Electrochemical investigation of sodium reactivity with nanostructured Co3O4 for sodium-ion batteries

The electrochemical behaviour of Co3O4 with sodium is reported here. Upon cycling in the voltage window of 0.01–3.0 V, Co3O4 undergoes a conversion reaction and exhibits a reversible capacity of 447 mA h g−1 after 50 cycles. Therefore, nanostructured Co3O4 presents feasible electrochemical sodium storage, offering possibilities to develop new anode materials for sodium-ion batteries

Root enhancement in cytokinin-deficient oilseed rape causes leaf mineral enrichment, increases the chlorophyll concentration under nutrient limitation and enhances the phytoremediation capacity

Background Cytokinin is a negative regulator of root growth, and a reduction of the cytokinin content or signalling causes the formation a larger root system in model plants, improves their growth under drought and nutrient limitation and causes increased accumulation of elements in the shoot. Roots are an important but understudied target of plant breeding. Here we have therefore explored whether root enhancement by lowering the cytokinin content can also be achieved in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) plants. Results Transgenic plants overexpressing the CKX2 gene of Arabidopsis thaliana encoding a cytokinin-degrading cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase showed higher CKX activity and a strongly reduced cytokinin content. Cytokinin deficiency led to the formation of a larger root system under different growth conditions, which was mainly due to an increased number of lateral and adventitious roots. In contrast, shoot growth was comparable to wild type, which caused an enhanced root-to-shoot ratio. Transgenic plants accumulated in their leaves higher concentrations of macro- and microelements including P, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Cu, Mo and Mn. They formed more chlorophyll under Mg- and S-deficiency and accumulated a larger amount of Cd and Zn from contaminated medium and soil. Conclusions These findings demonstrate the usefulness of ectopic CKX gene expression to achieve root enhancement in oilseed rape and underpin the functional relevance of a larger root system. Furthermore, the lack of major developmental consequences on shoot growth in cytokinin-deficient oilseed rape indicates species-specific differences of CKX gene and/or cytokinin action

Stable anode performance of an Sb–carbon nanocomposite in lithium-ion batteries and the effect of ball milling mode in the course of its preparation

Materials that alloy with lithium (Si, Ge, Sn, Sb, and P) are considered as alternatives to graphitic anodes in lithium-ion batteries. Their practical use is precluded by large volume changes (200–370%) during cycling. Embedding nanoparticles into carbon is being investigated as a way to tackle that, and ball milling is emerging as a technique to prepare nanocomposites with enhanced capacity and cyclic stability. Using Sb as a model system, we investigate the preparation of Sb–carbon nanocomposites using a reconfigurable ball mill. Four distinctive milling modes are compared. The structure of the composites varies depending on the mode. Frequent strong ball impacts are required for the optimal electrochemical performance of the nanocomposite. An outstanding stable capacity of 550 mA h g−1 for 250 cycles at a current rate of 230 mA g−1 is demonstrated in a thin electrode (1 mg cm−2) and a capacity of [similar]400 mA h g−1 can be retained at 1.15 A g−1. Some capacity fade is observed in a thicker electrode (2.5 mg cm−2), i.e. the performance is sensitive to mass loading. The electrochemical stability originates from the nanocomposite structure containing Sb nanoparticles (5–15 nm) dispersed in a carbon component

Tin-based composite anodes for potassium-ion batteries

The electrochemical behaviour of a Sn-based anode in a potassium cell is reported for the first time. The material is active at low potentials vs. K/K(+), and encouraging capacities of around 150 mA h g(-1) are recorded. Experimental evidence shows that Sn is capable of alloying/de-alloying with potassium in a reversible manner

A Pilot study to evaluate the feasibility, tolerance and efficacy of addition of hyperthermia to external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) on patients with locally advanced non metastatic inoperable head and neck cancer for palliation of symptoms

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility and toxicity of hyperthermia with radiation in patients with locally advanced non metastatic head and neck cancers, to assess the palliation of distressing symptoms in them. METHODS: Ten patients diagnosed to have locally advanced head and neck cancers, were treated with radiotherapy to a dose of 66 Gy in 33 fractions in Cobalt 60 machine(conventional fractionation) along with once weekly sittings of hyperthermia. Hyperthermia was given 30 minutes before radiotherapy for 30 minutes. Descriptive statistics was done. Weekly toxicity was monitored by RTOG and CTCAE criteria. Pain and quality of life (EORTC questionnaire)) was assessed before and after treatment. Response was compared with CT scans 3 months after treatment with Wilcoxan sign test. Response was assessed by RECIST criteria. Survival analysis was done by Kaplan meier method. RESULTS: Among the 10 patients, 6 (60%) completed the treatment and 3(30%) without break. The incidence of grade 3 mucositis, grade 4 mucositis and grade 3 dermatitis was 42%, 14% and 28% respectively. The mean reduction in nodal size was 70% at 6 weeks. Pain control was good for a short duration (2 months), after which 50% of patients required STEP 3 analgesics. CONCLUSION: This treatment can be considered in patients with large, fixed nodes. Hyperthermia should be carried out with planned infrastructure and meticulous temperature monitoring and dosimetry

マルチオミクスアプローチによる高再生能力種の再生制御分子メカニズムの解明

Tohoku University博士（生命科学）博士学位論文 (Thesis(doctor))thesi

マルチオミクスアプローチによる高再生能力種の再生制御分子メカニズムの解明

博士学位論文の要旨及び審査結果の要旨 (Summary of Thesis(DR))othe

Elliptical curve cryptography image encryption scheme with aid of optimization technique using gravitational search algorithm

Image encryption enables users to safely transmit digital photographs via a wireless medium while maintaining enhanced anonymity and validity. Numerous studies are being conducted to strengthen picture encryption systems. Elliptical curve cryptography (ECC) is an effective tool for safely transferring images and recovering them at the receiver end in asymmetric cryptosystems. This method's key generation generates a public and private key pair that is used to encrypt and decrypt a picture. They use a public key to encrypt the picture before sending it to the intended user. When the receiver receives the image, they use their private key to decrypt it. This paper proposes an ECC-dependent image encryption scheme utilizing an enhancement strategy based on the gravitational search algorithm (GSA) algorithm. The private key generation step of the ECC system uses a GSA-based optimization process to boost the efficiency of picture encryption. The image's output is used as a health attribute in the optimization phase, such as the peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) value, which demonstrates the efficacy of the proposed approach. As comparison to the ECC method, it has been discovered that the suggested encryption scheme offers better optimal PSNR values

Rapunzel Syndrome Complicated by Escherichia coli Sepsis, Bowel Perforation, and Pancreatitis in an 11-year-old Malnourished Female

The most common presenting symptoms of Rapunzel syndrome include abdominal pain (37%), nausea and vomiting (33.3%), obstruction (25.9%), and peritonitis (18.3%). Less commonly, patients may present with weight loss (7.4%) or intussusception (7.4%). Exceedingly rare complications of Rapunzel syndrome include gastric ulceration, obstructive jaundice, and acute pancreatitis as well as other malabsorptive-related complications including protein-losing enteropathy, iron deficiency, and megaloblastic anemia. This report details the case of an 11-year-old female with Rapunzel syndrome complicated by sepsis, a rare complication reported in only 2% of patients