Computer Insight into the Molecular Level of Heart Failure. What is the Role of NCX?

Though congestive heart failure is a leading cause of death in our population, the pathophysiological mechanisms at molecular level remain to be elucidated. This paper discusses the contribution of NCX to the pathological pattern of intracellular calcium regulation and contraction on the basis of computer simulations of a virtual cell. The model comprises calcium handling mechanisms, troponin control and acto-myosin interactions. The contribution of NCX was studied by changing its activity and turning it off for some simulations.It was found that NCX helps to support diastolic function by reducing the Ca2 level during the diastole. At the same time there is a reduction in peak Cai and hence contraction. However, increased NCX activity does not seem to improve calcium handling and contraction crucially, as has been suggested by some authors

Measuring the Process Parameters of the IBAD Method

Chromium nitride films are known as good protective layers for against both corrosion and wear. These coatings have been studied in detail during recent years. Their protective capability strongly depends on the deposition conditions. A modern method for preparing chromium nitride is the IBAD (Ion Beam Assisted Deposition) method. The main parameter determining the composition and properties of the films prepared by the IBAD method is the arrival ratio of impinging nitrogen ions to chromium atoms. In order to calibrate the ion beam XY-mechanical scanner with a Faraday cup, a detector was designed and constructed. By mathematical processing of the data, the flux of the nitrogen atoms was found. To obtain the flux of the chromium atoms the RBS and Talystep methods were used. Now, on the basis of this data, we can perform CrNx, coatings with controlled composition and properties

DLC Films Deposited by the DC PACVD Method

DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coatings have been suggested as protective surface layers against wear. However hard DLC coatings, especially those of greater thickness, have poor adhesion to substrates. We have used several ways to increase the adhesion of DLC coatings prepared by the PACVD (Plasma Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition) method on steel substrates. One of these is the DC PACVD method for preparing DLC films

The division of biomechanics

This action is realized by the project NEXLIZ - CZ.1.07/2.3.00/30.0038, which is co-financed by the European social fund and the state budget of the Czech republic

Measuring the Process Parameters of the IBAD Method

Chromium nitride films are known as good protective layers for against both corrosion and wear. These coatings have been studied in detail during recent years. Their protective capability strongly depends on the deposition conditions. A modern method for preparing chromium nitride is the IBAD (Ion Beam Assisted Deposition) method. The main parameter determining the composition and properties of the films prepared by the IBAD method is the arrival ratio of impinging nitrogen ions to chromium atoms. In order to calibrate the ion beam XY-mechanical scanner with a Faraday cup, a detector was designed and constructed. By mathematical processing of the data, the flux of the nitrogen atoms was found. To obtain the flux of the chromium atoms the RBS and Talystep methods were used. Now, on the basis of this data, we can perform CrN_x, coatings with controlled composition and properties

Silver/Chitosan Antimicrobial Nanocomposites Coating for Medical Devices: Comparison of Nanofiller Effect Prepared via Chemical Reduction and Biosynthesis

PMID = 3050180