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Sandwich
Terms modified by Sandwich Selected AbstractsDetection of C Reactive Protein (CRP) in Serum by an Electrochemical Aptamer-Based Sandwich AssayELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 11 2009Sonia Centi Abstract A disposable electrochemical assay involving magnetic particles and carbon-based screen-printed electrodes (SPCEs) was developed for the detection of C Reactive Protein (CRP). CRP is a plasma protein and is among the most expressed proteins in acute phase inflammation cases, being a known biomarker for inflammatory states. The assay was based on a sandwich format in which a RNA aptamer was coupled to a monoclonal antibody and alkaline phosphatase (AP) was used as enzymatic label. After the sandwich assay, the modified magnetic beads were captured by a magnet on the surface of a graphite working electrode and the electrochemical detection was thus achieved through the addition of the AP substrate (,-naphthyl-phosphate) and ,-naphthol produced during the enzymatic reaction was detected using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The parameters influencing the different steps of the assay were optimized in order to reach the best sensitivity and specificity. With the optimized conditions, the assay was applied to the analysis of CRP free serum and serum samples. [source] Introducing size limits as a management tool for the recreational line fishery of silver kob, Argyrosomus inodorus (Griffiths and Heemstra), in Namibian watersFISHERIES MANAGEMENT & ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2001C. H. Kirchner Individual silver kob Argyrosomus inodorus (Griffiths and Heemstra) first mature at just over 1 yr of age and the median age at maturity is approximately 1.5 yr. Spawning of silver kob was observed in the southern and central region of the stock's range, but little spawning activity was found in silver kob sampled from the northern region. The spawning period is protracted over 6 months (October,March), which coincides with warmer water temperatures (>15 °C) and the occurrence of large-sized spawning silver kob in the southern and central part of Namibia. Implementing a minimum size limit for the silver kob fishery is not recommended as it will have serious economic implications for the coastal communities. The protection of the spawning areas, Meob Bay and Sandwich, should be continued and a strict bag limit on large-sized silver kob is recommended for the Namibian silver kob recreational fishery. [source] An Inorganic/Organic Semiconductor "Sandwich" Structure Grown by Molecular Beam EpitaxyADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 47 2009S. Blumstengel Preparation of ZnO/organic/ZnO "sandwich" semiconductor hybrid structures by molecular beam epitaxy is reported. Overgrowth of the organic layer becomes possible because ZnO epitaxy requires exceptionally low substrate temperatures. The molecule, a spirobifluorene derivative, withstands ZnO overgrowth without degradation of its optical properties. Excitonic coupling as well as optical gain in ZnO/organic/ZnO sandwich hybrid structures are demonstrated. [source] Intravesical instillation therapy with bacillus Calmette-Guérin for superficial bladder cancer: Study of the mechanism of bacillus Calmette-Guérin immunotherapyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 2 2007Yasuyo Shintani Aim: In order to clarify the initial step of the mechanism by which bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) exhibits antitumor activity via the immune response induced in the bladder submucosa after intravesical BCG therapy for human bladder cancer, various cytokines secreted in the urine after BCG instillation were measured. Methods: After transurethral resection of bladder cancer, a 6-week course of BCG instillation was performed. At the first and sixth weeks' dosings, spontaneously excreted urine was collected before and 4, 8, and 24 h after BCG instillation. The urinary cytokines were determined by Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using monoclonal antibodies against granulocyte,macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-,, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), interleukin (IL)-1,, IL-8, interferon (IFN)-,, and IL-12. Results: After the BCG therapy, various cytokines, such as GM-CSF, TNF-,, G-CSF, IL-1,, IL-8, IFN-,, and IL-12 were secreted, comprising the immune response cascade. The mean urinary excretions of GM-CSF and TNF-, 4 h after the sixth week's instillation were significantly higher than the pre-instillation levels. There were no significant increases in the urinary IFN-, or IL-12 levels between 4 and 24 h after the sixth week's instillation. The TNF-, level 4 h after the sixth week's instillation had a strong tendency towards the absence of recurrence, with a mean follow-up of 54.1 months. The Kaplan-Meier curve showed the 2, 5, and 10-year recurrence-free survival rates were 72.4%, 65.8%, and 56.4%, respectively. Conclusions: We suggested that the urinary levels of TNF-, might be essential in antitumor activity after BCG therapy and might play an important role in the prevention of bladder tumor recurrence. [source] Spontaneous Ca2+ Waves in Rabbit Corpus Cavernosum: Modulation by Nitric Oxide and cGMPTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 4 2009Gerard P. Sergeant PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Detumescent tone and subsequent relaxation by nitric oxide (NO) are essential processes that determine the erectile state of the penis. Despite this, the mechanisms involved are incompletely understood. It is often assumed that the tone is associated with a sustained high cytosolic Ca2+ level in the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells, however, an alternative possibility is that oscillatory Ca2+ signals regulate tone, and erection occurs as a result of inhibition of Ca2+ oscillations by NO. Aims., The aim of this study is to determine if smooth muscle cells displayed spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations and, if so, whether these were regulated by NO. Methods., Male New Zealand white rabbits were euthanized and smooth muscle cells were isolated by enzymatic dispersal for confocal imaging of intracellular Ca2+ (using fluo-4AM) and patch clamp recording of spontaneous membrane currents. Thin tissue slices were also loaded with fluo-4AM for live imaging of Ca2+. Main Outcome Measure., Cytosolic Ca2+ was measured in isolated smooth muscle cells and tissue slices. Results., Isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells developed spontaneous Ca2+ waves that spread at a mean velocity of 65 µm/s. Dual voltage clamp/confocal recordings revealed that each of the Ca2+ waves was associated with an inward current typical of the Ca2+ -activated Cl - currents developed by these cells. The waves depended on an intact sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ store, as they were blocked by cyclopiazonic acid (Calbiochem, San Diego, CA, USA) and agents that interfere with ryanodine receptors and IP3 -mediated Ca2+ release. The waves were also inhibited by an NO donor (diethylamine NO; Tocris Bioscience, Bristol, Avon, UK), 3-(5-hydroxymethyl-2-furyl)-1-benzyl indazole (YC-1) (Alexis Biochemicals, Bingham, Notts, UK), 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine mono-phosphate (Tocris), and sildenafil (Viagra, Pfizer, Sandwich, Kent, UK). Regular Ca2+ oscillations were also observed in whole tissue slices where they were clearly seen to precede contraction. This activity was also markedly inhibited by sildenafil, suggesting that it was under NO regulation. Conclusions., These results provide a new basis for understanding detumescent tone in the corpus cavernosum and its inhibition by NO. Sergeant GP, Craven M, Hollywood MA, McHale NG, and Thornbury KD. Spontaneous Ca2+ waves in rabbit corpus cavernosum: Modulation by nitric oxide and cGMP. J Sex Med **;**:**,**. [source] Diffusion-Facilitated Fabrication of Gold-Decorated Zn2SiO4 Nanotubes by a One-Step Solid-State Reaction,ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE, Issue 8 2010Yang Yang Dr. ZnO-Au-SiO2 -Sandwich -Nanodrähte werden in Zn2SiO4 -Nanoröhren mit in die äußere Schicht eingelagerten Goldnanokristalliten umgewandelt. Die dünne Zwischenschicht aus Gold dient dabei als Vorstufe für die Goldnanokristallite, erleichtert die Bildung von Kirkendall-Hohlräumen an der ZnO-SiO2 -Grenzfläche und beschleunigt die Entstehung der Zn2SiO4 -Nanoröhren. [source] Tongue Sandwiches and Bagel Days: Sex, Food and Mind-Body DualismGENDER, WORK & ORGANISATION, Issue 4 2004Lynne Baxter The substantive content of our paper is that of mind-body dualism, which we explore through food metaphors. However, our primary aim is to use these food metaphors to explore the difficulties in going beyond dualistic thinking. We do this by focusing on dualism as a learnt state of being. Accordingly, and using an analysis of pedagogies of the everyday that takes account of particular communities of practice, we seek to demonstrate the (re)production of dualistic frameworks in organizational life. Our conclusion returns to a political agenda that is concerned to go beyond the inevitable hierarchization implicit in dualistic construction. Here we present the case for the retention of the binary and we indicate the work that now needs to take place if we are interested in developing interpretations that express the fluidity of gendered identities. [source] Edge Effects on ERA,SandwichesPROPELLANTS, EXPLOSIVES, PYROTECHNICS, Issue 2 2006Manfred Held Abstract The momentum transfer of thick flying plates of an ERA sandwich and iterative disturbances of shaped charge jets by thin flying plates are shortly described. [source] Opening up Australian preschoolers' lunchboxesAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 3 2010Bridget Kelly Abstract Objective: Early childhood services have been identified as key settings for promoting healthy eating and obesity prevention. However, little is known about the obesity-related behaviours of preschool-aged children or food-related policies in these settings. The purpose of this study was to describe the contents of preschoolers' lunchboxes to inform future interventions. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 259 children attending preschools in the Sydney West and Sydney South West regions of New South Wales in 2008. Lunchbox data were collected using a purpose-designed audit tool. Food and beverages were classified as fruit, vegetables, dairy, breads and cereals, ,extra' (energy-dense) foods, ,extra' drinks or water. Results: Sandwiches and home-cooked meals were the most frequently identified food item, found in 92% of children's lunchboxes, followed by fresh fruit. However, 60% of lunchboxes contained more than one serve of extra food or drink. Conclusion: While nutrition guidelines allow one to two serves of extra foods per day for preschool-aged children, the majority of children appear to consume most of this allocation during their school day, potentially contributing to over-consumption of extra foods and excess kilojoule intake. Implications: Preschool food policies may help to guide the content of children's lunchboxes, however this study emphasises the need for better communication and enforcement of these policies, as well as broader public policy changes. [source] Decomposition of A-Type Sandwiches.CHEMINFORM, Issue 13 2004Characterization of New Polyoxometalates Incorporating Multiple d-Electron-Centered Units., Synthesis Abstract For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text. [source] The hypothetical protein Atu4866 from Agrobacterium tumefaciens adopts a streptavidin-like foldPROTEIN SCIENCE, Issue 1 2008Xuanjun Ai Abstract Atu4866 is a 79-residue conserved hypothetical protein of unknown function from Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Protein sequence alignments show that it shares ,60% sequence identity with 20 other hypothetical proteins of bacterial origin. However, the structures and functions of these proteins remain unknown so far. To gain insight into the function of this family of proteins, we have determined the structure of Atu4866 as a target of a structural genomics project using solution NMR spectroscopy. Our results reveal that Atu4866 adopts a streptavidin-like fold featuring a ,-barrel/sandwich formed by eight antiparallel ,-strands. Further structural analysis identified a continuous patch of conserved residues on the surface of Atu4866 that may constitute a potential ligand-binding site. [source] Grids challenged by a Web 2.0 and multicore sandwichCONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 3 2009Geoffrey Fox Abstract We discuss the application of Web 2.0 to support scientific research (e-Science) and related ,e-more or less anything' applications. Web 2.0 offers interesting technical approaches (protocols, message formats, and programming tools) to build core e-infrastructure (cyberinfrastructure) as well as many interesting services (Facebook, YouTube, Amazon S3/EC2, and Google maps) that can add value to e-infrastructure projects. We discuss why some of the original Grid goals of linking the world's computer systems may not be so relevant today and that interoperability is needed at the data and not always at the infrastructure level. Web 2.0 may also support Parallel Programming 2.0,a better parallel computing software environment motivated by the need to run commodity applications on multicore chips. A ,Grid on the chip' will be a common use of future chips with tens or hundreds of cores. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Alar Reconstruction with Subcutaneous Pedicled Nasolabial Flap: Difficulties, Considerations, and Conclusions for This ProcedureDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 10 2005Fumiya Iwao MD Background. The subcutaneous pedicled nasolabial flap is a useful material for alar reconstruction. Objective. This article describes the difficulties and considerations in this procedure and discusses the procedural problems involved, drawing conclusions from them. Methods. Case 1: a folded flap was used with a conchal cartilage strut sandwich. Case 2: only a folded flap was used. Case 3: the flap was used to cover the outer surface of the ala, and a mucoperiosteal graft from the hard palate was used for the ala lining. Results. The cartilage strut was not sufficient to support the shape of the ala in case 1. Harvesting a sufficiently wide flap is thought to be important. However, a folded flap had some drawbacks, with the formation of a thick alar rim. Conclusions. The combination of a flap for the outer surface and a mucoperiosteal graft as a lining is thought to be an excellent option for alar reconstruction. [source] Detection of C Reactive Protein (CRP) in Serum by an Electrochemical Aptamer-Based Sandwich AssayELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 11 2009Sonia Centi Abstract A disposable electrochemical assay involving magnetic particles and carbon-based screen-printed electrodes (SPCEs) was developed for the detection of C Reactive Protein (CRP). CRP is a plasma protein and is among the most expressed proteins in acute phase inflammation cases, being a known biomarker for inflammatory states. The assay was based on a sandwich format in which a RNA aptamer was coupled to a monoclonal antibody and alkaline phosphatase (AP) was used as enzymatic label. After the sandwich assay, the modified magnetic beads were captured by a magnet on the surface of a graphite working electrode and the electrochemical detection was thus achieved through the addition of the AP substrate (,-naphthyl-phosphate) and ,-naphthol produced during the enzymatic reaction was detected using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The parameters influencing the different steps of the assay were optimized in order to reach the best sensitivity and specificity. With the optimized conditions, the assay was applied to the analysis of CRP free serum and serum samples. [source] Fabrication, Characterization, and Application of ,Sandwich-Type' Electrode Based on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Room Temperature Ionic LiquidELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 17 2008Xuzhi Zhang Abstract The much-enhanced electrochemical responses of potassium ferricyanide and methylene blue (MB) were firstly explored at the glassy carbon electrode modified with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT/GCE), indicating the distinct electrochemical activity of SWNTs towards electroactive molecules. A hydrophobic room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIMPF6), was used as electrode modification material, which presented wide electrochemical windows, proton permeation and selective extraction ability. In consideration with the advantages of SWNTs and RTIL in detecting target molecules (TMs), a novel strategy of ,sandwich,type' electrode was established with TMs confined by RTIL between the SWNT/GCE and the RTIL membrane. The strategy was used for electrochemical detection of ascorbic acid (AA) and dopamine (DA), and detection limits of 400 and 80 fmol could be obtained, respectively. The selective detection of DA in the presence of high amount of AA could also be realized. This protocol presented many attractive advantages towards voltammetric detection of TMs, such as low sample demand, low cost, high sensitivity, and good stability. [source] The impact of a parasitic nematode, Thripinema fuscum, on the feeding behavior and vector competence of Frankliniella fuscaENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 2 2009Kelly R. Sims Abstract Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is the predominant thrips species found inhabiting and reproducing in peanut, Arachis hypogaea L. (Fabaceae), and is one of at least seven thrips species reported to transmit Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). The entomogenous nematode Thripinema fuscum Tipping & Nguyen (Tylenchida: Allantonematidae), a natural enemy of F. fusca, parasitizes larval and adult populations under field conditions. All known Thripinema species render the host female thrips sterile and have the potential to suppress pest populations to near extinction. As a result, secondary spread of TSWV in peanut is reduced. Reduction of the virus under field conditions may also be due to lower transmission rates caused by parasite-induced alterations in host feeding behavior. Therefore, the feeding rates of healthy and parasitized F. fusca male and female cohorts on leaf discs were recorded daily for 10 days and digital images were subjected to image analysis and viral transmission rates were compared daily using double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Thripinema fuscum reduced the feeding of female F. fusca by nearly 65%, and the ability of females to transmit TSWV by 50%. Potential mechanisms underlying the parasite-induced alterations in feeding behavior and transmission are discussed. Parasitism by T. fuscum significantly reduced male longevity, but female longevity was not affected. These results provide further evidence that T. fuscum aids in regulating viruliferous F. fusca pest populations and suggests its potential as a biological control agent for inoculative release in peanut. [source] Theoretical Study on a Class of Organometallic Complexes Based on All-Metal Aromatic Ga3, Through Sandwiching StabilizationEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 12 2008Li-ming Yang Abstract We report the theoretical study on a class of organometallic complexes containing the all-metal aromatic unit Ga3, on the basis of density functional theory calculations on a series of model sandwich-like compounds [DM(Ga3)]q, as well as those of the saturated compounds [DMn(Ga3)] [D = Ga3,, Cp,(C5H5,); M = Li, Na, K, Be, Mg, Ca] and extended compounds (Cp,)m(Li+)n(Ga3,)o (m, n, and o are integers). For the six metals, the all-metal aromatic Ga3, can only be assembled and stabilized in the "heterodecked sandwich" scheme (e.g. [CpM(Ga3)]q,) so as to avoid cluster fusion. Moreover, we designed a novel class of all-metal aromatic "metalloid" compounds. The ground state heterodecked sandwich species (Cp),(M)q+(Ga3), (M = Li, Na, K, q = 1; M = Be, Mg, Ca, q = 2) and the extended sandwich species (Cp,)m(Li+)n(Ga3,)o are mainly ionic bonded, cluster-assembled "polyatomic molecule", grown from the combination of Cp,, M atoms, and Ga3,. As a prototype for ionic bonding involving intact Ga3, subunits, [CpM(Ga3)]q, may be a stepping stone toward forming ionic, cluster-assembled all-metal aromatic Ga3 -based bulk solids or materials. Additionally, our results for the first time showed that the electronic, structural, and aromatic properties of the all-metal aromatic Ga3, could be well retained during cluster assembly, which is indicative of "building block" character. Bearing the significant difference in bonding patterns between our designed metalloid compounds and the known metalloid species, synthesis of these novel species might present an attractive challenge to experimental chemists. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008) [source] CSF biomarker profile and diagnostic value in vascular dementiaEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 2 2009G. P. Paraskevas Background and purpose:, The differential diagnosis between vascular dementia (VD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) or mixed dementia (MD) is not always easy in clinical practice. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers tau protein in its total (,T) or hyperphosphorylated at threonin-181(,P-181) form and beta amyloid peptide 1,42 (A,42) alone and their combinations to investigate their diagnostic value in the discrimination between VD and AD or MD. Methods:, The above CSF biomarkers were determined in duplicate and blind to the clinical diagnosis by double sandwich, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) commercial kits (Innogenetics, Gent, Belgium) in 92 AD patients, 23 VD patients, 17 patients with MD and 68 controls. Results:, Alzheimer's disease and MD showed increased levels of ,T, ,P and reduced levels of A,42 as compared with the controls. The best discrimination between VD and AD or MD was achieved by the combination of all three biomarkers, correctly classifying ,85% of patients, either in the form of a discriminant function or in the form of the ,T × ,P-181/A,42 formula. Conclusions:, Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers may be a useful adjunct for the discrimination between AD/ MD and VD in every day clinical practice. [source] Aluminium Foam Sandwich Panels: Manufacture, Metallurgy and ApplicationsADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 9 2008J. Banhart Abstract Sandwich panels consisting of a highly porous aluminium foam core and aluminium alloy face sheets are manufactured by roll-bonding aluminium alloy sheets to a densified mixture of metal powders , usually Al-Si or Al-Si-Cu alloys with 6,8% Si and 3,10% Cu , and titanium hydride, and foaming the resulting three-layer structure by a thermal treatment. We review the various processing steps of aluminium foam sandwich (AFS) and the metallurgical processes during foaming, compare the process to alternative ways to manufacture AFS, e.g. by adhesive bonding, and give an overview of the available literature. Two ways to treat AFS after foaming are presented, namely forging and age-hardening. Some current and potential applications are described and the market potential of AFS is assessed. [source] Ultrasonically Welded Aluminium Foams/Sheet Metal , Joints,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 9 2006C. Born Abstract The ultrasonic welding technology enables to produce high-strength joints between sheet metal and aluminium foam sandwich (AFS) without melting of the metal or any damage of the foam structure. In the investigations the used welding processes and different factors influencing the weldability were varied. The achievable mechanical properties for ultrasonically welded metal joints, especially under monotonic and cyclic load, will be discussed. Additionally, results of microscopic investigations of the bonding zone and possible applications are presented. [source] Quantitative analysis of the synthesis and secretion of type VII collagen in cultured human dermal fibroblasts with a sensitive sandwich enzyme-linked immunoassayEXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2007Satoshi Amano Abstract:, Type VII collagen is the major component of anchoring fibrils in the epidermal basement membrane. Its expression has been analyzed by immunostaining or Northern blotting, but rarely at the protein level. In this study, we have quantitatively examined the effects of ascorbic acid and various cytokines/growth factors on the protein synthesis and secretion of type VII collagen by human dermal fibroblasts in culture, using a developed, highly sensitive sandwich enzyme-linked immunoassay with two kinds of specific monoclonal antibodies against the non-collagenous domain-1. Ascorbic acid and its derivative induced a twofold increase in type VII collagen synthesis, and markedly increased the secretion of type VII collagen into the medium when compared with the control culture. This effect was not influenced by the presence of transforming growth factor- ,1 (TGF- ,1). The synthesis of type VII collagen was elevated by TGF- ,1, platelet-derived growth factor, tumor necrosis factor- ,, and interleukin-1,, but not by TGF- ,. Thus, our data indicate that the synthesis and secretion of type VII collagen in human dermal fibroblasts are regulated by ascorbate and the enhancement of type VII collagen gene expression by cytokines/growth factors is accompanied with elevated production of type VII collagen at the protein level. [source] Multi-Criteria Material Selection of Monolithic and Multi-Materials in Engineering DesignADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 1-2 2006P. Sirisalee Multi-materials are combinations of monolithic materials in a chosen configuration and scale. They can help populate the material property space and fill areas monolithic materials cannot reach. This paper presents a novel approach to compare the performance of monolithic materials and multi-materials in multi-criteria design problems, with the results being visualised through exchange constant charts. In this paper, a particular type of multi-materials, sandwich panels, is selected to demonstrate the approach. [source] "Tongue sandwich" bolster for skin graft immobilization,HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 7 2002Charles E. Butler MD Abstract Background Because of surface irregularities and continuous movement of the tongue, predictable immobilization of split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) for tongue defects is difficult to achieve. Methods A novel composite, bilayer foam bolster was used to immobilize a STSG after reconstruction of more than 80% of the tongue mucosa after resection of a squamous cell carcinoma and extensive leukoplakia. Dorsal and ventral bolster components were placed over the STSG and affixed using transglossal, through-and-through sutures. Results The composite foam bolster provided uniform compression along the highly irregular and mobile skin-grafted surface. Graft survival was excellent, and there were no complications. Conclusions The "tongue sandwich" bolster is quickly and easily fabricated, immobilizes the tongue in a fully expanded position, and provides excellent apposition of STSGs to highly irregular and vascular surfaces. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 24: 705,709, 2002 [source] Protein array technology to investigate cytokine production by monocytes from patients with advanced alcoholic cirrhosis: An ex vivo pilot studyHEPATOLOGY RESEARCH, Issue 7 2009Khalid A. Tazi Aim:, In patients with advanced cirrhosis, little is known about the ability of peripheral blood monocytes to spontaneously produce signaling proteins such as cytokines. The aim of this ex vivo study was to evaluate cytokine production under baseline conditions and after stimulation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist. Methods:, Peripheral blood monocytes were isolated from patients with advanced alcoholic cirrhosis (without ongoing bacterial infections) and normal subjects. Cells were left unstimulated or were stimulated with LPS. The abundance of 24 cytokines was measured using a filter-based, arrayed sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the supernatant of cultured monocytes. Results:, Cirrhotic monocytes spontaneously produced six proteins (TNF-,, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, RANTES and Gro), whereas normal monocytes produced only small amounts of IL-8 and RANTES. Analyses with the online gene set analysis toolkit WebGestalt (http://bioinfo.vanderbilt.edu/webgestalt) found enrichment for the six proteins in the human gene ontology subcategory (http://www.geneontology.org), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome pathways (http://www.genome.ad.jp/kegg/) and BioCarta pathways (http://www.biocarta.com/genes/index.asp) consistent with a proinflammatory phenotype of cirrhotic monocytes resulting from activated TLR signaling. Interestingly, LPS-elicited TLR engagement further increased the production of the six proteins and did not induce the secretion of any others, in particular the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. LPS-stimulated normal monocytes produced TNF-,, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, RANTES, Gro and IL-10. Conclusion:, In patients with advanced cirrhosis, peripheral blood monocytes spontaneously produce proinflammatory cytokines, presumably in response to unrestricted TLR signaling. [source] Modulation of sinusoidal and canalicular elimination of bilirubin-glucuronides by rifampicin and other cholestatic drugs in a sandwich culture of rat hepatocytesHEPATOLOGY RESEARCH, Issue 3 2008György Lengyel Aim:, Drug-induced hyperbilirubinemia has been shown to often be derived from modulation of the expression and activity of hepatobiliary transporters. In this study we examined the interactions of some therapeutic agents, which have been shown to cause cholestasis, with the elimination of bilirubin-glucuronides, in order to clarify whether these drugs modify the activity of Mrp2 and Mrp3 directly. Methods:, The modulation of bilirubin-glucuronide elimination with rifampicin, probenecid, indomethacin and benzbromarone was assayed in sandwich cultured rat hepatocytes. Results:, All the drugs studied decreased the canalicular transport, but modified the sinusoidal efflux differently. Rifampicin and probenecid stimulated the sinusoidal efflux, shifting the elimination of bilirubin-glucuronides to the sinusoidal domain (biliary excretion index: 3.9 ± 1.2; 22.7 ± 7.4 vs. 56.6 ± 1.5 and 56.8 ± 5.5). However, the overall elimination of bilirubin-glucuronides did not change significantly. In contrast, indomethacin and benzbromarone inhibited bothtransport processes, resulting in the decrease of the overall bilirubin-glucuronide elimination (61 ± 22; 56 ± 5% of the control). Rifampicin, indomethacin and benzbromarone decreased 5,(6)-carboxy-2,,7,-dichlorofluorescein transport by multidrug resistance-associated protein (Mrp)2 as visualized by confocal laser microscopy and in vesicular transport experiments. Interestingly, rifampicin decreased the MRP3 activity in vesicular transport experiments using 17-beta-estradiol-17-beta-D-glucuronide as substrate, in contrast to that observed in bilirubin-glucuronide transport experiments. Conclusion:, Here we show that the interactions of drugs on hepatobiliary transporter proteins may be identified in vitro in a sandwich culture of hepatocytes, in which canalicular and sinusoidal transport can be studied separately. [source] Facile and Scalable Synthesis of Tailored Silica "Nanorattle" StructuresADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 37 2009Dong Chen Silica "nanorattles" are fabricated by means of selective etching of ingeniously designed organic,inorganic hybrid silica spheres with a three-layer "sandwich" structure. The size (95,645,nm), shell thickness, and core diameter of the monodisperse nanorattles can be precisely controlled, even in gram-scale production. This method is also shown to be promising for development as a general method for synthesis of rattle-type functional nanomaterials. [source] Enhanced expression of MMP-7 and MMP-13 in inflammatory bowel disease: A precancerous potential?INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 11 2006Dr. Timo Rath PhD Abstract Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are responsible for the turnover and degradation of extracellular matrix. They play a crucial role in the growth and migration of colorectal carcinoma cells. Colorectal carcinomas are characterized by enhanced expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-7, and MMP-13. The aim of this study was to determine the expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-7, MMP-13, and MMP-14 and their specific inhibitor TIMP-1 in inflammatory bowel diseases and precancerous lesions of the colon, i.e., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and in adenomatous polyps (APs) for comparison. Biopsy samples of pathological and healthy tissue were obtained from 40 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, n = 17; Crohn's disease, n = 23) and from 19 patients with APs. mRNA was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to study MMP and TIMP-1 gene expression in both pathological and normal mucosal specimens. For MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1, protein expression also was quantified with sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In biopsy specimens of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, significantly increased levels of MMP-2, MMP-7, and MMP-13 mRNA were found. MMP-2 and MMP-9 showed enhanced secretion on the protein level. AP revealed an increased transcription of MMP-7 and MMP-13 genes. MMP-14 mRNA was decreased in APs. MMPs, especially MMP-7 and MMP-13, which are expressed primarily on the tumor cell surface, are elevated in inflammatory bowel disease, which may have more chance to evolve into malignancy than normal tissue. In APs, increased expression of MMP-7 and MMP-13 may serve as an early indicator for colorectal carcinogenesis. [source] Stress analyses of laminates under cylindrical bendingINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 1 2008Tarun Kant Abstract A semi-analytical approach for evaluation of stresses and displacements in composite and sandwich laminates under cylindrical bending subjected to transverse load has been developed in this paper. Two dimensional (2D) partial differential equations (PDEs) of such a laminate are obtained by imposing plane-strain conditions of elasticity. The fundamental dependent variables are so selected in this formulation that they satisfy the continuity of displacements and transverse interlaminar stresses at the laminate interface through the thickness. The set of governing PDEs are transformed into a set of coupled first-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) in thickness direction by assuming suitable global orthogonal trigonometric functions for the fundamental variables satisfying the boundary conditions. These ODEs are numerically integrated by a specially formulated ODE integrator algorithm involving transformation of a two-point boundary value problem (BVP) into a set of initial value problems (IVPs). Numerical studies on both composite and sandwich laminates for various aspect ratios are performed and presented. Accuracy of the present approach is demonstrated by comparing the results with the available elasticity solution. It is seen that the present results are in excellent agreement with the elasticity solutions. Some new results for sandwich laminates and for uniform loading condition are presented for future reference. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Classical and advanced multilayered plate elements based upon PVD and RMVT.INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 3 2002Part 2: Numerical implementations Abstract This paper presents numerical evaluations related to the multilayered plate elements which were proposed in the companion paper (Part 1). Two-dimensional modellings with linear and higher-order (up to fourth order) expansion in the z -plate/layer thickness direction have been implemented for both displacements and transverse stresses. Layer-wise as well as equivalent single-layer modellings are considered on both frameworks of the principle of virtual displacements and Reissner mixed variational theorem. Such a variety has led to the implementation of 22 plate theories. As far as finite element approximation is concerned, three quadrilaters have been considered (four-, eight- and nine-noded plate elements). As a result, 22×3 different finite plate elements have been compared in the present analysis. The automatic procedure described in Part 1, which made extensive use of indicial notations, has herein been referred to in the considered computer implementations. An assessment has been made as far as convergence rates, numerical integrations and comparison to correspondent closed-form solutions are concerned. Extensive comparison to early and recently available results has been made for sample problems related to laminated and sandwich structures. Classical formulations, full mixed, hybrid, as well as three-dimensional solutions have been considered in such a comparison. Numerical substantiation of the importance of the fulfilment of zig-zag effects and interlaminar equilibria is given. The superiority of RMVT formulated finite elements over those related to PVD has been concluded. Two test cases are proposed as ,desk-beds' to establish the accuracy of the several theories. Results related to all the developed theories are presented for the first test case. The second test case, which is related to sandwich plates, restricts the comparison to the most significant implemented finite elements. It is proposed to refer to these test cases to establish the accuracy of existing or new higher-order, refined or improved finite elements for multilayered plate analyses. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Aerobic Oxidation of Primary Aliphatic Alcohols to Aldehydes Catalyzed by a Palladium(II) Polyoxometalate CatalystADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 2-3 2010Delina Barats Abstract A hexadecyltrimethylammonium salt of a "sandwich" type polyoxometalate has been used as a ligand to attach a palladium(II) center. This Pd-POM compound was an active catalyst for the fast aerobic oxidation of alcohols. The unique property of this catalyst is its significant preference for the oxidation of primary versus secondary aliphatic alcohols. Since no kinetic isotope effect was observed for the dehydrogenation step, this may be the result of the intrinsically higher probability for oxidation of primary alcohols attenuated by steric factors as borne out by the higher reactivity of 1-octanol versus 2-ethyl-1-hexanol. The reaction is highly selective to aldehyde with little formation of carboxylic acid; autooxidation is inhibited. No base is required to activate the alcohol. The fast reactions appear to be related to the electron-acceptor nature of the polyoxometalate ligand that may also facilitate alcohol dehydrogenation in the absence of base. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||