The deformed microstructure around the indent was examined by 3D Raman and cathodoluminescence measurements. Further, a cross section extracted from the center of the indent was studied by transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the symmetry of the residual stress field on the surface depends not on the geometry of the indent but on the deformation mechanism of the crystal. The 3D Raman measurements allow calculating the volume of high-dislocation density in the vicinity of the indent.

(C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3224891]“
“Background: Patients perceive different symptoms of heart failure decompensation. It is not known whether AZ 628 in vitro the nature of the worst symptom relates to hemodynamic profile, response to therapy, or improvement in clinical trials.

Methods and Results: Patients in the Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness trial were hospitalized with advanced heart failure, ejection fraction <= 30%, and at least 1 sign and 1 symptom of elevated filling pressures. Visual analog scales (VAS) for symptoms were completed by 371 patients, who selected their worst symptom as difficulty breathing, fatigue, abdominal

Selleck Torin 1 discomfort, or body swelling and also scored breathing and global condition at baseline and discharge. The dominant symptom identified was difficulty breathing by 193(52%) patients, fatigue by 118(32%), and abdominal discomfort and swelling each by 30 (8%) patients, combined as right-sided congestion for analysis. Clinical and hemodynamic assessments were not different between groups except that right-sided congestion was associated with more hepatomegaly, ascites, third heart sounds, and jugular venous distention. This group also had greater reduction in jugular venous distention and trend toward higher

blood urea nitrogen after therapy. By discharge, average improvements in worst symptom and global score were 28 points and 24 points. For those with >= 10 points in improvement in worst symptom, 84% also improved global assessment >= 10 points. Initial fatigue was associated with less improvement (P = .002) during and check details after hospitalization, but improvements in symptom scores were sustained when re-measured during 6 months after discharge.

Conclusion: In most patients hospitalized with clinical congestion, therapy will improve symptoms regardless of the worst symptom perceived, with more evidence of baseline fluid retention and reduction during therapy for worst symptoms of abdominal discomfort or edema. Improvement in trials should be similar when tracking worst symptom, dyspnea, or global assessment. (J Cardiac Fail 2012;18:524-533)”
“Fluvastatin showed anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity in vitro, through the inhibition of geranylgeranylation of cellular proteins, and a synergistic effect with interferon (IFN)-alpha.