Results: Compared with controls, patients on SRL showed better 3-

Results: Compared with controls, patients on SRL showed better 3-year event-free survival (p=0.024; log-rank test), significant eGFR increase (+5.5 +/- 8.9 vs, -6.4 +/- 14.7 ml/min per 1.73 m(2), p=0.011), LVMi regression (-9.0 +/- 7.6 g/m(2.7) vs. 1.0 +/- 10.1 g/m(2.7), p=0.0038) and similar acute rejection rate. Three-year change in eGFR was the only significant predictor of event-free survival by Cox regression analysis (hazard selleck products ratio = 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-0.99; p=0.017), whereas SRL was the strongest predictor of both eGFR increase (beta coefficient,

0.342; p=0.01) and LVM reduction (beta coefficient, -0.609; p=0.0001) by multivariate regression analysis.

Conclusions: Conversion from CNI to SRL in RTRs with allograft dysfunction proved to be associated with better survival, improved renal graft function and regression of cardiac hypertrophy.”
“Background:

Few studies have https://www.selleckchem.com/products/napabucasin.html evaluated the relationship between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and vascular events in the elderly with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods: The association of hs-CRP with vascular events was examined according to CKD status in 3,166 participants of the Intervention Project on Cerebrovascular Diseases and Dementia in the Community of Ebersberg, Bavaria (INVADE study). CKD was defined as a creatinine clearance <60 ml/min estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault formula. hs-CRP was used as a binary variable > or <2.1 mg/L (median value). Vascular events were defined as a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke and vascular death.

Results: After 4 years of follow-up, 204 participants (6.4%) experienced a major cardiovascular event.

High hs-CRP levels and CKD at baseline were associated with a greater risk of vascular events. Compared with patients with low hs-CRP and non-CKD, the adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for vascular buy Mizoribine events was 1.42 (1.11-2.21) for low hs-CRP and CKD, 1.57 (1.21-2.34) for high hs-CRP and non-CKD and 1.93 (1.45-2.89) for high hs-CRP and CKD.

Conclusions: These results suggest that high hs-CRP levels provide prognostic information in patients with CKD.”
“Background: It is recommended that arteriovenous fistula (AVF) blood flow should be more than 425 ml/min before cannulation. However, the relationship between preoperative radial artery flow (RAF) and postoperative AVF blood flow has still not been examined.

Methods: Sixty-one patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) were examined. They had an AVF prepared at Juntendo University Hospital from July 2006 through August 2007. Preoperative RAF and postoperative AVF blood flows were measured by ultrasonography.

Results: AVF blood flow gradually increased after the operation.

Published by Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved “
“The antiba

Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“The antibacterial activities of column chromatography fractions of n-hexane, benzene, chloroform, acetone, ethanol and water extracts from Acanthus ilicifolius were tested against 24 bacterial pathogens. The antibacterial activity was performed using agar diffusion method. Most active fractions were further investigated through UV-Vis, C-13, H-1-NMR, FT-IR for the structural elucidation. The antibacterial activity of the extracts was identified as Ispinesib mw 6-hydroxy-benzoxazolinone,

(Z)-4-coumaric acid 4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxy methyl benzoate.”
“Field evidences have suggested that a natural extract, containing tannins, could be effective against poultry enteric viral infections. Moreover previous studies have shown that vegetable tannins can have antiviral activity against human viruses. Based on this knowledge three different

Chestnut (Castanea spp.) wood extracts and one Quebracho (Schinopsis spp.) wood extract, all containing tannins and currently used in the animal feed industry, were tested for in vitro antiviral activity against avian reovirus (ARV) and avian metapneumovirus (AMPV). The MTT assay was used to evaluate the 50% cytotoxic compounds concentration (CC(50)) on Vero cells. The antiviral properties were tested before and after the adsorption of the viruses to Vero cells. Antiviral activities were expressed as IC(50) (concentration required to inhibit 50% of viral cytopathic effect). CC(50)s of tested Etomoxir chemical structure compounds were > 200 mu g/ml. All compounds had an extracellular antiviral

effect against both ARV and AMPV with IC(50) values ranging from 25 to 66 mu g/ml. Quebracho extract had also evident intracellular anti-ARV activity (IC(50) 24 mu g/ml). These preliminary results suggest that the examined vegetable extracts might be good candidates in the control of some avian virus infections. Nevertheless further in vivo experiments are required to confirm these findings. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objective: To assess knee cartilage quality and subjective knee function, 20 years after injury in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injured copers.

Method: We examined 32 knees using delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cartilage (dGEMRIC), 20 years after a complete ACL tear. Only selleck products subjects who had coped with the ACL injury without ACL reconstruction (ACLR), and who presented without radiographic signs of osteoarthritis (OA) at an earlier 16-year follow-up, were included in this study. The quality of the central weight-bearing parts of the medial and lateral femoral cartilage was estimated with dGEMRIC (T1Gd). These results were compared with corresponding results in 24 healthy individuals, and with the subjects’ self-reported subjective knee function using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire.

(C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc J Appl Polym Sci 117: 700-705, 2

(C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 117: 700-705, 2010″
“Background. Chronic nature of the nasal polyps, tendency to recurrence, and lack of GDC-0068 clinical trial satisfying treatment need the diagnostic’s parameters which show early inflammatory state as ferritin and hs-CRP. The Aim of Study. Assessment of hs-CRP and ferritin blood levels in nasal polyps patients in evaluation of treatment efficacy. Methods. All 38 patients were divided into 2 groups. Group I included 19 patients with anti-inflammatory therapy 2 weeks after surgery. Group II included

19 patients without antiinflammatory therapy 2 weeks after surgery. The levels of hs-CRP and ferritin have been assessed before and 2 and 6 weeks after surgical treatment. Results. Research showed statistically significant difference of ferritin’s concentration between examined groups 6 weeks after surgery (P < 0.05) and statistically significant difference of hs-CRP concentration 2 and 6 weeks after surgery (P < 0.05). Conclusion. (1) Theanalysis of serumferritin and hs-CRP concentrations Histone Methyltransf inhibitor can be useful in early postoperative detection of inflammatory state in patients with nasal polyps and for the effectiveness of therapy. (2) Lack of correlation

between mean ferritin and hs-CRP serum levels, at each diagnostic and monitoring stage, shows that they are independent and cannot be determined interchangeably.”
“Carbon-based nanofiber and microfiber cathodes exhibit very low voltages for the onset of electron emission, and thus provide CHIR-99021 order exciting opportunities for applications ranging from high power microwave sources to field emission displays. CsI coatings have been experimentally shown to lower the work function for emission from the fiber tips, although little is known about the microstructure of the fibers themselves in their as-received state, after coating with CsI, or after being subjected to high voltage cycling. Longitudinal cross sections of the original, unused CsI-coated fibers produced by focused ion beam lift-out revealed a nanostructured graphitic core surrounded by an amorphous carbon shell with submicron

sized islands of crystalline CsI on the outer surface. Aberration-corrected high resolution electron microscopy (HREM) of the fiber core achieved 0.10 nm resolution, with the graphite (200) clearly visible in digital fast Fourier transformations of the 2-4 nm highly ordered graphitic domains. As the cathode fibers are cycled at high voltage, HREM demonstrates that the graphitic ordering of the core increases with the number of cycles, however the structure and thickness of the amorphous carbon layer remains unchanged. These results are consistent with micro-Raman measurements of the fiber disordered/graphitic (D/G) band ratios. After high voltage cycling, a uniform similar to 100 nm film at the fiber tip was evident in both bright field transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high angle annular dark field scanning TEM (STEM).

We made an attempt to investigate the impact of thrombogenic muta

We made an attempt to investigate the impact of thrombogenic mutations/polymorphisms on the clinical phenotype of 114 different types of patients with VWD, and 120 healthy controls were screened for DZNeP methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C/T, factor V (FV) Leiden (1691G/A), beta(3) integrin (HPA-I) (Human platelets antigen-I) gene (1565T/C), and prothrombin 20210G/A mutations. Genotypic analysis was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Forty-five patients (39.5%) were found to be positive for at least one of the prothrombotic risk factors screened. Prothrombin 20210G/A

was not found in any patient with VWD as well as healthy control. Eight patients with VWD were carrying the defective alleles of different thrombogenic markers, showing milder phenotypes than expected. A high prevalence was observed for MTHFR 677C/T (677C/C 73.6%, 677C/T 24.6%, 677T/T 1.8%) and PLA1/A2 (1565T/T 88.6%, 1565T/C 10.5%, 1565C/C 0.87%) polymorphism followed by FV Leiden (1691G/G 97.4%, 1691G/A 2.6%, 1691A/A 0.00%) in patients with VWD with allelic frequencies 11.4% (677T), 5% (1565C), and 1.3% (1691A). Hence, we concluded that thrombophilic markers were seen to be influencing the clinical phenotypes of patients with VWD.”
“The

aim of the study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of gemcitabine-cisplatin in elderly patients with advanced non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study included 59 patients aged >= 70 years consecutively admitted to our Department. Treatment consisted of gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8, Selleckchem PD98059 and low-dose fractionated cisplatin 20 mg/m(2) on days 1, 2, 3 of a 21-day cycle. Toxicity was graded according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.

A total

of 281 cycles was administered. Hematological toxicities of grade 3 and 4 were seen in 17% and 5% click here of patients, respectively. Grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicity was 3%, grade 2 neuropathy was 2%. Twenty-nine partial responses with an objective response rate of 49% were obtained. No complete responses were observed. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 7.8 and 15.5 months respectively.

Cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy at low doses appears to be safe and active in older patients with advanced NSCLC.”
“Obesity is known to be associated with a range of chronic medical comorbidities, but little is known about the impact of overweight and obesity on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in persons without chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess HRQoL, body mass index (BMI) and health behavior patterns in a community sample of subjects who had no long-lasting medical comorbidities

We assessed HRQoL in 1,187 apparently healthy individuals (mean age 57 +/- A 7 years), of whom 24 % were classified as normal weight, 49 % as overweight, 20 % as obese and 7 % as very obese.

In addition, considering

In addition, considering LBH589 purchase the poor medical conditions in the rural areas of West China, standard dental care and services should be provided in the future to replace self-medication. (C) 2009 International

Society for Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the atrophic change of tongue papilla in Sjogren syndrome (SjS) patients and the correlation with characteristic features of the disease.

Study design. Atrophic change of tongue papilla, investigated by a digital microscope, was classified from score 0 (normal) to score 6 (severe) and compared among 44 SjS patients, 20 xerostomia patients, and 20 healthy subjects. In SjS patients, correlation of the AZD1208 clinical trial atrophic score of tongue papilla with characteristic changes in sialometry, sialography, lip biopsy, and serologic

tests was also investigated.

Results. The atrophic score of tongue papilla was significantly higher in SjS patients and correlated with the decrease of salivary secretion, the stage on sialography, and the histologic grade of the minor salivary gland.

Conclusion. Atrophic change of tongue papilla is significant in SjS patients and is correlated with the characteristic features of the disease. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009; 107: 801-805)”
“Background: Although dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is performed in heart transplant patients, the safety profile of atropine administration in DSE in this setting is unclear.

Methods and Results: We identified heart transplant patients who received atropine during DSE from January 1984 to August 2011 at our institution and compared them with a propensity-scored matched control Selleck XMU-MP-1 group of heart transplant patients who underwent DSE without atropine. Adverse events were defined as significant arrhythmias (sinus arrest, Mobitz type II heart block, complete heart block, ventricular tachycardia, or ventricular fibrillation), hypotension requiring hospitalization,

syncope or presyncope, myocardial infarction, and death. Forty-five heart transplant patients (median age 62 years, 82% male) received 0.2-1 mg atropine during DSE. Of these, I patient (2.2%) developed temporary complete heart block. No adverse events were identified in the control group of 154 patients who received dobutamine without atropine.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that complete heart block can occur infrequently with the administration of atropine in heart transplant patients undergoing DSE. Therefore, patients should be appropriately monitored for these adverse events during and after DSE.”
“The aim was to evaluate the long-term cure rates and the late complications of the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT).

One hundred and forty-seven women with stress incontinence underwent surgery at our clinic between 1994 and 1997.

The sources for costs were the Brazilian public and private healt

The sources for costs were the Brazilian public and private health care systems. Societal perspective was considered.. Statistical Analysis: Core trends and dispersions were measured. Regression models assessed the impact of modality on the average total cost per patient per year.

Results: Of the 249 HD patients and 228 PD dialysis patients, 189 (74%) and 160 (70%) respectively completed Etomoxir in vitro follow-up. The mean age for women was 55.8 years; for men, it was 59.8 years (p = 0.001). The average total cost per patient-year was US$28 570 for HD and US$27 158 for

PD. By category, the costs consisted of direct medical-hospital costs (82.3% for HD, 86.5% for PD), direct nonmedical costs (5.3% for HD, 3.7% for PD), and indirect costs (12.4% for HD, 9.8% for PD). Overall costs were less for PD patients than for their HD counterparts (p = 0.025).

Conclusions: Maintenance dialysis represented the most important source of costs for both modalities; loss of productivity incurred FRAX597 datasheet significant costs. Future studies should contemplate the social consequences arising from each modality.”
“Febrile seizures (FS) are among the most common types of seizures in the developing brain. It has been suggested that FS cause cognitive deficits that proceed into adulthood,

but the information is conflicting. The aim of the present study was to determine whether experimental FS have long-term cognitive or behavioral deficits. FS were induced by hyperthermia (30 minutes, similar to 41 degrees C) in 10-day-old rat pups and, behavioral testing was performed. Hippocampus-dependent water maze learning, locomotor activity, and choice reaction time parameters (e.g., reaction time) were generally not affected by FS. However, more detailed analysis revealed that reaction B-Raf cancer times on the right side were slower than those on the left in controls, whereas this was not observed after FS. Early-life experimental FS did not cause overt cognitive and behavioral deficits, which is in line with previous

work, but eliminated the lateralization effect in reaction time known to occur in normal controls, an effect that may be due to the combination of FS and kainic acid or to FS alone. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“The structural, hyperfine, and magnetic properties of mechanically milled alloys of (Fe79Mn21)(1-x)Cu-x (x from 0.00 to 0.30) have been characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), extended x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS), Moumlssbauer spectroscopy, and ac susceptibility measurements. XRD and EXAFS results indicated that Cu addition favored the formation of a Fe-Mn-Cu random solid solution with fcc structure. The lattice parameter exhibited linear dependence on the Cu content, which is compatible with the larger atomic radii of the Cu atoms when compared with the Mn or the Fe ones.

(Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009; 108: 353-

(Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009; 108: 353-359)”
“Amikacin (AMK) is a semisynthetic aminoglycoside antibiotic derived from kanamycin A that lacks a strong ultraviolet absorbing chromophore or fluorophore. Greatly enhanced resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) signals of AMK can be observed with a conventional fluorescence spectrophotometer when AMK interacts with pontamine sky blue (PSB) Selleck Alvocidib and forms an ion-association complex in weakly acidic buffer medium. Based on these characteristics, a sensitive assay for detecting AMK was developed.

The maximum RRS peak was observed at 362 nm. The enhancement of the RRS signal was directly proportional to the AMK concentration in the range of 0-1.7 mu g/ml, and its detection limit (3 sigma) was 3.0 ng/ml. The method showed a wide linear range and high sensitivity, and almost no interference could be observed from coexistent substances.

In addition, this assay was performed in different pharmaceutical formulations of AMK with satisfactory results. Therefore, the proposed method is promising as an effective means for the determination of AMK.”
“A simple heterogeneous synthesis of pure modified porous Pevonedistat polysiloxane SiO2 by condensing a functionalized C,C-pyridylpyrazole with a 3-glycidoxy-propyltrimethoxy-silane silylant agent, previously anchored on a silica surface is reported. The epoxide group was opened yielding a receptor pendant group bonded to the inorganic surface. The surface modification (MS) was characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectra, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm, BET surface area and B.J.H. selleck Pore sizes. The new material exhibits good chemical and thermal stability determined by thermogravimetry curves. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

J Appl Polym Sci 117: 3345-3349, 2010″
“Objectives: To identify and implement strategies that help meet safety monitoring requirements in the context of an observational study for artemether-lumefantrine (AL) administered as first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in rural Tanzania.

Methods: Pharmacovigilance procedures were developed through collaboration between the investigating bodies, the relevant regulatory authority and the manufacturer of AL. Training and refresher sessions on the pharmacovigilance system were provided for healthcare workers from local health facilities and field recorders of the Ifakara Health Demographic Surveillance System (IHDSS). Three distinct channels for identification of adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) were identified and implemented. Passive reporting took place through IHDSS and health care facilities, starting in October 2007.

Family history revealed that a 20-year-old

sister had exp

Family history revealed that a 20-year-old

sister had experienced symptoms of hypersomnia from the age of 16 and their mother had been diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia previously. The diagnosis of idiopathic hypersomnia with long sleep time was confirmed in the sister by clinical interview Crenigacestat nmr and ad libitum polysomnography. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) did not reveal the DQB1-0602 phenotype in the proband and relatives. This report confirms the hypothesis of a genetic predisposition in idiopathic hypersomnia.”
“There is paucity of literature on retroperitoneal haemorrhage/haematomas (RH) as these cases are extremely rare in obstetrics. Experience is available mostly from case reports and therefore the incidence of RH in obstetrics is unknown.

Literature search in Medline/Pubmed and Google scholar using MeSH; aneurysm, haematoma, haemorrhage, obstetrics and retroperitoneal.

This article discusses aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic difficulties and dilemmas, as well as misleading symptoms that often mimic common clinical conditions.

Management

of RH is complex and continues to improve with advancements in the investigative strategies, treatment options and critical care specialty. Further the authors highlight the importance of basic principles of clinical examination, the need for multidisciplinary input and the current trend in the management options.”
“Background: The control of most vectors of malaria is threatened by the spread of insecticide resistance. CHIR-99021 One factor that has been hitherto largely overlooked is the potential effects of insecticide resistance on the ability of mosquitoes to transmit malaria: SCH 900776 mw are insecticide-resistant mosquitoes as good vectors of Plasmodium as susceptible ones? The drastic physiological changes that accompany the evolution of insecticide resistance may indeed alter the ability of vectors to transmit diseases, a possibility that, if confirmed, could have major epidemiological consequences.

Methods: Using a novel experimental system consisting of the avian malaria parasite

(Plasmodium relictum) and its natural vector (the mosquito Culex pipiens), two of the most common mechanisms of insecticide resistance (esterase overproduction and acetylcholinesterase modification) were investigated for their effect on mosquito infection rate and parasite burden. For this purpose two types of experiments were carried out using (i) insecticideresistant and susceptible laboratory isogenic lines of Cx. pipiens and (ii) wild Cx. pipiens collected from a population where insecticide resistant and susceptible mosquitoes coexist in sympatry.

Results: The isogenic line and wild-caught mosquito experiments were highly consistent in showing no effect of either esterase overproduction or of acetylcholinesterase modification on either the infection rate or on the oocyst burden of mosquitoes.

We review the literature regarding the pathogenesis, epidemiology

We review the literature regarding the pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of infections with dematiaceous fungi.”
“Background: Percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is accepted as treatment for cryptogenic ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack in young subjects. However, a thorough evaluation of residual right-to-left shunt (rRLS) after PFO closure is needed. Our aims were to analyze the characteristics related

to PFO diagnosis and closure, focusing on rRLS and clinical recurrences until 24-month www.selleckchem.com/products/SB-203580.html follow-up. Data were extrapolated from the 12-month Italian PFO Survey. Methods: In all, 1035 patients were included. PFO diagnosis and right-to-left shunt (RLS) were assessed by contrast-enhanced transesophageal and/or transthoracic echocardiography and/or transcranial Doppler. Results: PFO diagnosis with RLS data were available in 894 of 1035

(86.4%) patients. Liproxstatin-1 in vitro rRLS was investigated in 49.6% (6 months), 27.1% (12 months), and 3.5% (24 months), and observed in 19.5% (6 months) and 18.2% (12 months) of subjects. Large permanent rRLS was observed in less than 3% of RLS-positive patients after 1 year. Eleven of 14 and 3 of 14 neurological recurrences were observed in 10 of 444 (2.25%) and 2 of 243 (0.8%) patients within the 6- and 12-month follow-up, respectively. Among these, no large rRLS was reported. There were no neurological events at 2-year follow-up. Alvocidib solubility dmso Forty of 444 subjects had non-neurological complications, mostly cardiac arrhythmias within the sixth month. Conclusions: PFO closure is a safe procedure. rRLS is not uncommon but large rRLS is rare. Clinical complications, mostly related to cardiac arrhythmias, are not unusual. Evaluation of the data of the whole survey is underway.”
“The use of genetic engineering to develop important neuropathological mouse models has made cerebrovascular imaging essential for the

investigation of numerous brain disorders, especially cerebrovascular disorders, such as aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. New laboratory-based X-ray microimagers exist that provide easy access, reliable operation, and performance previously found only in synchrotron-based instruments. Here, we reported a novel approach using such a system to detect intracerebral hemorrhage and resultant cerebrovascular pathology. Adult male C57BL/6 mice (n=12) underwent 30 mu l autologous blood injection into the right basal ganglia region. After sacrificing the animals and vascular perfusion with Microfil (R) MV-122 Yellow to opacify vascular and microvascular structures, the brain was post-fixed and partially hydrated for 3D imaging with a MicroXCT-400 (R) at 30 KeV and 2-mu m resolution. Tomographic reconstruction of high-resolution microimages was accomplished with Amira (R) software.

Conclusions: This is a case series reporting EMI with a Boston Sc

Conclusions: This is a case series reporting EMI with a Boston Scientific CRT-P Contact Renewal device H120/H125 telemetry from an external defibrillator with pacing mode on “”standby.”" Failure to recognize this important interaction may lead to inappropriate device and resource utilization. (PACE 2011; 34:1087-1091)”
“Pseudomonas species and their bacteriophages have been studied intensely since the beginning of the LB-100 purchase 20th century, due to their ubiquitous nature, and medical

and ecological importance. Here, we summarize recent molecular research performed on Pseudomonas phages by reviewing findings on individual phage genera. While large phage collections are stored and characterized worldwide, the limits of their genomic diversity are becoming more and more apparent. Although this article emphasizes the biological background and molecular

characteristics of these phages, special attention is given to emerging studies in coevolutionary and in therapeutic settings.”
“The excitation of surface plasmons on metallic nanoparticles has the potential to significantly improve the performance of solar cells, in particular thin-film structures. In this article, we investigate the effect of the dielectric Tozasertib cost spacer layer thickness on the photocurrent enhancement of 2 mu m thick, thin-film poly-Si on glass solar cells, due to random arrays of self-assembled Ag nanoparticles deposited on the front or the rear of the cells. We report a strong asymmetry in the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of the cell for front and rear located particles for different spacer thicknesses, which is attributed to differences in the scattering behavior of the nanoparticles. We find that for random arrays, with spectrally broad scattering resonances, the strength of the driving field and the coupling efficiency are more important for light trapping than the resonance wavelength. For particles located on the front of the cells it is desirable to have a thin dielectric spacer AZD8055 solubility dmso layer to enhance the scattering from the Ag nanoparticles. Additionally, light trapping provided by the random sized

particles on the front can overcome suppression of light transmitted in the visible wavelength regions for thin layers of Si, to result in overall EQE enhancements. However, for particles deposited on the rear it is more beneficial to have the particles as close to the Si substrate as possible to increase both the scattering and the coupling efficiency. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3567299]“
“Background: Atrial electrical remodeling (AER) is one of the mechanisms by which atrial fibrillation (AF) begets AF. It is known that vagal activity increases the propensity for AF. However, vagal effects on AER have not been fully investigated.

Methods: Adult mongrel dogs were divided in four groups: group I, rapid atria pacing (RAP); group II, RAP plus vagal nerve stimulation (VNS); group III, RAP and VNS with atropine (0.