Steady flow generation in microcirculatory systems

In this paper we explore the mechanical generation of steady-non pulsatile-flow in microfluidic systems. The rationale of the paper is inspired in the example of cardiovascular systems where at the microscale (i.e. capillaries) the flow is steady rather than pulsatile to optimize performance. We present a solution to the generation of steady flow in engineered microfluidic systems either in open or closed loop configurations via the use of disc pumps. The disc pump consists of a flat rotating disc and utilizes both viscous drag and centrifugal force to achieve pumping. Experiments using single loop and double loop microfluidic systems are presented to characterize the disc pump. Continuous flow generated by the disc pumps can be used to separate particles based on size using recirculating loops and for extraction of small particles without disturbing the concentration of bigger particles. The potential impact of this technology includes sample separation and extraction techniques into portable microfluidic labs-on-a-chip, and long term culture systems for cells in suspension.     

Capillary inserts in microcirculatory systems

Microfluidic loops (i.e. closed fluid paths) pose specific practical challenges such as priming, introducing analytes or reagents in a controlled way and sampling products. In this technical note we address these three issues using a removable part of the microchannel that we call a 'capillary insert'.     

Lithium exchange processes in the conduction network of the Nasicon LiTi2-xZrx(PO4)3 Series (0 < or = x < or = 2)

Structural sites occupied by lithium in the rhombohedral LiTi2-xZrx(PO4)3 series (0 < or = x < or = 2) have been investigated by 7Li NMR spectroscopy. At room temperature, the XRD patterns of the end-members of the series display rhombohedral R3c symmetry in LiTi2(PO4)3 and triclinic C in LiZr2(PO4)3. In the first compound, Li ions occupy M1 sites; however, in the second one Li occupy intermediate M1/2 sites. As the temperature increases, a first-order displacive transformation is detected in the triclinic phase, but a second-order/disorder transition is detected in the rhombohedral phase. From the temperature dependence of the 7Li NMR quadrupole constant (CQ) of the two compounds, the evolution of M1 and M1/2 sites occupancy in the Nasicon conduction network has been deduced. At high temperatures, analyzed phases tend toward a disordered rhombohedral phase, in which both M1 and M1/2 sites are equally populated and in which lithium mobility is favored by the existence of vacant M1 sites. According to this study, this phase can also be obtained by substituting Ti by Zr in the LiTi2-xZrx(PO4)3 series.     

Nonconvex optimization using negative curvature within a modified linesearch

This paper describes a new algorithm for the solution of nonconvex unconstrained optimization problems, with the property of converging to points satisfying second-order necessary optimality conditions. The algorithm is based on a procedure which, from two descent directions, a Newton-type direction and a direction of negative curvature, selects in each iteration the linesearch model best adapted to the properties of these directions. The paper also presents results of numerical experiments that illustrate its practical efficiency.     

Highly stereoselective synthesis of steroidal 2,5-diketopiperazines based on isocyanide chemistry

In this Letter we report that the Ugi reaction/cyclization sequence on a steroidal 17-carboxaldehyde leads to novel steroidal 2,5-diketopiperazines with a noteworthy stereoselectivity. A wide variety in the substitution pattern in the heterocyclic moiety was easily achieved by changing the components in the Ugi reaction.     

Generalized Arago–Fresnel laws: the EME-flow-line description

We study experimentally and theoretically the influence of light polarization on the interference patterns behind a diffracting grating. Different states of polarization and configurations are considered. The experiments are analyzed in terms of electromagnetic energy (EME) flow lines, which can be eventually identified with the paths followed by photons. This gives rise to a novel trajectory interpretation of the Arago–Fresnel laws for polarized light, which we compare with interpretations based on the concept of “which-way” (or “which-slit”) information.