Laboratory Bench Research Articles

Miniature Robots for Battling Bacterial Infection.

Micro/nanorobots have shown great promise for minimally invasive bacterial infection therapy. However, bacterial infections usually form biofilms inside the body by aggregation and adhesion, preventing antibiotic penetration and increasing the likelihood of recurrence. Moreover, a substantial portion of the infection happens in those hard-to-access regions, making delivery of antibiotics to infected sites or tissues difficult and exacerbating the challenge of addressing bacterial infections. Micro/nanorobots feature exceptional mobility and controllability, are able to deliver drugs to specific sites (targeted delivery), and enhance drug penetration. In particular, the emergence of bioinspired microrobot surface design strategies have provided effective alternatives for treating infections, thereby preventing the possible development of bacterial resistance. In this paper, we review the recent advances in design, mechanism, and actuation modalities of micro/nanorobots with exceptional antimicrobial features, highlighting active therapy strategies for bacterial infections and derived complications at various organs, from the laboratory bench to in vivo applications. The current challenges and future research directions in this field are summarized. Those breakthroughs in micro/nanorobots offer a huge potential for clinical translation for bacterial infection therapy.

The Purple Tomato Story; From Laboratory Bench to the Consumer

The Purple Tomato Story; From Laboratory Bench to the Consumer

Expanding Human Breg for Cellular Therapy in Transplantation: Time for Translation.

Regulatory B cells (Breg) are instrumental in protecting allografts in transplantation. Breg signatures are identified in operationally tolerant human kidney transplant recipients and can predict organ survival and acute rejection. Animal models of transplantation and autoimmunity support the use of Breg as an adoptive cellular therapy. Detailed mechanistic studies have identified multiple signaling pathways utilized by Breg in their induction, expansion, and downstream function. These preclinical studies provide the guiding principles, which will inform protocols by which to expand this crucial immunoregulatory population before clinical use. There is an urgent need for novel therapies to improve long-term transplant outcomes and to minimize immunosuppression-related morbidity including life-threatening infection and cancer. Systematic evaluation of the signals, which drive Breg expansion, will be key to transforming the as of yet unharnessed potential of this potent immunoregulatory cell. In this review, we explore the potential avenues of translating Breg subsets from cell culture at the laboratory bench to cell therapy at the patient's bedside. We will discuss the standardization of Breg phenotypes to aid in precursor population selection and quality control of a Breg-cell therapy product. We will evaluate avenues by which to optimize protocols to drive human Breg expansion to levels sufficient for cellular therapy. Finally, we will examine the steps required in process development including scalable culture systems and quality control measures to deliver a viable Breg-cell therapy product for administration to a transplant recipient.

Autonomous Battery Optimization by Deploying Distributed Experiments and Simulations

AbstractNon‐trivial relationships link individual materials properties to device‐level performance. Device optimization therefore calls for new automation approaches beyond the laboratory bench with tight integration of different research methods. This study demonstrates a Materials Acceleration Platform (MAP) in the field of battery research based on the problem‐agnostic Fast INtention‐Agnostic LEarning Server (FINALES) framework, which integrates simulations and physical experiments while leaving the active control of the hardware and software resources executing experiments or simulations with the partners running the respective units. This decentralization of control is a distinctive feature of MAPs using the FINALES framework. The connected capabilities entail the formulation and characterization of electrolytes, cell assembly and testing, early lifetime prediction, and ontology‐mapped data storage provided by institutions distributed across Europe. The infrastructure is used to optimize the ionic conductivity of electrolytes and the End Of Life (EOL) of lithium‐ion coin cells by varying the electrolyte formulation. Trends in ionic conductivity are rediscovered and the effect of the electrolyte formulation on the EOL is investigated. Further, the capability of this MAP to bridge diverse research modalities, scales, and institutions enabling system‐level investigations under asynchronous conditions while handling concurrent workflows on the material‐ and system‐level is shown, demonstrating true intention‐agnosticism.

Methodology for Testing Selected Parameters of Low-Current Vacuum Electric Arc

This article presents the author’s methodology for testing selected parameters of a low-current vacuum arc, implemented using an innovative test stand based on a vacuum discharge chamber with a contact system mounted inside. In order to verify the validity of the adopted research methodology, as well as the correctness of the operation of the developed laboratory bench, measurements and calculations were made, among other things, of the energy and burning time of the vacuum arc, depending on selected factors, such as pressure and the delay time of the contact opening, calculated from the “passage through zero” of the sinusoid of the current flowing through the system. The tests were performed at 230 V and a current of 5 A for two pressure values: p1 = 1.00 × 105 Pa (atmospheric pressure) and p2 = 4.00 × 10−3 Pa (high vacuum environment). It was found that the vacuum insulation technique allows a significant reduction in the value of the arc energy and the burning time of the arc. It was also observed that in the case of a high vacuum environment, the ignition of the vacuum arc occurs after a time equal to about 3 ms from the “passage through zero” of the current flowing through the system. Below this value, the phenomenon did not occur. The results obtained provide an opportunity for the design and manufacturing of vacuum switchgear, where there is the prospect of reducing the negative effects associated with the arc burning process in the contact gap.

МЕТОДИКА ЕКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНИХ ДОСЛІДЖЕНЬ СПРОЩЕНОЇ МОДЕЛІ БПЛА ТИПУ БІКОПТЕР

Modern aircraft are usually statically unstable objects. Due to this, increased maneuverability and controllability is achieved. One of the promising directions is the development and implementation of UAVs of the bicopter or convertible type. Their movement is provided by two screw electric drives. The non-identity of the engine parameters and the peculiarities of the movement of UAVs of this type cause special requirements for the control systems. To ensure sustainability, modeling and conducting research with the help of various tools is necessary. The most available models of unstable movements are pendulum devices of various types, which allow studying stabilization processes. The purpose of the work is to use a computer stabilization system of a simplified bicopter UAV model by changing the thrust of the engines. The tasks of the work are: development of a computer stabilization system for the angle of pitch or roll, creation and verification of stabilization algorithms on a laboratory bench using an ARDUINO controller, research of the functional capabilities of angular stabilization circuits. The object of the study: a computer control system of an aircraft that performs the task of stabilizing a UAV. Subject of research: processes of stabilization of the angular position of a simplified bicopter model. When performing the work, a control law using angular and angular velocity feedback was chosen. A variant of aircraft stabilization when using engine thrust control is proposed. The control law of the computer stabilization system, which is implemented on the ARDUINO controller, was selected and tested. The applied value of the work is the further use of the obtained results in modern samples of bicopters.

DEVELOPMENT OF AN ENERGY-SAVING TECHNOLOGY FOR THE PRODUCTION OF SYNTHETIC METHANE FROM CARBON DIOXIDE. 1. RESEARCH OF KINETICS AND MACRO-KINETICS OF THE SABATIER REACTION ON MODIFICATIONS OF THE SERIAL NI/Α-AL2O3 CATALYST GIAP-3-6N

This study presents the results of laboratory research of kinetics and mechanisms of heterogeneous catalytic reactions of hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide and methane through the Sabatier reaction on modifications of the serial Ni/α-Al2O3 catalyst GIAP-3-6N manufactured in Ukraine. The research was carried out on a laboratory bench using a classic glass gradientless reactor with internal piston stirring, which provides kinetic equations at the level of physicochemical constants of the reactions under consideration. A detailed analysis and review of the literature in the areas of kinetic research of our interest was carried out. A detailed comparison of the kinetic parameters obtained by us for the powder (kinetic) form of contact with a nickel content of 7.5 % (NiO = 7.5 %) with a similar and one of the best foreign analogs containing nickel, Katalco 57-4 (NiO = 15−18 %), produced by the British chemical and metallurgical company Johnson Matthey, was performed. The results of the research confirmed almost equal parameters of the kinetic activity of the compared catalysts in the reactions of hydrogenation of carbon dioxide with hydrogen, including the «Sabatier» reaction, which made it possible to propose a similar mechanism of the processes, calculate the reaction rate constants and their activation energy, propose (determine) kinetic equations for design of reactors and processes, both with the loading of a domestic catalyst and its replacement with a foreign analog. Kinetic equations will be used in the development of multi-ton synthesis gas plants for the production of methanol, ammonia, and synthetic methane, as well as carbon-free e-fuel for internal combustion engines that meet modern climate requirements. Bibl. 28, Fig. 4, Tab. 6.

Coupled Tanks Level Control Based on Volume Balance Method

Abstract The laboratory bench “Coupled tanks” represents a model of real technological plans where the levels and flow rates of liquids must be controlled. Such training benches are very common and there is a very large number of publications related to their control. All publications work with a non-linear model based on the Bernoulli equation for ideal fluids, which is non-linear – the square root of the fluid height is present. This equation or system of equations is linearized and attempts are made to control such systems by means of linear models. This article shows that this approach is not correct and proposes a completely different one based on the volume balance method.

Gearbox fault identification using auto-encoder without training data from the damaged machine

Deep learning methods work well in machine diagnostics where operating conditions affect diagnostic signals. Classifiers are often used for fault identification, but these methods require training data sets measured for each fault. The solution to the lack of data is autoencoder-based network models, but these models can only detect, not identify faults.This article presents a new fault identification method based on auto-encoders (AE-based Fault Identification Technique AE-FIT) that does not require training data from the damaged machine. This method diagnoses pinion gearboxes operating under variable conditions (variable load, load-induced rotational speed, and temperature). The result of the technique is an interpretable diagnostic spectrum (AE-based Interpretable Order Spectrum AE-IOS).The method has been tested on two laboratory benches to detect misalignment, unbalance, and gearbox degradation. The damages introduced were used to validate a technique based on an auto-encoder trained only with data from undamaged machines.

Fiber laser-based two-wavelength sensors for detecting temperature and strain on concrete structures

In this article, we discuss the scientific research we conducted to ensure information security on concrete structures using the fiber Bragg grating method. As a result, guided by the experiences of other researchers and their results in our studies, the main hazards were identified, and the influence of temperature and deformation sensors in concrete was studied. The work determines the dependence of temperature on the optical cable and its effect on concrete deformation. It also studies the change in the internal structure of the optical fiber when exposed to concrete, and in comparison, with non-concrete optical fiber. In the experimental chapter, conducted on laboratory bench, we consider and study the signal transmission structure of an optical sensor that experiences deformation upon impact with concrete and such fibers. Graphic data was obtained using the OptiSystem program. During the process of determining the optical power of the sensors, we discovered that the higher the vibration during signal transmission, the higher the power of the optical data acquisition system unit. The results presented in this paper show the promise of fiber optics in other environments, as well as new discoveries in the construction industry and the successful use of electrical laser sensors to maintain temperature and stress in a variety of concrete structures, including cooling towers in nuclear and thermal power plants.

Phytotoxic effect of Carica papaya extract on seed-borne fungus of African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa Hochst ex. A. Rich. Harms) seeds

Extracts of many higher plants have been reported to exhibit antifungal properties under laboratory experiments. This study was therefore carried out to investigate the effect of Carica papaya plant extracts on the African Yam Bean seed-borne pathogen. The seed health test of African Yam Bean was carried out using the blotter paper method. The experiment was conducted at the Plant Pathology Laboratory of the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Test of plant extract for inhibition of radial growth of seed-borne pathogen of African yam bean was studied under in vitro experiment at 0%, 50%, 75% and 100% concentrations with 0% as the control. The design was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. The test plant extracts of different concentrations were added into Petri dishes containing molten-sterilized Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and swayed gently on the laboratory bench to allow an even mixture These were allowed to gel. Then nine millimeter discs of a seven-day pure culture of Aspergillus flavus were aseptically placed on the centre of the Petri dishes containing the SDA-extract mixture. Records on the radial inhibition effect of the test plant extract were kept for further analysis. Data on radial inhibition of fungus were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results showed that Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus terreus were isolated from incubated African Yam Bean seeds. Carica papaya leaf extract used was very effective and the higher the concentrations of extract, the more effective in the inhibition of radial growth of the test fungus. It could therefore be recommended that farmers should always conduct viability tests on procured seeds before planting. Farmers should rather use plant extract such as the one used in this experiment in controlling seed-borne fungal pathogens of African Yam Bean seeds than synthetic fungicides.

On the Development of a Digital Data Management Platform for Battery Material and Processing Data

Research on battery materials and systems is broader than ever and a large amount of data is being generated. The data collected is often challenging to correlate or compare because they are not compiled in a structured way since no generally uniform data structure exists yet in the battery field. Besides, manufacturing steps and analysis parameters vary enormously from laboratory scale to industrial scale, from research institutions to consortia.Within the "DigiBatMat project" we have created a digital platform for battery material data and processing data that combines collected material data and knowledge within a defined structure based on taxonomies and ontologies. The structure of the digital platform was developed to cover the Battery LabFactory Braunschweig (BLB) pilot-scale production line for lithium-ion cells while being compatible with other battery production processes, for example at the laboratory bench scale. The platform’s underlying data structure is divided into an “electrode production” and “cell production” taxonomy, providing input modules for the most typical battery material and cell characterization methods. This approach offers a commercially available platform with a defined structure, which still allows flexibility for individual electrode and cell productions through option based input. Due to this structure, we aim to go beyond simple data storage by implementing functionalities that allow users to work with and analyze the data within the digital platform. Beside the functionalities we have implemented so far, which are shown here, we also aim to develop further functionalities that enable the identification of new correlations that are otherwise difficult or even impossible to obtain.A consistent data set is necessary to build up and validate such a digital platform. Hence, we specifically generated “reference” data and tested their management and analysis with the platform. We focus on three key use cases of collecting process data and characterizing electrodes and cells properties along the production process. In one of these key use cases we compare state-of-the-art cathodes with Ni-rich active materials, namely NMC811 and NCA. Data are collected from cells with such cathodes with varying loadings and electrode densities. Characterization of the electrodes includes, among other things, microscope data analysis of the microstructure and electrochemical characterization such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and rate capability. By showing how raw data can be imported into the database, processed and analyzed, we aim to demonstrate the possibilities and advantages of our digital platform.

Translational research: from the laboratory bench to the patientÓ?s bedside. Congenital heart disease: a window to knowledge

Translational research: from the laboratory bench to the patientÓ?s bedside. Congenital heart disease: a window to knowledge

Experimental and Numerical Study of Air Flow Reversal Induced by Fire in an Inclined Mine Working

Effective fire prevention in mine workings and tunnels requires a thorough theoretical analysis of the heat and mass transfer processes within these structures. This involves using established models to calculate non-isothermal air flow dynamics in long tunnels and mine workings. While the ventilation of tunnels has been extensively studied, significant challenges persist regarding mine ventilation systems, particularly due to their complex and branched topology. This study aimed to address these challenges and gaps in mine ventilation. We designed a laboratory bench to simulate an inclined mine working with a heat source (fire) and validated a mathematical model of heat and mass transfer in such settings. Using experimental measurements, we verified the model’s accuracy. It is important to note that our experimental and theoretical analyses focused solely on the thermal effects of a fire, without considering the release of harmful impurities. Using the validated model, we conducted multiparameter simulations to identify the conditions leading to the formation of a thermal slug in an inclined mine working and the subsequent reversal of air flow. The simulation data enabled us to determine the dependency of the critical heat release rate on the aerodynamic parameters of the mine working. Additionally, we evaluated the changes in average air density within a mine working at the critical heat release rate. These findings are crucial for the further development of a network-based method to analyze air flow stability in mine ventilation networks during fires.

Magnetometry in a diamond anvil cell using nitrogen vacancy centers in a nanodiamond ensemble.

The emerging field of optical magnetometry utilizing negative-charged nitrogen vacancy (NV-) centers provides a highly sensitive lab bench technique for spatially resolved physical property measurements. Their implementation in high pressure diamond anvil cell (DAC) environments will become common as other techniques are often limited due to the spatial constraints of the sample chamber. Apparatus and techniques are described here permitting for more general use of magnetic field measurements inside a DAC using continuous wave optical detected magnetic resonance in NV- centers in a layer of nanodiamonds. A microstrip antenna delivers a uniform microwave field to the DAC and is compatible with simple metal gaskets, and the sensor layer of deposited nanodiamonds allows for simple determination of the magnetic field magnitude for B in the 1-100G range. The ferromagnetic transition in iron at 18GPa is measured with the apparatus, along with its hysteretic response.

High resolution X-ray phase contrast imaging for non-destructive testing of composite materials

X-ray imaging is widely used in non-destructive testing dedicated to industry, medical or security domain. In aircraft production, the aerospace industry increasingly integrates carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP), which may develop defects from operational wear, like lightning strikes. To robustly characterize density changes resulting from induced lightning damage in CFRP, multilateral shearing interferometry (MLSI) – a phase imaging technique – have been incorporated on a X-ray laboratory bench. Indeed, such method provides higher contrasts than X-ray attenuation imaging for composite materials and brings complementary information of the imaged sample. However, extracting the phase signal requires conditions of the imaging system and algorithmic strategies, which can lead to the emergence of artifacts in phase images. This thesis work involved the characterisation of these artifacts in the context of MLSI applied to X-ray phase imaging, as well as the development of tracking methods and corrective strategies.

The method of choosing a coolant based on a numerical experiment

Formulation of the problem. When designing modern liquid cooling systems, the problem arises of optimizing the choice of the type of immersion liquid used for cooling at the same time as solving the problems of optimizing the position of fuel elements and the choice of housing material. Purpose. Creation of a methodology for the reasonable choice of the type of immersion fluid in the process of computer-aided design of cooling systems of thermal power plants based on the results of a numerical experiment in a software environment based on a quantitative assessment of the effect of topological optimization (optimization of the location of a heat-loaded element). Results. The possibility of increasing the efficiency of a liquid cooling system by using the proposed method for selecting the type of immersion liquid based on the results of a numerical experiment in a software environment based on a quantitative assessment of the effect of topological optimization (optimization of the location of a heat-loaded element) is shown. This estimate represents the temperature difference of the fuel element in its standard (central) and optimized (angular) position in the housing of the device under study. The use of a laboratory bench as an example ensured the successful verification of the results of the numerical experiment and the reliability of the conclusions based on it. Of particular interest is the setting and adjustment of the parameters used in the cooling system of liquids due to the lack of complete information about them in the literature and databases, as well as insufficient experience in the use of liquid cooling systems. As a result of the study, it was concluded that it is advisable to use various types of liquids. The results of computer modeling are presented, confirming the high efficiency of the presented technique. Practical significance. The obtained results can be used to improve the performance of liquid cooling systems by making an informed choice and optimizing the design parameters of a liquid cooling system.

COMPUTATIONAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE STRESS-STRAIN STATE OF A PIPE UNDER EXTERNAL RADIAL LOAD, INTERNAL PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE

Oil and gas pipelines are subjected to complex of loads and impacts during operation. The purpose of this article is an experimental assessment of the stress-strain state of a pipe under the action of external radial force on a laboratory bench by the strain gauge method, as well as a computational and experimental assessment of the stress-strain state under the combined action of radial force, internal pressure and temperature difference. Accounting for internal pressure and temperature difference (other factors affecting the pipeline) is carried out using well-known theoretical formulas which are confirmed by practice. The total stresses from the effects of several factors of influence are determined due to the principle of superposition.Experimental and computational studies of the stress-strain state of the pipe cross section under the influence of external radial force corresponding to the pipe deflection from 0 to 8 mm; internal pressure from 0 to 14 MPa; temperature difference from minus 60 C to 60 C have been carried out. Graphs of the dependence of maximum stresses on the factors of influence are constructed. Empirical formulas have been obtained for calculating the maximum equivalent von Mises stress of the cross-section of the pipe with a diameter of 325 mm under various loading options, they are necessary to assess the strength of the pipeline structure.

From Lab Bench to Hope: Emerging Gene Therapies in Clinical Trials for Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory and cognitive abilities, affecting millions of people around the world. Current treatments focus on the management of symptoms, as no effective therapy has been approved to modify the underlying disease process. Gene therapy is a promising approach that can offer disease-modifying treatment for AD, targeting various aspects of the pathophysiology of the disease. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of gene therapy research for AD, with a specific focus on clinical trials and preclinical studies that have used nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), apolipoprotein E2 (APOE2), and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) as therapeutic gene therapy approaches. These gene targets have shown potential to alleviate the neuropathology of AD in animal studies and have demonstrated feasibility and safety in non-human primates. Despite the failure of the NGF gene therapy approach in clinical trials, we have reviewed and highlighted the reported findings and evaluations from the trials. Furthermore, the review included the conclusions of postmortem brain tissue analysis of AD patients who received NGF gene therapy. The goal is to learn from the failed trials and improve the approach in the future. Although gene therapy shows promise, it faces several challenges and limitations, including optimizing gene delivery methods, enhancing safety and efficacy profiles, and determining long-term results. This review contributes to the growing body of literature on innovative treatments for AD and highlights the need for more research and development to advance gene therapy as a viable treatment option for AD.

Prussian blue pigment: Bridging the historical palette to modern innovations

This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted realm of Prussian Blue, a pigment with a rich history and varied applications tracing its origins, artistic applications, and chemical properties. Beginning with its origins as a laboratory creation, the paper traces its evolution into a revered pigment in the artistic world. The review explores the electronic transitions responsible for Prussian Blue's deep blue hue, shedding light on the intricate chemistry behind its vivid coloration. Additionally, the pivotal role of iron ions in determining the pigment's properties is examined in detail, highlighting the importance of precise composition in achieving desired color characteristics. Challenges in the reintegration of Prussian Blue into conservation and restoration projects are also explored, emphasizing the importance of careful preservation techniques to maintain the pigment's integrity and vibrancy. The review discusses the pigment's lightfastness and stability, addressing common issues such as fading and discoloration over time. A notable phenomenon of bronzing particularly associated with Chinese Blue has been characterized by the appearance of yellow or brown hues on the surface of the pigment, that has puzzled artists and conservators for centuries. The review delves into the underlying causes of bronzing, examining factors such as environmental conditions, pigment composition, and application techniques. The review explores the pigment's interactions with other blues and whites, offering insights into the spectrum of shades achievable through careful color mixing and layering techniques. The paper revisits the perennial debate surrounding the permanence of Prussian Blue. While some argue for its enduring stability and longevity, others point to instances of fading and discoloration observed in historical artworks. The manuscript navigates these conflicting perspectives, providing an understanding of Prussian Blue's permanence in different contexts. Prussian Blue stands as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between science and art, where its molecular structure and vibrant shades continue to inspire both chemists in laboratories and artists in studios. The Prussian Blue emerges as a captivating convergence of art and chemistry that has left an indelible mark on laboratory benches and artists' canvases. The unique interplay of ferric and ferrous ions, not only renders a deep blue color but also makes it sensitive to the variation of its environment. The interplay of its refractive index, bronzing tendencies, and tinting strength shapes its artistic applications, influencing the vibrant hues it contributes to diverse palettes. The permanence paradox surrounding Prussian Blue underscores the importance of precision in its preparation. As artists mix and blend, the pigment unveils its versatility, playing a pivotal role in color harmonies and shade variations. Beyond its role in art, Prussian Blue finds diverse applications in medicinal and industrial contexts. From its use as an antidote for heavy metal poisoning to its incorporation into high-performance materials such as batteries and sensors, Prussian Blue continues to demonstrate its versatility and utility in modern society. The review highlights these varied applications, showcasing Prussian Blue's enduring relevance and evolution beyond its historical roots.