The cytoskeleton in cell-autonomous immunity: structural determinants of host defence

Host cells use antimicrobial proteins, pathogen-restrictive compartmentalization and cell death in their defence against intracellular pathogens. Recent work has revealed that four components of the cytoskeleton — actin, microtubules, intermediate filaments and septins, which are well known for their roles in cell division, shape and movement — have important functions in innate immunity and cellular self-defence. Investigations using cellular and animal models have shown that these cytoskeletal proteins are crucial for sensing bacteria and for mobilizing effector mechanisms to eliminate them. In this Review, we highlight the emerging roles of the cytoskeleton as a structural determinant of cell-autonomous host defence

Mössbauer temperature study of the Fe80Nb6B14 amorphous alloy

Temperature studies in the range 300 800 K of amorphous Fe80Nb6B14 alloy using Mössbauer spectroscopy are presented. It is shown that at a temperature close to 700 K iron clusters with non-collinear magnetic structure are formed. The observed magnetic permeability enhancement effect in the annealed at elevated temperatures alloy, which takes place in amorphous phase, is due to the strong ferromagnetic exchange between Fe clusters via the amorphous matrix and reduction of internal stresses

Mössbauer Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction and SEM Studies on Multiferroic Bi5Ti3FeO15Bi_5Ti_3FeO_{15} Ceramics

Magnetoelectric multiferroics are materials which exhibit both magnetic order and ferroelectricity in the same phase. Multiferroic materials, where ferroelectricity and magnetism coexist, were extensively studied. This class of materials offers a large application potential for new devices due to the two coupled degrees of freedom based on the local off-centered distortion and the electron spin. The studied $Bi_5Ti_3FeO_{15}$ ceramics was prepared by conventional synthesis and hot uniaxial pressing reaction applying the conventional mixture of $TiO_2$, $Fe_2O_3$ and $Bi_2O_3$ oxides as precursor materials. The present work focuses on the structure analysis of multiferroic $Bi_5Ti_3FeO_{15}$ ceramics performed by X-ray diffraction method, scanning electron microscopy and the Mössbauer spectroscopy methods

A Study of Point Defects in the B2-Phase Region of the Fe-Al System by Mössbauer Spectroscopy

In this work, we employed the Mössbauer spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction in a study of point defect formation in intermetallic phases of the B2 structure of the Fe-Al system as a function of Al concentration. The results are compared with the concentrations of point defect determined from positron annihilation data. In the Mössbauer effect, two types of samples are investigated: Fe-Al alloys with few additives obtained by induction melting and Al-rich metallic powders produced by the self-decomposition method and intensive grinding of high energy in the electro-magneto-mechanical mill. We present the values of the $\text{}^{57}Fe$ isomer shift and quadrupole splitting for the components describing the point defect in the local environment of a Mössbauer nuclide. The concentration of the Fe vacancies and Fe atoms substituting Al (Fe-AS) are determined. The results showed that an increase in Al content causes an increase in vacancy and Fe-AS concentration

A Study of Point Defects in the B2-Phase Region of the Fe-Al System by Mössbauer Spectroscopy

In this work, we employed the Mössbauer spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction in a study of point defect formation in intermetallic phases of the B2 structure of the Fe-Al system as a function of Al concentration. The results are compared with the concentrations of point defect determined from positron annihilation data. In the Mössbauer effect, two types of samples are investigated: Fe-Al alloys with few additives obtained by induction melting and Al-rich metallic powders produced by the self-decomposition method and intensive grinding of high energy in the electro-magneto-mechanical mill. We present the values of the $\text{}^{57}Fe$ isomer shift and quadrupole splitting for the components describing the point defect in the local environment of a Mössbauer nuclide. The concentration of the Fe vacancies and Fe atoms substituting Al (Fe-AS) are determined. The results showed that an increase in Al content causes an increase in vacancy and Fe-AS concentration

Structural Studies with the Use of XRD and Mössbauer Spectroscopy οf Bi 5

In this paper the structural and Mössbauer spectral properties of multiferroic ceramic $Bi_5Ti_3FeO_{15}$ powders prepared by high-energy ball milling of polycrystalline precursor material (mixture of $Bi_2O_3$, $TiO_2$ and $Fe_2O_3$ powders) are presented. Mechanical synthesis was performed by high-energy vibratory mill. The X-ray diffraction methods were applied for the structure characterization of the studied samples. The parameters of diffraction line profiles were determined by PRO-FIT Toraya procedure. The crystallite sizes and lattice distortions were analyzed using the Williamson-Hall method. Investigations of hyperfine interactions in the studied materials were carried out by the Mössbauer spectroscopy. The powder morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. It was found that during high-energy milling phase transitions, a decrease in crystallite size and amorphization process are observed

Structural Relaxation in Fe78Nb2B20Fe_{78}Nb_{2}B_{20} Amorphous Alloy Studied by Mössbauer Spectroscopy

It was shown that soft magnetic properties of $Fe_{78}Nb_{2}B_{20}$ amorphous alloy can be significantly improved by applying 1-h annealing at temperature 623 K (permeability increases even about 8 times). The Mössbauer Spectroscopy technique indicated that the optimized microstructure (corresponding to the maximum magnetic permeability) is free of iron nanograins and should be attributed to annealing out of free volume and a reduction of internal stresses i.e. to the relaxed amorphous phase

Preoperative abnormal P and QTc dispersion intervals in patients with metabolic syndrome

We evaluated P wave dispersion (Pwd), QT, corrected QT (QTc), QT dispersion, and corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) intervals in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Patients scheduled to undergo elective noncardiac surgery were included in the study. The main diagnoses, anthropometric measurements, waist circumferences, body mass index, electrocardiograms, serum levels of electrolytes, glucose, and lipids were recorded for all patients. QTc, QTcd intervals were determined with the Bazett formula. MetS (group M, n = 36) was diagnosed using the Adult Treatment Panel III. Controls (group C, n = 40) were chosen on the basis of patients with no MetS and matched for age and gender. There were no differences between groups in terms of age, sex, or serum electrolyte levels (P > 0.05). Waist circumferences, body mass index, serum glucose, and triglyceride values in group M were significantly higher than those in group C (P < 0.001). In group M, Pwd, QTc, QT dispersion and QTcd intervals were significantly longer than those in group C (P < 0.001). This finding and our retrospective analysis suggest that these patients may be at greater risk of perioperative arrhythmias. Copyright © 2011 International Anesthesia Research Society

Structural Studies with the Use of XRD and Mössbauer Spectroscopy οf Bi5Ti3FeO15Bi_5Ti_3FeO_{15} Ceramic Powders Obtained by Mechanical Synthesis

In this paper the structural and Mössbauer spectral properties of multiferroic ceramic $Bi_5Ti_3FeO_{15}$ powders prepared by high-energy ball milling of polycrystalline precursor material (mixture of $Bi_2O_3$, $TiO_2$ and $Fe_2O_3$ powders) are presented. Mechanical synthesis was performed by high-energy vibratory mill. The X-ray diffraction methods were applied for the structure characterization of the studied samples. The parameters of diffraction line profiles were determined by PRO-FIT Toraya procedure. The crystallite sizes and lattice distortions were analyzed using the Williamson-Hall method. Investigations of hyperfine interactions in the studied materials were carried out by the Mössbauer spectroscopy. The powder morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. It was found that during high-energy milling phase transitions, a decrease in crystallite size and amorphization process are observed