The role of microstructural evolution during spark plasma sintering on the soft magnetic and electronic properties of a CoFe–Al2O3 soft magnetic composite

Journal of Materials Science - For transformers and inductors to meet the world’s growing demand for electrical power, more efficient soft magnetic materials with high saturation magnetic...     

Influence of lead on metabolism of vitamins B group in alimentary iron deficient rats

Gamma delta T-Cells represent a minor subpopulation of T-lymphocytes in man and their role in normal and diseased human skin is unknown. This article is a comprehensive review of T-lymphocytes bearing the gamma delta T-cell receptor in normal and pathological human skin. Firstly, we have documented the occurrence of gamma delta T-cells in normal skin and in a range of reactive and malignant skin conditions. We have then discussed the experimental findings regarding the repertoire used by gamma delta T-cells in normal human skin and in cutaneous disorders with an increased percentage of gamma delta T-cells.     

Nanostructured polymer blends: Synthesis and structure

Nanostructured polymer blends prepared via anionic ring opening polymerizations of cyclic monomers in the presence of a pre-made polymer melt exhibit a number of special properties over traditional polymer blends and homopolymers. Here, we report on a simple and versatile method of in situ polymerization of macrocyclic carbonates in the presence of a maleic anhydride polypropylene (mPP) matrix and a surface-active compatibilizer (i.e. PC grafted onto a mPP backbone generated in situ) to yield a micro- and nanostructured polymer blends consisting of a polycarbonate (PC) minor phase, and a polypropylene (PP) major phase. By varying the processing conditions and concentration of the macrocyclic carbonate it was possible to reduce the size of the PC dispersions to an average minor diameter of 150 nm. NMR and TEM characterizations indicate that the PC dispersions do not influence crystal content in the PP phase. Overall, the results point to a simple strategy and versatile route to new polymeric materials with enhanced benefits.     

Critical Infrastructure in the Face of a Predatory Future: Preparing for Untoward Surprise

The editors of this special issue asked Todd LaPorte to reflect on the issues that emerge from the discussions in this special issue and, more in general, from the discussions that have proliferated in the wake of recent crises and disasters. In his contribution, Professor LaPorte contemplates what political leaders can do to prepare for catastrophic surprises. A crucial initiative, he argues, would be the initiation of a public discussion about the level of distress that a society is willing to accept in the pursuit of efficient, reliable critical infrastructures.     

Incremental redistribution of protein kinase C underlies the acquisition curve during in vitro associative conditioning in Hermissenda

Although thoracoabdominal injuries are uncommon in the athlete, they can be catastrophic if unrecognized or if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. This article reviews thoracic, intrathoracic, abdominal, and groin injuries in the athlete, and how they can be diagnosed and managed.     

Comparative immunoreactivity of CD-68 and HMB-45 in malignant melanoma, neural tumors and nevi

The monoclonal antibody CD 68 (KP 1) reacts with fibrohistiocytic and some epithelial neoplasms; its reactivity compared with that of HMB 45 in malignant melanoma (MM) and neural tumors needs further elucidation. Using a streptavidin-biotin-immunoperoxidase procedure, we examined the reactivity of 65 MM (46 conventional, 1 polypoid, 6 desmoplastic [DMM], and 12 metastatic), 21 neurofibromas, 1 neurofibrosarcoma, 10 schwannomas, 1 perineurioma, 2 neurothekeomas, and 14 blue and 26 other nevi for CD-68, HMB-45-defined antigen, S 100 and neurofilament protein. A positive staining for CD 68 was observed in 38 of 42 primary, 5 of 6 DMM, and 11 of 12 metastatic melanomas; 6 of 10 schwannomas; 5 of 10 nevi with junctional component and all 14 blue nevi. All 21 neurofibromas, 1 each neurofibrosarcoma and perineurioma, both neurothekeomas, and all 12 nevi with dermal component were CD 68-negative. HBM 45 was expressed by all 44 primary, none of 6 DMM, and 7 of 12 metastatic melanomas; by none of 10 schwannomas, 6 neurofibromas, 1 neurofibrosarcoma, 1 perineurioma and 2 neurothekeomas. Both junctional nevi, 8 of 10 nevi with junctional components, 1 of 10 dermal components of junctional nevi, and 11 of 13 blue nevi were also HMB 45 positive. Except for 1 perineurioma, S 100 decorated all tumors examined. NF was immunoreactive in 1 of 45 conventional melanomas, 2 of 21 neurofibromas, 2 of 10 schwannomas, and 3 of 10 blue nevi; it was non-reactive in all polypoid, desmoplastic and metastatic melanomas; neurofibrosarcoma, perineurioma, neurothekeoma and other nevi. We conclude that the CD-68-reactivity in primary melanomas, neurofibromas, neurofibrosarcomas, perineuriomas, and nevi was similar to that of HMB 45. The significantly higher CD 68-positivity than of HMB 45 in metastatic and desmoplastic melanomas and schwannomas may be of diagnostic value.     

Molecular basis of resistance to HIV-1 protease inhibition: a plausible hypothesis

The binding thermodynamics of the HIV-1 protease inhibitor acetyl pepstatin and the substrate Val-Ser-Gln-Asn-Tyr-Pro-Ile-Val-Gln, corresponding to one of the cleavage sites in the gag, gag-pol polyproteins, have been measured by direct microcalorimetric analysis. The results indicate that the binding of the peptide substrate or peptide inhibitor is entropically driven; i.e., it is characterized by an unfavorable enthalpy and a favorable entropy change, in agreement with a structure-based thermodynamic analysis based upon an empirical parameterization of the energetics. Dissection of the binding enthalpy indicates that the intrinsic interactions are favorable and that the unfavorable enthalpy originates from the energy cost of rearranging the flap region in the protease molecule. In addition, the binding is coupled to a negative heat capacity change. The dominant binding force is the increase in solvent entropy that accompanies the burial of a significant hydrophobic surface. Comparison of the binding energetics obtained for the substrate with that obtained for synthetic nonpeptide inhibitors indicates that the major difference is in the magnitude of the conformational entropy change. In solution, the peptide substrate has a higher flexibility than the synthetic inhibitors and therefore suffers a higher conformational entropy loss upon binding. This higher entropy loss accounts for the lower binding affinity of the substrate. On the other hand, due to its higher flexibility, the peptide substrate is more amenable to adapt to backbone rearrangements or subtle conformational changes induced by mutations in the protease. The synthetic inhibitors are less flexible, and their capacity to adapt is more restricted. The expected result is a more pronounced effect of mutations on the binding affinity of the synthetic inhibitors. On the basis of the thermodynamic differences in the mode of binding of substrate and synthetic inhibitors, it appears that a key factor to understanding resistance is given by the relative balance of the different forces that contribute to the binding free energy and, in particular, the balance between conformational and solvation entropy.