Prospectively Isolated Cancer-Associated CD10+ Fibroblasts Have Stronger Interactions with CD133+ Colon Cancer Cells than with CD133− Cancer Cells

Although CD133 has been reported to be a promising colon cancer stem cell marker, the biological functions of CD133+ colon cancer cells remain controversial. In the present study, we investigated the biological differences between CD133+ and CD133− colon cancer cells, with a particular focus on their interactions with cancer-associated fibroblasts, especially CD10+ fibroblasts. We used 19 primary colon cancer tissues, 30 primary cultures of fibroblasts derived from colon cancer tissues and 6 colon cancer cell lines. We isolated CD133+ and CD133− subpopulations from the colon cancer tissues and cultured cells. In vitro analyses revealed that the two populations showed similar biological behaviors in their proliferation and chemosensitivity. In vivo analyses revealed that CD133+ cells showed significantly greater tumor growth than CD133− cells (P = 0.007). Moreover, in cocultures with primary fibroblasts derived from colon cancer tissues, CD133+ cells exhibited significantly more invasive behaviors than CD133− cells (P<0.001), especially in cocultures with CD10+ fibroblasts (P<0.0001). Further in vivo analyses revealed that CD10+ fibroblasts enhanced the tumor growth of CD133+ cells significantly more than CD10− fibroblasts (P<0.05). These data demonstrate that the in vitro invasive properties and in vivo tumor growth of CD133+ colon cancer cells are enhanced in the presence of specific cancer-associated fibroblasts, CD10+ fibroblasts, suggesting that the interactions between these specific cell populations have important roles in cancer progression. Therefore, these specific interactions may be promising targets for new colon cancer therapies

Ni/C Slurries Based on Molten Carbonates as a Fuel for Hybrid Direct Carbon Fuel Cells

Ni-impregnated carbon black (Ni/XC-72R) was tested as a fuel for a hybrid direct carbon fuel cell (HDCFC) with a hybrid electrolyte of yttria-stabilized zirconia and molten carbonate (Li(2)CO(3)/K(2)CO(3)). The open-circuit voltage (OCV) of the HDCFC with Ni/XC-72R was quite high, about 1.5 V at 700 degrees C. The maximum power density was improved by factors of 7.6 and 3.1, respectively, at 550 and 700 degrees C by adding 50 wt % of Ni catalyst. The effect of the Ni catalyst on the carbon/carbonate slurry was investigated by temperature-programmed decomposition. The Ni catalyst probably contributes to the high OCV by enhancing the reverse Boudouard reaction (C+CO(2)-&gt; 2CO) in the carbon/carbonate slurry in the HDCFC.</p

Ni/C Slurries Based on Molten Carbonates as a Fuel for Hybrid Direct Carbon Fuel Cells

Ni-impregnated carbon black (Ni/XC-72R) was tested as a fuel for a hybrid direct carbon fuel cell (HDCFC) with a hybrid electrolyte of yttria-stabilized zirconia and molten carbonate (Li(2)CO(3)/K(2)CO(3)). The open-circuit voltage (OCV) of the HDCFC with Ni/XC-72R was quite high, about 1.5 V at 700 degrees C. The maximum power density was improved by factors of 7.6 and 3.1, respectively, at 550 and 700 degrees C by adding 50 wt % of Ni catalyst. The effect of the Ni catalyst on the carbon/carbonate slurry was investigated by temperature-programmed decomposition. The Ni catalyst probably contributes to the high OCV by enhancing the reverse Boudouard reaction (C+CO(2)-&gt; 2CO) in the carbon/carbonate slurry in the HDCFC.</p

Carbon air fuel cells

This paper discusses a new concept for Direct Carbon Fuel Cells (DCFCs) developed in the University of St Andrews. DCFCs use solid carbon as a fuel directly, which has a high energy density compared with other energy carriers. The St Andrews/DSTL DCFC utilises a combination of the technologies of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell and Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) technologies whereas most earlier DCFCs were based solely on MCFC technology. A solid oxide electrolyte is employed to separate the cathode and anode compartments while a molten carbonate electrolyte is also present in the anode compartment to enhance the anode reactions. This new concept avoids the need for CO2 circulation and the protection of the cathode from molten carbonate. Fuel cell testing has been carried out using a Super-S carbon fuel, a yttria-stablilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte, NiO/YSZ cermet anode, (La0.8Sr0.2) 0.95MnO3 cathode, and a eutectic molten carbonate mixture (lithium carbonate and potassium carbonate). Promising fuel cell performances have been shown in the temperature range of 550-900°C. The OCV and maximum output at 900°C were 1.24 V and 6.9 mW cm-2.</p