Efficient formation of uniform-sized embryoid bodies using a compartmentalized microchannel device

The formation of spherical aggregates of cells called embryoid bodies (EBs) is an indispensable step in many protocols in which embryonic stem (ES) cells are differentiated to other cell types. Appropriate morphology and embryo size are critical for the sequential developmental stages of naturally conceived embryos. Likewise, regulating the size of EBs and the timing of their formation is crucial for controlling the differentiation of ES cells within the EB. Existing methods of formation of EBs, however, are tedious or provide heterogeneously-sized EBs. Here we describe a microfluidic system for straightforward synchronized formation of uniform-sized EBs, the size of which can be controlled by changing the cross-sectional size of microchannels in the microfluidic device. The device consists of two microchannels separated by a semi-porous polycarbonate membrane treated to be resistant to cell adhesion. ES cells introduced into the upper channel self-aggregate to form uniformly-sized EBs. The semi-porous membrane also allows subsequent treatment of the non-attached EBs with different reagents from the lower channel without the need for wash out because of the compartmentalization afforded by the membrane. This method provides a simple yet robust means to control the formation of EBs and the subsequent differentiation of ES cells in a format compatible for ES cell processing on a chip.     

Electrochemical intermediate species and reaction pathway in H2 oxidation on solid electrolytes

We use spatially resolved photoelectron spectroscopy performed in operando to identify the reaction intermediates of the hydrogen electro-oxidation reaction on yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolytes with Pt electrodes. We find that hydroxyl on the zirconia electrolyte is a reaction intermediate in the hydrogen oxidation reaction and that it participates in the rate-determining step. In contrast to the general wisdom, the limiting step does not involve the transfer of charge. These results allow us to propose the detailed reaction pathway, which provides direct insight into how to accelerate the kinetics.     

Size of the freeze-out source in high energy heavy ion collisions

Based on a hydro-inspired azimuthally symmetric emission function, we analyze the HBT radius Rs and the single-particle transverse momentum spectra in Au+Au collisions measured by the STAR Collaboration at SNN = 200 GeV. The results show that consistent assumptions about transverse density (and/or flow profile) in the calculation of the HBT radius Rs and single-particle spectral analyses play an important role for understanding the size of the freeze-out source.     

Periodic wavetrains for systems of coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations

Exact, periodic wavetrains for systems of coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations are obtained by the Hirota bilinear method and theta functions identities. Both the bright and dark soliton regimes are treated, and the solutions involve products of elliptic functions. The validity of these solutions is verified independently by a computer algebra software. The long wave limit is studied. Physical implications will be assessed.     

Antihypertensive Activity of dl-Tetrahydropalmatine,an Active Alkaloid Isolated from the Tubers of Corydalis racemosa

The antihypertensive activity of dl-tetrahydropalmatine hydrochloride (THP), isolated from the tubers of Corydalis racemosa (Thunb.) Pers. (Papaveraceae), was investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) using intravenous injection. A dose-dependent lowering of blood pressure was observed in SHRs. Decrease of plasma noradrenaline was also obtained in SHRs that received injection of THP. Direct injection of THP into brain lowered the blood pressure and plasma noradrenaline. This antihypertensive action of THP appears to be produced mainly by an effect on central nervous system to lower sympathetic tone in SHRs.     

Microfluidic chip of fast DNA hybridization using denaturing and motion of nucleic acids

This study presents the effect of fluidic temperatures and velocities on improving DNA hybridization. The efficiency of hybridization could be improved by introducing elevated temperature in the hot region and velocity in the cold region. Compared with the conventional methods, this hybridization microchip was able to increase the hybridization signal 4.6-fold within 30 min. The 1.4-kb single-stranded target DNA was tested. The increasing tendency of the fluorescence intensity was apparent when the temperature was higher than 82 degrees C, and the fluorescence intensity reached an asymptotic value at T>90 degrees C. A mathematical model was proposed to relate the fluorescence intensity of DNA hybridization with the hot-region temperature and the cold-region velocity. Based on these results, the new hybridization chip with the processes of temperature and velocity differences will improve efficiency of DNA detection. The microchip combined with hot-region temperature and cold-region bulk flow velocity effects could provide additional efficiency in DNA hybridization.