Motor-protein "roundabouts": microtubules moving on kinesin-coated tracks through engineered networks

Nanotechnology promises to enhance the functionality and sensitivity of miniaturized analytical systems. For example, nanoscale transport systems, which are driven by molecular motors, permit the controlled movement of select cargo along predetermined paths. Such shuttle systems may enhance the detection efficiency of an analytical system or facilitate the controlled assembly of sophisticated nanostructures if transport can be coordinated through complex track networks. This study determines the feasibility of complex track networks using kinesin motor proteins to actively transport microtubule shuttles along micropatterned surfaces. In particular, we describe the performance of three basic structural motifs: (1) crossing junctions, (2) directional sorters, and (3) concentrators. We also designed track networks that successfully sort and collect microtubule shuttles, pointing the way towards lab-on-a-chip devices powered by active transport instead of pressure-driven or electroosmotic flow.     

Narrow band quantitative and multivariate electroencephalogram analysis of peri-adolescent period

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The peri-adolescent period is a crucial developmental moment of transition from childhood to emergent adulthood. The present report analyses the differences in Power Spectrum (PS) of the Electroencephalogram (EEG) between late childhood (24 children between 8 and 13 years old) and young adulthood (24 young adults between 18 and 23 years old). RESULTS: The narrow band analysis of the Electroencephalogram was computed in the frequency range of 0--20 Hz. The analysis of mean and variance suggested that six frequency ranges presented a different rate of maturation at these ages, namely: low delta, delta-theta, low alpha, high alpha, low beta and high beta. For most of these bands the maturation seems to occur later in anterior sites than posterior sites. Correlational analysis showed a lower pattern of correlation between different frequencies in children than in young adults, suggesting a certain asynchrony in the maturation of different rhythms. The topographical analysis revealed similar topographies of the different rhythms in children and young adults. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrated the same internal structure for the Electroencephalogram of both age groups. Principal Component Analysis allowed to separate four subcomponents in the alpha range. All these subcomponents peaked at a lower frequency in children than in young adults. CONCLUSIONS: The present approaches complement and solve some of the incertitudes when the classical brain broad rhythm analysis is applied. Children have a higher absolute power than young adults for frequency ranges between 0-20 Hz, the correlation of Power Spectrum (PS) with age and the variance age comparison showed that there are six ranges of frequencies that can distinguish the level of EEG maturation in children and adults. The establishment of maturational order of different frequencies and its possible maturational interdependence would require a complete series including all the different ages.     

Personal neutron dosimetry in the space station MIR and the Space Shuttle

A passive neutron dosemeter based on nuclear track detectors and TLD's was used in 1995 and 1997 on the MIR station and in Space Shuttle flights to MIR. As it is equipped with neutron converters and shieldings of different types the track detector system allows the neutron dose equivalent to be determined in rough energy intervals. The results of the measurements on the MIR station and in the Space Shuttle flights are presented and the influence of charged particles in the complex mixed radiation field in space is discussed. Improvements are possible by means of a new active neutron dosemeter which is under development at the PTB. First measurements with a prototype in the high-energy reference fields at CERN are presented and discussed.     

Self-diffusion of uranium in uranium dicarbide UC2

The self-diffusion of uranium in uranium dicarbide, UC₂, was measured between 1670 and 2500 K using the α-energy degradation method with the thin layer condition and U-233 as tracer. The activation enthalpy was 5.7 ± 0.2 eV. A discontinuity was indicated at ≈ 2050 K, the transition temperature of α-UC₂ to β-UC₂.     

Integral equation formulation for buoyancy-driven convection problems

An integral equation formulation for buoyancy-driven convection problems is developed and illustrated. Buoyancy-driven convection in a bounded cylindrical geometry with a free surface is studied for a range of aspect ratios and Nusselt numbers. The critical Rayleigh number, the nature of the cellular motion, and the heat transfer enhancement are computed using linear theory. Green's functions are used to convert the linear problem into linear Fredholm integral equations. Theorems are proved which establish the properties of the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the linear integral operator which appears in these equations.     

Ratchet patterns sort molecular shuttles

Molecular shuttles based on microtubules propelled by motor proteins can be guided on surfaces by adsorbing motors in chemical patterns or by using open guiding channels. While chemical patterns can guide microtubules based on a Brownian ratchet mechanism, the rigidity of the microtubules limits guiding to features with dimensions on the order of their persistence length (5 mm). To achieve guiding on micron-scale dimensions, physical barriers are required which can exploit the forces exerted by multiple motors to bend tubules into tight radii of curvature. Microtubule guiding is illustrated for the case of a special ratchet pattern that is capable of sorting microtubules on the basis of the direction of their motion. Received: 3 December 2001 / Accepted: 11 February 2002 / Published online: 22 April 2002