Cationized ferritin (CF), introduced systemically in vivo or by perfusion in situ, binds preferentially to certain microdomains of the luminal plasmalemma of fenestrated capillaries (mouse pancreas and jejunum). The density and affinity of binding decrease in the following order: fenestral diaphragms greater than coated pits greater than plasmalemma proper. CF binds neither to the membrane of p...

Background: Many studies have shown that contaminated medical equipments act like a vector for crossinfection. Infection control programmes are effective in decreasing hospital-acquired infection rate, however, the implementation of such programmes is hindered by poor compliance of health care workers. Methods: Random selection of health care workers, at our institution, was given questionnaire...

Dopamine (DA) is a free radical scavenger that attenuates apoptosis. We studied the effects of normal saline (NS) and DA on diaphragm apoptotic protein expression following 60 min of inspiratory resistance loading in rats. We tested for 27 apoptotic-related proteins and found 12 in the diaphragm. Of the 12 proteins, superoxide dismutase copper zinc (SOD [CuZn]) and proprioceptive event related ...

Inexpensive piezoelectric diaphragms can be used as sensors to facilitate both nozzle 1 height setting and build platform leveling in FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) 3D printers. Tests 2 simulating nozzle contact are conducted to establish the available output and an output of greater 3 than 8 Volts found at 20oC, a value which is readily detectable by simple electronic circuits. Tests 4 are a...

An electroactive polymer (EAP), high energy electron irradiated poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) [P(VDFTrFE)] copolymer, based actuation micropump diaphragm (PAMPD) have been developed for air flow control. The displacement strokes and profiles as a function of amplifier and frequency of electric field have been characterized. The volume stroke rates (volume rate) as function of elec...

Pneumatically-driven left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are widely used because they are lower in cost and simpler in operability in comparison with mechanically-driven devices. However, some problems such as the damage of their diaphragms in the devices have been pointed out. In this study, an evaluation program including FEM analysis, in which the NIPRO-LVAD is selected as a sample of a ...

We report specific findings in the imipramine/serotonin animal model that are consistent with sarcolemmal membrane alterations. Among these findings are cytoplasmic enzyme release, diminished uptake of alpha-aminoisobutyrate (an amino acid analog), decreased oxygen consumption in isolated rat diaphragm, and ribosuria. Furthermore, we describe for the first time the release of the MB isoenzyme o...