An advantage of separation platforms based on deterministic micro- and nano-fabrications, relative to traditional systems based on packed beds of particles, is the exquisite control of all morphological parameters. For example, with planar platforms based on lithographically-prepared pillar arrays, the size, shape, height, geometric arrangement, and inter pillar gaps can be independently adjust...

This paper develops a formal model of banking regulation where the interactions between the 3 pillars of Basel 2 can be analyzed. It also provides a formal analysis of the mandatory subdebt proposal and shows that, under certain conditions, Pillar 1 (solvency ratio) and Pillar 3 (market discipline) are partially substitutable. The same is true for Pillar 2 (supervisory action) and Pillar 3. Mor...

Cochlear hair cells (HCs) are mechanosensory receptors that transduce sound into electrical signals. HC damage in nonmammalian vertebrates induces surrounding supporting cells (SCs) to divide, transdifferentiate and replace lost HCs; however, such spontaneous HC regeneration does not occur in the mammalian cochlea. Here, we acutely ablate the retinoblastoma protein (Rb), a crucial cell cycle re...

By observing gill blood flow using epi-illuminating microscopy, in parallel with cardiovascular recordings and immunohistochemistry, we have tried to identify the receptor mediating endothelin (ET) type 1 (ET1)-induced pillar cell contraction in the lamellae of the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Intra-arterial injection of the specific ET(B) receptor agonist BQ-3020 induced dose-dependent increas...

We report the first synthesis of bridged pillararenes. Meso-form pillar[6]arenes were diastereo-selectively formed by bridging units of a per-hydroxylated pillar[6]arene in an alternating up-and-down manner with dialkyldichlorosilanes.

Comparison of the liquid-crystalline properties of a pillar[5]arene core functionalized with 10 mesogenic cyanobiphenyl units with those of a corresponding model compound revealed the strong influence of the macrocyclic pillar[5]arene core on the mesomorphic properties.

A new water-soluble redox-active pillar[5]arene was synthesized by incorporation of one benzoquinone unit. The pillar[5]arene showed redox-responsive reversible lower critical solution temperature changes in aqueous solution.

This paper describes the multi-pillar social security reform strategy that many countries have been adopting in recent years. This strategy includes a public pillar that provides a social safety net, a privately managed funded pillar that handles peoples' mandatory retirement savings, and a voluntary pillar for people who want more consumption in old age. The basic rationale is that relying to ...

Our study focuses on characterization of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons cultured on silicon micro-pillar substrates (MPS) with the ultimate goal of designing micro-electrode arrays (MEAs) for successful electrophysiological recordings of DRG neurons. Adult and neonatal DRG neurons were cultured on MPS and glass coverslips for 7 days in vitro. DRG neuronal distribution and morphometric analy...