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This paper summarises the findings obtained by using multi-electrode detector CoulArray in HPLC analysis of biologically active compounds. The methods for analysis of selected phenolic compounds were optimized. Optimal conditions of separation and detection were applied to real sample analysis. White and red wines as well as meads were analyzed and the content of phenolic acid was evaluated. Further the roots of Japanese knotweed were analyzed.

A sensor system combining a novel pressure stable thermoelectric flow and impedimetric sensor for monitoring chemical conversion in micro fluidic channels was developed. Devices were optimized for hydraulic diameters ~1 mm and overpressure regime. Impedimetric sensors consist of a pair of interdigital electrodes deposited on a silicon substrate. Thermoelectric flow sensors consist of a perforated membrane with a heater in between two thermocouples. Based on our results both sensors can detect in parallel relative changes in thermal and electrical properties of less than 1 %. Thus the system enables the inline monitoring of chemical conversion by means of 4 parameters.

Palm based fly ash (PFA) is a solid waste of palm oil processing industry which contains silica components. These components are typically used to improve the mechanical properties of rubber-based products. This research aims to study the effect of the PFA as a filler on the morphology and properties of thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) based on a mixture of natural rubber (NR) and polypropylene (PP). TPV samples were prepared using the internal mixer at a mass ratio of NR/PP 70/30. Maleated polypropylene (MA-g-PP) 5% mass was added as a compatibilizer, filler content was varied from 15 to 45 per hundred rubber (phr). Paraffin and palm oil were added as a plasticizer with contents of 5 to 50 phr. Other additives include ZnO 5 phr, stearic acid 2 phr, trimethylquinone 1 phr, mercaptodibenzo-thiozyldisulfide 0.6 phr and 3 phr sulfur. The results showed that the use of PFA provides good tensile strength properties, a relatively homogeneous morphology, and low water absorption rate. The use of paraffin plasticizer produces a higher tensile strength compared to palm oil, but the elongation at break which produced the contrary. The best morphology and tensile properties of TPV (NR/PP 70/30) are on PFA and paraffin contents of 30 phr and 25 phr, respectively.

Centella asiatica , as known as Pegagan was previously reported to have anti-hyperglycemic effects in animal diabetic model rats. However, its α-glucosidase activity in vitro assay not yet reported. Our goal in this study is to isolate and identify active compounds as α-glucosidase inhibitor and antioxidant from aqueous ethanol 70% (v/v) extract of C. asiatica . The extract was partitioned by n- hexane, EtOAc, and n -butanol sequentially. Among the fractions tested, EtOAc fraction was showed the highest antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities with an IC 50 values of 45.42 and 73.17 μg/mL, respectively. The antioxidant activity was conducted by determination of DPPH radical scavenging activity, whereas α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was determined against yeast α-glucosidase. Furthermore, isolation of the ethyl acetate extract yielded two active compounds, which were identified as kaempferol ( 1 ) and quercetin ( 2 ). Both of the compounds showed good yeast α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC 50 values of 16.50 and 21.61 μg/mL, respectively. In addition those compounds also could scavenge DPPH radical activity with IC 50 values of 9.64 and 11.97 μg/mL, respectively. Due to its ability in reducing α-glucosidase activity and scavenging free radical activity, the C. asiatica appears to be a potential as a good resource for future development of antioxidant and antidiabetic drug.

This paper reports on a microspectrometer using a concave grating fabricated in a MEMS compatible process. The fabrication technique is based on a standard lithography commonly used for pattern transfer onto a flat substrate. A planar grating structure is fabricated lithographically on top of a flexible membrane on a glass or silicon wafer and the membrane is subsequently deformed into a pre-defined shape using a master. The proposed technology had been used for the fabrication of the concave gratings for a microspectrometer composed of entrance slit, grating and image sensor. The fabricated microspectrometer demonstrates a subnanometer spectral resolution.

In this paper we report a highly sensitive capacitive pressure sensor and transducer, with ultra high capacitance values, based on branched carbon nanotubes on ultra thin silicon membranes. The presence of tree-like CNTs is believed to be responsible for high overlap between fingers which results in a significant capacitance change of the fabricated pressure sensor by applying pressure. Also, by applying an external voltage between fingers at one side of the ultra thin membrane an observable actuation was obtained. This actuation is sensed by a capacitive interdigital sensor at the other side of the same membrane.

A new prenylated flavonoid compound 5,7,3’,4’-tetrahydroxy-3,6-diprenylflavone (1) has been isolated from methanol extract of the leaves of Macaranga gigantifolia Merr. Isolation was performed using chromatography methods and their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic data. cytotoxic activity against murine leukemia P-388 cell line conducted using MTT method. Compound 1 showed strong cytotoxic activity with IC 50 value 6.19 μg/mL

Die pressing and sintering processes are used in the fabrication of fuel with minor actinides. Perfect cylindrical sintered pellets must be directly obtained by the current processes with take into account the slight heterogeneities of the density, which ones are present in the green body as a result of frictional forces between powder and die. FEM of the compaction stage has been used to simulate the die pressing stage of nuclear oxide powders and to predict the green density distributions. An ejection method with or without profile correction in the die has been used to removing the die radially.

Sinusoidal encoders provide electrical signals related to the sine and cosine of the mechanical shaft angle θ. An analog converter is described for the linearization of these signals and hence for linear computation of θ. The converter was based upon the difference between the absolute values of the transducer signals, together with a simple signal diode-based shaping network. The optimal break points positions of the network, that minimize the absolute error of the converter, are determined experimentally and automatically using a LabVIEW-controlled setup. Despite its simplicity, the converter has an absolute error of only 0.12 °.

In 2010, the French government created an agency for the coordination of research on energy (ANCRE –www.allianceenergie.fr). Nuclear energy lies of course within the scope of this agency. During its first year of activity, the agency fostered a reflection on the scientific and technical challenges tied to the development of nuclear energy. This work resulted in the production of several roadmaps, one for each major domain of nuclear R&D. A special effort was put on chemistry for nuclear energy, because this domain has been identified as a key for sustainable, clean and competitive nuclear systems. The elaboration of this roadmap was the occasion to gather the national community of nuclear chemists for a general reflection on the stakes in chemistry for nuclear energy, the main scientific problems, the tools available to solve them, and to agree on the R&D actions that should be taken in priority.

This paper presents the principle, fabrication and characterization of a fast response Thermal Linear Motor (TLM) havingreduced heat loss (and thus power consumption) without reduction in mechanical output power. Our double wedge shaped, aluminum TLM is 12 μm and 6 μm wide at the edges respectively center and 400 μm long. Theory and measurements show that this TLM has up to 20% more mechanical output power for the same electrical input power compared to a simple rectangular beam TLM. The TLM is the crucial driving element for our Hard Disk Drive (HDD) thermal micro actuator. The actuator uses two of the here presented TLMs to accurately move the HDD head up to several micrometers.

High gas sensitivity, expected when using the unusual longitudinal vibration mode of PZT cantilever for such application, is based on its higher resonant frequency when compared to transversal bending mode. For this purpose, a new PZT cantilever structure has been fabricated with thick-film technology based on the sacrificial layer method. This structure is well adapted to generate the 31’s longitudinal vibration. Studies of the composition and microstructure of Au/PZT/Au beam show the harmlessness of the process. Advantage of the 31’s longitudinal mode for gas detection is confirmed by the values of resonant frequency and good quality factor for a 8×2×0.08 mm3 PZT based cantilever. Indeed, taking a 0.1Hz frequency resolution for the second 31 mode, the limit of detection of 6 ppm toluene is reached with a 44μm PEUT coating.

An innovative wideband micro-machined terahertz (THz) sensor operating at room temperature is presented. By means of 3D finite element method (FEM) simulations, the original design of M. Golay was miniaturized and modified by the introduction of a second absorbing membrane providing simultaneously an inherently integrated capacitive read-out. With a help of advanced multi-objective design tools, the sensor design was optimized in terms of linear dimensions, material’s electrical and mechanical properties. Feasibility of the final structure and its tolerance to parameters variation during the fabrication was assessed through a Monte-Carlo analysis. The optimized sensor promises a bandwidth of 3.5 THz (0.5-4THz).

Traditionally, fruits are harvested through conventional methods which are based on smell, texture and harvesting time. This analytical technique has many disadvantages in terms of objectivity and subjectivity. By determining various fruits volatile released during pre-matured until matured period, one can actually selectively establish the exact time of a fruit to ripe. The aromatic volatile compounds emitted by Harumanis mango were analyzed using GCMS and found that terpenes hydrocarbon e.g. limonene, α-pinene, β-pinene, α-terpinene, γ-terpinene and 3-carene are the major volatiles that released by the ripe mango. In this work, MIP (Molecularly Imprint Polymer) based sensor array were fabricated and tuned to mango aroma volatiles. HyperChem software simulation is used to obtain key information such as the Binding Energy (ΔE) between the template and the functional monomer that lead to the stable MIP. Designing the MIP using HyperChem is an advantage into saving time and cost compare to trial and error experimental methods. Array of different MIPs template e.g. limonene, α-pinene and β-pinene were synthesis and coated onto the surface of QCMs (Quartz Crystal Microbalance) followed by polymerization and removal of templates molecules that will leave the cavity of selective templates. These QCM arrays are able to distinguish between different terpenes gases released by maturity and ripeness mango due to its selectivity and sensitivity properties of sensor response. The findings of this study is a great breakthrough for the agricultural sector as volatile sensing of chemical markers could determine the optimal harvest time of the local fruits and ensuring the quality and standards.

The paper reports a change in the morphology of coatings formed galvanostatically on titanium by plasma electrolytic oxidation in phosphoric/sulfuric acid mixtures, and investigated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy. An initial grooved morphology, containing anatase, is transformed to a more usual porous morphology, which may also contain rutile. The coatings also contain phosphorus species, but comparatively small amounts of sulfur species. The morphological change occurs over a range of cell charge that is strongly dependent on the molar ratio of the acids but weakly dependent on the applied current. With the change in the coating morphology, the efficiency of coating formation reduces and the sparking becomes more localized and intense. Lap shear tests show that the grooved morphology provides a ~60% increase in the strength of adhesively bonded joints compared with a porous morphology.

Newcastle Disease is one of the serious viral infection disease in poultry, especially chicken. The etiological agent of Newcastle Disease is Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV). The objective of this research was to develop a method for determining pathotype of NDV in various species of poultry from field specimens rapidly and efficiently by using RT-PCR and REA method. This study was conducted for identification, differentiation and pathotyping of NDV from local isolates by using amplification of RT-PCR followed by REA of F protein encoding gene of NDV. To differentiate virulent and avirulent NDV, the RT-PCR product of F gene in size of 767 basepairs (bp) was analyzed by Hin 1l and Bam HI restriction enzymes. RT-PCR amplification for F gene NDV generated DNA fragments in size of 767 bp. RT-PCR and REA method by using Hin 1l and Bam HI enzymes can be used to determine pathotype of NDV from field specimens, for total ten field specimen samples of NDV, three samples are avirulent NDV and seven samples are virulent NDV. RT-PCR and REA methods are appropriate with DNA sequencing method to determine the NDV.

Electrostatic actuation is a promising approach to compensate for misalignment of bonded, multi-layered microsystem devices. The present work discusses the performance of electrostatic actuators used for in-plane misalignment compensation in an atom chip comprising an optical cavity. Experimental investigation revealed that the central frame suspending the mirrors can be moved between 3-5 m in the in-plane direction for the applied DC voltage of 90 volts. Future work involves characterizing the mirror displacement for optical tuning function.

The effect of maleic anhydride-g-polypropylene (MAPP) addition on the impact strength and thermal degradation of waste polypropylene (wPP) / oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) composites was investigated. Several contents of MAPP viz. 2, 4, 6, 8 weight percent (wt%) were prepared. Corresponding wPP/OPEFB composite without MAPP addition was also made for comparison. The OPEFB composition was fixed at 30 wt%, while wPP was 70 wt% and reduced correspondingly on the addition of MAPP. Composites were prepared in extruder with temperature of 190oC and followed with compression molded at the same temperature. Composites were evaluated using impact tester machine and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to conform the impact strength and thermal degradation, respectively. Results indicated an improvement in impact strength was obtained on the addition of MAPP up to 8 wt%. The results were also confirmed that the incorporation of MAPP has increased degradation temperature of wPP/OPEFB composites.

International audience; The detection of traces of heavy metals in real environmental samples is a difficult task. In this work, we combined the advantages of nanobeads' (NBs) properties with the simplicity of the layer-by-layer procedure, along with the use of micro-organisms as bioreceptors, for the elaboration of a novel electrochemical biosensor based on nanocomposite films. The whole cells (Escherichia. coli) K-12 used as bioreceptors were fixed onto a surface of indium-tin-oxide (ITO) glass with and without NBs and/or polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEM). Using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique, cadmium and mercury were detected.

We discuss three different aspects of the quantum dynamics of bio-molecular systems and more generally complex networks in the presence of strongly coupled environments. Firstly, we make a case for the systematic study of fundamental structural elements underlying the quantum dynamics of these systems, identify such elements and explore the resulting interplay of quantum dynamics and environmental decoherence. Secondly, we critically examine some existing approaches to the numerical description of system-environment interaction in the non-perturbative regime and present a promising new method that can overcome some limitations of existing methods. Thirdly, we present an approach towards deciding and quantifying the non-classicality of the action of the environment and the observed system-dynamics. We stress the relevance of these tools for strengthening the interplay between theoretical and experimental research in this field., Proceedings of the 22nd Solvay Conference in Chemistry on "Quantum Effects in Chemistry and Biology"

As a part of the research and development for the nuclear waste disposal concept suitable to the advanced fuel cycle systems and its performance evaluation, the iron-phosphate glass is examined as an alternative waste form for high level waste generated from pyrochemical reprocessing. In order to enhance the waste element content in the glass matrix and improve the durability of the waste form, optimization experiments of glass composition were carried out and the effect of additional other transition metal oxides was found out in this study.

Hydrolysis of polysaccharides is one of the important steps for biorefinery. This paper demonstrates effects of microwave heating on hydrothermal hydrolysis of carbohydrate by comparing microwave and induction ovens. Identical thermal history could be obtained by high heating rate of both methods. To have higher sensitivity for detection of microwave effects, maltose was used as the simplest substrate. Hydrothermal hydrolysis was conducted at heating temperatures at 180 °C to 220 °C for 0 - 30 min of heating time with 4 min of come-up time. These heating profiles were precisely traced by using PID-aided temperature control. Hydrothermal hydrolysis of maltose started above 180 °C. Higher saccharification rate was achieved at higher temperature, however, degradation of glucose became predominant at 220 °C. Highest saccharification rates were almost the same by both heating methods, however, glucose yield was relatively higher at severer condition in microwave heating showing higher stability of glucose under electromagnetic field. To improve the microwave-assisted hydrothermal hydrolysis, several kinds of microwave absorbing agents including salt, metal oxide and graphite were tested. From the screening, halide salts (LiCl, LiBr, NaCl, NaBr, KCl, KBr) improved the reaction and the highest saccharification rate attained around 70% at lower temperature (200 °C) with salt concentration of 1% w/w. There was no significant difference among kinds of halide salts with different alkali metals. Sulfate, metal oxides and graphite did not show good effect. By monitoring the microwave outputs, the additions of halide salts were also found effective for reducing the total energy consumption. Increase in heating temperature required higher energy consumption when the water was used for medium, however, addition of sodium chloride at 1% w/w decreased the total energy consumption down to 60 - 70%. The results suggested that assistance of salts may be effective to improve hydrothermal hydrolysis of biomass under electromagnetic field. This method may be usable for salt containing biomass such as marine biomass.

In ambient electronics in the next generation, multiple electronic objects are scattered on walls, ceilings or in imaginative locations and interact each other to enhance safety, security and convenience. For implementation of many electronic objects in our daily life, large-area sheet-type flexible devices are expected to play an important role. In this paper, we review recent progress and future prospects of printed skin-like large-area flexible sensors and actuators. Moreover, the issues and the future prospect of flexible devices such as printed plastic MEMS devices and organic transistors will be addressed from the view point of ambient electronics.

The design and development of an inexpensive and customizable platform, for ultra-high throughput pyrosequenicng is presented. The platform comprises a micro-chip containing millions of reaction wells on a fiber optic platform, integrated with fluidics and a CMOS image sensor for chemiluminescence detection. Proof of concept experiments were performed to demonstrate the viability of the system for sequencing. Synthetic DNA, with various sequences, were designed and sequenced in the Pyrome sequencer. An experiment designed to test the loss of beads during long reads demonstrated that there is no appreciable loss of beads after sequencing 25 base pairs.

Chalcones is a very interesting compounds because it is known to have various of biological activities such as antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, antimalarial, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant. Moreover, natural and synthetic compounds of chalcones have roles as precursors for other compounds. Therefore, many chalcones become model structures of target compounds by researcher. In this research, methoxy chalcones derivatives have been synthesized using stirrer method and using base catalyst NaOH. The synthesized results obtained are (E)-3-(4-isoprophylphenyl)-1-(4’-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (1), (E)-1-(4’-methoxyphenyl)-3-p-tolylprop-2-en-1-one (2) and (E)-3-(3-bromophenyl)-1-(4’-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (3). The purity of all compounds have been tested using TLC, melting point test, analytical HPLC. Then they are characterized using UV, FTIR, 1H-NMR and MS spectroscopy. The toxicity assessments of the novel compounds were done by Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) method. The all compounds showed very good activity with LC50 value

Gum removal from vegetable oils applied for diesel fuel is an essential process, since the presence of gum in direct use to the diesel engine might cause plugging in the engine filters, lines and injectors. In the biodiesel production, the use of crude vegetable oils without degumming might decrease conversion rate and hard to separate glycerol from biodiesel, during and after trans-esterification reaction respectively. Ultrafiltration is potential technology for degumming of crude vegetable oils, however since the oil constituents have nearly close molecular weight, the membrane degumming process is a difficult process. In order to understand the membrane degumming process in corn-oil, both experimental and computational works have been conducted. Dry degumming process of corn-oil has been carried out using a tubular ceramic membrane, and the effects of process conditions (temperature, trans-membrane pressure, cross flow velocity) and concentration polarization were investigated. Computational fluid dynamics simulation based on Galerkin finite element methods (FEM) has been carried out and used to predict the retention layer occurred during inside-out operation of membrane degumming. The numerical results show that the increasing of crossflow velocity lead to increase axial Reynolds number, and on the other hand decrease the thickness of the retention layer. In the x/R=1.0 position, the retention layer thicknesses were δp= 4.0x10-4 m and δp= 1.7x10-4 m, for Re=1000 and Re=10000, respectively. Moreover, the effect of increasing Schmidt number gives a significant retention layer thickness decline, i.e. from δp= 4.8x10-4 m to δp= 2.2x10-4 m, by using Sc=4x105 to Sc=1.3x106, respectively. The Schmidt numbers depends on the diffusion behavior of solute in the solvent, and has been concluded that wet-degumming process was a better method to prevent higher concentration polarization close to the membrane wall.

Model-type sputter deposited platinum microelectrodes with different grain sizes were investigated on single crystalline yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) by means of impedance spectroscopy. Measurements on single platinum microelectrodes could be continuously performed for >100h and from 250 to 800°C without losing contact. From the temperature dependence, two parallel reaction pathways for oxygen reduction could be identified. Above 450°C, a surface path with a rate determining step located at the three phase boundary is predominant. Its polarization resistance is independent of the Pt grain size and exhibits an activation energy of ca. 1.8eV. In the low temperature regime (

This work characterizes the non-ideal behavior of the solvent extraction agent di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (HDEHP), constituting one piece of an effort to develop increasingly accurate models of advanced fuel separation processes such as TALSPEAK. Robust models are particularly important for processing high-level radioactive material in order to minimize the generation of secondary waste and to ensure reliable process control. Here, vapor pressure osmometry (VPO) data on binary solutions of HDEHP in toluene, dodecane, or cyclooctane yields the activity coefficients for each component after analysis. Initially, diluent activity data is obtained using the VPO results and then modeled using Scatchard-Hildebrand theory to provide the activity coefficients for HDEHP.

A crude peroxidase biocatalyst extracted from sawi hijau ( Brassica juncea ) was used to produce dimerization phenolic synthesized from eugenol. The result from MS and NMR analysis showed that the reaction between eugenol substrate and H 2 O 2 with crude extract enzyme produced a new chemical compound. The chemical structure of new compound showed coupled result in ortho-ortho position with C-C coupled derivative, dehydrodieugenol. It was obtained as brownish white crystal needles with yield 10%. This compound displayed higher cytotoxicity effect on T47D breast cancer cell compared to the eugenol monomer.

As an underground crop, tuberous root of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is the main economical yield expected from various level of cultivation. Aside rich in carbohydrate, sweet potato root contains vitamin and mineral. The degree of utilization reflects the level of subsistence to commercialization, where the desire or needs can be easily met was defined as prosperity. Supplying continuously the demand of sweet potato for subsistence and commercialization oriented to bio-ethanol and food related industries depend on the sustainable production system. To sustain sweet potato production system, the severe biotic and a-biotic stresses have to be alleviated.

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The α-subunit of the phycobiliprotein, phycoerythrocyanin (α-PEC), from Mastigocladus laminosus shows photoreversible photochromism that is based on the Z ↔ E isomerization of the phycoviolobilin (PVB) chromophore. Thermal stability of the photochemistry and chromoprotein secondary structure have been studied by absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Both photoisomers are stable and photoconvertible up to ∼ 70 °C. At T > 75 °C, photochemistry ceases because the E-state reverts rapidly thermally to the Z–state. The chromoprotein melts at 72 °C, the apoprotein already at 55 °C, indicating a considerable stabilization of the protein secondary structure by the chromophore.

peer-reviewed The Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration in human blood is an important parameter to evaluate the physiological condition. A hemoglobin test reveals how much hemoglobin can be found in the blood. With this information anemia (a low hemoglobin level) and polycythemia vera (a high hemoglobin level) can be a diagnosed and monitored. It is also possible to observe imminent postoperative bleedings and autologous retransfusions. Currently, invasive methods are used to measure the Hb concentration. For this purpose blood is taken and analyzed. The disadvantage of this method is the delay between the blood collection and its analysis, which does not allow a real-time patient monitoring in critical situations. A non-invasive method allows pain free online patient monitoring with minimum risk of infection and facilitates real time data monitoring allowing immediate clinical reaction to the measured data. PUBLISHED non-peer-reviewed

Based on cyclic physiologic animal bioimpedance and body temperature a new method is being evaluated to predict estrus in dairy cattle with the aim of improving artificial insemination efficiency. Preceding in-vivo tests are being performed with a dedicated system based on the impedance converter AD5933, and a two-electrode configuration bioimplantable capsule. Acquired results will allow the optimal design of an implantable and autonomous low-power system. The implantable microsystem is being designed and simulated employing low-power techniques in a 0.35μm CMOS standard process.

This work reports on the performance of gold ultramicroelectrode arrays (UMEAs) modified with gold nanoparticles (GNP) for the development of biosensors. As a proof of concept an amperometric peroxidase-based biosensor for the detection of phenolic compounds was developed. GNPs were electrodeposited on to the UMEA surface, thereby increasing its active area up to 100 times but without affecting its inherent electrodic properties. Horseradish peroxidase enzyme (HRP) was covalently immobilized over the electrodes by means of a thiol self-assembled monolayer (SAM). The resulting biosensors were applied to the amperometric detection of catechol. The use of GNP-modified UMEAs increased the sensitivity of the biosensor compared with the values achieved with bare UMEAs and microelectrode based biosensors.

A flavonoid was isolated from aqueous fraction of green grass jelly ( Cyclea barbata Miers) leaf extract. On the basis of paper as well as thin layer chromatographic pattern, acid hydrolysis, and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometric analysis, the isolate was confirmed as a 3- O -glycosidic flavonol with a hydroxyl group at C-4’ and an o-di OH of A ring at position of either 6,7 or 7,8.

Determination of the total tannin of white and red rind pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has been carried out by colorimetry method using reagent 1,10 phenantroline. This method is based on reduction of iron (III) into iron (II) by tannin at temperature 800C for 20 min. Then the formed of iron (II) was reacted with 1,10 phenantroline to form orange red colour complex that could be measured by spectrophotometer visible at maximum absorption wavelength of 508 nm. The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) obtained were 0.34 μg/mL and 1.14 μg/mL, respectively. This result was found to be linier with R value of 0.9984; accuracy as percent recovery was 84.69 ± 0.85% and coefficient of variant (KV) was 1.003% for white rind pomegranate while red rind pomegranate percent recovery was 84.38 ± 0,45% and coefficient of variant (KV) was 0.53%. The total tannin of white rind pomegranate was 18.28 ± 0.072%b/b and red rind pomegranate was 17.33 ± 0.081%b/b

The paper presents an evaluation of the rare earth industry in the former Soviet Union, Russia and the world. Main areas of use of rare earth metals, primary resources of rare earth metals are considered, forecast for the industry development is given. The conclusion about the prospects and opportunities of the organization of production and separation of rare earth metals at the Siberian Chemical Combine in the West Siberian region is made, and possible sources of raw materials for this production are analyzed.

A fully integrated Film Bulk Acoustic Resonator (FBAR) based mass detection sensor matrix was developed for label-free in-vitro DNA and protein diagnostics. A 64 pixels sensor matrix was post-processed on top of a CMOS readout circuitry at wafer level. A novel and patented resonance frequency detection method was developed. To our knowledge this is the first realized full integrated FBAR matrix sensor.

Sodalite has been taken into account as a matrix for conditioning chloride salt wastes coming from pyroprocesses. The present paper illustrates the research activities finalized to demonstrate the feasibility of sodalite synthesis through the Pressureless Consolidation (PC) process, proposed by Idaho National Laboratories (INL) in USA. A homogeneous powder of nepheline, chloride salts and glass frit was put into an alumina crucible and slightly pressed with another alumina crucible of a smaller diameter, inside which a stainless steel bar had been inserted. The entire assembly was introduced in a furnace inside an Argon-atmosphere glove-box and heated at 925°C for 7 hours. The product obtained has then been characterized by means of density measurements, thermal analysis, stereomicroscopy observations, as well as FTIR and XRD. The latter correspond to the ones of sodalite reported in the spectral library. Leach tests under static conditions according to ASTM C1285-02 (reapproved 2008) have been carried out and successfully compared with those obtained by INL.

We present a cantilever fabricated from the polymer SU-8 for the measurement of wall shear stress in fluid flows. The pressureinduced deflection of the cantilever, measured using an calibrated and integrated nichrome strain gauge, can be related to the wall shear stress on the surface. The initial degree of curvature of the cantilever can be controlled via the exposure dose, which allows a small positive deflection to be achieved, and so minimises the intrusion into the flow. Wind tunnel testing results show a sensitivity greater than 2.5 mV/Pa, with a shear stress of 0.38 Pa and excitation of 1V.

In the devices, where the interaction of magnetic field sources is used, it is effective to replace the electric power of a magnetic field with a permanent magnet. Rare earth permanent magnets based on neodymium-iron-boron are the most promising, since they have higher magnetic and mechanical characteristics, they are cheaper and more available. The article discusses a fundamentally new fluoride technology for obtaining fluoride materials, the data on the kinetics of fluorination processes of oxides of neodymium, iron and their mixtures are given.

An original power controlling driving/reading circuit for Porous Silicon JFET (PSJFET) gas sensors is presented. The PSJFET is an integrated p-channel JFET with two independent gates: a meso-structured PS layer, acting as a sensing, floating gate, which modulates the JFET current upon adsorption/desorption of specific analytes, and a high-impedance electric gate, which allows the JFET current tuning independently from analytes in the environment. The circuit exploits the independence of the sensing and electrical gate terminals to set/control the sensor power-dissipation, which is kept almost constant independently from adsorption/desorption-induced effects, while simultaneously carrying out a current-voltage conversion. For such a purpose, a negative feedback loop is used to modulate the PSJFET electric gate voltage, which becomes the output signal, while keeping constant the source-drain sensor current and, hence, the power dissipation. The proposed approach is validated by performing time-resolved measurements on PSJFET sensors under different NO2 concentrations (100ppb, 300ppb, 500ppb), at room temperature.

The photoacoustic principle for measuring gas concentration is well established based upon macromechanical assembly. However, microsystem based photoacoustic could benefit from smaller size and lower cost, but needs a high resolution microphone to be competitive. Here we present the characterization of two dedicated low frequency microphones. Both microphones have been fabricated in the same MPW foundry process, but additional post processing step enabling narrow ventilation slots through membranes of multiple thickness that increase the sensitivity of microphones, has been used. Preliminary results indicate a sensitivity of 800 µV/V-Pa, sufficient for high resolution photoacoustic gas sensors.

The EXAm process aims at recovering americium alone contained in the PUREX raffinate. The americium stripping model has been revised to take into account a change of stripping aqueous phase and up-to-date experimental results conducted within DRCP to improve knowledge about complexes. This work represents a first approximation at modelling americium stripping. The modelling work has led to synthesize the knowledge on chemical phenomenology and adopt assumptions that best reflect experimental results. The modelling has been implemented in PAREX code in order to simulate this step to prepare and understand tests to be carried out in mixer settlers.

In this work, we present the effects of mixing sequence of sodium tungstate and nitric acid, as well as the aging duration on the formation of tungsten oxide by sol-gel method. Increase of the aging duration allows the formation of uniform platelet structure where no structure could be detected at 1 aging day while uniform platelet structure could be detected at 30 days. Hydrated tungsten oxide platelets of 1-1.θ зm could be formed by mixing sodium tungstate into nitric acid (sample labeled as W-A) which could be reduced significantly in size to 200-600 nm by changing the mixing sequence to drop nitric acid into sodium tungstate (sample labeled as A-W). Crystalline hydrated tungsten oxides were obtained for both samples where W-A sample shows better degree of crystallinity. Room temperature hydrogen gas sensing property was successfully detected by both samples where A-W sample demonstrates ∼2.5 times higher sensor response to hydrogen gas compared to W-A sample.

A photodetector that shows high photocurrent in the ultraviolet and visible wavelengths has been fabricated. The device consists of a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS)-like grid structure where the dielectric layer is a silicon-rich oxide (SRO) film. Its fabrication is completely compatible with silicon technology. SRO thin films with 1 to 12% silicon excess were deposited on silicon wafers by low pressure chemical vapour deposition technique. After thermal annealing, silicon nanoagglomerates were created. Current-voltage measurements in dark and under illumination conditions were done to test the devices.

Chlorophyll exists as chlorophyll-protein complexes in thylakoid membranes. The light-harvesting complexes of photosystem II (LHCII) and CP43/CP47 are the peripheral and core antenna, respectively, of the photosystem. Chlorophyll b exists in LHCII but not in the core antenna complex, suggesting that the LHCII level is closely related to the amount of chlorophyll b . The first step of the degradation of chlorophyll b is catalysed by chlorophyll b reductase (NYC1 and NOL). In this report, study found that the chlorophyll content was significantly lower and that the chlorophyll a / b ratio was higher in NOL over-expressing Arabidopsis thaliana plants than in wild type plants. Low temperature fluorescence spectra of the leaves and western blotting analysis revealed that photosystem II had a small antenna size in the NOL over-expressing plants. These results suggest that NOL is involved in the regulation of the antenna size of photosystem II.

As part of the 2006 French Act on sustainable radioactive waste and waste management, CEA has been developing a process, (EXAm), in order to separate americium from curium and fission product downstream of COEXTM or PUREX processes. The goal is to recover Am up to 99%. The first step mainly consists of splitting americium from curium thanks to the diamide in organic phase combined with a complexing agent in high nitric acid. The low separation factor between Am and Cm leads to a very sensitive process flowsheet towards operating conditions. It is then difficult to manage high recovery yields with good purity. A model has been built taking into account complexation equilibria by TEDGA in aqueous phase and extraction equilibria in organic phase for each element. This model was put into the PAREX code to find the correct flowsheet, and then to conduct sensitivity studies regarding several parameters such as feed flow, acidity, temperature, solvent flow and reagent concentration. These studies have pointed out a high correlation between americium yield and decontamination factor and, also, an equivalence between any change of the most sensitive parameters and a change in TEDGA concentration. A running procedure was followed during two hot tests: the main concept was to start with a less efficient process and then to improve it during the test in order to reach required performances by adjusting the TEDGA flow rate.

This paper reports the experimental results of parametric amplification applied to a harmonically forced MEMS gyroscope. Parametric amplification of the forced response at resonance in the range 10–100 is investigated. Several important factors pertinent to practical exploitation are highlighted. The main obstacle to high gain parametric amplification is the nonlinearity of the electrostatic force which becomes significant for high amplitude vibration. By significantly reducing the harmonic forcing level to just above the noise threshold, parametric amplification of the resonant response by a factor of 80 has been achieved whilst maintaining linear response characteristics.