Microrobotics and MEMS-based fabrication techniques for scaffold-based tissue engineering

Scaffold based tissue engineering strategies use cells, biomolecules and a scaffold to promote the repair and regeneration of tissues. Although scaffold-based tissue engineering approaches are being actively developed, most are still experimental, and it is not yet clear what defines an ideal scaffold/cell construct. Solid free form fabrication (SFF) techniques can precisely control matrix architecture (size, shape, interconnectivity, branching, geometry and orientation). The SFF methods enable the fabrication of scaffolds with various designs and material compositions, thus providing a control of mechanical properties, biological effects and degradation kinetics. This paper reviews the application of micro-robotics and MEMS-based fabrication techniques for scaffold design and fabrication. It also presents a novel robotic technique to fabricate scaffold/cell constructs for tissue engineering by the assembly of microscopic building blocks.     

Hyperpolarizabilities for the one-dimensional infinite single-electron periodic systems. II. Dipole-dipole versus current-current correlations

Based on Takayama-Lin-Liu-Maki model, analytical expressions for the third-harmonic generation, dc Kerr effect, dc-induced second-harmonic optical Kerr effect, optical Kerr effect or intensity-dependent index of refraction, and dc-electric-field-induced optical rectification are derived under the static current-current (J0J0) correlation for one-dimensional infinite chains. The results of hyperpolarizabilities under J0J0 correlation are then compared with those obtained using the dipole-dipole correlation. The comparison shows that the conventional J0J0 correlation, albeit quite successful for the linear case, is incorrect for studying the nonlinear optical properties of periodic systems.     

Effect of solvent composition on free release static coating of capillary columns

Summary Three aspects with respect to the selection of solvents for static coating of capillary columns, i.e. coating speed, occurrence of bumping and solubility of stationary phases are discussed. Hypotheses are proposed in an attempt to explain the observed facts that mixed solvents result in much higher coating speeds than those obtained from pure solvents, that a proper choice of solvents together with a good and uniform deactivitation of the column inner wall is needed to prevent bumping. Stationary phase solubility vs. solvent composition is also briefly discussed.     

Ring closure reaction of 4-(2-hydroxyanilino)-2-phenyl-5-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid with acetic anhydride. Synthesis of pyrimido[5,4-c] [1,5]benzoxazepin-5(11H)ones

Syntheses of 11-acety1-2-phenylpyrimido[5,4-c][1,5]benzoxazepin-5(11H)one ( 16a ) and analogs ( 16b,c, 22 ) were described. The reaction of 4-chloro-2-phenyl-5-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid ethyl ester ( 7 ) with 2-aminophenol afforded 4-(2-hydroxyanilino)-2-phenyl-5-pyrimidine-carboxylic acid ethyl ester ( 8a ). The latter was also prepared by catalytic reduction of 4-(2-nitrophenoxy)-2-phenyl-5-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid ethyl ester ( 9 ), which was obtained from 7 and 2-nitrophenol. Involvement of 4-(2-aminophenoxy)-2-phenyl-5-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid ethyl ester ( 12a ) in this reduction as an intermediate was demonstrated by an independent synthesis of 12a and its subsequent rearrangement to 8a. Hydrolysis of 8a or 12a gave 4-(2-hydroxyanilino)-2-phenyl-5-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid ( 15a ). Reaction of 15a with acetic anhydride afforded 16a , the first member of a novel ring system, the pyrimido[5,4- c ][1,5]-benzoxazepin. Additional examples ( 16b,c ) were prepared similarly. The corresponding 11-ethyl derivative ( 22 ) was prepared in similar fashion, starting with 7 and 2-ethylaminophenol. A possible reaction mechanism for the formation of 16a-c from 15a-c and acetic anhydride was discussed.     

Direct STM investigation of cinchona alkaloid adsorption on Cu(III)

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) combined with cyclic voltammetry has been employed to investigate the adsorption of cinchonine on Cu(111). Similar to cinchonidine, cinchonine forms a long-range ordered adlayer with (4 x 4) symmetry on the substrate. The structural details on molecular adsorption were obtained by high-resolution STM images. On the basis of the previous results and obtained STM images, the quinoline ring is proposed to lie parallel to Cu(111) and serve as an anchoring group. The chiral quinuclidine moiety extends out of the surface to facilitate the interaction with the prochiral reactants.