“
“In this study, we developed a miniaturized microfluidic-based high-throughput cell toxicity assay to create an in vitro model of Parkinson’s disease

(PD). In particular, we generated concentration gradients of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) to trigger a process of neuronal apoptosis in pheochromocytoma PC12 neuronal cell line. PC12 cells were cultured in a microfluidic channel, and a concentration gradient of 6-OHDA was generated in the channel by using a back and forth movement of the fluid flow. Cellular apoptosis was then analyzed along the channel. The results indicate that at low concentrations Galardin solubility dmso of 6-OHDA along the gradient (i.e., approximately less than 260 mu M), the neuronal death in the channel was mainly induced by apoptosis, while at higher concentrations, 6-OHDA induced neuronal death mainly through necrosis. Thus, this concentration appears to be useful for creating

an in vitro model of PD by inducing the highest level of apoptosis in PC12 cells. As microfluidic systems are Vorinostat molecular weight advantageous in a range of properties such as throughput and lower use of reagents, they may provide a useful approach for generating in vitro models of disease for drug discovery applications. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3580756]“
“An aqueous ribose-cysteine model system (initial pH 5.6) was conventionally heated to the same browning at varying temperatures (120-180 degrees C), supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO(2), 20 MPa) was also applied on the same matrices for same periods at each temperature and about 20% reduction of the absorbance at 420 am was observed as compared with sole thermal treatment. find more The headspace volatiles from Maillard reaction mixtures were analyzed by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) in combination with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and predominated with sulfur containing compounds, such as thienothiophenes,

polysulfur alicyclics, thiols, and disulfides. Reaction temperature exhibited complex effects on volatiles formation and those affects became further complicated by the SC-CO(2) treatment. The formation of noncarbonyl polysulfur heterocyclic compounds and thienothiophenes was generally favored at high temperatures. Most volatiles were inhibited in SC-CO(2) as compared with thermal treatment alone, however, the well-known meaty aromatic compounds, such as thiols and disulfides, were obviously enhanced.”
“Objective: To investigate possible associations of the novel adipocytokines resistin, apelin and visfatin (implicated in the complex control of bone biology) with several biochemical determinants of bone turnover in maternal blood from normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by gestational hypertensive disorders (preeclampsia or pregnancy-induced hypertension).

Expression of these genes and their corresponding physiological activities followed different patterns over time, suggesting the existence of both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. (C) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.”
“Using the first-principle density-functional theory, we study the structure and effects of vacancies in Sigma 3 (112) grain boundary with the coincident-site lattice structure in Si. We find that the formation energy for a Si vacancy in the grain boundary is significantly lower than that in Si perfect region, indicating strong segregation of

Si vacancy in grain boundary regions. The formation of Si vacancies in grain boundaries ISRIB manufacturer either cleans up the deep levels or facilitates complete passivation by H atoms. Our results suggest that vacancies in grain boundaries may play important role in determining grain boundary physics and passivation behavior.”
“Adequate selleck chemicals llc consumption of carotenoids including lycopene, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin have many benefits for human health. In plants, carotenoids are derived from isoprenoid precursors from the 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol

4-phosphate (MEP) pathway located in plastids. The MEP pathway is also required for the biosynthesis of chlorophyll, terpenoids, plant hormones, and other metabolites. Despite its complexity and difficulty, various strategies have been successfully used to improve the carotenoid biosynthesis in plants through metabolic engineering. Here, these metabolic engineering strategies are reviewed. In addition, the ATR inhibitor development of gene stacking technologies for carotenoid biosynthesis is evaluated. These technologies will expedite our efforts to bring the health benefits of carotenoids and other nutritional compounds to our diet.”
“Zn is an essential micronutrient in plants, and the mechanisms of Zn homeostasis are under intensive study. In this report, we have identified MtMTP1, a Zn transporter of the CDF family in the legume model plant Medicago truncatula. The ORF of the MtMTP1 cDNA encodes a protein consisting of 407

amino acid residues with a predicted molecular mass of 45 kDa. Like other metal tolerance proteins (MTPs) in plants, heterologous expression of MtMTP1 can complement the Zn-susceptible zrc1 cot1 yeast double mutant. The expression pattern was studied by quantitative fluorescent PCR. The expression of MtMTP1 was detected in all vegetative organs with the highest level of expression observed in leaves. With Zn supplementation its expression in roots was reduced while its expression in stems was increased in the first 2 days. No obvious changes were detected in leaves. Inoculation with Rhizobium meliloti down-regulated its expression in roots. (C) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.”
“The authors report results of investigation of thermal conductivity of nanocrystalline yttria-stabilized zirconia.

The optimized bone plate design selleck chemicals was

finally compared with standard bone plate configurations based on stress and strain measures.

Results: For incisal loading, the newly designed InterFlex II plate hits 69% of the fracture strain and only 34% of the plate stress of an 8-hole strut plate. For unilateral molar loading, those numbers improve even further to 59% and 27%, respectively. InterFlex II plate stresses are less than or equal to the paired plate configuration, and fracture strain is within 10% of the corresponding paired plate strain under both loading scenarios. In terms of mechanical performance, InterFlex II is in the same class as the commonly used paired plate configuration, despite having only 55% of the implanted volume.

Conclusion: A design process focused on shape and design variable optimization can produce bone plates that provide maximum fracture stability with minimum implanted volume. (C) 2009 American Association Sotrastaurin cell line of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 67:973-985, 2009″
“Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is the most common of the inherited ataxias and is associated with GAA trinucleotide repeat expansions within the first

intron of the frataxin (FXN) gene. There are expanded FXN alleles from 66 to 1,700 GAA center dot TTC repeats in FRDA patients and correlations between number of GAA repeats and frataxin protein levels are assumed. Here, we present for the first time frataxin protein levels as well as analysis of GAA triplet repeats in the FXN gene in a population of 50 healthy Austrian people. Frataxin protein levels were measured in lymphocytes from blood samples by ELISA and GAA repeats were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. Rather unexpectedly, we found a high variation of frataxin protein levels among the individuals. In addition, there was no correlation between frataxin levels, GAA repeats, age and sex in this group. However, these findings are of great importance for better characterization of the disease.”
“This study was designed to determine whether the surface modifications of the various poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB-co-4HB)] copolymer scaffolds fabricated

would enhance mouse fibroblast cells (L929) attachment and proliferation. The P(3HB-co-4HB) copolymer with selleck a wide range of 4HB monomer composition (1691 mol %) was synthesized by a local isolate Cupriavidus sp. USMAA1020 by employing the modified two-stage cultivation and by varying the concentrations of 4HB precursors, namely ?-butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol. Five different processing techniques were used in fabricating the P(3HB-co-4HB) copolymer scaffolds such as solvent casting, salt-leaching, enzyme degradation, combining salt-leaching with enzyme degradation, and electrospinning. The increase in 4HB composition lowered melting temperatures (Tm) but increased elongation to break. P(3HB-co-91 mol % 4HB) exhibited a melting point of 46 degrees C and elongation to break of 380%.

Vascular dilation was observed in the annular region in the vessels that passed along the long arm of the malleus,

in addition to the vessels feeding the anterior and posterior tympanomalleolar folds.

Conclusions: Although the relationship between ROS and the development of myringosclerosis after LY294002 mw myringotomy has been demonstrated, the present study is the first to compare incisional and RF myringotomy based on the measurement of ROS levels. Our results indicate that the increase in ROS due to myringotomy was greater following incisional myringotomy than RF myringotomy. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“The comparative pharmacokinetic (PK) study of two brands of clindamycin hydrochloride (CAS 21462-39-5) was carried out on 32 healthy Indian subjects in an open label randomized, HDAC inhibitor two way crossover, two period, two sequence, two treatment trial with a minimum washout period of 7 days. Plasma samples were collected at 10

min interval for the 1(st) hour, at 1 h interval for the next 6 h, at 2 h interval for next 12 h and finally at the 24(th) hour (pre-dose as baseline value) after drug administration. The concentrations of clindamycin in plasma were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique with UV detector [lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) 0.05 mu g . mL(-1)). All PK parameters were calculated from data on clindamycin content in plasma using a non-compartmental model. Primary PK parameters were maximum plasma concentration (C(max)), area under the curve from zero to eh hour

(AUCT) and area under the curve from zero to infinite (AUCI), whereas secondary PK parameters were elimination half-life (t(half)), elimination rate constant (K(el)) and time to reach maximum plasma concentration (T(max)). All primary PK parameters (log transformed) were subjected to ANOVA analysis and two one-sided Student’s t-test (TOST) to construct the 90% confidence intervals. The result of ANOVA showed that all primary PK parameters at 90% confident intervals were within the limit of 80-125%. All the values such as 95.7-109.00% for C(max), 99.5-117% for AUCT and 99.1% to 114% for AUCI showed pharmacokinetic equivalence and indicated that this comparative https://www.selleckchem.com/products/3-methyladenine.html pharmacokinetic study was well designed to conclude that the test formulation and reference formulation were pharmacokinetically equivalent and hence bioequivalent with respect to rate and extent of absorption.”
“Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the external (EA), transnasal endoscopic (TEA), and combined (CA) external and transnasal approaches to drain orbital subperiosteal abscesses complicating pediatric ethmoiditis.

Methods: This retrospective study included 38 children consecutively operated in our center for an orbital subperiosteal abscess complicating an acute ethmoiditis.

In four subjects, the interval between perfusion CT and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was 1-17 days (mean, 10.3 days). Correlation between perfusion CT findings and SPECT findings was assessed with the Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results: Three-dimensional perfusion CT images and axial, coronal, and sagittal whole-brain perfusion CT images were displayed, and see more the extent of ischemia was assessed. Mean visual evaluation

scores were significantly higher for whole-brain images than for four-section images (4.27 +/- 0.76 [standard deviation] vs 2.55 +/- 0.87). The cerebral blood flow ratios of the ischemic lesions relative to normal regions scanned with perfusion CT (x) and SPECT (y) showed a significant positive correlation (R(2) = 0.76, y = 0.44x + 0.37, P <.001).

Conclusion: Perfusion CT performed with a 256-detector row CT system can be used to assess this website the entire brain with administration of one contrast medium bolus. Thus, ischemic regions can be identified with one examination, which has the potential to improve diagnostic utility.

(C) RSNA, 2009″
“Background: An impaired cardiac output response to exercise is a hallmark of chronic heart failure (HF). We determined the extent to which noninvasive estimates of cardiac hemodynamics during exercise in combination with cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) responses improved the estimation of risk for adverse events in patients with HF.

Methods and Results: CPX and impedance cardiography were performed in 639 consecutive patients (mean age 48 +/- 14 years), evaluated for HF. Clinical, hemodynamic, and CPX variables were acquired at baseline and subjects were followed for

a mean of 460 +/- 332 days. Patients were followed for the composite outcome of cardiac-related ATR inhibitor death, hospitalization for worsening HF, cardiac transplantation, and left ventricular assist device implantation. Cox proportional hazards analyses including clinical, noninvasive hemodynamic, and CPX variables were performed to determine their association with the composite endpoint. There were 113 events. Among CPX variables, peak oxygen uptake (VO2) and the minute ventilation (VE)/carbon dioxide production (VCO2) slope were significant predictors of risk for adverse events (age-adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.11 for both; P < .001). Among hemodynamic variables, peak cardiac index was the strongest predictor of risk (HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.0-1.16; P = .01). In a multivariate analysis including CPX and noninvasively determined hemodynamic variables, the most powerful predictive model included the combination of peak VO2, peak cardiac index, and the VE/VCO2 slope, with each contributing significantly and independently to predicting risk; an abnormal response for all 3 yielded an HR of 5.1 (P < .001).

The interaction between template and functional monomers was Studied by UV spectrophotometry, which showed a formation of huperzine A-monomer complexes with stoichiometric ratio of 1 : 2 in the pre-polymerized systems. The resultant MIP particles were tested in the equilibrium binding experiment to analyze their adsorption ability to huperzine A, and were characterized Savolitinib Protein Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) study. The recognition properties of MIP were estimated in solid-phase

extraction by Selecting four compounds (isolated from the Chinese herb Huperzia serrata) as Substrates, and were compared with and prior to those of the NIP. High affinity and adsorption of MIP1 which was prepared in chloroform with huperzine A as imprinted molecule, and acrylamide (AM) as functional monomer, made all attractive application of MIP1 in separation processes. In final, using MIP1 solid-phase extraction

micro-column, huperzine A was enriched and separated from the real extraction sample of Huperzia serrata. (C) 2009 Wiley, Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 113: 3049-30-58, 2009″
“Effect of different infrared (IR) power levels on drying kinetics of pomegranate seeds was investigated. The pomegranate seeds were dried at 83, 104, 125, and 146 W IR power levels. It was observed that the power levels affected the drying rate and time. Drying time reduced from 150 to 60 min as the IR power level increased from 83 to 146 W. The experimental data obtained click here from drying study were fitted with 10 mathematical models to evaluate the drying kinetics of the

pomegranate seeds. The Page, Midilli et al., and Weibull models are given better prediction than the other models and satisfactorily described drying kinetics of pomegranate seeds. Effective diffusivity varied from 1.96 to 6.29×10(-11) m(2)/s and was significantly Copanlisib ic50 influenced by IR power.”
“Background: Little information is available on the mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in India, and no interventions to decrease transmission rates have been identified. Hence, we performed a long-term prospective study in infants born to HCV-positive mothers, with the aim of evaluating vertical transmission of HCV and correlated risks factors.

Methods: Three thousand one hundred and fifteen healthy asymptomatic pregnant women were included in the study. We used third-generation (Murex anti-HCV) ELISA and HCV RNA reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) for screening, and the commercial line probe assay (Inno-LiPA) and direct sequencing HCV genotyping assays were performed to confirm the transmitted HCV genotypes.

Results: Of the total 3115 healthy asymptomatic pregnant women, 18 (0.6%) were positive for anti-HCV.

Methods: Forty-seven children, ASA physical status I, were scheduled for elective strabismus surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the two inhalation anesthetic groups. Sevoflurane group comprised of 27 children, and desflurane group comprised of 20 children. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane or desflurane. No muscle relaxant was used. IOPs were measured before anesthesia, at 2 and 5 min after insertion of I-gelTM and after removal of I-gelTM. IOP measurements were obtained

by Tonopen (R). check details Results: Intraocular pressure significantly decreased 2 min after insertion of I-gelTM in both sevoflurane and desflurane groups (P < 0.001). Measurements 5 min after I-gelTM insertion were also significantly lower than those of before insertion in both groups (P < 0.01). However, no significant differences were found between the preoperative measurement and the measurement after removal of I-gelTM within two groups (P = 0.072 and P = 0.547, respectively). No significant differences were found in all IOP measurements between sevoflurane and desflurane groups. Conclusion: Insertion of I-gelTM

laryngeal mask airway with giving sevoflurane or desflurane inhalation anesthetics seemed not to cause any increase in IOPs in pediatric ophthalmic surgery.”
“Study Design. Epidemiological analysis using CTs.

Objective. To investigate the true incidence of lumbar spondylolysis Selleckchem PR 171 in the general population in Japan.

Summary of Background

Data. Although there have been several reports on the incidence of lumbar spondylolysis, they had some weakness. One of them concerns the subjects investigated, because the incidence of lumbar spondylolysis varies considerably, and some patients are asymptomatic. In addition, most of the past studies used plain radiograph films or skeletal GDC-0941 PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitor investigation. Therefore, the past reported incidence may not correspond to that of the general population.

Methods. We reviewed the computed tomography (CT) scans of 2000 subjects (age: 20-92 years) who had undergone abdominal and pelvic CT on a single multidetector CT scanner for reasons unrelated to low back pain. We reviewed them for spondylolysis, spondylolytic spondylolisthesis, and spina bifida occulta (SBO) in the lumbosacral region. The grade (I-IV) of spondylolisthesis was measured using midsagittal reconstructions.

Results. Lumbar spondylolysis was found in 117 subjects (5.9%). Their male-female ratio was 2:1. Multiple-level spondylolysis was found in 5 subjects (0.3%). Among these 117 subjects, there were 124 vertebrae with spondylolysis. Of them, 112 (90.3%) corresponded to L5, and 26 (21.0%) had unilateral spondylolysis.

SBO was found in 154 subjects. Of them, 25 had spondylolysis (16.2%), whereas, in 1846 subjects without SBO, 92 had spondylolysis (5.0%). The incidence of spondylolysis among the patients with SBO was significantly higher than that in subjects without SBO (Odd ratio was 3.7-fold).

Infusion was the most active against

all radicals. The same effect was observed in both cholinesterase inhibitory assays. Antibacterial capacity of both extracts was investigated here for the first time against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, being more effective against the first one. Additionally, alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity PD173074 purchase was also evaluated, but no effect was found. The bioactivities observed may be due, at least partially, to the presence of the metabolite determined in the present study. The results suggest that the extracts may be interesting to use as pharmaceutical incorporations and food additive due to its antiradical and antibacterial activity. However, toxicological studies in vivo should be performed in the future to ensure their safety. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Objective: To evaluate the detection of mucous

retention cyst of maxillary sinus (MRCMS) using panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Study Design: A digital database with 6,000 panoramic radiographs was reviewed for MRCMS. Suggestive images of MRCMS were detected on 185 radiographs, and patients were located and invited to return for follow-up. Thirty Kinase Inhibitor Library research buy patients returned, and control panoramic radiographs were obtained 6 to 46 months after the initial radiograph. When MRCMS was found on control radiographs, CBCT scans were obtained. Cysts were measured and compared on radiographs and scans. The Wilcoxon, Spearman and Kolmorogov-Smirnov tests were used for statistical analysis. The level of significance was set at 5%.

Results: There were statistically significant differences between the two methods (p < 0.05): 23 MRCMS detected on panoramic radiographs were confirmed by CBCT, but 5 MRCMS detected on CBCT images had not been identified by panoramic radiography. Eight MRCMS detected on control

radiographs were not confirmed by CBCT. MRCMS size differences from initial to Y-27632 control panoramic radiographs and CBCT scans were not statistically significant (p = 0.617 and p = 0.626). The correlation between time and MRCMS size differences was not significant (r = -0.16, p = 0.381).

Conclusion: CBCT scanning detect MRCMS more accurately than panoramic radiography.”
“To assess the quality of life and its correlation with sociodemographic data in patients after spine surgery and limb amputation relative to controls.

The SF-36 Health Status Questionnaire (questionnaire with eight domains and two subscales – Physical Component Summary scale (PCS) and Mental Component Summary scale (MCS)) was given to 52 patients after spine surgery because of chronic back pain and 41 patients after limb amputation. Thirty healthy people comprised the control group. In statistical analysis Kruskal-Wallis, U Mann-Whitney and Spearman tests were used.

and Chroma), dry matter and oil content. In general, total phenols increased during ripening, while flavonoids slightly decreased. The main fatty acid identified was oleic see more acid (about 67-70% of total content). In general, a significant increase in monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids was observed during avocado ripening while polyunsaturated fatty acid content decreased (p<0.05). Lipophilic extracts showed higher values of antioxidant

capacity than hydrophilic, however, both extracts had similar trends for DPPH, TEAC and ORAC assays. DPPH and TEAC assays had a positive correlation with some unsaturated fatty acids. Avocado at different ripeness stages showed a better antioxidant capacity in the lipophilic fraction, which correlated with the fatty acid content evaluated. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Maternal-fetal alloimmune thrombocytopenia complicates about 0.1% of all pregnancies and is associated with major fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, especially spontaneous central nervous system bleeding leading to death and neurological handicaps. Successful prevention and treatment depend P005091 mouse on the identification of at-risk possible carriers of anti-platelet

antibodies.

We report a case of a mother with a previous child that developed neonatal hemorrhage; HPA-5b anti-platelet antibodies were detected post-natally. During the next pregnancy, fetal genotyping confirmed the presence of HPA-5b antigen; she was treated with weekly intravenous human immunoglobulin and oral prednisone. Pregnancy evolved without remarkable features and a full-term baby was delivered, with normal platelet counts.

Fetal alloimmune thrombocytopenia is a

potentially lethal condition, but early detection and prevention lead to successful outcome in most cases.”
“Objectives: Advancement in technology check details has led to a decrease in invasiveness for surgical management of malignant renal neoplasms. Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is an established treatment for renal tumors. Since the introduction of robotic surgery in the realm of urology, many procedures have been done robotically. We evaluated the feasibility, safety, and oncological outcomes of robotic radical nephrectomy (RRN). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent RRN for renal tumors at our institute from September 2007 to March 2011. Patients with standard indications for a radical nephrectomy were offered a robot-assisted procedure. Intraoperative parameters (operative time, blood loss, transfusion of blood products), postoperative parameters and complications were recorded. Results: Twenty-three patients who underwent RRN were included. Mean operative time was 132.7 min and mean blood loss 270 ml. The majority of patients were able to tolerate liquid diet, were free from drain, and were fit for discharge by postoperative day (POD) 1, POD 2 and POD 3, respectively. After the mean follow-up of 29.

Rapid prototyping technologies can construct physical models from computer-aided design via 3-dimensional (3D) printers. A prefabricated 3D model is achieved, which assists in accurate contouring of plates and/or planning of bone graft harvest geometry before surgery. The 2 most commonly used rapid prototyping technologies

are stereolithography and 3D printing (3DP). Three-dimensional printing is advantageous to stereolithography for better accuracy, quicker printing time, and lower cost. We present 3 clinical cases based on 3DP modeling technology. Models were fabricated before the resection of mandibular ameloblastoma and were used to prepare bridging plates before the first stage of reconstruction. In 1 case, another model was fabricated and used as a template for iliac crest bone graft in the check details second stage of reconstruction. The 3DP technology provided a precise, fast, and cheap mandibular reconstruction, which aids in shortened operation time (and therefore decreased exposure time to general anesthesia, decreased blood loss, and shorter wound exposure time) and easier surgical procedure. (Oral Surg Oral Med

Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009;108:661-666)”
“Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNST) are rare sarcomas with one of the poorest prognoses of all the soft tissue sarcomas. Information about adjuvant treatment is scarce and not homogeneous for this diagnosis. We analyzed retrospectively the outcome of patients with localized high grade MPNST admitted to our Institute from 1969 to 2008. A review ARN-509 mouse of the literature is also reported. Of 62 evaluable patients, 23 were females and 39 males, median age 39 years (17-71), 22/62 had neurofibromatosis type I. Median follow-up was 54 months (range 12-194). A total of 22/62 are alive; 26 patients had

surgery alone, 18 received radiation therapy, 12 received radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and 6 received only adjuvant chemotherapy. The 5-year disease-free survival was 30% and 5-year overall survival was 38%. A positive trend for adjuvant radiation, but not for chemotherapy was observed according to univariate analysis only for disease-free survival and overall survival. Multivariate NOV120101 analysis indicated that primary site, size and surgical margins remained significant for disease-free survival and only site and size were significant for overall survival. New drugs employed successfully in advanced MPNST should be employed also in the adjuvant setting.”
“Ge nanocrystals embedded in HfO2 matrices were prepared by rf magnetron sputtering technique. Transmission electron micrographs reveal the formation of spherical shape Ge nanocrystals of 4-6 nm diameters for 800 degrees C and 6-9 nm for 900 degrees C annealed samples. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the formation of surface oxidized Ge nanocrystals. Embedded Ge nanocrystals show strong photoluminescence peaks in visible and ultraviolet region even at room temperature. Spectral analysis suggests that emission in 1.