The effect of pre-analysis washing on the surface film of graphite electrodes

Electrodes are routinely washed to remove electrolyte deposits, salt, and high boiling point solvents prior to analysis with surface-sensitive techniques. The effect of washing on the surface films of graphite electrodes from LiCoO2/graphite cells, which contained varying amounts of vinylene carbonate (VC), was investigated by comparing the microstructure and chemical composition. We confirmed that there are two different kinds of films on the surface of the electrodes: one at low and one at high VC content concentration. Far from being limited to remove extraneous salt deposits from the surface of the sample, DMC washing was found to completely remove one and to affect the composition of deeper strata in the other

High expression of ID family and IGJ genes signature as predictor of low induction treatment response and worst survival in adult Hispanic patients with B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Table S4. Complete list of signaling pathways dysregulated in patients who achieved complete remission therapy. Signaling pathway analysis was done using MetaCore KPA using the set of 442 genes differentially expressed between good and poor response group. (XLSX 10 kb

PR-LncRNA Signature Regulates Glioma Cell Activity Through Expression of SOX Factors

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have emerged as a relevant class of genome regulators involved in a broad range of biological processes and with important roles in tumor initiation and malignant progression. We have previously identified a p53-regulated tumor suppressor signature of LncRNAs (PR-LncRNAs) in colorectal cancer. Our aim was to identify the expression and function of this signature in gliomas. We found that the expression of the four PR-LncRNAs tested was high in human low-grade glioma samples and diminished with increasing grade of disease, being the lowest in glioblastoma samples. Functional assays demonstrated that PR-LncRNA silencing increased glioma cell proliferation and oncosphere formation. Mechanistically, we found an inverse correlation between PR-LncRNA expression and SOX1, SOX2 and SOX9 stem cell factors in human glioma biopsies and in glioma cells in vitro. Moreover, knock-down of SOX activity abolished the effect of PR-LncRNA silencing in glioma cell activity. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the expression and function of PR-LncRNAs are significantly altered in gliomagenesis and that their activity is mediated by SOX factors. These results may provide important insights into the mechanisms responsible for glioblastoma pathogenesis.PA, JA-I and AS-A were recipients of a predoctoral fellowship from the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC Gipuzkoa), Basque Government and Instituto Salud Carlos III. This work was supported by grants from the Carlos III Institute of Health and the European Regional Development Fund (PI13/02277, CP16/00039, DTS16/084, and PI16/01580) and Industry and Health Departments of the Basque Country

Resonancia magnética con gadolinio en la fase aguda de las recaídas en esclerosis múltiple

Apuntar. Describir los factores asociados al realce de gadolinio en la RM en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple (EM) y síntomas de recaída. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio transversal retrospectivo de pacientes mayores de 18 años diagnosticados de EM recidivante-remitente, secundaria progresiva y primaria progresiva de 2009 a 2014, que presentaron una recaída clínica y fueron sometidos a resonancia cerebral y espinal con gadolinio durante la fase aguda de los síntomas. Resultados. De los 93 pacientes incluidos, el 70% eran mujeres, la edad media fue de 37 ± 9,6 años. El 90% tenía EM remitente-recidivante y el 50% tenía al menos 5 años desde el diagnóstico. El 56% presentaba afectación medular, siendo las alteraciones sensoriales más frecuentes (44%). La mediana de duración de los síntomas fue de 6 días (rango: 1-89 días). El 93% requirió tratamiento con metilprednisolona intravenosa 3-5 días, que se administró luego de realizar estudios de resonancia magnética. No se evidenció diferencia estadística en la presencia de lesiones que realce con gadolinio en la RM durante la recaída con alguna de las variables clínicas analizadas y solo se observó una tendencia con los síntomas asociados (p = 0,07). Conclusiones. La definición de EM recidivante es clínica. Sin embargo, la mejora de la resonancia magnética en la fase de recaída podría ser útil para confirmar la actividad de la enfermedad. Con esta información, podría ser un punto útil sobre el tratamiento de estos pacientes con fármacos inmunomoduladores.Aim. To describe the factors that are associated with gadolinium enhancement on MRI in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and symptoms of relapse. Patients and methods. A retrospective cross-sectional study of patients over 18 years diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS, secondary progressive and primary progressive from 2009 to 2014, who had a clinical relapse and underwent brain and spinal resonance with gadolinium during the acute phase of the symptoms. Results. Of the 93 patients enrolled, 70% were women, the average age was 37 ± 9.6 years. 90% had relapsing-remitting MS and 50% had at least 5 years since the diagnosis. The 56% had medullar involvement, being the most frequent sensory disturbances (44%). The median duration of symptoms was 6 days (range: 1-89 days). The 93% required treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone 3-5 days, which was administered after performing MRI studies. No evidence statistical difference in the presence of lesions that gadolinium enhancement on MRI during relapse with any of the clinical variables analyzed and only a tendency was observed with associated symptoms (p = 0.07). Conclusions. The definition of relapse MS is clinic. However, the enhancement of the MRI in the phase of relapse could be useful to confirm the disease’s activity. With this information, could be a useful point on the treatment of these patients with immunomodulatory drugs. © 2017 Revista de Neurologí

Surface Structure, Morphology, and Stability of Li(Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3)O2 Cathode Material

Layered Li(Ni1-x-yMnxCoy)O2 (NMC) oxides are promising cathode materials capable of addressing some of the challenges associated with next-generation energy storage devices. In particular, improved energy densities, longer cycle-life, and improved safety characteristics with respect to current technologies are needed. However, sufficient knowledge on the atomic-scale processes governing these metrics in working cells is still lacking. Herein, density functional theory (DFT) is employed to predict the stability of several low-index surfaces of Li(Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3)O2 (NMC111) as a function of Li and O chemical potentials. Predicted particle shapes are compared with those of single crystal NMCs synthesized under different conditions. The most stable surfaces for stoichiometric NMC111 are predicted to be the nonpolar (104), the polar (012) and (001), and the reconstructed, polar (110) surfaces. Results indicate that intermediate spin Co3+ ions lower the (104) surface energy. Furthermore, it was found that removing oxygen from the (012) surface was easier than from the (104) surface, suggesting a facet dependence on surface-oxygen vacancy formation. These results give important insights into design criteria for the rational control of synthesis parameters as well as establish a foundation on which future mechanistic studies of NMC surface instabilities can be developed. (Figure Presented)