Ordered Hierarchical Porous Structure of PtSn/3DOMM-Al2O3 Catalyst for Promoting Propane Non-Oxidative Dehydrogenation.

Herein, the hierarchical porous catalyst of 3-dimensional ordered macro-mesoporous (3DOMM) Al2O3 supported active PtSn nanoparticles (NPs) was prepared by the combined synthesized path of evaporation-induced self-assembly with colloid crystal template (EISA-CCT) methods. The hierarchical macro-mesoporous composite structure can markedly increase the specific surface area, accommodate the diffusion of propene, and decrease the number of surface acid sites. In addition, the special surface property and pore structure of 3DOMM-Al2O3 can modify the interaction between metals and substrates, as well as stabilize the metal nanoparticle, which promotes the formation of a highly active and stable PtSn phase. The PtSn/3DOMM-Al2O3 catalyst exhibits higher productivity and stability than PtSn/Al2O3 catalysts with macropore and mesopore structures. The PtSn/3DOMM-Al2O3 catalyst displays the best catalytic performance with propylene selectivity over 95% at a propane conversion of 33.9%. The study of the ordered hierarchical porous structure of PtSn/3DOMM-Al2O3 catalysts can contribute to obtaining improved catalysts in industrial processes.

A Review of Converter Circuits for Ambient Micro Energy Harvesting.

The Internet of Things (IoT) has a great number of sensor nodes distributed in different environments, and the traditional approach uses batteries to power these nodes: however, the resultant huge cost of battery replacement means that the battery-powered approach is not the optimal solution. Micro energy harvesting offers the possibility of self-powered sensor nodes. This paper provides an overview of energy harvesting technology, and describes the methods for extracting energy from various sources, including photovoltaic, thermoelectric, piezoelectric, and RF; in addition, the characteristics of the four types of energy sources and the applicable circuit structures are summarized. This paper gives the pros and cons of the circuits, and future directions. The design challenges are the efficiency and size of the circuit. MPPT, as an important method of improving the system efficiency, is also highlighted and compared.

Association of Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure With All-Cause Mortality Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Prospective Observational Study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the association of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) with mortality among older adults in Singapore. METHODS: Association of SBP and DBP measured in 2009 for 4443 older adults (69.5±7.4 years; 60-97 years) participating in a nationally representative study with mortality risk through end-December 2015 was assessed using Cox regression. RESULTS: Higher mortality risk was observed at the lower and upper extremes of SBP and DBP. With SBP of 100-119 mmHg as the reference, multivariable mortality hazard ratios [HRs (95% confidence interval)] were SBP <100 mmHg: 2.41 (1.23-4.72); SBP 160-179 mmHg: 1.51 (1.02-2.22); and SBP ≥180 mmHg: 1.78 (1.12-2.81). With DBP of 70-79 mmHg as the reference, HRs were DBP <50 mmHg: 2.41 (1.28-4.54) and DBP ≥110 mmHg: 2.16 (1.09-4.31). DISCUSSION: Management of high blood pressure among older adults will likely reduce their mortality risk. However, the association of excessively low SBP and DBP values with mortality risk needs further evaluation.

The in vitro and vivo anti-tumor effects and molecular mechanisms of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and MG132 on the aggressive phenotypes of gastric cancer cells.

Here, we found that both SAHA and MG132 synergistically inhibited proliferation, glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidization, induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MGC-803 and MKN28 cells. SAHA increased cell migration and invasionat a low concentration. SAHA induced the overexpression of acetyl histone 3 and 4, which were recruited to p21, p27, Cyclin D1, c-myc and nanog promoters to transcriptionally up-regulate the former two and down-regulate the latter three. The expression of acetyl-histone 3 and 4 was increased during gastric carcinogenesis and positively correlated with cancer differentiation. SAHA and MG132 exposure suppressed tumor growth by inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in nude mice, increased serum ALT and AST levels and decreased hemaglobin level, white blood cell and neutrophil numbers. These data indicated that SAHA and MG132 in vivo and vitro synergistically induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis, suppressed proliferation, growth, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Therefore, they might potentially be employed as chemotherapeutic agents if the hepatic injury and the killing effects of peripheral blood cells are avoided or ameliorated.

The cytomorphologic spectrum of small-cell carcinoma and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in body cavity effusions: A study of 68 cases.

BACKGROUND: Small-cell carcinoma (SCC) and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) are uncommon in serous body cavity effusions. The purpose of this study is to examine the cytomorphological spectrum of SCC and LCNEC in body cavity serous fluids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have 68 cases from 53 patients who had metastatic SCC or LCNEC diagnoses. All cytology slides and the available clinical data, histological follow-up, and ancillary studies were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 68 cases (60 pleural, 5 peritoneal, and 3 pericardial effusions) from 53 patients with an average age of 73 years (age range 43-92 years) were reported as diagnostic or suspicious of SCC (52 cases) or LCNEC (16 cases). The primary site was lung in 56 cases, pancreas in 6 cases, and 2 cases each from cervix, colon, and the head and neck region. Of the 68 cases, 48 cases had no history of malignancy of the same type. Ancillary studies were used in 46 cases (68%) including flow cytometric studies in 5 cases. There were three predominant cytomorphological patterns observed including small-cell clusters with prominent nuclear molding (33 cases, 49%), large-cell clusters mimicking non-small-cell carcinoma (18 cases, 26%), and single-cell pattern mimicking lymphoma (17 cases, 25%). Significant apoptosis was seen in 22 cases (33%) and marked tumor cell cannibalism was seen in 11 cases (16%). Nucleoli were prominent in 16 cases (24%). The most frequent neuroendocrine markers performed were synaptophysin and chromogranin. CONCLUSIONS: The most common cytomorphologic patterns seen in body cavity effusions of SCC and LCNEC were small-cell clusters with nuclear molding. However, in 51% of the cases either a predominant single-cell pattern mimicking lymphoma or large-cell clusters mimicking non-small carcinoma were noted. In our experience, effusions were the first manifestation of disease in the majority of patients diagnosed with neuroendocrine carcinoma. Therefore, familiarity with the cytomorphological spectrum of neuroendocrine carcinomas in fluid cytology may help in rapidly establishing an accurate diagnosis and in directing appropriate management.