Thermal Density Functional Theory in Context

This chapter introduces thermal density functional theory, starting from the ground-state theory and assuming a background in quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics. We review the foundations of density functional theory (DFT) by illustrating some of its key reformulations. The basics of DFT for thermal ensembles are explained in this context, as are tools useful for analysis and development of approximations. We close by discussing some key ideas relating thermal DFT and the ground state. This review emphasizes thermal DFT's strengths as a consistent and general framework.Comment: Submitted to Spring Verlag as chapter in "Computational Challenges in Warm Dense Matter", F. Graziani et al. ed

Prototype ATLAS IBL Modules using the FE-I4A Front-End Readout Chip

The ATLAS Collaboration will upgrade its semiconductor pixel tracking detector with a new Insertable B-layer (IBL) between the existing pixel detector and the vacuum pipe of the Large Hadron Collider. The extreme operating conditions at this location have necessitated the development of new radiation hard pixel sensor technologies and a new front-end readout chip, called the FE-I4. Planar pixel sensors and 3D pixel sensors have been investigated to equip this new pixel layer, and prototype modules using the FE-I4A have been fabricated and characterized using 120 GeV pions at the CERN SPS and 4 GeV positrons at DESY, before and after module irradiation. Beam test results are presented, including charge collection efficiency, tracking efficiency and charge sharing.Comment: 45 pages, 30 figures, submitted to JINS

Saliva as research material: Biochemical, physicochemical and practical aspects

Whole saliva is a complex mixture of proteins and other molecules which originate from several sources. The biochemical and physicochemical properties of saliva contribute to the numerous functions of saliva in, e.g., speech, maintaining oral and general health, and food processing. Interest in saliva has increased in the last few years for its potential to diagnose viral, bacterial and systemic diseases. The use of saliva as research material may pose particular problems due to its inherent variability and instability. This review describes practical aspects of salivary as research material with emphasis on protein biochemistry and physical chemistry

Polyamine metabolism and programmed cell death in prostatic cancer cells

Contains fulltext : 20881___.PDF (publisher's version ) (Open Access

Involvement of polyamines in apoptosis. Facts and controversies: effectors of protectors?

Contains fulltext : 224063.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access

Feasibility of optical waveguide immunosensors for pesticide detection: physical aspects

The feasibility of detecting small molecules such as pesticides using optical evanescent-wave sensors is discussed with emphasis on the Mach-Zehnder sensor and a newly developed sensor called a ‘critical’ sensor. For direct detection of an estimated average pesticide layer growth of 2×10−4 nm, the sensitivity of the Mach-Zehnder sensor is almost adequate (1×10−3 nm within one hour), whereas that of the ‘critical’ sensor (2×10−2 nm) is not sufficient. However, the simplicity of this latter sensor is very attractive. Results of α-hSA/hSA immunoreaction experiments obtained with this last type of sensor are presented

Polyamines and prostatic cancer.

Item does not contain fulltextThe importance of polyamines in prostatic growth and differentiation has prompted studies to evaluate the clinical relevance of the ornithine decarboxylase/polyamine system in prostatic cancer. These studies show that differences in biological behaviour of prostatic (cancer) cells are associated with changes in polyamine levels and/or the activity of their metabolic enzymes. Faulty antizyme regulation of polyamine homoeostasis may play an important role in the growth and progression of prostatic carcinoma. Treatment of human prostate carcinoma cells with inhibitors of polyamine metabolic enzymes or polyamine analogues induces cell growth arrest or (apoptotic) cell death. Our recent in vitro studies using conformationally restricted polyamine analogues show that these compounds inhibit cell growth, probably by inducing antizyme-mediated degradation of ornithine decarboxylase. Sensitivity of human prostate cancer cells for these compounds was increased in the absence of androgens. These results suggest that these analogues might have chemotherapeutic potential in case prostatic cancer has become androgen-independent. Pilot data in an in vivo model show that these analogues have effects on tumour cell proliferation, vascularity, blood perfusion and tissue hypoxia. Overall, these studies show that polyamines may serve as important biomarkers of prostatic malignancy and provide a promising target for chemotherapy of prostatic cancer