Variability of the chloroplast dna of sessile oak (Quercus petraea agg. Ehrendorfer, 1967) in Serbia

Genetic variability of sessile oak (Quercus petraea agg. Ehrendorfer, 1967) in Serbia is estimated applying cpDNA universal primer pairs that were characterized by a high informative level for chloroplast genome variability assessment in previous investigations. Five different haplotypes were detected in the analyzed sample material from populations in Serbia

Microarray and Proteomic Analyses of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms with a Highlight on the mTOR Signaling Pathway

The gene and protein expression profiles in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) may reveal gene and protein markers of a potential clinical relevance in diagnosis, treatment and prediction of response to therapy. Using cDNA microarray analysis of 25,100 unique genes, we studied the gene expression profile of CD34(+) cells and granulocytes obtained from peripheral blood of subjects with essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). The microarray analyses of the CD34(+) cells and granulocytes were performed from 20 de novo MPN subjects: JAK2 positive ET, PV, PMF subjects, and JAK2 negative ET/PMF subjects. The granulocytes for proteomic studies were pooled in 4 groups: PV with JAK2 mutant allele burden above 80%, ET with JAK2 mutation, PMF with JAK2 mutation and ET/PMF with no JAK2 mutation. The number of differentially regulated genes was about two fold larger in CD34(+) cells compared to granulocytes. Thirty-six genes (including RUNX1, TNFRSF19) were persistently highly expressed, while 42 genes (including FOXD4, PDE4A) were underexpressed both in CD34(+) cells and granulocytes. Using proteomic studies, significant up-regulation was observed for MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling regulators that control myeloid cell apoptosis and proliferation: RAC2, MNDA, S100A8/9, CORO1A, and GNAI2. When the status of the mTOR signaling pathway related genes was analyzed, PI3K/AKT regulators were preferentially up-regulated in CD34(+) cells of MPNs, with down-regulated major components of the protein complex EIF4F. Molecular profiling of CD34(+) cells and granulocytes of MPN determined gene expression patterns beyond their recognized function in disease pathogenesis that included dominant up-regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling

Shift of the western boundary of the distribution area of Micromeria cristata (Hampe) Griseb. and Steptorhamphus tuberosus (Jacq.) Grossh.

During field investigations of Mt Rumija, two new taxa for the flora of Montenegro were recorded: Micromeria cristata (Hampe) Griseb. and Steptorhamphus tuberosus (Jacq.) Grossh. From the phytogeographic point of view these data indicate a change in the distribution area of both taxa, which have shifted to the west. Ashort overview of the taxonomic treatment of both genera is given

The E2 region of HPV 16 in relation to different types of cervical lesions

The presence of the E2 region of HPV 16 was determined by the polymerase chain reaction in biopsy samples with different histopathological diagnoses. The absence of the E2 gene was observed in 17 of 30 cases examined. The E2 deletions were not confined exclusively to invasive carcinomas or to integrated viral forms. In the majority of cases, the course of cervical lesions was consistent with the state of the E2 gene. Copyrigh

Investigation and Optimisation of Operating Conditions for Low-Temperature CO2 Reduction to CO in a Forward-Bias Bipolar-Membrane Electrolyser

The most recent investigations of operating conditions in a forward-bias bipolar-membrane zero-gap electrolyser using a silver cathode catalyst for the reduction of CO2 to CO at low temperatures and near-ambient pressures are reported. First, the CO2 electrolyser performance was investigated as a function of cathode feed humidification and composition. The highest CO partial current density was 127 mA cm-2, which was obtained at an iR-corrected cell voltage of 2.9 V, a cathode feed humidification of 50%RH, CO2 feed concentration of 90% and a CO Faradaic efficiency of 93%. The cells were tested continuously for 12 h at 3 V and 8 h at 3.4 V cell voltage to investigate system stability. While Faradaic efficiencies were maintained during the measurements at 3.0 V, a shift in selectivity was observed at 3.4 V, while a deterioration in current densities occurred in both cases. Using a specially designed electrochemical cell with an integrated reversible hydrogen reference electrode, it was found that the cathode catalyst is the main responsible for the observed loss in performance. It was furthermore determined via post-mortem SEM and EDX investigations that cathode deterioration is caused by catalyst agglomeration and surface poisoning.ISSN:0013-4651ISSN:1945-711

Breaking Down the Performance Losses in O₂-Evolution Stability Tests of IrO₂-based Electrocatalysts

Understanding the deactivation mechanisms affecting the state-of-the-art, Ir oxide catalysts employed in polymer electrolyte water electrolyser (PEWE-) anodes is of utmost importance to guide catalyst design and improve PEWE-durability. With this motivation, we have tried to decouple the contributions of various degradation mechanisms to the overall performance losses observed in rotating disk electrode (RDE) tests on three different, commercial Ir oxide catalysts (pure or supported on Nb2O5). Specifically, we investigated whether these performance decays stem from an intrinsic deactivation of the catalysts caused by alterations in their oxidation state, crystalline structure, morphology and/or Ir-dissolution, and also assessed possible decreases in the catalyst loading caused by the delamination of the materials over the course of these OER-stability tests. Additionally, we also examined recently reported artifacts related to the use of RDE voltammetry for such measurements and found that neither these nor the above mechanisms (or combinations thereof) can cause the totality of the observed performance losses. Beyond these uncertainties, complementary PEWE-tests showed that this apparent RDE-instability is not reproduced in this application-relevant environment.ISSN:0013-4651ISSN:1945-711