Parallel Position Research Articles

Radiofrequency Ablation at Low Irrigation Flow Rates Using a Novel 12-Hole Gold Open-Irrigation Catheter

High irrigation rates during radiofrequency (RF) ablation may cause fluid overload and limit lesion size. This in vivo animal study assessed the safety and efficacy of RF ablation at low irrigation rates using a novel 12-hole gold catheter. A total of 103 lesions, created on the thigh of five mongrel dogs, were analyzed. Lesions were created using a 12-hole irrigated gold-tip (Au) and a six-hole irrigated platinum-iridium (PtIr) catheter (both 7F/3.5-mm electrode; BIOTRONIK SE & CO, KG, Berlin, Germany) in parallel and perpendicular orientation. RF current was delivered for 60 seconds at 30 W using 8 mL/min and 15 mL/min irrigation. Electrode temperature, steam pops, lesion dimensions, and coagulum formation were recorded. Electrode temperatures were lower for Au compared to PtIr in parallel (8 mL/min: 38.1 ± 1.7°C vs 48.0 ± 4.8°C, P < 0.0001; 15 mL/min: 36.0 ± 1.5°C vs 46.9 ± 5.4°C, P < 0.0001) and perpendicular position (15 mL/min: 35.5 ± 1.2°C vs 38.4 ± 2.5°C, P = 0.003). The number of steam pops between Au and PtIr was comparable for parallel (8 mL/min: 14% vs 27%, P = 0.65; 15 mL/min: 14% vs 43%, P = 0.21) and perpendicular orientation (8 mL/min: 25% vs 17%, P = 1.00; 15 mL/min: 18% vs 0%, P = 0.48). Au created larger volumes than PtIr at 8 mL/min irrigation (861 ± 251 mm(3) vs 504 ± 212 mm(3) , P = 0.004); however, for 15 mL/min, volumes were comparable (624 ± 269 mm(3) vs 768 ± 466 mm(3) , P = 0.46). No coagulum formation was observed for any of the catheters on the surface and catheter tip. RF ablation at low flow rate using a novel 12-hole irrigation Au catheter is safe and results in larger lesions than with a PtIr electrode.

Structural and photoresponsive behavior of a series of (phenylene)azobenzene-containing liquid-crystalline methacrylic copolymers

A series of side-chain liquid-crystalline methacrylic copolymers, having various amounts of 4′-(4-decyloxyphenyl)-4-(hexyloxy)-azobenzene as the mesogenic group, were synthesized and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction to determine their mesomorphic properties, and by UV−visible spectrometry to elucidate their optical absorption characteristics. Also, birefringence and surface relief gratings were photoinduced in the films using a laser beam of 413 nm. Copolymers with high mesogen contents display a polymorphic behavior of the smectic type. The smectic order tends to disappear as the content of mesogens in the copolymer decreases, going from extended lamellar domains of chromophores packed in a parallel position, typical for smectic liquid crystals, to small aggregates of chromophores dispersed in an amorphous matrix. Important hypsochromic shifts (Δλmax ≈ 20 nm), associated with π interactions between neighboring aromatic groups, confirm the aggregation of chromophores in lamellar structures. The light-induced birefringence (0.005 − 0.06) is not as high as expected but it corroborates that there exists a tight interplay between photoinduced orientation and intrinsic molecular order. Surface relief gratings were recorded in copolymers with low mesogen content (15 − 30 mol%), showing by atomic force microscopy sinusoidal profiles with an average depth of around 150 nm. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry

SAR Study of Different MIMO Antenna Designs for LTE Application in Smart Mobile Handsets

This paper mainly focuses on the specific absorption rate (SAR) of the dual-element LTE MIMO antenna in mobile phones. Four designs of dual-element MIMO antenna (namely, dual semi-ground-free planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA), co-located antenna, dual OG PIFA in parallel position, and dual OG PIFA in orthogonal position) are studied under four typical LTE frequency points (0.75, 0.85, 1.9, and 2.1/2.6 GHz) when the ground plane length varies from 90 to 150 mm. The SAR, when dual elements operate simultaneously, is also studied through the SAR to PEAK location spacing ratio (SPLSR) according to the FCC standard. The simulations are carried out on both an SAM head phantom and a flat phantom by CST 2011, and measurements on the flat phantom are made with iSAR and DASY4 to verify the accuracy of our simulations.

The Model Construction and Structures of the Dendronized SWCNTs Collaborative Nano-Materials

The dendronized SWCNTs collaborative nanomaterials were designed by grafting the dendrimers to the surfaces of the SWCNTs (11, 5) based on the interface characteristics of the dendrimer. The results based on molecular dynamics studies shown that the dendrimer modifications formed spiral parallel coated structures after grafting, which probably amplified the chirality of the SWCNTs (11, 5) and used in chirality recognition. 0G dendrimer modification makes the surface of the SWNCTs produce more point outshoots, and the modification is with a better parallel position to the carbon nanotube. These point outshoots increased the active points on the surfaces of the SWCNTs, which maybe lead to high field emission performance.

On-chip acoustic sample preparation for cell studies and diagnostics

We describe a novel platform for acoustic sample preparation in microchannels and microplates. The utilized method is based on generating a multitude of acoustic resonances at a set of different frequencies in microstructures, in order to accurately control the migration and positioning of particles and cells suspended in fluid channels and chambers. The actuation frequencies range from 30 kHz to 7 MHz, which are applied simultaneously and/or in sweeps. We present two devices: A closed microfluidic chip designed for pre-alignment, size-based separation, isolation, up-concentration, lysis of cells, and an open multi-well microplate designed for parallel aggregation and positioning of cells. Both devices in the platform are compatible with high-resolution live-cell microscopy, which is used for fluorescence-based optical characterization. Two bioapplications are demonstrated for each of the devices: The first device is used for size-selective cell isolation and lysis for DNA-based diagnostics, and the second device is used for quantifying the heterogeneity in cytotoxic response of natural killer cells interacting with cancer cells.

Abstract 5679: Automatic synthesis of efficient transcription inhibitors as anti-cancer agents designing sequence-specific DNA-binding molecules.

Abstract PURPOSE: Regulation of endogenous gene expression using synthetic chemicals, so called “Transcription therapy” is a unique and promising approach. Although we have reported in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor, anti-metastatic and various anti-disease efficacies of hairpin Pyrrole-Imidazole polyamide (hPIP), PIP still needs to improve on selectivity of target DNA sequences and sensitivity to bind specific sequences. Hence, we synthesized PIPs targeting transcription-factor-binding-sites with several different structures and tested their efficacy, selectivity and sensitivity in vitro as well as in vivo model. METHODS: We have developed an automatic system for PIP synthesis by using peptide synthesizer of PSSM8 (Shimazu) and synthesized hPIPs or cyclic PIPs targeting either the MMP9 AP1 site or NFkB site to evaluate sensitivity and specificity. Each PIP, which has a different beta-alanine position, was tested for target DNA binding by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) using BiaCore system. We also test cell invasion and migration in vitro and metastatic capability in an in vivo xenograft model. RESULTS: Each hPIPs targeting AP1 or NFkB site showed significant reduction of MMP9 expression in MDA-MB-231 cells and HeLa cells and metastatic capacity in vivo. hPIP with crossed beta-alanine position showed the almost same dissociation constant as those with parallel beta-alanine position. Cyclic PIPs also showed similar dissociation constant as hPIPs and showed better sequence specificity with reasonable efficacy at least in vitro analysis. CONCLUSION: The result suggested that various PIPs with different target sites or architectures give distinct efficacy, selectivity and sensitivity in at least in vitro cancer cell culture system. Depending on pharmacokinetic properties of PIP the most suitable PIP can be selected for the future trial as seen in combinatorial chemistry technique. Citation Format: Hiroki Nagase, Nobuko Koshikawa, Takayoshi Watanabe. Automatic synthesis of efficient transcription inhibitors as anti-cancer agents designing sequence-specific DNA-binding molecules. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5679. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5679

Alternative pre-rigor foreshank positioning can improve beef shoulder muscle tenderness

Thirty beef carcasses were harvested and the foreshank of each side was independently positioned (cranial, natural, parallel, or caudal) 1h post-mortem to determine the effect of foreshank angle at rigor mortis on the sarcomere length and tenderness of six beef shoulder muscles. The infraspinatus (IS), pectoralis profundus (PP), serratus ventralis (SV), supraspinatus (SS), teres major (TM) and triceps brachii (TB) were excised 48h post-mortem for Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and sarcomere length evaluations. All muscles except the SS had altered (P<0.05) sarcomere lengths between positions; the cranial position resulted in the longest sarcomeres for the SV and TB muscles whilst the natural position had longer sarcomeres for the PP and TM muscles. The SV from the cranial position had lower (P<0.05) shear than the caudal position and TB from the natural position had lower (P<0.05) shear than the parallel or caudal positions. Sarcomere length was moderately correlated (r=−0.63; P<0.01) to shear force.

Aristotle’s illusion reveals interdigit functional somatosensory alterations in focal hand dystonia

In focal hand dystonia, the cortical somatosensory representation of the fingers is abnormal, with overlapping receptive fields and reduced interdigit separation. These abnormalities are associated with deficits in sensory perception, as previously demonstrated by applying tactile stimuli to one finger at a time. What is still unknown is whether the sensory deficits can be observed when tactile perception involves more than one finger. To address this issue, we applied 'Aristotle's illusion' to 15 patients with focal hand dystonia, 15 patients with dystonia not affecting the hand (blepharospasm and cervical dystonia) and 15 healthy control subjects. In this illusion, one object touching the contact point of two crossed fingertips is perceived as two objects by a blindfolded subject. The same object placed between two parallel fingertips is correctly perceived as one. The illusory doubling sensation is because of the fact that the contact point between the crossed fingers consists of non-adjacent and functionally unrelated skin regions, which usually send sensory signals to separate spots in the somatosensory cortex. In our study, participants were touched by one sphere between the second-third digits, the second-fourth digits and the fourth-fifth digits of both hands, either in crossed or in parallel position, and had to refer whether they felt one or two stimuli. The percentage of 'two stimuli' responses was an index of the illusory doubling. Both healthy control subjects and dystonic patients presented Aristotle's illusion when the fingers were crossed. However, patients with focal hand dystonia presented a significant reduction of the illusion when the sphere was placed between the crossed fourth and fifth digits of the affected hand. This reduction correlated with the severity of motor disease at the fingers. Similar findings were not observed in non-hand dystonia and control groups. The reduction of Aristotle's illusion in non-affected fingers and its preservation in affected fingers suggests dissociation between the abnormal processing of sensory signals and the motor impairment. Based on previous evidence showing that the sensory signals coming from the fourth digit determine lower activation in the somatosensory cortex than those coming from the fifth digit, we suggest that in the crossed position, the tactile information conveyed by the fifth digit prevailed over the fourth digit, thus resulting in the perception of one stimulus. The reduction of the illusory doubling perception, therefore, may represent the functional correlate of the different level of activation between the fourth and the fifth digit in the somatosensory cortex.

The β-cyclodextrin/benzene complex and its hydrogen bonds – a theoretical study using molecular dynamics, quantum mechanics and COSMO-RS

Four highly ordered hydrogen-bonded models of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and its inclusion complex with benzene were investigated by three different theoretical methods: classical quantum mechanics (QM) on AM1 and on the BP/TZVP-DISP3 level of approximation, and thirdly by classical molecular dynamics simulations (MD) at different temperatures (120 K and 273 to 300 K). The hydrogen bonds at the larger O2/O3 rim of empty β-CDs prefer the right-hand orientation, e.g., O3-H…O2-H in the same glucose unit and bifurcated towards …O4 and O3 of the next glucose unit on the right side. On AM1 level the complex energy was −2.75 kcal mol−1 when the benzene molecule was located parallel inside the β-CD cavity and −2.46 kcal mol−1 when it was positioned vertically. The AM1 HOMO/LUMO gap of the empty β-CD with about 12 eV is lowered to about 10 eV in the complex, in agreement with data from the literature. AM1 IR spectra displayed a splitting of the O–H frequencies of cyclodextrin upon complex formation. At the BP/TZVP-DISP3 level the parallel and vertical positions from the starting structures converged to a structure where benzene assumes a more oblique position (−20.16 kcal mol−1 and −20.22 kcal mol−1, resp.) as was reported in the literature. The character of the COSMO-RS σ-surface of β-CD was much more hydrophobic on its O6 rim than on its O2/O3 side when all hydrogen bonds were arranged in a concerted mode.This static QM picture of the β-CD/benzene complex at 0 K was extended by MD simulations. At 120 K benzene was mobile but always stayed inside the cavity of β-CD. The trajectories at 273, 280, 290 and 300 K certainly no longer displayed the highly ordered hydrogen bonds of β-CD and benzene occupied many different positions inside the cavity, before it left the β-CD finally at its O2/O3 side.

Morphological and genetic differentiation of Bufo toads: two cryptic species in Western Europe (Anura, Bufonidae)

The Common toad Bufo bufo sensu lato is a widespread, morphologically conserved taxon. Recent studies have uncovered deep genetic differentiation between population groups, highlighting the need to revise the current taxonomy of the group and recognize additional species. Here we investigate patterns of variation in molecular (a mitochondrial DNA restriction enzyme assay and sequence data for two nuclear DNA fragments totalling 979 bp) and 17 morphological variables in Northern France where two of these groups meet (B. bufo sensu stricto and B. spinosus), in order to delineate their contact zone and uncover characters that would allow discrimination of the two taxa. Mitochondrial DNA data show an abrupt transition from areas where B. bufo is present to those inhabited by B. spinosus, with a narrow area of overlap east of the city of Caen. Morphometric characters, particularly those related to the positioning of the parotoid glands and metatarsal tubercle shape and size, proved useful in discriminating between species (AUC ≥ 0.97, kappa ≥ 0.79). We then used the differentiating character states to allocate over 300 museum specimens from Western Europe to either species with consistent results, including comparable values of AUC and kappa of the identification models, indicating that models could successfully be applied across datasets. We summarize available evidence relevant to the delineation of the distribution of B. bufo and B. spinosus in France and discuss the characters differentiating both species in an evolutionary context. In view of the observed morphological and genetic differentiation and the absence of unequivocal evidence for widespread hybridization we support the view that B. bufo and B. spinosus are best considered different species. Finally, we propose that ‘parotoids in parallel position’ and a thin and smooth skin are derived character states for B. bufo over the northern part of its range.

Reply to Dr. B. Karmazyn regarding ‘Duodenum between the aorta and the SMA does not exclude malrotation’

Sir, In response to Dr. Karmazyn’s letter [1], we would like to clarify the following: We disagree with the statement that the study evaluated patients with suspected malrotation, since this was not the case. The population, as stated in the materials and methods segment of the text, included asymptomatic patients explored for recurring respiratory symptoms [2]. Moreover, in all cases, US demonstrated the absence of whirlpool and the parallel position of the mesenteric vessels, excluding (unexpected) midgut volvulus. We agree with the title of Dr. Karmazyn’s letter, given that “the presence of the duodenum between the SMA and the aorta does not exclude malrotation,” complicated by midgut volvulus. If the duodenum twists around the axis of the mesenteric vessels, as it does in midgut volvulus, this clockwise rotation can position a portion of it behind the mesenteric vessels, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 in his letter [1]. However, in these cases, the authors did not show parallel orientation of the superior mesenteric vessels. The embryology of intestinal rotation demonstrates the importance of the relationship between the duodenum and the mesenteric vessels. Upper gastrointestinal fluoroscopy defines the normal duodenal position in relation to bone structures. The advantage of US therefore resides in its ability to visualize the direct relationship between the mesenteric vessels and the duodenum and to identify those situations in particular in which the duodenum is not located in the aorto-mesenteric angle. In conclusion, retromesenteric D3 excludes uncomplicated malrotation, and parallel orientation of the mesenteric vessels excludes midgut volvulus. Only cross-sectional imaging as a whole and US in particular can achieve both objectives in the same setting and in the same study, not UGI.

Computational Aeroelastic Simulation of Rapidly Morphing Air Vehicles

A new approach for CFD-based aeroelastic simulation of rapidly morphing flight vehicles is presented is presented. The morphing vehicle consists of a number of components interconnected by actuators and contact constraints. Due to aerodynamic, inertial and actuation loads the overall structure undergoes large-displacement morphing. The method assumes that each component experiences large rigid-body displacements and small elastic deformations that are linear combinations of the individual normal modes. The structural equations of motion are based on a substructure modal synthesis method which applies fictitious masses at the interface coordinates. The modal synthesis method is expanded to allow large rotations between the structural components while keeping displacements and rotation compatibility at the interface coordinates. The compatibility equations are timedependent, and the inclusion of their time derivatives in the equations of motion brings introduces non-linear dynamic effects. The resulting generalized-coordinate nonlinear matrix equations of motion are embedded in a time-accurate CFD code. The vector of generalized forces includes aerodynamic forces from the CFD solution, inertial forces due to the modal accelerations and the relative component rotational velocities, and actuation forces. The computational process is demonstrated by two models: a two-wings-and-body configuration, where the wings are rotated rapidly from parallel position along a fuselage to perpendicular position; and a wing-body configuration where the wing is rotating about a hinge attached to a slender body from a parallel position to a perpendicular one. The morphing simulations demonstrate a robust and stable computational process that exhibits significant aeroelastic effects.

THE DYNAMICS OF THE FORM OF NUSANTARA MOSQUE: ARCHITECTURAL HOMOGENEITY VIS A VIS ARCHITECTURAL HYBRIDITY

&lt;p&gt;There are two points of departure in the design of mosque architecture in Nusantara, namely architectural homogeneity and architectural hybridity. Each provides the legitimacy of the architecture of identity formation. This paper seeks to explore the comparative, the concept of homogeneity and hybridity &lt;br /&gt;architecture, with a critical theory approach. The results of this search is, the concept of architectural homogeneity establishing assumption that certain architectural forms are supposed to represent "universal identity and modernity" of Muslim architecture. Meanwhile, the concept of architectural hybridity to show enrichment architecture identity because of the attempt to combine aspects of the universality of Islam with locality of Nusantara. Both these aspects can be positioned as the two subjects of mutual dialogue in a parallel position. As architecture strategy, the concept of hybridity reflects the effort or ijtihad in interpreting local and universal contextuality in the contemporary conditions that are constantly evolving and open.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Keywords: Nusantara mosque, hybridity of architecture, homogeneity of architecture, architecture strategy&lt;/p&gt;

Morphologic Analysis of Water-Cooled Bipolar Radiofrequency lesions on Egg White in Vitro

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to document the optimal spacing of two cannulae to form continuous strip lesions and maximal surface area by using water-cooled bipolar radiofrequency technology.MethodsTwo water-cooled needle probes (15 cm length, 18-gauge probe with 6 mm electrode tip) were placed in a parallel position 10, 20, 24, 26, and 28 mm apart and submerged in egg white. Temperatures of the probes were raised from 35℃ to 90℃ and the progress of lesion formation was photographed every 1 minute with the increase of the tip temperature. Approximately 30 photographs were taken. The resultant surface areas of the lesions were measured with the digital image program.ResultsContinuous strip lesions were formed when the cannulae were spaced 24 mm or less apart; monopolar lesions around each cannula resulted if they were spaced more than 26 mm apart. Maximal surface areas through the formation of continuous strip lesion were 221 mm2, 375 mm2, and 476 mm2 in 10, 20, and 24 mm, respectively. Summations of maximal surface area of each monopolar lesions were 394 mm2 and 103 mm2 in 26 and 28 mm, respectively.ConclusionsWater-cooled bipolar Radiofrequency technology creates continuous "strip" lesions proportional in size to the distance between the probes till the distance between cannulae is 24 mm or less. Spacing the cannulae 24 mm apart and treating about 80℃ for 24 minutes maximizes the surface area of the lesion.

Modulation of proximal signaling in normal and transformed B cells by transmembrane adapter Cbp/PAG

The transmembrane protein Cbp/PAG (Csk binding protein/phospho-protein associated with glycosphingolipid-enriched microdomains) has a negative regulatory role in T cell activation as an adapter for C-terminal Src kinase, Csk. In T cells, membrane docking of Csk is promoted by binding to FynT-phosphorylated Cbp/PAG (pTyr317) to allow targeting of substrates residing in lipid rafts. Here, we investigate a potential parallel position for Cbp/PAG and the Src kinase Lyn in early B cell receptor signaling. Using normal and transformed B cells, we have compared signal profiles of BCR-triggered responses created by phospho-specific flow cytometry. In human normal B cells, our data show that reduced Cbp/PAG levels leads to enhanced and prolonged activation of proximal signaling mediators, while over-expression of the adapter in normal, EBV-transformed cells results in reduced calcium flux. Taken together, our findings support a negative regulatory function for Cbp/PAG in proximal BCR signaling in these cells.

뇌파 탐지용 Gel-free probe 연구

Over the past 15 years productive BCI research programs have arisen. Current mainstream EEG electrode setups permit efficient recordings but most of electrodes has the disadventages of need for skin preparation and gel application to correctly record signals. The new gel-free probe was adapted for EEG recording and it can be fixed to the scalp with the micro needle without neuro-gel. It use standard EEG cap for wearing electrodes on scalp so it is compatible with standard EEG electrodes. A comparison between electrode characteristics is achieved by performing simultaneous recordings with the gel electrodes and gel-free probe placed in parallel scalp positions on the same anatomical regions. The quality of EEG recordings for all two types of experimental conditions is similar for gel-electrodes and gel-free probe. Subjects also reported not having special tactile sensations associated with wearing of gel-free probes. According to our results, it is expected that gel-free probe can be adapted to BCI, BMI(Brain Machine Interface), HMI(Human Machine Interface) because of its simple application and comfortable wearing process.

1,3-Bis{[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]oxy}propan-2-yl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate

In the title sulfonate derivative, C24H26O9S3, all atoms apart from those of one of the 4-methyl­benzene­sulfonate residues lie approximately in a disc; the dihedral angles between the approximately orthogonal benzene ring and those in the plane are 74.53 (9) and 67.79 (11)°. In the crystal, mol­ecules are consolidated into the three-dimensional architecture by C—H⋯O inter­actions. One of the 4-methyl­benzene­sulfonate residues is disordered over two almost parallel positions; the major component refined to a site-occupancy factor of 0.918 (2).

Ordered Self-Assembled Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) Structures on Gold(111) Surface with Enhanced Single Base Mismatch Recognition Capability

Locked nucleic acid (LNA) is a conformationally restricted nucleic acid analogue, which is potentially a better alternative than DNA for application in the nucleic acid based biosensor technologies, due to its efficient and sequence-specific DNA/RNA detection capability and lack of molecule-surface interaction on solid surfaces, compared to DNA. We report, for the first time, a straightforward way (based on simple immersion method) of generating an ordered self-assembled LNA monolayer, which is bioactive, onto a gold(111) surface. This layer is capable of giving rise to a stronger DNA recognition signal (4-4.5 times) than its DNA counterpart, and importantly, it can differentiate between a fully complementary DNA target and that having a single base mismatch, where the mismatch discrimination ratio is almost two times compared to the ratio relevant in case of DNA-based detection. We have presented high-resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM) topographs of the well-defined one-dimensional LNA molecular ordering (few hundred nanometers long) and of the two-dimensional ordered assembly formed over a large area (7 μm × 7 μm) due to parallel positioning of the one-dimensional ordered arrangements. The effects of different parameters such as LNA concentration and incubation time on LNA self-assembly have been investigated. Further, reflection absorption infrared (RAIR) spectroscopy has been applied to obtain information about the orientation of the surface-immobilized LNA molecules for the first time. It has been found that the LNA molecules undergo an orientational transition from the "lying down" to the "upright" configuration in a time scale of few hours.

Novel Microchip-Based Tools Facilitating Live Cell Imaging and Assessment of Functional Heterogeneity within NK Cell Populations.

Each individual has a heterogeneous pool of NK cells consisting of cells that may be specialized towards specific functional responses such as secretion of cytokines or killing of tumor cells. Many conventional methods are not fit to characterize heterogeneous populations as they measure the average response of all cells. Thus, there is a need for experimental platforms that provide single cell resolution. In addition, there are transient and stochastic variations in functional responses at the single cell level, calling for methods that allow studies of many events over extended periods of time. This paper presents a versatile microchip platform enabling long-term microscopic studies of individual NK cells interacting with target cells. Each microchip contains an array of microwells, optimized for medium or high-resolution time-lapse imaging of single or multiple NK and target cells, or for screening of thousands of isolated NK-target cell interactions. Individual NK cells confined with target cells in small microwells is a suitable setup for high-content screening and rapid assessment of heterogeneity within populations, while microwells of larger dimensions are appropriate for studies of NK cell migration and sequential interactions with multiple target cells. By combining the chip technology with ultrasonic manipulation, NK and target cells can be forced to interact and positioned with high spatial accuracy within individual microwells. This setup effectively and synchronously creates NK-target conjugates at hundreds of parallel positions in the microchip. Thus, this facilitates assessment of temporal aspects of NK-target cell interactions, e.g., conjugation, immune synapse formation, and cytotoxic events. The microchip platform presented here can be used to effectively address questions related to fundamental functions of NK cells that can lead to better understanding of how the behavior of individual cells add up to give a functional response at the population level.

Supramolecular structure of calcium(II) based on chelidamic acid: An agreement between theoretical and experimental studies

A novel supramolecular structure of an s-Block metal ion, Ca(II) atom, formulated as (pnH2)2au][Ca2(H2O)2(Hhypydc)4]·4H2O (1), was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopies and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 is a member of a large family of supramolecular metallic compounds recently derived from a proton transfer ion pair, (pnH2)(Hhypydc), where pn is propane-1,3-diamine and (Hhypydc)2-is 4-hydroxypyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate ion. Based upon the molecular structure analysis of the binuclear anionic complex, the coordination environment around each Ca(II) atom is pentagonal bipyramidal with seven-coordination number. The strong hydrogen bonding between hydroxyl groups of two neighboring anionic complexes produce the nice tape as X-like supramolecular structure. Optimization was carried out using two standard basis sets of 6-31G (d,p) for the single anionic complex (S) and LanL2MB basis set for the double anionic complexes (D) which describe the electrons of all atoms. As an interesting finding from our theoretical calculations, when we reoptimized the double complexes in the presence of strong hydrogen bond interaction between two hydroxyl groups, O3-H3A…O8ii (ii = x-1, y, z-1), it was revealed that the parallel position of ligands to each other was exactly like that of the solid state. The complexation reaction of H3hypydc with Ca2+ in aqueous solution was investigated by potentiometric pH titrations, the equilibrium constants and species distribution in various pHs. The for major complexes formed are described.