Investigation of the Microstructural and Thermoelectric Properties of the (GeTe)0.95(Bi2Te3)0.05 Composition for Thermoelectric Power Generation Applications

In the frame of the current research, the p-type Bi2Te3 doped (GeTe)(0.95)(Bi2Te3)(0.05) alloy composed of hot pressed consolidated submicron structured powder was investigated. The influence of the process parameters (i.e., powder particles size and hot pressing conditions) on both reduction of the lattice thermal conductivity and electronic optimization is described in detail. Very high maximal ZT values of up to similar to 1.6 were obtained and correlated to the microstructural characteristics. Based on the various involved mechanisms, a potential route for further enhancement of the ZT values of the investigated composition is proposed.EC, FP7 PowerDriver Projec

Genetic Circuitry of Survival Motor Neuron, the Gene Underlying Spinal Muscular Atrophy

The clinical severity of the neurodegenerative disorder spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is dependent on the levels of functional Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein. Consequently, current strategies for developing treatments for SMA generally focus on augmenting SMN levels. To identify additional potential therapeutic avenues and achieve a greater understanding of SMN, we applied in vivo, in vitro, and in silico approaches to identify genetic and biochemical interactors of the Drosophila SMN homolog. We identified more than 300 candidate genes that alter an Smn-dependent phenotype in vivo. Integrating the results from our genetic screens, large-scale protein interaction studies, and bioinformatic analysis, we define a unique interactome for SMN that provides a knowledge base for a better understanding of SMA.Stem Cell and Regenerative Biolog