Vapour phase preparation and characterisation of SiC f-SiC and C f-SiC ceramic matrix composites

Several 2D SiC f-SiC and C f-SiC composites were fabricated using isothermal and isobaric Chemical Vapour Infiltration (ICVI) process. The reinforcements used in the above composites are Nicalon CG fabric and C fabric. Prior to SiC matrix infiltration, BN and C interfaces were applied to the fibre by using the pre-cursors Boron Trichloride (BCl 3)-Ammonia (NH 3) and Methane (CH 4) respectively to improve the mechanical performance of the composites. SiC matrix was infiltrated by the decomposition of Methyl Trichloro Silane-CH 3SiCl 3 (MTS) in the presence of hydrogen at the temperature ranging from 950°C to 980°C. H 2/MTS flow rate ratio used for this study is 16:1.An appropriate temperature for uniform SiC infiltration without any premature pore closures have been obtained by kinetic experiment. Density and porosity of the above composites were measured using the method described by EN1389:2003. Various mechanical characterizations like flexural strength, tensile strength and fracture toughness of the SiC f-SiC composites were also studied. The SiC f-SiC composites were subjected to thermal exposure (1000°C for 100 hr in an oxidizing atmosphere) and tensile strength results obtained before and after thermal exposure were compared. RT Flexural Strength and Fracture Toughness (K IC) of composite-SQAV (SiC f/C/SiC) and composite-SQBII ( SiC f/BN/SiC) are measured by 3-point bending and results were compared. RT Flexural strength of C f-SiC composites with C interface of two thicknesses were measured and compared. X-ray diffraction and micro structure studies have been made to confirm the β-SiC and to see the fibre/matrix interface, uniformity of infiltration, fibre pullout and crack deflections

CD19-positive acute myeloblastic leukemia with trisomy 21 as a sole acquired karyotypic abnormality

We report that a 63-year-old Chinese female had acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) in which trisomy 21 (+21) was found as the sole acquired karyotypic abnormality. The blasts were positive for myeloperoxidase, and the immunophenotype was positive for cluster of differentiation 19 (CD19), CD33, CD34, and human leukocyte antigens (HLA)-DR. The chromosomal analysis of bone marrow showed 47,XX,+21[2]/46,XX[18]. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) showed that three copies of AML1 were situated in separate chromosomes, and that t(8;21) was negative. The patient did not have any features of Down syndrome. A diagnosis of CD19-positive AML-M5 was established with trisomy 21 as a sole acquired karyotypic abnormality. The patient did not respond well to chemotherapy and died three months after the diagnosis. This is the first reported case of CD19-positive AML with trisomy 21 as the sole cytogenetic abnormality. The possible prognostic significance of the finding in AML with +21 as the sole acquired karyotypic abnormality was discussed

Extracellular matrix and its role in spermatogenesis

In adult mammalian testes, such as rats, Sertoli and germ cells at different stages of their development in the seminiferous epithelium are in close contact with the basement membrane, a modified form of extracellular matrix (ECM). In essence, Sertoli and germ cells in particular spermatogonia are “resting” on the basement membrane at different stages of the seminiferous epithelial cycle, relying on its structural and hormonal supports. Thus, it is not entirely unexpected that ECM plays a significant role in regulating spermatogenesis, particularly spermatogonia and Sertoli cells, and the blood-testis barrier (BTB) constituted by Sertoli cells since these cells are in physical contact with the basement membrane. Additionally, the basement membrane is also in close contact with the underlying collagen network and the myoid cell layers, which together with the lymphatic network, constitute the tunica propria. The seminiferous epithelium and the tunica propria, in turn, constitute the seminiferous tubule, which is the functional unit that produces spermatozoa via its interaction with Leydig cells in the interstitium. In short, the basement membrane and the underlying collagen network that create the acellular zone of the tunica propria may even facilitate cross-talk between the seminiferous epithelium, the myoid cells and cells in the interstitium. Recent studies in the field have illustrated the crucial role of ECM in supporting Sertoli and germ cell function in the seminiferous epithelium, including the BTB dynamics. In this chapter, we summarize some of the latest findings in the field regarding the functional role of ECM in spermatogenesis using the adult rat testis as a model. We also high light specific areas of research that deserve attention for investigators in the field

Extracellular Matrix and Its Role in Spermatogenesis

In adult mammalian testes, such as rats, Sertoli and germ cells at different stages of their development in the seminiferous epithelium are in close contact with the basement membrane, a modified form of extracellular matrix (ECM). In essence, Sertoli and germ cells in particular spermatogonia are “resting” on the basement membrane at different stages of the seminiferous epithelial cycle, relying on its structural and hormonal supports. Thus, it is not entirely unexpected that ECM plays a significant role in regulating spermatogenesis, particularly spermatogonia and Sertoli cells, and the blood-testis barrier (BTB) constituted by Sertoli cells since these cells are in physical contact with the basement membrane. Additionally, the basement membrane is also in close contact with the underlying collagen network and the myoid cell layers, which together with the lymphatic network, constitute the tunica propria. The seminiferous epithelium and the tunica propria, in turn, constitute the seminiferous tubule, which is the functional unit that produces spermatozoa via its interaction with Leydig cells in the interstitium. In short, the basement membrane and the underlying collagen network that create the acellular zone of the tunica propria may even facilitate cross-talk between the seminiferous epithelium, the myoid cells and cells in the interstitium. Recent studies in the field have illustrated the crucial role of ECM in supporting Sertoli and germ cell function in the seminiferous epithelium, including the BTB dynamics. In this chapter, we summarize some of the latest findings in the field regarding the functional role of ECM in spermatogenesis using the adult rat testis as a model. We also highlight specific areas of research that deserve attention for investigators in the field