La mort et après

La mort, travestie dans plusieurs masques, se manifeste dans la pluralité des dimensions. Comme la perspective finale d’un être, comme la ligne d’horizon, de son existence. Elle donne à la vie humane son sens et son caractère. Nous construisons notre monde, par cette perspective particulière, par la perspective d’inexistence. C’est le plus sombre des mystères, qui nous accompagnent depuis le moment de la naissance. Ce paradoxe de l’existence qui se réveille pour mourir est le secret qui nous ..

The acute effects of daily nicotine intake on heart rate--a toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic modelling study.

Abstract Joint physiologically-based toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic (PBTK/TD) modelling was applied to simulate concentration–time profiles of nicotine, a well-known stimulant, in the human body following single and repeated dosing. Both kinetic and dynamic models were first calibrated by using in vivo literature data for the Caucasian population. The models were then used to estimate the blood and liver concentrations of nicotine in terms of the Area Under Curve (AUC) and the peak concentration (Cmax) for selected exposure scenarios based on inhalation (cigarette smoking), oral intake (nicotine lozenges) and dermal absorption (nicotine patches). The model simulations indicated that whereas frequent cigarette smoking gives rise to high AUC and Cmax in blood, the use of nicotine-rich dermal patches leads to high AUC and Cmax in the liver. Venous blood concentrations were used to estimate one of the most common acute effects, mean heart rate, both at rest and during exercise. These estimations showed that cigarette smoking causes a high peak heart rate, whereas dermal absorption causes a high mean heart rate over 48 h. This study illustrates the potential of using PBTK/TD modelling in the safety assessment of nicotine-containing products

Ocenianie w nauczaniu języków obcych zorientowanym na cele ogólne a ocenianie w nauczaniu zorientowanym na cele zawodowe

Ocenianie jest pochodną celów kształcenia. W konsekwencji sprawdzanie umiejętności w nauczaniu języków obcych dla celów ogólnych powinno się różnić od oceniania w nauczaniu języków obcych specjalistycznych. Czy różnice te występują tylko na poziomie treści językowych, czy także na poziomie założeń oraz technik egzaminacyjnych? Odpowiedź na to pytanie jest celem niniejszego artykułu.Assessment and teaching and learning objectives are closely related to each other. Therefore, testing general language abilities and languages for specific purposes should differ from each other. Are these differences present only at the test content level or can they be found in the diversity of test tasks and techniques

In vitro testing the potential of a novel chimeric IgG variant for inhibiting collagen fibrils formation in recurrent hereditary gingival fibromatosis: chimeric antibody in a gingival model

Gingival fibromatosis is a progressive enlargement of the gingiva. It may hinder oral cavity hygiene and result in underlying bone loss. The long-term benefits of surgery cannot be predicted. On the other hand, alternative, efficient and non-invasive methods are not available at present. The aim of this study was to test the inhibitory effects of a chimeric IgG variant on collagen fibril formation in the cell culture of gingival fibroblasts taken from a patient with hereditary gingival fibromatosis with a high propensity for recurrence. Gingival biopsies were collected from the mandibular gingiva and used for histological evaluation as well as to establish a fibroblast culture. A histological evaluation was made in haematoxylin-eosin and Heidenhain's trichrome stained tissue sections. The inhibitory effect of a chimeric antibody on collagen fibril formation was determined in fibroblast cultures by using a collagen-specific Western blot and immunofluorescent staining. A histological evaluation revealed epithelial acanthosis with singular elongated rete pegs extending into the underlying connective tissue stroma that consisted of locally abundant, irregular collagen bundles. Based on observations with an in vitro model we conclude that a chimeric anti-collagen antibody efficiently inhibits collagen fibril accumulation in cell culture derived from diffuse, hereditary gingival fibromatosis that is characterized by a high propensity for recurrence (high proliferation index). Employing cell cultures from standardized group of patients with recurrent hereditary gingival fibromatosis as well as standarizing relevant 3D (tissue-like) models will be crucial for further tests of the antibody

Electrochemically deposited nanocrystalline InSb thin films and their electrical properties

We present an electrochemical route to prepare nanocrystalline InSb thin films that can be transferred to an industrial scale. The morphology, composition, and crystallinity of the prepared uniform and compact thin films with a surface area of around 1 cm2 were investigated. The essential electrical characteristics such as conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, the type, concentration and mobility of charge carriers have been examined and compared with InSb nanowires obtained in the same system for electrochemical deposition (fixed pulse sequence, temperature, electrolyte composition, and system geometry). Moreover, obtained thin films show much higher band gap energy (0.53 eV) compared to the bulk material (0.17 eV) and InSb nanowires (0.195 eV)

Thermal Decomposition Pathways of ZnxFe3- xO4Nanoparticles in Different Atmospheres

This article shows how initial composition and thermal treatment of nonstoichiometric zinc ferrite nanoparticles (nZFN) can be chosen to adjust the structure and cation distribution and enhance magnetism in the resulting nanoscale material. It also provides insight into new prospects regarding the production and design of nanoscale materials. Investigations were conducted before and after heating of nZFN in an inert atmosphere and a vacuum up to temperature of 1170 °C. Annealing leads to partial reduction of Fe ions, enhanced magnetism, and an increase in the size of the particles independent of the atmosphere. Use of the inert atmosphere delivers a solid solution of magnetite and zinc ferrite with a reduced Zn content in the structure as a result of sublimation of newly formed ZnO and reduction of Fe, and it favors crystallization. A preference for normal-spinel phase and enhancement of magnetic saturation from 20 Am2/kg up to 101 Am2/kg was observed. Vacuum annealing with high probability produces ZnO, Fe3O4, and Fe2O3 multiphase system with signs of amorphization, mainly on the surface. A large fraction of Fe ions is reduced and the volume ratio of Fe3O4 to Fe2O3 increases with heating time. The final solid product from a complete decomposition of ZFN is magnetite