Low abundant (<100 cells mL -1 ) E. coli O157:H7 cells were isolated and enriched from environmental water samples using a microfluidic chip. The poly(methylmethacrylate), PMMA, chip contained 8 devices each equipped with 16 curvilinear high aspect ratio channels that were covalently decorated with polyclonal anti-O157 antibodies (pAb) and could search for rare cells through a pAb mediated process. The chip could process independently 8 different samples or one sample using 8 different parallel inputs to increase volume processing throughput. After cell enrichment, cells were released and enumerated using bench top real-time quantitative PCR, targeting genes which effectively discriminated the O157:H7 serotype from other non-pathogenic bacteria. The recovery of target cells from water samples was determined to be ~72%, and the limit-of-detection was found to be 6 colony forming units (cfu) using the slt1 gene as a reporter. We subsequently performed analysis of lake and waste water samples. The simplicity in manufacturing and ease of operation makes this device attractive for the selection of pathogenic species from a variety of water supplies suspected of containing bacterial pathogens at extremely low frequencies.
A high peak capacity 2-D protein separation system combining SDS micro-CGE (SDS micro-CGE) with microchip MEKC (micro-MEKC) using a PMMA microfluidic is reported. The utility of the 2-D microchip was demonstrated by generating a 2-D map from a complex biological sample containing a large number of constituent proteins using fetal calf serum (FCS) as the model system. The proteins were labeled with a thiol-reactive AlexaFluor 633 fluorophore (excitation/emission: 633/652 nm) to allow for ultra-sensitive on-chip detection using LIF following the 2-D separation. The high-resolution separation of the proteins was accomplished based on their size in the SDS micro-CGE dimension and their interaction with micelles in the micro-MEKC dimension. A comprehensive 2-D SDS micro-CGE x micro-MEKC separation of the FCS proteins was completed in less than <30 min using this 2-D microchip format, which consisted of 60 mm and 50 mm effective separation lengths for the first and second separation dimensions, respectively. Results obtained from the microchip separation were compared with protein maps acquired using conventional 2-D IEF and SDS-PAGE of a similar FCS sample. The microchip 2-D separation was found to be approximately 60x faster and yielded an average peak capacity of 2600 (+/- 149), nearly three times larger than that obtained using conventional IEF/SDS-PAGE.
This article investigates the previous research of the influence of workplace diversity on organizational performance. It provides a conceptual framework of the influence of diversity on performance, integrating the literature on the potential performance benefits of diversity and potential problems of diversity. The goal of the article is to provide practitioners and scholars alike with a framework that will allow them to design diversity initiatives based on a needs assessment and empirical research
Stress is overwhelmingly present in our lives. Although we need stress to survive, many of us experience too much of it, which contributes to a loss of engagement at work, compromises our immune system, and limits our cognitive functioning. Although extensive research has focused on the causes and consequences of stress, little research has taken a comprehensive look at the experiences that may ameliorate it and allow our bodies and minds to renew and help us thrive. One of the reasons for the relative silence in research is the lack of an easy way to assess a wide spectrum of everyday renewal versus stress experiences. Based on medical and psychological research, the Personal Sustainability Index (PSI) was developed to compare the relative impact of a person's everyday renewal and stress experiences. This paper reports a validation of this new measure, both in terms of frequency and variety of experiences. The PSI could facilitate studies on renewal. In practice, it offers a more holistic approach to stress management. Because stress inhibits learning and dramatically reduces retention of coaching, training, or education, this measure can guide practices and prepare clients and students for more effective learning and change.
What's It Mean? Implications for Consulting PsychologyCumulative stress contributes to a loss of engagement and cognitive functioning, and it reduces learning from coaching, training, or education. The only antidote is renewal in terms Richard E.
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