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Potential Applications (potential + application)
Kinds of Potential Applications Selected AbstractsrRNA PROBES FOR IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON: THEIR POTENTIAL APPLICATION FOR DNA MICROCHIPSJOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY, Issue 2001Article first published online: 24 SEP 200 Groben R., Lange, M. & Medlin, L. K. Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, D-27570 Bremerhaven, Germany A fast and reliable identification of nano- and picoplankton by light microscopy is often difficult because of the lack of usable morphological characteristics, whereas electron microscopy and biochemical methods are very time consuming. Identification of toxic algae also requires a great deal of taxonomic experrtise so that false positives are not recorded. One solution is to use taxon specific rRNA probes. For this purpose we designed probes for phytoplankton taxa, including toxic algae. These probes were either labelled with Digoxigenin (DIG) and used in DNA dot blot experiments, or labelled with fluorochromes and used in whole-cell hybridisations with fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometric detection. Specific probes could be used over a broad taxonomic range from higher groups (i.e. the class of dinoflagellates) to species level (i.e. Prorocentrum lima). These probes were be used in the EU MAST project AIMS for the development of an automated identification system for marine phytoplankton in combination with flow cytometry and artificial neural networks (ANNs), in the EU MAST DETAL and in the German national project (TEPS) for the development of an early warning system for harmful algal blooms. Results using Digoxigenin (DIG)-labelled probes on picoplankton samples taken from several water bodies indicate that hierarchial re-probing of spotted samples can be achieved and this suggests that probes can be adapted to DNA microchips. Preliminary field results for a hand-held DNA microchip reader are presented. This work was supported by the German BMBF TEPS 03F0161 and the EU AIMS MAS3-CT97-0080 and EU DETAL Q5RS-2000-30778 projects. [source] Highly Stable Au Nanoparticles with Tunable Spacing and Their Potential Application in Surface Plasmon Resonance BiosensorsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 1 2010Shuyan Gao Abstract Colloidal Au-amplified surface plasmon resonance (SPR), like traditional SPR, is typically used to detect binding events on a thin noble metal film. The two major concerns in developing colloidal Au-amplified SPR lie in 1) the instability, manifested as a change in morphology following immersion in organic solvents and aqueous solutions, and 2) the uncontrollable interparticle distance, determining probe spacing and inducing steric hindrance between neighboring probe molecules. This may introduce uncertainties into such detecting techniques, degrade the sensitivity, and become the barricade hampering colloidal Au-based transducers from applications in sensing. In this paper, colloidal Au-amplified SPR transducers are produced by using ultrathin Au/Al2O3 nanocomposite films via a radio frequency magnetron co-sputtering method. Deposited Au/Al2O3 nanocomposite films exhibit superior stability, and average interparticle distances between Au nanoparticles with similar average sizes can be tuned by changing surface coverage. These characteristics are ascribed to the spacer function and rim confinement of dielectric Al2O3 and highlight their advantages for application in optimal nanoparticle-amplified SPR, especially when the probe size is smaller than the target molecule size. This importance is demonstrated here for the binding of protein (streptavidin) targets to the probe (biotin) surface. In this case, the dielectric matrix Al2O3 is a main contributor, behaving as a spacer, tuning the concentration of Au nanoparticles, and manipulating the average interparticle distance, and thus guaranteeing an appropriate number of biotin molecules and expected near-field coupling to obtain optimal sensing performance. [source] Conductive Core,Sheath Nanofibers and Their Potential Application in Neural Tissue EngineeringADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 14 2009Jingwei Xie Abstract Conductive core,sheath nanofibers are prepared by a combination of electrospinning and aqueous polymerization. Specifically, nanofibers electrospun from poly(, -caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(L -lactide) (PLA) are employed as templates to generate uniform sheaths of polypyrrole (PPy) by in-situ polymerization. These conductive core,sheath nanofibers offer a unique system to study the synergistic effect of different cues on neurite outgrowth in vitro. It is found that explanted dorsal root ganglia (DRG) adhere well to the conductive core,sheath nanofibers and generate neurites across the surface when there is a nerve growth factor in the medium. Furthermore, the neurites can be oriented along one direction and enhanced by 82% in terms of maximum length when uniaxially aligned conductive core,sheath nanofibers are compared with their random counterparts. Electrical stimulation, when applied through the mats of conductive core,sheath nanofibers, is found to further increase the maximum length of neurites for random and aligned samples by 83% and 47%, respectively, relative to the controls without electrical stimulation. Together these results suggest the potential use of the conductive core,sheath nanofibers as scaffolds in applications such as neural tissue engineering. [source] Cardiac Xenotransplantation: Ethics and Potential ApplicationJOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 6 2001Robert E. Michler M.D. First page of article [source] Potential Application of Hot Rehydration Alone or in Combination with Hydrogen Peroxide to Control Pectin Methylesterase Activity and Microbial Load in Cold-stored Intermediate-moisture Sun-dried FigsJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 3 2004D. DEMIRBÜKER ABSTRACT: Sun-dried figs contain a considerable amount of pectin methylesterase (PME) activity (22 JAM COOH/ min/g). The enzyme causes softening and loss of desired gummy texture in cold-stored intermediate-moisture (IM) sun-dried figs brought to a 28% to 29% moisture range. Partial reduction of PME activity (28%) delayed undesirable textural changes in IM figs rehydrated at 80 °C for 16 min. The heat treatment did not cause a considerable reduction in microbial load. However, the addition of 2.5% H2O2 to the rehydration medium at 80 °C reduced the initial total mesophilic aerobic count of figs by at least 90% and turned the figs from a brown color to a desirable and stable yellow-light brown. The in situ fig catalase remains after rehydration at 80 °C. Thus, by reducing the contact period of figs with H2O2 or by pureeing figs, it is possible to eliminate residual H2O2 and to obtain safe and SO2-free light-colored fig products. [source] Potential Applications of Oxidoreductases for the Re-oxidation of Leuco Vat or Sulfur Dyes in Textile DyeingENGINEERING IN LIFE SCIENCES (ELECTRONIC), Issue 3 2008F. Xu Abstract Conventional textile dyeing by vat and sulfur dyes includes reduction and re-oxidation steps (with chemical reductants and oxidants), so that the insoluble dyes can be solubilized in the dyeing solution, adsorbed by the fabric, and fixed onto the dyed fabric. The treatments often involve hazardous chemicals, expensive catalysts, or conditions that are suboptimally effective, energy-intensive, caustic, or polluting. Improving these steps with enzyme technology could be of significant interest in terms of better dyeing, handling of hazardous chemicals, disposal of waste, or production economy. The idea of an enzymatic re-oxidation step for vat and sulfur dyeings was tested under simplified laboratory conditions. Selected vat and sulfur dyes, including Vat Blue,43, Vat Orange,7, Vat Green,3, Vat Orange,2, Vat Red,13, Vat Yellow,2, and Sulfur Black,1, were first chemically reduced. The reduced (leuco) dyes were then re-oxidized by aerated buffer solutions or H2O2, in the presence or absence of an oxidoreductase, selected from seven laccases from Myceliophthora thermophila, Scytalidium thermophilum, Coprinus cinereus, Trametes villosa, Rhizoctonia solani, Pycnoporus cinnabarinus, Botrytis cinerea, a bilirubin oxidase from Myrothecium verrucaria, and a heme peroxidase from Coprinus cineresu. It was shown that the enzymes were able to catalyze and accelerate the re-oxidation of the reduced dyes, even when they were adsorbed on cotton fabric, by dissolved air (O2) or H2O2. Small redox-active mediators could facilitate the enzymatic re-oxidation. For Sulfur Black,1, a higher conversion of the leuco dye was achieved with laccase-catalyzed re-oxidation. The further development of this potential enzyme application is discussed. [source] Effect of Grain Size Reduction and Geometrical Confinement in Fine Grained Copper: Potential Applications as a Material for Reversible Electrical Contacts,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 8 2010Yannick Champion The potential of ultrafine grained copper as a material for reversible electrical contact is investigated. The influence of grain size and sample size on strength and electrical properties is discussed. The existence of an optimal grain size and the relevance of size effects for the mechanical properties are analyzed. [source] Faceted Surface Grain Morphology of Rapidly Solidified Alumina: Characterization and Potential Applications,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 12 2009Sandip P. Harimkar Abstract The study reports on the formation of regular multi-faceted surface grains during laser surface modification of alumina ceramics. The formation of such faceted morphology of the grains can be strongly correlated with the formation of crystallographic texture. Such evolution of crystallographically-textured, multi-faceted grains opens up new avenues for laser surface modification, where regular three dimensional surface features are formed through solidification processing. [source] Synthesis of Carbon-Nanotube Composites Using Supercritical Fluids and Their Potential ApplicationsADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 7 2009Zhimin Liu Abstract Carbon-nanotube (CNT) composites have attracted a lot of attention because of their potential applications in many fields. Here, recent advances in the synthesis of CNT composites using supercritical fluids (SCFs) are highlighted. SCFs exhibit unique features for the synthesis of composites because of their unusual properties, such as low viscosity, high diffusivity, near-zero surface tension, and tunability. Preliminary studies show that SCFs show unusual advantages for the synthesis of CNT composites. The morphologies and structures of the resultant CNT composites can be tuned by changing the solvent properties. The SCF methods not only provide a green route for the synthesis of composites, but also result in nanostructures that have not yet been produced by conventional methods. Moreover, the potential applications of the resultant CNT composites are also discussed. [source] Kisspeptin and the Preovulatory Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone/Luteinising Hormone Surge in the Ewe: Basic Aspects and Potential Applications in the Control of OvulationJOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 7 2010A. Caraty The identification of the neural mechanisms controlling ovulation in mammals has long been a ,holy grail' over recent decades, although the recent discovery of the kisspeptin systems has totally changed our views on this subject. Kisspeptin cells are the major link between gonadal steroids and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones. In the female rodent, kisspeptin cells of the preoptic area are involved in the positive-feedback action of oestrogen on GnRH secretion, although the picture appears more complicated in the ewe. As in rodents, activation of preoptic kisspeptin neurones accompanies the GnRH surge in the ewe but an active role for arcuate kisspeptin neurones has also been proposed. Experimentally, kisspeptin is able to restore reproductive function when the hypothalamic-hypophyseal ovarian axis is quiescent. For example, i.v. infusion of a low dose of peptide in anoestrous ewes induces an immediate and sustained release of gonadotrophin, which subsides and then provokes a luteinising hormone (LH) surge a few hours later. This pharmacological intervention induces the same hormonal changes normally observed during the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle, including the secretion of oestrogen and its negative- and positive-feedback actions on the secretion of LH and follicle-stimulating hormone. Accordingly, a high percentage of kisspeptin-infused animals ovulated. Although the multiple facets of how the kisspeptin systems modulate GnRH secretion are not totally understood, the demonstration that exogenous kisspeptin administration can induce ovulation in anovulatory animals paves the way for future therapeutic applications aiming to control reproduction. [source] Design and Synthesis of Phosphorescent Iridium Containing Dendrimers for Potential Applications in Organic Light-Emitting Diodes,MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, Issue 18 2008Qin-De Liu Abstract Three phosphorescent dendrimers (IrC1, IrC3, and IrF2) with an iridium complex core and oligocarbazole or oligofluorene substituted ligands were synthesized and characterized. The structures of the oligocarbazole were designed to maintain high triplet energy of the ligands so that phosphorescence quenching in the resulting dendrimers can be prevented, while the oligofluorene in IrF2 resulted in undesired phosphorescence quenching. Best performance was obtained from an IrC3 based electrophosphorescent light-emitting device with a maximum luminance of 13,060 cd,·,m,2 at a driving voltage of 11.5 V and a peak current-efficiency of 4.3 cd,·,A,1 at a luminance of 3,400 cd,·,m,2, owing to its high PL efficiency, and efficient energy transfer between the iridium complex core and the ligands. [source] Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation Utilizing a Common Arterial Conduit: Early Experience and Potential ApplicationsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 11 2003Paul L. Tso Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation has gained acceptance as a therapeutic modality for patients with end-stage renal disease secondary to diabetes mellitus. In some instances, performing the procedure as conventionally described with renal revascularization from the left iliac vessels and pancreatic arterial inflow from the right iliac vessels may be difficult or undesirable. We describe our experience with an alternate operative technique utilizing a single arterial conduit to vascularize both organs. We believe that this technique may be of use in certain patients undergoing simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation. [source] ChemInform Abstract: Intramolecularly Competitive Ireland,Claisen Rearrangements: Scope and Potential Applications to Natural Product Synthesis.CHEMINFORM, Issue 36 2002Sang-phyo Hong Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a "Full Text" option. The original article is trackable via the "References" option. [source] Disc structure function and its potential for repairINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES, Issue 1 2002J. Melrose The intervertebral disc (IVD) is the largest predominantly avascular, aneural, alymphatic structure of the human body. It provides articulation between adjoining vertebral bodies and also acts as a weight-bearing cushion dissipating axially applied spinal loads. The IVD is composed of an outer collagen-rich annulus fibrosus (AF) and a central proteoglycan (PG)-rich nucleus pulposus (NP). Superior and inferior cartilaginous endplates (CEPs), thin layers of hyaline-like cartilage, cover the ends of the vertebral bodies. The AF is composed of concentric layers (lamellae) which contain variable proportions of type I and II collagen, this tissue has high tensile strength. The NP in contrast is a gelatinous PG-rich tissue which provides weight-bearing properties to the composite disc structure. With the onset of age, cells in the NP progressively die as this tissue becomes depleted of PGs, less hydrated and more fibrous as the disc undergoes an age-dependent fibrocartilaginous transformation. Such age-dependent cellular and matrix changes can decrease the discs' biomechanical competence and trauma can further lead to failure of structural components of the disc. Annular defects are fairly common and include vertebral rim-lesions, concentric (circumferential) annular tears (separation of adjacent annular lamellae) and radial annular tears (clefts which initiate within the NP). While vascular in-growth around annular tears has been noted, evidence from human post-mortem studies indicate they have a limited ability to undergo repair. Several experimental approaches are currently under evaluation for their ability to promote the repair of such annular lesions. These include growth of AF fibrochondrocytes on a resorbable polycaprolactone (PCL) bio-membrane.1 Sheets of fibrochondrocytes lay down type-I collagen and actin stress fibres on PCL. These matrix components are important for the spatial assembly of the collagenous lamella during annular development and correct phenotypic expression of cells in biomatrices.1 An alternative approach employs preparation of tissue engineered IVDs where AF and NP cells are separately cultured in polyglycolic acid and sodium alginate biomatrices, either separately or within a manifold designed to reproduce the required IVD dimensions for its use as a prospective implant device.2 AF and NP cells have also been grown on tissue culture inserts after their recovery from alginate bead culture to form plugs of tissue engineered cartilage.3 A key component in this latter strategy was the stimulation of the high density disc cell cultures with osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1) 200 ng/mL.3 This resulted in the production of tissue engineered AF and NP plugs with compositions, histochemical characteristics and biomechanical properties approaching those of the native disc tissues.2,3 Such materials hold reat promise in future applications as disc or annular implants. The introduction of appropriate genes into disc cells by gene transduction methodology using adenoviral vectors or ,gene-gun' delivery systems also holds considerable promise for the promotion of disc repair processes.4 Such an approach with the OP-1 gene is particularly appealing.5 The anchoring of discal implants to vertebral bodies has also been evaluated by several approaches. A 3D fabric based polyethylene biocomposite holds much promise as one such anchorage device6 while biological glues used to seal fibrocartilaginous structures such as the AF and meniscus8 following surgical intervention, also hold promise in this area. Several very promising new experimental approaches and strategies are therefore currently under evaluation for the improvement of discal repair. The aforementioned IVD defects are a common cause of disc failure and sites of increased nerve in-growth in symptomatic IVDs in man and are thus often sources of sciatic-type pain. Annular defects such as those described above have formerly been considered incapable of undergoing spontaneous repair thus a clear need exists for interventions which might improve on their repair. Based on the rapid rate of progress and the examples outlined above one may optimistically suggest that a successful remedy to this troublesome clinical entity will be developed in the not so distant future. References 1JohnsonWEBet al. (2001) Directed cytoskeletal orientation and intervertebral disc cell growth: towards the development of annular repair techniques. Trans Orthop Res Soc26, 894. 2MizunoHet al. (2001) Tissue engineering of a composite intervertebral disc. Trans Orthop Res Soc26, 78. 3MatsumotoTet al. (2001) Formation of transplantable disc shaped tissues by nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus cells: biochemical and biomechanical properties. Trans Orthop Res Soc26, 897. 4NishidaKet al. (2000) Potential applications of gene therapy to the treatment of intervertebral disc disorders. Clin Orthop Rel Res379 (Suppl), S234,S241. 5MatsumotoTet al. (2001) Transfer of osteogenic protein-1 gene by gene gun system promotes matrix synthesis in bovine intervertebral disc and articular cartilage cells. Trans Orthop Res Soc26, 30. 6ShikinamiY , Kawarada (1998) Potential application of a triaxial three-dimensional fabric (3-DF) as an implant. Biomaterials19, 617,35. [source] Preparation and characterization of interpenetration polymer network films based on poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(acrylic acid) for drug deliveryJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2008Yu-Mei Yue Abstract A series of full interpenetrating polymer network (full-IPN) films of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)/poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were prepared by radical solution polymerization and sequential IPN technology. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, swelling properties, mechanical properties, morphology, and glass transition temperature of the films were investigated. FTIR spectra analysis showed that new interaction hydrogen bonds between PVA and PAA were formed. Swelling property of the films in distilled water and different pH buffer solution was studied. Swelling ratio increased with increasing PAA content of IPN films in all media, and swelling ratio decreased with increasing PVA crosslink degree. Tensile strength and elongation at break related not only to the constitution of IPNs but also to the swelling ratio of IPNs. Mechanical property of glutaraldehyde (0.5%) for poly(vinyl alcohol) crosslinking was better than that of glutaraldehyde (1.0%). DSC of the IPN films showed only a single glass transition temperature (Tg) for each sample, and Tg data showed a linear relationship with network composition. Morphology was observed a homogeneous structure, indicating the good compatibility and miscibility between PAA and PVA. Potential application of the IPN films in controlled drug delivery was also examined using crystal violet as a model drug. The release rate of the drug was higher at 37°C than 25°C for all IPNs and also increased slightly with decreasing of poly(acrylic acid) content. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] REVIEW ARTICLE: Immunological Modes of Pregnancy LossAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 6 2010Joanne Kwak-Kim Citation Kwak-Kim J, Park JC, Ahn HK, Kim JW, Gilman-Sachs A. Immunological modes of pregnancy loss. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010 During the implantation period, a significant portion of embryos are lost and eventually less than half of clinically established pregnancies end as full-term pregnancies without obstetrical complications. A significant portion of these pregnancy losses is associated with immune etiologies, including autoimmune and cellular immune abnormalities. Although an autoimmune etiology such as anti-phospholipid antibodies (APAs) has been reported to induce placental infarct and thrombosis at maternal,fetal interface, APAs induce inflammatory immune responses as well. Inflammatory immune responses, such as increased proportions of NK cells and Th1/Th2 cell ratios in peripheral blood are related to recurrent pregnancy losses and multiple implantation failures. Systemic and local inflammatory immune responses seem to be induced by activation of Toll-like receptors with infectious agents, fetal cell debris, or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, etc. Cellular activation of T and NK cells leads to pro-inflammatory cytokine storm and consequently, placental infarction and thrombosis. Potential application of anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents for the prevention of pregnancy losses should be explored further. [source] Organic Nanomaterials: Morphological Control for Charge Stabilization and Charge TransportCHEMISTRY - AN ASIAN JOURNAL, Issue 6 2009P. Pramod Dr. Abstract How grows it? Organic nanostructured materials have been projected as active components in optoelectronic devices. Recent efforts in manipulating the morphology of organic nanomaterials, particularly on their size and shape, are summarized in this Focus Review. Potential application of organic nanostructured materials in charge stabilization and transporting are also discussed. Chromophoric systems with proper recognition motifs can organize into well-defined arrays forming supramolecular assemblies and further into nanoscopic materials. The optical and electrical properties of organic nanomaterials depend upon the stacking modes of organic molecules and also on the kind of interaction between different chromophore units (such as H- and J- type aggregates). These types of aggregates can dramatically alter the opto-electronic properties of organic nanostructures. Hence efforts are currently directed towards manipulating the morphology of organic nanomaterials, particularly on their size and shape by adopting different techniques and these aspects are discussed. Recent studies have shown that such nanostructures are extremely important in the development of optoelectronic systems such as photovoltaic devices. This Focus Review also discusses the potential application of organic nanomaterials in charge stabilization and transport. [source] Nanotube Membrane Based BiosensorsELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 1-2 2004Punit Kohli Abstract We review highly sensitive detection based on electrochemical methods. These methods are based on monodisperse gold and alumina nanotubule membranes with inside diameter approaching molecular dimensions. The analyte species can be detected by measuring a change in trans-membrane current when the analyte is added to the nanotubule-based cell. The second method entails the use of a concentration change based on the nanotubule membrane. Biomemtic ion-gated channels micropore and nanotubule membrane sensors are also reviewed. These synthetic ion channels can be switched from an "off" state to an "on" state in response to an external chemical stimulus. Using these methods, we have achieved detection limits as low as 10,pM. Potential applications for these biosensors are in fields such as bioanalytical, biomedical, pharmaceutical and drug discovery. [source] Consolidation of Particles by Severe Plastic Deformation: Mechanism and Applications in Processing Bulk Ultrafine and Nanostructured Alloys and Composites,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 8 2010Kenong Xia Severe plastic deformation (SPD) can be used to consolidate particles into bulk ultrafine and nanostructured materials. SPD consolidation relies on plastic deformation of individual particles, rather than diffusion, to achieve bonding and thus can be carried out at much lower temperatures. Using examples of consolidation of Al particles by back pressure equal channel angular pressing (BP-ECAP), it is demonstrated that full consolidation is achieved when the particles are sheared to disrupt the surface oxide layer whereas consolidation is impossible or incomplete in the case of particles sliding over each other. The effects of particle characteristics such as size, shape, strength and surface condition, as well as processing parameters including temperature and back pressure, are discussed to shed light on the mechanism of SPD consolidation. Potential applications of SPD in powder consolidation and processing of bulk ultrafine and nanostructured materials are discussed. [source] Knowledge Management for Materials Processing,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 1-2 2005W. Rentzsch Manufacturing knowledge is often embedded in the minds of different experts or is not effectively shared between manufacturing stages. Many companies are therefore running the risk of missing or loosing critical information. This study discusses the concept of "knowledge maps" to document the interactions between all stages of the manufacturing process and all product attributes. Potential applications of knowledge maps in manufacturing are discussed and explored in a detailed case study. [source] Electrogelation for Protein AdhesivesADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 6 2010Gary G. Leisk Novel electrochemical behavior of silk protein to generate an adhesive electrogel is reported. The biomimetic system demonstrates reversible adhesive properties (see image) and functions on both hydrated and dry surfaces. Further, the system utilizes all-biocompatible components and functions in an all-aqueous process at ambient conditions. Potential applications in medical devices and in environmentally compatible material systems are described. [source] Validation of a memory inventory for the assessment of awareness of memory deficits in Alzheimer's disease in Chinese elderlyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 10 2006Victor Wing Cheong Lui Abstract Background This paper describes the development and validation of the Memory Inventory for Chinese (MIC), for measuring the awareness of memory deficits in the Chinese population with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods A combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches was adopted. The MIC was developed with focus group discussion and pilot testing. It has a patient and a caregiver version. A consecutive series of 79 new out-patients with the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke and the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorder Association (NINCDS-ADRDA) criteria of probable and possible AD and 20 non-demented elderly subjects were recruited. Results A high internal consistency was found, with Cronbach alpha of 0.89 for the patient version and 0.90 for the caregiver version of MIC. The inter-rater reliability was satisfactory. For validity assessment, the caregiver score of the MIC correlated significantly with cognitive score of the subject as assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (rp,=,,0.37; p,<,0.01). The Memory Deficit Awareness Score, calculated by subtracting the patient score from the caregiver score, correlated significantly with clinician ratings of awareness of memory impairment (rs,=,,0.67; p,<,0.01). Conclusions The MIC appears to be a culturally appropriate and valid instrument for the measurement of awareness of memory deficits in Chinese patients with AD. Potential applications of the MIC should be further explored in other subtypes of dementia and in prospective studies. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Disc structure function and its potential for repairINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES, Issue 1 2002J. Melrose The intervertebral disc (IVD) is the largest predominantly avascular, aneural, alymphatic structure of the human body. It provides articulation between adjoining vertebral bodies and also acts as a weight-bearing cushion dissipating axially applied spinal loads. The IVD is composed of an outer collagen-rich annulus fibrosus (AF) and a central proteoglycan (PG)-rich nucleus pulposus (NP). Superior and inferior cartilaginous endplates (CEPs), thin layers of hyaline-like cartilage, cover the ends of the vertebral bodies. The AF is composed of concentric layers (lamellae) which contain variable proportions of type I and II collagen, this tissue has high tensile strength. The NP in contrast is a gelatinous PG-rich tissue which provides weight-bearing properties to the composite disc structure. With the onset of age, cells in the NP progressively die as this tissue becomes depleted of PGs, less hydrated and more fibrous as the disc undergoes an age-dependent fibrocartilaginous transformation. Such age-dependent cellular and matrix changes can decrease the discs' biomechanical competence and trauma can further lead to failure of structural components of the disc. Annular defects are fairly common and include vertebral rim-lesions, concentric (circumferential) annular tears (separation of adjacent annular lamellae) and radial annular tears (clefts which initiate within the NP). While vascular in-growth around annular tears has been noted, evidence from human post-mortem studies indicate they have a limited ability to undergo repair. Several experimental approaches are currently under evaluation for their ability to promote the repair of such annular lesions. These include growth of AF fibrochondrocytes on a resorbable polycaprolactone (PCL) bio-membrane.1 Sheets of fibrochondrocytes lay down type-I collagen and actin stress fibres on PCL. These matrix components are important for the spatial assembly of the collagenous lamella during annular development and correct phenotypic expression of cells in biomatrices.1 An alternative approach employs preparation of tissue engineered IVDs where AF and NP cells are separately cultured in polyglycolic acid and sodium alginate biomatrices, either separately or within a manifold designed to reproduce the required IVD dimensions for its use as a prospective implant device.2 AF and NP cells have also been grown on tissue culture inserts after their recovery from alginate bead culture to form plugs of tissue engineered cartilage.3 A key component in this latter strategy was the stimulation of the high density disc cell cultures with osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1) 200 ng/mL.3 This resulted in the production of tissue engineered AF and NP plugs with compositions, histochemical characteristics and biomechanical properties approaching those of the native disc tissues.2,3 Such materials hold reat promise in future applications as disc or annular implants. The introduction of appropriate genes into disc cells by gene transduction methodology using adenoviral vectors or ,gene-gun' delivery systems also holds considerable promise for the promotion of disc repair processes.4 Such an approach with the OP-1 gene is particularly appealing.5 The anchoring of discal implants to vertebral bodies has also been evaluated by several approaches. A 3D fabric based polyethylene biocomposite holds much promise as one such anchorage device6 while biological glues used to seal fibrocartilaginous structures such as the AF and meniscus8 following surgical intervention, also hold promise in this area. Several very promising new experimental approaches and strategies are therefore currently under evaluation for the improvement of discal repair. The aforementioned IVD defects are a common cause of disc failure and sites of increased nerve in-growth in symptomatic IVDs in man and are thus often sources of sciatic-type pain. Annular defects such as those described above have formerly been considered incapable of undergoing spontaneous repair thus a clear need exists for interventions which might improve on their repair. Based on the rapid rate of progress and the examples outlined above one may optimistically suggest that a successful remedy to this troublesome clinical entity will be developed in the not so distant future. References 1JohnsonWEBet al. (2001) Directed cytoskeletal orientation and intervertebral disc cell growth: towards the development of annular repair techniques. Trans Orthop Res Soc26, 894. 2MizunoHet al. (2001) Tissue engineering of a composite intervertebral disc. Trans Orthop Res Soc26, 78. 3MatsumotoTet al. (2001) Formation of transplantable disc shaped tissues by nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus cells: biochemical and biomechanical properties. Trans Orthop Res Soc26, 897. 4NishidaKet al. (2000) Potential applications of gene therapy to the treatment of intervertebral disc disorders. Clin Orthop Rel Res379 (Suppl), S234,S241. 5MatsumotoTet al. (2001) Transfer of osteogenic protein-1 gene by gene gun system promotes matrix synthesis in bovine intervertebral disc and articular cartilage cells. Trans Orthop Res Soc26, 30. 6ShikinamiY , Kawarada (1998) Potential application of a triaxial three-dimensional fabric (3-DF) as an implant. Biomaterials19, 617,35. [source] Vesicle traffic through intercellular bridges in DU 145 human prostate cancer cellsJOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 3 2004Cristina Vidulescu Abstract We detected cell-to-cell communication via intercellular bridges in DU 145 human prostate cancer cells by fluorescence microscopy. Since DU 145 cells have deficient gap junctions, intercellular bridges may have a prominent role in the transfer of chemical signals between these cells. In culture, DU 145 cells are contiguous over several cell diameters through filopodial extensions, and directly communicate with adjacent cells across intercellular bridges. These structures range from 100 nm to 5 ,m in diameter, and from a few microns to at least 50,100 ,m in length. Time-lapse imagery revealed that (1) filopodia rapidly move at a rate of microns per minute to contact neighboring cells and (2) intercellular bridges are conduits for transport of membrane vesicles (1,3 ,m in diameter) between adjacent cells. Immunofluorescence detected alpha-tubulin in intercellular bridges and filopodia, indicative of microtubule bundles, greater than a micron in diameter. The functional meaning, interrelationship of these membrane extensions are discussed, along with the significance of these findings for other culture systems such as stem cells. Potential applications of this work include the development of anticancer therapies that target intercellular communication and controlling formation of cancer spheroids for drug testing. [source] Potential and limitations of laser technology in restoration of metallic objects of art and cultural heritageMATERIALS AND CORROSION/WERKSTOFFE UND KORROSION, Issue 3 2008U. Klotzbach Abstract Potential applications of laser techniques, such as precision cutting, micro welding, and ablation of stains, are presented. Concerning laser beam ablation, we explain the mechanism, and then discuss potential applications (cleaning of gilded or solid metal surfaces, cleaning of verdigris) and limits (thinning of verdigris, removing rust from verdigris). This research has been performed within the frame of a joint project sponsored by Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU, German Foundation for the Environment) as well as in immediate co-operation with restorers. The presentation of these results is to propose laser technology as a promising option to be taken into account in planning and doing restoratory work. [source] Coating and near-surface modification design strategies for protective and functional surfacesMATERIALS AND CORROSION/WERKSTOFFE UND KORROSION, Issue 11 2005M.P. Brady Abstract This paper discusses strategies for controlling the surface chemistry and microstructure of materials to form protective and functional surfaces through controlled gas-metal reactions. Potential applications range from oxidation, corrosion, and wear resistance to electrochemical devices such as fuel cells to catalysts. Phenomenological examples are presented for coatings designed to self-grade under oxidizing conditions, and for the growth of simple and complex (binary and ternary) nitride and carbide phase surface layers by nitridation and carburization reactions. Specific systems discussed include environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) for Si-based ceramics such as Si3N4 and SiC, the growth of continuous, protective CrN/Cr2N, TiN, VN, NiNbVN, and related simple nitride layers on Fe- and Ni-base alloys, the possible formation of ternary nitride and carbide surface phases (e.g. Ti3AlC2 and related MAX-phases) on intermetallic surfaces to improve oxidation resistance, and the formation of composite near-surface structures in Ag-SiO2 and Co(Mo)-Co6Mo6C2 systems. [source] Metabolite quantification and high-field MRS in breast cancerNMR IN BIOMEDICINE, Issue 1 2009Ihab S. Haddadin Abstract In vivo1H MRS is rapidly developing as a clinical tool for diagnosing and characterizing breast cancers. Many in vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that alterations in concentrations of choline-containing metabolites are associated with malignant transformation. In recent years, considerable efforts have been made to evaluate the role of 1H MRS measurements of total choline-containing compounds in the management of patients with breast cancer. Current technological developments, including the use of high-field MR scanners and quantitative spectroscopic analysis methods, promise to increase the sensitivity and accuracy of breast MRS. This article reviews the literature describing in vivo MRS in breast cancer, with an emphasis on the development of high-field MR scanning and quantitative methods. Potential applications of these technologies for diagnosing suspicious lesions and monitoring response to chemotherapy are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A statistical model of the aberration structure of normal, well-corrected eyesOPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS, Issue 5 2002Larry N. Thibos Abstract A statistical model of the wavefront aberration function of the normal, well-corrected eye was constructed based on normative data from 200 eyes which show that, apart from spherical aberration, the higher-order aberrations of the human eye tend to be randomly distributed about a mean value of zero. The vector of Zernike aberration coefficients describing the aberration function for any individual eye was modelled as a multivariate, Gaussian, random variable with known mean, variance and covariance. The model was verified by analysing the statistical properties of 1000 virtual eyes generated by the model. Potential applications of the model include computer simulation of individual variation in aberration structure, retinal image quality, visual performance, benefit of novel designs of ophthalmic lenses, or outcome of refractive surgery. [source] Preparation of ultrafine fibrous zein membranes via electrospinningPOLYMER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 8 2005Takanori Miyoshi Abstract Zein is a protein in corn gluten meal. It has been investigated for use as a structural material because it is renewable and biodegradable. Potential applications of zein include use in coating, film and fiber. In this paper, ultrafine fibrous zein membranes were produced by electrospinning of an 80 wt% ethanol aqueous solution. The morphology of fibers was affected by parameters such as polymer concentration and electric field. As the concentration of the solution increased, wrinkled beads became fewer and fibers became thicker. Fibers were mainly generated above a polymer concentration of 21 wt% with an electric field of 15 kV. However, with a 30 kV field fibers were already generated above 18 wt%. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry [source] The depiction of stuttering in contemporary juvenile fiction: Implications for clinical practicePSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS, Issue 7 2008Kenneth J. Logan We reviewed 29 contemporary juvenile fiction books featuring characters who stutter to assess the presentation of stuttering-related content. Although plots varied widely, most characters displayed attributes or accomplishments that offset their communication impairment. Many characters improved social and/or communicative functioning during the stories, though rarely in conjunction with professionally administered intervention. Most books depicted listener responses to stuttering, including impatience, teasing, ridicule, and bullying. Some books contained incorrect or distorted information, which could convey the mistaken impression that stuttering is simply a symptom of emotional distress. Nonetheless, most portrayals of stuttering seemed sufficient for the books to be considered for use as an instructional tool in certain education and intervention activities. Potential applications of the books in these contexts are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||