Systems and strippable coatings for decontaminating structures that include porous material

DOEpatents

Fox, Robert V [Idaho Falls, ID; Avci, Recep [Bozeman, MT; Groenewold, Gary S [Idaho Falls, ID

2011-12-06

Methods of removing contaminant matter from porous materials include applying a polymer material to a contaminated surface, irradiating the contaminated surface to cause redistribution of contaminant matter, and removing at least a portion of the polymer material from the surface. Systems for decontaminating a contaminated structure comprising porous material include a radiation device configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward a surface of a structure, and at least one spray device configured to apply a capture material onto the surface of the structure. Polymer materials that can be used in such methods and systems include polyphosphazine-based polymer materials having polyphosphazine backbone segments and side chain groups that include selected functional groups. The selected functional groups may include iminos, oximes, carboxylates, sulfonates, .beta.-diketones, phosphine sulfides, phosphates, phosphites, phosphonates, phosphinates, phosphine oxides, monothio phosphinic acids, and dithio phosphinic acids.

Use of a Novel Fluidics Microbead Trap/Flow-cell Enhances Speed and Sensitivity of Bead-Based Bioassays

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ozanich, Rich M.; Antolick, Kathryn C.; Bruckner-Lea, Cindy J.

2007-09-15

Automated devices and methods for biological sample preparation often utilize surface functionalized microbeads (superparamagnetic or non-magnetic) to allow capture, purification and pre-concentration of trace amounts of proteins, cells, or nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) from complex samples. We have developed unique methods and hardware for trapping either magnetic or non-magnetic functionalized beads that allow samples and reagents to be efficiently perfused over a micro-column of beads. This approach yields enhanced mass transport and up to 5-fold improvements in assay sensitivity or speed, dramatically improving assay capability relative to assays conducted in more traditional “batch modes” (i.e., in tubes or microplate wells). Summarymore » results are given that highlight the analytical performance improvements obtained for automated microbead processing systems utilizing novel microbead trap/flow-cells for various applications, including: 1) simultaneous capture of multiple cytokines using an antibody-coupled polystyrene bead assay with subsequent flow cytometry detection; 2) capture of nucleic acids using oligonucleotide coupled polystyrene beads with flow cytometry detection; and 3) capture of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (E. coli) from 50 mL sample volumes using antibody-coupled superparamagnetic microbeads with subsequent culturing to assess capture efficiency.« less

Sialic acid-triggered macroscopic properties switching on a smart polymer surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Yuting; Li, Minmin; Wang, Hongxi; Qing, Guangyan; Sun, Taolei

2018-01-01

Constructing smart surfaces with responsive polymers capable of dynamically and reversibly changing their chemical and physical properties by responding to the recognition of biomolecules remains a challenging task. And, the key to achieving this purpose relies on the design of polymers to precisely interact with the target molecule and successfully transform the interaction signal into tunable macroscopic properties, further achieve special bio-functions. Herein, inspired by carbohydrate-carbohydrate interaction (CCI) in life system, we developed a three-component copolymer poly(NIPAAm-co-PT-co-Glc) bearing a binding unit glucose (Glc) capable of recognizing sialic acid, a type of important molecular targets for cancer diagnosis and therapy, and reported the sialic acid triggered macroscopic properties switching on this smart polymer surface. Detailed mechanism studies indicated that multiple hydrogen bonding interactions between Glc unit and Neu5Ac destroyed the initial hydrogen bond network of the copolymer, leading to a reversible "contraction-to-swelling" conformational transition of the copolymer chains, accompanied with distinct macroscopic property switching (i.e., surface wettability, morphology, stiffness) of the copolymer film. And these features enabled this copolymer to selectively capture sialic acid-containing glycopeptides from complex protein samples. This work provides an inspiration for the design of novel smart polymeric materials with sensitive responsiveness to sialic acid, which would promote the development of sialic acid-specific bio-devices and drug delivery systems.

Heteroatom-doped nanoporous carbon derived from MOF-5 for CO2 capture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Xiancheng; Li, Liqing; Chen, Ruofei; Wang, Chunhao; Li, Hailong; Wang, Shaobin

2018-03-01

Four nanoporous carbons (MUCT) were prepared from metal-organic framework (MOF-5) template and additional carbon source (i.e. urea) by carbonization at different temperatures (600-900 °C). The results showed that specific surface area of four samples was obtained in the range from 1030 to 2307 m2 g-1. By changing the carbonization temperature it can finely tune the pore volume of the MUCT, which having a uniform pore size of around 4.0 nm. With an increasing carbonization temperature, the micropore surface area of MUCT samples varied slightly, but mesopore surface area increased obviously, which had little influence on carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption capacity. The as-obtained sample MUC900 exhibited the superior CO2 capture capacity of 3.7 mmol g-1 at 0 °C (1 atm). First principle calculations were conducted on carbon models with various functional groups to distinguish heterogeneity and understand carbon surface chemistry for CO2 adsorption. The interaction between CO2 and N-containing functional groups is mainly weak Lewis acid-base interaction. On the other hand, the pyrrole and amine groups show exceptional hydrogen-bonding interaction. The hydroxyls promote the interaction between carbon dioxide and functional groups through hydrogen-bonding interactions and electrostatic potentials, thereby increasing CO2 capture of MUCT.

Micropallet arrays for the capture, isolation and culture of circulating tumor cells from whole blood of mice engrafted with primary human pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

PubMed

Gach, Philip C; Attayek, Peter J; Whittlesey, Rebecca L; Yeh, Jen Jen; Allbritton, Nancy L

2014-04-15

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are important biomarkers of cancer progression and metastatic potential. The rarity of CTCs in peripheral blood has driven the development of technologies to isolate these tumor cells with high specificity; however, there are limited techniques available for isolating target CTCs following enumeration. A strategy is described to capture and isolate viable tumor cells from whole blood using an array of releasable microstructures termed micropallets. Specific capture of nucleated cells or cells expressing epithelial cell adhesion molecules (EpCAM) was achieved by functionalizing micropallet surfaces with either fibronectin, Matrigel or anti-EpCAM antibody. Surface grafting of poly(acrylic acid) followed by covalent binding of protein A/G enabled efficient capture of EpCAM antibody on the micropallet surface. MCF-7 cells, a human breast adenocarcinoma, were retained on the array surface with 90±8% efficiency when using an anti-EpCAM-coated array. To demonstrate the efficiency of tumor cell retention on micropallet arrays in the presence of blood, MCF-7 cells were mixed into whole blood and added to small arrays (71 mm(2)) coated with fibronectin, Matrigel or anti-EpCAM. These approaches achieved MCF-7 cell capture from ≤10 µL of whole blood with efficiencies greater than 85%. Furthermore, MCF-7 cells intermixed with 1 mL blood and loaded onto large arrays (7171 mm(2)) were captured with high efficiencies (≥97%), could be isolated from the array by a laser-based approach and were demonstrated to yield a high rate of colony formation (≥85%) after removal from the array. Clinical utility of this technology was shown through the capture, isolation and successful culture of CTCs from the blood of mice engrafted with primary human pancreatic tumors. Direct capture and isolation of living tumor cells from blood followed by analysis or culture will be a valuable tool for cancer cell characterization. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rapid and efficient uranium(VI) capture by phytic acid/polyaniline/FeOOH composites.

PubMed

Wei, Xintao; Liu, Qi; Zhang, Hongsen; Liu, Jingyuan; Chen, Rongrong; Li, Rumin; Li, Zhangshuang; Liu, Peili; Wang, Jun

2018-02-01

Uranium plays an indispensable role in nuclear energy, but there are limited land resources to meet the ever growing demand; therefore, a need exists to develop efficient materials for capturing uranium from water. Herein, we synthesize a promising adsorbent of phytic acid/polyaniline/FeOOH composites (PA/PANI/FeOOH) by oxidative polymerization. Phytic acid, acting asa gelator and dopant, plays an important role in the formation of polyaniline (PANI). The PA/PANI/FeOOH exhibites high adsorption capacity (q m =555.8mgg -1 , T=298K), rapid adsorption rate (within 5min), excellent selectivity and cyclic stability. In addition, the results show that the adsorption isotherm is well fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model, and the adsorption kinetics agree with a pseudo-second order model. XPS analysis indicates that the removal of uranium is mainly attributed to abundant amine and imine groups on the surface of PA/PANI/FeOOH. Importantly, the removal of uranium from low concentrations of simulated seawater is highly efficient with a removal rate exceeding 92%. From our study, superior adsorption capacities, along with a low-cost, environmentally friendly and facile synthesis, reveal PA/PANI/FeOOH asa promising material for uranium capture. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

System and process for capture of acid gasses at elevated pressure from gaseous process streams

DOEpatents

Heldebrant, David J.; Koech, Phillip K.; Linehan, John C.; Rainbolt, James E.; Bearden, Mark D.; Zheng, Feng

2016-09-06

A system, method, and material that enables the pressure-activated reversible chemical capture of acid gasses such as CO.sub.2 from gas volumes such as streams, flows or any other volume. Once the acid gas is chemically captured, the resulting product typically a zwitterionic salt, can be subjected to a reduced pressure whereupon the resulting product will release the captures acid gas and the capture material will be regenerated. The invention includes this process as well as the materials and systems for carrying out and enabling this process.

Microwave-assisted nitric acid treatment of sepiolite and functionalization with polyethylenimine applied to CO2 capture and CO2/N2 separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vilarrasa-García, E.; Cecilia, J. A.; Bastos-Neto, M.; Cavalcante, C. L.; Azevedo, D. C. S.; Rodríguez-Castellón, E.

2017-07-01

Sepiolite was treated in HNO3 solutions with the assistance of microwave radiation. This treatment caused the progressive depletion of Mg2+, the gradual degradation of the sepiolite structure and the formation of an amorphous silica phase, which contributes to a noticeable increase of the surface area. The use of microwaves during acid treatment, after few minutes, led to materials with similar SBET to those obtained after 48 h with conventional heating methods. The influence of mineralogical impurities, crystallinity and chemical composition in the reactivity of sepiolite to this treatment was also studied. The obtained materials were impregnated with polyethylenimine and assessed for CO2 capture and CO2/N2 selectivity at different temperatures. Experimental equilibrium data were fitted to Langmuir and Sips models. The adsorption data revealed that sepiolite can be an interesting adsorbent for CO2 capture, achieving a capacity of 1.70 mmol g-1 at 338 K and 1 bar, providing a high CO2/N2 selectivity (440 mol CO2/mol N2).

Study of reverse flotation of calcite from scheelite in acidic media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Rongdong; Huang, Yuqing; Hu, Yuan; Ku, Jiangang; Zuo, Weiran; Yin, Wanzhong

2018-05-01

A new coated-reactive reverse flotation method based on the generation of CO2 bubbles at a calcite surface in acidic solution was used to separate calcite from scheelite. The dissolution kinetics of coated and uncoated calcite were studied in sulfuric acid. The CO2 bubbles generated on the uncoated calcite particle surface are enough to float the particle. However, most of these bubbles left the surface quickly, preventing calcite from floating. Here, a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol polymer and sodium dodecyl sulfonate was used to coat the mineral particles and form a stable membrane, resulting in the formation of a stable foam layer on the calcite surface. After the calcite is coated, the generated bubbles could be successfully captured on the calcite surface, and calcite particles could float to the air-water interface and remain there for more than one hour. Flotation tests indicated that a high-quality tungsten concentrate with a grade of more than 75% and a recovery of more than 99% could be achieved when the particle size was between 0.3 and 1.5 mm. The present results provide theoretical support for the development of a highly efficient flotation separation for carbonate minerals.

Novel Synthesis of Core-Shell Silica Nanoparticles for the Capture of Low Molecular Weight Proteins and Peptides.

PubMed

Hernandez-Leon, Sergio G; Sarabia-Sainz, Jose Andre-I; Montfort, Gabriela Ramos-Clamont; Guzman-Partida, Ana M; Robles-Burgueño, Maria Del Refugio; Vazquez-Moreno, Luz

2017-10-12

Silica nanoparticles were functionalized with immobilized molecular bait, Cibacron Blue, and a porous polymeric bis-acrylamide shell. These nanoparticles represent a new alternative to capture low molecular weight (LMW) proteins/peptides, that might be potential biomarkers. Functionalized core-shell silica nanoparticles (FCSNP) presented a size distribution of 243.9 ± 11.6 nm and an estimated surface charge of -38.1 ± 0.9 mV. The successful attachment of compounds at every stage of synthesis was evidenced by ATR-FTIR. The capture of model peptides was determined by mass spectrometry, indicating that only the peptide with a long sequence of hydrophobic amino acids (alpha zein 34-mer) interacted with the molecular bait. FCSNP excluded the high molecular weight protein (HMW), BSA, and captured LMW proteins (myoglobin and aprotinin), as evidenced by SDS-PAGE. Functionalization of nanoparticles with Cibacron Blue was crucial to capture these molecules. FCSNP were stable after twelve months of storage and maintained a capacity of 3.1-3.4 µg/mg.

Multivalent interaction based carbohydrate biosensors for signal amplification

PubMed Central

Wang, Yanyan; Chalagalla, Srinivas; Li, Tiehai; Sun, Xue-long; Zhao, Wei; Wang, Peng; Zeng, Xiangqun

2010-01-01

Multivalent interaction between boronic acids immobilized on Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) sensor surface and the carbohydrates modified Au - nanoparticle (AuNP) has been demonstrated for the development of a sensitive carbohydrate biosensor. Briefly, a boronic acid - containing polymer (boropolymer) as multivalent carbohydrate receptor was oriented immobilized on the cysteamine coated electrode through isourea bond formation. Carbohydrates were conjugated to AuNPs to generate a multivalent carbohydrates moiety to amplify the response signal. Thus, the binding of the carbohydrate conjugated AuNPs to the boropolymer surface are multivalent which could simultaneously increase the binding affinity and specificity. We systematically studied the binding between five carbohydrate conjugated AuNPs and the boropolymer. Our studies show that the associate constant (Ka) was in the order of fucose < glucose < mannose < galactose < maltose. A linear response in the range from 23 µM to 3.83 mM was observed for mannose conjugated AuNPs and the boropolymer recognition elements, with the lower detection limit of 1.5 µM for the carbohydrate analytes. Furthermore, the multivalent binding between carbohydrates and boronic acids are reversible and allow the regeneration of boropolymer surface by using 1M acetic acid so as to sequentially capture and release the carbohydrate analytes. PMID:20863680

Confocal laser scanning microscopy and area-scale analysis used to quantify enamel surface textural changes from citric acid demineralization and salivary remineralization in vitro.

PubMed

Austin, R S; Giusca, C L; Macaulay, G; Moazzez, R; Bartlett, D W

2016-02-01

This paper investigates the application of confocal laser scanning microscopy to determine the effect of acid-mediated erosive enamel wear on the micro-texture of polished human enamel in vitro. Twenty polished enamel samples were prepared and subjected to a citric acid erosion and pooled human saliva remineralization model. Enamel surface microhardness was measured using a Knoop hardness tester, which confirmed that an early enamel erosion lesion was formed which was then subsequently completely remineralized. A confocal laser scanning microscope was used to capture high-resolution images of the enamel surfaces undergoing demineralization and remineralization. Area-scale analysis was used to identify the optimal feature size following which the surface texture was determined using the 3D (areal) texture parameter Sa. The Sa successfully characterized the enamel erosion and remineralization for the polished enamel samples (P<0.001). Areal surface texture characterization of the surface events occurring during enamel demineralization and remineralization requires optical imaging instrumentation with lateral resolution <2.5 μm, applied in combination with appropriate filtering in order to remove unwanted waviness and roughness. These techniques will facilitate the development of novel methods for measuring early enamel erosion lesions in natural enamel surfaces in vivo. Copyright © 2015 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Folic Acid Targeting for Efficient Isolation and Detection of Ovarian Cancer CTCs from Human Whole Blood Based on Two-Step Binding Strategy.

PubMed

Nie, Liju; Li, Fulai; Huang, Xiaolin; Aguilar, Zoraida P; Wang, Yongqiang Andrew; Xiong, Yonghua; Fu, Fen; Xu, Hengyi

2018-04-25

Studies regarding circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have great significance for cancer prognosis, treatment monitoring, and metastasis diagnosis. However, due to their extremely low concentration in peripheral blood, isolation and enrichment of CTCs are the key steps for early detection. To this end, targeting the folic acid receptors (FRs) on the CTC surface for capture with folic acid (FA) using bovine serum albumin (BSA)-tether for multibiotin enhancement in combination with streptavidin-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs-SA) was developed for ovarian cancer CTC isolation. The streptavidin-biotin-system-mediated two-step binding strategy was shown to capture CTCs from whole blood efficiently without the need for a pretreatment process. The optimized parameters for this system exhibited an average capture efficiency of 80%, which was 25% higher than that of FA-decorated magnetic nanoparticles based on the one-step CTC separation method. Moreover, the isolated cells remained highly viable and were cultured directly without detachment from the MNPs-SA-biotin-CTC complex. Furthermore, when the system was applied for the isolation and detection of CTCs in ovarian cancer patients' peripheral blood samples, it exhibited an 80% correlation with clinical diagnostic criteria. The results indicated that FA targeting, in combination with BSA-based multibiotin enhancement magnetic nanoparticle separation, is a promising tool for CTC enrichment and detection of early-stage ovarian cancer.

Avidin self-associates with boric acid gel suspensions: an affinity boron carrier that might be developed for boron neutron-capture therapy.

PubMed

Bench, Bennie J; Johnson, Rebecca; Hamilton, Craig; Gooch, Joey; Wright, John R

2004-02-15

It has been shown in preliminary studies that the antibacterial protein avidin self-associates with the boric acid gel polymer, and avidin-coated gel particles in the micrometer and submicrometer size ranges are of interest for boron neutron-capture therapy (BNCT), which is neutron-induced fission of boron-10 to produce intense alpha radiation for tumor destruction. The gel particles carry large amounts of boron-10 and are theoretically able effect a meaningful tissue dosing through BNCT. A gross precipitation of gel particles occurs within 46 min of mixing when the avidin/colloid ratio is about 0.34 g avidin/g colloid. This is a minimum time if gel and avidin concentrations are in the low microgram/milliliter range, but at higher proportions of avidin the time delay to precipitation increases significantly; i.e., the colloid surface becomes blocked, inhibiting lattice formation. The avidin-coated gel particles eventually cross-link, forming a solid matrix and precipitating on a timescale measured on the order of an hour. At shorter exposure times rapid agglutination-like reactions were observed with biotinylated bovine albumin, suggesting that two-stage pretargeting of specific tissues should be possible with biotinylated antitumor antibodies. However, for BNCT to be practical, avidin's interaction with the gel needs to be strengthened, and all aryl-B(OH)(2) groups on the particle surfaces must be blocked, or else the particles will interact strongly and nonspecifically with each other and with the carbohydrate groups present on most cell surfaces. Glyceric acid delays the precipitation of the particle suspensions while most simple and complex carbohydrates accelerate it.

Boronic Acid Functionalized Au Nanoparticles for Selective MicroRNA Signal Amplification in Fiber-Optic Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensing System.

PubMed

Qian, Siyu; Lin, Ming; Ji, Wei; Yuan, Huizhen; Zhang, Yang; Jing, Zhenguo; Zhao, Jianzhang; Masson, Jean-François; Peng, Wei

2018-05-25

MicroRNA (miRNA) regulates gene expression and plays a fundamental role in multiple biological processes. However, if both single-stranded RNA and DNA can bind with capture DNA on the sensing surface, selectively amplifying the complementary RNA signal is still challenging for researchers. Fiber-optic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors are small, accurate, and convenient tools for monitoring biological interaction. In this paper, we present a high sensitivity microRNA detection technique using phenylboronic acid functionalized Au nanoparticles (PBA-AuNPs) in fiber-optic SPR sensing systems. Due to the inherent difficulty directly detecting the hybridized RNA on the sensing surface, the PBA-AuNPs were used to selectively amplify the signal of target miRNA. The result shows that the method has high selectivity and sensitivity for miRNA, with a detection limit at 2.7 × 10 -13 M (0.27 pM). This PBA-AuNPs amplification strategy is universally applicable for RNA detection with various sensing technologies, such as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and electrochemistry, among others.

Grafting the surface of carbon nanotubes and carbon black with the chemical properties of hyperbranched polyamines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morales-Lara, Francisco; Domingo-García, María; López-Garzón, Rafael; Luz Godino-Salido, María; Peñas-Sanjuán, Antonio; López-Garzón, F. Javier; Pérez-Mendoza, Manuel; Melguizo, Manuel

2016-01-01

Controlling the chemistry on the surface of new carbon materials is a key factor to widen the range of their applicability. In this paper we show a grafting methodology of polyalkylamines to the surface of carbon nanomaterials, in particular, carbon nanotubes and a carbon black. The aim of this work is to reach large degrees of covalent functionalization with hyperbranched polyethyleneimines (HBPEIs) and to efficiently preserve the strong chelating properties of the HBPEIs when they are fixed to the surface of these carbon materials. This functionalization opens new possibilities of using these carbon nanotubes-based hybrids. The results show that the HBPEIs are covalently attached to the carbon materials, forming hybrids. These hybrids emerge from the reaction of amine functions of the HBPEIs with carbonyls and carboxylic anhydrides of the carbon surface which become imine and imide bonds. Thus, due to the nature of these bonds, the pre-oxidized samples with relevant number of C=O groups showed an increase in the degree of functionalization with the HBPEIs. Furthermore, both the acid-base properties and the coordination capacity for metal ions of the hybrids are equivalent to that of the free HBPEIs in solution. This means that the chemical characteristics of the HBPEIs have been efficiently transferred to the hybrids. To reach this conclusion we have developed a novel procedure to assess the acid-base and the coordination properties of the hybrids (solids) by means of potentiometric titration. The good agreement of the values obtained for the hybrids and for the free HBPEIs in aqueous solution supports the reliability of the procedure. Moreover, the high capacity of the hybrids to capture Ni2+ by complexation opens new possibilities of using these hybrids to capture high-value metal ions such as Pd2+ and Pt2+.

Synthesis of sintering-resistant sorbents for CO2 capture.

PubMed

Liu, Wenqiang; Feng, Bo; Wu, Yueqin; Wang, Guoxiong; Barry, John; da Costa, João C Diniz

2010-04-15

Sorbents for high temperature CO2 capture are under intensive development owing to their potential applications in advanced zero emission power, sorption-enhanced steam methane reforming for hydrogen production and energy storage systems in chemical heat pumps. One of the challenges in the development is the prevention of sintering of the sorbent (normally a calcium oxide derivative) which causes the CO2 capture capacity of the material to deteriorate rapidly after a few cycles of utilization. Here we show that a simple wet mixing method can produce sintering-resistant sorbents from calcium and magnesium salts of d-gluconic acid. It was found that calcium oxide was well distributed in the sorbents with metal oxide nanoparticles on the surface acting as physical barriers, and the CO2 capture capacity of the sorbents was largely maintained over multiple cycles of utilization. This method was also applied to other organometallic salts of calcium and magnesium/aluminum and the produced sorbents showed similarly high reversibility.

Competitive Reporter Monitored Amplification (CMA) - Quantification of Molecular Targets by Real Time Monitoring of Competitive Reporter Hybridization

PubMed Central

Ullrich, Thomas; Ermantraut, Eugen; Schulz, Torsten; Steinmetzer, Katrin

2012-01-01

Background State of the art molecular diagnostic tests are based on the sensitive detection and quantification of nucleic acids. However, currently established diagnostic tests are characterized by elaborate and expensive technical solutions hindering the development of simple, affordable and compact point-of-care molecular tests. Methodology and Principal Findings The described competitive reporter monitored amplification allows the simultaneous amplification and quantification of multiple nucleic acid targets by polymerase chain reaction. Target quantification is accomplished by real-time detection of amplified nucleic acids utilizing a capture probe array and specific reporter probes. The reporter probes are fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides that are complementary to the respective capture probes on the array and to the respective sites of the target nucleic acids in solution. Capture probes and amplified target compete for reporter probes. Increasing amplicon concentration leads to decreased fluorescence signal at the respective capture probe position on the array which is measured after each cycle of amplification. In order to observe reporter probe hybridization in real-time without any additional washing steps, we have developed a mechanical fluorescence background displacement technique. Conclusions and Significance The system presented in this paper enables simultaneous detection and quantification of multiple targets. Moreover, the presented fluorescence background displacement technique provides a generic solution for real time monitoring of binding events of fluorescently labelled ligands to surface immobilized probes. With the model assay for the detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and 2 (HIV 1/2), we have been able to observe the amplification kinetics of five targets simultaneously and accommodate two additional hybridization controls with a simple instrument set-up. The ability to accommodate multiple controls and targets into a single assay and to perform the assay on simple and robust instrumentation is a prerequisite for the development of novel molecular point of care tests. PMID:22539973

Optics of Spider Sticky Orb Webs

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

biopolymer which is almost exclusively protein with repeated sequences of the amino acids glycine and alanine [16]. The capture silk is spiraled...Herberstein, M. E., Craig, C. L. and Separovic, F., "Solid-state NMR relaxation studies of Australian spider silks ", Biopolymers 61, 287-297 (2002). [17... silks , scattering from rough/structured surfaces and thin film effects as the primary causes. We report systematic studies carried out using the

Detection of immunomagnetically captured 4',6-diamidino-2-phenyl-indole (DAPI)-labeled Escherichia coli 0157:H7 by fluorescent microscopic imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tu, Shu-I.; Uknalis, Joseph; Patterson, Deidre; Gehring, Andrew G.

1999-01-01

Live cells of E. coliO157:H7 were captured by goat anti-E. coliO157 serum coated on the surface of polystyrene based immunomagnetic beads (IMB). The captured bacteria were labeled by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), a nucleic acid stain, for observation by epifluorescent microscopy. The beads with captured bacteria were then concentrated by magnetic separators. The efficiency of this magnetic concentration step was less than that of using high speed centrifugation. The antibody-captured and IMB-immobilized bacteria were then applied on HF-treated, bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated microscope slides mounted on an automated stage, and magnetically aligned before fluorescence distribution was measured by a cooled CCD attached to an inverted microscope. Since the beads were concentrated and linearly aligned along the edge of the magnetic field, image capture along the edge for a few field widths was sufficient to account for most of captured bacteria. We applied this approach to determine the bacterial counts in spiked beef hamburger patties. The results showed that after a 6-hour enrichment, sufficient number of the bacteria could be detected from the samples spiked with 1 CFU of E. coliO157:H7 per gram of the hamburger.

Simultaneous high efficiency capture of CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2S from pressurized gas

DOEpatents

Gal, Eli; Krishnan, Gopala N.; Jayaweera, Indira S.

2016-10-11

Low-cost and energy-efficient CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2S capture is provided obtaining greater than 99.9% capture efficiency from pressurized gas. The acid species are captured in an ammonia solution, which is then regenerated by stripping the absorbed species. The solution can capture as much as 330 grams of CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2S per 1000 gram of water and when regenerated it produces pure pressurized acid gas containing more than 99.7% CO.sub.2 and H2S. The absorption of the acid species is accomplished in two absorbers in-series, each having multiple stages. More than 95% of the acid species are captured in the first absorber and the balance is captured in the second absorber to below 10 ppm concentration in the outlet gas. The two absorbers operate at temperatures ranging from 20-70 degrees Celsius. The two absorbers and the main stripper of the alkaline solution operate at similar pressures ranging from 5-200 bara.

Application of surface plasmon resonance biosensor for the detection of Candida albicans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yodmongkol, Sirasa; Thaweboon, Sroisiri; Thaweboon, Boonyanit; Puttharugsa, Chokchai; Sutapun, Boonsong; Amarit, Ratthasart; Somboonkaew, Armote; Srikhirin, Toemsak

2016-02-01

In this study, surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPR imaging) was developed for the detection of Candida albicans which is a causal agent of oral infection. The detection was based on the sandwich assay. The capture antibody was covalently immobilized on the mixed self assemble monolayers (SAMs). The ratio of mixed SAMs between 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid and 3-mercaptopropanol was varied to find the optimal ratio for use as a sensor surface. The results showed that the suitable surface for C. albicans detection was SAM of carboxylic (mixed SAMs 1:0), even though mixed SAMs 1:40 had a high detection signal in comparison to mixed SAMs 1:0, but the non-specific signal was higher. The detection limit was 107 cells/ml for direct detection, and was increased to 106 cells/ml with sandwich antibody. The use of polyclonal C. albicans antibody as capture and sandwich antibody showed good selectivity against the relevant oral bacteria including Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutan, Staphylococcus aureus, β-streptococci, and Lactobacillus casei. SPR platform in this study could detect C. albicans from the mixed microbial suspension without requirement of skillful technician. This SPR imaging biosensor could be applied for Candida identification after cultivation.

Cell-free protein synthesis and assembly on a biochip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heyman, Yael; Buxboim, Amnon; Wolf, Sharon G.; Daube, Shirley S.; Bar-Ziv, Roy H.

2012-06-01

Biologically active complexes such as ribosomes and bacteriophages are formed through the self-assembly of proteins and nucleic acids. Recapitulating these biological self-assembly processes in a cell-free environment offers a way to develop synthetic biodevices. To visualize and understand the assembly process, a platform is required that enables simultaneous synthesis, assembly and imaging at the nanoscale. Here, we show that a silicon dioxide grid, used to support samples in transmission electron microscopy, can be modified into a biochip to combine in situ protein synthesis, assembly and imaging. Light is used to pattern the biochip surface with genes that encode specific proteins, and antibody traps that bind and assemble the nascent proteins. Using transmission electron microscopy imaging we show that protein nanotubes synthesized on the biochip surface in the presence of antibody traps efficiently assembled on these traps, but pre-assembled nanotubes were not effectively captured. Moreover, synthesis of green fluorescent protein from its immobilized gene generated a gradient of captured proteins decreasing in concentration away from the gene source. This biochip could be used to create spatial patterns of proteins assembled on surfaces.

Comparison of the surface ion density of silica gel evaluated via spectral induced polarization versus acid-base titration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Na; Moysey, Stephen M. J.; Powell, Brian A.; Ntarlagiannis, Dimitrios

2016-12-01

Surface complexation models are widely used with batch adsorption experiments to characterize and predict surface geochemical processes in porous media. In contrast, the spectral induced polarization (SIP) method has recently been used to non-invasively monitor in situ subsurface chemical reactions in porous media, such as ion adsorption processes on mineral surfaces. Here we compare these tools for investigating surface site density changes during pH-dependent sodium adsorption on a silica gel. Continuous SIP measurements were conducted using a lab scale column packed with silica gel. A constant inflow of 0.05 M NaCl solution was introduced to the column while the influent pH was changed from 7.0 to 10.0 over the course of the experiment. The SIP measurements indicate that the pH change caused a 38.49 ± 0.30 μS cm- 1 increase in the imaginary conductivity of the silica gel. This increase is thought to result from deprotonation of silanol groups on the silica gel surface caused by the rise in pH, followed by sorption of Na+ cations. Fitting the SIP data using the mechanistic model of Leroy et al. (Leroyet al., 2008), which is based on the triple layer model of a mineral surface, we estimated an increase in the silica gel surface site density of 26.9 × 1016 sites m- 2. We independently used a potentiometric acid-base titration data for the silica gel to calibrate the triple layer model using the software FITEQL and observed a total increase in the surface site density for sodium sorption of 11.2 × 1016 sites m- 2, which is approximately 2.4 times smaller than the value estimated using the SIP model. By simulating the SIP response based on the calibrated surface complexation model, we found a moderate association between the measured and estimated imaginary conductivity (R2 = 0.65). These results suggest that the surface complexation model used here does not capture all mechanisms contributing to polarization of the silica gel captured by the SIP data.

The illusion of specific capture: surface and solution studies of suboptimal oligonucleotide hybridization

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Hybridization based assays and capture systems depend on the specificity of hybridization between a probe and its intended target. A common guideline in the construction of DNA microarrays, for instance, is that avoiding complementary stretches of more than 15 nucleic acids in a 50 or 60-mer probe will eliminate sequence specific cross-hybridization reactions. Here we present a study of the behavior of partially matched oligonucleotide pairs with complementary stretches starting well below this threshold complementarity length – in silico, in solution, and at the microarray surface. The modeled behavior of pairs of oligonucleotide probes and their targets suggests that even a complementary stretch of sequence 12 nt in length would give rise to specific cross-hybridization. We designed a set of binding partners to a 50-mer oligonucleotide containing complementary stretches from 6 nt to 21 nt in length. Results Solution melting experiments demonstrate that stable partial duplexes can form when only 12 bp of complementary sequence are present; surface hybridization experiments confirm that a signal close in magnitude to full-strength signal can be obtained from hybridization of a 12 bp duplex within a 50mer oligonucleotide. Conclusions Microarray and other molecular capture strategies that rely on a 15 nt lower complementarity bound for eliminating specific cross-hybridization may not be sufficiently conservative. PMID:23445545

Method and Apparatus for Automated Isolation of Nucleic Acids from Small Cell Samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sundaram, Shivshankar; Prabhakarpandian, Balabhaskar; Pant, Kapil; Wang, Yi

2014-01-01

RNA isolation is a ubiquitous need, driven by current emphasis on microarrays and miniaturization. With commercial systems requiring 100,000 to 1,000,000 cells for successful isolation, there is a growing need for a small-footprint, easy-to-use device that can harvest nucleic acids from much smaller cell samples (1,000 to 10,000 cells). The process of extraction of RNA from cell cultures is a complex, multi-step one, and requires timed, asynchronous operations with multiple reagents/buffers. An added complexity is the fragility of RNA (subject to degradation) and its reactivity to surface. A novel, microfluidics-based, integrated cartridge has been developed that can fully automate the complex process of RNA isolation (lyse, capture, and elute RNA) from small cell culture samples. On-cartridge cell lysis is achieved using either reagents or high-strength electric fields made possible by the miniaturized format. Traditionally, silica-based, porous-membrane formats have been used for RNA capture, requiring slow perfusion for effective capture. In this design, high efficiency capture/elution are achieved using a microsphere-based "microfluidized" format. Electrokinetic phenomena are harnessed to actively mix microspheres with the cell lysate and capture/elution buffer, providing important advantages in extraction efficiency, processing time, and operational flexibility. Successful RNA isolation was demonstrated using both suspension (HL-60) and adherent (BHK-21) cells. Novel features associated with this development are twofold. First, novel designs that execute needed processes with improved speed and efficiency were developed. These primarily encompass electric-field-driven lysis of cells. The configurations include electrode-containing constructs, or an "electrode-less" chip design, which is easy to fabricate and mitigates fouling at the electrode surface; and the "fluidized" extraction format based on electrokinetically assisted mixing and contacting of microbeads in a shape-optimized chamber. A secondary proprietary feature is in the particular layout integrating these components to perform the desired operation of RNA isolation. Apart from a novel functional capability, advantages of the innovation include reduced or eliminated use of toxic reagents, and operator-independent extraction of RNA.

Elucidation of metal-ion accumulation induced by hydrogen bonds on protein surfaces by using porous lysozyme crystals containing Rh(III) ions as the model surfaces.

PubMed

Ueno, Takafumi; Abe, Satoshi; Koshiyama, Tomomi; Ohki, Takahiro; Hikage, Tatsuo; Watanabe, Yoshihito

2010-03-01

Metal-ion accumulation on protein surfaces is a crucial step in the initiation of small-metal clusters and the formation of inorganic materials in nature. This event is expected to control the nucleation, growth, and position of the materials. There remain many unknowns, as to how proteins affect the initial process at the atomic level, although multistep assembly processes of the materials formation by both native and model systems have been clarified at the macroscopic level. Herein the cooperative effects of amino acids and hydrogen bonds promoting metal accumulation reactions are clarified by using porous hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) crystals containing Rh(III) ions, as model protein surfaces for the reactions. The experimental results reveal noteworthy implications for initiation of metal accumulation, which involve highly cooperative dynamics of amino acids and hydrogen bonds: i) Disruption of hydrogen bonds can induce conformational changes of amino-acid residues to capture Rh(III) ions. ii) Water molecules pre-organized by hydrogen bonds can stabilize Rh(III) coordination as aqua ligands. iii) Water molecules participating in hydrogen bonds with amino-acid residues can be replaced by Rh(III) ions to form polynuclear structures with the residues. iv) Rh(III) aqua complexes are retained on amino-acid residues through stabilizing hydrogen bonds even at low pH (approximately 2). These metal-protein interactions including hydrogen bonds may promote native metal accumulation reactions and also may be useful in the preparation of new inorganic materials that incorporate proteins.

Capture and release of mixed acid gasses with binding organic liquids

DOEpatents

Heldebrant, David J.; Yonker, Clement R.

2010-09-21

Reversible acid-gas binding organic liquid systems that permit separation and capture of one or more of several acid gases from a mixed gas stream, transport of the liquid, release of the acid gases from the ionic liquid and reuse of the liquid to bind more acid gas with significant energy savings compared to current aqueous systems. These systems utilize acid gas capture compounds made up of strong bases and weak acids that form salts when reacted with a selected acid gas, and which release these gases when a preselected triggering event occurs. The various new materials that make up this system can also be included in various other applications such as chemical sensors, chemical reactants, scrubbers, and separators that allow for the specific and separate removal of desired materials from a gas stream such as flue gas.

A Microfluidic Chip Integrated with Hyaluronic Acid-Functionalized Electrospun Chitosan Nanofibers for Specific Capture and Nondestructive Release of CD44-Overexpressing Circulating Tumor Cells.

PubMed

Wang, Mengyuan; Xiao, Yunchao; Lin, Lizhou; Zhu, Xiaoyue; Du, Lianfang; Shi, Xiangyang

2018-04-18

Detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in peripheral blood is of paramount significance for early-stage cancer diagnosis, estimation of cancer development, and individualized cancer therapy. Herein, we report the development of hyaluronic acid (HA)-functionalized electrospun chitosan nanofiber (CNF)-integrated microfludic platform for highly specific capture and nondestructive release of CTCs. First, electrospun CNFs were formed and modified with zwitterion of carboxyl betaine acrylamide (CBAA) via Michael addition reaction and then targeting ligand HA through a disulfide bond. We show that the formed nanofibers still maintain the smooth fibrous morphology after sequential surface modifications, have a good hemocompatibility, and exhibit an excellent antifouling property due to the CBAA modification. After being embedded within a microfluidic chip, the fibrous mat can capture cancer cells (A549, a human lung cancer cell line) with an efficiency of 91% at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/h. Additionally, intact release of cancer cells is able to be achieved after treatment with glutathione for 40 min to have a release efficiency of 90%. Clinical applications show that 9 of 10 nonsmall-cell lung cancer patients and 5 of 5 breast cancer patients are diagnosed to have CTCs (1 to 18 CTCs per mL of blood). Our results suggest that the developed microfluidic system integrated with functionalized CNF mats may be employed for effective CTCs capture for clinical diagnosis of cancer.

21 CFR 172.860 - Fatty acids.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... the gas chromatographic-electron capture method prescribed in paragraph (c)(3) of this section. If..._locations.html. (3) The gas chromatographic-electron capture method for testing fatty acids for chick-edema...

21 CFR 172.860 - Fatty acids.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... the gas chromatographic-electron capture method prescribed in paragraph (c)(3) of this section. If..._locations.html. (3) The gas chromatographic-electron capture method for testing fatty acids for chick-edema...

Americium(III) capture using phosphonic acid-functionalized silicas with different mesoporous morphologies: adsorption behavior study and mechanism investigation by EXAFS/XPS.

PubMed

Zhang, Wen; He, Xihong; Ye, Gang; Yi, Rong; Chen, Jing

2014-06-17

Efficient capture of highly toxic radionuclides with long half-lives such as Americium-241 is crucial to prevent radionuclides from diffusing into the biosphere. To reach this purpose, three different types of mesoporous silicas functionalized with phosphonic acid ligands (SBA-POH, MCM-POH, and BPMO-POH) were synthesized via a facile procedure. The structure, surface chemistry, and micromorphology of the materials were fully characterized by (31)P/(13)C/(29)Si MAS NMR, XPS, and XRD analysis. Efficient adsorption of Am(III) was realized with a fast rate to reach equilibrium (within 10 min). Influences including structural parameters and functionalization degree on the adsorption behavior were investigated. Slope analysis of the equilibrium data suggested that the coordination with Am(III) involved the exchange of three protons. Moreover, extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis, in combination with XPS survey, was employed for an in-depth probe into the binding mechanism by using Eu(III) as a simulant due to its similar coordination behavior and benign property. The results showed three phosphonic acid ligands were coordinated to Eu(III) in bidentate fashion, and Eu(P(O)O)3(H2O) species were formed with the Eu-O coordination number of 7. These phosphonic acid-functionalized mesoporous silicas should be promising for the treatment of Am-containing radioactive liquid waste.

Aqueous-Phase Acetic Acid Ketonization over Monoclinic Zirconia

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cai, Qiuxia; Lopez-Ruiz, Juan A.; Cooper, Alan R.

The effect of aqueous phase on the acetic acid ketonization over monoclinic zirconia has been investigated using first-principles based density functional theory (DFT) calculations. To capture the aqueous phase chemistry over the solid zirconia catalyst surface, the aqueous phase is represented by 111 explicit water molecules with a liquid water density of 0.93 g/cm3 and the monoclinic zirconia is modeled by the most stable surface structure . The dynamic nature of aqueous phase/ interface was studied using ab initio molecular dynamics simulation, indicating that nearly half of the surface Zr sites are occupied by either adsorbed water molecules or hydroxylmore » groups at 550 K. DFT calculations show that the adsorption process of acetic acid from the liquid water phase to the surface is nearly thermodynamically neutral with a Gibbs free energy of -2.3 kJ/mol although the adsorption strength of acetic acid on the surface in aqueous phase is much stronger than in vapor phase. Therefore it is expected that the adsorption of acetic acid will dramatically affects aqueous phase ketonization reactivity over the monoclinic zirconia catalyst. Using the same ketonization mechanism via the β-keto acid intermediate, we have compared acetic acid ketonization to acetone in both vapor and aqueous phases. Our DFT calculation results show although the rate-determining step of the β-keto acid formation via the C-C coupling is not pronouncedly affected, the presence of liquid water molecules will dramatically affect dehydrogenation and hydrogenation steps via proton transfer mechanism. This work was financially supported by the United States Department of Energy (DOE)’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) and performed at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). PNNL is a multi-program national laboratory operated for DOE by Battelle Memorial Institute. Computing time and advanced catalyst characterization use was granted by a user proposal at the William R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL). EMSL is a national scientific user facility sponsored by the Department of Energy’s Office of Biological and Environmental Research and located at PNNL.« less

Doping Polypyrrole Films with 4-N-Pentylphenylboronic Acid to Enhance Affinity towards Bacteria and Dopamine

PubMed Central

Padiolleau, Laurence; Chen, Xi; Jafari, Mohammad Javad; Sheikhzadeh, Elham; Turner, Anthony P. F.; Jager, Edwin W. H.; Beni, Valerio

2016-01-01

Here we demonstrate the use of a functional dopant as a fast and simple way to tune the chemical affinity and selectivity of polypyrrole films. More specifically, a boronic-functionalised dopant, 4-N-Pentylphenylboronic Acid (PBA), was used to provide to polypyrrole films with enhanced affinity towards diols. In order to prove the proposed concept, two model systems were explored: (i) the capture and the electrochemical detection of dopamine and (ii) the adhesion of bacteria onto surfaces. The chemisensor, based on overoxidised polypyrrole boronic doped film, was shown to have the ability to capture and retain dopamine, thus improving its detection; furthermore the chemisensor showed better sensitivity in comparison with overoxidised perchlorate doped films. The adhesion of bacteria, Deinococcus proteolyticus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Klebsiella pneumoniae, onto the boric doped polypyrrole film was also tested. The presence of the boronic group in the polypyrrole film was shown to favour the adhesion of sugar-rich bacterial cells when compared with a control film (Dodecyl benzenesulfonate (DBS) doped film) with similar morphological and physical properties. The presented single step synthesis approach is simple and fast, does not require the development and synthesis of functional monomers, and can be easily expanded to the electrochemical, and possibly chemical, fabrication of novel functional surfaces and interfaces with inherent pre-defined sensing and chemical properties. PMID:27875555

Magnetophoretic bead trapping in a high-flowrate biological detection system.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Galambos, Paul C.; Hopkins, Matthew Morgan; Rahimian, Kamayar

2005-03-01

This report contains the summary of the 'Magnetophoretic Bead Trapping in a High-Flowrate Biological Detection System' LDRD project 74795. The objective of this project is to develop a novel biodetection system for high-throughput sample analysis. The chief application of this system is in detection of very low concentrations of target molecules from a complex liquid solution containing many different constituents--some of which may interfere with identification of the target molecule. The system is also designed to handle air sampling by using an aerosol system (for instance a WESP - Wet Electro-Static Precipitator, or an impact spray system) to get airmore » sample constituents into the liquid volume. The system described herein automatically takes the raw liquid sample, whether air converted or initially liquid matrix, and mixes in magnetic detector beads that capture the targets of interest and then performs the sample cleanup function, allowing increased sensitivity and eliminating most false positives and false negatives at a downstream detector. The surfaces of the beads can be functionalized in a variety of ways in order to maximize the number of targets to be captured and concentrated. Bacteria and viruses are captured using antibodies to surface proteins on bacterial cell walls or viral particle coats. In combination with a cell lysis or PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), the beads can be used as a DNA or RNA probe to capture nucleic acid patterns of interest. The sample cleanup capability of this system would allow different raw biological samples, such as blood or saliva to be analyzed for the presence of different infectious agents (e.g. smallpox or SARS). For future studies, we envision functionalizing bead surfaces to bind to chemical weapons agents, radio-isotopes, and explosives. The two main objectives of this project were to explore methods for enhancing the mixing of the capture microspheres in the sample, and to develop a novel high-throughput magnetic microsphere trap. We have developed a novel technique using the magnetic capture microspheres as 'stirrer bars' in a fluid sample to enhance target binding to the microsphere surfaces. We have also made progress in developing a polymer-MEMS electromagnet for trapping magnetic spheres in a high-flowrate fluid format.« less

Grafting the surface of carbon nanotubes and carbon black with the chemical properties of hyperbranched polyamines

PubMed Central

Morales-Lara, Francisco; Domingo-García, María; López-Garzón, Rafael; Luz Godino-Salido, María; Peñas-Sanjuán, Antonio; López-Garzón, F. Javier; Pérez-Mendoza, Manuel; Melguizo, Manuel

2016-01-01

Abstract Controlling the chemistry on the surface of new carbon materials is a key factor to widen the range of their applicability. In this paper we show a grafting methodology of polyalkylamines to the surface of carbon nanomaterials, in particular, carbon nanotubes and a carbon black. The aim of this work is to reach large degrees of covalent functionalization with hyperbranched polyethyleneimines (HBPEIs) and to efficiently preserve the strong chelating properties of the HBPEIs when they are fixed to the surface of these carbon materials. This functionalization opens new possibilities of using these carbon nanotubes-based hybrids. The results show that the HBPEIs are covalently attached to the carbon materials, forming hybrids. These hybrids emerge from the reaction of amine functions of the HBPEIs with carbonyls and carboxylic anhydrides of the carbon surface which become imine and imide bonds. Thus, due to the nature of these bonds, the pre-oxidized samples with relevant number of C=O groups showed an increase in the degree of functionalization with the HBPEIs. Furthermore, both the acid-base properties and the coordination capacity for metal ions of the hybrids are equivalent to that of the free HBPEIs in solution. This means that the chemical characteristics of the HBPEIs have been efficiently transferred to the hybrids. To reach this conclusion we have developed a novel procedure to assess the acid-base and the coordination properties of the hybrids (solids) by means of potentiometric titration. The good agreement of the values obtained for the hybrids and for the free HBPEIs in aqueous solution supports the reliability of the procedure. Moreover, the high capacity of the hybrids to capture Ni2+ by complexation opens new possibilities of using these hybrids to capture high-value metal ions such as Pd2+ and Pt2+. PMID:27877902

Rapid detection of IHNV by molecular padlock recognition and surface-associated isothermal amplification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCarthy, Erik L.; Egeler, Teressa J.; Bickerstaff, Lee E.; Pereira da Cunha, Mauricio; Millard, Paul J.

2005-11-01

RNA sequences derived from infectious hematopoeitic necrosis virus (IHNV) could be detected using a combination of surface-associated molecular padlock DNA probes (MPP) and rolling circle amplification (RCA) in microcapillary tubes. DNA oligonucleotides with base sequences identical to RNA obtained from IHNV were recognized by MPP. Circularized MPP were then captured on the inner surface of glass microcapillary tubes by immobilized DNA oligonucleotide primers. Extension of the immobilized primers by isothermal RCA gave rise to DNA concatamers, which were in turn bound by the fluorescent reporter SYBR Green II nucleic acid stain, and measured by microfluorimetry. Surface-associated molecular padlock technology, combined with isothermal RCA, exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity without thermal cycling. This technology is applicable to direct RNA and DNA detection, permitting detection of a variety of viral or bacterial pathogens.

Photoelectrochemical processes in polymer-tethered CdSe nanocrystals.

PubMed

Shallcross, R Clayton; D'Ambruoso, Gemma D; Pyun, Jeffrey; Armstrong, Neal R

2010-03-03

We demonstrate the electrochemical capture of CdSe semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs), with thiophene-terminated carboxylic acid capping ligands, at the surfaces of electrodeposited poly(thiophene) films (i) poly((diethyl)propylenedixoythiophene), P(Et)(2)ProDOT; (ii) poly(propylenedioxythiophene), PProDOT; and (iii) poly(ethylenedioxythiophene), PEDOT, coupled with the exploration of their photoelectrochemical properties. Host polymer films were created using a kinetically controlled electrodeposition protocol on activated indium-tin oxide electrodes (ITO), producing conformal films that facilitate high rates of electron transfer. ProDOT-terminated, ligand-capped CdSe-NCs were captured at the outer surface of the host polymer films using a unique pulse-potential step electrodeposition protocol, providing for nearly close-packed monolayers of the NCs at the host polymer/solution interface. These polymer-confined CdSe NCs were used as sensitizers in the photoelectrochemical reduction of methyl viologen (MV(+2)). High internal quantum efficiencies (IQEs) are estimated for photoelectrochemical sensitized MV(+2) reduction using CdSe NCs ranging from 3.1 to 7.0 nm diameters. Cathodic photocurrent at high MV(+2) concentrations are limited by the rate of hole-capture by the host polymer from photoexcited NCs. The rate of this hole-capture process is determined by (a) the onset potential for reductive dedoping of the host polymer film; (b) the concentration ratio of neutral to oxidized forms of the host polymer ([P(n)]/[P(ox)]); and (c) the NC diameter, which controls its valence band energy, E(VB). These relationships are consistent with control of photoinduced electron transfer by Marcus-like excess free energy relationships. Our electrochemical assembly methods provide an enabling route to the capture of functional NCs in conducting polymer hosts in both photoelectrochemical and photovoltaic energy conversion systems.

Reactions of Microsolvated Organic Compounds at Ambient Surfaces: Droplet Velocity, Charge State, and Solvent Effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badu-Tawiah, Abraham K.; Campbell, Dahlia I.; Cooks, R. Graham

2012-06-01

The exposure of charged microdroplets containing organic ions to solid-phase reagents at ambient surfaces results in heterogeneous ion/surface reactions. The electrosprayed droplets were driven pneumatically in ambient air and then electrically directed onto a surface coated with reagent. Using this reactive soft landing approach, acid-catalyzed Girard condensation was achieved at an ambient surface by directing droplets containing Girard T ions onto a dry keto-steroid. The charged droplet/surface reaction was much more efficient than the corresponding bulk solution-phase reaction performed on the same scale. The increase in product yield is ascribed to solvent evaporation, which causes moderate pH values in the starting droplet to reach extreme values and increases reagent concentrations. Comparisons are made with an experiment in which the droplets were pneumatically accelerated onto the ambient surface (reactive desorption electrospray ionization, DESI). The same reaction products were observed but differences in spatial distribution were seen associated with the "splash" of the high velocity DESI droplets. In a third type of experiment, the reactions of charged droplets with vapor phase reagents were examined by allowing electrosprayed droplets containing a reagent to intercept the headspace vapor of an analyte. Deposition onto a collector surface and mass analysis showed that samples in the vapor phase were captured by the electrospray droplets, and that instantaneous derivatization of the captured sample is possible in the open air. The systems examined under this condition included the derivatization of cortisone vapor with Girard T and that of 4-phenylpyridine N-oxide and 2-phenylacetophenone vapors with ethanolamine.

Development of a magnetic bead-based method for the collection of circulating extracellular vesicles.

PubMed

Shih, Chun-Liang; Chong, Kowit-Yu; Hsu, Shih-Che; Chien, Hsin-Jung; Ma, Ching-Ting; Chang, John Wen-Cheng; Yu, Chia-Jung; Chiou, Chiuan-Chian

2016-01-25

Cells release different types of extracellular vesicles (EVs). These EVs contain biomolecules, including proteins and nucleic acids, from their parent cells, which can be useful for diagnostic applications. The aim of this study was to develop a convenient procedure to collect circulating EVs with detectable mRNA or other biomolecules. Magnetic beads coated with annexin A5 (ANX-beads), which bound to phosphatidylserine moieties on the surfaces of most EVs, were tested for their ability to capture induced apoptotic bodies in vitro and other phosphatidylserine-presenting vesicles in body fluids. Our results show that up to 60% of induced apoptotic bodies could be captured by the ANX-beads. The vesicles captured from cultured media or plasma contained amplifiable RNA. Suitable blood samples for EV collection included EDTA-plasma and serum but not heparin-plasma. In addition, EVs in plasma were labile to freeze-and-thaw cycles. In rodents xenografted with human cancer cells, tumor-derived mRNA could be detected in EVs captured from serum samples. Active proteins could be detected in EVs captured from ascites but not from plasma. In conclusion, we have developed a magnetic bead-based procedure for the collection of EVs from body fluids and proved that captured EVs contain biomolecules from their parent cells, and therefore have great potential for disease diagnosis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Selective Capture of Glycoproteins Using Lectin-modified Nanoporous Gold Monolith

PubMed Central

Alla, Allan J.; d’Andrea, Felipe B.; Bhattarai, Jay K.; Cooper, Jared A.; Tan, Yih Horng; Demchenko, Alexei V.; Stine, Keith J.

2015-01-01

The surface of nanoporous gold (np-Au) monoliths was modified via a flow method with the lectin Concanavalin A (Con A) to develop a substrate for separation and extraction of glycoproteins. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of lipoic acid (LA) on the np-Au monoliths were prepared followed by activation of the terminal carboxyl groups to create amine reactive esters that were utilized in the immobilization of Con A. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to determine the surface coverages of LA and Con A on np-Au monoliths which were found to be 1.31 × 1018 molecules m−2 and 1.85 × 1015 molecules m−2, respectively. An in situ solution depletion method was developed that enabled surface coverage characterization without damaging the substrate and suggesting the possibility of regeneration. Using this method, the surface coverages of LA and Con A were found to be 0.989 ×1018 molecules m−2 and 1.32 × 1015 molecules m−2, respectively. The selectivity of the Con A-modified np-Au monolith for the high mannose-containing glycoprotein ovalbumin (OVA) versus negative control non-glycosylated bovine serum albumin (BSA) was demonstrated by the difference in the ratio of the captured molecules to the immobilized Con A molecules, with OVA:Con A = 2.3 and BSA:Con A = 0.33. Extraction of OVA from a 1:3 mole ratio mixture with BSA was demonstrated by the greater amount of depletion of OVA concentration during the circulation with the developed substrate. A significant amount of captured OVA was eluted using α-methyl mannopyranoside as a competitive ligand. This work is motivated by the need to develop new materials for chromatographic separation and extraction substrates for use in preparative and analytical procedures in glycomics. PMID:26554297

Label-free electrical detection of pyrophosphate generated from DNA polymerase reactions on field-effect devices.

PubMed

Credo, Grace M; Su, Xing; Wu, Kai; Elibol, Oguz H; Liu, David J; Reddy, Bobby; Tsai, Ta-Wei; Dorvel, Brian R; Daniels, Jonathan S; Bashir, Rashid; Varma, Madoo

2012-03-21

We introduce a label-free approach for sensing polymerase reactions on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) using a chelator-modified silicon-on-insulator field-effect transistor (SOI-FET) that exhibits selective and reversible electrical response to pyrophosphate anions. The chemical modification of the sensor surface was designed to include rolling-circle amplification (RCA) DNA colonies for locally enhanced pyrophosphate (PPi) signal generation and sensors with immobilized chelators for capture and surface-sensitive detection of diffusible reaction by-products. While detecting arrays of enzymatic base incorporation reactions is typically accomplished using optical fluorescence or chemiluminescence techniques, our results suggest that it is possible to develop scalable and portable PPi-specific sensors and platforms for broad biomedical applications such as DNA sequencing and microbe detection using surface-sensitive electrical readout techniques.

Capturing non-local interactions by long short-term memory bidirectional recurrent neural networks for improving prediction of protein secondary structure, backbone angles, contact numbers and solvent accessibility.

PubMed

Heffernan, Rhys; Yang, Yuedong; Paliwal, Kuldip; Zhou, Yaoqi

2017-09-15

The accuracy of predicting protein local and global structural properties such as secondary structure and solvent accessible surface area has been stagnant for many years because of the challenge of accounting for non-local interactions between amino acid residues that are close in three-dimensional structural space but far from each other in their sequence positions. All existing machine-learning techniques relied on a sliding window of 10-20 amino acid residues to capture some 'short to intermediate' non-local interactions. Here, we employed Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Bidirectional Recurrent Neural Networks (BRNNs) which are capable of capturing long range interactions without using a window. We showed that the application of LSTM-BRNN to the prediction of protein structural properties makes the most significant improvement for residues with the most long-range contacts (|i-j| >19) over a previous window-based, deep-learning method SPIDER2. Capturing long-range interactions allows the accuracy of three-state secondary structure prediction to reach 84% and the correlation coefficient between predicted and actual solvent accessible surface areas to reach 0.80, plus a reduction of 5%, 10%, 5% and 10% in the mean absolute error for backbone ϕ , ψ , θ and τ angles, respectively, from SPIDER2. More significantly, 27% of 182724 40-residue models directly constructed from predicted C α atom-based θ and τ have similar structures to their corresponding native structures (6Å RMSD or less), which is 3% better than models built by ϕ and ψ angles. We expect the method to be useful for assisting protein structure and function prediction. The method is available as a SPIDER3 server and standalone package at http://sparks-lab.org . yaoqi.zhou@griffith.edu.au or yuedong.yang@griffith.edu.au. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author (2017). Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

Dipole-Guided Electron Capture Causes Abnormal Dissociations of Phosphorylated Pentapeptides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moss, Christopher L.; Chung, Thomas W.; Wyer, Jean A.; Nielsen, Steen Brøndsted; Hvelplund, Preben; Tureček, František

2011-04-01

Electron transfer and capture mass spectra of a series of doubly charged ions that were phosphorylated pentapeptides of a tryptic type (pS,A,A,A,R) showed conspicuous differences in dissociations of charge-reduced ions. Electron transfer from both gaseous cesium atoms at 100 keV kinetic energies and fluoranthene anion radicals in an ion trap resulted in the loss of a hydrogen atom, ammonia, and backbone cleavages forming complete series of sequence z ions. Elimination of phosphoric acid was negligible. In contrast, capture of low-energy electrons by doubly charged ions in a Penning ion trap induced loss of a hydrogen atom followed by elimination of phosphoric acid as the dominant dissociation channel. Backbone dissociations of charge-reduced ions also occurred but were accompanied by extensive fragmentation of the primary products. z-Ions that were terminated with a deaminated phosphoserine radical competitively eliminated phosphoric acid and H2PO4 radicals. A mechanism is proposed for this novel dissociation on the basis of a computational analysis of reaction pathways and transition states. Electronic structure theory calculations in combination with extensive molecular dynamics mapping of the potential energy surface provided structures for the precursor phosphopeptide dications. Electron attachment produces a multitude of low lying electronic states in charge-reduced ions that determine their reactivity in backbone dissociations and H- atom loss. The predominant loss of H atoms in ECD is explained by a distortion of the Rydberg orbital space by the strong dipolar field of the peptide dication framework. The dipolar field steers the incoming electron to preferentially attach to the positively charged arginine side chain to form guanidinium radicals and trigger their dissociations.

Nanotextured PDMS Substrates for Enhanced Roughness and Aptamer Immobilization for Cancer Cell Capture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islam, Muhymin; Mahmood, Arif; Bellah, Md.; Kim, Young-Tae; Iqbal, Samir

2014-03-01

Detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the early stages of cancer is requires very sensitive approach. Nanotextured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates were fabricated by micro reactive ion etching (Micro-RIE) to have better control on surface morphology and to improve the affinity of PDMS surfaces to capture cancer cells using surface immobilized aptamers. The aptamers were specific to epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) present in cell membranes, and overexpressed in tumor cells. We also investigated the effect of nano-scale features on cell capturing by implementing various surfaces of different roughnesses. Three different recipes were used to prepare nanotextured PDMS by micro-RIE using oxygen (O2) and carbon tetrafluoride (CF4). The measured average roughness of three nanotextured PDMS surfaces were found to impact average densities of captured cells. In all cases, nanotextured PDMS facilitated cell capturing possibly due to increased effective surface area of roughened substrates at nanoscale. It was also observed that cell capture efficiency was higher for higher surface roughness. The nanotextured PDMS substrates are thus useful for cancer cytology devices.

Triggering the Electrolyte-Gated Organic Field-Effect Transistor output characteristics through gate functionalization using diazonium chemistry: Application to biodetection of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid.

PubMed

Nguyen, T T K; Nguyen, T N; Anquetin, G; Reisberg, S; Noël, V; Mattana, G; Touzeau, J; Barbault, F; Pham, M C; Piro, B

2018-08-15

We investigated an Electrolyte-Gated Organic Field-Effect transistor based on poly(N-alkyldiketopyrrolo-pyrrole dithienylthieno[3,2-b]thiophene) as organic semiconductor whose gate electrode was functionalized by electrografting a functional diazonium salt capable to bind an antibody specific to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), an herbicide well-known to be a soil and water pollutant. Molecular docking computations were performed to design the functional diazonium salt to rationalize the antibody capture on the gate surface. Sensing of 2,4-D was performed through a displacement immunoassay. The limit of detection was estimated at around 2.5 fM. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nitrogen and sulfur Co-doped microporous activated carbon macro-spheres for CO2 capture.

PubMed

Sun, Yahui; Li, Kaixi; Zhao, Jianghong; Wang, Jianlong; Tang, Nan; Zhang, Dongdong; Guan, Taotao; Jin, Zuer

2018-04-27

Millimeter-sized nitrogen and sulfur co-doped microporous activated carbon spheres (NSCSs) were first synthesized from poly(styrene-vinylimidazole-divinylbenzene) resin spheres through concentrated H 2 SO 4 sulfonation, carbonization and KOH activation. Styrene (ST) and N-vinylimidazole (VIM) were carbon and nitrogen sources, while the sulfonic acid functional groups introduced by the simple concentrated sulfuric acid sulfonation worked simultaneously as cross-linking agent and sulfur source during the following thermal treatments. It was found that the surface chemistries, textural structures, and CO 2 adsorption performances of the NSCSs were significantly affected by the addition of VIM. The NSCS-4-700 sample with a molar ratio of ST: VIM = 1: 0.75 showed the best CO 2 uptake at different temperatures and pressures. An exhaustive adsorption evaluation indicated that CO 2 sorption at low pressures originated from the synergistic effect of surface chemistry and micropores below 8.04 Å, while at the moderate pressure of 8.0 bar, CO 2 uptake was dominated by the volume of micropores. The thermodynamics suggested the exothermic and orderly nature of the adsorption process, which was dominated by a physisorption mechanism. The high CO 2 adsorption capacity, fast kinetic adsorption rate, and great regeneration stability of the nitrogen and sulfur co-doped activated carbon spheres indicated that the as-prepared carbon adsorbents were good candidates for large-scale CO 2 capture. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Detection of Glycoprotein Based on Boronate Affinity Sandwich Assay and Signal Amplification with Functionalized SiO2@Au Nanocomposites.

PubMed

You, Min; Yang, Shuai; Tang, Wanxin; Zhang, Fan; He, Pin-Gang

2017-04-26

Herein we propose a multiple signal amplification strategy designed for ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of glycoproteins. This approach introduces a new type of boronate-affinity sandwich assay (BASA), which was fabricated by using gold nanoparticles combined with reduced graphene oxide (AuNPs-GO) to modify sensing surface for accelerating electron transfer, the composite of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) including 4-vinylphenylboronic acid (VPBA) for specific capturing glycoproteins, and SiO 2 nanoparticles carried gold nanoparticles (SiO 2 @Au) labeled with 6-ferrocenylhexanethiol (FcHT) and 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid (MPBA) (SiO 2 @Au/FcHT/MPBA) as tracing tag for binding glycoprotein and generating electrochemical signal. As a sandwich-type sensing, the SiO 2 @Au/FcHT/MPBA was captured by glycoprotein on the surface of imprinting film for further electrochemical detection in 0.1 M PBS (pH 7.4). Using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as a model glycoprotein, the proposed approach exhibited a wide linear range from 1 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL, with a low detection limit of 0.57 pg/mL. To the best of our knowledge, this is first report of a multiple signal amplification approach based on boronate-affinity molecularly imprinted polymer and SiO 2 @Au/FcHT/MPBA, exhibiting greatly enhanced sensitivity for glycoprotein detection. Furthermore, the newly constructed BASA based glycoprotein sensor demonstrated HRP detection in real sample, such as human serum, suggesting its promising prospects in clinical diagnostics.

Computerized image analysis for acetic acid induced intraepithelial lesions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wenjing; Ferris, Daron G.; Lieberman, Rich W.

2008-03-01

Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) exhibits certain morphologic features that can be identified during a visual inspection exam. Immature and dysphasic cervical squamous epithelium turns white after application of acetic acid during the exam. The whitening process occurs visually over several minutes and subjectively discriminates between dysphasic and normal tissue. Digital imaging technologies allow us to assist the physician analyzing the acetic acid induced lesions (acetowhite region) in a fully automatic way. This paper reports a study designed to measure multiple parameters of the acetowhitening process from two images captured with a digital colposcope. One image is captured before the acetic acid application, and the other is captured after the acetic acid application. The spatial change of the acetowhitening is extracted using color and texture information in the post acetic acid image; the temporal change is extracted from the intensity and color changes between the post acetic acid and pre acetic acid images with an automatic alignment. The imaging and data analysis system has been evaluated with a total of 99 human subjects and demonstrate its potential to screening underserved women where access to skilled colposcopists is limited.

Selective fluorescence response and magnetic separation probe for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene based on iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles.

PubMed

Zou, Wen-Sheng; Wang, Ya-Qin; Wang, Feng; Shao, Qun; Zhang, Jun; Liu, Jin

2013-05-01

Despite the rapid development of nanomaterials and nanotechnology, it is still desirable to develop novel nanoparticle-based techniques which are cost-effective, timesaving, and environment-friendly, and with ease of operation and procedural simplicity, for assay of target analytes. In the work discussed in this paper, the dye fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) was conjugated to 1,6-hexanediamine (HDA)-capped iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (FITC-HDA Fe3O4 MNPs), and the product was characterized. HDA ligands on the surface of Fe3O4 MNPs can bind 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) to form TNT anions by acid-base pairing interaction. Formation of TNT anions, and captured TNT substantially affect the emission of FITC on the surface of the Fe3O4 MNPs, resulting in quenching of the fluorescence at 519 nm. A novel FITC-HDA Fe3O4 MNPs-based probe featuring chemosensing and magnetic separation has therefore been constructed. i.e. FITC-HDA Fe3O4 MNPs had a highly selective fluorescence response and enabled magnetic separation of TNT from other nitroaromatic compounds by quenching of the emission of FITC and capture of TNT in aqueous solution. Very good linearity was observed for TNT concentrations in the range 0.05-1.5 μmol L(-1), with a detection limit of 37.2 nmol L(-1) and RSD of 4.7 % (n = 7). Approximately 12 % of the total amount of TNT was captured. The proposed methods are well-suited to trace detection and capture of TNT in aqueous solution.

Mapping Hydrophobicity on the Protein Molecular Surface at Atom-Level Resolution

PubMed Central

Nicolau Jr., Dan V.; Paszek, Ewa; Fulga, Florin; Nicolau, Dan V.

2014-01-01

A precise representation of the spatial distribution of hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity and charges on the molecular surface of proteins is critical for the understanding of the interaction with small molecules and larger systems. The representation of hydrophobicity is rarely done at atom-level, as this property is generally assigned to residues. A new methodology for the derivation of atomic hydrophobicity from any amino acid-based hydrophobicity scale was used to derive 8 sets of atomic hydrophobicities, one of which was used to generate the molecular surfaces for 35 proteins with convex structures, 5 of which, i.e., lysozyme, ribonuclease, hemoglobin, albumin and IgG, have been analyzed in more detail. Sets of the molecular surfaces of the model proteins have been constructed using spherical probes with increasingly large radii, from 1.4 to 20 Å, followed by the quantification of (i) the surface hydrophobicity; (ii) their respective molecular surface areas, i.e., total, hydrophilic and hydrophobic area; and (iii) their relative densities, i.e., divided by the total molecular area; or specific densities, i.e., divided by property-specific area. Compared with the amino acid-based formalism, the atom-level description reveals molecular surfaces which (i) present an approximately two times more hydrophilic areas; with (ii) less extended, but between 2 to 5 times more intense hydrophilic patches; and (iii) 3 to 20 times more extended hydrophobic areas. The hydrophobic areas are also approximately 2 times more hydrophobicity-intense. This, more pronounced “leopard skin”-like, design of the protein molecular surface has been confirmed by comparing the results for a restricted set of homologous proteins, i.e., hemoglobins diverging by only one residue (Trp37). These results suggest that the representation of hydrophobicity on the protein molecular surfaces at atom-level resolution, coupled with the probing of the molecular surface at different geometric resolutions, can capture processes that are otherwise obscured to the amino acid-based formalism. PMID:25462574

Unraveling origins of the heterogeneous curvature dependence of polypeptide interactions with carbon nanostructures.

PubMed

Jana, Asis K; Tiwari, Mrityunjay K; Vanka, Kumar; Sengupta, Neelanjana

2016-02-17

Emerging nanotechnology has rapidly broadened interfacial prospects of biological molecules with carbon nanomaterials (CNs). A prerequisite for effectively harnessing such hybrid materials is a multi-faceted understanding of their complex interfacial interactions as functions of the physico-chemical characteristics and the surface topography of the individual components. In this article, we address the origins of the curvature dependence of polypeptide adsorption on CN surfaces (CNSs), a phenomenon bearing an acute influence upon the behavior and activity of CN-protein conjugates. Our benchmark molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with the amphiphilic full-length amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide demonstrate that protein adsorption is strongest on the concave (inner) CN surface, weakest on the convex (outer) surface, and intermediary on the planar surface, in agreement with recent experimental reports. The curvature effects, however, are found to manifest non-uniformly between the amino acid subtypes. To understand the underlying interplay of the chemical nature of the amino acids and surface topography of the CNs, we performed high-level quantum chemical (QM) calculations with amino acid analogs (AAA) representing their five prominent classes, and convex, concave and planar CN fragments. Molecular electrostatic potential maps reveal pronounced curvature dependence in the mixing of electron densities, and a resulting variance in the stabilization of the non-covalently bound molecular complexes. Interestingly, our study revealed that the interaction trends of the high-level QM calculations were captured well by the empirical force field. The findings in this study have important bearing upon the design of carbon based bio-nanomaterials, and additionally, provide valuable insights into the accuracy of various computational techniques for probing non-bonded interfacial interactions.

Resonant electron capture by aspartame and aspartic acid molecules.

PubMed

Muftakhov, M V; Shchukin, P V

2016-12-30

The processes for dissociative electron capture are the key mechanisms for decomposition of biomolecules, proteins in particular, under interaction with low-energy electrons. Molecules of aspartic acid and aspartame, i.e. modified dipeptides, were studied herein to define the impact of the side functional groups on peptide chain decomposition in resonant electron-molecular reactions. The processes of formation and decomposition of negative ions of both aspartame and aspartic acid were studied by mass spectrometry of negative ions under resonant electron capture. The obtained mass spectra were interpreted under thermochemical analysis by quantum chemical calculations. Main channels of negative molecular ions fragmentation were found and characteristic fragment ions were identified. The СООН fragment of the side chain in aspartic acid is shown to play a key role like the carboxyl group in amino acids and aliphatic oligopeptides. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Deposition of lignin droplets produced during dilute acid pretreatment of maize stems retards enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose.

PubMed

Selig, Michael J; Viamajala, Sridhar; Decker, Stephen R; Tucker, Melvin P; Himmel, Michael E; Vinzant, Todd B

2007-01-01

Electron microscopy of lignocellulosic biomass following high-temperature pretreatment revealed the presence of spherical formations on the surface of the residual biomass. The hypothesis that these droplet formations are composed of lignins and possible lignin carbohydrate complexes is being explored. Experiments were conducted to better understand the formation of these "lignin" droplets and the possible implications they might have on the enzymatic saccharification of pretreated biomass. It was demonstrated that these droplets are produced from corn stover during pretreatment under neutral and acidic pH at and above 130 degrees C, and that they can deposit back onto the surface of residual biomass. The deposition of droplets produced under certain pretreatment conditions (acidic pH; T > 150 degrees C) and captured onto pure cellulose was shown to have a negative effect (5-20%) on the enzymatic saccharification of this substrate. It was noted that droplet density (per unit area) was greater and droplet size more variable under conditions where the greatest impact on enzymatic cellulose conversion was observed. These results indicate that this phenomenon has the potential to adversely affect the efficiency of enzymatic conversion in a lignocellulosic biorefinery.

Label-Free Potentiometry for Detecting DNA Hybridization Using Peptide Nucleic Acid and DNA Probes

PubMed Central

Goda, Tatsuro; Singi, Ankit Balram; Maeda, Yasuhiro; Matsumoto, Akira; Torimura, Masaki; Aoki, Hiroshi; Miyahara, Yuji

2013-01-01

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) has outstanding affinity over DNA for complementary nucleic acid sequences by forming a PNA-DNA heterodimer upon hybridization via Watson-Crick base-pairing. To verify whether PNA probes on an electrode surface enhance sensitivity for potentiometric DNA detection or not, we conducted a comparative study on the hybridization of PNA and DNA probes on the surface of a 10-channel gold electrodes microarray. Changes in the charge density as a result of hybridization at the solution/electrode interface on the self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-formed microelectrodes were directly transformed into potentiometric signals using a high input impedance electrometer. The charge readout allows label-free, reagent-less, and multi-parallel detection of target oligonucleotides without any optical assistance. The differences in the probe lengths between 15- to 22-mer dramatically influenced on the sensitivity of the PNA and DNA sensors. Molecular type of the capturing probe did not affect the degree of potential shift. Theoretical model for charged rod-like duplex using the Gouy-Chapman equation indicates the dominant effect of electrostatic attractive forces between anionic DNA and underlying electrode at the electrolyte/electrode interface in the potentiometry. PMID:23435052

Sialic Acid-Responsive Polymeric Interface Material: From Molecular Recognition to Macroscopic Property Switching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Yuting; Jiang, Ge; Li, Minmin; Qing, Guangyan; Li, Xiuling; Liang, Xinmiao; Sun, Taolei

2017-01-01

Biological systems that utilize multiple weak non-covalent interactions and hierarchical assemblies to achieve various bio-functions bring much inspiration for the design of artificial biomaterials. However, it remains a big challenge to correlate underlying biomolecule interactions with macroscopic level of materials, for example, recognizing such weak interaction, further transforming it into regulating material’s macroscopic property and contributing to some new bio-applications. Here we designed a novel smart polymer based on polyacrylamide (PAM) grafted with lactose units (PAM-g-lactose0.11), and reported carbohydrate-carbohydrate interaction (CCI)-promoted macroscopic properties switching on this smart polymer surface. Detailed investigations indicated that the binding of sialic acid molecules with the grafted lactose units via the CCIs induced conformational transformation of the polymer chains, further resulted in remarkable and reversible switching in surface topography, wettability and stiffness. With these excellent recognition and response capacities towards sialic acid, the PAM-g-lactose0.11 further facilitated good selectivity, strong anti-interference and high adsorption capacity in the capture of sialylated glycopeptides (important biomarkers for cancers). This work provides some enlightenment for the development of biointerface materials with tunable property, as well as high-performance glycopeptide enrichment materials.

Magnetic particles for in vitro molecular diagnosis: From sample preparation to integration into microsystems.

PubMed

Tangchaikeeree, Tienrat; Polpanich, Duangporn; Elaissari, Abdelhamid; Jangpatarapongsa, Kulachart

2017-10-01

Colloidal magnetic particles (MPs) have been developed in association with molecular diagnosis for several decades. MPs have the great advantage of easy manipulation using a magnet. In nucleic acid detection, these particles can act as a capture support for rapid and simple biomolecule separation. The surfaces of MPs can be modified by coating with various polymer materials to provide functionalization for different applications. The use of MPs enhances the sensitivity and specificity of detection due to the specific activity on the surface of the particles. Practical applications of MPs demonstrate greater efficiency than conventional methods. Beyond traditional detection, MPs have been successfully adopted as a smart carrier in microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip biosensors. The versatility of MPs has enabled their integration into small single detection units. MPs-based biosensors can facilitate rapid and highly sensitive detection of very small amounts of a sample. In this review, the application of MPs to the detection of nucleic acids, from sample preparation to analytical readout systems, is described. State-of-the-art integrated microsystems containing microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip biosensors for the nucleic acid detection are also addressed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cross-Sectional Imaging of Boundary Lubrication Layer Formed by Fatty Acid by Means of Frequency-Modulation Atomic Force Microscopy.

PubMed

Hirayama, Tomoko; Kawamura, Ryota; Fujino, Keita; Matsuoka, Takashi; Komiya, Hiroshi; Onishi, Hiroshi

2017-10-10

To observe in situ the adsorption of fatty acid onto metal surfaces, cross-sectional images of the adsorption layer were acquired by frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM). Hexadecane and palmitic acid were used as the base oil and typical fatty acid, respectively. A Cu-coated silicon wafer was prepared as the target substrate. The solvation structure formed by hexadecane molecules at the interface between the Cu substrate and the hexadecane was observed, and the layer pitch was found to be about 0.6 nm, which corresponds to the height of hexadecane molecules. This demonstrates that hexadecane molecules physically adsorbed onto the surface due to van der Waals forces with lying orientation because hexadecane is a nonpolar hydrocarbon. When hexadecane with palmitic acid was put on the Cu substrate instead of pure hexadecane, an adsorption layer of palmitic acid was observed at the interface. The layer pitch was about 2.5-2.8 nm, which matches the chain length of palmitic acid molecules well. This indicates that the original adsorption layer was monolayer or single bilayer in the local area. In addition, a cross-sectional image captured 1 h after observation started to reveal that the adsorbed additive layer gradually grew up to be thicker than about 20 nm due to an external stimulus, such as cantilever oscillation. This is the first report of in situ observation of an adsorbed layer by FM-AFM in the tribology field and demonstrates that FM-AFM is useful for clarifying the actual boundary lubrication mechanism.

Amorphous titania modified with boric acid for selective capture of glycoproteins.

PubMed

Jin, Shanxia; Liu, Liping; Zhou, Ping

2018-05-22

Amorphous titania was modified with boric acid, and the resulting material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry. The new material, in contrast to conventional boronate affinity materials containing boronic acid ligands, bears boric acid groups. It is shown to exhibit high specificity for glycoproteins, and this was applied to design a method for solid phase extraction of glycoproteins as shown for ribonuclease B, horse radish peroxidase and ovalbumin. Glycoproteins were captured under slightly alkaline environment and released in acidic solutions. The glycoproteins extracted were detected by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The binding capacities for ribonuclease B, horse radish peroxidase and ovalbumin typically are 9.3, 26.0 and 53.0 mg ∙ g -1 , respectively. The method was successfully applied to the selective enrichment of ovalbumin from egg white. Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of the capture of glycoproteins by amorphous titania modified with boric acid.

Seasonal variation in proximate composition and fatty acid profile of grey triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) captured along the coast of Portugal.

PubMed

Simões, Tiago; Carvalho, João; Sousa, Ana; Lemos, Marco F L; Gil, Maria M; Pedrosa, Rui; Tecelão, Carla

2013-05-01

Proximate composition (ash, moisture, total protein, and fat contents) and fatty acid profile of Balistes capriscus (grey triggerfish) were assessed over a 6-months period (April to September, 2011) in animals captured along the coast of Peniche (Portugal). High protein (18.9% to 21.4%) and low lipid (0.5% to 0.8%) contents were determined. The highest lipid level was found in June-captured animals. High proportions of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) were observed (53.87 ± 2.00%) together with substantial quantities of oleic acid (27.58 ± 1.09%) and palmitic acid (16.52 ± 0.93%). Docosahexaenoic acid accounted for 77% of the total PUFA and was 7 times more abundant than eicosapentaenoic acid, and the n-3/n-6 ratio was 7.2. Gender did not influence lipid levels and the fatty acid profile, but seasonal variations were observed for PUFA and monounsaturated fatty acid contents. Overall, the nutritional properties of this underexploited species may be comparable to those of other lean fish species with higher economic value. © 2013 Institute of Food Technologists®

Immobilization of Active Bacteriophages on Polyhydroxyalkanoate Surfaces.

PubMed

Wang, Chanchan; Sauvageau, Dominic; Elias, Anastasia

2016-01-20

A rapid, efficient technique for the attachment of bacteriophages (phages) onto polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) surfaces has been developed and compared to three reported methods for phage immobilization. Polymer surfaces were modified to facilitate phage attachment using (1) plasma treatment alone, (2) plasma treatment followed by activation by 1-ethyl-3-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (sulfo-NHS), (3) plasma-initiated acrylic acid grafting, or (4) plasma-initiated acrylic acid grafting with activation by EDC and sulfo-NHS. The impact of each method on the surface chemistry of PHA was investigated using contact angle analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Each of the four treatments was shown to result in both increased hydrophilicity and in the modification of the surface functional groups. Modified surfaces were immersed in suspensions of phage T4 for immobilization. The highest level of phage binding was observed for the surfaces modified by plasma treatment alone. The change in chemical bond states observed for surfaces that underwent plasma treatment is suspected to be the cause of the increased binding of active phages. Plasma-treated surfaces were further analyzed through phage-staining and fluorescence microscopy to assess the surface density of immobilized phages and their capacity to capture hosts. The infective capability of attached phages was confirmed by exposing the phage-immobilized surfaces to the host bacteria Escherichia coli in both plaque and infection dynamic assays. Plasma-treated surfaces with immobilized phages displayed higher infectivity than surfaces treated with other methods; in fact, the equivalent initial multiplicity of infection was 2 orders of magnitude greater than with other methods. Control samples - prepared by immersing polymer surfaces in phage suspensions (without prior plasma treatment) - did not show any bacterial growth inhibition, suggesting they did not bind phages from the suspension.

Heavy metal capture by autochthonous yeasts from a volcanic influenced environment of Patagonia.

PubMed

Russo, Gabriel; Libkind, Diego; Giraudo, María Rosa; Delgado, Osvaldo Daniel

2016-11-01

Heavy metals at elevated concentrations are a major threat to agricultural and human health. Typically, human activities tend to release these metals to the environment in aqueous solutions, generating high levels of pollution due to the mobility of the heavy metals. The aim of the present work was to assess heavy metal tolerance in yeasts isolated from Río Agrio - Lake Caviahue volcanic acidic aquatic environment and to evaluate the capacity of selected strains to capture metals in acidic culture media conditions. The ability of three yeast species, Cryptococcus agrionensis, Cryptococcus sp. 2, and Coniochaeta fodinicola, to tolerate and capture metals in live cultures has been evaluated. These three yeast species showed high tolerance to low pH and elevated concentrations of metals, thus implying their autochthonous status. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for growth obtained for these isolates showed elevated tolerance to the six heavy metals evaluated and were significantly higher than those registered for other microorganisms. C. agrionensis was able to capture 15.80 mg (g biomass) -1 of Cu 2+ (MIC: 0.22 g L -1 ), Cryptococcus sp. 2 was able to capture 36.25 and 65.28 mg (g biomass) -1 of Ni 2+ and Zn 2+ , respectively (MIC: 0.56 and 1.68, respectively), and C. fodinicola was able to capture 67.11 mg (g biomass) -1 of Zn 2+ (MIC: 3.75). This work reported the ability of yeasts to capture metals in acidic conditions for the first time. We hope that it represents the step-stone for future researches in the ability and metabolism of yeasts form acidic aquatic environment related to metal tolerance and capture. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Multilayer affinity adsorption of albumin on polymer brushes modified membranes in a continuous-flow system.

PubMed

Hu, Meng-Xin; Li, Xiang; Li, Ji-Nian; Huang, Jing-Jing; Ren, Ge-Rui

2018-02-23

Polymer brushes modified surfaces have been widely used for protein immobilization and isolation. Modification of membranes with polymer brushes increases the surface concentration of affinity ligands used for protein binding. Albumin is one of the transporting proteins and shows a high affinity to bile acids. In this work, the modified membranes with cholic acid-containing polymer brushes can be facilely prepared by the immobilization of cholic acid on the poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) grafted microporous polypropylene membranes (MPPMs) for affinity adsorption of albumin. ATR/FT-IR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the chemical composition of the modified membranes. Water contact angle measurements were used to analyze the hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties of the membrane surface. The modified MPPMs show a high affinity to albumin and have little non-specific adsorption of hemoglobin. The dynamic binding capacity of albumin in the continous-flow system increases with the cycle number and feed rate as the binding degree of cholic acid is moderate. The highest binding capacity of affinity membranes is about 52.49 g/m 2 membrane, which is about 24 times more than the monolayer binding capacity. These results reveal proteins could be captured in multilayers by the polymer brushes containing affinity ligands similar to the polymer brushes containing ion-exchange groups, which open up the potential of the polymer brushes containing affinity ligands in protein or another components separation. And the cholic acid containing polymer brushes modified membranes has the promising potential for albumin separation and purification rapidly from serum or fermented solution in medical diagnosis and bioseparation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enhanced protein retention on poly(caprolactone) via surface initiated polymerization of acrylamide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Yuhao; Cai, Mengtan; He, Liu; Luo, Xianglin

2016-01-01

To enhance the biocompatibility or extend the biomedical application of poly(caprolactone) (PCL), protein retention on PCL surface is often required. In this study, poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) brushes were grown from PCL surface via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) and served as a protein-capturing platform. Grafted PAAm was densely packed on surface and exhibited superior protein retention ability. Captured protein was found to be resistant to washing under detergent environment. Furthermore, protein structure after being captured was investigated by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and the CD spectra verified that secondary structure of captured proteins was maintained, indicating no denaturation of protein happened for retention process.

Exploration of gated ligand binding recognizes an allosteric site for blocking FABP4-protein interaction.

PubMed

Li, Yan; Li, Xiang; Dong, Zigang

2015-12-28

Fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), reversibly binding to fatty acids and other lipids with high affinities, is a potential target for treatment of cancers. The binding site of FABP4 is buried in an interior cavity and thereby ligand binding/unbinding is coupled with opening/closing of FABP4. It is a difficult task both experimentally and computationally to illuminate the entry or exit pathway, especially with the conformational gating. In this report we combine extensive computer simulations, clustering analysis, and the Markov state model to investigate the binding mechanism of FABP4 and troglitazone. Our simulations capture spontaneous binding and unbinding events as well as the conformational transition of FABP4 between the open and closed states. An allosteric binding site on the protein surface is recognized for the development of novel FABP4 inhibitors. The binding affinity is calculated and compared with the experimental value. The kinetic analysis suggests that ligand residence on the protein surface may delay the binding process. Overall, our results provide a comprehensive picture of ligand diffusion on the protein surface, ligand migration into the buried cavity, and the conformational change of FABP4 at an atomic level.

Carbon Dioxide Capture by Deep Eutectic Solvent Impregnated Sea Mango Activated Carbon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zulkurnai, N. Z.; Ali, U. F. Md.; Ibrahim, N.; Manan, N. S. Abdul

2018-03-01

The increment amount of the CO2 emission by years has become a major concern worldwide due to the global warming issue. However, the influence modification of activated carbon (AC) has given a huge revolution in CO2 adsorption capture compare to the unmodified AC. In the present study, the Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) modified surface AC was used for Carbon Dioxide (CO2) capture in the fixed-bed column. The AC underwent pre-carbonization and carbonization processes at 519.8 °C, respectively, with flowing of CO2 gas and then followed by impregnation with 53.75% phosphoric acid (H3PO4) at 1:2 precursor-to-activant ratios. The prepared AC known as sea mango activated carbon (SMAC) was impregnated with DES at 1:2 solid-to-liquid ratio. The DES is composing of choline chloride and urea with ratio 1:2 choline chloride to urea. The optimum adsorption capacity of SMAC was 33.46 mgco2/gsol and 39.40 mgco2/gsol for DES modified AC (DESAC).

The Biological Deep Sea Hydrothermal Vent as a Model to Study Carbon Dioxide Capturing Enzymes

PubMed Central

Minic, Zoran; Thongbam, Premila D.

2011-01-01

Deep sea hydrothermal vents are located along the mid-ocean ridge system, near volcanically active areas, where tectonic plates are moving away from each other. Sea water penetrates the fissures of the volcanic bed and is heated by magma. This heated sea water rises to the surface dissolving large amounts of minerals which provide a source of energy and nutrients to chemoautotrophic organisms. Although this environment is characterized by extreme conditions (high temperature, high pressure, chemical toxicity, acidic pH and absence of photosynthesis) a diversity of microorganisms and many animal species are specially adapted to this hostile environment. These organisms have developed a very efficient metabolism for the assimilation of inorganic CO2 from the external environment. In order to develop technology for the capture of carbon dioxide to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, enzymes involved in CO2 fixation and assimilation might be very useful. This review describes some current research concerning CO2 fixation and assimilation in the deep sea environment and possible biotechnological application of enzymes for carbon dioxide capture. PMID:21673885

The biological deep sea hydrothermal vent as a model to study carbon dioxide capturing enzymes.

PubMed

Minic, Zoran; Thongbam, Premila D

2011-01-01

Deep sea hydrothermal vents are located along the mid-ocean ridge system, near volcanically active areas, where tectonic plates are moving away from each other. Sea water penetrates the fissures of the volcanic bed and is heated by magma. This heated sea water rises to the surface dissolving large amounts of minerals which provide a source of energy and nutrients to chemoautotrophic organisms. Although this environment is characterized by extreme conditions (high temperature, high pressure, chemical toxicity, acidic pH and absence of photosynthesis) a diversity of microorganisms and many animal species are specially adapted to this hostile environment. These organisms have developed a very efficient metabolism for the assimilation of inorganic CO₂ from the external environment. In order to develop technology for the capture of carbon dioxide to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, enzymes involved in CO₂ fixation and assimilation might be very useful. This review describes some current research concerning CO₂ fixation and assimilation in the deep sea environment and possible biotechnological application of enzymes for carbon dioxide capture.

EpCAM-Independent Enrichment of Circulating Tumor Cells in Metastatic Breast Cancer.

PubMed

Schneck, Helen; Gierke, Berthold; Uppenkamp, Frauke; Behrens, Bianca; Niederacher, Dieter; Stoecklein, Nikolas H; Templin, Markus F; Pawlak, Michael; Fehm, Tanja; Neubauer, Hans

2015-01-01

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are the potential precursors of metastatic disease. Most assays established for the enumeration of CTCs so far-including the gold standard CellSearch-rely on the expression of the cell surface marker epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). But, these approaches may not detect CTCs that express no/low levels of EpCAM, e.g. by undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here we present an enrichment strategy combining different antibodies specific for surface proteins and extracellular matrix (ECM) components to capture an EpCAMlow/neg cell line and EpCAMneg CTCs from blood samples of breast cancer patients depleted for EpCAM-positive cells. The expression of respective proteins (Trop2, CD49f, c-Met, CK8, CD44, ADAM8, CD146, TEM8, CD47) was verified by immunofluorescence on EpCAMpos (e.g. MCF7, SKBR3) and EpCAMlow/neg (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cell lines. To test antibodies and ECM proteins (e.g. hyaluronic acid (HA), collagen I, laminin) for capturing EpCAMneg cells, the capture molecules were first spotted in a single- and multi-array format onto aldehyde-coated glass slides. Tumor cell adhesion of EpCAMpos/neg cell lines was then determined and visualized by Coomassie/MitoTracker staining. In consequence, marginal binding of EpCAMlow/neg MDA-MB-231 cells to EpCAM-antibodies could be observed. However, efficient adhesion/capturing of EpCAMlow/neg cells could be achieved via HA and immobilized antibodies against CD49f and Trop2. Optimal capture conditions were then applied to immunomagnetic beads to detect EpCAMneg CTCs from clinical samples. Captured CTCs were verified/quantified by immunofluorescence staining for anti-pan-Cytokeratin (CK)-FITC/anti-CD45 AF647/DAPI. In total, in 20 out of 29 EpCAM-depleted fractions (69%) from 25 metastatic breast cancer patients additional EpCAMneg CTCs could be identified [range of 1-24 CTCs per sample] applying Trop2, CD49f, c-Met, CK8 and/or HA magnetic enrichment. EpCAMneg dual-positive (CKpos/CD45pos) cells could be traced in 28 out of 29 samples [range 1-480]. By single-cell array-based comparative genomic hybridization we were able to demonstrate the malignant nature of one EpCAMneg subpopulation. In conclusion, we established a novel enhanced CTC enrichment strategy to capture EpCAMneg CTCs from clinical blood samples by targeting various cell surface antigens with antibody mixtures and ECM components.

FlyCap: Markerless Motion Capture Using Multiple Autonomous Flying Cameras.

PubMed

Xu, Lan; Liu, Yebin; Cheng, Wei; Guo, Kaiwen; Zhou, Guyue; Dai, Qionghai; Fang, Lu

2017-07-18

Aiming at automatic, convenient and non-instrusive motion capture, this paper presents a new generation markerless motion capture technique, the FlyCap system, to capture surface motions of moving characters using multiple autonomous flying cameras (autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs) each integrated with an RGBD video camera). During data capture, three cooperative flying cameras automatically track and follow the moving target who performs large-scale motions in a wide space. We propose a novel non-rigid surface registration method to track and fuse the depth of the three flying cameras for surface motion tracking of the moving target, and simultaneously calculate the pose of each flying camera. We leverage the using of visual-odometry information provided by the UAV platform, and formulate the surface tracking problem in a non-linear objective function that can be linearized and effectively minimized through a Gaussian-Newton method. Quantitative and qualitative experimental results demonstrate the plausible surface and motion reconstruction results.

Fluid physico-chemical properties influence capture and diet in Nepenthes pitcher plants.

PubMed

Bazile, Vincent; Le Moguédec, Gilles; Marshall, David J; Gaume, Laurence

2015-03-01

Nepenthes pitcher plants have evolved modified leaves with slippery surfaces and enzymatic fluids that trap and digest prey, faeces and/or plant detritus. Although the fluid's contribution to insect capture is recognized, the physico-chemical properties involved remain underexplored and may vary among species, influencing their diet type. This study investigates the contributions of acidity and viscoelasticity in the fluid's capture efficiency of two ant and two fly species in four Nepenthes species with different nutrition strategies. Four Nepenthes species were studied, namely N. rafflesiana, N. gracilis, N. hemsleyana and N. ampullaria. Fluid was collected from pitchers of varying ages from plants growing in the field and immediately transferred to glass vials, and individual ants (tribe Campotini, Fomicinae) and flies (Calliphora vomitoria and Drosophila melanogaster) were dropped in and observed for 5 min. Water-filled vials were used as controls. Survival and lifetime data were analysed using models applied to right-censored observations. Additional laboratory experiments were carried out in which C. vomitoria flies were immersed in pH-controlled aqueous solutions and observed for 5 min. Pitcher fluid differed among Nepenthes species as regards insect retention capacity and time-to-kill, with differences observed between prey types. Only the fluids of the reputedly insectivorous species were very acidic and/or viscoelastic and retained significantly more insects than the water controls. Viscoelastic fluids were fatal to flies and were able to trap the broadest diversity of insects. Younger viscoelastic fluids showed a better retention ability than older fluids, although with less rapid killing ability, suggesting that a chemical action follows a mechanical one. Insect retention increased exponentially with fluid viscoelasticity, and this happened more abruptly and at a lower threshold for flies compared with ants. Flies were more often retained if they fell into the traps on their backs, thus wetting their wings. Insect retention and death rate increased with fluid acidity, with a lower threshold for ants than for flies, and the time-to-kill decreased with increasing acidity. The laboratory experiments showed that fewer flies escaped from acidic solutions compared with water. In addition to viscoelasticity, the pitcher's fluid acidity and wetting ability influence the fate of insects and hence the diet of Nepenthes. The plants might select the prey that they retain by manipulating the secretion of H(+) ions and polysaccharides in their pitcher fluid. This in turn might participate in possible adaptive radiation of this genus with regard to nutrient sequestration strategy. These plants might even structurally influence insect fall-orientation and capture-probability, inspiring biomimetic designs for pest control. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Fluid physico-chemical properties influence capture and diet in Nepenthes pitcher plants

PubMed Central

Bazile, Vincent; Le Moguédec, Gilles; Marshall, David J.; Gaume, Laurence

2015-01-01

Background and Aims Nepenthes pitcher plants have evolved modified leaves with slippery surfaces and enzymatic fluids that trap and digest prey, faeces and/or plant detritus. Although the fluid’s contribution to insect capture is recognized, the physico-chemical properties involved remain underexplored and may vary among species, influencing their diet type. This study investigates the contributions of acidity and viscoelasticity in the fluid’s capture efficiency of two ant and two fly species in four Nepenthes species with different nutrition strategies. Methods Four Nepenthes species were studied, namely N. rafflesiana, N. gracilis, N. hemsleyana and N. ampullaria. Fluid was collected from pitchers of varying ages from plants growing in the field and immediately transferred to glass vials, and individual ants (tribe Campotini, Fomicinae) and flies (Calliphora vomitoria and Drosophila melanogaster) were dropped in and observed for 5 min. Water-filled vials were used as controls. Survival and lifetime data were analysed using models applied to right-censored observations. Additional laboratory experiments were carried out in which C. vomitoria flies were immersed in pH-controlled aqueous solutions and observed for 5 min. Key Results Pitcher fluid differed among Nepenthes species as regards insect retention capacity and time-to-kill, with differences observed between prey types. Only the fluids of the reputedly insectivorous species were very acidic and/or viscoelastic and retained significantly more insects than the water controls. Viscoelastic fluids were fatal to flies and were able to trap the broadest diversity of insects. Younger viscoelastic fluids showed a better retention ability than older fluids, although with less rapid killing ability, suggesting that a chemical action follows a mechanical one. Insect retention increased exponentially with fluid viscoelasticity, and this happened more abruptly and at a lower threshold for flies compared with ants. Flies were more often retained if they fell into the traps on their backs, thus wetting their wings. Insect retention and death rate increased with fluid acidity, with a lower threshold for ants than for flies, and the time-to-kill decreased with increasing acidity. The laboratory experiments showed that fewer flies escaped from acidic solutions compared with water. Conclusions In addition to viscoelasticity, the pitcher’s fluid acidity and wetting ability influence the fate of insects and hence the diet of Nepenthes. The plants might select the prey that they retain by manipulating the secretion of H+ ions and polysaccharides in their pitcher fluid. This in turn might participate in possible adaptive radiation of this genus with regard to nutrient sequestration strategy. These plants might even structurally influence insect fall-orientation and capture-probability, inspiring biomimetic designs for pest control. PMID:25672361

Localization of burn mark under an abnormal topography on MOSFET chip surface using liquid crystal and emission microscopy tools.

PubMed

Lau, C K; Sim, K S; Tso, C P

2011-01-01

This article focuses on the localization of burn mark in MOSFET and the scanning electron microscope (SEM) inspection on the defect location. When a suspect abnormal topography is shown on the die surface, further methods to pin-point the defect location is necessary. Fault localization analysis becomes important because an abnormal spot on the chip surface may and may not have a defect underneath it. The chip surface topography can change due to the catastrophic damage occurred at layers under the chip surface, but it could also be due to inconsistency during metal deposition in the wafer fabrication process. Two localization techniques, liquid crystal thermography and emission microscopy, were performed to confirm that the abnormal topography spot is the actual defect location. The tiny burn mark was surfaced by performing a surface decoration at the defect location using hot hydrochloric acid. SEM imaging, which has the high magnification and three-dimensional capabilities, was used to capture the images of the burn mark. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Determining the Binding Sites of β-Cyclodextrin and Peptides by Electron-Capture Dissociation High Resolution Tandem Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Yulin; Geib, Timon; Volmer, Dietrich A.

2015-07-01

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are a group of cyclic oligosaccharides, which readily form inclusion complexes with hydrophobic compounds to increase bioavailability, thus making CDs ideal drug excipients. Recent studies have also shown that CDs exhibit a wide range of protective effects, preventing proteins from aggregation, degradation, and folding. These effects strongly depend on the binding sites on the protein surface. CDs only exhibit weak interactions with amino acids, however; conventional analytical techniques therefore usually fail to reveal the exact location of the binding sites. Moreover, some studies even suggest that CD inclusion complexes are merely electrostatic adducts. Here, electron capture dissociation (ECD) was applied in this proof-of-concept study to examine the exact nature of the CD/peptide complexes, and CD binding sites were unambiguously located for the first time via Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) tandem mass spectrometry.

Nonfouling NTA-PEG-Based TEM Grid Coatings for Selective Capture of Histidine-Tagged Protein Targets from Cell Lysates.

PubMed

Benjamin, Christopher J; Wright, Kyle J; Hyun, Seok-Hee; Krynski, Kyle; Yu, Guimei; Bajaj, Ruchika; Guo, Fei; Stauffacher, Cynthia V; Jiang, Wen; Thompson, David H

2016-01-19

We report the preparation and performance of TEM grids bearing stabilized nonfouling lipid monolayer coatings. These films contain NTA capture ligands of controllable areal density at the distal end of a flexible poly(ethylene glycol) 2000 (PEG2000) spacer to avoid preferred orientation of surface-bound histidine-tagged (His-tag) protein targets. Langmuir-Schaefer deposition at 30 mN/m of mixed monolayers containing two novel synthetic lipids-1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[(5-amido-1-carboxypentyl)iminodiacetic acid]polyethylene glycolamide 2000) (NTA-PEG2000-DSPE) and 1,2-(tricosa-10',12'-diynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-(methoxypolyethylene glycolamide 350) (mPEG350-DTPE)-in 1:99 and 5:95 molar ratios prior to treatment with a 5 min, 254 nm light exposure was used for grid fabrication. These conditions were designed to limit nonspecific protein adsorption onto the stabilized lipid coating by favoring the formation of a mPEG350 brush layer below a flexible, mushroom conformation of NTA-PEG2000 at low surface density to enable specific immobilization and random orientation of the protein target on the EM grid. These grids were then used to capture His6-T7 bacteriophage and RplL from cell lysates, as well as purified His8-green fluorescent protein (GFP) and nanodisc solubilized maltose transporter, His6-MalFGK2. Our findings indicate that TEM grid supported, polymerized NTA lipid monolayers are capable of capturing His-tag protein targets in a manner that controls their areal densities, while efficiently blocking nonspecific adsorption and limiting film degradation, even upon prolonged detergent exposure.

Lateral flow devices

DOEpatents

Mazumdar, Debapriya; Liu, Juewen; Lu, Yi

2010-09-21

An analytical test for an analyte comprises (a) a base, having a reaction area and a visualization area, (b) a capture species, on the base in the visualization area, comprising nucleic acid, and (c) analysis chemistry reagents, on the base in the reaction area. The analysis chemistry reagents comprise (i) a substrate comprising nucleic acid and a first label, and (ii) a reactor comprising nucleic acid. The analysis chemistry reagents can react with a sample comprising the analyte and water, to produce a visualization species comprising nucleic acid and the first label, and the capture species can bind the visualization species.

An Integrated, Low Temperature Process to Capture and Sequester Carbon Dioxide from Industrial Emissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wendlandt, R. F.; Foremski, J. J.

2013-12-01

Laboratory experiments show that it is possible to integrate (1) the chemistry of serpentine dissolution, (2) capture of CO2 gas from the combustion of natural gas and coal-fired power plants using aqueous amine-based solvents, (3) long-term CO2 sequestration via solid phase carbonate precipitation, and (4) capture solvent regeneration with acid recycling in a single, continuous process. In our process, magnesium is released from serpentine at 300°C via heat treatment with ammonium sulfate salts or at temperatures as low as 50°C via reaction with sulfuric acid. We have also demonstrated that various solid carbonate phases can be precipitated directly from aqueous amine-based (NH3, MEA, DMEA) CO2 capture solvent solutions at room temperature. Direct precipitation from the capture solvent enables regenerating CO2 capture solvent without the need for heat and without the need to compress the CO2 off gas. We propose that known low-temperature electrochemical methods can be integrated with this process to regenerate the aqueous amine capture solvent and recycle acid for dissolution of magnesium-bearing mineral feedstocks and magnesium release. Although the direct precipitation of magnesite at ambient conditions remains elusive, experimental results demonstrate that at temperatures ranging from 20°C to 60°C, either nesquehonite Mg(HCO3)(OH)●2H2O or a double salt with the formula [NH4]2Mg(CO3)2●4H2O or an amorphous magnesium carbonate precipitate directly from the capture solvent. These phases are less desirable for CO2 sequestration than magnesite because they potentially remove constituents (water, ammonia) from the reaction system, reducing the overall efficiency of the sequestration process. Accordingly, the integrated process can be accomplished with minimal energy consumption and loss of CO2 capture and acid solvents, and a net generation of 1 to 4 moles of H2O/6 moles of CO2 sequestered (depending on the solid carbonate precipitate and amount of produced H2 and O2 gas reacted to produce heat and water). Features of the integrated process include the following: 1) the four separate processes have compatible chemistry, enabling design of an integrated, continuous process scheme for CO2 capture and sequestration; 2) all 4 stages of the process can be conducted at ambient or slightly elevated temperatures; 3) precipitating carbonate directly from the capture solvent eliminates the need for costly CO2 gas compression; and 4) recycling the acid used for serpentine dissolution and the solvent used for CO2 capture reduces feed stock costs.

Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of thiododecaborated α, α- cycloalkylamino acids for the treatment of malignant brain tumors by boron neutron capture therapy.

PubMed

Hattori, Yoshihide; Kusaka, Shintaro; Mukumoto, Mari; Ishimura, Miki; Ohta, Yoichiro; Takenaka, Hiroshi; Uehara, Kouki; Asano, Tomoyuki; Suzuki, Minoru; Masunaga, Shin-Ichiro; Ono, Koji; Tanimori, Shinji; Kirihata, Mitsunori

2014-12-01

Boron-neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is an attractive technique for cancer treatment. As such, α, α-cycloalkyl amino acids containing thiododecaborate ([B12H11](2-)-S-) units were designed and synthesized as novel boron delivery agents for BNCT. In the present study, new thiododecaborate α, α-cycloalkyl amino acids were synthesized, and biological evaluation of the boron compounds as boron carrier for BNCT was carried out.

A Highly Sensitive Method for Quantitative Determination of Abscisic Acid 1

PubMed Central

Michler, Charles H.; Lineberger, R. Daniel; Chism, Grady W.

1986-01-01

An abscisic acid derivative was formed by reaction with pentafluorobenzyl bromide which allowed highly sensitive detection by gas-liquid chromatography with electron capture detection. In comparison to the methyl ester derivative, the pentafluorobenzyl derivative of abscisic acid was four times more sensitive to electron capture detection and was stable at room temperature in the presence of ultraviolet light. Derivatization was rapid and the molecular weight of the new compound was confirmed by gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. PMID:16665076

β-Cyclodextrin functionalised gold nanoclusters as luminescence probes for the ultrasensitive detection of dopamine.

PubMed

Ban, Rui; Abdel-Halim, E S; Zhang, Jianrong; Zhu, Jun-Jie

2015-02-21

A novel luminescence probe based on mono-6-amino-β-cyclodextrin (NH2-β-CD) functionalised gold nanoclusters (β-CD-AuNC) was designed for dopamine (DA) detection. The NH2-β-CD molecules were conjugated onto the surface of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid capped AuNCs (11-MUA-AuNC) via a carbodiimide coupling reaction. The integrity of the β-CD cavities was preserved on the surface of AuNCs and they retained their capability for molecular DA host-guest recognition. DA could be captured by the β-CD cavities to form an inclusion complex in which the oxidised DA could quench the fluorescence of the β-CD-AuNC probe by electron transfer. The probe could be used to quantify DA in the range of 5-1000 nM with a detection limit of 2 nM. This sensitivity was 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than that in previously reported methods. Interference by both ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) was not observed. Therefore, the β-CD-AuNC probe could be directly used to determine the DA content in biological samples without further separation. This strategy was successfully applied to a DA assay in spiked human serum samples and it exhibited remarkable accuracy, sensitivity and selectivity.

Ultrasensitive Faraday cage-type electrochemiluminescence assay for femtomolar miRNA-141 via graphene oxide and hybridization chain reaction-assisted cascade amplification.

PubMed

Lu, Jing; Wu, Lin; Hu, Yufang; Wang, Sui; Guo, Zhiyong

2018-06-30

In this study, a novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor for sensitive detection of femtomolar miRNA-141 was constructed on the basis of Faraday cage-type strategy via graphene oxide (GO) and hybridization chain reaction (HCR)-assisted cascade amplification. A capture probe (CP) was immobilized on Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @Au nanoparticles as capture unit, which could catch the miRNA-141, and the immobilization of the signal unit (Ru(phen) 3 2+ -HCR/GO) was allowed via nucleic acid hybridization. The prepared biosensor exhibited two advantages for signal amplification: firstly, GO could lap on the electrode surface directly, extending Outer Helmholtz Plane (OHP) of the sensor due to the large surface area and good electronic transport property; secondly, HCR-assisted cascade amplification was designed by anchoring all HCR products on the GO surface, then embedding Ru(phen) 3 2+ as a signal readout pathway. All these signal molecules could take part in electrochemical reactions, thus further enhancing the ECL signal drastically. Therefore, the proposed sensor constructed by integrating HCR with Faraday cage-type strategy displayed an ultrasensitive detection platform for the miRNA-141 with a low detection limit of 0.03 fM. In addition, this proposed biosensor provides a universal platform for analysis of other microRNAs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of internally functionalized silica nanoparticles for theranostic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walton, Nathan Isaac

This thesis addresses the synthesis and characterization of novel inorganic silica nanoparticle hybrids. It focuses in large part on their potential applications in the medical field. Silica acts as a useful carrier for a variety of compounds and this thesis silica will demonstrate its use as a carrier for boron or gadolinium. Boron-10 and gadolinium-157 have been suggested for the radiological treatment of tumor cells through the process called neutron capture therapy (NCT). Gadolinium is also commonly used as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contrast agent. Particles that carry it have potential theranostic applications of both imaging and treating tumors. Chapter 1 presents a background on synthetic strategies and usages of silica nanoparticles, and NCT theory. Chapter 2 describes a procedure to create mesoporous metal chelating silica nanoparticles, mDTTA. This is achieved via a co-condensation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and 3-trimethoxysilyl-propyl diethylenetriamine (SiDETA) followed by a post-synthesis modification step with bromoacetic acid (BrAA). These particles have a large surface area and well-defined pores of ~2 nm. The mDTTA nanoparticles were used to chelate the copper(II), cobalt(II) and gadolinium(III). The chelating of gadolinium is the most interesting since it can be used as a MRI contrast agent and a neutron capture therapeutic. The synthetic procedure developed also allows for the attachment of a fluorophore that gives the gadolinium chelating mDTTA nanoparticles a dual imaging modality. Chapter 3 presents the synthetic method used to produce two classes of large surface area organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) nanoparticles. Condensating the organosilane vinyltrimethoxysilane in a micellar solution results in nanoparticles that are either surface rough (raspberry-like) or mesoporous nanoparticles, which prior to this thesis has not been demonstrated in ORMOSIL chemistry. Furthermore, the vinyl functionalities are modified, using hydroboration, to make the nanoparticles into water-dispersible boron carriers that also have potential boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) applications. Lastly, Chapter 4 provides a general description of NCT, specifically that involving boron-10 and gadolinium-157. It further describes the synthetic methodology used in producing fatty acid coated boron nanoparticles (BNPs). The BNPs are encapsulated with silica to add a hydrophilic shell so that they can potentially be used in biological systems as BNCT agents. The silica shell is also modified with a fluorophore, dansyl chloride, so that the particle hybrid could be imaged during cell studies.

Coordination effect-regulated CO2 capture with an alkali metal onium salts/crown ether system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Zhen-Zhen; Jiang, Deen; Zhu, Xiang

2014-01-01

A coordination effect was employed to realize equimolar CO2 absorption, adopting easily synthesized amino group containing absorbents (alkali metal onium salts). The essence of our strategy was to increase the steric hindrance of cations so as to enhance a carbamic acid pathway for CO2 capture. Our easily synthesized alkali metal amino acid salts or phenolates were coordinated with crown ethers, in which highly sterically hindered cations were obtained through a strong coordination effect of crown ethers with alkali metal cations. For example, a CO2 capacity of 0.99 was attained by potassium prolinate/18-crown-6, being characterized by NMR, FT-IR, and quantum chemistrymore » calculations to go through a carbamic acid formation pathway. The captured CO2 can be stripped under very mild conditions (50 degrees C, N-2). Thus, this protocol offers an alternative for the development of technological innovation towards efficient and low energy processes for carbon capture and sequestration.« less

Determination of hydroxylated fatty acids from the biopolymer of tomato cutin and their fate during incubation in soil.

PubMed

Hauff, Simone; Chefetz, Benny; Shechter, Michal; Vetter, Walter

2010-01-01

The plant cuticle is a thin, predominantly lipid layer that covers all primary aerial surfaces of vascular plants. The monomeric building blocks of the cutin biopolymer are mainly ω-hydroxy fatty acids. Analysis of ω-hydroxy fatty acids from cutin isolated from tomato fruits at different stages of decomposition in soil. Different derivatives and mass spectrometric techniques were used for peak identification and evaluation. Preparation of purified cutin involving dewaxing and HCl treatment. Incubation of purified cutin for 20 months in soil. Pentafluorobenzoyl derivatives were used for GC/MS operated in the electron capture negative ion (ECNI) mode and trimethylsilyl ethers for GC/MS operated in the electron ionisation (EI) mode for analysis of ω-hydroxy fatty acids. Six ω-hydroxy fatty acids were detected in the purified cutin, three of which were identified as degradation products of 9,16-dihydroxyhexadecanoic acid as a consequence of the HCl treatment involved in the purification step. Incubation of the isolated cutin in soil was accompanied with decrease in concentration of all hydroxyl fatty acids. We produced evidence that the HCl treatment only affected free hydroxyl groups and thus could be used for proportioning free and bound OH-groups on cutin fatty acids. The method enabled a direct quantification of the ω-hydroxy fatty acids throughout the incubation phase. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Silica nanoparticles carrying boron-containing polymer brushes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brozek, Eric M.; Mollard, Alexis H.; Zharov, Ilya

2014-05-01

A new class of surface-modified silica nanoparticles has been developed for potential applications in boron neutron capture therapy. Sub-50 nm silica particles were synthesized using a modified Stöber method and used in surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization of two biocompatible polymers, poly(2-(hydroxyethyl)methacrylate) and poly(2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl succinate). The carboxylic acid and hydroxyl functionalities of the polymeric side chains were functionalized with carboranyl clusters in high yields. The resulting particles were characterized using DLS, TEM, solution 1H NMR, solid state 11B NMR and thermogravimetric analysis. The particles contain between 13 and 18 % of boron atoms by weight, which would provide a high amount of 10B nuclides for BNCT, while the polymer chains are suitable for further modification with cell targeting ligands.

Ternary Surface Monolayers for Ultrasensitive (Zeptomole) Amperometric Detection of Nucleic-Acid Hybridization without Signal Amplification

PubMed Central

Wu, Jie; Campuzano, Susana; Halford, Colin; Haake, David A.; Wang, Joseph

2010-01-01

A ternary surface monolayer, consisting of co-assembled thiolated capture probe (SHCP) mercaptohexanol (MCH) and dithiothreitol (DTT), is shown to offer dramatic improvements in the signal-to-noise characteristics of electrochemical DNA hybridization biosensors based on common self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). Remarkably low detection limits down to 40 zmole (in 4 μL samples) as well as only 1 CFU E. coli per sensor are thus obtained without any additional amplification step in connection to the commonly used horseradish peroxidase/3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (HRP/TMB) system. Such dramatic improvements in the detection limits (compared to common binary alkanethiol interfaces and to most electrochemical DNA sensing strategies without target or signal amplification) are attributed primarily to the remarkably higher resistance to non-specific adsorption. This reflects the highly compact layer (with lower pinhole density) produced by the coupling of the cyclic- and linear-configuration ‘backfillers’ that leads to a remarkably low background noise even in the presence of complex sample matrices. A wide range of surface compositions have been investigated and the ternary mixed monolayer has been systematically optimized. Detailed impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetric studies shed useful insights into the surface coverage. The impressive sensitivity and high specificity of the simple developed methodology indicate great promise for a wide range of nucleic acid testing, including clinical diagnostics, biothreat detection, food safety and forensic analysis. PMID:20883023

Ternary surface monolayers for ultrasensitive (zeptomole) amperometric detection of nucleic acid hybridization without signal amplification.

PubMed

Wu, Jie; Campuzano, Susana; Halford, Colin; Haake, David A; Wang, Joseph

2010-11-01

A ternary surface monolayer, consisting of coassembled thiolated capture probe, mercaptohexanol and dithiothreitol, is shown to offer dramatic improvements in the signal-to-noise characteristics of electrochemical DNA hybridization biosensors based on common self-assembled monolayers. Remarkably low detection limits down to 40 zmol (in 4 μL samples) as well as only 1 CFU Escherichia coli per sensor are thus obtained without any additional amplification step in connection to the commonly used horseradish peroxidase/3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine system. Such dramatic improvements in the detection limits (compared to those of common binary alkanethiol interfaces and to those of most electrochemical DNA sensing strategies without target or signal amplification) are attributed primarily to the remarkably higher resistance to nonspecific adsorption. This reflects the highly compact layer (with lower pinhole density) produced by the coupling of the cyclic- and linear-configuration "backfillers" that leads to a remarkably low background noise even in the presence of complex sample matrixes. A wide range of surface compositions have been investigated, and the ternary mixed monolayer has been systematically optimized. Detailed impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetric studies shed useful insights into the surface coverage. The impressive sensitivity and high specificity of the simple developed methodology indicate great promise for a wide range of nucleic acid testing, including clinical diagnostics, biothreat detection, food safety, and forensic analysis.

Sequence context and crosslinking mechanism affect the efficiency of in vivo capture of a protein-protein interaction

PubMed Central

Lancia, Jody K.; Nwokoye, Adaora; Dugan, Amanda; Joiner, Cassandra; Pricer, Rachel; Mapp, Anna K.

2014-01-01

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are essential for implementing cellular processes and thus methods for the discovery and study of PPIs are highly desirable. An emerging method for capturing PPIs in their native cellular environment is in vivo covalent chemical capture, a method that uses nonsense suppression to site specifically incorporate photoactivable unnatural amino acids in living cells. However, in one study we found that this method did not capture a PPI for which there was abundant functional evidence, a complex formed between the transcriptional activator Gal4 and its repressor protein Gal80. Here we describe the factors that influence the success of covalent chemical capture and show that the innate reactivity of the two unnatural amino acids utilized, (p-benzoylphenylalanine (pBpa) and p-azidophenylalanine (pAzpa)), plays a profound role in the capture of Gal80 by Gal4. Based upon these data, guidelines are outlined for the successful use of in vivo photo-crosslinking to capture novel PPIs and to characterize the interfaces. PMID:24037947

Matrix interference from Fc-Fc interactions in immunoassays for detecting human IgG4 therapeutics.

PubMed

Partridge, Michael A; Karayusuf, Elif Kabuloglu; Dhulipala, Gangadhar; Dreyer, Robert; Daly, Thomas; Sumner, Giane; Pyles, Erica; Torri, Albert

2015-01-01

An assay measuring an IgG4 biotherapeutic in human serum used a drug-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) capture reagent and an antihuman IgG4 mAb as detection reagent. However, serum IgG4 binding to the capture mAb via Fc-interactions was detected by the anti-IgG4 mAb, causing high background. Two approaches were developed to minimize background; incorporating a mild acid sample preparation step or using the Fab of the capture antibody. Either strategy improved signal:noise dramatically, increasing assay sensitivity >20-fold. Biophysical analyses of antibody domains indicated that noncovalent Fc oligomers could inhibit the background. Matrix interference from human IgG4 binding to the capture mAb was reduced with a Fab fragment of the drug-specific capture antibody or by incorporating a mild acid sample treatment into the assay.

Development of Sorbents for Extraction and Stabilization of Nucleic Acids

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-13

traditional stabilization compounds. The materials were further shown to provide capture and subsequent stabilization of targets from a complex ...22 CAPTURE FROM COMPLEX SOLUTIONS...stabilization compounds (sugars and BSA). The materials were further shown to provide capture and subsequent stabilization of targets from a complex

Weaving a two-dimensional fishing net from titanoniobate nanosheets embedded with Fe3O4 nanocrystals for highly efficient capture and isotope labeling of phosphopeptides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xueqin; Li, Siyuan; Zhang, Xiaoxia; Min, Qianhao; Zhu, Jun-Jie

2015-03-01

Qualitative and quantitative characterization of phosphopeptides by means of mass spectrometry (MS) is the main goal of MS-based phosphoproteomics, but suffers from their low abundance in the large haystack of various biological molecules. Herein, we introduce two-dimensional (2D) metal oxides to tackle this biological separation issue. A nanocomposite composed of titanoniobate nanosheets embedded with Fe3O4 nanocrystals (Fe3O4-TiNbNS) is constructed via a facile cation-exchange approach, and adopted for the capture and isotope labeling of phosphopeptides. In this nanoarchitecture, the 2D titanoniobate nanosheets offer enlarged surface area and a spacious microenvironment for capturing phosphopeptides, while the Fe3O4 nanocrystals not only incorporate a magnetic response into the composite but, more importantly, also disrupt the restacking process between the titanoniobate nanosheets and thus preserve a greater specific surface for binding phosphopeptides. Owing to the extended active surface, abundant Lewis acid sites and excellent magnetic controllability, Fe3O4-TiNbNS demonstrates superior sensitivity, selectivity and capacity over homogeneous bulk metal oxides, layered oxides, and even restacked nanosheets in phosphopeptide enrichment, and further allows in situ isotope labeling to quantify aberrantly-regulated phosphopeptides from sera of leukemia patients. This composite nanosheet greatly contributes to the MS analysis of phosphopeptides and gives inspiration in the pursuit of 2D structured materials for separation of other biological molecules of interests.Qualitative and quantitative characterization of phosphopeptides by means of mass spectrometry (MS) is the main goal of MS-based phosphoproteomics, but suffers from their low abundance in the large haystack of various biological molecules. Herein, we introduce two-dimensional (2D) metal oxides to tackle this biological separation issue. A nanocomposite composed of titanoniobate nanosheets embedded with Fe3O4 nanocrystals (Fe3O4-TiNbNS) is constructed via a facile cation-exchange approach, and adopted for the capture and isotope labeling of phosphopeptides. In this nanoarchitecture, the 2D titanoniobate nanosheets offer enlarged surface area and a spacious microenvironment for capturing phosphopeptides, while the Fe3O4 nanocrystals not only incorporate a magnetic response into the composite but, more importantly, also disrupt the restacking process between the titanoniobate nanosheets and thus preserve a greater specific surface for binding phosphopeptides. Owing to the extended active surface, abundant Lewis acid sites and excellent magnetic controllability, Fe3O4-TiNbNS demonstrates superior sensitivity, selectivity and capacity over homogeneous bulk metal oxides, layered oxides, and even restacked nanosheets in phosphopeptide enrichment, and further allows in situ isotope labeling to quantify aberrantly-regulated phosphopeptides from sera of leukemia patients. This composite nanosheet greatly contributes to the MS analysis of phosphopeptides and gives inspiration in the pursuit of 2D structured materials for separation of other biological molecules of interests. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Sequence of phosphopeptides from the digests of α- and β-casein percentages of the 4 methylated products from peptide β1 at different labeling reaction times; sequence of serum phosphopeptides; XPS spectra of Nb 3d and Ti 2p in layered oxides and H+-stacked nanosheets; phosphopeptide enrichment sensitivity of bulk oxides, layered oxides and H+-stacked nanosheets; AFM image of TiNbNS; saturated adsorption isotherm for pNPP adsorbed on bulk oxides, layered oxides and H+-stacked nanosheets; XPS spectra of Fe3O4-TiNbNS nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms and pore size distribution curves for the Fe3O4 nanocrystals; phosphopeptide enrichment sensitivity, capacity and selectivity of the Fe3O4-TiNbNS composites; MS/MS spectra of phosphopeptides enriched from serum; linear relationship between the logarithms of peak area ratio and loading volume ratio. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr07041k

Ice Nucleation Efficiency of Hydroxylated Organic Surfaces Is Controlled by Their Structural Fluctuations and Mismatch to Ice.

PubMed

Qiu, Yuqing; Odendahl, Nathan; Hudait, Arpa; Mason, Ryan; Bertram, Allan K; Paesani, Francesco; DeMott, Paul J; Molinero, Valeria

2017-03-01

Heterogeneous nucleation of ice induced by organic materials is of fundamental importance for climate, biology, and industry. Among organic ice-nucleating surfaces, monolayers of long chain alcohols are particularly effective, while monolayers of fatty acids are significantly less so. As these monolayers expose to water hydroxyl groups with an order that resembles the one in the basal plane of ice, it was proposed that lattice matching between ice and the surface controls their ice-nucleating efficiency. Organic monolayers are soft materials and display significant fluctuations. It has been conjectured that these fluctuations assist in the nucleation of ice. Here we use molecular dynamic simulations and laboratory experiments to investigate the relationship between the structure and fluctuations of hydroxylated organic surfaces and the temperature at which they nucleate ice. We find that these surfaces order interfacial water to form domains with ice-like order that are the birthplace of ice. Both mismatch and fluctuations decrease the size of the preordered domains and monotonously decrease the ice freezing temperature. The simulations indicate that fluctuations depress the freezing efficiency of monolayers of alcohols or acids to half the value predicted from lattice mismatch alone. The model captures the experimental trend in freezing efficiencies as a function of chain length and predicts that alcohols have higher freezing efficiency than acids of the same chain length. These trends are mostly controlled by the modulation of the structural mismatch to ice. We use classical nucleation theory to show that the freezing efficiencies of the monolayers are directly related to their free energy of binding to ice. This study provides a general framework to relate the equilibrium thermodynamics of ice binding to a surface and the nonequilibrium ice freezing temperature and suggests that these could be predicted from the structure of interfacial water.

Water surface capturing by image processing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

An alternative means of measuring the water surface interface during laboratory experiments is processing a series of sequentially captured images. Image processing can provide a continuous, non-intrusive record of the water surface profile whose accuracy is not dependent on water depth. More trad...

Exploring the potential of 3D Zernike descriptors and SVM for protein-protein interface prediction.

PubMed

Daberdaku, Sebastian; Ferrari, Carlo

2018-02-06

The correct determination of protein-protein interaction interfaces is important for understanding disease mechanisms and for rational drug design. To date, several computational methods for the prediction of protein interfaces have been developed, but the interface prediction problem is still not fully understood. Experimental evidence suggests that the location of binding sites is imprinted in the protein structure, but there are major differences among the interfaces of the various protein types: the characterising properties can vary a lot depending on the interaction type and function. The selection of an optimal set of features characterising the protein interface and the development of an effective method to represent and capture the complex protein recognition patterns are of paramount importance for this task. In this work we investigate the potential of a novel local surface descriptor based on 3D Zernike moments for the interface prediction task. Descriptors invariant to roto-translations are extracted from circular patches of the protein surface enriched with physico-chemical properties from the HQI8 amino acid index set, and are used as samples for a binary classification problem. Support Vector Machines are used as a classifier to distinguish interface local surface patches from non-interface ones. The proposed method was validated on 16 classes of proteins extracted from the Protein-Protein Docking Benchmark 5.0 and compared to other state-of-the-art protein interface predictors (SPPIDER, PrISE and NPS-HomPPI). The 3D Zernike descriptors are able to capture the similarity among patterns of physico-chemical and biochemical properties mapped on the protein surface arising from the various spatial arrangements of the underlying residues, and their usage can be easily extended to other sets of amino acid properties. The results suggest that the choice of a proper set of features characterising the protein interface is crucial for the interface prediction task, and that optimality strongly depends on the class of proteins whose interface we want to characterise. We postulate that different protein classes should be treated separately and that it is necessary to identify an optimal set of features for each protein class.

Hierarchical Structure and Multifunctional Surface Properties of Carnivorous Pitcher Plants Nepenthes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Chiao-Peng; Lin, Yu-Min; Chen, Po-Yu

2015-04-01

Carnivorous pitcher plants of the genus Nepenthes have evolved specialized leaves fulfilling the multi-functions of attracting, capturing, retaining and digesting the prey, mostly arthropods. Different capturing mechanisms have been proposed and discussed in previous works. The most important capture mechanism is the unique super-hydrophilic surface properties of the peristome. The combination of a hierarchical surface structure and nectar secretions results in an exceptional water-lubricated trapping system. Anisotropic and unidirectional wettability is attributed to the ridge-like surface and epidermal folding. The three-dimensional plate-like wax crystals in the hydrophobic waxy zone can further prevent the prey from escaping. The captured prey are then digested in the hydrophilic digestive zone. The hybrid species Nepenthes × Miranda was investigated in this study. The surface morphology and hierarchical microstructure were characterized by scanning electron microscope. Contact angle measurement and wetting efficiency tests were performed to determine the wettability of the peristome under fresh, nectar-free and sucrose-coated conditions with controlled temperature and humidity. The results showed that sucrose-coated peristome surfaces possess the best wetting efficiency. The structure-property-function relationship and the capturing mechanism of Nepenthes were elucidated, which could further lead to the design and synthesis of novel bio-inspired surfaces and potential applications.

A CO2-Free Synthetic Host-Odor Mixture That Attracts and Captures Triatomines: Effect of Emitted Odorant Ratios.

PubMed

Guidobaldi, F; Guerenstein, P G

2016-07-01

Triatomines, vectors of Chagas Disease, are hematophagous insects. Efforts have been made to develop synthetic attractants based on vertebrate odor-to lure them into traps. However, because those lures are not practical or have low capture efficiency, they are not in use in control programs. Therefore, more work is needed to reach a practical and efficient odor lure. Recently, a three-component, CO 2 -free, synthetic blend of vertebrate odor (consisting of ammonia, l-(+)-lactic acid, and hexanoic acid), known as Sweetscent (Biogents AG, Regensburg, Germany), was shown to attract and capture triatomines in the laboratory. In this study, using a trap olfactometer and an odor blend with constituents similar to those of Sweetscent (delivered from low-density polyethylene sachets) we found that the odorant ratios of the mixtures have a strong effect in the capture of triatomines. The blend with the most efficient combination of odorant ratios evoked ca. 81% capture in two relevant triatomine species. In the case of the most effective odor mixtures, we measured the odor mass emission for the three components of the mixture and therefore were able to estimate the odorant ratios emitted that were responsible for such a high capture performance. Thus, in those mixtures, pentanoic acid was the main component (ca. 65 %) followed by ammonia (ca. 28%) and, l(+)-lactic acid (ca. 7 %). Our results are encouraging as efficient, practical, and cheap odor baits to trap triatomines in the field would be within reach. The odor-delivery system used should be improved to increase stability of odor emission. © The Authors 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Infrared Laser Ablation with Vacuum Capture for Fingermark Sampling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donnarumma, Fabrizio; Camp, Eden E.; Cao, Fan; Murray, Kermit K.

2017-09-01

Infrared laser ablation coupled to vacuum capture was employed to collect material from fingermarks deposited on surfaces of different porosity and roughness. Laser ablation at 3 μm was performed in reflection mode with subsequent capture of the ejecta with a filter connected to vacuum. Ablation and capture of standards from fingermarks was demonstrated on glass, plastic, aluminum, and cardboard surfaces. Using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI), it was possible to detect caffeine after spiking with amounts as low as 1 ng. MALDI detection of condom lubricants and detection of antibacterial peptides from an antiseptic cream was demonstrated. Detection of explosives from fingermarks left on plastic surfaces as well as from direct deposition on the same surface using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was shown. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Infrared Laser Ablation with Vacuum Capture for Fingermark Sampling.

PubMed

Donnarumma, Fabrizio; Camp, Eden E; Cao, Fan; Murray, Kermit K

2017-09-01

Infrared laser ablation coupled to vacuum capture was employed to collect material from fingermarks deposited on surfaces of different porosity and roughness. Laser ablation at 3 μm was performed in reflection mode with subsequent capture of the ejecta with a filter connected to vacuum. Ablation and capture of standards from fingermarks was demonstrated on glass, plastic, aluminum, and cardboard surfaces. Using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI), it was possible to detect caffeine after spiking with amounts as low as 1 ng. MALDI detection of condom lubricants and detection of antibacterial peptides from an antiseptic cream was demonstrated. Detection of explosives from fingermarks left on plastic surfaces as well as from direct deposition on the same surface using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was shown. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Dual functional nisin-multi-walled carbon nanotubes coated filters for bacterial capture and inactivation.

PubMed

Dong, Xiuli; Yang, Liju

2015-01-01

Removal of pathogens from water is one way to prevent waterborne illness. In this paper, we developed dual functional carbon nanotube (CNT) modified filters for bacterial capture and inactivation, utilizing multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) to coat on commercially available filters and making use of the exceptional adsorption property of CNTs to adsorb a natural antimicrobial peptide-nisin on it. Two types of MWCNTs with different outer layer diameters were used (MWCNTs1: <8 nm in diameter; MWCNTs2: 10-20 nm in diameter). The thickness of MWCNT layers, surface morphology, and surface hydrophobicity of both types of MWCNT coated filters were characterized. The MWCNT coating on filters significantly increased the surface hydrophobicity. The absorption of nisin and the capture of bacterial pathogens were correlated with increased surface hydrophobicity. The MWCNTs1 and MWCNTs2 filters with 1.5 mg MWCNTs loading captured 2.44 and 3.88 log of cells, respectively, from aqueous solutions containing a total of ~10(6) CFU/mL cells. Nisin deposit at the amount of 0.5 mg on the surfaces of MWCNT filters significantly reduced the viability of captured B. anthracis cells by 95.71-97.19 %, and inhibited the metabolic activities of the captured cells by approximately 98.3 %. The results demonstrated that the MWCNT-nisin filters achieved dual functions in bacterial pathogen capture and inhibition in one single filtration step, which is potentially applicable in removing undesired microorganisms from water sources and inhibiting captured Gram positive bacteria activities.

Review: Microbial Analysis in Dielectrophoretic Microfluidic Systems

PubMed Central

Fernandez, Renny E.; Rohani, Ali; Farmehini, Vahid; Swami, Nathan S.

2017-01-01

Infections caused by various known and emerging pathogenic microorganisms, including antibiotic-resistant strains, are a major threat to global health and well-being. This highlights the urgent need for detection systems for microbial identification, quantification and characterization towards assessing infections, prescribing therapies and understanding the dynamic cellular modifications. Current state-of-the-art microbial detection systems exhibit a trade-off between sensitivity and assay time, which could be alleviated by selective and label-free microbial capture onto the sensor surface from dilute samples. AC electrokinetic methods, such as dielectrophoresis, enable frequency-selective capture of viable microbial cells and spores due to polarization based on their distinguishing size, shape and sub-cellular compositional characteristics, for downstream coupling to various detection modalities. Following elucidation of the polarization mechanisms that distinguish bacterial cells from each other, as well as from mammalian cells, this review compares the microfluidic platforms for dielectrophoretic manipulation of microbials and their coupling to various detection modalities, including immuno-capture, impedance measurement, Raman spectroscopy and nucleic acid amplification methods, as well as for phenotypic assessment of microbial viability and antibiotic susceptibility. Based on the urgent need within point-of-care diagnostics towards reducing assay times and enhancing capture of the target organism, as well as the emerging interest in isolating intact microbials based on their phenotype and subcellular features, we envision widespread adoption of these label-free and selective electrokinetic techniques. PMID:28372723

Effects of pitfall trap preservative on collections of carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

USGS Publications Warehouse

McCravy, K.W.; Willand, J.E.

2007-01-01

Effects of six pitfall trap preservatives (5% acetic acid solution, distilled water, 70% ethanol, 50% ethylene glycol solution, 50% propylene glycol solution, and 10% saline solution) on collections of carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) were studied in a west-central Illinois deciduous forest from May to October 2005. A total of 819 carabids, representing 33 species and 19 genera, were collected. Saline produced significantly fewer captures than did acetic acid, ethanol, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol, while distilled water produced significantly fewer captures than did acetic acid. Significant associations between numbers of captures and treatment were seen in four species: Amphasia interstitialis (Say), Calathus opaculus LeConte, Chlaenius nemoralis Say, and Cyclotrachelus sodalis (LeConte). Results of this study suggest that type of preservative used can have substantial effects on abundance and species composition of carabids collected in pitfall traps.

Microstructured block copolymer surfaces for control of microbe capture and aggregation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hansen, Ryan R; Shubert, Katherine R; Morrell, Jennifer L.

2014-01-01

The capture and arrangement of surface-associated microbes is influenced by biochemical and physical properties of the substrate. In this report, we develop lectin-functionalized substrates containing patterned, three-dimensional polymeric structures of varied shapes and densities and use these to investigate the effects of topology and spatial confinement on lectin-mediated microbe capture. Films of poly(glycidyl methacrylate)-block-4,4-dimethyl-2-vinylazlactone (PGMA-b-PVDMA) were patterned on silicon surfaces into line or square grid patterns with 5 m wide features and varied edge spacing. The patterned films had three-dimensional geometries with 900 nm film thickness. After surface functionalization with wheat germ agglutinin, the size of Pseudomonas fluorescens aggregates capturedmore » was dependent on the pattern dimensions. Line patterns with edge spacing of 5 m or less led to the capture of individual microbes with minimal formation of aggregates, while grid patterns with the same spacing also captured individual microbes with further reduction in aggregation. Both geometries allowed for increases in aggregate size distribution with increased in edge spacing. These engineered surfaces combine spatial confinement with affinity-based microbe capture based on exopolysaccharide content to control the degree of microbe aggregation, and can also be used as a platform to investigate intercellular interactions and biofilm formation in microbial populations of controlled sizes.« less

Hemispherical platinum : silver core : shell nanoparticles for miRNA detection.

PubMed

Spain, Elaine; Adamson, Kellie; Elshahawy, Mohammad; Bray, Isabella; Keyes, Tia E; Stallings, Raymond L; Forster, Robert J

2017-02-27

Defects within a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of dodecanethiol on gold have been used as nucleation sites for the electrodeposition of mushroom shaped platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs). The top surfaces of these PtNPs were then decorated with a layer of silver creating a hemispherical - platinum : silver core : shell nanoparticle (Pt-AgNP). Thiolated probe strand miRNA was then immobilised onto the upper silver surface. These regioselectively modified particles were desorbed by applying a current jump to yield nanoparticles capable of hybridising to a complementary miRNA target with electrocatalysis occurring on the non-functionalized lower surface. A second electrode was functionalized with single stranded capture miRNA that has a sequence that is complementary to an miRNA, miR-132, associated with the childhood cancer, Neuroblastoma but leaves a section of the target available to bind the nucleic acid sequence on the core : shell Pt-AgNPs. Following hybridization of the target and capture strands the surface was exposed to the miRNA labelled electrocatalytic Pt-AgNPs. The concentration of the target was then determined by monitoring the current associated with the reduction of hydrogen peroxide in a solution of H 2 SO 4 . Calibration plots of the log[miRNA] vs. faradaic current were linear from 1 aM to 1 μM and aM concentrations could be detected without the need for chemical amplification of the target, e.g., using PCR or NASBA. The regioselectively modified particles were also immobilised within the interior of gold microcavity arrays via miRNA hybridisation and their Raman properties investigated.

Free stream capturing in fluid conservation law for moving coordinates in three dimensions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Obayashi, Shigeru

1991-01-01

The free-stream capturing technique for both the finite-volume (FV) and finite-difference (FD) framework is summarized. For an arbitrary motion of the grid, the FV analysis shows that volumes swept by all six surfaces of the cell have to be computed correctly. This means that the free-stream capturing time-metric terms should be calculated not only from a surface vector of a cell at a single time level, but also from a volume swept by the cell surface in space and time. The FV free-stream capturing formulation is applicable to the FD formulation by proper translation from an FV cell to an FD mesh.

Hematopoietic stem cell capture and directional differentiation into vascular endothelial cells for metal stent-coated chitosan/hyaluronic acid loading CD133 antibody.

PubMed

Zhang, Shixuan; Zhang, Fan; Feng, Bo; Fan, Qingyu; Yang, Feng; Shang, Debin; Sui, Jinghan; Zhao, Hong

2015-03-01

A series of metal stents coated with chitosan/hyaluronic acid (CS/HA) loading antibodies by electrostatic self-assembled method were prepared, and the types of cells captured by antibodies and their differentiation in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) evaluated by molecular biology and scanning electron microscope. The results showed that CD133 stent can selectively capture hematopoietic stem cells (HSC),which directionally differentiate into vascular ECs in peripheral blood by (CS/HA) induction, and simultaneously inhibit migration and proliferation of immune cells and vascular smooth muscle cells (MCs). CD34 stent can capture HSC, hematopoietic progenitor cells that differentiate into vascular ECs and immune cells, promoting smooth MCs growth, leading to thrombosis, inflammation, and rejection. CD133 stent can be implanted into miniature pig heart coronary and can repair vascular damage by capturing own HSC, thus contributing to the rapid natural vascular repair, avoiding inflammation and rejection, thrombosis and restenosis. These studies demonstrated that CD133 stent of HSC capture will be an ideal coated metal stent providing a new therapeutic approach for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.

Effect of water chemistry on the aggregation and photoluminescence behavior of carbon dots.

PubMed

Bayati, Mohamed; Dai, Jingjing; Zambrana, Austin; Rees, Chloe; Fidalgo de Cortalezzi, Maria

2018-03-01

Carbon dots are rapidly emerging carbon-based nanomaterials that, due to their growing applications, will inevitable find their way to natural waters; however, their environmental fate is mostly unknown. Carbon dots with different surface functionality were fabricated and characterized by TEM and FT-IR. Their surface charge, given by the zeta potential, and their hydrodynamic diameter in suspension were investigated under a variety of environmentally relevant conditions. The effect of ionic strength was studied in the presence of monovalent (NaCl) and divalent (CaCl 2 ) cations, for pH levels from 3 to 11; humic acid was used as a model for dissolved natural organic matter. Total potential energies of interactions were modeled by classical DLVO theory. The experimental results showed that water chemistry altered the surface charge of the nanomaterials, but their hydrodynamic size could not be correlated to those changes. Evidence of specific interactions was found for the amino functionalized particles in most cases, as well as the plain carbon dots in the presence of Ca 2+ and humic acid. Nanoparticles remained largely stable in suspension, with some exception at the highest ionic strength considered. DLVO theory did not adequately capture the aggregation behavior of the system. Moreover, cation and/or humic acid adsorption negatively affected the emission intensity of the particles, suggesting limitations to their use in natural water sensing applications. The particular stability shown by the carbon dots results in exposure to organisms in the water column and the possibility of contamination transported to significant distances from their source. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Transition metal ion capture using functional mesoporous carbon made with 1,10-phenanthroline

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chouyyok, Wilaiwan; Yantasee, Wassana; Shin, Yongsoon

2009-11-01

Functional mesoporous carbon has been built using 1,10-phenanthroline as the fundamental building block, resulting in a nanoporous, high surface area sorbent capable of selectively binding transition metal ions. This material had a specific surface area of 870 m2/g, an average pore size of about 30Å, and contained as much as 8.2 weight percent N. Under acidic conditions, where the 1,10-phenanthroline ligand is protonated, this material was found to be an effective anion exchange material for transition metal anions like PdCl4-2 and H2VO4-1. 1,10-phenanthroline functionalized mesoporous carbon (“Phen-FMC”) was found to have a high affinity for Cu(II), even down to amore » pH of 1. At pHs above 5, Phen-FMC was found to bind a variety of transition metal cations (e.g. Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), etc.) from filtered ground water, river water and seawater. Phen-FMC displayed rapid sorption kinetics with Co(II) in filtered river water, reaching equilibrium in less than an hour, and easily lowering the [Co(II)] to sub-ppb levels. Phen-FMC was found to be more effective for transition metal ion capture than ion exchange resin or activated carbon.« less

Atomic force microscopy of orb-spider-web-silks to measure surface nanostructuring and evaluate silk fibers per strand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kane, D. M.; Naidoo, N.; Staib, G. R.

2010-10-01

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) study is used to measure the surface topology and roughness of radial and capture spider silks on the micro- and nanoscale. This is done for silks of the orb weaver spider Argiope keyserlingi. Capture silk has a surface roughness that is five times less than that for radial silk. The capture silk has an equivalent flatness of λ /100 (5-6 nm deep surface features) as an optical surface. This is equivalent to a very highly polished optical surface. AFM does show the number of silk fibers that make up a silk thread but geometric distortion occurs during sample preparation. This prevented AFM from accurately measuring the silk topology on the microscale in this study.

Preparation and CO 2 adsorption properties of soft-templated mesoporous carbons derived from chestnut tannin precursors

DOE PAGES

Nelson, Kimberly M.; Mahurin, Shannon Mark; Mayes, Richard T.; ...

2015-10-09

This paper presents a soft templating approach for mesoporous carbon using the polyphenolic heterogeneous biomass, chestnut tannin, as the carbon precursor. By varying synthesis parameters such as tannin:surfactant ratio, cross-linker, reaction time and acid catalyst, the pore structure could be controllably modulated from lamellar to a more ordered hexagonal array. Carbonization at 600 °C under nitrogen produced a bimodal micro-mesoporous carbonaceous material exhibiting enhanced hydrogen bonding with the soft template, similar to that shown by soft-templating of phenolic-formaldehyde resins, allowing for a tailorable pore size. By utilizing the acidic nature of chestnut tannin (i.e. gallic and ellagic acid), hexagonal-type mesostructuresmore » were formed without the use of an acid catalyst. The porous carbon materials were activated with ammonia to increase the available surface area and incorporate nitrogen-containing functionality which led to a maximum CO 2 adsorption capacity at 1 bar of 3.44 mmol/g and 2.27 mmol/g at 0 °C and 25 °C, respectively. The ammonia-activated carbon exhibited multiple peaks in the adsorption energy distribution which indicates heterogeneity of adsorption sites for CO 2 capture.« less

Highly nitrogen-doped porous carbon derived from zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 for CO2 capture.

PubMed

Ma, Xiancheng; Li, Liqing; Chen, Ruofei; Wang, Chunhao; Li, Haoyang; Li, Hailong

2018-05-18

CO2 adsorption capacity of nitrogen-doped porous carbon depends to a large nitrogen doping levels and high surface area in previous studies. However, it seems difficult to incorporate large amounts of nitrogen while maintaining a high surface area and pore structure. Here we have reported porous carbon having a nitrogen content of up to 25.52% and specific surface area of 948 m2 g-1, which is prepared by pyrolyzing the nitrogen-containing zeolite imidazole framework-8 and urea composite at 650 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere. ZNC650 exhibits a superior CO2 uptake of 3.7 mmol g-1 at 25 ℃ and 1 bar. Experimental and theoretical results indicate that the nitrogen-containing functional groups can enhance CO2 uptake electrostatic interactions, Lewis acid-base interactions and hydrogen-bonding interactions, which are elucidated by density functional theory calculations. As CO2 adsorbent materials, these carbons have excellent adsorption capacity. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Synthesis of water dispersible boron core silica shell (B@SiO2) nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walton, Nathan I.; Gao, Zhe; Eygeris, Yulia; Ghandehari, Hamidreza; Zharov, Ilya

2018-04-01

Water dispersible boron nanoparticles have great potential as materials for boron neutron capture therapy of cancer and magnetic resonance imaging, if they are prepared on a large scale with uniform size and shape and hydrophilic modifiable surface. We report the first method to prepare spherical, monodisperse, water dispersible boron core silica shell nanoparticles (B@SiO2 NPs) suitable for aforementioned biomedical applications. In this method, 40 nm elemental boron nanoparticles, easily prepared by mechanical milling and carrying 10-undecenoic acid surface ligands, are hydrosilylated using triethoxysilane, followed by base-catalyzed hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane, which forms a 10-nm silica shell around the boron core. This simple two-step process converts irregularly shaped hydrophobic boron particles into the spherically shaped uniform nanoparticles. The B@SiO2 NPs are dispersible in water and the silica shell surface can be modified with primary amines that allow for the attachment of a fluorophore and, potentially, of targeting moieties. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

How Actuated Particles Effectively Capture Biomolecular Targets

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Because of their high surface-to-volume ratio and adaptable surface functionalization, particles are widely used in bioanalytical methods to capture molecular targets. In this article, a comprehensive study is reported of the effectiveness of protein capture by actuated magnetic particles. Association rate constants are quantified in experiments as well as in Brownian dynamics simulations for different particle actuation configurations. The data reveal how the association rate depends on the particle velocity, particle density, and particle assembly characteristics. Interestingly, single particles appear to exhibit target depletion zones near their surface, caused by the high density of capture molecules. The depletion effects are even more limiting in cases with high particle densities. The depletion effects are overcome and protein capture rates are enhanced by applying dynamic particle actuation, resulting in an increase in the association rate constants by up to 2 orders of magnitude. PMID:28192952

Optical surface profiling of orb-web spider capture silks.

PubMed

Kane, D M; Joyce, A M; Staib, G R; Herberstein, M E

2010-09-01

Much spider silk research to date has focused on its mechanical properties. However, the webs of many orb-web spiders have evolved for over 136 million years to evade visual detection by insect prey. It is therefore a photonic device in addition to being a mechanical device. Herein we use optical surface profiling of capture silks from the webs of adult female St Andrews cross spiders (Argiope keyserlingi) to successfully measure the geometry of adhesive silk droplets and to show a bowing in the aqueous layer on the spider capture silk between adhesive droplets. Optical surface profiling shows geometric features of the capture silk that have not been previously measured and contributes to understanding the links between the physical form and biological function. The research also demonstrates non-standard use of an optical surface profiler to measure the maximum width of a transparent micro-sized droplet (microlens).

Bio-Orthogonal Mediated Nucleic Acid Transfection of Cells via Cell Surface Engineering.

PubMed

O'Brien, Paul J; Elahipanah, Sina; Rogozhnikov, Dmitry; Yousaf, Muhammad N

2017-05-24

The efficient delivery of foreign nucleic acids (transfection) into cells is a critical tool for fundamental biomedical research and a pillar of several biotechnology industries. There are currently three main strategies for transfection including reagent, instrument, and viral based methods. Each technology has significantly advanced cell transfection; however, reagent based methods have captured the majority of the transfection market due to their relatively low cost and ease of use. This general method relies on the efficient packaging of a reagent with nucleic acids to form a stable complex that is subsequently associated and delivered to cells via nonspecific electrostatic targeting. Reagent transfection methods generally use various polyamine cationic type molecules to condense with negatively charged nucleic acids into a highly positively charged complex, which is subsequently delivered to negatively charged cells in culture for association, internalization, release, and expression. Although this appears to be a straightforward procedure, there are several major issues including toxicity, low efficiency, sorting of viable transfected from nontransfected cells, and limited scope of transfectable cell types. Herein, we report a new strategy (SnapFect) for nucleic acid transfection to cells that does not rely on electrostatic interactions but instead uses an integrated approach combining bio-orthogonal liposome fusion, click chemistry, and cell surface engineering. We show that a target cell population is rapidly and efficiently engineered to present a bio-orthogonal functional group on its cell surface through nanoparticle liposome delivery and fusion. A complementary bio-orthogonal nucleic acid complex is then formed and delivered to which chemoselective click chemistry induced transfection occurs to the primed cell. This new strategy requires minimal time, steps, and reagents and leads to superior transfection results for a broad range of cell types. Moreover the transfection is efficient with high cell viability and does not require a postsorting step to separate transfected from nontransfected cells in the cell population. We also show for the first time a precision transfection strategy where a single cell type in a coculture is target transfected via bio-orthogonal click chemistry.

Field effect sensors for PCR applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taing, Meng-Houit; Sweatman, Denis R.

2004-03-01

The use of field effect sensors for biological and chemical sensing is widely employed due to its ability to make detections based on charge and surface potential. Because proteins and DNA almost always carry a charge [1], silicon can be used to micro fabricate such a sensor. The EIS structure (Electrolyte on Insulator on Silicon) provides a novel, label-free and simple to fabricate way to make a field effect DNA detection sensor. The sensor responds to fluctuating capacitance caused by a depletion layer thickness change at the surface of the silicon substrate through DNA adsorption onto the dielectric oxide/PLL (Poly-L-Lysine) surface. As DNA molecules diffuse to the sensor surface, they are bound to their complimentary capture probes deposited on the surface. The negative charge exhibited by the DNA forces negative charge carriers in the substrate to move away from the surface. This causes an n-type depletion layer substrate to thicken and a p-type to thin. The depletion layer thickness can be measured by its capacitance using an LCR meter. This experiment is conducted using the ConVolt (constant voltage) approach. Nucleic acids are amplified by an on chip PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) system and then fed into the sensor. The low ionic solution strength will ensure that counter-ions do not affect the sensor measurements. The sensor surface contains capture probes that bind to the pathogen. The types of pathogens we"ll be detecting include salmonella, campylobacter and E.Coli DNA. They are held onto the sensor surface by the positively charged Poly-L-Lysine layer. The electrolyte is biased through a pseudo-reference electrode. Pseudo reference electrodes are usually made from metals such as Platinum or Silver. The problem associated with "floating" biasing electrodes is they cannot provide stable biasing potentials [2]. They drift due to surface charging effects and trapped charges on the surface. To eliminate this, a differential system consisting of 2 sensors that share a common pseudo-reference electrode is used to cancel out this effect. This paper will look at a differential system for multi-arrayed biosensors fabricated on silicon.

Identification of Abscisic Acid in Tulipa gesneriana L. by Gas-Liquid Chromatography with Electron Capture and Combined Gas-Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry

PubMed Central

Terry, Paul H.; Aung, Louis H.; De Hertogh, August A.

1982-01-01

A major growth inhibitory substance of tulip bulbs (Tulipa gesneriana L. cv Paul Richter) has been unequivocally shown to be abscisic acid (ABA). The ABA methyl ester of the free ether-soluble acid fractions of tulip organs had the identical retention time on gas-liquid chromatography with electron capture detector as authentic ABA methyl ester. In addition, the mass spectra were the same. On a unit dry matter basis, the basalplate and floral shoot contained 3.6 and 2.6 times more ABA than the fleshy scales, respectively. PMID:16662721

Gadolinium and didymium (praseodymium/neodymium) cations as capture agents in lightmicroscopical histochemistry of acid and alkaline phosphatase.

PubMed

Halbhuber, K J; Zimmermann, N

1987-01-01

In previous papers, cerium and lanthanum based methods for light-microscopical detection of acid and alkaline phosphatase activity were proposed. In this paper, the usefulness of other lanthanide cations such as gadolinium and praseodymium/neodymium cations as capture agents in phosphatase histochemistry is tested. It is evident that phosphate ions were sufficiently trapped by these cations. According to the lead and silver multistep procedures earlier described it is possible to visualize alkaline phosphatase activity in the brush borders of the intestine or kidney as well as acid phosphatase activity in the lysosomes. These methods can be recommended.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shao, Tao, E-mail: st@mail.iee.ac.cn; Yang, Wenjin; Zhang, Cheng

Polymer materials, such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), are widely used as insulators in vacuum. The insulating performance of a high-voltage vacuum system is mainly limited by surface flashover of the insulators rather than bulk breakdown. Non-thermal plasmas are an efficient method to modify the chemical and physical properties of polymer material surfaces, and enhance the surface insulating performance. In this letter, an atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge is used to treat the PMMA surface to improve the surface flashover strength in vacuum. Experimental results indicate that the plasma treatment method using Ar and CF{sub 4} (10:1) as the working gas can etchmore » the PMMA surface, introduce fluoride groups to the surface, and then alter the surface characteristics of the PMMA. The increase in the surface roughness can introduce physical traps that can capture free electrons, and the fluorination can enhance the charge capturing ability. The increase in the surface roughness and the introduction of the fluoride groups can enhance the PMMA hydrophobic ability, improve the charge capturing ability, decrease the secondary electron emission yield, increase the surface resistance, and improve the surface flashover voltage in vacuum.« less

How to catch more prey with less effective traps: explaining the evolution of temporarily inactive traps in carnivorous pitcher plants.

PubMed

Bauer, Ulrike; Federle, Walter; Seidel, Hannes; Grafe, T Ulmar; Ioannou, Christos C

2015-02-22

Carnivorous Nepenthes pitcher plants capture arthropods with specialized slippery surfaces. The key trapping surface, the pitcher rim (peristome), is highly slippery when wetted by rain, nectar or condensation, but not when dry. As natural selection should favour adaptations that maximize prey intake, the evolution of temporarily inactive traps seems paradoxical. Here, we show that intermittent trap deactivation promotes 'batch captures' of ants. Prey surveys revealed that N. rafflesiana pitchers sporadically capture large numbers of ants from the same species. Continuous experimental wetting of the peristome increased the number of non-recruiting prey, but decreased the number of captured ants and shifted their trapping mode from batch to individual capture events. Ant recruitment was also lower to continuously wetted pitchers. Our experimental data fit a simple model that predicts that intermittent, wetness-based trap activation should allow safe access for 'scout' ants under dry conditions, thereby promoting recruitment and ultimately higher prey numbers. The peristome trapping mechanism may therefore represent an adaptation for capturing ants. The relatively rare batch capture events may particularly benefit larger plants with many pitchers. This explains why young plants of many Nepenthes species additionally employ wetness-independent, waxy trapping surfaces.

The stability of prostatic acid phosphatase, as measured by a capture immunoenzyme assay.

PubMed

Lin, T M; Chin-See, M W; Halbert, S P

1984-03-27

A capture immunoenzyme assay (CIEA) for prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) was developed and used to study the stability of this isoenzyme. Immunospecifically purified goat antibodies to PAP were covalently bound to special discs and used to capture the enzyme in serum samples in a weakly acidic medium during the first incubation (2 h) at 37 degrees C. The capture enzyme was then measured by its catalytic activity with p-nitrophenyl phosphate as substrate during the second incubation (1 h) at 37 degrees C. As much as 98% of the PAP in test specimens was captured and measured by this CIEA. The test results were expressed as enzymatic activity (U/l), extrapolated from a standard curve which was linear between 0.026 and 70 U/l. In test sera stored at 4 degrees C, the PAP was variably stable for 7 to 70 days, but the enzyme was quite stable in serum when stored at -20 degrees C for at least 156 days. At room temperature, when the sera were appropriately acidified, there was no loss of enzymatic activity for periods of 15 days, and in some cases, a large proportion of activity was still intact after 70 days. At 4 degrees C, as well as -20 degrees C, acidified serum and the partially purified PAP standard showed complete stability for at least 7 months. The CIEA reactivity of positive test specimens was inhibited by L(+)-tartaric acid, but not by cupric sulfate. The acid phosphatases of blood cell extracts were non-reactive in the CIEA procedure. The CIEA results of 224 serum samples from patients with and without prostate cancer correlated very well with those obtained by two direct enzymatic and two commercial RIA procedures, with correlation coefficients between 0.960 and 0.993, and diagnostic agreement between 86% and 100%.

Chelating capture and magnetic removal of non-magnetic heavy metal substances from soil

PubMed Central

Fan, Liren; Song, Jiqing; Bai, Wenbo; Wang, Shengping; Zeng, Ming; Li, Xiaoming; Zhou, Yang; Li, Haifeng; Lu, Haiwei

2016-01-01

A soil remediation method based on magnetic beneficiation is reported. A new magnetic solid chelator powder, FS@IDA (core-shell Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles coated with iminodiacetic acid chelators), was used as a reactive magnetic carrier to selectively capture non-magnetic heavy metals in soil by chelation and removal by magnetic separation. FS@IDA was prepared via inorganic-organic and organic synthesis reactions that generated chelating groups on the surface of magnetic, multi-core, core-shell Fe3O4@SiO2 (FS) nanoparticles. These reactions used a silane coupling agent and sodium chloroacetate. The results show that FS@IDA could chelate the heavy metal component of Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu and Ni carbonates, lead sulfate and lead chloride in water-insoluble salt systems. The resulting FS@IDA-Cd and FS@IDA-Pb chelates could be magnetically separated, resulting in removal rates of approximately 84.9% and 72.2% for Cd and Pb, respectively. FS@IDA could not remove the residual heavy metals and those bound to organic matter in the soil. FS@IDA did not significantly alter the chemical composition of the soil, and it allowed for fast chelating capture, simple magnetic separation and facilitated heavy metal elution. FS@IDA could also be easily prepared and reprocessed. PMID:26878770

Activation of Rho GTPases by Cytotoxic Necrotizing Factor 1 Induces Macropinocytosis and Scavenging Activity in Epithelial Cells

PubMed Central

Fiorentini, Carla; Falzano, Loredana; Fabbri, Alessia; Stringaro, Annarita; Logozzi, Mariaantonia; Travaglione, Sara; Contamin, Stéphanette; Arancia, Giuseppe; Malorni, Walter; Fais, Stefano

2001-01-01

Macropinocytosis, a ruffling-driven process that allows the capture of large material, is an essential aspect of normal cell function. It can be either constitutive, as in professional phagocytes where it ends with the digestion of captured material, or induced, as in epithelial cells stimulated by growth factors. In this case, the internalized material recycles back to the cell surface. We herein show that activation of Rho GTPases by a bacterial protein toxin, the Escherichia coli cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (CNF1), allowed epithelial cells to engulf and digest apoptotic cells in a manner similar to that of professional phagocytes. In particular, we have demonstrated that 1) the activation of all Rho, Rac, and Cdc42 by CNF1 was essential for the capture and internalization of apoptotic cells; and 2) such activation allowed the discharge of macropinosomal content into Rab7 and lysosomal associated membrane protein-1 acidic lysosomal vesicles where the ingested particles underwent degradation. Taken together, these findings indicate that CNF1-induced “switching on” of Rho GTPases may induce in epithelial cells a scavenging activity, comparable to that exerted by professional phagocytes. The activation of such activity in epithelial cells may be relevant, in mucosal tissues, in supporting or integrating the scavenging activity of resident macrophages. PMID:11452003

Chelating capture and magnetic removal of non-magnetic heavy metal substances from soil.

PubMed

Fan, Liren; Song, Jiqing; Bai, Wenbo; Wang, Shengping; Zeng, Ming; Li, Xiaoming; Zhou, Yang; Li, Haifeng; Lu, Haiwei

2016-02-16

A soil remediation method based on magnetic beneficiation is reported. A new magnetic solid chelator powder, FS@IDA (core-shell Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles coated with iminodiacetic acid chelators), was used as a reactive magnetic carrier to selectively capture non-magnetic heavy metals in soil by chelation and removal by magnetic separation. FS@IDA was prepared via inorganic-organic and organic synthesis reactions that generated chelating groups on the surface of magnetic, multi-core, core-shell Fe3O4@SiO2 (FS) nanoparticles. These reactions used a silane coupling agent and sodium chloroacetate. The results show that FS@IDA could chelate the heavy metal component of Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu and Ni carbonates, lead sulfate and lead chloride in water-insoluble salt systems. The resulting FS@IDA-Cd and FS@IDA-Pb chelates could be magnetically separated, resulting in removal rates of approximately 84.9% and 72.2% for Cd and Pb, respectively. FS@IDA could not remove the residual heavy metals and those bound to organic matter in the soil. FS@IDA did not significantly alter the chemical composition of the soil, and it allowed for fast chelating capture, simple magnetic separation and facilitated heavy metal elution. FS@IDA could also be easily prepared and reprocessed.

Chelating capture and magnetic removal of non-magnetic heavy metal substances from soil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Liren; Song, Jiqing; Bai, Wenbo; Wang, Shengping; Zeng, Ming; Li, Xiaoming; Zhou, Yang; Li, Haifeng; Lu, Haiwei

2016-02-01

A soil remediation method based on magnetic beneficiation is reported. A new magnetic solid chelator powder, FS@IDA (core-shell Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles coated with iminodiacetic acid chelators), was used as a reactive magnetic carrier to selectively capture non-magnetic heavy metals in soil by chelation and removal by magnetic separation. FS@IDA was prepared via inorganic-organic and organic synthesis reactions that generated chelating groups on the surface of magnetic, multi-core, core-shell Fe3O4@SiO2 (FS) nanoparticles. These reactions used a silane coupling agent and sodium chloroacetate. The results show that FS@IDA could chelate the heavy metal component of Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu and Ni carbonates, lead sulfate and lead chloride in water-insoluble salt systems. The resulting FS@IDA-Cd and FS@IDA-Pb chelates could be magnetically separated, resulting in removal rates of approximately 84.9% and 72.2% for Cd and Pb, respectively. FS@IDA could not remove the residual heavy metals and those bound to organic matter in the soil. FS@IDA did not significantly alter the chemical composition of the soil, and it allowed for fast chelating capture, simple magnetic separation and facilitated heavy metal elution. FS@IDA could also be easily prepared and reprocessed.

Synthesis of amino-rich silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles for the efficient capture of DNA for PCR.

PubMed

Bai, Yalong; Cui, Yan; Paoli, George C; Shi, Chunlei; Wang, Dapeng; Zhou, Min; Zhang, Lida; Shi, Xianming

2016-09-01

Magnetic separation has great advantages over traditional bio-separation methods and has become popular in the development of methods for the detection of bacterial pathogens, viruses, and transgenic crops. Functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles is a key factor for efficient capture of the target analytes. In this paper, we report the synthesis of amino-rich silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles using a one-pot method. This type of magnetic nanoparticle has a rough surface and a higher density of amino groups than the nanoparticles prepared by a post-modification method. Furthermore, the results of hydrochloric acid treatment indicated that the magnetic nanoparticles were stably coated. The developed amino-rich silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles were used to directly adsorb DNA. After magnetic separation and blocking, the magnetic nanoparticles and DNA complexes were used directly for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), without onerous and time-consuming purification and elution steps. The results of real-time quantitative PCR showed that the nanoparticles with higher amino group density resulted in improved DNA capture efficiency. The results suggest that amino-rich silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles are of great potential for efficient bio-separation of DNA prior to detection by PCR. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Fabrication of endothelial progenitor cell capture surface via DNA aptamer modifying dopamine/polyethyleneimine copolymer film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xin; Deng, Jinchuan; Yuan, Shuheng; Wang, Juan; Luo, Rifang; Chen, Si; Wang, Jin; Huang, Nan

2016-11-01

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are mainly located in bone marrow and circulate, and play a crucial role in repairmen of injury endothelium. One of the most promising strategies of stents designs were considered to make in-situ endothelialization in vivo via EPC-capture biomolecules on a vascular graft to capture EPCs directly from circulatory blood. In this work, an EPC specific aptamer with a 34 bases single strand DNA sequence was conjugated onto the stent surface via dopamine/polyethyleneimine copolymer film as a platform and linker. The assembled density of DNA aptamer could be regulated by controlling dopamine percentage in this copolymer film. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), water contact angle (WCA) and fluorescence test confirmed the successful immobilization of DNA aptamer. To confirm its biofunctionality and cytocompatibility, the capturing cells ability of the aptamer modified surface and the effects on the growth behavior of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were investigated. The aptamer functionalized sample revealed a good EPC-capture ability, and had a cellular friendly feature for both EPC and EC growth, while not stimulated the hyperplasia of SMCs. And, the co-culture experiment of three types of cells confirmed the specificity capturing of EPCs to aptamer modified surface, rather than ECs and SMCs. These data suggested that this aptamer functionalized surface may have a large potentiality for the application of vascular grafts with targeted endothelialization.

A new capture fraction method to map how pumpage affects surface water flow.

PubMed

Leake, Stanley A; Reeves, Howard W; Dickinson, Jesse E

2010-01-01

All groundwater pumped is balanced by removal of water somewhere, initially from storage in the aquifer and later from capture in the form of increase in recharge and decrease in discharge. Capture that results in a loss of water in streams, rivers, and wetlands now is a concern in many parts of the United States. Hydrologists commonly use analytical and numerical approaches to study temporal variations in sources of water to wells for select points of interest. Much can be learned about coupled surface/groundwater systems, however, by looking at the spatial distribution of theoretical capture for select times of interest. Development of maps of capture requires (1) a reasonably well-constructed transient or steady state model of an aquifer with head-dependent flow boundaries representing surface water features or evapotranspiration and (2) an automated procedure to run the model repeatedly and extract results, each time with a well in a different location. This paper presents new methods for simulating and mapping capture using three-dimensional groundwater flow models and presents examples from Arizona, Oregon, and Michigan.

Potential for parasite-induced biases in aquatic invertebrate population studies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fisher, Justin D.L.; Mushet, David M.; Stockwell, Craig A.

2014-01-01

Recent studies highlight the need to include estimates of detection/capture probability in population studies. This need is particularly important in studies where detection and/or capture probability is influenced by parasite-induced behavioral alterations. We assessed potential biases associated with sampling a population of the amphipod Gammarus lacustris in the presence of Polymorphus spp. acanthocephalan parasites shown to increase positive phototaxis in their amphipod hosts. We trapped G. lacustris at two water depths (benthic and surface) and compared number of captures and number of parasitized individuals at each depth. While we captured the greatest number of G. lacustris individuals in benthic traps, parasitized individuals were captured most often in surface traps. These results reflect the phototaxic movement of infected individuals from benthic locations to sunlit surface waters. We then explored the influence of varying infection rates on a simulated population held at a constant level of abundance. Simulations resulted in increasingly biased abundance estimates as infection rates increased. Our results highlight the need to consider parasite-induced biases when quantifying detection and/or capture probability in studies of aquatic invertebrate populations.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Capture and Directional Differentiation into Vascular Endothelial Cells for Metal Stent-Coated Chitosan/Hyaluronic Acid Loading CD133 Antibody

PubMed Central

Zhang, Fan; Feng, Bo; Fan, Qingyu; Yang, Feng; Shang, Debin; Sui, Jinghan; Zhao, Hong

2015-01-01

A series of metal stents coated with chitosan/hyaluronic acid (CS/HA) loading antibodies by electrostatic self-assembled method were prepared, and the types of cells captured by antibodies and their differentiation in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) evaluated by molecular biology and scanning electron microscope. The results showed that CD133 stent can selectively capture hematopoietic stem cells (HSC),which directionally differentiate into vascular ECs in peripheral blood by (CS/HA) induction, and simultaneously inhibit migration and proliferation of immune cells and vascular smooth muscle cells (MCs). CD34 stent can capture HSC, hematopoietic progenitor cells that differentiate into vascular ECs and immune cells, promoting smooth MCs growth, leading to thrombosis, inflammation, and rejection. CD133 stent can be implanted into miniature pig heart coronary and can repair vascular damage by capturing own HSC, thus contributing to the rapid natural vascular repair, avoiding inflammation and rejection, thrombosis and restenosis. These studies demonstrated that CD133 stent of HSC capture will be an ideal coated metal stent providing a new therapeutic approach for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. PMID:25404533

Carbon nanotubes/carbon fiber hybrid material: a super support material for sludge biofilms.

PubMed

Liu, Qijie; Dai, Guangze; Bao, Yanling

2017-07-16

Carbon fiber (CF) is widely used as a sludge biofilm support material for wastewater treatment. Carbon nanotubes/carbon fiber (CNTs/CF) hybrid material was prepared by ultrasonically assisted electrophoretic deposition (EPD). CF supports (CF without handling, CF oxidized by nitric acid, CNTs/CF hybrid material) were evaluated by sludge immobilization tests, bacterial cell adsorption tests and Derjaguin -Landau -Verwey -Overbeek (DLVO) theory. We found that the CNTs/CF hybrid material has a high capacity for adsorbing activated sludge, nitrifying bacterial sludge and pure strains (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus). CNTs deposited on CF surface easily wound around the curved surface of bacterial cell which resulted in capturing more bacterial cells. DLVO theory indicated the lowest total interaction energy of CNTs/CF hybrid material, which resulted in the highest bacteria cell adsorption velocity. Experiments and DLVO theory results proved that CNTs/CF hybrid material is a super support material for sludge biofilms.

Hollow fiber gas-liquid membrane contactors for acid gas capture: a review.

PubMed

Mansourizadeh, A; Ismail, A F

2009-11-15

Membrane contactors using microporous membranes for acid gas removal have been extensively reviewed and discussed. The microporous membrane acts as a fixed interface between the gas and the liquid phase without dispersing one phase into another that offers a flexible modular and energy efficient device. The gas absorption process can offer a high selectivity and a high driving force for transport even at low concentrations. Using hollow fiber gas-liquid membrane contactors is a promising alternative to conventional gas absorption systems for acid gas capture from gas streams. Important aspects of membrane contactor as an efficient energy devise for acid gas removal including liquid absorbents, membrane characteristics, combination of membrane and absorbent, mass transfer, membrane modules, model development, advantages and disadvantages were critically discussed. In addition, current status and future potential in research and development of gas-liquid membrane contactors for acid gas removal were also briefly discussed.

Dilution of Fluon Before Trap Surface Treatment Has No Effect on Longhorned Beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Captures

Treesearch

Jeremy D. Allison; Elizabeth E. Graham; Therese M. Poland; Brian L. Strom

2016-01-01

Several studies have observed that trap captures of longhorned beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) can be increased by treating the surface of intercept traps with a lubricant. In addition to being expensive, these treatments can alter the spectral properties of intercept traps when applied neat. These surface treatments, particularly Fluon, are commonly used diluted as...

Surface modification of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microchannels with DNA capture-probes for potential use in microfluidic DNA analysis systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khodakov, Dmitriy A.; Thredgold, Leigh D.; Lenehan, Claire E.; Andersson, Gunther A.; Kobus, Hilton; Ellis, Amanda V.

2011-12-01

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is an elastomeric material used for microfluidic devices and is especially suited to medical and forensic applications. This is due to its relatively low cost, ease of fabrication, excellent optical transmission characteristics and its ability to support electroosmotic flow, required during electrophoretic separations. These aspects combined with its large range of surface modification chemistries, make PDMS an attractive substrate in microfluidic devices for, in particular, DNA separation. Here, we report the successful wet chemical surface modification of PDMS microchannels using a simple three step method to produce an isothiocyanate-terminated surface. Initially, PDMS was oxygen plasma treated to produce a silanol-terminated surface, this was then reacted with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane with subsequent reaction of the now amine-terminated surface with p-phenylenediisothiocyanate. Water contact angle measurements both before and after modification showed a reduction in hydrophobicity from 101o for native PDMS to 94o for the isothiocyante-terminated PDMS. The isothiocyanate-terminated surface was then coupled with an amineterminated single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) oligonucleotide capture probe via a thiourea linkage. Confirmation of capture probe attachment was observed using fluorescent microscopy after hybridization of the capture probes with fluorescently labeled complimentary ssDNA oligonucleotides.

Capturing the genetic makeup of the active microbiome in situ.

PubMed

Singer, Esther; Wagner, Michael; Woyke, Tanja

2017-09-01

More than any other technology, nucleic acid sequencing has enabled microbial ecology studies to be complemented with the data volumes necessary to capture the extent of microbial diversity and dynamics in a wide range of environments. In order to truly understand and predict environmental processes, however, the distinction between active, inactive and dead microbial cells is critical. Also, experimental designs need to be sensitive toward varying population complexity and activity, and temporal as well as spatial scales of process rates. There are a number of approaches, including single-cell techniques, which were designed to study in situ microbial activity and that have been successively coupled to nucleic acid sequencing. The exciting new discoveries regarding in situ microbial activity provide evidence that future microbial ecology studies will indispensably rely on techniques that specifically capture members of the microbiome active in the environment. Herein, we review those currently used activity-based approaches that can be directly linked to shotgun nucleic acid sequencing, evaluate their relevance to ecology studies, and discuss future directions.

Combining affinity enrichment, cross-linking with photo-amino acids, and mass spectrometry for probing protein kinase D2 interactions.

PubMed

Häupl, Björn; Ihling, Christian H; Sinz, Andrea

2017-04-07

We present a novel approach that relies on the affinity capture of protein interaction partners from a complex mixture, followed by covalent fixation via UV-induced activation of incorporated diazirine photo-reactive amino acids (photo-methionine and photo-leucine). The captured protein complexes are enzymatically digested and interacting proteins are identified and quantified by label-free LC/MS analysis. Using HeLa cell lysates with photo-methionine and photo-leucine-labeled proteins, we were able to capture and preserve protein interactions that are otherwise elusive in conventional pull-down experiments. Our approach is exemplified for mapping the protein interaction network of protein kinase D2, but has the potential be applied to any protein system. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifiers PXD005346 (photo-amino acid incorporation) and PXD005349 (enrichment experiments). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Capturing the genetic makeup of the active microbiome in situ

PubMed Central

Singer, Esther; Wagner, Michael; Woyke, Tanja

2017-01-01

More than any other technology, nucleic acid sequencing has enabled microbial ecology studies to be complemented with the data volumes necessary to capture the extent of microbial diversity and dynamics in a wide range of environments. In order to truly understand and predict environmental processes, however, the distinction between active, inactive and dead microbial cells is critical. Also, experimental designs need to be sensitive toward varying population complexity and activity, and temporal as well as spatial scales of process rates. There are a number of approaches, including single-cell techniques, which were designed to study in situ microbial activity and that have been successively coupled to nucleic acid sequencing. The exciting new discoveries regarding in situ microbial activity provide evidence that future microbial ecology studies will indispensably rely on techniques that specifically capture members of the microbiome active in the environment. Herein, we review those currently used activity-based approaches that can be directly linked to shotgun nucleic acid sequencing, evaluate their relevance to ecology studies, and discuss future directions. PMID:28574490

Nucleic acid sequence detection using multiplexed oligonucleotide PCR

DOEpatents

Nolan, John P [Santa Fe, NM; White, P Scott [Los Alamos, NM

2006-12-26

Methods for rapidly detecting single or multiple sequence alleles in a sample nucleic acid are described. Provided are all of the oligonucleotide pairs capable of annealing specifically to a target allele and discriminating among possible sequences thereof, and ligating to each other to form an oligonucleotide complex when a particular sequence feature is present (or, alternatively, absent) in the sample nucleic acid. The design of each oligonucleotide pair permits the subsequent high-level PCR amplification of a specific amplicon when the oligonucleotide complex is formed, but not when the oligonucleotide complex is not formed. The presence or absence of the specific amplicon is used to detect the allele. Detection of the specific amplicon may be achieved using a variety of methods well known in the art, including without limitation, oligonucleotide capture onto DNA chips or microarrays, oligonucleotide capture onto beads or microspheres, electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry. Various labels and address-capture tags may be employed in the amplicon detection step of multiplexed assays, as further described herein.

A surface-associated activity trap for capturing water surface and aquatic invertebrates in wetlands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hanson, Mark A.; Roy, Christiane C.; Euliss, Ned H.; Zimmer, Kyle D.; Riggs, Michael R.; Butler, Malcolm G.

2000-01-01

We developed a surface-associated activity trap (SAT) for sampling aquatic invertebrates in wetlands. We compared performance of this trap with that of a conventional activity trap (AT) based on non-detection rates and relative abundance estimates for 13 taxa of common wetland invertebrates and for taxon richness using data from experiments in constructed wetlands. Taxon-specific non-detection rates for ATs generally exceeded those of SATs, and largest improvements using SATs were for Chironomidae and Gastropoda. SATs were efficient at capturing cladocera, Chironomidae, Gastropoda, total Crustacea, and multiple taxa (taxon richness) but were only slightly better than ATs at capturing Dytiscidae. Temporal differences in capture rates were observed only for cladocera, Chironomidae, Dytiscidae, and total Crustacea, with capture efficiencies of SATs usually decreasing from mid-June through mid-July for these taxa. We believe that SATs may be useful for characterizing wetland invertebrate communities and for developing improved measures of prey available to foraging waterfowl and other aquatic birds.

A surface-associated activity trap for capturing water-surface and aquatic invertebrates in wetlands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hanson, M.A.; Roy, C.C.; Euliss, N.H.; Zimmer, K.D.; Riggs, M.R.; Butler, Malcolm G.

2000-01-01

We developed a surface-associated activity trap (SAT) for sampling aquatic invertebrates in wetlands. We compared performance of this trap with that of a conventional activity trap (AT) based on non-detection rates and relative abundance estimates for 13 taxa of common wetland invertebrates and for taxon richness using data from experiments in constructed wetlands. Taxon-specific non-detection rates for ATs generally exceeded those of SATs, and largest improvements using SATs were for Chironomidae and Gastropoda. SATs were efficient at capturing cladocera, Chironomidae, Gastropoda, total Crustacea, and multiple taxa (taxon richness) but were only slightly better than ATs at capturing Dytiscidae. Temporal differences in capture rates were observed only for cladocera, Chironomidae, Dytiscidae, and total Crustacea, with capture efficiencies of SATs usually decreasing from mid-June through mid-July for these taxa. We believe that SATs may be useful for characterizing wetland invertebrate communities and for developing improved measures of prey available to foraging waterfowl and other aquatic birds.

Conversion of a Capture ELISA to a Luminex xMAP Assay using a Multiplex Antibody Screening Method

PubMed Central

Baker, Harold N.; Murphy, Robin; Lopez, Erica; Garcia, Carlos

2012-01-01

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has long been the primary tool for detection of analytes of interest in biological samples for both life science research and clinical diagnostics. However, ELISA has limitations. It is typically performed in a 96-well microplate, and the wells are coated with capture antibody, requiring a relatively large amount of sample to capture an antigen of interest . The large surface area of the wells and the hydrophobic binding of capture antibody can also lead to non-specific binding and increased background. Additionally, most ELISAs rely upon enzyme-mediated amplification of signal in order to achieve reasonable sensitivity. Such amplification is not always linear and can thus skew results. In the past 15 years, a new technology has emerged that offers the benefits of the ELISA, but also enables higher throughput, increased flexibility, reduced sample volume, and lower cost, with a similar workflow 1, 2. Luminex xMAP Technology is a microsphere (bead) array platform enabling both monoplex and multiplex assays that can be applied to both protein and nucleic acid applications 3-5. The beads have the capture antibody covalently immobilized on a smaller surface area, requiring less capture antibody and smaller sample volumes, compared to ELISA, and non-specific binding is significantly reduced. Smaller sample volumes are important when working with limiting samples such as cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, etc. 6. Multiplexing the assay further reduces sample volume requirements, enabling multiple results from a single sample. Recent improvements by Luminex include: the new MAGPIX system, a smaller, less expensive, easier-to-use analyzer; Low-Concentration Magnetic MagPlex Microspheres which eliminate the need for expensive filter plates and come in a working concentration better suited for assay development and low-throughput applications; and the xMAP Antibody Coupling (AbC) Kit, which includes a protocol, reagents, and consumables necessary for coupling beads to the capture antibody of interest. (See Materials section for a detailed list of kit contents.) In this experiment, we convert a pre-optimized ELISA assay for TNF-alpha cytokine to the xMAP platform and compare the performance of the two methods 7-11. TNF-alpha is a biomarker used in the measurement of inflammatory responses in patients with autoimmune disorders. We begin by coupling four candidate capture antibodies to four different microsphere sets or regions. When mixed together, these four sets allow for the simultaneous testing of all four candidates with four separate detection antibodies to determine the best antibody pair, saving reagents, sample and time. Two xMAP assays are then constructed with the two most optimal antibody pairs and their performance is compared to that of the original ELISA assay in regards to signal strength, dynamic range, and sensitivity. PMID:22806215

Multivalency at Interfaces: Supramolecular Carbohydrate-Functionalized Graphene Derivatives for Bacterial Capture, Release, and Disinfection.

PubMed

Qi, Zhenhui; Bharate, Priya; Lai, Chian-Hui; Ziem, Benjamin; Böttcher, Christoph; Schulz, Andrea; Beckert, Fabian; Hatting, Benjamin; Mülhaupt, Rolf; Seeberger, Peter H; Haag, Rainer

2015-09-09

A supramolecular carbohydrate-functionalized two-dimensional (2D) surface was designed and synthesized by decorating thermally reduced graphene sheets with multivalent sugar ligands. The formation of host-guest inclusions on the carbon surface provides a versatile strategy, not only to increase the intrinsic water solubility of graphene-based materials, but more importantly to let the desired biofunctional binding groups bind to the surface. Combining the vital recognition role of carbohydrates and the unique 2D large flexible surface area of the graphene sheets, the addition of multivalent sugar ligands makes the resulting carbon material an excellent platform for selectively wrapping and agglutinating Escherichia coli (E. coli). By taking advantage of the responsive property of supramolecular interactions, the captured bacteria can then be partially released by adding a competitive guest. Compared to previously reported scaffolds, the unique thermal IR-absorption properties of graphene derivatives provide a facile method to kill the captured bacteria by IR-laser irradiation of the captured graphene-sugar-E. coli complex.

Stimuli responsive charge-switchable lipids: Capture and release of nucleic acids.

PubMed

Hersey, Joseph S; LaManna, Caroline M; Lusic, Hrvoje; Grinstaff, Mark W

2016-03-01

Stimuli responsive lipids, which enable control over the formation, transformation, and disruption of supramolecular assemblies, are of interest for biosensing, diagnostics, drug delivery, and basic transmembrane protein studies. In particular, spatiotemporal control over a supramolecular structure can be achieved using light activated compounds to induce significant supramolecular rearrangements. As such, a family of cationic lipids are described which undergo a permanent switch in charge upon exposure to 365 nm ultraviolet (UV) light to enable the capture of negatively charged nucleic acids within the self-assembled supramolecular structure of the lipids and subsequent release of these macromolecules upon exposure to UV light and disruption of the assemblies. The lipids are composed of either two different tripeptide head groups, Lysine-Glycine-Glycine (KGG) and Glycine-Glycine-Glycine (GGG) and three different hydrocarbon chain lengths (C6, C10, or C14) terminated by a UV light responsive 1-(2-nitrophenyl)ethanol (NPE) protected carboxylic acid. The photolysis of the NPE protected lipid is measured as a function of time, and the resulting changes in net molecular charge are observed using zeta potential analysis for each head group and chain length combination. A proof of concept study for the capture and release of both linear DNA (calf thymus) and siRNA is presented using an ethidium bromide quenching assay where a balance between binding affinity and supramolecular stability are found to be the key to optimal nucleic acid capture and release. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

How to catch more prey with less effective traps: explaining the evolution of temporarily inactive traps in carnivorous pitcher plants

PubMed Central

Bauer, Ulrike; Federle, Walter; Seidel, Hannes; Grafe, T. Ulmar; Ioannou, Christos C.

2015-01-01

Carnivorous Nepenthes pitcher plants capture arthropods with specialized slippery surfaces. The key trapping surface, the pitcher rim (peristome), is highly slippery when wetted by rain, nectar or condensation, but not when dry. As natural selection should favour adaptations that maximize prey intake, the evolution of temporarily inactive traps seems paradoxical. Here, we show that intermittent trap deactivation promotes ‘batch captures' of ants. Prey surveys revealed that N. rafflesiana pitchers sporadically capture large numbers of ants from the same species. Continuous experimental wetting of the peristome increased the number of non-recruiting prey, but decreased the number of captured ants and shifted their trapping mode from batch to individual capture events. Ant recruitment was also lower to continuously wetted pitchers. Our experimental data fit a simple model that predicts that intermittent, wetness-based trap activation should allow safe access for ‘scout’ ants under dry conditions, thereby promoting recruitment and ultimately higher prey numbers. The peristome trapping mechanism may therefore represent an adaptation for capturing ants. The relatively rare batch capture events may particularly benefit larger plants with many pitchers. This explains why young plants of many Nepenthes species additionally employ wetness-independent, waxy trapping surfaces. PMID:25589604

A method for modeling contact dynamics for automated capture mechanisms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Philip J.

1991-01-01

Logicon Control Dynamics develops contact dynamics models for space-based docking and berthing vehicles. The models compute contact forces for the physical contact between mating capture mechanism surfaces. Realistic simulation requires proportionality constants, for calculating contact forces, to approximate surface stiffness of contacting bodies. Proportionality for rigid metallic bodies becomes quite large. Small penetrations of surface boundaries can produce large contact forces.

The contribution of cometary volatiles to the primitive Earth.

PubMed

Oro, J; Holzer, G; Lazcano-Araujo, A

1980-01-01

It has been estimated that during its early history the Earth captured a mass of cometary material of the order of 10(23) grams. Since carbon is supposed to be at least three times more abundant in comets than in carbonaceous chondrites (3.5% C in C 1 chondrites), it can be deduced that about 1 x 10(22) grams of carbon (as carbon compounds), was added by comets to the surface of the prebiotic Earth. This carbon value is of the same order of magnitude as the value of the organic carbon buried in the Earth's sedimentary shell, but approximately one order of magnitude lower than the Earth's surface total carbon (7 x 10(22) gm). The capture of comets by the Earth would also have contributed to generating the appropriate aqueous and reducing environmental conditions necessary for organic synthesis. Although it is possible that some of the cometary carbon compounds falling on the Earth survived, most of them were probably decomposed by the heat and shock waves of the cometary collision. Upon quenching to low temperatures, however, the reactive chemical species produced by the impact would have recombined, leading to the synthesis of a great variety of organic molecules. Laboratory experiments with radiation, heat and shock waves have demonstrated that some of the synthesized compounds are biochemical molecules: amino acids, sugars, purines, and pyrimidines. These are essential to all living systems.

Propitious Dendritic Cu2O-Pt Nanostructured Anodes for Direct Formic Acid Fuel Cells.

PubMed

El-Nagar, Gumaa A; Mohammad, Ahmad M; El-Deab, Mohamed S; El-Anadouli, Bahgat E

2017-06-14

This study introduces a novel competent dendritic copper oxide-platinum nanocatalyst (nano-Cu 2 O-Pt) immobilized onto a glassy carbon (GC) substrate for formic acid (FA) electro-oxidation (FAO); the prime reaction in the anodic compartment of direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs). Interestingly, the proposed catalyst exhibited an outstanding improvement for FAO compared to the traditional platinum nanoparticles (nano-Pt) modified GC (nano-Pt/GC) catalyst. This was evaluated from steering the reaction mechanism toward the desired direct route producing carbon dioxide (CO 2 ); consistently with mitigating the other undesired indirect pathway producing carbon monoxide (CO); the potential poison deteriorating the catalytic activity of typical Pt-based catalysts. Moreover, the developed catalyst showed a reasonable long-term catalytic stability along with a significant lowering in onset potential of direct FAO that ultimately reduces the polarization and amplifies the fuel cell's voltage. The observed catalytic enhancement was believed to originate bifunctionally; while nano-Pt represented the base for the FA adsorption, nanostructured copper oxide (nano-Cu 2 O) behaved as a catalytic mediator facilitating the charge transfer during FAO and providing the oxygen atmosphere inspiring the poison's (CO) oxidation at relatively lower potential. Surprisingly, moreover, nano-Cu 2 O induced a surface retrieval of nano-Pt active sites by capturing the poisoning CO via "a spillover mechanism" to renovate the Pt surface for the direct FAO. Finally, the catalytic tolerance of the developed catalyst toward halides' poisoning was discussed.

Sorption of Cu(2+) on humic acids sequentially extracted from a sediment.

PubMed

Yang, Kun; Miao, Gangfen; Wu, Wenhao; Lin, Daohui; Pan, Bo; Wu, Fengchang; Xing, Baoshan

2015-11-01

In addition to the diverse properties of humic acids (HAs) extracted from different soils or sediments, chemical compositions, functional groups and structures of HAs extracted from a single soil or sediment could also be diverse and thus significantly affect sorption of heavy metals, which is a key process controlling the transfer, transformation and fate of heavy metals in the environment. In this study, we sequentially extracted four HA fractions from a single sediment and conducted the sorption experiments of Cu(2+) on these HA fractions. Our results showed that aromaticity and acidic group content of HA fraction decreased with increasing extraction. Earlier extracted HA fraction had higher sorption capacity and affinity for Cu(2+). There were two fractions of adsorbed Cu(2+) on HAs, i.e., ion exchanged fraction and surface bonded fraction, which can be captured mechanically by the bi-Langmuir model with good isotherm fitting. The ion exchanged fraction had larger sorption capacity but lower sorption affinity, compared with the surface bonded fraction. The dissociated carboxyl groups of HAs were responsible for both fractions of Cu(2+) sorption, due to the more Cu(2+) sorption on the earlier extracted HA fraction with more carboxyl groups and at higher pH. The intensive competition between H(+) and the exchangeable Cu(2+) could result in the decrease of ion exchanged capacity and affinity for Cu(2+) on HAs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cadmium Isotope Variations in Bulk Chondrites: The Effect of Thermal Neutron Capture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toth, E. R.; Schönbächler, M.; Friebel, M.; Fehr, M. A.

2017-07-01

Cadmium isotope data will be presented for bulk carbonaceous and enstatite chondrites, and acid leachates of Jbilet Winselwan (CM). Results of bulk samples show Cd isotope variations that are in good agreement with models of thermal neutron capture.

Sequestering CO2 in the Ocean: Options and Consequences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rau, G. H.; Caldeira, K.

2002-12-01

The likelihood of negative climate and environmental impacts associated with increasing atmospheric CO2 has prompted serious consideration of various CO2 mitigation strategies. Among these are methods of capturing and storing of CO2 in the ocean. Two approaches that have received the most attention in this regard have been i) ocean fertilization to enhanced biological uptake and fixation of CO2, and ii) the chemical/mechanical capture and injection of CO2 into the deep ocean. Both methods seek to enhance or speed up natural mechanisms of CO2 uptake and storage by the ocean, namely i) the biological CO2 "pump" or ii) the passive diffusion of CO2 into the surface ocean and subsequent mixing into the deep sea. However, as will be reviewed, concerns about the capacity and effectiveness of either strategy in long-term CO2 sequestration have been raised. Both methods are not without potentially significant environmental impacts, and the costs of CO2 capture and injection (option ii) are currently prohibitive. An alternate method of ocean CO2 sequestration would be to react and hydrate CO2 rich waste gases (e.g., power plant flue gas) with seawater and to subsequently neutralize the resulting carbonic acid with limestone to produce calcium and bicarbonate ions in solution. This approach would simply speed up the CO2 uptake and sequestration that naturally (but very slowly) occurs via global carbonate weathering. This would avoid much of the increased acidity associated with direct CO2 injection while obviating the need for costly CO2 separation and capture. The addition of the resulting bicarbonate- and carbonate-rich solution to the ocean would help to counter the decrease in pH and carbonate ion concentration, and hence loss of biological calcification that is presently occurring as anthropogenic CO2 invades the ocean from the atmosphere. However, as with any approach to CO2 mitigation, the costs, impacts, risks, and benefits of this method need to be better understood and weighed against those of alternative strategies, including business as usual.

Circadian Profiling of Amino Acids in the SCN and Cerebral Cortex by Laser Capture Microdissection-Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Fustin, Jean-Michel; Karakawa, Sachise; Okamura, Hitoshi

2017-12-01

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is an extremely robust self-sustained oscillator, containing virtually the same molecular clock present in other tissues in the body but, in addition, endowed with tight intercellular coupling dependent on multiple neurotransmitter systems that allow the SCN to function as the "master clock." Several studies on the circadian SCN transcriptome have been published and compared with the transcriptome of other tissues, but the recent focus shift toward the circadian metabolome and the importance of small molecules for circadian timekeeping has so far been limited to macroscopic tissues such as the liver. Here, we report the successful use of laser capture microdissection coupled with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry for the circadian profiling of SCN amino acids. Among 18 amino acids detected, 10 (55.5%) showed significant variations, particularly marked for proline, lysine, and histidine, with higher levels during the subjective day. Moreover, we compared SCN and cortical amino acid levels between wild-type and Bmal1-deficient animals, either in the whole body or specifically in the liver. Interestingly, lack of Bmal1 in the whole body led to a significant increase in most amino acids in the SCN but not in the cerebral cortex. In contrast, deletion of Bmal1 in the liver mostly affected cortical amino acid levels during the subjective day. This study demonstrates that laser capture microdissection can be used for the isolation of microscopic brain structures for metabolomic purposes and reveals interactions between liver and SCN amino acid metabolism.

Electrosorption of organic acids from aqueous bio-oil and conversion into hydrogen via microbial electrolysis cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, Lydia Kyoung-Eun; Satinover, Scott J.; Yiacoumi, Sotira

Neutralization of the bio-oil pH has been shown to generate a neutralized bio-oil aqueous phase (NBOAP) that includes most of the acidic components and a neutralized bio-oil organic phase (NBOOP) that includes hydrophobic organics, such as phenols. NBOOP can be used for fuel production, while NBOAP can be fed to microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) for hydrogen production. After pH neutralization, some organic acidic components remain in NBOOP. This work is focused on capturing acidic compounds from NBOOP through water extraction and electrosorption, and demonstrating hydrogen production via MECs. Capacitive deionization (CDI) is proven effective in capturing ions from NBOOP-contacted watermore » and NBOAP via electrosorption. Captured acidic compounds enable the MEC application to effectively produce renewable hydrogen. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 49.2%, 61.5%, and 60.8% for 2, 4, and 10 g/L-anode/day loading were observed, corresponding to a total COD degradation of 0.19 g/L, 0.79 g/L, and 1.3 g/L, respectively. A maximum hydrogen productivity of 4.3 L-H 2/L-anode/day was obtained. Major compounds in the water phase such as fatty acids, sugar derivatives, furanic and phenolic compounds were converted to hydrogen with an efficiency of 80–90%. Lastly, this approach may lead the entire biomass pyrolysis process to be an overall carbon-neutral process.« less

Electrosorption of organic acids from aqueous bio-oil and conversion into hydrogen via microbial electrolysis cells

DOE PAGES

Park, Lydia Kyoung-Eun; Satinover, Scott J.; Yiacoumi, Sotira; ...

2018-02-17

Neutralization of the bio-oil pH has been shown to generate a neutralized bio-oil aqueous phase (NBOAP) that includes most of the acidic components and a neutralized bio-oil organic phase (NBOOP) that includes hydrophobic organics, such as phenols. NBOOP can be used for fuel production, while NBOAP can be fed to microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) for hydrogen production. After pH neutralization, some organic acidic components remain in NBOOP. This work is focused on capturing acidic compounds from NBOOP through water extraction and electrosorption, and demonstrating hydrogen production via MECs. Capacitive deionization (CDI) is proven effective in capturing ions from NBOOP-contacted watermore » and NBOAP via electrosorption. Captured acidic compounds enable the MEC application to effectively produce renewable hydrogen. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 49.2%, 61.5%, and 60.8% for 2, 4, and 10 g/L-anode/day loading were observed, corresponding to a total COD degradation of 0.19 g/L, 0.79 g/L, and 1.3 g/L, respectively. A maximum hydrogen productivity of 4.3 L-H 2/L-anode/day was obtained. Major compounds in the water phase such as fatty acids, sugar derivatives, furanic and phenolic compounds were converted to hydrogen with an efficiency of 80–90%. Lastly, this approach may lead the entire biomass pyrolysis process to be an overall carbon-neutral process.« less

A new capture fraction method to map how pumpage affects surface water flow

USGS Publications Warehouse

Leake, S.A.; Reeves, H.W.; Dickinson, J.E.

2010-01-01

All groundwater pumped is balanced by removal of water somewhere, initially from storage in the aquifer and later from capture in the form of increase in recharge and decrease in discharge. Capture that results in a loss of water in streams, rivers, and wetlands now is a concern in many parts of the United States. Hydrologists commonly use analytical and numerical approaches to study temporal variations in sources of water to wells for select points of interest. Much can be learned about coupled surface/groundwater systems, however, by looking at the spatial distribution of theoretical capture for select times of interest. Development of maps of capture requires (1) a reasonably well-constructed transient or steady state model of an aquifer with head-dependent flow boundaries representing surface water features or evapotranspiration and (2) an automated procedure to run the model repeatedly and extract results, each time with a well in a different location. This paper presents new methods for simulating and mapping capture using three-dimensional groundwater flow models and presents examples from Arizona, Oregon, and Michigan. Journal compilation ?? 2010 National Ground Water Association. No claim to original US government works.

ETP-0474: Evaluation of Electroless Nickel Coatings to Achieve Interference Fit in the RSRM Without Fretting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schaffnit, William O.

1997-01-01

Part of the redesign of the SRMs for the Space Shuttle involved the substitution of three new capture cylinders for three of the previously used cylinders. These new cylinders mate with the old standard case segments in each of the three field joints. The new capture cylinders contain an integral capture latch on the tang end which mates with a case clevis during stackup at KSC. The capture cylinders also contain a groove in the capture latch to provide for a third 0-ring in the joint and are designed to achieve a metal-to- metal interference fit between the capture latch and the mating clevis. An unexpected fretting problem has occurred on the tang capture feature and the inner clevis leg interference fit surfaces on flight hardware since STS-26. Varying degrees of fretting damage have been found on the case segments from different flight motors. Fretting is a wear phenomena that occurs when two tightly fitting metal surfaces are subject to cyclic relative motion of extremely small amplitudes (generally less than 0.010-inch) in the absence of adequate lubrication. It is adhesive ("cold" - welding) in nature and vibration is its essential causative factor. This problem has manifested itself on the flight motors as a series of pits and axial gouges on the inside diameter (ID) surfaces of the inner clevis legs and the outside diameter (OD) surfaces of the tang capture features. The problem occurs in varying degrees of severity in all of the field joints. It is not believed that fretting is a flight safety issue. However, it could become a reusability issue if left unattended. Fretting has been encountered in other industries for many years and measures that will prevent or reduce it have been devised. These include: elimination or reduction of vibration (amplitudes and/or frequencies), elimination of slip, improved lubrication between parts, increased surface separation, increased interference, inducing residual compressive stresses in the surfaces of the mating parts, and employing non-fretting interference shims. Looking at each of these separately; vibration and slip occur in varying degrees and magnitudes in the field joints (as part of the roll-out, launch, flight, splashdown, flotation, and/or tow back) and are difficult to define or eliminate. Improved lubrication is something that was evaluated since it would be the simplest change to incorporate, but little or no improvement was found. Increasing surface separation would defeat the purpose of the interference fit. The effect of increasing the interference fit is unknown. Additional shot peening and/or surface rolling to impart residual compressive stresses in the joints undoubtedly would alter the characteristics and finish of the sealing surfaces of the motor cases. Also, experimental data' indicate that the tangs and clevises already have residual compressive stress fields on their surfaces yet fretting occurs. These stresses probably result from the case machining and the glass beading used to clean these surfaces.

Encapsulated liquid sorbents for carbon dioxide capture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vericella, John J.; Baker, Sarah E.; Stolaroff, Joshuah K.; Duoss, Eric B.; Hardin, James O.; Lewicki, James; Glogowski, Elizabeth; Floyd, William C.; Valdez, Carlos A.; Smith, William L.; Satcher, Joe H.; Bourcier, William L.; Spadaccini, Christopher M.; Lewis, Jennifer A.; Aines, Roger D.

2015-02-01

Drawbacks of current carbon dioxide capture methods include corrosivity, evaporative losses and fouling. Separating the capture solvent from infrastructure and effluent gases via microencapsulation provides possible solutions to these issues. Here we report carbon capture materials that may enable low-cost and energy-efficient capture of carbon dioxide from flue gas. Polymer microcapsules composed of liquid carbonate cores and highly permeable silicone shells are produced by microfluidic assembly. This motif couples the capacity and selectivity of liquid sorbents with high surface area to facilitate rapid and controlled carbon dioxide uptake and release over repeated cycles. While mass transport across the capsule shell is slightly lower relative to neat liquid sorbents, the surface area enhancement gained via encapsulation provides an order-of-magnitude increase in carbon dioxide absorption rates for a given sorbent mass. The microcapsules are stable under typical industrial operating conditions and may be used in supported packing and fluidized beds for large-scale carbon capture.

A catalytic role of surface silanol groups in CO2 capture on the amine-anchored silica support.

PubMed

Cho, Moses; Park, Joonho; Yavuz, Cafer T; Jung, Yousung

2018-05-03

A new mechanism of CO2 capture on the amine-functionalized silica support is demonstrated using density functional theory calculations, in which the silica surface not only acts as a support to anchor amines, but also can actively participate in the CO2 capture process through a facile proton transfer reaction with the amine groups. The surface-mediated proton transfer mechanism in forming a carbamate-ammonium product has lower kinetic barrier (8.1 kcal mol-1) than the generally accepted intermolecular mechanism (12.7 kcal mol-1) under dry conditions, and comparable to that of the water-assisted intermolecular mechanism (6.0 kcal mol-1) under humid conditions. These findings suggest that the CO2 adsorption on the amine-anchored silica surface would mostly occur via the rate-determining proton transfer step that is catalyzed by the surface silanol groups.

A Metabolomic Approach To Detect Effects of Salmon Farming on Wild Saithe (Pollachius virens) Populations.

PubMed

Maruhenda Egea, Frutos C; Toledo-Guedes, Kilian; Sanchez-Jerez, Pablo; Ibanco-Cañete, Ricardo; Uglem, Ingebrit; Saether, Bjørn-Steinar

2015-12-16

A metabolomics approach was used to analyze effects of salmon farming on wild saithe (Pollachius virens) populations. Saithe fish were captured at two salmon farms and at two control locations around the island of Hitra, Norway. Changes in diet seem to drive changes in metabolic status of fishes. The liver and muscle tissues, from the fishes captured around the farm, showed higher levels of lactate and certain amino acids (glutamine, glutamate, and alanine) and lower levels of glucose and choline than the fishes captured in the control locations, far from the farm locations. The higher levels of lactate and amino acids could be related to the facility of obtaining food around the farm and the deficit in choline to the deficit of this nutrient in the salmon feed. At each location the fish were captured with either benthic gill nets and automatic jigging machines, and this feature showed also variations in different metabolites.

Method and system for capturing carbon dioxide and/or sulfur dioxide from gas stream

DOEpatents

Chang, Shih-Ger; Li, Yang; Zhao, Xinglei

2014-07-08

The present invention provides a system for capturing CO.sub.2 and/or SO.sub.2, comprising: (a) a CO.sub.2 and/or SO.sub.2 absorber comprising an amine and/or amino acid salt capable of absorbing the CO.sub.2 and/or SO.sub.2 to produce a CO.sub.2- and/or SO.sub.2-containing solution; (b) an amine regenerator to regenerate the amine and/or amino acid salt; and, when the system captures CO.sub.2, (c) an alkali metal carbonate regenerator comprising an ammonium catalyst capable catalyzing the aqueous alkali metal bicarbonate into the alkali metal carbonate and CO.sub.2 gas. The present invention also provides for a system for capturing SO.sub.2, comprising: (a) a SO.sub.2 absorber comprising aqueous alkali metal carbonate, wherein the alkali metal carbonate is capable of absorbing the SO.sub.2 to produce an alkali metal sulfite/sulfate precipitate and CO.sub.2.

Metabolic indicators of habitat differences in four Minnesota deer populations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Seal, U.S.; Nelson, M.E.; Mech, L.D.; Hoskinson, R.L.

1978-01-01

Blood samples were collected from 40 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from 4 winter yards in northeastern Minnesota from 17 March 1974 through 23 April 1975. The results of 26 blood assays were examined for the effects of age, sex, capture date, capture method, disease and location. Age-related effects were found for serum chloride, calcium, gamma globulin, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase. The only sex difference was lower CPK in males. Date of collection effects were found for erythrocyte count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), serum glucose, and nonesterified fatty acids (NEF A). Capture method affected serum glucose, acid base balance, and serum enzymes. Effects related primarily to capture location or habitat differences were found for erythrocyte count, MCV, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), serum urea, cholesterol, LDH, thyroxine, and NEF A. Animals whose assays indicated the poorest nutritional status inhabited wintering areas with the oldest vegetation. Habitat differences can be detected by measuring the physiological status of the local animal populations.

Minimizing target interference in PK immunoassays: new approaches for low-pH-sample treatment.

PubMed

Partridge, Michael A; Pham, John; Dziadiv, Olena; Luong, Onson; Rafique, Ashique; Sumner, Giane; Torri, Albert

2013-08-01

Quantitating total levels of monoclonal antibody (mAb) biotherapeutics in serum using ELISA may be hindered by soluble targets. We developed two low-pH-sample-pretreatment techniques to minimize target interference. The first procedure involves sample pretreatment at pH <3.0 before neutralization and analysis in a target capture ELISA. Careful monitoring of acidification time is required to minimize potential impact on mAb detection. The second approach involves sample dilution into mild acid (pH ∼4.5) before transferring to an anti-human capture-antibody-coated plate without neutralization. Analysis of target-drug and drug-capture antibody interactions at pH 4.5 indicated that the capture antibody binds to the drug, while the drug and the target were dissociated. Using these procedures, total biotherapeutic levels were accurately measured when soluble target was >30-fold molar excess. These techniques provide alternatives for quantitating mAb biotherapeutics in the presence of a target when standard acid-dissociation procedures are ineffective.

40 CFR 63.3965 - How do I determine the emission capture system efficiency?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...; coating solvent flash-off, curing, and drying occurs within the capture system; and the removal or... spray booth and a curing oven. (b) Measuring capture efficiency. If the capture system does not meet... surface preparation activities and drying and curing time. (c) Liquid-to-uncaptured-gas protocol using a...

Boulder Capture System Design Options for the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission Alternate Approach Trade Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Belbin, Scott P.; Merrill, Raymond G.

2014-01-01

This paper presents a boulder acquisition and asteroid surface interaction electromechanical concept developed for the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission (ARRM) option to capture a free standing boulder on the surface of a 100 m or larger Near Earth Asteroid (NEA). It details the down select process and ranking of potential boulder capture methods, the evolution of a simple yet elegant articulating spaceframe, and ongoing risk reduction and concept refinement efforts. The capture system configuration leverages the spaceframe, heritage manipulators, and a new microspine technology to enable the ARRM boulder capture. While at the NEA it enables attenuation of terminal descent velocity, ascent to escape velocity, boulder collection and restraint. After departure from the NEA it enables, robotic inspection, sample caching, and crew Extra Vehicular Activities (EVA).

Filtration Isolation of Nucleic Acids: A Simple and Rapid DNA Extraction Method.

PubMed

McFall, Sally M; Neto, Mário F; Reed, Jennifer L; Wagner, Robin L

2016-08-06

FINA, filtration isolation of nucleic acids, is a novel extraction method which utilizes vertical filtration via a separation membrane and absorbent pad to extract cellular DNA from whole blood in less than 2 min. The blood specimen is treated with detergent, mixed briefly and applied by pipet to the separation membrane. The lysate wicks into the blotting pad due to capillary action, capturing the genomic DNA on the surface of the separation membrane. The extracted DNA is retained on the membrane during a simple wash step wherein PCR inhibitors are wicked into the absorbent blotting pad. The membrane containing the entrapped DNA is then added to the PCR reaction without further purification. This simple method does not require laboratory equipment and can be easily implemented with inexpensive laboratory supplies. Here we describe a protocol for highly sensitive detection and quantitation of HIV-1 proviral DNA from 100 µl whole blood as a model for early infant diagnosis of HIV that could readily be adapted to other genetic targets.

Cryo-Scanning Electron Microscopy of Captured Cirrus Ice Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magee, N. B.; Boaggio, K.; Bandamede, M.; Bancroft, L.; Hurler, K.

2016-12-01

We present the latest collection of high-resolution cryo-scanning electron microscopy images and microanalysis of cirrus ice particles captured by high-altitude balloon (ICE-Ball, see abstracts by K. Boaggio and M. Bandamede). Ice particle images and sublimation-residues are derived from particles captured during approximately 15 balloon flights conducted in Pennsylvania and New Jersey over the past 12 months. Measurements include 3D digital elevation model reconstructions of ice particles, and associated statistical analyses of entire particles and particle sub-facets and surfaces. This 3D analysis reveals that morphologies of most ice particles captured deviate significantly from ideal habits, and display geometric complexity and surface roughness at multiple measureable scales, ranging from 100's nanometers to 100's of microns. The presentation suggests potential a path forward for representing scattering from a realistically complex array of ice particle shapes and surfaces.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lorenz, Matthias; Ovchinnikova, Olga S; Van Berkel, Gary J

RATIONALE: Laser ablation provides for the possibility of sampling a large variety of surfaces with high spatial resolution. This type of sampling when employed in conjunction with liquid capture followed by nanoelectrospray ionization provides the opportunity for sensitive and prolonged interrogation of samples by mass spectrometry as well as the ability to analyze surfaces not amenable to direct liquid extraction. METHODS: A fully automated, reflection geometry, laser ablation liquid capture spot sampling system was achieved by incorporating appropriate laser fiber optics and a focusing lens into a commercially available, liquid extraction surface analysis (LESA ) ready Advion TriVersa NanoMate system.more » RESULTS: Under optimized conditions about 10% of laser ablated material could be captured in a droplet positioned vertically over the ablation region using the NanoMate robot controlled pipette. The sampling spot size area with this laser ablation liquid capture surface analysis (LA/LCSA) mode of operation (typically about 120 m x 160 m) was approximately 50 times smaller than that achievable by direct liquid extraction using LESA (ca. 1 mm diameter liquid extraction spot). The set-up was successfully applied for the analysis of ink on glass and paper as well as the endogenous components in Alstroemeria Yellow King flower petals. In a second mode of operation with a comparable sampling spot size, termed laser ablation/LESA , the laser system was used to drill through, penetrate, or otherwise expose material beneath a solvent resistant surface. Once drilled, LESA was effective in sampling soluble material exposed at that location on the surface. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating the capability for different laser ablation liquid capture spot sampling modes of operation into a LESA ready Advion TriVersa NanoMate enhanced the spot sampling spatial resolution of this device and broadened the surface types amenable to analysis to include absorbent and solvent resistant materials.« less

A photonic crystal hydrogel suspension array for the capture of blood cells from whole blood

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Bin; Cai, Yunlang; Shang, Luoran; Wang, Huan; Cheng, Yao; Rong, Fei; Gu, Zhongze; Zhao, Yuanjin

2016-02-01

Diagnosing hematological disorders based on the separation and detection of cells in the patient's blood is a significant challenge. We have developed a novel barcode particle-based suspension array that can simultaneously capture and detect multiple types of blood cells. The barcode particles are polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogel inverse opal microcarriers with characteristic reflection peak codes that remain stable during cell capture on their surfaces. The hydrophilic PAAm hydrogel scaffolds of the barcode particles can entrap various plasma proteins to capture different cells in the blood, with little damage to captured cells.Diagnosing hematological disorders based on the separation and detection of cells in the patient's blood is a significant challenge. We have developed a novel barcode particle-based suspension array that can simultaneously capture and detect multiple types of blood cells. The barcode particles are polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogel inverse opal microcarriers with characteristic reflection peak codes that remain stable during cell capture on their surfaces. The hydrophilic PAAm hydrogel scaffolds of the barcode particles can entrap various plasma proteins to capture different cells in the blood, with little damage to captured cells. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr06368j

Effect of capture stress on plasma enzyme activities in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bouck, G.R.; Cairns, M. A.; Christian, A. R.

1978-01-01

Four capture methods were used to collect domesticated rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri): angling, electroshocking, seining, and direct netting (control). Blood was sampled rapidly upon capture, usually within 2 min. No significant differences were noted within the time frame of the experiment between the four capture groups for plasma protein concentration, lactate dehydrogenase activity, or leucine aminonaphthylamidase activity. Creatine phosphokinase activity was elevated among electroshocked fish. Acid phosphatase activity was too low for accurate measurement. Hematocrits were significantly elevated by capture struggles. These results indicate that these capture methods do not preclude the use of plasma enzyme levels for investigating the health of wild fish. Key words: plasma enzyme, capture stress, physiology, plasma protein, rainbow trout, lactate dehydrogenase, leucine aminonaphthylamidase, creatine phosphokinase

Computational Sensing of Staphylococcus aureus on Contact Lenses Using 3D Imaging of Curved Surfaces and Machine Learning.

PubMed

Veli, Muhammed; Ozcan, Aydogan

2018-03-27

We present a cost-effective and portable platform based on contact lenses for noninvasively detecting Staphylococcus aureus, which is part of the human ocular microbiome and resides on the cornea and conjunctiva. Using S. aureus-specific antibodies and a surface chemistry protocol that is compatible with human tears, contact lenses are designed to specifically capture S. aureus. After the bacteria capture on the lens and right before its imaging, the captured bacteria are tagged with surface-functionalized polystyrene microparticles. These microbeads provide sufficient signal-to-noise ratio for the quantification of the captured bacteria on the contact lens, without any fluorescent labels, by 3D imaging of the curved surface of each lens using only one hologram taken with a lens-free on-chip microscope. After the 3D surface of the contact lens is computationally reconstructed using rotational field transformations and holographic digital focusing, a machine learning algorithm is employed to automatically count the number of beads on the lens surface, revealing the count of the captured bacteria. To demonstrate its proof-of-concept, we created a field-portable and cost-effective holographic microscope, which weighs 77 g, controlled by a laptop. Using daily contact lenses that are spiked with bacteria, we demonstrated that this computational sensing platform provides a detection limit of ∼16 bacteria/μL. This contact-lens-based wearable sensor can be broadly applicable to detect various bacteria, viruses, and analytes in tears using a cost-effective and portable computational imager that might be used even at home by consumers.

SPHRINT - Printing Drug Delivery Microspheres from Polymeric Melts.

PubMed

Shpigel, Tal; Uziel, Almog; Lewitus, Dan Y

2018-06-01

This paper describes a simple, straightforward, and rapid method for producing microspheres from molten polymers by merely printing them in an inkjet-like manner onto a superoleophobic surface (microsphere printing, hence SPHRINT). Similar to 3D printing, a polymer melt is deposited onto a surface; however, in contrast to 2D or 3D printing, the surface is not wetted (i.e. exhibiting high contact angles with liquids, above 150°, due to its low surface energy), resulting in the formation of discrete spherical microspheres. In this study, microspheres were printed using polycaprolactone and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) loaded with a model active pharmaceutical ingredient-ibuprofen (IBU). The formation of microspheres was captured by high-speed imaging and was found to involve several physical phenomena characterized by non-dimensional numbers, including the thinning and breakup of highly viscous, weakly elastic filaments, which are first to be described in pure polymer melts. The resulting IBU-loaded microspheres had higher sphericity, reproducible sizes and shapes, and superior drug encapsulation efficiencies with a distinctly high process yield (>95%) as compared to the conservative solvent-based methods used presently. Furthermore, the microspheres showed sustained release profiles. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Dynamic Photometric Stereo Method Using a Multi-Tap CMOS Image Sensor.

PubMed

Yoda, Takuya; Nagahara, Hajime; Taniguchi, Rin-Ichiro; Kagawa, Keiichiro; Yasutomi, Keita; Kawahito, Shoji

2018-03-05

The photometric stereo method enables estimation of surface normals from images that have been captured using different but known lighting directions. The classical photometric stereo method requires at least three images to determine the normals in a given scene. However, this method cannot be applied to dynamic scenes because it is assumed that the scene remains static while the required images are captured. In this work, we present a dynamic photometric stereo method for estimation of the surface normals in a dynamic scene. We use a multi-tap complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor to capture the input images required for the proposed photometric stereo method. This image sensor can divide the electrons from the photodiode from a single pixel into the different taps of the exposures and can thus capture multiple images under different lighting conditions with almost identical timing. We implemented a camera lighting system and created a software application to enable estimation of the normal map in real time. We also evaluated the accuracy of the estimated surface normals and demonstrated that our proposed method can estimate the surface normals of dynamic scenes.

Lectin-functionalized poly(glycidyl methacrylate)-block-poly(vinyldimethyl azlactone) surface supports for high avidity microbial capture

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hansen, Ryan R; Hinestrosa Salazar, Juan P; Shubert, Katherine R

2013-01-01

Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPS) play a critical and dynamic role in shaping the interactions between microbial community members and their local environment. The capture of targeted microbes using surface immobilized lectins that recognize specific extracellular oligosaccharide moieties offers a non-destructive method for functional characterization based on EPS content. In this report, we evaluate the use of the block co-polymer, poly(glycidyl methacrylate)-block-4,4-dimethyl-2-vinylazlactone (PGMA-b-PVDMA), as a surface support for lectin-specific microbial capture. Arrays of circular polymer supports ten micron in diameter were generated on silicon substrates to provide discrete, covalent coupling sites for Triticum vulgare and Lens culinaris lectins. These supports promoted microbemore » adhesion and colony formation in a lectin-specific manner. Silicon posts with similar topography containing only physisorbed lectins showed significantly less activity. These results demonstrate that micropatterned PGMA-b-PVDMA supports provide a unique platform for microbial capture and screening based on EPS content by combining high avidity lectin surfaces with three-dimensional topography.« less

Hidden Markov model-derived structural alphabet for proteins: the learning of protein local shapes captures sequence specificity.

PubMed

Camproux, A C; Tufféry, P

2005-08-05

Understanding and predicting protein structures depend on the complexity and the accuracy of the models used to represent them. We have recently set up a Hidden Markov Model to optimally compress protein three-dimensional conformations into a one-dimensional series of letters of a structural alphabet. Such a model learns simultaneously the shape of representative structural letters describing the local conformation and the logic of their connections, i.e. the transition matrix between the letters. Here, we move one step further and report some evidence that such a model of protein local architecture also captures some accurate amino acid features. All the letters have specific and distinct amino acid distributions. Moreover, we show that words of amino acids can have significant propensities for some letters. Perspectives point towards the prediction of the series of letters describing the structure of a protein from its amino acid sequence.

Surface modification of a gold-coated microcantilever and application in biomarker detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Binh Pham, Van; Nhat Khoa Phan, Thanh; Nguyen, Thanh Trung; Pham, Xuan Thanh Tung; Thanh Tuyen Le, Thi; Chien Dang, Mau

2015-12-01

Biosensors have been rapidly developed recently. Biological receptors, such as antibodies, must be immobilized on these sensors’ surfaces to make the sensor capable of capturing a target analyte. In this research we studied how to modify a gold-coated surface of a microcantilever, a sensor with high potential in biological and medical applications. Thiol chemistry was adapted to create a cysteamine layer on a gold surface, and subsequently glutaraldehyde was used as a cross-linking agent to react with amine groups in receptors. In order to evaluate the efficiency of immobilizing protein on an Au surface and also whether the protein retains its biological activity, horseradish peroxidase enzyme (HRP) with its activity to catalyze a reaction between 2,2‧-azino-bis [3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid] (ABTS) and {{{H}}}2{{{{O}}}2}- was used as a testing protein. The result showed that HRP was immobilized successfully on cysteamine and glutaraldehyde layers and retained its activity. The cantilever’s tip deflection was also measured, and results showed that each layer created surface stress and made the cantilever bend—in particular, the cysteamine layer induced bending as high as 6 μm. An antibody of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was immobilized on the cantilever surface, and the measurement deflection showed that the sensor responded to solution containing AFP with concentration from 100 to 500 ng ml-1.

Evaluation of bias associated with capture maps derived from nonlinear groundwater flow models

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nadler, Cara; Allander, Kip K.; Pohll, Greg; Morway, Eric D.; Naranjo, Ramon C.; Huntington, Justin

2018-01-01

The impact of groundwater withdrawal on surface water is a concern of water users and water managers, particularly in the arid western United States. Capture maps are useful tools to spatially assess the impact of groundwater pumping on water sources (e.g., streamflow depletion) and are being used more frequently for conjunctive management of surface water and groundwater. Capture maps have been derived using linear groundwater flow models and rely on the principle of superposition to demonstrate the effects of pumping in various locations on resources of interest. However, nonlinear models are often necessary to simulate head-dependent boundary conditions and unconfined aquifers. Capture maps developed using nonlinear models with the principle of superposition may over- or underestimate capture magnitude and spatial extent. This paper presents new methods for generating capture difference maps, which assess spatial effects of model nonlinearity on capture fraction sensitivity to pumping rate, and for calculating the bias associated with capture maps. The sensitivity of capture map bias to selected parameters related to model design and conceptualization for the arid western United States is explored. This study finds that the simulation of stream continuity, pumping rates, stream incision, well proximity to capture sources, aquifer hydraulic conductivity, and groundwater evapotranspiration extinction depth substantially affect capture map bias. Capture difference maps demonstrate that regions with large capture fraction differences are indicative of greater potential capture map bias. Understanding both spatial and temporal bias in capture maps derived from nonlinear groundwater flow models improves their utility and defensibility as conjunctive-use management tools.

Boron-containing amino carboxylic acid compounds and uses thereof

DOEpatents

Kabalka, George W.; Srivastava, Rajiv R.

2000-03-14

Novel compounds which are useful for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) are disclosed. The compounds comprise a stable boron-containing group and an aminocycloalkane carboxylic acid group or a boronated acyclic hydrocarbon-linked amino carboxylic acid. Methods for synthesis of the compounds and for use of the compounds in BNCT are disclosed.

Capturing the genetic makeup of the active microbiome in situ

DOE PAGES

Singer, Esther; Wagner, Michael; Woyke, Tanja

2017-06-02

More than any other technology, nucleic acid sequencing has enabled microbial ecology studies to be complemented with the data volumes necessary to capture the extent of microbial diversity and dynamics in a wide range of environments. In order to truly understand and predict environmental processes, however, the distinction between active, inactive and dead microbial cells is critical. Also, experimental designs need to be sensitive toward varying population complexity and activity, and temporal as well as spatial scales of process rates. There are a number of approaches, including single-cell techniques, which were designed to study in situ microbial activity and thatmore » have been successively coupled to nucleic acid sequencing. The exciting new discoveries regarding in situ microbial activity provide evidence that future microbial ecology studies will indispensably rely on techniques that specifically capture members of the microbiome active in the environment. Herein, we review those currently used activity-based approaches that can be directly linked to shotgun nucleic acid sequencing, evaluate their relevance to ecology studies, and discuss future directions.« less

Capturing the genetic makeup of the active microbiome in situ

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Singer, Esther; Wagner, Michael; Woyke, Tanja

More than any other technology, nucleic acid sequencing has enabled microbial ecology studies to be complemented with the data volumes necessary to capture the extent of microbial diversity and dynamics in a wide range of environments. In order to truly understand and predict environmental processes, however, the distinction between active, inactive and dead microbial cells is critical. Also, experimental designs need to be sensitive toward varying population complexity and activity, and temporal as well as spatial scales of process rates. There are a number of approaches, including single-cell techniques, which were designed to study in situ microbial activity and thatmore » have been successively coupled to nucleic acid sequencing. The exciting new discoveries regarding in situ microbial activity provide evidence that future microbial ecology studies will indispensably rely on techniques that specifically capture members of the microbiome active in the environment. Herein, we review those currently used activity-based approaches that can be directly linked to shotgun nucleic acid sequencing, evaluate their relevance to ecology studies, and discuss future directions.« less

Putative sex pheromone of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, breaks down into an attractant.

PubMed

Zanardi, Odimar Z; Volpe, Haroldo X L; Favaris, Arodi P; Silva, Weliton D; Luvizotto, Rejane A G; Magnani, Rodrigo F; Esperança, Victoria; Delfino, Jennifer Y; de Freitas, Renato; Miranda, Marcelo P; Parra, José Roberto P; Bento, José Mauricio S; Leal, Walter S

2018-01-11

Under laboratory conditions, mating activity in Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) started 4 days after emergence, peaked at day 7, and showed a clear window of activity starting 8 h into the photophase and extending through the first hour of the scotophase. We confirmed that ACP males are attracted to emanations from conspecific females. Traps loaded with a candidate compound enriched with female extract, lignoceryl acetate (24Ac), at various doses were active only after being deployed for several weeks in the field, suggesting that a degradation product, not the test compound, was the active ingredient(s). Lignocerol, a possible product of 24Ac degradation, was not active, whereas acetic acid, another possible degradation product, was found in the airborne volatile collections from lures matured under field conditions and detected in higher amounts in volatiles collected from females at the peak of mating activity than in male samples. Acetic acid elicited dose-dependent electroantennographic responses and attracted ACP males, but not females, in Y-type and 4-way olfactometers. Field tests showed that acetic acid-baited traps captured significantly more males than control traps. Surprisingly, captures of females in acetic acid-baited traps were also higher than in control traps, possibly because of physical stimuli emitted by captured males.

Surface sodium lignosulphonate-immobilized sawdust particle as an efficient adsorbent for capturing Hg2+ from aqueous solution.

PubMed

Gao, Shan; Luo, Tiantian; Zhou, Qi; Luo, Wenjun; Li, Haifeng; Jing, Luru

2018-05-01

In this work, the soluble sodium lignosulphonate (LS Na ) molecules were successfully grafted onto the surface of pine sawdust (PSD) particles to obtain an efficient adsorbent (PSD-LS) for removing Hg 2+ from wastewater. In advance, the surface of sawdust particles were carboxymethylated by chloroacetic acid, the LS Na would be anchored on the surface by a heterogeneous esterification reaction occurred between the hydroxyl of LS Na and carboxyl on PSD surface. The resultant product (PSD-LS) exhibited a good adsorption performance for Hg 2+ with adsorption capacity up to 164.77 mg/g and it was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The effects of pH, contact time, adsorption temperature and initial concentration on the adsorption of Hg 2+ were investigated. Results showed that the pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm model could describe the adsorption process better. In addition, the composite adsorbent has outstanding reusability with high and stable desorption rates under several continuous cycle. These findings suggested that PSD-LS was a potential adsorbent to remove hazardous metal ions from wastewater. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Constructing polyamidoamine dendrons from poly(poly(ethylene glycol) monomethacrylate) brushes grafted from planar silicon hydride surfaces for biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiang; Zheng, Hong-Ning; Yan, Qin; Wang, Cuie; Ma, Yin-Zhou; Tang, Yan-Chun; Xiao, Shou-Jun

2011-06-01

A facile approach was established to construct polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrons from polymer brushes of poly(poly(ethylene glycol) monomethacrylate) (Si-g-P(PEGMA-OH)) grafted from a planar silicon hydride surface. First the Si-g-P(PEGMA-OH) brushes were grown via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization with robust Si-C links on silicon surfaces. The side-chain hydroxyl groups of Si-g-P(PEGMA-OH) were chlorinated with thionyl chloride and further chlorines were substituted with amino groups of ethylenediamine, giving terminal primary amines. Borrowing the solution synthesis approach, we constructed second and third generations of PAMAM dendrons on-chip by surface-initiated alternative growth of two monomers, methyl acrylate and ethylenediamine. Two applications of silicon-based PAMAM dendrons were shown: the dense amino groups were activated via a cross-linker, N-succinimidyl-6-maleimidylhexanoate, to capture a free-thiol-carrying peptide of oxytocin and the third generation of PAMAM dendrons was used as a platform to on-chip synthesize a three amino acid peptide of Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD). The above conclusions were mainly derived from a home-built multiple transmission-reflection infrared spectroscopy, and complemented by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry.

Effective Trapping of Fruit Flies with Cultures of Metabolically Modified Acetic Acid Bacteria

PubMed Central

Ishii, Yuri; Akasaka, Naoki; Goda, Itsuko; Sakoda, Hisao

2015-01-01

Acetoin in vinegar is an attractant to fruit flies when combined with acetic acid. To make vinegar more effective in attracting fruit flies with increased acetoin production, Komagataeibacter europaeus KGMA0119 was modified by specific gene disruption of the acetohydroxyacid isomeroreductase gene (ilvC). A previously constructed mutant lacking the putative ligand-sensing region in the leucine-responsive regulatory protein (KeLrp, encoded by Kelrp) was also used. The ilvC and Kelrp disruptants (KGMA5511 and KGMA7203, respectively) produced greater amounts of acetoin (KGMA5511, 0.11%; KGMA7203, 0.13%) than the wild-type strain KGMA0119 (0.069%). KGMA7203 produced a trace amount of isobutyric acid (0.007%), but the other strains did not. These strains produced approximately equal amounts of acetic acid (0.7%). The efficiency of fruit fly attraction was investigated with cultured Drosophila melanogaster. D. melanogaster flies (approximately 1,500) were released inside a cage (2.5 m by 2.5 m by 1.5 m) and were trapped with a device containing vinegar and a sticky sheet. The flies trapped on the sticky sheet were counted. The cell-free supernatant from KGMA7203 culture captured significantly more flies (19.36 to 36.96% of released flies) than did KGMA0119 (3.25 to 11.40%) and KGMA5511 (6.87 to 21.50%) cultures. Contrastingly, a 0.7% acetic acid solution containing acetoin (0.13%) and isobutyric acid (0.007%), which mimicked the KGMA7203 supernatant, captured significantly fewer flies (0.88 to 4.57%). Furthermore, the KGMA0119 supernatant with additional acetoin (0.13%) and isobutyric acid (0.007%) captured slightly more flies than the original KGMA0119 supernatant but fewer than the KGMA7203 supernatant, suggesting that the synergistic effects of acetic acid, acetoin, isobutyric acid, and unidentified metabolites achieved the efficient fly trapping of the KGMA7203 supernatant. PMID:25595769

Development of carbon dioxide adsorbent from rice husk char

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abang, S.; Janaun, J.; Anisuzzaman, S. M.; Ikhwan, F. S.

2016-06-01

This study was mainly concerned about the development of carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorbent from rice husk (RH). Several chemical treatments were used to produce activated rice husk char (RHAC) from RH. Initially the RH was refluxed with 3M of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution, activation followed by using 0.5M of zinc chloride (ZnCl2) solution and finally acidic treatment by using 0.1M of hydrochloric acid (HCl). Then, the RHAC was functionalized by using 3-chloropropylamine hydrochloride (3-CPA) and noted as RHN. RHN samples were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Based on the SEM, the RHN sample had a large pore diameter compared to RH sample after being treated. Based on MIP data, the average pore diameter between RH and RHAC samples were increased significantly from 0.928 microns to 1.017 microns. The RHN sample also had higher total porosity (%) compared to RHAC and RH (58.45%, 47.82% and 45.57% respectively). The total specific surface area of the sample was much increasing from RHO to RHAC (29.17 m2/g and 62.94 m2/g respectively) and slightly being decreasing from RHAC to RHN (58.88 m2/g). FTIR result showed the present of weak band at 1587 cm-1 which demonstrating of the amine group present on the sample. The CO2 capture result showed that the decreasing of operating temperature can increase the breakthrough time of CO2 capture. On the contrary decreasing of CO2 gas flow rate can increase the breakthrough time of CO2 capture. The highest total amount of CO2 adsorbed was 25338.57 mg of CO2/g of RHN sample by using 100 mL/min of gas flow rate at 30oC. Based on adsorption isotherm analysis, the Freundlich isotherm was the best isotherm to describe the CO2 adsorption on the sample.

Surface acidity scales: Experimental measurements of Brønsted acidities on anatase TiO2 and comparison with coinage metal surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silbaugh, Trent L.; Boaventura, Jaime S.; Barteau, Mark A.

2016-08-01

The first quantitative surface acidity scale for Brønsted acids on a solid surface is presented through the use of titration-displacement and equilibrium experiments on anatase TiO2. Surface acidities of species on TiO2 correlated with gas phase acidities, as was previously observed in qualitative studies of Brønsted acid displacement on Ag(110), Cu(110) and Au(111). A 90% compression of the surface acidity scale relative to the gas phase was observed due to compensation from the covalent component of the conjugate base - surface bond. Adsorbed conjugate bases need not be completely anionic for correlations with gas phase acidities to hold. Positive and negative substituent effects, such as substituted fluorine and hydrocarbon sidechain dispersion interactions with the surface, may modify the surface acidity scale, in agreement with previous experimental and theoretical work on Au(111).

ROLE OF SURFACE FUNCTIONAL GROUPS IN THE CAPTURE OF ELEMENTAL MERCURY AND MERCURIC CHLORIDE BY ACTIVATED CARBONS

EPA Science Inventory

The paper discusses using a laboratory-scale, fixed bed apparatus to study the role of surface functional groups (SFGs) in the capture of mercuric chloride (HgC12) and elemental mercury (Hgo) in nitrogen (N2) prior to flue gas atmosphere studies. The study focused on two activat...

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection of DNA derived from the West Nile virus genome using magnetic capture of Raman-active gold nanoparticles

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A model paramagnetic nanoparticle (MNP) assay is demonstrated for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of DNA oligonucleotides derived from the West Nile virus (WNV) genome. Detection is based on the capture of WNV target sequences by hybridization with complementary oligonucleotide pr...

Investigation of Phase Transition-Based Tethered Systems for Small Body Sample Capture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quadrelli, Marco; Backes, Paul; Wilkie, Keats; Giersch, Lou; Quijano, Ubaldo; Scharf, Daniel; Mukherjee, Rudranarayan

2009-01-01

This paper summarizes the modeling, simulation, and testing work related to the development of technology to investigate the potential that shape memory actuation has to provide mechanically simple and affordable solutions for delivering assets to a surface and for sample capture and possible return to Earth. We investigate the structural dynamics and controllability aspects of an adaptive beam carrying an end-effector which, by changing equilibrium phases is able to actively decouple the end-effector dynamics from the spacecraft dynamics during the surface contact phase. Asset delivery and sample capture and return are at the heart of several emerging potential missions to small bodies, such as asteroids and comets, and to the surface of large bodies, such as Titan.

Modeling and Testing of Phase Transition-Based Deployable Systems for Small Body Sample Capture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quadrelli, Marco; Backes, Paul; Wilkie, Keats; Giersch, Lou; Quijano, Ubaldo; Keim, Jason; Mukherjee, Rudranarayan

2009-01-01

This paper summarizes the modeling, simulation, and testing work related to the development of technology to investigate the potential that shape memory actuation has to provide mechanically simple and affordable solutions for delivering assets to a surface and for sample capture and return. We investigate the structural dynamics and controllability aspects of an adaptive beam carrying an end-effector which, by changing equilibrium phases is able to actively decouple the end-effector dynamics from the spacecraft dynamics during the surface contact phase. Asset delivery and sample capture and return are at the heart of several emerging potential missions to small bodies, such as asteroids and comets, and to the surface of large bodies, such as Titan.

Animation control of surface motion capture.

PubMed

Tejera, Margara; Casas, Dan; Hilton, Adrian

2013-12-01

Surface motion capture (SurfCap) of actor performance from multiple view video provides reconstruction of the natural nonrigid deformation of skin and clothing. This paper introduces techniques for interactive animation control of SurfCap sequences which allow the flexibility in editing and interactive manipulation associated with existing tools for animation from skeletal motion capture (MoCap). Laplacian mesh editing is extended using a basis model learned from SurfCap sequences to constrain the surface shape to reproduce natural deformation. Three novel approaches for animation control of SurfCap sequences, which exploit the constrained Laplacian mesh editing, are introduced: 1) space–time editing for interactive sequence manipulation; 2) skeleton-driven animation to achieve natural nonrigid surface deformation; and 3) hybrid combination of skeletal MoCap driven and SurfCap sequence to extend the range of movement. These approaches are combined with high-level parametric control of SurfCap sequences in a hybrid surface and skeleton-driven animation control framework to achieve natural surface deformation with an extended range of movement by exploiting existing MoCap archives. Evaluation of each approach and the integrated animation framework are presented on real SurfCap sequences for actors performing multiple motions with a variety of clothing styles. Results demonstrate that these techniques enable flexible control for interactive animation with the natural nonrigid surface dynamics of the captured performance and provide a powerful tool to extend current SurfCap databases by incorporating new motions from MoCap sequences.

TRIC: Capturing the direct cellular targets of promoter‐bound transcriptional activators

PubMed Central

Dugan, Amanda; Pricer, Rachel; Katz, Micah

2016-01-01

Abstract Transcriptional activators coordinate the dynamic assembly of multiprotein coactivator complexes required for gene expression to occur. Here we combine the power of in vivo covalent chemical capture with p‐benzoyl‐L‐phenylalanine (Bpa), a genetically incorporated photo‐crosslinking amino acid, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to capture the direct protein interactions of the transcriptional activator VP16 with the general transcription factor TBP at the GAL1 promoter in live yeast. PMID:27213278

The effects of surface wettability on the fog and dew moisture harvesting performance on tubular surfaces

PubMed Central

Seo, Donghyun; Lee, Junghun; Lee, Choongyeop; Nam, Youngsuk

2016-01-01

The efficient water harvesting from air-laden moisture has been a subject of great interest to address world-wide water shortage issues. Recently, it has been shown that tailoring surface wettability can enhance the moisture harvesting performance. However, depending on the harvesting condition, a different conclusion has often been reported and it remains unclear what type of surface wettability would be desirable for the efficient water harvesting under the given condition. Here we compare the water harvesting performance of the surfaces with various wettability under two different harvesting conditions–dewing and fogging, and show that the different harvesting efficiency of each surface under these two conditions can be understood by considering the relative importance of the water capturing and removal efficiency of the surface. At fogging, the moisture harvesting performance is determined by the water removal efficiency of the surface with the oil-infused surfaces exhibiting the best performance. Meanwhile, at dewing, both the water capturing and removal efficiency are crucial to the harvesting performance. And well-wetting surfaces with a lower barrier to nucleation of condensates exhibit a better harvesting performance due to the increasing importance of the water capture efficiency over the water removal efficiency at dewing. PMID:27063149

A Helical Flow, Circular Microreactor For Separating and Enriching “Smart” Polymer-Antibody Capture Reagents

PubMed Central

Hoffman, John M.; Ebara, Mitsuhiro; Lai, James J.; Hoffman, Allan S.; Folch, Albert

2011-01-01

We report a mechanistic study of how flow and recirculation in a microreactor can be used to optimize the capture and release of stimuli-responsive polymer-protein reagents on stimuli-responsive polymer-grafted channel surfaces. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) was grafted to poly(dimethyl)siloxane (PDMS) channel walls, creating switchable surfaces where PNIPAAm-protein conjugates would adhere at temperatures above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and released below the LCST. A PNIPAAm-streptavidin conjugate that can capture biotinylated antibody-antigen targets was first characterized. The conjugate’s immobilization and release were limited by mass transport to and from the functionalized PNIPAAm surface. Transport and adsorption efficiencies were dependent on the aggregate size of the PNIPAAm-streptavidin conjugate above the LCST and also was dependent on whether the conjugates were heated in the presence of the stimuli-responsive surface or pre-aggregated and then flowed across the surface. As conjugate size increased, through the addition of non-conjugated PNIPAAm, recirculation and mixing were shown to markedly improve conjugate immobilization compared to diffusion alone. Under optimized conditions of flow and reagent concentrations, approximately 60% of a streptavidin conjugate bolus could be captured at the surface and subsequently successfully released. The kinetic release profile sharpness was also strongly improved with recirculation and helical mixing. Finally, the concentration of protein-polymer conjugates could be achieved by continuous conjugate flow into the heated recirculator, allowing nearly linear enrichment of the conjugate reagent from larger volumes. This capability was shown with anti-p24 HIV monoclonal antibody reagents that were enriched over 5-fold using this protocol. These studies provide insight into the mechanism of smart polymer-protein conjugate capture and release in grafted channels and show the potential of this purification and enrichment module for processing diagnostic samples. PMID:20882219

Staphylococcus aureus SdrE captures complement factor H's C-terminus via a novel ‘close, dock, lock and latch' mechanism for complement evasion

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yingjie; Wu, Minhao; Hang, Tianrong; Wang, Chengliang; Yang, Ye; Pan, Weimin; Zang, Jianye

2017-01-01

Complement factor H (CFH) is a soluble complement regulatory protein essential for the down-regulation of the alternative pathway on interaction with specific markers on the host cell surface. It recognizes the complement component 3b (C3b) and 3d (C3d) fragments in addition to self cell markers (i.e. glycosaminoglycans, sialic acid) to distinguish host cells that deserve protection from pathogens that should be eliminated. The Staphylococcus aureus surface protein serine–aspartate repeat protein E (SdrE) was previously reported to bind human CFH as an immune-evasion tactic. However, the molecular mechanism underlying SdrE–CFH-mediated immune evasion remains unknown. In the present study, we identified a novel region at CFH's C-terminus (CFH1206–1226), which binds SdrE N2 and N3 domains (SdrEN2N3) with high affinity, and determined the crystal structures of apo-SdrEN2N3 and the SdrEN2N3–CFH1206–1226 complex. Comparison of the structure of the CFH–SdrE complex with other CFH structures reveals that CFH's C-terminal tail flips from the main body to insert into the ligand-binding groove of SdrE. In addition, SdrEN2N3 adopts a ‘close’ state in the absence of CFH, which undergoes a large conformational change on CFH binding, suggesting a novel ‘close, dock, lock and latch' (CDLL) mechanism for SdrE to recognize its ligand. Our findings imply that SdrE functions as a ‘clamp' to capture CFH's C-terminal tail via a unique CDLL mechanism and sequesters CFH on the surface of S. aureus for complement evasion. PMID:28258151

Staphylococcus aureus SdrE captures complement factor H's C-terminus via a novel 'close, dock, lock and latch' mechanism for complement evasion.

PubMed

Zhang, Yingjie; Wu, Minhao; Hang, Tianrong; Wang, Chengliang; Yang, Ye; Pan, Weimin; Zang, Jianye; Zhang, Min; Zhang, Xuan

2017-05-04

Complement factor H (CFH) is a soluble complement regulatory protein essential for the down-regulation of the alternative pathway on interaction with specific markers on the host cell surface. It recognizes the complement component 3b (C3b) and 3d (C3d) fragments in addition to self cell markers (i.e. glycosaminoglycans, sialic acid) to distinguish host cells that deserve protection from pathogens that should be eliminated. The Staphylococcus aureus surface protein serine-aspartate repeat protein E (SdrE) was previously reported to bind human CFH as an immune-evasion tactic. However, the molecular mechanism underlying SdrE-CFH-mediated immune evasion remains unknown. In the present study, we identified a novel region at CFH's C-terminus (CFH 1206-1226 ), which binds SdrE N2 and N3 domains (SdrE N2N3 ) with high affinity, and determined the crystal structures of apo-SdrE N2N3 and the SdrE N2N3 -CFH 1206-1226 complex. Comparison of the structure of the CFH-SdrE complex with other CFH structures reveals that CFH's C-terminal tail flips from the main body to insert into the ligand-binding groove of SdrE. In addition, SdrE N2N3 adopts a 'close' state in the absence of CFH, which undergoes a large conformational change on CFH binding, suggesting a novel 'close, dock, lock and latch' (CDLL) mechanism for SdrE to recognize its ligand. Our findings imply that SdrE functions as a 'clamp' to capture CFH's C-terminal tail via a unique CDLL mechanism and sequesters CFH on the surface of S. aureus for complement evasion. © 2017 The Author(s).

Bioinspired Pollen-Like Hierarchical Surface for Efficient Recognition of Target Cancer Cells.

PubMed

Wang, Wenshuo; Yang, Gao; Cui, Haijun; Meng, Jingxin; Wang, Shutao; Jiang, Lei

2017-08-01

The efficient recognition and isolation of rare cancer cells holds great promise for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. In nature, pollens exploit spiky structures to realize recognition and adhesion to stigma. Herein, a bioinspired pollen-like hierarchical surface is developed by replicating the assembly of pollen grains, and efficient and specific recognition to target cancer cells is achieved. The pollen-like surface is fabricated by combining filtering-assisted assembly and soft lithography-based replication of pollen grains of wild chrysanthemum. After modification with a capture agent specific to cancer cells, the pollen-like surface enables the capture of target cancer cells with high efficiency and specificity. In addition, the pollen-like surface not only assures high viability of captured cells but also performs well in cell mixture system and at low cell density. This study represents a good example of constructing cell recognition biointerfaces inspired by pollen-stigma adhesion. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Substratum interfacial energetic effects on the attachment of marine bacteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ista, Linnea Kathryn

Biofilms represent an ancient, ubiquitous and influential form of life on earth. Biofilm formation is initiated by attachment of bacterial cells from an aqueous suspension onto a suitable attachment substratum. While in certain, well studied cases initial attachment and subsequent biofilm formation is mediated by specific ligand-receptor pairs on the bacteria and attachment substratum, in the open environment, including the ocean, it is assumed to be non-specific and mediated by processes similar to those that drive adsorption of colloids at the water-solid interface. Colloidal principles are studied to determine the molecular and physicochemical interactions involved in the attachment of the model marine bacterium, Cobetia marina to model self-assembled monolayer surfaces. In the simplest application of colloidal principles the wettability of attachment substrata, as measured by the advancing contact angle of water (theta AW) on the surface, is frequently used as an approximation for the surface tension. We demonstrate the applicability of this approach for attachment of C. marina and algal zoospores and extend it to the development of a means to control attachment and release of microorganisms by altering and tuning surface thetaAW. In many cases, however, thetaAW does not capture all the information necessary to model attachment of bacteria to attachment substrata; SAMs with similar thetaAW attach different number of bacteria. More advanced colloidal models of initial bacterial attachment have evolved over the last several decades, with the emergence of the model proposed by van Oss, Chaudhury and Good (VCG) as preeminent. The VCG model enables calculation of interfacial tensions by dividing these into two major interactions thought to be important at biointerfaces: apolar, Lifshitz-van der Waals and polar, Lewis acid-base (including hydrogen bonding) interactions. These interfacial tensions are combined to yield DeltaGadh, the free energy associated with attachment of bacteria to a substratum. We use VCG to model DeltaGadh and interfacial tensions as they relate to model bacterial attachment on SAMs that accumulate cells to different degrees. Even with the more complex interactions measured by VCG, surface energy of the attachment substratum alone was insufficient to predict attachment. VCG was then employed to model attachment of C. marina to a series of SAMs varying systematically in the number of ethylene glycol residues present in the molecule; an identical series has been previously shown to vary dramatically in the number of cells attached as a function of ethylene glycols present. Our results indicate that while VCG adequately models the interfacial tension between water and ethylene glycol SAMs in a manner that predicts bacterial attachment, DeltaGadh as calculated by VCG neither qualitatively nor quantitatively reflects the attachment data. The VCG model, thus, fails to capture specific information regarding the interactions between the attaching bacteria, water, and the SAM. We show that while hydrogen-bond accepting interactions are very well captured by this model, the ability for SAMs and bacteria to donate hydrogen bonds is not adequately described as the VCG model is currently applied. We also describe ways in which VCG fails to capture two specific biological aspects that may be important in bacterial attachment to surfaces:1.) specific interactions between molecules on the surface and bacteria and 2.) bacterial cell surface heterogeneities that may be important in differential attachment to different substrata.

Insect aquaplaning: Nepenthes pitcher plants capture prey with the peristome, a fully wettable water-lubricated anisotropic surface.

PubMed

Bohn, Holger F; Federle, Walter

2004-09-28

Pitcher plants of the genus Nepenthes have highly specialized leaves adapted to attract, capture, retain, and digest arthropod prey. Several mechanisms have been proposed for the capture of insects, ranging from slippery epicuticular wax crystals to downward-pointing lunate cells and alkaloid secretions that anesthetize insects. Here we report that perhaps the most important capture mechanism has thus far remained overlooked. It is based on special surface properties of the pitcher rim (peristome) and insect "aquaplaning." The peristome is characterized by a regular microstructure with radial ridges of smooth overlapping epidermal cells, which form a series of steps toward the pitcher inside. This surface is completely wettable by nectar secreted at the inner margin of the peristome and by rain water, so that homogenous liquid films cover the surface under humid weather conditions. Only when wet, the peristome surface is slippery for insects, so that most ant visitors become trapped. By measuring friction forces of weaver ants (Oecophylla smaragdina) on the peristome surface of Nepenthes bicalcarata, we demonstrate that the two factors preventing insect attachment to the peristome, i.e., water lubrication and anisotropic surface topography, are effective against different attachment structures of the insect tarsus. Peristome water films disrupt attachment only for the soft adhesive pads but not for the claws, whereas surface topography leads to anisotropic friction only for the claws but not for the adhesive pads. Experiments on Nepenthes alata show that the trapping mechanism of the peristome is also essential in Nepenthes species with waxy inner pitcher walls.

Self-propelled carbon nanotube based microrockets for rapid capture and isolation of circulating tumor cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banerjee, Shashwat S.; Jalota-Badhwar, Archana; Zope, Khushbu R.; Todkar, Kiran J.; Mascarenhas, Russel R.; Chate, Govind P.; Khutale, Ganesh V.; Bharde, Atul; Calderon, Marcelo; Khandare, Jayant J.

2015-05-01

Here, we report a non-invasive strategy for isolating cancer cells by autonomously propelled carbon nanotube (CNT) microrockets. H2O2-driven oxygen (O2) bubble-propelled microrockets were synthesized using CNT and Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the inner surface and covalently conjugating transferrin on the outer surface. Results show that self-propellant microrockets can specifically capture cancer cells.Here, we report a non-invasive strategy for isolating cancer cells by autonomously propelled carbon nanotube (CNT) microrockets. H2O2-driven oxygen (O2) bubble-propelled microrockets were synthesized using CNT and Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the inner surface and covalently conjugating transferrin on the outer surface. Results show that self-propellant microrockets can specifically capture cancer cells. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr01797a

Highly simplified lateral flow-based nucleic acid sample preparation and passive fluid flow control

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cary, Robert E.

2015-12-08

Highly simplified lateral flow chromatographic nucleic acid sample preparation methods, devices, and integrated systems are provided for the efficient concentration of trace samples and the removal of nucleic acid amplification inhibitors. Methods for capturing and reducing inhibitors of nucleic acid amplification reactions, such as humic acid, using polyvinylpyrrolidone treated elements of the lateral flow device are also provided. Further provided are passive fluid control methods and systems for use in lateral flow assays.

Highly simplified lateral flow-based nucleic acid sample preparation and passive fluid flow control

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cary, Robert B.

Highly simplified lateral flow chromatographic nucleic acid sample preparation methods, devices, and integrated systems are provided for the efficient concentration of trace samples and the removal of nucleic acid amplification inhibitors. Methods for capturing and reducing inhibitors of nucleic acid amplification reactions, such as humic acid, using polyvinylpyrrolidone treated elements of the lateral flow device are also provided. Further provided are passive fluid control methods and systems for use in lateral flow assays.

An efficient PEGylated liposomal nanocarrier containing cell-penetrating peptide and pH-sensitive hydrazone bond for enhancing tumor-targeted drug delivery.

PubMed

Ding, Yuan; Sun, Dan; Wang, Gui-Ling; Yang, Hong-Ge; Xu, Hai-Feng; Chen, Jian-Hua; Xie, Ying; Wang, Zhi-Qiang

2015-01-01

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) as small molecular transporters with abilities of cell penetrating, internalization, and endosomal escape have potential prospect in drug delivery systems. However, a bottleneck hampering their application is the poor specificity for cells. By utilizing the function of hydration shell of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and acid sensitivity of hydrazone bond, we constructed a kind of CPP-modified pH-sensitive PEGylated liposomes (CPPL) to improve the selectivity of these peptides for tumor targeting. In CPPL, CPP was directly attached to liposome surfaces via coupling with stearate (STR) to avoid the hindrance of PEG as a linker on the penetrating efficiency of CPP. A PEG derivative by conjugating PEG with STR via acid-degradable hydrazone bond (PEG2000-Hz-STR, PHS) was synthesized. High-performance liquid chromatography and flow cytometry demonstrated that PHS was stable at normal neutral conditions and PEG could be completely cleaved from liposome surface to expose CPP under acidic environments in tumor. An optimal CPP density on liposomes was screened to guaranty a maximum targeting efficiency on tumor cells as well as not being captured by normal cells that consequently lead to a long circulation in blood. In vitro and in vivo studies indicated, in 4 mol% CPP of lipid modified system, that CPP exerted higher efficiency on internalizing the liposomes into targeted subcellular compartments while remaining inactive and free from opsonins at a maximum extent in systemic circulation. The 4% CPPL as a drug delivery system will have great potential in the clinical application of anticancer drugs in future.

An efficient PEGylated liposomal nanocarrier containing cell-penetrating peptide and pH-sensitive hydrazone bond for enhancing tumor-targeted drug delivery

PubMed Central

Ding, Yuan; Sun, Dan; Wang, Gui-Ling; Yang, Hong-Ge; Xu, Hai-Feng; Chen, Jian-Hua; Xie, Ying; Wang, Zhi-Qiang

2015-01-01

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) as small molecular transporters with abilities of cell penetrating, internalization, and endosomal escape have potential prospect in drug delivery systems. However, a bottleneck hampering their application is the poor specificity for cells. By utilizing the function of hydration shell of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and acid sensitivity of hydrazone bond, we constructed a kind of CPP-modified pH-sensitive PEGylated liposomes (CPPL) to improve the selectivity of these peptides for tumor targeting. In CPPL, CPP was directly attached to liposome surfaces via coupling with stearate (STR) to avoid the hindrance of PEG as a linker on the penetrating efficiency of CPP. A PEG derivative by conjugating PEG with STR via acid-degradable hydrazone bond (PEG2000-Hz-STR, PHS) was synthesized. High-performance liquid chromatography and flow cytometry demonstrated that PHS was stable at normal neutral conditions and PEG could be completely cleaved from liposome surface to expose CPP under acidic environments in tumor. An optimal CPP density on liposomes was screened to guaranty a maximum targeting efficiency on tumor cells as well as not being captured by normal cells that consequently lead to a long circulation in blood. In vitro and in vivo studies indicated, in 4 mol% CPP of lipid modified system, that CPP exerted higher efficiency on internalizing the liposomes into targeted subcellular compartments while remaining inactive and free from opsonins at a maximum extent in systemic circulation. The 4% CPPL as a drug delivery system will have great potential in the clinical application of anticancer drugs in future. PMID:26491292

Enrichment of cancer cells using aptamers immobilized on a microfluidic channel

PubMed Central

Phillips, Joseph A.; Xu, Ye; Xia, Zheng

2009-01-01

This work describes the development and investigation of an aptamer modified microfluidic device that captures rare cells to achieve a rapid assay without pre-treatment of cells. To accomplish this, aptamers are first immobilized on the surface of a poly (dimethylsiloxane) microchannel, followed by pumping a mixture of cells through the device. This process permits the use of optical microscopy to measure the cell-surface density from which we calculate the percentage of cells captured as a function of cell and aptamer concentration, flow velocity, and incubation time. This aptamer-based device was demonstrated to capture target cells with > 97% purity and > 80% efficiency. Since the cell capture assay is completed within minutes and requires no pre-treatment of cells, the device promises to play a key role in the early detection and diagnosis of cancer where rare diseased cells can first be enriched and then captured for detection. PMID:19115856

Modulating the selectivity of affinity absorbents to multi-phosphopeptides by a competitive substitution strategy.

PubMed

Liu, Zheyi; Wang, Fangjun; Chen, Jin; Zhou, Ye; Zou, Hanfa

2016-08-26

Although many affinity adsorbents have been developed for phosphopeptides enrichment, high-specifically capturing the multi-phosphopeptides is still a big challenge. Here, we investigated the mechanism of phosphate ion coordination and substitution on affinity adsorbents surfaces and modulated the selectivity of affinity adsorbents to multi-phosphopeptides based on the different capability of mono- and multi-phosphopeptides in competitively substituting the pre-coordinated phosphate ions at strong acidic condition. We demonstrated both the species of pre-coordinated phosphate ions and the substituting conditions played crucial roles in modulating the enrichment selectivity to multi-phosphopeptides, and the pre-coordinated affinity materials with relative more surfaces positive charges exhibited better enrichment efficiency due to the cooperative effect of electrostatic interaction and competitive substitution. Finally, an enrichment selectivity of 85% to multi-phosphopeptides was feasibly achieved with 66% improvement in identification numbers for complex protein sample extracted from HepG2 cells. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD004252. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Imaging metal-like monoclinic phase stabilized by surface coordination effect in vanadium dioxide nanobeam

PubMed Central

Li, Zejun; Wu, Jiajing; Hu, Zhenpeng; Lin, Yue; Chen, Qi; Guo, Yuqiao; Liu, Yuhua; Zhao, Yingcheng; Peng, Jing; Chu, Wangsheng; Wu, Changzheng; Xie, Yi

2017-01-01

In correlated systems, intermediate states usually appear transiently across phase transitions even at the femtosecond scale. It therefore remains an open question how to determine these intermediate states—a critical issue for understanding the origin of their correlated behaviour. Here we report a surface coordination route to successfully stabilize and directly image an intermediate state in the metal-insulator transition of vanadium dioxide. As a prototype metal-insulator transition material, we capture an unusual metal-like monoclinic phase at room temperature that has long been predicted. Coordinate bonding of L-ascorbic acid molecules with vanadium dioxide nanobeams induces charge-carrier density reorganization and stabilizes metallic monoclinic vanadium dioxide, unravelling orbital-selective Mott correlation for gap opening of the vanadium dioxide metal–insulator transition. Our study contributes to completing phase-evolution pathways in the metal-insulator transition process, and we anticipate that coordination chemistry may be a powerful tool for engineering properties of low-dimensional correlated solids. PMID:28613281

Reduction of lunar landing fuel requirements by utilizing lunar ballistic capture.

PubMed

Johnson, Michael D; Belbruno, Edward A

2005-12-01

Ballistic lunar capture trajectories have been successfully utilized for lunar orbital missions since 1991. Recent interest in lunar landing trajectories has occurred due to a directive from President Bush to return humans to the Moon by 2015. NASA requirements for humans to return to the lunar surface include separation of crew and cargo missions, all lunar surface access, and anytime-abort to return to Earth. Such requirements are very demanding from a propellant standpoint. The subject of this paper is the application of lunar ballistic capture for the reduction of lunar landing propellant requirements. Preliminary studies of the application of weak stability boundary (WSB) trajectories and ballistic capture have shown that considerable savings in low Earth orbit (LEO) mission mass may be realized, on the order of 36% less than conventional Hohmann transfer orbit missions. Other advantages, such as reduction in launch window constraints and reduction of lunar orbit maintenance propellant requirements, have also surfaced from this study.

Comparison of three-dimensional surface-imaging systems.

PubMed

Tzou, Chieh-Han John; Artner, Nicole M; Pona, Igor; Hold, Alina; Placheta, Eva; Kropatsch, Walter G; Frey, Manfred

2014-04-01

In recent decades, three-dimensional (3D) surface-imaging technologies have gained popularity worldwide, but because most published articles that mention them are technical, clinicians often have difficulties gaining a proper understanding of them. This article aims to provide the reader with relevant information on 3D surface-imaging systems. In it, we compare the most recent technologies to reveal their differences. We have accessed five international companies with the latest technologies in 3D surface-imaging systems: 3dMD, Axisthree, Canfield, Crisalix and Dimensional Imaging (Di3D; in alphabetical order). We evaluated their technical equipment, independent validation studies and corporate backgrounds. The fastest capturing devices are the 3dMD and Di3D systems, capable of capturing images within 1.5 and 1 ms, respectively. All companies provide software for tissue modifications. Additionally, 3dMD, Canfield and Di3D can fuse computed tomography (CT)/cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images into their 3D surface-imaging data. 3dMD and Di3D provide 4D capture systems, which allow capturing the movement of a 3D surface over time. Crisalix greatly differs from the other four systems as it is purely web based and realised via cloud computing. 3D surface-imaging systems are becoming important in today's plastic surgical set-ups, taking surgeons to a new level of communication with patients, surgical planning and outcome evaluation. Technologies used in 3D surface-imaging systems and their intended field of application vary within the companies evaluated. Potential users should define their requirements and assignment of 3D surface-imaging systems in their clinical as research environment before making the final decision for purchase. Copyright © 2014 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An Electrochemical Genosensing Assay Based on Magnetic Beads and Gold Nanoparticle-Loaded Latex Microspheres for Vibrio cholerae Detection.

PubMed

Low, Kim-Fatt; Rijiravanich, Patsamon; Singh, Kirnpal Kaur Banga; Surareungchai, Werasak; Yean, Chan Yean

2015-04-01

An ultrasensitive electrochemical genosensing assay was developed for the sequence-specific detection of Vibrio cholerae DNA using magnetic beads as the biorecognition surface and gold nanoparticle-loaded latex microspheres (latex-AuNPs) as a signal-amplified hybridization tag. This biorecognition surface was prepared by immobilizing specific biotinylated capturing probes onto the streptavidin-coupled magnetic beads. Fabricating a hybridization tag capable of amplifying the electrochemical signal involved loading multiple AuNPs onto polyelectrolyte multilayer film-coated poly(styrene-co-acrylic acid) latex microspheres as carrier particles. The detection targets, single-stranded 224-bp asymmetric PCR amplicons of the V. cholerae lolB gene, were sandwich-hybridized to magnetic bead-functionalized capturing probes and fluorescein-labeled detection probes and tagged with latex-AuNPs. The subsequent electrochemical stripping analysis of chemically dissolved AuNPs loaded onto the latex microspheres allowed for the quantification of the target amplicons. The high-loading capacity of the AuNPs on the latex microspheres for sandwich-type dual-hybridization genosensing provided eminent signal amplification. The genosensing variables were optimized, and the assay specificity was demonstrated. The clinical applicability of the assay was evaluated using spiked stool specimens. The current signal responded linearly to the different V. cholerae concentrations spiked into stool specimens with a detection limit of 2 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml. The proposed latex-AuNP-based magnetogenosensing platform is promising, exhibits an effective amplification performance, and offers new opportunities for the ultrasensitive detection of other microbial pathogens.

Dust Devil Tracks

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-03-06

This image captured by NASA 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft shows dust devil tracks in Aonia Terra. As the dust devil moves along the surface it scours the dust and fine materials away, revealing the darker rocky surface below the dust. Orbit Number: 66962 Latitude: -68.8221 Longitude: 241.346 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2017-01-17 13:13 http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21501

The Dynamic Photometric Stereo Method Using a Multi-Tap CMOS Image Sensor †

PubMed Central

Yoda, Takuya; Nagahara, Hajime; Taniguchi, Rin-ichiro; Kagawa, Keiichiro; Yasutomi, Keita; Kawahito, Shoji

2018-01-01

The photometric stereo method enables estimation of surface normals from images that have been captured using different but known lighting directions. The classical photometric stereo method requires at least three images to determine the normals in a given scene. However, this method cannot be applied to dynamic scenes because it is assumed that the scene remains static while the required images are captured. In this work, we present a dynamic photometric stereo method for estimation of the surface normals in a dynamic scene. We use a multi-tap complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor to capture the input images required for the proposed photometric stereo method. This image sensor can divide the electrons from the photodiode from a single pixel into the different taps of the exposures and can thus capture multiple images under different lighting conditions with almost identical timing. We implemented a camera lighting system and created a software application to enable estimation of the normal map in real time. We also evaluated the accuracy of the estimated surface normals and demonstrated that our proposed method can estimate the surface normals of dynamic scenes. PMID:29510599

Rapid differentiation of rocky mountain spotted fever from chickenpox, measles, and enterovirus infections and bacterial meningitis by frequency-pulsed electron capture gas-liquid chromatographic analysis of sera.

PubMed Central

Brooks, J B; McDade, J E; Alley, C C

1981-01-01

Normal sera and sera from patients with Rocky Mountain spotted fever, chickenpox, enterovirus infections, measles, and Neisseria meningitidis infections were extracted with organic solvents under acidic and basic conditions and then derivatized with trichloroethanol or heptafluorobutyric anhydride-ethanol to form electron-capturing derivatives of organic acids, alcohols, and amines. The derivatives were analyzed by frequency-pulsed electron capture gas-liquid chromatography (FPEC-GLC). There were unique differences in the FPEC-GLC profiles of sera obtained from patients with these respective diseases. With Rocky Mountain spotted fever patients, typical profiles were detected as early as 1 day after onset of disease and before antibody could be detected in the serum. Rapid diagnosis of Rocky Mountain spotted fever by FPEC-GLC could permit early and effective therapy, thus preventing many deaths from this disease. PMID:7276147

40 CFR 63.4361 - How do I determine the emission capture system efficiency?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... from the web coating/printing operation surfaces they are applied to occurs within the capture system... system efficiency? 63.4361 Section 63.4361 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... emission capture system efficiency? You must use the procedures and test methods in this section to...

Students Approach to Learning and Their Use of Lecture Capture

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vajoczki, Susan; Watt, Susan; Marquis, Nick; Liao, Rose; Vine, Michelle

2011-01-01

This study examined lecture capture as a way of enhancing university education, and explored how students with different learning approaches used lecture capturing (i.e., podcasts and vodcasts). Results indicate that both deep and surface learners report increased course satisfaction and better retention of knowledge in courses with traditional…

Simulation of violent free surface flow by AMR method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Changhong; Liu, Cheng

2018-05-01

A novel CFD approach based on adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) technique is being developed for numerical simulation of violent free surface flows. CIP method is applied to the flow solver and tangent of hyperbola for interface capturing with slope weighting (THINC/SW) scheme is implemented as the free surface capturing scheme. The PETSc library is adopted to solve the linear system. The linear solver is redesigned and modified to satisfy the requirement of the AMR mesh topology. In this paper, our CFD method is outlined and newly obtained results on numerical simulation of violent free surface flows are presented.

A hybrid 3D SEM reconstruction method optimized for complex geologic material surfaces.

PubMed

Yan, Shang; Adegbule, Aderonke; Kibbey, Tohren C G

2017-08-01

Reconstruction methods are widely used to extract three-dimensional information from scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. This paper presents a new hybrid reconstruction method that combines stereoscopic reconstruction with shape-from-shading calculations to generate highly-detailed elevation maps from SEM image pairs. The method makes use of an imaged glass sphere to determine the quantitative relationship between observed intensity and angles between the beam and surface normal, and the detector and surface normal. Two specific equations are derived to make use of image intensity information in creating the final elevation map. The equations are used together, one making use of intensities in the two images, the other making use of intensities within a single image. The method is specifically designed for SEM images captured with a single secondary electron detector, and is optimized to capture maximum detail from complex natural surfaces. The method is illustrated with a complex structured abrasive material, and a rough natural sand grain. Results show that the method is capable of capturing details such as angular surface features, varying surface roughness, and surface striations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

AVOIDING PITFALLS IN THE DETERMINATION OF HALOCARBOXYLIC ACIDS: THE PHOTOCHEMISTRY OF METHYLATION

EPA Science Inventory

Haloethanoic (haloacetic) acids are formed during chlorination of drinking water and are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These compounds are normally quantified by gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD) ad the methyl esters. EPA Meth...

Engineering of PDMS Surfaces for use in Microsystems for Capture and Isolation of Complex and Biomedically Important Proteins: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor as a Model System

PubMed Central

Lowe, Aaron M.; Ozer, Byram H.; Wiepz, Gregory J.; Bertics, Paul J.; Abbott, Nicholas L.

2009-01-01

Elastomers based on poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) are promising materials for fabrication of a wide range of microanalytical systems due to their mechanical and optical properties and ease of processing. To date, however, quantitative studies that demonstrate reliable and reproducible methods for attachment of binding groups that capture complex receptor proteins of relevance to biomedical applications of PDMS microsystems have not been reported. Herein we describe methods that lead to the reproducible capture of a transmembrane protein, the human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, onto PDMS surfaces presenting covalently immobilized antibodies for EGF receptor, and subsequent isolation of the captured receptor by mechanical transfer of the receptor onto a chemically functionalized surface of a gold film for detection. This result is particularly significant because the physical properties of transmembrane proteins make this class of proteins a difficult one to analyze. We benchmark the performance of antibodies to the human EGF receptor covalently immobilized on PDMS against the performance of the same antibodies physisorbed to conventional surfaces utilized in ELISA assays through the use of EGF receptor that was 32P-radiolabeled in its autophosphorylation domain. These results reveal that two pan-reactive antibodies for the EGF receptor (H11 and 111.6) and one phosphospecific EGF receptor antibody (pY1068) capture the receptor on both PDMS and ELISA plates. When using H11 antibody to capture EGF receptor and subsequent treatment with a stripping buffer (NaOH and sodium dodecylsulfate) to isolate the receptor, the signal-to-background obtained using the PDMS surface was 82:1, exceeding the signal-to-background measured on the ELISA plate (<48:1). We also characterized the isolation of captured EGF receptor by mechanical contact of the PDMS surface with a chemically functionalized gold film. The efficiency of mechanical transfer of the transmembrane protein from the PDMS surface was found to be 75–81%. However, the transfer of non-specifically bound protein was substantially less than 75%, thus leading to the important finding that mechanical transfer of the EGF receptor leads to an approximately four-fold increase in signal-to-background from 20:1 to 88:1. The signal-to-background obtained following mechanical transfer is also better than that obtained using ELISA plates and stripping buffer (<48:1). The EGF receptor is a clinically important protein and the target of numerous anticancer agents and thus these results, when combined, provide guidance for the design of PDMS-based microanalytical systems for the capture and isolation of complex and clinically important transmembrane proteins. PMID:18651079

Engineering of PDMS surfaces for use in microsystems for capture and isolation of complex and biomedically important proteins: epidermal growth factor receptor as a model system.

PubMed

Lowe, Aaron M; Ozer, Byram H; Wiepz, Gregory J; Bertics, Paul J; Abbott, Nicholas L

2008-08-01

Elastomers based on poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) are promising materials for fabrication of a wide range of microanalytical systems due to their mechanical and optical properties and ease of processing. To date, however, quantitative studies that demonstrate reliable and reproducible methods for attachment of binding groups that capture complex receptor proteins of relevance to biomedical applications of PDMS microsystems have not been reported. Herein we describe methods that lead to the reproducible capture of a transmembrane protein, the human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, onto PDMS surfaces presenting covalently immobilized antibodies for EGF receptor, and subsequent isolation of the captured receptor by mechanical transfer of the receptor onto a chemically functionalized surface of a gold film for detection. This result is particularly significant because the physical properties of transmembrane proteins make this class of proteins a difficult one to analyze. We benchmark the performance of antibodies to the human EGF receptor covalently immobilized on PDMS against the performance of the same antibodies physisorbed to conventional surfaces utilized in ELISA assays through the use of EGF receptor that was (32)P-radiolabeled in its autophosphorylation domain. These results reveal that two pan-reactive antibodies for the EGF receptor (clones H11 and 111.6) and one phosphospecific EGF receptor antibody (clone pY1068) capture the receptor on both PDMS and ELISA plates. When using H11 antibody to capture EGF receptor and subsequent treatment with a stripping buffer (NaOH and sodium dodecylsulfate) to isolate the receptor, the signal-to-background obtained using the PDMS surface was 82 : 1, exceeding the signal-to-background measured on the ELISA plate (<48 : 1). We also characterized the isolation of captured EGF receptor by mechanical contact of the PDMS surface with a chemically functionalized gold film. The efficiency of mechanical transfer of the transmembrane protein from the PDMS surface was found to be 75-81%. However, the transfer of non-specifically bound protein was substantially less than 75%, thus leading to the important finding that mechanical transfer of the EGF receptor leads to an approximately four-fold increase in signal-to-background from 20 : 1 to 88 : 1. The signal-to-background obtained following mechanical transfer is also better than that obtained using ELISA plates and stripping buffer (<48 : 1). The EGF receptor is a clinically important protein and the target of numerous anticancer agents and thus these results, when combined, provide guidance for the design of PDMS-based microanalytical systems for the capture and isolation of complex and clinically important transmembrane proteins.

PbO2(s, plattnerite) reductive dissolution by natural organic matter: reductant and inhibitory subfractions.

PubMed

Shi, Zhi; Stone, Alan T

2009-05-15

Natural organic matter (NOM) is a diverse collection of molecules, each possessing its own reductant, complexant, and adsorption properties. Here, we are interested in the ability of NOM to bring about the reductive dissolution of Pb(IV)O2(s). Adding the coagulants FeCl3 or Al2(SO4)3 followed by membrane filtration is one way to remove a subset of NOM molecules from surface water samples. Another is to pass water samples through a granular activated carbon (GAC) column. Results from applying these treatments to Great Dismal Swamp water (DSW) and Nequasset Bog Water (NBW) can best be explained as follows: (i) GAC column treatment is more efficient at removing the NOM fraction most responsible for reductive dissolution. (ii) Coagulation/filtration, with either coagulant, is most efficient at removing a second, inhibitory fraction. Inhibition may arise from (i) adsorption at the mineral/water interface, which blocks approach of reductant molecules and (ii) a micelle-like aggregate nature, which provides hydrophobic pockets that capture reductantmolecules, again keeping them away from the mineral/water interface. Hypotheses regarding reductant and inhibitory fractions are further evaluated using representative low-molecular-weight compounds. Substituted hydroquinones are used as mimics of the reductant fraction, and malonic acid, quinic acid, trehalose, alginic acid, and polygalacturonic acid are used as mimics of the inhibitory fraction.

Layered double hydroxide intercalated with aromatic acid anions for the efficient capture of aniline from aqueous solution.

PubMed

Yu, Shujun; Wang, Xiangxue; Chen, Zhongshan; Wang, Jian; Wang, Suhua; Hayat, Tasawar; Wang, Xiangke

2017-01-05

Aniline is toxic and hard to be degraded, and thereby causes the environmental pollution seriously. Herein, a practical and green hydrothermal method was applied to fabricate terephthalic acid and pyromellitic acid intercalated layered double hydroxides (LDH) (named as TAL and PAL) for aniline efficient removal. The sorption of aniline on LDH-based materials were investigated at different experimental conditions, and the results indicated that aniline sorption on LDH, TAL and PAL were strongly dependent on pH and independent of ionic strength. The maximum sorption capacities of aniline on TAL and PAL at pH 5.0 and 293K were 90.4 and 130.0mg/g, respectively, which were significantly higher than that of aniline on LDH (52.6mg/g). Based on the BET, FTIR and XPS analysis, the higher sorption capacities of TAL and PAL were mainly due to high surface area and basal spacing as well as the abundant functional groups (e.g. -COO - ). The interactions of aniline with TAL and PAL were mainly dominated by hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions. Such a facile synthesis method, efficient removal performance and superior reusability indicated that the aromatic acid modified LDH materials had potential application for efficient treatment of organic pollutants in environmental pollution cleanup. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of a unique server-based oligonucleotide probe selection tool toward a novel biosensor for the detection of Streptococcus pyogenes.

PubMed

Nugen, Sam R; Leonard, Barbara; Baeumner, Antje J

2007-05-15

We developed a software program for the rapid selection of detection probes to be used in nucleic acid-based assays. In comparison to commercially available software packages, our program allows the addition of oligotags as required by nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) as well as automatic BLAST searches for all probe/primer pairs. We then demonstrated the usefulness of the program by designing a novel lateral flow biosensor for Streptococcus pyogenes that does not rely on amplification methods such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or NASBA to obtain low limits of detection, but instead uses multiple reporter and capture probes per target sequence and an instantaneous amplification via dye-encapsulating liposomes. These assays will decrease the detection time to just a 20 min hybridization reaction and avoid costly enzymatic gene amplification reactions. The lateral flow assay was developed quantifying the 16S rRNA from S. pyogenes by designing reporter and capture probes that specifically hybridize with the RNA and form a sandwich. DNA reporter probes were tagged with dye-encapsulating liposomes, biotinylated DNA oligonucleotides were used as capture probes. From the initial number of capture and reporter probes chosen, a combination of two capture and three reporter probes were found to provide optimal signal generation and significant enhancement over single capture/reporter probe combinations. The selectivity of the biosensor was proven by analyzing organisms closely related to S. pyogenes, such as other Streptococcus and Enterococcus species. All probes had been selected by the software program within minutes and no iterative optimization and re-design of the oligonucleotides was required which enabled a very rapid biosensor prototyping. While the sensitivity obtained with the biosensor was only 135 ng, future experiments will decrease this significantly by the addition of more reporter and capture probes for either the same rRNA or a different nucleic acid target molecule. This will lead to the possibility of detecting S. pyogenes with a rugged assay that does not require a cell culturing or gene amplification step and will therefore enable rapid, specific and sensitive onsite testing.

Potential use of fatty acid profiles of the adductor muscle of cockles (Cerastoderma edule) for traceability of collection site

PubMed Central

Ricardo, Fernando; Pimentel, Tânia; Moreira, Ana S. P.; Rey, Felisa; Coimbra, Manuel A.; Rosário Domingues, M.; Domingues, Pedro; Costa Leal, Miguel; Calado, Ricardo

2015-01-01

Geographic traceability of seafood is key for controlling its quality and safeguarding consumers’ interest. The present study assessed if the fatty acid (FA) profile of the adductor muscle (AM) of fresh cockles (Cerastoderma edule) can be used to discriminate the origin of specimens collected in different bivalve capture/production areas legally defined within a coastal lagoon. Results suggest that this biochemical approach holds the potential to trace sampling locations with a spatial resolution <10 Km, even for areas with identical classification for bivalve production. Cockles further away from the inlet, i.e. in areas exposed to a higher saline variation, exhibited lower levels of saturated fatty acids, which are key for stabilizing the bilayer structure of cell membranes, and a higher percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which enhance bilayer fluidity. Results suggest that the structural nature of the lipids present in the AM provides a stable fatty acid signature and holds potential for tracing the origin of bivalves to their capture/production areas. PMID:26084395

Comparative study on antibody immobilization strategies for efficient circulating tumor cell capture.

PubMed

Ates, Hatice Ceren; Ozgur, Ebru; Kulah, Haluk

2018-03-23

Methods for isolation and quantification of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are attracting more attention every day, as the data for their unprecedented clinical utility continue to grow. However, the challenge is that CTCs are extremely rare (as low as 1 in a billion of blood cells) and a highly sensitive and specific technology is required to isolate CTCs from blood cells. Methods utilizing microfluidic systems for immunoaffinity-based CTC capture are preferred, especially when purity is the prime requirement. However, antibody immobilization strategy significantly affects the efficiency of such systems. In this study, two covalent and two bioaffinity antibody immobilization methods were assessed with respect to their CTC capture efficiency and selectivity, using an anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) as the capture antibody. Surface functionalization was realized on plain SiO 2 surfaces, as well as in microfluidic channels. Surfaces functionalized with different antibody immobilization methods are physically and chemically characterized at each step of functionalization. MCF-7 breast cancer and CCRF-CEM acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines were used as EpCAM positive and negative cell models, respectively, to assess CTC capture efficiency and selectivity. Comparisons reveal that bioaffinity based antibody immobilization involving streptavidin attachment with glutaraldehyde linker gave the highest cell capture efficiency. On the other hand, a covalent antibody immobilization method involving direct antibody binding by N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC)-N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) reaction was found to be more time and cost efficient with a similar cell capture efficiency. All methods provided very high selectivity for CTCs with EpCAM expression. It was also demonstrated that antibody immobilization via EDC-NHS reaction in a microfluidic channel leads to high capture efficiency and selectivity.

Ultra-fast electron capture by electrosterically-stabilized gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Ghandi, Khashayar; Findlater, Alexander D; Mahimwalla, Zahid; MacNeil, Connor S; Awoonor-Williams, Ernest; Zahariev, Federico; Gordon, Mark S

2015-07-21

Ultra-fast pre-solvated electron capture has been observed for aqueous solutions of room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) surface-stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs; ∼9 nm). The extraordinarily large inverse temperature dependent rate constants (k(e)∼ 5 × 10(14) M(-1) s(-1)) measured for the capture of electrons in solution suggest electron capture by the AuNP surface that is on the timescale of, and therefore in competition with, electron solvation and electron-cation recombination reactions. The observed electron transfer rates challenge the conventional notion that radiation induced biological damage would be enhanced in the presence of AuNPs. On the contrary, AuNPs stabilized by non-covalently bonded ligands demonstrate the potential to quench radiation-induced electrons, indicating potential applications in fields ranging from radiation therapy to heterogeneous catalysis.

Surface imprinting on nano-TiO2 as sacrificial material for the preparation of hollow chlorogenic acid imprinted polymer and its recognition behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hui; Li, Gui; Li, Zhiping; Lu, Cuimei; Li, Yanan; Tan, Xianzhou

2013-01-01

Surface imprinting chlorogenic acid (CGA) on nano-TiO2 particles as sacrificial support material was successfully performed by using 4-vinylpyridine (4-VP) as functional monomer to obtain a hollow CGA-imprinted polymer (H-MIP1). Fourier transmission infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized for structurally characterizing the polymers obtained and adsorption dynamics and thermodynamic behavior investigated according to different models. Binding selectivity, adsorption capacity and the reusability for this H-MIP1 were also evaluated. This hollow CGA imprinted polymer shows rapid binding dynamics and higher binding capability toward the template molecules. The pseudo first-order kinetic model was shown best to describe the binding process of CGA on the H-MIP1 and Langmuir isotherm model best to fit the experimental adsorption isotherm data. Through adsorption isotherms at different temperatures, thermodynamic parameter values were obtained. Selectivity coefficients for the H-MIP1 toward the template were 2.209, 3.213, 1.746 and 2.353 relative to CA, VA, PCA and GA, respectively. This H-MIP1 was also indicated with a good imprint effect and a high capability to capture CGA from methanol extract of Eucommia ulmoides (E. ulmoides) leaves. Additionally, a good reusability for this imprinted polymer was exhibited during repeated adsorption-desorption use.

Quantitative SERS Detection of Dopamine in Cerebrospinal Fluid by Dual-Recognition-Induced Hot Spot Generation.

PubMed

Zhang, Kun; Liu, Yu; Wang, Yuning; Zhang, Ren; Liu, Jiangang; Wei, Jia; Qian, Hufei; Qian, Kun; Chen, Ruoping; Liu, Baohong

2018-05-09

Reliable profiling of the extracellular dopamine (DA) concentration in the central nervous system is essential for a deep understanding of its biological and pathological functions. However, quantitative determination of this neurotransmitter remains a challenge because of the extremely low concentration of DA in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients. Herein, on the basis of the specific recognition of boronate toward diol and N-hydroxysuccinimide ester toward the amine group, a simple and highly sensitive strategy was presented for DA detection by using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy as a signal readout. This was realized by first immobilizing 3,3'-dithiodipropionic acid di( N-hydroxysuccinimide ester) on gold thin film surfaces to capture DA, followed by introducing 3-mercaptophenylboronic acid (3-MPBA)-functionalized silver nanoparticles to generate numerous plasmonic "hot spots" with the nanoparticle-on-mirror geometry. Such a dual-recognition mechanism not only avoids complicated bioelement-based manipulations but also efficiently decreases the background signal. With the direct use of the recognition probe 3-MPBA as a Raman reporter, the "signal-on" SERS method was employed to quantify the concentration of DA from 1 pM to 1 μM with a detection limit of 0.3 pM. Moreover, our dual-recognition-directed SERS assay exhibited a high resistance to cerebral interference and was successfully applied to monitoring of DA in CSF samples of patients.

Photoelectron resonance capture ionization-aerosol mass spectrometry of the ozonolysis products of oleic acid particles: Direct measure of higher molecular weight oxygenates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zahardis, James; Lafranchi, Brian W.; Petrucci, Giuseppe A.

2005-04-01

The heterogeneous reaction of particle-phase 9-octadecenoic acid (oleic acid) and gas-phase ozone in a flow reactor was studied by photoelectron resonance capture ionization (PERCI) mass spectrometry. This soft ionization technique facilitated one of the first simultaneous, direct observations of all four of the major products predicted for this reaction: nonanal, nonanoic acid, 9-oxononanoic acid, and azelaic acid. In addition, a series of higher molecular weight oxygenated compounds were observed directly for the first time. The proposed structures are all cyclic oxygenates and contain the oxygen-oxygen moiety, including secondary ozonides and cyclic geminal diperoxides. Mechanisms for the formation of these products are proposed. The mechanisms are generally 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions that lead to five- and six-member oxygen-containing rings. The mechanisms are shown to involve short-lived Criegee intermediates reacting with aldehydes and other Criegee intermediates. Atmospheric implications of these higher molecular weight compounds are suggested and include enhancing the fatty acid medium's capacity to act as a source of radicals due to the prominence of the peroxide moiety. The low volatility coupled with the high polarity of these compounds may alter particle phase hygroscopicity that can enhance the cloud condensation nuclei properties of these particles.

Nucleic acid purification from plants, animals and microbes in under 30 seconds

PubMed Central

Zou, Yiping; Wang, Yuling; Wee, Eugene; Turni, Conny; Blackall, Patrick J.; Trau, Matt; Botella, Jose Ramon

2017-01-01

Nucleic acid amplification is a powerful molecular biology tool, although its use outside the modern laboratory environment is limited due to the relatively cumbersome methods required to extract nucleic acids from biological samples. To address this issue, we investigated a variety of materials for their suitability for nucleic acid capture and purification. We report here that untreated cellulose-based paper can rapidly capture nucleic acids within seconds and retain them during a single washing step, while contaminants present in complex biological samples are quickly removed. Building on this knowledge, we have successfully created an equipment-free nucleic acid extraction dipstick methodology that can obtain amplification-ready DNA and RNA from plants, animals, and microbes from difficult biological samples such as blood and leaves from adult trees in less than 30 seconds. The simplicity and speed of this method as well as the low cost and availability of suitable materials (e.g., common paper towelling), means that nucleic acid extraction is now more accessible and affordable for researchers and the broader community. Furthermore, when combined with recent advancements in isothermal amplification and naked eye DNA visualization techniques, the dipstick extraction technology makes performing molecular diagnostic assays achievable in limited resource settings including university and high school classrooms, field-based environments, and developing countries. PMID:29161268

SERS detection of indirect viral DNA capture using colloidal gold and methylene blue as a Raman label

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

An indirect capture model assay using colloidal Au nanoparticles is demonstrated for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy detection of DNA. The sequence targeted for capture is derived from the West Nile Virus (WNV) RNA genome and was selected on the basis of exhibiting minimal seco...

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Toriello, Nicholas M.; Douglas, Erik S.; Mathies, Richard A.

A microchip that performs directed capture and chemical activation of surface-modified single-cells has been developed. The cell-capture system is comprised of interdigitated gold electrodes microfabricated on a glass substrate within PDMS channels. The cell surface is labeled with thiol functional groups using endogenous RGD receptors and adhesion to exposed gold pads on the electrodes is directed by applying a driving electric potential. Multiple cell types can thus be sequentially and selectively captured on desired electrodes. Single-cell capture efficiency is optimized by varying the duration of field application. Maximum single-cell capture is attained for the 10 min trial, with 63+-9 percentmore » (n=30) of the electrode pad rows having a single cell. In activation studies, single M1WT3 CHO cells loaded with the calcium-sensitive dye fluo-4 AM were captured; exposure to the muscarinic agonist carbachol increased the fluorescence to 220+-74percent (n=79) of the original intensity. These results demonstrate the ability to direct the adhesion of selected living single cells on electrodes in a microfluidic device and to analyze their response to chemical stimuli.« less

Rationalizing and advancing the 3-MPBA SERS sandwich assay for rapid detection of bacteria in environmental and food matrices.

PubMed

Pearson, Brooke; Mills, Alexander; Tucker, Madeline; Gao, Siyue; McLandsborough, Lynne; He, Lili

2018-06-01

Bacterial foodborne illness continues to be a pressing issue in our food supply. Rapid detection methods are needed for perishable foods due to their short shelf lives and significant contribution to foodborne illness. Previously, a sensitive and reliable surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sandwich assay based on 3-mercaptophenylboronic acid (3-MBPA) as a capturer and indicator molecule was developed for rapid bacteria detection. In this study, we explored the advantages and constraints of this assay over the conventional aerobic plate count (APC) method and further developed methods for detection in real environmental and food matrices. The SERS sandwich assay was able to detect environmental bacteria in pond water and on spinach leaves at higher levels than the APC method. In addition, the SERS assay appeared to have higher sensitivity to quantify bacteria in the stationary phase. On the other hand, the APC method was more sensitive to cell viability. Finally, a method to detect bacteria in a challenging high-sugar juice matrix was developed to enhance bacteria capture. This study advanced the SERS technique for real applications in environment and food matrices. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Targeted Identification of Metastasis-associated Cell-surface Sialoglycoproteins in Prostate Cancer*

PubMed Central

Yang, Lifang; Nyalwidhe, Julius O.; Guo, Siqi; Drake, Richard R.; Semmes, O. John

2011-01-01

Covalent attachment of carbohydrates to proteins is one of the most common post-translational modifications. At the cell surface, sugar moieties of glycoproteins contribute to molecular recognition events involved in cancer metastasis. We have combined glycan metabolic labeling with mass spectrometry analysis to identify and characterize metastasis-associated cell surface sialoglycoproteins. Our model system used syngeneic prostate cancer cell lines derived from PC3 (N2, nonmetastatic, and ML2, highly metastatic). The metabolic incorporation of AC4ManNAz and subsequent specific labeling of cell surface sialylation was confirmed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Affinity isolation of the modified sialic-acid containing cell surface proteins via click chemistry was followed by SDS-PAGE separation and liquid chromatography-tandem MS analysis. We identified 324 proteins from N2 and 372 proteins of ML2. Using conservative annotation, 64 proteins (26%) from N2 and 72 proteins (29%) from ML2 were classified as extracellular or membrane-associated glycoproteins. A selective enrichment of sialoglycoproteins was confirmed. When compared with global proteomic analysis of the same cells, the proportion of identified glycoprotein and cell-surface proteins were on average threefold higher using the selective capture approach. Functional clustering of differentially expressed proteins by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that the vast majority of glycoproteins overexpressed in the metastatic ML2 subline were involved in cell motility, migration, and invasion. Our approach effectively targeted surface sialoglycoproteins and efficiently identified proteins that underlie the metastatic potential of the ML2 cells. PMID:21447706

Targeted identification of metastasis-associated cell-surface sialoglycoproteins in prostate cancer.

PubMed

Yang, Lifang; Nyalwidhe, Julius O; Guo, Siqi; Drake, Richard R; Semmes, O John

2011-06-01

Covalent attachment of carbohydrates to proteins is one of the most common post-translational modifications. At the cell surface, sugar moieties of glycoproteins contribute to molecular recognition events involved in cancer metastasis. We have combined glycan metabolic labeling with mass spectrometry analysis to identify and characterize metastasis-associated cell surface sialoglycoproteins. Our model system used syngeneic prostate cancer cell lines derived from PC3 (N2, nonmetastatic, and ML2, highly metastatic). The metabolic incorporation of AC(4)ManNAz and subsequent specific labeling of cell surface sialylation was confirmed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Affinity isolation of the modified sialic-acid containing cell surface proteins via click chemistry was followed by SDS-PAGE separation and liquid chromatography-tandem MS analysis. We identified 324 proteins from N2 and 372 proteins of ML2. Using conservative annotation, 64 proteins (26%) from N2 and 72 proteins (29%) from ML2 were classified as extracellular or membrane-associated glycoproteins. A selective enrichment of sialoglycoproteins was confirmed. When compared with global proteomic analysis of the same cells, the proportion of identified glycoprotein and cell-surface proteins were on average threefold higher using the selective capture approach. Functional clustering of differentially expressed proteins by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that the vast majority of glycoproteins overexpressed in the metastatic ML2 subline were involved in cell motility, migration, and invasion. Our approach effectively targeted surface sialoglycoproteins and efficiently identified proteins that underlie the metastatic potential of the ML2 cells.

Distribution of Captured Planetesimals in Circumplanetary Gas Disks and Implications for Accretion of Regular Satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suetsugu, Ryo; Ohtsuki, Keiji

2017-04-01

Regular satellites of giant planets are formed by accretion of solid bodies in circumplanetary disks. Planetesimals that are moving on heliocentric orbits and are sufficiently large to be decoupled from the flow of the protoplanetary gas disk can be captured by gas drag from the circumplanetary disk. In the present work, we examine the distribution of captured planetesimals in circumplanetary disks using orbital integrations. We find that the number of captured planetesimals reaches an equilibrium state as a balance between continuous capture and orbital decay into the planet. The number of planetesimals captured into retrograde orbits is much smaller than that into prograde orbits, because the former experience a strong headwind and spiral into the planet rapidly. We find that the surface number density of planetesimals at the current radial location of regular satellites can be significantly enhanced by gas drag capture, depending on the velocity dispersions of the planetesimals and the width of the gap in the protoplanetary disk. Using a simple model, we examine the ratio of the surface densities of dust and captured planetesimals in the circumplanetary disk and find that solid material at the current location of regular satellites can be dominated by captured planetesimals when the velocity dispersion of those planetesimals is rather small and a wide gap is not formed in the protoplanetary disk. In this case, captured planetesimals in such a region can grow by mutual collision before spiraling into the planet and would contribute to the growth of regular satellites.

Enhancement of nitric oxide release and hemocompatibility by surface chirality of D-tartaric acid grafting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Honghong; Wang, Ke; Fan, Yonghong; Pan, Xiaxin; Huang, Nan; Weng, Yajun

2017-12-01

Nitric Oxide (NO) generation from endogenous NO-donors catalyzed by diselenide modified biomaterials has been reported. Here we reported surface chirality by L-tartaric acid and D-tartaric acid grafting on the outermost showed a significant impact on diselenide modified biomaterials, which modulated protein adsorption, NO release and anti-platelet adhesion properties. D-tartaric acid grafted surface showed more blood protein adsorption than that of L-surfaces by QCM analysis, however, ELISA analysis disclosed less fibrinogen denatured on the D surfaces. Due to the surface ratio of selenium decreasing, NO release catalyzed by L-tartaric acid grafting on the outermost significantly decreased in comparison to that of only selenocystamine immobilized surfaces. While NO release catalyzed by D-tartaric acid grafting on the outermost didn't decrease and was similar with that of selenocystamine immobilized surfaces. Surface chirality combined with NO release had synergetic effects on platelet adhesion, and it showed the lowest number of platelets adhered on the D-tartaric acid grafted surfaces. Thus surface chirality from D-tartaric acid grafting enhanced hemocompatibility of the surface in this study. Our work provides new insights into engineering novel blood contacting biomaterials by taking into account surface chirality.

Immobilization of DNA aptamers via plasma polymerized allylamine film to construct an endothelial progenitor cell-capture surface.

PubMed

Qi, Pengkai; Yan, Wei; Yang, Ying; Li, Yalong; Fan, Yi; Chen, Junying; Yang, Zhilu; Tu, Qiufen; Huang, Nan

2015-02-01

The endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) capture stent has drawn increasing attentions and become one of the most promising concepts for the next generation vascular stent. In this regard, it is of great significance to immobilize a molecule with the ability to bind EPC for rapid in vivo endothelialization with high specificity. In this work, a facile two-step method aimed at constructing a coating with specific EPC capturing aptamers is reported. The processes involves as the first-step deposition of plasma polymerized allylamine (PPAam) on a substrate to introduce amine groups, followed by the electrostatic adsorption of a 34 bases single strand DNA sequence to the PPAam surface as a second step (PPAam-DNA). Grazing incidence attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (GATR-FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the successful immobilization of the aptamers. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) real time monitoring result shows that about 175 ng/cm(2) aptamers were conjugated onto the PPAam surface. The interactions between the modified surfaces and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and murine induced EPCs derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were also investigated. It was demonstrated that PPAam-DNA samples could capture more EPCs, and present a cellular friendly surface for the proliferation of both EPCs and ECs but no effect on the hyperplasia of SMCs. Also, the co-culture results of 3 types of cells confirmed that the aptamer could specifically bond EPCs rather than ECs and SMCs, suggesting the competitive adhesion advantage of EPCs to ECs and SMCs. These data demonstrate that the EPC aptamer has large potential for designing an EPC captured stent and other vascular grafts with targeted in situ endothelialization. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Low Pt-content ternary PdCuPt nanodendrites: an efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fu, Shaofang; Zhu, Chengzhou; Song, Junhua

2017-01-01

Dendritic nanostructures are capturing increasing attentions in electrocatalysis owing to their unique structural features and low density. Herein, we report for the first time bromide ions mediated synthesis of low-Pt-content PdCuPt ternary nanodendrites via galvanic replacement reaction between Pt precursor and PdCu template in aqueous solution. The experimental results show that the ternary PdCuPt nanodendrites present enhanced electrocatalytic performance for oxygen reduction reaction in acid solution compared with commercial Pt/C as well as some state-of-the-art catalysts. In details, the mass activity of the PdCuPt catalyst with optimized composition is 1.73 A/mgPt at 0.85 V vs RHE, which is 14 timesmore » higher than that of commercial Pt/C catalyst. Moreover, the long-term stability test demonstrates its better durability in acid solution. After 5k cycles, there is still 70% electrochemical surface area maintained. This method provides an efficient way to synthesize trimetallic alloys with controllable composition and specific structure for oxygen reduction reaction.« less

Study of noninvasive detection of latent fingerprints using UV laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hong-xia; Cao, Jing; Niu, Jie-qing; Huang, Yun-gang; Mao, Lin-jie; Chen, Jing-rong

2011-06-01

Latent fingerprints present a considerable challenge in forensics, and noninvasive procedure that captures a digital image of the latent fingerprints is significant in the field of criminal investigation. The capability of photography technologies using 266nm UV Nd:YAG solid state laser as excitation light source to provide detailed images of unprocessed latent fingerprints is demonstrated. Unprocessed latent fingerprints were developed on various non-absorbent and absorbing substrates. According to the special absorption, reflection, scattering and fluorescence characterization of the various residues in fingerprints (fatty acid ester, protein, and carbosylic acid salts etc) to the UV light to weaken or eliminate the background disturbance and increase the brightness contrast of fingerprints with the background, and using 266nm UV laser as excitation light source, fresh and old latent fingerprints on the surface of four types of non-absorbent objects as magazine cover, glass, back of cellphone, wood desktop paintwork and two types of absorbing objects as manila envelope, notebook paper were noninvasive detected and appeared through reflection photography and fluorescence photography technologies, and the results meet the fingerprint identification requirements in forensic science.

Stable Aluminum Metal-Organic Frameworks (Al-MOFs) for Balanced CO2 and Water Selectivity.

PubMed

Li, Haiwei; Feng, Xiao; Ma, Dou; Zhang, Mengxi; Zhang, Yuanyuan; Liu, Yi; Zhang, Jinwei; Wang, Bo

2018-01-31

Three new Al-MOFs in the formation of [Al 4 (OH) 2 (OCH 3 ) 4 (OH-BDC) 3 ]·xH 2 O (BIT-72), [Al 4 (OH) 2 (OCH 3 ) 4 (CH 3 -BDC) 3 ]·xH 2 O (BIT-73) and {Al 4 (OH) 2 (OCH 3 ) 4 [(CH 3 ) 2 -BDC] 3 }·xH 2 O (BIT-74) have been synthesized by assembling Al 3+ ion with terephthalic acid ions decorated with monohydroxyl, monomethyl or dimethyl groups, respectively. All of these three MOFs exhibit high stability in boiling water and acidic conditions. Among them, BIT-72 shows the highest surface area of 1618 m 2 ·g -1 and IAST CO 2 /N 2 selectivity of 48, while BIT-73 and BIT-74 present moderate IAST CO 2 /N 2 selectivity and much lower H 2 O capacity below P/P 0 = 0.3. The high CO 2 /N 2 selectivity together with alleviative H 2 O sorption at low water relative pressure may provide promising potential in postcombustion CO 2 capture.

Porous multi-component material for the capture and separation of species of interest

DOEpatents

Addleman, Raymond S.; Chouyyok, Wilaiwan; Li, Xiaohong S.; Cinson, Anthony D.; Gerasimenko, Aleksandr A

2016-06-21

A method and porous multi-component material for the capture, separation or chemical reaction of a species of interest is disclosed. The porous multi-component material includes a substrate and a composite thin film. The composite thin film is formed by combining a porous polymer with a nanostructured material. The nanostructured material may include a surface chemistry for the capture of chemicals or particles. The composite thin film is coupled to the support or device surface. The method and material provides a simple, fast, and chemically and physically benign way to integrate nanostructured materials into devices while preserving their chemical activity.

Large-scale drainage capture and surface uplift in eastern Tibet-SW China before 24 Ma inferred from sediments of the Hanoi Basin, Vietnam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clift, Peter D.; Blusztajn, Jerzy; Nguyen, Anh Duc

2006-10-01

Current models of drainage evolution suggest that the non-dendritic patterns seen in rivers in SE Asia reflect progressive capture of headwaters away from the Red River during and as a result of surface uplift of Eastern Asia. Mass balancing of eroded and deposited rock volumes demonstrates that the Red River catchment must have been much larger in the past. In addition, the Nd isotope composition of sediments from the Hanoi Basin, Vietnam, interpreted as paleo-Red River sediments, shows rapid change during the Oligocene, before ~24 Ma. We interpret this change to reflect large-scale drainage capture away from the Red River, possibly involving loss of the middle Yangtze River. Reorganization was triggered by regional tilting of the region towards the east. This study constrains initial surface uplift in eastern Tibet and southwestern China to be no later than 24 Ma, well before major surface uplift and gorge incision after 13 Ma.

A new hue capturing technique for the quantitative interpretation of liquid crystal images used in convective heat transfer studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Camci, C.; Kim, K.; Hippensteele, S. A.

1992-01-01

A new image processing based color capturing technique for the quantitative interpretation of liquid crystal images used in convective heat transfer studies is presented. This method is highly applicable to the surfaces exposed to convective heating in gas turbine engines. It is shown that, in the single-crystal mode, many of the colors appearing on the heat transfer surface correlate strongly with the local temperature. A very accurate quantitative approach using an experimentally determined linear hue vs temperature relation is found to be possible. The new hue-capturing process is discussed in terms of the strength of the light source illuminating the heat transfer surface, the effect of the orientation of the illuminating source with respect to the surface, crystal layer uniformity, and the repeatability of the process. The present method is more advantageous than the multiple filter method because of its ability to generate many isotherms simultaneously from a single-crystal image at a high resolution in a very time-efficient manner.

Many-body dispersion effects in the binding of adsorbates on metal surfaces

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Maurer, Reinhard J.; Ruiz, Victor G.; Tkatchenko, Alexandre

2015-09-14

A correct description of electronic exchange and correlation effects for molecules in contact with extended (metal) surfaces is a challenging task for first-principles modeling. In this work, we demonstrate the importance of collective van der Waals dispersion effects beyond the pairwise approximation for organic–inorganic systems on the example of atoms, molecules, and nanostructures adsorbed on metals. We use the recently developed many-body dispersion (MBD) approach in the context of density-functional theory [Tkatchenko et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 236402 (2012) and Ambrosetti et al., J. Chem. Phys. 140, 18A508 (2014)] and assess its ability to correctly describe the binding ofmore » adsorbates on metal surfaces. We briefly review the MBD method and highlight its similarities to quantum-chemical approaches to electron correlation in a quasiparticle picture. In particular, we study the binding properties of xenon, 3,4,9,10-perylene-tetracarboxylic acid, and a graphene sheet adsorbed on the Ag(111) surface. Accounting for MBD effects, we are able to describe changes in the anisotropic polarizability tensor, improve the description of adsorbate vibrations, and correctly capture the adsorbate–surface interaction screening. Comparison to other methods and experiment reveals that inclusion of MBD effects improves adsorption energies and geometries, by reducing the overbinding typically found in pairwise additive dispersion-correction approaches.« less

Poly(amidoamine) dendrimer-enabled simultaneous stabilization and functionalization of electrospun poly(γ-glutamic acid) nanofibers.

PubMed

Wang, Shige; Zhu, Jingyi; Shen, Mingwu; Zhu, Meifang; Shi, Xiangyang

2014-02-12

We report a facile and general approach to using generation 2 (G2) poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers for simultaneous stabilization and functionalization of electrospun poly(γ-glutamic acid) nanofibers (γ-PGA NFs). In this study, uniform γ-PGA NFs with a smooth morphology were generated using electrospinning technology. In order to endow the NFs with good water stability, amine-terminated G2.NH2 PAMAM dendrimers were utilized to crosslink the γ-PGA NFs via 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylami-nopropyl) carbodiimide coupling chemistry. Under the optimized crosslinking conditions, G2.NH2 dendrimers partially modified with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FI) or folic acid (FA) were used to crosslink γ-PGA NFs. Our results reveal that G2.NH2-FI is able to simultaneously render the NFs with good water stability and fluorescence property, while G2.NH2-FA is able to simultaneously endow the NFs with water stability and the ability to capture FA receptor-overexpressing cancer cells in vitro via ligand-receptor interaction. With the tunable dendrimer surface chemistry, multifunctional water-stable γ-PGA-based NFs may be generated via a dendrimer crosslinking approach, thereby providing diverse applications in the areas of biosensing, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and environmental sciences.

Tilted pillar array fabrication by the combination of proton beam writing and soft lithography for microfluidic cell capture: Part 1 Design and feasibility.

PubMed

Rajta, Istvan; Huszánk, Robert; Szabó, Atilla T T; Nagy, Gyula U L; Szilasi, Szabolcs; Fürjes, Peter; Holczer, Eszter; Fekete, Zoltan; Járvás, Gabor; Szigeti, Marton; Hajba, Laszlo; Bodnár, Judit; Guttman, Andras

2016-02-01

Design, fabrication, integration, and feasibility test results of a novel microfluidic cell capture device is presented, exploiting the advantages of proton beam writing to make lithographic irradiations under multiple target tilting angles and UV lithography to easily reproduce large area structures. A cell capture device is demonstrated with a unique doubly tilted micropillar array design for cell manipulation in microfluidic applications. Tilting the pillars increased their functional surface, therefore, enhanced fluidic interaction when special bioaffinity coating was used, and improved fluid dynamic behavior regarding cell culture injection. The proposed microstructures were capable to support adequate distribution of body fluids, such as blood, spinal fluid, etc., between the inlet and outlet of the microfluidic sample reservoirs, offering advanced cell capture capability on the functionalized surfaces. The hydrodynamic characteristics of the microfluidic systems were tested with yeast cells (similar size as red blood cells) for efficient capture. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Efficient Removal of Cationic and Anionic Radioactive Pollutants from Water Using Hydrotalcite-Based Getters.

PubMed

Bo, Arixin; Sarina, Sarina; Liu, Hongwei; Zheng, Zhanfeng; Xiao, Qi; Gu, Yuantong; Ayoko, Godwin A; Zhu, Huaiyong

2016-06-29

Hydrotalcite (HT)-based materials are usually applied to capture anionic pollutants in aqueous solutions. Generally considered anion exchangers, their ability to capture radioactive cations is rarely exploited. In the present work, we explored the ability of pristine and calcined HT getters to effectively capture radioactive cations (Sr(2+) and Ba(2+)) which can be securely stabilized at the getter surface. It is found that calcined HT outperforms its pristine counterpart in cation removal ability. Meanwhile, a novel anion removal mechanism targeting radioactive I(-) is demonstrated. This approach involves HT surface modification with silver species, namely, Ag2CO3 nanoparticles, which can attach firmly on HT surface by forming coherent interface. This HT-based anion getter can be further used to capture I(-) in aqueous solution. The observed I(-) uptake mechanism is distinctly different from the widely reported ion exchange mechanism of HT and much more efficient. As a result of the high local concentrations of precipitants on the getters, radioactive ions in water can be readily immobilized onto the getter surface by forming precipitates. The secured ionic pollutants can be subsequently removed from water by filtration or sedimentation for safe disposal. Overall, these stable, inexpensive getters are the materials of choice for removal of trace ionic pollutants from bulk radioactive liquids, especially during episodic environmental crisis.

Capture and On-chip analysis of Melanoma Cells Using Tunable Surface Shear forces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsao, Simon Chang-Hao; Vaidyanathan, Ramanathan; Dey, Shuvashis; Carrascosa, Laura G.; Christophi, Christopher; Cebon, Jonathan; Shiddiky, Muhammad J. A.; Behren, Andreas; Trau, Matt

2016-01-01

With new systemic therapies becoming available for metastatic melanoma such as BRAF and PD-1 inhibitors, there is an increasing demand for methods to assist with treatment selection and response monitoring. Quantification and characterisation of circulating melanoma cells (CMCs) has been regarded as an excellent non-invasive candidate but a sensitive and efficient tool to do these is lacking. Herein we demonstrate a microfluidic approach for melanoma cell capture and subsequent on-chip evaluation of BRAF mutation status. Our approach utilizes a recently discovered alternating current electrohydrodynamic (AC-EHD)-induced surface shear forces, referred to as nanoshearing. A key feature of nanoshearing is the ability to agitate fluid to encourage contact with surface-bound antibody for the cell capture whilst removing nonspecific cells from the surface. By adjusting the AC-EHD force to match the binding affinity of antibodies against the melanoma-associated chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (MCSP), a commonly expressed melanoma antigen, this platform achieved an average recovery of 84.7% from biological samples. Subsequent staining with anti-BRAFV600E specific antibody enabled on-chip evaluation of BRAFV600E mutation status in melanoma cells. We believe that the ability of nanoshearing-based capture to enumerate melanoma cells and subsequent on-chip characterisation has the potential as a rapid screening tool while making treatment decisions.

Adaptive projection intensity adjustment for avoiding saturation in three-dimensional shape measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chao; Gao, Nan; Wang, Xiangjun; Zhang, Zonghua

2018-03-01

Phase-based fringe projection methods have been commonly used for three-dimensional (3D) measurements. However, image saturation results in incorrect intensities in captured fringe pattern images, leading to phase and measurement errors. Existing solutions are complex. This paper proposes an adaptive projection intensity adjustment method to avoid image saturation and maintain good fringe modulation in measuring objects with a high range of surface reflectivities. The adapted fringe patterns are created using only one prior step of fringe-pattern projection and image capture. First, a set of phase-shifted fringe patterns with maximum projection intensity value of 255 and a uniform gray level pattern are projected onto the surface of an object. The patterns are reflected from and deformed by the object surface and captured by a digital camera. The best projection intensities corresponding to each saturated-pixel clusters are determined by fitting a polynomial function to transform captured intensities to projected intensities. Subsequently, the adapted fringe patterns are constructed using the best projection intensities at projector pixel coordinate. Finally, the adapted fringe patterns are projected for phase recovery and 3D shape calculation. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves high measurement accuracy even for objects with a high range of surface reflectivities.

Phase space barriers and dividing surfaces in the absence of critical points of the potential energy: Application to roaming in ozone

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mauguière, Frédéric A. L., E-mail: frederic.mauguiere@bristol.ac.uk; Collins, Peter, E-mail: peter.collins@bristol.ac.uk; Wiggins, Stephen, E-mail: stephen.wiggins@mac.com

We examine the phase space structures that govern reaction dynamics in the absence of critical points on the potential energy surface. We show that in the vicinity of hyperbolic invariant tori, it is possible to define phase space dividing surfaces that are analogous to the dividing surfaces governing transition from reactants to products near a critical point of the potential energy surface. We investigate the problem of capture of an atom by a diatomic molecule and show that a normally hyperbolic invariant manifold exists at large atom-diatom distances, away from any critical points on the potential. This normally hyperbolic invariantmore » manifold is the anchor for the construction of a dividing surface in phase space, which defines the outer or loose transition state governing capture dynamics. We present an algorithm for sampling an approximate capture dividing surface, and apply our methods to the recombination of the ozone molecule. We treat both 2 and 3 degrees of freedom models with zero total angular momentum. We have located the normally hyperbolic invariant manifold from which the orbiting (outer) transition state is constructed. This forms the basis for our analysis of trajectories for ozone in general, but with particular emphasis on the roaming trajectories.« less

40 CFR 63.4165 - How do I determine the emission capture system efficiency?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... system; coating solvent flash-off and coating, curing, and drying occurs within the capture system and... when being moved between a spray booth and a curing oven. (b) If the capture system does not meet both... surface preparation activities and drying or curing time. (c) Liquid-to-uncaptured-gas protocol using a...

Amine enriched solid sorbents for carbon dioxide capture

DOEpatents

Gray, McMahan L.; Soong, Yee; Champagne, Kenneth J.

2003-04-15

A new method for making low-cost CO.sub.2 sorbents that can be used in large-scale gas-solid processes. The new method entails treating a solid substrate with acid or base and simultaneous or subsequent treatment with a substituted amine salt. The method eliminates the need for organic solvents and polymeric materials for the preparation of CO.sub.2 capture systems.

Sulfone-stabilized carbanions for the reversible covalent capture of a posttranslationally-generated cysteine oxoform found in protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B).

PubMed

Parsons, Zachary D; Ruddraraju, Kasi Viswanatharaju; Santo, Nicholas; Gates, Kent S

2016-06-15

Redox regulation of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) involves oxidative conversion of the active site cysteine thiolate into an electrophilic sulfenyl amide residue. Reduction of the sulfenyl amide by biological thiols regenerates the native cysteine residue. Here we explored fundamental chemical reactions that may enable covalent capture of the sulfenyl amide residue in oxidized PTP1B. Various sulfone-containing carbon acids were found to react readily with a model peptide sulfenyl amide via attack of the sulfonyl carbanion on the electrophilic sulfur center in the sulfenyl amide. Both the products and the rates of these reactions were characterized. The results suggest that capture of a peptide sulfenyl amide residue by sulfone-stabilized carbanions can slow, but not completely prevent, thiol-mediated generation of the corresponding cysteine-containing peptide. Sulfone-containing carbon acids may be useful components in the construction of agents that knock down PTP1B activity in cells via transient covalent capture of the sulfenyl amide oxoform generated during insulin signaling processes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Studies on interaction of acid-treated nanotube titanic acid and amino acids].

PubMed

Zhang, Huqin; Chen, Xuemei; Jin, Zhensheng; Liao, Guangxi; Wu, Xiaoming; Du, Jianqiang; Cao, Xiang

2010-06-01

Nanotube titanic acid (NTA) has distinct optical and electrical character, and has photocatalysis character. In accordance with these qualities, NTA was treated with acid so as to enhance its surface activity. Surface structures and surface groups of acid-treated NTA were characterized and analyzed by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FT-IR). The interaction between acid-treated NTA and amino acids was investigated. Analysis results showed that the lengths of acid-treated NTA became obviously shorter. The diameters of nanotube bundles did not change obviously with acid-treating. Meanwhile, the surface of acid-treated NTA was cross-linked with carboxyl or esterfunction. In addition, acid-treated NTA can catch amino acid residues easily, and then form close combination.

Olfactory sensitivity of Pacific Lampreys to lamprey bile acids

USGS Publications Warehouse

Robinson, T. Craig; Sorensen, Peter W.; Bayer, Jennifer M.; Seelye, James G.

2009-01-01

Pacific lampreys Lampetra tridentata are in decline throughout much of their historical range in the Columbia River basin. In support of restoration efforts, we tested whether larval and adult lamprey bile acids serve as migratory and spawning pheromones in adult Pacific lampreys, as they do in sea lampreys Petromyzon marinus. The olfactory sensitivity of adult Pacific lampreys to lamprey bile acids was measured by electro-olfactogram recording from the time of their capture in the spring until their spawning in June of the following year. As controls, we tested L-arginine and a non-lamprey bile acid, taurolithocholic acid 3-sulfate (TLS). Migrating adult Pacific lampreys were highly sensitive to petromyzonol sulfate (a component of the sea lamprey migratory pheromone) and 3-keto petromyzonol sulfate (a component of the sea lamprey sex pheromone) when first captured. This sensitivity persisted throughout their long migratory and overwinter holding period before declining to nearly unmeasurable levels by the time of spawning. The absolute magnitudes of adult Pacific lamprey responses to lamprey bile acids were smaller than those of the sea lamprey, and unlike the sea lamprey, the Pacific lamprey did not appear to detect TLS. No sexual dimorphism was noted in olfactory sensitivity. Thus, Pacific lampreys are broadly similar to sea lampreys in showing sensitivity to the major lamprey bile acids but apparently differ in having a longer period of sensitivity to those acids. The potential utility of bile acid-like pheromones in the restoration of Pacific lampreys warrants their further investigation in this species.

Self-Assembly of Cis-Configured Squaraine Dyes at the TiO2-Dye Interface: Far-Red Active Dyes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

PubMed

Punitharasu, Vellimalai; Mele Kavungathodi, Munavvar Fairoos; Nithyanandhan, Jayaraj

2018-05-16

To synergize both steric and electronic factors in designing the dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells, a series of cis-configured unsymmetrical squaraine dyes P11-P15 with suitably functionalized alkyl groups and squaric acid units containing the electron-withdrawing groups were synthesized, respectively. These dyes capture the importance of (i) the effect and position of branched alkyl groups, (ii) mono- and di-anchoring groups containing dyes, and (iii) further appending the alkyl groups through the cyanoester vinyl unit on the central squaric acid units of D-A-D-based cis-configured squaraine dyes. All the above factors govern the controlled self-assembly of the dyes on the TiO 2 surface which helps to broaden the absorption profile of the dyes with an increased energy-harvesting process. With respect to the position of the branched alkyl groups, dye P11 with the sp 3 -C and N-alkyl groups away from the TiO 2 surface showed a better device efficiency of 5.98% ( J sc of 14.46 mA cm -2 , V oc of 0.576 V, and ff of 71.8%) than its positional isomer P12 with 3.45% ( J sc of 8.78 mA cm -2 , V oc of 0.554 V, and ff of 70.9%). However, with respect to the dyes containing mono- and di-anchoring groups, P13 with two anchoring units exhibited a superior device performance of 7.58% ( J sc of 17.12 mA cm -2 , V oc of 0.618 V, and ff of 71.7%) in the presence of optically transparent co-adsorbent CDCA (3α,7α-dihydroxy-5β-cholanic acid) than dyes P11 and P12.

Mesostructured nanomagnetic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) incorporated with dithiol organic anchors for multiple pollutants capturing in wastewater.

PubMed

He, Hai-Bo; Li, Bin; Dong, Jun-Ping; Lei, Yun-Yi; Wang, Tian-Lin; Yu, Qiong-Wei; Feng, Yu-Qi; Sun, You-Bao

2013-08-28

A functionalizable organosiliceous hybrid magnetic material was facilely constructed by surface polymerization of octavinyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) on the Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The resultant Fe3O4@POSS was identified as a mesoporous architecture with an average particle diameter of 20 nm and high specific surface area up to 653.59 m(2) g(-1). After it was tethered with an organic chain containing dithiol via thiol-ene addition reaction, the ultimate material (Fe3O4@POSS-SH) still have moderate specific area (224.20 m(2) g(-1)) with almost identical porous morphology. It turns out to be a convenient, efficient single adsorbent for simultaneous elimination of inorganic heavy metal ions and organic dyes in simulate multicomponent wastewater at ambient temperature. The Fe3O4@POSS-SH nanoparticles can be readily withdrawn from aqueous solutions within a few seconds under moderate magnetic field and exhibit good stability in strong acid and alkaline aqueous matrices. Contaminants-loaded Fe3O4@POSS-SH can be easily regenerated with either methanol-acetic acid (for organic dyes) or hydrochloric acid (for heavy metal ions) under ultrasonication. The renewed one keeps appreciable adsorption capability toward both heavy metal ions and organic dyes, the removal rate for any of the pollutants exceeds 92% to simulate wastewater with multiple pollutants after repeated use for 5 cycles. Beyond the environmental remediation function, thanks to the pendant vinyl groups, the Fe3O4@POSS derived materials rationally integrating distinct or versatile functions could be envisaged and consequently a wide variety of applications may emerge.

Exploring new topography-based subgrid spatial structures for improving land surface modeling

DOE PAGES

Tesfa, Teklu K.; Leung, Lai-Yung Ruby

2017-02-22

Topography plays an important role in land surface processes through its influence on atmospheric forcing, soil and vegetation properties, and river network topology and drainage area. Land surface models with a spatial structure that captures spatial heterogeneity, which is directly affected by topography, may improve the representation of land surface processes. Previous studies found that land surface modeling, using subbasins instead of structured grids as computational units, improves the scalability of simulated runoff and streamflow processes. In this study, new land surface spatial structures are explored by further dividing subbasins into subgrid structures based on topographic properties, including surface elevation,more » slope and aspect. Two methods (local and global) of watershed discretization are applied to derive two types of subgrid structures (geo-located and non-geo-located) over the topographically diverse Columbia River basin in the northwestern United States. In the global method, a fixed elevation classification scheme is used to discretize subbasins. The local method utilizes concepts of hypsometric analysis to discretize each subbasin, using different elevation ranges that also naturally account for slope variations. The relative merits of the two methods and subgrid structures are investigated for their ability to capture topographic heterogeneity and the implications of this on representations of atmospheric forcing and land cover spatial patterns. Results showed that the local method reduces the standard deviation (SD) of subgrid surface elevation in the study domain by 17 to 19 % compared to the global method, highlighting the relative advantages of the local method for capturing subgrid topographic variations. The comparison between the two types of subgrid structures showed that the non-geo-located subgrid structures are more consistent across different area threshold values than the geo-located subgrid structures. Altogether the local method and non-geo-located subgrid structures effectively and robustly capture topographic, climatic and vegetation variability, which is important for land surface modeling.« less

Exploring new topography-based subgrid spatial structures for improving land surface modeling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tesfa, Teklu K.; Leung, Lai-Yung Ruby

Topography plays an important role in land surface processes through its influence on atmospheric forcing, soil and vegetation properties, and river network topology and drainage area. Land surface models with a spatial structure that captures spatial heterogeneity, which is directly affected by topography, may improve the representation of land surface processes. Previous studies found that land surface modeling, using subbasins instead of structured grids as computational units, improves the scalability of simulated runoff and streamflow processes. In this study, new land surface spatial structures are explored by further dividing subbasins into subgrid structures based on topographic properties, including surface elevation,more » slope and aspect. Two methods (local and global) of watershed discretization are applied to derive two types of subgrid structures (geo-located and non-geo-located) over the topographically diverse Columbia River basin in the northwestern United States. In the global method, a fixed elevation classification scheme is used to discretize subbasins. The local method utilizes concepts of hypsometric analysis to discretize each subbasin, using different elevation ranges that also naturally account for slope variations. The relative merits of the two methods and subgrid structures are investigated for their ability to capture topographic heterogeneity and the implications of this on representations of atmospheric forcing and land cover spatial patterns. Results showed that the local method reduces the standard deviation (SD) of subgrid surface elevation in the study domain by 17 to 19 % compared to the global method, highlighting the relative advantages of the local method for capturing subgrid topographic variations. The comparison between the two types of subgrid structures showed that the non-geo-located subgrid structures are more consistent across different area threshold values than the geo-located subgrid structures. Altogether the local method and non-geo-located subgrid structures effectively and robustly capture topographic, climatic and vegetation variability, which is important for land surface modeling.« less

Mercury capture by selected Bulgarian fly ashes: Influence of coal rank and fly ash carbon pore structure on capture efficiency

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kostova, I.J.; Hower, J.C.; Mastalerz, Maria; Vassilev, S.V.

2011-01-01

Mercury capture by fly ash C was investigated at five lignite- and subbituminous-coal-burning Bulgarian power plants (Republika, Bobov Dol, Maritza East 2, Maritza East 3, and Sliven). Although the C content of the ashes is low, never exceeding 1.6%, the Hg capture on a unit C basis demonstrates that the low-rank-coal-derived fly ash carbons are more efficient in capturing Hg than fly ash carbons from bituminous-fired power plants. While some low-C and low-Hg fly ashes do not reveal any trends of Hg versus C, the 2nd and, in particular, the 3rd electrostatic precipitator (ESP) rows at the Republika power plant do have sufficient fly ash C range and experience flue gas sufficiently cool to capture measurable amounts of Hg. The Republika 3rd ESP row exhibits an increase in Hg with increasing C, as observed in other power plants, for example, in Kentucky power plants burning Appalachian-sourced bituminous coals. Mercury/C decreases with an increase in fly ash C, suggesting that some of the C is isolated from the flue gas stream and does not contribute to Hg capture. Mercury capture increases with an increase in Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area and micropore surface area. The differences in Hg capture between the Bulgarian plants burning low-rank coal and high volatile bituminous-fed Kentucky power plants suggests that the variations in C forms resulting from the combustion of the different ranks also influence the efficiency of Hg capture. ?? 2010 Elsevier Ltd.

Influence of atrial substrate on local capture induced by rapid pacing of atrial fibrillation.

PubMed

Rusu, Alexandru; Jacquemet, Vincent; Vesin, Jean-Marc; Virag, Nathalie

2014-05-01

Preliminary studies showed that the septum area was the only location allowing local capture of both the atria during rapid pacing of atrial fibrillation (AF) from a single site. The present model-based study investigated the influence of atrial substrate on the ability to capture AF when pacing the septum. Three biophysical models of AF with an identical anatomy from human atria but with different AF substrates were used: (i) AF based on multiple wavelets, (ii) AF based on heterogeneities in vagal activation, (iii) AF based on heterogeneities in repolarization. A fourth anatomical model without Bachmann's bundle (BB) was also implemented. Rapid pacing was applied from the septum at pacing cycle lengths in the range of 50-100% of AF cycle length. Local capture was automatically assessed with 24 pairs of electrodes evenly distributed on the atrial surface. The results were averaged over 16 AF simulations. In the homogeneous substrate, AF capture could reach 80% of the atrial surface. Heterogeneities degraded the ability to capture during AF. In the vagal substrate, the capture tended to be more regular and the degradation of the capture was not directly related to the spatial extent of the heterogeneities. In the third substrate, heterogeneities induced wave anchorings and wavebreaks even in areas close to the pacing site, with a more dramatic effect on AF capture. Finally, BB did not significantly affect the ability to capture. Atrial fibrillation substrate had a significant effect on rapid pacing outcomes. The response to therapeutic pacing may therefore be specific to each patient.

Sustainable Capture: Concepts for Managing Stream-Aquifer Systems.

PubMed

Davids, Jeffrey C; Mehl, Steffen W

2015-01-01

Most surface water bodies (i.e., streams, lakes, etc.) are connected to the groundwater system to some degree so that changes to surface water bodies (either diversions or importations) can change flows in aquifer systems, and pumping from an aquifer can reduce discharge to, or induce additional recharge from streams, springs, and lakes. The timescales of these interactions are often very long (decades), making sustainable management of these systems difficult if relying only on observations of system responses. Instead, management scenarios are often analyzed based on numerical modeling. In this paper we propose a framework and metrics that can be used to relate the Theis concepts of capture to sustainable measures of stream-aquifer systems. We introduce four concepts: Sustainable Capture Fractions, Sustainable Capture Thresholds, Capture Efficiency, and Sustainable Groundwater Storage that can be used as the basis for developing metrics for sustainable management of stream-aquifer systems. We demonstrate their utility on a hypothetical stream-aquifer system where pumping captures both streamflow and discharge to phreatophytes at different amounts based on pumping location. In particular, Capture Efficiency (CE) can be easily understood by both scientists and non-scientist alike, and readily identifies vulnerabilities to sustainable stream-aquifer management when its value exceeds 100%. © 2014, National Ground Water Association.

Anion capture and sensing with cationic boranes: on the synergy of Coulombic effects and onium ion-centred Lewis acidity.

PubMed

Zhao, Haiyan; Leamer, Lauren A; Gabbaï, François P

2013-06-21

Stimulated by the growing importance and recognized toxicity of anions such as fluoride, cyanide and azides, we have, in the past few years, developed a family of Lewis acidic triarylboranes that can be used for the complexation of these anions in organic and protic solvents, including water. A central aspect of our approach lies in the decoration of the boranes with peripheral ammonium, phosphonium, sulfonium stibonium or telluronium groups. The presence of these cationic groups provides a Coulombic drive for the capture of the anion, leading to boranes that can be used in aqueous solutions where anion hydration and/or protonation are usually competitive. The anion affinity of these boranes can be markedly enhanced by narrowing the separation between the anion binding site (i.e. the boron atom) and the onium ion. In such systems, the latent Lewis acidity of the onium ion also plays a role as manifested by the formation of B-X→E (E = P, S, Sb, or Te; X = F, CN or N3) chelate motifs that provide additional stability to the resulting complexes. These effects, which are maximum in stibonium and telluronium boranes, show that the Lewis acidity of heavy onium ions can be exploited for anion coordination and capture. The significance of these advances is illustrated by the development of applications in anion sensing, fluorination chemistry and (18)F radiolabeling for positron emission tomography.

Thermo-kinetic analysis space expansion for cyclophilin-ligand interactions - identification of a new nonpeptide inhibitor using Biacore™ T200.

PubMed

Wear, Martin A; Nowicki, Matthew W; Blackburn, Elizabeth A; McNae, Iain W; Walkinshaw, Malcolm D

2017-04-01

We have established a refined methodology for generating surface plasmon resonance sensor surfaces of recombinant his-tagged human cyclophilin-A. Our orientation-specific stabilisation approach captures his-tagged protein under 'physiological conditions' (150 mm NaCl, pH 7.5) and covalently stabilises it on Ni 2+ -nitrilotriacetic acid surfaces, very briefly activated for primary amine-coupling reactions, producing very stable and active surfaces (≥ 95% specific activity) of cyclophilin-A. Variation in protein concentration with the same contact time allows straightforward generation of variable density surfaces, with essentially no loss of activity, making the protocol easily adaptable for studying numerous interactions; from very small fragments, ~ 100 Da, to large protein ligands. This new method results in an increased stability and activity of the immobilised protein and allowed us to expand the thermo-kinetic analysis space, and to determine accurate and robust thermodynamic parameters for the cyclophilin-A-cyclosporin-A interaction. Furthermore, the increased sensitivity of the surface allowed identification of a new nonpeptide inhibitor of cyclophilin-A, from a screen of a fragment library. This fragment, 2,3-diaminopyridine, bound specifically with a mean affinity of 248 ± 60 μm. The X-ray structure of this 109-Da fragment bound in the active site of cyclophilin-A was solved to a resolution of 1.25 Å (PDB: 5LUD), providing new insight into the molecular details for a potential new series of nonpeptide cyclophilin-A inhibitors.

Selective Removal of Lanthanides from Natural Waters, Acidic Streams and Dialysate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yantasee, Wassana; Fryxell, Glen E.; Addleman, Raymond S.

2009-09-15

The increased demand for the lanthanides in commercial products result in increased production of lanthanide containing ores, increasing public exposure to the lanthanides, both from various commercial products and from production wastes/effluents. This work investigates lanthanide (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Lu) binding properties of self-assembled monolayers on mesoporous silica supports (SAMMS®) that were functionalized with diphosphonic acid (DiPhos), acetamide phosphonic acid (AcPhos), propionamide phosphonic acid (ProPhos), and 1-hydroxy-2-pyridinone (1,2-HOPO) from natural waters (river, ground, and sea waters), acid solutions (to mimic certain industrial process streams), and dialysate and compares their performance to a high surface area activated carbon.more » The properties include sorption affinity, capacity, and sorption kinetics. Stability and regenerability of SAMMS materials were also investigated. Going from the acid side over to the alkaline side, the AcPhos- and DiPhos-SAMMS maintain their outstanding affinity for lanthanides, which enable the use of the materials in the systems where the pH may fluctuate. While the activated carbon is as effective as 1,2-HOPO-SAMMS for capturing lanthanides in natural (alkaline) waters, it has no affinity in acid solutions (pH 2.4) and low affinity in carbonate-rich dialysate. Over 99% of 100 ug/L of Gd in dialysate was removed by the ProPhos-SAMMS after ten minutes. SAMMS can be regenerated with an acid wash (0.5 M HCl) without losing the binding properties, for a number of regeneration cycles. In acid solutions, PhoPhos- and 1,2-HOPO-SAMMS have differing affinity along the lanthanide series, suggesting their potential for chromatographic lanthanide separations. Thus, SAMMS materials have a great potential to be used as sorbents in large scale treatment of lanthanides, lanthanide separation prior to analytical instruments, and sorbent dialyzers for lanthanide clearances.« less

Comparison of Cyberware PX and PS 3D human head scanners

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carson, Jeremy; Corner, Brian D.; Crockett, Eric; Li, Peng; Paquette, Steven

2008-02-01

A common limitation of laser line three-Dimensional (3D) scanners is the inability to scan objects with surfaces that are either parallel to the laser line or that self-occlude. Filling in missing areas adds some unwanted inaccuracy to the 3D model. Capturing the human head with a Cyberware PS Head Scanner is an example of obtaining a model where the incomplete areas are difficult to fill accurately. The PS scanner uses a single vertical laser line to illuminate the head and is unable to capture data at top of the head, where the line of sight is tangent to the surface, and under the chin, an area occluded by the chin when the subject looks straight forward. The Cyberware PX Scanner was developed to obtain this missing 3D head data. The PX scanner uses two cameras offset at different angles to provide a more detailed head scan that captures surfaces missed by the PS scanner. The PX scanner cameras also use new technology to obtain color maps that are of higher resolution than the PS Scanner. The two scanners were compared in terms of amount of surface captured (surface area and volume) and the quality of head measurements when compared to direct measurements obtained through standard anthropometry methods. Relative to the PS scanner, the PX head scans were more complete and provided the full set of head measurements, but actual measurement values, when available from both scanners, were about the same.

Synergistic Trap Response of the False Stable Fly and Little House Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) to Acetic Acid and Ethanol, Two Principal Sugar Fermentation Volatiles.

PubMed

Landolt, Peter J; Cha, Dong H; Zack, Richard S

2015-10-01

In an initial observation, large numbers of muscoid flies (Diptera) were captured as nontarget insects in traps baited with solutions of acetic acid plus ethanol. In subsequent field experiments, numbers of false stable fly Muscina stabulans (Fallén) and little house fly Fannia canicularis (L.) trapped with the combination of acetic acid plus ethanol were significantly higher than those trapped with either chemical alone, or in unbaited traps. Flies were trapped with acetic acid and ethanol that had been formulated in the water of the drowning solution of the trap, or dispensed from polypropylene vials with holes in the vial lids for diffusion of evaporated chemical. Numbers of both species of fly captured were greater with acetic acid and ethanol in glass McPhail traps, compared to four other similar wet trap designs. This combination of chemicals may be useful as an inexpensive and not unpleasant lure for monitoring or removing these two pest fly species. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America 2015. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the US.

'Insect aquaplaning' on a superhydrophilic hairy surface: how Heliamphora nutans Benth. pitcher plants capture prey.

PubMed

Bauer, Ulrike; Scharmann, Mathias; Skepper, Jeremy; Federle, Walter

2013-02-22

Trichomes are a common feature of plants and perform important and diverse functions. Here, we show that the inward-pointing hairs on the inner wall of insect-trapping Heliamphora nutans pitchers are highly wettable, causing water droplets to spread rapidly across the surface. Wetting strongly enhanced the slipperiness and increased the capture rate for ants from 29 to 88 per cent. Force measurements and tarsal ablation experiments revealed that wetting affected the insects' adhesive pads but not the claws, similar to the 'aquaplaning' mechanism of (unrelated) Asian Nepenthes pitcher plants. The inward-pointing trichomes provided much higher traction when insects were pulled outwards. The wetness-dependent capture mechanisms of H. nutans and Nepenthes pitchers present a striking case of functional convergence, whereas the use of wettable trichomes constitutes a previously unknown mechanism to make plant surfaces slippery.

Hydrodynamic capture of microswimmers into sphere-bound orbits.

PubMed

Takagi, Daisuke; Palacci, Jérémie; Braunschweig, Adam B; Shelley, Michael J; Zhang, Jun

2014-03-21

Self-propelled particles can exhibit surprising non-equilibrium behaviors, and how they interact with obstacles or boundaries remains an important open problem. Here we show that chemically propelled micro-rods can be captured, with little change in their speed, into close orbits around solid spheres resting on or near a horizontal plane. We show that this interaction between sphere and particle is short-range, occurring even for spheres smaller than the particle length, and for a variety of sphere materials. We consider a simple model, based on lubrication theory, of a force- and torque-free swimmer driven by a surface slip (the phoretic propulsion mechanism) and moving near a solid surface. The model demonstrates capture, or movement towards the surface, and yields speeds independent of distance. This study reveals the crucial aspects of activity–driven interactions of self-propelled particles with passive objects, and brings into question the use of colloidal tracers as probes of active matter.

‘Insect aquaplaning’ on a superhydrophilic hairy surface: how Heliamphora nutans Benth. pitcher plants capture prey

PubMed Central

Bauer, Ulrike; Scharmann, Mathias; Skepper, Jeremy; Federle, Walter

2013-01-01

Trichomes are a common feature of plants and perform important and diverse functions. Here, we show that the inward-pointing hairs on the inner wall of insect-trapping Heliamphora nutans pitchers are highly wettable, causing water droplets to spread rapidly across the surface. Wetting strongly enhanced the slipperiness and increased the capture rate for ants from 29 to 88 per cent. Force measurements and tarsal ablation experiments revealed that wetting affected the insects' adhesive pads but not the claws, similar to the ‘aquaplaning’ mechanism of (unrelated) Asian Nepenthes pitcher plants. The inward-pointing trichomes provided much higher traction when insects were pulled outwards. The wetness-dependent capture mechanisms of H. nutans and Nepenthes pitchers present a striking case of functional convergence, whereas the use of wettable trichomes constitutes a previously unknown mechanism to make plant surfaces slippery. PMID:23256197

Chemical and Biological Catalytic Enhancement of Weathering of Silicate Minerals and industrial wastes as a Novel Carbon Capture and Storage Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, A. H. A.

2014-12-01

Increasing concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is attributed to rising consumption of fossil fuels around the world. The development of solutions to reduce CO2 emissions to the atmosphere is one of the most urgent needs of today's society. One of the most stable and long-term solutions for storing CO2 is via carbon mineralization, where minerals containing metal oxides of Ca or Mg are reacted with CO2 to produce thermodynamically stable Ca- and Mg-carbonates that are insoluble in water. Carbon mineralization can be carried out in-situ or ex-situ. In the case of in-situ mineralization, the degree of carbonation is thought to be limited by both mineral dissolution and carbonate precipitation reaction kinetics, and must be well understood to predict the ultimate fate of CO2 within geological reservoirs. While the kinetics of in-situ mineral trapping via carbonation is naturally slow, it can be enhanced at high temperature and high partial pressure of CO2. The addition of weak organic acids produced from food waste has also been shown to enhance mineral weathering kinetics. In the case of the ex-situ carbon mineralization, the role of these ligand-bearing organic acids can be further amplified for silicate mineral dissolution. Unfortunately, high mineral dissolution rates often lead to the formation of a silica-rich passivation layer on the surface of silicate minerals. Thus, the use of novel solvent mixture that allows chemically catalyzed removal of this passivation layer during enhanced Mg-leaching surface reaction has been proposed and demonstrated. Furthermore, an engineered biological catalyst, carbonic anhydrase, has been developed and evaluated to accelerate the hydration of CO2, which is another potentially rate-limiting step of the carbonation reaction. The development of these novel catalytic reaction schemes has significantly improved the overall efficiency and sustainability of in-situ and ex-situ mineral carbonation technologies and allowed direct capture and storage of CO2 from mixture gas streams eliminating the energy-intensive solvent regeneration and CO2 compression steps.

A methodology for modeling surface effects on stiff and soft solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Jin; Park, Harold S.

2017-09-01

We present a computational method that can be applied to capture surface stress and surface tension-driven effects in both stiff, crystalline nanostructures, like size-dependent mechanical properties, and soft solids, like elastocapillary effects. We show that the method is equivalent to the classical Young-Laplace model. The method is based on converting surface tension and surface elasticity on a zero-thickness surface to an initial stress and corresponding elastic properties on a finite thickness shell, where the consideration of geometric nonlinearity enables capturing the out-of-plane component of the surface tension that results for curved surfaces through evaluation of the surface stress in the deformed configuration. In doing so, we are able to use commercially available finite element technology, and thus do not require consideration and implementation of the classical Young-Laplace equation. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the capability of the methodology for modeling surface stress in both soft solids and crystalline nanostructures.

A methodology for modeling surface effects on stiff and soft solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Jin; Park, Harold S.

2018-06-01

We present a computational method that can be applied to capture surface stress and surface tension-driven effects in both stiff, crystalline nanostructures, like size-dependent mechanical properties, and soft solids, like elastocapillary effects. We show that the method is equivalent to the classical Young-Laplace model. The method is based on converting surface tension and surface elasticity on a zero-thickness surface to an initial stress and corresponding elastic properties on a finite thickness shell, where the consideration of geometric nonlinearity enables capturing the out-of-plane component of the surface tension that results for curved surfaces through evaluation of the surface stress in the deformed configuration. In doing so, we are able to use commercially available finite element technology, and thus do not require consideration and implementation of the classical Young-Laplace equation. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the capability of the methodology for modeling surface stress in both soft solids and crystalline nanostructures.

Rapid and direct detection of attomole adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by MALDI-MS using rutile titania chips.

PubMed

Manikandan, Muthu; Hasan, Nazim; Wu, Hui-Fen

2012-11-07

We report the rutile titania-based capture of ATP and its application as a MALDI-MS target plate. This chip, when immersed in solutions containing different concentrations of ATP, can capture ATP and lead to its successful detection in MALDI-MS. We have optimized the ideal surface, showing an increased capture efficacy of the 900 °C (rutile) titania surfaces. We demonstrate the use of this chip as a target plate for direct analysis of the attached ATP using MALDI-MS, down to attomolar concentrations. This chip has a promising future for the detection of ATP in environmental samples, which may eventually be used as a pollution indicator in particular environments.

Spatially selective photonic crystal enhanced fluorescence and application to background reduction for biomolecule detection assays

PubMed Central

Chaudhery, Vikram; Huang, Cheng-Sheng; Pokhriyal, Anusha; Polans, James; Cunningham, Brian T.

2011-01-01

By combining photonic crystal label-free biosensor imaging with photonic crystal enhanced fluorescence, it is possible to selectively enhance the fluorescence emission from regions of the PC surface based upon the density of immobilized capture molecules. A label-free image of the capture molecules enables determination of optimal coupling conditions of the laser used for fluorescence imaging of the photonic crystal surface on a pixel-by-pixel basis, allowing maximization of fluorescence enhancement factor from regions incorporating a biomolecule capture spot and minimization of background autofluorescence from areas between capture spots. This capability significantly improves the contrast of enhanced fluorescent images, and when applied to an antibody protein microarray, provides a substantial advantage over conventional fluorescence microscopy. Using the new approach, we demonstrate detection limits as low as 0.97 pg/ml for a representative protein biomarker in buffer. PMID:22109210

Spatially selective photonic crystal enhanced fluorescence and application to background reduction for biomolecule detection assays.

PubMed

Chaudhery, Vikram; Huang, Cheng-Sheng; Pokhriyal, Anusha; Polans, James; Cunningham, Brian T

2011-11-07

By combining photonic crystal label-free biosensor imaging with photonic crystal enhanced fluorescence, it is possible to selectively enhance the fluorescence emission from regions of the PC surface based upon the density of immobilized capture molecules. A label-free image of the capture molecules enables determination of optimal coupling conditions of the laser used for fluorescence imaging of the photonic crystal surface on a pixel-by-pixel basis, allowing maximization of fluorescence enhancement factor from regions incorporating a biomolecule capture spot and minimization of background autofluorescence from areas between capture spots. This capability significantly improves the contrast of enhanced fluorescent images, and when applied to an antibody protein microarray, provides a substantial advantage over conventional fluorescence microscopy. Using the new approach, we demonstrate detection limits as low as 0.97 pg/ml for a representative protein biomarker in buffer.

Terrain detection and classification using single polarization SAR

DOEpatents

Chow, James G.; Koch, Mark W.

2016-01-19

The various technologies presented herein relate to identifying manmade and/or natural features in a radar image. Two radar images (e.g., single polarization SAR images) can be captured for a common scene. The first image is captured at a first instance and the second image is captured at a second instance, whereby the duration between the captures are of sufficient time such that temporal decorrelation occurs for natural surfaces in the scene, and only manmade surfaces, e.g., a road, produce correlated pixels. A LCCD image comprising the correlated and decorrelated pixels can be generated from the two radar images. A median image can be generated from a plurality of radar images, whereby any features in the median image can be identified. A superpixel operation can be performed on the LCCD image and the median image, thereby enabling a feature(s) in the LCCD image to be classified.

Ensemble of electrophoretically captured gold nanoparticles as a fingerprint of Boltzmann velocity distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, S. H.; Kang, M. G.; Lim, J. H.; Hwang, S. W.

2008-07-01

An ensemble of electrophoretically captured gold nanoparticles is exploited to fingerprint their velocity distribution in solution. The electrophoretic capture is performed using a dc biased nanogap electrode, and panoramic scanning electron microscopic images are inspected to obtain the regional density of the captured gold nanoparticles. The regional density profile along the surface of the electrode is in a quantitative agreement with the calculated density of the captured nanoparticles. The calculated density is obtained by counting, in the Boltzmann distribution, the number of nanoparticles whose thermal velocity is smaller than the electrophoretic velocity.

Assessing the transport potential of polymeric nanocapsules developed for crop protection.

PubMed

Petosa, Adamo Riccardo; Rajput, Faraz; Selvam, Olivia; Öhl, Carolin; Tufenkji, Nathalie

2017-03-15

Nanotechnology is increasingly important in the agricultural sector, with novel products being developed to heighten crop yields and increase pesticide efficacy. Herein, the transport potential of different polymeric nanocapsules (nCAPs) developed as pesticide delivery vehicles was assessed in model soil systems. The nCAPs examined are (i) poly(acrylic acid)-based (nCAP1), (ii) poly(methacrylic acid)-ran-poly(ethyl acrylate) copolymer-based (nCAP2), (iii) poly(methacrylic acid-ran-styrene) copolymer-based (nCAP3), and (iv) poly(methacrylic acid-ran-butylmethacrylate)-based (nCAP4). nCAP mobility was examined in columns packed with agricultural loamy sand saturated with artificial porewater containing Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ cations (10 mM ionic strength, pH 6 and 8). Furthermore, the impact of (i) cation species, (ii) sand type, and (iii) ammonium polyphosphate fertilizer on the transport potential of a nanoformulation combining nCAP4 capsules and the pyrethroid bifenthrin (nCAP4-BIF) was examined and compared to a commercial bifenthrin formulation (Capture ® LFR). Although nCAP4-BIF and Capture ® LFR formulations were highly mobile in quartz sand saturated with 10 mM NaNO 3 (≥95% elution), they were virtually immobile in the presence of 10% ammonium polyphosphate fertilizer. The presence of Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ did not hinder nCAP4-BIF elution in quartz sand saturated with 10 mM standard CIPAC D synthetic porewater; however, limited Capture ® LFR transport (<10% elution) was observed under the same conditions. Capture ® LFR also exhibited limited mobility in the presence or absence of fertilizer in loamy sand saturated with divalent salt solutions, whereas nCAP4-BIF exhibited increased elution with time and enhanced transport upon the addition of fertilizer. Overall, nCAP4 is a promising delivery vehicle in pyrethroid nanoformulations such as nCAP4-BIF. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adherence of amino acids functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles on bacterial models E. Coli and B. subtilis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trujillo, W.; Zarria, J.; Pino, J.; Menacho, L.; Coca, M.; Bustamante, A.

2018-03-01

Magnetic iron oxides nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with lysine (Lys) and arginine (Arg) was obtained by following chemical co-precipitation route in basic medium. The synthesis was performed by mixing ferrous chloride (FeCl2•4H2O), ferric chloride (FeCl3•6H2O) and the specific amino acid in a molar ratio of 1: 2: 0.5, respectively. High pH sample was washed several times with distilled water to reach a pH similar to distilled water (Ph=7) after the synthesis process, part of the NPs obtained was dried. Of the measurements of XRD and MS was obtained that the samples are magnetic nanoparticles of maghemite of about 9 nm in diameter. Of the FTIR and zeta potential measures was obtained that the amino acids Lys and Arg were correctly functionalized at magnetic nanoparticles, referred to herein as M@Lys and M@Arg. In order to demonstrate the capture and adhesion of the nanoparticles to the bacteria, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed. The obtained visualization of both bacteria shows that they are coated by the magnetic particles. In addition, M@Lys (B. sutilis) were cultured to verify the inhibition of growth measured by colony forming units (CFU), the concentrations of M@Lys were 1.75x102 g/mL and 0.875x102 g/mL. After the confrontation obtained efficiencies of 75.63% and 98.75% respectively for the third dilution. While for the fourth dilution were 90% and 98.57% respectively were obtained for each concentration of nanoparticles. Hinting that a high efficiency of bacterial capture at very low concentrations of NPs, which gives us a tool to capture nanobiotechnology bacteria in liquid cultures with application to capture them in wastewater. Based on our results we concluded that NPS functionalized with the amino acids Lys and Arg adhere to the bacteria efficiently in low concentrations.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Qingcheng, E-mail: qiy9@pitt.edu; To, Albert C., E-mail: albertto@pitt.edu

Surface effects have been observed to contribute significantly to the mechanical response of nanoscale structures. The newly proposed energy-based coarse-grained atomistic method Multiresolution Molecular Mechanics (MMM) (Yang, To (2015), ) is applied to capture surface effect for nanosized structures by designing a surface summation rule SR{sup S} within the framework of MMM. Combined with previously proposed bulk summation rule SR{sup B}, the MMM summation rule SR{sup MMM} is completed. SR{sup S} and SR{sup B} are consistently formed within SR{sup MMM} for general finite element shape functions. Analogous to quadrature rules in finite element method (FEM), the key idea to themore » good performance of SR{sup MMM} lies in that the order or distribution of energy for coarse-grained atomistic model is mathematically derived such that the number, position and weight of quadrature-type (sampling) atoms can be determined. Mathematically, the derived energy distribution of surface area is different from that of bulk region. Physically, the difference is due to the fact that surface atoms lack neighboring bonding. As such, SR{sup S} and SR{sup B} are employed for surface and bulk domains, respectively. Two- and three-dimensional numerical examples using the respective 4-node bilinear quadrilateral, 8-node quadratic quadrilateral and 8-node hexahedral meshes are employed to verify and validate the proposed approach. It is shown that MMM with SR{sup MMM} accurately captures corner, edge and surface effects with less 0.3% degrees of freedom of the original atomistic system, compared against full atomistic simulation. The effectiveness of SR{sup MMM} with respect to high order element is also demonstrated by employing the 8-node quadratic quadrilateral to solve a beam bending problem considering surface effect. In addition, the introduced sampling error with SR{sup MMM} that is analogous to numerical integration error with quadrature rule in FEM is very small. - Highlights: • Surface effect captured by Multiresolution Molecular Mechanics (MMM) is presented. • A novel surface summation rule within the framework of MMM is proposed. • Surface, corner and edges effects are accuterly captured in two and three dimension. • MMM with less 0.3% degrees of freedom of atomistics reproduces atomistic results.« less

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy based nanoparticle assays for rapid, point-of-care diagnostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Driscoll, Ashley J.

Nucleotide and immunoassays are important tools for disease diagnostics. Many of the current laboratory-based analytical diagnostic techniques require multiple assay steps and long incubation times before results are acquired. In the development of bioassays designed for detecting the emergence and spread of diseases in point-of-care (POC) and remote settings, more rapid and portable analytical methods are necessary. Nanoparticles provide simple and reproducible synthetic methods for the preparation of substrates that can be applied in colloidal assays, providing gains in kinetics due to miniaturization and plasmonic substrates for surface enhanced spectroscopies. Specifically, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is finding broad application as a signal transduction method in immunological and nucleotide assays due to the production of narrow spectral peaks from the scattering molecules and the potential for simultaneous multiple analyte detection. The application of SERS to a no-wash, magnetic capture assay for the detection of West Nile Virus Envelope and Rift Valley Fever Virus N antigens is described. The platform utilizes colloid based capture of the target antigen in solution, magnetic collection of the immunocomplexes and acquisition of SERS spectra by a handheld Raman spectrometer. The reagents for a core-shell nanoparticle, SERS based assay designed for the capture of target microRNA implicated in acute myocardial infarction are also characterized. Several new, small molecule Raman scatterers are introduced and used to analyze the enhancing properties of the synthesized gold coated-magnetic nanoparticles. Nucleotide and immunoassay platforms have shown improvements in speed and analyte capture through the miniaturization of the capture surface and particle-based capture systems can provide a route to further surface miniaturization. A reaction-diffusion model of the colloidal assay platform is presented to understand the interplay of system parameters such as particle diameter, initial analyte concentration and dissociation constants. The projected sensitivities over a broad range of assay conditions are examined and the governing regime of particle systems reported. The results provide metrics in the design of more robust analytics that are of particular interest for POC diagnostics.

Adsorption and reaction mechanism of arsenic vapors over γ-Al2O3 in the simulated flue gas containing acid gases.

PubMed

Hu, Hongyun; Chen, Dunkui; Liu, Huan; Yang, Yuhan; Cai, Hexun; Shen, Junhao; Yao, Hong

2017-08-01

Arsenic emission from fuel combustion and metal smelting flue gas causes serious pollution. Addition of sorbents is a promising way for the arsenic capture from high temperature flue gas. However, it is difficult to remove arsenic from SO 2 /HCl-rich flue gas due to the competitive reaction of the sorbents with arsenic and these acid gases. To solve this problem, arsenic adsorption over γ-Al 2 O 3 was studied in this work to evaluate its adsorption mechanism, resistance to acid gases as well as regeneration behavior. The results show that γ-Al 2 O 3 had good resistance to acid gases and the arsenic adsorption by γ-Al 2 O 3 could be effectively carried out at a wide temperature range between 573 and 1023 K. Nevertheless, adsorption at higher-temperature (like 1173 K) leaded to the decrease of surface area and the rearrangement of crystal structure of γ-Al 2 O 3 , reducing the active sites for arsenic adsorption. The adsorption of arsenic was confirmed to occur at different active sites in γ-Al 2 O 3 by forming various adsorbed species. Increasing temperature facilitated arsenic transformation into more stable chemisorbed As 3+ and As 5+ which were difficult to remove through thermal treatment regeneration. Fortunately, the regeneration of spent γ-Al 2 O 3 could be well performed using NaOH solution. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Capturing strain localization behind a geosynthetic-reinforced soil wall

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Timothy Y.; Borja, Ronaldo I.; Duvernay, Blaise G.; Meehan, Richard L.

2003-04-01

This paper presents the results of finite element (FE) analyses of shear strain localization that occurred in cohesionless soils supported by a geosynthetic-reinforced retaining wall. The innovative aspects of the analyses include capturing of the localized deformation and the accompanying collapse mechanism using a recently developed embedded strong discontinuity model. The case study analysed, reported in previous publications, consists of a 3.5-m tall, full-scale reinforced wall model deforming in plane strain and loaded by surcharge at the surface to failure. Results of the analysis suggest strain localization developing from the toe of the wall and propagating upward to the ground surface, forming a curved failure surface. This is in agreement with a well-documented failure mechanism experienced by the physical wall model showing internal failure surfaces developing behind the wall as a result of the surface loading. Important features of the analyses include mesh sensitivity studies and a comparison of the localization properties predicted by different pre-localization constitutive models, including a family of three-invariant elastoplastic constitutive models appropriate for frictional/dilatant materials. Results of the analysis demonstrate the potential of the enhanced FE method for capturing a collapse mechanism characterized by the presence of a failure, or slip, surface through earthen materials.

Proximity Operations for the Robotic Boulder Capture Option for the Asteroid Redirect Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reeves, David M.; Naasz, Bo J.; Wright, Cinnamon A.; Pini, Alex J.

2014-01-01

In September of 2013, the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission (ARRM) Option B team was formed to expand on NASA's previous work on the robotic boulder capture option. While the original Option A concept focuses on capturing an entire smaller Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA) using an inflatable bag capture mechanism, this design seeks to land on a larger NEA and retrieve a boulder off of its surface. The Option B team has developed a detailed and feasible mission concept that preserves many aspects of Option A's vehicle design while employing a fundamentally different technique for returning a significant quantity of asteroidal material to the Earth-Moon system. As part of this effort, a point of departure proximity operations concept was developed complete with a detailed timeline, as well as DeltaV and propellant allocations. Special attention was paid to the development of the approach strategy, terminal descent to the surface, controlled ascent with the captured boulder, and control during the Enhanced Gravity Tractor planetary defense demonstration. The concept of retrieving a boulder from the surface of an asteroid and demonstrating the Enhanced Gravity Tractor planetary defense technique is found to be feasible and within the proposed capabilities of the Asteroid Redirect Vehicle (ARV). While this point of departure concept initially focuses on a mission to Itokawa, the proximity operations design is also shown to be extensible to wide range of asteroids.

[3D-imaging and analysis for plastic surgery by smartphone and tablet: an alternative to professional systems?].

PubMed

Koban, K C; Leitsch, S; Holzbach, T; Volkmer, E; Metz, P M; Giunta, R E

2014-04-01

A new approach of using photographs from smartphones for three-dimensional (3D) imaging was introduced besides the standard high quality 3D camera systems. In this work, we investigated different capture preferences and compared the accuracy of this 3D reconstruction method with manual tape measurement and an established commercial 3D camera system. The facial region of one plastic mannequin head was labelled with 21 landmarks. A 3D reference model was captured with the Vectra 3D Imaging System®. In addition, 3D imaging was executed with the Autodesk 123d Catch® application using 16, 12, 9, 6 and 3 pictures from Apple® iPhone 4 s® and iPad® 3rd generation. The accuracy of 3D reconstruction was measured in 2 steps. First, 42 distance measurements from manual tape measurement and the 2 digital systems were compared. Second, the surface-to-surface deviation of different aesthetic units from the Vectra® reference model to Catch® generated models was analysed. For each 3D system the capturing and processing time was measured. The measurement showed no significant (p>0.05) difference between manual tape measurement and both digital distances from the Catch® application and Vectra®. Surface-to-surface deviation to the Vectra® reference model showed sufficient results for the 3D reconstruction of Catch® with 16, 12 and 9 picture sets. Use of 6 and 3 pictures resulted in large deviations. Lateral aesthetic units showed higher deviations than central units. Catch® needed 5 times longer to capture and compute 3D models (average 10 min vs. 2 min). The Autodesk 123d Catch® computed models suggests good accuracy of the 3D reconstruction for a standard mannequin model, in comparison to manual tape measurement and the surface-to-surface analysis with a 3D reference model. However, the prolonged capture time with multiple pictures is prone to errors. Further studies are needed to investigate its application and quality in capturing volunteer models. Soon mobile applications may offer an alternative for plastic surgeons to today's cost intensive, stationary 3D camera systems. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

An experimental study of the effects of bodyside compression on forward swept sidewall compression inlets ingesting a turbulent boundary layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodi, Patrick E.

1993-01-01

Forward swept sidewall compression inlets have been tested in the Mach 4 Blowdown Facility at the NASA Langley Research Center to study the effects of bodyside compression surfaces on inlet performance in the presence of an incoming turbulent boundary layer. The measurements include mass flow capture and mean surface pressure distributions obtained during simulated combustion pressure increases downstream of the inlet. The kerosene-lampblack surface tracer technique has been used to obtain patterns of the local wall shear stress direction. Inlet performance is evaluated using starting and unstarting characteristics, mass capture, mean surface pressure distributions and permissible back pressure limits. The results indicate that inlet performance can be improved with selected bodyside compression surfaces placed between the inlet sidewalls.

Biobriefcase electrostatic aerosol collector

DOEpatents

Bell, Perry M [Tracy, CA; Christian, Allen T [Madison, WI; Bailey, Christopher G [Pleasanton, CA; Willis, Ladona [Manteca, CA; Masquelier, Donald A [Tracy, CA; Nasarabadi, Shanavaz L [Livermore, CA

2009-03-17

A system for sampling air and collecting particles entrained in the air comprising a receiving surface, a liquid input that directs liquid to the receiving surface and produces a liquid surface, an air input that directs the air so that the air with particles entrained in the air impact the liquid surface, and an electrostatic contact connected to the liquid that imparts an electric charge to the liquid. The particles potentially including bioagents become captured in the liquid by the air with particles entrained in the air impacting the liquid surface. Collection efficiency is improved by the electrostatic contact electrically charging the liquid. The effects of impaction and adhesion due to electrically charging the liquid allows a unique combination in a particle capture medium that has a low fluid consumption rate while maintaining high efficiency.

Aptamer-based hydrogel barcodes for the capture and detection of multiple types of pathogenic bacteria.

PubMed

Xu, Yueshuang; Wang, Huan; Luan, Chengxin; Liu, Yuxiao; Chen, Baoan; Zhao, Yuanjin

2018-02-15

Rapid and sensitive diagnosing hematological infections based on the separation and detection of pathogenic bacteria in the patient's blood is a significant challenge. To address this, we herein present a new barcodes technology that can simultaneously capture and detect multiple types of pathogenic bacteria from a complex sample. The barcodes are poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel inverse opal particles with characteristic reflection peak codes that remain stable during bacteria capture on their surfaces. As the spherical surface of the particles has ordered porous nanostructure, the barcodes can provide not only more surface area for probe immobilization and reaction, but also a nanopatterned platform for highly efficient bioreactions. In addition, the PEG hydrogel scaffold could decrease the non-specificity adsorption by its anti-adhesive effect, and the decorated aptamer probes in the scaffolds could increase the sensitivity, reliability, and specificity of the bacteria capture and detection. Moreover, the tagged magnetic nanoparticles in the PEG scaffold could impart the barcodes with controllable movement under magnetic fields, which can be used to significantly increase the reaction speed and simplify the processing of the bioassays. Based on the describe barcodes, it was demonstrated that the bacteria could be captured and identified even at low bacterial concentrations (100 CFU mL -1 ) within 2.5h, which is effectively shortened in comparison with the "gold standard" in clinic. These features make the barcodes ideal for capturing and detecting multiple bacteria from clinical samples for hematological infection diagnostics. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microfluidic antibody arrays for simultaneous cell separation and stimulus.

PubMed

Liu, Yan; Germain, Todd; Pappas, Dimitri

2014-12-01

A microfluidic chip containing stamped antibody arrays was developed for simultaneous cell separation and drug testing. Poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) stamping was used to deposit antibodies in a microfluidic channel, forming discrete cell-capture regions on the surface. Cell mixtures were then introduced, resulting in the separation of cells when specific antibodies were used. Anti-CD19 antibody regions resulted in 94 % capture purity for CD19+ Ramos cells. An antibody that captures multiple cell types, for example anti-CD71, can also be used to capture several cell types simultaneously. Cells could also be loaded onto the arrays with spatial control using laminar streams. Both Ramos B cells and HuT 78 T cells were isolated in the chip and exposed to staurosporine in the same channel. Both cell lines had similar responses to the drug, with 2-10 % of cells remaining viable after 20 h of drug treatment, depending on cell type. The chip can also be used to analyze the efficacy of antibody therapy against cancer cells. Anti-CD95 was deposited on the surface and used for simultaneous cell capture and apoptosis induction via the extrinsic pathway. Cells captured on anti-CD95 surfaces had significant viability loss (15 % viability after 24 h) when compared with a control anti-CD71 antibody (81 % viability after 24 h). This chip can be used for a variety of cell separation and/or drug testing studies, enabling researchers to isolate cells and test them against different anti-cancer compounds and to follow cell response using fluorescence or other readout methods.

Attrition-enhanced sulfur capture by limestone particles in fluidized beds

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Saastamoinen, J.J.; Shimizu, T.

2007-02-14

Sulfur capture by limestone particles in fluidized beds is a well-established technology. The underlying chemical and physical phenomena of the process have been extensively studied and modeled. However, most of the studies have been focused on the relatively brief initial stage of the process, which extends from a few minutes to hours, yet the residence time of the particles in the boiler is much longer. Following the initial stage, a dense product layer will be formed on the particle surface, which decreases the rate of sulfur capture and the degree of utilization of the sorbent. Attrition can enhance sulfur capturemore » by removing this layer. A particle model for sulfur capture has been incorporated with an attrition model. After the initial stage, the rate of sulfur capture stabilizes, so that attrition removes the surface at the same rate as diffusion and chemical reaction produces new product in a thin surface layer of a particle. An analytical solution for the conversion of particles for this regime is presented. The solution includes the effects of the attrition rate, diffusion, chemical kinetics, pressure, and SO{sub 2} concentration, relative to conversion-dependent diffusivity and the rate of chemical reaction. The particle model results in models that describe the conversion of limestone in both fly ash and bottom ash. These are incorporated with the residence time (or reactor) models to calculate the average conversion of the limestone in fly ash and bottom ash, as well as the efficiency of sulfur capture. Data from a large-scale pressurized fluidized bed are compared with the model results.« less

Surface folding in metals: a mechanism for delamination wear in sliding

PubMed Central

Mahato, Anirban; Guo, Yang; Sundaram, Narayan K.; Chandrasekar, Srinivasan

2014-01-01

Using high-resolution, in situ imaging of a hard, wedge-shaped model asperity sliding against a metal surface, we demonstrate a new mechanism for particle formation and delamination wear. Damage to the residual surface is caused by the occurrence of folds on the free surface of the prow-shaped region ahead of the wedge. This damage manifests itself as shallow crack-like features and surface tears, which are inclined at very acute angles to the surface. The transformation of folds into cracks, tears and particles is directly captured. Notably, a single sliding pass is sufficient to damage the surface, and subsequent passes result in the generation of platelet-like wear particles. Tracking the folding process at every stage from surface bumps to folds to cracks/tears/particles ensures that there is no ambiguity in capturing the mechanism of wear. Because fold formation and consequent delamination are quite general, our findings have broad applicability beyond wear itself, including implications for design of surface generation and conditioning processes. PMID:25197251

Production of monoclonal antibodies against the ORF3 protein of rat hepatitis E virus (HEV) and demonstration of the incorporation of the ORF3 protein into enveloped rat HEV particles.

PubMed

Takahashi, Masaharu; Kobayashi, Tominari; Tanggis; Jirintai, Suljid; Mulyanto; Nagashima, Shigeo; Nishizawa, Tsutomu; Kunita, Satoshi; Okamoto, Hiroaki

2016-12-01

Eight murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the C-terminal 15-amino-acid portion of the ORF3 protein of rat hepatitis E virus (ratHEV) were produced and characterized. Immunofluorescence assays using the anti-ratHEV ORF3 MAbs revealed the accumulation of ORF3 protein in the cytoplasm of PLC/PRF/5 cells transfected with ORF3-expressing plasmids or inoculated with cell-culture-generated ratHEV strains. Anti-ORF3 MAbs could capture ratHEV particles in culture supernatant and serum following treatment with 0.5 % deoxycholate, but not those without prior detergent treatment or fecal ratHEV particles. Following treatment with 0.5 % deoxycholate and 0.5 % trypsin, the buoyant density of ratHEV particles in culture supernatant with ORF3 protein on the surface shifted from 1.15 g/cm 3 to 1.26 g/cm 3 in a sucrose gradient; the resulting particles were capturable by an anti-ORF2 MAb but not by an anti-ORF3 MAb. This indicates that the ORF3 protein (at least its C-terminal portion) is incorporated into the enveloped ratHEV virions released from infected cells but that it is not found in the virions in the feces, supporting the hypothesis that the ratHEV ORF3 protein is associated with the egress of virions from infected cells, similar to human HEV, despite the fact that the ratHEV ORF3 protein lacks a PSAP amino acid motif.

Phosphate sorption and desorption on pyrite in primitive aqueous scenarios: relevance of acidic --> alkaline transitions.

PubMed

de Souza-Barros, Fernando; Braz-Levigard, Raphael; Ching-San, Yonder; Monte, Marisa M B; Bonapace, José A P; Montezano, Viviane; Vieyra, Adalberto

2007-02-01

Phosphate (P(i)) sorption assays onto pyrite in media simulating primeval aquatic scenarios affected by hydrothermal emissions, reveal that acidic conditions favour P(i) sorption whereas mild alkaline media--as well as those simulating sulfur oxidation to SO(2-) (4)--revert this capture process. Several mechanisms relevant to P(i) availability in prebiotic eras are implicated in the modulation of these processes. Those favouring sorption are: (a) hydrophobic coating of molecules, such as acetate that could be formed in the vicinity of hydrothermal vents; (b) water and Mg(2+) bridging in the interface mineral-aqueous media; (c) surface charge neutralization by monovalent cations (Na+ and K+). The increase of both the medium pH and the SO(2-) (4) trapping by the mineral interface would provoke the release of sorbed P(i) due to charge polarization. Moreover it is shown that P(i) self-modulates its sorption, a mechanism that depends on the abundance of SO(2-) (4) in the interface. The relevance of the proposed mechanisms of P(i) capture, release and trapping arises from the need of abundant presence of this molecule for primitive phosphorylations, since--similarly to contemporary aqueous media--inorganic phosphate concentrations in primitive seas should have been low. It is proposed that the presence of sulphide minerals with high affinity to P(i) could have trapped this molecule in an efficient manner, allowing its concentration in specific niches. In these niches, the conditions studied in the present work would have been relevant for its availability in soluble form, specially in primitive insulated systems with pH gradients across the wall.

Surface Plasmon Resonance kinetic analysis of the interaction between G-quadruplex nucleic acids and an anti-G-quadruplex monoclonal antibody.

PubMed

Lago, Sara; Nadai, Matteo; Rossetto, Monica; Richter, Sara N

2018-06-01

G-quadruplexes (G4s) are nucleic acids secondary structures formed in guanine-rich sequences. Anti-G4 antibodies represent a tool for the direct investigation of G4s in cells. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) is a highly sensitive technology, suitable for assessing the affinity between biomolecules. We here aimed at improving the orientation of an anti-G4 antibody on the SPR sensor chip to optimize detection of binding antigens. SPR was employed to characterize the anti-G4 antibody interaction with G4 and non-G4 oligonucleotides. Dextran-functionalized sensor chips were used both in covalent coupling and capturing procedures. The use of two leading molecule for orienting the antibody of interest allowed to improve its activity from completely non-functional to 65% active. The specificity of the anti-G4 antobody for G4 structures could thus be assessed with high sensitivity and reliability. Optimization of the immobilization protocol for SPR biosensing, allowed us to determine the anti-G4 antibody affinity and specificity for G4 antigens with higher sensitivity with respect to other in vitro assays such as ELISA. Anti-G4 antibody specificity is a fundamental assumption for the future utilization of this kind of antibodies for monitoring G4s directly in cells. The heterogeneous orientation of amine-coupling immobilized ligands is a general problem that often leads to partial or complete inactivation of the molecules. Here we describe a new strategy for improving ligand orientation: driving it from two sides. This principle can be virtually applied to every molecule that loses its activity or is poorly immobilized after standard coupling to the SPR chip surface. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preliminary skyshine calculations for the Poloidal Diverter Tokamak Experiment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nigg, D.W.; Wheeler, F.J.

1981-01-01

The Poloidal Diverter Experiment (PDX) facility at Princeton University is the first operating tokamak to require substantial radiation shielding. A calculational model has been developed to estimate the radiation dose in the PDX control room and at the site boundary due to the skyshine effect. An efficient one-dimensional method is used to compute the neutron and capture gamma leakage currents at the top surface of the PDX roof shield. This method employs an S /SUB n/ calculation in slab geometry and, for the PDX, is superior to spherical models found in the literature. If certain conditions are met, the slabmore » model provides the exact probability of leakage out the top surface of the roof for fusion source neutrons and for capture gamma rays produced in the PDX floor and roof shield. The model also provides the correct neutron and capture gamma leakage current spectra and angular distributions, averaged over the top roof shield surface. For the PDX, this method is nearly as accurate as multidimensional techniques for computing the roof leakage and is much less costly. The actual neutron skyshine dose is computed using a Monte Carlo model with the neutron source at the roof surface obtained from the slab S /SUB n/ calculation. The capture gamma dose is computed using a simple point-kernel single-scatter method.« less

Ultrasensitive detection of nucleic acids and proteins using quartz crystal microbalance and surface plasmon resonance sensors based on target-triggering multiple signal amplification strategy.

PubMed

Sun, Wenbo; Song, Weiling; Guo, Xiaoyan; Wang, Zonghua

2017-07-25

In this study, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors were combined with template enhanced hybridization processes (TEHP), rolling circle amplification (RCA) and biocatalytic precipitation (BCP) for ultrasensitive detection of DNA and protein. The DNA complementary to the aptamer was released by the specific binding of the aptamer to the target protein and then hybridized with the capture probe and the assistant DNA to form a ternary "Y" junction structure. The initiation chain was generated by the template-enhanced hybridization process which leaded to the rolling circle amplification reaction, and a large number of repeating unit sequences were formed. Hybridized with the enzyme-labeled probes, the biocatalytic precipitation reaction was further carried out, resulting in a large amount of insoluble precipitates and amplifying the detection signal. Under the optimum conditions, detection limits as low as 43 aM for target DNA and 53 aM for lysozyme were achieved. In addition, this method also showed good selectivity and sensitivity in human serum. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Imidazolium salt-modified porous hypercrosslinked polymers for synergistic CO2 capture and conversion.

PubMed

Wang, Jinquan; Sng, Waihong; Yi, Guangshun; Zhang, Yugen

2015-08-04

A new type of imidazolium salt-modified porous hypercrosslinked polymer (BET surface area up to 926 m(2) g(-1)) was reported. These porous materials exhibited good CO2 capture capacities (14.5 wt%) and catalytic activities for the conversion of CO2 into various cyclic carbonates under metal-free conditions. The synergistic effect of CO2 capture and conversion was observed.

Modeling and Measurements of Multiphase Flow and Bubble Entrapment in Steel Continuous Casting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Kai; Thomas, Brian G.; Ruan, Xiaoming

2016-02-01

In steel continuous casting, argon gas is usually injected to prevent clogging, but the bubbles also affect the flow pattern, and may become entrapped to form defects in the final product. To investigate this behavior, plant measurements were conducted, and a computational model was applied to simulate turbulent flow of the molten steel and the transport and capture of argon gas bubbles into the solidifying shell in a continuous slab caster. First, the flow field was solved with an Eulerian k- ɛ model of the steel, which was two-way coupled with a Lagrangian model of the large bubbles using a discrete random walk method to simulate their turbulent dispersion. The flow predicted on the top surface agreed well with nailboard measurements and indicated strong cross flow caused by biased flow of Ar gas due to the slide-gate orientation. Then, the trajectories and capture of over two million bubbles (25 μm to 5 mm diameter range) were simulated using two different capture criteria (simple and advanced). Results with the advanced capture criterion agreed well with measurements of the number, locations, and sizes of captured bubbles, especially for larger bubbles. The relative capture fraction of 0.3 pct was close to the measured 0.4 pct for 1 mm bubbles and occurred mainly near the top surface. About 85 pct of smaller bubbles were captured, mostly deeper down in the caster. Due to the biased flow, more bubbles were captured on the inner radius, especially near the nozzle. On the outer radius, more bubbles were captured near to narrow face. The model presented here is an efficient tool to study the capture of bubbles and inclusion particles in solidification processes.

Surface immobilized antibody orientation determined using ToF-SIMS and multivariate analysis.

PubMed

Welch, Nicholas G; Madiona, Robert M T; Payten, Thomas B; Easton, Christopher D; Pontes-Braz, Luisa; Brack, Narelle; Scoble, Judith A; Muir, Benjamin W; Pigram, Paul J

2017-06-01

Antibody orientation at solid phase interfaces plays a critical role in the sensitive detection of biomolecules during immunoassays. Correctly oriented antibodies with solution-facing antigen binding regions have improved antigen capture as compared to their randomly oriented counterparts. Direct characterization of oriented proteins with surface analysis methods still remains a challenge however surface sensitive techniques such as Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) provide information-rich data that can be used to probe antibody orientation. Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether plasma polymers (DGpp) functionalized with chromium (DGpp+Cr) have improved immunoassay performance that is indicative of preferential antibody orientation. Herein, ToF-SIMS data from proteolytic fragments of anti-EGFR antibody bound to DGpp and DGpp+Cr are used to construct artificial neural network (ANN) and principal component analysis (PCA) models indicative of correctly oriented systems. Whole antibody samples (IgG) test against each of the models indicated preferential antibody orientation on DGpp+Cr. Cross-reference between ANN and PCA models yield 20 mass fragments associated with F(ab') 2 region representing correct orientation, and 23 mass fragments associated with the Fc region representing incorrect orientation. Mass fragments were then compared to amino acid fragments and amino acid composition in F(ab') 2 and Fc regions. A ratio of the sum of the ToF-SIMS ion intensities from the F(ab') 2 fragments to the Fc fragments demonstrated a 50% increase in intensity for IgG on DGpp+Cr as compared to DGpp. The systematic data analysis methodology employed herein offers a new approach for the investigation of antibody orientation applicable to a range of substrates. Controlled orientation of antibodies at solid phases is critical for maximizing antigen detection in biosensors and immunoassays. Surface-sensitive techniques (such as ToF-SIMS), capable of direct characterization of surface immobilized and oriented antibodies, are under-utilized in current practice. Selection of a small number of mass fragments for analysis, typically pertaining to amino acids, is commonplace in literature, leaving the majority of the information-rich spectra unanalyzed. The novelty of this work is the utilization of a comprehensive, unbiased mass fragment list and the employment of principal component analysis (PCA) and artificial neural network (ANN) models in a unique methodology to prove antibody orientation. This methodology is of significant and broad interest to the scientific community as it is applicable to a range of substrates and allows for direct, label-free characterization of surface bound proteins. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. All rights reserved.

Preparation of granular activated carbons from yellow mombin fruit stones for CO2 adsorption.

PubMed

Fiuza, Raildo Alves; Medeiros de Jesus Neto, Raimundo; Correia, Laise Bacelar; Carvalho Andrade, Heloysa Martins

2015-09-15

Stones of yellow mombin, a native fruit of the tropical America and West Indies, were used as starting materials to produce activated carbons, subsequently used as adsorbent for CO2 capture. The carbonaceous materials were either chemically activated with HNO3, H3PO4 and KOH or physically activated with CO2. The carbon samples were characterized by SEM, EDX, TG/DTA, Raman spectroscopy, physical adsorption for textural analysis and by acid-base titrations. The CO2 adsorption capacity and adsorption cycles were investigated by TG. The results indicate that the capacity of CO2 adsorption may be maximized on highly basic surfaces of micropores smaller than 1 nm. The KOH activated carbon showed high and stable capacity of CO2 adsorption after 10 cycles. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An application of stereoscopy and image processing in forensics: recovering obliterated firearms serial number

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

da Silva Nunes, L. C.; dos Santos, Paulo Acioly M.

2004-10-01

We present an application of the use of stereoscope to recovering obliterated firearms serial number. We investigate a promising new combined cheap method using both non-destructive and destructive techniques. With the use of a stereomicroscope coupled with a digital camera and a flexible cold light source, we can capture the image of the damaged area, and with continuous polishing and sometimes with the help of image processing techniques we could enhance the observed images and they can also be recorded as evidence. This method has already proven to be useful, in certain cases, in aluminum dotted pistol frames, whose serial number is printed with a laser, when etching techniques are not successful. We can also observe acid treated steel surfaces and enhance the images of recovered serial numbers, which sometimes lack of definition.

Grizzly bear corticosteroid binding globulin: Cloning and serum protein expression.

PubMed

Chow, Brian A; Hamilton, Jason; Alsop, Derek; Cattet, Marc R L; Stenhouse, Gordon; Vijayan, Mathilakath M

2010-06-01

Serum corticosteroid levels are routinely measured as markers of stress in wild animals. However, corticosteroid levels rise rapidly in response to the acute stress of capture and restraint for sampling, limiting its use as an indicator of chronic stress. We hypothesized that serum corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG), the primary transport protein for corticosteroids in circulation, may be a better marker of the stress status prior to capture in grizzly bears (Ursus arctos). To test this, a full-length CBG cDNA was cloned and sequenced from grizzly bear testis and polyclonal antibodies were generated for detection of this protein in bear sera. The deduced nucleotide and protein sequences were 1218 bp and 405 amino acids, respectively. Multiple sequence alignments showed that grizzly bear CBG (gbCBG) was 90% and 83% identical to the dog CBG nucleotide and amino acid sequences, respectively. The affinity purified rabbit gbCBG antiserum detected grizzly bear but not human CBG. There were no sex differences in serum total cortisol concentration, while CBG expression was significantly higher in adult females compared to males. Serum cortisol levels were significantly higher in bears captured by leg-hold snare compared to those captured by remote drug delivery from helicopter. However, serum CBG expression between these two groups did not differ significantly. Overall, serum CBG levels may be a better marker of chronic stress, especially because this protein is not modulated by the stress of capture and restraint in grizzly bears. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Label-free capture of breast cancer cells spiked in buffy coats using carbon nanotube antibody micro-arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khosravi, Farhad; Trainor, Patrick; Rai, Shesh N.; Kloecker, Goetz; Wickstrom, Eric; Panchapakesan, Balaji

2016-04-01

We demonstrate the rapid and label-free capture of breast cancer cells spiked in buffy coats using nanotube-antibody micro-arrays. Single wall carbon nanotube arrays were manufactured using photo-lithography, metal deposition, and etching techniques. Anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antibodies were functionalized to the surface of the nanotube devices using 1-pyrene-butanoic acid succinimidyl ester functionalization method. Following functionalization, plain buffy coat and MCF7 cell spiked buffy coats were adsorbed on to the nanotube device and electrical signatures were recorded for differences in interaction between samples. A statistical classifier for the ‘liquid biopsy’ was developed to create a predictive model based on dynamic time warping to classify device electrical signals that corresponded to plain (control) or spiked buffy coats (case). In training test, the device electrical signals originating from buffy versus spiked buffy samples were classified with ˜100% sensitivity, ˜91% specificity and ˜96% accuracy. In the blinded test, the signals were classified with ˜91% sensitivity, ˜82% specificity and ˜86% accuracy. A heatmap was generated to visually capture the relationship between electrical signatures and the sample condition. Confocal microscopic analysis of devices that were classified as spiked buffy coats based on their electrical signatures confirmed the presence of cancer cells, their attachment to the device and overexpression of EpCAM receptors. The cell numbers were counted to be ˜1-17 cells per 5 μl per device suggesting single cell sensitivity in spiked buffy coats that is scalable to higher volumes using the micro-arrays.

Direct Air Capture of CO2 with an Amine Resin: A Molecular Modeling Study of the CO2 Capturing Process

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Several reactions, known from other amine systems for CO2 capture, have been proposed for Lewatit R VP OC 1065. The aim of this molecular modeling study is to elucidate the CO2 capture process: the physisorption process prior to the CO2-capture and the reactions. Molecular modeling yields that the resin has a structure with benzyl amine groups on alternating positions in close vicinity of each other. Based on this structure, the preferred adsorption mode of CO2 and H2O was established. Next, using standard Density Functional Theory two catalytic reactions responsible for the actual CO2 capture were identified: direct amine and amine-H2O catalyzed formation of carbamic acid. The latter is a new type of catalysis. Other reactions are unlikely. Quantitative verification of the molecular modeling results with known experimental CO2 adsorption isotherms, applying a dual site Langmuir adsorption isotherm model, further supports all results of this molecular modeling study. PMID:29142339

Nanoparticles modified with multiple organic acids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luebben, Silvia DeVito (Inventor); Cook, Ronald Lee (Inventor); Wilson, Carolina (Inventor); Meiser, Manfred (Inventor); Myers, Andrew William (Inventor); Smith, Bryan Matthew (Inventor); Elliott, Brian John (Inventor); Kreutzer, Cory (Inventor)

2007-01-01

Surface-modified nanoparticles of boehmite, and methods for preparing the same. Aluminum oxyhydroxide nanoparticles are surface modified by reaction with selected amounts of organic acids. In particular, the nanoparticle surface is modified by reactions with two or more different carboxylic acids, at least one of which is an organic carboxylic acid. The product is a surface modified boehmite nanoparticle that has an inorganic aluminum oxyhydroxide core, or part aluminum oxyhydroxide core and a surface-bonded organic shell. Organic carboxylic acids of this invention contain at least one carboxylic acid group and one carbon-hydrogen bond. One embodiment of this invention provides boehmite nanoparticles that have been surface modified with two or more acids one of which additional carries at least one reactive functional group. Another embodiment of this invention provides boehmite nanoparticles that have been surface modified with multiple acids one of which has molecular weight or average molecular weight greater than or equal to 500 Daltons. Yet, another embodiment of this invention provides boehmite nanoparticles that are surface modified with two or more acids one of which is hydrophobic in nature and has solubility in water of less than 15 by weight. The products of the methods of this invention have specific useful properties when used in mixture with liquids, as filler in solids, or as stand-alone entities.

Nanoparticles modified with multiple organic acids

DOEpatents

Cook, Ronald Lee [Lakewood, CO; Luebben, Silvia DeVito [Golden, CO; Myers, Andrew William [Arvada, CO; Smith, Bryan Matthew [Boulder, CO; Elliott, Brian John [Superior, CO; Kreutzer, Cory [Brighton, CO; Wilson, Carolina [Arvada, CO; Meiser, Manfred [Aurora, CO

2007-07-17

Surface-modified nanoparticles of boehmite, and methods for preparing the same. Aluminum oxyhydroxide nanoparticles are surface modified by reaction with selected amounts of organic acids. In particular, the nanoparticle surface is modified by reactions with two or more different carboxylic acids, at least one of which is an organic carboxylic acid. The product is a surface modified boehmite nanoparticle that has an inorganic aluminum oxyhydroxide core, or part aluminum oxyhydroxide core and a surface-bonded organic shell. Organic carboxylic acids of this invention contain at least one carboxylic acid group and one carbon-hydrogen bond. One embodiment of this invention provides boehmite nanoparticles that have been surface modified with two or more acids one of which additional carries at least one reactive functional group. Another embodiment of this invention provides boehmite nanoparticles that have been surface modified with multiple acids one of which has molecular weight or average molecular weight greater than or equal to 500 Daltons. Yet, another embodiment of this invention provides boehmite nanoparticles that are surface modified with two or more acids one of which is hydrophobic in nature and has solubility in water of less than 15 by weight. The products of the methods of this invention have specific useful properties when used in mixture with liquids, as filler in solids, or as stand-alone entities.

The ion capturing effect of 5° SiOx alignment films in liquid crystal devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Yi; Bos, Philip J.; Bhowmik, Achintya

2010-09-01

We show that SiOx, deposited at 5° to the interior surface of a liquid crystal cell allows for a surprisingly substantial reduction in the ion concentration of liquid crystal devices. We have investigated this effect and found that this type of film, due to its surface morphology, captures ions from the liquid crystal material. Ion adsorption on 5° SiOx film obeys the Langmuir isotherm. Experimental results shown allow estimation of the ion capturing capacity of these films to be more than an order of 10 000/μm2. These types of materials are useful for new types of very low power liquid crystal devices such as e-books.

Enhanced performance of solar cells with optimized surface recombination and efficient photon capturing via anisotropic-etching of black silicon

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, H. Y.; Peng, Y., E-mail: gdyuan@semi.ac.cn, E-mail: py@usst.edu.cn; Hong, M.

2014-05-12

We report an enhanced conversion efficiency of femtosecond-laser treated silicon solar cells by surface modification of anisotropic-etching. The etching improves minority carrier lifetime inside modified black silicon area substantially; moreover, after the etching, an inverted pyramids/upright pyramids mixed texture surface is obtained, which shows better photon capturing capability than that of conventional pyramid texture. Combing of these two merits, the reformed solar cells show higher conversion efficiency than that of conventional pyramid textured cells. This work presents a way for fabricating high performance silicon solar cells, which can be easily applied to mass-production.

Surface Propensity of Atmospherically Relevant Amino Acids Studied by XPS.

PubMed

Mocellin, Alexandra; Gomes, Anderson Herbert de Abreu; Araújo, Oscar Cardoso; de Brito, Arnaldo Naves; Björneholm, Olle

2017-04-27

Amino acids constitute an important fraction of the water-soluble organic nitrogen (WSON) compounds in aerosols and are involved in many processes in the atmosphere. In this work, we applied X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to study aqueous solutions of four amino acids, glycine, alanine, valine, and methionine, in their zwitterionic forms. We found that amino acids with hydrophilic side chains and smaller size, GLY and ALA, tend to stay in the bulk of the liquid, while the hydrophobic and bigger amino acids, VAL and MET, are found to concentrate more on the surface. We found experimental evidence that the amino acids have preferential orientation relative to the surface, with the hydrophobic side chain being closer to the surface than the hydrophilic carboxylate group. The observed amino acid surface propensity has implications in atmospheric science as the surface interactions play a central role in cloud droplet formation, and they should be considered in climate models.

Rates of nickel(II) capture from complexes with NTA, EDDA, and related tetradentate chelating agents by the hexadentate chelating agents EDTA and CDTA: Evidence of a "semijunctive" ligand exchange pathway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boland, Nathan E.; Stone, Alan T.

2017-09-01

Many siderophores and metallophores produced by soil organisms, as well as anthropogenic chelating agent soil amendments, rely upon amine and carboxylate Lewis base groups for metal ion binding. UV-visible spectra of metal ion-chelating agent complexes are often similar and, as a consequence, whole-sample absorbance measurements are an unreliable means of monitoring the progress of exchange reactions. In the present work, we employ capillary electrophoresis to physically separate Ni(II)-tetradentate chelating agent complexes (NiL) from Ni(II)-hexadentate chelating agent complexes (NiY) prior to UV detection, such that progress of the reaction NiL + Y → NiY + L can be conveniently monitored. Rates of ligand exchange for Ni(II) are lower than for other +II transition metal ions. Ni(II) speciation in environmental media is often under kinetic rather than equilibrium control. Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), with three carboxylate groups all tethered to a central amine Lewis base group, ethylenediamine-N,N‧-diacetic acid (EDDA), with carboxylate-amine-amine-carboxylate groups arranged linearly, plus four structurally related compounds, are used as tetradentate chelating agents. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and the structurally more rigid analog trans-cyclohexaneethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (CDTA) are used as hexadentate chelating agents. Effects of pH and reactant concentration are explored. Ni(II) capture by EDTA was consistently more than an order of magnitude faster than capture by CDTA, and too fast to quantify using our capillary electrophoresis-based technique. Using NiNTA as a reactant, Ni(II) capture by CDTA is independent of CDTA concentration and greatly enhanced by a proton-catalyzed pathway at low pH. Using NiEDDA as reactant, Ni(II) capture by CDTA is first order with respect to CDTA concentration, and the contribution from the proton-catalyzed pathway diminished by CDTA protonation. While the convention is to assign either a disjunctive pathway or adjunctive pathway to multidentate ligand exchange reactions, our results indicate that a third "semijunctive" pathway is necessary to account for slow reactions progressing through Lsbnd Nisbnd Y ternary complexes. Ligand exchange pathways with NTA-type chelating agents are assigned a disjunctive pathway, while pathways with EDDA-type chelating agents are assigned a semijunctive pathway. Based upon operative mechanism(s), magnitudes of exchange rates and effects of ambient geochemical conditions can be predicted.

The mechanisms of filter feeding on oil droplets: Theoretical considerations.

PubMed

Mehrabian, Sasan; Letendre, Francis; Cameron, Christopher B

2018-04-01

Filter feeding animals capture food particles and oil droplets from the fluid environment using cilia or appendages composed of arrays of fibers. Here we review the theoretical models that have provided a foundation for observations on the efficiency of particle capture. We then provide the mathematical theoretical framework to characterize the efficient filtration of oil droplets. In the aquatic and marine environments oil droplets are released from the decay of organisms or as hydrocarbons. Droplet size and flow velocity, oil-to-water viscosity ratio, oil-water interfacial tension, oil and water density difference, and the surface wettability, or surface texture, of the filter fiber are the key parameters for oil droplet capture. Following capture, capillary force maintains the droplet at its location due to the oil-water interfacial tension. If the oil-coated fiber is subject to any external force such as viscous or gravitational forces, it may deform and separate from the fiber and re-enter the fluid stream. We show oil droplet capture in Daphnia and the barnacle Balanus glandula, and outline some of the ecological unknowns regarding oil capture in the oceans. Awareness of these mechanisms and their interrelationships will provide a foundation for investigations into the efficiency of various modes of filter feeding on oil droplets. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Highly Surface-Active Ca(OH)2 Monolayer as a CO2 Capture Material.

PubMed

Özçelik, V Ongun; Gong, Kai; White, Claire E

2018-03-14

Greenhouse gas emissions originating from fossil fuel combustion contribute significantly to global warming, and therefore the design of novel materials that efficiently capture CO 2 can play a crucial role in solving this challenge. Here, we show that reducing the dimensionality of bulk crystalline portlandite results in a stable monolayer material, named portlandene, that is highly effective at capturing CO 2 . On the basis of theoretical analysis comprised of ab initio quantum mechanical calculations and force-field molecular dynamics simulations, we show that this single-layer phase is robust and maintains its stability even at high temperatures. The chemical activity of portlandene is seen to further increase upon defect engineering of its surface using vacancy sites. Defect-containing portlandene is capable of separating CO and CO 2 from a syngas (CO/CO 2 /H 2 ) stream, yet is inert to water vapor. This selective behavior and the associated mechanisms have been elucidated by examining the electronic structure, local charge distribution, and bonding orbitals of portlandene. Additionally, unlike conventional CO 2 capturing technologies, the regeneration process of portlandene does not require high temperature heat treatment because it can release the captured CO 2 by application of a mild external electric field, making portlandene an ideal CO 2 capturing material for both pre- and postcombustion processes.

Asteroid Redirect Robotic Mission: Robotic Boulder Capture Option Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazanek, Daniel D.; Merrill, Raymond G.; Belbin, Scott P.; Reeves, David M.; Earle, Kevin D.; Naasz, Bo J.; Abell, Paul A.

2014-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is currently studying an option for the Asteroid Redirect Robotic Mission (ARRM) that would capture a multi-ton boulder (typically 2-4 meters in size) from the surface of a large (is approximately 100+ meter) Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA) and return it to cislunar space for subsequent human and robotic exploration. This alternative mission approach, designated the Robotic Boulder Capture Option (Option B), has been investigated to determine the mission feasibility and identify potential differences from the initial ARRM concept of capturing an entire small NEA (4-10 meters in size), which has been designated the Small Asteroid Capture Option (Option A). Compared to the initial ARRM concept, Option B allows for centimeter-level characterization over an entire large NEA, the certainty of target NEA composition type, the ability to select the boulder that is captured, numerous opportunities for mission enhancements to support science objectives, additional experience operating at a low-gravity planetary body including extended surface contact, and the ability to demonstrate future planetary defense strategies on a hazardous-size NEA. Option B can leverage precursor missions and existing Agency capabilities to help ensure mission success by targeting wellcharacterized asteroids and can accommodate uncertain programmatic schedules by tailoring the return mass.

Perceived shifts of flashed stimuli by visible and invisible object motion.

PubMed

Watanabe, Katsumi; Sato, Takashi R; Shimojo, Shinsuke

2003-01-01

Perceived positions of flashed stimuli can be altered by motion signals in the visual field-position capture (Whitney and Cavanagh, 2000 Nature Neuroscience 3 954-959). We examined whether position capture of flashed stimuli depends on the spatial relationship between moving and flashed stimuli, and whether the phenomenal permanence of a moving object behind an occluding surface (tunnel effect; Michotte 1950 Acta Psychologica 7 293-322) can produce position capture. Observers saw two objects (circles) moving vertically in opposite directions, one in each visual hemifield. Two horizontal bars were simultaneously flashed at horizontally collinear positions with the fixation point at various timings. When the movement of the object was fully visible, the flashed bar appeared shifted in the motion direction of the circle. But this position-capture effect occurred only when the bar was presented ahead of or on the moving circle. Even when the motion trajectory was covered by an opaque surface and the bar was flashed after complete occlusion of the circle, the position-capture effect was still observed, though the positional asymmetry was less clear. These results show that movements of both visible and 'hidden' objects can modulate the perception of positions of flashed stimuli and suggest that a high-level representation of 'objects in motion' plays an important role in the position-capture effect.

Effect of l-lysine-assisted surface grafting for nano-hydroxyapatite on mechanical properties and in vitro bioactivity of poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid).

PubMed

Liuyun, Jiang; Lixin, Jiang; Chengdong, Xiong; Lijuan, Xu; Ye, Li

2016-01-01

It is promising and challenging to study surface modification for nano-hydroxyapatite to improve the dispersion and enhance the mechanical properties and bioactivity of poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid). In this paper, we designed an effective new surface grafting with the assist of l-lysine for nano-hydroxyapatite, and the nano-hydroxyapatite surface grafted with the assist of l-lysine (g-nano-hydroxyapatite) was incorporated into poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) to develop a series of g-nano-hydroxyapatite/poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) nano-composites. The surface modification reaction for nano-hydroxyapatite, the mechanical properties, and in vitro human osteoblast-like cell (MG-63) response were characterized and investigated by Fourier transformation infrared, thermal gravimetric analysis, dispersion test, electromechanical universal tester, differential scanning calorimeter measurements, and in vitro cells culture experiment. The results showed that the grafting amount on the surface of nano-hydroxyapatite was enhanced with the increase of l-lysine, and the dispersion of nano-hydroxyapatite was improved more, so that it brought about better promotion crystallization and more excellent mechanical enhancement effect for poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid), comparing with the unmodified nano-hydroxyapatite. Moreover, the cells' attachment and proliferation results confirmed that the incorporation of the g-nano-hydroxyapatite into poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) exhibited better biocompatibility than poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid). The above results indicated that the new surface grafting with the assist of l-lysine for nano-hydroxyapatite was an ideal novel surface modification method, which brought about better mechanical enhancement effect and in vitro bioactivity for poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) with adding higher g-nano-hydroxyapatite content, suggesting it had a great potential to be used as bone fracture internal fixation materials in future. © The Author(s) 2015.

Ultrasensitive detection of phenolic antioxidants by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ornelas-Soto, N.; Aguilar-Hernández, I. A.; Afseth, N.; López-Luke, T.; Contreras-Torres, F. F.; Wold, J. P.

2017-08-01

Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful surface-sensitive technique to study the vibrational properties of analytes at very low concentrations. In this study, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid and sinapic acid were analyzed by SERS using Ag colloids. Analytes were detected up to 2.5x10-9M. For caffeic acid and coumaric acid, this detection limit has been reached for the first time, as well as the SERS analysis of sinapic acid using silver colloids.

Near-Zero Emissions Oxy-Combustion Flue Gas Purification

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Minish Shah; Nich Degenstein; Monica Zanfir

2012-06-30

The objectives of this project were to carry out an experimental program to enable development and design of near zero emissions (NZE) CO{sub 2} processing unit (CPU) for oxy-combustion plants burning high and low sulfur coals and to perform commercial viability assessment. The NZE CPU was proposed to produce high purity CO{sub 2} from the oxycombustion flue gas, to achieve > 95% CO{sub 2} capture rate and to achieve near zero atmospheric emissions of criteria pollutants. Two SOx/NOx removal technologies were proposed depending on the SOx levels in the flue gas. The activated carbon process was proposed for power plantsmore » burning low sulfur coal and the sulfuric acid process was proposed for power plants burning high sulfur coal. For plants burning high sulfur coal, the sulfuric acid process would convert SOx and NOx in to commercial grade sulfuric and nitric acid by-products, thus reducing operating costs associated with SOx/NOx removal. For plants burning low sulfur coal, investment in separate FGD and SCR equipment for producing high purity CO{sub 2} would not be needed. To achieve high CO{sub 2} capture rates, a hybrid process that combines cold box and VPSA (vacuum pressure swing adsorption) was proposed. In the proposed hybrid process, up to 90% of CO{sub 2} in the cold box vent stream would be recovered by CO{sub 2} VPSA and then it would be recycled and mixed with the flue gas stream upstream of the compressor. The overall recovery from the process will be > 95%. The activated carbon process was able to achieve simultaneous SOx and NOx removal in a single step. The removal efficiencies were >99.9% for SOx and >98% for NOx, thus exceeding the performance targets of >99% and >95%, respectively. The process was also found to be suitable for power plants burning both low and high sulfur coals. Sulfuric acid process did not meet the performance expectations. Although it could achieve high SOx (>99%) and NOx (>90%) removal efficiencies, it could not produce by-product sulfuric and nitric acids that meet the commercial product specifications. The sulfuric acid will have to be disposed of by neutralization, thus lowering the value of the technology to same level as that of the activated carbon process. Therefore, it was decided to discontinue any further efforts on sulfuric acid process. Because of encouraging results on the activated carbon process, it was decided to add a new subtask on testing this process in a dual bed continuous unit. A 40 days long continuous operation test confirmed the excellent SOx/NOx removal efficiencies achieved in the batch operation. This test also indicated the need for further efforts on optimization of adsorption-regeneration cycle to maintain long term activity of activated carbon material at a higher level. The VPSA process was tested in a pilot unit. It achieved CO{sub 2} recovery of > 95% and CO{sub 2} purity of >80% (by vol.) from simulated cold box feed streams. The overall CO{sub 2} recovery from the cold box VPSA hybrid process was projected to be >99% for plants with low air ingress (2%) and >97% for plants with high air ingress (10%). Economic analysis was performed to assess value of the NZE CPU. The advantage of NZE CPU over conventional CPU is only apparent when CO{sub 2} capture and avoided costs are compared. For greenfield plants, cost of avoided CO{sub 2} and cost of captured CO{sub 2} are generally about 11-14% lower using the NZE CPU compared to using a conventional CPU. For older plants with high air intrusion, the cost of avoided CO{sub 2} and capture CO{sub 2} are about 18-24% lower using the NZE CPU. Lower capture costs for NZE CPU are due to lower capital investment in FGD/SCR and higher CO{sub 2} capture efficiency. In summary, as a result of this project, we now have developed one technology option for NZE CPU based on the activated carbon process and coldbox-VPSA hybrid process. This technology is projected to work for both low and high sulfur coal plants. The NZE CPU technology is projected to achieve near zero stack emissions, produce high purity CO{sub 2} relatively free of trace impurities and achieve ~99% CO{sub 2} capture rate while lowering the CO{sub 2} capture costs.« less

Static micro-array isolation, dynamic time series classification, capture and enumeration of spiked breast cancer cells in blood: the nanotube-CTC chip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khosravi, Farhad; Trainor, Patrick J.; Lambert, Christopher; Kloecker, Goetz; Wickstrom, Eric; Rai, Shesh N.; Panchapakesan, Balaji

2016-11-01

We demonstrate the rapid and label-free capture of breast cancer cells spiked in blood using nanotube-antibody micro-arrays. 76-element single wall carbon nanotube arrays were manufactured using photo-lithography, metal deposition, and etching techniques. Anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (anti-EpCAM), Anti-human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 (anti-Her2) and non-specific IgG antibodies were functionalized to the surface of the nanotube devices using 1-pyrene-butanoic acid succinimidyl ester. Following device functionalization, blood spiked with SKBR3, MCF7 and MCF10A cells (100/1000 cells per 5 μl per device, 170 elements totaling 0.85 ml of whole blood) were adsorbed on to the nanotube device arrays. Electrical signatures were recorded from each device to screen the samples for differences in interaction (specific or non-specific) between samples and devices. A zone classification scheme enabled the classification of all 170 elements in a single map. A kernel-based statistical classifier for the ‘liquid biopsy’ was developed to create a predictive model based on dynamic time warping series to classify device electrical signals that corresponded to plain blood (control) or SKBR3 spiked blood (case) on anti-Her2 functionalized devices with ˜90% sensitivity, and 90% specificity in capture of 1000 SKBR3 breast cancer cells in blood using anti-Her2 functionalized devices. Screened devices that gave positive electrical signatures were confirmed using optical/confocal microscopy to hold spiked cancer cells. Confocal microscopic analysis of devices that were classified to hold spiked blood based on their electrical signatures confirmed the presence of cancer cells through staining for DAPI (nuclei), cytokeratin (cancer cells) and CD45 (hematologic cells) with single cell sensitivity. We report 55%-100% cancer cell capture yield depending on the active device area for blood adsorption with mean of 62% (˜12 500 captured off 20 000 spiked cells in 0.1 ml blood) in this first nanotube-CTC chip study.

T4 bacteriophage conjugated magnetic particles for E. coli capturing: Influence of bacteriophage loading, temperature and tryptone.

PubMed

Liana, Ayu Ekajayanthi; Marquis, Christopher P; Gunawan, Cindy; Gooding, J Justin; Amal, Rose

2017-03-01

This work demonstrates the use of bacteriophage conjugated magnetic particles (Fe 3 O 4 ) for the rapid capturing and isolation of Escherichia coli. The investigation of T4 bacteriophage adsorption to silane functionalised Fe 3 O 4 with amine (NH 2 ), carboxylic (COOH) and methyl (CH 3 ) surface functional groups reveals the domination of net electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions in governing bacteriophage adsorption. The bare Fe 3 O 4 and Fe 3 O 4 -NH 2 with high T4 loading captured 3-fold more E. coli (∼70% capturing efficiency) compared to the low loading T4 on Fe 3 O 4 -COOH, suggesting the significance of T4 loading in E. coli capturing efficiency. Importantly, it is further revealed that E. coli capture is highly dependent on the incubation temperature and the presence of tryptone in the media. Effective E. coli capturing only occurs at 37°C in tryptone-containing media with the absence of either conditions resulted in poor bacteria capture. The incubation temperature dictates the capturing ability of Fe 3 O 4 /T4, whereby T4 and E. coli need to establish an irreversible binding that occurred at 37°C. The presence of tryptophan-rich tryptone in the suspending media was also critical, as shown by a 3-fold increase in E. coli capture efficiency of Fe 3 O 4 /T4 in tryptone-containing media compared to that in tryptone-free media. This highlights for the first time that successful bacteria capturing requires not only an optimum tailoring of the particle's surface physicochemical properties for favourable bacteriophage loading, but also an in-depth understanding of how factors, such as temperature and solution chemistry influence the subsequent bacteriophage-bacteria interactions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Vanadium As a Potential Membrane Material for Carbon Capture: Effects of Minor Flue Gas Species.

PubMed

Yuan, Mengyao; Liguori, Simona; Lee, Kyoungjin; Van Campen, Douglas G; Toney, Michael F; Wilcox, Jennifer

2017-10-03

Vanadium and its surface oxides were studied as a potential nitrogen-selective membrane material for indirect carbon capture from coal or natural gas power plants. The effects of minor flue gas components (SO 2 , NO, NO 2 , H 2 O, and O 2 ) on vanadium at 500-600 °C were investigated by thermochemical exposure in combination with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that SO 2 , NO, and NO 2 are unlikely to have adsorbed on the surface vanadium oxides at 600 °C after exposure for up to 10 h, although NO and NO 2 may have exhibited oxidizing effects (e.g., exposure to 250 ppmv NO/N 2 resulted in an 2.4 times increase in surface V 2 O 5 compared to exposure to just N 2 ). We hypothesize that decomposition of surface vanadium oxides and diffusion of surface oxygen into the metal bulk are both important mechanisms affecting the composition and morphology of the vanadium membrane. The results and hypothesis suggest that the carbon capture performance of the vanadium membrane can potentially be strengthened by material and process improvements such as alloying, operating temperature reduction, and flue gas treatment.

CD133 antibody conjugation to decellularized human heart valves intended for circulating cell capture.

PubMed

Vossler, John D; Min Ju, Young; Williams, J Koudy; Goldstein, Steven; Hamlin, James; Lee, Sang Jin; Yoo, James J; Atala, Anthony

2015-09-03

The long term efficacy of tissue based heart valve grafts may be limited by progressive degeneration characterized by immune mediated inflammation and calcification. To avoid this degeneration, decellularized heart valves with functionalized surfaces capable of rapid in vivo endothelialization have been developed. The aim of this study is to examine the capacity of CD133 antibody-conjugated valve tissue to capture circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Decellularized human pulmonary valve tissue was conjugated with CD133 antibody at varying concentrations and exposed to CD133 expressing NTERA-2 cl.D1 (NT2) cells in a microflow chamber. The amount of CD133 antibody conjugated on the valve tissue surface and the number of NT2 cells captured in the presence of shear stress was measured. Both the amount of CD133 antibody conjugated to the valve leaflet surface and the number of adherent NT2 cells increased as the concentration of CD133 antibody present in the surface immobilization procedure increased. The data presented in this study support the hypothesis that the rate of CD133(+) cell adhesion in the presence of shear stress to decellularized heart valve tissue functionalized by CD133 antibody conjugation increases as the quantity of CD133 antibody conjugated to the tissue surface increases.

Land surface albedo and vegetation feedbacks enhanced the millennium drought in south-east Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, Jason P.; Meng, Xianhong; McCabe, Matthew F.

2017-01-01

In this study, we have examined the ability of a regional climate model (RCM) to simulate the extended drought that occurred throughout the period of 2002 through 2007 in south-east Australia. In particular, the ability to reproduce the two drought peaks in 2002 and 2006 was investigated. Overall, the RCM was found to reproduce both the temporal and the spatial structure of the drought-related precipitation anomalies quite well, despite using climatological seasonal surface characteristics such as vegetation fraction and albedo. This result concurs with previous studies that found that about two-thirds of the precipitation decline can be attributed to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Simulation experiments that allowed the vegetation fraction and albedo to vary as observed illustrated that the intensity of the drought was underestimated by about 10 % when using climatological surface characteristics. These results suggest that in terms of drought development, capturing the feedbacks related to vegetation and albedo changes may be as important as capturing the soil moisture-precipitation feedback. In order to improve our modelling of multi-year droughts, the challenge is to capture all these related surface changes simultaneously, and provide a comprehensive description of land surface-precipitation feedback during the droughts development.

The fraction of total hand surface area involved in young children's outdoor hand-to-object contacts.

PubMed

AuYeung, Willa; Canales, Robert A; Leckie, James O

2008-11-01

Information on the fraction of total hand surface area touching a contaminated object is necessary in accurately estimating contaminant (e.g., pesticides, pathogens) loadings onto the hands during hand-to-object contacts. While several existing physical-stochastic human exposure models require such surface area data to estimate dermal and non-dietary ingestion exposure, there are very limited data sets. This paper provides statistical distributions of fractional surface areas (FSAs) for children's outdoor hand contacts. These distributions were constructed by combining information collected from two distinct studies exploring children's activity patterns and quantifying hand contact surface area. Results show that for outdoor contacts with "All Objects", a range of 0.13-0.27 captured median FSAs, while a range of 0.12-0.24 captured time-weighted FSAs. Overall, an FSA of 0.31 captured 80-100% of FSAs involved in each child's outdoor hand contacts, depending upon the object of interest. These values are much lower than the often conservative assumptions of up to 1 (i.e., the entire hand) that researchers currently make regarding FSAs involved in indoor and outdoor contacts [USEPA, 1997. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for residential exposure assessments. Contract no. 68-W6-0030. http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/trac/science/trac6a05.pdf].

Study of Perfluorophosphonic Acid Surface Modifications on Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Quiñones, Rosalynn; Shoup, Deben; Behnke, Grayce; Peck, Cynthia; Agarwal, Sushant; Gupta, Rakesh K; Fagan, Jonathan W; Mueller, Karl T; Iuliucci, Robbie J; Wang, Qiang

2017-11-28

In this study, perfluorinated phosphonic acid modifications were utilized to modify zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles because they create a more stable surface due to the electronegativity of the perfluoro head group. Specifically, 12-pentafluorophenoxydodecylphosphonic acid, 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzylphosphonic acid, and (1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorododecyl)phosphonic acid have been used to form thin films on the nanoparticle surfaces. The modified nanoparticles were then characterized using infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were utilized to determine the particle size of the nanoparticles before and after modification, and to analyze the film coverage on the ZnO surfaces, respectively. Zeta potential measurements were obtained to determine the stability of the ZnO nanoparticles. It was shown that the surface charge increased as the alkyl chain length increases. This study shows that modifying the ZnO nanoparticles with perfluorinated groups increases the stability of the phosphonic acids adsorbed on the surfaces. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to distinguish between chemically and physically bound films on the modified nanoparticles. The higher weight loss for 12-pentafluorophenoxydodecylphosphonic acid and (1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorododecyl)phosphonic acid modifications corresponds to a higher surface concentration of the modifications, and, ideally, higher surface coverage. While previous studies have shown how phosphonic acids interact with the surfaces of ZnO, the aim of this study was to understand how the perfluorinated groups can tune the surface properties of the nanoparticles.

What controls the hybridization thermodynamics of spherical nucleic acids?

PubMed

Randeria, Pratik S; Jones, Matthew R; Kohlstedt, Kevin L; Banga, Resham J; Olvera de la Cruz, Monica; Schatz, George C; Mirkin, Chad A

2015-03-18

The hybridization of free oligonucleotides to densely packed, oriented arrays of DNA modifying the surfaces of spherical nucleic acid (SNA)-gold nanoparticle conjugates occurs with negative cooperativity; i.e., each binding event destabilizes subsequent binding events. DNA hybridization is thus an ever-changing function of the number of strands already hybridized to the particle. Thermodynamic quantification of this behavior reveals a 3 orders of magnitude decrease in the binding constant for the capture of a free oligonucleotide by an SNA conjugate as the fraction of pre-hybridized strands increases from 0 to ∼30%. Increasing the number of pre-hybridized strands imparts an increasing enthalpic penalty to hybridization that makes binding more difficult, while simultaneously decreasing the entropic penalty to hybridization, which makes binding more favorable. Hybridization of free DNA to an SNA is thus governed by both an electrostatic barrier as the SNA accumulates charge with additional binding events and an effect consistent with allostery, where hybridization at certain sites on an SNA modify the binding affinity at a distal site through conformational changes to the remaining single strands. Leveraging these insights allows for the design of conjugates that hybridize free strands with significantly higher efficiencies, some of which approach 100%.

Multivalency of Sonic hedgehog conjugated to linear polymer chains modulates protein potency.

PubMed

Wall, Samuel T; Saha, Krishanu; Ashton, Randolph S; Kam, Kimberly R; Schaffer, David V; Healy, Kevin E

2008-04-01

A potently active multivalent form of the protein Sonic hedgehog (Shh) was produced by bioconjugation of a modified recombinant form of Shh to the linear polymers poly(acrylic acid) (pAAc) and hyaluronic acid (HyA) via a two-step reaction exploiting carboimiide and maleimide chemistry. Efficiency of the conjugation was approximately 75% even at stoichiometric ratios of 30 Shh molecules per linear HyA chain (i.e., 30:1 Shh/HyA). Bioactivity of the conjugates was tested via a cellular assay across a range of stoichiometric ratios of Shh molecules to HyA linear chains, which was varied from 0.6:1 Shh/HyA to 22:1 Shh/HyA. Results indicate that low conjugation ratios decrease Shh bioactivity and high ratios increase this activity beyond the potency of monomeric Shh, with approximately equal activity between monomeric soluble Shh and conjugated Shh at 7:1 Shh/HyA. In addition, high-ratio constructs increased angiogenesis determined by the in vivo chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. These results are captured by a kinetic model of multiple interactions between the Shh/HyA conjugates and cell surface receptors resulting in higher cell signaling at lower bulk Shh concentrations.

40 CFR 63.7957 - What definitions apply to this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... equipment used recovering, removing, oxidizing, or destroying organic vapors. Examples of such equipment... point means an individual tank, surface impoundment, container, oil-water, organic-water separator..., captures organic vapors emitted from the tank or container, and vents the captured vapor through a closed...

40 CFR 63.7957 - What definitions apply to this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... equipment used recovering, removing, oxidizing, or destroying organic vapors. Examples of such equipment... point means an individual tank, surface impoundment, container, oil-water, organic-water separator..., captures organic vapors emitted from the tank or container, and vents the captured vapor through a closed...

40 CFR 63.7957 - What definitions apply to this subpart?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... equipment used recovering, removing, oxidizing, or destroying organic vapors. Examples of such equipment... point means an individual tank, surface impoundment, container, oil-water, organic-water separator..., captures organic vapors emitted from the tank or container, and vents the captured vapor through a closed...

Nanoassembled thin film gas sensors. III. Sensitive detection of amine odors using TiO2/poly(acrylic acid) ultrathin film quartz crystal microbalance sensors.

PubMed

Lee, Seung-Woo; Takahara, Naoki; Korposh, Sergiy; Yang, Do-Hyeon; Toko, Kiyoshi; Kunitake, Toyoki

2010-03-15

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) gas sensors based on the alternate adsorption of TiO(2) and polyacrilic acid (PAA) were developed for the sensitive detection of amine odors. Individual TiO(2) gel layers could be regularly assembled with a thickness of approximately 0.3 nm by the gas-phase surface sol-gel process (GSSG). The thickness of the poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) layer is dependent on its molecular weight, showing different thicknesses of approximately 0.4 nm for PAA(25) (Mw 250,000) and 0.6-0.8 nm for PAA(400) (Mw 4,000,000). The QCM sensors showed a linear response to ammonia in the concentration range 0.3-15 ppm, depending on the deposition cycle of the alternate TiO(2)/PAA layer. The ammonia binding is based on the acid-base interaction to the free carboxylic acid groups of PAA and the limit of detection (LOD) of the 20-cycle TiO(2)/PAA(400) film was estimated to be 0.1 ppm when exposed to ammonia. The sensor response was very fast and stable in a wide relative humidity (rH) range of 30-70%, showing almost the same frequency changes at a given concentration of ammonia. Sensitivity to n-butylamine and ammonia was higher than to pyridine, which is owing to the difference of molecular weight and basicity of the amine analytes. The alternate TiO(2)/PAA(400) films have a highly effective ability to capture amine odors, and the ambient ammonia concentration of 15 ppm could be condensed up to approximately 20,000 ppm inside the films.

Assessing the response of Emerald Lake, an alpine watershed in Sequoia National Park, California, to acidification during snowmelt by using a simple hydrochemical model

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hooper, R.P.; West, C.T.; Peters, N.E.

1990-01-01

A sparsely parameterized hydrochemical model has been developed by using data from Emerald Lake watershed, which is a 120-ha alpine catchment in Sequoia National Park, California. Greater than 90% of the precipitation to this watershed is snow; hence, snowmelt is the dominant hydrologic event. A model which uses a single alkalinity-generating mechanism, primary mineral weathering, was able to capture the pattern of solute concentrations in surface waters during snowmelt. An empirical representation of the weathering reaction, which is based on rock weathering stoichiometry and which uses discharge as a measure of residence time, was included in the model. Results ofmore » the model indicate that current deposition levels would have to be increased between three-fold and eight-fold to exhaust the alkalinity of the lake during snowmelt if their is a mild acidic pulse in the stream at the beginning of snowmelt as was observed during the study period. The acidic pulse in the inflow stream at the onset of snowmelt was less pronounced than acidic pulses observed in the meltwater draining the snowpack at a point using snow lysimeters or in the laboratory. Sulfate concentrations in the stream water were the most constant; chloride and nitrate concentrations increased slightly at the beginning of snowmelt. Additional field work is required to resolve whether an acidic meltwater pulse occurs over a large area as well as at a point or whether, due to physical and chemical processes within the snowpack, the acidic meltwater pulse is attenuated at the catchment scale. The modest data requirements of the model permit its applications to other alpine watersheds that are much less intensively studied than Emerald Lake watershed.« less

Direct analysis by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry reveals action of bacterial laccase-mediator systems on both hardwood and softwood samples.

PubMed

Goacher, Robyn E; Braham, Erick J; Michienzi, Courtney L; Flick, Robert M; Yakunin, Alexander F; Master, Emma R

2017-12-29

The modification and degradation of lignin play a vital role in carbon cycling as well as production of biofuels and bioproducts. The possibility of using bacterial laccases for the oxidation of lignin offers a route to utilize existing industrial protein expression techniques. However, bacterial laccases are most frequently studied on small model compounds that do not capture the complexity of lignocellulosic materials. This work studied the action of laccases from Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella typhimurium (EC 1.10.3.2) on ground wood samples from yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) and red spruce (Picea rubens). The ability of bacterial laccases to modify wood can be facilitated by small molecule mediators. Herein, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), gallic acid and sinapic acid mediators were tested. Direct analysis of the wood samples was achieved by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), a surface sensitive mass spectrometry technique that has characteristic peaks for H, G and S lignin. The action of the bacterial laccases on both wood samples was demonstrated and revealed a strong mediator influence. The ABTS mediator led to delignification, evident in an overall increase of polysaccharide peaks in the residual solid, along with equal loss of G and S-lignin peaks. The gallic acid mediator demonstrated minimal laccase activity. Meanwhile, the sinapic acid mediator altered the S/G peak ratio consistent with mediator attaching to the wood solids. The current investigation demonstrates the action of bacterial laccase-mediator systems directly on woody materials, and the potential of using ToF-SIMS to uncover the fundamental and applied role of bacterial enzymes in lignocellulose conversion. © 2017 Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society.

NanoDrop Microvolume Quantitation of Nucleic Acids

PubMed Central

Desjardins, Philippe; Conklin, Deborah

2010-01-01

Biomolecular assays are continually being developed that use progressively smaller amounts of material, often precluding the use of conventional cuvette-based instruments for nucleic acid quantitation for those that can perform microvolume quantitation. The NanoDrop microvolume sample retention system (Thermo Scientific NanoDrop Products) functions by combining fiber optic technology and natural surface tension properties to capture and retain minute amounts of sample independent of traditional containment apparatus such as cuvettes or capillaries. Furthermore, the system employs shorter path lengths, which result in a broad range of nucleic acid concentration measurements, essentially eliminating the need to perform dilutions. Reducing the volume of sample required for spectroscopic analysis also facilitates the inclusion of additional quality control steps throughout many molecular workflows, increasing efficiency and ultimately leading to greater confidence in downstream results. The need for high-sensitivity fluorescent analysis of limited mass has also emerged with recent experimental advances. Using the same microvolume sample retention technology, fluorescent measurements may be performed with 2 μL of material, allowing fluorescent assays volume requirements to be significantly reduced. Such microreactions of 10 μL or less are now possible using a dedicated microvolume fluorospectrometer. Two microvolume nucleic acid quantitation protocols will be demonstrated that use integrated sample retention systems as practical alternatives to traditional cuvette-based protocols. First, a direct A260 absorbance method using a microvolume spectrophotometer is described. This is followed by a demonstration of a fluorescence-based method that enables reduced-volume fluorescence reactions with a microvolume fluorospectrometer. These novel techniques enable the assessment of nucleic acid concentrations ranging from 1 pg/ μL to 15,000 ng/ μL with minimal consumption of sample. PMID:21189466

With a flick of the lid: a novel trapping mechanism in Nepenthes gracilis pitcher plants.

PubMed

Bauer, Ulrike; Di Giusto, Bruno; Skepper, Jeremy; Grafe, T Ulmar; Federle, Walter

2012-01-01

Carnivorous pitcher plants capture prey with modified leaves (pitchers), using diverse mechanisms such as 'insect aquaplaning' on the wet pitcher rim, slippery wax crystals on the inner pitcher wall, and viscoelastic retentive fluids. Here we describe a new trapping mechanism for Nepenthes gracilis which has evolved a unique, semi-slippery wax crystal surface on the underside of the pitcher lid and utilises the impact of rain drops to 'flick' insects into the trap. Depending on the experimental conditions (simulated 'rain', wet after 'rain', or dry), insects were captured mainly by the lid, the peristome, or the inner pitcher wall, respectively. The application of an anti-slip coating to the lower lid surface reduced prey capture in the field. Compared to sympatric N. rafflesiana, N. gracilis pitchers secreted more nectar under the lid and less on the peristome, thereby directing prey mainly towards the lid. The direct contribution to prey capture represents a novel function of the pitcher lid.

Fabrication of Nitrogen-Doped Hollow Mesoporous Spherical Carbon Capsules for Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Chen, Aibing; Xia, Kechan; Zhang, Linsong; Yu, Yifeng; Li, Yuetong; Sun, Hexu; Wang, Yuying; Li, Yunqian; Li, Shuhui

2016-09-06

A novel "dissolution-capture" method for the fabrication of nitrogen-doped hollow mesoporous spherical carbon capsules (N-HMSCCs) with high capability for supercapacitor is developed. The fabrication process is performed by depositing mesoporous silica on the surface of the polyacrylonitrile nanospheres, followed by a dissolution-capture process occurring in the polyacrylonitrile core and silica shell. The polyacrylonitrile core is dissolved by dimethylformamide treatment to form a hollow cavity. Then, the polyacrylonitrile is captured into the mesochannel of silica. After carbonization and etching of silica, N-HMSCCs with uniform mesopore size are produced. The N-HMSCCs show a high specific capacitance of 206.0 F g(-1) at a current density of 1 A g(-1) in 6.0 M KOH due to its unique hollow nanostructure, high surface area, and nitrogen content. In addition, 92.3% of the capacitance of N-HMSCCs still remains after 3000 cycles at 5 A g(-1). The "dissolution-capture" method should give a useful enlightenment for the design of electrode materials for supercapacitor.

Tilted pillar array fabrication by the combination of proton beam writing and soft lithography for microfluidic cell capture Part 2: Image sequence analysis based evaluation and biological application.

PubMed

Járvás, Gábor; Varga, Tamás; Szigeti, Márton; Hajba, László; Fürjes, Péter; Rajta, István; Guttman, András

2018-02-01

As a continuation of our previously published work, this paper presents a detailed evaluation of a microfabricated cell capture device utilizing a doubly tilted micropillar array. The device was fabricated using a novel hybrid technology based on the combination of proton beam writing and conventional lithography techniques. Tilted pillars offer unique flow characteristics and support enhanced fluidic interaction for improved immunoaffinity based cell capture. The performance of the microdevice was evaluated by an image sequence analysis based in-house developed single-cell tracking system. Individual cell tracking allowed in-depth analysis of the cell-chip surface interaction mechanism from hydrodynamic point of view. Simulation results were validated by using the hybrid device and the optimized surface functionalization procedure. Finally, the cell capture capability of this new generation microdevice was demonstrated by efficiently arresting cells from a HT29 cell-line suspension. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

With a Flick of the Lid: A Novel Trapping Mechanism in Nepenthes gracilis Pitcher Plants

PubMed Central

Bauer, Ulrike; Di Giusto, Bruno; Skepper, Jeremy; Grafe, T. Ulmar; Federle, Walter

2012-01-01

Carnivorous pitcher plants capture prey with modified leaves (pitchers), using diverse mechanisms such as ‘insect aquaplaning’ on the wet pitcher rim, slippery wax crystals on the inner pitcher wall, and viscoelastic retentive fluids. Here we describe a new trapping mechanism for Nepenthes gracilis which has evolved a unique, semi-slippery wax crystal surface on the underside of the pitcher lid and utilises the impact of rain drops to ‘flick’ insects into the trap. Depending on the experimental conditions (simulated ‘rain’, wet after ‘rain’, or dry), insects were captured mainly by the lid, the peristome, or the inner pitcher wall, respectively. The application of an anti-slip coating to the lower lid surface reduced prey capture in the field. Compared to sympatric N. rafflesiana, N. gracilis pitchers secreted more nectar under the lid and less on the peristome, thereby directing prey mainly towards the lid. The direct contribution to prey capture represents a novel function of the pitcher lid. PMID:22719998

Hierarchically Porous Carbon Materials for CO 2 Capture: The Role of Pore Structure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Estevez, Luis; Barpaga, Dushyant; Zheng, Jian

2018-01-17

With advances in porous carbon synthesis techniques, hierarchically porous carbon (HPC) materials are being utilized as relatively new porous carbon sorbents for CO2 capture applications. These HPC materials were used as a platform to prepare samples with differing textural properties and morphologies to elucidate structure-property relationships. It was found that high microporous content, rather than overall surface area was of primary importance for predicting good CO2 capture performance. Two HPC materials were analyzed, each with near identical high surface area (~2700 m2/g) and colossally high pore volume (~10 cm3/g), but with different microporous content and pore size distributions, which ledmore » to dramatically different CO2 capture performance. Overall, large pore volumes obtained from distinct mesopores were found to significantly impact adsorption performance. From these results, an optimized HPC material was synthesized that achieved a high CO2 capacity of ~3.7 mmol/g at 25°C and 1 bar.« less

Hydrodynamics of the Capture Zone of a Partially Penetrating Well in a Confined Aquifer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faybishenko, Boris A.; Javandel, Iraj; Witherspoon, Paul A.

1995-04-01

In the pump and treat approach to the problem of managing a contaminated aquifer, a key problem is to design an effective capture system that collects only the polluted groundwater without allowing any of it to escape. At present, it is customary to design a capture system using fully penetrating withdrawal wells. Very often, however, only part of the vertical thickness of the aquifer is contaminated, so the question may arise whether a more efficient capture system can be achieved using partially penetrating wells. Very little work has been done on the application of partially penetrating wells to this problem. A new semianalytic method that can be used in determining the geometry of the capture zone for steady state flow to a partially penetrating well that is screened from the top (or from the bottom) of a confined aquifer has been developed. By combining the velocity potentials for flow to the well with that for the regional flow field, a three-dimensional velocity potential that can be used in determining the complete geometry of the capture surface has been developed. The results have shown that with a constant pumping rate the maximum horizontal extent of the capture surface at the top (or bottom) of the aquifer increases as the degree of penetration decreases. As one would expect, the maximum vertical extent increases as the depth of penetration increases. Thus, if one knows the actual location of the contaminant plume, an appropriate combination of the degree of penetration and pumping rate can be selected to create an effective capture zone.

Evaluation of different strategies for magnetic particle functionalization with DNA aptamers.

PubMed

Pérez-Ruiz, Elena; Lammertyn, Jeroen; Spasic, Dragana

2016-12-25

The optimal bio-functionalization of magnetic particles is essential for developing magnetic particle-based bioassays. Whereas functionalization with antibodies is generally well established, immobilization of DNA probes, such as aptamers, is not yet fully explored. In this work, four different types of commercially available magnetic particles, coated with streptavidin, maleimide or carboxyl groups, were evaluated for their surface coverage with aptamer bioreceptors, efficiency in capturing target protein and non-specific protein adsorption on their surface. A recently developed aptamer against the peanut allergen, Ara h 1 protein, was used as a model system. Conjugation of biotinylated Ara h 1 aptamer to the streptavidin particles led to the highest surface coverage, whereas the coverage of maleimide particles was 25% lower. Carboxylated particles appeared to be inadequate for DNA functionalization. Streptavidin particles also showed the greatest target capturing efficiency, comparable to the one of particles functionalized with anti-Ara h 1 antibody. The performance of streptavidin particles was additionally tested in a sandwich assay with the aptamer as a capture receptor on the particle surface. While the limit of detection obtained was comparable to the same assay system with antibody as capture receptor, it was superior to previously reported values using the same aptamer in similar assay schemes with different detection platforms. These results point to the promising application of the Ara h 1 aptamer-functionalized particles in bioassay development. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Acidic gas capture by diamines

DOEpatents

Rochelle, Gary [Austin, TX; Hilliard, Marcus [Missouri City, TX

2011-05-10

Compositions and methods related to the removal of acidic gas. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a composition and method for the removal of acidic gas from a gas mixture using a solvent comprising a diamine (e.g., piperazine) and carbon dioxide. One example of a method may involve a method for removing acidic gas comprising contacting a gas mixture having an acidic gas with a solvent, wherein the solvent comprises piperazine in an amount of from about 4 to about 20 moles/kg of water, and carbon dioxide in an amount of from about 0.3 to about 0.9 moles per mole of piperazine.

Effects of species-specific leaf characteristics and reduced water availability on fine particle capture efficiency of trees.

PubMed

Räsänen, Janne V; Holopainen, Toini; Joutsensaari, Jorma; Ndam, Collins; Pasanen, Pertti; Rinnan, Åsmund; Kivimäenpää, Minna

2013-12-01

Trees can improve air quality by capturing particles in their foliage. We determined the particle capture efficiencies of coniferous Pinus sylvestris and three broadleaved species: Betula pendula, Betula pubescens and Tilia vulgaris in a wind tunnel using NaCl particles. The importance of leaf surface structure, physiology and moderate soil drought on the particle capture efficiencies of the trees were determined. The results confirm earlier findings of more efficient particle capture by conifers compared to broadleaved plants. The particle capture efficiency of P. sylvestris (0.21%) was significantly higher than those of B. pubescens, T. vulgaris and B. pendula (0.083%, 0.047%, 0.043%, respectively). The small leaf size of P. sylvestris was the major characteristic that increased particle capture. Among the broadleaved species, low leaf wettability, low stomatal density and leaf hairiness increased particle capture. Moderate soil drought tended to increase particle capture efficiency of P. sylvestris. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Capture of carbon dioxide from ethanol fermentation by liquid absorption for use in biological production of succinic acid

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Previously it was shown that the gas produced in an ethanol fermentor using either corn or barley as feedstock could be sparged directly into an adjacent fermentor using Escherichia coli AFP184 to provide the CO2 required for succinic acid production. In the present investigation it has been demons...

Preliminary biochemical observations of fishes inhabiting an acidified lake in Ontario, Canada

Treesearch

W. L. Lockhart; A. Lutz

1976-01-01

Blood serum and other tissues of white suckers (Catostomus commersoni) and other species of fish have been examined in a preliminary effort to understand losses of fish from acid lakes. Maturing females of highly acid George Lake failed to show the normal degree of increase in serum calcium over males captured in the same location. Elevated serum...

A self-contained 48-well fatty acid oxidation assay.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaojun; Wang, Rose; Nemcek, Thomas A; Cao, Ning; Pan, Jeffrey Y; Frevert, Ernst U

2004-02-01

The modulation of fatty acid metabolism and especially the stimulation of fatty acid oxidation in liver or skeletal muscle are attractive therapeutic approaches for the treatment of obesity and the associated insulin resistance. However, current beta-oxidation assays are run in very low throughput, which represents an obstacle for drug discovery in this area. Here we describe results for a 48-well beta-oxidation assay using a new instrument design. A connecting chamber links two adjacent wells to form an experimental unit, in which one well contains the beta-oxidation reaction and the other captures CO(2). The experimental units are sealed from each other and from the outside to prevent release of radioactivity from the labeled substrate. CO(2) capture in this instrument is linear with time and over the relevant experimental range of substrate concentration. Cellular viability is maintained in the sealed environment, and cells show the expected responses to modulators of beta-oxidation, such as the AMP kinase activator 5-aminoimidazole carboxamide riboside. Data are presented for different lipid substrates and cell lines. The increased throughput of this procedure compared with previously described methods should facilitate the evaluation of compounds that modulate fatty acid metabolism.

The National Shipbuilding Research Program. Survey of Air and Water Quality Pollution Prevention and Control Technology Used in Shipyards and Similar Industries

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-01-09

vehicle washing 3. TSP and citric acid for bilge cleaning 1. no capture and filtration of weld fumes 8 1. black beauty abrasives 2...treatment 1. not treated N/A 12 N/A 1. treated on-site. with gravity oil water separator, acid cracking of the emulsion layer and parallel...less energy-intensive treatment technologies such as constructed wetlands for sewage treatment and anoxic limestone drains for acid mine drainage

Thermal transformation of bioactive caffeic acid on fumed silica seen by UV-Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, temperature programmed desorption mass spectrometry and quantum chemical methods.

PubMed

Kulik, Tetiana V; Lipkovska, Natalia O; Barvinchenko, Valentyna M; Palyanytsya, Borys B; Kazakova, Olga A; Dudik, Olesia O; Menyhárd, Alfréd; László, Krisztina

2016-05-15

Thermochemical studies of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and their surface complexes are important for the pharmaceutical industry, medicine and for the development of technologies of heterogeneous biomass pyrolysis. In this study, structural and thermal transformations of caffeic acid complexes on silica surfaces were studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, temperature programmed desorption mass spectrometry (TPD MS) and quantum chemical methods. Two types of caffeic acid surface complexes are found to form through phenolic or carboxyl groups. The kinetic parameters of the chemical reactions of caffeic acid on silica surface are calculated. The mechanisms of thermal transformations of the caffeic chemisorbed surface complexes are proposed. Thermal decomposition of caffeic acid complex chemisorbed through grafted ester group proceeds via three parallel reactions, producing ketene, vinyl and acetylene derivatives of 1,2-dihydroxybenzene. Immobilization of phenolic acids on the silica surface improves greatly their thermal stability. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Estimation of weapon-radius versus maneuverability trade-off for air-to-air combat

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kelley, H. J.; Lefton, L.

1977-01-01

A chase in a horizontal plane between a pursuer with a large capture radius and a more maneuverable evading vehicle is examined with constant-speed vehicle models. An approximation to the 'sidestepping' maneuver of the Homicidal Chauffeur Game is modified to account for the effect of evader turning rate, and an estimate of capture radius required is so obtained which agrees remarkably well with Cockayne's point-capture result. The maneuver assumes central importance for barrier surfaces appearing in the Game of Two Cars. Results are given for required weapon capture-radius in terms of the maneuverability of the two vehicles. Some calculations of capture radius are presented.

Graphene oxide-based benzimidazole-crosslinked networks for high-performance supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Yi; Cheng, Qian-Yi; Wu, Haiping; Wei, Zhixiang; Han, Bao-Hang

2013-08-01

The synthesis of graphene oxide (GO)-based benzimidazole-crosslinked network (GOBIN) materials is presented. These materials are prepared by the covalent crosslinking of GO sheets using a condensation reaction between the carboxylic acid moieties on the GO surface and the o-aminophenyl end groups of 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (or 1,2,4,5-benzenetetraamine tetrahydrochloride). An efficient one-pot catalyst- and template-free synthesis was performed. The obtained porous GO-based materials possess a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area ranging from 260 to 920 m2 g-1. Electrochemical testing indicates that the GOBIN materials display a specific capacitance up to 370 F g-1 at a current density of 0.1 A g-1 and about 90% of the original capacitance is retained after 5000 cycles at a current density of 3 A g-1. Therefore, GOBIN materials can be employed as promising electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors with outstanding cycling stability. Furthermore, owing to their significantly high specific surface area, these materials also show hydrogen uptake (up to 1.24 wt%, at 77 K and 1.0 bar) and carbon dioxide capture (up to 14.2 wt%, at 273 K and 1.0 bar) properties. As a result, these GO-based porous materials improve both the supercapacitor performance and gas sorption property, which demonstrate an excellent performance in the practical application of energy storage.The synthesis of graphene oxide (GO)-based benzimidazole-crosslinked network (GOBIN) materials is presented. These materials are prepared by the covalent crosslinking of GO sheets using a condensation reaction between the carboxylic acid moieties on the GO surface and the o-aminophenyl end groups of 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (or 1,2,4,5-benzenetetraamine tetrahydrochloride). An efficient one-pot catalyst- and template-free synthesis was performed. The obtained porous GO-based materials possess a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area ranging from 260 to 920 m2 g-1. Electrochemical testing indicates that the GOBIN materials display a specific capacitance up to 370 F g-1 at a current density of 0.1 A g-1 and about 90% of the original capacitance is retained after 5000 cycles at a current density of 3 A g-1. Therefore, GOBIN materials can be employed as promising electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors with outstanding cycling stability. Furthermore, owing to their significantly high specific surface area, these materials also show hydrogen uptake (up to 1.24 wt%, at 77 K and 1.0 bar) and carbon dioxide capture (up to 14.2 wt%, at 273 K and 1.0 bar) properties. As a result, these GO-based porous materials improve both the supercapacitor performance and gas sorption property, which demonstrate an excellent performance in the practical application of energy storage. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Detailed methods of preparation of GOBINPPA, SEM images, IR spectra, TGA, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, pore size distribution, gravimetric hydrogen adsorption, carbon dioxide adsorption isotherms, and virial analysis of the adsorption data for GOBIN materials. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr01480k

Microwave-induced activation of additional active edge sites on the MoS2 surface for enhanced Hg0 capture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Haitao; Mu, Xueliang; Yang, Gang; Zheng, Chengheng; Sun, Chenggong; Gao, Xiang; Wu, Tao

2017-10-01

In recent years, significant effort has been made in the development of novel materials for the removal of mercury from coal-derived flue gas. In this research, microwave irradiation was adopted to induce the creation of additional active sites on the MoS2 surface. The results showed that Hg0 capture efficiency of the adsorbent containing MoS2 nanosheets being microwave treated was as high as 97%, while the sample prepared via conventional method only showed an efficiency of 94% in its first 180 min testing. After the adsorbent was treated by microwave irradiation for 3 more times, its mercury removal efficiency was still noticeably higher than that of the sample prepared via conventional method. Characterization of surface structure of the MoS2 containing material together with DFT study further revealed that the (001) basal planes of MoS2 crystal structure were cracked into (100) edge planes (with an angle of approximately 75°) under microwave treatment, which subsequently resulted in the formation of additional active edge sites on the MoS2 surface and led to the improved performance on Hg0 capture.

Investigation of the degradation mechanism of catalytic wires during oxidation of ammonia process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pura, Jarosław; Wieciński, Piotr; Kwaśniak, Piotr; Zwolińska, Marta; Garbacz, Halina; Zdunek, Joanna; Laskowski, Zbigniew; Gierej, Maciej

2016-12-01

The most common catalysts for the ammonia oxidation process are 80 μm diameter platinum-rhodium wires knitted or woven into the form of a gauze. In an aggressive environment and under extreme conditions (temperature 800-900 °C, intensive gas flow, high pressure) precious elements are drained from the surface of the wires. Part of this separated material quickly decomposes on the surface in the form of characteristic "cauliflower-shape protrusions". The rest of the platinum is captured by palladium-nickel catalytic-capture gauzes located beneath. In our investigation we focused on the effects of the degradation of gauzes from one industrial catalytic system. The aim of the study was to compare the degree and the mechanism of degradation of gauzes from a different part of the reactor. The study covered PtRh7 catalytic and PdNi5 catalytic-capture gauzes. X-ray computer microtomography investigation revealed that despite strong differences in morphology, each Pt-Rh wire has a similar specific surface area. This indicates that the oxidation process and morphological changes of the wires occur in a self-regulating balance, resulting in the value of the specific surface area of the catalyst. Microtomography analysis of Pd-Ni wires revealed strong redevelopment of the wires' surface, which is related to the platinum capture phenomenon. Scanning electron microscope observations also revealed the nanostructure in the cauliflower-shape protrusions and large grains in the wires' preserved cores. The high temperature in the reactor and the long-term nature of the process do not favor the occurrence of the nanostructure in this type of material. Further and detailed analysis of this phenomena will provide a better understanding of the precious metals etching and deposition processes during oxidation.

Organic Electrochemical Transistors for the Detection of Cell Surface Glycans.

PubMed

Chen, Lizhen; Fu, Ying; Wang, Naixiang; Yang, Anneng; Li, Yuanzhe; Wu, Jie; Ju, Huangxian; Yan, Feng

2018-05-23

Cell surface glycans play critical roles in diverse biological processes, such as cell-cell communication, immunity, infection, development, and differentiation. Their expressions are closely related to cancer growth and metastasis. This work demonstrates an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT)-based biosensor for the detection of glycan expression on living cancer cells. Herein, mannose on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) as the target glycan model, poly dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride-multiwall carbon nanotubes (PDDA-MWCNTs) as the loading interface, concanavalin A (Con A) with active mannose binding sites, aptamer and horseradish peroxidase co-immobilized gold nanoparticles (HRP-aptamer-Au NPs) as specific nanoprobes are used to fabricate the OECT biosensor. In this strategy, PDDA-MWCNT interfaces can enhance the loading of Con A, and the target cells can be captured through Con A via active mannose binding sites. Thus, the expression of cell surface can be reflected by the amount of cells captured on the gate. Specific nanoprobes are introduced to the captured cells to produce an OECT signal because of the reduction of hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by HRP conjugated on Au nanoparticles, while the aptamer on nanoprobes can selectively recognize the MCF-7 cells. It is reasonable that more target cells are captured on the gate electrode, more HRP-nanoprobes are loaded thus a larger signal response. The device shows an obvious response to MCF-7 cells down to 10 cells/μL and can be used to selectively monitor the change of mannose expression on cell surfaces upon a treatment with the N-glycan inhibitor. The OECT-based biosensor is promising for the analysis of glycan expressions on the surfaces of different types of cells.

An Assessment of Stream Confluence Flow Dynamics using Large Scale Particle Image Velocimetry Captured from Unmanned Aerial Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lewis, Q. W.; Rhoads, B. L.

2017-12-01

The merging of rivers at confluences results in complex three-dimensional flow patterns that influence sediment transport, bed morphology, downstream mixing, and physical habitat conditions. The capacity to characterize comprehensively flow at confluences using traditional sensors, such as acoustic Doppler velocimeters and profiles, is limited by the restricted spatial resolution of these sensors and difficulties in measuring velocities simultaneously at many locations within a confluence. This study assesses two-dimensional surficial patterns of flow structure at a small stream confluence in Illinois, USA, using large scale particle image velocimetry (LSPIV) derived from videos captured by unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The method captures surface velocity patterns at high spatial and temporal resolution over multiple scales, ranging from the entire confluence to details of flow within the confluence mixing interface. Flow patterns at high momentum ratio are compared to flow patterns when the two incoming flows have nearly equal momentum flux. Mean surface flow patterns during the two types of events provide details on mean patterns of surface flow in different hydrodynamic regions of the confluence and on changes in these patterns with changing momentum flux ratio. LSPIV data derived from the highest resolution imagery also reveal general characteristics of large-scale vortices that form along the shear layer between the flows during the high-momentum ratio event. The results indicate that the use of LSPIV and UAS is well-suited for capturing in detail mean surface patterns of flow at small confluences, but that characterization of evolving turbulent structures is limited by scale considerations related to structure size, image resolution, and camera instability. Complementary methods, including camera platforms mounted at fixed positions close to the water surface, provide opportunities to accurately characterize evolving turbulent flow structures in confluences.

COMPARISON OF MERCURY CAPTURE EFFICIENCIES OF THREE DIFFERENT IN SITU GENERATED SORBENTS

EPA Science Inventory

Three different sorbent materials (Ti, Si and Ca based) were compared for their mercury capture efficiencies in an entrained flow reactor. Agglomerated particles with a high specific surface area were generated in situ by injecting gas phase sorbent precursors into a high tempera...

Methods of decontaminating surfaces and related compositions

DOEpatents

Demmer, Ricky L.; Crosby, Daniel; Norton, Christopher J.

2016-11-22

A composition of matter includes water, at least one acid, at least one surfactant, at least one fluoride salt, and ammonium nitrate. A method of decontaminating a surface includes exposing a surface to such a composition and removing the composition from the surface. Other compositions of matter include water, a fatty alcohol ether sulfate, nitrilotriacetic acid, at least one of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, ammonium nitrate, and gelatin.

Methods for generation of reporter phages and immobilization of active bacteriophages on a polymer surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morgan, Mark Thomas (Inventor); Kothapalli, Aparna (Inventor); Applegate, Bruce Michael (Inventor); Perry, Lynda Louise (Inventor)

2012-01-01

Novel reporter bacteriophages are provided. Provided are compositions and methods that allow bacteriophages that are used for specific detection or killing of E. coli 0157:H7 to be propagated in nonpathogenic E. coli, thereby eliminating the safety and security risks of propagation in E. coli 0157:H7. Provided are compositions and methods for attaching active bacteriophages to the surface of a polymer in order to kill target bacteria with which the phage comes into contact. Provided are modified bacteriophages immobilized to a surface, which capture E. coli 0157:H7 and cause the captured cells to emit light or fluorescence, allowing detection of the bacteria in a sample.

Adhesive particle shielding

DOEpatents

Klebanoff, Leonard Elliott [Dublin, CA; Rader, Daniel John [Albuquerque, NM; Walton, Christopher [Berkeley, CA; Folta, James [Livermore, CA

2009-01-06

An efficient device for capturing fast moving particles has an adhesive particle shield that includes (i) a mounting panel and (ii) a film that is attached to the mounting panel wherein the outer surface of the film has an adhesive coating disposed thereon to capture particles contacting the outer surface. The shield can be employed to maintain a substantially particle free environment such as in photolithographic systems having critical surfaces, such as wafers, masks, and optics and in the tools used to make these components, that are sensitive to particle contamination. The shield can be portable to be positioned in hard-to-reach areas of a photolithography machine. The adhesive particle shield can incorporate cooling means to attract particles via the thermophoresis effect.

The other prey-capture silk: Fibres made by glow-worms (Diptera: Keroplatidae) comprise cross-β-sheet crystallites in an abundant amorphous fraction.

PubMed

Walker, Andrew A; Weisman, Sarah; Trueman, Holly E; Merritt, David J; Sutherland, Tara D

2015-09-01

Glow-worms (larvae of dipteran genus Arachnocampa) are restricted to moist habitats where they capture flying prey using snares composed of highly extensible silk fibres and sticky mucus droplets. Little is known about the composition or structure of glow-worm snares, or the extent of possible convergence between glow-worm and arachnid capture silks. We characterised Arachnocampa richardsae silk and mucus using X-ray scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and amino acid analysis. Silk but not mucus contained crystallites of the cross-β-sheet type, which occur in unrelated insect silks but have not been reported previously in fibres used for prey capture. Mucus proteins were rich in Gly (28.5%) and existed in predominantly a random coil structure, typical of many adhesive proteins. In contrast, the silk fibres were unusually rich in charged and polar residues, particularly Lys (18.1%), which we propose is related to their use in a highly hydrated state. Comparison of X-ray scattering, infrared spectroscopy and amino acid analysis data suggests that silk fibres contain a high fraction of disordered protein. We suggest that in the native hydrated state, silk fibres are capable of extension via deformation of both disordered regions and cross-β-sheet crystallites, and that high extensibility is an adaptation promoting successful prey capture. This study illustrates the rich variety of protein motifs that are available for recruitment into biopolymers, and how convergently evolved materials can nevertheless be based on fundamentally different protein structures. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparing Wavelengths

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-12-12

This side-by-side rendering of the Sun at the same time in two different wavelengths of extreme ultraviolet light helps to visualize the differing features visible in each wavelength (Dec. 10-11, 2015). Most prominently, we can see much finer strands of plasma looping above the surface in the 171 Angstrom wavelength (gold) than in the 304 Angstrom wavelength (red), which captures cooler plasma closer to the Sun's surface. SDO observes the Sun in 10 different wavelengths with each one capturing somewhat different features at various temperatures and elevations above the Sun. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA20214

Anodized aluminum on LDEF

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Golden, Johnny L.

1993-01-01

A compilation of reported analyses and results obtained for anodized aluminum flown on the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) was prepared. Chromic acid, sulfuric acid, and dyed sulfuric acid anodized surfaces were exposed to the space environment. The vast majority of the anodized surface on LDEF was chromic acid anodize because of its selection as a thermal control coating for use on the spacecraft primary structure, trays, tray clamps, and space end thermal covers. Reports indicate that the chromic acid anodize was stable in solar absorptance and thermal emittance, but that contamination effects caused increases in absorptance on surfaces exposed to low atomic oxygen fluences. There were some discrepancies, however, in that some chromic acid anodized specimens exhibited significant increases in absorptance. Sulfuric acid anodized surfaces also appeared stable, although very little surface area was available for evaluation. One type of dyed sulfuric acid anodize was assessed as an optical baffle coating and was observed to have improved infrared absorptance characteristics with exposure on LDEF.

The surface tension of aqueous solutions of some atmospheric water-soluble organic compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuckermann, Rudolf; Cammenga, Heiko K.

The surface tensions of aqueous solutions of levoglucosan, 3-hydroxybutanoic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, azelaic acid, pinonic acid, and humic acid have been measured. These compounds are suggested as model substances for the water-soluble organic compounds (WSOC) in atmospheric aerosols and droplets which may play an important role in the aerosol cycle because of their surface-active potentials. The reductions in surface tension induced by single and mixed WSOC in aqueous solution of pure water is remarkable. However, the results of this investigation cannot explain the strong reduction in surface tension in real cloud and fog water samples at concentrations of WSOC below 1 mg/mL.

Ecological implications of single and mixed nitrogen nutrition in Arabidopsis thaliana

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Ecologists recognize that plants capture nitrogen in many chemical forms that include amino acids. Access to multiple nitrogen types in plant communities has been argued to enhance plant performance, access to nitrogen and alter ecological interactions in ways that may promote species coexistence. However, data supporting these arguments have been limited. While it is known that plants uptake amino acids from soil, long term studies that link amino acid uptake to measures of plant performance and potential reproductive effort are not typically performed. Here, a series of experiments that link uptake of nitrate, glutamine or asparagine with lifetime reproductive effort in Arabidopsis thaliana are reported. Nitrogen was offered either singly or in mixture and at a variety of combinations. Traits related to reproductive output were measured, as was the preference for each type of nitrogen. Results When plants were supplied with a single nitrogen type at concentrations from 0.1-0.9 mM, the ranking of nitrogen types was nitrate > glutamine > asparagine in terms of the relative performance of plants. When plants were supplied with two types of nitrogen in mixture at ratios between 0.1:0.9-0.9:0.1 mM, again plants performed best when nitrate was present, and poorly when amino acids were mixed. Additionally, stable isotopes revealed that plants preferentially captured nitrogen types matching the hierarchy of nitrate > glutamine > asparagine. Comparing between the two experiments revealed that mixed nitrogen nutrition was a net cost to the plants. Conclusions Plant performance on mixed nitrogen was less than half the performance on equal amounts of any single nitrogen type. We asked: why did A. thaliana capture amino acids when doing so resulted in a net cost? We argue that available data cannot yet answer this question, but hypothesize that access to lower quality forms of nitrogen may become important when plants compete. PMID:23875896

Diffusion of CO2 in Large Crystals of Cu-BTC MOF.

PubMed

Tovar, Trenton M; Zhao, Junjie; Nunn, William T; Barton, Heather F; Peterson, Gregory W; Parsons, Gregory N; LeVan, M Douglas

2016-09-14

Carbon dioxide adsorption in metal-organic frameworks has been widely studied for applications in carbon capture and sequestration. A critical component that has been largely overlooked is the measurement of diffusion rates. This paper describes a new reproducible procedure to synthesize millimeter-scale Cu-BTC single crystals using concentrated reactants and an acetic acid modulator. Microscopic images, X-ray diffraction patterns, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface areas, and thermogravimetric analysis results all confirm the high quality of these Cu-BTC single crystals. The large crystal size aids in the accurate measurement of micropore diffusion coefficients. Concentration-swing frequency response performed at varying gas-phase concentrations gives diffusion coefficients that show very little dependence on the loading up to pressures of 0.1 bar. The measured micropore diffusion coefficient for CO2 in Cu-BTC is 1.7 × 10(-9) m(2)/s.

Long-range electrostatics-induced two-proton transfer captured by neutron crystallography in an enzyme catalytic site

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gerlits, Oksana; Wymore, Troy; Das, Amit

Neutron crystallography was used to directly locate two protons before and after a pH-induced two-proton transfer between catalytic aspartic acid residues and the hydroxy group of the bound clinical drug darunavir, located in the catalytic site of enzyme HIV-1 protease. The two-proton transfer is triggered by electrostatic effects arising from protonation state changes of surface residues far from the active site. The mechanism and pH effect are supported by quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations. The low-pH proton configuration in the catalytic site is deemed critical for the catalytic action of this enzyme and may apply more generally to other asparticmore » proteases. Neutrons therefore represent a superb probe to obtain structural details for proton transfer reactions in biological systems at a truly atomic level.« less

Long-range electrostatics-induced two-proton transfer captured by neutron crystallography in an enzyme catalytic site

DOE PAGES

Gerlits, Oksana; Wymore, Troy; Das, Amit; ...

2016-03-09

Neutron crystallography was used to directly locate two protons before and after a pH-induced two-proton transfer between catalytic aspartic acid residues and the hydroxy group of the bound clinical drug darunavir, located in the catalytic site of enzyme HIV-1 protease. The two-proton transfer is triggered by electrostatic effects arising from protonation state changes of surface residues far from the active site. The mechanism and pH effect are supported by quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations. The low-pH proton configuration in the catalytic site is deemed critical for the catalytic action of this enzyme and may apply more generally to other asparticmore » proteases. Neutrons therefore represent a superb probe to obtain structural details for proton transfer reactions in biological systems at a truly atomic level.« less

Long-Range Electrostatics-Induced Two-Proton Transfer Captured by Neutron Crystallography in an Enzyme Catalytic Site.

PubMed

Gerlits, Oksana; Wymore, Troy; Das, Amit; Shen, Chen-Hsiang; Parks, Jerry M; Smith, Jeremy C; Weiss, Kevin L; Keen, David A; Blakeley, Matthew P; Louis, John M; Langan, Paul; Weber, Irene T; Kovalevsky, Andrey

2016-04-11

Neutron crystallography was used to directly locate two protons before and after a pH-induced two-proton transfer between catalytic aspartic acid residues and the hydroxy group of the bound clinical drug darunavir, located in the catalytic site of enzyme HIV-1 protease. The two-proton transfer is triggered by electrostatic effects arising from protonation state changes of surface residues far from the active site. The mechanism and pH effect are supported by quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations. The low-pH proton configuration in the catalytic site is deemed critical for the catalytic action of this enzyme and may apply more generally to other aspartic proteases. Neutrons therefore represent a superb probe to obtain structural details for proton transfer reactions in biological systems at a truly atomic level. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Surface reactions of iron - enriched smectites: adsorption and transformation of hydroxy fatty acids and phenolic acids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polubesova, Tamara; Olshansky, Yaniv; Eldad, Shay; Chefetz, Benny

2014-05-01

Iron-enriched smectites play an important role in adsorption and transformation of soil organic components. Soil organo-clay complexes, and in particular humin contain hydroxy fatty acids, which are derived from plant biopolymer cutin. Phenolic acids belong to another major group of organic acids detected in soil. They participate in various soil processes, and are of concern due to their allelopathic activity. We studied the reactivity of iron-enriched smectites (Fe(III)-montmorillonite and nontronite) toward both groups of acids. We used fatty acids- 9(10),16-dihydroxypalmitic acid (diHPA), isolated from curtin, and 9,10,16-trihydroxypalmitic acid (triHPA); the following phenolic acids were used: ferulic, p-coumaric, syringic, and vanillic. Adsorption of both groups of acids was measured. The FTIR spectra of fatty acid-mineral complexes indicated inner-sphere complexation of fatty acids with iron-enriched smectites (versus outer-sphere complexation with Ca(II)-montmorillonite). The LC-MS results demonstrated enhanced esterification of fatty acids on the iron-enriched smectite surfaces (as compared to Ca(II)-montmorillonite). This study suggests that fatty acids can be esterified on the iron-enriched smectite surfaces, which results in the formation of stable organo-mineral complexes. These complexes may serve as a model for the study of natural soil organo-clay complexes and humin. The reaction of phenolic acids with Fe(III)-montmorillonite demonstrated their oxidative transformation by the mineral surfaces, which was affected by molecular structure of acids. The following order of their transformation was obtained: ferulic >syringic >p-coumaric >vanillic. The LC-MS analysis demonstrated the presence of dimers, trimers, and tetramers of ferulic acid on the surface of Fe(III)-montmorillonite. Oxidation and transformation of ferulic acid were more intense on the surface of Fe(III)-montmorillonite as compared to Fe(III) in solution due to stronger complexation on the Fe(III)-motnomrillonite surface. Our study demonstrate the importance of iron-enriched minerals for the abiotic formation of humic materials and for the transformation of aromatic (phenolic) pollutants.

A quartz nanopillar hemocytometer for high-yield separation and counting of CD4+ T lymphocytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dong-Joo; Seol, Jin-Kyeong; Wu, Yu; Ji, Seungmuk; Kim, Gil-Sung; Hyung, Jung-Hwan; Lee, Seung-Yong; Lim, Hyuneui; Fan, Rong; Lee, Sang-Kwon

2012-03-01

We report the development of a novel quartz nanopillar (QNP) array cell separation system capable of selectively capturing and isolating a single cell population including primary CD4+ T lymphocytes from the whole pool of splenocytes. Integrated with a photolithographically patterned hemocytometer structure, the streptavidin (STR)-functionalized-QNP (STR-QNP) arrays allow for direct quantitation of captured cells using high content imaging. This technology exhibits an excellent separation yield (efficiency) of ~95.3 +/- 1.1% for the CD4+ T lymphocytes from the mouse splenocyte suspensions and good linear response for quantitating captured CD4+ T-lymphoblasts, which is comparable to flow cytometry and outperforms any non-nanostructured surface capture techniques, i.e. cell panning. This nanopillar hemocytometer represents a simple, yet efficient cell capture and counting technology and may find immediate applications for diagnosis and immune monitoring in the point-of-care setting.We report the development of a novel quartz nanopillar (QNP) array cell separation system capable of selectively capturing and isolating a single cell population including primary CD4+ T lymphocytes from the whole pool of splenocytes. Integrated with a photolithographically patterned hemocytometer structure, the streptavidin (STR)-functionalized-QNP (STR-QNP) arrays allow for direct quantitation of captured cells using high content imaging. This technology exhibits an excellent separation yield (efficiency) of ~95.3 +/- 1.1% for the CD4+ T lymphocytes from the mouse splenocyte suspensions and good linear response for quantitating captured CD4+ T-lymphoblasts, which is comparable to flow cytometry and outperforms any non-nanostructured surface capture techniques, i.e. cell panning. This nanopillar hemocytometer represents a simple, yet efficient cell capture and counting technology and may find immediate applications for diagnosis and immune monitoring in the point-of-care setting. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c2nr11338d

Use of models to map potential capture of surface water

USGS Publications Warehouse

Leake, Stanley A.

2006-01-01

The effects of ground-water withdrawals on surface-water resources and riparian vegetation have become important considerations in water-availability studies. Ground water withdrawn by a well initially comes from storage around the well, but with time can eventually increase inflow to the aquifer and (or) decrease natural outflow from the aquifer. This increased inflow and decreased outflow is referred to as “capture.” For a given time, capture can be expressed as a fraction of withdrawal rate that is accounted for as increased rates of inflow and decreased rates of outflow. The time frames over which capture might occur at different locations commonly are not well understood by resource managers. A ground-water model, however, can be used to map potential capture for areas and times of interest. The maps can help managers visualize the possible timing of capture over large regions. The first step in the procedure to map potential capture is to run a ground-water model in steady-state mode without withdrawals to establish baseline total flow rates at all sources and sinks. The next step is to select a time frame and appropriate withdrawal rate for computing capture. For regional aquifers, time frames of decades to centuries may be appropriate. The model is then run repeatedly in transient mode, each run with one well in a different model cell in an area of interest. Differences in inflow and outflow rates from the baseline conditions for each model run are computed and saved. The differences in individual components are summed and divided by the withdrawal rate to obtain a single capture fraction for each cell. Values are contoured to depict capture fractions for the time of interest. Considerations in carrying out the analysis include use of realistic physical boundaries in the model, understanding the degree of linearity of the model, selection of an appropriate time frame and withdrawal rate, and minimizing error in the global mass balance of the model.

Biomimetic Deposition of Hydroxyapatite by Mixed Acid Treatment of Titanium Surfaces.

PubMed

Zhao, J M; Park, W U; Hwang, K H; Lee, J K; Yoon, S Y

2015-03-01

A simple chemical method was established for inducing bioactivity of Ti metal. In the present study, two kinds of mixed acid solutions were used to treat Ti specimens to induce Ca-P formation. Following a strong mixed acid activation process, Ca-P coatings successfully formed on the Ti surfaces in the simulated body fluid. Strong mixed acid etching was used to increase the roughness of the metal surface, because the porous and rough surfaces allow better adhesion between Ca-P coatings and substrate. Nano-scale modification of titanium surfaces can alter cellular and tissue responses, which may benefit osseointegration and dental implant therapy. Some specimens were treated with a 5 M NaOH aqueous solution, and then heat treated at 600 °C in order to form an amorphous sodium titanate layer on their surface. This treated titanium metal is believed to form a dense and uniform bone-like apatite layer on its surface in a simulated body fluid (SBF). This study proved that mixed acid treatment is not only important for surface passivation but is also another bioactive treatment for titanium surfaces, an alternative to alkali treatment. In addition, mixed acid treatment uses a lower temperature and shorter time period than alkali treatment.

Adsorption and oxidation of oxalic acid on anatase TiO2 (001) surface: A density functional theory study.

PubMed

Sun, Tao; Wang, Yun; Zhang, Haimin; Liu, Porun; Zhao, Huijun

2015-09-15

Anatase TiO2 (001) surfaces have attracted great interest for photo-degradation of organic species recently due to their high reactivity. In this work, adsorption properties and oxidation mechanisms of oxalic acid on the anatase TiO2 (001) surface have been theoretically investigated using the first-principles density functional theory. Various possible adsorption configurations are considered by diversifying the connectivity of carboxylic groups with the surface. It is found that the adsorption of oxalic acid on the anatase (001) surface prefer the dissociative states. A novel double-bidentate configuration has been found due to the structural match between oxalic acid and the (001) surface. More charge is transferred from the adsorbed oxalic acid to the surface with the double-bidentate configuration when comparing with other adsorption structures. Thus, there is a positive correlation relationship between the transferred charge amount and the interfacial bond numbers when oxalic acid adsorbs on the anatase TiO2 (001) surface. The adsorption energies with dispersion corrections have demonstrated that the van der Waals interactions play an important role in the adsorption, especially when adsorbates are close to the surface. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Formic Acid Dissociative Adsorption on NiO(111): Energetics and Structure of Adsorbed Formate

DOE PAGES

Zhao, Wei; Doyle, Andrew D.; Morgan, Sawyer E.; ...

2017-11-21

Here, the dissociative adsorption of carboxylic acids on oxide surfaces is important for understanding adsorbed carboxylates, which are important as intermediates in catalytic reactions, for the organo-functionalization of oxide surfaces, and in many other aspects of oxide surface chemistry. We present here the first direct experimental measurement of the heat of dissociative adsorption of any carboxylic acid on any single-crystal oxide surface. The enthalpy of the dissociative adsorption of formic acid, the simplest carboxylic acid, to produce adsorbed formate and hydrogen (as a surface hydroxyl) on a (2 × 2)-NiO(111) surface is measured by single crystal adsorption calorimetry. The differentialmore » heat of adsorption decreases with formic acid coverage from 202 to 99 kJ/mol at saturation (0.25 ML). The structure of the adsorbed products is clarified by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which provide energies in reasonable agreement with the calorimetry. These calculations show that formic acid readily dissociates on both the oxygen and Ni terminations of the octapolar NiO(111) surfaces, donating its acid H to a surface lattice oxygen, while HCOO adsorbs preferentially with bridging-type geometry near the M-O 3/O-M 3 sites. The calculated energetics at low coverages agrees well with experimental data, while larger differences are observed at high coverage (0.25 ML). The large decrease in experimental heat of adsorption with coverage can be brought into agreement with the DFT energies if we assume that both types of octapolar surface terminations (O- and Ni-) are present on the starting surface.« less

Formic Acid Dissociative Adsorption on NiO(111): Energetics and Structure of Adsorbed Formate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhao, Wei; Doyle, Andrew D.; Morgan, Sawyer E.

Here, the dissociative adsorption of carboxylic acids on oxide surfaces is important for understanding adsorbed carboxylates, which are important as intermediates in catalytic reactions, for the organo-functionalization of oxide surfaces, and in many other aspects of oxide surface chemistry. We present here the first direct experimental measurement of the heat of dissociative adsorption of any carboxylic acid on any single-crystal oxide surface. The enthalpy of the dissociative adsorption of formic acid, the simplest carboxylic acid, to produce adsorbed formate and hydrogen (as a surface hydroxyl) on a (2 × 2)-NiO(111) surface is measured by single crystal adsorption calorimetry. The differentialmore » heat of adsorption decreases with formic acid coverage from 202 to 99 kJ/mol at saturation (0.25 ML). The structure of the adsorbed products is clarified by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which provide energies in reasonable agreement with the calorimetry. These calculations show that formic acid readily dissociates on both the oxygen and Ni terminations of the octapolar NiO(111) surfaces, donating its acid H to a surface lattice oxygen, while HCOO adsorbs preferentially with bridging-type geometry near the M-O 3/O-M 3 sites. The calculated energetics at low coverages agrees well with experimental data, while larger differences are observed at high coverage (0.25 ML). The large decrease in experimental heat of adsorption with coverage can be brought into agreement with the DFT energies if we assume that both types of octapolar surface terminations (O- and Ni-) are present on the starting surface.« less

Activated carbon with excellent chromium(VI) adsorption performance prepared by acid-base surface modification.

PubMed

Liu, S X; Chen, X; Chen, X Y; Liu, Z F; Wang, H L

2007-03-06

In the present work, activated carbon (AC) with excellent Cr(VI) adsorption performance especially at low concentrations was prepared by an acid-base surface modification method. Raw activated carbon (AC(0)) was first oxidized in boiling HNO(3) (AC(1)), then treated with a mixture of NaOH and NaCl (AC(2)). Batch equilibrium and continuous column adsorption were conducted to evaluate the adsorption performance. Boehm titration, elemental analysis, and N(2)/77K adsorption isotherm methods were used to characterize the surface properties and pore structure of modified ACs. The results revealed that the modified AC exhibited excellent Cr(VI) adsorption performance in terms of adsorption capacity and adsorption rate: AC(2)>AC(1)>AC(0). Modification caused S(BET) to decrease and the total number of surface oxygen acidic groups to increase. HNO(3) oxidization produced positive acid groups, and subsequently NaOH treatment replaced H(+) of surface acid groups by Na(+), and the acidity of AC decreased. The main cause of higher Cr(VI) adsorption capacity and rate for AC(2) was the presence of more oxygen surface acidic groups and suitable surface acidity. HNO(3)-NaOH modification shows potential for the preparation of high quality AC for the effective removal of low concentrations of Cr(VI).

One-Pot synthesis of phosphorylated mesoporous carbon heterogeneous catalysts with tailored surface acidity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fulvio, Pasquale F; Mahurin, Shannon Mark; Mayes, Richard T

2012-01-01

Soft-templated phosphorylated mesoporous carbons with homogeneous distributions of phosphate groups were prepared by a 'one-pot' synthesis method using mixtures of phosphoric acid with hydrochloric, or nitric acids in the presence of Pluronic F127 triblock copolymer. Adjusting the various ratios of phosphoric acid used in these mixtures resulted in carbons with distinct adsorption, structural and surface acidity properties. The pore size distributions (PSDs) from nitrogen adsorption at -196 C showed that mesoporous carbons exhibit specific surface areas as high as 551 m{sup 2}/g and mesopores as large as 13 nm. Both structural ordering of the mesopores and the final phosphate contentsmore » were strongly dependent on the ratios of H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} in the synthesis gels, as shown by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron (XPS) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The number of surface acid sites determined from temperature programmed desorption of ammonia (NH{sub 3}-TPD) were in the range of 0.3-1.5 mmol/g while the active surface areas are estimated to comprise 5-54% of the total surface areas. Finally, the conversion temperatures for the isopropanol dehydration were lowered by as much as 100 C by transitioning from the least acidic to the most acidic catalysts surface.« less

A compressible multiphase framework for simulating supersonic atomization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Regele, Jonathan D.; Garrick, Daniel P.; Hosseinzadeh-Nik, Zahra; Aslani, Mohamad; Owkes, Mark

2016-11-01

The study of atomization in supersonic combustors is critical in designing efficient and high performance scramjets. Numerical methods incorporating surface tension effects have largely focused on the incompressible regime as most atomization applications occur at low Mach numbers. Simulating surface tension effects in high speed compressible flow requires robust numerical methods that can handle discontinuities caused by both material interfaces and shocks. A shock capturing/diffused interface method is developed to simulate high-speed compressible gas-liquid flows with surface tension effects using the five-equation model. This includes developments that account for the interfacial pressure jump that occurs in the presence of surface tension. A simple and efficient method for computing local interface curvature is developed and an acoustic non-dimensional scaling for the surface tension force is proposed. The method successfully captures a variety of droplet breakup modes over a range of Weber numbers and demonstrates the impact of surface tension in countering droplet deformation in both subsonic and supersonic cross flows.

Gallium metal affinity capture tandem mass spectrometry for the selective detection of phosphopeptides in complex mixtures

PubMed Central

Blacken, Grady R.; Sadílek, Martin; Tureček, František

2008-01-01

Metal affinity capture tandem mass spectrometry (MAC-MSMS) is evaluated in a comparative study of a lysine-derived nitrilotriacetic acid (Nα, Nα-bis-(carboxymethyl)lysine, LysNTA) and an aspartic-acid-related iminodiacetic acid (N-(4-aminobutyl)aspartic acid, AspIDA) as selective phosphopeptide detection reagents. Both LysNTA and AspIDA spontaneously form ternary complexes with GaIII and phosphorylated amino acids and phosphopeptides upon mixing in solution. Collision-induced dissociation of positive complex ions produced by electrospray produces common fragments (LysNTA + H)+ or (AspIDA + H)+ at m/z 263 and 205, respectively. MSMS precursor scans using these fragments as reporter ions allow one to selectively detect multiple charge states of phosphopeptides in mixtures. It follows from this comparative study that LysNTA is superior to AspIDA in detecting phosphopeptides, possibly because of the higher coordination number and greater stability constant for GaIII – phosphopeptide complexation of the former reagent. In a continuing development of MAC-MSMS for proteomics applications, we demonstrate its utility in a post-column reaction format. Using a simple post-column-reaction ‘T’ and syringe pump to deliver our chelating reagents, α-casein tryptic phosphopeptides can be selectively analyzed from a solution containing a twofold molar excess of bovine serum albumin. The MAC-MSMS method is shown to be superior to the commonly used neutral loss scan for the common loss of phosphoric acid. PMID:18265438

Boric acid enhances in vivo Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell proliferation in Swiss albino mice.

PubMed

Qureshi, S; Al-Shabanah, O A; Al-Harbi, M M; Al-Bekairi, A M; Raza, M

2001-08-13

The influence of boric acid, a boron carrier, on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell-bearing mice was investigated in view of its importance in the boron neutron capture therapy and the influence of boron on proliferation and progression of cancer cells mediated by proteoglycans and collagen. The present study included the evaluation of boric acid for the effects on total count and viability of EAC cells in addition to their non-protein sulfhydryls (NP-SH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents as parameters for conjugative detoxication potency and possible oxidative damage. The EAC cell-bearing animals were also observed for the effect on survival, body weight changes, and histopathological evaluation of the tumors grown at the site of inoculation. The treatment with boric acid significantly increased the total number of peritoneal EAC cells and their viability. A significant increase in the body weight was observed that dose-dependently reached plateau levels by 20 days of treatment. Conversely, a reduction in the duration of survival of these animals was evident with the same protocol. Boric acid treatment resulted in a decrease in NP-SH contents with a concomitant increase in MDA levels in EAC cells as revealed by the results of the biochemical analysis. These data are supported by our results on histopathological investigations, which apparently showed fast growth, in addition to several mitotic figures and mixed inflammatory reaction, after treatment with boric acid. It seems likely that a particular combination of properties of boric acid, rather than a single characteristic alone, will provide useful information on the use of this boron carrier in neutron capture therapy.

Determination of the Relative and Absolute Configurations of the Female-produced Sex Pheromone of the Cerambycid Beetle Prionus californicus

PubMed Central

Rodstein, Joshua; Barbour, James D.; McElfresh, J. Steven; Wright, Ian M.; Barbour, Karen S.; Ray, Ann M.; Hanks, Lawrence M.

2010-01-01

We previously identified the basic structure of the female-produced sex attractant pheromone of the cerambycid beetle, Prionus californicus Motschulsky (Cerambycidae: Prioninae), as 3,5-dimethyldodecanoic acid. A synthesized mixture of the four stereoisomers of 3,5-dimethyldodecanoic acid was highly attractive to male beetles. Here, we describe stereoselective syntheses of three of the four possible stereoisomers, and the results of laboratory and field bioassays showing that male beetles are attracted specifically to (3R,5S)-3,5-dimethyldodecanoic acid, but not to its enantiomer, (3S,5R)-3,5-dimethyldodecanoic acid, indicating that the (3R,5S)-enantiomer is the active pheromone component. The diastereomeric (3R,5R)- and (3S,5S)-enantiomers were excluded from consideration because their gas chromatographic retention times were different from that of the insect-produced compound. The mixture of the four stereoisomers of 3,5-dimethyldodecanoic acid was as attractive to male P. californicus as the (3R,5S)-enantiomer, indicating that none of the other three stereoisomers inhibited responses to the active enantiomer. Beetles responded to as little as 10 ng and 10 μg of synthetic 3,5-dimethyldodecanoic acid in laboratory and field studies, respectively. Field studies indicated that capture rate did not increase with dosages of 3,5-dimethyldodecanoic acid greater than 100 μg. In field bioassays, males of a congeneric species, P. lecontei Lameere, were captured in southern California but not in Idaho. PMID:21127949

Effect of Acidic Agents on Surface Roughness of Dental Ceramics

PubMed Central

Kukiattrakoon, Boonlert; Hengtrakool, Chanothai; Kedjarune-Leggat, Ureporn

2011-01-01

Background: An increase in surface roughness of ceramics may decrease strength and affect the clinical success of ceramic restorations. However, little is known about the effect of acidic agents on ceramic restorations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness of dental ceramics after being immersed in acidic agents. Methods: Eighty-three ceramic disk specimens (12.0 mm in diameter and 2.0 mm in thickness) were made from four types of ceramics (VMK 95, Vitadur Alpha, IPS Empress Esthetic, and IPS e.max Ceram). Baseline data of surface roughness were recorded by profilometer. The specimens were then immersed in acidic agents (citrate buffer solution, pineapple juice and green mango juice) and deionized water (control) at 37°C for 168 hours. One group was immersed in 4% acetic acid at 80°C for 168 hours. After immersion, surface roughness was evaluated by a profilometer at intervals of 24, 96, and 168 hours. Surface characteristics of specimens were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed using two-way repeated ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparisons (α = 0.05). Results: For all studied ceramics, all surface roughness parameters were significantly increased after 168 hours immersion in all acidic agents (P < 0.05). After 168 hours in 4% acetic acid, there were significant differences for all roughness parameters from other acidic agents of all evaluated ceramics. Among all studied ceramics, Vitadur Alpha showed significantly the greatest values of all surface roughness parameters after immersion in 4% acetic acid (P < 0.001). SEM photomicrographs also presented surface destruction of ceramics in varying degrees. Conclusion: Acidic agents used in this study negatively affected the surface of ceramic materials. This should be considered when restoring the eroded tooth with ceramic restorations in patients who have a high risk of erosive conditions. PMID:22132009

Adaptable Detection Strategies in Membrane-Based Immunoassays: Calibration-Free Quantitation with Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Readout.

PubMed

Skuratovsky, Aleksander; Soto, Robert J; Porter, Marc D

2018-06-19

This paper presents a method for immunometric biomarker quantitation that uses standard flow-through assay reagents and obviates the need for constructing a calibration curve. The approach relies on a nitrocellulose immunoassay substrate with multiple physical addresses for analyte capture, each modified with different amounts of an analyte-specific capture antibody. As such, each address generates a distinctly different readout signal that is proportional to the analyte concentration in the sample. To establish the feasibility of this concept, equations derived from antibody-antigen binding equilibrium were first applied in modeling experiments. Next, nitrocellulose membranes with multiple capture antibody addresses were fabricated for detection of a model analyte, human Immunoglobulin G (hIgG), by a heterogeneous sandwich immunoassay using antibody-modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as the immunolabel. Counting the number of colored capture addresses visible to the unassisted eye enabled semiquantitative hIgG determination. We then demonstrated that, by leveraging the localized surface plasmon resonance of the AuNPs, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can be used for quantitative readout. By comparing the SERS signal intensities from each capture address with values predicted using immunoassay equilibrium theory, the concentration of hIgG can be determined (∼30% average absolute deviation) without reference to a calibration curve. This work also demonstrates the ability to manipulate the dynamic range of the assay over ∼4 orders of magnitude (from 2 ng mL -1 to 10 μg mL -1 ). The potential prospects in applying this concept to point-of-need diagnostics are also discussed.

Sulfuric acid on Europa and the radiolytic sulfur cycle.

PubMed

Carlson, R W; Johnson, R E; Anderson, M S

1999-10-01

A comparison of laboratory spectra with Galileo data indicates that hydrated sulfuric acid is present and is a major component of Europa's surface. In addition, this moon's visually dark surface material, which spatially correlates with the sulfuric acid concentration, is identified as radiolytically altered sulfur polymers. Radiolysis of the surface by magnetospheric plasma bombardment continuously cycles sulfur between three forms: sulfuric acid, sulfur dioxide, and sulfur polymers, with sulfuric acid being about 50 times as abundant as the other forms. Enhanced sulfuric acid concentrations are found in Europa's geologically young terrains, suggesting that low-temperature, liquid sulfuric acid may influence geological processes.

Biomechanical properties of jaw periosteum-derived mineralized culture on different titanium topography.

PubMed

Att, Wael; Kubo, Katsutoshi; Yamada, Masahiro; Maeda, Hatsuhiko; Ogawa, Takahiro

2009-01-01

This study evaluated the biomechanical properties of periosteum-derived mineralized culture on different surface topographies of titanium. Titanium surfaces modified by machining or by acid etching were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Rat mandibular periosteum-derived cells were cultured on either of the titanium surfaces. Cell proliferation was evaluated by cell counts, and gene expression was analyzed using a reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) stain assay was employed to evaluate osteoblastic activity. Matrix mineralization was examined via von Kossa stain assay, total calcium deposition, and SEM. The hardness and elastic modulus of mineralized cultures were measured using a nano-indenter. The machined surface demonstrated a flat topographic configuration, while the acid-etched surface revealed a uniform micron-scale roughness. Both cell density and ALP activity were significantly higher on the machined surface than on the acid-etched surface. The expression of bone-related genes was up-regulated or enhanced on the acid-etched surface compared to the machined surface. Von Kossa stain showed significantly greater positive areas for the machined surface compared to the acid-etched surface, while total calcium deposition was statistically similar. Mineralized culture on the acid-etched surface was characterized by denser calcium deposition, more mature collagen deposition on the superficial layer, and larger and denser globular matrices inside the matrix than the culture on the machined surface. The mineralized matrix on the acid-etched surface was two times harder than on the machined surface, whereas the elastic modulus was comparable between the two surfaces. The design of this study can be used as a model to evaluate the effect of implant surface topography on the biomechanical properties of periosteum-derived mineralized culture. The results suggest that mandibular periosteal cells respond to different titanium surface topographies differently enough to produce mineralized matrices with different biomechanical qualities.

Capturing asteroids into bound orbits around the earth: Massive early return on an asteroid terminal defense system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hills, J.G.

1992-02-06

Nuclear explosives may be used to capture small asteroids (e.g., 20--50 meters in diameter) into bound orbits around the earth. The captured objects could be used for construction material for manned and unmanned activity in Earth orbit. Asteroids with small approach velocities, which are the ones most likely to have close approaches to the Earth, require the least energy for capture. They are particularly easy to capture if they pass within one Earth radius of the surface of the Earth. They could be intercepted with intercontinental missiles if the latter were retrofit with a more flexible guiding and homing capability.more » This asteroid capture-defense system could be implemented in a few years at low cost by using decommissioned ICMs. The economic value of even one captured asteroid is many times the initial investment. The asteroid capture system would be an essential part of the learning curve for dealing with larger asteroids that can hit the earth.« less

Transmission Geometry Laser Ablation into a Non-Contact Liquid Vortex Capture Probe for Mass Spectrometry Imaging

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ovchinnikova, Olga S; Bhandari, Deepak; Lorenz, Matthias

2014-01-01

RATIONALE: Capture of material from a laser ablation plume into a continuous flow stream of solvent provides the means for uninterrupted sampling, transport and ionization of collected material for coupling with mass spectral analysis. Reported here is the use of vertically aligned transmission geometry laser ablation in combination with a new non-contact liquid vortex capture probe coupled with electrospray ionization for spot sampling and chemical imaging with mass spectrometry. Methods: A vertically aligned continuous flow liquid vortex capture probe was positioned directly underneath a sample surface in a transmission geometry laser ablation (355 nm, 10 Hz, 7 ns pulse width)more » setup to capture into solution the ablated material. The outlet of the vortex probe was coupled to the Turbo V ion source of an AB SCIEX TripleTOF 5600+ mass spectrometer. System operation and performance metrics were tested using inked patterns and thin tissue sections. Glass slides and slides designed especially for laser capture microdissection, viz., DIRECTOR slides and PEN 1.0 (polyethylene naphthalate) membrane slides, were used as sample substrates. Results: The estimated capture efficiency of laser ablated material was 24%, which was enabled by the use of a probe with large liquid surface area (~ 2.8 mm2) and with gravity to help direct ablated material vertically down towards the probe. The swirling vortex action of the liquid surface potentially enhanced capture and dissolution of not only particulates, but also gaseous products of the laser ablation. The use of DIRECTOR slides and PEN 1.0 (polyethylene naphthalate) membrane slides as sample substrates enabled effective ablation of a wide range of sample types (basic blue 7, polypropylene glycol, insulin and cyctochrome c) without photodamage using a UV laser. Imaging resolution of about 6 m was demonstrated for stamped ink on DIRECTOR slides based on the ability to distinguish features present both in the optical and in the chemical image. This imaging resolution was 20 times better than the previous best reported results with laser ablation/liquid sample capture mass spectrometry imaging. Using thin sections of brain tissue the chemical image of a selected lipid was obtained with an estimated imaging resolution of about 50 um. Conclusions: A vertically aligned, transmission geometry laser ablation liquid vortex capture probe, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry system provides an effective means for spatially resolved spot sampling and imaging with mass spectrometry.« less

Transmission geometry laser ablation into a non-contact liquid vortex capture probe for mass spectrometry imaging.

PubMed

Ovchinnikova, Olga S; Bhandari, Deepak; Lorenz, Matthias; Van Berkel, Gary J

2014-08-15

Capture of material from a laser ablation plume into a continuous flow stream of solvent provides the means for uninterrupted sampling, transport and ionization of collected material for coupling with mass spectral analysis. Reported here is the use of vertically aligned transmission geometry laser ablation in combination with a new non-contact liquid vortex capture probe coupled with electrospray ionization for spot sampling and chemical imaging with mass spectrometry. A vertically aligned continuous flow liquid vortex capture probe was positioned directly underneath a sample surface in a transmission geometry laser ablation (355 nm, 10 Hz, 7 ns pulse width) set up to capture into solution the ablated material. The outlet of the vortex probe was coupled to the Turbo V™ ion source of an AB SCIEX TripleTOF 5600+ mass spectrometer. System operation and performance metrics were tested using inked patterns and thin tissue sections. Glass slides and slides designed especially for laser capture microdissection, viz., DIRECTOR(®) slides and PEN 1.0 (polyethylene naphthalate) membrane slides, were used as sample substrates. The estimated capture efficiency of laser-ablated material was 24%, which was enabled by the use of a probe with large liquid surface area (~2.8 mm(2) ) and with gravity to help direct ablated material vertically down towards the probe. The swirling vortex action of the liquid surface potentially enhanced capture and dissolution not only of particulates, but also of gaseous products of the laser ablation. The use of DIRECTOR(®) slides and PEN 1.0 (polyethylene naphthalate) membrane slides as sample substrates enabled effective ablation of a wide range of sample types (basic blue 7, polypropylene glycol, insulin and cyctochrome c) without photodamage using a UV laser. Imaging resolution of about 6 µm was demonstrated for stamped ink on DIRECTOR(®) slides based on the ability to distinguish features present both in the optical and in the chemical image. This imaging resolution was 20 times better than the previous best reported results with laser ablation/liquid sample capture mass spectrometry imaging. Using thin sections of brain tissue the chemical image of a selected lipid was obtained with an estimated imaging resolution of about 50 µm. A vertically aligned, transmission geometry laser ablation liquid vortex capture probe, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry system provides an effective means for spatially resolved spot sampling and imaging with mass spectrometry. Published in 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Particle-Surface Interaction Model and Method of Determining Particle-Surface Interactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hughes, David W. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

A method and model of predicting particle-surface interactions with a surface, such as the surface of a spacecraft. The method includes the steps of: determining a trajectory path of a plurality of moving particles; predicting whether any of the moving particles will intersect a surface; predicting whether any of the particles will be captured by the surface and/or; predicting a reflected trajectory and velocity of particles reflected from the surface.

A comparative guide to controlled hydrophobization of cellulose nanocrystals via surface esterification

Treesearch

Shane X. Peng; Huibin Chang; Satish Kumar; Robert J. Moon; Jeffrey P. Youngblood

2016-01-01

Surface esterification methods of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) using acid anhydrides, acid chlorides, acid catalyzed carboxylic acids, and 101-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) activated carboxylic acids were evaluated with acetyl-, hexanoyl-, dodecanoyl-, oleoyl-, and methacryloyl-functionalization. Their grafting efficiency was investigated using Fouriertransform infrared...

Surface chemistry and morphology in single particle optical imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ekiz-Kanik, Fulya; Sevenler, Derin Deniz; Ünlü, Neşe Lortlar; Chiari, Marcella; Ünlü, M. Selim

2017-05-01

Biological nanoparticles such as viruses and exosomes are important biomarkers for a range of medical conditions, from infectious diseases to cancer. Biological sensors that detect whole viruses and exosomes with high specificity, yet without additional labeling, are promising because they reduce the complexity of sample preparation and may improve measurement quality by retaining information about nanoscale physical structure of the bio-nanoparticle (BNP). Towards this end, a variety of BNP biosensor technologies have been developed, several of which are capable of enumerating the precise number of detected viruses or exosomes and analyzing physical properties of each individual particle. Optical imaging techniques are promising candidates among broad range of label-free nanoparticle detectors. These imaging BNP sensors detect the binding of single nanoparticles on a flat surface functionalized with a specific capture molecule or an array of multiplexed capture probes. The functionalization step confers all molecular specificity for the sensor's target but can introduce an unforeseen problem; a rough and inhomogeneous surface coating can be a source of noise, as these sensors detect small local changes in optical refractive index. In this paper, we review several optical technologies for label-free BNP detectors with a focus on imaging systems. We compare the surface-imaging methods including dark-field, surface plasmon resonance imaging and interference reflectance imaging. We discuss the importance of ensuring consistently uniform and smooth surface coatings of capture molecules for these types of biosensors and finally summarize several methods that have been developed towards addressing this challenge.

Surface modification of pitch-based spherical activated carbon by CVD of NH 3 to improve its adsorption to uric acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chaojun; Liang, Xiaoyi; Liu, Xiaojun; Wang, Qin; Zhan, Liang; Zhang, Rui; Qiao, Wenming; Ling, Licheng

2008-08-01

Surface chemistry of pitch-based spherical activated carbon (PSAC) was modified by chemical vapor deposition of NH 3 (NH 3-CVD) to improve the adsorption properties of uric acid. The texture and surface chemistry of PSAC were studied by N 2 adsorption, pH PZC (point of zero charge), acid-base titration and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). NH 3-CVD has a limited effect on carbon textural characteristics but it significantly changed the surface chemical properties, resulting in positive effects on uric acid adsorption. After modification by NH 3-CVD, large numbers of nitrogen-containing groups (especially valley-N and center-N) are introduced on the surface of PSAC, which is responsible for the increase of pH PZC, surface basicity and uric acid adsorption capacity. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model can be used to describe the dynamic adsorption of uric acid on PSAC, and the thermodynamic parameters show that the adsorption of uric acid on PSAC is spontaneous, endothermic and irreversible process in nature.

Extending the Use of Highly Porous and Functionalized MOFs to Th(IV) Capture.

PubMed

Zhang, Nan; Yuan, Li-Yong; Guo, Wen-Lu; Luo, Shi-Zhong; Chai, Zhi-Fang; Shi, Wei-Qun

2017-08-02

Thorium separation has recently become a hot topic because of the potential application of thorium as a future nuclear fuel, while metal-organic framework (MOF) materials have received much attention in the separation field due to their unique properties. Herein, a highly porous and stable MOF, UiO-66, and its carboxyl derivatives (UiO-66-COOH and UiO-66-(COOH) 2 ) were synthesized and explored for the first time for Th(IV) capture from a weak acidic solution. Although the introduction of carboxyl groups into UiO-66 leads to an obvious decrease in the surface area and pore volume, the adsorbability toward Th(IV) is greatly enhanced. At pH = 3.0, the saturated sorption capacity for Th(IV) into UiO-66-(COOH) 2 reached 350 mg/g, representing one of the largest values for Th(IV) capture by solid extraction. Moreover, the functionalized MOFs show fast sorption kinetics and desirable selectivity toward Th(IV) over a range of competing metal ions. A possible mechanism for the selective recognition of Th(IV) by these MOFs was explored on the basis of extended X-ray absorption fine structure and Fourier transform infrared analysis. It is concluded that UiO-66-COOH and UiO-66-(COOH) 2 sorb Th(IV) through the coordination of carboxyl anions in the pores of the MOFs, whereas in the case of UiO-66, both the precipitation and the exchange with the organic solvent contribute to the Th(IV) uptake. This study contributes to the assessment of the feasibility of MOFs applied in actinides separation and better understanding of actinides sorption behavior in this kind of hybrid porous solid materials.

A SPR-based immunosensor for the detection of isoproturon.

PubMed

Gouzy, Marie-Françoise; Kess, Melanie; Krämer, Petra M

2009-02-15

The proof of principle of a reusable surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based immunosensor for the monitoring of isoproturon (IPU), a selective and systemic herbicide, is presented. The detecting rat monoclonal anti-isoproturon antibody (mAb IOC 7E1) was reversibly immobilized through the use of a capture mouse anti-rat (kappa-chain) monoclonal antibody (mAb TIB 172), which was covalently immobilized on the sensor chip surface. Such strategy features a controlled binding of the captured detecting antibody as well as facilitates the surface regeneration. The capture of the anti-IPU mAb by the antibody (TIB 172) coated sensor surface could be carried out up to 120 times (immobilization/regeneration cycles) without any evidence of activity loss. With a high test midpoint and a low associated SPR signal, the direct detection format was shown to be unsuitable for the routine analysis of isoproturon. However, the limit of detection (LOD) could be easily enhanced by using a strategy based on a surface competition assay, which improved all immunosensor parameters. Moreover, the sensitivity and working range of the indirect format were found to be dependent on the surface density of the anti-IPU mAb IOC 7E1. As expected for competitive formats, the lowest surface coverage (0.5 ng/mm(2)) allowed a lower detection of the herbicide isoproturon with a calculated LOD of 0.1 microg/l, an IC(50) (50% inhibition) of 5.3+/-0.6 microg/l, and a working range (20-80% inhibition) of 1.3-16.3 microg/l.

Using Selective Drainage Methods to Extract Continuous Surface Flow from 1-Meter Lidar-Derived Digital Elevation Data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Poppenga, Sandra K.; Worstell, Bruce B.; Stoker, Jason M.; Greenlee, Susan K.

2010-01-01

Digital elevation data commonly are used to extract surface flow features. One source for high-resolution elevation data is light detection and ranging (lidar). Lidar can capture a vast amount of topographic detail because of its fine-scale ability to digitally capture the surface of the earth. Because elevation is a key factor in extracting surface flow features, high-resolution lidar-derived digital elevation models (DEMs) provide the detail needed to consistently integrate hydrography with elevation, land cover, structures, and other geospatial features. The U.S. Geological Survey has developed selective drainage methods to extract continuous surface flow from high-resolution lidar-derived digital elevation data. The lidar-derived continuous surface flow network contains valuable information for water resource management involving flood hazard mapping, flood inundation, and coastal erosion. DEMs used in hydrologic applications typically are processed to remove depressions by filling them. High-resolution DEMs derived from lidar can capture much more detail of the land surface than courser elevation data. Therefore, high-resolution DEMs contain more depressions because of obstructions such as roads, railroads, and other elevated structures. The filling of these depressions can significantly affect the DEM-derived surface flow routing and terrain characteristics in an adverse way. In this report, selective draining methods that modify the elevation surface to drain a depression through an obstruction are presented. If such obstructions are not removed from the elevation data, the filling of depressions to create continuous surface flow can cause the flow to spill over an obstruction in the wrong location. Using this modified elevation surface improves the quality of derived surface flow and retains more of the true surface characteristics by correcting large filled depressions. A reliable flow surface is necessary for deriving a consistently connected drainage network, which is important in understanding surface water movement and developing applications for surface water runoff, flood inundation, and erosion. Improved methods are needed to extract continuous surface flow features from high-resolution elevation data based on lidar.

Effective capture and release of circulating tumor cells using core-shell Fe3O4@MnO2 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Liang; He, Zhao-Bo; Cai, Bo; Rao, Lang; Cheng, Long; Liu, Wei; Guo, Shi-Shang; Zhao, Xing-Zhong

2017-01-01

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been believed to hold significant insights for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Here, we developed a simple and effective method to capture and release viable CTCs using core-shell Fe3O4@MnO2 nanoparticles. Fe3O4@MnO2 nanoparticles bioconjugated with anti-EpCAM antibody have characteristics of specific recognition, magnetic-driven cell isolation and oxalic acid-assisted cell release. The capture and release efficiency of target cancer cells were ∼83% and ∼55%, respectively. And ∼70% of released cells kept good viability, which could facilitate the subsequent cellular analysis.

Accelerated detection of viral particles by combining AC electric field effects and micro-Raman spectroscopy.

PubMed

Tomkins, Matthew Robert; Liao, David Shiqi; Docoslis, Aristides

2015-01-08

A detection method that combines electric field-assisted virus capture on antibody-decorated surfaces with the "fingerprinting" capabilities of micro-Raman spectroscopy is demonstrated for the case of M13 virus in water. The proof-of-principle surface mapping of model bioparticles (protein coated polystyrene spheres) captured by an AC electric field between planar microelectrodes is presented with a methodology for analyzing the resulting spectra by comparing relative peak intensities. The same principle is applied to dielectrophoretically captured M13 phage particles whose presence is indirectly confirmed with micro-Raman spectroscopy using NeutrAvidin-Cy3 as a labeling molecule. It is concluded that the combination of electrokinetically driven virus sampling and micro-Raman based signal transduction provides a promising approach for time-efficient and in situ detection of viruses.

Decoration of silicon nanostructures with copper particles for simultaneous selective capture and mass spectrometry detection of His-tagged model peptide.

PubMed

Coffinier, Yannick; Kurylo, Ievgen; Drobecq, Hervé; Szunerits, Sabine; Melnyk, Oleg; Zaitsev, Vladimir N; Boukherroub, Rabah

2014-10-21

We present in this work a simple and fast preparation method of a new affinity surface-assisted laser/desorption ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS) substrate based on silicon nanostructures decorated with copper particles. The silicon nanostructures were fabricated by the metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) method. Then, superhydrophilic areas surrounded by superhydrophobic regions were formed through hydrosilylation reaction of 1-octadecene, followed by local degradation of the octadecyl layer. After that, copper particles were deposited in the hydrophilic areas by using the electroless method. We have demonstrated that these surfaces were able to perform high selective capture of model His-tag peptide even in a complex mixture such as serum solution. Then, the captured peptide was detected by mass spectrometry at a femtomolar level without the need of organic matrix.

Accelerated Detection of Viral Particles by Combining AC Electric Field Effects and Micro-Raman Spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Tomkins, Matthew Robert; Liao, David Shiqi; Docoslis, Aristides

2015-01-01

A detection method that combines electric field-assisted virus capture on antibody-decorated surfaces with the “fingerprinting” capabilities of micro-Raman spectroscopy is demonstrated for the case of M13 virus in water. The proof-of-principle surface mapping of model bioparticles (protein coated polystyrene spheres) captured by an AC electric field between planar microelectrodes is presented with a methodology for analyzing the resulting spectra by comparing relative peak intensities. The same principle is applied to dielectrophoretically captured M13 phage particles whose presence is indirectly confirmed with micro-Raman spectroscopy using NeutrAvidin-Cy3 as a labeling molecule. It is concluded that the combination of electrokinetically driven virus sampling and micro-Raman based signal transduction provides a promising approach for time-efficient and in situ detection of viruses. PMID:25580902

Metal-Organic Frameworks for Cultural Heritage Preservation: The Case of Acetic Acid Removal.

PubMed

Dedecker, Kevin; Pillai, Renjith S; Nouar, Farid; Pires, João; Steunou, Nathalie; Dumas, Eddy; Maurin, Guillaume; Serre, Christian; Pinto, Moisés L

2018-04-25

The removal of low concentrations of acetic acid from indoor air at museums poses serious preservation problems that the current adsorbents cannot easily address owing to their poor affinity for acetic acid and/or their low adsorption selectivity versus water. In this context, a series of topical water-stable metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with different pore sizes, topologies, hydrophobic characters, and functional groups was explored through a joint experimental-computational exploration. We demonstrate how a subtle combination of sufficient hydrophobicity and optimized host-guest interactions allows one to overcome the challenge of capturing traces of this very polar volatile organic compound in the presence of humidity. The optimal capture of acetic acid was accomplished with MOFs that do not show polar groups in the inorganic node or have lipophilic but polar (e.g., perfluoro) groups functionalized to the organic linkers, that is, the best candidates from the list of explored MOFs are MIL-140B and UiO-66-2CF 3 . These two MOFs present the appropriate pore size to favor a high degree of confinement, together with organic spacers that allow an enhancement of the van der Waals interactions with the acetic acid. We establish in this work that MOFs can be a viable solution to this highly challenging problem in cultural heritage protection, which is a new field of application for this type of hybrid materials.

Experimental study of hydraulics and sediment capture efficiency in catchbasins.

PubMed

Tang, Yangbo; Zhu, David Z; Rajaratnam, N; van Duin, Bert

2016-12-01

Catchbasins (also known as gully pot in the UK and Australia) are used to receive surface runoff and drain the stormwater into storm sewers. The recent interest in catchbasins is to improve their effectiveness in removing sediments in stormwater. An experimental study was conducted to examine the hydraulic features and sediment capture efficiency in catchbasins, with and without a bottom sump. A sump basin is found to increase the sediment capture efficiency significantly. The effect of inlet control devices, which are commonly used to control the amount of flow into the downstream storm sewer system, is also studied. These devices will increase the water depth in the catchbasin and increase the sediment capture efficiency. Equations are developed for predicting the sediment capture efficiency in catchbasins.

Echinococcus granulosus fatty acid binding proteins subcellular localization.

PubMed

Alvite, Gabriela; Esteves, Adriana

2016-05-01

Two fatty acid binding proteins, EgFABP1 and EgFABP2, were isolated from the parasitic platyhelminth Echinococcus granulosus. These proteins bind fatty acids and have particular relevance in flatworms since de novo fatty acids synthesis is absent. Therefore platyhelminthes depend on the capture and intracellular distribution of host's lipids and fatty acid binding proteins could participate in lipid distribution. To elucidate EgFABP's roles, we investigated their intracellular distribution in the larval stage by a proteomic approach. Our results demonstrated the presence of EgFABP1 isoforms in cytosolic, nuclear, mitochondrial and microsomal fractions, suggesting that these molecules could be involved in several cellular processes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The fraction of total hand surface area involved in young children's outdoor hand-to-object contacts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

AuYeung, Willa; Canales, Robert A.; Leckie, James O.

2008-11-15

Information on the fraction of total hand surface area touching a contaminated object is necessary in accurately estimating contaminant (e.g., pesticides, pathogens) loadings onto the hands during hand-to-object contacts. While several existing physical-stochastic human exposure models require such surface area data to estimate dermal and non-dietary ingestion exposure, there are very limited data sets. This paper provides statistical distributions of fractional surface areas (FSAs) for children's outdoor hand contacts. These distributions were constructed by combining information collected from two distinct studies exploring children's activity patterns and quantifying hand contact surface area. Results show that for outdoor contacts with 'All Objects',more » a range of 0.13-0.27 captured median FSAs, while a range of 0.12-0.24 captured time-weighted FSAs. Overall, an FSA of 0.31 captured 80-100% of FSAs involved in each child's outdoor hand contacts, depending upon the object of interest. These values are much lower than the often conservative assumptions of up to 1 (i.e., the entire hand) that researchers currently make regarding FSAs involved in indoor and outdoor contacts [USEPA, 1997. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for residential exposure assessments. Contract no. 68-W6-0030. < (http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/trac/science/trac6a05.pdf)>].« less

The Acid-Base Properties and Chemical Composition of the Surface of the InSb-ZnTe System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirovskaya, I. A.; Shubenkova, E. G.; Timoshenko, O. T.; Filatova, T. N.

2008-04-01

The acid-base properties and chemical composition of the surface of solid solutions and binary components of the InSb-ZnTe system were studied by the hydrolytic adsorption, nonaqueous conductometric titration, mechanochemistry, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry methods. The strength, nature, and concentration of acid centers were determined. Changes in the concentration of acid centers caused by surface exposure to CO and changes in the composition of the system were also studied. The mechanism of acid-base interactions was established. The chemical composition of the surface of system components exposed to air included adsorbed H2O molecules, OH- groups, hydrocarbon and oxocarbon compounds, and the products of surface atom oxidation. After thermal treatment in a vacuum, the composition of the surface approached the stoichiometric composition.

Interaction of amino acids with the Au(111) surface: adsorption free energies from molecular dynamics simulations.

PubMed

Hoefling, Martin; Iori, Francesco; Corni, Stefano; Gottschalk, Kay-Eberhard

2010-06-01

Interactions of proteins with inorganic surfaces are of high importance in biological events and in modern biotechnological applications. Therefore, peptides have been engineered to recognize inorganic surfaces with high specificity. However, the underlying interactions are still not well understood. Here, we investigated the adsorption of amino acids as protein building blocks onto a Au(111) surface. In particular, using molecular dynamics simulations, we calculated the potential of mean force between all the 20 amino acids and the gold surface. We found a strong dependence of the binding affinities on the chemical character of the amino acids. Additionally, the interaction free energy is correlated with the propensity of amino acids to form beta-sheets, hinting at design principles for gold binding peptides and induction of beta-sheet formation near surfaces.

Method of analysis at the U.S. Geological Survey California Water Science Center, Sacramento Laboratory - determination of haloacetic acid formation potential, method validation, and quality-control practices

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zazzi, Barbara C.; Crepeau, Kathryn L.; Fram, Miranda S.; Bergamaschi, Brian A.

2005-01-01

An analytical method for the determination of haloacetic acid formation potential of water samples has been developed by the U.S. Geological Survey California Water Science Center Sacramento Laboratory. The haloacetic acid formation potential is measured by dosing water samples with chlorine under specified conditions of pH, temperature, incubation time, darkness, and residual-free chlorine. The haloacetic acids formed are bromochloroacetic acid, bromodichloroacetic acid, dibromochloroacetic acid, dibromoacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid, monochloroacetic acid, tribromoacetic acid, and trichloroacetic acid. They are extracted, methylated, and then analyzed using a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector. Method validation experiments were performed to determine the method accuracy, precision, and detection limit for each of the compounds. Method detection limits for these nine haloacetic acids ranged from 0.11 to 0.45 microgram per liter. Quality-control practices include the use of blanks, quality-control samples, calibration verification standards, surrogate recovery, internal standard, matrix spikes, and duplicates.

Photoresponsive surface molecularly imprinted polymer on ZnO nanorods for uric acid detection in physiological fluids.

PubMed

Tang, Qian; Li, Zai-Yong; Wei, Yu-Bo; Yang, Xia; Liu, Lan-Tao; Gong, Cheng-Bin; Ma, Xue-Bing; Lam, Michael Hon-Wah; Chow, Cheuk-Fai

2016-09-01

A photoresponsive surface molecularly imprinted polymer for uric acid in physiological fluids was fabricated through a facile and effective method using bio-safe and biocompatible ZnO nanorods as a support. The strategy was carried out by introducing double bonds on the surface of the ZnO nanorods with 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane. The surface molecularly imprinted polymer on ZnO nanorods was then prepared by surface polymerization using uric acid as template, water-soluble 5-[(4-(methacryloyloxy)phenyl)diazenyl]isophthalic acid as functional monomer, and triethanolamine trimethacryl ester as cross-linker. The surface molecularly imprinted polymer on ZnO nanorods showed good photoresponsive properties, high recognition ability, and fast binding kinetics toward uric acid, with a dissociation constant of 3.22×10(-5)M in aqueous NaH2PO4 buffer at pH=7.0 and a maximal adsorption capacity of 1.45μmolg(-1). Upon alternate irradiation at 365 and 440nm, the surface molecularly imprinted polymer on ZnO nanorods can quantitatively uptake and release uric acid. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Graft Polymerization of Acrylic Acid on a Polytetrafluoroethylene Panel by an Inductively Coupled Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lan, Yan; You, Qingliang; Cheng, Cheng; Zhang, Suzhen; Ni, Guohua; Nagatsu, M.; Meng, Yuedong

2011-02-01

Surface modification on a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) panel was performed with sequential nitrogen plasma treatments and surface-initiated polymerization. By introducing COO- groups to the surface of the PTFE panel through grafting polymerization of acrylic acid (AA), a transparent poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) membrane was achieved from acrylic acid solution. Grafting polymerization initiating from the active groups was achieved on the PTFE panel surface after the nitrogen plasma treatment. Utilizing the acrylic acid as monomers, with COO- groups as cross link sites to form reticulation structure, a transparent poly (acrylic acid) membrane with arborescent macromolecular structure was formed on the PTFE panel surface. Analysis methods, such as fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were utilized to characterize the structures of the macromolecule membrane on the PTFE panel surface. A contact angle measurement was performed to characterize the modified PTFE panels. The surface hydrophilicities of modified PTFE panels were significantly enhanced after the plasma treatment. It was shown that the grafting rate is related to the treating time and the power of plasma.

Recovery of ammonia from poultry litter using flat gas permeable membranes.

PubMed

Rothrock, M J; Szögi, A A; Vanotti, M B

2013-06-01

The use of flat gas-permeable membranes was investigated as components of a new process to capture and recover ammonia (NH3) in poultry houses. This process includes the passage of gaseous NH3 through a microporous hydrophobic membrane, capture with a circulating dilute acid on the other side of the membrane, and production of a concentrated ammonium (NH4) salt. Bench- and pilot-scale prototype systems using flat expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes and a sulfuric acid solution consistently reduced headspace NH3 concentrations from 70% to 97% and recovered 88% to 100% of the NH3 volatilized from poultry litter. The potential benefits of this technology include cleaner air inside poultry houses, reduced ventilation costs, and a concentrated liquid ammonium salt that can be used as a plant nutrient solution. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Detection of Nucleic Acids in Complex Samples via Magnetic Microbead-assisted Catalyzed Hairpin Assembly and "DD-A" FRET.

PubMed

Fang, Hongmei; Xie, Nuli; Ou, Min; Huang, Jin; Li, Wenshan; Wang, Qing; Liu, Jianbo; Yang, Xiaohai; Wang, Kemin

2018-05-21

Nucleic acids, as one kind of significant biomarkers, have attracted tremendous attention and exhibited immense value in fundamental studies and clinical applications. In this work, we developed a fluorescent assay for detecting nucleic acids in complex samples based on magnetic microbead (MMB)-assisted catalyzed hairpin assembly (CHA) and donor donor-acceptor fluorescence resonance energy transfer ("DD-A" FRET) signaling mechanism. Three types of DNA hairpin probes were employed in this system, including Capture, H1 (double FAM-labelled probe as FRET donor) and H2 (TAMRA-labelled probe as FRET acceptor). Firstly, the Captures immobilized on MMBs bound to targets in complex samples, and the sequences in Captures that could trigger catalyzed hairpin assembly (CHA) were exposed. Then, target-enriched MMBs complexes were separated and resuspended in the reaction buffer containing H1 and H2. As a result, numerous H1-H2 duplexes were formed during CHA process, inducing an obvious FRET signal. In contrast, CHA could not be trigger and the FRET signal was weak while target was absent. With the aid of magnetic separation and "DD-A" FRET, it was demonstrated to effectively eliminate errors from background interference. Importantly, this strategy realized amplified detection in buffer, with detection limits of microRNA as low as 34 pM. Furthermore, this method was successfully applied to detect microRNA-21 in serum and cell culture media. The results showed that our method has the potential for biomedical research and clinical application.

Spectroscopic study on variations in illite surface properties after acid-base titration.

PubMed

Liu, Wen-xin; Coveney, R M; Tang, Hong-xiao

2003-07-01

FT-IR, Raman microscopy, XRD, 29Si and 27Al MAS NMR, were used to investigate changes in surface properties of a natural illite sample after acid-base potentiometric titration. The characteristic XRD lines indicated the presence of surface Al-Si complexes, preferable to Al(OH)3 precipitates. In the microscopic Raman spectra, the vibration peaks of Si-O and Al-O bonds diminished as a result of treatment with acid, then increased after hydroxide back titration. The varied ratio of signal intensity between (IV)Al and (VI)Al species in 27Al MAS NMR spectra, together with the stable BET surface area after acidimetric titration, suggested that edge faces and basal planes in the layer structure of illite participated in dissolution of structural components. The combined spectroscopic evidence demonstrated that the reactions between illite surfaces and acid-leaching silicic acid and aluminum ions should be considered in the model description of surface acid-base properties of the aqueous illite.

Method for cleaning and passivating a metal surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alexander, George B. (Inventor); Carpenter, Norman F. (Inventor)

1976-01-01

A cleaning solvent useful in the cleaning of metal surfaces, e.g. nickle-iron alloys, contains sulfamic acid, citric acid, a solvent for hydrocarbon residues, and a surfactant. Metal surfaces are cleaned by contacting the surface with the cleaning solvent and then passivated by contact with aqueous solutions of citric acid or sodium nitrite or a combination of the two.

Evaluation of non-specific binding suppression schemes for neutravidin and alkaline phosphatase at the surface of reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes.

PubMed

Shedge, Hemangi Y; Creager, Stephen E

2010-01-11

Non-specific binding (NSB) of high-molecular-weight proteins onto electrode surfaces can complicate the application of electroanalytical techniques to clinical and environmental research, particularly in biosensor applications. We present herein various strategies to modify the surface of reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) electrodes to suppress non-specific binding of biomolecules onto its surface. Non-specific binding and specific binding (SB) of two enzyme conjugates, neutravidin-alkaline phosphatase (NA-ALP) and biotinylated alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP), and also neutravidin itself, were studied using hydroquinone diphosphate (HQDP) as an enzyme substrate for ALP inside the pores of RVC electrodes that had been subjected to various modification schemes. The extent of NSB and SB of these biomolecules inside RVC pores was assessed by measuring the initial rate of generation of an electroactive product, hydroquinone (HQ), of the enzyme-catalyzed reaction, using linear scan voltammetry (LSV) for HQ detection. Electrodes functionalized with phenylacetic acid and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) showed low NSB and high SB (when biotin capture ligands were included in the modification scheme) in comparison with unmodified electrodes and RVC electrodes modified in other ways. A simple sandwich bioassay for neutravidin was performed on the RVC electrode with the lowest NSB. A concentration detection limit of 52+/-2 ng mL(-1) and an absolute detection limit of 5.2+/-0.2 ng were achieved for neutravidin when this assay was performed using a 100 microL sample size.

Dark texture in artworks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parraman, Carinna

2012-01-01

This presentation highlights issues relating to the digital capture printing of 2D and 3D artefacts and accurate colour reproduction of 3D objects. There are a range of opportunities and technologies for the scanning and printing of two-dimensional and threedimensional artefacts [1]. A successful approach of Polynomial Texture Mapping (PTM) technique, to create a Reflectance Transformation Image (RTI) [2-4] is being used for the conservation and heritage of artworks as these methods are non invasive or non destructive of fragile artefacts. This approach captures surface detail of twodimensional artworks using a multidimensional approach that by using a hemispherical dome comprising 64 lamps to create an entire surface topography. The benefits of this approach are to provide a highly detailed visualization of the surface of materials and objects.

Restoration of high-resolution AFM images captured with broken probes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y. F.; Corrigan, D.; Forman, C.; Jarvis, S.; Kokaram, A.

2012-03-01

A type of artefact is induced by damage of the scanning probe when the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) captures a material surface structure with nanoscale resolution. This artefact has a dramatic form of distortion rather than the traditional blurring artefacts. Practically, it is not easy to prevent the damage of the scanning probe. However, by using natural image deblurring techniques in image processing domain, a comparatively reliable estimation of the real sample surface structure can be generated. This paper introduces a novel Hough Transform technique as well as a Bayesian deblurring algorithm to remove this type of artefact. The deblurring result is successful at removing blur artefacts in the AFM artefact images. And the details of the fibril surface topography are well preserved.

Water surface modeling from a single viewpoint video.

PubMed

Li, Chuan; Pickup, David; Saunders, Thomas; Cosker, Darren; Marshall, David; Hall, Peter; Willis, Philip

2013-07-01

We introduce a video-based approach for producing water surface models. Recent advances in this field output high-quality results but require dedicated capturing devices and only work in limited conditions. In contrast, our method achieves a good tradeoff between the visual quality and the production cost: It automatically produces a visually plausible animation using a single viewpoint video as the input. Our approach is based on two discoveries: first, shape from shading (SFS) is adequate to capture the appearance and dynamic behavior of the example water; second, shallow water model can be used to estimate a velocity field that produces complex surface dynamics. We will provide qualitative evaluation of our method and demonstrate its good performance across a wide range of scenes.

The Effect of Phosphoric Acid Pre-etching Times on Bonding Performance and Surface Free Energy with Single-step Self-etch Adhesives.

PubMed

Tsujimoto, A; Barkmeier, W W; Takamizawa, T; Latta, M A; Miyazaki, M

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of phosphoric acid pre-etching times on shear bond strength (SBS) and surface free energy (SFE) with single-step self-etch adhesives. The three single-step self-etch adhesives used were: 1) Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (3M ESPE), 2) Clearfil tri-S Bond (Kuraray Noritake Dental), and 3) G-Bond Plus (GC). Two no pre-etching groups, 1) untreated enamel and 2) enamel surfaces after ultrasonic cleaning with distilled water for 30 seconds to remove the smear layer, were prepared. There were four pre-etching groups: 1) enamel surfaces were pre-etched with phosphoric acid (Etchant, 3M ESPE) for 3 seconds, 2) enamel surfaces were pre-etched for 5 seconds, 3) enamel surfaces were pre-etched for 10 seconds, and 4) enamel surfaces were pre-etched for 15 seconds. Resin composite was bonded to the treated enamel surface to determine SBS. The SFEs of treated enamel surfaces were determined by measuring the contact angles of three test liquids. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the enamel surfaces and enamel-adhesive interface. The specimens with phosphoric acid pre-etching showed significantly higher SBS and SFEs than the specimens without phosphoric acid pre-etching regardless of the adhesive system used. SBS and SFEs did not increase for phosphoric acid pre-etching times over 3 seconds. There were no significant differences in SBS and SFEs between the specimens with and without a smear layer. The data suggest that phosphoric acid pre-etching of ground enamel improves the bonding performance of single-step self-etch adhesives, but these bonding properties do not increase for phosphoric acid pre-etching times over 3 seconds.

Effect of surface oxygen vacancy sites on ethanol synthesis from acetic acid hydrogenation on a defective In2O3(110) surface.

PubMed

Lyu, Huisheng; Liu, Jiatao; Chen, Yifei; Li, Guiming; Jiang, Haoxi; Zhang, Minhua

2018-03-07

Developing a new type of low-cost and high-efficiency non-noble metal catalyst is beneficial for industrially massive synthesis of alcohols from carboxylic acids which can be obtained from renewable biomass. In this work, the effect of active oxygen vacancies on ethanol synthesis from acetic acid hydrogenation over defective In 2 O 3 (110) surfaces has been studied using periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The relative stabilities of six surface oxygen vacancies from O v1 to O v6 on the In 2 O 3 (110) surface were compared. D1 and D4 surfaces with respective O v1 and O v4 oxygen vacancies were chosen to map out the reaction paths from acetic acid to ethanol. A reaction cycle mechanism between the perfect and defective states of the In 2 O 3 surface was found to catalyze the formation of ethanol from acetic acid hydrogenation. By H 2 reduction the oxygen vacancies on the In 2 O 3 surface play key roles in promoting CH 3 COO* hydrogenation and C-O bond breaking in acetic acid hydrogenation. The acetic acid, in turn, benefits the creation of oxygen vacancies, while the C-O bond breaking of acetic acid refills the oxygen vacancy and, thereby, sustains the catalytic cycle. The In 2 O 3 based catalysts were shown to be advantageous over traditional noble metal catalysts in this paper by theoretical analysis.

Optimization of Polyplex Formation between DNA Oligonucleotide and Poly(ʟ-Lysine): Experimental Study and Modeling Approach.

PubMed

Vasiliu, Tudor; Cojocaru, Corneliu; Rotaru, Alexandru; Pricope, Gabriela; Pinteala, Mariana; Clima, Lilia

2017-06-17

The polyplexes formed by nucleic acids and polycations have received a great attention owing to their potential application in gene therapy. In our study, we report experimental results and modeling outcomes regarding the optimization of polyplex formation between the double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and poly(ʟ-Lysine) (PLL). The quantification of the binding efficiency during polyplex formation was performed by processing of the images captured from the gel electrophoresis assays. The design of experiments (DoE) and response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to investigate the coupling effect of key factors (pH and N/P ratio) affecting the binding efficiency. According to the experimental observations and response surface analysis, the N/P ratio showed a major influence on binding efficiency compared to pH. Model-based optimization calculations along with the experimental confirmation runs unveiled the maximal binding efficiency (99.4%) achieved at pH 5.4 and N/P ratio 125. To support the experimental data and reveal insights of molecular mechanism responsible for the polyplex formation between dsDNA and PLL, molecular dynamics simulations were performed at pH 5.4 and 7.4.

Optimization of Polyplex Formation between DNA Oligonucleotide and Poly(l-Lysine): Experimental Study and Modeling Approach

PubMed Central

Vasiliu, Tudor; Cojocaru, Corneliu; Rotaru, Alexandru; Pricope, Gabriela; Pinteala, Mariana; Clima, Lilia

2017-01-01

The polyplexes formed by nucleic acids and polycations have received a great attention owing to their potential application in gene therapy. In our study, we report experimental results and modeling outcomes regarding the optimization of polyplex formation between the double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and poly(l-Lysine) (PLL). The quantification of the binding efficiency during polyplex formation was performed by processing of the images captured from the gel electrophoresis assays. The design of experiments (DoE) and response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to investigate the coupling effect of key factors (pH and N/P ratio) affecting the binding efficiency. According to the experimental observations and response surface analysis, the N/P ratio showed a major influence on binding efficiency compared to pH. Model-based optimization calculations along with the experimental confirmation runs unveiled the maximal binding efficiency (99.4%) achieved at pH 5.4 and N/P ratio 125. To support the experimental data and reveal insights of molecular mechanism responsible for the polyplex formation between dsDNA and PLL, molecular dynamics simulations were performed at pH 5.4 and 7.4. PMID:28629130

South Polar Surface

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-07-14

It is high summer as NASA 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft captures this image of the South Pole of Mars. The circular surface features may look like swiss cheese, but how they form, coalesce, and disappear is not fully understood.

Getting the tail to wag the dog: Incorporating groundwater transport into catchment solute transport models using rank StorAge Selection (rSAS) functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harman, C. J.

2015-12-01

Surface water hydrologic models are increasingly used to analyze the transport of solutes through the landscape, such as nitrate. However, many of these models cannot adequately capture the effect of groundwater flow paths, which can have long travel times and accumulate legacy contaminants, releasing them to streams over decades. If these long lag times are not accounted for, the short-term efficacy of management activities to reduce nitrogen loads may be overestimated. Models that adopt a simple 'well-mixed' assumption, leading to an exponential transit time distribution at steady state, cannot adequately capture the broadly skewed nature of groundwater transit times in typical watersheds. Here I will demonstrate how StorAge Selection functions can be used to capture the long lag times of groundwater in a typical subwatershed-based hydrologic model framework typical of models like SWAT, HSPF, HBV, PRMS and others. These functions can be selected and calibrated to reproduce historical data where available, but can also be fitted to the results of a steady-state groundwater transport model like MODFLOW/MODPATH, allowing those results to directly inform the parameterization of an unsteady surface water model. The long tails of the transit time distribution predicted by the groundwater model can then be completely captured by the surface water model. Examples of this application in the Chesapeake Bay watersheds and elsewhere will be given.

Capture of Pb2+ and Cu2+ Metal Cations by Neisseria meningitidis-type Capsular Polysaccharides.

PubMed

Ghimire, Sujan; McCarthy, Pumtiwitt C

2018-05-05

Heavy metal pollution of water is a significant environmental and public health concern. Current biological strategies for heavy metal removal from water are performed using microbial biopolymers, including polysaccharides, that are already fully formed. This creates limitations in adapting polysaccharides to increase binding affinity for specific metals. We propose that altering the specificity of polysaccharide-producing enzymes could be beneficial to improving metal capture by modified polysaccharides. We assess binding of Cu 2+ and Pb 2+ metal cations to Neisseria meningitidis -type polysaccharides. All concentrations of metal cations tested were able to completely bind to colominic acid. This polymer is equivalent to the capsular polysaccharide of N. meningitidis serogroup B comprised of a homopolymer of negatively charged sialic acid. There was slightly less binding observed with N. meningitidis serogroup W, which contains repeating units of the neutral sugar galactose and sialic acid. Our work represents the first assessment of the metal-binding properties of these capsular polysaccharides. Future work will seek to optimize metal-binding with Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W polysaccharide.

Protection of DNA against low-energy electrons by amino acids: a first-principles molecular dynamics study.

PubMed

Gu, Bin; Smyth, Maeve; Kohanoff, Jorge

2014-11-28

Using first-principles molecular dynamics simulations, we have investigated the notion that amino acids can play a protective role when DNA is exposed to excess electrons produced by ionizing radiation. In this study we focus on the interaction of glycine with the DNA nucleobase thymine. We studied thymine-glycine dimers and a condensed phase model consisting of one thymine molecule solvated in amorphous glycine. Our results show that the amino acid acts as a protective agent for the nucleobase in two ways. If the excess electron is initially captured by the thymine, then a proton is transferred in a barrier-less way from a neighboring hydrogen-bonded glycine. This stabilizes the excess electron by reducing the net partial charge on the thymine. In the second mechanism the excess electron is captured by a glycine, which acts as a electron scavenger that prevents electron localization in DNA. Both these mechanisms introduce obstacles to further reactions of the excess electron within a DNA strand, e.g. by raising the free energy barrier associated with strand breaks.

40 CFR 63.4964 - How do I determine the emission capture system efficiency?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... operation are applied within the capture system; coating solvent flash-off and coating, curing, and drying... parts enter the open shop environment when being moved between a spray booth and a curing oven. (b... from the beginning to the end of production, which includes surface preparation activities and drying...

Accretion Dynamics on Wet Granular Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saingier, Guillaume; Sauret, Alban; Jop, Pierre

2017-05-01

Wet granular aggregates are common precursors of construction materials, food, and health care products. The physical mechanisms involved in the mixing of dry grains with a wet substrate are not well understood and difficult to control. Here, we study experimentally the accretion of dry grains on a wet granular substrate by measuring the growth dynamics of the wet aggregate. We show that this aggregate is fully saturated and its cohesion is ensured by the capillary depression at the air-liquid interface. The growth dynamics is controlled by the liquid fraction at the surface of the aggregate and exhibits two regimes. In the viscous regime, the growth dynamics is limited by the capillary-driven flow of liquid through the granular packing to the surface of the aggregate. In the capture regime, the capture probability depends on the availability of the liquid at the saturated interface, which is controlled by the hydrostatic depression in the material. We propose a model that rationalizes our observations and captures both dynamics based on the evolution of the capture probability with the hydrostatic depression.

Improved porous silicon (P-Si) microarray based PSA (prostate specific antigen) immunoassay by optimized surface density of the capture antibody

PubMed Central

Lee, SangWook; Kim, Soyoun; Malm, Johan; Jeong, Ok Chan; Lilja, Hans; Laurell, Thomas

2014-01-01

Enriching the surface density of immobilized capture antibodies enhances the detection signal of antibody sandwich microarrays. In this study, we improved the detection sensitivity of our previously developed P-Si (porous silicon) antibody microarray by optimizing concentrations of the capturing antibody. We investigated immunoassays using a P-Si microarray at three different capture antibody (PSA - prostate specific antigen) concentrations, analyzing the influence of the antibody density on the assay detection sensitivity. The LOD (limit of detection) for PSA was 2.5ngmL−1, 80pgmL−1, and 800fgmL−1 when arraying the PSA antibody, H117 at the concentration 15µgmL−1, 35µgmL−1 and 154µgmL−1, respectively. We further investigated PSA spiked into human female serum in the range of 800fgmL−1 to 500ngmL−1. The microarray showed a LOD of 800fgmL−1 and a dynamic range of 800 fgmL−1 to 80ngmL−1 in serum spiked samples. PMID:24016590

Surface modification of model hydrogel contact lenses with hyaluronic acid via thiol-ene "click" chemistry for enhancing surface characteristics.

PubMed

Korogiannaki, Myrto; Zhang, Jianfeng; Sheardown, Heather

2017-10-01

Discontinuation of contact lens wear as a result of ocular dryness and discomfort is extremely common; as many as 26% of contact lens wearers discontinue use within the first year. While patients are generally satisfied with conventional hydrogel lenses, improving on-eye comfort continues to remain a goal. Surface modification with a biomimetic, ocular friendly hydrophilic layer of a wetting agent is hypothesized to improve the interfacial interactions of the contact lens with the ocular surface. In this work, the synthesis and characterization of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) surfaces grafted with a hydrophilic layer of hyaluronic acid are described. The immobilization reaction involved the covalent attachment of thiolated hyaluronic acid (20 kDa) on acrylated poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) via nucleophile-initiated Michael addition thiol-ene "click" chemistry. The surface chemistry of the modified surfaces was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The appearance of N (1s) and S (2p) peaks on the low resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra confirmed successful immobilization of hyaluronic acid. Grafting hyaluronic acid to the poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) surfaces decreased the contact angle, the dehydration rate, and the amount of nonspecific sorption of lysozyme and albumin in comparison to pristine hydrogel materials, suggesting the development of more wettable surfaces with improved water-retentive and antifouling properties, while maintaining optical transparency (>92%). In vitro testing also showed excellent viability of human corneal epithelial cells with the hyaluronic acid-grafted poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) surfaces. Hence, surface modification with hyaluronic acid via thiol-ene "click" chemistry could be useful in improving contact lens surface properties, potentially alleviating symptoms of contact lens related dryness and discomfort during wear.

Recovery of Water from Boiler Flue Gas Using Condensing Heat Exchangers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Levy, Edward; Bilirgen, Harun; DuPont, John

2011-03-31

Most of the water used in a thermoelectric power plant is used for cooling, and DOE has been focusing on possible techniques to reduce the amount of fresh water needed for cooling. DOE has also been placing emphasis on recovery of usable water from sources not generally considered, such as mine water, water produced from oil and gas extraction, and water contained in boiler flue gas. This report deals with development of condensing heat exchanger technology for recovering moisture from flue gas from coal-fired power plants. The report describes: • An expanded data base on water and acid condensation characteristicsmore » of condensing heat exchangers in coal-fired units. This data base was generated by performing slip stream tests at a power plant with high sulfur bituminous coal and a wet FGD scrubber and at a power plant firing highmoisture, low rank coals. • Data on typical concentrations of HCl, HNO{sub 3} and H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} in low temperature condensed flue gas moisture, and mercury capture efficiencies as functions of process conditions in power plant field tests. • Theoretical predictions for sulfuric acid concentrations on tube surfaces at temperatures above the water vapor dewpoint temperature and below the sulfuric acid dew point temperature. • Data on corrosion rates of candidate heat exchanger tube materials for the different regions of the heat exchanger system as functions of acid concentration and temperature. • Data on effectiveness of acid traps in reducing sulfuric acid concentrations in a heat exchanger tube bundle. • Condensed flue gas water treatment needs and costs. • Condensing heat exchanger designs and installed capital costs for full-scale applications, both for installation immediately downstream of an ESP or baghouse and for installation downstream of a wet SO{sub 2} scrubber. • Results of cost-benefit studies of condensing heat exchangers.« less

Recovery of Water from Boiler Flue Gas Using Condensing Heat Exchangers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Edward Levy; Harun Bilirgen; John DuPoint

2011-03-31

Most of the water used in a thermoelectric power plant is used for cooling, and DOE has been focusing on possible techniques to reduce the amount of fresh water needed for cooling. DOE has also been placing emphasis on recovery of usable water from sources not generally considered, such as mine water, water produced from oil and gas extraction, and water contained in boiler flue gas. This report deals with development of condensing heat exchanger technology for recovering moisture from flue gas from coal-fired power plants. The report describes: (1) An expanded data base on water and acid condensation characteristicsmore » of condensing heat exchangers in coal-fired units. This data base was generated by performing slip stream tests at a power plant with high sulfur bituminous coal and a wet FGD scrubber and at a power plant firing high-moisture, low rank coals. (2) Data on typical concentrations of HCl, HNO{sub 3} and H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} in low temperature condensed flue gas moisture, and mercury capture efficiencies as functions of process conditions in power plant field tests. (3) Theoretical predictions for sulfuric acid concentrations on tube surfaces at temperatures above the water vapor dewpoint temperature and below the sulfuric acid dew point temperature. (4) Data on corrosion rates of candidate heat exchanger tube materials for the different regions of the heat exchanger system as functions of acid concentration and temperature. (5) Data on effectiveness of acid traps in reducing sulfuric acid concentrations in a heat exchanger tube bundle. (6) Condensed flue gas water treatment needs and costs. (7) Condensing heat exchanger designs and installed capital costs for full-scale applications, both for installation immediately downstream of an ESP or baghouse and for installation downstream of a wet SO{sub 2} scrubber. (8) Results of cost-benefit studies of condensing heat exchangers.« less

Effect of Acid Oxidation on the Dispersion Property of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goh, P. S.; Ismail, A. F.; Aziz, M.

2009-06-01

A means of dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) via mixed acid (HNO3 and H2SO4) oxidation with different treatment durations was investigated through the solubility study of the treated carbon nanotubes in some common solvents. Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) characterization of the reaction products revealed that the surface of MWCNTs was successfully functionalized with surface acidic groups. The acid-base titration demonstrated that the amount of surface acidic groups increased in parallel with the refluxing duration. The acid modified MWCNTs were found to be well dispersed in polar solvents, such as ethanol and water due to the presence of the hydrophilic acid functional groups on the surface of raw MWCNTs. Such chemical modification of carbon nanotube properties will pave the way towards the realistic applications in the nanotechnology world.

The Effects of Acid Etching on the Nanomorphological Surface Characteristics and Activation Energy of Titanium Medical Materials.

PubMed

Hung, Kuo-Yung; Lin, Yi-Chih; Feng, Hui-Ping

2017-10-11

The purpose of this study was to characterize the etching mechanism, namely, the etching rate and the activation energy, of a titanium dental implant in concentrated acid and to construct the relation between the activation energy and the nanoscale surface topographies. A commercially-pure titanium (CP Ti) and Ti-6Al-4V ELI surface were tested by shot blasting (pressure, grain size, blasting distance, blasting angle, and time) and acid etching to study its topographical, weight loss, surface roughness, and activation energy. An Arrhenius equation was applied to derive the activation energy for the dissolution of CP Ti/Ti-6Al-4V ELI in sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) at different temperatures. In addition, white-light interferometry was applied to measure the surface nanomorphology of the implant to obtain 2D or 3D roughness parameters (Sa, Sq, and St). The nanopore size that formed after etching was approximately 100-500 nm. The surface roughness of CP Ti and Ti-6Al-4V ELI decreased as the activation energy decreased but weight loss increased. Ti-6Al-4V ELI has a higher level of activation energy than Ti in HCl, which results in lower surface roughness after acid etching. This study also indicates that etching using a concentrated hydrochloric acid provided superior surface modification effects in titanium compared with H₂SO₄.

Sex and age differences in meat composition of Yeso sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) reared for a short period after capture in the wild.

PubMed

Hayashida, Maki; Souma, Kousaku; Sugo, Kazuki; Araki, Shin-Ichi; Ishizaka, Fumiaki; Ueda, Masami; Kasai, Takamasa; Masuko, Takayoshi

2015-02-01

Yeso sika deer captured in winter around Lake Akan in Hokkaido were reared for 8-10 months at Tokyo University of Agriculture in Abashiri. Six 1-year-old females and males and six 2-year-old or older (adult) females and males were slaughtered and their carcasses were processed. The chemical composition, mineral contents and fatty acid composition of the loin were measured. No marked influence of gender or age was noted in the chemical composition of loin. In the mineral contents, significant differences were noted. The potassium and sulfur contents were lower and the sodium content was higher in adult deer meat (P < 0.05, respectively) and the potassium content was higher in male deer meat (P < 0.05). Arsenic, cadmium or lead were not detected. In the unsaturated fatty acid, a significant interaction was detected (P < 0.05), and it was high in 1-year-old female deer meat and low in 1-year-old male deer meat. Significant gender or age differences were noted only in the mineral contents in the loin of deer reared for a short period after capture. © 2014 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Preparation and characterization of (10)B boric acid with high purity for nuclear industry.

PubMed

Zhang, Weijiang; Liu, Tianyu; Xu, Jiao

2016-01-01

Boric acid is often added into coolant as neutron capture agent for pressurized water reactor, whose amount is influenced by its abundance and purity. Therefore, the preparation of enriched (10)B boric acid with high purity is beneficial to nuclear industry. (10)B is also used in developing tumor-specific boronated drugs in boron neutron capture therapy. The boronated drug can be administered to patient intravenously, intratumorally, or deposited at tumor site in surgical excision. Thus, enriched (10)B boric acid is of practical significance in the field of medicine. Self-made boron trifluoride-methanol-complex solution was selected as one of the experimental reagents, and the preparation of (10)B acid was realized by one-step reaction for the complexes with water and calcium chloride. The determination of electrical conductivity in reaction process proves that the optimum reaction time was 16-20 h. Furthermore, the effect of reaction time, ratio of calcium chloride to complex as well as the amount of water on the purity and yield of boric acid was investigated. Finally, the optimum reaction time was 20 h, the optimal solid-liquid ratio (molar ratio) was 3:1, and the amount of water was 1 L of deionized water for each mol of the complex. H2O2 was added in the reaction process to remove Fe(2+). After recrystallization, IR spectra of (10)B boric acid was measured and compared with standard to verify the product of boric acid. The feasibility of the preparation method was determined by the detection of XRD of boric acid. To observe the morphology by polarizing microscope, crystal structure was obtained. The purity of the final product is 99.95 %, and the yield is 96.47 %. The ion concentration of boric acid accords with the national standard of high purity, which was determined by ICP.

Modelling atmospheric oxidation of 2-aminoethanol (MEA) emitted from post-combustion capture using WRF-Chem.

PubMed

Karl, M; Svendby, T; Walker, S-E; Velken, A S; Castell, N; Solberg, S

2015-09-15

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technological solution that can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the use of fossil fuel in power plants and other industries. A leading method today is amine based post-combustion capture, in which 2-aminoethanol (MEA) is one of the most studied absorption solvents. In this process, amines are released to the atmosphere through evaporation and entrainment from the CO2 absorber column. Modelling is a key instrument for simulating the atmospheric dispersion and chemical transformation of MEA, and for projections of ground-level air concentrations and deposition rates. In this study, the Weather Research and Forecasting model inline coupled with chemistry, WRF-Chem, was applied to quantify the impact of using a comprehensive MEA photo-oxidation sequence compared to using a simplified MEA scheme. Main discrepancies were found for iminoethanol (roughly doubled in the detailed scheme) and 2-nitro aminoethanol, short MEA-nitramine (reduced by factor of two in the detailed scheme). The study indicates that MEA emissions from a full-scale capture plant can modify regional background levels of isocyanic acid. Predicted atmospheric concentrations of isocyanic acid were however below the limit value of 1 ppbv for ambient exposure. The dependence of the formation of hazardous compounds in the OH-initiated oxidation of MEA on ambient level of nitrogen oxides (NOx) was studied in a scenario without NOx emissions from a refinery area in the vicinity of the capture plant. Hourly MEA-nitramine peak concentrations higher than 40 pg m(-3) did only occur when NOx mixing ratios were above 2 ppbv. Therefore, the spatial variability and temporal variability of levels of OH and NOx need to be taken into account in the health risk assessment. The health risk due to direct emissions of nitrosamines and nitramines from full-scale CO2 capture should be investigated in future studies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Spectra investigation on surface characteristics of graphene oxide nanosheets treated with tartaric, malic and oxalic acids.

PubMed

Teng, Xiyao; Yan, Manqing; Bi, Hong

2014-01-24

The surface characteristics of graphene oxide nanosheets (GO) treated respectively with tartaric acid, malic acid and oxalic acid, have been investigated by mainly using optical spectroscopic methods including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption and Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, the electrochemical property of the products has also been studied. The data revealed that oxygen-containing groups such as OH, COOH and CO on the GO surface have been almost removed and thus reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (RGN) were obtained. Interestingly, the number of sp(2) domains of RGN increases as treated by tartaric acid

Effect of the association between citric acid and EDTA on root surface etching.

PubMed

Manzolli Leite, Fabio Renato; Nascimento, Gustavo Giacomelli; Manzolli Leite, Elza Regina; Leite, Amauri Antiquera; Cezar Sampaio, Josá Eduardo

2013-09-01

This study aims to compare the clot stabilization on root surfaces conditioned with citric acid and ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA). Scaled root samples (n = 100) were set in fve groups: group I-control group (saline solution); group II (24% EDTA); group III (25% citric acid); group IV (EDTA + citric acid); group V (citric acid + EDTA). Fifty samples were assessed using the root surface modifcation index (RSMI). The other 50 received a blood drop after conditioning. Clot formation was assessed using blood elements adhesion index (BEAI). A blind examiner evaluated photomicrographs. Statistical analysis considered p < 0.05. Groups-III and G-V attained the best results for RSMI and BEAI in comparison to control. The worst results for clot stabilization were seen in group-II. EDTA employment before citric acid (group-IV) reduced clot formation in comparison to citric acid use alone (group-III). Root conditioning with citric acid alone and before EDTA had the best results for smear layer removal and clot stabilization. EDTA inhibited clot stabilization on root surface and must have a residual activity once it has diminished clot adhesion to root even after citric acid conditioning. Thus, EDTA can be used to neutralize citric acid effects on periodontal cells without affecting clot stabilization. Clinical signifcance: To demonstrate that citric acid use on root surfaces previously affected by periodontal disease may favor clot stabilization and may have a benefcial effect on surgical outcomes. Also, EDTA can be used to neutralize citric acid effects on periodontal cells.

Three-Dimensionally Functionalized Reverse Phase Glycoprotein Array for Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Validation.

PubMed

Pan, Li; Aguilar, Hillary Andaluz; Wang, Linna; Iliuk, Anton; Tao, W Andy

2016-11-30

Glycoproteins have vast structural diversity that plays an important role in many biological processes and have great potential as disease biomarkers. Here, we report a novel functionalized reverse phase protein array (RPPA), termed polymer-based reverse phase glycoprotein array (polyGPA), to capture and profile glycoproteomes specifically, and validate glycoproteins. Nitrocellulose membrane functionalized with globular hydroxyaminodendrimers was used to covalently capture preoxidized glycans on glycoproteins from complex protein samples such as biofluids. The captured glycoproteins were subsequently detected using the same validated antibodies as in RPPA. We demonstrated the outstanding specificity, sensitivity, and quantitative capabilities of polyGPA by capturing and detecting purified as well as endogenous α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) in human plasma. We further applied quantitative N-glycoproteomics and the strategy to validate a panel of glycoproteins identified as potential biomarkers for bladder cancer by analyzing urine glycoproteins from bladder cancer patients or matched healthy individuals.

Peptide-based protein capture agents with high affinity, selectivity, and stability as antibody replacements in biodetection assays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coppock, Matthew B.; Farrow, Blake; Warner, Candice; Finch, Amethist S.; Lai, Bert; Sarkes, Deborah A.; Heath, James R.; Stratis-Cullum, Dimitra

2014-05-01

Current biodetection assays that employ monoclonal antibodies as primary capture agents exhibit limited fieldability, shelf life, and performance due to batch-to-batch production variability and restricted thermal stability. In order to improve upon the detection of biological threats in fieldable assays and systems for the Army, we are investigating protein catalyzed capture (PCC) agents as drop-in replacements for the existing antibody technology through iterative in situ click chemistry. The PCC agent oligopeptides are developed against known protein epitopes and can be mass produced using robotic methods. In this work, a PCC agent under development will be discussed. The performance, including affinity, selectivity, and stability of the capture agent technology, is analyzed by immunoprecipitation, western blotting, and ELISA experiments. The oligopeptide demonstrates superb selectivity coupled with high affinity through multi-ligand design, and improved thermal, chemical, and biochemical stability due to non-natural amino acid PCC agent design.

A Facile and Low-Cost Route to Heteroatom Doped Porous Carbon Derived from Broussonetia Papyrifera Bark with Excellent Supercapacitance and CO2 Capture Performance

PubMed Central

Wei, Tongye; Zhang, Qi; Wei, Xiaolin; Gao, Yong; Li, Huaming

2016-01-01

In this work, we present a facile and low-cost approach to synthesize heteroatom doped porous carbon via hydrothermal treatment of stem bark of broussonetia papyrifera (BP) as the biomass precursor in diluted sulfuric acid, and following thermal activation by KOH at 800 °C. The morphology, structure and textural property of the prepared porous carbon (PC) are investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, N2 sorption isotherms, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The porous carbon possesses a high BET surface area of 1759 m2 g−1 and an average pore size of 3.11 nm as well as hetero-oxygen (9.09%) and nitrogen (1.7%) doping. Such porous carbon shows outstanding capacitive performances of 416 F g−1 and 300 F g−1 in three and two-electrode systems, respectively. As a solid-state adsorbent, the obtained porous carbon has an excellent CO2 adsorption capacity at ambient pressures of up to 6.71 and 4.45 mmol g−1 at 0 and 25 °C, respectively. The results present one novel precursor-synthesis route for facile large-scale production of high performance porous carbon for a variety of great applications including energy storage and CO2 capture. PMID:26935397

Au nanoparticles/hollow molybdenum disulfide microcubes based biosensor for microRNA-21 detection coupled with duplex-specific nuclease and enzyme signal amplification.

PubMed

Shuai, Hong-Lei; Huang, Ke-Jing; Chen, Ying-Xu; Fang, Lin-Xia; Jia, Meng-Pei

2017-03-15

An ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor for detecting microRNAs is fabricated based on hollow molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) microcubes. Duplex-specific nuclease, enzyme and electrochemical-chemical-chemical redox cycling are used for signal amplification. Hollow MoS 2 microcubes constructed by ultrathin nanosheets are synthesized by a facile template-assisted strategy and used as supporting substrate. For biosensor assembling, biotinylated ssDNA capture probes are first immobilized on Au nanoparticles (AuNPs)/MoS 2 modified electrode in order to combine with streptavidin-conjugated alkaline phosphatase (SA-ALP). When capture probes hybridize with miRNAs, duplex-specific nuclease cleaves the formative duplexes. At the moment, the biotin group strips from the electrode surface and SA-ALP is incapacitated to attach onto electrode. Then, ascorbic acids induce the electrochemical-chemical-chemical redox cycling to produce electrochemical response in the presence of ferrocene methanol and tris (2-carboxyethyl) phosphine. Under optimum conditions, the proposed biosensor shows a good linear relationship between the current variation and logarithm of the microRNAs concentration ranging from 0.1fM to 0.1pM with a detection limit of 0.086fM (S/N=3). Furthermore, the biosensor is successfully applied to detect target miRNA-21 in human serum samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influence of implant surface topography on bone-regenerative potential and mechanical retention in the human maxilla and mandible.

PubMed

Wei, Niu; Bin, Shi; Jing, Zhou; Wei, Sun; Yingqiong, Zhao

2014-06-01

To evaluate the short- and mid-term effects of commercial pure (cp) titanium implant surface topography on osseointegration, bone-regenerative potential and mechanical retention in the human maxilla and mandible. 32 micro-implants with the same geometry but with four different surface treatments were implanted in the maxilla and mandible of eight patients. Each patient received four micro-implants, one of each type. Percentage of bone-to-implant contact analysis and histological evaluation was carried 3, 6 and 12 weeks after implantation. Furthermore, reverse removal torque tests were conducted 3 and 6 weeks after implantation to analyze functional bone attachment. Implant surfaces tested were: machined, grit-blasted, acid-etched, and grit-blasted with acid-etch. One-way ANOVA was performed using the multiple comparison Fisher's test to determine significance of observed differences among test groups. The level of significance was established at 5% (P < 0.05). Mean and standard deviations of the test groups were calculated. Surface roughness had a significant correlation with the evolution of bone regeneration. The surfaces with roughness Ra approximately 4 microim (grit-blasted and grit-blasted with acid-etch), showed rapid tissue colonization compared to machine and acid-etched surfaces. The results of reverse removal torque tests confirmed a significant correlation between surface roughness and functional bone attachment. Grit-blasted and grit-blasted with acid etched surfaces showed higher retention values compared to machine and acid-etched implants. This finding was supported by higher bone-to-implant contact observed for rougher surfaces (grit-blasted and grit-blasted with acid etching).

Mapping the conformational free energy of aspartic acid in the gas phase and in aqueous solution.

PubMed

Comitani, Federico; Rossi, Kevin; Ceriotti, Michele; Sanz, M Eugenia; Molteni, Carla

2017-04-14

The conformational free energy landscape of aspartic acid, a proteogenic amino acid involved in a wide variety of biological functions, was investigated as an example of the complexity that multiple rotatable bonds produce even in relatively simple molecules. To efficiently explore such a landscape, this molecule was studied in the neutral and zwitterionic forms, in the gas phase and in water solution, by means of molecular dynamics and the enhanced sampling method metadynamics with classical force-fields. Multi-dimensional free energy landscapes were reduced to bi-dimensional maps through the non-linear dimensionality reduction algorithm sketch-map to identify the energetically stable conformers and their interconnection paths. Quantum chemical calculations were then performed on the minimum free energy structures. Our procedure returned the low energy conformations observed experimentally in the gas phase with rotational spectroscopy [M. E. Sanz et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 12, 3573 (2010)]. Moreover, it provided information on higher energy conformers not accessible to experiments and on the conformers in water. The comparison between different force-fields and quantum chemical data highlighted the importance of the underlying potential energy surface to accurately capture energy rankings. The combination of force-field based metadynamics, sketch-map analysis, and quantum chemical calculations was able to produce an exhaustive conformational exploration in a range of significant free energies that complements the experimental data. Similar protocols can be applied to larger peptides with complex conformational landscapes and would greatly benefit from the next generation of accurate force-fields.

Nanoporous-Gold-Based Electrode Morphology Libraries for Investigating Structure-Property Relationships in Nucleic Acid Based Electrochemical Biosensors.

PubMed

Matharu, Zimple; Daggumati, Pallavi; Wang, Ling; Dorofeeva, Tatiana S; Li, Zidong; Seker, Erkin

2017-04-19

Nanoporous gold (np-Au) electrode coatings significantly enhance the performance of electrochemical nucleic acid biosensors because of their three-dimensional nanoscale network, high electrical conductivity, facile surface functionalization, and biocompatibility. Contrary to planar electrodes, the np-Au electrodes also exhibit sensitive detection in the presence of common biofouling media due to their porous structure. However, the pore size of the nanomatrix plays a critical role in dictating the extent of biomolecular capture and transport. Small pores perform better in the case of target detection in complex samples by filtering out the large nonspecific proteins. On the other hand, larger pores increase the accessibility of target nucleic acids in the nanoporous structure, enhancing the detection limits of the sensor at the expense of more interference from biofouling molecules. Here, we report a microfabricated np-Au multiple electrode array that displays a range of electrode morphologies on the same chip for identifying feature sizes that reduce the nonspecific adsorption of proteins but facilitate the permeation of target DNA molecules into the pores. We demonstrate the utility of the electrode morphology library in studying DNA functionalization and target detection in complex biological media with a special emphasis on revealing ranges of electrode morphologies that mutually enhance the limit of detection and biofouling resilience. We expect this technique to assist in the development of high-performance biosensors for point-of-care diagnostics and facilitate studies on the electrode structure-property relationships in potential applications ranging from neural electrodes to catalysts.

A potentiometric non-enzymatic glucose sensor using a molecularly imprinted layer bonded on a conducting polymer.

PubMed

Kim, Dong-Min; Moon, Jong-Min; Lee, Won-Chul; Yoon, Jang-Hee; Choi, Cheol Soo; Shim, Yoon-Bo

2017-05-15

A non-enzymatic potentiometric glucose sensor for the determination of glucose in the micomolar level in saliva was developed based on a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) binding on a conducting polymer layer. A MIP containing acrylamide, and aminophenyl boronic acid, as a host molecule to glucose, was immobilized on benzoic acid-functionalized poly(terthiophene) (pTBA) by the amide bond formation onto a gold nanoparticles deposited-screen printed carbon electrode (pTBA/AuNPs/SPCE). Aromatic boronic acid was incorporated into the MIP layer to stably capture glucose and create a potentiometric signal through the changed pKa value of polymer film by the formation of boronate anion-glucose complex with generation of H + ions by the cis-diol reaction. Reversible binding and extraction of glucose on the sensor surface was observed using a quartz crystal microbalance. Each layer of the sensor probe was characterized by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The potentiometric response at the optimized conditions exhibited a wide linear dynamic range of 3.2×10 -7 to 1.0×10 -3 M, with a detection limit of 1.9 (±0.15)×10 -7 M. The sensor probe revealed an excellent selectivity and sensitivity for glucose compared to other saccharides. In addition, the reliability of the proposed glucose sensor was evaluated in physiological fluid samples of saliva and finger prick blood. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mapping the conformational free energy of aspartic acid in the gas phase and in aqueous solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Comitani, Federico; Rossi, Kevin; Ceriotti, Michele; Sanz, M. Eugenia; Molteni, Carla

2017-04-01

The conformational free energy landscape of aspartic acid, a proteogenic amino acid involved in a wide variety of biological functions, was investigated as an example of the complexity that multiple rotatable bonds produce even in relatively simple molecules. To efficiently explore such a landscape, this molecule was studied in the neutral and zwitterionic forms, in the gas phase and in water solution, by means of molecular dynamics and the enhanced sampling method metadynamics with classical force-fields. Multi-dimensional free energy landscapes were reduced to bi-dimensional maps through the non-linear dimensionality reduction algorithm sketch-map to identify the energetically stable conformers and their interconnection paths. Quantum chemical calculations were then performed on the minimum free energy structures. Our procedure returned the low energy conformations observed experimentally in the gas phase with rotational spectroscopy [M. E. Sanz et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 12, 3573 (2010)]. Moreover, it provided information on higher energy conformers not accessible to experiments and on the conformers in water. The comparison between different force-fields and quantum chemical data highlighted the importance of the underlying potential energy surface to accurately capture energy rankings. The combination of force-field based metadynamics, sketch-map analysis, and quantum chemical calculations was able to produce an exhaustive conformational exploration in a range of significant free energies that complements the experimental data. Similar protocols can be applied to larger peptides with complex conformational landscapes and would greatly benefit from the next generation of accurate force-fields.

In vitro study of the effect of a dentifrice containing 8% arginine, calcium carbonate, and sodium monofluorophosphate on acid-softened enamel.

PubMed

Rege, Aarti; Heu, Rod; Stranick, Michael; Sullivan, Richard J

2014-01-01

To investigate the possible mode of action of a dentifrice containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate (Pro-Argin Technology), and sodium monofluorophosphate in delivering the benefits of preventing acid erosion and rehardening acid-softened enamel. The surfaces of acid-softened bovine enamel specimens were evaluated after application of a dentifrice containing 8% arginine, calcium carbonate, and sodium monofluorophosphate in vitro. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Electronic Spectrometry for Chemical Analysis (ESCA), and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) were used to characterize the enamel surfaces. Exposure of pristine enamel surfaces to citric acid resulted in clear roughening of the surface. Multiple applications of a dentifrice containing 8% arginine, calcium carbonate, and sodium monofluorophosphate to the surface of the enamel resulted in the disappearance of the microscopic voids observed by SEM as a function of treatment applications. The ESCA analysis demonstrated that both the nitrogen and carbonate levels increased as the number of treatments increased, which provides evidence that arginine and calcium carbonate were bound to the surface. Observance of arginine's signature mass fragmentation pattern by SIMS analysis confirmed the identity of arginine on the enamel surface. A series of in vitro experiments has demonstrated a possible mode of action by which a dentifrice containing 8% arginine, calcium carbonate, and sodium monofluorophosphate delivers the benefits of preventing acid erosion and rehardening acid-softened enamel. The combination of arginine and calcium carbonate adheres to the enamel surface and helps to fill the microscopic gaps created by acid, which in turn helps repair the enamel and provides a protective coating against future acid attacks.

INFLUENCE OF AQUEOUS ALUMINUM AND ORGANIC ACIDS ON MEASUREMENT OF ACID NEUTRALIZING CAPACITY IN SURFACE WATERS

EPA Science Inventory

Acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) is used to quantify the acid-base status of surface waters. Acidic waters have bean defined as having ANC values less than zero, and acidification is often quantified by decreases in ANC. Measured and calculated values of ANC generally agree, exce...

Nucleic acid arrays and methods of synthesis

DOEpatents

Sabanayagam, Chandran R.; Sano, Takeshi; Misasi, John; Hatch, Anson; Cantor, Charles

2001-01-01

The present invention generally relates to high density nucleic acid arrays and methods of synthesizing nucleic acid sequences on a solid surface. Specifically, the present invention contemplates the use of stabilized nucleic acid primer sequences immobilized on solid surfaces, and circular nucleic acid sequence templates combined with the use of isothermal rolling circle amplification to thereby increase nucleic acid sequence concentrations in a sample or on an array of nucleic acid sequences.

Stereochemistry of amino acids in surface samples of a marine sediment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pollock, G. E.; Kvenvolden, K. A.

1978-01-01

In two surface samples of marine sediment, the percentages of D-alanine and D-aspartic acid are significantly higher than the other D-amino acids and are similar to the range found in soils. The percentage of D-glutamic acid is also higher than the other amino acids but less than D-alanine and D-aspartic acid. These D-amino acids may come mainly from bacteria.

Stereochemistry of amino acids in surface samples of a marine sediment

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pollock, G.E.; Kvenvolden, K.A.

1978-01-01

In two surface samples of marine sediment, the percentages of d-alanine and d-aspartic acid are significantly higher than the other d-amino acids and are similar to the range found in soils. The percentage of d-glutamic acid is also higher than the other amino acids but less than d-alanine and d-aspartic acid. These d-amino acids may come mainly from bacteria. ?? 1978.

Nanostructure Diffraction Gratings for Integrated Spectroscopy and Sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guo, Junpeng (Inventor)

2015-01-01

The present disclosure pertains to metal or dielectric nanostructures of the subwavelength scale within the grating lines of optical diffraction gratings. The nanostructures have surface plasmon resonances or non-plasmon optical resonances. A linear photodetector array is used to capture the resonance spectra from one of the diffraction orders. The combined nanostructure super-grating and photodetector array eliminates the use of external optical spectrometers for measuring surface plasmon or optical resonance frequency shift caused by the presence of chemical and biological agents. The nanostructure super-gratings can be used for building integrated surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrometers. The nanostructures within the diffraction grating lines enhance Raman scattering signal light while the diffraction grating pattern of the nanostructures diffracts Raman scattering light to different directions of propagation according to their wavelengths. Therefore, the nanostructure super-gratings allows for the use of a photodetector array to capture the surface enhanced Raman scattering spectra.

Nanostructure Diffraction Gratings for Integrated Spectroscopy and Sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guo, Junpeng (Inventor)

2016-01-01

The present disclosure pertains to metal or dielectric nanostructures of the subwavelength scale within the grating lines of optical diffraction gratings. The nanostructures have surface plasmon resonances or non-plasmon optical resonances. A linear photodetector array is used to capture the resonance spectra from one of the diffraction orders. The combined nanostructure super-grating and photodetector array eliminates the use of external optical spectrometers for measuring surface plasmon or optical resonance frequency shift caused by the presence of chemical and biological agents. The nanostructure super-gratings can be used for building integrated surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrometers. The nanostructures within the diffraction grating lines enhance Raman scattering signal light while the diffraction grating pattern of the nanostructures diffracts Raman scattering light to different directions of propagation according to their wavelengths. Therefore, the nanostructure super-gratings allows for the use of a photodetector array to capture the surface enhanced Raman scattering spectra.

Graphene oxide-based benzimidazole-crosslinked networks for high-performance supercapacitors.

PubMed

Cui, Yi; Cheng, Qian-Yi; Wu, Haiping; Wei, Zhixiang; Han, Bao-Hang

2013-09-21

The synthesis of graphene oxide (GO)-based benzimidazole-crosslinked network (GOBIN) materials is presented. These materials are prepared by the covalent crosslinking of GO sheets using a condensation reaction between the carboxylic acid moieties on the GO surface and the o-aminophenyl end groups of 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (or 1,2,4,5-benzenetetraamine tetrahydrochloride). An efficient one-pot catalyst- and template-free synthesis was performed. The obtained porous GO-based materials possess a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area ranging from 260 to 920 m(2) g(-1). Electrochemical testing indicates that the GOBIN materials display a specific capacitance up to 370 F g(-1) at a current density of 0.1 A g(-1) and about 90% of the original capacitance is retained after 5000 cycles at a current density of 3 A g(-1). Therefore, GOBIN materials can be employed as promising electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors with outstanding cycling stability. Furthermore, owing to their significantly high specific surface area, these materials also show hydrogen uptake (up to 1.24 wt%, at 77 K and 1.0 bar) and carbon dioxide capture (up to 14.2 wt%, at 273 K and 1.0 bar) properties. As a result, these GO-based porous materials improve both the supercapacitor performance and gas sorption property, which demonstrate an excellent performance in the practical application of energy storage.

Oleyl group-functionalized insulating gate transistors for measuring extracellular pH of floating cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imaizumi, Yuki; Goda, Tatsuro; Toya, Yutaro; Matsumoto, Akira; Miyahara, Yuji

2016-01-01

The extracellular ionic microenvironment has a close relationship to biological activities such as by cellular respiration, cancer development, and immune response. A system composed of ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFET), cells, and program-controlled fluidics has enabled the acquisition of real-time information about the integrity of the cell membrane via pH measurement. Here we aimed to extend this system toward floating cells such as T lymphocytes for investigating complement activation and pharmacokinetics through alternations in the plasma membrane integrity. We functionalized the surface of tantalum oxide gate insulator of ISFET with oleyl-tethered phosphonic acid for interacting with the plasma membranes of floating cells without affecting the cell signaling. The surface modification was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and water contact angle measurements. The Nernst response of -37.8 mV/pH was obtained for the surface-modified ISFET at 37 °C. The oleyl group-functionalized gate insulator successfully captured Jurkat T cells in a fluidic condition without acute cytotoxicity. The system was able to record the time course of pH changes at the cells/ISFET interface during the process of instant addition and withdrawal of ammonium chloride. Further, the plasma membrane injury of floating cells after exposure by detergent Triton™ X-100 was successfully determined using the modified ISFET with enhanced sensitivity as compared with conventional hemolysis assays.

A fiber-optic sensor for neurotransmitters with ultralow concentration: near-infrared plasmonic electromagnetic field enhancement using raspberry-like meso-SiO2 nanospheres.

PubMed

Huang, Yunyun; Ding, Mingfei; Guo, Tuan; Hu, Dejiao; Cao, Yaoyu; Jin, Long; Guan, Bai-Ou

2017-10-12

The feasibility of a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) enhanced sensor based on raspberry-like nanosphere functionalized silica microfibers has been proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The extinction of single Ag (or Au) nanoparticles usually occurs at visible wavelengths. Nevertheless, a LSPR enhancement at near infrared wavelengths has been achieved by constructing raspberry-like meso-SiO 2 nanospheres with noble metal nanoparticle cluster coating. The nanosphere coating captures γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA) targets through size selectivity and enhances the sensitivity by the LSPR effect. The gathering of GABA on the sensor surface translates the concentration signal to the information of refractive index (RI). Silica microfiber perceives the RI change and translates it to optical signal. The LSPR effect enhances the optical sensitivity by enhancing the evanescent field on the microfiber surface. This combination presents the lowest limit of detection (LOD) of 10 -15 M (three orders lower than that without LSPR enhancement). It could fully afford the detection of ultra-low GABA concentration fluctuation (which is important for determining a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders). The inherent advantages of the proposed sensors, including their ultra-sensitivity, low cost, light weight, small size and remote operation ability, provide the potential to fully incorporate them into various biomedical applications.

Oleyl group-functionalized insulating gate transistors for measuring extracellular pH of floating cells

PubMed Central

Imaizumi, Yuki; Goda, Tatsuro; Toya, Yutaro; Matsumoto, Akira; Miyahara, Yuji

2016-01-01

Abstract The extracellular ionic microenvironment has a close relationship to biological activities such as by cellular respiration, cancer development, and immune response. A system composed of ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFET), cells, and program-controlled fluidics has enabled the acquisition of real-time information about the integrity of the cell membrane via pH measurement. Here we aimed to extend this system toward floating cells such as T lymphocytes for investigating complement activation and pharmacokinetics through alternations in the plasma membrane integrity. We functionalized the surface of tantalum oxide gate insulator of ISFET with oleyl-tethered phosphonic acid for interacting with the plasma membranes of floating cells without affecting the cell signaling. The surface modification was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and water contact angle measurements. The Nernst response of −37.8 mV/pH was obtained for the surface-modified ISFET at 37 °C. The oleyl group-functionalized gate insulator successfully captured Jurkat T cells in a fluidic condition without acute cytotoxicity. The system was able to record the time course of pH changes at the cells/ISFET interface during the process of instant addition and withdrawal of ammonium chloride. Further, the plasma membrane injury of floating cells after exposure by detergent Triton™ X-100 was successfully determined using the modified ISFET with enhanced sensitivity as compared with conventional hemolysis assays. PMID:27877886

Scanning electron microscopy evaluation of the effect of etching agents on human enamel surface.

PubMed

Zanet, Caio G; Arana-Chavez, Victor E; Fava, Marcelo

2006-01-01

Acid etching promotes microporosities on enamel surface, which provide a better bonding surface to adhesive materials. The purpose of this study was to comparatively analyze the microstructure of enamel surface after etching with 37% phosphoric acid or with two self-etching primers, Non-rinse conditioner (NRC) and Clearfil SE Bond (CSEB) using scanning electron microscopy. Thirty sound premolars were divided into 3 groups with ten teeth each: Group 1: the buccal surface was etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 seconds; Group 2: the buccal surface was etched with NRC for 20 seconds; Group 3: the buccal surface was etched with CSEB for 20 seconds. Teeth from Group 1 were rinsed with water; teeth from all groups were air-dried for 15 seconds. After that, all specimens were processed for scanning electron microscopy and analyzed in a Jeol 6100 SEM. The results showed deeper etching when the enamel surface was etched with 37% phosphoric acid, followed by NRC and CSEB. It is concluded that 37% phosphoric acid is still the best agent for a most effective enamel etching.

Image and in situ data integration to derive sawgrass density for surface flow modelling in the Everglades, Florida, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jones, J.W.

2000-01-01

The US Geological Survey is building models of the Florida Everglades to be used in managing south Florida surface water flows for habitat restoration and maintenance. Because of the low gradients in the Everglades, vegetation structural characteristics are very important and greatly influence surface water flow and distribution. Vegetation density is being evaluated as an index of surface resistance to flow. Digital multispectral videography (DMSV) has been captured over several sites just before field collection of vegetation data. Linear regression has been used to establish a relationship between normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values computed from the DMSV and field-collected biomass and density estimates. Spatial analysis applied to the DMSV data indicates that thematic mapper (TM) resolution is at the limit required to capture land surface heterogeneity. The TM data collected close to the time of the DMSV will be used to derive a regional sawgrass density map.

Image and in situ data integration to derive sawgrass density for surface flow modelling in the Everglades, Florida, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jones, J.W.

2001-01-01

The US Geological Survey is building models of the Florida Everglades to be used in managing south Florida surface water flows for habitat restoration and maintenance. Because of the low gradients in the Everglades, vegetation structural characteristics are very important and greatly influence surface water flow and distribution. Vegetation density is being evaluated as an index of surface resistance to flow. Digital multispectral videography (DMSV) has been captured over several sites just before field collection of vegetation data. Linear regression has been used to establish a relationship between normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values computed from the DMSV and field-collected biomass and density estimates. Spatial analysis applied to the DMSV data indicates that thematic mapper (TM) resolution is at the limit required to capture land surface heterogeneity. The TM data collected close to the time of the DMSV will be used to derive a regional sawgrass density map.

Measuring spatially varying, multispectral, ultraviolet bidirectional reflectance distribution function with an imaging spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hongsong; Lyu, Hang; Liao, Ningfang; Wu, Wenmin

2016-12-01

The bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) data in the ultraviolet (UV) band are valuable for many applications including cultural heritage, material analysis, surface characterization, and trace detection. We present a BRDF measurement instrument working in the near- and middle-UV spectral range. The instrument includes a collimated UV light source, a rotation stage, a UV imaging spectrometer, and a control computer. The data captured by the proposed instrument describe spatial, spectral, and angular variations of the light scattering from a sample surface. Such a multidimensional dataset of an example sample is captured by the proposed instrument and analyzed by a k-mean clustering algorithm to separate surface regions with same material but different surface roughnesses. The clustering results show that the angular dimension of the dataset can be exploited for surface roughness characterization. The two clustered BRDFs are fitted to a theoretical BRDF model. The fitting results show good agreement between the measurement data and the theoretical model.

A universal colorimetry for nucleic acids and aptamer-specific ligands detection based on DNA hybridization amplification.

PubMed

Li, Shuang; Shang, Xinxin; Liu, Jia; Wang, Yujie; Guo, Yingshu; You, Jinmao

2017-07-01

We present a universal amplified-colorimetric for detecting nucleic acid targets or aptamer-specific ligand targets based on gold nanoparticle-DNA (GNP-DNA) hybridization chain reaction (HCR). The universal arrays consisted of capture probe and hairpin DNA-GNP. First, capture probe recognized target specificity and released the initiator sequence. Then dispersed hairpin DNA modified GNPs were cross-linked to form aggregates through HCR events triggered by initiator sequence. As the aggregates accumulate, a significant red-to purple color change can be easily visualized by the naked eye. We used miRNA target sequence (miRNA-203) and aptamer-specific ligand (ATP) as target molecules for this proof-of-concept experiment. Initiator sequence (DNA2) was released from the capture probe (MNP/DNA1/2 conjugates) under the strong competitiveness of miRNA-203. Hairpin DNA (H1 and H2) can be complementary with the help of initiator DNA2 to form GNP-H1/GNP-H2 aggregates. The absorption ratio (A 620 /A 520 ) values of solutions were a sensitive function of miRNA-203 concentration covering from 1.0 × 10 -11  M to 9.0 × 10 -10  M, and as low as 1.0 × 10 -11  M could be detected. At the same time, the color changed from light wine red to purple and then to light blue have occurred in the solution. For ATP, initiator sequence (5'-end of DNA3) was released from the capture probe (DNA3) under the strong combination of aptamer-ATP. The present colorimetric for specific detection of ATP exhibited good sensitivity and 1.0 × 10 -8  M ATP could be detected. The proposed strategy also showed good performances for qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis of intracellular nucleic acids and aptamer-specific ligands. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Simple quantification of surface carboxylic acids on chemically oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Hyejin; Kim, Seong-Taek; Lee, Jong Doo; Yim, Sanggyu

2013-02-01

The surface of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) was chemically oxidized using nitric acid and sulfuric-nitric acid mixtures. Thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy revealed that the use of acid mixtures led to higher degree of oxidation. More quantitative identification of surface carboxylic acids was carried out using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and acid-base titration. However, these techniques are costly and require very long analysis times to promptly respond to the extent of the reaction. We propose a much simpler method using pH measurements and pre-determined pKa value in order to estimate the concentration of carboxylic acids on the oxidized MWCNT surfaces. The results from this technique were consistent with those obtained from XPS and titration, and it is expected that this simple quantification method can provide a cheap and fast way to monitor and control the oxidation reaction of MWCNT.

Effect of CPP-ACP on the remineralization of acid-eroded human tooth enamel: nanomechanical properties and microtribological behaviour study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, L.; Zheng, J.; Zhang, Y. F.; Qian, L. M.; Zhou, Z. R.

2013-10-01

Casein phosphopeptide-stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) has been used to enhance tooth remineralization in the dental clinic. But the contribution of CPP-ACP to the remineralization of acid-eroded human tooth enamel is of widespread controversy. To confirm the application potential of CPP-ACP in the remineralization repair of tooth erosion caused by acid-attack, the effect of remineralization in vitro in 2% w/v CPP-ACP solution on the acid-eroded human tooth enamel was investigated in this study. The repair of surface morphology and the improvement of nanomechanical and microtribological properties were characterized with laser confocal scanning microscope, scanning electron microscope, nanoindentation tester and nanoscratch tester. Results showed that a layer of uneven mineral deposits, which were mainly amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) in all probability, was observed on the acid-eroded enamel surface after remineralization. Compared with the acid-eroded enamel surface, the nanoindentation hardness and Young's modulus of the remineralized enamel surface obviously increased. Both the friction coefficient and wear volume of the acid-eroded enamel surface decreased after remineralization. However, both the nanomechanical and the anti-wear properties of the remineralized enamel surface were still inferior to those of original enamel surface. In summary, tooth damage caused by acid erosion could be repaired by remineralization in CPP-ACP solution, but the repair effect, especially on the nanomechanical and anti-wear properties of the acid-eroded enamel, was limited. These results would contribute to a further exploration of the remineralization potential of CPP-ACP and a better understanding of the remineralization repair mechanism for acid-eroded human tooth enamel.

Surface roughness of composite resins subjected to hydrochloric acid.

PubMed

Roque, Ana Carolina Cabral; Bohner, Lauren Oliveira Lima; de Godoi, Ana Paula Terossi; Colucci, Vivian; Corona, Silmara Aparecida Milori; Catirse, Alma Blásida Concepción Elizaur Benitez

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of hydrochloric acid on surface roughness of composite resins subjected to brushing. Sixty samples measuring 2 mm thick x 6 mm diameter were prepared and used as experimental units. The study presented a 3x2 factorial design, in which the factors were composite resin (n=20), at 3 levels: microhybrid composite (Z100), nanofilled composite (FiltekTM Supreme), nanohybrid composite (Ice), and acid challenge (n=10) at 2 levels: absence and presence. Acid challenge was performed by immersion of specimens in hydrochloric acid (pH 1.2) for 1 min, 4 times per day for 7 days. The specimens not subjected to acid challenge were stored in 15 mL of artificial saliva at 37 oC. Afterwards, all specimens were submitted to abrasive challenge by a brushing cycle performed with a 200 g weight at a speed of 356 rpm, totaling 17.8 cycles. Surface roughness measurements (Ra) were performed and analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test (p≤0.05). Surface roughness values were higher in the presence (1.07±0.24) as compared with the absence of hydrochloric acid (0.72±0.04). Surface roughness values were higher for microhybrid (1.01±0.27) compared with nanofilled (0.68 ±0.09) and nanohybrid (0.48±0.15) composites when the specimens were not subjects to acid challenge. In the presence of hydrochloric acid, microhybrid (1.26±0.28) and nanofilled (1.18±0,30) composites presents higher surface roughness values compared with nanohybrid (0.77±0.15). The hydrochloric acid affected the surface roughness of composite resin subjected to brushing.

Characterizing the Performance of Gas-Permeable Membranes as an Ammonia Recovery Strategy from Anaerobically Digested Dairy Manure

PubMed Central

Fillingham, Melanie; Singh, Jessica; Burtt, Stephen; Crolla, Anna; Kinsley, Chris; MacDonald, J. Douglas

2017-01-01

Capturing ammonia from anaerobically digested manure could simultaneously decrease the adverse effects of ammonia inhibition on biogas production, reduce reactive nitrogen (N) loss to the environment, and produce mineral N fertilizer as a by-product. In this study, gas permeable membranes (GPM) were used to capture ammonia from dairy manure and digestate by the diffusion of gaseous ammonia across the membrane where ammonia is captured by diluted acid, forming an aqueous ammonium salt. A lab-scale prototype using tubular expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) GPM was used to (1) characterize the effect of total ammonium nitrogen (TAN) concentration, temperature, and pH on the ammonia capture rate using GPM, and (2) to evaluate the performance of a GPM system in conditions similar to a mesophilic anaerobic digester. The GPM captured ammonia at a rate between 2.2 and 6.3% of gaseous ammonia in the donor solution per day. Capture rate was faster in anaerobic digestate than raw manure. The ammonia capture rate could be predicted using non-linear regression based on the factors of total ammonium nitrogen concentration, temperature, and pH. This use of membranes shows promise in reducing the deleterious impacts of ammonia on both the efficiency of biogas production and the release of reactive N to the environment. PMID:28991162

Dynamics of Postcombustion CO2 Capture Plants: Modeling, Validation, and Case Study

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

The capture of CO2 from power plant flue gases provides an opportunity to mitigate emissions that are harmful to the global climate. While the process of CO2 capture using an aqueous amine solution is well-known from experience in other technical sectors (e.g., acid gas removal in the gas processing industry), its operation combined with a power plant still needs investigation because in this case, the interaction with power plants that are increasingly operated dynamically poses control challenges. This article presents the dynamic modeling of CO2 capture plants followed by a detailed validation using transient measurements recorded from the pilot plant operated at the Maasvlakte power station in the Netherlands. The model predictions are in good agreement with the experimental data related to the transient changes of the main process variables such as flow rate, CO2 concentrations, temperatures, and solvent loading. The validated model was used to study the effects of fast power plant transients on the capture plant operation. A relevant result of this work is that an integrated CO2 capture plant might enable more dynamic operation of retrofitted fossil fuel power plants because the large amount of steam needed by the capture process can be diverted rapidly to and from the power plant. PMID:28413256

Clay Minerals as Solid Acids and Their Catalytic Properties.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Helsen, J.

1982-01-01

Discusses catalytic properties of clays, attributed to acidity of the clay surface. The formation of carbonium ions on montmorillonite is used as a demonstration of the presence of surface acidity, the enhanced dissociation of water molecules when polarized by cations, and the way the surface can interact with organic substances. (Author/JN)

[Examination of laser-treated tooth surfaces after exposure to acid].

PubMed

Beeking, P O; Herrmann, C; Zuhrt, R

1990-12-01

In principle it is possible to homogenize the enamel surface by melting structural elements with the continuous wave CO2 laser. An experimental caries model was used for testing the acid resistance of the laser exposed tooth surfaces. Laser-treatment and measured exposure to acid produced zones of homogeneous smelting with microcracks and disintegration symptoms. Underneath the melted region the heat leakage obviously causes photo-thermic++ effects determined by increased resistance to acid.

Effect of Hydrofluoric Acid Etching Time on Titanium Topography, Chemistry, Wettability, and Cell Adhesion

PubMed Central

Zahran, R.; Rosales Leal, J. I.; Rodríguez Valverde, M. A.; Cabrerizo Vílchez, M. A.

2016-01-01

Titanium implant surface etching has proven an effective method to enhance cell attachment. Despite the frequent use of hydrofluoric (HF) acid, many questions remain unresolved, including the optimal etching time and its effect on surface and biological properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of HF acid etching time on Ti topography, surface chemistry, wettability, and cell adhesion. These data are useful to design improved acid treatment and obtain an improved cell response. The surface topography, chemistry, dynamic wetting, and cell adhesiveness of polished Ti surfaces were evaluated after treatment with HF acid solution for 0, 2; 3, 5, 7, or 10 min, revealing a time-dependent effect of HF acid on their topography, chemistry, and wetting. Roughness and wetting increased with longer etching time except at 10 min, when roughness increased but wetness decreased. Skewness became negative after etching and kurtosis tended to 3 with longer etching time. Highest cell adhesion was achieved after 5–7 min of etching time. Wetting and cell adhesion were reduced on the highly rough surfaces obtained after 10-min etching time. PMID:27824875

Causes and solutions to surface facilities upsets following acid stimulation in the Gulf of Mexico

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Durham, D.K.; Stone, P.J.; Ali, S.A.

1997-02-01

This paper presents test data on the effects of acid and acid additives on emulsion and water treating in the Gulf of Mexico. This work also discusses the test methods developed to select acid additives and treating chemicals that will allow the producer to treat both oil and water more consistently and cost effectively while the acid flowback is in the system. It also presents system results that confirm the importance of the joint selection of acid and surface treating additives and show that significant cost savings can be gained by use of this process. Also discussed are the propermore » system application techniques for treating chemicals that can minimize surface treating problems caused by acid flowbacks. The results show that the proper selection and use of acid additives and surface treating products can eliminate or significantly reduce costly upsets in oil- and water-treating systems. Data on individual acid additives that impact water and oil treating are also presented. The results of this work are currently being used to solve produced-water- and oil-treating problems on offshore and onshore facilities in and around the Gulf of Mexico by reduction of production losses resulting from acid-flowback-related problems; reduction of the use and cost of tanks and barges used to segregate acid flowbacks; and development of effective methodology to select acid and surface treating additives that have resulted in lower overall treating costs.« less

Identification of random nucleic acid sequence aberrations using dual capture probes which hybridize to different chromosome regions

DOEpatents

Lucas, J.N.; Straume, T.; Bogen, K.T.

1998-03-24

A method is provided for detecting nucleic acid sequence aberrations using two immobilization steps. According to the method, a nucleic acid sequence aberration is detected by detecting nucleic acid sequences having both a first nucleic acid sequence type (e.g., from a first chromosome) and a second nucleic acid sequence type (e.g., from a second chromosome), the presence of the first and the second nucleic acid sequence type on the same nucleic acid sequence indicating the presence of a nucleic acid sequence aberration. In the method, immobilization of a first hybridization probe is used to isolate a first set of nucleic acids in the sample which contain the first nucleic acid sequence type. Immobilization of a second hybridization probe is then used to isolate a second set of nucleic acids from within the first set of nucleic acids which contain the second nucleic acid sequence type. The second set of nucleic acids are then detected, their presence indicating the presence of a nucleic acid sequence aberration. 14 figs.

Identification of random nucleic acid sequence aberrations using dual capture probes which hybridize to different chromosome regions

DOEpatents

Lucas, Joe N.; Straume, Tore; Bogen, Kenneth T.

1998-01-01

A method is provided for detecting nucleic acid sequence aberrations using two immobilization steps. According to the method, a nucleic acid sequence aberration is detected by detecting nucleic acid sequences having both a first nucleic acid sequence type (e.g., from a first chromosome) and a second nucleic acid sequence type (e.g., from a second chromosome), the presence of the first and the second nucleic acid sequence type on the same nucleic acid sequence indicating the presence of a nucleic acid sequence aberration. In the method, immobilization of a first hybridization probe is used to isolate a first set of nucleic acids in the sample which contain the first nucleic acid sequence type. Immobilization of a second hybridization probe is then used to isolate a second set of nucleic acids from within the first set of nucleic acids which contain the second nucleic acid sequence type. The second set of nucleic acids are then detected, their presence indicating the presence of a nucleic acid sequence aberration.

Physical Activation of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch via CO2 Activation Gas for CO2 Adsorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joseph, C. G.; Quek, K. S.; Daud, W. M. A. W.; Moh, P. Y.

2017-06-01

In this study, different parameters for the preparation of activated carbon were investigated for their yield and CO2 capture capabilities. The activated carbon was prepared from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) via a 2-step physical activation process. The OPEFB was pyrolyzed under inert conditions at 500 °C and activated via CO2. A 2-factorial design was employed and the effects of activation temperature, activation dwell time and gas flow rate on yield and CO2 capture capabilities were compared and studied. The yield obtained ranged from between 20 - 26, whereby the temperature was determined to be the most significant factor in influencing CO2 uptake. The CO2 capture capacity was determined using Temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD) technique. The CO2 uptake of EFB activated carbon achieved was between 1.85 - 2.09 mmol/g. TPD analysis has shown that the surface of AC were of basic nature. AC was found to be able to withhold the CO2 up to 663°C before maximum desorption occurs. The surface area and pore size of OPEFB obtained from BET analysis is 2.17 m2 g-1 and 0.01 cm3 g-1. After activation, both surface area and pore size increased with a maximum observed surface area and pore size of 548.07 m2 g-1 and 0.26 cm3 g-1. Surface morphology, functional groups, pore size and surface area were analyzed using SEM, FT-IR, TPD and BET.

Formation and Characterization of Self-Assembled Phenylboronic Acid Derivative Monolayers toward Developing Monosaccharide Sensing-Interface

PubMed Central

Chen, Hongxia; Lee, Minsu; Lee, Jaebeom; Kim, Jae-Ho; Gal, Yeong-Soon; Hwang, Yoon-Hwae; An, Won Gun; Koh, Kwangnak

2007-01-01

We designed and synthesized phenylboronic acid as a molecular recognition model system for saccharide detection. The phenylboronic acid derivatives that have boronic acid moiety are well known to interact with saccharides in aqueous solution; thus, they can be applied to a functional interface of saccharide sensing through the formation of self-assembled monolayer (SAM). In this study, self-assembled phenylboronic acid derivative monolayers were formed on Au surface and carefully characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (FTIR-RAS), surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and surface electrochemical measurements. The saccharide sensing application was investigated using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. The phenylboronic acid monolayers showed good sensitivity of monosaccharide sensing even at the low concentration range (1.0 × 10−12 M). The SPR angle shift derived from interaction between phenylboronic acid and monosaccharide was increased with increasing the alkyl spacer length of synthesized phenylboronic acid derivatives.

Determining surface areas of marine alga cells by acid-base titration method.

PubMed

Wang, X; Ma, Y; Su, Y

1997-09-01

A new method for determining the surface area of living marine alga cells was described. The method uses acid-base titration to measure the surface acid/base amount on the surface of alga cells and uses the BET (Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller) equation to estimate the maximum surface acid/base amount, assuming that hydrous cell walls have carbohydrates or other structural compounds which can behave like surface Brönsted acid-base sites due to coordination of environmental H2O molecules. The method was applied to 18 diverse alga species (including 7 diatoms, 2 flagellates, 8 green algae and 1 red alga) maintained in seawater cultures. For the species examined, the surface areas of individual cells ranged from 2.8 x 10(-8) m2 for Nannochloropsis oculata to 690 x 10(-8) m2 for Dunaliella viridis, specific surface areas from 1,030 m2.g-1 for Dunaliella salina to 28,900 m2.g-1 for Pyramidomonas sp. Measurement accuracy was 15.2%. Preliminary studies show that the method may be more promising and accurate than light/electron microscopic measurements for coarse estimation of the surface area of living algae.

Communities that thrive in extreme conditions captured from a freshwater lake.

PubMed

Low-Décarie, Etienne; Fussmann, Gregor F; Dumbrell, Alex J; Bell, Graham

2016-09-01

Organisms that can grow in extreme conditions would be expected to be confined to extreme environments. However, we were able to capture highly productive communities of algae and bacteria capable of growing in acidic (pH 2), basic (pH 12) and saline (40 ppt) conditions from an ordinary freshwater lake. Microbial communities may thus include taxa that are highly productive in conditions that are far outside the range of conditions experienced in their host ecosystem. The organisms we captured were not obligate extremophiles, but were capable of growing in both extreme and benign conditions. The ability to grow in extreme conditions may thus be a common functional attribute in microbial communities. © 2016 The Author(s).

40 CFR 63.4565 - How do I determine the emission capture system efficiency?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... solvent flash-off, curing, and drying occurs within the capture system; and the removal or evaporation of..., this criterion is not met if parts enter the open shop environment when being moved between a spray... surface preparation activities and drying and curing time. (c) Liquid-to-uncaptured-gas protocol using a...

Highly sensitive surface-scanning detector for the direct bacterial detection using magnetoelastic (ME) biosensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yuzhe; Horikawa, Shin; Chen, I.-Hsuan; Du, Songtao; Wikle, Howard C.; Suh, Sang-Jin; Chin, Bryan A.

2017-05-01

This paper demonstrates a highly sensitive surface-scanning detector used for magnetoelastic (ME) biosensors for the detection of Salmonella on the surface of a polyethylene (PE) food preparation surface. The design and fabrication methods of the new planar spiral coil are introduced. Different concentrations of Salmonella were measured on the surface of a PE board. The efficacy of Salmonella capture and detection is discussed.

A large and ubiquitous source of atmospheric formic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Millet, D. B.; Baasandorj, M.; Farmer, D. K.; Thornton, J. A.; Baumann, K.; Brophy, P.; Chaliyakunnel, S.; de Gouw, J. A.; Graus, M.; Hu, L.; Koss, A.; Lee, B. H.; Lopez-Hilfiker, F. D.; Neuman, J. A.; Paulot, F.; Peischl, J.; Pollack, I. B.; Ryerson, T. B.; Warneke, C.; Williams, B. J.; Xu, J.

2015-06-01

Formic acid (HCOOH) is one of the most abundant acids in the atmosphere, with an important influence on precipitation chemistry and acidity. Here we employ a chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem CTM) to interpret recent airborne and ground-based measurements over the US Southeast in terms of the constraints they provide on HCOOH sources and sinks. Summertime boundary layer concentrations average several parts-per-billion, 2-3× larger than can be explained based on known production and loss pathways. This indicates one or more large missing HCOOH sources, and suggests either a key gap in current understanding of hydrocarbon oxidation or a large, unidentified, direct flux of HCOOH. Model-measurement comparisons implicate biogenic sources (e.g., isoprene oxidation) as the predominant HCOOH source. Resolving the unexplained boundary layer concentrations based (i) solely on isoprene oxidation would require a 3× increase in the model HCOOH yield, or (ii) solely on direct HCOOH emissions would require approximately a 25× increase in its biogenic flux. However, neither of these can explain the high HCOOH amounts seen in anthropogenic air masses and in the free troposphere. The overall indication is of a large biogenic source combined with ubiquitous chemical production of HCOOH across a range of precursors. Laboratory work is needed to better quantify the rates and mechanisms of carboxylic acid production from isoprene and other prevalent organics. Stabilized Criegee intermediates (SCIs) provide a large model source of HCOOH, while acetaldehyde tautomerization accounts for ~ 15% of the simulated global burden. Because carboxylic acids also react with SCIs and catalyze the reverse tautomerization reaction, HCOOH buffers against its own production by both of these pathways. Based on recent laboratory results, reaction between CH3O2 and OH could provide a major source of atmospheric HCOOH; however, including this chemistry degrades the model simulation of CH3OOH and NOx : CH3OOH. Developing better constraints on SCI and RO2 + OH chemistry is a high priority for future work. The model neither captures the large diurnal amplitude in HCOOH seen in surface air, nor its inverted vertical gradient at night. This implies a substantial bias in our current representation of deposition as modulated by boundary layer dynamics, and may indicate an HCOOH sink underestimate and thus an even larger missing source. A more robust treatment of surface deposition is a key need for improving simulations of HCOOH and related trace gases, and our understanding of their budgets.

Asphalt-derived high surface area activated porous carbons for carbon dioxide capture.

PubMed

Jalilov, Almaz S; Ruan, Gedeng; Hwang, Chih-Chau; Schipper, Desmond E; Tour, Josiah J; Li, Yilun; Fei, Huilong; Samuel, Errol L G; Tour, James M

2015-01-21

Research activity toward the development of new sorbents for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture have been increasing quickly. Despite the variety of existing materials with high surface areas and high CO2 uptake performances, the cost of the materials remains a dominant factor in slowing their industrial applications. Here we report preparation and CO2 uptake performance of microporous carbon materials synthesized from asphalt, a very inexpensive carbon source. Carbonization of asphalt with potassium hydroxide (KOH) at high temperatures (>600 °C) yields porous carbon materials (A-PC) with high surface areas of up to 2780 m(2) g(-1) and high CO2 uptake performance of 21 mmol g(-1) or 93 wt % at 30 bar and 25 °C. Furthermore, nitrogen doping and reduction with hydrogen yields active N-doped materials (A-NPC and A-rNPC) containing up to 9.3% nitrogen, making them nucleophilic porous carbons with further increase in the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface areas up to 2860 m(2) g(-1) for A-NPC and CO2 uptake to 26 mmol g(-1) or 114 wt % at 30 bar and 25 °C for A-rNPC. This is the highest reported CO2 uptake among the family of the activated porous carbonaceous materials. Thus, the porous carbon materials from asphalt have excellent properties for reversibly capturing CO2 at the well-head during the extraction of natural gas, a naturally occurring high pressure source of CO2. Through a pressure swing sorption process, when the asphalt-derived material is returned to 1 bar, the CO2 is released, thereby rendering a reversible capture medium that is highly efficient yet very inexpensive.

Evidence of a Job Well Done

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-08-07

This close-up view shows the rover Curiosity parachute and back shell strewn across the surface of Mars. The image was captured by NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter about 24 hours after the parachute helped guide the rover to the surface.

Continuously tunable nucleic acid hybridization probes.

PubMed

Wu, Lucia R; Wang, Juexiao Sherry; Fang, John Z; Evans, Emily R; Pinto, Alessandro; Pekker, Irena; Boykin, Richard; Ngouenet, Celine; Webster, Philippa J; Beechem, Joseph; Zhang, David Yu

2015-12-01

In silico-designed nucleic acid probes and primers often do not achieve favorable specificity and sensitivity tradeoffs on the first try, and iterative empirical sequence-based optimization is needed, particularly in multiplexed assays. We present a novel, on-the-fly method of tuning probe affinity and selectivity by adjusting the stoichiometry of auxiliary species, which allows for independent and decoupled adjustment of the hybridization yield for different probes in multiplexed assays. Using this method, we achieved near-continuous tuning of probe effective free energy. To demonstrate our approach, we enforced uniform capture efficiency of 31 DNA molecules (GC content, 0-100%), maximized the signal difference for 11 pairs of single-nucleotide variants and performed tunable hybrid capture of mRNA from total RNA. Using the Nanostring nCounter platform, we applied stoichiometric tuning to simultaneously adjust yields for a 24-plex assay, and we show multiplexed quantitation of RNA sequences and variants from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples.