Mixed thread/paper‐based microfluidic chips as a platform for glucose assays

A novel microfluidic thread/paper‐based analytical device (μTPAD) to detect glucose through a colorimetric assay is described. The μTPAD was fabricated from nylon thread trifurcated into three channels terminating at analysis sites comprised of circular zones of chromatography paper, which have previously been spotted with glucose of different concentrations. A solution of glucose oxidase (GOx), horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and potassium iodide (KI) is transported via capillary action to the analysis sites where a yellow‐brown color is observed indicating oxidation of iodide to iodine. The device was then dried, scanned, and analyzed yielding a correlation between yellow intensity and glucose concentrations. Both a flat platform constructed mainly of tape, and a cone platform constructed from tape and polyvinyl chloride, are described. Studies to quantitate glucose in artificial urine showed good correlation using the μTPAD.     

Water-soluble carbosilane dendrimers: synthesis biocompatibility and complexation with oligonucleotides; evaluation for medical applications

Novel amine- or ammonium-terminated carbosilane dendrimers of type nG-[Si{OCH2(C6H3)-3,5-(OCH2CH2NMe2)2}]x, nG-[Si{O(CH2)2N(Me)(CH2)2NMe2}]x and nG-[Si{(CH2)3NH2}]x or nG-[Si{OCH2(C6H3)-3,5-(OCH2CH2NMe3 +I-)2}]x, nG-[Si{O(CH2)2N(Me)(CH2)2NMe3 +I-}]x, and nG-[Si{(CH2)3NH3 +Cl-}]x have been synthesized and characterized up to the third generation by two strategies: 1) alcoholysis of Si--Cl bonds with amino alcohols and subsequent quaternization with MeI, and 2) hydrosilylation of allylamine with Si--H bonds of the dendritic systems and subsequent quaternization with HCl. Quaternized carbosilane dendrimers are soluble in water, although degradation is apparent due to hydrolysis of Si--O bonds. However, dendrimers containing Si--C bonds are water-stable. The biocompatibility of the second-generation dendrimers in primary cell cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and erythrocytes have been analyzed, and they show good toxicity profiles over extended periods. In addition, we describe a study on the interactions between the different carbosilane dendrimers and DNA oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) and plasmids along with a comparative analysis of their toxicity. They can form complexes with DNA ODNs and plasmids at biocompatible doses via electrostatic interaction. Also a preliminary transfection assay has been accomplished. These results demonstrate that the new ammonium-terminated carbosilane dendrimers are good base molecules to be considered for biomedical applications.     

Measurements and Hauser-Feshbach analysis of the10B(16O,6Li)20Ne reaction

States in²⁰Ne were populated by the¹⁰B(¹⁶O,⁶Li) reaction, and levels were observed up to 11 MeV in excitation energy. Cross sections were measured at 7° (lab) for bombarding energies from 44.4 to 46 MeV in 400 keV intervals. The reaction appears to be predominantly due to compound nucleus formation, and good agreement was found between the measured cross sections and Hauser-Feshbach calculations, assuming the known spin values of²⁰Ne.     

Experimental Investigation of the Mechanical Behavior and Permeability of 3D Printed Sandstone Analogues Under Triaxial Conditions

Transport in Porous Media - Consolidated drained triaxial tests arise as one of the most exhaustive methods to quantify the strength, volumetric behavior and failure process of rocks. Understanding...     

Comparison of quantum,semi-classical and classical methods in the calculation of nitrogen self-broadened linewidths

We perform dynamical calculations on two robust N₂–N₂ potential energy surfaces in order to intercompare pressure broadening coefficients derived from close coupling and coupled states quantum dynamical methods, the semi-classical model of Robert and Bonamy and a full classical method. The coupled states and full classical results compare well with the experimental results or with close coupling values when available. This study confirms that the classical method is a good alternative at room and high temperatures to quantum dynamical methods. The results obtained using the semi-classical method however deviate from the other sets of data at all temperatures considered here (77–2400 K).