Magnetophoretic circuits for digital control of single particles and cells.

The ability to manipulate small fluid droplets, colloidal particles and single cells with the precision and parallelization of modern-day computer hardware has profound applications for biochemical detection, gene sequencing, chemical synthesis and highly parallel analysis of single cells. Drawing inspiration from general circuit theory and magnetic bubble technology, here we demonstrate a class of integrated circuits for executing sequential and parallel, timed operations on an ensemble of single particles and cells. The integrated circuits are constructed from lithographically defined, overlaid patterns of magnetic film and current lines. The magnetic patterns passively control particles similar to electrical conductors, diodes and capacitors. The current lines actively switch particles between different tracks similar to gated electrical transistors. When combined into arrays and driven by a rotating magnetic field clock, these integrated circuits have general multiplexing properties and enable the precise control of magnetizable objects

On- and Off-ramps Generating 1/f Noise in Traffic Flow

A simple model of a motorway junction consisting of two connected periodic roads is presented; each of them is connected to the other by on- and off-ramps. This constitutes a detailed structure for the region of on- and off-ramps, which is a new aspect of this paper and a useful step towards a more realistic modelling of the vehicular dynamics near the ramps. The traffic flow through the ramps has an effect on the capacity of the main roads. This effect is identified by the formation of the so-called ”plateau” in the fundamental diagram. The value increase of one of the probabilities pin and pout decreases the value of the indicated plateau. Here pin is the probability to enter the main road through the on-ramp and pout denotes the probability to exit the main road through the off-ramp. The first important feature in the simulated system is the symmetry between the connected main roads. This symmetry does not depend on the variation of the difference between the probabilities pin and pout. The other most outstanding feature is the existence of correlations between the connected main roads, which can be traced back to the lane change of vehicles in the ramp regions. These correlations are characterized by the occurrence of 1/fα fluctuations in the global traffic flow of a chosen main road of the simulated system.A simple model of a motorway junction consisting of two connected periodic roads is presented; each of them is connected to the other by on- and off-ramps. This constitutes a detailed structure for the region of on- and off-ramps, which is a new aspect of this paper and a useful step towards a more realistic modelling of the vehicular dynamics near the ramps. The traffic flow through the ramps has an effect on the capacity of the main roads. This effect is identified by the formation of the so-called ”plateau” in the fundamental diagram. The value increase of one of the probabilities pin and pout decreases the value of the indicated plateau. Here pin is the probability to enter the main road through the on-ramp and pout denotes the probability to exit the main road through the off-ramp. The first important feature in the simulated system is the symmetry between the connected main roads. This symmetry does not depend on the variation of the difference between the probabilities pin and pout. The other most outstanding feature is the existence of correlations between the connected main roads, which can be traced back to the lane change of vehicles in the ramp regions. These correlations are characterized by the occurrence of 1/fα fluctuations in the global traffic flow of a chosen main road of the simulated system

Elbow medial collateral ligament injuries

Elbow medial collateral ligament sprain occurs when the elbow is subjected to a valgus force exceeding the tensile properties of the medial collateral ligament (MCL). This is an injury seen more often in throwing athletes. Understanding the differential diagnosis of medial elbow pain is paramount to diagnose MCL injury as well as addressing other medial elbow pathology. A natural evolution regarding MCL injury has occurred over the past 20 years, with modifications of the original surgical procedure, specificity and sensitivity analysis of imaging modalities, and physical exam maneuvers to diagnose MCL pathology. In order for the MCL literature to advance further, more biomechanical and long-term clinical outcome data for the respective surgical modifications are needed. This review describes MCL injury pathophysiology, patient evaluation, reconstruction indications/contraindications, and current and evolving surgical techniques

Aloe barbadensis: how a miraculous plant becomes reality

Aloe barbadensis Miller is a plant that is native to North and East Africa and has accompanied man for over 5,000 years. The aloe vera plant has been endowed with digestive, dermatological, culinary and cosmetic virtues. On this basis, aloe provides a range of possibilities for fascinating studies from several points of view, including the analysis of chemical composition, the biochemistry involved in various activities and its application in pharmacology, as well as from horticultural and economic standpoints. The use of aloe vera as a medicinal plant is mentioned in numerous ancient texts such as the Bible. This multitude of medicinal uses has been described and discussed for centuries, thus transforming this miracle plant into reality. A summary of the historical uses, chemical composition and biological activities of this species is presented in this review. The latest clinical studies involved in vivo and in vitro assays conducted with aloe vera gel or its metabolites and the results of these studies are reviewed