Search

Varespladib (LY315920) is a synthetic phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2) inhibitor that has been demonstrating antiophidic potential against snake venoms that present PLA 2 neurotoxins. In this study, we evaluate the capacity of Varespladib to inhibit the neuromuscular effects of crotoxin (CTX), the main toxic component of Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom, and its PLA 2 subunit (CB). We performed a myographic study to compare the neuromuscular effects of CTX or CB and the mixture of these substances plus Varespladib in mice phrenic nerve-diaphragm muscle preparations. CTX (5 μg/mL), CB (20 μg/mL), or toxin-inhibitor mixtures pre-incubated with different concentration ratios of Varespladib (1:0.25; 1:0.5; 1:1; w/w) were added to the preparations and maintained throughout the experimentation period. Myotoxicity was assessed by light microscopic analysis of diaphragm muscle after myographic study. CTX and CB blocked the nerve-evoked twitches, and only CTX induced histological alterations in diaphragm muscle. Pre-incubation with Varespladib abolished the muscle-paralyzing activity of CTX and CB, and also the muscle-damaging activity of CTX. These findings emphasize the clinical potential of Varespladib in mitigating the toxic effects of C. d. terrificus snakebites and as a research tool to advance the knowledge of the mechanism of action of snake toxins. • Crotoxin and CB induce a time-dependent blockade of ex vivo neuromuscular preparations. • Crotoxin promotes myotoxicity in mice diaphragm muscle. • Varespladib prevents the neuromuscular blockade induced by Crotoxin and CB. • Varespladib neutralizes the myotoxicity of CTX. • Varespladib is an important tool for the study of snake PLA 2 toxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Co-modified MnO x catalyst formed MnCo 2 O 4 solid solution. • Co doping added additional Lewis acid sites and promoted the conversion of Mn2+ to Mn3+ and Mn4+. • Co addition effectively reduced the energy barriers for N-H cleavage and oxygen vacancy formation. The simultaneous removal of NO x and CVOCs in a deNO x unit has gained significant attention in recent years. However, efficient co-removal of NO x and CVOCs is still a challenge due to the low tail gas emission temperatures in the non-electric industry. To address this, m-MnO x (m = Sn or Co) catalysts were prepared based on the Mn-based catalyst to investigate their catalytic performance in removing NO x and CB. The results demonstrated that the Co-MnO x catalyst exhibited the best catalytic activity, achieving over 90 % NO x conversion within the temperature window of 105–275 °C, while CB conversion rates surpassed 90 % above 180 °C. The characterization results revealed that Co doping formed MnCo 2 O 4 adding additional Lewis acid sites and promoted the conversion of Mn2+ to Mn3+ and Mn4+, thereby improving the redox ability and surface acidity of the Co-MnO x catalyst. DFT simulations revealed that Co addition improved the adsorption of NH 3 and CB on the Co-MnO x catalyst and effectively reduced the energy barriers for N-H cleavage and oxygen vacancy formation. This work is hoped to provide an important reference for the further design and optimization of efficient low-temperature NO x /CB synergistic removal catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible strain sensors are widely used in wearable applications such as human motion and health detection, but it is challenging to prepare sensors with excellent performance, such as a wide sensing range and high sensitivity with a simple process and low cost. By taking the advantages of the electrostatic spinning technique that can prepare micro-structured films with fibrous porous networks, and this paper investigated the effect of the distance between the electrostatic spinning needle and the collection drum on the mechanical properties of the PU films produced. Then, the most mechanically excellent three-dimensional porous PU fiber film was selected as the substrate, and Carbon Black (CB) particles were selected as the conductive filler to prepare the CB/PU/Ecoflex strain sensor (CPESS) with a three-dimensional porous fiber network structure by spraying CB on the PU fiber film for the sensitive layer and applying a layer of biocompatible Ecoflex on the surface as the encapsulation layer. Owing to the substrates of this three-dimensional network microstructure with excellent mechanical properties such as high Young's modulus and elongation at break, the CPESS has an excellent sensing performance, with a detection range of 200 %, a sensitivity of up to 1443.95, rapid dynamic response of 50 ms, a low detection limit of (0.3 % strain), favorable repeatability, and excellent dynamic response at a large-scale tensile strain of 150 % − 200 %. The CPESS can be used to detect human joint movements and fine motion changes, and it exhibits great potential for smart wearable applications. [Display omitted] • The PU film with the best mechanical properties is prepared by adjusting the collection distance of spinning. • Sensitivity and wide sensing range is improved by spraying CB on the PU film with three-dimensional porous fiber network. • The sensor can detect human fine movements and has excellent dynamic response under large-scale stretching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract It has been shown from the late 70s onwards that photo-catalytic CO 2 reduction can be achieved using complex catalysts. Theoretically reduction can occur at different potentials yielding various organic molecules. Using these catalysts allows the reaction to go via a multiple proton/electron route. Successful upscale of a working system would mean a route to usable chemicals along with a reduction in atmospheric CO 2 levels. The downside to the complexes used is their rather low efficiencies. More control over the catalysis is desired, along with easier ways to remove the catalysts from the end product. Attachment onto surfaces would achieve this through more control over catalytic orientation allowing the tailoring of properties through surface modifications. Semiconducting surfaces are of great importance in this area as the attachment of a complex catalyst onto the surface not only gives the possibility of altering catalyst efficiency but can also be used as a conduction band bridge between photosensitizing molecule and attached catalyst as a result of different energy states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fundamental study of structure–activity relationship in simultaneous removal. • The synergistic effect of acid sites and redox sites is clarified. • The activity and mobility of oxygen species is conducive for reaction. • The competition between Cl dissociation and NH 3 adsorption is proved. • Oxidation of benzoquinone and nonaromatic species is inhibited by SCR. Exploring the fundamental relationship between catalyst properties (surface acidity and redox capacity) and NO x /chlorobenzene (CB) conversion is a major challenge for developing efficient synergistic catalyst. A series of designed MnO x confined titania nanotubes catalysts with different Mn content were tested and systematically characterized and the catalyst with Mn/Ti = 0.5 exhibited the outstanding collaborative activity·NH 3 /NO x /CB-TPD results revealed that both the strength of acid sites and the synergistic ability of acid sites and oxidation sites were conducive to the adsorption and activation of reactants. O 2 -TPD, H 2 -TPR and XPS results illustrated that abundant oxygen species and excellent oxygen migration capacity were beneficial to the redox cycle in the reaction process, and strong reducibility driven the interface reaction of activated reactants. DRIFTs results showed that the Lewis acid site was the crucial factor to the synergistic reaction because it strongly adsorbed NH 3 and was also the sites for the dissociation of C-Cl bond. Furthermore, the introduction of SCR atmosphere inhibited the ring breaking of CB and oxidation of nonaromatic intermediate species, indicating the competition between CB oxidation and NH 3 /NO x activation in E-R/L-H route and this result proved the importance of redox capacity in simultaneous removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IMO Tier III, applied on 1 January 2016, forced that NOx emissions must not exceed 3.4 g/kWh for low-speed marine diesel engines (engine speed lower than 130 rpm) in NOx ECAs. And the best answer for propulsion of nautical ships presently and for the near decades is the low-speed two-stroke diesel engines. Any abatement technology that reduces NOx emissions to the expected point can be allowed. EGR is an effective technology that has been verified on automotive applications and marine diesel engines (high speed and medium speed). This paper provides an internal measure: EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) combined with CB (cylinder bypass) and EGB (exhaust gas bypass) to reduce NOx emissions. Combined with CB and EGB, the EGR system applied on the engine can reduce the NOx emissions under 3.4 g/kWh. To test the effects of the EGR system, three modes were set: non-EGR mode, low-EGR mode and ECA-EGR mode. The effects of different modes on NOx emissions, fuel consumption, engine power and emissions are investigated. As a result, it can be concluded when the engine run in the ECA-EGR mode, NOx emissions can meet the requirements of IMO Tier III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyaniline (PANi) is an excellent electrode material with high pseudocapacitance for supercapacitors. Here the binder-free supercapacitor electrodes with high specific capacitance (458 F g −1 at 2 mV s −1 ) and Coulombic efficiency (100%) are successfully synthesized via a one-step potentialdynamic co-deposition of PANi and carbon black (CB). Significant synergistic effect between PANi and CB is demonstrated. Particularly, CB as the secondary dopant of PANi has been found to play an important role in producing higher conductivity, extended conformation structure, improved porosity, higher oxidation state and depressed hydrolysis effect, leading to superior capacitive performance. This promotes better understanding about synergistic effect between active materials and carbon additives, and opens up new research direction for high performance electrode design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Pressure sensors based on nitrogen-doped bamboo-shaped carbon nanotubes (N-BCNT) and carbon black (CB) as nanofillers, polyurethane foam (PU) as supporting substrate, and silicone rubber (SR) as a matrix were prepared. Dip coating was used to coat PU with 0.44 wt% nanofiller, including different mixing ratios of N-BCNT and CB (5:5; 6:4; 7:3; 8:2; 9:1). Then, the coated PU is impregnated in SR to fill the pores. Due to the higher aspect ratio of the N-BCNT, it contributes more to improving the electrical conductivity in the composites, while the CB fills the smaller gaps. The prepared sensors were tested in various applications, and it was found that the optimal mixing ratio of nanofillers was 7:3 N-BCNT:CB. Thus, a multifunctional pressure sensor has been developed successfully with excellent flexibility and good resilience, suitable for motion detection and finger touch applications. The pressure sensor showed high sensitivity, and the ability to detect a wide range of pressures. The sensor exhibited success in a range of applications, paving the way for its potential use in various fields in the future, such as wearable devices, prosthetics, robotic devices, and medical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A cheap, easy-to-test technology is necessary to detect the tyrosine. • A cheap, high-performance electrochemical sensor was prepared via dispensing. • The synergistic effect of CB and GO active materials on the electrochemical performance of Tyr was explored. • The composite electrode had a low detection limit for the tyrosine. This study investigated the performance of carbon-based carbon black (CB) and graphene oxide (GO) co-doped electrodes for electrochemical testing and analyzed their respective contributions to electrochemical performance. In this study, a CB–GO/CP two-layer electrode system was constructed on the surface of a hydrophilic carbon paper (CP) for the electrochemical detection of tyrosine (Tyr). The fabricated electrochemical electrode significantly increases the active area, and as a convenient and low-cost method of electrode fabrication, it significantly simplifies the electrode manufacturing process, eliminating the steps of electrode pretreatment, in situ modification, and post-treatment. Electrochemical test results demonstrate that the sensitivity to Tyr is [1.07 × 10−1 µA/µM cm2], Limit of detection (LOD) [100 µM], and linear ranges [0.1–2 mM]. It also has one-week electrode stability and good repeatability. Scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectra of the CB–GO/CP electrodes show that GO and CB form a solid structure through the combination of van der Waals force, adsorption force, and CP substrate. A convenient CB–GO co-doped electrochemical electrode for Tyr detection will play a significant role in biomedical and civilian detection fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Change and motion detection plays a basic and guiding role in surveillance video analysis. Since most outdoor surveillance videos are taken in native and complex environments, these “static” backgrounds change in some unknown patterns, which make perfect foreground extraction very difficult. This paper presents two universal modifications for pixel-wise foreground/background segmentation: dynamic background estimation and complementary learning. These two modifications are embedded in three classic background subtraction algorithms: probability based background subtraction (Gaussian mixture model, GMM), sample based background subtraction (visual background extractor, ViBe) and code words based background subtraction (code book, CB). Experiments on several popular public datasets prove the effectiveness and real-time performance of the proposed method. Both GMM and CB with the proposed modifications have better performance than the original versions. Especially, ViBe with the modifications outperforms some state-of-art algorithms presented on the CHANGEDETECTION website. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance and microbial communities of two differently inoculated biotrickling filters (BTFs) treating chlorobenzene (CB) were compared. The previously isolated Ralstonia pickettii L2 was employed to enhance the performance of BTF. The two separate BTFs (BTF-1 and BTF-2) were initially inoculated with the previously isolated Ralstonia pickettii L2 + sludge and sludge, respectively. The bioaugmented BTF-1 showed a faster start-up, with over 90% CB removal from day 14 onwards, while BTF-2 without bioaugmentation reached 88% CB removal on day 35. BTF-1 also exhibited considerably better CB removal and mineralization capacity. The maximum elimination and mineralization extent of BTF-1 and BTF-2 were 117 g m −3 h −1 and 91.6%, and 89 g m −3 h −1 and 82.1%, respectively. Quantitative monitoring of the introduced bacterial strain was performed with a real-time PCR protocol. Real-time PCR and DGGE both gave consistent results regarding the presence of Ralstonia pickettii L2 during the whole operation of BTF-1. The inoculated strains were exclusively found in the BTF-1 in which it was added, and remained persistent throughout the whole operation, indicating a successful bioaugmentation. The bioaugmented BTF was shown to be a possible alternative technology for the treatment of waste gas containing CB or other recalcitrant compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In polymer composites and nanocomposites with conducting fillers, conductivity changes significantly with strain and with the evolution of damage, which forms the basis for using the composite itself as sensor (self-sensing) for strain and for structural health monitoring. Less frequent is the use of capacitance sensors, where the changes of capacitance of the sample during deformation are utilized. Here we present results of recent work in the use of electrical dc measurements to monitor strain and to follow the onset and evolution of damage in selected examples of polymer composites and nanocomposites, pointing out differences in their properties. The materials we measured were PP (Poly-Propylene) filled with unfunctionalized MWCNTs (Multi Walled Carbon Nano-Tubes), SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) filled with CB (Carbon Black) and PEEK (Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone) reinforced with CFs (Carbon Fibers). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Primary care is a critical setting for suicide prevention because it is often the first and only source of mental health care for the U.S. general population. It is also important because suicidal patients report a greater number of somatic complaints and make more frequent medical visits compared to nonsuicidal patients. Models for managing suicide within primary care have recently arisen, yet no models have been proposed for use within the patient-centered medical home (PCMH), a primary care model that integrates behavioral health into its practice. The authors suggest a chronic disease model for the management of suicide risk in the PCMH along with collaborative strategies that may include suicide screening and targeted assessment, warm hand-offs, cognitive-behavioral interventions, routine collaborative medication management, and means restriction counseling. The current paper advises how those within the PCMH can adapt and implement evidence-based practices to manage suicide. Finally, the authors discuss a case example illustrating these evidence-based and collaborative methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Cav1.3 was localized in neurons of the CNS. [•] Calbindin was co-localized with Cav1.3 in some of the neurons. [•] The possible implications of Cav1.3 and CB co-localization were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Electron transfer from excited state of phenanthroimidazole to alumina is not possible. [•] Energy transfer from fluorophore to alumina lattice. [•] Energy gap between fluorophore LUMO and nano CB is discussed. [•] Phenanthroimidazole is adsorbed on the surface of semiconductor nanocrystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The dynamics of photoinduced electron injection from 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1-phenyl-1H-benzimidazole (FPPBI) to CuO, Fe2O3 and WO3 nanocrystals has been studied by FT-IR, absorption, fluorescence and lifetime spectroscopic methods. The association between nanoparticles and FPPBI is explained from both absorption and fluorescence quenching data. The distance between FPPBI and nanoparticles as well as the critical energy transfer distance has been obtained. The free energy change (ΔG et) for electron injection has also been deduced. Energy gap between LUMO and CB is correlated with the binding efficiency of the FPPBI with nanoparticles. The electron transfer between the FPPBI with nanosemiconductors is explained in detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We reported the design of a grape-cluster-like conductive network in a polypropylene (PP) matrix, where oriented multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) served as branches and provided charge transport over large distances while grape-like carbon black (CB) aggregates enriched around MWCNTs and linked these conductive tubes through charge transport over small distances. The key for construction of this grape-cluster-like conductive network was the extension and orientation of MWCNTs, which was achieved in this work by multistage stretching extrusion with an assembly of laminating-multiplying elements (LMEs, which divide and recombine polymer melts). The highest efficient grape-cluster-like conductive network was obtained at a CB:MWCNT weight ratio of 6. The experimental results showed that this novel grape-cluster-like conductive network provided a low percolation threshold for PP/CB/MWCNT composites due to the synergistic effect of CB and oriented MWCNTs. When the combined CB and MWCNT content was about 6.9vol%, the electrical resistivity of PP/CB/MWCNT composites prepared by multistage stretching extrusion with 6 LMEs decreased to only 0.63Ωcm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study investigated the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated as a function of the physicochemistry of incense particulate matter (IPM), diesel exhaust particles (DEP) and carbon black (CB). Microscopical and elemental analyses were used to determine particle morphology and inorganic compounds. ROS was determined using the reactive dye, Dichlorodihydrofluorescin (DCFH), and the Plasmid Scission Assay (PSA), which determine DNA damage. Two common types of soot were observed within IPM, including nano-soot and micro-soot, whereas DEP and CB mainly consisted of nano-soot. These PM were capable of causing oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner, especially IPM and DEP. A dose of IPM (36.6–102.3μg/ml) was capable of causing 50% oxidative DNA damage. ROS formation was positively correlated to smaller nano-soot aggregates and bulk metallic compounds, particularly Cu. These observations have important implications for respiratory health given that inflammation has been recognised as an important factor in the development of lung injury/diseases by oxidative stress. This study supports the view that ROS formation by combustion-derived PM is related to PM physicochemistry, and also provides new data for IPM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In JT-60SA, the new satellite tokamak to be built in Naka, Japan, the magnetic field for plasma generation and confinement is produced by a number of superconducting coils whose rated current ranges from 20kA to 25.7kA, with a nominal voltage up to 5kV. This paper deals with the conceptual design of the Quench Protection Circuits (QPC) of JT-60SA, which must provide a fast removal of the energy stored in the superconducting coils in case of quench. The core of the QPC units is based on a dc current breaker, which diverts the coil current into a discharge resistor. Different concepts of dc circuit breaker for QPC were considered, including vacuum and static circuit breakers; then, a hybrid solution, composed of a mechanical bypass switch paralleled to a static switch based on Integrated Gate Commutated Thyristor (IGCT) technology, has been worked out. A pyrobreaker is added in series to the hybrid switch as a backup protection. The resulting design allows benefiting from the fast breaking and very low maintenance requirement of the static switches, besides maintaining the advantage of the much lower power losses of the mechanical bypass in normal operation. After a brief presentation of the preliminary studies, the selected design solution for JT-60SA is presented in detail. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • CB conversion reached 90% at 120 °C with O 3 /CB of 10.0 over 3D sphere-like MnCoO x. • NO presence accelerated transformation of intermediates from CB ozonation. • H 2 O, SO 2 , DCE, and PhH demonstrated variable effects for CB catalytic ozonation. • Other components promoted Cl species removal but caused more byproducts formation. This paper synthesized bimetallic MnCoO x catalysts for efficient synergistic ozonation of chlorobenzene (CB) and NO with presence of complicated components in flue gas. MnCoO x -I (MnCo-I) with 3D sphere-like morphology and crystalline structure of MnCo 2 O 4.5 attained CB conversion of 90% with the O 3 /CB of 10.0 at 120 °C. High porosity, CO 2 desorption ability and abundant acidity contributed to its excellent performance. Catalytic co-ozonation of CB/NO over MnCo-I demonstrated that NO presence possessed negligible effects for CB conversion. But promoted mineralization rate increase, which originate from the high valence intermediates of NO ozonation. Besides, SO 2 and 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) introduction promoted CB ozonation and CB/NO co-ozonation, while H 2 O, and benzene (PhH) presence demonstrated opposite but not obvious tendency. The chlorinated methane species were dramatically increased with DCE presence, while the chlorinated benzene was promoted by NO addition. These observations provided a significant brand-new insight for VOC catalytic ozonation under practical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Cold acclimation of plants affects many aspects of metabolism. Changes in plasma membrane lipids have always been considered to be important for development of frost resistance and survival at subzero temperatures. We studied different cultivars of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) that differed in frost resistance induced either by cold acclimation or treatment with the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA). Plasma membranes were isolated from non-acclimated and cold- as well as from ABA-acclimated plants, and were subjected to detailed lipid analysis. Cold acclimation affected virtually all plasma membrane lipid components and their constituents, resulting in both increases and decreases, which varied between the three groups of plants investigated. Including the cold-induced variations observed in the few plant species studied in detail previously, cerebrosides were the only components reduced by cold acclimation in all plants. In wheat, more uniform and consistent patterns were obtained when considering colligative parameters such as total free sterols, phospholipids or glycolipids, either as the proportion of total lipids or based on plasma membrane protein. The parameter which changed most significantly in parallel to the increase of inducible frost resistance in the three groups of plants was the ratio of free sterols/glycolipids, which increased. ABA treatment resulted in qualitatively similar effects in only one cultivar, but in general these changes were less pronounced. Compared to changes in transcription rates of several cold-induced genes and in the concentration of various compatible solutes reported for other plants, the observed changes in plasma membrane lipids are minor ones. This may indicate that acclimation-induced changes can be accomplished by posttranscriptional regulation of enzymatic activities, which is in agreement with the failure to detect significant changes in transcription of the corresponding genes during cold induction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Deep somatic pain originating in joints and tendons is a major therapeutic challenge. Spontaneous pain and mechanical hypersensitivity can develop as a consequence of sensitization of primary afferents directly involved in the inflammatory process, but also following sensitization of neuronal processing in the spinal cord (central sensitization) or higher centres. Inflammatory pain is linked to sensitization of sensory proteins at the nociceptive endings whereas pain originating from nerve damage (neuropathic pain) has been linked to changes in axonal ion channels producing ectopic discharge in nociceptors as a source of pain. New targets for analgesic therapy include sensory proteins at the nociceptive nerve endings such as the activating TRPV and ASIC channels, but also inhibitory opioid and cannabinoid receptors. Therapeutic targets are also found among the axonal channels that set membrane potential and modulate discharge frequency such as voltage sensitive sodium channels and various potassium channels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The development of geoduck culture techniques coupled with increased market demand during the past decade led to cultured intertidal geoduck beds, over which concerns have arisen regarding the potential genetic risk posed by the reproductive contribution of hatchery outplants to wild stocks. Although an ongoing study to determine the genetic stock structure of Puget Sound geoducks has yet to yield definitive results, sterile triploids would enable geoduck culture to proceed irrespective of any genetic differences found, and may increase rate of growth. At 15 °C and salinity of 30‰, we evaluated the suitability of cytochalasin B (CB) and 6-dimethylaminopurine (6-DMAP) for triploid induction in geoducks. Parallel tests of induction agent, start time, duration, and concentration were conducted on the same gamete pool. We found optimal triploid induction (92%) and suitable survivorship (30%) resulted from a 600 μM 6-DMAP treatment. This work enables the future examination of the efficacy of triploid induction for conferring sterility and increasing growth rate in this commercially valuable species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Immunohistochemical expression in the neocortex, hippocampus and cerebellum of the α1A or α1E subunit of the voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channel was examined in Long–Evans hooded rats on gestational day 18 and postnatal days 1, 4, 7, 10, 14, 21, 90, 360 and 720. On gestational day 18 and postnatal day 1, α1A immunoreactivity was more dense in the neocortex and hippocampus than the cerebellum. By postnatal day 7, levels of α1A immunoreactivity increased dramatically in the cerebellum, while in neocortex, α1A immunoreactivity became more sparse, which approached the more diffuse pattern of cellular staining in the mature brain. Expression of α1E in the neocortex, hippocampus and cerebellum was much less dense than α1A between gestational day 18 and postnatal day 4. There was also significant α1E immunoreactivity in the mossy fibers of the hippocampus and in dendrites of Purkinje cells of the cerebellum. Depolarization-dependent 45Ca2+ influx was examined in rat brain synaptosomes on postnatal days 4, 7, 10, 14, 21 and >60. In neocortical and hippocampal synaptosomes, 45Ca2+ influx increased steadily with age and reached adult levels by postnatal day 10. In cerebellar synaptosomes, 45Ca2+ influx was constant across all ages, except for a spike in activity which was observed on postnatal day 21. In neocortical and hippocampal synaptosomes, 100 nM ω-conotoxin MVIIC significantly inhibited 45Ca2+ influx on postnatal day 10 and 14, respectively, or after. In cerebellar synaptosomes, influx was inhibited by ω-conotoxin MVIIC only on postnatal day 10 or prior. On postnatal day 7, 45Ca2+ influx was not inhibited in neocortical and hippocampal synaptosomes by a combination of 10 μM nifedipine, 1 μM ω-conotoxin GVIA and 1 μM ω-conotoxin MVIIC, suggesting that an ‘insensitive’ flux predominates at this age. Overall, the results suggest that expression of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels during development is dynamic and is important in central nervous system development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: ObjectivesWe tried to record an epicardial electrogram directly, and we examined local electrograms before and after administration of a class IC anti-arrhythmic drug in patients with the Brugada syndrome.: BackgroundElectrical heterogeneity of the epicardium in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) has been thought to be related to the Brugada syndrome. However, an epicardial abnormality has not been demonstrated in patients with the Brugada syndrome.: MethodsIn five patients with a Brugada-type electrocardiogram (ECG), local unipolar electrograms were recorded at the epicardium and endocardium of the RVOT. To record the epicardial electrogram directly, we introduced an electrical guidewire into the conus branch (CB) of the right coronary artery. The duration of the local electrogram after termination of the QRS complex (DP) was measured before and after class IC anti-arrhythmic drug administration. The signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG) was also obtained in all patients.: ResultsA definite DP was observed at the epicardium, but not at the endocardium. After administration of a class IC anti-arrhythmic drug, the DP at the epicardium was prolonged from 38 ± 10 ms to 67 ± 24 ms. The late potential corresponding to the DP at the epicardium was observed in all patients on the SAECG.: ConclusionsAn epicardial electrogram can be recorded from the CB. Recording from the CB enables identification of an epicardial abnormality in patients with the Brugada syndrome. These abnormal electrograms may be related to a myocardial abnormality in the epicardium of patients with the Brugada syndrome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study is dedicated to the theoretical predictions of several physical parameters of the chalcogenide bulk glassy systems having chemical composition 0.7Se–0.2Ge–(0.1- x)Sb– x Zn with x = 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, and 0.05. The result shows the rigid mode as the total number of mechanical constraints greater than 3. The glass formation ability is affirmed by the investigation of the Lone pair electron. Theoretically obtained bandgap energy values exhibit a linear relationship with the cohesive energy values with increasing Zn content. Relative bond probabilities of different bonds have been estimated to identify the most probable bonds. The location of the conduction band potential shifts towards more negative potential with the incorporation of Zn content. The chemical bond approach model has been employed to evaluate the mean bond energy. The minor addition of Zn content introduces a remarkable change in glass transition temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible fungi residues are natural fungi etching feedstock that provide loose structure with multidimensional framework. These advantages help KOH to penetrate rigid cytoderm into innermost space and attain porous carbon with high porosity. Utilization of edible fungi residue not only avoids artificial operation of fungal inoculation and culture steps, but also provides new method for waste disposal. As expected, carbon derived from three fungi residues attains excellent porosity. The highest surface area reaches 3463.3 m2/g, which is approximately 2 and 6 times higher than original biomass (1630.7 m2/g) and commercial carbon (691.1 m2/g), respectively. Filiform structures derived from hyphae growth contribute to pores formation. Coprinus comatus fungi residue as optimal raw material obtains hierarchical pore channel with dominant micropores (76%) and natural nitrogen doping (1.28 at.%). The highest DCM and CB adsorption capacities attain 716.9 and 641.7 mg/g, respectively, which are 13 and 6 times higher than that of commercial carbon. The positive effects from fungi growth improve DCM adsorption particularly. DCM adsorption over fungi residues derived carbon is twice higher than original biomass carbon. Competitive adsorption, recyclability, surface variations and desorption components after saturated adsorption are fully investigated for practical application. The present study provides a new insight for developing high-value technology for synthesizing Cl-VOCs adsorbents using edible fungi residues. Unlabelled Image • Natural fungal etching in fungi residues provides unblocked channel for activation. • High surface area, hierarchical pores, and N doping contribute to good sorption. • DCM and CB sorption attain 13 and 6 times as high as commercial carbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ultrasound-assisted treatment of CNTs and CB to induce structural defects in a controlled way. • Improved CNTs and CB reactivity toward 1,1-diphenyl-2-pycryl (DPPH) radicals. • Improved radical scavenging activity of CNTs and CB toward polymer macroradicals. • Improved photo-oxidation resistance of UHMWPE-based nanocomposites, containing CNTs and CB, and even more usCNTs and usCB. The work aim is focused on two different aspects: first , the investigation of the effect of extended ultra-sound-assisted treatment (us) of carbonaceous nanoparticles, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon black (CB), on their radical scavenging activity, and second , the investigation of the oxidative resistance of polymer-based nanocomposites, containing us-treated CNTs and CB. Particularly, the CNTs and CB have been subjected to us sonication for different time intervals and the performed analysis reveals that both kinds of nanoparticles show decreased average hydrodynamic diameters and large content of surface defects. Really, the increased content of CNTs and CB defects, achieved during the sonication time, leads to an increased reactivity toward 1,1-diphenyl-2-pycryl (DPPH) radicals and an enhanced anti-oxidant activity toward macro-radicals, coming from the photo-degradation of the host polymer matrix. The studies of photo-oxidative behavior of the nanocomposites, based on Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMWPE), reveal that the us treatment of the nanoparticles has a benefic effect on the oxidative resistance of the nanocomposites, especially at long exposure times. Overall, the ultra-sound-assisted treatment can be considered twofold powerful tool: (i) for disruption of the nanoparticles aggregations, and (ii) for capitalization of surface defects, amplifying and tuning in a controlled way the radical scavenging activity of the carbonaceous nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]