies and further performance optimization of AgBiS2's intrinsic properties. In this study, we develop an organic buffer-free AgBiS2 photodetector prepared using a low-temperature ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technique. Our theoretical analysis revealed that oxygen doping alters the optoelectronic characteristics by enhancing the density of states near the Fermi level, leading to consequent severe nonradiative charge carrier recombination. By incorporating excess thiourea while maintaining optimal substrate temperature for enhanced crystallinity, we successfully suppress oxygen defects and consequently improve photodetection performance. The optimized device exhibits a high responsivity of 0.046 A W-1 at 1050 nm, a low noise level (<8.5 × 10-19 A2 Hz-1), and a fast response time (0.07 μs rise, 0.60 μs decay). Benefiting from the rapid response, the photodetector delivers high-resolution imaging with sharp edge definition. This work eliminates the interference of organic buffer layers to directly reveal how oxygen defect modulation affects the intrinsic optoelectronic properties of AgBiS2, offering a scalable pathway for high-performance, solution-processed photodetectors.

near-infrared detector↗