Sample records for cng process

  1. Alternative Fuels Data Center: ampCNG Puts Conventional Fuels Out to

    Science.gov Websites

    ; Steve Josephs, co-founder and director of engineering at ampCNG, Chicago, Illinois When ampCNG isn't the process. ampCNG's Cow-Powered Trucks ampCNG, a CNG station developer based in Chicago, Illinois interest in using more sustainable forms of fuel began in 2010, when the company partnered with Fair Oaks

  2. Low Quality Natural Gas Sulfur Removal and Recovery CNG Claus Sulfur Recovery Process

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

    Klint, V.W.; Dale, P.R.; Stephenson, C.

    1997-10-01

    Increased use of natural gas (methane) in the domestic energy market will force the development of large non-producing gas reserves now considered to be low quality. Large reserves of low quality natural gas (LQNG) contaminated with hydrogen sulfide (H{sub 2}S), carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) and nitrogen (N) are available but not suitable for treatment using current conventional gas treating methods due to economic and environmental constraints. A group of three technologies have been integrated to allow for processing of these LQNG reserves; the Controlled Freeze Zone (CFZ) process for hydrocarbon / acid gas separation; the Triple Point Crystallizer (TPC) processmore » for H{sub 2}S / C0{sub 2} separation and the CNG Claus process for recovery of elemental sulfur from H{sub 2}S. The combined CFZ/TPC/CNG Claus group of processes is one program aimed at developing an alternative gas treating technology which is both economically and environmentally suitable for developing these low quality natural gas reserves. The CFZ/TPC/CNG Claus process is capable of treating low quality natural gas containing >10% C0{sub 2} and measurable levels of H{sub 2}S and N{sub 2} to pipeline specifications. The integrated CFZ / CNG Claus Process or the stand-alone CNG Claus Process has a number of attractive features for treating LQNG. The processes are capable of treating raw gas with a variety of trace contaminant components. The processes can also accommodate large changes in raw gas composition and flow rates. The combined processes are capable of achieving virtually undetectable levels of H{sub 2}S and significantly less than 2% CO in the product methane. The separation processes operate at pressure and deliver a high pressure (ca. 100 psia) acid gas (H{sub 2}S) stream for processing in the CNG Claus unit. This allows for substantial reductions in plant vessel size as compared to conventional Claus / Tail gas treating technologies. A close integration of the components of the CNG Claus process also allow for use of the methane/H{sub 2}S separation unit as a Claus tail gas treating unit by recycling the CNG Claus tail gas stream. This allows for virtually 100 percent sulfur recovery efficiency (virtually zero SO{sub 2} emissions) by recycling the sulfur laden tail gas to extinction. The use of the tail gas recycle scheme also deemphasizes the conventional requirement in Claus units to have high unit conversion efficiency and thereby make the operation much less affected by process upsets and feed gas composition changes. The development of these technologies has been ongoing for many years and both the CFZ and the TPC processes have been demonstrated at large pilot plant scales. On the other hand, prior to this project, the CNG Claus process had not been proven at any scale. Therefore, the primary objective of this portion of the program was to design, build and operate a pilot scale CNG Claus unit and demonstrate the required fundamental reaction chemistry and also demonstrate the viability of a reasonably sized working unit.« less

  3. Modulation of renal CNG-A3 sodium channel in rats subjected to low- and high-sodium diets.

    PubMed

    Novaira, Horacio J; Botelho, Bruno F; Goldenberg, Regina C; Guggino, Sandra E; Morales, Marcelo M

    2004-10-11

    In this work, we studied the mRNA distribution of CNG-A3, an amiloride-sensitive sodium channel that belongs to the cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) family of channels, along the rat nephron. The possible involvement of aldosterone in this process was also studied. We also evaluated its expression in rats subjected to diets with different concentrations of sodium or to alterations in aldosterone plasma levels. Total RNA isolated from whole kidney and/or dissected nephron segments of Wistar rats subjected to low- and high-sodium diets, furosemide treatment, adrenalectomy, and adrenalectomy with replacement by aldosterone were analyzed by the use of Western blot, ribonuclease protection assay (RPA) and/or reverse transcription followed by semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). CNG-A3 sodium channel mRNA and protein expression, in whole kidneys of rats subjected to high-Na+ diet, were lower than those in animals given a low-salt diet. Renal CNG-A3 mRNA expression was also decreased in adrenalectomized rats, and was normalized by aldosterone replacement. Moreover, a CNG-A3 mRNA expression study in different nephron segments revealed that aldosterone modulation is present in the cortical thick ascending loop (cTAL) and cortical collecting duct (CCD). This result suggests that CNG-A3 is responsive to the same hormone signaling as the amiloride sensitive sodium channel ENaC and suggests the CNG-A3 may have a physiological role in sodium reabsorption.

  4. Ciliary targeting of olfactory CNG channels requires the CNGB1b subunit and the kinesin-2 motor protein, KIF17.

    PubMed

    Jenkins, Paul M; Hurd, Toby W; Zhang, Lian; McEwen, Dyke P; Brown, R Lane; Margolis, Ben; Verhey, Kristen J; Martens, Jeffrey R

    2006-06-20

    Nonmotile cilia on olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) compartmentalize signaling molecules, including odorant receptors and cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels, allowing for efficient, spatially confined responses to sensory stimuli . Little is known about the mechanisms of the ciliary targeting of olfactory CNG channels, composed of three subunits: CNGA2, CNGA4, and CNGB1b . Recent reports suggest that subunit composition of the retinal CNG channel influences localization, leading to disease . However, the mechanistic role of subunits in properly targeting native olfactory CNG channels remains unclear. Here, we show that heteromeric assembly with CNGB1b, containing a critical carboxy-terminal motif (RVxP), is required for ciliary trafficking of olfactory CNG channels. Movement of proteins within the cilia is governed by intraflagellar transport (IFT), a process that facilitates bidirectional movement of cargo along microtubules. Work in C. elegans has established that heterotrimeric and homodimeric kinesin-2 family members play a critical role in anterograde transport . In mammalian systems, the heterotrimeric KIF3a/KIF3b/KAP-3 complex plays a clear role in IFT; however, no role has been established for KIF17, the mammalian homolog of OSM-3 . Here, we demonstrate that KIF17 is required for olfactory CNG channel targeting, providing novel insights into mechanisms of mammalian ciliary transport.

  5. CNG and HCN channels: two peas, one pod.

    PubMed

    Craven, Kimberley B; Zagotta, William N

    2006-01-01

    Cyclic nucleotide-activated ion channels play a fundamental role in a variety of physiological processes. By opening in response to intracellular cyclic nucleotides, they translate changes in concentrations of signaling molecules to changes in membrane potential. These channels belong to two families: the cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels and the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-modulated (HCN) channels. The two families exhibit high sequence similarity and belong to the superfamily of voltage-gated potassium channels. Whereas HCN channels are activated by voltage and CNG channels are virtually voltage independent, both channels are activated by cyclic nucleotide binding. Furthermore, the channels are thought to have similar channel structures, leading to similar mechanisms of activation by cyclic nucleotides. However, although these channels are structurally and behaviorally similar, they have evolved to perform distinct physiological functions. This review describes the physiological roles and biophysical behavior of CNG and HCN channels. We focus on how similarities in structure and activation mechanisms result in common biophysical models, allowing CNG and HCN channels to be viewed as a single genre.

  6. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and -2 enhance the ligand sensitivity of photoreceptor cyclic nucleotide-gated channels.

    PubMed

    Meighan, Peter C; Meighan, Starla E; Rich, Elizabeth D; Brown, R Lane; Varnum, Michael D

    2012-01-01

    Photoreceptor cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels are the principal ion channels responsible for transduction of the light-induced change in cGMP concentration into an electrical signal. The ligand sensitivity of photoreceptor CNG channels is subject to regulation by intracellular signaling effectors, including calcium-calmodulin, tyrosine kinases and phosphoinositides. Little is known, however, about regulation of channel activity by modification to extracellular regions of CNG channel subunits. Extracellular proteases MMP9 and -2 are present in the interphotoreceptor matrix adjacent to photoreceptor outer segments. Given that MMPs have been implicated in retinal dysfunction and degeneration, we hypothesized that MMP activity may alter the functional properties of photoreceptor CNG channels. For heterologously expressed rod and cone CNG channels, extracellular exposure to MMPs dramatically increased the apparent affinity for cGMP and the efficacy of cAMP. These changes to ligand sensitivity were not prevented by destabilization of the actin cytoskeleton or by disruption of integrin mediated cell adhesion, but could be attenuated by inhibition of MMP catalytic activity. MMP-mediated gating changes exhibited saturable kinetic properties consistent with enzymatic processing of the CNG channels. In addition, exposure to MMPs decreased the abundance of full-length expressed CNGA3 subunits, with a concomitant increase in putative degradation products. Similar gating effects and apparent proteolysis were observed also for native rod photoreceptor CNG channels. Furthermore, constitutive apparent proteolysis of retinal CNGA1 and retinal MMP9 levels were both elevated in aged mice compared with young mice. Together, these results provide evidence that MMP-mediated proteolysis can regulate the ligand sensitivity of CNG channels.

  7. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and -2 enhance the ligand sensitivity of photoreceptor cyclic nucleotide-gated channels

    PubMed Central

    Meighan, Peter C.; Meighan, Starla E.; Rich, Elizabeth D.; Brown, R. Lane; Varnum, Michael D.

    2012-01-01

    Photoreceptor cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels are the principal ion channels responsible for transduction of the light-induced change in cGMP concentration into an electrical signal. The ligand sensitivity of photoreceptor CNG channels is subject to regulation by intracellular signaling effectors, including calcium-calmodulin, tyrosine kinases and phosphoinositides. Little is known, however, about regulation of channel activity by modification to extracellular regions of CNG channel subunits. Extracellular proteases MMP9 and -2 are present in the interphotoreceptor matrix adjacent to photoreceptor outer segments. Given that MMPs have been implicated in retinal dysfunction and degeneration, we hypothesized that MMP activity may alter the functional properties of photoreceptor CNG channels. For heterologously expressed rod and cone CNG channels, extracellular exposure to MMPs dramatically increased the apparent affinity for cGMP and the efficacy of cAMP. These changes to ligand sensitivity were not prevented by destabilization of the actin cytoskeleton or by disruption of integrin mediated cell adhesion, but could be attenuated by inhibition of MMP catalytic activity. MMP-mediated gating changes exhibited saturable kinetic properties consistent with enzymatic processing of the CNG channels. In addition, exposure to MMPs decreased the abundance of full-length expressed CNGA3 subunits, with a concomitant increase in putative degradation products. Similar gating effects and apparent proteolysis were observed also for native rod photoreceptor CNG channels. Furthermore, constitutive apparent proteolysis of retinal CNGA1 and retinal MMP9 levels were both elevated in aged mice compared with young mice. Together, these results provide evidence that MMP-mediated proteolysis can regulate the ligand sensitivity of CNG channels. PMID:22699690

  8. Strategies for elimination of cyanogens from cassava for reducing toxicity and improving food safety.

    PubMed

    Nambisan, Bala

    2011-03-01

    Toxicity of cassava arises due to the presence of the cyanoglucosides linamarin and lotaustralin which are hydrolysed by endogenous enzyme linamarase to acetonecyanohydrin (ACN) and cyanide (CN) which are toxic. Major research efforts to eliminate/reduce cyanoglucosides have focused on (i) development of acyanogenic cassava varieties by breeding; (ii) controlling its metabolism; and (iii) processing to remove cyanogens. The cyanoglucoside (CNG) content in cassava is genetically controlled and cultivars may be classified as low (<50 μg/g), medium (50-100 μg/g) and high CN (>100 μg CN eq./g) varieties. Molecular techniques for reducing tuber CNG have focused on development of transgenic plants with reduced expression of cyt P 450 in leaves, or increased expression of hydroxynitrilelyase in tuber. For immediate solution, CNG content can be reduced using several processing methods. Traditional methods used for processing include boiling, drying, parboiling and drying, baking, steaming, frying and preparation of flour. These processes result in CN losses ranging from 25% to 98%. The cyanogen level in the final product is influenced both by the tuber CNG and the method of processing. In order to achieve safe levels of 10 μg/g in cassava products, new methods of processing, especially for cassava containing more than 250 μg CN eq./g, remains a challenging problem. Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  9. Cytosine methylation at CG and CNG sites is not a prerequisite for the initiation of transcriptional gene silencing in plants, but it is required for its maintenance.

    PubMed

    Diéguez, M J; Vaucheret, H; Paszkowski, J; Mittelsten Scheid, O

    1998-08-01

    Transgenes integrated into plant chromosomes, and/or endogenous plant genes, may be subjected to epigenetic silencing at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level. Transcriptional inactivation is correlated with hypermethylation of CG/CNG sites at the silent loci. It is not known whether local hypermethylation is part of the inactivation process, or just an outcome of the silent state. To address this issue, we generated transgenic tobacco lines containing a selectable marker gene controlled by a derivative of the 35S promoter of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) devoid of CG and CNG methylation acceptor sites. Silencing was triggered by crossing to the silencer locus of tobacco line 271. This line contains inactive and methylated copies of the 35S promoter and is able to silence homologous promoter copies at ectopic chromosomal positions. The mutated promoter lacking CG/CNG methylation acceptor sites was as susceptible to Trans-silencing as the unmodified 35S promoter control. Thus, methylation at CG and CNG sites is not a prerequisite for the initiation of epigenetic gene inactivation. Interestingly, while methylation of the remaining cytosines is usually only slightly affected by silencing, it was significantly increased in the absence of CG/CNG sequences. Since this sequence preference is the same as that of known methyltransferases, this may imply that silencing is accompanied or directly followed by recruitment of methyltransferase, which, in the absence of cytosines in the optimal sequence context, modifies other C residues in the affected area. However, silencing without CG/CNG methylation was immediately relieved in the absence of the silencer. Thus, CG/CNG methylation is probably essential for the maintenance of previously established epigenetic states.

  10. A new putative cyclic nucleotide-gated channel gene, cng-3, is critical for thermotolerance in Caenorhabditis elegans.

    PubMed

    Cho, Suk-Woo; Choi, Kyu Yeong; Park, Chul-Seung

    2004-12-10

    Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels encoded by tax-4 and tax-2 genes are required for chemo- and thermo-sensation in Caenorhabditis elegans. Here we report the identification and the characterization of cng-3, a new CNG channel gene, found in C. elegans. CNG-3 contains six putative transmembrane regions and a cyclic nucleotide-binding domain that show high homology with CNG channels of higher animals as well as TAX-4. The expression of cng-3 is detected from early stages in worm development and restricted in five sensory neurons of amphid including AFD neuron. While a cng-3 null mutant displays normal chemotaxis to volatile odorants, the mutant worms exhibit impaired thermal tolerance. These results indicate that CNG-3, a new member of CNG channel subunits, may play a critical role in sensation or response of thermal stress in C. elegans.

  11. Structural implications of weak Ca2+ block in Drosophila cyclic nucleotide–gated channels

    PubMed Central

    Lam, Yee Ling; Zeng, Weizhong; Derebe, Mehabaw Getahun

    2015-01-01

    Calcium permeability and the concomitant calcium block of monovalent ion current (“Ca2+ block”) are properties of cyclic nucleotide–gated (CNG) channel fundamental to visual and olfactory signal transduction. Although most CNG channels bear a conserved glutamate residue crucial for Ca2+ block, the degree of block displayed by different CNG channels varies greatly. For instance, the Drosophila melanogaster CNG channel shows only weak Ca2+ block despite the presence of this glutamate. We previously constructed a series of chimeric channels in which we replaced the selectivity filter of the bacterial nonselective cation channel NaK with a set of CNG channel filter sequences and determined that the resulting NaK2CNG chimeras displayed the ion selectivity and Ca2+ block properties of the parent CNG channels. Here, we used the same strategy to determine the structural basis of the weak Ca2+ block observed in the Drosophila CNG channel. The selectivity filter of the Drosophila CNG channel is similar to that of most other CNG channels except that it has a threonine at residue 318 instead of a proline. We constructed a NaK chimera, which we called NaK2CNG-Dm, which contained the Drosophila selectivity filter sequence. The high resolution structure of NaK2CNG-Dm revealed a filter structure different from those of NaK and all other previously investigated NaK2CNG chimeric channels. Consistent with this structural difference, functional studies of the NaK2CNG-Dm chimeric channel demonstrated a loss of Ca2+ block compared with other NaK2CNG chimeras. Moreover, mutating the corresponding threonine (T318) to proline in Drosophila CNG channels increased Ca2+ block by 16 times. These results imply that a simple replacement of a threonine for a proline in Drosophila CNG channels has likely given rise to a distinct selectivity filter conformation that results in weak Ca2+ block. PMID:26283200

  12. Structural implications of weak Ca2+ block in Drosophila cyclic nucleotide-gated channels.

    PubMed

    Lam, Yee Ling; Zeng, Weizhong; Derebe, Mehabaw Getahun; Jiang, Youxing

    2015-09-01

    Calcium permeability and the concomitant calcium block of monovalent ion current ("Ca(2+) block") are properties of cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel fundamental to visual and olfactory signal transduction. Although most CNG channels bear a conserved glutamate residue crucial for Ca(2+) block, the degree of block displayed by different CNG channels varies greatly. For instance, the Drosophila melanogaster CNG channel shows only weak Ca(2+) block despite the presence of this glutamate. We previously constructed a series of chimeric channels in which we replaced the selectivity filter of the bacterial nonselective cation channel NaK with a set of CNG channel filter sequences and determined that the resulting NaK2CNG chimeras displayed the ion selectivity and Ca(2+) block properties of the parent CNG channels. Here, we used the same strategy to determine the structural basis of the weak Ca(2+) block observed in the Drosophila CNG channel. The selectivity filter of the Drosophila CNG channel is similar to that of most other CNG channels except that it has a threonine at residue 318 instead of a proline. We constructed a NaK chimera, which we called NaK2CNG-Dm, which contained the Drosophila selectivity filter sequence. The high resolution structure of NaK2CNG-Dm revealed a filter structure different from those of NaK and all other previously investigated NaK2CNG chimeric channels. Consistent with this structural difference, functional studies of the NaK2CNG-Dm chimeric channel demonstrated a loss of Ca(2+) block compared with other NaK2CNG chimeras. Moreover, mutating the corresponding threonine (T318) to proline in Drosophila CNG channels increased Ca(2+) block by 16 times. These results imply that a simple replacement of a threonine for a proline in Drosophila CNG channels has likely given rise to a distinct selectivity filter conformation that results in weak Ca(2+) block. © 2015 Lam et al.

  13. Hypomethylation of CNG targets induced with dihydroxypropyladenine is rapidly reversed in the course of mitotic cell division in tobacco.

    PubMed

    Koukalová, B.; Votruba, I.; Fojtová, M.; Holý, A.; Kovarík, A.

    2002-10-01

    We followed the mitotic transmission of an experimentally induced hypomethylated state of several tobacco repetitive sequences in callus culture and plants. The initial hypomethylation was induced by a hypomethylation drug, dihydroxypropyladenine (DHPA), the competitive inhibitor of cellular S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase, which is known to preferentially inhibit methylation at CNG and non-symmetrical motifs while having a negligible effect on methylation at CG motifs. The deprivation of this drug resulted in an almost immediate remethylation of cytosines at CNG motifs ( MspI and EcoRII sites) leading us to conclude that, the hypomethylation effect of dihydroxypropyladenine is rather transient and differs from that of 5-azacytidine which often induces heritable changes in methylation patterns. The results suggest that de novo methylation of CNG motifs is a rapid and meiotically independent process on DNA sequences with pre-existing CG methylation.

  14. Pollution dilemma in Asian population: CNG and wound healing.

    PubMed

    Ejaz, Sohail; Chekarova, Irina; Ahmad, Mukhtar; Nasir, Amir; Ashraf, Muhammad; Lim, Chae Woong

    2009-11-01

    Automobile exhaust constituents contribute significantly to air pollution in urban areas and compressed natural gas (CNG) is considered one of the most promising fuel alternatives for the future. CNG-powered four-stroke engine auto-rickshaws are ubiquitous in South Asian cities as taxi and for commercial transportation. Automotive exhaust contains several toxins, which are overwhelmingly toxic to the processes of wound healing. By utilizing the in vivo mouse model of wound healing, this report analyzes the effects of CNG-powered four-stroke auto-rickshaws smoke solution (4SARSS) on different events of wound healing; dermal matrix regeneration, re-epithelialization and neovascularization. A total of 72 adult mice, divided in eight groups were exposed to 4SARSS for 12 days. A highly significant reduction (P<0.001) in wound closure was observed among all 4SARSS treated groups, at each time point of the experiment. An immature development in both the neoepidermis and the neodermis was observed among all 4SARSS treated wounds with defective re-epithelialization, dermal matrix regeneration and maturation of collagen bundles. Abbott curve, angular spectrum, 3D surface topographies, and histological investigations of wounds explicated highly significant activation (P<0.001) of delayed-neovascularization among 4SARSS treated wounds. All these annotations advocate excessive toxicity of emission from CNG-powered auto-rickshaws to the process of wound healing and people occupationally exposed to this toxic emissions may suffer varying degree of delayed wound healing. Crown Copyright © 2009. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Role of Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels in the Modulation of Mouse Hippocampal Neurogenesis

    PubMed Central

    Podda, Maria Vittoria; Piacentini, Roberto; Barbati, Saviana Antonella; Mastrodonato, Alessia; Puzzo, Daniela; D’Ascenzo, Marcello; Leone, Lucia; Grassi, Claudio

    2013-01-01

    Neural stem cells generate neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus in mammals, including humans, throughout adulthood. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis has been the focus of many studies due to its relevance in processes such as learning and memory and its documented impairment in some neurodegenerative diseases. However, we are still far from having a complete picture of the mechanism regulating this process. Our study focused on the possible role of cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels. These voltage-independent channels activated by cyclic nucleotides, first described in retinal and olfactory receptors, have been receiving increasing attention for their involvement in several brain functions. Here we show that the rod-type, CNGA1, and olfactory-type, CNGA2, subunits are expressed in hippocampal neural stem cells in culture and in situ in the hippocampal neurogenic niche of adult mice. Pharmacological blockade of CNG channels did not affect cultured neural stem cell proliferation but reduced their differentiation towards the neuronal phenotype. The membrane permeant cGMP analogue, 8-Br-cGMP, enhanced neural stem cell differentiation to neurons and this effect was prevented by CNG channel blockade. In addition, patch-clamp recording from neuron-like differentiating neural stem cells revealed cGMP-activated currents attributable to ion flow through CNG channels. The current work provides novel insights into the role of CNG channels in promoting hippocampal neurogenesis, which may prove to be relevant for stem cell-based treatment of cognitive impairment and brain damage. PMID:23991183

  16. A key role for cyclic nucleotide gated (CNG) channels in cGMP-related retinitis pigmentosa.

    PubMed

    Paquet-Durand, François; Beck, Susanne; Michalakis, Stylianos; Goldmann, Tobias; Huber, Gesine; Mühlfriedel, Regine; Trifunović, Dragana; Fischer, M Dominik; Fahl, Edda; Duetsch, Gabriele; Becirovic, Elvir; Wolfrum, Uwe; van Veen, Theo; Biel, Martin; Tanimoto, Naoyuki; Seeliger, Mathias W

    2011-03-01

    The rd1 natural mutant is one of the first and probably the most commonly studied mouse model for retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a severe and frequently blinding human retinal degeneration. In several decades of research, the link between the increase in photoreceptor cGMP levels and the extremely rapid cell death gave rise to a number of hypotheses. Here, we provide clear evidence that the presence of cyclic nucleotide gated (CNG) channels in the outer segment membrane is the key to rod photoreceptor loss. In Cngb1(-/-) × rd1 double mutants devoid of regular CNG channels, cGMP levels are still pathologically high, but rod photoreceptor viability and outer segment morphology are greatly improved. Importantly, cone photoreceptors, the basis for high-resolution daylight and colour vision, survived and remained functional for extended periods of time. These findings strongly support the hypothesis of deleterious calcium (Ca(2+))-influx as the cause of rapid rod cell death and highlight the importance of CNG channels in this process. Furthermore, our findings suggest that targeting rod CNG channels, rather than general Ca(2+)-channel blockade, is a most promising symptomatic approach to treat otherwise incurable forms of cGMP-related RP.

  17. Biochemical Characterization of Cone Cyclic Nucleotide-gated (CNG) Channel Using the Infrared Fluorescence Detection System

    PubMed Central

    Ding, Xi-Qin; Matveev, Alexander; Singh, Anil; Komori, Naoka; Matsumoto, Hiroyuki

    2012-01-01

    Cone vision mediated by photoreceptor cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel is essential for central and color vision and visual acuity. Cone CNG channel is composed of two structurally related subunit types, CNGA3 and CNGB3. Naturally occurring mutations in cone CNG channel are associated with a variety of cone diseases including achromatopsia, progressive cone dystrophy, and some maculopathies. Nevertheless, our understanding of the structure of cone CNG channel is quite limited. This is, in part, due to the challenge of studying cones in a rod-dominant mammalian retina. We have demonstrated a robust expression of cone CNG channel and lack of rod CNG channel in the cone-dominant Nrl−/− retina and shown that the Nrl−/− mouse line is a valuable model to study cone CNG channel. This work examined the complex structure of cone CNG channel using infrared fluorescence Western detection combined with chemical cross-linking and blue native-PAGE. Our results suggest that the native cone CNG channel is a heterotetrameric complex likely at a stoichiometry of three CNGA3 and one CNGB3. PMID:22183405

  18. CNG channel subunit glycosylation regulates MMP-dependent changes in channel gating

    PubMed Central

    Meighan, Starla E.; Meighan, Peter C.; Rich, Elizabeth D.; Brown, R. Lane; Varnum, Michael D.

    2013-01-01

    Cyclic-nucleotide gated (CNG) channels are essential for phototransduction within retinal photoreceptors. We have demonstrated previously that enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9, members of the MMP family of extracellular, Ca+2- and Zn+2-dependent proteases, enhances the ligand sensitivity of both rod (CNGA1 + CNGB1) and cone CNGA3 + CNGB3) CNG channels. Additionally, we have observed a decrease in maximal CNG channel current (IMAX) that begins late during MMP-directed gating changes. Here we demonstrate that CNG channels become non-conductive after prolonged MMP exposure. Concurrent with the loss of conductive channels is the increased relative contribution of channels exhibiting non-modified gating properties, suggesting the presence of a subpopulation of channels that are protected from MMP-induced gating effects. CNGA subunits are known to possess one extracellular core glycosylation site, located at one of two possible positions within the turret loop near the pore-forming region. Our results indicate that CNGA glycosylation can impede MMP-dependent modification of CNG channels. Furthermore, the relative position of the glycosylation site within the pore turret influences the extent of MMP-dependent proteolysis. Glycosylation at the site found in CNGA3 subunits was found to be protective, while glycosylation at the bovine CNGA1 site was not. Relocating the glycosylation site in CNGA1 to the position found in CNGA3 recapitulated CNGA3-like protection from MMP-dependent processing. Taken together, these data indicate that CNGA glycosylation may protect CNG channels from MMP-dependent proteolysis, consistent with MMP modification of channel function having a requirement for physical access to the extracellular face of the channel. PMID:24164424

  19. Impact of systemic inflammation on gastric cancer outcomes.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xuechao; Chen, Shangxiang; Liu, Jianjun; Xu, Dazhi; Li, Wei; Zhan, Youqing; Li, Yuanfang; Chen, Yingbo; Zhou, Zhiwei; Sun, Xiaowei

    2017-01-01

    The prognostic value of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) has been extensively validated in various cancers. We aimed to examine the usefulness of a combination of NLR and GPS (named CNG) for predicting survival outcomes in patients after curative resection for gastric cancer (GC). We retrospectively analyzed the records of 1056 patients who underwent curative resection as initial treatment for GC from October 2000 to September 2012. The preoperative CNG was calculated as follows: patients with hypoalbuminemia (< 35 g/L), elevated C-reactive protein (> 10 mg/L), and elevated NLR (≥ 2) were allocated a score of 3; patients with two, one, or no abnormal values were allocated a score of 2, 1, or 0, respectively. The NLR and GPS were the only inflammatory variables independently associated with overall survival (OS) in multivariate analysis. When they were replaced by CNG in multivariate analysis, CNG was independently associated with OS (hazard ratio [HR] for CNG 1 [1.367, 95% CI: 1.065-1.755; P = 0.014], CNG 2 [1.887, 95% CI: 1.182-3.011; P = 0.008], and CNG 3 [2.224, 95% CI: 1.238-3.997; P = 0.008]; P = 0.020). In stage-matched analysis, the prognostic significance was still maintained in stage I-III (P = 0.002, P = 0.042, and P < 0.001, respectively). In addition, 5-year survival rates ranged from 92% (stage I) to 35% (stage III) and from 65%(CNG 0) to 18%(CNG 3) with tumor-nodes-metastasis (TNM) stage or CNG alone. However, the combination of TNM and CNG stratified 5-year survival rates from 98% (TNM I, CNG 0) to 12% (TNM III, CNG 3). The preoperative CNG is a novel predictor of postoperative survival, and the combination of CNG and TNM effectively stratifies outcomes in patients after curative resection for GC.

  20. Impact of systemic inflammation on gastric cancer outcomes

    PubMed Central

    Xu, Dazhi; Li, Wei; Zhan, Youqing; Li, Yuanfang; Chen, Yingbo; Zhou, Zhiwei; Sun, Xiaowei

    2017-01-01

    Background The prognostic value of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) has been extensively validated in various cancers. We aimed to examine the usefulness of a combination of NLR and GPS (named CNG) for predicting survival outcomes in patients after curative resection for gastric cancer (GC). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the records of 1056 patients who underwent curative resection as initial treatment for GC from October 2000 to September 2012. The preoperative CNG was calculated as follows: patients with hypoalbuminemia (< 35 g/L), elevated C-reactive protein (> 10 mg/L), and elevated NLR (≥ 2) were allocated a score of 3; patients with two, one, or no abnormal values were allocated a score of 2, 1, or 0, respectively. Results The NLR and GPS were the only inflammatory variables independently associated with overall survival (OS) in multivariate analysis. When they were replaced by CNG in multivariate analysis, CNG was independently associated with OS (hazard ratio [HR] for CNG 1 [1.367, 95% CI: 1.065–1.755; P = 0.014], CNG 2 [1.887, 95% CI: 1.182–3.011; P = 0.008], and CNG 3 [2.224, 95% CI: 1.238–3.997; P = 0.008]; P = 0.020). In stage-matched analysis, the prognostic significance was still maintained in stage I-III (P = 0.002, P = 0.042, and P < 0.001, respectively). In addition, 5-year survival rates ranged from 92% (stage I) to 35% (stage III) and from 65%(CNG 0) to 18%(CNG 3) with tumor-nodes-metastasis (TNM) stage or CNG alone. However, the combination of TNM and CNG stratified 5-year survival rates from 98% (TNM I, CNG 0) to 12% (TNM III, CNG 3). Conclusion The preoperative CNG is a novel predictor of postoperative survival, and the combination of CNG and TNM effectively stratifies outcomes in patients after curative resection for GC. PMID:28358923

  1. 26 CFR 48.4041-21 - Compressed natural gas (CNG).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 16 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 true Compressed natural gas (CNG). 48.4041-21 Section... natural gas (CNG). (a) Delivery of CNG into the fuel supply tank of a motor vehicle or motorboat—(1) Imposition of tax. Tax is imposed on the delivery of compressed natural gas (CNG) into the fuel supply tank...

  2. Alternative Fuels Data Center: CNG Powers Law Enforcement in Arkansas

    Science.gov Websites

    CNG Powers Law Enforcement in Arkansas to someone by E-mail Share Alternative Fuels Data Center : CNG Powers Law Enforcement in Arkansas on Facebook Tweet about Alternative Fuels Data Center: CNG Powers Law Enforcement in Arkansas on Twitter Bookmark Alternative Fuels Data Center: CNG Powers Law

  3. 26 CFR 48.4041-21 - Compressed natural gas (CNG).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 16 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Compressed natural gas (CNG). 48.4041-21... natural gas (CNG). (a) Delivery of CNG into the fuel supply tank of a motor vehicle or motorboat—(1) Imposition of tax. Tax is imposed on the delivery of compressed natural gas (CNG) into the fuel supply tank...

  4. 26 CFR 48.4041-21 - Compressed natural gas (CNG).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 16 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Compressed natural gas (CNG). 48.4041-21... natural gas (CNG). (a) Delivery of CNG into the fuel supply tank of a motor vehicle or motorboat—(1) Imposition of tax. Tax is imposed on the delivery of compressed natural gas (CNG) into the fuel supply tank...

  5. 26 CFR 48.4041-21 - Compressed natural gas (CNG).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 16 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Compressed natural gas (CNG). 48.4041-21... natural gas (CNG). (a) Delivery of CNG into the fuel supply tank of a motor vehicle or motorboat—(1) Imposition of tax. Tax is imposed on the delivery of compressed natural gas (CNG) into the fuel supply tank...

  6. Identification and characterization of a putative cyclic nucleotide-gated channel, CNG-1, in C. elegans.

    PubMed

    Cho, Suk-Woo; Cho, Jeong-Hoon; Song, Hyun-Ok; Park, Chul-Seung

    2005-02-28

    Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels encoded by the tax-4 and tax-2 genes are required for chemosensing and thermosensing in the nematode C. elegans. We identified a gene in the C. elegans genome, which we designated cng-1, that is highly homologous to tax-4. Partial CNG-1 protein tagged with green fluorescent protein was expressed in several sensory neurons of the amphid. We created a deletion mutant of cng-1, cng-1 (jh111), to investigate its in vivo function. The mutant worms had no detectable abnormalities in terms of their basic behavior or morphology. Whereas tax-4 and tax-2 mutants failed to respond to water-soluble or volatile chemical attractants, the cng-1 null mutant exhibited normal chemotaxis to such chemicals and a tax-4;cng-1 double mutant had a similar phenotype to tax-4 single mutants. Interestingly, cng-1 and tax-4 had a synergistic effect on brood size.

  7. Cell- and subunit-specific mechanisms of CNG channel ciliary trafficking and localization in C. elegans

    PubMed Central

    Wojtyniak, Martin; Brear, Andrea G.; O'Halloran, Damien M.; Sengupta, Piali

    2013-01-01

    Summary Primary cilia are ubiquitous sensory organelles that concentrate transmembrane signaling proteins essential for sensing environmental cues. Mislocalization of crucial ciliary signaling proteins, such as the tetrameric cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels, can lead to cellular dysfunction and disease. Although several cis- and trans-acting factors required for ciliary protein trafficking and localization have been identified, whether these mechanisms act in a protein- and cell-specific manner is largely unknown. Here, we show that CNG channel subunits can be localized to discrete ciliary compartments in individual sensory neurons in C. elegans, suggesting that channel composition is heterogeneous across the cilium. We demonstrate that ciliary localization of CNG channel subunits is interdependent on different channel subunits in specific cells, and identify sequences required for efficient ciliary targeting and localization of the TAX-2 CNGB and TAX-4 CNGA subunits. Using a candidate gene approach, we show that Inversin, transition zone proteins, intraflagellar transport motors and a MYND-domain protein are required to traffic and/or localize CNG channel subunits in both a cell- and channel subunit-specific manner. We further find that TAX-2 and TAX-4 are relatively immobile in specific sensory cilia subcompartments, suggesting that these proteins undergo minimal turnover in these domains in mature cilia. Our results uncover unexpected diversity in the mechanisms that traffic and localize CNG channel subunits to cilia both within and across cell types, highlighting the essential contribution of this process to cellular functions. PMID:23886944

  8. Cell- and subunit-specific mechanisms of CNG channel ciliary trafficking and localization in C. elegans.

    PubMed

    Wojtyniak, Martin; Brear, Andrea G; O'Halloran, Damien M; Sengupta, Piali

    2013-10-01

    Primary cilia are ubiquitous sensory organelles that concentrate transmembrane signaling proteins essential for sensing environmental cues. Mislocalization of crucial ciliary signaling proteins, such as the tetrameric cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels, can lead to cellular dysfunction and disease. Although several cis- and trans-acting factors required for ciliary protein trafficking and localization have been identified, whether these mechanisms act in a protein- and cell-specific manner is largely unknown. Here, we show that CNG channel subunits can be localized to discrete ciliary compartments in individual sensory neurons in C. elegans, suggesting that channel composition is heterogeneous across the cilium. We demonstrate that ciliary localization of CNG channel subunits is interdependent on different channel subunits in specific cells, and identify sequences required for efficient ciliary targeting and localization of the TAX-2 CNGB and TAX-4 CNGA subunits. Using a candidate gene approach, we show that Inversin, transition zone proteins, intraflagellar transport motors and a MYND-domain protein are required to traffic and/or localize CNG channel subunits in both a cell- and channel subunit-specific manner. We further find that TAX-2 and TAX-4 are relatively immobile in specific sensory cilia subcompartments, suggesting that these proteins undergo minimal turnover in these domains in mature cilia. Our results uncover unexpected diversity in the mechanisms that traffic and localize CNG channel subunits to cilia both within and across cell types, highlighting the essential contribution of this process to cellular functions.

  9. Gene replacement therapy for retinal CNG channelopathies.

    PubMed

    Schön, Christian; Biel, Martin; Michalakis, Stylianos

    2013-10-01

    Visual phototransduction relies on the function of cyclic nucleotide-gated channels in the rod and cone photoreceptor outer segment plasma membranes. The role of these ion channels is to translate light-triggered changes in the second messenger cyclic guanosine 3'-5'-monophosphate levels into an electrical signal that is further processed within the retinal network and then sent to higher visual centers. Rod and cone photoreceptors express distinct CNG channels. The rod photoreceptor CNG channel is composed of one CNGB1 and three CNGA1 subunits, whereas the cone channel is formed by one CNGB3 and three CNGA3 subunits. Mutations in any of these channel subunits result in severe and currently untreatable retinal degenerative diseases like retinitis pigmentosa or achromatopsia. In this review, we provide an overview of the human diseases and relevant animal models of CNG channelopathies. Furthermore, we summarize recent results from preclinical gene therapy studies using adeno-associated viral vectors and discuss the efficacy and translational potential of these gene therapeutic approaches.

  10. Alternative Fuels Data Center: West Virginia CNG Corridor Now Open

    Science.gov Websites

    West Virginia CNG Corridor Now Open to someone by E-mail Share Alternative Fuels Data Center: West Virginia CNG Corridor Now Open on Facebook Tweet about Alternative Fuels Data Center: West Virginia CNG Corridor Now Open on Twitter Bookmark Alternative Fuels Data Center: West Virginia CNG Corridor Now Open on

  11. Apparatus for dispensing compressed natural gas and liquified natural gas to natural gas powered vehicles

    DOEpatents

    Bingham, Dennis A.; Clark, Michael L.; Wilding, Bruce M.; Palmer, Gary L.

    2007-05-29

    A fueling facility and method for dispensing liquid natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) or both on-demand. The fueling facility may include a source of LNG, such as cryogenic storage vessel. A low volume high pressure pump is coupled to the source of LNG to produce a stream of pressurized LNG. The stream of pressurized LNG may be selectively directed through an LNG flow path or to a CNG flow path which includes a vaporizer configured to produce CNG from the pressurized LNG. A portion of the CNG may be drawn from the CNG flow path and introduced into the CNG flow path to control the temperature of LNG flowing therethrough. Similarly, a portion of the LNG may be drawn from the LNG flow path and introduced into the CNG flow path to control the temperature of CNG flowing therethrough.

  12. Method and apparatus for dispensing compressed natural gas and liquified natural gas to natural gas powered vehicles

    DOEpatents

    Bingham, Dennis A.; Clark, Michael L.; Wilding, Bruce M.; Palmer, Gary L.

    2005-05-31

    A fueling facility and method for dispensing liquid natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) or both on-demand. The fueling facility may include a source of LNG, such as cryogenic storage vessel. A low volume high pressure pump is coupled to the source of LNG to produce a stream of pressurized LNG. The stream of pressurized LNG may be selectively directed through an LNG flow path or to a CNG flow path which includes a vaporizer configured to produce CNG from the pressurized LNG. A portion of the CNG may be drawn from the CNG flow path and introduced into the CNG flow path to control the temperature of LNG flowing therethrough. Similarly, a portion of the LNG may be drawn from the LNG flow path and introduced into the CNG flow path to control the temperature of CNG flowing therethrough.

  13. The cyclic nucleotide gated channel subunit CNG-1 instructs behavioral outputs in Caenorhabditis elegans by coincidence detection of nutritional status and olfactory input.

    PubMed

    He, Chao; Altshuler-Keylin, Svetlana; Daniel, David; L'Etoile, Noelle D; O'Halloran, Damien

    2016-10-06

    In mammals, olfactory subsystems have been shown to express seven-transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in a one-receptor-one-neuron pattern, whereas in Caenorhabditis elegans, olfactory sensory neurons express multiple G-protein coupled odorant receptors per olfactory sensory neuron. In both mammalian and C. elegans olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), the process of olfactory adaptation begins within the OSN; this process of negative feedback within the mammalian OSN has been well described in mammals and enables activated OSNs to desensitize their response cell autonomously while attending to odors detected by separate OSNs. However, the mechanism that enables C. elegans to adapt to one odor and attend to another odor sensed by the same olfactory sensory neuron remains unclear. We found that the cyclic nucleotide gated channel subunit CNG-1 is required to promote cross adaptation responses between distinct olfactory cues. This change in sensitivity to a pair of odorants after persistent stimulation by just one of these odors is modulated by the internal nutritional state of the animal, and we find that this response is maintained across a diverse range of food sources for C. elegans. We also reveal that CNG-1 integrates food related cues for exploratory motor output, revealing that CNG-1 functions in multiple capacities to link nutritional information with behavioral output. Our data describes a novel model whereby CNG channels can integrate the coincidence detection of appetitive and olfactory information to set olfactory preferences and instruct behavioral outputs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. An endogenous RNA transcript antisense to CNG(alpha)1 cation channel mRNA.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Chin-Hung; Yew, David Tai-Wai; Kwan, Hiu-Yee; Zhou, Qing; Huang, Yu; Liu, Yong; Chan, Wing-Yee; Yao, Xiaoqiang

    2002-10-01

    CNG channels are cyclic nucleotide-gated Ca(2+)-permeable channels that are suggested to be involved in the activity-dependent alterations of synaptic strength that are thought to underlie information storage in the CNS. In this study, we isolated an endogenous RNA transcript antisense to CNG(alpha)1 mRNA. This transcript was capable of down-regulating the expression of sense CNG(alpha)1 in the Xenopus oocyte expression system. RT-PCR, Northern blot, and in situ hybridization analyses showed that the transcript was coexpressed with CNG(alpha)1 mRNA in many regions of human brain, notably in those regions that were involved in long-term potentiation and long-term depression, such as hippocampal CA1 and CA3, dentate gyrus, and cerebellar Purkinje layer. Comparison of expression patterns between adult and fetal cerebral cortex revealed that there were concurrent developmental changes in the expression levels of anti-CNG1 and CNG(alpha)1. Treatment of human glioma cell T98 with thyroid hormone T(3) caused a significant increase in anti-CNG1 expression and a parallel decrease in sense CNG(alpha)1 expression. These data suggest that the suppression of CNG(alpha)1 expression by anti-CNG1 may play an important role in neuronal functions, especially in synaptic plasticity and cortical development. Endogenous antisense RNA-mediated regulation may represent a new mechanism through which the activity of ion channels can be regulated in the human CNS.

  15. U.S. Department of Energy FreedomCAR & Vehicle Technologies Program Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity, Hydrogen/CNG Blended Fuels Performance Testing in a Ford F-150

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

    James E. Francfort

    2003-11-01

    Federal regulation requires energy companies and government entities to utilize alternative fuels in their vehicle fleets. To meet this need, several automobile manufacturers are producing compressed natural gas (CNG)-fueled vehicles. In addition, several converters are modifying gasoline-fueled vehicles to operate on both gasoline and CNG (Bifuel). Because of the availability of CNG vehicles, many energy company and government fleets have adopted CNG as their principle alternative fuel for transportation. Meanwhile, recent research has shown that blending hydrogen with CNG (HCNG) can reduce emissions from CNG vehicles. However, blending hydrogen with CNG (and performing no other vehicle modifications) reduces engine powermore » output, due to the lower volumetric energy density of hydrogen in relation to CNG. Arizona Public Service (APS) and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity (DOE AVTA) identified the need to determine the magnitude of these effects and their impact on the viability of using HCNG in existing CNG vehicles. To quantify the effects of using various blended fuels, a work plan was designed to test the acceleration, range, and exhaust emissions of a Ford F-150 pickup truck operating on 100% CNG and blends of 15 and 30% HCNG. This report presents the results of this testing conducted during May and June 2003 by Electric Transportation Applications (Task 4.10, DOE AVTA Cooperative Agreement DEFC36- 00ID-13859).« less

  16. Barwood CNG Cab Fleet Study: Final Results

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

    Whalen, P.; Kelly, K.; John, M.

    1999-05-03

    This report describes a fleet study conducted over a 12-month period to evaluate the operation of dedicated compress natural gas (CNG) Ford Crown Victoria sedans in a taxicab fleet. In the study, we assess the performance and reliability of the vehicles and the cost of operating the CNG vehicles compared to gasoline vehicles. The study results reveal that the CNG vehicles operated by this fleet offer both economic and environmental advantages. The total operating costs of the CNG vehicles were about 25% lower than those of the gasoline vehicles. The CNG vehicles performed as well as the gasoline vehicles, andmore » were just as reliable. Barwood representatives and drivers have come to consider the CNG vehicles an asset to their business and to the air quality of the local community.« less

  17. Impact of CNG implementation on PAHs concentration in the ambient air of Delhi: a comparative assessment of pre- and post-CNG scenario.

    PubMed

    Khillare, P S; Agarwal, Tripti; Shridhar, Vijay

    2008-12-01

    The use of alternative fuel is considered to be an effective measure to improve the urban air quality. Concerned over deteriorating air quality in Delhi, the Delhi government initiated different measures including stringent emission norms, improved fuel quality and above all introduction of cleaner fuel-CNG in public transport system. The entire city bus fleet was converted to CNG mode by 2002. The present study reports the comparative assessment of the status of air quality with respect to PM(10) and PAH before and after the introduction of CNG in public transport system in Delhi. The study has been carried out for two different time periods: first in the year 1998 and second in the year 2004. Following the total conversion of public transport system to CNG in 2002, Post-CNG data indicate a sharp reduction of 51-74% in the PM(10) concentration and 58-68% in the TPAH concentration as compared to the Pre-CNG data.

  18. Pravastatin chitosan nanogels-loaded erythrocytes as a new delivery strategy for targeting liver cancer.

    PubMed

    Harisa, Gamaleldin I; Badran, Mohamed M; AlQahtani, Saeed A; Alanazi, Fars K; Attia, Sabry M

    2016-01-01

    Chitosan nanogels (CNG) are developed as one of the most promising carriers for cancer targeting. However, these carriers are rapidly eliminated from circulation by reticuloendothelial system (RES), which limits their application. Therefore, erythrocytes (ER) loaded CNG as multifunctional carrier may overcome the massive elimination of nanocarriers by RES. In this study, erythrocytes loaded pravastatin-chitosan nanogels (PR-CNG-ER) were utilized as a novel drug carrier to target liver cancer. Thus, PR-CNG formula was developed in nanosize, with good entrapment efficiency, drug loading and sustained release over 48 h. Then, PR-CNG loaded into ER were prepared by hypotonic preswelling technique. The resulting PR-CNG-ER showed 36.85% of entrapment efficiency, 66.82% of cell recovery and release consistent to that of hemoglobin over 48 h. Moreover, PR-CNG-ER exhibited negative zeta potential, increasing of hemolysis percent, marked phosphatidylserine exposure and stomatocytes shape compared to control unloaded erythrocytes. PR-CNG-ER reduced cells viability of HepG2 cells line by 28% compared to unloaded erythrocytes (UER). These results concluded that PR-CNG-ER are promising drug carriers to target liver cancer.

  19. Surface acoustic wave sensors/gas chromatography; and Low quality natural gas sulfur removal and recovery CNG Claus sulfur recovery process

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

    Klint, B.W.; Dale, P.R.; Stephenson, C.

    This topical report consists of the two titled projects. Surface Acoustic Wave/Gas Chromatography (SAW/GC) provides a cost-effective system for collecting real-time field screening data for characterization of vapor streams contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The Model 4100 can be used in a field screening mode to produce chromatograms in 10 seconds. This capability will allow a project manager to make immediate decisions and to avoid the long delays and high costs associated with analysis by off-site analytical laboratories. The Model 4100 is currently under evaluation by the California Environmental Protection Agency Technology Certification Program. Initial certification focuses upon themore » following organics: cis-dichloroethylene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, trichlorethylene, tetrachloroethylene, tetrachloroethane, benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and o-xylene. In the second study the CNG Claus process is being evaluated for conversion and recovery of elemental sulfur from hydrogen sulfide, especially found in low quality natural gas. This report describes the design, construction and operation of a pilot scale plant built to demonstrate the technical feasibility of the integrated CNG Claus process.« less

  20. Ignition study of a petrol/CNG single cylinder engine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khan, N.; Saleem, Z.; Mirza, A. A.

    2005-11-01

    Benefits of laser ignition over the electrical ignition system for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engines have fuelled automobile industry and led to an extensive research on basic characteristics to switch over to the emerging technologies. This study was undertaken to determine the electrical and physical characteristics of the electric spark ignition of single cylinder petrol/CNG engine to determine minimum ignition requirements and timeline of ignition events to use in subsequent laser ignition study. This communication briefly reviews the ongoing research activities and reports the results of this experimental study. The premixed petrol and CNG mixtures were tested for variation of current and voltage characteristics of the spark with speed of engine. The current magnitude of discharge circuit was found to vary linearly over a wide range of speed but the stroke to stroke fire time was found to vary nonlinearly. The DC voltage profiles were observed to fluctuate randomly during ignition process and staying constant in rest of the combustion cycle. Fire to fire peaks of current amplitudes fluctuated up to 10% of the peak values at constant speed but increased almost linearly with increase in speed. Technical barriers of laser ignition related to threshold minimum ignition energy, inter-pulse durations and firing sequence are discussed. Present findings provide a basic initiative and background information for designing suitable timeline algorithms for laser ignited leaner direct injected CNG engines.

  1. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Leadership in CNG Propels Paper Transport

    Science.gov Websites

    Inc. Leadership in CNG Propels Paper Transport Inc. to someone by E-mail Share Alternative Fuels Data Center: Leadership in CNG Propels Paper Transport Inc. on Facebook Tweet about Alternative Fuels Data Center: Leadership in CNG Propels Paper Transport Inc. on Twitter Bookmark Alternative Fuels

  2. Alternative Fuels Data Center: CNG Vehicle Fueling Animation

    Science.gov Websites

    Vehicle Fueling Animation to someone by E-mail Share Alternative Fuels Data Center: CNG Vehicle Fueling Animation on Facebook Tweet about Alternative Fuels Data Center: CNG Vehicle Fueling Animation on Twitter Bookmark Alternative Fuels Data Center: CNG Vehicle Fueling Animation on Google Bookmark Alternative Fuels

  3. 49 CFR 393.68 - Compressed natural gas fuel containers.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... containers. (a) Applicability. The rules in this section apply to compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel... auxiliary equipment installed on, or used in connection with commercial motor vehicles. (b) CNG containers... equipped with a CNG fuel tank must meet the CNG container requirements of FMVSS No. 304 (49 CFR 571.304) in...

  4. 49 CFR 393.68 - Compressed natural gas fuel containers.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... containers. (a) Applicability. The rules in this section apply to compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel... auxiliary equipment installed on, or used in connection with commercial motor vehicles. (b) CNG containers... equipped with a CNG fuel tank must meet the CNG container requirements of FMVSS No. 304 (49 CFR 571.304) in...

  5. 49 CFR 393.68 - Compressed natural gas fuel containers.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... containers. (a) Applicability. The rules in this section apply to compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel... auxiliary equipment installed on, or used in connection with commercial motor vehicles. (b) CNG containers... equipped with a CNG fuel tank must meet the CNG container requirements of FMVSS No. 304 (49 CFR 571.304) in...

  6. Will CNG threaten your future loads

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

    Not Available

    A campaign to promote the use of natural gas as a fleet fuel is described and as a result, CNG conversions are beginning to take hold in some market segments. Only a few months after Ford Motor Co. announced production plans for an LPG-powered line of Granada/Cougar models, it unveiled an alternative-fuels concept car - a short-ranged metro sportscar - that could be ordered by the customer with any of four fuel systems (CNG, propane, ethanol, or methanol) offered on a dedicated or single-fuel basis. By including CNG in its alternative-fuels concept, Ford not only gave a boost to effortsmore » to build a motor fuel load for natural gas, but also indicated that CNG, as well as propane, is a viable alternative to gasoline in some applications. Recent reports of advances in CNG technology that enhance its potential as a motor fuel - together with other reports of at least one US firm launching production of a CNG motor fuel system and of several companies already marketing them - might be cause for the LPG industry to take another look at CNG's competitive potential.« less

  7. Retinal Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels: From Pathophysiology to Therapy.

    PubMed

    Michalakis, Stylianos; Becirovic, Elvir; Biel, Martin

    2018-03-07

    The first step in vision is the absorption of photons by the photopigments in cone and rod photoreceptors. After initial amplification within the phototransduction cascade the signal is translated into an electrical signal by the action of cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels. CNG channels are ligand-gated ion channels that are activated by the binding of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) or cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Retinal CNG channels transduce changes in intracellular concentrations of cGMP into changes of the membrane potential and the Ca 2+ concentration. Structurally, the CNG channels belong to the superfamily of pore-loop cation channels and share a common gross structure with hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels and voltage-gated potassium channels (KCN). In this review, we provide an overview on the molecular properties of CNG channels and describe their physiological role in the phototransduction pathways. We also discuss insights into the pathophysiological role of CNG channel proteins that have emerged from the analysis of CNG channel-deficient animal models and human CNG channelopathies. Finally, we summarize recent gene therapy activities and provide an outlook for future clinical application.

  8. Retinal Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels: From Pathophysiology to Therapy

    PubMed Central

    Biel, Martin

    2018-01-01

    The first step in vision is the absorption of photons by the photopigments in cone and rod photoreceptors. After initial amplification within the phototransduction cascade the signal is translated into an electrical signal by the action of cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels. CNG channels are ligand-gated ion channels that are activated by the binding of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) or cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Retinal CNG channels transduce changes in intracellular concentrations of cGMP into changes of the membrane potential and the Ca2+ concentration. Structurally, the CNG channels belong to the superfamily of pore-loop cation channels and share a common gross structure with hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels and voltage-gated potassium channels (KCN). In this review, we provide an overview on the molecular properties of CNG channels and describe their physiological role in the phototransduction pathways. We also discuss insights into the pathophysiological role of CNG channel proteins that have emerged from the analysis of CNG channel-deficient animal models and human CNG channelopathies. Finally, we summarize recent gene therapy activities and provide an outlook for future clinical application. PMID:29518895

  9. COMPARISON OF CLEAN DIESEL BUSES TO CNG BUSES

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

    Lowell, D.; Parsley, W.; Bush,C

    2003-08-24

    Using previously published data on regulated and unregulated emissions, this paper will compare the environmental performance of current generation transit buses operated on compressed natural gas (CNG) to current generation transit buses operated on ultra low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) and incorporating diesel particulate filters (DPF). Unregulated emissions evaluated include toxic compounds associated with adverse health effects (carbonyl, PAH, NPAH, benzene) as well as PM particle count and size distribution. For all regulated and unregulated emissions, both technologies are shown to be comparable. DPF equipped diesel buses and CNG buses have virtually identical levels of PM mass emissions and particlemore » number emissions. DPF-equipped diesel buses have lower HC and CO emissions and lower emissions of toxic substances such as benzene, carbonyls and PAHs than CNG buses. CNG buses have lower NOx emissions than DPF-equipped buses, though CNG bus NOx emissions are shown to be much more variable. In addition, this paper will compare the capital and operating costs of CNG and DPF-equipped buses. The cost comparison is primarily based on the experience of MTA New York City Transit in operating CNG buses since 1995 and DPF-equipped buses fueled with ULSD since 2001. Published data on the experience of other large transit agencies in operating CNG buses is used to validate the NYCT experience. The incremental cost (compared to ''baseline'' diesel) of operating a typical 200-bus depot is shown to be six times higher for CNG buses than for ''clean diesel'' buses. The contributors to this increased cost for CNG buses are almost equally split between increased capital costs for purchase of buses and installation of fueling infrastructure, and increased operating costs for purchase of fuel, bus maintenance, and fuel station maintenance.« less

  10. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Kansas City Kansas Public Schools Invests in

    Science.gov Websites

    station for up to 70 CNG school buses, one mobile CNG refueling unit, and CNG safety modifications to the buses and fast-fill dispensers for public access. After receiving only one response, KCKPS simplified , or at one of the City of Kansas City, Missouri's private fast-fill stations. The first CNG bus was

  11. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Stations

    Science.gov Websites

    infrastructure: time-fill and fast-fill. The main structural differences between the two systems are the amount fuel dispensed and the time it takes for CNG to be delivered. Most CNG stations include one of these into account. Learn more about filling CNG tanks. Time-Fill CNG Station Enlarge illustration Time-fill

  12. Function and dysfunction of CNG channels: insights from channelopathies and mouse models.

    PubMed

    Biel, Martin; Michalakis, Stylianos

    2007-06-01

    Channels directly gated by cyclic nucleotides (CNG channels) are important cellular switches that mediate influx of Na+ and Ca2+ in response to increases in the intracellular concentration of cAMP and cGMP. In photoreceptors and olfactory receptor neurons, these channels serve as final targets for cGMP and cAMP signaling pathways that are initiated by the absorption of photons and the binding of odorants, respectively. CNG channels have been also found in other types of neurons and in non-excitable cells. However, in most of these cells, the physiological role of CNG channels has yet to be determined. CNG channels have a complex heteromeric structure. The properties of individual subunits that assemble in specific stoichiometries to the native channels have been extensively investigated in heterologous expression systems. Recently, mutations in human CNG channel genes leading to inherited diseases (so-called channelopathies) have been functionally characterized. Moreover, mouse knockout models were generated to define the role of CNG channel proteins in vivo. In this review, we will summarize recent insights into the physiological and pathophysiological role of CNG channel proteins that have emerged from genetic studies in mice and humans.

  13. Contribution of the cyclic nucleotide gated channel subunit, CNG-3, to olfactory plasticity in Caenorhabditis elegans.

    PubMed

    O'Halloran, Damien M; Altshuler-Keylin, Svetlana; Zhang, Xiao-Dong; He, Chao; Morales-Phan, Christopher; Yu, Yawei; Kaye, Julia A; Brueggemann, Chantal; Chen, Tsung-Yu; L'Etoile, Noelle D

    2017-03-13

    In Caenorhabditis elegans, the AWC neurons are thought to deploy a cGMP signaling cascade in the detection of and response to AWC sensed odors. Prolonged exposure to an AWC sensed odor in the absence of food leads to reversible decreases in the animal's attraction to that odor. This adaptation exhibits two stages referred to as short-term and long-term adaptation. Previously, the protein kinase G (PKG), EGL-4/PKG-1, was shown necessary for both stages of adaptation and phosphorylation of its target, the beta-type cyclic nucleotide gated (CNG) channel subunit, TAX-2, was implicated in the short term stage. Here we uncover a novel role for the CNG channel subunit, CNG-3, in short term adaptation. We demonstrate that CNG-3 is required in the AWC for adaptation to short (thirty minute) exposures of odor, and contains a candidate PKG phosphorylation site required to tune odor sensitivity. We also provide in vivo data suggesting that CNG-3 forms a complex with both TAX-2 and TAX-4 CNG channel subunits in AWC. Finally, we examine the physiology of different CNG channel subunit combinations.

  14. Hydrogen, CNG, and HCNG Dispenser System – Prototype Report

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

    James Francfort

    2005-02-01

    The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity is currently testing a prototype gaseous fuel dispenser developed by the Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation (ETEC). The dispenser (Figure 1) delivers three types of fuels: 100% hydrogen, 100% compressed natural gas (CNG), and blends of hydrogen and CNG (HCNG) using two independent single nozzles (Figure 2). The nozzle for the 100% hydrogen dispensing is rated at 5,000 psig and used solely for 100% hydrogen fuel. The second nozzle is rated at 3,600 psig and is used for both CNG and HCNG fuels. This nozzle connects to both a CNG supply linemore » and a hydrogen supply line and blends the hydrogen and CNG to supply HCNG levels of 15, 20, 30, and 50% (by volume).« less

  15. Thermodynamic stability of RNA structures formed by CNG trinucleotide repeats. Implication for prediction of RNA structure.

    PubMed

    Broda, Magdalena; Kierzek, Elzbieta; Gdaniec, Zofia; Kulinski, Tadeusz; Kierzek, Ryszard

    2005-08-16

    Trinucleotide repeat expansion diseases (TREDs) are correlated with elongation of CNG DNA and RNA repeats to pathological level. This paper shows, for the first time, complete data concerning thermodynamic stabilities of RNA with CNG trinucleotide repeats. Our studies include the stability of oligoribonucleotides composed of two to seven of CAG, CCG, CGG, and CUG repeats. The thermodynamic parameters of helix propagation correlated with the presence of multiple N-N mismatches within CNG RNA duplexes were also determined. Moreover, the total stability of CNG RNA hairpins, as well as the contribution of trinucleotide repeats placed only in the stem or loop regions, was evaluated. The improved thermodynamic parameters allow to predict much more accurately the thermodynamic stabilities and structures of CNG RNAs.

  16. Technical evaluation and assessment of CNG/LPG bi-fuel and flex-fuel vehicle viability

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sinor, J. E.

    1994-05-01

    This report compares vehicles using compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and combinations of the two in bi-fuel or flex-fuel configurations. Evidence shows that environmental and energy advantages can be gained by replacing two-fuel CNG/gasoline vehicles with two-fuel or flex-fuel systems to be economically competitive, it is necessary to develop a universal CNG/LPG pressure-regulator-injector and engine control module to switch from one tank to the other. For flex-fuel CNG/LPG designs, appropriate composition sensors, refueling pumps, fuel tanks, and vaporizers are necessary.

  17. CNG-Modulin: a novel Ca-dependent modulator of ligand sensitivity in cone photoreceptor cGMP-gated ion channels

    PubMed Central

    Rebrik, Tatiana I.; Botchkina, Inna; Arshavsky, Vadim Y.; Craft, Cheryl M.; Korenbrot, Juan I.

    2012-01-01

    The transduction current in several different types of sensory neurons arises from the activity of cyclic nucleotide gated ion channels (CNG channels). The channels in these sensory neurons vary in structure and function, yet each one demonstrates calcium-dependent modulation of ligand sensitivity mediated by the interaction of the channel with a soluble modulator protein. In cone photoreceptors, the molecular identity of the modulator protein was previously unknown. We report the discovery and characterization of CNG-modulin, a novel 301 amino acid protein that interacts with the N-terminus of the β-subunit of the cGMP-gated channel, and modulates the cGMP sensitivity of the channels in cone photoreceptors of striped bass (Morone saxitilis). Immunohistochemistry and single cell PCR demonstrate that CNG-modulin is expressed in cone, but not rod photoreceptors. Adding purified recombinant CNG-modulin to cone membrane patches containing the native CNG channels shifts the midpoint of cGMP-dependence from ~91 μM in the absence of Ca2+ to ~332 μM in the presence of 20 μM Ca2+. At a fixed cGMP concentration, the midpoint of the Ca2+ dependence is ~857 nM Ca2+. These restored physiological features are statistically indistinguishable from the effects of the endogenous modulator. CNG-modulin binds Ca2+ with a concentration dependence that matches the calcium dependence of channel modulation. We conclude that CNG-modulin is the authentic Ca2+-dependent modulator of cone CNG channel ligand sensitivity. CNG-modulin is expressed in other tissues, such as brain, olfactory epithelium and the inner ear and may modulate the function of ion channels in those tissues as well. PMID:22378887

  18. Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity: Dodge Ram Wagon Van - Hydrogen/CNG Operations Summary - January 2003

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

    Karner, D.; Francfort, J.E.

    2003-01-16

    Over the past two years, Arizona Public Service, a subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity, tested four gaseous fuel vehicles as part of its alternative fueled vehicle fleet. One vehicle, a Dodge Ram Wagon Van, operated initially using compressed natural gas (CNG) and later a blend of CNG and hydrogen. Of the other three vehicles, one was fueled with pure hydrogen and two were fueled with a blend of CNG and hydrogen. The three blended-fuel vehicles were originally equipped with either factory CNG engines or factory gasoline enginesmore » that were converted to run CNG fuel. The vehicles were variously modified to operate on blended fuel and were tested using 15 to 50% blends of hydrogen (by volume). The pure-hydrogen-fueled vehicle was converted from gasoline fuel to operate on 100% hydrogen. All vehicles were fueled from the Arizona Public Service's Fuel Pilot Plant, which was developed to dispense gaseous fuels, including CNG, blends of CNG and hydrogen, and pure hydrogen with up to 99.9999% purity. The primary objective of the test was to evaluate the safety and reliability of operating vehicles on hydrogen and blended hydrogen fuel, and the interface between the vehicles and the hydrogen fueling infrastructure. A secondary objective was to quantify vehicle emissions, cost, and performance. Over a total of 40,000 fleet test miles, no safety issues were found. Also, significant reductions in emissions were achieved by adding hydrogen to the fuel. This report presents results of 22,816 miles of testing for the Dodge Ram Wagon Van, operating on CNG fuel, and a blended fuel of 15% hydrogen-85% CNG.« less

  19. CNG-modulin: a novel Ca-dependent modulator of ligand sensitivity in cone photoreceptor cGMP-gated ion channels.

    PubMed

    Rebrik, Tatiana I; Botchkina, Inna; Arshavsky, Vadim Y; Craft, Cheryl M; Korenbrot, Juan I

    2012-02-29

    The transduction current in several different types of sensory neurons arises from the activity of cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channels. The channels in these sensory neurons vary in structure and function, yet each one demonstrates calcium-dependent modulation of ligand sensitivity mediated by the interaction of the channel with a soluble modulator protein. In cone photoreceptors, the molecular identity of the modulator protein was previously unknown. We report the discovery and characterization of CNG-modulin, a novel 301 aa protein that interacts with the N terminus of the β subunit of the cGMP-gated channel and modulates the cGMP sensitivity of the channels in cone photoreceptors of striped bass (Morone saxatilis). Immunohistochemistry and single-cell PCR demonstrate that CNG-modulin is expressed in cone but not rod photoreceptors. Adding purified recombinant CNG-modulin to cone membrane patches containing the native CNG channels shifts the midpoint of cGMP dependence from ∼91 μM in the absence of Ca(2+) to ∼332 μM in the presence of 20 μM Ca(2+). At a fixed cGMP concentration, the midpoint of the Ca(2+) dependence is ∼857 nM Ca(2+). These restored physiological features are statistically indistinguishable from the effects of the endogenous modulator. CNG-modulin binds Ca(2+) with a concentration dependence that matches the calcium dependence of channel modulation. We conclude that CNG-modulin is the authentic Ca(2+)-dependent modulator of cone CNG channel ligand sensitivity. CNG-modulin is expressed in other tissues, such as brain, olfactory epithelium, and the inner ear, and may modulate the function of ion channels in those tissues as well.

  20. Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity: Dodge Ram Wagon Van -- Hydrogen/CNG Operations Summary

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

    Don Karner; Francfort, James Edward

    2003-01-01

    Over the past two years, Arizona Public Service, a subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity, tested four gaseous fuel vehicles as part of its alternative fueled vehicle fleet. One vehicle, a Dodge Ram Wagon Van, operated initially using compressed natural gas (CNG) and later a blend of CNG and hydrogen. Of the other three vehicles, one was fueled with pure hydrogen and two were fueled with a blend of CNG and hydrogen. The three blended-fuel vehicles were originally equipped with either factory CNG engines or factory gasoline enginesmore » that were converted to run CNG fuel. The vehicles were variously modified to operate on blended fuel and were tested using 15 to 50% blends of hydrogen (by volume). The pure-hydrogen-fueled vehicle was converted from gasoline fuel to operate on 100% hydrogen. All vehicles were fueled from the Arizona Public Service’s Alternative Fuel Pilot Plant, which was developed to dispense gaseous fuels, including CNG, blends of CNG and hydrogen, and pure hydrogen with up to 99.9999% purity. The primary objective of the test was to evaluate the safety and reliability of operating vehicles on hydrogen and blended hydrogen fuel, and the interface between the vehicles and the hydrogen fueling infrastructure. A secondary objective was to quantify vehicle emissions, cost, and performance. Over a total of 40,000 fleet test miles, no safety issues were found. Also, significant reductions in emissions were achieved by adding hydrogen to the fuel. This report presents results of 22,816 miles of testing for the Dodge Ram Wagon Van, operating on CNG fuel, and a blended fuel of 15% hydrogen–85% CNG.« less

  1. Assessment of air quality after the implementation of compressed natural gas (CNG) as fuel in public transport in Delhi, India.

    PubMed

    Ravindra, Khaiwal; Wauters, Eric; Tyagi, Sushil K; Mor, Suman; Van Grieken, René

    2006-04-01

    Public transport in Delhi was amended by the Supreme Court of India to use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) instead of diesel or petrol. After the implementation of CNG since April 2001, Delhi has the highest fraction of CNG-run public vehicles in the world and most of them were introduced within 20 months. In the present study, the concentrations of various criteria air pollutants (SPM, PM(10), CO, SO(2) and NO(x)) and organic pollutants such as benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were assessed before and after the implementation of CNG. A decreasing trend was found for PAHs, SO(2) and CO concentrations, while the NO(x) level was increased in comparison to those before the implementation of CNG. Further, SPM, PM(10), and BTX concentrations showed no significant change after the implementation of CNG. However, the BTX concentration demonstrated a clear relation with the benzene content of gasoline. In addition to the impact of the introduction of CNG the daily variation in PAHs levels was also studied and the PAHs concentrations were observed to be relatively high between 10 pm to 6 am, which gives a proof of a relation with the limited day entry and movement of heavy vehicles in Delhi.

  2. Technology demonstration of dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicles at Ft. Bliss, Texas. Interim report

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

    Alvarez, R.A.; Yost, D.M.

    1995-11-01

    A technology demonstration program of dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicles was conducted at FL Bliss, Texas to demonstrate the use of CNG as an alternative fuel. The demonstration program at FL Bliss was the first Army initiative with CNG-fueled vehicles under the legislated Alternative Motor Fuels Act. This Department of Energy (DOE)-supported fleet demonstration consisted of 48 General Services Administration (GSA)-owned, Army-leased 1992 dedicated CNG General Motors (GM) 3/4-ton pickup trucks and four 1993 gasoline-powered Chevrolet 3/4-ton pickup trucks.

  3. Alternative Fuels Data Center

    Science.gov Websites

    Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Propane Tax Retail sales for CNG and liquefied petroleum gas (propane) used to operate vehicles are subject to a modified tax based on energy content. CNG is taxed per

  4. Insulin receptor regulates photoreceptor CNG channel activity

    PubMed Central

    Gupta, Vivek K.; Rajala, Ammaji

    2012-01-01

    Photoreceptor cyclic nucleotide gated (CNG) channels are critical elements in phototransduction and light adaptation. Here we report that insulin receptor (IR), an integral membrane protein, directly phosphorylates the CNGA1 subunit of CNG channels that in turn affects the function of these channels negatively. The IR phosphorylates Tyr498 and Tyr503 residues on CNGA1 that are situated at the membrane-cytoplasmic interface. The IR tyrosine kinase activity is essential for the inhibition of CNG channel. To maintain the channels in an off state, it is necessary not only to have a precise balance of the cGMP levels but also to have a control on the cGMP sensitivity of the CNG channels itself. In this study, we observed that the channel opens at a lower concentration of cGMP in IR−/− mice. These studies suggest that IR regulates the modulation of CNG channel activity in vivo. PMID:23032687

  5. Insulin receptor regulates photoreceptor CNG channel activity.

    PubMed

    Gupta, Vivek K; Rajala, Ammaji; Rajala, Raju V S

    2012-12-01

    Photoreceptor cyclic nucleotide gated (CNG) channels are critical elements in phototransduction and light adaptation. Here we report that insulin receptor (IR), an integral membrane protein, directly phosphorylates the CNGA1 subunit of CNG channels that in turn affects the function of these channels negatively. The IR phosphorylates Tyr(498) and Tyr(503) residues on CNGA1 that are situated at the membrane-cytoplasmic interface. The IR tyrosine kinase activity is essential for the inhibition of CNG channel. To maintain the channels in an off state, it is necessary not only to have a precise balance of the cGMP levels but also to have a control on the cGMP sensitivity of the CNG channels itself. In this study, we observed that the channel opens at a lower concentration of cGMP in IR(-/-) mice. These studies suggest that IR regulates the modulation of CNG channel activity in vivo.

  6. MET gene copy number gain is an independent poor prognostic marker in Korean stage I lung adenocarcinomas.

    PubMed

    Jin, Yan; Sun, Ping-Li; Kim, Hyojin; Seo, An Na; Jheon, Sanghoon; Lee, Choon-Taek; Chung, Jin-Haeng

    2014-02-01

    MET gene copy number gain (CNG) and protein overexpression have been reported in lung cancer, but the clinical implications in early stage adenocarcinoma remain unclear. We investigated MET gene copy number and protein expression in 141 cases of surgically resected stage I pulmonary adenocarcinoma. MET gene CNG was determined by silver in situ hybridization, and MET protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The correlation between MET gene CNG/protein expression and clinicopathologic parameters and prognostic significance was analyzed. MET gene CNG was found in 24.1% (34 of 141) of the cases and was associated with larger tumor size, pleural invasion, and lymphatic vessel invasion. MET gene CNG was inversely correlated with the presence of lepidic subtype (r = -0.17, p = 0.045) and was not associated with EGFR, KRAS mutation, or ALK gene rearrangement. In addition, MET gene CNG was significantly associated with shorter disease-free survival (DFS) (49 vs. 75 months; p < 0.001) and shorter overall survival (OS) (65 vs. 78 months; p = 0.01). Multivariate analysis confirmed that MET gene CNG was significantly associated with poorer DFS [p < 0.001; hazard ratio (HR) 5.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2-13.9] but was not significantly associated with OS. MET overexpression was observed in 71.3% of cases (97 of 136), but it was not correlated with gene CNG. MET gene CNG is an independent poor prognostic factor in patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma. It is associated with aggressive pathologic features and is inversely correlated with the presence of lepidic subtype.

  7. Climate and health relevant emissions from in-use Indian three-wheelers fueled by natural gas and gasoline.

    PubMed

    Reynolds, Conor C O; Grieshop, Andrew P; Kandlikar, Milind

    2011-03-15

    Auto-rickshaws in India use different fuels and engine technologies, with varying emissions and implications for air quality and climate change. Chassis dynamometer emission testing was conducted on 30 in-use auto-rickshaws to quantify the impact of switching from gasoline to compressed natural gas (CNG) in spark-ignition engines. Thirteen test vehicles had two-stroke CNG engines (CNG-2S) and 17 had four-stroke CNG engines (CNG-4S), of which 11 were dual-fuel and operable on a back-up gasoline (petrol) system (PET-4S). Fuel-based emission factors were determined for gaseous pollutants (CO(2), CH(4), NO(X), THC, and CO) and fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)). Intervehicle variability was high, and for most pollutants there was no significant difference (95% confidence level) between "old" (1998-2001) and "new" (2007-2009) age-groups within a given fuel-technology class. Mean fuel-based PM(2.5) emission factor (mean (95% confidence interval)) for CNG-2S (14.2 g kg(-1) (6.2-26.7)) was almost 30 times higher than for CNG-4S (0.5 g kg(-1) (0.3-0.9)) and 12 times higher than for PET-4S (1.2 g kg(-1) (0.8-1.7)). Global warming commitment associated with emissions from CNG-2S was more than twice that from CNG-4S or PET-4S, due mostly to CH(4) emissions. Comprehensive measurements and data should drive policy interventions rather than assumptions about the impacts of clean fuels.

  8. One dimensional modeling of a diesel-CNG dual fuel engine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Azman, Putera Adam; Fawzi, Mas; Ismail, Muammar Mukhsin; Osman, Shahrul Azmir

    2017-04-01

    Some of the previous studies have shown that the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in diesel engines potentially produce engine performance improvement and exhaust gas emission reduction, especially nitrogen oxides, unburned hydrocarbons, and carbon dioxide. On the other hand, there are other researchers who claimed that the use of CNG increases exhaust gas emissions, particularly nitrogen oxides. In this study, a one-dimensional model of a diesel-CNG dual fuel engine was made based on a 4-cylinder 2.5L common rail direct injection diesel engine. The software used is GT-Power, and it was used to analyze the engine performance and exhaust gas emissions of several diesel-CNG dual fuel blend ratios, i.e. 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50. The effect of 100%, 75%, 50% engine loads on the exhaust gas emissions were also studied. The result shows that all diesel-CNG fuel blends produces higher brake torque and brake power at engine speed of 2000-3000 rpm compared with 100% diesel. The 50:50 diesel-CNG blend produces the highest brake torque and brake power, but also has the highest brake specific fuel consumption. As a higher percentage of CNG added to the dual fuel blend, unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emission increased while carbon dioxide emission decreased. The nitrogen oxides emission concentration is generally unaffected by any change of the dual fuel ratio.

  9. DEFECTIVE TRAFFICKING OF CONE PHOTORECEPTOR CNG CHANNELS INDUCES THE UNFOLDED PROTEIN RESPONSE AND ER STRESS-ASSOCIATED CELL DEATH

    PubMed Central

    Duricka, Deborah L.; Brown, R. Lane; Varnum, Michael D.

    2011-01-01

    SYNOPSIS Mutations that perturb the function of photoreceptor cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels are associated with several human retinal disorders, but the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to photoreceptor dysfunction and degeneration remain unclear. Many loss-of-function mutations result in intracellular accumulation of CNG channel subunits. Accumulation of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is known to cause ER stress and trigger the unfolded protein response (UPR), an evolutionarily conserved cellular program that results in either adaptation via increased protein processing capacity or apoptotic cell death. We hypothesize that defective trafficking of cone photoreceptor CNG channels can induce UPR-mediated cell death. To test this idea, CNGA3 subunits bearing the R563H and Q655X mutations were expressed in photoreceptor-derived 661W cells with CNGB3 subunits. Compared to wild type, R563H and Q655X subunits displayed altered degradation rates and/or were retained in the ER. ER retention was associated with increased expression of UPR-related markers of ER stress and with decreased cell viability. Chemical and pharmacological chaperones (TUDCA, 4PBA, and the cGMP analog CPT-cGMP) differentially reduced degradation and/or promoted plasma-membrane localization of defective subunits. Improved subunit maturation was concordant with reduced expression of ER stress markers and improved viability of cells expressing localization-defective channels. These results indicate that ER stress can arise from expression of localization defective CNG channels, and may represent a contributing factor for photoreceptor degeneration. PMID:21992067

  10. Defective trafficking of cone photoreceptor CNG channels induces the unfolded protein response and ER-stress-associated cell death.

    PubMed

    Duricka, Deborah L; Brown, R Lane; Varnum, Michael D

    2012-01-15

    Mutations that perturb the function of photoreceptor CNG (cyclic nucleotide-gated) channels are associated with several human retinal disorders, but the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to photoreceptor dysfunction and degeneration remain unclear. Many loss-of-function mutations result in intracellular accumulation of CNG channel subunits. Accumulation of proteins in the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) is known to cause ER stress and trigger the UPR (unfolded protein response), an evolutionarily conserved cellular programme that results in either adaptation via increased protein processing capacity or apoptotic cell death. We hypothesize that defective trafficking of cone photoreceptor CNG channels can induce UPR-mediated cell death. To test this idea, CNGA3 subunits bearing the R563H and Q655X mutations were expressed in photoreceptor-derived 661W cells with CNGB3 subunits. Compared with wild-type, R563H and Q655X subunits displayed altered degradation rates and/or were retained in the ER. ER retention was associated with increased expression of UPR-related markers of ER stress and with decreased cell viability. Chemical and pharmacological chaperones {TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholate sodium salt), 4-PBA (sodium 4-phenylbutyrate) and the cGMP analogue CPT-cGMP [8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cGMP]} differentially reduced degradation and/or promoted plasma-membrane localization of defective subunits. Improved subunit maturation was concordant with reduced expression of ER-stress markers and improved viability of cells expressing localization-defective channels. These results indicate that ER stress can arise from expression of localization-defective CNG channels, and may represent a contributing factor for photoreceptor degeneration.

  11. A comparative investigation of ultrafine particle number and mass emissions from a fleet of on-road diesel and CNG buses.

    PubMed

    Jayaratne, E R; He, C; Ristovski, Z D; Morawska, L; Johnson, G R

    2008-09-01

    Particle number, particle mass, and CO2 concentrations were measured on the curb of a busy urban busway used entirely by a mix of diesel and CNG operated buses. With the passage of each bus, the ratio of particle number concentration and particle mass concentration to CO2 concentration in the diluted exhaust plume were used as measures of the particle number and mass emission factors, respectively. With all buses accelerating pastthe monitoring point, the results showed that the median particle mass emission from CNG buses was less than 9% of that from diesel buses. However, the median particle number emission from CNG buses was 6 times higher than the diesel buses, and the particles from the CNG buses were mainly in the nanoparticle size range. Using a thermodenuder to remove the volatile material from the sampled emissions showed that the majority of particles from the CNG buses, but not from the diesel buses, were volatile. Approximately, 82% of the particles from the CNG buses and 38% from the diesel buses were removed by heating the emissions to 300 degrees C.

  12. Interaction of 4.1G and cGMP-gated channels in rod photoreceptor outer segments.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Christiana L; Molday, Robert S

    2013-12-15

    In photoreceptors, the assembly of signaling molecules into macromolecular complexes is important for phototransduction and maintaining the structural integrity of rod outer segments (ROSs). However, the molecular composition and formation of these complexes are poorly understood. Using immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, 4.1G was identified as a new interacting partner for the cyclic-nucleotide gated (CNG) channels in ROSs. 4.1G is a widely expressed multifunctional protein that plays a role in the assembly and stability of membrane protein complexes. Multiple splice variants of 4.1G were cloned from bovine retina. A smaller splice variant of 4.1G selectively interacted with CNG channels not associated with peripherin-2-CNG channel complex. A combination of truncation studies and domain-binding assays demonstrated that CNG channels selectively interacted with 4.1G through their FERM and CTD domains. Using immunofluorescence, labeling of 4.1G was seen to be punctate and partially colocalized with CNG channels in the ROS. Our studies indicate that 4.1G interacts with a subset of CNG channels in the ROS and implicate this protein-protein interaction in organizing the spatial arrangement of CNG channels in the plasma membrane of outer segments.

  13. Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity: High-Percentage Hydrogen/CNG Blend Ford F-150 Operating Summary - January 2003

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

    Karner, D.; Francfort, J.E.

    2003-01-22

    Over the past two years, Arizona Public Service, a subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity, tested four gaseous fuel vehicles as part of its alternative fueled vehicle fleet. One vehicle operated initially using compressed natural gas (CNG) and later a blend of CNG and hydrogen. Of the other three vehicles, one was fueled with pure hydrogen and two were fueled with a blend of CNG and hydrogen. The three blended-fuel vehicles were originally equipped with either factory CNG engines or factory gasoline engines that were converted to runmore » CNG fuel. The vehicles were variously modified to operate on blended fuel and were tested using 15 to 50% blends of hydrogen (by volume). The pure-hydrogen-fueled vehicle was converted from gasoline fuel to operate on 100% hydrogen. All vehicles were fueled from the Arizona Public Service's Alternative Fuel Pilot Plant, which was developed to dispense gaseous fuels, including CNG, blends of CNG and hydrogen, and pure hydrogen with up to 99.9999% purity. The primary objective of the test was to evaluate the safety and reliability of operating vehicles on hydrogen and blended fuel, and the interface between the vehicles and the hydrogen fueling infrastructure. A secondary objective was to quantify vehicle emissions, cost, and performance. Over a total of 40,000 fleet test miles, no safety issues were found. Also, significant reductions in emissions were achieved by adding hydrogen to the fuel. This report presents the results of 4,695 miles of testing for one of the blended fuel vehicles, a Ford F-150 pickup truck, operating on up to 50% hydrogen-50% CNG fuel.« less

  14. Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity: Low-Percentage Hydrogen/CNG Blend, Ford F-150 -- Operating Summary

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

    Karner, D.; Francfort, James Edward

    2003-01-01

    Over the past two years, Arizona Public Service, a subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity, tested four gaseous fuel vehicles as part of its alternative fueled vehicle fleet. One vehicle operated initially using compressed natural gas (CNG) and later a blend of CNG and hydrogen. Of the other three vehicles, one was fueled with pure hydrogen and two were fueled with a blend of CNG and hydrogen. The three blended-fuel vehicles were originally equipped with either factory CNG engines or factory gasoline engines that were converted to runmore » CNG fuel. The vehicles were variously modified to operate on blended fuel and were tested using 15 to 50% blends of hydrogen (by volume). The pure-hydrogen-fueled vehicle was converted from gasoline fuel to operate on 100% hydrogen. All vehicles were fueled from the Arizona Public Service’s Alternative Fuel Pilot Plant, which was developed to dispense gaseous fuels, including CNG, blends of CNG and hydrogen, and pure hydrogen with up to 99.9999% purity The primary objective of the test was to evaluate the safety and reliability of operating vehicles on hydrogen and blended hydrogen fuel, and the interface between the vehicles and the hydrogen fueling infrastructure. A secondary objective was to quantify vehicle emissions, cost, and performance. Over a total of 40,000 fleet test miles, no safety issues were found. Also, significant reductions in emissions were achieved by adding hydrogen to the fuel. This report presents results of 16,942 miles of testing for one of the blended fuel vehicles, a Ford F-150 pickup truck, operating on up to 30% hydrogen/70% CNG fuel.« less

  15. Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity: Low-Percentage Hydrogen/CNG Blend Ford F-150 Operating Summary - January 2003

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

    Karner, D.; Francfort, J.E.

    2003-01-22

    Over the past two years, Arizona Public Service, a subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity, tested four gaseous fuel vehicles as part of its alternative fueled vehicle fleet. One vehicle operated initially using compressed natural gas (CNG) and later a blend of CNG and hydrogen. Of the other three vehicles, one was fueled with pure hydrogen and two were fueled with a blend of CNG and hydrogen. The three blended-fuel vehicles were originally equipped with either factory CNG engines or factory gasoline engines that were converted to runmore » CNG fuel. The vehicles were variously modified to operate on blended fuel and were tested using 15 to 50% blends of hydrogen (by volume). The pure-hydrogen-fueled vehicle was converted from gasoline fuel to operate on 100% hydrogen. All vehicles were fueled from the Arizona Public Service's Alternative Fuel Pilot Plant, which was developed to dispense gaseous fuels, including CNG, blends of CNG and hydrogen, and pure hydrogen with up to 99.9999% purity. The primary objective of the test was to evaluate the safety and reliability of operating vehicles on hydrogen and blended hydrogen fuel, and the interface between the vehicles and the hydrogen fueling infrastructure. A secondary objective was to quantify vehicle emissions, cost, and performance. Over a total of 40,000 fleet test miles, no safety issues were found. Also, significant reductions in emissions were achieved by adding hydrogen to the fuel. This report presents results of 16,942 miles of testing for one of the blended fuel vehicles, a Ford F-150 pickup truck, operating on up to 30% hydrogen/70% CNG fuel.« less

  16. Investigating the Methane Footprint of Compressed Natural Gas Stations in the Los Angeles Basin

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Carranza, V.; Hopkins, F. M.; Randerson, J. T.; Bush, S.; Ehleringer, J. R.; Miu, J.

    2013-12-01

    In recent years, natural gas has taken on a larger role in the United States' discourse on energy policy because it is seen as a fuel that can alleviate the country's dependence on foreign energy while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To this end, the State of California promotes the use of vehicles fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG). However, the implications of increased CNG vehicles for greenhouse gas emission reduction are not fully understood. Specifically, methane (CH4) leakages from natural gas infrastructure could make the switch from conventional to CNG vehicles a source of CH4 to the atmosphere, and negate the greenhouse-gas reduction benefit of this policy. The goal of our research is to provide an analysis of potential CH4 leakages from thirteen CNG filling stations in Orange County, California. To improve our understanding of CH4 leakages, we used a mobile laboratory, which is a Ford Transit van equipped with cavity-ring down Picarro spectrometers, to measure CH4 mixing ratios in these CNG stations. MATLAB and ArcGIS were used to conduct statistical analysis and to construct spatial and temporal maps for each transect. We observed mean levels of excess CH4 (relative to background CH4 mixing ratios) ranging from 60 to 1700 ppb at the CNG stations we sampled. Repeated sampling of CNG stations revealed higher levels of excess CH4 during the daytime compared to the nighttime. From our observations, CNG storage tanks and pumps have approximately the same CH4 leakage levels. By improving our understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns of CH4 emissions from CNG stations, our research can provide valuable information to reduce the climate footprint of the natural gas industry.

  17. Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity: High-Percentage Hydrogen/CNG Blend, Ford F-150 -- Operating Summary

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

    Don Karner; Francfort, James Edward

    2003-01-01

    Over the past two years, Arizona Public Service, a subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity, tested four gaseous fuel vehicles as part of its alternative fueled vehicle fleet. One vehicle operated initially using compressed natural gas (CNG) and later a blend of CNG and hydrogen. Of the other three vehicles, one was fueled with pure hydrogen and two were fueled with a blend of CNG and hydrogen. The three blended-fuel vehicles were originally equipped with either factory CNG engines or factory gasoline engines that were converted to runmore » CNG fuel. The vehicles were variously modified to operate on blended fuel and were tested using 15 to 50% blends of hydrogen (by volume). The pure-hydrogen-fueled vehicle was converted from gasoline fuel to operate on 100% hydrogen. All vehicles were fueled from the Arizona Public Service’s Alternative Fuel Pilot Plant, which was developed to dispense gaseous fuels, including CNG, blends of CNG and hydrogen, and pure hydrogen with up to 99.9999% purity. The primary objective of the test was to evaluate the safety and reliability of operating vehicles on hydrogen and blended hydrogen fuel, and the interface between the vehicles and the hydrogen fueling infrastructure. A secondary objective was to quantify vehicle emissions, cost, and performance. Over a total of 40,000 fleet test miles, no safety issues were found. Also, significant reductions in emissions were achieved by adding hydrogen to the fuel. This report presents the results of 4,695 miles of testing for one of the blended fuel vehicles, a Ford F-150 pickup truck, operating on up to 50% hydrogen–50% CNG fuel.« less

  18. Elevated PDGFRB gene copy number gain (CNG) is prognostic for improved survival outcomes in resected malignant pleural mesothelioma

    PubMed Central

    Tsao, Anne S.; Harun, Nusrat; Fujimoto, Junya; Devito, Vikki; Lee, J. Jack; Kuhn, Elisabetta; Mehran, Reza; Rice, David; Moran, Cesar; Hong, Waun Ki; Shen, Li; Suraokar, Milind; Wistuba, Ignacio

    2014-01-01

    Background PDGF/PDGFR pathway has been implicated in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) carcinogenesis and evidence suggests autocrine mechanisms of proliferation. We sought to evaluate the incidence of PDGFRB gene copy number gain (CNG) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and PDGFR pathway protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and correlate it to patient clinical outcome. Methods 88 archived tumor blocks from resected MPM with full clinical information were used to perform IHC biomarkers (PDGFRα, PDGFRβ, p-PDGFRβ) and FISH analysis of PDGFRB gene CNG. Spearman's rank correlation, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Kruskal-Wallis test, BLiP plots, and Kaplan-Meier method were used to analyze the biomarkers and correlation to clinical outcome. Results Several correlations between the IHC biomarkers were seen; however, none correlated to clinically relevant patient demographics or histology. In the CNG analysis, PDGFRB gene CNG in > 10% of tumor cells had lower cytoplasmic p-PDGFRβ (p=0.029), while PDGFRB gene CNG in > 40% of tumor cells had a higher cytoplasmic PDGFRβ (p=0.04). PDGFRB gene CNG status did not associate with patient demographics or tumor characteristics. PDGFR pathway IHC biomarkers did not associate with survival outcomes. However, patients with PDGFRB CNG > 40% of tumor cells had improved relapse-free survival [HR 0.25 (95% CI 0.09, 0.72), p=0.0096] and improved overall survival [HR 0.32 (95% CI 0.11, 0.89), p=0.029]. Conclusions PDGFRB CNG > 40% of MPM tumor cells is a potential prognostic biomarker for surgery and may identify a unique population of mesothelioma patients. Future validation of this biomarker in prospective trials is needed. PMID:24747001

  19. Developing a Natural Gas-Powered Bus Rapid Transit Service. A Case Study

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

    Mitchell, George

    2015-11-01

    The Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA) and its VelociRFTA Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) program are unique in many ways. For example, VelociRFTA was the first rural BRT system in the United States and the operational environment of the VelociRFTA BRT is one of the most severe in the country, with extreme winter temperatures and altitudes close to 8,000 feet. RFTA viewed high altitude operation as the most challenging characteristic when it began considering the use of natural gas. RFTA is the second-largest public transit system in Colorado behind Denver's Regional Transportation District (RTD), and it is one of the largestmore » rural public transit systems in the country. In 2013, RFTA accepted delivery of 22 new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses that went into service after completion of maintenance and refueling facilities earlier that year. This paper examines the lessons learned from RFTA's experience of investigating--and ultimately choosing--CNG for their new BRT program and focuses on the unique environment of RFTA's BRT application; the decision process to include CNG fueling in the project; unforeseen difficulties encountered in the operation of CNG buses; public perception; cost comparison to competing fuels; and considerations for indoor fueling facilities and project funding.« less

  20. Developing a Natural Gas-Powered Bus Rapid Transit Service: A Case Study

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

    Mitchell, G.

    2015-11-03

    The Roaring Fork Transit Authority (RFTA) and its VelociRFTA Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) program are unique in many ways. For example, VelociRFTA was the first rural BRT system in the United States and the operational environment of the VelociRFTA BRT is one of the most severe in the country, with extreme winter temperatures and altitudes close to 8,000 feet. RFTA viewed high altitude operation as the most challenging characteristic when it began considering the use of natural gas. RFTA is the second-largest public transit system in Colorado behind Denver's Regional Transportation District (RTD), and it is one of the largestmore » rural public transit systems in the country. In 2013, RFTA accepted delivery of 22 new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses that went into service after completion of maintenance and refueling facilities earlier that year. This paper examines the lessons learned from RFTA's experience of investigating--and ultimately choosing--CNG for their new BRT program and focuses on the unique environment of RFTA's BRT application; the decision process to include CNG fueling in the project; unforeseen difficulties encountered in the operation of CNG buses; public perception; cost comparison to competing fuels; and considerations for indoor fueling facilities and project funding.« less

  1. Purification and DNA-binding properties of the cro-type regulatory repressor protein cng encoded by the Lactobacillus plantarum phage phi g1e.

    PubMed

    Kakikawa, M; Ohkubo, S; Sakate, T; Sayama, M; Taketo, A; Kodaira, K

    2000-05-16

    The putative repressor protein Cng (10kDa on an SDS gel) for the lytic pathway of Lactobacillus plantarum phage φg1e was purified using the Escherichia coli Pt7 system, and its DNA-binding ability for the seven operator-like sequences, the GATAC-boxes (Gb1 to Gb7), was investigated in vitro. In gel-shift assays, Cng selectively bound to the DNA fragments containing the GATAC-box(es). In addition, DNase I footprinting analysis with supercoiled DNA demonstrated that Cng can specifically cover about a 25bp region centered around each of the GATAC-boxes, although two boxes, Gb4 and Gb6, were only partially protected. Moreover, protein crosslinking experiments using glutaraldehyde suggested that Cng most likely functions as a dimer. On the other hand, the binding ability of Cpg for the GATAC-boxes in supercoiled DNA was also examined under the same conditions as in Cng; unlike Cng, Cpg covered Gb4 and Gb6 completely sufficiently as well as the other five boxes. Thus, the present and previous [Kakikawa et al., Gene 215 (1998) 371-379; 242 (2000) 155-166] results indicate a possibility that the two proteins Cng and Cpg selectively bind to the GATAC-boxes that act as operators, and can decide between the lytic or lysogenic pathways through repression of the promoter activity of P(R) as well as P(L).

  2. 46 CFR 184.240 - Gas systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) must meet the following... design, installation and testing of each CNG system must meet ABYC A-22, “Marine Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Systems,” Chapter 6 of NFPA 302, or other standard specified by the Commandant. (c) Cooking...

  3. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Indianapolis CNG Fueling Station Attracts

    Science.gov Websites

    Fueling Station Attracts Local Fleets, Turns into Profit Center on Facebook Tweet about Alternative Fuels Data Center: Indianapolis CNG Fueling Station Attracts Local Fleets, Turns into Profit Center on , Turns into Profit Center on Google Bookmark Alternative Fuels Data Center: Indianapolis CNG Fueling

  4. Fuels Performance | Transportation Research | NREL

    Science.gov Websites

    . Video Promotes Safe CNG Tank Decommissioning Practices A video on CNG fuel tank defueling instruct transit agencies and others about safe CNG tank end-of-life practices. The video was previewed at Biodiesel Performance in Modern Engines NREL is working cooperatively with the National Biodiesel Board on

  5. Emission factors of air pollutants from CNG-gasoline bi-fuel vehicles: Part I. Black carbon.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yang; Xing, Zhenyu; Xu, Hui; Du, Ke

    2016-12-01

    Compressed natural gas (CNG) is considered to be a "cleaner" fuel compared to other fossil fuels. Therefore, it is used as an alternative fuel in motor vehicles to reduce emissions of air pollutants in transportation. To quantify "how clean" burning CNG is compared to burning gasoline, quantification of pollutant emissions under the same driving conditions for motor vehicles with different fuels is needed. In this study, a fleet of bi-fuel vehicles was selected to measure the emissions of black carbon (BC), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC) and nitrogen oxide (NO x ) for driving in CNG mode and gasoline mode respectively under the same set of constant speeds and accelerations. Comparison of emission factors (EFs) for the vehicles burning CNG and gasoline are discussed. This part of the paper series reports BC EFs for bi-fuel vehicles driving on the real road, which were measured using an in situ method. Our results show that burning CNG will lead to 54%-83% reduction in BC emissions per kilometer, depending on actual driving conditions. These comparisons show that CNG is a cleaner fuel than gasoline for motor vehicles in terms of BC emissions and provide a viable option for reducing BC emissions cause by transportation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. A postoperative anti-adhesion barrier based on photoinduced imine-crosslinking hydrogel with tissue-adhesive ability.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yunlong; Liu, Xiaolin; Li, Yan; Wang, Yang; Bao, Chunyan; Chen, Yunfeng; Lin, Qiuning; Zhu, Linyong

    2017-10-15

    Postoperative adhesion is a serious complication that can further lead to morbidity and/or mortality. Polymer anti-adhesion barrier material provides an effective precaution to reduce the probability of postoperative adhesion. Clinical application requires these materials to be easily handled, biocompatible, biodegradable, and most importantly tissue adherent to provide target sites with reliable isolation. However, currently there is nearly no polymer barrier material that can fully satisfy these requirements. In this study, based on the photoinduced imine-crosslinking (PIC) reaction, we had developed a photo-crosslinking hydrogel (CNG hydrogel) that composed of o-nitrobenzyl alcohol (NB) modified carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-NB) and glycol chitosan (GC) as an anti-adhesion barrier material. Under light irradiation, CMC-NB generated aldehyde groups which subsequently reacted with amino groups distributed on GC or tissue surface to form a hydrogel barrier that covalently attached to tissue surface. Rheological analysis demonstrated that CNG hydrogel (30mg/mL polymer content) could be formed in 30s upon light irradiation. Tissue adhesive tests showed that the tissue adhesive strength of CNG hydrogel (30mg/mL) was about 8.32kPa-24.65kPa which increased with increasing CMC-NB content in CNG hydrogel. Toxicity evaluation by L929 cells demonstrated that CNG hydrogel was cytocompatible. Furthermore, sidewall defect-cecum abrasion model of rat was employed to evaluate the postoperative anti-adhesion efficacy of CNG hydrogel. And a significantly reduction of tissue adhesion (20% samples with low score adhesion) was found in CNG hydrogel treated group, compared with control group (100% samples with high score adhesion). In addition, CNG hydrogel could be degraded in nearly 14days and showed no side effect on wound healing. These findings indicated that CNG hydrogel can effectively expanded the clinical treatments of postoperative tissue adhesion. In this study, a tissue adhesive photo-crosslinking hydrogel (CNG) was developed based on photo-induced imine crosslinking reaction (PIC) for postoperative anti-adhesion. CNG hydrogel showed the features of easy and convenient operation, fast and controllable gelation, suitable gel strength, good biocompatibility, and most importantly strong tissue adhesiveness. Therefore, it shows very high performance to prevent postoperative tissue adhesion. Overall, our study provides a more suitable hydrogel barrier material that can overcome the shortcomings of current barriers for clinical postoperative anti-adhesion. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Elevated PDGFRB gene copy number gain is prognostic for improved survival outcomes in resected malignant pleural mesothelioma.

    PubMed

    Tsao, Anne S; Harun, Nusrat; Fujimoto, Junya; Devito, Vikki; Lee, J Jack; Kuhn, Elisabetta; Mehran, Reza; Rice, David; Moran, Cesar; Hong, Waun Ki; Shen, Li; Suraokar, Milind; Wistuba, Ignacio

    2014-06-01

    PDGF/PDGFR pathway has been implicated in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) carcinogenesis, and evidence suggests autocrine mechanisms of proliferation. We sought to evaluate the incidence of PDGFRB gene copy number gain (CNG) by fluorescence in situ hybridization and PDGFR pathway protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and correlate it to patient clinical outcome. Eighty-eight archived tumor blocks from resected MPM with full clinical information were used to perform IHC biomarkers (PDGFRα, PDGFRβ, p-PDGFRβ) and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of PDGFRB gene CNG. Spearman rank correlation, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Kruskal-Wallis test, BLiP plots, and Kaplan-Meier method were used to analyze the biomarkers and correlation to clinical outcome. Several correlations between the IHC biomarkers were seen; however, none correlated to clinically relevant patient demographics or histology. In the CNG analysis, PDGFRB gene CNG in >10% of tumor cells had lower cytoplasmic p-PDGFRβ (P=.029), while PDGFRB gene CNG in >40% of tumor cells had a higher cytoplasmic PDGFRβ (P=.04). PDGFRB gene CNG status did not associate with patient demographics or tumor characteristics. PDGFR pathway IHC biomarkers did not associate with survival outcomes. However, patients with PDGFRB CNG >40% of tumor cells had improved relapse-free survival (HR 0.25 [95% CI 0.09-0.72], P=.0096) and improved overall survival (HR 0.32 [95% CI 0.11-0.89], P=.029). PDGFRB CNG >40% of MPM tumor cells is a potential prognostic biomarker for surgery and may identify a unique population of mesothelioma patients. Future validation of this biomarker in prospective trials is needed. From a retrospective review of archived tissue specimens from patients with resected malignant pleural mesothelioma tumors, we show that patients with PDGFRB CNG >40% of tumor cells had improved relapse-free survival (HR 0.25 [95% CI 0.09-0.72], P=.0096) and improved overall survival (HR 0.32 [95% CI 0.11-0.89], P=.029). PDGFRB CNG >40% of MPM tumor cells is a potential prognostic biomarker for surgery and may identify a unique population of mesothelioma patients. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Gene Copy Number Gain in Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): Prevalence, Clinicopathologic Features and Prognostic Implication

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Min Hwan; Lee, Soohyeon; Koo, Ja Seung; Jung, Kyung Hae; Park, In Hae; Jeong, Joon; Kim, Seung Il; Park, Seho; Park, Hyung Seok; Park, Byeong-Woo; Kim, Joo-Hang; Sohn, Joohyuk

    2015-01-01

    Background Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive form of breast cancer, and its molecular pathogenesis still remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and implication of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) copy number change in IBC patients. Methods We retrospectively collected formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissues and medical records of IBC patients from several institutes in Korea. ALK gene copy number change and rearrangement were assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay, and ALK expression status was evaluated by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Results Thirty-six IBC patients including those with HER2 (+) breast cancer (16/36, 44.4%) and triple-negative breast cancer (13/36, 36.1%) were enrolled in this study. ALK copy number gain (CNG) was observed in 47.2% (17/36) of patients, including one patient who harbored ALK gene amplification. ALK CNG (+) patients showed significantly worse overall survival compared to ALK CNG (-) patients in univariate analysis (24.9 months vs. 38.1 months, p = 0.033). Recurrence free survival (RFS) after curative mastectomy was also significantly shorter in ALK CNG (+) patients than in ALK CNG (-) patients (n = 22, 12.7 months vs. 43.3 months, p = 0.016). Multivariate Cox regression analysis with adjustment for HER2 and ER statuses showed significantly poorer RFS for ALK CNG (+) patients (HR 5.63, 95% CI 1.11–28.44, p = 0.037). Conclusion This study shows a significant presence of ALK CNG in IBC patients, and ALK CNG was associated with significantly poorer RFS. PMID:25803816

  9. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene copy number gain in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): prevalence, clinicopathologic features and prognostic implication.

    PubMed

    Kim, Min Hwan; Lee, Soohyeon; Koo, Ja Seung; Jung, Kyung Hae; Park, In Hae; Jeong, Joon; Kim, Seung Il; Park, Seho; Park, Hyung Seok; Park, Byeong-Woo; Kim, Joo-Hang; Sohn, Joohyuk

    2015-01-01

    Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive form of breast cancer, and its molecular pathogenesis still remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and implication of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) copy number change in IBC patients. We retrospectively collected formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissues and medical records of IBC patients from several institutes in Korea. ALK gene copy number change and rearrangement were assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay, and ALK expression status was evaluated by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Thirty-six IBC patients including those with HER2 (+) breast cancer (16/36, 44.4%) and triple-negative breast cancer (13/36, 36.1%) were enrolled in this study. ALK copy number gain (CNG) was observed in 47.2% (17/36) of patients, including one patient who harbored ALK gene amplification. ALK CNG (+) patients showed significantly worse overall survival compared to ALK CNG (-) patients in univariate analysis (24.9 months vs. 38.1 months, p = 0.033). Recurrence free survival (RFS) after curative mastectomy was also significantly shorter in ALK CNG (+) patients than in ALK CNG (-) patients (n = 22, 12.7 months vs. 43.3 months, p = 0.016). Multivariate Cox regression analysis with adjustment for HER2 and ER statuses showed significantly poorer RFS for ALK CNG (+) patients (HR 5.63, 95% CI 1.11-28.44, p = 0.037). This study shows a significant presence of ALK CNG in IBC patients, and ALK CNG was associated with significantly poorer RFS.

  10. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Triangle Clean Cities Resource Gives CNG

    Science.gov Websites

    , 2015 Triangle Clean Cities Resource Gives CNG Installation a Boost " Although North Carolina has ; Lacey Jane Wolfe, Triangle Clean Cities Coalition, Coordinator, Durham, North Carolina When the Triangle Clean Cities Coalition (TCCC) set out to promote compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations in North

  11. Alternative Fuel Vehicles: What Do the Drivers Say?

    Science.gov Websites

    ); dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) models; CNG after-market conversions; flexible-fuel methanol models ; flexible-fuel ethanol models, and gasoline models. Overall, drivers reported positive experiences, with primary concerns being lack of range (particularly for the CNG models) and lack of convenient fueling

  12. Impact of CNG Crisis on Student's Academic Life

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Azeem, Kiran; Nadeem, Wajiha; Zia, Afsa; Shehzad, Shiza; Anwar, Zara

    2017-01-01

    The goal of this study is to determine the impact of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) crisis on Student's Academic Life of Karachi Pakistan. This research helps in observing the behavior of students and their educational progress includes depression and anxiety, rate of absenteeism and undesirable results in exams threatens due to CNG crisis and…

  13. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Republic Services Reduces Waste with 87 CNG

    Science.gov Websites

    operating on CNG within the next five years. " Rachele Klein, Republic Services Business Development maintenance facilities. Baird and Republic Services teamed up to research and select vehicle manufacturers and operating on CNG within the next five years," Klein said. "The model that stemmed from this

  14. A comparative study of emission motorcycle with gasoline and CNG fuel

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sasongko, M. N.; Wijayanti, W.; Rahardja, R. A.

    2016-03-01

    A comparison of the exhaust emissions of the engine running gasoline and Compressed Natural Gas have been performed in this study. A gasoline engine 4 stroke single-cylinder with volume of 124.8 cc and compression ratio of 9.3:1 was converted to a CNG gaseous engine. The fuel injector was replaced with a solenoid valve system for injecting CNG gas to engine. The concentrations of CO, CO2, O2 and HC in the exhaust gas of engine were measured over the range of fuel flow rate from 25.32 mg/s to 70.22 mg/s and wide range of Air Fuel Ratio. The comparative analysis of this study showed that CNG engine has a lower HC, CO2 and CO emission at the stoichiometry mixture of fuel and air combustion. The emissions increased when the Air-Fuel ratio was switched from the stoichiometry condition. Moreover, CNG engine produced a lower HC and CO emission compared to the gasoline for difference air flow rate. The average of HC and CO emissions of the CNG was 92 % and 78 % lower than that of the gasoline

  15. Temporal variability of benzene concentration in the ambient air of Delhi: a comparative assessment of pre- and post-CNG periods.

    PubMed

    Khillare, P S; Hoque, Raza Rafiqul; Shridhar, Vijay; Agarwal, Tripti; Balachandran, S

    2008-06-15

    CNG (compressed natural gas) was fully implemented in public transport system in Delhi in December 2002. The study assesses the benzene concentration trends at two busy traffic intersections and a background site in Delhi, India. Monitoring was done for two different time periods viz; in the year 2001-2002 (pre-CNG) and two winter months (January and February) of the year 2007 (post-CNG) to assess the impact of various policy measures adopted by the government of Delhi to improve the air quality in the city. Annual average benzene concentration for the pre-CNG period was found to be 86.47+/-53.24 microg m(-3). Average benzene concentrations for the winter months (January-February) of pre- and post-CNG periods were 116.32+/-51.65 microg m(-3) and 187.49+/-22.50 microg m(-3), respectively. Enhanced values could be solely attributed to the increase in the vehicular population from 3.5 million in the year 2001-2002 to approximately 5.1 millions in the year 2007.

  16. Subunit stoichiometry of the CNG channel of rod photoreceptors.

    PubMed

    Weitz, Dietmar; Ficek, Nicole; Kremmer, Elisabeth; Bauer, Paul J; Kaupp, U Benjamin

    2002-12-05

    Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels play a central role in the conversion of sensory stimuli into electrical signals. CNG channels form heterooligomeric complexes built of A and B subunits. Here, we study the subunit stoichiometry of the native rod CNG channel by chemical crosslinking. The apparent molecular weight (M(w)) of each crosslink product was determined by SDS-PAGE, and its composition was analyzed by Western blotting using antibodies specific for the A1 or B1 subunit. The number of crosslink products and their M(w) as well as the immunological identification of A1 and B1 subunits in the crosslink products led us to conclude that the native rod CNG channel is a tetramer composed of three A1 and one B1 subunit. This is an example of violation of symmetry in tetrameric channels.

  17. Role of estrogen and progesterone in the modulation of CNG-A1 and Na/K+-ATPase expression in the renal cortex.

    PubMed

    Gracelli, Jones B; Souza-Menezes, Jackson; Barbosa, Carolina M L; Ornellas, Felipe S; Takiya, Christina M; Alves, Leandro M; Wengert, Mira; Feltran, Georgia da Silva; Caruso-Neves, Celso; Moyses, Margareth R; Prota, Luiz F M; Morales, Marcelo M

    2012-01-01

    The steroid hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are involved mainly in the control of female reproductive functions. Among other effects, estrogen and progesterone can modulate Na(+) reabsorption along the nephron altering the body's hydroelectrolyte balance. In this work, we analyzed the expression of cyclic nucleotide-gated channel A1 (CNG-A1) and α1 Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase subunit in the renal cortex and medulla of female ovariectomized rats and female ovariectomized rats subjected to 10 days of 17β-estradiol benzoate (2.0 µg/kg body weight) and progesterone (1.7 mg/kg body weight) replacement. Na(+)/K(+) ATPase activity was also measured. Immunofluorescence localization of CNG-A1 in the cortex and medulla was performed in control animals. We observed that CNG-A1 is localized at the basolateral membrane of proximal and distal tubules. Female ovariectomized rats showed low expression of CNG-A1 and low expression and activity of Na(+)/K(+) ATPase in the renal cortex. When female ovariectomized rats were subjected to 17β-estradiol benzoate replacement, normalization of CNG-A1 expression and Na(+)/K(+) ATPase expression and activity was observed. The replacement of progesterone was not able to recover CNG-A1 expression and Na(+)/K(+) ATPase expression at the control level. Only the activity of Na(+)/K(+) ATPase was able to be recovered at control levels in animals subjected to progesterone replacement. No changes in expression and activity were observed in the renal medulla. The expression of CNG-A1 is higher in cortex compared to medulla. In this work, we observed that estrogen and progesterone act in renal tissues modulating CNG-A1 and Na(+)/K(+) ATPase and these effects could be important in Na(+) and water balance. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  18. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Golden Eagle Distributors Inc. to Convert

    Science.gov Websites

    several years. Golden Eagle will convert all fleet vehicles to CNG in their six branch operations Entire Fleet to CNG Golden Eagle Distributors Inc. to Convert Entire Fleet to CNG to someone by E-mail Share Alternative Fuels Data Center: Golden Eagle Distributors Inc. to Convert Entire Fleet

  19. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Fleet Application for Refuse Collection

    Science.gov Websites

    CNG - Compressed Natural Gas 1 Electric 1 Hybrid - CNG 1 Hybrid - LNG 1 Hydraulic hybrid 9 LNG - Liquified Natural Gas icon for refuse collection vehicle application Autocar ACMD-Xpert Hybrid - CNG Hybrid - Compressed Natural Gas LNG - Liquified Natural Gas icon for refuse collection vehicle application BYD All

  20. 46 CFR 169.703 - Cooking and heating.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... compressed natural gas (CNG) is authorized for cooking purposes only. (1) The design, installation and..., installation, and testing of each CNG system must meet either Chapter 6 of NFPA 302 or ABYC A-22. (3) The... additional requirements must also be met: (i) LPG or CNG must be odorized in accordance with ABYC A-1.5.d or...

  1. 46 CFR 25.45-2 - Cooking systems on vessels carrying passengers for hire.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... stated therein, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or compressed natural gas (CNG). (b) Cooking systems using LPG or CNG must meet the following requirements: (1) The design, installation, and testing of each... of each CNG system must meet ABYC A-22-78 or chapter 6 of NFPA 302. (3) Cooking systems using chapter...

  2. 46 CFR 169.703 - Cooking and heating.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... compressed natural gas (CNG) is authorized for cooking purposes only. (1) The design, installation and..., installation, and testing of each CNG system must meet either Chapter 6 of NFPA 302 or ABYC A-22. (3) The... additional requirements must also be met: (i) LPG or CNG must be odorized in accordance with ABYC A-1.5.d or...

  3. 46 CFR 169.703 - Cooking and heating.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... compressed natural gas (CNG) is authorized for cooking purposes only. (1) The design, installation and..., installation, and testing of each CNG system must meet either Chapter 6 of NFPA 302 or ABYC A-22. (3) The... additional requirements must also be met: (i) LPG or CNG must be odorized in accordance with ABYC A-1.5.d or...

  4. Emission factors of air pollutants from CNG-gasoline bi-fuel vehicles: Part II. CO, HC and NOx.

    PubMed

    Huang, Xiaoyan; Wang, Yang; Xing, Zhenyu; Du, Ke

    2016-09-15

    The estimation of emission factors (EFs) is the basis of accurate emission inventory. However, the EFs of air pollutants for motor vehicles vary under different operating conditions, which will cause uncertainty in developing emission inventory. Natural gas (NG), considered as a "cleaner" fuel than gasoline, is increasingly being used to reduce combustion emissions. However, information is scarce about how much emission reduction can be achieved by motor vehicles burning NG (NGVs) under real road driving conditions, which is necessary for evaluating the environmental benefits for NGVs. Here, online, in situ measurements of the emissions from nine bi-fuel vehicles were conducted under different operating conditions on the real road. A comparative study was performed for the EFs of black carbon (BC), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) for each operating condition when the vehicles using gasoline and compressed NG (CNG) as fuel. BC EFs were reported in part I. The part II in this paper series reports the influence of operating conditions and fuel types on the EFs of CO, HC and NOx. Fuel-based EFs of CO showed good correlations with speed when burning CNG and gasoline. The correlation between fuel-based HC EFs and speed was relatively weak whether burning CNG or gasoline. The fuel-based NOx EFs moderately correlated with speed when burning CNG, but weakly correlated with gasoline. As for HC, the mileage-based EFs of gasoline vehicles are 2.39-12.59 times higher than those of CNG vehicles. The mileage-based NOx EFs of CNG vehicles are slightly higher than those of gasoline vehicles. These results would facilitate a detailed analysis of the environmental benefits for replacing gasoline with CNG in light duty vehicles. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. A structural, functional, and computational analysis suggests pore flexibility as the base for the poor selectivity of CNG channels

    PubMed Central

    Napolitano, Luisa Maria Rosaria; Bisha, Ina; De March, Matteo; Marchesi, Arin; Arcangeletti, Manuel; Demitri, Nicola; Mazzolini, Monica; Rodriguez, Alex; Magistrato, Alessandra; Onesti, Silvia; Laio, Alessandro; Torre, Vincent

    2015-01-01

    Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channels, despite a significant homology with the highly selective K+ channels, do not discriminate among monovalent alkali cations and are permeable also to several organic cations. We combined electrophysiology, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and X-ray crystallography to demonstrate that the pore of CNG channels is highly flexible. When a CNG mimic is crystallized in the presence of a variety of monovalent cations, including Na+, Cs+, and dimethylammonium (DMA+), the side chain of Glu66 in the selectivity filter shows multiple conformations and the diameter of the pore changes significantly. MD simulations indicate that Glu66 and the prolines in the outer vestibule undergo large fluctuations, which are modulated by the ionic species and the voltage. This flexibility underlies the coupling between gating and permeation and the poor ionic selectivity of CNG channels. PMID:26100907

  6. A structural, functional, and computational analysis suggests pore flexibility as the base for the poor selectivity of CNG channels.

    PubMed

    Napolitano, Luisa Maria Rosaria; Bisha, Ina; De March, Matteo; Marchesi, Arin; Arcangeletti, Manuel; Demitri, Nicola; Mazzolini, Monica; Rodriguez, Alex; Magistrato, Alessandra; Onesti, Silvia; Laio, Alessandro; Torre, Vincent

    2015-07-07

    Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channels, despite a significant homology with the highly selective K(+) channels, do not discriminate among monovalent alkali cations and are permeable also to several organic cations. We combined electrophysiology, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and X-ray crystallography to demonstrate that the pore of CNG channels is highly flexible. When a CNG mimic is crystallized in the presence of a variety of monovalent cations, including Na(+), Cs(+), and dimethylammonium (DMA(+)), the side chain of Glu66 in the selectivity filter shows multiple conformations and the diameter of the pore changes significantly. MD simulations indicate that Glu66 and the prolines in the outer vestibule undergo large fluctuations, which are modulated by the ionic species and the voltage. This flexibility underlies the coupling between gating and permeation and the poor ionic selectivity of CNG channels.

  7. Alternative Fuels Data Center: CNG Vehicle Fueling Animation Text Version

    Science.gov Websites

    - Gas rapidly cools CNG moves rapidly from the dispenser (high pressure) into the fuel tank (low off when the liquid reaches the top of the tank, a CNG dispenser stops when it reaches a certain rise. 5 minutes - Dispenser shuts off, operator disconnects The dispenser stops filling when it reaches

  8. Modeling of diesel/CNG mixing in a pre-injection chamber

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abdul-Wahhab, H. A.; Aziz, A. R. A.; Al-Kayiem, H. H.; Nasif, M. S.

    2015-12-01

    Diesel engines performance can be improved by adding combustible gases to the liquid diesel. In this paper, the propagation of a two phase flow liquid-gas fuel mixture into a pre-mixer is investigated numerically by computational fluid dynamics simulation. CNG was injected into the diesel within a cylindrical conduit operates as pre-mixer. Four injection models of Diesel-CNG were simulated using ANSYS-FLUENT commercial software. Two CNG jet diameters were used of 1 and 2 mm and the diesel pipe diameter was 9 mm. Two configurations were considered for the gas injection. In the first the gas was injected from one side while for the second two side entries were used. The CNG to Diesel pressure ratio was varied between 1.5 and 3. The CNG to Diesel mass flow ratios were varied between 0.7 and 0.9. The results demonstrate that using double-sided injection increased the homogeneity of the mixture due to the swirl and acceleration of the mixture. Mass fraction, in both cases, was found to increase as the mixture flows towards the exit. As a result, this enhanced mixing is likely to lead to improvement in the combustion performance.

  9. [Quantitative study of diesel/CNG buses exhaust particulate size distribution in a road tunnel].

    PubMed

    Zhu, Chun; Zhang, Xu

    2010-10-01

    Vehicle emission is one of main sources of fine/ultra-fine particles in many cities. This study firstly presents daily mean particle size distributions of mixed diesel/CNG buses traffic flow by 4 days consecutive real world measurement in an Australia road tunnel. Emission factors (EFs) of particle size distribution of diesel buses and CNG buses are obtained by MLR methods, particle distributions of diesel buses and CNG buses are observed as single accumulation mode and nuclei-mode separately. Particle size distributions of mixed traffic flow are decomposed by two log-normal fitting curves for each 30 min interval mean scans, the degrees of fitting between combined fitting curves and corresponding in-situ scans for totally 90 fitting scans are from 0.972 to 0.998. Finally particle size distributions of diesel buses and CNG buses are quantified by statistical whisker-box charts. For log-normal particle size distribution of diesel buses, accumulation mode diameters are 74.5-86.5 nm, geometric standard deviations are 1.88-2.05. As to log-normal particle size distribution of CNG buses, nuclei-mode diameters are 19.9-22.9 nm, geometric standard deviations are 1.27-1.3.

  10. PD-L1 (CD274) copy number gain, expression, and immune cell infiltration as candidate predictors for response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in soft-tissue sarcoma

    PubMed Central

    Budczies, Jan; Mechtersheimer, Gunhild; Denkert, Carsten; Klauschen, Frederick; Jöhrens, Korinna; Endris, Volker; Lier, Amelie; Lasitschka, Felix; Penzel, Roland; Dietel, Manfred; Brors, Benedikt; Gröschel, Stefan; Glimm, Hanno; Schirmacher, Peter; Renner, Marcus; Fröhling, Stefan; Stenzinger, Albrecht

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare malignancies that account for 1% of adult cancers and comprise more than 50 entities. Current therapeutic options for advanced-stage STS are limited. Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling axis are being explored as new treatment modality in STS; however, the determinants of response to these agents are largely unknown. Using the sarcoma data set of The Cancer Genome Altas (TCGA) and an independent cohort of untreated high-grade STS, we analyzed DNA copy number status and mRNA expression of PD-L1 in a total of 335 STS cases. Copy number gains (CNG) were detected in 54 TCGA cases (21.1%), of which 21 (8.2%) harbored focal PD-L1 CNG and that were most prevalent in myxofibrosarcoma (35%) and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (34%). In the untreated high-grade STS cohort, we detected CNG in six cases (7.6%). Analysis of co-amplified genes identified a 5.6-Mb core region comprising 27 genes, including JAK2. Patients with PD-L1 CNG had higher PD-L1 expression compared with STS without CNG (fold change, 1.8; p = 0.02), an effect that was most pronounced in the setting of focal PD-L1 CNG (fold change, 3.0; p = 0.0027). STS with PD-L1 CNG showed a significantly higher mutational load compared with tumors with a diploid PD-L1 locus (median number of mutated genes; 58 vs. 40; p = 3.6E-06), and PD-L1 CNG were associated with inferior survival (HR = 1.82; p = 0.025). In contrast, T-cell infiltrates quantified by mRNA expression of CD3Z were associated with improved survival (HR = 0.88; p = 0.024) and consequently influenced the prognostic power of PD-L1 CNG, with low CD3Z levels conferring poor survival in cases with PD-L1 CNG (HR = 1.8; p = 0.049). These data demonstrate that PD-L1 GNG and elevated expression of PD-L1 occur in a substantial proportion of STS, have prognostic impact that is modulated by T-cell infiltrates, and thus warrant investigation as response predictors for immune checkpoint inhibition. PMID:28405504

  11. PD-L1 (CD274) copy number gain, expression, and immune cell infiltration as candidate predictors for response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in soft-tissue sarcoma.

    PubMed

    Budczies, Jan; Mechtersheimer, Gunhild; Denkert, Carsten; Klauschen, Frederick; Mughal, Sadaf S; Chudasama, Priya; Bockmayr, Michael; Jöhrens, Korinna; Endris, Volker; Lier, Amelie; Lasitschka, Felix; Penzel, Roland; Dietel, Manfred; Brors, Benedikt; Gröschel, Stefan; Glimm, Hanno; Schirmacher, Peter; Renner, Marcus; Fröhling, Stefan; Stenzinger, Albrecht

    2017-01-01

    Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare malignancies that account for 1% of adult cancers and comprise more than 50 entities. Current therapeutic options for advanced-stage STS are limited. Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling axis are being explored as new treatment modality in STS; however, the determinants of response to these agents are largely unknown. Using the sarcoma data set of The Cancer Genome Altas (TCGA) and an independent cohort of untreated high-grade STS, we analyzed DNA copy number status and mRNA expression of PD-L1 in a total of 335 STS cases. Copy number gains (CNG) were detected in 54 TCGA cases (21.1%), of which 21 (8.2%) harbored focal PD-L1 CNG and that were most prevalent in myxofibrosarcoma (35%) and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (34%). In the untreated high-grade STS cohort, we detected CNG in six cases (7.6%). Analysis of co-amplified genes identified a 5.6-Mb core region comprising 27 genes, including JAK2 . Patients with PD-L1 CNG had higher PD-L1 expression compared with STS without CNG (fold change, 1.8; p = 0.02), an effect that was most pronounced in the setting of focal PD-L1 CNG (fold change, 3.0; p = 0.0027). STS with PD-L1 CNG showed a significantly higher mutational load compared with tumors with a diploid PD-L1 locus (median number of mutated genes; 58 vs. 40; p = 3.6E-06), and PD-L1 CNG were associated with inferior survival (HR = 1.82; p = 0.025). In contrast, T-cell infiltrates quantified by mRNA expression of CD3Z were associated with improved survival (HR = 0.88; p = 0.024) and consequently influenced the prognostic power of PD-L1 CNG, with low CD3Z levels conferring poor survival in cases with PD-L1 CNG (HR = 1.8; p = 0.049). These data demonstrate that PD-L1 GNG and elevated expression of PD-L1 occur in a substantial proportion of STS, have prognostic impact that is modulated by T-cell infiltrates, and thus warrant investigation as response predictors for immune checkpoint inhibition.

  12. In-Use Performance Comparison of Hybrid Electric, CNG, and Diesel Buses at New York City Transit

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

    Barnitt, R. A.

    2008-06-01

    The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) evaluated the performance of diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), and hybrid electric (equipped with BAE Systems? HybriDrive propulsion system) transit buses at New York City Transit (NYCT). CNG, Gen I and Gen II hybrid electric propulsion systems were compared on fuel economy, maintenance and operating costs per mile, and reliability.

  13. Structural studies of CNG repeats

    PubMed Central

    Kiliszek, Agnieszka; Rypniewski, Wojciech

    2014-01-01

    CNG repeats (where N denotes one of the four natural nucleotides) are abundant in the human genome. Their tendency to undergo expansion can lead to hereditary diseases known as TREDs (trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders). The toxic factor can be protein, if the abnormal gene is expressed, or the gene transcript, or both. The gene transcripts have attracted much attention in the biomedical community, but their molecular structures have only recently been investigated. Model RNA molecules comprising CNG repeats fold into long hairpins whose stems generally conform to an A-type helix, in which the non-canonical N-N pairs are flanked by C-G and G-C pairs. Each homobasic pair is accommodated in the helical context in a unique manner, with consequences for the local helical parameters, solvent structure, electrostatic potential and potential to interact with ligands. The detailed three-dimensional profiles of RNA CNG repeats can be used in screening of compound libraries for potential therapeutics and in structure-based drug design. Here is a brief survey of the CNG structures published to date. PMID:24939898

  14. Capacitation and Ca(2+) influx in spermatozoa: role of CNG channels and protein kinase G.

    PubMed

    Cisneros-Mejorado, A; Hernández-Soberanis, L; Islas-Carbajal, M C; Sánchez, D

    2014-01-01

    Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) has been recently shown to modulate in vitro capacitation of mammalian spermatozoa, but the mechanisms through which it influences sperm functions have not been clarified. There are at least two targets of cGMP, cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels and cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), involved in several physiological events in mammalian spermatozoa. It has been suggested that CNG channels allow the influx of Ca(2+) to cytoplasm during capacitation, whereas PKG could trigger a phosphorylation pathway which might also, indirectly, mediate calcium entry. Using the patch-clamp technique in whole-cell configuration, we showed how l-cis-Diltiazem (a CNG-channel inhibitor) and KT5823 (a PKG inhibitor) decreased significantly the amplitude of macroscopic ion currents in a dose-response manner, and decreased in vitro capacitation. The inhibition of CNG channels completely abolishes the Ca(2+) influx induced by cyclic nucleotides in mouse spermatozoa. This work suggests that the downstream cGMP pathway is required in mammalian sperm capacitation and the mechanisms involved include CNG channels and PKG, highlighting these molecules as important therapeutic targets for infertility treatments or to develop new male contraceptives. © 2013 American Society of Andrology and European Academy of Andrology.

  15. Geography of Existing and Potential Alternative Fuel Markets in the United States

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

    Johnson, C.; Hettinger, D.

    When deploying alternative fuels, it is paramount to match the right fuel with the right location, in accordance with local market conditions. We used six market indicators to evaluate the existing and potential regional market health for each of the five most commonly deployed alternative fuels: electricity (used by plug-in electric vehicles), biodiesel (blends of B20 and higher), E85 ethanol, compressed natural gas (CNG), and propane. Each market indicator was mapped, combined, and evaluated by industry experts. This process revealed the weight the market indicators should be given, with the proximity of fueling stations being the most important indicator, followedmore » by alternative fuel vehicle density, gasoline prices, state incentives, nearby resources, and finally, environmental benefit. Though markets vary among states, no state received 'weak' potential for all five fuels, indicating that all states have an opportunity to use at least one alternative fuel. California, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Washington appear to have the best potential markets for alternative fuels in general, with each sporting strong markets for four of the fuels. Wyoming showed the least potential, with weak markets for all alternative fuels except for CNG, for which it has a patchy market. Of all the fuels, CNG is promising in the greatest number of states--largely because freight traffic provides potential demand for many far-reaching corridor markets and because the sources of CNG are so widespread geographically.« less

  16. Promoter/repressor system of Lactobacillus plantarum phage og1e: characterization of the promoters pR49-pR-pL and overproduction of the cro-like protein cng in Escherichia coli.

    PubMed

    Kakikawa, M; Watanabe, N; Funawatashi, T; Oki, M; Yasukawa, H; Taketo, A; Kodaira, K I

    1998-07-30

    The Lactobacillus plantarum phage og1e (42259bp) has two repressor-like genes cng and cpg oriented oppositely, accompanied by three potential promoters pR, pL and pR49, and seven operator-like sequences (GATAC-boxes) (Kodaira et al., 1997). In this study, the og1e putative promoters were introduced into the Escherichia coli promoter-detecting plasmid pKK232-8. In E. coli CK111, pR (pKPR1), pL (pKPL1) and pR49 (pKPR49) exhibited distinct CAT activities. When pKPR1 or pKPL1 was coexistent with a compatible plasmid pACYC184 carrying pR-cng (pA4PRCN1), the CAT activity was decreased significantly. On the other hand, cng directed a protein (Cng) of 10.1 kDa in E. coli under the control of T7 promoter. Gel mobility-shift assays demonstrated that Cng binds specifically to a DNA region containing the GATAC-boxes. In addition, primer extension analyses demonstrated that the two sequences pR and pL act as a promoter in L. plantarum as well as in E. coli. These results suggested that the potential promoters pR and pL probably function for the lytic and lysogenic pathways, respectively, and Cng may act as a repressor presumably through the GATAC-boxes as operators.

  17. cGMP accumulation causes photoreceptor degeneration in CNG channel deficiency: evidence of cGMP cytotoxicity independently of enhanced CNG channel function.

    PubMed

    Xu, Jianhua; Morris, Lynsie; Thapa, Arjun; Ma, Hongwei; Michalakis, Stylianos; Biel, Martin; Baehr, Wolfgang; Peshenko, Igor V; Dizhoor, Alexander M; Ding, Xi-Qin

    2013-09-11

    Photoreceptor cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels regulate Ca(2+) influx in rod and cone photoreceptors. cGMP, the native ligand of the photoreceptor CNG channels, has been associated with cytotoxicity when its levels rise above normal due to defects in photoreceptor phosphodiesterase (PDE6) or regulation of retinal guanylyl cyclase (retGC). We found a massive accumulation of cGMP in CNGA3-deficient retina and investigated whether cGMP accumulation plays a role in cone degeneration in CNG channel deficiency. The time course study showed that the retinal cGMP level in Cnga3(-/-);Nrl(-/-) mice with CNGA3 deficiency on a cone-dominant background was sharply increased at postnatal day 8 (P8), peaked around P10-P15, remained high through P30-P60, and returned to near control level at P90. This elevation pattern correlated with photoreceptor apoptotic death, which peaked around P15-P20. In Cnga3(-/-);Gucy2e(-/-) mice lacking retGC1, cone density and expression levels of cone-specific proteins were significantly increased compared with Cnga3(-/-), consistent with a role of cGMP accumulation as the major contributor to cone death caused by CNG channel deficiency. The activity and expression levels of cGMP-dependent protein kinase G (PKG) were significantly increased in Cnga3(-/-);Nrl(-/-) retina compared with Nrl(-/-), suggesting an involvement of PKG regulation in cell death. Our results indicate that cGMP accumulation in photoreceptors can itself exert cytotoxic effect in cones, independently of CNG channel activity and Ca(2+) influx.

  18. On-road emission characteristics of CNG-fueled bi-fuel taxis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yao, Zhiliang; Cao, Xinyue; Shen, Xianbao; Zhang, Yingzhi; Wang, Xintong; He, Kebin

    2014-09-01

    To alleviate air pollution and lessen the petroleum demand from the motor vehicle sector in China, natural gas vehicles (NGVs) have been rapidly developed over the last several years. However, the understanding of the real-world emissions of NGVs is very limited. In this study, the emissions from 20 compressed-natural-gas-fueled bi-fuel taxis were measured using a portable emission measurement system (PEMS) under actual driving conditions in Yichang, China. The emission characteristics of the tested vehicles were analyzed, revealing that the average CO2, CO, HC and NOx emissions from the tested compressed-natural-gas (CNG) taxis under urban driving conditions were 1.6, 4.0, 2.0 and 0.98 times those under highway road conditions, respectively. The CO, HC and NOx emissions from Euro 3 CNG vehicles were approximately 40%, 55% and 44% lower than those from Euro 2 vehicles, respectively. Compared with the values for light-duty gasoline vehicles reported in the literature, the CO2 and CO emissions from the tested CNG taxis were clearly lower; however, significant increases in the HC and NOx emissions were observed. Finally, we normalized the emissions under the actual driving cycles of the entire test route to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC)-based emissions using a VSP modes method developed by North Carolina State University. The simulated NEDC-based CO emissions from the tested CNG taxis were better than the corresponding emissions standards, whereas the simulated NEDC-based HC and NOx emissions greatly exceeded the standards. Thus, more attention should be paid to the emissions from CNG vehicles. As for the CNG-fueled bi-fuel taxis currently in use, the department of environmental protection should strengthen their inspection and supervision to reduce the emissions from these vehicles. The results of this study will be helpful in understanding and controlling emissions from CNG-fueled bi-fuel vehicles in China.

  19. Increase in the thermodynamic efficiency of the working process of spark-ignited engines on natural gas with the addition of hydrogen

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mikhailovna Smolenskaya, Natalia; Vladimirovich Smolenskii, Victor; Vladimirovich Korneev, Nicholas

    2018-02-01

    The work is devoted to the substantiation and practical implementation of a new approach for estimating the change in internal energy by pressure and volume. The pressure is measured with a calibrated sensor. The change in volume inside the cylinder is determined by changing the position of the piston. The position of the piston is precisely determined by the angle of rotation of the crankshaft. On the basis of the proposed approach, the thermodynamic efficiency of the working process of spark ignition engines on natural gas with the addition of hydrogen was estimated. Experimental studies were carried out on a single-cylinder unit UIT-85. Their analysis showed an increase in the thermodynamic efficiency of the working process with the addition of hydrogen in a compressed natural gas (CNG).The results obtained make it possible to determine the characteristic of heat release from the analysis of experimental data. The effect of hydrogen addition on the CNG combustion process is estimated.

  20. Reach-Scale Channel Adjustments to Channel Network Geometry in Mountain Bedrock Streams

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Plitzuweit, S. J.; Springer, G. S.

    2008-12-01

    Channel network geometry (CNG) is a critical determinant of hydrological response and may significantly affect incision processes within the Appalachian Plateau near Richwood, West Virginia. The Williams, Cherry, and Cranberry Rivers share drainage divides and their lower reaches flow atop resistant, quartz-rich sandstones. The lower two-thirds of the Cranberry and Williams Rivers display linear profiles atop the sandstones; whereas the Cherry is concave upwards atop the sandstones. Because lithologies and geological structures are similar among the watersheds, we tested whether differences in CNGs explain the profile shapes and reach-scale channel properties. Specifically, we quantified CNG by calculating reach- specific area-distance functions using DEMs. The area-distance functions were then converted into synthetic hydrographs to model hydrological responses. The Cherry River exhibits a classic dendritic drainage pattern, producing peaked hydrographs and low interval transit times. The Cranberry River displays a trellis-like drainage pattern, which produces attenuated hydrographs and high interval transit times. The upstream reaches of the Williams River have a dendritic drainage pattern, but the lower two-thirds of the watershed transitions into an elongated basin with trellis-like CNG. Reach gradients are steeper in the lower reaches of the Williams and Cranberry Rivers where hydrographs are attenuated. In contrast, peaked hydrographs within the Cherry River are associated with lower reach gradients despite resistant sandstone channel beds. Trellis-like CNG may restrict the ability of downstream reaches within the Williams and Cranberry Rivers to achieve the critical discharge needed to cause incision during floods (all other things being equal). If so, increased reach gradients may be hydraulic adjustments that compensate for comparatively low discharges. We are now applying the synthetic hydrographs to HEC-RAS flow models generated from field channel surveys in order to analyze whether stream power and shear stress are adjusted to reflect CNG at the reach- scale. These models are compared to those with discharges calculated using drainage area and precipitation totals alone. We conclude that gradients in bedrock mountain streams may reflect basin-scale hydrology (CNG) and not simply local geological or geomorphic factors. This challenges the conclusions of others who ascribe local channel adjustments to: i) lithology and structure alone, or ii) local colluvium grain sizes.

  1. ROS1 gene rearrangement and copy number gain in non-small cell lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Jin, Yan; Sun, Ping-Li; Kim, Hyojin; Park, Eunhyang; Shim, Hyo Sup; Jheon, Sanghoon; Kim, Kwhanmien; Lee, Choon-Taek; Chung, Jin-Haeng

    2015-01-01

    ROS1 has attracted much attention as a possible oncogenic driver and ROS1-rearranged tumors show sensitivity to most ALK inhibitors. We aimed to clarify the prevalence of ROS1 gene rearrangement and investigate the clinical implications of ROS1 gene copy number gain (CNG) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We carried out fluorescent in situ hybridization with ROS1 and centromere enumeration 6 probes and immunohistochemistry for ROS1 protein expression. ROS1 rearrangement was detected in 3 of 375 samples (0.8 %); all of whom were female, never-smokers, and harbored an adenocarcinoma component. ROS1 gene CNG was found in 18 cases (4.8 %). ROS1 gene CNG was significantly associated with shorter disease-free survival (DFS, 12 vs. 58 months; p = 0.003) and shorter overall survival (OS, 40 vs. 67 months; p <0.001) than the group without CNG. Multivariate analysis confirmed that ROS1 gene CNG was significantly associated with poorer DFS (hazard ratio [HR]=2.16, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.22-3.81, p = 0.008), and OS ([HR] = 2.53, 95 % [CI] = 1.31-4.89, p = 0.006). ROS1 protein overexpression was observed in 5.0 % (18 out of 357), of which 2 cases harbored ROS1 gene rearrangement. There was no statistically significant correlation between ROS1 gene CNG and protein overexpression. This study demonstrated ROS1 gene rearrangement was detected in 0.8 % of surgically resected NSCLC; and ROS1 gene CNG is an independent poor prognostic factor. This survival analyses may contribute to future studies on the utility of ROS1-targeted therapy for patients.

  2. Disease-associated mutations in CNGB3 promote cytotoxicity in photoreceptor-derived cells

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Chunming; Sherpa, Tshering

    2013-01-01

    Purpose To determine if achromatopsia associated F525N and T383fsX mutations in the CNGB3 subunit of cone photoreceptor cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels increases susceptibility to cell death in photoreceptor-derived cells. Methods Photoreceptor-derived 661W cells were transfected with cDNA encoding wild-type (WT) CNGA3 subunits plus WT or mutant CNGB3 subunits, and incubated with the membrane-permeable CNG channel activators 8-(4-chlorophenylthio) guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (CPT-cGMP) or CPT-adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (CPT-cAMP). Cell viability under these conditions was determined by measuring lactate dehydrogenase release. Channel ligand sensitivity was calibrated by patch-clamp recording after expression of WT or mutant channels in Xenopus oocytes. Results Coexpression of CNGA3 with CNGB3 subunits containing F525N or T383fsX mutations produced channels exhibiting increased apparent affinity for CPT-cGMP compared to WT channels. Consistent with these effects, cytotoxicity in the presence of 0.1 μM CPT-cGMP was enhanced relative to WT channels, and the increase in cell death was more pronounced for the mutation with the largest gain-of-function effect on channel gating, F525N. Increased susceptibility to cell death was prevented by application of the CNG channel blocker L-cis-diltiazem. Increased cytotoxicity was also found to be dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium. Conclusions These results indicate a connection between disease-associated mutations in cone CNG channel subunits, altered CNG channel-activation properties, and photoreceptor cytotoxicity. The rescue of cell viability via CNG channel block or removal of extracellular calcium suggests that cytotoxicity in this model depends on calcium entry through hyperactive CNG channels. PMID:23805033

  3. User Data Package for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicles for Navy Applications

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-04-01

    already available). GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS The advantages and disadvantages for implementing a CNG-fueled vehicle fleet at a specific site vary. However...at the user’s site , if a guaranteed minimum quantity of CNG will be purchased annually by the fleet operator. Utilities are also establishing special...at low pressure and compressed on- site , several additional charges must be added to the cost charged by the natural gas supplier (see Table 1). The

  4. Building a Business Case for Compressed Natural Gas in Fleet Applications

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

    Mitchell, G.

    2015-03-19

    Natural gas is a clean-burning, abundant, and domestically produced source of energy. Compressed natural gas (CNG) has recently garnered interest as a transportation fuel because of these attributes and because of its cost savings and price stability compared to conventional petroleum fuels. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed the Vehicle Infrastructure and Cash-Flow Evaluation (VICE) model to help businesses and fleets evaluate the financial soundness of CNG vehicle and CNG fueling infrastructure projects.

  5. Costs Associated With Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle Fueling Infrastructure

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

    Smith, M.; Gonzales, J.

    2014-09-01

    This document is designed to help fleets understand the cost factors associated with fueling infrastructure for compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. It provides estimated cost ranges for various sizes and types of CNG fueling stations and an overview of factors that contribute to the total cost of an installed station. The information presented is based on input from professionals in the natural gas industry who design, sell equipment for, and/or own and operate CNG stations.

  6. Fuels for urban transit buses: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

    PubMed

    Cohen, Joshua T; Hammitt, James K; Levy, Jonathan I

    2003-04-15

    Public transit agencies have begun to adopt alternative propulsion technologies to reduce urban transit bus emissions associated with conventional diesel (CD) engines. Among the most popular alternatives are emission controlled diesel buses (ECD), defined here to be buses with continuously regenerating diesel particle filters burning low-sulfur diesel fuel, and buses burning compressed natural gas (CNG). This study uses a series of simplifying assumptions to arrive at first-order estimates for the incremental cost-effectiveness (CE) of ECD and CNG relative to CD. The CE ratio numerator reflects acquisition and operating costs. The denominator reflects health losses (mortality and morbidity) due to primary particulate matter (PM), secondary PM, and ozone exposure, measured as quality adjusted life years (QALYs). We find that CNG provides larger health benefits than does ECD (nine vs six QALYs annually per 1000 buses) but that ECD is more cost-effective than CNG (dollar 270 000 per QALY for ECD vs dollar 1.7 million to dollar 2.4 million for CNG). These estimates are subject to much uncertainty. We identify assumptions that contribute most to this uncertainty and propose potential research directions to refine our estimates.

  7. A comparison of emissions from vehicles fueled with diesel or compressed natural gas.

    PubMed

    Hesterberg, Thomas W; Lapin, Charles A; Bunn, William B

    2008-09-01

    A comprehensive comparison of emissions from vehicles fueled with diesel or compressed natural gas (CNG) was developed from 25 reports on transit buses, school buses, refuse trucks, and passenger cars. Emissions for most compounds were highest for untreated exhaust emissions and lowest for treated exhaust CNG buses without after-treatment had the highest emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHC), volatile organic compounds (VOCs; e.g., benzene, butadiene, ethylene, etc.), and carbonyl compounds (e.g., formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein). Diesel buses without after-treatment had the highest emissions of particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Exhaust after-treatments reduced most emissions to similar levels in diesel and CNG buses. Nitrogen oxides (NO(x)) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were similar for most vehicle types, fuels, and exhaust after-treatments with some exceptions. Diesel school buses had higher CO2 emissions than the CNG bus. CNG transit buses and passenger cars equipped with three-way catalysts had lower NO(x) emissions. Diesel buses equipped with traps had higher nitrogen dioxide emissions. Fuel economy was best in the diesel buses not equipped with exhaust after-treatment.

  8. Structural studies of CNG repeats.

    PubMed

    Kiliszek, Agnieszka; Rypniewski, Wojciech

    2014-07-01

    CNG repeats (where N denotes one of the four natural nucleotides) are abundant in the human genome. Their tendency to undergo expansion can lead to hereditary diseases known as TREDs (trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders). The toxic factor can be protein, if the abnormal gene is expressed, or the gene transcript, or both. The gene transcripts have attracted much attention in the biomedical community, but their molecular structures have only recently been investigated. Model RNA molecules comprising CNG repeats fold into long hairpins whose stems generally conform to an A-type helix, in which the non-canonical N-N pairs are flanked by C-G and G-C pairs. Each homobasic pair is accommodated in the helical context in a unique manner, with consequences for the local helical parameters, solvent structure, electrostatic potential and potential to interact with ligands. The detailed three-dimensional profiles of RNA CNG repeats can be used in screening of compound libraries for potential therapeutics and in structure-based drug design. Here is a brief survey of the CNG structures published to date. © Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

  9. EML1 (CNG-Modulin) Controls Light Sensitivity in Darkness and under Continuous Illumination in Zebrafish Retinal Cone Photoreceptors

    PubMed Central

    Mehta, Milap; Tserentsoodol, Nomingerel; Postlethwait, John H.; Rebrik, Tatiana I.

    2013-01-01

    The ligand sensitivity of cGMP-gated (CNG) ion channels in cone photoreceptors is modulated by CNG-modulin, a Ca2+-binding protein. We investigated the functional role of CNG-modulin in phototransduction in vivo in morpholino-mediated gene knockdown zebrafish. Through comparative genomic analysis, we identified the orthologue gene of CNG-modulin in zebrafish, eml1, an ancient gene present in the genome of all vertebrates sequenced to date. We compare the photoresponses of wild-type cones with those of cones that do not express the EML1 protein. In the absence of EML1, dark-adapted cones are ∼5.3-fold more light sensitive than wild-type cones. Previous qualitative studies in several nonmammalian species have shown that immediately after the onset of continuous illumination, cones are less light sensitive than in darkness, but sensitivity then recovers over the following 15–20 s. We characterize light sensitivity recovery in continuously illuminated wild-type zebrafish cones and demonstrate that sensitivity recovery does not occur in the absence of EML1. PMID:24198367

  10. Modulation of the olfactory CNG channel by Ptdlns(3,4,5)P3.

    PubMed

    Zhainazarov, A B; Spehr, M; Wetzel, C H; Hatt, H; Ache, B W

    2004-09-01

    Recent data suggest that the 3-phosphoinositides can modulate cyclic nucleotide signaling in rat olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). Given the ability of diverse lipids to modulate ion channels, we asked whether phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) can regulate the olfactory cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel as a possible mechanism for this modulation. We show that applying PIP3 to the intracellular side of inside-out patches from rat ORNs inhibits activation of the olfactory CNG channel by cAMP. The effect of PIP3 is immediate and partially reversible, and reflects an increase in the EC50 of cAMP, not a reduction in the single-channel current amplitude. The effect of PIP3 is significantly stronger than that of PIP2; other phospholipids tested have no appreciable effect on channel activity. PIP3 similarly inhibits the recombinant heteromeric (A2/A4) and homomeric (A2) olfactory CNG channel expressed in HEK293 cells, suggesting that PIP3 acts directly on the channel. These findings indicate that 3-phosphoinositides can be functionally important regulators of CNG channels.

  11. EML1 (CNG-modulin) controls light sensitivity in darkness and under continuous illumination in zebrafish retinal cone photoreceptors.

    PubMed

    Korenbrot, Juan I; Mehta, Milap; Tserentsoodol, Nomingerel; Postlethwait, John H; Rebrik, Tatiana I

    2013-11-06

    The ligand sensitivity of cGMP-gated (CNG) ion channels in cone photoreceptors is modulated by CNG-modulin, a Ca(2+)-binding protein. We investigated the functional role of CNG-modulin in phototransduction in vivo in morpholino-mediated gene knockdown zebrafish. Through comparative genomic analysis, we identified the orthologue gene of CNG-modulin in zebrafish, eml1, an ancient gene present in the genome of all vertebrates sequenced to date. We compare the photoresponses of wild-type cones with those of cones that do not express the EML1 protein. In the absence of EML1, dark-adapted cones are ∼5.3-fold more light sensitive than wild-type cones. Previous qualitative studies in several nonmammalian species have shown that immediately after the onset of continuous illumination, cones are less light sensitive than in darkness, but sensitivity then recovers over the following 15-20 s. We characterize light sensitivity recovery in continuously illuminated wild-type zebrafish cones and demonstrate that sensitivity recovery does not occur in the absence of EML1.

  12. The combustion behavior of diesel/CNG mixtures in a constant volume combustion chamber

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Firmansyah; Aziz, A. R. A.; Heikal, M. R.

    2015-12-01

    The stringent emissions and needs to increase fuel efficiency makes controlled auto-ignition (CAI) based combustion an attractive alternative for the new combustion system. However, the combustion control is the main obstacles in its development. Reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) that employs two fuels with significantly different in reactivity proven to be able to control the combustion. The RCCI concept applied in a constant volume chamber fuelled with direct injected diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) was tested. The mixture composition is varied from 0 - 100% diesel/CNG at lambda 1 with main data collection are pressure profile and combustion images. The results show that diesel-CNG mixture significantly shows better combustion compared to diesel only. It is found that CNG is delaying the diesel combustion and at the same time assisting in diesel distribution inside the chamber. This combination creates a multipoint ignition of diesel throughout the chamber that generate very fast heat release rate and higher maximum pressure. Furthermore, lighter yellow color of the flame indicates lower soot production in compared with diesel combustion.

  13. Annual Quality Assurance Conference Abstracts by Barbara Marshik

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    25th Annual Quality Assurance Conference. Abstracts: Material and Process Conditions for Successful Use of Extractive Sampling Techniques and Certification Methods Errors in the Analysis of NMHC and VOCs in CNG-Based Engine Emissions by Barbara Marshik

  14. Alternative Fuels Data Center: CNG Fuel System and Tank Maintenance

    Science.gov Websites

    in this section... Natural Gas Basics Benefits & Considerations Stations Vehicles Availability fuel containers best practices document for more information. CNG Tank Inspection Performing a regular

  15. Alternative Fuels Data Center

    Science.gov Websites

    natural gas (LNG) and propane used as motor fuel in diesel gallon equivalents (DGEs). For taxation compressed natural gas (CNG) used as motor fuel in gasoline gallon equivalents (GGEs). CNG must be reported

  16. cGMP/Protein Kinase G Signaling Suppresses Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor Phosphorylation and Promotes Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Photoreceptors of Cyclic Nucleotide-gated Channel-deficient Mice*

    PubMed Central

    Ma, Hongwei; Butler, Michael R.; Thapa, Arjun; Belcher, Josh; Yang, Fan; Baehr, Wolfgang; Biel, Martin; Michalakis, Stylianos; Ding, Xi-Qin

    2015-01-01

    Photoreceptor cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels play a pivotal role in phototransduction. Mutations in the cone CNG channel subunits CNGA3 and CNGB3 are associated with achromatopsia and cone dystrophies. We have shown endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-associated apoptotic cone death and increased phosphorylation of the ER Ca2+ channel inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor 1 (IP3R1) in CNG channel-deficient mice. We also presented a remarkable elevation of cGMP and an increased activity of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase G, PKG) in CNG channel deficiency. This work investigated whether cGMP/PKG signaling regulates ER stress and IP3R1 phosphorylation in CNG channel-deficient cones. Treatment with PKG inhibitor and deletion of guanylate cyclase-1 (GC1), the enzyme producing cGMP in cones, were used to suppress cGMP/PKG signaling in cone-dominant Cnga3−/−/Nrl−/− mice. We found that treatment with PKG inhibitor or deletion of GC1 effectively reduced apoptotic cone death, increased expression levels of cone proteins, and decreased activation of Müller glial cells. Furthermore, we observed significantly increased phosphorylation of IP3R1 and reduced ER stress. Our findings demonstrate a role of cGMP/PKG signaling in ER stress and ER Ca2+ channel regulation and provide insights into the mechanism of cone degeneration in CNG channel deficiency. PMID:26124274

  17. PACS-1 Mediates Phosphorylation-Dependent Ciliary Trafficking of the CNG Channel in Olfactory Sensory Neurons

    PubMed Central

    Jenkins, Paul M.; Zhang, Lian; Thomas, Gary; Martens, Jeffrey R.

    2009-01-01

    Impaired ciliary protein transport in olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) leads to anosmia, and is a newly recognized clinical manifestation of a class of human disorders called ciliopathies. Surprisingly little is known regarding the mechanisms controlling trafficking to this unique neuronal compartment. Here, we show a novel role for phosphofurin acidic cluster-sorting protein 1 (PACS-1) in the ciliary trafficking of the olfactory CNG channel. PACS-1 is an intracellular sorting protein that mediates its effects through the binding of acidic clusters on cargo protein. This interaction is dependent on CK2 phosphorylation of both PACS-1 and its cargo. We show that CNGB1b contains two putative PACS-1 binding sites, which are phosphorylated by the serine/threonine protein kinase, CK2. Additionally, we show that PACS-1 is expressed in OSNs and interacts in complex with the CNG channel. CK2 inhibition in native OSNs causes a loss of CNG channel from cilia and subsequent olfactory dysfunction, while adenoviral expression of mutant PACS-1 causes similar mislocalization. These results provide a mechanism for the subunit-dependent ciliary trafficking of the CNG channel and offer insight into the mechanisms of ciliary transport. PMID:19710307

  18. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Transit Bus Experience Survey: April 2009--April 2010

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

    Adams, R.; Horne, D. B.

    2010-09-01

    This survey was commissioned by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to collect and analyze experiential data and information from a cross-section of U.S. transit agencies with varying degrees of compressed natural gas (CNG) bus and station experience. This information will be used to assist DOE and NREL in determining areas of success and areas where further technical or other assistance might be required, and to assist them in focusing on areas judged by the CNG transit community as priority items.

  19. Low Diversity Cryptococcus neoformans Variety grubii Multilocus Sequence Types from Thailand Are Consistent with an Ancestral African Origin

    PubMed Central

    Simwami, Sitali P.; Khayhan, Kantarawee; Henk, Daniel A.; Aanensen, David M.; Boekhout, Teun; Hagen, Ferry; Brouwer, Annemarie E.; Harrison, Thomas S.; Donnelly, Christl A.; Fisher, Matthew C.

    2011-01-01

    The global burden of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis is estimated at nearly one million cases per year, causing up to a third of all AIDS-related deaths. Molecular epidemiology constitutes the main methodology for understanding the factors underpinning the emergence of this understudied, yet increasingly important, group of pathogenic fungi. Cryptococcus species are notable in the degree that virulence differs amongst lineages, and highly-virulent emerging lineages are changing patterns of human disease both temporally and spatially. Cryptococcus neoformans variety grubii (Cng, serotype A) constitutes the most ubiquitous cause of cryptococcal meningitis worldwide, however patterns of molecular diversity are understudied across some regions experiencing significant burdens of disease. We compared 183 clinical and environmental isolates of Cng from one such region, Thailand, Southeast Asia, against a global MLST database of 77 Cng isolates. Population genetic analyses showed that Thailand isolates from 11 provinces were highly homogenous, consisting of the same genetic background (globally known as VNI) and exhibiting only ten nearly identical sequence types (STs), with three (STs 44, 45 and 46) dominating our sample. This population contains significantly less diversity when compared against the global population of Cng, specifically Africa. Genetic diversity in Cng was significantly subdivided at the continental level with nearly half (47%) of the global STs unique to a genetically diverse and recombining population in Botswana. These patterns of diversity, when combined with evidence from haplotypic networks and coalescent analyses of global populations, are highly suggestive of an expansion of the Cng VNI clade out of Africa, leading to a limited number of genotypes founding the Asian populations. Divergence time testing estimates the time to the most common ancestor between the African and Asian populations to be 6,920 years ago (95% HPD 122.96 - 27,177.76). Further high-density sampling of global Cng STs is now necessary to resolve the temporal sequence underlying the global emergence of this human pathogen. PMID:21573144

  20. Low diversity Cryptococcus neoformans variety grubii multilocus sequence types from Thailand are consistent with an ancestral African origin.

    PubMed

    Simwami, Sitali P; Khayhan, Kantarawee; Henk, Daniel A; Aanensen, David M; Boekhout, Teun; Hagen, Ferry; Brouwer, Annemarie E; Harrison, Thomas S; Donnelly, Christl A; Fisher, Matthew C

    2011-04-01

    The global burden of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis is estimated at nearly one million cases per year, causing up to a third of all AIDS-related deaths. Molecular epidemiology constitutes the main methodology for understanding the factors underpinning the emergence of this understudied, yet increasingly important, group of pathogenic fungi. Cryptococcus species are notable in the degree that virulence differs amongst lineages, and highly-virulent emerging lineages are changing patterns of human disease both temporally and spatially. Cryptococcus neoformans variety grubii (Cng, serotype A) constitutes the most ubiquitous cause of cryptococcal meningitis worldwide, however patterns of molecular diversity are understudied across some regions experiencing significant burdens of disease. We compared 183 clinical and environmental isolates of Cng from one such region, Thailand, Southeast Asia, against a global MLST database of 77 Cng isolates. Population genetic analyses showed that Thailand isolates from 11 provinces were highly homogenous, consisting of the same genetic background (globally known as VNI) and exhibiting only ten nearly identical sequence types (STs), with three (STs 44, 45 and 46) dominating our sample. This population contains significantly less diversity when compared against the global population of Cng, specifically Africa. Genetic diversity in Cng was significantly subdivided at the continental level with nearly half (47%) of the global STs unique to a genetically diverse and recombining population in Botswana. These patterns of diversity, when combined with evidence from haplotypic networks and coalescent analyses of global populations, are highly suggestive of an expansion of the Cng VNI clade out of Africa, leading to a limited number of genotypes founding the Asian populations. Divergence time testing estimates the time to the most common ancestor between the African and Asian populations to be 6,920 years ago (95% HPD 122.96 - 27,177.76). Further high-density sampling of global Cng STs is now necessary to resolve the temporal sequence underlying the global emergence of this human pathogen.

  1. Circulating Tumor Cells with Aberrant ALK Copy Number Predict Progression-Free Survival during Crizotinib Treatment in ALK-Rearranged Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients.

    PubMed

    Pailler, Emma; Oulhen, Marianne; Borget, Isabelle; Remon, Jordi; Ross, Kirsty; Auger, Nathalie; Billiot, Fanny; Ngo Camus, Maud; Commo, Frédéric; Lindsay, Colin R; Planchard, David; Soria, Jean-Charles; Besse, Benjamin; Farace, Françoise

    2017-05-01

    The duration and magnitude of clinical response are unpredictable in ALK -rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with crizotinib, although all patients invariably develop resistance. Here, we evaluated whether circulating tumor cells (CTC) with aberrant ALK -FISH patterns [ ALK -rearrangement, ALK -copy number gain ( ALK -CNG)] monitored on crizotinib could predict progression-free survival (PFS) in a cohort of ALK -rearranged patients. Thirty-nine ALK -rearranged NSCLC patients treated with crizotinib as first ALK inhibitor were recruited prospectively. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at an early time-point (2 months) on crizotinib. Aberrant ALK -FISH patterns were examined in CTCs using immunofluorescence staining combined with filter-adapted FISH after filtration enrichment. CTCs were classified into distinct subsets according to the presence of ALK -rearrangement and/or ALK -CNG signals. No significant association between baseline numbers of ALK -rearranged or ALK -CNG CTCs and PFS was observed. However, we observed a significant association between the decrease in CTC number with ALK -CNG on crizotinib and a longer PFS (likelihood ratio test, P = 0.025). In multivariate analysis, the dynamic change of CTC with ALK -CNG was the strongest factor associated with PFS (HR, 4.485; 95% confidence interval, 1.543-13.030, P = 0.006). Although not dominant, ALK -CNG has been reported to be one of the mechanisms of acquired resistance to crizotinib in tumor biopsies. Our results suggest that the dynamic change in the numbers of CTCs with ALK -CNG may be a predictive biomarker for crizotinib efficacy in ALK -rearranged NSCLC patients. Serial molecular analysis of CTC shows promise for real-time patient monitoring and clinical outcome prediction in this population. Cancer Res; 77(9); 2222-30. ©2017 AACR . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

  2. ALK gene copy number gain and its clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Jia, Shou-Wei; Fu, Sha; Wang, Fang; Shao, Qiong; Huang, Hong-Bing; Shao, Jian-Yong

    2014-01-07

    To examine the status and clinical significance of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. A total of 213 cases of HCC were examined by fluorescent in situ hybridization using dual color break-apart ALK probes for the detection of chromosomal translocation and gene copy number gain. HCC tissue microarrays were constructed, and the correlation between the ALK status and clinicopathological variables was assessed by χ(2) test or Fisher's exact test. Survival analysis was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier approach with a Log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses of clinical variables were performed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. ALK gene translocation was not observed in any of the HCC cases included in the present study. ALK gene copy number gain (ALK/CNG) (≥ 4 copies/cell) was detected in 28 (13.15%) of the 213 HCC patients. The 3-year progression-free-survival (PFS) rate for ALK/CNG-positive HCC patients was significantly poorer than ALK/CNG-negative patients (27.3% vs 42.5%, P = 0.048), especially for patients with advanced stage III/IV (0% vs 33.5%, P = 0.007), and patients with grade III disease (24.8% vs 49.9%, P = 0.023). ALK/CNG-positive HCC patients had a significantly poorer prognosis than ALK/CNG-negative patients in the subgroup that was negative for serum hepatitis B virus DNA, with significantly different 3-year overall survival rates (18.2% vs 63.6%, P = 0.021) and PFS rates (18.2% vs 46.9%, P = 0.019). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis suggested that ALK/CNG prevalence can predict death in HCC (HR = 1.596; 95%CI: 1.008-2.526, P = 0.046). ALK/CNG, but not translocation of ALK, is present in HCC and may be an unfavorable prognostic predictor.

  3. ALK gene copy number gain and its clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma

    PubMed Central

    Jia, Shou-Wei; Fu, Sha; Wang, Fang; Shao, Qiong; Huang, Hong-Bing; Shao, Jian-Yong

    2014-01-01

    AIM: To examine the status and clinical significance of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. METHODS: A total of 213 cases of HCC were examined by fluorescent in situ hybridization using dual color break-apart ALK probes for the detection of chromosomal translocation and gene copy number gain. HCC tissue microarrays were constructed, and the correlation between the ALK status and clinicopathological variables was assessed by χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test. Survival analysis was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier approach with a Log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses of clinical variables were performed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: ALK gene translocation was not observed in any of the HCC cases included in the present study. ALK gene copy number gain (ALK/CNG) (≥ 4 copies/cell) was detected in 28 (13.15%) of the 213 HCC patients. The 3-year progression-free-survival (PFS) rate for ALK/CNG-positive HCC patients was significantly poorer than ALK/CNG-negative patients (27.3% vs 42.5%, P = 0.048), especially for patients with advanced stage III/IV (0% vs 33.5%, P = 0.007), and patients with grade III disease (24.8% vs 49.9%, P = 0.023). ALK/CNG-positive HCC patients had a significantly poorer prognosis than ALK/CNG-negative patients in the subgroup that was negative for serum hepatitis B virus DNA, with significantly different 3-year overall survival rates (18.2% vs 63.6%, P = 0.021) and PFS rates (18.2% vs 46.9%, P = 0.019). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis suggested that ALK/CNG prevalence can predict death in HCC (HR = 1.596; 95%CI: 1.008-2.526, P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: ALK/CNG, but not translocation of ALK, is present in HCC and may be an unfavorable prognostic predictor. PMID:24415871

  4. ALK gene copy number gains in non-small-cell lung cancer: prognostic impact and clinico-pathological correlations.

    PubMed

    Peretti, U; Ferrara, R; Pilotto, S; Kinspergher, S; Caccese, M; Santo, A; Brunelli, M; Caliò, A; Carbognin, L; Sperduti, I; Garassino, M; Chilosi, M; Scarpa, A; Tortora, G; Bria, E

    2016-08-25

    The correlation between ALK gene copy number gain (ALK-CNG) and prognosis in the context of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a controversial issue. This study aimed to evaluate the association among ALK-CNG according to Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH), clinical characteristics and survival in resectable and advanced NSCLC. Clinical and pathological data of patients with resectable and advanced NSCLC were retrospectively collected. Tumor tissues were analyzed for ALK-CNG by FISH, and patients were divided in 3 groups/patterns on the basis of ALK signals: disomic [Pattern A], 3-7 signals [Pattern B], >7 signals [Pattern C]. The association between clinical and pathological features and ALK-CNG patterns was evaluated. Disease/progression-free and overall survival (DFS/PFS and OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meyer method. A number of 128 (76.6 %) out of the 167 eligible patients were evaluable for ALK-CNG, displaying pattern A, B and C in 71 (42.5 %), 42 (25.1 %) and 15 (9 %) patients, respectively. Gains in ALK-CNG appear to be more frequent in smokers/former smokers than in non-smokers (74.2 % versus 20.4 %, respectively, p = 0.03). Pattern A and C seem more frequently associated with higher T-stage (T3-4), while pattern B appears more represented in lower T-stage (T 1-2) (p = 0.06). No significant differences in survival rate were observed among the above groups. A high ALK-CNG pattern might be associated with smoking status and theoretically it might mirror genomic instability. The implications for prognosis should be prospectively investigated and validated in larger patients' series. We confirm that all the study was performed in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations and that all the protocol (part of a larger project MFAG 2013 N.14282) was approved by the local Ethics Committee of the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona on November 11st, 2014.

  5. Alternative Fuels Data Center

    Science.gov Websites

    Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Propane Tax CNG and propane used in motor vehicles is subject to a state motor fuel tax rate of $0.26 per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE). For taxation purposes, one GGE

  6. Dispersion of CNG Following a High-Pressure Release

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1996-05-01

    This report discusses the results of tests to determine the dispersive behavior of compressed natural gas (CNG) when released in enclosed areas such as transit bus facility, and presents the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center's (VNTSC) conc...

  7. Cost-effectiveness analysis of CNG urban taxi operations.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1993-10-01

    Increased emphasis on energy efficiency and air quality has resulted in a number of state and federal initiatives : examining the use of alternative fuels for motor vehicles. Texas' program for alternate fuels includes compressed : natural gas (CNG)....

  8. An experimental investigation of performance of diesel to CNG engine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Misra, Sheelam; Gupta, Ayush; Garg, Ashutosh

    2018-05-01

    Over the past few decades, diesel engines are widely used in automobiles which is responsible for hazardous increase in pollution. Around the world, many countries are trying to reduce it by replacing diesel with CNG as a fuel which is more economical and leads to pollution free environment. Engineers came up with an idea to convert diesel engine to CNG engine. This conversion is possible by doing some alteration of engine components and it also include adding some extra components to the system which includes spark plug, valves etc. and by decreasing the compression ratio of the engine. It is used worldwide today and many countries have many programs to convert older, polluting diesel vehicles to CNG enable vehicles so that they can run on clean, economical natural gas. This is, an excellent way to reduce fuel cost, reduce pollution, reduce noise with minimum possible capital costs.first, second, and third level headings.

  9. Gaseous emissions from compressed natural gas buses in urban road and highway tests in China.

    PubMed

    Yue, Tingting; Chai, Fahe; Hu, Jingnan; Jia, Ming; Bao, Xiaofeng; Li, Zhenhua; He, Liqang; Zu, Lei

    2016-10-01

    The natural gas vehicle market is rapidly developing throughout the world, and the majority of such vehicles operate on compressed natural gas (CNG). However, most studies on the emission characteristics of CNG vehicles rely on laboratory chassis dynamometer measurements, which do not accurately represent actual road driving conditions. To further investigate the emission characteristics of CNG vehicles, two CNG city buses and two CNG coaches were tested on public urban roads and highway sections. Our results show that when speeds of 0-10km/hr were increased to 10-20km/hr, the CO 2 , CO, nitrogen oxide (NO x ), and total hydrocarbon (THC) emission factors decreased by (71.6±4.3)%, (65.6±9.5)%, (64.9±9.2)% and (67.8±0.3)%, respectively. In this study, The Beijing city buses with stricter emission standards (Euro IV) did not have lower emission factors than the Chongqing coaches with Euro II emission standards. Both the higher emission factors at 0-10km/hr speeds and the higher percentage of driving in the low-speed regime during the entire road cycle may have contributed to the higher CO 2 and CO emission factors of these city buses. Additionally, compared with the emission factors produced in the urban road tests, the CO emission factors of the CNG buses in highway tests decreased the most (by 83.2%), followed by the THC emission factors, which decreased by 67.1%. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  10. Peripherin-2 couples rhodopsin to the CNG channel in outer segments of rod photoreceptors.

    PubMed

    Becirovic, Elvir; Nguyen, O N Phuong; Paparizos, Christos; Butz, Elisabeth S; Stern-Schneider, Gabi; Wolfrum, Uwe; Hauck, Stefanie M; Ueffing, Marius; Wahl-Schott, Christian; Michalakis, Stylianos; Biel, Martin

    2014-11-15

    Outer segments (OSs) of rod photoreceptors are cellular compartments specialized in the conversion of light into electrical signals. This process relies on the light-triggered change in the intracellular levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate, which in turn controls the activity of cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels in the rod OS plasma membrane. The rod CNG channel is a macromolecular complex that in its core harbors the ion-conducting CNGA1 and CNGB1a subunits. To identify additional proteins of the complex that interact with the CNGB1a core subunit, we applied affinity purification of mouse retinal proteins followed by mass spectrometry. In combination with in vitro and in vivo co-immunoprecipitation and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), we found that the tetraspanin peripherin-2 links CNGB1a to the light-detector rhodopsin. Using immunoelectron microscopy, we found that this peripherin-2/rhodopsin/CNG channel complex localizes to the contact region between the disk rims and the plasma membrane. FRET measurements revealed that the fourth transmembrane domain (TM4) of peripherin-2 is required for the interaction with rhodopsin. Quantitatively, the binding affinity of the peripherin-2/rhodopsin interaction was in a similar range as that observed for rhodopsin dimers. Finally, we demonstrate that the p.G266D retinitis pigmentosa mutation found within TM4 selectively abolishes the binding of peripherin-2 to rhodopsin. This finding suggests that the specific disruption of the rhodopsin/peripherin-2 interaction in the p.G266D mutant might contribute to the pathophysiology in affected persons. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  11. Injection characteristics study of high-pressure direct injector for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) using experimental and analytical method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Taha, Z.; Rahim, MF Abdul; Mamat, R.

    2017-10-01

    The injection characteristics of direct injector affect the mixture formation and combustion processes. In addition, the injector is converted from gasoline operation for CNG application. Thus measurement of CNG direct injector mass flow rate was done by independently tested a single injector on a test bench. The first case investigated the effect of CNG injection pressure and the second case evaluate the effect of pulse-width of injection duration. An analytical model was also developed to predict the mass flow rate of the injector. The injector was operated in a choked condition in both the experiments and simulation studies. In case 1, it was shown that mass flow rate through the injector is affected by injection pressure linearly. Based on the tested injection pressure of 20 bar to 60 bar, the resultant mass flow rate are in the range of 0.4 g/s to 1.2 g/s which are met with theoretical flow rate required by the engine. However, in Case 2, it was demonstrated that the average mass flow rate at short injection durations is lower than recorded in Case 1. At injection pressure of 50 bar, the average mass flow rate for Case 2 and Case 1 are 0.7 g/s and 1.1 g/s respectively. Also, the measured mass flow rate at short injection duration showing a fluctuating data in the range of 0.2 g/s - 1.3 g/s without any noticeable trends. The injector model able to predict the trend of the mass flow rate at different injection pressure but unable to track the fluctuating trend at short injection duration.

  12. Emission of a Dual-Fuel Turbocharged Compression Ignition Engine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rózycki, Andrzej

    2012-02-01

    The paper describes the results of a four-cylinder dual fuel turbocharged compression ignition engine. The aim of the study was to determine the maximum CNG share in thefuel mixture delivered into the cylinder. Analysis of the investigation results showed that the CNG energy share in the fuel charge delivered into the cylinder can reach 45%. At that level of CNG energy share a 15% reduction in maximum torque is achieved in comparison with the standard fuelling. The unburnt hydrocarbon emission increases significantly. Emissions of other principal pollutants reach values comparable with those obtained at standard fuelling.

  13. Air quality and climate impacts due to CNG conversion of motor vehicles in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

    PubMed

    Wadud, Zia; Khan, Tanzila

    2013-12-17

    Dhaka had recently experienced rapid conversion of its motor vehicle fleet to run on compressed natural gas (CNG). This paper quantifies ex-post the air quality and climate benefits of the CNG conversion policy, including monetary valuations, through an impact pathway approach. Around 2045 (1665) avoided premature deaths in greater Dhaka (City Corporation) can be attributed to air quality improvements from the CNG conversion policy in 2010, resulting in a saving of around USD 400 million. Majority of these health benefits resulted from the conversion of high-emitting diesel vehicles. CNG conversion was clearly detrimental from climate change perspective using the changes in CO2 and CH4 only (CH4 emissions increased); however, after considering other global pollutants (especially black carbon), the climate impact was ambiguous. Uncertainty assessment using input distributions and Monte Carlo simulation along with a sensitivity analysis show that large uncertainties remain for climate impacts. For our most likely estimate, there were some climate costs, valued at USD 17.7 million, which is an order of magnitude smaller than the air quality benefits. This indicates that such policies can and should be undertaken on the grounds of improving local air pollution alone and that precautions should be taken to reduce the potentially unintended increases in GHG emissions or other unintended effects.

  14. CryoEM structure of a prokaryotic cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel

    PubMed Central

    James, Zachary M.; Borst, Andrew J.; Haitin, Yoni; Frenz, Brandon; DiMaio, Frank; Zagotta, William N.; Veesler, David

    2017-01-01

    Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-regulated (HCN) ion channels play crucial physiological roles in phototransduction, olfaction, and cardiac pace making. These channels are characterized by the presence of a carboxyl-terminal cyclic nucleotide-binding domain (CNBD) that connects to the channel pore via a C-linker domain. Although cyclic nucleotide binding has been shown to promote CNG and HCN channel opening, the precise mechanism underlying gating remains poorly understood. Here we used cryoEM to determine the structure of the intact LliK CNG channel isolated from Leptospira licerasiae—which shares sequence similarity to eukaryotic CNG and HCN channels—in the presence of a saturating concentration of cAMP. A short S4–S5 linker connects nearby voltage-sensing and pore domains to produce a non–domain-swapped transmembrane architecture, which appears to be a hallmark of this channel family. We also observe major conformational changes of the LliK C-linkers and CNBDs relative to the crystal structures of isolated C-linker/CNBD fragments and the cryoEM structures of related CNG, HCN, and KCNH channels. The conformation of our LliK structure may represent a functional state of this channel family not captured in previous studies. PMID:28396445

  15. 46 CFR 25.45-2 - Cooking systems on vessels carrying passengers for hire.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... allowed for CNG: (i) The storage locker or housing access opening need not be in the top. (ii) The locker...) The storage locker or housing for CNG tank installations need not be above the waterline as required...

  16. 46 CFR 25.45-2 - Cooking systems on vessels carrying passengers for hire.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... allowed for CNG: (i) The storage locker or housing access opening need not be in the top. (ii) The locker...) The storage locker or housing for CNG tank installations need not be above the waterline as required...

  17. 46 CFR 25.45-2 - Cooking systems on vessels carrying passengers for hire.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... allowed for CNG: (i) The storage locker or housing access opening need not be in the top. (ii) The locker...) The storage locker or housing for CNG tank installations need not be above the waterline as required...

  18. 46 CFR 25.45-2 - Cooking systems on vessels carrying passengers for hire.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... allowed for CNG: (i) The storage locker or housing access opening need not be in the top. (ii) The locker...) The storage locker or housing for CNG tank installations need not be above the waterline as required...

  19. Guidance on Biogas used to Produce CNG or LNG under the Renewable Fuel Standard Program

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Provides EPA’s interpretation of biogas quality and RIN generation requirements that apply to renewable fuel production pathways involving the injection into a commercial pipeline of biogas for use in producing renewable CNG or renewable LNG.

  20. TRESP II testing of AFS dual fuel system.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2013-11-01

    A dual fuel CNG and diesel system was retrofitted to a 13 L Volvo semi tractor for testing to verify the : fuel economy and CNG substitution rate. The semi tractor was tested on interstate and mountainous : highway routes with a loaded trailer. Fuel ...

  1. On-road measurement of regulated pollutants from diesel and CNG buses with urea selective catalytic reduction systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guo, Jiadong; Ge, Yunshan; Hao, Lijun; Tan, Jianwei; Li, Jiaqiang; Feng, Xiangyu

    2014-12-01

    In this study, emissions from 13 buses operated in Beijing, including two Euro-III diesel buses, four Euro-IV diesel buses, three Euro-V diesel buses and four Euro-V CNG buses, were characterized in real world conditions. All of the buses tested were fitted with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems except for the Euro-III diesel buses. A SEMTECH-DS was used for testing the gaseous pollutants, and an electric low pressure impactor (ELPI) was used for measuring of particle numbers and size distributions. A comparison was made based on emission performance of these buses by employing the VSP approach and fuel- based emissions factors. Diesel buses emitted less CO and THC but more NOx and PM pollutants than CNG buses. The NOx reduction efficiencies of the SCR systems for CNG buses were higher because of the high exhaust temperature and high NO2/NOx ratio, whereas the efficiencies for diesel buses were lower. This resulted in extremely low NOx emissions from CNG buses, but the high NO2/NOx ratio needs further study. Failures of urea injection in the SCR systems were detected in this research, which resulted in very high NOx emissions. The CNG buses also emitted smaller numbers of particles and less particle mass with the presence of oxidation catalysts. Diesel buses satisfying the Euro-V standard performed better than Euro-IV and Euro-III diesel buses in terms of emission performance, except for more nuclei mode particles. Most of time, the Euro-IV diesel buses show no advantages in CO and NOx emissions compared with the Euro-III diesel buses.

  2. Particle and gaseous emissions from compressed natural gas and ultralow sulphur diesel-fuelled buses at four steady engine loads.

    PubMed

    Jayaratne, E R; Ristovski, Z D; Meyer, N; Morawska, L

    2009-04-01

    Exhaust emissions from thirteen compressed natural gas (CNG) and nine ultralow sulphur diesel in-service transport buses were monitored on a chassis dynamometer. Measurements were carried out at idle and at three steady engine loads of 25%, 50% and 100% of maximum power at a fixed speed of 60 km h(-1). Emission factors were estimated for particle mass and number, carbon dioxide and oxides of nitrogen for two types of CNG buses (Scania and MAN, compatible with Euro 2 and 3 emission standards, respectively) and two types of diesel buses (Volvo Pre-Euro/Euro1 and Mercedez OC500 Euro3). All emission factors increased with load. The median particle mass emission factor for the CNG buses was less than 1% of that from the diesel buses at all loads. However, the particle number emission factors did not show a statistically significant difference between buses operating on the two types of fuel. In this paper, for the very first time, particle number emission factors are presented at four steady state engine loads for CNG buses. Median values ranged from the order of 10(12) particles min(-)(1) at idle to 10(15) particles km(-)(1) at full power. Most of the particles observed in the CNG emissions were in the nanoparticle size range and likely to be composed of volatile organic compounds The CO2 emission factors were about 20% to 30% greater for the diesel buses over the CNG buses, while the oxides of nitrogen emission factors did not show any difference due to the large variation between buses.

  3. Impact of epidermal growth factor receptor protein and gene alteration on Taiwanese hepatocellular carcinomas.

    PubMed

    Su, Yu-Hung; Ng, Kwai-Fong; Yu, Ming-Chin; Wu, Ting-Jung; Yeh, Ta-Sen; Lee, Wei-Chen; Lin, Yong-Shiang; Hsieh, Tsung-Han; Lin, Chun-Yen; Yeh, Chau-Ting; Chen, Tse-Ching

    2015-09-01

    Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression is associated with disease progression and poor survival in a variety of solid tumors. The role of EGFR in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. One hundred thirty-eight HCCs were analyzed for total EGFR (t-EGFR) and phospho-EGFR (p-EGFR) expression and gene amplification using immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The role of EGFR was analyzed in relation to the clinicopathological features. Weak to strong p-EGFR immunostaining was noted in 42 of the 138 HCCs. p-EGFR expression correlated with alcoholism (P = 0.03) and chronic hepatitis B infection (P = 0.041). There was no correlation between t-EGFR expression and any of the clinicopathological features. Amplification of the EGFR gene was not identified in the 138 HCCs, but 39.1% of the HCCs showed balanced polysomy of both the EGFR gene and centromere 7. Moreover, 65 tumors showed > 2.2 copies per tumor cell. EGFR copy number gain (CNG) was significantly correlated with gender (P = 0.0491), tumor grade (P = 0.006), and vascular invasion (P = 0.005). HCCs with EGFR CNG also had a poor recurrence-free survival (RFS), as compared with HCCs without EGFR CNG (P = 0.031). When exploring the impact of gender, a significant association of EGFR CNG was found with tumor grade (P = 0.044) and cirrhosis (P = 0.015) exclusively in the male group only; however, the OS and RFS analysis show no significant difference between male and female groups. EGFR CNG was related to crucial clinicopathological features and early recurrence, indicating that EGFR CNG might be a poor prognosis factor for Taiwanese HCC. © 2015 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

  4. Influence of extensive compressed natural gas (CNG) usage on air quality

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suthawaree, Jeeranut; Sikder, Helena Akhter; Jones, Charlotte Emily; Kato, Shungo; Kunimi, Hitoshi; Mohammed Hamidul Kabir, Abu Naser; Kajii, Yoshizumi

    2012-07-01

    Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is an inexpensive, indigenous energy resource which currently accounts for the majority of automobile and domestic energy consumption in Bangladesh. This extensive CNG usage, particularly within the capital city, Dhaka, heavily influences the atmospheric composition (and hence air quality), yet to date measurements of trace gases in regions dominated by CNG emissions are relatively limited. Here we report continuous observations of the atmospherically important trace gases O3, CO, SO2, NOx and volatile organic compounds (VOC), in ambient air in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, during May 2011. The average mixing ratios of O3, CO, SO2, and NOx for the measurement period were 18.9, 520.9, 7.6 and 21.5 ppbv, respectively. The ratios of CO to NO reveal that emissions from gasoline and CNG-fuelled vehicles were dominant during the daytime (slope of ˜26), while in contrast, owing to restrictions imposed on diesel fuelled vehicles entering Dhaka City, emissions from these vehicles only became significant during the night (slope of ˜10). The total VOC mixing ratio in Dhaka was ˜5-10 times higher than the levels reported in more developed Asian cities such as Tokyo and Bangkok, which consequently gives rise to a higher ozone formation potential (OFP). However, the most abundant VOC in Dhaka were the relatively long-lived ethane and propane (with mean mixing ratios of ˜115 and ˜30 ppbv, respectively), and as a consequence, the ozone formation potential per ppb carbon (ppbC) was lower in Dhaka than in Tokyo and Bangkok. Thus the atmospheric composition of air influenced by extensive CNG combustion may be characterized by high VOC mixing ratios, yet mixing ratios of the photochemical pollutant ozone do not drastically exceed the levels typical of Asian cities with considerably lower VOC levels.

  5. A conserved tripeptide in CNG and HCN channels regulates ligand gating by controlling C-terminal oligomerization.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Lei; Olivier, Nelson B; Yao, Huan; Young, Edgar C; Siegelbaum, Steven A

    2004-12-02

    Cyclic nucleotides directly enhance the opening of the tetrameric CNG and HCN channels, although the mechanism remains unclear. We examined why HCN and certain CNG subunits form functional homomeric channels, whereas other CNG subunits only function in heteromeric channels. The "defect" in the CNGA4 subunit that prevents its homomeric expression was localized to its C-linker, which connects the transmembrane domain to the binding domain and contains a tripeptide that decreases the efficacy of ligand gating. Remarkably, replacement of the homologous HCN tripeptide with the CNGA4 sequence transformed cAMP into an inverse agonist that inhibits HCN channel opening. Using analytical ultracentrifugation, we identified the structural basis for this gating switch: whereas cAMP normally enhances the assembly of HCN C-terminal domains into a tetrameric gating ring, inclusion of the CNGA4 tripeptide reversed this action so that cAMP now causes gating ring disassembly. Thus, ligand gating depends on the dynamic oligomerization of C-terminal binding domains.

  6. Olfactory CNG channel desensitization by Ca2+/CaM via the B1b subunit affects response termination but not sensitivity to recurring stimulation.

    PubMed

    Song, Yijun; Cygnar, Katherine D; Sagdullaev, Botir; Valley, Matthew; Hirsh, Sarah; Stephan, Aaron; Reisert, Johannes; Zhao, Haiqing

    2008-05-08

    Ca2+/calmodulin-mediated negative feedback is a prototypical regulatory mechanism for Ca2+-permeable ion channels. In olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), such regulation on the cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel is considered a major mechanism of OSN adaptation. To determine the role of Ca2+/calmodulin desensitization of the olfactory CNG channel, we introduced a mutation in the channel subunit CNGB1b in mice that rendered the channel resistant to fast desensitization by Ca2+/calmodulin. Contrary to expectations, mutant OSNs showed normal receptor current adaptation to repeated stimulation. Rather, they displayed slower response termination and, consequently, reduced ability to transmit olfactory information to the olfactory bulb. They also displayed reduced response decline during sustained odorant exposure. These results suggest that Ca2+/calmodulin-mediated CNG channel fast desensitization is less important in regulating the sensitivity to recurring stimulation than previously thought and instead functions primarily to terminate OSN responses.

  7. Natural Gas Vehicle Cylinder Safety, Training and Inspection Project

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

    Hank Seiff

    2008-12-31

    Under the auspices of the National Energy Technology Laboratory and the US Department of Energy, the Clean Vehicle Education Foundation conducted a three-year program to increase the understanding of the safe and proper use and maintenance of vehicular compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel systems. High-pressure fuel systems require periodic inspection and maintenance to insure safe and proper operation. The project addressed the needs of CNG fuel containers (cylinders) and associated high-pressure fuel system components related to existing law, codes and standards (C&S), available training and inspection programs, and assured coordination among vehicle users, public safety officials, fueling station operators andmore » training providers. The program included a public and industry awareness campaign, establishment and administration of a cylinder inspector certification training scholarship program, evaluation of current safety training and testing practices, monitoring and investigation of CNG vehicle incidents, evaluation of a cylinder recertification program and the migration of CNG vehicle safety knowledge to the nascent hydrogen vehicle community.« less

  8. Colorimetric determination of cyanide liberated from apricot kernels.

    PubMed

    Egli, K L

    1977-07-01

    A simple colorimetric method is described for determining the quantity of hydrogen cyanide produced by the spontaneous decomposition of amygdalin in apricot kernels. The evolved cyanide is collected in sodium hydroxide solution and assayed colorimetrically by reaction with picric acid. Results for duplicate assays, 3.02 and 3.06 mg CN-/g, compare well with those obtained by AOAC method 26.115 which specifies steam distillation and silver nitrate titration; results for triplicate assays were 3.02, 3.03, and 3.08 mg CN-/g by the latter. Recovery of cyanide from potassium cyanide at a level equivalent to 243 microgram CN-/g was 101.0%.

  9. Life cycle air emissions impacts and ownership costs of light-duty vehicles using natural gas as a primary energy source.

    PubMed

    Luk, Jason M; Saville, Bradley A; MacLean, Heather L

    2015-04-21

    This paper aims to comprehensively distinguish among the merits of different vehicles using a common primary energy source. In this study, we consider compressed natural gas (CNG) use directly in conventional vehicles (CV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), and natural gas-derived electricity (NG-e) use in plug-in battery electric vehicles (BEV). This study evaluates the incremental life cycle air emissions (climate change and human health) impacts and life cycle ownership costs of non-plug-in (CV and HEV) and plug-in light-duty vehicles. Replacing a gasoline CV with a CNG CV, or a CNG CV with a CNG HEV, can provide life cycle air emissions impact benefits without increasing ownership costs; however, the NG-e BEV will likely increase costs (90% confidence interval: $1000 to $31 000 incremental cost per vehicle lifetime). Furthermore, eliminating HEV tailpipe emissions via plug-in vehicles has an insignificant incremental benefit, due to high uncertainties, with emissions cost benefits between -$1000 and $2000. Vehicle criteria air contaminants are a relatively minor contributor to life cycle air emissions impacts because of strict vehicle emissions standards. Therefore, policies should focus on adoption of plug-in vehicles in nonattainment regions, because CNG vehicles are likely more cost-effective at providing overall life cycle air emissions impact benefits.

  10. Alternative Fuels Data Center

    Science.gov Websites

    Light-Duty Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ ) administers the Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program for the purchase or lease of a new light-duty vehicle powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), propane, hydrogen, or electricity. CNG

  11. Alternative Fuels Data Center

    Science.gov Websites

    Vehicles Safety Regulations Vehicles converted to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). The inspection must occur at the time of the conversion; every manufactured to use CNG or LNG must also be inspected for safety following any collision in which a vehicle was

  12. Case Study: Natural Gas Regional Transport Trucks

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

    Laughlin, M.; Burnham, A.

    2016-08-01

    Learn about Ryder System, Inc.'s experience in deploying nearly 200 CNG and LNG heavy-duty trucks and construction and operation of L/CNG stations using ARRA funds. Using natural gas in its fleet, Ryder mitigated the effects of volatile fuel pricing and reduced lifecycle GHGs by 20% and petroleum by 99%.

  13. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Choice Environmental Services Chooses

    Science.gov Websites

    been a hit with both drivers and maintenance staff. Drivers appreciate the reduction in diesel emissions while running their routes. Lower maintenance costs has also been an extremely pleasant surprise with the CNG trucks and found there is significantly less maintenance required on CNG trucks than on

  14. ASE Program Certification Standards for Light/Medium Duty CNG/LPG Training Programs.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, Herndon, VA.

    This publication provides the evaluation policies, procedures, and standards to which a compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) technician training program must adhere to be granted certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. The policies section has three parts: the automobile areas that may…

  15. 46 CFR 121.240 - Gas systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... section 1.12 are allowed for CNG: (1) The storage locker or housing access opening need not be in the top; and (2) The locker or housing need not be above the waterline. (h) The following variances from NFPA 302 are allowed. (1) The storage locker or housing for CNG tank installations need not be above the...

  16. 46 CFR 121.240 - Gas systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... section 1.12 are allowed for CNG: (1) The storage locker or housing access opening need not be in the top; and (2) The locker or housing need not be above the waterline. (h) The following variances from NFPA 302 are allowed. (1) The storage locker or housing for CNG tank installations need not be above the...

  17. 46 CFR 121.240 - Gas systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... section 1.12 are allowed for CNG: (1) The storage locker or housing access opening need not be in the top; and (2) The locker or housing need not be above the waterline. (h) The following variances from NFPA 302 are allowed. (1) The storage locker or housing for CNG tank installations need not be above the...

  18. 46 CFR 121.240 - Gas systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... section 1.12 are allowed for CNG: (1) The storage locker or housing access opening need not be in the top; and (2) The locker or housing need not be above the waterline. (h) The following variances from NFPA 302 are allowed. (1) The storage locker or housing for CNG tank installations need not be above the...

  19. 46 CFR 184.240 - Gas systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... are allowed for CNG: (1) The storage locker or housing access opening need not be in the top. (2) The locker or housing need not be above the waterline. (h) The following variances from NFPA 302 are allowed: (1) The storage locker or housing for CNG tank installations need not be above the waterline as...

  20. 46 CFR 184.240 - Gas systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... are allowed for CNG: (1) The storage locker or housing access opening need not be in the top. (2) The locker or housing need not be above the waterline. (h) The following variances from NFPA 302 are allowed: (1) The storage locker or housing for CNG tank installations need not be above the waterline as...

  1. 46 CFR 184.240 - Gas systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... are allowed for CNG: (1) The storage locker or housing access opening need not be in the top. (2) The locker or housing need not be above the waterline. (h) The following variances from NFPA 302 are allowed: (1) The storage locker or housing for CNG tank installations need not be above the waterline as...

  2. 46 CFR 121.240 - Gas systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... section 1.12 are allowed for CNG: (1) The storage locker or housing access opening need not be in the top; and (2) The locker or housing need not be above the waterline. (h) The following variances from NFPA 302 are allowed. (1) The storage locker or housing for CNG tank installations need not be above the...

  3. 46 CFR 184.240 - Gas systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... are allowed for CNG: (1) The storage locker or housing access opening need not be in the top. (2) The locker or housing need not be above the waterline. (h) The following variances from NFPA 302 are allowed: (1) The storage locker or housing for CNG tank installations need not be above the waterline as...

  4. 49 CFR 571.303 - Standard No. 303; Fuel system integrity of compressed natural gas vehicles.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... compressed natural gas vehicles. 571.303 Section 571.303 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to... system integrity of compressed natural gas vehicles. S1. Scope. This standard specifies requirements for the integrity of motor vehicle fuel systems using compressed natural gas (CNG), including the CNG fuel...

  5. Analysis of policies aimed at increasing use of natural gas in the transportation system : final report.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2016-02-02

    In this paper we examine the implications of leveling the vehicle fuel choice playing field between : PHEV and CNG vehicles in the US. Currently, US policy provides a subsidy of $7,500 for most PHEV : vehicles but nothing for CNG vehicles. We use a m...

  6. Environmental implications of alternative-fueled automobiles: Air quality and greenhouse gas tradeoffs

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

    MaClean, H.L.; Lave, L.B.

    The authors analyze alternative fuel-powerstrain options for internal combustion engine automobiles. Fuel/engine efficiency, energy use, pollutant discharges, and greenhouse gas emissions are estimated for spark and compression ignited, direct injected (DI), and indirect injected (II) engines fueled by conventional and reformulated gasoline, reformulated diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), and alcohols. Since comparisons of fuels and technologies in dissimilar vehicles are misleading, the authors hold emissions level, range, vehicle size class, and style constant. At present, CNG vehicles have the best exhaust emissions performance while DI diesels have the worst. Compared to a conventional gasoline fueled II automobile, greenhouse gases couldmore » be reduced by 40% by a DI CNG automobile and by 25% by a DI diesel. Gasoline- and diesel-fueled automobiles are able to attain long ranges with little weight or fuel economy penalty. CNG vehicles have the highest penalty for increasing range, due to their heavy fuel storage systems, but are the most attractive for a 160-km range. DI engines, particularly diesels, may not be able to meet strict emissions standards, at least not without lowering efficiency.« less

  7. Performance of CO2 enrich CNG in direct injection engine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Firmansyah, W. B.; Ayandotun, E. Z.; Zainal, A.; Aziz, A. R. A.; Heika, M. R.

    2015-12-01

    This paper investigates the potential of utilizing the undeveloped natural gas fields in Malaysia with high carbon dioxide (CO2) content ranging from 28% to 87%. For this experiment, various CO2 proportions by volume were added to pure natural gas as a way of simulating raw natural gas compositions in these fields. The experimental tests were carried out using a 4-stroke single cylinder spark ignition (SI) direct injection (DI) compressed natural gas (CNG) engine. The tests were carried out at 180° and 300° before top dead centre (BTDC) injection timing at 3000 rpm, to establish the effects on the engine performance. The results show that CO2 is suppressing the combustion of CNG while on the other hand CNG combustion is causing CO2 dissociation shown by decreasing CO2 emission with the increase in CO2 content. Results for 180° BTDC injection timing shows higher performance compared to 300° BTDC because of two possible reasons, higher volumetric efficiency and higher stratification level. The results also showed the possibility of increasing the CO2 content by injection strategy.

  8. Deciphering the function of the CNGB1b subunit in olfactory CNG channels.

    PubMed

    Nache, Vasilica; Wongsamitkul, Nisa; Kusch, Jana; Zimmer, Thomas; Schwede, Frank; Benndorf, Klaus

    2016-07-11

    Olfactory cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channels are key players in the signal transduction cascade of olfactory sensory neurons. The second messengers cAMP and cGMP directly activate these channels, generating a depolarizing receptor potential. Olfactory CNG channels are composed of two CNGA2 subunits and two modulatory subunits, CNGA4, and CNGB1b. So far the exact role of the modulatory subunits for channel activation is not fully understood. By measuring ligand binding and channel activation simultaneously, we show that in functional heterotetrameric channels not only the CNGA2 subunits and the CNGA4 subunit but also the CNGB1b subunit binds cyclic nucleotides and, moreover, also alone translates this signal to open the pore. In addition, we show that the CNGB1b subunit is the most sensitive subunit in a heterotetrameric channel to cyclic nucleotides and that it accelerates deactivation to a similar extent as does the CNGA4 subunit. In conclusion, the CNGB1b subunit participates in ligand-gated activation of olfactory CNG channels and, particularly, contributes to rapid termination of odorant signal in an olfactory sensory neuron.

  9. Toxicity and mutagenicity of exhaust from compressed natural gas: Could this be a clean solution for megacities with mixed-traffic conditions?

    PubMed

    Agarwal, Avinash K; Ateeq, Bushra; Gupta, Tarun; Singh, Akhilendra P; Pandey, Swaroop K; Sharma, Nikhil; Agarwal, Rashmi A; Gupta, Neeraj K; Sharma, Hemant; Jain, Ayush; Shukla, Pravesh C

    2018-08-01

    Despite intensive research carried out on particulates, correlation between engine-out particulate emissions and adverse health effects is not well understood yet. Particulate emissions hold enormous significance for mega-cities like Delhi that have immense traffic diversity. Entire public transportation system involving taxis, three-wheelers, and buses has been switched from conventional liquid fuels to compressed natural gas (CNG) in the Mega-city of Delhi. In this study, the particulate characterization was carried out on variety of engines including three diesel engines complying with Euro-II, Euro-III and Euro-IV emission norms, one Euro-II gasoline engine and one Euro-IV CNG engine. Physical, chemical and biological characterizations of particulates were performed to assess the particulate toxicity. The mutagenic potential of particulate samples was investigated at different concentrations using two different Salmonella strains, TA98 and TA100 in presence and absence of liver S9 metabolic enzyme fraction. Particulates emitted from diesel and gasoline engines showed higher mutagenicity, while those from CNG engine showed negligible mutagenicity compared to other test fuels and engine configurations. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) adsorbed onto CNG engine particulates were also relatively fewer compared to those from equivalent diesel and gasoline engines. Taken together, our findings indicate that CNG is comparatively safer fuel compared to diesel and gasoline and can offer a cleaner transport energy solution for mega-cities with mixed-traffic conditions, especially in developing countries. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Binding symmetry of extracellular divalent cations to conduction pore studied using tandem dimers of a CNG channel.

    PubMed

    Kwon, Ryuk-Jun; Ha, Tal Soo; Kim, Wonjae; Park, Chul-Seung

    2002-11-08

    Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels are composed of the tetramer of alpha-subunit alone or alpha- and beta-subunits. The alpha-subunits of these channels have a conserved glutamate (Glu) residue within the pore-forming region and the residue determines the selectivity as well as the affinity for the extracellular divalent cations. Using the high-affinity mutant (E363D) of bovine retinal CNG channel in which the Glu at position 363 was replaced to Asp, we constructed tandem dimers and investigated the binding characteristics of divalent cations to the site. The gating and permeation characteristics of individual homomeric tandem dimers are indistinguishable to those of homo-tetramers formed by parental monomers. The heteromeric tandem dimers showed the binding affinity for Sr(2+) identical to the geometric mean of the affinities for two parent channels, indicating the energy additive and thus the simultaneous interaction. On the other hand, the binding affinity for Mg(2+) followed the harmonic mean of those parent channels indicating that Mg(2+) interacts more strongly with the subunit bearing Asp residue at the position. Thus the results strongly suggest that the Glu363 residues in the CNG channel pore be flexible enough to adapt different binding symmetries for different divalent cations. Moreover, the simultaneous interaction between the four Glu residues and Sr(2+) provides an important structural constraint to the CNG channel outer vestibule of unknown structure.

  11. New perspectives in cyclic nucleotide-mediated functions in the CNS: the emerging role of cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels.

    PubMed

    Podda, Maria Vittoria; Grassi, Claudio

    2014-07-01

    Cyclic nucleotides play fundamental roles in the central nervous system (CNS) under both physiological and pathological conditions. The impact of cAMP and cGMP signaling on neuronal and glial cell functions has been thoroughly characterized. Most of their effects have been related to cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinase activity. However, cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels, first described as key mediators of sensory transduction in retinal and olfactory receptors, have been receiving increasing attention as possible targets of cyclic nucleotides in the CNS. In the last 15 years, consistent evidence has emerged for their expression in neurons and astrocytes of the rodent brain. Far less is known, however, about the functional role of CNG channels in these cells, although several of their features, such as Ca(2+) permeability and prolonged activation in the presence of cyclic nucleotides, make them ideal candidates for mediators of physiological functions in the CNS. Here, we review literature suggesting the involvement of CNG channels in a number of CNS cellular functions (e.g., regulation of membrane potential, neuronal excitability, and neurotransmitter release) as well as in more complex phenomena, like brain plasticity, adult neurogenesis, and pain sensitivity. The emerging picture is that functional and dysfunctional cyclic nucleotide signaling in the CNS has to be reconsidered including CNG channels among possible targets. However, concerted efforts and multidisciplinary approaches are still needed to get more in-depth knowledge in this field.

  12. Genomic copy number gains of ErbB family members predict poor clinical outcomes in glioma patients

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Rui; Qu, Yiping; Chen, Lihong; Pu, Jun; Ma, Sharui; Zhang, Xiaozhi; Yang, Qi; Shi, Bingyin; Hou, Peng; Ji, Meiju

    2017-01-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate copy number of ErbB family members (including EGFR, HER2, HER3 and HER4) in a cohort of gliomas and benign meningiomas (control subjects), and explore the associations of their copy number with clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes of glioma patients. Using real-time quantitative PCR assay, we demonstrated that copy number of EGFR, HER2, HER3 and HER4 in glioma patients was significantly increased compared to control subjects. Moreover, our data also showed that the risk of cancer-related death was positively associated with copy number gain (CNG) of EGFR, HER3 and HER4, but not HER2. CNG of EGFR and HER2 was positively related to radiotherapy, while CNG of HER3 and HER4 was negatively related to chemotherapy. Importantly, EGFR CNG significantly shortened median survival times of glioma patients regardless of gender, tumor grade and therapeutic regimens. Stratified analysis showed that CNG of HER2-4 almost did not influence the survival of male patients, patients with high-grade tumors and patients receiving chemotherapy, but dramatically shortened median survival times of female patients, those with low-grade tumors and those receiving radiotherapy. Collectively, our data not only demonstrate that the members of ErbB family are frequently amplified in gliomas, but also suggest that these common genetic events may be prognostic factors for poor clinical outcomes in glioma patients. PMID:29190914

  13. Defining Specificity Determinants of cGMP Mediated Gustatory Sensory Transduction in Caenorhabditis elegans

    PubMed Central

    Smith, Heidi K.; Luo, Linjiao; O’Halloran, Damien; Guo, Dagang; Huang, Xin-Yun; Samuel, Aravinthan D. T.; Hobert, Oliver

    2013-01-01

    Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is a key secondary messenger used in signal transduction in various types of sensory neurons. The importance of cGMP in the ASE gustatory receptor neurons of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was deduced by the observation that multiple receptor-type guanylyl cyclases (rGCs), encoded by the gcy genes, and two presently known cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel subunits, encoded by the tax-2 and tax-4 genes, are essential for ASE-mediated gustatory behavior. We describe here specific mechanistic features of cGMP-mediated signal transduction in the ASE neurons. First, we assess the specificity of the sensory functions of individual rGC proteins. We have previously shown that multiple rGC proteins are expressed in a left/right asymmetric manner in the functionally lateralized ASE neurons and are required to sense distinct salt cues. Through domain swap experiments among three different rGC proteins, we show here that the specificity of individual rGC proteins lies in their extracellular domains and not in their intracellular, signal-transducing domains. Furthermore, we find that rGC proteins are also sufficient to confer salt sensory responses to other neurons. Both findings support the hypothesis that rGC proteins are salt receptor proteins. Second, we identify a novel, likely downstream effector of the rGC proteins in gustatory signal transduction, a previously uncharacterized cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channel, encoded by the che-6 locus. che-6 mutants show defects in gustatory sensory transduction that are similar to defects observed in animals lacking the tax-2 and tax-4 CNG channels. In contrast, thermosensory signal transduction, which also requires tax-2 and tax-4, does not require che-6, but requires another CNG, cng-3. We propose that CHE-6 may form together with two other CNG subunits, TAX-2 and TAX-4, a gustatory neuron-specific heteromeric CNG channel complex. PMID:23695300

  14. Compressed natural gas bus safety: a quantitative risk assessment.

    PubMed

    Chamberlain, Samuel; Modarres, Mohammad

    2005-04-01

    This study assesses the fire safety risks associated with compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle systems, comprising primarily a typical school bus and supporting fuel infrastructure. The study determines the sensitivity of the results to variations in component failure rates and consequences of fire events. The components and subsystems that contribute most to fire safety risk are determined. Finally, the results are compared to fire risks of the present generation of diesel-fueled school buses. Direct computation of the safety risks associated with diesel-powered vehicles is possible because these are mature technologies for which historical performance data are available. Because of limited experience, fatal accident data for CNG bus fleets are minimal. Therefore, this study uses the probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) approach to model and predict fire safety risk of CNG buses. Generic failure data, engineering judgments, and assumptions are used in this study. This study predicts the mean fire fatality risk for typical CNG buses as approximately 0.23 fatalities per 100-million miles for all people involved, including bus passengers. The study estimates mean values of 0.16 fatalities per 100-million miles for bus passengers only. Based on historical data, diesel school bus mean fire fatality risk is 0.091 and 0.0007 per 100-million miles for all people and bus passengers, respectively. One can therefore conclude that CNG buses are more prone to fire fatality risk by 2.5 times that of diesel buses, with the bus passengers being more at risk by over two orders of magnitude. The study estimates a mean fire risk frequency of 2.2 x 10(-5) fatalities/bus per year. The 5% and 95% uncertainty bounds are 9.1 x 10(-6) and 4.0 x 10(-5), respectively. The risk result was found to be affected most by failure rates of pressure relief valves, CNG cylinders, and fuel piping.

  15. Exposure assessment of particulates of diesel and natural gas fuelled buses in silico.

    PubMed

    Pietikäinen, Mari; Oravisjärvi, Kati; Rautio, Arja; Voutilainen, Arto; Ruuskanen, Juhani; Keiski, Riitta L

    2009-12-15

    Lung deposition estimates of particulate emissions of diesel and natural gas (CNG) fuelled vehicles were studied by using in silico methodology. Particulate emissions and particulate number size distributions of two Euro 2 petroleum based diesel buses and one Euro 3 gas bus were measured. One of the petroleum based diesel buses used in the study was equipped with an oxidation catalyst on the vehicle (DI-OC) while the second had a partial-DPF catalyst (DI-pDPF). The third bus used was the gas bus with an oxidation catalyst on the vehicle (CNG-OC). The measurements were done using a transient chassis dynamometer test cycle (Braunschweig cycle) and an Electric Low Pressure Impactor (ELPI) with formed particulates in the size range of 7 nm to 10 microm. The total amounts of the emitted diesel particulates were 88-fold for DI-OC and 57-fold for DI-pDPF compared to the total amount of emitted CNG particulates. Estimates for the deposited particulates were computed with a lung deposition model ICRP 66 using in-house MATLAB scripts. The results were given as particulate numbers and percentages deposited in five different regions of the respiratory system. The percentages of particulates deposited in the respiratory system were 56% for DI-OC, 51% for DI-pDPF and 77% for CNG-OC of all the inhaled particulates. The result shows that under similar conditions the total lung dose of particulates originating from petroleum diesel fuelled engines DI-OC and DI-pDPF was more than 60-fold and 35-fold, respectively, compared to the lung dose of particulates originating from the CNG fuelled engine. The results also indicate that a majority (35-50%) of the inhaled particulates emitted from the tested petroleum diesel and CNG engines penetrate deep into the unciliated regions of the lung where gas-exchange occurs.

  16. Particle and gaseous emissions from individual diesel and CNG buses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hallquist, Å. M.; Jerksjö, M.; Fallgren, H.; Westerlund, J.; Sjödin, Å.

    2012-10-01

    In this study size-resolved particle and gaseous emissions from 28 individual diesel-fuelled and 7 compressed natural gas (CNG)-fuelled buses, selected from an in-use bus fleet, were characterised for real-world dilution scenarios. The method used was based on using CO2 as a tracer of exhaust gas dilution. The particles were sampled by using an extractive sampling method and analysed with high time resolution instrumentation EEPS (10 Hz) and CO2 with non-dispersive infrared gas analyser (LI-840, LI-COR Inc. 1 Hz). The gaseous constituents (CO, HC and NO) were measured by using a remote sensing device (AccuScan RSD 3000, Environmental System Products Inc.). Nitrogen oxides, NOx, were estimated from NO by using default NO2/NOx ratios from the road vehicle emission model HBEFA 3.1. The buses studied were diesel-fuelled Euro II-V and CNG-fuelled Enhanced Environmental Friendly Vehicles (EEVs) with different after-treatment, including selective catalytic reduction (SCR), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and with and without diesel particulate filter (DPF). The primary driving mode applied in this study was accelerating mode. However, regarding the particle emissions also a constant speed mode was analysed. The investigated CNG buses emitted on average higher number of particles but less mass compared to the diesel-fuelled buses. Emission factors for number of particles (EFPN) were EFPN, DPF = 8.0 ± 3.1 × 1014, EFPN, no DPF =2.8 ± 1.6 × 1015 and EFPN, CNG = 7.8 ± 5.7 × 1015 (kg fuel-1). In the accelerating mode size-resolved EFs showed unimodal number size distributions with peak diameters of 70-90 nm and 10 nm for diesel and CNG buses, respectively. For the constant speed mode bimodal average number size distributions were obtained for the diesel buses with peak modes of ~10 nm and ~60 nm. Emission factors for NOx expressed as NO2 equivalents for the diesel buses were on average 27 ± 7 g (kg fuel)-1 and for the CNG buses 41 ± 26 g (kg fuel)-1. An anti-relationship between EFNOx and EFPM was observed especially for buses with no DPF and there was a positive relationship between EFPM and EFCO.

  17. Particle and gaseous emissions from individual diesel and CNG buses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hallquist, Å. M.; Jerksjö, M.; Fallgren, H.; Westerlund, J.; Sjödin, Å.

    2013-05-01

    In this study size-resolved particle and gaseous emissions from 28 individual diesel-fuelled and 7 compressed natural gas (CNG)-fuelled buses, selected from an in-use bus fleet, were characterised for real-world dilution scenarios. The method used was based on using CO2 as a tracer of exhaust gas dilution. The particles were sampled by using an extractive sampling method and analysed with high time resolution instrumentation EEPS (10 Hz) and CO2 with a non-dispersive infrared gas analyser (LI-840, LI-COR Inc. 1 Hz). The gaseous constituents (CO, HC and NO) were measured by using a remote sensing device (AccuScan RSD 3000, Environmental System Products Inc.). Nitrogen oxides, NOx, were estimated from NO by using default NO2/NOx ratios from the road vehicle emission model HBEFA3.1. The buses studied were diesel-fuelled Euro III-V and CNG-fuelled Enhanced Environmentally Friendly Vehicles (EEVs) with different after-treatment, including selective catalytic reduction (SCR), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and with and without diesel particulate filter (DPF). The primary driving mode applied in this study was accelerating mode. However, regarding the particle emissions also a constant speed mode was analysed. The investigated CNG buses emitted on average a higher number of particles but less mass compared to the diesel-fuelled buses. Emission factors for number of particles (EFPN) were EFPN, DPF = 4.4 ± 3.5 × 1014, EFPN, no DPF = 2.1 ± 1.0 × 1015 and EFPN, CNG = 7.8 ± 5.7 ×1015 kg fuel-1. In the accelerating mode, size-resolved emission factors (EFs) showed unimodal number size distributions with peak diameters of 70-90 nm and 10 nm for diesel and CNG buses, respectively. For the constant speed mode, bimodal average number size distributions were obtained for the diesel buses with peak modes of ~10 nm and ~60 nm. Emission factors for NOx expressed as NO2 equivalents for the diesel buses were on average 27 ± 7 g (kg fuel)-1 and for the CNG buses 41 ± 26 g (kg fuel)-1. An anti-relationship between EFNOx and EFPM was observed especially for buses with no DPF, and there was a positive relationship between EFPM and EFCO.

  18. Compressed Natural Gas Installation. A Video-Based Training Program for Vehicle Conversion. Instructor's Edition.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Oklahoma State Dept. of Vocational and Technical Education, Stillwater. Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center.

    This instructor's guide contains the materials required to teach four competency-based course units of instruction in installing compressed natural gas (CNG) systems in motor vehicles. It is designed to accompany an instructional videotape (not included) on CNG installation. The following competencies are covered in the four instructional units:…

  19. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Freedom CNG Reduces Emissions with Natural

    Science.gov Websites

    Gas in TexasA> Freedom CNG Reduces Emissions with Natural Gas in Texas to someone by E-mail Share . For information about this project, contact Houston-Galveston Clean Cities. Download QuickTime Video Magazine Provided by Maryland Public Television Related Videos Photo of a car Electric Vehicles Charge up

  20. Alternative Fuels Data Center: CNG Fleets Aid in Superstorm Recovery

    Science.gov Websites

    AddThis.com... May 24, 2013 CNG Fleets Aid in Superstorm Recovery " They were working around the clock aftermath, helping with recovery efforts. "They were working around the clock," said Rita Ebert accelerating. As part of GLICCC's efforts to build on the momentum, the coalition is now working with the New

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

    Two online resources help fleets evaluate the economic soundness of a compressed natural gas program. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL's) Vehicle Infrastructure and Cash-Flow Evaluation (VICE 2.0) model and the accompanying report, Building a Business Case for Compressed Natural Gas in Fleet Applications, are uniquely designed for fleet managers considering an investment in CNG and can help ensure wise investment decisions about CNG vehicles and infrastructure.

  2. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Kentucky Trucking Company Adds CNG Vehicles

    Science.gov Websites

    run on compressed natural gas (CNG) in Lousiville, Kentucky. Download QuickTime Video QuickTime (.mov California Nov. 18, 2017 Photo of a car Smart Car Shopping Nov. 4, 2017 Photo of a truck Natural Gas Vehicles truck Idaho Transports Mail and Reduces Emissions with Natural Gas Trucks June 23, 2017 Photo of a

  3. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Happy Cab Fuels Taxi Fleet With CNG

    Science.gov Websites

    Happy Cab Fuels Taxi Fleet With CNG Find out how a cab company in Omaha, Nebraska, saves money fueling Go Electric in Florida Feb. 15, 2014 Renzenberger Inc Saves Money With Propane Vans Feb. 1, 2014 Gas School Buses Help Kansas City Save Money Nov. 12, 2011 Metropolitan Utilities District Fuels

  4. Alternative Fuels Data Center: CNG Refuse Haulers Do Heavy Lifting in New

    Science.gov Websites

    YorkA> CNG Refuse Haulers Do Heavy Lifting in New York to someone by E-mail Share Alternative combat the rising cost of fuel. For information about this project, contact Greater Long Island Clean Maryland Public Television Related Videos Photo of a car Hydrogen Powers Fuel Cell Vehicles in California

  5. Evaluation of emission toxicity of urban bus engines: compressed natural gas and comparison with liquid fuels.

    PubMed

    Turrio-Baldassarri, Luigi; Battistelli, Chiara Laura; Conti, Luigi; Crebelli, Riccardo; De Berardis, Barbara; Iamiceli, Anna Laura; Gambino, Michele; Iannaccone, Sabato

    2006-02-15

    Emissions from a spark-ignition (SI) heavy-duty (HD) urban bus engine with a three-way catalyst (TWC), fuelled with compressed natural gas (CNG), were chemically analyzed and tested for genotoxicity. The results were compared with those obtained in a previous study on an equivalent diesel engine, fuelled with diesel oil (D) and a blend of the same with 20% vegetable oil (B20). Experimental procedures were identical, so that emission levels of the CNG engine were exactly comparable to the ones of the diesel engine. The experimental design was focused on carcinogenic compounds and genotoxic activity of exhausts. The results obtained show that the SI CNG engine emissions, with respect to the diesel engine fuelled with D, were nearly 50 times lower for carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 20 times lower for formaldehyde, and more than 30 times lower for particulate matter (PM). A 20-30 fold reduction of genotoxic activity was estimated from tests performed. A very high reduction of nitrogen oxides (NO(X)) was also measured. The impact of diesel powered transport on urban air quality, and the potential benefits deriving from the use of CNG for public transport, are discussed.

  6. Pravastatin chitosan nanogels-loaded erythrocytes as a new delivery strategy for targeting liver cancer

    PubMed Central

    Harisa, Gamaleldin I.; Badran, Mohamed M.; AlQahtani, Saeed A.; Alanazi, Fars K.; Attia, Sabry M.

    2015-01-01

    Chitosan nanogels (CNG) are developed as one of the most promising carriers for cancer targeting. However, these carriers are rapidly eliminated from circulation by reticuloendothelial system (RES), which limits their application. Therefore, erythrocytes (ER) loaded CNG as multifunctional carrier may overcome the massive elimination of nanocarriers by RES. In this study, erythrocytes loaded pravastatin–chitosan nanogels (PR–CNG–ER) were utilized as a novel drug carrier to target liver cancer. Thus, PR–CNG formula was developed in nanosize, with good entrapment efficiency, drug loading and sustained release over 48 h. Then, PR–CNG loaded into ER were prepared by hypotonic preswelling technique. The resulting PR–CNG–ER showed 36.85% of entrapment efficiency, 66.82% of cell recovery and release consistent to that of hemoglobin over 48 h. Moreover, PR–CNG–ER exhibited negative zeta potential, increasing of hemolysis percent, marked phosphatidylserine exposure and stomatocytes shape compared to control unloaded erythrocytes. PR–CNG–ER reduced cells viability of HepG2 cells line by 28% compared to unloaded erythrocytes (UER). These results concluded that PR–CNG–ER are promising drug carriers to target liver cancer. PMID:26903771

  7. PACS-1 mediates phosphorylation-dependent ciliary trafficking of the cyclic-nucleotide-gated channel in olfactory sensory neurons.

    PubMed

    Jenkins, Paul M; Zhang, Lian; Thomas, Gary; Martens, Jeffrey R

    2009-08-26

    Impaired ciliary protein transport in olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) leads to anosmia, and is a newly recognized clinical manifestation of a class of human disorders called ciliopathies. Surprisingly little is known regarding the mechanisms controlling trafficking to this unique neuronal compartment. Here, we show a novel role for phosphofurin acidic cluster-sorting protein 1 (PACS-1) in the ciliary trafficking of the olfactory cyclic-nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel. PACS-1 is an intracellular sorting protein that mediates its effects through the binding of acidic clusters on cargo protein. This interaction is dependent on CK2 phosphorylation of both PACS-1 and its cargo. We show that CNGB1b contains two putative PACS-1 binding sites, which are phosphorylated by the serine/threonine protein kinase, CK2. Additionally, we show that PACS-1 is expressed in OSNs and interacts in complex with the CNG channel. CK2 inhibition in native OSNs causes a loss of CNG channel from cilia and subsequent olfactory dysfunction, while adenoviral expression of mutant PACS-1 causes similar mislocalization. These results provide a mechanism for the subunit-dependent ciliary trafficking of the CNG channel and offer insight into the mechanisms of ciliary transport.

  8. A Basic Behavior of CNG DI Combustion in a Spark-Ignited Rapid Compression Machine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Zuohua; Shiga, Seiichi; Ueda, Takamasa; Jingu, Nobuhisa; Nakamura, Hisao; Ishima, Tsuneaki; Obokata, Tomio; Tsue, Mitsuhiro; Kono, Michikata

    A basic characteristics of compressed natural gas direct-injection (CNG DI) combustion was studied by using a rapid compression machine. Results show that comparing with homogeneous mixture, CNG DI has short combustion duration, high pressure rise due to combustion, and high rate of heat release, which are considered to come from the charge stratification and the gas flow generated by the fuel injection. CNG DI can realize extremely lean combustion which reaches 0.03 equivalence ratio, φ. Combustion duration, maximum pressure rise due to combustion and combustion efficiency are found to be insensitive to the injection modes. Unburned methane showed almost the same level as that of homogeneous mixture combustion. CO increased steeply with the increase in φ when φ was greater than 0.8 due to the excessive stratification, and NOx peak value shifted to the region of lower φ. Combustion inefficiency maintains less than 0.08 in the range of φ from 0.1 to 0.9 and increases at very low φ due to bulk quenching and at higher φ due to excessive stratification. The combustion efficiency estimated from combustion products shows good agreement with that of heat release analysis.

  9. Feasibility study of Northeast Thailand Gas Pipeline Project. Final report. Part 2. Compressed natural gas. Export trade information

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

    Not Available

    The volume is the second part of a three part study submitted to the Petroleum Authority of Thailand. Part II analyzes the potential use of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a transportation fuel for high mileage vehicles traveling the highway system of Thailand. The study provides an initial estimate of buses and trucks that are potential candidates for converting to natural gas vehicles (NGV). CNG technology is briefly reviewed. The types of refueling stations that may be sited along the highway are discussed. The estimated capital investments and typical layouts are presented. The report also discusses the issues involved inmore » implementing a CNG program in Thailand, such as safety, user acceptability and the government's role.« less

  10. Performance, Efficiency, and Emissions Characterization of Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines Fueled with Hydrogen/Natural Gas Blends

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

    Kirby S. Chapman; Amar Patil

    2007-06-30

    Hydrogen is an attractive fuel source not only because it is abundant and renewable but also because it produces almost zero regulated emissions. Internal combustion engines fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG) are operated throughout a variety of industries in a number of mobile and stationary applications. While CNG engines offer many advantages over conventional gasoline and diesel combustion engines, CNG engine performance can be substantially improved in the lean operating region. Lean operation has a number of benefits, the most notable of which is reduced emissions. However, the extremely low flame propagation velocities of CNG greatly restrict the leanmore » operating limits of CNG engines. Hydrogen, however, has a high flame speed and a wide operating limit that extends into the lean region. The addition of hydrogen to a CNG engine makes it a viable and economical method to significantly extend the lean operating limit and thereby improve performance and reduce emissions. Drawbacks of hydrogen as a fuel source, however, include lower power density due to a lower heating value per unit volume as compared to CNG, and susceptibility to pre-ignition and engine knock due to wide flammability limits and low minimum ignition energy. Combining hydrogen with CNG, however, overcomes the drawbacks inherent in each fuel type. Objectives of the current study were to evaluate the feasibility of using blends of hydrogen and natural gas as a fuel for conventional natural gas engines. The experiment and data analysis included evaluation of engine performance, efficiency, and emissions along with detailed in-cylinder measurements of key physical parameters. This provided a detailed knowledge base of the impact of using hydrogen/natural gas blends. A four-stroke, 4.2 L, V-6 naturally aspirated natural gas engine coupled to an eddy current dynamometer was used to measure the impact of hydrogen/natural gas blends on performance, thermodynamic efficiency and exhaust gas emissions in a reciprocating four stroke cycle engine. The test matrix varied engine load and air-to-fuel ratio at throttle openings of 50% and 100% at equivalence ratios of 1.00 and 0.90 for hydrogen percentages of 10%, 20% and 30% by volume. In addition, tests were performed at 100% throttle opening, with an equivalence ratio of 0.98 and a hydrogen blend of 20% to further investigate CO emission variations. Data analysis indicated that the use of hydrogen/natural gas fuel blend penalizes the engine operation with a 1.5 to 2.0% decrease in torque, but provided up to a 36% reduction in CO, a 30% reduction in NOX, and a 5% increase in brake thermal efficiency. These results concur with previous results published in the open literature. Further reduction in emissions can be obtained by retarding the ignition timing.« less

  11. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Filling CNG Fuel Tanks

    Science.gov Websites

    , therefore containing less energy by volume when the fuel system reaches the rated pressure. For this reason because when gas molecules are compressed, they create heat. The faster they are compressed, the more they heat up and expand. So when the gas is compressed rapidly through a fast-fill process, the molecules

  12. Criteria pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions from CNG transit buses equipped with three-way catalysts compared to lean-burn engines and oxidation catalyst technologies.

    PubMed

    Yoon, Seungju; Collins, John; Thiruvengadam, Arvind; Gautam, Mridul; Herner, Jorn; Ayala, Alberto

    2013-08-01

    Engine and exhaust control technologies applied to compressed natural gas (CNG) transit buses have advanced from lean-burn, to lean-burn with oxidation catalyst (OxC), to stoichiometric combustion with three-way catalyst (TWC). With this technology advancement, regulated gaseous and particulate matter emissions have been significantly reduced. Two CNG transit buses equipped with stoichiometric combustion engines and TWCs were tested on a chassis dynamometer, and their emissions were measured. Emissions from the stoichiometric engines with TWCs were then compared to the emissions from lean-burn CNG transit buses tested in previous studies. Stoichiometric combustion with TWC was effective in reducing emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NO(x)), particulate matter (PM), and nonmethane hydrocarbon (NMHC) by 87% to 98% depending on pollutants and test cycles, compared to lean combustion. The high removal efficiencies exceeded the emission reduction required from the certification standards, especially for NO(x) and PM. While the certification standards require 95% and 90% reductions for NO(x) and PM, respectively, from the engine model years 1998-2003 to the engine model year 2007, the measured NO(x) and PM emissions show 96% and 95% reductions, respectively, from the lean-burn engines to the stoichiometric engines with TWC over the transient Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS) cycle. One drawback of stoichiometric combustion with TWC is that this technology produces higher carbon monoxide (CO) emissions than lean combustion. In regard to controlling CO emissions, lean combustion with OxC is more effective than stoichiometric combustion. Stoichiometric combustion with TWC produced higher greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions including carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) than lean combustion during the UDDS cycle, but lower GHG emissions during the steady-state cruise cycle. Stoichiometric combustion with three-way catalyst is currently the best emission control technology available for compressed natural gas (CNG) transit buses to meet the stringent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2010 heavy-duty engine NO(x) emissions standard. For existing lean-burn CNG transit buses in the fleet, oxidation catalyst would be the most effective retrofit technology for the control of NMHC and CO emissions.

  13. Turbulent piloted partially-premixed flames with varying levels of O2/N2: stability limits and PDF calculations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Juddoo, Mrinal; Masri, Assaad R.; Pope, Stephen B.

    2011-12-01

    This paper reports measured stability limits and PDF calculations of piloted, turbulent flames of compressed natural gas (CNG) partially-premixed with either pure oxygen, or with varying levels of O2/N2. Stability limits are presented for flames of CNG fuel premixed with up to 20% oxygen as well as CNG-O2-N2 fuel where the O2 content is varied from 8 to 22% by volume. Calculations are presented for (i) Sydney flame B [Masri et al. 1988] which uses pure CNG as well as flames B15 to B25 where the CNG is partially-premixed with 15-25% oxygen by volume, respectively and (ii) Sandia methane-air (1:3 by volume) flame E [Barlow et al. 2005] as well as new flames E15 and E25 that are partially-premixed with 'reconstituted air' where the O2 content in nitrogen is 15 and 25% by volume, respectively. The calculations solve a transported PDF of composition using a particle-based Monte Carlo method and employ the EMST mixing model as well as detailed chemical kinetics. The addition of oxygen to the fuel increases stability, shortens the flames, broadens the reaction zone, and shifts the stoichiometric mixture fraction towards the inner side of the jet. It is found that for pure CNG flames where the reaction zone is narrow (∼0.1 in mixture fraction space), the PDF calculations fail to reproduce the correct level of local extinction on approach to blow-off. A broadening in the reaction zone up to about 0.25 in mixture fraction space is needed for the PDF/EMST approach to be able to capture these finite-rate chemistry effects. It is also found that for the same level of partial premixing, increasing the O2/N2 ratio increases the maximum levels of CO and NO but shifts the peak to richer mixture fractions. Over the range of oxygenation investigated here, stability limits have shown to improve almost linearly with increasing oxygen levels in the fuel and with increasing the contribution of release rate from the pilot.

  14. Assessment of on-road emissions of four Euro V diesel and CNG waste collection trucks for supporting air-quality improvement initiatives in the city of Milan.

    PubMed

    Fontaras, Georgios; Martini, Giorgio; Manfredi, Urbano; Marotta, Alessandro; Krasenbrink, Alois; Maffioletti, Francesco; Terenghi, Roberto; Colombo, Mauro

    2012-06-01

    This paper summarizes the results of an extensive experimental study aiming to evaluate the performance and pollutant emissions of diesel and CNG waste collection trucks under realistic and controlled operating conditions in order to support a fleet renewal initiative in the city of Milan. Four vehicles (1 diesel and 3 CNG) were tested in two phases using a portable emission measurement system. The first phase included real world operation in the city of Milan while the second involved controlled conditions in a closed track. Emissions recorded from the diesel truck were on average 2.4 kg/km for CO(2), 0.21 g/km for HC, 7.4 g/km for CO, 32.3 g/km for NO(x) and 46.4 mg/km for PM. For the CNG the values were 3.6 kg/km for CO(2), 2.19 g/km for HC, 15.8 g/km for CO, 4.38 g/km for NO(x) and 11.4 mg/km for PM. CNG vehicles presented an important advantage with regards to NO(x) and PM emissions but lack the efficiency of their diesel counterparts when it comes to CO, HC and particularly greenhouse gas emissions. This tradeoff needs to be carefully analyzed prior to deciding if a fleet should be shifted towards either technology. In addition it was shown that existing emission factors, used in Europe for environmental assessment studies, reflect well the operation for CNG but were not so accurate when it came to the diesel engine truck particularly for CO(2) and NO(x). With regard to NO(x), it was also shown that the limits imposed by current emission standards are not necessarily reflected in real world operation, under which the diesel vehicle presented almost 4 times higher emissions. Regarding CO(2), appropriate use of PEMS data and vehicle information allows for accurate emission monitoring through computer simulation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Structures of pseudechetoxin and pseudecin, two snake-venom cysteine-rich secretory proteins that target cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels: implications for movement of the C-terminal cysteine-rich domain

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

    Suzuki, Nobuhiro; Department of Biochemistry, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8602; Yamazaki, Yasuo

    2008-10-01

    The structures of pseudechetoxin and pseudecin suggest that both proteins bind to cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels in a manner in which the concave surface occludes the pore entrance. Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channels play pivotal roles in sensory transduction by retinal photoreceptors and olfactory neurons. The elapid snake toxins pseudechetoxin (PsTx) and pseudecin (Pdc) are the only known protein blockers of CNG channels. These toxins belong to a cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP) family containing an N-terminal pathogenesis-related proteins of group 1 (PR-1) domain and a C-terminal cysteine-rich domain (CRD). PsTx and Pdc are highly homologous proteins, but their blocking affinitiesmore » on CNG channels are different: PsTx blocks both the olfactory and retinal channels with ∼15–30-fold higher affinity than Pdc. To gain further insights into their structure and function, the crystal structures of PsTx, Pdc and Zn{sup 2+}-bound Pdc were determined. The structures revealed that most of the amino-acid-residue differences between PsTx and Pdc are located around the concave surface formed between the PR-1 domain and the CRD, suggesting that the concave surface is functionally important for CNG-channel binding and inhibition. A structural comparison in the presence and absence of Zn{sup 2+} ion demonstrated that the concave surface can open and close owing to movement of the CRD upon Zn{sup 2+} binding. The data suggest that PsTx and Pdc occlude the pore entrance and that the dynamic motion of the concave surface facilitates interaction with the CNG channels.« less

  16. Estimating the health benefits from natural gas use in transport and heating in Santiago, Chile.

    PubMed

    Mena-Carrasco, Marcelo; Oliva, Estefania; Saide, Pablo; Spak, Scott N; de la Maza, Cristóbal; Osses, Mauricio; Tolvett, Sebastián; Campbell, J Elliott; Tsao, Tsao Es Chi-Chung; Molina, Luisa T

    2012-07-01

    Chilean law requires the assessment of air pollution control strategies for their costs and benefits. Here we employ an online weather and chemical transport model, WRF-Chem, and a gridded population density map, LANDSCAN, to estimate changes in fine particle pollution exposure, health benefits, and economic valuation for two emission reduction strategies based on increasing the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in Santiago, Chile. The first scenario, switching to a CNG public transportation system, would reduce urban PM2.5 emissions by 229 t/year. The second scenario would reduce wood burning emissions by 671 t/year, with unique hourly emission reductions distributed from daily heating demand. The CNG bus scenario reduces annual PM2.5 by 0.33 μg/m³ and up to 2 μg/m³ during winter months, while the residential heating scenario reduces annual PM2.5 by 2.07 μg/m³, with peaks exceeding 8 μg/m³ during strong air pollution episodes in winter months. These ambient pollution reductions lead to 36 avoided premature mortalities for the CNG bus scenario, and 229 for the CNG heating scenario. Both policies are shown to be cost-effective ways of reducing air pollution, as they target high-emitting area pollution sources and reduce concentrations over densely populated urban areas as well as less dense areas outside the city limits. Unlike the concentration rollback methods commonly used in public policy analyses, which assume homogeneous reductions across a whole city (including homogeneous population densities), and without accounting for the seasonality of certain emissions, this approach accounts for both seasonality and diurnal emission profiles for both the transportation and residential heating sectors. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Structural basis of gating of CNG channels.

    PubMed

    Giorgetti, Alejandro; Nair, Anil V; Codega, Paolo; Torre, Vincent; Carloni, Paolo

    2005-03-28

    Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channels, underlying sensory transduction in vertebrate photoreceptors and olfactory sensory neurons, require cyclic nucleotides to open. Here, we present structural models of the tetrameric CNG channel pore from bovine rod in both open and closed states, as obtained by combining homology modeling-based techniques, experimentally derived spatial constraints and structural patterns present in the PDB database. Gating is initiated by an anticlockwise rotation of the N-terminal region of the C-linker, which is then, transmitted through the S6 transmembrane helices to the P-helix, and in turn from this to the pore lumen, which opens up from 2 to 5A thus allowing for ion permeation. The approach, here presented, is expected to provide a general methodology for model ion channels and their gating when structural templates are available and an extensive electrophysiological analysis has been performed.

  18. Low pressure storage of natural gas on activated carbon

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wegrzyn, J.; Wiesmann, H.; Lee, T.

    The introduction of natural gas to the transportation energy sector offers the possibility of displacing imported oil with an indigenous fuel. The barrier to the acceptance of natural gas vehicles (NGV) is the limited driving range due to the technical difficulties of on-board storage of a gaseous fuel. In spite of this barrier, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles are today being successfully introduced into the market place. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate an adsorbent natural gas (ANG) storage system as a viable alternative to CNG storage. It can be argued that low pressure ANG has reached near parity with CNG, since the storage capacity of CNG (2400 psi) is rated at 190 V/V, while low pressure ANG (500 psi) has reached storage capacities of 180 V/V in the laboratory. A program, which extends laboratory results to a full-scale vehicle test, is necessary before ANG technology will receive widespread acceptance. The objective of this program is to field test a 150 V/V ANG vehicle in FY 1994. As a start towards this goal, carbon adsorbents have been screened by Brookhaven for their potential use in a natural gas storage system. This paper reports on one such carbon, trade name Maxsorb, manufactured by Kansai Coke under an Amoco license.

  19. A novel dimerization interface of cyclic nucleotide binding domain, which is disrupted in presence of cAMP: implications for CNG channels gating.

    PubMed

    Gushchin, Ivan Y; Gordeliy, Valentin I; Grudinin, Sergei

    2012-09-01

    Cyclic nucleotide binding domain (CNBD) is a ubiquitous domain of effector proteins involved in signalling cascades of prokaryota and eukaryota. CNBD activation by cyclic nucleotide monophosphate (cNMP) is studied well in the case of several proteins. However, this knowledge is hardly applicable to cNMP-modulated cation channels. Despite the availability of CNBD crystal structures of bacterial cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) and mammalian hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-modulated (HCN) channels in presence and absence of the cNMP, the full understanding of CNBD conformational changes during activation is lacking. Here, we describe a novel CNBD dimerization interface found in crystal structures of bacterial CNG channel MlotiK1 and mammalian cAMP-activated guanine nucleotide-exchange factor Epac2. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the found interface is stable on the studied timescale of 100 ns, in contrast to the dimerization interface, reported previously. Comparisons with cN-bound structures of CNBD show that the dimerization is incompatible with cAMP binding. Thus, the cAMP-dependent monomerization of CNBD may be an alternative mechanism of the cAMP sensing. Based on these findings, we propose a model of the bacterial CNG channel modulation by cAMP.

  20. Compressed Natural Gas Technology for Alternative Fuel Power Plants

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pujotomo, Isworo

    2018-02-01

    Gas has great potential to be converted into electrical energy. Indonesia has natural gas reserves up to 50 years in the future, but the optimization of the gas to be converted into electricity is low and unable to compete with coal. Gas is converted into electricity has low electrical efficiency (25%), and the raw materials are more expensive than coal. Steam from a lot of wasted gas turbine, thus the need for utilizing exhaust gas results from gas turbine units. Combined cycle technology (Gas and Steam Power Plant) be a solution to improve the efficiency of electricity. Among other Thermal Units, Steam Power Plant (Combined Cycle Power Plant) has a high electrical efficiency (45%). Weakness of the current Gas and Steam Power Plant peak burden still using fuel oil. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Technology may be used to accommodate the gas with little land use. CNG gas stored in the circumstances of great pressure up to 250 bar, in contrast to gas directly converted into electricity in a power plant only 27 bar pressure. Stored in CNG gas used as a fuel to replace load bearing peak. Lawyer System on CNG conversion as well as the power plant is generally only used compressed gas with greater pressure and a bit of land.

  1. Sodium and potassium competition in potassium-selective and non-selective channels

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sauer, David B.; Zeng, Weizhong; Canty, John; Lam, Yeeling; Jiang, Youxing

    2013-11-01

    Potassium channels selectively conduct K+, primarily to the exclusion of Na+, despite the fact that both ions can bind within the selectivity filter. Here we perform crystallographic titration and single-channel electrophysiology to examine the competition of Na+ and K+ binding within the filter of two NaK channel mutants; one is the potassium-selective NaK2K mutant and the other is the non-selective NaK2CNG, a CNG channel pore mimic. With high-resolution structures of these engineered NaK channel constructs, we explicitly describe the changes in K+ occupancy within the filter upon Na+ competition by anomalous diffraction. Our results demonstrate that the non-selective NaK2CNG still retains a K+-selective site at equilibrium, whereas the NaK2K channel filter maintains two high-affinity K+ sites. A double-barrier mechanism is proposed to explain K+ channel selectivity at low K+ concentrations.

  2. Calmodulin permanently associates with rat olfactory CNG channels under native conditions.

    PubMed

    Bradley, Jonathan; Bönigk, Wolfgang; Yau, King-Wai; Frings, Stephan

    2004-07-01

    An important mechanism by which vertebrate olfactory sensory neurons rapidly adapt to odorants is feedback modulation of the Ca(2+)-permeable cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) transduction channels. Extensive heterologous studies of homomeric CNGA2 channels have led to a molecular model of channel modulation based on the binding of calcium-calmodulin to a site on the cytoplasmic amino terminus of CNGA2. Native rat olfactory CNG channels, however, are heteromeric complexes of three homologous but distinct subunits. Notably, in heteromeric channels, we found no role for CNGA2 in feedback modulation. Instead, an IQ-type calmodulin-binding site on CNGB1b and a similar but previously unidentified site on CNGA4 are necessary and sufficient. These sites seem to confer binding of Ca(2+)-free calmodulin (apocalmodulin), which is then poised to trigger inhibition of native channels in the presence of Ca(2+).

  3. Simultaneous Loss of NCKX4 and CNG Channel Desensitization Impairs Olfactory Sensitivity.

    PubMed

    Ferguson, Christopher H; Zhao, Haiqing

    2017-01-04

    In vertebrate olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), Ca 2+ plays key roles in both mediating and regulating the olfactory response. Ca 2+ enters OSN cilia during the response through the olfactory cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel and stimulates a depolarizing chloride current by opening the olfactory Ca 2+ -activated chloride channel to amplify the response. Ca 2+ also exerts negative regulation on the olfactory transduction cascade, through mechanisms that include reducing the CNG current by desensitizing the CNG channel via Ca 2+ /calmodulin (CaM), to reduce the response. Ca 2+ is removed from the cilia primarily by the K + -dependent Na + /Ca 2+ exchanger 4 (NCKX4), and the removal of Ca 2+ leads to closure of the chloride channel and response termination. In this study, we investigate how two mechanisms conventionally considered negative regulatory mechanisms of olfactory transduction, Ca 2+ removal by NCKX4, and desensitization of the CNG channel by Ca 2+ /CaM, interact to regulate the olfactory response. We performed electro-olfactogram (EOG) recordings on the double-mutant mice, NCKX4 -/- ;CNGB1 ΔCaM , which are simultaneously lacking NCKX4 (NCKX4 -/- ) and Ca 2+ /CaM-mediated CNG channel desensitization (CNGB1 ΔCaM ). Despite exhibiting alterations in various response attributes, including termination kinetics and adaption properties, OSNs in either NCKX4 -/- mice or CNGB1 ΔCaM mice show normal resting sensitivity, as determined by their unchanged EOG response amplitude. We found that OSNs in NCKX4 -/- ;CNGB1 ΔCaM mice displayed markedly reduced EOG amplitude accompanied by alterations in other response attributes. This study suggests that what are conventionally considered negative regulatory mechanisms of olfactory transduction also play a role in setting the resting sensitivity in OSNs. Sensory receptor cells maintain high sensitivity at rest. Although the mechanisms responsible for setting the resting sensitivity of sensory receptor cells are not well understood, it has generally been assumed that the sensitivity is set primarily by how effectively the components in the activation cascade of sensory transduction can be stimulated. Our findings in mouse olfactory sensory neurons suggest that mechanisms that are primarily responsible for terminating the olfactory response are also critical for proper resting sensitivity. Copyright © 2017 the authors 0270-6474/17/370110-10$15.00/0.

  4. Abundance and Utility: For Military Operations, Liquid Fuels Remain a Solid Choice over Natural Gas

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-08-01

    and combat support vehicles, ships, and aircraft, the adoption of natural gas —whether as compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG...dangers to U.S. forces and vehicles. Natural gas has different flammability properties than traditional liquid fuels, and as CNG tanks are under high...tacticaldefensemedia.com16 | DoD Power & Energy Fall 2014 For Military Operations, Liquid Fuels Remain a Solid Choice over Natural Gas By Bret

  5. Hydrogen effects on materials for CNG/H2 blends.

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

    Farese, David; Keller, Jay O.; Somerday, Brian P.

    2010-09-01

    No concerns for Hydrogen-Enriched Compressed Natural gas (HCNG) in steel storage tanks if material strength is < 950 MPa. Recommend evaluating H{sub 2}-assisted fatigue cracking in higher strength steels at H{sub 2} partial pressure in blend. Limited fatigue testing on higher strength steel cylinders in H{sub 2} shows promising results. Impurities in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) (e.g., CO) may provide extrinsic mechanism for mitigating H{sub 2}-assisted fatigue cracking in steel tanks.

  6. Air quality and climate impacts of alternative bus technologies in Greater London.

    PubMed

    Chong, Uven; Yim, Steve H L; Barrett, Steven R H; Boies, Adam M

    2014-04-15

    The environmental impact of diesel-fueled buses can potentially be reduced by the adoption of alternative propulsion technologies such as lean-burn compressed natural gas (LB-CNG) or hybrid electric buses (HEB), and emissions control strategies such as a continuously regenerating trap (CRT), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), or selective catalytic reduction with trap (SCRT). This study assessed the environmental costs and benefits of these bus technologies in Greater London relative to the existing fleet and characterized emissions changes due to alternative technologies. We found a >30% increase in CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions for CNG buses, a <5% change for exhaust treatment scenarios, and a 13% (90% confidence interval 3.8-20.9%) reduction for HEB relative to baseline CO2e emissions. A multiscale regional chemistry-transport model quantified the impact of alternative bus technologies on air quality, which was then related to premature mortality risk. We found the largest decrease in population exposure (about 83%) to particulate matter (PM2.5) occurred with LB-CNG buses. Monetized environmental and investment costs relative to the baseline gave estimated net present cost of LB-CNG or HEB conversion to be $187 million ($73 million to $301 million) or $36 million ($-25 million to $102 million), respectively, while EGR or SCRT estimated net present costs were $19 million ($7 million to $32 million) or $15 million ($8 million to $23 million), respectively.

  7. An explosion of a CNG fuel vessel in an urban bus.

    PubMed

    Park, Chan-Seong; Jeon, Seung-Won; Moon, Jung-Eun; Lee, Kyu-Jung

    2010-03-01

    An investigation is presented of the explosion of a CNG (compressed natural gas) fuel vessel, called a liner, in an urban bus. The explosion happened at a gas station 10 min after filling was completed. There were no traces of soot and flames at the failed liner, which would be indicative of explosion by ignition of the gas. The filling process of the station was automatically monitored and recorded in a computer. There was no unusual record of the filling system that indicated excess pressure at the time of the accident. There were cracks on the liner that were initiated at the outer surface of the cylindrical shell located at a point 4 cm above the lower dome where cracks did not originate easily as a result of overload. Chemical analysis was performed on a specimen that was cut from the liner, and there was no peculiarity in the mix. Mechanical analysis was performed on the specimens and showed that the hardness was not in the specified range because of inadequate heat treatment of the metal. The hardness of the liner was strictly controlled in the manufacturing process. All the liners that were manufactured at the same period with the failed liner were recalled for examination.

  8. Crumpled Nitrogen-Doped Graphene for Supercapacitors with High Gravimetric and Volumetric Performances.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jie; Ding, Bing; Xu, Yunling; Shen, Laifa; Dou, Hui; Zhang, Xiaogang

    2015-10-14

    Graphene is considered a promising electrochemical capacitors electrode material due to its high surface area and high electrical conductivity. However, restacking interactions between graphene nanosheets significantly decrease the ion-accessible surface area and impede electronic and ionic transfer. This would, in turn, severely hinder the realization of high energy density. Herein, we report a strategy for preparation of few-layer graphene material with abundant crumples and high-level nitrogen doping. The two-dimensional graphene nanosheets (CNG) feature high ion-available surface area, excellent electronic and ion transfer properties, and high packing density, permitting the CNG electrode to exhibit excellent electrochemical performance. In ionic liquid electrolyte, the CNG electrode exhibits gravimetric and volumetric capacitances of 128 F g(-1) and 98 F cm(-3), respectively, achieving gravimetric and volumetric energy densities of 56 Wh kg(-1) and 43 Wh L(-1). The preparation strategy described here provides a new approach for developing a graphene-based supercapacitor with high gravimetric and volumetric energy densities.

  9. Early flame development image comparison of low calorific value syngas and CNG in DI SI gas engine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    >Ftwi Yohaness Hagos, A. Rashid A.; Sulaiman, Shaharin A.

    2013-06-01

    The early flame development stage of syngas and CNG are analysed and compared from the flame images taken over 20° CA from the start of ignition. An imitated syngas with a composition of 19.2% H2, 29.6% CO, 5.3% CH4 and balance with nitrogen and carbon dioxide, which resembles the typical product of wood biomass gasification, was used in the study. A CCD camera triggered externally through the signals from the camshaft and crank angle sensors was used in capturing of the images. The engine was accessed through an endoscope access and a self-illumination inside the chamber. The results of the image analysis are further compared with the mass fraction burn curve of both syngas and CNG analysed from the pressure data. The analysis result of the flame image of syngas validates the double rapid burning stage of the mass fraction burn of syngas analysed from in-cylinder pressure data.

  10. Structure of a eukaryotic cyclic nucleotide-gated channel

    PubMed Central

    Li, Minghui; Zhou, Xiaoyuan; Wang, Shu; Michailidis, Ioannis; Gong, Ye; Su, Deyuan; Li, Huan; Li, Xueming; Yang, Jian

    2018-01-01

    Summary Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels are essential for vision and olfaction. They belong to the voltage-gated ion channel superfamily but their activities are controlled by intracellular cyclic nucleotides instead of transmembrane voltage. Here we report a 3.5 Å-resolution single-particle electron cryomicroscopy structure of a CNG channel from C. elegans in the cGMP-bound open state. The channel has an unusual voltage-sensor-like domain (VSLD), accounting for its deficient voltage dependence. A C-terminal linker connecting S6 and the cyclic nucleotide-binding domain interacts directly with both the VSLD and pore domain, forming a gating ring that couples conformational changes triggered by cyclic nucleotide binding to the gate. The selectivity filter is lined by the carboxylate side chains of a functionally important glutamate and three rings of backbone carbonyls. This structure provides a new framework for understanding mechanisms of ion permeation, gating and channelopathy of CNG channels and cyclic nucleotide modulation of related channels. PMID:28099415

  11. Cyclic GMP-gated CNG channels function in Sema3A-induced growth cone repulsion.

    PubMed

    Togashi, Kazunobu; von Schimmelmann, Melanie J; Nishiyama, Makoto; Lim, Chae-Seok; Yoshida, Norihiro; Yun, Bokyoung; Molday, Robert S; Goshima, Yoshio; Hong, Kyonsoo

    2008-06-12

    Cyclic nucleotide-gated channels (CNGCs) transduce external signals required for sensory processes, e.g., photoreception, olfaction, and taste. Nerve growth cone guidance by diffusible attractive and repulsive molecules is regulated by differential growth cone Ca2+ signaling. However, the Ca2+-conducting ion channels that transduce guidance molecule signals are largely unknown. We show that rod-type CNGC-like channels function in the repulsion of cultured Xenopus spinal neuron growth cones by Sema3A, which triggers the production of the cGMP that activates the Xenopus CNGA1 (xCNGA1) subunit-containing channels in interneurons. Downregulation of xCNGA1 or overexpression of a mutant xCNGA1 incapable of binding cGMP abolished CNG currents and converted growth cone repulsion to attraction in response to Sema3A. We also show that Ca2+ entry through xCNGCs is required to mediate the repulsive Sema3A signal. These studies extend our knowledge of the function of CNGCs by demonstrating their requirement for signal transduction in growth cone guidance.

  12. Odorant Inhibition of the Olfactory Cyclic Nucleotide-gated Channel with a Native Molecular Assembly

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Tsung-Yu; Takeuchi, Hiroko; Kurahashi, Takashi

    2006-01-01

    Human olfaction comprises the opposing actions of excitation and inhibition triggered by odorant molecules. In olfactory receptor neurons, odorant molecules not only trigger a G-protein–coupled signaling cascade but also generate various mechanisms to fine tune the odorant-induced current, including a low-selective odorant inhibition of the olfactory signal. This wide-range olfactory inhibition has been suggested to be at the level of ion channels, but definitive evidence is not available. Here, we report that the cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) cation channel, which is a key element that converts odorant stimuli into electrical signals, is inhibited by structurally unrelated odorants, consistent with the expression of wide-range olfactory inhibition. Interestingly, the inhibitory effect was small in the homo-oligomeric CNG channel composed only of the principal channel subunit, CNGA2, but became larger in channels consisting of multiple types of subunits. However, even in the channel containing all native subunits, the potency of the suppression on the cloned CNG channel appeared to be smaller than that previously shown in native olfactory neurons. Nonetheless, our results further showed that odorant suppressions are small in native neurons if the subsequent molecular steps mediated by Ca2+ are removed. Thus, the present work also suggests that CNG channels switch on and off the olfactory signaling pathway, and that the on and off signals may both be amplified by the subsequent olfactory signaling steps. PMID:16940558

  13. Emissions of toxic pollutants from compressed natural gas and low sulfur diesel-fueled heavy-duty transit buses tested over multiple driving cycles.

    PubMed

    Kado, Norman Y; Okamoto, Robert A; Kuzmicky, Paul A; Kobayashi, Reiko; Ayala, Alberto; Gebel, Michael E; Rieger, Paul L; Maddox, Christine; Zafonte, Leo

    2005-10-01

    The number of heavy-duty vehicles using alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and new low-sulfur diesel fuel formulations and equipped with after-treatment devices are projected to increase. However, few peer-reviewed studies have characterized the emissions of particulate matter (PM) and other toxic compounds from these vehicles. In this study, chemical and biological analyses were used to characterize the identifiable toxic air pollutants emitted from both CNG and low-sulfur-diesel-fueled heavy-duty transit buses tested on a chassis dynamometer over three transient driving cycles and a steady-state cruise condition. The CNG bus had no after-treatment, and the diesel bus was tested first equipped with an oxidation catalyst (OC) and then with a catalyzed diesel particulate filter (DPF). Emissions were analyzed for PM, volatile organic compounds (VOCs; determined on-site), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and mutagenic activity. The 2000 model year CNG-fueled vehicle had the highest emissions of 1,3-butadiene, benzene, and carbonyls (e.g., formaldehyde) of the three vehicle configurations tested in this study. The 1998 model year diesel bus equipped with an OC and fueled with low-sulfur diesel had the highest emission rates of PM and PAHs. The highest specific mutagenic activities (revertants/microg PM, or potency) and the highest mutagen emission rates (revertants/mi) were from the CNG bus in strain TA98 tested over the New York Bus (NYB) driving cycle. The 1998 model year diesel bus with DPF had the lowest VOCs, PAH, and mutagenic activity emission. In general, the NYB driving cycle had the highest emission rates (g/mi), and the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS) had the lowest emission rates for all toxics tested over the three transient test cycles investigated. Also, transient emissions were, in general, higher than steady-state emissions. The emissions of toxic compounds from an in-use CNG transit bus (without an oxidation catalyst) and from a vehicle fueled with low-sulfur diesel fuel (equipped with DPF) were lower than from the low-sulfur diesel fueled vehicle equipped with OC. All vehicle configurations had generally lower emissions of toxics than an uncontrolled diesel engine. Tunnel backgrounds (measurements without the vehicle running) were measured throughout this study and were helpful in determining the incremental increase in pollutant emissions. Also, the on-site determination of VOCs, especially 1,3-butadiene, helped minimize measurement losses due to sample degradation after collection.

  14. Preparation of activated carbon from waste plastics polyethylene terephthalate as adsorbent in natural gas storage

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yuliusman; Nasruddin; Sanal, A.; Bernama, A.; Haris, F.; Ramadhan, I. T.

    2017-02-01

    The main problem is the process of natural gas storage and distribution, because in normal conditions of natural gas in the gas phase causes the storage capacity be small and efficient to use. The technology is commonly used Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The weakness of this technology safety level is low because the requirement for high-pressure CNG (250 bar) and LNG requires a low temperature (-161°C). It takes innovation in the storage of natural gas using the technology ANG (Adsorbed Natural Gas) with activated carbon as an adsorbent, causing natural gas can be stored in a low pressure of about 34.5. In this research, preparation of activated carbon using waste plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET plastic waste is a good raw material for making activated carbon because of its availability and the price is a lot cheaper. Besides plastic PET has the appropriate characteristics as activated carbon raw material required for the storage of natural gas because the material is hard and has a high carbon content of about 62.5% wt. The process of making activated carbon done is carbonized at a temperature of 400 ° C and physical activation using CO2 gas at a temperature of 975 ° C. The parameters varied in the activation process is the flow rate of carbon dioxide and activation time. The results obtained in the carbonization process yield of 21.47%, while the yield on the activation process by 62%. At the optimum process conditions, the CO2 flow rate of 200 ml/min and the activation time of 240 minutes, the value % burn off amounted to 86.69% and a surface area of 1591.72 m2/g.

  15. Fracture mechanics analysis of NGV fuel cylinders. Part 1: Steel cylinders

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Connolly, M. P.; Hudak, S. J.; Roy, S.

    1993-02-01

    Compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders for natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are subject to a combination of pressure cycles, associated with periodic refueling, and a potentially corrosive CNG environment. Under these conditions it has been shown that the life of the cylinder is governed by the corrosion-fatigue crack growth of internal flaws such as voids, pits or folds that may be present after manufacture. For NGV applications, these cylinders are required to operate for at least 15 years and the report, through a detailed fracture mechanics analysis, describes approaches to achieving the desired life. The analysis shows that a 15 year cylinder life can be obtained by using quality control to ensure that no initial defects greater than 0.045 in. X 0.090 in. exist after manufacture. Alternatively, gas drying can be used at the distribution stations to reduce the detrimental effects of the remaining CNG impurities, and thereby, produce long cylinder lives. The analysis also considers the role of in-service inspection/retest and shows that in-service NDE has little advantage, either technically or economically, for ensuring the fitness-for-service of steel NGV cylinders. The analysis also shows that hydrostatic testing of cylinders, either at manufacture or in service, is ineffective for detecting fatigue cracks and therefore should not be implemented as part of a fitness-for-service plan for NGV fuel cylinders. The issue of cylinder geometry was also considered and the analysis shows that improperly designed flat-bottomed CNG cylinders can result in premature fatigue failures originating at the inner wall in the transition region between the cylinder end and sidewall.

  16. Cost effectiveness of converting to alternative motor vehicle fuels. A technical assistance study for the City of Longview

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

    McCoy, G.A.

    1983-11-18

    The City of Longview can obtain significant fuel savings benefits by converting a portion of their vehicle fleet to operate on either compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels. The conversion of 41 vehicles including police units, sedans, pickups, and light duty trucks to CNG use would offset approximately 47% of the city's 1982 gasoline consumption. The CNG conversion capital outlay of $115,000 would be recovered through fuel cost reductions. The Cascade Natural Gas Corporation sells natural gas under an interruptible tariff for $0.505 per therm, equivalent to slightly less than one gallon of gasoline. The citymore » currently purchases unleaded gasoline at $1.115 per gallon. A payback analysis indicates that 39.6 months are required for the CNG fuel savings benefits to offset the initial or first costs of the conversion. The conversion of fleet vehicles to liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or propane produces comparable savings in vehicle operating costs. The conversion of 59 vehicles including police units, pickup and one ton trucks, street sweepers, and five cubic yard dump trucks would cost approximately $59,900. The annual purchase of 107,000 gallons of propane would offset the consumption of 96,300 gallons of gasoline, or approximately 67% of the city's 1982 usage. Propane is currently retailing for $0.68 to $0.74 per gallon. A payback analysis indicates that 27.7 months are required for the fuel savings benefits to offset the initial LPG conversion costs.« less

  17. IP3-gated channels and their occurrence relative to CNG channels in the soma and dendritic knob of rat olfactory receptor neurons.

    PubMed

    Kaur, R; Zhu, X O; Moorhouse, A J; Barry, P H

    2001-05-15

    Olfactory receptor neurons respond to odorants with G protein-mediated increases in the concentrations of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) and/or inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). This study provides evidence that both second messengers can directly activate distinct ion channels in excised inside-out patches from the dendritic knob and soma membrane of rat olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs). The IP3-gated channels in the dendritic knob and soma membranes could be classified into two types, with conductances of 40 +/- 7 pS (n = 5) and 14 +/- 3 pS (n = 4), with the former having longer open dwell times. Estimated values of the densities of both channels from the same inside-out membrane patches were very much smaller for IP3-gated than for CNG channels. For example, in the dendritic knob membrane there were about 1000 CNG channels x microm(-2) compared to about 85 IP3-gated channels x microm(-2). Furthermore, only about 36% of the dendritic knob patches responded to IP3, whereas 83% of the same patches responded to cAMP. In the soma, both channel densities were lower, with the CNG channel density again being larger ( approximately 57 channels x microm(-2)) than that of the IP3-gated channels ( approximately 13 channels x microm(-2)), with again a much smaller fraction of patches responding to IP3 than to cAMP. These results were consistent with other evidence suggesting that the cAMP-pathway dominates the IP3 pathway in mammalian olfactory transduction.

  18. Chemical and toxicological properties of emissions from CNG transit buses equipped with three-way catalysts compared to lean-burn engines and oxidation catalyst technologies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yoon, Seungju; Hu, Shaohua; Kado, Norman Y.; Thiruvengadam, Arvind; Collins, John F.; Gautam, Mridul; Herner, Jorn D.; Ayala, Alberto

    2014-02-01

    Chemical and toxicological properties of emissions from compressed natural gas (CNG) fueled transit buses with stoichiometric combustion engines and three-way catalyst (TWC) exhaust control systems were measured using a chassis dynamometer testing facility and compared to the data from earlier CNG engine and exhaust control technologies. Gaseous and particulate matter emissions from buses with stoichiometric engines and TWC were significantly lower than the emissions from buses with lean-burn engines. Carbonyls and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from buses with stoichiometric engines and TWC were lower by more than 99% compared to buses with lean-burn engines. Elemental and organic carbons (EC and OC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and trace elements from buses with stoichiometric engines and TWC were effectively controlled and significantly lower than the emissions from buses with lean-burn engines. Potential mutagenicity measured using a microsuspension modification of the Salmonella/microsome assay was lower by more than 99% for buses with stoichiometric engines and TWC, compared to buses with lean-burn engines and OxC.

  19. CNG site-specific and methyl-sensitive endonuclease WEN1 from wheat seedlings.

    PubMed

    Fedoreyeva, L I; Vanyushin, B F

    2011-06-01

    Endonuclease WEN1 with apparent molecular mass about 27 kDa isolated from cytoplasmic vesicular fraction of aging coleoptiles of wheat seedlings has expressed site specificity action. This is a first detection and isolation of a site-specific endonuclease from higher eukaryotes, in general, and higher plants, in particular. The enzyme hydrolyzes deoxyribooligonucleotides of different composition on CNG (N is G, A, C, or T) sites by splitting the phosphodiester bond between C and N nucleotide residues in CNG sequence independent from neighbor nucleotide context except for CCCG. WEN1 prefers to hydrolyze methylated λ phage DNA and double-stranded deoxyribooligonucleotides containing 5-methylcytosine sites (m(5)CAG, m(5)CTG) compared with unmethylated substrates. The enzyme is also able to hydrolyze single-stranded substrates, but in this case it splits unmethylated substrates predominantly. Detection in wheat seedlings of WEN1 endonuclease that is site specific, sensitive to the substrate methylation status, and modulated with S-adenosyl-L-methionine indicates that in higher plants restriction--modification systems or some of their elements, at least, may exist.

  20. Postextraction Separation, On-Board Storage, and Catalytic Conversion of Methane in Natural Gas: A Review.

    PubMed

    Saha, Dipendu; Grappe, Hippolyte A; Chakraborty, Amlan; Orkoulas, Gerassimos

    2016-10-12

    In today's perspective, natural gas has gained considerable attention, due to its low emission, indigenous availability, and improvement in the extraction technology. Upon extraction, it undergoes several purification protocols including dehydration, sweetening, and inert rejection. Although purification is a commercially established technology, several drawbacks of the current process provide an essential impetus for developing newer separation protocols, most importantly, adsorption and membrane separation. This Review summarizes the needs of natural gas separation, gives an overview of the current technology, and provides a detailed discussion of the progress in research on separation and purification of natural gas including the benefits and drawbacks of each of the processes. The transportation sector is another growing sector of natural gas utilization, and it requires an efficient and safe on-board storage system. Compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) are the most common forms in which natural gas can be stored. Adsorbed natural gas (ANG) is an alternate storage system of natural gas, which is advantageous as compared to CNG and LNG in terms of safety and also in terms of temperature and pressure requirements. This Review provides a detailed discussion on ANG along with computation predictions. The catalytic conversion of methane to different useful chemicals including syngas, methanol, formaldehyde, dimethyl ether, heavier hydrocarbons, aromatics, and hydrogen is also reviewed. Finally, direct utilization of methane onto fuel cells is also discussed.

  1. Adenosine receptors regulate gap junction coupling of the human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells hCMEC/D3 by Ca2+ influx through cyclic nucleotide‐gated channels

    PubMed Central

    Bader, Almke; Bintig, Willem; Begandt, Daniela; Klett, Anne; Siller, Ina G.; Gregor, Carola; Schaarschmidt, Frank; Weksler, Babette; Romero, Ignacio; Couraud, Pierre‐Olivier; Hell, Stefan W.

    2017-01-01

    Key points Gap junction channels are essential for the formation and regulation of physiological units in tissues by allowing the lateral cell‐to‐cell diffusion of ions, metabolites and second messengers.Stimulation of the adenosine receptor subtype A2B increases the gap junction coupling in the human blood–brain barrier endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3.Although the increased gap junction coupling is cAMP‐dependent, neither the protein kinase A nor the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP were involved in this increase.We found that cAMP activates cyclic nucleotide‐gated (CNG) channels and thereby induces a Ca2+ influx, which leads to the increase in gap junction coupling.The report identifies CNG channels as a possible physiological link between adenosine receptors and the regulation of gap junction channels in endothelial cells of the blood–brain barrier. Abstract The human cerebral microvascular endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3 was used to characterize the physiological link between adenosine receptors and the gap junction coupling in endothelial cells of the blood–brain barrier. Expressed adenosine receptor subtypes and connexin (Cx) isoforms were identified by RT‐PCR. Scrape loading/dye transfer was used to evaluate the impact of the A2A and A2B adenosine receptor subtype agonist 2‐phenylaminoadenosine (2‐PAA) on the gap junction coupling. We found that 2‐PAA stimulated cAMP synthesis and enhanced gap junction coupling in a concentration‐dependent manner. This enhancement was accompanied by an increase in gap junction plaques formed by Cx43. Inhibition of protein kinase A did not affect the 2‐PAA‐related enhancement of gap junction coupling. In contrast, the cyclic nucleotide‐gated (CNG) channel inhibitor l‐cis‐diltiazem, as well as the chelation of intracellular Ca2+ with BAPTA, or the absence of external Ca2+, suppressed the 2‐PAA‐related enhancement of gap junction coupling. Moreover, we observed a 2‐PAA‐dependent activation of CNG channels by a combination of electrophysiology and pharmacology. In conclusion, the stimulation of adenosine receptors in hCMEC/D3 cells induces a Ca2+ influx by opening CNG channels in a cAMP‐dependent manner. Ca2+ in turn induces the formation of new gap junction plaques and a consecutive sustained enhancement of gap junction coupling. The report identifies CNG channels as a physiological link that integrates gap junction coupling into the adenosine receptor‐dependent signalling of endothelial cells of the blood–brain barrier. PMID:28075020

  2. Adenosine receptors regulate gap junction coupling of the human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells hCMEC/D3 by Ca2+ influx through cyclic nucleotide-gated channels.

    PubMed

    Bader, Almke; Bintig, Willem; Begandt, Daniela; Klett, Anne; Siller, Ina G; Gregor, Carola; Schaarschmidt, Frank; Weksler, Babette; Romero, Ignacio; Couraud, Pierre-Olivier; Hell, Stefan W; Ngezahayo, Anaclet

    2017-04-15

    Gap junction channels are essential for the formation and regulation of physiological units in tissues by allowing the lateral cell-to-cell diffusion of ions, metabolites and second messengers. Stimulation of the adenosine receptor subtype A 2B increases the gap junction coupling in the human blood-brain barrier endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3. Although the increased gap junction coupling is cAMP-dependent, neither the protein kinase A nor the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP were involved in this increase. We found that cAMP activates cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels and thereby induces a Ca 2+ influx, which leads to the increase in gap junction coupling. The report identifies CNG channels as a possible physiological link between adenosine receptors and the regulation of gap junction channels in endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier. The human cerebral microvascular endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3 was used to characterize the physiological link between adenosine receptors and the gap junction coupling in endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier. Expressed adenosine receptor subtypes and connexin (Cx) isoforms were identified by RT-PCR. Scrape loading/dye transfer was used to evaluate the impact of the A 2A and A 2B adenosine receptor subtype agonist 2-phenylaminoadenosine (2-PAA) on the gap junction coupling. We found that 2-PAA stimulated cAMP synthesis and enhanced gap junction coupling in a concentration-dependent manner. This enhancement was accompanied by an increase in gap junction plaques formed by Cx43. Inhibition of protein kinase A did not affect the 2-PAA-related enhancement of gap junction coupling. In contrast, the cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel inhibitor l-cis-diltiazem, as well as the chelation of intracellular Ca 2+ with BAPTA, or the absence of external Ca 2+ , suppressed the 2-PAA-related enhancement of gap junction coupling. Moreover, we observed a 2-PAA-dependent activation of CNG channels by a combination of electrophysiology and pharmacology. In conclusion, the stimulation of adenosine receptors in hCMEC/D3 cells induces a Ca 2+ influx by opening CNG channels in a cAMP-dependent manner. Ca 2+ in turn induces the formation of new gap junction plaques and a consecutive sustained enhancement of gap junction coupling. The report identifies CNG channels as a physiological link that integrates gap junction coupling into the adenosine receptor-dependent signalling of endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier. © 2017 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2017 The Physiological Society.

  3. Regulation of cyclic nucleotide-gated channels and membrane excitability in olfactory receptor cells by carbon monoxide

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Leinders-Zufall, T.; Shepherd, G. M.; Zufall, F.

    1995-01-01

    1. The effect of the putative neural messenger carbon monoxide (CO) and the role of the cGMP second-messenger system for olfactory signal generation was examined in isolated olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) of the tiger salamander. 2. With the use of whole cell voltage-clamp recordings in combination with a series of ionic and pharmological tests, it is demonstrated that exogenously applied CO is a potent activator (K1/2 = 2.9 microM) of cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels previously described to mediate odor transduction. 3. Several lines of evidence suggest that CO mediates its effect through stimulation of a soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) leading to formation of the second-messenger cGMP. This conclusion is based on the findings that CO responses show an absolute requirement for guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP) in the internal solution, that no direct effect of CO on CNG currents in the absence of GTP is detectable, and that a blocker of sGC activation, LY85383 (10 microM), completely inhibits the CO response. 4. The dose-response curve for cGMP at CNG channels is used as a calibration to provide a quantitative estimate of the CO-stimulated cGMP formation. This analysis implies that CO is a potent activator of olfactory sGC. 5. Perforated patch recordings using amphotericin B demonstrate that low micromolar doses of CO effectively depolarize the membrane potential of ORNs through tonic activation of CNG channels. This effect in turn regulates excitable and adaptive properties of ORNs and modulates neuronal responsiveness. 6. These data argue for an important role of the cGMP pathway in olfactory signaling and support the idea that CO may function as a diffusible messenger in the olfactory system.

  4. Impact of non-petroleum vehicle fuel economy on GHG mitigation potential

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Luk, Jason M.; Saville, Bradley A.; MacLean, Heather L.

    2016-04-01

    The fuel economy of gasoline vehicles will increase to meet 2025 corporate average fuel economy standards (CAFE). However, dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) and battery electric vehicles (BEV) already exceed future CAFE fuel economy targets because only 15% of non-petroleum energy use is accounted for when determining compliance. This study aims to inform stakeholders about the potential impact of CAFE on life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, should non-petroleum fuel vehicles displace increasingly fuel efficient petroleum vehicles. The well-to-wheel GHG emissions of a set of hypothetical model year 2025 light-duty vehicles are estimated. A reference gasoline vehicle is designed to meet the 2025 fuel economy target within CAFE, and is compared to a set of dedicated CNG vehicles and BEVs with different fuel economy ratings, but all vehicles meet or exceed the fuel economy target due to the policy’s dedicated non-petroleum fuel vehicle incentives. Ownership costs and BEV driving ranges are estimated to provide context, as these can influence automaker and consumer decisions. The results show that CNG vehicles that have lower ownership costs than gasoline vehicles and BEVs with long distance driving ranges can exceed the 2025 CAFE fuel economy target. However, this could lead to lower efficiency CNG vehicles and heavier BEVs that have higher well-to-wheel GHG emissions than gasoline vehicles on a per km basis, even if the non-petroleum energy source is less carbon intensive on an energy equivalent basis. These changes could influence the effectiveness of low carbon fuel standards and are not precluded by the light-duty vehicle GHG emissions standards, which regulate tailpipe but not fuel production emissions.

  5. Study of CNG/diesel dual fuel engine's emissions by means of RBF neural network.

    PubMed

    Liu, Zhen-tao; Fei, Shao-mei

    2004-08-01

    Great efforts have been made to resolve the serious environmental pollution and inevitable declining of energy resources. A review of Chinese fuel reserves and engine technology showed that compressed natural gas (CNG)/diesel dual fuel engine (DFE) was one of the best solutions for the above problems at present. In order to study and improve the emission performance of CNG/diesel DFE, an emission model for DFE based on radial basis function (RBF) neural network was developed which was a black-box input-output training data model not require priori knowledge. The RBF centers and the connected weights could be selected automatically according to the distribution of the training data in input-output space and the given approximating error. Studies showed that the predicted results accorded well with the experimental data over a large range of operating conditions from low load to high load. The developed emissions model based on the RBF neural network could be used to successfully predict and optimize the emissions performance of DFE. And the effect of the DFEmain performance parameters, such as rotation speed, load, pilot quantity and injection timing, were also predicted by means of this model. In resumé, an emission prediction model for CNG/diesel DFE based on RBF neural network was built for analyzing the effect of the main performance parameters on the CO, NOx, emissions of DFE. The predicted results agreed quite well with the traditional emissions model, which indicated that the model had certain application value, although it still has some limitations, because of its high dependence on the quantity of the experimental sample data.

  6. Alternative Splicing Governs Cone Cyclic Nucleotide-gated (CNG) Channel Sensitivity to Regulation by Phosphoinositides*

    PubMed Central

    Dai, Gucan; Sherpa, Tshering; Varnum, Michael D.

    2014-01-01

    Precursor mRNA encoding CNGA3 subunits of cone photoreceptor cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels undergoes alternative splicing, generating isoforms differing in the N-terminal cytoplasmic region of the protein. In humans, four variants arise from alternative splicing, but the functional significance of these changes has been a persistent mystery. Heterologous expression of the four possible CNGA3 isoforms alone or with CNGB3 subunits did not reveal significant differences in basic channel properties. However, inclusion of optional exon 3, with or without optional exon 5, produced heteromeric CNGA3 + CNGB3 channels exhibiting an ∼2-fold greater shift in K1/2,cGMP after phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate or phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate application compared with channels lacking the sequence encoded by exon 3. We have previously identified two structural features within CNGA3 that support phosphoinositides (PIPn) regulation of cone CNG channels: N- and C-terminal regulatory modules. Specific mutations within these regions eliminated PIPn sensitivity of CNGA3 + CNGB3 channels. The exon 3 variant enhanced the component of PIPn regulation that depends on the C-terminal region rather than the nearby N-terminal region, consistent with an allosteric effect on PIPn sensitivity because of altered N-C coupling. Alternative splicing of CNGA3 occurs in multiple species, although the exact variants are not conserved across CNGA3 orthologs. Optional exon 3 appears to be unique to humans, even compared with other primates. In parallel, we found that a specific splice variant of canine CNGA3 removes a region of the protein that is necessary for high sensitivity to PIPn. CNGA3 alternative splicing may have evolved, in part, to tune the interactions between cone CNG channels and membrane-bound phosphoinositides. PMID:24675082

  7. Transmembrane S1 mutations in CNGA3 from achromatopsia 2 patients cause loss of function and impaired cellular trafficking of the cone CNG channel.

    PubMed

    Patel, Kirti A; Bartoli, Kristen M; Fandino, Richard A; Ngatchou, Anita N; Woch, Gustaw; Carey, Jannette; Tanaka, Jacqueline C

    2005-07-01

    Achromatopsia 2, an inherited retinal disorder resulting in attenuation or loss of cone function, is caused by mutations in the alpha subunit of the cone cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel gene CNGA3. Examination of mutations that cluster in the first transmembrane segment of the protein may provide insight into its role in CNG channel structure, function, biogenesis, and pathophysiology. The human CNGA3 gene was tagged at the C terminus with green fluorescent protein. Four mutations, Y181C, N182Y, L186F, and C191Y, were expressed in human embryonic kidney cells. Protein expression was evaluated with immunoblot analysis and cellular localization was determined by immunocytochemistry. Channel function was evaluated by patch-clamp electrophysiology. All the mutations result in loss of channel function, as determined by the failure of cGMP to activate wild-type currents in excised patches. Full-length mutant proteins were synthesized but retained in the endoplasmic reticulum. Glycerol treatment did not rescue channel function nor did coexpression with CNGB3, a subunit of native hetero-tetrameric cone channels. A control mutant, C191S, exhibited cGMP current activation with significantly reduced cooperativity, suggesting that mutations in the first transmembrane domain alter in inter- or intrasubunit communication. The results implicate the first transmembrane segment in both maturation and function of CNG channels. The defects are not reversed with glycerol, a chemical chaperone that rescues channel function in some channelopathies. Molecular analysis of achromatopsia 2 mutations may be useful in evaluating potential therapeutic approaches for treatment of this channelopathy.

  8. Alternative splicing governs cone cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel sensitivity to regulation by phosphoinositides.

    PubMed

    Dai, Gucan; Sherpa, Tshering; Varnum, Michael D

    2014-05-09

    Precursor mRNA encoding CNGA3 subunits of cone photoreceptor cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels undergoes alternative splicing, generating isoforms differing in the N-terminal cytoplasmic region of the protein. In humans, four variants arise from alternative splicing, but the functional significance of these changes has been a persistent mystery. Heterologous expression of the four possible CNGA3 isoforms alone or with CNGB3 subunits did not reveal significant differences in basic channel properties. However, inclusion of optional exon 3, with or without optional exon 5, produced heteromeric CNGA3 + CNGB3 channels exhibiting an ∼2-fold greater shift in K1/2,cGMP after phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate or phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate application compared with channels lacking the sequence encoded by exon 3. We have previously identified two structural features within CNGA3 that support phosphoinositides (PIPn) regulation of cone CNG channels: N- and C-terminal regulatory modules. Specific mutations within these regions eliminated PIPn sensitivity of CNGA3 + CNGB3 channels. The exon 3 variant enhanced the component of PIPn regulation that depends on the C-terminal region rather than the nearby N-terminal region, consistent with an allosteric effect on PIPn sensitivity because of altered N-C coupling. Alternative splicing of CNGA3 occurs in multiple species, although the exact variants are not conserved across CNGA3 orthologs. Optional exon 3 appears to be unique to humans, even compared with other primates. In parallel, we found that a specific splice variant of canine CNGA3 removes a region of the protein that is necessary for high sensitivity to PIPn. CNGA3 alternative splicing may have evolved, in part, to tune the interactions between cone CNG channels and membrane-bound phosphoinositides.

  9. Mutation of a single residue in the S2-S3 loop of CNG channels alters the gating properties and sensitivity to inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Crary, J I; Dean, D M; Maroof, F; Zimmerman, A L

    2000-12-01

    We previously found that native cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) cation channels from amphibian rod cells are directly and reversibly inhibited by analogues of diacylglycerol (DAG), but little is known about the mechanism of this inhibition. We recently determined that, at saturating cGMP concentrations, DAG completely inhibits cloned bovine rod (Brod) CNG channels while only partially inhibiting cloned rat olfactory (Rolf) channels (Crary, J.I., D.M. Dean, W. Nguitragool, P.T. Kurshan, and A.L. Zimmerman. 2000. J. Gen. Phys. 116:755-768; in this issue). Here, we report that a point mutation at position 204 in the S2-S3 loop of Rolf and a mouse CNG channel (Molf) found in olfactory epithelium and heart, increased DAG sensitivity to that of the Brod channel. Mutation of this residue from the wild-type glycine to a glutamate (Molf G204E) or aspartate (Molf G204D) gave dramatic increases in DAG sensitivity without changing the apparent cGMP or cAMP affinities or efficacies. However, unlike the wild-type olfactory channels, these mutants demonstrated voltage-dependent gating with obvious activation and deactivation kinetics. Interestingly, the mutants were also more sensitive to inhibition by the local anesthetic, tetracaine. Replacement of the position 204 glycine with a tryptophan residue (Rolf G204W) not only gave voltage-dependent gating and an increased sensitivity to DAG and tetracaine, but also showed reduced apparent agonist affinity and cAMP efficacy. Sequence comparisons show that the glycine at position 204 in the S2-S3 loop is highly conserved, and our findings indicate that its alteration can have critical consequences for channel gating and inhibition.

  10. In-vitro assessment and pharmacodynamics of nimesulide incorporated Aloe vera transemulgel.

    PubMed

    Vandana, K R; Yalavarthi, Prasanna R; Sundaresan, C R; Sriramaneni, Raghava N; Vadlamudi, Harini C

    2014-06-01

    The aim of the investigation was to prepare nimesulide emulsion for incorporation in Aloe vera gel base to formulate 'nimesulide - Aloe vera transemulgel' (NAE) and to carryout in-vitro assessment and in-vivo anti-inflammatory studies of the product. Although the use of nimesulide is banned for oral administration, due to its potential for inducing hepatotoxicity and thrombocytopenia, the use of nimesulide for topical delivery is prominent in the treatment of many inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis. The drug loading capacity of transdermal gels is low for hydrophobic drugs such as nimesulide. Nimesulide can be effectively incorporated into emulgels (a combination of emulsion and gel). Aloe vera has a mild anti-inflammatory effect and in the present study Aloe vera gel was formulated and used as a gel base to prepare NAE. The emulgels thus prepared were evaluated for viscosity, pH, in-vitro permeation, stability and skin irritation test. In-vivo anti-inflammatory studies were performed using carrageenan induced hind paw edema method in Wistar rats. The results were compared with that of commercial nimesulide gel (CNG). From the in-vitro studies, effective permeation of nimesulide from NAE (53.04 %) was observed compared to CNG (44.72 %) at 30 min indicating better drug release from NAE. Topical application of the emulgel found no skin irritation. Stability studies proved the integrity of the formulation. The percentage of inhibition of edema was highest for the prepared NAE (67.4 % inhibition after 240 min) compared to CNG (59.6 %). From our results, it was concluded that the Aloe vera gel acts as an effective gel base to prepare nimesulide emulgel with high drug loading capacity (86.4 % drug content) compared to CNG (70.5 % drug content) with significant anti-inflammatory effect.

  11. Natural Gas Use On Minibuses, Engaged In The Carriage Of Passengers And Baggage On The Regular Routes, As A Measure For Decrease In Harmful Environment Effects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chikishev, E.; Chikisheva, A.; Anisimov, I.; Chainikov, D.

    2017-01-01

    The paper deals with an option of increase the compressed natural gas use as a motor fuel for diesel minibuses to reduce emissions of harmful substances with exhaust gases. In terms of the Russian company LTD "WTC Automobilist", carrying passengers and baggage on regular routes by minibuses, the calculation of the park's natural gas needs is promoted. A mini CNG RS with optimal performance is suggested. The approximate payback period of the natural gas equipment installation on all buses of company and introduction into service period of mini CNG RS are calculated.

  12. Gram-scale, high-yield synthesis of a robust metal-organic framework for storing methane and other gases

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

    Wilmer, CE; Farha, OK; Yildirim, T

    We have synthesized and characterized a new metal-organic framework (MOF) material, NU-125, that, in the single-crystal limit, achieves a methane storage density at 58 bar (840 psi) and 298 K corresponding to 86% of that obtained with compressed natural gas tanks (CNG) used in vehicles today, when the latter are pressurized to 248 bar (3600 psi). More importantly, the deliverable capacity (58 bar to 5.8 bar) for NU-125 is 67% of the deliverable capacity of a CNG tank that starts at 248 bar. (For crystalline granules or powders, particle packing inefficiencies will yield densities and deliverable capacities lower than 86%more » and 67% of high-pressure CNG.) This material was synthesized in high yield on a gram-scale in a single-batch synthesis. Methane adsorption isotherms were measured over a wide pressure range (0.1-58 bar) and repeated over twelve cycles on the same sample, which showed no detectable degradation. Adsorption of CO2 and H-2 over a broad range of pressures and temperatures are also reported and agree with our computational findings.« less

  13. A comparison of exhaust emissions from vehicles fuelled with petrol, LPG and CNG

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bielaczyc, P.; Szczotka, A.; Woodburn, J.

    2016-09-01

    This paper presents an analysis of THC, NMHC, CO, NOx and CO2 emissions during testing of two bi-fuel vehicles, fuelled with petrol and gaseous fuels, on a chassis dynamometer in the context of the Euro 6 emissions requirements. The analyses were performed on one Euro 5 bi-fuel vehicle (petrol/LPG) and one Euro 5 bi-fuel vehicle (petrol/CNG), both with SI engines equipped with MPI feeding systems operating in closed-loop control, typical three-way-catalysts and heated oxygen sensors. The vehicles had been adapted by their manufacturers for fuelling with LPG or CNG by using additional special equipment mounted onto the existing petrol fuelling system. The vehicles tested featured multipoint gas injection systems. The aim of this paper was an analysis of the impact of the gaseous fuels on the exhaust emission in comparison to the emission of the vehicles fuelled with petrol. The tests subject to the analyses presented here were performed in the Engine Research Department of BOSMAL Automotive Research and Development Institute Ltd in Bielsko-Biala, Poland, within a research programme investigating the influence of alternative fuels on exhaust emissions from light duty vehicle vehicles with spark-ignition and compression-ignition engines.

  14. Development of CNG direct injection (CNGDI) clean fuel system for extra power in small engine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ali, Yusoff; Shamsudeen, Azhari; Abdullah, Shahrir; Mahmood, Wan Mohd Faizal Wan

    2012-06-01

    A new design of fuel system for CNG engine with direct injection (CNGDI) was developed for a demonstration project. The development of the fuel system was done on the engine with cylinder head modifications, for fuel injector and spark plug openings included in the new cylinder head. The piston was also redesigned for higher compression ratio. The fuel rails and the regulators are also designed for the direct injection system operating at higher pressure about 2.0 MPa. The control of the injection timing for the direct injectors are also controlled by the Electronic Control Unit specially designed for DI by another group project. The injectors are selected after testing with the various injection pressures and spray angles. For the best performance of the high-pressure system, selection is made from the tests on single cylinder research engine (SCRE). The components in the fuel system have to be of higher quality and complied with codes and standards to secure the safety of engine for high-pressure operation. The results of the CNGDI have shown that better power output is produced and better emissions were achieved compared to the aspirated CNG engine.

  15. Characterization of Acoustic Emission Parameters During Testing of Metal Liner Reinforced with Fully Resin Impregnated CNG Cylinder

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kenok, R.; Jomdecha, C.; Jirarungsatian, C.

    The aim of this paper is to study the acoustic emission (AE) parameters obtained from CNG cylinders during pressurization. AE from flaw propagation, material integrity, and pressuring of cylinder was the main objective for characterization. CNG cylinders of ISO 11439, resin fully wrapped type and metal liner type, were employed to test by hydrostatic stressing. The pressure was step increased until 1.1 time of operating pressure. Two AE sensors, resonance frequency of 150 kHz, were mounted on the cylinder wall to detect the AE throughout the testing. From the experiment results, AE can be detected from pressuring rate, material integrity, and flaw propagation from the cylinder wall. AE parameters including Amplitude, Count, Energy (MARSE), Duration and Rise time were analyzed to distinguish the AE data. The results show that the AE of flaw propagation was different in character from that of pressurization. Especially, AE detected from flaws of resin wrapped and metal liner was significantly different. To locate the flaw position, both the AE sensors can be accurately used to locate the flaw propagation in a linear pattern. The error was less than ±5 cm.

  16. Influence of surface rectangular defect winding layer on burst pressure of CNG-II composite cylinder

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    You, H. X.; Peng, L.; Zhao, C.; Ma, K.; Zhang, S.

    2018-01-01

    To study the influence of composite materials’ surface defect on the burst pressure of CNG-II composite cylinder, the surface defect was simplified as a rectangular slot of certain size on the basis of actually investigating the shape of cylinder’s surface defect. A CNG-II composite cylinder with a rectangular slot defect (2mm in depth) was used for burst test, and the numerical simulation software ANSYS was used to calculate its burst pressure. Through comparison between the burst pressure in the test and the numerical analysis result, the correctness of the numerical analysis method was verified. On this basis, the numerical analysis method was conducted for composite cylinders with surface defect in other depth. The result showed that surface defect in the form of rectangular slot had no significant effect on the liner stress of composite cylinder. Instead, it had a great influence on the stress of fiber-wrapped layer. The burst pressure of the composite cylinder decreased as the defect depth increasing. The hoop stress at the bottom of the defect in the shape of rectangular slot exceeded the maximum of the composite materials’ tensile strength, which could result in the burst pressure of composite cylinders decreasing.

  17. Wavelength and energy dependent absorption of unconventional fuel mixtures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khan, N.; Saleem, Z.; Mirza, A. A.

    2005-11-01

    Economic considerations of laser induced ignition over the normal electrical ignition of direct injected Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engines has motivated automobile industry to go for extensive research on basic characteristics of leaner unconventional fuel mixtures to evaluate practical possibility of switching over to the emerging technologies. This paper briefly reviews the ongoing research activities on minimum ignition energy and power requirements of natural gas fuels and reports results of present laser air/CNG mixture absorption coefficient study. This study was arranged to determine the thermo-optical characteristics of high air/fuel ratio mixtures using laser techniques. We measured the absorption coefficient using four lasers of multiple wavelengths over a wide range of temperatures and pressures. The absorption coefficient of mixture was found to vary significantly over change of mixture temperature and probe laser wavelengths. The absorption coefficients of air/CNG mixtures were measured using 20 watts CW/pulsed CO2 laser at 10.6μm, Pulsed Nd:Yag laser at 1.06μm, 532 nm (2nd harmonic) and 4 mW CW HeNe laser at 645 nm and 580 nm for temperatures varying from 290 to 1000K using optical transmission loss technique.

  18. Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle Maintenance Facility Modification Handbook

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

    Kelly, Kay L.; Ramsden, Margo M.; Gonzales, John E.

    To ensure the safety of personnel and facilities, vehicle maintenance facilities are required by law and by guidelines of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Fire Code (IFC) to exhibit certain design features. They are also required to be fitted with certain fire protection equipment and devices because of the potential for fire or explosion in the event of fuel leakage or spills. All fuels have an explosion or fire potential if specific conditions are present. The hazard presented by liquid fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, results from the spillage of these liquids and subsequent ignitionmore » of vapors, causing a fire or explosion. Facilities that maintain liquid-fueled vehicles and implement appropriate safety measures are protected with ventilation systems designed to capture liquid fuel vapors at or near floor level. To minimize the potential for ignition in the event of a spill, receptacles, electrical fixtures, and hot-work operations, such as welding, are located outside of these areas. Compressed natural gas (CNG) is composed of methane with slight amounts of heavier simple hydrocarbons. Maintenance facilities that maintain CNG vehicles indoors must be protected against fire and explosion. However, the means of ensuring safety are different from those employed for liquid fuels because of the gaseous nature of methane and the fact that it is lighter than air. Because CNG is lighter than air, a release will rise to the ceiling of the maintenance facility and quickly dissipate rather than remaining at or near floor level like liquid fuel vapors. Although some of the means of protection for CNG vehicle maintenance facilities are similar to those used for liquid-fueled vehicles (ventilation and elimination of ignition sources), the types and placement of the protection equipment are different because of the behavior of the different fuels. The nature of gaseous methane may also require additional safeguards, such as combustible gas detectors and control systems, or specialized space heating, which are not needed in facilities servicing liquid-fuel vehicles. This handbook covers maintenance facilities that service CNG-fueled vehicles. Although similar requirements are mandated for liquefied natural gas (LNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fueled vehicles, LNG and LPG are not covered in this handbook.« less

  19. Spaceflight-induced genetic and epigenetic changes in the rice (Oryza sativa L.) genome are independent of each other.

    PubMed

    Ou, Xiufang; Long, Likun; Wu, Ying; Yu, Yingjie; Lin, Xiuyun; Qi, Xin; Liu, Bao

    2010-07-01

    An array of studies have reported that the spaceflight environment is mutagenic and may induce phenotypic and genetic changes in diverse organisms. We reported recently that in at least some plant species (e.g., rice) the spaceflight environment can be particularly potent in generating heritable epigenetic changes in the form of altered cytosine methylation patterns and activation of transposable elements. To further study the issue of spaceflight-induced genomic instability, and in particular to test whether the incurred genetic and epigenetic changes are connected or independent of each other, we performed the present study. We subjected seeds of the standard laboratory rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar Nipponbare to a spaceflight in the spaceship Long March 2 for 18 days. We then investigated the genetic and DNA methylation stabilities of 11 randomly selected plants germinated from the spaceflown seeds by using two kinds of DNA markers, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and methylation sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP). For AFLP, by using 15 primer combinations, we assessed 460 genomic loci and found that the frequencies of genetic changes across the 11 plants ranged from 0.7% to 6.7% with an average frequency of 3.5%. For MSAP, by using 14 primer combinations, we assessed 467 loci and detected the occurrence of four major types of cytosine methylation alterations at the CCGG sites, namely CG or CNG hypomethylation and CG or CNG hypermethylation. Collectively, the frequencies of the two kinds of hypermethylation, CG (1.95%) and CNG (1.44%), are about two times higher than those of the two kinds of hypomethylation, CG (0.76%) and CNG (0.80%), though different plants showed variable frequencies for each type of alteration. Further analysis suggested that both the genetic and cytosine methylation changes manifested apparent mutational bias towards specific genomic regions, but the two kinds of instabilities are independent of each other based on correlation analysis.

  20. Use of natural gas, methanol, and ethanol fuel emulsions as environmentally friendly energy carriers for mobile heat power plants

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Likhanov, V. A.; Lopatin, O. P.

    2017-12-01

    The need for using environmentally friendly energy carriers for mobile heat power plants (HPPs) is grounded. Ecologically friendly sources of energy, such as natural gas as well as renewable methyl and ethyl alcohols, are investigated. In order to develop, determine, and optimize the composition of environmentally friendly energy carriers for an HPP, the latter has been tested when working on diesel fuel (DF), compressed natural gas (CNG), and methanol and ethanol fuel emulsions (MFE, EFE). It has been experimentally established that, for the application of environmentally friendly energy carriers for a 4Ch 11.0/12.5 diesel engine of a mobile fuel and power plant, it is necessary to maintain the following ratio of components when working on CNG: 80% gas and 20% DF primer portion. When working on an alcohol mixture, emulsions of the following composition were used: 25% alcohol (methanol or ethanol), 0.5% detergent-dispersant additive succinimide C-5A, 7% water, and 67.5% DF. When this diesel passed from oil DF to environmentally friendly energy sources, it allowed for the reduction of the content of exhaust gases (EG) (1) when working on CNG with recirculation of exhaust gases (EGR) (recirculation was used to eliminate the increased amount of nitric oxides by using CNG): carbon black by 5.8 times, carbon dioxide by 45.9%, and carbon monoxide by 23.8%; (2) when working on MFE: carbon black by 6.4 times, nitrogen oxides by 29.6%, carbon dioxide by 10.1%, and carbon oxide by 47.6%; (3) when working on EFE: carbon black by 4.8 times; nitrogen oxides by 40.3%, carbon dioxide by 26.6%, and carbon monoxide by 28.6%. The prospects of use of environmentally friendly energy carriers in diesels of mobile HPPs, such as natural gas, ethanol, and methanol, has been determined.

  1. CNGA3 achromatopsia-associated mutation potentiates the phosphoinositide sensitivity of cone photoreceptor CNG channels by altering intersubunit interactions

    PubMed Central

    Dai, Gucan

    2013-01-01

    Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels are critical for sensory transduction in retinal photoreceptors and olfactory receptor cells; their activity is modulated by phosphoinositides (PIPn) such as phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3). An achromatopsia-associated mutation in cone photoreceptor CNGA3, L633P, is located in a carboxyl (COOH)-terminal leucine zipper domain shown previously to be important for channel assembly and PIPn regulation. We determined the functional consequences of this mutation using electrophysiological recordings of patches excised from cells expressing wild-type and mutant CNG channel subunits. CNGA3-L633P subunits formed functional channels with or without CNGB3, producing an increase in apparent cGMP affinity. Surprisingly, L633P dramatically potentiated PIPn inhibition of apparent cGMP affinity for these channels. The impact of L633P on PIPn sensitivity depended on an intact amino (NH2) terminal PIPn regulation module. These observations led us to hypothesize that L633P enhances PIPn inhibition by altering the coupling between NH2- and COOH-terminal regions of CNGA3. A recombinant COOH-terminal fragment partially restored normal PIPn sensitivity to channels with COOH-terminal truncation, but L633P prevented this effect. Furthermore, coimmunoprecipitation of channel fragments, and thermodynamic linkage analysis, also provided evidence for NH2-COOH interactions. Finally, tandem dimers of CNGA3 subunits that specify the arrangement of subunits containing L633P and other mutations indicated that the putative interdomain interaction occurs between channel subunits (intersubunit) rather than exclusively within the same subunit (intrasubunit). Collectively, these studies support a model in which intersubunit interactions control the sensitivity of cone CNG channels to regulation by phosphoinositides. Aberrant channel regulation may contribute to disease progression in patients with the L633P mutation. PMID:23552282

  2. CNGA3 achromatopsia-associated mutation potentiates the phosphoinositide sensitivity of cone photoreceptor CNG channels by altering intersubunit interactions.

    PubMed

    Dai, Gucan; Varnum, Michael D

    2013-07-15

    Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels are critical for sensory transduction in retinal photoreceptors and olfactory receptor cells; their activity is modulated by phosphoinositides (PIPn) such as phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3). An achromatopsia-associated mutation in cone photoreceptor CNGA3, L633P, is located in a carboxyl (COOH)-terminal leucine zipper domain shown previously to be important for channel assembly and PIPn regulation. We determined the functional consequences of this mutation using electrophysiological recordings of patches excised from cells expressing wild-type and mutant CNG channel subunits. CNGA3-L633P subunits formed functional channels with or without CNGB3, producing an increase in apparent cGMP affinity. Surprisingly, L633P dramatically potentiated PIPn inhibition of apparent cGMP affinity for these channels. The impact of L633P on PIPn sensitivity depended on an intact amino (NH2) terminal PIPn regulation module. These observations led us to hypothesize that L633P enhances PIPn inhibition by altering the coupling between NH2- and COOH-terminal regions of CNGA3. A recombinant COOH-terminal fragment partially restored normal PIPn sensitivity to channels with COOH-terminal truncation, but L633P prevented this effect. Furthermore, coimmunoprecipitation of channel fragments, and thermodynamic linkage analysis, also provided evidence for NH2-COOH interactions. Finally, tandem dimers of CNGA3 subunits that specify the arrangement of subunits containing L633P and other mutations indicated that the putative interdomain interaction occurs between channel subunits (intersubunit) rather than exclusively within the same subunit (intrasubunit). Collectively, these studies support a model in which intersubunit interactions control the sensitivity of cone CNG channels to regulation by phosphoinositides. Aberrant channel regulation may contribute to disease progression in patients with the L633P mutation.

  3. Two structural components in CNGA3 support regulation of cone CNG channels by phosphoinositides.

    PubMed

    Dai, Gucan; Peng, Changhong; Liu, Chunming; Varnum, Michael D

    2013-04-01

    Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels in retinal photoreceptors play a crucial role in vertebrate phototransduction. The ligand sensitivity of photoreceptor CNG channels is adjusted during adaptation and in response to paracrine signals, but the mechanisms involved in channel regulation are only partly understood. Heteromeric cone CNGA3 (A3) + CNGB3 (B3) channels are inhibited by membrane phosphoinositides (PIP(n)), including phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP(3)) and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)), demonstrating a decrease in apparent affinity for cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Unlike homomeric A1 or A2 channels, A3-only channels paradoxically did not show a decrease in apparent affinity for cGMP after PIP(n) application. However, PIP(n) induced an ∼2.5-fold increase in cAMP efficacy for A3 channels. The PIP(n)-dependent change in cAMP efficacy was abolished by mutations in the C-terminal region (R643Q/R646Q) or by truncation distal to the cyclic nucleotide-binding domain (613X). In addition, A3-613X unmasked a threefold decrease in apparent cGMP affinity with PIP(n) application to homomeric channels, and this effect was dependent on conserved arginines within the N-terminal region of A3. Together, these results indicate that regulation of A3 subunits by phosphoinositides exhibits two separable components, which depend on structural elements within the N- and C-terminal regions, respectively. Furthermore, both N and C regulatory modules in A3 supported PIP(n) regulation of heteromeric A3+B3 channels. B3 subunits were not sufficient to confer PIP(n) sensitivity to heteromeric channels formed with PIP(n)-insensitive A subunits. Finally, channels formed by mixtures of PIP(n)-insensitive A3 subunits, having complementary mutations in N- and/or C-terminal regions, restored PIP(n) regulation, implying that intersubunit N-C interactions help control the phosphoinositide sensitivity of cone CNG channels.

  4. Two structural components in CNGA3 support regulation of cone CNG channels by phosphoinositides

    PubMed Central

    Dai, Gucan; Peng, Changhong; Liu, Chunming

    2013-01-01

    Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels in retinal photoreceptors play a crucial role in vertebrate phototransduction. The ligand sensitivity of photoreceptor CNG channels is adjusted during adaptation and in response to paracrine signals, but the mechanisms involved in channel regulation are only partly understood. Heteromeric cone CNGA3 (A3) + CNGB3 (B3) channels are inhibited by membrane phosphoinositides (PIPn), including phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP3) and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), demonstrating a decrease in apparent affinity for cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Unlike homomeric A1 or A2 channels, A3-only channels paradoxically did not show a decrease in apparent affinity for cGMP after PIPn application. However, PIPn induced an ∼2.5-fold increase in cAMP efficacy for A3 channels. The PIPn-dependent change in cAMP efficacy was abolished by mutations in the C-terminal region (R643Q/R646Q) or by truncation distal to the cyclic nucleotide-binding domain (613X). In addition, A3-613X unmasked a threefold decrease in apparent cGMP affinity with PIPn application to homomeric channels, and this effect was dependent on conserved arginines within the N-terminal region of A3. Together, these results indicate that regulation of A3 subunits by phosphoinositides exhibits two separable components, which depend on structural elements within the N- and C-terminal regions, respectively. Furthermore, both N and C regulatory modules in A3 supported PIPn regulation of heteromeric A3+B3 channels. B3 subunits were not sufficient to confer PIPn sensitivity to heteromeric channels formed with PIPn-insensitive A subunits. Finally, channels formed by mixtures of PIPn-insensitive A3 subunits, having complementary mutations in N- and/or C-terminal regions, restored PIPn regulation, implying that intersubunit N–C interactions help control the phosphoinositide sensitivity of cone CNG channels. PMID:23530136

  5. Negative feedback exerted by cAMP-dependent protein kinase and cAMP phosphodiesterase on subsarcolemmal cAMP signals in intact cardiac myocytes: an in vivo study using adenovirus-mediated expression of CNG channels.

    PubMed

    Rochais, Francesca; Vandecasteele, Grégoire; Lefebvre, Florence; Lugnier, Claire; Lum, Hazel; Mazet, Jean-Luc; Cooper, Dermot M F; Fischmeister, Rodolphe

    2004-12-10

    Intracardiac cAMP levels are modulated by hormones and neuromediators with specific effects on contractility and metabolism. To understand how the same second messenger conveys different information, mutants of the rat olfactory cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel alpha-subunit CNGA2, encoded into adenoviruses, were used to monitor cAMP in adult rat ventricular myocytes. CNGA2 was not found in native myocytes but was strongly expressed in infected cells. In whole cell patch-clamp experiments, the forskolin analogue L-858051 (L-85) elicited a non-selective, Mg2+ -sensitive current observed only in infected cells, which was thus identified as the CNG current (ICNG). The beta-adrenergic agonist isoprenaline (ISO) also activated ICNG, although the maximal efficiency was approximately 5 times lower than with L-85. However, ISO and L-85 exerted a similar maximal increase of the L-type Ca2+ current. The use of a CNGA2 mutant with a higher sensitivity for cAMP indicated that this difference is caused by the activation of a localized fraction of CNG channels by ISO. cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) blockade with H89 or PKI, or phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibition with IBMX, dramatically potentiated ISO- and L-85-stimulated ICNG. A similar potentiation of beta-adrenergic stimulation occurred when PDE4 was blocked, whereas PDE3 inhibition had a smaller effect (by 2-fold). ISO and L-85 increased total PDE3 and PDE4 activities in cardiomyocytes, although this effect was insensitive to H89. However, in the presence of IBMX, H89 had no effect on ISO stimulation of ICNG. This study demonstrates that subsarcolemmal cAMP levels are dynamically regulated by a negative feedback involving PKA stimulation of subsarcolemmal cAMP-PDE.

  6. A new mouse model for stationary night blindness with mutant Slc24a1 explains the pathophysiology of the associated human disease

    PubMed Central

    Vinberg, Frans; Wang, Tian; Molday, Robert S.; Chen, Jeannie; Kefalov, Vladimir J.

    2015-01-01

    Mutations that affect calcium homeostasis (Ca2+) in rod photoreceptors are linked to retinal degeneration and visual disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa and congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB). It is thought that the concentration of Ca2+ in rod outer segments is controlled by a dynamic balance between influx via cGMP-gated (CNG) channels and extrusion via Na+/Ca2+, K+ exchangers (NCKX1). The extrusion-driven lowering of rod [Ca2+]i following light exposure controls their light adaptation and response termination. Mutant NCKX1 has been linked to autosomal-recessive stationary night blindness. However, whether NCKX1 contributes to light adaptation has not been directly tested and the mechanisms by which human NCKX1 mutations cause night blindness are not understood. Here, we report that the deletion of NCKX1 in mice results in malformed outer segment disks, suppressed expression and function of rod CNG channels and a subsequent 100-fold reduction in rod responses, while preserving normal cone responses. The compensating loss of CNG channel function in the absence of NCKX1-mediated Ca2+ extrusion may prevent toxic Ca2+ buildup and provides an explanation for the stationary nature of the associated disorder in humans. Surprisingly, the lack of NCKX1 did not compromise rod background light adaptation, suggesting additional Ca2+-extruding mechanisms exist in these cells. PMID:26246500

  7. CNG Cylinder Safety - Education, Outreach, and Next Steps (Presentation)

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

    Smith, M.; Schroeder, A.

    2014-01-01

    Mr. Schroeder discussed the work that NREL is performing for the U.S. Department of Transportation on compressed natural gas cylinder end-of-life requirements. CNG vehicles are different from most other vehicles in that the CNG fuel storage cylinders have a pre-determined lifetime that may be shorter than the expected life of the vehicle. The end-of-life date for a cylinder is based on construction and test protocols, and is specific to the construction and material of each cylinder. The end-of-life date is important because it provides a safe margin of error against catastrophic cylinder failure or rupture. The end-of-life dates range frommore » 15 to 25 years from the date of manufacture. NREL worked to develop outreach materials to increase awareness of cylinder end-of-life dates, has provided technical support for individual efforts related to cylinder safety and removal, and also worked with CVEF to document best practices for cylinder removal or inspection after an accident. Mr. Smith discussed the engagement of the DOE Clean Fleets Partners, which were surveyed to identify best practices on managing cylinder inventories and approached to provide initial data on cylinder age in a fleet environment. Both DOE and NREL will continue to engage these fleets and other stakeholders to determine how to best address this issue moving forward.« less

  8. Fresh and Oxidized Emissions from In-Use Transit Buses Running on Diesel, Biodiesel, and CNG.

    PubMed

    Watne, Ågot K; Psichoudaki, Magda; Ljungström, Evert; Le Breton, Michael; Hallquist, Mattias; Jerksjö, Martin; Fallgren, Henrik; Jutterström, Sara; Hallquist, Åsa M

    2018-06-26

    The potential effect of changing to a nonfossil fuel vehicle fleet was investigated by measuring primary emissions (by extractive sampling of bus plumes) and secondary mass formation, using a Gothenburg Potential Aerosol Mass (Go:PAM) reactor, from 29 in-use transit buses. Regarding fresh emissions, diesel (DSL) buses without a diesel particulate filter (DPF) emitted the highest median mass of particles, whereas compressed natural gas (CNG) buses emitted the lowest ( Md EF PM 514 and 11 mg kg fuel -1 , respectively). Rapeseed methyl ester (RME) buses showed smaller Md EF PM and particle sizes than DSL buses. DSL (no DPF) and hybrid-electric RME (RME HEV ) buses exhibited the highest particle numbers ( Md EF PN 12 × 10 14 # kg fuel -1 ). RME HEV buses displayed a significant nucleation mode ( D p < 20 nm). EF PN of CNG buses spanned the highest to lowest values measured. Low Md EF PN and Md EF PM were observed for a DPF-equipped DSL bus. Secondary particle formation resulting from exhaust aging was generally important for all the buses (79% showed an average EF PM:AGED /EF PM:FRESH ratio >10) and fuel types tested, suggesting an important nonfuel dependent source. The results suggest that the potential for forming secondary mass should be considered in future fuel shifts, since the environmental impact is different when only considering the primary emissions.

  9. The influence of sequence context and length on the kinetics of DNA duplex formation from complementary hairpins possessing (CNG) repeats.

    PubMed

    Paiva, Anthony M; Sheardy, Richard D

    2005-04-20

    The formation of unusual structures during DNA replication has been invoked for gene expansion in genomes possessing triplet repeat sequences, CNG, where N = A, C, G, or T. In particular, it has been suggested that the daughter strand of the leading strand partially dissociates from the parent strand and forms a hairpin. The equilibrium between the fully duplexed parent:daugter species and the parent:hairpin species is dependent upon their relative stabilities and the rates of reannealing of the daughter strand back to the parent. These stabilities and rates are ultimately influenced by the sequence context of the DNA and its length. Previous work has demonstrated that longer strands are more stable than shorter strands and that the identity of N also influences the thermal stability [Paiva, A. M.; Sheardy, R. D. Biochemistry 2004, 43, 14218-14227]. Here, we show that the rate of duplex formation from complementary hairpins is also sequence context and length dependent. In particular, longer duplexes have higher activation energies than shorter duplexes of the same sequence context. Further, [(CCG):(GGC)] duplexes have lower activation energies than corresponding [(CAG):(GTC)] duplexes of the same length. Hence, hairpins formed from long CNG sequences are more thermodynamically stable and have slower kinetics for reannealing to their complement than shorter analogues. Gene expansion can now be explained in terms of thermodynamics and kinetics.

  10. Ultrafine PM emissions from natural gas, oxidation-catalyst diesel, and particle-trap diesel heavy-duty transit buses.

    PubMed

    Holmén, Britt A; Ayala, Alberto

    2002-12-01

    This paper addresses how current technologies effective for reducing PM emissions of heavy-duty engines may affect the physical characteristics of the particles emitted. Three in-use transit bus configurations were compared in terms of submicron particle size distributions using simultaneous SMPS measurements under two dilution conditions, a minidiluter and the legislated constant volume sampler (CVS). The compressed natural gas (CNG)-fueled and diesel particulate filter (DPF)-equipped diesel configurations are two "green" alternatives to conventional diesel engines. The CNG bus in this study did not have an oxidation catalyst whereas the diesel configurations (with and without particulate filter) employed catalysts. The DPF was a continuously regenerating trap (CRT). Particle size distributions were collected between 6 and 237 nm using 2-minute SMPS scans during idle and 55 mph steady-state cruise operation. Average particle size distributions collected during idle operation of the diesel baseline bus operating on ultralow sulfur fuel showed evidence for nanoparticle growth under CVS dilution conditions relative to the minidiluter. The CRT effectively reduced both accumulation and nuclei mode concentrations by factors of 10-100 except under CVS dilution conditions where nuclei mode concentrations were measured during 55 mph steady-state cruise that exceeded baseline diesel concentrations. The CVS data suggest some variability in trap performance. The CNG bus had accumulation mode concentrations 10-100x lower than the diesel baseline but often displayed large nuclei modes, especially under CVS dilution conditions. Partly this may be explained by the lack of an oxidation catalyst on the CNG, but differences between the minidiluter and CVS size distributions suggest that dilution ratio, temperature-related wall interactions, and differences in tunnel background between the diluters contributed to creating nanoparticle concentrations that sometimes exceeded diesel baseline concentrations when driving under load. The results do not support use of CVS dilution methodology for ultrafine particle sampling, and, despite attention to collection of tunnel blanks in this study, results indicate that a protocol needs to be determined and prescribed for taking into account tunnel blank "emissions" to obtain meaningful comparisons between different technologies. Of critical importance is determining how temperature differences between tunnel blank and test cycle sampling compare in terms of background particle numbers. Total particle number concentrations for the minidiluter sampling point were not significantly different for the two alternative technologies when considering all the steady-cycle data collected. Concentrations ranged from 0.8 to 3 x 10(6) for the baseline bus operating on ultralow sulfur fuel, from 0.5 to 9 x 10(4) for the diesel bus equipped with the CRT filter, and from 1 to 8 x 10(4) particles/cc for the CNG bus.

  11. EERE: Alternative Fuels Data Center Home Page

    Science.gov Websites

    facility safe with a first-of-its-kind CNG Maintenance Facility Modifications Handbook. Find Fleet & Equipment Maintenance Driving Behavior Fleet Rightsizing System Efficiency Locate Stations Search

  12. Computational exploration of cis-regulatory modules in rhythmic expression data using the "Exploration of Distinctive CREs and CRMs" (EDCC) and "CRM Network Generator" (CNG) programs.

    PubMed

    Bekiaris, Pavlos Stephanos; Tekath, Tobias; Staiger, Dorothee; Danisman, Selahattin

    2018-01-01

    Understanding the effect of cis-regulatory elements (CRE) and clusters of CREs, which are called cis-regulatory modules (CRM), in eukaryotic gene expression is a challenge of computational biology. We developed two programs that allow simple, fast and reliable analysis of candidate CREs and CRMs that may affect specific gene expression and that determine positional features between individual CREs within a CRM. The first program, "Exploration of Distinctive CREs and CRMs" (EDCC), correlates candidate CREs and CRMs with specific gene expression patterns. For pairs of CREs, EDCC also determines positional preferences of the single CREs in relation to each other and to the transcriptional start site. The second program, "CRM Network Generator" (CNG), prioritizes these positional preferences using a neural network and thus allows unbiased rating of the positional preferences that were determined by EDCC. We tested these programs with data from a microarray study of circadian gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana. Analyzing more than 1.5 million pairwise CRE combinations, we found 22 candidate combinations, of which several contained known clock promoter elements together with elements that had not been identified as relevant to circadian gene expression before. CNG analysis further identified positional preferences of these CRE pairs, hinting at positional information that may be relevant for circadian gene expression. Future wet lab experiments will have to determine which of these combinations confer daytime specific circadian gene expression.

  13. Physical and Chemical Characterization of Real-World Particle Number and Mass Emissions from City Buses in Finland.

    PubMed

    Pirjola, Liisa; Dittrich, Aleš; Niemi, Jarkko V; Saarikoski, Sanna; Timonen, Hilkka; Kuuluvainen, Heino; Järvinen, Anssi; Kousa, Anu; Rönkkö, Topi; Hillamo, Risto

    2016-01-05

    Exhaust emissions of 23 individual city buses at Euro III, Euro IV and EEV (Enhanced Environmentally Friendly Vehicle) emission levels were measured by the chasing method under real-world conditions at a depot area and on the normal route of bus line 24 in Helsinki. The buses represented different technologies from the viewpoint of engines, exhaust after-treatment systems (ATS) and fuels. Some of the EEV buses were fueled by diesel, diesel-electric, ethanol (RED95) and compressed natural gas (CNG). At the depot area the emission factors were in the range of 0.3-21 × 10(14) # (kg fuel)(-1), 6-40 g (kg fuel)(-1), 0.004-0.88 g (kg fuel)(-1), 0.004-0.56 g (kg fuel)(-1), 0.01-1.2 g (kg fuel)(-1), for particle number (EFN), nitrogen oxides (EFNOx), black carbon (EFBC), organics (EFOrg), and particle mass (EFPM1), respectively. The highest particulate emissions were observed from the Euro III and Euro IV buses and the lowest from the ethanol and CNG-fueled buses, which emitted BC only during acceleration. The organics emitted from the CNG-fueled buses were clearly less oxidized compared to the other bus types. The bus line experiments showed that lowest emissions were obtained from the ethanol-fueled buses whereas large variation existed between individual buses of the same type indicating that the operating conditions by drivers had large effect on the emissions.

  14. Computational exploration of cis-regulatory modules in rhythmic expression data using the “Exploration of Distinctive CREs and CRMs” (EDCC) and “CRM Network Generator” (CNG) programs

    PubMed Central

    Staiger, Dorothee

    2018-01-01

    Understanding the effect of cis-regulatory elements (CRE) and clusters of CREs, which are called cis-regulatory modules (CRM), in eukaryotic gene expression is a challenge of computational biology. We developed two programs that allow simple, fast and reliable analysis of candidate CREs and CRMs that may affect specific gene expression and that determine positional features between individual CREs within a CRM. The first program, “Exploration of Distinctive CREs and CRMs” (EDCC), correlates candidate CREs and CRMs with specific gene expression patterns. For pairs of CREs, EDCC also determines positional preferences of the single CREs in relation to each other and to the transcriptional start site. The second program, “CRM Network Generator” (CNG), prioritizes these positional preferences using a neural network and thus allows unbiased rating of the positional preferences that were determined by EDCC. We tested these programs with data from a microarray study of circadian gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana. Analyzing more than 1.5 million pairwise CRE combinations, we found 22 candidate combinations, of which several contained known clock promoter elements together with elements that had not been identified as relevant to circadian gene expression before. CNG analysis further identified positional preferences of these CRE pairs, hinting at positional information that may be relevant for circadian gene expression. Future wet lab experiments will have to determine which of these combinations confer daytime specific circadian gene expression. PMID:29298348

  15. Alternative Fuels Data Center

    Science.gov Websites

    Conference on Weights and Measures has established equivalent measures. Until the DOL standardizes measurements, a gasoline gallon equivalent is equal to 5.66 pounds (lbs.) of CNG and a diesel gallon equivalent

  16. Localized Fire Protection Assessment for Vehicle Compressed Hydrogen Containers

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2010-03-01

    Industry has identified localized flame impingement on high pressure composite storage cylinders as an area requiring research due to several catastrophic failures in recent years involving compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. Current standards and...

  17. Alternative Fuels Data Center

    Science.gov Websites

    the state, unless equivalent measures are established by the National Conference on Weights and Measures. According to current state law, one GGE is equal to 5.66 pounds (lbs.) of CNG. One DGE is equal

  18. Role of the S4-S5 linker in CNG channel activation.

    PubMed

    Kusch, Jana; Zimmer, Thomas; Holschuh, Jascha; Biskup, Christoph; Schulz, Eckhard; Nache, Vasilica; Benndorf, Klaus

    2010-10-20

    Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels mediate sensory signal transduction in retinal and olfactory cells. The channels are activated by the binding of cyclic nucleotides to a cyclic nucleotide-binding domain (CNBD) in the C-terminus that is located at the intracellular side. The molecular events translating the ligand binding to the pore opening are still unknown. We investigated the role of the S4-S5 linker in the activation process by quantifying its interaction with other intracellular regions. To this end, we constructed chimeric channels in which the N-terminus, the S4-S5 linker, the C-linker, and the CNBD of the retinal CNGA1 subunit were systematically replaced by the respective regions of the olfactory CNGA2 subunit. Macroscopic concentration-response relations were analyzed, yielding the apparent affinity to cGMP and the Hill coefficient. The degree of functional coupling of intracellular regions in the activation gating was determined by thermodynamic double-mutant cycle analysis. We observed that all four intracellular regions, including the relatively short S4-S5 linker, are involved in controlling the apparent affinity of the channel to cGMP and, moreover, in determining the degree of cooperativity between the subunits, as derived from the Hill coefficient. The interaction energies reveal an interaction of the S4-S5 linker with both the N-terminus and the C-linker, but no interaction with the CNBD. Copyright © 2010 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Alternative Fuels Data Center

    Science.gov Websites

    : CNG: $0.08 per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) until September 30, 2023; $0.13 per GGE from October 1 diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) until September 30, 2023; $0.13 per DGE from October 1, 2023, until

  20. Alternative Fuels Data Center

    Science.gov Websites

    vehicle at 3,000 pounds (lbs.) per square inch and metered on a gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE ); liquefied natural gas (LNG) must be metered on a diesel gallon equivalent (DGE). One GGE of CNG is equal to

  1. Alternative Fuels Data Center

    Science.gov Websites

    Department of Revenue (Department) uses a CNG gallon equivalent factor of 5.66 pounds (lbs.) and a liquefied gas gallon equivalent factor of 6.06 lbs. Liquefied gas is all combustible gas that exists in the

  2. Alternative Fuels Data Center

    Science.gov Websites

    Tax Compressed natural gas (CNG) used as a vehicle fuel is taxed on a gasoline gallon equivalent ) used as a vehicle fuel is taxed on a diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) basis as follows: $0.05 per DGE

  3. Featured Partner: Saddle Creek Logistics Services

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    This EPA fact sheet spotlights Saddle Creek Logistics as a SmartWay partner committed to sustainability in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution caused by freight transportation, partly by growing its compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles for

  4. Compressed Natural Gas Safety in Transit Operations

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1995-09-14

    This report examines the safety issues relating to the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in transit service. The safety issues were determined by on-site surveys performed by Battelle of Columbus, Ohio and Science Applications International Corpora...

  5. Tracking costs of alternatively fueled buses in Florida - phase II, [summary].

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2013-04-01

    Many public transit agencies have invested in vehicles that use alternative fuels to reduce greenhouse gases, urban pollution, and fuel costs. Available alternatives include biodiesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), diesel-electric hybrid, electric, h...

  6. Alternative Fuels Data Center

    Science.gov Websites

    (ONG) offers rebates for NGVs purchased or converted after June 20, 2016, in the amount of $2,000 for a applicant, per calendar year. For more information, see the ONG CNG Rebate Program website. Point of Contact

  7. cGMP and cyclic nucleotide-gated channels participate in mouse sperm capacitation.

    PubMed

    Cisneros-Mejorado, Abraham; Sánchez Herrera, Daniel P

    2012-01-20

    During capacitation of mammalian sperm intracellular [Ca(2+)] and cyclic nucleotides increase, suggesting that CNG channels play a role in the physiology of sperm. Here we study the effect of capacitation, 8Br-cAMP (8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate) and 8Br-cGMP (8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate) on the macroscopic ionic currents of mouse sperm, finding the existence of different populations of sperm, in terms of the recorded current and its response to cyclic nucleotides. Our results show that capacitation and cyclic nucleotides increase the ionic current, having a differential sensitivity to cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) and cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate). Using a specific inhibitor we determine the contribution of CNG channels to macroscopic current and capacitation. Copyright © 2011 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Air quality assessment in Delhi: before and after CNG as fuel.

    PubMed

    Chelani, Asha B; Devotta, Sukumar

    2007-02-01

    A number of policy measures have been activated in India in order to control the levels of air pollutants such as particulate matter, sulphur dioxide (SO(2)) and nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)). Delhi, which is one of the most polluted cities in the world, is also going through the implementation phase of the control policies. Ambient air quality data monitored during 2000 to 2003, at 10 sites in Delhi, were analyzed to assess the impact of implementation of these measures, specifically fuel change in vehicles. This paper presents the impact of policy measures on ambient air quality levels and also the source apportionment. CO and NO(2) concentration levels in ambient air are found to be associated with the mobile sources. The temporal variation of air quality data shows the significant effect of shift to CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) in vehicles.

  9. An experimental study on premixed CNG/H2/CO2 mixture flames

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yilmaz, Ilker; Yilmaz, Harun; Cam, Omer

    2018-03-01

    In this study, the effect of swirl number, gas composition and CO2 dilution on combustion and emission behaviour of CNG/H2/CO2 gas mixtures was experimentally investigated in a laboratory scale combustor. Irrespective of the gas composition, thermal power of the combustor was kept constant (5 kW). All experiments were conducted at or near stoichiometric and the local atmospheric conditions of the city of Kayseri, Turkey. During experiments, swirl number was varied and the combustion performance of this combustor was analysed by means of centreline temperature distributions. On the other hand, emission behaviour was examined with respect to emitted CO, CO2 and NOx levels. Dynamic flame behaviour was also evaluated by analysing instantaneous flame images. Results of this study revealed the great impact of swirl number and gas composition on combustion and emission behaviour of studied flames.

  10. Conformational rearrangements in the transmembrane domain of CNGA1 channels revealed by single-molecule force spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Maity, Sourav; Mazzolini, Monica; Arcangeletti, Manuel; Valbuena, Alejandro; Fabris, Paolo; Lazzarino, Marco; Torre, Vincent

    2015-05-01

    Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels are activated by binding of cyclic nucleotides. Although structural studies have identified the channel pore and selectivity filter, conformation changes associated with gating remain poorly understood. Here we combine single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) with mutagenesis, bioinformatics and electrophysiology to study conformational changes associated with gating. By expressing functional channels with SMFS fingerprints in Xenopus laevis oocytes, we were able to investigate gating of CNGA1 in a physiological-like membrane. Force spectra determined that the S4 transmembrane domain is mechanically coupled to S5 in the closed state, but S3 in the open state. We also show there are multiple pathways for the unfolding of the transmembrane domains, probably caused by a different degree of α-helix folding. This approach demonstrates that CNG transmembrane domains have dynamic structure and establishes SMFS as a tool for probing conformational change in ion channels.

  11. CNGA3 deficiency affects cone synaptic terminal structure and function and leads to secondary rod dysfunction and degeneration.

    PubMed

    Xu, Jianhua; Morris, Lynsie M; Michalakis, Stylianos; Biel, Martin; Fliesler, Steven J; Sherry, David M; Ding, Xi-Qin

    2012-03-01

    To investigate rod function and survival after cone dysfunction and degeneration in a mouse model of cone cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel deficiency. Rod function and survival in mice with cone CNG channel subunit CNGA3 deficiency (CNGA3-/- mice) were evaluated by electroretinographic (ERG), morphometric, and Western blot analyses. The arrangement, integrity, and ultrastructure of photoreceptor terminals were investigated by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. The authors found loss of cone function and cone death accompanied by impairment of rods and rod-driven signaling in CNGA3-/- mice. Scotopic ERG b-wave amplitudes were reduced by 15% at 1 month, 30% at 6 months, and 40% at 9 months and older, while scotopic a-wave amplitudes were decreased by 20% at 9 months, compared with ERGs of age-matched wild-type mice. Outer nuclear layer thickness in CNGA3-/- retina was reduced by 15% at 12 months compared with age-matched wild-type controls. This was accompanied by a 30%-40% reduction in expression of rod-specific proteins, including rhodopsin, rod transducin α-subunit, and glutamic acid-rich protein (GARP). Cone terminals in the CNGA3-/- retina showed a progressive loss of neurochemical and ultrastructural integrity. Abnormalities were observed as early as 1 month. Disorganized rod terminal ultrastructure was noted by 12 months. These findings demonstrate secondary rod impairment and degeneration after cone degeneration in mice with cone CNG channel deficiency. Loss of cone phototransduction accompanies the compromised integrity of cone terminals. With time, rod synaptic structure, function, and viability also become compromised.

  12. Lifecycle analysis of renewable natural gas and hydrocarbon fuels from wastewater treatment plants’ sludge

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

    Lee, Uisung; Han, Jeongwoo; Urgun Demirtas, Meltem

    Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) produce sludge as a byproduct when they treat wastewater. In the United States, over 8 million dry tons of sludge are produced annually just from publicly owned WWTPs. Sludge is commonly treated in anaerobic digesters, which generate biogas; the biogas is then largely flared to reduce emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Because sludge is quite homogeneous and has a high energy content, it is a good potential feedstock for other conversion processes that make biofuels, bioproducts, and power. For example, biogas from anaerobic digesters can be used to generate renewable natural gas (RNG), whichmore » can be further processed to produce compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Sludge can be directly converted into hydrocarbon liquid fuels via thermochemical processes such as hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL). Currently, the environmental impacts of converting sludge into energy are largely unknown, and only a few studies have focused on the environmental impacts of RNG produced from existing anaerobic digesters. As biofuels from sludge generate high interest, however, existing anaerobic digesters could be upgraded to technology with more economic potential and more environmental benefits. The environmental impacts of using a different anaerobic digestion (AD) technology to convert sludge into energy have yet to be analyzed. In addition, no studies are available about the direct conversion of sludge into liquid fuels. In order to estimate the energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impacts of these alternative pathways (sludge-to-RNG and sludge-to-liquid), this study performed a lifecycle analysis (LCA) using the Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Transportation (GREET®) model. The energy uses and GHG emissions associated with the RNG and hydrocarbon liquid are analyzed relative to the current typical sludge management case, which consists of a single-stage mesophilic digester with biogas flaring. Along with the alternative HTL process, four types of AD technologies with fuel production—single-stage mesophilic, mesophilic 2-stage, single-stage mesophilic with thermohydrolysis treatment, and mesophilicmesophilic acid/gas phase—are studied. Results show that the sludge-to-CNG pathway via AD and the sludge-to-liquid pathway via HTL reduce GHG emissions consumptions significantly. When we compare the GHG emissions of the alternative fuel production pathways to that of the counterfactual case in terms of the amount of sludge treated, reductions in GHG emissions are 39%–80% and 87% for alternative AD and HTL, respectively. Compared to petroleum gasoline and diesel GHG emission results in terms of MJ, the renewable CNG production pathway via AD and the renewable diesel production pathway via HTL reduce GHG emissions by 193% and 46%, respectively. These large reductions are mainly due to GHG credits from avoiding GHGs under the counterfactual scenario, and/or fertilizer displacement credits. Similarly, reductions in fossil fuel use for sludge-based fuels are huge. However, well-defined counterfactual scenarios are needed because the results of the study depend on the counterfactual scenario, which might vary over time.« less

  13. RDE-based assessment of a factory bi-fuel CNG/gasoline light-duty vehicle

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rašić, Davor; Rodman Oprešnik, Samuel; Seljak, Tine; Vihar, Rok; Baškovič, Urban Žvar; Wechtersbach, Tomaž; Katrašnik, Tomaž

    2017-10-01

    On-road exhaust emissions of a Euro 5 factory bi-fuel CNG/gasoline light-duty vehicle equipped with the TWC were assessed considering the Real Driving Emissions (RDE) guidelines. The vehicle was equipped with a Portable Emission Measurement System (PEMS) that enabled the measurement of THC, CO, NOx, CO2, and CH4. With respect to the characteristics of the vehicle, the appropriate Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycles (WLTC) were selected and based on the requirements of the RDE legislation a suitable route was conceived. In addition to the moderate RDE-based route, an extended RDE-based route was also determined. The vehicle was driven along each defined route twice, once with each individual fuel option and with a fully warm vehicle. RDE routes feature a multitude of new driving patterns that are significantly different to those encountered in the NEDC. However, as these driving patterns can greatly influence the cumulative emissions an insight in to local time trace phenomena is crucial to understand, reason and to possibly reduce the cumulative emissions. Original contributions of this paper comprise analyses of the RDE-LDV local time resolved driving emissions phenomena of a CNG-powered vehicle that are benchmarked against the ones measured under the use of gasoline in the same vehicle and under similar operating conditions to reason emission trends through driving patterns and powertrain parameters and exposing the strong cold-start independent interference of CO and N2O infrared absorption bands in the non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) analyzer. The paper provides experimental evidence on this interference, which significantly influences on the readings of CO emissions. The paper further provides hypotheses why CO and N2O interference is more pronounced when using CNG in LDVs and supports these hypotheses by PEMS tests. The study reveals that the vehicle's NOx real-world emission values of both conceived RDE-based routes when using both fuels are within Euro 5 and type-approval limits. Additionally, the THC and the NMHC emissions of both RDE-based routes using both fuels are within the Euro 5 limits indicating reasonable CH4 emissions. Notable increases above the type-approval and Euro 5 limits appeared in the CO emissions profile when using gasoline, while the CO2 emissions profile expectedly also exceeded the type-approval specifications.

  14. Functional role of hCngb3 in regulation of human cone cng channel: effect of rod monochromacy-associated mutations in hCNGB3 on channel function.

    PubMed

    Okada, Akira; Ueyama, Hisao; Toyoda, Futoshi; Oda, Sanae; Ding, Wei-Guang; Tanabe, Shoko; Yamade, Shinichi; Matsuura, Hiroshi; Ohkubo, Iwao; Kani, Kazutaka

    2004-07-01

    The human cone photoreceptor cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel comprises alpha- and beta-subunits, which are respectively encoded by hCNGA3 and hCNGB3. The purpose was to examine the functional role of hCNGB3 in modulation of human cone CNG channels and to characterize functional consequences of rod monochromacy-associated mutations in hCNGB3 (S435F and D633G). Macroscopic patch currents were recorded from human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells expressing homomeric (hCNGA3 and hCNGB3) and heteromeric (hCNGA3/hCNGB3, hCNGA3/hCNGB3-S435F, and hCNGA3/hCNGB3-D633G) channels using inside-out patch-clamp technique. Both hCNGA3 homomeric and hCNGA3/hCNGB3 heteromeric channels were activated by cGMP, with half-maximally activating concentration (K(1/2)) of 11.1 +/- 1.0 and 26.2 +/- 1.9 micro M, respectively. The hCNGA3 channels appeared to be more sensitive to inhibition by extracellular Ca(2+) compared with hCNGA3/hCNGB3 channels, when assessed by the degree of outward rectification. Coexpression of either of rod monochromacy-associated mutants of hCNGB3 with hCNGA3 significantly reduced K(1/2) value for cGMP but little affected the sensitivity to extracellular Ca(2+), compared with wild-type heteromeric channels. The selectivity of hCNGA3, hCNGA3/hCNGB3, hCNGA3/hCNGB3-S435F, and hCNGA3/hCNGB3-D633G channels for monovalent cations were largely similar. Immunoprecipitation experiments showed association of hCNGA3 subunit with both of wild-type and mutant hCNGB3 subunits. The hCNGB3 plays an important modulatory role in the function of human cone CNG channels with respect to cGMP and extracellular Ca(2+) sensitivities. The rod monochromacy-associated S435F and D633G mutations in hCNGB3 evokes a significant increase in the apparent affinity for cGMP, which should alter cone function and thereby contribute at least partly to pathogenesis of the disease.

  15. Alternative Fuels Data Center

    Science.gov Websites

    gallon equivalent of natural gas at the time fuel is dispensed or delivered into the tank of a motor vehicle. A gasoline gallon equivalent is equal to 5.66 lbs. of CNG and a diesel gallon equivalent is equal

  16. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Smithtown Selects CNG to Cut Refuse

    Science.gov Websites

    additional revenue to the state of $0.05 per gasoline gallon equivalent. Clean Energy expanded the Hauppauge started at $2.33 per diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) through 2008 and increase each year to conclude at

  17. SunLine Transit Agency Hydrogen-Powered Transit Buses : Evaluation Results Update

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2007-10-01

    In early 2007, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) published a preliminary evaluation results report (January 2006 through November 2006) on hydrogen- and CNG-fueled buses operating at SunLine Transit Agency (SunLine) in Thousand Palms, C...

  18. Compressed Natural Gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Conversions: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Experience

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1996-04-01

    The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) contracted with conversion : companies in six states to convert approximately 900 light-duty Federal fleet : vehicles to operate on compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas : (LPG). After...

  19. Clean Air Program : cylinder issues associated with alternative fuels

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1999-01-01

    A number of incidents of compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinder leaks have occurred while transit buses were either in service or at a bus maintenance facility. This study was initiated to determine the degree to which cylinder problems still exist in...

  20. Clean air program : design guidelines for bus transit systems using hydrogen as an alternative fuel

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1999-04-01

    Alternative fuels such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and alcohol fuels (methanol, and ethanol) are already being used in commercial vehicles and transit buses in revenue service. Hydrogen...

  1. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Kern County Schools Expands CNG Station for

    Science.gov Websites

    23, 2016 Photo of a truck Fair Oaks Farm Harnesses the Power of Natural Gas from Cow Manure July 9 . 17, 2011 Natural Gas Powers Milk Delivery Trucks in Indiana Aug. 20, 2011 Reynolds Logistics Reduces

  2. PKA and cAMP/CNG Channels Independently Regulate the Cholinergic Ca(2+)-Response of Drosophila Mushroom Body Neurons

    PubMed

    Pavot, Pierre; Carbognin, Elena; Martin, Jean-René

    2015-01-01

    The mushroom bodies (MBs), one of the main structures in the adult insect brain, play a critical role in olfactory learning and memory. Though historical genes such as dunce and rutabaga, which regulate the level of cAMP, were identified more than 30 years ago, their in vivo effects on cellular and physiological mechanisms and particularly on the Ca(2+)-responses still remain largely unknown. In this work, performed in Drosophila, we took advantage of in vivo bioluminescence imaging, which allowed real-time monitoring of the entire MBs (both the calyx/cell-bodies and the lobes) simultaneously. We imaged neuronal Ca(2+)-activity continuously, over a long time period, and characterized the nicotine-evoked Ca(2+)-response. Using both genetics and pharmacological approaches to interfere with different components of the cAMP signaling pathway, we first show that the Ca(2+)-response is proportional to the levels of cAMP. Second, we reveal that an acute change in cAMP levels is sufficient to trigger a Ca(2+)-response. Third, genetic manipulation of protein kinase A (PKA), a direct effector of cAMP, suggests that cAMP also has PKA-independent effects through the cyclic nucleotide-gated Ca(2+)-channel (CNG). Finally, the disruption of calmodulin, one of the main regulators of the rutabaga adenylate cyclase (AC), yields different effects in the calyx/cell-bodies and in the lobes, suggesting a differential and regionalized regulation of AC. Our results provide insights into the complex Ca(2+)-response in the MBs, leading to the conclusion that cAMP modulates the Ca(2+)-responses through both PKA-dependent and -independent mechanisms, the latter through CNG-channels.

  3. CNGA3 Deficiency Affects Cone Synaptic Terminal Structure and Function and Leads to Secondary Rod Dysfunction and Degeneration

    PubMed Central

    Xu, Jianhua; Morris, Lynsie M.; Michalakis, Stylianos; Biel, Martin; Fliesler, Steven J.; Sherry, David M.

    2012-01-01

    Purpose. To investigate rod function and survival after cone dysfunction and degeneration in a mouse model of cone cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel deficiency. Methods. Rod function and survival in mice with cone CNG channel subunit CNGA3 deficiency (CNGA3−/− mice) were evaluated by electroretinographic (ERG), morphometric, and Western blot analyses. The arrangement, integrity, and ultrastructure of photoreceptor terminals were investigated by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Results. The authors found loss of cone function and cone death accompanied by impairment of rods and rod-driven signaling in CNGA3−/− mice. Scotopic ERG b-wave amplitudes were reduced by 15% at 1 month, 30% at 6 months, and 40% at 9 months and older, while scotopic a-wave amplitudes were decreased by 20% at 9 months, compared with ERGs of age-matched wild-type mice. Outer nuclear layer thickness in CNGA3−/− retina was reduced by 15% at 12 months compared with age-matched wild-type controls. This was accompanied by a 30%–40% reduction in expression of rod-specific proteins, including rhodopsin, rod transducin α-subunit, and glutamic acid-rich protein (GARP). Cone terminals in the CNGA3−/− retina showed a progressive loss of neurochemical and ultrastructural integrity. Abnormalities were observed as early as 1 month. Disorganized rod terminal ultrastructure was noted by 12 months. Conclusions. These findings demonstrate secondary rod impairment and degeneration after cone degeneration in mice with cone CNG channel deficiency. Loss of cone phototransduction accompanies the compromised integrity of cone terminals. With time, rod synaptic structure, function, and viability also become compromised. PMID:22247469

  4. Alternative Fuel Trucks Case Studies: Running Refuse Haulers on Compressed Natural Gas

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1996-01-01

    Since 1992 the CNG trash trucks have accumulated more than 60,000 miles in : regular service in the New York City fleet. Overall, their performance has been : excellent. The Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) at the Department of : Energy's Nationa...

  5. A tag-based approach for high-throughput analysis of CCWGG methylation.

    PubMed

    Denisova, Oksana V; Chernov, Andrei V; Koledachkina, Tatyana Y; Matvienko, Nicholas I

    2007-10-15

    Non-CpG methylation occurring in the context of CNG sequences is found in plants at a large number of genomic loci. However, there is still little information available about non-CpG methylation in mammals. Efficient methods that would allow detection of scarcely localized methylated sites in small quantities of DNA are required to elucidate the biological role of non-CpG methylation in both plants and animals. In this study, we tested a new whole genome approach to identify sites of CCWGG methylation (W is A or T), a particular case of CNG methylation, in genomic DNA. This technique is based on digestion of DNAs with methylation-sensitive restriction endonucleases EcoRII-C and AjnI. Short DNAs flanking methylated CCWGG sites (tags) are selectively purified and assembled in tandem arrays of up to nine tags. This allows high-throughput sequencing of tags, identification of flanking regions, and their exact positions in the genome. In this study, we tested specificity and efficiency of the approach.

  6. Cyclic-nucleotide–gated cation current and Ca2+-activated Cl current elicited by odorant in vertebrate olfactory receptor neurons

    PubMed Central

    Li, Rong-Chang; Ben-Chaim, Yair; Yau, King-Wai; Lin, Chih-Chun

    2016-01-01

    Olfactory transduction in vertebrate olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) involves primarily a cAMP-signaling cascade that leads to the opening of cyclic-nucleotide–gated (CNG), nonselective cation channels. The consequent Ca2+ influx triggers adaptation but also signal amplification, the latter by opening a Ca2+-activated Cl channel (ANO2) to elicit, unusually, an inward Cl current. Hence the olfactory response has inward CNG and Cl components that are in rapid succession and not easily separable. We report here success in quantitatively separating these two currents with respect to amplitude and time course over a broad range of odorant strengths. Importantly, we found that the Cl current is the predominant component throughout the olfactory dose–response relation, down to the threshold of signaling to the brain. This observation is very surprising given a recent report by others that the olfactory-signal amplification effected by the Ca2+-activated Cl current does not influence the behavioral olfactory threshold in mice. PMID:27647918

  7. Hydrogen quantitative risk assessment workshop proceedings.

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

    Groth, Katrina M.; Harris, Aaron P.

    2013-09-01

    The Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) Toolkit Introduction Workshop was held at Energetics on June 11-12. The workshop was co-hosted by Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia) and HySafe, the International Association for Hydrogen Safety. The objective of the workshop was twofold: (1) Present a hydrogen-specific methodology and toolkit (currently under development) for conducting QRA to support the development of codes and standards and safety assessments of hydrogen-fueled vehicles and fueling stations, and (2) Obtain feedback on the needs of early-stage users (hydrogen as well as potential leveraging for Compressed Natural Gas [CNG], and Liquefied Natural Gas [LNG]) and set priorities for %E2%80%9CVersionmore » 1%E2%80%9D of the toolkit in the context of the commercial evolution of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). The workshop consisted of an introduction and three technical sessions: Risk Informed Development and Approach; CNG/LNG Applications; and Introduction of a Hydrogen Specific QRA Toolkit.« less

  8. Effects of Exhaust Gas Recirculation on Performance and Emission Characteristic of SI Engine using Hydrogen and CNG Blends

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nitnaware, Pravin Tukaram; Suryawanshi, Jiwak G.

    2018-01-01

    This paper shows exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) effects on multi-cylinder bi-fuel SI engine using blends of 0, 5, 10 and 15% hydrogen by energy with CNG. All trials are performed at a speed of 3000, 3500 and 4000 rpm with EGR rate of 0, 5, 10 and 15%, with equal spark timing and injection pressure of 2.6 bar. At specific hydrogen percentage with increase in EGR rate NOx emission reduces drastically and increases with increase in hydrogen addition. Hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emission decreases with increase in speed and hydrogen addition. There is considerable improvement in brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and brake specific energy consumption (BSEC) at 15% EGR rate. At 3000 rpm, 5% EGR rate with 5% hydrogen had shown maximum cylinder pressure. Brake specific fuel consumption (b.s.f.c) increased with increase in EGR rate and decreased with increase in hydrogen addition for all speeds.

  9. Mechanisms of Regulation of Olfactory Transduction and Adaptation in the Olfactory Cilium

    PubMed Central

    Antunes, Gabriela; Sebastião, Ana Maria; Simoes de Souza, Fabio Marques

    2014-01-01

    Olfactory adaptation is a fundamental process for the functioning of the olfactory system, but the underlying mechanisms regulating its occurrence in intact olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) are not fully understood. In this work, we have combined stochastic computational modeling and a systematic pharmacological study of different signaling pathways to investigate their impact during short-term adaptation (STA). We used odorant stimulation and electroolfactogram (EOG) recordings of the olfactory epithelium treated with pharmacological blockers to study the molecular mechanisms regulating the occurrence of adaptation in OSNs. EOG responses to paired-pulses of odorants showed that inhibition of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) and phosphatases enhanced the levels of STA in the olfactory epithelium, and this effect was mimicked by blocking vesicle exocytosis and reduced by blocking cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and vesicle endocytosis. These results suggest that G-coupled receptors (GPCRs) cycling is involved with the occurrence of STA. To gain insights on the dynamical aspects of this process, we developed a stochastic computational model. The model consists of the olfactory transduction currents mediated by the cyclic nucleotide gated (CNG) channels and calcium ion (Ca2+)-activated chloride (CAC) channels, and the dynamics of their respective ligands, cAMP and Ca2+, and it simulates the EOG results obtained under different experimental conditions through changes in the amplitude and duration of cAMP and Ca2+ response, two second messengers implicated with STA occurrence. The model reproduced the experimental data for each pharmacological treatment and provided a mechanistic explanation for the action of GPCR cycling in the levels of second messengers modulating the levels of STA. All together, these experimental and theoretical results indicate the existence of a mechanism of regulation of STA by signaling pathways that control GPCR cycling and tune the levels of second messengers in OSNs, and not only by CNG channel desensitization as previously thought. PMID:25144232

  10. Clean Air Program : Design Guidelines for Bus Transit Systems Using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as an Alternative Fuel

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1997-03-01

    The use of alternative fuels to power transit buses is steadily increasing. Several fuels, including Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and Methanol/Ethanol, are already being used. At present, t...

  11. Clean air program : design guidelines for bus transit systems using compressed natural gas as an alternative fuel

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1996-06-01

    This report documents design guidelines for the safe use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The report is designed to provide guidance, information on safe industry practices, applicable national codes and standards, and reference data that transit age...

  12. Design Guidelines for Bus Transit Systems Using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as an Alternative Fuel.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1996-09-01

    The use of alternative fuels to power transit buses is steadily increasing. Several fuels, including Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and Methanol/Ethanol, are already being used in buses. At present, there do not exist co...

  13. Clean air program : design guidelines for bus transit systems using electric and hybrid electric propulsion as an alternative fuel

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2003-03-01

    The use of alternative fuels to power transit buses is steadily increasing. Several fuels, including : Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and : Methanol/Ethanol, are already being used. At presen...

  14. Alternative Fuels Data Center

    Science.gov Websites

    ), propane, electricity, and renewable diesel. For taxation purposes, one GGE of CNG is equal to 5.66 pounds (lbs.), one DGE of LNG is equal to 6.06 lbs., one GGE of propane is equal to 1.35 gallons, and one GGE

  15. Cow Power: A Case Study of Renewable Compressed Natural Gas as a Transportation Fuel

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

    Mintz, Marianne; Tomich, Matthew

    This case study explores the production and use of renewable compressed natural gas (R-CNG)—derived from the anaerobic digestion (AD) of dairy manure—to fuel 42 heavy-duty milk tanker trucks operating in Indiana, Michigan, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

  16. (CAG)(n)-hairpin DNA binds to Msh2-Msh3 and changes properties of mismatch recognition.

    PubMed

    Owen, Barbara A L; Yang, Zungyoon; Lai, Maoyi; Gajec, Maciej; Gajek, Maciez; Badger, John D; Hayes, Jeffrey J; Edelmann, Winfried; Kucherlapati, Raju; Wilson, Teresa M; McMurray, Cynthia T

    2005-08-01

    Cells have evolved sophisticated DNA repair systems to correct damaged DNA. However, the human DNA mismatch repair protein Msh2-Msh3 is involved in the process of trinucleotide (CNG) DNA expansion rather than repair. Using purified protein and synthetic DNA substrates, we show that Msh2-Msh3 binds to CAG-hairpin DNA, a prime candidate for an expansion intermediate. CAG-hairpin binding inhibits the ATPase activity of Msh2-Msh3 and alters both nucleotide (ADP and ATP) affinity and binding interfaces between protein and DNA. These changes in Msh2-Msh3 function depend on the presence of A.A mispaired bases in the stem of the hairpin and on the hairpin DNA structure per se. These studies identify critical functional defects in the Msh2-Msh3-CAG hairpin complex that could misdirect the DNA repair process.

  17. Waste-to-Fuel: A Case Study of Converting Food Waste to Renewable Natural Gas as a Transportation Fuel

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

    Mintz, Marianne; Tomich, Matthew

    This case study explores the production and use of renewable compressed natural gas (R-CNG)—derived from the anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic waste—to fuel heavy-duty refuse trucks and other natural gas vehicles in Sacramento, California.

  18. 49 CFR 393.68 - Compressed natural gas fuel containers.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Compressed natural gas fuel containers. 393.68... AND ACCESSORIES NECESSARY FOR SAFE OPERATION Fuel Systems § 393.68 Compressed natural gas fuel containers. (a) Applicability. The rules in this section apply to compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel...

  19. Finding the Future That Fits.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Taylor, Alison

    In 2000, a government-supported foundation called Careers the Next Generation (CNG) in Alberta, Canada, began coordinating summer internships for high school students in information and computer technology (ICT). The participating firms represented a mix of large and small private and public organizations in high-tech and other industries in the…

  20. Fleet DNA: Commercial Fleet Vehicle Operating Data | Transportation

    Science.gov Websites

    and Vehicle Dynamometer Evaluation and Comparison of Class 7 Hybrid Electric and Conventional Diesel Gasoline-Electric Hybrid Transit Buses In-Use Performance Comparison of Hybrid Electric, CNG, and Diesel Diesel Electric Hybrid Tractor Evaluation: 13-Month Final Report Project Startup: Evaluating Coca-Cola's

  1. 49 CFR 393.68 - Compressed natural gas fuel containers.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Compressed natural gas fuel containers. 393.68... AND ACCESSORIES NECESSARY FOR SAFE OPERATION Fuel Systems § 393.68 Compressed natural gas fuel containers. (a) Applicability. The rules in this section apply to compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel...

  2. 78 FR 70394 - Buy America Waiver Notification

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-11-25

    ... regarding the FHWA's finding that a Buy America waiver is appropriate for the use of non-domestic iron and.../nara . Background The FHWA's Buy America policy in 23 CFR 635.410 requires a domestic manufacturing... the FHWA's finding that a Buy America waiver is appropriate to use non-domestic CNG Compressor...

  3. Calculation and affection of pH value of different desulfurization and dehydration rates in the filling station based on Aspen Plus

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lv, J. X.; Wang, B. F.; Nie, L. H.; Xu, R. R.; Zhou, J. Y.; Hao, Y. J.

    2018-01-01

    The simulation process of the whole CNG filling station are established using Aspen Plus V7.2. The separator (Sep) was used to simulate the desulfurization and dehydration equipment in the gas station, and the flash module separator Flash 2 was used to simulate the gas storage well with proper temperature and environmental pressure. Furthermore, the sensitivity module was used to analyse the behaviour of the dehydration and desulfurization rate, and the residual pH value of the gas storage wells was between 2.2 and 3.3. The results indicated that the effect of water content on pH value is higher than that of hydrogen sulphide in the environment of gas storage wells, and the calculation process of the pH value is feasible. Additionally, the simulation process provides basic data for the subsequent anticorrosive mechanism and work of gas storage well and has great potential for practical applications.

  4. Alternative Fuels Data Center

    Science.gov Websites

    Natural Gas Tax Compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) used as motor fuel of using natural gas must pay an annual flat rate privilege tax if the vehicle has a gross vehicle equivalent of LNG; operators must prepay a portion of this tax annually. The Mississippi Department of

  5. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Reliable Temperature Compensation is

    Science.gov Websites

    Technical Bulletin addresses the potential hazards created by failure of compressed natural gas (CNG ) dispensers that do not accurately compensate for the temperature of the natural gas in vehicle storage containers as they are filled and the history of serious incidents as a result. Accurate temperature

  6. 77 FR 66601 - Northern Natural Gas Company; Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-11-06

    ... Ochiltree, Hansford, Hutchinson, and Carson Counties, Texas; Beaver County, Oklahoma; and Kiowa and Clark... Station, Ochiltree County, Texas, MP 38.47; Beaver Compressor Station, Beaver County, Oklahoma, MP 0.00; Northern/CNG Interconnect, Beaver County, Oklahoma, MP 10.35; Englewood Branch Line, Clark County, Kansas...

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

    none,

    The home that won a Production Builder award in the 2014 Housing Innovation Awards serves as a model for this builder, showcasing high-tech features including an electric car charging station; a compressed natural gas (CNG) car fueling station; a greywater recycling system that filters shower, sink, and clothes washer water for yard irrigation; smart appliances; and an electronic energy management system.

  8. Review and analysis of potential safety impacts of and regulatory barriers to fuel efficiency technologies and alternative fuels in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2015-06-01

    This report summarizes a safety analysis of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MD/HDVs) equipped with fuel efficiency (FE) technologies and/or using alternative fuels (natural gas-CNG and LNG, propane, biodiesel and power train electrification). The st...

  9. Alternative Fuels Data Center

    Science.gov Websites

    , certain buses, or commercial vehicles that are powered by an alternative fuel, if the vehicles obtain an (GVW) Type of Vehicle Decal Fee 18,000 pounds (lbs.) or less Passenger, School Bus, or Commercial $75 vehicles, buses, or commercial motor vehicles that are powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied

  10. Alternative Fuels Data Center: North Carolina Transportation Data for

    Science.gov Websites

    ) 2,115 Source: BioFuels Atlas from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Case Studies Video thumbnail CNG Installation a Boost Aug. 19, 2015 Video thumbnail for Biodiesel Offers an Easy Alternative for Fleets Biodiesel Offers an Easy Alternative for Fleets Aug. 18, 2015 Video thumbnail for Blue Skies

  11. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Idaho Transportation Data for Alternative

    Science.gov Websites

    the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Case Studies Video thumbnail for Idaho National Laboratory Operating Costs and Emissions May 16, 2014 Video thumbnail for Republic Services Reduces Waste with 87 CNG Videos on YouTube Video thumbnail for Idaho Surges Ahead with Electric Vehicle Charging Idaho Surges

  12. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Arkansas Launches Natural Gas-Powered Buses

    Science.gov Websites

    and Refueling StationA> Arkansas Launches Natural Gas-Powered Buses and Refueling Station to a great opportunity for [Rock Region METRO] to continue to meet the needs of our customers with the Cities Coalition (ACCC). Before RRM's board of directors would approve the CNG transition project, they

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

    Mitchell, George

    VICE 2.0 is the second generation of the VICE financial model developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for fleet managers to assess the financial soundness of converting their fleets to run on CNG. VICE 2.0 uses a number of variables for infrastructure and vehicles to estimate the business case for decision-makers when considering CNG as a vehicle fuel. Enhancements in version 2.0 include the ability to select the project type (vehicles and infrastructure or vehicle acquisitions only), and to decouple vehicle acquisition from the infrastructure investment, so the two investments may be made independently. Outputs now include graphical presentationsmore » of investment cash flow, payback period (simple and discounted), petroleum displacement (annual and cumulative), and annual greenhouse gas reductions. Also, the Vehicle Data are now built around several common conventionally fueled (gasoline and diesel) fleet vehicles. Descriptions of the various model sections and available inputs follow. Each description includes default values for the base-case business model, which was created so economic sensitivities can be investigated by altering various project parameters one at a time.« less

  14. In-vehicle measurement of ultrafine particles on compressed natural gas, conventional diesel, and oxidation-catalyst diesel heavy-duty transit buses.

    PubMed

    Hammond, Davyda; Jones, Steven; Lalor, Melinda

    2007-02-01

    Many metropolitan transit authorities are considering upgrading transit bus fleets to decrease ambient criteria pollutant levels. Advancements in engine and fuel technology have lead to a generation of lower-emission buses in a variety of fuel types. Dynamometer tests show substantial reductions in particulate mass emissions for younger buses (<10 years) over older models, but particle number reduction has not been verified in the research. Recent studies suggest that particle number is a more important factor than particle mass in determining health effects. In-vehicle particle number concentration measurements on conventional diesel, oxidation-catalyst diesel and compressed natural gas transit buses are compared to estimate relative in-vehicle particulate exposures. Two primary consistencies are observed from the data: the CNG buses have average particle count concentrations near the average concentrations for the oxidation-catalyst diesel buses, and the conventional diesel buses have average particle count concentrations approximately three to four times greater than the CNG buses. Particle number concentrations are also noticeably affected by bus idling behavior and ventilation options, such as, window position and air conditioning.

  15. Atmospheric levels of aldehydes and BTEX and their relationship with vehicular fleet changes in Rio de Janeiro urban area.

    PubMed

    Martins, Eduardo Monteiro; Arbilla, Graciela; Bauerfeldt, Glauco Favilla; de Paula, Murilo

    2007-05-01

    A comprehensive monitoring campaign to assess aldehydes and BTEX concentrations was performed during 12 months, in the Tijuca district (Rio de Janeiro), an area with commercial activities and a high flux of vehicles. The mean concentrations of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were 151 and 30 ppb, respectively. The high formaldehyde/acetaldehyde ratio was attributed to extensive use of compressed natural gas (CNG). The number of CNG vehicles in the metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro increased from 23000 in January 2001 to 161000 in January 2005. Monitoring data show that, for the same period, methane and formaldehyde concentrations increased while NO(x) and CO levels diminished. Mean concentrations for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m,p-xylene and o-xylene, were 1.1, 4.8, 3.6, 10.4 and 3.0 micro gm(-3), respectively. Benzene and toluene concentrations were lower than the values determined in 1996, for the same location. The levels of ethylbenzene and xylenes determined in this work are similar to values obtained in 1996. This fact may be explained as a consequence of changes in the gasoline composition.

  16. State-dependent block of CNG channels by dequalinium.

    PubMed

    Rosenbaum, Tamara; Gordon-Shaag, Ariela; Islas, León D; Cooper, Jeremy; Munari, Mika; Gordon, Sharona E

    2004-03-01

    Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channels are nonselective cation channels with a high permeability for Ca(2+). Not surprisingly, they are blocked by a number of Ca(2+) channel blockers including tetracaine, pimozide, and diltiazem. We studied the effects of dequalinium, an extracellular blocker of the small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel. We previously noted that dequalinium is a high-affinity blocker of CNGA1 channels from the intracellular side, with little or no state dependence at 0 mV. Here we examined block by dequalinium at a broad range of voltages in both CNGA1 and CNGA2 channels. We found that dequalinium block was mildly state dependent for both channels, with the affinity for closed channels 3-5 times higher than that for open channels. Mutations in the S4-S5 linker did not alter the affinity of open channels for dequalinium, but increased the affinity of closed channels by 10-20-fold. The state-specific effect of these mutations raises the question of whether/how the S4-S5 linker alters the binding of a blocker within the ion permeation pathway.

  17. Pump-to-Wheels Methane Emissions from the Heavy-Duty Transportation Sector.

    PubMed

    Clark, Nigel N; McKain, David L; Johnson, Derek R; Wayne, W Scott; Li, Hailin; Akkerman, Vyacheslav; Sandoval, Cesar; Covington, April N; Mongold, Ronald A; Hailer, John T; Ugarte, Orlando J

    2017-01-17

    Pump-to-wheels (PTW) methane emissions from the heavy-duty (HD) transportation sector, which have climate change implications, are poorly documented. In this study, methane emissions from HD natural gas fueled vehicles and the compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueling stations that serve them were characterized. A novel measurement system was developed to quantify methane leaks and losses. Engine related emissions were characterized from twenty-two natural gas fueled transit buses, refuse trucks, and over-the-road (OTR) tractors. Losses from six LNG and eight CNG stations were characterized during compression, fuel delivery, storage, and from leaks. Cryogenic boil-off pressure rise and pressure control venting from LNG storage tanks were characterized using theoretical and empirical modeling. Field and laboratory observations of LNG storage tanks were used for model development and evaluation. PTW emissions were combined with a specific scenario to view emissions as a percent of throughput. Vehicle tailpipe and crankcase emissions were the highest sources of methane. Data from this research are being applied by the authors to develop models to forecast methane emissions from the future HD transportation sector.

  18. Application of Electromagnetic Induction Technique to Measure the Void Fraction in Oil/Gas Two Phase Flow

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wahhab, H. A. Abdul; Aziz, A. R. A.; Al-Kayiem, H. H.; Nasif, M. S.; Reda, M. N.

    2018-03-01

    In this work, electromagnetic induction technique of measuring void fraction in liquid/gas fuel flow was utilized. In order to improve the electric properties of liquid fuel, an iron oxide Fe3O4 nanoparticles at 3% was blended to enhance the liquid fuel magnetization. Experiments have been conducted for a wide range of liquid and gas superficial velocities. From the experimental results, it was realized that there is an existing linear relationship between the void fraction and the measured electromotive force, when induction coils were connected in series for excitation coils, regardless of increase or decrease CNG bubbles distribution in liquid fuel flow. Therefore, it was revealed that the utilized method yielded quite reasonable account for measuring the void fraction, showing good agreement with the other available measurement techniques in the two-phase flow, and also with the published literature of the bubbly flow pattern. From the results of the present investigation, it has been proven that the electromagnetic induction is a feasible technique for the actual measurement of void fraction in a Diesel/CNG fuel flow.

  19. Gefitinib and EGFR Gene Copy Number Aberrations in Esophageal Cancer.

    PubMed

    Petty, Russell D; Dahle-Smith, Asa; Stevenson, David A J; Osborne, Aileen; Massie, Doreen; Clark, Caroline; Murray, Graeme I; Dutton, Susan J; Roberts, Corran; Chong, Irene Y; Mansoor, Wasat; Thompson, Joyce; Harrison, Mark; Chatterjee, Anirban; Falk, Stephen J; Elyan, Sean; Garcia-Alonso, Angel; Fyfe, David Walter; Wadsley, Jonathan; Chau, Ian; Ferry, David R; Miedzybrodzka, Zosia

    2017-07-10

    Purpose The Cancer Esophagus Gefitinib trial demonstrated improved progression-free survival with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib relative to placebo in patients with advanced esophageal cancer who had disease progression after chemotherapy. Rapid and durable responses were observed in a minority of patients. We hypothesized that genetic aberration of the EGFR pathway would identify patients benefitting from gefitinib. Methods A prespecified, blinded molecular analysis of Cancer Esophagus Gefitinib trial tumors was conducted to compare efficacy of gefitinib with that of placebo according to EGFR copy number gain (CNG) and EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA mutation status. EGFR CNG was determined by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) using prespecified criteria and EGFR FISH-positive status was defined as high polysomy or amplification. Results Biomarker data were available for 340 patients. In EGFR FISH-positive tumors (20.2%), overall survival was improved with gefitinib compared with placebo (hazard ratio [HR] for death, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.35 to 1.00; P = .05). In EGFR FISH-negative tumors, there was no difference in overall survival with gefitinib compared with placebo (HR for death, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.18; P = .46). Patients with EGFR amplification (7.2%) gained greatest benefit from gefitinib (HR for death, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.64; P = .006). There was no difference in overall survival for gefitinib versus placebo for patients with EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA mutations, or for any mutation versus none. Conclusion EGFR CNG assessed by FISH appears to identify a subgroup of patients with esophageal cancer who may benefit from gefitinib as a second-line treatment. Results of this study suggest that anti-EGFR therapies should be investigated in prospective clinical trials in different settings in EGFR FISH-positive and, in particular, EGFR-amplified esophageal cancer.

  20. Winter-time size distribution and source apportionment of total suspended particulate matter and associated metals in Delhi

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Srivastava, Arun; Gupta, Sandeep; Jain, V. K.

    2009-03-01

    A study of the winter time size distribution and source apportionment of total suspended particulate matter (TSPM) and associated heavy metal concentrations have been carried out for the city of Delhi. This study is important from the point of view of implementation of compressed natural gas (CNG) as alternate of diesel fuel in the public transport system in 2001 to reduce the pollution level. TSPM were collected using a five-stage cascade impactor at six sites in the winters of 2005-06. The results of size distribution indicate that a major portion (~ 40%) of TSPM concentration is in the form of PM0.7 (< 0.7 μm). Similar trends were observed with most of the heavy metals associated with various size fractions of TSPM. A very good correlation between coarse and fine size fraction of TSPM was observed. It was also observed that the metals associated with coarse particles have more chances of correlation with other metals; rather they are associated with fine particles. Source apportionment was carried out separately in coarse and fine size modes of TSPM by Chemical Mass Balance Receptor Model (CMB8) as well as by Principle Component Analysis (PCA) of SPSS. Source apportionment by PCA reveals that there are two major sources (possibly vehicular and crustal re-suspension) in both coarse and fine size fractions. Results obtained by CMB8 show the dominance of vehicular pollutants and crustal dust in fine and coarse size mode respectively. Noticeably the dominance of vehicular pollutants are now confined to fine size only whilst during pre CNG era it dominated both coarse and fine size mode. An increase of 42.5, 44.4, 48.2, 38.6 and 38.9% in the concentrations of TSPM, PM10.9, coarse particles, fine particles and lead respectively was observed during pre (2001) to post CNG (2005-06) period.

  1. Gas Phase Emission Ratios From In-Use Diesel and CNG Curbside Passenger Buses in New York City

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Herndon, S. C.; Shorter, J.; Canagaratna, M.; Jayne, J.; Nelson, D. D.; Wormhoudt, J. C.; Williams, P.; Silva, P. J.; Shi, Q.; Ghertner, A.; Zahniser, M.; Worsnop, D.; Kolb, C.; Lanni, T.; Drewnick, F.; Demerjian, K. L.

    2002-12-01

    The Aerodyne Mobile Laboratory simultaneously measured gas phase and particulate emissions from in use vehicles during two campaigns in New York City. The campaigns took place during two weeks in October, 2000 and four weeks in July-August, 2001. Passenger curbside buses were the primary focus of the study, but school buses and several other heavy duty diesel vehicles were also characterized. This paper describes the methodologies used to measure individual in use vehicles and presents the results of the gas phase measurements. Emission ratios for NO, NO2, SO2, N2O, CO, CH4 and H2CO relative to CO2 have been determined across several classes of buses. The gas phase concentrations were measured each second, using Tunable Infrared Laser Direct Absorption Spectroscopy (TILDAS). Some of the categories of buses into which the data has been sorted are; diesel (both 6V92 and Series 50) with and without the Continuous Regenerative Technology (CRT) retrofit, compressed natural gas powered(CNG) and hybrid diesel-electric buses. The New York Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) cooperated with this work, providing details about each of their buses followed. In addition to MTA buses, other New York City passenger bus operators were also measured. In September 2000, MTA began to switch to 30 ppm sulfur diesel fuel while it is believed the non MTA operators did not. The measured emission ratios show that low sulfur fuel greatly reduces the amount of SO2 per CO2. Roughly one third of the MTA fleet of diesel buses have been equipped with the CRT retrofit. The gas phase results of interest in this category show increased direct emission of NO2 and companion work (also submitted to the 12th CRC) show the impact the CRT refit has on particulate emissions. CNG buses show increased H2CO and CH4 emission ratios relative to diesel powered motors.

  2. Choice of precipitant and calcination temperature of precursor for synthesis of NiCo2O4 for control of CO-CH4 emissions from CNG vehicles.

    PubMed

    Trivedi, Suverna; Prasad, Ram

    2018-03-01

    Compressed natural gas (CNG) is most appropriate an alternative of conventional fuel for automobiles. However, emissions of carbon-monoxide and methane from such vehicles adversely affect human health and environment. Consequently, to abate emissions from CNG vehicles, development of highly efficient and inexpensive catalysts is necessary. Thus, the present work attempts to scan the effects of precipitants (Na 2 CO 3 , KOH and urea) for nickel cobaltite (NiCo 2 O 4 ) catalysts prepared by co-precipitation from nitrate solutions and calcined in a lean CO-air mixture at 400°C. The catalysts were used for oxidation of a mixture of CO and CH 4 (1:1). The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface-area, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy; temperature programmed reduction and Scanning electron microscopy coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy. The Na 2 CO 3 was adjudged as the best precipitant for production of catalyst, which completely oxidized CO-CH 4 mixture at the lowest temperature (T 100 =350°C). Whereas, for catalyst prepared using urea, T 100 =362°C. On the other hand the conversion of CO-CH 4 mixture over the catalyst synthesized by KOH limited to 97% even beyond 400°C. Further, the effect of higher calcination temperatures of 500 and 600°C was examined for the best catalyst. The total oxidation of the mixture was attained at higher temperatures of 375 and 410°C over catalysts calcined at 500 and 600°C respectively. Thus, the best precipitant established was Na 2 CO 3 and the optimum calcination temperature of 400°C was found to synthesize the NiCo 2 O 4 catalyst for the best performance in CO-CH 4 oxidation. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  3. Greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty natural gas, hybrid, and conventional diesel on-road trucks during freight transport

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Quiros, David C.; Smith, Jeremy; Thiruvengadam, Arvind; Huai, Tao; Hu, Shaohua

    2017-11-01

    Heavy-duty on-road vehicles account for 70% of all freight transport and 20% of transportation-sector greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United States. This study measured three prevalent GHG emissions - carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) - from seven heavy-duty vehicles, fueled by diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG), and compliant to the MY 2007 or 2010 U.S. EPA emission standards, while operated over six routes used for freight movement in California. Total combined (tractor, trailer, and payload) weights were 68,000 ± 1000 lbs. for the seven vehicles. Using the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) radiative forcing values for a 100-year time horizon, N2O emissions accounted for 2.6-8.3% of total tailpipe CO2 equivalent emissions (CO2-eq) for diesel vehicles equipped with Diesel Oxidation Catalyst, Diesel Particulate Filter, and Selective Catalytic Reduction system (DOC + DPF + SCR), and CH4 emissions accounted for 1.4-5.9% of CO2-eq emissions from the CNG-powered vehicle with a three-way catalyst (TWC). N2O emissions from diesel vehicles equipped with SCR (0.17-0.30 g/mi) were an order of magnitude higher than diesel vehicles without SCR (0.013-0.023 g/mi) during highway operation. For the vehicles selected in this test program, we measured 11-22% lower CO2-eq emissions from a hybrid compared to conventional diesel vehicles during transport over lower-speed routes of the freight transport system, but 20-27% higher CO2-eq emissions during higher-speed routes. Similarly, a CNG vehicle emitted up to 15% lower CO2-eq compared to conventional diesel vehicles over more neutral-grade highway routes, but emitted up to 12% greater CO2-eq emissions over routes with higher engine loads.

  4. Chemical and optical properties of PM2.5 from on-road operation of light duty vehicles in Delhi city.

    PubMed

    Jaiprakash; Habib, Gazala

    2017-05-15

    This study reports emission factors of PM 2.5 , elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), ions, trace elements and mass absorption cross-sections (MAC) of aerosol emitted from the on-road operation of light duty vehicles of different vintages. A portable dilution system was used to achieve complete quenching of aerosol at near ambient condition. The particles were collected on the filters and analyzed for chemical and light absorbing properties of aerosol. The diesel-powered passenger cars emitted higher PM 2.5 (56-356mgkm -1 ) with a large fraction of EC (37-65%), while emissions from gasoline (46-78mgkm -1 ), and CNG vehicles (33-34mgkm -1 ) were low and contained low EC (5-15%) and remarkably high OC (46-91%). The MAC of aerosols for diesel vehicles (32-208m 2 g -1 of PM 2.5 ) were well explained by EC content (31-62%) and showed similarity with MAC values reported for wood fuel combustion in cooking stoves indicating the two sources cannot be resolved on the basis of light absorption properties in source apportionment studies. Ionic contributions to PM 2.5 were highest for 4W-gasoline (11-19%) compared to 4W-diesel (7-11%), and CNG (9-10%). The abundance of ions such as Na + , Ca 2+ , SO 4 2- , NO 3 - , and NH 4 + could be due to use of lubricant oil and abrasive nature of engine of old vehicles. Trace elements (Al, Fe, Zn, Pb, and Cu) emitted from after-treatment devices, additives in lube oil, and wearing of engine components, were found to be 2-14%, 3-8% and 11-12% of total PM 2.5 for 4W of diesel, gasoline, and CNG respectively. This study indicates that aerosol emissions from on-road vehicles show a strong dependency on vehicle maintenance, engine type and after-treatment techniques. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. A Model for the Fast Synchronous Oscillations of Firing Rate in Rat Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Neurons Cultured in a Multielectrode Array Dish

    PubMed Central

    Stepanyuk, Andrey R.; Belan, Pavel V.; Kononenko, Nikolai I.

    2014-01-01

    When dispersed and cultured in a multielectrode dish (MED), suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) neurons express fast oscillations of firing rate (FOFR; fast relative to the circadian cycle), with burst duration ∼10 min, and interburst interval varying from 20 to 60 min in different cells but remaining nevertheless rather regular in individual cells. In many cases, separate neurons in distant parts of the 1 mm recording area of a MED exhibited correlated FOFR. Neither the mechanism of FOFR nor the mechanism of their synchronization among neurons is known. Based on recent data implicating vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) as a key intercellular synchronizing agent, we built a model in which VIP acts as both a feedback regulator to generate FOFR in individual neurons, and a diffusible synchronizing agent to produce coherent electrical output of a neuronal network. In our model, VIP binding to its (VPAC2) receptors acts through Gs G-proteins to activate adenylyl cyclase (AC), increase intracellular cAMP, and open cyclic-nucleotide-gated (CNG) cation channels, thus depolarizing the cell and generating neuronal firing to release VIP. In parallel, slowly developing homologous desensitization and internalization of VPAC2 receptors terminates elevation of cAMP and thereby provides an interpulse silent interval. Through mathematical modeling, we show that this VIP/VPAC2/AC/cAMP/CNG-channel mechanism is sufficient for generating reliable FOFR in single neurons. When our model for FOFR is combined with a published model of synchronization of circadian rhythms based on VIP/VPAC2 and Per gene regulation synchronization of circadian rhythms is significantly accelerated. These results suggest that (a) auto/paracrine regulation by VIP/VPAC2 and intracellular AC/cAMP/CNG-channels are sufficient to provide robust FOFR and synchrony among neurons in a heterogeneous network, and (b) this system may also participate in synchronization of circadian rhythms. PMID:25192180

  6. Inherited macular degeneration-associated mutations in CNGB3 increase the ligand sensitivity and spontaneous open probability of cone cyclic nucleotide-gated channels

    PubMed Central

    Meighan, Peter C.; Peng, Changhong; Varnum, Michael D.

    2015-01-01

    Cyclic nucleotide gated (CNG) channels are a critical component of the visual transduction cascade in the vertebrate retina. Mutations in the genes encoding these channels have been associated with a spectrum of inherited retinal disorders. To gain insight into their pathophysiological mechanisms, we have investigated the functional consequences of several CNGB3 mutations, previously associated with macular degeneration (Y469D and L595F) or complete achromatopsia (S156F, P309L, and G558C), by expressing these subunits in combination with wild-type CNGA3 in Xenopus oocytes and characterizing them using patch-clamp recordings in the inside-out configuration. These mutations did not prevent the formation of functional heteromeric channels, as indicated by sensitivity to block by L-cis-diltiazem. With the exception of S156F, each of the mutant channels displayed electrophysiological properties reflecting enhanced channel activity at physiological concentrations of cGMP (i.e., a gain-of-function phenotype). The increased channel activity produced by these mutations resulted from either increased functional expression levels, or increased sensitivity to cyclic nucleotides. Furthermore, L595F increased the spontaneous open probability in the absence of activating ligand, signifying a ligand independent gain-of-function change. In addition to the CNGB3 disease-associate mutations, we characterized the effects of several common CNGB3 and CNGA3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on heteromeric CNGA3+CNGB3 channel function. Two of the SNPs examined (A3-T153M, and B3-W234C) produced decreased ligand sensitivity for heteromeric CNG channels. These changes may contribute to background disease susceptibility when combined with other genetic or non-genetic factors. Together, these studies help to define the underlying molecular phenotype for mutations relating to CNG channel disease pathogenesis. PMID:26106334

  7. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Publications

    Science.gov Websites

    ;According to Table 3, CNG is $.33 less than gasoline on an energy-equivalent basis, while E85 is $0.18 more than gasoline on an energy-equivalent basis. Charging Electric Vehicles in Smart Cities: An EVI-Pro 350 Level 2 plugs at non-residential locations are required to support Columbus' primary PEV goal of

  8. 49 CFR 579.21 - Reporting requirements for manufacturers of 5,000 or more light vehicles annually.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ..., 05 parking brake, 06 engine and engine cooling system, 07 fuel system, 10 power train, 11 electrical... model, the model year, the type, the platform, the fuel and/or propulsion system type coded as follows: CNG (compressed natural gas), CIF (compression ignition fuel), EBP (electric battery power), FCP (fuel...

  9. New Report Compares Performance of Compressed Natural Gas Refuse Haulers to

    Science.gov Websites

    Diesel-Powered Trucks Report Compares Performance of Compressed Natural Gas Refuse Haulers to Diesel-Powered Trucks For more information contact: e:mail: Public Affairs A new report that compares the performance of compressed natural gas (CNG) refuse haulers in New York City to similar diesel-powered trucks

  10. 49 CFR 571.304 - Standard No. 304; Compressed natural gas fuel container integrity.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 6 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Standard No. 304; Compressed natural gas fuel... natural gas fuel container integrity. S1. Scope. This standard specifies requirements for the integrity of compressed natural gas (CNG), motor vehicle fuel containers. S2. Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to...

  11. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Indiana Beverage Company Invests in

    Science.gov Websites

    fleet of compressed natural gas (CNG) tractors. For information about this project, contact Greater Nov. 4, 2017 Photo of a truck Natural Gas Vehicles Make a Difference in Tennessee Oct. 28, 2017 Image Natural Gas Trucks June 23, 2017 Photo of a transit bus America's Largest Home Runs on Biodiesel in North

  12. 49 CFR 571.304 - Standard No. 304; Compressed natural gas fuel container integrity.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... system over the entire liner, including the domes. Hoop wrapped means winding of filament in a....3Number and placement of thermocouples. To monitor flame temperature, place three thermocouples so that... average ambient wind velocity at the CNG fuel container during the period specified in S8.3.6 of this...

  13. 49 CFR 571.304 - Standard No. 304; Compressed natural gas fuel container integrity.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... system over the entire liner, including the domes. Hoop wrapped means winding of filament in a....3Number and placement of thermocouples. To monitor flame temperature, place three thermocouples so that... average ambient wind velocity at the CNG fuel container during the period specified in S8.3.6 of this...

  14. 49 CFR 571.304 - Standard No. 304; Compressed natural gas fuel container integrity.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... system over the entire liner, including the domes. Hoop wrapped means winding of filament in a....3Number and placement of thermocouples. To monitor flame temperature, place three thermocouples so that... average ambient wind velocity at the CNG fuel container during the period specified in S8.3.6 of this...

  15. Alternative Fuels Data Center: CNG Shuttles Save Fuel Costs for R&R

    Science.gov Websites

    Go Electric in Florida Feb. 15, 2014 Renzenberger Inc Saves Money With Propane Vans Feb. 1, 2014 Save Money Nov. 12, 2011 Metropolitan Utilities District Fuels Vehicles With Natural Gas Oct. 1, 2011 Hybrid Electric Shuttle Buses Offer Free Rides in Maryland June 18, 2010 Fisher Coachworks Develops Plug

  16. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Atlanta Airport Converts Shuttles to CNG

    Science.gov Websites

    company saves money and conserves fuel with compressed natural gas airport shuttles. For information about . Rental Cars Go Electric in Florida Feb. 15, 2014 Renzenberger Inc Saves Money With Propane Vans Feb. 1 Save Money Nov. 12, 2011 Metropolitan Utilities District Fuels Vehicles With Natural Gas Oct. 1, 2011

  17. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Wisconsin Transportation Data for

    Science.gov Websites

    Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) 41 15 Electric 249 36 Ethanol (E85) 189 1 Hydrogen 0 0 Liquefied Natural Gas Natural Gas Electricity Transportation Fuel Consumption Source: State Energy Data System based on beta ) 68,820 Natural Gas (million cubic feet) 400,877 Conventional Power Plants 76 Generating Capacity

  18. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Natural Gas Stations Abound on Oklahoma's

    Science.gov Websites

    " Our stakeholders are proud to have built a first-of-its-kind CNG corridor that's helping local Pollard of Central Oklahoma Clean Cities (OKCC). "Our stakeholders are proud to have built a first-of Fallin presented her Oklahoma First Energy Plan, the state's first comprehensive energy plan. The plan

  19. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Vehicle Search

    Science.gov Websites

    ZeroTruck Search Engines and Hybrid Systems For medium- and heavy-duty vehicles: Engine & Power Sources Hydraulic hybrid Hybrid - CNG Hybrid - Diesel Electric Hybrid - LNG Hybrid Search x Pick Engine Fuel Natural Gas Propane Electric Plug-in Hybrid Electric Hydraulic hybrid Hybrid Search x Pick Engine Fuel

  20. 49 CFR 571.304 - Standard No. 304; Compressed natural gas fuel container integrity.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 6 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Standard No. 304; Compressed natural gas fuel... natural gas fuel container integrity. S1. Scope. This standard specifies requirements for the integrity of compressed natural gas (CNG), motor vehicle fuel containers. S2. Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to...

  1. Impact of Changes in Land Use in Hydro-physical Properties of Argiudolls of the Center of Santa Fe, Argentina

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Marano, R. P.; Imhoff, S.; Micheloud, H.; Carnevale, I.

    2012-04-01

    In Santa Fe province (Argentina) the substitution of agricultural-grass rotations for continuous crop under no-till has become very important because vegetal residues reduces soil degradation caused by rain-drop impact. However, in Santa Fe the sequence wheat-soya seems to produce insufficient quantity of straw to avoid that problem. The objective of this research was to evaluate some soil properties to verify the changes induced by the no-till system. Evaluations were carried out in four Argiudolls, each one under a special management condition and slope grade, i.e. Place 1: plane relief (0,08%), continuous agriculture of wheat-soya under no-till (CANT1) and traditional tillage (CAT1); Place 2 plane relief (0,08%), cattle production over natural grass (CNG2) and bare soil (CBS2); Place 3 smoothly wavy relief (0,55%), continuous agriculture of wheat-soya under no-till (CANT3); Place 4 wavy relief (1,2%), continuous agriculture of wheat-soya-corn under no-till (CANT4). Rain simulators of small (RSS) and medium (RSM) size were used to determine regional values of the curve number (CN), runoff (R) and infiltration (I) rates for steady state. Tension infiltrometers (TI) with four tensions (5, 3, 1.5 and 0 cm) and double-rings (DRI) were used to compare the infiltration. Soil samples were extracted with shovel to measure aggregates stability (AS) and with cylinders to determine the soil penetration resistance (PR) curve. Important deviations of the CN were found when they were corrected by the antecedent moisture (AMC) regarding to those indicated by the SCS; there was an overestimation of R when soil moisture was low and an underestimate with high water contents. The DRI does not represent the process of the rain infiltration for the central region of Santa Fe. On the contrary, with the use of RSM or RSS an appropriate characterization is achieved, especially with RSS that has as advantage its handling easiness and versatility of the intensities to apply. Alternatively the TI can also be used to characterize infiltration, linking I at steady state with conductivity hydraulic at tension 3 and 1, 5. Tillage decreased I in CAT1 and CBS2 regarding to no-till, although in small proportion in CBS2. The fitted curves of PR indicated the coefficient corresponding to the soil bulk density variable had the greater impact in PR in CNG2, probably due to animal trampling degrades soil structure. The AE values increased according to the order CANT1

  2. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Maps and Data

    Science.gov Websites

    -24960-10gn0o4 Annual Percent Growth of Vehicles in Operation Generated_thumb20160914-24960-10gn0o4 Last Annual Percent Growth of Vehicles in Operation 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 CNG States of America. Electric drive trains (EVs, Hydrogen, PHEVs and HEVs) experienced the greatest growth

  3. Alternative Fuels Data Center

    Science.gov Websites

    Alternative Fuel Tax Rates A special excise tax rate of 2% is imposed on the sale of propane and an excise tax of $0.23 per gallon is imposed on all special fuels sales and deliveries, including compressed of CNG or 1.7 gallons of LNG. Retailers must obtain a license from the Office of the State Tax

  4. Alternative Fuels Data Center

    Science.gov Websites

    Natural Gas and Propane Tax Effective January 1, 2019, propane, compressed natural gas (CNG), and liquefied natural gas (LNG) will be subject to an excise tax at a rate of $0.04 per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE), plus a $0.01 ninth-cent fuel tax, a $0.01 local option fuel tax, and an additional variable

  5. Alternative Fuels Data Center: Wyoming Transportation Data for Alternative

    Science.gov Websites

    Biodiesel (B20 and above) 0 4 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) 7 7 Electric 37 1 Ethanol (E85) 8 4 Hydrogen 0 0 of nearly 100 coalitions. Wyoming has 1 coalition: Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities Coalition Contact a . Gasoline Diesel Natural Gas Transportation Fuel Consumption Source: State Energy Data System based on beta

  6. Optogenetic manipulation of cGMP in cells and animals by the tightly light-regulated guanylyl-cyclase opsin CyclOp

    PubMed Central

    Gao, Shiqiang; Nagpal, Jatin; Schneider, Martin W.; Kozjak-Pavlovic, Vera; Nagel, Georg; Gottschalk, Alexander

    2015-01-01

    Cyclic GMP (cGMP) signalling regulates multiple biological functions through activation of protein kinase G and cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels. In sensory neurons, cGMP permits signal modulation, amplification and encoding, before depolarization. Here we implement a guanylyl cyclase rhodopsin from Blastocladiella emersonii as a new optogenetic tool (BeCyclOp), enabling rapid light-triggered cGMP increase in heterologous cells (Xenopus oocytes, HEK293T cells) and in Caenorhabditis elegans. Among five different fungal CyclOps, exhibiting unusual eight transmembrane topologies and cytosolic N-termini, BeCyclOp is the superior optogenetic tool (light/dark activity ratio: 5,000; no cAMP production; turnover (20 °C) ∼17 cGMP s−1). Via co-expressed CNG channels (OLF in oocytes, TAX-2/4 in C. elegans muscle), BeCyclOp photoactivation induces a rapid conductance increase and depolarization at very low light intensities. In O2/CO2 sensory neurons of C. elegans, BeCyclOp activation evokes behavioural responses consistent with their normal sensory function. BeCyclOp therefore enables precise and rapid optogenetic manipulation of cGMP levels in cells and animals. PMID:26345128

  7. Optogenetic manipulation of cGMP in cells and animals by the tightly light-regulated guanylyl-cyclase opsin CyclOp.

    PubMed

    Gao, Shiqiang; Nagpal, Jatin; Schneider, Martin W; Kozjak-Pavlovic, Vera; Nagel, Georg; Gottschalk, Alexander

    2015-09-08

    Cyclic GMP (cGMP) signalling regulates multiple biological functions through activation of protein kinase G and cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels. In sensory neurons, cGMP permits signal modulation, amplification and encoding, before depolarization. Here we implement a guanylyl cyclase rhodopsin from Blastocladiella emersonii as a new optogenetic tool (BeCyclOp), enabling rapid light-triggered cGMP increase in heterologous cells (Xenopus oocytes, HEK293T cells) and in Caenorhabditis elegans. Among five different fungal CyclOps, exhibiting unusual eight transmembrane topologies and cytosolic N-termini, BeCyclOp is the superior optogenetic tool (light/dark activity ratio: 5,000; no cAMP production; turnover (20 °C) ∼17 cGMP s(-1)). Via co-expressed CNG channels (OLF in oocytes, TAX-2/4 in C. elegans muscle), BeCyclOp photoactivation induces a rapid conductance increase and depolarization at very low light intensities. In O2/CO2 sensory neurons of C. elegans, BeCyclOp activation evokes behavioural responses consistent with their normal sensory function. BeCyclOp therefore enables precise and rapid optogenetic manipulation of cGMP levels in cells and animals.

  8. Spatial distribution of calcium-gated chloride channels in olfactory cilia.

    PubMed

    French, Donald A; Badamdorj, Dorjsuren; Kleene, Steven J

    2010-12-30

    In vertebrate olfactory receptor neurons, sensory cilia transduce odor stimuli into changes in neuronal membrane potential. The voltage changes are primarily caused by the sequential openings of two types of channel: a cyclic-nucleotide-gated (CNG) cationic channel and a calcium-gated chloride channel. In frog, the cilia are 25 to 200 µm in length, so the spatial distributions of the channels may be an important determinant of odor sensitivity. To determine the spatial distribution of the chloride channels, we recorded from single cilia as calcium was allowed to diffuse down the length of the cilium and activate the channels. A computational model of this experiment allowed an estimate of the spatial distribution of the chloride channels. On average, the channels were concentrated in a narrow band centered at a distance of 29% of the ciliary length, measured from the base of the cilium. This matches the location of the CNG channels determined previously. This non-uniform distribution of transduction proteins is consistent with similar findings in other cilia. On average, the two types of olfactory transduction channel are concentrated in the same region of the cilium. This may contribute to the efficient detection of weak stimuli.

  9. Dual fuel injection piggyback controller system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Muji, Siti Zarina Mohd.; Hassanal, Muhammad Amirul Hafeez; Lee, Chua King; Fawzi, Mas; Zulkifli, Fathul Hakim

    2017-09-01

    Dual-fuel injection is an effort to reduce the dependency on diesel and gasoline fuel. Generally, there are two approaches to implement the dual-fuel injection in car system. The first approach is changing the whole injector of the car engine, the consequence is excessive high cost. Alternatively, it also can be achieved by manipulating the system's control signal especially the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) signal. Hence, the study focuses to develop a dual injection timing controller system that likely adopted to control injection time and quantity of compressed natural gas (CNG) and diesel fuel. In this system, Raspberry Pi 3 reacts as main controller unit to receive ECU signal, analyze it and then manipulate its duty cycle to be fed into the Electronic Driver Unit (EDU). The manipulation has changed the duty cycle to two pulses instead of single pulse. A particular pulse mainly used to control injection of diesel fuel and another pulse controls injection of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The test indicated promising results that the system can be implemented in the car as piggyback system. This article, which was originally published online on 14 September 2017, contained an error in the acknowledgment section. The corrected acknowledgment appears in the Corrigendum attached to the pdf.

  10. Reducing transit bus emissions: Alternative fuels or traffic operations?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alam, Ahsan; Hatzopoulou, Marianne

    2014-06-01

    In this study, we simulated the operations and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of transit buses along a busy corridor and quantified the effects of two different fuels (conventional diesel and compressed natural gas) as well as a set of driving conditions on emissions. Results indicate that compressed natural gas (CNG) reduces GHG emissions by 8-12% compared to conventional diesel, this reduction could increase to 16% with high levels of traffic congestion. However, the benefits of switching from conventional diesel to CNG are less apparent when the road network is uncongested. We also investigated the effects of bus operations on emissions by applying several strategies such as transit signal priority (TSP), queue jumper lanes, and relocation of bus stops. Results show that in congested conditions, TSP alone can reduce GHG emissions by 14% and when combined with improved technology; a reduction of 23% is achieved. The reduction benefits are even more apparent when other transit operational improvements are combined with TSP. Finally a sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the effect of operational improvements on emissions under varying levels of network congestion. We observe that under “extreme congestion”, the benefits of TSP decrease.

  11. Solid Particle Number Emission Factors of Euro VI Heavy-Duty Vehicles on the Road and in the Laboratory

    PubMed Central

    Giechaskiel, Barouch

    2018-01-01

    Particulate matter (PM), and in particular ultrafine particles, have a negative impact on human health. The contribution of vehicle PM emissions to air pollution is typically quantified with emission inventories, which need vehicle emission factors as input. Heavy-duty vehicles, although they represent a small percentage of the vehicle population in nearly every major country, contribute the majority of the on-road PM emissions. However, the published data of modern heavy-duty vehicle emissions are scarce, and for the newest Euro VI technologies, almost non-existent. The main objective of this paper is to present Solid Particle Number (SPN) emission factors from Euro VI heavy-duty vehicles using diesel, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Urban, rural and motorway (highway) emissions were determined on the road at various European cities using SPN Portable Emission Measurement Systems (PEMS). Additional tests on a heavy-duty chassis dynamometer showed that the solid sub-23 nm fraction, which is not covered at the moment in the European regulation, is high, especially for CNG engines. The significant contribution of regeneration events and the effect of ambient temperature and engine cold-start on particle emissions were also discussed. PMID:29425174

  12. Solid Particle Number Emission Factors of Euro VI Heavy-Duty Vehicles on the Road and in the Laboratory.

    PubMed

    Giechaskiel, Barouch

    2018-02-09

    Particulate matter (PM), and in particular ultrafine particles, have a negative impact on human health. The contribution of vehicle PM emissions to air pollution is typically quantified with emission inventories, which need vehicle emission factors as input. Heavy-duty vehicles, although they represent a small percentage of the vehicle population in nearly every major country, contribute the majority of the on-road PM emissions. However, the published data of modern heavy-duty vehicle emissions are scarce, and for the newest Euro VI technologies, almost non-existent. The main objective of this paper is to present Solid Particle Number (SPN) emission factors from Euro VI heavy-duty vehicles using diesel, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Urban, rural and motorway (highway) emissions were determined on the road at various European cities using SPN Portable Emission Measurement Systems (PEMS). Additional tests on a heavy-duty chassis dynamometer showed that the solid sub-23 nm fraction, which is not covered at the moment in the European regulation, is high, especially for CNG engines. The significant contribution of regeneration events and the effect of ambient temperature and engine cold-start on particle emissions were also discussed.

  13. Exposure of smoke solutions from CNG-powered four-stroke auto-rickshaws induces distressed embryonic movements, embryonic hemorrhaging and ectopia cordis.

    PubMed

    Ejaz, Sohail; Ejaz, Ahmed; Sohail, Amara; Ahmed, Mukthar; Nasir, Amar; Lim, Chae Woong

    2009-07-01

    In south Asian countries, a campaign has launched to promote CNG-powered four-stroke auto-rickshaws (CNFAR) to decrease emission load in the environment. Even though, CNFAR are considered environmentally safe, emissions of some other toxic chemicals would amplify, which may effect the development of growing fetus and may result in different growth defects. By utilizing the in vivo chicken embryo model, this report analyzes the toxic potential of CNFAR smoke solutions (CNFARSS) on embryonic movements (EM) and cardiovascular development. Application of CNFARSS to embryos caused profound decline (p<0.001) in all four types of EMs. Several recovery attempts of all EMs were observed in oscillating fashion, however, EMs did not recover by the end of experiment. Exposure of CNFARSS escorted intense decline (p<0.001) with temperate recovery phases in the EM of tail. Macroscopic evaluation of all CNFARSS treated chicken embryos revealed several widespread hemorrhaging throughout the whole body. Moreover, four different types of ectopia cordis were prominently observed among all CNFARSS treated embryos, namely; incomplete ectopia cordis, complete ectopia cordis, cervico-thoracic ectopia cordis and thoraco-abdominal ectopia cordis.

  14. On-road and laboratory emissions of NO, NO2, NH3, N2O and CH4 from late-model EU light utility vehicles: Comparison of diesel and CNG.

    PubMed

    Vojtíšek-Lom, Michal; Beránek, Vít; Klír, Vojtěch; Jindra, Petr; Pechout, Martin; Voříšek, Tomáš

    2018-03-01

    Exhaust emissions of eight Euro 6 light duty vehicles - two station wagons and six vans - half powered by diesel fuel and half by compressed natural gas (CNG) were examined using both chassis dynamometer and on-road testing. A portable on-board FTIR analyzer was used to measure concentrations of reactive nitrogen compounds - NO, NO 2 and ammonia, of CO, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and greenhouse gases CO 2 , methane and N 2 O. Exhaust flow was inferred from engine control unit data. Total emissions per cycle were compared and found to be in good agreement with laboratory measurements of NO X , CO and CO 2 during dynamometer tests. On diesel engines, mean NO X emissions were 136-1070mg/km in the laboratory and 537-615mg/km on the road, in many cases nearly an order of magnitude higher compared to the numerical value of the Euro 6 limit. Mean N 2 O emissions were 3-19mg/km and were equivalent to several g/km CO 2 . The measurements suggest that NO X and N 2 O emissions from late-model European light utility vehicles with diesel engines are non-negligible and should be continuously assessed and scrutinized. High variances in NO X emissions among the tested diesel vehicles suggest that large number of vehicles should be tested to offer at least some insights about distribution of fleet emissions among vehicles. CNG engines exhibited relatively low emissions of NO X (12-186mg/km) and NH 3 (10-24mg/km), while mean emissions of methane were 18-45mg/km, under 1g/km CO 2 equivalent, and N 2 O, CO, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were negligible. The combination of a relatively clean-burning fuel, modern engine technology and a three-way catalyst has resulted in relatively low emissions under the wide variety of operating conditions encountered during the tests. The on-board FTIR has proven to be a useful instrument capable of covering, with the exception of total hydrocarbons, essentially all gaseous pollutants of interest. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Deleterious impacts of a 900-MHz electromagnetic field on hippocampal pyramidal neurons of 8-week-old Sprague Dawley male rats.

    PubMed

    Şahin, Arzu; Aslan, Ali; Baş, Orhan; İkinci, Ayşe; Özyılmaz, Cansu; Fikret Sönmez, Osman; Çolakoğlu, Serdar; Odacı, Ersan

    2015-10-22

    Children are at potential risk due to their intense use of mobile phones. We examined 8-week-old rats because this age of the rats is comparable with the preadolescent period in humans. The number of pyramidal neurons in the cornu ammonis of the Sprague Dawley male rat (8-weeks old, weighing 180-250 g) hippocampus following exposure to a 900 MHz (MHz) electromagnetic field (EMF) were examined. The study consisted of control (CN-G), sham exposed (SHM-EG) and EMF exposed (EMF-EG) groups with 6 rats in each. The EMF-EG rats were exposed to 900 MHz EMF (1h/day for 30 days) in an EMF jar. The SHM-EG rats were placed in the EMF jar but not exposed to the EMF (1h/day for 30 days). The CN-G rats were not placed into the exposure jar and were not exposed to the EMF during the study period. All animals were sacrificed at the end of the experiment, and their brains were removed for histopathological and stereological analysis. The number of pyramidal neurons in the cornu ammonis of the hippocampus was estimated on Cresyl violet stained sections of the brain using the optical dissector counting technique. Histopathological evaluations were also performed on these sections. Histopathological observation showed abundant cells with abnormal, black or dark blue cytoplasm and shrunken morphology among the normal pyramidal neurons. The largest lateral ventricles were observed in the EMF-EG sections compared to those from the other groups. Stereological analyses showed that the total number of pyramidal neurons in the cornu ammonis of the EMF-EG rats was significantly lower than those in the CN-G (p<0.05) and the SHM-EG (p<0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that pyramidal neuron loss and histopathological changes in the cornu ammonis of 8-week-old male rats may be due to the 900-MHz EMF exposure. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Uncertainty in particle number modal analysis during transient operation of compressed natural gas, diesel, and trap-equipped diesel transit buses.

    PubMed

    Holmén, Britt A; Qu, Yingge

    2004-04-15

    The relationships between transient vehicle operation and ultrafine particle emissions are not well-known, especially for low-emission alternative bus technologies such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and diesel buses equipped with particulate filters/traps (TRAP). In this study, real-time particle number concentrations measured on a nominal 5 s average basis using an electrical low pressure impactor (ELPI) for these two bus technologies are compared to that of a baseline catalyst-equipped diesel bus operated on ultralow sulfur fuel (BASE) using dynamometer testing. Particle emissions were consistently 2 orders of magnitude lower for the CNG and TRAP compared to BASE on all driving cycles. Time-resolved total particle numbers were examined in terms of sampling factors identified as affecting the ability of ELPI to quantify the particulate matter number emissions for low-emitting vehicles such as CNG and TRAP as a function of vehicle driving mode. Key factors were instrument sensitivity and dilution ratio, alignment of particle and vehicle operating data, sampling train background particles, and cycle-to-cycle variability due to vehicle, engine, after-treatment, or driver behavior. In-cycle variability on the central business district (CBD) cycle was highest for the TRAP configuration, but this could not be attributed to the ELPI sensitivity issues observed for TRAP-IDLE measurements. Elevated TRAP emissions coincided with low exhaust temperature, suggesting on-road real-world particulate filter performance can be evaluated by monitoring exhaust temperature. Nonunique particle emission maps indicate that measures other than vehicle speed and acceleration are necessary to model disaggregated real-time particle emissions. Further testing on a wide variety of test cycles is needed to evaluate the relative importance of the time history of vehicle operation and the hysteresis of the sampling train/dilution tunnel on ultrafine particle emissions. Future studies should monitor particle emissions with high-resolution real-time instruments and account for the operating regime of the vehicle using time-series analysis to develop predictive number emissions models.

  17. Assessment of the emissions and air quality impacts of biomass and biogas use in California.

    PubMed

    Carreras-Sospedra, Marc; Williams, Robert; Dabdub, Donald

    2016-02-01

    It is estimated that there is sufficient in-state "technically" recoverable biomass to support nearly 4000 MW of bioelectricity generation capacity. This study assesses the emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants and resulting air quality impacts of new and existing bioenergy capacity throughout the state of California, focusing on feedstocks and advanced technologies utilizing biomass resources predominant in each region. The options for bioresources include the production of bioelectricity and renewable natural gas (NG). Emissions of criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases are quantified for a set of scenarios that span the emission factors for power generation and the use of renewable natural gas for vehicle fueling. Emissions are input to the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model to predict regional and statewide temporal air quality impacts from the biopower scenarios. With current technology and at the emission levels of current installations, maximum bioelectricity production could increase nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 10% in 2020, which would cause increases in ozone and particulate matter concentrations in large areas of California. Technology upgrades would achieve the lowest criteria pollutant emissions. Conversion of biomass to compressed NG (CNG) for vehicles would achieve comparable emission reductions of criteria pollutants and minimize emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). Air quality modeling of biomass scenarios suggest that applying technological changes and emission controls would minimize the air quality impacts of bioelectricity generation. And a shift from bioelectricity production to CNG production for vehicles would reduce air quality impacts further. From a co-benefits standpoint, CNG production for vehicles appears to provide the best benefits in terms of GHG emissions and air quality. This investigation provides a consistent analysis of air quality impacts and greenhouse gas emissions for scenarios examining increased biomass use. Further work involving economic assessment, seasonal or annual emissions and air quality modeling, and potential exposure analysis would help inform policy makers and industry with respect to further development and direction of biomass policy and bioenergy technology alternatives needed to meet energy and environmental goals in California.

  18. Characterizing the range of children's air pollutant exposure during school bus commutes.

    PubMed

    Sabin, Lisa D; Behrentz, Eduardo; Winer, Arthur M; Jeong, Seong; Fitz, Dennis R; Pankratz, David V; Colome, Steven D; Fruin, Scott A

    2005-09-01

    Real-time and integrated measurements of gaseous and particulate pollutants were conducted inside five conventional diesel school buses, a diesel bus with a particulate trap, and a bus powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) to determine the range of children's exposures during school bus commutes and conditions leading to high exposures. Measurements were made during 24 morning and afternoon commutes on two Los Angeles Unified School District bus routes from South to West Los Angeles, with seven additional runs on a rural/suburban route, and three runs to test the effect of window position. For these commutes, the mean concentrations of diesel vehicle-related pollutants ranged from 0.9 to 19 microg/m(3) for black carbon, 23 to 400 ng/m(3) for particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PB-PAH), and 64 to 220 microg/m(3) for NO(2). Concentrations of benzene and formaldehyde ranged from 0.1 to 11 microg/m(3) and 0.3 to 5 microg/m(3), respectively. The highest real-time concentrations of black carbon, PB-PAH and NO(2) inside the buses were 52 microg/m(3), 2000 ng/m(3), and 370 microg/m(3), respectively. These pollutants were significantly higher inside conventional diesel buses compared to the CNG bus, although formaldehyde concentrations were higher inside the CNG bus. Mean black carbon, PB-PAH, benzene and formaldehyde concentrations were higher when the windows were closed, compared with partially open, in part, due to intrusion of the bus's own exhaust into the bus cabin, as demonstrated through the use of a tracer gas added to each bus's exhaust. These same pollutants tended to be higher on urban routes compared to the rural/suburban route, and substantially higher inside the bus cabins compared to ambient measurements. Mean concentrations of pollutants with substantial secondary formation, such as PM(2.5), showed smaller differences between open and closed window conditions and between bus routes. Type of bus, traffic congestion levels, and encounters with other diesel vehicles contributed to high exposure variability between runs.

  19. Sensory Transduction in Caenorhabditis elegans

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brown, Austin L.; Ramot, Daniel; Goodman, Miriam B.

    The roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans has a well-defined and comparatively simple repertoire of sensory-guided behaviors, all of which rely on its ability to detect chemical, mechanical or thermal stimuli. In this chapter, we review what is known about the ion channels that mediate sensation in this remarkable model organism. Genetic screens for mutants defective in sensory-guided behaviors have identified genes encoding channel proteins, which are likely transducers of chemical, thermal, and mechanical stimuli. Such classical genetic approaches are now being coupled with molecular genetics and in vivo cellular physiology to elucidate how these channels are activated in specific sensory neurons. The ion channel superfamilies implicated in sensory transduction in C. elegans - CNG, TRP, and DEG/ENaC - are conserved across phyla and also appear to contribute to sensory transduction in other organisms, including vertebrates. What we learn about the role of these ion channels in C. elegans sensation is likely to illuminate analogous processes in other animals, including humans.

  20. Alternative Fuels Data Center: AT&T Fleet Reaches Milestone of 8,000 CNG

    Science.gov Websites

    received its 8,000th compressed natural gas vehicle and now has a total of 10,000 various alternative fuel , 2017 Photo of a truck Natural Gas Vehicles Make a Difference in Tennessee Oct. 28, 2017 Image of an Biodiesel Aug. 26, 2017 Photo of a truck Idaho Transports Mail and Reduces Emissions with Natural Gas Trucks

  1. Project Startup: Evaluating the Performance of Electric Buses

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

    2016-04-01

    The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is evaluating the in-service performance of fast-charge battery electric buses compared to compressed natural gas (CNG) buses operated by Foothill Transit in West Covina, California. Launched in 2015 in collaboration with the California Air Resources Board, this study aims to improve understanding of the overall use and effectiveness of fast-charge electric buses and associated charging infrastructure in transit operation.

  2. Real-time measurements of nitrogen oxide emissions from in-use New York City transit buses using a chase vehicle.

    PubMed

    Shorter, Joanne H; Herndon, Scott; Zahniser, Mark S; Nelson, David D; Wormhoudt, Joda; Demerjian, Kenneth L; Kolb, Charles E

    2005-10-15

    New diesel engine technologies and alternative fuel engines are being introduced into fleets of mass transit buses to try to meet stricter emission regulations of nitrogen oxides and particulates: Real-time instruments including an Aerodyne Research tunable infrared laser differential absorption spectrometer (TILDAS) were deployed in a mobile laboratory to assess the impact of the implementation of the new technologies on nitrogen oxide emissions in real world driving conditions. Using a "chase" vehicle sampling strategy, the mobile laboratory followed target vehicles, repeatedly sampling their exhaust. Nitrogen oxides from approximately 170 in-use New York City mass transit buses were sampled during the field campaigns. Emissions from conventional diesel buses, diesel buses with continuously regenerating technology (CRT), diesel hybrid electric buses, and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses were compared. The chase vehicle sampling method yields real world emissions that can be included in more realistic emission inventories. The NO, emissions from the diesel and CNG buses were comparable. The hybrid electric buses had approximately one-half the NOx emissions. In CRT diesels, NO2 accounts for about one-third of the NOx emitted in the exhaust, while for non-CRT buses the NO2 fraction is less than 10%.

  3. Simultaneous determination of carbonyls and NO2 in exhausts of heavy-duty diesel trucks and transit buses by HPLC following 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine cartridge collection.

    PubMed

    Tang, Shida; Graham, Lisa; Shen, Ling; Zhou, Xianliang; Lanni, Thomas

    2004-11-15

    A method combining 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) cartridge sampling and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis has been used for the measurement of carbonyl and NO2 emissions from heavy-duty diesel trucks and transit buses. The reaction of NO2 with DNPH allows for the simultaneous and unambiguous determination of NO2 and carbonyl concentrations in exhaust samples. The potential coelution of the NO2-DNPH derivative with the formaldehyde-DNPH derivative under certain chromatographic conditions was investigated. Successful separation of these two species was achieved allowing for simultaneous determination of carbonyls and NO2 in the exhaust samples collected from heavy-duty diesel (HDD) trucks and diesel, diesel/electric hybrid, diesel equipped with the continuously regenerating technology (CRT) particle traps, and compressed natural gas (CNG) transit buses tested over various drive cycles. Elevated NO2 emissions from CRT-equipped buses were observed. The NO2/NOx volume ratios for HDD trucks and transit buses are discussed. A comparison of the DNPH derivatization with HPLC/UV-visible detection method with a chemiluminescence analyzer method for NO2 measurement is presented for a limited number of diesel/CRT and CNG buses.

  4. Volatile properties of particles emitted by compressed natural gas and diesel buses during steady-state and transient driving modes.

    PubMed

    Jayaratne, E R; Meyer, N K; Ristovski, Z D; Morawska, L

    2012-01-03

    Volatile properties of particle emissions from four compressed natural gas (CNG) and four diesel buses were investigated under steady-state and transient driving modes on a chassis dynamometer. The exhaust was diluted utilizing a full-flow continuous volume sampling system and passed through a thermodenuder at controlled temperature. Particle number concentration and size distribution were measured with a condensation particle counter and a scanning mobility particle sizer, respectively. We show that while almost all the particles emitted by the CNG buses were in the nanoparticle size range, at least 85% and 98% were removed at 100 and 250 °C, respectively. Closer analysis of the volatility of particles emitted during transient cycles showed that volatilization began at around 40 °C, with the majority occurring by 80 °C. Particles produced during hard acceleration from rest exhibited lower volatility than those produced during other times of the cycle. On the basis of our results and the observation of ash deposits on the walls of the tailpipes, we suggest that these nonvolatile particles were composed mostly of ash from lubricating oil. Heating the diesel bus emissions to 100 °C removed ultrafine particle numbers by 69-82% when a nucleation mode was present and just 18% when it was not.

  5. An atypical CNG channel activated by a single cGMP molecule controls sperm chemotaxis.

    PubMed

    Bönigk, Wolfgang; Loogen, Astrid; Seifert, Reinhard; Kashikar, Nachiket; Klemm, Clementine; Krause, Eberhard; Hagen, Volker; Kremmer, Elisabeth; Strünker, Timo; Kaupp, U Benjamin

    2009-10-27

    Sperm of the sea urchin Arbacia punctulata can respond to a single molecule of chemoattractant released by an egg. The mechanism underlying this extreme sensitivity is unknown. Crucial signaling events in the response of A. punctulata sperm to chemoattractant include the rapid synthesis of the intracellular messenger guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) and the ensuing membrane hyperpolarization that results from the opening of potassium-selective cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNGK) channels. Here, we use calibrated photolysis of caged cGMP to show that approximately 45 cGMP molecules are generated during the response to a single molecule of chemoattractant. The CNGK channel can respond to such small cGMP changes because it is exquisitely sensitive to cGMP and activated in a noncooperative fashion. Like voltage-activated Ca(v) and Na(v) channels, the CNGK polypeptide consists of four homologous repeat sequences. Disabling each of the four cyclic nucleotide-binding sites through mutagenesis revealed that binding of a single cGMP molecule to repeat 3 is necessary and sufficient to activate the CNGK channel. Thus, CNGK has developed a mechanism of activation that is different from the activation of other CNG channels, which requires the cooperative binding of several ligands and operates in the micromolar rather than the nanomolar range.

  6. General Solvent-dependent Strategy toward Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Graphene/Metal Oxide Nanohybrids: Effects of Nitrogen-containing Solvent

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kao, Wei-Yao; Chen, Wei-Quan; Chiu, Yu-Hsiang; Ho, Yu-Hsuan; Chen, Chun-Hu

    2016-11-01

    A general solvent-dependent protocol directly influencing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in metal oxide/graphene nanohybrids has been demonstrated. We conducted the two-step synthesis of cobalt oxide/N-doped graphene nanohybrids (CNG) with solvents of water, ethanol, and dimethylformamide (DMF), representing tree typical categories of aqueous, polar organic, and organic N-containing solvents commonly adopted for graphene nanocomposites preparation. The superior ORR performance of the DMF-hybrids can be attributed to the high nitrogen-doping, aggregation-free hybridization, and unique graphene porous structures. As DMF is the more effective N-source, the spectroscopic results support a catalytic nitrogenation potentially mediated by cobalt-DMF coordination complexes. The wide-distribution of porosity (covering micro-, meso-, to macro-pore) and micron-void assembly of graphene may further enhance the diffusion kinetics for ORR. As the results, CNG by DMF-synthesis exhibits the high ORR activities close to Pt/C (i.e. only 8 mV difference of half-wave potential with electron transfer number of 3.96) with the better durability in the alkaline condition. Additional graphene hybrids comprised of iron and manganese oxides also show the superior ORR activities by DMF-synthesis, confirming the general solvent-dependent protocol to achieve enhanced ORR activities.

  7. General Solvent-dependent Strategy toward Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Graphene/Metal Oxide Nanohybrids: Effects of Nitrogen-containing Solvent

    PubMed Central

    Kao, Wei-Yao; Chen, Wei-Quan; Chiu, Yu-Hsiang; Ho, Yu-Hsuan; Chen, Chun-Hu

    2016-01-01

    A general solvent-dependent protocol directly influencing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in metal oxide/graphene nanohybrids has been demonstrated. We conducted the two-step synthesis of cobalt oxide/N-doped graphene nanohybrids (CNG) with solvents of water, ethanol, and dimethylformamide (DMF), representing tree typical categories of aqueous, polar organic, and organic N-containing solvents commonly adopted for graphene nanocomposites preparation. The superior ORR performance of the DMF-hybrids can be attributed to the high nitrogen-doping, aggregation-free hybridization, and unique graphene porous structures. As DMF is the more effective N-source, the spectroscopic results support a catalytic nitrogenation potentially mediated by cobalt-DMF coordination complexes. The wide-distribution of porosity (covering micro-, meso-, to macro-pore) and micron-void assembly of graphene may further enhance the diffusion kinetics for ORR. As the results, CNG by DMF-synthesis exhibits the high ORR activities close to Pt/C (i.e. only 8 mV difference of half-wave potential with electron transfer number of 3.96) with the better durability in the alkaline condition. Additional graphene hybrids comprised of iron and manganese oxides also show the superior ORR activities by DMF-synthesis, confirming the general solvent-dependent protocol to achieve enhanced ORR activities. PMID:27853187

  8. Detection of changes in DNA methylation induced by different doses of ground-base ion radiation in rice(oryza sativa L.)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Qian; Sun, Yeqing; Wang, Wei; Wen, Bin

    Spaceflight represents a very complex environmental condition with highly ionizing radiations (HZE). To further investigate the incentives of ion effects in space environment, we performed on-ground simulated HZE particle radiations to rice seeds with different cumulative doses (0Gy, 0.01Gy, 0.02Gy, 0.1Gy, 0.2Gy, 1Gy , 2Gy, 5Gy, 20Gy ). Using Methylation-Sensitive Amplification Polymorphism (MSAP) analysis technology, differential polymorphism sites of DNA methylation of seedlings were analysed and acquired. The results showed that changes of methylation and demethylation on CCGG sites had taken place after irradiated treatments in all doses. It was noted that there was a stimulating effect in low-dose radiation ≤1 Gy. The minimum proportion of DNA methylation polymorphism level was 3.15% in 0.1Gy, whereas the maximum proportion was 9.87% in 2Gy, interestingly the proportion reduced with radiation doses increased, suggesting the dosage effects of radiation. We further found that the CG site tended to have a higher proportion of cytosine methylation alterations than CNG site in six of the eight dose groups. The results also indicated that different dose treatment groups showed various frequencies of methylation variation patterns: The type of CG hypermethylation was higher than CG hypormethylation in four low-dose groups (<≤2 Gy) ,whereas the result presented the opposite trends in all high-dose groups(>≥1 Gy). In addition, the type of CNG hypormethylation was obviously higher than the CNG hypermethylation in seven dose groups. This result indicated that the methylation variation patterns caused by radiation had site preferences. To investigate the mechanisms of sequences underlying alterations in DNA methylation after ion irradiation, we isolated, cloned and sequenced a subset of bands which showed obvious mutational bias. BLAST analysis indicated that many sequences showed significant homology to known function genes, most of which were related to resistance to environmental stresses such as cytochrome P450-like protein , RelA/SpoT Homologue 2 , 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid reductase. The epigenetic changing of rice in low- or high-dose radiation in this research might provide new insights for further understanding of radiation mechanism of space environment.

  9. Energy Reduction Strategies for Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton: Assessment and Recommendations Professional Report

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-05-07

    kV kilovolt CNG compressed natural gas LCOE levelized cost of electricity CAES compressed air energy storage LED light-emitting diode COP...conservation to ensure a high -quality sustainable water supply. Report Objectives The purpose of the report is to identify the most economic and...report stated that critical military missions are at a high risk of failure in the event of an electric grid breakdown. (Defense Science Board, 2008

  10. Super-resolution imaging of ciliary microdomains in isolated olfactory sensory neurons using a custom two-color stimulated emission depletion microscope

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Meyer, Stephanie A.; Ozbay, Baris N.; Potcoava, Mariana; Salcedo, Ernesto; Restrepo, Diego; Gibson, Emily A.

    2016-06-01

    We performed stimulated emission depletion (STED) imaging of isolated olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) using a custom-built microscope. The STED microscope uses a single pulsed laser to excite two separate fluorophores, Atto 590 and Atto 647N. A gated timing circuit combined with temporal interleaving of the different color excitation/STED laser pulses filters the two channel detection and greatly minimizes crosstalk. We quantified the instrument resolution to be ˜81 and ˜44 nm, for the Atto 590 and Atto 647N channels. The spatial separation between the two channels was measured to be under 10 nm, well below the resolution limit. The custom-STED microscope is incorporated onto a commercial research microscope allowing brightfield, differential interference contrast, and epifluorescence imaging on the same field of view. We performed immunolabeling of OSNs in mice to image localization of ciliary membrane proteins involved in olfactory transduction. We imaged Ca2+-permeable cyclic nucleotide gated (CNG) channel (Atto 594) and adenylyl cyclase type III (ACIII) (Atto 647N) in distinct cilia. STED imaging resolved well-separated subdiffraction limited clusters for each protein. We quantified the size of each cluster to have a mean value of 88±48 nm and 124±43 nm, for CNG and ACIII, respectively. STED imaging showed separated clusters that were not resolvable in confocal images.

  11. Toxicological properties of emission particles from heavy duty engines powered by conventional and bio-based diesel fuels and compressed natural gas.

    PubMed

    Jalava, Pasi I; Aakko-Saksa, Päivi; Murtonen, Timo; Happo, Mikko S; Markkanen, Ari; Yli-Pirilä, Pasi; Hakulinen, Pasi; Hillamo, Risto; Mäki-Paakkanen, Jorma; Salonen, Raimo O; Jokiniemi, Jorma; Hirvonen, Maija-Riitta

    2012-09-29

    One of the major areas for increasing the use of renewable energy is in traffic fuels e.g. bio-based fuels in diesel engines especially in commuter traffic. Exhaust emissions from fossil diesel fuelled engines are known to cause adverse effects on human health, but there is very limited information available on how the new renewable fuels may change the harmfulness of the emissions, especially particles (PM). We evaluated the PM emissions from a heavy-duty EURO IV diesel engine powered by three different fuels; the toxicological properties of the emitted PM were investigated. Conventional diesel fuel (EN590) and two biodiesels were used - rapeseed methyl ester (RME, EN14214) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) either as such or as 30% blends with EN590. EN590 and 100% HVO were also operated with or without an oxidative catalyst (DOC + POC). A bus powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) was included for comparison with the liquid fuels. However, the results from CNG powered bus cannot be directly compared to the other situations in this study. High volume PM samples were collected on PTFE filters from a constant volume dilution tunnel. The PM mass emission with HVO was smaller and with RME larger than that with EN590, but both biofuels produced lower PAH contents in emission PM. The DOC + POC catalyst greatly reduced the PM emission and PAH content in PM with both HVO and EN590. Dose-dependent TNFα and MIP-2 responses to all PM samples were mostly at the low or moderate level after 24-hour exposure in a mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Emission PM from situations with the smallest mass emissions (HVO + cat and CNG) displayed the strongest potency in MIP-2 production. The catalyst slightly decreased the PM-induced TNFα responses and somewhat increased the MIP-2 responses with HVO fuel. Emission PM with EN590 and with 30% HVO blended in EN590 induced the strongest genotoxic responses, which were significantly greater than those with EN590 + cat or 100% HVO. The emission PM sample from the CNG bus possessed the weakest genotoxic potency but had the strongest oxidative potency of all the fuel and catalyst combinations. The use of 100% HVO fuel had slightly weaker and 100% RME somewhat stronger emission PM induced ROS production, when compared to EN590. The harmfulness of the exhaust emissions from vehicle engines cannot be determined merely on basis of the emitted PM mass. The study conditions and the engine type significantly affect the toxicity of the emitted particles. The selected fuels and DOC + POC catalyst affected the PM emission from the heavy EURO IV engine both qualitative and quantitative ways, which influenced their toxicological characteristics. The plain HVO fuel performed very well in emission reduction and in lowering the overall toxicity of emitted PM, but the 30% blend of HVO in EN590 was no better in this respect than the plain EN590. The HVO with a DOC + POC catalyst in the EURO IV engine, performed best with regard to changes in exhaust emissions. However some of the toxicological parameters were significantly increased even with these low emissions.

  12. Toxicological properties of emission particles from heavy duty engines powered by conventional and bio-based diesel fuels and compressed natural gas

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background One of the major areas for increasing the use of renewable energy is in traffic fuels e.g. bio-based fuels in diesel engines especially in commuter traffic. Exhaust emissions from fossil diesel fuelled engines are known to cause adverse effects on human health, but there is very limited information available on how the new renewable fuels may change the harmfulness of the emissions, especially particles (PM). We evaluated the PM emissions from a heavy-duty EURO IV diesel engine powered by three different fuels; the toxicological properties of the emitted PM were investigated. Conventional diesel fuel (EN590) and two biodiesels were used − rapeseed methyl ester (RME, EN14214) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) either as such or as 30% blends with EN590. EN590 and 100% HVO were also operated with or without an oxidative catalyst (DOC + POC). A bus powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) was included for comparison with the liquid fuels. However, the results from CNG powered bus cannot be directly compared to the other situations in this study. Results High volume PM samples were collected on PTFE filters from a constant volume dilution tunnel. The PM mass emission with HVO was smaller and with RME larger than that with EN590, but both biofuels produced lower PAH contents in emission PM. The DOC + POC catalyst greatly reduced the PM emission and PAH content in PM with both HVO and EN590. Dose-dependent TNFα and MIP-2 responses to all PM samples were mostly at the low or moderate level after 24-hour exposure in a mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Emission PM from situations with the smallest mass emissions (HVO + cat and CNG) displayed the strongest potency in MIP-2 production. The catalyst slightly decreased the PM-induced TNFα responses and somewhat increased the MIP-2 responses with HVO fuel. Emission PM with EN590 and with 30% HVO blended in EN590 induced the strongest genotoxic responses, which were significantly greater than those with EN590 + cat or 100% HVO. The emission PM sample from the CNG bus possessed the weakest genotoxic potency but had the strongest oxidative potency of all the fuel and catalyst combinations. The use of 100% HVO fuel had slightly weaker and 100% RME somewhat stronger emission PM induced ROS production, when compared to EN590. Conclusions The harmfulness of the exhaust emissions from vehicle engines cannot be determined merely on basis of the emitted PM mass. The study conditions and the engine type significantly affect the toxicity of the emitted particles. The selected fuels and DOC + POC catalyst affected the PM emission from the heavy EURO IV engine both qualitative and quantitative ways, which influenced their toxicological characteristics. The plain HVO fuel performed very well in emission reduction and in lowering the overall toxicity of emitted PM, but the 30% blend of HVO in EN590 was no better in this respect than the plain EN590. The HVO with a DOC + POC catalyst in the EURO IV engine, performed best with regard to changes in exhaust emissions. However some of the toxicological parameters were significantly increased even with these low emissions. PMID:23021308

  13. Population Change as Related to Long-Term Cycles in Residential Construction in the United States.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-03-01

    Research Paper Long-Term Cycles FPL 392 March 1 in Residential Construction in the United States , mllmill - -N ABSTRACT Major demographic changes have...ferent from what they are now. This paper analyzes the potential impact of changing population growth rates and the age structure of the population...United StatesPuiChangeDepartment of AgriculturePo ua inCng Forest Service Forest Lrouato as Related toP ductsLaboratory, Research Paper LongnTerm Cycles

  14. Bibliography on Cold Regions Science and Technology. Volume 47, Part 2, 1993

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-01-01

    characteristics of aluminum galvanic anodes 47-2608 Ai~oritlsm for remote sensing of vertical salt density distribu- in an arctic seawater (1993, p.261-27 7 . eng...trochemical characteristics of aluminum galvanic anodes 6 u 721 detector ( 19Ŗ. 9p.. eng1 47W95 in ’an arctic seawater (1993. p. 26 1 - 277 . engl...Electrochemical characteristics of aluminum galvanic See alo: Economic analysis cng 474999 anodes in an arctic seawater. Tamada. A.. et al. ( 1993

  15. The use of gaseous fuels mixtures for SI engines propulsion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Flekiewicz, M.; Kubica, G.

    2016-09-01

    Paper presents results of SI engine tests, carried on for different gaseous fuels. Carried out analysis made it possible to define correlation between fuel composition and engine operating parameters. Tests covered various gaseous mixtures: of methane and hydrogen and LPG with DME featuring different shares. The first group, considered as low carbon content fuels can be characterized by low CO2 emissions. Flammability of hydrogen added in those mixtures realizes the function of combustion process activator. That is why hydrogen addition improves the energy conversion by about 3%. The second group of fuels is constituted by LPG and DME mixtures. DME mixes perfectly with LPG, and differently than in case of other hydrocarbon fuels consists also of oxygen makes the stoichiometric mixture less oxygen demanding. In case of this fuel an improvement in engine volumetric and overall engine efficiency has been noticed, when compared to LPG. For the 11% DME share in the mixture an improvement of 2% in the efficiency has been noticed. During the tests standard CNG/LPG feeding systems have been used, what underlines utility value of the research. The stand tests results have been followed by combustion process simulation including exhaust forming and charge exchange.

  16. Model curriculum outline for Alternatively Fueled Vehicle (AFV) automotive technician training in light and medium duty CNG and LPG

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

    NONE

    This model curriculum outline was developed using a turbo-DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) process which utilizes practicing experts to undertake a comprehensive job and task analysis. The job and task analysis serves to establish current baseline data accurately and to improve both the process and the product of the job through constant and continuous improvement of training. The DACUM process is based on the following assumptions: (1) Expert workers are the best source for task analysis. (2) Any occupation can be described effectively in terms of tasks. (3) All tasks imply knowledge, skills, and attitudes/values. A DACUM panel, comprised of sixmore » experienced and knowledgeable technicians who are presently working in the field, was given an orientation to the DACUM process. The panel then identified, verified, and sequenced all the necessary job duty areas and tasks. The broad duty categories were rated according to relative importance and assigned percentage ratings in priority order. The panel then rated every task for each of the duties on a scale of 1 to 3. A rating of 3 indicates an {open_quotes}essential{close_quotes} task, a rating of 2 indicates an {open_quotes}important{close_quotes} task, and a rating of 1 indicates a {open_quotes}desirable{close_quotes} task.« less

  17. The Present Status of Using Natural Gas Cylinders and Acoustic Emission in Thailand

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jomdecha, C.; Jirarungsatian, C.; Methong, W.; Poopat, B.

    This chapter presents the status of using natural gas cylinders (CNG/NGV) and acoustic emission (AE) in Thailand. During the period from 2006 to 2013, more than 600,000 CNG cylinder units for vehicles were installed and used for transportation, cars, and trucks in Thailand. The number of cylinder units will be tentatively increased in the future due to the increase in gasoline price. Due to the use of high-pressurization equipment in public, the issue of a risk to public safety has been raised. As of this writing, in 2013, the testing standard from the Thai Department of Energy Business recommends inspection every 5 years using effective inspection methods in order to guarantee safe usage of gas cylinders, including the AE method, following ISO 16148. Normally in Thailand, AE is used in research and petrochemical plants as a special technique. The main applications are testing of pressure vessels, aboveground storage tanks, and university research. Few companies are available to conduct AE for testing natural gas cylinders due to the limited safety of the high-pressure operation and AE equipment and a lack of qualified AE personnel. To develop AE techniques, equipment, procedures, and acceptance criteria of natural gas cylinders are the main focus of AE personnel in Thailand. A desired achievement for current development is for natural gas cylinder testing, which can be applied in field tests and supported by a national testing standard.

  18. Assessment on the occupational exposure of urban public bus drivers to bioaccessible trace metals through resuspended fraction of settled bus dust.

    PubMed

    Gao, Peng; Liu, Sa; Ye, Wenyuan; Lin, Nan; Meng, Ping; Feng, Yujie; Zhang, Zhaohan; Cui, Fuyi; Lu, Binyu; Xing, Baoshan

    2015-03-01

    Limited information is available on the bioaccessible fraction of trace metals in the resuspended fraction of settled bus dust in order to estimate bus drivers' occupational exposure. In this study, 45 resuspended fraction of settled dust samples were collected from gasoline and compressed natural gas (CNG) powered buses and analyzed for trace metals and their fraction concentrations using a three-step sequential extraction procedure. Experimental results showed that zinc (Zn) had the greatest bioaccessible fraction, recorded as an average of 608.53 mg/kg, followed in order of decreasing concentration by 129.80 mg/kg lead (Pb), 56.77 mg/kg copper (Cu), 34.03 mg/kg chromium (Cr), 22.05 mg/kg nickel (Ni), 13.17 mg/kg arsenic (As) and 2.77 mg/kg cadmium (Cd). Among the three settled bus dust exposure pathways, ingestion was the main route. Total exposure hazard index (HIt) for non-carcinogenic effect trace metals was lower than the safety level of 1. The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for drivers was estimated for trace metal exposure. Pb and Ni presented relatively high potential risks in the non-carcinogenic and potentially carcinogenic health assessment for all drivers. ILCR was in the range of 1.84E-05 to 7.37E-05 and 1.74E-05 to 6.95E-05 for gasoline and CNG buses, respectively. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. On-road pollutant emission and fuel consumption characteristics of buses in Beijing.

    PubMed

    Wang, Aijuan; Ge, Yunshan; Tan, Jianwei; Fu, Mingliang; Shah, Asad Naeem; Ding, Yan; Zhao, Hong; Liang, Bin

    2011-01-01

    On-road emission and fuel consumption (FC) levels for Euro III and IV buses fueled on diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) were compared, and emission and FC characteristics of buses were analyzed based on approximately 28,700 groups of instantaneous data obtained in Beijing using a portable emissions measurement system (PEMS). The experimental results revealed that NOx and PM emissions from CNG buses were decreased by 72.0% and 82.3% respectively, compared with Euro IV diesel buses. Similarly, these emissions were reduced by 75.2% and 96.3% respectively, compared with Euro III diesel buses. In addition, CO2, CO, HC, NOx, PM emissions and FC of Euro IV diesel buses were reduced by 26.4%, 75.2%, 73.6%, 11.4%, 79.1%, and 26.0%, respectively, relative to Euro III diesel buses. The CO2, CO, HC, NOx, PM emissions and FC factors all decreased with bus speed increased, while increased as bus acceleration increased. At the same time, the emission/FC rates as well as the emission/FC factors exhibited a strong positive correlation with the vehicle specific power (VSP). They all were the lowest when VSP < 0, and then rapidly increased as VSP increased. Furthermore, both the emission/FC rates and emission/FC factors were the highest at accelerations, higher at cruise speeds, and the lowest at decelerations for non-idling buses. These results can provide a base reference to further estimate bus emission and FC inventories in Beijing.

  20. Analysis of protein-protein docking decoys using interaction fingerprints: application to the reconstruction of CaM-ligand complexes.

    PubMed

    Uchikoga, Nobuyuki; Hirokawa, Takatsugu

    2010-05-11

    Protein-protein docking for proteins with large conformational changes was analyzed by using interaction fingerprints, one of the scales for measuring similarities among complex structures, utilized especially for searching near-native protein-ligand or protein-protein complex structures. Here, we have proposed a combined method for analyzing protein-protein docking by taking large conformational changes into consideration. This combined method consists of ensemble soft docking with multiple protein structures, refinement of complexes, and cluster analysis using interaction fingerprints and energy profiles. To test for the applicability of this combined method, various CaM-ligand complexes were reconstructed from the NMR structures of unbound CaM. For the purpose of reconstruction, we used three known CaM-ligands, namely, the CaM-binding peptides of cyclic nucleotide gateway (CNG), CaM kinase kinase (CaMKK) and the plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase pump (PMCA), and thirty-one structurally diverse CaM conformations. For each ligand, 62000 CaM-ligand complexes were generated in the docking step and the relationship between their energy profiles and structural similarities to the native complex were analyzed using interaction fingerprint and RMSD. Near-native clusters were obtained in the case of CNG and CaMKK. The interaction fingerprint method discriminated near-native structures better than the RMSD method in cluster analysis. We showed that a combined method that includes the interaction fingerprint is very useful for protein-protein docking analysis of certain cases.

  1. Functional interactions between A' helices in the C-linker of open CNG channels.

    PubMed

    Hua, Li; Gordon, Sharona E

    2005-03-01

    Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels are nonselective cation channels that are activated by the direct binding of the cyclic nucleotides cAMP and cGMP. The region linking the last membrane-spanning region (S6) to the cyclic nucleotide binding domain in the COOH terminus, termed the C-linker, has been shown to play an important role in coupling cyclic nucleotide binding to opening of the pore. In this study, we explored the intersubunit proximity between the A' helices of the C-linker regions of CNGA1 in functional channels using site-specific cysteine substitution. We found that intersubunit disulfide bonds can be formed between the A' helices in open channels, and that inducing disulfide bonds in most of the studied constructs resulted in potentiation of channel activation. This suggests that the A' helices of the C-linker regions are in close proximity when the channel is in the open state. Our finding is not compatible with a homology model of the CNGA1 C-linker made from the recently published X-ray crystallographic structure of the hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-modulated (HCN) channel COOH terminus, and leads us to suggest that the C-linker region depicted in the crystal structure may represent the structure of the closed state. The opening conformational change would then involve a movement of the A' helices from a position parallel to the axis of the membrane to one perpendicular to the axis of the membrane.

  2. Cloning and Immunocytochemical Localization of a Cyclic Nucleotide–Gated Channel α-Subunit to All Cone Photoreceptors in the Mouse Retina

    PubMed Central

    HIRANO, ARLENE A.; HACK, IRIS; WÄSSLE, HEINZ; DUVOISIN, ROBERT M.

    2010-01-01

    Cyclic nucleotide–gated channels (CNGC) are ligand-gated ion channels that open and close in response to changes in the intracellular concentration of the second messengers, 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate and 3′,5′-cyclic guanosine monophosphate. Most notably, they transduce the chemical signal produced by the absorption of light in photoreceptors into a membrane potential change, which is then transmitted to the ascending visual pathway. CNGCs have also been implicated in the signal transduction of other neurons downstream of the photoreceptors, in particular the ON-bipolar cells, as well as in other areas of the central nervous system. We therefore undertook a search for additional cyclic nucleotide–gated channels expressed in the retina. Following a degenerate reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction approach to amplify low-copy number messages, a cDNA encoding a new splice variant of CNGC α-subunit was isolated from mouse retina and classified as mCNG3. An antiserum raised against the carboxy-terminal sequence identified the retinal cell type expressing mCNG3 as cone photoreceptors. Preembedding immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated its membrane localization in the outer segments, consistent with its role in phototransduction. Double-labeling experiments with cone-specific markers indicated that all cone photoreceptors in the murid retina use the same or a highly conserved cyclic nucleotide–gated channel. Therefore, defects in this channel would be predicted to severely impair photopic vision. PMID:10813773

  3. Corn Ethanol: The Surprisingly Effective Route for Natural Gas Consumption in the Transportation Sector

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

    Szybist, James P.; Curran, Scott

    2015-05-01

    Proven reserves and production of natural gas (NG) in the United States have increased dramatically in the last decade, due largely to the commercialization of hydraulic fracturing. This has led to a plentiful supply of NG, resulting in a significantly lower cost on a gallon of gasoline-equivalent (GGE) basis. Additionally, NG is a domestic, non-petroleum source of energy that is less carbon-intensive than coal or petroleum products, and thus can lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Because of these factors, there is a desire to increase the use of NG in the transportation sector in the United States (U.S.). However,more » using NG directly in the transportation sector requires that several non-trivial challenges be overcome. One of these issues is the fueling infrastructure. There are currently only 1,375 NG fueling stations in the U.S. compared to 152,995 fueling stations for gasoline in 2014. Additionally, there are very few light-duty vehicles that can consume this fuel directly as dedicated or bi-fuel options. For example, in model year 2013Honda was the only OEM to offer a dedicated CNG sedan while a number of others offered CNG options as a preparation package for LD trucks and vans. In total, there were a total of 11 vehicle models in 2013 that could be purchased that could use natural gas directly. There are additional potential issues associated with NG vehicles as well. Compared to commercial refueling stations, the at-home refueling time for NG vehicles is substantial – a result of the small compressors used for home refilling. Additionally, the methane emissions from both refueling (leakage) and from tailpipe emissions (slip) from these vehicles can add to their GHG footprint, and while these emissions are not currently regulated it could be a barrier in the future, especially in scenarios with broad scale adoption of CNG vehicles. However, NG consumption already plays a large role in other sectors of the economy, including some that are important to the transportation sector. Examples include steam reforming of natural gas to provide hydrogen for hydrotreating unit operations within the refinery and production of urea for use as a reductant for diesel after treatment in selective catalytic reduction (SCR). This discussion focuses on the consumption of natural gas in the production pathway of conventional ethanol (non-cellulosic) from corn through fermentation. Though it is clear that NG would also play a significant role in the cellulosic production pathways, those cases are not considered in this analysis.« less

  4. Emission inventory estimation of an intercity bus terminal.

    PubMed

    Qiu, Zhaowen; Li, Xiaoxia; Hao, Yanzhao; Deng, Shunxi; Gao, H Oliver

    2016-06-01

    Intercity bus terminals are hotspots of air pollution due to concentrated activities of diesel buses. In order to evaluate the bus terminals' impact on air quality, it is necessary to estimate the associated mobile emission inventories. Since the vehicles' operating condition at the bus terminal varies significantly, conventional calculation of the emissions based on average emission factors suffers the loss of accuracy. In this study, we examined a typical intercity bus terminal-the Southern City Bus Station of Xi'an, China-using a multi-scale emission model-(US EPA's MOVES model)-to quantity the vehicle emission inventory. A representative operating cycle for buses within the station is constructed. The emission inventory was then estimated using detailed inputs including vehicle ages, operating speeds, operating schedules, and operating mode distribution, as well as meteorological data (temperature and humidity). Five functional areas (bus yard, platforms, disembarking area, bus travel routes within the station, and bus entrance/exit routes) at the terminal were identified, and the bus operation cycle was established using the micro-trip cycle construction method. Results of our case study showed that switching to compressed natural gas (CNG) from diesel fuel could reduce PM2.5 and CO emissions by 85.64 and 6.21 %, respectively, in the microenvironment of the bus terminal. When CNG is used, tail pipe exhaust PM2.5 emission is significantly reduced, even less than brake wear PM2.5. The estimated bus operating cycles can also offer researchers and policy makers important information for emission evaluation in the planning and design of any typical intercity bus terminals of a similar scale.

  5. Penetration of short fluorescence-labeled peptides into the nucleus in HeLa cells and in vitro specific interaction of the peptides with deoxyribooligonucleotides and DNA.

    PubMed

    Fedoreyeva, L I; Kireev, I I; Khavinson, V Kh; Vanyushin, B F

    2011-11-01

    Marked fluorescence in cytoplasm, nucleus, and nucleolus was observed in HeLa cells after incubation with each of several fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled peptides (epithalon, Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly; pinealon, Glu-Asp-Arg; testagen, Lys-Glu-Asp-Gly). This means that short biologically active peptides are able to penetrate into an animal cell and its nucleus and, in principle they may interact with various components of cytoplasm and nucleus including DNA and RNA. It was established that various initial (intact) peptides differently affect the fluorescence of the 5,6-carboxyfluorescein-labeled deoxyribooligonucleotides and DNA-ethidium bromide complexes. The Stern-Volmer constants characterizing the degree of fluorescence quenching of various single- and double-stranded fluorescence-labeled deoxyribooligonucleotides with short peptides used were different depending on the peptide primary structures. This indicates the specific interaction between short biologically active peptides and nucleic acid structures. On binding to them, the peptides discriminate between different nucleotide sequences and recognize even their cytosine methylation status. Judging from corresponding constants of the fluorescence quenching, the epithalon, pinealon, and bronchogen (Ala-Glu-Asp-Leu) bind preferentially with deoxyribooligonucleotides containing CNG sequence (CNG sites are targets for cytosine DNA methylation in eukaryotes). Epithalon, testagen, and pinealon seem to preferentially bind with CAG- but bronchogen with CTG-containing sequences. The site-specific interactions of peptides with DNA can control epigenetically the cell genetic functions, and they seem to play an important role in regulation of gene activity even at the earliest stages of life origin and in evolution.

  6. Variation in Genomic Methylation in Natural Populations of Chinese White Poplar

    PubMed Central

    Ma, Kaifeng; Song, Yuepeng; Yang, Xiaohui; Zhang, Zhiyi; Zhang, Deqiang

    2013-01-01

    Background It is thought that methylcytosine can be inherited through meiosis and mitosis, and that epigenetic variation may be under genetic control or correlation may be caused by neutral drift. However, DNA methylation also varies with tissue, developmental stage, and environmental factors. Eliminating these factors, we analyzed the levels and patterns, diversity and structure of genomic methylcytosine in the xylem of nine natural populations of Chinese white poplar. Principal Findings On average, the relative total methylation and non-methylation levels were approximately 26.567% and 42.708% (P<0.001), respectively. Also, the relative CNG methylation level was higher than the relative CG methylation level. The relative methylation/non-methylation levels were significantly different among the nine natural populations. Epigenetic diversity ranged from 0.811 (Gansu) to 1.211 (Shaanxi), and the coefficients of epigenetic differentiation (GST = 0.159) were assessed by Shannon’s diversity index. Co-inertia analysis indicated that methylation-sensitive polymorphism (MSP) and genomic methylation pattern (CG-CNG) profiles gave similar distributions. Using a between-group eigen analysis, we found that the Hebei and Shanxi populations were independent of each other, but the Henan population intersected with the other populations, to some degree. Conclusions Genome methylation in Populus tomentosa presented tissue-specific characteristics and the relative 5′-CCGG methylation level was higher in xylem than in leaves. Meanwhile, the genome methylation in the xylem shows great epigenetic variation and could be fixed and inherited though mitosis. Compared to genetic structure, data suggest that epigenetic and genetic variation do not completely match. PMID:23704963

  7. Temperature- and touch-sensitive neurons couple CNG and TRPV channel activities to control heat avoidance in Caenorhabditis elegans.

    PubMed

    Liu, Shu; Schulze, Ekkehard; Baumeister, Ralf

    2012-01-01

    Any organism depends on its ability to sense temperature and avoid noxious heat. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans responds to noxious temperatures exceeding ∼35°C and also senses changes in its environmental temperature in the range between 15 and 25°C. The neural circuits and molecular mechanisms involved in thermotaxis have been successfully studied, whereas details of the thermal avoidance behavior remain elusive. In this work, we investigate neurological and molecular aspects of thermonociception using genetic, cell biological and physiological approaches. We show here that the thermosensory neurons AFD, in addition to sensing temperature within the range within which the animals can thrive, also contribute to the sensation of noxious temperatures resulting in a reflex-like escape reaction. Distinct sets of interneurons are involved in transmitting thermonociception and thermotaxis, respectively. Loss of AFD is partially compensated by the activity of a pair of multidendritic, polymodal neurons, FLP, whereas laser ablation of both types of neurons abrogated the heat response in the head of the animals almost completely. A third pair of heat sensory neurons, PHC, is situated in the tail. We find that the thermal avoidance response requires the cell autonomous function of cGMP dependent Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated (CNG) channels in AFD, and the heat- and capsaicin-sensitive Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid (TRPV) channels in the FLP and PHC sensory neurons. Our results identify distinct thermal responses mediated by a single neuron, but also show that parallel nociceptor circuits and molecules may be used as back-up strategies to guarantee fast and efficient responses to potentially detrimental stimuli.

  8. Early-onset, slow progression of cone photoreceptor dysfunction and degeneration in CNG channel subunit CNGB3 deficiency.

    PubMed

    Xu, Jianhua; Morris, Lynsie; Fliesler, Steven J; Sherry, David M; Ding, Xi-Qin

    2011-06-01

    To investigate the progression of cone dysfunction and degeneration in CNG channel subunit CNGB3 deficiency. Retinal structure and function in CNGB3(-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were evaluated by electroretinography (ERG), lectin cytochemistry, and correlative Western blot analysis of cone-specific proteins. Cone and rod terminal integrity was assessed by electron microscopy and synaptic protein immunohistochemical distribution. Cone ERG amplitudes (photopic b-wave) in CNGB3(-/-) mice were reduced to approximately 50% of WT levels by postnatal day 15, decreasing further to approximately 30% of WT levels by 1 month and to approximately 20% by 12 months of age. Rod ERG responses (scotopic a-wave) were not affected in CNGB3(-/-) mice. Average CNGB3(-/-) cone densities were approximately 80% of WT levels at 1 month and declined slowly thereafter to only approximately 50% of WT levels by 12 months. Expression levels of M-opsin, cone transducin α-subunit, and cone arrestin in CNGB3(-/-) mice were reduced by 50% to 60% by 1 month and declined to 35% to 45% of WT levels by 9 months. In addition, cone opsin mislocalized to the outer nuclear layer and the outer plexiform layer in the CNGB3(-/-) retina. Cone and rod synaptic marker expression and terminal ultrastructure were normal in the CNGB3(-/-) retina. These findings are consistent with an early-onset, slow progression of cone functional defects and cone loss in CNGB3(-/-) mice, with the cone signaling deficits arising from disrupted phototransduction and cone loss rather than from synaptic defects.

  9. How demanding is the brain on a reversal task under day and night conditions?

    PubMed

    Arias, N; Fidalgo, C; Méndez, M; Arias, J L

    2015-07-23

    Reversal learning has been studied as the process of learning to inhibit previously rewarded actions. These behavioral studies are usually performed during the day, when animals are in their daily period rest. However, how day or night affects spatial reversal learning and the brain regions involved in the learning process are still unknown. We conducted two experiments using the Morris Water Maze under different light-conditions: naïve group (CN, n=8), day group (DY, n=8), control DY group (CDY, n=8) night group (NG, n=8), and control NG group (CNG, n=7). Distance covered, velocity and latencies to reach the platform were examined. After completing these tasks, cytochrome c-oxidase activity (CO) in several brain limbic system structures was compared between groups. There were no behavioral differences in the time of day when the animals were trained. However, the metabolic brain consumption was higher in rats trained in the day condition. This CO increase was supported by the prefrontal cortex, thalamus, dorsal and ventral striatum, hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, revealing their role in the performance of the spatial reversal learning task. Finally, the orbitofrontal cortex has been revealed as a key structure in reversal learning execution. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. CNG as a Feasible Replacement for the U.S. Transportation Sector

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-03-01

    not convenient for drivers either to have gigantic fuel tanks on vehicles or to stop several times for refueling even in a short distance travel . In... Intercity 31.4 31.4 School 7.0 69.9 76.9 Medium/heavy trucks 611.5 5,452.7 20.3 6,084.5 237.1 NONHIGHWAY 721.4 0.0...18.4 31.6 Intercity 8.6 5.8 14.4 TOTAL HWY & NONHWY 16,898.5 6,735.0 65.3 2,099.3 839.4 638.7 312.9 27,589.0 Figure 24

  11. Design and Implementation of KSP on the Next Generation Cryptography API

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lina, Zhang

    With good seamless connectivity and higher safety, KSP (Key Storage Providers) is the inexorable trend of security requirements and development to take the place of CSP (Cryptographic Service Provider). But the study on KSP has just started in our country, and almost no reports of its implementation can be found. Based on the analysis of function modules and the architecture of Cryptography API (Next Generation (CNG)), this paper discusses the design and implementation of KSP (key storage providers) based on smart card in detail, and an example is also presented to illustrate how to use KSP in Windows Vista.

  12. Long-Term Observations on Aerosol Elemental Carbon and Mass Concentrations in Winter-Time in New Delhi: Implications for Local Source Changes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Aggarwal, S. G.; Singh, K.; Singh, N.; Gupta, P. K.

    2009-12-01

    Fossil-fuel and bio-fuel burning are the two major sources identified for high carbonaceous aerosol loadings in several mega cities in India. In the last decade, according to a report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB, 1999), the vehicular emission (mostly diesel-powered engines) was contributed to ~67% of the total air pollution load in New Delhi. Therefore, a policy decision was taken by the government, and most of the diesel-powered engines were converted to compressed natural gas (CNG) -powered engines by 2003. To better understand the effect of these changes on air quality, we collected high volume aerosol samples (total suspended particles, TSP) mostly for a day basis at our institute building in New Delhi almost everyday during winter season (November to January) from 2002 to 2008. We found very high mean aerosol loading, i.e., 488±47 μg m-3 in 2002 winter, which dropped significantly to 280±73 μg m-3 in 2003 winter. Thereafter, a steadily increased trend of aerosol mass loadings was observed, i.e., 339±112, 339±120, 412±107 and 444±55 μg m-3 in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 winters, respectively. Similar trend was also observed for elemental carbon (EC) concentration in TSP, which was peaked in 2002 (47±11 μg m-3) and minimized in 2003 (32±6 μg m-3), and then gradually increased to 41±8 μg m-3 in 2007 winter. These decline trends of aerosol mass and EC concentrations in 2003 can be explained well, because of the conversion of diesel engine to CNG engines of public transport facilities. However, again increase in aerosol mass and EC concentrations possibly because of a high increase in road traffic in recent years. According to the economic survey of New Delhi 2008-09, the number of vehicles (which includes all types of engines, i.e., petrol, diesel and CNG) has grown from ~3.3 millions in 1997-98 to ~5.6 millions in 2007-08. The influence of engine types and vehicle population on aerosol loading can also be explained well by SO2 and NO2 concentration trend (data obtained from the local agency) for the study period. On the other hand, during winter-time from 2002 to 2008, meteorological data (e.g., mean temperature, humidity, precipitation) did not change significantly. This study suggests that winter aerosol loadings in New Delhi are largely influenced by the local sources (fossil fuel combustion).

  13. Comparison of life cycle greenhouse gases from natural gas pathways for medium and heavy-duty vehicles.

    PubMed

    Tong, Fan; Jaramillo, Paulina; Azevedo, Inês M L

    2015-06-16

    The low-cost and abundant supply of shale gas in the United States has increased the interest in using natural gas for transportation. We compare the life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from different natural gas pathways for medium and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs). For Class 8 tractor-trailers and refuse trucks, none of the natural gas pathways provide emissions reductions per unit of freight-distance moved compared to diesel trucks. When compared to the petroleum-based fuels currently used in these vehicles, CNG and centrally produced LNG increase emissions by 0-3% and 2-13%, respectively, for Class 8 trucks. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) powered with natural gas-produced electricity are the only fuel-technology combination that achieves emission reductions for Class 8 transit buses (31% reduction compared to the petroleum-fueled vehicles). For non-Class 8 trucks (pick-up trucks, parcel delivery trucks, and box trucks), BEVs reduce emissions significantly (31-40%) compared to their diesel or gasoline counterparts. CNG and propane achieve relatively smaller emissions reductions (0-6% and 19%, respectively, compared to the petroleum-based fuels), while other natural gas pathways increase emissions for non-Class 8 MHDVs. While using natural gas to fuel electric vehicles could achieve large emission reductions for medium-duty trucks, the results suggest there are no great opportunities to achieve large emission reductions for Class 8 trucks through natural gas pathways with current technologies. There are strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of using natural gas for MHDVs, ranging from increasing vehicle fuel efficiency, reducing life cycle methane leakage rate, to achieving the same payloads and cargo volumes as conventional diesel trucks.

  14. Early-Onset, Slow Progression of Cone Photoreceptor Dysfunction and Degeneration in CNG Channel Subunit CNGB3 Deficiency

    PubMed Central

    Xu, Jianhua; Morris, Lynsie; Fliesler, Steven J.; Sherry, David M.

    2011-01-01

    Purpose. To investigate the progression of cone dysfunction and degeneration in CNG channel subunit CNGB3 deficiency. Methods. Retinal structure and function in CNGB3−/− and wild-type (WT) mice were evaluated by electroretinography (ERG), lectin cytochemistry, and correlative Western blot analysis of cone-specific proteins. Cone and rod terminal integrity was assessed by electron microscopy and synaptic protein immunohistochemical distribution. Results. Cone ERG amplitudes (photopic b-wave) in CNGB3−/− mice were reduced to approximately 50% of WT levels by postnatal day 15, decreasing further to approximately 30% of WT levels by 1 month and to approximately 20% by 12 months of age. Rod ERG responses (scotopic a-wave) were not affected in CNGB3−/− mice. Average CNGB3−/− cone densities were approximately 80% of WT levels at 1 month and declined slowly thereafter to only approximately 50% of WT levels by 12 months. Expression levels of M-opsin, cone transducin α-subunit, and cone arrestin in CNGB3−/− mice were reduced by 50% to 60% by 1 month and declined to 35% to 45% of WT levels by 9 months. In addition, cone opsin mislocalized to the outer nuclear layer and the outer plexiform layer in the CNGB3−/− retina. Cone and rod synaptic marker expression and terminal ultrastructure were normal in the CNGB3−/− retina. Conclusions. These findings are consistent with an early-onset, slow progression of cone functional defects and cone loss in CNGB3−/− mice, with the cone signaling deficits arising from disrupted phototransduction and cone loss rather than from synaptic defects. PMID:21273547

  15. Temperature- and Touch-Sensitive Neurons Couple CNG and TRPV Channel Activities to Control Heat Avoidance in Caenorhabditis elegans

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Shu; Schulze, Ekkehard; Baumeister, Ralf

    2012-01-01

    Background Any organism depends on its ability to sense temperature and avoid noxious heat. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans responds to noxious temperatures exceeding ∼35°C and also senses changes in its environmental temperature in the range between 15 and 25°C. The neural circuits and molecular mechanisms involved in thermotaxis have been successfully studied, whereas details of the thermal avoidance behavior remain elusive. In this work, we investigate neurological and molecular aspects of thermonociception using genetic, cell biological and physiological approaches. Methodology/Principal Findings We show here that the thermosensory neurons AFD, in addition to sensing temperature within the range within which the animals can thrive, also contribute to the sensation of noxious temperatures resulting in a reflex-like escape reaction. Distinct sets of interneurons are involved in transmitting thermonociception and thermotaxis, respectively. Loss of AFD is partially compensated by the activity of a pair of multidendritic, polymodal neurons, FLP, whereas laser ablation of both types of neurons abrogated the heat response in the head of the animals almost completely. A third pair of heat sensory neurons, PHC, is situated in the tail. We find that the thermal avoidance response requires the cell autonomous function of cGMP dependent Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated (CNG) channels in AFD, and the heat- and capsaicin-sensitive Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid (TRPV) channels in the FLP and PHC sensory neurons. Conclusions/Significance Our results identify distinct thermal responses mediated by a single neuron, but also show that parallel nociceptor circuits and molecules may be used as back-up strategies to guarantee fast and efficient responses to potentially detrimental stimuli. PMID:22448218

  16. NMVOCs speciated emissions from mobile sources and their effect on air quality and human health in the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires, Argentina

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    D'Angiola, Ariela; Dawidowski, Laura; Gomez, Dario; Granier, Claire

    2014-05-01

    Since 2007, more than half of the world's population live in urban areas. Urban atmospheres are dominated by pollutants associated with vehicular emissions. Transport emissions are an important source of non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) emissions, species of high interest because of their negative health effects and their contribution to the formation of secondary pollutants responsible for photochemical smog. NMVOCs emissions are generally not very well represented in emission inventories and their speciation presents a high level of uncertainty. In general, emissions from South American countries are still quite unknown for the international community, and usually present a high degree of uncertainty due to the lack of available data to compile emission inventories. Within the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI, www.iai.int) projects, UMESAM (Urban Mobile Emissions in South American Megacities) and SAEMC (South American Emissions, Megacities and Climate, http://saemc.cmm.uchile.cl/), the effort was made to compute on-road transport emission inventories for South American megacities, namely Bogota, Buenos Aires, Lima, Sao Paulo and Santiago de Chile, considering megacities as urban agglomerations with more than 5 million inhabitants. The present work is a continuation of these projects, with the aim to extend the calculated NMVOCs emissions inventory into the individual species required by CTMs. The on-road mobile sector of the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires (MABA), Argentina, accounted for 70 Gg of NMVOCs emissions for 2006, without considering two-wheelers. Gasoline light-duty vehicles were responsible for 64% of NMVOCs emissions, followed by compressed natural gas (CNG) light-duty vehicles (22%), diesel heavy-duty vehicles (11%) and diesel light-duty vehicles (7%). NMVOCs emissions were speciated according to fuel and technology, employing the European COPERT (Ntziachristos & Samaras, 2000) VOCs speciation scheme for gasoline and diesel vehicles and the USEPA SPECIATE (Simon et al., 2010) profile for CNG vehicles. NMVOCs emissions were composed of 31% aromatic compounds, 29% linear alkanes, 20% olefins, 12% ramified alkanes, 7% aldehydes and negligible contributions from cycloalkanes, ketones, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other NMVOCs. Aromatic compounds dominated gasoline light-duty vehicles' emissions (~45%), while linear alkanes those of CNG light-duty vehicles (~80%). Aldehydes' contributions increased for diesel light and heavy-duty vehicles. VOCs speciation schemes for transport emissions were collected from the literature from Europe, USA, Asia, Oceania and Latin America with the aim to account for the associated uncertainty by compound for each fuel and technology type. The resulting individual NMVOCs emissions were used to calculate the corresponding tropospheric ozone formation (Carter, 1994), as well as the human toxicity potential in terms of 1.4 dichlorobenzene. Olefins and aromatic compounds in terms of species, and gasoline in terms of fuels, were found to impose the highest risk in urban environments regarding air quality and human health.

  17. Gaseous and particulate composition of fresh and aged emissions of diesel, RME and CNG buses using Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Psichoudaki, Magda; Le Breton, Michael; Hallquist, Mattias; Watne, Ågot; Hallquist, Asa

    2016-04-01

    Urban air pollution is becoming a significant global problem, especially for large cities around the world. Traffic emissions contribute significantly to both elevated particle concentrations and to gaseous pollutants in cities. The latter also have the potential of forming more particulate mass via their photochemical oxidation in the atmosphere. The International Agency for Research on Cancer and the US EPA have characterised diesel exhausts as a likely human carcinogen that can also contribute to other health problems. In order to meet the challenges with increased transportation and enhanced greenhouse gas emissions, the European Union have decided on a 10% substitution of traditional fuels in the road transport sector by alternative fuels (e.g. biodiesel, CNG) before the year 2020. However, it is also important to study the influence of fuel switches on other primary pollutants as well as the potential to form secondary aerosol mass. This work focuses on the characterisation of the chemical composition of the gas and the condensed phase of fresh bus emissions during acceleration, in order to mimic the exhaust plume that humans would inhale under realistic conditions. In addition, photochemical aging of the exhaust emissions was achieved by employing a Potential Aerosol Mass (PAM) flow reactor, allowing the characterization of the composition of the corresponding aged emissions. The PAM reactor uses UV lamps and high concentrations of oxidants (OH radicals and O3) to oxidize the organic species present in the chamber. The oxidation that takes place within the reactor can be equivalent to up to one week of atmospheric oxidation. Preliminary tests showed that the oxidation employed in these measurements corresponded to a range from 4 to 8 days in the atmosphere. During June and July 2015, a total of 29 buses, 5 diesel, 13 CNG and 11 RME (rapeseed methyl ester), were tested in two different locations with limited influence from other types of emissions and traffic. A Time-of-Flight Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer (ToF-CIMS) was employed to monitor the concentration of different organic species present in the fresh and aged emissions. This instrument is capable of identifying the molecular formulas of species in the gas phase. The FIGAERO inlet, also enabled the characterisation of the particle phase, as particles were simultaneously collected on a filter, from which they could then be thermally desorbed and detected. Acetate (negative) ionization was utilised to allow high sensitivity measurements of organic acids, aldehydes, ketones, diols and halogenated species. The H2O, O3 and NOx concentrations inside the PAM flow reactor were monitored, and an organic tracer for OH exposure was also continuously measured. The concentrations of dominant species in both fresh and aged gaseous and particulate bus emissions from the different fuel types will be presented as well as their emission factors, calculated from concurrent CO2 measurements.

  18. CNGA3 is expressed in inner ear hair cells and binds to an intracellular C-terminus domain of EMILIN1.

    PubMed

    Selvakumar, Dakshnamurthy; Drescher, Marian J; Dowdall, Jayme R; Khan, Khalid M; Hatfield, James S; Ramakrishnan, Neeliyath A; Drescher, Dennis G

    2012-04-15

    The molecular characteristics of CNG (cyclic nucleotide-gated) channels in auditory/vestibular hair cells are largely unknown, unlike those of CNG mediating sensory transduction in vision and olfaction. In the present study we report the full-length sequence for three CNGA3 variants in a hair cell preparation from the trout saccule with high identity to CNGA3 in olfactory receptor neurons/cone photoreceptors. A custom antibody targeting the N-terminal sequence immunolocalized CNGA3 to the stereocilia and subcuticular plate region of saccular hair cells. The cytoplasmic C-terminus of CNGA3 was found by yeast two-hybrid analysis to bind the C-terminus of EMILIN1 (elastin microfibril interface-located protein 1) in both the vestibular hair cell model and rat organ of Corti. Specific binding between CNGA3 and EMILIN1 was confirmed with surface plasmon resonance analysis, predicting dependence on Ca2+ with Kd=1.6×10-6 M for trout hair cell proteins and Kd=2.7×10-7 M for organ of Corti proteins at 68 μM Ca2+. Pull-down assays indicated that the binding to organ of Corti CNGA3 was attributable to the EMILIN1 intracellular sequence that follows a predicted transmembrane domain in the C-terminus. Saccular hair cells also express the transcript for PDE6C (phosphodiesterase 6C), which in cone photoreceptors regulates the degradation of cGMP used to gate CNGA3 in phototransduction. Taken together, the evidence supports the existence in saccular hair cells of a molecular pathway linking CNGA3, its binding partner EMILIN1 (and β1 integrin) and cGMP-specific PDE6C, which is potentially replicated in cochlear outer hair cells, given stereociliary immunolocalizations of CNGA3, EMILIN1 and PDE6C.

  19. A reevaluation of the literature regarding the health assessment of diesel engine exhaust.

    PubMed

    Bunn, William B; Hesterberg, Thomas W; Valberg, Peter A; Slavin, Thomas J; Hart, Georgia; Lapin, Charles A

    2004-12-15

    While the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified diesel exhaust (DE) as a"probable"carcinogen in 1989 based primarily on"sufficient"animal data, other investigators have since concluded that the lung tumors found in the rat studies were a result of particle overloading. Subsequent health risk assessments of DE have not used the rat cancer data. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in developing its 2002 Health Assessment Document (HAD) for DE, primarily considered the epidemiology studies of railroad workers and truck drivers to develop health risk assessments of DE. However, both sets of epidemiology studies have serious weaknesses that make them unsuitable for cancer risk assessment. Major shortcomings were the lack of contemporaneous measurements of exposures to DE, difficulties with exposure history reconstruction, and adequately accounting for other exposures such as gasoline exhaust and cigarette smoke. To compound these problems, there was not, and there is still not, a specific exposure marker for DE. Interestingly, in the underground mining industry, where diesel exposures are much higher than observed in railroad workers and truck drivers, there was no increase in lung cancer. These problems and concerns led the U.S. EPA to conclude that while DE was a"likely"carcinogen, a unit risk value or range of risk cannot be calculated from existing data and that the risk could be zero. In addition, the DE emissions have changed and continue to change with the implementation of new emission control technologies. The HAD recognized this fact and noted that further studies are needed to assess new diesel engine emissions. Recent chemical characterization studies on low-emitting diesel engines with catalyzed particulate filters have shown emissions rates for several chemicals of concern that are even lower than comparable compressed natural gas (CNG)-fueled engines. With lower emissions, better fire safety, and improved cost-effectiveness of new low-emitting diesels compared to CNG, current efforts to restrict use of low-emitting diesels seems misguided.

  20. Spaceflight induces both transient and heritable alterations in DNA methylation and gene expression in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

    PubMed

    Ou, Xiufang; Long, Likun; Zhang, Yunhong; Xue, Yiqun; Liu, Jingchun; Lin, Xiuyun; Liu, Bao

    2009-03-09

    Spaceflight represents a complex environmental condition in which several interacting factors such as cosmic radiation, microgravity and space magnetic fields are involved, which may provoke stress responses and jeopardize genome integrity. Given the inherent property of epigenetic modifications to respond to intrinsic as well as external perturbations, it is conceivable that epigenetic markers like DNA methylation may undergo alterations in response to spaceflight. We report here that extensive alteration in both DNA methylation and gene expression occurred in rice plants subjected to a spaceflight, as revealed by a set of characterized sequences including 6 transposable elements (TEs) and 11 cellular genes. We found that several features characterize the alterations: (1) All detected alterations are hypermethylation events; (2) whereas alteration in both CG and CNG methylation occurred in the TEs, only alteration in CNG methylation occurred in the cellular genes; (3) alteration in expression includes both up- and down-regulations, which did not show a general correlation with alteration in methylation; (4) altered methylation patterns in both TEs and cellular genes are heritable to progenies at variable frequencies; however, stochastic reversion to wild-type patterns and further de novo changes in progenies are also apparent; and (5) the altered expression states in both TEs and cellular genes are also heritable to selfed progenies but with markedly lower transmission frequencies than altered DNA methylation states. Furthermore, we found that a set of genes encoding for the various putative DNA methyltransferases, 5-methylcytosine DNA glycosylases, the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeller (DDM1) and siRNA-related proteins are extremely sensitive to perturbation by spaceflight, which might be an underlying cause for the altered methylation patterns in the space-flown plants. We discuss implications of spaceflight-induced epigenetic variations with regard to health safety issues of spaceship crews and potentiality of spaceflight as a means for mutagenesis in crop breeding.

  1. Idle emissions from heavy-duty diesel and natural gas vehicles at high altitude.

    PubMed

    McCormick, R L; Graboski, M S; Alleman, T L; Yanowitz, J

    2000-11-01

    Idle emissions of total hydrocarbon (THC), CO, NOx, and particulate matter (PM) were measured from 24 heavy-duty diesel-fueled (12 trucks and 12 buses) and 4 heavy-duty compressed natural gas (CNG)-fueled vehicles. The volatile organic fraction (VOF) of PM and aldehyde emissions were also measured for many of the diesel vehicles. Experiments were conducted at 1609 m above sea level using a full exhaust flow dilution tunnel method identical to that used for heavy-duty engine Federal Test Procedure (FTP) testing. Diesel trucks averaged 0.170 g/min THC, 1.183 g/min CO, 1.416 g/min NOx, and 0.030 g/min PM. Diesel buses averaged 0.137 g/min THC, 1.326 g/min CO, 2.015 g/min NOx, and 0.048 g/min PM. Results are compared to idle emission factors from the MOBILE5 and PART5 inventory models. The models significantly (45-75%) overestimate emissions of THC and CO in comparison with results measured from the fleet of vehicles examined in this study. Measured NOx emissions were significantly higher (30-100%) than model predictions. For the pre-1999 (pre-consent decree) truck engines examined in this study, idle NOx emissions increased with model year with a linear fit (r2 = 0.6). PART5 nationwide fleet average emissions are within 1 order of magnitude of emissions for the group of vehicles tested in this study. Aldehyde emissions for bus idling averaged 6 mg/min. The VOF averaged 19% of total PM for buses and 49% for trucks. CNG vehicle idle emissions averaged 1.435 g/min for THC, 1.119 g/min for CO, 0.267 g/min for NOx, and 0.003 g/min for PM. The g/min PM emissions are only a small fraction of g/min PM emissions during vehicle driving. However, idle emissions of NOx, CO, and THC are significant in comparison with driving emissions.

  2. COMPARATIVE STUDY ON EXHAUST EMISSIONS FROM DIESEL- AND CNG-POWERED URBAN BUSES

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

    COROLLER, P; PLASSAT, G

    2003-08-24

    Couple years ago, ADEME engaged programs dedicated to the urban buses exhaust emissions studies. The measures associated with the reduction of atmospheric and noise pollution has particular importance in the sector of urban buses. In many cases, they illustrate the city's environmental image and contribute to reinforcing the attractiveness of public transport. France's fleet in service, presently put at about 14,000 units, consumes about 2 per cent of the total energy of city transport. It causes about 2 per cent of the HC emissions and from 4 to 6 per cent of the NOx emissions and particles. These vehicles typicallymore » have a long life span (about 15 years) and are relatively expensive to buy, about 150.000 euros per unit. Several technical solutions were evaluated to quantify, on a real condition cycle for buses, on one hand pollutants emissions, fuel consumption and on the other hand reliability, cost in real existing fleet. This paper presents main preliminary results on urban buses exhaust emission on two different cases: - existing Diesel buses, with fuel modifications (Diesel with low sulphur content), Diesel with water emulsion and bio-Diesel (30% oil ester in standard Diesel fuel); renovating CNG powered Euro II buses fleet, over representative driving cycles, set up by ADEME and partners. On these cycles, pollutants (regulated and unregulated) were measured as well as fuel consumption, at the beginning of a program and one year after to quantify reliability and increase/decrease of pollutants emissions. At the same time, some after-treatment technologies were tested under real conditions and several vehicles. Information such as fuel consumption, lubricant analysis, problem on the technology were following during a one year program. On the overall level, it is the combination of various action, pollution-reduction and renewal that will make it possible to meet the technological challenge of reducing emissions and fuel consumption by urban bus networks.« less

  3. Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle Maintenance Facility Modification Handbook

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

    Kelly, K.; Melendez, M.; Gonzales, J.

    To ensure the safety of personnel and facilities, vehicle maintenance facilities are required by law and by guidelines of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Fire Code (IFC) to exhibit certain design features. They are also required to be fitted with certain fire protection equipment and devices because of the potential for fire or explosion in the event of fuel leakage or spills. All fuels have an explosion or fire potential if specific conditions are present. This handbook covers the primary elements that must be considered when developing a CNG vehicle maintenance facility design that will protectmore » against the ignition of natural gas releases. It also discusses specific protocols and training needed to ensure safety.« less

  4. Simple, Effective Computation of Principal Eigen-Vectors and Their Eigenvalues and Application to High-Resolution Estimation of Frequencies

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-10-01

    written 3 as follows: m 4 cg ° + C + + - c =0n-1u-1 n C + c 2 g 1 +. . c 0 clg o Cngn-1 cn+ 1 (10a) cng° + Cn+11 + + C 2n-lgn_1 + C 2 n 0 or in...matrix form, C " I = 0 (10b) A non-zero solution is possible if the determinant of C is zero. From the theory of Prony’s method [133 g (k1 = % n + kn... g , ki + go = 0 II) hence the polynomial coefficient vector g is also orthogonal to the vector (1 X i ki 2 .Xik)T where %i’s are the

  5. Spatial and temporal disaggregation of transport-related carbon dioxide emissions in Bogota - Colombia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hernandez-Gonzalez, L. A.; Jimenez Pizarro, R.; Néstor Y. Rojas, N. Y.

    2011-12-01

    As a result of rapid urbanization during the last 60 years, 75% of the Colombian population now lives in cities. Urban areas are net sources of greenhouse gases (GHG) and contribute significantly to national GHG emission inventories. The development of scientifically-sound GHG mitigation strategies require accurate GHG source and sink estimations. Disaggregated inventories are effective mitigation decision-making tools. The disaggregation process renders detailed information on the distribution of emissions by transport mode, and the resulting a priori emissions map allows for optimal definition of sites for GHG flux monitoring, either by eddy covariance or inverse modeling techniques. Fossil fuel use in transportation is a major source of carbon dioxide (CO2) in Bogota. We present estimates of CO2 emissions from road traffic in Bogota using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reference method, and a spatial and temporal disaggregation method. Aggregated CO2 emissions from mobile sources were estimated from monthly and annual fossil fuel (gasoline, diesel and compressed natural gas - CNG) consumption statistics, and estimations of bio-ethanol and bio-diesel use. Although bio-fuel CO2 emissions are considered balanced over annual (or multi-annual) agricultural cycles, we included them since CO2 generated by their combustion would be measurable by a net flux monitoring system. For the disaggregation methodology, we used information on Bogota's road network classification, mean travel speed and trip length for each vehicle category and road type. The CO2 emission factors were taken from recent in-road measurements for gasoline- and CNG-powered vehicles and also estimated from COPERT IV. We estimated emission factors for diesel from surveys on average trip length and fuel consumption. Using IPCC's reference method, we estimate Bogota's total transport-related CO2 emissions for 2008 (reference year) at 4.8 Tg CO2. The disaggregation method estimation is 16% lower, mainly due to uncertainty in activity factors. With only 4% of Bogota's fleet, diesel use accounts for 42% of the CO2 emissions. The emissions are almost evenly shared between public (9% of the fleet) and private transport. Peak emissions occur at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. with maximum values over a densely industrialized area at the northwest of Bogota. This investigation allowed estimating the relative contribution of fuel and vehicle categories to spatially- and temporally-resolved CO2 emissions. Fuel consumption time series indicate a near-stabilization trend on energy consumption for transportation, which is unexpected taking into account the sustained economic and vehicle fleet growth in Bogota. The comparison of the disaggregation methodology with the IPCC methodology contributes to the analysis of possible error sources on activity factor estimations. This information is very useful for uncertainty estimation and adjustment of primary air pollutant emissions inventories.

  6. Vehicle conversion to hybrid gasoline/alternative fuel operation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Donakowski, T. D.

    1982-01-01

    The alternative fuels considered are compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquid petroleum gas (LPG), and methanol; vehicles were required to operate in a hybrid or dual-fuel gasoline/alternative fuel mode. Economic feasibility was determined by comparing the costs of continued use of gasoline fuel with the use of alternative fuel and retrofitted equipment. Differences in the amounts of future expenditures are adjusted by means of a total life-cycle costing. All fuels studied are technically feasible to allow a retrofit conversion to hybrid gasoline/alternative fuel operation except for methanol. Conversion to LPG is not recommended for vehicles with more than 100,000 km (60,000 miles) of prior use. Methanol conversion is not recommended for vehicles with more than 50,00 km (30,000 miles).

  7. Bacillus anthracis Edema Factor Substrate Specificity: Evidence for New Modes of Action

    PubMed Central

    Göttle, Martin; Dove, Stefan; Seifert, Roland

    2012-01-01

    Since the isolation of Bacillus anthracis exotoxins in the 1960s, the detrimental activity of edema factor (EF) was considered as adenylyl cyclase activity only. Yet the catalytic site of EF was recently shown to accomplish cyclization of cytidine 5′-triphosphate, uridine 5′-triphosphate and inosine 5′-triphosphate, in addition to adenosine 5′-triphosphate. This review discusses the broad EF substrate specificity and possible implications of intracellular accumulation of cyclic cytidine 3′:5′-monophosphate, cyclic uridine 3′:5′-monophosphate and cyclic inosine 3′:5′-monophosphate on cellular functions vital for host defense. In particular, cAMP-independent mechanisms of action of EF on host cell signaling via protein kinase A, protein kinase G, phosphodiesterases and CNG channels are discussed. PMID:22852066

  8. High Density Methane Storage in Nanoporous Carbon

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rash, Tyler; Dohnke, Elmar; Soo, Yuchoong; Maland, Brett; Doynov, Plamen; Lin, Yuyi; Pfeifer, Peter; Mriglobal Collaboration; All-Craft Team

    2014-03-01

    Development of low-pressure, high-capacity adsorbent based storage technology for natural gas (NG) as fuel for advanced transportation (flat-panel tank for NG vehicles) is necessary in order to address the temperature, pressure, weight, and volume constraints present in conventional storage methods (CNG & LNG.) Subcritical nitrogen adsorption experiments show that our nanoporous carbon hosts extended narrow channels which generate a high surface area and strong Van der Waals forces capable of increasing the density of NG into a high-density fluid. This improvement in storage density over compressed natural gas without an adsorbent occurs at ambient temperature and pressures ranging from 0-260 bar (3600 psi.) The temperature, pressure, and storage capacity of a 40 L flat-panel adsorbed NG tank filled with 20 kg of nanoporous carbon will be featured.

  9. A Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channel Mutation Associated with Canine Daylight Blindness Provides Insight into a Role for the S2 Segment Tri-Asp motif in Channel Biogenesis

    PubMed Central

    Tanaka, Naoto; Delemotte, Lucie; Klein, Michael L.; Komáromy, András M.; Tanaka, Jacqueline C.

    2014-01-01

    Cone cyclic nucleotide-gated channels are tetramers formed by CNGA3 and CNGB3 subunits; CNGA3 subunits function as homotetrameric channels but CNGB3 exhibits channel function only when co-expressed with CNGA3. An aspartatic acid (Asp) to asparagine (Asn) missense mutation at position 262 in the canine CNGB3 (D262N) subunit results in loss of cone function (daylight blindness), suggesting an important role for this aspartic acid residue in channel biogenesis and/or function. Asp 262 is located in a conserved region of the second transmembrane segment containing three Asp residues designated the Tri-Asp motif. This motif is conserved in all CNG channels. Here we examine mutations in canine CNGA3 homomeric channels using a combination of experimental and computational approaches. Mutations of these conserved Asp residues result in the absence of nucleotide-activated currents in heterologous expression. A fluorescent tag on CNGA3 shows mislocalization of mutant channels. Co-expressing CNGB3 Tri-Asp mutants with wild type CNGA3 results in some functional channels, however, their electrophysiological characterization matches the properties of homomeric CNGA3 channels. This failure to record heteromeric currents suggests that Asp/Asn mutations affect heteromeric subunit assembly. A homology model of S1–S6 of the CNGA3 channel was generated and relaxed in a membrane using molecular dynamics simulations. The model predicts that the Tri-Asp motif is involved in non-specific salt bridge pairings with positive residues of S3/S4. We propose that the D262N mutation in dogs with CNGB3-day blindness results in the loss of these inter-helical interactions altering the electrostatic equilibrium within in the S1–S4 bundle. Because residues analogous to Tri-Asp in the voltage-gated Shaker potassium channel family were implicated in monomer folding, we hypothesize that destabilizing these electrostatic interactions impairs the monomer folding state in D262N mutant CNG channels during biogenesis. PMID:24586388

  10. Analysis of real-time variables affecting children's exposure to diesel-related pollutants during school bus commutes in Los Angeles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sabin, Lisa D.; Kozawa, Kathleen; Behrentz, Eduardo; Winer, Arthur M.; Fitz, Dennis R.; Pankratz, David V.; Colome, Steven D.; Fruin, Scott A.

    Variables affecting children's exposure during school bus commutes were investigated using real-time measurements of black carbon (BC), particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PB-PAH) and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) inside 3 conventional diesel school buses, a particle trap-outfitted (TO) diesel school bus and a compressed natural gas (CNG) school bus, while traveling along an urban Los Angeles Unified School District bus route. A video camera was mounted at the front of each bus to record roadway conditions ahead of the bus during each commute. The videotapes from 12 commutes, in conjunction with pollutant concentration time series, were used to determine the influence of variables such as vehicles being followed, bus type and roadway type on pollutant concentrations inside the bus. For all buses tested, the highest concentrations of BC, PB-PAH and NO 2 were observed when following a diesel school bus, especially if that bus was emitting visible exhaust. This result was important because other diesel school buses were responsible for the majority of the diesel vehicle encounters, primarily due to caravanning with each other when leaving a school at the same time. Compared with following a gasoline vehicle or no target, following a smoky diesel school bus yielded BC and PB-PAH concentrations inside the cabin 8 and 11 times higher, respectively, with windows open, and ˜1.8 times higher for both pollutants with windows closed. When other diesel vehicles were not present, pollutant concentrations were highest inside the conventional diesel buses and lowest inside the CNG bus, while the TO diesel bus exhibited intermediate concentrations. Differences in pollutant concentrations between buses were most pronounced with the bus windows closed, and were attributed to a combination of higher concentrations in the exhaust and higher exhaust gas intrusion rates for the conventional diesel buses. Conventional diesel school buses can have a double exposure impact on commuting children: first, exposures to the exhaust from other nearby diesel school buses and, second, exposure to the bus's own exhaust through "self-pollution".

  11. The role of inspection and maintenance in controlling vehicular emissions in Kathmandu valley, Nepal

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Faiz, Asif; Bahadur Ale, Bhakta; Nagarkoti, Ram Kumar

    Motor vehicles are a major source of air pollutant emissions in Kathmandu valley, Nepal. In-use vehicle emission limits were first introduced in Nepal in 1998 and updated in 2000. The emission regulations for gasoline vehicles limit CO emissions to 3-4.5% by volume and HC emissions to 1000 ppm for four-wheeled vehicles, and 7800 ppm for two- and three- wheelers. Emission limits for LPG/CNG vehicles are 3% for CO and 1000 ppm for HC. For diesel vehicles, smoke density must not exceed 65-75 HSU depending on the age of the vehicle. The Government operates a rudimentary inspection and maintenance (I/M) program based on an idle engine test, utilizing an exhaust gas analyzer (for gasoline/LPG/CNG vehicles) and an opacimeter for diesel vehicles. The I/M program is confined to four-wheeled vehicles and occasional three-wheelers. The inspections are required at least once a year and are conducted at designated vehicle testing stations. The I/M program is supplemented by roadside checks. This paper is based on the findings of an analysis of vehicle emissions test data for the period June 2000 to July 2002, covering some 45,000 data sets. Each data set includes information on vehicle type and ownership, the model year, and CO/HC test emission values. The analysis reported in this paper covers the characteristics and statistical distribution of emissions from gasoline-fuelled vehicles, including the impact of gross emitters. The effects of vehicle age, model year (with or without catalysts), usage, and ownership (private vs. public) on emissions of gasoline-fuelled vehicles are discussed. The findings for diesel vehicles have been reported earlier by Ale and Nagarkoti (2003b. Evaluation of Kathmandu valley inspection and maintenance program on diesel vehicles. Journal of the Institute of Engineering 3(1)). This study identifies the limitations of the current I/M program, given that it does not include 70% of the fleet consisting of two-wheelers and concludes with proposed changes to the I/M program to make it more effective.

  12. A technology-based mass emission factors of gases and aerosol precursor and spatial distribution of emissions from on-road transport sector in India

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prakash, Jai; Habib, Gazala

    2018-05-01

    This study presents a new emission estimate of gaseous pollutants including CO, CO2, and NOX from on-road transport sector of India for the base year 2013. For the first time, a detailed vintage-wise on-road measured emission factors used for reducing uncertainties in emission estimates. The consumptions of diesel, gasoline, and compressed natural gas (CNG) were also estimated at the national level and disaggregated at the state level. The national average use of diesel, gasoline, and CNG and their 95% confidence interval estimated as 52 (39-66), 24 (18-30), and 1.6 (1.2-2.0) MTy-1 for the year 2013. The CO, CO2, and NOX emissions were estimated as 7349 (3220-11477) Gg y-1, 261 (179-343) Tg y-1, and 4052 (2127-5977) Gg y-1, respectively from on-road transport sector for the year 2013. New vehicles registered after 2005 emit 70-80% of national level CO2, and NOX, while rest 20-30% were emitted by old vehicles registered before 2005. Old and new vehicles both equally contributed to CO emissions. Superemitters accounted for 14% of total traffic volume, but they were responsible for 17-57% of total CO2, CO and NOX emissions. The uncertainties in emission estimates were reduced to 48-56% compared to previous estimates (62-136%). The comparison with recent studies for nationwide emission estimates from 4-wheelers indicated that use of emission factors from dynamometer studies can underestimate the emissions by 32-92% for various pollutants, while an overestimation by 20-82% was seen with the use of emission model derived emission factors. Similarly for Delhi city recent CO and NOx emission estimates for 4-wheelers based on emission factors reported from dynamometer studies were 23-89% lower than present work. The present work revealed the need for representative vintage wise emission factor database development from on-road measurement and the more comprehensive assessment of activity data through survey.

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

    Lee, Uisung; Han, Jeongwoo; Wang, Michael

    The amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in the United States was estimated at 254 million wet tons in 2013, and around half of that generated waste was landfilled. There is a huge potential in recovering energy from that waste, since around 60% of landfilled material is biomass-derived waste that has high energy content. In addition, diverting waste for fuel production avoids huge fugitive emissions from landfills, especially uncontrolled CH 4 emissions, which are the third largest anthropogenic CH 4 source in the United States. Lifecycle analysis (LCA) is typically used to evaluate the environmental impact of alternative fuelmore » production pathways. LCA of transportation fuels is called well-to-wheels (WTW) and covers all stages of the fuel production pathways, from feedstock recovery (well) to vehicle operation (wheels). In this study, the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET ®) model developed by Argonne National Laboratory is used to evaluate WTW greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fossil fuel consumption of waste-derived fuels. Two waste-to-energy (WTE) pathways have been evaluated – one for compressed natural gas (CNG) production using food waste via anaerobic digestion, and the other for ethanol production from yard trimmings via fermentation processes. Because the fuel production pathways displace current waste management practices (i.e., landfilling waste), we use a marginal approach that considers only the differences in emissions between the counterfactual case and the alternative fuel production case.« less

  14. A comparative analysis of well-to-wheel primary energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions for the operation of alternative and conventional vehicles in Switzerland, considering various energy carrier production pathways

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yazdanie, Mashael; Noembrini, Fabrizio; Dossetto, Lionel; Boulouchos, Konstantinos

    2014-03-01

    This study provides a comprehensive analysis of well-to-wheel (WTW) primary energy demand and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the operation of conventional and alternative passenger vehicle drivetrains. Results are determined based on a reference vehicle, drivetrain/production process efficiencies, and lifecycle inventory data specific to Switzerland. WTW performance is compared to a gasoline internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV). Both industrialized and novel hydrogen and electricity production pathways are evaluated. A strong case is presented for pluggable electric vehicles (PEVs) due to their high drivetrain efficiency. However, WTW performance strongly depends on the electricity source. A critical electricity mix can be identified which divides optimal drivetrain performance between the EV, ICEV, and plug-in hybrid vehicle. Alternative drivetrain and energy carrier production pathways are also compared by natural resource. Fuel cell vehicle (FCV) performance proves to be on par with PEVs for energy carrier (EC) production via biomass and natural gas resources. However, PEVs outperform FCVs via solar energy EC production pathways. ICE drivetrains using alternative fuels, particularly biogas and CNG, yield remarkable WTW energy and emission reductions as well, indicating that alternative fuels, and not only alternative drivetrains, play an important role in the transition towards low-emission vehicles in Switzerland.

  15. The styryl dye FM1-43 suppresses odorant responses in a subset of olfactory neurons by blocking cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels.

    PubMed

    Breunig, Esther; Kludt, Eugen; Czesnik, Dirk; Schild, Detlev

    2011-08-12

    Many olfactory receptor neurons use a cAMP-dependent transduction mechanism to transduce odorants into depolarizations. This signaling cascade is characterized by a sequence of two currents: a cation current through cyclic nucleotide-gated channels followed by a chloride current through calcium-activated chloride channels. To date, it is not possible to interfere with these generator channels under physiological conditions with potent and specific blockers. In this study we identified the styryl dye FM1-43 as a potent blocker of native olfactory cyclic nucleotide-gated channels. Furthermore, we characterized this substance to stain olfactory receptor neurons that are endowed with cAMP-dependent transduction. This allows optical differentiation and pharmacological interference with olfactory receptor neurons at the level of the signal transduction.

  16. Analysis of Adsorbed Natural Gas Tank Technology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Knight, Ernest; Schultz, Conrad; Rash, Tyler; Dohnke, Elmar; Stalla, David; Gillespie, Andrew; Sweany, Mark; Seydel, Florian; Pfeifer, Peter

    With gasoline being an ever decreasing finite resource and with the desire to reduce humanity's carbon footprint, there has been an increasing focus on innovation of alternative fuel sources. Natural gas burns cleaner, is more abundant, and conforms to modern engines. However, storing compressed natural gas (CNG) requires large, heavy gas cylinders, which limits space and fuel efficiency. Adsorbed natural gas (ANG) technology allows for much greater fuel storage capacity and the ability to store the gas at a much lower pressure. Thus, ANG tanks are much more flexible in terms of their size, shape, and weight. Our ANG tank employs monolithic nanoporous activated carbon as its adsorbent material. Several different configurations of this Flat Panel Tank Assembly (FPTA) along with a Fuel Extraction System (FES) were examined to compare with the mass flow rate demands of an engine.

  17. Low-cost conformable storage to maximize vehicle range

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

    Graham, R.P.

    Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) are currently the leading fuel contenders for converting vehicles from gasoline and diesel to alternative fuels. Two factors that inhibit conversion are additional vehicle costs and reduced range compared to gasoline. In overcoming these barriers, a key element of the alternative fuel system becomes the storage tank for these pressurized fuels. Using cylindrical pressure vessels is the conventional approach, but they do not package well in the available vehicle volume. Thiokol Corporation has developed and is now producing a conformable (non-cylindrical) aluminum storage system for LPG vans. This system increases fuelmore » storage in a given rectangular envelope. The goal of this project was to develop the technology for a lower cost conformable tank made of injection-molded plastic. Much of the cost of the aluminum conformable tank is in the fabrication because several weld seams are required. The injection-molding process has the potential to greatly reduce the fabrication costs. The requirements of a pressurized fuel tank on a vehicle necessitate the proper combination of material properties. Material selection and tank design must be optimized for maximum internal volume and minimum material use to be competitive with other technologies. The material and the design must also facilitate the injection-molding process. Prototype tanks must be fabricated to reveal molding problems, prove solutions, and measure results. In production, efficient fabrication will be key to making these tanks cost competitive. The work accomplished during this project has demonstrated that conformable LPG tanks can be molded with thermoplastics. However, to achieve a competitive tank, improvements are needed in the effective material strength. If these improvements can be made, molded plastics should produce a lower cost tank that can store more LPG on a vehicle than conventional cylinders.« less

  18. Technical, economic, and environmental impact study of converting Uzbekistan transportation fleets to natural gas operation. Export trade information

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

    NONE

    1997-04-30

    This study, conducted by Radian International, was funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. The report assesses the feasibility (technical, economic and environmental) of converting the Uzbek transportation fleets to natural gas operation. The study focuses on the conversion of high fuel use vehicles and locomotives to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the conversion of moderate fuel use veicles to compressed natural gas (CNG). The report is divided into the following sections: Executive Summary; (1.0) Introduction; (2.0) Country Background; (3.0) Characterization of Uzbek Transportation Fuels; (4.0) Uzbek Vehicle and Locomotive Fleet Characterization; (5.0) Uzbek Natural Gas Vehicle Conversion Shops;more » (6.0) Uzbek Natural Gas Infrastructure; (7.0) Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for Vehicular Fuel in Uzbekistan; (8.0) Economic Feasibility Study; (9.0) Environmental Impact Analysis; References; Appendices A - S.« less

  19. Adsorbed Natural Gas Storage in Optimized High Surface Area Microporous Carbon

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Romanos, Jimmy; Rash, Tyler; Nordwald, Erik; Shocklee, Joshua Shawn; Wexler, Carlos; Pfeifer, Peter

    2011-03-01

    Adsorbed natural gas (ANG) is an attractive alternative technology to compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the efficient storage of natural gas, in particular for vehicular applications. In adsorbants engineered to have pores of a few molecular diameters, a strong van der Walls force allows reversible physisorption of methane at low pressures and room temperature. Activated carbons were optimized for storage by varying KOH:C ratio and activation temperature. We also consider the effect of mechanical compression of powders to further enhance the volumetric storage capacity. We will present standard porous material characterization (BET surface area and pore-size distribution from subcritical N2 adsorption) and methane isotherms up to 250 bar at 293K. At sufficiently high pressure, specific surface area, methane binding energy and film density can be extracted from supercritical methane adsorption isotherms. Research supported by the California Energy Commission (500-08-022).

  20. Urban airshed modeling of air quality impacts of alternative transportation fuel use in Los Angeles and Atlanta

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

    NONE

    1997-12-01

    The main objective of NREL in supporting this study is to determine the relative air quality impact of the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative transportation fuel when compared to low Reid vapor pressure (RVP) gasoline and reformulated gasoline (RFG). A table lists the criteria, air toxic, and greenhouse gas pollutants for which emissions were estimated for the alternative fuel scenarios. Air quality impacts were then estimated by performing photochemical modeling of the alternative fuel scenarios using the Urban Airshed Model Version 6.21 and the Carbon Bond Mechanism Version IV (CBM-IV) (Geary et al., 1988) Using thismore » model, the authors examined the formation and transport of ozone under alternative fuel strategies for motor vehicle transportation sources for the year 2007. Photochemical modeling was performed for modeling domains in Los Angeles, California, and Atlanta, Georgia.« less

  1. Presence of Ca2+-dependent K+ channels in chemosensory cilia support a role in odor transduction.

    PubMed

    Delgado, Ricardo; Saavedra, M Veronica; Schmachtenberg, Oliver; Sierralta, Jimena; Bacigalupo, Juan

    2003-09-01

    Olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) respond to odorants with changes in the action potential firing rate. Excitatory responses, consisting of firing increases, are mediated by a cyclic AMP cascade that leads to the activation of cationic nonselective cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels and Ca2+-dependent Cl- (ClCa) channels. This process takes place in the olfactory cilia, where all protein components of this cascade are confined. ORNs from various vertebrate species have also been shown to generate inhibitory odor responses, expressed as decreases in action potential discharges. Odor inhibition appears to rely on Ca2+-dependent K+ (KCa) channels, but the underlying transduction mechanism remains unknown. If these channels are involved in odor transduction, they are expected to be present in the olfactory cilia. We found that a specific antibody against a large conductance KCa recognized a protein of approximately 116 kDa in Western blots of purified rat olfactory ciliary membranes. Moreover, the antibody labeled ORN cilia in isolated ORNs from rat and toad (Caudiverbera caudiverbera). In addition, single-channel recordings from inside-out membrane patches excised from toad chemosensory cilia showed the presence of 4 different types of KCa channels, with unitary conductances of 210, 60, 12, and 29 and 60 pS, high K+-selectivity, and Ca2+ sensitivities in the low micromolar range. Our work demonstrates the presence of K+ channels in the ORN cilia and supports their participation in odor transduction.

  2. Effects of intermittent pressure imitating rolling manipulation on calcium ion homeostasis in human skeletal muscle cells.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Hong; Liu, Howe; Lin, Qing; Zhang, Guohui; Mason, David C

    2016-08-26

    Homeostasis imbalance of intracellular Ca(2+) is one of the key pathophysiological factors in skeletal muscle injuries. Such imbalance can cause significant change in the metabolism of Ca(2+)-related biomarkers in skeletal muscle, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and creatine kinase (CK). Measurements of these biomarkers can be used to evaluate the degree of damage to human skeletal muscle cells (HSKMCs) injury. Rolling manipulation is the most popular myofascial release technique in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The mechanism of how this technique works in ameliorating muscle injury is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the possible Ca(2+) mediated effects of intermittent pressure imitating rolling manipulation (IPIRM) of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the injured HSKMCs. The normal HSKMCs was used as control normal group (CNG), while the injured HSKMCs were further divided into five different groups: control injured group (CIG), Rolling manipulation group (RMG), Rolling manipulation-Verapamil group (RMVG), static pressure group (SPG) and static pressure-Verapamil group (SPVG). RMG and RMVG cells were cyclically exposed to 9.5-12.5 N/cm(2) of IPIRM at a frequency of 1.0 Hz for 10 min. SPG and SPVG were loaded to a continuous pressure of 12.5 N/cm(2) for 10 min. Verapamil, a calcium antagonist, was added into the culture mediums of both RMVG and SPVG groups to block the influx of calcium ion. Compared with the CNG (normal cells), SOD activity was remarkably decreased while both MDA content and CK activity were significantly increased in the CIG (injured cells). When the injured cells were treated with the intermittent rolling manipulation pressure (RMG), the SOD activity was significantly increased and MDA content and CK activity were remarkably decreased. These effects were suppressed by adding the calcium antagonist Verapamil into the culture medium in RMVG. On the other hand, exposure to static pressure in SPG and SPVG affected neither the SOD activity nor the MDA content and CK activity in the injured muscle cells regardless of the presence of verapamil or not in the culture medium. These data suggest that the intermittent rolling pressure with the manipulation could ameliorate HSKMCs injury through a Ca(2+) dependent pathway. Static pressure did not lead to the same results.

  3. Capital requirements and fuel-cycle energy and emissions impacts of potential PNGV fuels.

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

    Johnson, L.; Mintz, M.; Singh, M.

    1999-03-11

    Our study reveals that supplying gasoline-equivalent demand for the low-market-share scenario requires a capital investment of less thanmore » $$40 billion for all fuels except H{sub 2}, which will require a total cumulative investment of $$150 billion. By contrast, cumulative capital investments under the high-market-share scenario are $50 billion for LNG, $90 billion for ethanol, $100 billion for methanol, $160 billion for CNG and DME, and $560 billion for H{sub 2}. Although these substantial capital requirements are spread over many years, their magnitude could pose a challenge to the widespread introduction of 3X vehicles. Fossil fuel use by US light-duty vehicles declines significantly with introduction of 3X vehicles because of fuel-efficiency improvements for 3X vehicles and because of fuel substitution (which applies to the nonpetroleum-fueled alternatives). Petroleum use for light-duty vehicles in 2030 is reduced by as much as 45% relative to the reference scenario. GHG emissions follow a similar pattern. Total GHG emissions decline by 25-30% with most of the propulsion system/fuel alternatives. For those using renewable fuels (i.e., ethanol and H{sub 2} from solar energy), GHG emissions drop by 33% (H{sub 2}) and 45% (ethanol). Among urban air pollutants, urban NOX emissions decline slightly for 3X vehicles using CIDI and SIDI engines and drop substantially for fuel-cell vehicles. Urban CO emissions decline for CIDI and FCV alternatives, while VOC emissions drop significantly for all alternatives except RFG-, methanol-, and ethanol-fueled SIDI engines. With the exception of CIDI engines fueled by RFD, FT50, or B20 (which increase urban PM{sub 10} emissions by over 30%), all propulsion system/fuel alternatives reduce urban PM{sub 10} emissions. Reductions are approximately 15-20% for fuel cells and for methanol-, ethanol-, CNG-, or LPG-fueled SIDI engines. Table 3 qualitatively summarizes impacts of the 13 alternatives on capital requirements and on energy use and emissions relative to the reference scenario. The table clearly shows the trade-off between costs and benefits. For example, while H{sub 2} FCVs have the greatest incremental capital needs, they offer the largest energy and emissions benefits. On the basis of the cost and benefit changes shown, methanol and gasoline FCVs appear to have particularly promising benefits-to-costs ratios.« less

  4. The B3 Subunit of the Cone Cyclic Nucleotide-gated Channel Regulates the Light Responses of Cones and Contributes to the Channel Structural Flexibility*

    PubMed Central

    Ding, Xi-Qin; Thapa, Arjun; Ma, Hongwei; Xu, Jianhua; Elliott, Michael H.; Rodgers, Karla K.; Smith, Marci L.; Wang, Jin-Shan; Pittler, Steven J.; Kefalov, Vladimir J.

    2016-01-01

    Cone photoreceptor cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels play a pivotal role in cone phototransduction, which is a process essential for daylight vision, color vision, and visual acuity. Mutations in the cone channel subunits CNGA3 and CNGB3 are associated with human cone diseases, including achromatopsia, cone dystrophies, and early onset macular degeneration. Mutations in CNGB3 alone account for 50% of reported cases of achromatopsia. This work investigated the role of CNGB3 in cone light response and cone channel structural stability. As cones comprise only 2–3% of the total photoreceptor population in the wild-type mouse retina, we used Cngb3−/−/Nrl−/− mice with CNGB3 deficiency on a cone-dominant background in our study. We found that, in the absence of CNGB3, CNGA3 was able to travel to the outer segments, co-localize with cone opsin, and form tetrameric complexes. Electroretinogram analyses revealed reduced cone light response amplitude/sensitivity and slower response recovery in Cngb3−/−/Nrl−/− mice compared with Nrl−/− mice. Absence of CNGB3 expression altered the adaptation capacity of cones and severely compromised function in bright light. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that CNGA3 channels lacking CNGB3 were more resilient to proteolysis than CNGA3/CNGB3 channels, suggesting a hindered structural flexibility. Thus, CNGB3 regulates cone light response kinetics and the channel structural flexibility. This work advances our understanding of the biochemical and functional role of CNGB3 in cone photoreceptors. PMID:26893377

  5. Bringing the light to high throughput screening: use of optogenetic tools for the development of recombinant cellular assays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Agus, Viviana; Di Silvio, Alberto; Rolland, Jean Francois; Mondini, Anna; Tremolada, Sara; Montag, Katharina; Scarabottolo, Lia; Redaelli, Loredana; Lohmer, Stefan

    2015-03-01

    The use of light-activated proteins represents a powerful tool to control biological processes with high spatial and temporal precision. These so called "optogenetic" technologies have been successfully validated in many recombinant systems, and have been widely applied to the study of cellular mechanisms in intact tissues or behaving animals; to do that, complex, high-intensity, often home-made instrumentations were developed to achieve the optimal power and precision of light stimulation. In our study we sought to determine if this optical modulation can be obtained also in a miniaturized format, such as a 384-well plate, using the instrumentations normally dedicated to fluorescence analysis in High Throughput Screening (HTS) activities, such as for example the FLIPR (Fluorometric Imaging Plate Reader) instrument. We successfully generated optogenetic assays for the study of different ion channel targets: the CaV1.3 calcium channel was modulated by the light-activated Channelrhodopsin-2, the HCN2 cyclic nucleotide gated (CNG) channel was modulated by the light activated bPAC adenylyl cyclase, and finally the genetically encoded voltage indicator ArcLight was efficiently used to measure potassium, sodium or chloride channel activity. Our results showed that stable, robust and miniaturized cellular assays can be developed using different optogenetic tools, and efficiently modulated by the FLIPR instrument LEDs in a 384-well format. The spatial and temporal resolution delivered by this technology might enormously advantage the early stages of drug discovery, leading to the identification of more physiological and effective drug molecules.

  6. cAMP signalling in the vasculature: the role of Epac (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP).

    PubMed

    Roberts, Owain Llŷr; Dart, Caroline

    2014-02-01

    The second messenger cAMP plays a central role in mediating vascular smooth muscle relaxation in response to vasoactive transmitters and in strengthening endothelial cell-cell junctions that regulate the movement of solutes, cells and macromolecules between the blood and the surrounding tissue. The vasculature expresses three cAMP effector proteins: PKA (protein kinase A), CNG (cyclic-nucleotide-gated) ion channels, and the most recently discovered Epacs (exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP). Epacs are a family of GEFs (guanine-nucleotide-exchange factors) for the small Ras-related GTPases Rap1 and Rap2, and are being increasingly implicated as important mediators of cAMP signalling, both in their own right and in parallel with the prototypical cAMP target PKA. In the present paper, we review what is currently known about the role of Epac within blood vessels, particularly with regard to the regulation of vascular tone, endothelial barrier function and inflammation.

  7. In-Use Fleet Evaluation of Fast-Charge Battery Electric Transit Buses

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

    Prohaska, Robert; Kelly, Kenneth; Eudy

    2016-06-27

    With support from the U.S. Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) conducts real-world performance evaluations of advanced medium- and heavy-duty fleet vehicles. Evaluation results can help vehicle manufacturers fine-tune their designs and assist fleet managers in selecting fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles that meet their economic and operational goals. In 2015, NREL launched an in-service evaluation of 12 battery electric buses (BEBs) compared to conventional compressed natural gas (CNG) buses operated by Foothill Transit in West Covina, California. The study aims to improve understanding of the overall usage and effectiveness of fast-charge BEBs and associated chargingmore » infrastructure in transit operation. To date, NREL researchers have analyzed more than 148,000 km of in-use operational data, including driving and charging events. Foothill Transit purchased the BEBs with grant funding from the Federal Transit Administration's Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction Program.« less

  8. Analysis of application of alternative drive systems for international heavy-duty transport on Wroclaw-Dresden-Prague routes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Skrętowicz, Maria; Sroka, Zbigniew

    2017-11-01

    The depletion of the fossil fuels resources, significant increase of the air pollution caused by the use of internal combustion engines, and emission of carbon dioxide which is responsible for the greenhouse effect escalates the development of vehicle's alternative drive systems. Generally, the emphasis is given to the alternative fuels (natural gas CNG, mixture of propane-butane gases LPG, hydrogen, alcohol fuels, biofuels) and hybrid or electric vehicles. Roads between large industrial and commercial centres, i.e. Wroclaw - Dresden - Prague, are used mainly by heavy-duty vehicles. Consequently, the contribution of the road transport to the ecological threat in this realm is significant. The objectives of this research were the assessment of the traffic volume and emission rate of exhaust gases caused by heavy-duty vehicles on the analysed roads and evaluation of the possibility of using existing and alternative drive systems in vehicles driving on the roads in the analysed region.

  9. A K(+)-selective CNG channel orchestrates Ca(2+) signalling in zebrafish sperm.

    PubMed

    Fechner, Sylvia; Alvarez, Luis; Bönigk, Wolfgang; Müller, Astrid; Berger, Thomas K; Pascal, Rene; Trötschel, Christian; Poetsch, Ansgar; Stölting, Gabriel; Siegfried, Kellee R; Kremmer, Elisabeth; Seifert, Reinhard; Kaupp, U Benjamin

    2015-12-09

    Calcium in the flagellum controls sperm navigation. In sperm of marine invertebrates and mammals, Ca(2+) signalling has been intensely studied, whereas for fish little is known. In sea urchin sperm, a cyclic nucleotide-gated K(+) channel (CNGK) mediates a cGMP-induced hyperpolarization that evokes Ca(2+) influx. Here, we identify in sperm of the freshwater fish Danio rerio a novel CNGK family member featuring non-canonical properties. It is located in the sperm head rather than the flagellum and is controlled by intracellular pH, but not cyclic nucleotides. Alkalization hyperpolarizes sperm and produces Ca(2+) entry. Ca(2+) induces spinning-like swimming, different from swimming of sperm from other species. The "spinning" mode probably guides sperm into the micropyle, a narrow entrance on the surface of fish eggs. A picture is emerging of sperm channel orthologues that employ different activation mechanisms and serve different functions. The channel inventories probably reflect adaptations to species-specific challenges during fertilization.

  10. Unregulated emissions from compressed natural gas (CNG) transit buses configured with and without oxidation catalyst.

    PubMed

    Okamoto, Robert A; Kado, Norman Y; Kuzmicky, Paul A; Ayala, Alberto; Kobayashi, Reiko

    2006-01-01

    The unregulated emissions from two in-use heavy-duty transit buses fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG) and equipped with oxidation catalyst (OxiCat) control were evaluated. We tested emissions from a transit bus powered by a 2001 Cummins Westport C Gas Plus 8.3-L engine (CWest), which meets the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) 2002 optional NOx standard (2.0 g/bhp-hr). In California, this engine is certified only with an OxiCat, so our study did not include emissions testing without it. We also tested a 2000 New Flyer 40-passenger low-floor bus powered by a Detroit Diesel series 50G engine (DDCs50G) that is currently certified in California without an OxiCat. The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) offers a "low-emission" package for this bus that includes an OxiCat for transit bus applications, thus, this configuration was also tested in this study. Previously, we reported that formaldehyde and other volatile organic emissions detected in the exhaust of the DDCs50G bus equipped with an OxiCat were significantly reduced relative to the same DDCs50G bus without OxiCat. In this paper, we examine othertoxic unregulated emissions of significance. The specific mutagenic activity of emission sample extracts was examined using the microsuspension assay. The total mutagenic activity of emissions (activity per mile) from the OxiCat-equipped DDC bus was generally lower than that from the DDC bus without the OxiCat. The CWest bus emission samples had mutagenic activity that was comparable to that of the OxiCat-equipped DDC bus. In general, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emissions were lower forthe OxiCat-equipped buses, with greater reductions observed for the volatile and semivolatile PAH emissions. Elemental carbon (EC) was detected in the exhaust from the all three bus configurations, and we found that the total carbon (TC) composition of particulate matter (PM) emissions was primarily organic carbon (OC). The amount of carbon emissions far exceeded the PM-associated inorganic element emissions, which were detected in all exhaust samples, at comparatively small emission rates. In summary, based on these results and those referenced from our group, the use of OxiCat for the new CWest engine and as a retrofit option for the DDCs50G engine generally results in the reduction of tailpipe toxic emissions. However, the conclusions of this study do not take into account OxiCat durability, deterioration, lubricant consumption, or vehicle maintenance, and these parameters merit further study.

  11. Aviation Gas Turbine Engine Emissions: Drop in Alternative Fuel and its Challenges

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Noh, H. Mohd; Rodrigo, G. A.; Rahman, N. A. Abdul; Ismail, S.; Shafie, M. A.; Zainal Ariffin, M. W.; Ahmad, A. A.; Basit, R.; Khalid, A.; Yahaya, N. H. R.; Yusoff, M. R.; Othman, J.

    2018-05-01

    The growing demand of air travel in aviation industries contributes to increases in carbon emissions. As far as technological, infrastructure and operation is concerned, carbon-neutral growth (CNG) cannot be achieved due to fossil fuel usage. The involvement of biojet fuel is the only measures that can be adapted to reduce up to -50% of Carbon emissions. This paper will discuss the gas emissions from the aircraft engine and the challenges it poses to Airlines and operation as well as adapting the Alternative drop-in fuel as its solutions. Alternative fuel using biomass has been approved by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to be a drop-in fuel with no alteration on the gas turbine engine, hence will ease and generate cost saving for the Airlines. The challenges remain, as the concern on the fuel properties and characteristics, distributions, environment and economic, have been the focal point for policymakers and researchers. As a conclusion, the authority and the government need to join hand in creating the opportunity for alternative fuel in the aviation industries to ensure the reduction in aviation carbon emissions.

  12. Gas-engine-based, low-emission cogeneration units

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

    Chellini, R.

    1994-04-01

    Continental Energy Systems (CES) of Westmalle, Belgium, has been specializing, since its foundation in 1983, in the supply of cogeneration packages in the 50-300 KW power range. CES activity is mainly concentrated in the transformation of Valmet, Scania, Iveco and MAN diesel engines into spark-ignited engines capable of running on natural gas, CNG, LPG, biogas, landfill gas, etc. In the upper power range they also package Waukesha gas engines supplied from the Dutch plant of the American engine manufacturer. The new closed-loop combustion control system allows engines in the naturally-aspirated or turbocharged configuration with catalytic converters to operate well belowmore » Euro 2 limits. In fact, these engines already comply with 1995 CARB (California Air Resources Board) emission limits and with those that will become mandatory in Europe with the 1996 step. The new system still makes use of conventional components for metering and mixing functions, but these are considered as three separate devices; the electronic control unit, the oxygen sensor and an actuator enabling closed loop air/fuel ratio control. 4 figs.« less

  13. Persistence analysis of extreme CO, NO2 and O3 concentrations in ambient air of Delhi

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chelani, Asha B.

    2012-05-01

    Persistence analysis of air pollutant concentration and corresponding exceedance time series is carried out to examine for temporal evolution. For this purpose, air pollutant concentrations, namely, CO, NO2 and O3 observed during 2000-2009 at a traffic site in Delhi are analyzed using detrended fluctuation analysis. Two types of extreme values are analyzed; exceeded concentrations to a threshold provided by national pollution controlling agency and time interval between two exceedances. The time series of three pollutants is observed to possess persistence property whereas the extreme value time series of only primary pollutant concentrations is found to be persistent. Two time scaling regions are observed to be significant in extreme time series of CO and NO2, mainly attributed to implementation of CNG in vehicles. The presence of persistence in three pollutant concentration time series is linked to the property of self-organized criticality. The observed persistence in the time interval between two exceeded levels is a matter of concern as persistent high concentrations can trigger health problems.

  14. PM2.5 Technology Assessment and Characterization Study in New York - PMTACS-NY: The 2001 Summer Field Intensive in Queens, NY

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Demerjian, K. L.

    2002-12-01

    In the summer of 2001, an intensive field measurement campaign was carried out in Queens, NY as part of the PM2.5 Technology Assessment and Characterization Study in New York (PMTACS-NY) to characterize the physical and chemical composition of particulate matter and related precursors utilizing conventional and advanced instrumentation technologies. The measurement program, involving a team of scientists from federal, state, university and private sector organizations, was designed to provide detailed time resolved chemical and physical characterization of the urban PM2.5/co-pollutant complex in relation to the regional environment. A summary of the chemical and meteorological data defining specific events during the field intensive is presented as are results addressing specific hypothesis designed around PMTACS-NY program objectives. These include initial findings and conclusions related to 1) performance testing and evaluation of emerging measurement technologies and comparison with EPA mandated PM federal reference methods currently operational as part of the New York State and national PM2.5 monitoring network; 2) emissions characterization of CNG, standard diesel and CRT (Continuously Regenerating Technology) diesel retrofit powered vehicles; and 3) compositional comparisons of urban and regional PM2.5.

  15. Targeting anxiety to improve quality of life in patients with schizophrenia.

    PubMed

    Buonocore, M; Bosia, M; Bechi, M; Spangaro, M; Cavedoni, S; Cocchi, F; Bianchi, L; Guglielmino, C; Mastromatteo, A R; Cavallaro, R

    2017-09-01

    Several studies suggested that anxiety can significantly affect the outcome of schizophrenia. Despite this evidence, non-pharmacological interventions targeting anxiety are still heterogenous. This study aims to test the efficacy of a novel training specifically designed to target anxiety in patients with schizophrenia. Innovatively, this training, beyond psychoeducation and problem solving, also targets Theory of Mind, as it provides coping strategies. Twenty-seven outpatients with schizophrenia received a novel rehabilitative training targeting anxiety (Anxiety Management Group [AMG]) combined with a Computer-Assisted Cognitive Remediation (CACR), and twenty received CACR plus a control intervention (Control Newspaper discussion Group [CNG]). All patients were assessed at baseline and after treatment for quality of life, neurocognition and anxiety. After training, patients treated with AMG+CACR showed significantly greater improvements on anxiety. A significant increase in quality of life was observed only for AMG+CACR group. Moreover, the participants' appraisal showed a significant difference between treatment groups with higher ratings among patients who received the AMG+CACR. This study thus suggests feasibility and efficacy of the proposed intervention, that could be implemented in rehabilitative programs for patients with schizophrenia with potential benefits also on disease course and outcome. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  16. Structure of calmodulin complexed with an olfactory CNG channel fragment and role of the central linker: residual dipolar couplings to evaluate calmodulin binding modes outside the kinase family.

    PubMed

    Contessa, Gian Marco; Orsale, Maria; Melino, Sonia; Torre, Vincent; Paci, Maurizio; Desideri, Alessandro; Cicero, Daniel O

    2005-03-01

    The NMR high-resolution structure of calmodulin complexed with a fragment of the olfactory cyclic-nucleotide gated channel is described. This structure shows features that are unique for this complex, including an active role of the linker connecting the N- and C-lobes of calmodulin upon binding of the peptide. Such linker is not only involved in the formation of an hydrophobic pocket to accommodate a bulky peptide residue, but it also provides a positively charged region complementary to a negative charge of the target. This complex of calmodulin with a target not belonging to the kinase family was used to test the residual dipolar coupling (RDC) approach for the determination of calmodulin binding modes to peptides. Although the complex here characterized belongs to the (1--14) family, high Q values were obtained with all the 1:1 complexes for which crystalline structures are available. Reduction of the RDC data set used for the correlation analysis to structured regions of the complex allowed a clear identification of the binding mode. Excluded regions comprise calcium binding loops and loops connecting the EF-hand motifs.

  17. Key issues in controlling air pollutants in Dhaka, Bangladesh

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Begum, Bilkis A.; Biswas, Swapan K.; Hopke, Philip K.

    2011-12-01

    Particulate matter (PM) sampling for both coarse and fine fractions was conducted in a semi-residential site (AECD) in Dhaka from February 2005 to December 2006. The samples were analyzed for mass, black carbon (BC), and elemental compositions. The resulting data set were analyzed for sources by Positive Matrix Factorization (EPA-PMF). From previous studies, it is found that, the air quality became worse in the dry winter period compared to the rainy season because of higher particulate matter concentration in the ambient air. Therefore, seasonal source contributions were determined from seasonally segregated data using EPA-PMF modeling so that further policy interventions can be undertaken to improve air quality. From the source apportionment results, it is observed that vehicular emissions and emission from brick kiln are the major contributors to air pollution in Dhaka especially in the dry seasons, while contribution from emissions from metal smelters increases during rainy seasons. The Government of Bangladesh is considering different interventions to reduce the emissions from those sources by adopting conversion of diesel/petrol vehicles to CNG, increasing traffic speed in the city and by introducing green technologies for brick production. However, in order to reduce the transboundary effect it is necessary to take action regionally.

  18. Life cycle air quality impacts of conventional and alternative light-duty transportation in the United States.

    PubMed

    Tessum, Christopher W; Hill, Jason D; Marshall, Julian D

    2014-12-30

    Commonly considered strategies for reducing the environmental impact of light-duty transportation include using alternative fuels and improving vehicle fuel economy. We evaluate the air quality-related human health impacts of 10 such options, including the use of liquid biofuels, diesel, and compressed natural gas (CNG) in internal combustion engines; the use of electricity from a range of conventional and renewable sources to power electric vehicles (EVs); and the use of hybrid EV technology. Our approach combines spatially, temporally, and chemically detailed life cycle emission inventories; comprehensive, fine-scale state-of-the-science chemical transport modeling; and exposure, concentration-response, and economic health impact modeling for ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). We find that powering vehicles with corn ethanol or with coal-based or "grid average" electricity increases monetized environmental health impacts by 80% or more relative to using conventional gasoline. Conversely, EVs powered by low-emitting electricity from natural gas, wind, water, or solar power reduce environmental health impacts by 50% or more. Consideration of potential climate change impacts alongside the human health outcomes described here further reinforces the environmental preferability of EVs powered by low-emitting electricity relative to gasoline vehicles.

  19. Geosciences: an important tool for the ethical advancement and the economic and cultural development of our society

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vito Graziano, Gian

    2013-04-01

    The development of a society in economic, cultural and ethical terms is always linked to the growth of the scientific and technical knowledge. It follows that the downsizing of the scientific research brings to a slower growth or even, as it is happening these days in Italy, a real cultural decay. The consequences of the economic crisis are evident to everyone, but it is precisely in times of crisis that the best strategies to restart the economy and give new cultural perspectives to society are studied. The crisis is also contrasted with ideas and ability to put them into practice. This, however, also presupposes a different cultural approach, which has to also include a review of values and beliefs, and a redefinition of the objectives to be pursued. This approach is modeled on the basis of several positive experiences that a country can boast. Among these experiences, there are those arising from the scientific culture: geology, for example, such as chemistry, biology or other sciences, can help to change vision. The research and practice of Earth sciences have important implications on the life and activities of the population and therefore the geoscientists, as active subjects in the society, should question their role and responsibilities. They should be at the service of society, especially in the fields of prevention from natural hazards and valorization of georesources. In this sense they can give important indications for economy and development of their country. The Italian Council of Geologists (Consiglio Nazionale dei Geologi - CNG) acts with the aim of highlighting the social role of geoscientists, hoping for a new cultural Renaissance, which leads to new researches, without obscurantism or prejudices. In an authoritative way, the CNG intends to put this social role before any demand from the professional category. Therefore, it has recently presented its political Manifesto, geared essentially to the good governance of the territory, to all the Italian political parties and candidates to the role of Prime Minister, asking them to share it in their election programs. This paper stresses that geology can and must bring those contributions which society requires, in respect of a comprehensive view of the land and its management, with an integrated approach to the major issues that directly or indirectly involve the whole society: finding, exploitation and proper management of natural resources (water, raw materials and sources of energy); knowledge of natural hazards and risks and consequent planning of all those actions necessary and indispensable, since the territorial safety is a fundamental right of every citizen. If the geosciences and geoscientists will be placed at the base of the economic and social structure of a modern country, consequently their contribution in terms of ethical and cultural progress of society will become essential.

  20. Atypical epigenetic mark in an atypical location: cytosine methylation at asymmetric (CNN) sites within the body of a non-repetitive tomato gene.

    PubMed

    González, Rodrigo M; Ricardi, Martiniano M; Iusem, Norberto D

    2011-05-20

    Eukaryotic DNA methylation is one of the most studied epigenetic processes, as it results in a direct and heritable covalent modification triggered by external stimuli. In contrast to mammals, plant DNA methylation, which is stimulated by external cues exemplified by various abiotic types of stress, is often found not only at CG sites but also at CNG (N denoting A, C or T) and CNN (asymmetric) sites. A genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation in Arabidopsis has shown that CNN methylation is preferentially concentrated in transposon genes and non-coding repetitive elements. We are particularly interested in investigating the epigenetics of plant species with larger and more complex genomes than Arabidopsis, particularly with regards to the associated alterations elicited by abiotic stress. We describe the existence of CNN-methylated epialleles that span Asr1, a non-transposon, protein-coding gene from tomato plants that lacks an orthologous counterpart in Arabidopsis. In addition, to test the hypothesis of a link between epigenetics modifications and the adaptation of crop plants to abiotic stress, we exhaustively explored the cytosine methylation status in leaf Asr1 DNA, a model gene in our system, resulting from water-deficit stress conditions imposed on tomato plants. We found that drought conditions brought about removal of methyl marks at approximately 75 of the 110 asymmetric (CNN) sites analysed, concomitantly with a decrease of the repressive H3K27me3 epigenetic mark and a large induction of expression at the RNA level. When pinpointing those sites, we observed that demethylation occurred mostly in the intronic region. These results demonstrate a novel genomic distribution of CNN methylation, namely in the transcribed region of a protein-coding, non-repetitive gene, and the changes in those epigenetic marks that are caused by water stress. These findings may represent a general mechanism for the acquisition of new epialleles in somatic cells, which are pivotal for regulating gene expression in plants.

  1. Movement of gating machinery during the activation of rod cyclic nucleotide-gated channels.

    PubMed Central

    Brown, R L; Snow, S D; Haley, T L

    1998-01-01

    In the visual and olfactory systems, cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channels convert stimulus-induced changes in the internal concentrations of cGMP and cAMP into changes in membrane potential. Although it is known that significant activation of these channels requires the binding of three or more molecules of ligand, the detailed molecular mechanism remains obscure. We have probed the structural changes that occur during channel activation by using sulfhydryl-reactive methanethiosulfonate (MTS) reagents and N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, the alpha-subunit of the bovine retinal channel forms homomultimeric channels that are activated by cGMP with a K1/2 of approximately 100 microM. Cyclic AMP, on the other hand, is a very poor activator; a saturating concentration elicits only 1% of the maximum current produced by cGMP. Treatment of excised patches with MTS-ethyltrimethylamine (MTSET) or NEM dramatically potentiated the channel's response to both cyclic nucleotides. After MTSET treatment, the dose-response relation for cGMP was shifted by over two orders of magnitude to lower concentrations. The effect on channel activation by cAMP was even more striking. After modification, the channels were fully activated by cAMP with a K1/2 of approximately 60 microM. This potentiation was abolished by conversion of Cys481 to a nonreactive alanine residue. Potentiation occurred more rapidly in the presence of saturating cGMP, indicating that this region of the channel is more accessible when the channel is open. Cys481 is located in a linker region between the transmembrane and cGMP-binding domains of the channel. These results suggest that this region of the channel undergoes significant movement during the activation process and is critical for coupling ligand binding to pore opening. Potentiation, however, is not mediated by the recently reported interaction between the amino- and carboxy-terminal regions of the alpha-subunit. Deletion of the entire amino-terminal domain had little effect on potentiation by MTSET. PMID:9675183

  2. Life cycle air quality impacts of conventional and alternative light-duty transportation in the United States

    DOE PAGES

    Tessum, Christopher W.; Hill, Jason D.; Marshall, Julian D.

    2014-12-30

    Commonly considered strategies for reducing the environmental impact of light-duty transportation include using alternative fuels and improving vehicle fuel economy. We evaluate the air quality-related human health impacts of 10 such options, including the use of liquid biofuels, diesel, and compressed natural gas (CNG) in internal combustion engines; the use of electricity from a range of conventional and renewable sources to power electric vehicles (EVs); and the use of hybrid EV technology. Our approach combines spatially, temporally, and chemically detailed life cycle emission inventories; comprehensive, fine-scale state-of-the-science chemical transport modeling; and exposure, concentration–response, and economic health impact modeling for ozonemore » (O 3) and fine particulate matter (PM 2.5). We find that powering vehicles with corn ethanol or with coal-based or “grid average” electricity increases monetized environmental health impacts by 80% or more relative to using conventional gasoline. Conversely, EVs powered by low-emitting electricity from natural gas, wind, water, or solar power reduce environmental health impacts by 50% or more. Consideration of potential climate change impacts alongside the human health outcomes described here further reinforces the environmental preferability of EVs powered by low-emitting electricity relative to gasoline vehicles.« less

  3. Health effects of air quality regulations in Delhi, India

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Foster, Andrew; Kumar, Naresh

    2011-03-01

    This, the first systematic study, quantifies the health effects of air quality regulations in Delhi, which adopted radical measures to improve air quality, including, for example, the conversion of all commercial vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG), and the closure of polluting industries in residential areas from 2000 to 2002. Air pollution data, collected at 113 sites (spread across Delhi and its neighboring areas) from July-December 2003, were used to compute exposure at the place of residence of 3989 subjects. A socio-economic and respiratory health survey was administered in 1576 households. This survey collected time-use, residence histories, demographic information, and direct measurements of lung function with subjects. The optimal interpolation methods were used to link air pollution and respiratory health data at the place of their residence. Resident histories, in combination with secondary data, were used to impute cumulative exposure prior to the air-quality interventions, and the effects of recent air quality measures on lung function were then evaluated. Three important findings emerge from the analysis. First, the interventions were associated with a significant improvement in respiratory health. Second, the effect of these interventions varied significantly by gender and income. Third, consistent with a causal interpretation of these results, effects were the strongest among those individuals who spend a disproportionate share of their time out-of-doors.

  4. Life cycle air quality impacts of conventional and alternative light-duty transportation in the United States

    PubMed Central

    Hill, Jason D.; Marshall, Julian D.

    2014-01-01

    Commonly considered strategies for reducing the environmental impact of light-duty transportation include using alternative fuels and improving vehicle fuel economy. We evaluate the air quality-related human health impacts of 10 such options, including the use of liquid biofuels, diesel, and compressed natural gas (CNG) in internal combustion engines; the use of electricity from a range of conventional and renewable sources to power electric vehicles (EVs); and the use of hybrid EV technology. Our approach combines spatially, temporally, and chemically detailed life cycle emission inventories; comprehensive, fine-scale state-of-the-science chemical transport modeling; and exposure, concentration–response, and economic health impact modeling for ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). We find that powering vehicles with corn ethanol or with coal-based or “grid average” electricity increases monetized environmental health impacts by 80% or more relative to using conventional gasoline. Conversely, EVs powered by low-emitting electricity from natural gas, wind, water, or solar power reduce environmental health impacts by 50% or more. Consideration of potential climate change impacts alongside the human health outcomes described here further reinforces the environmental preferability of EVs powered by low-emitting electricity relative to gasoline vehicles. PMID:25512510

  5. Thermodynamics of Activation Gating in Olfactory-Type Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated (CNGA2) Channels

    PubMed Central

    Nache, Vasilica; Kusch, Jana; Biskup, Christoph; Schulz, Eckhard; Zimmer, Thomas; Hagen, Volker; Benndorf, Klaus

    2008-01-01

    Olfactory-type cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channels open by the binding of cyclic nucleotides to a binding domain in the C-terminus. Employing the Eyring rate theory, we performed a thermodynamic analysis of the activation gating in homotetrameric CNGA2 channels. Lowering the temperature shifted the concentration-response relationship to lower concentrations, resulting in a decrease of both the enthalpy ΔH and entropy ΔS upon channel opening, suggesting that the order of an open CNGA2 channel plus its environment is higher than that of the closed channel. Activation time courses induced by cGMP concentration jumps were used to study thermodynamics of the transition state. The activation enthalpies ΔH‡ were positive at all cGMP concentrations. In contrast, the activation entropy ΔS‡ was positive at low cGMP concentrations and became then negative at increasing cGMP concentrations. The enthalpic and entropic parts of the activation energies approximately balance each other at all cGMP concentrations, leaving the free enthalpy of activation in the range between 19 and 21 kcal/mol. We conclude that channel activation proceeds through different pathways at different cGMP concentrations. Compared to the unliganded channel, low cGMP concentrations generate a transitional state of lower order whereas high cGMP concentrations generate a transitional state of higher order. PMID:18567637

  6. Determination of epigenetic inheritance, genetic inheritance, and estimation of genome DNA methylation in a full-sib family of Cupressus sempervirens L.

    PubMed

    Avramidou, Evangelia V; Doulis, Andreas G; Aravanopoulos, Filippos A

    2015-05-15

    Genetic inheritance and epigenetic inheritance are significant determinants of plant evolution, adaptation and plasticity. We studied inheritance of restriction site polymorphisms by the f-AFLP method and epigenetic DNA cytosine methylation inheritance by the f-MSAP technique. The study involved parents and 190 progeny of a Cupressus sempervirens L. full-sib family. Results from AFLP genetic data revealed that 71.8% of the fragments studied are under Mendelian genetic control, whereas faithful Mendelian inheritance for the MSAP fragments was low (4.29%). Further, MSAP fragment analysis showed that total methylation presented a mean of 28.2%, which was higher than the midparent value, while maternal inheritance was higher (5.65%) than paternal (3.01%). Interestingly de novo methylation in the progeny was high (19.65%) compared to parental methylation. Genetic and epigenetic distances for parents and offspring were not correlated (R(2)=0.0005). Furthermore, we studied correlation of total relative methylation and CG methylation with growth (height, diameter). We found CG/CNG methylation (N: A, C, T) to be positively correlated with height and diameter, while total relative methylation and CG methylation were positively correlated with height. Results are discussed in light of further research needed and of their potential application in breeding. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Species selection under long-term experimental warming and drought explained by climatic distributions.

    PubMed

    Liu, Daijun; Peñuelas, Josep; Ogaya, Romà; Estiarte, Marc; Tielbörger, Katja; Slowik, Fabian; Yang, Xiaohong; Bilton, Mark C

    2018-03-01

    Global warming and reduced precipitation may trigger large-scale species losses and vegetation shifts in ecosystems around the world. However, currently lacking are practical ways to quantify the sensitivity of species and community composition to these often-confounded climatic forces. Here we conducted long-term (16 yr) nocturnal-warming (+0.6°C) and reduced precipitation (-20% soil moisture) experiments in a Mediterranean shrubland. Climatic niche groups (CNGs) - species ranked or classified by similar temperature or precipitation distributions - informatively described community responses under experimental manipulations. Under warming, CNGs revealed that only those species distributed in cooler regions decreased. Correspondingly, under reduced precipitation, a U-shaped treatment effect observed in the total community was the result of an abrupt decrease in wet-distributed species, followed by a delayed increase in dry-distributed species. Notably, while partially correlated, CNG explanations of community response were stronger for their respective climate parameter, suggesting some species possess specific adaptations to either warming or drought that may lead to independent selection to the two climatic variables. Our findings indicate that when climatic distributions are combined with experiments, the resulting incorporation of local plant evolutionary strategies and their changing dynamics over time leads to predictable and informative shifts in community structure under independent climate change scenarios. © 2017 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2017 New Phytologist Trust.

  8. Identification of a Novel Gnao-Mediated Alternate Olfactory Signaling Pathway in Murine OSNs.

    PubMed

    Scholz, Paul; Mohrhardt, Julia; Jansen, Fabian; Kalbe, Benjamin; Haering, Claudia; Klasen, Katharina; Hatt, Hanns; Osterloh, Sabrina

    2016-01-01

    It is generally agreed that in olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), the binding of odorant molecules to their specific olfactory receptor (OR) triggers a cAMP-dependent signaling cascade, activating cyclic-nucleotide gated (CNG) channels. However, considerable controversy dating back more than 20 years has surrounded the question of whether alternate signaling plays a role in mammalian olfactory transduction. In this study, we demonstrate a specific alternate signaling pathway in Olfr73-expressing OSNs. Methylisoeugenol (MIEG) and at least one other known weak Olfr73 agonist (Raspberry Ketone) trigger a signaling cascade independent from the canonical pathway, leading to the depolarization of the cell. Interestingly, this pathway is mediated by Gnao activation, leading to Cl(-) efflux; however, the activation of adenylyl cyclase III (ACIII), the recruitment of Ca(2+) from extra-or intracellular stores, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent signaling (PI signaling) are not involved. Furthermore, we demonstrated that our newly identified pathway coexists with the canonical olfactory cAMP pathway in the same OSN and can be triggered by the same OR in a ligand-selective manner. We suggest that this pathway might reflect a mechanism for odor recognition predominantly used in early developmental stages before olfactory cAMP signaling is fully developed. Taken together, our findings support the existence of at least one odor-induced alternate signal transduction pathway in native OSNs mediated by Olfr73 in a ligand-selective manner.

  9. Monitoring trace elements generated by automobiles: air pollutants with possible health impacts.

    PubMed

    Anwar, Khaleeq; Ejaz, Sohail; Ashraf, Muhammad; Ahmad, Nisar; Javeed, Aqeel

    2013-07-01

    Major transformations in the environmental composition are principally attributable to the combustion of fuels by automobiles. Motorized gasoline-powered two-stroke auto-rickshaws (TSA) and compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered four-stroke auto-rickshaws (FSA) are potential source of air pollution in south Asia and produce toxic amount of particulate matter (PM) to the environment. In this study, we attempted to characterize elemental pollutants from the PM of TSA and FSA using proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis. The observations of the existing investigation recognized significant increase in Al (P < 0.05), P (P < 0.01), and Zn (P < 0.01) from the PM samples of FSA. In addition, the concentrations of Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na and S were also observed exceeding the recommended National Institute for Environmental Studies limits. On the contrary, increased concentration of Sr and V were observed in the PM samples from TSA. It is generally believed that FSA generates smaller amount of PM but data obtained from FSA are clearly describing that emissions from FSA comprised potentially more toxic substances than TSA. The current research is specific to metropolitan population and has evidently revealed an inconsistent burden of exposure to air pollutants engendered by FSA in urban communities, which could lead to the disruption of several biological activities and may cause severe damage to entire ecological system.

  10. Development of an algorithm to meaningfully interpret patterns in street-level methane concentrations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    von Fischer, Joseph; Salo, Jessica; Griebenow, Claire; Bischak, Linde; Cooley, Daniel; Ham, Jay; Schumacher, Russ

    2013-04-01

    Methane (CH4) is an important greenhouse gas that has 70x greater heat forcing per molecule than CO2 over its ~10 year atmospheric residence time. Given this short residence time, there has been a surge of interest in mitigating anthropogenic CH4 sources because they will have a more immediate effect on warming rates. Recent observations of CH4 concentrations around the city of Boston reveal that natural gas distribution systems can have a very large number of leaks. However, there are a number of conceptual and practical challenges associated with interpretation of CH4 data gathered by car at the street level. In this presentation, we detail our efforts to develop an "algorithm" or set of standard practices for interpreting these patterns based on our own findings. At the most basic, we have evaluated approaches for vehicle driving patterns and management of the raw data. We also identify techniques for evaluating data quality and discerning when elevated CH4 may be due to other vehicles (e.g., CNG-powered city buses). We then compare methods for identifying "peaks" in CH4 concentration, and we discuss several approaches for relating concentration, space and wind data to emission rates. Finally, we provide some considerations for how the data from individual peaks might be aggregated to larger spatial scales.

  11. Regeneration of long-distance peripheral nerve defects after delayed reconstruction in healthy and diabetic rats is supported by immunomodulatory chitosan nerve guides.

    PubMed

    Stenberg, Lena; Stößel, Maria; Ronchi, Giulia; Geuna, Stefano; Yin, Yaobin; Mommert, Susanne; Mårtensson, Lisa; Metzen, Jennifer; Grothe, Claudia; Dahlin, Lars B; Haastert-Talini, Kirsten

    2017-07-18

    Delayed reconstruction of transection or laceration injuries of peripheral nerves is inflicted by a reduced regeneration capacity. Diabetic conditions, more frequently encountered in clinical practice, are known to further impair regeneration in peripheral nerves. Chitosan nerve guides (CNGs) have recently been introduced as a new generation of medical devices for immediate peripheral nerve reconstruction. Here, CNGs were used for 45 days delayed reconstruction of critical length 15 mm rat sciatic nerve defects in either healthy Wistar rats or diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats; the latter resembling type 2 diabetes. In short and long-term investigations, we comprehensively analyzed the performance of one-chambered hollow CNGs (hCNGs) and two-chambered CNGs (CFeCNGs) in which a chitosan film has been longitudinally introduced. Additionally, we investigated in vitro the immunomodulatory effect provided by the chitosan film. Both types of nerve guides, i.e. hCNGs and CFeCNGs, enabled moderate morphological and functional nerve regeneration after reconstruction that was delayed for 45 days. These positive findings were detectable in generally healthy as well as in diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats (for the latter only in short-term studies). The regenerative outcome did not reach the degree as recently demonstrated after immediate reconstruction using hCNGs and CFeCNGs. CFeCNG-treatment, however, enabled tissue regrowth in all animals (hCNGs: only in 80% of animals). CFeCNGs did further support with an increased vascularization of the regenerated tissue and an enhanced regrowth of motor axons. One mechanism by which the CFeCNGs potentially support successful regeneration is an immunomodulatory effect induced by the chitosan film itself. Our in vitro results suggest that the pro-regenerative effect of chitosan is related to the differentiation of chitosan-adherent monocytes into pro-healing M2 macrophages. No considerable differences appear for the delayed nerve regeneration process related to healthy and diabetic conditions. Currently available chitosan nerve grafts do not support delayed nerve regeneration to the same extent as they do after immediate nerve reconstruction. The immunomodulatory characteristics of the biomaterial may, however, be crucial for their regeneration supportive effects.

  12. Protein and Signaling Networks in Vertebrate Photoreceptor Cells

    PubMed Central

    Koch, Karl-Wilhelm; Dell’Orco, Daniele

    2015-01-01

    Vertebrate photoreceptor cells are exquisite light detectors operating under very dim and bright illumination. The photoexcitation and adaptation machinery in photoreceptor cells consists of protein complexes that can form highly ordered supramolecular structures and control the homeostasis and mutual dependence of the secondary messengers cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and Ca2+. The visual pigment in rod photoreceptors, the G protein-coupled receptor rhodopsin is organized in tracks of dimers thereby providing a signaling platform for the dynamic scaffolding of the G protein transducin. Illuminated rhodopsin is turned off by phosphorylation catalyzed by rhodopsin kinase (GRK1) under control of Ca2+-recoverin. The GRK1 protein complex partly assembles in lipid raft structures, where shutting off rhodopsin seems to be more effective. Re-synthesis of cGMP is another crucial step in the recovery of the photoresponse after illumination. It is catalyzed by membrane bound sensory guanylate cyclases (GCs) and is regulated by specific neuronal Ca2+-sensor proteins called guanylate cyclase-activating proteins (GCAPs). At least one GC (ROS-GC1) was shown to be part of a multiprotein complex having strong interactions with the cytoskeleton and being controlled in a multimodal Ca2+-dependent fashion. The final target of the cGMP signaling cascade is a cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel that is a hetero-oligomeric protein located in the plasma membrane and interacting with accessory proteins in highly organized microdomains. We summarize results and interpretations of findings related to the inhomogeneous organization of signaling units in photoreceptor outer segments. PMID:26635520

  13. TNF-alpha expression, evaluation of collagen, and TUNEL of Matricaria recutita L. extract and triamcinolone on oral ulcer in diabetic rats.

    PubMed

    Oliveira, Bruna Vasconcelos; Barros Silva, Paulo Goberlânio; Nojosa, Jacqueline de Santiago; Brizeno, Luiz André Cavalcante; Ferreira, Jamile Magalhães; Sousa, Fabrício Bitú; Mota, Mário Rogério Lima; Alves, Ana Paula Negreiros Nunes

    2016-01-01

    to evaluate the influence of Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) and apoptosis in rats with DM treated with chamomile extract or triamcinolone. Wistar male rats (210.0±4.2 g) were divided into five groups: negative control group (NCG) without diabetes; positive control group (PCG) with DM (alloxan, 45 mg/kg); and groups treated with chamomile extract (normoglycemic= NCG group and diabetic= DCG group) and with triamcinolone (TG). Traumatic ulcers were performed on all animals that received topical triamcinolone, chamomile extract or saline 12/12 hours for ten days. On days five and ten the animals were euthanized and the ulcers were analyzed by light microscopy, TUNEL assay, and immunohistochemically (TNF-α). The NCG (p=0.0062), PCG (p=0.0285), NCG (p=0.0041), and DCG (p<0.0001) groups were completely healed on the 10th day, however, there was no healing on the TG (p=0.5127) group. The TNF-α expression showed a significant reduction from the 5th to the 10th day in NCG (p=0.0266) and DCG (p=0.0062). In connective tissue, the TUNEL assay showed a significant reduction in the number of positive cells in NCG (p=0.0273) and CNG (p=0.0469) and in the epithelium only in CDG (p=0.0320). Chamomile extract can optimize the healing of traumatic oral ulcers in diabetic rats through the reduction of apoptosis in the epithelium and TNF-α expression.

  14. On-road assessment of light duty vehicles in Delhi city: Emission factors of CO, CO2 and NOX

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jaiprakash; Habib, Gazala

    2018-02-01

    This study presents the technology based emission factors of gaseous pollutants (CO, CO2, and NOX) measured during on-road operation of nine passenger cars of diesel, gasoline, and compressed natural gas (CNG). The emissions from two 3-wheelers, and three 2-wheelers were measured by putting the vehicles on jacks and operating them according to Modified Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC) at no load condition. The emission factors observed in the present work were significantly higher than values reported from dynamometer study by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). Low CO (0.34 ± 0.08 g km-1) and high NOX (1.0 ± 0.4 g km-1) emission factors were observed for diesel passenger cars, oppositely high CO (2.2 ± 2.6 g km-1) and low NOX (1.0 ± 1.6 g km-1) emission factors were seen for gasoline powered cars. The after-treatment technology in diesel vehicles was effective in CO reduction. While the use of turbocharger in diesel vehicles to generate high combustion temperature and pressure produces more NOx, probably which may not be effectively controlled by after-treatment device. The after-treatment devices in gasoline powered Post-2010, Post-2005 vehicles can be acclaimed for reduced CO emissions compared to Post-2000 vehicles. This work presents a limited data set of emission factors from on-road operations of light duty vehicles, this limitation can be improved by further measurements of emissions from similar vehicles.

  15. Salt-dependent regulation of a CNG channel subfamily in Arabidopsis.

    PubMed

    Kugler, Annette; Köhler, Barbara; Palme, Klaus; Wolff, Patricia; Dietrich, Petra

    2009-11-27

    In Arabidopsis thaliana, the family of cyclic nucleotide-gated channels (CNGCs) is composed of 20 members. Previous studies indicate that plant CNGCs are involved in the control of growth processes and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. According to their proposed function as cation entry pathways these channels contribute to cellular cation homeostasis, including calcium and sodium, as well as to stress-related signal transduction. Here, we studied the expression patterns and regulation of CNGC19 and CNGC20, which constitute one of the five CNGC subfamilies. GUS, GFP and luciferase reporter assays were used to study the expression of CNGC19 and CNGC20 genes from Arabidopsis thaliana in response to developmental cues and salt stress. CNGC19 and CNGC20 were differentially expressed in roots and shoots. The CNGC19 gene was predominantly active in roots already at early growth stages. Major expression was observed in the phloem. CNGC20 showed highest promoter activity in mesophyll cells surrounding the veins. Its expression increased during development and was maximal in mature and senescent leaves. Both genes were upregulated in the shoot in response to elevated NaCl but not mannitol concentrations. While in the root, CNGC19 did not respond to changes in the salt concentration, in the shoot it was strongly upregulated in the observed time frame (6-72 hours). Salt-induction of CNGC20 was also observed in the shoot, starting already one hour after stress treatment. It occurred with similar kinetics, irrespective of whether NaCl was applied to roots of intact plants or to the petiole of detached leaves. No differences in K and Na contents of the shoots were measured in homozygous T-DNA insertion lines for CNGC19 and CNGC20, respectively, which developed a growth phenotype in the presence of up to 75 mM NaCl similar to that of the wild type. Together, the results strongly suggest that both channels are involved in the salinity response of different cell types in the shoot. Upon salinity both genes are upregulated within hours. CNGC19 and CNGC20 could assist the plant to cope with toxic effects caused by salt stress, probably by contributing to a re-allocation of sodium within the plant.

  16. Assessment of GHG mitigation and CDM technology in urban transport sector of Chandigarh, India.

    PubMed

    Bhargava, Nitin; Gurjar, Bhola Ram; Mor, Suman; Ravindra, Khaiwal

    2018-01-01

    The increase in number of vehicles in metropolitan cities has resulted in increase of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in urban environment. In this study, emission load of GHGs (CO, N 2 O, CO 2 ) from Chandigarh road transport sector has been estimated using Vehicular Air Pollution Inventory (VAPI) model, which uses emission factors prevalent in Indian cities. Contribution of 2-wheelers (2-w), 3-wheelers (3-w), cars, buses, and heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) to CO, N 2 O, CO 2 , and total GHG emissions was calculated. Potential for GHG mitigation through clean development mechanism (CDM) in transport sector of Chandigarh under two scenarios, i.e., business as usual (BAU) and best estimate scenario (BES) using VAPI model, has been explored. A major contribution of GHG load (~ 50%) in Chandigarh was from four-wheelers until 2011; however, it shows a declining trend after 2011 until 2020. The estimated GHG emission from motor vehicles in Chandigarh has increased more than two times from 1065 Gg in 2005 to 2486 Gg by 2011 and is expected to increase to 4014 Gg by 2020 under BAU scenario. Under BES scenario, 30% of private transport has been transformed to public transport; GHG load was possibly reduced by 520 Gg. An increase of 173 Gg in GHGs load is projected from additional scenario (ADS) in Chandigarh city if all the diesel buses are transformed to CNG buses by 2020. Current study also offers potential for other cities to plan better GHG reduction strategies in transport sector to reduce their climate change impacts.

  17. Effects of sonication on co-precipitation synthesis and activity of copper manganese oxide catalyst to remove methane and sulphur dioxide gases.

    PubMed

    Yap, Yeow Hong; Lim, Mitchell S W; Lee, Zheng Yee; Lai, Kar Chiew; Jamaal, Muhamad Ashraf; Wong, Farng Hui; Ng, Hoon Kiat; Lim, Siew Shee; Tiong, T Joyce

    2018-01-01

    The utilisation of ultrasound in chemical preparation has been the focus of intense study in various fields, including materials science and engineering. This paper presents a novel method of synthesising the copper-manganese oxide (Hopcalite) catalyst that is used for the removal of volatile organic compounds and greenhouse gases like carbon monoxide. Several samples prepared under different conditions, with and without ultrasound, were subjected to a series of characterisation tests such as XRD, BET, FE-SEM, EDX, TPR-H 2 , TGA and FT-IR in order to establish their chemical and physical properties. A series of catalytic tests using a micro-reactor were subsequently performed on the samples in order to substantiate the aforementioned properties by analysing their ability to oxidise compressed natural gas (CNG), containing methane and sulphur dioxide. Results showed that ultrasonic irradiation of the catalyst led to observable alterations in its morphology: surfaces of the particles were noticeably smoothed and an increased in amorphicity was detected. Furthermore, ultrasonic irradiation has shown to enhance the catalytic activity of Hopcalite, achieving a higher conversion of methane relative to non-sonicated samples. Varying the ultrasonic intensity also produced appreciable effects, whereby an increase in intensity results in a higher conversion rate. The catalyst sonicated at the highest intensity of 29.7W/cm 2 has a methane conversion rate of 13.5% at 400°C, which was the highest among all the samples tested. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Composition, toxicity, and mutagenicity of particulate and semivolatile emissions from heavy-duty compressed natural gas-powered vehicles.

    PubMed

    Seagrave, JeanClare; Gigliotti, Andrew; McDonald, Jacob D; Seilkop, Steven K; Whitney, Kevin A; Zielinska, Barbara; Mauderly, Joe L

    2005-09-01

    Particulate matter (PM) and vapor-phase semivolatile organic compounds (SVOC) were collected from three buses fueled by compressed natural gas. The bus engines included a well-functioning, conventional engine; a "high emitter" engine; and a new technology engine with an oxidation catalyst. Chemical analysis of the emissions showed differences among these samples, with the high emitter sample containing markers of engine oil constituents. PM + SVOC samples were also collected for mutagenicity and toxicity testing. Extraction efficiencies from the collection media were lower than for similarly collected samples from gasoline or diesel vehicles. Responses to the recovered samples were compared on the basis of exhaust volume, to incorporate the emission rates into the potency factors. Mutagenicity was assessed by Salmonella reverse mutation assay. Mutagenicity was greatest for the high emitter sample and lowest for the new technology sample. Metabolic activation reduced mutagenicity in strain TA100, but not TA98. Toxicity, including inflammation, cytotoxicity, and parenchymal changes, was assessed 24 h after intratracheal instillation into rat lungs. Lung responses were generally mild, with little difference between the responses to equivalent volumes of emissions from the normal emitter and the new technology, but greater responses for the high emitter. These emission sample potencies are further compared on the basis of recovered mass with previously reported samples from normal and high-emitter gasoline and diesel vehicles. While mutagenic potencies for the CNG emission samples were similar to the range observed in the gasoline and diesel emission samples, lung toxicity potency factors were generally lower than those for the gasoline and diesel samples.

  19. Long-term imaging of circadian locomotor rhythms of a freely crawling C. elegans population

    PubMed Central

    Winbush, Ari; Gruner, Matthew; Hennig, Grant W.; van der Linden, Alexander M.

    2016-01-01

    Background Locomotor activity is used extensively as a behavioral output to study the underpinnings of circadian rhythms. Recent studies have required a populational approach for the study of circadian rhythmicity in Caenorhabditis elegans locomotion. New method We describe an imaging system for long-term automated recording and analysis of locomotion data of multiple free-crawling C. elegans animals on the surface of an agar plate. We devised image analysis tools for measuring specific features related to movement and shape to identify circadian patterns. Results We demonstrate the utility of our system by quantifying circadian locomotor rhythms in wild-type and mutant animals induced by temperature cycles. We show that 13 °C:18 °C (12:12 h) cycles are sufficient to entrain locomotor activity of wild-type animals, which persist but are rapidly damped during 13 °C free-running conditions. Animals with mutations in tax-2, a cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channel, significantly reduce locomotor activity during entrainment and free-running. Comparison with existing method(s) Current methods for measuring circadian locomotor activity is generally restricted to recording individual swimming animals of C. elegans, which is a distinct form of locomotion from crawling behavior generally observed in the laboratory. Our system works well with up to 20 crawling adult animals, and allows for a detailed analysis of locomotor activity over long periods of time. Conclusions Our population-based approach provides a powerful tool for quantification of circadian rhythmicity of C. elegans locomotion, and could allow for a screening system of candidate circadian genes in this model organism. PMID:25911068

  20. Acoustic Emission Health Monitoring of Fill Purge COPV's Used in Aerospace and Automotive Applications and Designed for Long Cycle Life

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Waller, Jess

    2013-01-01

    Cumulative composite damage in composite pressure vessels (CPVs) currently is not monitored on-orbit. Consequently, hazards due to catastrophic burst before leak (BBL) or compromised CPV reliability cannot be ascertained or mitigated, posing a risk to crew and mission assurance. The energy associated with CPV rupture can be significant, especially with high pressure gases are under containment, and the energy releases can be severe enough to cause injury, death, loss of assets or mission. Dual-Use Rationale: CPVs similar to those used by NASA on ISS, for example, are finding increasing use in automotive and transportation industry applications. These CPVs generally have a nonload sharing liner and are repeatedly filled over their service lifetime, typically with hydrogen or compressed natural gas (CNG). The same structural health monitoring equipment and software developed by NASA WSTF for evaluating, in real-time, the health of NASA CPVs on ISS will be used to evaluate the health of automotive CPVs, the only differences being the type and design of the CPV, and the in-service lifetime pressure histories. HSF Need(s)/Performance Characteristic(s) Supported: 1) Enable on-board vehicle systems management for mission critical functions at destinations with > 3 second time delay 2) Enable autonomous nominal operations and FDIR for crewed and un-crewed systems 3) Reduce on-board crew time to sustain and manage vehicle by factor of 2x at destinations with > 6 second time delay (see Crew Autonomy sheet) 4) Reduce earth-based mission ops "back room engineering" requirements for distant mission support delay (see Mission Autonomy sheet)

  1. Estimation of vehicular emissions using dynamic emission factors: A case study of Delhi, India

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mishra, Dhirendra; Goyal, P.

    2014-12-01

    The estimation of vehicular emissions depends mainly on the values of emission factors, which are used for the development of a comprehensive emission inventory of vehicles. In this study the variations of emission factors as well as the emission rates have been studied in Delhi. The implementation of compressed natural gas (CNG), in the diesel and petrol, public vehicles in the year 2001 has changed the complete air quality scenario of Delhi. The dynamic emission factors of criteria pollutants viz. carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM10) for all types of vehicles have been developed after, which are based on the several factors such as regulated emission limits, number of vehicle deterioration, vehicle increment, vehicle age etc. These emission factors are found to be decreased continuously throughout the study years 2003-2012. The International Vehicle Emissions (IVE) model is used to estimate the emissions of criteria pollutants by utilizing a dataset available from field observations at different traffic intersections in Delhi. Thus the vehicular emissions, based on dynamic emission factors have been estimated for the years 2003-2012, which are found to be comparable with the monitored concentrations at different locations in Delhi. It is noticed that the total emissions of CO, NOx, and PM10 are increased by 45.63%, 68.88% and 17.92%, respectively up to the year 2012 and the emissions of NOx and PM10 are grown continuously with an annual average growth rate of 5.4% and 1.7% respectively.

  2. An open-label, randomized positron emission tomography (PET)study in healthy male volunteers consisiting of Part A and Part B.Part A: Clinical validation of norepinephrine transporter (NET) PET ligand, (S,S)-[11C]O-methylreboxetine ([11C]MRB) using different doses of oral atomoxetine as NET reuptake inhibitor.Part B: Evaluation of NET occupancy, as measured by [11C]MRB, with multiple dosing regimens of orally administered GSK372475.

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

    Fowler, Joanna; Furey, Michael

    Results from human studies with the PET radiotracer (S,S)-[(11)C]O-methyl reboxetine ([(11)C](S,S)-MRB), a ligand targeting the norepinephrine transporter (NET), are reported. Quantification methods were determined from test/retest studies, and sensitivity to pharmacological blockade was tested with different doses of atomoxetine (ATX), a drug that binds to the NET with high affinity (K(i)=2-5 nM). METHODS: Twenty-four male subjects were divided into different groups for serial 90-min PET studies with [(11)C](S,S)-MRB to assess reproducibility and the effect of blocking with different doses of ATX (25, 50 and 100 mg, po). Region-of-interest uptake data and arterial plasma input were analyzed for the distribution volumemore » (DV). Images were normalized to a template, and average parametric images for each group were formed. RESULTS: [(11)C](S,S)-MRB uptake was highest in the thalamus (THL) and the midbrain (MBR) [containing the locus coeruleus (LC)] and lowest for the caudate nucleus (CDT). The CDT, a region with low NET, showed the smallest change on ATX treatment and was used as a reference region for the DV ratio (DVR). The baseline average DVR was 1.48 for both the THL and MBR with lower values for other regions [cerebellum (CB), 1.09; cingulate gyrus (CNG) 1.07]. However, more accurate information about relative densities came from the blocking studies. MBR exhibited greater blocking than THL, indicating a transporter density approximately 40% greater than THL. No relationship was found between DVR change and plasma ATX level. Although the higher dose tended to induce a greater decrease than the lower dose for MBR (average decrease for 25 mg=24+/-7%; 100 mg=31+/-11%), these differences were not significant. The different blocking between MBR (average decrease=28+/- 10%) and THL (average decrease=17+/-10%) given the same baseline DVR indicates that the CDT is not a good measure for non-NET binding in both regions. Threshold analysis of the difference between the average baseline DV image and the average blocked image showed the expected NET distribution with the MBR (LC) and hypothalamus>THL>CNG and CB, as well as a significant change in the supplementary motor area. DVR reproducibility for the different brain regions was approximately 10%, but intersubject variability was large. CONCLUSIONS: The highest density of NETs was found in the MBR where the LC is located, followed by THL, whereas the lowest density was found in basal ganglia (lowest in CDT), consistent with the regional localization of NETs in the nonhuman primate brain. While all three doses of ATX were found to block most regions, no significant differences between doses were found for any region, although the average percent change across subjects of the MBR did correlate with ATX dose. The lack of a dose effect could reflect a low signal-to-noise ratio coupled with the possibility that a sufficient number of transporters were blocked at the lowest dose and further differences could not be detected. However, since the lowest (25 mg) dose is less than the therapeutic doses used in children for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( approximately 1.0 mg/kg/day), this would suggest that there may be additional targets for ATX's therapeutic actions.« less

  3. Simultaneous Determination of Metformin, Glipizide, Repaglinide, and Glimepiride or Metformin and Pioglitazone by a Validated LC Method: Application in the Presence of Metformin Impurity (1-Cyanoguanidine).

    PubMed

    El-Zaher, Asmaa A; Elkady, Ehab F; Elwy, Hanan M; Saleh, Mahmoud A

    2016-07-01

    A rapid, simple, and precise RPLC method was developed for the simultaneous determination of the widely used oral antidiabetic, metformin hydrochloride (MTF), with some commonly coadministered oral antidiabetics from different pharmacological classes-glipizide (GPZ), pioglitazone hydrochloride (PGZ), glimepiride (GLM), and repaglinide (RPG)-in bulk, laboratory-prepared mixtures and pharmaceutical formulations in the presence of metformin-reported impurity [1-cyanoguanidine (CNG)]. Chromatographic separation was achieved using isocratic elution mode with a mobile phase of acetonitrile: 0.02 M potassium dihydrogen phosphate (pH 3.17; 50-50, v/v) flowing through a CN Phenomenex column (Phenosphere Next, 250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) at a rate of 1.5 mL/min at ambient temperature. UV detection was carried out at 220 nm. The method was validated according to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. Linearity, accuracy, and precision were satisfactory for concentration ranges: 0.175-350 μg/mL for MTF, 0.0525-105 μg/mL for GPZ, 0.125-250 μg/mL for PGZ, and 0.05-100 μg/mL for GLM and RPG. Correlation coefficients were >0.99 for all analytes. LOQs were 0.009 μg/mL for MTF, 0.009 μg/mL for GPZ, 0.04 μg/mL for GLM, 0.124 μg/mL for PGZ, and 0.044 μg/mL for RPG. The developed method is specific, accurate, and suitable for the QC and routine analysis of the cited drugs in their pharmaceutical products.

  4. Current and Future United States Light-Duty Vehicle Pathways: Cradle-to-Grave Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Economic Assessment

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

    Elgowainy, Amgad; Han, Jeongwoo; Ward, Jacob

    This article presents a cradle-to-grave (C2G) assessment of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and costs for current (2015) and future (2025-2030) light-duty vehicles. The analysis addressed both fuel cycle and vehicle manufacturing cycle for the following vehicle types: gasoline and diesel internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), flex fuel vehicles, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Gasoline ICEVs using current technology have C2G emissions of ~450 gCO2e/mi (grams of carbon dioxide equivalents per mile), while C2G emissions from HEVs, PHEVs, H2 FCEVs, andmore » BEVs range from 300-350 gCO2e/mi. Future vehicle efficiency gains are expected to reduce emissions to ~350 gCO2/mi for ICEVs and ~250 gCO2e/mi for HEVs, PHEVs, FCEVs, and BEVs. Utilizing low-carbon fuel pathways yields GHG reductions more than double those achieved by vehicle efficiency gains alone. Levelized costs of driving (LCDs) are in the range $0.25-$1.00/mi depending on time frame and vehicle-fuel technology. In all cases, vehicle cost represents the major (60-90%) contribution to LCDs. Currently, HEV and PHEV petroleum-fueled vehicles provide the most attractive cost in terms of avoided carbon emissions, although they offer lower potential GHG reductions. The ranges of LCD and cost of avoided carbon are narrower for the future technology pathways, reflecting the expected economic competitiveness of these alternative vehicles and fuels.« less

  5. Current and Future United States Light-Duty Vehicle Pathways: Cradle-to-Grave Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Economic Assessment

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

    Elgowainy, Amgad; Han, Jeongwoo; Ward, Jacob

    This article presents a cradle-to-grave (C2G) assessment of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and costs for current (2015) and future (2025–2030) light-duty vehicles. The analysis addressed both fuel cycle and vehicle manufacturing cycle for the following vehicle types: gasoline and diesel internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), flex fuel vehicles, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Gasoline ICEVs using current technology have C2G emissions of ~450 gCO2e/mi (grams of carbon dioxide equivalents per mile), while C2G emissions from HEVs, PHEVs, H2 FCEVs, andmore » BEVs range from 300–350 gCO2e/mi. Future vehicle efficiency gains are expected to reduce emissions to ~350 gCO2/mi for ICEVs and ~250 gCO2e/mi for HEVs, PHEVs, FCEVs and BEVs. Utilizing low-carbon fuel pathways yields GHG reductions more than double those achieved by vehicle efficiency gains alone. Levelized costs of driving (LCDs) are in the range $0.25–$1.00/mi depending on timeframe and vehicle-fuel technology. In all cases, vehicle cost represents the major (60–90%) contribution to LCDs. Currently, HEV and PHEV petroleum-fueled vehicles provide the most attractive cost in terms of avoided carbon emissions, although they offer lower potential GHG reductions The ranges of LCD and cost of avoided carbon are narrower for the future technology pathways, reflecting the expected economic competitiveness of these alternative vehicles and fuels.« less

  6. On-road emissions of CO, CO2 and NOX from four wheeler and emission estimates for Delhi.

    PubMed

    Jaiprakash; Habib, Gazala; Kumar, Anil; Sharma, Akash; Haider, Minza

    2017-03-01

    This study presents the emission factor of gaseous pollutants (CO, CO 2 , and NO X ) from on-road tailpipe measurement of 14 passenger cars of different types of fuel and vintage. The trolley equipped with stainless steel duct, vane probe velocity meter, flue gas analyzer, Nondispersive infra red (NDIR) CO 2 analyzer, temperature, and relative humidity (RH) sensors was connected to the vehicle using a towing system. Lower CO and higher NO X emissions were observed from new diesel cars (post 2010) compared to old cars (post 2005), which implied that new technological advancement in diesel fueled passenger cars to reduce CO emission is a successful venture, however, the use of turbo charger in diesel cars to achieve high temperature combustion might have resulted in increased NO X emissions. Based on the measured emission factors (g/kg), and fuel consumption (kg), the average and 95% confidence interval (CI) bound estimates of CO, CO 2 , and NO X from four wheeler (4W) in Delhi for the year 2012 were 15.7 (1.4-37.1) , 6234 (386-12,252) , and 30.4 (0.0-103) Gg/year, respectively. The contribution of diesel, gasoline and compressed natural gas (CNG) to total CO, CO 2 and NO X emissions were 7:84:9, 50:48:2 and 58:41:1 respectively. The present work indicated that the age and the maintenance of vehicle both are important factors in emission assessment therefore, more systematic repetitive measurements covering wide range of vehicles of different age groups, engine capacity, and maintenance level is needed for refining the emission factors with CI. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  7. Diesel and CNG Transit Bus Emissions Characterization By Two Chassis Dynamometer Laboratories: Results and Issues

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

    Nigel N. Clark, Mridul Gautam; Byron L. Rapp; Donald W. Lyons

    1999-05-03

    Emissions of six 32 passenger transit buses were characterized using one of the West Virginia University (WVU) Transportable Heavy Duty Emissions Testing Laboratories, and the fixed base chassis dynamometer at the Colorado Institute for Fuels and High Altitude Engine Research (CIFHAER). Three of the buses were powered with 1997 ISB 5.9 liter Cummins diesel engines, and three were powered with the 1997 5.9 liter Cummins natural gas (NG) counterpart. The NG engines were LEV certified. Objectives were to contrast the emissions performance of the diesel and NG units, and to compare results from the two laboratories. Both laboratories found thatmore » oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter (PM) emissions were substantially lower for the natural gas buses than for the diesel buses. It was observed that by varying the rapidity of pedal movement during accelerations in the Central Business District cycle (CBD), CO and PM emissions from the diesel buses could be varied by a factor of three or more. The driving styles may be characterized as aggressive and non-aggressive, but both styles followed the CBD speed command acceptably. PM emissions were far higher for the aggressive driving style. For the NG fueled vehicles driving style had a similar, although smaller, effect on NO{sub x}. It is evident that driver habits may cause substantial deviation in emissions for the CBD cycle. When the CO emissions are used as a surrogate for driver aggression, a regression analysis shows that NO{sub x} and PM emissions from the two laboratories agree closely for equivalent driving style. Implications of driver habit for emissions inventories and regulations are briefly considered.« less

  8. Transportation Sector Model of the National Energy Modeling System. Volume 1

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

    NONE

    1998-01-01

    This report documents the objectives, analytical approach and development of the National Energy Modeling System (NEMS) Transportation Model (TRAN). The report catalogues and describes the model assumptions, computational methodology, parameter estimation techniques, model source code, and forecast results generated by the model. The NEMS Transportation Model comprises a series of semi-independent models which address different aspects of the transportation sector. The primary purpose of this model is to provide mid-term forecasts of transportation energy demand by fuel type including, but not limited to, motor gasoline, distillate, jet fuel, and alternative fuels (such as CNG) not commonly associated with transportation. Themore » current NEMS forecast horizon extends to the year 2010 and uses 1990 as the base year. Forecasts are generated through the separate consideration of energy consumption within the various modes of transport, including: private and fleet light-duty vehicles; aircraft; marine, rail, and truck freight; and various modes with minor overall impacts, such as mass transit and recreational boating. This approach is useful in assessing the impacts of policy initiatives, legislative mandates which affect individual modes of travel, and technological developments. The model also provides forecasts of selected intermediate values which are generated in order to determine energy consumption. These elements include estimates of passenger travel demand by automobile, air, or mass transit; estimates of the efficiency with which that demand is met; projections of vehicle stocks and the penetration of new technologies; and estimates of the demand for freight transport which are linked to forecasts of industrial output. Following the estimation of energy demand, TRAN produces forecasts of vehicular emissions of the following pollutants by source: oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen, total carbon, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds.« less

  9. Exposure assessment of diesel bus emissions.

    PubMed

    Yip, Maricela; Madl, Pierre; Wiegand, Aaron; Hofmann, Werner

    2006-12-01

    The goal of this study was to measure ultrafine particle concentrations with diameters less than 1 mum emitted by diesel buses and to assess resulting human exposure levels. The study was conducted at the Woolloongabba Busway station in Brisbane, Australia in the winter months of 2002 during which temperature inversions frequently occurred. Most buses that utilize the station are fuelled by diesel, the exhaust of which contains a significant quantity of particle matter. Passengers waiting at the station are exposed to these particles emitted from the buses. During the course of this study, passenger census was conducted, based on video surveillance, yielding person-by-person waiting time data. Furthermore, a bus census revealed accurate information about the total number of diesel versus Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered buses. Background (outside of the bus station) and platform measurements of ultrafine particulate number size distributions were made to determine ambient aerosol concentrations. Particle number exposure concentration ranges from 10 and 40 to 60% of bus related exhaust fumes. This changes dramatically when considering the particle mass exposure concentration, where most passengers are exposed to about 50 to 80% of exhaust fumes. The obtained data can be very significant for comparison with similar work of this type because it is shown in previous studies that exhaust emissions causes cancer in laboratory animals. It was assumed that significant differences between platform and background distributions were due to bus emissions which, combined with passenger waiting times, yielded an estimate of passenger exposure to ultrafine particles from diesel buses. From an exposure point of view, the Busway station analyzed resembles a street canyon. Although the detected exhaust particle concentration at the outbound platform is found to be in the picogram range, exposure increases with the time passengers spend on the platform along with their breathing frequency.

  10. TNF-alpha expression, evaluation of collagen, and TUNEL of Matricaria recutita L. extract and triamcinolone on oral ulcer in diabetic rats

    PubMed Central

    OLIVEIRA, Bruna Vasconcelos; BARROS SILVA, Paulo Goberlânio; NOJOSA, Jacqueline de Santiago; BRIZENO, Luiz André Cavalcante; FERREIRA, Jamile Magalhães; SOUSA, Fabrício Bitú; MOTA, Mário Rogério Lima; ALVES, Ana Paula Negreiros Nunes

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease associated with delayed wound healing of oral ulcers by increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines and cellular apoptosis. Objective to evaluate the influence of Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) and apoptosis in rats with DM treated with chamomile extract or triamcinolone. Material and Methods Wistar male rats (210.0±4.2 g) were divided into five groups: negative control group (NCG) without diabetes; positive control group (PCG) with DM (alloxan, 45 mg/kg); and groups treated with chamomile extract (normoglycemic= NCG group and diabetic= DCG group) and with triamcinolone (TG). Traumatic ulcers were performed on all animals that received topical triamcinolone, chamomile extract or saline 12/12 hours for ten days. Results On days five and ten the animals were euthanized and the ulcers were analyzed by light microscopy, TUNEL assay, and immunohistochemically (TNF-α). The NCG (p=0.0062), PCG (p=0.0285), NCG (p=0.0041), and DCG (p<0.0001) groups were completely healed on the 10th day, however, there was no healing on the TG (p=0.5127) group. The TNF-α expression showed a significant reduction from the 5th to the 10th day in NCG (p=0.0266) and DCG (p=0.0062). In connective tissue, the TUNEL assay showed a significant reduction in the number of positive cells in NCG (p=0.0273) and CNG (p=0.0469) and in the epithelium only in CDG (p=0.0320). Conclusions Chamomile extract can optimize the healing of traumatic oral ulcers in diabetic rats through the reduction of apoptosis in the epithelium and TNF-α expression. PMID:27383710

  11. Co-expression of the transcription factors CEH-14 and TTX-1 regulates AFD neuron-specific genes gcy-8 and gcy-18 in C. elegans.

    PubMed

    Kagoshima, Hiroshi; Kohara, Yuji

    2015-03-15

    A wide variety of cells are generated by the expression of characteristic sets of genes, primarily those regulated by cell-specific transcription. To elucidate the mechanism regulating cell-specific gene expression in a highly specialized cell, AFD thermosensory neuron in Caenorhabditis elegans, we analyzed the promoter sequences of guanylyl cyclase genes, gcy-8 and gcy-18, exclusively expressed in AFD. In this study, we showed that AFD-specific expression of gcy-8 and gcy-18 requires the co-expression of homeodomain proteins, CEH-14/LHX3 and TTX-1/OTX1. We observed that mutation of ttx-1 or ceh-14 caused a reduction in the expression of gcy-8 and gcy-18 and that the expression was completely lost in double mutants. This synergy effect was also observed with other AFD marker genes, such as ntc-1, nlp-21and cng-3. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed direct interaction of CEH-14 and TTX-1 proteins with gcy-8 and gcy-18 promoters in vitro. The binding sites of CEH-14 and TTX-1 proteins were confirmed to be essential for AFD-specific expression of gcy-8 and gcy-18 in vivo. We also demonstrated that forced expression of CEH-14 and TTX-1 in AWB chemosensory neurons induced ectopic expression of gcy-8 and gcy-18 reporters in this neuron. Finally, we showed that the regulation of gcy-8 and gcy-18 expression by ceh-14 and ttx-1 is evolutionally conserved in five Caenorhabditis species. Taken together, ceh-14 and ttx-1 expression determines the fate of AFD as terminal selector genes at the final step of cell specification. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Temporal variations and spatial distribution of ambient PM2.2 and PM10 concentrations in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

    PubMed

    Begum, Bilkis A; Biswas, Swapan K; Hopke, Philip K

    2006-04-01

    Concentrations and characteristics of airborne particulate matter (PM(10), PM(2.2) and BC) on air quality have been studied at two air quality-monitoring stations in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. One site is at the Farm Gate area, a hot spot with very high pollutant concentrations because of its proximity to major roadways. The other site is at a semi-residential area located at the Atomic Energy Centre, Dhaka Campus, (AECD) with relatively less traffic. The samples were collected using a 'Gent' stacked filter unit in two fractions of 0-2.2 mum and 2.2-10 mum sizes. Samples of fine (PM(2.2)) and coarse (PM(2.2-10)) airborne particulate matter fractions collected from 2000 to 2003 were studied. It has been observed that fine particulate matter has a decreasing trend, from prior year measurements, because of Government policy interventions like phase-wise plans to take two-stroke three-wheelers off the roads in Dhaka and finally banned from January 1, 2003. Other policy interventions were banning of old buses and trucks to ply on Dhaka city promotion of the using compressed natural gas (CNG), introducing air pollution control devices in vehicles, etc. It was found that both local (mostly from vehicular emissions) and possibly some regional emission sources are responsible for high PM(2.2) and BC concentrations in Dhaka. PM(2.2), PM(2.2-10) and black carbon concentration levels depend on the season, wind direction and wind speed. Transport related emissions are the major source of BC and long-range transportation from fossil fuel related sources and biomass burning could be another substantial source of BC.

  13. Current and Future United States Light-Duty Vehicle Pathways: Cradle-to-Grave Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Economic Assessment.

    PubMed

    Elgowainy, Amgad; Han, Jeongwoo; Ward, Jacob; Joseck, Fred; Gohlke, David; Lindauer, Alicia; Ramsden, Todd; Biddy, Mary; Alexander, Mark; Barnhart, Steven; Sutherland, Ian; Verduzco, Laura; Wallington, Timothy J

    2018-02-20

    This article presents a cradle-to-grave (C2G) assessment of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and costs for current (2015) and future (2025-2030) light-duty vehicles. The analysis addressed both fuel cycle and vehicle manufacturing cycle for the following vehicle types: gasoline and diesel internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), flex fuel vehicles, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Gasoline ICEVs using current technology have C2G emissions of ∼450 gCO 2 e/mi (grams of carbon dioxide equivalents per mile), while C2G emissions from HEVs, PHEVs, H 2 FCEVs, and BEVs range from 300-350 gCO 2 e/mi. Future vehicle efficiency gains are expected to reduce emissions to ∼350 gCO 2 /mi for ICEVs and ∼250 gCO 2e /mi for HEVs, PHEVs, FCEVs, and BEVs. Utilizing low-carbon fuel pathways yields GHG reductions more than double those achieved by vehicle efficiency gains alone. Levelized costs of driving (LCDs) are in the range $0.25-$1.00/mi depending on time frame and vehicle-fuel technology. In all cases, vehicle cost represents the major (60-90%) contribution to LCDs. Currently, HEV and PHEV petroleum-fueled vehicles provide the most attractive cost in terms of avoided carbon emissions, although they offer lower potential GHG reductions. The ranges of LCD and cost of avoided carbon are narrower for the future technology pathways, reflecting the expected economic competitiveness of these alternative vehicles and fuels.

  14. Loss of HCN1 enhances disease progression in mouse models of CNG channel-linked retinitis pigmentosa and achromatopsia.

    PubMed

    Schön, Christian; Asteriti, Sabrina; Koch, Susanne; Sothilingam, Vithiyanjali; Garcia Garrido, Marina; Tanimoto, Naoyuki; Herms, Jochen; Seeliger, Mathias W; Cangiano, Lorenzo; Biel, Martin; Michalakis, Stylianos

    2016-03-15

    Most inherited blinding diseases are characterized by compromised retinal function and progressive degeneration of photoreceptors. However, the factors that affect the life span of photoreceptors in such degenerative retinal diseases are rather poorly understood. Here, we explore the role of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel 1 (HCN1) in this context. HCN1 is known to adjust retinal function under mesopic conditions, and although it is expressed at high levels in rod and cone photoreceptor inner segments, no association with any retinal disorder has yet been found. We investigated the effects of an additional genetic deletion of HCN1 on the function and survival of photoreceptors in a mouse model of CNGB1-linked retinitis pigmentosa (RP). We found that the absence of HCN1 in Cngb1 knockout (KO) mice exacerbated photoreceptor degeneration. The deleterious effect was reduced by expression of HCN1 using a viral vector. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of HCN1 also enhanced rod degeneration in Cngb1 KO mice. Patch-clamp recordings revealed that the membrane potentials of Cngb1 KO and Cngb1/Hcn1 double-KO rods were both significantly depolarized. We also found evidence for altered calcium homeostasis and increased activation of the protease calpain in Cngb1/Hcn1 double-KO mice. Finally, the deletion of HCN1 also exacerbated degeneration of cone photoreceptors in a mouse model of CNGA3-linked achromatopsia. Our results identify HCN1 as a major modifier of photoreceptor degeneration and suggest that pharmacological inhibition of HCN channels may enhance disease progression in RP and achromatopsia patients. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  15. Comparison of space flight and heavy ion radiation induced genomic/epigenomic mutations in rice (Oryza sativa)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shi, Jinming; Lu, Weihong; Sun, Yeqing

    2014-04-01

    Rice seeds, after space flight and low dose heavy ion radiation treatment were cultured on ground. Leaves of the mature plants were obtained for examination of genomic/epigenomic mutations by using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and methylation sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) method, respectively. The mutation sites were identified by fragment recovery and sequencing. The heritability of the mutations was detected in the next generation. Results showed that both space flight and low dose heavy ion radiation can induce significant alterations on rice genome and epigenome (P < 0.05). For both genetic and epigenetic assays, while there was no significant difference in mutation rates and their ability to be inherited to the next generation, the site of mutations differed between the space flight and radiation treated groups. More than 50% of the mutation sites were shared by two radiation treated groups, radiated with different LET value and dose, while only about 20% of the mutation sites were shared by space flight group and radiation treated group. Moreover, in space flight group, we found that DNA methylation changes were more prone to occur on CNG sequence than CG sequence. Sequencing results proved that both space flight and heavy ion radiation induced mutations were widely spread on rice genome including coding region and repeated region. Our study described and compared the characters of space flight and low dose heavy ion radiation induced genomic/epigenomic mutations. Our data revealed the mechanisms of application of space environment for mutagenesis and crop breeding. Furthermore, this work implicated that the nature of mutations induced under space flight conditions may involve factors beyond ion radiation.

  16. Commuter exposure to inhalable, thoracic and alveolic particles in various transportation modes in Delhi.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Pramod; Gupta, N C

    2016-01-15

    A public health concern is to understand the linkages between specific pollution sources and adverse health impacts. Commuting can be viewed as one of the significant-exposure activity in high-vehicle density areas. This paper investigates the commuter exposure to inhalable, thoracic and alveolic particles in various transportation modes in Delhi, India. Air pollution levels are significantly contributed by automobile exhaust and also in-vehicle exposure can be higher sometime than ambient levels. Motorcycle, auto rickshaw, car and bus were selected to study particles concentration along two routes in Delhi between Kashmere Gate and Dwarka. The bus and auto rickshaw were running on compressed natural gas (CNG) while the car and motorcycle were operated on gasoline fuel. Aerosol spectrometer was employed to measure inhalable, thoracic and alveolic particles during morning and evening rush hours for five weekdays. From the study, we observed that the concentration levels of these particles were greatly influenced by transportation modes. Concentrations of inhalable particles were found higher during morning in auto rickshaw (332.81 ± 90.97 μg/m(3)) while the commuter of bus exhibited higher exposure of thoracic particles (292.23 ± 110.45 μg/m(3)) and car commuters were exposed to maximum concentrations of alveolic particles (222.37 ± 26.56 μg/m(3)). We observed that in evening car commuters experienced maximum concentrations of all sizes of particles among the four commuting modes. Interestingly, motorcycle commuters were exposed to lower levels of inhalable and thoracic particles during morning and evening hours as compared to other modes of transport. The mean values were found greater than the median values for all the modes of transport suggesting that positive skewed distributions are characteristics of naturally occurring phenomenon. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Burst pressure investigation of filament wound type IV composite pressure vessel

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Farhood, Naseer H.; Karuppanan, Saravanan; Ya, H. H.; Baharom, Mohamad Ariff

    2017-12-01

    Currently, composite pressure vessels (PVs) are employed in many industries such as aerospace, transportations, medical etc. Basically, the use of PVs in automotive application as a compressed natural gas (CNG) storage cylinder has been growing rapidly. Burst failure due to the laminate failure is the most critical failure mechanism for composite pressure vessels. It is predominantly caused by excessive internal pressure due to an overfilling or an overheating. In order to reduce fabrication difficulties and increase the structural efficiency, researches and studies are conducted continuously towards the proper selection of vessel design parameters. Hence, this paper is focused on the prediction of first ply failure pressure for such vessels utilizing finite element simulation based on Tsai-Wu and maximum stress failure criterions. The effects of laminate stacking sequence and orientation angle on the burst pressure were investigated in this work for a constant layered thickness PV. Two types of winding design, A [90°2/∓θ16/90°2] and B [90°2/∓θ]ns with different orientations of helical winding reinforcement were analyzed for carbon/epoxy composite material. It was found that laminate A sustained a maximum burst pressure of 55 MPa for a sequence of [90°2/∓15°16/90°2] while the laminate B returned a maximum burst pressure of 45 MPa corresponding to a stacking sequence of [90°2/±15°/90°2/±15°/90°2/±15° ....] up to 20 layers for a constant vessel thickness. For verification, a comparison was done with the literature under similar conditions of analysis and good agreement was achieved with a maximum difference of 4% and 10% for symmetrical and unsymmetrical layout, respectively.

  18. Transportation economics and energy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Soltani Sobh, Ali

    The overall objective of this research is to study the impacts of technology improvement including fuel efficiency increment, extending the use of natural gas vehicle and electric vehicles on key parameters of transportation. In the first chapter, a simple economic analysis is used in order to demonstrate the adoption rate of natural gas vehicles as an alternative fuel vehicle. The effect of different factors on adoption rate of commuters is calculated in sensitivity analysis. In second chapter the VMT is modeled and forecasted under influence of CNG vehicles in different scenarios. The VMT modeling is based on the time series data for Washington State. In order to investigate the effect of population growth on VMT, the per capita model is also developed. In third chapter the effect of fuel efficiency improvement on fuel tax revenue and greenhouse emission is examined. The model is developed based on time series data of Washington State. The rebound effect resulted from fuel efficiency improvement is estimated and is considered in fuel consumption forecasting. The reduction in fuel tax revenue and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as two outcomes of lower fuel consumption are computed. In addition, the proper fuel tax rate to restitute the revenue is suggested. In the fourth chapter effective factors on electric vehicles (EV) adoption is discussed. The constructed model is aggregated binomial logit share model that estimates the modal split between EV and conventional vehicles for different states over time. Various factors are incorporated in the utility function as explanatory variables in order to quantify their effect on EV adoption choices. The explanatory variables include income, VMT, electricity price, gasoline price, urban area and number of EV stations.

  19. DEER 2003 [Proceedings for the 9th Diesel Engine Emissions Reduction Workshop] RECORD FOR CD PREPARED BY OSTI

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

    None, None

    Overview: This was the ninth in a series of workshops that have evolved to conference status addressing Diesel Engine Emissions Reduction (DEER) technology. The initial three workshops were held biannually at the University of California, San Diego. Thereafter, as we alternated yearly between the sites Castine, Maine and Portsmouth, Virginia on the East Coast and San Diego on the West Coast, the workshops grew to conference status. This year we held the 9th DEER Conference, August 24 - 28, 2003, at the Newport Marriott in Newport, Rhode Island, in the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) area. Wemore » had two objectives for DEER 2003: 1. To provide a forum to present transportation diesel engine developments and issues for the federal and state organizations involved with diesel engines as users, regulators, or supporters of research and development with the diesel engine manufacturers, their suppliers, the national laboratories, academia, human health effects, and the environmentally concerned public sector. 2. To make available European and U.S. personal-use diesel engine powered vehicles at our "Ride and Drive" for attendees and the press to see for themselves how far diesel engine technology had advanced. European diesel auto sales are rapidly approaching 50% of sales; and in France, 73% of luxury class vehicle buyers chose the diesel option. Banks Engineering and Cummins exhibited the "Sidewinder", a modified pick-up truck with a production in-line 6 cylinder Cummins B engine upgraded from 300 HP to more than 600 HP. This truck was officially clocked at the Bonneville test track at 222.139 mph. As a comparison, the $800,000 Ferrari Enzo, which is built to Formula 1 racing standards, has a projected top speed of 218 mph with its 12 cylinder gasoline engine. One can only imagine what the Ferrari Enzo could do fitted with a current technology diesel engine! Some of the highlights at DEER 2003 included the presentations by high-level managers at BMW and Mercedes Benz on their diesel engine development. Aaqius & Aaqius presented data and an exhibit of the latest PSA Peugeot fuel bound catalyst diesel particulate trap system. Cummins presented data regarding their compliance with EPA's Tier 2, Bin 5 standards on their V- 6, which was developed with DOE support. This was the first report of meeting these standards. Their next step is achieving durability. Caterpillar reported single cylinder engine steady-state tests of their HCCI injector that had engine out NOx levels under Tier 2, Bin 5. Two new approaches to particulate traps were reported by Accentus using non-thermal plasma and the University of Manchester's electrostatic precipitators. A Health Effects Session focused on U.S. and European testing of emissions from diesel and CNG buses. This session highlighted the need to use oxidation catalysts to reduce formaldehyde from CNG bus exhaust as CARB and Swedish testing indicated. A worthwhile dialogue was held with the Environmentalists Panel, which was organized and moderated by NESCAUM. The area that will produce the largest improvements in diesel engine efficiency will be the effective use of the roughly 60% of the energy in fuel that ends up as heat loss. Progress on the waste heat recovery using electric turbocompounding and thermoelectrics was reported. Quantum well confinement thermoelectrics investigators are reporting small specimens with a 400% increase in efficiency compared with current art bulk semiconductor thermoelectrics devices! Investigators of the electric turbocompounding concept for both light-truck and heavytruck applications are sorting out the problems with a commercial motor/alternators installed on the turbocharger shaft for both light- and heavy-duty trucks. These are but a few of the advances reported at DEER 2003. We were very fortunate to have such an outstanding group of presentations. We are planning to have DEER 2004 in San Diego,Coronado, actually,in August 2004. Hope to see you there! John Fairbanks Chair, DEER 2003« less

  20. Store-operated channels regulate intracellular calcium in mammalian rods

    PubMed Central

    Molnar, Tünde; Barabas, Peter; Birnbaumer, Lutz; Punzo, Claudio; Kefalov, Vladimir; Križaj, David

    2012-01-01

    Exposure to daylight closes cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) and voltage-operated Ca2+-permeable channels in mammalian rods. The consequent lowering of the cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), if protracted, can contribute to light-induced damage and apoptosis in these cells. We here report that mouse rods are protected against prolonged lowering of [Ca2+]i by store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Ca2+ stores were depleted in Ca2+-free saline supplemented with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) sequestration blocker cyclopiazonic acid. Store depletion elicited [Ca2+]i signals that exceeded baseline [Ca2+]i by 5.9 ± 0.7-fold and were antagonized by an inhibitory cocktail containing 2-APB, SKF 96365 and Gd3+. Cation influx through SOCE channels was sufficient to elicit a secondary activation of L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ entry. We also found that TRPC1, the type 1 canonical mammalian homologue of the Drosophila photoreceptor TRP channel, is predominantly expressed within the outer nuclear layer of the retina. Rod loss in Pde6brd1 (rd1), Chx10/Kip1−/−rd1 and Elovl4TG2 dystrophic models was associated with ∼70% reduction in Trpc1 mRNA content whereas Trpc1 mRNA levels in rodless cone-full Nrl−/− retinas were decreased by ∼50%. Genetic ablation of TRPC1 channels, however, had no effect on SOCE, the sensitivity of the rod phototransduction cascade or synaptic transmission at rod and cone synapses. Thus, we localized two new mechanisms, SOCE and TRPC1, to mammalian rods and characterized the contribution of SOCE to Ca2+ homeostasis. By preventing the cytosolic [Ca2+]i from dropping too low under sustained saturating light conditions, these signalling pathways may protect Ca2+-dependent mechanisms within the ER and the cytosol without affecting normal rod function. PMID:22674725

Some links on this page may take you to non-federal websites. Their policies may differ from this site.
Top