Comparison of human uterine cervical electrical impedance measurements derived using two tetrapolar probes of different sizes

BACKGROUND We sought to compare uterine cervical electrical impedance spectroscopy measurements employing two probes of different sizes, and to employ a finite element model to predict and compare the fraction of electrical current derived from subepithelial stromal tissue. METHODS Cervical impedance was measured in 12 subjects during early pregnancy using 2 different sizes of the probes on each subject. RESULTS Mean cervical resistivity was significantly higher (5.4 vs. 2.8 Ωm; p < 0.001) with the smaller probe in the frequency rage of 4–819 kHz. There was no difference in the short-term intra-observer variability between the two probes. The cervical impedance measurements derived in vivo followed the pattern predicted by the finite element model. CONCLUSION Inter-electrode distance on the probes for measuring cervical impedance influences the tissue resistivity values obtained. Determining the appropriate probe size is necessary when conducting clinical studies of resistivity of the cervix and other human tissues

Delineation of VEGF-regulated genes and functions in the cervix of pregnant rodents by DNA microarray analysis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>VEGF-regulated genes in the cervices of pregnant and non-pregnant rodents (rats and mice) were delineated by DNA microarray and Real Time PCR, after locally altering levels of or action of VEGF using VEGF agents, namely siRNA, VEGF receptor antagonist and mouse VEGF recombinant protein.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Tissues were analyzed by genome-wide DNA microarray analysis, Real-time and gel-based PCR, and SEM, to decipher VEGF function during cervical remodeling. Data were analyzed by EASE score (microarray) and ANOVA (Real Time PCR) followed by Scheffe's <it>F</it>-test for multiple comparisons.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of the 30,000 genes analyzed, about 4,200 genes were altered in expression by VEGF, i.e., expression of about 2,400 and 1,700 genes were down- and up-regulated, respectively. Based on EASE score, i.e., grouping of genes according to their biological process, cell component and molecular functions, a number of vascular- and non-vascular-related processes were found to be regulated by VEGF in the cervix, including immune response (including inflammatory), cell proliferation, protein kinase activity, and cell adhesion molecule activity. Of interest, mRNA levels of a select group of genes, known to or with potential to influence cervical remodeling were altered. For example, real time PCR analysis showed that levels of VCAM-1, a key molecule in leukocyte recruitment, endothelial adhesion, and subsequent trans-endothelial migration, were elevated about 10 folds by VEGF. Further, VEGF agents also altered mRNA levels of decorin, which is involved in cervical collagen fibrillogenesis, and expression of eNO, PLC and PKC mRNA, critical downstream mediators of VEGF. Of note, we show that VEGF may regulate cervical epithelial proliferation, as revealed by SEM.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These data are important in that they shed new insights in VEGF's possible roles and mechanisms in cervical events near-term, including cervical remodeling.</p

Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Abscheiden von Absorber-Schichten fuer Duennschicht-Solarzellen

DE 102005040087 A1 UPAB: 20070608 NOVELTY - All layer-forming elements are cover-vapored in a vacuum working chamber (1), mixed in a vapor phase (11) and deposited on a substrate (3). During the vaporizing process, a plasma (13) is ignited and maintained in a space between a vaporizer's sources (9) and the substrate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a device for depositing absorber layers for thin-layer solar cells. USE - For depositing absorber layers for thin-layer solar cells. ADVANTAGE - The plasma diffuses the vapor phase and ionizes and excites vapor particles in all layer-forming elements

Einrichtung zur Erzeugung dichter Plasmen in Vakuumprozessen

The plasma process is used for coating a substrate (4) with AlxOy and a vapour is generated from an aluminium source (3) in a vacuum chamber (2). The plasma is produced by an electron beam (12) directed into the vapour stream. The system consists of an anode (7), cathode (6) and an electromagnet (10). The electron beam is directed through the magnetic field and into the vapour. USE/ADVANTAGE - Surface coating of substrates, such as packaging foil materials. Improved performance

Gas barrier coatings for packaging and flexible electronics

Permeation barrier films as key enabling technology. Permeation barrier films are materials that prevent transport of gases such as oxygen, water vapour and carbon dioxide through the film with the aim to control the atmospheric condition on one side of the system. Applications include e.g. packaging films for food and pharmaceutical products, thermal vacuum insulation panels in building facades, and encapsulation materials for flexible electronic devices. Performance of gas barriers is usually compared by measuring a gas transmission rate. The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) are of particular interest in the majority of applications. WVTR requirements of different products range from 1 g/(m2d) in food packaging to 10-6 g/(m2d) for organic light emitting diodes. It is important to mention that the gas transmission rate is not a material constant but depends on the atmospheric conditions (temperature, gas concentration; for water vapour: relative humidity). Higher temperature usually results in higher gas transmission rates; higher relative humidity on the «humid side» of the barrier film usually causes a higher WVTR as well, because the gradient to the «dry side» of the film is higher. Four common measurement conditions are used to determine the water vapour transmission rate of a barrier film: ambient condition: 23°C and 50% relative humidity (r.h.); tropical condition: 38°C and 90% r.h.; accelerated testing: 60°C and 90% r.h. and the damp-heat test: 85°C / 85% r.h. The damp heat test is mainly used to evaluate materials for photovoltaic modules and for automotive applications. Oxygen transmission rates (OTR) are typically measured at ambient temperature in a dry air atmosphere (23°C / 0% r.h.

Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Zuenden einer Hohlkatodenbogenentladung

DE1004010261 A UPAB: 20051027 NOVELTY - The plasma generator system has a hollow cathode (1) that is wound with a heating filament (4) and an anode (3). Coupled to the anode is a transducer (7) that measures the anode current. Electrical power is supplied (2) and is controlled by the difference (9) between the measured current and a reference value. USE - Vacuum coating processes. ADVANTAGE - Reliable arc triggering process