Single-step Operation Research Articles

3D Printed Skin-Wash Sampler for Sweat Sampling in Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosis Using Capillary Electrophoretic Ion Ratio Analysis

Sweat chloride analysis is one of the important approaches in cystic fibrosis diagnosis. The commonly used Macroduct method to acquire sweat samples is semi-invasive, time consuming and expensive. Furthermore, this method often fails to collect a sufficient amount of sweat in newborns due to the insufficient sweating rate. In this work, we present a novel, simple, 3D-printed sampling device that is used to collect sweat specimens completely noninvasively in less than one minute. The device has a flow-through channel adjacent to the skin surface, through which 500 µL of deionized water is flushed and the spontaneously formed sweat on the skin in the channel area is washed into a plastic vial. The developed skin-wash procedure is a single step operation, is completely noninvasive and it always produces a sweat specimen. The ions from the skin-wash are subsequently analyzed by capillary electrophoresis with contactless conductivity detection and selected ion ratio (Cl−/K+) or ((Cl− + Na+)/K+) is used as a cut-off value to diagnose cystic fibrosis patients with sensitivity and specificity comparable to the conventional Macroduct method.

Identification, semisynthesis, and anti-inflammatory evaluation of 2,3-seco-clavine-type ergot alkaloids from human intestinal fungus Aspergillus fumigatus CY018.

Intestinal commensal fungi are vital to human health, and their secondary metabolites play a key role in the reciprocal relationship. In the present study, the first example of 2,3-seco ergot alkaloids belonging to clavine-type were isolated from the fermentation of human intestinal fungus Aspergillus fumigatus CY018, including two pairs of diastereoisomers, secofumigaclavines A (3) and B (4) and secofumigaclavines C (5) and D (6), one analogue features a highly unsaturated skeleton, secofumigaclavine E (7), along with two known ones, fumigaclavines C (1) and D (2). Their structures were identified based on extensive spectroscopic data in a combination of quantum chemical calculations. Moreover, a single-step operation of semi-synthetic reaction based on riboflavin (RF)-dependent photocatalysis was performed to obtain the novel 2,3-seco ergot alkaloids 3 and 5 from their biosynthetic precursors 1 and 2. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity. Among them, secofumigaclavine B (4) could bind to MD2 with a low micromole level of the equilibrium dissociation constant measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and suppress TLR4-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway in RAW264.7cells, resulting in its anti-inflammatory effect. Molecular dynamics revealed that amino acid residue Tyr131 played a key role in the interaction of secofumigaclavine B (4) with MD2. These findings suggested that secofumigaclavine B (4) could be considered as a potential candidate for the development of MD2 inhibitors.

DNAzyme-Amplified Label-Free Biosensor for the Simple and Sensitive Detection of Pyrophosphatase.

The level of pyrophosphatase (PPase) expression has been suggested as a potential biomarker of various cancers, and its prognostic value has been evaluated in patients suffering from lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and hyperthyroidism. However, the detection of PPase usually needs specific materials that require complicated, time-consuming reactions with restricted linear range and sensitivity, limiting their application in early clinical diagnosis. Herein, we developed a DNAzyme-based biosensor for the detection of PPase. In the presence of PPase, pyrophosphate (PPi) and Cu2+ ions released from the PPi–Cu2+–PPi complex induce the cleavage of the DNAzyme and the corresponding substrate. An apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) site was elaborately designed within substrates that could encase the fluorophore 2-amino-5,6,7-trimethyl-1,8-naphthyridine (ATMND). The fluorescence of ATMND was initially quenched but restored when the DNAzyme/substrate complex was hydrolyzed with the release of ATMND. In this way, the PPase activity can be estimated by detecting the increased fluorescence of the released ATMND. Under optimized conditions, the activity of PPase could be analyzed at concentrations from 0.5 to 1000 mU, with the lowest detectable concentration being 0.5 mU. This work lays a foundation for developing a DNAzyme-amplified fluorescent biosensor with a high sensitivity, a wide linear range, and single-step operation for use as an easy diagnostic for PPase analysis.

Simple scheme for implementing the Grover search algorithm with superconducting qubits

This work concerns a three-qubit processor implemented as three transmon-type superconducting qubits capacitively coupled to a superconducting resonator driven by a microwave field. Based on an effective Hamiltonian of this system, we propose a scheme to realize an X-rotation gate for three qubits requiring only a single-step operation. During the gate operation, the cavity photon-number is canceled due to the strong microwave field. It does not require the cavity to be initially in the vacuum state and the scheme is insensitive to cavity decay. We also present an effective scheme to implement Grover’s search algorithm based on this quantum gate and a phase oracle. Using numerical simulation and analysis, we show that the proposed schemes allow for efficiently finding the target state with a high fidelity. The potential application of these proposals with current QED circuit technology is also discussed.

Enhanced recovery of astaxanthin from recombinant Kluyveromyces marxianus with ultrasonication-assisted alcohol/salt aqueous biphasic system

Microbial astaxanthin with strong antioxidant activity is greatly demanded for diverse applications. Extractive disruption in aqueous biphasic system (ABS) integrates the cells disruption and biomolecules recovery processes in one-step operation, allowing the direct recovery of intracellular biomolecules with biphasic system upon released from cells. In this study, astaxanthin was recovered from recombinant Kluyveromyces marxianus yeast cells via extractive disruption using alcohol/salt ABS. Recombinant K.marxianus yeast is engineered to produce high concentration of free form astaxanthin. Highest partition coefficient (K= 90.02 ± 2.25) and yield (Y= 96.80% ± 0.05) of astaxanthin were obtained with ABS composed of 20% (w/w) 1-propanol and 20% (w/w) sodium citrate of pH 5, 0.5% (w/w) yeast cells loading and additional of 1% (w/w) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (Bmim)BF4 to improve the migration of astaxanthin to alcohol-rich top phase. The incorporation of 2.5h of ultrasonication to the biphasic system further enhanced the astaxanthin recovery in ABS. The direct recovery of astaxanthin from recombinant K.marxianus cells was demonstrated with the ultrasonication-assisted alcohol/salt ABS which integrates the extraction and concentration of astaxanthin in a single-step operation.

Investigating the influence of work piece geometry on the specific energy use in size reduction with a multi-blade shaft mill

This study investigated the specific milling energy of rectangular pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) boards using a new size reduction technology, which can produce fine wood powders in a single-step operation. Multilinear regression (MLR) analysis was used to model the milling energy of a multi-blade shaft mill through a designed series of experiments having three input parameters: the moisture content of the board, milling blade speed and board feeding speed. The observed specific milling energy ranged from 60 to 172 kWh t −1 [DM] and the MLR model showed it was proportional to the blade speed and the moisture content. The results suggest that multi-blade shaft milling is a two-dimension extension of singular circular blade milling with regard to work piece shape and sawblade teeth engagement effects. The findings were compared with the specific milling energy of pine logs obtained in a previous study. • Modelled specific milling energy is proportional to moisture content and blade speed. • Wood shape and shaft teeth engagement in two dimensions influence milling energy. • Multi-blade shaft milling is a two-dimension extension of singular circular blade milling. • MBSM milling is analogous to sawing wood and opposite to impact-based milling.

The elimination of trace arsenic via hollow fiber supported liquid membrane: experiment and mathematical model

This work presents the elimination of arsenic ions from synthetic produced water via hollow fiber supported liquid membrane (HFSLM). Results demonstrate that arsenic ions in synthetic wastewater can be successfully treated to meet the wastewater standard as formulated by the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand. The discharged limit of arsenic from industrial wastewater must not be greater than 250 ppb. In a single-step operation, arsenic ions are extracted and stripped. Percentages of extraction and stripping proved to be 100% and 98%, respectively. Optimum conditions found proved to be 0.68 M Aliquat 336 dissolved in toluene as the liquid membrane, at pH 12 of feed solution, having a mixture of HCl and thiourea as the synergistic strippant, and flow rates of both feed and strippant solutions of 100 mL/min. A mathematical model, developed to predict the final concentration of arsenic ions in feed and strippant solutions, is seen to fit in well with the experimental results.

An improved compact propulsion system model based on batch normalize deep neural network

Abstract Aero-engine on-board steady state model is an important part of many advanced engine control algorithms. In order to build a high accuracy and real-time steady-state onboard model in a large envelope, an ICPSM (improved compact propulsion system model) based on batch normalize neural network is proposed in this paper. Compared with piecewise linearization model and support vector machine model, conventional CPSM which is mainly composed of baseline model and nonlinear sub model has the advantages of high real-time performance and small data storage. However, as the similarity conversion error increases with the distance from the design point, the cumulative error of the conventional baseline model also increases, which makes the model unable to maintain high accuracy in the full envelope. Thus, a high accuracy baseline model in full envelope based on batch normalize neural network is proposed in this paper. The simulation result shows that compared with the conventional compact propulsion system model, the percentage error of parameters of the improved compact propulsion system model based on the batch neural network is reduced by two times, the single step operation time is reduced by 18%, and the data storage of the onboard model is reduced as well.

An improved compact propulsion system model based on batch normalize deep neural network

Abstract Aero-engine on-board steady state model is an important part of many advanced engine control algorithms. In order to build a high accuracy and real-time steady-state onboard model in a large envelope, an ICPSM (improved compact propulsion system model) based on batch normalize neural network is proposed in this paper. Compared with piecewise linearization model and support vector machine model, conventional CPSM which is mainly composed of baseline model and nonlinear sub model has the advantages of high real-time performance and small data storage. However, as the similarity conversion error increases with the distance from the design point, the cumulative error of the conventional baseline model also increases, which makes the model unable to maintain high accuracy in the full envelope. Thus, a high accuracy baseline model in full envelope based on batch normalize neural network is proposed in this paper. The simulation result shows that compared with the conventional compact propulsion system model, the percentage error of parameters of the improved compact propulsion system model based on the batch neural network is reduced by two times, the single step operation time is reduced by 18%, and the data storage of the onboard model is reduced as well.

Permeation of Am(III) from Water-Soluble, Organic Polyacids across Hollow-Fiber Renewable Liquid Membranes Facilitated with HDEHP/Dodecane: Contrivance of Chemical Dynamics and Mass Transfer Resistances

An innovatory technique based on the process of selective permeation across the membrane for the treatment of solutions containing polycarboxylic acids strongly bonded with 241Am is formulated. The present article illustrates the parametric results of the process of optimization for the recovery or mitigation of 241Am activity from solutions containing diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid and lactic acid, applying a methodology of the hollow-fiber renewable liquid membrane (HFRLM). In the liquid-membrane (LM) phase, a cation exchanger-type organic complexant, bis(2-ethylhexyl)hydrophosphoric acid (HDEHP), is incorporated as an ion transporter. The optimized process conditions are as follows: the LM phase containing 0.2 M (HDEHP)2/dodecane, pH of feed solution 1.2 ± 0.05, receiving solution with the LM phase, and 2 M HNO3 (1:4.5) in the form of emulsion. The flow rates of recirculation are maintained as 30 and 20 LPH for solutions of feed and receiving phases, respectively. With an overall mass transfer coefficient, 2.43 × 10–3 cm min–1, 99.9% recovery of Am with its concentration upgradation > 10 times is achieved. The separated product, Am(NO3)3, is amenable for precipitation as Am-oxalate, a precursor to yield AmO2. After HFRLM treatment, the feed solution becomes nonalpha waste for its rightful disposal. For process modeling, the mass transfer coefficient of Am(III) is attributed to the multiple mono- and biphasic chemical equilibria and a series of resistances for ionic diffusion across the HFRLM system. This process has been used successfully to alpha decontaminate, residual solution of the simulated trivalent actinide–lanthanide separation with phosphorus-reagent extraction from aqueous komplex process. In this, the alpha decontamination factor obtained for a single-step operation of 8 h is 836. In the two-step operation of HFRLM, the alpha activity in 5 L residual solution is reduced from 2.34 × 108 to 1.01 × 103 BqL–1.

Single-step Trypsin Inhibitor Assay on a Microchannel Array Device Immobilizing Enzymes and Fluorescent Substrates by Inkjet Printing.

In this paper, we report a single-step trypsin inhibitor assay on a microchannel array device immobilizing enzymes and substrates by inkjet printing. The microdevice is composed of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microchannel array that immobilizes trypsin and fluorescent substrates as reactive reagents at the two bottom corners of a microchannel. Inkjet printers allow simple, accurate, and position-selective immobilization of reagents as nanoliter spots. Therefore, plural reactive reagents, such as enzymes and substrates, can be separately immobilized at different positions in the same microchannel without mixing, and thus allowing for single-step operation by simply introducing a sample solution through capillary action. Furthermore, reproducible fabrication and mass production of the device could be expected. In this study, the efficiency of an acidic solution as a spotting agent for protease immobilization to prevent decrease in the fluorescence intensity was confirmed. Additionally, single-step trypsin inhibitor screening was performed using three inhibitors. Finally, we investigated the storage stability of the device and confirmed that it remained stable for at least 10 days.

FEMTOLASER ASSISTED CATARACT SURGERY IN NON-STANDARD CASES

One of the advantages of femtolaser assisted cataract surgery is that it is possible to perform arcuate corneal incisions to correct corneal astigmatism at single-step operation, especially in cases where the implantation of a toric intraocular lens is not planned. The paper shows 2 clinical cases of performing arcuate incisions using femtolaser to correct corneal astigmatism simultaneously with cataract and glaucoma surgery, as well as with anterior chamber reconstruction. Femtolaser arcuate keratotomy with simultaneous phacoemulsification in non-standard clinical cases is effective and provides advantages in an alternative method of treatment before a toric intraocular lens.

Bi-functional particles for integrated thermo-chemical processes: Catalysis and beyond

Particulate materials possessing dual functionalities have received tremendous investigations in many fields, owing to their superiority over mono-functional counterparts and their potential for process integration and intensification. This review focuses on bi-functional catalytic particles which also serve as sorbents/adsorbents or heat suppliers in the scheme of various thermo-chemical processes, enabling inherent separation or energy conservation within single-step operation. Bi-functional particles applied for integration of reaction and separation including sorption-enhanced hydrogen production and integrated capture and catalytic conversion processes are reviewed in detail, providing insights into material design and key performance indicators. On the other hand, bi-functional particles applied for integration of reaction and non-thermal radiation heating, including electrothermal and photothermal assisted heterogeneously catalyzed reactions, are also reviewed, with emphasis on the material property and energy efficiency improvement. These bi-functional particles show broad adaptability and feasibility in various reactions operated in integrated and intensified schemes, affording huge potentials for further improving productivity and efficiency in thermo-chemical processes.

A facile one-step gold nanoparticles enhancement based on sequential patterned lateral flow immunoassay device for C-reactive protein detection

A gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) enhancement strategy for lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) was previously reported to improve assay sensitivity. The multi-steps of detection resulted in a tedious procedure. In this report, to reduce this limitation, a sequential flow LFIA was introduced to perform the AuNPs enhancement in only single step operation using C-reactive protein (CRP) as a model analyte. The delay and non-delay channels created on nitrocellulose membrane (NCM) using wax-printing method were used to deliver immunoassay and AuNPs enhancement reagents to the detection zone sequentially. For the enhancing step, AuNPs were enlarged by the catalytic reaction of KAuCl4 and NH2OH⋅HCl. Under optimal conditions, a calibration curve was found in a range of 0.1−5 μg⋅mL−1 with a good linear correlation (R2 = 0.9953). The limits of detection (LOD) were found to be 0.1 and 0.001 μg⋅mL-1 for naked eye observation and calculation (3SD/slope), respectively. Furthermore, the device shows no cross-reactivity with common interferences for CRP. The platform was successfully applied to detect CRP in certified human serum samples within 15 min, demonstrating the simplicity and speed of the AuNPs enhancement strategy platform. These promising results suggest that the new device may be used as an alternative tool for CRP detection and other biomarkers for POCT analysis.

Multi-blade milling from log to powder in one step – Experimental design and results

This study investigated a new technique for obtaining wood powders from whole logs (Pinus sylvestris L.) in a single-step operation. The performance of a prototype multi-blade shaft mill (MBSM) was evaluated using a designed series of experiments including three input parameters, i.e., the moisture content of the log, milling blade speed and log feeding speed, combined with multilinear regression (MLR) analysis. The milling performance was characterised by specific milling energy, particle size distribution and bulk density of powder. For MBSM powders (80 to 95% particles <1.0 mm), the specific milling energy ranged from 99 to 232 kWh t−1 DM. The mass per cent of particles <0.5 mm in MBSM powders ranged from 55 to 80% compared to 41% from hammer-milled powders. Powder bulk density varied from 138 to 264 kg m−3 DM and the moisture content of the milled log was the only significant (p < 0.05) factor affecting the bulk density of resulting powders (dried). MLR models show that the milling energy is inversely proportional to the moisture content, which indicates that moisture influences MBSM milling in a similar way as in the sawing of wood and opposite to that of impact-based mills (i.e. hammer mills).

Phosphorus(III)-Mediated, Tandem Deoxygenative Geminal Chlorofluorination of 1,2-Diketones.

Tetrasubstituted carbon containing two different halogen substituents was constructed in a single-step operation by utilizing the carbene-like reactivity of dioxaphospholene through the tandem reaction of electrophilic and nucleophilic halogenating reagents. It was crucial to devise non-dealkylatable phosphoramidite, which enabled the efficient formation of geminal chlorofluorides from various 1,2-diketones with (PhSO2)2NF and n-Bu4NCl. In addition, selective functionalization of the chlorine substituent was demonstrated, and the absence of halogen scrambling was confirmed.

Primary purification of intracellular Halomonas salina ectoine using ionic liquids-based aqueous biphasic system

Ectoine is a zwitterionic amino acid derivative that can be naturally sourced from halophilic microorganisms. The increasing demands of ectoine in various industries have urged the researches on the cost-effective approaches on production of ectoine. Ionic liquids-based aqueous biphasic system (ILABS) was applied to recover Halomonas salina ectoine from cells hydrolysate. The 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (Bmim)BF4 was used in the ILABS and the recovery efficiency of ILABS to recover ectoine from H.salina cells lysate was evaluated by determining the effects of phase composition; pHs; crude loading and additional neutral salt (NaCl). The hydrophilic ectoine was targeted to partition to the hydrophilic salt-rich phase. A total yield (YB) of 96.32% ± 1.08 of ectoine was obtained with ILABS of phase composition of 20% (w/w) (Bmim)BF4 and 30% (w/w) sulfate salts; system pH of 5.5 when the 20% (w/w) of crude feedstock was applied to the ILABS. There was no significant enhancement on the ectoine recovery efficiency using the ILABS when NaCl was added, therefore the ILABS composition without the additional neutral salt was recommended for the primary purification of ectoine. Partition coefficient (KE) of 30.80 ± 0.42, purity (PE) of 95.82% and enrichment factor (Ef) of 1.92 were recorded with the optimum (Bmim)BF4/sulfate ILABS. These findings have provided an insight on the feasibility of recovery of intracellular biomolecules using the green solvent-based aqueous system in one single-step operation.

One-step transfer of quantum information for a photonic cat-state qubit

We present a way to transfer quantum information of a photonic cat-state qubit (cqubit) between two cavities coupled to an artificial atom. The two logic states of the photonic cqubit here are encoded by two orthogonal cat states (i.e. superpositions of coherent states) of photons. We show that quantum information of one photonic cqubit can be deterministically transferred between two cavities, with a single-step operation only. As a specific example, we numerically analyse the experimental implementation of this proposal, by considering a set-up of two microwave cavities coupled to a superconducting artificial atom. This proposal can also be applied to transfer one-cqubit quantum information between two modes of a quantum field coupled by a natural or artificial atom.

Transferring entangled states of photonic cat-state qubits in circuit QED

We propose a method for transferring quantum entangled states of two photonic cat-state qubits (cqubits) from two microwave cavities to the other two microwave cavities. This proposal is realized by using four microwave cavities coupled to a superconducting flux qutrit. Because of using four cavities with different frequencies, the inter-cavity crosstalk is significantly reduced. Since only one coupler qutrit is used, the circuit resource is minimized. The entanglement transfer is completed with a singlestep operation only, thus this proposal is quite simple. The third energy level of the coupler qutrit is not populated during the state transfer, therefore decoherence from the higher energy level is greatly suppressed. Our numerical simulations show that high-fidelity transfer of two-cqubit entangled states from two transmission line resonators to the other two transmission line resonators is feasible with current circuit QED technology. This proposal is universal and can be applied to accomplish the same task in a wide range of physical systems, such as four microwave or optical cavities, which are coupled to a natural or artificial three-level atom.

Block copolymer nanoparticles-based fluorescent sensor for ultrasensitive detection of tyrosinase activity and inhibitor

It is of great value to develop a simple, rapid, label-free and sensitive strategy for tyrosinase activity detection and corresponding inhibitor screening in both biomedical diagnosis and cosmetic industry. However, many recently reported fluorescent assays may suffer from instability to light irradiation, poor water solubility, and complex modification. Herein, a novel fluorescent biosensor strategy has been developed capable of sensitive, label-free and rapid screening of tyrosinase activity as well as corresponding inhibitors based on fluorescent block copolymer nanoparticles (BCNs). The reported BCNs were prepared by coprecipitation assay using the mixture of amphiphilic block copolymer and fluorescent conjugated polymer, which show many advantages including high brightness, excellent photostability and biocompatibility, enabling the biosensor with high sensitivity and good reproducibility in a single-step operation. The reported assay exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity with a detection limit of 1.5 ng/mL for tyrosinase (TRY) activity detection and hold potential in its inhibitor screening. The satisfying recoveries offered great potential for complicated sample analysis. Hence, this reported assay may provide a novel platform for biosensor development.