Using SWNTs at concentrations below 1 wt. %, the solar cell efficiency increased from 2.86% to 3.52% for 80 nm devices and from 2% to 3% in 125 nm devices at low light intensities. In both cases, the increment is because of higher fill factor with no change in short circuit current density and open circuit voltage. At higher light intensities, a 43% increase in fill

factor and a 37% increase Birinapant concentration in short circuit current density were obtained, which doubled the efficiency. These improvements were primarily because of reduced recombination through improved charge extraction by SWNTs. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3598081]“
“The cytochrome P450c17 alpha gene (CYP17) encodes a key biosynthesis enzyme of estrogen, which is critical in regulating adipogenesis and adipocyte development in humans. We therefore hypothesized that CYP17 is a candidate gene for predicting obesity. In order to test this hypothesis, we performed a family-based association MLN2238 in vitro test to investigate the relationship between the CYP17 gene and obesity phenotypes in a large sample comprising 1873 subjects

from 405 Caucasian nuclear families of European origin recruited by the Osteoporosis Research Center of Creighton University, USA. Both single SNPs and haplotypes were tested for associations with obesity-related phenotypes, including body mass index (BMI) and fat mass. We identified three SNPs to be significantly associated with BMI, including rs3740397, rs6163, and rs619824. We further characterized the linkage disequilibrium structure for CYP17 and found Selleckchem ALK inhibitor that the whole CYP17 gene was located in a single-linkage disequilibrium block. This block was observed to be significantly associated with BMI. A major haplotype in this block was significantly associated with both BMI and fat mass. In conclusion, we suggest that the CYP17 gene has an effect on obesity in the Caucasian population. Further independent studies will be needed to confirm our findings.”
“Purpose: To prospectively and intraindividually compare single-source radiofrequency (RF) excitation and dual-source parallel RF excitation in 3.0-T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the

spine.

Materials and Methods: Institutional review board approval and written informed patient consent were obtained. The RF power of a 3.0-T MR imaging system was distributed to two ports of the body coil of the system by using independent RF transmit channels. The maximum B 1 field strength for dual-source parallel RF excitation was maintained, as compared with single-source RF excitation. The repetition time was reduced according to the revised RF setup with dual-source parallel RF excitation while maintaining specific energy absorption limitations. Thirty patients were examined with and without dual-source parallel RF excitation. Diagnostic quality was assessed independently by two radiologists according to a four-point grading system.