High-toughness carbon cloth composites for low temperature applications

Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers based on a thermoplastic, high performance matrix such as Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene have been produced using two different routes and it was found that in-situ polymerization of the matrix is a possible way forward to achieve a combination of high strength and high toughness in composites

High toughness carbon cloth composites for low temperature applications

Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers based on a thermoplastic, high performance matrix such as Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene have been produced using two different routes and it was found that in-situ polymerization of the matrix is a possible way forward to achieve a combination of high strength and high toughness in composites

ATP-evoked intracellular Ca2+ transients shape the ionic permeability of human microglia from epileptic temporal cortex

BACKGROUND: Intracellular Ca2+ modulates several microglial activities, such as proliferation, migration, phagocytosis, and inflammatory mediator secretion. Extracellular ATP, the levels of which significantly change during epileptic seizures, activates specific receptors leading to an increase of intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Here, we aimed to functionally characterize human microglia obtained from cortices of subjects with temporal lobe epilepsy, focusing on the Ca2+-mediated response triggered by purinergic signaling.METHODS: Fura-2 based fluorescence microscopy was used to measure [Ca2+]i in primary cultures of human microglial cells obtained from surgical specimens. The perforated patch-clamp technique, which preserves the cytoplasmic milieu, was used to measure ATP-evoked Ca2+-dependent whole-cell currents.RESULTS: In human microglia extracellular ATP evoked [Ca2+]i increases depend on Ca2+ entry from the extracellular space and on Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular compartments. Extracellular ATP also induced a transient fivefold potentiation of the total transmembrane current, which was completely abolished when [Ca2+]i increases were prevented by removing external Ca2+ and using an intracellular Ca2+ chelator. TRAM-34, a selective KCa3.1 blocker, significantly reduced the ATP-induced current potentiation but did not abolish it. The removal of external Cl- in the presence of TRAM-34 further lowered the ATP-evoked effect. A direct comparison between the ATP-evoked mean current potentiation and mean Ca2+ transient amplitude revealed a linear correlation. Treatment of microglial cells with LPS for 48h did not prevent the ATP-induced Ca2+ mobilization but completely abolished the ATP-mediated current potentiation. The absence of the Ca2+-evoked K+ current led to a less sustained ATP-evoked Ca2+ entry, as shown by the faster Ca2+ transient kinetics observed in LPS-treated microglia.CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms a functional role for KCa3.1 channels in human microglia, linking ATP-evoked Ca2+ transients to changes in membrane conductance, with an inflammation-dependent mechanism, and suggests that during brain inflammation the KCa3.1-mediated microglial response to purinergic signaling may be reduced

The Grizzly, April 5, 2012

String Ensemble Impresses Hope • Career Services Hosts Webinar • Ball at the Bellevue a Success, Continues to Draw Large Number of Student Participants • Sue Thomas Retires from Admissions Staff • Caitlin Callahan Interns as Veterinary Tech • Greek Week Approaches, MAA and Quiz Club Plan to Participate • UC Welcomes Teisa Brown to President\u27s Staff • Nothing to Hate About this Hamlet • Phillies to Continue Success Despite Worries • Senior Spotlight: Garrett Smith, Baseball • Bears Battle Through Wet Weekend • Player Spotlight: Jenni Weber, Softballhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1857/thumbnail.jp

The Grizzly, March 29, 2012

Airband Benefits Crime Victims Center • Blues Writer Sharon Bridgforth Reads Work • Gilmore Visits Berman Art Museum • UC Recyclemania Holds Green Day Carnival • Alabama Civil Rights Trip was Living History for Students • Rosati Embraces Opportunity at Frederick Living • Greek Week in Progress, Helps to Unite UC Sororities and Fraternities • Opinion: Trayvon Martin Case is a Wake-Up Call • Ursinus Celebrates St. Patrick\u27s Weekend • Player Spotlight: Amanda Laurito, Track and Field • Rugby Continues Building Tradition • Senior Spotlight: Jeff Ocampo, Men\u27s Lacrossehttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1856/thumbnail.jp

The Grizzly, April 26, 2012

Ursinus Celebrates Fong Inauguration • CoSA Showcases Students for Seventh Year • Nadler to Join MCS Department for Fall Semester • New Dean Named • English Professor Spoke on Diane Rehm Show • Four Years of Changes for UC Seniors • Wampole\u27s Lockheed Martin Internship Becomes Career • Students for Barack Obama Encourages Student Participation • Opinion: Zolidis Premieres White Buffalo ; Students Explore Spirituality at College • Thomas Leaves Legacy of Pride and Integrity • Baseball to Dedicate Field Saturdayhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1860/thumbnail.jp

Assessing the impact of design factors on the performance of two miniature microbial fuel cells

Every day, wastewater treatment requires large amounts of electricity. Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) can convert wastewater treatment plants from net power consumers into energy neutral/positive systems by generating electricity from wastewaters. We investigate here the design factors that have major impacts on the performance of two miniature MFCs, and, consequently, of the resulting stack of MFCs. A versatile mathematical model is provided, which simulates the complex MFC system by integrating fluid dynamic principles with mass transport phenomena and (bio)electrochemical reactions. The model is used to support an in-depth study of the two MFCs, which differ for electrode spacing, anodic volume and fluid pattern within the anodic chamber, and to associate any difference in performance to design factors. Finally, system scale-up is demonstrated by generating stacks of the two MFCs. Thanks to the versatility of the model developed, this study becomes a guide for the effective development of future miniature MFCs

The Grizzly, February 16, 2012

Professor Debuts A Bright Swarm of Beetles • SPINTfest Offers Alternative Housing Options • S.U.N.\u27s Poetry Slam Entertains with a Variety of Guests • Commencement Awards to be Chosen by Students • UC Roller Hockey Program is Looking to Expand and Improve with New Recruits • UC Students Aid Spring-Ford School District after Tragic Suicide • Neuman Interns as Education Coordinator in Lancaster, PA • Opinion: Valentine\u27s Day Hype is Overblown; Celebrate February 14 Regardless of Relationship Status • Coach Profile: Joe Groff, Women\u27s Volleyball • Senior Spotlight: Lindsay Teuber, Women\u27s Basketball • Senior Wrestlers Exemplify Leadership, Excellencehttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1852/thumbnail.jp

The Grizzly, April 19, 2012

Berman Director Announces Departure • Lantern Celebrates 81 Years • McGown to Join Math Department • Professors Host Facebook Discussion in New Hall • Ursinus Students Promote Autism Awareness • Passion for Historical Reenactments • Hon. Richard Murphy Addressed Campus • Meerbergen Co-Leads Therapy Sessions in Pottstown • Opinion: Obama Will Need Help Come November; New York City Isn\u27t All It\u27s Cracked Up to Be • Class of 2012 Athletes Leave Holes to Fill • Field Hockey: Heading to Hollandhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1859/thumbnail.jp

Management of major bleeding in patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants: From experience to standardized protocols

Evaluation of clinical-laboratory-therapeutic management and related clinical outcomes (thrombotic-hemorrhagic complications) of patients undergoing treatment with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) during major bleeding. This is a two-year observational retrospective study. 27 cases of major bleeding in patients undergoing a therapy with DOACs presented to the Emergency Department of Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova (Reggio Emilia Hospital). 16 cases (59%) underwent reversal of anticoagulation treatment: 19% using specific reversal therapy (idarucizumab) and 81% using non-specific agents [4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC)]. Routine laboratory data were available for all the cases, but only for some patients it was possible to obtain the plasma dosage of the oral anticoagulant. Laboratory data confirm rapid correction of activated partial thromboplastin time within one hour from the reversal of anticoagulation with idarucizumab. The absence of correlation between standard blood tests and plasma drug dosage in patients treated with factor Xa Inhibitors was confirmed too. The management of major bleeding during treatment with DOACs using reversal therapy (idarucizumab) and non-specific reversal agent (4F-PCC) showed minimal thrombotic (0.3%) and hemorrhagic (0.3%) complications at 90 days; no events occurred after 6 months