Optimization of neutronless targets of laser-driven fusion

This work is devoted to an optimization problem of a neutronless target DHe³. It reports the results of optimization for a gas-filled target DHe³ with the CH-shell in its irradiation by laser pulse with 5 MJ energy. The data of computational experiments are compared with the results of approximation theory [1].     

NMR-based metabolic profiling and in vitro antioxidant and hepatotoxic assessment of partially purified fractions from Golden germander (Teucrium polium L.) methanolic extract

Golden germander (Teucrium polium L.) is a Mediterranean shrub of the Labiatae family, used in traditional medicine for its diuretic, antipyretic, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, tonic, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, anorexic, analgesic, antibacterial and antidiabetic effects. Like other plants of the Teucrium genus, it was widely popular because of its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties but various cases of T. polium-induced hepatitis have been reported. neo-Clerodane diterpenoids, considered chemotaxonomic markers for the Teucrium genus, are believed to be responsible for the observed hepatotoxicity. The plant also produces flavonoids and phenylethanoid glycosides to which the antioxidant and cytoprotective therapeutic properties of its preparations can be traced back. In order to establish a herbal formula that preserves the plant beneficial properties, T. polium leaf drug has been subjected to a bio-guided fractionation. The different phytocomplexes obtained were analyzed by means of an extensive antioxidant screening and hepatotoxicity evaluation against HepG2, a human hepatoblastoma cell line. The cytotoxicity of the fractions was also evaluated against HeLa and A549 cell lines. In order to identify the substances responsible for the bioactivities, NMR-based metabolic profiling techniques of all the phytocomplexes were performed. Data obtained highlighted the possibility of preparing strong antioxidant extracts, useful as food additives, such as MeOH-2, and MeOH-3, completely devoid of hepatotoxic components.     

Inhibition of c-ras reactivates thyroglobulin synthesis in middle-T transformed thyroid cells

Differentiated thyroid cells expressing polyoma Middle-T became transformed and tumorigenic when injected into syngenic animals. The expression of thyroglobulin was greatly reduced and no longer responsive to thyrotropin (TSH) and to cAMP. Inhibition of endogenous c-ras by the expression of two transdominant negative mutant H-ras genes, Asn17 and Leu61-Ser186, reactivated thyroglobulin synthesis. Reactivation of thyroglobulin synthesis by c-ras inhibition was not observed in the absence of TSH. These findings indicate that MT elicits dedifferentiation of thyroid cells by activating endogenous c-ras and that c-ras interferes with TSH or cAMP signaling.     

Influence of longer term left ventricular assist device support on valvular regurgitation

The authors previously published data that describe acute alterations in ventricular dimensions and in the severity of mitral and tricuspid regurgitation (MR/TR) after initiation of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) pumping. In the current study, measurements of ventricular size and regurgitant jet area acquired after LVAD implantation are presented. Eight patients had LVAD implanted pending cardiac transplantation (duration of assist 70-279 days; mean, 162 +/- 29 days). Echocardiograms were obtained at the time of LVAD implant and later during LVAD support (mean time for late echo, 95 +/- 32 days post-implant). Comparisons of pre-implant with late post-implant data showed: increased TR jet area (4.8 +/- 1.0 cm2 vs. 8.0 +/- 1.7 cm2 P < 0.05); increased right ventricular (RV) end-systolic dimension (31 +/- 4 vs 40 +/- 5 mm, P < 0.05); and increased RV end-diastolic dimension (35 +/- 4 vs. 45 +/- 5 mm, P < 0.065). Decreased MR jet area and decreased LV dimensions (P < 0.05) also were noted on comparison of pre-implant and late post-implant data. There were no significant differences between any immediate post-implant and late post-implant echocardiographic measurements. No patient had clinical evidence of RV failure. LV mechanical assist causes an acute increase in TR, presumably by volume loading the RV. TR and RV enlargement persisted but did not discernibly worsen on subsequent post-implant echocardiograms. LV dimensions and MR remained less than the pre-implant values on later post-implant determinations.     

Chemical Constituents of the Aquatic Plant Schoenoplectus lacustris: Evaluation of Phytotoxic Effects on the Green Alga Selenastrum capricornutum

Forty-nine secondary metabolites were isolated from aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the aquatic plant Shoenoplectus lacustris. All compounds were characterized based on spectroscopic data. Eleven free and glycosylated low-molecular polyphenols, 17 cinnamic acid and dihydrocinnamic acid derivatives, 11 flavonoids, and 10 C₁₃ nor-isoprenoids were identified. The structure of the new compound, 1-benzoyl-glycerol-2-α-l-arabinopyranoside, was elucidated by 2D NMR experiments (COSY, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY). To evaluate potential phytotoxic effects, all compounds were tested on the green alga Selenastrum capricornutum, a unicellular organism commonly used in tests of toxicity as a bioindicator of eutrophic sites. The most active compound was (−)-catechin, showing an inhibition similar to that of the algaecide CuSO₄.     

Microwave catheter design

A microwave antenna system for transcatheter ablation of cardiac tissue is investigated. A numerical model based on the finite-difference time-domain method incorporating a Gaussian pulse excitation has been constructed and frequency domain electric and magnetic fields are obtained through Fourier transformation. Results are presented for a coaxial line fed monopole catheter which is modified by the successive inclusion of a Teflon sheath outer coating, a terminating disk at the tip of the antenna, a sleeve choke, and a high dielectric constant cylinder surrounding the monopole antenna. The effects of these design features are characterized in terms of specific absorption rate (SAR) and return loss (RL). Numerical calculations are confirmed by comparing with the RL measurement of a Teflon-coated monopole containing a disk and choke     

Comparative study of membranes of Streptococcus faecalis and Micrococcus lysodeikticus

A comparative study of ultrastructure and IR-spectroscopy of osmotic shock membranes from cells of glycolyzing (Streptococcus faecalis) and respiring (Micrococcus lysodeikticus) bacteria, was made. The S. faecalis and M. lysodeikticus membranes differ in their cross-section. Treatment of the preliminary washed membranes of S. faecalis and M. lysodeikticus with a low ionic strength solution removes 40% and 70% of their proteins respectively, decreases the membrane cross-section but does not change their fracture faces. Pre-cooling of the membrane suspensions within the temperature range of +5 degrees-10 degrees results in the appearance of large smooth areas on S. faecalis membrane fracture faces, but does not affect the ones of M. lysodeikticus membrane. Treatment of the washed suspensions with Triton X-100 results in the appearance of drastic changes of S. faecalis membrane fracture faces and does not change the fracture faces of M. lysodeikticus membranes; treatment by the detergent does not alter the IR-spectroscopy of membranes of both bacteria. Treatment of S. faecalis and M. lysodeikticus membranes with high temperature irreversibly changes the structure of 20% and 40% of protein components respectively,, but does not affect the distribution of the subparticles on their fracture faces. It is assumed that the differences found are determined by the composition of lipid components of the membranes studied and that the amount of proteins closely bound with lipids in the membranes of S. faecalis is likely to be greater than that of M. lysodeikticus membranes.     

Performance analysis of automated interbay material-handling and storage systems for large Wafer Fab

In this paper the performance of an automated interbay material-handling and storage system was analysed, considering the effects of design choices, production planning and scheduling, system management and operator behaviour. The results show the great importance of appropriate design of the storage capacity distribution along the Wafer Fab.