Patterning enhanced tetragonality in BiFeO3 thin films with effective negative pressure by helium implantation

Helium implantation in epitaxial thin films is a way to control the out-of-plane deformation independentlyfrom the in-plane strain controlled by epitaxy. In particular, implantation by means of a helium microscopeallows for local implantation and patterning down to the nanometer resolution, which is of interest for deviceapplications. We present here a study of bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) films where strain was patterned locally byhelium implantation. Our combined Raman, x-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)study shows that the implantation causes an elongation of the BiFeO3unit cell and ultimately a transition towardsthe so-called supertetragonal polymorph via states with mixed phases. In addition, TEM reveals the onset ofamorphization at a threshold dose that does not seem to impede the overall increase in tetragonality. The phasetransition from the R-like to T-like BiFeO3appears as first-order in character, with regions of phase coexistenceand abrupt changes in lattice parameters

Recent Updates on the Melanin-Concentrating Hormone (MCH) and Its Receptor System: Lessons from MCH1R Antagonists

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is a 19-amino-acid cyclic peptide which was originally found to lighten skin color in fish that is highly conserved among many species. MCH interacts with two G-protein-coupled receptors, MCH1R and MCH2R, but only MCH1R is expressed in rodents. MCH is mainly synthesized in the lateral hypothalamus and zona incerta, while MCH1R is widely expressed throughout the brain. Thus, MCH signaling is implicated in the regulation of many physiological functions. The identification of MCH1R has led to the development of small-molecule MCH1R antagonists that can block MCH signaling. MCH1R antagonists are useful not only for their potential therapeutic value, but also for understanding the physiological functions of the endogenous MCH system. Here, we review the physiological functions of the MCH system which have been investigated using MCH1R antagonists such as food intake, anxiety, depression, reward, and sleep. This will help us understand the physiological functions of the MCH system and suggest some of the potential applications of MCH1R antagonists in human disorders

Computing with bacterial constituents, cells and populations: from bioputing to bactoputing

The relevance of biological materials and processes to computing—aliasbioputing—has been explored for decades. These materials include DNA, RNA and proteins, while the processes include transcription, translation, signal transduction and regulation. Recently, the use of bacteria themselves as living computers has been explored but this use generally falls within the classical paradigm of computing. Computer scientists, however, have a variety of problems to which they seek solutions, while microbiologists are having new insights into the problems bacteria are solving and how they are solving them. Here, we envisage that bacteria might be used for new sorts of computing. These could be based on the capacity of bacteria to grow, move and adapt to a myriad different fickle environments both as individuals and as populations of bacteria plus bacteriophage. New principles might be based on the way that bacteria explore phenotype space via hyperstructure dynamics and the fundamental nature of the cell cycle. This computing might even extend to developing a high level language appropriate to using populations of bacteria and bacteriophage. Here, we offer a speculative tour of what we term bactoputing, namely the use of the natural behaviour of bacteria for calculating

DONNEES RECENTES SUR L'UTILISATION DES STEROIDES PAR VOIE INTRA-ARTICULAIRE CHEZ LE CHEVAL : ANALYSE CRITIQUE ET RETROSPECTIVE DES TRAVAUX EXPERIMENTAUX SUR 10 ANS (1990-2000)

Les corticostéroïdes ont été et restent très largement employés en médecine vétérinaire équine, notamment par administration intra-articulaire, utilisation pourtant souvent discutée. Afin de faire le point sur les connaissances actuelles concernant les effets des corticostéroïdes en milieu intra-articulaire, nous avons dans un premier temps fait une étude synthétique sur la nature des stéroïdes utilisés, sur l'articulation et ses mécanismes pathologiques. La deuxième partie présente une analyse critique des études expérimentales récentes réalisées à l'aide de corticostéroïdes intra-articulaires. Les protocoles expérimentaux in vivo sur cartilage articulaire normal et sur cartilage articulaire lésé ainsi que les protocoles expérimentaux in vitro sont évalués afin d'en dégager les intérêts et les limites. Enfin, dans une dernière partie, à partir de ces informations actuelles, les principaux avantages et inconvénients de l'administration intra-articulaire de corticostéroïdes sont dégagés et leurs conditions d'utilisation déterminées. Les corticostéroïdes demeurent une arme thérapeutique intra-articulaire intéressante. C'est un traitement symptomatique de choix à effet rapide, très prisé par les propriétaires de chevaux de compétition. Si l'effet néfaste des corticostéroïdes sur le cartilage lésionnel est admis aux doses actuellement utilisées, un espoir d'effet chondroprotecteur à des posologies plus faibles pourrait être démontré dans des études expérimentales ultérieures. Avant d'obtenir de nouvelles données, il semble bénéfique d'associer à la corticothérapie intra-articulaire, d'autres substances chondroprotectrices agissant en synergie avec les corticostéroïdes.MAISONS-ALFORT-Ecole Vétérin (940462302) / SudocSudocFranceF

S]Guanosine-5Ј-O-(3-thio)triphosphate Binding as a Measure of Efficacy at Human Recombinant Dopamine D 4.4 Receptors: Actions of Antiparkinsonian and Antipsychotic Agents

ABSTRACT Molecular biology techniques have enabled the cloning and pharmacological characterization of multiple dopamine receptor subtypes belonging to two families. D 1 and D 5 receptors exhibit high structural homology and similar pharmacological profiles . Likewise, D 2 , D 3 and D 4 receptors exhibit similarities in both their pharmacological profiles and their coupling to G proteins and signal transduction pathways (Levesque et al., 1992

Synthesis and biological evaluation of a new benzofuran analogue of 8-HETE.

International audienc

Synthesis of aromatic analogues of 8(S)-HETE and their biological evaluation as activators of the PPARs nuclear receptors.

International audienc