During heart valve remodeling, and in many disease states, valvular interstitial cells (VICs) shift to an activated myofibroblast phenotype which is characterized by enhanced synthetic and contractile activity. Pronounced alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA)containing stress fibers, the hallmark of activated myofibroblasts, are also observed when VICs are placed under tension due to altered mechani...

A mechanical activated SnO(2) nanowire was used as a prominent analytical platform for organic small molecules. The sensing is based on a mechanical response that is triggered by an analyte binding event on the surface of the nanowire.

Synthesis of nanomaterials by a simple, low cost and in high yield has been a great challenge since the very early development of nanoscience. Various bottom and top down approaches have been developed so far, for the commercial production of nanomaterials. Among all top down approaches, high energy ball milling, has been widely exploited for the synthesis of various nanomaterials, nanograins, ...

Mechanical force or mechanical stress modulates intracellular signal pathways, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) cascades. In our system, cell stretching activated and cell contraction inactivated all three MAP kinase pathways (MKK1/2-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), MKK4 (SEK1)-cJun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and MKK3/6-p38 pathways). However, little is known...

the first step in mining activities is rock excavation in both mine development and production. constant pressure for cost reduction and creating an improved/safe work environment for personnel has naturally resulted in increased use of mechanical excavation systems in many mining operations. also, mechanical excavation and mining is more compatible with automation, meaning possibility of reduc...

Advanced high strength steels (AHSS) have recently attracted great attention because of their superior mechanical properties. A modern group of these steels, known as twinning induced plasticity (TWIP) steels, shows a unique combination of strength and ductility even at high rates of strain. In order to examine the functionality of such steels in dynamic loading conditions, their mechanical beh...

A new porous carbon structures made by sintering whey powder in a mold at 150ºC and subsequent carbonization and/or activation are described. These represent step beyond simple activated monoliths, as they can take the shape of any machined if necessary. materials have porosity that reach up 70%, system hierarchical interconnected pores, which gives them high permeability. Furthermore, much hig...