Performance of Sulfonated Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Graphene Oxide Polyelectrolytes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

The use of nanotechnology along with the consideration of a functionalization and stabilization approach to poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is considered useful for the preparation of cost-effective polyelectrolyte membranes. A set of nanocomposite and crosslinked membranes based on PVA/sulfosuccinic acid (SSA)/graphene oxide (GO) are prepared and analyzed as polyelectrolytes in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The crosslinking and sulfonation by the use of SSA enhances the stability and increase the proton-conducting sites in the PVA structure. The presence of GO augments the stability, remarkably decreases the methanol crossover, and enhances power density curves. An optimum value for proton conductivity is found for the 0.50 wt% of GO proportion, which decreases with higher concentrations of GO. Given the power density curve dependency on both the proton conductivity and the crossover reduction, the performance of these membranes as polyelectrolytes in DMFCs is strictly related to the balance between both factors. Therefore, a proportion of GO of 0.75 wt% may assure suitable proton conductivity of 3 mS cm−1 and high resistance to methanol permeability, reaching promising power density of 16 mW cm−2 with lower hydration levels

Performance of sulfonated poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide polyelectrolytes for direct methanol fuel cells

"This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: [Performance of sulfonated poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide polyelectrolytes for direct methanol fuel cells], which has been published in final form at [10.1002/ente.202000124]. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving."[EN] The use nanotechnology along with the consideration of a functionalization and stabilization approach to the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was considered useful for the preparation of cost-effective polyelectrolyte membranes. A set of nanocomposite and crosslinked membranes based in PVA/SSA/GO were prepared and analyzed as polyelectrolytes in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The crosslinking and sulfonation by the use of sulfosuccinic acid (SSA) enhanced the stability and increased the proton conducting sites in the PVA structure. The presence of graphene oxide (GO) augmented the stability, remarkably decreased the methanol crossover and enhanced power density curves. An optimum value for proton conductivity was found for the 0.50%wt of GO proportion, which decreased to higher concentrations of GO. Given the power density curve dependency on both the proton conductivity and the crossover reduction, the performance of these membranes as polyelectrolytes in DMFCs is strictly related to the balance between both factors. Therefore, a proportion of GO of 0.75%wt may assure suitable proton conductivity 3 mS·cm-1 and high resistance to methanol permeability, reaching promising power density of 16 mW·cm-2 with lower hydration levels.The Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Competitiveness is acknowledged for the projects ENE2017-86711-C3-1-R, ENE2017-86711-C3-2-R, ENE2017-90932-REDT, and UPOV13-3E-1947. The Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sports is thanked for the predoctoral FPU grant for O. Gil-Castell (grant no. FPU13/01916).Gil-Castell, Ó.; Santiago, Ó.; Pascual-Jose, B.; Navarro, E.; Leo, TJ.; Ribes-Greus, MD. (2020). Performance of sulfonated poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide polyelectrolytes for direct methanol fuel cells. Energy Technology (Online). 8(7):1-10. https://doi.org/10.1002/ente.2020001241108

Mutations in the MORC2 gene cause axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

[EN] Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a complex disorder with wide genetic heterogeneity. Here we present a new axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease form, associated with the gene microrchidia family CW-type zinc finger 2 (MORC2). Whole-exome sequencing in a family with autosomal dominant segregation identified the novel MORC2 p. R190W change in four patients. Further mutational screening in our axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease clinical series detected two additional sporadic cases, one patient who also carried the same MORC2 p. R190W mutation and another patient that harboured a MORC2 p. S25L mutation. Genetic and in silico studies strongly supported the pathogenicity of these sequence variants. The phenotype was variable and included patients with congenital or infantile onset, as well as others whose symptoms started in the second decade. The patients with early onset developed a spinal muscular atrophy-like picture, whereas in the later onset cases, the initial symptoms were cramps, distal weakness and sensory impairment. Weakness and atrophy progressed in a random and asymmetric fashion and involved limb girdle muscles, leading to a severe incapacity in adulthood. Sensory loss was always prominent and proportional to disease severity. Electrophysiological studies were consistent with an asymmetric axonal motor and sensory neuropathy, while fasciculations and myokymia were recorded rather frequently by needle electromyography. Sural nerve biopsy revealed pronounced multifocal depletion of myelinated fibres with some regenerative clusters and occasional small onion bulbs. Morc2 is expressed in both axons and Schwann cells of mouse peripheral nerve. Different roles in biological processes have been described for MORC2. As the silencing of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease genes have been associated with DNA damage response, it is tempting to speculate that a deregulation of this pathway may be linked to the axonal degeneration observed in MORC2 neuropathy, thus adding a new pathogenic mechanism to the long list of causes of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.This collaborative joint project is awarded by IRDiRC and funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) - Subdireccion General de Evaluacion y Fomento de la Investigacion within the framework of the National R+D+I Plan (IR11/TREAT-CMT to T.S., S.I.P.P., F.P. and C.E.; PI12/00453 to C.E.; and PI12/0946 to T.S.), co-funded with FEDER funds. Additional support was provided by the Ramon Areces Foundation and by the ISCIII and the Centro de Investigacion Principe Felipe (CPII14/00002) to C.E.Sevilla, T.; Lupo, V.; Martínez-Rubio, D.; Sancho, P.; Sivera, R.; Chumillas, MJ.; García-Romero, M.... (2016). Mutations in the MORC2 gene cause axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Brain. 139:62-72. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awv311627213

Directory of Atmospheric, Hydrographic and Biological datasets for the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem

Environmental and biological data-sets were recovered from oceanographic surveys and other observation sources (e.g. tide gauges) since the 40s. This rescue and mining exercise was carried out in cooperation with the countries bordering the CCLME and other nations undertaking research in the region (i.e. Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Cape Verde, Spain, Norway, Germany and France). A total of 425 data-sets, 27 databases and 21 time-series sites have been identified in the area. A substantial part of them were rescued from archives supported in paper copy. Finally, a directory of meta-data referring 99 data-sets and data-bases has been published. This catalogue and the recovered data offer an exceptional opportunity for the researchers in the CCLME to study the dynamics and trends of a multiplicity of variables, and will enable them to create their own time-series, baselines and climatologies under a spatial and temporal perspective. It will produce new and valuable information on changes produced during the last 35 years in this region, going from climatic changes to shifts in species diversity and populations due to natural and human induced factors. This directory is the first result of the project “Enhancing oceanography capacities on Western Africa Countries” funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and coordinated by the IOC-UNESCO and the IEO. The project aims to reinforce transboundary cooperation in the CCLME and to facilitate access and data flow to existing scientific information and its utilization by the scientists, politicians, industry and civil society.http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0023/002314/231430E.pd

A hands-on genetics teaching approach at university level.

Teaching general Genetics is a cornerstone of a large number of university degrees. Being a scientific topic, laboratory classes are an essential element in student-centered learning. Here, we present our experience in implementing new material for teaching hands-on genetics, a subject of interest for other academic professionals in the field of Genetics. Our students carry out a genetic analysis of the su (sense ulls) mutation of Drosophila melanogaster, which produces a drastic eye reduction. The complete strain description can be found in Mestres et al. (2016a). The aim of the course is to give students the appropriate genetics tools to answer the three following questions: 1) Is the su mutation dominant or recessive? 2) In which chromosome is su located? 3) Can we identify in which gene the su mutation is

Descritpion of a double mutant strain of Drosophila melanogaster useful for genetic laboratory courses.

Many years ago, individuals showing drastically reduced eyes arose in our laboratory e (ebony) strain (Bridges and Morgan, 1923). We selected those flies presenting both traits and constituted a new double mutant strain e su (e, ebony; su, 'sense ulls', eyes drastically reduced). Both mutations were linked and located in the chromosome III. We used this strain in linkage analyses with our undergraduate students. [...

ERK5 Is a Major Determinant of Chemical Sarcomagenesis: Implications in Human Pathology

ERK5; Leiomyosarcoma; Soft tissue sarcomaERK5; Leiomiosarcoma; Sarcoma de tejido blandoERK5; Leiomiosarcoma; Sarcoma dels teixits tousSarcomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors in which the role of ERK5 is poorly studied. To clarify the role of this MAPK in sarcomatous pathology, we used a murine 3-methyl-cholanthrene (3MC)-induced sarcoma model. Our data show that 3MC induces pleomorphic sarcomas with muscle differentiation, showing an increased expression of ERK5. Indeed, this upregulation was also observed in human sarcomas of muscular origin, such as leiomyosarcoma or rhabdomyosarcoma. Moreover, in cell lines derived from these 3MC-induced tumors, abrogation of Mapk7 expression by using specific shRNAs decreased in vitro growth and colony-forming capacity and led to a marked loss of tumor growth in vivo. In fact, transcriptomic profiling in ERK5 abrogated cell lines by RNAseq showed a deregulated gene expression pattern for key biological processes such as angiogenesis, migration, motility, etc., correlating with a better prognostic in human pathology. Finally, among the various differentially expressed genes, Klf2 is a key mediator of the biological effects of ERK5 as indicated by its specific interference, demonstrating that the ERK5–KLF2 axis is an important determinant of sarcoma biology that should be further studied in human pathology.This work has been supported with Grant RTI2018-094093-B-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, “ERDF A way of making Europe” to RSP. Also supported with funds from Fundación Leticia Castillejo Castillo, Roche España and ACEPAIN to RSP and MJRH. RSP and MJRH’s Research Institute and the work carried out in their laboratory, received partial support from the European Community through the FEDER. JJ and EAL hold a predoctoral research contract cofounded by the European Social Fund and UCLM. OR holds a contract for accessing the Spanish System of Science, Technology, and Innovation (SECTI) funded by the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM) and received partial support from the European Social Fund (FSE) through its Operative Program for Castilla-La Mancha (2007–2013)

Human metabolism and elimination of the anthocyanin, cyanidin-3-glucoside: a 13C-tracer study

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that the consumption of anthocyanin-rich foods beneficially affects cardiovascular health; however, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) of anthocyanin-rich foods are relatively unknown. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the ADME of a (13)C5-labeled anthocyanin in humans. DESIGN: Eight male participants consumed 500 mg isotopically labeled cyanidin-3-glucoside (6,8,10,3',5'-(13)C5-C3G). Biological samples were collected over 48 h, and (13)C and (13)C-labeled metabolite concentrations were measured by using isotope-ratio mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The mean +/- SE percentage of (13)C recovered in urine, breath, and feces was 43.9 +/- 25.9% (range: 15.1-99.3% across participants). The relative bioavailability was 12.38 +/- 1.38% (5.37 +/- 0.67% excreted in urine and 6.91 +/- 1.59% in breath). Maximum rates of (13)C elimination were achieved 30 min after ingestion (32.53 +/- 14.24 mug(13)C/h), whereas (13)C-labeled metabolites peaked (maximum serum concentration: 5.97 +/- 2.14 mumol/L) at 10.25 +/- 4.14 h. The half-life for (13)C-labeled metabolites ranged between 12.44 +/- 4.22 and 51.62 +/- 22.55 h. (13)C elimination was greatest between 0 and 1 h for urine (90.30 +/- 15.28 mug/h), at 6 h for breath (132.87 +/- 32.23 mug/h), and between 6 and 24 h for feces (557.28 +/- 247.88 mug/h), whereas the highest concentrations of (13)C-labeled metabolites were identified in urine (10.77 +/- 4.52 mumol/L) and fecal samples (43.16 +/- 18.00 mumol/L) collected between 6 and 24 h. Metabolites were identified as degradation products, phenolic, hippuric, phenylacetic, and phenylpropenoic acids. CONCLUSION: Anthocyanins are more bioavailable than previously perceived, and their metabolites are present in the circulation fo