Clinical Utility of Chest Sonography in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients Focusing on Diaphragmatic Measurements

Hend M. Esmaeel, M.B.B.S., M.D.,Kamal A. Atta, M.B.B.S., M.D.,Safiya Khalaf, M.B.B.S.,Doaa Gadallah, M.B.B.S., M.D. 대한결핵및호흡기학회 2024 Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases Vol.87 No.1

Background: There are many methods of evaluating diaphragmatic function, includingtrans-diaphragmatic pressure measurements, which are considered the key rule of diagnosis. We studied the clinical usefulness of chest ultrasonography in evaluating stablechronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and those in exacerbation,focusing on diaphragmatic measurements and their correlation with spirometry andother clinical parameters. Methods: In a prospective case-control study, we enrolled 100 COPD patients dividedinto 40 stable COPD patients and 60 patients with exacerbation. The analysis included20 age-matched controls. In addition to the clinical assessment of the study population,radiological evaluation included chest radiographs and chest computed tomography. Transthoracic ultrasonography (TUS) was performed for all included subjects. Results: Multiple A lines (more than 3) were more frequent in COPD exacerbation thanin stable patients, as was the case for B-lines. TUS significantly showed high specificity,negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and accuracy in detecting pleuraleffusion, consolidation, pneumothorax, and lung mass. Diaphragmatic measurementswere significantly lower among stable COPD subjects than healthy controls. Diaphragmaticthickness and excursion displayed a significant negative correlation with bodymass index and the dyspnea scale, and a positive correlation with spirometry measures. Patients in Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) groupD showed lower diaphragmatic measurements (thickness and excursion). Conclusion: The TUS of COPD patients both in stable and exacerbated conditions andthe assessment of diaphragm excursion and thickness by TUS in COPD patients andtheir correlations to disease-related factors proved informative and paved the way forthe better management of COPD patients.

First observation of the decay B@?_s⁰→D⁰K^@?0 and a measurement of the ratio of branching fractions B(B@?_s⁰→D⁰K^@?0)B(B@?⁰→D⁰ρ⁰)

LHCb Collaboration,Aaij, R.,Abellan Beteta, C.,Adeva, B.,Adinolfi, M.,Adrover, C.,Affolder, A.,Ajaltouni, Z.,Albrecht, J.,Alessio, F.,Alexander, M.,Alkhazov, G.,Alvarez Cartelle, P.,Alves, A.A.,Amato, North-Holland Pub. Co 2011 Physics letters: B Vol.706 No.1

The first observation of the decay B@?<SUB>s</SUB><SUP>0</SUP>→D<SUP>0</SUP>K<SUP>@?0</SUP> using pp data collected by the LHCb detector at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 36 pb<SUP>-1</SUP>, is reported. A signal of 34.4+/-6.8 events is obtained and the absence of signal is rejected with a statistical significance of more than nine standard deviations. The B@?<SUB>s</SUB><SUP>0</SUP>→D<SUP>0</SUP>K<SUP>@?0</SUP> branching fraction is measured relative to that of B@?<SUP>0</SUP>→D<SUP>0</SUP>ρ<SUP>0</SUP>: B(B@?<SUB>s</SUB><SUP>0</SUP>→D<SUP>0</SUP>K<SUP>@?0</SUP>)B(B@?<SUP>0</SUP>→D<SUP>0</SUP>ρ<SUP>0</SUP>)=1.48+/-0.34+/-0.15+/-0.12, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic and the third is due to the uncertainty on the ratio of the B<SUP>0</SUP> and B<SUB>s</SUB><SUP>0</SUP> hadronisation fractions.

Transcriptomes of major renal collecting duct cell types in mouse identified by single-cell RNA-seq

Chen, Lihe,Lee, Jae Wook,Chou, Chung-Lin,Nair, Anil V.,Battistone, Maria A.,Pă,unescu, Teodor G.,Merkulova, Maria,Breton, Sylvie,Verlander, Jill W.,Wall, Susan M.,Brown, Dennis,Burg, Maurice B. National Academy of Sciences 2017 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF Vol.114 No.46

<P><B>Significance</B></P><P>A long-term goal in mammalian biology is to identify the genes expressed in every cell type of the body. In the kidney, the expressed genes (i.e., transcriptome) of all epithelial cell types have already been identified with the exception of the cells that make up the renal collecting duct, which is responsible for regulation of blood pressure and body fluid composition. Here, single-cell RNA-sequencing was used in mouse to identify transcriptomes for the major collecting duct cell types: type A intercalated cells, type B intercalated cells, and principal cells. The information was used to create a publicly accessible online resource. The data allowed identification of genes that are selectively expressed in each cell type, which is informative for cell-level understanding of physiology and pathophysiology.</P><P>Prior RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) studies have identified complete transcriptomes for most renal epithelial cell types. The exceptions are the cell types that make up the renal collecting duct, namely intercalated cells (ICs) and principal cells (PCs), which account for only a small fraction of the kidney mass, but play critical physiological roles in the regulation of blood pressure, extracellular fluid volume, and extracellular fluid composition. To enrich these cell types, we used FACS that employed well-established lectin cell surface markers for PCs and type B ICs, as well as a newly identified cell surface marker for type A ICs, c-Kit. Single-cell RNA-seq using the IC- and PC-enriched populations as input enabled identification of complete transcriptomes of A-ICs, B-ICs, and PCs. The data were used to create a freely accessible online gene-expression database for collecting duct cells. This database allowed identification of genes that are selectively expressed in each cell type, including cell-surface receptors, transcription factors, transporters, and secreted proteins. The analysis also identified a small fraction of hybrid cells expressing aquaporin-2 and anion exchanger 1 or pendrin transcripts. In many cases, mRNAs for receptors and their ligands were identified in different cells (e.g., <I>Notch2</I> chiefly in PCs vs. <I>Jag1</I> chiefly in ICs), suggesting signaling cross-talk among the three cell types. The identified patterns of gene expression among the three types of collecting duct cells provide a foundation for understanding physiological regulation and pathophysiology in the renal collecting duct.</P>

Unveiling the sodium intercalation properties in Na_1.86□_0.14Fe₃(PO₄)₃

Essehli, R.,Ben Yahia, H.,Maher, K.,Sougrati, M.T.,Abouimrane, A.,Park, J.-B.,Sun, Y.-K.,Al-Maadeed, M.A.,Belharouak, I. Elsevier Sequoia 2016 Journal of Power Sources Vol. No.

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The new compound Na<SUB>1.86</SUB>□<SUB>0.14</SUB>Fe<SUB>3</SUB>(PO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>3</SUB> was successfully synthesized via hydrothermal synthesis and its crystal structure was determined using powder X-ray diffraction data. Na<SUB>1.86</SUB>Fe<SUB>3</SUB>(PO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>3</SUB> was also characterized by operando XRD and Mössbauer spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and galvanostatic cycling. Na<SUB>1.86</SUB>Fe<SUB>3</SUB>(PO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>3</SUB> crystallizes with the alluaudite-type structure with the eight coordinated Na1 and Na2 sodium atoms located within the channels. The combination of the Rietveld- and Mössbauer-analyses confirms that the sodium vacancies in the Na1 site are linked to a partial oxidation of Fe<SUP>2+</SUP> during synthesis. The electrochemical tests indicated that Na<SUB>1.86</SUB>Fe<SUB>3</SUB>(PO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>3</SUB> is a 3 V sodium intercalating cathode. At the current densities of 5, 10, and 20 mA g<SUP>−1</SUP>, the material delivers the specific capacities of 109, 97, and 80 mA h g<SUP>−1</SUP>, respectively. After 100 charge and discharge cycles, Na<SUB>1.86</SUB>Fe<SUB>3</SUB>(PO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>3</SUB> exhibited good sodium removal and uptake behavior although no optimizations of particle size, morphology, and carbon coating were performed.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Na<SUB>1.86</SUB>□<SUB>0.14</SUB>Fe<SUB>3</SUB>(PO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>3</SUB> was synthesized via hydrothermal synthesis method. </LI> <LI> Na<SUB>1.86</SUB>□<SUB>0.14</SUB>Fe<SUB>3</SUB>(PO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>3</SUB> crystallizes with the Alluaudite-type structure. </LI> <LI> Operando in situ XRD and Mössbauer spectroscopy studies were carried on. </LI> <LI> The crystal structure of Na<SUB>1.86</SUB>□<SUB>0.14</SUB>Fe<SUB>3</SUB>(PO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>3</SUB> is stable during cycling. </LI> <LI> Na<SUB>1.86</SUB>□<SUB>0.14</SUB>Fe<SUB>3</SUB>(PO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>3</SUB> is a promising 3 V cathode material for sodium ion batteries. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>Na1.86□0.14Fe3(PO4)3 was synthesized via hydrothermal synthesis method. Na1.86Fe3(PO4)3 crystallizes with the alluaudite-type structure. Na1.86Fe3(PO4)3 is a 3 V sodium intercalating cathode. At the current densities of 5, 10, and 20 mA g<SUP>−1</SUP>, the material delivers the specific capacities of 109, 97, and 80 mA h g<SUP>−1</SUP>, respectively. After 100 charge and discharge cycles, Na1.86Fe3(PO4)3 exhibited good sodium removal and uptake behavior with a stable crystal structure.</P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Temperature dependent current–voltage characteristics of the Cd/CdO/n–Si/Au–Sb structure

M. Sağlam,A. Ates,M.A. Yıldırım,B. Güzeldir,A. Astam 한국물리학회 2010 Current Applied Physics Vol.10 No.2

In this study, this is the first time, it has been employed Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) method in order to prepare Cd/CdO/n–Si/Au–Sb sandwich structure. The sample temperature effect on the current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of Cd/CdO/n–Si/Au–Sb structure has been investigated in a wide temperature range by steps of 20 K. The parameters such as barrier height, ideality factor and series resistance of this structure have been calculated from the forward bias I–V characteristics as a function of sample temperature. With a decreasing temperature, a decreasing in the apparent barrier height (Øb0), an increasing in the ideality factor (n) and a nonlinearity in the activation energy plot have been seen. The experimental values of barrier height and ideality factor for this device have been calculated as 0.871 eV and 1.787 at 300 K and 0.436 eV and 2.221 at 80 K, respectively. These abnormal behaviors can be explain by the barrier inhomogeneities at the metal–semiconductor (M–S) interface. From the temperature dependent I–V characteristics of the Cd/CdO/n–Si/Au–Sb sandwich structure, Øb0 and A*are calculated as 0.790 and 1.160 eV, and 153.90 and 188.42 A/㎠ K2, respectively, by using ln(I0/T2) - q2σ2s/2k2T2 vs. 1/T plot for the two temperature regions. Deviation of experimental values of A* from known value for n–Si has been attributed to the spatial inhomogeneous barrier heights and potential fluctuations at the interface that consist of low and high barrier areas.

Metal-organic frameworks as efficient catalytic systems for the synthesis of 1,5-benzodiazepines from 1,2-phenylenediamine and ketones

Timofeeva, M.N.,Panchenko, V.N.,Prikhod'ko, S.A.,Ayupov, A.B.,Larichev, Yu.V.,Khan, Nazmul Abedin,Jhung, Sung Hwa Academic Press 2017 Journal of catalysis Vol.354 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Benzodiazepines and their derivatives are a very important class of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds with biological activity that are widely used in medicine. In this study, we demonstrated synthesis of 1,5-benzodiazepines from 1,2-phenylenediamine and ketones (acetone, cyclohexanone, acetophenone, methyl ethyl ketone) in the presence of isostructural porous metal-benzenetricarboxylates of the families MIL-100(M) (M: V<SUP>3+</SUP>, Al<SUP>3+</SUP>, Fe<SUP>3+</SUP> and Cr<SUP>3+</SUP>) and three porous aluminium trimesates Al-BTCs (MIL-96(Al), MIL-100(Al) and MIL-110(Al)). A combination of catalytic, theoretical and physicochemical methods showed that reaction rates and yields of 1,5-benzodiazepines were adjusted by the type of metal ions and accessibility of active sites. The yield of 1,5-benzodiazepines in the presence of MIL-100(M) was comparable with zeolites, such as HY, H-ZSM−5, β-zeolite and heulandite.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Synthesis of 1,5-benzodiazepines over MIL-100(M), MIL-110 and MIL-96 was studied. </LI> <LI> Effect of Brønsted and Lewis acidity on MIL’s performance was investigated. </LI> <LI> Lewis acidity of MIL-100(Fe, Cr, Al, V) was studied by EPR spectroscopy. </LI> <LI> The type of M<SUP>3+</SUP>(Al, Fe, Cr, V) and structure of MILs affect the yield of product. </LI> <LI> MIL-100(M) samples perform well in compared with zeolites. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

A diketopyrrolopyrrole-based regular terpolymer bearing two different π-extended donor units and its application in solar cells

Kim, S.B.,Um, H.A.,Kim, H.J.,Cho, M.J.,Choi, D.H. Elsevier Science 2016 Organic electronics Vol.31 No.-

<P>In this study, to adjust the desired molecular energy levels and bandgap energies of polymers for photovoltaic applications, a regular terpolymer structure was designed. A new regular terpolymer, poly(DPP4T-alt-TBP), containing diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP), BT, and BP units in the repeating group was successfully synthesized. The DPP-BT monomeric unit in polymer backbone enhanced chain packing and induced a high-lying highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level and the DPP-BP segment induced a deeper HOMO level. The lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level of the terpolymer was also controlled in a similar manner. The HOMO level of the terpolymer was similar to that of poly(DPP-alt-BP), and the energies of the LUMOs were governed by the DPP-BT unit. The polymer chain arrangement of the terpolymer on the substrate was observed to be a mix of face-on and edge-on orientations, which is a different chain arrangement mode to those shown in both poly(DPP-alt-BP) and poly(DPP-alt-BT). A TFT fabricated with poly(DPP4T-alt-TBP) had a charge carrier mobility of 0.59 cm(2) V (1) s (1) and a moderately high current on/off ratio. Furthermore, a polymer solar cell containing the terpolymer and PC71BM had a power conversion efficiency of 4.54%, which is significantly higher than those of the PCEs of poly(DPP-alt-BP) and poly(DPP-alt-BT)-based solar cells with identical device configurations. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.</P>

Design a steam chamber to avoid over gelatinization thus producing straight and single form of rice noodles strings

M.K.A. Shanika(M.K.A. Shanika ),K.S. Kumararathna(K.S. Kumararathna ),S.B. Navarathne(S.B. Navarathne ),V.S. Jayamanne(V.S. Jayamanne ) 한국축산식품학회 2022 Food and Life Vol.2022 No.3

Over gelatinization of extruded rice noodles during open wet steam cooking is a major problem in the food processing industry and occurs due to the condensation of water droplets that come into contact with noodle strings during the steaming process. This issue may arise due to the presence of stuck noodles in the finished product. Therefore, 5 prototype designs; wooden frame enclosed with polythene sheet (A), wooden frame enclosed with gray cloth (B), wooden frame enclosed with a plywood sheet with two steam inlets in the galvanized door (C), wooden frame enclosed with plywood sheet with multiple steam inlets in the galvanized door (D), and completely enclosed galvanized chamber were made (E). All steam chambers had multiple steam inlets in lateral walls except the chamber with gray cloth. Red rice noodles were prepared from the combination (16% w/w moisture, 200 μm, water at ambient temperature (30±2℃), control atmosphere, 20 min) and fed into five different types of prototype designs to complete the cooking (gelatinization) process. The performance of the five prototype designs was evaluated in terms of the percentage of dried noodles coming out of each design in a single straight form. According to the results, the percentage of dried noodles coming out of each design was (A-50.0±7.1%, B-15.0±5.0%, C-15.0±5.0%, D-50.0±7.1%, E-77.5±4.3% w/w) analyzed. The mean values of all designs revealed that the effective prototype design was “design E” (steam chamber consisted of a completely enclosed galvanized chamber with multiple steam inlets in the two lateral sides). It was able to produce a higher percentage of straight single noodles when compared to other designs. In conclusion, design E is the effective steam chamber to produce straight single rice noodles for the market. The design of a steam chamber is also a very important aspect to avoid over gelatinization thus producing straight and single form of rice noodles strings.

Temperature dependent structure formation and photoluminescence studies of a series of magnesium-based coordination networks

Calderone, P.J.,Banerjee, D.,Plonka, A.M.,Kim, S.J.,Parise, J.B. Elsevier Sequoia [etc.] 2013 Inorganica chimica acta Vol.394 No.-

A series of three magnesium trimesate coordination networks was synthesized from identical reaction mixtures by varying synthetic temperature. Mg(HBTC)(DMF)<SUB>2</SUB>.[(CH<SUB>3</SUB>)<SUB>2</SUB>NH] (1; BTC=trimesate; space group P6<SUB>3</SUB>/m, a=16.596(4)A, c=14.351(8)A) crystallizes at 65<SUP>o</SUP>C, Mg<SUB>3</SUB>(BTC)(HCOO)<SUB>3</SUB>(DMF)<SUB>3</SUB> (2; space group P@?3, a=13.928(2)A, c=8.025(6)A) crystallizes at 100<SUP>o</SUP>C, and Mg<SUB>3</SUB>(BTC)<SUB>2</SUB>(DMF)<SUB>4</SUB> (3; space group P2<SUB>1</SUB>/c, a=17.490(4)A, b=11.940(2)A, c=18.460(4)A, β=116.87(3)<SUP>o</SUP>) crystallizes at a temperature of 180<SUP>o</SUP>C. Each network contains metal-coordinated solvent DMF molecules, but thermodynamics and solvent hydrolysis play major roles in structure formation. Compounds 1 and 2 are two-dimensional networks which incorporate hydrolysis byproducts. Compound 3 is a three-dimensional network and shows no inclusion of byproducts. The series follows the trend of increased network connectivity resulting from increased temperature. Each of the networks show a weak photoluminescence response, suggesting that coordinated solvent molecules and interlayer species play a role in quenching photoluminescence.

Influence of pH and Impeller Tip Speed onthe Cultivation of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum G4 in a Milk-Based Medium

A. M. Yazid,W. Stephenie,B. M. Kabeir,M. Shuhaimi,M. Rosfarizan 한국생물공학회 2007 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.12 No.5

Biomass production of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum G4 in a milk-based medium was carried out in a 2- and 10-L stirred tank fermenters. The effects of impeller tip speed (0.28, 0.56, and 0.83 m/s) and pH control (6.0, 6.5, and 7.0) on the biomass production were investigated. The growth performance in the 2-L fermenter was significantly improved when the impeller tip speed was held constant at 0.56 m/s and the pH was controlled at 6.5. These conditions yielded a maximum biomass of 1.687 × 109 cfu/mL, a maximum specific growth rate of 0.504 h-1, a biomass productivity of 9.240 × 107 cfu/mL·h, and a biomass yield of 9.791 × 1010 cfu/g lactose. The consumption of milk lactose resulted in the accumulation of 7.353 g/L acetic acid and 6.515 g/L lactic acid, with an acetic:lactic ratio of 1.129. Scale-up of the fermentation process to a 10-L fermenter based on a constant impeller tip speed of 0.56 m/s yielded reproducible results with respect to biomass production and cell viability.