On the thickness of the double layer in ionic liquids

In this study, we examined the thickness of the electrical double layer (EDL) in ionic liquids using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We focused on the BF4- anion adsorption from 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMImBF4) ionic liquid on the Au(111) surface. At both DFT and MD levels, we evaluated the capacitance-potential dependence for the Helmholtz model of the interface. Using MD simulations, we also explored a more realistic, multilayer EDL model accounting for the ion layering. Concurrent analysis of the DFT and MD results provides a ground for thinking whether the electrical double layer in ionic liquids is one- or multi-ionic-layer thick

Clinicopathological characteristics of histiocytic sarcoma affecting the central nervous system in dogs.

BackgroundHistiocytic sarcoma affecting the central nervous system (CNS HS) in dogs may present as primary or disseminated disease, often characterized by inflammation. Prognosis is poor, and imaging differentiation from other CNS tumors can be problematic.ObjectiveTo characterize the clinicopathological inflammatory features, breed predisposition, and survival in dogs with CNS HS.AnimalsOne hundred two dogs with HS, 62 dogs with meningioma.MethodsRetrospective case series. Records were reviewed for results of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, CBC, treatment, and outcome data.ResultsPredisposition for CNS HS was seen in Bernese Mountain Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Corgis, and Shetland Sheepdogs (P ≤ .001). Corgis and Shetland Sheepdogs had predominantly primary tumors; Rottweilers had exclusively disseminated tumors. Marked CSF inflammation was characteristic of primary rather than disseminated HS, and neoplastic cells were detected in CSF of 52% of affected dogs. Increased neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios were seen in all groups relative to controls (P <.008) but not among tumor subtypes. Definitive versus palliative treatment resulted in improved survival times (P < .001), but overall prognosis was poor.Conclusions and clinical importanceClinicopathological differences between primary and disseminated HS suggest that tumor biological behavior and origin may be different. Corgis and Shetland Sheepdogs are predisposed to primary CNS HS, characterized by inflammatory CSF. High total nucleated cell count and the presence of neoplastic cells support the use of CSF analysis as a valuable diagnostic test. Prognosis for CNS HS is poor, but further evaluation of inflammatory mechanisms may provide novel therapeutic opportunities

BIOCLAIMS standard diet (BIOsd): a reference diet for nutritional physiology

Experimental replication is fundamental for practicing science. To reduce variability, it is essential to control sources of variation as much as possible. Diet is an important factor that can influence many processes and functional outcomes in studies performed with rodent models. This is especially true for, but not limited to, nutritional studies. To compare functional effects of different nutrients, it is important to use standardized, semi-purified diets. Here, we propose and describe a standard reference diet, the BIOCLAIMS standard diet. The diet is AIN-93 based, but further defined with dietary and experimental requirements taken into account that allow for experiments with bioactive food components and natural (non-expensive) labeling. This diet will be implemented by two European research consortia, Mitofood and BIOCLAIMS, to ensure inter-laboratory comparability

Trends in Metal Oxide Stability for Nanorods, Nanotubes, and Surfaces

The formation energies of nanostructures play an important role in determining their properties, including the catalytic activity. For the case of 15 different rutile and 8 different perovskite metal oxides, we find that the density functional theory (DFT) calculated formation energies of (2,2) nanorods, (3,3) nanotubes, and the (110) and (100) surfaces may be described semi-quantitatively by the fraction of metal--oxygen bonds broken and the bonding band centers in the bulk metal oxide

Understanding adhesion at as-deposited interfaces from ab initio thermodynamics of deposition growth: thin-film alumina on titanium carbide

We investigate the chemical composition and adhesion of chemical vapour deposited thin-film alumina on TiC using and extending a recently proposed nonequilibrium method of ab initio thermodynamics of deposition growth (AIT-DG) [Rohrer J and Hyldgaard P 2010 Phys. Rev. B 82 045415]. A previous study of this system [Rohrer J, Ruberto C and Hyldgaard P 2010 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 22 015004] found that use of equilibrium thermodynamics leads to predictions of a non-binding TiC/alumina interface, despite the industrial use as a wear-resistant coating. This discrepancy between equilibrium theory and experiment is resolved by the AIT-DG method which predicts interfaces with strong adhesion. The AIT-DG method combines density functional theory calculations, rate-equation modelling of the pressure evolution of the deposition environment and thermochemical data. The AIT-DG method was previously used to predict prevalent terminations of growing or as-deposited surfaces of binary materials. Here we extent the method to predict surface and interface compositions of growing or as-deposited thin films on a substrate and find that inclusion of the nonequilibrium deposition environment has important implications for the nature of buried interfaces.Comment: 8 pages, 6 figures, submitted to J. Phys.: Condens. Matte

Effect of radiotherapy on freedom from seizures in dogs with brain tumors.

BACKGROUND: Seizures are a common presenting sign in dogs with brain tumors. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of radiotherapy on freedom from brain tumor-associated seizures and survival time in dogs. ANIMALS: Thirty-two client-owned dogs with brain tumor-associated seizures; 18 received medical treatment and radiotherapy, 14 received medical treatment alone. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective study. Baseline characteristics (seizure semiology, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] characteristics, and treatment) and duration of seizure freedom were recorded for the 2 treatment groups. Duration of seizure freedom between groups was compared (log-rank test) using Cox's proportional hazard analysis, with baseline characteristics entered as covariates. RESULTS: The duration of seizure freedom and survival time were significantly longer in the radiotherapy group (P < .001), with a mean of 24 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.3-33.8) versus 1.7 months in the control group (95% CI, 0.5-2.9) and a mean of 34.6 months (95% CI: 25.2-44.1) versus 6.2 months in the control group (95% CI, 2.6-9.7) respectively. Baseline characteristics were not associated with duration of seizure freedom after the start of treatment. In the radiotherapy group, 5 dogs were euthanized during the study period because of causes other than seizures. In the control group, recurrence of seizures was observed before death in all dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: A longer period of seizure freedom and longer survival time was observed in dogs with brain tumors after radiotherapy compared to medical treatment only. The pathophysiological mechanisms of epileptogenesis and the effect of radiation therapy on seizure control are unclear to date. Further prospective studies are needed