Thesis (M.Phil.)--Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 129-132). Also available in electronic version.

Parmi les différentes micro-sources d'énergie, les microbatteries tout solide au lithium sont de bons candidats pour l’alimentation de systèmes miniaturisés. Ce travail de thèse a consisté à développer et à optimiser le procédé de synthèse par pulvérisation cathodique magnétron d’électrodes en couches minces de type Si1-xGex, dont les propriétés physiques ont été mises en relation avec les performances électrochimiques. Malgré d’importantes variations volumiques de l’électrode, une étude a permis de montrer la faisabilité d’une intégration de ces couches minces dans des microbatteries tout solide de type Si1-xGex /LiPONB/Li compatible avec le solder-reflow. Avec ce type d’empilement, une capacité spécifique élevée de 40 µAh/cm² a été maintenue sur plus de 1500 cycles sous 100 µA/cm². Diverses propositions ont été envisagées afin d’accroître la cyclabilité de ces dispositifs et de permettre la réalisation de microaccumulateurs Li-ion pour des applications en microélectronique. / Abstract

Cette étude s’inscrit dans le cadre de la recherche de nouveaux matériaux anodiques à forte capacité pour accumulateurs à ion lithium. Il y est décrit, la synthèse de systèmes graphite-étain obtenus par réduction, en présence de graphite à des taux variables, des chlorures d’étain SnCl2 et SnCl4, par les hydrures alcalins NaH et LiH activés par un alcoolate. Les nanomatériaux préparés présentent des capacités réversibles stables en cyclage, assez proches de celles calculées à partir des teneurs en métal déterminées par analyse élémentaire. Cependant, on peut noter des différences importantes entre les valeurs et l’évolution en cyclage des capacités irréversibles selon l’hydrure ou le mélange d’hydrure utilisé(s). Avec l’hydrure de sodium NaH, la capacité irréversible, très élevée au premier cycle, s’annule pratiquement dès le deuxième cycle ; avec l’hydrure de lithium LiH, cette capacité irréversible, bien que plus faible au premier cycle, donne une valeur résiduelle récurrente aux cycles suivants. Il a finalement été montré que l’utilisation du mélange des deux hydrures NaH/LiH permet de préserver les avantages des deux systèmes précédents et d’obtenir des matériaux combinant de manière synergique leurs propriétés. / This study is devoted to the development of new anodic materials with high capacities for lithium-ion batteries. The synthesis of graphite-tin systems obtained by reduction, in the presence of graphite at various rates, of the tin Chlorides SnCl2 and SnCl4, by the alkoxide-activated alkaline hydrides ( sodium hydride or lithium hydride) is described. The nanomaterials prepared have stable reversible capacities in cycling, close to those calculated from the amounts of metal given by elemental analysis. However, important differences between the values and the evolution in cycling of the irreversible capacities depending on the hydride or the mixture of hydride used were observed. With sodium hydride, the irreversible capacity, very high during the first cycle, is practically cancelled at the second cycle; with lithium hydride, this irreversible capacity, although lower to the first cycle, gives a recurring residual value at the following cycles. The use of the NaH/LiH allowed to preserve the advantages of the two preceding systems and to synergistically combine their properties.

A síndrome de Li-Fraumeni (SLF) é uma síndrome rara de predisposição a câncer associada a mutações germinativas no gene supressor tumoral TP53. As vias de sinalização da proteína p53 estão envolvidas na regulação da apoptose, das paradas do ciclo celular, da senescência e do reparo de danos no DNA. As mutações em p53 mais comumente encontradas em tumores estão distribuídas ao longo do domínio de ligação ao DNA, incluindo a mutação G245S associada à SLF. No entanto, a mutação mais frequentemente associada à SLF nas regiões Sul e Sudeste do Brasil é a mutação R337H, que afeta o domínio de oligomerização de p53. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os efeitos em células de p53 mutantes associadas à síndrome de SLF na viabilidade em condições basais e na sobrevivência celular sob estresse genotóxico. Células p53 null da linhagem NCI-H1299 foram transfectadas com vetores para a expressão de p53 wt e das mutantes G245S e R337H, e ensaios celulares foram realizados. A mutante R337H inibiu a formação de colônias e diminuiu a viabilidade celular de forma similar ao observado para células com expressão p53 wt, enquanto G245S demonstrou menor influência sobre a viabilidade e sobre a proliferação das células. Após submetidas a estresse genotóxico induzido por meio de exposições à radiação UVC, células com expressão de R337H mostraram-se mais sensíveis à morte celular mesmo quando expostas à baixa dose de UVC. Já as células com a expressão de G245S apresentaram aumento nas taxas de apoptose tardia somente quando submetidas a altas doses de radiação de UVC, assim como nas células com expressão de p53 wt. Dessa forma, foram observadas atividades funcionais similares entre R337H e p53 wt quanto à influência sobre a viabilidade e sobre a proliferação celular, enquanto células com expressão de G245S apresentaram fenótipo celular mais próximo ao p53-null. Todavia, G245S demonstrou atividade próxima a de p53 wt ao conferir proteção às células contra morte induzida pela radiação UVC, e a mutante R337H gerou maior sensibilidade para morte celular em condições de estresse genotóxico. / Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a hereditary cancer predisposition disorder associated with germline mutations in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene. The p53 signaling pathways are involved in the regulation of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, senescence and DNA repair. The p53 mutations found in tumors are commonly distributed along the DNA binding domain, including the G245S mutation associated with LFS. However, the most frequent p53 mutation associated with LFS in Southeast and Southern Brazil is the R337H mutation, which affects the oligomerization domain of p53. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze the effects of mutant p53 associated with LFS on cell viability at basal conditions and on cell survival in genotoxic stress. Null-p53 NCI-H1299 cell line were transfected with vectors for the expression of wild-type, G245S and R337H p53, and cell assays were performed. The R337H mutant inhibited the colony formation and decreased the cell viability similar to that observed in cells with wt p53 expression, while G245S demonstrated less influence on cell viability. After undergoing genotoxic stress induced by UVC radiation exposures, cells with R337H expression were more sensitive to cell death when exposed to low UVC dose. Cells with G245S expression showed an increase in late apoptosis rates only when subjected to high doses of UVC radiation, as well as cells with wt p53 expression. Thus, similar and functional activities were observed between R337H and wt p53 concerning influence on cell viability and proliferation, with the expression of G245S presented cellular phenotype closer to p53-null. However, G245S demonstrated to confer protection for cell death as seen for wt p53, whereas R337H generated increased of sensitivity to cell death under conditions of genotoxic stress.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-29T15:35:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 tese_7710_Eldis Maria Sartori Barbieri.pdf: 3526905 bytes, checksum: b35f9e415d0c1671a7a9404d11304e7e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-05-26 / Nesse trabalho, o cátodo de baterias de íon-Li exauridas foi reciclado como Co(OH)2, Co3O4 e cobalto metálico. O Co(OH)2 foi obtido por precipitação química e eletroquímica, já o Co3O4 foi obtido por tratamento térmico do Co(OH)2, a 450oC durante 3 h em atmosfera de ar. A caracterização eletroquímica dos eletrodos compósitos de Co3O4 foi por voltametria cíclica. Verificou-se a presença de um pico anódico, em 0,49 V, onde o Co3O4 sofreu oxidação para CoOOH, e simultaneamente, foi oxidado à CoO2. No processo catódico, observou-se um pico em 0,43 V-0,44 V e outro a 0,36 V-0,37 V, onde o CoO2 sofreu redução para CoOOH, e este se reduziu a Co3O4. Os eletrodos compósitos de Co3O4 mostraram grande reversibilidade, boa eficiência de carga e uma capacidade específica de 13,0 Fg-1 (1 mVs -1). Foram obtidos filmes de Co(OH)2 e Co3O4 a partir da solução de lixiviada dos cátodos dessas baterias, os filmes de Co(OH)2 foram eletrodepositados sobre vidro condutor com aplicação de -0,85 V e 20 C cm-2, com rendimento de 66,67%. O Co3O4 foi obtido por tratamento térmico do Co(OH)2, com rendimento de 64,29%. A voltametria cíclica do filme de Co(OH)2, em KOH 1,0 mol L-1, exibiu três picos anódicos no primeiro ciclo, devido à oxidação do Co(OH)2 para Co3O4, conversão do Co3O4 para CoOOH, seguido da formação do CoO2 e oxidação da água. A ausência de picos catódicos mostrou que a oxidação do Co(OH)2 para CoO2 é irreversível. Para o eletrodo de Co3O4, verificou-se a existência de um par redox associado à oxidação reversível do Co3O4 para CoO2 . O Co3O4 obtido teve uma eficiência de carga de 77%, capacidade específica de 31,2 F g-1 (1 mVs-1) e 10,5 Fg-1 (10 mVs -1) e apresentou boa repetibilidade nos ciclos carga/descarga, com corrente de 111,1 mA g-1 e capacitância específica de 4440 mF g-1. O cobalto metálico eletrodepositado, -1,10V e 100 C cm-2, apresentou superfície homogênea e o seu estudo voltamétrico, em KOH 6,0 mol L-1, mostrou a ocorrência de pares redox (CoII/CoIII) e (CoIII/CoIV), em 0,10 V e 0,49 V, respectivamente. Esse estudo fornece importantes parâmetros para desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias de reciclagem de baterias íon-Li, para obtenção de materiais com caracterísiticas promissoras para uso em dispositivos eletroquímicos.

abstract: Li He (790-816), an outstanding poet full of literary talent in classical Chinese poem history, his poignant words, incredible literary construction, nether artistic conception and nuanced peculiar poem style owned him the reputation of “ghostly, demonic genius” 鬼才. Scholars demonstrated that his ghostly and demonic style has much to do with the special imagery and allusion in his poetry. However, this kind of ghostly appeal of literature exactly have much to do with the large quantity of sensory vocabulary that the poet is expert in using in his poems, which evokes resonance from the readers/audiences. Li He fuses visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory and tactile sensation in his poems, building up his special writing style, evoking and creating a sensorial space for readers. The thesis concentrates on analyzing the sensory vocabulary in Li He’s poetry, sonic depiction in particular, which are rarely discussed before, based on which making further conclusion about the artistic conception and the special style of Li He’s poetry. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis East Asian Languages and Civilizations 2015

A síndrome de Li-Fraumeni (SLF) é uma síndrome rara de predisposição a câncer associada a mutações germinativas no gene supressor tumoral TP53. As vias de sinalização da proteína p53 estão envolvidas na regulação da apoptose, das paradas do ciclo celular, da senescência e do reparo de danos no DNA. As mutações em p53 mais comumente encontradas em tumores estão distribuídas ao longo do domínio de ligação ao DNA, incluindo a mutação G245S associada à SLF. No entanto, a mutação mais frequentemente associada à SLF nas regiões Sul e Sudeste do Brasil é a mutação R337H, que afeta o domínio de oligomerização de p53. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os efeitos em células de p53 mutantes associadas à síndrome de SLF na viabilidade em condições basais e na sobrevivência celular sob estresse genotóxico. Células p53 null da linhagem NCI-H1299 foram transfectadas com vetores para a expressão de p53 wt e das mutantes G245S e R337H, e ensaios celulares foram realizados. A mutante R337H inibiu a formação de colônias e diminuiu a viabilidade celular de forma similar ao observado para células com expressão p53 wt, enquanto G245S demonstrou menor influência sobre a viabilidade e sobre a proliferação das células. Após submetidas a estresse genotóxico induzido por meio de exposições à radiação UVC, células com expressão de R337H mostraram-se mais sensíveis à morte celular mesmo quando expostas à baixa dose de UVC. Já as células com a expressão de G245S apresentaram aumento nas taxas de apoptose tardia somente quando submetidas a altas doses de radiação de UVC, assim como nas células com expressão de p53 wt. Dessa forma, foram observadas atividades funcionais similares entre R337H e p53 wt quanto à influência sobre a viabilidade e sobre a proliferação celular, enquanto células com expressão de G245S apresentaram fenótipo celular mais próximo ao p53-null. Todavia, G245S demonstrou atividade próxima a de p53 wt ao conferir proteção às células contra morte induzida pela radiação UVC, e a mutante R337H gerou maior sensibilidade para morte celular em condições de estresse genotóxico. / Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a hereditary cancer predisposition disorder associated with germline mutations in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene. The p53 signaling pathways are involved in the regulation of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, senescence and DNA repair. The p53 mutations found in tumors are commonly distributed along the DNA binding domain, including the G245S mutation associated with LFS. However, the most frequent p53 mutation associated with LFS in Southeast and Southern Brazil is the R337H mutation, which affects the oligomerization domain of p53. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze the effects of mutant p53 associated with LFS on cell viability at basal conditions and on cell survival in genotoxic stress. Null-p53 NCI-H1299 cell line were transfected with vectors for the expression of wild-type, G245S and R337H p53, and cell assays were performed. The R337H mutant inhibited the colony formation and decreased the cell viability similar to that observed in cells with wt p53 expression, while G245S demonstrated less influence on cell viability. After undergoing genotoxic stress induced by UVC radiation exposures, cells with R337H expression were more sensitive to cell death when exposed to low UVC dose. Cells with G245S expression showed an increase in late apoptosis rates only when subjected to high doses of UVC radiation, as well as cells with wt p53 expression. Thus, similar and functional activities were observed between R337H and wt p53 concerning influence on cell viability and proliferation, with the expression of G245S presented cellular phenotype closer to p53-null. However, G245S demonstrated to confer protection for cell death as seen for wt p53, whereas R337H generated increased of sensitivity to cell death under conditions of genotoxic stress.

Lithium-Ionen-Batterien besitzen ein ausgezeichnetes Potential für die Energiespeicherung. Das derzeit dominierende Anodenmaterial in Lithium-Ionen-Batterien mit einer Energiespeicherkapazität von 339 mAh/g ist Graphit. Als Alternative hierfür bieten sich Lithiumsilicide und Lithiumstannide an. Diese Materialien zeichnen sich durch eine viel größere Speicherkapazität und geringere Selbstentladungspotentiale aus. Für die kommerzielle Anwendung dieser beiden Systeme in Lithium-Ionen-Batterien werden grundlegende und verlässliche thermodynamische Daten benötigt. Derzeit ist die Existenz von sieben Lithiumsiliciden sicher nachgewiesen. Dazu zählen die sechs stabilen Phasen Li17Si4, Li16.42Si4, Li13Si4, Li7Si3, Li12Si7, die Hochdruckphase LiSi und die metastabile Phase Li15Si4. Für die ersten fünf genannten Phasen wurden in der ersten Förderperiode des Schwerpunktprogrammes 1473 Wärmekapazitäten und Standardentropien bestimmt. Bei den Lithiumstanniden sind derzeit sieben Phasen gesichert belegt. Allerdings existiert für keine Phase der Lithiumstannide ein verlässlicher thermodynamischer Basisdatensatz. Aus diesem Grund wurden für die beiden zuletzt genannten Lithiumsilicide (Li15Si4 und LiSi), sowie für die Lithiumstannide Li17Sn4, Li7Sn2, Li13Sn5 und Li7Sn3 die fehlenden thermodynamischen Daten experimentell bestimmt. Die hergestellten Phasen wurden zunächst mittels Röntgenbeugung, thermischer und chemischer Analyse charakterisiert. Ein Schwerpunkt dieser Arbeit lag auf der experimentellen Bestimmung der Wärmekapazitäten in einem Temperaturbereich von 2 K bis zur jeweiligen Zersetzungstemperatur der untersuchten Verbindungen. Hierfür wurden zwei unterschiedliche Kalorimeter verwendet: ein Physical Property Measurement System (Quantum Design) von 2 K bis 300 K und eine DSC 111 (Setaram), beginnend ab 300 K. Die experimentellen Daten konnten mit Messunsicherheiten von 1 % bis 2 % über 20 K und bis zu 20 % unterhalb von 20 K angegeben werden. Die Messungen bei niedrigen Temperaturen erlauben zudem die Berechnung der Standardentropien, sowie die Bestimmung von elektronischen Beiträgen und Gitterschwingungsbeiträgen zur Wärmekapazität. Weiterhin ist Fokus dieser Arbeit die Bestimmung der Standardbildungsenthalpien der Lithiumsilicide und Lithiumstannide auf Basis von Wasserstoffsorptionsmessungen mittels einer Sieverts-Apparatur. Hierfür wurden erstmals Messungen an den Lithiumsiliciden ausgehend von Li17Si4, LiH:Si (Li:Si = 17:4), Li16.42Si4 und LiSi durchgeführt. Für die Lithiumstannide dienten als Ausgangsmaterial Li17Sn4, LiH:Sn (Li:Sn =17:4), sowie Li7Sn2 und LiH:Sn (Li:Sn = 7:2). Die Anwendung des van´t-Hoff-Plots resultierte in Messunsicherheiten von mindestens 10 %. Aus diesem Grund wurde eine alternative Auswertemethode gewählt, bei der die ermittelten Wärmekapazitäten und Standardentropien mit den Gleichgewichtsdrücken aus den Wasserstoffsorptionsmessungen miteinander verknüpft werden. Auf diese Weise konnten Standardbildungsenthalpien für die untersuchten Phasen mit Fehlern kleiner 1 % ermittelt werden. Aus den Ergebnissen dieser Arbeit resultierte ein vollständiger, gesicherter thermodynamischer Datensatz für das System Li-Si. Das berechnete Li-Si-Phasendiagramm ist im sehr guten Einklang mit experimentellen literaturbekannten Daten. Für die Lithiumstannide erfolgte eine Validierung der ermittelten thermodynamischen Werte. Die in dieser Arbeit erzielten Ergebnisse liefern einen wesentlichen Beitrag zur Verbesserung der Datenbasis für thermodynamische Berechnungen und für das Verständnis von Phasensequenzen und Gleichgewichten beim Einsatz von Lithiumsiliciden bzw. Lithiumstanniden als Anodenmaterialien in Lithium-Ionen-Batterien.

Abstract In the present study, mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, the two major genes predisposing individuals to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, were screened in Finnish and Turkish cancer families. Germline BRCA1 mutations were found in 7% (6/88) and BRCA2 mutations in 6% (5/88) of the Finnish families studied in Oulu. Two distinct BRCA1 (3745delT, 4216nt-2A→G) and three BRCA2 (999delTCAAA, 6503delTT, 9346nt-2A→G) mutations were identified, all of which are recurrently found in Finland. In the 15 Turkish cancer families studied, 5382insC and 5622C→T were detected in BRCA1, and 3414delTCAG in BRCA2. The novel 3414del4 mutation was found in a family with a case of male breast cancer. In order to determine their ages and origin, 9 recurrent Finnish BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations were studied further as regards haplotype conservation. Common origins approximately 18–80 generations (400–1600 years) ago were demonstrated for all studied mutations by partial haplotype sharing. The majority of the mutations showed geographical clustering, supporting the theory of regional founder effects. Four of the nine mutations are unique for Finland, whereas five have also been seen elsewhere. Mutations in the 5' end of BRCA1 tend to predispose individuals to ovarian cancer and those found in the 3' end to breast cancer. The age of ovarian cancer onset was significantly lower for BRCA1 (51 years) than for BRCA2 mutation carriers (61 years). Germline TP53 mutations were sought in the Finnish breast cancer families found to be negative after BRCA1 and BRCA2 screening but who exhibited some phenotypic features of the Li-Fraumeni syndrome. The Asn235Ser was found in a family displaying Li-Fraumeni syndrome phenotype and the Tyr220Cys in a family with a milder Li-Fraumeni-like phenotype. The nature of both mutations as cancer-predisposing alterations was supported by means of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and p53 immunohistochemistry studies. Regional clustering of BRCA1 and BRCA2 founder mutations enables targeted genetic tests including especially those mutations characteristic of the birthplace of each patient. Additional genes are likely to explain a large proportion of the inherited susceptibility to breast cancer in particular. Germline TP53 mutations are expected to be found in the breast cancer families with other clinical features seen in the Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

This thesis is focused on the use of light and LEDs for communication between the light and the user. In the introduction, the principles of VLC, which Li-Fi is part of, are described. The work also contains issues on the topics of Li-Fi, such as methods of modulation of carrier signals for data transmission, comparisons between other wireless communications, individual elements of optical frontends, current versions of Li-Fi and other possible uses of this technology. The work also contains the designing of a system working on the principle of Li-Fi.