Effects of brush-anode configurations on performance and electrochemistry of microbial fuel cells

Kang, Heunggu,Jeong, Jaesik,Gupta, Prabuddha L.,Jung, Sokhee P. Elsevier 2017 International journal of hydrogen energy Vol.42 No.45

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>For practical implementation of MFC, increasing power generation is important because it is closely related with energy production rate and wastewater treatability. However, it is not known which relative arrangement of anode and cathode gives the best performance, and it is necessary to know electrochemical reference point of the brush anode for this. Five different brush-anode configurations were tested in a single-chambered cubic MFC. By merely changing a brush anode configuration, power and current densities were increased by 20% and 30%, respectively. The horizontally-positioned anode configuration (H1) with the closest anode-cathode distance produced the highest power and current. EIS showed that anode impedance and full-cell impedance were decreased by 60% and 49%, respectively. CE and EE were not significantly affected by the anode-cathode distance, but the horizontal type cells showed relatively higher CE, EE and COD removal rate and shorter batch time. The center of a titanium current collector and the center of carbon fibers of a brush-anode were found to be statistically-significant reference points for MFC electrochemistry.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> By merely changing anode configuration, P<SUB>max</SUB> increased by 20%. </LI> <LI> By merely changing anode configuration, I<SUB>opt</SUB> increased by 30%. </LI> <LI> Anode impedance and full-cell impedance decreased by 60% and 49%, respectively. </LI> <LI> The horizontal anode with closest electrode distance produced the highest power and current. </LI> <LI> The center of a titanium current collector and the center of carbon fibers were statistically-significant reference points. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Synthesis and photophysical property of well-defined donor–acceptor diblock copolymer based on regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) and fullerene

Lee, Jea Uk,Cirpan, Ali,Emrick, Todd,Russell, Thomas P.,Jo, Won Ho Royal Society of Chemistry 2009 Journal of materials chemistry Vol.19 No.10

<P>A new, well-defined diblock copolymer (P3HT-<I>b</I>-C<SUB>60</SUB>) based on regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and fullerene was synthesized. First, regioregular P3HT was synthesized through Grignard metathesis polymerization, and then methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) were copolymerized by using an end-functionalized P3HT as a macroinitiator for the atom transfer radical polymerization to yield a diblock copolymer (P3HT-<I>b</I>-P(MMA-<I>r</I>-HEMA)). A fullerene derivative functionalized with carboxylic acid, [6,6]-phenyl-C<SUB>61</SUB>-butyric acid (PCBA), was then chemically linked to the HEMA unit in the second block (P(MMA-<I>r</I>-HEMA)) to produce a diblock copolymer with the second block containing fullerenes. Annealing thin films of the copolymer revealed nanometer-scale phase separation, a more suitable morphology for enabling excitons generated in the P3HT domain to more efficiently reach the donor–acceptor interface, relative to simple blends of P3HT and C<SUB>60</SUB>. As a result, photoluminescence of the P3HT-<I>b</I>-C<SUB>60</SUB> diblock copolymer in the films showed a complete quenching of photoluminescence of P3HT, which is indicative of charge transfer between P3HT and fullerene.</P> <P>Graphic Abstract</P><P>A new, well-defined diblock copolymer (P3HT-<I>b</I>-C<SUB>60</SUB>) based on regioregular P3HT and fullerene showed phase separation on a nanometer scale, which allows the excitons generated in the P3HT domain to reach the donor–acceptor interface more efficiently. <IMG SRC='http://pubs.rsc.org/services/images/RSCpubs.ePlatform.Service.FreeContent.ImageService.svc/ImageService/image/GA?id=b813368a'> </P>

Crystallization Modes of Poly(3-dodecylthiophene)-Based Block Copolymers Depend on Regioregularity and Morphology

Coote, Jonathan P.,Kim, Jin-Seong,Lee, Byeongdu,Han, Junghun,Kim, Bumjoon J.,Stein, Gila E. American Chemical Society 2018 Macromolecules Vol.51 No.22

<P>Conjugated block copolymers (BCPs) can self-assemble into highly ordered nanostructures in a melt state. However, when cooled below the melting temperature, crystal growth can disrupt the self-assembled structure and produce a poorly ordered fibrillar texture. We demonstrate that crystallization modes of conjugated BCPs based on poly(3-dodecylthiophene) (P3DDT) and poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP) can be tuned through P3DDT regioregularity (RR), as this attribute controls the melting temperature and crystallization rates of P3DDT. When RR is low (70-80%), crystallization is observed at temperatures near or below the glass transition of P2VP, so crystal growth is largely confined by the glassy cylindrical or lamellar BCP structure. When RR is high (94%), crystallization occurs at 40 K above the glass transition of P2VP, so there is no longer a restriction of glassy domains. Importantly, crystal growth remains confined by the rubbery P2VP lamellae, but breaks through the rubbery P2VP cylinders. This morphology-dependent behavior is attributed to geometric compatibility of P3DDT crystal growth and the self-assembled symmetry. In a lamellar phase, the P3DDT chain orientations at the P3DDT-<I>block</I>-P2VP interface are compatible with crystal growth, and both the alkyl-stacking and π-π growth directions are unrestricted within a lamellar sheet. In a cylindrical phase, the radial orientation of P3DDT chains at the P3DDT-<I>block</I>-P2VP interface is not compatible with crystal growth, and the hexagonal close-packed symmetry only allows for one direction of unrestricted crystal growth. Significantly, these studies demonstrate that tuning RR of polyalkylthiophenes can open up multiple crystallization modes with the same monomer chemistries and block lengths, thereby decoupling the parameters that govern classical BCP self-assembly and crystal growth.</P> [FIG OMISSION]</BR>

Controlling the interchain packing and photovoltaic properties via fluorine substitution in terpolymers based on benzo[1,2-c:4,5-c']dithiophene-4,8-dione and benzothiadiazole units

Kini, Gururaj P.,Choi, Jun Young,Jeon, Sung Jae,Suh, Il Soon,Moon, Doo Kyung Elsevier 2018 Polymer Vol.148 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>We present a series of three terpolymers involving benzo [1,2-c:4,5-c']dithiophene-4,8-dione (BDD) and benzothiadiazole (BT) as acceptor units, and oligothiophene as the donor unit (PBDD-TnFBT terpolymers). We optimized the structures of these terpolymers by varying the number of fluorine (F) atoms on the BT unit and studied its effects on photovoltaic performance (<B>P1</B> (BT), <B>P2</B> (FBT), and <B>P3</B> (2FBT)). Density functional theory analysis, optical-electrochemical analysis, and X-ray diffraction study revealed that the fluorination of BT significantly decreased frontier energy levels, enhanced both intermolecular interactions and planarization of polymer backbone in the resulted polymers. As a result, <B>P3,</B> having two F substituents on BT, exhibited stronger intermolecular interactions, predominant face-on orientation with a shorter π-π stacking distance of 3.51 Å, high hole mobility, and optimal nanoscale morphology compared to single F substituent (<B>P2</B>) and zero F substituent (<B>P1</B>) counterparts. Consequently, polymer solar cells based on <B>P3</B> demonstrated higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.2% than those based on <B>P1</B> and <B>P2</B> (1.4 and 1.7% respectively). This study illustrates the interrelation between the degree of fluorination and photovoltaic performance and effectively contributes to the design of high-PCE polymer donors for photovoltaic application.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Three terpolymers involving BDD and BT with the different number of fluorine (F) atoms were introduced. </LI> <LI> The interrelation between the degree of fluorination with charge transport behavior and polymer performance in PSC were investigated. </LI> <LI> Fluorination of BT significantly decreased frontier energy levels and enhanced intermolecular interactions in polymers. </LI> <LI> The PCE of PSCs was greatly improved from P1 (BT) 1.4% to 6.2 % P3 (2FBT) by the addition of F-atoms. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Identification of a novel <i>FAM83H</i> mutation and microhardness of an affected molar in autosomal dominant hypocalcified amelogenesis imperfecta

Hyun, H.-K.,Lee, S.-K.,Lee, K.-E.,Kang, H.-Y.,Kim, E.-J.,Choung, P.-H.,Kim, J.-W. Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2009 International endodontic journal Vol.42 No.11

<P>Abstract</P><P>Aim </P><P>To determine the underlying molecular genetic aetiology of a family with the hypocalcified form of amelogenesis imperfecta and to investigate the hardness of the enamel and dentine of a known <I>FAM83H</I> mutation.</P><P>Methodology </P><P>Mutational screening of the <I>FAM83H</I> on the basis of candidate gene approach was performed. All exons and exon–intron boundaries was amplified and sequenced. A microhardness test was performed to measure the Vickers microhardness value.</P><P>Results </P><P>A novel nonsense mutation (c.1354C>T, p.Q452X) was identified in the last exon of <I>FAM83H</I>, which resulted in soft, uncalcified enamel. The affected enamel was extremely soft (about 17% of the normal control), but the underlying dentine was as hard as the normal control.</P><P>Conclusions </P><P>Mutational analysis revealed a novel mutation in <I>FAM83H</I> gene. Hardness of dentine was not affected by the mutation, whilst the enamel was extremely soft.</P>

Serine palmitoyltransferase inhibitor myriocin induces growth inhibition of B16F10 melanoma cells through G₂/M phase arrest

Lee, Y.‐,S.,Choi, K.‐,M.,Choi, M.‐,H.,Ji, S.‐,Y.,Lee, S.,Sin, D.‐,M.,Oh, K.‐,W.,Lee, Y.‐,M.,Hong, J.‐,T.,Yun, Y.‐,P.,Yoo, H.‐,S. Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2011 Cell proliferation Vol.44 No.4

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P><B>Objectives: </B> Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, and it resists chemotherapy. Candidate drugs for effective anti‐cancer treatment have been sought from natural resources. Here, we have investigated anti‐proliferative activity of myriocin, serine palmitoyltransferase inhibitor, in the <I>de novo</I> sphingolipid pathway, and its mechanism in B16F10 melanoma cells.</P><P><B>Material and methods: </B> We assessed cell population growth by measuring cell numbers, DNA synthesis, cell cycle progression, and expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins. Ceramide, sphingomyelin, sphingosine and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate levels were analysed by HPLC.</P><P><B>Results: </B> Myriocin inhibited proliferation of melanoma cells and induced cell cycle arrest in the G<SUB>2</SUB>/M phase. Expressions of cdc25C, cyclin B1 and cdc2 were decreased in the cells after exposure to myriocin, while expression of p53 and p21<SUP>waf1/cip1</SUP> was increased. Levels of ceramide, sphingomyelin, sphingosine and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate in myriocin‐treated cells after 24 h were reduced by approximately 86%, 57%, 75% and 38%, respectively, compared to levels in control cells.</P><P><B>Conclusions: </B> Our results suggest that inhibition of sphingolipid synthesis by myriocin in melanoma cells may inhibit expression of cdc25C or activate expression of p53 and p21<SUP>waf1/cip1</SUP>, followed by inhibition of cyclin B1 and cdc2, resulting in G<SUB>2</SUB>/M arrest of the cell cycle and cell population growth inhibition. Thus, modulation of sphingolipid metabolism by myriocin may be a potential target of mechanism‐based therapy for this type of skin cancer.</P>

Synthesis of C₆₀-end capped P3HT and its application for high performance of P3HT/PCBM bulk heterojunction solar cells

Lee, Jea Uk,Jung, Jae Woong,Emrick, Todd,Russell, Thomas P.,Jo, Won Ho Royal Society of Chemistry 2010 Journal of materials chemistry Vol.20 No.16

<P>A new C<SUB>60</SUB>-end capped poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT-C<SUB>60</SUB>) was synthesized <I>via</I> a simple three-step process, and used as a compatibilizer for P3HT/PCBM composite for the purpose of controlling the morphology of P3HT/PCBM composite film, and thus improving the long-term thermal stability of solar cell performance. When a small amount of P3HT-C<SUB>60</SUB> was added to P3HT/PCBM, the bicontinuous and nanometre-scale film morphology was developed and preserved for 2 h of annealing at 150 °C. Furthermore, the addition of P3HT-C<SUB>60</SUB> as a compatibilizer suppressed large-scale phase separation of P3HT/PCBM composite even after prolonged annealing time (8 days), and as a result, the P3HT/PCBM/P3HT-C<SUB>60</SUB> bulk heterojunction solar cells exhibited the excellent long-term thermal stability of device performance.</P> <P>Graphic Abstract</P><P>A new C<SUB>60</SUB>-end capped poly(3-hexylthiophene) was synthesized <I>via</I> a simple three-step process, and used as a compatibilizer for P3HT/PCBM composite for the purpose of controlling the morphology of P3HT/PCBM composite film and thus improving the long-term thermal stability of solar cell performance. <IMG SRC='http://pubs.rsc.org/services/images/RSCpubs.ePlatform.Service.FreeContent.ImageService.svc/ImageService/image/GA?id=b923752f'> </P>

Determination of N* amplitudes from associated strangeness production in p+p collisions

Mü,nzer, R.,Fabbietti, L.,Epple, E.,Lu, S.,Klose, P.,Hauenstein, F.,Herrmann, N.,Grzonka, D.,Leifels, Y.,Maggiora, M.,Pleiner, D.,Ramstein, B.,Ritman, J.,Roderburg, E.,Salabura, P.,Sarantsev, A.,B North-Holland Pub. Co 2018 Physics letters. Section B Vol.785 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>We present the first determination of the energy-dependent amplitudes of N<SUP>⁎</SUP> resonances extracted from their decay in KΛ pairs in p+p → <SUP> pK + </SUP> Λ reactions. A combined Partial Wave Analysis of seven data samples with exclusively reconstructed p+p → <SUP> pK + </SUP> Λ events measured by the COSY-TOF, DISTO, FOPI and HADES Collaborations in fixed target experiments at kinetic energies between 2.14 to 3.5 GeV is used to determine the amplitude of the resonant and non-resonant contributions into the associated strangeness final state. The contribution of seven N<SUP>⁎</SUP> resonances with masses between 1650 MeV/c<SUP>2</SUP> and 1900 MeV/c<SUP>2</SUP> for an excess energy between 0 and 600 MeV has been considered. The Σ–p cusp and final state interactions for the p–Λ channel are also included as coherent contributions in the PWA. The N<SUP>⁎</SUP> contribution is found to be dominant with respect to the phase space emission of the pK Λ + final state at all energies demonstrating the important role played by both N<SUP>⁎</SUP> and interference effects in hadron–hadron collisions.</P>

Report of the CCQM-K97: measurement of arsenobetaine standard solution and arsenobetaine content in fish tissue (tunafish)

Ma, L D,Wang, J,WEI, C,Kuroiwa, T,Narukawa, T,Ito, N,HIOKI, A,CHIBA, K,Yim, Y H,Lee, K S,Lim, Y R,Turk, G C,Davis, C W,Mester, Z,Yang, L,McCooeye, M,Maxwell, P,Cankur, O,Tokman, N,Coskun, F G BUREAU INTERNATIONAL DES POIDS ET MESURES 2017 METROLOGIA -BERLIN- Vol.54 No.-

<P></P> <P>The CCQM-K97 key comparison was organized by the inorganic analysis working group (IAWG) of CCQM as a follow-up to completed pilot study CCQM-P96 and P96.1 to test the abilities of the national metrology institutes to accurately quantitate the mass fraction of arsenobetaine (AsB) in standard solution and in fish tissue. A pilot study CCQM-P133 was parallelized with this key comparison. National Institute of Metrology (NIM), China and National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) acted as the coordinating laboratories.</P> <P>Six NMIs participated in CCQM-K97 and two institutes participated in CCQM-P133, and all of them submitted the results. Some NMIs submitted more than one results by different methods. The results were in excellent agreement with each other, and obviously better than those of previous P96 and P96.1. Therefore the calibrant which each NMI used was comparable. It shows that the capabilities of some of the participants have been improved after the previous pilot studies.</P> <H2>Main text</H2> <P> To reach the main text of this paper, click on <A HREF='http://www.bipm.org/utils/common/pdf/final_reports/QM/K97/CCQM-K97.pdf'>Final Report</A>. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database <A HREF='http://kcdb.bipm.org/'>kcdb.bipm.org/</A>.</P> <P>The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).</P>

Golimumab, a human antibody to tumour necrosis factor α given by monthly subcutaneous injections, in active rheumatoid arthritis despite methotrexate therapy: the GO-FORWARD Study

Keystone, E C,Genovese, M C,Klareskog, L,Hsia, E C,Hall, S T,Miranda, P C,Pazdur, J,Bae, S-C,Palmer, W,Zrubek, J,Wiekowski, M,Visvanathan, S,Wu, Z,Rahman, M U BMJ Publishing Group 2009 Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases Vol.68 No.6

<P><B>Objective:</B></P><P>The phase III GO-FORWARD study examined the efficacy and safety of golimumab in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) despite methotrexate therapy.</P><P><B>Methods:</B></P><P>Patients were randomly assigned in a 3 : 3 : 2 : 2 ratio to receive placebo injections plus methotrexate capsules (group 1, n  =  133), golimumab 100 mg injections plus placebo capsules (group 2, n  =  133), golimumab 50 mg injections plus methotrexate capsules (group 3, n  =  89), or golimumab 100 mg injections plus methotrexate capsules (group 4, n  =  89). Injections were administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks. The co-primary endpoints were the proportion of patients with 20% or greater improvement in the American College of Rheumatology criteria (ACR20) at week 14 and the change from baseline in the health assessment questionnaire-disability index (HAQ-DI) score at week 24.</P><P><B>Results:</B></P><P>The proportion of patients who achieved an ACR20 response at week 14 was 33.1% in the placebo plus methotrexate group, 44.4% (p = 0.059) in the golimumab 100 mg plus placebo group, 55.1% (p = 0.001) in the golimumab 50 mg plus methotrexate group and 56.2% (p<0.001) in the golimumab 100 mg plus methotrexate group. At week 24, median improvements from baseline in HAQ-DI scores were 0.13, 0.13 (p = 0.240), 0.38 (p<0.001) and 0.50 (p<0.001), respectively. During the placebo-controlled portion of the study (to week 16), serious adverse events occurred in 2.3%, 3.8%, 5.6% and 9.0% of patients and serious infections occurred in 0.8%, 0.8%, 2.2% and 5.6%, respectively.</P><P><B>Conclusion:</B></P><P>The addition of golimumab to methotrexate in patients with active RA despite methotrexate therapy significantly reduced the signs and symptoms of RA and improved physical function.</P>