Ion beams have been used for decades to analyze materials. Now they can be used to modify materials in unprecedented ways. This book discusses the use of high-energy swift heavy ions for tailoring ...the properties of materials with nanoscale structures.
Controlled transport of water molecules through membranes and capillaries is important in areas as diverse as water purification and healthcare technologies
. Previous attempts to control water ...permeation through membranes (mainly polymeric ones) have concentrated on modulating the structure of the membrane and the physicochemical properties of its surface by varying the pH, temperature or ionic strength
. Electrical control over water transport is an attractive alternative; however, theory and simulations
have often yielded conflicting results, from freezing of water molecules to melting of ice
under an applied electric field. Here we report electrically controlled water permeation through micrometre-thick graphene oxide membranes
. Such membranes have previously been shown to exhibit ultrafast permeation of water
and molecular sieving properties
, with the potential for industrial-scale production. To achieve electrical control over water permeation, we create conductive filaments in the graphene oxide membranes via controllable electrical breakdown. The electric field that concentrates around these current-carrying filaments ionizes water molecules inside graphene capillaries within the graphene oxide membranes, which impedes water transport. We thus demonstrate precise control of water permeation, from ultrafast permeation to complete blocking. Our work opens up an avenue for developing smart membrane technologies for artificial biological systems, tissue engineering and filtration.
Inflammation and plaque vulnerability Hansson, G. K.; Libby, P.; Tabas, I.
Journal of internal medicine,
November 2015, Letnik:
278, Številka:
5
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Atherosclerosis is a maladaptive, nonresolving chronic inflammatory disease that occurs at sites of blood flow disturbance. The disease usually remains silent until a breakdown of integrity at the ...arterial surface triggers the formation of a thrombus. By occluding the lumen, the thrombus or emboli detaching from it elicits ischaemic symptoms that may be life‐threatening. Two types of surface damage can cause atherothrombosis: plaque rupture and endothelial erosion. Plaque rupture is thought to be caused by loss of mechanical stability, often due to reduced tensile strength of the collagen cap surrounding the plaque. Therefore, plaques with reduced collagen content are thought to be more vulnerable than those with a thick collagen cap. Endothelial erosion, on the other hand, may occur after injurious insults to the endothelium instigated by metabolic disturbance or immune insults. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms involved in plaque vulnerability and the development of atherothrombosis.
Starting with coal, followed by petroleum oil and natural gas, the utilization of fossil fuels has allowed the fast and unprecedented development of human society. However, the burning of these ...resources in ever increasing pace is accompanied by large amounts of anthropogenic CO
2
emissions, which are outpacing the natural carbon cycle, causing adverse global environmental changes, the full extent of which is still unclear. Even through fossil fuels are still abundant, they are nevertheless limited and will, in time, be depleted. Chemical recycling of CO
2
to renewable fuels and materials, primarily methanol, offers a powerful alternative to tackle both issues, that is, global climate change and fossil fuel depletion. The energy needed for the reduction of CO
2
can come from any renewable energy source such as solar and wind. Methanol, the simplest C
1
liquid product that can be easily obtained from any carbon source, including biomass and CO
2
, has been proposed as a key component of such an anthropogenic carbon cycle in the framework of a "Methanol Economy". Methanol itself is an excellent fuel for internal combustion engines, fuel cells, stoves,
etc.
It's dehydration product, dimethyl ether, is a diesel fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) substitute. Furthermore, methanol can be transformed to ethylene, propylene and most of the petrochemical products currently obtained from fossil fuels. The conversion of CO
2
to methanol is discussed in detail in this review.
Possible pathways to recycle CO
2
to methanol, dimethyl ether and derived products in a sustainable anthropogenic carbon cycle are discussed.
This book lays out foundations for a "science of morals." Binmore uses game theory as a systematic tool forassical investigating ethical matters. He reinterprets classical social contract ideas ...within a game-theory framework and generates new insights into the fundamental questions ofin social philosophy. In contrast to the previous writing in moral philosophy that relied on vague notion such as "with societal well-being" and "moral duty," Binmore begins with individuals; rational decision-makers with the ability to emphasize with one another. Any social arrangement thate prescribes them to act against their interests will become unstable and eventually will be replaced by another, until one is found that includes worthwhile actions for all individuals involved. Available in OSO: http://www.oxfordscholarship.com/oso/public/content/economicsfinance/0195178114/toc.html
Display omitted
•TNBC is highly challenging subtype of breast cancer due to unique tumor microenvironment (TME).•TME associates with aggressive nature, metastasis and drug resistance in ...TNBC.•Epigenetic based regulations within TME drive carcinogenesis.•Novel therapeutic targets of TME helps in early diagnosis and effective treatment of TNBC.
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is most aggressive subtype of breast cancers with high probability of metastasis as well as lack of specific targets and targeted therapeutics. TNBC is characterized with unique tumor microenvironment (TME), which differs from other subtypes. TME is associated with induction of proliferation, angiogenesis, inhibition of apoptosis and immune system suppression, and drug resistance. Exosomes are promising nanovesicles, which orchestrate the TME by communicating with different cells within TME. The components of TME including transformed ECM, soluble factors, immune suppressive cells, epigenetic modifications and re-programmed fibroblasts together hamper antitumor response and helps progression and metastasis of TNBCs. Therefore, TME could be a therapeutic target of TNBC. The current review presents latest updates on the role of exosomes in modulation of TME, approaches for targeting TME and combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and target chemotherapeutics. Finally, we also discussed various phytochemicals that alter genetic, transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of TME along with current challenges and future implications. Thus, as TME is associated with the hallmarks of TNBC, the understanding of the impact of different components can improve the clinical benefits of TNBC patients.
We have applied molecular dynamics to calculate thermodynamic and transport properties of a set of 19 room-temperature ionic liquids. Since accurately simulating the thermophysical properties of ...solvents strongly depends upon the force field of choice, we tested the accuracy of the general AMBER force field, without refinement, for the case of ionic liquids. Electrostatic point charges were developed using ab initio calculations and a charge scaling factor of 0.8 to more accurately predict dynamic properties. The density, heat capacity, molar enthalpy of vaporization, self-diffusivity, and shear viscosity of the ionic liquids were computed and compared to experimentally available data, and good agreement across a wide range of cation and anion types was observed. Results show that, for a wide range of ionic liquids, the general AMBER force field, with no tuning of parameters, can reproduce a variety of thermodynamic and transport properties with similar accuracy to that of other published, often IL-specific, force fields.
The various forms of solar energy – solar heat, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal electricity, and solar fuels offer a clean, climate-friendly, very abundant and in-exhaustive energy resource to ...mankind. Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaic (PV), or indirectly using concentrated solar power (CSP). The research has been underway since very beginning for the development of an affordable, in-exhaustive and clean solar energy technology for longer term benefits. This paper, therefore, reviews the progress made in solar power generation research and development since its inception. Attempts are also made to highlight the current and future issues involved in the generation of quality and reliable solar power technology for future applications. A list of 121 research publications on the subject is also appended for a quick reference.
•This paper reviews the progress made in solar power generation by PV technology.•Performance of solar PV array is strongly dependent on operating conditions.•Manufacturing cost of solar power is still high as compared to conventional power.
Glucocorticoids remain widely used for many medical conditions, and fractures are the most serious common adverse event related to long-term glucocorticoid use. Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis ...(GIOP) develops in a time- and dose-dependent manner, but even at low doses, an increased risk of fragility fracture may be observed even within the first month of treatment. GIOP is mediated by multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms resulting in an inhibition of bone formation and an increase in bone resorption. The clinical assessment of GIOP has potential pitfalls since dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) may underestimate the risk of fracture in patients treated with glucocorticoids. Many national organizations have developed guidelines for assessing fracture risk and treating patients with, or at risk for, GIOP. These groups advocate both antiresorptive agents and bone-forming agents based predominately on their efficacy in improving bone mineral density. Oral bisphosphonates are generally the first-line therapy for GIOP in most patients due to their proven efficacy, good safety, and low cost. For those patients at greater risk of fracture, teriparatide should be considered earlier, based on its ability to significantly reduce vertebral fractures when compared with alendronate. GIOP remains a major public health concern that is at least partially preventable with current and potential future therapeutic options.
•Post-stroke depression is a frequent neuropsychiatric manifestation of high clinical importance.•The pathophysiology of post-stroke depression is poorly understood.•Pre-stroke depression, physical ...disability, cognitive impairment and stroke severity are the most consistent predictors.•Screening and diagnosis of post-stroke depression need special attention.•While pharmacological interventions are a mainstay in the management of post-stroke depression, evidence-based psychotherapy is gaining popularity and approval from healthcare professionals.
Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most common mental health issue, afflicting around 33% of stroke survivors. PSD has a negative impact on the rehabilitation, recuperation of motor and cognitive deficits following stroke and significantly increases the chances of relapsing neurovascular events. It has been demonstrated that biological and psychological factors have a significant role in PSD. Numerous endeavors have been made to discover the risk factors and predictors of PSD. Screening and diagnosis also have gained attention; however, a suitable tool is yet to be developed. Medications are chosen based on their viability and reaction profile in the patients. Besides pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy treatment is also highly valued by both psychiatrists and stroke patients. Additional research is needed to examine the pathophysiology of PSD. This review attempts to highlight the existing evidence and gaps in the present knowledge of the predictors of PSD, incidence, prevalence, and etiology. Further, it also discusses the screening and diagnostic approaches, therapeutic modalities and management of PSD and the impact of pre-stroke depression on PSD.
PDF
