Economic evaluation of long-distance hydrogen transmission by chemical closed-loop cycle

All over the world there are enormous unexploited renewable energy reserves (hydro, geothermic, solar, wind, etc.). Most originate far from the location of the users, so their exploitation would greatly benefit from the disclosure of new, more economical, and technically feasible transmission systems.A possible alternative to electricity is the use of hydrogen as a medium for transportation of energy. This work proposes a chemical closed-loop cycle based upon catalytic reversible reactions as a means to transmit hydrogen. A real example for the application of the proposed system for transportation of secondary energy was considered. In particular, choosing a large hydro-electric source as reference, a comparison was made between costs and efficiencies in transferring energy as hydrogen (in its different forms) over long distances, with respect to transportation of the same energy as electricity.     

Performance calculations of residential cooling systems for simplified energy analysis

The seasonal performance of space cooling systems generally depends on indoor and outdoor temperatures and humidities and on the ratio between actual cooling loads and cooling equipment size. In principle, any given weather condition and desired indoor dry-bulb temperature calls for an interactive application of psychrometrics and equipment performance curves until satisfactory indoor conditions are derived for which both sensible and latent cooling loads equal sensible and latent heat removal rates. This paper presents a simplified approach that derives the indoor wet-bulb temperature in close form for both cases when the cooling system condenses water from the space and when it does not. This approach relies on a local linearization of the psychrometric chart in the region of interest for indoor comfort conditions. Performance curves for total and sensible capacity and for the electric power input were derived for several different residential air-to-air reciprocating compressive cooling systems. The performance curves are empirical fits to manufacturer's data or to laboratory results. The predictions of the simplified method were compared with DOE-2 when calculating space cooling consumption for a residence in both a hot arid and in a hot humid climate. The comparison showed excellent agreement both for hour-by-hour calculations and for monthly calculation of this method are sufficiently simple to be applicable to micro-computers and pocket calculators.     

Distinct Expression Patterns of Cxcl12 in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Niches of Intact and Injured Rodent Teeth

Specific stem cell populations within dental mesenchymal tissues guarantee tooth homeostasis and regeneration throughout life. The decision between renewal and differentiation of stem cells is greatly influenced by interactions with stromal cells and extracellular matrix molecules that form the tissue specific stem cell niches. The Cxcl12 chemokine is a general marker of stromal cells and plays fundamental roles in the maintenance, mobilization and migration of stem cells. The aim of this study was to exploit Cxcl12-GFP transgenic mice to study the expression patterns of Cxcl12 in putative dental niches of intact and injured teeth. We showed that endothelial and stromal cells expressed Cxcl12 in the dental pulp tissue of both intact molars and incisors. Isolated non-endothelial Cxcl12⁺ dental pulp cells cultured in different conditions in vitro exhibited expression of both adipogenic and osteogenic markers, thus suggesting that these cells possess multipotent fates. Taken together, our results show that Cxcl12 is widely expressed in intact and injured teeth and highlight its importance as a key component of the various dental mesenchymal stem cell niches.     

The New Microtubule-Targeting Agent SIX2G Induces Immunogenic Cell Death in Multiple Myeloma

Microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) are effective drugs for cancer treatment. A novel diaryl [1,2]oxazole class of compounds binding the colchicine site was synthesized as cis-restricted-combretastatin-A-4-analogue and then chemically modified to have improved solubility and a wider therapeutic index as compared to vinca alkaloids and taxanes. On these bases, a new class of tricyclic compounds, containing the [1,2]oxazole ring and an isoindole moiety, has been synthetized, among which SIX2G emerged as improved MTA. Several findings highlighted the ability of some chemotherapeutics to induce immunogenic cell death (ICD), which is defined by the cell surface translocation of Calreticulin (CALR) via dissociation of the PP1/GADD34 complex. In this regard, we computationally predicted the ability of SIX2G to induce CALR exposure by interacting with the PP1 RVxF domain. We then assessed both the potential cytotoxic and immunogenic activity of SIX2G on in vitro models of multiple myeloma (MM), which is an incurable hematological malignancy characterized by an immunosuppressive milieu. We found that the treatment with SIX2G inhibited cell viability by inducing G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, we observed the increase of hallmarks of ICD such as CALR exposure, ATP release and phospho-eIF2α protein level. Through co-culture experiments with immune cells, we demonstrated the increase of (i) CD86 maturation marker on dendritic cells, (ii) CD69 activation marker on cytotoxic T cells, and (iii) phagocytosis of tumor cells following treatment with SIX2G, confirming the onset of an immunogenic cascade. In conclusion, our findings provide a framework for further development of SIX2G as a new potential anti-MM agent.     

Predicting Addiction Severity Index (ASI) interviewer severity ratings for a computer-administered ASI.

The Addiction Severity Index (ASI) is a reliable and valid measure of problem severity among addicted patients. Concerns have been raised about the reliability of the Interviewer Severity Rating (ISR), a summary score for each of 7 domains. As part of an effort to build a computer-administered ASI, regression equations were developed to predict the ISR. Repeated resampling of a large dataset, consisting of 1,124 ASIs conducted by trained interviewers, permitted derivation of stable regression equations predicting the ISR for each ASI domain from patients' answers to preselected interview items. The resulting 7 Predicted Severity Ratings (PSRs) were tested on 8, standardized vignettes, with "gold standard," expert-generated ISRs. Reliabilities compared well with those of intensively trained interviewers. The PSRs could provide an alternative to potentially unreliable interviewer ratings, enhancing the ASI's role in treatment planning and treatment matching and make possible a computer-administered version of the ASI. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Beta-1-integrin expression in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia: possible relationship with the stem cell antigen CD34

In the hemopoietic system, interactions between stem cells and components of the bone marrow microenvironment play a pivotal role in blood cell proliferation and differentiation. Among the adhesion molecules, the integrins of the beta 1-subfamily are known to direct cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions and evidence has been provided that CD34-positive stem cells bind either to the bone marrow stroma or to the extracellular matrix proteins through the beta 1-integrins. It seems that changes in their expression pattern or signalling function are likely to reflect disturbances at the hemopoietic bone marrow microenvironmental level. Any alteration of their biological functions makes them attractive candidates for playing decisive roles in the leukemic processes. In this view, beta 1-integrins have been recognized to mediate those cellular interactions and migrations that are important in the biology of leukemia. In this paper we review some aspects of the role played by beta 1-integrins, especially VLA-4 and VLA-5, in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia in relation with the expression rate of the stem cell antigen CD34.     

Group counseling versus individualized relapse prevention aftercare following intensive outpatient treatment for cocaine dependence: Initial results.

Ninety-eight male cocaine-dependent patients who completed an intensive outpatient program (IOP) were randomly assigned to either standard group counseling (STND) or individualized relapse prevention (RP) aftercare. Heavier cocaine and alcohol use during IOP and low self-efficacy predicted more cocaine use during the treatment phase of the study, whereas lifetime diagnoses of alcohol dependence, major depression, and any anxiety disorder predicted less cocaine use. Rates of complete abstinence during the 6-month study period were higher in STND than RP, whereas RP was more effective in limiting the extent of cocaine use in those who used during Months 1-3. Matching analyses indicated patients who failed to achieve remission from cocaine dependence during IOP and those with a commitment to absolute abstinence did better in RP than in STND, whereas patients with other abstinence goals did better in STND than RP. Several differences in experiences before cocaine use and "near-miss" episodes were also identified. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Online comprehensive RPLC × RPLC with mass spectrometry detection for the analysis of proteome samples

LC-MS-based shotgun proteomics relies both on the power of the separation techniques and the sensitivity of detection methods. As a viable alternative to classical approaches in this field, we developed a fully automated, comprehensive 2D LC system, in which RPLC × RPLC was coupled to MS detection, for the first time, and applied for the analysis of tryptic digests obtained from α-casein and dephosphorylated α-casein. The use of a significantly different pH in the two dimensions allowed us to attain high peak capacity, despite the employment of novel identical stationary phases. Furthermore, such a combination addresses compatibility issues, thus allowing straightforward interfacing in online 2D LC configuration, as well as direct linkage to a mass spectrometer. A theoretical peak capacity of ca. 8500 was calculated for the setup, employing four serially coupled C18 columns in the first dimension (600 × 2.1 mm, 2.7 μm d.p.), operated under basic conditions, and 3 cm length of the same stationary phase (30 × 4.6 mm, 2.7 μm d.p. column), under acidic conditions, for fast second dimension analysis.