HWCVD MoO3 nanoparticles and a-Si for next generation Li-ion anodes

We have employed hot wire chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD) for the generation of MoO₃ nanostructures at high density. Furthermore, the morphology of the nanoparticles is easily tailored by altering the HWCVD synthesis conditions. The MoO₃ nanoparticles have been demonstrated as high-capacity Li-ion battery anodes for next-generation electric vehicles. Specifically, the MoO₃ anodes have been shown to have approximately three times the Li-ion capacity of commercially employed graphite anodes in thick electrodes suitable for vehicular applications. However because the materials are high volume expansion materials (≥ 100%), conformal Al₂O₃ coatings deposited with atomic layer deposition (ALD) were required before high rate capability was demonstrated. Recently, NREL is exploring high capacity Si anode materials that have a volume expansion of ~ 400%. It is assumed that new ALD coatings will need to be developed in order to stabilize Si as an anode material. Silicon is a superior choice for an anode material to the metal oxide structures due to both a higher capacity and a significantly lower hysteresis in the voltage vs. Li/Li⁺ for the charge/discharge profiles.     

Detection limits of beta-lactam antibiotics in ewe milk by penzym enzymatic test.

The Penzym is an enzymatic test widely used for the detection of beta-lactam antibiotic residuals in milk. It is a specific method with good sensitivity to this group of antibiotics and enables results to be obtained within a short time. In the present work, the detection limits of 10 beta-lactam antibiotics were determined in ewe milk, given the lack of previous studies of the Penzym test in ovine milk. For each antibiotic, eight concentrations were tested on 20 ewe milk samples proceeding from individual ewes (160 analyses per drug). The limits of the Penzym test were determined by means of logistic regression models, as follows: 5 microg/kg amoxicillin, 4 microg/kg ampicillin, 33 microg/kg cloxacillin, 3 microg/kg penicillin "G," 43 microg/kg cephadroxil. 10 microg/kg cephalosporin "C," 16 microg/kg cephalexin, 900 microg/kg cephoperazone, 120 microg/kg Ceftiofur, and 77 microg/kg cephuroxime. The percentages of positive results for those antibiotics at the maximum residue limit (MRL) concentration established by the European Union (EU) were: 100% (penicillin "G"), 93.3% (ampicillin), 93.3% (cloxacillin), 56.7% (Ceftiofur), and 56.7% (amoxicillin).     

Expression of complement receptors 1 and 2 on follicular dendritic cells is necessary for the generation of a strong antigen-specific IgG response

Two mechanisms could account for the impaired humoral immune response found in Cr2-/- mice. The absence of complement receptors 1 and 2 (CR1, CR2) on B cells could affect their activation. Alternatively, impaired Ag trapping by follicular dendritic cells (FDC) could affect B cell maturation into Ig-secreting or memory B cells. To compare the roles of CR1 and CR2 on B cells vs FDC in this abnormal response, bone marrow (BM) chimeric mice were generated and immunized with specific T-dependent Ags. The primary and secondary Ab response was measured. Cr2+/+ animals reconstituted with a Cr2-/- BM generated a diminished but detectable humoral immune response compared with controls. When injected with preformed immune complexes (IC), these mice maintained follicular IC localization. Cr2-/- animals reconstituted with a Cr2+/+ BM had an initial rise in the Ab titer, but were unable to maintain it as shown by a pronounced decrease in the IgG titer. This defect persisted during the secondary immune response. Follicular IC trapping was also impaired. Despite the abnormal Ab response, germinal center formation was retained in all of the chimeric animals. These experiments are the first to demonstrate an absolute requirement for CR1 and CR2 expression on FDC in the generation of a normal humoral immune response.     

Cerebrospinal fluid levels of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) in Parkinson's disease

We compared CSF and serum levels, and the CSF/serum ratio of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), measured by HPLC, in 34 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and 47 controls. CSF and serum vitamin E levels were correlate. The mean CSF and serum vitamin E levels, and the CSF/serum ratio of PD patients did not differ significantly between the groups. There was no influence of antiparkinsonian therapy on CSF vitamin E levels. CSF vitamin E levels did not correlate with age, age at onset, duration of the disease, scores of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale of the Hoehn and Yahr staging in the PD group. These results suggest that CSF vitamin E concentrations are unrelated with the risk for PD.     

Meat and fat quality of unweaned lambs as affected by slaughter weight and breed

Sixty-four male lambs of two Southern Spanish breeds, a dairy breed (Grazalema Merino) and a meat breed (Churra Lebrijana), were used to study the effects of slaughter weight and breed on meat traits and intramuscular and subcutaneous fat composition. Lambs were reared following a traditional production system without weaning and slaughtered when live weight reached 12 kg (suckling) or 20 kg (light). Meat from suckling lambs of both breeds had lower fat and myoglobin contents, and was more tender and had higher scores for sustained juiciness in the sensory analysis. Fat from light lambs had lower C12:0 and C14:0 levels than fat from suckling lambs. Grazalema Merino meat had higher fat and ash contents, and its fat had higher conjugated linoleic acid content than Churra Lebrijana meat.     

Lösungsglühen von Carbiden bei relativ niedrigen Temperaturen und Überprüfung mit elektrochemischen Methoden

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird über Wärmebehandlungen zur Lösung von Chromcarbiden als Vorbeugungsmaßnahme zur Verhinderung der interkristallinen Korrosion berichtet. Vor dem Hintergrund einer möglichen Energieeinsparung wurde ein Temperaturbereich gewählt, der knapp unter dem der industriellen Praxis von 1050°C liegt. Gleichzeitig werden die elektrochemischen Untersuchungsmethoden der Anfälligkeit für interkristalline Korrosion den genormten Methoden gegenübergestellt, um die Anwendungsmöglichkeiten und ihre Verläßlichkeit zu bewerten und einzustufen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daß dem Kornzerfall durch Wärmebehandlungen bei 950°C entgegengewirkt werden kann. In vielen Fällen wird diese Temperatur, die rund 100°C unter der in der Industrie angewandten liegt, eine bedeutende Energieeinsparung beinhalten. Allerdings ist diese niedrige Lösungsglühtemperatur nur für molybdänfreie Stähle anzuwenden; für molybdänhaltige, nichtrostende Stähle ist bei Gehalten über rd. 2,5 % Mo eine höhere Lösungsglühtemperatur nach wie vor erforderlich. Das elektrochemische E.P.R.-Verfahren ist eng mit den Versuchen A, C und E der Norm ASTM-A-262 verknüpft. Diese Tatsache wie auch die Einfachheit, Schnelligkeit und der zerstörungsfreie Charakter führen die Autoren zu der Überzeugung, daß die elektrochemische Methode ein idealer Test zur Ermittlung der Anfälligkeit für interkristalline Korrosion ist.