N-doped TiO₂ nanotubes coated with a thin TaO_<i>x</i>N_<i>y</i> layer for photoelectrochemical water splitting: dual bulk and surface modification of photoanodes

Kim, Hyoung-il,Monllor-Satoca, Damiá,n,Kim, Wooyul,Choi, Wonyong The Royal Society of Chemistry 2015 ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Vol.8 No.1

<P>TaON is a good photoanode material with a suitable band structure for water splitting as well as coupling with TiO<SUB>2</SUB> for efficient charge separation. However, the synthesis of TaON that requires high temperature nitridation (850 °C) limits the combination with other materials. In this work, we deposited a thin amorphous TaO<SUB><I>x</I></SUB>N<SUB><I>y</I></SUB> layer on N-doped TiO<SUB>2</SUB> nanotubes (N-TNTs) through low temperature nitridation (500 °C) and demonstrated its successful performance as an efficient photoanode for water-splitting. Since the preparation temperature is low, TaO<SUB><I>x</I></SUB>N<SUB><I>y</I></SUB> on N-TNTs has a unique amorphous structure with a smooth thin layer (5 nm). It is proposed that the thin amorphous TaO<SUB><I>x</I></SUB>N<SUB><I>y</I></SUB> layer plays dual roles: (i) surface sensitization and/or charge rectification at the heterojunction between the TaO<SUB><I>x</I></SUB>N<SUB><I>y</I></SUB> layer and N-TNTs, and (ii) passivation of N-TNT surface trap states to retard the charge recombination. TaO<SUB><I>x</I></SUB>N<SUB><I>y</I></SUB> layer-decorated N-TNTs as dual modified TNTs (N-doping in the bulk and TaO<SUB><I>x</I></SUB>N<SUB><I>y</I></SUB> overlayer deposition on the surface) have significantly improved both visible (<I>ca.</I> 3.6 times) and UV (<I>ca.</I> 1.8 times) activities for PEC water-splitting as well as the faradaic efficiency (<I>ca.</I> 1.4 times, <I>η</I> = 98%) for H<SUB>2</SUB> production. Making the amorphous TaO<SUB><I>x</I></SUB>N<SUB><I>y</I></SUB> layer crystalline at higher temperatures reduced the PEC activity of the hybrid photoanode, in contrast, which indicates that the amorphous TaO<SUB><I>x</I></SUB>N<SUB><I>y</I></SUB> layer deposition on N-TNTs through low temperature nitridation (500 °C) is optimized for the PEC activity. A range of spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques were systematically employed to investigate the properties of the PEC process.</P> <P>Graphic Abstract</P><P>Thin amorphous TaO<SUB><I>x</I></SUB>N<SUB><I>y</I></SUB> layer-coated <I>N</I>-doped TiO<SUB>2</SUB> nanotubes successfully serve as a water splitting photoanode. <IMG SRC='http://pubs.rsc.org/services/images/RSCpubs.ePlatform.Service.FreeContent.ImageService.svc/ImageService/image/GA?id=c4ee02169j'> </P>

¿EMPLEADOS O TRABAJADORES? AUTODEFINICIÓN LABORAL Y CRISIS DEL NEOLIBERALISMO EN LA ARGENTINA (1991-2012)

Damián Pierbattisti Institute of Iberoamerican Studies Pusan Universit 2013 International Journal of Latin American Studies Vol.3 No.1

Abstract. The massive privatization process of public sector firms which took place at the beginning on the nineteen nineties in Argentina largely transcend the economic sphere. They were one of the operative branches of a deep “State Reform”, which sought to redesign a society under the tenets of neoliberalism. In this regard, the privatization of the National Telecommunications Company (ENTEL) would make a strong imprint on the design of the management models which private capitals would incorporate into the previously state-held companies. This phenomenon had an important impact on the work identities of the former state employees, not only because of the significant organizational changes which were introduced by private capitals, but also because of the technological innovations brought forth with the privatization process. The latter had a greater impact among administrative staff as compared to operators and technicians. Inscribed within a series of investigations which analyzed such differences, this article studies the results of a survey carried out in the multinational company "Telefónica de Argentina", trying to respond to a complex question: what are the sociological reasons behind the fact that certain individuals will describe themselves as "employees" and others as "workers"? Palabras claves: Neoliberalismo, Privatización de ENTel, Identidades, Sindicalismo, Teoría crítica. Key words: Neoliberalism, Privatization of ENTEl, Identities, Unionism, Critical Theory. Resumen. Las masivas privatizaciones de empresas públicas que se produjeron a inicios de los años noventa en la Argentina, trascienden holgadamente la esfera económica. Éstas constituyeron uno de los brazos ejecutores de una profunda “Reforma del Estado” que persiguió el rediseño de una sociedad bajo los postulados del neoliberalismo. En tal sentido, la privatización de la Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (ENTel) ejercerá una fuerte impronta en el diseño de los modelos de management con los cuales el capital privado desembarcará en las ex-empresas estatales. Este fenómeno repercutió fuertemente en las identidades laborales de los ex-trabajadores del Estado, no sólo por los profundos cambios organizacionales producidos por el capital privado sino también por las innovaciones tecnológicas introducidas con la privatización. Este último aspecto tuvo un impacto mayor entre los trabajadores administrativos que entre los operarios y los técnicos. Inscripto en una acumulación investigativa que analizó tales diferencias, este artículo analiza los resultados de un relevamiento llevado a cabo en la empresa multinacional “Telefónica de Argentina”, intentando responder a un complejo interrogante: ¿cuáles son las razones sociológicas que subyacen al hecho de que ciertos individuos se autodefinan “empleados” y otros tantos “trabajadores”?

Laminin Modulates the Stem Cell Population in LM05-E Murine Breast Cancer Cells through the Activation of the MAPK/ERK Pathway

Damián E. Berardi,Diego Raffo,Laura B. Todaro,Marina Simian 대한암학회 2017 Cancer Research and Treatment Vol.49 No.4

Purpose We investigated the effects of laminin on the fraction of cells with self-renewing capacity in the estrogen-dependent, tamoxifen-sensitive LM05-E breast cancer cell line. We also determined whether laminin affected the response to tamoxifen. Materials and Methods The LM05-E breast cancer cell line was used as a model for all experiments. Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity, clonogenic and mammosphere assays were performed to measure the effects of laminin on modulation of the stem cell subpopulation. Pluripotent gene expression was analyzed by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. The involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ERK pathway was determined using specific inhibitors. The effects of laminin on the response to tamoxifen were determined and the involvement of 6 integrin was investigated. Results We found that pretreatment with laminin leads to a decrease in cells with the ability to form mammospheres that was accompanied by a decrease in ALDH activity. Moreover, exposure of mammospheres to laminin reduced the capacity to form secondary mammospheres and decreased the expression of Sox-2, Nanog, and Oct-4. We previously reported that 4-OHtamoxifen leads to an increase in the expression of these genes in LM05-E cells. Treatment with signaling pathway inhibitors revealed that the MAPK/ERK pathway mediates the effects of laminin. Finally, laminin induced tamoxifen resistance in LM05-E cells through 6 integrin. Conclusion Our results suggest that the final number of cells with self-renewing capacity in estrogendependent breast tumors may result from the combined effects of endocrine treatment and microenvironmental cues.

High Levels of IL-8 and MCP-1 in Cerebrospinal Fluid of COVID-19 Patients with Cerebrovascular Disease

Guartazaca-Guerrero Sebastián,Rodríguez-Morales Jahir,Rizo-Téllez Salma A.,Solleiro-Villavicencio Helena,Hernández-Valencia Aldo F.,Carrillo-Ruiz José Damián,Escobedo Galileo,Méndez-García Lucía A. 한국뇌신경과학회 2021 Experimental Neurobiology Vol.30 No.3

The coronavirus family has tropism for the Central Nervous System (CNS), however, there is no solid evidence demonstrating that the neurological effects of COVID-19 result from direct viral infection or systemic inflammation. The goals of this study were to examine the cytokine profile and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) from two patients with cerebrovascular disease and COVID-19. Although the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA was not detected in CSF of both patients, we found abnormally high levels of numerous proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, especially IL-8 and MCP-1. Since these chemokines mediate activation and recruitment of neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, it is feasible that cerebrovascular disease related-neuroinflammation found in both patients results from an exacerbated inflammatory response instead of SARS-CoV-2 direct invasion to CNS. These results suggest that neuroinflammation plays a key role in cerebrovascular disease and COVID-19.

Estradiol-Induced Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition and Migration Are Inhibited by Blocking c-Src Kinase in Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Javier E. Jiménez-Salazar,Rene M. Rivera-Escobar,Rebeca Damián-Ferrara,Juan Maldonado-Cubas,Catalina Rincón-Pérez,Rosario Tarragó-Castellanos,Pablo Damián-Matsumura 한국유방암학회 2023 Journal of breast cancer Vol.26 No.5

Purpose: The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the main event that favors cell migration and metastasis in breast cancer. Previously, we demonstrated that 1 nM estradiol (E2) promotes EMT, induced by c-Src kinase, causing changes in the localization of proteins that compose the tight junction (TJ) and adherens junction (AJ). Methods: The present work highlights the central role of c-Src in the initiation of metastasis, induced by E2, through increasing the ability of MCF-7 and T47-D cells, which express estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), to migrate and invade before they become metastatic. Results: Treatment with E2 can activate two signaling pathways, the first one by the phosphorylated c-Src (p-Src) which forms the p-Src/E-cadherin complex. This phenomenon was completely prevented by incubation with a selective inhibitor of c-Src (5 μM PP2). p-Src then promotes the downregulation of E-cadherin and occludin, which are epithelial phenotype marker proteins of the AJ and TJ, respectively. In the second pathway, E2 binds to ERα, creating a complex that translocates to the nucleus, inducing the synthesis of SNAIL1 and N-cadherin proteins, markers of the mesenchymal phenotype. Both processes increased the migratory and invasive capacities of both cell lines. Conclusion: The present study demonstrate that E2 enhance EMT and migration, through c-Src activation, in human breast cancer cells that express ERα and become potential therapeutic targets.

Tuberculosis in Mexico and the USA, Comparison of Trends Over Time 1990–2010

Eduardo Hernández-Garduño,Fabiola Mendoza-Damián,Salvador Ayón-Garibaldo,Adriana Garduño-Alanís 대한결핵및호흡기학회 2015 Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases Vol.78 No.3

Background: The aim was to compare tuberculosis trends in Mexico and United States and to evaluate Mexican diagnostic methods and contact investigation. Methods: Retrospective comparative study of tuberculosis cases and incidence rates between both countries (1990–2010). Diagnostic methods and contact investigations were also evaluated for Mexico. Estimates were obtained from official websites. Results: In Mexico, no clear trend was found over time for cases. Pulmonary (PTB) and all forms of tuberculosis (AFTB) incidence decreased 2.0% annually. There was a negative correlation between the mean contacts examined per case and AFTB incidence (r2=–0.44, p=0.01) with a 33% reduction in AFTB incidence. In United States, PTB and AFTB cases have been decreasing 6.0% and 5.6% annually, respectively. The incidence decreased 7.3% and 6.8%, respectively. Conclusion: The incidence of tuberculosis in Mexico is decreasing slightly over time at 2% annually. In the United States, cases and incidence rates have been decreasing at a higher rate (5% to 7% annually). The inverse association between number of contacts examined per state and incidence rates in Mexico underscore the importance of reinforcing and improving contact investigations with the likely translation of a decrease of TB incidence at a higher rate.

Development of transient Monte Carlo in a fissile system with β-delayed emission from individual precursors using modified open source code OpenMC(TD)

Romero-Barrientos J.,Molina F.,Márquez Damián J.I.,Zambra M.,Aguilera P.,López-Usquiano F.,Parra S. 한국원자력학회 2023 Nuclear Engineering and Technology Vol.55 No.5

In deterministic and Monte Carlo transport codes, b-delayed emission is included using a group structure where all of the precursors are grouped together in 6 groups or families, but given the increase in computational power, nowadays there is no reason to keep this structure. Furthermore, there have been recent efforts to compile and evaluate all the available b-delayed neutron emission data and to measure new and improved data on individual precursors. In order to be able to perform a transient Monte Carlo simulation, data from individual precursors needs to be implemented in a transport code. This work is the first step towards the development of a tool to explore the effect of individual precursors in a fissile system. In concrete, individual precursor data is included by expanding the capabilities of the open source Monte Carlo code OpenMC. In the modified code e named Time Dependent OpenMC or OpenMC(TD)e time dependency related to b-delayed neutron emission was handled by using forced decay of precursors and combing of the particle population. The data for continuous energy neutron cross-sections was taken from JEFF-3.1.1 library. Regarding the data needed to include the individual precursors, cumulative yields were taken from JEFF-3.1.1 and delayed neutron emission probabilities and delayed neutron spectra were taken from ENDF-B/VIII.0. OpenMC(TD) was tested in a monoenergetic system, an energy dependent unmoderated system where the precursors were taken individually or in a group structure, and in a light-water moderated energy dependent system, using 6-groups, 50 and 40 individual precursors. Neutron flux as a function of time was obtained for each of the systems studied. These results show the potential of OpenMC(TD) as a tool to study the impact of individual precursor data on fissile systems, thus motivating further research to simulate more complex fissile systems

Systemic Inflammatory Load in Young and Old Ringdoves Is Modulated by Consumption of a Jerte Valley Cherry-Based Product

Jonathan Delgado,María del Pilar Terrón,María Garrido,Carmen Barriga,Sergio Damián Paredes,Javier Espino,Beatriz Rodríguez 한국식품영양과학회 2012 Journal of medicinal food Vol.15 No.8

A chronic subclinical inflammatory status that coexists with immune dysfunction is commonly found in the elderly population. Consumption of foods rich in antioxidants (e.g., cherries) is an attractive strategy to reduce risk from chronic diseases. Based on previous studies showing the antioxidant effect of a Jerte Valley cherry derivative product in humans, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the intake of a Jerte Valley cherry-based beverage on inflammatory load in both young and old ringdoves (Streptopelia risoria). To this purpose, circulating levels of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines as well as serum levels of different acute-phase proteins were measured before and after a 10-day treatment with the Jerte Valley cherry-based beverage. Thus, the 10-day treatment with the cherry-based beverage modulated the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in both young and old ringdoves by down-regulating the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1b, tumor necrosis factor-a, and interferon-c) and up-regulating the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-2, and IL-10). Moreover, the 10-day treatment with the Jerte Valley cherrybased product reduced the levels of several proteins involved in acute-phase responses, such as C-reactive protein, haptoglobin,a2-macroglobulin, and serum amyloid P component. On the other hand, old birds showed imbalanced levels of inflammatory markers toward a pro-inflammatory status, thereby underlining the fact that aging is usually accompanied by systemic inflammation and inflammation-related chronic diseases. To sum up, the data suggest a potential health benefit by consuming the cherry-based beverage, especially in aged populations, through their anti-inflammatory properties.

Characterization of Escherichia coli EutD: a Phosphotransacetylase of the Ethanolamine Operon

Federico P. Bologna,Valeria A. Campos-Bermudez,Damián D. Saavedra,Carlos S. Andreo,María F. Drincovich 한국미생물학회 2010 The journal of microbiology Vol.48 No.5

The Escherichia coli genes pta and eutD encode proteins containing the phosphate-acetyltransferase domain. EutD is composed only by this domain and belongs to the ethanolamine operon. This enzyme has not been characterized yet, and its relationship to the multimodular E. coli phosphotransacetylase (Pta) remains unclear. In the present work, a detailed characterization of EutD from E. coli (EcEutD) was performed. The enzyme is a more efficient phosphotransacetylase than E. coli Pta (EcPta) in catalyzing its reaction in either direction and assembles as a dimer, being differentially modulated by EcPta effectors. When comparing EutD and Pta, both from E. coli, certain divergent regions of the primary structure responsible for their unique properties can be found. The growth on acetate of the E. coli pta acs double-mutant strain, was complemented by either introducing EcEutD or by inducing the eut operon with ethanolamine. In this case, the expression of a phosphotransacetylase different from Pta was confirmed by activity assays. Overall, the results indicate that EcEutD and Pta, although able to catalyse the same reaction, display differential efficiency and regulation, and also differ in the induction of their expression. However, under certain growth conditions, they can fulfil equal roles in E. coli metabolism.

Enhanced photoelectrochemical and hydrogen production activity of aligned CdS nanowire with anisotropic transport properties

Kim, Wooyul,Monllor-Satoca, Damiá,n,Chae, Weon-Sik,Mahadik, Mahadeo A.,Jang, Jum Suk Elsevier 2019 APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE - Vol.463 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Various solar conversion materials with 1D nanostructure have been developed and are being widely investigated for various solar fuel generation applications. In this study, aligned and non-aligned CdS nanowires (NWs) were synthesized on Cd foil or in solution via solvothermal processes. In the case of aligned CdS NWs, the relative intensity of the (0 0 2) diffraction peak was higher than that of the non-aligned CdS NWs, which indicated that the NWs grew preferentially in the (0 0 1) direction. The systematic comparison between the photoelectrochemical properties of both electrodes revealed that the aligned CdS NW electrode displayed markedly enhanced photocurrent (by a factor of 7), photoelectrochemical hydrogen production (by a factor of 10), and photostability in comparison with those of the non-aligned NWs electrode fabricated on FTO glass. Resistance (R<SUB>µ</SUB>) through the inner part of the aligned CdS NWs was very small due to a low grain-boundary resistance (by a factor of 130). This low resistance induced efficient charge transfer, reducing the charge recombination loss and assisting the charge transport along the axial direction of the aligned NWs. Time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy confirmed that the charge separation in the aligned CdS NWs is longer than that in the non-aligned CdS NWs (by a factor of 1.6).</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Aligned CdS nanowire was hydrothermally synthesized on Cd foil. </LI> <LI> The superiority of aligned CdS nanowire is explained for PEC and hydrogen production. </LI> <LI> The aligned CdSnanowire photoanode exhibits the anisotropic transport properties. </LI> <LI> The charge transport mechanism of aligned and non-aligned CdS nanowire is proposed. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>