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Promising Potential (promising + potential)
Selected AbstractsVertical double-gate MOSFET device technologyELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATIONS IN JAPAN, Issue 1 2008Meishoku Masahara Abstract Silicon device technology is facing several difficulties. Especially, explosion of power consumption due to short-channel effects (SCEs) becomes the biggest issue in further device scaling down. Fortunately, double-gate (DG) MOSFETs have promising potential to overcome this obstacle. The DG-MOSFET is recognized to be the most scalable MOSFET for its high SCE immunity. In addition, independent DG-MOSFET (4T-DG-MOSFET) has great advantage to enable the threshold voltage control for the flexible power management. Through this work, we have realized ideal DG-MOSFETs using newly developed vertical DG-MOSFET device technology. This article examines the effectiveness of the vertical DG-MOSFETs in future high-performance and ultralow-power CMOS circuits. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 91(1): 46, 51, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10021 [source] Bioaugmentation of tar-contaminated soils under field conditions using Pleurotus ostreatus refuse from commercial mushroom production,ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2003Helle Hestbjerg Abstract The influence of the white rot fungus Pleurotus ostreatus on the degradation of selected poly- and heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (referred to as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs]) in soil was investigated under field conditions representing the Northern temperate zone. Pleurotus ostreatus was added to two contaminated soils in the form of homogenized refuse from the commercial production of fungus. The soils were collected from a former shipyard (the B&W soil) and underneath a former coal tar storage at an old asphalt factory in Denmark (the Ringe soil). Treatments (control, soil mixed with autoclaved sawdust medium, and soil mixed with P. ostreatus refuse) were set up in triplicate in concrete cylinders (height, 50 cm; diameter, 60 cm). The activity of P. ostreatus was measured as laccase activity and phenanthrene (PHE)- and pyrene (PYR)-degrading bacteria were enumerated. Twenty-one different PAHs were quantified. After nine weeks the concentrations of the 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-ring PAHs in the Ringe soil were reduced by 78, 41, and 4%, respectively. These reductions corresponded with high initial laccase activity, a decrease in pH caused by the fungus, and an increase in the number of PHE- and PYR-degrading bacteria. No significant PAH degradation was observed in the B&W soil. Reasons for the difference in performance of P. ostreatus in the two soils are discussed in terms of soil histories and bioavailability. The use of P. ostreatus refuse holds promising potential for bioremediation purposes. [source] A New Series of Quadrupolar Type Two-Photon Absorption Chromophores Bearing 11, 12-Dibutoxydibenzo[a,c]-phenazine Bridged Amines; Their Applications in Two-Photon Fluorescence Imaging and Two-Photon Photodynamic TherapyADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 15 2009Marappan Velusamy Abstract A new series of quadrupolar type two-photon absorption (2PA) chromophores 3,9 bearing a core arylamine-[a,c]phenazine-arylamine motif are synthesized in high yields. Palladium-catalyzed Stille coupling and CN coupling reactions are utilized to prepare target chromophores. Detailed characterization and systematic studies of these molecules, including absorption and fluorescence emission, are conducted. These compounds are found to exhibit very large 2PA cross section values, for example, ,7000 GM at 800,nm for 8 in toluene. Two-photon-induced fluorescence imaging is successfully demonstrated in vitro using compound- 8 -encapsulated silica nanoparticles with excellent bio-compatibility. In combination with the capability of both one- and two-photon singlet-oxygen sensitizations, this nanocomposite demonstrates its promising potential in dual functionality toward two-photon fluorescence imaging and two-photon photodynamic therapy. [source] Synthesis, Photophysical, and Electroluminescent Device Properties of Zn(II)-Chelated Complexes Based on Functionalized Benzothiazole DerivativesADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 10 2009Soo-Gyun Roh Abstract New Zn(II)-chelated complexes based on benzothiazole derivatives, including substituted functional groups such as methyl (MeZn), methoxy (MeOZn), or fluorenyl unit (FuZn), are investigated to produce white-light emission. 2-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole derivatives in toluene and DMSO exhibit excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), leading to a large Stokes shift of the fluorescence emission. However, in methanol they exhibit no ESIPT due to the intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole derivative and methanol. Their Zn(II)-chelated complexes exhibit the absorption band red-shifted at 500,nm in nonpolar solvent and the absorption band blue-shifted at about 420,nm in protic solvent. In multilayer electroluminescent devices, methyl-substituted Zn(II)-chelated complex (MeZn) exhibits excellent power efficiency and fluorene-substituted Zn(II)-chelated complex (FuZn) has a high luminance efficiency (1,cd,m,2 at 3.5,V, 10,400,cd,m,2 at 14,V). The EL spectra of Zn(II)-chelated complexes based on benzothiazole derivatives exhibit broad emission bands. In addition, their electron-transport property for red,green,blue (RGB) organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) is systematically studied, in comparison with that of Alq3. The results demonstrate the promising potential of MeZn as an electron-transporting layer (ETL) material in preference to Alq3, which is widely used as an ETL material. [source] Nanoelectronic Biosensing of Dynamic Cellular Activities Based on Nanostructured MaterialsADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 25 2010Yinxi Huang Abstract Detecting subtle cellular activities that occur dynamically as regulated temporally and spatially by molecular machinery is of obvious importance in fundamental biology as well as in drug discovery. Additionally, it demands fast and sensitive detection modality. The emerging nanoelectronic biosensors based on nanostructured materials have shown promising potential to resolve the dynamic biological processes of living cells with high sensitivity and high temporal and spatial resolution. Here, the recent advances in the nanoelectronic biosensing of regulated secretion of biomolecules and bioelectrical activities of ion channels using carbon nanotubes and silicon nanowires are briefly reviewed. The perspectives and key issues of future development are also discussed. [source] Application of fuzzy logic to forecast seasonal runoffHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 18 2003C. Mahabir Abstract Each spring in Alberta, Canada, the potential snowmelt runoff is forecast for several basins to assess the water supply situation. Water managers need this forecast to plan water allocations for the following summer season. The Lodge Creek and Middle Creek basins, located in southeastern Alberta, are two basins that require this type of late winter forecast of potential spring runoff. Historically, the forecast has been based upon a combination of regression equations. These results are then interpreted by a forecaster and are modified based on the forecaster's heuristic knowledge of the basin. Unfortunately, this approach has had limited success in the past, in terms of the accuracy of these forecasts, and consequently an alternative methodology is needed. In this study, the applicability of fuzzy logic modelling techniques for forecasting water supply was investigated. Fuzzy logic has been applied successfully in several fields where the relationship between cause and effect (variable and results) are vague. Fuzzy variables were used to organize knowledge that is expressed ,linguistically' into a formal analysis. For example, ,high snowpack', ,average snowpack' and ,low snowpack' became variables. By applying fuzzy logic, a water supply forecast was created that classified potential runoff into three forecast zones: ,low', ,average' and ,high'. Spring runoff forecasts from the fuzzy expert systems were found to be considerably more reliable than the regression models in forecasting the appropriate runoff zone, especially in terms of identifying low or average runoff years. Based on the modelling results in these two basins, it is concluded that fuzzy logic has a promising potential for providing reliable water supply forecasts. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] HISTALP,historical instrumental climatological surface time series of the Greater Alpine RegionINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2007Ingeborg Auer This paper describes the HISTALP database, consisting of monthly homogenised records of temperature, pressure, precipitation, sunshine and cloudiness for the ,Greater Alpine Region' (GAR, 4,19°E, 43,49°N, 0,3500m asl). The longest temperature and air pressure series extend back to 1760, precipitation to 1800, cloudiness to the 1840s and sunshine to the 1880s. A systematic QC procedure has been applied to the series and a high number of inhomogeneities (more than 2500) and outliers (more than 5000) have been detected and removed. The 557 HISTALP series are kept in different data modes: original and homogenised, gap-filled and outlier corrected station mode series, grid-1 series (anomaly fields at 1° × 1°, lat × long) and Coarse Resolution Subregional (CRS) mean series according to an EOF-based regionalisation. The leading climate variability features within the GAR are discussed through selected examples and a concluding linear trend analysis for 100, 50 and 25-year subperiods for the four horizontal and two altitudinal CRSs. Among the key findings of the trend analysis is the parallel centennial decrease/increase of both temperature and air pressure in the 19th/20th century. The 20th century increase (+1.2 °C/+ 1.1 hPa for annual GAR-means) evolved stepwise with a first peak near 1950 and the second increase (1.3 °C/0.6hPa per 25 years) starting in the 1970s. Centennial and decadal scale temperature trends were identical for all subregions. Air pressure, sunshine and cloudiness show significant differences between low versus high elevations. A long-term increase of the high-elevation series relative to the low-elevation series is given for sunshine and air pressure. Of special interest is the exceptional high correlation near 0.9 between the series on mean temperature and air pressure difference (high-minus low-elevation). This, further developed via some atmospheric statics and thermodynamics, allows the creation of ,barometric temperature series' without use of the measures of temperature. They support the measured temperature trends in the region. Precipitation shows the most significant regional and seasonal differences with, e.g., remarkable opposite 20th century evolution for NW (9% increase) versus SE (9% decrease). Other long- and short-term features are discussed and indicate the promising potential of the new database for further analyses and applications. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society. [source] Protective role of ,-aminobutyric acid against chronic renal failure in ratsJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 11 2006Sumiyo Sasaki The protective effect of ,-aminobutyric acid (GABA) against chronic renal failure (CRF) was investigated using a remnant kidney model with 5/6 nephrectomized rats. Nephrectomy led to renal dysfunction, which was evaluated via several parameters including serum urea nitrogen, creatinine (Cr) and Cr clearance. However, the administration of GABA ameliorated renal dysfunction, and a longer administration period of GABA increased its protective effect. In addition, nephrectomized control rats showed an elevation in the fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) with an increase in urinary sodium, while GABA led to a significant decline in FENa. Moreover, nephrectomy resulted in a decrease of serum albumin and an increase of urinary protein with a change in the urinary protein pattern, whereas the rats administered GABA showed improvement in these changes associated with CRF caused by nephrectomy. This suggests that GABA would inhibit the disease progression and have a protective role against CRF. As one of the risk factors for CRF progression, hypertension was also regulated by GABA. The results also indicate that GABA may play a protective role against CRF through improvement of the serum lipid profile, with reductions in triglyceride and total cholesterol. Furthermore, nephrectomy led to renal oxidative stress with a decrease in the activity of antioxidative enzymes and elevation of lipid peroxidation. The administration of GABA attenuated oxidative stress induced by nephrectomy through an increase in superoxide dismutase and catalase, and decrease in lipid peroxidation. The histopathological lesions, including glomerular, tubular and interstitial lesions, under nephrectomy were also improved by GABA with the inhibition of fibronectin expression. This study demonstrated that GABA attenuated renal dysfunction via regulation of blood pressure and lipid profile, and it also ameliorated the oxidative stress induced by nephrectomy, suggesting the promising potential of GABA in protecting against renal failure progression. [source] Microstructure and Piezoelectric Properties of 0.95(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3,0.05SrTiO3 CeramicsJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 6 2007Kyung-Hoon Cho The 0.95(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3,0.05SrTiO3 (0.95NKN,0.05ST) ceramics formed in this study had a porous microstructure with small grains and low piezoelectric properties due to their low density. However, when a small amount of Na2O was intentionally subtracted from the 0.95NKN,0.05ST ceramics, a liquid phase was formed, which led to increased density and grain size. Piezoelectric properties were also improved for the Na2O-subtracted 0.95NKN,0.05ST ceramics. The increased density and grain size were responsible for the enhancement of the piezoelectric properties. In particular, the 0.95(Na0.49K0.5)NbO2.995,0.05ST ceramics showed high piezoelectric properties of d33=220, kp=0.4, Qm=72, and ,3T/,o=1447, thereby demonstrating their promising potential as a candidate material for application to lead-free piezoelectric ceramics. [source] Comparison between analytical methods and biological assays for the assessment of tannin-related antinutritive effects in some Spanish browse speciesJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 11 2004Hajer Ammar Abstract Twenty-two samples of leaves and flowers of six Mediterranean browse species (Erica australis, Quercus pyrenaica, Cistus laurifolius, Cytisus scoparius, Genista florida and Rosa canina) were analysed for total extractable phenols (TP), extractable tannins (ET) and condensed tannins (CTb (butanol/HCl assay) and CTv (vanillin assay)). The biological activity of the phenolic compounds was assessed as the increases in in vitro dry matter digestibility and gas production after in vitro incubation in rumen fluid following the addition of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG). The concentrations of phenolics and tannins varied with species, sampling time and part of the plant (leaves or flowers). There were also large differences in the values determined by different analytical methods. The highest correlation coefficients (P < 0.001) were found between TP and ET (r = 0.973) and between CTb and CTv (r = 0.758). However, only low correlations were observed between TP and CTb or CTv. Positive and significant (P < 0.01) correlations were observed between tannins and their biological activity determined as the effect of PEG on gas production. It is concluded that, although further research is required to develop methods for the accurate quantification of biologically active tannins, the effect of PEG on in vitro gas production seems to have promising potential for the assessment of phenolic-related antinutritive effects in browse plants. This technique, coupled with other tannin assays, could provide a better understanding of the nutritional and physiological significance of tannins. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Bone morphogenetic proteins in tissue engineering: the road from laboratory to clinic, part II (BMP delivery)JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, Issue 2-3 2008P. C. Bessa Abstract Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are cytokines with a strong effect on bone and cartilage growth and with important roles during embryonic patterning and early skeletal formation. BMPs have promising potential for clinical bone and cartilage repair, working as powerful bone-inducing components in diverse tissue-engineering products. Synthetic polymers, natural origin polymers, inorganic materials and composites may be used as carriers for the delivery of BMPs. Carriers range from nanoparticles to complex three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds, membranes for tissue-guided regeneration, biomimetic surfaces and smart thermosensitive hydrogels. Current clinical uses include spinal fusion, healing of long bone defects and craniofacial and periodontal applications, amongst others. BMP-2 and BMP-7 have recently received approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for specific clinical cases, delivered in absorbable collagen sponges. Considering the expanding number of publications in the field of BMPs, there are prospects of a brilliant future in the field of regenerative medicine of bone and cartilage with the use of BMPs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Capacity of selected ionic liquids as alternative EP/AW additiveLUBRICATION SCIENCE, Issue 6-7 2010Ameneh Schneider Abstract In this paper, it is shown that specific ionic liquids have great potential to be used as additives for tribological applications. The results promise a high load carrying capacity; especially for the cation 3-Octhylthiazolium and long term stability up to temperatures of 120°C is given. However, only extreme pressures/anti-wear properties are examined in detail with the selected test method. Friction modifier (FM) effectiveness cannot easily be demonstrated, because of the good performance of the selected base stock. Nevertheless, ionic liquids in general did not change the FM characteristic of the base oil in a negative way. A promising potential for ionic liquids to replace a majority of additives in tribological systems is given. Methods used are Schwing-Reib-Verschleiß test according to DIN ASTM D 5706, and Four Ball Tests according to DIN 51360. Mechanisms related to additives in lubricants are investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Therapeutic applications of glycosidic carbonic anhydrase inhibitorsMEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS, Issue 3 2009Jean-Yves Winum Abstract The zinc enzymes carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) are very efficient catalysts for the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate and hence play an important physiological role. In humans, 16 different isozymes have been described, some of them being involved in various pathological disorders. Several of these isozymes are considered as drug targets, and the design of selective inhibitors is a long-standing goal that has captured the attention of researchers for 40 years and has lead to clinical applications against different pathologies such as glaucoma, epilepsy, and cancer. Among the different strategies developed for designing selective CA inhibitors (CAIs), the "sugar approach" has recently emerged as a new attractive and versatile tool. Incorporation of glycosyl moieties in different aromatic/heterocyclic sulfonamide/sulfamides/sulfamates scaffolds has led to the development of numerous and very effective inhibitors of potential clinical value. The clinical use of a highly active carbohydrate-based CA inhibitor, i.e., topiramate, constitutes an interesting demonstration of the validity of this approach. Other carbohydrate-based compounds also demonstrate promising potential for the treatment of ophthalmologic diseases. This review will focus on the development of this emerging sugar-based approach for the development of CAIs. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 29, No. 3, 419-435, 2009 [source] Hyptis pectinata essential oil: chemical composition and anti- Streptococcus mutans activityORAL DISEASES, Issue 6 2008PFC Nascimento Objectives:, The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti- Streptococcus mutans activity of Hyptis pectinata essential oil, and present its promising potential against oral diseases. Materials and methods:, The essential oil of H. pectinata was obtained by hydrodistillation from dried leaves and analyzed by GC / MS. The effectiveness of this essential oil regarding the antimicrobial activity against several S. mutans strains was investigated by the agar diffusion and microdilution methods, and chlorohexidine was used as a standard control. Results:, The H. pectinata essential oil exhibited considerable inhibitory effect against either all the clinical isolates obtained from patients' saliva or the ATCC strains tested, with minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of 200 ,g ml,1. The study also compared the efficiency of the emulsifying agents Tween 20, Tween 80, dimethyl sulfoxide and propylene glycol in H. pectinata essential oil when tested against S. mutans. The data obtained confirmed the better inhibitory effect of the oil when using all tested diluents, although Tween 80 seemed to be more suitable for emulsification. Conclusion:, According to our results, H. pectinata essential oil can be considered a promising alternative to chlorhexidine for the control of oral bacteria-related diseases and hygiene. [source] Whispering gallery modes in silicon nanocrystal coated microcavitiesPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 5 2009P. Bianucci Abstract We present photoluminescence studies of silicon-nanocrystal (Si-NC) coated microcavities. The particular geometries studied are hollow fibers where there is a Si-NC coating in the inner surface and regular optical fibers and glass microspheres where the coating is on the outside surface. The coatings were prepared using an inexpensive and straightforward solution-based process that yields a high-quality film. The measured photoluminescence spectra from the resonators show high Q -factor (between 1200 and 2800) resonant modes that correspond with the whispering gallery modes expected from the confinement geometries. The presence of these modes is also an indication that the emission of the Si-NCs is coupled to the cavity. The combination of Si-NCs and optical microcavities with strong confinement has promising potential for applications like sensing, optical communications and may be a possible route toward a Si-NC laser. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Effect of stack number on the threshold current density and emission wavelength in quantum dash/dot lasersPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 10 2009D. Zhou Abstract InAs quantum dash and dot (QDH and QD) lasers grown by molecular beam epitaxy on InP substrate are studied. The grown lasers with active zone containing multiple stacked layers exhibit lasing wavelength at 1.55 ,m. On these devices, the experimental threshold current density reaches its minimum value for a double stacked QDH/QD structure. Other basic laser properties like gain and quantum efficiency are compared. QD lasers exhibit better threshold current densities but equivalent modal gain per layer than QDH. Finally, the analysis of the modal gain on QD laser structures shows a promising potential for improvement of the laser properties. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis in diploid cultivars of rhodesgrassPLANT BREEDING, Issue 1 2001B. E. Ubi Abstract The amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique was applied to detect genetic variation in a sample of 47 plants representing 12 diploid cultivars of rhodesgrass. In this analysis, 50±91 easily scorable fragments could be detected in a single reaction. Each of the individual plants was uniquely identified by a combination of three primer pairs and an 80.2% level of polymorphism was obtained. Large amounts of genetic variation were present within all the cultivars. The results showed that AFLPs could be a robust technique for genome analysis in rhodesgrass with a promising potential as a breeding tool. [source] NOTES: new dimension of minimally invasive surgeryANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 5 2009Song-Ling Yan Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is an emerging experimental alternative to conventional surgery. NOTES eliminates abdominal incisions and incision-related complications by combining endoscopic and laparoscopic techniques to diagnose and treat abdominal pathology. Since the first NOTES was reported by Kalloo et al. in 2004, significant achievements in the laboratory have occurred. Clinical use in humans has been limited, but several cases and one small clinical trial were published recently. As a further technical revolution in minimally invasive surgery, NOTES has the promising potential to be safer, less invasive, provide better cosmesis and possibly be more cost-effective. The purpose of the present article was to review the development and current status of NOTES and highlight important advances associated with this innovative approach. [source] Zero valent iron as an electron-donor for methanogenesis and sulfate reduction in anaerobic sludgeBIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOENGINEERING, Issue 7 2005Srilakshmi Karri Abstract Zero valent iron (ZVI) is a reactive media commonly utilized in permeable reactive barriers (PRBs). Sulfate reducing bacteria are being considered for the immobilization of heavy metals in PRBs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of ZVI as an electron donor for sulfate reduction in natural mixed anaerobic cultures. The ability of methanogens to utilize ZVI as an electron-donor was also explored since these microorganisms often compete with sulfate reducers for common substrates. Four grades of ZVI of different particle sizes (1.120, 0.149, 0.044, and 0.010 mm diameter) were compared as electron donor in batch bioassays inoculated with anaerobic bioreactor sludge. Methanogenesis was evaluated in mineral media lacking sulfate. Sulfate reduction was evaluated in mineral media containing sulfate and the specific methanogenic inhibitor, 2-bromoethane sulfonate. ZVI contributed to significant increases in methane production and sulfate reductioncompared to endogenous substrate controls. The rates of methane formation or sulfate reduction were positively correlated with the surface area of ZVI. The highest rates of 0.310 mmol CH4 formed/mol Fe0·day and 0.804 mmol SO reduced/ mol Fe0·day were obtained with the finest grade of ZVI (0.01 mm). The results demonstrate that ZVI is readily utilized as a slow-release electron donor for methanogenesis and sulfate reduction in anaerobic sludge; and therefore, has a promising potential in bioremediation applications. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Novel siRNA-based molecular beacons for dual imaging and therapyBIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL, Issue 4 2007Emmanuel Chang Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have become a mainstream tool reliably used to study and silence protein expression. We offer a proof-of-principle demonstration that siRNAs may be modified into a siRNA-based molecular beacon that activates upon binding to sequence-specific mRNA in cells while mediating RNA interference. We successfully demonstrate detection and knockdown of telomerase expression in human breast cancer cells. This probe provides a novel look at siRNA target validation that is not currently possible in live cells and holds promising potential in biological applications for disease detection and therapy based on mRNA expression, such as a telomerase-targeted siRNA probe in cancer. [source] Main Structural and Stereochemical Aspects of the Antiherpetic Activity of Nonahydroxyterphenoyl-Containing C -Glycosidic EllagitanninsCHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY, Issue 2 2004Stéphane Quideau Antiherpetic evaluation of five nonahydroxyterphenoyl-containing C -glycosidic ellagitannins, castalagin (1), vescalagin (2), grandinin (3), roburin B (5), and roburin D (7), was performed in cultured cells against four HSV-1 and HSV-2 strains, two of which were resistant to Acyclovir. All five ellagitannins displayed significant anti-HSV activities against the Acyclovir -resistant mutants, but the monomeric structures 1,3 were more active than the dimers 5 and 7. Vescalagin (2) stands out among the five congeners tested as the most potent and selective inhibitor, with an IC50 value in the subfemtomolar range and a selectivity index 5×105 times higher than that of Acyclovir. Molecular modeling was used to provide a rationale for the surprisingly lower activity profile of its epimer castalagin (1). These ellagitannins have promising potential as novel inhibitors in the search for non-nucleoside drugs active against Acyclovir -resistant herpes viruses. [source] Low-dose ion implanted active waveguides in Nd3+ doped near-stoichiometric lithium niobate: promising candidates for near infrared integrated laserPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI - RAPID RESEARCH LETTERS, Issue 3 2008Feng Chen Abstract By applying low-dose oxygen ion implantation, active planar waveguides in Nd3+ doped near-stoichiometric lithium niobate laser crystals have been, for the first time to our knowledge, successfully produced. The waveguide exhibits good transmission properties with relatively low propagation loss of ,2 dB/cm. The confocal micro-luminescence investigations indicate that the emission properties of Nd3+ ions in the waveguide are well preserved with respect to the bulk, thus showing promising potentials for efficient waveguide laser action operating at the Nd3+ near-infrared bands. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||