Yes / Nanoparticles are increasingly used in industry and medicine due to their unique physiochemical properties such as their small size, charge, shape, chemical architecture, large surface area, surface reactivity and media interactions, etc [1-5]. However, very little is still known on the interactions between nanoparticles and the biological system. This study aims to evaluate the cytotoxicity of polystyrene latex bead nanoparticles on HaCat and HeLa cell lines. Carboxyl-modified 20 nm polystyrene NPs core labelled with fluorophore were from Invitogen. We chose to use polystyrene NPs because this specific type of NP is being increasingly characterized for use in nanosensors and drug nanocarrier investigations. 1x 104 cells/100 μl of cell culture medium were plated into 96-well plates in triplicate, measuring activity post 24 hours at concentrations of 10, 50, 100 μg/ml of polystyrene NPs exposure. The extracellular lactate dehydrogenase release was measured by using a colorimetric CytoTox 96 nonradioactive assay kit from Promega and the absorbance were recorded at 450nm (FLUO-star) with Elisa micro plate reader. The MTT assay was used to evaluate mitochondrial activity. This was performed by inserting a premixed optimized dye solution in the culture wells. The Absorbance was recorded at 570 nm, from the recorded absorbance is directly proportional to the number of live cells. The cell lines were kept in a plastic T-75cm2 tissue culture flasks grown in DMEM. We found that cytotoxicity of polystyrene NPs on both cells was concentration dependent. For Hela cells, with exporesure of polystyrene NPs at concentrations of 10, 50, 100 μg/ml for 24 hrs, the percentage cytotoxicity of positive control for LDH assay was 35.9%, 49.5% and 73.4% respectively. With the MTT cell viability assay the percentage MTT reduction of negative control was 88.9%, 42.9% and 26.4% respectively. Cell toxicity increased with increasing polystyrene NPs concentration. For HaCaT cells, the cytotoxic effect is less significant than those on Hela cells. With MTT assay, when compared to HaCaT cells exposed to a negative control containing only PBS, the cell viability decreased as the concentrations of NPs increased. Cells exposed to 100μg/ml of polystyrene NPs for a period of 24 hours compared to those exposed to a positive control (100% cell viability) had an average cell viability of 49%, with those numbers decreasing from 59% for cells exposed to 10μg/ml of polystyrene NPs to 57% for cells exposed to 50μg/ml of polystyrene NPs. Our results indicated that polystyrene NPs acted differently in two different cell types and that cautions should be taken about its cytotoxicity. Further understanding of the mechanism involving the ROS generation could provide more information on how polystyrene NPs increase cytotoxicity.

No description available.

The main aim of this study is to combine the sol-gel technology and renewable surface flow injection analysis (RS-FIA) techniques for iron speciation and determination. Thus the home-made FIA system, which consists of 2 syringe pumps and 3 multi-position selection valves, is modified with two flow cells (magnetic cell and jet ring cell) in order to be suitable for renewable surface flow injection technique. All the computer programs used for flow injection analysis are modified to control the whole system automatically. Two different types of solid phase extraction materials are used for the speciation of iron in aqueous systems. Magnetic beads coated with primary amino groups are utilized for the determination of Fe (III). The magnetic bead reactor is created within the flowing stream by retaining the magnetic beads with a home-made electromagnet. The elution cycle for Fe (III) is done with 0.1 M EDTA solution and determined on-line by transferring to an atomic absorption spectrometer. The spent beads are collected off-line and regenerated. For the preconcentration of Fe (II), ferrozine doped sol-gel beads are prepared as reactive and disposable surfaces. These beads are handled by the system equipped with a jet ring cell which is connected on-line to a portable UV-VIS fiber optic spectrometer. Amino sol-gel and ferrozine-doped sol-gel beads are prepared using sol-gel technology and characterized by using surface techniques. Their performances in preconcentration and speciation of iron and the influence of different experimental parameters such as pH, the sequence of reagents, reactor lengths and reaction periods on the flow system are investigated. Renewable surface flow injection analysis is performed by either bead injection or sequential bead injection methods.

Alzheimers sjukdom (AD, eng. Alzheimer’s disease) upptäcktes för 111 år sedan av Alois Alz-heimer. Idag är det den ledande orsaken till demens hos äldre, och incidencen förväntas öka med befolkningens ökande livslängd. År 2050 förutspås antalet patienter med AD nå 10 miljoner personer [1]. Det har gjorts många försök att angripa AD via dess främsta kännetäcken, såsom plack av beta-amyloid (Aβ), Aβ-oligomerer, och ansamlingar av tau-protein, kallat tau-trassel. Trots att forskning om AD bedrivits i flera årtionden är dess orsak alltjämt okänd.På sistone har det funnits ett fokus på de inflammatoriska komponenterna inom AD. Det finns en utbredd aktivering av immunförsvaret i det centrala nervsystemet hos patienter med AD, men varken dess orsak eller dess roll inom AD är känd. Däremot finns det tydliga tecken på att inflammationen är av autoimmun art. Med detta i åtanke är det tydligt att det finns ett stort behov att utröna auto-immunitetens roll inom AD. I denna forskningsstudie användes proteomik-metoder för att bestämma autoantikroppsprofilerna inom plasma och cerebrospinalvätska (CSF, eng. cerebrospinal fluid) hos AD-patienter och en frisk kontrollgrupp.I denna studie användes par av plasma- och CSF-prover från 23 friska individer och 49 patien-ter. Dessutom inkluderades 2 plasmaprover och 18 CSF-prover från patienter. En 380-faldig och en 314-faldig riktad analys gjordes med hjälp utav suspension bead array-teknologi (SBA). Varje SBA bestod av färgkodade, magnetiska mikrosfärer i suspension, med antigen immobiliserade på kulornas yta. Denna analysmetod användes för att undersöka autoantikropssprofilerna i alla prover. Resul-taten visade en ökad respons från autoantikroppar mot antigenen SLC17A6 (Solute Carrier Family 17 Member 6), MAP1A (Microtubule Associated Protein 1A), och MAP2 (Microtubule Associated Protein 2) i patiener gentemot friska individer. Dock har dessa antigen uppvisat en bred reaktivitet i tidigare, opublicerade studier. Därför behövs ytterligare forskning för att fastställa deras roll inom AD.Dessutom användes paren av plasma- och CSF-prover för att undersöka autoantikroppsprofilernas överrensstämmelse inom varje patient. Det visade sig att korrelationen följde en normalfördelning, med starkare korrelation inom antigen med starkare reaktivitet mot den motsvarande autoantikroppen. Denna studie utgör en av de första storskaliga forskningsstudierna av överrensstämmelsen mellan autoantikroppsprofilerna inom plasma och CSF. / Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was discovered 111 years ago by Alois Alzheimer. Today, it is the leading cause of dementia in elderly, and incidence is expected to increase with life expectancy. By 2050, the number of a˙ected individuals is predicted to reach 10 million [1]. There have been numerous attempts to describe AD by its primary hallmarks, including amyloid plaques, amyloid beta (Aβ) oligomers, and tau tangles. However, despite several decades of intense research, the cause of AD remains unknown.Recently, there has been a focus on the inflammatory components of AD. There is an extensive activation of the immune system within the CNS of AD patients, but neither its cause nor its role in AD is known. However, there are strong indications that the inflammation has an autoimmune character. Considering this, there is an imperative need to examine autoimmunity within AD. In the present study, a proteomic approach was used to determine the autoantibody profiles within plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within AD patients and healthy controls.Paired plasma and CSF samples from 23 healthy controls and 49 patients were included in the present study. In addition, 2 plasma samples and 18 CSF samples from patients were included (not paired). One 380-plex and one 314-plex targeted suspension bead array (SBA), each consisting of color-coded magnetic microspheres with immobilized antigens, were used to analyze autoantibody profiles in all samples. The resulting data revealed an increased autoantibody response towards anti-gens SLC17A6 (Solute Carrier Family 17 Member 6), MAP1A (Microtubule Associated Protein 1A), and MAP2 (Microtubule Associated Protein 2) in patients compared to healthy controls. However, as these antigens have displayed wide reactivities in previous, unpublished studies, they require further investigation to determine their role in AD.Furthermore, the paired CSF and plasma samples were used to investigate the correlation of autoantibody profiles within patients. The correlation was found to follow a normal distribution, with correlation being higher in antigens displaying stronger autoantibody reactivity. This work represents one of the first large-scale studies on the correlation of autoantibody profiles in plasma and CSF.

This thesis is an investigation into some of the influences, reasons, concepts and processes in my sculptural practice. Referencing the use of absurdity, pseudoscience, mythological instrumentality, and normal consumer logic, it is a questioning into what type of cultural production is viable within a contemporary art context.

Neste trabalho foram soldadas 4 amostras de rodas para veículos comerciais pelo processo de soldagem Tandem-MIG. Para cada amostra foram utilizados parâmetros de soldagem diferentes de modo a se obter formatos de cordão de solda distintos. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a influência desses formatos de cordão de solda no desempenho em fadiga. Para os materiais utilizados, SAE1010AA e SAE1015A, foram realizados os seguintes ensaios: análise de composição química, análise micrográfica, levantamento das curvas tensão x deformação, medidas de microdureza Vickers e levantamento das curvas SN pelo método de flexão alternada (R=-1). Através da composição química constatou-se que ambos os aços são de baixo carbono e atendem o especificado pela norma SAEJ403. Através da análise micrográfica foi verificado que as fases presentes foram ferrita e perlita, e o tamanho médio de grão foi de 11,2 ?m para os dois materiais. O aço SAE1010AA apresentou limite de escoamento médio de 265,2 MPa, limite de resistência de 384,8 MPa e alongamento médio de 43,9%. Já o aço SAE1015AA apresentou limite de escoamento médio de 260,1 MPa, limite de resistência de 407,3 MPa e alongamento de 41,9%. Para os dois materiais, o limite de resistência à fadiga (2.10-6 ciclos) foi de 225 MPa. Foi realizada a caracterização das 4 amostras soldadas. Através das curvas SN observou-se que o limite de resistência à fadiga para as amostras soldadas apresentou redução para valores entre 180 e 160 MPa. Com os mapas de microdureza Vickers levantados foi possível perceber as diferenças de microdureza obtidas de acordo com os parâmetros de soldagem utilizados e consequentemente com as microestruturas formadas. Com as imagens obtidas na análise micrográfica observou-se a formação de microestruturas com formatos e tamanhos diversos tanto nas regiões da zona termicamente afetada das amostras como na região de solidificação do cordão de solda. Finalmente, com a realização da análise via MEV, constatou-se que todas as trincas por fadiga iniciaram na superfície dos corpos de prova. Foram observadas estrias de fadiga, com maior e menor intensidade de acordo com cada amostra, ao longo da região de fratura. Além disso, foi observada a geração de múltiplas trincas por fadiga em duas amostras. / In this study four samples of commercial vehicle wheels were welded using the Tandem-MIG process. For each sample different welding parameters were used to get different kinds of weld bead shape. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of these weld bead shapes in fatigue performance. For the SAE1010AA and SAE1015AA materials the following tests were performed: chemical composition analysis, microstructure characterization, SN curves by alternating bending method (R=-1). Through analyzing chemical composition, it was found that both materials are low carbon steel and they meet the SAE J403 standard. In microstructure characterization, ferrite and perlite microstructure were found, with an average grain size of 11,2 ?m for both steels. The SAE1010AA showed an average yield strength of 265,2 MPa, an average tensile strength of 384,8 MPa, and alongation of 43,9%. The SAE1015AA showed an average yield strength of 260,1 MPa, an average tensile strength of 407,3 MPa, and alongation of 41,9%. For both materials, the fatigue limit (2.10-6 ciclos) was 225 MPa. The characterization of the four samples was done. In SN curves the fatigue limit for welded samples showed a reduction to values of between 180 and 160 MPa. In the Vickers microhardness test, it was possible to notice the differences between the microhardness obtained in accordance with welding parameters used and, consequently, the microstructure formed. In microstructure analysis, different kinds and sizes of microstructure were observed to have formed in both the heat-affected zone and the welded zone. Finally, through MEV analysis, all fatigue cracks were seen to have begun on the surface of the samples. Fatigue estriaton, with major and minor intensity depending on the sample, was observed along the fracture region. Furthermore, the beginning of multiple fatigue cracks were seen in two samples.

Neste trabalho foram soldadas 4 amostras de rodas para veículos comerciais pelo processo de soldagem Tandem-MIG. Para cada amostra foram utilizados parâmetros de soldagem diferentes de modo a se obter formatos de cordão de solda distintos. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a influência desses formatos de cordão de solda no desempenho em fadiga. Para os materiais utilizados, SAE1010AA e SAE1015A, foram realizados os seguintes ensaios: análise de composição química, análise micrográfica, levantamento das curvas tensão x deformação, medidas de microdureza Vickers e levantamento das curvas SN pelo método de flexão alternada (R=-1). Através da composição química constatou-se que ambos os aços são de baixo carbono e atendem o especificado pela norma SAEJ403. Através da análise micrográfica foi verificado que as fases presentes foram ferrita e perlita, e o tamanho médio de grão foi de 11,2 ?m para os dois materiais. O aço SAE1010AA apresentou limite de escoamento médio de 265,2 MPa, limite de resistência de 384,8 MPa e alongamento médio de 43,9%. Já o aço SAE1015AA apresentou limite de escoamento médio de 260,1 MPa, limite de resistência de 407,3 MPa e alongamento de 41,9%. Para os dois materiais, o limite de resistência à fadiga (2.10-6 ciclos) foi de 225 MPa. Foi realizada a caracterização das 4 amostras soldadas. Através das curvas SN observou-se que o limite de resistência à fadiga para as amostras soldadas apresentou redução para valores entre 180 e 160 MPa. Com os mapas de microdureza Vickers levantados foi possível perceber as diferenças de microdureza obtidas de acordo com os parâmetros de soldagem utilizados e consequentemente com as microestruturas formadas. Com as imagens obtidas na análise micrográfica observou-se a formação de microestruturas com formatos e tamanhos diversos tanto nas regiões da zona termicamente afetada das amostras como na região de solidificação do cordão de solda. Finalmente, com a realização da análise via MEV, constatou-se que todas as trincas por fadiga iniciaram na superfície dos corpos de prova. Foram observadas estrias de fadiga, com maior e menor intensidade de acordo com cada amostra, ao longo da região de fratura. Além disso, foi observada a geração de múltiplas trincas por fadiga em duas amostras. / In this study four samples of commercial vehicle wheels were welded using the Tandem-MIG process. For each sample different welding parameters were used to get different kinds of weld bead shape. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of these weld bead shapes in fatigue performance. For the SAE1010AA and SAE1015AA materials the following tests were performed: chemical composition analysis, microstructure characterization, SN curves by alternating bending method (R=-1). Through analyzing chemical composition, it was found that both materials are low carbon steel and they meet the SAE J403 standard. In microstructure characterization, ferrite and perlite microstructure were found, with an average grain size of 11,2 ?m for both steels. The SAE1010AA showed an average yield strength of 265,2 MPa, an average tensile strength of 384,8 MPa, and alongation of 43,9%. The SAE1015AA showed an average yield strength of 260,1 MPa, an average tensile strength of 407,3 MPa, and alongation of 41,9%. For both materials, the fatigue limit (2.10-6 ciclos) was 225 MPa. The characterization of the four samples was done. In SN curves the fatigue limit for welded samples showed a reduction to values of between 180 and 160 MPa. In the Vickers microhardness test, it was possible to notice the differences between the microhardness obtained in accordance with welding parameters used and, consequently, the microstructure formed. In microstructure analysis, different kinds and sizes of microstructure were observed to have formed in both the heat-affected zone and the welded zone. Finally, through MEV analysis, all fatigue cracks were seen to have begun on the surface of the samples. Fatigue estriaton, with major and minor intensity depending on the sample, was observed along the fracture region. Furthermore, the beginning of multiple fatigue cracks were seen in two samples.

On the bead modeling methodology, or BMM, a macromolecule is modeled as a rigid, non-overlapping bead array with arbitrary radii. The BMM approach was pioneered by Kirkwood and coworkers (Kirkwood, J.G., Macromolecules, E.P. Auer (Ed.), Gordon and Breach, New York, 1967; Kirkwood, J.G., Riseman, J., J. Chem. Phys., 1948, 16, 565) and applied to such transport properties as diffusion, sedimentation, and viscosity. With the availability of computers, a number of investigators extended the work to account for the detailed shape of biomolecules in the 1970s. A principle objective of my research has been to apply the BMM approach to more complex transport phenomena such as transport in a gel, electrophoresis (free solution and in a gel), and also transport in more complex media (such as the viscosity of alkanes and benzene). Variables considered by the BMM include the number of beads (N), the radii of the beads, net charge and charge distribution, conformations, salt type, and salt concentration. The BMM has been extended to: (1) account for the existence of a gel; (2) characterize the charge and secondary structure of macromolecules; (3) account more accurately for hydrodynamic interaction (remove the orientationnal preaveraging approximation of hydrodynamic interaction); (4) study the effect of ion relaxation for particles in arbitrary size, shape, and charge; (5) consider the salt dependence of electrokinetic properties; (6) account for the formation of possible complex between guest ions and BGE ions. We also did diffusion constant measurement by NMR for amino acids and short peptides in 10%D2O-90% H2O at room temperature and applied to our modeling study by BMM.

Dünnwandige Strukturen erreichen bei richtiger Gestaltung ein sehr gutes Masse-Steifigkeitsverhältnis und besitzen damit großes Potential für effektiven Strukturleichtbau. In ebenen und schwach gekrümmten Bereichen weisen diese jedoch eine geringe Biegesteifigkeit auf, welche häufig nicht den gestellten Anforderungen entspricht. Zur Formversteifung werden hier Sicken eingesetzt. Diese rinnenartigen oder flächigen Vertiefungen werden mithilfe einer Blechumformung, wie Tiefziehen, in das jeweilige Bauteil eingebracht. Damit ein Sickenfeld die maximale Versteifungswirkung erreicht, muss es beanspruchungsgerecht ausgelegt werden. In der Praxis werden Sicken häufig erfahrungsbasiert oder mit den Erkenntnissen aus Sickenkatalogen in ein Bauteil eingebracht. Allerdings bleibt hier die Frage nach einer beanspruchungsgerechten Auslegung der Sickenparameter, wie Position und Ausrichtung, offen. Bei komplexeren Bauteilen generiert die FE-Netz basierte Formoptimierung hingegen ein deutlich besseres Ergebnis. Allerdings muss dieses für ein fertigungsgerechtes Sickenbild manuell im CAD rekonstruiert werden. Dieser Prozess ist im CAD-System zeitaufwändig und fehleranfällig. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, die FEM gestützte Sickenauslegung effektiver zu gestalten. Eine Teilaufgabe ist die Verbesserung der Ergebnisinterpretation von formoptimierten FE-Netzen. Weiterhin werden neue Methoden gezeigt, welche ohne Interpretation verzerrter FE-Netze eine CAD-integrierte Sickenauslegung ermöglichen. / Thin-walled structures are used within various products, due to their optimal relation between mass and stiffness. Nevertheless those structures have a low bending stiffness in areas with less curvature. To bypass this disadvantage channels or flattened areas, so called beads, are embossed. To maximize the stiffening effect the position and orientation of the bead is essential. One of the latest methods for bead creation is based on the experience of the designer supported with construction catalogues. They offer predefined bead patterns, tested on simple plate structures and various load cases. The adoption of the predefined bead pattern on complex real live parts is often impossible. A second method uses FEM based optimization algorithms. They are more effective but the actual workflow of interpreting the distorted FEM meshes in CAD and resulting adoption on manufacturing constrains lead to non-optimal results, too. The aim of this thesis is to represent new methods for bead creation with a high CAD integration level. As a result, three new methods are developed. At first, the workflow for the interpretation of bead patterns created by a FEM based optimization algorithm was simplified using tailor made CAD features for the reverse engineering process. The designer is now able to recreate tangency steady CAD geometry with the provided deformed FE mesh. The second method focuses on channel shaped beads. Herefore, the stress distribution is calculated within the FE-shell first and then analyzed. With this information the direction of a bead profile can be estimated in every FE-node and displayed to the user as vector field. In the second step guidelines similar to streamlines are created using the vector field. These guidelines are the basic elements for channels shaped beads represented as CAD features. This approach enables the designer to create load step depending bead patterns without distorted FE-Meshes in CAD. The last scheme represents a semi-analytical approach to create the guidelines without Finite Elements Analyses for simple plate like structures. The vector field is calculated with the stresses using Kirchoff-Love's theory of plates. The investigation shows that the resulting guidelines can be approximated with superellipse. All methods are tested with parts of the automotive industry and academic examples.

Dünnwandige Strukturen erreichen bei richtiger Gestaltung ein sehr gutes Masse-Steifigkeitsverhältnis und besitzen damit großes Potential für effektiven Strukturleichtbau. In ebenen und schwach gekrümmten Bereichen weisen diese jedoch eine geringe Biegesteifigkeit auf, welche häufig nicht den gestellten Anforderungen entspricht. Zur Formversteifung werden hier Sicken eingesetzt. Diese rinnenartigen oder flächigen Vertiefungen werden mithilfe einer Blechumformung, wie Tiefziehen, in das jeweilige Bauteil eingebracht. Damit ein Sickenfeld die maximale Versteifungswirkung erreicht, muss es beanspruchungsgerecht ausgelegt werden. In der Praxis werden Sicken häufig erfahrungsbasiert oder mit den Erkenntnissen aus Sickenkatalogen in ein Bauteil eingebracht. Allerdings bleibt hier die Frage nach einer beanspruchungsgerechten Auslegung der Sickenparameter, wie Position und Ausrichtung, offen. Bei komplexeren Bauteilen generiert die FE-Netz basierte Formoptimierung hingegen ein deutlich besseres Ergebnis. Allerdings muss dieses für ein fertigungsgerechtes Sickenbild manuell im CAD rekonstruiert werden. Dieser Prozess ist im CAD-System zeitaufwändig und fehleranfällig. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, die FEM gestützte Sickenauslegung effektiver zu gestalten. Eine Teilaufgabe ist die Verbesserung der Ergebnisinterpretation von formoptimierten FE-Netzen. Weiterhin werden neue Methoden gezeigt, welche ohne Interpretation verzerrter FE-Netze eine CAD-integrierte Sickenauslegung ermöglichen. / Thin-walled structures are used within various products, due to their optimal relation between mass and stiffness. Nevertheless those structures have a low bending stiffness in areas with less curvature. To bypass this disadvantage channels or flattened areas, so called beads, are embossed. To maximize the stiffening effect the position and orientation of the bead is essential. One of the latest methods for bead creation is based on the experience of the designer supported with construction catalogues. They offer predefined bead patterns, tested on simple plate structures and various load cases. The adoption of the predefined bead pattern on complex real live parts is often impossible. A second method uses FEM based optimization algorithms. They are more effective but the actual workflow of interpreting the distorted FEM meshes in CAD and resulting adoption on manufacturing constrains lead to non-optimal results, too. The aim of this thesis is to represent new methods for bead creation with a high CAD integration level. As a result, three new methods are developed. At first, the workflow for the interpretation of bead patterns created by a FEM based optimization algorithm was simplified using tailor made CAD features for the reverse engineering process. The designer is now able to recreate tangency steady CAD geometry with the provided deformed FE mesh. The second method focuses on channel shaped beads. Herefore, the stress distribution is calculated within the FE-shell first and then analyzed. With this information the direction of a bead profile can be estimated in every FE-node and displayed to the user as vector field. In the second step guidelines similar to streamlines are created using the vector field. These guidelines are the basic elements for channels shaped beads represented as CAD features. This approach enables the designer to create load step depending bead patterns without distorted FE-Meshes in CAD. The last scheme represents a semi-analytical approach to create the guidelines without Finite Elements Analyses for simple plate like structures. The vector field is calculated with the stresses using Kirchoff-Love\'s theory of plates. The investigation shows that the resulting guidelines can be approximated with superellipse. All methods are tested with parts of the automotive industry and academic examples.