The dispersion level of carbon nanotubes in the solvent was investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The results showed that carbon nanotubes were well wrapped

by the surfactant, and small carbon nanotube bundles several nanometers or less in diameter and several micrometers in length were obtained. Both scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the uniform dispersion of SWCNTs in the PMMA matrix. The mechanical properties of the composites were determined with a universal tension tester. The PMMA composite containing 2 wt % SWCNTs showed improved tensile properties versus neat PMMA, showing 56 and 30% check details enhancements Sapitinib inhibitor of the tensile modulus and tensile stress, respectively. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 114: 3414-3419, 2009″
“The shoot apical meristem (SAM) is responsible for the development of all the above-ground parts of a plant. Our understanding of the SAM at the molecular level is incomplete. This study investigates the gene expression repertoire

of SAMs in the garden pea (Pisum sativum). To this end, 10 346 EST sequences representing 7610 unique genes were generated from SAM cDNA libraries. These sequences, together with previously reported pea ESTs, were used to construct a 12K oligonucleotide array to identify genes with differential SAM expression, as compared to axillary meristems, root apical meristems, or non-meristematic tissues. A number of genes were identified, predominantly click here expressed in specific cell layers or domains of the SAM and thus are likely components of the gene networks involved in stem cell maintenance or the initiation of lateral organs.

Further in situ hybridization analysis confirmed the spatial localization of some of these genes within the SAM. Our data also indicate the diversification of some gene expression patterns and hence functions in legume crop plants. A number of transcripts highly expressed in all three meristems have also been uncovered and these candidates may provide valuable insight into molecular networks that underpin the maintenance of meristematic functionality.”
“Bone loss in the oral and maxillofacial region caused by trauma, tumors, congenital disorders, or degenerative diseases is a health care problem worldwide. To restore (reconstruct) these bone defects, human or animal bone grafts or alloplastic (synthetic) materials have been used. However, several disadvantages are associated with bone graft transplantation, such as limited bone volume, donor-site morbidity, surgical and immune rejection risks, and lack of osseo-integration.