In this work, a miniature mobile vibratory parts feeder is proposed. This feeder, exploiting the unique capabilities of a recently developed closed-loop planar linear motor, is designed to reorient, singulate, and position parts using only horizontal vibrations. The actuators used for generating the feed vibrations are also capable of large planar motions, allowing the feeder to serve multiple ...

PURPOSE To report the efficacy of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells as a source of feeder cells for the cultivation of transplantable corneal epithelial cell sheets. METHODS Human mesenchymal stem cells (marrow adherent stem cells; MASCs) were cultured in alpha-modified Eagle's medium with 10% serum and were treated with mitomycin C. Expression of cytokines in MASCs was confirm...

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE The limbus is enriched with the stem cells of corneal epithelium. Auto- and allograft limbal transplantations are effective in restoring the corneal epithelium and inhibiting inflammation and neovascularization. Preserved human amniotic membrane (AM) is now widely used as a substrate for ocular surface reconstruction. The combination of limbal and AM transplantation has b...

PURPOSE To optimize the growth condition of porcine corneal endothelial cells (PCEC), we evaluated the effect of coculturing with a feeder layer (irradiated 3T3 fibroblasts) with the addition of various exogenous factors, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), nerve growth factor (NGF), bovine pituitary extract (BPE), ascorbic acid, and chondroitin sulfate, on cell proliferation, size, and morp...

In the context of modern power systems the multi objective feeder reconfiguration problem has assumed significant importance. This paper presents a fuzzy set theory based approach for the multi objective network reconfiguration of distribution system. The multiple objectives which are met are feeder balancing, minimize power losses, feeder-current constraints and deviation of node voltage. The ...

A meta-analysis, using information from 45 experiments on growing-finishing pigs published in 39 manuscripts, was carried out to determine the simultaneous effects of the physical environment (space allowance, group size, flooring conditions, temperature, presence of enrichment), pig traits (initial body weight (BW) for each studied time interval, sex, genetics), feeder characteristics (water p...

Many horse owners find round bales convenient, less labor intensive, and more affordable than other hay types, but report an inability to control horse BW gain and excessive hay waste. The objectives were to compare hay waste, hay intake, and payback of 9 round-bale feeders and a no-feeder control when used during horse feeding. Nine round-bale feeders were tested: Cinch Net, Cone, Covered Crad...