Search

High nickel NCM have received much attention due to higher capacity and lower price, whilst it has disadvantages of severe structural change during operation that may lead to micro-crack and pulverization of particles. Recent research endeavors to alleviate the deterioration of the cathode by modifying the particle shapes of NCM materials. Here, we prepare the high nickel NCM precursor via co-precipitation process to understand the correlative physical properties between NCM precursors (Ni x Co y Mn 1-x-y (OH) 2) and NCM cathode materials (LiNi x Co y Mn 1-x-y O 2). Various type of high‑nickel NCM precursors and cathode materials are sequentially synthesized by controlling the operating temperature in Taylor-Couette reactor and sintering the precursors with LiOH. The physical properties of prepared NCM precursors and NCM cathode materials are investigated with various surface and structural analysis method as well as basic electrochemical method. Results indicate that the physical properties of NCM precursors influence the crystal orientation of NCM cathode materials, thereby alters the electrochemical performances. NCM precursor prepared at lower temperature provides excellent cathode performance, indicating feasibility of lowering the operating temperature of precursor synthesis process. [Display omitted] • We prepare the high‑nickel NCM precursor via co-precipitation process using Taylor-Couette reactor. • We characterize the high‑nickel NCM precursor and cathode material with various analysis method. • Physical properties of NCM precursor influences the crystal orientation of NCM material and electrochemical performance. • Precursor prepared at low temperature provides excellent cathode performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All-solid-state batteries were fabricated with lithium silicide anodes (Li 4.4 Si), sulfide-based glass electrolyte (Li 2 S-P 2 S 5 ), and titanium disulfide (TiS 2 ) cathodes. Two approaches were taken to improve the properties of the interface between anode and solid electrolyte, and between the anode and the current collector. First, the lithium silicide powder was ball-milled for particle-size reduction, to achieve higher utilization of the active material. Second, the anode layer was designed with gradient structure consisting of lithium silicide + solid electrolyte composite layer (for easy lithium ion transport from anode to electrolyte and vice versa) and lithium silicide layer (for easy electron transport from anode to current collector and vice versa). It was found that the additional ball milling step increased contact area between solid electrolyte and anode active material on the basis of GITT tests using a half cell. This effect was reflected in charge-discharge tests on a cell with the secondary ball-milled lithium silicide, resulting in higher capacities. A cell with the gradient-structured anode also showed 2–3-times higher capacities in comparison with a cell with conventional electrode design. Thus, the present work indicates why design of the electrode layers is a critical factor in determining the performance of solid state batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Gaucher''s disease is caused by a deficiency of glucocerebrosidase (GBA) and results in the accumulation of glucocerebroside within macrophages. We report on a 33+2 gestational week premature infant whose family history was significant for a previously undiagnosed premature sibling with similar clinical features, including severe hydrops fetalis, hepatosplenomegaly, skin lesions at birth followed by death. The diagnosis of Gaucher''s disease type 2 in the present case was based on postmortem pathological findings and a subsequent gene analysis that indicated a heterozygous condition for the novel deletion mutation at GBA cDNA nucleotide position 630 resulting in the frameshift (Pro171fsX21) in exon 6 and a G→A transition mutation at GBA cDNA nucleotide position 887 (Arg257Gln) in exon 7. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tau is a main component of the aberrant paired helical filaments (PHF) found in Alzheimer''s disease (AD). It has also been reported to enhance oxidative stress, which is a major factor in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. However, protective functions of Tau have recently been reported, including antagonizing apoptosis, in addition to its role in stabilizing microtubules. In this study, the interaction between Tau and triose phosphate isomerase (TPI) in a normal, nondisease state as well as in a neurodegeneration state was examined and demonstrated for the first time. More importantly, we also showed that Tau protects TPI against oxidative damage. An oxidative stress-induced decrease in the activity of TPI was attenuated in Tau-overexpressing cells, indicating that Tau protects TPI against oxidative damage. By contrast, the activity of TPI was decreased in Tau-transgenic (Tg) mice compared to non-Tg (NTg) mice even though protein levels were not changed in both groups. Some TPIs were found on the PHF in Tg mice, which explains the decrease in the activity of TPI. Taken together, we concluded that while Tau binds and protects TPI in normal cells, and conversely, the formation of PHF induced by Tau phosphorylation trap some TPI and trigger the functional loss of TPI in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Our results provide new insights into understanding the in-depth involvement of Tau in the development of neurodegenerative disorders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives Thyroid dysfunction affects clinical complications in preterm infants and older children. However, thyroid hormone replacement in preterm infants has no proven benefits, possibly owing to the lack of an appropriate reference range for thyroid hormone levels. We aimed to establish a reference range for triiodothyronine (T3) levels at 1-month postnatal age (PNA) in preterm infants. Methods This retrospective study included preterm infants born at a tertiary referral neonatal center at gestational age (GA) < 35 weeks with no apparent thyroid dysfunction, for 6 consecutive years, with follow-up from PNA 2 weeks to 16 weeks. Using thyroid function tests (TFT), the relationships between T3 levels and thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) levels, birth weight, GA, postmenstrual age (PMA), and PNA were examined. The conversion trend for fT4 to T3 was analyzed using the T3/fT4 ratio. Results Overall, 464 TFTs from 266 infants were analyzed, after excluding 65 infants with thyroid dysfunction. T3 levels increased with fT4 levels, birth weight, GA, PMA, and PNA but not with TSH levels. The T3/fT4 ratio also increased with GA, PNA, and PMA. The average T3 level at 1 month PNA was 72.56 ± 27.83 ng/dL, with significant stratifications by GA. Conclusions Relatively low T3 and fT4 levels in preterm infants were considered normal, with T3 levels and conversion trends increasing with GA, PMA, and PNA. Further studies are required to confirm the role of the present reference range in thyroid hormone replacement therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior research contends that social support positively influences health by optimizing individuals' psychological processes such as appraisals, emotions, and sense of control—known as stress-buffering effects. This study tests this theoretical concept by examining whether the association between social support and health can be explained by the psychological processes of perceived stress and distress among Chinese and Korean American immigrants. Furthermore, we examine what predicts social support in this population, with a particular focus on factors related to immigration. Using a total sample of 400 Chinese and Korean American immigrants, we examine the association between social support and self-rated health (SRH), accounting for demographic factors, socioeconomic status, perceived stress, and perceived distress using multivariable logistic regression models. We conducted a mediation analysis using the Karlson, Holm, and Breen (KHB) method to determine whether perceived stress and distress partly explained the association between social support and SRH. Findings showed a strong total effect of higher social support on better SRH. Furthermore, mediation was detected, with perceived stress and distress explaining 42.98% of the total effect of social support on SRH. Multivariable linear regression models revealed that social support among Chinese and Korean American immigrants was associated with marital status, employment, ethnic identity, and acculturative stress. This study highlights the centrality of social support for Chinese and Korean American immigrants, which lowers perceived stress and distress, leading to better overall health. By confirming these stress-buffering effects, our findings suggest that bolstering social support among vulnerable Chinese and Korean American immigrant populations can have a positive effect on health by optimizing stress appraisals. • Social support is associated with better health for Chinese and Korean Americans. • Perceived stress and distress explain half the effect of social support on health. • Those with low acculturative stress and high acculturation have more social support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: MDK is a heparin-binding growth factor associated with cancer development. Here, we sought to examine the association of MDK expression with resistance and sensitivity to different chemotherapeutic agents. We established stable HeLa cell transfectants (HeLa–MDK) and tested for decreased sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents (5-FU, doxorubicin, and cisplatin). In addition, we used siRNA to block MDK expression in SNU-638 human gastric cancer cells and examined the chemosensitizing effect. HeLa–MDK cells treated with 5-FU, doxorubicin, and cisplatin showed a fold increase in the average IC50 and an increased cell survival. siRNA-based knockdown of MDK expression in SNU-638 cells decreased the average IC50 by 18–44% in cells treated with three drugs. Further investigations on the molecular mechanism should be clarified, but these results indicate that MDK up- and down-regulation appears to be capable of changing the chemosensitivities of cancer cells and MDK may have possible importance as a candidate therapeutic molecule. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pulmonary route appears to be an attractive alternative as a non-invasive systemic delivery for peptide and protein drugs. An appropriate formulation, however, is important for increasing their bioavailability in lung. In this study, the human insulin microcrystals were produced. The particle size analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the microcrystals were uniform and had a monodispersed size distribution (mean diameter=0.95μm) for pulmonary delivery. The physicochemical properties of the microcrystals developed were similar to those of the commercial crystalline powder in powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses. The percentage of high molecular weight proteins (%HMWP), the percentage of other insulin related compounds (%OIRC) and the percentage of A-21 desamido insulin (%D) of the microcrystals were very low. In addition, the cytotoxicity of microcrystals developed and protease inhibitors (aprotinin, bacitracin and soybean-trypsin inhibitor) was investigated, and the enhancement of insulin absorption in the presence of these protease inhibitors at various concentrations was studied. The cell viability of A549 was over 80% at various concentrations of aprotinin and soybean-trypsin inhibitor, except for bacitracin (below 60%). The percent of decrease in blood glucose (D%) was 42.68±1.62% after intratracheal instillation of insulin microcrystals (5U/kg). An enhancement of hypoglycemic effect with protease inhibitors was also found. Soybean-trypsin inhibitor (48.86±3.24% at 10mg/ml; 55.78±0.71% at 5mg/ml; 51.49±5.27% at 1mg/ml) and aprotinin (52.57±8.78% at 10mg/ml; 51.97±1.98% at 5mg/ml; 56.90±3.42% at 1mg/ml) were effective for absorption enhancement. These findings suggest that the use of insulin microcrystals and protease inhibitors would be useful to improve the hypoglycemic effect in pulmonary route. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]