Statistical relations of salt and selenium loads to geospatial characteristics of corresponding subbasins of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers in Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Leib, Kenneth J.; Linard, Joshua I.; Williams, Cory A.

2012-01-01

Elevated loads of salt and selenium can impair the quality of water for both anthropogenic and natural uses. Understanding the environmental processes controlling how salt and selenium are introduced to streams is critical to managing and mitigating the effects of elevated loads. Dominant relations between salt and selenium loads and environmental characteristics can be established by using geospatial data. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Bureau of Reclamation, investigated statistical relations between seasonal salt or selenium loads emanating from the Upper Colorado River Basin and geospatial data. Salt and selenium loads measured during the irrigation and nonirrigation seasons were related to geospatial variables for 168 subbasins within the Gunnison and Colorado River Basins. These geospatial variables represented subbasin characteristics of the physical environment, precipitation, geology, land use, and the irrigation network. All subbasin variables with units of area had statistically significant relations with load. The few variables that were not in units of area but were statistically significant helped to identify types of geospatial data that might influence salt and selenium loading. Following a stepwise approach, combinations of these statistically significant variables were used to develop multiple linear regression models. The models can be used to help prioritize areas where salt and selenium control projects might be most effective.

[Response of vasopressin and tyrosine hydroxylase expressing neurons of the rat supraoptic nucleus to chronic osmotic stimulation].

PubMed

Abramova, M A; Calas, A; Maiily, P; Thibault, J; Ugriumov, M V

1999-06-01

This study has evaluated the dynamic of intracellular vasopressin and tyrosine hydroxylase contents in the neuron cell bodies in the supraoptic nucleus and in the axons of the posterior lobe in rats drinking 2% NaCl for 1, 2, and 3 weeks. The number of vasopressin-immunoreactive neurons increased by the end of the second week of osmotic stimulation that might be explained by the onset of vasopressin synthesis in the neurons which do not synthesize this neurohormone under normal physiological conditions. The concentration of vasopressin fell down continuously during the first two weeks of salt-loading, apparently, due to predominance of the vasopressin release over its synthesis. Over the third week of salt-loading, the intracellular concentration of vasopressin was not changed significantly suggesting the establishment of the dynamic equilibrium between the vasopressin synthesis and release. The number of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons and the amount of tyrosine hydroxylase in cell bodies and the large axonal swellings, Herring bodies, increased gradually showing that the rate of tyrosine hydroxylase synthesis prevailed over that of its enzymatic degradation. Thus, the chronic stimulation of vasopressin neurons is accompanied by a number of the adaptive reactions; the most important is related to the onset of vasopressin and tyrosine hydroxylase synthesis in the neurons which do not synthetize both of them under normal conditions.

Effects of Highway Road Salting on the Water Quality of Selected Streams in Chittenden County, Vermont, November 2005-2007

USGS Publications Warehouse

Denner, Jon C.; Clark, Stewart F.; Smith, Thor E.; Medalie, Laura

2010-01-01

A study of road-deicing chloride (Cl) concentrations and loads was conducted at three streams in Chittenden County, VT, from November 2005 to 2007. This study was done by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Vermont Agency of Transportation. The streams, Alder Brook, Allen Brook, and Mill Brook, were selected to represent different land uses in the upstream watershed, different road types and densities, and different geometric patterns of the roadway draining to the receiving stream to assess the relative contribution of and differences in state road-salt applications to stream Cl concentrations and loads. Water-quality samples were collected and specific conductance was measured continuously at paired stations upstream and downstream from State highways and related to Cl concentrations to assist in determining the effects of road-salting operations during winter maintenance on the levels of Cl in the streams. Mean concentrations of Cl ranged from 8.2 to 72 mg/L (milligrams per liter) in the water-quality samples collected at sampling stations upstream from State highway bridges and from 7.9 to 80 mg/L in those collected at sampling stations downstream of highway bridges. Mean Cl loads ranged from 1,100 to 4,090 lb/d (pounds per day) at upstream stations and from 1,110 to 4,200 lb/d at downstream stations. Estimated mean annual Cl loads ranged from 402,000 to 1,490,000 lb/yr (pounds per year) at upstream stations and from 405,000 to 1,530,000 lb/yr at downstream stations. Mean Cl concentrations in samples collected at the three paired stations were lowest at Mill Brook at VT 117 near Essex Junction, VT (7.9 mg/L) and highest at Allen Brook at VT 2A near Essex Junction, VT (80.7 mg/L). None of the monitored Cl concentrations in the water-quality samples collected at the three paired sampling stations exceeded either of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) recommended chronic and acute Cl toxicity criteria of 230 and 860 mg/L, respectively. A fourth stream site, a small tributary draining to Alder Brook between the upstream and downstream stations, was monitored from December 2006 to November 2007. This tributary collected runoff from a state highway and an interchange before flowing through a wetlands retention basin. The mean Cl concentration in water-quality samples collected at the tributary was 449 mg/L. The USEPA recommended chronic toxicity criterion of 230 mg/L was exceeded about 65 percent of the monitoring period. The USEPA recommended acute toxicity criterion of 860 mg/L was not exceeded. Estimated Cl loads below the State highway bridges exceeded loads above the bridges at all three paired stations during both years of the study. The differences in the annual loads between the upstream and downstream stations were 0.7, 3.0 and 14 percent at Mill, Allen, and Alder Brooks, respectively. Almost all of the difference (92 percent) at Alder Brook was due to the tributary. Cl applied by the State of Vermont for deicing purposes represented less than 20 percent of the annual estimated Cl load in all 3 streams below the state highways. The highest monthly Cl loads during the first year of the study were observed in January 2006 at all three stream stations because of an early snowmelt event. The highest monthly Cl loads during the second year of the study were observed in April 2007 at all three streams during spring snowmelt and were followed by decrease in Cl loading through the summer. Generally, the relation of Cl loads to runoff was similar at all three streams. In July and October 2007, loads increased slightly with an increase in runoff, indicating that Cl in the soils and groundwater may be contributing to the Cl levels during the summer and fall, well after the road-salting season. Cl loads in all three streams appear to be due primarily to sources in the watersheds upstream of the state highway bridge where road salt was applied and (or) Cl retained in soils and streambed

Deformation of allochthonous salt and evolution of related salt-structural systems, eastern Louisiana Gulf Coast

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

Schuster, D.C.

1996-12-31

Salt tectonics in the northern Gulf of Mexico involves both vertical diapirism and lateral silling or flow of salt into wings and tablets (sheets). Combinations of these two modes of salt deformation, concurrent with sediment loading and salt evacuation, have produced complex structures in the coastal and offshore region of southeastern Louisiana, a prolific oil and gas province. Many large growth faults and salt domes in the study area root into intra-Tertiary salt welds that were formerly occupied by allochthonous salt tablets. Two end-member structural systems involving evacuation of former tabular salt are recognized: roho systems and stepped counter-regional systems.more » Both end-member systems share a similar multi-staged evolution, including (1) initial formation of a south-leaning salt dome or wall sourced from the Jurassic salt level; (2) progressive development into a semi-tabular allochthonous salt body; and (3) subsequent loading, evacuation, and displacement of the tabular salt into secondary domes. In both systems, it is not uncommon to find salt displaced as much as 16-24 km south of its autochthonous source, connected by a horizontal salt weld to an updip, deflated counter-regional feeder. Although both end-member structural systems may originate before loading of allochthonous salt having grossly similar geometry, their final structural configurations after loading and salt withdrawal are distinctly different. Roho systems are characterized by large-displacement, listric, south-dipping growth faults that sole into intra-Tertiary salt welds marked by high-amplitude reflections continuous with residual salt masses. Salt from the former salt tablets has been loaded and squeezed laterally and downdip. Stepped counter-regional systems, in contrast, comprise large salt domes and adjacent large-displacement, north-dipping growth faults that sole into intra-Tertiary salt welds before stepping down again farther north.« less

Chlorhexidine salt-loaded polyurethane orthodontic chains: in vitro release and antibacterial activity studies.

PubMed

Padois, Karine; Bertholle, Valérie; Pirot, Fabrice; Hyunh, Truc Thanh Ngoc; Rossi, Alessandra; Colombo, Paolo; Falson, Françoise; Sonvico, Fabio

2012-12-01

The widespread use of indwelling medical devices has enormously increased the interest in materials incorporating antibiotics and antimicrobial agents as a means to prevent dangerous device-related infections. Recently, chlorhexidine-loaded polyurethane has been proposed as a material suitable for the production of devices which are able to resist microbial contamination. The aim of the present study was to characterize the in vitro release of chlorhexidine from new polymeric orthodontic chains realized with polyurethane loaded with two different chlorhexidine salts: chlorhexidine diacetate or chlorhexidine digluconate. The orthodontic chains constituted of three layers: a middle polyurethane layer loaded with chlorhexidine salt inserted between two layers of unloaded polymer. In vitro release of chlorhexidine diacetate and digluconate from orthodontic chains loaded with 10% or 20% (w/w) chlorhexidine salt was sustained for 42 days and followed Fickian diffusion. The drug diffusion through the polyurethane was found to be dependent not only on chlorhexidine loading, but also on the type of chlorhexidine salt. The antibacterial activity of 0.2% (w/w) chlorhexidine diacetate-loaded orthodontic chain was successfully tested towards clinically isolated biofilm forming ica-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis via agar diffusion test. In conclusion, the chlorhexidine salt-loaded chains could provide an innovative approach in the prevention of oral infections related to the use of orthodontic devices.

Salt and nitric oxide synthase inhibition-induced hypertension: kidney dysfunction and brain anti-oxidant capacity.

PubMed

Oktar, Süleyman; Ilhan, Selçuk; Meydan, Sedat; Aydin, Mehmet; Yönden, Zafer; Gökçe, Ahmet

2010-01-01

The specific aim of this study was to examine the effects of salt-loading on kidney function and brain antioxidant capacity. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control rats were given normal drinking water and no drug treatment for 2 weeks. LNNA group: rats were given normal drinking water and the nitric oxide (NO) inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), 3 mg/kg/day. LNNA + Salt group: rats were given drinking water containing salt 2% and 3 mg/kg L-NNA. Salt group: rats were given drinking water containing salt 2% and no drug treatment. Basal blood pressure and the levels of serum BUN, creatinine, uric acid, cortisol, electrolyte, serum antioxidant capacity, and oxidative stress were measured. NO, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels were measured in the hypothalamus, brainstem, and cerebellum. Salt overload increased the blood pressure of the LNNA + Salt group. Salt-loading enhanced BUN, creatinine, sodium retention. High salt produced an increase in uric acid levels and a decrease in cortisol levels in serum. Additionally, the oxidative stress index in serum increased in the LNNA + Salt group. Salt-loading enhanced brain NO levels, but not SOD and CAT activity. L-NNA increased brain SOD activity, but not CAT and NO levels. In conclusion, salt-loading causes hypertension, kidney dysfunction, and enhances oxidative stress in salt-sensitive rats.

Effect of hypernatraemia and the neurohypophysial peptide, arginine vasotocin (AVT) on behavioural thermoregulation in the agamid lizard, Ctenophorus ornatus.

PubMed

Bradshaw, Don; Ladyman, Mitchell; Stewart, Tom

2007-01-01

Hypernatraemia induced by chronic injections of sodium chloride provokes thermal depression in the agamid lizard, Ctenophorus (formerly Amphibolurus) ornatus, with a fall of two degrees Celsius in the mean body temperature selected behaviourally in a photo-thermal gradient. The placement of an electrolytic lesion in the base of the hypothalamus, designed to eliminate secretion of the neuropeptide arginine vasotocin (AVT), did not affect the lizards' thermoregulatory behaviour and their Preferred Body Temperature (PBT) was not significantly different from that of unoperated controls. Saline loading, however, did not induce thermal depression in these tract-operated individuals and their PBT was significantly higher than that of salt-loaded intact individuals. When AVT was injected into operated, salt-loaded, animals, however, thermal depression was observed, supporting the hypothesis that thermal depression brought about by hypernatraemia is mediated through the action of AVT. AVT similarly significantly depressed the PBT of injected intact individuals by 3.2 degrees C when compared with hydrated controls. Immunostaining for AVT confirmed that the lesions placed in the region of the median eminence virtually eliminated AVT located in the neurohypophysial tract, and the pars nervosa. This is the first report of an effect of this peptide on behavioural thermoregulation in a lizard.

Effects of piping irrigation laterals on selenium and salt loads, Montrose Arroyo Basin, western Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Butler, D.L.

2001-01-01

Selenium and salinity are water-quality issues in the Upper Colorado River Basin. Certain water bodies in the lower Gunnison River Basin, including the lower Gunnison River and the Uncompahgre River, exceed the State standard for selenium of 5 micrograms per liter. Remediation methods to reduce selenium and salt loading in the lower Gunnison River Basin were examined. A demonstration project in Montrose Arroyo, located in the Uncompahgre River Basin near Montrose, was done during 1998-2000 to determine the effects on selenium and salt loads in Montrose Arroyo from replacing 8.5 miles of open-ditch irrigation laterals with 7.5 miles of pipe. The participants in the project were the National Irrigation Water Quality Program, the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program, the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association, and the U.S. Geological Survey. The placing of five laterals in pipe significantly decreased selenium loads in Montrose Arroyo. The selenium load at the outflow monitoring site was about 194 pounds per year less (28-percent decrease) in the period after the laterals were placed in pipe. More than 90 percent of the decrease in selenium load was attributed to a decrease in ground-water load. Salt loads also decreased because of the lateral project, but by a smaller percentage than the selenium loads. The salt load at the outflow site on Montrose Arroyo was about 1,980 tons per year less in the post-project period than in the pre-project period. All of the effects of the demonstration project on selenium and salt loads probably were not measured by this study because some of the lateral leakage that was eliminated had not necessarily discharged to Montrose Arroyo upstream from the monitoring sites. A greater decrease in selenium loads relative to salt loads may have been partially the result of decreases in selenium concentrations in ground water in some areas.

Estimation of salt loads for the Dolores River in the Paradox Valley, Colorado, 1980–2015

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mast, M. Alisa

2017-07-13

Regression models that relate total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations to specific conductance were used to estimate salt loads for two sites on the Dolores River in the Paradox Valley in western Colorado. The salt-load estimates will be used by the Bureau of Reclamation to evaluate salt loading to the river coming from the Paradox Valley and the effect of the Paradox Valley Unit (PVU), a project designed to reduce the salinity of the Colorado River. A second-order polynomial provided the best fit of the discrete data for both sites on the river. The largest bias occurred in samples with elevated sulfate concentrations (greater than 500 milligrams per liter), which were associated with short-duration runoff events in late summer and fall. Comparison of regression models from a period of time before operation began at the PVU and three periods after operation began suggests the relation between TDS and specific conductance has not changed over time. Net salt gain through the Paradox Valley was estimated as the TDS load at the downstream site minus the load at the upstream site. The mean annual salt gain was 137,900 tons per year prior to operation of the PVU (1980–1993) and 43,300 tons per year after the PVU began operation (1997–2015). The difference in annual salt gain in the river between the pre-PVU and post-PVU periods was 94,600 tons per year, which represents a nearly 70 percent reduction in salt loading to the river.

Environmental impact of irrigation in la violada district (Spain): I. Salt export patterns.

PubMed

Isidoro, D; Quílez, D; Aragüés, R

2006-01-01

Salt loading in irrigation return flows contributes to the salinization of the receiving water bodies, particularly when originated in salt-affected areas as frequently found in the middle Ebro River basin (Spain). We determined the salt loading in La Violada Gully from the total dissolved solids (TDS) and flows (Q) during the 1995 to 1998 hydrological years. Since this gully collects flows from various sources, an end-member mixing analysis (EMMA) was performed to quantify the drainage flow from La Violada Irrigation District (VID). Three flow components were identified in La Violada Gully: drainage waters from VID (Qd); tail-waters from irrigation ditches, spill-over, and seepage from the Monegros Canal (Qo); and ground water inflows (Qg) originating in the dryland watershed. Gypsum in the soils of VID was the main source for salts in La Violada Gully (flow-weighted mean TDS=1720 mg L-1, dominated by sulfate and calcium). The contribution of Qg to the total gully flow during the 1996 irrigation season was low (6.5% of the total flow). The 1995 to 1998 annual salt load average in La Violada Gully was 78 628 Mg, 71% of which was exported during the irrigation season. The 1995 to 1998 irrigation season salt load average in Qd was 43 015 Mg (77% of the total load). Thus, irrigated agriculture in VID was the main source of salt loading in this gully, with a yield of 11.1 Mg of salts per hectare of irrigated land for the irrigation season. Efficient irrigation systems and irrigation management practices that reduce Qd are key factors for controlling off-site salt pollution of these gypsum-rich irrigated areas.

Liquid salt environment stress-rupture testing

DOEpatents

Ren, Weiju; Holcomb, David E.; Muralidharan, Govindarajan; Wilson, Dane F.

2016-03-22

Disclosed herein are systems, devices and methods for stress-rupture testing selected materials within a high-temperature liquid salt environment. Exemplary testing systems include a load train for holding a test specimen within a heated inert gas vessel. A thermal break included in the load train can thermally insulate a load cell positioned along the load train within the inert gas vessel. The test specimen can include a cylindrical gage portion having an internal void filled with a molten salt during stress-rupture testing. The gage portion can have an inner surface area to volume ratio of greater than 20 to maximize the corrosive effect of the molten salt on the specimen material during testing. Also disclosed are methods of making a salt ingot for placement within the test specimen.

Chronic Cholangitides: Aetiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment*

PubMed Central

Sherlock, Sheila

1968-01-01

A number of different chronic diseases affect the intrahepatic bile radicles or cholangioles. They include primary and secondary sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, chronic cholestatic drug jaundice, atresia, and carcinoma. Aetiological factors include infection, immunological changes, hormones, and congenital defects. Patients with chronic cholestasis have decreased bile salts in the intestinal contents and suffer from a bile salt deficiency syndrome. Failure to absorb dietary fat is managed by a low-fat diet and by medium-chain trigly-cerides which are absorbed in the absence of intestinal bile salts. Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies are prevented by parenteral vitamins A, D, and K1. Calcium absorption is defective, and improvement may follow intramuscular vitamin D, medium-chain triglycerides, a low-fat diet, and oral calcium supplements. In partial intestinal bile salt deficiency the anionic bile-salt-chelating resin cholestyramine controls pruritus though steatorrhoea increases. Pruritus associated with total lack of intestinal bile salts is managed by methyl-testosterone or norethandrolone, though the jaundice increases. PMID:4971054

Protective effect of dietary potassium against vascular injury in salt-sensitive hypertension.

PubMed

Kido, Makiko; Ando, Katsuyuki; Onozato, Maristela L; Tojo, Akihiro; Yoshikawa, Masahiro; Ogita, Teruhiko; Fujita, Toshiro

2008-02-01

Hypertensive cardiovascular damage is accelerated by salt loading but counteracted by dietary potassium supplementation. We suggested recently that antioxidant actions of potassium contribute to protection against salt-induced cardiac dysfunction. Therefore, we examined whether potassium supplementation ameliorated cuff-induced vascular injury in salt-sensitive hypertension via suppression of oxidative stress. Four-week-old Dahl salt-sensitive rats were fed a normal-salt (0.3% NaCl), high-salt (8% NaCl), or high-salt plus high-potassium (8% KCl) diet for 5 weeks, and some of the rats fed a high-salt diet were also given antioxidants. One week after the start of the treatments, a silicone cuff was implanted around the femoral artery. Examination revealed increased cuff-induced neointimal proliferation with adventitial macrophage infiltration in arteries from salt-loaded Dahl salt-sensitive rats compared with that in arteries from non-salt-loaded animals (intima/media ratio: 0.471+/-0.070 versus 0.302+/-0.037; P<0.05), associated with regional superoxide overproduction and reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activation and mRNA overexpression. On the other hand, simultaneous potassium supplementation attenuated salt-induced neointimal hyperplasia (intima/media ratio: 0.205+/-0.012; P<0.001), adventitial macrophage infiltration, superoxide overproduction, and reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activation and overexpression. Antioxidants, which decrease vascular oxidative stress, also reduced neointima formation induced by salt excess. In conclusion, high-potassium diets seems to have a protective effect against the development of vascular damage induced by salt loading mediated, at least in part, through suppression of the production of reactive oxygen species probably generated by reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase.

Modeling salinization and recovery of road salt-impacted lakes in temperate regions based on long-term monitoring of Lake George, New York (USA) and its drainage basin.

PubMed

Sutherland, J W; Norton, S A; Short, J W; Navitsky, C

2018-05-08

Road salt mitigates winter highway icing but accumulates in watershed soils and receiving waters, affecting soil chemistry and physical, biological, and ecological processes. Despite efforts to reduce salt loading in watersheds, accumulated cations and Cl - continue to impact tributaries and lakes, and the recovery process is not well understood. Lake George, New York (USA) is typical of many temperate lakes at risk for elevated Cl - concentrations from winter deicing; the lake salt concentration increased by ~3.4% year -1 since 1980. Here, we evaluated the ionic composition in Finkle Brook, a major watershed draining to Lake George, studied intermittently since 1970 and typical of other salt-impacted Lake George tributaries. Salt loading in the Lake George basin since the 1940s displaced cations from exchange sites in basin soils; these desorbed cations follow a simple ion-exchange model, with lower sodium and higher calcium, magnesium and potassium fluxes in runoff. Reduced salt application in the Finkle Brook watershed during the low-snow winter of 2015-2016 led to a 30-40% decline of Cl - and base cations in the tributary, implying a Cl - soil half-life of 1-2 years. We developed a conceptual model that describes cation behavior in runoff from a watershed that received road salt loading over a long period of time, and then recovery following reduced salt loading. Next, we developed a dynamic model estimating time to steady-state for Cl - in Lake George with road salt loading starting in 1940, calibrating the model with tributary runoff and lake chemistry data from 1970 and 1980, respectively, and forecasting Cl - concentrations in Lake George based on various scenarios of salt loading and soil retention of Cl - . Our Lake George models are readily adaptable to other temperate lakes with drainage basins where road salt is applied during freezing conditions and paved roads cover a portion of the watershed. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fluid-loading solutions and plasma volume: Astro-ade and salt tablets with water

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fortney, Suzanne M.; Seinmann, Laura; Young, Joan A.; Hoskin, Cherylynn N.; Barrows, Linda H.

1994-01-01

Fluid loading with salt and water is a countermeasure used after space flight to restore body fluids. However, gastrointestinal side effects have been frequently reported in persons taking similar quantities of salt and water in ground-based studies. The effectiveness of the Shuttle fluid-loading countermeasure (8 gms salt, 0.97 liters of water) was compared to Astro-ade (an isotonic electrolyte solution), to maintain plasma volume (PV) during 4.5 hrs of resting fluid restriction. Three groups of healthy men (n=6) were studied: a Control Group (no drinking), an Astro-ade Group, and a Salt Tablet Group. Changes in PV after drinking were calculated from hematocrit and hemoglobin values. Both the Salt Tablet and Astro-ade Groups maintained PV at 2-3 hours after ingestion compared to the Control Group, which had a 6 percent decline. Side effects (thirst, stomach cramping, and diarrhea) were noted in at least one subject in both the Astro-ade and Salt Tablet Groups. Nausea and vomiting were reported in one subject in the Salt Tablet Group. It was concluded that Astro-ade may be offered as an alternate fluid-loading countermeasure but further work is needed to develop a solution that is more palatable and has fewer side effects.

Caffeine intake antagonizes salt sensitive hypertension through improvement of renal sodium handling

PubMed Central

Yu, Hao; Yang, Tao; Gao, Peng; Wei, Xing; Zhang, Hexuan; Xiong, Shiqiang; Lu, Zongshi; Li, Li; Wei, Xiao; Chen, Jing; Zhao, Yu; Arendshorst, William J.; Shang, Qianhui; Liu, Daoyan; Zhu, Zhiming

2016-01-01

High salt intake is a major risk factor for hypertension. Although acute caffeine intake produces moderate diuresis and natriuresis, caffeine increases the blood pressure (BP) through activating sympathetic activity. However, the long-term effects of caffeine on urinary sodium excretion and blood pressure are rarely investigated. Here, we investigated whether chronic caffeine administration antagonizes salt sensitive hypertension by promoting urinary sodium excretion. Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl-S) rats were fed with high salt diet with or without 0.1% caffeine in drinking water for 15 days. The BP, heart rate and locomotor activity of rats was analyzed and urinary sodium excretion was determined. The renal epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) expression and function were measured by in vivo and in vitro experiments. Chronic consumption of caffeine attenuates hypertension induced by high salt without affecting sympathetic nerve activity in Dahl-S rats. The renal α-ENaC expression and ENaC activity of rats decreased after chronic caffeine administration. Caffeine increased phosphorylation of AMPK and decrease α-ENaC expression in cortical collecting duct cells. Inhibiting AMPK abolished the effect of caffeine on α-ENaC. Chronic caffeine intake prevented the development of salt-sensitive hypertension through promoting urinary sodium excretion, which was associated with activation of renal AMPK and inhibition of renal tubular ENaC. PMID:27173481

Anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V) lesions alter c-fos expression induced by salt loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rocha, M. J.; Beltz, T. G.; Dornelles, R. C.; Johnson, A. K.; Franci, C. R.

1999-01-01

Lesion of the anteroventral third-ventricle region (AV3VX) reduced saline consumption. Salt loading in AV3VX rats resulted in reduced but not completely abolished c-fos expression in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei. Intrinsic osmosensitivity of the magnocellular neurons, or input from other brain areas, such as the subfornical and median preoptic nuclei, may account for this residual c-fos expression. These regions showed c-fos expression following salt loading. Copyright 1999 Elsevier Science B.V.

Salts affect the interaction of ZnO or CuO nanoparticles with wheat.

PubMed

Stewart, Jacob; Hansen, Trevor; McLean, Joan E; McManus, Paul; Das, Siddhartha; Britt, David W; Anderson, Anne J; Dimkpa, Christian O

2015-09-01

Exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) that release metals with potential phytotoxicity could pose problems in agriculture. The authors of the present study used growth in a model growth matrix, sand, to examine the influence of 5 mmol/kg of Na, K, or Ca (added as Cl salts) and root exudates on transformation and changes to the bioactivity of copper(II) oxide (CuO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs on wheat. These salt levels are found in saline agricultural soils. After 14 d of seedling growth, particles with crystallinity typical of CuO or ZnO remained in the aqueous fraction from the sand; particles had negative surface charges that differed with NP type and salt, but salt did not alter particle agglomeration. Reduction in shoot and root elongation and lateral root induction by ZnO NPs were mitigated by all salts. However, whereas Na and K promoted Zn loading into shoots, Ca reduced loading, suggesting that competition with Zn ions for uptake occurred. With CuO NPs, plant growth and loading was modified equally by all salts, consistent with major interaction with the plant with CuO rather than Cu ions. Thus, for both NPs, loading into plant tissues was not solely dependent on ion solubility. These findings indicated that salts in agricultural soils could modify the phytotoxicity of NPs. © 2015 SETAC.

Where Does Road Salt Go - a Static Salt Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, C. W.; Liu, F.; Moriarty, V. W.

2017-12-01

Each winter, more than 15 million tons of road salt is applied in the United States for the de-icing purpose. Considerable amount of chloride in road salt flows into streams/drainage systems with the snow melt runoff and spring storms, and eventually goes into ecologically sensitive low-lying areas in the watershed, such as ponds and lakes. In many watersheds in the northern part of US, the chloride level in the water body has increased significantly in the past decades, and continues an upward trend. The environmental and ecological impact of the elevated chloride level can no longer be ignored. However although there are many studies on the biological impact of elevated chloride levels, there are few investigations on how the spatially distributed road salt application affects various parts of the watershed. In this presentation, we propose a static road salt model as a first-order metric to address spacial distribution of salt loading. Derived from the Topological Wetness Index (TWI) in many hydrological models, this static salt model provides a spatial impact as- sessment of road salt applications. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the static model, National Elevation Dataset (NED) of ten-meter resolution of Lake George watershed in New York State is used to generate the TWI, which is used to compute a spatially dis- tributed "salt-loading coefficient" of the whole watershed. Spatially varying salt applica- tion rate is then aggregated, using the salt-loading coefficients as weights, to provide salt loading assessments of streams in the watershed. Time-aggregated data from five CTD (conductivity-temperature-depth) sensors in selected streams are used for calibration. The model outputs and the sensor data demonstrate a strong linear correlation, with the R value of 0.97. The investigation shows that the static modeling approach may provide an effective method for the understanding the input and transport of road salt to within watersheds.

Research on the Fatigue Flexural Performance of RC Beams Attacked by Salt Spray

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Jiang-hong; Xu, Fang-yuan; Jin, Wei-liang; Zhang, Jun; Wu, Xi-xi; Chen, Cai-sheng

2018-04-01

The fatigue flexural performance of RC beams attacked by salt spray was studied. A testing method involving electro osmosis, electrical accelerated corrosion and salt spray was proposed. This corrosion process method effectively simulates real-world salt spray and fatigue loading exerted by RC components on sea bridges. Four RC beams that have different stress amplitudes were tested. It is found that deterioration by corrosion and fatigue loading reduces the fatigue life of the RC and decreases the ability of deformation. The fatigue life and deflection ability could be reduced by increasing the stress amplitude and the corrosion duration time. The test result demonstrates that this experimental method can couple corrosion deterioration and fatigue loading reasonably. This procedure may be applied to evaluate the fatigue life and concrete durability of RC components located in a natural salt spray environment.

Mechanical Behavior and Microcrack Development in Nominally Dry Synthetic Salt-rock During Cyclic Loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, J.; Chester, F. M.; Chester, J. S.; Zhu, C.; Shen, X.; Arson, C. F.

2016-12-01

Synthetic salt-rock is produced through uniaxial consolidation of sieved granular salt (0.3-0.355 mm grain diam.) at 75-107 MPa pressure and 100-200 0 C for 15 min duration, to produce low porosity (3%-6%) aggregates. Based on microstructural observations, consolidation mechanisms are grain rearrangement, intragranular plastic flow, and minor microfracture and recrystallization. Following consolidation, the salt-rock is deformed by cyclic, triaxial loading at room temperature and 4 MPa confining pressure to investigate microfracture development, closure and healing effects on elastic properties and flow strength. Load cycles are performed within the elastic regime, up to yielding, and during steady ductile flow. The mechanical properties are determined using an internal load cell and strain gages bonded to the samples. Elastic properties vary systematically during deformation reflecting cracking and pore and grain shape changes. Between triaxial load cycles, samples are held at isostatic loads for durations up to one day to determine healing rates and strength recovery; a change in mechanical behavior is observed when significant healing is induced. The microstructures of all samples are characterized before and after cyclic loading using optical microscopy. The consolidation and cyclic triaxial tests, and optical microscopy investigations, are conducted in a controlled low-humidity environment to ensure nominally dry conditions. The microstructures of samples from different stages of cyclic triaxial deformation indicate that intracrystalline plasticity, accompanied by minor recovery by recrystallization, is dominant; but, grain-boundary crack opening also becomes significant. Grain-boundary microcracks have preferred orientations that are sub-parallel to the load axis. The stress-strain behavior correlates with microcrack fabrics and densities during cyclic loading. These experiments are used to both inform and test continuum damage mechanics models of salt-rock deformation in the semibrittle domain, as well as to help design and optimize salt-rock storage facilities.

Suspended-sediment data in the Salt River basin, Missouri

USGS Publications Warehouse

Berkas, Wayne R.

1983-01-01

Suspended-sediment data collected at six stations in the Salt River basin during 1980-82 are presented. The estimated average annual suspended-sediment load is 1,390,000 tons per year from a geomorphic examination, and 1,330,000 tons per year from periodic sampling at Salt River near Monroe City, Mo. The suspended-sediment load from the major tributaries of the Salt River during 1981 was 1,610,000 tons, which is larger than the estimated values due to above-normal rainfall and runoff. (USGS)

Energy Dissipation-Based Method for Fatigue Life Prediction of Rock Salt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Mingming; Huang, Bingqian; Zhu, Caihui; Chen, Yunsheng; Li, Ning

2018-05-01

The fatigue test for rock salt is conducted under different stress amplitudes, loading frequencies, confining pressures and loading rates, from which the evaluation rule of the dissipated energy is revealed and analysed. The evolution of energy dissipation under fatigue loading is divided into three stages: the initial stage, the second stage and the acceleration stage. In the second stage, the energy dissipation per cycle remains stable and shows an exponential relation with the stress amplitude; the failure dissipated energy only depends on the mechanical behaviour of the rock salt and confining pressure, but it is immune to the loading conditions. The energy dissipation of fatigued rock salt is discussed, and a novel model for fatigue life prediction is proposed on the basis of energy dissipation. A simple model for evolution of the accumulative dissipated energy is established. Its prediction results are compared with the test results, and the proposed model is validated.

How Does Circadian Rhythm Impact Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure in Mice? A Study in Two Close C57Bl/6 Substrains.

PubMed

Combe, Roy; Mudgett, John; El Fertak, Lahcen; Champy, Marie-France; Ayme-Dietrich, Estelle; Petit-Demoulière, Benoit; Sorg, Tania; Herault, Yann; Madwed, Jeffrey B; Monassier, Laurent

2016-01-01

Mouse transgenesis has provided the unique opportunity to investigate mechanisms underlying sodium kidney reabsorption as well as end organ damage. However, understanding mouse background and the experimental conditions effects on phenotypic readouts of engineered mouse lines such as blood pressure presents a challenge. Despite the ability to generate high sodium and chloride plasma levels during high-salt diet, observed changes in blood pressure are not consistent between wild-type background strains and studies. The present work was designed in an attempt to determine guidelines in the field of salt-induced hypertension by recording continuously blood pressure by telemetry in mice submitted to different sodium and potassium loaded diets and changing experimental conditions in both C57BL/6N and C57BL/6J mice strain (Normal salt vs. Low salt vs. High-salt/normal potassium vs. High salt/low potassium, standard vs. modified light cycle, Non-invasive tail cuff blood pressure vs. telemetry). In this study, we have shown that, despite a strong blood pressure (BP) basal difference between C57BL/6N and C57BL/6J mice, High salt/normal potassium diet increases BP and heart rate during the active phase only (dark period) in the same extent in both strains. On the other hand, while potassium level has no effect on salt-induced hypertension in C57BL/6N mice, high-salt/low potassium diet amplifies the effect of the high-salt challenge only in C57BL/6J mice. Indeed, in this condition, salt-induced hypertension can also be detected during light period even though this BP increase is lower compared to the one occurring during the dark period. Finally, from a methodological perspective, light cycle inversion has no effect on this circadian BP phenotype and tail-cuff method is less sensitive than telemetry to detect BP phenotypes due to salt challenges. Therefore, to carry investigations on salt-induced hypertension in mice, chronic telemetry and studies in the active phase are essential prerequisites.

Estimation of water turnover rates of captive West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) held in fresh and salt water

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ortiz, R. M.; Worthy, G. A.; Byers, F. M.

1999-01-01

The ability of West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) to move between fresh and salt water raises the question of whether manatees drink salt water. Water turnover rates were estimated in captive West Indian manatees using the deuterium oxide dilution technique. Rates were quantified in animals using four experimental treatments: (1) held in fresh water and fed lettuce (N=4), (2) held in salt water and fed lettuce (N=2), (3) acutely exposed to salt water and fed lettuce (N=4), and (4) chronically exposed to salt water with limited access to fresh water and fed sea grass (N=5). Animals held in fresh water had the highest turnover rates (145+/-12 ml kg-1 day-1) (mean +/- s.e.m.). Animals acutely exposed to salt water decreased their turnover rate significantly when moved into salt water (from 124+/-15 to 65+/-15 ml kg-1 day-1) and subsequently increased their turnover rate upon re-entry to fresh water (146+/-19 ml kg-1 day-1). Manatees chronically exposed to salt water had significantly lower turnover rates (21+/-3 ml kg-1 day-1) compared with animals held in salt water and fed lettuce (45+/-3 ml kg-1 day-1). Manatees chronically exposed to salt water and fed sea grass had very low turnover rates compared with manatees held in salt water and fed lettuce, which is consistent with a lack of mariposia. Manatees in fresh water drank large volumes of water, which may make them susceptible to hyponatremia if access to a source of Na+ is not provided.

Estimation of water turnover rates of captive West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) held in fresh and salt water.

PubMed

Ortiz, R M; Worthy, G A; Byers, F M

1999-01-01

The ability of West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) to move between fresh and salt water raises the question of whether manatees drink salt water. Water turnover rates were estimated in captive West Indian manatees using the deuterium oxide dilution technique. Rates were quantified in animals using four experimental treatments: (1) held in fresh water and fed lettuce (N=4), (2) held in salt water and fed lettuce (N=2), (3) acutely exposed to salt water and fed lettuce (N=4), and (4) chronically exposed to salt water with limited access to fresh water and fed sea grass (N=5). Animals held in fresh water had the highest turnover rates (145+/-12 ml kg-1 day-1) (mean +/- s.e.m.). Animals acutely exposed to salt water decreased their turnover rate significantly when moved into salt water (from 124+/-15 to 65+/-15 ml kg-1 day-1) and subsequently increased their turnover rate upon re-entry to fresh water (146+/-19 ml kg-1 day-1). Manatees chronically exposed to salt water had significantly lower turnover rates (21+/-3 ml kg-1 day-1) compared with animals held in salt water and fed lettuce (45+/-3 ml kg-1 day-1). Manatees chronically exposed to salt water and fed sea grass had very low turnover rates compared with manatees held in salt water and fed lettuce, which is consistent with a lack of mariposia. Manatees in fresh water drank large volumes of water, which may make them susceptible to hyponatremia if access to a source of Na+ is not provided.

[Characteristics of sodium metabolism in rats with experimental hypertension caused by chronic alimentary imbalance].

PubMed

Strekalova, V V; Khachirov, D G; Dedenkov, A N; Suvorov, Iu I

1991-01-01

Beginning from 1.5 month of life Wistar rats were kept under conditions of chronic 1 and 2% salt loading combined with a low-protein diet (6-8% of protein VS, as compared with 23-24% in the normal diet). At the age of 14-16 months when a stable hypertension developed due to the above alimentary imbalance, their sodium metabolism was studied using whole-body radiometry with 22Na. A three-chamber model of 22Na metabolism was developed for the analysis of 22Na excretion from the body. This helped in establishing the heterogeneity of sodium metabolism in experimental animals. Besides that, it has been shown that not only sodium retention in the body, but also its redistribution between intra- and extravascular sections play an important role in the development of hypertension. Protein deficiency in the diet aggravates sodium metabolism disorders in experimental animals.

Interactive evolution concept for analyzing a rock salt cavern under cyclic thermo-mechanical loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

König, Diethard; Mahmoudi, Elham; Khaledi, Kavan; von Blumenthal, Achim; Schanz, Tom

2016-04-01

The excess electricity produced by renewable energy sources available during off-peak periods of consumption can be used e.g. to produce and compress hydrogen or to compress air. Afterwards the pressurized gas is stored in the rock salt cavities. During this process, thermo-mechanical cyclic loading is applied to the rock salt surrounding the cavern. Compared to the operation of conventional storage caverns in rock salt the frequencies of filling and discharging cycles and therefore the thermo-mechanical loading cycles are much higher, e.g. daily or weekly compared to seasonally or yearly. The stress strain behavior of rock salt as well as the deformation behavior and the stability of caverns in rock salt under such loading conditions are unknown. To overcome this, existing experimental studies have to be supplemented by exploring the behavior of rock salt under combined thermo-mechanical cyclic loading. Existing constitutive relations have to be extended to cover degradation of rock salt under thermo-mechanical cyclic loading. At least the complex system of a cavern in rock salt under these loading conditions has to be analyzed by numerical modeling taking into account the uncertainties due to limited access in large depth to investigate material composition and properties. An interactive evolution concept is presented to link the different components of such a study - experimental modeling, constitutive modeling and numerical modeling. A triaxial experimental setup is designed to characterize the cyclic thermo-mechanical behavior of rock salt. The imposed boundary conditions in the experimental setup are assumed to be similar to the stress state obtained from a full-scale numerical simulation. The computational model relies primarily on the governing constitutive model for predicting the behavior of rock salt cavity. Hence, a sophisticated elasto-viscoplastic creep constitutive model is developed to take into account the dilatancy and damage progress, as well as the temperature effects. The contributed input parameters in the constitutive model are calibrated using the experimental measurements. In the following, the initial numerical simulation is modified based on the introduced constitutive model implemented in a finite element code. However, because of the significant levels of uncertainties involved in the design procedure of such structures, a reliable design can be achieved by employing probabilistic approaches. Therefore, the numerical calculation is extended by statistical tools such as sensitivity analysis, probabilistic analysis and robust reliability-based design. Uncertainties e.g. due to limited site investigation, which is always fragmentary within these depths, can be compensated by using data sets of field measurements for back calculation of input parameters with the developed numerical model. Monitoring concepts can be optimized by identifying sensor localizations e.g. using sensitivity analyses.

A systematic technique for the sequential restoration of salt structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rowan, Mark G.

1993-12-01

A method is described for the sequential restoration of cross sections in areas of salt tectonics where deformation is confined to the salt and higher layers. The subsurface geometry evolves with time through the interaction of various processes: sedimentation, compaction, isostatic adjustment, thermal subsidence (if present), faulting, and salt withdrawal/ diapirism. The technique systematically calculates and removes the effects of each of these processes during specified time intervals defined by the interpreted horizons. It makes no assumptions about salt kinematics and generally results in the area of the salt layer changing through time. The method is described for restoration of extensional terranes, but it is also suitable for areas of contractional salt tectonics with only minor modifications. After converting an interpreted seismic profile to depth, the top layer is stripped off and the underlying section is decompacted according to standard porosity-depth functions. A deep baseline, unaffected by compaction or deformation, is used to restore any isostatic compensation or thermal subsidence. Isostasy is calculated according to the Airy model, and differential sedimentary loading across a section is shown to be approximately balanced by changes in salt thickness so that the load is evenly distributed. After these processes have been reversed, the resulting geometry and the seismic data are used to create the sea-floor template for structural restoration. Fault offsets are removed and the layers down to the top salt are restored to this template, while the base salt remains fixed. The resulting space between the restored top salt and the fixed base salt defines the restored salt geometry. In addition, the difference between the sea-floor template and a fixed sea level provides a measure of the change in water depth (ignoring eustatic changes in sea level). The technique is applied to an interpreted seismic profile from the eastern Green Canyon/Ewing Bank area of offshore Louisiana. The section is characterized by a variety of salt structures, including salt rollers, a diapiric massif, a remnant salt sheet, and a salt weld, which are shown to have derived from an originally continuous salt sheet which has been modified by sedimentary loading. Early loading created vertical basin growth that was accommodated primarily by salt withdrawal and associated diapiric rise through the process of downbuilding. Once the salt weld formed, continued sedimentation was accommodated by a lateral increase in basin size caused by down-dip extension on listric growth faults.

Nitrogen and salt loads in the irrigation return flows of the Ebro River Basin (Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isidoro, Daniel; Balcells, Maria; Clavería, Ignacio; Dechmi, Farida; Quílez, Dolores; Aragüés, Ramón

2013-04-01

The conservation of the quality of surface waters demanded by the European Water Framework Directive requires, among others, an assessment of the irrigation-induced pollution. The contribution of the irrigation return flows (IRF) to the pollution of the receiving water bodies is given by its pollutant load, since this load determines the quality status or pollutant concentration in these water bodies. The aim of this work was to quantify the annual nitrogen and salt loads in the IRF of four irrigated catchments within the Ebro River Basin: Violada (2006-10), Alcanadre (2008-10), Valcuerna (2010), and Clamor Amarga (2010). The daily flow (Q), salt (EC) and nitrate concentration (NO3) were measured in the drainage outlets of each basin. The net irrigation-induced salt and nitrogen loads were obtained from these measurements after discounting the salt and nitrogen inputs from outside the catchments and the non-irrigated areas. The N-fertilizer applications were obtained from farmer surveys and animal farming statistical sources. Irrigation water salinity was very low in all catchments (EC < 0.4 dS/m), but IRF salinity was very high in Valcuerna (7.9 dS/m) with underlain saline lutites, high to moderate in Clamor (2.6 dS/m) and Violada (2.1 dS/m) with gypsum-rich soils, and low in Alcanadre (1.0 dS/m) due to dilution in the inefficient traditional flood-irrigation system. Annual salt loads were highest in Valcuerna (11.9 Mg/ha) and lowest in Alcanadre (3.6 Mg/ha) and Clamor (3.3 Mg/ha). Salt load was also high in flood-irrigated Violada (10.3 Mg/ha), but dropped to 2.6 Mg/ha after its modernization to sprinkler irrigation (in 2008-09). N-fertilizer applications ranged from 221 kg/ha in the corn-dominated Valcuerna in 2010 to 63 kg/ha in 2008 in Violada, when farmers barely applied fertilizers due to the irrigation modernization works in progress that year. The highest N applications derived from pig slurry applications by farmers that used their lands as disposal sites for their farm residues. The highest NO3 concentrations (mean of 113 mg/L) and annual N loads (mean of 38 kg/ha) were found in Valcuerna, the most intense corn sprinkler-irrigated catchment. The lowest NO3 concentrations (21 mg/L; 5 times lower than Valcuerna) were measured in the Alcanadre flood-irrigated catchment. In contrast, Alcanadre N loads (21 kg/ha) were only about two times lower than in Valcuerna, due to the higher IRF volumes in Alcanadre (353 mm versus 132 mm in Valcuerna). Irrigation modernization in Violada decreased N loads from 20 to 5 kg N/ha (four times lower) due to the sharp reduction of IRF while maintaining NO3 concentration around 20 mg/L. The only significant contribution of ammonium (17% to the total N load of 13 hg/ha) was found in Clamor, the catchment with highest agro-industrial development. Overall, IRF salt and nitrate concentrations tended to increase and salt and nitrate loads tended to decrease in modernized sprinkler irrigation catchments, but the presence of soluble minerals, the applied inorganic and especially organic N, and the cropping patterns also played a significant role in this behaviour.

Calculating salt loads to Great Salt Lake and the associated uncertainties for water year 2013; updating a 48 year old standard

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shope, Christopher L.; Angeroth, Cory E.

2015-01-01

Effective management of surface waters requires a robust understanding of spatiotemporal constituent loadings from upstream sources and the uncertainty associated with these estimates. We compared the total dissolved solids loading into the Great Salt Lake (GSL) for water year 2013 with estimates of previously sampled periods in the early 1960s.We also provide updated results on GSL loading, quantitatively bounded by sampling uncertainties, which are useful for current and future management efforts. Our statistical loading results were more accurate than those from simple regression models. Our results indicate that TDS loading to the GSL in water year 2013 was 14.6 million metric tons with uncertainty ranging from 2.8 to 46.3 million metric tons, which varies greatly from previous regression estimates for water year 1964 of 2.7 million metric tons. Results also indicate that locations with increased sampling frequency are correlated with decreasing confidence intervals. Because time is incorporated into the LOADEST models, discrepancies are largely expected to be a function of temporally lagged salt storage delivery to the GSL associated with terrestrial and in-stream processes. By incorporating temporally variable estimates and statistically derived uncertainty of these estimates,we have provided quantifiable variability in the annual estimates of dissolved solids loading into the GSL. Further, our results support the need for increased monitoring of dissolved solids loading into saline lakes like the GSL by demonstrating the uncertainty associated with different levels of sampling frequency.

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

Ebert, W. L.; Snyder, C. T.; Frank, Steven

This report describes the scientific basis underlying the approach being followed to design and develop “advanced” glass-bonded sodalite ceramic waste form (ACWF) materials that can (1) accommodate higher salt waste loadings than the waste form developed in the 1990s for EBR-II waste salt and (2) provide greater flexibility for immobilizing extreme waste salt compositions. This is accomplished by using a binder glass having a much higher Na 2O content than glass compositions used previously to provide enough Na+ to react with all of the Cl– in the waste salt and generate the maximum amount of sodalite. The phase compositions andmore » degradation behaviors of prototype ACWF products that were made using five new binder glass formulations and with 11-14 mass% representative LiCl/KCl-based salt waste were evaluated and compared with results of similar tests run with CWF products made using the original binder glass with 8 mass% of the same salt to demonstrate the approach and select a composition for further studies. About twice the amount of sodalite was generated in all ACWF materials and the microstructures and degradation behaviors confirmed our understanding of the reactions occurring during waste form production and the efficacy of the approach. However, the porosities of the resulting ACWF materials were higher than is desired. These results indicate the capacity of these ACWF waste forms to accommodate LiCl/KCl-based salt wastes becomes limited by porosity due to the low glass-to-sodalite volume ratio. Three of the new binder glass compositions were acceptable and there is no benefit to further increasing the Na content as initially planned. Instead, further studies are needed to develop and evaluate alternative production methods to decrease the porosity, such as by increasing the amount of binder glass in the formulation or by processing waste forms in a hot isostatic press. Increasing the amount of binder glass to eliminate porosity will decrease the waste loading from about 12% to 10% on a mass basis, but this will not significantly impact the waste loading on a volume basis. It is likely that heat output will limit the amount of waste salt that can be accommodated in a waste canister rather than the salt loading in an ACWF, and that the increase from 8 mass% to about 10 mass% salt loadings in ACWF materials will be sufficient to optimize these waste forms. Although the waste salt composition used in this study contained a moderate amount of NaCl, the test results suggest waste salts with little or no NaCl can be accommodated in ACWF materials by using the new binder glass, albeit at waste loadings lower than 8 mass%. The higher glass contents that will be required for ACWF materials made with salt wastes that do not contain NaCl are expected to result in much lower porosities in those waste forms.« less

Very Low-Protein Diet (VLPD) Reduces Metabolic Acidosis in Subjects with Chronic Kidney Disease: The "Nutritional Light Signal" of the Renal Acid Load.

PubMed

Di Iorio, Biagio Raffaele; Di Micco, Lucia; Marzocco, Stefania; De Simone, Emanuele; De Blasio, Antonietta; Sirico, Maria Luisa; Nardone, Luca

2017-01-17

Metabolic acidosis is a common complication of chronic kidney disease; current guidelines recommend treatment with alkali if bicarbonate levels are lower than 22 mMol/L. In fact, recent studies have shown that an early administration of alkali reduces progression of CKD. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of fruit and vegetables to reduce the acid load in CKD. We conducted a case-control study in 146 patients who received sodium bicarbonate. Of these, 54 patients assumed very low-protein diet (VLPD) and 92 were controls (ratio 1:2). We calculated every three months the potential renal acid load (PRAL) and the net endogenous acid production (NEAP), inversely correlated with serum bicarbonate levels and representing the non-volatile acid load derived from nutrition. Un-paired T -test and Chi-square test were used to assess differences between study groups at baseline and study completion. Two-tailed probability values ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant. At baseline, there were no statistical differences between the two groups regarding systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), protein and phosphate intake, urinary sodium, potassium, phosphate and urea nitrogen, NEAP, and PRAL. VLPD patients showed at 6 and 12 months a significant reduction of SBP ( p < 0.0001), DBP ( p < 0.001), plasma urea ( p < 0.0001) protein intake ( p < 0.0001), calcemia ( p < 0.0001), phosphatemia ( p < 0.0001), phosphate intake ( p < 0.0001), urinary sodium ( p < 0.0001), urinary potassium ( p < 0.002), and urinary phosphate ( p < 0.0001). NEAP and PRAL were significantly reduced in VLPD during follow-up. VLPD reduces intake of acids; nutritional therapy of CKD, that has always taken into consideration a lower protein, salt, and phosphate intake, should be adopted to correct metabolic acidosis, an important target in the treatment of CKD patients. We provide useful indications regarding acid load of food and drinks-the "acid load dietary traffic light".

Diet, evolution and aging--the pathophysiologic effects of the post-agricultural inversion of the potassium-to-sodium and base-to-chloride ratios in the human diet.

PubMed

Frassetto, L; Morris, R C; Sellmeyer, D E; Todd, K; Sebastian, A

2001-10-01

Theoretically, we humans should be better adapted physiologically to the diet our ancestors were exposed to during millions of years of hominid evolution than to the diet we have been eating since the agricultural revolution a mere 10,000 years ago, and since industrialization only 200 years ago. Among the many health problems resulting from this mismatch between our genetically determined nutritional requirements and our current diet, some might be a consequence in part of the deficiency of potassium alkali salts (K-base), which are amply present in the plant foods that our ancestors ate in abundance, and the exchange of those salts for sodium chloride (NaCl), which has been incorporated copiously into the contemporary diet, which at the same time is meager in K-base-rich plant foods. Deficiency of K-base in the diet increases the net systemic acid load imposed by the diet. We know that clinically-recognized chronic metabolic acidosis has deleterious effects on the body, including growth retardation in children, decreased muscle and bone mass in adults, and kidney stone formation, and that correction of acidosis can ameliorate those conditions. Is it possible that a lifetime of eating diets that deliver evolutionarily superphysiologic loads of acid to the body contribute to the decrease in bone and muscle mass, and growth hormone secretion, which occur normally with age? That is, are contemporary humans suffering from the consequences of chronic, diet-induced low-grade systemic metabolic acidosis? Our group has shown that contemporary net acid-producing diets do indeed characteristically produce a low-grade systemic metabolic acidosis in otherwise healthy adult subjects, and that the degree of acidosis increases with age, in relation to the normally occurring age-related decline in renal functional capacity. We also found that neutralization of the diet net acid load with dietary supplements of potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) improved calcium and phosphorus balances, reduced bone resorption rates, improved nitrogen balance, and mitigated the normally occurring age-related decline in growth hormone secretion--all without restricting dietary NaCl. Moreover, we found that co-administration of an alkalinizing salt of potassium (potassium citrate) with NaCl prevented NaCl from increasing urinary calcium excretion and bone resorption, as occurred with NaCl administration alone. Earlier studies estimated dietary acid load from the amount of animal protein in the diet, inasmuch as protein metabolism yields sulfuric acid as an end-product. In cross-cultural epidemiologic studies, Abelow found that hip fracture incidence in older women correlated with animal protein intake, and they suggested a causal relation to the acid load from protein. Those studies did not consider the effect of potential sources of base in the diet. We considered that estimating the net acid load of the diet (i. e., acid minus base) would require considering also the intake of plant foods, many of which are rich sources of K-base, or more precisely base precursors, substances like organic anions that the body metabolizes to bicarbonate. In following up the findings of Abelow et al., we found that plant food intake tended to be protective against hip fracture, and that hip fracture incidence among countries correlated inversely with the ratio of plant-to-animal food intake. These findings were confirmed in a more homogeneous population of white elderly women residents of the U.S. These findings support affirmative answers to the questions we asked above. Can we provide dietary guidelines for controlling dietary net acid loads to minimize or eliminate diet-induced and age-amplified chronic low-grade metabolic acidosis and its pathophysiological sequelae. We discuss the use of algorithms to predict the diet net acid and provide nutritionists and clinicians with relatively simple and reliable methods for determining and controlling the net acid load of the diet. A more difficult question is what level of acidosis is acceptable. We argue that any level of acidosis may be unacceptable from an evolutionarily perspective, and indeed, that a low-grade metabolic alkalosis may be the optimal acid-base state for humans.

RELATIONSHIPS OF NITROGEN LOADINGS, RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH PLANT STRUCTURE IN NEW ENGLAND SALT MARSHES

EPA Science Inventory

We examined the vascular plant species richness and the extent, density, and height of Spartina species of ten Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island (United States) fringe salt marshes which had a wide range of residential land development N-loadings associated with their watersheds. Si...

Soil Respiration and Belowground Carbon Stores Among Salt Marshes Subjected to Increasing Watershed Nitrogen Loadings in Southern New England

EPA Science Inventory

Coastal salt marshes are ecosystems located between the uplands and sea, and because of their location are subject to increasing watershed nutrient loadings and rising sea levels. Residential development along the coast is intense, and there is a significant relationship between...

[Salt-induced inappropriate augmentation of intrarenal RAAS and its treatment in patients with chronic kidney disease].

PubMed

Konishi, Yoshio

2012-09-01

Focus on the role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the pathophysiology of hypertension and renal damage has shifted recently to the role of the local RAAS in the kidneys. Inappropriate augmentation of intrarenal RAAS activity in patients with chronic kidney disease has suggested playing important roles in the development of hypertension and renal injury. In this article, I show the recent findings that salt-induced this augmentation may contribute to the development of salt-sensitive hypertension and play a key role in cardiorenal syndrome (CRS), and that blockade of intrarenal RAAS may be an important strategy for salt-sensitive hypertension and CRS.

Highway deicing salt dynamic runoff to surface water and subsequent infiltration to groundwater during severe UK winters.

PubMed

Rivett, Michael O; Cuthbert, Mark O; Gamble, Richard; Connon, Lucy E; Pearson, Andrew; Shepley, Martin G; Davis, John

2016-09-15

Dynamic impact to the water environment of deicing salt application at a major highway (motorway) interchange in the UK is quantitatively evaluated for two recent severe UK winters. The contaminant transport pathway studied allowed controls on dynamic highway runoff and storm-sewer discharge to a receiving stream and its subsequent leakage to an underlying sandstone aquifer, including possible contribution to long-term chloride increases in supply wells, to be evaluated. Logged stream electrical-conductivity (EC) to estimate chloride concentrations, stream flow, climate and motorway salt application data were used to assess salt fate. Stream loading was responsive to salt applications and climate variability influencing salt release. Chloride (via EC) was predicted to exceed the stream Environmental Quality Standard (250mg/l) for 33% and 18% of the two winters. Maximum stream concentrations (3500mg/l, 15% sea water salinity) were ascribed to salt-induced melting and drainage of highway snowfall without dilution from, still frozen, catchment water. Salt persistance on the highway under dry-cold conditions was inferred from stream observations of delayed salt removal. Streambed and stream-loss data demonstrated chloride infiltration could occur to the underlying aquifer with mild and severe winter stream leakage estimated to account for 21 to 54% respectively of the 70t of increased chloride (over baseline) annually abstracted by supply wells. Deicing salt infiltration lateral to the highway alongside other urban/natural sources were inferred to contribute the shortfall. Challenges in quantifying chloride mass/fluxes (flow gauge accuracy at high flows, salt loading from other roads, weaker chloride-EC correlation at low concentrations), may be largely overcome by modest investment in enhanced data acquisition or minor approach modification. The increased understanding of deicing salt dynamic loading to the water environment obtained is relevant to improved groundwater resource management, highway salt application practice, surface-water - ecosystem management, and decision making on highway drainage to ground. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

EFFECTS OF CHRONIC EXCESS SALT FEEDING

PubMed Central

Dahl, Lewis K.; Heine, Martha

1961-01-01

Female rats were fed diets containing either excess sea salt or excess sodium chloride for periods up to 14 months. The hypertension produced by sea salt was more pronounced than that caused by sodium chloride alone, although the average amount of sodium chloride contained in the sea salt feeding was slightly less. The ions involved in this incremental effect of sea salt were not identified. PMID:13719314

Fractal-like thickness and topography of the salt layer in a pillows province of the southern North Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hernandez Maya, K.; Mitchell, N. C.; Huuse, M.

2017-12-01

Salt topography and thickness variations are important for testing theories of how halokinetic deformation proceeds. The ability to predict thickness variations of salt at small scale is also important for reservoir evaluations, as breach of the salt layer can lead to loss of petroleum fluids and can be difficult to evaluate from seismic reflection data. Relevant to these issues, we here report analysis of data on salt layer topography and thickness from the southern North Sea, where the salt is organized into pillows. These data were derived by the Geological Survey of the Netherlands (TNO) from industry 3D seismic reflection data combined with a dense network of well information. Highs and lows in the topography of the upper salt interface occur spaced over a variety of lengthscales. Power spectral analysis of the interface topography reveals a simple inverse power law relationship between power spectral density and spatial wave number. The relationship suggests that the interface is a self-affine fractal with a fractal dimension of 2.85. A similar analysis of the salt layer thickness also suggests a fractal-like power law. Whereas the layer thickness power law is unsurprising as the underlying basement topography dominates the thickness and it also has a fractal-like power spectrum, the salt topography is not so easily explained as not all the basement faults are overlaid by salt pillows, instead some areas of the dataset salt thinning overlies faults. We consider instead whether a spatially varied loading of the salt layer may have caused this fractal-like geometry. Varied density and thickness of overburdening layers seem unlikely causes, as thicknesses of layers and their reflectivities do not vary sympathetically with the topography of the interface. The composition of the salt layer varies with the relative proportions of halite and denser anhydrite and other minerals. Although limited in scope and representing the mobilized salt layer, the information from the well data could potentially support the loading originating initially from within the salt. Such internal loading needs to be considered in modelling salt deformation for a variety of practical and academic purposes.

Variability of surface-water quantity and quality and shallow groundwater levels and quality within the Rio Grande Project Area, New Mexico and Texas, 2009–13

USGS Publications Warehouse

Driscoll, Jessica M.; Sherson, Lauren R.

2016-03-15

Drought conditions during the study period of January 1, 2009, to September 30, 2013, caused a reduction in surface-water releases from water-supply storage infrastructure of the Rio Grande Project, which led to changes in surface-water and groundwater (conjunctive) use in downstream agricultural alluvial valleys. Surface water and groundwater in the agriculturally dominated alluvial Rincon and Mesilla Valleys were investigated in this study to measure the influence of drought and subsequent change in conjunctive water use on quantity and quality of these water resources. In 2013, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the New Mexico Environment Department and the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, began a study to (1) calculate dissolved-solids loads over the study period at streamgages in the study area where data are available, (2) assess the temporal variability of dissolved-solids loads at and between each streamgage where data are available, and (3) relate the spatiotemporal variability of shallow groundwater data (groundwater levels and quality) within the alluvial valleys of the study area to spatiotemporal variability of surface-water data over the study period. This assessment included the calculation of surface-water dissolved-solids loads at streamgages as well as a mass-balance approach to measure the change in salt load between these streamgages. Bimodal surface-water discharge data led to a temporally-dynamic volumetric definition of release and nonrelease seasons. Continuous surface-water discharge and water-quality data from three streamgages on the Rio Grande were used to calculate daily dissolved-solids loads over the study period, and the results were aggregated annually and seasonally. Results show the majority of dissolved-solids loading occurs during release season; however, decreased duration of the release season over the 5-year study period has resulted in a decrease of the total annual loads at each streamgage. Calculation of the change of salt loads using a mass-balance approach was applied between streamgages. Results from these calculations suggest differing responses to releases in the Rincon and Mesilla Valleys over the period of study; there is a decreasing sink of salt in the Rincon Valley whereas there is an increasing sink of salt in the Mesilla Valley. Daily groundwater-level and water-quality data from shallow wells within the two alluvial valleys show spatial heterogeneity of water quality over the study period. Mass-balance salt-loading trends during the study period are similar to previous trends during the 1950s drought as well as a wet period in the 1980s. The similarity of salt-loading trends from the 1950s, 1980s, and 2000s independent of the climate indicates salt loading in this hydrologic setting may be driven by water-use practices rather than a single climatic variable.

Dietary salt loading and ion-poor water exposure provide insight into the molecular physiology of the rainbow trout gill epithelium tight junction complex.

PubMed

Kolosov, Dennis; Kelly, Scott P

2016-08-01

This study utilized dietary salt loading and ion-poor water (IPW) exposure of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to further understand the role of fish gill epithelium tight junction (TJ) physiology in salt and water balance. Gill morphology, biochemistry and molecular physiology were examined, with an emphasis on genes encoding TJ proteins. Fish were either fed a control or salt-enriched diet (~10 % NaCl) for 4 weeks prior to IPW exposure for 24 h. Serum [Na(+)], [Cl(-)] and muscle moisture content were unaltered by salt feeding, but changed in response to IPW irrespective of diet. Dietary salt loading altered the morphology (reduced Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase-immunoreactive cell numbers and surface exposure of mitochondrion-rich cells), biochemistry (decreased vacuolar-type H(+)-ATPase activity) and molecular physiology (decreased nkaα1a and cftrII mRNA abundance) of the gill in a manner indicative of reduced active ion uptake activity. But in control fish and not salt-fed fish, gill mRNA abundance of nkaα1c increased and nbc decreased after IPW exposure. Genes encoding TJ proteins were typically either responsive to salt feeding or IPW, but select genes responded to combined experimental treatment (e.g. IPW responsive but only if fish were salt-fed). Therefore, using salt feeding and IPW exposure, new insights into what factors influence gill TJ proteins and the role that specific TJ proteins might play in regulating the barrier properties of the gill epithelium have been acquired. In particular, evidence suggests that TJ proteins in the gill epithelium, or the regulatory networks that control them, respond independently to external or internal stimuli.

Differential Regulation of Sorbitol and Sucrose Loading into the Phloem of Plantago major in Response to Salt Stress1[OA

PubMed Central

Pommerrenig, Benjamin; Papini-Terzi, Flavia Stal; Sauer, Norbert

2007-01-01

Several plant families generate polyols, the reduced form of monosaccharides, as one of their primary photosynthetic products. Together with sucrose (Suc) or raffinose, these polyols are used for long-distance allocation of photosynthetically fixed carbon in the phloem. Many species from these families accumulate these polyols under salt or drought stress, and the underlying regulation of polyol biosynthetic or oxidizing enzymes has been studied in detail. Here, we present results on the differential regulation of genes that encode transport proteins involved in phloem loading with sorbitol and Suc under salt stress. In the Suc- and sorbitol-translocating species Plantago major, the mRNA levels of the vascular sorbitol transporters PmPLT1 and PmPLT2 are rapidly up-regulated in response to salt treatment. In contrast, mRNA levels for the phloem Suc transporter PmSUC2 stay constant during the initial phase of salt treatment and are down-regulated after 24 h of salt stress. This adaptation in phloem loading is paralleled by a down-regulation of mRNA levels for a predicted sorbitol dehydrogenase (PmSDH1) in the entire leaf and of mRNA levels for a predicted Suc phosphate synthase (PmSPS1) in the vasculature. Analyses of Suc and sorbitol concentrations in leaves, in enriched vascular tissue, and in phloem exudates of detached leaves revealed an accumulation of sorbitol and, to a lesser extent, of Suc within the leaves of salt-stressed plants, a reduced rate of phloem sap exudation after NaCl treatment, and an increased sorbitol-to-Suc ratio within the phloem sap. Thus, the up-regulation of PmPLT1 and PmPLT2 expression upon salt stress results in a preferred loading of sorbitol into the phloem of P. major. PMID:17434995

Molten salt thermal energy storage for utility peaking loads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferrara, A.; Haslett, R.; Joyce, J.

1977-01-01

This paper considers the use of thermal energy storage (TES) in molten salts to increase the capacity of power plants. Five existing fossil and nuclear electric utility plants were selected as representative of current technology. A review of system load diagrams indicated that TES to meet loads over 95% of peak was a reasonable goal. Alternate TES heat exchanger locations were evaluated, showing that the stored energy should be used either for feedwater heating or to generate steam for an auxiliary power cycle. Specific salts for each concept are recommended. Design layouts were prepared for one plant, and it was shown that a TES tube/shell heat exchanger system could provide about 7% peaking capability at lower cost than adding steam generation capacity. Promising alternate heat exchanger concepts were also identified.

Method for synthesizing pollucite from chabazite and cesium chloride

DOEpatents

Pereira, C.

1999-02-23

A method is described for immobilizing waste chlorides salts containing radionuclides and hazardous nuclear material for permanent disposal, and in particular, a method is described for immobilizing waste chloride salts containing cesium, in a synthetic form of pollucite. The method for synthesizing pollucite from chabazite and cesium chloride includes mixing dry, non-aqueous cesium chloride with chabazite and heating the mixture to a temperature greater than the melting temperature of the cesium chloride, or above about 700 C. The method further comprises significantly improving the rate of retention of cesium in ceramic products comprised of a salt-loaded zeolite by adding about 10% chabazite by weight to the salt-loaded zeolite prior to conversion at elevated temperatures and pressures to the ceramic composite. 3 figs.

Method for synthesizing pollucite from chabazite and cesium chloride

DOEpatents

Pereira, Candido

1999-01-01

A method for immobilizing waste chlorides salts containing radionuclides and hazardous nuclear material for permanent disposal, and in particular, a method for immobilizing waste chloride salts containing cesium, in a synthetic form of pollucite. The method for synthesizing pollucite from chabazite and cesium chloride includes mixing dry, non-aqueous cesium chloride with chabazite and heating the mixture to a temperature greater than the melting temperature of the cesium chloride, or above about 700.degree. C. The method further comprises significantly improving the rate of retention of cesium in ceramic products comprised of a salt-loaded zeolite by adding about 10% chabazite by weight to the salt-loaded zeolite prior to conversion at elevated temperatures and pressures to the ceramic composite.

Dietary Approach to Recurrent or Chronic Hyperkalaemia in Patients with Decreased Kidney Function

PubMed Central

Cupisti, Adamasco; Kovesdy, Csaba P.; D’Alessandro, Claudia

2018-01-01

Whereas the adequate intake of potassium is relatively high in healthy adults, i.e., 4.7 g per day, a dietary potassium restriction of usually less than 3 g per day is recommended in the management of patients with reduced kidney function, especially those who tend to develop hyperkalaemia including patients who are treated with angiotensin pathway modulators. Most potassium-rich foods are considered heart-healthy nutrients with high fibre, high anti-oxidant vitamins and high alkali content such as fresh fruits and vegetables; hence, the main challenge of dietary potassium management is to maintain high fibre intake and a low net fixed-acid load, because constipation and metabolic acidosis are per se major risk factors for hyperkalaemia. To achieve a careful reduction of dietary potassium load without a decrease in alkali or fibre intake, we recommend the implementation of certain pragmatic dietary interventions as follows: Improving knowledge and education about the type of foods with excess potassium (per serving or per unit of weight); identifying foods that are needed for healthy nutrition in renal patients; classification of foods based on their potassium content normalized per unit of dietary fibre; education about the use of cooking procedures (such as boiling) in order to achieve effective potassium reduction before eating; and attention to hidden sources of potassium, in particular additives in preserved foods and low-sodium salt substitutes. The present paper aims to review dietary potassium handling and gives information about practical approaches to limit potassium load in chronic kidney disease patients at risk of hyperkalaemia. PMID:29495340

Initiation of diapirism by regional extension

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

Jackson, M.P.A.; Vendeville, B.C.

Initiation of diapirism is one of the least understood aspects of salt tectonics. Sedimentary differential loading is a favorite explanation, but special conditions such as focused sedimentation are needed to trigger diapirism by differential loading. Compilation of published data from 18 of the world's salt-diapir provinces shows that salt upwelling is consistently linked in time with regional extension, whether thin-skinned or thick-skinned. Extended salt basins typically develop salt structures, whereas nonextended basins typically do not. In some basins containing thick salt (SW Iran), diapirism was delayed as long as 400 Ma until the basin was regionally extended. In other saltmore » provinces (Maritime Alps), episodic growth of salt diapirs correlates with episodic regional extension during opening of the Neo-Tethys and Atlantic Oceans. Once initiated, salt diapirism can continue after regional extension is succeeded by contraction or quiescence. Thus even in salt basins overprinted by inversion or orogenic contraction (Morocco, Lusitania, Basque-Cantabrian, North Sea), the diapirs were initiated during extension on divergent continental margins or in intracontinental rifts. This observed temporal link between extension and diapirism is consistent with physical and numerical modeling, which demonstrates that extensional faulting of the overburden directly causes diapirism whether the salt was deposited before, during, or after rifting. Where the overburden is thinned by extension, pressurized salt wells up in response to the shifting positions of fault blocks.« less

A kinetic study on the catalysis of KCl, K2SO4, and K2CO3 during oxy-biomass combustion.

PubMed

Deng, Shuanghui; Wang, Xuebin; Zhang, Jiaye; Liu, Zihan; Mikulčić, Hrvoje; Vujanović, Milan; Tan, Houzhang; Duić, Neven

2018-07-15

Biomass combustion under the oxy-fuel conditions (Oxy-biomass combustion) is one of the approaches achieving negative CO 2 emissions. KCl, K 2 CO 3 and K 2 SO 4 , as the major potassium species in biomass ash, can catalytically affect biomass combustion. In this paper, the catalysis of the representative potassium salts on oxy-biomass combustion was studied using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). Effects of potassium salt types (KCl, K 2 CO 3 and K 2 SO 4 ), loading concentrations (0, 1, 3, 5, 8 wt%), replacing N 2 by CO 2 , and O 2 concentrations (5, 20, 30 vol%) on the catalysis degree were discussed. The comparison between TG-DTG curves of biomass combustion before and after water washing in both the 20%O 2 /80%N 2 and 20%O 2 /80%CO 2 atmospheres indicates that the water-soluble minerals in biomass play a role in promoting the devolatilization and accelerating the char-oxidation; and the replacement of N 2 by CO 2 inhibits the devolatilization and char-oxidation processes during oxy-biomass combustion. In the devolatilization stage, the catalysis degree of potassium monotonously increases with the increase of potassium salt loaded concentration. The catalysis degree order of the studied potassium salts is K 2 CO 3  > KCl > K 2 SO 4 . In the char-oxidation stage, with the increase of loading concentration the three kinds of potassium salts present inconsistent change tendencies of the catalysis degree. In the studied loading concentrations from 0 to 8 wt%, there is an optimal loading concentration for KCl and K 2 CO 3 , at 3 and 5 wt%, respectively; while for K 2 SO 4 , the catalysis degree on char-oxidation monotonically increases with the loading potassium concentration. For most studied conditions, regardless of the potassium salt types or the loading concentrations or the combustion stages, the catalysis degree in the O 2 /CO 2 atmosphere is stronger than that in the O 2 /N 2 atmosphere. The catalysis degree is also affected by the O 2 concentrations, and the lowest catalysis degree is generally around 20 vol% O 2 concentration. The kinetic parameters under the different studied conditions are finally obtained. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DENITRIFICATION ENZYME ACTIVITY OF FRINGE SALT MARSHES IN NEW ENGLAND (USA)

EPA Science Inventory

Coastal salt marshes are a buffer between the uplands and adjacent coastal waters in New England (USA). With increasing N loads from developed watersheds, salt marshes could play an important role in the water quality maintenance of coastal waters. In this study we examined seaso...

IMPACTS OF NITROGEN LOADING ON SALT MARSH INTEGRITY IN NEW ENGLAND, USA

EPA Science Inventory

Salt marsh habitat integrity is linked with the ability to provide good water quality and high biodiversity. We measured high denitrification enzyme activity (DEA) in ten coastal salt marshes in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island (seasonal means ranging from 7,476 - 53,494 kg N-1ha-...

Stimulation of Intestinal Cl- Secretion Through CFTR by Caffeine Intake in Salt-Sensitive Hypertensive Rats.

PubMed

Wei, Xiao; Lu, Zongshi; Yang, Tao; Gao, Peng; Chen, Sijiao; Liu, Daoyan; Zhu, Zhiming

2018-03-16

High salt consumption is a major risk factor for hypertension, and sodium homeostasis is regulated by both intestinal sodium absorption and urinary sodium excretion. Chronic caffeine intake has been reported to attenuate salt-sensitive hypertension by promoting urinary sodium excretion; however, its exact role in intestinal sodium absorption remains unknown. Here, we investigated whether and how chronic caffeine consumption antagonizes salt-sensitive hypertension by inhibiting intestinal sodium absorption. Dahl salt-sensitive rats were fed 8% NaCl chow and 0.1% caffeine in their drinking water for 15 days. The blood pressure and fecal sodium content were measured. The effect of caffeine on the movement of Cl- in enterocyte cells was determined with the Ussing chamber assay. Rats that were treated with caffeine displayed significantly lower mean blood pressure and higher fecal sodium content than the controls. Consistent with these findings, caffeine intake decreased fluid absorption by the intestine in the fluid perfusion experiment. Further, the results from the Ussing chamber assay indicated that caffeine promoted Cl- secretion through enterocyte apical cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), and thus inhibited sodium absorption. Moreover, depletion of cAMP or inhibition of CFTR completely abolished the effect of caffeine on Cl- secretion. The results indicate that chronic caffeine consumption reduces sodium absorption by promoting CFTR-mediated Cl- secretion in the intestine, which contributes to the anti-hypertensive effect of caffeine in salt-sensitive rats. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Very Low-Protein Diet (VLPD) Reduces Metabolic Acidosis in Subjects with Chronic Kidney Disease: The “Nutritional Light Signal” of the Renal Acid Load

PubMed Central

Di Iorio, Biagio Raffaele; Di Micco, Lucia; Marzocco, Stefania; De Simone, Emanuele; De Blasio, Antonietta; Sirico, Maria Luisa; Nardone, Luca

2017-01-01

Background: Metabolic acidosis is a common complication of chronic kidney disease; current guidelines recommend treatment with alkali if bicarbonate levels are lower than 22 mMol/L. In fact, recent studies have shown that an early administration of alkali reduces progression of CKD. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of fruit and vegetables to reduce the acid load in CKD. Methods: We conducted a case-control study in 146 patients who received sodium bicarbonate. Of these, 54 patients assumed very low-protein diet (VLPD) and 92 were controls (ratio 1:2). We calculated every three months the potential renal acid load (PRAL) and the net endogenous acid production (NEAP), inversely correlated with serum bicarbonate levels and representing the non-volatile acid load derived from nutrition. Un-paired T-test and Chi-square test were used to assess differences between study groups at baseline and study completion. Two-tailed probability values ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: At baseline, there were no statistical differences between the two groups regarding systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), protein and phosphate intake, urinary sodium, potassium, phosphate and urea nitrogen, NEAP, and PRAL. VLPD patients showed at 6 and 12 months a significant reduction of SBP (p < 0.0001), DBP (p < 0.001), plasma urea (p < 0.0001) protein intake (p < 0.0001), calcemia (p < 0.0001), phosphatemia (p < 0.0001), phosphate intake (p < 0.0001), urinary sodium (p < 0.0001), urinary potassium (p < 0.002), and urinary phosphate (p < 0.0001). NEAP and PRAL were significantly reduced in VLPD during follow-up. Conclusion: VLPD reduces intake of acids; nutritional therapy of CKD, that has always taken into consideration a lower protein, salt, and phosphate intake, should be adopted to correct metabolic acidosis, an important target in the treatment of CKD patients. We provide useful indications regarding acid load of food and drinks—the “acid load dietary traffic light”. PMID:28106712

Microencapsulation of hydrophilic drug substances using biodegradable polyesters. Part II: Implants allowing controlled drug release--a feasibility study using bisphosphonates.

PubMed

Weidenauer, U; Bodmer, D; Kissel, T

2004-03-01

The prolonged delivery of hydrophilic drug salts from hydrophobic polymer carriers at high drug loading is an ambitious goal. Pamidronate disodium salt (APD) containing implants prepared from spray-dried microparticles were investigated using a laboratory ram extruder. An APD-containing polymer matrix consisting of an APD-chitosan implant embedded in the biodegradable polymer D,L-poly(lactide-co-glycolide acid-glucose) (PLG-GLU) was compared with a matrix system with the micronized drug distributed in the PLG-GLU. The APD-chitosan matrix system showed a triphasic release behaviour at loading levels of 6.86 and 15.54% (w/w) over 36 days under in-vitro conditions. At higher loading (31.92%), a drug burst was observed within 6 days due to the formation of pores and channels in the polymeric matrix. In contrast, implants containing the micronized drug showed a more continuous release profile over 48 days up to a loading of 31.78% (w/w). At a drug loading of 46.17% (w/w), a drug burst was observed. Using micronized drug salts and reducing the surface area available for diffusion, parenteral delivery systems for highly water-soluble drug candidates were shown to be technically feasible at high drug loadings.

Remote loading of doxorubicin into liposomes driven by a transmembrane phosphate gradient.

PubMed

Fritze, Andreas; Hens, Felicitas; Kimpfler, Andrea; Schubert, Rolf; Peschka-Süss, Regine

2006-10-01

This study examines a new method for the remote loading of doxorubicin into liposomes. It was shown that doxorubicin can be loaded to a level of up to 98% into large unilamellar vesicles composed of egg phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol (7/3 mol/mol) with a transmembrane phosphate gradient. The different encapsulation efficiencies which were achieved with ammonium salts (citrate 100%, phosphate 98%, sulfate 95%, acetate 77%) were significantly higher as compared to the loading via sodium salts (citrate 54%, phosphate 52%, sulfate 44%, acetate 16%). Various factors, including pH-value, buffer capacity, solubility of doxorubicin in different salt solutions and base counter-flow, which likely has an influence on drug accumulation in the intraliposomal interior are taken into account. In contrast to other methods, the newly developed remote loading method exhibits a pH-dependent drug release property which may be effective in tumor tissues. At physiological pH-value doxorubicin is retained in the liposomes, whereas drug release is achieved by lowering the pH to 5.5 (approximately 25% release at 25 degrees C or 30% at 37 degrees C within two h). The DXR release of liposomes which were loaded via a sulfate gradient showed a maximum of 3% at pH 5.5.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of sanguinarine liposomes prepared by a remote loading method with three different ammonium salts.

PubMed

Ke, X; Bei, J H; Zhang, Y; Li, J

2011-04-01

Sanguinarine liposomes were prepared by a remote loading method using three different ammonium salts. A series of studies, including in vitro release, in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor effects and pharmacokinetics in rats, were conducted. The three liposomes showed pH-sensitive release characteristics in vitro, but there were obvious variations in their release profiles. Among the three liposomes, the liposomes made using ammonium citrate and phosphate possessed better anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo, compared with the liposome using ammonium sulfate. Pharmacokinetics test results in rats indicated that sanguinarine liposomes have notably elevated AUC (P<0.05) and markedly lower CL (P<0.05) compared with the solution, but there were no obvious differences between the three liposomes. The present study may be useful for better understanding and better choice of a suitable ammonium salt for the remote loading method.

On ripple-load, stress-corrosion, and sustained-load cracking behavior in a high strength beta titanium alloy

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

Pao, P.S.; Meyn, D.A.; Bayles, R.A.

1997-06-01

Both overaged and peakaged TIMETAL 21S beta titanium alloys exhibit significant ripple-load cracking susceptibility in salt water and in ambient air environments. At R = 0.90, the ripple-load cracking thresholds of the overaged alloy are 67% and 72% lower than the stress-corrosion cracking and sustained-load cracking thresholds. For the peakaged alloy, the reductions are 55% and 61%. The stress-corrosion cracking threshold in salt water and the sustained-load cracking threshold in air of peakaged TIMETAL 21S are significantly lower while the ripple-load cracking threshold is slightly lower than those of the overaged alloy. The stress-corrosion cracking, sustained-load cracking, and ripple-load crackingmore » resistance of peakaged TIMETAL 21S are significantly inferior to those of both beta-annealed Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn. The ripple-load cracking resistance of overaged TIMETAL 21S, though better than Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn, is still inferior than that of beta-annealed Ti-6Al-4V.« less

Untying chronic pain: prevalence and societal burden of chronic pain stages in the general population - a cross-sectional survey

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Chronic pain is a major public health problem. The impact of stages of chronic pain adjusted for disease load on societal burden has not been assessed in population surveys. Methods A cross-sectional survey with 4360 people aged ≥ 14 years representative of the German population was conducted. Measures obtained included demographic variables, presence of chronic pain (based on the definition of the International Association for the Study of Pain), chronic pain stages (by chronic pain grade questionnaire), disease load (by self-reported comorbidity questionnaire) and societal burden (by self-reported number of doctor visits, nights spent in hospital and days of sick leave/disability in the previous 12 months, and by current unemployment). Associations between chronic pain stages with societal burden, adjusted for demographic variables and disease load, were tested by Poisson and logistic regression analyses. Results 2508 responses were received. 19.4% (95% CI 16.8% to 22.0%) of participants met the criteria of chronic non-disabling non-malignant pain. 7.4% (95% CI 5.0% to 9.9%) met criteria for chronic disabling non-malignant pain. Compared with no chronic pain, the rate ratio (RR) of days with sick leave/disability was 1.6 for non-disabling pain and 6.4 for disabling pain. After adjusting for age and disease load, the RRs increased to 1.8 and 6.8. The RR of doctor visits was 2.5 for non-disabling pain and 4.5 for disabling pain if compared with no chronic pain. After adjusting for age and disease load, the RR fell to 1.7 and 2.6. The RR of days in hospital was 2.7 for non-disabling pain and 11.7 for disabling pain if compared with no chronic pain. After adjusting for age and disease load, the RR fell to 1.5 and 4.0. Unemployment was predicted by lower educational level (Odds Ratio OR 3.27 [95% CI 1.70-6.29]), disabling pain (OR 3.30 [95% CI 1.76-6.21]) and disease load (OR 1.70 [95% CI 1.41-2.05]). Conclusion Chronic pain stages, but also disease load and societal inequalities contributed to societal burden. Pain measurements in epidemiology research of chronic pain should include chronic pain grades and disease load. PMID:24725286

[The possibilities for the treatment of exudative otitis media in the children presenting with chronic adenoiditis].

PubMed

Karpova, E P; Karpycheva, I E; Tulupov, D A

2014-01-01

The objective of the present study was to improve the effectiveness of medicamental therapy of exudative otitis media in the children with recurrent and chronic adenoiditis. It was shown that the use of fluifort (carbocysteine lysine salt) for the treatment of exudative otitis media in the children presenting with chronic adenoiditis is a more effective approach in comparison with the expectant management. It is concluded that the application of carbocysteine lysine salt in combination with the mometasone furoate nasal spray ensures the rapid elimination of the symptoms of adenoiditis and significantly accelerates the resolution of exudative otitis media compared with the monotherapeutic treatment.

The Amelioration of Insulin Resistance in Salt Loading Subjects by Potassium Supplementation is Associated with a Reduction in Plasma IL-17A Levels.

PubMed

Wen, Wen; Wan, Zhaofei; Zhou, Dong; Zhou, Juan; Yuan, Zuyi

2017-09-01

Background High dietary salt intake contributes to the development of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases including metabolic syndrome (MetS) which potassium supplementation can potentially reverse. T helper (Th) 17 cells as well as its production interleukin (IL)-17A are involved in the pathogenesis of MetS. The polarization of Th17 cells and enhanced IL-17A production induced by high salt might increase the risk of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. Methods 45 normotensive subjects (aged 29 to 65 years) were enrolled from a rural community of Northern China at random. All of the participants were maintained on a low-salt (3 g/day) diet for 7 days, a high-salt (18 g/day) diet for 7 days, and then a high-salt diet with potassium supplementation (4.5 g/day, KCl) for another 7 days. Insulin resistance (IR) was determined based on the homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA-IR). Results Participants exhibited increased plasma insulin level, as well as progressed HOMA-IR, during a high-salt diet intervention, which potassium supplementation reversed. Moreover, after salt loading, the plasma IL-17A concentrations increased significantly (4.2±2.1 pg/mL to 9.7±5.1 pg/mL; P <0.01), whereas dropped considerably when dietary potassium was supplemented (9.7±5.1 pg/mL to 2.0±0.9 pg/mL; P <0.001). Statistically significant correlations were found between changes in HOMA-IR and changes in plasma IL-17A concentrations during the interventions (low- to high-salt: r=0.642, P <0.01; high-salt to potassium supplementation: r=0.703, P <0.01). Based on multivariate regression analysis, plasma IL-17A showed as an independent predictor of IR. Conclusions The amelioration of salt-loading-induced IR by potassium supplementation in participants may be related to the reduction in plasma IL-17A concentration. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

A comparison of constant-load and constant-deflection stress-corrosion tests on precracked DCB specimens. [Double Cantilever Beam

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dorward, R. C.; Hasse, K. R.

1978-01-01

A comparison is made between measurements of stress-corrosion crack propagation made by a constant-load procedure and by a constant-deflection procedure. Precracked double cantilever beam specimens from 7075 aluminum alloy plate were used. The specimens were oriented in such a way that cracking would begin in the short-transverse plane and would propagate in the rolling direction. The specimens were subjected to a buffered salt-chromate solution and a 3.6% synthetic sea salt solution. The measurements were made optically with a binocular microscope. Stress intensities and crack lengths were calculated and crack velocities were obtained. Velocity was plotted against the average calculated stress intensity. Good agreement between the two methods was found for the salt-chromate solution, although some descrepancies were noted for the artificial sea salt solution.

Greenhouse gas emissions in salt marshes and their response to nitrogen loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, J.; Moseman-Valtierra, S.; Kroeger, K. D.; Morkeski, K.; Carey, J.

2015-12-01

Salt marshes play an important role in global and regional carbon and nitrogen cycling. Anthropogenic nitrogen loading may alter greenhouse gas (GHG, including CO2, CH4, and N2O) emissions and carbon sequestration in salt marshes. We measured GHG emissions biweekly for two growing seasons across a nitrogen-loading gradient of four Spartina salt marshes in Waquoit Bay, Massachusetts. In addition, we conducted nitrogen addition experiments in a pristine marsh by adding low and high nitrate bi-weekly during the summer. The GHG flux measurements were made in situ with a state-of-the-art mobile gas measurement system using the cavity ring down technology that consists of a CO2/CH4 analyzer (Picarro) and an N2O/CO analyzer (Los Gatos). We observed strong seasonal variations in greenhouse gas emissions. The differences in gas emissions across the nitrogen gradient (between 1 and 10 gN m-2y-1) were not significant, but strong pulse emissions of N2O were observed after nitrogen was artificially added to the marsh. We found that the studied salt marsh was a significant carbon sink (NEP ~ 380 gC m-2y-1). CH4 fluxes are 3 orders of magnitude less than CO2 fluxes in the salt marsh. Carbon fluxes are driven by light, salinity, tide, and temperature. We conclude that restoration or conservation of this carbon sink has a significant social benefit for carbon credit.

Performance evaluation of two protective treatments on salt-laden limestones and marble after natural and artificial weathering.

PubMed

Salvadori, Barbara; Pinna, Daniela; Porcinai, Simone

2014-02-01

Salt crystallization is a major damage factor in stone weathering, and the application of inappropriate protective products may amplify its effects. This research focuses on the evaluation of two protective products' performance (organic polydimethylsiloxane and inorganic ammonium oxalate (NH4)2(COO)2·H2O) in the case of a salt load from behind. Experimental laboratory simulations based on salt crystallization cycles and natural weathering in an urban area were carried out. The effects were monitored over time, applying different methods: weight loss evaluation, colorimetric and water absorption by capillarity measurements, stereomicroscope observations, FTIR and SEM-EDS analyses. The results showed minor impact exerted on the short term on stones, particularly those treated with the water repellent, by atmospheric agents compared to salt crystallization. Lithotypes with low salt load (Gioia marble) underwent minor changes than the heavily salt-laden limestones (Lecce and Ançã stones), which were dramatically damaged when treated with polysiloxane. The results suggest that the ammonium oxalate treatment should be preferred to polysiloxane in the presence of soluble salts, even after desalination procedures which might not completely remove them. In addition, the neo-formed calcium oxalate seemed to effectively protect the stone, improving its resistance against salt crystallization without occluding the pores and limiting the superficial erosion caused by atmospheric agents.

Higher salt preference in heart failure patients.

PubMed

de Souza, Juli Thomaz; Matsubara, Luiz S; Menani, José Vanderlei; Matsubara, Beatriz B; Johnson, Alan Kim; De Gobbi, Juliana Irani Fratucci

2012-02-01

Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome that involves changes in behavioral, neural and endocrine regulatory systems. Dietary salt restriction along with pharmacotherapy is considered an essential component in the effective management of symptomatic HF patients. However, it is well recognized that HF patients typically have great difficulty in restricting sodium intake. We hypothesized that under HF altered activity in systems that normally function to regulate body fluid and cardiovascular homeostasis could produce an increased preference for the taste of salt. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the perceived palatability (defined as salt preference) of food with different concentrations of added salt in compensated chronically medicated HF patients and comparable control subjects. Healthy volunteers (n=25) and medicated, clinically stable HF patients (n=38, NYHA functional class II or III) were interviewed and given an evaluation to assess their preferences for different amounts of saltiness. Three salt concentrations (0.58, 0.82, and 1.16 g/100 g) of bean soup were presented to the subjects. Salt preference for each concentration was quantified using an adjective scale (unpleasant, fair or delicious). Healthy volunteers preferred the soup with medium salt concentration (p=0.042), HF patients disliked the low concentration (p<0.001) and preferred the high concentration of salted bean soup (p<0.001). When compared to healthy volunteers, HF patients demonstrated a significantly greater preference for the soup with a high salt concentration (p=0.038). It is concluded that medicated, compensated patients under chronic treatment for HF have an increased preference for salt. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Using chloride and other ions to trace sewage and road salt in the Illinois Waterway

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kelly, W.R.; Panno, S.V.; Hackley, Keith C.; Hwang, H.-H.; Martinsek, A.T.; Markus, M.

2010-01-01

Chloride concentrations in waterways of northern USA are increasing at alarming rates and road salt is commonly assumed to be the cause. However, there are additional sources of Cl- in metropolitan areas, such as treated wastewater (TWW) and water conditioning salts, which may be contributing to Cl- loads entering surface waters. In this study, the potential sources of Cl- and Cl- loads in the Illinois River Basin from the Chicago area to the Illinois River's confluence with the Mississippi River were investigated using halide data in stream samples and published Cl- and river discharge data. The investigation showed that road salt runoff and TWW from the Chicago region dominate Cl- loads in the Illinois Waterway, defined as the navigable sections of the Illinois River and two major tributaries in the Chicago region. Treated wastewater discharges at a relatively constant rate throughout the year and is the primary source of Cl- and other elements such as F- and B. Chloride loads are highest in the winter and early spring as a result of road salt runoff which can increase Cl- concentrations by up to several hundred mg/L. Chloride concentrations decrease downstream in the Illinois Waterway due to dilution, but are always elevated relative to tributaries downriver from Chicago. The TWW component is especially noticeable downstream under low discharge conditions during summer and early autumn when surface drainage is at a minimum and agricultural drain tiles are not flowing. Increases in population, urban and residential areas, and roadways in the Chicago area have caused an increase in the flux of Cl- from both road salt and TWW. Chloride concentrations have been increasing in the Illinois Waterway since around 1960 at a rate of about 1 mg/L/a. The increase is largest in the winter months due to road salt runoff. Shallow groundwater Cl- concentrations are also increasing, potentially producing higher base flow concentrations. Projected increases in population and urbanization over the next several decades suggest that the trend of increasing Cl- concentrations and loads will continue. Given the susceptibility of aquatic ecosystems to increasing Cl- concentrations, especially short-term spikes following snow melts, deleterious effects on riverine ecosystems would be expected. ?? 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Blast and Penetration Resistant Tactical Shelters

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-07-01

2. Hardened Wall Material Properties 32 3. S-280 Shelter Panal Properties 33 4. Results Zor Dynamic Response of Complete S-280 Shelters 32 £-". In...insulation from a -6501 low to a 120 0F high plus a solar heating load 7. Corrosion resistance including salt fog 8. Blackout capability 9. Fungus...65 0 F), high temperature (120 0 F) plus a solar heating (BTU) load. g. Corrosion resistance (salt fog). 19 h. Blackout capability. i. Fungus

Thermal energy storage heat exchanger: Molten salt heat exchanger design for utility power plants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferarra, A.; Yenetchi, G.; Haslett, R.; Kosson, R.

1977-01-01

The use of thermal energy storage (TES) in the latent heat of molten salts as a means of conserving fossil fuels and lowering the cost of electric power was evaluated. Public utility systems provided electric power on demand. This demand is generally maximum during late weekday afternoons, with considerably lower overnight and weekend loads. Typically, the average demand is only 60% to 80% of peak load. As peak load increases, the present practice is to purchase power from other grid facilities or to bring older less efficient fossil-fuel plants on line which increase the cost of electric power. The widespread use of oil-fired boilers, gas turbine and diesel equipment to meet peaking loads depletes our oil-based energy resources. Heat exchangers utilizing molten salts can be used to level the energy consumption curve. The study begins with a demand analysis and the consideration of several existing modern fossil-fuel and nuclear power plants for use as models. Salts are evaluated for thermodynamic, economic, corrosive, and safety characteristics. Heat exchanger concepts are explored and heat exchanger designs are conceived. Finally, the economics of TES conversions in existing plants and new construction is analyzed. The study concluded that TES is feasible in electric power generation. Substantial data are presented for TES design, and reference material for further investigation of techniques is included.

Red meat intake in chronic kidney disease patients: Two sides of the coin.

PubMed

Mafra, Denise; Borges, Natalia A; Cardozo, Ludmila Ferreira Medeiros de Franca; Anjos, Juliana S; Black, Ana Paula; Moraes, Cristiane; Bergman, Peter; Lindholm, Bengt; Stenvinkel, Peter

2018-02-01

Red meat is an important dietary source of high biological value protein and micronutrients such as vitamins, iron, and zinc that exert many beneficial functions. However, high consumption of animal protein sources, especially red meat, results in an increased intake of saturated fat, cholesterol, iron, and salt, as well as an excessive acid load. Red meat intake may lead to an elevated production of uremic toxins by the gut microbiota, such as trimethylamine n-oxide (TMAO), indoxyl sulfate, and p-cresyl sulfate. These uremic toxins are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) mortality. Limiting the intake of red meat in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) thus may be a good strategy to reduce CV risk, and may slow the progression of kidney disease. In the present review, we discuss the role of red meat in the diet of patients with CKD. Additionally, we report on a pilot study that focused on the effect of a low-protein diet on TMAO plasma levels in nondialysis CKD patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Structural Reconstruction of the Perivascular Space in the Adult Mouse Neurohypophysis During an Osmotic Stimulation.

PubMed

Nishikawa, K; Furube, E; Morita, S; Horii-Hayashi, N; Nishi, M; Miyata, S

2017-02-01

Oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) neuropeptides in the neurohypophysis (NH) control lactation and body fluid homeostasis, respectively. Hypothalamic neurosecretory neurones project their axons from the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei to the NH to make contact with the vascular surface and release OXT and AVP. The neurohypophysial vascular structure is unique because it has a wide perivascular space between the inner and outer basement membranes. However, the significance of this unique vascular structure remains unclear; therefore, we aimed to determine the functional significance of the perivascular space and its activity-dependent changes during salt loading in adult mice. The results obtained revealed that pericytes were the main resident cells and defined the profile of the perivascular space. Moreover, pericytes sometimes extended their cellular processes or 'perivascular protrusions' into neurohypophysial parenchyma between axonal terminals. The vascular permeability of low-molecular-weight (LMW) molecules was higher at perivascular protrusions than at the smooth vascular surface. Axonal terminals containing OXT and AVP were more likely to localise at perivascular protrusions than at the smooth vascular surface. Chronic salt loading with 2% NaCl significantly induced prominent changes in the shape of pericytes and also increased the number of perivascular protrusions and the surface area of the perivascular space together with elevations in the vascular permeability of LMW molecules. Collectively, these results indicate that the perivascular space of the NH acts as the main diffusion route for OXT and AVP and, in addition, changes in the shape of pericytes and perivascular reconstruction occur in response to an increased demand for neuropeptide release. © 2017 British Society for Neuroendocrinology.

Bentonite-Clay Waste Form for the Immobilization of Cesium and Strontium from Fuel Processing Waste Streams

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

Kaminski, Michael D.; Mertz, Carol J.

2016-01-01

The physical properties of a surrogate waste form containing cesium, strontium, rubidium, and barium sintered into bentonite clay were evaluated for several simulant feed streams: chlorinated cobalt dicarbollide/polyethylene glycol (CCD-PEG) strip solution, nitrate salt, and chloride salt feeds. We sintered bentonite clay samples with a loading of 30 mass% of cesium, strontium, rubidium, and barium to a density of approximately 3 g/cm 3. Sintering temperatures of up to 1000°C did not result in volatility of cesium. Instead, there was an increase in crystallinity of the waste form upon sintering to 1000ºC for chloride- and nitrate-salt loaded clays. The nitrate saltmore » feed produced various cesium pollucite phases, while the chloride salt feed did not produce these familiar phases. In fact, many of the x-ray diffraction peaks could not be matched to known phases. Assemblages of silicates were formed that incorporated the Sr, Rb, and Ba ions. Gas evolution during sintering to 1000°C was significant (35% weight loss for the CCD-PEG waste-loaded clay), with significant water being evolved at approximately 600°C.« less

Effects of nitrogen loading on greenhouse gas emissions in salt marshes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, J.; Moseman-Valtierra, S.; Kroeger, K. D.; Morkeski, K.; Mora, J.; Chen, X.; Carey, J.

2014-12-01

Salt marshes play an important role in global and regional carbon and nitrogen cycling. We tested the hypothesis that anthropogenic nitrogen loading alters greenhouse gas (GHG, including CO2, CH4, and N2O) emissions and carbon sequestration in salt marshes. We measured GHG emissions biweekly for two growing seasons across a nitrogen-loading gradient of four Spartina salt marshes in Waquoit Bay, Massachusetts. In addition, we conducted nitrogen addition experiments in a pristine marsh by adding low and high nitrate to triplicate plots bi-weekly during the summer. The GHG flux measurements were made in situ with a state-of-the-art mobile gas measurement system using the cavity ring down technology that consists of a CO2/CH4 analyzer (Picarro) and an N2O/CO analyzer (Los Gatos). We observed strong seasonal variations in greenhouse gas emissions. The differences in gas emissions across the nitrogen gradient were not significant, but strong pulse emissions of N2O were observed after nitrogen was artificially added to the marsh. Our results will facilitate model development to simulate GHG emissions in coastal wetlands and support methodology development to assess carbon credits in preserving and restoring coastal wetlands.

Thermal-gradient migration of brine inclusions in salt crystals. [Synthetic single crystals of NaCl and KCl

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

Yagnik, S.K.

1982-09-01

It has been proposed that high-level nuclear waste be disposed in a geologic repository. Natural-salt deposits, which are being considered for this purpose, contain a small volume fraction of water in the form of brine inclusions distributed throughout the salt. Radioactive-decay heating of the nuclear wastes will impose a temperature gradient on the surrounding salt which mobilizes the brine inclusions. Inclusions filled completely with brine migrate up the temperature gradient and eventually accumulate brine near the buried waste forms. The brine may slowly corrode or degrade the waste forms which is undesirable. In this work, thermal gradient migration of bothmore » all-liquid and gas-liquid inclusions was experimentally studied in synthetic single crystals of NaCl and KCl using a hot-stage attachment to an optical microscope which was capable of imposing temperature gradients and axial compressive loads on the crystals. The migration velocities of the inclusions were found to be dependent on temperature, temperature gradient, and inclusion shape and size. The velocities were also dictated by the interfacial mass transfer resistance at brine/solid interface. This interfacial resistance depends on the dislocation density in the crystal, which in turn, depends on the axial compressive loading of the crystal. At low axial loads, the dependence between the velocity and temperature gradient is non-linear.At high axial loads, however, the interfacial resistance is reduced and the migration velocity depends linearly on the temperature gradient. All-liquid inclusions filled with mixed brines were also studied. For gas-liquid inclusions, three different gas phases (helium, air and argon) were compared. Migration studies were also conducted on single crystallites of natural salt as well as in polycrystalline natural salt samples. The behavior of the inclusions at large angle grain boundaries was observed. 35 figures, 3 tables.« less

Salt-sparing diuretic action of a water-soluble urea analog inhibitor of urea transporters UT-A and UT-B in rats

PubMed Central

Cil, Onur; Esteva-Font, Cristina; Tas, Sadik Taskin; Su, Tao; Lee, Sujin; Anderson, Marc O.; Ertunc, Mert; Verkman, A. S.

2015-01-01

Inhibitors of kidney urea transporter (UT) proteins have potential use as salt-sparing diuretics (‘urearetics’) with a different mechanism of action than diuretics that target salt transporters. To study UT inhibition in rats, we screened about 10,000 drugs, natural products and urea analogs for inhibition of rat UT-A1. Drug and natural product screening found nicotine, sanguinarine and an indolcarbonylchromenone with IC50 of 10–20 μM. Urea analog screening found methylacetamide and dimethylthiourea (DMTU). DMTU fully and reversibly inhibited rat UT-A1 and UT-B by a noncompetitive mechanism with IC50 of 2–3 mM. Homology modeling and docking computations suggested DMTU binding sites on rat UT-A1. Following a single intraperitoneal injection of 500 mg/kg DMTU, peak plasma concentration was 9 mM with t1/2 of about 10 hours, and a urine concentration of 20–40 mM. Rats chronically treated with DMTU had a sustained, reversible reduction in urine osmolality from 1800 to 600 mOsm, a 3-fold increase in urine output, and mild hypokalemia. DMTU did not impair urinary concentrating function in rats on a low protein diet. Compared to furosemide-treated rats, the DMTU-treated rats had greater diuresis and reduced urinary salt loss. In a model of Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone secretion, DMTU treatment prevented hyponatremia and water retention produced by water-loading in dDAVP-treated rats. Thus, our results establish a rat model of UT inhibition and demonstrate the diuretic efficacy of UT inhibition. PMID:25993324

Salt-sparing diuretic action of a water-soluble urea analog inhibitor of urea transporters UT-A and UT-B in rats.

PubMed

Cil, Onur; Esteva-Font, Cristina; Tas, Sadik Taskin; Su, Tao; Lee, Sujin; Anderson, Marc O; Ertunc, Mert; Verkman, Alan S

2015-08-01

Inhibitors of kidney urea transporter (UT) proteins have potential use as salt-sparing diuretics ('urearetics') with a different mechanism of action than diuretics that target salt transporters. To study UT inhibition in rats, we screened about 10,000 drugs, natural products and urea analogs for inhibition of rat UT-A1. Drug and natural product screening found nicotine, sanguinarine and an indolcarbonylchromenone with IC50 of 10-20 μM. Urea analog screening found methylacetamide and dimethylthiourea (DMTU). DMTU fully and reversibly inhibited rat UT-A1 and UT-B by a noncompetitive mechanism with IC50 of 2-3 mM. Homology modeling and docking computations suggested DMTU binding sites on rat UT-A1. Following a single intraperitoneal injection of 500 mg/kg DMTU, peak plasma concentration was 9 mM with t1/2 of about 10 h, and a urine concentration of 20-40 mM. Rats chronically treated with DMTU had a sustained, reversible reduction in urine osmolality from 1800 to 600 mOsm, a 3-fold increase in urine output, and mild hypokalemia. DMTU did not impair urinary concentrating function in rats on a low protein diet. Compared to furosemide-treated rats, the DMTU-treated rats had greater diuresis and reduced urinary salt loss. In a model of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, DMTU treatment prevented hyponatremia and water retention produced by water-loading in dDAVP-treated rats. Thus, our results establish a rat model of UT inhibition and demonstrate the diuretic efficacy of UT inhibition.

Protective effects of AT1-receptor blocker and CA antagonist combination on renal function in salt loaded spontaneously hypertensive rats.

PubMed

Gjorgjievska, K; Zafirov, D; Jurhar-Pavlova, M; Cekovska, S; Atanasovska, E; Pavlovska, K; Zendelovska, D

2015-01-01

Salt sensitive hypertension is known to be a contributing factor for the progression of kidney disease. This study was undertaken to investigate the role of excessive dietary salt on renal function and to evaluate the effect of valsartan and amlodipin given as a combination therapy on blood pressure and parameters specific to the renal function in salt loaded SHR rats. 48 male SHR rats at age of 20 weeks and body weight ranging between 270-350 g were used. SHR rats were divided into 3 groups: control group of rats -SHRC (n = 16) given tab water ad libitum and two salt treated groups in which tab water was replaced with a solution of NaCl (1%) from age of 8 weeks given ad libitum: SHRVAL+AMLO group (n = 16) where investigated drugs were administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg/ b.w. (valsartan) and 5 mg/kg/ b.w. (amlodipin) by gavage and SHR NaCl group (n = 16) that received saline in the same volume and the same time intervals as the SHRVAL+AMLO group. For a period of 12 weeks we have investigated the effect of the VAL+AMLO drug combination on systolic blood pressure (SBP), body weight and renal function tests. Salt loading with 1% solution in the SHR NaCl group has lead to significant increase of blood pressure, proteinuria and decrease in creatinine clearance. Combined treatment with AT1 receptor blocker and calcium antagonist has managed to control blood pressure and ameliorated renal damage.

Thermal energy storage for power generation applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drost, M. K.; Antoniak, Zen I.; Brown, D. R.

1990-03-01

Studies strongly indicate that the United States will face widespread electrical power constraints in the 1990s. In many cases, the demand for increased power will occur during peak and intermediate demand periods. While natural gas is currently plentiful and economically attractive for meeting peak and intermediate loads, the development of a coal-fired peaking option would give utilities insurance against unexpected supply shortages or cost increases. This paper discusses a conceptual evaluation of using thermal energy storage (TES) to improve the economics of coal-fired peak and intermediate load power generation. The use of TES can substantially improve the economic attractiveness of meeting peak and intermediate loads with coal-fired power generation. In this case, conventional pulverized coal combustion equipment is continuously operated to heat molten nitrate salt, which is then stored. During peak demand periods, hot salt is withdrawn from storage and used to generate steam for a Rankine steam power cycle. This allows the coal-fired salt heater to be approximately one-third the size of a coal-fired boiler in a conventional cycling plant. The general impact is to decouple the generation of thermal energy from its conversion to electricity. The present study compares a conventional cycling pulverized coal-fired power plant to a pulverized coal-fired plant using nitrate salt TES. The study demonstrates that a coal-fired salt heater is technically feasible and should be less expensive than a similar coal-fired boiler. The results show the use of nitrate salt TES reduced the levelized cost of power by between 5 and 24 percent, depending on the operating schedule.

Simulating Salt Movement using a Coupled Salinity Transport Model in a Variably Saturated Agricultural Groundwater System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tavakoli Kivi, S.; Bailey, R. T.; Gates, T. K.

2017-12-01

Salinization is one of the major concerns in irrigated agricultural fields. Increasing salinity concentrations are due principally to a high water table that results from excessive irrigation, canal seepage, and a lack of efficient drainage systems, and lead to decreasing crop yield. High groundwater salinity loading to nearby river systems also impacts downstream areas, with saline river water diverted for application on irrigated fields. To assess the different strategies for salt remediation, we present a reactive transport model (UZF-RT3D) coupled with a salinity equilibrium chemistry module for simulating the fate and transport of salt ions in a variably-saturated agricultural groundwater system. The developed model accounts not for advection, dispersion, nitrogen and sulfur cycling, oxidation-reduction, sorption, complexation, ion exchange, and precipitation/dissolution of salt minerals. The model is applied to a 500 km2 region within the Lower Arkansas River Valley (LARV) in southeastern Colorado, an area acutely affected by salinization in the past few decades. The model is tested against salt ion concentrations in the saturated zone, total dissolved solid concentrations in the unsaturated zone, and salt groundwater loading to the Arkansas River. The model now can be used to investigate salinity remediation strategies.

Modeling Dissolved Solids in the Rincon Valley, New Mexico Using RiverWare

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abudu, S.; Ahn, S. R.; Sheng, Z.

2017-12-01

Simulating transport and storage of dissolved solids in surface water and underlying alluvial aquifer is essential to evaluate the impacts of surface water operations, groundwater pumping, and climate variability on the spatial and temporal variability of salinity in the Rio Grande Basin. In this study, we developed a monthly RiverWare water quantity and quality model to simulate the both concentration and loads of dissolved solids for the Rincon Valley, New Mexico from Caballo Reservoir to Leasburg Dam segment of the Rio Grande. The measured flows, concentration and loads of dissolved solids in the main stream and drains were used to develop RiveWare model using 1980-1988 data for calibration, and 1989-1995 data for validation. The transport of salt is tracked using discretized salt and post-process approaches. Flow and salt exchange between the surface water and adjacent groundwater objects is computed using "soil moisture salt with supplemental flow" method in the RiverWare. In the groundwater objects, the "layered salt" method is used to simulate concentration of the dissolved solids in the shallow groundwater storage. In addition, the estimated local inflows under different weather conditions by using a calibrated Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) were fed into the RiverWare to refine the simulation of the flow and dissolved solids. The results show the salt concentration and loads increased at Leasburg Dam, which indicates the river collects salts from the agricultural return flow and the underlying aquifer. The RiverWare model with the local inflow fed by SWAT delivered the better quantification of temporal and spatial salt exchange patterns between the river and the underlying aquifer. The results from the proposed modeling approach can be used to refine the current mass-balance budgets for dissolved-solids transport in the Rio Grande, and provide guidelines for planning and decision-making to control salinity in arid river environment.

Vascular structure and oxidative stress in salt-loaded spontaneously hypertensive rats: effects of losartan and atenolol.

PubMed

de Cavanagh, Elena M V; Ferder, León F; Ferder, Marcelo D; Stella, Inés Y; Toblli, Jorge E; Inserra, Felipe

2010-12-01

Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) modulation by high dietary sodium may contribute to salt-induced hypertension, oxidative stress, and target organ damage. We investigated whether angiotensin II (Ang-II) type 1 (AT1)-receptor blockade (losartan) could protect the aorta and renal arteries from combined hypertension- and high dietary salt-related oxidative stress. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (3-month-old, n = 10/group) received tap water (SHR), water containing 1.5% NaCl (SHR+S), 1.5% NaCl and 30 mg losartan/kg/day (SHR+S+L), or 50 mg atenolol/kg/day (SHR+S+A). Atenolol was used for comparison. Ten Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) were controls. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was determined by tail plethysmography. After 5 months of treatment, vascular remodeling and oxidative stress (superoxide production and NAD(P)H-oxidase activity (chemiluminescence), malondialdehyde (MDA) content (high-performance liquid chromatography), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity [(14)C-arginine to (14)C citrulline], CuZn-SOD activity (spectrophotometry)) were studied. In SHR, salt-loading significantly aggravated hypertension, urinary protein excretion, intraparenchymal renal artery (IPRArt) perivascular fibrosis, aortic and renal artery oxidative stress, and induced endothelial cell loss in IPRArts. In salt-loaded SHR, 5-month losartan and atenolol treatments similarly reduced SBP, but only losartan significantly prevented (i) urinary protein excretion increase, (ii) or attenuated hypertension-related vascular remodeling, (iii) aortic MDA accumulation, (iv) renal artery eNOS activity lowering, and (v) aortic and renal artery superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity reduction. In SHR+S, the contributions to aortic superoxide production were as follows: uncoupled eNOS > xanthine oxidase (XO) > NAD(P)H oxidase. In this salt-sensitive genetic hypertension model, losartan protects from hypertension- and high dietary salt-related vascular oxidative stress, exceeding the benefits of BP reduction. Also, during salt overload, BP-independent factors contribute to vascular remodeling, at least part of which derive from AT1-receptor activation.

Coping with effects of high dissolved salt samples on the inductively coupled plasma spectrometer

Treesearch

Jane E. Hislop; James W. Hornbeck; James W. Hornbeck

2002-01-01

Research on acidic forest soils typically uses unbuffered salt solutions as extractants for exchangeable cations. Our lab uses 1 M NH4C1 extractant for exchangeable cations (Ca, K, Mg, and Na) and 1 M KC1 for exchangeable aluminum. The resulting high dissolved salt solutions presented chronic analytical problems on flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and...

Effect of acute salt ingestion upon core temperature in healthy men.

PubMed

Muller, Matthew D; Ryan, Edward J; Bellar, David M; Kim, Chul-Ho; Williamson, Megan E; Glickman, Ellen L; Blankfield, Robert P

2011-06-01

Salt intake may cause conflict for the cardiovascular system as it attempts to simultaneously maintain blood pressure (BP) and temperature homeostasis. Our objective was to determine the effect of a salt and water load vs. a water load upon rectal temperature (Tre) in healthy volunteers. Twenty-two healthy, non-hypertensive Caucasian men enrolled in two trials in which they ingested either salt and body temperature water (SALT), or body temperature water (WATER). BP, Tre, cardiac index, peripheral resistance and urine output were monitored one, 2 and 3 h post-baseline. Changes in the dependent variables were compared between those subjects who were salt sensitive (SS) and those who were salt resistant (SR) at the same time intervals. The percentage change reduction in Tre was greater following SALT compared with WATER at +120 min (-1.1±0.7 vs. -0.6±0.5%, P=0.009) and at +180 min (-1.3±0.8 vs. -0.7±0.6%, P=0.003). The percentage change reduction in Tre was greater in the SR group compared with the SS group at +180 min (-1.6±0.9 vs. -0.9±0.5%, P=0.043). SALT decreased Tre more than WATER. SS individuals maintained temperature homeostasis more effectively than SR individuals following SALT. These results may explain why some individuals are SS while others are SR. If these results are generalizable, it would be possible to account for the role of sodium chloride in the development of SS hypertension.

Composite Materials and Meta Materials for a New Approach to ITER ICRH Loads

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

Bottollier-Curtet, H.; Argouarch, A.; Vulliez, K.

Preliminary laboratory testing of ICRH antennas is a very useful step before their commissioning. Traditionally, pure water, salt water or baking soda water loads are used. These 'water' loads are convenient but strongly limited in terms of performance testing. We have started two feasibility studies for advanced ICRH loads made of ferroelectric ceramics (passive loads) and meta materials (active loads). Preliminary results are very encouraging.

Microstructure Evolution from X-CT Measurements for Concrete/mortar under Multi-actions of Composite Salts Dry-wet Cycles and Loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yanjuan; Gao, Jianming; Shen, Daman

2017-08-01

Inthis research, microstructure evolution forconcrete/mortar under multi-actions of composite salts dry-wet cycles and loading was investigated through X-CT measurements. The evolution process of pores and micro-cracking with the erosion time were tracked. Compared the different erosion actions, it was found that dry-wet cycles promoted the pores become connected gradually. Besides, the dry-wet cycles accelerated the damage seriously on interface area between concrete and aggregate, whistle, loading contributes to the cracking propagation toward the internal. Moreover, fly ash played a positive role in the increasing of the number of harmless holes again and contributed to the durability of concrete.

Role of Vasopressin in Rat Models of Salt-Dependent Hypertension.

PubMed

Prager-Khoutorsky, Masha; Choe, Katrina Y; Levi, David I; Bourque, Charles W

2017-05-01

Dietary salt intake increases both plasma sodium and osmolality and therefore increases vasopressin (VP) release from the neurohypophysis. Although this effect could increase blood pressure by inducing fluid reabsorption and vasoconstriction, acute activation of arterial baroreceptors inhibits VP neurons via GABA A receptors to oppose high blood pressure. Here we review recent findings demonstrating that this protective mechanism fails during chronic high salt intake in rats. Two recent studies showed that chronic high sodium intake causes an increase in intracellular chloride concentration in VP neurons. This effect causes GABA A receptors to become excitatory and leads to the emergence of VP-dependent hypertension. One study showed that the increase in intracellular chloride was provoked by a decrease in the expression of the chloride exporter KCC2 mediated by local secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and activation of TrkB receptors. Prolonged high dietary salt intake can cause pathological plasticity in a central homeostatic circuit that controls VP secretion and thereby contribute to peripheral vasoconstriction and hypertension.

Endogenous digitalis-like factors.

PubMed

Schoner, W

1992-01-01

The postulate of a natriuretic factor inhibiting the sodium pump in the kidney led to the detection of increased concentrations of endogenous digitalis-like factors in blood after salt loading, in essential hypertension, in pregnancy-induced hypertension and in chronic hypervolaemia. The recent isolation of ouabain or a close isomer thereof from human plasma and the demonstration of a compound similar if not identical to digoxin in adrenals and human urine shows that mammals like non-vertebrates and toads may synthesize cardiac glycosides in their adrenals and possibly in hypothalamus. The hypothalamus also forms other compounds of unknown structure which bind to the cardiac glycoside receptor site. The differential functions of endogenously formed ouabain and of a digoxin-like substance are unclear. The detailed knowledge of the physiological role of both endogenously formed cardiac glycosides in the regulation of blood pressure has still to be worked out.

[Antibacterial activity of copper salts against microorganisms isolated from chronic infected wounds].

PubMed

Febré, Naldy; Silva, Viviana; Báez, Andrea; Palza, Humberto; Delgado, Katherine; Aburto, Isabel; Silva, Victor

2016-12-01

The antimicrobial activity of copper (Cu+2) is recognized and used as an antimicrobial agent. To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of copper against microorganisms obtained from chronic cutaneous wound infections. Five chemical products that contained copper particles in their composition were tested (zeolite, silica, acetate, nitrate and nanoparticle of copper). The antimicrobial activity against antibiotic resistant strains usually isolated from chronic cutaneous wound infections was determined for two of the products with better performance in copper release. The minimal inhibitory and minimal bactericidal concentrations of copper acetate and nitrate were similar, fluctuating between 400-2,000 µg/ml. The studied copper salts show great potential to be used to control both gram positive and gram negative, antibiotic resistant bacteria isolated from wound infections.

Irrigation efficiency and quality of irrigation return flows in the Ebro River Basin: an overview.

PubMed

Causapé, J; Quílez, D; Aragüés, R

2006-06-01

The review analysis of twenty two irrigation efficiency (IE) studies carried out in the Ebro River Basin shows that IE is low (average IE)(avg)(= 53%) in surface-irrigated areas with high-permeable and shallow soils inadequate for this irrigation system, high (IE)(avg)(= 79%) in surface-irrigated areas with appropriate soils for this system, and very high (IE)(avg)(= 94%) in modern, automated and well managed sprinkler-irrigated areas. The unitary salt (total dissolved solids) and nitrate loads exported in the irrigation return flows (IRF) of seven districts vary, depending on soil salinity and on irrigation and N fertilization management, between 3-16 Mg salt/ha x year and 23-195 kg NO)(3) (-)-N/ha x year, respectively. The lower nitrate loads exported from high IE districts show that a proper irrigation design and management is a key factor to reduce off-site nitrogen pollution. Although high IE's also reduce off-site salt pollution, the presence of salts in the soil or subsoil may induce relatively high salt loads (>or=14 Mg/ha x year) even in high IE districts. Two important constrains identified in our revision were the short duration of most surveys and the lack of standards for conducting irrigation efficiency and mass balance studies at the irrigation district level. These limitations {emphasize the need for the establishment of a permanent and standardized network of drainage monitoring stations for the appropriate off-site pollution diagnosis and control of irrigated agriculture.

Burbank enters High Salt Diet Information in Laptop

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-02-01

ISS030-E-117431 (1 Feb. 2012) --- In the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station, NASA astronaut Dan Burbank, Expedition 30 commander, enters data in a computer for the High Salt Diet protocol of the Sodium Loading in Microgravity (SOLO) experiment.

DENITRIFICATION IN FRINGING SALT MARSHES OF NARRAGANSETT BAY, RHODE ISLAND, USA

EPA Science Inventory

In the past century, loading of terrestrial inorganic nitrogen to coastal receiving waters has increased dramatically. Salt marshes, because of their location between upland regions and coastal waters and their recognized role as nutrient transformers, have the potential to ameli...

Rhode Island Salt Marshes: Elevation Capital and Resilience to Sea Level Rise

EPA Science Inventory

Tidal salt marsh is especially sensitive to deterioration due to the effects of accelerated sea level rise when combined with other anthropogenically linked stressors, including crab herbivory, changes in tidal hydrology, nutrient loading, dam construction, changes in temperature...

Relationships between watershed emergy flow and coastal New England salt marsh structure, function, and condition.

PubMed

Brandt-Williams, Sherry; Wigand, Cathleen; Campbell, Daniel E

2013-02-01

This study evaluated the link between watershed activities and salt marsh structure, function, and condition using spatial emergy flow density (areal empower density) in the watershed and field data from 10 tidal salt marshes in Narragansett Bay, RI, USA. The field-collected data were obtained during several years of vegetation, invertebrate, soil, and water quality sampling. The use of emergy as an accounting mechanism allowed disparate factors (e.g., the amount of building construction and the consumption of electricity) to be combined into a single landscape index while retaining a uniform quantitative definition of the intensity of landscape development. It expanded upon typical land use percentage studies by weighting each category for the intensity of development. At the RI salt marsh sites, an impact index (watershed emergy flow normalized for marsh area) showed significant correlations with mudflat infauna species richness, mussel density, plant species richness, the extent and density of dominant plant species, and denitrification potential within the high salt marsh. Over the 4-year period examined, a loading index (watershed emergy flow normalized for watershed area) showed significant correlations with nitrite and nitrate concentrations, as well as with the nitrogen to phosphorus ratios in stream discharge into the marshes. Both the emergy impact and loading indices were significantly correlated with a salt marsh condition index derived from intensive field-based assessments. Comparison of the emergy indices to calculated nitrogen loading estimates for each watershed also produced significant positive correlations. These results suggest that watershed emergy flow is a robust index of human disturbance and a potential tool for rapid assessment of coastal wetland condition.

Long term cavity closure in salt using a Carreau viscosity model.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cornet, Jan; Dabrowski, Marcin; Schmid, Daniel

2017-04-01

The problem of a pressurized hole in an infinite homogenous body is one of the most classical problems in geoscience. The solution is well-known when the rheology is linear but becomes much more complicated when applied to formations such as salt that can behave nonlinearly. Defining a constitutive law for the steady state deformation of salt is already a challenge and we rely on two deformation mechanisms - dislocation creep and pressure solution - to do that. More precisely, we use a Carreau model for viscosity to take into account in a single and smooth manner a linear and a nonlinear process. We use this rheology to revisit the classical two-dimensional problem of a pressurized cylindrical hole in an infinite and homogeneous body under general far field loads. We are interested in characterizing the maximum closure velocity at the rim. We provide analytical solutions for pressure and far field pure shear loads and we give a proxy for the general case based on the two end members. Using this general approach, we show that adding pressure solution to the constitutive law is especially important when studying long term hole closure under low pressure loads or when the grain size is in the order of 0.1 mm. Only considering dislocation creep can lead to underestimating the closure velocity by several orders of magnitude. Adding far field shear stress also dramatically enhances hole closure. The stress situation in salt bodies is often considered as isotropic but some shear exists at the interface between moving salt bodies and cap rock so pressurized holes in these regions experience increased closure. The analytical approach adopted in this study enables us to better understand the influence of all the input parameters on hole closure in salt.

Integrating biomass, sulphate and sea-salt aerosol responses into a microphysical chemical parcel model: implications for climate studies.

PubMed

Ghosh, S; Smith, M H; Rap, A

2007-11-15

Aerosols are known to influence significantly the radiative budget of the Earth. Although the direct effect (whereby aerosols scatter and absorb solar and thermal infrared radiation) has a large perturbing influence on the radiation budget, the indirect effect (whereby aerosols modify the microphysical and hence the radiative properties and amounts of clouds) poses a greater challenge to climate modellers. This is because aerosols undergo chemical and physical changes while in the atmosphere, notably within clouds, and are removed largely by precipitation. The way in which aerosols are processed by clouds depends on the type, abundance and the mixing state of the aerosols concerned. A parametrization with sulphate and sea-salt aerosol has been successfully integrated within the Hadley Centre general circulation model (GCM). The results of this combined parametrization indicate a significantly reduced role, compared with previous estimates, for sulphate aerosol in cloud droplet nucleation and, consequently, in indirect radiative forcing. However, in this bicomponent system, the cloud droplet number concentration, N(d) (a crucial parameter that is used in GCMs for radiative transfer calculations), is a smoothly varying function of the sulphate aerosol loading. Apart from sea-salt and sulphate aerosol particles, biomass aerosol particles are also present widely in the troposphere. We find that biomass smoke can significantly perturb the activation and growth of both sulphate and sea-salt particles. For a fixed salt loading, N(d) increases linearly with modest increases in sulphate and smoke masses, but significant nonlinearities are observed at higher non-sea-salt mass loadings. This non-intuitive N(d) variation poses a fresh challenge to climate modellers.

Simulating Salt Movement and Transformation using a Coupled Reactive Transport Model in Variably-Saturated Groundwater Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tavakoli Kivi, S.; Bailey, R. T.; Gates, T.

2016-12-01

Salinization is one of the major concerns in irrigated agricultural landscapes. Increasing salinity concentrations are due principally to evaporative concentration; dissolution of salts from weathered minerals and bedrock; and a high water table that results from excessive irrigation, canal seepage, and a lack of efficient drainage systems; leading to decreasing crop yield. High groundwater salinity loading to nearby river systems also impacts downstream areas, with saline river water diverted for application on irrigated fields. In this study, a solute transport model coupled with equilibrium chemistry reactions has been developed to simulate transport of individual salt ions in regional-scale aquifer systems and thereby investigate strategies for salinity remediation. The physically-based numerical model is based on the UZF-RT3D variably-saturated, multi-species groundwater reactive transport modeling code, and accounts for advection, dispersion, carbon and nitrogen cycling, oxidation-reduction reactions, and salt ion equilibrium chemistry reactions such as complexation, ion exchange, and precipitation/dissolution. Each major salt ion (sulfate, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium) is included. The model has been tested against measured soil salinity at a small scale (soil profile) and against soil salinity, groundwater salinity, and groundwater salinity loading to surface water at the regional scale (500 km2) in the Lower Arkansas River Valley (LARV) in southeastern Colorado, an area acutely affected by salinization for many decades and greatly influenced by gypsum deposits. Preliminary results of using the model in scenario analysis suggest that increasing irrigation efficiency, sealing earthen canals, and rotational fallowing of land can decrease the groundwater salt load to the Arkansas River by 50 to 70% and substantially lower soil salinity in the root zone.

Results of stainless steel canister corrosion studies and environmental sample investigations

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

Bryan, Charles R.; Enos, David

2014-12-01

This progress report describes work being done at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) to assess the localized corrosion performance of container/cask materials used in the interim storage of used nuclear fuel. The work involves both characterization of the potential physical and chemical environment on the surface of the storage canisters and how it might evolve through time, and testing to evaluate performance of the canister materials under anticipated storage conditions. To evaluate the potential environment on the surface of the canisters, SNL is working with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to collect and analyze dust samples from the surface ofmore » in-service SNF storage canisters. In FY 13, SNL analyzed samples from the Calvert Cliffs Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI); here, results are presented for samples collected from two additional near-marine ISFSI sites, Hope Creek NJ, and Diablo Canyon CA. The Hope Creek site is located on the shores of the Delaware River within the tidal zone; the water is brackish and wave action is normally minor. The Diablo Canyon site is located on a rocky Pacific Ocean shoreline with breaking waves. Two types of samples were collected: SaltSmart™ samples, which leach the soluble salts from a known surface area of the canister, and dry pad samples, which collected a surface salt and dust using a swipe method with a mildly abrasive ScotchBrite™ pad. The dry samples were used to characterize the mineralogy and texture of the soluble and insoluble components in the dust via microanalytical techniques, including mapping X-ray Fluorescence spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. For both Hope Creek and Diablo Canyon canisters, dust loadings were much higher on the flat upper surfaces of the canisters than on the vertical sides. Maximum dust sizes collected at both sites were slightly larger than 20 μm, but Phragmites grass seeds ~1 mm in size, were observed on the tops of the Hope Creek canisters. At both sites, the surface dust could be divided into fractions generated by manufacturing processes and by natural processes. The fraction from manufacturing processes consisted of variably-oxidized angular and spherical particles of stainless steel and iron, generated by machining and welding/cutting processes, respectively. Dust from natural sources consisted largely of detrital quartz and aluminosilicates (feldspars and clays) at both sites. At Hope Creek, soluble salts were dominated by sulfates and nitrates, mostly of calcium. Chloride was a trace component and the only chloride mineral observed by SEM was NaCl. Chloride surface loads measured by the Saltsmart™ sensors were very low, less than 60 mg m –2 on the canister top, and less than 10 mg m –2 on the canister sides. At Diablo Canyon, sea-salt aggregates of NaCl and Mg-SO 4, with minor K and Ca, were abundant in the dust, in some cases dominating the observed dust assemblage. Measured Saltsmart™ chloride surface loads were very low (<5 mg m –2); however, high canister surface temperatures damaged the Saltsmart™ sensors, and, in view of the SEM observations of abundant sea-salts on the package surfaces, the measured surface loads may not be valid. Moreover, the more heavily-loaded canister tops at Diablo Canyon were not sampled with the Saltsmart™ sensors. The observed low surface loads do not preclude chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking (CISCC) at either site, because (1) the measured data may not be valid for the Diablo Canyon canisters; (2) the surface coverage was not complete (for instance, the 45º offset between the outlet and inlet vents means that near-inlet areas, likely to have heavier dust and salt loads, were not sampled); and (3) CISCC has been experimentally been observed at salt loads as low as 5-8 mg/m 2. Experimental efforts at SNL to assess corrosion of interim storage canister materials include three tasks in FY14. First, a full-diameter canister mockup, made using materials and techniques identical to those used to make interim storage canisters, was designed and ordered from Ranor Inc., a cask vendor for Areva/TN. The mockup will be delivered prior to the end of FY14, and will be used for evaluating weld residual stresses and degrees of sensitization for typical interim storage canister welds. Following weld characterization, the mockup will be sectioned and provided to participating organizations for corrosion testing purposes. A test plan is being developed for these efforts. In a second task, experimental work was carried out to evaluate crevice corrosion of 304SS in the presence of limited reactants, as would be present on a dustcovered storage canister. This work tests the theory that limited salt loads will limit corrosion penetration over time, and is a continuation of work carried out in FY13. Laser confocal microscopy was utilized to assess the volume and depth of corrosion pits formed during the crevice corrosion tests. Results indicate that for the duration of the current experiments (100 days), no stifling of corrosion occurred due to limitations in the amount of reactants present at three different salt loadings. Finally, work has been carried out this year perfecting an instrument for depositing sea-salts onto metal surfaces for atmospheric corrosion testing purposes. The system uses an X-Y plotter system with a commercial airbrush, and deposition is monitored with a quartz crystal microbalance. The system is capable of depositing very even salt loadings, even at very low total deposition rates.« less

Suspension Device for Use with Low Temperature Refrigerator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wegel, Donald C. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A suspension device for use with a low temperature refrigeration system, such as an adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator is provided. A support ring is provided with three spring-loaded tension assemblies equally spaced about the periphery of the support ring. The tension assemblies each have a pulley, about which is entrained a band of material. Connected to this band is a ring that laterally supports a cylindrical salt pill. Undesired variations in the amount of slack in the band as the salt pill cools are compensated for by the spring loading of the tension assemblies.

Tolerance to road salt deicers in chronically exposed urban pond communities

EPA Science Inventory

Freshwater salinization is a concern in urban aquatic ecosystems that receive road salt runoff from vast expanses of impervious surface cover. Our study was designed to evaluate the effects of chloride contamination on urban stormwater pond food webs and to assess the tolerance o...

Attenuation of salt-induced hypertension by aqueous calyx extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa.

PubMed

Mojiminiyi, F B O; Audu, Z; Etuk, E U; Ajagbonna, O P

2012-12-18

The aqueous calyx extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) has a folk reputation as an antihypertensive agent. On account of its antioxidant properties and probably high K+ concentration, we hypothesized that HS may attenuate the development of salt-induced hypertension. Sprague-Dawley rats (n=8 each) were treated for 12 weeks as follows: control (normal diet + water), salt-loaded (8% salt diet + water), HS (normal diet + 6 mg/ml HS), salt+HS (8% salt diet + 6 mg/ml HS) and furosemide (normal diet+ 0.25mg/Kg furosemide). Their blood pressure and heart rates were measured and responses to noradrenalin and acetylcholine (0.01 mg/kg respectively) were estimated. The cationic concentration of 6 mg/ml HS was determined. The Na+ and K+ concentrations of 6 mg/ml HS were 3.6 and 840 mmol/l respectively. The mean arterial pressure (MAP±SEM; mmHg) of salt loaded rats (184.6±29.8) was significantly higher than control (113.2±3.0; P<0.05), HS (90.0±7.4; P<0.001) salt+HS (119.4±8.9; P<0.05) and furosemide (94.9±11.5; P<0.01). The MAP of salt+HS and control rats did not differ significantly and the effect of HS was comparable to furosemide. The pressor response to noradrenalin or vasodilator response to acetylcholine remained similar in all groups. These results suggest that HS attenuated the development of salt-induced hypertension and this attenuation may be associated with its high K+ content or high potassium: sodium ratio and not with altered pressor/depressor response to noradrenalin or acetylcholine. Also the effects of HS and furosemide on blood pressure are comparable.

Relative contribution of Na+/K+ homeostasis, photochemical efficiency and antioxidant defense system to differential salt tolerance in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars.

PubMed

Wang, Ning; Qiao, Wenqing; Liu, Xiaohong; Shi, Jianbin; Xu, Qinghua; Zhou, Hong; Yan, Gentu; Huang, Qun

2017-10-01

In this study, the role of specific components of different coping strategies to salt load were identified. A pot experiment was conducted with four cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars (differing in salt-sensitivity) under salinity stress. Based on observed responses in growth performance and physiological characteristics, CZ91 was the most tolerant of the four cultivars, followed by cultivars CCRI44 and CCRI49, with Z571 being much more sensitive to salt stress. To perform this tolerant response, they implement different adaptative mechanisms to cope with salt-stress. The superior salt tolerance of CZ91 was conferred by at least three complementary physiological mechanisms: its ability to regulate K + and Na + transport more effectively, its higher photochemical efficiency and better antioxidant defense capacity. However, only one or a few specific components of these defense systems play crucial roles in moderately salt tolerant CCRI44 and CCRI49. Lower ROS load in CCRI44 may be attributed to simultaneous induction of antioxidant defenses by maintaining an unusually high level of SOD, and higher activities of CAT, APX, and POD during salt stress. CCRI49 could reduce the excess generation of ROS not only by maintaining a higher selective absorption of K + over Na + in roots across the membranes through SOS1, AKT1, and HAK5, but also by displaying higher excess-energy dissipation (e.g., higher ETR, P R and qN) during salt stress. Overall, our data provide a mechanistic explanation for differential salt stress tolerance among these cultivars and shed light on the different strategies employed by cotton cultivars to minimize the ill effects of stress. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Selenium mass balance in the Great Salt Lake, Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Diaz, X.; Johnson, W.P.; Naftz, D.L.

2009-01-01

A mass balance for Se in the south arm of the Great Salt Lake was developed for September 2006 to August 2007 of monitoring for Se loads and removal flows. The combined removal flows (sedimentation and volatilization) totaled to a geometric mean value of 2079??kg Se/yr, with the estimated low value being 1255??kg Se/yr, and an estimated high value of 3143??kg Se/yr at the 68% confidence level. The total (particulates + dissolved) loads (via runoff) were about 1560??kg Se/yr, for which the error is expected to be ?? 15% for the measured loads. Comparison of volatilization to sedimentation flux demonstrates that volatilization rather than sedimentation is likely the major mechanism of selenium removal from the Great Salt Lake. The measured loss flows balance (within the range of uncertainties), and possibly surpass, the measured annual loads. Concentration histories were modeled using a simple mass balance, which indicated that no significant change in Se concentration was expected during the period of study. Surprisingly, the measured total Se concentration increased during the period of the study, indicating that the removal processes operate at their low estimated rates, and/or there are unmeasured selenium loads entering the lake. The selenium concentration trajectories were compared to those of other trace metals to assess the significance of selenium concentration trends. ?? 2008 Elsevier B.V.

A progress report on suspended sediment in several western Oregon and western Washington streams.

Treesearch

Manes Barton

1951-01-01

Streams transport their loads by traction (the bed load) in suspension (the suspended load) and as salts in solution (the solution load). The total load is the sum of these three and is commonly called the water quality. The amounts of and variation in stream flow and water quality have become in the past few years accepted criteria for evaluating watershed conditions...

Numerical investigation of road salt impact on an urban wellfield.

PubMed

Bester, M L; Frind, E O; Molson, J W; Rudolph, D L

2006-01-01

The impact of road salt on a wellfield in a complex glacial moraine aquifer system is studied by numerical simulation. The moraine underlies an extensive urban and industrial landscape, which draws its water supply from >20 wellfields, several of which are approaching or have exceeded the drinking water limit for chloride. The study investigates the mechanisms of road salt infiltration, storage, and transport in the subsurface and assesses the effectiveness of mitigation measures designed to reduce the impact. The three-dimensional transport model accounts for increases in salt loading, as well as growth of the urbanized area and road network over the past 50 years. The simulations, which focus on one impacted wellfield, show chloride plumes originating mainly at arterial roads and migrating through aquitard windows into the water supply aquifers. The results suggest that the aquifer system contains a large and heterogeneously distributed mass of chloride and that concentrations in the aquifer can be substantially higher than the concentrations in the well water. Future impact scenarios indicate that although the system responds rapidly to reductions in salt loading, the residual chloride mass may take decades to flush out, even if road salting were discontinued. The implications with respect to urban wellfields in typical snow-belt areas are discussed.

Reinterpretation of Halokinetic Features in the Ancestral Rocky Mountains Paradox Salt Basin, Utah and Colorado

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, J. A.; Giles, K. A.; Rowan, M. G.; Hearon, T. E., IV

2016-12-01

The Paradox Basin in southeastern Utah and southwestern Colorado is a foreland basin formed in response to flexural loading by the Pennsylvanian-aged Uncompaghre uplift during the Ancestral Rocky Mountain orogen. Thick sequences of evaporites (Paradox Formation) were deposited within the foreland basin, which interfinger with clastic sediments in the foredeep and carbonates around the basin margin. Differential loading of the Pennsylvanian-Jurassic sediments onto the evaporites drove synsedimentary halokinesis, creating a series of salt walls and adjacent minibasins within the larger foreland basin. The growing salt walls within the basin influenced patterns of sediment deposition from the Pennsylvanian through the Cretaceous. By integrating previously published mapping with recent field observations, mapping, and subsurface interpretations of well logs and 2D seismic lines, we present interpretations of the timing, geometry, and nature of halokinesis within the Paradox Basin, which record the complex salt tectonic history in the basin. Furthermore, we present recent work on the relationships between the local passive salt history and the formation of syndepositional counter-regional extensional fault systems within the foreland. These results will be integrated into a new regional salt-tectonic and stratigraphic framework of the Paradox Basin, and have broader implications for interpreting sedimentary records in other basins with a mobile substrate.

The response of Dahl salt-sensitive and salt-resistant female rats to a space flight model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thierry-Palmer, Myrtle; Cephas, Stacy; Cleek, Tammy; Sayavongsa, Phouyong; Arnaud, Sara B.

2003-01-01

Vitamin D metabolism in the Dahl salt-sensitive (S) rat, a model of salt-induced hypertension, differs from that in the Dahl salt-resistant (R) rat. We have tested the hypothesis that differences in vitamin D metabolism would render the Dahl S rat more susceptible than the Dahl R rat to the effects of a space flight model. Dahl female rats were tail suspended (hind limb unloaded) for 28 days, while fed a low salt (3 g/kg sodium chloride) diet. Plasma 25-OHD concentrations of S rats were significantly lower than that of R rats. Plasma 1,25-(OH)2D concentration was 50% lower in unloaded than in loaded S rats, but was unaffected in unloaded R rats. The left soleus muscle weight and breaking strength of the left femur (torsion test) were 50% and 25% lower in unloaded than in loaded S and R rats. The mineral content of the left femur, however, was significantly lower (by 11%) only in unloaded S rats. We conclude that female S rats are more vulnerable than female R rats to decreases in plasma 1,25-(OH)2D concentration and femur mineral content during hind limb unloading, but equally vulnerable to muscle atrophy and reduced breaking strength of the femur.

Chloride Released from Three Permeable Pavement Surfaces after Winter Salt Application

EPA Science Inventory

EPA does not classify chloride as a priority pollutant. It is often unregulated in stormwater runoff but has been a target stressor for Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) allotments developed for multiple waterbodies. Previous research has shown that road salt applications increas...

Method for separating water soluble organics from a process stream by aqueous biphasic extraction

DOEpatents

Chaiko, David J.; Mego, William A.

1999-01-01

A method for separating water-miscible organic species from a process stream by aqueous biphasic extraction is provided. An aqueous biphase system is generated by contacting a process stream comprised of water, salt, and organic species with an aqueous polymer solution. The organic species transfer from the salt-rich phase to the polymer-rich phase, and the phases are separated. Next, the polymer is recovered from the loaded polymer phase by selectively extracting the polymer into an organic phase at an elevated temperature, while the organic species remain in a substantially salt-free aqueous solution. Alternatively, the polymer is recovered from the loaded polymer by a temperature induced phase separation (cloud point extraction), whereby the polymer and the organic species separate into two distinct solutions. The method for separating water-miscible organic species is applicable to the treatment of industrial wastewater streams, including the extraction and recovery of complexed metal ions from salt solutions, organic contaminants from mineral processing streams, and colorants from spent dye baths.

[Results of the 75selenium homotaurocholic acid retention test (SeHCAT test) in diagnosis of diarrhea].

PubMed

Balzer, K; Schmitt, G; Reiners, C; Goebell, H

1995-01-15

For that reason absorption of bile acids was investigated using the 75Se-homotaurocholate (SeHCAT) in 239 patients with diarrhoea. SeHCAT retention time was measured as 7 day retention time in a whole body counter. An intact bile acid absorption (negative SeHCAT test) was confirmed in 23 healthy volunteers within the range of 11 to 50% (mean +/- double standard deviation). In 135 patients with a possible type I bile salt malabsorption the SeHCAT test was positive in 78%, thus indicating bile salt malabsorption. The test is very sensitive detecting bile salt malabsorption in Crohn's disease, identifying ileal disease more precisely than radiology. The SeHCAT test ascertained type II primary bile salt malabsorption in 7 patients, as well as type III bile salt malabsorption in patients (9 out of 28) with cholecystectomy, vagotomy, partial gastrectomy and chronic pancreatitis. In addition, a positive SeHCAT test indicating bile acid malabsorption was found in 5 out of 11 patients with irritable syndrome, diarrhoeic form, and in 4 out of 12 patients with lactose intolerance. SeHCAT retention should be measured routinely in patients with chronic diarrhoea for which the cause is not obvious.

ROAD SALT APPLICATION CREATES A UNIQUE CHLORIDE BIOCHEMISTRY IN AN URBAN STREAM OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY WATERSHED

EPA Science Inventory

Recent evidence from the mid-Atlantic suggests that freshwater supplies are threatened by chronic chloride inputs from road salts applied to improve highway safety. Elevated chloride levels also may limit the ability of aquatic systems to microbially process nitrate nitrogen, a ...

Effects of Heat Generation on Nuclear Waste Disposal in Salt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clayton, D. J.

2008-12-01

Disposal of nuclear waste in salt is an established technology, as evidenced by the successful operations of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) since 1999. The WIPP is located in bedded salt in southeastern New Mexico and is a deep underground facility for transuranic (TRU) nuclear waste disposal. There are many advantages for placing radioactive wastes in a geologic bedded-salt environment. One desirable mechanical characteristic of salt is that it flows plastically with time ("creeps"). The rate of salt creep is a strong function of temperature and stress differences. Higher temperatures and deviatoric stresses increase the creep rate. As the salt creeps, induced fractures may be closed and eventually healed, which then effectively seals the waste in place. With a backfill of crushed salt emplaced around the waste, the salt creep can cause the crushed salt to reconsolidate and heal to a state similar to intact salt, serving as an efficient seal. Experiments in the WIPP were conducted to investigate the effects of heat generation on the important phenomena and processes in and around the repository (Munson et al. 1987; 1990; 1992a; 1992b). Brine migration towards the heaters was induced from the thermal gradient, while salt creep rates showed an exponential dependence on temperature. The project "Backfill and Material Behavior in Underground Salt Repositories, Phase II" (BAMBUS II) studied the crushed salt backfill and material behavior with heat generation at the Asse mine located near Remlingen, Germany (Bechthold et al. 2004). Increased salt creep rates and significant reconsolidation of the crushed salt were observed at the termination of the experiment. Using the data provided from both projects, exploratory modeling of the thermal-mechanical response of salt has been conducted with varying thermal loading and waste spacing. Increased thermal loading and decreased waste spacing drive the system to higher temperatures, while both factors are desired to reduce costs, as well as decrease the overall footprint of the repository. Higher temperatures increase the rate of salt creep which then effectively seals the waste quicker. Data of the thermal-mechanical response of salt at these higher temperatures is needed to further validate the exploratory modeling and provide meaningful constraints on the repository design. Sandia is a multi program laboratory operated by Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed Martin Company, for the United States Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under Contract DE-AC04- 94AL85000.

Chloride Released from Three Permeable Pavement Surfaces after Winter Salt Application - journal

EPA Science Inventory

EPA does not classify chloride as a priority pollutant. It is often unregulated in stormwater runoff but has been a target stressor for Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) allotments developed for multiple waterbodies. Previous research has shown that road salt applications increas...

46 CFR 45.77 - Salt water freeboard.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... mark is obtained by the formula: Addition=Δ/41T where: Δ=displacement in fresh water, in tons of 2,240... summer load waterline. (b) When the displacement at the summer load waterline cannot be certified, the...

46 CFR 45.77 - Salt water freeboard.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... mark is obtained by the formula: Addition=Δ/41T where: Δ=displacement in fresh water, in tons of 2,240... summer load waterline. (b) When the displacement at the summer load waterline cannot be certified, the...

46 CFR 45.77 - Salt water freeboard.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... mark is obtained by the formula: Addition=Δ/41T where: Δ=displacement in fresh water, in tons of 2,240... summer load waterline. (b) When the displacement at the summer load waterline cannot be certified, the...

46 CFR 45.77 - Salt water freeboard.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... mark is obtained by the formula: Addition=Δ/41T where: Δ=displacement in fresh water, in tons of 2,240... summer load waterline. (b) When the displacement at the summer load waterline cannot be certified, the...

46 CFR 45.77 - Salt water freeboard.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... mark is obtained by the formula: Addition=Δ/41T where: Δ=displacement in fresh water, in tons of 2,240... summer load waterline. (b) When the displacement at the summer load waterline cannot be certified, the...

Comparison of bile salt/phosphatidylcholine mixed micelles in solubilization to sterols and stability.

PubMed

Guo, Qin; Cai, Jie; Li, Pengyu; Xu, Dongling; Ni, Xiaomin; Wen, Hui; Liu, Dan; Lin, Suizhen; Hu, Haiyan

2016-01-01

Androst-3β,5α,6β-triol (Triol) is a promising neuroprotective agent, but its poor solubility restricts its development into parenteral preparations. In this study, Triol is significantly solubilized by bile salt/phosphatidylcholine mixed micelles (BS/PC-MM). All BS/PC-MM systems are tested to remarkably improve the drug solubility with various stabilities after drug loading. Among them, the sodium glycocholate (SGC)/egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC) system with 2:1 ratio in weight and the total concentration of SGC and EPC of 100 mg/mL is proved to produce stable mixed micelles with high drug loading. It is found that the stability of drug-loaded mixed micelles is quite different, which might be related to the change in critical micelle concentration (CMC) after incorporating drugs. SGC/EPC and SGC/soya phosphatidylcholine (SPC) remain transparent under accelerated conditions and manifest a decreased CMC (dropping from 0.105 to 0.056 mg/mL and from 0.067 to 0.024 mg/mL, respectively). In contrast, swine bile acid-sodium salt (SBA-Na)/PC and sodium deoxycholate (SDC)/PC are accompanied by drug precipitation and reached the maximum CMC on the first and the third days, respectively. Interestingly, the variation of CMC under accelerated testing conditions highly matches the drug-precipitating event in the primary stability experiment. In brief, the bile salt/phosphatidylcholine system exists as a potential strategy of improving sterol drug solubility. CMC variation under accelerated testing conditions might be a simple and easy method to predict the stability of drug-loaded mixed micelles.

[Deficient education in health and nutrition in Mexican schools: the topic of salt].

PubMed

Lozada, Michelle; Sánchez-Castillo, Claudia P; Mata, Irma I; Cabrera, Georgina A; Pichardo-Ontiveros, Edgar; James, W Philip T

2007-01-01

Given the rapidly increasing rates of adult chronic diseases in Mexico there is a need to assess the knowledge and understanding of these sufferings in relation to an inadequate diet. In a randomly selected sample of primary, secondary and high schools in a region of Mexico City, the knowledge of the dietary contributors to chronic disease was assessed by taking the specific example of salt and the knowledge of its importance. Participation encompassed: 1504 students, 890 parents and 27 teachers. An analysis was made of the curricular contribution of the school to nutritional and health knowledge. Forty five percent of students showed knowledge about the role of salt in health as well as 64.7% and 70% of parents and teachers respectively. Knowledge increased along with age: high school students showed a greater number of correct answers (74.3%) than those from secondary (48.8%) and primary (55.2%) (p < 0.0001). More girls (30.3%) (p < 0.001) answered rightly that industrialized foods contain more salt. No formal lessons are given on any aspects of nutrition or health, but one subject dealing with sexual education. There is little health education and no nutritional teaching in the studied schools despite the wide ranging of nutritional deficiencies and the national epidemic of chronic diseases in Mexico. A change in the scholastic curriculum in schools, that includes subjects on nutrition and health, is urgently required.

Withdrawal from chronic exposure to amphetamine, but not nicotine, leads to an immediate and enduring deficit in motivated behavior without affecting social interaction in rats.

PubMed

Der-Avakian, Andre; Markou, Athina

2010-07-01

Psychostimulant withdrawal leads to depressive symptoms, such as anhedonia and social dysfunction. We determined the effects of withdrawal from chronic exposure to nicotine (9 mg/kg/day salt, 28 days) or amphetamine (10 mg/kg/day salt, 7 days) on the motivated response for a sucrose reward and on social interaction in rats. Both nicotine and amphetamine exposure increased the motivated response for sucrose. However, only spontaneous amphetamine withdrawal led to an immediate and persistent decrease in motivated behavior, which was not correlated with body weight loss. Social interaction was not affected during withdrawal from either drug. These results indicate that withdrawal from chronic amphetamine exposure leads to an immediate and enduring anhedonic state.

Potential effects of anticipated coal mining on salinity of the Price, San Rafael, and Green Rivers, Utah. Water Resources Investigation

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

Lindskov, K.L.

1986-01-01

The overall objective of the report is to describe the potential cumulative impacts of anticipated coal mining on the dissolved-solids concentrations in the Price, San Rafael, and Green Rivers. The changes considered were (1) salt loads in ground water that would be intercepted by mines and discharged to nearby streams in order to dewater the mines and (2) salt loads resulting from surface disturbance associated with the anticipated mining. The anticipated salt loads were estimated from (1) reports prepared under contract with the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement--Cumulative Hydrologic Impact Assessments of several drainages tributary to the Pricemore » and San Rafael Rivers that may be impacted by the mining, (2) information from determinations of probable hydrologic impacts in individual permit applications submitted to the Utah Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining, (3) monitoring reports for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System furnished to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and (4) other miscellaneous monitoring data for the permit areas.« less

Sodium and phosphorus-based food additives: persistent but surmountable hurdles in the management of nutrition in chronic kidney disease

PubMed Central

Gutiérrez, Orlando M.

2012-01-01

Sodium and phosphorus-based food additives are among the most commonly consumed nutrients in the world. This is because both have diverse applications in processed food manufacturing, leading to their widespread utilization by the food industry. Since most foods are naturally low in salt, sodium additives almost completely account for the excessive consumption of sodium throughout the world. Similarly, phosphorus additives represent a major and “hidden” phosphorus load in modern diets. These factors pose a major barrier to successfully lowering sodium or phosphorus intake in patients with chronic kidney disease. As such, any serious effort to reduce sodium or phosphorus consumption will require reductions in the use of these additives by the food industry. The current regulatory environment governing the use of food additives does not favor this goal, however, in large part because these additives have historically been classified as generally safe for public consumption. To overcome these barriers, coordinated efforts will be needed to demonstrate that high intakes of these additives are not safe for public consumption and as such, should be subject to greater regulatory scrutiny. PMID:23439374

Magnesium retention from metabolic-balance studies in female adolescents: impact of race, dietary salt, and calcium123

PubMed Central

Palacios, Cristina; Wigertz, Karin; Braun, Michelle; Martin, Berdine R; McCabe, George P; McCabe, Linda; Pratt, J Howard; Peacock, Munro; Weaver, Connie M

2013-01-01

Background: Previously, we showed that black girls retained more calcium than white girls did and that salt loading negatively affected calcium retention. Racial differences likely exist in other bone minerals also, such as magnesium, in response to salt loading during growth. Objective: We studied racial differences in magnesium metabolism in response to dietary sodium and calcium during rapid bone growth. Design: Twenty-seven white and 40 black girls (11–15 y old) were studied for 3 wk while they consumed low-sodium (1.3 g/d) and high-sodium (3.8 g/d) diets by using a randomized-order, crossover metabolic study with 3 dietary calcium intakes; the magnesium dietary intake was fixed at 230 mg/d. Urine and feces were collected during each 3-wk period in 24-h pools and analyzed for magnesium. A mixed-model ANOVA was used to determine the effect of race and dietary sodium with calcium intake as a covariate. Results: Salt loading or calcium intake had no significant effect on urinary magnesium excretion. Blacks excreted significantly less urinary magnesium (mean ± SD: 83.8 ± 25.6 mg/d) than did whites (94.9 ± 27.3 mg/d; P < 0.05). No effects were observed in fecal magnesium excretion. Magnesium retention was higher with the low-sodium diet (50.1 ± 44.0 mg/d) than with the high-sodium diet (39.3 ± 49.8 mg/d) (P < 0.05), with no effects of race or calcium intake. Salt loading had no effect on biomarkers. Whites had higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 but lower 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone concentrations. Conclusions: Blacks excreted less urinary magnesium than did whites. Magnesium retention was similar between races but higher with the low-sodium diet. Kinetic studies are needed to fully explain magnesium homeostasis. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01564238. PMID:23553157

Thermo-mechanical modelling of salt caverns due to fluctuating loading conditions.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Böttcher, N.

2015-12-01

This work summarizes the development and application of a numerical model for the thermo-mechanical behaviour of salt caverns during cyclic gas storage. Artificial salt caverns are used for short term energy storage, such as power-to-gas or compressed air energy storage. Those applications are characterized by highly fluctuating operation pressures due to the unsteady power levels of power plants based on renewable energy. Compression and expansion of the storage gases during loading and unloading stages lead to rapidly changing temperatures in the host rock of the caverns. This affects the material behaviour of the host rock within a zone that extends several meters into the rock mass adjacent to the cavern wall, and induces thermo-mechanical stresses and alters the creep response.The proposed model features the thermodynamic behaviour of the storage medium, conductive heat transport in the host rock, as well as temperature dependent material properties of rock salt using different thermo-viscoplastic material models. The utilized constitutive models are well known and state-of-the-art in various salt mechanics applications. The model has been implemented into the open-source software platform OpenGeoSys. Thermal and mechanical processes are solved using a finite element approach, coupled via a staggered coupling scheme. The simulation results allow the conclusion, that the cavern convergence rate (and thus the efficiency of the cavern) is highly influenced by the loading cycle frequency and the resulting gas temperatures. The model therefore allows to analyse the influence of operation modes on the cavern host rock or on neighbouring facilities.

LCZ696, Angiotensin II Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor, Ameliorates High-Salt-Induced Hypertension and Cardiovascular Injury More Than Valsartan Alone.

PubMed

Kusaka, Hiroaki; Sueta, Daisuke; Koibuchi, Nobutaka; Hasegawa, Yu; Nakagawa, Takashi; Lin, BoWen; Ogawa, Hisao; Kim-Mitsuyama, Shokei

2015-12-01

LCZ696, an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor, has recently been demonstrated to exert more beneficial effects on hypertensive or heart failure patients than conventional renin-angiotensin system blockers. However, the mechanism underlying the benefit of LCZ696 remains to be understood. The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of LCZ696 compared with valsartan on hypertension and cardiovascular injury. (i) Using telemetry, we compared the hypotensive effect of LCZ696 and valsartan in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) that were fed a high-salt diet followed by a low-salt diet. (ii) We also examined the comparative effect of LCZ696 and valsartan on salt loaded SHRcp, a model of metabolic syndrome. (i) LCZ696 exerted a greater blood pressure (BP) lowering effect than valsartan in SHR regardless of high-salt or low-salt intake. Additive BP reduction by LCZ696 was associated with a significant increase in urinary sodium excretion and sympathetic activity suppression. (ii) LCZ696 significantly ameliorated cardiac hypertrophy and inflammation, coronary arterial remodeling, and vascular endothelial dysfunction in high-salt loaded SHRcp compared with valsartan. LCZ696 caused greater BP reduction than valsartan in SHR regardless of the degree of salt intake, which was associated with a significant enhancement in urinary sodium excretion and sympathetic activity suppression. Furthermore, an additive BP lowering effect of LCZ696 led to greater cardiovascular protection in hypertensive rats. © American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd 2015. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

RELATIONSHIPS OF NITROGEN LOADINGS AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH PLANT STRUCTURE IN NEW ENGLAND SALT MARSHES

EPA Science Inventory

Nitrogen enrichment is hypothesized to cause competitive displacement of dominant plants in New England salt marshes. In this Narragansett Bay, RI, field survey, we examined the vascular plant species richness and the extent, density, and height of Spartina species in ten marshe...

Estimating rangeland runoff, soil erosion, and salt mobility and transport processes

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Over 55% of sediment and salts entering the Colorado River are derived from accelerated soil erosion from federal rangelands with damages estimated to be $385 million per year. About 55% of the loading is derived from rangelands. This suggests a significant potential to reduce dissolved-solids loa...

Nitrogen retention in salt marsh systems across nutrient-enrichment, elevation, and precipitation regimes: a multiple stressor experiment

EPA Science Inventory

In the Northeastern U.S., multiple anthropogenic stressors, including changing nutrient loads, accelerated sea-level rise, and altered climactic patterns are co-occurring, and are likely to influence salt marsh nitrogen (N) dynamics. We conducted a multiple stressor mesocosm expe...

Use of magnesium as a drug in chronic kidney disease

PubMed Central

Wilkie, Martin

2012-01-01

From chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage 4 onwards, phosphate binders are needed in many patients to prevent the development of hyperphosphataemia, which can result in disturbed bone and mineral metabolism, cardiovascular disease and secondary hyperparathyroidism. In this review, we re-examine the use of magnesium-containing phosphate binders for patients with CKD, particularly as their use circumvents problems such as calcium loading, aluminum toxicity and the high costs associated with other agents of this class. The use of magnesium hydroxide in the 1980s has been superseded by magnesium carbonate, as the hydroxide salt was associated with poor gastrointestinal tolerability, whereas studies with magnesium carbonate show much better gastrointestinal profiles. The use of combined magnesium- and calcium-based phosphate binder regimens allows a reduction in the calcium load, and magnesium and calcium regimen comparisons show that magnesium may be as effective a phosphate binder as calcium. A large well-designed trial has recently shown that a drug combining calcium acetate and magnesium carbonate was non-inferior in terms of lowering serum phosphate to sevelamer-HCl and had an equally good tolerability profile. Because of the high cost of sevelamer and lanthanum carbonate, the use of magnesium carbonate could be advantageous and drug acquisition cost savings would compensate for the cost of introducing routine magnesium monitoring, if this is thought to be necessary and not performed anyway. Moreover, given the potential cost savings, it may be time to re-investigate magnesium-containing phosphate binders for CKD patients with further well-designed clinical research using vascular end points. PMID:26069822

Salt flow direction and velocity during subsalt normal faulting and syn-kinematic sedimentation—implications from analytical calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warsitzka, M.; Kukowski, N.; Kley, J.

2018-04-01

Salt flow induced by subsalt normal faulting is mainly controlled by tilting of the salt layer, the amount of differential loading due to syn-kinematic deposition, and tectonic shearing at the top or the base of the salt layer. Our study addresses the first two mechanisms and aims to examine salt flow patterns above a continuously moving subsalt normal fault and beneath a syn-kinematic minibasin. In such a setting, salt either tends to flow down towards the basin centre driven by its own weight or is squeezed up towards the footwall side owing to loading differences between the minibasin and the region above the footwall block. Applying isostatic balancing in analytical models, we calculated the steady-state flow velocity in a salt layer. This procedure gives insights into (1) the minimum vertical offset required for upward flow to occur, (2) the magnitude of the flow velocity, and (3) the average density of the supra-salt cover layer at the point at which upward flow starts. In a sensitivity study, we examined how the point of flow reversal and the velocity patterns are influenced by changes of the salt and cover layer thickness, the geometry of the cover flexure, the dip of the subsalt fault, compaction parameters of the supra-salt cover, the salt viscosity and the salt density. Our model results reveal that in most geological scenarios, salt flow above a continuously displacing subsalt normal fault goes through an early phase of downward flow. At sufficiently high fault offset in the range of 700-2600 m, salt is later squeezed upward towards the footwall side. This flow reversal occurs at smaller vertical fault displacement, if the thickness of the pre-kinematic layer is larger, the sedimentation rate of the syn-kinematic cover is higher, the compaction coefficient of cover sediments (i.e. the density increase with depth) is larger or the average density of the salt is lower. Other geometrical parameters such as the width of the cover monocline, the dip of the basement fault or the thickness of the salt layer have no significant influence on the point of reversal, but modify the velocity of the salt flow.

Secondary sulfate minerals associated with acid drainage in the eastern US: Recycling of metals and acidity in surficial environments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hammarstrom, J.M.; Seal, R.R.; Meier, A.L.; Kornfeld, J.M.

2005-01-01

Weathering of metal-sulfide minerals produces suites of variably soluble efflorescent sulfate salts at a number of localities in the eastern United States. The salts, which are present on mine wastes, tailings piles, and outcrops, include minerals that incorporate heavy metals in solid solution, primarily the highly soluble members of the melanterite, rozenite, epsomite, halotrichite, and copiapite groups. The minerals were identified by a combination of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron-microprobe. Base-metal salts are rare at these localities, and Cu, Zn, and Co are commonly sequestered as solid solutions within Fe- and Fe-Al sulfate minerals. Salt dissolution affects the surface-water chemistry at abandoned mines that exploited the massive sulfide deposits in the Vermont copper belt, the Mineral district of central Virginia, the Copper Basin (Ducktown) mining district of Tennessee, and where sulfide-bearing metamorphic rocks undisturbed by mining are exposed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. Dissolution experiments on composite salt samples from three minesites and two outcrops of metamorphic rock showed that, in all cases, the pH of the leachates rapidly declined from 6.9 to 30 mg L-1), Fe (>47 mg L-1), sulfate (>1000 mg L-1), and base metals (>1000 mg L-1 for minesites, and 2 mg L-1 for other sites). Geochemical modeling of surface waters, mine-waste leachates, and salt leachates using PHREEQC software predicted saturation in the observed ochre minerals, but significant concentration by evaporation would be needed to reach saturation in most of the sulfate salts. Periodic surface-water monitoring at Vermont minesites indicated peak annual metal loads during spring runoff. At the Virginia site, where no winter-long snowpack develops, metal loads were highest during summer months when salts were dissolved periodically by rainstorms following sustained evaporation during dry spells. Despite the relatively humid climate of the eastern United States, where precipitation typically exceeds evaporation, salts form intermittently in open areas, persist in protected areas when temperature and relative humidity are appropriate, and contribute to metal loadings and acidity in surface waters upon dissolution, thereby causing short-term perturbations in water quality.

An evaluation of flow-stratified sampling for estimating suspended sediment loads

Treesearch

Robert B. Thomas; Jack Lewis

1995-01-01

Abstract - Flow-stratified sampling is a new method for sampling water quality constituents such as suspended sediment to estimate loads. As with selection-at-list-time (SALT) and time-stratified sampling, flow-stratified sampling is a statistical method requiring random sampling, and yielding unbiased estimates of load and variance. It can be used to estimate event...

46 CFR Appendix A to Part 45 - Load Line Certificate Form

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Midsummer MS Summer S Intermediate I Winter W load line above S Upper edge of line through center of diamond below S below S Increase for salt water for all freeboards __ inches. The upper edge of the deck line... so endorsed. notes (1) In accordance with the Great Lakes Load Line Regulations the diamond and lines...

Design and Construction of an Ice-in-Tank Diurnal Ice Storage for the PX Building at Fort Stewart, GA

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-07-01

of a Eutectic Salt System 16 0 11 Energy Characteristics of Fort Stewart PX on a Hot Day 21 12 Peak Day Load Profile for Fort Stewart 21 13 Chiller...at Yuma Proving Ground, AZ in FY 88. An ice-shucking and a eutectic salt DIS cooling system are scheduled to be installed in the coming years. The...water, ice, or freezing eutectic salt . Ice and salt systems can be grouped • together as phase-change systems. In a recent survey of over a hundred

Quantifying loading, toxic concentrations, and systemic persistence of chloride in a contemporary mixed-land-use watershed using an experimental watershed approach.

PubMed

Hubbart, J A; Kellner, E; Hooper, L W; Zeiger, S

2017-03-01

A nested-scale experimental watershed study was implemented to quantify loading and persistence of chloride in an urbanizing, mixed-land-use watershed. A Midwest USA (Missouri) watershed was partitioned into five sub-basins with contrasting dominant land use. Streamwater was tested for chloride concentration four days per week from October 2009 through May 2014 at each site. Monitoring sites included co-located gauging and climate stations recording variables at 30-minute intervals. Results indicate significant (p<0.01) differences in chloride concentrations and loading between sites. Loading consistently increased from the forested headwaters (average=507kgday -1 ) to primarily urban watershed terminus (average=7501kgday -1 ). Chloride concentrations were highest (average=83.9mgL -1 ) with the greatest frequency of acutely toxic conditions (i.e. 860mgL -1 ) mid-watershed. This finding is in-part attributable to the ratio of chloride application to streamflow volume (i.e. increasing flow volume with stream distance resulted in chloride dilution, offsetting increased percent urban land use with stream distance). Results highlight the important, yet often confounding, interactions between pollutant loading and flow dynamics. Chloride peaks occurred during late winter/early spring melting periods, implicating road salt application as the primary contributor to the chloride regime. Floodplain groundwater analysis indicated seasonal sink/source relationships between the stream and floodplain, which could contribute to chronic toxicity and persistent low Cl - concentrations in streamwater year-round. Results hold important implications for resource managers wishing to mitigate water quality and aquatic habitat degradation, and suggest important water quality limitations to stream restoration success in complex urban aquatic ecosystems. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synoptic sampling and principal components analysis to identify sources of water and metals to an acid mine drainage stream.

PubMed

Byrne, Patrick; Runkel, Robert L; Walton-Day, Katherine

2017-07-01

Combining the synoptic mass balance approach with principal components analysis (PCA) can be an effective method for discretising the chemistry of inflows and source areas in watersheds where contamination is diffuse in nature and/or complicated by groundwater interactions. This paper presents a field-scale study in which synoptic sampling and PCA are employed in a mineralized watershed (Lion Creek, Colorado, USA) under low flow conditions to (i) quantify the impacts of mining activity on stream water quality; (ii) quantify the spatial pattern of constituent loading; and (iii) identify inflow sources most responsible for observed changes in stream chemistry and constituent loading. Several of the constituents investigated (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) fail to meet chronic aquatic life standards along most of the study reach. The spatial pattern of constituent loading suggests four primary sources of contamination under low flow conditions. Three of these sources are associated with acidic (pH <3.1) seeps that enter along the left bank of Lion Creek. Investigation of inflow water (trace metal and major ion) chemistry using PCA suggests a hydraulic connection between many of the left bank inflows and mine water in the Minnesota Mine shaft located to the north-east of the river channel. In addition, water chemistry data during a rainfall-runoff event suggests the spatial pattern of constituent loading may be modified during rainfall due to dissolution of efflorescent salts or erosion of streamside tailings. These data point to the complexity of contaminant mobilisation processes and constituent loading in mining-affected watersheds but the combined synoptic sampling and PCA approach enables a conceptual model of contaminant dynamics to be developed to inform remediation.

Synoptic sampling and principal components analysis to identify sources of water and metals to an acid mine drainage stream

USGS Publications Warehouse

Byrne, Patrick; Runkel, Robert L.; Walton-Day, Katie

2017-01-01

Combining the synoptic mass balance approach with principal components analysis (PCA) can be an effective method for discretising the chemistry of inflows and source areas in watersheds where contamination is diffuse in nature and/or complicated by groundwater interactions. This paper presents a field-scale study in which synoptic sampling and PCA are employed in a mineralized watershed (Lion Creek, Colorado, USA) under low flow conditions to (i) quantify the impacts of mining activity on stream water quality; (ii) quantify the spatial pattern of constituent loading; and (iii) identify inflow sources most responsible for observed changes in stream chemistry and constituent loading. Several of the constituents investigated (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) fail to meet chronic aquatic life standards along most of the study reach. The spatial pattern of constituent loading suggests four primary sources of contamination under low flow conditions. Three of these sources are associated with acidic (pH <3.1) seeps that enter along the left bank of Lion Creek. Investigation of inflow water (trace metal and major ion) chemistry using PCA suggests a hydraulic connection between many of the left bank inflows and mine water in the Minnesota Mine shaft located to the north-east of the river channel. In addition, water chemistry data during a rainfall-runoff event suggests the spatial pattern of constituent loading may be modified during rainfall due to dissolution of efflorescent salts or erosion of streamside tailings. These data point to the complexity of contaminant mobilisation processes and constituent loading in mining-affected watersheds but the combined synoptic sampling and PCA approach enables a conceptual model of contaminant dynamics to be developed to inform remediation.

Chronic Inhibition of Renal Outer Medullary Potassium Channel Not Only Prevented but Also Reversed Development of Hypertension and End-Organ Damage in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats.

PubMed

Zhou, Xiaoyan; Forrest, Michael J; Sharif-Rodriguez, Wanda; Forrest, Gail; Szeto, Daphne; Urosevic-Price, Olga; Zhu, Yonghua; Stevenson, Andra S; Zhou, Yuchen; Stribling, Sloan; Dajee, Maya; Walsh, Shawn P; Pasternak, Alexander; Sullivan, Kathleen A

2017-02-01

The renal outer medullary potassium (ROMK) channel mediates potassium recycling and facilitates sodium reabsorption through the Na + /K + /2Cl - cotransporter in the loop of Henle and potassium secretion at the cortical collecting duct. Evidence from the phenotype of humans and rodents with functional ROMK deficiency supports the contention that selective ROMK inhibitors (ROMKi) will represent a novel diuretic with potential of therapeutic benefit for hypertension. ROMKi have recently been synthesized by Merck & Co, Inc. The present studies were designed to examine the effects of ROMKi B on systemic hemodynamics, renal function and structure, and vascular function in Dahl salt-sensitive rats. Four experimental groups-control, high-salt diet alone; ROMKi B 3 mg·kg - 1 ·d - 1 ; ROMKi B 10 mg·kg - 1 ·d - 1 ; and hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg·kg - 1 ·d - 1 -were included in prophylactic (from week 1 to week 9 on high-salt diet) and therapeutic studies (from week 5 to week 9 on high-salt diet), respectively. ROMKi B produced sustained blood pressure reduction and improved renal and vascular function and histological alterations induced by a high-salt diet. ROMKi B was superior to hydrochlorothiazide at reducing blood pressure. Furthermore, ROMKi B provided beneficial effects on both the plasma lipid profile and bone mineral density. Chronic ROMK inhibition not only prevented but also reversed the development of hypertension and end-organ damage in Dahl salt-sensitive rats. Our findings suggest a potential utility of ROMKi B as a novel antihypertensive agent, particularly for the treatment of the salt-sensitive hypertension patient population. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Kinematics and dynamics of salt movement driven by sub-salt normal faulting and supra-salt sediment accumulation - combined analogue experiments and analytical calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warsitzka, Michael; Kukowski, Nina; Kley, Jonas

2017-04-01

In extensional sedimentary basins, the movement of ductile salt is mainly controlled by the vertical displacement of the salt layer, differential loading due to syn-kinematic deposition, and tectonic shearing at the top and the base of the salt layer. During basement normal faulting, salt either tends to flow downward to the basin centre driven by its own weight or it is squeezed upward due to differential loading. In analogue experiments and analytical models, we address the interplay between normal faulting of the sub-salt basement, compaction and density inversion of the supra-salt cover and the kinematic response of the ductile salt layer. The analogue experiments consist of a ductile substratum (silicone putty) beneath a denser cover layer (sand mixture). Both layers are displaced by normal faults mimicked through a downward moving block within the rigid base of the experimental apparatus and the resulting flow patterns in the ductile layer are monitored and analysed. In the computational models using an analytical approximative solution of the Navier-Stokes equation, the steady-state flow velocity in an idealized natural salt layer is calculated in order to evaluate how flow patterns observed in the analogue experiments can be translated to nature. The analytical calculations provide estimations of the prevailing direction and velocity of salt flow above a sub-salt normal fault. The results of both modelling approaches show that under most geological conditions salt moves downwards to the hanging wall side as long as vertical offset and compaction of the cover layer are small. As soon as an effective average density of the cover is exceeded, the direction of the flow velocity reverses and the viscous material is squeezed towards the elevated footwall side. The analytical models reveal that upward flow occurs even if the average density of the overburden does not exceed the density of salt. By testing various scenarios with different layer thicknesses, displacement rate or lithological parameters of the cover, our models suggest that the reversal of material flow usually requires vertical displacements between 700 and 2000 m. The transition from downward to upward flow occurs at smaller fault displacements, if the initial overburden thickness and the overburden density are high and if sedimentation rate keeps pace with the displacement rate of the sub-salt normal fault.

Investigation into Differences in Level of Knowledge about Hypertension between High School Students and Elderly People.

PubMed

Sanagawa, Akimasa; Ogasawara, Misa; Kusahara, Yuri; Yasumoto, Miki; Iwaki, Soichiro; Fujii, Satoshi

2017-01-01

As a major chronic non-communicable disease, hypertension is the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, stroke and, if not treated appropriately, premature death. A population-based approach aimed at decreasing high blood pressure among the general population is an important component of any comprehensive plan to prevent hypertension. However, few studies have investigated generational differences in knowledge about, and consciousness of, hypertension. Thus, we conducted a questionnaire survey about hypertension, with the aim of clarifying differences of understanding about hypertension between high school students and elderly people. The results of this investigation suggested that there is indeed a generational difference: knowledge about hypertension, and awareness of its relationship with salt intake, was higher in elderly people than in high school students. Furthermore, our study showed that among high school students, salt intake consciousness correlated with a family history of hypertension. By contrast, in elderly people, salt intake consciousness is related to age and to an awareness of recommended daily salt intake. This study strongly showed that knowledge and consciousness of hypertension varied among generations, with the elderly being more aware and conscientious about salt intake. Acknowledgement of this generational diversity is critical to developing an effective overall preventive strategy for hypertension.

Spot Urine-guided Salt Reduction in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients.

PubMed

Uchiyama, Kiyotaka; Yanai, Akane; Ishibashi, Yoshitaka

2017-09-01

Dietary salt restriction is important in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to reduce hypertension, cardiovascular events, progression of CKD, and mortality. However, recommending salt reduction for patients is difficult without knowing their actual sodium intake. This study evaluated the effectiveness of spot urine-guided salt reduction in CKD outpatients. A prospective cohort study was used. This study included a total of 127 adult outpatients (aged 60 ± 18 years, 80 males) with CKD. Their baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate was 51.4 ± 25.1 (mL/minute/1.73 m 2 ), and 64 (50%) of them were with CKD stage 3a or 3b (both 32 [25%]). We informed the patients of their individual spot urine-estimated salt intake every time they visited the outpatient clinic. Based on the data, the nephrologist encouraged the patients to achieve their salt restriction goal. The primary outcome was the estimated salt excretion, and the secondary outcome was the urinary protein-to-Cr ratio (UPCR). Multiple regression analyses were performed to clarify the contributing factors of changes in both outcomes. Over a follow-up of 12 months, the median number of patients' visits was 7 (5-8). The estimated salt intake was significantly reduced from 7.98 ± 2.49 g/day to 6.77 ± 1.77 g/day (P < .0001). The median UPCR was also reduced from 0.20 (0.10-0.80) to 0.10 (0.10-0.48) (P < .0001). On multiple regression analysis, a reduction in UPCR was positively associated with the baseline UPCR and a reduction in systolic blood pressure significantly (P < .0001 and P < .01, respectively) as well as positively correlated with a reduction in the estimated salt intake, with borderline significance (P = .08). Providing spot urine-estimated salt intake feedback effectively motivated CKD patients to reduce their salt intake. Spot urine-guided salt reduction may slow CKD progression through decreased urinary protein excretion. Copyright © 2017 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Interactions of frazil and anchor ice with sedimentary particles in a flume

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kempema, E.W.; Reimnitz, E.; Clayton, J.R.; Payne, J.R.

1993-01-01

Frazil and anchor ice forming in turbulent, supercooled water have been studied extensively because of problems posed to man-made hydraulic structures. In spite of many incidental observations of interactions of these ice forms with sediment, their geologic effects remain unknown. The present flume study was designed to learn about the effects of salinity, current speed, and sediment type on sediment dynamics in supercooled water. In fresh-water, frazil ice formed flocs as large as 8 cm in diameter that tended to roll along a sandy bottom and collect material from the bed. The heavy flocs often came to rest in the shelter of ripples, forming anchor ice that subsequently was buried by migrating ripples. Burial compressed porous anchor ice into ice-bonded, sediment-rich masses. This process disrupts normal ripple cross-bedding and may produce unique sedimentary structures. Salt-water flocs were smaller, incorporated less bed load, and formed less anchor ice than their fresh-water counterparts. In four experiments, frazil carried a high sediment load only for a short period in supercooled salt water, but released it with slight warming. This suggests that salt-water frazil is either sticky or traps particles only while surrounded by supercooled water (0.05 to 0.1 ??C supercooling), a short-lived phase in simple, small tanks. Salt water anchor ice formed readily on blocks of ice-bonded sediment, which may be common in nature. The theoretical maximum sediment load in neutrally-buoyant ice/sediment mixture is 122 g/l, never reported in nature so far. The maximum sediment load measured in this laboratory study was 88 g/l. Such high theoretical and measured sediment concentrations suggest that frazil and anchor ice are important sediment transport agents in rivers and oceans. ?? 1993.

Thermoregulatory consequences of salt loading in the lizard Pogona vitticeps.

PubMed

Scarpellini, Carolina da Silveira; Bícego, Kênia C; Tattersall, Glenn J

2015-04-15

Previous research has demonstrated that dehydration increases the threshold temperature for panting and decreases the thermal preference of lizards. Conversely, it is unknown whether thermoregulatory responses such as shuttling and gaping are similarly influenced. Shuttling, as an active behavioural response, is considered one of the most effective thermoregulatory behaviours, whereas gaping has been proposed to be involved in preventing brain over-heating in lizards. In this study we examined the effect of salt loading, a proxy for increased plasma osmolality, on shuttling and gaping in Pogona vitticeps. Then, we determined the upper and lower escape ambient temperatures (UETa and LETa), the percentage of time spent gaping, the metabolic rate (V̇O2 ), the evaporative water loss (EWL) during gaping and non-gaping intervals and the evaporative effectiveness (EWL/V̇O2 ) of gaping. All experiments were performed under isotonic (154 mmol l(-1)) and hypertonic saline injections (625, 1250 or 2500 mmol l(-1)). Only the highest concentration of hypertonic saline altered the UETa and LETa, but this effect appeared to be the result of diminishing the animal's propensity to move, instead of any direct reduction in thermoregulatory set-points. Nevertheless, the percentage of time spent gaping was proportionally reduced according to the saline concentration; V̇O2 was also decreased after salt loading. Thermographic images revealed lower head than body surface temperatures during gaping; however this difference was inhibited after salt loading. Our data suggest that EWL/V̇O2 is raised during gaping, possibly contributing to an increase in heat transfer away from the lizard, and playing a role in head or brain cooling. © 2015. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

A fresh look at road salt: aquatic toxicity and water-quality impacts on local, regional, and national scales.

PubMed

Corsi, Steven R; Graczyk, David J; Geis, Steven W; Booth, Nathaniel L; Richards, Kevin D

2010-10-01

A new perspective on the severity of aquatic toxicity impact of road salt was gained by a focused research effort directed at winter runoff periods. Dramatic impacts were observed on local, regional, and national scales. Locally, samples from 7 of 13 Milwaukee, Wisconsin area streams exhibited toxicity in Ceriodaphnia dubia and Pimephales promelas bioassays during road-salt runoff. Another Milwaukee stream was sampled from 1996 to 2008 with 72% of 37 samples exhibiting toxicity in chronic bioassays and 43% in acute bioassays. The maximum chloride concentration was 7730 mg/L. Regionally, in southeast Wisconsin, continuous specific conductance was monitored as a chloride surrogate in 11 watersheds with urban land use from 6.0 to 100%. Elevated specific conductance was observed between November and April at all sites, with continuing effects between May and October at sites with the highest specific conductance. Specific conductance was measured as high as 30,800 μS/cm (Cl = 11,200 mg/L). Chloride concentrations exceeded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) acute (860 mg/L) and chronic (230 mg/L) water-quality criteria at 55 and 100% of monitored sites, respectively. Nationally, U.S. Geological Survey historical data were examined for 13 northern and 4 southern metropolitan areas. Chloride concentrations exceeded USEPA water-quality criteria at 55% (chronic) and 25% (acute) of the 168 monitoring locations in northern metropolitan areas from November to April. Only 16% (chronic) and 1% (acute) of sites exceeded criteria from May to October. At southern sites, very few samples exceeded chronic water-quality criteria, and no samples exceeded acute criteria.

Alterations to the middle cerebral artery of the hypertensive-arthritic rat model potentiates intracerebral hemorrhage

PubMed Central

Chokshi, Killol; Kane, Brittany; Chang, Hilary; Naiel, Safaa; Dickhout, Jeffrey G.

2016-01-01

Aims We have recently created an age-dependent hypertensive-mono-arthritic animal model from the stroke-resistant spontaneously hypertensive rat to model populations with autoimmune disease who are hypertensive and are prone to stroke. The model exhibits signs of hemorrhagic stroke (HS) subsequent to chronic inflammation and hypertension. HS is also associated with the inability of middle cerebral arteries to undergo pressure dependent constriction (PDC). We investigated alterations in the cerebrovasculature of our hypertensive mono-arthritic animals that develop stroke. Main Methods Animals were fed either a high salt diet (HSD) (4% NaCl) or Purina chow (0.58% NaCl) from weaning. Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) was injected into the left hind paw at 21–28 weeks; controls received saline and histological and functional studies were performed. Results Brain damage was more prominent with the high salt, with inflammation exacerbating the damage. High salt alone significantly decreased middle cerebral artery’s (MCA’s) ability to undergo PDC. Inflammation significantly decreased the ability of cerebrovasculature to respond to pressure step in the regular salt diet. The responses to vasoactive peptides were also significantly attenuated in both inflamed groups regardless of diet. Conclusion Induction of chronic systemic inflammation increases brain damage, and affect the MCA’s vasogenic function, decreasing its ability to respond to intraluminal pressure. HSD further exacerbates organ damage associated with chronic inflammation, further compromising cerebrovascular function, and likely increasing the incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage and injury. PMID:27833798

Protein removal from waste brines generated during ham salting through acidification and centrifugation.

PubMed

Gutiérrez-Martínez, Maria del Rosario; Muñoz-Guerrero, Hernán; Alcaína-Miranda, Maria Isabel; Barat, José Manuel

2014-03-01

The salting step in food processes implies the production of large quantities of waste brines, having high organic load, high conductivity, and other pollutants with high oxygen demand. Direct disposal of the residual brine implies salinization of soil and eutrophication of water. Since most of the organic load of the waste brines comes from proteins leaked from the salted product, precipitation of dissolved proteins by acidification and removal by centrifugation is an operation to be used in waste brine cleaning. The aim of this study is optimizing the conditions for carrying out the separation of proteins from waste brines generated in the pork ham salting operation, by studying the influence of pH, centrifugal force, and centrifugation time. Models for determining the removal of proteins depending on the pH, centrifugal force, and time were obtained. The results showed a high efficacy of the proposed treatment for removing proteins, suggesting that this method could be used for waste brine protein removal. The best pH value to be used in an industrial process seems to be 3, while the obtained results indicate that almost 90% of the proteins from the brine can be removed by acidification followed by centrifugation. A further protein removal from the brine should have to be achieved using filtrating techniques, which efficiency could be highly improved as a consequence of the previous treatment through acidification and centrifugation. Waste brines from meat salting have high organic load and electrical conductivity. Proteins can be removed from the waste brine by acidification and centrifugation. The total protein removal can be up to 90% of the initial content of the waste brine. Protein removal is highly dependent on pH, centrifugation rate, and time. © 2014 Institute of Food Technologists®

Novel Mechanism for Buffering Dietary Salt in Humans: Effects of Salt Loading on Skin Sodium, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C, and Blood Pressure.

PubMed

Selvarajah, Viknesh; Mäki-Petäjä, Kaisa M; Pedro, Liliana; Bruggraber, Sylvaine F A; Burling, Keith; Goodhart, Anna K; Brown, Morris J; McEniery, Carmel M; Wilkinson, Ian B

2017-11-01

High dietary sodium intake triggers increased blood pressure (BP). Animal studies show that dietary salt loading results in dermal Na + accumulation and lymphangiogenesis mediated by VEGF-C (vascular endothelial growth factor C), both attenuating the rise in BP. Our objective was to determine whether these mechanisms function in humans. We assessed skin electrolytes, BP, and plasma VEGF-C in 48 healthy participants randomized to placebo (70 mmol sodium/d) and slow sodium (200 mmol/d) for 7 days. Skin Na + and K + concentrations were measured in mg/g of wet tissue and expressed as the ratio Na + :K + to correct for variability in sample hydration. Skin Na + :K + increased between placebo and slow sodium phases (2.91±0.08 versus 3.12±0.09; P =0.01). In post hoc analysis, there was a suggestion of a sex-specific effect, with a significant increase in skin Na + :K + in men (2.59±0.09 versus 2.88±0.12; P =0.008) but not women (3.23±0.10 versus 3.36±0.12; P =0.31). Women showed a significant increase in 24-hour mean BP with salt loading (93±1 versus 91±1 mm Hg; P <0.001) while men did not (96±2 versus 96±2 mm Hg; P =0.91). Skin Na + :K + correlated with BP, stroke volume, and peripheral vascular resistance in men but not in women. No change was noted in plasma VEGF-C. These findings suggest that the skin may buffer dietary Na + , reducing the hemodynamic consequences of increased salt, and this may be influenced by sex. © 2017 The Authors.

The altered balance between sympathetic nervous system and nitric oxide in salt hypertensive Dahl rats: ontogenetic and F2 hybrid studies.

PubMed

Dobesová, Zdena; Kunes, Jaroslav; Zicha, Josef

2002-05-01

We have demonstrated earlier that the nitric oxide (NO) system is not able to counterbalance effectively the hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in salt hypertension of young Dahl rats in which augmented superoxide anion formation lowers NO bioavailability. The aim of the present study was to determine whether SNS hyperactivity and/or relative NO deficiency are also present in salt hypertension elicited in adult Dahl rats, and whether they are associated with blood pressure (BP) in the F2 population of Dahl rats. The contribution of major vasoactive systems [renin-angiotensin system (RAS), SNS and NO] and superoxide anions to BP maintenance was studied in SS/Jr rats in which salt hypertension was induced either in adulthood or in youth (8% NaCl diet from the age of 12 or 4 weeks). The contribution of particular vasoactive systems was also investigated in 122 young salt-loaded F2hybrids [derived from salt-sensitive (SS/Jr) and salt-resistant (SR/Jr) Dahl rats] which were fed a high-salt diet (8% NaCl) for 6 weeks after weaning. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured in conscious animals subjected to acute consecutive blockade of RAS (captopril 10 mg/kg i.v.), SNS (pentolinium 5 mg/kg i.v.) and NO synthase (l-NAME 30 mg/kg i.v.). Dahl rats with salt hypertension induced in adulthood were also characterized by enhanced pentolinium-induced BP fall (DeltaMAPpento), but their residual BP (recorded after the blockade of both RAS and SNS) was unaltered, in contrast to its elevation seen in young salt-hypertensive rats. The BP rise after NO synthase inhibition by l-NAME (DeltaMAPL-NAME), which was substantially greater in adult than in young hypertensive rats, was not enhanced by superoxide scavenging with tempol in adult hypertensive animals, in which this drug elicited a moderate BP reduction only. Basal MAP of young salt-loaded F2 hybrids was positively associated not only with DeltaMAPpento (P < 0.0001) and residual BP (P < 0.001) but also with DeltaMAPL-NAME (P < 0.001). The slope of the relationship between basal BP and pentolinium-induced BP changes was steeper than that between basal BP and BP changes elicited by l-NAME. The positive correlation of basal BP with DeltaMAPpento/DeltaMAPL-NAME ratio (P < 0.01) indicates that an altered balance between sympathetic vasoconstriction and NO-dependent vasodilation was associated with high blood pressure, even in the F2 population of Dahl rats. A comparison of young and adult salt-hypertensive Dahl rats stressed the importance of increased residual BP and relative NO deficiency for the severity of hypertension, because these two alterations were absent in a less-pronounced form of salt hypertension elicited in adulthood. The findings obtained in our young salt-loaded F2 population also confirm the major importance of both sympathetic hyperactivity and relative NO deficiency for the maintenance of salt hypertension in Dahl rats.

A comparison of selection at list time and time-stratified sampling for estimating suspended sediment loads

Treesearch

Robert B. Thomas; Jack Lewis

1993-01-01

Time-stratified sampling of sediment for estimating suspended load is introduced and compared to selection at list time (SALT) sampling. Both methods provide unbiased estimates of load and variance. The magnitude of the variance of the two methods is compared using five storm populations of suspended sediment flux derived from turbidity data. Under like conditions,...

Impact of Climate Change on Soil and Groundwater Chemistry Subject to Process Waste Land Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McNab, W. W.

2013-12-01

Nonhazardous aqueous process waste streams from food and beverage industry operations are often discharged via managed land application in a manner designed to minimize impacts to underlying groundwater. Process waste streams are typically characterized by elevated concentrations of solutes such as ammonium, organic nitrogen, potassium, sodium, and organic acids. Land application involves the mixing of process waste streams with irrigation water which is subsequently applied to crops. The combination of evapotranspiration and crop salt uptake reduces the downward mass fluxes of percolation water and salts. By carefully managing application schedules in the context of annual climatological cycles, growing seasons, and process requirements, potential adverse environmental impacts to groundwater can be mitigated. However, climate change poses challenges to future process waste land application efforts because the key factors that determine loading rates - temperature, evapotranspiration, seasonal changes in the quality and quantity of applied water, and various crop factors - are all likely to deviate from current averages. To assess the potential impact of future climate change on the practice of land application, coupled process modeling entailing transient unsaturated fluid flow, evapotranspiration, crop salt uptake, and multispecies reactive chemical transport was used to predict changes in salt loading if current practices are maintained in a warmer, drier setting. As a first step, a coupled process model (Hydrus-1D, combined with PHREEQC) was calibrated to existing data sets which summarize land application loading rates, soil water chemistry, and crop salt uptake for land disposal of process wastes from a food industry facility in the northern San Joaquin Valley of California. Model results quantify, for example, the impacts of evapotranspiration on both fluid flow and soil water chemistry at shallow depths, with secondary effects including carbonate mineral precipitation and ion exchange. The calibrated model was then re-run assuming different evapotranspiration and crop growth regimes, and different seasonally-adjusted applied water compositions, to elucidate possible impacts to salt loading reactive chemistry. The results of the predictive modeling indicate the extent to which salts could be redistributed within the soil column as a consequence of climate change. The degree to which these findings are applicable to process waste land application operations at other sites was explored by varying the soil unsaturated flow parameters as a model sensitivity assessment. Taken together, the model results help to quantify operational changes to land application that may be necessary to avoid future adverse environmental impacts to soil and groundwater.

Sea salt irradiation experiments relevant to the surface conditions of ocean worlds such as Europa and Enceladus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hand, Kevin P.; Carlson, Robert W.

2015-11-01

We have conducted a set of laboratory experiments to measure changes in NaCl, KCl, MgCl2, and mixtures of these salts, as a function of exposure to the temperature, pressure, and radiation conditions relevant to ice covered ocean worlds in our solar system. Reagent grade salts were placed onto a diffuse aluminum target at the end of a cryostat coldfinger and loaded into an ultra-high vacuum chamber. The samples were then cooled to 100 K and the chamber pumped down to ~10-8 Torr, achieving conditions comparable to the surface of several moons of the outer solar system. Samples were subsequently irradiated with 10 keV electrons at an average current of 1 µA.We examined a range of conditions for NaCl including pure salts grains (~300 µm diameter), salt grains with water ice deposited on top, and evaporites. For the evaporites saturated salt water was loaded onto the cryostat target, the chamber closed, and then slowly pumped down to remove the water, leaving behind a salt evaporate for irradiation.The electron bombardment resulted in the trapping of electrons in halogen vacancies, yielding the the F- and M- color centers. After irraditiation we observed yellow-brown discoloration in NaCl. KCl was observed to turn a distinct violet. In NaCl these centers have strong absorptions at 450 nm and 720 nm, respectively, providing a highly diagnostic signature of otherwise transparent alkali halides, making it possible to remotely characterize and quantify the composition and salinity of ocean worlds.

Year-round records of sea salt, gaseous, and particulate inorganic bromine in the atmospheric boundary layer at coastal (Dumont d'Urville) and central (Concordia) East Antarctic sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Legrand, Michel; Yang, Xin; Preunkert, Susanne; Theys, Nicolas

2016-01-01

Multiple year-round records of bulk and size-segregated compositions of aerosol were obtained at the coastal Dumont d'Urville (DDU) and inland Concordia sites located in East Antarctica. They document the sea-salt aerosol load and composition including, for the first time in Antarctica, the bromide depletion of sea-salt aerosol relative to sodium with respect to seawater. In parallel, measurements of bromide trapped in mist chambers and denuder tubes were done to investigate the concentrations of gaseous inorganic bromine species. These data are compared to simulations done with an off-line chemistry transport model, coupled with a full tropospheric bromine chemistry scheme and a process-based sea-salt production module that includes both sea-ice-sourced and open-ocean-sourced aerosol emissions. Observed and simulated sea-salt concentrations sometime differ by up to a factor of 2 to 3, particularly at DDU possibly due to local wind pattern. In spite of these discrepancies, both at coastal and inland Antarctica, the dominance of sea-ice-related processes with respect to open ocean emissions for the sea-salt aerosol load in winter is confirmed. For summer, observations and simulations point out sea salt as the main source of gaseous inorganic bromine species. Investigations of bromide in snow pit samples do not support the importance of snowpack bromine emissions over the Antarctic Plateau. To evaluate the overall importance of the bromine chemistry over East Antarctica, BrO simulations were also discussed with respect data derived from GOME-2 satellite observations over Antarctica.

SRNL SHELF LIFE STUDIES - SCC STUDIES AT ROOM TEMPERTURE [stress corrosion cracking

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

Mickalonis, J.; Duffey, J.

Phase II, Series 2 corrosion testing performed by the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) for the Department of Energy 3013 container has been completed. The corrosion tests are part of an integrated plan conducted jointly by Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Savannah River Site. SRNL was responsible for conducting corrosion studies in small-scale vessels to address the influence of salt composition, water loading, and type of oxide/salt contact on the relative humidity inside a 3013 container and on the resulting corrosion of Type 304L and 316L stainless steel (304L and 316L). This testing was conducted in two phases: Phasemore » I evaluated a broad spectrum of salt compositions and initial water loadings on the salt mixtures exposed to 304L and 316L and the resulting corrosion; Phase II evaluated the corrosion of 304L at specific water loadings and a single salt composition. During Phase I testing at high initial moisture levels (0.35 to 1.24 wt%)a, the roomtemperature corrosion of 304L exposed to a series of plutonium oxide/chloride salt mixtures ranged from superficial staining to pitting and stress corrosion cracking (SCC). 304L teardrop coupons that exhibited SCC were directly exposed to a mixture composed of 98 wt % PuO2, 0.9 wt % NaCl, 0.9 wt % KCl, and 0.2 wt % CaCl2. Cracking was not observed in a 316L teardrop coupon. Pitting was also observed in this environment for both 304L and 316L with depths ranging from 20 to 100 μm. Neither pitting nor SCC was observed in mixtures with a greater chloride salt concentration (5 and 28 wt%). These results demonstrated that for a corrosive solution to form a balance existed between the water loading and the salt chloride concentration. This chloride solution results from the interaction of loaded water with the hydrating CaCl2 salt. In Phase II, Series 1 tests, the SCC results were shown to be reproducible with cracking occurring in as little as 85 days. The approximate 0.5 wt% moisture level was found to result in an initial relative humidity of ~55% within the small-scale vessels. Pits were found to be associated with cracks and appeared to act as initiators for the cracking. In a vapor-space only exposure, the weld oxide, which results from the TIG closure weld used to fabricate the teardrop coupon, was also shown to be more susceptible to pitting corrosion than a surface free from weld oxide. This result has important implications for the closure weld of the 3013 inner can since the weld oxide on the can internal surface cannot be removed. The results from the Phase II, Series 2 tests further demonstrated the significance of forming a solution with a critical chloride concentration for corrosion to proceed. 304L teardrop coupons were found to corrode only by pitting with a similar oxide/salt mixture as used in Series 1 testing but with a lower water loading of 0.2 wt%, which resulted in an initial relative humidity of 35-38%. These tests ran twice as long as those for Series 1 testing. The exposure condition was also found to impact the corrosion with salt-exposed surfaces showing lower corrosion resistance. Additional analyses of the Series 2 coupons are recommended especially for determining if cracks emanate from the bottom of pits. Data generated under the 2009 3013 corrosion test plan, as was presented here, increased the understanding of the corrosion process within a sealed 3013 container. Along with the corrosion data from destructive evaluations of 3013 containers, the inner can closure weld region (ICCWR) has been identified as the most vulnerable area of the inner can where corrosion may lead to corrosive species leaking to the interior surface of the outer container, thereby jeopardizing the integrity of the 3013 container. A new corrosion plan has been designed that will characterize the corrosion at the ICCWR of 3013 DEs as well as parameters affecting this corrosion.« less

Communication—Quantitative Voltammetric Analysis of High Concentration Actinides in Molten Salts

DOE PAGES

Hoyt, Nathaniel C.; Willit, James L.; Williamson, Mark A.

2017-01-18

Previous electroanalytical studies have shown that cyclic voltammetry can provide accurate quantitative measurements of actinide concentrations at low weight loadings in molten salts. However, above 2 wt%, the techniques were found to underpredict the concentrations of the reactant species. Here this work will demonstrate that much of the discrepancy is caused by uncompensated resistance and cylindrical diffusion. An improved electroanalytical approach has therefore been developed using the results of digital simulations to take these effects into account. This approach allows for accurate electroanalytical predictions across the full range of weight loadings expected to be encountered in operational nuclear fuel processingmore » equipment.« less

Stress Corrosion Cracking of Annealed and Cold Worked Titanium Grade 7 and Alloy 22 in 110 C Concentrated Salt Environments

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

P. Andresen

2000-11-08

Stress corrosion crack growth studies have been performed on annealed and cold worked Titanium Grade 7 and Alloy 22 in 110 C, aerated, concentrated, high pH salt environments characteristic of concentrated ground water. Following a very careful transition from fatigue precracking conditions to SCC conditions, the long term behavior under very stable conditions was monitored using reversing dc potential drop. Titanium Grade 7 exhibited continuous crack growth under both near-static and complete static loading conditions. Alloy 22 exhibited similar growth rates, but was less prone to maintain stable crack growth as conditions approached fully static loading.

Communication—Quantitative Voltammetric Analysis of High Concentration Actinides in Molten Salts

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

Hoyt, Nathaniel C.; Willit, James L.; Williamson, Mark A.

Previous electroanalytical studies have shown that cyclic voltammetry can provide accurate quantitative measurements of actinide concentrations at low weight loadings in molten salts. However, above 2 wt%, the techniques were found to underpredict the concentrations of the reactant species. Here this work will demonstrate that much of the discrepancy is caused by uncompensated resistance and cylindrical diffusion. An improved electroanalytical approach has therefore been developed using the results of digital simulations to take these effects into account. This approach allows for accurate electroanalytical predictions across the full range of weight loadings expected to be encountered in operational nuclear fuel processingmore » equipment.« less

Liquidus temperature and chemical durability of selected glasses to immobilize rare earth oxides waste

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

Mohd Fadzil, Syazwani Binti; Hrma, Pavel R.; Schweiger, Michael J.

Pyroprocessing is a reprocessing method for managing and reusing used nuclear fuel (UNF) by dissolving it in an electrorefiner with a molten alkali or alkaline earth chloride salt mixture while avoiding wet reprocessing. Pyroprocessing UNF with a LiCl-KCl eutectic salt releases the fission products from the fuel and generates a variety of metallic and salt-based species, including rare earth (RE) chlorides. If the RE-chlorides are converted to oxides, borosilicate glass is a prime candidate for their immobilization because of its durability and ability to dissolve almost any RE waste component into the matrix at high loadings. Crystallization that occurs inmore » waste glasses as the waste loading increases may complicate glass processing and affect the product quality. This work compares three types of borosilicate glasses in terms of liquidus temperature (TL): the International Simple Glass designed by the International Working Group, sodium borosilicate glass developed by Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power, and the lanthanide aluminoborosilicate (LABS) glass established in the United States. The LABS glass allows the highest waste loadings (over 50 mass% RE2O3) while possessing an acceptable chemical durability.« less

Liquidus temperature and chemical durability of selected glasses to immobilize rare earth oxides waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohd Fadzil, Syazwani; Hrma, Pavel; Schweiger, Michael J.; Riley, Brian J.

2015-10-01

Pyroprocessing is are processing method for managing and reusing used nuclear fuel (UNF) by dissolving it in an electrorefiner with a molten alkali or alkaline earth chloride salt mixture while avoiding wet reprocessing. Pyroprocessing UNF with a LiCl-KCl eutectic salt releases the fission products from the fuel and generates a variety of metallic and salt-based species, including rare earth (RE) chlorides. If the RE-chlorides are converted to oxides, borosilicate glass is a prime candidate for their immobilization because of its durability and ability to dissolve almost any RE waste component into the glass matrix at high loadings. Crystallization that occurs in waste glasses as the waste loading increases may complicate glass processing and affect the product quality. This work compares three types of borosilicate glasses in terms of liquidus temperature (TL): the International Simple Glass designed by the International Working Group, sodium borosilicate glass developed by Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power, and the lanthanide aluminoborosilicate (LABS) glass established in the United States. The LABS glass allows the highest waste loadings (over 50 mass% RE2O3) while possessing an acceptable chemical durability.

Norepinephrine-evoked salt-sensitive hypertension requires impaired renal sodium chloride cotransporter activity in Sprague-Dawley rats.

PubMed

Walsh, Kathryn R; Kuwabara, Jill T; Shim, Joon W; Wainford, Richard D

2016-01-15

Recent studies have implicated a role of norepinephrine (NE) in the activation of the sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) to drive the development of salt-sensitive hypertension. However, the interaction between NE and increased salt intake on blood pressure remains to be fully elucidated. This study examined the impact of a continuous NE infusion on sodium homeostasis and blood pressure in conscious Sprague-Dawley rats challenged with a normal (NS; 0.6% NaCl) or high-salt (HS; 8% NaCl) diet for 14 days. Naïve and saline-infused Sprague-Dawley rats remained normotensive when placed on HS and exhibited dietary sodium-evoked suppression of peak natriuresis to hydrochlorothiazide. NE infusion resulted in the development of hypertension, which was exacerbated by HS, demonstrating the development of the salt sensitivity of blood pressure [MAP (mmHg) NE+NS: 151 ± 3 vs. NE+HS: 172 ± 4; P < 0.05]. In these salt-sensitive animals, increased NE prevented dietary sodium-evoked suppression of peak natriuresis to hydrochlorothiazide, suggesting impaired NCC activity contributes to the development of salt sensitivity [peak natriuresis to hydrochlorothiazide (μeq/min) Naïve+NS: 9.4 ± 0.2 vs. Naïve+HS: 7 ± 0.1; P < 0.05; NE+NS: 11.1 ± 1.1; NE+HS: 10.8 ± 0.4). NE infusion did not alter NCC expression in animals maintained on NS; however, dietary sodium-evoked suppression of NCC expression was prevented in animals challenged with NE. Chronic NCC antagonism abolished the salt-sensitive component of NE-mediated hypertension, while chronic ANG II type 1 receptor antagonism significantly attenuated NE-evoked hypertension without restoring NCC function. These data demonstrate that increased levels of NE prevent dietary sodium-evoked suppression of the NCC, via an ANG II-independent mechanism, to stimulate the development of salt-sensitive hypertension. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Uteroplacental insufficiency temporally exacerbates salt-induced hypertension associated with a reduced natriuretic response in male rat offspring.

PubMed

Gallo, Linda A; Walton, Sarah L; Mazzuca, Marc Q; Tare, Marianne; Parkington, Helena C; Wlodek, Mary E; Moritz, Karen M

2018-03-31

Low weight at birth increases the risk of developing chronic diseases in adulthood A diet that is high in salt is known to elevate blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney diseases The present study demonstrates that growth restricted male rats have a heightened sensitivity to high dietary salt, in the context of raised systolic blood pressure, reduced urinary sodium excretion and stiffer mesenteric resistance vessels Other salt-induced effects, such as kidney hyperfiltration, albuminuria and glomerular damage, were not exacerbated by being born small The present study demonstrates that male offspring born small have an increased cardiovascular susceptibility to high dietary salt, such that that minimizing salt intake is probably of particular benefit to this at-risk population ABSTRACT: Intrauterine growth restriction increases the risk of developing chronic diseases in adulthood. Lifestyle factors, such as poor dietary choices, may elevate this risk. We determined whether being born small increases the sensitivity to a dietary salt challenge, in the context of hypertension, kidney disease and arterial stiffness. Bilateral uterine vessel ligation or sham surgery (offspring termed Restricted and Control, respectively) was performed on 18-day pregnant Wistar Kyoto rats. Male offspring were allocated to receive a diet high in salt (8% sodium chloride) or remain on standard rat chow (0.52% sodium chloride) from 20 to 26 weeks of age for 6 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (tail-cuff), renal function (24 h urine excretions) and vascular stiffness (pressure myography) were assessed. Restricted males were born 15% lighter than Controls and remained smaller throughout the study. Salt-induced hypertension was exacerbated in Restricted offspring, reaching a peak systolic pressure of ∼175 mmHg earlier than normal weight counterparts. The natriuretic response to high dietary salt in Restricted animals was less than in Controls and may explain the early rise in arterial pressure. Growth restricted males allocated to a high salt diet also had increased passive arterial stiffness of mesenteric resistance arteries. Other aspects of renal function, including salt-induced hyperfiltration, albuminuria and glomerular damage, were not exacerbated by uteroplacental insufficiency. The present study demonstrates that male offspring exposed to uteroplacental insufficiency and born small have an increased sensitivity to salt-induced hypertension and arterial remodelling. © 2018 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2018 The Physiological Society.

Dynamic Patterns of Forces and Loading Rate in Runners with Unilateral Plantar Fasciitis: A Cross-Sectional Study

PubMed Central

Ribeiro, Ana Paula; João, Silvia Maria Amado; Dinato, Roberto Casanova; Tessutti, Vitor Daniel; Sacco, Isabel Camargo Neves

2015-01-01

Aim/Hypothesis The etiology of plantar fasciitis (PF) has been related to several risk factors, but the magnitude of the plantar load is the most commonly described factor. Although PF is the third most-common injury in runners, only two studies have investigated this factor in runners, and their results are still inconclusive regarding the injury stage. Objective Analyze and compare the plantar loads and vertical loading rate during running of runners in the acute stage of PF to those in the chronic stage of the injury in relation to healthy runners. Methods Forty-five runners with unilateral PF (30 acute and 15 chronic) and 30 healthy control runners were evaluated while running at 12 km/h for 40 meters wearing standardized running shoes and Pedar-X insoles. The contact area and time, maximum force, and force-time integral over the rearfoot, midfoot, and forefoot were recorded and the loading rate (20–80% of the first vertical peak) was calculated. Groups were compared by ANOVAs (p<0.05). Results Maximum force and force-time integral over the rearfoot and the loading rate was higher in runners with PF (acute and chronic) compared with controls (p<0.01). Runners with PF in the acute stage showed lower loading rate and maximum force over the rearfoot compared to runners in the chronic stage (p<0.01). Conclusion Runners with PF showed different dynamic patterns of plantar loads during running over the rearfoot area depending on the injury stage (acute or chronic). In the acute stage of PF, runners presented lower loading rate and forces over the rearfoot, possibly due to dynamic mechanisms related to pain protection of the calcaneal area. PMID:26375815

EFFECTS OF NUTRIENT LOADING ON BIOGEOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIAL PROCESSES IN A NEW ENGLAND SALT MARSH

EPA Science Inventory

Coastal marshes represent an important transitional zone between uplands and estuaries. One important function of marshes is to assimilate nutrient inputs from uplands, thus providing a buffer for anthropogenic nutrient loads. We examined the effects of nitrogen (N) and phosphoru...

Late gestational hypoxia and a postnatal high salt diet programs endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in adult mouse offspring.

PubMed

Walton, Sarah L; Singh, Reetu R; Tan, Tiffany; Paravicini, Tamara M; Moritz, Karen M

2016-03-01

Gestational hypoxia and high dietary salt intake have both been associated with impaired vascular function in adulthood. Using a mouse model of prenatal hypoxia, we examined whether a chronic high salt diet had an additive effect in promoting vascular dysfunction in offspring. Pregnant CD1 dams were placed in a hypoxic chamber (12% O2) or housed under normal conditions (21% O2) from embryonic day 14.5 until birth. Gestational hypoxia resulted in a reduced body weight for both male and female offspring at birth. This restriction in body weight persisted until weaning, after which the animals underwent catch-up growth. At 10 weeks of age, a subset of offspring was placed on a high salt diet (5% NaCl). Pressurized myography of mesenteric resistance arteries at 12 months of age showed that both male and female offspring exposed to maternal hypoxia had significantly impaired endothelial function, as demonstrated by impaired vasodilatation to ACh but not sodium nitroprusside. Endothelial dysfunction caused by prenatal hypoxia was not exacerbated by postnatal consumption of a high salt diet. Prenatal hypoxia increased microvascular stiffness in male offspring. The combination of prenatal hypoxia and a postnatal high salt diet caused a leftward shift in the stress-strain relationship in both sexes. Histopathological analysis of aortic sections revealed a loss of elastin integrity and increased collagen, consistent with increased vascular stiffness. These results demonstrate that prenatal hypoxia programs endothelial dysfunction in both sexes. A chronic high salt diet in postnatal life had an additive deleterious effect on vascular mechanics and structural characteristics in both sexes. © 2015 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2015 The Physiological Society.

A Fresh Look at Road Salt: Aquatic Toxicity and Water-Quality Impacts on Local, Regional, and National Scales

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

A new perspective on the severity of aquatic toxicity impact of road salt was gained by a focused research effort directed at winter runoff periods. Dramatic impacts were observed on local, regional, and national scales. Locally, samples from 7 of 13 Milwaukee, Wisconsin area streams exhibited toxicity in Ceriodaphnia dubia and Pimephales promelas bioassays during road-salt runoff. Another Milwaukee stream was sampled from 1996 to 2008 with 72% of 37 samples exhibiting toxicity in chronic bioassays and 43% in acute bioassays. The maximum chloride concentration was 7730 mg/L. Regionally, in southeast Wisconsin, continuous specific conductance was monitored as a chloride surrogate in 11 watersheds with urban land use from 6.0 to 100%. Elevated specific conductance was observed between November and April at all sites, with continuing effects between May and October at sites with the highest specific conductance. Specific conductance was measured as high as 30 800 μS/cm (Cl = 11 200 mg/L). Chloride concentrations exceeded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) acute (860 mg/L) and chronic (230 mg/L) water-quality criteria at 55 and 100% of monitored sites, respectively. Nationally, U.S. Geological Survey historical data were examined for 13 northern and 4 southern metropolitan areas. Chloride concentrations exceeded USEPA water-quality criteria at 55% (chronic) and 25% (acute) of the 168 monitoring locations in northern metropolitan areas from November to April. Only 16% (chronic) and 1% (acute) of sites exceeded criteria from May to October. At southern sites, very few samples exceeded chronic water-quality criteria, and no samples exceeded acute criteria. PMID:20806974

A fresh look at road salt: Aquatic toxicity and water-quality impacts on local, regional, and national scales

USGS Publications Warehouse

Corsi, S.R.; Graczyk, D.J.; Geis, S.W.; Booth, N.L.; Richards, K.D.

2010-01-01

A new perspective on the severity of aquatic toxicity impact of road salt was gained by a focused research effort directed at winter runoff periods. Dramatic impacts were observed on local, regional, and national scales. Locally, samples from 7 of 13 Milwaukee, Wisconsin area streams exhibited toxicity in Ceriodaphnia dubia and Pimephales promelas bioassays during road-salt runoff. Another Milwaukee stream was sampled from 1996 to 2008 with 72% of 37 samples exhibiting toxicity in chronic bioassays and 43% in acute bioassays. The maximum chloride concentration was 7730 mg/L. Regionally, in southeast Wisconsin, continuous specific conductance was monitored as a chloride surrogate in 11 watersheds with urban land use from 6.0 to 100%. Elevated specific conductance was observed between November and April at all sites, with continuing effects between May and October at sites with the highest specific conductance. Specific conductance was measured as high as 30 800 ??S/cm (Cl = 11 200 mg/L). Chloride concentrations exceeded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) acute (860 mg/L) and chronic (230 mg/L) water-quality criteria at 55 and 100% of monitored sites, respectively. Nationally, U.S. Geological Survey historical data were examined for 13 northern and 4 southern metropolitan areas. Chloride concentrations exceeded USEPA water-quality criteria at 55% (chronic) and 25% (acute) of the 168 monitoring locations in northern metropolitan areas from November to April. Only 16% (chronic) and 1% (acute) of sites exceeded criteria from May to October. At southern sites, very few samples exceeded chronic water-quality criteria, and no samples exceeded acute criteria. ?? 2010 American Chemical Society.

Water and salt balance of Great Salt Lake, Utah, and simulation of water and salt movement through the causeway

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wold, Steven R.; Thomas, Blakemore E.; Waddell, Kidd M.

1997-01-01

The water and salt balance of Great Salt Lake primarily depends on the amount of inflow from tributary streams and the conveyance properties of a causeway constructed during 1957-59 that divides the lake into the south and north parts. The conveyance properties of the causeway originally included two culverts, each 15 feet wide, and the permeable rock-fill material.During 1980-86, the salt balance changed as a result of record high inflow that averaged 4,627,000 acre-feet annually and modifications made to the conveyance properties of the causeway that included opening a 300-foot-wide breach. In this study, a model developed in 1973 by Waddell and Bolke to simulate the water and salt balance of the lake was revised to accommodate the high water-surface altitude and modifications made to the causeway. This study, done by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Lands and Forestry, updates the model with monitoring data collected during 1980-86. This report describes the calibration of the model and presents the results of simulations for three hypothetical 10-year periods.During January 1, 1980, to July 31, 1984, a net load of 0.5 billion tons of dissolved salt flowed from the south to the north part of the lake primarily as a result of record inflows. From August 1, 1984, when the breach was opened, to December 31,1986, a net load of 0.3 billion tons of dissolved salt flowed from the north to the south part of the lake primarily as a result of the breach.For simulated inflow rates during a hypothetical 10-year period resulting in the water-surface altitude decreasing from about 4,200 to 4,192 feet, there was a net movement of about 1.0 billion tons of dissolved salt from the south to the north part, and about 1.7 billion tons of salt precipitated in the north part. For simulated inflow rates during a hypothetical 10-year period resulting in a rise in water-surface altitude from about 4,200 to 4,212 feet, there was a net movement of about 0.2 billion tons of dissolved salt from the south to the north part and no salt was precipitated in the north part of the lake.

Metal-doped organic foam

DOEpatents

Rinde, James A.

1982-01-01

Organic foams having a low density and very small cell size and method for producing same in either a metal-loaded or unloaded (nonmetal loaded) form are described. Metal-doped foams are produced by soaking a polymer gel in an aqueous solution of desired metal salt, soaking the gel successively in a solvent series of decreasing polarity to remove water from the gel and replace it with a solvent of lower polarity with each successive solvent in the series being miscible with the solvents on each side and being saturated with the desired metal salt, and removing the last of the solvents from the gel to produce the desired metal-doped foam having desired density cell size, and metal loading. The unloaded or metal-doped foams can be utilized in a variety of applications requiring low density, small cell size foam. For example, rubidium-doped foam made in accordance with the invention has utility in special applications, such as in x-ray lasers.

Nitrous oxide emissions could reduce the blue carbon value of marshes on eutrophic estuaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roughan, Brittney L.; Kellman, Lisa; Smith, Erin; Chmura, Gail L.

2018-04-01

The supply of nitrogen to ecosystems has surpassed the Earth’s Planetary Boundary and its input to the marine environment has caused estuarine waters to become eutrophic. Excessive supply of nitrogen to salt marshes has been associated with shifts in species’ distribution and production, as well as marsh degradation and loss. Our study of salt marshes in agriculturally intensive watersheds shows that coastal eutrophication can have an additional impact. We measured gas fluxes from marsh soils and verified emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) in nitrogen-loaded marshes while the reference marsh was a sink for this gas. Salt marsh soils are extremely efficient carbon sinks, but emissions of N2O, a greenhouse gas 298 times more potent than CO2, reduces the value of the carbon sink, and in some marshes, may counterbalance any value of stored carbon towards mitigation of climate change. Although more research is merited on the nitrogen transformations and carbon storage in eutrophic marshes, the possibility of significant N2O emissions should be considered when evaluating the market value of carbon in salt marshes subject to high levels of nitrogen loading.

Adsorption equilibrium and kinetics of monomer-dimer monoclonal antibody mixtures on a cation exchange resin.

PubMed

Reck, Jason M; Pabst, Timothy M; Hunter, Alan K; Wang, Xiangyang; Carta, Giorgio

2015-07-10

Adsorption equilibrium and kinetics are determined for a monoclonal antibody (mAb) monomer and dimer species, individually and in mixtures, on a macroporous cation exchange resin both under the dilute limit of salt gradient elution chromatography and at high protein loads and low salt based on batch adsorption equilibrium and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) experiments. In the dilute limit and weak binding conditions, the dimer/monomer selectivity in 10mM phosphate at pH 7 varies between 8.7 and 2.3 decreasing with salt concentration in the range of 170-230mM NaCl. At high protein loads and strong binding conditions (0-60mM NaCl), the selectivity in the same buffer is near unity with no NaCl added, but increases gradually with salt concentration reaching high values between 2 and 15 with 60mM added NaCl. For these conditions, the two-component adsorption kinetics is controlled by pore diffusion and is predicted approximately by a dual shrinking core model using parameters based on single component equilibrium and kinetics measurements. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multifunctional medicated lyophilised wafer dressing for effective chronic wound healing.

PubMed

Pawar, Harshavardhan V; Boateng, Joshua S; Ayensu, Isaac; Tetteh, John

2014-06-01

Wafers combining weight ratios of Polyox with carrageenan (75/25) or sodium alginate (50/50) containing streptomycin and diclofenac were prepared to improve chronic wound healing. Gels were freeze-dried using a lyophilisation cycle incorporating an annealing step. Wafers were characterised for morphology, mechanical and in vitro functional (swelling, adhesion, drug release in the presence of simulated wound fluid) characteristics. Both blank (BLK) and drug-loaded (DL) wafers were soft, flexible, elegant in appearance and non-brittle in nature. Annealing helped to improve porous nature of wafers but was affected by the addition of drugs. Mechanical characterisation demonstrated that the wafers were strong enough to withstand normal stresses but also flexible to prevent damage to newly formed skin tissue. Differences in swelling, adhesion and drug release characteristics could be attributed to differences in pore size and sodium sulphate formed because of the salt forms of the two drugs. BLK wafers showed relatively higher swelling and adhesion than DL wafers with the latter showing controlled release of streptomycin and diclofenac. The optimised dressing has the potential to reduce bacterial infection and can also help to reduce swelling and pain associated with injury due to the anti-inflammatory action of diclofenac and help to achieve more rapid wound healing. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

Early evolution of salt structures in north Louisiana salt basin

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

Lobao, J.J.; Pilger, R.H. Jr.

1986-05-01

Several salt diapirs and pillows in southern and central north Louisiana have been studied using approximately 355 mi (570 km) of seismic reflection data and information from 57 deep well holes. Using seismic profiles with deep well-hole data is the most advantageous method to document regional salt tectonism through time. The following conclusions were reached on diapirism in the North Louisiana Salt basin. (1) The diapiric event began early (early Coahuilan) in the southern and central part of the basin, and later (late Coahuilan to Comanchean) in the northern part. (2) The initial diapiric event is much more abrupt andmore » intense in the southern and central diapirs when compared with the later diapiric event in the northern diapirs. (3) Regional depocenter shifting, relative sea level, local erosion with salt extrusion, and rapid depositional loading of sediments are the major controls on diapirism in the basin.« less

Hydrophobic interaction chromatography in dual salt system increases protein binding capacity.

PubMed

Senczuk, Anna M; Klinke, Ralph; Arakawa, Tsutomu; Vedantham, Ganesh; Yigzaw, Yinges

2009-08-01

Hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) uses weakly hydrophobic resins and requires a salting-out salt to promote protein-resin interaction. The salting-out effects increase with protein and salt concentration. Dynamic binding capacity (DBC) is dependent on the binding constant, as well as on the flow characteristics during sample loading. DBC increases with the salt concentration but decreases with increasing flow rate. Dynamic and operational binding capacity have a major raw material cost/processing time impact on commercial scale production of monoclonal antibodies. In order to maximize DBC the highest salt concentration without causing precipitation is used. We report here a novel method to maintain protein solubility while increasing the DBC by using a combination of two salting-out salts (referred to as dual salt). In a series of experiments, we explored the dynamic capacity of a HIC resin (TosoBioscience Butyl 650M) with combinations of salts. Using a model antibody, we developed a system allowing us to increase the dynamic capacity up to twofold using the dual salt system over traditional, single salt system. We also investigated the application of this novel approach to several other proteins and salt combinations, and noted a similar protein solubility and DBC increase. The observed increase in DBC in the dual salt system was maintained at different linear flow rates and did not impact selectivity.

Mechanical Controls on Halokinesis in Layered Evaporite Sequences: Insights from 2D Geomechanical Forward Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goteti, Rajesh; Agar, Susan M.; Brown, John P.; Ball, Philip; Zuhlke, Rainer

2017-04-01

Mechanical stratification in LES (Layered Evaporate Sequences) can have a distinct impact on structural and depositional styles in rifted margin salt tectonics. The bulk mechanical response of an LES under geological loading is dependent, among other factors, on the relative proportions of salt and sediment, salt mobility and sedimentation rate. To assess the interactions among the aforementioned factors in a physically consistent manner, we present 2D, large-strain finite element models of an LES salt minibasin and diapirs. Loading from the deposition of alternating salt and sediment layers (i.e., LES), gravity and a prescribed geothermal gradient provide the driving force for halokinesis in the models. To accurately capture the mechanical impact of stratification within the modeled LES, salt is assigned a temperature-dependent visco-plastic rheology, whereas the sediments are assigned a non-associative cap-plasticity model that supports both compaction and shear localization. Perturbations in the initial salt-sediment interface are used to initiate the salt diapirs. Model results suggest that active diapirism in the basal halite layer initiates when the pressure at the base of the incipient salt diapir exceeds that beneath the minibasin. Vertical growth of the diapir is also accompanied by its lateral expansion at higher structural levels where it preferentially intrudes the adjacent pre- and syn-kinematic salt layers. This pressure pumping of deeper salt into shallow salt layers, can result in rapid thickness changes between successive sediment layers within the LES. Caution needs to be exercised as such thickness changes observed in seismic images may not be entirely due to the shifting of depocenters but also due to the lateral pumping of salt within the LES. The presence of salt layers at multiple structural levels decouples the deformation between successive clastic layers resulting in disharmomic folding with contrasting strain histories in the sedimentary stringers. A significant proportion of the bulk deviatoric strain is preferentially partitioned into the salt layers. Effective plastic shear strains within the sediment stringers generally remain low in the minibasin but can be significantly higher with attendant intense folding near the diapirs. In non-LES systems, the shape of a salt diapir is often used as indicator of relative rates of salt supply and sedimentation over geological time. However our models suggest that this rule-of-thumb may not apply in LES where the shape of the salt diapir is a function of the mechanical properties of the salt layers at various structural levels in addition to the relative rates of salt supply and sedimentation. Imaging challenges in LES may preclude placing strong constraints on structural timing based on interpretation of interfaces between the stringers and the salt diapir. In such situations, geomechanical forward modeling can be a useful tool in placing physics-based quantitative constraints on the timing of LES structures.

Salt-Sensitive Hypertension: Perspectives on Intrarenal Mechanisms

PubMed Central

Majid, Dewan S.A.; Prieto, Minolfa C.; Navar, L Gabriel

2015-01-01

Salt sensitive hypertension is characterized by increases in blood pressure in response to increases in dietary salt intake and is associated with an enhanced risk of cardiovascular and renal morbidity. Although researchers have sought for decades to understand how salt sensitivity develops in humans, the mechanisms responsible for the increases in blood pressure in response to high salt intake are complex and only partially understood. Until now, scientists have been unable to explain why some individuals are salt sensitive and others are salt resistant. Although a central role for the kidneys in the development of salt sensitivity and hypertension has been generally accepted, it is also recognized that hypertension is of multifactorial origin and a variety of factors can induce, or prevent, blood pressure responsiveness to the manipulation of salt intake. Excess salt intake in susceptible persons may also induce inappropriate central and sympathetic nervous system responses and increase the production of intrarenal angiotensin II, catecholamines and other factors such as oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines. One key factor is the concomitant inappropriate or paradoxical activation of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system, by high salt intake. This is reflected by the increases in urinary angiotensinogen during high salt intake in salt sensitive models. A complex interaction between neuroendocrine factors and the kidney may underlie the propensity for some individuals to retain salt and develop salt-dependent hypertension. In this review, we focus mainly on the renal contributions that provide the mechanistic link between chronic salt intake and the development of hypertension. PMID:26028244

Principal locations of major-ion, trace-element, nitrate, and Escherichia coli loading to Emigration Creek, Salt Lake County, Utah, October 2005

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kimball, Briant A.; Runkel, Robert L.; Walton-Day, Katherine

2008-01-01

Housing development and recreational activity in Emigration Canyon have increased substantially since 1980, perhaps causing an observed decrease in water quality of this northern Utah stream located near Salt Lake City. To identify reaches of the stream that contribute to water-quality degradation, a tracer-injection and synoptic-sampling study was done to quantify mass loading of major ions, trace elements, nitrate, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) to the stream. The resulting mass-loading profiles for major ions and trace elements indicate both geologic and anthropogenic inputs to the stream, principally from tributary and spring inflows to the stream at Brigham Fork, Burr Fork, Wagner Spring, Emigration Tunnel Spring, Blacksmith Hollow, and Killyon Canyon. The pattern of nitrate loading does not correspond to the major-ion and trace-element loading patterns. Nitrate levels in the stream did not exceed water-quality standards at the time of synoptic sampling. The majority of nitrate mass loading can be considered related to anthropogenic input, based on the field settings and trends in stable isotope ratios of nitrogen. The pattern of E. coli loading does not correspond to the major-ion, trace-element, or nitrate loading patterns. The majority of E. coli loading was related to anthropogenic sources based on field setting, but a considerable part of the loading also comes from possible animal sources in Killyon Canyon, in Perkins Flat, and in Rotary Park. In this late summer sampling, E. coli concentrations only exceeded water-quality standards in limited sections of the study reach. The mass-loading approach used in this study provides a means to design future studies and to evaluate the loading on a catchment scale.

Psychometric Properties of the Dietary Salt Reduction Self-Care Behavior Scale.

PubMed

Srikan, Pratsani; Phillips, Kenneth D

2014-07-01

Valid, reliable, and culturally-specific scales to measure salt reduction self-care behavior in older adults are needed. The purpose of this study was to develop the Dietary Salt Reduction Self-Care Behavior Scale (DSR-SCB) for use in hypertensive older adults with Orem's self-care deficit theory as a base. Exploratory factor analysis, Rasch modeling, and reliability were performed on data from 242 older Thai adults. Nine items loaded on one factor (factor loadings = 0.63 to 0.79) and accounted for 52.28% of the variance (Eigenvalue = 4.71). The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin method of sampling adequacy was 0.89, and the Bartlett's test showed significance (χ 2 ( df =36 ) = 916.48, p < 0.0001). Infit and outfit mean squares ranged from 0.81 to 1.25, while infit and outfit standardized mean squares were located at ±2. Cronbach's alpha was 0.88. The 9-item DSR-SCB is a short and reliable scale. © The Author(s) 2014.

Discharge, water quality, and native fish abundance in the Virgin River, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona, in support of Pah Tempe Springs discharge remediation efforts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miller, Matthew P.; Lambert, Patrick M.; Hardy, Thomas B.

2014-01-01

Pah Tempe Springs discharge hot, saline, low dissolved-oxygen water to the Virgin River in southwestern Utah, which is transported downstream to Lake Mead and the Colorado River. The dissolved salts in the Virgin River negatively influence the suitability of this water for downstream agricultural, municipal, and industrial use. Therefore, various remediation scenarios to remove the salt load discharged from Pah Tempe Springs to the Virgin River are being considered. One concern about this load removal is the potential to impact the ecology of the Virgin River. Specifically, information is needed regarding possible impacts of Pah Tempe Springs remediation scenarios on the abundance, distribution, and survival of native fish in the Virgin River. Future efforts that aim to quantitatively assess how various remediation scenarios to reduce the load of dissolved salts from Pah Tempe Springs into the Virgin River may influence the abundance, distribution, and survival of native fish will require data on discharge, water quality, and native fish abundance. This report contains organized accessible discharge, water quality, and native fish abundance data sets from the Virgin River, documents the compilation of these data, and discusses approaches for quantifying relations between abiotic physical and chemical conditions, and fish abundance.

NUTRIENT LOADING EFFECTS ON BIOGEOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIAL PROCESSES IN A NEW ENGLAND HIGH SALT MARCH (SPARTINA PATENS)

EPA Science Inventory

An ever-increasing population in the coastal zone has led to increased nutrient loading to estuaries worldwide. Marshes represent an important transitional zone between uplands and estuaries and can intercept nutrient inputs from uplands. We examined the effects of N and P fertil...

EFFECTS OF NUTRIENT LOADING ON BIOGEOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIAL PROCESSES IN A NEW ENGLAND HIGH SALT MARCH (SPARTINA PATENS)

EPA Science Inventory

An ever-increasing population in the coastal zone has led to increased nutrient loading to estuaries worldwide. Marshes represent an important transitional zone between uplands and estuaries and can intercept nutrient inputs from uplands. We examined the effects of N and P fertil...

Estimating the Effects of Conversion of Agricultural Land to Urban Land on Deep Percolation of Irrigation Water in the Grand Valley, Western Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mayo, John W.

2008-01-01

The conversion of agricultural land to urban residential land is associated with rapid population growth in the Grand Valley of western Colorado. Information regarding the effects of this land-use conversion on deep percolation, irrigation-water application, and associated salt loading to the Colorado River is needed to support water-resource planning and conservation efforts. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) assessed deep percolation and estimated salt loading derived from irrigated agricultural lands in the Grand Valley in a 1985 to 2002 monitoring and evaluation study (NRCS M&E). The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Colorado River Salinity Control Forum and the Mesa Conservation District, quantified the current (2005-2006) deep percolation and irrigation-water application characteristics of 1/4-acre residential lots and 5-acre estates, urban parks, and urban orchard grass fields in the Grand Valley, and compared the results to NRCS M&E results from alfalfa-crop sites. In addition, pond seepage from three irrigation-water holding ponds was estimated. Salt loading was estimated for the urban study results and the NRCS M&E results by using standard salt-loading factors. A daily soil-moisture balance calculation technique was used at all urban study irrigated sites. Deep percolation was defined as any water infiltrating below the top 12 inches of soil. Deep percolation occurred when the soil-moisture balance in the first 12 inches of soil exceeded the field capacity for the soil type at each site. Results were reported separately for urban study bluegrass-only sites and for all-vegetation type (bluegrass, native plants, and orchard grass) sites. Deep percolation and irrigation-water application also were estimated for a complete irrigation season at three subdivisions by using mean site data from each subdivision. It was estimated that for the three subdivisions, 37 percent of the developed acreage was irrigated (the balance being impermeable surfaces).

Late Quaternary Faulting in Southeastern Louisiana: A Natural Laboratory for Understanding Shallow Faulting in Deltaic Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dawers, N. H.; McLindon, C.

2017-12-01

A synthesis of late Quaternary faults within the Mississippi River deltaic plain aims to provide a more accurate assessment of regional and local fault architecture, and interactions between faulting, sediment loading, salt withdrawal and compaction. This effort was initiated by the New Orleans Geological Society and has resulted in access to industry 3d seismic reflection data, as well as fault trace maps, and various types of well data and biostratigraphy. An unexpected outgrowth of this project is a hypothesis that gravity-driven normal faults in deltaic settings may be good candidates for shallow aseismic and slow-slip phenomena. The late Quaternary fault population is characterized by several large, highly segmented normal fault arrays: the Baton Rouge-Tepetate fault zone, the Lake Pontchartrain-Lake Borgne fault zone, the Golden Meadow fault zone (GMFZ), and a major counter-regional salt withdrawal structure (the Bay Marchand-Timbalier Bay-Caillou Island salt complex and West Delta fault zone) that lies just offshore of southeastern Louisiana. In comparison to the other, more northerly fault zones, the GMFZ is still significantly salt-involved. Salt structures segment the GMFZ with fault tips ending near or within salt, resulting in highly localized fault and compaction related subsidence separated by shallow salt structures, which are inherently buoyant and virtually incompressible. At least several segments within the GMFZ are characterized by marsh breaks that formed aseismically over timescales of days to months, such as near Adams Bay and Lake Enfermer. One well-documented surface rupture adjacent to a salt dome propagated over a 3 day period in 1943. We suggest that Louisiana's coastal faults make excellent analogues for deltaic faults in general, and propose that a series of positive feedbacks keep them active in the near surface. These include differential sediment loading and compaction, weak fault zone materials, high fluid pressure, low elastic stiffness in surrounding materials, and low confining pressure.

Sediment quality assessment in tidal salt marshes in northern California, USA: An evaluation of multiple lines of evidence approach

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hwang, Hyun-Min; Carr, Robert S.; Cherr, Gary N.; Green, Peter G.; Grosholz, Edwin G.; Judah, Linda; Morgan, Steven G.; Ogle, Scott; Rashbrook, Vanessa K.; Rose, Wendy L.; Teh, Swee J.; Vines, Carol A.; Anderson, Susan L.

2013-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of integrating a traditional sediment quality triad approach with selected sublethal chronic indicators in resident species in assessing sediment quality in four salt marshes in northern California, USA. These included the highly contaminated (Stege Marsh) and relatively clean (China Camp) marshes in San Francisco Bay and two reference marshes in Tomales Bay. Toxicity potential of contaminants and benthic macroinvertebrate survey showed significant differences between contaminated and reference marshes. Sublethal responses (e.g., apoptotic DNA fragmentation, lipid accumulation, and glycogen depletion) in livers of longjaw mudsucker (Gillichthys mirabilis) and embryo abnormality in lined shore crab (Pachygrapsus crassipes) also clearly distinguished contaminated and reference marshes, while other responses (e.g., cytochrome P450, metallothionein) did not. This study demonstrates that additional chronic sublethal responses in resident species under field exposure conditions can be readily combined with sediment quality triads for an expanded multiple lines of evidence approach. This confirmatory step may be warranted in environments like salt marshes in which natural variables may affect interpretation of toxicity test data. Qualitative and quantitative integration of the portfolio of responses in resident species and traditional approach can support a more comprehensive and informative sediment quality assessment in salt marshes and possibly other habitat types as well.

Relationships between static foot alignment and dynamic plantar loads in runners with acute and chronic stages of plantar fasciitis: a cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

Ribeiro, Ana P.; Sacco, Isabel C. N.; Dinato, Roberto C.; João, Silvia M. A.

2016-01-01

BACKGROUND: The risk factors for the development of plantar fasciitis (PF) have been associated with the medial longitudinal arch (MLA), rearfoot alignment and calcaneal overload. However, the relationships between the biomechanical variables have yet to be determined. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to investigate the relationships between the MLA, rearfoot alignment, and dynamic plantar loads in runners with unilateral PF in acute and chronic phases. METHOD: Cross-sectional study which thirty-five runners with unilateral PF were evaluated: 20 in the acute phase (with pain) and 15 with previous chronic PF (without pain). The MLA index and rearfoot alignment were calculated using digital images. The contact area, maximum force, peak pressure, and force-time integral over three plantar areas were acquired with Pedar X insoles while running at 12 km/h, and the loading rates were calculated from the vertical forces. RESULTS: The multiple regression analyses indicated that both the force-time integral (R 2=0.15 for acute phase PF; R 2=0.17 for chronic PF) and maximum force (R 2=0.35 for chronic PF) over the forefoot were predicted by an elevated MLA index. The rearfoot valgus alignment predicted the maximum force over the rearfoot in both PF groups: acute (R 2=0.18) and chronic (R 2=0.45). The rearfoot valgus alignment also predicted higher loading rates in the PF groups: acute (R 2=0.19) and chronic (R 2=0.40). CONCLUSION: The MLA index and the rearfoot alignment were good predictors of plantar loads over the forefoot and rearfoot areas in runners with PF. However, rearfoot valgus was demonstrated to be an important clinical measure, since it was able to predict the maximum force and both loading rates over the rearfoot. PMID:26786073

Interactions between Bacteria and Bile Salts in the Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Tracts

PubMed Central

Urdaneta, Verónica; Casadesús, Josep

2017-01-01

Bile salts and bacteria have intricate relationships. The composition of the intestinal pool of bile salts is shaped by bacterial metabolism. In turn, bile salts play a role in intestinal homeostasis by controlling the size and the composition of the intestinal microbiota. As a consequence, alteration of the microbiome–bile salt homeostasis can play a role in hepatic and gastrointestinal pathological conditions. Intestinal bacteria use bile salts as environmental signals and in certain cases as nutrients and electron acceptors. However, bile salts are antibacterial compounds that disrupt bacterial membranes, denature proteins, chelate iron and calcium, cause oxidative damage to DNA, and control the expression of eukaryotic genes involved in host defense and immunity. Bacterial species adapted to the mammalian gut are able to endure the antibacterial activities of bile salts by multiple physiological adjustments that include remodeling of the cell envelope and activation of efflux systems and stress responses. Resistance to bile salts permits that certain bile-resistant pathogens can colonize the hepatobiliary tract, and an outstanding example is the chronic infection of the gall bladder by Salmonella enterica. A better understanding of the interactions between bacteria and bile salts may inspire novel therapeutic strategies for gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary diseases that involve microbiome alteration, as well as novel schemes against bacterial infections. PMID:29043249

Prolonged Baroreflex Activation Abolishes Salt-Induced Hypertension After Reductions in Kidney Mass.

PubMed

Hildebrandt, Drew A; Irwin, Eric D; Lohmeier, Thomas E

2016-12-01

Chronic electric activation of the carotid baroreflex produces sustained reductions in sympathetic activity and arterial pressure and is currently being evaluated for therapy in patients with resistant hypertension. However, patients with significant impairment of renal function have been largely excluded from clinical trials. Thus, there is little information on blood pressure and renal responses to baroreflex activation in subjects with advanced chronic kidney disease, which is common in resistant hypertension. Changes in arterial pressure and glomerular filtration rate were determined in 5 dogs after combined unilateral nephrectomy and surgical excision of the poles of the remaining kidney to produce ≈70% reduction in renal mass. After control measurements, sodium intake was increased from ≈45 to 450 mol/d. While maintained on high salt, animals experienced increases in mean arterial pressure from 102±4 to 121±6 mm Hg and glomerular filtration rate from 40±2 to 45±2 mL/min. During 7 days of baroreflex activation, the hypertension induced by high salt was abolished (103±6 mm Hg) along with striking suppression of plasma norepinephrine concentration from 139±21 to 81±9 pg/mL, but despite pronounced blood pressure lowering, there were no significant changes in glomerular filtration rate (43±2 mL/min). All variables returned to prestimulation values during a recovery period. These findings indicate that after appreciable nephron loss, chronic suppression of central sympathetic outflow by baroreflex activation abolishes hypertension induced by high salt intake. The sustained antihypertensive effects of baroreflex activation occur without significantly compromising glomerular filtration rate in remnant nephrons. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Dissolved-mineral inflow to Great Salt Lake and chemical characteristics of the salt lake brine. Part I: Selected hydrologic data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hahl, D.C.; Mitchell, C.G.

1963-01-01

This report presents the data collected for a study of the dissolved-mineral load contributed by surficial sources to Great Salt Lake, Utah. The study was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the University of Utah during the period from July 1959 through June 1962, and is part of an overall investigation of the Great Salt Lake basin by the University. Financial support for the study was provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and by the University of Utah Research Fund and Uniform School Fund. Some of the data presented in this report were obtained as part of cooperative programs between the Geological Survey and other agencies.

Vascular capacitance and cardiac output in pacing-induced canine models of acute and chronic heart failure.

PubMed

Ogilvie, R I; Zborowska-Sluis, D

1995-11-01

The relationship between stressed and total blood volume, total vascular capacitance, central blood volume, cardiac output (CO), and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (Ppcw) was investigated in pacing-induced acute and chronic heart failure. Acute heart failure was induced in anesthetized splenectomized dogs by a volume load (20 mL/kg over 10 min) during rapid right ventricular pacing at 250 beats/min (RRVP) for 60 min. Chronic heart failure was induced by continuous RRVP for 2-6 weeks (average 24 +/- 2 days). Total vascular compliance and capacitance were calculated from the mean circulatory filling pressure (Pmcf) during transient circulatory arrest after acetylcholine at three different circulating volumes. Stressed blood volume was calculated as a product of compliance and Pmcf, with the total blood volume measured by a dye dilution. Central blood volume (CBV) and CO were measured by thermodilution. Central (heart and lung) vascular capacitance was estimated from the plot of Ppcw against CBV. Acute volume loading without RRVP increased capacitance and CO, whereas after volume loading with RRVP, capacitance and CO were unaltered from baseline. Chronic RRVP reduced capacitance and CO. All interventions, volume +/- RRVP or chronic RRVP, increased stressed and central blood volumes and Ppcw. Acute or chronic RRVP reduced central vascular capacitance. Cardiac output was increased when stressed and unstressed blood volumes increased proportionately as during volume loading alone. When CO was reduced and Ppcw increased, as during chronic RRVP or acute RRVP plus a volume load, stressed blood volume was increased and unstressed blood volume was decreased. Thus, interventions that reduced CO and increased Ppcw also increased stressed and reduced unstressed blood volume and total vascular capacitance.

Intracerebroventricular infusion of the (Pro)renin receptor antagonist PRO20 attenuates deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt-induced hypertension.

PubMed

Li, Wencheng; Sullivan, Michelle N; Zhang, Sheng; Worker, Caleb J; Xiong, Zhenggang; Speth, Robert C; Feng, Yumei

2015-02-01

We previously reported that binding of prorenin to the (pro)renin receptor (PRR) plays a major role in brain angiotensin II formation and the development of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension. Here, we designed and developed an antagonistic peptide, PRO20, to block prorenin binding to the PRR. Fluorescently labeled PRO20 bound to both mouse and human brain tissues with dissociation constants of 4.4 and 1.8 nmol/L, respectively. This binding was blocked by coincubation with prorenin and was diminished in brains of neuron-specific PRR-knockout mice, indicating specificity of PRO20 for PRR. In cultured human neuroblastoma cells, PRO20 blocked prorenin-induced calcium influx in a concentration- and AT(1) receptor-dependent manner. Intracerebroventricular infusion of PRO20 dose-dependently inhibited prorenin-induced hypertension in C57Bl6/J mice. Furthermore, acute intracerebroventricular infusion of PRO20 reduced blood pressure in both DOCA-salt and genetically hypertensive mice. Chronic intracerebroventricular infusion of PRO20 attenuated the development of hypertension and the increase in brain hypothalamic angiotensin II levels induced by DOCA-salt. In addition, chronic intracerebroventricular infusion of PRO20 improved autonomic function and spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity in mice treated with DOCA-salt. In summary, PRO20 binds to both mouse and human PRRs and decreases angiotensin II formation and hypertension induced by either prorenin or DOCA-salt. Our findings highlight the value of the novel PRR antagonist, PRO20, as a lead compound for a novel class of antihypertensive agents and as a research tool to establish the validity of brain PRR antagonism as a strategy for treating hypertension. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.

High salt intake increases blood pressure via BDNF-mediated downregulation of KCC2 and impaired baroreflex inhibition of vasopressin neurons.

PubMed

Choe, Katrina Y; Han, Su Y; Gaub, Perrine; Shell, Brent; Voisin, Daniel L; Knapp, Blayne A; Barker, Philip A; Brown, Colin H; Cunningham, J Thomas; Bourque, Charles W

2015-02-04

The mechanisms by which dietary salt promotes hypertension are unknown. Previous work established that plasma [Na(+)] and osmolality rise in proportion with salt intake and thus promote release of vasopressin (VP) from the neurohypophysis. Although high levels of circulating VP can increase blood pressure, this effect is normally prevented by a potent GABAergic inhibition of VP neurons by aortic baroreceptors. Here we show that chronic high salt intake impairs baroreceptor inhibition of rat VP neurons through a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-dependent activation of TrkB receptors and downregulation of KCC2 expression, which prevents inhibitory GABAergic signaling. We show that high salt intake increases the spontaneous firing rate of VP neurons in vivo and that circulating VP contributes significantly to the elevation of arterial pressure under these conditions. These results provide the first demonstration that dietary salt can affect blood pressure through neurotrophin-induced plasticity in a central homeostatic circuit. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pretest parametric calculations for the heated pillar experiment in the WIPP In-Situ Experimental Area

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

Branstetter, L.J.

Results are presented for a pretest parametric study of several configurations and heat loads for the heated pillar experiment (Room H) in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) In Situ Experimental Area. The purpose of this study is to serve as a basis for selection of a final experiment geometry and heat load. The experiment consists of a pillar of undisturbed rock salt surrounded by an excavated annular room. The pillar surface is covered by a blanket heat source which is externally insulated. A total of five thermal and ten structural calculations are described in a four to five yearmore » experimental time frame. Results are presented which include relevant temperature-time histories, deformations, rock salt stress component and effective stress profiles, and maximum stresses in anhydrite layers which are in close proximity to the room. Also included are predicted contours of a conservative post-processed measure of potential salt failure. Observed displacement histories are seen to be highly dependent on pillar and room height, but insensitive to other geometrical variations. The use of a tensile cutoff across slidelines is seen to produce more accurate predictions of anhydrite maximum stress, but to have little effect on rock salt stresses. The potential for salt failure is seen to be small in each case for the time frame of interest, and is only seen at longer times in the center of the room floor.« less

Potassium bicarbonate supplementation lowers bone turnover and calcium excretion in older men and women a randomized dose-finding trial

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The acid load accompanying modern diets may have adverse effects on bone and muscle metabolism. Treatment with alkaline salts of potassium can neutralize the acid load, but the optimal amount of alkali is not established. Our objective was to determine the effectiveness of two doses of potassium bic...

Controlling chitosan-based encapsulation for protein and vaccine delivery

PubMed Central

Koppolu, Bhanu prasanth; Smith, Sean G.; Ravindranathan, Sruthi; Jayanthi, Srinivas; Kumar, Thallapuranam K.S.; Zaharoff, David A.

2014-01-01

Chitosan-based nano/microencapsulation is under increasing investigation for the delivery of drugs, biologics and vaccines. Despite widespread interest, the literature lacks a defined methodology to control chitosan particle size and drug/protein release kinetics. In this study, the effects of precipitation-coacervation formulation parameters on chitosan particle size, protein encapsulation efficiency and protein release were investigated. Chitosan particle sizes, which ranged from 300 nm to 3 μm, were influenced by chitosan concentration, chitosan molecular weight and addition rate of precipitant salt. The composition of precipitant salt played a significant role in particle formation with upper Hofmeister series salts containing strongly hydrated anions yielding particles with a low polydispersity index (PDI) while weaker anions resulted in aggregated particles with high PDIs. Sonication power had minimal effect on mean particle size, however, it significantly reduced polydispersity. Protein loading efficiencies in chitosan nano/microparticles, which ranged from 14.3% to 99.2%, was inversely related to the hydration strength of precipitant salts, protein molecular weight and directly related to the concentration and molecular weight of chitosan. Protein release rates increased with particle size and were generally inversely related to protein molecular weight. This study demonstrates that chitosan nano/microparticles with high protein loading efficiencies can be engineered with well-defined sizes and controllable release kinetics through manipulation of specific formulation parameters. PMID:24560459

The acute and chronic toxicity of major geochemical ions to Hyalella azteca Ion interactions and comparisons to other species

EPA Science Inventory

We have previously reported that the acute and chronic toxicities of major geochemical ions (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, SO4, HCO3) to Ceriodaphnia dubia can involve multiple, independent mechanisms. The toxicities of K, Mg, and Ca salts were best related to the chemical activity of the c...

Analysis of Samples Collected from the Surface of Interim Storage Canisters at Calvert Cliffs in June 2017: Revision 01.

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

Bryan, Charles R.; Schindelholz, Eric John

In June 2017, dust and salt samples were collected from the surface of Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) dry storage canisters at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. The samples were delivered to Sandia National laboratories for analysis. Two types of samples were collected: filter-backed Scotch-Brite TM pads were used to collect dry dust samples for characterization of salt and dust morphologies and distributions; and Saltsmart TM test strips were used to collect soluble salts for determining salt surface loadings per unit area. After collection, the samples were sealed into plastic sleeves for shipping. Condensation within the sleeves containing the Scotch-Britemore » TM samples remobilized the salts, rendering them ineffective for the intended purpose, and also led to mold growth, further compromising the samples; for these reasons, the samples were not analyzed. The SaltSmart TM samples were unaffected and were analyzed by ion chromatography for major anions and cations. The results of those analyses are presented here.« less

Short-term nitrogen additions can shift a coastal wetland from a sink to a source of N2O

USGS Publications Warehouse

Moseman-Valtierra, Serena; Gonzalez, Rosalinda; Kroeger, Kevin D.; Tang, Jianwu; Chao, Wei Chun; Crusius, John; Bratton, John F.; Green, Adrian; Shelton, James

2011-01-01

Coastal salt marshes sequester carbon at high rates relative to other ecosystems and emit relatively little methane particularly compared to freshwater wetlands. However, fluxes of all major greenhouse gases (N2O, CH4, and CO2) need to be quantified for accurate assessment of the climatic roles of these ecosystems. Anthropogenic nitrogen inputs (via run-off, atmospheric deposition, and wastewater) impact coastal marshes. To test the hypothesis that a pulse of nitrogen loading may increase greenhouse gas emissions from salt marsh sediments, we compared N2O, CH4 and respiratory CO2fluxes from nitrate-enriched plots in a Spartina patens marsh (receiving single additions of NaNO3 equivalent to 1.4 g N m−2) to those from control plots (receiving only artificial seawater solutions) in three short-term experiments (July 2009, April 2010, and June 2010). In July 2009, we also compared N2O and CH4 fluxes in both opaque and transparent chambers to test the influence of light on gas flux measurements. Background fluxes of N2O in July 2009 averaged −33 μmol N2O m−2 day−1. However, within 1 h of nutrient additions, N2O fluxes were significantly greater in plots receiving nitrate additions relative to controls in July 2009. Respiratory rates and CH4 fluxes were not significantly affected. N2O fluxes were significantly higher in dark than in transparent chambers, averaging 108 and 42 μmol N2O m−2 day−1 respectively. After 2 days, when nutrient concentrations returned to background levels, none of the greenhouse gas fluxes differed from controls. In April 2010, N2O and CH4 fluxes were not significantly affected by nitrate, possibly due to higher nitrogen demands by growing S. patens plants, but in June 2010 trends of higher N2O fluxes were again found among nitrate-enriched plots, indicating that responses to nutrient pulses may be strongest during the summer. In terms of carbon equivalents, the highest average N2O and CH4 fluxes observed, exceeded half the magnitude of typical daily net carbon sequestration rates by salt marshes. Thus, anthropogenic additions of nitrate to coasts can substantially alter N2O fluxes from marshes, although substantial temporal variation in these fluxes was observed. To better assess the climatic roles of salt marshes, greenhouse gas emissions need to be studied in the context of chronic nitrogen loads that impact many coastal ecosystems.

Investigation of salt formation between memantine and pamoic acid: Its exploitation in nanocrystalline form as long acting injection.

PubMed

Mittapelly, Naresh; Rachumallu, Ramakrishna; Pandey, Gitu; Sharma, Shweta; Arya, Abhishek; Bhatta, Rabi Shankar; Mishra, Prabhat Ranjan

2016-04-01

In the present work, we prepared memantine-pamoic acid (MEM-PAM) salt by counter ion exchange in the aqueous phase to reduce the water solubility of MEM hydrochloride (native form) to make it suitable for long acting injection. The ratio of MEM to PAM in salt formation was optimized to maximize the loading efficiency and complexation efficiency. The 2:1 molar ratio of MEM to PAM salt form displayed nearly 95% complexation efficiency and 50% drug loading. The solubility was decreased by a ∼1250 folds. Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Powder X-ray Diffraction Analysis (PXRD) studies revealed the formation of new solid phase. Additionally, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy confirmed the anhydrous nature of the salt form. Through Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) we identified the molecular interactions. Further, the microcrystals of the salt were transformed into nanocrystals (NCs) using high pressure homogenization. The particle size distribution and atomic force microscopy confirmed the monodispersed and spherical shape of the NCs. The in vitro dissolution studies were performed under sink condition in phosphate buffer saline pH 6.8. The results of MTT assay in murine fibroblast 3T3 cell line show that the NCs were less cytotoxic and more tolerable than plain MEM HCl. The in vivo performance of NCs administered as i.m. injection at three different doses in female Sprague-Dawley rats showed that the plasma levels lasted till the 24th day of the study. The pharmacokinetic parameters AUC0-∞ and Cmax increased linearly with increasing dose. Therefore, the results suggest that injectable NCs could represent a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of AD. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nitrogen enrichment suppresses other environmental drivers and homogenizes salt marsh leaf microbiome

DOE PAGES

Daleo, Pedro; Alberti, Juan; Jumpponen, Ari; ...

2018-04-12

Microbial community assembly is affected by a combination of forces that act simultaneously, but the mechanisms underpinning their relative influences remain elusive. This gap strongly limits our ability to predict human impacts on microbial communities and the processes they regulate. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that increased salinity stress, food web alteration and nutrient loading interact to drive outcomes in salt marsh fungal leaf communities. Both salinity stress and food web alterations drove communities to deterministically diverge, resulting in distinct fungal communities. Increased nutrient loads, nevertheless, partially suppressed the influence of other factors as determinants of fungal assembly. Using a nullmore » model approach, we found that increased nutrient loads enhanced the relative importance of stochastic over deterministic divergent processes; without increased nutrient loads, samples from different treatments showed a relatively (deterministic) divergent community assembly whereas increased nutrient loads drove the system to more stochastic assemblies, suppressing the effect of other treatments. These results demonstrate that common anthropogenic modifications can interact to control fungal community assembly. As a result, our results suggest that when the environmental conditions are spatially heterogeneous (as in our case, caused by specific combinations of experimental treatments), increased stochasticity caused by greater nutrient inputs can reduce the importance of deterministic filters that otherwise caused divergence, thus driving to microbial community homogenization.« less

Nitrogen enrichment suppresses other environmental drivers and homogenizes salt marsh leaf microbiome.

PubMed

Daleo, Pedro; Alberti, Juan; Jumpponen, Ari; Veach, Allison; Ialonardi, Florencia; Iribarne, Oscar; Silliman, Brian

2018-06-01

Microbial community assembly is affected by a combination of forces that act simultaneously, but the mechanisms underpinning their relative influences remain elusive. This gap strongly limits our ability to predict human impacts on microbial communities and the processes they regulate. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that increased salinity stress, food web alteration and nutrient loading interact to drive outcomes in salt marsh fungal leaf communities. Both salinity stress and food web alterations drove communities to deterministically diverge, resulting in distinct fungal communities. Increased nutrient loads, nevertheless, partially suppressed the influence of other factors as determinants of fungal assembly. Using a null model approach, we found that increased nutrient loads enhanced the relative importance of stochastic over deterministic divergent processes; without increased nutrient loads, samples from different treatments showed a relatively (deterministic) divergent community assembly whereas increased nutrient loads drove the system to more stochastic assemblies, suppressing the effect of other treatments. These results demonstrate that common anthropogenic modifications can interact to control fungal community assembly. Furthermore, our results suggest that when the environmental conditions are spatially heterogeneous (as in our case, caused by specific combinations of experimental treatments), increased stochasticity caused by greater nutrient inputs can reduce the importance of deterministic filters that otherwise caused divergence, thus driving to microbial community homogenization. © 2018 by the Ecological Society of America.

Nitrogen enrichment suppresses other environmental drivers and homogenizes salt marsh leaf microbiome

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

Daleo, Pedro; Alberti, Juan; Jumpponen, Ari

Microbial community assembly is affected by a combination of forces that act simultaneously, but the mechanisms underpinning their relative influences remain elusive. This gap strongly limits our ability to predict human impacts on microbial communities and the processes they regulate. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that increased salinity stress, food web alteration and nutrient loading interact to drive outcomes in salt marsh fungal leaf communities. Both salinity stress and food web alterations drove communities to deterministically diverge, resulting in distinct fungal communities. Increased nutrient loads, nevertheless, partially suppressed the influence of other factors as determinants of fungal assembly. Using a nullmore » model approach, we found that increased nutrient loads enhanced the relative importance of stochastic over deterministic divergent processes; without increased nutrient loads, samples from different treatments showed a relatively (deterministic) divergent community assembly whereas increased nutrient loads drove the system to more stochastic assemblies, suppressing the effect of other treatments. These results demonstrate that common anthropogenic modifications can interact to control fungal community assembly. As a result, our results suggest that when the environmental conditions are spatially heterogeneous (as in our case, caused by specific combinations of experimental treatments), increased stochasticity caused by greater nutrient inputs can reduce the importance of deterministic filters that otherwise caused divergence, thus driving to microbial community homogenization.« less

Harvesting Water from Air: Using Anhydrous Salt with Sunlight.

PubMed

Li, Renyuan; Shi, Yusuf; Shi, Le; Alsaedi, Mossab; Wang, Peng

2018-05-01

Atmospheric water is an abundant alternative water resource, equivalent to 6 times the water in all rivers on Earth. This work screens 14 common anhydrous and hydrated salt couples in terms of their physical and chemical stability, water vapor harvesting, and release capacity under relevant application scenarios. Among the salts screened, copper chloride (CuCl 2 ), copper sulfate (CuSO 4 ), and magnesium sulfate (MgSO 4 ) distinguish themselves and are further made into bilayer water collection devices, with the top layer being the photothermal layer, while the bottom layer acts as a salt-loaded fibrous membrane. The water collection devices are capable of capturing water vapor out of the air with low relative humidity (down to 15%) and releasing water under regular and even weakened sunlight (i.e., 0.7 kW/m 2 ). The work shines light on the potential use of anhydrous salt toward producing drinking water in water scarce regions.

Metal-doped organic foam and method of making same. [Patent application

DOEpatents

Rinde, J.A.

Organic foams having a low density and very small cell size and method for producing same in either a metal-loaded or unloaded (nonmetal loaded) form are described. Metal-doped foams are produced by soaking a polymer gel in an aqueous solution of desired metal salt, soaking the gel successively in a solvent series of decreasing polarity to remove water from the gel and replace it with a solvent of lower polarity with each successive solvent in the series being miscible with the solvents on each side and being saturated with the desired metal salt, and removing the last of the solvents from the gel to produce the desired metal-doped foam having desired density cell size, and metal loading. The unloaded or metal-doped foams can be utilized in a variety of applications requiring low density, small cell size foam. For example, rubidium-doped foam made in accordance with the invention has utility in special applications, such as in x-ray lasers.

Method of making metal-doped organic foam products

DOEpatents

Rinde, James A.

1981-01-01

Organic foams having a low density and very small cell size and method for roducing same in either a metal-loaded or unloaded (nonmetal loaded) form are described. Metal-doped foams are produced by soaking a polymer gel in an aqueous solution of desired metal salt, soaking the gel successively in a solvent series of decreasing polarity to remove water from the gel and replace it with a solvent of lower polarity with each successive solvent in the series being miscible with the solvents on each side and being saturated with the desired metal salt, and removing the last of the solvents from the gel to produce the desired metal-doped foam having desired density cell size, and metal loading. The unloaded or metal-doped foams can be utilized in a variety of applications requiring low density, small cell size foam. For example, rubidium-doped foam made in accordance with the invention has utility in special applications, such as in x-ray lasers.

To Legislate or Not to Legislate? A Comparison of the UK and South African Approaches to the Development and Implementation of Salt Reduction Programs

PubMed Central

Charlton, Karen; Webster, Jacqui; Kowal, Paul

2014-01-01

The World Health Organization promotes salt reduction as a best-buy strategy to reduce chronic diseases, and Member States have agreed to a 30% reduction target in mean population salt intake by 2025. Whilst the UK has made the most progress on salt reduction, South Africa was the first country to pass legislation for salt levels in a range of processed foods. This paper compares the process of developing salt reduction strategies in both countries and highlights lessons for other countries. Like the UK, the benefits of salt reduction were being debated in South Africa long before it became a policy priority. Whilst salt reduction was gaining a higher profile internationally, undoubtedly, local research to produce context-specific, domestic costs and outcome indicators for South Africa was crucial in influencing the decision to legislate. In the UK, strong government leadership and extensive advocacy activities initiated in the early 2000s have helped drive the voluntary uptake of salt targets by the food industry. It is too early to say which strategy will be most effective regarding reductions in population-level blood pressure. Robust monitoring and transparent mechanisms for holding the industry accountable will be key to continued progress in each of the countries. PMID:25230210

Thermally Insulating, Kinematic Tensioned-Fiber Suspension

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Voellmer, George M.

2004-01-01

A salt pill and some parts of a thermally insulating, kinematic suspension system that holds the salt pill rigidly in an adiabatic-demagnetization refrigerator (ADR) is presented. "Salt pill" in this context denotes a unit comprising a cylindrical container, a matrix of gold wires in the container, and a cylinder of ferric ammonium alum (a paramagnetic salt) that has been deposited on the wires. The structural members used in this system for both thermal insulation and positioning are aromatic polyamide fibers (Kevlar(R) or equivalent) under tension. This suspension system is designed to satisfy several special requirements to ensure the proper operation of the ADR. These requirements are to (1) maintain the salt pill at a specified position within the cylindrical bore of an electromagnet; (2) prevent vibrations, which would cause dissipation of heat in the salt pill; and (3) minimize the conduction of heat from the electromagnet bore and other neighboring objects to the salt pill; all while (4) protecting the salt pill (which is fragile) against all tensile and bending loads other than those attributable to its own weight. In addition, the system is required to consist of two subsystems -- one for the top end and one for the bottom end of the salt pill -- that can be assembled and tensioned separately from each other and from the salt pill, then later attached to the salt pill.

Salinization of the Upper Colorado River - Fingerprinting Geologic Salt Sources

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tuttle, Michele L.W.; Grauch, Richard I.

2009-01-01

Salt in the upper Colorado River is of concern for a number of political and socioeconomic reasons. Salinity limits in the 1974 U.S. agreement with Mexico require the United States to deliver Colorado River water of a particular quality to the border. Irrigation of crops, protection of wildlife habitat, and treatment for municipal water along the course of the river also place restrictions on the river's salt content. Most of the salt in the upper Colorado River at Cisco, Utah, comes from interactions of water with rock formations, their derived soil, and alluvium. Half of the salt comes from the Mancos Shale and the Eagle Valley Evaporite. Anthropogenic activities in the river basin (for example, mining, farming, petroleum exploration, and urban development) can greatly accelerate the release of constituents from these geologic materials, thus increasing the salt load of nearby streams and rivers. Evaporative concentration further concentrates these salts in several watersheds where agricultural land is extensively irrigated. Sulfur and oxygen isotopes of sulfate show the greatest promise for fingerprinting the geologic sources of salts to the upper Colorado River and its major tributaries and estimating the relative contribution from each geologic formation. Knowing the salt source, its contribution, and whether the salt is released during natural weathering or during anthropogenic activities, such as irrigation and urban development, will facilitate efforts to lower the salt content of the upper Colorado River.

The 4D evolution of porosity during ongoing pressure-solution processes in NaCl using x-ray microtomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macente, Alice; Fusseis, Florian; Butler, Ian; Tudisco, Erika; Hall, Stephen; Andò, Edward

2016-04-01

Pressure-solution creep is a common deformation mechanism in the upper crust. It represents a mass transfer via dissolution-reprecipitation that critically affects the hydraulic properties of rocks. Successful management of safe radioactive storage sites in rock-salt deposits critically depends on an accurate knowledge of the hydro-mechanical behaviour of salt deposits. Despite numerous lab experiments that have been conducted, many aspects of pressure-solution are still poorly understood. There is little knowledge about the spatio-temporal evolution of porosity and permeability during pressure-solution creep. While rates of pressure-solution creep in silicates and carbonates are slow, which makes laboratory investigations of these materials impractical, compaction experiments have demonstrated that NaCl samples deform sufficiently fast to study pressure-solution creep in a lab environment at room temperature and modest loads. We present results from novel experiments that quantify the 4-dimensional (three spatial dimensions plus time) evolution of pressure-solution processes using in-situ x-ray microtomography. Our experiments are performed in custom made x-ray transparent presses. 5 mm diameter NaCl powder samples with a grain size of 250-300 μm are loaded dry into the press and pre-compacted to produce a starting aggregated material. The sample is then flooded with saturated NaCl solution and loaded uniaxially by means of a pneumatic actuator to a constant uniaxial stress. Different sample mixtures were tested, as well as different uniaxial loads. The resulting deformation of the samples is documented in 3-dimensional microtomographic datasets, acquired at regular time intervals. Image analysis allowed characterization of the microstructural evolution of the NaCl grains and the spatio-temporal distribution of porosity during ongoing mechanical and chemical compaction. The microtomography data have also been analysed with 3D Digital Image Correlation (3D-DIC or DVC) to quantify the fields of displacements in each direction, as well as volumetric and maximum shear strain fields. Following the approach described above, we have been able to quantify and characterize in 4D the evolution of pressure-solution creep and porosity distribution in relation to different sample materials and increasing uniaxial load. The presence of phyllosilicates (biotite) and more competent materials (glass beads) allowed pressure-solution to develop in a much shorter time compared to pure halite sample. The same trend is observed in samples experiencing bigger uniaxial loads (6.6 MPa v 1.6 MPa). We also found that, in the presence of phyllosilicates (biotite), pore size distribution clearly reflects the localisation of pressure-solution processes, as for natural stylolites. In the presence of glass beads, pressure-solution has a greater effect on the pore orientations rather than pore sizes. Our results extend the current understanding of the effect of pressure-solution creep on the mechanical and hydraulic properties of rocks, with implications for natural rock-salt, salt-based repository systems (nuclear and chemical waste storage) and salt mining.

Fetal bile salt metabolism

PubMed Central

Smallwood, R. A.; Lester, R.; Piasecki, G. J.; Klein, P. D.; Greco, R.; Jackson, B. T.

1972-01-01

Bile salt metabolism was studied in fetal dogs 1 wk before term. The size and distribution of the fetal bile salt pool were measured, and individual bile salts were identified. The hepatic excretion of endogenous bile salts was studied in bile fistula fetuses, and the capacity of this excretory mechanism was investigated by the i.v. infusion of a load of sodium taurocholate-14C up to 20 times the endogenous pool size. The total fetal bile salt pool was 30.9±2.7 μmoles, of which two-thirds was in the fetal gallbladder. Expressed on a body weight basis, this was equal to approximately one-half the estimated pool size in the adult dog (119.2±11.3 vs. 247.5±33.1 μmoles/kg body wt). Measurable quantities of bile salt were found in small bowel (6.0±1.8 μmoles), large bowel (1.1±0.3 μmoles), liver (1.2±0.5 μmoles), and plasma (0.1±0.03 μmoles). Plasma bile salt levels were significantly greater in fetal than in maternal plasma (1.01±0.24 μg/ml vs. 0.36±0.06 μg/ml; P < 0.05). Fetal hepatic bile salt excretion showed a fall over the period of study from 2.04±0.34 to 0.30±0.07 μmoles/hr. The maximal endogenous bile salt concentration in fetal hepatic bile was 18.7±1.5 μmoles/ml. The concentration in fetal gallbladder bile was 73.9±8.6 μmoles/ml; and, in those studies in which hepatic and gallbladder bile could be compared directly, the gallbladder appeared to concentrate bile four- to fivefold. Taurocholate, taurochenodeoxycholate, and taurodeoxycholate were present in fetal bile, but no free bile salts were identified. The presence of deoxycholate was confirmed by thin-layer chromatography and gas liquid chromatography, and the absence of microorganisms in fetal gut suggests that it was probably transferred from the maternal circulation. After infusion of a taurocholate load, fetal hepatic bile salt excretion increased 30-fold, so that 85-95% of the dose was excreted by the fetal liver during the period of observation. Placental transfer accounted for less than 5% of the dose. Fetal bile volume increased 15-fold on average, while bile salt concentrations increased two- to threefold. It is concluded that bile salt is taken up, conjugated, and excreted by the fetal liver with remarkable efficiency. The excreted material is either stored and concentrated in the fetal gallbladder or released into the intestine and reabsorbed to be reexcreted in bile. PMID:5063379

Steam generator design for solar towers using solar salt as heat transfer fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González-Gómez, Pedro Ángel; Petrakopoulou, Fontina; Briongos, Javier Villa; Santana, Domingo

2017-06-01

Since the operation of a concentrating solar power plant depends on the intermittent character of solar energy, the steam generator is subject to daily start-ups, stops and load variations. Faster start-up and load changes increase the plant flexibility and the daily energy production. However, it involves high thermal stresses on thick-walled components. Continuous operational conditions may eventually lead to a material failure. For these reasons, it is important to evaluate the transient behavior of the proposed designs in order to assure the reliability. The aim of this work is to analyze different steam generator designs for solar power tower plants using molten salt as heat transfer fluid. A conceptual steam generator design is proposed and associated heat transfer areas and steam drum size are calculated. Then, dynamic models for the main parts of the steam generator are developed to represent its transient performance. A temperature change rate that ensures safe hot start-up conditions is studied for the molten salt. The thermal stress evolution on the steam drum is calculated as key component of the steam generator.

Assembly of the MHC I peptide-loading complex determined by a conserved ionic lock-switch

PubMed Central

Blees, Andreas; Reichel, Katrin; Trowitzsch, Simon; Fisette, Olivier; Bock, Christoph; Abele, Rupert; Hummer, Gerhard; Schäfer, Lars V.; Tampé, Robert

2015-01-01

Salt bridges in lipid bilayers play a decisive role in the dynamic assembly and downstream signaling of the natural killer and T-cell receptors. Here, we describe the identification of an inter-subunit salt bridge in the membrane within yet another key component of the immune system, the peptide-loading complex (PLC). The PLC regulates cell surface presentation of self-antigens and antigenic peptides via molecules of the major histocompatibility complex class I. We demonstrate that a single salt bridge in the membrane between the transporter associated with antigen processing TAP and the MHC I-specific chaperone tapasin is essential for the assembly of the PLC and for efficient MHC I antigen presentation. Molecular modeling and all-atom molecular dynamics simulations suggest an ionic lock-switch mechanism for the binding of TAP to tapasin, in which an unfavorable uncompensated charge in the ER-membrane is prevented through complex formation. Our findings not only deepen the understanding of the interaction network within the PLC, but also provide evidence for a general interaction principle of dynamic multiprotein membrane complexes in immunity. PMID:26611325

Systematic Interpolation Method Predicts Antibody Monomer-Dimer Separation by Gradient Elution Chromatography at High Protein Loads.

PubMed

Creasy, Arch; Reck, Jason; Pabst, Timothy; Hunter, Alan; Barker, Gregory; Carta, Giorgio

2018-05-29

A previously developed empirical interpolation (EI) method is extended to predict highly overloaded multicomponent elution behavior on a cation exchange (CEX) column based on batch isotherm data. Instead of a fully mechanistic model, the EI method employs an empirically modified multicomponent Langmuir equation to correlate two-component adsorption isotherm data at different salt concentrations. Piecewise cubic interpolating polynomials are then used to predict competitive binding at intermediate salt concentrations. The approach is tested for the separation of monoclonal antibody monomer and dimer mixtures by gradient elution on the cation exchange resin Nuvia HR-S. Adsorption isotherms are obtained over a range of salt concentrations with varying monomer and dimer concentrations. Coupled with a lumped kinetic model, the interpolated isotherms predict the column behavior for highly overloaded conditions. Predictions based on the EI method showed good agreement with experimental elution curves for protein loads up to 40 mg/mL column or about 50% of the column binding capacity. The approach can be extended to other chromatographic modalities and to more than two components. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The structure of the Zechstein 3 stringer in the northern Netherlands, and its implications for salt kinematics and rheology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strozyk, Frank; Urai, Janos; Li, Shiyuan; Schmatz, Joyce; Biehl, Bianca; Reuning, Lars; Raith, Alexander; Abe, Steffen; van Gent, Heijn; de Keijzer, Martin; Kukla, Peter

2016-04-01

The thick, late Permian Zechstein evaporites in the northern Netherlands are exceptionally well imaged in extensive 3D seismic and well datasets. The prominent seismic reflections of the thick, anhydrite-rich Zechstein 3 stringer, which is encased in thick layers of rock salt, provide a basin-scale view of the 3D internal structure of the Zechstein salt. The interpretation of the Z3 stringer was used as a strain marker for the different intra-salt deformation styles and salt flows. Furthermore, models of competing rheologies (pressure solution vs. dislocation creep, Newtonian vs. Power law) were tested in numerical simulations of the gravitational sinking of Z3 stringer fragments through the salt over geologic time in the Tertiary. The results show that several structural stringer styles can be linked to regional variation in salt kinematics. These mainly comprise local early syn-depositional gravitational movement, passive salt diapirism by differential loading in the Triassic, and reactive diapirism during contractions starting in the Cretaceous. The thickness and deformation degree of the individual salt layers thereby played a major role in the development of regionally distinctive styles of intra-salt structures, which can be linked to breaking and fold patterns in the stringer. When differential stresses in the salt relaxed across large parts of the northern Netherlands in the Tertiary, stringer fragments physically isolated in the salt did not significantly sink through the salt. The salt surrounding the fragments can not have deformed by Newtonian solution-precipitation creep, because the fragments would have sunk to base salt. Considering also results from geomechanical modelling and analysis of Zechstein salt samples, we conclude that this behaviour can only be explained by strong changes in salt rheology to non-Newtonian.

Nutrient and salt mass balance on the Lower Arkansas River and a contributing tributary in an irrigated agricultural setting

Treesearch

Alexander Hulzenga; Ryan T. Bailey; Timothy K. Gates

2016-01-01

The Lower Arkansas River Basin is an irrigated, agricultural valley suffering from high concentrations of nutrients and salts in the coupled groundwater-surface water system. The majority of water quality data collection and associated spatial analysis of concentrations and mass loadings from the aquifer to the stream network has been performed at the regional scale (...

Chemoselective N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed cross-benzoin reactions: importance of the fused ring in triazolium salts.

PubMed

Langdon, Steven M; Wilde, Myron M D; Thai, Karen; Gravel, Michel

2014-05-28

Morpholinone- and piperidinone-derived triazolium salts are shown to catalyze highly chemoselective cross-benzoin reactions between aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes. The reaction scope includes ortho-, meta-, and para-substituted benzaldehyde derivatives with a range of electron-donating and -withdrawing groups as well as branched and unbranched aliphatic aldehydes. Catalytic loadings as low as 5 mol % give excellent yields in these reactions (up to 99%).

Mechanical Properties of Longleaf Pine Treated with Waterborne Salt Preservatives.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-08-01

were measured on small clear bending specimens of longleaf pine sapwood treated with three wateroorne salt preservative systems. Preservative...wood, but the results of past research in this area (appendix I: Literature) are inconsistent and inconclusive, particularly at high loadings of...pine sapwood either air or kiln dried after treatment to retentions from 0.25 to 2.5 lb/ft3. ACA has no effect on MOR. but CCA-type preservatives

Ionic Liquid Fuels for Chemical Propulsion

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-20

researchers seeking hypergolic fuels have limited themselves to the extremely toxic and corrosive nitric acid solutions. While important questions remain...storable oxidizer (N204 , nitric acid ) have been synthesized and demonstrated. The bipropellant fuels are based upon salts containing dicyanamide or...20-30% nanoparticle loading but decreases between 10-20%, perhaps indicating an optimal loading concentration for these nanoparticles between 10-20

46 CFR Appendix A to Part 45 - Load Line Certificate Form

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... registry Type of Ship: TYPE “A” TYPE “B” TYPE “B” with increased freeboard freeboard from deck line Midsummer MS Summer S Intermediate I Winter W load line above S Upper edge of line through center of diamond... salt water of the St. Lawrence River west of a straight line from Cap de Rosiers to West Point...

Aortic Aneurysm Statistics

MedlinePlus

... commit" type="submit" value="Submit" /> Related CDC Web Sites Heart Disease Stroke High Blood Pressure Salt ... to Prevent and Control Chronic Diseases Million Hearts® Web Sites with More Information About Aortic Aneurysm For ...

High salt reduces the activation of IL-4- and IL-13-stimulated macrophages.

PubMed

Binger, Katrina J; Gebhardt, Matthias; Heinig, Matthias; Rintisch, Carola; Schroeder, Agnes; Neuhofer, Wolfgang; Hilgers, Karl; Manzel, Arndt; Schwartz, Christian; Kleinewietfeld, Markus; Voelkl, Jakob; Schatz, Valentin; Linker, Ralf A; Lang, Florian; Voehringer, David; Wright, Mark D; Hubner, Norbert; Dechend, Ralf; Jantsch, Jonathan; Titze, Jens; Müller, Dominik N

2015-11-02

A high intake of dietary salt (NaCl) has been implicated in the development of hypertension, chronic inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. We have recently shown that salt has a proinflammatory effect and boosts the activation of Th17 cells and the activation of classical, LPS-induced macrophages (M1). Here, we examined how the activation of alternative (M2) macrophages is affected by salt. In stark contrast to Th17 cells and M1 macrophages, high salt blunted the alternative activation of BM-derived mouse macrophages stimulated with IL-4 and IL-13, M(IL-4+IL-13) macrophages. Salt-induced reduction of M(IL-4+IL-13) activation was not associated with increased polarization toward a proinflammatory M1 phenotype. In vitro, high salt decreased the ability of M(IL-4+IL-13) macrophages to suppress effector T cell proliferation. Moreover, mice fed a high salt diet exhibited reduced M2 activation following chitin injection and delayed wound healing compared with control animals. We further identified a high salt-induced reduction in glycolysis and mitochondrial metabolic output, coupled with blunted AKT and mTOR signaling, which indicates a mechanism by which NaCl inhibits full M2 macrophage activation. Collectively, this study provides evidence that high salt reduces noninflammatory innate immune cell activation and may thus lead to an overall imbalance in immune homeostasis.

Consumer acceptance of reformulated food products: A systematic review and meta-analysis of salt-reduced foods.

PubMed

Jaenke, Rachael; Barzi, Federica; McMahon, Emma; Webster, Jacqui; Brimblecombe, Julie

2017-11-02

Food product reformulation is promoted as an effective strategy to reduce population salt intake and address the associated burden of chronic disease. Salt has a number of functions in food processing, including impacting upon physical and sensory properties. Manufacturers must ensure that reformulation of foods to reduce salt does not compromise consumer acceptability. The aim of this systematic review is to determine to what extent foods can be reduced in salt without detrimental effect on consumer acceptability. Fifty studies reported on salt reduction, replacement or compensation in processed meats, breads, cheeses, soups, and miscellaneous products. For each product category, levels of salt reduction were collapsed into four groups: <40%, 40-59%, 60-79% and ≥80%. Random effects meta-analyses conducted on salt-reduced products showed that salt could be reduced by approximately 40% in breads [mean change in acceptability for reduction <40% (-0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.62, 0.08; p = 0.13)] and approximately 70% in processed meats [mean change in acceptability for reductions 60-69% (-0.18, 95% CI -0.44, 0.07; p = 0.15)] without significantly impacting consumer acceptability. Results varied for other products. These results will support manufacturers to make greater reductions in salt when reformulating food products, which in turn will contribute to a healthier food supply.

Fluids Density Functional Theory of Salt-Doped Block Copolymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Jonathan R.; Hall, Lisa M.

Block copolymers have attracted a great deal of recent interest as potential non-flammable, solid-state, electrolyte materials for batteries or other charge carrying applications. The microphase separation in block copolymers combines the properties of a conductive (though mechanically soft) polymer with a mechanically robust (though non-conductive) polymer. We use fluids density functional theory (fDFT) to study the phase behavior of salt-doped block copolymers. Because the salt prefers to preferentially solvate into the conductive phase, salt doping effectively enhances the segregation strength between the two polymer types. We consider the effects of this preferential solvation and of charge correlations by separately modeling the ion-rich phase, without bonding, using the Ornstein-Zernike equation and the hypernetted-chain closure. We use the correlations from this subsystem in the inhomogeneous fDFT calculations. Initial addition of salt increases the domain spacing and sharpens the interfacial region, but for high salt loadings the interface can broaden. Addition of salt can also drive a system with a low copolymer segregation strength to order by first passing through a two phase regime with a salt-rich ordered phase and a salt-poor disordered phase. This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, under Award Number DE-SC0014209.

Ash aggregation enhanced by deposition and redistribution of salt on the surface of volcanic ash in eruption plumes.

PubMed

Mueller, Sebastian B; Ayris, Paul M; Wadsworth, Fabian B; Kueppers, Ulrich; Casas, Ana S; Delmelle, Pierre; Taddeucci, Jacopo; Jacob, Michael; Dingwell, Donald B

2017-03-31

Interactions with volcanic gases in eruption plumes produce soluble salt deposits on the surface of volcanic ash. While it has been postulated that saturation-driven precipitation of salts following the dissolution of ash surfaces by condensed acidic liquids is a primary mechanism of salt formation during an eruption, it is only recently that this mechanism has been subjected to detailed study. Here we spray water and HCl droplets into a suspension of salt-doped synthetic glass or volcanic ash particles, and produce aggregates. Deposition of acidic liquid droplets on ash particles promotes dissolution of existing salts and leaches cations from the underlying material surface. The flow of liquid, due to capillary forces, will be directed to particle-particle contact points where subsequent precipitation of salts will cement the aggregate. Our data suggest that volcanically-relevant loads of surface salts can be produced by acid condensation in eruptive settings. Several minor and trace elements mobilised by surface dissolution are biologically relevant; geographic areas with aggregation-mediated ash fallout could be "hotspots" for the post-deposition release of these elements. The role of liquids in re-distributing surface salts and cementing ash aggregates also offers further insight into the mechanisms which preserve well-structured aggregates in some ash deposits.

Ash aggregation enhanced by deposition and redistribution of salt on the surface of volcanic ash in eruption plumes

PubMed Central

Mueller, Sebastian B.; Ayris, Paul M.; Wadsworth, Fabian B.; Kueppers, Ulrich; Casas, Ana S.; Delmelle, Pierre; Taddeucci, Jacopo; Jacob, Michael; Dingwell, Donald B.

2017-01-01

Interactions with volcanic gases in eruption plumes produce soluble salt deposits on the surface of volcanic ash. While it has been postulated that saturation-driven precipitation of salts following the dissolution of ash surfaces by condensed acidic liquids is a primary mechanism of salt formation during an eruption, it is only recently that this mechanism has been subjected to detailed study. Here we spray water and HCl droplets into a suspension of salt-doped synthetic glass or volcanic ash particles, and produce aggregates. Deposition of acidic liquid droplets on ash particles promotes dissolution of existing salts and leaches cations from the underlying material surface. The flow of liquid, due to capillary forces, will be directed to particle-particle contact points where subsequent precipitation of salts will cement the aggregate. Our data suggest that volcanically-relevant loads of surface salts can be produced by acid condensation in eruptive settings. Several minor and trace elements mobilised by surface dissolution are biologically relevant; geographic areas with aggregation-mediated ash fallout could be “hotspots” for the post-deposition release of these elements. The role of liquids in re-distributing surface salts and cementing ash aggregates also offers further insight into the mechanisms which preserve well-structured aggregates in some ash deposits. PMID:28361966

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma, chronic pancreatitis, and MODY-8 diabetes: is bile salt-dependent lipase (or carboxyl ester lipase) at the crossroads of pancreatic pathologies?

PubMed

Lombardo, Dominique; Silvy, Françoise; Crenon, Isabelle; Martinez, Emmanuelle; Collignon, Aurélie; Beraud, Evelyne; Mas, Eric

2018-02-23

Pancreatic adenocarcinomas and diabetes mellitus are responsible for the deaths of around two million people each year worldwide. Patients with chronic pancreatitis do not die directly of this disease, except where the pathology is hereditary. Much current literature supports the involvement of bile salt-dependent lipase (BSDL), also known as carboxyl ester lipase (CEL), in the pathophysiology of these pancreatic diseases. The purpose of this review is to shed light on connections between chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, and pancreatic adenocarcinomas by gaining an insight into BSDL and its variants. This enzyme is normally secreted by the exocrine pancreas, and is diverted within the intestinal lumen to participate in the hydrolysis of dietary lipids. However, BSDL is also expressed by other cells and tissues, where it participates in lipid homeostasis. Variants of BSDL resulting from germline and/or somatic mutations (nucleotide insertion/deletion or nonallelic homologous recombination) are expressed in the pancreas of patients with pancreatic pathologies such as chronic pancreatitis, MODY-8, and pancreatic adenocarcinomas. We discuss the possible link between the expression of BSDL variants and these dramatic pancreatic pathologies, putting forward the suggestion that BSDL and its variants are implicated in the cell lipid metabolism/reprogramming that leads to the dyslipidemia observed in chronic pancreatitis, MODY-8, and pancreatic adenocarcinomas. We also propose potential strategies for translation to therapeutic applications.

Logical Issues With the Pressure Natriuresis Theory of Chronic Hypertension

PubMed Central

DiCarlo, Stephen E.; Morris, R. Curtis

2016-01-01

Abstract The term “abnormal pressure natriuresis” refers to a subnormal effect of a given level of blood pressure (BP) on sodium excretion. It is widely believed that abnormal pressure natriuresis causes an initial increase in BP to be sustained. We refer to this view as the “pressure natriuresis theory of chronic hypertension.” The proponents of the theory contend that all forms of chronic hypertension are sustained by abnormal pressure natriuresis, irrespective of how hypertension is initiated. This theory would appear to follow from “the three laws of long-term arterial pressure regulation” stated by Guyton and Coleman more than 3 decades ago. These “laws” articulate the concept that for a given level of salt intake, the relationship between arterial pressure and sodium excretion determines the chronic level of BP. Here, we review and examine the recent assertion by Beard that these “laws” of long-term BP control amount to nothing more than a series of tautologies. Our analysis supports Beard’s assertion, and also indicates that contemporary investigators often use tautological reasoning in support of the pressure natriuresis theory of chronic hypertension. Although the theory itself is not a tautology, it does not appear to be testable because it holds that abnormal pressure natriuresis causes salt-induced hypertension to be sustained through abnormal increases in cardiac output that are too small to be detected. PMID:28637271

Mineralocorticoid-induced sodium appetite and renal salt retention: Evidence for common signaling and effector mechanisms

PubMed Central

Fu, Yiling; Vallon, Volker

2014-01-01

An increase in renal sodium chloride (salt) retention and an increase in sodium appetite is the body's response to salt restriction or depletion in order to restore salt balance. Renal salt retention and increased sodium appetite can also be maladaptive and sustain the pathophysiology in conditions like salt-sensitive hypertension and chronic heart failure. Here we review the central role of the mineralocorticoid aldosterone in both the increase in renal salt reabsorption and sodium appetite. We discuss the working hypothesis that aldosterone activates similar signaling and effector mechanisms in the kidney and brain, including the mineralocorticoid receptor, the serum-and-glucocorticoid-induced kinase SGK1, the ubiquitin ligase NEDD4-2, and the epithelial sodium channel ENaC. The latter also mediates the gustatory salt sensing in the tongue, which is required for the manifestation of increased salt intake. Effects of aldosterone on both brain and kidney synergize with the effects of angiotensin II. Thus, mineralocorticoids appear to induce similar molecular pathways in the kidney, brain, and possibly tongue, which could provide opportunities for more effective therapeutic interventions. Inhibition of renal salt reabsorption is compensated by stimulation of salt appetite and vice versa; targeting both mechanisms should be more effective. Inhibiting the arousal to consume salty food may improve a patient's compliance to reducing salt intake. While a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms is needed and will provide new options, current pharmacological interventions that target both salt retention and sodium appetite include mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and potentially inhibitors of angiotensin II and ENaC. PMID:25376899

Identification of hypertension-related genes through an integrated genomic-transcriptomic approach.

PubMed

Yagil, Chana; Hubner, Norbert; Monti, Jan; Schulz, Herbert; Sapojnikov, Marina; Luft, Friedrich C; Ganten, Detlev; Yagil, Yoram

2005-04-01

In search for the genetic basis of hypertension, we applied an integrated genomic-transcriptomic approach to identify genes involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension in the Sabra rat model of salt-susceptibility. In the genomic arm of the project, we previously detected in male rats two salt-susceptibility QTLs on chromosome 1, SS1a (D1Mgh2-D1Mit11; span 43.1 cM) and SS1b (D1Mit11-D1Mit4; span 18 cM). In the transcriptomic arm, we studied differential gene expression in kidneys of SBH/y and SBN/y rats that had been fed regular diet or salt-loaded. We used the Affymetrix Rat Genome RAE230 GeneChip and probed >30,000 transcripts. The research algorithm called for an initial genome-wide screen for differentially expressed transcripts between the study groups. This step was followed by cluster analysis based on 2x2 ANOVA to identify transcripts that were of relevance specifically to salt-sensitivity and hypertension and to salt-resistance. The two arms of the project were integrated by identifying those differentially expressed transcripts that showed an allele-specific hypertensive effect on salt-loading and that mapped within the defined boundaries of the salt-susceptibility QTLs on chromosome 1. The differentially expressed transcripts were confirmed by RT-PCR. Of the 2933 genes annotated to rat chromosome 1, 1102 genes were identified within the boundaries of the two blood pressure QTLs. The microarray identified 2470 transcripts that were differentially expressed between the study groups. Cluster analysis identified genome-wide 192 genes that were relevant to salt-susceptibility and/or hypertension, 19 of which mapped to chromosome 1. Eight of these genes mapped within the boundaries of QTLs SS1a and SS1b. RT-PCR confirmed 7 genes, leaving TcTex1, Myadm, Lisch7, Axl-like, Fah, PRC1-like, and Serpinh1. None of these genes has been implicated in hypertension before. These genes become henceforth targets for our continuing search for the genetic basis of hypertension.

Elevation of Fasting Ghrelin in Healthy Human Subjects Consuming a High-Salt Diet: A Novel Mechanism of Obesity?

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yong; Li, Fenxia; Liu, Fu-Qiang; Chu, Chao; Wang, Yang; Wang, Dan; Guo, Tong-Shuai; Wang, Jun-Kui; Guan, Gong-Chang; Ren, Ke-Yu; Mu, Jian-Jun

2016-01-01

Overweight/obesity is a chronic disease that carries an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and premature death. Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated a clear relationship between salt intake and obesity, but the pathophysiologic mechanisms remain unknown. We hypothesized that ghrelin, which regulates appetite, food intake, and fat deposition, becomes elevated when one consumes a high-salt diet, contributing to the progression of obesity. We, therefore, investigated fasting ghrelin concentrations during a high-salt diet. Thirty-eight non-obese and normotensive subjects (aged 25 to 50 years) were selected from a rural community in Northern China. They were sequentially maintained on a normal diet for three days at baseline, a low-salt diet for seven days (3 g/day, NaCl), then a high-salt diet for seven days (18 g/day). The concentration of plasma ghrelin was measured using an immunoenzyme method (ELISA). High-salt intake significantly increased fasting ghrelin levels, which were higher during the high-salt diet (320.7 ± 30.6 pg/mL) than during the low-salt diet (172.9 ± 8.9 pg/mL). The comparison of ghrelin levels between the different salt diets was statistically-significantly different (p < 0.01). A positive correlation between 24-h urinary sodium excretion and fasting ghrelin levels was demonstrated. Our data indicate that a high-salt diet elevates fasting ghrelin in healthy human subjects, which may be a novel underlying mechanism of obesity. PMID:27240398

Elevation of Fasting Ghrelin in Healthy Human Subjects Consuming a High-Salt Diet: A Novel Mechanism of Obesity?

PubMed

Zhang, Yong; Li, Fenxia; Liu, Fu-Qiang; Chu, Chao; Wang, Yang; Wang, Dan; Guo, Tong-Shuai; Wang, Jun-Kui; Guan, Gong-Chang; Ren, Ke-Yu; Mu, Jian-Jun

2016-05-26

Overweight/obesity is a chronic disease that carries an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and premature death. Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated a clear relationship between salt intake and obesity, but the pathophysiologic mechanisms remain unknown. We hypothesized that ghrelin, which regulates appetite, food intake, and fat deposition, becomes elevated when one consumes a high-salt diet, contributing to the progression of obesity. We, therefore, investigated fasting ghrelin concentrations during a high-salt diet. Thirty-eight non-obese and normotensive subjects (aged 25 to 50 years) were selected from a rural community in Northern China. They were sequentially maintained on a normal diet for three days at baseline, a low-salt diet for seven days (3 g/day, NaCl), then a high-salt diet for seven days (18 g/day). The concentration of plasma ghrelin was measured using an immunoenzyme method (ELISA). High-salt intake significantly increased fasting ghrelin levels, which were higher during the high-salt diet (320.7 ± 30.6 pg/mL) than during the low-salt diet (172.9 ± 8.9 pg/mL). The comparison of ghrelin levels between the different salt diets was statistically-significantly different (p < 0.01). A positive correlation between 24-h urinary sodium excretion and fasting ghrelin levels was demonstrated. Our data indicate that a high-salt diet elevates fasting ghrelin in healthy human subjects, which may be a novel underlying mechanism of obesity.

Elaboration of garlic and salt spice with reduced sodium intake.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Jéssica F; Junqueira, Gabriela; Gonçalves, Carla S; Carneiro, João D S; Pinheiro, Ana Carla M; Nunes, Cleiton A

2014-12-01

Garlic and salt spice is widely used in Brazilian cookery, but it has a high sodium content; as high sodium intake has been strongly correlated to the incidence of chronic diseases. This study aimed to develop a garlic and salt spice with reduced sodium intake. Sensory evaluation was conducted by applying the spices to cooked rice. First, the optimal concentration of spice added during rice preparation was determined. Subsequently, seasonings (3:1) were prepared containing 0%, 50% and 25% less NaCl using a mixture of salts consisting of KCl and monosodium glutamate; a seasoning with a 0% NaCl reduction was established as a control. Three formulations of rice with different spices were assessed according to sensory testing acceptance, time-intensity and temporal domain of sensations. The proportions of salts used in the garlic and salt spice did not generate a strange or bad taste in the products; instead, the mixtures were less salty. However, the seasonings with lower sodium levels (F2 and F3) were better accepted in comparison to the traditional seasoning (F1). Therefore, a mixture of NaCl, KCl and monosodium glutamate is a viable alternative to develop a garlic and salt spice with reduced sodium intake.

Data and Statistics: Heart Failure

MedlinePlus

... commit" type="submit" value="Submit" /> Related CDC Web Sites Heart Disease Stroke High Blood Pressure Salt ... to Prevent and Control Chronic Diseases Million Hearts® Web Sites with More Information About Heart Failure For ...

Aquatic Life Criteria - Atrazine

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Documents pertaining to Acute and Chronic Ambient Water Quality Aquatic Life Criteria for Atrazine (Freshwater and Salt Water). This document contains the safe levels of Atrazine in water that should protect to the majority of species.

Active kallikrein response to changes in sodium-chloride intake in essential hypertensive patients.

PubMed

Ferri, C; Bellini, C; Carlomagno, A; Desideri, G; Santucci, A

1996-03-01

To evaluate the behavior of active kallikrein excretion in salt-sensitive and salt-resistant hypertensive patients during changes in sodium-chloride (NaCl) intake, 61 male, nonobese, nondiabetic outpatients affected by uncomplicated essential hypertension were given a diet that contained 140 mmol NaCl per day for 2 wk. Patients then received either a low- (20 mmol NaCl/day) or a high- (320 mmol NaCl/day) sodium diet for 2 wk, according to a randomized, double-blind, cross-over protocol. Hypertensive patients were classified as salt sensitive when their diastolic blood pressure rose by at least 10 mm Hg after the high-sodium diet, and decreased by at least 10 mm Hg after the low-sodium diet, considering as baseline blood pressure values those that were taken at the end of the 140 mmol NaCl/day intake period. The remaining patients were classified as salt resistant or, when diastolic blood pressure increased by 10 mm Hg or more after low-sodium intake, as counter-regulating. Twenty-three patients were therefore classified as salt sensitive, 28 as salt resistant, and 10 as counter-regulating. The baseline active kallikrein excretion was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) in salt-sensitive (0.62 +/- 0.31 U/24 h) patients than in salt-resistant (1.39 +/- 0.44 U/24 h) and counter-regulating patients (1.27 +/- 0.38 U/24 h). Surprisingly, the kallikrein response to changes in sodium intake was similar in all subgroups, although enzyme excretion was always at the lowest level in salt-sensitive hypertensive patients. This latter group also showed the highest plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels (28.2 +/- 8.5 fmol/mL, P < 0.0001 versus salt-resistant and counter-regulating patients), and the greatest peptide increment with sodium load (P < 0.0001 versus salt-resistant and counter-regulating patients). Counter-regulating patients showed the steepest increase in plasma renin activity (from 0.24 +/- 0.18 to 0.83 +/- 0.21 ng/L per s, P < 0.001) and decrease of plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (from 26.1 +/- 6.3 to 6.8 +/- 3.1 fmol/mL, P < 0.001) when switched from a high to a low-sodium intake. In conclusion, salt-sensitive hypertensive patients excrete less active kallikrein than do salt-resistant and counter-regulating patients, but maintain a normal enzyme response to changes in dietary sodium intake. The exaggerated response of atrial natriuretic peptide to high-sodium intake that was observed in the same patients could be compensating for an impaired renal capability to excrete a sodium load.

Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 88-391-2156, Morton Salt Company, Weeks Island, Louisiana

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

Ferguson, R.P.; Knutti, E.B.

1991-11-01

In response to a request from the International Chemical Workers Union, project director, an evaluation was undertaken of possible hazardous working conditions at the Morton Salt Company (SIC-1479), Weeks Island, Louisiana. At Weeks Island the salt was mined from large domes, circular in shape and from a few hundred yards to a mile across. The only detectable overexposures in the mining operation were to coal-tar pitch volatiles. None of the 20 personal breathing zone and area air samples collected in the mill were above detectable limits for asbestos (1332214). The prevalences of chronic cough and chronic phlegm reported were statisticallymore » different, exceeding those reported by a group of nonexposed blue collar workers. Chronic symptoms were reported by underground workers in all smoking categories, but only by those surface workers who also smoked. There were more complaints about eye irritation and tearing of the eyes in the underground workers, consistent with diesel byproduct exposure. Four workers were identified through pulmonary function test results with mild obstructive lung disease and one with moderate obstructive lung disease. Three workers with mild restriction of lung volume were noted. None of the 61 chest films taken read positively for pneumoconiosis. The authors conclude that overexposures to coal-tar pitch volatiles existed at the time of the survey. The authors recommend measures for reducing occupational exposures to workplace contaminants. A follow up medical questionnaire survey should be conducted.« less

Analysis of Dust Samples Collected from an Unused Spent Nuclear Fuel Interim Storage Container at Hope Creek, Delaware.

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

Bryan, Charles R.; Enos, David

In July, 2014, the Electric Power Research Institute and industry partners sampled dust on the surface of an unused canister that had been stored in an overpack at the Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Station for approximately one year. The foreign material exclusion (FME) cover that had been on the top of the canister during storage, and a second recently - removed FME cover, were also sampled. This report summarizes the results of analyses of dust samples collected from the unused Hope Creek canister and the FME covers. Both wet and dry samples of the dust/salts were collected, using SaltSmart(TM) sensorsmore » and Scotch - Brite(TM) abrasive pads, respectively. The SaltSmart(TM) samples were leached and the leachate analyzed chemically to determine the composition and surface load per unit area of soluble salts present on the canister surface. The dry pad samples were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence and by scanning electron microscopy to determine dust texture and mineralogy; and by leaching and chemical analysis to deter mine soluble salt compositions. The analyses showed that the dominant particles on the canister surface were stainless steel particles, generated during manufacturing of the canister. Sparse environmentally - derived silicates and aluminosilicates were also present. Salt phases were sparse, and consisted of mostly of sulfates with rare nitrates and chlorides. On the FME covers, the dusts were mostly silicates/aluminosilicates; the soluble salts were consistent with those on the canister surface, and were dominantly sulfates. It should be noted that the FME covers were w ashed by rain prior to sampling, which had an unknown effect of the measured salt loads and compositions. Sulfate salts dominated the assemblages on the canister and FME surfaces, and in cluded Ca - SO 4 , but also Na - SO 4 , K - SO 4 , and Na - Al - SO 4 . It is likely that these salts were formed by particle - gas conversion reactions, either prior to, or after, deposition. These reactions involve reaction of carbonate, chloride, or nitrate salts with at mospheric SO 2, sulfuric acid, or a mmonium sulfate to form sulfate minerals. The Na - Al - SO 4 phase is unusual, and may have formed by reaction of Na - Al containing phases in aluminum smelter emissions with SO 2 , also present in smelter emissions. An aluminum smelter is located in Camden, NJ, 40 miles NE of the Hope Creek Site.« less

Microcracking and Healing in Semibrittle Salt-Rock: Elastic and Plastic Behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, J.; Chester, F. M.; Chester, J. S.; Shen, X.; Arson, C. F.

2017-12-01

Microcracking and healing during semibrittle deformation are important processes that affect physical properties such as elastic moduli and permeability. We study these processes through triaxial compression tests involving cyclic differential loading and isostatic-holds on synthetic salt-rock at room temperature and low confining pressure (Pc, 1 to 4 MPa). The salt samples are produced by uniaxial pressing of granular (300 µm dia.) halite to 75 MPa at 150˚C for 10^3 s, to create low-porosity ( 5%) aggregates of nearly equant, work-hardened grains. Alternating large- and small-load cycles are performed to track the evolution of plastic and elastic properties, respecitively, with progressive strain to 8% axial shortening. 24-hour holds are carried out at about 4% axial shortening followed by renewed cyclic loading to investigate healing. During large load cycles samples yield and exhibit distributed flow with dilatancy and small work hardening. Young's Modulus (YM) decreases and then tends to stabilize, while Poisson's Ratio (PR) increases at a reducing rate, with progressive strain. Microstructures at sequential stages show that opening-mode grain-boundary cracking, grain-boundary sliding, and some intracrystalline plasticity are the dominant deformation processes. Opening and shear occur preferentially on boundaries that are parallel and inclined to the shortening axis, respectively, leading to progressive redistribution of porosity. Opening-mode grain-boundary cracks increase in number and aperature with strain, and are linked by sliding grain-boundaries to form en echelon arrays. After a 24-hour hold, samples show yielding and flow behavior consistent with that prior to the hold, whereas YM and PR are reset to the same values documented at zero strain and subsequently evolve with additional strain similar to that documented at smaller strains prior to the hold. Open grain-boundary cracks are not closed or healed during the hold. Observations suggest that changes in elastic properties in the semibrittle salt-rock reflect weakening and healing of grain-boundaries undergoing sliding rather than progressive dilatancy or healing of opening-mode cracks. Findings are being used to inform and develop continuum damage mechanics models of semibrittle deformation in polycrystalline aggregates

Functional ecology of saltglands in shorebirds: Flexible responses to variable environmental conditions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gutierrez, J.S.; Dietz, M.W.; Masero, J.A.; Gill, Robert E.; Dekinga, Anne; Battley, Phil F.; Sanchez-Guzman, J. M.; Piersma, Theunis

2012-01-01

Birds of marine environments have specialized glands to excrete salt, the saltglands. Located on the skull between the eyes, the size of these organs is expected to reflect their demand, which will vary with water turnover rates as a function of environmental (heat load, salinity of prey and drinking water) and organismal (energy demand, physiological state) factors. On the basis of inter- and intraspecific comparisons of saltgland mass (m sg) in 29 species of shorebird (suborder Charadrii) from saline, fresh and mixed water habitats, we assessed the relative roles of organism and environment in determining measured m sg species. The allometric exponent, scaling dry m sg to shorebird total body mass (m b), was significantly higher for coastal marine species (0??88, N=19) than for nonmarine species (0??43, N=14). Within the marine species, those ingesting bivalves intact had significantly higher m sg than species eating soft-bodied invertebrates, indicating that seawater contained within the shells added to the salt load. In red knots (Calidris canutus), dry m sg varied with monthly averaged ambient temperature in a U-shaped way, with the lowest mass at 12??5??C. This probably reflects increased energy demand for thermoregulation at low temperatures and elevated respiratory water loss at high temperatures. In fuelling bar-tailed godwits (Limosa lapponica), dry m sg was positively correlated with intestine mass, an indicator of relative food intake rates. These findings suggest once more that saltgland masses vary within species (and presumably individuals) in relation to salt load, that is a function of energy turnover (thermoregulation and fuelling) and evaporative water needs. Our results support the notion that m sg is strongly influenced by habitat salinity, and also by factors influencing salt load and demand for osmotically free water including ambient temperature, prey type and energy intake rates. Saltglands are evidently highly flexible organs. The small size of saltglands when demands are low suggests that any time costs of adjustment are lower than the costs of maintaining a larger size in this small but essential piece of metabolic machinery. ?? 2011 The Authors. Functional Ecology ?? 2011 British Ecological Society.

Epstein-Barr virus viral load and serology in childhood non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic inflammatory conditions in Uganda: implications for disease risk and characteristics.

PubMed

Orem, Jackson; Sandin, Sven; Mbidde, Edward; Mangen, Fred Wabwire; Middeldorp, Jaap; Weiderpass, Elisabete

2014-10-01

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been linked to malignancies and chronic inflammatory conditions. In this study, EBV detection was compared in children with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and children with chronic inflammatory conditions, using samples and data from a case-control study carried out at the Mulago National Referral Hospital between 2004 and 2008. EBV viral load was measured in saliva, whole blood and white blood cells by real-time PCR. Serological values for IgG-VCA, EBNA1, and EAd-IgG were compared in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic inflammatory conditions; and in Burkitt's lymphoma and other subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Of the 127 children included (87 males and 40 females; median age 7 years, range 2-17), 96 had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (46 Burkitt's lymphoma and 50 other non-Hodgkin's lymphoma), 31 had chronic inflammatory conditions, and only 10% were HIV-positive. The most common clinical presentations for all disease categories considered were fever, night sweats, and weight loss. EBV viral load in whole blood was elevated in Burkitt's lymphoma compared to other non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (OR 6.67, 95% CI 1.32, 33.69; P-value = 0.04), but EBV viral loads in saliva and white blood cells were not different in any of the disease categories considered. A significant difference in EAd-IgG was observed when non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was compared with chronic inflammatory conditions (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.07, 0.51; P-value = 0.001). When compared to chronic inflammatory conditions, EBV viral load was elevated in Burkitt's lymphoma, and EA IgG was higher in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This study supports an association between virological and serological markers of EBV and childhood non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, irrespective of subtype, in Uganda. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Systemic study of solvent-assisted active loading of gambogic acid into liposomes and its formulation optimization for improved delivery.

PubMed

Tang, Wei-Lun; Tang, Wei-Hsin; Szeitz, Andras; Kulkarni, Jayesh; Cullis, Pieter; Li, Shyh-Dar

2018-06-01

The solvent-assisted active loading technology (SALT) was developed for encapsulating a water insoluble weak base into the liposomal core in the presence of 5% DMSO. In this study, we further examined the effect of various water miscible solvents in promoting active loading of other types of drugs into liposomes. To achieve complete drug loading, the amount of solvent required must result in complete drug solubilization and membrane permeability enhancement, but must be below the threshold that induces liposomal aggregation or causes bilayer disruption. We then used the SALT to load gambogic acid (GA, an insoluble model drug that shows promising anticancer effect) into liposomes, and optimized the loading gradient and lipid composition to prepare a stable formulation (Lipo-GA) that displayed >95% drug retention after incubation with serum for 3 days. Lipo-GA contained a high drug-to-lipid ratio of 1/5 (w/w) with a mean particle size of ∼75 nm. It also displayed a prolonged circulation half-life (1.5 h vs. 18.6 h) and enhanced antitumor activity in two syngeneic mice models compared to free GA. Particularly, complete tumor regression was observed in the EMT6 tumor model for 14 d with significant inhibition of multiple oncogenes including HIF-1α, VEGF-A, STAT3, BCL-2, and NF-κB. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Detection of 12.5% and 25% Salt Reduction in Bread in a Remote Indigenous Australian Community

PubMed Central

McMahon, Emma; Clarke, Rozlynne; Jaenke, Rachael; Brimblecombe, Julie

2016-01-01

Food reformulation is an important strategy to reduce the excess salt intake observed in remote Indigenous Australia. We aimed to examine whether 12.5% and 25% salt reduction in bread is detectable, and, if so, whether acceptability is changed, in a sample of adults living in a remote Indigenous community in the Northern Territory of Australia. Convenience samples were recruited for testing of reduced-salt (300 and 350 mg Na/100 g) versus Standard (~400 mg Na/100 g) white and wholemeal breads (n = 62 for white; n = 72 for wholemeal). Triangle testing was used to examine whether participants could detect a difference between the breads. Liking of each bread was also measured; standard consumer acceptability questionnaires were modified to maximise cultural appropriateness and understanding. Participants were unable to detect a difference between Standard and reduced-salt breads (all p values > 0.05 when analysed using binomial probability). Further, as expected, liking of the breads was not changed with salt reduction (all p values > 0.05 when analysed using ANOVA). Reducing salt in products commonly purchased in remote Indigenous communities has potential as an equitable, cost-effective and sustainable strategy to reduce population salt intake and reduce risk of chronic disease, without the barriers associated with strategies that require individual behaviour change. PMID:26999196

Sodium channel γENaC mediates IL-17 synergized high salt induced inflammatory stress in breast cancer cells

PubMed Central

Amara, Suneetha; Ivy, Michael T; Myles, Elbert L; Tiriveedhi, Venkataswarup

2015-01-01

Chronic inflammation is known to play a critical role in the development of cancer. Recent evidence suggests that high salt in the tissue microenvironment induces chronic inflammatory milieu. In this report, using three breast cancer-related cell lines, we determined the molecular basis of the potential synergistic inflammatory effect of sodium chloride (NaCl) with interleukin-17 (IL-17). Combined treatment of high NaCl (0.15 M) with sub-effective IL-17 (0.1 nM) induced enhanced growth in breast cancer cells along with activation of reactive nitrogen and oxygen (RNS/ROS) species known to promote cancer. Similar effect was not observed with equi-molar mannitol. This enhanced of ROS/RNS activity correlates with upregulation of γENaC an inflammatiory sodium channel. The similar culture conditions have also induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNFα etc. Taken together, these data suggest that high NaCl in the cellular microenvironment induces a γENaC mediated chronic inflammatory response with a potential pro-carcinogenic effect. PMID:26723502

Measurement of Great Salt Lake Loading by the BARGEN Continuous GPS Network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elósegui, P.; Davis, J. L.; Mitrovica, J. X.; Wernicke, B. P.; Bennett, R. A.

2002-12-01

The northernmost segment of the Basin and Range Geodetic network (BARGEN) forms an east-west transect from western Utah to eastern California between the latitudes of N~40° and N~41°. Two of our GPS sites, COON and CEDA, are located within 20~km south of the Great Salt Lake (GSL), which extends NNW for a length of ~100~km. Lake level records for GSL during the period of the operation of BARGEN (mid-1996 to present) indicate seasonal elevation variations of ~0.5~m amplitude superimposed on a roughly ``decadal'' feature of amplitude ~1~m. Using an elastic Green's function based on PREM and a simplified load geometry for GSL, we calculate that these elevation variations translate into vertical crustal loading signals of +/-0.5~mm (seasonal) and +/- 1~mm (decadal). The calculated maximum horizontal loading signals are roughly a factor of two smaller. Despite the small size of the expected loading signals, we conclude that we can observe them using time series for the three-dimensional coordinates of COON and CEDA. For CEDA, the variations in the time series are in phase with, and the same magnitude as, both the predicted seasonal and decadal variations. For COON, we obtain a similar match for the decadal variations, but the observed seasonal variations, although in-phase with the predicted variations, are a factor of 3--4 larger. We speculate that this difference may be caused by some combination of local precipitation-induced site motion, unmodeled loading from other nearby sources, errors in the GSL load geometry, and atmospheric errors. We will present these results, and also discuss the loading effect as an error source for estimates of long-term site velocity.

Effect of salt depletion on sodium ion transport from human erythrocytes.

PubMed

Krzesinski, J M; Rorive, G L

1985-01-01

This study was realized to test De Wardener's hypothesis on the presence of a plasmatic and natriuretic factor in essential hypertension. By an indirect approach consisting of modification of plasma volume and sodium pool in chronic renal failure and primary hypertension with, at the same time, measurements of ionic flux variations in human erythrocytes, we provide some arguments to confirm the presence of such a factor in hydrosaline overloaded uraemic patients and in "salt-sensitive" essential hypertensive subjects.

Ceramic waste form production and development at ANL-West.

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

Battisti, T. J.; Goff, K. M.; Bateman, K. J.

2002-08-21

Argonne National Laboratory has developed a method to stabilize spent electrolyte salt discarded from electrorefiners (ER) used to treat spent nuclear fuel. The salt is stabilized in a ceramic using a pressureless consolidation technique. The starting material is zeolite 4A which is used as the host for the fission product and actinide rich salt. Glass frit is added to the salt loaded zeolite before processing to act as a binder. The zeolite 4A is converted to sodalite during processing via pressureless consolidation. This process differs from one used in the past that employed a hot isostatic press. Ceramic is createdmore » at 925 C and atmospheric pressure instead of the high pressures used in hot isostatic pressing. Process flow sheets, off-gas test results, processing equipment, and leech test results are presented.« less

Effect of simulated sampling disturbance on creep behaviour of rock salt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guessous, Z.; Gill, D. E.; Ladanyi, B.

1987-10-01

This article presents the results of an experimental study of creep behaviour of a rock salt under uniaxial compression as a function of prestrain, simulating sampling disturbance. The prestrain was produced by radial compressive loading of the specimens prior to creep testing. The tests were conducted on an artifical salt to avoid excessive scattering of the results. The results obtained from several series of single-stage creep tests show that, at short-term, the creep response of salt is strongly affected by the preloading history of samples. The nature of this effect depends upon the intensity of radial compressive preloading, and its magnitude is a function of the creep stress level. The effect, however, decreases with increasing plastic deformation, indicating that large creep strains may eventually lead to a complete loss of preloading memory.

Salt pill design and fabrication for adiabatic demagnetization refrigerators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shirron, Peter J.; McCammon, Dan

2014-07-01

The performance of an adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator (ADR) is critically dependent on the design and construction of the salt pills that produce cooling. In most cases, the primary goal is to obtain the largest cooling capacity at the low temperature end of the operating range. The realizable cooling capacity depends on a number of factors, including refrigerant mass, and how efficiently it absorbs heat from the various instrument loads. The design and optimization of “salt pills” for ADR systems depend not only on the mechanical, chemical and thermal properties of the refrigerant, but also on the range of heat fluxes that the salt pill must accommodate. Despite the fairly wide variety of refrigerants available, those used at very low temperature tend to be hydrated salts that require a dedicated thermal bus and must be hermetically sealed, while those used at higher temperature - greater than about 0.5 K - tend to be single- or poly-crystals that have much simpler requirements for thermal and mechanical packaging. This paper presents a summary of strategies and techniques for designing, optimizing and fabricating salt pills for both low- and mid-temperature applications.

An eco-friendly method for short term preservation of skins/hides using Semecarpus anacardium nut extract.

PubMed

Iyappan, Kuttalam; Ponrasu, Thangavel; Sangeethapriya, Vilvanathan; Gayathri, Vinaya Subramani; Suguna, Lonchin

2013-09-01

Preservation or curing of hides and skins is performed as the primary step of leather processing. Common salt is employed as the conventional agent for curing purpose. Use of salt enhances the pollution load of tannery effluent which becomes highly contaminated with increased total dissolved solids and chlorides. To overcome this hurdle, researchers are in constant search of alternative preservation techniques which are either totally void of salt or use only a meager amount of salt. In the present study, we had explored the possibility of using Semecarpus anacardium nut extract as an alternative to salt for the curing process by assessing different parameters like hair slip, putrefaction odor, volatile nitrogen content, moisture content, bacterial count, and shrinkage temperature in comparison to the salt curing method. The antibacterial property of the plant extract was also investigated. The results obtained substantiated that the nut extract of S. anacardium effectively could preserve the skins for more than a month, by its antibacterial activity along with the dehydrating property of acetone.

Salt management strategy defines the stem and leaf hydraulic characteristics of six mangrove tree species.

PubMed

Jiang, Guo-Feng; Goodale, Uromi Manage; Liu, Yan-Yan; Hao, Guang-You; Cao, Kun-Fang

2017-03-01

Mangroves in hypersaline coastal habitats are under constant high xylem tension and face great risk of hydraulic dysfunction. To investigate the relationships between functional traits and salt management, we measured 20 hydraulic and photosynthetic traits in four salt-adapted (SA) and two non-SA (NSA) mangrove tree species in south China. The SA species included two salt secretors (SSs), Avicennia marina (Forsskål) Vierhapper and Aegiceras corniculatum (L.) Blanco and two salt excluders (SEs), Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Savigny and Kandelia obovata (L.) Sheue et al. The two NSA species were Hibiscus tiliaceus (L.) and Pongamia pinnata (L.) Merr. Extremely high xylem cavitation resistance, indicated by water potential at 50% loss of xylem conductivity (Ψ50; -7.85 MPa), was found in SEs. Lower cavitation resistance was observed in SSs, and may result from incomplete salt removal that reduces the magnitude of xylem tension required to maintain water uptake from the soil. Surprisingly, the NSA species, P. pinnata, had very low Ψ50 (-5.44 MPa). Compared with NSAs, SAs had lower photosynthesis, vessel density, hydraulic conductivity and vessel diameter, but higher sapwood density. Eight traits were strongly associated with species' salt management strategies, with predawn water potential (ΨPD) and mean vessel diameter accounting for 95% flow (D95) having the most significant association; D95 separated SAs from NSAs and SEs had the lowest ΨPD. There was significant coupling between hydraulic traits and carbon assimilation traits. Instead of hydraulic safety being compromised by xylem efficiency, mangrove species with higher safety had higher efficiency and greater sapwood density (ρSapwood), but there was no relationship between ρSapwood and efficiency. Principal component analysis differentiated the species of the three salt management strategies by loading D, D95 and vessel density on the first axis and loading ΨPD, Ψ50 and water potential at 12% loss of xylem conductivity (Ψ12), ρSapwood and quantum yield on the second axis. Our results provide the first comparative characterization of hydraulic and photosynthetic traits among mangroves with different salt management strategies. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Has the athlete trained enough to return to play safely? The acute:chronic workload ratio permits clinicians to quantify a player's risk of subsequent injury.

PubMed

Blanch, Peter; Gabbett, Tim J

2016-04-01

The return to sport from injury is a difficult multifactorial decision, and risk of reinjury is an important component. Most protocols for ascertaining the return to play status involve assessment of the healing status of the original injury and functional tests which have little proven predictive ability. Little attention has been paid to ascertaining whether an athlete has completed sufficient training to be prepared for competition. Recently, we have completed a series of studies in cricket, rugby league and Australian rules football that have shown that when an athlete's training and playing load for a given week (acute load) spikes above what they have been doing on average over the past 4 weeks (chronic load), they are more likely to be injured. This spike in the acute:chronic workload ratio may be from an unusual week or an ebbing of the athlete's training load over a period of time as in recuperation from injury. Our findings demonstrate a strong predictive (R(2)=0.53) polynomial relationship between acute:chronic workload ratio and injury likelihood. In the elite team setting, it is possible to quantify the loads we are expecting athletes to endure when returning to sport, so assessment of the acute:chronic workload ratio should be included in the return to play decision-making process. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Sex- and age-related differences in the chronic pressure-natriuresis relationship: role of the angiotensin type 2 receptor.

PubMed

Mirabito, Katrina M; Hilliard, Lucinda M; Kett, Michelle M; Brown, Russell D; Booth, Sean C; Widdop, Robert E; Moritz, Karen M; Evans, Roger G; Denton, Kate M

2014-10-15

Sex hormones regulate the renin-angiotensin system. For example, estrogen enhances expression of the angiotensin type 2 receptor. We hypothesized that activation of the angiotensin type 2 receptor shifts the chronic pressure-natriuresis relationship leftward in females compared with males and that this effect is lost with age. Mean arterial pressure was measured by radiotelemetry in adult (4 mo old) and aged (14 mo old) wild-type and angiotensin type 2 receptor knockout male and female mice. Chronic pressure-natriuresis curves were constructed while mice were maintained on a normal-salt (0.26%) diet and following 6 days of high salt (5.0%) diet. Mean arterial pressure was lower in adult wild-type females than males (88 ± 1 and 97 ± 1 mmHg, respectively), a difference that was maintained with age, but was absent in adult knockout mice. In wild-type females, the chronic pressure-natriuresis relationship was shifted leftward compared with knockout females, an effect that was lost with age. In males, the chronic pressure-natriuresis relationship was not influenced by angiotensin type 2 receptor deficiency. Compared with age-matched females, the chronic pressure-natriuresis relationships in male mice were shifted rightward. Renal expression of the angiotensin type 2 receptor was fourfold greater in adult wild-type females than males. With age, the angiotensin type 2 receptor-to-angiotensin type 1 receptor balance was reduced in females. Conversely, in males, angiotensin receptor expression did not vary significantly with age. In conclusion, the angiotensin type 2 receptor modulates the chronic pressure-natriuresis relationship in an age- and sex-dependent manner. Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.

Role of solute-transport models in the analysis of groundwater salinity problems in agricultural areas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Konikow, Leonard F.

1981-01-01

Undesirable salinity increases occur in both groundwater and surface water and are commonly related to agricultural practices. Groundwater recharge from precipitation or irrigation will transport and disperse residual salts concentrated by evapotranspiration, salts leached from soil and aquifer materials, as well as some dissolved fertilizers and pesticides. Where stream salinity is affected by agricultural practices, the increases in salt load usually are attributable mostly to a groundwater component of flow. Thus, efforts to predict, manage, or control stream salinity increases should consider the role of groundwater in salt transport. Two examples of groundwater salinity problems in Colorado, U.S.A., illustrate that a model which simulates accurately the transport and dispersion of solutes in flowing groundwater can be (1) a valuable investigative tool to help understand the processes and parameters controlling the movement and fate of the salt, and (2) a valuable management tool for predicting responses and optimizing the development and use of the total water resource. ?? 1981.

Intracerebroventricular Infusion of the (Pro)renin Receptor Antagonist PRO20 Attenuates Deoxycorticosterone Acetate-Salt–Induced Hypertension

PubMed Central

Li, Wencheng; Sullivan, Michelle N.; Zhang, Sheng; Worker, Caleb J.; Xiong, Zhenggang; Speth, Robert C.; Feng, Yumei

2016-01-01

We previously reported that binding of prorenin to the (pro)renin receptor (PRR) plays a major role in brain angiotensin II formation and the development of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension. Here, we designed and developed an antagonistic peptide, PRO20, to block prorenin binding to the PRR. Fluorescently labeled PRO20 bound to both mouse and human brain tissues with dissociation constants of 4.4 and 1.8 nmol/L, respectively. This binding was blocked by coincubation with prorenin and was diminished in brains of neuron-specific PRR-knockout mice, indicating specificity of PRO20 for PRR. In cultured human neuroblastoma cells, PRO20 blocked prorenin-induced calcium influx in a concentration- and AT1 receptor–dependent manner. Intracerebroventricular infusion of PRO20 dose-dependently inhibited prorenin-induced hypertension in C57Bl6/J mice. Furthermore, acute intracerebroventricular infusion of PRO20 reduced blood pressure in both DOCA-salt and genetically hypertensive mice. Chronic intracerebroventricular infusion of PRO20 attenuated the development of hypertension and the increase in brain hypothalamic angiotensin II levels induced by DOCA-salt. In addition, chronic intracerebroventricular infusion of PRO20 improved autonomic function and spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity in mice treated with DOCA-salt. In summary, PRO20 binds to both mouse and human PRRs and decreases angiotensin II formation and hypertension induced by either prorenin or DOCA-salt. Our findings highlight the value of the novel PRR antagonist, PRO20, as a lead compound for a novel class of antihypertensive agents and as a research tool to establish the validity of brain PRR antagonism as a strategy for treating hypertension. PMID:25421983

Dynamics of prolonged salt movement in the Glückstadt Graben (NW Germany) driven by tectonic and sedimentary processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warsitzka, Michael; Kley, Jonas; Jähne-Klingberg, Fabian; Kukowski, Nina

2017-01-01

The formation of salt structures exerted a major influence on the evolution of subsidence and sedimentation patterns in the Glückstadt Graben, which is part of the Central European Basin System and comprises a post-Permian sediment thickness of up to 11 km. Driven by regional tectonics and differential loading, large salt diapirs, salt walls and salt pillows developed. The resulting salt flow significantly influenced sediment distribution in the peripheral sinks adjacent to the salt structures and overprinted the regional subsidence patterns. In this study, we investigate the geometric and temporal evolution of salt structures and subsidence patterns in the central Glückstadt Graben. Along a key geological cross section, the post-Permian strata were sequentially decompacted and restored in order to reconstruct the subsidence history of minibasins between the salt structures. The structural restoration reveals that subsidence of peripheral sinks and salt structure growth were initiated in Early to Middle Triassic time. From the Late Triassic to the Middle Jurassic, salt movement and salt structure growth never ceased, but were faster during periods of crustal extension. Following a phase from Late Jurassic to the end of the early Late Cretaceous, in which minor salt flow occurred, salt movement was renewed, particularly in the marginal parts of the Glückstadt Graben. Subsidence rates and tectonic subsidence derived from backstripping of 1D profiles reveal that especially the Early Triassic and Middle Keuper times were periods of regional extension. Three specific types of salt structures and adjacent peripheral sinks could be identified: (1) Graben centre salt walls possessing deep secondary peripheral sinks on the sides facing away from the basin centre, (2) platform salt walls, whose main peripheral sinks switched multiple times from one side of the salt wall to the other, and (3) Graben edge pillows, which show only one peripheral sink facing the basin centre.

Salt reduction in China: a state-of-the-art review

PubMed Central

Shao, Shuai; Hua, Yechu; Yang, Ying; Liu, Xiaojuan; Fan, Jingruo; Zhang, An; Xiang, Jingling; Li, Mingjing; Yan, Lijing L

2017-01-01

Objective This study aimed to reveal the latest evidence on salt reduction initiatives in China in order to identify the contextual cost-effective interventions, as well as the barriers encountered during China’s long march to reach its population salt reduction goal. Background Population-based salt reduction has been considered as one of the most cost-effective strategies in the world for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases. China, along with its sustained economic growth, faces increasing burdens from chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and kidney diseases. With policy support and cross-sector collaboration, various salt reduction initiatives have been adopted in China in order to reduce such dietary risk, especially since the beginning of this millennium. Methods This study conducted structured literature reviews in both English and Chinese databases and synthesized the latest evidence on the association of salt intake and health, as well as salt intake among Chinese and population-based salt reduction strategies in China and around the world. Findings Dietary salt restriction has been found to contribute to the reduction of blood pressure among both the normotensives and hypertensives bringing associated reduced disease burdens and great public health benefits. With gender, ethnic, and regional variations, salt intake levels in the population in China are well above the recommended threshold and physiological need. Admittedly, excessive salt intake precipitates the high prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease among the Chinese. Considering that the majority of the dietary salt is added during cooking in China, salt substitutes, salt restriction tools, and health education are the most common salt reduction initiatives with varying levels of effectiveness and acceptability among the Chinese population. Implication Overwhelming evidence is in support of a well-coordinated nationwide salt restriction initiative as a key public health strategy for the prevention and control of hypertension and its related diseases. Orchestrated efforts from the government, industries, academia, health professionals, and the general public are required to achieve China’s long-term goal for salt reduction. PMID:28260957

Differential Stiffening between the Abdominal and Thoracic Aorta: Effect of Salt Loading in Stroke-Prone Hypertensive Rats.

PubMed

Lindesay, George; Bézie, Yvonnick; Ragonnet, Christophe; Duchatelle, Véronique; Dharmasena, Chandima; Villeneuve, Nicole; Vayssettes-Courchay, Christine

2018-06-08

Central artery stiffening is recognized as a cardiovascular risk. The effects of hypertension and aging have been shown in human and animal models but the effect of salt is still controversial. We studied the effect of a high-salt diet on aortic stiffness in salt-sensitive spontaneously hypersensitive stroke-prone rats (SHRSP). Distensibility, distension, and β-stiffness were measured at thoracic and abdominal aortic sites in the same rats, using echotracking recording of the aortic diameter coupled with blood pressure (BP), in SHRSP-salt (5% salted diet, 5 weeks), SHRSP, and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Hemodynamic parameters were measured at BP matched to that of WKY. Histological staining and immunohistochemistry were used for structural analysis. Hemodynamic isobaric parameters in SHRSP did not differ from WKY and only those from the abdominal aorta of SHRSP-salt presented decreased distensibility and increased stiffness compared with WKY and SHRSP. The abdominal and thoracic aortas presented similar thickening, increased fibrosis, and remodeling with no change in collagen content. SHRSP-salt presented a specific increased elastin disarray at the abdominal aorta level but a decrease in elastin content in the thoracic aorta. This study demonstrates the pro-stiffening effect of salt in addition to hypertension; it shows that only the abdominal aorta presents a specific pressure-independent stiffening, in which elastin disarray is likely a key mechanism. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Simple practical approach for sample loading prior to DNA extraction using a silica monolith in a microfluidic device.

PubMed

Shaw, Kirsty J; Joyce, Domino A; Docker, Peter T; Dyer, Charlotte E; Greenman, John; Greenway, Gillian M; Haswell, Stephen J

2009-12-07

A novel DNA loading methodology is presented for performing DNA extraction on a microfluidic system. DNA in a chaotropic salt solution was manually loaded onto a silica monolith orthogonal to the subsequent flow of wash and elution solutions. DNA was successfully extracted from buccal swabs using electro-osmotic pumping (EOP) coupled with in situ reagents contained within a 1.5% agarose gel matrix. The extracted DNA was of sufficient quantity and purity for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification.

A review of environmental impacts of salts from produced waters on aquatic resources

USGS Publications Warehouse

Farag, Aïda M.; Harper, David D.

2014-01-01

Salts are frequently a major constituent of waste waters produced during oil and gas production. These produced waters or brines must be treated and/or disposed and provide a daily challenge for operators and resource managers. Some elements of salts are regulated with water quality criteria established for the protection of aquatic wildlife, e.g. chloride (Cl−), which has an acute standard of 860 mg/L and a chronic standard of 230 mg/L. However, data for establishing such standards has only recently been studied for other components of produced water, such as bicarbonate (HCO3−), which has acute median lethal concentrations (LC50s) ranging from 699 to > 8000 mg/L and effects on chronic toxicity from 430 to 657 mg/L. While Cl− is an ion of considerable importance in multiple geographical regions, knowledge about the effects of hardness (calcium and magnesium) on its toxicity and about mechanisms of toxicity is not well understood. A multiple-approach design that combines studies of both individuals and populations, conducted both in the laboratory and the field, was used to study toxic effects of bicarbonate (as NaHCO3). This approach allowed interpretations about mechanisms related to growth effects at the individual level that could affect populations in the wild. However, additional mechanistic data for HCO3−, related to the interactions of calcium (Ca2 +) precipitation at the microenvironment of the gill would dramatically increase the scientific knowledge base about how NaHCO3 might affect aquatic life. Studies of the effects of mixtures of multiple salts present in produced waters and more chronic effect studies would give a better picture of the overall potential toxicity of these ions. Organic constituents in hydraulic fracturing fluids, flowback waters, etc. are a concern because of their carcinogenic properties and this paper is not meant to minimize the importance of maintaining vigilance with respect to potential organic contamination.

Preventive dietary potassium supplementation in young salt-sensitive Dahl rats attenuates development of salt hypertension by decreasing sympathetic vasoconstriction.

PubMed

Zicha, J; Dobešová, Z; Behuliak, M; Kuneš, J; Vaněčková, I

2011-05-01

Increased potassium intake attenuates the development of salt-dependent hypertension, but the detailed mechanisms of blood pressure (BP) reduction are still unclear. The aims of our study were (i) to elucidate these mechanisms, (ii) to compare preventive potassium effects in immature and adult animals and (iii) to evaluate the therapeutic effects of dietary potassium supplementation in rats with established salt hypertension.   Young (4-week-old) and adult (24-week-old) female salt-sensitive Dahl rats were fed a high-salt diet (5% NaCl) or a high-salt diet supplemented with 3% KCl for 5 weeks. The participation of vasoconstrictor (renin-angiotensin and sympathetic nervous systems) and vasodilator systems [prostanoids, Ca(2+) -activated K(+) channels, nitric oxide (NO)] was evaluated using a sequential blockade of these systems. Preventive potassium supplementation attenuated the development of severe salt hypertension in young rats, whereas it had no effects on BP in adult rats with moderate hypertension. Enhanced sympathetic vasoconstriction was responsible for salt hypertension in young rats and its attenuation for potassium-induced BP reduction. Conversely, neither salt hypertension nor its potassium-induced attenuation were associated with significant changes of the vasodilator systems studied. The relative deficiency of vasodilator action of NO and Ca(2+) -activated K(+) channels in salt hypertensive Dahl rats was not improved by potassium supplementation. The attenuation of enhanced sympathetic vasoconstriction is the principal mechanism of antihypertensive action exerted by preventive potassium supplementation in immature Dahl rats. Dietary potassium supplementation has no preventive effects on BP in adult salt-loaded animals or no therapeutic effects on established salt hypertension in young rats. © 2011 The Authors. Acta Physiologica © 2011 Scandinavian Physiological Society.

Macro-grazer herbivory regulates seagrass response to pulse and press nutrient loading.

PubMed

Ravaglioli, Chiara; Capocchi, Antonella; Fontanini, Debora; Mori, Giovanna; Nuccio, Caterina; Bulleri, Fabio

2018-05-01

Coastal ecosystems are exposed to multiple stressors. Predicting their outcomes is complicated by variations in their temporal regimes. Here, by means of a 16-month experiment, we investigated tolerance and resistance traits of Posidonia oceanica to herbivore damage under different regimes of nutrient loading. Chronic and pulse nutrient supply were combined with simulated fish herbivory, treated as a pulse stressor. At ambient nutrient levels, P. oceanica could cope with severe herbivory, likely through an increase in photosynthetic activity. Elevated nutrient levels, regardless of the temporal regime, negatively affected plant growth and increased leaf nutritional quality. This ultimately resulted in a reduction of plant biomass that was particularly severe under chronic fertilization. Our results suggest that both chronic and pulse nutrient loadings increase plant palatability to macro-grazers. Strategies for seagrass management should not be exclusively applied in areas exposed to chronic fertilization since even short-term nutrient pulses could alter seagrass meadows. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Low-load resistance training with low relative pressure produces muscular changes similar to high-load resistance training.

PubMed

Kim, Daeyeol; Loenneke, Jeremy P; Ye, Xin; Bemben, Debra A; Beck, Travis W; Larson, Rebecca D; Bemben, Michael G

2017-12-01

This study compares the acute and chronic response of high-load resistance training (HL) to low-load resistance training with low blood flow restriction (LL-BFR) pressure. Participants completed elbow flexion with either HL or LL-BFR or nonexercise. In the chronic study, participants in the HL and LL-BFR groups were trained for 8 weeks to determine differences in muscle size and strength. The acute study examined the changes in pretesting/posttesting (Pre/Post) torque, muscle swelling, and blood lactate. In the chronic study, similar changes in muscle size and strength were observed for both HL and LL-BFR. In the acute study, Pre/Post changes in the torque, muscle swelling, and blood lactate were similar between HL and LL-BFR. Our findings indicate that pressure as low as 50% arterial occlusion can produce similar changes in muscle mass and strength compared with traditional HL. Muscle Nerve 56: E126-E133, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The enteroinsular axis and endocrine pancreatic function in chronic alcohol consumers: evidence for early beta-cell hypofunction.

PubMed

Patto, R J; Russo, E K; Borges, D R; Neves, M M

1993-09-01

Chronic alcohol consumers may have, as judged by functional criteria, exocrine as well as endocrine pancreatic dysfunction, the latter represented by a decreased insulin response to an oral glucose load. To investigate whether this decreased insulin response was due to an ethanol-induced beta-cell dysfunction or to an ethanol-induced dysfunction of the enteroinsular axis, we determined glucose, insulin, and C-peptide plasma concentrations following an oral and an intravenous glucose load in 16 healthy volunteer nonalcohol consumers and in 10 chronic alcohol consumers. In each group, total integrated response for glucose did not significantly change whether glucose was given orally or intravenously, indicating isoglycemic glucose loads. The total integrated response values for insulin in the alcoholic group following both glucose loads as well as C-peptide plasma concentrations were significantly lower than in the control group. Moreover, in both groups the insulin TIR values following the oral glucose load were significantly greater than the values obtained following the intravenous glucose load, indicating an incretin effect. These results indicate that the decreased insulin response observed in alcoholics was not caused by a dysfunction of the enteroinsular axis because it also occurred following an intravenous glucose load, but by an ethanol-induced beta-cell dysfunction because C-peptide and insulin were proportionally decreased in this group.

Epstein-Barr viral load before a liver transplant in children with chronic liver disease.

PubMed

Shakibazad, Nader; Honar, Naser; Dehghani, Seyed Mohsen; Alborzi, Abdolvahab

2014-12-01

Many children with chronic liver disease require a liver transplant. These patients are prone to various infections, including Epstein-Barr virus infection. This study sought to measure the Epstein-Barr viral load by polymerase chain reaction before a liver transplant. This cross-sectional study was done at the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, in 2011. All patients were aged younger than 18 years with chronic liver disease and were candidates for a liver transplant at the Shiraz Nemazee Hospital Organ Transplant Center. They had been investigated regarding their demographic characteristics, underlying disease, laboratory findings, and Epstein-Barr viral load by real-time TaqMan polymerase chain reaction. Ninety-eight patients were studied and the mean age was 6.5 ± 5.9 years. Cryptogenic cirrhosis was the most-prevalent reason for liver transplant, and the death rate before a transplant was 15%. Among the study subjects, 6 had measurable Epstein-Barr viral load by polymerase chain reaction before the transplant, and 4 of them had considerably higher Epstein-Barr viral loads (more than 1000 copies/mL). With respect to the close prevalence of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (6%) and the high Epstein-Barr viral load in the patients before a transplant (4%), high pretransplant Epstein-Barr viral load can be considered a risk factor for posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder.

Effect of Salted Ice Bags on Surface and Intramuscular Tissue Cooling and Rewarming Rates.

PubMed

Hunter, Eric J; Ostrowski, Jennifer; Donahue, Matthew; Crowley, Caitlyn; Herzog, Valerie

2016-02-01

Many researchers have investigated the effectiveness of different cryotherapy agents at decreasing intramuscular tissue temperatures. However, no one has looked at the effectiveness of adding salt to an ice bag. To compare the cooling effectiveness of different ice bags (wetted, salted cubed, and salted crushed) on cutaneous and intramuscular temperatures. Repeated-measures counterbalanced design. University research laboratory. 24 healthy participants (13 men, 11 women; age 22.46 ± 2.33 y, height 173.25 ± 9.78 cm, mass 74.51 ± 17.32 kg, subcutaneous thickness 0.63 ± 0.27 cm) with no lower-leg injuries, vascular diseases, sensitivity to cold, compromised circulation, or chronic use of NSAIDs. Ice bags made of wetted ice (2000 mL ice and 300 mL water), salted cubed ice (intervention A; 2000 mL of cubed ice and 1/2 tablespoon of salt), and salted crushed ice (intervention B; 2000 mL of crushed ice and 1/2 tablespoon of salt) were applied to the posterior gastrocnemius for 30 min. Each participant received all conditions with at least 4 d between treatments. Cutaneous and intramuscular (2 cm plus adipose thickness) temperatures of nondominant gastrocnemius were measured during a 10-min baseline period, a 30-min treatment period, and a 45-min rewarming period. Differences from baseline were observed for all treatments. The wetted-ice and salted-cubed-ice bags produced significantly lower intramuscular temperatures than the salted-crushed-ice bag. Wetted-ice bags produced the greatest temperature change for cutaneous tissues. Wetted- and salted-cubed-ice bags were equally effective at decreasing intramuscular temperature at 2 cm subadipose. Clinical practicality may favor salted-ice bags over wetted-ice bags.

Thermal-gradient migration of brine inclusions in salt crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yagnik, S. K.

1982-09-01

High level nuclear waste disposal in a geologic repository was proposed. Natural salt deposits which are considered contain a small volume fraction of water in the form of brine inclusions distributed throughout the salt. Radioactive decay heating of the nuclear wastes will impose a temperature gradient on the surrounding salt which mobilizes the brine inclusions. Inclusions filled completely with brine migrate up the temperature gradient and eventually accumulate brine near the buried waste forms. The brine may slowly corrode or degrade the waste forms which is undesirable. In this work, thermal gradient migration of both all liquid and gas liquid inclusions was experimentally studied in synthetic single crystals of NaCl and KCl using a hot stage attachment to an optical microscope which was capable of imposing temperature gradients and axial compressive loads on the crystals. The migration velocities of the inclusion shape and size are discussed.

Association of Post-Saline Load Plasma Aldosterone Levels With Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Primary Hypertension.

PubMed

Catena, Cristiana; Verheyen, Nicolas D; Url-Michitsch, Marion; Kraigher-Krainer, Elisabeth; Colussi, GianLuca; Pilz, Stefan; Tomaschitz, Andreas; Pieske, Burkert; Sechi, Leonardo A

2016-03-01

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity in hypertension. Current evidence suggests a contribution to LVH of plasma aldosterone levels that are inappropriately elevated for the salt status. The aim of this study was to investigate whether inappropriate modulation of aldosterone production by a saline load is associated with left ventricular (LV) mass in hypertensive patients. In 90 hypertensive patients free of clinically relevant cardiovascular complications in whom secondary forms of hypertension were ruled out, we performed a standard intravenous saline load (0.9% NaCl, 2 l in 4 hours) with measurement of plasma aldosterone and active renin at baseline and end of infusion. Bi-dimensional echocardiography was performed for the assessment of cardiac morphology and function. LVH was present in 19% of patients who had significantly worse renal function and higher body mass, blood pressure, and plasma aldosterone levels measured both at baseline and after the saline load than patients without LVH. LV mass was directly related to age, body mass, systolic blood pressure, duration of hypertension, baseline, and post-saline load plasma aldosterone levels and inversely to glomerular filtration. Multivariate regression analysis showed independent correlation of LV mass with body mass, systolic blood pressure, and plasma aldosterone levels measured after intravenous saline load, but not at baseline. In patients with hypertension, aldosterone levels measured after intravenous saline load are related to LV mass independent of age, body mass, and blood pressure, suggesting that limited ability of salt to modulate aldosterone production could contribute to LVH. © American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd 2015. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Stratification and loading of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in a tidally muted urban salt marsh.

PubMed

Johnston, Karina K; Dorsey, John H; Saez, Jose A

2015-03-01

Stratification and loading of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) were assessed in the main tidal channel of the Ballona Wetlands, an urban salt marsh receiving muted tidal flows, to (1) determine FIB concentration versus loading within the water column at differing tidal flows, (2) identify associations of FIB with other water quality parameters, and (3) compare wetland FIB concentrations to the adjacent estuary. Sampling was conducted four times during spring-tide events; samples were analyzed for FIB and turbidity (NTU) four times over a tidal cycle at pre-allocated depths, depending on the water level. Additional water quality parameters measured included temperature, salinity, oxygen, and pH. Loadings were calculated by integrating the stratified FIB concentrations with water column cross-sectional volumes corresponding to each depth. Enterococci and Escherichia coli were stratified both by concentration and loading, although these variables portrayed different patterns over a tidal cycle. Greatest concentrations occurred in surface to mid-strata levels, during flood tides when contaminated water flowed in from the estuary, and during ebb flows when sediments were suspended. Loading was greatest during flood flows and diminished during low tide periods. FIB concentrations within the estuary often were significantly greater than those within the wetland tide channel, supporting previous studies that the wetlands act as a sink for FIB. For public health water quality monitoring, these results indicate that more accurate estimates of FIB concentrations would be obtained by sampling a number of points within a water column rather than relying only on single surface samples.

Signaling mechanisms that link salt retention to hypertension: endogenous ouabain, the Na(+) pump, the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger and TRPC proteins.

PubMed

Blaustein, Mordecai P; Hamlyn, John M

2010-12-01

Salt retention as a result of chronic, excessive dietary salt intake, is widely accepted as one of the most common causes of hypertension. In a small minority of cases, enhanced Na(+) reabsorption by the kidney can be traced to specific genetic defects of salt transport, or pathological conditions of the kidney, adrenal cortex, or pituitary. Far more frequently, however, salt retention may be the result of minor renal injury or small genetic variation in renal salt transport mechanisms. How salt retention actually leads to the increase in peripheral vascular resistance (the hallmark of hypertension) and the elevation of blood pressure remains an enigma. Here we review the evidence that endogenous ouabain (an adrenocortical hormone), arterial smooth muscle α2 Na(+) pumps, type-1 Na/Ca exchangers, and receptor- and store-operated Ca(2+) channels play key roles in the pathway that links salt to hypertension. We discuss cardenolide structure-function relationships in an effort to understand why prolonged administration of ouabain, but not digoxin, induces hypertension, and why digoxin is actually anti-hypertensive. Finally, we summarize recent observations which indicate that ouabain upregulates arterial myocyte Ca(2+) signaling mechanisms that promote vasoconstriction, while simultaneously downregulating endothelial vasodilator mechanisms. In sum, the reports reviewed here provide novel insight into the molecular mechanisms by which salt retention leads to hypertension. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Trueness and precision of the real-time RT-PCR method for quantifying the chronic bee paralysis virus genome in bee homogenates evaluated by a comparative inter-laboratory study.

PubMed

Schurr, Frank; Cougoule, Nicolas; Rivière, Marie-Pierre; Ribière-Chabert, Magali; Achour, Hamid; Ádám, Dán; Castillo, Carlos; de Graaf, Dirk C; Forsgren, Eva; Granato, Anna; Heinikainen, Sirpa; Jurovčíková, Júlia; Kryger, Per; Manson, Christine; Ménard, Marie-Françoise; Perennes, Stéphane; Schäfer, Marc O; Ibañez, Elena San Miguel; Silva, João; Gajger, Ivana Tlak; Tomkies, Victoria; Toplak, Ivan; Viry, Alain; Zdańska, Dagmara; Dubois, Eric

2017-10-01

The Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) is the aetiological agent of chronic bee paralysis, a contagious disease associated with nervous disorders in adult honeybees leading to massive mortalities in front of the hives. Some of the clinical signs frequently reported, such as trembling, may be confused with intoxication syndromes. Therefore, laboratory diagnosis using real-time PCR to quantify CBPV loads is used to confirm disease. Clinical signs of chronic paralysis are usually associated with viral loads higher than 10 8 copies of CBPV genome copies per bee (8 log 10 CBPV/bee). This threshold is used by the European Union Reference Laboratory for Bee Health to diagnose the disease. In 2015, the accuracy of measurements of three CBPV loads (5, 8 and 9 log 10 CBPV/bee) was assessed through an inter-laboratory study. Twenty-one participants, including 16 European National Reference Laboratories, received 13 homogenates of CBPV-infected bees adjusted to the three loads. Participants were requested to use the method usually employed for routine diagnosis. The quantitative results (n=270) were analysed according to international standards NF ISO 13528 (2015) and NF ISO 5725-2 (1994). The standard deviations of measurement reproducibility (S R ) were 0.83, 1.06 and 1.16 at viral loads 5, 8 and 9 log 10 CBPV/bee, respectively. The inter-laboratory confidence of viral quantification (+/- 1.96S R ) at the diagnostic threshold (8 log 10 CBPV/bee) was+/- 2.08 log 10 CBPV/bee. These results highlight the need to take into account the confidence of measurements in epidemiological studies using results from different laboratories. Considering this confidence, viral loads over 6 log 10 CBPV/bee may be considered to indicate probable cases of chronic paralysis. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fact Sheet: Revised Draft Ambient Water Quality Criteria Document for Atrazine and Request for Scientific Views

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Documents pertaining to Acute and Chronic Ambient Water Quality Aquatic Life Criteria for Atrazine (Freshwater and Salt Water) and revised Ecological Fate and Effects Risk Assessment for Atrazine. (Fact Sheet)

Aquatic Life Criteria - Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Information pertaining to the 1999 Acute and Chronic Ambient Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria for Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE) for freshwater and salt water. Information includes the safe levels of MTBE that should protect the majority of species.

Normotensive blood pressure in pregnancy: the role of salt and aldosterone.

PubMed

Gennari-Moser, Carine; Escher, Geneviève; Kramer, Simea; Dick, Bernhard; Eisele, Nicole; Baumann, Marc; Raio, Luigi; Frey, Felix J; Surbek, Daniel; Mohaupt, Markus G

2014-02-01

A successful pregnancy requires an accommodating environment. Salt and water availability are critical for plasma volume expansion. Any changes in sodium intake would alter aldosterone, a hormone previously described beneficial in pregnancy. To date, it remains ambiguous whether high aldosterone or high salt intake is preferable. We hypothesized that increased aldosterone is a rescue mechanism and appropriate salt availability is equally effective in maintaining a normotensive blood pressure (BP) phenotype in pregnancy. We compared normotensive pregnant women (n=31) throughout pregnancy with young healthy female individuals (n=31-62) and performed salt sensitivity testing within the first trimester. Suppression of urinary tetrahydro-aldosterone levels by salt intake as measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and urinary sodium excretion corrected for creatinine, respectively, was shifted toward a higher salt intake in pregnancy (P<0.0001). In pregnancy, neither high urinary tetrahydro-aldosterone nor sodium excretion was correlated with higher BP. In contrast, in nonpregnant women, systolic BP rose with aldosterone (P<0.05). Testing the impact of salt on BP, we performed salt sensitivity testing in a final cohort of 19 pregnant and 24 nonpregnant women. On salt loading, 24-hour mean arterial pressure rose by 3.6±1.5 and dropped by -2.8±1.5 mm Hg favoring pregnant women (P<0.01; χ(2)=6.04; P<0.02). Our data suggest first that salt responsiveness of aldosterone is alleviated in conditions of pregnancy without causing aldosterone-induced hypertension. Second, salt seems to aid in BP lowering in pregnancy for reasons incompletely elucidated, yet involving renin suppression and potentially placental sensing mechanisms. Further research should identify susceptible individuals and clarify effector mechanisms.

Controlling the interparticle spacing of Au-salt loaded micelles and Au nanoparticles on flat surfaces.

PubMed

Bansmann, J; Kielbassa, S; Hoster, H; Weigl, F; Boyen, H G; Wiedwald, U; Ziemann, P; Behm, R J

2007-09-25

The self-organization of diblock copolymers into micellar structures in an appropriate solvent allows the deposition of well ordered arrays of pure metal and alloy nanoparticles on flat surfaces with narrow distributions in particle size and interparticle spacing. Here we investigated the influence of the materials (substrate and polymer) and deposition parameters (temperature and emersion velocity) on the deposition of metal salt loaded micelles by dip-coating from solution and on the order and inter-particle spacing of the micellar deposits and thus of the metal nanoparticle arrays resulting after plasma removal of the polymer shell. For identical substrate and polymer, variation of the process parameters temperature and emersion velocity enables the controlled modification of the interparticle distance within a certain length regime. Moreover, also the degree of hexagonal order of the final array depends sensitively on these parameters.

Incorporation of the zosteric sodium salt in silica nanocapsules: synthesis and characterization of new fillers for antifouling coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruggiero, Ludovica; Crociani, Laura; Zendri, Elisabetta; El Habra, Naida; Guerriero, Paolo

2018-05-01

In the last decade many commercial biocides were gradually banned for toxicity. This work reports, for the first time, the synthesis and characterization of silica nanocontainers loaded with a natural product antifoulant (NPA), the zosteric sodium salt which is a non-commercial and environmentally friendly product with natural origin. The synthesis approach is a single step dynamic self-assembly with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as silica precursor. Unlike conventional mesoporous silica nanoparticles, the structure of these silica nanocontainers provides loading capacity and allows prolonged release of biocide species. The obtained nanocapsules have been characterized morphologically by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The encapsulation was checked by FTIR ATR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analyses. The results of the release studies show the great potential of the here presented newly developed nanofillers in all applications where a controlled release of non-toxic and environmentally friendly biocides is required.

Overcoming immune tolerance in chronic hepatitis B by therapeutic vaccination.

PubMed

Dembek, Claudia; Protzer, Ulrike; Roggendorf, Michael

2018-05-08

The currently used nucleoside analogs (i.e. entecavir and tenofovir) with high barrier-to-resistance efficiently suppress viral replication, limit inflammation and reduce the sequelae of chronic hepatitis B, but cannot cure the disease and thus have to be applied long-term. Therapeutic vaccination as an approach to cure chronic hepatitis B has shown promising pre-clinical results, nevertheless the proof of its efficacy in clinical trials is still missing. This may be partially due to suboptimal vaccine design. A main obstacle in chronic hepatitis B, however, is the high load of viral antigens expressed and secreted, which has been proposed to cause antigen-specific immune tolerance. Reduction of the viral antigen load is therefore considered a key factor for success of immune-based therapies. Although nucleoside analogs do not reduce viral antigen expression, new antiviral strategies are becoming available. Targeting viral translation by siRNA or targeting release of HBsAg from infected hepatocytes by nucleic acid polymers both reduce the antigen load. They may be considered as pre-treatment for therapeutic vaccination to increase the potential to elicit an HBV-specific immune response able to control and cure chronic HBV infection. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ranking contributing areas of salt and selenium in the Lower Gunnison River Basin, Colorado, using multiple linear regression models

USGS Publications Warehouse

Linard, Joshua I.

2013-01-01

Mitigating the effects of salt and selenium on water quality in the Grand Valley and lower Gunnison River Basin in western Colorado is a major concern for land managers. Previous modeling indicated means to improve the models by including more detailed geospatial data and a more rigorous method for developing the models. After evaluating all possible combinations of geospatial variables, four multiple linear regression models resulted that could estimate irrigation-season salt yield, nonirrigation-season salt yield, irrigation-season selenium yield, and nonirrigation-season selenium yield. The adjusted r-squared and the residual standard error (in units of log-transformed yield) of the models were, respectively, 0.87 and 2.03 for the irrigation-season salt model, 0.90 and 1.25 for the nonirrigation-season salt model, 0.85 and 2.94 for the irrigation-season selenium model, and 0.93 and 1.75 for the nonirrigation-season selenium model. The four models were used to estimate yields and loads from contributing areas corresponding to 12-digit hydrologic unit codes in the lower Gunnison River Basin study area. Each of the 175 contributing areas was ranked according to its estimated mean seasonal yield of salt and selenium.

Quantifying drag on wellbore casings in moving salt sheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weijermars, R.; Jackson, M. P. A.; Dooley, T. P.

2014-08-01

Frontier hydrocarbon development projects in the deepwater slopes of the Gulf of Mexico Basin, Santos Basin and Lower Congo Basin all require wells to cross ductile layers of autochthonous or allochthonous salt moving at peak rates of 100 mm yr-1. The Couette-Poiseuille number is introduced here to help pinpoint the depth of shear stress reversal in such salt layers. For any well-planned through salt, the probable range of creep forces of moving salt needs to be taken into account when designing safety margins and load-factor tolerance of the well casing. Drag forces increase with wellbore diameter, but more significantly with effective viscosity and speed of the creeping salt layer. The potential drag forces on cased wellbores in moving salt sheets are estimated analytically using a range of salt viscosities (1015-1019 Pa s) and creep rates (0-10 mm yr-1). Drag on perfectly rigid casing of infinite strength may reach up to 13 Giga Newton per meter wellbore length in salt having a viscosity of 1019 Pa s. Well designers may delay stress accumulations due to salt drag when flexible casing accommodates some of the early displacement and strain. However, all creeping salt could displace, fracture and disconnect well casing, eventually. The shear strength of typical heavy duty well casing (about 1000 MPa) can be reached due to drag by moving salt. Internal flow of salt will then fracture the casing near salt entry and exit points, but the structural damage is likely to remain unnoticed early in the well-life when the horizontal shift of the wellbore is still negligibly small (at less than 1 cm yr-1). Disruption of casing and production flow lines within the anticipated service lifetime of a well remains a significant risk factor within distinct zones of low-viscosity salt which may reach ultrafast creep rates of 100 mm yr-1.

Destruction of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) in a ternary carbonate molten salt reactor.

PubMed

Yao, Zhi-tong; Li, Jin-hui; Zhao, Xiang-yang

2013-09-30

Soil contamination by PBDEs has become a significant environmental concern and requires appropriate remediation technologies. In this study, the destruction of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) in a ternary molten salt (Li, Na, K)2 CO3 reactor was evaluated. The effects of reaction temperature, additive amount of BDE-209 and salt mixture, on off-gas species, were investigated. The salt mixture after reaction was characterized by XRD analysis and a reaction pathway proposed. The results showed that the amounts of C2H6, C2H4, C4H8 and CH4 in the off-gas decreased with increases in temperature, while the CO2 level increased. When the reaction temperature reached 750 °C, incomplete combustion products (PICs) were no longer detected. Increasing BDE-209 loading was not helpful for the reaction, as more PICs were produced. Larger amounts of salt mixture were helpful for the reaction and PICs were not observed with the mole ratio 1: 2000 of BDE-209 to carbonate melt. XRD analysis confirmed the capture of bromine in BDE-209 by the molten salt. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Salt Pill Design and Fabrication for Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shirron, Peter J.; Mccammon, Dan

2014-01-01

The performance of an adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator (ADR) is critically dependent on the design and construction of the salt pills that produce cooling. In most cases, the primary goal is to obtain the largest cooling capacity at the low temperature end of the operating range. The realizable cooling capacity depends on a number of factors, including refrigerant mass, and how efficiently it absorbs heat from the various instrument loads. The design and optimization of "salt pills" for ADR systems depend not only on the mechanical, chemical and thermal properties of the refrigerant, but also on the range of heat fluxes that the salt pill must accommodate. Despite the fairly wide variety of refrigerants available, those used at very low temperature tend to be hydrated salts that require a dedicated thermal bus and must be hermetically sealed, while those used at higher temperature - greater than about 0.5 K - tend to be single-­- or poly-­-crystals that have much simpler requirements for thermal and mechanical packaging. This paper presents a summary of strategies and techniques for designing, optimizing and fabricating salt pills for both low-­- and mid-­-temperature applications.

CRITICAL LOADS METHODS

EPA Science Inventory

I summarize the results of an interagency project that 1) defines a generic approach to quantifying and reporting critical loads, and 2) exercises that generic approach by examining a data rich system -- the critical loads of sulfur deposition and it's effect on the chronic acidi...

Removal of naphthenic acids using adsorption process and the effect of the addition of salt.

PubMed

Azad, Fakhry Seyedeyn; Abedi, Jalal; Iranmanesh, Sobhan

2013-01-01

In this study, various types of adsorbents were examined for the removal of Naphthenic acids (NAs) in the preliminary stage of this study. Among them, activated carbon and nickel (Ni) based alumina (Ni-Al2O3) possess relatively high adsorption capacity of NAs. The removal of NAs was evaluated comparing the total organic carbon (TOC) of the solution before and after the adsorption process. The effect of Ni loading was investigated using Ni-Al2O4 with various nickel loadings. The highest adsorption capacity (20 mg of TOC/1 mg of adsorbent) was belong to Ni-Al2O4 with 10.7% Ni loading. By the addition of salt (1500 ppm NaCl) to NAs solutions having concentrations from of 15 to 38 ppm, it was observed that the adsorption decreased dramatically (up to 80%) depending on the concentration of TOC. The kinetics of the adsorption of TOC on Ni-based alumina was also investigated. The decrease of TOC was more that 40% in the first half hour, indicating that adsorption was very rapid in the beginning. The adsorption increased slightly for up to 5 h and then leveled off when the TOC reached to 50% of initial TOC concentration. However, when sodium chloride (NaCl) was added to the solution, the adsorption decreased to almost 9% within the first half hour, reaching to almost 5% after 3 h. These phenomena suggest that the effectiveness of adsorbents may be improved by decreasing the total dissolved salts in tailings pond wastewater.

Molecular Diagnosis of Chagas Disease in Colombia: Parasitic Loads and Discrete Typing Units in Patients from Acute and Chronic Phases

PubMed Central

Hernández, Carolina; Cucunubá, Zulma; Flórez, Carolina; Olivera, Mario; Valencia, Carlos; Zambrano, Pilar; León, Cielo; Ramírez, Juan David

2016-01-01

Background The diagnosis of Chagas disease is complex due to the dynamics of parasitemia in the clinical phases of the disease. The molecular tests have been considered promissory because they detect the parasite in all clinical phases. Trypanosoma cruzi presents significant genetic variability and is classified into six Discrete Typing Units TcI-TcVI (DTUs) with the emergence of foreseen genotypes within TcI as TcIDom and TcI Sylvatic. The objective of this study was to determine the operating characteristics of molecular tests (conventional and Real Time PCR) for the detection of T. cruzi DNA, parasitic loads and DTUs in a large cohort of Colombian patients from acute and chronic phases. Methodology/Principal Findings Samples were obtained from 708 patients in all clinical phases. Standard diagnosis (direct and serological tests) and molecular tests (conventional PCR and quantitative PCR) targeting the nuclear satellite DNA region. The genotyping was performed by PCR using the intergenic region of the mini-exon gene, the 24Sa, 18S and A10 regions. The operating capabilities showed that performance of qPCR was higher compared to cPCR. Likewise, the performance of qPCR was significantly higher in acute phase compared with chronic phase. The median parasitic loads detected were 4.69 and 1.33 parasite equivalents/mL for acute and chronic phases. The main DTU identified was TcI (74.2%). TcIDom genotype was significantly more frequent in chronic phase compared to acute phase (82.1% vs 16.6%). The median parasitic load for TcIDom was significantly higher compared with TcI Sylvatic in chronic phase (2.58 vs.0.75 parasite equivalents/ml). Conclusions/Significance The molecular tests are a precise tool to complement the standard diagnosis of Chagas disease, specifically in acute phase showing high discriminative power. However, it is necessary to improve the sensitivity of molecular tests in chronic phase. The frequency and parasitemia of TcIDom genotype in chronic patients highlight its possible relationship to the chronicity of the disease. PMID:27648938

Accumulated workloads and the acute:chronic workload ratio relate to injury risk in elite youth football players

PubMed Central

Bowen, Laura; Gross, Aleksander Stefan; Gimpel, Mo; Li, François-Xavier

2017-01-01

Aim The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical workload and injury risk in elite youth football players. Methods The workload data and injury incidence of 32 players were monitored throughout 2 seasons. Multiple regression was used to compare cumulative (1, 2, 3 and 4-weekly) loads and acute:chronic (A:C) workload ratios (acute workload divided by chronic workload) between injured and non-injured players for specific GPS and accelerometer-derived variables:total distance (TD), high-speed distance (HSD), accelerations (ACC) and total load. Workloads were classified into discrete ranges by z-scores and the relative risk was determined. Results A very high number of ACC (≥9254) over 3 weeks was associated with the highest significant overall (relative risk (RR)=3.84) and non-contact injury risk (RR=5.11). Non-contact injury risk was significantly increased when a high acute HSD was combined with low chronic HSD (RR=2.55), but not with high chronic HSD (RR=0.47). Contact injury risk was greatest when A:C TD and ACC ratios were very high (1.76 and 1.77, respectively) (RR=4.98). Conclusions In general, higher accumulated and acute workloads were associated with a greater injury risk. However, progressive increases in chronic workload may develop the players' physical tolerance to higher acute loads and resilience to injury risk. PMID:27450360

Quantifying vocal fatigue recovery: Dynamic vocal recovery trajectories after a vocal loading exercise

PubMed Central

Hunter, Eric J.; Titze, Ingo R.

2012-01-01

Objectives To quantify the recovery of voice following a 2-hour vocal loading exercise (oral reading). Methods 86 adult participants tracked their voice recovery using short vocal tasks and perceptual ratings after an initial vocal loading exercise and for the following two days. Results Short-term recovery was apparent with 90% recovery within 4-6 hours and full recovery at 12-18 hours. Recovery was shown to be similar to a dermal wound healing trajectory. Conclusions The new recovery trajectory highlighted by the vocal loading exercise in the current study is called a vocal recovery trajectory. By comparing vocal fatigue to dermal wound healing, this trajectory is parallel to a chronic wound healing trajectory (as opposed to an acute wound healing trajectory). This parallel suggests that vocal fatigue from the daily use of the voice could be treated as a chronic wound, with the healing and repair mechanisms in a state of constant repair. In addition, there is likely a vocal fatigue threshold at which point the level of tissue damage would shift the chronic healing trajectory to an acute healing trajectory. PMID:19663377

EXAFS/XANES studies of plutonium-loaded sodalite/glass waste forms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richmann, Michael K.; Reed, Donald T.; Kropf, A. Jeremy; Aase, Scott B.; Lewis, Michele A.

2001-09-01

A sodalite/glass ceramic waste form is being developed to immobilize highly radioactive nuclear wastes in chloride form, as part of an electrochemical cleanup process. Two types of simulated waste forms were studied: where the plutonium was alone in an LiCl/KCl matrix and where simulated fission-product elements were added representative of the electrometallurgical treatment process used to recover uranium from spent nuclear fuel also containing plutonium and a variety of fission products. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS) and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) studies were performed to determine the location, oxidation state, and particle size of the plutonium within these waste form samples. Plutonium was found to segregate as plutonium(IV) oxide with a crystallite size of at least 4.8 nm in the non-fission-element case and 1.3 nm with fission elements present. No plutonium was observed within the sodalite in the waste form made from the plutonium-loaded LiCl/KCl eutectic salt. Up to 35% of the plutonium in the waste form made from the plutonium-loaded simulated fission-product salt may be segregated with a heavy-element nearest neighbor other than plutonium or occluded internally within the sodalite lattice.

Persistently high Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) loads in peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with chronic active EBV infection.

PubMed

Maeda, A; Wakiguchi, H; Yokoyama, W; Hisakawa, H; Tomoda, T; Kurashige, T

1999-04-01

Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection (CAEBV) is a severe illness with unusual EBV activation that persists for years, and its pathogenesis is largely unknown. After the creation of an accurate and reproducible polymerase chain reaction system to quantify EBV DNA, virus loads in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were determined in 54 children: 15 with CAEBV, 16 with infectious mononucleosis (IM), and 23 healthy children. Children with CAEBV and those with IM had high virus loads. Lower loads were detected in 47% of seropositive healthy donors. There were two distinct differences between children with CAEBV and those with IM: The former had greater viral replication (10(3)-10(7) copies/2.5x10(5) PBL) than those with IM, and viral replication declined in children with IM whereas active replication persisted for years in subjects with CAEBV. Persisting high virus loads are a possible diagnostic criterion for CAEBV. EBV loads may enable classification and prognosis of EBV infections.

Pathophysiology of resistant hypertension in chronic kidney disease.

PubMed

Campese, Vito M

2014-01-01

Hypertension associated with chronic kidney diseases often is resistant to drug treatment. This review deals with two main aspects of the management of CKD patients with hypertension: the role of sodium/volume and the need for dietary salt restriction, as well as appropriate use of diuretics and what currently is called sequential nephron blockade; the second aspect that is addressed extensively in this review is the role of the sympathetic nervous system and the possible clinical use of renal denervation.

[Transitions in context: findings related to rural-to-urban migration and chronic non-communicable diseases in Peru].

PubMed

Miranda, J Jaime; Wells, Jonathan C K; Smeeth, Liam

2012-01-01

In order to better understand the emergence of chronic non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries this article seeks to present, in context, different transitional processes which societies and populations are currently undergoing. Relevant factors for specific contexts such as Peru are described, including internal migration, urbanization and profiles of adversity in early life, all of them linked to chronic non-communicable diseases, including obesity and overweight. The capacity-load model, which considers chronic disease risk in adulthood as a function of two generic traits, metabolic capacity and metabolic load, is described. The contribution of rural-to-urban migration to this problem is also presented. Finally, these topics are framed within pending challenges for public health in Peru.

Connecting fishery sustainability to estuarine habitats and nutrient loading

EPA Science Inventory

The production of several important fishery species depends on critical estuarine habitats, including seagrasses and salt marshes. Relatively simple models can be constructed to relate fishery productivity to the extent and distribution of these habitats by linking fishery-depend...

Kinetic study of heterogeneous reaction of deliquesced NaCl particles with gaseous HNO3 using particle-on-substrate stagnation flow reactor approach.

PubMed

Liu, Y; Cain, J P; Wang, H; Laskin, A

2007-10-11

Heterogeneous reaction kinetics of gaseous nitric acid with deliquesced sodium chloride particles NaCl(aq) + HNO3(g) --> NaNO3(aq) + HCl(g) were investigated with a novel particle-on-substrate stagnation flow reactor (PS-SFR) approach under conditions, including particle size, relative humidity, and reaction time, directly relevant to the atmospheric chemistry of sea salt particles. Particles deposited onto an electron microscopy grid substrate were exposed to the reacting gas at atmospheric pressure and room temperature by impingement via a stagnation flow inside the reactor. The reactor design and choice of flow parameters were guided by computational fluid dynamics to ensure uniformity of the diffusion flux to all particles undergoing reaction. The reaction kinetics was followed by observing chloride depletion in the particles by computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (CCSEM/EDX). The validity of the current approach was examined first by conducting experiments with median dry particle diameter D(p) = 0.82 microm, 80% relative humidity, particle loading densities 4 x 10(4)

Regulation of Renin Secretion and Arterial Pressure During Prolonged Baroreflex Activation: Influence of Salt Intake

PubMed Central

Hildebrandt, Drew A.; Irwin, Eric D.; Cates, Adam W.; Lohmeier, Thomas E.

2014-01-01

Chronic electrical activation of the carotid baroreflex produces sustained reductions in sympathetic activity and arterial pressure and is currently being evaluated as antihypertensive therapy for patients with resistant hypertension. However, the influence of variations in salt intake on blood pressure lowering during baroreflex activation has not been determined. As sensitivity of arterial pressure to salt intake is linked to the responsiveness of renin secretion, we determined steady-state levels of arterial pressure and neurohormonal responses in 6 dogs on low, normal, and high salt intakes ( 5, 40, 450 mmol/day, respectively) under control conditions and during a 7-day constant level of baroreflex activation. Under control conditions, there was no difference in mean arterial pressure at low (92±1) and normal (92±2 mmHg) sodium intakes, but pressure increased 9 ±2 mmHg during high salt. Plasma renin activity (2.01±0.23, 0.93±0.20, 0.01±0.01 ng ANGI/mL/hr) and plasma aldosterone (10.3±1.9, 3.5±0.5, 1.7±0.1ng/dL) were inversely related to salt intake, whereas there were no changes in plasma norepinephrine. Although mean arterial pressure (19-22 mmHg) and norepinephrine (20-40%) were lower at all salt intakes during baroreflex activation, neither the changes in pressure nor the absolute values for plasma renin activity or aldosterone in response to salt were different from control conditions. These findings demonstrate that suppression of sympathetic activity by baroreflex activation lowers arterial pressure without increasing renin release and indicate that changes in sympathetic activity are not primary mediators of the effect of salt on renin secretion. Consequently, blood pressure lowering during baroreflex activation is independent of salt intake. PMID:24935941

Method for removing sulfur oxide from waste gases and recovering elemental sulfur

DOEpatents

Moore, Raymond H.

1977-01-01

A continuous catalytic fused salt extraction process is described for removing sulfur oxides from gaseous streams. The gaseous stream is contacted with a molten potassium sulfate salt mixture having a dissolved catalyst to oxidize sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide and molten potassium normal sulfate to solvate the sulfur trioxide to remove the sulfur trioxide from the gaseous stream. A portion of the sulfur trioxide loaded salt mixture is then dissociated to produce sulfur trioxide gas and thereby regenerate potassium normal sulfate. The evolved sulfur trioxide is reacted with hydrogen sulfide as in a Claus reactor to produce elemental sulfur. The process may be advantageously used to clean waste stack gas from industrial plants, such as copper smelters, where a supply of hydrogen sulfide is readily available.

A review of the impact of the environment on aerogenerator materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mortimer, A. R.

Factors which contribute to the unreliability of windpowered generators are examined, with specific regard to the availability of materials, durability, cost, ease of production, and ease of repair. The effects of wind loading and methods for testing salt air contaminants are discussed, along with the effect of moisture, of salt air on lubricants, of microbiological attack, of UV radiation, rain erosion, and icing. The probability of bird strikes is statistically defined, and consideration is given to electrostatic charging, lightning strikes, temperature changes, the corrosion of rubber by ozone, the effects of guano, and wet dry pollution. The visual, EM, and acoustic effects of wind turbines are explored, and production processes which may affect the integrity of the structure are outlined. Finally, failure mechanisms due to salt-air environments are detailed.

Salt intake during pregnancy alters offspring's myocardial structure.

PubMed

Alves-Rodrigues, E N; Veras, M M; Rosa, K T; de Castro, I; Furukawa, L N S; Oliveira, I B; Souza, R M; Heimann, J C

2013-05-01

To evaluate the effects of low or high salt intake during pregnancy on left ventricle of adult male offspring. Low- (LS, 0.15%), normal- (NS, 1.3%) or high-salt (HS, 8% NaCl) diet was given to Wistar rats during pregnancy. During lactation all dams received NS as well as the offspring after weaning. To evaluate cardiac response to salt overload, 50% of each offspring group was fed a high-salt (hs, 4% NaCl) diet from the 21st to the 36th week of age (LShs, NShs, HShs). The remaining 50% was maintained on NS (LSns, NSns and HSns). Echocardiography was done at 20 and 30 weeks of age. Mean blood pressure (MBP), histology and left ventricular angiotensin II content (AII) were analyzed at 36 weeks of age. Interventricular septum, left ventricular posterior wall and relative wall thickness increased from the 20th to the 30th week of age only in HShs, cardiomyocyte mean volume was higher in HShs compared to NShs, LShs and HSns. AII and left ventricular fibrosis were not different among groups. HS during pregnancy programs adult male offspring to a blood pressure and angiotensin II independent concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, with no fibrosis, in response to a chronic high-salt intake. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enhanced oral bioavailability of silymarin using liposomes containing a bile salt: preparation by supercritical fluid technology and evaluation in vitro and in vivo

PubMed Central

Yang, Gang; Zhao, Yaping; Zhang, Yongtai; Dang, Beilei; Liu, Ying; Feng, Nianping

2015-01-01

The aim of this investigation was to develop a procedure to improve the dissolution and bioavailability of silymarin (SM) by using bile salt-containing liposomes that were prepared by supercritical fluid technology (ie, solution-enhanced dispersion by supercritical fluids [SEDS]). The process for the preparation of SM-loaded liposomes containing a bile salt (SM-Lip-SEDS) was optimized using a central composite design of response surface methodology with the ratio of SM to phospholipids (w/w), flow rate of solution (mL/min), and pressure (MPa) as independent variables. Particle size, entrapment efficiency (EE), and drug loading (DL) were dependent variables for optimization of the process and formulation variables. The particle size, zeta potential, EE, and DL of the optimized SM-Lip-SEDS were 160.5 nm, −62.3 mV, 91.4%, and 4.73%, respectively. Two other methods to produce SM liposomes were compared to the SEDS method. The liposomes obtained by the SEDS method exhibited the highest EE and DL, smallest particle size, and best stability compared to liposomes produced by the thin-film dispersion and reversed-phase evaporation methods. Compared to the SM powder, SM-Lip-SEDS showed increased in vitro drug release. The in vivo AUC0−t of SM-Lip-SEDS was 4.8-fold higher than that of the SM powder. These results illustrate that liposomes containing a bile salt can be used to enhance the oral bioavailability of SM and that supercritical fluid technology is suitable for the preparation of liposomes. PMID:26543366

Modeling and Investigation of the Wear Resistance of Salt Bath Nitrided Aisi 4140 via ANN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ekinci, Şerafettin; Akdemir, Ahmet; Kahramanli, Humar

2013-05-01

Nitriding is usually used to improve the surface properties of steel materials. In this way, the wear resistance of steels is improved. We conducted a series of studies in order to investigate the microstructural, mechanical and tribological properties of salt bath nitrided AISI 4140 steel. The present study has two parts. For the first phase, the tribological behavior of the AISI 4140 steel which was nitrided in sulfinuz salt bath (SBN) was compared to the behavior of the same steel which was untreated. After surface characterization using metallography, microhardness and sliding wear tests were performed on a block-on-cylinder machine in which carbonized AISI 52100 steel discs were used as the counter face. For the examined AISI 4140 steel samples with and without surface treatment, the evolution of both the friction coefficient and of the wear behavior were determined under various loads, at different sliding velocities and a total sliding distance of 1000 m. The test results showed that wear resistance increased with the nitriding process, friction coefficient decreased due to the sulfur in salt bath and friction coefficient depended systematically on surface hardness. For the second part of this study, four artificial neural network (ANN) models were designed to predict the weight loss and friction coefficient of the nitrided and unnitrided AISI 4140 steel. Load, velocity and sliding distance were used as input. Back-propagation algorithm was chosen for training the ANN. Statistical measurements of R2, MAE and RMSE were employed to evaluate the success of the systems. The results showed that all the systems produced successful results.

Biomechanical comparison of single-row, double-row, and transosseous-equivalent repair techniques after healing in an animal rotator cuff tear model.

PubMed

Quigley, Ryan J; Gupta, Akash; Oh, Joo-Han; Chung, Kyung-Chil; McGarry, Michelle H; Gupta, Ranjan; Tibone, James E; Lee, Thay Q

2013-08-01

The transosseous-equivalent (TOE) rotator cuff repair technique increases failure loads and contact pressure and area between tendon and bone compared to single-row (SR) and double-row (DR) repairs, but no study has investigated if this translates into improved healing in vivo. We hypothesized that a TOE repair in a rabbit chronic rotator cuff tear model would demonstrate a better biomechanical profile than SR and DR repairs after 12 weeks of healing. A two-stage surgical procedure was performed on 21 New Zealand White Rabbits. The right subscapularis tendon was transected and allowed to retract for 6 weeks to simulate a chronic tear. Repair was done with the SR, DR, or TOE technique and allowed to heal for 12 weeks. Cyclic loading and load to failure biomechanical testing was then performed. The TOE repair showed greater biomechanical characteristics than DR, which in turn were greater than SR. These included yield load (p < 0.05), energy absorbed to yield (p < 0.05), and ultimate load (p < 0.05). For repair of a chronic, retracted rotator cuff tear, the TOE technique was the strongest biomechanical construct after healing followed by DR with SR being the weakest. Copyright © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society.

Salt Reductions in Some Foods in The Netherlands: Monitoring of Food Composition and Salt Intake.

PubMed

Temme, Elisabeth H M; Hendriksen, Marieke A H; Milder, Ivon E J; Toxopeus, Ido B; Westenbrink, Susanne; Brants, Henny A M; van der A, Daphne L

2017-07-22

High salt intake increases blood pressure and thereby the risk of chronic diseases. Food reformulation (or food product improvement) may lower the dietary intake of salt. This study describes the changes in salt contents of foods in the Dutch market over a five-year period (2011-2016) and differences in estimated salt intake over a 10-year period (2006-2015). To assess the salt contents of foods; we obtained recent data from chemical analyses and from food labels. Salt content of these foods in 2016 was compared to salt contents in the 2011 version Dutch Food Composition Database (NEVO, version 2011), and statistically tested with General Linear Models. To estimate the daily dietary salt intake in 2006, 2010, and 2015, men and women aged 19 to 70 years were recruited through random population sampling in Doetinchem, a small town located in a rural area in the eastern part of the Netherlands. The characteristics of the study population were in 2006: n = 317, mean age 49 years, 43% men, in 2010: n = 342, mean age 46 years, 45% men, and in 2015: n = 289, mean age 46 years, 47% men. Sodium and potassium excretion was measured in a single 24-h urine sample. All estimates were converted to a common metric: salt intake in grams per day by multiplication of sodium with a factor of 2.54. In 2016 compared to 2011, the salt content in certain types of bread was on average 19 percent lower and certain types of sauce, soup, canned vegetables and legumes, and crisps had a 12 to 26 percent lower salt content. Salt content in other types of foods had not changed significantly. Between 2006, 2010 and 2015 the estimated salt intake among adults in Doetinchem remained unchanged. In 2015, the median estimated salt intake was 9.7 g per day for men and 7.4 g per day for women. As in 2006 and 2010, the estimated salt intake in 2015 exceeded the recommended maximum intake of 6 g per day set by the Dutch Health Council. In the Netherlands, the salt content of bread, certain sauces, soups, potato crisps, and processed legumes and vegetables have been reduced over the period 2011-2016. However, median salt intake in 2006 and 2015 remained well above the recommended intake of 6 g.

Experimental study on the Neapolitan Yellow Tuff: Salt weathering and consolidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

La Russa, Mauro Francesco; Ruffolo, Silvestro Antonio; Alvarez de Buergo, Monica; Ricca, Michela; Belfiore, Cristina Maria; Pezzino, Antonino; Mirocle Crisci, Gino

2016-04-01

Salt crystallization is one of the major weathering agents in porous building materials due to the crystallization pressure exerted by salt crystals growing in confined pores. The consolidation of such degraded stone materials is a crucial issue in the field of Cultural Heritage restoration. This contribution deals with laboratory experimentation carried out on the Neapolitan Tuff, a pyroclastic rock largely used in the Campanian architecture. Several specimens, collected from a historical quarry nearby the city of Naples, were treated with two different consolidating products: a suspension of nanosilica in water (Syton X30®) and ethyl silicate (Estel 1000®) dispersed in organic solvent (TEOS). Then, in order to assess the effectiveness of consolidation treatments, both treated and untreated samples underwent accelerated degradation through salt crystallization tests. A multi-analytical approach, including mercury intrusion porosimetry, peeling tests and point load test, was employed to evaluate the correlation between the salt crystallization and the micro-structural features of the examined tuff specimens. In addition, the calculation of the crystallization pressures was also performed in order to make a correlation between the porous structure of the tuff and its susceptivity to salt crystallization. Obtained results show that both the tested products increase the resistance of tuff to salt crystallization, although inducing an increase of crystallization pressure. Ethyl silicate, however, shows a better behaviour in terms of superficial cohesion, even after several degradation cycles.

Lysine-specific demethylase 1: an epigenetic regulator of salt-sensitive hypertension.

PubMed

Williams, Jonathan S; Chamarthi, Bindu; Goodarzi, Mark O; Pojoga, Luminita H; Sun, Bei; Garza, Amanda E; Raby, Benjamin A; Adler, Gail K; Hopkins, Paul N; Brown, Nancy J; Jeunemaitre, Xavier; Ferri, Claudio; Fang, Rui; Leonor, Thiago; Cui, Jinrui; Guo, Xiuqing; Taylor, Kent D; Ida Chen, Yii-Der; Xiang, Anny; Raffel, Leslie J; Buchanan, Thomas A; Rotter, Jerome I; Williams, Gordon H; Shi, Yujiang

2012-07-01

Hypertension (HTN) represents a complex heritable disease in which environmental factors may directly affect gene function via epigenetic mechanisms. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that dietary salt influences the activity of a histone-modifying enzyme, lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD-1), which in turn is associated with salt-sensitivity of blood pressure (BP). Animal and human studies were performed. Salt-sensitivity of LSD-1 expression was assessed in wild-type (WT) and LSD-1 heterozygote knockout (LSD-1(+/-)) mice. Clinical relevance was tested by multivariate associations between single-nuclear polymorphisms (SNPs) in the LSD-1 gene and salt-sensitivity of BP, with control of dietary sodium, in a primary African-American hypertensive cohort and two replication hypertensive cohorts (Caucasian and Mexican-American). LSD-1 expression was modified by dietary salt in WT mice with lower levels associated with liberal salt intake. LSD-1(+/-) mice expressed lower LSD-1 protein levels than WT mice in kidney tissue. Similar to LSD-1(+/-) mice, African-American minor allele carriers of two LSD-1 SNPs displayed greater change in systolic BP (SBP) in response to change from low to liberal salt diet (rs671357, P = 0.01; rs587168, P = 0.005). This association was replicated in the Hispanic (rs587168, P = 0.04) but not the Caucasian cohort. Exploratory analyses demonstrated decreased serum aldosterone concentrations in African-American minor allele carriers similar to findings in the LSD-1(+/-) mice, decreased α-EnaC expression in LSD-1(+/-) mice, and impaired renovascular responsiveness to salt loading in minor allele carriers. The results of this translational research study support a role for LSD-1 in the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive HTN.

Dietary Salt Restriction in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

PubMed

Garofalo, Carlo; Borrelli, Silvio; Provenzano, Michele; De Stefano, Toni; Vita, Carlo; Chiodini, Paolo; Minutolo, Roberto; Nicola, Luca De; Conte, Giuseppe

2018-06-06

A clear evidence on the benefits of reducing salt in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is still lacking. Salt restriction in CKD may allow better control of blood pressure (BP) as shown in a previous systematic review while the effect on proteinuria reduction remains poorly investigated. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of low versus high salt intake in adult patients with non-dialysis CKD on change in BP, proteinuria and albuminuria. Eleven RCTs were selected and included information about 738 CKD patients (Stage 1⁻4); urinary sodium excretion was 104 mEq/day (95%CI, 76⁻131) and 179 mEq/day (95%CI, 165⁻193) in low- and high-sodium intake subgroups, respectively, with a mean difference of −80 mEq/day (95%CI from −107 to −53; p <0.001). Overall, mean differences in clinic and ambulatory systolic BP were −4.9 mmHg (95%CI from −6.8 to −3.1, p <0.001) and −5.9 mmHg (95%CI from −9.5 to −2.3, p <0.001), respectively, while clinic and ambulatory diastolic BP were −2.3 mmHg (95%CI from −3.5 to −1.2, p <0.001) and −3.0 mmHg (95%CI from −4.3 to −1.7; p <0.001), respectively. Mean differences in proteinuria and albuminuria were −0.39 g/day (95%CI from −0.55 to −0.22, p <0.001) and −0.05 g/day (95%CI from −0.09 to −0.01, p = 0.013). Moderate salt restriction significantly reduces BP and proteinuria/albuminuria in patients with CKD (Stage 1⁻4).

The influence of DOCA-salt hypertension and chronic administration of the FAAH inhibitor URB597 on KCa2.3/KCa3.1-EDH-type relaxation in rat small mesenteric arteries.

PubMed

Kloza, Monika; Baranowska-Kuczko, Marta; Malinowska, Barbara; Karpińska, Olga; Harasim-Symbor, Ewa; Kasacka, Irena; Kozłowska, Hanna

2017-12-01

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt (DOCA-salt) hypertension and chronic treatment with the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor, URB597, on small and intermediate conductance calcium-activated potassium channels and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (K Ca 2.3/K Ca 3.1-EDH) in rat small mesenteric arteries (sMAs). The EDH-type response was investigated, in endothelium-intact sMAs using a wire myograph, by examining acetylcholine-evoked vasorelaxation in the presence of N ω -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and indomethacin (inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase, respectively). In normo- and hypertension the efficacy of EDH-type relaxation was similar and inhibition of K Ca 2.3 and K Ca 3.1 by UCL1684 and TRAM-34, respectively, given alone or in combination, attenuated EDH-mediated vasorelaxation. K Ca 3.1 expression and NS309 (K Ca 2.3/K Ca 3.1 activator)-induced relaxation was reduced in sMAs of DOCA-salt rats. Endothelium denudation and incubation with UCL1684 and TRAM-34 attenuated the maximal NS309-evoked vasorelaxation in both groups. URB597 had no effect in functional studies, but increased the expression of K Ca 3.1 in the sMAs. K Ca 2.3/K Ca 3.1-EDH-mediated relaxation was maintained in the sMAs of DOCA-salt rats despite endothelial dysfunction and down-regulation of K Ca 3.1. Furthermore, K Ca 3.1 played a key role in the EDH-type dilator response of sMAs in normo- and hypertension. The hypotensive effect of URB597 is independent of K Ca 2.3/K Ca 3.1-EDH-type relaxation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reliability and effect of sodium bicarbonate: buffering and 2000-m rowing performance.

PubMed

Carr, Amelia J; Slater, Gary J; Gore, Christopher J; Dawson, Brian; Burke, Louise M

2012-06-01

The aim of this study was to determine the effect and reliability of acute and chronic sodium bicarbonate ingestion for 2000-m rowing ergometer performance (watts) and blood bicarbonate concentration [HCO3-]. In a crossover study, 7 well-trained rowers performed paired 2000-m rowing ergometer trials under 3 double-blinded conditions: (1) 0.3 grams per kilogram of body mass (g/kg BM) acute bicarbonate; (2) 0.5 g/kg BM daily chronic bicarbonate for 3 d; and (3) calcium carbonate placebo, in semi-counterbalanced order. For 2000-m performance and [HCO3-], we examined differences in effects between conditions via pairwise comparisons, with differences interpreted in relation to the likelihood of exceeding smallest worthwhile change thresholds for each variable. We also calculated the within-subject variation (percent typical error). There were only trivial differences in 2000-m performance between placebo (277 ± 60 W), acute bicarbonate (280 ± 65 W) and chronic bicarbonate (282 ± 65 W); however, [HCO3-] was substantially greater after acute bicarbonate, than with chronic loading and placebo. Typical error for 2000-m mean power was 2.1% (90% confidence interval 1.4 to 4.0%) for acute bicarbonate, 3.6% (2.5 to 7.0%) for chronic bicarbonate, and 1.6% (1.1 to 3.0%) for placebo. Postsupplementation [HCO3-] typical error was 7.3% (5.0 to 14.5%) for acute bicarbonate, 2.9% (2.0 to 5.7%) for chronic bicarbonate and 6.0% (1.4 to 11.9%) for placebo. Performance in 2000-m rowing ergometer trials may not substantially improve after acute or chronic bicarbonate loading. However, performances will be reliable with both acute and chronic bicarbonate loading protocols.

Complementary experimental-simulational study of surfactant micellar phase in the extraction process of metallic ions: Effects of temperature and salt concentration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soto-Ángeles, Alan Gustavo; Rodríguez-Hidalgo, María del Rosario; Soto-Figueroa, César; Vicente, Luis

2018-02-01

The thermoresponsive micellar phase behaviour that exhibits the Triton-X-100 micelles by temperature effect and addition of salt in the extraction process of metallic ions was explored from mesoscopic and experimental points. In the theoretical study, we analyse the formation of Triton-X-100 micelles, load and stabilization of dithizone molecules and metallic ions extraction inside the micellar core at room temperature; finally, a thermal analysis is presented. In the experimental study, the spectrophotometric outcomes confirm the solubility of the copper-dithizone complex in the micellar core, as well as the extraction of metallic ions of aqueous environment via a cloud-point at 332.2 K. The micellar solutions with salt present a low absorbance value compared with the micellar solutions without salt. The decrease in the absorbance value is attributed to a change in the size of hydrophobic region of colloidal micelles. All transitory stages of extraction process are discussed and analysed in this document.

Investigation of techniques for accelerating the construction of bridge deck overlays : tech transfer summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-04-01

Todays environment is increasingly hostile to bridge decks with exposure : to deicing salts and environmental factors such as large temperature swings : and polluting chemicals. Being subjected to the most severe loading of all the : bridge compon...

'BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES' FOR SALINITY CONTROL IN GRAND VALLEY

EPA Science Inventory

A nontechnical summary of several research activities in the Grand Valley is given. Analyses of alternative measures of reducing the salt load originating from the Valley as a result of irrigation return flows are presented. These alternatives include conveyance channel linings, ...

46 CFR 46.10-45 - Nonsubmergence subdivision load lines in salt water.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... which the vessel is floating but not for the weight of fuel, water, etc., required for consumption between the point of departure and the open sea, and no allowance is to be made for bilge or ballast water...

THE EFFECT OF NITROGEN OVER-ENRICHMENT ON SOME PLANT-SOIL RELATIONSHIPS AND MICROBIAL PROCESSES

EPA Science Inventory

Salt marshes of similar geomorphology and hydrology with varying watershed nitrogen loads were examined for differences in plant structure, soil characteristics, and
denitrification. We observed landward encroachment of the low marsh Spartina alterniflora, and the displacement...

Preparation and characterization of multi stimuli-responsive photoluminescent nanocomposites of graphene quantum dots with hyperbranched polyethylenimine derivatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xing; Liu, Hua-Ji; Cheng, Fa; Chen, Yu

2014-06-01

Oxidized graphene sheets (OGS) were treated with a hyperbranched polyethylenimine (PEI) under hydrothermal conditions to generate nanocomposites of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) functionalized with PEI (GQD-PEIs). The influence of the reaction temperature and the PEI/OGS feed ratio on the photoluminescence properties of the GQD-PEIs was studied. The obtained GQD-PEIs were characterized by TEM, dynamic light scattering, elemental analysis, FTIR, zeta potential measurements and 1H NMR spectroscopy, from which their structural information was inferred. Subsequently, isobutyric amide (IBAm) groups were attached to the GQD-PEIs through the amidation reaction of isobutyric anhydride with the PEI moieties, which resulted in GQD-PEI-IBAm nanocomposites. GQD-PEI-IBAm was not only thermoresponsive, but also responded to other stimuli, including inorganic salts, pH, and loaded organic guests. The cloud point temperature (Tcp) of aqueous solutions of GQD-PEI-IBAm could be modulated through changing the number of IBAm units in GQD-PEI-IBAm, by varying the type and concentration of the inorganic salts and loaded organic guests, or by varying the pH. All the obtained GQD-PEI-IBAm nanocomposites were photoluminescent, and their maximum emission wavelengths were not influenced by outside stimuli. Their emission intensities were influenced a little or negligibly by pH, traditional salting-out anions (Cl- and SO42-), and the relatively polar aspirin guest. However, the traditional salting-in I- anion and the more hydrophobic 1-pyrenebutyric acid (PBA) guest could effectively quench their fluorescence. 2D NOESY 1H NMR spectra verified that GQD-PEI-IBAm accommodated the relatively polar aspirin guest using the PEI-IBAm shell, but adsorbed the relatively hydrophobic PBA guest through the nanographene core. The release rate of the guest encapsulated by the thermoresponsive GQD is different below and above Tcp.Oxidized graphene sheets (OGS) were treated with a hyperbranched polyethylenimine (PEI) under hydrothermal conditions to generate nanocomposites of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) functionalized with PEI (GQD-PEIs). The influence of the reaction temperature and the PEI/OGS feed ratio on the photoluminescence properties of the GQD-PEIs was studied. The obtained GQD-PEIs were characterized by TEM, dynamic light scattering, elemental analysis, FTIR, zeta potential measurements and 1H NMR spectroscopy, from which their structural information was inferred. Subsequently, isobutyric amide (IBAm) groups were attached to the GQD-PEIs through the amidation reaction of isobutyric anhydride with the PEI moieties, which resulted in GQD-PEI-IBAm nanocomposites. GQD-PEI-IBAm was not only thermoresponsive, but also responded to other stimuli, including inorganic salts, pH, and loaded organic guests. The cloud point temperature (Tcp) of aqueous solutions of GQD-PEI-IBAm could be modulated through changing the number of IBAm units in GQD-PEI-IBAm, by varying the type and concentration of the inorganic salts and loaded organic guests, or by varying the pH. All the obtained GQD-PEI-IBAm nanocomposites were photoluminescent, and their maximum emission wavelengths were not influenced by outside stimuli. Their emission intensities were influenced a little or negligibly by pH, traditional salting-out anions (Cl- and SO42-), and the relatively polar aspirin guest. However, the traditional salting-in I- anion and the more hydrophobic 1-pyrenebutyric acid (PBA) guest could effectively quench their fluorescence. 2D NOESY 1H NMR spectra verified that GQD-PEI-IBAm accommodated the relatively polar aspirin guest using the PEI-IBAm shell, but adsorbed the relatively hydrophobic PBA guest through the nanographene core. The release rate of the guest encapsulated by the thermoresponsive GQD is different below and above Tcp. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Elemental analysis data; typical FTIR spectra; typical photographs of the GQD solution before and after phase transition; typical luminescence photographs, and typical photoluminescence spectra. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr00739e

Nutrient, organic carbon, and chloride concentrations and loads in selected Long Island Sound tributaries—Four decades of change following the passage of the Federal Clean Water Act

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mullaney, John R.

2016-03-10

Loads of dissolved silica (DSi; flow-normalized and non-flow-normalized) increased slightly at most stations during the study period and were positively correlated to urbanized land in the basin and negatively correlated to area of open water. Concentrations and loads of chloride increased at 12 of the 14 sites during both periods. Increases likely are the result of an increase in the use of salt for deicing, as well as other factors related to urbanization and population growth, such as increases in wastewater discharge and discharge from septic systems.

Improvement of Mechanical Properties in Natural Rubber with Organic Fillers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonzales-Fernandes, M.; Bastos, Andrade C. G.; Esper, F. J.; Valenzuela-Diaz, F. R.; Wiebeck, H.

When added to polymeric matrices, organophilic clay transforms the performance of the resulting composites. A natural rubber matrix with different loads was prepared as bentonite chocolate B modified by sodification and treated with ammonium quaternary salt with cellulose charge, cardboard and palm fiber. After the mixture of natural rubber in a roller mill with the additives and subsequent addition of loads individually, plates were vulcanized for fabricating specimens. We measured the mechanical properties of traction and the interlayer distances analyzed by XRD. The aim of the paper is to show that the composite obtained improved in mechanical properties as compared to plates without the addition of loads.

Streamflow, dissolved solids, suspended sediment, and trace elements, San Joaquin River, California, June 1985-September 1988

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hill, B.R.; Gilliom, R.J.

1993-01-01

The 1985-88 study period included hydrologic extremes throughout most of central California. Except for an 11-month period during and after the 1986 flood, San Joaquin River streamflows during 1985-88 were generally less than median for 1975-88. The Merced Tuolumne, and Stanislaus Rivers together comprised 56 to 69 percent of the annual San Joaquin River flow, Salt and Mud Sloughs together comprised 6 to 19 percent, the upper San Joaquin River comprised 2 to 25 percent, and unmeasured sources from agricultural discharges and ground water accounted for 13 to 20 percent. Salt and Mud Sloughs and the unmeasured sources contribute most of the dissolved-solids load. The Merced, Tuolumne, and Stanislaus Rivers greatly dilute dissolved-solids concentrations. Suspended-sediment concentration peaked sharply at more than 600 milligrams per liter during the flood of February 1986. Concentrations and loads varied seasonally during low-flow conditions, with concentrations highest during the early summer irrigation season. Trace elements present primarily in dissolved phases are arsenic, boron, lithium, molybdenum, and selenium. Boron concentrations exceeded the irrigation water-quality criterion of 750 micrograms per liter more than 75 percent of the time in Salt and Mud Sloughs and more than 50 percent of the time at three sites on the San Joaquin River. Selenium concentrations exceeded the aquatic-life criterion of 5 micrograms per liter more than 75 percent of the time in Salt Slough and more than 50 percent of the time in Mud Slough and in the San Joaquin River from Salt Slough to the Merced River confluence. Concentrations of dissolved solids, boron, and selenium usually are highest during late winter to early spring, lower in early summer, higher again in mid-to-late summer, and the lowest in autumn, and generally correspond to seasonal inflows of subsurface tile-drain water to Salt and Mud Sloughs. Trace elements present primarily in particulate phases are aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, and zinc, none of which cause significant water-quality problems in the river.

Consequences of climate change, eutrophication, and other anthropogenic impacts to coastal salt marshes: multiple stressors reduce resiliency and sustainability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watson, E. B.; Wigand, C.; Nelson, J.; Davey, E.; Van Dyke, E.; Wasson, K.

2011-12-01

Coastal salt marshes provide a wide variety of ecosystem services, including habitat for protected vertebrates and ecologically valuable invertebrate fauna, flood protection, and improvements in water quality for adjacent marine and estuarine environments. Here, we consider the impacts of future sea level rise combined with other anthropogenic stressors to salt marsh sustainability through the implementation of field and laboratory mesocosms, manipulative experiments, correlative studies, and predictive modeling conducted in central California and southern New England salt marshes. We report on measurements of soil respiration, decomposition, sediment accumulation, and marsh elevation, which considered jointly suggest an association between nitrate input and marsh elevation loss resulting from mineralization of soil organic matter. Furthermore, use of imaging techniques (CT scans) has shown differences in belowground root and rhizome structure associated with fertilization, resulting in a loss of sediment cohesion promoted by fine root structure. Additionally, field and greenhouse mesocosm experiments have provided insight into the specific biogeochemical processes responsible for plant mortality at high immersion or salinity levels. In conclusion, we have found that poor water quality (i.e. eutrophication) leads to enhanced respiration and decomposition of soil organic matter, which ultimately contributes to a loss of salt marsh sustainability. However, marsh deterioration studied at field sites (Jamaica Bay, NY and Elkhorn Slough, CA) is associated not only with enhanced nutrient loads, but also increased immersion due to tidal range increases resulting from dredging. To ensure the continuation of the ecosystem services provided by tidal wetlands and to develop sustainable management strategies that provide favorable outcomes under a variety of future sea level rise and land use scenarios, we need to develop a better understanding of the relative impacts of the various stressors leading to salt marsh loss. Without this understanding, costly remediation may unintentionally lead to continued marsh deterioration. More research is needed to carefully document the positive and negative aspects of nutrient loading to coastal marsh sustainability in order to ensure that coastal watersheds are managed in a way that minimizes detrimental impacts to adjacent coastal habitats, while not interfering unnecessarily with important and needed public interest activities such as agriculture and wastewater discharge.

Collecting duct-specific knockout of nitric oxide synthase 3 impairs water excretion in a sex-dependent manner

PubMed Central

Gao, Yang; Stuart, Deborah; Pollock, Jennifer S.; Takahishi, Takamune

2016-01-01

Nitric oxide (NO) inhibits collecting duct (CD) Na+ and water reabsorption. Mice with CD-specific knockout (KO) of NO synthase 1 (NOS1) have salt-sensitive hypertension. In contrast, the role of NOS3 in CD salt and water reabsorption is unknown. Mice with CD NOS3 KO were generated with loxP-flanked exons 9–12 (encodes the calmodulin binding site) of the NOS3 gene and the aquaporin-2 promoter-Cre transgene. There were no differences between control and CD NOS3 KO mice, irrespective of sex, in food intake, water intake, urine volume, urinary Na+ or K+ excretion, plasma renin concentration, blood pressure, or pulse during 7 days of normal (0.3%), high (3.17%), or low (0.03%) Na+ intake. Blood pressure was similar between genotypes during DOCA-high salt. CD NOS3 KO did not alter urine volume or urine osmolality after water deprivation. In contrast, CD NOS3 KO male, but not female, mice had lower urine volume and higher urine osmolality over the course of 7 days of water loading compared with control mice. Male, but not female, CD NOS3 KO mice had reduced urinary nitrite+nitrate excretion compared with controls after 7 days of water loading. Urine AVP and AVP-stimulated cAMP accumulation in isolated inner medullary CD were similar between genotypes. Western analysis did not reveal a significant effect of CD NOS3 KO on renal aquaporin expression. In summary, these data suggest that CD NOS3 may be involved in the diuretic response to a water load in a sex-specific manner; the mechanism of this effect remains to be determined. PMID:27707708

Improved recovery of bacteriophage M13 using an ATPS-based bioprocess.

PubMed

González-Mora, Alejandro; Ruiz-Ruiz, Federico; Benavides, Jorge; Rito-Palomares, Marco

2018-06-08

Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) have been widely exploited for the recovery and partial purification of biological compounds. Recently our research group characterized the primary recovery and partial purification of bacteriophage M13 using polymer-salt and ionic liquid-salt ATPS. From such study, it was concluded that PEG 400-potassium phosphate ATPS with a volume ratio (V R ) of 1 and 25% w/w TLL were the best suitable for the primary recovery of bacteriophage M13 from a crude extract, achieving a recovery yield of 83.3%. Although such system parameters were proven to be adequate for the recovery of the product of interest, it was concluded that further optimization was desirable and attainable by studying the effect of additional system parameters such as V R , concentration of neutral salt (M) and sample load (% w/w). This research work presents an optimization of a previously reported process for the recovery of bacteriophage M13 directly from a crude extract using ATPS. The increase in V R and sample load showed a positive effect in the recovery of M13 indicating an improved performance of the proposed ATPS. According to the results presented here, a system composed of PEG 400 17.2% (w/w), potassium phosphate 15.5% (w/w) and a sample load of 30% (w/w) allowed the recovery of M13 directly from a crude extract with a top phase recovery of 80.1%, representing an increase of 4.8 times in the final concentration and a reduction of 2.65 times in the processing costs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

SALT LOADING HAS A MORE DELETERIOUS EFFECT ON FLOW-MEDIATED DILATION IN SALT-RESISTANT MEN THAN WOMEN

PubMed Central

Lennon-Edwards, S.; Ramick, M.G.; Matthews, E.L.; Brian, M.S.; Farquhar, W.B.; Edwards, D.G.

2014-01-01

Background and Aims Dietary sodium loading has been shown to adversely impact endothelial function independently of blood pressure (BP). However, it is unknown whether dietary sodium loading impacts endothelial function differently in men as compared to women. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that endothelial-dependent dilation (EDD) would be lower in men as compared to women in response to a high sodium diet. Methods and Results Thirty subjects (14F, 31±2y; 16M, 29±2y) underwent a randomized, crossover, controlled diet study consisting of 7 days of low sodium (LS; 20 mmol/day) and 7 days of high sodium (HS; 300–350 mmol/day). Salt-resistance was determined by a change in 24-hr mean arterial pressure (MAP)≤ 5 mmHg between HS and LS as assessed on day 7 of each diet. Blood and 24-hr urine were also collected and EDD was assessed by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation(FMD). By design, MAP was not different between LS and HS conditions and urinary sodium excretion increased on HS diet (p<0.01). FMD did not differ between men and women on the LS diet (10.2±0.65 vs. 10.7±0.83; p>0.05) and declined in both men and women on HS (p<0.001). However, FMD was lower in men as compared to women on HS (5.7±0.5 vs. 8.6±0.86; p<0.01). Conclusions HS reduced FMD in both men and women. In response to a HS diet, FMD was lower in men compared to women suggesting a greater sensitivity of the vasculature to high sodium in men. PMID:24989702

An experimental design approach to the preparation of pegylated polylactide-co-glicolide gentamicin loaded microparticles for local antibiotic delivery.

PubMed

Dorati, Rossella; DeTrizio, Antonella; Genta, Ida; Grisoli, Pietro; Merelli, Alessia; Tomasi, Corrado; Conti, Bice

2016-01-01

The present paper takes into account the DOE application to the preparation process of biodegradable microspheres for osteomyelitis local therapy. With this goal gentamicin loaded polylactide-co-glycolide-copolyethyleneglycol (PLGA-PEG) microspheres were prepared and investigated. Two preparation protocols (o/w and w/o/w) with different process conditions, and three PLGA-PEG block copolymers with different compositions of lactic and glycolic acids and PEG, were tested. A Design Of Experiment (DOE) screening design was applied as an approach to scale up manufacturing step. The results of DOE screening design confirmed that w/o/w technique, the presence of salt and the 15%w/v polymer concentration positively affected the EE% (72.1-97.5%), and span values of particle size distribution (1.03-1.23), while salt addition alone negatively affected the yield process. Process scale up resulted in a decrease of gentamicin EE% that can be attributed to the high volume of water used to remove PVA and NaCl residues. The results of in vitro gentamicin release study show prolonged gentamicin release up to three months from the microspheres prepared with salt addition in the dispersing phase; the behavior being consistent with their highly compact structure highlighted by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The prolonged release of gentamicin is maintained even after embedding the biodegradable microspheres into a thermosetting composite gel made of chitosan and acellular bovine bone matrix (Orthoss® granules), and the microbiologic evaluation demonstrated the efficacy of the gentamicin loaded microspheres on Escherichia coli. The collected results confirm the feasibility of the scale up of microsphere manufacturing process and the high potential of the microparticulate drug delivery system to be used for the local antibiotic delivery to bone.

Fuel and Core Design Options to Overcome the Heavy Metal Loading Limit and Improve Performance and Safety of Liquid Salt Cooled Reactors

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

Petrovic, Bojan; Maldonado, Ivan

2016-04-14

The research performed in this project addressed the issue of low heavy metal loading and the resulting reduced cycle length with increased refueling frequency, inherent to all FHR designs with solid, non-movable fuel based on TRISO particles. Studies performed here focused on AHTR type of reactor design with plate (“plank”) fuel. Proposal to FY12 NEUP entitled “Fuel and Core Design Options to Overcome the Heavy Metal Loading Limit and Improve Performance and Safety of Liquid Salt Cooled Reactors” was selected for award, and the 3-year project started in August 2012. A 4-month NCE was granted and the project completed onmore » December 31, 2015. The project was performed by Georgia Tech (Prof. Bojan Petrovic, PI) and University of Tennessee (Prof. Ivan Maldonado, Co-PI), with a total funding of $758,000 over 3 years. In addition to two Co-PIs, the project directly engaged 6 graduate students (at doctoral or MS level) and 2 postdoctoral researchers. Additionally, through senior design projects and graduate advanced design projects, another 23 undergraduate and 12 graduate students were exposed to and trained in the salt reactor technology. We see this as one of the important indicators of the project’s success and effectiveness. In the process, 1 journal article was published (with 3 journal articles in preparation), together with 8 peer-reviewed full conference papers, 8 peer-reviewed extended abstracts, as well as 1 doctoral dissertation and 2 master theses. The work included both development of models and methodologies needed to adequately analyze this type of reactor, fuel, and its fuel cycle, as well as extensive analyses and optimization of the fuel and core design.« less

Whitecaps, sea-salt aerosols, and climate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anguelova, Magdalena Dimitrova

Oceanic whitecaps are the major source of sea-salt aerosols. Because these aerosols are dominant in remote marine air, they control the radiative properties of the clean background atmosphere by scattering sunlight, changing cloud properties and lifetime, and providing media for chemical reactions. Including sea-salt effects in climate models improves predictions, but simulating their generation is first necessary. To make the sea-salt generation function currently used in climate models more relevant for aerosol investigations, this study proposes two modifications. First, the conventional relation between whitecap coverage, W, and the 10-meter wind speed, U10, used in typical generation functions is expanded to include additional factors that affect whitecaps and sea-salt aerosol formation. Second, the sea-salt generation function is extended to smaller sizes; sea-salt aerosol with initial radii from 0.4 to 20 mum can now be modeled. To achieve these goals, this thesis develops a new method for estimating whitecap coverage on a global scale using satellite measurements of the brightness temperature of the ocean surface. Whitecap coverage evaluated with this method incorporates the effects of atmospheric stability, sea-surface temperature, salinity, wind fetch, wind duration, and the amount of surface-active material. Assimilating satellite-derived values for whitecap coverage in the sea-salt generation function incorporates the effects of all environmental factors on sea-salt production and predicts realistic sea-salt aerosol loadings into the atmosphere. An extensive database of whitecap coverage and sea-salt aerosol fluxes has been compiled with the new method and is used to investigate their spatial and temporal characteristics. The composite effect of all environmental factors suggests a more uniform latitudinal distribution of whitecaps and sea-salt aerosols than that predicted from wind speed alone. The effect of sea-surface temperature, TS, is parameterized for the first time using regression analysis. The resulting parameterization W( U10, TS) is a better predictor of whitecap coverage than the conventional W(U 10) relation. This thesis also considers the contribution of oceanic whitecaps to ocean albedo and CO2 transfer and evaluates the direct effect of sea-salt aerosols on climate, the sea-salt contribution to CCN formation, and the role of sea-salt aerosols in atmospheric chemistry.

In Vivo Administration of a JAK3 Inhibitor during Acute SIV Infection Leads to Significant Increases in Viral Load during Chronic Infection

PubMed Central

Takahashi, Yoshiaki; Byrareddy, Siddappa N.; Albrecht, Christina; Brameier, Markus; Walter, Lutz; Mayne, Ann E.; Dunbar, Paul; Russo, Robert; Little, Dawn M.; Villinger, Tara; Khowawisetsut, Ladawan; Pattanapanyasat, Kovit; Villinger, Francois; Ansari, Aftab A.

2014-01-01

The studies reported herein are the first to document the effect of the in vivo administration of a JAK3 inhibitor for defining the potential role of NK cells during acute SIV infection of a group of 15 rhesus macaques (RM). An additional group of 16 MHC/KIR typed RM was included as controls. The previously optimized in vivo dose regimen (20 mg/kg daily for 35 days) led to a marked depletion of each of the major NK cell subsets both in the blood and gastro-intestinal tissues (GIT) during acute infection. While such depletion had no detectable effects on plasma viral loads during acute infection, there was a significant sustained increase in plasma viral loads during chronic infection. While the potential mechanisms that lead to such increased plasma viral loads during chronic infection remain unclear, several correlates were documented. Thus, during acute infection, the administration of the JAK3 inhibitor besides depleting all NK cell subsets also decreased some CD8+ T cells and inhibited the mobilization of the plasmacytoid dendritic cells in the blood and their localization to the GIT. Of interest is the finding that the administration of the JAK3 inhibitor during acute infection also resulted in the sustained maintenance during chronic infection of a high number of naïve and central memory CD4+ T cells, increases in B cells in the blood, but decreases in the frequencies and function of NKG2a+ NK cells within the GIT and blood, respectively. These data identify a unique role for JAK3 inhibitor sensitive cells, that includes NK cells during acute infection that in concert lead to high viral loads in SIV infected RM during chronic infection without affecting detectable changes in antiviral humoral/cellular responses. Identifying the precise mechanisms by which JAK3 sensitive cells exert their influence is critical with important implications for vaccine design against lentiviruses. PMID:24603870

Zinc Salts Block Hepatitis E Virus Replication by Inhibiting the Activity of Viral RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase.

PubMed

Kaushik, Nidhi; Subramani, Chandru; Anang, Saumya; Muthumohan, Rajagopalan; Shalimar; Nayak, Baibaswata; Ranjith-Kumar, C T; Surjit, Milan

2017-11-01

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes an acute, self-limiting hepatitis in healthy individuals and leads to chronic disease in immunocompromised individuals. HEV infection in pregnant women results in a more severe outcome, with the mortality rate going up to 30%. Though the virus usually causes sporadic infection, epidemics have been reported in developing and resource-starved countries. No specific antiviral exists against HEV. A combination of interferon and ribavirin therapy has been used to control the disease with some success. Zinc is an essential micronutrient that plays crucial roles in multiple cellular processes. Zinc salts are known to be effective in reducing infections caused by few viruses. Here, we investigated the effect of zinc salts on HEV replication. In a human hepatoma cell (Huh7) culture model, zinc salts inhibited the replication of genotype 1 (g-1) and g-3 HEV replicons and g-1 HEV infectious genomic RNA in a dose-dependent manner. Analysis of a replication-defective mutant of g-1 HEV genomic RNA under similar conditions ruled out the possibility of zinc salts acting on replication-independent processes. An ORF4-Huh7 cell line-based infection model of g-1 HEV further confirmed the above observations. Zinc salts did not show any effect on the entry of g-1 HEV into the host cell. Furthermore, our data reveal that zinc salts directly inhibit the activity of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), leading to inhibition of viral replication. Taken together, these studies unravel the ability of zinc salts in inhibiting HEV replication, suggesting their possible therapeutic value in controlling HEV infection. IMPORTANCE Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a public health concern in resource-starved countries due to frequent outbreaks. It is also emerging as a health concern in developed countries owing to its ability to cause acute and chronic infection in organ transplant and immunocompromised individuals. Although antivirals such as ribavirin have been used to treat HEV cases, there are known side effects and limitations of such therapy. Our discovery of the ability of zinc salts to block HEV replication by virtue of their ability to inhibit the activity of viral RdRp is important because these findings pave the way to test the efficacy of zinc supplementation therapy in HEV-infected patients. Since zinc supplementation therapy is known to be safe in healthy individuals and since high-dose zinc is used in the treatment of Wilson's disease, it may be possible to control HEV-associated health problems following a similar treatment regimen. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Liquid Salt as Green Solvent: A Novel Eco-Friendly Technique to Enhance Solubility and Stability of Poorly Soluble Drugs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, Anant A.

As a result of tremendous efforts in past few decades, various techniques have been developed in order to resolve solubility issues associated with class II and IV drugs, However, majority of these techniques offer benefits associated with certain drawbacks; majorly including low drug loading, physical instability on storage and excessive use of environmentally challenging organic solvents. Hence, current effort was to develop an eco-friendly technique using liquid salt as green solvent, which can offer improvement in dissolution while maintaining long term stability. The liquid salt formulations (LSF) of poorly soluble model drugs ibuprofen, gemfibrozil and indomethacin were developed using 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethyl sulfate (EMIM ES) as a non-toxic and environmentally friendly alternate to organic solvents. Liquid medications containing clear solutions of drug, EMIM ES and polysorbate 20, were adsorbed onto porous carrier Neusilin US2 to form free flowing powder. The LSF demonstrated greater rate and extent of dissolution compared to crystalline drugs. The dissolution data revealed that more than 80% drug release from LSF within 20 mins compared to less than 18% release from pure drugs. As high as 70% w/w liquid loading was achieved while maintaining good flowability and compressibility. In addition, the LSF samples exposed to high temperature and high humidity i.e. 40°C/80% RH for 8 weeks, demonstrated excellent physical stability without any signs of precipitation or crystallization. As most desirable form of administration is tablet, the developed liquid salt formulations were transformed into tablets using design of experiment approach by Design Expert Software. The tablet formulation composition and critical parameter were optimized using Box-Behnken Design. This innovative liquid salt formulation technique offered improvement in dissolution rate and extent as well as contributed to excellent physical stability on storage. Moreover, this formulation approach served as eco-friendly compelling alternate to conventional techniques involving organic solvents.

Deficiency of renal dopaminergic-dependent natriuretic response to acute sodium load in black salt-sensitive subjects in contrast to salt-resistant subjects.

PubMed

Damasceno, A; Santos, A; Serrão, P; Caupers, P; Soares-da-Silva, P; Polónia, J

1999-12-01

To evaluate the involvement of the renal dopaminergic system in the natriuretic responses to acute saline load in salt-resistant (SR) and salt-sensitive (SS) black normotensive (NT) and hypertensive (HT) subjects. We studied the relationship between the urinary excretion of dopa, dopamine (DA) and its metabolite DOPAC and the natriuretic responses to acute volume expansion (2 l NaCl 0.9% over 2 h) in 20 black NT subjects (12 SR and 8 SS) and 19 black HT subjects (10 SS and 9 SR). Subjects received a low salt (LS) diet (40 mmol sodium/day) for 1 week and a high salt (HS) diet (300 mmol sodium/day) for 1 week; the sequence of the dietary regimens was randomized. Comparisons were made between the results before the saline infusion (baseline) and the results 2 h after the infusion. In all the groups saline infusion induced significant increases in urinary volume (ml/4 h) of two- to three-fold and in urinary sodium excretion (mmol/4 h) of three- to ten-fold; these increases were significantly greater during the HS diet than during the LS diet. Saline infusion significantly increased the mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 5 mmHg in HT-SS subjects and by 4-5 mmHg in NT-SS subjects, but the MAP did not changed in the NT-SR and HT-SR groups. Under the LS diet, saline infusion changed the DA excretion (in nmol/4 h) by -49+/-89 in HT-SS subjects, by 17+/-52 in NT-SS subjects, by 235+/-72 in HT-SR subjects and by 220+/-86 in NT-SR subjects (P < 0.05 between SR and SS subjects). The saline infusion-induced changes in DA excretion correlated significantly with the increases in urinary sodium excretion (r = 0.71, P < 0.01) in the NT-SR and HT-SR subjects under the LS diet, but not in the SR groups on the HS diet nor in the SS groups (HT and NT) on either diet. Saline infusion significantly reduced the DA/dopa ratio in SS (NT and HT) but not SR (NT and HT) subjects, whereas the DA/DOPAC (dihydroxyphenylacetic acid) ratios were similar in all the groups. The urinary dopaminergic system may participate in the natriuretic responses to acute sodium load only in SR subjects (NT and HT) and only under LS diets, but not in SS subjects (NT and HT). This strongly suggests that black NT- and HT-SS subjects have an underlying impairment in the activity of the renal dopaminergic system which may be associated with a reduced decarboxylation of dopa into DA.

Salt-Induced Hypertension in a Mouse Model of Liddle's Syndrome is Mediated by Epithelial Sodium Channels in the Brain

PubMed Central

Van Huysse, James W.; Amin, Md. Shahrier; Yang, Baoli; Leenen, Frans H. H.

2012-01-01

Neural precursor cell expressed and developmentally downregulated 4-2 protein (Nedd4-2) facilitates the endocytosis of epithelial Na channels (ENaC). Both mice and humans with a loss of regulation of ENaC by Nedd4-2 have salt-induced hypertension. ENaC is also expressed in the brain, where it is critical for hypertension on high salt diet in salt-sensitive rats. In the present studies we assessed whether Nedd4-2 knockout (−/−) mice have: 1) increased brain ENaC; 2) elevated CSF sodium on high salt diet; and 3) enhanced pressor responses to CSF sodium and hypertension on high salt diet, both mediated by brain ENaC. Prominent choroid plexus and neuronal ENaC staining was present in −/− but not in wild-type (W/T) mice. In chronically instrumented mice, intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of Na-rich aCSF increased MAP 3-fold higher in −/− than W/T. Icv infusion of the ENaC blocker benzamil abolished this enhancement. In telemetered −/− mice on high salt diet (8% NaCl), CSF [Na+], MAP and HR increased significantly, MAP by 30-35 mmHg. These MAP and HR responses were largely prevented by icv benzamil, but only to a minor extent by sc benzamil at the icv rate. We conclude that increased ENaC expression in the brain of Nedd 4-2 −/− mice mediates their hypertensive response to high salt diet, by causing increased sodium levels in the CSF as well as hyper-responsiveness to CSF sodium. These findings highlight the possible causative contribution of CNS ENaC in the etiology of salt-induced hypertension. PMID:22802227

ET-1 increases reactive oxygen species following hypoxia and high-salt diet in the mouse glomerulus.

PubMed

Heimlich, J B; Speed, J S; Bloom, C J; O'Connor, P M; Pollock, J S; Pollock, D M

2015-03-01

This study was designed to determine whether ET-1 derived from endothelial cells contributes to oxidative stress in the glomerulus of mice subjected to a high-salt diet and/or hypoxia. C57BL6/J control mice or vascular endothelial cell ET-1 knockout (VEET KO) mice were subjected to 3-h exposure to hypoxia (8% O₂) and/or 2 weeks of high-salt diet (4% NaCl) prior to metabolic cage assessment of renal function and isolation of glomeruli for the determination of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In control mice, hypoxia significantly increased urinary protein excretion during the initial 24 h, but only in animals on a high-salt diet. Hypoxia increased glomerular ET-1 mRNA expression in control, but not in vascular endothelial cell ET-1 knockout (VEET KO) mice. Under normoxic conditions, mice on a high-salt diet had approx. 150% higher glomerular ET-1 mRNA expression compared with a normal-salt diet (P < 0.05). High-salt diet administration significantly increased glomerular ROS production in flox control, but not in glomeruli isolated from VEET KO mice. In C57BL6/J mice, the ETA receptor-selective antagonist, ABT-627, significantly attenuated the increase in glomerular ROS production produced by high-salt diet. In addition, chronic infusion of C57BL6/J mice with a subpressor dose of ET-1 (osmotic pumps) significantly increased the levels of glomerular ROS that were prevented by ETA antagonist treatment. These data suggest that both hypoxia and a high-salt diet increase glomerular ROS production via endothelial-derived ET-1-ETA receptor activation and provide a potential mechanism for ET-1-induced nephropathy. © 2014 Scandinavian Physiological Society. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Doxycycline delivery from PLGA microspheres prepared by a modified solvent removal method.

PubMed

Patel, Roshni S; Cho, Daniel Y; Tian, Cheng; Chang, Amy; Estrellas, Kenneth M; Lavin, Danya; Furtado, Stacia; Mathiowitz, Edith

2012-01-01

We report on the development of a modified solvent removal method for the encapsulation of hydrophilic drugs within poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Using a water/oil/oil double emulsion, hydrophilic doxycycline was encapsulated within PLGA spheres with particle diameters ranging from approximately 600 nm to 19 µm. Encapsulation efficiencies of up to 74% were achieved for theoretical loadings from 1% to 10% (w/w), with biphasic release over 85 days with nearly complete release at the end of this time course. About 1% salt was added to the formulations to examine its effects on doxycycline release; salt modulated release only by increasing the magnitude of initial release without altering kinetics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated no characteristic differences between doxycycline-loaded and control spheres. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction suggest that there may be a molecular dispersion of the doxycycline within the spheres and the doxycycline may be in an amorphous state, which could explain the slow, prolonged release of the drug.

Frictional properties of the end-grafted polymer layer in presence of salt solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raftari, Maryam; Zhang, Zhenyu; Leggett, Graham J.; Geoghegan, Mark

2012-02-01

We have studied the frictional behaviour of grafted poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA) films using friction force microscopy (FFM). The films were prepared on native oxide-terminated silicon substrates using the technique of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). These brushes had constant grafting density (1.18 nm2), and of a thickness of ˜66 nm, as measured by ellipsometry. We show that single asperity contact mechanics (Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) and Derjaguin-M"uller-Toporov (DMT) models) as well as a linear (Amontons) relation between applied load and frictional load all apply to these systems depending on the concentration of salt and the nature of the FFM probe. Measurements were made using gold-coating and polymer functionalized silicon nitride triangular probes. Polymer functionalized probe included growth the PDMAEMA with same method on tips. The frictional behaviour are investigated between PDMAEMA and gold coated and PDMAEMA tips immersed in different concentrations of KCl, KBr and KI.

Prevention of salt induced hypertension and fibrosis by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in Dahl S rats

PubMed Central

Liang, B; Leenen, F H H

2007-01-01

Background and purpose: In Dahl S rats, high salt increases activity of the tissue renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the CNS, heart and kidneys. Here, we assessed the effects of chronic angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition on salt-induced hypertension and cardiovascular and renal hypertrophy and fibrosis, relative to the extent of ACE blockade. Experimental approach: From 4.5 weeks of age, Dahl S rats received either the lipophilic ACE inhibitor trandolapril (1 or 5 mg kg-1 day-1) or the hydrophilic ACE inhibitor lisinopril (10 or 50 mg kg-1 day-1) and a high salt diet was started 0.5 week later. Treatments ended at 9 weeks of age. Key results: High salt diet markedly increased blood pressure (BP), decreased plasma angiotensin II and increased ACE binding densities in brain, heart, aorta and kidneys. Trandolapril and lisinopril prevented 50% of the increase in BP in light and dark period of the day. After the last doses, trandolapril decreased ACE densities by ∼80% in brain nuclei and heart and lisinopril by ∼60% in the brain and by ∼70% in the heart. The two ACE inhibitors prevented right ventricular hypertrophy and attenuated left ventricular hypertrophy but did not affect renal hypertrophy caused by high salt. Both drugs prevented high salt-induced fibrosis in heart, kidney and aorta. Conclusion and implication: As the ACE inhibitors could completely prevent tissue fibrosis and partially prevent tissue hypertrophy and hypertension, the tissue RAAS may play a critical role in salt-induced fibrosis, but a lesser role in the hypertrophy. PMID:17906684

INCREASED RENAL OXIDATIVE STRESS IN SALT-SENSITIVE HUMAN GRK4γ486V TRANSGENIC MICE

PubMed Central

Diao, Zhenyu; Asico, Laureano D.; Villar, Van Anthony M.; Zheng, Xiaoxu; Cuevas, Santiago; Armando, Ines; Jose, Pedro A.; Wang, Xiaoyan

2017-01-01

We tested the hypothesis that salt-sensitive hypertension is caused by renal oxidative stress by measuring the blood pressure and reactive oxygen species-related proteins in the kidneys of human G protein-coupled receptor kinase 4γ (hGRK4γ) 486V transgenic mice and non-transgenic (Non-T) littermates on normal and high salt diets. High salt diet increased the blood pressure, associated with impaired sodium excretion, in hGRK4γ486V mice. Renal expressions of NOX isoforms were similar in both strains on normal salt diet but NOX2 was decreased by high salt diet to a greater extent in Non-T than hGRK4γ486V mice. Renal HO-2, but not HO-1, protein was greater in hGRK4γ486V than Non-T mice on normal salt diet and normalized by high salt diet. On normal salt diet, renal CuZnSOD and ECSOD proteins were similar but renal MnSOD was lower in hGRK4γ486V than Non-T mice and remained low on high salt diet. High salt diet decreased renal CuZnSOD in hGRK4γ486V but not Non-T mice and decreased renal ECSOD to a greater extent in hGRK4γ486V than Non-T mice. Renal SOD activity, superoxide production, and NOS3 protein were similar in two strains on normal salt diet. However, high salt diet decreased SOD activity and NOS3 protein and increased superoxide production in hGRK4γ486V mice but not in Non-T mice. High salt diet also increased urinary 8-isoprostane and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine to a greater extent in hGRK4γ486V than Non-T mice. hGRK4γwild-type mice were normotensive and hGRK4γ142V mice were hypertensive but both were salt-resistant and in normal redox balance. Chronic tempol treatment partially prevented the salt-sensitivity of hGRK4γ486V mice. Thus, hGRK4γ486V causes salt-sensitive hypertension due, in part, to defective renal antioxidant mechanisms. PMID:28189851

Chronic Blockade of Brain Endothelin Receptor Type-A (ETA) Reduces Blood Pressure and Prevents Catecholaminergic Overactivity in the Right Olfactory Bulb of DOCA-Salt Hypertensive Rats.

PubMed

Cassinotti, Luis R; Guil, María J; Schöller, Mercedes I; Navarro, Mónica P; Bianciotti, Liliana G; Vatta, Marcelo S

2018-02-27

Overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system and central endothelins (ETs) are involved in the development of hypertension. Besides the well-known brain structures involved in the regulation of blood pressure like the hypothalamus or locus coeruleus, evidence suggests that the olfactory bulb (OB) also modulates cardiovascular function. In the present study, we evaluated the interaction between the endothelinergic and catecholaminergic systems in the OB of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats. Following brain ET receptor type A (ET A ) blockade by BQ610 (selective antagonist), transcriptional, traductional, and post-traductional changes in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were assessed in the OB of normotensive and DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Time course variations in systolic blood pressure and heart rate were also registered. Results showed that ET A blockade dose dependently reduced blood pressure in hypertensive rats, but it did not change heart rate. It also prevented the increase in TH activity and expression (mRNA and protein) in the right OB of hypertensive animals. However, ET A blockade did not affect hemodynamics or TH in normotensive animals. Present results support that brain ET A are not involved in blood pressure regulation in normal rats, but they significantly contribute to chronic blood pressure elevation in hypertensive animals. Changes in TH activity and expression were observed in the right but not in the left OB, supporting functional asymmetry, in line with previous studies regarding cardiovascular regulation. Present findings provide further evidence on the role of ETs in the regulation of catecholaminergic activity and the contribution of the right OB to DOCA-salt hypertension.

Renal Dysfunction Induced by Kidney-Specific Gene Deletion of Hsd11b2 as a Primary Cause of Salt-Dependent Hypertension.

PubMed

Ueda, Kohei; Nishimoto, Mitsuhiro; Hirohama, Daigoro; Ayuzawa, Nobuhiro; Kawarazaki, Wakako; Watanabe, Atsushi; Shimosawa, Tatsuo; Loffing, Johannes; Zhang, Ming-Zhi; Marumo, Takeshi; Fujita, Toshiro

2017-07-01

Genome-wide analysis of renal sodium-transporting system has identified specific variations of Mendelian hypertensive disorders, including HSD11B2 gene variants in apparent mineralocorticoid excess. However, these genetic variations in extrarenal tissue can be involved in developing hypertension, as demonstrated in former studies using global and brain-specific Hsd11b2 knockout rodents. To re-examine the importance of renal dysfunction on developing hypertension, we generated kidney-specific Hsd11b2 knockout mice. The knockout mice exhibited systemic hypertension, which was abolished by reducing salt intake, suggesting its salt-dependency. In addition, we detected an increase in renal membrane expressions of cleaved epithelial sodium channel-α and T53-phosphorylated Na + -Cl - cotransporter in the knockout mice. Acute intraperitoneal administration of amiloride-induced natriuresis and increased urinary sodium/potassium ratio more in the knockout mice compared with those in the wild-type control mice. Chronic administration of amiloride and high-KCl diet significantly decreased mean blood pressure in the knockout mice, which was accompanied with the correction of hypokalemia and the resultant decrease in Na + -Cl - cotransporter phosphorylation. Accordingly, a Na + -Cl - cotransporter blocker hydrochlorothiazide significantly decreased mean blood pressure in the knockout mice. Chronic administration of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone significantly decreased mean blood pressure of the knockout mice along with downregulation of cleaved epithelial sodium channel-α and phosphorylated Na + -Cl - cotransporter expression in the knockout kidney. Our data suggest that kidney-specific deficiency of 11β-HSD2 leads to salt-dependent hypertension, which is attributed to mineralocorticoid receptor-epithelial sodium channel-Na + -Cl - cotransporter activation in the kidney, and provides evidence that renal dysfunction is essential for developing the phenotype of apparent mineralocorticoid excess. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Teicoplanin-loaded borate bioactive glass implants for treating chronic bone infection in a rabbit tibia osteomyelitis model.

PubMed

Zhang, Xin; Jia, Weitao; Gu, Yifei; Xiao, Wei; Liu, Xin; Wang, Deping; Zhang, Changqing; Huang, Wenhai; Rahaman, Mohamed N; Day, Delbert E; Zhou, Nai

2010-08-01

The treatment of chronic osteomyelitis (bone infection) remains a clinical challenge. In this work, pellets composed of a chitosan-bonded mixture of borate bioactive glass particles (<50microm) and teicoplanin powder (antibiotic), were evaluated in vitro and in vivo for treating chronic osteomyelitis induced by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a rabbit model. When immersed in phosphate-buffered saline, the pellets showed sustained release of teicoplanin over 20-30 days, while the bioactive glass converted to hydroxyapatite (HA) within 7 days, eventually forming a porous HA structure. Implantation of the teicoplanin-loaded pellets in a rabbit tibia osteomyelitis model resulted in the detection of teicoplanin in the blood for about 9 days. The implants converted to a bone-like HA graft, and supported the ingrowth of new bone into the tibia defects within 12 weeks of implantation. Microbiological, histological and scanning electron microscopy techniques showed that the implants provided a cure for the bone infection. The results indicate that the teicoplanin-loaded borate bioactive glass implant, combining sustained drug release with the ability to support new bone ingrowth, could provide a method for treating chronic osteomyelitis. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The corrosion protection of AA2024-T3 aluminium alloy by leaching of lithium-containing salts from organic coatings.

PubMed

Visser, Peter; Liu, Yanwen; Zhou, Xiaorong; Hashimoto, Teruo; Thompson, George E; Lyon, Stuart B; van der Ven, Leendert G J; Mol, Arjan J M C; Terryn, Herman A

2015-01-01

Lithium carbonate and lithium oxalate were incorporated as leachable corrosion inhibitors in model organic coatings for the protection of AA2024-T3. The coated samples were artificially damaged with a scribe. It was found that the lithium-salts are able to leach from the organic coating and form a protective layer in the scribe on AA2024-T3 under neutral salt spray conditions. The present paper shows the first observation and analysis of these corrosion protective layers, generated from lithium-salt loaded organic coatings. The scribed areas were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy before and after neutral salt spray exposure (ASTM-B117). The protective layers typically consist of three different layered regions, including a relatively dense layer near the alloy substrate, a porous middle layer and a flake-shaped outer layer, with lithium uniformly distributed throughout all three layers. Scanning electron microscopy and white light interferometry surface roughness measurements demonstrate that the formation of the layer occurs rapidly and, therefore provides an effective inhibition mechanism. Based on the observation of this work, a mechanism is proposed for the formation of these protective layers.

A Mathematical Relationship for Hydromorphone Loading into Liposomes with Trans-Membrane Ammonium Sulfate Gradients

PubMed Central

TU, SHENG; MCGINNIS, TAMARA; KRUGNER-HIGBY, LISA; HEATH, TIMOTHY D.

2014-01-01

We have studied the loading of the opioid hydromorphone into liposomes using ammonium sulfate gradients. Unlike other drugs loaded with this technique, hydromorphone is freely soluble as the sulfate salt, and, consequently, does not precipitate in the liposomes after loading. We have derived a mathematical relationship that can predict the extent of loading based on the ammonium ion content of the liposomes and the amount of drug added for loading. We have adapted and used the Berthelot indophenol assay to measure the amount of ammonium ions in the liposomes. Plots of the inverse of the fraction of hydromorphone loaded versus the amount of hydromorphone added are linear, and the slope should be the inverse of the amount of ammonium ions present in the liposomes. The inverse of the slopes obtained closely correspond to the amount of ammonium ions in the liposomes measured with the Berthelot indophenol assay. We also show that loading can be less than optimal under conditions where osmotically driven loss of ammonium ions or leakage of drug after loading may occur. PMID:20014429

A mathematical relationship for hydromorphone loading into liposomes with trans-membrane ammonium sulfate gradients.

PubMed

Tu, Sheng; McGinnis, Tamara; Krugner-Higby, Lisa; Heath, Timothy D

2010-06-01

We have studied the loading of the opioid hydromorphone into liposomes using ammonium sulfate gradients. Unlike other drugs loaded with this technique, hydromorphone is freely soluble as the sulfate salt, and, consequently, does not precipitate in the liposomes after loading. We have derived a mathematical relationship that can predict the extent of loading based on the ammonium ion content of the liposomes and the amount of drug added for loading. We have adapted and used the Berthelot indophenol assay to measure the amount of ammonium ions in the liposomes. Plots of the inverse of the fraction of hydromorphone loaded versus the amount of hydromorphone added are linear, and the slope should be the inverse of the amount of ammonium ions present in the liposomes. The inverse of the slopes obtained closely correspond to the amount of ammonium ions in the liposomes measured with the Berthelot indophenol assay. We also show that loading can be less than optimal under conditions where osmotically driven loss of ammonium ions or leakage of drug after loading may occur. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association

Reduced head steadiness in whiplash compared with non-traumatic neck pain.

PubMed

Woodhouse, Astrid; Liljebäck, Pål; Vasseljen, Ottar

2010-01-01

While sensorimotor alterations have been observed in patients with neck pain, it is uncertain whether such changes distinguish whiplash-associated disorders from chronic neck pain without trauma. The aim of this study was to investigate head steadiness during isometric neck flexion in subjects with chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WAD), those with chronic non-traumatic neck pain and healthy subjects. Associations with fatigue and effects of pain and dizziness were also investigated. Head steadiness in terms of head motion velocity was compared in subjects with whiplash (n=59), non-traumatic neck pain (n=57) and healthy controls (n=57) during 2 40-s isometric neck flexion tests; a high load test and a low load test. Increased velocity was expected to reflect decreased head steadiness. The whiplash group showed significantly decreased head steadiness in the low load task compared with the other 2 groups. The difference was explained largely by severe levels of neck pain and dizziness. No group differences in head steadiness were found in the high load task. Reduced head steadiness during an isometric holding test was observed in a group of patients with whiplash-associated disorders. Decreased head steadiness was related to severe pain and dizziness.

Influence of periostin-positive cell-specific Klf5 deletion on aortic thickening in DOCA-salt hypertensive mice.

PubMed

Zempo, Hirofumi; Suzuki, Jun-Ichi; Ogawa, Masahito; Watanabe, Ryo; Fujiu, Katsuhito; Manabe, Ichiro; Conway, Simon J; Taniyama, Yoshiaki; Morishita, Ryuichi; Hirata, Yasunobu; Isobe, Mitsuaki; Nagai, Ryozo

2016-11-01

Chronic hypertension causes vascular remodeling that is associated with an increase in periostin- (postn) positive cells, including fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. Krüppel-like factor (KLF) 5, a transcription factor, is also observed in vascular remodeling; however, it is unknown what role KLF5 plays in postn-positive cells during vascular remodeling induced by deoxycorticosterone-acetate (DOCA) salt. We used postn-positive cell-specific Klf5-deficient mice (Klf5 Postn KO: Klf5 flox/flox ; Postn Cre/- ) and wild-type mice (WT: Klf5 flox/flox ; Postn -/- ). We implanted a DOCA pellet and provided drinking water containing 0.9% NaCl for 8 weeks. The DOCA-salt treatment induced hypertension in both genotypes, as observed by increases in systolic blood pressure. In WT animals, DOCA-salt treatment increased the aortic medial area compared with the non-treated controls. Similarly, Tgfb1 was overexpressed in the aortas of the DOCA-salt treated WT mice compared with the controls. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP1) + -α smooth muscle actin (αSMA) + myofibroblasts exist in the medial area of the WT aortas after DOCA-salt intervention. Importantly, these changes were not observed in the Klf5 Postn KO animals. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the presence of KLF5 in postn-positive cells contributes to the pathogenesis of aortic thickening induced by DOCA-salt hypertension.

Notes from the CKD kitchen: a variety of salt-free seasonings.

PubMed

Sunwold, Duane

2007-05-01

One of the challenges with renal diets is how to make flavorful food while maintaining the low sodium restrictions. I have found three spice companies that have created seasoning mixtures using a mixture of herbs that do not add sodium or potassium chloride in their flavors. The recipe Ginger Roasted Chicken with an Asian Slaw is an example of how you can use three different salt-free seasonings to create a flavorful meal. I know from personal experience that I feel better, have more energy, and sleep better if I restrict my sodium intake. It is easy to stop using the salt shaker and replace the garlic salt and onion salt with garlic powder and onion powder in the kitchen. It takes a dedicated shopper to find the hidden sodium in foods. I find myself reading more and more labels in the aisles of the grocery store before I put any foods in my grocery cart. I also find myself studying the spice selections looking for salt-free seasonings. Mrs. Dash is great and very popular, but there must be more options for us patients with chronic kidney disease. After doing some culinary research, I was pleased to find a much larger section of salt-free seasonings than I expected. I have listed a few of the seasoning combinations below and a table of three major spice companies along with their contact information for purchasing their products.

Stereoselectivity in ene reactions with 1O2: matrix effects in polymer supports, photo-oxygenation of organic salts and asymmetric synthesis.

PubMed

Griesbeck, Axel G; Bartoschek, Anna; Neudörfl, Jörg; Miara, Claus

2006-01-01

The ene reaction of chiral allylic alcohols is applied as a tool for the investigation of intrapolymer effects by means of the stereoselectivity of the singlet-oxygen addition. The diastereo selectivity strongly depends on the structure of the polymer, the substrate loading degree and also on the degree of conversion demonstrating additional supramolecular effects evolving during the reaction. The efficiency and the stability of polymer-bound sensitizers were evaluated by the ene reaction of singlet oxygen with citronellol. The ene reaction with chiral ammonium salts of tiglic acid was conducted under solution phase conditions or in polystyrene beads under chiral contact ion-pair conditions. The products thus obtained precipitate during the photoreaction as ammonium salts. Moderate asymmetric induction was observed for this procedure for the first time.

Genetic Response of Rat Supraspinatus Tendon and Muscle to Exercise

PubMed Central

Rooney, Sarah Ilkhanipour; Tobias, John W.; Bhatt, Pankti R.; Kuntz, Andrew F.; Soslowsky, Louis J.

2015-01-01

Inflammation is a complex, biologic event that aims to protect and repair tissue. Previous studies suggest that inflammation is critical to induce a healing response following acute injury; however, whether similar inflammatory responses occur as a result of beneficial, non-injurious loading is unknown. The objective of this study was to screen for alterations in a subset of inflammatory and extracellular matrix genes to identify the responses of rat supraspinatus tendon and muscle to a known, non-injurious loading condition. We sought to define how a subset of genes representative of specific inflammation and matrix turnover pathways is altered in supraspinatus tendon and muscle 1) acutely following a single loading bout and 2) chronically following repeated loading bouts. In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats in the acute group ran a single bout of non-injurious exercise on a flat treadmill (10 m/min, 1 hour) and were sacrificed 12 or 24 hours after. Rats in the chronic group ran 5 days/wk for 1 or 8 weeks. A control group maintained normal cage activity. Supraspinatus muscle and tendon were harvested for RNA extractions, and a custom Panomics QuantiGene 2.0 multiplex assay was used to detect 48 target and 3 housekeeping genes. Muscle/tendon and acute/chronic groups had distinct gene expression. Components of the arachidonic acid cascade and matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors were altered with acute and chronic exercise. Collagen expression increased. Using a previously validated model of non-injurious exercise, we have shown that supraspinatus tendon and muscle respond to acute and chronic exercise by regulating inflammatory- and matrix turnover-related genes, suggesting that these pathways are involved in the beneficial adaptations to exercise. PMID:26447778

Salt tolerant plants increase nitrogen removal from biofiltration systems affected by saline stormwater.

PubMed

Szota, Christopher; Farrell, Claire; Livesley, Stephen J; Fletcher, Tim D

2015-10-15

Biofiltration systems are used in urban areas to reduce the concentration and load of nutrient pollutants and heavy metals entering waterways through stormwater runoff. Biofilters can, however be exposed to salt water, through intrusion of seawater in coastal areas which could decrease their ability to intercept and retain pollutants. We measured the effect of adding saline stormwater on pollutant removal by six monocotyledonous species with different levels of salt-tolerance. Carex appressa, Carex bichenoviana, Ficinia nodosa, Gahnia filum, Juncus kraussii and Juncus usitatus were exposed to six concentrations of saline stormwater, equivalent to electrical conductivity readings of: 0.09, 2.3, 5.5, 10.4, 20.0 and 37.6 mS cm(-1). Salt-sensitive species: C. appressa, C. bichenoviana and J. usitatus did not survive ≥10.4 mS cm(-1), removing their ability to take up nitrogen (N). Salt-tolerant species, such as F. nodosa and J. kraussii, maintained N-removal even at the highest salt concentration. However, their levels of water stress and stomatal conductance suggest that N-removal would not be sustained at concentrations ≥10.4 mS cm(-1). Increasing salt concentration indirectly increased phosphorus (P) removal, by converting dissolved forms of P to particulate forms which were retained by filter media. Salt concentrations ≥10 mS cm(-1) also reduced removal efficiency of zinc, manganese and cadmium, but increased removal of iron and lead, regardless of plant species. Our results suggest that biofiltration systems exposed to saline stormwater ≤10 mS cm(-1) can only maintain N-removal when planted with salt-tolerant species, while P removal and immobilisation of heavy metals is less affected by species selection. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of chronic low back pain, age and gender on vertical spinal creep.

PubMed

Kanlayanaphotporn, R; Trott, P; Williams, M; Fulton, I

2003-05-15

This study investigated the effect of chronic low back pain, age, gender, and time of measurement on the magnitude of vertical spinal creep (VSC) and its recovery. A mixed design, involving three independent variables (chronic low back pain, age, and gender) and one repeated variable (time), was used. One hundred and six subjects of both genders, with and without chronic low back pain, aged between 20 and 60 years, participated in the study. The measurement of VSC and its recovery was performed using a seated stadiometer that allowed continuous measurement of VSC without changing the subject's posture over 25 min. Unloaded VSC was measured during the initial 5 min, followed by 10 min with an additional load of 15% of the subject's body weight and then for a further 10 min after the removal of the load. Subjects were grouped into one of eight categories according to the presence of chronic low back pain, age (20-39 years or 40-60 years) and gender. Repeated measures analysis of variance was computed. A significant increase in VSC with time of measurement was observed (p<0.001). No significant main effects for chronic low back pain, age, or gender were found at any time during the 25-min VSC testing protocol. Significant interactions were found between age and gender during the loaded (p=0.02) and unloaded (p=0.02) phases. A significant interaction was found between chronic low back pain and gender at the end of the unloaded phase (p=0.04). These findings suggest a combined influence of chronic low back pain, age, and gender on VSC and its recovery and that the dominance of each variable changed with the time of the measurement. Thus, subjects who differ in the presence of chronic low back pain, age, and gender should not be combined for statistical analysis of VSC and its recovery.

Improving molten fluoride salt and Xe135 barrier property of nuclear graphite by phenolic resin impregnation process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Zhao; Lian, Pengfei; Song, Yan; Liu, Zhanjun; Song, Jinliang; Zhang, Junpeng; Feng, Jing; Yan, Xi; Guo, Quangui

2018-02-01

A densification process has been conducted on isostatic graphite (IG-110, TOYO TANSO CO., Ltd., Japan) by impregnating phenolic resin to get the densified isostatic graphite (D-IG-110) with pore diameter of nearly 11 nm specifically for molten salt reactor application. The microstructure, mechanical, thermophysical and other properties of graphite were systematically investigated and compared before and after the densification process. The molten fluoride salt and Xe135 penetration in the graphite were evaluated in a high-pressure reactor and a vacuum device, respectively. Results indicated that D-IG-110 exhibited improved properties including infiltration resistance to molten fluoride salt and Xe135 as compared to IG-110 due to its low porosity of 2.8%, the average pore diameter of 11 nm and even smaller open pores on the surface of the graphite. The fluoride salt infiltration amount of IG-110 was 13.5 wt% under 1.5 atm and tended to be saturated under 3 atm with the fluoride salt occupation of 14.8 wt%. As to the D-IG-110, no salts could be detected even up to 10 atm attempted loading. The helium diffusion coefficient of D-IG-110 was 6.92 × 10-8 cm2/s, significantly less than 1.21 × 10-2 cm2/s of IG-110. If these as-produced properties for impregnated D-IG-110 could be retained during MSR operation, the material could prove effective at inhibiting molten fluoride salt and Xe135 inventories in the graphite.

Sodium- and phosphorus-based food additives: persistent but surmountable hurdles in the management of nutrition in chronic kidney disease.

PubMed

Gutiérrez, Orlando M

2013-03-01

Sodium- and phosphorus-based food additives are among the most commonly consumed nutrients in the world. This is because both have diverse applications in processed food manufacturing, leading to their widespread use by the food industry. Since most foods are naturally low in salt, sodium additives almost completely account for the excessive consumption of sodium throughout the world. Similarly, phosphorus additives represent a major and "hidden" phosphorus load in modern diets. These factors pose a major barrier to successfully lowering sodium or phosphorus intake in patients with CKD. As such, any serious effort to reduce sodium or phosphorus consumption will require reductions in the use of these additives by the food industry. The current regulatory environment governing the use of food additives does not favor this goal, however, in large part because these additives have historically been classified as generally safe for public consumption. To overcome these barriers, coordinated efforts will be needed to demonstrate that high intake of these additives is not safe for public consumption and as such should be subject to greater regulatory scrutiny. Copyright © 2013 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Interactive toxicity of major ion salts: Comparisons among species and between acute and chronic endpoints

EPA Science Inventory

Increased concentrations of major ions (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, SO4, HCO3) in freshwater systems can result from a variety of anthropogenic activities, and can adversely affect aquatic organisms if the increase is sufficiently severe. Laboratory tests have indicated that the toxicity...

Community-Level Effects of Excess Total Dissolved Solids Doses Using Model Streams

EPA Science Inventory

Model stream chronic dosing studies (42 days) were conducted with four different total dissolved solids (TDS) recipes. The recipes differed in their relative dominance of major ions. One was made from sodium and calcium chloride salts only. Another was similar to the first, but a...

[Use of natural physical factors in the rehabilitative treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases].

PubMed

Rassulova, M A; Razumov, A N; Aĭrapetova, N S

2007-01-01

The paper presents the results of using sylvinite speleotherapy, general salt baths and their combination in 120 patients with Stages I-II chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at a damped exacerbation and remission. It is shown that in the patients with this disease treated by the above procedures, the inflammatory process regresses, bronchial patency, central hemodynamics, exercise performance, and psychoemotional background improves and, during a long-term followup, the progression of the disease becomes slower, remissions prolong, exercise performance increases, and social adaptation improves.

Nongenomic Glucocorticoid Suppression of a Postsynaptic Potassium Current via Emergent Autocrine Endocannabinoid Signaling in Hypothalamic Neuroendocrine Cells following Chronic Dehydration

PubMed Central

Wu, Ning

2017-01-01

Glucocorticoids rapidly stimulate endocannabinoid synthesis and modulation of synaptic transmission in hypothalamic neuroendocrine cells via a nongenomic signaling mechanism. The endocannabinoid actions are synapse-constrained by astrocyte restriction of extracellular spatial domains. Exogenous cannabinoids have been shown to modulate postsynaptic potassium currents, including the A-type potassium current (IA), in different cell types. The activity of magnocellular neuroendocrine cells is shaped by a prominent IA. We tested for a rapid glucocorticoid modulation of the postsynaptic IK and IA in magnocellular neuroendocrine cells of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) using whole-cell recordings in rat brain slices. Application of the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (Dex) had no rapid effect on the IK or IA amplitude, voltage dependence, or kinetics in magnocellular neurons in slices from untreated rats. In magnocellular neurons from salt-loaded rats, however, Dex application caused a rapid suppression of the IA and a depolarizing shift in IA voltage dependence. Exogenously applied endocannabinoids mimicked the rapid Dex modulation of the IA, and CB1 receptor antagonists and agonists blocked and occluded the Dex-induced changes in the IA, respectively, suggesting an endocannabinoid dependence of the rapid glucocorticoid effect. Preincubation of control slices in a gliotoxin resulted in the partial recapitulation of the glucocorticoid-induced rapid suppression of the IA. These findings demonstrate a glucocorticoid suppression of the postsynaptic IA in PVN magnocellular neurons via an autocrine endocannabinoid-dependent mechanism following chronic dehydration, and suggest a possible role for astrocytes in the control of the autocrine endocannabinoid actions. PMID:28966975

The protective effect of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium as the gut microbiota members against chronic urticaria.

PubMed

Rezazadeh, Akram; Shahabi, Shahram; Bagheri, Morteza; Nabizadeh, Edris; Jazani, Nima Hosseini

2018-06-01

Chronic Urticaria is a common disorder which is defined by recurrent occurrence of wheals and sometimes angioedema. It has a notable influence on the patients' quality of life. Regulation of the immune system is one of the important roles of the gut microbiota. The effect of dysbiosis considering some members of gut microbiota in patients with chronic urticaria has been demonstrated in our previous study. Comparing the frequency and bacterial load of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides between patients with chronic urticaria and healthy controls. 20 patients with chronic urticaria and 20 age and sex matched healthy individuals were included in the present study. Stool samples were analyzed for determining the frequency and bacterial load of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides genera. There were no significant differences among the frequencies of detectable Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, or Bacteroides in stool samples of patients with chronic urticaria and healthy controls. The relative amounts of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were significantly higher in fecal samples from controls compared to patients with chronic urticaria (P = 0.038 and 0.039, respectively). It is the first study on the implication of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides genera as gut microbiota members in patients with chronic urticaria. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chronic stress and illness in children: the role of allostatic load.

PubMed

Johnston-Brooks, C H; Lewis, M A; Evans, G W; Whalen, C K

1998-01-01

Recent studies of stress have highlighted the contributions of chronic psychological and environmental stressors to health and well-being. Children may be especially vulnerable to the negative effects of chronic stressors. Allostasis, the body's ability to adapt and adjust to environmental demands, has been proposed as an explanatory mechanism for the stress-health link, yet empirical evidence is minimal. This study tested the proposition that allostasis may be an underlying physiological mechanism linking chronic stress to poor health outcomes in school-aged children. Specifically, we examined whether allostasis would mediate or moderate the link between chronic stress and health. To test the hypothesis that allostasis contributes to the relation between chronic stress and poor health, we examined household density as a chronic environmental stressor, cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) as a marker of allostatic load, and number of school absences due to illness as the health outcome in a sample of 81 boys. Structural equation modeling indicated that the mediating model fit the data well, accounting for 17% of the variance in days ill. Results provide the first evidence that CVR may mediate the relation between household density and medical illness in children. More generally, these findings support the role of allostasis as an underlying mechanism in the link between chronic stress and health.

Characterizing rapid capacity fade and impedance evolution in high rate pulsed discharged lithium iron phosphate cells for complex, high power loads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, Derek N.; Wetz, David A.; Heinzel, John M.; Mansour, Azzam N.

2016-10-01

Three 26650 LiFePO4 (LFP) cells are cycled using a 40 A pulsed charge/discharge profile to study their performance in high rate pulsed applications. This profile is used to simulate naval pulsed power loads planned for deployment aboard future vessels. The LFP cells studied experienced an exponential drop in their usable high-rate recharge capacity within sixty cycles due to a rapid rise in their internal resistance. Differential capacitance shows that the voltage window for charge storage is pushed outside of the recommended voltage cutoff limits. Investigation into the state of health of the electrodes shows minimal loss of active material from the cathode to side reactions. Post-mortem examination of the anodic surface films reveals a large increase in the concentration of reduced salt compounds indicating that the pulsed profile creates highly favorable conditions for LiPF6 salt to break down into LiF. This film slows the ionic movement at the interface, affecting transfer kinetics, resulting in charge buildup in the bulk anode without successful energy storage. The results indicate that the use of these cells as a power supply for high pulsed power loads is hindered because of ionically resistant film development and not by an increasing rate of active material loss.

Pretest reference calculation for the overtest for simulated defense high level waste (WIPP) Room B in situ experiment)

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

Morgan, H.S.; Stone, C.M.

A pretest reference calculation for the Overtest for Simulated Defense High-Level Waste (DHLW) or Room B experiment is presented in this report. The overtest is one of several large-scale, in-situ experiments currently under construction near Carlsbad, New Mexico at the site of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). Room B, a single isolated room in the underground salt formation, is to be subjected to a thermal load of approximately four times the areal heat output anticipated for a future repository with DHLW. The load will be supplied 3 years by canister heaters placed in the floor. Room B is heavilymore » instrumented for monitoring both temperature increases due to the thermal loading and deformations due to creep of the salt. Data from the experiment are not available at the present time, but the measurements will eventually be compared to the results presented to assess and improve thermal and mechanical modeling capabilities for the WIPP. The thermal/structural model used here represents the state of the art at the present time. A large number of plots are included since an appropriate result is presented for every Room B gauge location. 81 figs., 4 tabs.« less

Long-term patterns of chronic complaints of the arms, neck, and shoulders and their determinants--the Doetinchem Cohort Study.

PubMed

van Hulst, Rens; van Oostrom, Sandra H; Ostelo, Raymond W J G; Verschuren, W M Monique; Picavet, H Susan

2016-05-01

Complaints of the arms, neck, and shoulders (CANS) represent a major public health problem but the long-term course is largely unknown. Our objective was to explore the 15-year course of chronic CANS and its determinants in a population-based cohort. During 1993 to 2012, 3050 men and women aged 26 to 65 years at baseline were measured every 5 years, up to 4 times. Complaints of the arms, neck, and shoulders and sociodemographic, lifestyle, mental health, and physical load determinants were obtained by self-reported questionnaires and physical examinations. Information on chronic CANS was used to create patterns of the 15-year course: persistence, recovery, variable, no CANS, and the development of CANS. Only 47% were free of chronic CANS throughout the total 15-year period. The prevalence of other patterns was development (18.3%), persistence (8.5%), recovery (7.5%), and variable (18.7%). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, female gender, age 46 to 55 years, being not employed, former smoking, physical inactivity, an episode of CANS during the past 12 months, and high physical load in daily life (eg, often adopting awkward postures, frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling) were associated with the development of chronic CANS. Female gender, age 36 to 45 years, being not employed, and awkward postures in daily life were associated with persistent CANS. We conclude that chronic CANS represent a dynamic condition and affect the majority of the general population at least once in 15 years. Determinants associated with chronic CANS, especially physical load in daily life, can be used to develop preventive interventions and give guidance to treatment.

Salt craving: the psychobiology of pathogenic sodium intake.

PubMed

Morris, Michael J; Na, Elisa S; Johnson, Alan Kim

2008-08-06

Ionic sodium, obtained from dietary sources usually in the form of sodium chloride (NaCl, common table salt) is essential to physiological function, and in humans salt is generally regarded as highly palatable. This marriage of pleasant taste and physiological utility might appear fortunate--an appealing taste helps to ensure that such a vital substance is ingested. However, the powerful mechanisms governing sodium retention and sodium balance are unfortunately best adapted for an environment in which few humans still exist. Our physiological and behavioral means for maintaining body sodium and fluid homeostasis evolved in hot climates where sources of dietary sodium were scarce. For many reasons, contemporary diets are high in salt and daily sodium intakes are excessive. High sodium consumption can have pathological consequences. Although there are a number of obstacles to limiting salt ingestion, high sodium intake, like smoking, is a modifiable behavioral risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases. This review discusses the psychobiological mechanisms that promote and maintain excessive dietary sodium intake. Of particular importance are experience-dependent processes including the sensitization of the neural systems underlying sodium appetite and the effects of sodium balance on hedonic state and mood. Accumulating evidence suggests that plasticity within the central nervous system as a result of experience with high salt intake, sodium depletion, or a chronic unresolved sodium appetite fosters enduring changes in sodium related appetitive and consummatory behaviors.

Renal Tumor Necrosis Factor α Contributes to Hypertension in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats

PubMed Central

Huang, Baorui; Cheng, Yuan; Usa, Kristie; Liu, Yong; Baker, Maria Angeles; Mattson, David L.; He, Yongcheng; Wang, Niansong; Liang, Mingyu

2016-01-01

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) is a major proinflammatory cytokine and its level is elevated in hypertensive states. Inflammation occurs in the kidneys during the development of hypertension. We hypothesized that TNFα specifically in the kidney contributes to the development of hypertension and renal injury in Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats, a widely used model of human salt-sensitive hypertension and renal injury. SS rats were chronically instrumented for renal interstitial infusion and blood pressure measurement in conscious, freely moving state. Gene expression was measured using real-time PCR and renal injury assessed with histological analysis. The abundance of TNFα in the renal medulla of SS rats, but not the salt-insensitive congenic SS.13BN26 rats, was significantly increased when rats had been fed a high-salt diet for 7 days (n = 6 or 9, p < 0.01). The abundance of TNFα receptors in the renal medulla was significantly higher in SS rats than SS.13BN26 rats. Renal interstitial administration of Etanercept, an inhibitor of TNFα, significantly attenuated the development of hypertension in SS rats on a high-salt diet (n = 7–8, p < 0.05). Glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis were also significantly ameliorated. These findings indicate intrarenal TNFα contributes to the development of hypertension and renal injury in SS rats. PMID:26916681

Salt craving: The psychobiology of pathogenic sodium intake

PubMed Central

Morris, Michael J.; Na, Elisa S.; Johnson, Alan Kim

2008-01-01

Ionic sodium, obtained from dietary sources usually in the form of sodium chloride (NaCl, common table salt) is essential to physiological function, and in humans salt is generally regarded as highly palatable. This marriage of pleasant taste and physiological utility might appear fortunate – an appealing taste helps to ensure that such a vital substance is ingested. However, the powerful mechanisms governing sodium retention and sodium balance are unfortunately best adapted for an environment in which few humans still exist. Our physiological and behavioral means for maintaining body sodium and fluid homeostasis evolved in hot climates where sources of dietary sodium were scarce. For many reasons, contemporary diets are high in salt and daily sodium intakes are excessive. High sodium consumption can have pathological consequences. Although there are a number of obstacles to limiting salt ingestion, high sodium intake, like smoking, is a modifiable behavioral risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases. This review discusses the psychobiological mechanisms that promote and maintain excessive dietary sodium intake. Of particular importance are experience-dependent processes including the sensitization of the neural systems underlying sodium appetite and the effects of sodium balance on hedonic state and mood. Accumulating evidence suggests that plasticity within the central nervous system as a result of experience with high salt intake, sodium depletion, or a chronic unresolved sodium appetite fosters enduring changes in sodium related appetitive and consummatory behaviors. PMID:18514747

High V-PPase activity is beneficial under high salt loads, but detrimental without salinity.

PubMed

Graus, Dorothea; Konrad, Kai R; Bemm, Felix; Patir Nebioglu, Meliha Görkem; Lorey, Christian; Duscha, Kerstin; Güthoff, Tilman; Herrmann, Johannes; Ferjani, Ali; Cuin, Tracey Ann; Roelfsema, M Rob G; Schumacher, Karin; Neuhaus, H Ekkehard; Marten, Irene; Hedrich, Rainer

2018-06-25

The membrane-bound proton-pumping pyrophosphatase (V-PPase), together with the V-type H + -ATPase, generates the proton motive force that drives vacuolar membrane solute transport. Transgenic plants constitutively overexpressing V-PPases were shown to have improved salinity tolerance, but the relative impact of increasing PP i hydrolysis and proton-pumping functions has yet to be dissected. For a better understanding of the molecular processes underlying V-PPase-dependent salt tolerance, we transiently overexpressed the pyrophosphate-driven proton pump (NbVHP) in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and studied its functional properties in relation to salt treatment by primarily using patch-clamp, impalement electrodes and pH imaging. NbVHP overexpression led to higher vacuolar proton currents and vacuolar acidification. After 3 d in salt-untreated conditions, V-PPase-overexpressing leaves showed a drop in photosynthetic capacity, plasma membrane depolarization and eventual leaf necrosis. Salt, however, rescued NbVHP-hyperactive cells from cell death. Furthermore, a salt-induced rise in V-PPase but not of V-ATPase pump currents was detected in nontransformed plants. The results indicate that under normal growth conditions, plants need to regulate the V-PPase pump activity to avoid hyperactivity and its negative feedback on cell viability. Nonetheless, V-PPase proton pump function becomes increasingly important under salt stress for generating the pH gradient necessary for vacuolar proton-coupled Na + sequestration. © 2018 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2018 New Phytologist Trust.

Novel Mechanism for Buffering Dietary Salt in Humans

PubMed Central

Mäki-Petäjä, Kaisa M.; Pedro, Liliana; Bruggraber, Sylvaine F.A.; Burling, Keith; Goodhart, Anna K.; Brown, Morris J.; McEniery, Carmel M.; Wilkinson, Ian B.

2017-01-01

High dietary sodium intake triggers increased blood pressure (BP). Animal studies show that dietary salt loading results in dermal Na+ accumulation and lymphangiogenesis mediated by VEGF-C (vascular endothelial growth factor C), both attenuating the rise in BP. Our objective was to determine whether these mechanisms function in humans. We assessed skin electrolytes, BP, and plasma VEGF-C in 48 healthy participants randomized to placebo (70 mmol sodium/d) and slow sodium (200 mmol/d) for 7 days. Skin Na+ and K+ concentrations were measured in mg/g of wet tissue and expressed as the ratio Na+:K+ to correct for variability in sample hydration. Skin Na+:K+ increased between placebo and slow sodium phases (2.91±0.08 versus 3.12±0.09; P=0.01). In post hoc analysis, there was a suggestion of a sex-specific effect, with a significant increase in skin Na+:K+ in men (2.59±0.09 versus 2.88±0.12; P=0.008) but not women (3.23±0.10 versus 3.36±0.12; P=0.31). Women showed a significant increase in 24-hour mean BP with salt loading (93±1 versus 91±1 mm Hg; P<0.001) while men did not (96±2 versus 96±2 mm Hg; P=0.91). Skin Na+:K+ correlated with BP, stroke volume, and peripheral vascular resistance in men but not in women. No change was noted in plasma VEGF-C. These findings suggest that the skin may buffer dietary Na+, reducing the hemodynamic consequences of increased salt, and this may be influenced by sex. PMID:28974570

Salt Reductions in Some Foods in The Netherlands: Monitoring of Food Composition and Salt Intake

PubMed Central

Temme, Elisabeth H. M.; Hendriksen, Marieke A. H.; Milder, Ivon E. J.; Toxopeus, Ido B.; Westenbrink, Susanne; Brants, Henny A. M.; van der A, Daphne L.

2017-01-01

Background and objectives. High salt intake increases blood pressure and thereby the risk of chronic diseases. Food reformulation (or food product improvement) may lower the dietary intake of salt. This study describes the changes in salt contents of foods in the Dutch market over a five-year period (2011–2016) and differences in estimated salt intake over a 10-year period (2006–2015). Methods. To assess the salt contents of foods; we obtained recent data from chemical analyses and from food labels. Salt content of these foods in 2016 was compared to salt contents in the 2011 version Dutch Food Composition Database (NEVO, version 2011), and statistically tested with General Linear Models. To estimate the daily dietary salt intake in 2006, 2010, and 2015, men and women aged 19 to 70 years were recruited through random population sampling in Doetinchem, a small town located in a rural area in the eastern part of the Netherlands. The characteristics of the study population were in 2006: n = 317, mean age 49 years, 43% men, in 2010: n = 342, mean age 46 years, 45% men, and in 2015: n = 289, mean age 46 years, 47% men. Sodium and potassium excretion was measured in a single 24-h urine sample. All estimates were converted to a common metric: salt intake in grams per day by multiplication of sodium with a factor of 2.54. Results. In 2016 compared to 2011, the salt content in certain types of bread was on average 19 percent lower and certain types of sauce, soup, canned vegetables and legumes, and crisps had a 12 to 26 percent lower salt content. Salt content in other types of foods had not changed significantly. Between 2006, 2010 and 2015 the estimated salt intake among adults in Doetinchem remained unchanged. In 2015, the median estimated salt intake was 9.7 g per day for men and 7.4 g per day for women. As in 2006 and 2010, the estimated salt intake in 2015 exceeded the recommended maximum intake of 6 g per day set by the Dutch Health Council. Conclusion. In the Netherlands, the salt content of bread, certain sauces, soups, potato crisps, and processed legumes and vegetables have been reduced over the period 2011–2016. However, median salt intake in 2006 and 2015 remained well above the recommended intake of 6 g. PMID:28737692

Recent Enhancements to the NASA Langley Structural Acoustics Loads and Transmission (SALT) Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rizzi, Stephen A.; Cabell, Randolph H.; Allen, Albert R.

2013-01-01

The Structural Acoustics Loads and Transmission (SALT) facility at the NASA Langley Research Center is comprised of an anechoic room and a reverberant room, and may act as a transmission loss suite when test articles are mounted in a window connecting the two rooms. In the latter configuration, the reverberant room acts as the noise source side and the anechoic room as the receiver side. The noise generation system used for qualification testing in the reverberant room was previously shown to achieve a maximum overall sound pressure level of 141 dB. This is considered to be marginally adequate for generating sound pressure levels typically required for launch vehicle payload qualification testing. Recent enhancements to the noise generation system increased the maximum overall sound pressure level to 154 dB, through the use of two airstream modulators coupled to 35 Hz and 160 Hz horns. This paper documents the acoustic performance of the enhanced noise generation system for a variety of relevant test spectra. Additionally, it demonstrates the capability of the SALT facility to conduct transmission loss and absorption testing in accordance with ASTM and ISO standards, respectively. A few examples of test capabilities are shown and include transmission loss testing of simple unstiffened and built up structures and measurement of the diffuse field absorption coefficient of a fibrous acoustic blanket.

Highly Effective Pt-Based Water-Gas Shift Catalysts by Surface Modification with Alkali Hydroxide Salts

DOE PAGES

Kusche, Matthias; Bustillo, Karen; Agel, Friederike; ...

2015-01-29

Here, we describe an economical and convenient method to improve the performance of Pt/alumina catalysts for the water–gas shift reaction through surface modification of the catalysts with alkali hydroxides according to the solid catalyst with ionic liquid layer approach. The results are in agreement with our findings reported earlier for methanol steam reforming. This report indicates that alkali doping of the catalyst plays an important role in the observed catalyst activation. In addition, the basic and hygroscopic nature of the salt coating contributes to a significant improvement in the performance of the catalyst. During the reaction, a partly liquid filmmore » of alkali hydroxide forms on the alumina surface, which increases the availability of H 2O at the catalytically active sites. Kinetic studies reveal a negligible effect of the KOH coating on the rate dependence of CO and H 2O partial pressures. In conclusion, TEM studies indicate an agglomeration of the active Pt clusters during catalyst preparation; restructuring of Pt nanoparticles occurs under reaction conditions, which leads to a highly active and stable system over 240h time on stream. Excessive pore fillings with KOH introduce a mass transfer barrier as indicated in a volcano-shaped curve of activity versus salt loading. The optimum KOH loading was found to be 7.5wt%.« less

Case report: Improvement in dissociative symptoms with mixed amphetamine salts.

PubMed

Scarella, Timothy M; Franzen, Jamie R

2017-01-01

Symptoms of dissociation, including dissociative amnesia, depersonalization, and derealization, commonly develop in individuals subject to chronic and repeated trauma during development. This includes the trauma of environmental inability to facilitate development of adequate cognitive strategies for coping with strong negative emotions. Dissociation likely involves dysregulated balance of prefrontal inhibition of limbic structures and inadequate regulation of attentional bias by both prefrontal and limbic systems. There is currently no established psychopharmacologic treatment for dissociative symptoms. Here the case of a woman with severe dissociative symptoms that were markedly improved with the administration of mixed amphetamine salts is discussed. Potential neurobiologic mechanisms for dissociative symptom improvement with psychostimulants are discussed.

Kinetic studies of the stress corrosion cracking of D6AC steel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noronha, P. J.

1975-01-01

The effect of load interactions on the crack growth velocity of D6AC steel under stress corrosion cracking conditions was determined. The environment was a 3.5 percent salt solution. The modified-wedge opening load specimens were fatigue precracked and subjected to a deadweight loading in creep machines. The effects of load shedding on incubation times and crack growth rates were measured using high-sensitivity compliance measurement techniques. Load shedding results in an incubation time, the length of which depends on the amount of load shed and the baseline stress intensity. The sequence of unloading the specimen also controls the subsequent incubation period. The incubation period is shorter when load shedding passes through zero load than when it does not if the specimen initially had the same baseline stress intensity. The crack growth rates following the incubation period are also different from the steady-state crack growth rate at the operating stress intensity. These data show that the susceptibility of this alloy system to stress corrosion cracking depends on the plane-strain fracture toughness and on the yield strength of the material.

Systematic interpolation method predicts protein chromatographic elution with salt gradients, pH gradients and combined salt/pH gradients.

PubMed

Creasy, Arch; Barker, Gregory; Carta, Giorgio

2017-03-01

A methodology is presented to predict protein elution behavior from an ion exchange column using both individual or combined pH and salt gradients based on high-throughput batch isotherm data. The buffer compositions are first optimized to generate linear pH gradients from pH 5.5 to 7 with defined concentrations of sodium chloride. Next, high-throughput batch isotherm data are collected for a monoclonal antibody on the cation exchange resin POROS XS over a range of protein concentrations, salt concentrations, and solution pH. Finally, a previously developed empirical interpolation (EI) method is extended to describe protein binding as a function of the protein and salt concentration and solution pH without using an explicit isotherm model. The interpolated isotherm data are then used with a lumped kinetic model to predict the protein elution behavior. Experimental results obtained for laboratory scale columns show excellent agreement with the predicted elution curves for both individual or combined pH and salt gradients at protein loads up to 45 mg/mL of column. Numerical studies show that the model predictions are robust as long as the isotherm data cover the range of mobile phase compositions where the protein actually elutes from the column. Copyright © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Influence of aldosterone and salt or ouabain in a10 rat aorta smooth muscle cells.

PubMed

Schwerdt, Gerald; Frisch, Annett; Mildenberger, Sigrid; Hilgenfeld, Tim; Grossmann, Claudia; Gekle, Michael

2012-01-01

It is currently under debate whether aldosterone is able to induce fibrosis or whether it acts only as a cofactor under pathological conditions, e.g. as an elevated salt (NaCl) load. We tested the interaction of 10 nM aldosterone, 15 mM NaCl and 1 μM ouabain using rat aorta smooth muscle cells (A10) with respect to the following parameters: necrosis, apoptosis, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase activity, glutathione (GSH) content, collagen and fibronectin homeostasis and intracellular calcium distribution. Necrosis rates were increased after 48 h of incubation with aldosterone, salt or ouabain and in the combination of aldosterone and salt or ouabain. Apoptosis rates were decreased. A reduced defense capacity against oxidative stress was mirrored in the decreased G6PD activity and GSH content. Collagen III or fibronectin synthesis rates were unchanged, but gelatinase activity was increased resulting in a decreased media collagen III and fibronectin content. Calcium stores were increased by aldosterone in combination with ouabain. Aldosterone and salt per se can lead to cell injury that is aggravated in combination or with cardiotonic steroids. In cooperation with other vascular cells, this can generate a permissive milieu enabling aldosterone or salt to promote more extensive vascular injury. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

FEASIBILITY STUDY OF CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS ON NITROGEN IN CAPE COD EMBAYMENTS

EPA Science Inventory

The objective of this study is to explore the feasibility of studying potential effects of climate change on impairments resulting from nitrogen loadings in the salt water embayments of Cape Cod. The report includes a recommended plan for studying these impacts, an estimate of t...

Process-Based Modeling of Upland Erosion and Salt Load in the Upper Colorado River Basin

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Hillslope runoff and soil erosion processes are indicators of sustainability in rangeland ecosystem due to their control on resource mobility. Hillslope processes are dominant contributors to sediment delivery on semi-arid rangeland watersheds. The influence of vegetation on hillslope runoff and sed...

Recovery of ammonia from anaerobically digested manure using gas-permeable membranes

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The gas-permeable membrane process can recover ammonia from wastewater with high nitrogen load, reducing pollution whilst converting ammonia into an ammonium salt fertilizer. The process involves manure pH control to increase ammonium (NH4) recovery rate that is normally carried out using an alkali....

EFFECT OF NUTRIENT LOADING ON BIOGEOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIAL PROCESSES IN A NEW ENGLAND HIGH SALT MARSH, SPARTINA PATNES, (AITON MUHL)

EPA Science Inventory

Coastal marshes represent an important transitional zone between uplands and estuaries and can assimilate nutrient inputs from uplands. We examined the effects of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization on biogeochemical and microbial processes during the summer growing sea...

Thermal storage for electric utilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Swet, C. J.; Masica, W. J.

1977-01-01

Applications of the thermal energy storage (TES) principle (storage of sensible heat or latent heat, or heat storage in reversible chemical reactions) in power systems are evaluated. Load leveling behind the meter, load following at conventional thermal power plants, solar thermal power generation, and waste heat utilization are the principal TES applications considered. Specific TES examples discussed include: storage heaters for electric-resistance space heating, air conditioning TES in the form of chilled water or eutectic salt baths, hot water TES, and trans-seasonal storage in heated water in confined aquifers.

PRSEUS Acoustic Panel Fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nicolette, Velicki; Yovanof, Nicolette P.; Baraja, Jaime; Mathur, Gopal; Thrash, Patrick; Pickell, Robert

2011-01-01

This report describes the development of a novel structural concept, Pultruded Rod Stitched Efficient Unitized Structure (PRSEUS), that addresses the demanding fuselage loading requirements for the Hybrid Wing or Blended Wing Body (BWB) airplane configuration with regards to acoustic response. A PRSEUS panel was designed and fabricated and provided to NASA-LaRC for acoustic response testing in the Structural Acoustics Loads and Transmission (SALT) facility). Preliminary assessments of the sound transmission characteristics of a PRSEUS panel subjected to a representative Hybrid Wing Body (HWB) operating environment were completed for the NASA Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) Program.

Assessment of Spatial and Temporal Variation of Surface Water Quality in Streams Affected by Coalbed Methane Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chitrakar, S.; Miller, S. N.; Liu, T.; Caffrey, P. A.

2015-12-01

Water quality data have been collected from three representative stream reaches in a coalbed methane (CBM) development area for over five years to improve the understanding of salt loading in the system. These streams are located within Atlantic Rim development area of the Muddy Creek in south-central Wyoming. Significant development of CBM wells is ongoing in the study area. Three representative sampling stream reaches included the Duck Pond Draw and Cow Creek, which receive co-produced water, and; South Fork Creek, and upstream Cow Creek which do not receive co-produced water. Water samples were assayed for various parameters which included sodium, calcium, magnesium, fluoride, chlorine, nitrate, O-phosphate, sulfate, carbonate, bicarbonates, and other water quality parameters such as pH, conductivity, and TDS. Based on these water quality parameters we have investigated various hydrochemical and geochemical processes responsible for the high variability in water quality in the region. However, effective interpretation of complex databases to understand aforementioned processes has been a challenging task due to the system's complexity. In this work we applied multivariate statistical techniques including cluster analysis (CA), principle component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis (DA) to analyze water quality data and identify similarities and differences among our locations. First, CA technique was applied to group the monitoring sites based on the multivariate similarities. Second, PCA technique was applied to identify the prevalent parameters responsible for the variation of water quality in each group. Third, the DA technique was used to identify the most important factors responsible for variation of water quality during low flow season and high flow season. The purpose of this study is to improve the understanding of factors or sources influencing the spatial and temporal variation of water quality. The ultimate goal of this whole research is to develop coupled salt loading and GIS-based hydrological modelling tool that will be able to simulate the salt loadings under various user defined scenarios in the regions undergoing CBM development. Therefore, the findings from this study will be used to formulate the predominant processes responsible for solute loading.

Salicornia Extract Ameliorates Salt-Induced Aggravation of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

PubMed

Kim, Jae Hwan; Suk, Sujin; Jang, Woo Jung; Lee, Chang Hyung; Kim, Jong-Eun; Park, Jin-Kyu; Kweon, Mee-Hyang; Kim, Jong Hun; Lee, Ki Won

2017-07-01

High-fat and high-salt intakes are among the major risks of chronic diseases including obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Salicornia is a halophytic plant known to exert antioxidant, antidiabetic, and hypolipidemic effects, and Salicornia-extracted salt (SS) has been used as a salt substitute. In this study, the effects of SS and purified salt (PS) on the aggravation of NAFLD/NASH were compared. C57BL/6J male mice (8-wk-old) were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 mo and divided into 3 dietary groups, which were additionally fed HFD, HFD + SS, and HFD + PS for 13 wk. PS induced aggravation of NAFLD/NASH in HFD-fed mice. Although the actual salt intake was same between the PS and SS groups as 1% of the diet (extrapolated from the World Health Organization [WHO] guideline), SS induced less liver injury and hepatic steatosis compared to PS. The hepatic mRNA expressions of inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis marker were significantly lower in the SS group than the PS group. Oxidative stress is one of the major causes of inflammation in NAFLD/NASH. Results of the component analysis showed that the major polyphenols that exhibited antioxidant activity in the Salicornia water extract were ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and isorhamnetin. These results suggest that even the level of salt intake recommended by WHO can accelerate the progression of liver disease in obese individuals consuming HFD. It is proposed that SS can be a salt substitute for obese individuals who consume HFD. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

A computational analysis of the long-term regulation of arterial pressure

PubMed Central

Beard, Daniel A.

2013-01-01

The asserted dominant role of the kidneys in the chronic regulation of blood pressure and in the etiology of hypertension has been debated since the 1970s. At the center of the theory is the observation that the acute relationships between arterial pressure and urine production—the acute pressure-diuresis and pressure-natriuresis curves—physiologically adapt to perturbations in pressure and/or changes in the rate of salt and volume intake. These adaptations, modulated by various interacting neurohumoral mechanisms, result in chronic relationships between water and salt excretion and pressure that are much steeper than the acute relationships. While the view that renal function is the dominant controller of arterial pressure has been supported by computer models of the cardiovascular system known as the “Guyton-Coleman model”, no unambiguous description of a computer model capturing chronic adaptation of acute renal function in blood pressure control has been presented. Here, such a model is developed with the goals of: 1. representing the relevant mechanisms in an identifiable mathematical model; 2. identifying model parameters using appropriate data; 3. validating model predictions in comparison to data; and 4. probing hypotheses regarding the long-term control of arterial pressure and the etiology of primary hypertension. The developed model reveals: long-term control of arterial blood pressure is primarily through the baroreflex arc and the renin-angiotensin system; and arterial stiffening provides a sufficient explanation for the etiology of primary hypertension associated with ageing. Furthermore, the model provides the first consistent explanation of the physiological response to chronic stimulation of the baroreflex. PMID:24555102

A computational analysis of the long-term regulation of arterial pressure.

PubMed

Beard, Daniel A; Pettersen, Klas H; Carlson, Brian E; Omholt, Stig W; Bugenhagen, Scott M

2013-01-01

The asserted dominant role of the kidneys in the chronic regulation of blood pressure and in the etiology of hypertension has been debated since the 1970s. At the center of the theory is the observation that the acute relationships between arterial pressure and urine production-the acute pressure-diuresis and pressure-natriuresis curves-physiologically adapt to perturbations in pressure and/or changes in the rate of salt and volume intake. These adaptations, modulated by various interacting neurohumoral mechanisms, result in chronic relationships between water and salt excretion and pressure that are much steeper than the acute relationships. While the view that renal function is the dominant controller of arterial pressure has been supported by computer models of the cardiovascular system known as the "Guyton-Coleman model", no unambiguous description of a computer model capturing chronic adaptation of acute renal function in blood pressure control has been presented. Here, such a model is developed with the goals of: 1. representing the relevant mechanisms in an identifiable mathematical model; 2. identifying model parameters using appropriate data; 3. validating model predictions in comparison to data; and 4. probing hypotheses regarding the long-term control of arterial pressure and the etiology of primary hypertension. The developed model reveals: long-term control of arterial blood pressure is primarily through the baroreflex arc and the renin-angiotensin system; and arterial stiffening provides a sufficient explanation for the etiology of primary hypertension associated with ageing. Furthermore, the model provides the first consistent explanation of the physiological response to chronic stimulation of the baroreflex.

Experimental characterization of a solar cooker with thermal energy storage based on solar salt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coccia, G.; Di Nicola, G.; Tomassetti, S.; Gabrielli, G.; Chieruzzi, M.; Pierantozzi, M.

2017-11-01

High temperature solar cooking allows to cook food fast and with good efficiency. An unavoidable drawback of this technology is that it requires nearly clear-sky conditions. In addition, evening cooking is difficult to be accomplished, particularly on the winter season during which solar radiation availability is limited to a few hours in the afternoon in most of countries. These restrictions could be overcome using a cooker thermal storage unit (TSU). In this work, a TSU based on solar salt was studied. The unit consists of two metal concentric cylindrical vessels, connected together to form a double-walled vessel. The volume between walls was filled with a certain amount of nitrate based phase change material (solar salt). In order to characterize the TSU, a test bench used to assess solar cooker performance was adopted. Experimental load tests with the TSU were carried out to evaluate the cooker performance. The obtained preliminary results show that the adoption of the solar salt TSU seems to allow both the opportunity of evening cooking and the possibility to better stabilize the cooker temperature when sky conditions are variable.

Salting-out extraction of allicin from garlic (Allium sativum L.) based on ethanol/ammonium sulfate in laboratory and pilot scale.

PubMed

Li, Fenfang; Li, Qiao; Wu, Shuanggen; Tan, Zhijian

2017-02-15

Salting-out extraction (SOE) based on lower molecular organic solvent and inorganic salt was considered as a good substitute for conventional polymers aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE) used for the extraction of some bioactive compounds from natural plants resources. In this study, the ethanol/ammonium sulfate was screened as the optimal SOE system for the extraction and preliminary purification of allicin from garlic. Response surface methodology (RSM) was developed to optimize the major conditions. The maximum extraction efficiency of 94.17% was obtained at the optimized conditions for routine use: 23% (w/w) ethanol concentration and 24% (w/w) salt concentration, 31g/L loaded sample at 25°C with pH being not adjusted. The extraction efficiency had no obvious decrease after amplification of the extraction. This ethanol/ammonium sulfate SOE is much simpler, cheaper, and effective, which has the potentiality of scale-up production for the extraction and purification of other compounds from plant resources. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Solution-derived sodalite made with Si- and Ge-ethoxide precursors for immobilizing electrorefiner salt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riley, Brian J.; Lepry, William C.; Crum, Jarrod V.

2016-01-01

Chlorosodalite has the general form of Na8(AlSiO4)6Cl2 and this paper describes experiments conducted to synthesize sodalite with a solution-based approach to immobilize a simulated spent electrorefiner salt solution containing a mixture of alkali, alkaline earth, and lanthanide chlorides. The reactants used were the salt solution, NaAlO2, and either Si(OC2H5)4 or Ge(OC2H5)4. Additionally, seven different glass sintering aids (at loadings of 5 mass%) were evaluated as sintering aids for consolidating the as-made powders using a cold-press-and-sinter technique. This process of using alkoxide additives for the Group IV component can be used to produce large quantities of sodalite at near-room temperature as compared to a method where colloidal silica was used as the silica source. However, the small particle sizes inhibited densification during heat treatments.

Solution-derived sodalite made with Si- and Ge-ethoxide precursors for immobilizing electrorefiner salt

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

Riley, Brian J.; Lepry, William C.; Crum, Jarrod V.

Chlorosodalite has the general form of Na8(AlSiO4)6Cl2 and this paper describes experiments conducted to synthesize sodalite to immobilize a mixed chloride salt using solution-based techniques. Sodalites were made using different Group IV contributions from either Si(OC2H5)4 or Ge(OC2H5)4, NaAlO2, and a simulated spent electrorefiner salt solution containing a mixture of alkali, alkaline earth, and lanthanide chlorides. Additionally, 6 glass binders at low loadings of 5 mass% were evaluated as sintering aids for the consolidation process. The approach of using the organic Group IV additives can be used to produce large quantities of sodalite at room temperature and shows promise overmore » a method where colloidal silica is used as the silica source. However, the small particle sizes inhibited densification during pressure-less sintering.« less

Dilatancy Criteria for Salt Cavern Design: A Comparison Between Stress- and Strain-Based Approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Labaune, P.; Rouabhi, A.; Tijani, M.; Blanco-Martín, L.; You, T.

2018-02-01

This paper presents a new approach for salt cavern design, based on the use of the onset of dilatancy as a design threshold. In the proposed approach, a rheological model that includes dilatancy at the constitutive level is developed, and a strain-based dilatancy criterion is defined. As compared to classical design methods that consist in simulating cavern behavior through creep laws (fitted on long-term tests) and then using a criterion (derived from short-terms tests or experience) to determine the stability of the excavation, the proposed approach is consistent both with short- and long-term conditions. The new strain-based dilatancy criterion is compared to a stress-based dilatancy criterion through numerical simulations of salt caverns under cyclic loading conditions. The dilatancy zones predicted by the strain-based criterion are larger than the ones predicted by the stress-based criteria, which is conservative yet constructive for design purposes.

Comparison of several ethanol productions using xylanase, inorganic salts, surfactant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yan; Lu, Jie; Yang, Rui-feng; Song, Wen-jing; Li, Hai-ming; Wang, Hai-song; Zhou, Jing-hui

2017-03-01

Liquid hot water (LHW) pretreatment is an effective and environmentally friendly method to produce bioethanol with lignocellulosic materials. Corn stover was pretreated with liquid hot water (LHW) and then subjected to semi-simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (S-SSF) to obtain high ethanol concentration and yield. The present study aimed to confirm the effect of several additives on the fermentation digestibility of unwashed WIS of corn stover pretreated with LHW. So we also investigated the process, such as enzyme addition, inorganic salts, surfactant and different loading Triton. Results show that high ethanol concentration is necessary to add xylanase in the stage of saccharification. The ethanol concentration increased mainly with magnesium ion on fermentation. Comparing with Tween 80, Span 80 and Polyethylene glycol, Triton is the best surfactant. In contrast to using xylanase and Triton respectively, optimization can make up the lack of stamina and improve effect of single inorganic salts.

A Cryogenic, Insulating Suspension System for the High Resolution Airborne Wideband Camera (HAWC)and Submillemeter And Far Infrared Experiment (SAFIRE) Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerators (ADRs)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Voellmer, George M.; Jackson, Michael L.; Shirron, Peter J.; Tuttle, James G.

2002-01-01

The High Resolution Airborne Wideband Camera (HAWC) and the Submillimeter And Far Infrared Experiment (SAFIRE) will use identical Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerators (ADR) to cool their detectors to 200mK and 100mK, respectively. In order to minimize thermal loads on the salt pill, a Kevlar suspension system is used to hold it in place. An innovative, kinematic suspension system is presented. The suspension system is unique in that it consists of two parts that can be assembled and tensioned offline, and later bolted onto the salt pill.

Molten salt lithium cells

DOEpatents

Raistrick, I.D.; Poris, J.; Huggins, R.A.

1980-07-18

Lithium-based cells are promising for applications such as electric vehicles and load-leveling for power plants since lithium is very electropositive and light weight. One type of lithium-based cell utilizes a molten salt electrolyte and is operated in the temperature range of about 400 to 500/sup 0/C. Such high temperature operation accelerates corrosion problems and a substantial amount of energy is lost through heat transfer. The present invention provides an electrochemical cell which may be operated at temperatures between about 100 to 170/sup 0/C. The cell is comprised of an electrolyte, which preferably includes lithium nitrate, and a lithium or lithium alloy electrode.

Molten salt lithium cells

DOEpatents

Raistrick, Ian D.; Poris, Jaime; Huggins, Robert A.

1983-01-01

Lithium-based cells are promising for applications such as electric vehicles and load-leveling for power plants since lithium is very electropositive and light weight. One type of lithium-based cell utilizes a molten salt electrolyte and is operated in the temperature range of about 400.degree.-500.degree. C. Such high temperature operation accelerates corrosion problems and a substantial amount of energy is lost through heat transfer. The present invention provides an electrochemical cell (10) which may be operated at temperatures between about 100.degree.-170.degree. C. Cell (10) comprises an electrolyte (16), which preferably includes lithium nitrate, and a lithium or lithium alloy electrode (12).

Molten salt lithium cells

DOEpatents

Raistrick, Ian D.; Poris, Jaime; Huggins, Robert A.

1982-02-09

Lithium-based cells are promising for applications such as electric vehicles and load-leveling for power plants since lithium is very electropositive and light weight. One type of lithium-based cell utilizes a molten salt electrolyte and is operated in the temperature range of about 400.degree.-500.degree. C. Such high temperature operation accelerates corrosion problems and a substantial amount of energy is lost through heat transfer. The present invention provides an electrochemical cell (10) which may be operated at temperatures between about 100.degree.-170.degree. C. Cell (10) comprises an electrolyte (16), which preferably includes lithium nitrate, and a lithium or lithium alloy electrode (12).

Hydroxy double salts intercalated with Mn(II) complexes as potential contrast agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Miao; Li, Wanjing; Spillane, Dominic E. M.; Geraldes, Carlos F. G. C.; Williams, Gareth R.; Bligh, S. W. Annie

2016-03-01

A series of Mn(II) aminophosphonate complexes were successfully synthesized and intercalated into the hydroxy double salt [Zn5(OH)8]Cl2·yH2O. Complex incorporation led to an increase in the interlayer spacing from 7.8 to 10-12 Å. Infrared spectroscopy showed the presence of the characteristic vibration peaks of the Mn(II) complexes in the intercalates' spectra, indicating successful incorporation. The complex-loaded composites had somewhat lower proton relaxivities than the pure complexes. Nevertheless, these intercalates may have use as MRI contrast agents for patients with poor kidney function, where traditional Gd(III)-based contrast agents cause severe renal failure.

Dilute acid/metal salt hydrolysis of lignocellulosics

DOEpatents

Nguyen, Quang A.; Tucker, Melvin P.

2002-01-01

A modified dilute acid method of hydrolyzing the cellulose and hemicellulose in lignocellulosic material under conditions to obtain higher overall fermentable sugar yields than is obtainable using dilute acid alone, comprising: impregnating a lignocellulosic feedstock with a mixture of an amount of aqueous solution of a dilute acid catalyst and a metal salt catalyst sufficient to provide higher overall fermentable sugar yields than is obtainable when hydrolyzing with dilute acid alone; loading the impregnated lignocellulosic feedstock into a reactor and heating for a sufficient period of time to hydrolyze substantially all of the hemicellulose and greater than 45% of the cellulose to water soluble sugars; and recovering the water soluble sugars.

A Kinematic, Kevlar(registered) Suspension System for an ADR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Voellmer, George M.; Jackson, Michael L.; Shirron, Peter J.; Tuttle, James G.

2003-01-01

The High Resolution Airborne Wideband Camera (HAWC) and the Submillimeter And Far Infrared Experiment (SAFIRE) will use identical Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerators (ADR) to cool their bolometer detectors to 200mK and 100mK, respectively. In order to minimize thermal loads on the salt pill, a Kevlar@ suspension system is used to hold it in place. An innovative, kinematic suspension system is presented. The suspension system is unique in that it consists or two parts that can be assembled and tensioned offline, and later bolted onto the salt pill. The resulting assembly constrains each degree of freedom only once, yielding a kinematic, tensile structure.

The non-diuretic hypotensive effects of thiazides are enhanced during volume depletion states

PubMed Central

Alshahrani, Saeed; Rapoport, Robert M.; Zahedi, Kamyar; Jiang, Min; Nieman, Michelle; Barone, Sharon; Meredith, Andrea L.; Lorenz, John N.; Rubinstein, Jack

2017-01-01

Thiazide derivatives including Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) represent the most common treatment of mild to moderate hypertension. Thiazides initially enhance diuresis via inhibition of the kidney Na+-Cl- Cotransporter (NCC). However, chronic volume depletion and diuresis are minimal while lowered blood pressure (BP) is maintained on thiazides. Thus, a vasodilator action of thiazides is proposed, likely via Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels in vascular smooth muscles. This study ascertains the role of volume depletion induced by salt restriction or salt wasting in NCC KO mice on the non-diuretic hypotensive action of HCTZ. HCTZ (20mg/kg s.c.) lowered BP in 1) NCC KO on a salt restricted diet but not with normal diet; 2) in volume depleted but not in volume resuscitated pendrin/NCC dKO mice; the BP reduction occurs without any enhancement in salt excretion or reduction in cardiac output. HCTZ still lowered BP following treatment of NCC KO on salt restricted diet with paxilline (8 mg/kg, i.p.), a BK channel blocker, and in BK KO and BK/NCC dKO mice on salt restricted diet. In aortic rings from NCC KO mice on normal and low salt diet, HCTZ did not alter and minimally decreased maximal phenylephrine contraction, respectively, while contractile sensitivity remained unchanged. These results demonstrate 1) the non-diuretic hypotensive effects of thiazides are augmented with volume depletion and 2) that the BP reduction is likely the result of HCTZ inhibition of vasoconstriction through a pathway dependent on factors present in vivo, is unrelated to BK channel activation, and involves processes associated with intravascular volume depletion. PMID:28719636

Early hepatitis B viral DNA clearance predicts treatment response at week 96

PubMed Central

Fu, Xiao-Yu; Tan, De-Ming; Liu, Cui-Mei; Gu, Bin; Hu, Li-Hua; Peng, Zhong-Tian; Chen, Bin; Xie, Yuan-Lin; Gong, Huan-Yu; Hu, Xiao-Xuan; Yao, Lian-Hui; Xu, Xiao-Ping; Fu, Zheng-Yuan; He, Lang-Qiu; Li, Si-Hai; Long, Yun-Zhu; Li, De-Hui; Gu, Ji-Long; Peng, Shi-Fang

2017-01-01

AIM To investigate whether hepatitis viral DNA load at 24 wk of treatment predicts response at 96 wk in patients with chronic hepatitis B. METHODS A total of 172 hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B patients who received initial treatment at 16 tertiary hospitals in Hunan Province, China were enrolled in this study. All patients received conventional doses of lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil, telbivudine, entecavir dispersible tablets, or entecavir tablets for 96 wk. Patients who used other antiviral drugs or antitumor and immune regulation therapy were excluded. Patients were stratified into three groups according to their viral DNA load at 24 wk: < 10 IU/mL (group 1), 10-103 IU/mL (group 2), and > 103 IU/mL (group 3). Correlations of 24-wk DNA load with HBeAg negative status and HBeAg seroconversion at 96 wk were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to test the predictive value of the HBV DNA load at 24 wk for long-term response. RESULTS The rates of conversion to HBeAg negative status and HBeAg seroconversion rates were 53.7% and 51.9%, respectively, in group 1; 35.21% and 32.39% in group 2; and 6.38% and 6.38% in group 3. The receiver operating characteristic curves for the three subgroups revealed that the lowest DNA load (< 10 IU/mL) was better correlated with response at 96 wk than a higher DNA load (10-103 IU/mL). Nested PCR was used for amplifying and sequencing viral DNA in patients with a viral DNA load > 200 IU/mL at 96 wk; resistance mutations involving different loci were present in 26 patients, and three of these patients had a viral DNA load 10-103 IU/mL at 96 wk. CONCLUSION Hepatitis B viral DNA load at 24 wk of antiviral treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B is a predictor of the viral load and response rate at 96 wk. PMID:28522916

Mechanical loading increases detection of estrogen receptor-alpha in osteocytes and osteoblasts despite chronic energy restriction.

PubMed

Swift, Sibyl N; Swift, Joshua M; Bloomfield, Susan A

2014-12-01

Estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) is an important mediator of the bone response to mechanical loading. We sought to determine whether restricting dietary energy intake by 40% limits the bone formation rate (BFR) response to mechanical loading (LOAD) by downregulating ER-α-expressing osteocytes, or osteoblasts, or both. Female rats (n = 48, 7 mo old) were randomized to ADLIB-SHAM and ADLIB-LOAD groups fed AIN-93M purified diet ad libitum or to ER40-SHAM and ER40-LOAD groups fed modified AIN-93M with 40% less energy (100% of all other nutrients). After 12 wk, LOAD rats were subjected to a muscle contraction protocol three times every third day. ER40 produced lower proximal tibia bone volume (-22%), trabecular thickness (-14%), and higher trabecular separation (+127%) in SHAM but not LOAD rats. ER40 rats exhibited reductions in mineral apposition rate, but not percent mineralizing surface or BFR. LOAD induced similar relative increases in these kinetic measures of osteoblast activity/recruitment in both diet groups., but absolute values for ER40 LOAD rats were lower vs. ADLIB-LOAD. There were fourfold and eightfold increases in proportion of estrogen receptor-α protein-positive osteoblast and osteocytes, respectively, in LOAD vs. SHAM rats, with no effect of ER40. These data suggest that a brief period of mechanical loading significantly affects estrogen receptor-α in cancellous bone osteoblasts and osteocytes. Chronic energy restriction does result in lower absolute values in indices of osteoblast activity after mechanical loading, but not by a smaller increment relative to unloaded bones; this change is not explained by an associated downregulation of ER-α in osteoblasts or osteocytes.

Tocopherol deficiency reduces sucrose export from salt-stressed potato leaves independently of oxidative stress and symplastic obstruction by callose

PubMed Central

Asensi-Fabado, María Amparo; Ammon, Alexandra; Sonnewald, Uwe; Munné-Bosch, Sergi; Voll, Lars M.

2015-01-01

Tocopherol cyclase, encoded by the gene SUCROSE EXPORT DEFECTIVE1, catalyses the second step in the synthesis of the antioxidant tocopherol. Depletion of SXD1 activity in maize and potato leaves leads to tocopherol deficiency and a ‘sugar export block’ phenotype that comprises massive starch accumulation and obstruction of plasmodesmata in paraveinal tissue by callose. We grew two transgenic StSXD1:RNAi potato lines with severe tocopherol deficiency under moderate light conditions and subjected them to salt stress. After three weeks of salt exposure, we observed a strongly reduced sugar exudation rate and a lack of starch mobilization in leaves of salt-stressed transgenic plants, but not in wild-type plants. However, callose accumulation in the vasculature declined upon salt stress in all genotypes, indicating that callose plugging of plasmodesmata was not the sole cause of the sugar export block phenotype in tocopherol-deficient leaves. Based on comprehensive gene expression analyses, we propose that enhanced responsiveness of SnRK1 target genes in mesophyll cells and altered redox regulation of phloem loading by SUT1 contribute to the attenuation of sucrose export from salt-stressed SXD:RNAi source leaves. Furthermore, we could not find any indication that elevated oxidative stress may have served as a trigger for the salt-induced carbohydrate phenotype of SXD1:RNAi transgenic plants. In leaves of the SXD1:RNAi plants, sodium accumulation was diminished, while proline accumulation and pools of soluble antioxidants were increased. As supported by phytohormone contents, these differences seem to increase longevity and prevent senescence of SXD:RNAi leaves under salt stress. PMID:25428995

Effect of chronic oil pollution on salt-marsh nitrogen fixation (acetylene redution). [Spartina alterniflora

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

Thomson, A.D.; Webb, K.L.

1984-03-01

Annual acetylene reduction rates associated with intertidal communities in a chronically oil polluted Virgina salt marsh were compared to rates measured in an undisturbed marsh. Chronic oil treatment resulted in visible damage to the higher plants of the Spartina alterniflora zones; however, vegetation-associated acetylene reduction was not different from the untreated control. Sediment rates generally were affected little by oil application, except during the summer when rates in the median tidal elevation zones were considerably higher than those of the control. Acetylene reduction occurred in all transects, each of which extended from upper mudflat to the Spartina patens zone. Intertidalmore » sediment acetylene reduction was patchy, both spatially and seasonally. Estimated rates were greatest near the surface; free-living bacterial N/sub 2/ fixation activity averaged 2.23 mg N per m/sup 2/ per d (range = undetectable to 365 mg N per m/sup 2/ per d) in the untreated and 3.17 mg N per m/sup 2/ per d (range = undetectable to 564 mg N per m/sup 2/ per d) in the oil-treated marsh during the year. Vegetation-associated N/sub 2/ fixation activity yielded highest overall mean rates (156 mg N per M/sub 2/ per d). The seasonal pattern of sediment and vegetation-associated fixation may be controlled by temperature and availability of oxidizable substrates. 39 references, 2 figures, 5 tables.« less

Road salt in the environment: loads, lags and consequences.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Findlay, S.; Kelly, V.; Martin, L.

2014-12-01

Increased use of road salt over the past few decades has, not surprisingly, led to higher Na and Cl concentrations in dispersed parts of the environment. We have tracked these changes over southeastern New York for the past 20+ years and can show a clear link to road density as an explanatory factor for local concentrations. The unexpected findings center around retention of Cl in streams and shallow groundwaters long after the winter season has passed and this can result in average summertime concentrations as high as monthly mean concentrations during the snoa and ice season. These persisten concentrations have consequences for aquatic life as well as local water resources. Literature suggests these high summer values may cause harm to some sensitive organisms.Experiments show both susceptibility and adaptation by local stream algal communities. Analysis of reported data from private drinking water wells shows a sub-set has Cl levels above the EPA secondary standard and these exceedances are apparently associated with local salt application rates. The problems of rising salt are significant given the magnitude of salt release to the environment but also tractable in the sense that there are multiple motivations for minimizing application rates while maintaining public safety. The salinization issue has also proven a useful tool for public engagement since the problem is widespread yet comprehensible.

Effect of respiratory muscle training on GLUT-4 in the sheep diaphragm.

PubMed

Bhandari, A; Xia, Y; Cortright, R; Dohm, G L; Bazzy, A R

2000-08-01

Endurance exercise training is associated with enhanced glucose uptake and hence improvement in carbohydrate metabolism. Glucose transport (GLUT) membrane proteins are regulated by a variety of physiological stimuli, including exercise. In limb muscle, both acute exercise and endurance training enhance the expression of the skeletal muscle transporter, GLUT-4. The purpose of this study is to determine whether chronic loading enhances GLUT-4 expression in the diaphragm. The effect of chronic inspiratory flow resistive (IFR) loading on diaphragm GLUT-4 was studied in a model of respiratory muscle endurance training in sheep. IFR loads (resistance 50-100 cm H2O x L(-1) x s(-1)) were maintained for 3 h x d(-1), 5-6 d x wk(-1) for 3 wk. Loading was adjusted so that PaO2 was >60 Torr and PaCO2 <45 Torr in room air. Six untrained sheep were used as controls. GLUT-4 protein and mRNA were analyzed by Western and Northern analysis respectively. GLUT-4 protein levels were two-fold greater in trained animals when compared with controls (P < 0.01). GLUT-4 mRNA levels in the trained muscles was not significantly different from controls. We conclude that in the sheep diaphragm, chronic IFR loading increases GLUT-4 protein levels. This increase may be one of the mechanisms contributing to the improved respiratory muscle endurance previously demonstrated in this animal model of respiratory muscle training.

Salt, hypertension and renal disease: comparative medicine, models and real diseases.

PubMed Central

Michell, A. R.

1994-01-01

Dogs are well established as experimental animals for the study of both renal disease and hypertension, but most work is based on surgical or pharmacological models and relatively little on spontaneous diseases. This review argues for the latter as an underexploited aspect of comparative medicine. The most important feature of canine hypertension may not be the ease with which models can be produced but the fact that dogs are actually rather resistant to hypertension, and perhaps to its effects, even when they have chronic renal failure. The importance of natural models of chronic renal failure is strengthened by the evidence that self-sustaining progression is a consequence of extreme nephron loss, that is, a late event, rather than the dominant feature of the course of the disease. The role of salt in hypertension is discussed and emphasis given to the importance of understanding the physiological basis of nutritional requirement and recognizing that it is unlikely to exceed 0.6 mmol/kg/day for most healthy adult mammals except during pregnancy or lactation. Such a perspective is essential to the evaluation of experiments, whether in animals or humans, in order to avoid arbitrary definitions of 'high' or 'low' sodium intake, and the serious misinterpretations of data which result. An age-related rise in arterial pressure may well be a warning of excess salt intake, rather than a normal occurrence. Problems of defining hypertension in the face of variability of arterial pressure are also discussed. PMID:7831161

Assessing the toxicity and risk of salt-impacted winter road runoff to the early life stages of freshwater mussels in the Canadian province of Ontario.

PubMed

Prosser, R S; Rochfort, Q; McInnis, R; Exall, K; Gillis, P L

2017-11-01

In temperate urbanized areas where road salting is used for winter road maintenance, the level of chloride in surface waters has been increasing. While a number of studies have shown that the early-life stages of freshwater mussels are particularly sensitive to salt; few studies have examined the toxicity of salt-impacted winter road runoff to the early-life stages of freshwater mussels to confirm that chloride is the driver of toxicity in this mixture. This study examines the acute toxicity of field-collected winter road runoff to the glochidia of wavy-rayed lampmussels (Lampsilis fasciola) (48 h exposure) and newly released juvenile fatmucket mussels (Lampsilis siliquoidea) (<1 week old; 96 h exposure) under different water hardness. The chronic toxicity (28 d) to older juvenile L. siliquoidea (7-12 months old) was also investigated. The 48-h EC50 and 96-h LC50 for L. fasciola glochidia and L. siliquoidea juveniles exposed to different dilutions of road run-off created with moderately hard synthetic water (∼80 mg CaCO 3 /L) were 1177 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1011-1344 mg Cl - /L) and 2276 mg Cl - /L (95% CI: 1698-2854 mg Cl - /L), respectively. These effect concentrations correspond with the toxicity of chloride reported in other studies, indicating that chloride is likely the driver of toxicity in salt-impacted road-runoff, with other contaminants (e.g., metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) playing a de minimis role. Toxicity data from the current study and literature and concentrations of chloride in the surface waters of Ontario were used to conduct a probabilistic risk assessment of chloride to early-life stage freshwater mussels. The assessment indicated that chronic exposure to elevated chloride levels could pose a risk to freshwater mussels; further investigation is warranted to ensure that the most sensitive organisms are protected. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

From Ecosystem-Scale to Litter Biochemistry: Controls on Carbon Sequestration in Coastal Wetlands of the Western Gulf of Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Louchouarn, P.; Kaiser, K.; Norwood, M. J.; Sterne, A. M. E.; Armitage, A. R.; HighField, W.; Brody, S.

2015-12-01

Landscape-level shifts in plant species distribution and abundance can fundamentally change the structure and services of an ecosystem. Such shifts are occurring within mangrove-marsh ecotones of the U.S., where over the last few decades, relatively mild winters have led to mangrove expansion into areas previously occupied by salt marsh plants. Here we present the synthesis of 3 years of multidisciplinary work to quantify ecosystem shifts at the regional scale, along the entire Texas (USA) coast of the western Gulf of Mexico, and transcribe these shifts into carbon (C) sequestration mass balances. We classified Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper images using artificial neural networks to quantify shifts in areal coverage of black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) and salt marsh (Spartina alterniflora and other grass and forb species) over 20 years across the Texas Gulf coast. Between 1990 and 2010, mangrove area expanded by 74% (+16 km2). Concurrently, salt marsh area experienced a net loss of 24% (-78 km2). Most of that loss was due to conversion to tidal flats or water, likely a result of relative sea level rise, with only 6% attributable to mangrove expansion. Although relative carbon load (per surface area) are statistically larger for mangrove wetlands, total C loads are larger for salt marsh wetlands due to their greater aerial coverage. The entire loss of above ground C (~7.0·109 g), was offset by salt marsh expansion (2.0·109 g) and mangrove expansion (5.6·109 g) over the study period. Concurrently, the net loss in salt marsh coverage led to a loss in below ground C accumulation capacity of 2.0·109 g/yr, whereas the net expansion of mangrove wetlands led to an added below ground C accumulation capacity of 0.4·109 g/yr. Biomarker data show that neutral carbohydrates and lignin contributed 30-70% and 10-40% of total C, respectively, in plant litter and surface sediments. Sharp declines of carbohydrate yields with depth occur parallel to increases in lignin degradation ratios, indicating substantial decomposition of both the polysaccharide and lignin components of litter detritus. Further, biomarker data suggest that litter chemistry is the primary control of C preservation in these wetland ecosystems. This study shows that shifts in plant composition influence C sequestration potential from landscape to molecular levels.

Nuclear Hybrid Energy System: Molten Salt Energy Storage (Summer Report 2013)

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

Sabharwall, Piyush; mckellar, Michael George; Yoon, Su-Jong

2013-11-01

Effective energy use is a main focus and concern in the world today because of the growing demand for energy. The nuclear hybrid energy system (NHES) is a valuable technical concept that can potentially diversify and leverage existing energy technologies. This report considers a particular NHES design that combines multiple energy systems including a nuclear reactor, energy storage system (ESS), variable renewable generator (VRG), and additional process heat applications. Energy storage is an essential component of this particular NHES because its design allows the system to produce peak power while the nuclear reactor operates at constant power output. Many energymore » storage options are available, but this study mainly focuses on a molten salt ESS. The primary purpose of the molten salt ESS is to enable the nuclear reactor to be a purely constant heat source by acting as a heat storage component for the reactor during times of low demand, and providing additional capacity for thermo-electric power generation during times of peak electricity demand. This report will describe the rationale behind using a molten salt ESS and identify an efficient molten salt ESS configuration that may be used in load following power applications. Several criteria are considered for effective energy storage and are used to identify the most effective ESS within the NHES. Different types of energy storage are briefly described with their advantages and disadvantages. The general analysis to determine the most efficient molten salt ESS involves two parts: thermodynamic, in which energetic and exergetic efficiencies are considered; and economic. Within the molten salt ESS, the two-part analysis covers three major system elements: molten salt ESS designs (two tank direct and thermocline), the molten salt choice, and the different power cycles coupled with the molten salt ESS. Analysis models are formulated and analyzed to determine the most effective ESS. The results show that the most efficient idealized energy storage system is the two tank direct molten salt ESS with an Air Brayton combined cycle using LiF-NaF-KF as the molten salt, and the most economical is the same design with KCl MgCl2 as the molten salt. With energy production being a major worldwide industry, understanding the most efficient molten salt ESS boosts development of an effective NHES with cheap, clean, and steady power.« less

Vascular remodeling and mineralocorticoids.

PubMed

Weber, K T; Sun, Y; Campbell, S E; Slight, S H; Ganjam, V K

1995-01-01

Circulating mineralocorticoid hormones are so named because of their important homeostatic properties that regulate salt and water balance via their action on epithelial cells. A broader range of functions in nonclassic target cellular sites has been proposed for these steroids and includes their contribution to wound healing following injury. A chronic, inappropriate (relative to intravascular volume and dietary sodium intake) elevation of these circulating hormones evokes a wound healing response in the absence of tissue injury--a wound healing response gone awry. The adverse remodeling of vascularized tissues seen in association with chronic mineralocorticoid excess is the focus of this review.

Epstein-Barr virus DNA load in chronic lymphocytic leukemia is an independent predictor of clinical course and survival

PubMed Central

Visco, Carlo; Falisi, Erika; Young, Ken H.; Pascarella, Michela; Perbellini, Omar; Carli, Giuseppe; Novella, Elisabetta; Rossi, Davide; Giaretta, Ilaria; Cavallini, Chiara; Scupoli, Maria Teresa; De Rossi, Anita; D'Amore, Emanuele Stefano Giovanni; Rassu, Mario; Gaidano, Gianluca; Pizzolo, Giovanni; Ambrosetti, Achille; Rodeghiero, Francesco

2015-01-01

The relation between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA load and clinical course of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is unknown. We assessed EBV DNA load by quantitative PCR at CLL presentation in mononuclear cells (MNC) of 220 prospective patients that were enrolled and followed-up in two major Institutions. In 20 patients EBV DNA load was also assessed on plasma samples. Forty-one age-matched healthy subjects were tested for EBV DNA load on MNC. Findings were validated in an independent retrospective cohort of 112 patients with CLL. EBV DNA load was detectable in 59%, and high (≥2000 copies/µg DNA) in 19% of patients, but it was negative in plasma samples. EBV DNA load was significantly higher in CLL patients than in healthy subjects (P < .0001). No relation was found between high EBV load and clinical stage or biological variables, except for 11q deletion (P = .004), CD38 expression (P = .003), and NOTCH1 mutations (P = .05). High EBV load led to a 3.14-fold increase in the hazard ratio of death and to a shorter overall survival (OS; P = .001). Poor OS was attributable, at least in part, to shorter time-to-first-treatment (P = .0008), with no higher risk of Richter's transformation or second cancer. Multivariate analysis selected high levels of EBV load as independent predictor of OS after controlling for confounding clinical and biological variables. EBV DNA load at presentation is an independent predictor of OS in patients with CLL. PMID:26087198

46 CFR 45.39 - Marking.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... the diamond as described in figure 2. (d) The salt water load lines must be horizontal lines extending.... (a) The diamond, lines, and letters must be painted in white or yellow on a dark ground or in black... that passes through the center of the diamond must indicate summer freeboard assigned under § 45.53. (c...

Electrodeposition to construct free-standing chitosan/layered double hydroxides hydro-membrane for electrically triggered protein release.

PubMed

Zhao, Pengkun; Zhao, Yanan; Xiao, Ling; Deng, Hongbing; Du, Yumin; Chen, Yun; Shi, Xiaowen

2017-10-01

In this study, we report the electrodeposition of a chitosan/layered double hydroxides (LDHs) hydro-membrane for protein release triggered by an electrical signal. The electrodeposition was performed in a chitosan and insulin loaded LDHs suspension in the absence of salt. A free-standing chitosan/LDHs hydro-membrane was generated on the electrode with improved mechanical properties, which is dramatically different from the weak hydrogel deposited in the presence of salt. The amount of LDHs in the hydro-membrane affects the optical transmittance and multilayered structure of the hybrid membrane. Compared to the weak chitosan/LDHs hydrogel, the hydro-membrane has a higher insulin loading capacity and the release of insulin is relatively slow. By biasing electrical potentials to the hydro-membrane, the release behavior of insulin can be adjusted accordingly. In addition, the chitosan/LDHs hydro-membrane showed no toxicity to cells. Our results provide a facile method to construct a chitosan/LDHs hybrid multilayered hydro-membrane and suggest the great potential of the hydro-membrane in controlled protein release. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dissolved-oxygen regime of the Jordan River, Salt Lake County, Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stephens, D.W.

1984-01-01

Concentrations of dissolved oxygen in the Jordan River in Salt Lake County decrease considerably as the river flows northward. Mean concentrations of dissolved oxygen decreased from 8.1 milligrams per liter at the Jordan Narrows to 4.7 milligrams per liter at 500 North Street during April 1981 to September 1982. Coincident with the decrease, the biochemical-oxygen demand increased from 5 to 7 milligrams per liter. About 50 percent of the dissolved-oxygen concentrations and 90 percent of the 5-day biochemical-oxygen demand measured downstream from 1700 South Street exceeded the State intended-use standards. An estimated 6. million pounds of oxygen-demanding substances as measured by 5-day biochemical-oxygen demand were discharged to the Jordan River during 1981 from point sources downstream from 9000 South Street. Seven wastewater-treatment plants contributed 77 percent of this load, nonstorm base flows contributed 22 percent, and storm flows less than 1 percent. The Surplus Canal diversion at 2100 South Street removed about 70 percent of this load, and travel time of about 1 day also decreased the actual effects of the load on the river. Reaeration rates during September and October were quite high (average K2 at 20 degrees Celsius was about 12 per day) between the Jordan Narrows and 9000 South Street, but they decreased to 2.4 per day in the reach from 1330 South to 1800 North Streets. (USGS)

Low platinum loading cathode modified with Cs3H2PMo10V2O40 for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Renzi, M.; D'Angelo, G.; Marassi, R.; Nobili, F.

2016-09-01

The catalytic activity of commercial Pt nanoparticles mixed with mesoporous polyoxometalate Cs3H2PMo10V2O40 towards oxygen reduction reaction is evaluated. The polyoxometalate co-catalyst is prepared by titration of an aqueous solution of phosphovanadomolibdic acid. SEM micrography shows reduction particle size to less than 300 nm, while XRD confirms that the resulting salt maintains the Kegging structure. The composite catalyst is prepared by mixing the POM salt with Pt/C by sonication. RRDE studies show better kinetics for ORR with low Pt loading at the electrode surface. A MEA is assembled by using a Pt/POM-based cathode, in order to assess performance in a working fuel cell. Current vs. potential curves reveals comparable or better performances at 100%, 62% and 17% relative humidity for the POM-modified MEA with respect to a commercial MEA with higher Pt loading at the cathode. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) confirms better kinetics at low relative humidity. Finally, an accelerated stress test (AST) with square wave (SW) between 0.4 V and 0.8 V is performed to evaluate MEA stability for at least 100 h and make predictions about lifetime, showing that after initial losses the catalytic system can retain stable performance and good morphological stability.

Mathematical model of gas plasma applied to chronic wounds

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

Wang, J. G.; Liu, X. Y.; Liu, D. W.

2013-11-15

Chronic wounds are a major burden for worldwide health care systems, and patients suffer pain and discomfort from this type of wound. Recently gas plasmas have been shown to safely speed chronic wounds healing. In this paper, we develop a deterministic mathematical model formulated by eight-species reaction-diffusion equations, and use it to analyze the plasma treatment process. The model follows spatial and temporal concentration within the wound of oxygen, chemoattractants, capillary sprouts, blood vessels, fibroblasts, extracellular matrix material, nitric oxide (NO), and inflammatory cell. Two effects of plasma, increasing NO concentration and reducing bacteria load, are considered in this model.more » The plasma treatment decreases the complete healing time from 25 days (normal wound healing) to 17 days, and the contributions of increasing NO concentration and reducing bacteria load are about 1/4 and 3/4, respectively. Increasing plasma treatment frequency from twice to three times per day accelerates healing process. Finally, the response of chronic wounds of different etiologies to treatment with gas plasmas is analyzed.« less

Impact of co-digestion on existing salt and nutrient mass balances for a full-scale dairy energy project.

PubMed

Camarillo, Mary Kay; Stringfellow, William T; Spier, Chelsea L; Hanlon, Jeremy S; Domen, Jeremy K

2013-10-15

Anaerobic digestion of manure and other agricultural waste streams with subsequent energy production can result in more sustainable dairy operations; however, importation of digester feedstocks onto dairy farms alters previously established carbon, nutrient, and salinity mass balances. Salt and nutrient mass balance must be maintained to avoid groundwater contamination and salination. To better understand salt and nutrient contributions of imported methane-producing substrates, a mass balance for a full-scale dairy biomass energy project was developed for solids, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, chloride, and potassium. Digester feedstocks, consisting of thickened manure flush-water slurry, screened manure solids, sudan grass silage, and feed-waste, were tracked separately in the mass balance. The error in mass balance closure for most elements was less than 5%. Manure contributed 69.2% of influent dry matter while contributing 77.7% of nitrogen, 90.9% of sulfur, and 73.4% of phosphorus. Sudan grass silage contributed high quantities of chloride and potassium, 33.3% and 43.4%, respectively, relative to the dry matter contribution of 22.3%. Five potential off-site co-digestates (egg waste, grape pomace, milk waste, pasta waste, whey wastewater) were evaluated for anaerobic digestion based on salt and nutrient content in addition to bio-methane potential. Egg waste and wine grape pomace appeared the most promising co-digestates due to their high methane potentials relative to bulk volume. Increasing power production from the current rate of 369 kW to the design value of 710 kW would require co-digestion with either 26800 L d(-1) egg waste or 60900 kg d(-1) grape pomace. However, importation of egg waste would more than double nitrogen loading, resulting in an increase of 172% above the baseline while co-digestion with grape pomace would increase potassium by 279%. Careful selection of imported co-digestates and management of digester effluent is required to manage salt and nutrient mass loadings and reduce groundwater impacts. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modeling deformation processes of salt caverns for gas storage due to fluctuating operation pressures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Böttcher, N.; Nagel, T.; Goerke, U.; Khaledi, K.; Lins, Y.; König, D.; Schanz, T.; Köhn, D.; Attia, S.; Rabbel, W.; Bauer, S.; Kolditz, O.

2013-12-01

In the course of the Energy Transition in Germany, the focus of the country's energy sources is shifting from fossil to renewable and sustainable energy carriers. Since renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, are subjected to annual, seasonal, and diurnal fluctuations, the development and extension of energy storage capacities is a priority in German R&D programs. Common methods of energy storage are the utilization of subsurface caverns as a reservoir for natural or artificial fuel gases, such as hydrogen, methane, or the storage of compressed air. The construction of caverns in salt rock is inexpensive in comparison to solid rock formations due to the possibility of solution mining. Another advantage of evaporite as a host material is the self-healing capacity of salt rock. Gas caverns are capable of short-term energy storage (hours to days), so the operating pressures inside the caverns are fluctuating periodically with a high number of cycles. This work investigates the influence of fluctuating operation pressures on the stability of the host rock of gas storage caverns utilizing numerical models. Therefore, we developed a coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical (THM) model based on the finite element method utilizing the open-source software platform OpenGeoSys. Our simulations include the thermodynamic behaviour of the gas during the loading/ unloading of the cavern. This provides information on the transient pressure and temperature distribution on the cavern boundary to calculate the deformation of its geometry. Non-linear material models are used for the mechanical analysis, which describe the creep and self-healing behavior of the salt rock under fluctuating loading pressures. In order to identify the necessary material parameters, we perform experimental studies on the mechanical behaviour of salt rock under varying pressure and temperature conditions. Based on the numerical results, we further derive concepts for monitoring THM quantities in the vicinity of the cavern. These programs will allow detecting changes of the host rock properties during the construction and operation of the storage facility. The developed model will be used by public authorities for land use planning issues.

Antihypertensive activities of the aqueous extract of Kalanchoe pinnata (Crassulaceae) in high salt-loaded rats.

PubMed

Bopda, Orelien Sylvain Mtopi; Longo, Frida; Bella, Thierry Ndzana; Edzah, Protais Marcellin Ohandja; Taïwe, Germain Sotoing; Bilanda, Danielle Claude; Tom, Esther Ngo Lemba; Kamtchouing, Pierre; Dimo, Theophile

2014-04-28

The leaves of Kalanchoe pinnata (Crassulaceae) are used in Cameroon folk medicine to manage many diseases such as cardiovascular dysfunctions. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the activities of aqueous leaf extract of Kalanchoe pinnata on the blood pressure of normotensive rat (NTR) and salt hypertensive rats (SHR), as well as its antioxidant properties. Hypertension was induced in rats by oral administration of 18% NaCl for 4 weeks. For the preventive study, three groups of rats received 18% NaCl solution and the plant extract at 25 mg/kg/day, 50 mg/kg/day or 100 mg/kg/day by gavage. Two positive control groups received 18% NaCl solution and either spironolactone (0.71 mg/kg/day) or eupressyl (0.86 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 4 weeks. At the end of this experimental period, systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) and heart rate (HR) were measured by the invasive method. Some oxidative stress biomarkers (reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric monoxide (NO) were evaluated in heart, aorta, liver and kidney. NO level was indirectly evaluated by measuring nitrite concentration. Kalanchoe pinnata extract prevented significantly the increase of systolic and diastolic arterial pressures in high salt-loaded rats (SHR). In SHR, concomitant administration of Kalanchoe pinnata at 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day significantly prevented the increase in blood pressure by 32%, 24% and 47% (for SAP); 35%, 33% and 56% (for DAP), respectively. No significant change was recorded in heart rate of those rats. The plant extract improved antioxidant status in various organs, but more potently in aorta. Thus, antioxidant and modulatory effects of Kalanchoe pinnata at the vasculature might be of preponderant contribution to its overall antihypertensive activity. The work demonstrated that the concomitant administration of high-salt and the aqueous extract of Kalanchoe pinnata elicits prevention of salt-induced hypertension in rat. This antihypertensive activity is associated with an improvement of antioxidant status. Overall, results justify and support the use of Kalanchoe pinnata as antihypertensive medicine. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Numerical models of diapiric structures: comparison of the 2D finite deformation field between Rayleigh-Taylor like and down-built like diapirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuchs, Lukas; Schmeling, Harro; Koyi, Hemin

2013-04-01

Magmatic and salt diapirs are common structures in different tectonic regimes. Salt diapirs can act as possible hydrocarbon traps and, moreover, they could be used as repositories for nuclear waste disposal. Understanding the evolution and the dynamics of diapirs as well as their driving mechanisms has fundamental and applied significance. In general, salt diapirs seem to be driven by differential loading of sediments creating an uneven load that drives the salt from high to low pressure areas, e.g. a down-built diapir. Magmatic diapirs, instead, seem to be driven by buoyancy where lighter material rises vertically through a heavier overburden, i.e. a classical Rayleigh-Taylor instability [RTI]. These different driving mechanisms and dynamics strongly govern the internal deformation of the diapirs. In this study, we use a two-dimensional finite difference code (FDCON) in combination with a marker and cell method to calculate the finite deformation within diapiric structures. Thereby, we distinguish between the two different driving mechanisms, i.e. the differential loading and the buoyancy. We calculate the different finite deformation patterns during the evolution of RTI's and down-built diapirs for different viscosity ratios m = -?buoyant- ?overburden. The deformation pattern in the buoyant layer shows similarities for both diapiric structures, like high shear deformation at the bottom, a high finite deformation within the middle of the stem, and an increasing maximum finite deformation for a decreasing m. However, the strain partitioning between the overburden and the source layer is different within down-built diapirs compared to the RTI's, even for down-built diapirs with m = 1. Thus a higher amount of the total strain induced by down-building is concentrated within the buoyant layer. Moreover, in the case of viscosity ratios of m = 0.1 or 1 the sinking overburden units create an internal rotation within the diapiric bulb. This rotation depends indirectly on the sedimentation rate as it determines the width of the sediment basin; the higher the sedimentation rate, the wider the basins and the weaker the internal rotation. In addition, the viscous drag between the sinking overburden and the rising diapir creates a stronger and wider band of finite deformation along the edges of the down-built diapir in comparison to the RTI.

Dietary sodium loading impairs microvascular function independent of blood pressure in humans: role of oxidative stress

PubMed Central

Greaney, Jody L; DuPont, Jennifer J; Lennon-Edwards, Shannon L; Sanders, Paul W; Edwards, David G; Farquhar, William B

2012-01-01

Animal studies have reported dietary salt-induced reductions in vascular function independent of increases in blood pressure (BP). The purpose of this study was to determine if short-term dietary sodium loading impairs cutaneous microvascular function in normotensive adults with salt resistance. Following a control run-in diet, 12 normotensive adults (31 ± 2 years) were randomized to a 7 day low-sodium (LS; 20 mmol day−1) and 7 day high-sodium (HS; 350 mmol day−1) diet (controlled feeding study). Salt resistance, defined as a ≤5 mmHg change in 24 h mean BP determined while on the LS and HS diets, was confirmed in all subjects undergoing study (LS: 84 ± 1 mmHg vs. HS: 85 ± 2 mmHg; P > 0.05). On the last day of each diet, subjects were instrumented with two microdialysis fibres for the local delivery of Ringer solution and 20 mm ascorbic acid (AA). Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to measure red blood cell flux during local heating-induced vasodilatation (42°C). After the established plateau, 10 mm l-NAME was perfused to quantify NO-dependent vasodilatation. All data were expressed as a percentage of maximal cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) at each site (28 mm sodium nitroprusside; 43°C). Sodium excretion increased during the HS diet (P < 0.05). The plateau % CVCmax was reduced during HS (LS: 93 ± 1 % CVCmax vs. HS: 80 ± 2 % CVCmax; P < 0.05). During the HS diet, AA improved the plateau % CVCmax (Ringer: 80 ± 2 % CVCmax vs. AA: 89 ± 3 % CVCmax; P < 0.05) and restored the NO contribution (Ringer: 44 ± 3 % CVCmax vs. AA: 59 ± 6 % CVCmax; P < 0.05). These data demonstrate that dietary sodium loading impairs cutaneous microvascular function independent of BP in normotensive adults and suggest a role for oxidative stress. PMID:22907057

The current status of fluoride salt cooled high temperature reactor (FHR) technology and its overlap with HIF target chamber concepts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scarlat, Raluca O.; Peterson, Per F.

2014-01-01

The fluoride salt cooled high temperature reactor (FHR) is a class of fission reactor designs that use liquid fluoride salt coolant, TRISO coated particle fuel, and graphite moderator. Heavy ion fusion (HIF) can likewise make use of liquid fluoride salts, to create thick or thin liquid layers to protect structures in the target chamber from ablation by target X-rays and damage from fusion neutron irradiation. This presentation summarizes ongoing work in support of design development and safety analysis of FHR systems. Development work for fluoride salt systems with application to both FHR and HIF includes thermal-hydraulic modeling and experimentation, salt chemistry control, tritium management, salt corrosion of metallic alloys, and development of major components (e.g., pumps, heat exchangers) and gas-Brayton cycle power conversion systems. In support of FHR development, a thermal-hydraulic experimental test bay for separate effects (SETs) and integral effect tests (IETs) was built at UC Berkeley, and a second IET facility is under design. The experiments investigate heat transfer and fluid dynamics and they make use of oils as simulant fluids at reduced scale, temperature, and power of the prototypical salt-cooled system. With direct application to HIF, vortex tube flow was investigated in scaled experiments with mineral oil. Liquid jets response to impulse loading was likewise studied using water as a simulant fluid. A set of four workshops engaging industry and national laboratory experts were completed in 2012, with the goal of developing a technology pathway to the design and licensing of a commercial FHR. The pathway will include experimental and modeling efforts at universities and national laboratories, requirements for a component test facility for reliability testing of fluoride salt equipment at prototypical conditions, requirements for an FHR test reactor, and development of a pre-conceptual design for a commercial reactor.

Excess maternal salt intake produces sex-specific hypertension in offspring: putative roles for kidney and gastrointestinal sodium handling.

PubMed

Gray, Clint; Al-Dujaili, Emad A; Sparrow, Alexander J; Gardiner, Sheila M; Craigon, Jim; Welham, Simon J M; Gardner, David S

2013-01-01

Hypertension is common and contributes, via cardiovascular disease, towards a large proportion of adult deaths in the Western World. High salt intake leads to high blood pressure, even when occurring prior to birth - a mechanism purported to reside in altered kidney development and later function. Using a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches we tested whether increased maternal salt intake influences fetal kidney development to render the adult individual more susceptible to salt retention and hypertension. We found that salt-loaded pregnant rat dams were hypernatraemic at day 20 gestation (147±5 vs. 128±5 mmoles/L). Increased extracellular salt impeded murine kidney development in vitro, but had little effect in vivo. Kidneys of the adult offspring had few structural or functional abnormalities, but male and female offspring were hypernatraemic (166±4 vs. 149±2 mmoles/L), with a marked increase in plasma corticosterone (e.g. male offspring; 11.9 [9.3-14.8] vs. 2.8 [2.0-8.3] nmol/L median [IQR]). Furthermore, adult male, but not female, offspring had higher mean arterial blood pressure (effect size, +16 [9-21] mm Hg; mean [95% C.I.]. With no clear indication that the kidneys of salt-exposed offspring retained more sodium per se, we conducted a preliminary investigation of their gastrointestinal electrolyte handling and found increased expression of proximal colon solute carrier family 9 (sodium/hydrogen exchanger), member 3 (SLC9A3) together with altered faecal characteristics and electrolyte handling, relative to control offspring. On the basis of these data we suggest that excess salt exposure, via maternal diet, at a vulnerable period of brain and gut development in the rat neonate lays the foundation for sustained increases in blood pressure later in life. Hence, our evidence further supports the argument that excess dietary salt should be avoided per se, particularly in the range of foods consumed by physiologically immature young.

Antibiofilm Properties of Acetic Acid

PubMed Central

Bjarnsholt, Thomas; Alhede, Morten; Jensen, Peter Østrup; Nielsen, Anne K.; Johansen, Helle Krogh; Homøe, Preben; Høiby, Niels; Givskov, Michael; Kirketerp-Møller, Klaus

2015-01-01

Bacterial biofilms are known to be extremely tolerant toward antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents. These biofilms cause the persistence of chronic infections. Since antibiotics rarely resolve these infections, the only effective treatment of chronic infections is surgical removal of the infected implant, tissue, or organ and thereby the biofilm. Acetic acid is known for its antimicrobial effect on bacteria in general, but has never been thoroughly tested for its efficacy against bacterial biofilms. In this article, we describe complete eradication of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative biofilms using acetic acid both as a liquid and as a dry salt. In addition, we present our clinical experience of acetic acid treatment of chronic wounds. In conclusion, we here present the first comprehensive in vitro and in vivo testing of acetic acid against bacterial biofilms. PMID:26155378

Microbial contributions to chronic inflammation and metabolic disease.

PubMed

Shanahan, Fergus; Sheehan, Donal

2016-07-01

It is long known that immune and metabolic cascades intersect at various cross-points. More recently, the regulatory influence of the microbiota on both of these cascades has emerged. Advances with therapeutic implications for chronic immunologic and metabolic disorders are examined. Disturbances of the microbiota, particularly in early life, may be the proximate environmental risk factor in socioeconomically developed societies for development of chronic immune-allergic and metabolic disorders, including obesity. Antibiotics and dietary factors contribute to this risk. Multiple microbial signalling molecules mediate host-microbe interactions including bacterial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, bile salts and others. New strategies for manipulating the composition and metabolic activity of the gut microbiota have emerged and offer a realistic prospect of personalized therapeutic options in immune and metabolic diseases.

Aerosol Optical Properties over Northwestern European Seas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avgousta Floutsi, Athina; Korras Carraca, Marios Bruno; Matsoukas, Christos; Riva, Riccardo; Biskos, George

2017-04-01

Atmospheric aerosols, both natural and anthropogenic, can affect the regional and global climate through their direct, indirect, and semi-direct effects on the radiative energy budget of the Earth-atmosphere system. In order to quantify these effects it is necessary to determine the aerosol load. An effective way to do this is by measuring the aerosol optical depth (AOD). Besides AOD, the Fine mode Fraction (AOD of particles smaller than 1 μm / total AOD, FF) is a useful parameter for the characterization of the aerosol and provides a good proxy for particle size. In this study, we investigate the spatial and temporal variability of the AOD and FF over the Western and Northwestern European Seas (43° N - 67° N, 10° W - 31° E), where significant sources of both natural and anthropogenic particles are located. Anthropogenic particles (mostly fine mode) originate from ship activity, or from urban-industrial and biomass-burning processes in the European countries. The natural, coarse mode particles are primarily sea salt. The study is performed using Collection 006 Level-3 mean daily aerosol data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument on board Aqua satellite, available in 1° × 1° resolution (ca. 100 km × 100 km) over the period 2002- 2014. Our results indicate significant spatial variability of the aerosol load over the study region. The highest AOD values (up to 0.32 on annual level) are observed over the English Channel and the coasts of the Netherlands and Germany. In these regions the highest FF values are also observed (up to 0.77), indicating a relatively large contribution of anthropogenic particles to the aerosol load. Offshore, both AOD and FF are lower compared to coastal regions, indicating the predominance of maritime aerosols (sea salt). The data also show a clear seasonal cycle, with larger aerosol load during spring and summer (AOD up to 0.60), and lower during autumn and winter (AOD up to 0.30). A similar pattern is observed for FF indicating a larger contribution of anthropogenic particles during spring and summer compared to autumn and winter. The highest FF values (up to 0.80- 0.85) are observed over the Baltic Sea during summer while year-round the lowest values are observed in remote maritime areas, mostly in the northern part of our study region, highlighting the predominance of sea salt particles. The AOD exhibits a generally decreasing trend (slope between -0.18 to 0.05 per decade). Positive values are observed over the northwestern ocean areas (sea salt dominated), while over most of our study region the slope is of the order of -0.02 to -0.05 per decade. These trends are possibly associated with a reduction of the anthropogenic emissions.

Targets and timelines for reducing salt in processed food in the Americas.

PubMed

Campbell, Norm; Legowski, Barbara; Legetic, Branka; Ferrante, Daniel; Nilson, Eduardo; Campbell, Christine; L'Abbé, Mary

2014-09-01

Reducing dietary salt is one of the most effective interventions to lessen the burden of premature death and disability. In high-income countries and those in nutrition transition, processed foods are a significant if not the main source of dietary salt. Reformulating these products to reduce their salt content is recommended as a best buy to prevent chronic diseases across populations. In the Americas, there are targets and timelines for reduced salt content of processed foods in 8 countries--Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, and the National Salt Reduction Initiative in the United States and Paraguay. While there are common elements across the countries, there are notable differences in their approaches: 4 countries have exclusively voluntary targets, 2 countries have combined voluntary and regulated components, and 1 country has only regulations. The countries have set different types of targets and in some cases combined them: averages, sales-weighted averages, upper limits, and percentage reductions. The foods to which the targets apply vary from single categories to comprehensive categories accounting for all processed products. The most accessible and transparent targets are upper limits per food category. Most likely to have a substantive and sustained impact on salt intake across whole populations is the combination of sales-weighted averages and upper limits. To assist all countries with policies to improve the overall nutritional value of processed foods, the authors call for food companies to supply food composition data and product sales volume data to transparent and open-access platforms and for global companies to supply the products that meet the strictest targets to all markets. Countries participating in common markets at the subregional level can consider harmonizing targets, nutrition labels, and warning labels. ©2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

CLL2-BXX Phase II trials: sequential, targeted treatment for eradication of minimal residual disease in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

PubMed

Cramer, Paula; von Tresckow, Julia; Bahlo, Jasmin; Engelke, Anja; Langerbeins, Petra; Fink, Anna-Maria; Fischer, Kirsten; Wendtner, Clemens-Martin; Kreuzer, Karl-Anton; Stilgenbauer, Stephan; Böttcher, Sebastian; Eichhorst, Barbara; Hallek, Michael

2018-03-01

Four Phase II trials (clinical trials numbers: NCT02345863, NCT02401503, NCT02445131 and NCT02689141) evaluate a different combination of targeted agents in an all-comer population of approximately 60 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia irrespective of prior treatment, physical fitness and genetic risk factors. Patients with a higher tumor load start with a debulking treatment with bendamustine. The subsequent induction and maintenance treatment with an anti-CD20 antibody (obinutuzumab or ofatumumab) and a targeted oral agent (ibrutinib, idelalisib or venetoclax) are continued until achievement of a complete response and minimal residual disease negativity. This strategy represents a new era of chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapy where chemotherapy is increasingly replaced by targeted agents and treatment duration is tailored to the patient's individual tumor load and response.

Load Handling and Repetitive Movements Are Associated with Chronic Low Back Pain among Jute Mill Workers in India

PubMed Central

Goswami, S.; Dasgupta, S.; Samanta, A.; Talukdar, G.; Chanda, A.; Ray Karmakar, P.; Bhattacharya, D.

2016-01-01

Introduction. WHO recognizes low back pain as one of the most important ergonomic stressors. Therefore, the present study was designed to find out the magnitude of the problem among jute mill workers in India and identify possible associations. Methodology. This cross-sectional workplace based study was conducted among eight (8) selected jute mills of India. Subjects with self-reported back pain for at least last 12 weeks were included and n = 717 male jute mill workers actively engaged in work entered the study and completed all assessments. Results. Among all participants 55% (n = 392) had current chronic low back pain. Age was an important association with subjects in the age group of 40–59 years more likely to have pain (p = 0.02, OR 1.44). Regarding ergonomic risk factors lifting of load of more than 20 kg (p = 0.04, OR 1.42) and repetitive movements of limbs (p = 0.03, OR 0.67) were significant associations of chronic low back pain. Conclusion. This study identified a significant prevalence of current chronic low back pain among jute mill workers. Regarding ergonomic risk factors the present study has identified two significant associations: lifting of load above 20 kg and repetitive movements of limbs. Therefore, this study has identified need for workplace interventions in this occupational group employing approximately 3,50,000 workers in India. PMID:27563463

Early histological and functional effects of chronic copper exposure in rat liver.

PubMed

Cisternas, Felipe A; Tapia, Gladys; Arredondo, Miguel; Cartier-Ugarte, Denise; Romanque, Pamela; Sierralta, Walter D; Vial, María T; Videla, Luis A; Araya, Magdalena

2005-10-01

Cu is an essential trace element capable of producing toxic effects in animals and man when ingested acutely or chronically in excess. Although chronic Cu exposure is increasingly recognized as a public health issue, its early effects remain largely unknown. We approached the significance of a moderate chronic Cu load in young rats to correlate early hepatic histopathological changes with functional alterations of liver cells. For this purpose, supplementation with 1,200 ppm of Cu in rat food for 16 weeks was chosen. In these conditions, Cu load elicited a significant decrease in growth curves. There were mild light microscopy alterations in Cu-treated rats, although increasing intracellular Cu storage was correlated with longer Cu exposure both by histological and biochemical measurements. Ultrastructural alterations included lysosomal inclusions as well as mitochondrial and nuclear changes. Liver perfusion studies revealed higher rates of basal O(2) consumption and colloidal carbon-induced O(2) uptake in Cu-treated rats, with enhanced carbon-induced O(2)/carbon uptake ratios and NF-kappaB DNA binding activity. These changes were time-dependent and returned to control values after 12 or 16 weeks. It is concluded that subchronic Cu loading in young rats induces early hepatic morphological changes, with enhancement in Küpffer cell-dependent respiratory burst activity and NF-kappaB DNA binding, cellular responses that may prevent or alleviate the hepatotoxicity of the metal.

High Salt Intake Increases Blood Pressure in Normal Rats: Putative Role of 20-HETE and No Evidence on Changes in Renal Vascular Reactivity

PubMed Central

Walkowska, A.; Kuczeriszka, M.; Sadowski, J.; Olszyński, K.H.; Dobrowolski, L.; Červenka, L.; Hammock, B.D.; Kompanowska-Jezierska, E.

2015-01-01

Background/Aims High salt (HS) intake may elevate blood pressure (BP), also in animals without genetic salt sensitivity. The development of salt-dependent hypertension could be mediated by endogenous vasoactive agents; here we examined the role of vasodilator epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and vasoconstrictor 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE). Methods In conscious Wistar rats on HS diet systolic BP (SBP) was examined after chronic elevation of EETs using 4-[4-(3-adamantan-1-yl-ureido)-cyclohexyloxy]-benzoic acid (c-AUCB), a blocker of soluble epoxide hydrolase, or after inhibition of 20-HETE with 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT). Thereafter, in acute experiments the responses of renal artery blood flow (Transonic probe) and renal regional perfusion (laser-Doppler) to intrarenal acetylcholine (ACh) or norepinephrine were determined. Results HS diet increased urinary 20-HETE excretion. The SBP increase was not reduced by c-AUCB but prevented by ABT until day 5 of HS exposure. Renal vasomotor responses to ACh or norepinephrine were similar on standard and HS diet. ABT but not c-AUCB abolished the responses to ACh. Conclusions 20-HETE seems to mediate the early-phase HS diet-induced BP increase while EETs are not engaged in the process. Since HS exposure did not alter renal vasodilator responses to Ach, endothelial dysfunction is not a critical factor in the mechanism of salt-induced blood pressure elevation. PMID:26067851

Terbinafine-loaded wound dressing for chronic superficial fungal infections.

PubMed

Paskiabi, Farnoush Asghari; Bonakdar, Shahin; Shokrgozar, Mohammad Ali; Imani, Mohammad; Jahanshiri, Zahra; Shams-Ghahfarokhi, Masoomeh; Razzaghi-Abyaneh, Mehdi

2017-04-01

In spite of developing new drugs and modern formulations, the treatments of chronic fungal infections are still challenging. Fibrous wound dressings are new suggestions for the treatment of chronic superficial infections. In the present study, we formulated an antifungal agent, terbinafine hydrochloride (TFH), which is a hydrophobic drug, in wound dressings prepared by electrospun polycaprolactone, polycaprolactone/gelatin (50:50 w/w) and gelatin. To obtain more water-stable meshes, the preparations were treated by glutaraldehyde and their properties were determined before and after treatment. The morphology of fibrous meshes was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Drug loading efficiency and release rate were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the release rate was monitored for 144h. Antifungal tests were performed on Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans cultured on Muller-Hinton agar. The toxicity of the meshes was measured after 24h and 14days by MTT assay. Terbinafine loading of polycaprolactone/gelatin (50:50) was 100% and it released the highest amount of TFH too. In antifungal tests, all samples were able to hinderT. mentagrophytes and A. fumigatus but not C. albicans growth among them, polycaprolactone fibers made the largest inhibition zone. In MTT assay, none of prepared samples showed toxicity against L929 cells. Teken together, the prepared TFH-loaded PCL/gelatin electrospun meshes were able to release TFH slowly and in a steady state in time. With respect to no obvious cytotoxicity in MTT assay and stong antifungal activity toward T. mentagrophytesin vitro, these TFH-based meshes could be considered as potential candidates in clinical application as wound dressing for treatment of chronic dermatophytosis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Clinical and virological characteristics of 15 patients with chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

PubMed

Gotoh, Kensei; Ito, Yoshinori; Shibata-Watanabe, Yukiko; Kawada, Jun-ichi; Takahashi, Yoshiyuki; Yagasaki, Hiroshi; Kojima, Seiji; Nishiyama, Yukihiro; Kimura, Hiroshi

2008-05-15

Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is characterized by recurrent infectious mononucleosis-like symptoms, and infected patients have high viral loads in their peripheral blood. Standard therapy for the disease has not yet been established. Recently, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been introduced and has the potential to become a standard treatment, although guidelines for HSCT to treat chronic active EBV infection have not yet been proposed. Fifteen patients were retrospectively analyzed, both clinically and virologically, to investigate the factors associated with prognosis of chronic active EBV infection treated with HSCT. After HSCT, 7 patients died after survival periods that ranged from 1 to 16 months (mean duration of survival after HSCT, 5 months). Three patients were considered to have died of transplantation-related complications. The duration between infection onset and diagnosis was significantly longer in patients who died than in those who survived. Five of the 7 patients who died experienced > or =3 life-threatening complications. The plasma concentrations of interferon-gamma, interleukin-10, thrombomodulin, and soluble E-selectin did not differ significantly between the groups of patients. With regard to sequence variations in the EBV latent membrane protein 1 gene, no specific patterns were found in the patients who died. Importantly, the plasma EBV load at diagnosis was significantly higher in patients who died than in living patients. Moreover, plasma viral load was shown to be an important factor to monitor during follow-up for patients after HSCT. The number of life-threatening complications and plasma viral load are indicative of the stage of disease progression and may be useful factors for predicting the outcome of HSCT.

High-repetition cyclic loading is a risk factor for a lumbar disorder.

PubMed

Navar, Daniel; Zhou, Bing-He; Lu, Yun; Solomonow, Moshe

2006-11-01

Epidemiological data suggest that prolonged exposure to cyclic lumbar flexion elicits a chronic neuromuscular disorder and disability in workers. This study provides a physiological and biomechanical assessment of various repetitions of cyclic lumbar flexion sessions as a risk factor for development of an acute neuromuscular disorder. An in vivo feline model was subjected to 10 minutes of cyclic (0.25-HZ) loading, followed by a 10-minute rest period, repeated three times in one experimental group, six times in a second group, and nine times in the third group, followed by rest for 7 hours. Displacement of the lumbar viscoelastic tissue and reflex electromyographic (EMG) activity from the lumbar multifidus muscle were monitored. Creep developed and accumulated during each load/rest period and partially recovered during the subsequent rest. Loading periods were characterized by a decrease in reflex EMG activity with superimposed spasms. In the 7-hour recovery period, initial hyperexcitability was present in all groups, whereas only the six- and nine-repetition groups displayed significant delayed hyperexcitability, indicating the presence of acute inflammation. The mathematical model developed fit the data reasonably well, as the R2 values were generally near 0.90. It was concluded that the resulting delayed muscular hyperexcitability constitutes an acute neuromuscular disorder associated with exposure to many repetitions of cyclic lumbar flexion. The acute disorder can become chronic if not allowed sufficient rest to resolve itself. Workers engaged in cyclic lumbar flexion (e.g., loading/unloading, assembly workers) should avoid long-term exposure in order to prevent the development of a chronic neuromuscular condition known as cumulative trauma disorder.

A torque, tension and stress corrosion evaluation of high strength A286 bolts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Montano, J. W.

1986-01-01

The problems associated with overtorque applied to the Booster Separation Motor (BSM) Igniter Adapter high strength 200 KSI (1379 Mpa) A286 CRES bolts and the threaded holes of the 7075-T73 aluminum alloy BSM cases are addressed. The evaluation included torque, tensile, and stress corrosion tests incorporating the A286 CRES bolts and the 7075-T73 aluminum alloy BSM cases. The tensile test data includes ultimate tensile load (UTL), Johnson's 2/3 yield load (J2/3YL), proportional limit load (PLL), and total bolt stretch. Torque tension data includes torque, torque induced load, and positive and negative break-away torque. Stress corrosion test data reflect the overtorque and the resulting torque induced loads sustained by the A286 CRES bolts torqued into a 7075-T73 aluminum alloy forged dome with threaded holes. After 60 days of salt fog exposure, the positive and the negative break-away torques, the subsequent mechanical property tensile test results, and the BSM dome threaded hole axial tensile pullout loads are reported.

Hydro-mechanical properties of the Red Salt Clay (T4) - Relevancy of the minimum stress criterion for barrier integrity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minkley, W.; Popp, T.; Salzer, K.; Gruner, M.; Böttge, V.

The so-called Red Salt Clay (T4) is deposited as clay-rich clastic sediment at the base of the Aller-series forming a persistent lateral layer of up to 20 m thickness above the lower Zechstein-series. The clay layers may act as a protective shield in the hanging wall of gas storages or underground repositories in salt formations, thus resulting in a multi-barrier system. As a proof of its reliability comprehensive hydro-mechanical investigations were performed on clay samples recovered at different sites in Germany. Most important, rock tightness against various fluids was confirmed in the lab and field-scale. Remarkably, only if the fluid pressure equalises the acting minimal stress (i.e. violence of the “minimum stress criterion”) a significant increase of permeability is observed (“pathway dilatation”) but no macro-frac. However, the material properties from different locations showed a significant variability according to different burial depths. Thus the Red Salt Clay may act as natural analogue, representing the material variability of various indurated clays. In addition, the existing knowledge gained from practical mining activities can be used to evaluate extreme in situ loading conditions.

Fabrication of hydrophobic fluorinated silica-polyamide thin film nanocomposite reverse osmosis membranes with dramatically improved salt rejection.

PubMed

Pang, Ruizhi; Zhang, Kaisong

2018-01-15

Thin film nanocomposite reverse osmosis (TFN RO) membranes incorporated with hydrophilic nanoparticles show a potential problem that the salt rejection can not be improved significantly. In this study, novel TFN RO membranes incorporated with hydrophobic fluorinated silica nanoparticles were fabricated to improve the salt rejection. Fluorinated silica nanoparticles were well dispersed in organic phase during the interfacial polymerization (IP) process. The TFN RO membranes were characterized with attenuated total reflectance infra-red, field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and water contact angle measurements. The preparation conditions of TFN RO membranes, including IP reaction time, organic solvent removal time, and fluorinated silica loading, were optimized by characterizing desalination performance using 2000ppm NaCl aqueous solution at 1.55MPa and 25°C. The salt rejection increased significantly from 96.0% without fluorinated silica nanoparticles to 98.6% with the optimal 0.12% (w/v) fluorinated silica nanoparticles, while the water flux decreased slightly from 0.99m 3 /m 2 /day to 0.93m 3 /m 2 /day. This study demonstrated the potential use of hydrophobic nanoparticles in high-performance TFN RO membranes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Salt-Sensitive Hypertension and Cardiac Hypertrophy in Transgenic Mice Expressing a Corin Variant Identified in African Americans

PubMed Central

Wang, Wei; Cui, Yujie; Shen, Jianzhong; Jiang, Jingjing; Chen, Shenghan; Peng, Jianhao; Wu, Qingyu

2012-01-01

African Americans represent a high risk population for salt-sensitive hypertension and heart disease but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Corin is a cardiac protease that regulates blood pressure by activating natriuretic peptides. A corin gene variant (T555I/Q568P) was identified in African Americans with hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. In this study, we test the hypothesis that the corin variant contributes to the hypertensive and cardiac hypertrophic phenotype in vivo. Transgenic mice were generated to express wild-type or T555I/Q568P variant corin in the heart under the control of α-myosin heavy chain promoter. The mice were crossed into a corin knockout background to create KO/TgWT and KO/TgV mice that expressed WT or variant corin, respectively, in the heart. Functional studies showed that KO/TgV mice had significantly higher levels of pro-atrial natriuretic peptide in the heart compared with that in control KO/TgWT mice, indicating that the corin variant was defective in processing natriuretic peptides in vivo. By radiotelemetry, corin KO/TgV mice were found to have hypertension that was sensitive to dietary salt loading. The mice also developed cardiac hypertrophy at 12–14 months of age when fed a normal salt diet or at a younger age when fed a high salt diet. The phenotype of salt-sensitive hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy in KO/TgV mice closely resembles the pathological findings in African Americans who carry the corin variant. The results indicate that corin defects may represent an important mechanism in salt-sensitive hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy in African Americans. PMID:22987923

Japanese traditional miso soup attenuates salt-induced hypertension and its organ damage in Dahl salt-sensitive rats.

PubMed

Yoshinaga, Mariko; Toda, Natsuko; Tamura, Yuki; Terakado, Shouko; Ueno, Mai; Otsuka, Kie; Numabe, Atsushi; Kawabata, Yukari; Uehara, Yoshio

2012-09-01

We investigated the effects of long-term miso soup drinking on salt-induced hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl S) rats. Dahl S rats were divided into four groups that consumed 1) water, 2) a 0.9% NaCl solution, 3) a 1.3% sodium NaCl solution, or 4) miso soup containing 1.3% NaCl. They were followed for 8 wk. Systolic blood pressure and hypertensive organ damage were determined. Systolic blood pressure increased in an age- and dose-dependent manner in Dahl S rats drinking salt solutions. The systolic blood pressure increase was significantly less in the Dahl S rats that drank miso soup, although the ultimate cumulative salt loading was greater than that in the Dahl S rats given the 1.3% NaCl solution. This blood pressure decrease was associated with a morphologic attenuation of glomerular sclerosis in the kidney and collagen infiltration in the heart. Urinary protein excretions were less in the miso group than in the rats given the 1.3% NaCl solution. The fractional excretion of sodium was increased and that of potassium was decreased in Dahl S rats given the 1.3% NaCl solution, and these effects were reversed in rats given miso soup toward the values of the control. We found that long-term miso soup drinking attenuates the blood pressure increase in salt-induced hypertension with organ damage. This may be caused by a possible retardation of sodium absorption in the gastrointestinal tract or by the direct effects of nutrients in the miso soup from soybeans. The decrease was associated with decreases in cardiovascular and renal damage. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Allostatic Load and Effort-Reward Imbalance: Associations over the Working-Career

PubMed Central

Coronado, José Ignacio Cuitún; Chandola, Tarani; Steptoe, Andrew

2018-01-01

Although associations between work stressors and stress-related biomarkers have been reported in cross-sectional studies, the use of single time measurements of work stressors could be one of the reasons for inconsistent associations. This study examines whether repeated reports of work stress towards the end of the working career predicts allostatic load, a measure of chronic stress related physiological processes. Data from waves 2 to 6 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) were analysed, with a main analytical sample of 2663 older adults (aged 50+) who had at least one measurement of effort-reward imbalance between waves 2–6 and a measurement of allostatic load at wave 6. Cumulative work stress over waves 2–6 were measured by the effort-reward imbalance model. ELSA respondents who had reported two or more occasions of imbalance had a higher (0.3) estimate of the allostatic load index than those who did not report any imbalance, controlling for a range of health and socio-demographic factors, as well as allostatic load at baseline. More recent reports of imbalance were significantly associated with a higher allostatic load index, whereas reports of imbalance from earlier waves of ELSA were not. The accumulation of work related stressors could have adverse effects on chronic stress biological processes. PMID:29364177

Allostatic Load and Effort-Reward Imbalance: Associations over the Working-Career.

PubMed

Coronado, José Ignacio Cuitún; Chandola, Tarani; Steptoe, Andrew

2018-01-24

Although associations between work stressors and stress-related biomarkers have been reported in cross-sectional studies, the use of single time measurements of work stressors could be one of the reasons for inconsistent associations. This study examines whether repeated reports of work stress towards the end of the working career predicts allostatic load, a measure of chronic stress related physiological processes. Data from waves 2 to 6 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) were analysed, with a main analytical sample of 2663 older adults (aged 50+) who had at least one measurement of effort-reward imbalance between waves 2-6 and a measurement of allostatic load at wave 6. Cumulative work stress over waves 2-6 were measured by the effort-reward imbalance model. ELSA respondents who had reported two or more occasions of imbalance had a higher (0.3) estimate of the allostatic load index than those who did not report any imbalance, controlling for a range of health and socio-demographic factors, as well as allostatic load at baseline. More recent reports of imbalance were significantly associated with a higher allostatic load index, whereas reports of imbalance from earlier waves of ELSA were not. The accumulation of work related stressors could have adverse effects on chronic stress biological processes.

Technical Note: Daily variation in intake of a salt-limited supplement by grazing steers

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The objective of this research was to develop and test an automated supplement intake measurement system (SmartFeed, SF) in grazing trials. The SF was developed by C-lock Inc., (Rapid City, SD), and was designed using a stainless steel feed bin with load cells and an radio frequency identification ...

SOURCES AND ESTIMATED LOAD OF BIOAVAILABLE NITROGEN ATTRIBUTABLE TO CHRONIC NITROGEN EXPOSURE AND CHANGED ECOSYSTEM STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

EPA Science Inventory

Bioavailable nitrogen is a limiting nutrient throughout the Eastern United States. Research demonstrates that exposure to large doses of nitrogen leads to deleterious environmental impacts. However, effects of chronic exposure to lower doses of nitrogen are not well known. Since...

SOURCES AND ESTIMATED LOAD OF BIOAVAILABLE NITROGEN ATTRIBUTED TO CHRONIC NITROGEN EXPOSURE AND CHANGED ECOSYSTEM STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

EPA Science Inventory

Bioavailable nitrogen is a limiting nutrient throughout the Eastern United States. Research demonstrates that exposure to large doses of nitrogen leads to deleterious environmental impacts. However, effects of chronic exposure to lower doses of nitrogen are under-appreciated. ...

Vegetated land cover near residence is associated with reduced allostatic load and improved biomarkers of neuroendocrine, metabolic and immune functions

EPA Science Inventory

Abstract Background: Greater exposure to urban green spaces has been linked to reduced risks of depression, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and premature death. Alleviation of chronic stress is a hypothesized pathway to improved health. Previous studies linked chronic stress wit...

Development and characterization of morin hydrate loaded microemulsion for the management of Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Sharma, Dheeraj; Singh, Manpreet; Kumar, Punnet; Vikram, Vir; Mishra, Neeraj

2017-12-01

The aim of this study is to prepare and characterize intranasal delivery of morin hydrate loaded microemulsion for the management of Alzheimer's diseases. After intranasal delivery, brain and blood drug concentrations were found to be higher for optimized morin hydrate loaded microemulsion as compared to plain morin hydrate. Significant (P < 0.05) reduction in assessed pharmacodynamic parameters was observed after intranasal administration of morin hydrate loaded microemulsion as compared to sham control group. Daily chronic treatment with morin loaded microemulsion till the 21st day significantly increased the memory in wistar rats with STZ-induced dementia.

The influence of bile salt on the chemotherapeutic response of docetaxel-loaded thermosensitive nanomicelles.

PubMed

Kim, Dong Wuk; Ramasamy, Thiruganesh; Choi, Ju Yeon; Kim, Jeong Hwan; Yong, Chul Soon; Kim, Jong Oh; Choi, Han-Gon

2014-01-01

The primary aim of this work was to investigate the potential of bile salt, sodium taurocholate (NaTC), in improving the bioavailability and anti-tumor efficacy of docetaxel (DCT) upon rectal administration. Poloxamer-based nanomicelles with thermosensitive and mucoadhesive properties were prepared using the cold method. The optimized nanomicellar formulation was evaluated in terms of physicochemical and viscoelastic parameters. Nanomicelles containing bile salt maintained sufficient gelation strength (234×10(2) mPa·s) and mucoadhesive force (17.3×10(2) dyne/cm(2)) to be retained in the upper part of the rectum. They significantly enhanced the DCT internalization across the rectal mucosa and showed a high plasma level during the first 4 hours of the study period, compared to nanomicelles with no bile salt. As a result, a slightly higher rectal bioavailability of ~33% was observed in nanomicelles containing bile salt, compared to ~28% from the latter system. The higher pharmacokinetic parameters for rectally administered DCT/P407/P188/Tween 80/NaTC (0.25%/11%/15%/10%/0.1% by weight, respectively) resulted in significant anti-tumor efficacy. However, the tumor regression rate for the NaTC group was not statistically different from that for nanomicelles without NaTC. Therefore, overall results suggest that thermosensitive nanomicelles could be a potential dosage form for improvement of the bioavailability and chemotherapeutic profile of DCT.

Pressure prediction in non-uniaxial settings based on field data and geomechanical modeling: a well example

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lockhart, L. P.; Flemings, P. B.; Nikolinakou, M. A.; Heidari, M.

2016-12-01

We apply a new pressure prediction approach that couples sonic velocity data, geomechanical modeling, and a critical state soil model to estimate pore pressure from wellbore data adjacent to a salt body where the stress field is complex. Specifically, we study pressure and stress in front of the Mad Dog salt body, in the Gulf of Mexico. Because of the loading from the salt, stresses are not uniaxial; the horizontal stress is elevated, leading to higher mean and shear stresses. For the Mad Dog field, we develop a relationship between velocity and equivalent effective stress, in order to account for both the mean and shear stress effect on pore pressure. We obtain this equivalent effective stress using a geomechanical model of the Mad Dog field. We show that the new approach improves pressure prediction in areas near salt where mean and shear stress are different than the control well. Our methodology and results show that pore pressure is driven by a combination of mean stress and shear stress, and highlight the importance of shear-induced pore pressures. Furthermore, the impact of our study extends beyond salt bodies; the methodology and gained insights are applicable to geological environments around the world with a complex geologic history, where the stress state is not uniaxial (fault zones, anticlines, synclines, continental margins, etc.).

Road de-icing salt as a potential constraint on urban growth in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howard, Ken W. F.; Maier, Herb

2007-04-01

North America's fifth most populated municipality — the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) — is undergoing rapid urban development with serious questions being raised regarding the long-term impacts of urban growth on the quality and quantity of ground and surface water. Degradation of groundwater quality by NaCl de-icing salt is the primary concern since there are no cost effective alternatives to NaCl de-icing salt and there is little evidence that salt loadings to the subsurface can be significantly reduced. In 2001, the issue acquired a new sense of urgency when de-icing chemicals containing inorganic chloride salts (with or without ferrocyanide de-caking agents) were designated as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. To heighten concerns, future growth in the GTA will inevitably take place in areas where groundwater is regularly used for potable supply. Studies using groundwater flow and transport models show that significant deterioration of groundwater quality can be expected in shallow aquifers as a result of urban development with chloride concentrations approaching the drinking water quality standard of 250 mg/l. Results demonstrate that urban planning needs a fresh approach that explicitly includes groundwater protection and aquifer management in the decision-making process, clearly defines acceptable environmental performance standards and makes greater use of groundwater models to evaluate alternative urban designs.

Life cycle assessment of a power tower concentrating solar plant and the impacts of key design alternatives.

PubMed

Whitaker, Michael B; Heath, Garvin A; Burkhardt, John J; Turchi, Craig S

2013-06-04

A hybrid life cycle assessment (LCA) is used to evaluate four sustainability metrics over the life cycle of a power tower concentrating solar power (CSP) facility: greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water consumption, cumulative energy demand (CED), and energy payback time (EPBT). The reference design is for a dry-cooled, 106 MW(net) power tower facility located near Tucson, AZ that uses a mixture of mined nitrate salts as the heat transfer fluid and storage medium, a two-tank thermal energy storage system designed for six hours of full load-equivalent storage, and receives auxiliary power from the local electric grid. A thermocline-based storage system, synthetically derived salts, and natural gas auxiliary power are evaluated as design alternatives. Over its life cycle, the reference plant is estimated to have GHG emissions of 37 g CO2eq/kWh, consume 1.4 L/kWh of water and 0.49 MJ/kWh of energy, and have an EPBT of 15 months. Using synthetic salts is estimated to increase GHG emissions by 12%, CED by 7%, and water consumption by 4% compared to mined salts. Natural gas auxiliary power results in greater than 10% decreases in GHG emissions, water consumption, and CED. The thermocline design is most advantageous when coupled with the use of synthetic salts.

Road de-icing salt as a potential constraint on urban growth in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada.

PubMed

Howard, Ken W F; Maier, Herb

2007-04-01

North America's fifth most populated municipality--the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)--is undergoing rapid urban development with serious questions being raised regarding the long-term impacts of urban growth on the quality and quantity of ground and surface water. Degradation of groundwater quality by NaCl de-icing salt is the primary concern since there are no cost effective alternatives to NaCl de-icing salt and there is little evidence that salt loadings to the subsurface can be significantly reduced. In 2001, the issue acquired a new sense of urgency when de-icing chemicals containing inorganic chloride salts (with or without ferrocyanide de-caking agents) were designated as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. To heighten concerns, future growth in the GTA will inevitably take place in areas where groundwater is regularly used for potable supply. Studies using groundwater flow and transport models show that significant deterioration of groundwater quality can be expected in shallow aquifers as a result of urban development with chloride concentrations approaching the drinking water quality standard of 250 mg/l. Results demonstrate that urban planning needs a fresh approach that explicitly includes groundwater protection and aquifer management in the decision-making process, clearly defines acceptable environmental performance standards and makes greater use of groundwater models to evaluate alternative urban designs.

The influence of bile salt on the chemotherapeutic response of docetaxel-loaded thermosensitive nanomicelles

PubMed Central

Kim, Dong Wuk; Ramasamy, Thiruganesh; Choi, Ju Yeon; Kim, Jeong Hwan; Yong, Chul Soon; Kim, Jong Oh; Choi, Han-Gon

2014-01-01

The primary aim of this work was to investigate the potential of bile salt, sodium taurocholate (NaTC), in improving the bioavailability and anti-tumor efficacy of docetaxel (DCT) upon rectal administration. Poloxamer-based nanomicelles with thermosensitive and mucoadhesive properties were prepared using the cold method. The optimized nanomicellar formulation was evaluated in terms of physicochemical and viscoelastic parameters. Nanomicelles containing bile salt maintained sufficient gelation strength (234×102 mPa·s) and mucoadhesive force (17.3×102 dyne/cm2) to be retained in the upper part of the rectum. They significantly enhanced the DCT internalization across the rectal mucosa and showed a high plasma level during the first 4 hours of the study period, compared to nanomicelles with no bile salt. As a result, a slightly higher rectal bioavailability of ~33% was observed in nanomicelles containing bile salt, compared to ~28% from the latter system. The higher pharmacokinetic parameters for rectally administered DCT/P407/P188/Tween 80/NaTC (0.25%/11%/15%/10%/0.1% by weight, respectively) resulted in significant anti-tumor efficacy. However, the tumor regression rate for the NaTC group was not statistically different from that for nanomicelles without NaTC. Therefore, overall results suggest that thermosensitive nanomicelles could be a potential dosage form for improvement of the bioavailability and chemotherapeutic profile of DCT. PMID:25143730

Aluminum hydroxide colloid vaccine encapsulated in yeast shells with enhanced humoral and cellular immune responses.

PubMed

Liu, Hui; Jia, Zhenghu; Yang, Chengmao; Song, Mei; Jing, Zhe; Zhao, Yapu; Wu, Zhenzhou; Zhao, Liqing; Wei, Dongsheng; Yin, Zhinan; Hong, Zhangyong

2018-06-01

Aluminum salt (Alum) is one of the most important immune adjuvants approved for use in humans, however it is not suitable for vaccination against various chronic infectious diseases and cancers for not being able to induce cell-mediated (Th1) immunity. Here, we encapsulated an Alum colloid inside β-glucan particles (GPs), which are a type of natural particles derived from the yeast glucan shells, to prepare hybrid GP-Alum (GP-Al) adjuvant particles with a very uniform size of 2-4 μm. These hybrid particles can be used to load antigen proteins through a simple mixing procedure, and can be highly specifically targeted to antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and strongly activate dendritic cells (DCs) maturation and cytokine secretion. In an animal model, they elicit a strong Th1-biased immune response and extremely high antibody titer, and cause marked prophylactic and therapeutic effects against tumors. As Alum has been proven to be a safe adjuvant to induce strong humoral responses and β-glucans are safe for human use, this very uniform hybrid Alum particulate system could have important application as a vaccine carrier to stimulate humoral and cellular immune responses at the same time. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Distinctive styles of salt deformation formed by radial, convergent gliding into the sharp corners of the northeastern and northwestern Gulf of Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bugti, M. N.; Mann, P.

2016-12-01

Previous workers have described the effects both downslope motion of salt and shale along straight margins and the more complex three-dimensional cases of downslope salt motion and deformation: 1) radial, divergent gliding off of coastal salients accompanied by strike-parallel extension increasing downslope; and 2) radial, convergent gliding into coastal reentrants or "corners" accompanied by strike-parallel contraction and differential loading increasing downslope. The northwestern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) forms a sharp, right-angle corner defined northeastern shelf of Mexico and South Texas and the shelf of the northern GOM; in a similar way the northwestern GOM forms a sharp, right-angle corner defined by the northern shelf of the GOM and the shelf of west Florida. Despite their physical separation by over 700 km, both the NW and NE GOM corners exhibit similar salt structures not observed in adjacent areas outside of the two corners. These corner-related features include: 1) detached salt stocks with positive surface expression; we interpret the detached salt stocks as reflecting a higher degree of radial convergent gliding and compression from three sides into the bend areas; 2) slightly elongate, surficial, diapir shapes with positive bathymetric expression and ranging in diameter from 2 to 22 km and localized fold axes with the long diapiric axes and fold axes aligned parallel to the bisector of the bend; these features are also attributed to radial convergent gliding into the bend areas; 3) zones of deformation at depth that occupy the corner areas: the northwestern GOM corresponds to the Port Isabel passive-margin fold and thrust belt and the northeastern GOM corresponds to the Mississippi Canyon fold and thrust belt; while these are older convergent features we propose that they are being reactivated by the corner-centric, gravity-driven process of radial, convergent gliding; and 4) salt welds in both corner areas record more intensive and complete salt extrusion of salt; outside the corner areas salt canopies and the lack of salt welds indicates a less convergent environment for salt. These two proposed areas of radial convergent gliding are compared to other examples of radial, convergent gliding described by previous workers in the Gulf of Lions and Santos basins.

Antihypertensive effect of auraptene, a monoterpene coumarin from the genus Citrus, upon chronic administration

PubMed Central

Razavi, Bibi Marjan; Arasteh, Ebrahim; Imenshahidi, Mohsen; Iranshahi, Mehrdad

2015-01-01

Objective(s): Auraptene, a monoterpene coumarin from Citrus species, exhibits cardioprotective effects. In this study, the effects of auraptene administration were investigated on blood pressure of normotensive and desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt induced hypertensive rats. Materials and Methods: Five weeks administration of auraptene (2, 4, 8 and 16 mg/kg/day) and nifedipine (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg/kg/day) in different groups of normotensive and hypertensive rats (at the end of 3 weeks treatment by DOCA salt) was carried out and their effects on mean systolic blood pressure (MSBP) and mean heart rate (MHR) were evaluated using tail cuff method. Results: Our results indicated that chronic administration of auraptene (2, 4, 8 and 16 mg/kg/day) significantly reduced the MSBP in DOCA salt treated rats in a dose and time dependent manner. The percent of decreases in MSBP levels by the highest dose of auraptene (16 mg/kg) at the end of 4 th to 8 th weeks, were 7.00%, 10.78%, 16.07%, 21.28% and 27.54% respectively (P<0.001). Moreover the antihypertensive effect of auraptene was less than nifedipine (ED50 value of nifedipine = 0.7 mg/kg at 8th week and ED50 value of auraptene = 5.64 mg/kg at 8 week). Conclusion: Auraptene considerably reduced MSBP in hypertensive rats, but not in normotensive (normal saline treated) rats. The results of MHR measurement showed that the increase in MHR was not significant in comparison with DOCA treated rats. PMID:25810889

The effect of dDAVP with saline loading on fluid balance during LBNP and standing after 24-hr head-down bedrest

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simanonok, K. E.; Fortney, S. M.; Ford, S. R.; Charles, J. B.; Ward, D. F.

1994-01-01

Shuttle astronauts currently drink approximately a quart of water with eight salt tablets before reentry to restore lost body fluid and thereby reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular instability and syncope during reentry and after landing. However, the saline loading countermeasure is not entirely effective in restoring orthostatic tolerance to preflight levels. We tested the hypothesis that the effectiveness of this countermeasure could be improved with the use of a vasopressin analog, 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (dDAVP). The rationale for this approach is that reducing urine formation with exogenous vasopressin should increase the magnitude and duration of the vascular volume expansion produced by the saline load, and in so doing improve orthostatic tolerance during reentry and postflight.

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

Mabe, Andrew N.; Glenn, Andrew M.; Carman, M. Leslie

Transparent plastic scintillators with pulse shape discrimination containing 6Li salicylate have been synthesized by bulk polymerization with a maximum 6Li loading of 0.40 wt%. Photoluminescence and scintillation responses to gamma-rays and neutrons are reported in this paper. Plastics containing 6Li salicylate exhibit higher light yields and permit a higher loading of 6Li as compared to previously reported plastics based on lithium 3-phenylsalicylate. However, pulse shape discrimination performance is reduced in lithium salicylate plastics due to the requirement of adding more nonaromatic monomers to the polymer matrix as compared to those based on lithium 3-phenylsalicylate. Finally, reduction in light yield andmore » pulse shape discrimination performance in lithium-loaded plastics as compared to pulse shape discrimination plastics without lithium is interpreted in terms of energy transfer interference by the aromatic lithium salts.« less

I-NERI-2007-004-K, DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NEW HIGH-LEVEL WASTE FORMS FOR ACHIEVING WASTE MINIMIZATION FROM PYROPROCESSING

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

S.M. Frank

Work describe in this report represents the final year activities for the 3-year International Nuclear Energy Research Initiative (I-NERI) project: Development and Characterization of New High-Level Waste Forms for Achieving Waste Minimization from Pyroprocessing. Used electrorefiner salt that contained actinide chlorides and was highly loaded with surrogate fission products was processed into three candidate waste forms. The first waste form, a high-loaded ceramic waste form is a variant to the CWF produced during the treatment of Experimental Breeder Reactor-II used fuel at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The two other waste forms were developed by researchers at the Korean Atomicmore » Energy Research Institute (KAERI). These materials are based on a silica-alumina-phosphate matrix and a zinc/titanium oxide matrix. The proposed waste forms, and the processes to fabricate them, were designed to immobilize spent electrorefiner chloride salts containing alkali, alkaline earth, lanthanide, and halide fission products that accumulate in the salt during the processing of used nuclear fuel. This aspect of the I-NERI project was to demonstrate 'hot cell' fabrication and characterization of the proposed waste forms. The outline of the report includes the processing of the spent electrorefiner salt and the fabrication of each of the three waste forms. Also described is the characterization of the waste forms, and chemical durability testing of the material. While waste form fabrication and sample preparation for characterization must be accomplished in a radiological hot cell facility due to hazardous radioactivity levels, smaller quantities of each waste form were removed from the hot cell to perform various analyses. Characterization included density measurement, elemental analysis, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and the Product Consistency Test, which is a leaching method to measure chemical durability. Favorable results from this demonstration project will provide additional options for fission product immobilization and waste management associated the electrochemical/pyrometallurgical processing of used nuclear fuel.« less

Comparison and Tensorial Formulation of Inelastic Constitutive Models of Salt Rock Behaviour and Efficient Numerical Implementatio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagel, T.; Böttcher, N.; Görke, U. J.; Kolditz, O.

2014-12-01

The design process of geotechnical installations includes the application of numerical simulation tools for safety assessment, dimensioning and long term effectiveness estimations. Underground salt caverns can be used for the storage of natural gas, hydrogen, oil, waste or compressed air. For their design one has to take into account fluctuating internal pressures due to different levels of filling, the stresses imposed by the surrounding rock mass, irregular geometries and possibly heterogeneous material properties [3] in order to estimate long term cavern convergence as well as locally critical wall stresses. Constitutive models applied to rock salt are usually viscoplastic in nature and most often based on a Burgers-type rheological model extended by non-linear viscosity functions and/or plastic friction elements. Besides plastic dilatation, healing and damage are sometimes accounted for as well [2]. The scales of the geotechnical system to be simulated and the laboratory tests from which material parameters are determined are vastly different. The most common material testing modalities to determine material parameters in geoengineering are the uniaxial and the triaxial compression tests. Some constitutive formulations in widespread use are formulated based on equivalent rather than tensorial quantities valid under these specific test conditions and are subsequently applied to heterogeneous underground systems and complex 3D load cases. We show here that this procedure is inappropriate and can lead to erroneous results. We further propose alternative formulations of the constitutive models in question that restore their validity under arbitrary loading conditions. For an efficient numerical simulation, the discussed constitutive models are integrated locally with a Newton-Raphson algorithm that directly provides the algorithmically consistent tangent matrix for the global Newton iteration of the displacement based finite element formulation. Finally, the finite element implementations of the proposed constitutive formulations are employed to simulate an underground salt cavern used for compressed air energy storage with OpenGeoSys [1]. Transient convergence and stress fields are evaluated for typical fluctuating operation pressure regimes.

Salinity trends in the Ebro River (Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorenzo-Gonzalez, M.° Angeles; Isidoro, Daniel; Quilez, Dolores

2016-04-01

In the Ebro River Basin (Spain), the increase in water diversion for irrigation (following the increase in irrigated area) and the recovery of natural vegetation in the upper reaches, along with climate change have induced changes in the river flow and its associated salt loads. This study was supported by the Ebro River Basin Administration (CHE) and aimed to establish the trends in the salt concentrations and loads of the Ebro River at Tortosa (no 027, the extreme downstream gauging station). The CHE databases from 1972-73 to 2011-12, including mean monthly flows (Q) and concentration readings (electrical conductivity converted to total dissolved solids -TDS- by regression) from monthly grab samples, have been used. The trends were established by (i) harmonic regression analysis; (ii) linear regression by month; and (iii) the non-parametric Mann-Kendall method. Additionally, (iv) the regressions of TDS on Q in the current and previous months were established, allowing for analyzing separately the trends in TDS linked to- (TDSq) and independent of- (TDSaj) the observed changes in flow. In all cases, the trends were analyzed for different periods within the full span 1973-2012 (1973 to 2012, 1981 to 2012, 1990-2012 and 2001-2012), trying to account for periods with sensibly similar patterns of land use change. An increase in TDS was found for all the periods analyzed that was lower as shorter periods were used, suggesting that lower salinity changes might be taking place in the last years, possibly due to the reduction in the rate of irrigation development and to the on-going irrigation modernization process. The higher seasonal TDS increases were found in autumn and winter months and the increase in TDS was linked both to intrinsic changes in salinity (TDSaj) and to the observed decrease in flow (TDSq). On the other hand, the salt loads decreased, especially in autumn, as a result of the observed flow decrease. These results are based on the observed evolution of flows and salinity in 1973-2012 and can only be extrapolated into the future if the drivers of this evolution (climate and land use changes) remain unchanged in the following years, what is uncertain. A more comprehensive methodology to estimate the effects of irrigation on water salinity has been developed based on a mass balance approach. Using actual data on volumes and concentrations of return flows observed in the basin (dependent on the actual salinity of soils and waters and the irrigation systems, among other factors), the return flows of the irrigated areas are aggregated to match the actual flows and loads observed in the Ebro River. Once this balance is satisfied, the effect of new irrigated areas, drainage water reuse, irrigation modernization, or climate change would be incorporated to the balance yielding salinity forecasts based on planned irrigation developments and modernization or climate change predictions. A priori, irrigation modernization would produce lower, more concentrated volumes of return flows with lower salt loads that would result in lower TDS concentrations in the Ebro River.

Response of Growth and Density of a Population of Geukensia demissa to Land-Derived Nitrogen Loading, in Waquoit Bay, Massachusetts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evgenidou, A.; Valiela, I.

2002-07-01

Nutrient enrichment is a widespread phenomenon affecting coastal waters, including salt marshes. As land-derived nitrogen loading in estuarine waters increases, chlorophyll concentrations in the water also increase. We hypothesized that such increases might increase growth of the food-limited population of Geukensia demissa, which is a dominant component of salt marshes. To test this, we conducted a regional scale experiment in three estuaries of Waquoit Bay, Massachusetts that receive different nitrogen loading rates. A stable isotope experiment on mussel tissues and on particulate organic matter (POM) showed that mussels within an estuary fed on POM characteristic of that estuary, demonstrating the direct linkage between POM and mussels within an estuary. In addition, we measured age-specific shell growth rates of mussel populations using two different methods: indirectly, shell growth of mussels indicated by internal shell-lines was measured by fitting the data to the von Bertalanffy equation, and directly, mussels were transplanted from one estuary to the other two, and their actual shell growth rates after 80 days were measured. Growth rates of mussels in the Waquoit Bay estuaries varied with age of the mussel, tidal elevation, and with mean concentration of chlorophyll in the water. Mussels grew best in the lower intertidal zone, at the marsh banks. Young mussels grew faster than older mussels. Growth rates increased in response to presumed greater food supply across the estuaries, only for younger mussels. The significant differences we found among the mussels from different estuaries indicate a response to higher concentrations of food particles available in estuaries subject to higher nitrogen loads.

Improvement in precipitation-runoff model simulations by recalibration with basin-specific data, and subsequent model applications, Onondaga Lake Basin, Onondaga County, New York

USGS Publications Warehouse

Coon, William F.

2011-01-01

Simulation of streamflows in small subbasins was improved by adjusting model parameter values to match base flows, storm peaks, and storm recessions more precisely than had been done with the original model. Simulated recessional and low flows were either increased or decreased as appropriate for a given stream, and simulated peak flows generally were lowered in the revised model. The use of suspended-sediment concentrations rather than concentrations of the surrogate constituent, total suspended solids, resulted in increases in the simulated low-flow sediment concentrations and, in most cases, decreases in the simulated peak-flow sediment concentrations. Simulated orthophosphate concentrations in base flows generally increased but decreased for peak flows in selected headwater subbasins in the revised model. Compared with the original model, phosphorus concentrations simulated by the revised model were comparable in forested subbasins, generally decreased in developed and wetland-dominated subbasins, and increased in agricultural subbasins. A final revision to the model was made by the addition of the simulation of chloride (salt) concentrations in the Onondaga Creek Basin to help water-resource managers better understand the relative contributions of salt from multiple sources in this particular tributary. The calibrated revised model was used to (1) compute loading rates for the various land types that were simulated in the model, (2) conduct a watershed-management analysis that estimated the portion of the total load that was likely to be transported to Onondaga Lake from each of the modeled subbasins, (3) compute and assess chloride loads to Onondaga Lake from the Onondaga Creek Basin, and (4) simulate precolonization (forested) conditions in the basin to estimate the probable minimum phosphorus loads to the lake.

Recovery of acetic acid from dilute aqueous solutions using catalytic dehydrative esterification with ethanol.

PubMed

Yagyu, Daisuke; Ohishi, Tetsuo; Igarashi, Takeshi; Okumura, Yoshikuni; Nakajo, Tetsuo; Mori, Yuichiro; Kobayashi, Shū

2013-03-01

We have developed a direct esterification of aqueous acetic acid with ethanol (molar ratio=1:1) catalyzed by polystyrene-supported or homogeneous sulfonic acids toward the recovery of acetic acid from wastewater in chemical plants. The equilibrium yield was significantly increased by the addition of toluene, which had a high ability to extract ethyl acetate from the aqueous phase. It was shown that low-loading and alkylated polystyrene-supported sulfonic acid efficiently accelerated the reaction. These results suggest that the construction of hydrophobic reaction environments in water was critical in improving the chemical yield. Addition of inorganic salts was also effective for the reaction under not only biphasic conditions (toluene-water) but also toluene-free conditions, because the mutual solubility of ethyl acetate and water was suppressed by the salting-out effect. Among the tested salts, CaCl(2) was found to be the most suitable for this reaction system. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Methanol Steam Reforming Promoted by Molten Salt-Modified Platinum on Alumina Catalysts

PubMed Central

Kusche, Matthias; Agel, Friederike; Ní Bhriain, Nollaig; Kaftan, Andre; Laurin, Mathias; Libuda, Jörg; Wasserscheid, Peter

2014-01-01

We herein describe a straight forward procedure to increase the performance of platinum-on-alumina catalysts in methanol steam reforming by applying an alkali hydroxide coating according to the “solid catalyst with ionic liquid layer” (SCILL) approach. We demonstrate by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) studies that potassium doping plays an important role in the catalyst activation. Moreover, the hygroscopic nature and the basicity of the salt modification contribute to the considerable enhancement in catalytic performance. During reaction, a partly liquid film of alkali hydroxides/carbonates forms on the catalyst/alumina surface, thus significantly enhancing the availability of water at the catalytically active sites. Too high catalyst pore fillings with salt introduce a considerable mass transfer barrier into the system as indicated by kinetic studies. Thus, the optimum interplay between beneficial catalyst modification and detrimental mass transfer effects had to be identified and was found on the applied platinum-on-alumina catalyst at KOH loadings around 7.5 mass %. PMID:25124120

Salinization triggers a trophic cascade in experimental freshwater communities with varying food-chain length.

PubMed

Hintz, William D; Mattes, Brian M; Schuler, Matthew S; Jones, Devin K; Stoler, Aaron B; Lind, Lovisa; Relyea, Rick A

2017-04-01

The application of road deicing salts in northern regions worldwide is changing the chemical environment of freshwater ecosystems. Chloride levels in many lakes, streams, and wetlands exceed the chronic and acute thresholds established by the United States and Canada for the protection of freshwater biota. Few studies have identified the impacts of deicing salts in stream and wetland communities and none have examined impacts in lake communities. We tested how relevant concentrations of road salt (15, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 mg Cl - /L) interacted with experimental communities containing two or three trophic levels (i.e., no fish vs. predatory fish). We hypothesized that road salt and fish would have a negative synergistic effect on zooplankton, which would then induce a trophic cascade. We tested this hypothesis in outdoor mesocosms containing filamentous algae, periphyton, phytoplankton, zooplankton, several macroinvertebrate species, and fish. We found that the presence of fish and high salt had a negative synergistic effect on the zooplankton community, which in turn caused an increase in phytoplankton. Contributing to the magnitude of this trophic cascade was a direct positive effect of high salinity on phytoplankton abundance. Cascading effects were limited with respect to impacts on the benthic food web. Periphyton and snail grazers were unaffected by the salt-induced trophic cascade, but the biomass of filamentous algae decreased as a result of competition with phytoplankton for light or nutrients. We also found direct negative effects of high salinity on the biomass of filamentous algae and amphipods (Hyalella azteca) and the mortality of banded mystery snails (Viviparus georgianus) and fingernail clams (Sphaerium simile). Clam mortality was dependent on the presence of fish, suggesting a non-consumptive interactive effect with salt. Our results indicate that globally increasing concentrations of road salt can alter community structure via both direct and indirect effects. © 2016 by the Ecological Society of America.

Influence of Chronic Eicosanoid Biosynthesis Inhibition on Life History of the Greater Waxmoth, Galaleria Mellonella and Its Ectoparasitoid, Bracon hebetor

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Eicosanoids are oxygenated metabolites of three C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly arachidonic acid (AA; 20:4n-6), but also 20:3n-6 and 20:5n-3. Aside from their importance in biomedicine, eicosanoids act in invertebrate biology. Prostaglandins (PGs) influence salt and water transport physiol...

Optimal use of phosphate binders in chronic kidney disease.

PubMed

Sonikian, Makrouhi; Papachristou, Evangelos; Goumenos, Dimitrios S

2013-12-01

Hyperphosphatemia is one of the major factors associated with the development of vascular calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Since phosphate is retained in such patients, pharmacological treatment and other measures are necessary to control hyperphosphatemia. Several phosphate binders (calcium salts, magnesium salts, non-calcium-based binders and aluminium) are available for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia. Nevertheless, none of the above mentioned agents has shown an overall superiority over others, while potency and side effects are quite variable among them creating difficulties in choosing the optimal drug for each patient. The authors discuss the disturbed phosphate metabolism, the available phosphate binders, as well as the general therapeutic principles of treating hyperphosphatemia in CKD patients. The literature used for this review had been retrieved from PubMed and covers a large number of original and retrospective studies as well as prospective cohort studies, meta-analyses and international clinical guidelines. Lowering serum phosphate levels in CKD patients may potentially have a positive impact on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Factors that should be taken into consideration when selecting a specific drug include CKD stage, cardiovascular disease, severity of secondary hyperparathyroidism, concomitant medications, life expectancy and patient compliance. Therefore, when selecting a specific phosphate binder, individualisation is mandatory.

Contaminants from cretaceous black shale Part 2: Effect of geology, weathering, climate, and land use on salinity and selenium cycling, Mancos Shale landscapes, southwestern United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tuttle, Michele L.W.; Fahy, Juli W.; Elliott, John G.; Grauch, Richard I.; Stillings, Lisa L.

2013-01-01

The Cretaceous Mancos Shale (MS) is a known nonpoint source for a significant portion of the salinity and selenium (Se) loads in the Colorado River in the southwestern United States and northwestern corner of Mexico. These two contaminants pose a serious threat to rivers in these arid regions where water supplies are especially critical. Tuttle et al. (companion paper) investigates the cycling of contaminants in a Colorado River tributary watershed (Uncompahgre River, southwestern Colorado) where the MS weathers under natural conditions. This paper builds on those results and uses regional soil data in the same watershed to investigate the impact of MS geology, weathering intensity, land use, and climate on salt and Se storage in and flux from soils on the natural landscape, irrigated agriculture fields, areas undergoing urban development, and wetlands. The size of salinity and Se reservoirs in the MS soils is quantified. Flux calculations show that during modern weathering, natural landscapes cycle salt and Se; however, little of it is released for transport to the Uncompahgre River (10% of the annual salinity and 6% of the annual Se river loads). When irrigated, salinity and Se loads from the MS soil increase (26% and 57% of the river load, respectively), causing the river to be out of compliance with Federal and State Se standards. During 100 years of irrigation, seven times more Se has been removed from agricultural soil than what was lost from natural landscapes during the entire period of pedogenesis. Under more arid conditions, even less salt and Se are expected to be transported from the natural landscape. However, if wetter climates prevail, transport could increase dramatically due to storage of soluble phases in the non-irrigated soil. These results are critical input for water-resource and land-use managers who must decide whether or not the salinity and Se in a watershed can be managed, what sustainable mitigation strategies are possible, and what landscapes should be targeted. The broader implications include providing a reliable approach for quantifying nonpoint-source contamination from MS and other rock units elsewhere that weather under similar conditions and, together with results from our companion paper, address the complex interplay of geology, weathering, climate, and land use on contaminant cycling in the arid Southwest.

Remote-sensing-based analysis of landscape change in the desiccated seabed of the Aral Sea--a potential tool for assessing the hazard degree of dust and salt storms.

PubMed

Löw, F; Navratil, P; Kotte, K; Schöler, H F; Bubenzer, O

2013-10-01

With the recession of the Aral Sea in Central Asia, once the world's fourth largest lake, a huge new saline desert emerged which is nowadays called the Aralkum. Saline soils in the Aralkum are a major source for dust and salt storms in the region. The aim of this study was to analyze the spatio-temporal land cover change dynamics in the Aralkum and discuss potential implications for the recent and future dust and salt storm activity in the region. MODIS satellite time series were classified from 2000-2008 and change of land cover was quantified. The Aral Sea desiccation accelerated between 2004 and 2008. The area of sandy surfaces and salt soils, which bear the greatest dust and salt storm generation potential increased by more than 36 %. In parts of the Aralkum desalinization of soils was found to take place within 4-8 years. The implication of the ongoing regression of the Aral Sea is that the expansion of saline surfaces will continue. Knowing the spatio-temporal dynamics of both the location and the surface characteristics of the source areas for dust and salt storms allows drawing conclusions about the potential hazard degree of the dust load. The remote-sensing-based land cover assessment presented in this study could be coupled with existing knowledge on the location of source areas for an early estimation of trends in shifting dust composition. Opportunities, limits, and requirements of satellite-based land cover classification and change detection in the Aralkum are discussed.

Legal Regulation of Sodium Consumption to Reduce Chronic Conditions

PubMed Central

Barraza, Leila F.

2016-01-01

In the United States, tens of thousands of Americans die each year of heart disease, stroke, or other chronic conditions tied to hypertension from long-term overconsumption of sodium compounds. Major strides to lower dietary sodium have been made over decades, but the goal of reducing Americans’ daily consumption is elusive. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been urged to consider stronger regulatory limits on sodium, especially in processed and prepared foods. Still, FDA categorizes salt (and many other sodium compounds) as “generally recognized as safe,” meaning they can be added to foods when ingested in reasonable amounts. Legal reforms or actions at each level of government offer traditional and new routes to improving chronic disease outcomes. However, using law as a public health tool must be assessed carefully, given potential trade-offs and unproven efficacy. PMID:26890409

Physical Monitoring of Flow Into and Within Great Salt Lake, Utah

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kenney, T. A.; Naftz, D. L.; Perschon, W. C.

2006-12-01

Great Salt Lake (GSL) is the hydrologic terminus for the eastern part of the Great Basin. As the largest inland waterbody in the Western United States, GSL plays a critical ecologic role for many migratory bird species. In terms of harvest quantity and quality, the brine shrimp (Artemia) fishery of GSL is among the strongest in the world. The characteristic of GSL as a hydrologic sink amplifies anthropogenic activities throughout the basin, most specifically activities that occur along its eastern and southern shores, the urban corridor of the Wasatch Front. In 1959 GSL was divided into north and south parts by a rock-fill railroad causeway. Since then, an extreme density gradient between the north and south part exists as a result of limited conveyance of water from the south part where more than 95 percent of the total freshwater input occurs (Loving, and others, 2000). To date, little is known about the loading and cycling of various chemical constituents associated with human activities including nutrients, selenium, and mercury. Hydroacoustic technology, specifically acoustic Doppler technology, is currently being used to obtain a better physical understanding of GSL. Since 1999, stratified bi-directional discharge has been measured at the causeway breach with an acoustic Doppler current profiler. From these measurements, net flow components to the north and south have been used to assess the movement of water and salt through the causeway. Low hydraulic gradients and variable backwater conditions at the two largest inflows to GSL required the deployment of in-situ acoustic Doppler velocity meters to accurately compute continuous discharge, critical for constituent loading analyses. These discharge records, computed using the index velocity method, show sensitivity to large wind events that can lead to a complete reversal of flow. Velocity profiles acquired during two multi-day water-quality synoptic sampling runs with acoustic Doppler current profilers have identified surface currents related to both freshwater inflow and wind throughout main body GSL. Velocity profiles have also determined the flow direction and magnitude of a persistent anoxic layer at depth in the south part of GSL. Movement of this layer between the two main basins of the south along a topographically high divide has also been documented (5 to 31 centimeters per second). References Cited Loving, B.L., Waddell, K.M., and Miller, C.W., 2000, Water and salt balance of Great Salt Lake, Utah, and simulation of water and salt movement through the causeway, 1987-98, U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 00-4221, 31 p.

Tissue-engineered articular cartilage exhibits tension-compression nonlinearity reminiscent of the native cartilage.

PubMed

Kelly, Terri-Ann N; Roach, Brendan L; Weidner, Zachary D; Mackenzie-Smith, Charles R; O'Connell, Grace D; Lima, Eric G; Stoker, Aaron M; Cook, James L; Ateshian, Gerard A; Hung, Clark T

2013-07-26

The tensile modulus of articular cartilage is much larger than its compressive modulus. This tension-compression nonlinearity enhances interstitial fluid pressurization and decreases the frictional coefficient. The current set of studies examines the tensile and compressive properties of cylindrical chondrocyte-seeded agarose constructs over different developmental stages through a novel method that combines osmotic loading, video microscopy, and uniaxial unconfined compression testing. This method was previously used to examine tension-compression nonlinearity in native cartilage. Engineered cartilage, cultured under free-swelling (FS) or dynamically loaded (DL) conditions, was tested in unconfined compression in hypertonic and hypotonic salt solutions. The apparent equilibrium modulus decreased with increasing salt concentration, indicating that increasing the bath solution osmolarity shielded the fixed charges within the tissue, shifting the measured moduli along the tension-compression curve and revealing the intrinsic properties of the tissue. With this method, we were able to measure the tensile (401±83kPa for FS and 678±473kPa for DL) and compressive (161±33kPa for FS and 348±203kPa for DL) moduli of the same engineered cartilage specimens. These moduli are comparable to values obtained from traditional methods, validating this technique for measuring the tensile and compressive properties of hydrogel-based constructs. This study shows that engineered cartilage exhibits tension-compression nonlinearity reminiscent of the native tissue, and that dynamic deformational loading can yield significantly higher tensile properties. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of acute and chronic moderate red or white wine consumption on fasted and postprandial lipemia in the rat.

PubMed

Daher, Costantine F; Slaiby, Rita; Haddad, Najib; Boustany, Karim; Baroody, George M

2006-06-01

The effects of acute and chronic (10 wk) red or white wine consumption on fasted and postprandial lipemia in the rat model are reported. Fasted rats, in the acute study, were loaded intragastrically with 5 ml of an olive oil emulsion (30% w/v) in the presence or absence of wine (8% v/v ethanol), and either mesenteric lymph or blood was collected 3 h postprandially. Animals in the chronic study received either red or white wine in drinking water for a period of 10 wk (3% v/v ethanol). Blood samples were collected from animals in either the fasted state or after fat-wine loading. Postprandially, wine delayed gastric emptying, reduced lymph triacylglycerol (TAG) secretion concomitantly with increased number and decreased chylomicron (CM) size, and increased plasma TAG and CM concentrations. Phospholipid and cholesterol contents of CM, but not very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), were increased, indicating enhanced liver bile secretion; however, a significant increase in plasma VLDL concentration was observed. In the chronic study, a wine-fat load resulted in increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration and less pronounced postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and hyperchylomicronemia. In the fasted state, plasma TAG and total apolipoprotein B concentrations were not modified in these animals, and an increase in HDL and a decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL)/HDL cholesterol ratios were observed. No liver function or intestinal lipid absorption impairment was observed. In conclusion, unlike binge drinking, chronic moderate wine consumption appears to have a cardioprotective effect in the fasted state, an effect attenuated by the observed temporary postprandial hyperchylomicronemia and hypertriglyceridemia resulting from a direct effect of alcohol on CM size and number.

Evaluation of Propranolol Effect on Experimental Acute and Chronic Toxoplasmosis Using Quantitative PCR

PubMed Central

Montazeri, Mahbobeh; Ebrahimzadeh, Mohammad Ali; Ahmadpour, Ehsan; Sharif, Mehdi; Sarvi, Shahabeddin

2016-01-01

Current therapies against toxoplasmosis are limited, and drugs have significant side effects and low efficacies. We evaluated the potential anti-Toxoplasma activity of propranolol at a dose of 2 or 3 mg/kg of body weight/day in vivo in the acute and chronic phases. Propranolol as a cell membrane-stabilizing agent is a suitable drug for inhibiting the entrance of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites into cells. The acute-phase assay was performed using propranolol, pyrimethamine, and propranolol plus pyrimethamine before (pretreatment) and after (posttreatment) intraperitoneal challenge with 1 × 103 tachyzoites of the virulent T. gondii strain RH in BALB/c mice. Also, in the chronic phase, treatment was performed 12 h before intraperitoneal challenge with 1 × 106 tachyzoites of the virulent strain RH of T. gondii in rats. One week (in the acute phase) and 2 months (in the chronic phase) after postinfection, tissues were isolated and DNA was extracted. Subsequently, parasite load was calculated using quantitative PCR (qPCR). In the acute phase, in both groups, significant anti-Toxoplasma activity was observed using propranolol (P < 0.001). Propranolol in the pretreatment group showed higher anti-Toxoplasma activity than propranolol in posttreatment in brain tissues, displaying therapeutic efficiency on toxoplasmosis. Also, propranolol combined with pyrimethamine reduced the parasite load as well as significantly increased survival of mice in the pretreatment group. In the chronic phase, anti-Toxoplasma activity and decreased parasite load in tissues were observed with propranolol. In conclusion, the presented results demonstrate that propranolol, as an orally available drug, is effective at low doses against acute and latent murine toxoplasmosis, and the efficiency of the drug is increased when it is used in combination therapy with pyrimethamine. PMID:27645234

[The 75-seleno-homocholic acid-taurine test (SeHCAT). A useful method for detecting the idiopathic malabsorption of bile salts in chronic functional diarrhea].

PubMed

D'Arienzo, A; Maurelli, L; Di Siervi, P; Panarese, A; Giannattasio, F; Scuotto, A; Squame, G; Mazzacca, G

1989-07-15

The 75-SeHCAT test has been used for identifying, within a group of patients with chronic functional diarrhea, a subgroup of cases with ileal bile acid malabsorption. Thirty-four subjects were studied: 10 healthy subjects and 24 patients with chronic functional diarrhea. Findings are expressed as percentage of basal abdominal radioactivity after 7 days. Normal values in our control subjects were: over 25% on day 4 and over 10% on day 7. Pathological results were found in 9 of 24 patients (37.5%) on day 4 and of 24 patients (41.7%) on day 7. A significant correlation was found between the percentages of retention on days 4 and 7 (p less than 0.001). In SeHCAT-positive patients cholestyramine administration led to clinical improvement. According to our experience, the SeHCAT test is a useful tool for the evaluation of bile acid malabsorption in the differential diagnosis of chronic functional diarrhea.

Salt transport in a tidal canal, West Neck Creek, Virginia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bales, Jerad D.; Skrobialowski, Stanley C.; ,

1993-01-01

Flow and stability were monitored during 1989-92 in West Neck Creek, Virginia, which provides a direct hydraulic connection between the saline waters of Chesapeake Bay and the relatively fresh waters of Currituck Sound, North Carolina. Flow in the tidal creek was to the south 64 percent of the time, but 80 percent of the southward flows were less than 40 cubic feet per second. The highest flows were associated with rain storms. Salinity ranged from 0.1 parts per thousand to 24.5 per thousand, and the highest salinities were observed during periods of sustained, strong northerly winds. Salt loads ranged from 302 tons per day to the north to 4,500 tons per day to the south.

Originalité des mécanismes d'altération sur les vestiges archéologiques de Délos (Cyclades, Grèce)Originality of weathering mechanisms on the archaeological remains of Delos (Cyclades, Greece).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeannette, Daniel

2000-05-01

The pore structure analysis of the granites and calcarenites of Delos archaeological site (Cyclades) has allowed us to verify a usual weathering mechanism by capillary transfer and evaporation of solutions from the ground loaded with marine salts. Not applicable to marble, another weathering mechanism is proposed, involving the water fixation of marine salts deposited on the monuments by wind, their migration, then their crystallization in the subsurface of the marble. The small-scale analysis of the condition of exposure, taking into account the ancient degradations, allows us to understand the development of decay which was inexplicable using the previous methods.

Children's Negative Emotionality Combined with Poor Self-Regulation Affects Allostatic Load in Adolescence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dich, Nadya; Doan, Stacey; Evans, Gary

2015-01-01

The present study examined the concurrent and prospective, longitudinal effects of childhood negative emotionality and self-regulation on allostatic load (AL), a physiological indicator of chronic stress. We hypothesized that negative emotionality in combination with poor self-regulation would predict elevated AL. Mothers reported on children's…

The administration of a loading dose of aspirin to patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction while receiving chronic aspirin treatment reduces thromboxane A2-dependent platelet reactivity.

PubMed

Santos, Maria Teresa; Madrid, Isabel; Moscardo, Antonio; Latorre, Ana M; Bonastre, Juan; Ruano, Miguel; Valles, Juana

2014-01-01

Abstract The optimal dose of aspirin for patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) while receiving chronic aspirin therapy has not been clearly established. We evaluated whether continued treatment with 100 mg of aspirin or a loading dose (200-500 mg) influences thromboxane A2 (TX) suppression or platelet reactivity. Sixty-four consecutive patients with AMI and 98 healthy subjects (82 aspirin-free and 16 receiving 100 mg daily for a week) were evaluated. Treatment was at the discretion of the attending physician. Collagen (1 µg/ml)-induced TX synthesis, (14)C-serotonin-release, platelet aggregation, and the PFA-100 assay were evaluated. The platelet TX synthesis of patients receiving a loading dose of aspirin was sixfold lower than that of patients receiving 100 mg of aspirin (p<0.005). This was associated with marked reductions in (14)C-serotonin-release and arachidonic-acid-induced aggregation and an increase in the PFA-100 closure time (p<0.01). Categorization of patients according to their TX synthesis (<95% or ≥ 95% inhibition vs. healthy aspirin-free subjects) revealed that 8% of the patients treated with loading doses had a poor response (<95% inhibition) vs. 53% of those treated with 100 mg (p<0.001). Patients with lower TX inhibition had higher serum NT-Pro-BNP (p<0.005), a marker of poor left ventricular systolic function. Administration of a loading dose of aspirin to patients with AMI during existing chronic aspirin treatment induced greater reductions in platelet TX synthesis and TX-dependent platelet reactivity than the continued treatment alone.

The alteration of rhyolite in CO2 charged water at 200 and 350°C: The unreactivity of CO2 at higher temperature

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bischoff, James L.; Rosenbauer, Robert J.

1996-01-01

These observations also offer a possible explanation for the change in chemical sediments from chloride-dominated to bicarbonate-dominated salts found in the stratigraphic section at Searles Lake, California, the terminus of the Owens River which derives its dissolved load from hot springs of the Long Valley caldera.

Variability of sea salts in ice and firn cores from Fimbul Ice Shelf, Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paulina Vega, Carmen; Isaksson, Elisabeth; Schlosser, Elisabeth; Divine, Dmitry; Martma, Tõnu; Mulvaney, Robert; Eichler, Anja; Schwikowski-Gigar, Margit

2018-05-01

Major ions were analysed in firn and ice cores located at Fimbul Ice Shelf (FIS), Dronning Maud Land - DML, Antarctica. FIS is the largest ice shelf in the Haakon VII Sea, with an extent of approximately 36 500 km2. Three shallow firn cores (about 20 m deep) were retrieved in different ice rises, Kupol Ciolkovskogo (KC), Kupol Moskovskij (KM), and Blåskimen Island (BI), while a 100 m long core (S100) was drilled near the FIS edge. These sites are distributed over the entire FIS area so that they provide a variety of elevation (50-400 m a.s.l.) and distance (3-42 km) to the sea. Sea-salt species (mainly Na+ and Cl-) generally dominate the precipitation chemistry in the study region. We associate a significant sixfold increase in median sea-salt concentrations, observed in the S100 core after the 1950s, to an enhanced exposure of the S100 site to primary sea-salt aerosol due to a shorter distance from the S100 site to the ice front, and to enhanced sea-salt aerosol production from blowing salty snow over sea ice, most likely related to the calving of Trolltunga occurred during the 1960s. This increase in sea-salt concentrations is synchronous with a shift in non-sea-salt sulfate (nssSO42-) toward negative values, suggesting a possible contribution of fractionated aerosol to the sea-salt load in the S100 core most likely originating from salty snow found on sea ice. In contrast, there is no evidence of a significant contribution of fractionated sea salt to the ice-rises sites, where the signal would be most likely masked by the large inputs of biogenic sulfate estimated for these sites. In summary, these results suggest that the S100 core contains a sea-salt record dominated by the proximity of the site to the ocean, and processes of sea ice formation in the neighbouring waters. In contrast, the ice-rises firn cores register a larger-scale signal of atmospheric flow conditions and a less efficient transport of sea-salt aerosols to these sites. These findings are a contribution to the understanding of the mechanisms behind sea-salt aerosol production, transport and deposition at coastal Antarctic sites, and the improvement of the current Antarctic sea ice reconstructions based on sea-salt chemical proxies obtained from ice cores.

Injection by hydrostatic pressure in conjunction with electrokinetic force on a microfluidic chip.

PubMed

Gai, Hongwei; Yu, Linfen; Dai, Zhongpeng; Ma, Yinfa; Lin, Bingcheng

2004-06-01

A simple method was developed for injecting a sample on a cross-form microfluidic chip by means of hydrostatic pressure combined with electrokinetic forces. The hydrostatic pressure was generated simply by adjusting the liquid level in different reservoirs without any additional driven equipment such as a pump. Two dispensing strategies using a floating injection and a gated injection, coupled with hydrostatic pressure loading, were tested. The fluorescence observation verified the feasibility of hydrostatic pressure loading in the separation of a mixture of fluorescein sodium salt and fluorescein isothiocyanate. This method was proved to be effective in leading cells to a separation channel for single cell analysis.

Pd-loaded carbon felt as the cathode for selective dechlorination of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in aqueous solution

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

Tsyganok, A.I.; Yamanaka, Ichiro; Otsuka, Kiyoshi

1998-11-01

Electrocatalytic reductive dehalogenation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) to phenoxyacetic acid in aqueous solution containing MeOH, trifluoroacetic acid, and tetraalkylammonium salt was studied. A Teflon-made two-compartment flow-through cell with a permeable carbon felt cathode and a platinum foil anode was employed. Several noble metals were tested as electrocatalysts. Palladium-loaded carbon felt was found to be the most suitable significantly enhanced its electrocatalytic activity toward 2,4-D dechlorination. The reaction was hypothesized to proceed at carbon-palladium interface areas through 4-chlorine cleavage to form 2-chlorophenoxyacetic acid as the main reaction intermediate.

The use of XAFS to determine the nature of interaction of iron and molybdenum metal salts within PS-b-P2VP micelles.

PubMed

Riskin, Alexander; Beale, Andrew M; Boyen, Hans-Gerhard; Vantomme, André; Hardy, An; Van Bael, Marlies K

2013-02-07

The poly(styrene)-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) micelle route is a well established method for the preparation of bimetallic nanoparticles used for the catalysis of carbon nanotubes and other applications like ultrahigh density storage devices, yet to date no information is available concerning the internal structure of the P2VP-metal salt complex. For the first time, XAFS measurements were performed on micelles loaded with either iron(III) chloride or molybdenum(V) chloride and a combination of both. Analysis of the data revealed that iron is tetrahedrally coordinated within the core, whereas molybdenum is octahedrally coordinated in the pure loaded micelles and trigonally coordinated in the mixed micelles. For the bimetallic samples, analysis of the Fe and Mo K-edge data revealed the existence of an interaction between iron and molybdenum. This approach to obtain detailed structural information during the preparation of these catalyst samples will allow for a deeper understanding of the effects of structure on the function of catalysts used for CNT growth i.e. to explain differences in yield as well as potentially providing a deeper understanding of the CNT growth mechanism itself.

Novel electro-fenton approach for regeneration of activated carbon.

PubMed

Bañuelos, Jennifer A; Rodríguez, Francisco J; Manríquez Rocha, Juan; Bustos, Erika; Rodríguez, Adrián; Cruz, Julio C; Arriaga, L G; Godínez, Luis A

2013-07-16

An electro-Fenton-based method was used to promote the regeneration of granular activated carbon (GAC) previously adsorbed with toluene. Electrochemical regeneration experiments were carried out using a standard laboratory electrochemical cell with carbon paste electrodes and a batch electrochemical reactor. For each system, a comparison was made using FeSO4 as a precursor salt in solution (homogeneous system) and an Fe-loaded ion-exchange resin (Purolite C-100, heterogeneous system), both in combination with electrogenerated H2O2 at the GAC cathode. In the two cases, high regeneration efficiencies were obtained in the presence of iron using appropriate conditions of applied potential and adsorption-polarization time. Consecutive loading and regeneration cycles of GAC were performed in the reactor without great loss of the adsorption properties, only reducing the regeneration efficiency by 1% per cycle during 10 cycles of treatment. Considering that, in the proposed resin-containing process, the use of Fe salts is avoided and that GAC cathodic polarization results in efficient cleaning and regeneration of the adsorbent material, this novel electro-Fenton approach could constitute an excellent alternative for regenerating activated carbon when compared to conventional methods.

Yolk-Shell Porous Microspheres of Calcium Phosphate Prepared by Using Calcium L-Lactate and Adenosine 5'-Triphosphate Disodium Salt: Application in Protein/Drug Delivery.

PubMed

Ding, Guan-Jun; Zhu, Ying-Jie; Qi, Chao; Sun, Tuan-Wei; Wu, Jin; Chen, Feng

2015-06-26

A facile and environmentally friendly approach has been developed to prepare yolk-shell porous microspheres of calcium phosphate by using calcium L-lactate pentahydrate (CL) as the calcium source and adenosine 5'-triphosphate disodium salt (ATP) as the phosphate source through the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The effects of the concentration of CL, the microwave hydrothermal temperature, and the time on the morphology and crystal phase of the product are investigated. The possible formation mechanism of yolk-shell porous microspheres of calcium phosphate is proposed. Hemoglobin from bovine red cells (Hb) and ibuprofen (IBU) are used to explore the application potential of yolk-shell porous microspheres of calcium phosphate in protein/drug loading and delivery. The experimental results indicate that the as-prepared yolk-shell porous microspheres of calcium phosphate have relatively high protein/drug loading capacity, sustained protein/drug release, favorable pH-responsive release behavior, and a high biocompatibility in the cytotoxicity test. Therefore, the yolk-shell porous microspheres of calcium phosphate have promising applications in various biomedical fields such as protein/drug delivery. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Chemical composition of aerosols over peninsular India during winter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nair, Prabha R.; George, Susan K.; Sunilkumar, S. V.; Parameswaran, K.; Jacob, Salu; Abraham, Annamma

As a part of the campaign conducted for the spatial characterization of aerosols over peninsular India measurements of aerosol mass loading, optical depth and chemical composition have been carried out during the winter month of February 2004. The aerosol characteristics showed significant variation with locations. The aerosol mass loading as well as the optical depth showed high values along the western coastal regions compared to inland locations. Ions of SO 4 and NO 3 are observed to be the major anions present over the entire region with higher mass concentrations at the coastal and close-to-forest regions. The mass fraction of non-sea-salt sulphate was larger at the interior locations. Compared to that in the inland/close-to-forest locations the concentration of Cl and Na are found to be 2-3 times larger in the coastal region. The mass fraction of non-sea-salt K was largest at locations close to forests. Among the metallic components, Fe, Cu, Ca, Zn, Pb etc, which are of continental origin, are found to dominate over inland locations. These measurements over the land are compared with those observed over the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean during the Indian Ocean Experiment.

Cumulative stress pathophysiology in schizophrenia as indexed by allostatic load.

PubMed

Nugent, Katie L; Chiappelli, Joshua; Rowland, Laura M; Hong, L Elliot

2015-10-01

The etiopathophysiology of schizophrenia has long been linked to stress and the influence of stress is important in all stages of the illness. Previous examinations of perceived stress and acute stress responses may not capture this longitudinal stress pathophysiology. We hypothesized that the cumulative negative effects of stress, indexed by allostatic load (AL), would be elevated in schizophrenia, and that the AL paradigm would be relevant to our understanding of pathophysiology in schizophrenia. We assessed allostatic load in 30 patients with schizophrenia (SZ; mean age = 33; 17 males) and 20 healthy controls (HC; mean age = 35; 12 males) using 13 cardiovascular, metabolic, neuroendocrine and immune biomarkers. Participants' perceived stress over the past month, functional capacity and psychiatric symptoms were also measured. Controlling for age, SZ had significantly higher AL as compared to HC (p = 0.007). Greater AL was present in both early course and chronic SZ, and was associated with reduced functional capacity (p = 0.006) and more psychotic symptoms (p = 0.048) in SZ. Current level of perceived stress was not significantly elevated in SZ or associated with AL in either group. The higher AL found in SZ may reflect increased bodily "wear and tear", possibly caused by more chronic stress exposure or maladaptive responses to stress over time, although additional research is required to differentiate these causes. The higher AL is similarly present in early and chronic SZ, suggesting primary maladaptive stress physiology rather than secondary effects from medications or chronic illness. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cannabinoid administration attenuates the progression of simian immunodeficiency virus.

PubMed

Molina, Patricia E; Winsauer, Peter; Zhang, Ping; Walker, Edith; Birke, Leslie; Amedee, Angela; Stouwe, Curtis Vande; Troxclair, Dana; McGoey, Robin; Varner, Kurt; Byerley, Lauri; LaMotte, Lynn

2011-06-01

Δ(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(9)-THC), the primary psychoactive component in marijuana, is FDA approved to ameliorate AIDS-associated wasting. Because cannabinoid receptors are expressed on cells of the immune system, chronic Δ(9)-THC use may impact HIV disease progression. We examined the impact of chronic Δ(9)-THC administration (0.32 mg/kg im, 2 × daily), starting 28 days prior to inoculation with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV(mac251); 100 TCID(50)/ml, iv), on immune and metabolic indicators of disease during the initial 6 month asymptomatic phase of infection in rhesus macaques. SIV(mac251) inoculation resulted in measurable viral load, decreased lymphocyte CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio, and increased CD8(+) proliferation. Δ(9)-THC treatment of SIV-infected animals produced minor to no effects in these parameters. However, chronic Δ(9)-THC administration decreased early mortality from SIV infection (p = 0.039), and this was associated with attenuation of plasma and CSF viral load and retention of body mass (p = NS). In vitro, Δ(9)-THC (10 μm) decreased SIV (10 TCID(50)) viral replication in MT4-R5 cells. These results indicate that chronic Δ(9)-THC does not increase viral load or aggravate morbidity and may actually ameliorate SIV disease progression. We speculate that reduced levels of SIV, retention of body mass, and attenuation of inflammation are likely mechanisms for Δ(9)-THC-mediated modulation of disease progression that warrant further study.

Psychobiological stress in vital exhaustion. Findings from the Men Stress 40+ study.

PubMed

Noser, Emilou; Fischer, Susanne; Ruppen, Jessica; Ehlert, Ulrike

2018-02-01

Despite the increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity associated with vital exhaustion (VE), the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. Allostatic load may constitute the missing link between VE and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether men with different degrees of VE would differ in terms of allostatic load, chronic stress, and social support. The Men Stress 40+ study sample consisted of N=121 apparently healthy men aged 40 to 75years. The following allostatic load markers were aggregated to create a cumulative index of biological stress: salivary cortisol, salivary dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), waist-to-hip-ratio, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Long-term cortisol and DHEA were additionally measured in hair. Chronic stress and social support were assessed via validated questionnaires. Groups of mildly, substantially, and severely exhausted men were compared using one-way ANOVAs with appropriate post-hoc tests. Men who reported mild or severe levels of vital exhaustion had the highest scores on the cumulative index of biological stress. Hair cortisol was unrelated to vital exhaustion; hair DHEA was highest in men with substantial levels of exhaustion. Men with mild exhaustion reported the lowest levels of chronic stress, while men with severe exhaustion reported the lowest levels of social support. Signs of allostatic load are detectable in vitally exhausted men at a stage where no major cardiovascular consequences have yet ensued. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Optimizing Preseason Training Loads in Australian Football.

PubMed

Carey, David L; Crow, Justin; Ong, Kok-Leong; Blanch, Peter; Morris, Meg E; Dascombe, Ben J; Crossley, Kay M

2018-02-01

To investigate whether preseason training plans for Australian football can be computer generated using current training-load guidelines to optimize injury-risk reduction and performance improvement. A constrained optimization problem was defined for daily total and sprint distance, using the preseason schedule of an elite Australian football team as a template. Maximizing total training volume and maximizing Banister-model-projected performance were both considered optimization objectives. Cumulative workload and acute:chronic workload-ratio constraints were placed on training programs to reflect current guidelines on relative and absolute training loads for injury-risk reduction. Optimization software was then used to generate preseason training plans. The optimization framework was able to generate training plans that satisfied relative and absolute workload constraints. Increasing the off-season chronic training loads enabled the optimization algorithm to prescribe higher amounts of "safe" training and attain higher projected performance levels. Simulations showed that using a Banister-model objective led to plans that included a taper in training load prior to competition to minimize fatigue and maximize projected performance. In contrast, when the objective was to maximize total training volume, more frequent training was prescribed to accumulate as much load as possible. Feasible training plans that maximize projected performance and satisfy injury-risk constraints can be automatically generated by an optimization problem for Australian football. The optimization methods allow for individualized training-plan design and the ability to adapt to changing training objectives and different training-load metrics.

Impact of Salt Intake on the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Hypertension.

PubMed

Rust, Petra; Ekmekcioglu, Cem

2017-01-01

Excessive dietary salt (sodium chloride) intake is associated with an increased risk for hypertension, which in turn is especially a major risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular pathologies, but also kidney diseases. Besides, high salt intake or preference for salty food is discussed to be positive associated with stomach cancer, and according to recent studies probably also obesity risk. On the other hand a reduction of dietary salt intake leads to a considerable reduction in blood pressure, especially in hypertensive patients but to a lesser extent also in normotensives as several meta-analyses of interventional studies have shown. Various mechanisms for salt-dependent hypertension have been put forward including volume expansion, modified renal functions and disorders in sodium balance, impaired reaction of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system and the associated receptors, central stimulation of the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, and possibly also inflammatory processes.Not every person reacts to changes in dietary salt intake with alterations in blood pressure, dividing people in salt sensitive and insensitive groups. It is estimated that about 50-60 % of hypertensives are salt sensitive. In addition to genetic polymorphisms, salt sensitivity is increased in aging, in black people, and in persons with metabolic syndrome or obesity. However, although mechanisms of salt-dependent hypertensive effects are increasingly known, more research on measurement, storage and kinetics of sodium, on physiological properties, and genetic determinants of salt sensitivity are necessary to harden the basis for salt reduction recommendations.Currently estimated dietary intake of salt is about 9-12 g per day in most countries of the world. These amounts are significantly above the WHO recommended level of less than 5 g salt per day. According to recent research results a moderate reduction of daily salt intake from current intakes to 5-6 g can reduce morbidity rates. Potential risks of salt reduction, like suboptimal iodine supply, are limited and manageable. Concomitant to salt reduction, potassium intake by higher intake of fruits and vegetables should be optimised, since several studies have provided evidence that potassium rich diets or interventions with potassium can lower blood pressure, especially in hypertensives.In addition to dietary assessment the gold standard for measuring salt intake is the analysis of sodium excretion in the 24 h urine. Spot urine samples are appropriate alternatives for monitoring sodium intake. A weakness of dietary evaluations is that the salt content of many foods is not precisely known and information in nutrient databases are limited. A certain limitation of the urine assessment is that dietary sources contributing to salt intake cannot be identified.Salt reduction strategies include nutritional education, improving environmental conditions (by product reformulation and optimization of communal catering) up to mandatory nutrition labeling and regulated nutrition/health claims, as well as legislated changes in the form of taxation.Regarding dietary interventions for the reduction of blood pressure the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet can be recommended. In addition, body weight should be normalized in overweight and obese people (BMI less than 25 kg/m 2 ), salt intake should not exceed 5 g/day according to WHO recommendations (<2 g sodium/day), no more than 1.5 g sodium/d in blacks, middle- and older-aged persons, and individuals with hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease, intake of potassium (~4.7 g/day) should be increased and alcohol consumption limited. In addition, regular physical activity (endurance, dynamic resistance, and isometric resistance training) is very important.

Heat Transfer Salts for Nuclear Reactor Systems - Chemistry Control, Corrosion Mitigation, and Modeling

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

Anderson, Mark; Sridharan, Kumar; Morgan, Dane

2015-01-22

The concept of a molten salt reactor has existed for nearly sixty years. Previously all work was done during a large collaborative effort at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, culminating in a research reactor which operated for 15,000 hours without major error. This technical success has garnished interest in modern, high temperature, reactor schemes. Research using molten fluoride salts for nuclear applications requires a steady supply of high grade molten salts. There is no bulk supplier of research grade fluoride salts in the world, so a facility which could provide all the salt needed for testing at the University of Wisconsinmore » had to be produced. Two salt purification devices were made for this purpose, a large scale purifier, and a small scale purifier, each designed to clean the salts from impurities and reduce their corrosion potential. As of now, the small scale has performed with flibe salt, hydrogen, and hydrogen fluoride, yielding clean salt. This salt is currently being used in corrosion testing facilities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Wisconsin. Working with the beryllium based salts requires extensive safety measures and health monitoring to prevent the development of acute or chronic beryllium disease, two pulmonary diseases created by an allergic reaction to beryllium in the lungs. Extensive health monitoring, engineering controls, and environment monitoring had to be set up with the University of Wisconsin department of Environment, Health and Safety. The hydrogen fluoride required for purification was also an extreme health hazard requiring thoughtful planning and execution. These dangers have made research a slow and tedious process. Simple processes, such as chemical handling and clean-up, can take large amounts of ingenuity and time. Other work has complemented the experimental research at Wisconsin to advance high temperature reactor goals. Modeling work has been performed in house to re-evaluate thermophysical properties of flibe and flinak. Pacific Northwest National Laboratories has focused on evaluating the fluorinating gas nitrogen trifluoride as a potential salt purification agent. Work there was performed on removing hydroxides and oxides from flinak salt under controlled conditions. Lastly, the University of California Berkeley has spent considerable time designing and simulating reactor components with fluoride salts at high temperatures. Despite the hurdles presented by the innate chemical hazards, considerable progress has been made. The stage has been set to perform new research on salt chemical control which could advance the fluoride salt cooled reactor concept towards commercialization. What were previously thought of as chemical undesirable, but nuclear certified, alloys have been shown to be theoretically compatible with fluoride salts at high temperatures. This preliminary report has been prepared to communicate the construction of the basic infrastructure required for flibe, as well as suggest original research to performed at the University of Wisconsin. Simultaneously, the contents of this report can serve as a detailed, but introductory guide to allow anyone to learn the fundamentals of chemistry, engineering, and safety required to work with flibe salt.« less

Dietary acid load is associated with serum bicarbonate but not insulin sensitivity in chronic kidney disease

PubMed Central

Ikizler, H. Omer; Zelnick, Leila; Ruzinski, John; Curtin, Laura; Utzschneider, Kristina M.; Kestenbaum, Bryan; Himmelfarb, Jonathan; de Boer, Ian H.

2015-01-01

Objective In chronic kidney disease (CKD), dietary acid may promote metabolic acidosis and insulin resistance, which in turn may contribute to adverse clinical health outcomes. We examined associations between dietary acid load, serum bicarbonate, and insulin sensitivity in CKD. Design In a cross-sectional study, we collected 3-day prospective food diaries to quantify dietary acid load as net endogenous acid production (NEAP, the nonvolatile acid load produced by the diet’s acid balance) and potential renal acid load (PRAL). We measured urine net acid excretion (NAE) in 24-hour urine samples. Insulin sensitivity was measured by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. Subjects 42 patients with CKD stages 3–5 attending nephrology clinics in the Pacific Northwest and 21 control subjects (eGFR ≥60mL/min/1.73m2). Main outcome measures Serum bicarbonate and insulin sensitivity (SIclamp). Results Mean age was 60.8±13.6 years and 54% of participants were men. Mean eGFR and serum bicarbonate concentrations were 34.4±13.1 mL/min/1.73m2 and 24.1±2.9 mEq/L for participants with CKD and 88.6±14.5 mL/min/1.73m2 and 26.3±1.8 mEq/L for control subjects, respectively. Mean NEAP, PRAL, and NAE were 58.2±24.3, 9.7±18.4, and 32.1±19.8 mEq/day, respectively. Considering all participants, dietary acid load was significantly, inversely associated with serum bicarbonate, adjusting for age, sex, race, eGFR, BMI, and diuretic use: −1.2 mEq/L per SD NEAP (95% CI −1.8, −0.6, p<0.0001); −0.9 mEq/L bicarbonate per SD PRAL (95% CI −1.5, −0.4, p=0.0005); −0.7 mEq/L bicarbonate per SD NAE (95% CI −1.2, −0.1, p=0.01). These associations were similar in participants with and without CKD. However, neither NEAP, PRAL, nor NAE was significantly associated with SIclamp. Serum bicarbonate was also not significantly associated with SIclamp. Conclusions In CKD, dietary acid load is associated with serum bicarbonate, suggesting that acidosis may be improved by dietary changes, but not with insulin sensitivity. Practical application We observed that a diet with a greater acid load was associated with lower serum bicarbonate but not insulin resistance in patients with chronic kidney disease. It may be beneficial to limit dietary acid in patients with chronic kidney disease to improve metabolic acidosis and its long-term adverse health effects, but additional, experimental studies are needed to establish the safety and usefulness of such interventions. PMID:26508542