This project was supported by MOST through the NRL program and in part by the BK21 program.We have investigated the key factors determining the performance of supercapacitors constructed using single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) electrodes. Several parameters, such as composition of the binder, annealing temperature, type of current collector, charging time, and discharging current density have been optimized for the best performance of the supercapacitor with respect to energy density and power density. We find a maximum specific capacitance of 180 F/g and a measured power density of 20 kW/kg at energy densities in the range from 7 to 6.5 Wh/kg at 0.9 V in a solution of 7.5 N KOH (the currently available supercapacitors have energy densities in the range 6±7 Wh/kg and power density in the range 0.2±5 kW/kg at 2.3 V in non-aqueous solvents).

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Summary:Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a common and serious regimen-related toxicity after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). There is no safe and proven therapy for established VOD, and focus has been on its prevention. Previous studies have shown that a continuous infusion of unfractionated heparin or ursodiol may reduce the incidence of VOD. In order to compare the efficacy of heparin plus ursodiol with that of heparin alone, we conducted a prospective, randomized study involving 165 consecutive patients who underwent HSCT for a variety of disorders. Eighty-two patients were assigned to receive heparin plus ursodiol, and 83 were assigned to receive heparin alone. Thirteen and 16 patients were diagnosed as having VOD in the heparin plus ursodiol group and the heparin alone group, respectively (15.9% vs 19.3%; P ‫؍‬ 0.348). Eighty-nine percent of the heparin plus ursodiol group and 89.2% of the heparin alone group were surviving at day 100 post-HSCT (P ‫؍‬ 0.298). The only independent variable associated with an increased risk of VOD was an allogeneic type of HSCT (P ‫؍‬ 0.018). In conclusion, this study shows that there is no difference in efficacy between heparin plus ursodiol and heparin alone for the prevention of hepatic VOD.

In conclusion, we identified the prognostic value of KPI, and we suggest a treatment recommendation according to the TNM (tumour-node-metastasis) stage. Radiotherapy with/without chemotherapy seemed to be optimal in localized disease. In advanced stages, a more aggressive treatment regimen with newer agents should be sought.