This work compares structural and optical properties of silicon nanocrystals prepared by two fundamentally different methods, namely, electrochemical etching of Si wafers and low-pressure plasma synthesis, completed with a mechano-photo-chemical treatment. This treatment leads to surface passivation of the nanoparticles by methyl groups. Plasma synthesis unlike electrochemical etching allows se...

Amongst the many stimuli orienting the growth of plant roots, of critical importance are the touch signals generated as roots explore the mechanically complex soil environment. However, the molecular mechanisms behind these sensory events remain poorly defined. We report an impaired obstacle-avoiding response of roots in Arabidopsis lacking a heterotrimeric G-protein. Obstacle avoidance may uti...

Signal regulatory proteins (SIRP) belong to immunoglobulin super family (IgSF) and relate to integrin signaling cascades. It has been shown that SIRPa is expressed in a variety of cells including myeloid cells and neurons. In the present study the expression of this IgSF member in articular chondrocytes was investigated. Methods: Using a panel of anti-SIRPalpha antibodies, immunohistochemistry...