Ex situ X-­Ray absorption study of Li-­rich layered cathode material Li[Li0.2Mn0.56Ni0.16Co0.08]O2

The Li-rich layered transition metal oxides (LLOs) Li2MnO3-LiMO2 (M=Mn, Co, Ni, etc.) have drawn considerable attention as cathode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries. They generate large reversible capacities but the fundamental reaction mechanism and structural perturbations during cycling remain controversial. In the present thesis, ex situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements were performed on Li[Li0.2Mn0.56Ni0.16Co0.08]O2 at different stage of charge during electrochemical oxidation/reduction. K-edge spectra of Co, Mn and Ni were recorded through a voltage range of 3.7-4.8V vs. Li/Li+, which consist of X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). Oxidation states during initial charge were discussed based on values from literature as well as XANES analysis. Information about bond distance, coordination number as well as corresponding Debye-Waller factor were extracted from Gnxas analysis of raw data in the EXAFS region. The possibility of oxygen participation in the initial charge was discussed. Co and Ni prove to take part in the oxidation/reduction process while Mn remain in the tetravalent state. The cathode material appears to retain good structural short-range order during charge-discharge. A resemblance of the pristine sample and sample 4 was discovered which was firstly reported for similar compounds.

Rituximab, bendamustine, and lenalidomide in patients with aggressive B cell lymphoma not eligible for high-dose chemotherapy or anthracycline-based therapy: phase I results of the SAKK 38/08 trial

This phase I trial was designed to develop a new effective and well-tolerated regimen for patients with aggressive B cell lymphoma not eligible for front-line anthracycline-based chemotherapy or aggressive second-line treatment strategies. The combination of rituximab (375 mg/m(2) on day 1), bendamustine (70 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 2), and lenalidomide was tested with a dose escalation of lenalidomide at three dose levels (10, 15, or 20 mg/day) using a 3 + 3 design. Courses were repeated every 4 weeks. The recommended dose was defined as one level below the dose level identifying ≥2/6 patients with a dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) during the first cycle. Thirteen patients were eligible for analysis. Median age was 77 years. WHO performance status was 0 or 1 in 12 patients. The Charlson Comorbidity Index showed relevant comorbidities in all patients. Two DLTs occurred at the second dose level (15 mg/day) within the first cycle: one patient had prolonged grade 3 neutropenia, and one patient experienced grade 4 cardiac adverse event (myocardial infarction). Additional grade 3 and 4 toxicities were as follows: neutropenia (31 %), thrombocytopenia (23 %), cardiac toxicity (31 %), fatigue (15 %), and rash (15 %). The dose of lenalidomide of 10 mg/day was recommended for a subsequent phase II in combination with rituximab 375 mg/m(2) on day 1 and bendamustine 70 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 2.

Efficacy of cetuximab in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer might depend on EGFR and PTEN expression: results from a phase II trial (SAKK 08/07)

The EGF receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in the majority of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancers (mCRPC) and might represent a valid therapeutic target. The combination of docetaxel and cetuximab, the monoclonal antibody against EGFR, has not been tested in patients with prostate cancer.

Hydrologic analysis of a limestone quarry using EPA's HELP Version 3.08 Model

Aggregates were historically a low cost commodity but with communities and governmental agencies reducing the amount of mining the cost is increasing dramatically. An awareness needs to be brought to communities that aggregate production is necessary for ensuring the existing infrastructure in today’s world. This can be accomplished using proven technologies in other areas and applying them to show how viable reclamation is feasible. A proposed mine reclamation, Douglas Township quarry (DTQ), in Dakota Township, MN was evaluated using Visual Hydrologic Evaluation of Landfill Performance (HELP) model. The HELP is commonly employed for estimating the water budget of a landfill, however, it was applied to determine the water budget of the DTQ following mining. Using an environmental impact statement as the case study, modeling predictions indicated the DTQ will adequately drain the water being put into the system. The height of the groundwater table will rise slightly due to the mining excavations but no ponding will occur. The application of HELP model determined the water budget of the DTQ and can be used as a viable option for mining companies to demonstrate how land can be reclaimed following mining operations.