Abstract:
The presented system is a cost effective and energy saving mean of transmitting sunlight downward into a narrow alleys and streets, by using a day-lighting guiding acrylic panel that is capable of changing the direction and distribution of the incident light. The core of the proposed daylight guidance system is made up of light transmission panels that have sine wave shaped cross-section so that the panel functions as an optical diffusor perpendicular to the optical axis. The system consists of the panels and a lattice frame, which supports the panel. The proposed system is to be mounted on the building roof facing the sun but, since building sizes and orientations are different the frame is designed to be easily rotated to adopt different solar conditions such that substantially deep light penetration and high luminance level can be achieved.
Abstract:
In this invention we propose a method to compose a stem cell culture niche platform, which is based on the use of the human amniotic membrane. Fluid dynamic, mechanical and topographic factors are additionally included in this niche to provide various factors essential for achieving an enhanced biomimetic microenvironment of the cultured stem cells. The amniotic membrane is mounted into various types of culture platforms to suit a wide range of research applications. The rich composition of the membrane with anti-inflammatory, anti microbial, matrix and adhesion molecules in addition to various growth factors suits its application as a complex biomimetic material. The platform includes micro channels to allow continuous exchange of media and creates a dynamic flow of the fluid surrounding the cells in an attempt to simulate the in vivo conditions in which the stem cell typically reaches its ideal proliferation, expansion or differentiation.
Abstract:
The objective of this invention is to improve the yield, texture, flavor and quality of low fat Cheddar cheese during ripening using exopolysaccharides producing lactobacilli and ripening cultures. The cheese manufactured with a modified protocol using EPS- producing cultures and ripening cultures showed higher values for moisture content (45%) and yield (9.4%) when compared to cheese manufactured with the conventional procedure and without the addition of EPS-producing cultures (37.7%) and ripening cultures (4.9%). The obtained results indicated a 70% decrease in the fat content of the cheese. Texture profile analysis (TPA) indicated that the hardness, the cohesiveness, the springiness, the gumminess and the chewiness of the cheeses made using the EPS producing cultures decreased with aging. The texture of the ripened low fat cheese made using EPS-producing cultures was described as chewy, springy, cohesive, smooth and the elimination of the bitter flavor defect which is a common problem in low fat Cheddar.
Abstract:
In this invention we propose a method to compose a stem cell culture niche platform, which is based on the use of the human amniotic membrane. Fluid dynamic, mechanical and topographic factors are additionally included in this niche to provide various factors essential for achieving an enhanced biomimetic micro environment of the cultured stem cells. The amniotic membrane is mounted into various types of culture platforms to suit a wide range of research applications. The rich composition of the membrane with anti-inflammatory, anti microbial, matrix and adhesion molecules in addition to various growth factors suits its application as a complex biomimetic material. The platform includes micro channels to allow continuous exchange of media and creates a dynamic flow of the fluid surrounding the cells in an attempt to simulate the in vivo conditions in which the stem cell typically reaches its ideal proliferation, expansion or differentiation. The method disclosed herein supports a wide range of applications in stem cell research such as the investigation of the optimal conditions for stem cell culture and the effect of various medications and external factors. It can be also applied in investigating the effect of the amniotic membrane and the mechanical factors on the behavior of stem cells and cancer stem cells. Another model of the niche is proposed as an in vivo moldableand implantable carrier for delivering stem cell based therapies in a wide range of diseases especially those associated with aging or decline of specialized cell function such as diabetes, cardiovascular, neurological, hormonal, renal and liver disorders, cancer, and diseases associated with inflammation and disordered immunity. Furthermore, the lack of HLA molecules renders the membrane naive to minimize rejection, which could be valuable for transplantation purposes.
Abstract:
The presented system is a cost effective and energy saving mean of transmitting sunlight downward into a narrow alleys and streets, by using a day-lighting guiding acrylic panel that is capable of changing the direction and distribution of the incident light. The core of the proposed daylight guidance system is made up of light transmission panels that have sine wave shaped cross-section so that the panel functions as an optical diffusor perpendicular to the optical axis. The system consists of the panels and a lattice frame, which supports the panel. The proposed system is to be mounted on the building roof facing the sun but, since building sizes and orientations are different the frame is designed to be easily rotated to adopt different solar conditions such that substantially deep light penetration and high luminance level can be achieved.
Abstract:
Low fat cheeses often suffer from undesirable texture and flavor. The objective of this invention is to improve the yield, texture, flavor and quality of low fat Cheddar cheese during ripening using exopolysaccharides producing lactobacilli and ripening cultures. The invention represents one of the first attempts to tackle both texture and flavor at the same time. The invention reveals the effect of aging on the texture and flavor of low fat Cheddar cheese over a ripening period of six months. The cheese manufactured with a modified protocol using EPS-producing cultures and ripening cultures showed higher values for moisture content(45%) and yield (9.4%) when compared to cheese manufactured with the conventional procedure and without the addition of EPS-producing cultures and ripening cultures (37.7%) and (4.9%) respectively. The obtained results indicated a 70% decrease in the fat content of the cheese. Texture profile analysis (TPA) indicated that the hardness, the cohesiveness, the springiness, the gumminess and the chewiness of the cheeses made using the EPS- producing cultures decreased with aging. The texture of the ripened low fat cheese made using EPS-producing cultures was described as chewy, springy, cohesive and smooth. The use of the ripening cultures resulted in the elimination of the bitter flavor defect which is a common problem in low fat Cheddar.