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TE
Kinds of TE Terms modified by TE Selected AbstractsChemInform Abstract: Coupled In/Te and Ni/Vacancy Ordering and the Modulated Crystal Structure of a B8 Type, Ni3.+-.xIn1-yTe2+y Solid Solution Phase.CHEMINFORM, Issue 22 2008A.-K. Larsson Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 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] Thermomechanical and Thermal Contact Characteristics of Bismuth Telluride Films Electrodeposited on Carbon Nanotube ArraysADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 42 2009Himanshu Mishra A scalable electrochemical process for addressing the thermomechanical compliance and contact resistance at metal/thermoelectric (M/TE) interfaces by integrating TE films with carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays is presented. Thermomechanical compliance and thermal contact characteristics of TE/CNT/M and TE/M contacts are compared. A process-flow for patterned electrodeposition of TE films on CNT arrays coated surfaces is also demonstrated. [source] Mechanisms of trophectoderm fate specification in preimplantation mouse developmentDEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION, Issue 3 2010Hiroshi Sasaki During preimplantation mouse development, embryos establish two distinct cell lineages by the time of blastocyst formation: trophectoderm (TE) and inner cell mass (ICM). To explain the mechanism of this cell fate specification, two classical models, namely the inside,outside model and polarity model have been proposed based on experimental manipulation studies on embryos. This review summarizes recent findings on the molecular mechanisms of fate specification, and discusses how these findings fit into the classical models. TE development is regulated by a transcription factor cascade, the core transcription factors of which are Tead4 and Cdx2. The transcriptional activity of Tead4 is regulated by the position-dependent Hippo signaling pathway, thus supporting the inside,outside model. In contrast, several findings support the polarity model; some other findings suggest different mechanisms. We also discuss how the two classical models could be further developed in the light of recent molecular findings. [source] Echocardiographic Assessment of Left Ventricular Mass in Neonatal and Adult Mice: Accuracy of Different Echocardiographic MethodsECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 10 2006Alexander Ghanem M.D. Echocardiography is an established method to estimate left-ventricular mass (LVM) in mice. Accuracy is determined by cardiac size and morphology and influenced by mathematical models. We investigated accuracy of three common algorithms in three early developmental stages. High-resolution echocardiography was performed in 35 C57/BL6-mice. Therefore, two-dimensional-guided M-mode echocardiography and parasternal short- and long-axis views in B-mode were obtained. LVM was assessed in vivo applying Penn (P), Area Length (AL), and Truncated Ellipsoid (TE) algorithms and validated with histomorphometry. Regression analysis of all mice showed fair estimation of LVM assessed with M-mode-based Penn algorithm (y = 0.6*x , 0.12, r: 0.71). In contrast two-dimensional assessment of LVM revealed close linear relationship with histomorphometry (yAL= 1.21*x , 12.1, r: 0.88, yTE= 1.38*x , 2.88, r: 0.86). Bias was lowest for LVM-AL at diastole underestimating 3.2%. In concordance with the summarized data, LVM-P revealed lower regression coefficients and significant underestimation in all three subgroups. Small hearts (<50 mg, n = 12) correlated best with LVM-AL at systole. Hearts of adolescent (50,75 mg, n = 13) and adult (75,100 mg, n = 10) mice revealed close linear relationship with LVM-AL and LVM-TE at diastole. Echocardiographic assessment of LVM is feasible in hearts weighting less than 50 mg and can be estimated best in systole. Hearts weighting more than 50 mg are estimated most accurately by means of LVM-AL at diastole. [source] FDTD analysis of switching characteristics in magnetooptic functional devices using magnetostatic surface wavesELECTRICAL ENGINEERING IN JAPAN, Issue 1 2008Atsushi Noguchi Abstract Collinear magnetooptic interaction with magnetostatic surface waves (MSSW) can be used for wavelength-selective switches, wavelength filters, and frequency shifters in wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) photonic networks and optical processing systems. The switching efficiency can be improved with a multilayer waveguide structure. To investigate the dynamic switching characteristics, the FDTD method was employed. The mode conversion between TE and TM mode was successfully demonstrated with FDTD simulation. The filtering characteristics were also evaluated. The FDTD results were compared with the result from the coupled mode theory, and good agreement was obtained. Switching of an optical pulse was also demonstrated by the FDTD method. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 162(1): 40,47, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20501 [source] Determination of ethyl glucuronide in human serum by hyphenation of capillary isotachophoresis and zone electrophoresisELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 8 2008Michaela Nováková Abstract The determination of ethyl glucuronide (EtG), a marker of recent alcohol consumption, in human serum by hyphenation of capillary ITP (CITP) and CZE is reported. For CITP step, 1×10,2,M hydrochloric acid adjusted with ,-aminocaproic acid (EACA) to pH,4.4 was used as the leading electrolyte, and 1×10,2,M nicotinic acid with EACA, pH,4.4, was used as the terminating electrolyte (TE). All electrolytes contained 0.2% hydroxypropylcellulose to suppress electroosmosis. In CITP, EtG was separated from fast serum macrocomponents chloride, phosphate, lactate, and acetate. Zones of microcomponents including EtG that migrated between acetate and nicotinate were forwarded to the second capillary filled with a BGE identical with the TE. Conductivity detection was used in the CITP step. Sensitive detection in the CZE step was performed using indirect spectrophotometric detection at 254,nm. The assay is based on a 1:5 dilution of serum with deionized water and has a concentration LOD for EtG in diluted sample of 9.8×10,9,M. The method was used for the determination of EtG in sera of volunteers consuming alcohol. [source] Determination of trace cationic impurities in butylmethylimidazolium-based ionic liquids: From transient to comprehensive single-capillary counterflow isotachophoresis-zone electrophoresisELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 23 2006Marek Urbánek Abstract Determination of impurities in ionic liquids (ILs) remains a difficult task. In this work, the hyphenation of isotachophoretic,(ITP) preconcentration to zone electrophoresis,(ZE) has been explored for the trace analysis of the cationic impurities Na+, Li+, and methylimidazolium (MI+) in butylmethylimidazolium (BMI+)-based ILs. Simultaneous detection of UV-transparent and UV-absorbing impurities was ensured by a BGE composed of creatinine-acetate buffer. To induce ITP, three different strategies were evaluated: (i),Sample self-stacking ensured by the addition of ammonium acetate (NH4Ac) to 25,50-fold diluted IL solution (transient ITP). (ii),Complete ITP-ZE separation performed in a single capillary: ITP was realized in discontinuous electrolytes comprising an 80,mM NH4Ac, 40,mM acetic acid, 30,mM ,-CD, pH,5.05, leading electrolyte,(LE) and a 10,mM creatinine, 10,mM acetic acid, pH,4.9, terminating electrolyte,(TE). To create the ZE stage, the ITP stack of analytes was moved back toward the capillary inlet by pressure and simultaneously the capillary was filled with the BGE. This protocol made it possible to accommodate a 2.5-times diluted IL sample. (iii),Complete counterflow ITP-ZE with continuous electrokinetic sample supply: the ITP stage was performed in a capillary filled with a 150,mM NH4Ac, 75,mM acetic acid, 30,mM ,-CD, pH,5.0 LE, with 40-times diluted IL at the capillary inlet. BMI+ from IL acts as the terminating ion. The LODs reached in this latter case were at the 10 and 1,ppb levels for MI+ and Li+ in diluted IL matrix, respectively. [source] A Short-echo-time Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging Study of Temporal Lobe EpilepsyEPILEPSIA, Issue 9 2002Robert J. Simister Summary: ,Purpose: We used short-echo-time proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRSI) to study metabolite concentration variation through the temporal lobe in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) with and without abnormal MRI. Methods: MRSI was performed at TE = 30 ms to study 10 control subjects, 10 patients with TLE and unilateral hippocampal sclerosis, and 10 patients with TLE and unremarkable MRI (MRI negative). We measured the concentrations of N -acetyl aspartate +N -acetyl aspartyl-glutamate (NAAt), creatine (Cr), choline (Cho), glutamate + glutamine (Glx), and myoinositol, in the anterior, middle, and posterior medial temporal lobe (MTL), and in the posterior lateral temporal lobe. Segmented volumetric T1 -weighted MRIs gave the tissue composition of each MRSI voxel. Normal ranges were defined as the control mean ± 3 SD. Results: In the hippocampal sclerosis group, seven of 10 had abnormally low NAAt in the ipsilateral anterior MTL. In the MRI-negative group, four of 10 had low NAAt in the middle MTL voxel ipsilateral to seizure onset. Metabolite ratios were less sensitive to abnormality than was the NAAt concentration. Group analysis showed low NAAt, Cr, and Cho in the anterior MTL in hippocampal sclerosis. Glx was elevated in the anterior voxel contralateral to seizure onset in the MRI-negative group. Metabolite concentrations were influenced by voxel position and tissue composition. Conclusions: (a) Low NAAt, Cr, and Cho were features of the anterior sclerotic hippocampus, whereas low NAAt was observed in the MRI-negative group in the middle MTL region. The posterior temporal lobe regions were not associated with significant metabolite abnormality; (b) The two patient groups demonstrated different metabolite profiles across the temporal lobe, with elevated Glx a feature of the MRI-negative group; and (c) Voxel tissue composition and position influenced obtained metabolite concentrations. [source] PRECLINICAL STUDY: Mechanisms of respiratory insufficiency induced by methadone overdose in ratsADDICTION BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Lucie Chevillard ABSTRACT Methadone may cause respiratory depression. We aimed to understand methadone-related effects on ventilation as well as each opioid-receptor (OR) role. We studied the respiratory effects of intraperitoneal methadone at 1.5, 5, and 15 mg/kg (corresponding to 80% of the lethal dose-50%) in rats using arterial blood gases and plethysmography. OR antagonists, including intravenous 10 mg/kg-naloxonazine at 5 minutes (mu-OR antagonist), subcutaneous 30 mg/kg-naloxonazine at 24 hours (mu1-OR antagonist), 3 mg/kg-naltrindole at 45 minutes (delta-OR antagonist) and 5 mg/kg-Nor-binaltorphimine at 6 hours (kappa-OR antagonist) were pre-administered. Plasma concentrations of methadone enantiomers were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass-spectrometry. Methadone dose-dependent inspiratory time (TI) increase tended to be linear. Respiratory depression was observed only at 15 mg/kg and characterized by an increase in expiratory time (TE) resulting in hypoxemia and respiratory acidosis. Intravenous naloxonazine completely reversed all methadone-related effects on ventilation, while subcutaneous naloxonazine reduced its effects on pH (P < 0.05), PaCO2 (P < 0.01) and TE (P < 0.001) but only partially on TI (P < 0.001). Naltrindole reduced methadone-related effects on TE (P < 0.001). Nor-binaltorphimine increased methadone-related effects on pH and PaO2 (P < 0.05) Respiratory effects as a function of plasma R -methadone concentrations showed a decrease in PaO2 (EC50: 1.14 µg/ml) at lower concentrations than those necessary for PaCO2 increase (EC50: 3.35 µg/ml). Similarly, increased TI (EC50: 0.501 µg/ml) was obtained at lower concentrations than those for TE (EC50: 4.83 µg/ml). Methadone-induced hypoxemia is caused by mu-ORs and modulated by kappa-ORs. Additionally, methadone-induced increase in TE is caused by mu1- and delta-opioid receptors while increase in TI is caused by mu-ORs. [source] Mice with neonatally induced inactivation of the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 fail to control the parasite in Toxoplasma encephalitisEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5 2003Martina Deckert Abstract Under various inflammatory conditions, cell adhesion molecules are up-regulated in the central nervous system (CNS) and may contribute to the recruitment of leukocytes to the brain. In the present study, the functional role of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 in Toxoplasma encephalitis (TE) was addressed using VCAMflox/flox MxCre mice. Neonatal inactivation of the VCAM-1 gene resulted in a lack of induction of VCAM-1 on cerebral blood vessel endothelial cells, whereas the constitutive expression of VCAM-1 on choroid plexus epithelial cells and the ependymawas unaffected; in these animals, resistance to T.,gondii was abolished, and VCAMflox/flox MxCre mice died of chronic TE caused by a failure to control parasites in the CNS. Although leukocyte recruitment to the CNS was unimpaired, the B cell response was significantly reduced as evidenced by reduced serum levels of anti- T.,gondii -specific IgM and IgG antibodies. Furthermore, the frequency and activation state of intracerebral T.,gondii -specific T cells were decreased, and microglial activation was markedly reduced. Taken together, these data demonstrate the crucial requirement of VCAM-1-mediated immune reactions for the control of an intracerebral infectious pathogen, whereas other cell adhesion molecules can efficiently compensate for VCAM-1-mediated homing across cerebral blood vessels. [source] Preparation and Characterization of Gallium Releasing 3-D Alginate Coated 45S5 Bioglass® Based Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 7 2010Viviana Mourińo Abstract The aim of this work was to develop functional three-dimensional scaffolds based on Bioglass® derived glass,ceramics for bone tissue engineering (TE) with prophylaxis effect against infections. The highly porous scaffolds were fabricated by the foam replication technique and then coated with sodium alginate crosslinked with Ga3+. It was confirmed that the polymer coating did not affect the interconnectivity of the scaffold pore structure. The resulting composite scaffold exhibited antibacterial effect and improved mechanical properties as well as high bioactivity. The novel Ga3+ loaded 45S5 Bioglass®-based scaffolds coated with alginate are promising candidates for bone TE applications. [source] 1-Hz repetitive TMS over ipsilateral motor cortex influences the performance of sequential finger movements of different complexityEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 5 2008Laura Avanzino Abstract To elucidate the role of ipsilateral motor cortex (M1) in the control of unilateral finger movements (UFMs) in humans we used a conditioning protocol of 1-Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (1-Hz rTMS) over M1 in 11 right-handed healthy subjects. We analysed the effects of conditioning rTMS on UFMs of different complexity (simple vs sequential finger movements), and performed with a different modality (internally vs externally paced movements). UFMs were monitored with a sensor-engineered glove, and a quantitative evaluation of the following parameters was performed: touch duration (TD); inter-tapping interval (ITI); timing error (TE); and number of errors (NE). 1-Hz rTMS over ipsilateral M1 was able to affect the performance of a sequence of finger opposition movements in a metronome-paced condition, significantly increasing TD and reducing ITI without TE changes. The effects on motor behaviour had a different magnitude as a function of the sequence complexity. Further, we found a different effect of the ipsilateral 1-Hz rTMS on externally paced movements with respect to an internally paced condition. All these findings indicate that ipsilateral M1 plays an important role in the execution of sequential UFMs. Interestingly, NE did not change in any experimental condition, suggesting that ipsilateral M1 influences only the temporal and not the spatial accuracy of UFMs. Finally, the duration (up to 30 min) of 1-Hz rTMS effects on ipsilateral M1 can indicate its direct action on the mechanisms of cortical plasticity, suggesting that rTMS can be used to modulate the communication between the two hemispheres in rehabilitative protocols. [source] Antheraea assama Silk Fibroin-Based Functional Scaffold with Enhanced Blood Compatibility for Tissue Engineering Applications,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 5 2010Naresh Kasoju Abstract The architecture and surface chemistry of a scaffold determine its utility in tissue engineering (TE). Conventional techniques have limitations in fabricating a scaffold with control over both architecture and surface chemistry. To ameliorate this, in this report, we demonstrate the fabrication of an Antheraea assama silk fibroin (AASF)-based functional scaffold. AASF is a non-mulberry variety having superior qualities to mulberry SF and is largely unexplored in the context of TE. First, a 3D scaffold with biomimetic architecture is fabricated. The scaffold is subsequently made blood compatible by modifying the surface chemistry through a simple sulfation reaction. EDX and FTIR analysis demonstrate the successful sulfation of the scaffold. SEM observations reveal that sulfation has no any effect on the scaffold architecture. TGA reveals that it has increased thermal stability. The sulfation reaction significantly improves the overall hydrophilicity of the scaffold, as is evident from the increase in water holding capacity; this possibly enhances the blood compatibility. The enhancement in blood compatibility of the sulfated scaffold is determined from in vitro haemolysis, protein adsorption and platelet adhesion studies. The sulfated scaffold is non-toxic and supports cell adhesion and growth, as revealed by indirect and direct contact-based in vitro cytotoxicity assays. This study reveals that the AASF-based functional scaffold, which has biomimetic architecture and blood-compatible surface chemistry, could be suitable for TE applications. [source] Platypus Pou5f1 reveals the first steps in the evolution of trophectoderm differentiation and pluripotency in mammalsEVOLUTION AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 6 2008Hitoshi Niwa SUMMARY Uterine nourishment of embryos by the placenta is a key feature of mammals. Although a variety of placenta types exist, they are all derived from the trophectoderm (TE) cell layer of the developing embryo. Egg-laying mammals (platypus and echidnas) are distinguished by a very short intrauterine embryo development, in which a simple placenta forms from TE-like cells. The Pou5f1 gene encodes a class V POU family transcription factor Oct3/4. In mice, Oct3/4 together with the highly conserved caudal -related homeobox transcription factor Cdx2, determines TE fate in pre-implantation development. In contrast to Cdx2, Pou5f1 has only been identified in eutherian mammals and marsupials, whereas, in other vertebrates, pou2 is considered to be the Pou5f1 ortholog. Here, we show that platypus and opossum genomes contain a Pou5f1 and pou2 homolog, pou2-related, indicating that these two genes are paralogues and arose by gene duplication in early mammalian evolution. In a complementation assay, we found that platypus or human Pou5f1, but not opossum or zebrafish pou2, restores self-renewal in Pou5f1 -null mouse ES cells, showing that platypus possess a fully functional Pou5f1 gene. Interestingly, we discovered that parts of one of the conserved regions (CR4) is missing from the platypus Pou5f1 promoter, suggesting that the autoregulation and reciprocal inhibition between Pou5f1 and Cdx2 evolved after the divergence of monotremes and may be linked to the development of more elaborate placental types in marsupial and eutherian mammals. [source] Safety update on the use of recombinant factor VIIa and the treatment of congenital and acquired deficiency of factor VIII or IX with inhibitorsHAEMOPHILIA, Issue 5 2008T. ABSHIRE Summary., Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa, NovoSeven®) has been licensed for treatment of haemophilia with inhibitors in Europe since 1996 and in North America since 1999. Overall, approximately 1.5 million doses have since been administered. Safety data from licensure to April 2003 revealed 25 thromboembolic (TE) adverse events (AE) from over 700 000 doses given, a remarkably low incidence of TE events. Recent reports have cited a higher prevalence of TE events with rFVIIa use, especially when used off-label. This report reviews the TE and fatal events with use of rFVIIa for congenital and acquired haemophilia A or B from May 2003 to December 2006. Approximately 800 000 standard doses of rFVIIa have been administered during this time frame. All clinical trials, spontaneous and solicited reports, as well as a detailed literature review, were included in the data analysis. There were a total of 30 TE events and 6 TE-associated fatal events. Spontaneous reports captured 14/71 (20%) TE/AE and 2/34 TE-associated/total fatal events. From solicited reports, 5/40 (12.5%) were associated with a TE and 1/32 TE-associated fatal events. Literature review revealed 11/19 (58%) TE events and 3/6 TE-associated fatal events. Despite the use of high-dose rFVIIa (270 ,g kg,1) in some clinical trials and registries, rFVIIa appears safe, when used for congenital and acquired haemophilia. The prevalence of TE associated with rFVIIa use is less than 4/100 000 and a TE-associated fatal event is also extremely rare. However, use of rFVIIa for off-label indications should continue to be monitored closely via clinical trials and carefully designed registries. [source] Further experience with botox injection for tracheoesophageal speech failureHEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 6 2001Jan S. Lewin PhD Abstract Background Some patients fail to acquire tracheoesophageal (TE) speech after laryngectomy because of pharyngeal constrictor hypertonicity. Botox injection relieves hypertonicity, but there are little objective data regarding outcomes, duration of effect, and reinjection rates. Methods Hypertonicity was identified by means of insufflation testing and confirmed videofluoroscopically in 23 unsuccessful TE speakers. Each patient received an EMG-guided Botox injection. Additional injections were offered if the first injection failed to produce fluent speech. Results Overall, 20 of 23 patients (87%) achieved fluent TE speech production after Botox injections; 5 after additional injections. Two patients declined further intervention, and 1 failed to achieve fluent TE speech production even after 3 Botox injections. The longest sustained effect was 37 months, the shortest was 5 months for 1 patient who required reinjection of Botox to maintain her TE speech production. Conclusions Botox injection relieves constrictor hypertonicity in selected cases of TE speech failure with little need for reinjection to maintain long-term speech success. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 23: 456,460 2001. [source] Addressing a systematic vibration artifact in diffusion-weighted MRIHUMAN BRAIN MAPPING, Issue 2 2010Daniel Gallichan Abstract We have identified and studied a pronounced artifact in diffusion-weighted MRI on a clinical system. The artifact results from vibrations of the patient table due to low-frequency mechanical resonances of the system which are stimulated by the low-frequency gradient switching associated with the diffusion-weighting. The artifact manifests as localized signal-loss in images acquired with partial Fourier coverage when there is a strong component of the diffusion-gradient vector in the left,right direction. This signal loss is caused by local phase ramps in the image domain which shift the apparent k-space center for a particular voxel outside the covered region. The local signal loss masquerades as signal attenuation due to diffusion, severely disrupting the quantitative measures associated with diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI). We suggest a way to improve the interpretation of affected DTI data by including a co-regressor which accounts for the empirical response of regions affected by the artifact. We also demonstrate that the artifact may be avoided by acquiring full k-space data, and that subsequent increases in TE can be avoided by employing parallel acceleration. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Progress in the Field of Electrospinning for Tissue Engineering ApplicationsADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 32-33 2009Seema Agarwal Abstract Electrospinning is an extremely promising method for the preparation of tissue engineering (TE) scaffolds. This technique provides nonwovens resembling in their fibrillar structures those of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and offering large surface areas, ease of functionalization for various purposes, and controllable mechanical properties. The recent developments toward large-scale productions combined with the simplicity of the process render this technique very attractive. Progress concerning the use of electrospinning for TE applications has advanced impressively. Different groups have tackled the problem of electrospinning for TE applications from different angles. Nowadays, electrospinning of the majority of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers, either synthetic or natural, for TE applications is straightforward. Different issues, such as cell penetration, incorporation of growth and differentiating factors, toxicity of solvents used, productivity, functional gradient, etc. are main points of current considerations. The progress in the use of electrospinning for TE applications is highlighted in this article with focus on major problems encountered and on various solutions available until now. [source] Induction of cytotoxicity in human lung adenocarcinoma cells by 6- O -carboxypropyl-,-tocotrienol, a redox-silent derivative of ,-tocotrienolINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 5 2005Yoshihisa Yano Abstract Tocotrienols are one of the most potent anticancer agents of all natural compounds and the anticancer property may be related to the inactivation of Ras family molecules. The anticancer potential of tocotrienols, however, is weakened due to its short elimination half life in vivo. To overcome the disadvantage and reinforce the anticancer activity in tocotrienols, we synthesized a redox-silent analogue of ,-tocotrienol (T3), 6- O -carboxypropyl-,-tocotrienol (T3E). We estimated the possibility of T3E as a new anticancer agent against lung adenocarcinoma showing poor prognosis based on the mutation of ras gene. T3E showed cytotoxicity against A549 cells, a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line with a ras gene mutation, in a dose-dependent manner (0,40 ,M), whereas T3 and a redox-silent analogue of ,-tocopherol (T), 6- O -carboxypropyl-,-tocopherol (TE), showed much less cytotoxicity in cells within 40 ,M. T3E cytotoxicity was based on the accumulation of cells in the G1-phase of the cell-cycle and the subsequent induction of apoptosis. Similar to this event, 24-hr treatment of A549 cells with 40 ,M T3E caused the inhibition of Ras farnesylation, and a marked decrease in the levels of cyclin D required for G1/S progression in the cell-cycle and Bcl-xL, a key anti-apoptotic molecule. Moreover, the T3E-dependent inhibition of RhoA geranyl-geranylation is an inducing factor for the occurrence of apoptosis in A549 cells. Our results suggest that T3E suppresses Ras and RhoA prenylation, leading to negative growth control against A549 cells. In conclusion, a redox-silent analogue of T3, T3E may be a new candidate as an anticancer agent against lung adenocarcinoma showing poor prognosis based on the mutation of ras genes. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Coupling of thermoelectric modules with a photovoltaic panel for air pre-heating and pre-cooling application; an annual simulationINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 14 2008Nolwenn Le Pierrčs Abstract Thermoelectric (TE) modules are possible reversible pre-cooling and pre-heating devices for ventilation air in buildings. In this study, the opportunity of direct coupling of TE modules with photovoltaic (PV) cells is considered. This coupling is evaluated through a numerical simulation depending on the meteorological conditions of Chambéry, Alpine region in France, and on the cooling or heating use of the TE modules, through annual energy and exergy efficiencies. For the considered conditions, TE module performances are of the same order as the ones of the vapour compression heat pumps, with a TE coefficient of performance higher than 2 for low values of input DC current. The PV,TE coupling efficiency varies between 0.096 and 0.23 over the year, with an average value of 0.157. Evolutions of the exergy effectiveness of PV and TE elements follow the same trends as the corresponding energy efficiencies but with steeper variations for the coupling exergy yield that varies between 0.004 and 0.014, with an annual average value of 0.010. The direct PV,TE coupling does not seem to be a sustainable option for the summer cooling purpose particularly. A case study with indirect coupling under a warm climate is considered and shows that the use of TE devices could be efficient in housing to ensure summer thermal comfort, but the corresponding necessary PV area would induce a high investment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A solar ejector air-conditioning system using environment-friendly working fluidsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 13 2008E. Nehdi Abstract In this paper, the performance of the solar-driven ejector air conditioning with several environment-friendly working fluids is studied. The effect of the fluid nature and operating conditions on the ejector performance is examined. This performance is calculated using an empirical correlation. Thermodynamic properties of functioning fluids are obtained with a package REFPROP7. It appears that the refrigerant R717 offers the highest coefficient of performance (COP). For generator temperature TB,=,90°C, condenser temperature TC,=,35°C and evaporator temperature TE,=,15°C and with R717, the COP of ejector air-conditioning system is 0.408. Using a meteorological data for the city of Tunis, the system performance is computed for three collector types. The air-conditioning season and period were taken for six months from April to September. The daily period is between 8 and 17,h. For the solar air-conditioning application, the COP of the overall system varied from 0.21 to 0.28 and the exergy efficiency varied from 0.14 to 0.19 with the same working conditions and total solar radiation (351,875,Wm,2) in July. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Wheat Cellular Membrane Thermotolerance Under Heat StressJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 2 2010A. S. Dias Abstract Four genotypes of Triticum aestivum L. and Triticum turgidum subsp. durum chosen according to their genetic background diversity were subjected to heat stress after anthesis. Membrane permeability, lipid peroxidation and fatty acids (C14:0, C16:0, C16:1c, C16:1t, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 and C18:3) were quantified. The estimation of the quantum yield of non-cyclic photosynthetic electron transport was used as well as a test system to further evaluate the implications on thylakoid functioning. It was found differences within bread and durum wheat species concerning the capability to cope with high temperatures at the stage of grain filling. The genotype Sever showed high thermal sensitivity concerning membrane lipid peroxidation and membrane permeability, as evaluated by the increased production of ethylene and MDA, as well as by the impact on TFA (at the middle term of grain filling). In the durum wheat genotypes, differences were also found, with TE 9306 displaying high membrane stability, with no increases on membrane permeability, MDA and ethylene content. In this way, the observed changes on TFA in this genotype might have constituted a mechanism to allow qualitative lipid changes, reflected in lower unsaturation level of membrane FAs which is a positive trait under high temperatures. [source] Electrical characteristics of Al/polyindole Schottky barrier diodes.JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2009Abstract In this study, the forward and reverse bias current,voltage (I,V), capacitance,voltage (C,V), and conductance,voltage (G/,,V) characteristics of Al/polyindole (Al/PIN) Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) were studied over a wide temperature range of 140,400 K. Zero-bias barrier height ,B0(I,V), ideality factor (n), ac electrical conductivity (,ac), and activation energy (Ea), determined by using thermionic emission (TE) theory, were shown fairly large temperature dispersion especially at lower temperatures due to surface states and series resistance of Al/PIN SBD. I,V characteristics of the Al/PIN SBDs showed an almost rectification behavior, but the reverse bias saturation current (I0) and n were observed to be high. This high value of n has been attributed to the particular distribution of barrier heights due to barrier height inhomogeneities and interface states that present at the Al/PIN interface. The conductivity data obtained from G/,V measurements over a wide temperature range were fitted to the Arrhenius and Mott equations and observed linear behaviors for ,ac vs. 1/T and ln ,ac vs. 1/T1/4 graphs, respectively. The Mott parameters of T0 and K0 values were determined from the slope and intercept of the straight line as 3.8 × 107 and 1.08 × 107 Scm,1K1/2, respectively. Assuming a value of 6 × 1012 s,1 for ,0, the decay length ,,1 and the density states at the Fermi energy level, N(EF) are estimated to be 8.74 Ĺ and 1.27 × 1020 eV,1cm,3, respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009 [source] Mesenchymal stem cells in tissue engineeringJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2008Pankaj Godara Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) offer great promise in therapies aimed at repairing, replacing or regenerating damaged or diseased tissues and organs. This potential is due to their capacity for self-renewal, ability to differentiate down a range of lineages, and potential in autologous therapies, free from major ethical concerns. This review examines the issues around the use of MSC in tissue engineering (TE) applications. Key issues facing widespread MSC therapeutic use include both the scarcity in adult tissues and the current lack of a simple unambiguous identifying marker. These major challenges facing the isolation, characterization and expansion of MSC to therapeutically significant numbers currently limit their usefulness as ,off the shelf' therapies. Balanced against this, recent evidence suggests that MSC have a much wider tissue distribution and greater plasticity than originally envisaged. Although therapeutic applications of MSC initially focused on mesenchymal lineages such as cartilage and bone, this is now broadening to include organs such as the heart and skin. Ultimately, the clinical utility of such MSC-based therapies will depend on their performance and cost. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Association of salivary lysozyme and C-reactive protein with metabolic syndromeJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 9 2010Markku Qvarnstrom Qvarnstrom M, Janket S-J, Jones JA, Jethwani K, Nuutinen P, Garcia RI, Baird AE, Van Dyke TE and Meurman JH. Association of salivary lysozyme and C-reactive protein with metabolic syndrome. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 805,811. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-051X.2010.01605.x. Abstract Introduction: Salivary lysozyme (SLZ) is a proteolytic enzyme secreted by oral leucocytes and contains a domain that has an affinity to advanced glycation end products (AGE). Thus, we hypothesized that SLZ would be associated with metabolic syndrome (metS), a pro-inflammatory state. Methods: Utilizing cross-sectional data from 250 coronary artery disease (CAD) and 250 non-CAD patients, the association of SLZ with metS was tested by logistic regression analyses controlling for age, sex, smoking, total cholesterol and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. The analyses were stratified by CAD status to control for the possible effects of CAD. Results: MetS was found in 122 persons. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for metS associated with the highest quartile of SLZ was 1.95 with 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20,3.12, p -value=0.007, compared with the lower three quartiles combined. Among the 40 subjects with metS but without CAD, the OR was 1.63 (CI: 0.64,4.15, p=0.31), whereas in the CAD group, SLZ was significantly associated with metS [OR=1.96 (1.09,3.52), p=0.02]. In both subgroups, CRP was not significantly associated with metS. Conclusion: SLZ was significantly associated with metS (OR=1.95) independent of CRP level. Future longitudinal research is warranted. [source] Gaussian-type function set without prolapse for the Dirac,Fock,Roothaan equationJOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY, Issue 15 2003Hiroshi Tatewaki Abstract A Gaussian-type function (GTF) set without a prolapse (variation collapse) is generated for the Dirac,Fock,Roothaan (DFR) equation. The test atom was mercury. The number of primitive GTFs used is between 7and 62 (abbreviated as 7,62), 6,62, 6,62, 4,36, 4,36, 3,36, and 3,36 for s+, p,, p+, d,, d+, f,, and f+ symmetries. The respective exponent parameters were determined with even-tempered manner, which requires the minimum and maximum exponents for the respective symmetries. We prepared several sets of these. The total energy (TE) given by the numerical DF (NDF) is ,19648.849250 hartree; one of the present sets with largest number of expansion terms gave ,19648.849251 hartree. The error (,TE) relative to the NDR TE is quite small. We then applied this set to the inert gas atoms Ne (10), Ar (18), Kr (36), Xe (54), Rn (86), and No (102), and also to Es (99) as the representative of the open shell atoms. The absolute values of ,TE were at most 2.8 × 10,6 hartree, showing the potential of this set as a universal set. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 24: 1823,1828, 2003 [source] CD10 expression in trichoepithelioma and basal cell carcinoma,JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2006Teresa Tram N. Pham Background:, Trichoepithelioma (TE) is a benign neoplasm that shares both clinical and histologic features with basal cell carcinoma (BCC). However, it is important to distinguish these neoplasms. Limited immunohistochemical stains are available to separate these two tumors. Methods:, CD10 protein immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin-embedded biopsies of 13 TE and 23 BCC diagnosed by routine microscopy. Cases were analyzed for pattern of CD10 expression by tumor cells and surrounding stroma. Results:, Twelve of 13 (92%) TE showed positive stromal immunoreactivity. Of these, eight cases also demonstrated positivity of the papilla, and two also showed positivity of the basaloid cells. No TE demonstrated epithelial expression alone. On the other hand, expression of CD10 by basaloid cells was identified in 20 (87%) cases of BCC. Stromal positivity was also identified in three cases of BCC. Condensation of CD10-positive stromal cells around basaloid nests was statistically significant in differentiating TE from BCC (p < 0.0001). Conversely, CD10-positive basaloid cells were seen predominantly in BCC (p < 0.0001). Conclusions:, This study demonstrates a statistically significant difference in CD10 staining pattern between TE and BCC. Thus, CD10 may be a useful adjunct marker in distinguishing these tumors. [source] The impact of the Asian financial crisis on bank efficiency: The 1997 experience of Malaysia and ThailandJOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, Issue 7 2010Fadzlan Sufian Abstract In the mid-1990s, the East Asian countries experienced severe financial crisis that were followed by deep economic downturns. A variety of methodologies have been used to understand the nature of the Asian financial crisis. However, the impact of the 1997 Asian financial crisis on the efficiency of the financial industry has yet to be studied. By employing the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach the present study attempts to examine for the first time the impact of the 1997 Asian financial crisis on the efficiency of the Malaysian and Thailand banking sectors, two of the East Asian countries that were severely affected by the crisis. The study focuses on three major approaches vis., intermediation, value added and operating approaches. The results clearly bring forth the high degree of inefficiency in the Malaysian and Thailand banking sectors, particularly a year after the crisis. We find that the Malaysian banking sector has exhibited a higher TE levels during the post crisis period under the intermediation and value added approaches, while TE seems to be lower under the operating approach. The empirical findings suggest that the Thailand banking sector has exhibited a lower TE level during the post crisis period under all approaches. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Fat-water separation in dynamic objects using an UNFOLD-like temporal processingJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 4 2010Riad Ababneh PhD Abstract Purpose To separate fat and water signals in dynamic imaging. Because important features may be embedded in fat, and because fat may take part in disease processes, separating fat and water signals may be of great importance in a number of clinical applications. This work aims to achieve such separation at nearly no loss in temporal resolution compared to usual, nonseparated acquisitions. In contrast, the well-known 3-point Dixon method may cause as much as a 3-fold reduction in temporal resolution. Materials and Methods The proposed approach involves modulating the echo time TE from frame to frame, to force fat signals to behave in a conspicuous manner through time, so they can be readily identified and separated from water signals. The strategy is inspired from the "unaliasing by Fourier encoding the overlaps in the temporal direction" (UNFOLD) method, although UNFOLD involves changes in the sampling function rather than TE, and aims at suppressing aliased material rather than fat. Results The method was implemented at 1.5 T and 3 T, on cardiac cine and multiframe steady-state free precession sequences. In addition to phantom results, in vivo results from volunteers are presented. Conclusion Good separation of fat and water signals was achieved in all cases. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;32:962,970. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Three-dimensional balanced steady state free precession imaging of the prostate: Flip angle dependency of the signal based on a two component T2-decay modelJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 5 2010Tryggve H. Storĺs MS Abstract Purpose: To investigate the contrast of three-dimensional balanced steady state free precession (3D bSSFP) in the two component T2 model and to apply the results to optimize 3D bSSFP for prostate imaging at 1.5 Tesla. Materials and Methods: In each of seven healthy volunteers, six 3D bSSFP acquisitions were performed with flip angles (,) equally spaced between 10° and 110°. Predictions of signal and contrast were obtained from synthetic bSSFP images calculated from relaxation parameters obtained from a multi-spin-echo acquisition. One biexponential and two monoexponential models were applied. Measured and predicted signals were compared by simple linear regression. Results: The measured contrast to signal ratio increased continuously with ,. Mean R2 for the biexponential model was almost constant for , in the range 50,110°. The biexponential model was a better predictor of the measured signal than the monoexponential model. A monoexponential model restricted to the echoes TE = 50,125 ms performed similar to the biexponential model. The predicted contrast peaked at , between 50° and 90°. Conclusion: Prostate imaging with bSSFP benefited from high flip angles. The biexponential model provided good signal prediction while predictions from the monoexponential models are dependent on the range of TE used for T2 determination. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;31:1124,1131. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||