Search results for "SEP"

Sepiolite-reinforced epoxy nanocomposites: Thermal, mechanical, and morphological behavior

2010

A bisphenol A-based epoxy resin was modified with pristine sepiolite and an organically surface-modified sepiolite and thermally cured using two different curing agents: an aliphatic and a cycloaromatic diamine. The nanocomposites were characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), rheology, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and electron microscopy. The initial sepiolite–epoxy mixtures show a better dispersion for the sepiolite-modified system that forms a percolation network structure. Mechanical properties have also been determined. The flexural modulus of the epoxy matrix slightly increases by the incorporation of the organophilic sepiolite. The flexural strength of the sepiolite-mo…

Combining in the melt physical and biological properties of poly(caprolactone) and chlorhexidine to obtain antimicrobial surgical monofilaments.

2012

Bacterial infections on a sutured wound represent a critical problem, and the preparation of suture threads possessing antimicrobial properties is valuable. In this work, poly(caprolactone) (PCL) monofilaments were compounded at the concentration of 1, 2 and 4 % (w/w), respectively, to the antiseptic chlorhexidine diacetate (CHX). The incorporation was carried out in the melt by a single-step methodology, i.e. “online” approach. Mechanical tests revealed that the incorporation of CHX does not significantly change tensile properties of PCL fibres as the thermal profile adopted to prepare the compounded fibres does not compromise the antibacterial activity of CHX. In fact, CHX confers to comp…

The Role of Oxidative Stress in the Response of Endothelial Cells to Metals

2012

The involvement of endothelial cells in inflammation and blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) makes them important for the integration of metal implants. Metal degradation products can, however, influence these processes, possibly leading to ineffective wound healing, prolonged inflammation and eventually aseptic loosening of the implant. Different metal degradation processes have been shown to lead to ROS formation. Oxidative stress, therefore, can mediate the reactions of the human body to the implant. While the response of endothelial cells to oxidative stress has been well studied, the effects of ROS produced as the result of metal degradation have not been addressed as yet. Therefore,…

Separate and combined sewer systems: a long-term modelling approach

2009

Sewer systems convey mostly dry weather flow, coming from domestic and industrial sanitary sewage as well as infiltration flow, and stormwater due to meteoric precipitations. Traditionally, in urban drainage two types of sewer systems are adopted: separate and combined sewers. The former convey dry and wet weather flow separately into two different networks, while the latter convey dry and wet weather flow together. Which is the best solution in terms of cost-benefit analysis still remains a controversial subject. The present study was aimed at comparing the pollution loads discharged to receiving bodies by Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) for different ki…

The emotional timeline of September 11, 2001.

2010

Multipotent Neural Stem Cells Reside into the Rostral Extension and Olfactory Bulb of Adult Rodents

2002

The lateral walls of the forebrain lateral ventricles are the richest source of stem cells in the adult mammalian brain. These stem cells give rise to new olfactory neurons that are renewed throughout life. The neurons originate in the subventricular zone (SVZ), migrate within the rostral extension (RE) of the SVZ along the rostral migratory stream (RMS) within tube-like structures formed of glial cells, to eventually reach the olfactory bulb (OB). We demonstrate that, contrary to the current view, multipotential (neuronal-astroglial-oligodendroglial) precursors with stem cell features can be isolated not only from the SVZ but also from the entire RE, including the distal portion within the…

Synthesis and cell surface display of class II determinants by long-term propagated rat T line cells

1987

We have investigated the capacity of the encephalitogenic BS rat T cell line bs 83 and its variant clone bs 83.III.C6 to synthesize and express RT1.B-specific class II molecule subsets defined by monoclonal antibodies (mAb) MRC-OX6 and MRC-OX3. Earlier studies had indicated that mAb MRC-OX6 recognizes three distinct molecular species: an immature oligomeric polypeptide chain complex comprised of the polymorphic subunits alpha, beta and the invariant proteins of the gamma group; a biosynthetic intermediate composed of post-translationally modified alpha, beta and gamma chain (denoted p35) and a fully glycosylated alpha, beta two-chain complex derived from the plasma membrane. MRC-OX3 was sho…

Prostaglandin E(2)-loaded microspheres as strategy to inhibit phagocytosis and modulate inflammatory mediators release.

2008

PGE(2), an arachidonic acid metabolite produced by various type of cells regulates a broad range of physiological activities in the endocrine, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and immune systems, and is involved in maintaining the local homeostasis. In the immune system, PGE(2) is mainly produced by APCs and it can suppress the Th1-mediated immune responses. The aim of this study was to develop PGE(2)-loaded biodegradable MS that prolong and sustain the in vivo release of this mediator. An o/w emulsion solvent extraction-evaporation method was chosen to prepare the MS. We determined their diameters, evaluated the in vitro release of PGE(2), using enzyme immunoassay and MS uptake by periton…

PROCEDIMENTO DI PREPARAZIONE DI SCAFFOLD POLIMERICI PREANGIOGENIZZATI

2009

Initial layout of DEMO buildings and configuration of the main plant systems

2018

Abstract The realization of a Demonstration Fusion Power Reactor (DEMO) to follow ITER, with the capability of generating several hundred MW of net electricity and operating with a closed fuel-cycle is viewed by Europe and many of the nations engaged in the construction of ITER as the remaining crucial step towards the exploitation of fusion power. The development of suitable configurations of plant systems inside the tokamak building to allow for the various maintenance operations and to meet the numerous system operating functions and safety requirements is one of the initial priorities. A task to establish an initial layout of the DEMO buildings and the integration of the main plant syst…