26 CFR 1.23-5 - Certification procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... definition of an energy-conserving component or renewable energy source property. Upon the request of a...)(1)). (2) The item meets the definition of an other energy-conserving component specified in section 23(c)(4) or former section 44C(c)(4) see (§ 1.23-2(d)(4)). (3) The item meets the definition of solar...

26 CFR 1.23-5 - Certification procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... definition of an energy-conserving component or renewable energy source property. Upon the request of a...)(1)). (2) The item meets the definition of an other energy-conserving component specified in section 23(c)(4) or former section 44C(c)(4) see (§ 1.23-2(d)(4)). (3) The item meets the definition of solar...

26 CFR 1.23-5 - Certification procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... definition of an energy-conserving component or renewable energy source property. Upon the request of a...)(1)). (2) The item meets the definition of an other energy-conserving component specified in section 23(c)(4) or former section 44C(c)(4) see (§ 1.23-2(d)(4)). (3) The item meets the definition of solar...

A new method to evaluate anti-allergic effect of food component by measuring leukotriene B4 from a mouse mast cell line.

PubMed

Takasugi, Mikako; Muta, Emi; Yamada, Koji; Arai, Hirofumi

2018-02-01

Leukotrienes (LTs), chemical mediators produced by mast cells, play an important role in allergic symptoms such as food allergies and hay fever. We tried to construct an evaluation method for the anti-LTB 4 activity of chemical substances using a mast cell line, PB-3c. PB-3c pre-cultured with or without arachidonic acid (AA) was stimulated by calcium ionophore (A23187) for 20 min, and LTB 4 production by the cells was determined by HPLC with UV detection. LTB 4 was not detected when PB-3c was pre-cultured without AA. On the other hand, LTB 4 production by PB-3c pre-cultured with AA was detectable by HPLC, and the optimal conditions of PB-3c for LTB 4 detection were to utilize the cells pre-cultured with 50 µM AA for 48 h. MK-886 (5-lipoxygenase inhibitor) completely inhibited LTB 4 production, but AACOCF 3 (phospholipase A 2 inhibitor) slightly increased LTB 4 production, suggesting that LTB 4 was generated from exogenous free AA through 5-lipoxygenase pathway. We applied this technique to the evaluation of the anti-LTB 4 activity of food components. PB-3c pre-cultured with 50 µM AA for 48 h was stimulated with A23187 in the presence of 50 µM soybean isoflavones (daidzin, genistin, daidzein, and genistein), equol, quercetin, or kaempferol. Genistein, equol, quercetin, and kaempferol strongly inhibited LTB 4 production without cytotoxicity. These results suggest that a new assay system using PB-3c is convenient to evaluate LTB 4 inhibition activity by food components. This method could be utilized for elucidation of the mechanisms of LTB 4 release suppression by food components such as flavonoids and the structure-activity relationship.

Associations Between Attitudes Toward Physical Education and Aerobic Capacity in Hungarian High School Students.

PubMed

Kaj, Mónika; Saint-Maurice, Pedro F; Karsai, István; Vass, Zoltán; Csányi, Tamás; Boronyai, Zoltán; Révész, László

2015-06-26

The purpose of this study was to create a physical education (PE) attitude scale and examine how it is associated with aerobic capacity (AC). Participants (n = 961, aged 15-20 years) were randomly selected from 26 Hungarian high schools. AC was estimated from performance on the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular and Endurance Run test, and the attitude scale had 31 items measured on a Likert scale that ranged from 1 to 5. Principal component analysis was used to examine the structure of the questionnaire while several 2-way analyses of variance and multiple linear regression (MLR) were computed to examine trends in AC and test the association between component scores obtained from the attitude scale and AC, respectively. Five components were identified: health orientation in PE (C1), avoid failure in PE (C2), success orientation in PE (C3), attitude toward physical activity (C4), and cooperation and social experience in PE (C5). There was a statistically significant main effect for sex on C3 (p < .05), C4 (p < .001), and C5 (p < .05) indicating that boys' scores were higher than girls. The Sex × Age interaction was also statistically significant (p < .05) and follow-up comparisons revealed sex differences in C5 for 15-year-old participants. Girls showed statistically significant higher values than boys in C5 at the age of 16 years. MLR results revealed that component scores were significantly associated with AC (p < .05). Statistically significant predictors included C1, C2, C3, and C4 for boys and C2 and C4 for girls. The 5-component scale seems to be suitable for measuring students' attitudes toward PE. The design of the study does not allow for direct associations between attitudes and AC but suggests that these 2 might be related.

Fabrication, structure, and properties of Fe3O4@C encapsulated with YVO4:Eu3+ composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Jianhui; Tong, Lizhu; Liu, Deming; Yang, Hua

2012-03-01

The use of carbon shells offers many advantages in surface coating or surface modification due to their surface with activated carboxyl and carbonyl groups. In this study, the Fe3O4@C@YVO4:Eu3+ composites were prepared through a simple sol-gel process. Reactive carbon interlayer was introduced as a key component, which separates lanthanide-based luminescent component from the magnetite, more importantly, it effectively prevent oxidation of the Fe3O4 core during the whole preparation process. The morphology, structure, magnetic, and luminescent properties of the composites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectra, VSM, and photoluminescent spectrophotometer. As a result, the Fe3O4@C/YVO4:Eu3+ composites with well-crystallized and core-shell structure were prepared and the YVO4:Eu3+ luminescent layer decorating the Fe3O4@C core-shell microspheres are about 10 nm. In addition, the Fe3O4@C@YVO4:Eu3+ composites have the excellent magnetic and luminescent properties, which allow them great potential for bioapplications such as magnetic bioseparation, magnetic resonance imaging, and drug/gene delivery.

The Effect of Component Redundancy upon Aircraft Combat Survivability.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-01

k (1) (1) kr EC3 pkC 4 pk3 E1C 1 .p :4(1 (1) . (1) -p (1) (1 (3 " kE Pk= P kFC * r4(3 (4) A set of four redundant critical components and a kill of...AND THE P K/H As shown by the previous chapters, the determination of the survivability of an aircraft can be a very complex and time consuming task

(DURIP) MIMO Radar Testbed for Waveform Adaptive Sensing Research

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-17

OH 43210 -1016 31-Aug...Ohio State University Columbus, OH Foreword Microwave radar systems are crucial components of any standoff sensor system due to their all-weather...976LP 3E E N 1 R D 2 R E F 3 V R X 4 HV 5 N/C1 6 N/C2 7 N/C3 8 N /C 4 9 N /C 5 10 V R 11 N /C 6 12 N/C7 13 N/ C8 14 VDD 15 N/C9 16 GND_2 17 C 9 10uF C

Evaluation of CDOM sources and their links with water quality in the lakes of Northeast China using fluorescence spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Ying; Song, Kaishan; Wen, Zhidan; Fang, Chong; Shang, Yingxin; Lv, Lili

2017-07-01

The spatial distributions of the fluorescence intensities Fmax for chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) components, the fluorescence indices (FI370 and FI310) and their correlations with water quality of 19 lakes in the Songhua River Basin (SHRB) across semiarid regions of Northeast China were examined with the data collected in September 2012 and 2015. The 19 lakes were divided into two groups according to EC (threshold value = 800 μS cm-1): fresh water (N = 13) and brackish water lakes (N = 6). The fluorescent characteristics of CDOM in the 19 lakes were investigated using excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy (EEM) coupled with parallel factor (PARAFAC) and multivariate analysis. Two humic-like components (C1 and C3), one tryptophan-like component (C2), and one tyrosine-like component (C4) were identified by PARAFAC. The component C4 was not included in subsequent analyses due to the strong scatter in some colloidal water samples from brackish water lakes. The correlations between Fmax for the three EEM-PARAFAC extracted CDOM components C1-C3, the fluorescence indices (FI370 and FI310) and the water quality parameters (i.e., TN, TP, Chl-a, pH, EC, turbidity (Turb) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC)) were determined by redundancy analysis (RDA). The results of RDA analysis showed that spatial variation in land cover, pollution sources, and salinity/EC gradients in water quality affected Fmax for the fluorescent components C1-C3 and the fluorescence indices (FI370 and FI310). Further examination indicated that the CDOM fluorescent components and the fluorescence indices (FI370 and FI310) did not significantly differ (t-test, p > 0.05) in fresh water (N = 13) and brackish water lakes (N = 6). There was a difference in the distribution of the average Fmax for the CDOM fluorescent components between C1 to C3 from agricultural sources and urban wastewater sources in hypereutrophic brackish water lakes. The Fmax for humic-like components C1 and C3 spatially varied with land cover among the 19 lakes. Our results indicated that the spatial distributions of Fmax for CDOM fluorescent components and their correlations with water quality can be evaluated by EEM-PARAFAC and multivariate analysis among the 19 lakes across semiarid regions of Northeast China, which has potential implication for lakes with similar genesis.

Shark complement: an assessment.

PubMed

Smith, S L

1998-12-01

The classical (CCP) and alternative (ACP) pathways of complement activation have been established for the nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum). The isolation of a cDNA clone encoding a mannan-binding protein-associated serine protease (MASP)-1-like protein from the Japanese dogfish (Triakis scyllia) suggests the presence of a lectin pathway. The CCP consists of six functionally distinct components: C1n, C2n, C3n, C4n, C8n and C9n, and is activated by immune complexes in the presence of Ca++ and Mg++ ions. The ACP is antibody independent, requiring Mg++ ions and a heat-labile 90 kDa factor B-like protein for activity. Proteins considered homologues of C1q, C3 and C4 (C2n) of the mammalian complement system have been isolated from nurse shark serum. Shark C1q is composed of at least two chain types each showing 50% identity to human C1q chains A and B. Partial sequence of the globular domain of one of the chains shows it to be C1q-like rather than like mannan-binding protein. N-terminal amino acid sequences of the alpha and beta chain of shark C3 and C4 molecules show significant identity with corresponding human C3 and C4 chains. A sequence representing shark C4 gamma chain, shows little similarity to human C4 gamma chain. The terminal shark components C8n and C9n are functional analogues of mammalian C8 and C9. Anaphylatoxin activity has been demonstrated in activated shark serum, and porcine C5a desArg induces shark leucocyte chemotaxis. The deduced amino acid sequence of a partial C3 cDNA clone from the nurse shark shows 50%, 30% and 24% homology with the corresponding region of mammalian C3, C4 and alpha 2-macroglobulin. Deduced amino acid sequence data from partial Bf/C2 cDNA clones, two from the nurse shark and one from the Japanese dogfish, suggest that at least one species of elasmobranch has two distinct Bf/C2 genes.

F-15 Avionics Test Station and Component Specialist Career Ladder. Occupational Survey Report

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-02-01

Or ko m qdl U(. NL ) ULU 0Z M-: 0 C) Z: -3 F M C- OC>mC I - oL D, V) C)L )C- O C) o Or- F ) j CRd jMm i CDd L.L CD C) .0 C) V)= .00 U~00 LUU off0.0...LO C CO UJ LI(4 .00 r" r r"~i ell ko 1 C I" C) 4 -4 C’J C3 C CD V) 𔃾A ~ C) CC F-4 LU< Q-C =D F-( Ln J(I -4C Cr- 1-d C C C C C) C> C C d >- LL EL-C...CONSOLIDATED TOOL KITS (CTK) AND TOOL ROOM CHITS 68 H291 ISOLATE MALFUNCTIONS WITHIN LEAD COMPUTING GYRO (LCG) LRUs 66 F189 INTERPRET SYSTEM DIAGRAMS OR

The 2:1 salt-type adduct formed between 6-amino-3-methyl-5-nitrosopyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione and piperidine: sheets containing 20 independent hydrogen bonds.

PubMed

Orozco, Fabián; Insuasty, Braulio; Cobo, Justo; Glidewell, Christopher

2009-05-01

The title compound, piperidinium 6-amino-3-methyl-5-nitroso-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-1-ide 6-amino-3-methyl-5-nitrosopyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione, C(5)H(12)N(+).C(5)H(5)N(4)O(3)(-).C(5)H(6)N(4)O(3), (I), crystallizes with Z' = 2 in the space group P1. There is an intramolecular N-H...O hydrogen bond in each pyrimidine unit and within the selected asymmetric unit the six independent components are linked by 11 hydrogen bonds, seven of the N-H...O type and four of the N-H...N type. These six-component aggregates are linked into sheets by five further hydrogen bonds, three of the N-H...O type and one each of the N-H...N and C-H...O types.

Seasonal variation of fine- and coarse-mode nitrates and related aerosols over East Asia: synergetic observations and chemical transport model analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uno, Itsushi; Osada, Kazuo; Yumimoto, Keiya; Wang, Zhe; Itahashi, Syuichi; Pan, Xiaole; Hara, Yukari; Kanaya, Yugo; Yamamoto, Shigekazu; Fairlie, Thomas Duncan

2017-11-01

We analyzed long-term fine- and coarse-mode synergetic observations of nitrate and related aerosols (SO42-, NO3-, NH4+, Na+, Ca2+) at Fukuoka (33.52° N, 130.47° E) from August 2014 to October 2015. A Goddard Earth Observing System chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem) including dust and sea salt acid uptake processes was used to assess the observed seasonal variation and the impact of long-range transport (LRT) from the Asian continent. For fine aerosols (fSO42-, fNO3-, and fNH4+), numerical results explained the seasonal changes, and a sensitivity analysis excluding Japanese domestic emissions clarified the LRT fraction at Fukuoka (85 % for fSO42-, 47 % for fNO3-, 73 % for fNH4+). Observational data confirmed that coarse NO3- (cNO3-) made up the largest proportion (i.e., 40-55 %) of the total nitrate (defined as the sum of fNO3-, cNO3-, and HNO3) during the winter, while HNO3 gas constituted approximately 40 % of the total nitrate in summer and fNO3- peaked during the winter. Large-scale dust-nitrate (mainly cNO3-) outflow from China to Fukuoka was confirmed during all dust events that occurred between January and June. The modeled cNO3- was in good agreement with observations between July and November (mainly coming from sea salt NO3-). During the winter, however, the model underestimated cNO3- levels compared to the observed levels. The reason for this underestimation was examined statistically using multiple regression analysis (MRA). We used cNa+, nss-cCa2+, and cNH4+ as independent variables to describe the observed cNO3- levels; these variables were considered representative of sea salt cNO3-, dust cNO3-, and cNO3- accompanied by cNH4+), respectively. The MRA results explained the observed seasonal changes in dust cNO3- and indicated that the dust-acid uptake scheme reproduced the observed dust-nitrate levels even in winter. The annual average contributions of each component were 43 % (sea salt cNO3-), 19 % (dust cNO3-), and 38 % (cNH4+ term). The MRA dust-cNO3- component had a high value during the dust season, and the sea salt component made a large contribution throughout the year. During the winter, cNH4+ term made a large contribution. The model did not include aerosol microphysical processes (such as condensation and coagulation between the fine anthropogenic aerosols NO3- and SO42- and coarse particles), and our results suggest that inclusion of aerosol microphysical processes is critical when studying observed cNO3- formation, especially in winter.

A high-resolution core-level photoemission study of the Au/4H-SiC(0001)-([Formula: see text]) interface.

PubMed

Stoltz, D; Stoltz, S E; Johansson, L S O

2007-07-04

We present a systematic study of different reconstructions obtained after deposition of Au on the [Formula: see text]-4H-SiC(0001) surface. For 1-2 monolayers (ML) Au and annealing temperature T(anneal)∼675 °C, a 3 × 3 reconstruction was observed. For 4 ML Au and T(anneal)∼650 °C, a [Formula: see text] reconstruction appeared, while 5 ML Au annealed at 700 °C reconstructed to give a [Formula: see text] pattern. From the Si 2p and Au 4f core-level components, we propose interface models, depending on the amount of Au on the surface and the annealing temperature. For 1-4 ML Au annealed at 650-675 °C, gold diffuses under the topmost Si into the SiC and forms a silicide. An additional Si component in our Si 2p spectra is related to the interface between the silicide and SiC. For 5 ML Au annealed at 700 °C, silicide is also formed at the surface, covering unreacted Au on top of the SiC substrate. The interface Si component is also observed in the Si 2p spectra of this surface. The key role in [Formula: see text]-4H-SiC(0001) interface formation is played by diffusion and the silicon-richness of the surface.

Sunlight-induced changes in chromophores and fluorophores of wastewater-derived organic matter in receiving waters--the role of salinity.

PubMed

Yang, Xiaofang; Meng, Fangang; Huang, Guocheng; Sun, Li; Lin, Zheng

2014-10-01

Wastewater-derived organic matter (WOM) is an important constituent of discharge to urban rivers and is suspected of altering the naturally occurring dissolved organic matter (DOM) in water systems. This study investigated sunlight-induced changes in chromophores and fluorophores of WOM with different salinities (S = 0, 10, 20 and 30) that were collected from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTP-A and WWTP-B). The results showed that exposure to sunlight for 5.3 × 10(5) J/m(2) caused significant decreases in UV254-absorbing WOM (45-59% loss) compared to gross dissolved organic carbon (<15% loss). An increase in salinity accelerated the overall photo-degradation rates of the UV254-absorbing chromophores from both WOM and natural DOM. In addition, irradiated WOM at a higher salinity had a larger molecular size than that at a lower salinity. However, natural DOM did not display such behavior. Parallel factor analysis of the excitation-emission matrix determined the presence of two humic-like components (C1 and C2) and two protein-like components (C3 and C4). All the components in WOM followed second-order kinetics, except for the C4 component in WWTP-A, which fit zero-order photoreaction kinetics. The photo-degradation of the C1 component in both WWTPs appeared to be independent of salinity; however, the photo-degradation rates of the C2 and C3 components in both WWTPs and C4 in WWTP-B increased significantly with increasing salinity. In comparison, the photo-degradation of the C1 component was significantly facilitated by increased salinity in natural DOM, fitting first-order photoreaction kinetics. As such, the current knowledge concerning the photo-degradation of naturally occurring DOM cannot be extrapolated for the understanding of WOM photo-degradation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Short communication: Eicosatrienoic acid and docosatrienoic acid do not promote vaccenic acid accumulation in mixed ruminal cultures.

PubMed

AbuGhazaleh, A A; Holmes, L D; Jacobson, B N; Kalscheur, K F

2006-11-01

Previous research found that docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3) was a component of fish oil that promotes trans-C18:1 accumulation in ruminal cultures when incubated with linoleic acid. The objective of this study was to determine if eicosatrienoic acid (C20:3n-3) and docosatrienoic acid (C22:3n-3), n-3 fatty acids in fish oil, promote accumulation of trans-C18:1, vaccenic acid (VA) in particular, using cultures of mixed ruminal microorganisms. Treatments consisted of control, control plus 5 mg of C20:3n-3 (ETA), control plus 5 mg of C22:3n-3 (DTA), control plus 15 mg of linoleic acid (LA), control plus 5 mg of C20:3n-3 and 15 mg of linoleic acid (ETALA), and control plus 5 mg of C22:3n-3 and 15 mg of linoleic acid (DTALA). Treatments were incubated in triplicate in 125-mL flasks, and 5 mL of culture contents was taken at 0 and 24 h for fatty acid analysis by gas-liquid chromatography. After 24 h of incubation, the concentrations of trans-C18:1 (0.87, 0.88, and 0.99 mg/culture), and VA (0.52, 0.56, and 0.62 mg/culture) were similar for the control, ETA, and DTA cultures, respectively. The concentrations of trans-C18:1 (5.51, 5.41, and 5.36 mg/culture), and VA (4.78, 4.62, and 4.59 mg/culture) were also similar between LA, ETALA, and DTALA cultures, respectively. These data suggest that C20:3n-3 and C22:3n-3 are not the active components in fish oil that promote VA accumulation when incubated with linoleic acid.

Implementation of Change (IC).

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-06-30

4- co C\\J t ) t r) - 1 )C CC :r E 4-’ c) C- co cn a, ko r- co0 :3 -~ a)~ -D V) 0:3 4-2 CAA-SR-80-5 4-5. SUMMARY. The above discussion suggests that...MTOE documents frequently cost the Army resources; e.g., changes to components of sets, kits and outfits ( SKO ). On the other hand, failure to implement...either retraineo tn recruited to meet the qudlification requiremient. F-13 CAA-SR- KO -5 a. Central Assignment Procedures System (CAP III). Personnel

[Resolving excitation emission matrix spectroscopy of estuarine CDOM with parallel factor analysis and its application in organic pollution monitoring].

PubMed

Guo, Wei-Dong; Huang, Jian-Ping; Hong, Hua-Sheng; Xu, Jing; Deng, Xun

2010-06-01

The distribution and estuarine behavior of fluorescent components of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) from Jiulong Estuary were determined by fluorescence excitation emission matrix spectroscopy (EEMs) combined with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). The feasibility of these components as tracers for organic pollution in estuarine environments was also evaluated. Four separate fluorescent components were identified by PARAFAC, including three humic-like components (C1: 240, 310/382 nm; C2: 230, 250, 340/422 nm; C4: 260, 390/482 nm) and one protein-like components (C3: 225, 275/342 nm). These results indicated that UV humic-like peak A area designated by traditional "peak-picking method" was not a single peak but actually a combination of several fluorescent components, and it also had inherent links to so-called marine humic-like peak M or terrestrial humic-like peak C. Component C2 which include peak M decreased with increase of salinity in Jiulong Estuary, demonstrating that peak M can not be thought as the specific indicator of the "marine" humic-like component. Two humic-like components C1 and C2 showed additional behavior in the turbidity maximum region (salinity < 6) and then conservative mixing behavior for the rest estuarine region, while humic-like components C4 showed conservative mixing behavior for the whole estuarine region. However, the protein-like component C3 showed nonconservative mixing behavior, suggesting it had autochthonous estuarine origin. EEMs-PARAFAC can provide fluorescent fingerprint to differentiate the DOM features for three tributaries of Jiulong River. The observed linear relationships between humic-like components and absorption coefficient a (280) with chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD5) suggest that the optical properties of CDOM may provide a fast in-situ way to monitor the variation of the degree of organic pollution in estuarine environments.

Study of fluorescence resonance energy transfer in zwitterionic micelle: ionic-liquid-induced changes in FRET parameters.

PubMed

Rao, Vishal Govind; Mandal, Sarthak; Ghosh, Surajit; Banerjee, Chiranjib; Sarkar, Nilmoni

2012-10-04

The fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) using Coumarin-153 (C-153) as the donor and Rhodamine 6G (R6G) as the acceptor is studied in an aqueous solution of N-hexadecyl-N,N-dimethylammonio-1-propanesulfonate (SB-16) micelles by steady-state and picosecond time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. We have determined the rate of FRET (k(FRET)) from the rise of the acceptor (R6G) emission. In the absence of donor (C-153), the acceptor (R6G) displays a single-exponential decay with average lifetime of 4.77 ns, whereas in presence of donor (C-153), the acceptor (R6G) exhibits a biexponential fluorescence transient having a distinct rise component of 0.94 ns and decay component of 5.16 ns. We have carried out a comparative study of changes in FRET parameters upon addition of three different ionic liquids (ILs), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate [C(2)mim][C(2)SO(4)], 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium n-butylsulfate [C(2)mim][C(4)SO(4)], and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium n-hexylsulfate [C(2)mim][C(6)SO(4)], where each ionic liquid bears the same cationic part and the anionic parts differ in the alkyl chain length only. It has been observed that with gradual addition of the ILs [C(2)mim][C(2)SO(4)], [C(2)mim][C(4)SO(4)], and [C(2)mim][C(6)SO(4)], the rise component gradually decreases and the rate of FRET (k(FRET)) gradually increases. The k(FRET) was found to be 1.06 × 10(9) s(-1) in 28 mM aqueous SB-16 micelles. With the addition of 100 mM [C(2)mim][C(2)SO(4)], the k(FRET) increases by a factor of 1.33 (1.41 × 10(9) s(-1)), whereas with the addition of 100 mM [C(2)mim][C(6)SO(4)] it increases by a factor of 3.25 (3.45 × 10(9) s(-1)). This rapid increase in k(FRET) in the case of [C(2)mim][C(6)SO(4)] can be explained by our earlier observation ( Rao, V. G.; Ghatak, C.; Ghosh, S.; Mandal, S.; Sarkar, N. J. Phys. Chem. B2012, 116, 3690-3698 ), where we have shown that with the addition of [C(2)mim][C(6)SO(4)], C-153 moves toward the outer surface of the micelle. This movement of C-153 causes reduction in donor-acceptor distance and enhancement in FRET rate (k(FRET)). This is well-supported by the reduced donor-acceptor distance (R(DA)) observed with the addition of [C(2)mim][C(6)SO(4)]. The R(DA) was found to be 29.1 Å in 28 mM aqueous SB-16 micelles. With the addition of 100 mM [C(2)mim][C(6)SO(4)], the R(DA) decreases to 24.8 Å. With further increase in the concentration of [C(2)mim][C(6)SO(4)], the R(DA) decreases, but the time constant for the rise of acceptor emission decreases to such an extent that we are unable to observe it by our instrumental setup.

Ultrafast Spectroscopy Reveals Electron-Transfer Cascade That Improves Hydrogen Evolution with Carbon Nitride Photocatalysts.

PubMed

Corp, Kathryn L; Schlenker, Cody W

2017-06-14

Solar hydrogen generation from water represents a compelling component of a future sustainable energy portfolio. Recently, chemically robust heptazine-based polymers known as graphitic carbon nitrides (g-C 3 N 4 ) have emerged as promising photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution using visible light while withstanding harsh chemical environments. However, since g-C 3 N 4 electron-transfer dynamics are poorly understood, rational design rules for improving activity remain unclear. Here, we use visible and near-infrared femtosecond transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy to reveal an electron-transfer cascade that correlates with a near-doubling in photocatalytic activity from 2050 to 3810 μmol h -1 g -1 when we infuse a suspension of bulk g-C 3 N 4 with 10% mass loading of chemically exfoliated carbon nitride. TA spectroscopy indicates that exfoliated carbon nitride quenches photogenerated electrons on g-C 3 N 4 at rates approaching the molecular diffusion limit. The TA signal for photogenerated electrons on g-C 3 N 4 decays with a time constant of 1/k e ' = 660 ps in the mixture versus 1/k e = 4.1 ns in g-C 3 N 4 alone. Our TA measurements suggest that the charge generation efficiency in g-C 3 N 4 is greater than 65%. Exfoliated carbon nitride, which liberates only trace hydrogen levels when photoexcited directly, does not appear to independently sustain appreciable long-lived charge generation. Thus, the activity enhancement in the two-component infusion evidently results from a cooperative effect in which charge is generated on g-C 3 N 4 , followed by electron transfer to exfoliated carbon nitride containing photocatalytic chain terminations. This correlation between electron transfer and photocatalytic activity provides new insight into structural modifications for controlling charge separation dynamics and activity of carbon-based photocatalysts.

Measuring and predicting Delta(vap)H298 values of ionic liquids.

PubMed

Deyko, Alexey; Lovelock, Kevin R J; Corfield, Jo-Anne; Taylor, Alasdair W; Gooden, Peter N; Villar-Garcia, Ignacio J; Licence, Peter; Jones, Robert G; Krasovskiy, Vladimir G; Chernikova, Elena A; Kustov, Leonid M

2009-10-14

We report the enthalpies of vaporisation (measured using temperature programmed desorption by mass spectrometry) of twelve ionic liquids (ILs), covering four imidazolium, [C(m)C(n)Im]+, five pyrrolidinium, [C(n)C(m)Pyrr]+, two pyridinium, [C(n)Py]+, and a dication, [C3(C1Im)2]2+ based IL. These cations were paired with a range of anions: [BF4]-, [FeCl4]-, [N(CN)2]-, [PF3(C2F5)3]- ([FAP]-), [(CF3SO2)2N]- ([Tf2N]-) and [SCN]-. Using these results, plus those for a further eight imidazolium based ILs published earlier (which include the anions [CF3SO3]- ([TfO]-), [PF6]- and [EtSO4]-), we show that the enthalpies of vaporisation can be decomposed into three components. The first component is the Coulombic interaction between the ions, DeltaU(Cou,R), which is a function of the IL molar volume, V(m), and a parameter R(r) which quantifies the relative change in anion-cation distance on evaporation from the liquid phase to the ion pair in the gas phase. The second and third components are the van der Waals contributions from the anion, DeltaH(vdw,A), and the cation, DeltaH(vdw,C). We derive a universal value for R(r), and individual values of DeltaH(vdw,A) and DeltaH(vdw,C) for each of the anions and cations considered in this study. Given the molar volume, it is possible to estimate the enthalpies of vaporisation of ILs composed of any combination of the ions considered here; values for fourteen ILs which have not yet been studied experimentally are given.

Phase Equilibria and Transport Properties in the Systems AgNO3/RCN/H2O. R = CH3, C2H5, C3H7, C4H,, C6H5, and C6H5CH2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Surjya P.; Wittekopf, Burghard; Weil, Konrad G.

1988-11-01

Silver nitrate can form homogeneous liquid phases with some organic nitriles and water, even when there is no miscibility between the pure liquid components. We determined the shapes of the single phase regions in the ternary phase diagram for the following systems: silver nitrate /RCN /H2O with R =CH3, C3H7, C6H5, and C6H5CH2 at room temperature and for R =C6H5 also at 60 °C and O °C. Furthermore we studied kinematic viscosities, electrical conductivities, and densities of mixtures containing silver nitrate, RCN, and water with the mole ratios X /4 /1 (0.2≦ X ≦S 3.4). In these cases also R = C2H5 and C4H9 were studied. The organic nitriles show different dependences of viscosity and conductivity on the silver nitrate content from the aliphatic ones.

Investigation of liquid wax components of Egyptian jojoba seeds.

PubMed

El-Mallah, Mohammed Hassan; El-Shami, Safinaz Mohammed

2009-01-01

Egyptian jojoba seeds newly cultivated in Ismailia desert in Egypt promoted us to determine its lipid components. Fatty alcohols, fatty acids, wax esters and sterols patterns were determined by capillary GLC whereas, tocopherols profile, isopropenoid alcohols and sterylglycosides were determined by HPLC. The Egyptian seeds are rich in wax esters (55 %) with fatty alcohols C20:1 and C22:1 as major components and amounted to 43.0 % and 45.6 % respectively followed by C24:1 and C18:1(9.6 % and 1.3 % respectively). The fatty acids profile showed that C20:1 is the major constituent (60 %) followed by C18:1 and C22:1 (14.5 and 11.8 % respectively) whereas C24:1 was present at low concentration amounted to 1.6 %. In addition, the Egyptian jojoba wax contained C18:2 fatty acid at a level of 8.7 %. Wax esters composition showed that the local wax had C42 and C40 esters as major components amounted to 51.1 and 30.1 % respectively. Also, it had C44 and C38 at reasonable amounts (10.0 and 6.3 % respectively). Whereas C36 and C46 were present at lower concentrations amounted to 1.4 and 1.1 respectively. The sterols analysis showed the presence of campe-, stigma-, beta-sito-, and isofuco- sterol amounting to 18.4 %, 6.9 %, 68.7 %, and 6.0 % respectively. The tocopherols pattern revealed that the local seed wax contained gamma-tocopherol as major constituent (79.2 %) followed by alpha-tocopherol (20.3 %). beta-tocopherol as well as delta-tocopherol were found as minor constituents. The isopropenoid alcohols and the sterylglycosides (free and acylated) were not detected. The wax is proposed to be used in oleo chemistry and cosmetics.

In silico analysis of decomposed reflectances of C3 and C4 plants aiming at the effective assessment of crop needs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baranoski, Gladimir V. G.; Van Leeuwen, Spencer; Chen, Tenn F.

2017-04-01

By separating the surface and subsurface components of foliar hyperspectral signatures using polarization optics, it is possible to enhance the remote discrimination of different plant species and optimize the assessment of different factors associated with their health status. These initiatives, in turn, can lead to higher crop yield and lower environmental impact. It is important to consider, however, that the main varieties of crops, represented by C3 (e.g., soy) and C4 (e.g., maize) plants, have markedly distinct morphological characteristics. Accordingly, the influence of these characteristics on their interactions with impinging light may affect the selection of optimal probe wavelengths for specific applications making use of combined hyperspectral and polarization measurements. In this paper, we compare the sensitivity of the total (including surface and subsurface components) and subsurface reflectance responses of C3 and C4 plants to different spectral and geometrical light incidence conditions. This investigation is supported by measured biophysical data and predictive light transport simulations. The results of our comparisons indicate that the total and subsurface reflectance responses of C3 and C4 plants depict well-defined patterns of sensitivity for varying illumination conditions. We believe that these patterns should be considered in the design of high-fidelity crop discrimination and monitoring procedures.

A physical map of the human regulator of complement activation gene cluster linking the complement genes CR1, CR2, DAF, and C4BP

PubMed Central

1988-01-01

We report the organization of the human genes encoding the complement components C4-binding protein (C4BP), C3b/C4b receptor (CR1), decay accelerating factor (DAF), and C3dg receptor (CR2) within the regulator of complement activation (RCA) gene cluster. Using pulsed field gel electrophoresis analysis these genes have been physically linked and aligned as CR1-CR2-DAF-C4BP in an 800-kb DNA segment. The very tight linkage between the CR1 and the C4BP loci, contrasted with the relative long DNA distance between these genes, suggests the existence of mechanisms interfering with recombination within the RCA gene cluster. PMID:2450163

Effect of interferon-gamma on complement gene expression in different cell types.

PubMed

Lappin, D F; Guc, D; Hill, A; McShane, T; Whaley, K

1992-01-15

We have studied the expression of the complement components C2, C3, factor B, C1 inhibitor (C1-inh), C4-binding protein (C4-bp) and factor H in human peripheral blood monocytes, skin fibroblasts, umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and the human hepatoma cell line G2 (Hep G2) in the absence and the presence of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). E.l.i.s.a. performed on culture fluids, run-on transcription assays, Northern blot and double-dilution dot-blot techniques confirmed that monocytes expressed all six components, whereas fibroblasts, HUVEC and HepG2 each expressed five of the six components. Fibroblasts and HUVEC did not synthesize C4-bp, and Hep G2 did not produce factor H. In addition to these differences, the synthesis rates of C3, C1-inh and factor H were not the same in all cell types. However, the synthesis rates of C2 and factor B were similar in all four cell types. The half-lives of the mRNAs were shorter in monocytes than in other cell types. Monocyte factor H mRNA had a half-life of 12 min in monocytes, compared with over 3 h in fibroblasts and HUVEC. The instability of factor H mRNA in monocytes may contribute to their low factor H secretion rate. IFN-gamma produced dose-dependent stimulation of C2, factor B, C1-inh, C4-bp and factor H synthesis by all cell types expressing these proteins, but decreased C3 synthesis in all four cell types. Cell-specific differences in the response to IFN-gamma were observed. The increased rates of transcription of the C1-inh and factor H genes in HUVEC were greater than in other cell types, while the increased rate of transcription of the C2, factor B and C1-inh genes in Hep G2 cells was less than in other cell types. IFN-gamma did not affect the stability of C3, factor H or C4 bp mRNAs, but increased the stability of factor B and C1-inh mRNAs and decreased the stability of C2 mRNA. Although these changes occurred in all four cell types studied, the half-life of C1-inh mRNA in monocytes was increased almost 4-fold, whereas the increases in the other cell types were less than 30%. These data show that the constitutive synthesis rates of complement components may vary in the different cell types. They also show that the degree of change in synthesis rates in response to IFN-gamma in each of the cell types often varies due to differences in transcriptional response, sometimes in association with changes in mRNA stability.

N(4)-Methyl-N(4)-(2-methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4,6-diamine-ethanol-hydrazine (1/0.865/0.135): hydrogen-bonded ribbons containing four independent ring types.

PubMed

Trilleras, Jorge; Quiroga, Jairo; Cobo, Justo; Glidewell, Christopher

2009-06-01

N(4)-Methyl-N(4)-(2-methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4,6-diamine crystallizes from ethanol as a mixed solvate, C(13)H(14)N(6).0.865C(2)H(6)O.0.135N(2)H(4), (I), where the hydrazine has been carried through from the initial preparation. Within the heterocyclic component, the 2-methylphenyl substituent is disordered over two sets of sites. There is an intramolecular C-H...pi(arene) hydrogen bond, which may control the molecular conformation of the heterocycle. The heterocyclic molecules are linked by two independent N-H...N hydrogen bonds in a chain containing two types of R(2)(2)(8) ring. The ethanol component is linked to this chain by a combination of O-H...N and N-H...O hydrogen bonds and the hydrazine component by two N-H...N hydrogen bonds, so generating two R(3)(3)(9) rings and thus forming a ribbon containing four distinct ring types.

Carbon/CuO nanosphere-anchored g-C3N4 nanosheets as ternary electrode material for supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vattikuti, S. V. Prabhakar; Reddy, B. Purusottam; Byon, Chan; Shim, Jaesool

2018-06-01

Novel electrode materials for supercapacitors comprised of carbon and copper oxide (CuO) nanospheres on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets, denoted as C/CuO@g-C3N4 are self-assembled via a one-step co-pyrolysis decomposition method. The pure g-C3N4 and C/CuO@g-C3N4 were confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), thermal gravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N2 adsorption/desorption studies and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The specific capacitance was 247.2 F g-1 in 0.5 M NaOH at a current density of 1 A g-1, and more than 92.1% of the capacitance was retained after 6000 cycles. The property enhancement was ascribed to the synergistic effects of the three components in the composite. These results suggest that C/CuO@g-C3N4 possessed an excellent cyclic stability with respect to their capacity performance as electrode materials.

2,4,6-Tri-amino-1,3,5-triazin-1-ium 3-(prop-2-eno-yloxy)propano-ate acrylic acid monosolvate monohydrate.

PubMed

Sangeetha, V; Kanagathara, N; Chakkaravarthi, G; Marchewka, M K; Anbalagan, G

2013-05-01

The asymmetric unit of the title salt, C3H7N6 (+)·C6H7O4 (-)·C3H4O2·H2O, contains a 2,4,6-tri-amino-1,3,5-triazin-1-ium cation, a 3-(prop-2-eno-yloxy)propano-ate anion and acrylic acid and water solvent mol-ecules in a 1:1:1:1 ratio and with each species in a general position. In the crystal, the components are linked into a supra-molecular layer in the bc plane via a combination of O-H⋯O, N-H⋯N and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonding. The crystal studied was a non-merohedral twin, the minor component contribution being approximately 26%.

A Tracking Study Regarding Issues Related to Recruitment of Enlisted Personnel for the Reserve Components. Wave I. Fall 1978. Volume 2.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-05-01

with a positive propensity to enlist. 6 P STRISU TION, AVAILABILITY OF ABSTRACT 21 Af T ef& Uf T CLASSIFICATION TJUNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED 0 SAME AS RPT...8217, C’ C’ CO C- C S CU’ r-I C M (n (3)4-1 9 1 4-2 ) rIIo4LO 1 UIU 00 SD M Ir5 C a) 4-0 0 4- 4$m4~~ Eu~ a a) Czt 8r ~Q(~)+ ~ ~ 0~ x Cr-a) Cd -) 4-) >a

Insights from fumarole gas geochemistry on the origin of hydrothermal fluids on the Yellowstone Plateau

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chiodini, Giovanni; Caliro, Stefano; Lowenstern, Jacob B.; Evans, William C.; Bergfeld, D.; Tassi, Franco; Tedesco, Dario

2012-01-01

The chemistry of Yellowstone fumarole gases shows the existence of two component waters, type MC, influenced by the addition of deep mantle fluid, and type CC, influenced by crustal interactions (CC). MC is high in 3He/4He (22 Ra) and low in 4He/40Ar (~1), reflecting input of deep mantle components. The other water is characterized by 4He concentrations 3-4 orders of magnitude higher than air-saturated meteoric water (ASW). These high He concentrations originate through circulation in Pleistocene volcanic rocks, as well as outgassing of Tertiary and older (including Archean) basement, some of which could be particularly rich in uranium, a major 4He source. Consideration of CO2-CH4-CO-H2O-H2 gas equilibrium reactions indicates equilibration temperatures from 170 °C to 310 °C. The estimated temperatures highly correlate with noble-gas variations, suggesting that the two waters differ in temperature. Type CC is ~170 °C whereas the MC is hotter, at 340 °C. This result is similar to models proposed by previous studies of thermal water chemistry. However, instead of mixing the deep hot component simply with cold, meteoric waters we argue that addition of a 4He-rich component, equilibrated at temperatures around 170 °C, is necessary to explain the range in fumarole gas chemistry.

Nationwide Survey of Soldier Perceptions of Reserve Component (RC) training

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-09-01

University Drive ELEMENT NO. NO. NO. ACCESSION NO. Boise_ TD 8A372 63007A 795 3308(516) X2 11. TITLE (Include Security Classification) Nationwide Survey...2.277) would not only be 22 0) N’ - w Cq If) ~ 4I CD IfO LC) Vf)r- V- co tf)- wc~)) u-, v ’ 0 0O tD 1-’- 4 C0 f 𔃾ICD Cy) C C -Il T-4 InOIoOD 0 - O...8217 wo LO) co C C -4 C’) -q w ) Co co) C’. i Cc.3 C2 C C) C’) C\\J C’) C’) C’) C’) C’) Co) t o C o CD co -4 C’) tD 1-4 C𔃽 S vi CD 0) lw El - 0) 14 co 0

C3-C4 Intermediate Species in Alternanthera (Amaranthaceae) 1

PubMed Central

Rajendrudu, Gedupudi; Prasad, Jasty S. R.; Das, V. S. Rama

1986-01-01

Two naturally occurring species of the genus Alternanthera, namely A. ficoides and A. tenella, were identified as C3-C4 intermediates based on leaf anatomy, photosynthetic CO2 compensation point (Γ), O2 response of г, light intensity response of г, and the activities of key enzymes of photosynthesis. A. ficoides and A. tenella exhibited a less distinct Kranz-like leaf anatomy with substantial accumulation of starch both in mesophyll and bundle sheath cells. Photosynthetic CO2 compensation points of these two intermediate species at 29°C were much lower than in C3 plants and ranged from 18 to 22 microliters per liter. Although A. ficoides and A. tenella exhibited similar intermediacy in г, the apparent photorespiratory component of O2 inhibition in A. ficoides is lower than in A. tenella. The г progressively decreases from 35 microliters per liter at lowest light intensity to 18 microliters per liter at highest light intensity in A. tenella. It was, however, constant in A. ficoides at 20 to 25 microliters per liter between light intensities measured. The rates of net photosynthesis at 21% O2 and 29°C by A. ficoides and A. tenella were 25 to 28 milligrams CO2 per square decimeter per hour which are intermediate between values obtained for Tridax procumbens and A. pungens, C3 and C4 species, respectively. The activities of key enzymes of C4 photosynthesis, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, pyruvate Pi dikinase, NAD malic enzyme, NADP malic enzyme and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in the two intermediates, A. ficoides and A. tenella are very low or insignificant. Results indicated that the relatively low apparent photorespiratory component in these two species is presumably the basis for the C3-C4 intermediate photosynthesis. Images Fig. 2 PMID:16664634

Genetic engineering of Streptomyces bingchenggensis to produce milbemycins A3/A4 as main components and eliminate the biosynthesis of nanchangmycin.

PubMed

Zhang, Ji; An, Jing; Wang, Ji-Jia; Yan, Yi-Jun; He, Hai-Rong; Wang, Xiang-Jing; Xiang, Wen-Sheng

2013-12-01

Milbemycins A3/A4 are important 16-membered macrolides which have been commercialized and widely used as pesticide and veterinary medicine. However, similar to other milbemycin producers, the production of milbemycins A3/A4 in Streptomyces bingchenggensis is usually accompanied with undesired by-products such as C5-O - methylmilbemycins B2/B3 (α-class) and β1/β2 (β-class) together with nanchangmycin. In order to obtain high yield milbemycins A3/A4-producing strains that produce milbemycins A3/A4 as main components, milD, a putative C5-O-methyltransferase gene of S. bingchenggensis , was biofunctionally investigated by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli . Enzymatic analysis indicated that MilD can catalyze both α-class (A3/A4) and β-class milbemycins (β11) into C5-O-methylmilbemycins B2/B3 and β1, respectively, suggesting little effect of furan ring formed between C6 and C8a on the C5-O-methylation catalyzed by MilD. Deletion of milD gene resulted in the elimination of C5-Omethylmilbemycins B2/B3 and β1/β2 together with an increased yield of milbemycins A3/A4 in disruption strain BCJ13. Further disruption of the gene nanLD encoding loading module of polyketide synthase responsible for the biosynthesis of nanchangmycin led to strain BCJ36 that abolished the production of nanchangmycin. Importantly, mutant strain BCJ36 (ΔmilDΔnanLD) produced milbemycins A3/A4 as main secondary metabolites with a yield of 2312 ± 47 μg/ml, which was approximately 74 % higher than that of the initial strain S. bingchenggensis BC-109-6 (1326 ± 37 μg/ml).

A Co3O4-CDots-C3N4 three component electrocatalyst design concept for efficient and tunable CO2 reduction to syngas.

PubMed

Guo, Sijie; Zhao, Siqi; Wu, Xiuqin; Li, Hao; Zhou, Yunjie; Zhu, Cheng; Yang, Nianjun; Jiang, Xin; Gao, Jin; Bai, Liang; Liu, Yang; Lifshitz, Yeshayahu; Lee, Shuit-Tong; Kang, Zhenhui

2017-11-28

Syngas, a CO and H 2 mixture mostly generated from non-renewable fossil fuels, is an essential feedstock for production of liquid fuels. Electrochemical reduction of CO 2 and H + /H 2 O is an alternative renewable route to produce syngas. Here we introduce the concept of coupling a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst with a CDots/C 3 N 4 composite (a CO 2 reduction catalyst) to achieve a cheap, stable, selective and efficient route for tunable syngas production. Co 3 O 4 , MoS 2 , Au and Pt serve as the HER component. The Co 3 O 4 -CDots-C 3 N 4 electrocatalyst is found to be the most efficient among the combinations studied. The H 2 /CO ratio of the produced syngas is tunable from 0.07:1 to 4:1 by controlling the potential. This catalyst is highly stable for syngas generation (over 100 h) with no other products besides CO and H 2 . Insight into the mechanisms balancing between CO 2 reduction and H 2 evolution when applying the HER-CDots-C 3 N 4 catalyst concept is provided.

Stable isotopic and molecular compositions of void and hydrate-bound gases in typical seismic chimney setting of the Ulleung Basin, East Sea, Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chun, J.; Lee, J.; Kim, J.; Bahk, J.; Ryu, B.

2009-12-01

Two UBGH cores were collected at vertical seismic chimney setting in the deep-water (> 2,000 m) Ulleung Basin, East Sea during UBGH-Expedition-01 in 2007. Gas hydrates were recovered from UBGH-10 and UBGH-09 sites with different occurrences associated with seismic chimney blanking zone. Site UBGH-10 is characterized by a small mound as well as a near-surface structure, indicated by a seafloor extension of vertical seismic chimney. Site UBGH-09 consists of acoustic blanking in the shallow section and seismic chimney in the deep section. Highly GH-concentrated zones have been found in vertical seismic chimney interval at these two sites from the Ulleung Basin. Methane is the dominant component of void gases with traces of C2 and C3 at UBGH-09. No C4 hydrocarbon gases were determined. The C1/C2+C3 ratio range from 3222 to 31654. The stable carbon (δ13C) and hydrogen (δD) isotope values of CH4 range from -71.8‰ to -59.8‰ PDB and -203.6‰ to -185.6 ‰ SMOW, respectivley. Methane is the main component of void gases at UBGH-10. The C1/C2+C3 ratio range from 657 to 7968. The δ13C of CH4 varies from -67.7‰ to -60.6‰ PDB, and δD of CH4 ranges from -201.9‰ to -183.3 ‰ SMOW. Isotopic properties of void gases from the two sites suggest that CH4 is largely microbial with CO2 reduction environment. In the vertical seismic chimney interval, void gases have low C1/C2+C3 ratio (> 10,000). At shallow depth (0-67 mbsf) in UBGH-09 contain relatively high C1/C2+C3 ratio (11115 to 31654). The stable carbon and hydrogen isotope values of hydrate-bound gases range from -63.1‰ to 61.9‰ PDB and -200.2‰ to -191.4‰ SMOW, respectively. The C1/C2+C3 ratio range from 979 to 5085. The molecular and stable isotopic compositions of hydrate-bound gases suggest that CH4 is largely microbial with CO2 reduction.

Pyrogenic carbon from tropical savanna burning: production and stable isotope composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saiz, G.; Wynn, J. G.; Wurster, C. M.; Goodrick, I.; Nelson, P. N.; Bird, M. I.

2015-03-01

Widespread burning of mixed tree-grass ecosystems represents the major natural locus of pyrogenic carbon (PyC) production. PyC is a significant, pervasive and yet poorly understood "slow-cycling" form of carbon present in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, soils and sediments. We conducted 16 experimental burns on a rainfall transect through northern Australian savannas with C4 grasses ranging from 35 to 99% of total biomass. Residues from each fire were partitioned into PyC and further into recalcitrant (HyPyC) components, with each of these fluxes also partitioned into proximal components (>125 μm), likely to remain close to the site of burning, and distal components (<125 μm), likely to be transported from the site of burning. The median (range) PyC production across all burns was 16.0 (11.5) % of total carbon exposed (TCE), with HyPyC accounting for 2.5 (4.9) % of TCE. Both PyC and HyPyC were dominantly partitioned into the proximal flux. Production of HyPyC was strongly related to fire residence time, with shorter duration fires resulting in higher HyPyC yields. The carbon isotope (δ13C) compositions of PyC and HyPyC were generally lower by 1-3‰ relative to the original biomass, with marked depletion up to 7‰ for grasslands dominated by C4 biomass. δ13C values of CO2 produced by combustion were computed by mass balance and ranged from ~0.4 to 1.3‰. The depletion of 13C in PyC and HyPyC relative to the original biomass has significant implications for the interpretation of δ13C values of savanna soil organic carbon and of ancient PyC preserved in the geologic record, as well as for global 13C isotopic disequilibria calculations.

Resolving the variability of CDOM fluorescence to differentiate the sources and fate of DOM in Lake Taihu and its tributaries.

PubMed

Yao, Xin; Zhang, Yunlin; Zhu, Guangwei; Qin, Boqiang; Feng, Longqing; Cai, Linlin; Gao, Guang

2011-01-01

Taihu Basin is the most developed area in China, which economic development has resulted in pollutants being produced and discharged into rivers and the lake. Lake Taihu is located in the center of the basin, which is characterized by a complex network of rivers and channels. To assess the sources and fate of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in surface waters, we determined the components and abundance of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) within Lake Taihu and 66 of its tributaries, and 22 sites along transects from two main rivers. In Lake Taihu, there was a relative less spatial variation in CDOM absorption a(CDOM)(355) with a mean of 2.46 ± 0.69 m⁻¹ compared to the mean of 3.36 ± 1.77 m⁻¹ in the rivers. Two autochthonous tryptophan-like components (C1 and C5), two humic-like components (C2 and C3), and one autochthonous tyrosine-like component (C4) were identified using the parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) model. The C2 and C3 had a direct relationship with a(CDOM)(355), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and chemical oxygen demand (COD). The separation of lake samples from river samples, on both axes of the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), showed the difference in DOM fluorophores between these various environments. Components C1 and C5 concurrently showed positive factor 1 loadings, while C4 was close to the negative factor 1 axis. Components C2 and C3 showed positive second factor loadings. The major contribution of autochthonous tryptophan-like components to lake samples is due to the autochthonous production of CDOM in the lake ecosystems. The results also showed that the differences in geology and associated land use control CDOM dynamics, such as the high levels of CDOM with terrestrial characteristics in the northwestern upstream rivers and low levels of CDOM with increased microbial characteristics in the southwestern upstream rivers. Most of river samples from the downstream regions in the eastern and southeastern plains had a similar relative abundance of humic-like fluorescence, with less of the tryptophan-like and more of the tyrosine-like contributions than did samples from upstream regions. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Promotion of Cyclic Electron Transport Around Photosystem I with the Development of C4 Photosynthesis.

PubMed

Munekage, Yuri Nakajima; Taniguchi, Yukimi Y

2016-05-01

C4 photosynthesis is present in approximately 7,500 species classified into 19 families, including monocots and eudicots. In the majority of documented cases, a two-celled CO2-concentrating system that uses a metabolic cycle of four-carbon compounds is employed. C4 photosynthesis repeatedly evolved from C3 photosynthesis, possibly driven by the survival advantages it bestows in the hot, often dry, and nutrient-poor soils of the tropics and subtropics. The development of the C4 metabolic cycle greatly increased the ATP demand in chloroplasts during the evolution of malic enzyme-type C4 photosynthesis, and the additional ATP required for C4 metabolism may be produced by the cyclic electron transport around PSI. Recent studies have revealed the nature of cyclic electron transport and the elevation of its components during C4 evolution. In this review, we discuss the energy requirements of C3 and C4 photosynthesis, the current model of cyclic electron transport around PSI and how cyclic electron transport is promoted during C4 evolution using studies on the genus Flaveria, which contains a number of closely related C3, C4 and C3-C4 intermediate species. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

[Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy of CDOM from Yundang Lagoon and its indication for organic pollution].

PubMed

Zhuo, Jian-Fu; Guo, Wei-Dong; Deng, Xun; Zhang, Zhi-Ying; Xu, Jing; Huang, Ling-Feng

2010-06-01

Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy (EEMs) combined with absorption spectroscopy were applied to study the optical properties of CDOM samples from highly-polluted Yundang Lagoon in Xiamen in order to demonstrate the feasibility of using these spectral properties as a tracer of the degree of organic pollution in similar polluted coastal waters. Surface water samples were collected from 13 stations 4 times during April and May, 2008. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) model was used to resolve the EEMs of CDOM. Five separate fluorescent components were identified, including two humic-like components (C1: 240, 325/422 nm; C5: 260, 380/474 nm), two protein-like components (C2: 225, 275/350 nm; C4: 240, 300/354 nm) and one xenobiotic-like component (C3: 225/342 nm), which could be used as a good tracer for the input of the anthropogenic organic, pollutants. The concentrations of component C3 and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) are much higher near the inlet of sewage discharge, demonstrating that the discharge of surrounding sewage is a major source of organic pollutants in Yundang Lagoon. CDOM absorption coefficient alpha (280) and the score of humic-like component C1 showed significant linear relationships with COD(Mn), and a strong positive correlation was also found between the score of protein-like component C2 and BOD5. This suggested that the optical properties of CDOM may provide a fast in-situ way to monitor the variation of the water quality in Yundang Lagoon and that of similar polluted coastal waters.

Green, unexpected synthesis of bis-coumarin derivatives as potent anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agents.

PubMed

Chougala, Bahubali M; Samundeeswari, S; Holiyachi, Megharaja; Naik, Nirmala S; Shastri, Lokesh A; Dodamani, Suneel; Jalalpure, Sunil; Dixit, Sheshagiri R; Joshi, Shrinivas D; Sunagar, Vinay A

2018-01-01

A green and efficient protocol has been developed and a series of coumarin based pyrano[3,2-c]chromene derivatives (2) have been synthesized using multi-component reaction (MCR) approach. Unexpected 3-coumarinyl-3-pyrazolylpropanoic acids (3) and C 4 -C 4 chromenes (5) have been isolated instead of expected product 4 by the reaction of compound (2) in formic acid at 90 °C for about 4-5 h and at 130 °C for about 8-10 h respectively. Further, C 4 -C 4 chromenes (5) formation was confirmed by intramolecular cyclization of compounds (3). These compounds were screened for their biological activities and most of them exhibited promising antibacterial activity. The anti-inflammatory assay was evaluated against HRBC membrane stabilization method and the compounds exhibit excellent anti-inflammatory activity. Molecular docking study has been performed for all the synthesized compounds with Klebsiella pneumoni aeacetolactate synthase and results obtained are quite promising. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Microscale Variations in the 13C Content of the Murchison Meteorite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanek, C.; Gibson, E.; Socki, R.; Burkett, P. J.

1993-07-01

Heretofore unresolved micrometer-scale carbon isotopic zonation in the Murchison meteorite (CM3) is documented using a laser microprobe mass spectrometer. High-resolution isotopic gradients and heterogeneities between high- and low-temperature textural components help to constrain the processes that have shaped the physiochemical character of this carbonaceous chondrite. Previous bulk samples of Murchison yield an average delta ^13C value of - 5.7 +/- 4.3 per mil [1] while individual components such as micrometer-sized mineral separates (e.g., C(sub)graphite , C(sub)diamond, and SiC), acid- soluble extracts (e.g., CaCO3 and polar hydrocarbons), and insoluble residues (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) are isotopically diverse (delta ^13C of -1000 to 29,000 per mil). While these studies shed light on the origin and occurrence of C-bearing phases, they fail to constrain intrinsic spatial isotopic heterogeneities. The power of the laser microprobe lies in the fact that in situ chemical and isotopic compositions are measured simultaneously for volatiles extracted from extremely small sample volumes (i.e., 0.025 mm^3 for 5 wt% C). Nd-YAG laser irradiation (1.06 micrometers) is directed onto texturally defined targets (>=50 micrometers wide) from which solid material is volatilized. Condensible gaseous phases are collected in a variable-temperature cold trap while the more volatile species (CH4 and CO) are quantified using an ion trap mass spectrometer. All gases are then converted to CO2 in a CuO furnace (containing Pt) held at 600 degrees C and analyzed for carbon and oxygen isotope ratios. The concentration and isotopic composition of condensed species are determined by stepped sublimation of unstable components and conversion to CO2. Preliminary isotopic analyses of the total volatile C content (i.e., bulk microanalysis) from distinct textural components at least 0.05 mm^3 in volume are described below. The most ^13C-depleted components within Murchison reside within the cores of chondrules and/or aggregates. Three typical cores were analyzed, with an average bulk composition of -21.0 +/- 0.5 per mil (n = 7). The bulk ^13C content of C-bearing phases increases monotonically outward in all directions within 100 to 200 micrometers of each core (i.e., within dust mantles) to a constant matrix value of -12.5 +/- 0.5 per mil (n = 40). The most isotopically enriched textural component found in Murchison is a regolith breccia clast without chondrules that has an average bulk delta ^13C value of -10 +/-0.5 per mil (n = 5). The clast was originally detectable only under cathodoluminescence, but with the aid of the laser microprobe it is now characterized by an unusually low volatile content and enriched ^13C composition. In general, the most isotopically enriched components also produce the lowest yield of gas (normalized to sampling volume). This trend of isotopic enrichment from chondrule to matrix has been documented previously for oxygen isotopes in carbonaceous chondrites [2]. Carbon isotopic gradients and heterogeneities within Murchison reflect fundamental changes in the chemical speciation and/or isotopic content of the main C-bearing components (i.e., acid-soluble and insoluble hydrocarbon fractions) within the meteorite. Perhaps core interiors and dust mantles are responding to environmental changes reflected in the speciation of C-bearing species distributed within the solar nebula or the parent body. Inverse correlations between hydrocarbon atomic mass number and ^13C abundance in the acid-soluble [3] and insoluble residues [4] of Murchison have been documented. Alternatively, micrometer-scale isotopic gradients may reflect fundamental changes in the isotopic composition of individual C-bearing species through time. Enrichments may represent kinetically controlled processes related to hydrocarbon formation. In contrast, assuming an equilibrium fractionation mechanism, isotopic enrichments may record a temperature-dependent component to hydrocarbon delta ^13C values. These opposing alternatives will be discussed in light of the isotopic composition of individual C-bearing components volatilized from tightly constrained sample volumes within Murchison. References: [1] Kerridge J. F. (1985) GCA, 49, 1707-1714. [2] Clayton R. N. and Mayeda T. K. (1984) EPSL, 67, 151-161. [3] Yuen G. et al. (1984) Nature, 307, 254. [4] Gilmour I. et al. (1991) Meteoritics, 26, 337-338.

Optimizing the dual elemental thermal reactive deposition time in carbide layer formation on SUJ2 tool steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mochtar, Myrna Ariati; Putra, Wahyuaji Narottama; Mahardika, Bayu

2018-05-01

This paper presents developments contributing to the improvement of thermo-reactive deposition (TRD) process in producing hard carbide layers, on automotive components application. The problem in using FeV powder as a coating material that has been applied in the industries is it is high cost. In this study, FeCr powder coating material was mixed into FeV powder with a ratio of 35:65 weight percent. The SUJ2 steel pins components are processed at 980° C, with varying TRD time was 4,6,8 and 10 hours. Scanning Electron microscope (SEM), Electron Probe Micro Analyzer (EPMA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were applied to analyze the coating layers. The thickness of the carbide layer formed will increase with the longer processing time, which thickness at 4-10 hours is increase from 22.7 to 29.7 micron. The gained thickness tends to be homogeneous. Increasing the TRD process holding time results in a higher hardness of the carbide layerwith hardness at 4, 6, 8 and 10 hours is 2049, 2184, 2175 and 2343 HV. The wear rate at TRD holding time of 4-10 hours with the Ogoshi method was reduced from 5.1 × 10-4 mm3/m to 2.5 × 10-4 mm3/m. Optical microscope observations shows that substrate phases consisting of pearlite and cementite and grains that tend to enlarge with the addition of time. Carbide compounds that are formed are vanadium carbide (V8C7, V6C5, V2C) and chromium carbide (Cr3C2, Cr23C7, Cr3C7). While EDS-Linescan results show complex phase (Fe, V, Cr) xC formed. The research shows that addition of FeCr into FeV powder in TRD process in 980°C with optimum time of 10 hours processing meet the mechanical properties requirement of automotive components.

Infrared spectra of the ammonium ion in ammonium metavanadate NH 4VO 3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Waal, D.; Heyns, A. M.; Range, K.-J.; Eglmeier, C.

The ND stretching modes of isotopically dilute NH 3D + ions in NH 4VO 3 are in agreement with the predicted splitting into C s, C s and C1(2) components under C s site symmetry for the NH +4 ion. The three bands observed represent the three NH bonding distances in the crystal, and the position, shape and low temperature behaviour of each band confirms the existence of two types of hydrogen bonding in NH 4VO 3. The low temperature infrared modes of NH +4 and ND +4 in NH 4VO 3 and ND 4VO 3, respectively, can be assigned under space group Pbcm. Temperature dependence of these modes also reflects the presence of both normal and bifurcated hydrogen bonds in NH 4VO 3.

2,4,6-Tri­amino-1,3,5-triazin-1-ium 3-(prop-2-eno­yloxy)propano­ate acrylic acid monosolvate monohydrate

PubMed Central

Sangeetha, V.; Kanagathara, N.; Chakkaravarthi, G.; Marchewka, M. K.; Anbalagan, G.

2013-01-01

The asymmetric unit of the title salt, C3H7N6 +·C6H7O4 −·C3H4O2·H2O, contains a 2,4,6-tri­amino-1,3,5-triazin-1-ium cation, a 3-(prop-2-eno­yloxy)propano­ate anion and acrylic acid and water solvent mol­ecules in a 1:1:1:1 ratio and with each species in a general position. In the crystal, the components are linked into a supra­molecular layer in the bc plane via a combination of O—H⋯O, N—H⋯N and N—H⋯O hydrogen bonding. The crystal studied was a non-merohedral twin, the minor component contribution being approximately 26%. PMID:23723892

Imaging Radar Studies of Atmospheric Winds and Waves

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-02

3*ZAWindow - ZASpread(dir) do 10004 ant - 1,3 0 C "c Test #1: Reject this Doppler frequency if both quadrature "c components are too small on any...dipole) - pd23(dir,dipole) - 2*pi If (pd23(dir,dipole) .At. -pi) 1 pd23(dir,dipole) - pd23(dir,dipole) + 2*pi c "c Tests #2,3,6,&7: The two zenith...thetal+theta2)/2 10098 continue c "c Tests #4 and #8: Both dipoles have separately determined zenith "c angles for one direction. Do these two values

Semiochemical-mediated flight responses of sap beetle vectors of oak wilt, Ceratocystis fagacearum.

PubMed

Kyhl, John F; Bartelt, Robert J; Cossé, Allard; Juzwik, Jennifer; Seybold, Steven J

2002-08-01

The sap beetle, Colopterus truncatus (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), is one of the primary vectors of the oak wilt pathogen, Ceratocystis fagacearum, in the north-central United States. Field behavioral assays utilizing various release rates and blends of three methyl-branched hydrocarbon aggregation pheromone components showed that flight responses of this beetle were similar in Illinois and Minnesota populations. In both locations, both sexes of the beetle responded synergistically to a combination of the three-component pheromone and fermenting whole-wheat bread dough. Further, Colopterus truncatus preferred a high release rate over a low release rate of the three-component blend. In both locations, the response of C. truncatus to a simplified version of the pheromone consisting of (2E,4E,6E)-3,5-dimethyl-2,4,6-octatriene (1) and (2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,5,7-trimethyl-2,4,6,8-decatetraene (3) was not significantly different from the response to the three-component blend. An experiment in Illinois with all possible combinations of the components demonstrated that the decatetraene (3) was the crucial component in the blend; of all treatments, the maximal response was elicited by 3 + dough. Chipped bark, phloem, and xylem from northern pin oak, Quercus ellipsoidalis, was not attractive to C. truncatus in Minnesota. During a weekly survey over two seasons in Minnesota, C. truncatus flew in response to the three-component pheromone between early April and early July, with the maximum responses coming on May 4, 2000 and April 20, 2001. During both years, more than 98% of the beetles were trapped between April 14 and June 1. During the same survey, Glischrochilus spp. (Nitiduildae) flew during longer periods of the summer, particularly in 2001. The sex ratio of C. truncatus responding during all experiments was female-biased (1.8:1, female-male), which is characteristic of other male-produced coleopteran aggregation pheromones. Other sap beetles that play a minor role in the pathobiology of C. fagacearum also responded in experiments conducted in Minnesota. Carpophilus brachypterus Say was cross-attracted to the two- and three-component blends of the C. truncatus pheromone and dough, whereas two Glischrochilus spp. were attracted to all treatments that contained dough.

Reactive oxygen species and redox regulation in mesophyll and bundle sheath cells of C4 plants.

PubMed

Turkan, Ismail; Uzilday, Baris; Dietz, Karl-Josef; Bräutigam, Andrea; Ozgur, Rengin

2018-02-26

Redox regulation, antioxidant defence and ROS signalling are critical in realizing and tuning metabolic activities. However, our concepts were mostly developed for C3 plants since Arabidopsis thaliana is major model. Efforts to convert C3 plants to C4 plants to increase yield (see C4 rice; c4rice.irri.org/) entails better understanding of these processes in C4 plants. Various photosynthetic enzymes that take part in light reactions and carbon reactions are regulated via redox components such as thioredoxins as redox transmitters and peroxiredoxins. Due to this, understanding redox regulation in mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts of C4 plants is of paramount importance. It appears impossible to utilize efficient C4 photosynthesis without understanding its exact redox needs and regulation mechanisms used during light reactions. In this review we will discuss available knowledge on redox regulation in C3 and C4 plants with special emphasis on mesophyll and bundle sheath differences in C4. In these two cell types of C4 plants, linear and cyclic electron transport in chloroplasts operate differentially when compared to C3 chloroplasts, changing the redox needs of the cell. Therefore, the focus is given to photosynthetic light reactions, ROS production dynamics, antioxidant defence and thiol based redox regulation with the aim to draw a picture of current knowledge.

Transcriptome comparisons shed light on the pre-condition and potential barrier for C4 photosynthesis evolution in eudicots.

PubMed

Tao, Yimin; Lyu, Ming-Ju Amy; Zhu, Xin-Guang

2016-05-01

C4 photosynthesis evolved independently from C3 photosynthesis in more than 60 lineages. Most of the C4 lineages are clustered together in the order Poales and the order Caryophyllales while many other angiosperm orders do not have C4 species, suggesting the existence of biological pre-conditions in the ancestral C3 species that facilitate the evolution of C4 photosynthesis in these lineages. To explore pre-adaptations for C4 photosynthesis evolution, we classified C4 lineages into the C4-poor and the C4-rich groups based on the percentage of C4 species in different genera and conducted a comprehensive comparison on the transcriptomic changes between the non-C4 species from the C4-poor and the C4-rich groups. Results show that species in the C4-rich group showed higher expression of genes related to oxidoreductase activity, light reaction components, terpene synthesis, secondary cell synthesis, C4 cycle related genes and genes related to nucleotide metabolism and senescence. In contrast, C4-poor group showed up-regulation of a PEP/Pi translocator, genes related to signaling pathway, stress response, defense response and plant hormone metabolism (ethylene and brassinosteroid). The implications of these transcriptomic differences between the C4-rich and C4-poor groups to C4 evolution are discussed.

Evasion of Complement-Mediated Lysis and Complement C3 Deposition Are Regulated by Francisella tularensis Lipopolysaccharide O Antigen1

PubMed Central

Clay, Corey D.; Soni, Shilpa; Gunn, John S.; Schlesinger, Larry S.

2009-01-01

The bacterium Francisella tularensis (Ft) is a potential weapon of bioterrorism when aerosolized. Macrophage infection is necessary for disease progression and efficient phagocytosis by human macrophages requires serum opsonization by complement. Microbial complement activation leads to surface deposition of a highly regulated protein complex resulting in opsonization or membrane lysis. The nature of complement component C3 deposition, i.e., C3b (opsonization and lysis) or C3bi (opsonization only) fragment deposition, is central to the outcome of activation. In this study, we examine the mechanisms of Ft resistance to complement-mediated lysis, C3 component deposition on the Ft surface, and complement activation. Upon incubation in fresh nonimmune human serum, Schu S4 (Ft subsp. tularensis), Fn (Ft subsp. novicida), and LVS (Ft subsp. holarctica live vaccine strain) were resistant to complement-mediated lysis, but LVSG and LVSR (LVS strains altered in surface carbohydrate structures) were susceptible. C3 deposition, however, occurred on all strains. Complement-susceptible strains had markedly increased C3 fragment deposition, including the persistent presence of C3b compared with C3bi, which indicates that C3b inactivation results in survival of complement-resistant strains. C1q, an essential component of the classical activation pathway, was necessary for lysis of complement-susceptible strains and optimal C3 deposition on all strains. Finally, use of Francisella LPS mutants confirmed O Ag as a major regulator of complement resistance. These data provide evidence that pathogenic Francisella activate complement, but are resistant to complement-mediated lysis in part due to limited C3 deposition, rapid conversion of surface-bound C3b to C3bi, and the presence of LPS O Ag. PMID:18832715

C4 expansion in the central Inner Mongolia during the latest Miocene and early Pliocene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chunfu; Wang, Yang; Deng, Tao; Wang, Xiaoming; Biasatti, Dana; Xu, Yingfeng; Li, Qiang

2009-10-01

The emergence of C4 photosynthesis in plants as a significant component of terrestrial ecosystems is thought to be an adaptive response to changes in atmospheric CO 2 concentration and/or climate during Neogene times and has had a profound effect on the global terrestrial biosphere. Although expansion of C4 grasses in the latest Miocene and Pliocene has been widely documented around the world, the spatial and temporal variations in the C4 expansion are still not well understood and its driving mechanisms remain a contentious issue. Here we present the results of carbon and oxygen isotope analyses of fossil and modern mammalian tooth enamel samples from the central Inner Mongolia. Our samples represent a diverse group of herbivorous mammals including deer, elephants, rhinos, horses and giraffes, ranging in age from the late Oligocene to modern. The δ13C values of 91 tooth enamel samples of early late-Miocene age or older, with the exception of two 13 Ma rhino samples (- 7.8 and - 7.6‰) and one 8.5 Ma suspected rhino sample (- 7.6‰), were all less than - 8.0‰ (VPDB), indicating that there were no C4 grasses present in their diets and thus probably few or no C4 grasses in the ecosystems of the central Inner Mongolia prior to ~ 8 Ma. However, 12 out of 26 tooth enamel samples of younger ages (~ 7.5 Ma to ~ 3.9 Ma) have δ13C values higher than - 8.0‰ (up to - 2.4‰), indicating that herbivores in the area had variable diets ranging from pure C3 to mixed C3-C4 vegetation during that time interval. The presence of C4 grasses in herbivores' diets (up to ~ 76% C4) suggests that C4 grasses were a significant component of the local ecosystems in the latest Miocene and early Pliocene, consistent with the hypothesis of a global factor as the driving mechanism of the late Miocene C4 expansion. Today, C3 grasses dominate grasslands in the central Inner Mongolia area. The retreat of C4 grasses from this area after the early Pliocene may have been driven by regional climate change associated with tectonic processes in central Asia as well as global climate change.

The role of photorespiration during the evolution of C4 photosynthesis in the genus Flaveria.

PubMed

Mallmann, Julia; Heckmann, David; Bräutigam, Andrea; Lercher, Martin J; Weber, Andreas P M; Westhoff, Peter; Gowik, Udo

2014-06-16

C4 photosynthesis represents a most remarkable case of convergent evolution of a complex trait, which includes the reprogramming of the expression patterns of thousands of genes. Anatomical, physiological, and phylogenetic and analyses as well as computational modeling indicate that the establishment of a photorespiratory carbon pump (termed C2 photosynthesis) is a prerequisite for the evolution of C4. However, a mechanistic model explaining the tight connection between the evolution of C4 and C2 photosynthesis is currently lacking. Here we address this question through comparative transcriptomic and biochemical analyses of closely related C3, C3-C4, and C4 species, combined with Flux Balance Analysis constrained through a mechanistic model of carbon fixation. We show that C2 photosynthesis creates a misbalance in nitrogen metabolism between bundle sheath and mesophyll cells. Rebalancing nitrogen metabolism requires anaplerotic reactions that resemble at least parts of a basic C4 cycle. Our findings thus show how C2 photosynthesis represents a pre-adaptation for the C4 system, where the evolution of the C2 system establishes important C4 components as a side effect.

Effect of nitrate, carbonate/bicarbonate, humic acid, and H2O2 on the kinetics and degradation mechanism of Bisphenol-A during UV photolysis.

PubMed

Kang, Young-Min; Kim, Moon-Kyung; Zoh, Kyung-Duk

2018-08-01

In this study, the effects of natural water components (nitrate, carbonate/bicarbonate, and humic acid) on the kinetics and degradation mechanisms of bisphenol A (BPA) during UV-C photolysis and UV/H 2 O 2 reaction were examined. The presence of NO 3 - (0.04-0.4 mM) and CO 3 2- /HCO 3 - (0.4-4 mM) ions increased BPA degradation during UV photolysis. Humic acid less than 3 mg/L promoted BPA degradation, but greater than 3 mg/L of humic acid inhibited BPA degradation. During the UV/H 2 O 2 reaction, all water matrix components acted as radical scavengers in the order of humic acid > CO 3 2- /HCO 3 -  > NO 3 - . All of the degradation reactions agreed with the pseudo-first-order kinetics. While eight byproducts (m/z = 122, 136, 139, 164, 181, 244, 273, 289) were identified in UV-C/NO 3 - photolysis reaction, four (m/z = 122, 136, 164, 244) and three byproducts (m/z = 122, 136, 164) were observed during UV-C/NO 3 - /CO 3 2- /HCO 3 - and UV-C/CO 3 2- /HCO 3 - reactions. Nitrogenated and hydrogenated byproducts were first observed during the UV-C/NO 3 - photolysis, but only hydrogenated byproducts as adducts were detected during the UV-C/NO 3 - /CO 3 2- /HCO 3 - photolysis. Nitrogenated and hydrogenated byproducts were formed in the early stage of degradation by OH or NO 2 radicals, and these byproducts were subsequently degraded into smaller compounds with further reaction during UV-C/NO 3 - and UV-C/NO 3 - /CO 3 2- /HCO 3 - reactions. In contrast, BPA was directly degraded into smaller compounds by β-scission of the isopropyl group by CO 3 - /HCO 3 radicals during UV-C/CO 3 2- /HCO 3 - reaction. Our results imply that the water components can change the degradation mechanism of BPA during UV photolysis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Proper Motion of Components in 4C 39.25

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guirado, J. C.; Marcaide, J. M.; Alberdi, A.; Elosegui, P.; Ratner, M. I.; Shapiro, I. I.; Kilger, R.; Mantovani, F.; Venturi, T.; Rius, A.;

Spatial and seasonal variations in the composition of dissolved organic matter in a tropical catchment: the Lower Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia.

PubMed

Harun, Sahana; Baker, Andy; Bradley, Chris; Pinay, Gilles

2016-01-01

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) was characterised in water samples sampled in the Lower Kinabatangan River Catchment, Sabah, Malaysia between October 2009 and May 2010. This study aims at: (i) distinguishing between the quality of DOM in waters draining palm oil plantations (OP), secondary forests (SF) and coastal swamps (CS) and, (ii) identifying the seasonal variability of DOM quantity and quality. Surface waters were sampled during fieldwork campaigns that spanned the wet and dry seasons. DOM was characterised optically by using the fluorescence Excitation Emission Matrix (EEM), the absorption coefficient at 340 nm and the spectral slope coefficient (S). Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC) was undertaken to assess the DOM composition from EEM spectra and five terrestrial derived components were identified: (C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5). Components C1 and C4 contributed the most to DOM fluorescence in all study areas during both the wet and dry seasons. The results suggest that component C4 could be a significant (and common) PARAFAC signal found in similar catchments. Peak M (C2 and C3) was dominant in all samples collected during wet and dry seasons, which could be anthropogenic in origin given the active land use change in the study area. In conclusion, there were significant seasonal and spatial variations in DOM which demonstrated the effects of land use cover and precipitation amounts in the Kinabatangan catchment.

Activated complement components and complement activator molecules on the surface of cell‐derived microparticles in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy individuals

PubMed Central

Biró, Éva; Nieuwland, Rienk; Tak, Paul P; Pronk, Loes M; Schaap, Marianne C L; Sturk, Augueste; Hack, C Erik

2007-01-01

Objectives In vitro, microparticles can activate complement via the classical pathway. If demonstrable ex vivo, this mechanism may contribute to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We therefore investigated the presence of activated complement components and complement activator molecules on the surface of cell‐derived microparticles of RA patients and healthy individuals. Methods Microparticles from synovial fluid (n = 8) and plasma (n = 9) of 10 RA patients and plasma of sex‐ and age‐matched healthy individuals (n = 10) were analysed by flow cytometry for bound complement components (C1q, C4, C3) and complement activator molecules (C‐reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid P component (SAP), immunoglobulin (Ig) M, IgG). Results Microparticles with bound C1q, C4, and/or C3 were abundant in RA synovial fluid, while in RA and control plasma much lower levels were present. Microparticles with bound C1q correlated with those with bound C3 in synovial fluid (r = 0.961, p = 0.0001), and with those with bound C4 in plasma (RA: r = 0.908, p = 0.0007; control: r = 0.632, p = 0.0498), indicating classical pathway activation. In synovial fluid, microparticles with IgM and IgG correlated with those with C1q (r = 0.728, p = 0.0408; r = 0.952, p = 0.0003, respectively), and in plasma, microparticles with CRP correlated with those with C1q (RA: r = 0.903, p = 0.0021; control: r = 0.683, p = 0.0296), implicating IgG and IgM in the classical pathway activation in RA synovial fluid, and CRP in the low level classical pathway activation in plasma. Conclusions This study demonstrates the presence of bound complement components and activator molecules on microparticles ex vivo, and supports their role in low grade complement activation in plasma and increased complement activation in RA synovial fluid. PMID:17261534

A significant carbon sink in temperate forests in Beijing: based on 20-year field measurements in three stands.

PubMed

Zhu, JianXiao; Hu, XueYang; Yao, Hui; Liu, GuoHua; Ji, ChenJun; Fang, JingYun

2015-11-01

Numerous efforts have been made to characterize forest carbon (C) cycles and stocks in various ecosystems. However, long-term observation on each component of the forest C cycle is still lacking. We measured C stocks and fluxes in three permanent temperate forest plots (birch, oak and pine forest) during 2011–2014, and calculated the changes of the components of the C cycle related to the measurements during 1992–1994 at Mt. Dongling, Beijing, China. Forest net primary production in birch, oak, and pine plots was 5.32, 4.53, and 6.73 Mg C ha-1 a-1, respectively. Corresponding net ecosystem production was 0.12, 0.43, and 3.53 Mg C ha-1 a-1. The C stocks and fluxes in 2011–2014 were significantly larger than those in 1992–1994 in which the biomass C densities in birch, oak, and pine plots increased from 50.0, 37.7, and 54.0 Mg C ha-1 in 1994 to 101.5, 77.3, and 110.9 Mg C ha-1 in 2014; soil organic C densities increased from 207.0, 239.1, and 231.7 Mg C ha-1 to 214.8, 241.7, and 238.4 Mg C ha-1; and soil heterotrophic respiration increased from 2.78, 3.49, and 1.81 Mg C ha-1 a-1 to 5.20, 4.10, and 3.20 Mg C ha-1 a-1. These results suggest that the mountainous temperate forest ecosystems in Beijing have served as a carbon sink in the last two decades. These observations of C stocks and fluxes provided field-based data for a long-term study of C cycling in temperate forest ecosystems.

Initial Expansion of C4 Vegetation in Australia During the Late Pliocene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andrae, J. W.; McInerney, F. A.; Polissar, P. J.; Sniderman, J. M. K.; Howard, S.; Hall, P. A.; Phelps, S. R.

2018-05-01

Since the late Miocene, plants using the C4 photosynthetic pathway have increased to become major components of many tropical and subtropical ecosystems. However, the drivers for this expansion remain under debate, in part because of the varied histories of C4 vegetation on different continents. Australia hosts the highest dominance of C4 vegetation of all continents, but little is known about the history of C4 vegetation there. Carbon isotope ratios of plant waxes from scientific ocean drilling sediments off north-western Australia reveal the onset of Australian C4 expansion at 3.5 Ma, later than in many other regions. Pollen analysis from the same sediments reveals increasingly open C3-dominated biomes preceding the shift to open C4-dominated biomes by several million years. We hypothesize that the development of a summer monsoon climate beginning in the late Pliocene promoted a highly seasonal precipitation regime favorable to the expansion of C4 vegetation.

Studies of Time-Resolved Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Resolved Absorption Spectra of Nucleic Acid Components.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Yingxian

1993-01-01

There is considerable uncertainty about dynamic aspects of the photophysics of the adenylyl chromophore, stemming from the discordant values reported for the room temperature fluorescence lifetimes (tau_1 = 5 ps, tau_2 = 330 ps for 9MeAde; tau_1 = 290 ps, tau_2 = 4.17 ns for ATP). Spectra reported in conjunction with these lifetimes create difficulties in assignment of emission. To clarify this situation I have investigated the fluorescence decay times and time -resolved emission spectra of adenylyl compounds under a variety of conditions (concentration, pH, solvent) using sub-ns laser excitation at 265 nm together with gated fast sampling (100 ps) detection and signal averaging. Multi -component decays and spectra are observed in aqueous solution. Major slow components (tau = 4.4 +/- 0.2 ns) with emission maxima at 380 nm are found for all components at pH 1.1 and for ATP at pH 4.4. At pH 7 a fast component (<100 ps) predominates. There is no marked evidence for a concentration dependence, the oscillator strengths are 10^ {-3}-10^{-5} and transitions must be classified as weakly forbidden. Single component emission is observed in acetonitrile and ethanol. The UV absorption spectra of biomolecules d(CG) and polyd(GC)cdotpolyd(GC) exhibit the different hypochromic effects due to different interactions between guanosine(G) and cytidine(C) in stacked form. The present work has been carried out to explain this quantitatively. To approach this problem the absorption spectra of G and C have been resolved into gaussian components using the PeakFit program. The absorption spectra (220-310 nm) of d(CG) and polyd(GC)cdotpolyd(GC) have been fitted with gaussian components of G and C (in the order of increasing energy, G1 and G2, and C1, C2 and C3, respectively), and the contribution to both spectra from individual gaussians is estimated in terms of oscillator strengths. The fitting results suggest that the small hypochromism in absorption spectrum of d(CG) may be attributed to the interactions between G1 and C1; the large hypochromism in absorption spectrum of polyd(GC)cdotpolyd(GC) probably originates from the interactions between G1, C1, C2 and C3. The present work has also resolved a series of absorption spectra of cytidyl chromophore in different pH aqueous solution and various solvents. Time-resolved emission spectra of GMP, dCMP and m^5 -dCMP in different pH aqueous solutions have been determined. The results show that pH affects the lifetimes and spectral characteristics of GMP significantly, but does not affect dCMP and m^5-dCMP.

Preparative separation and identification of novel subsidiary colors of the color additive D&C Red No. 33 (Acid Red 33) using spiral high-speed counter-current chromatography☆

PubMed Central

Weisz, Adrian; Ridge, Clark D.; Mazzola, Eugene P.; Ito, Yoichiro

2015-01-01

Three low-level subsidiary color impurities (A, B, and C) often present in batches of the color additive D&C Red No. 33 (R33, Acid Red 33, Colour Index No. 17200) were separated from a portion of R33 by spiral high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC). The separation involved use of a very polar solvent system, 1-BuOH/5 mM aq. (NH4)2SO4. Addition of ammonium sulfate to the lower phase forced partition of the components into the upper phase, thereby eliminating the need to add a hydrophobic counterion as was previously required for separations of components from sulfonated dyes. The very polar solvent system used would not have been retained in a conventional multi-layer coil HSCCC instrument, but the spiral configuration enabled retention of the stationary phase, and thus, the separation was possible. A 1 g portion of R33 enriched in A, B, and C was separated using the upper phase of the solvent system as the mobile phase. The retention of the stationary phase was 38.1%, and the separation resulted in 4.8 mg of A of >90% purity, 18.3 mg of B of >85% purity, and 91 mg of C of 65–72% purity. A second separation of a portion of the C mixture resulted in 7 mg of C of >94% purity. The separated impurities were identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopic techniques as follows: 5-amino-3-biphenyl-3-ylazo-4-hydroxy-naphthalene-2,7-disulfonic acid, A; 5-amino-4-hydroxy-6-phenyl-3-phenylazo-naphthalene-2,7-disulfonic acid, B; and 5-amino-4-hydroxy-3,6-bis-phenylazo-naphthalene-2,7-disulfonic acid, C. The isomers A and B are compounds reported for the first time. Application of the spiral HSCCC method resulted in the additional benefit of yielding 930 mg of the main component of R33, 5-amino-4-hydroxy-3-phenylazo-naphthalene-2,7-disulfonic acid, of >97% purity. PMID:25591404

Preparative separation and identification of novel subsidiary colors of the color additive D&C Red No. 33 (Acid Red 33) using spiral high-speed counter-current chromatography.

PubMed

Weisz, Adrian; Ridge, Clark D; Mazzola, Eugene P; Ito, Yoichiro

2015-02-06

Three low-level subsidiary color impurities (A, B, and C) often present in batches of the color additive D&C Red No. 33 (R33, Acid Red 33, Colour Index No. 17200) were separated from a portion of R33 by spiral high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC). The separation involved use of a very polar solvent system, 1-BuOH/5mM aq. (NH4)2SO4. Addition of ammonium sulfate to the lower phase forced partition of the components into the upper phase, thereby eliminating the need to add a hydrophobic counterion as was previously required for separations of components from sulfonated dyes. The very polar solvent system used would not have been retained in a conventional multi-layer coil HSCCC instrument, but the spiral configuration enabled retention of the stationary phase, and thus, the separation was possible. A 1g portion of R33 enriched in A, B, and C was separated using the upper phase of the solvent system as the mobile phase. The retention of the stationary phase was 38.1%, and the separation resulted in 4.8 mg of A of >90% purity, 18.3mg of B of >85% purity, and 91 mg of C of 65-72% purity. A second separation of a portion of the C mixture resulted in 7 mg of C of >94% purity. The separated impurities were identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopic techniques as follows: 5-amino-3-biphenyl-3-ylazo-4-hydroxy-naphthalene-2,7-disulfonic acid, A; 5-amino-4-hydroxy-6-phenyl-3-phenylazo-naphthalene-2,7-disulfonic acid, B; and 5-amino-4-hydroxy-3,6-bis-phenylazo-naphthalene-2,7-disulfonic acid, C. The isomers A and B are compounds reported for the first time. Application of the spiral HSCCC method resulted in the additional benefit of yielding 930 mg of the main component of R33, 5-amino-4-hydroxy-3-phenylazo-naphthalene-2,7-disulfonic acid, of >97% purity. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Detection, Characterization and Classification of Biological Components in Aerosols by Time-Resolved Laser Pyrolysis Mass Spectrometry

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-03-20

f ~s yes Noes? no *ram N(choline) K 2 positive ghlo• 1 -i ungi virus? bctcriaip SFigure 2. Tentative... 1 : (a) 15 pg; (b) 150 ng. 30. oneSml(ie m. G 0 JIa O .I-a.l4r TP4OOMM 96W 136 4 0 I. 3 * f "w ’ . 0*0*~q * 󈧣. 6iue16. Cairto uvs-o rccoeae S1 "L l l...U’ SC 3c5 f ______ ____ 20.YD it)I 9c- N= GD4U- - 0- Ln A4?Sue4ug UOf OA140j9Nj = "~ S.. *0-- V) "a C iv c. C .0 0, 04) 00 03 1 . 4 0L= 0 L0 .C6 LJ o

Engineering C4 photosynthesis into C3 chassis in the synthetic biology age.

PubMed

Schuler, Mara L; Mantegazza, Otho; Weber, Andreas P M

2016-07-01

C4 photosynthetic plants outperform C3 plants in hot and arid climates. By concentrating carbon dioxide around Rubisco C4 plants drastically reduce photorespiration. The frequency with which plants evolved C4 photosynthesis independently challenges researchers to unravel the genetic mechanisms underlying this convergent evolutionary switch. The conversion of C3 crops, such as rice, towards C4 photosynthesis is a long-standing goal. Nevertheless, at the present time, in the age of synthetic biology, this still remains a monumental task, partially because the C4 carbon-concentrating biochemical cycle spans two cell types and thus requires specialized anatomy. Here we review the advances in understanding the molecular basis and the evolution of the C4 trait, advances in the last decades that were driven by systems biology methods. In this review we emphasise essential genetic engineering tools needed to translate our theoretical knowledge into engineering approaches. With our current molecular understanding of the biochemical C4 pathway, we propose a simplified rational engineering model exclusively built with known C4 metabolic components. Moreover, we discuss an alternative approach to the progressing international engineering attempts that would combine targeted mutagenesis and directed evolution. © 2016 The Authors The Plant Journal © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Characterization of chromophoric dissolved organic matter and relationships among PARAFAC components and water quality parameters in Heilongjiang, China.

PubMed

Cui, Hongyang; Shi, Jianhong; Qiu, Linlin; Zhao, Yue; Wei, Zimin; Wang, Xinglei; Jia, Liming; Li, Jiming

2016-05-01

Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) is an important optically active substance that can transports nutrients and pollutants from terrestrial to aquatic systems. Additionally, it is used as a measure of water quality. To investigate the source and composition of CDOM, we used chemical and fluorescent analyses to characterize CDOM in Heilongjiang. The composition of CDOM can be investigated by excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). PARAFAC identified four individual components that were attributed to microbial humic-like (C1) and terrestrial humic-like (C2-4) in water samples collected from the Heilongjiang River. The relationships between the maximum fluorescence intensities of the four PARAFAC components and the water quality parameters indicate that the dynamic of the four components is related to nutrients in the Heilongjiang River. The relationships between the fluorescence component C3 and the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) indicates that component C3 makes a great contribution to BOD5 and it can be used as a carbon source for microbes in the Heilongjiang River. Furthermore, the relationships between component C3, the particulate organic carbon (POC), and the chemical oxygen demand (CODMn) show that component C3 and POC make great contributions to BOD5 and CODMn. The use of these indexes along with PARAFAC results would be of help to characterize the co-variation between the CDOM and water quality parameters in the Heilongjiang River.

RECEPTOR FOR THE FOURTH COMPONENT OF COMPLEMENT ON HUMAN B LYMPHOCYTES AND CULTURED HUMAN LYMPHOBLASTOID CELLS

PubMed Central

Bokisch, Viktor A.; Sobel, Alain T.

1974-01-01

This report describes receptors for C4b on human peripheral B lymphocytes. The simultaneous presence of C3b and C4b receptors on the same lymphocytes was demonstrated by the formation of mixed rosettes consisting of the lymphocytes, EAC14 and EAC1423. Furthermore, reduction of the number of EAC1423 rosette-forming lymphocytes in a lymphocyte population by albumin gradient centrifugation concomitantly reduced EAC14 rosette-forming lymphocytes. Binding of EAC14 intermediates to receptors on human lymphocytes and erythrocytes could be inhibited by equal amounts of soluble C3b or C4b, suggesting the presence of a single receptor for both ligands on those cells. In contrast, the results of the rosette assay with Raji cells, cultured human lymphoblastoid cells, EAC14 and EAC1423 suggested that the receptors for C4b and C3b are distinct entities, since Raji cells formed rosettes with EAC1423, but not with EAC14. Moreover, this report demonstrates a cooperation of erythrocyte-bound C4b and C3b in the binding of EAC1423 to B lymphocytes. In contrast to KAF-treated C3b, KAF-treated C4b did not bind to B lymphocytes, indicating that these cells lack a receptor for C4d. PMID:4547573

In vitro C3 Deposition on Cryptococcus Capsule Occurs Via Multiple Complement Activation Pathways

PubMed Central

Mershon-Shier, Kileen L.; Vasuthasawat, Alex; Takahashi, Kazue; Morrison, Sherie L.; Beenhouwer, David O.

2011-01-01

Complement can be activated via three pathways: classical, alternative, and lectin. Cryptococcus gattii and C. neoformans are closely related fungal pathogens possessing a polysaccharide capsule composed mainly of glucuronoxylomannan (GXM), which serves as a site for complement activation and deposition of complement components. We determined C3 deposition on Cryptococcus spp. by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy after incubation with serum from C57BL/6J mice as well as mice deficient in complement components C4, C3, factor B, and mannose binding lectin (MBL). C. gattii and C. neoformans activate complement in EGTA-treated serum indicating that they can activate the alternative pathway. However, complement activation was seen with factor B−/− serum suggesting activation could also take place in the absence of a functional alternative pathway. Furthermore, we uncovered a role for C4 in the alternative pathway activation by Cryptococcus spp. We also identified an unexpected and complex role for MBL in complement activation by Cryptococcus spp. No complement activation occurred in the absence of MBL-A and -C proteins although activation took place when the lectin binding activity of MBL was disrupted by calcium chelation. In addition, alternative pathway activation by C. neoformans required both MBL-A and -C, while either MBL-A or -C was sufficient for alternative pathway activation by C. gattii. Thus, complement activation by Cryptococcus spp. can take place through multiple pathways and complement activation via the alternative pathway requires the presence of C4 and MBL proteins. PMID:21723612

C(3)-C(4) Intermediate Species in Alternanthera (Amaranthaceae) : Leaf Anatomy, CO(2) Compensation Point, Net CO(2) Exchange and Activities of Photosynthetic Enzymes.

PubMed

Rajendrudu, G; Prasad, J S; Das, V S

1986-02-01

Two naturally occurring species of the genus Alternanthera, namely A. ficoides and A. tenella, were identified as C(3)-C(4) intermediates based on leaf anatomy, photosynthetic CO(2) compensation point (Gamma), O(2) response of small ghe, Cyrillic, light intensity response of small ghe, Cyrillic, and the activities of key enzymes of photosynthesis. A. ficoides and A. tenella exhibited a less distinct Kranz-like leaf anatomy with substantial accumulation of starch both in mesophyll and bundle sheath cells. Photosynthetic CO(2) compensation points of these two intermediate species at 29 degrees C were much lower than in C(3) plants and ranged from 18 to 22 microliters per liter. Although A. ficoides and A. tenella exhibited similar intermediacy in small ghe, Cyrillic, the apparent photorespiratory component of O(2) inhibition in A. ficoides is lower than in A. tenella. The small ghe, Cyrillic progressively decreases from 35 microliters per liter at lowest light intensity to 18 microliters per liter at highest light intensity in A. tenella. It was, however, constant in A. ficoides at 20 to 25 microliters per liter between light intensities measured. The rates of net photosynthesis at 21% O(2) and 29 degrees C by A. ficoides and A. tenella were 25 to 28 milligrams CO(2) per square decimeter per hour which are intermediate between values obtained for Tridax procumbens and A. pungens, C(3) and C(4) species, respectively. The activities of key enzymes of C(4) photosynthesis, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, pyruvate Pi dikinase, NAD malic enzyme, NADP malic enzyme and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in the two intermediates, A. ficoides and A. tenella are very low or insignificant. Results indicated that the relatively low apparent photorespiratory component in these two species is presumably the basis for the C(3)-C(4) intermediate photosynthesis.

Wear Measurement of Ceramic Bearings in Gas Turbines

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-03-01

CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGE UNCLASSIFIED The primary findings of the program are: a. The method for tagging Si 3N4, SiC, and M50 bearing components to depths of...for tagging Si 3 N4 , SiC, and M50 bearing components to depths of interest in bearings (1-20 microns) was developed, and subcontractors with the...1-2 SECTION 2 BACKGROUND The ball and roller bearings used in gas turbines are generally made of steels (MS0, 52100), and loss of bearing

Compatibility study of trans-1,4,5,8-tetranitro-1,4,5,8-tetraazadecalin (TNAD) with some energetic components and inert materials.

PubMed

Yan, Qi-Long; Xiao-Jiang, Li; La-Ying, Zhang; Ji-Zhen, Li; Hong-Li, Li; Zi-Ru, Liu

2008-12-30

The compatibility of trans-1,4,5,8-tetranitro-1,4,5,8-tetraazadecalin (TNAD) with some energetic components and inert materials of solid propellants was studied by using the pressure DSC method where, cyclotetramethylenetetranitroamine (HMX), cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX), 1,4-dinitropiperazine (DNP), 1.25/1-NC/NG mixture, lead 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-onate (NTO-Pb), aluminum powder (Al, particle size=13.6microm) and N-nitrodihydroxyethylaminedinitrate (DINA) were used as energetic components and polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyoxytetramethylene-co-oxyethylene (PET), addition product of hexamethylene diisocyanate and water (N-100), 2-nitrodianiline (2-NDPA), 1,3-dimethyl-1,3-diphenyl urea (C2), carbon black (C.B.), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), cupric 2,4-dihydroxy-benzoate (beta-Cu), cupric adipate (AD-Cu) and lead phthalate (phi-Pb) were used as inert materials. It was concluded that the binary systems of TNAD with NTO-Pb, RDX, PET and Al powder are compatible, and systems of TNAD with DINA and HMX are slightly sensitive, and with 2-NDPA, phi-Pb, beta-Cu, AD-Cu and Al2O3 are sensitive, and with PEG, N-100, C2 and C.B. are incompatible. The impact and friction sensitivity data of the TNAD and TNAD in combination with the other energetic materials under present study was also obtained, and there was no consequential affiliation between sensitivity and compatibility.

Pungent ginger components modulates human cytochrome P450 enzymes in vitro

PubMed Central

Li, Mian; Chen, Pei-zhan; Yue, Qing-xi; Li, Jing-quan; Chu, Rui-ai; Zhang, Wei; Wang, Hui

2013-01-01

Aim: Ginger rhizome is used worldwide as a spicy flavor agent. This study was designed to explore the potential effects of pungent ginger components, 6-, 8-, and 10-gingerol, on human cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes that are responsible for the metabolism of many prescription drugs. Methods: The activities of human CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 were analyzed using Vivid P450 assay kits. The mRNA expression of CYP3A4 in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 was measured using quantitative real-time PCR assay. Results: All three gingerols potently inhibited CYP2C9 activity, exerted moderate inhibition on CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, and weak inhibion on CYP2D6. 8-Gingerol was the most potent in inhibition of P450 enzymes with IC50 values of 6.8, 12.5, 8.7, and 42.7 μmol/L for CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6, respectively. By comparing the effects of gingerols on CYP3A4 with three different fluorescent substrate probes, it was demonstrated that the inhibition of gingerols on CYP3A4 had no substrate-dependence. In HepG2 cells, 8-gingerol and 10-gingerol inhibited, but 6-gingerol induced mRNA expression of CYP3A4. Conclusion: 6-, 8-, and 10-gingerol suppress human cytochrome P450 activity, while 8- and 10-gingerol inhibit CYP3A4 expression. The results may have an implication for the use of ginger or ginger products when combined with therapeutic drugs that are metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes. PMID:23770984

Changes in crossed spinal reflexes after peripheral nerve injury and repair.

PubMed

Valero-Cabré, Antoni; Navarro, Xavier

2002-04-01

We investigated the changes induced in crossed extensor reflex responses after peripheral nerve injury and repair in the rat. Adults rats were submitted to non repaired sciatic nerve crush (CRH, n = 9), section repaired by either aligned epineurial suture (CS, n = 11) or silicone tube (SIL4, n = 13), and 8 mm resection repaired by tubulization (SIL8, n = 12). To assess reinnervation, the sciatic nerve was stimulated proximal to the injury site, and the evoked compound muscle action potential (M and H waves) from tibialis anterior and plantar muscles and nerve action potential (CNAP) from the tibial nerve and the 4th digital nerve were recorded at monthly intervals for 3 mo postoperation. Nociceptive reinnervation to the hindpaw was also assessed by plantar algesimetry. Crossed extensor reflexes were evoked by stimulation of the tibial nerve at the ankle and recorded from the contralateral tibialis anterior muscle. Reinnervation of the hindpaw increased progressively with time during the 3 mo after lesion. The degree of muscle and sensory target reinnervation was dependent on the severity of the injury and the nerve gap created. The crossed extensor reflex consisted of three bursts of activity (C1, C2, and C3) of gradually longer latency, lower amplitude, and higher threshold in control rats. During follow-up after sciatic nerve injury, all animals in the operated groups showed recovery of components C1 and C2 and of the reflex H wave, whereas component C3 was detected in a significantly lower proportion of animals in groups with tube repair. The maximal amplitude of components C1 and C2 recovered to values higher than preoperative values, reaching final levels between 150 and 245% at the end of the follow-up in groups CRH, CS, and SIL4. When reflex amplitude was normalized by the CNAP amplitude of the regenerated tibial nerve, components C1 (300-400%) and C2 (150-350%) showed highly increased responses, while C3 was similar to baseline levels. In conclusion, reflexes mediated by myelinated sensory afferents showed, after nerve injuries, a higher degree of facilitation than those mediated by unmyelinated fibers. These changes tended to decline toward baseline values with progressive reinnervation but still remained significant 3 mo after injury.

Anhydrous versus hydrated N4-substituted 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4,6-diamines: hydrogen bonding in two and three dimensions.

PubMed

Trilleras, Jorge; Quiroga, Jairo; Cobo, Justo; Marchal, Antonio; Nogueras, Manuel; Low, John N; Glidewell, Christopher

2008-10-01

Ten new N(4)-substituted 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4,6-diamines have been synthesized and the structures of nine of them are reported here, falling into two clear groups, those which are stoichiometric hydrates and those which crystallize in solvent-free forms. In each of N(4)-methyl-N(4)-phenyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4,6-diamine, C(12)H(12)N(6) (I), N(4)-cyclohexyl-N(4)-methyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4,6-diamine, C(12)H(18)N(6) (II), and N(4)-(3-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4,6-diamine, C(11)H(9)ClN(6) (III), the molecules are linked into hydrogen-bonded sheets. The molecules of 2-{4-(6-amino-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)piperazin-1-yl}ethanol, C(11)H(17)N(7)O (IV), are linked into a three-dimensional framework, while the structure of N(4)-methyl-N(4)-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4,6-diamine monohydrate, C(13)H(14)N(6) x H(2)O (V), is only two-dimensional despite the presence of five independent hydrogen bonds. The stoichiometric hemihydrates N(4)-ethyl-N(4)-phenyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4,6-diamine hemihydrate, C(13)H(14)N(6) x 0.5 H(2)O (VI) and N(4)-(4-methoxyphenyl)-N(4)-methyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4,6-diamine hemihydrate, C(13)H(14)N(6)O x 0.5 H(2)O (VII), exhibit remarkably similar sheet structures, despite different space groups and Z' values, Z' = 0.5 in C2/c for (VI) and Z' = 1 in P1 for (VII). N(4)-4-Benzyl-N(4)-phenyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4,6-diamine monohydrate, C(18)H(16)N(6) x H(2)O (VIII), crystallizes with Z' = 2 in P2(1)/n, and the four independent molecular components are linked into sheets by a total of 11 intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The sheet structure in {4-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-6-amine} ethanol hemisolvate hemihydrate, C(9)H(12)N(6).0.5C(2)H(6)O x 0.5 H(2)O (IX), is built from the pyrimidine and water components only; it contains eight independent hydrogen bonds, and it very closely mimics the sheets in (VI) and (VII); the ethanol molecules are pendent from these sheets. The N(4)-alkyl-N(4)-aryl-4-aminopyrazolopyrimidine molecules in (I), (V)-(VIII) all adopt very similar conformations, dominated in each case by an intramolecular C-H...pi(arene) hydrogen bond: this interaction is absent from (III) where the molecular conformation is entirely different and probably dominated by the intermolecular hydrogen bonds.

The role of photorespiration during the evolution of C4 photosynthesis in the genus Flaveria

PubMed Central

Mallmann, Julia; Heckmann, David; Bräutigam, Andrea; Lercher, Martin J; Weber, Andreas PM; Westhoff, Peter; Gowik, Udo

2014-01-01

C4 photosynthesis represents a most remarkable case of convergent evolution of a complex trait, which includes the reprogramming of the expression patterns of thousands of genes. Anatomical, physiological, and phylogenetic and analyses as well as computational modeling indicate that the establishment of a photorespiratory carbon pump (termed C2 photosynthesis) is a prerequisite for the evolution of C4. However, a mechanistic model explaining the tight connection between the evolution of C4 and C2 photosynthesis is currently lacking. Here we address this question through comparative transcriptomic and biochemical analyses of closely related C3, C3–C4, and C4 species, combined with Flux Balance Analysis constrained through a mechanistic model of carbon fixation. We show that C2 photosynthesis creates a misbalance in nitrogen metabolism between bundle sheath and mesophyll cells. Rebalancing nitrogen metabolism requires anaplerotic reactions that resemble at least parts of a basic C4 cycle. Our findings thus show how C2 photosynthesis represents a pre-adaptation for the C4 system, where the evolution of the C2 system establishes important C4 components as a side effect. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02478.001 PMID:24935935

Calculating radiation exposures during use of (14)C-labeled nutrients, food components, and biopharmaceuticals to quantify metabolic behavior in humans.

PubMed

Kim, Seung-Hyun; Kelly, Peter B; Clifford, Andrew J

2010-04-28

(14)C has long been used as a tracer for quantifying the in vivo human metabolism of food components, biopharmaceuticals, and nutrients. Minute amounts (< or =1 x 10 (-18) mol) of (14)C can be measured with high-throughput (14)C-accelerator mass spectrometry (HT (14)C-AMS) in isolated chemical extracts of biological, biomedical, and environmental samples. Availability of in vivo human data sets using a (14)C tracer would enable current concepts of the metabolic behavior of food components, biopharmaceuticals, or nutrients to be organized into models suitable for quantitative hypothesis testing and determination of metabolic parameters. In vivo models are important for specification of intake levels for food components, biopharmaceuticals, and nutrients. Accurate estimation of the radiation exposure from ingested (14)C is an essential component of the experimental design. Therefore, this paper illustrates the calculation involved in determining the radiation exposure from a minute dose of orally administered (14)C-beta-carotene, (14)C-alpha-tocopherol, (14)C-lutein, and (14)C-folic acid from four prior experiments. The administered doses ranged from 36 to 100 nCi, and radiation exposure ranged from 0.12 to 5.2 microSv to whole body and from 0.2 to 3.4 microSv to liver with consideration of tissue weighting factor and fractional nutrient. In comparison, radiation exposure experienced during a 4 h airline flight across the United States at 37000 ft was 20 microSv.

Handbook for Sampling and Sample Preservation of Water and Wastewater

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-05-01

integers from 1 to N. N E Xi = XI1 + X 2 + X 3 . ..... + XN i=l 1 In the above example (from Table 4.1), X1 = 35.8, X2 = 33.0, ... , XN = X52 32.4; N E...41e 0 b10) -4 r- -C) a) 5l %Dt C) ON qc -0 Cl qtr C -4 %D cvj qw a) C )L- L~~~J enC- ..4 m~a CV) .4 c P.. .4 cnm0 q5C) )n me .-4C) - (J 1 () e U m. 0-4...X(l) = X = 35.8, X(2) = X2 = 33.0,..., X(52) = X52 = 32.4. X(t) is the linear trend. X’(t) is the random component. In this case, the trend can be

Enhanced visible light activity on direct contact Z-scheme g-C3N4-TiO2 photocatalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Juan; Zhang, Min; Li, Qiuye; Yang, Jianjun

2017-01-01

Direct contact Z-scheme g-C3N4-TiO2 nanocomposites without an electron mediator are prepared via simple annealing the mixture of bulk g-C3N4 and nanotube titanic acid (NTA) in air at 600 °C for 2 h. In the process of annealing, the bulk g-C3N4 transformed to ultra-thin g-C3N4 nanosheets, and NTA converted to a novel anatase TiO2, then the two components formed a close interaction. The XPS result reveals that some amount of nitrogen is doped into this novel-TiO2, and g-C3N4 nanosheets exist in the composites. The results of XRD, TEM and TG indicate that the thickness of g-C3N4 nanosheets is very thin. The ESR spectrum shows the existence of Ti3+ and single-electron-trapped oxygen vacancy in the 30%g-C3N4-TiO2 composites. In photocatalytic activity test, the 30%g-C3N4-TiO2 nanocomposites showed an excellent photo-oxidation activity of propylene under visible light irradiation (λ≥ 420 nm), and the removal efficiency of propylene reached as high as 56.6%, and the activity kept nearly 82% after four consecutive recycles. Photoluminescence (PL) result using terephthalic acid (TA) as a probe molecule indicated that the g-C3N4-TiO2 nanocomposites displayed a Z-sheme photocatalytic reaction system and this should be the main reason for the high photocatalytic activity. A possible photocatalytic mechanism was proposed on the basis of PL result and transient photocurrent-time curves.

Identifying changes in dissolved organic matter content and characteristics by fluorescence spectroscopy coupled with self-organizing map and classification and regression tree analysis during wastewater treatment.

PubMed

Yu, Huibin; Song, Yonghui; Liu, Ruixia; Pan, Hongwei; Xiang, Liancheng; Qian, Feng

2014-10-01

The stabilization of latent tracers of dissolved organic matter (DOM) of wastewater was analyzed by three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy coupled with self-organizing map and classification and regression tree analysis (CART) in wastewater treatment performance. DOM of water samples collected from primary sedimentation, anaerobic, anoxic, oxic and secondary sedimentation tanks in a large-scale wastewater treatment plant contained four fluorescence components: tryptophan-like (C1), tyrosine-like (C2), microbial humic-like (C3) and fulvic-like (C4) materials extracted by self-organizing map. These components showed good positive linear correlations with dissolved organic carbon of DOM. C1 and C2 were representative components in the wastewater, and they were removed to a higher extent than those of C3 and C4 in the treatment process. C2 was a latent parameter determined by CART to differentiate water samples of oxic and secondary sedimentation tanks from the successive treatment units, indirectly proving that most of tyrosine-like material was degraded by anaerobic microorganisms. C1 was an accurate parameter to comprehensively separate the samples of the five treatment units from each other, indirectly indicating that tryptophan-like material was decomposed by anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. EEM fluorescence spectroscopy in combination with self-organizing map and CART analysis can be a nondestructive effective method for characterizing structural component of DOM fractions and monitoring organic matter removal in wastewater treatment process. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Advanced Environmental Barrier Coatings Development for Si-Based Ceramics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, Dong-Ming; Choi, R. Sung; Robinson, Raymond C.; Lee, Kang N.; Bhatt, Ramakrishna T.; Miller, Robert A.

2005-01-01

Advanced environmental barrier coating concepts based on multi-component HfO2 (ZrO2) and modified mullite systems are developed for monolithic Si3N4 and SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composite (CMC) applications. Comprehensive testing approaches were established using the water vapor cyclic furnace, high pressure burner rig and laser heat flux steam rig to evaluate the coating water vapor stability, cyclic durability, radiation and erosion resistance under simulated engine environments. Test results demonstrated the feasibility and durability of the environmental barrier coating systems for 2700 to 3000 F monolithic Si3N4 and SiC/SiC CMC component applications. The high-temperature-capable environmental barrier coating systems are being further developed and optimized in collaboration with engine companies for advanced turbine engine applications.

Corona[5]arenes Accessed by a Macrocycle-to-Macrocycle Transformation Route and a One-Pot Three-Component Reaction.

PubMed

Wu, Zhi-Chen; Guo, Qing-Hui; Wang, Mei-Xiang

2017-06-12

Corona[5]arenes, a novel type of macrocyclic compound that is composed of alternating heteroatoms and para-arylenes, were synthesized efficiently by two distinct methods. In a macrocycle-to-macrocycle transformation approach, S 6 -corona[3]arene[3]tetrazine underwent sequential S N Ar reactions with HS-C 6 H 4 -X-C 6 H 4 -SH (X=S, CH 2 , CMe 2 , SO 2 , and O) to produce the corresponding corona[3]arene[2]tetrazines. Different corona[3]arene[2]tetrazine compounds were also constructed in a straightforward manner by a one-pot three-component reaction of HS-C 6 H 4 -X-C 6 H 4 -SH (X=S, CH 2 , CMe 2 , SO 2 , and O) with diethyl 2,5-dimercaptoterephthalate and 2 equiv of 3,6-dichlorotetrazine under very mild conditions. All corona[5]arenes adopted 1,2,4-alternate conformational structures in the crystalline state yielding similar nearly regular pentagonal cavities. Both the cavity size and the electronic property of the acquired macrocycles were fine-tuned by the nature of the bridging element X. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Synergistic binding of bHLH transcription factors to the promoter of the maize NADP-ME gene used in C4 photosynthesis is based on an ancient code found in the ancestral C3 state.

PubMed

Borba, Ana Rita; Serra, Tânia S; Górska, Alicja; Gouveia, Paulo; Cordeiro, André M; Reyna-Llorens, Ivan; Knerová, Jana; Barros, Pedro M; Abreu, Isabel A; Oliveira, M Margarida; Hibberd, Julian M; Saibo, Nelson J M

2018-04-05

C4 photosynthesis has evolved repeatedly from the ancestral C3 state to generate a carbon concentrating mechanism that increases photosynthetic efficiency. This specialised form of photosynthesis is particularly common in the PACMAD clade of grasses, and is used by many of the world's most productive crops. The C4 cycle is accomplished through cell-type specific accumulation of enzymes but cis-elements and transcription factors controlling C4 photosynthesis remain largely unknown. Using the NADP-Malic Enzyme (NADP-ME) gene as a model we tested whether mechanisms impacting on transcription in C4 plants evolved from ancestral components found in C3 species. Two basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) transcription factors, ZmbHLH128 and ZmbHLH129, were shown to bind the C4NADP-ME promoter from maize. These proteins form heterodimers and ZmbHLH129 impairs trans-activation by ZmbHLH128. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicate that a pair of cis-elements separated by a seven base pair spacer synergistically bind either ZmbHLH128 or ZmbHLH129. This pair of cis-elements is found in both C3 and C4 Panicoid grass species of the PACMAD clade. Our analysis is consistent with this cis-element pair originating from a single motif present in the ancestral C3 state. We conclude that C4 photosynthesis has co-opted an ancient C3 regulatory code built on G-box recognition by bHLH to regulate the NADP-ME gene. More broadly, our findings also contribute to the understanding of gene regulatory networks controlling C4 photosynthesis.

The response of water quality variation in Poyang Lake (Jiangxi, People's Republic of China) to hydrological changes using historical data and DOM fluorescence.

PubMed

Yao, Xin; Wang, Shengrui; Ni, Zhaokui; Jiao, Lixin

2015-02-01

Poyang Lake is a unique wetland system that has evolved in response to natural seasonal fluctuations in water levels. To better characterize the response of water quality to hydrological variation, historical data were analyzed in combination with dissolved organic matter (DOM) fluorescence samplings conducted in situ. Historical data showed that long-term changes in water quality are mainly controlled by the sewage inputs to Poyang Lake. Monthly changes in water quality recorded during 2008 and 2012 suggest that water level may be the most important factor for water quality during a hydrological year. DOM fluorescence samples were identified as three humic-like components (C1, C2, and C3) and a protein-like component (C4). These obvious compositional changes in DOM fluorescence were considered to be related to the hydrodynamic differences controlled by water regimen. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed higher C1 and C2 signals during a normal season than the wet season, whereas C3 was lower, and C4 was higher in the dry season than in the wet or normal seasons. From the open lake to the Yangtze River mouth, increased C3 component carried by backflows of the Yangtze River to the lake resulted in these unique variations of PCA factor 2 scores during September. These obvious compositional changes in DOM fluorescence were considered to be related to the hydrodynamic differences controlled by water regimen. DOM fluorescence could be a proxy for capturing rapid changes in water quality and thereby provide an early warning signal for the quality of water supply.

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

Sahore, Ritu; Peebles, Cameron; Abraham, Daniel P.

Li 1.03(Ni 0.5Mn 0.3Co 0.2) 0.97O 2 (NMC)-based coin cells containing the electrolyte additives vinylene carbonate (VC) and tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphite (TMSPi) in the range of 0-2 wt% were cycled between 3.0 and 4.4 V. The changes in capacity at rates of C/10 and C/1 and resistance at 60% state of charge were found to follow linear-with-time kinetic rate laws. Further, the C/10 capacity and resistance data were amenable to modeling by a statistics of mixtures approach. Applying physical meaning to the terms in the empirical models indicated that the interactions between the electrolyte and additives were not simple. For example, theremore » were strong, synergistic interactions between VC and TMSPi affecting C/10 capacity loss, as expected, but there were other, more subtle interactions between the electrolyte components. In conclusion, the interactions between these components controlled the C/10 capacity decline and resistance increase.« less

Solar Rocket Component Study

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-02-01

3460V4.a0A&L M a..e.aS SLP඄ "LPda M ss C 0fed ______ Amsa C.f 00 FORM 󈧒M3 3 440101 eaof Ian A" 0001 aS0 WCUM?’ Ck8pi..PTION’ of I"""V4 UNCLASSIFIED... 3 Phase I, Concept Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Incident Solar Radiation Distribution...4 3 . Windowless Heat Exchanger Cavity Solar Rocket Thruster ... ..... 6 4. Final Hardware Assembly ........... ... ............... 8 5. Solar

Towards an integrative model of C4 photosynthetic subtypes: insights from comparative transcriptome analysis of NAD-ME, NADP-ME, and PEP-CK C4 species

PubMed Central

Bräutigam, Andrea; Schliesky, Simon; Külahoglu, Canan; Osborne, Colin P.; Weber, Andreas P.M.

2014-01-01

C4 photosynthesis affords higher photosynthetic carbon conversion efficiency than C3 photosynthesis and it therefore represents an attractive target for engineering efforts aiming to improve crop productivity. To this end, blueprints are required that reflect C4 metabolism as closely as possible. Such blueprints have been derived from comparative transcriptome analyses of C3 species with related C4 species belonging to the NAD-malic enzyme (NAD-ME) and NADP-ME subgroups of C4 photosynthesis. However, a comparison between C3 and the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEP-CK) subtype of C4 photosynthesis is still missing. An integrative analysis of all three C4 subtypes has also not been possible to date, since no comparison has been available for closely related C3 and PEP-CK C4 species. To generate the data, the guinea grass Megathyrsus maximus, which represents a PEP-CK species, was analysed in comparison with a closely related C3 sister species, Dichanthelium clandestinum, and with publicly available sets of RNA-Seq data from C4 species belonging to the NAD-ME and NADP-ME subgroups. The data indicate that the core C4 cycle of the PEP-CK grass M. maximus is quite similar to that of NAD-ME species with only a few exceptions, such as the subcellular location of transfer acid production and the degree and pattern of up-regulation of genes encoding C4 enzymes. One additional mitochondrial transporter protein was associated with the core cycle. The broad comparison identified sucrose and starch synthesis, as well as the prevention of leakage of C4 cycle intermediates to other metabolic pathways, as critical components of C4 metabolism. Estimation of intercellular transport fluxes indicated that flux between cells is increased by at least two orders of magnitude in C4 species compared with C3 species. In contrast to NAD-ME and NADP-ME species, the transcription of photosynthetic electron transfer proteins was unchanged in PEP-CK. In summary, the PEP-CK blueprint of M. maximus appears to be simpler than those of NAD-ME and NADP-ME plants. PMID:24642845

Radiation by Sources on Perfectly Conducting Convex Cylinders with an Impedance Surface Patch.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-01-01

U -- = - (a to0 . 0 0 m 4- 0 4- 04 0-0 1 - .0 4’ U-- ~4- 4 0 n4- -- C_ to S~0- 4J C >1 cu S)-0’ (0 C 0)~ 00 =3 .r aCCA 50 It is observed from these...by such a source has only a z-component and it will be denoted by H . H satisfies the reduced, inhomo- geneous wave equation, and the f6 1llowing

Tracking fluorescent dissolved organic matter in multistage rivers using EEM-PARAFAC analysis: implications of the secondary tributary remediation for watershed management.

PubMed

Nie, Zeyu; Wu, Xiaodong; Huang, Haomin; Fang, Xiaomin; Xu, Chen; Wu, Jianyu; Liang, Xinqiang; Shi, Jiyan

2016-05-01

Profound understanding of behaviors of organic matter from sources to multistage rivers assists watershed management for improving water quality of river networks in rural areas. Ninety-one water samples were collected from the three orders of receiving rivers in a typical combined polluted subcatchment (diffuse agricultural pollutants and domestic sewage) located in China. Then, the fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) information for these samples was determined by the excitation-emission matrix coupled with parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC). Consequently, two typical humic-like (C1 and C2) and other two protein-like (C3 and C4) components were separated. Their fluorescence peaks were located at λ ex/em = 255(360)/455, <250(320)/395, 275/335, and <250/305 nm, which resembled the traditional peaks of A + C, A + M, T, and B, respectively. In addition, C1 and C2 accounted for the dominant contributions to FDOM (>60 %). Principal component analysis (PCA) further demonstrated that, except for the autochthonous produced C4, the allochthonous components (C1 and C2) had the same terrestrial origins, but C3 might possess the separate anthropogenic and biological sources. Moreover, the spatial heterogeneity of contamination levels was noticeable in multistage rivers, and the allochthonous FDOM was gradually homogenized along the migration directions. Interestingly, the average content of the first three PARAFAC components in secondary tributaries and source pollutants had significantly higher levels than that in subsequent receiving rivers, thus suggesting that the supervision and remediation for secondary tributaries would play a prominent role in watershed management works.

A simple hydrogen-bonded chain in (3Z)-3-{1-[(5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)amino]ethylidene}-4,5-dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one, and a hydrogen-bonded ribbon of centrosymmetric rings in the self-assembled adduct (3Z)-3-{1-[(5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)amino]ethylidene}-4,5-dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one-6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,5-dimethylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7(4H)-one (1/1).

PubMed

Quiroga, Jairo; Portilla, Jaime; Cobo, Justo; Glidewell, Christopher

2010-01-01

(3Z)-3-{1-[(5-Phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)amino]ethylidene}-4,5-dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one, C(15)H(15)N(3)O(2), (I), and the stoichiometric adduct (3Z)-3-{1-[(5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)amino]ethylidene}-4,5-dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one-6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,5-dimethylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7(4H)-one (1/1), C(10)H(13)N(3)O(2).C(10)H(13)N(3)O(2), (II), in which the two components have the same composition but different constitutions, are formed in the reactions of 2-acetyl-4-butyrolactone with 5-amino-3-phenyl-1H-pyrazole and 5-amino-3-methyl-1H-pyrazole, respectively. In each compound, the furanone component contains an intramolecular N-H...O hydrogen bond. The molecules of (I) are linked into a chain by a single intermolecular N-H...O hydrogen bond, while in (II), a combination of one O-H...N hydrogen bond, within the selected asymmetric unit, and two N-H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecular components into a ribbon containing alternating centrosymmetric R(4)(4)(20) and R(6)(6)(22) rings.

Facile One-Step Synthesis of Hybrid Graphitic Carbon Nitride and Carbon Composites as High-Performance Catalysts for CO2 Photocatalytic Conversion.

PubMed

Wang, Yangang; Bai, Xia; Qin, Hengfei; Wang, Fei; Li, Yaguang; Li, Xi; Kang, Shifei; Zuo, Yuanhui; Cui, Lifeng

2016-07-13

Utilizing and reducing carbon dioxide is a key target in the fight against global warming. The photocatalytic performance of bulk graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is usually limited by its low surface area and rapid charge carrier recombination. To develop g-C3N4 more suitable for photocatalysis, researchers have to enlarge its surface area and accelerate the charge carrier separation. In this work, novel hybrid graphitic carbon nitride and carbon (H-g-C3N4/C) composites with various carbon contents have been developed for the first time by a facile one-step pyrolysis method using melamine and natural soybean oil as precursors. The effect of carbon content on the structure of H-g-C3N4/C composites and the catalytic activity for the photoreduction of CO2 with H2O were investigated. The results indicated that the introduction of carbon component can effectively improve the textural properties and electronic conductivity of the composites, which exhibited imporved photocatalytic activity for the reduction of CO2 with H2O in comparison with bulk g-C3N4. The highest CO and CH4 yield of 22.60 μmol/g-cat. and 12.5 μmol/g-cat., respectively, were acquired on the H-g-C3N4/C-6 catalyst with the carbon content of 3.77 wt % under 9 h simulated solar irradiation, which were more than twice as high as that of bulk g-C3N4. The remarkably increased photocatalytic performance arises from the synergistic effect of hybrid carbon and g-C3N4.

Synergetic effect of MoS{sub 2} and g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} as cocatalysts for enhanced photocatalytic H{sub 2} production activity of TiO{sub 2}

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

Yang, Xixian; Huang, Hongyu, E-mail: huanghy@ms.giec.ac.cn; Kubota, Mitsuhiro

Highlights: • A hydrogen evolution reaction of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/MoS{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst was synthesized. • g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/MoS{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} presents highly efficient H{sub 2} evolution without noble metals. • The effect of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} and MoS{sub 2} co-catalyst content in the composites was studied. • The mechanism of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/MoS{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst under UV–vis light was discussed. - Abstract: In this paper, we report a new g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/MoS{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} composite material as a high-performance photocatalyst for H{sub 2} evolution. Without a noble-metal cocatalyst, the g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/MoS{sub 2}/TiO{sub 2} composite reaches a highmore » H{sub 2} production rate of 125 μmol h{sup −1} when the content of the g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4}/MoS{sub 2} cocatalyst is 1.0 wt.% and the content of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} in this cocatalyst is 10 wt.%. This unusual photocatalytic activity is attributed to the positive synergetic effect between the MoS{sub 2} and g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} components in this cocatalyst, which serve as an electron collector and a source of active adsorption sites, respectively.« less

One pot synthesis of new heterocyclic systems: Polysubstituted pyrano[3,2-c]chromene and benzo[g]chromene derivatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasri, Shima; Bayat, Mohammad

2018-07-01

A novel library of pyrano[3,2-c]chromene-3-carbonitrile and benzo[g]chromene-3-carbonitrile containing an aroyl or acetyl group moiety at 4-position has been extended by successive three-component reaction of 4-hydroxycoumarin or 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone with phenylglyoxal monohydrate and a CH-acid like malononitrile/ethyl cyanoacetate/methyl cyanoacetate/cyanoacetamide under mild condition in ethanol. This approach for the preparation of novel polysubstituted pyrano[3,2-c]chromene and benzo[g]chromene is distinguished with high atom-economy, good to high efficiencies, mild and metal-free conditions, simple workup and easy purification.

4-Nitro-aniline-picric acid (2/1).

PubMed

Li, Yan-Jun

2009-09-30

In the title adduct, C(6)H(3)N(3)O(7)·0.5C(6)H(6)N(2)O(2), the complete 4-nitro-aniline mol-ecule is generated by a crystallographic twofold axis with two C atoms and two N atoms lying on the axis. The mol-ecular components are linked into two dimensional corrugated layers running parallel to the (001) plane by a combination of inter-molecular N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The phenolic oxygen and two sets of nitro oxygen atoms in the picric acid were found to be disordered with occupancies of 0.81 (2):0.19 (2) and 0.55 (3):0.45 (3) and 0.77 (4):0.23 (4), respectively.

TL and OSL studies of carbon doped magnesium aluminate (MgAl2O4:C)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raj, Sanu S.; Mishra, D. R.; Soni, Anuj; Grover, V.; Polymeris, G. S.; Muthe, K. P.; Jha, S. K.; Tyagi, A. K.

2016-10-01

The MgAl2O4:C has been synthesized by using two different methods by electron gun and vacuum assisted melting of MgAl2O4 in presence of graphite. The MgAl2O4:C phosphor thus developed by these two different methods have similar types of the TL/OSL defects with multiple overlapping TL glow peaks from 100 °C to 400 °C. The Computerized Curve De-convolution Analysis (CCDA) has been used to measure TL parameters such as thermal trap depth, frequency factor and order of kinetic associated with charge transfer process in TL phenomenon. The investigated TL/OSL results show that these two methods of incorporating carbon in MgAl2O4 have generated closely resemble the defects of similar types in MgAl2O4:C lattice. However, the MgAl2O4:C synthesized by electron gun shows relatively larger concentration of the TL/OSL defects as compared to MgAl2O4:C synthesized using vacuum assisted melting method. The photo-ionization cross-section (PIC) associated with fastest OSL component of MgAl2O4: C is found to be ∼ 0.5 times than that of fastest OSL component of commercially available dosimetric grade α-Al2O3:C. The MgAl2O4:C thus developed shows good dynamic OSL dose linearity from few mGy to 1 Gy. This work reveals that MgAl2O4:C could be developed as potential tissue equivalent OSL / TL material.

Volume properties and refraction of aqueous solutions of bisadducts of light fullerene C60 and essential amino acids lysine, threonine, and oxyproline (C60(C6H13N2O2)2, C60(C4H8NO3)2, and C60(C5H9NO2)2) at 25°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semenov, K. N.; Ivanova, N. M.; Charykov, N. A.; Keskinov, V. A.; Kalacheva, S. S.; Duryagina, N. N.; Garamova, P. V.; Kulenova, N. A.; Nabieva, A.

2017-02-01

Concentration dependences of the density of aqueous solutions of bisadducts of light fullerene C60 and essential amino acids are studied by pycnometry. Concentration dependences of the average molar volumes and partial volumes of components (H2O and corresponding bisadducts) are calculated for C60(C6H13N2O2)2-H2O, C60(C4H8NO3)2-H2O, and C60(C5H9NO2)2-H2O binary systems at 25°C. Concentration dependences of the indices of refraction of C60(C6H13N2O2)2-H2O, C60(C4H8NO3)2-H2O, and C60(C5H9NO2)2-H2O binary systems are determined at 25°C. The concentration dependences of specific refraction and molar refraction of bisadducts and aqueous solutions of them are calculated.

Structure and action of the binary C2 toxin from Clostridium botulinum.

PubMed

Schleberger, Christian; Hochmann, Henrike; Barth, Holger; Aktories, Klaus; Schulz, Georg E

2006-12-08

C2 toxin from Clostridium botulinum is composed of the enzyme component C2-I, which ADP-ribosylates actin, and the binding and translocation component C2-II, responsible for the interaction with eukaryotic cell receptors and the following endocytosis. Three C2-I crystal structures at resolutions of up to 1.75 A are presented together with a crystal structure of C2-II at an appreciably lower resolution and a model of the prepore formed by fragment C2-IIa. The C2-I structure was determined at pH 3.0 and at pH 6.1. The structural differences are small, indicating that C2-I does not unfold, even at a pH value as low as 3.0. The ADP-ribosyl transferase activity of C2-I was determined for alpha and beta/gamma-actin and related to that of Iota toxin and of mutant S361R of C2-I that introduced the arginine observed in Iota toxin. The substantial activity differences between alpha and beta/gamma-actin cannot be explained by the protein structures currently available. The structure of the transport component C2-II at pH 4.3 was established by molecular replacement using a model of the protective antigen of anthrax toxin at pH 6.0. The C-terminal receptor-binding domain of C2-II could not be located but was present in the crystals. It may be mobile. The relative orientation and positions of the four other domains of C2-II do not differ much from those of the protective antigen, indicating that no large conformational changes occur between pH 4.3 and pH 6.0. A model of the C2-IIa prepore structure was constructed based on the corresponding assembly of the protective antigen. It revealed a surprisingly large number of asparagine residues lining the pore. The interaction between C2-I and C2-IIa and the translocation of C2-I into the target cell are discussed.

A C3(H20) recycling pathway is a component of the intracellular complement system

PubMed Central

Elvington, Michelle; Bertram, Paula; Atkinson, John P.

2017-01-01

An intracellular complement system (ICS) has recently been described in immune and nonimmune human cells. This system can be activated in a convertase-independent manner from intracellular stores of the complement component C3. The source of these stores has not been rigorously investigated. In the present study, Western blotting identified a band corresponding to C3 in freshly isolated human peripheral blood cells that was absent in corresponding cell lines. One difference between native cells and cell lines was the time absent from a fluid-phase complement source; therefore, we hypothesized that loading C3 from plasma was a route of establishing intracellular C3 stores. We found that many types of human cells specifically internalized C3(H2O), the hydrolytic product of C3, and not native C3, from the extracellular milieu. Uptake was rapid, saturable, and sensitive to competition with unlabeled C3(H2O), indicating a specific mechanism of loading. Under steady-state conditions, approximately 80% of incorporated C3(H2O) was returned to the extracellular space. These studies identify an ICS recycling pathway for C3(H2O). The loaded C3(H2O) represents a source of C3a, and its uptake altered the cytokine profile of activated CD4+ T cells. Importantly, these results indicate that the impact of soluble plasma factors should be considered when performing in vitro studies assessing cellular immune function. PMID:28192370

Seasonal characterization of CDOM for lakes in semiarid regions of Northeast China using excitation-emission matrix fluorescence and parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Ying; Song, Kaishan; Wen, Zhidan; Li, Lin; Zang, Shuying; Shao, Tiantian; Li, Sijia; Du, Jia

2016-03-01

The seasonal characteristics of fluorescent components in chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) for lakes in the semiarid region of Northeast China were examined by excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectra and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). Two humic-like (C1 and C2) and protein-like (C3 and C4) components were identified using PARAFAC. The average fluorescence intensity of the four components differed under seasonal variation from June and August 2013 to February and April 2014. Components 1 and 2 exhibited a strong linear correlation (R2 = 0.628). Significantly positive linear relationships between CDOM absorption coefficients a(254) (R2 = 0.72, 0.46, p < 0.01), a(280) (R2 = 0.77, 0.47, p < 0.01), a(350) (R2 = 0.76, 0.78, p < 0.01) and Fmax for two humic-like components (C1 and C2) were exhibited, respectively. A significant relationship (R2 = 0.930) was found between salinity and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). However, almost no obvious correlation was found between salinity and EEM-PARAFAC-extracted components except for C3 (R2 = 0.469). Results from this investigation demonstrate that the EEM-PARAFAC technique can be used to evaluate the seasonal dynamics of CDOM fluorescent components for inland waters in the semiarid regions of Northeast China, and to quantify CDOM components for other waters with similar environmental conditions.

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

Ijam, M.J.; Al-Qatami, S.Y.; Arif, S.F.

For several decades removal of aromatics from crude oil fractions has been practiced in oil refining to produce fuels and lubricants of lower aromatic content and hence of improved quality. These aromatics are suitable raw materials for the manufacture of aromatic solvents, aromatic process oils, high octane gasoline, and as basic materials for making detergents, perfumes and dyes. A study for the UV and IR spectra of the aromatic hydrocarbons showed them to consist mainly of bi-, tri-, tetra-, and penta-substituted benzene, bicyclic and tricyclic compounds. Detailed studies have been reported of molecular structure and substituent effects have been reportedmore » on the retention characteristics of aromatic hydrocarbons on alumina, silica and various chemically bonded silicas containing {minus}C{sub 18}, {minus}NH{sub 2}, {minus}R(NH){sub 2}, {minus}CN, RCN, and phenyl-mercuric acetate for compound class (ring-numbered) high performance liquid chromatography separation. With the aid of a Finnegan type 9612-4000 GC/MS apparatus, the mixture of neutral + basic aromatic hydrocarbons was qualitatively identified and revealed the presence of more than 112 peaks. The neutral + basic aromatic hydrocarbons consist mainly of: 3.68% monoaromatics (C{sub 3} - C{sub 6} alkyl benzenes), 52.81% bicycloaromatics (C{sub 0} - C{sub 4} alkylnaphthalenes), 6.20% tricycloaromatics (C{sub 0} - C{sub 4} alkyl phenanthrenes), and 37.32% nonhydrocarbons aromatic compounds. The components in major HPLC peaks corresponding to bicycloaromatics were further separated into small groups (3-4 components in each) by HPLC using an ODS-reverse phase-C{sub 18} column. To separate a single component from the mixture is a difficult problem. The individual compounds in the separated fractions were identified by GC/MS (Hewlett Packard 5993 system).« less

Synthesis of C-Pseudonucleosides Bearing Thiazolidin-4-one as a Novel Potential Immunostimulating Agent

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Several novel C-pseudonucleosides bearing thiazolidin-4-one were synthesized by one-pot three-component condensation using unprotected sugar aldehyde at room temperature, and their effects on T cells, B cells, the cytokine secretion of IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ, T cell-associated molecules (CD3, CD4, CD8), and B cell-associated molecules (CD19) were first evaluated. The experimental data demonstrated that such thiazolidin-4-one C-pseudonucleosides hold potential as immunostimulating agents. PMID:24900274

Principal component analysis to assess the efficiency and mechanism for enhanced coagulation of natural algae-laden water using a novel dual coagulant system.

PubMed

Ou, Hua-Se; Wei, Chao-Hai; Deng, Yang; Gao, Nai-Yun; Ren, Yuan; Hu, Yun

2014-02-01

A novel dual coagulant system of polyaluminum chloride sulfate (PACS) and polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDADMAC) was used to treat natural algae-laden water from Meiliang Gulf, Lake Taihu. PACS (Aln(OH)mCl3n-m-2k(SO4)k) has a mass ratio of 10 %, a SO4 (2-)/Al3 (+) mole ratio of 0.0664, and an OH/Al mole ratio of 2. The PDADMAC ([C8H16NCl]m) has a MW which ranges from 5 × 10(5) to 20 × 10(5) Da. The variations of contaminants in water samples during treatments were estimated in the form of principal component analysis (PCA) factor scores and conventional variables (turbidity, DOC, etc.). Parallel factor analysis determined four chromophoric dissolved organic matters (CDOM) components, and PCA identified four integrated principle factors. PCA factor 1 had significant correlations with chlorophyll-a (r=0.718), protein-like CDOM C1 (0.689), and C2 (0.756). Factor 2 correlated with UV254 (0.672), humic-like CDOM component C3 (0.716), and C4 (0.758). Factors 3 and 4 had correlations with NH3-N (0.748) and T-P (0.769), respectively. The variations of PCA factors scores revealed that PACS contributed less aluminum dissolution than PAC to obtain equivalent removal efficiency of contaminants. This might be due to the high cationic charge and pre-hydrolyzation of PACS. Compared with PACS coagulation (20 mg L(-1)), the removal of PCA factors 1, 2, and 4 increased 45, 33, and 12 %, respectively, in combined PACS-PDADMAC treatment (0.8 mg L(-1) +20 mg L(-1)). Since PAC contained more Al (0.053 g/1 g) than PACS (0.028 g/1 g), the results indicated that PACS contributed less Al dissolution into the water to obtain equivalent removal efficiency.

(E)-4-Meth-oxy-N'-(2,4,5-tri-meth-oxy-benzyl-idene)benzohydrazide hemihydrate.

PubMed

Chantrapromma, Suchada; Boonnak, Nawong; Horkaew, Jirapa; Quah, Ching Kheng; Fun, Hoong-Kun

2014-02-01

The title compound crystallizes as a hemihydrate, C18H20N2O5·0.5H2O. The mol-ecule exists in an E conformation with respect to the C=N imine bond. The 4-meth-oxy-phenyl unit is disordered over two sets of sites with a refined occupancy ratio of 0.54 (2):0.46 (2). The dihedral angles between the benzene rings are 29.20 (9) and 26.59 (9)°, respectively, for the major and minor components of the 4-meth-oxy-substituted ring. All meth-oxy substituents lie close to the plane of the attached benzene rings [the Cmeth-yl-O-C-C torsion angles range from -4.0 (12) to 3.9 (2)°]. In the crystal, the components are linked into chains propagating along [001] via N-H⋯O and O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds and weak C-H⋯O inter-actions.

Changes in the dissolved organic matter leaching from soil under severe temperature and N-deposition.

PubMed

Nguyen, Hang Vo-Minh; Choi, Jung Hyun

2015-06-01

In this study, we conducted growth chamber experiments using three types of soil (wetland, rice paddy, and forest) under the conditions of a severe increase in the temperature and N-deposition in order to investigate how extreme weather influences the characteristics of the dissolved organic matter (DOM) leaching from different soil types. This leachate controls the quantity and quality of DOM in surface water systems. After 5 months of incubation, the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations decreased in the range of 21.1 to 88.9 %, while the specific UV absorption (SUVA) values increased substantially in the range of 19.9 to 319.9 % for all of the samples. Higher increases in the SUVA values were observed at higher temperatures, whereas the opposite trend was observed for samples with N-addition. The parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) results showed that four fluorescence components: terrestrial humic-like (component 1 (C1)), microbial humic-like (component 2 (C2)), protein-like (component 3 (C3)), and anthropogenic humic-like (component 4 (C4)) constituted the fluorescence matrices of soil samples. During the experiment, labile DOM from the soils was consumed and transformed into resistant aromatic carbon structures and less biodegradable components via microbial processes. The principle component analysis (PCA) results indicated that severe temperatures and N-deposition could enhance the contribution of the aromatic carbon compounds and humic-like components in the soil samples.

Single, binary and multi-component adsorption of some anions and heavy metals on environmentally friendly Carpobrotus edulis plant.

PubMed

Chiban, Mohamed; Soudani, Amina; Sinan, Fouad; Persin, Michel

2011-02-01

A low-cost adsorbent and environmentally friendly adsorbent from Carpobrotus edulis plant was used for the removal of NO(3)(-), H(2)PO(4)(-), Pb(2+) and Cd(2+) ions from single, binary and multi-component systems. The efficiency of the adsorbent was studied using batch adsorption technique under different experimental conditions by varying parameters such as pH, initial concentration and contact time. In single component systems, the dried C. edulis has the highest affinity for Pb(2+), followed by NO(3)(-), Cd(2+) and H(2)PO(4)(-), with adsorption capacities of 175mg/g, 125mg/g, 28mg/g and 26mg/g, respectively. These results showed that the adsorption of NO(3)(-) and H(2)PO(4)(-) ions from single and binary component systems can be successfully described by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Freundlich adsorption model, showed the best fit to the single and binary experimental adsorption data. These results also indicated that the adsorption yield of Pb(2+) ion was reduced by the presence of Cd(2+) ion in binary metal mixture. The competitive adsorption of NO(3)(-), H(2)PO(4)(-), Pb(2+) and Cd(2+) ions on dried C. edulis plant shows that NO(3)(-) and H(2)PO(4)(-) anions are able to adsorb on different free binding sites and Pb(2+) and Cd(2+) cations are able to adsorb on the same active sites of C. edulis particles. The dried C. edulis was found to be efficient in removing nitrate, phosphate, cadmium and lead from aqueous solution as compared to other adsorbents already used for the removal of these ions. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Interactions of ABA signaling core components (SlPYLs, SlPP2Cs, and SlSnRK2s) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicon).

PubMed

Chen, Pei; Sun, Yu-Fei; Kai, Wen-Bin; Liang, Bin; Zhang, Yu-Shu; Zhai, Xia-Wan; Jiang, Li; Du, Yang-Wei; Leng, Ping

2016-10-20

Abscisic acid (ABA) regulates fruit development and ripening via its signaling. However, the exact role of ABA signaling core components in fruit have not yet been clarified. In this study, we investigated the potential interactions of tomato (Solanum lycopersicon) ABA signaling core components using yeast two-hybrid analysis, with or without ABA at different concentrations. The results showed that among 12 PYR/PYL/RCAR ABA receptors (SlPYLs), SlPYL1, SlPYL2, SlPYL4, SlPYL5, SlPYL 7, SlPYL8, SlPYL9, SlPYL10, SlPYL11, and SlPYL13 were ABA-dependent receptors, while SlPYL3 and SlPYL12 were ABA-independent receptors. Among five SlPP2Cs (type 2C protein phosphatases) and seven SlSnRK2s (subfamily 2 of SNF1-related kinases), all SlSnRK2s could interact with SlPP2C2, while SlSnRK2.8 also interacted with SlPP2C3. SlSnRK2.5 could interact with SlABF2/4 (ABA-responsive element binding factors). Expressions of SlPYL1, SlPYL2, SlPYL8, and SlPYL10 were upregulated under exogenous ABA but downregulated under nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) at the mature green stage of fruit ripening. The expressions of SlPP2C1, SlPP2C2, SlPP2C3, and SlPP2C5 were upregulated in ABA-treated fruit, but downregulated in NDGA-treated fruit at the mature green stage. The expressions of SlSnRK2.4, SlSnRK2.5, SlSnRK2.6, and SlSnRK2.7 were upregulated by ABA, but downregulated by NDGA. However, SlSnRK2.2 was down regulated by ABA. Expression of SlABF2/3/4 was enhanced by ABA but decreased by NDGA. Based on these results, we concluded that the majority of ABA receptor PYLs interact with SlPP2Cs in an ABA-dependent manner. SlPP2C2 and SlPP2C3 can interact with SlSnRK2s. SlSnRK2.5 could interact with SlABF2/4. Most ABA signaling core components respond to exogenous ABA. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Natural IgM mediates complement-dependent uptake of Francisella tularensis by human neutrophils via CR1 and CR3 in nonimmune serum

PubMed Central

Schwartz, Justin T.; Barker, Jason H.; Long, Matthew E.; Kaufman, Justin; McCracken, Jenna; Allen, Lee-Ann H.

2012-01-01

A fundamental step in the life cycle of F. tularensis is bacterial entry into host cells. F. tularensis activates complement, and recent data suggest that the classical pathway is required for complement factor C3 deposition on the bacterial surface. Nevertheless, C3 deposition is inefficient and neither the specific serum components necessary for classical pathway activation by F. tularensis in nonimmune human serum, nor the receptors that mediate infection of neutrophils has been defined. Herein human neutrophil uptake of GFP-expressing F. tularensis strains LVS and Schu S4 was quantified with high efficiency by flow cytometry. Using depleted sera and purified complement components we demonstrated first that C1q and C3 were essential for F. tularensis phagocytosis whereas C5 was not. Second, we used purification and immuno-depletion approaches to identify a critical role for natural IgM in this process, and then used a wbtA2 mutant to identify LPS O-antigen and capsule as prominent targets of these antibodies on the bacterial surface. Finally, we demonstrate using receptor-blocking antibodies that CR1 (CD35) and CR3 (CD11b/CD18) acted in concert for phagocytosis of opsonized F. tularensis by human neutrophils, whereas CR3 and CR4 (CD11c/CD18) mediated infection of human monocyte-derived macrophages. Altogether, our data provide fundamental insight into mechanisms of F. tularensis phagocytosis and support a model whereby natural IgM binds to surface capsular and O-antigen polysaccharides of F. tularensis and initiates the classical complement cascade via C1q to promote C3-opsonization of the bacterium and phagocytosis via CR3 and either CR1 or CR4 in a phagocyte-specific manner. PMID:22888138

21 CFR 610.40 - Test requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

...; (3) Hepatitis B virus; (4) Hepatitis C virus; (5) Human T-lymphotropic virus, type I; and (6) Human T... requirements. (a) Human blood and blood components. Except as specified in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this... adequately and appropriately the risk of transmission of communicable disease. (c) Exceptions to testing for...

21 CFR 610.40 - Test requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

...; (3) Hepatitis B virus; (4) Hepatitis C virus; (5) Human T-lymphotropic virus, type I; and (6) Human T... requirements. (a) Human blood and blood components. Except as specified in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this... adequately and appropriately the risk of transmission of communicable disease. (c) Exceptions to testing for...

Evaluation of the Vesicating Properties of Neutralized Chemical Agent Identification Set (CAIS) Components

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-06-01

W a% n% e’w-4T .0 3 C/2 W4 rýr- C~eJCN mCN Cým 0 Cn 14.4 000 0 en mnen~’ m - 00 a E- 000 0 0000 000 0 0a0 U 00 0 0 00 000 W a a000 00 C. wUn - 0 m( 0 4...3-; __- N__ I _ __ _ S~ it, CI a___QI S__ teD I Q__-___,________ v-i All measurernents in =fl~himeters R = E~rytherna * N/A =Not appUcaS[.e B = Edema

Magnetic solid phase extraction of brominated flame retardants and pentachlorophenol from environmental waters with carbon doped Fe3O4 nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jing; Li, Jia-yuan; Qiao, Jun-qin; Cui, Shi-hai; Lian, Hong-zhen; Chen, Hong-yuan

2014-12-01

Carbon doped Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4/C) prepared by a facile hydrothermal reaction of glucose with iron resource have been applied as magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) sorbent, for the first time, to extract trace brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and pentachlorophenol (PCP) from environmental waters. Various MSPE parameters were optimized including amount of Fe3O4/C nanoparticles, pH of sample solution, enrichment factor of analytes and reusability of Fe3O4/C sorbent. The reliability of the MSPE method was evaluated by the recoveries of BFRs and PCP in spiked water samples. Good recoveries (80.0-110.0%) were achieved with the relative standard deviations range from 0.3% to 6.8%. In this paper, the extraction characteristics of Fe3O4/C sorbent were further elucidated. It is found that the adsorption process of Fe3O4/C to analytes predominates the MSPE efficiency. There is hybrid hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding or dipole-dipole attraction between Fe3O4/C and analytes. Notably, the chemical components of carbon layer on the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles were identified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetry-mass spectrometry, and in consequence the covalent bonds between Fe3O4 and the coated carbon have been observed. In addition, the straight influence of synthesis condition of Fe3O4/C nanoparticles including glucose concentration and hydrothermal reaction time on extraction performance for BFRs and PCP has been investigated. It is confirmed that the existence of organic carbon containing functional groups over Fe3O4/C sorbent is responsible for the MSPE extraction.

Determination of carrier concentration by Fano interference of Raman scattering in heavily doped n-type 4H-SiC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitani, Takeshi; Nakashima, Shin-ichi; Kojima, Kazutoshi; Kato, Tomohisa; Okumura, Hajime

2012-08-01

For n-type 4H-SiC crystals with carrier concentrations between 2 × 1017 and 2.5 × 1020 cm-3, Fano interference of the folded transverse acoustic (FTA) doublet modes was observed. The Fano line-shape parameters were shown to vary with carrier concentration. It is proposed that the peak shifts in the FTA modes resulting from interference with an electronic continuum state can be used to measure carrier concentration for n-type 4H-SiC up to 1020 cm-3. In addition, the relative intensity of the FTA doublet modes varies markedly with carrier concentrations above 5 × 1018 cm-3. This suggests that mode coupling occurs between the FTA doublet components. The variation in the intensity ratio is attributed to the intensity transfer between the FTA doublet components. This mode coupling arises from a phonon-phonon interaction via electronic continuum state-phonon interactions.

Tunable polymeric sorbent materials for fractionation of model naphthenates.

PubMed

Mohamed, Mohamed H; Wilson, Lee D; Headley, John V

2013-04-04

The sorption properties are reported for several examples of single-component carboxylic acids representing naphthenic acids (NAs) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) based polyurethane sorbents. Seven single-component examples of NAs were chosen with variable z values, carbon number, and chemical structure as follows: 2-hexyldecanoic acid (z = 0 and C = 16; S1), n-caprylic acid (z = 0 and C = 8; S2), trans-4-pentylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid (z = -2 and C = 12; S3), 4-methylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid (z = -2 and C = 8; S4), dicyclohexylacetic acid (z = -4; C = 14; S5), 4-pentylbicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1-carboxylic acid (z = -4; C = 14; S6), and lithocholic acid (z = -6; C = 24; S7). The copolymer sorbents were synthesized at three relative β-CD:diisocyanate mole ratios (i.e., 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3) using 4,4'-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (CDI) and 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI). The sorption properties of the copolymer sorbents were characterized using equilibrium sorption isotherms in aqueous solution at pH 9.00 with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The equilibrium fraction of the unbound carboxylate anions was monitored in the aqueous phase. The sorption properties of the copolymer sorbents (i.e., Qm) were obtained from the Sips isotherm model. The Qm values generally decrease as the number of accessible β-CD inclusion sites in the copolymer framework decreases. The chemical structure of the adsorbates played an important role in their relative uptake, as evidenced by the adsorbate lipophilic surface area (LSA) and the involvement of hydrophobic effects. The copolymers exhibit molecular selective sorption of the single-component carboxylates in mixtures which suggests their application as sorbents for fractionation of mixtures of NAs. By comparison, granular activated carbon (GAC) and chitosan sorbents did not exhibit any significant molecular selective sorption relative to the copolymer materials; however, evidence of variable sorption capacity was observed among the sorbents investigated.

Multiepoch VLBI observations of 4C 39.25 - Superluminal motion amid stationary structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaffer, David B.; Marscher, Alan P.; Marcaide, Jon; Romney, Jonathan D.

1987-01-01

Eight VLBI maps of the quasar 4C 39.25 are presented, covering the time interval November 1979 to July 1985. During this period the compact components at the eastern and western ends of the source remained roughly stationary with respect to each other. A third component emerged from the western component in 1982 and proceeded to move (relative to the other two components) eastward at a rate of 0.16 + or - 0.02 marcsec per year. This corresponds to an average apparent speed between 3.2c and 8.4c for Hubble's constant between 100 and 50 km/s Mpc and q0 between 1 and 0. This superluminal motion contrasts with the stationary structure observed in the 1970s and also still observed between the eastern and western ends of the source. Possible explanations include superluminal feeding of a stationary compact counterpart to a classical radio lobe, an obstacle in a relativistic jet, a relativistic jet which alternatively expands and contracts owing to gradients in the confining pressure, and gravitational lensing of the compact radio emission.

α-MnO2 nanorods supported on porous graphitic carbon nitride as efficient electrocatalysts for lithium-air batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hang, Yang; Zhang, Chaofeng; Luo, Xiaoman; Xie, Yingshen; Xin, Sen; Li, Yutao; Zhang, Dawei; Goodenough, John B.

2018-07-01

Synthesis of α-MnO2 nanorods grown on porous graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) sheets via a facile hydrothermal treatment gives a porous composite exhibiting higher activity for an air cathode than the individual component of α-MnO2 or porous g-C3N4 for both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The porous g-C3N4/α-MnO2 composite also exhibits better performance in a Li-air battery than pure α-MnO2 or XC-72 carbon catalysts, which includes superior discharge capacity, low voltage gap and high cycle stability. The α-MnO2 nanorods catalyze the OER and the porous g-C3N4 sheets catalyze the ORR.

Towards an integrative model of C4 photosynthetic subtypes: insights from comparative transcriptome analysis of NAD-ME, NADP-ME, and PEP-CK C4 species.

PubMed

Bräutigam, Andrea; Schliesky, Simon; Külahoglu, Canan; Osborne, Colin P; Weber, Andreas P M

2014-07-01

C4 photosynthesis affords higher photosynthetic carbon conversion efficiency than C3 photosynthesis and it therefore represents an attractive target for engineering efforts aiming to improve crop productivity. To this end, blueprints are required that reflect C4 metabolism as closely as possible. Such blueprints have been derived from comparative transcriptome analyses of C3 species with related C4 species belonging to the NAD-malic enzyme (NAD-ME) and NADP-ME subgroups of C4 photosynthesis. However, a comparison between C3 and the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEP-CK) subtype of C4 photosynthesis is still missing. An integrative analysis of all three C4 subtypes has also not been possible to date, since no comparison has been available for closely related C3 and PEP-CK C4 species. To generate the data, the guinea grass Megathyrsus maximus, which represents a PEP-CK species, was analysed in comparison with a closely related C3 sister species, Dichanthelium clandestinum, and with publicly available sets of RNA-Seq data from C4 species belonging to the NAD-ME and NADP-ME subgroups. The data indicate that the core C4 cycle of the PEP-CK grass M. maximus is quite similar to that of NAD-ME species with only a few exceptions, such as the subcellular location of transfer acid production and the degree and pattern of up-regulation of genes encoding C4 enzymes. One additional mitochondrial transporter protein was associated with the core cycle. The broad comparison identified sucrose and starch synthesis, as well as the prevention of leakage of C4 cycle intermediates to other metabolic pathways, as critical components of C4 metabolism. Estimation of intercellular transport fluxes indicated that flux between cells is increased by at least two orders of magnitude in C4 species compared with C3 species. In contrast to NAD-ME and NADP-ME species, the transcription of photosynthetic electron transfer proteins was unchanged in PEP-CK. In summary, the PEP-CK blueprint of M. maximus appears to be simpler than those of NAD-ME and NADP-ME plants. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology.

Estimation of the binding modes with important human cytochrome P450 enzymes, drug interaction potential, pharmacokinetics, and hepatotoxicity of ginger components using molecular docking, computational, and pharmacokinetic modeling studies.

PubMed

Qiu, Jia-Xuan; Zhou, Zhi-Wei; He, Zhi-Xu; Zhang, Xueji; Zhou, Shu-Feng; Zhu, Shengrong

2015-01-01

Ginger is one of the most commonly used herbal medicines for the treatment of numerous ailments and improvement of body functions. It may be used in combination with prescribed drugs. The coadministration of ginger with therapeutic drugs raises a concern of potential deleterious drug interactions via the modulation of the expression and/or activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters, resulting in unfavorable therapeutic outcomes. This study aimed to determine the molecular interactions between 12 main active ginger components (6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol, 6-shogaol, 8-shogaol, 10-shogaol, ar-curcumene, β-bisabolene, β-sesquiphelandrene, 6-gingerdione, (-)-zingiberene, and methyl-6-isogingerol) and human cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 3A4 and to predict the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) of the 12 ginger components using computational approaches and comprehensive literature search. Docking studies showed that ginger components interacted with a panel of amino acids in the active sites of CYP1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 3A4 mainly through hydrogen bond formation, to a lesser extent, via π-π stacking. The pharmacokinetic simulation studies showed that the [I]/[Ki ] value for CYP2C9, 2C19, and 3A4 ranged from 0.0002 to 19.6 and the R value ranged from 1.0002 to 20.6 and that ginger might exhibit a high risk of drug interaction via inhibition of the activity of human CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, but a low risk of drug interaction toward CYP2C19-mediated drug metabolism. Furthermore, it has been evaluated that the 12 ginger components possessed a favorable ADMET profiles with regard to the solubility, absorption, permeability across the blood-brain barrier, interactions with CYP2D6, hepatotoxicity, and plasma protein binding. The validation results showed that there was no remarkable effect of ginger on the metabolism of warfarin in humans, whereas concurrent use of ginger and nifedipine exhibited a synergistic effect on platelet aggregation in humans. Moreover, ginger components showed a rapid half-life and no to low toxicity in humans. Taken together, this study shows that ginger components may regulate the activity and expression of various human CYPs, probably resulting in alterations in drug clearance and response. More studies are warranted to identify and confirm potential ginger-drug interactions and explore possible interactions of ginger with human CYPs and other functionally important proteins, to reduce and avoid side effects induced by unfavorable ginger-drug interactions.

Estimation of the binding modes with important human cytochrome P450 enzymes, drug interaction potential, pharmacokinetics, and hepatotoxicity of ginger components using molecular docking, computational, and pharmacokinetic modeling studies

PubMed Central

Qiu, Jia-Xuan; Zhou, Zhi-Wei; He, Zhi-Xu; Zhang, Xueji; Zhou, Shu-Feng; Zhu, Shengrong

2015-01-01

Ginger is one of the most commonly used herbal medicines for the treatment of numerous ailments and improvement of body functions. It may be used in combination with prescribed drugs. The coadministration of ginger with therapeutic drugs raises a concern of potential deleterious drug interactions via the modulation of the expression and/or activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters, resulting in unfavorable therapeutic outcomes. This study aimed to determine the molecular interactions between 12 main active ginger components (6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol, 6-shogaol, 8-shogaol, 10-shogaol, ar-curcumene, β-bisabolene, β-sesquiphelandrene, 6-gingerdione, (−)-zingiberene, and methyl-6-isogingerol) and human cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 3A4 and to predict the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) of the 12 ginger components using computational approaches and comprehensive literature search. Docking studies showed that ginger components interacted with a panel of amino acids in the active sites of CYP1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 3A4 mainly through hydrogen bond formation, to a lesser extent, via π–π stacking. The pharmacokinetic simulation studies showed that the [I]/[Ki] value for CYP2C9, 2C19, and 3A4 ranged from 0.0002 to 19.6 and the R value ranged from 1.0002 to 20.6 and that ginger might exhibit a high risk of drug interaction via inhibition of the activity of human CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, but a low risk of drug interaction toward CYP2C19-mediated drug metabolism. Furthermore, it has been evaluated that the 12 ginger components possessed a favorable ADMET profiles with regard to the solubility, absorption, permeability across the blood–brain barrier, interactions with CYP2D6, hepatotoxicity, and plasma protein binding. The validation results showed that there was no remarkable effect of ginger on the metabolism of warfarin in humans, whereas concurrent use of ginger and nifedipine exhibited a synergistic effect on platelet aggregation in humans. Moreover, ginger components showed a rapid half-life and no to low toxicity in humans. Taken together, this study shows that ginger components may regulate the activity and expression of various human CYPs, probably resulting in alterations in drug clearance and response. More studies are warranted to identify and confirm potential ginger–drug interactions and explore possible interactions of ginger with human CYPs and other functionally important proteins, to reduce and avoid side effects induced by unfavorable ginger–drug interactions. PMID:25733806

The Crystal Structure of Cobra Venom Factor, a Cofactor for C3- and C5-Convertase CVFBb

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

Krishnan, Vengadesan; Ponnuraj, Karthe; Xu, Yuanyuan

2009-05-26

Cobra venom factor (CVF) is a functional analog of human complement component C3b, the active fragment of C3. Similar to C3b, in human and mammalian serum, CVF binds factor B, which is then cleaved by factor D, giving rise to the CVFBb complex that targets the same scissile bond in C3 as the authentic complement convertases C4bC2a and C3bBb. Unlike the latter, CVFBb is a stable complex and an efficient C5 convertase. We solved the crystal structure of CVF, isolated from Naja naja kouthia venom, at 2.6 {angstrom} resolution. The CVF crystal structure, an intermediate between C3b and C3c, lacksmore » the TED domain and has the CUB domain in an identical position to that seen in C3b. The similarly positioned CUB and slightly displaced C345c domains of CVF could play a vital role in the formation of C3 convertases by providing important primary binding sites for factor B.« less

The crystal structure of cobra venom factor, a cofactor for C3- and C5-convertase CVFBb.

PubMed

Krishnan, Vengadesan; Ponnuraj, Karthe; Xu, Yuanyuan; Macon, Kevin; Volanakis, John E; Narayana, Sthanam V L

2009-04-15

Cobra venom factor (CVF) is a functional analog of human complement component C3b, the active fragment of C3. Similar to C3b, in human and mammalian serum, CVF binds factor B, which is then cleaved by factor D, giving rise to the CVFBb complex that targets the same scissile bond in C3 as the authentic complement convertases C4bC2a and C3bBb. Unlike the latter, CVFBb is a stable complex and an efficient C5 convertase. We solved the crystal structure of CVF, isolated from Naja naja kouthia venom, at 2.6 A resolution. The CVF crystal structure, an intermediate between C3b and C3c, lacks the TED domain and has the CUB domain in an identical position to that seen in C3b. The similarly positioned CUB and slightly displaced C345c domains of CVF could play a vital role in the formation of C3 convertases by providing important primary binding sites for factor B.

Method for fabricating apatite crystals and ceramics

DOEpatents

Soules, Thomas F.; Schaffers, Kathleen I.; Tassano, Jr., John B.; Hollingsworth, Joel P.

2013-09-10

The present invention provides a method of crystallizing Yb:C-FAP [Yb.sup.3+:Ca.sub.5(PO.sub.4).sub.3F], by dissolving the Yb:C-FAP in an acidic solution, following by neutralizing the solution. The present invention also provides a method of forming crystalline Yb:C-FAP by dissolving the component ingredients in an acidic solution, followed by forming a supersaturated solution.

A New Approach to Highly Fluorinated Lubricants.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-10-30

demonstrated the value of perfluoroalkyl groups being present. 7 In this way, xrious perfluoroethers were characterised, thus demonstrating the...mixture, containing four components (g.l.c. col. A 450C), was separated using preparative scale g.l.c. techniques to give:- perfluoropentane (4%); perfluoro ...CHRFOCHRFCH2 OCHRFCH 3 ) (where RF - CF 2CFHCF3 ) 2. These adducts were then fluorinated by cobalt trifluoride to give corresponding perfluoro -ethers

3-(4-Hy­droxy­phen­yl)-7-meth­oxy­chroman-4-one monohydrate

PubMed Central

Xiao, Zhu-Ping; Peng, Zhu-Yun; Luo, Qun; Wu, Ying; Yang, Ye-Ling

2011-01-01

In the title compound, C16H14O4·H2O, the dihedral angle betwen the benzene rings is 71.4 (6)°. The pyran ring is in a sofa conformation. In the crystal, O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds connect the components into a two-dimensional network parallel to (010), incorporating C 2 2(4) and C 2 2(11) chains. In addition, weak C—H⋯O, C—H⋯π and π–π stacking inter­actions [centroid–centroid distance = 3.768 (2) Å] are present. PMID:22199730

All Prime Contract Awards by State or Country, Place, and Contractor, FY83, Part 5 (LaGrange, Indiana-Escanaba, Michigan).

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-01-01

N00104-83-CA014 B C A 1 2 2 1361 000 AS DEPTH CHARGE EXPLOSIVE COMPO 8 A 3 4 J 018 1 B J 1 J 174 2 E JA116 4000 N00104-83-CA014 B C A 1 2 2 1386 000 A6... EXPLOSIVE ORD DISPOSAL TOOL- 8 A 6 4 J 018 1 B J 1 E 84 2 A JA116 1398 N00104-63-CA026 B C A 1 3 2 1361 000 AS DEPTH CHARGE EXPLOSIVE COMPO 8 A 3 4 J...CA088 B C A 1 2 2 1356 000 AS TORPEDO EXPLOSIVE COMPONENTS 8 A 3 5 A 1001 5 B J 1 H 195 2 G PAIOt A700 N00140-83-CBA83 B C Z 1 2 2 R414 000 51 MOT

Additive effects in high-voltage layered-oxide cells: A statistics of mixtures approach

DOE PAGES

Sahore, Ritu; Peebles, Cameron; Abraham, Daniel P.; ...

2017-07-20

Li 1.03(Ni 0.5Mn 0.3Co 0.2) 0.97O 2 (NMC)-based coin cells containing the electrolyte additives vinylene carbonate (VC) and tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphite (TMSPi) in the range of 0-2 wt% were cycled between 3.0 and 4.4 V. The changes in capacity at rates of C/10 and C/1 and resistance at 60% state of charge were found to follow linear-with-time kinetic rate laws. Further, the C/10 capacity and resistance data were amenable to modeling by a statistics of mixtures approach. Applying physical meaning to the terms in the empirical models indicated that the interactions between the electrolyte and additives were not simple. For example, theremore » were strong, synergistic interactions between VC and TMSPi affecting C/10 capacity loss, as expected, but there were other, more subtle interactions between the electrolyte components. In conclusion, the interactions between these components controlled the C/10 capacity decline and resistance increase.« less

Reactivity of TNT & TNT - Microbial Reduction Products with Soil Components

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-07-01

TECHNICAL REPORT REACTIVITY OF N TNT & TNT - MICROBIAL REDUCTION PRODUCTS WITH SOIL COMPONENTS BY D. L.KAPLAN ANDDTI C A. M. KAPLAN APPPoVrD FOPJUY1S...3. RECIPIENT’S CATALOG NUMBER NATICK TR-83/041 / 5c ’_______________ 4. TITLE (and Subtitle) S. TYPE OF REPORT & PERIOD -COVERED REACTIVITY OF TNT... REACTIVITY OF TNT AND TNT-MICROBIAL REDUCTION PRODUCTS WITH SOIL COMPONENTS INTRODUCTION Contamination of soils by hazardous wastes (toxic

Localization of the expression of complement component 3 in the human endometrium by in situ hybridization

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

Sayegh, R.A.; Tao, Xiao Jing; Awwad, J.T.

C3 production by the human endometrium has been previously described. The objective of the current study was to localize the site of expression and regulation of the third component of complement, C3, in the endometrium. Eight secretory and eight proliferative archival endometrial samples from hysterectomy and endometrial biopsy specimens were used for in situ hybridization analysis. This analysis was performed with a radiolabeled riboprobe synthesized from a 736-bp template representing sequence 1944-2680 of the human C3 complementary DNA. Duplicate sections were hybridized with sense and antisense riboprobes. Resultant autoradiograms were analyzed qualitatively by light- and darkfield microscopy. In proliferative endometrium,more » minimal expression of C3 was observed and was limited to a few stromal patches and glands throughout the section. In the secretory samples, prominent C3 expression was observed in both the glands and stroma of the basalis layer. Endometrial lymphocytes did not express C3. Endometrial stromal and glandular cells express the C3 gene. Endometrial lymphocytes did not express C3, but other nondistinct lymphoid elements scattered in the stroma may be expressing C3. There was a visibly more intense expression of C3 in the basalis layer of the secretory endometrium than in proliferative endometrium. The spatial and temporal pattern of C3 expression may have implications in normal menstrual physiology and in the immunological response of the endometrium to the invading trophoblast during placentation. 23 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.« less

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of electrospun nanofibrous TiO2/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst under simulated solar light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chunlei; Hu, Liming; Chai, Bo; Yan, Juntao; Li, Jianfen

2018-02-01

Electrospun nanofibrous TiO2/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalysts with different TiO2 content have been synthesized via a facile electrospinning and subsequent in situ evaporation and calcination process for the first time, which are examined in terms of morphology, component content, optical properties, PL spectra, photocurrent response, EIS measurement, photocatalytic activity and mechanism. SEM images exhibit TiO2/g-C3N4-4 heterojunction photocatalyst possesses the excellent 1D structure. HRTEM and element mapping images confirm the formation of heterojunction structure. DRS tests identify that TiO2/g-C3N4-4 heterojunction exhibits the intensitive absorption in both UV and visible light region. The photoelectrochemical tests prove that the recombination between electrons and holes are effectively inhibited. Based on TG analysis and photodegradation experiments, TiO2/g-C3N4-4 heterojunction photocatalyst with TiO2 content of 29.30 wt% possesses the best photocatalytic degradation efficiency for the RhB among the g-C3N4, TiO2 and their mixture under simulated sunlight irradiation. Moreover, 1D morphology of TiO2/g-C3N4-4 heterojunction photocatalyst is in favor of separating from solution for reuse and transferring the electrons, and maintains a very high photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 96% even after four recycles experiments, which is beneficial for practical application.

Photocrystallographic structure determination of a new geometric isomer of [Ru(NH3)4(H2O)(eta1-OSO)][MeC6H4SO3]2.

PubMed

Bowes, Katharine F; Cole, Jacqueline M; Husheer, Shamus L G; Raithby, Paul R; Savarese, Teresa L; Sparkes, Hazel A; Teat, Simon J; Warren, John E

2006-06-21

The structure of a new metastable geometric isomer of [Ru(NH3)4(H2O)(SO2)][MeC6H4SO3]2 in which the SO2 group is coordinated through a single oxygen in an eta1-OSO bonding mode has been determined at 13 K; the new isomer was obtained as a 36% component of the structure within a single crystal upon irradiation using a tungsten lamp.

Promising Bifunctional Chelators for Copper 64-PET imaging: Practical 64Cu Radiolabeling and High In Vitro and In Vivo Complex Stability

PubMed Central

Wu, Ningjie; Kang, Chi Soo; Sin, Inseok; Ren, Siyuan; Liu, Dijie; Ruthengael, Varyanna C.; Lewis, Michael R.; Chong, Hyun-Soon

2016-01-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) using copper-64 is a sensitive and non-invasive imaging technique for diagnosis and staging of cancer. A bifunctional chelator that can present rapid radiolabeling kinetics and high complex stability with 64Cu is a critical component for targeted PET imaging. Bifunctional chelates 3p-C-NE3TA, 3p-C-NOTA, and 3p-C-DE4TA were evaluated for complexation kinetics and stability with 64Cu in vitro and in vivo. Hexadentate 3p-C-NOTA and heptadentate 3p-C-NE3TA possess a smaller TACN-based macrocyclic backbone, while nonadentate 3p-C-DE4TA is constructed on a larger CYCLEN-based ring. The frequently explored chelates of 64Cu, octadentate C-DOTA and hexadentate C-NOTA were also comparatively evaluated. Radiolabeling kinetics of bifunctional chelators with 64Cu was assessed under mild conditions. All bifunctional chelates instantly bound to 64Cu in excellent radiolabeling efficiency at room temperature. C-DOTA was less efficient in binding 64Cu than all other chelates. All 64Cu-radiolabeled bifunctional chelates remained stable in human serum without any loss of 64Cu for 2 days. When challenged by an excess amount of EDTA, 64Cu complexes of 3p-C-NE3TA and 3p-C-NOTA were shown to be more stable than 64Cu-C-DOTA and 64Cu-C-DE4TA. 3p-C-NE3TA and 3p-C-NOTA displayed comparable in vitro and in vivo complex stability to 64Cu-C-NOTA. In vivo biodistribution result indicates that the 64Cu-radiolabeled complexes of 3p-C-NOTA and 3p-C-NE3TA possess excellent in vivo complex stability, while 64Cu-3p-C-DE4TA was dissociated as evidenced by high renal and liver retention in mice. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that the bifunctional chelates 3p-C-NOTA and 3p-C-NE3TA offer excellent chelation chemistry with 64Cu for potential PET imaging applications. PMID:26666778

NMR and computational studies of stereoisomeric equine estrogen-derived DNA cytidine adducts in oligonucleotide duplexes: opposite orientations of diastereomeric forms.

PubMed

Zhang, Na; Ding, Shuang; Kolbanovskiy, Alexander; Shastry, Anant; Kuzmin, Vladimir A; Bolton, Judy L; Patel, Dinshaw J; Broyde, Suse; Geacintov, Nicholas E

2009-08-04

The equine estrogens equilin (EQ) and equilenin (EN) are the active components in the widely prescribed hormone replacement therapy formulation Premarin. Metabolic activation of EQ and EN generates the catechol 4-hydroxyequilenin (4-OHEN) that autoxidizes to the reactive o-quinone form in aerated aqueous solutions. The o-quinones react predominantly with C, and to a lesser extent with A and G, to form premutagenic cyclic covalent DNA adducts in vitro and in vivo. To obtain insights into the structural properties of these biologically important DNA lesions, we have synthesized site-specifically modified oligonucleotides containing the stereoisomeric 1'S,2'R,3'R-4-OHEN-C3 and 1'R,2'S,3'S-4-OHEN-C4 adducts derived from the reaction of 4-OHEN with the C in the oligonucleotide 5'-GGTAGCGATGG in aqueous solution. A combined NMR and computational approach was utilized to determine the conformational characteristics of the two major 4-OHEN-C3 and 4-OHEN-C4 stereoisomeric adducts formed in this oligonucleotide hybridized with its complementary strand. In both cases, the modified C adopts an anti glycosidic bond conformation; the equilenin distal ring protrudes into the minor groove while its two proximal hydroxyl groups are exposed on the major groove side of the DNA duplex. The bulky 4-OHEN-C adduct distorts the duplex within the central GC*G portion, but Watson-Crick pairing is maintained adjacent to C* in both stereoisomeric adducts. For the 4-OHEN-C3 adduct, the equilenin rings are oriented toward the 5'-end of the modified strand, while in 4-OHEN-C4 the equilenin is 3'-directed. Correspondingly, the distortions of the double-helical structures are more pronounced on the 5'- or the 3'-side of the lesion, respectively. These differences in stereoisomeric adduct conformations may play a role in the processing of these lesions in cellular environments.

Pre-separation storage of whole blood: the effect of temperature on red cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate and myeloperoxidase in plasma.

PubMed

Knutson, F; Lööf, H; Högman, C F

1999-10-01

Although whole blood intended for component preparation is commonly left to cool at ambient temperature, knowledge is insufficient concerning what effects this may have on red blood cell (RBC) quality, in particular after a prolonged hold. Whole blood collected in CPD was incubated at 20 degrees C and 28 degrees C for 6 h designed as a paired study. Blood components were prepared and the red blood cell concentrates (RBCs) were stored for 28 days at 4 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C. Blood gases, pH, glucose, lactate, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) and plasma myeloperoxidase (MPO) were investigated. After 6 h the 2,3-DPG concentrations had lowered to 88% (20 degrees C) and 54% (28 degrees C) of initial levels, respectively. The difference was significant and was maintained for 28 days, although, at low levels from day 7 (28 degrees C) and day 14 (20 degrees C) of storage. ATP was maintained at the initial level in both groups during the first 6 h of storage but after component separation the levels were significantly higher in the 28 degrees C group during the first 5 days. The release of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was significantly higher in the non-cooled group than in the cooled group. Pre-separation holding for 6 h of whole blood at temperatures of 28 degrees C causes a great and rapid loss of 2,3-DPG and considerable formation of acid metabolites resulting in clearly subnormal 2,3-DPG levels even on day 1. Active pre-separation cooling to 20 degrees C is to be recommended.

Association between Leptin and Complement in Hepatitis C Patients with Viral Clearance: Homeostasis of Metabolism and Immunity.

PubMed

Chang, Ming-Ling; Kuo, Chia-Jung; Huang, Hsin-Chih; Chu, Yin-Yi; Chiu, Cheng-Tang

2016-01-01

The association between leptin and complement in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains unknown. A prospective study was conducted including 474 (250 genotype 1, 224 genotype 2) consecutive chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients who had completed an anti-HCV therapy course and undergone pre-therapy and 24-week post-therapy assessments of interferon λ3-rs12979860 and HCV RNA/genotypes, anthropometric measurements, metabolic and liver profiles, and complement component 3 (C3), C4, and leptin levels. Of the 474 patients, 395 had a sustained virological response (SVR). Pre-therapy leptin levels did not differ between patients with and without an SVR. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that sex (pre- and post-therapy, p<0.001), body mass index (BMI) (pre- and post-therapy, p<0.001), and C3 levels (pre-therapy, p = 0.027; post-therapy, p = 0.02) were independently associated with leptin levels with or without HCV infection. Pre-therapy BMI, total cholesterol (TC), C4 levels, and the rs12979860 genotype were independently associated with pre-therapy C3 levels in all patients. Post-therapy BMI, alanine aminotransferase, TC, C4 levels, white blood cell counts, and hepatic steatosis were independently associated with the post-therapy C3 levels of SVR patients. Compared with pre-therapy levels, SVR patients showed higher 24-week post-therapy C4 (20.32+/-7.30 vs. 21.55+/-7.07 mg/dL, p<0.001) and TC (171.68+/-32.67 vs. 186.97+/-36.09 mg/dL, p<0.001) levels; however, leptin and C3 levels remained unchanged after therapy in patients with and without an SVR. Leptin and C3 may maintain immune and metabolic homeostasis through association with C4 and TC. Positive alterations in C4 and TC levels reflect viral clearance after therapy in CHC patients.

Electrocatalytic performances of g-C3N4-LaNiO3 composite as bi-functional catalysts for lithium-oxygen batteries

PubMed Central

Wu, Yixin; Wang, Taohuan; Zhang, Yidie; Xin, Sen; He, Xiaojun; Zhang, Dawei; Shui, Jianglan

2016-01-01

A low cost and non-precious metal composite material g-C3N4-LaNiO3 (CNL) was synthesized as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for the air electrode of lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries. The composition strategy changed the electron structure of LaNiO3 and g-C3N4, ensures high Ni3+/Ni2+ ratio and more absorbed hydroxyl on the surface of CNL that can promote the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The composite catalyst presents higher activities than the individual components g-C3N4 and LaNiO3 for both ORR and OER. In non-aqueous Li-O2 batteries, CNL shows higher capacity, lower overpotentials and better cycling stability than XC-72 carbon and LaNiO3 catalysts. Our results suggest that CNL composite is a promising cathode catalyst for Li-O2 batteries. PMID:27074882

Crustal structure and igneous processes in a chondritic Io

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kargel, J. S.

1993-01-01

Liquid sulfur can form when metal-free C1 or C2 chondrites are heated. It may be obtained either by direct melting of native sulfur in disequilibrated C1 or C2 chondrites or by incongruent melting of pyrite and other sulfides in thermodynamically equilibrated rocks of the same composition. Hence, Lewis considered C2 chondrites to be the best meteoritic analog for Io's bulk composition. Metal-bearing C3 and ordinary chondrites are too chemically reduced to yield liquid sulfur and are not thought to represent plausible analogs of Io's bulk composition. An important aspect of Lewis' work is that CaSO4 and MgSO4 are predicted to be important in Io. Real C1 and C2 chondrites contain averages of, respectively, 11 percent and 3 percent by mass of salts (plus water of hydration). The most abundant chondritic salts are magnesium and calcium sulfates, but other important components include sulfates of sodium, potassium, and nickel and carbonates of magnesium, calcium, and iron. It is widely accepted that chondritic salts are formed by low-temperature aqueous alteration. Even if Io originally did not contain salts, it is likely that aqueous alteration would have yielded several percent sulfates and carbonates. In any event, Io probably contains sulfates and carbonates. This report presents the results of a model of differentiation of a simplified C2 chondrite-like composition that includes 1.92 percent MgSO4, 0.56 percent CaSO4, 0.53 percent CaCO3, and 0.094 percent elemental sulfur. The temperature of the model is gradually increased; ensuing fractional melting results in these components extruding or intruding at gravitationally stable levels in Io's crust. Relevant phase equilibria were reviewed. A deficiency of high-pressure phase equilibria renders the present model qualitative.

Monocarboxylic and dicarboxylic acids over oceans from the East China Sea to the Arctic Ocean: Roles of ocean emissions, continental input and secondary formation.

PubMed

Hu, Qihou; Xie, Zhouqing; Wang, Xinming; Kang, Hui; Zhang, Yuqing; Ding, Xiang; Zhang, Pengfei

2018-05-30

Organic acids are major components in marine organic aerosols. Many studies on the occurrence, sources and sinks of organic acids over oceans in the low and middle latitudes have been conducted. However, the understanding of relative contributions of specific sources to organic acids over oceans, especially in the high latitudes, is still inadequate. This study measured organic acids, including C 14:0 - C 32:0 saturated monocarboxylic acids (MCAs), C 16:1 , C 18:1 and C 18:2 unsaturated MCAs, and di-C 4 - di-C 10 dicarboxylic acids (DCAs), in the marine boundary layer from the East China Sea to the Arctic Ocean during the 3rd Chinese Arctic Research Expedition (CHINARE 08). The average concentrations were 18 ± 16 ng/m 3 and 11 ± 5.4 ng/m 3 for ΣMCA and ΣDCA, respectively. The levels of saturated MCAs were much higher than those of unsaturated DCAs, with peaks at C 16:0 , C 18:0 and C 14:0 . DCAs peaked at di-C 4 , followed by di-C 9 and di-C 8 . Concentrations of MCAs and DCAs generally decreased with increasing latitudes. Sources of MCAs and DCAs were further investigated using principal component analysis with a multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR) model. Overall, carboxylic acids originated from ocean emissions, continental input (including biomass burning, anthropogenic emissions and terrestrial plant emissions), and secondary formation. All the five sources contributed to MCAs with ocean emissions as the predominant source (48%), followed by biomass burning (20%). In contrast, only 3 sources (i.e., secondary formation (50%), anthropogenic emissions (41%) and biomass burning (9%)) contributed to DCAs. Furthermore, the sources varied with regions. Over the Arctic Ocean, only secondary formation and anthropogenic emissions contributed to MCAs and DCAs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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.

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

Synthesis, characterization and molecular docking studies of substituted 4-coumarinylpyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole derivatives as potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents.

PubMed

Chougala, Bahubali M; Samundeeswari, S; Holiyachi, Megharaja; Shastri, Lokesh A; Dodamani, Suneel; Jalalpure, Sunil; Dixit, Sheshagiri R; Joshi, Shrinivas D; Sunagar, Vinay A

2017-01-05

A green, eco-friendly and efficient protocol has been developed and synthesized a series of coumarin based pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole derivatives (3) by multi-component reaction (MCR). Unexpected 3-coumarinyl-3-pyrazolylpropanoic acids (4) have been isolated by the reaction of compound (3) in acidic conditions. Further, intramolecular cyclization of compounds (4) leads to C 4 C 4 chromons (9) and these compounds were screened for their biological activities using array of techniques. Most of the compounds exhibited promising antibacterial activity, in particular Gram-positive bacteria. The anti-inflammatory assay was evaluated against protein denaturation as well as HRBC membrane stabilization methods and compounds exhibit excellent anti-inflammatory activity in both methods. Molecular docking study has been performed for all the synthesized compounds with S. aureus dihydropteroate synthetase (DHPS) and results obtained are quite promising. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Magnetostratigraphy of Early Middle Toarcian expanded sections from the Iberian Range (central Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osete, María-Luisa; Gialanella, Paola-Romana; Gómez, Juan J.; Villalaín, Juan J.; Goy, Antonio; Heller, Friedrich

2007-07-01

The magnetostratigraphy of the Lower-Middle Toarcian has been established in two well-dated stratigraphically expanded sections: the Sierra Palomera and the Ariño sections, located in the Iberian Range, in central-eastern Spain. Two magnetisation components could be isolated by thermal cleaning: a secondary syntectonic component of always normal polarity unblocking at intermediate temperatures up to 450 °C/475 °C (A component) and a high temperature unblocking component up to 575 °C (B component). The B component passes fold and reversal tests and is considered the characteristic remanent magnetisation of primary origin. The first Toarcian palaeomagnetic pole for Iberia has been obtained: Plat = 77.4°, Plon = 241.3°E (dm = 5.4° dp = 6.0°). Five pairs of normal and reversed polarity zones were calibrated to regional ammonite subzones. The pattern can be calibrated to other Toarcian magnetostratigraphic studies, but provides a more detailed biostratigraphic framework. A refined magnetic polarity time scale is proposed for the Lower-Middle Toarcian.

High-Temperature Elasticity of Topaz: A Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopic study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tennakoon, S.; Peng, Y.; Andreu, L.; Rivera, F.; Mookherjee, M.; Manthilake, G.; Speziale, S.

2017-12-01

Topaz (Al2SiO4(F,OH)2) is a hydrous aluminosilicate mineral stable in the hydrated sediments in subduction zone settings and could transport water into the Earth's interior. To constrain the amount of water subducted, it is important to have a better understanding of the elastic constants of hydrous phases and compare them with the geophysical observations. In this study, we explored the full elastic moduli tensor for a single crystal topaz using Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy. We determined the full elastic moduli tensor at ambient conditions (1 bar and 297 K), with the principal components- C11, C22, and C33 are 279, 352 and 288 GPa respectively, the off-diagonal components- C­12, C13, and C23 are 124, 72, and 82 GPa respectively, and the shear components- C44, C55, and C66 are 111, 134, and 130 GPa respectively. The compressional (AVP) and shear (AVS) anisotropy for topaz are 13 and 14 % respectively. The aggregate bulk (K) and shear (G) moduli are 162 and 117 GPa respectively. We determined the elasticity of topaz up to 1000 K. The components of the full elastic moduli tensor show softening at high temperature. Temperature derivatives of sound velocity of topaz, dVP/dT = -3.5 ×10-4 km/s/K and dVS/dT = -2.2 ×10-4 km/s/K are smaller than those for corundum [1], α-quartz [2], and olivine [3]. In contrast, the temperature derivatives of primary and shear sound velocity for topaz is greater than that of pyrope garnet [4]. The elasticity and sound velocity of topaz also vary as a function of chemistry i.e., OH-F contents. Our study demonstrates that the effect of composition (xOH) on the velocity is more pronounced than that of temperature.Acknowledgement: This study is supported by US NSF awards EAR-1634422. Reference: [1] Goto, T. et al.,1989, J. Geophys. Res., 94, 7588; [2] Ohno, I. et al., 2006, Phys. Chem. Miner., 33, 1-9; [3] Isaak, D. G., 1992, J. Geophys. Res. Solid Earth, 97, 1871-1885; [4] Sinogeikin, S. V., Bass, J. D., 2002, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., 203(1), 549-555.

Synthesis of Silicon Nitride and Silicon Carbide Nanocomposites through High Energy Milling of Waste Silica Fume for Structural Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suri, Jyothi

Nanocomposites have been widely used in a multitude of applications in electronics and structural components because of their improved mechanical, electrical, and magnetic properties. Silicon nitride/Silicon carbide (Si 3N4/SiC) nanocomposites have been studied intensively for low and high temperature structural applications, such as turbine and automobile engine components, ball bearings, turbochargers, as well as energy applications due to their superior wear resistance, high temperature strength, high oxidation resistance and good creep resistance. Silica fume is the waste material produced during the manufacture of silicon and ferro-silicon alloys, and contains 94 to 97 wt.% SiO2. In the present dissertation, the feasibility of using waste silica fume as the raw material was investigated to synthesize (I) advanced nanocomposites of Si3N4/SiC, and (2) porous silicon carbide (SiC) for membrane applications. The processing approach used to convert the waste material to advanced ceramic materials was based on a novel process called, integrated mechanical and thermal activation process (IMTA) process. In the first part of the dissertation, the effect of parameters such as carbothermic nitridation and reduction temperature and the graphite concentration in the starting silica fume plus graphite mixture, were explored to synthesize nanocomposite powders with tailored amounts of Si3N4 and SiC phases. An effective way to synthesize carbon-free Si3N 4/SiC composite powders was studied to provide a clear pathway and fundamental understanding of the reaction mechanisms. Si3N4/SiC nanocomposite powders were then sintered using two different approaches, based on liquid phase sintering and spark plasma sintering processes, with Al 2O3 and Y2O3 as the sintering aids. The nanocomposites were investigated for their densification behavior, microstructure, and mechanical properties. Si3N4/SiC nanocomposites thus obtained were found to possess superior mechanical properties at much lower costs. The second part of the work has comprised of the successful fabrication of bilayered SiC membranes with a graded porosity, consisting of porous nano-SiC layer on the surface of a porous coarse-grained SiC support layer. The effect of different particle sizes of SiC in the support layers was systematically studied. Also, the effects of sintering temperature were investigated to control the pore size, particle size and overall density of the bi-layered SiC membrane.

C4GEM, a Genome-Scale Metabolic Model to Study C4 Plant Metabolism1[W][OA

PubMed Central

de Oliveira Dal’Molin, Cristiana Gomes; Quek, Lake-Ee; Palfreyman, Robin William; Brumbley, Stevens Michael; Nielsen, Lars Keld

2010-01-01

Leaves of C4 grasses (such as maize [Zea mays], sugarcane [Saccharum officinarum], and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor]) form a classical Kranz leaf anatomy. Unlike C3 plants, where photosynthetic CO2 fixation proceeds in the mesophyll (M), the fixation process in C4 plants is distributed between two cell types, the M cell and the bundle sheath (BS) cell. Here, we develop a C4 genome-scale model (C4GEM) for the investigation of flux distribution in M and BS cells during C4 photosynthesis. C4GEM, to our knowledge, is the first large-scale metabolic model that encapsulates metabolic interactions between two different cell types. C4GEM is based on the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) model (AraGEM) but has been extended by adding reactions and transporters responsible to represent three different C4 subtypes (NADP-ME [for malic enzyme], NAD-ME, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase). C4GEM has been validated for its ability to synthesize 47 biomass components and consists of 1,588 unique reactions, 1,755 metabolites, 83 interorganelle transporters, and 29 external transporters (including transport through plasmodesmata). Reactions in the common C4 model have been associated with well-annotated C4 species (NADP-ME subtypes): 3,557 genes in sorghum, 11,623 genes in maize, and 3,881 genes in sugarcane. The number of essential reactions not assigned to genes is 131, 135, and 156 in sorghum, maize, and sugarcane, respectively. Flux balance analysis was used to assess the metabolic activity in M and BS cells during C4 photosynthesis. Our simulations were consistent with chloroplast proteomic studies, and C4GEM predicted the classical C4 photosynthesis pathway and its major effect in organelle function in M and BS. The model also highlights differences in metabolic activities around photosystem I and photosystem II for three different C4 subtypes. Effects of CO2 leakage were also explored. C4GEM is a viable framework for in silico analysis of cell cooperation between M and BS cells during photosynthesis and can be used to explore C4 plant metabolism. PMID:20974891

Enhancement of growth, photosynthetic performance and yield by exclusion of ambient UV components in C3 and C4 plants.

PubMed

Kataria, Sunita; Guruprasad, K N; Ahuja, Sumedha; Singh, Bupinder

2013-10-05

A field experiment was conducted under tropical climate for assessing the effect of ambient UV-B and UV-A by exclusion of UV components on the growth, photosynthetic performance and yield of C3 (cotton, wheat) and C4 (amaranthus, sorghum) plants. The plants were grown in specially designed UV exclusion chambers, wrapped with filters that excluded UV-B (<315nm), UV-A+B (<400nm), transmitted all the UV (280-400nm) or without filters. All the four plant species responded to UV exclusion by a significant increase in plant height, leaf area, leaf biomass, total biomass accumulation and yield. Measurements of the chlorophyll, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, gas exchange parameters and the activity of Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco) by fixation of (14)CO2 indicated a direct relationship between enhanced rate of photosynthesis and yield of the plants. Quantum yield of electron transport was enhanced by the exclusion of UV indicating better utilization of PAR assimilation and enhancement in reducing power in all the four plant species. Exclusion of UV-B in particular significantly enhanced the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and activity of Rubisco. Additional fixation of carbon due to exclusion of ambient UV-B was channeled towards yield as there was a decrease in the level of UV-B absorbing substances and an increase in soluble proteins in all the four plant species. The magnitude of the promotion in all the parameters studied was higher in dicots (cotton, amaranthus) compared to monocots (wheat, sorghum) after UV exclusion. The results indicated a suppressive action of ambient UV-B on growth and photosynthesis; dicots were more sensitive than monocots in this suppression while no great difference in sensitivity was found between C3 and C4 plants. Experiments indicated the suppressive action of ambient UV on carbon fixation and yield of C3 and C4 plants. Exclusion of solar UV-B will have agricultural benefits in both C3 and C4 plants under tropical climate. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

HDL2-cholesterol/HDL3-cholesterol ratio was associated with insulin resistance, high-molecular-weight adiponectin, and components for metabolic syndrome in Japanese.

PubMed

Moriyama, Kengo; Negami, Masako; Takahashi, Eiko

2014-11-01

Recent data have suggested a relationship between the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclass ratio and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, limited information is available regarding the relationships between the HDL subclass ratio and insulin resistance, associated adipocytokine levels, and MetS components. The associations of the high-density lipoprotein 2 cholesterol (HDL2-C) to high-density lipoprotein 3 cholesterol (HDL3-C) ratio with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, high-molecular-weight adiponectin (HMW-Ad) levels, and MetS components were examined. The study included 1155 Japanese subjects who met our inclusion criteria and underwent an annual health examination that included an HDL subclass analysis. The HDL2-C/HDL3-C ratio and the HMW-Ad level gradually decreased as the number of MetS components increased. In contrast, HOMA-IR gradually increased as the number of MetS components increased. The HDL2-C/HDL3-C ratio correlated inversely with HOMA-IR and positively with the HMW-Ad level. A strong positive correlation was observed between the HDL2-C/HDL3-C ratio and the HDL-C level. The HDL2-C/HDL3-C ratio exhibited moderate negative correlations with the body mass index, waist circumference, and triglyceride level. Weak negative correlations were observed for the HDL2-C/HDL3-C ratio with the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and fasting plasma glucose levels. Our data indicated that the HDL2-C/HDL3-C ratio was associated with insulin resistance, the HMW-Ad level, and MetS components, and it was useful for evaluating MetS in Japanese individuals. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Combined total deficiency of C7 and C4B with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

PubMed Central

Segurado, O G; Arnaiz-Villena, A A; Iglesias-Casarrubios, P; Martinez-Laso, J; Vicario, J L; Fontan, G; Lopez-Trascasa, M

1992-01-01

The first inherited combined total deficiency of C7 and C4B complement components associated with SLE is described in a young female. Functional C7 assays showed a homozygous C7 deficiency in the propositus and her sister, and an heterozygous one in their parents. C4 molecular analyses showed that both the propositus and her mother had two HLA haplotypes carrying only C4A-specific DNA sequences and a normal C4 gene number. Thus, only C4A proteins could be expressed, with resultant normal C4 serum levels. The coexistence of a combined complete C7 and C4B deficiency may therefore abrogate essential functions of the complement cascade presumably related to immune complex handling and solubilization despite an excess of circulating C4A. These findings challenge the putative pathophysiological roles of C4A and C4B and stress the need to perform both functional assays and C4 allotyping in patients with autoimmune pathology and low haemolytic activity without low serum levels of a classical pathway complement component. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 2 PMID:1347491

Accelerated collagen turnover in women with angina pectoris without obstructive coronary artery disease: An iPOWER substudy.

PubMed

Nielsen, Signe H; Mygind, Naja D; Michelsen, Marie M; Bechsgaard, Daria F; Suhrs, Hannah E; Genovese, Federica; Nielsen, Henning B; Brix, Susanne; Karsdal, Morten; Prescott, Eva; Kastrup, Jens

2018-05-01

Aim Collagens are major cardiac extracellular matrix components, known to be actively remodelled and accumulated during diffuse myocardial fibrosis. We evaluated whether accelerated collagen turnover described by neo-epitope biomarkers reflecting collagen formation and degradation separates patients with diffuse myocardial fibrosis from asymptomatic controls. Methods and results Seventy-one women with angina pectoris without significant coronary artery disease assessed by invasive coronary angiogram were included. Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) measuring circulating protein fragments in serum assessed the formation and degradation of collagen type III (Pro-C3, C3M and C3C), IV (P4NP7S and C4M), V (Pro-C5 and C5M) and VI (Pro-C6 and C6M), and degradation of collagen type I (C1M). Serum samples from 32 age-matched asymptomatic women were included as controls. Symptomatic women presented significantly elevated levels of Pro-C6, C3C, C3M, C4M and C8-C ( p < 0.0001-0.0058) and significantly decreased levels of Pro-C3, C5M and C6M ( p < 0.0001-0.041), reflecting accelerated collagen turnover and an imbalanced collagen formation and degradation compared to controls. Cardiac magnetic resonance T1 mapping was performed to determine extracellular volume fraction and thus diffuse myocardial fibrosis. A significant association was identified between C5M and extracellular volume fraction by cardiac magnetic resonance ( p = 0.01). Conclusion Women with angina pectoris, but without significant obstructive coronary artery disease, showed an imbalanced collagen turnover compared to asymptomatic controls. The examined biomarkers are tools to monitor active collagen remodelling in patients with angina pectoris, in risk of developing myocardial fibrosis.

Screening of atmospheric short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins in India and Pakistan using polyurethane foam based passive air sampler.

PubMed

Chaemfa, Chakra; Xu, Yue; Li, Jun; Chakraborty, Paromita; Hussain Syed, Jabir; Naseem Malik, Riffat; Wang, Yan; Tian, Chongguo; Zhang, Gan; Jones, Kevin C

2014-05-06

Production and use of chlorinated paraffins (CPs) have been increasing in India. Distribution of CPs in the area and vicinity have become a great concern due to their persistency and toxicity. Polyurethane foam based passive air samplers (PUF-PAS) was deployed in order to screen the presence of short- and medium- chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs) in the outdoor atmosphere at many sites in India (in winter 2006) and Pakistan (in winter 2011). Concentrations of SCCPs and MCCPs ranged from not detected (ND) to 47.4 and 0 to 38.2 ng m(-3) with means of 8.11 and 4.83 ng m(-3), respectively. Indian concentrations showed higher average levels of both SCCPs and MCCPs India (10.2 ng m(-3) and 3.62 ng m(-3)than the samples from Pakistan (5.13 ng m(-3) and 4.21 ng m(-3)). Relative abundance patterns of carbon number are C10 > C11 > C12 ∼ C13 for SCCPs and C14 > C15 > C16 C17 for MCCP with similarity to the profiles of samples from China, the biggest CPs producer in the world. Principal Component Analysis suggested that detected SCCPs and MCCPs in this study originated from the same emission source.

[Spectral characteristics variations of chromophoric dissolved organic matter during growth of filamentous green macroalgae].

PubMed

Jiang, De-gang; Huang, Qing-hui; Li, Jian-hua

2010-07-01

As an important component of dissolved organic matter (DOM), chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) plays a central role in the global biogeochemical carbon cycle. Macroalgae are essential producers in aquatic ecosystems. They can release a considerable part of photosynthetic products as CDOM. So changes in optical properties of CDOM are studied on filamentous green macroalgae-Chadophorasle found in tidal flats of a brackish Lake Beihu in natural field condition by using spectrometry. Humic-like fluorescence peaks and protein-like fluorescence peaks detected by fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectrum (EEMS) change little in control experiment but increase dramatically in incubation experiment. Applying parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) together with fluorescence excitation-emission matrix can get four components of CDOM (C1, C2, C3 and C4) which are relative to humic-like fluorescence peak A(C), M and protein-like fluorescence peak B, T respectively. In incubation experiment four components increase by 211.5%, 255.8%, 75.3% and 129.3% respectively while in control experiment components have little changes except C1 decreasing by 34.3%. Absorption coefficient alpha (355) increases by 92.9% and has positive significant correlation (P < 0.01) with the four components in incubation-experiment while alpha (355) decreases by 59.8% and only has correlation (P < 0.05) with C1 in control experiment. As the parameters representing CDOM molecular weight and composition, M and S values in incubation experiment are smaller than in control experiment, which illustrate that aromatic and macromolecular CDOM is produced in growth of Chadophorasle. All results indicate that growth of Chadophorasle can change the content and composition of CDOM.

Complement-mediated opsonization of invasive group A Streptococcus pyogenes strain AP53 is regulated by the bacterial two-component cluster of virulence responder/sensor (CovRS) system.

PubMed

Agrahari, Garima; Liang, Zhong; Mayfield, Jeffrey A; Balsara, Rashna D; Ploplis, Victoria A; Castellino, Francis J

2013-09-20

Group A Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) strain AP53 is a primary isolate from a patient with necrotizing fasciitis. These AP53 cells contain an inactivating mutation in the sensor component of the cluster of virulence (cov) responder (R)/sensor (S) two-component gene regulatory system (covRS), which enhances the virulence of the primary strain, AP53/covR(+)S(-). However, specific mechanisms by which the covRS system regulates the survival of GAS in humans are incomplete. Here, we show a key role for covRS in the regulation of opsonophagocytosis of AP53 by human neutrophils. AP53/covR(+)S(-) cells displayed potent binding of host complement inhibitors of C3 convertase, viz. Factor H (FH) and C4-binding protein (C4BP), which concomitantly led to minimal C3b deposition on AP53 cells, further showing that these plasma protein inhibitors are active on GAS cells. This resulted in weak killing of the bacteria by human neutrophils and a corresponding high death rate of mice after injection of these cells. After targeted allelic alteration of covS(-) to wild-type covS (covS(+)), a dramatic loss of FH and C4BP binding to the AP53/covR(+)S(+) cells was observed. This resulted in elevated C3b deposition on AP53/covR(+)S(+) cells, a high level of opsonophagocytosis by human neutrophils, and a very low death rate of mice infected with AP53/covR(+)S(+). We show that covRS is a critical transcriptional regulator of genes directing AP53 killing by neutrophils and regulates the levels of the receptors for FH and C4BP, which we identify as the products of the fba and enn genes, respectively.

The Composition of the Interior of Comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3: Results from Narrowband Photometry of Multiple Components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schleicher, David G.; Birch, P. V.; Bair, A. N.

2006-09-01

We present analyses and results from multi-apparition narrowband photometry of Comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3. Observations were obtained on 7 nights during the comet's current apparition from 2006 February 25 to May 18 (r = 1.65-0.99 AU) using Lowell Observatory's 42-inch (1.1-m) Hall telescope. Due to the comet's very close passage by the Earth and occasional outbursts, a total of 4 components were successfully measured, including the apparent primary body (C) and 3 fragments (B, G, and R), thus permitting us to probe the composition of the interior of Schwassmann-Wachmann 3's nucleus. Abundances of carbon-chain molecules yield a classification of strongly "depleted” in the A'Hearn et al. (1995, Icarus 118, 223) database, with the Q(C2)-to-Q(CN) ratio depleted by factors of between 7 and 8 for components C, B, and G, and a comparable upper limit for component R. Measured from Perth Observatory, S-W 3 also exhibited strong depletion in 1995, about 1-2 months after its original outburst and fragmentation. In 1990, prior to any fragmentation, Fink and Hicks (1996, Ap.J. 459, 729) identified Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 as being strongly depleted, with an upper limit on Q(C2) corresponding to a C2 depletion of a factor of 6.4 or greater. With the material released from the interior of S-W 3 yielding comparable depletions of carbon-chain molecules as with the original surface of the nucleus, we can conclusively state that carbon-chain depletion is not caused by evolution of the surface, and so must instead reflect the primordial composition at the time and location that the comet accreted. A comparison of production rates for CN implies that component C in 2006 had returned to nearly the same rate of gas vaporization as it had at similar heliocentric distances in 1990. These and other results will be presented. This research is supported by NASA's Planetary Astronomy Program.

Analytical Determinations of the Phenolic Content of Dissolved Organic Matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pagano, T.; Kenny, J. E.

2010-12-01

Indicators suggest that the amount of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in natural waters is increasing. Climate Change has been proposed as a potential contributor to the trend, and under this mechanism, the phenolic content of DOM may also be increasing. We have explored the possibility of assessing the phenolic character of DOM using fluorescence spectroscopy as a more convenient alternative to wet chemistry methods. In this work, parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) was applied to fluorescence excitation emission matrices (EEMs) of humic samples in an attempt to analyze their phenolic content. The PARAFAC results were correlated with phenol concentrations derived from the Folin-Ciocalteau reagent-based method. The reagent-based method showed that the phenolic content of five International Humic Substance Society (IHSS) DOM samples vary from approximately 5 to 22 ppm Tannic Acid Equivalents (TAE) in phenol concentration. A five-component PARAFAC fit was applied to the EEMs of the IHSS sample dataset and it was determined by PARAFAC score correlations with phenol concentrations from the reagent-based method that components C1 (R2=0.78), C4 (R2=0.82), and C5 (R2=0.88) have the highest probability of containing phenolic groups. Furthermore, when the scores of components C4 and C5 were summed, the correlation improved (R2=0.99). Likewise, when the scores of C1, C4, and C5 were summed, their correlations were stronger than their individual parts (R2=0.89). Since the reagent-based method is providing an indicator of “total phenol” amount, regardless of the exact molecular structure of C1, C4, and C5, it seems reasonable that each of these components individually contributes a portion to the summed “total phenol” profile, and that the sum of their phenol-related spectral parts represents a larger portion of the “total phenol” index. However, when the sum of all five components were plotted against the reagent-based phenol concentrations, due to the considerable impact of largely non-phenolic components C2 (R2=0.23) and C3 (R2=0.35), the correlation was quite poor (or no correlation at all with R2=0.10). The results show the potential for PARAFAC analysis of multidimensional fluorescence data to be a tool for monitoring the phenolic content of DOM. Applications include assessing the potential for formation of disinfection byproducts in the treatment of drinking water and monitoring the impact of Climate Change on the phenolic character of DOM.

Yield responses of wild C3 and C4 crop progenitors to subambient CO2 : a test for the role of CO2 limitation in the origin of agriculture.

PubMed

Cunniff, Jennifer; Jones, Glynis; Charles, Michael; Osborne, Colin P

2017-01-01

Limitation of plant productivity by the low partial pressure of atmospheric CO 2 (C a ) experienced during the last glacial period is hypothesized to have been an important constraint on the origins of agriculture. In support of this hypothesis, previous work has shown that glacial C a limits vegetative growth in the wild progenitors of both C 3 and C 4 founder crops. Here, we present data showing that glacial C a also reduces grain yield in both crop types. We grew four wild progenitors of C 3 (einkorn wheat and barley) and C 4 crops (foxtail and broomcorn millets) at glacial and postglacial C a , measuring grain yield and the morphological and physiological components contributing to these yield changes. The C 3 species showed a significant increase in unthreshed grain yield of ~50% with the glacial to postglacial increase in C a , which matched the stimulation of photosynthesis, suggesting that increases in photosynthesis are directly translated into yield at subambient levels of C a . Increased yield was controlled by a higher rate of tillering, leading to a larger number of tillers bearing fertile spikes, and increases in seed number and size. The C 4 species showed smaller, but significant, increases in grain yield of 10-15%, arising from larger seed numbers and sizes. Photosynthesis was enhanced by C a in only one C 4 species and the effect diminished during development, suggesting that an indirect mechanism mediated by plant water relations could also be playing a role in the yield increase. Interestingly, the C 4 species at glacial C a showed some evidence that photosynthetic capacity was upregulated to enhance carbon capture. Development under glacial C a also impacted negatively on the subsequent germination and viability of seeds. These results suggest that the grain production of both C 3 and C 4 crop progenitors was limited by the atmospheric conditions of the last glacial period, with important implications for the origins of agriculture. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Uncovering the Key Role of the Fermi Level of the Electron Mediator in a Z-Scheme Photocatalyst by Detecting the Charge Transfer Process of WO3-metal-gC3N4 (Metal = Cu, Ag, Au).

PubMed

Li, Houfen; Yu, Hongtao; Quan, Xie; Chen, Shuo; Zhang, Yaobin

2016-01-27

Z-scheme photocatalytic system shows superiority in degradation of refractory pollutants and water splitting due to the high redox capacities caused by its unique charge transfer behaviors. As a key component of Z-scheme system, the electron mediator plays an important role in charge carrier migration. According to the energy band theory, we believe the interfacial energy band bendings facilitate the electron transfer via Z-scheme mechanism when the Fermi level of electron mediator is between the Fermi levels of Photosystem II (PS II) and Photosystem I (PS I), whereas charge transfer is inhibited in other cases as energy band barriers would form at the semiconductor-metal interfaces. Here, this inference was verified by the increased hydroxyl radical generation and improved photocurrent on WO3-Cu-gC3N4 (with the desired Fermi level structure), which were not observed on either WO3-Ag-gC3N4 or WO3-Au-gC3N4. Finally, photocatalytic degradation rate of 4-nonylphenol on WO3-Cu-gC3N4 was proved to be as high as 11.6 times than that of WO3-gC3N4, further demonstrating the necessity of a suitable electron mediator in Z-scheme system. This study provides scientific basis for rational construction of Z-scheme photocatalytic system.

Effects of myelin or cell body brainstem lesions on 3-channel Lissajous' trajectories of feline auditory brainstem evoked potentials.

PubMed

Pratt, H; Zaaroor, M; Bleich, N; Starr, A

1991-06-01

Auditory brainstem evoked potentials (ABEP) were recorded from 16 awake cats to obtain 3-Channel Lissajous' Trajectories (3CLTs) using three orthogonal differential electrode configurations (nasion-midline nuchal ridge, left-right mastoids, vertex-midline under the mandible). Potentials, evoked by monaural 80 dBnHL (re, human threshold) clicks, were studied before, and up to 7 weeks after inducing neuronal lesions localized to the cochlear nucleus (CN) or the superior olivary complex (SOC), or myelin lesions localized to the fibers of the trapezoid body connecting these two structures. Neuronal lesions were induced by injection of kainic acid (KA), while myelin lesions were induced by injection of L-alpha-lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). With CN neuronal lesions the major changes in 3CLT were in the time domain of 'b', 'c' and 'd' (components P2, P3 and P4 of single-channel ABEP). With SOC neuronal lesions the major changes were in 'c' and 'd' of 3CLT (P3 and P4 of ABEP). With trapezoid body lesions the major change was in 'c' (P3 of ABEP). The results are compatible with the peripheral generation of the first ABEP components (P1a and P1b). The second component (P2) is generated by ipsilateral CN neurones and their outputs. The third component (P3) is generated primarily by ipsilateral SOC neurones and their outputs, with the ipsilateral CN providing input. The The fourth component (P4) is generated bilaterally by the SOC neurones and their outputs, receiving their inputs from ipsilateral CN. The fifth ABEP component (P5) is generated by structures central to the SOCs and their immediate outputs. Neither focal neuronal nor myelin lesions were sufficient to produce obliteration of any component, consistent with a set of generators for each of the ABEP components, consisting of both cell bodies and their output fibers, that is distributed spatially in the brainstem.

Complement Component C3 Variant (R102G) and the Risk of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in a Tunisian Population.

PubMed

Habibi, Imen; Sfar, Imen; Kort, Fedra; Bouraoui, Rim; Chebil, Ahmed; Limaiem, Rim; Ayed, Saloua; Ben Abdallah, Taïeb; El Matri, Leila; Gorgi, Yousr

2017-04-01

Purpose To explore the association between the polymorphism (S/F) p.R102G in the complement component 3 ( C3 ) gene and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in a Tunisian population. Methods The molecular study was performed by polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) in 207 control subjects free of any eye disease (fundus normal) and 145 patients with exudative AMD. The CH50 activity and quantification of C3 and C4 have been made by technical home method and nephelometry, respectively. Results The prevalence of C3 GG genotype polymorphism was significantly higher in AMD patients compared to controls (OR: 2.41, IC 95% [1.90-3.05], p = 0.0007). However, no correlation was found between this allelic variant and the type of neovascularization. Similarly, there is no association between this polymorphism and the presence of functional and/or quantitative hypocomplementemia. Conclusions The C3 GG genotype of the gene could be a susceptibility factor for AMD in the Tunisian population. However, it does not seem to influence the clinical profile of the disease. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Concurrent synergism and inhibition in bimetallic catalysis: catalytic binuclear elimination, solute-solute interactions and a hetero-bimetallic hydrogen-bonded complex in rh-mo hydroformylations.

PubMed

Li, Chuanzhao; Cheng, Shuying; Tjahjono, Martin; Schreyer, Martin; Garland, Marc

2010-04-07

Hydroformylations of cyclopentene and 3,3-dimethylbut-1-ene were performed using both Rh(4)(CO)(12) and (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Mo(CO)(3)H as precursors in n-hexane at 298 K. Both stoichiometric and catalytic hydroformylations were conducted as well as isotopic labeling experiments. Six organometallic pure component spectra were recovered from the high-pressure FTIR experiments, namely the known species Rh(4)(CO)(12), (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Mo(CO)(3)H, RCORh(CO)(4), and the new heterobimetallic complexes RhMo(CO)(7)(eta(5)-C(5)H(5)), a weak hydrogen bonded species (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Mo(CO)(3)H-C(5)H(9)CORh(CO)(4), and a substituted RhMo(CO)(7-y)(eta(5)-C(5)H(5))L(y), where y = 1 or 2 and L = (pi-C(5)H(8)). The main findings were (1) catalytic binuclear elimination (CBER) occurs between (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Mo(CO)(3)H and RCORh(CO)(4) resulting in aldehyde and RhMo(CO)(7)(eta(5)-C(5)H(5)), and this mechanism is responsible for ca. 10% of the product formation; (2) molecular hydrogen is readily activated by the new heterobimetallic complex(es); (3) FTIR and DFT spectroscopic evidence suggests that the weak hydrogen bonded species (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Mo(CO)(3)H-C(5)H(9)CORh(CO)(4) has an interaction of the type eta(5)-C(5)H(4)-H...O=C; and (4) independent physicochemical experiments for volumes of interaction confirm that significant solute-solute interactions are present. With respect to the efficiency of the catalytic cycle, the formation of a weak (eta(5)-C(5)H(5))Mo(CO)(3)H-C(5)H(9)CORh(CO)(4) complex results in a significant decrease in the measured turnover frequency (TOF) and is the primary reason for the inhibition observed in the bimetallic catalytic hydroformylation. Such hydrogen bonding through the eta(5)-C(5)H(5) ring might have relevance to inhibition observed in other catalytic metallocene systems. The present catalytic system is an example of concurrent synergism and inhibition in bimetallic homogeneous catalysis.

Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Long-Chain 3,4-Epoxy-2-alkanones

PubMed Central

Wood, William F.

2010-01-01

3,4-Epoxy-2-dodecanone, a major component in the preorbital gland of the African grey duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), showed antimicrobial activity in preliminary tests. The C11 to C17 homologues of this compound were prepared and their activity against several pathogenic dermal bacteria and fungi was tested. 3,4-Epoxy-2-dodecanone and 3,4-epoxy-2-tridecanone inhibited the growth of Trichophyton mentagrophytes at 25 μg/mL. Moderate inhibition of the growth of the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes and the lipophilic yeast, Pityrosporum ovale, was seen for several of the homologues. PMID:21179314

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of long-chain 3,4-Epoxy-2-alkanones.

PubMed

Wood, William F

2010-01-01

3,4-Epoxy-2-dodecanone, a major component in the preorbital gland of the African grey duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), showed antimicrobial activity in preliminary tests. The C(11) to C(17) homologues of this compound were prepared and their activity against several pathogenic dermal bacteria and fungi was tested. 3,4-Epoxy-2-dodecanone and 3,4-epoxy-2-tridecanone inhibited the growth of Trichophyton mentagrophytes at 25 Îg/mL. Moderate inhibition of the growth of the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes and the lipophilic yeast, Pityrosporum ovale, was seen for several of the homologues.

Acquisition of Complement Inhibitor Serine Protease Factor I and Its Cofactors C4b-Binding Protein and Factor H by Prevotella intermedia

PubMed Central

Malm, Sven; Jusko, Monika; Eick, Sigrun; Potempa, Jan; Riesbeck, Kristian; Blom, Anna M.

2012-01-01

Infection with the Gram-negative pathogen Prevotella intermedia gives rise to periodontitis and a growing number of studies implies an association of P. intermedia with rheumatoid arthritis. The serine protease Factor I (FI) is the central inhibitor of complement degrading complement components C3b and C4b in the presence of cofactors such as C4b-binding protein (C4BP) and Factor H (FH). Yet, the significance of complement inhibitor acquisition in P. intermedia infection and FI binding by Gram-negative pathogens has not been addressed. Here we show that P. intermedia isolates bound purified FI as well as FI directly from heat-inactivated human serum. FI bound to bacteria retained its serine protease activity as shown in degradation experiments with 125I-labeled C4b. Since FI requires cofactors for its activity we also investigated the binding of purified cofactors C4BP and FH and found acquisition of both proteins, which retained their activity in FI mediated degradation of C3b and C4b. We propose that FI binding by P. intermedia represents a new mechanism contributing to complement evasion by a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen associated with chronic diseases. PMID:22514678

Acquisition of complement inhibitor serine protease factor I and its cofactors C4b-binding protein and factor H by Prevotella intermedia.

PubMed

Malm, Sven; Jusko, Monika; Eick, Sigrun; Potempa, Jan; Riesbeck, Kristian; Blom, Anna M

2012-01-01

Infection with the Gram-negative pathogen Prevotella intermedia gives rise to periodontitis and a growing number of studies implies an association of P. intermedia with rheumatoid arthritis. The serine protease Factor I (FI) is the central inhibitor of complement degrading complement components C3b and C4b in the presence of cofactors such as C4b-binding protein (C4BP) and Factor H (FH). Yet, the significance of complement inhibitor acquisition in P. intermedia infection and FI binding by Gram-negative pathogens has not been addressed. Here we show that P. intermedia isolates bound purified FI as well as FI directly from heat-inactivated human serum. FI bound to bacteria retained its serine protease activity as shown in degradation experiments with (125)I-labeled C4b. Since FI requires cofactors for its activity we also investigated the binding of purified cofactors C4BP and FH and found acquisition of both proteins, which retained their activity in FI mediated degradation of C3b and C4b. We propose that FI binding by P. intermedia represents a new mechanism contributing to complement evasion by a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen associated with chronic diseases.

Hydrolysis and coordination behavior of ferrocenyl-phosphonodithiolate: Synthesis and structure of Cu 4[FcP(OCH 3)( μ-S)( μ3-S)] 4 [Fc = Fe( η5-C 5H 4)( η5-C 5H 5)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Shu-Lei; Wang, Xi-Ying; Duan, Taike; Leung, Wa-Hung; Zhang, Qian-Feng

2010-02-01

Treatment of the dimeric [FcP(S)( μ-S)] 2 [Fc = Fe( η5-C 5H 4)( η5-C 5H 5)] with the organic base Et 3N in methylene chloride solution resulted in the isolation of a multi-component compound [Et 3NH] 2[(FcPO 2S) 2CH 2][FcPS(OH) 2] 2·CH 2Cl 2 ( 1·CH 2Cl 2). The formation of the [(FcPO 2S) 2CH 2] 2- anion was due to the dechlorination of methylene chloride, it consists of two [FcPO 2S] 2- units bridging by a methylene group. Reaction of Na[FcP(OCH 3)S 2] with equal equivalent of [Cu(MeCN) 4][ClO 4] in methanol afforded a sole tetranuclear copper(I) complex Cu 4[FcP(OCH 3)( μ-S)( μ3-S)] 4 ( 2). The neutral complex 2 consists of a crystallographically centrosymmetric tetramer containing four CuS 3 arrays each of which has one μ-sulfur and two μ3-sulfur bridges.

Well-Coupled Nanohybrids Obtained by Component-Controlled Synthesis and in Situ Integration of Mn xPd y Nanocrystals on Vulcan Carbon for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction.

PubMed

Lu, Yanan; Zhao, Shulin; Yang, Rui; Xu, Dongdong; Yang, Jing; Lin, Yue; Shi, Nai-En; Dai, Zhihui; Bao, Jianchun; Han, Min

2018-03-07

Development of cheap, highly active, and robust bimetallic nanocrystal (NC)-based nanohybrid (NH) electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is helpful for advancing fuel cells or other renewable energy technologies. Here, four kinds of well-coupled Mn x Pd y (MnPd 3 , MnPd-Pd, Mn 2 Pd 3 , Mn 2 Pd 3 -Mn 11 Pd 21 )/C NHs have been synthesized by in situ integration of Mn x Pd y NCs with variable component ratios on pretreated Vulcan XC-72 C using the solvothermal method accompanied with annealing under Ar/H 2 atmosphere and used as electrocatalysts for ORR. Among them, the MnPd 3 /C NHs possess the unique "half-embedded and half-encapsulated" interfaces and exhibit the highest catalytic activity, which can compete with some currently reported non-Pt catalysts (e.g., Ag-Co nanoalloys, Pd 2 NiAg NCs, PdCo/N-doped porous C, G-Cu 3 Pd nanocomposites, etc.), and close to commercial Pt/C. Electrocatalytic dynamic measurements disclose that their ORR mechanism abides by the direct 4e - pathway. Moreover, their durability and methanol-tolerant capability are much higher than that of Pt/C. As revealed by spectroscopic and electrochemical analyses, the excellent catalytic performance of MnPd 3 /C NHs results from the proper component ratio of Mn and Pd and the strong interplay of their constituents, which not only facilitate to optimize the d-band center or the electronic structure of Pd but also induce the phase transformation of MnPd 3 active components and enhance their conductivity or interfacial electron transfer dynamics. This work demonstrates that MnPd 3 /C NHs are promising methanol-tolerant cathode electrocatalysts that may be employed in fuel cells or other renewable energy option.

Semiconducting perovskites (2-XC6H4C2H4NH3)2SnI4 (X = F, Cl, Br): steric interaction between the organic and inorganic layers.

PubMed

Xu, Zhengtao; Mitzi, David B; Dimitrakopoulos, Christos D; Maxcy, Karen R

2003-03-24

Two new semiconducting hybrid perovskites based on 2-substituted phenethylammonium cations, (2-XC(6)H(4)C(2)H(4)NH(3))(2)SnI(4) (X = Br, Cl), are characterized and compared with the previously reported X = F compound, with a focus on the steric interaction between the organic and inorganic components. The crystal structure of (2-ClC(6)H(4)C(2)H(4)NH(3))(2)SnI(4) is solved in a disordered subcell [C2/m, a = 33.781(7) A, b = 6.178(1) A, c = 6.190(1) A, beta = 90.42(3)(o), and Z = 2]. The structure is similar to the known (2-FC(6)H(4)C(2)H(4)NH(3))(2)SnI(4) structure with regard to both the conformation of the organic cations and the bonding features of the inorganic sheet. The (2-BrC(6)H(4)C(2)H(4)NH(3))(2)SnI(4) system adopts a fully ordered monoclinic cell [P2(1)/c, a = 18.540(2) A, b = 8.3443(7) A, c = 8.7795(7) A, beta = 93.039(1)(o), and Z = 2]. The organic cation adopts the anti conformation, instead of the gauche conformation observed in the X = F and Cl compounds, apparently because of the need to accommodate the additional volume of the bromo group. The steric effect of the bromo group also impacts the perovskite sheet, causing notable distortions, such as a compressed Sn-I-Sn bond angle (148.7(o), as compared with the average values of 153.3 and 154.8(o) for the fluoro and chloro compounds, respectively). The optical absorption features a substantial blue shift (lowest exciton peak: 557 nm, 2.23 eV) relative to the spectra of the fluoro and chloro compounds (588 and 586 nm, respectively). Also presented are transport properties for thin-film field-effect transistors (TFTs) based on spin-coated films of the two hybrid semiconductors.

Chemical reactivity of SiC fibre-reinforced SiC with beryllium and lithium ceramic breeder materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kleykamp, H.

2000-12-01

SiC fibre-reinforced SiC fabrics (f-SiC/SiC) are considered for structural materials of advanced fusion blanket concepts. Priority tasks are compatibility studies of SiC with Li breeder ceramics and the Be neutron multiplier. Isothermal and anisothermal powder reactions by DTA up to 1220°C were examined between Li 4SiO 4, Li 2ZrO 3 and Li 2TiO 3, respectively, and SiC and SiC/SiO 2 mixtures, respectively. The SiC/SiO 2 mixture simulated the chemical state of Nicalon fibres. Solid state reactions between SiC and Be pellets were studied by capsule experiments. The reaction products Be 2C and Si were observed between the initial phases after annealing at 800°C and 900°C. A parabolic time law with a chemical diffusion coefficient D˜=2.6×10 -15 m 2/s of Be in the products was deduced at 900°C. Additional oxygen released from SiO 2 as a component of the simulated fibres oxidised the reaction products via the gas phase by formation of a Be 2SiO 4 layer. All reactions are kinetically hindered below 700°C.

Synthesis and properties of Ag/ZnO/g-C3N4 ternary micro/nano composites by microwave-assisted method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zijie; Li, Xuexue; Chen, Haitao; Shao, Gang; Zhang, Rui; Lu, Hongxia

2018-01-01

Ag/ZnO/g-C3N4 ternary micro/nanocomposites, as novel visible-light-driven photocatalysts, were prepared by a simple and convenient microwave-assisted method. The resulting ternary structure micro/nano composites were characterized by x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and infrared radiation techniques to examine its phase structure, valence state, morphological, thermal and optical properties. Well crystallized Ag/ZnO/g-C3N4 ternary micro/nano composites were synthesized under microwave-radiation for 15 min with the output of 240 W. Further experiments indicated Ag(5.0mol%)/ZnO/g-C3N4 photocatalyst in degradation of methylene blue exhibited an outstanding photocatalytic activity and its reaction rate constant (k, 0.0084 min-1) is 7.5, 2.4 2.9 and 3.5 times higher than that of monolithic ZnO (k, 0.0011 min-1), ZnO/g-C3N4(k, 0.0035 min-1), Ag(5 mol%)/ZnO(k, 0.0029 min-1) and Ag(5mol%)/g-C3N4 (k, 0.0024 min-1) respectively. Finally, a possible photocatalytic mechanism of Ag/ZnO/g-C3N4 photocatalyst in degradation process was proposed. This work provides a feasible strategy to synthesize an efficient ZnO-based photocatalyst which combines structure and properties of different dimensional components and made this ternary system an exciting candidate for sunlight-driven photocatalytic water treatment.

Gas-phase nitrosation of ethylene and related events in the C2H4NO+ landscape.

PubMed

Gerbaux, Pascal; Dechamps, Noemie; Flammang, Robert; Nam, Pham Cam; Nguyen, Minh Tho; Djazi, Fayçal; Berruyer, Florence; Bouchoux, Guy

2008-06-19

The C2H4NO(+) system has been examined by means of quantum chemical calculations using the G2 and G3B3 approaches and tandem mass spectrometry experiments. Theoretical investigation of the C2H4NO(+) potential-energy surface includes 19 stable C2H4NO(+) structures and a large set of their possible interconnections. These computations provide insights for the understanding of the (i) addition of the nitrosonium cation NO(+) to the ethylene molecule, (ii) skeletal rearrangements evidenced in previous experimental studies on comparable systems, and (iii) experimental identification of new C2H4NO(+) structures. It is predicted from computation that gas-phase nitrosation of ethylene may produce C2H4(*)NO(+) adducts, the most stable structure of which is a pi-complex, 1, stabilized by ca. 65 kJ/mol with respect to its separated components. This complex was produced in the gas phase by a transnitrosation process involving as reactant a complex between water and NO(+) (H2O.NO(+)) and the ethylene molecule and fully characterized by collisional experiments. Among the other C 2H 4NO (+) structures predicted by theory to be protected against dissociation or isomerization by significant energy barriers, five were also experimentally identified. These finding include structures CH3CHNO(+) (5), CH 3CNOH (+) ( 8), CH3NHCO(+) (18), CH3NCOH(+) (19), and an ion/neutral complex CH2O...HCNH(+) (12).

Differential impact of serum glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol on cardiovascular risk factor burden in nondiabetic, obese African American women: implications for the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.

PubMed

Gaillard, Trudy; Schuster, Dara; Osei, Kwame

2010-08-01

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) as defined by the Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III criteria includes 3 metabolic parameters: serum glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) measurements. However, the impact of each of the 3 metabolic parameters on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in African American women (AAW) is unknown. Therefore, we investigated CVD risk clusters associated with each of the 3 metabolic components of MetS in adult nondiabetic, overweight/obese AAW. We studied the clinical and metabolic CVD risk factors of 258 AAW (mean age, 42.4 +/- 8.4 years; mean body mass index, 33.4 +/- 8.0 (kg/m(2)). Fasting serum insulin, glucose, and C-peptide levels were obtained in each subject. Waist circumference and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured. Insulin sensitivity (Bergman minimal model method) and insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment) were calculated. We examined the prevalence of MetS and its components associated with each of the 3 metabolic components (ie, serum glucose, HDL-C, and triglycerides) of the MetS as defined by ATP III. Worsening of any of the 3 metabolic parameters was associated with increasing waist circumference but not with age and body mass index nor with insulin, C-peptide, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and insulin sensitivity. As a group, the prevalence of MetS was 35.5% in our AAW. The prevalence of MetS increased 3-fold from first to third tertiles of serum glucose (14.1% and 42.3%, respectively). Worsening of serum HDL-C from tertiles 3 to 1 was associated with significant increases in the prevalence of MetS (1.2% vs 42.3%, respectively). Comparing first with third tertile of triglycerides, there was no significant increase in MetS in our AAW (7% vs 17%). Contrasting the 3 metabolic components, the prevalence of MetS was higher in the third tertile of glucose (43.2%) and first tertile of HDL-C (42.3%) and least with the third tertile of triglycerides (17%). In summary, each of the metabolic components of MetS was associated with different degrees of the clustering of CVD risk factors in AAW. We found that alterations in serum glucose and HDL-C were more predictive of MetS, each yielding approximately 40% of the prevalence of MetS in our nondiabetic, obese AAW. We found that triglycerides had the least impact on MetS in our AAW. We propose (1) that the 3 metabolic parameters for MetS defined by ATP III should be weighted differently with respect to their potential for CVD risks and perhaps outcomes and (2) that nondiabetic AAW in our third tertile of serum glucose (>100 mg/dL) and/or first tertile of HDL-C (<40 mg/dL) should be targeted for screening for MetS. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prototypic chromatin insulator cHS4 protects retroviral transgene from silencing in Schistosoma mansoni

PubMed Central

Suttiprapa, Sutas; Rinaldi, Gabriel; Brindley, Paul J.

2011-01-01

Vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVG) pseudotyped murine leukemia virus (MLV) virions can transduce schistosomes, leading to chromosomal integration of reporter transgenes. To develop VSVG-MLV for functional genomics in schistosomes, the influence of the chicken β-globin cHS4 element, a prototypic chromatin insulator, on transgene expression was examined. Plasmid pLNHX encoding the MLV 5′- and 3′-Long Terminal Repeats (LTRs) flanking the neomycin phosphotransferase gene (neo) was modified to include, within the U3 region of the 3′-LTR, active components of cHS4 insulator, the 250 bp core fused to the 400 bp 3′-region. Cultured larvae of Schistosoma mansoni were transduced with virions from producer cells transfected with control or cHS4-bearing plasmids. Schistosomules transduced with cHS4 virions expressed two to 20 times higher levels of neo than controls, while carrying comparable numbers of integrated proviral transgenes. The findings not only demonstrated that cHS4 was active in schistosomes but also they represent the first report of activity of cHS4 in any Lophotrochozoan species, which has significant implications for evolutionary conservation of heterochromatin regulation. The findings advance prospects for transgenesis in functional genomics of the schistosome genome to discover intervention targets because they provide the means to enhance and extend transgene activity including for vector based RNA interference. PMID:21918820

A novel culture medium designed for the simultaneous enhancement of biomass and lipid production by Chlorella vulgaris UTEX 26.

PubMed

Ramírez-López, Citlally; Chairez, Isaac; Fernández-Linares, Luis

2016-07-01

A novel culture medium to enhance the biomass and lipid production simultaneously by Chlorella vulgaris UTEX 26 was designed in three stages of optimization. Initially, a culture medium was inferred applying the response surface method to adjust six factors [NaNO3, NH4HCO3, MgSO4·7H2O, KH2PO4, K2HPO4 and (NH4)2HPO4], which were selected on the basement of BBM (Bold's Basal Medium) and HAMGM (Highly Assimilable Minimal Growth Medium) culture media. Afterwards, the nitrogen source compound was optimized to reduce both, ammonium and nitrate concentrations. As result of the optimization process, the proposed culture medium improved 40% the biomass (0.73gL(-1)) compared with the BBM medium and 85% the lipid concentration (281mgL(-1)), with respect to HAMGM medium. Some culture media components concentrations were reduced up to 50%. Gas chromatography analysis revealed that C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 and C18:3 were the major fatty acids produced by C. vulgaris UTEX 26. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

P-T evolution of the Precambrian mafic rocks hosting the Varena iron ore deposit in SE Lithuania

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Šiliauskas, Laurynas; Skridlaitė, Gražina; Prusinskiene, Sabina

2017-04-01

The Precambrian Varena iron ore deposit in the western East European Craton, near the Latvian-East Lithuanian and Middle Lithuanian domain boundary, is buried beneath 210-500 m thick sediments. It consists of variable metasomatic rocks, mostly Mg-Fe skarns, associated with dolomitic marbles, magnetite and other ores. Metasomatites are hosted by metamorphosed igneous (mostly mafic) and sedimentary rocks and crosscut by later granites and diabase dikes. Three samples of altered mafic rocks (D8-3, D8-4 and D8-6) were chosen for PT estimations. D8-3 sample (582.5 m) is a coarse-grained metagabbro near a metasomatic K-Mg hastingsite rock. It consists of diopsidic pyroxene, edenitic and actinolitic hornblende, plagioclase (An22-15) and scapolite with minor titanite, chlorite, apatite and talc. Diopside compositions range from iron richer (Mg# 0.64, jadeite component of 0.027) to magnesium richer (Mg# 0.89, jadeite less than 0.01). Amphiboles vary from primary Mg-hastingsitic (AlVI 0.38 apfu, Mg# 0.70) to secondary edenitic (AlVI 0.25, Mg# 0.72) hornblende. Plagioclase is slightly zoned, cores more calcium-rich (An22-20) than rims (An18-15). Sample D8-4 (588 m) has similar mineral and chemical compositions, but is somewhat more altered than the D8-3 sample. Plagioclase in diopside is more anorthitic (An32-30), while matrix plagioclase is more albitic (An27-20). Sample D8-6 (710 m) is composed of diopside, plagioclase, scapolite, Mg-hornblende and actinolite. Diopside has Mg# of 0.77-0.84 and jadeite component of 0.01-0.02. Amphibole compositions range from Mg-hornblende (Mg# 0.64-0.7, Al VI 0.2-0.17 apfu) to actinolite (Mg# 0.76-0.83, Al VI 0.12-0.10 apfu). Plagioclases are An18 in cores and An10 at rims. Diopsides with the lowest Mg# and highest jadeite components, together with plagioclase cores were used for PT calculations by the winTWQ software (Berman, 1991). Temperatures of 530° C and 550° C and pressures of 6.3 and 6.1 kbar were estimated for the D8-3 and D8-4 samples, respectively. Edenitic (D8-3 and D8-4) and Mg-hornblende (D8-6) and plagioclase rims were used for thermobarometric calculations (Holland and Blundy, 1994 etc). The sample D8-3 yielded 690° to 600° C and 5.6 to 4.6 kbar (4.3 kbar pressures at maximum temperature). Similar results (675-716° C and 4.1-5.5 kbar, 4.9 kbar pressures at maximum temperature) were obtained from the D8-4 sample. The sample D8-6 produced somewhat lower values of 669-532° C and 3.7-1.0 kbar. The D8-3 gabbro may belong to the surrounding c. 1.84 Ga (Bogdanova et al., 2015) Randamonys complex. The gabbros were later metamorphosed at 550oC and 6.3 kbar (peak by clinopyroxene-plagioclase assemblages). A slight decompression to 5.0-4.3 kbar and reheating to c. 700o C (hornblende-plagioclase assemblages) were likely caused by the fluid influx and metasomatism. Such hornblende yielded c. 1.62 Ga age in the neighbouring 982 drilling (40Ar/39Ar age; Bogdanova et al., 2001). The later retrogression to 530o C at c. 3 kbar coincided with the hornblende closure temperature presumably at 1.47 Ga as was recorded in the same 982 drilling. Berman, 1991. CAN MINERAL, 29, 833-856. Bogdanova, S. et al., 2001. Tectonophysics, 339, 39-66. Bogdanova, S. et al., 2015. Precambrian Research, 259, 5-33. Holland, T., Blundy, J., 1994. CONTRIB MINERAL PETROL 116, 433-47.

[Analysis of the character of film decomposition of methyl methacrylate (MMA) coated urea by infrared spectrum].

PubMed

Li, Dong-po; Wu, Zhi-jie; Liang, Cheng-hua; Chen, Li-jun; Zhang, Yu-lan; Nie, Yan-xi

2012-03-01

The degradability characteristics of film with 4 kinds of methyl methacrylate coated urea amended with inhibitors were analyzed by FITR, which was purposed to supply theoretical basis for applying the FITR analysis method to film decomposition and methyl methacrylate coated urea fertilizers on farming. The result showed that the chemical component, molecule structure and material form of the membrane were not changed because of adding different inhibitors to urea. the main peaks of expressing film degradation process were brought by the -C-H of CH3 & CH2, -OH, C-O, C-C, C-O-C, C=O, C=C flexing vibrancy in asymmetry and symmetry in 3 479-3 195, 2 993--2 873, 1 741-1 564, 1 461-925 and 850-650 cm(-1). The peak value changed from smooth to tip, and from width to narrow caused by chemical structural transform of film The infrared spectrum of 4 kinds of fertilizers was not different remarkably before 60 days, and the film was slowly degraded. But degradation of the film was expedited after 60 days, it was most quickened at 120 day, and the decomposition rate of film was decreased at 310 day. The substantiality change of film in main molecule structure of 4 kinds of fertilizers didn't happen in 310 days. The main component of film materials was degraded most slowly in brown soil. The speed of film degradation wasn't heavily impacted by different inhibitors. The characteristic of film degradation may be monitored entirely by infrared spectrum. The degradation dynamic, chemical structure change, degradation speed difference of the film could be represented through infrared spectrum.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons with Aliphatic Sidegroups: Intensity Scaling for the C-H Stretching Modes and Astrophysical Implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, X. J.; Li, Aigen; Glaser, R.; Zhong, J. X.

2017-03-01

The so-called unidentified infrared emission (UIE) features at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, and 11.3 μ {{m}} ubiquitously seen in a wide variety of astrophysical regions are generally attributed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules. Astronomical PAHs may have an aliphatic component, as revealed by the detection in many UIE sources of the aliphatic C-H stretching feature at 3.4 μ {{m}}. The ratio of the observed intensity of the 3.4 μ {{m}} feature to that of the 3.3 μ {{m}} aromatic C-H feature allows one to estimate the aliphatic fraction of the UIE carriers. This requires knowledge of the intrinsic oscillator strengths of the 3.3 μ {{m}} aromatic C-H stretch ({A}3.3) and the 3.4 μ {{m}} aliphatic C-H stretch ({A}3.4). Lacking experimental data on {A}3.3 and {A}3.4 for the UIE candidate materials, one often has to rely on quantum-chemical computations. Although the second-order Møller-Plesset (MP2) perturbation theory with a large basis set is more accurate than the B3LYP density functional theory, MP2 is computationally very demanding and impractical for large molecules. Based on methylated PAHs, we show here that, by scaling the band strengths computed at an inexpensive level (e.g., B3LYP/6-31G*), we are able to obtain band strengths as accurate as those computed at far more expensive levels (e.g., MP2/6-311+G(3df,3pd)). We calculate the model spectra of methylated PAHs and their cations excited by starlight of different spectral shapes and intensities. We find that {({I}3.4/{I}3.3)}{mod}, the ratio of the model intensity of the 3.4 μ {{m}} feature to that of the 3.3 μ {{m}} feature, is insensitive to the spectral shape and intensity of the exciting starlight. We derive a straightforward relation for determining the aliphatic fraction of the UIE carriers (I.e., the ratio of the number of C atoms in aliphatic units {N}{{C},{ali}} to that in aromatic rings {N}{{C},{aro}}) from the observed band ratios {({I}3.4/{I}3.3)}{obs}: {N}{{C},{ali}}/{N}{{C},{aro}}≈ 0.57× {({I}3.4/{I}3.3)}{obs} for neutrals and {N}{{C},{ali}}/{N}{{C},{aro}}≈ 0.26× {({I}3.4/{I}3.3)}{obs} for cations.

Synthesis, crystal structures and luminescence properties of new multi-component co-crystals of isostructural Co(II) and Zn(II) complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tella, Adedibu C.; Owalude, Samson O.; Omotoso, Mary F.; Olatunji, Sunday J.; Ogunlaja, Adeniyi S.; Alimi, Lukman O.; Popoola, Olugbenga K.; Bourne, Susan A.

2018-04-01

Two novel isostructural compounds containing multi-component co-crystals [M(C6H4NO2)2(H2O)2](C9H6O6)2 (M = Co (1), Zn (2), C6H4NO2 = Picolinic acid, C9H6O6 = Trimesic acid) have been synthesized. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV-Visible and 1H NMR spectroscopies as well as thermal and single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that 1 and 2 are isostructural. Compound 1 crystallizes in triclinic space group (P-1, with a = 5.154 (10) Å, b = 11.125 (2) Å, c = 14.113 (3) Å, α = 91.01 (3)°, β = 100.54 (3)°, and γ = 102.71 (3)°). In a similar fashion, compound 2 crystallizes in triclinic space group (P-1, with a = 5.1735 (3) Å, b = 11.0930 (10) Å, c = 14.1554 (8) Å, α = 91.70 (3)°, β = 100.26 (3)°, γ = 102.90 (3)°). The metal (II) cation presents distorted MN2O4 octahedral geometry with H2O molecules coordinated to the metal in equatorial position while the picolinic acid molecules are axially coordinated through the pyridine N atom. The two trimesic acid molecules are not part of the first coordination sphere. Compounds 1 and 2 constitute an example of a class of coordination compound of multicomponent crystals having trimesic acid outside the coordination sphere where it is neither protonated or deprotonated. The two compounds were investigated for luminiscence properties.

Advanced Power Electronics Components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schwarze, Gene E.

2004-01-01

This paper will give a description and status of the Advanced Power Electronics Materials and Components Technology program being conducted by the NASA Glenn Research Center for future aerospace power applications. The focus of this research program is on the following: 1) New and/or significantly improved dielectric materials for the development of power capacitors with increased volumetric efficiency, energy density, and operating temperature. Materials being investigated include nanocrystalline and composite ceramic dielectrics and diamond-like carbon films; 2) New and/or significantly improved high frequency, high temperature, low loss soft magnetic materials for the development of transformers/inductors with increased power/energy density, electrical efficiency, and operating temperature. Materials being investigated include nanocrystalline and nanocomposite soft magnetic materials; 3) Packaged high temperature, high power density, high voltage, and low loss SiC diodes and switches. Development of high quality 4H- and 6H- SiC atomically smooth substrates to significantly improve device performance is a major emphasis of the SiC materials program; 4) Demonstration of high temperature (> 200 C) circuits using the components developed above.

Characterization of DOM adsorption of CNTs by using excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy and multiway analysis.

PubMed

Peng, Mingguo; Li, Huajie; Li, Dongdong; Du, Erdeng; Li, Zhihong

2017-06-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were utilized to adsorb DOM in micro-polluted water. The characteristics of DOM adsorption on CNTs were investigated based on UV 254 , TOC, and fluorescence spectrum measurements. Based on PARAFAC (parallel factor) analysis, four fluorescent components were extracted, including one protein-like component (C4) and three humic acid-like components (C1, C2, and C3). The adsorption isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics of DOM adsorption on CNTs were further investigated. A Freundlich isotherm model fit the adsorption data well with high values of correlation. As a type of macro-porous and meso-porous adsorbent, CNTs preferably adsorb humic acid-like substances rather than protein-like substances. The increasing temperature will speed up the adsorption process. The self-organizing map (SOM) analysis further explains the fluorescent properties of water samples. The results provide a new insight into the adsorption behaviour of DOM fluorescent components on CNTs.

Monoclinic modification of bis­(μ2-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxyl­ato)-κ4 O 2,N,O 6:O 6;κ4 O 2:O 2,N,O 6-bis­[aqua­dibutyl­tin(IV)

PubMed Central

Ng, Seik Weng

2011-01-01

The SnIV atom in the centrosymmetric dinuclear title compound, [Sn2(C4H9)4(C7H3NO4)2(H2O)2], exists in a trans-C2SnNO4 penta­gonal–bipyramidal geometry. There are two half-mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit that are completed by inversion symmetry. The crystal studied was a non-merohedral twin with a ratio of 47.3 (1)% for the minor twin component. Bond dimensions are similar to those found in the tetra­gonal polymorph [Huber et al. (1989 ▶). Acta Cryst. C45, 51–54]. O—H⋯O hydrogen-bonding interactions stabilize the crystal packing. PMID:21522924

Functional Gap Analysis of the Maritime Operations Centers

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-01

Messaging Services TBMCS , DJC2 MI.1.3.5 Manage Suspense Control Capability Gap MI.1.3.6 Provide Component IM Cell Services Capability Gap MI.1.4 Provide...Admin Support MSRT MI.1.3.3 Manage Electronic File Plan Capability Gap MI.1.3.4 Manage Messaging Services TBMCS , DJC2 MI.1.3.5 Manage Suspense...1.5.9 Execute C4 Policies & Procedures for the Joint Operations Area GCCS-J, DCGS-N, TBMCS , CENTRIX-M EHQ.1.11 Sub Component Interagency

Computational and experimental study of the interactions between ionic liquids and volatile organic compounds.

PubMed

Gao, Tingting; Andino, Jean M; Alvarez-Idaboy, J Raul

2010-09-07

Computational chemistry calculations were performed to investigate the interactions of ionic liquids with different classes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and aromatic compounds. At least one VOC was studied to represent each class. Initially, 1-butyl-3-methylimindazolium chloride (abbreviated as C(4)mimCl) was used as the test ionic liquid compound. Calculated interaction lengths between atoms in the ionic liquid and the VOC tested as well as thermodynamic data suggest that C(4)mimCl preferentially interacts with alcohols as compared to other classes of volatile organic compounds. The interactions of methanol with different kinds of ionic liquids, specifically 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromine (C(4)mimBr) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (C(4)mimBF(4)) were also studied. In comparing C(4)mimCl, C(4)mimBr, and C(4)mimBF(4), the computational results suggest that C(4)mimCl is more likely to interact with methanol. Laboratory experiments were performed to provide further evidence for the interaction between C(4)mimCl and different classes of VOCs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to probe the ionic liquid surface before and after exposure to the VOCs that were tested. New spectral features were detected after exposure of C(4)mimCl to various alcohols. The new features are characteristic of the alcohols tested. No new IR features were detected after exposure of the C(4)mimCl to the aldehyde, ketone, alkane, alkene, alkyne or aromatic compounds studied. In addition, after exposing the C(4)mimCl to a multi-component mixture of various classes of compounds (including an alcohol), the only new peaks that were detected were characteristic of the alcohol that was tested. These experimental results demonstrated that C(4)mimCl is selective to alcohols, even in complex mixtures. The findings in this work provide information for future gas-phase alcohol sensor design.

Preferential production and transport of grass-derived pyrogenic carbon in NE-Australian savanna ecosystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saiz, Gustavo; Goodrick, Iain; Wurster, Christopher; Nelson, Paul N.; Wynn, Jonathan; Bird, Michael

2017-12-01

Understanding the main factors driving fire regimes in grasslands and savannas is critical to better manage their biodiversity and functions. Moreover, improving our knowledge on pyrogenic carbon (PyC) dynamics, including formation, transport and deposition, is fundamental to better understand a significant slow-cycling component of the global carbon cycle, particularly as these ecosystems account for a substantial proportion of the area globally burnt. However, a thorough assessment of past fire regimes in grass-dominated ecosystems is problematic due to challenges in interpreting the charcoal record of sediments. It is therefore critical to adopt appropriate sampling and analytical methods to allow the acquisition of reliable data and information on savanna fire dynamics. This study uses hydrogen pyrolysis (HyPy) to quantify PyC abundance and stable isotope composition (δ13C) in recent sediments across 38 micro-catchments covering a wide range of mixed C3/C4 vegetation in north Queensland, Australia. We exploited the contrasting δ13C values of grasses (i.e. C4; δ13C >-15‰) and woody vegetation (i.e. C3; δ13C <-24‰) to assess the preferential production and transport of grass-derived PyC in savanna ecosystems. Analyses were conducted on bulk and size-fractionated samples to determine the fractions into which PyC preferentially accumulates. Our data show that the δ13C value of PyC in the sediments is decoupled from the δ13C value of total organic carbon, which suggests that a significant component of PyC may be derived from incomplete grass combustion, even when the proportion of C4 grass biomass in the catchment was relatively small. Furthermore, we conducted 16 experimental burns that indicate that there is a comminution of PyC produced in-situ to smaller particles, which facilitates the transport of this material, potentially affecting its preservation potential. Savanna fires preferentially burn the grass understory rather than large trees, leading to a bias toward the finer C4–derived PyC in the sedimentary record. This in turn, provides further evidence for the preferential production and transport of C4-derived PyC in mixed ecosystems where grass and woody vegetation coexist. Moreover, our isotopic approach provides independent validation of findings derived from conventional charcoal counting techniques concerning the appropriateness of adopting a relatively small particle size threshold.

Composition of interstellar clouds in the disk and halo. 2: Gamma(sup 2) Velorum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fitzpatrick, Edward L.; Spitzer, Lyman, Jr.

1994-01-01

High-resolution observations of gamma(sup 2) Vel with the Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) echelle on the Hubble Space Telescope reveal the presence of seven narrow absorption components, with LSR velocities between -23 and +9 km s(exp -1). Three of these show column density ratios N(S(++))/N(S(+)) and N(P(++))/N(P+)) of about 1 or more, and can be identified as H II regions, while the other four are H I regions, consistent with the O I profile and with the overall H(sup 0) column density of 5.9 x 10(exp 19) cm(exp -2), given the usual assumptions that S is undepleted while O has a depletion D(O) = -0.3 dex. The depletions of Fe, Si, and Mn, which could be measure accurately for two of the four H I regions (components 6 and 7), differ somewhat from the values of D(sub ws) found for slowly moving warm clouds in HD 93521; in particular, for the component at 4.0 km s(exp -1) (No. 6), abosolute of D exceeds absolute of D(sub ws) by 0.1-0.4 dex, while for that at 9.3 km s(exp -1) (No. 7), absolute of D equals absolute of D(sub ws) on the average. The observed ratio of Fe + Mg atoms to Si atoms in the grains of component 6 is 2.04 +/-0.10, consistent with an olivine grain composition; the Fe/Mg ratio is 1.5 +/- 0.2. The electron density in component 6, determined from the C II(sup *) feature, is 0.075 +/- 0.013 cm (exp -3), about two-thirds of that found for clouds of this velocity in HD 93521. In the two conspicuous H II regions, components 3 and 4, n(sub e), determined from the Si II(sup *) feature, is about 1 cm(exp -3). From the column density of S(+) + S(++) in these two components, the total H II path length is about 40 pc. With the radius of a wind-blown bubble around gamma(sup 2) Vel set equal to 60 pc, the effective Stromgren radius is about 100 pc, requiring that T approx. equal to 50,000 K for the Wolf-Rayet component of the gamma(sup 2) Vel binary. Since zeta Pup is a comparable source of ionizing radiation, this temperature is an upper limit. The profiles of the strongest H2 absorption features, from Copernicus archives, indicate that the absorbing molecules have a mean velocity identical with that of the strongest H II component (No. 4). We have no explanation for the possible presence of these H2 molecules in a region of ionized H. Alternatively, the H2 profiles can be explained by molecules in the two adjacent (in velocity) H I regions, components 2 and 5, provided their H I gas has densities and temperatures typical of normal cold clouds. The GHRS data show absorption by highly ionized atoms Si(3+) and C(3+), N(4+) in broad features, in addition to the narrow-line absorption by Si(3+) and C(3+) observed in the dominant H II components, Nos. 3 and 4. The broad C(3+) and N(4+) features have widths corresponding to T in the range (4-8) x 10(exp 5) K, consistent with the broad O(5+) line shown in Copernicus data. Despite some observational uncertainties, the ratios of column densities in the broad C(3+), N(4+), and O(5+) features agree to +/- 0.1 dex with theoretical values for warm gas, heating and evaporating by thermal conduction from an adjacent hot region. Outward evaporation from an isolated cloud in a hot ambient gas cannot be distinguished, on the basis of these data, from inward evaporation of a warm shell, compressed by an expanding, hot stellar-wind bubble. For several halo stars, the C IV/O VI ratio has a quite different average value, perhaps consistent with cooling of infalling hot gas instead of conductive heating and evaporation.

Immune complexes and Ross River virus disease (epidemic polyarthritis).

PubMed

Fraser, J R; Cunningham, A L; Mathews, J D; Riglar, A

1988-01-01

Immune complexes were sought in serum and synovial fluid in Ross River virus disease (epidemic polyarthritis). Multiple samples from 15 patients showing varied degrees of disease activity over a 3 month period were analysed for their content of complement components C3 and C4, and for C1q solid-phase and Raji cell binding activity. Levels of C3 and C1q binding activity were normal. C4 and Raji cell binding activity were normal except for three high levels of Raji cell binding, of which two were accompanied by low levels of C4, with normal C3 and C1q binding. Synovial fluid showed anomalous Raji cell reactivity of uncertain significance. Conglutinin solid-phase binding activity and IgG rheumatoid factor were compared in the serum of 20 patients during active disease and after recovery. The results were identical and within the normal range in both phases. One patient developed IgM rheumatoid factor in a low titre late in his illness. Although these findings do not entirely exclude a role for immune complexes formed at the onset in the circulation or tissues, it is concluded from this and other evidence that circulating complexes are not commonly responsible for the persistence of syndromes in this disease.

A specific inactivator of mammalian C'4 isolated from nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) serum.

PubMed

Jensen, J A

1969-08-01

A material which specifically inactivates mammalian C'4 was isolated from low ionic strength precipitates of nurse shark serum. The C'4 inactivator was not detected in whole serum. The conditions of its generation and its immunoelectrophoretic behavior seem to indicate that it is an enzymatically formed cleavage product of a precursor contained in whole shark serum. The inactivator was partially purified and characterized. It had an S-value of 3.3 (sucrose gradient) which was in agreement with its retardation on gel filtration, was stable between pH 5.0 and 10.0, had a half-life of 5 min at 56 degrees C, pH 7.5, was inactivated by trypsin and was nontoxic. Its powerful anticomplementary activity in vitro and in vivo was solely due to the rapid inactivation of C'4; no other complement components were affected. No cofactor requirement was observed for the equally rapid inactivation of highly purified human and guinea pig C'4. The kinetics of C'4 inactivation and TAME hydrolysis, the greater anodic mobility of inactivated human C'4, and the influence of temperature on the rate of inactivation suggest that the inactivator is an enzyme and C'4 its substrate. This conclusion was supported by the more recent detection of a split product of C'4. Intravenous administration of the C'4 inactivator could prevent lethal Forssman shock and suppress the Arthus reaction in guinea pigs; it prolonged significantly the rejection time of renal xenografts but had no detectable effect on passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. Anaphylatoxin could be generated in C'4 depleted guinea pig serum with the cobra venom factor, but not with immune precipitates. The possible relationship between C'1 esterase and the C'4 inactivator is discussed on the basis of similarities and dissimilarities.

Using vegetation model-to-data comparisons to test the role of abiotic factors in the Neogene and Quaternary origins of modern C4 grasslands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fox, D. L.; Strömberg, C.; Pau, S.; Taylor, L.; Lehmann, C.; Osborne, C.; Beerling, D. J.; Still, C. J.

2014-12-01

Grasslands dominated by taxa using the C4 photosynthetic pathway evolved on several continents during the Neogene and Quaternary, long after C4 photosynthesis first evolved among grasses. The histories of these ecosystems are relatively well documented in the geological record from stable carbon isotopes (fossil vertebrate herbivores, paleosols) and the plant microfossil record (pollen, phytoliths). The distinct biogeography and ecophysiology of modern C3 and C4 grasses have led to hypotheses explaining the origins of C4 grasslands in terms of long term changes in the Earth system such as increased aridity and decreasing atmospheric pCO2. However, proxies for key parameters of these hypotheses (e.g., temperature, precipitation, pCO2) are still in development, not yet widely applied, or remain contentious, so testing the hypotheses globally remains difficult. To understand better possible links between changes in the Earth system and the origin of C4 grasslands on different continents, we are undertaking a global scale comparison between observational records of C4 grass abundances in Miocene and Pliocene localities compiled from the literature, and three increasingly complex models of C4 dominance and abundance. The literature compilation comprises >2,600 δ13C values of both fossil vertebrates and of paleosol carbonates and >6,700 paleobotanical records. We are using paleoclimate output from the HadCM3L GCM over a range of pCO2 values for each epoch to model C4 dominance or abundance in grid cells as (Model 1) months per year exceeding the temperature at which net assimilation is greater for C4 than C3 photosynthesis (crossover temperature); (Model 2) the number of months per year exceeding the crossover temperature and having sufficient precipitation for growth (≥25 cm/yr; Collatz model); and (Model 3) the Sheffield Dynamic Global Vegetation Model (SDGVM), output from which includes biomass (g C/m2/yr) for distinct structural components (roots, stems, leaves) of multiple plant functional types (C3 and C4 grasses, evergreen and deciduous trees). Statistical comparisons of the isotopic and paleobotanical databases with the paleoclimate and vegetation model outputs allows us to assess the possible role of abiotic factors in the evolution of modern C4 grasslands during the late Neogene.

Études RMN haute résolution et RPE des composés Ba 3C 60 et Ba 6C 60

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rezzouk, Abdellah; Dafir, Driss; Errammach, Youssef; Rachdi, Férid

2003-07-01

We report the results of 13C MAS NMR and EPR measurements on Ba 3C 60 and Ba 6C 60 fullerides. Using high resolution NMR, we were able to identify an isotropic line around 156 ppm for Ba 3C 60 and a broad isotropic one with three components at 132, 134.6, 139.9 ppm for Ba 6C 60 compound. The latter line is consistent with orientationally ordered C 60 molecules leading to three unequivalent carbon sites in agreement with X-ray studies. A strong diamagnetic shift was observed for the NMR line of Ba 6C 60 that is interpreted in terms of transition moment in an indirect gap system. EPR results confirm the insulating nature of both studied compounds. To cite this article: A. Rezzouk et al., C. R. Physique 4 (2003).

Interaction of Serum- and Glucocorticoid Regulated Kinase 1 (SGK1) with the WW-Domains of Nedd4-2 Is Required for Epithelial Sodium Channel Regulation

PubMed Central

Wiemuth, Dominik; Lott, J. Shaun; Ly, Kevin; Ke, Ying; Teesdale-Spittle, Paul; Snyder, Peter M.; McDonald, Fiona J.

2010-01-01

Background The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is an integral component of the pathway for Na+ absorption in epithelial cells. The ubiquitin ligases Nedd4 and Nedd4-2 bind to ENaC and decrease its activity. Conversely, Serum- and Glucocorticoid regulated Kinase-1 (SGK1), a downstream mediator of aldosterone, increases ENaC activity. This effect is at least partly mediated by direct interaction between SGK and Nedd4-2. SGK binds both Nedd4 and Nedd4-2, but it is only able to phosphorylate Nedd4-2. Phosphorylation of Nedd4-2 reduces its ability to bind to ENaC, due to the interaction of phosphorylated Nedd4-2 with 14-3-3 proteins, and hence increases ENaC activity. WW-domains in Nedd4-like proteins bind PY-motifs (PPXY) present in ENaC subunits, and SGK also has a PY-motif. Principal Finding Here we show that single or tandem WW-domains of Nedd4 and Nedd4-2 mediate binding to SGK and that different WW-domains of Nedd4 and Nedd4-2 are involved. Our data also show that WW-domains 2 and 3 of Nedd4-2 mediate the interaction with SGK in a cooperative manner, that activated SGK has increased affinity for the WW-domains of Nedd4-2 in vitro, and a greater stimulatory effect on ENaC Na+ transport compared to wildtype SGK. Further, SGK lacking a PY motif failed to stimulate ENaC activity in the presence of Nedd4-2. Conclusions Binding of Nedd4-2 WW-domains to SGK is necessary for SGK-induced ENaC activity. PMID:20730100

Fractionation of Saprolegnia diclina (Oomycetes) satelite DNAs by AgNO3/Cs2SO4 density gradient centrifugation.

PubMed

Neish, G A; Green, B R

1977-12-14

Saprolegnia diclina DNA has been fractionated using preparative AgNO3/Cs2SO4 and CsCl density gradients. In addition to the previously identified major satellite DNA, there are two minor DNA components banding at 1.682 and 1.701 g - cm(-3) in CsCl. Purified major satellite DNA bands at 1.707 g - cm(-3) giving a base composition of 48% G + C in good agreement with 47% G + C calculated from its Tm value. The nuclear DNA base composition is 58% G + C by both methods. The base composition of the major satellite DNA suggests that it may represent ribosomal DNA cistrons.

Pd@HNTs-CDNS-g-C3N4: A novel heterogeneous catalyst for promoting ligand and copper-free Sonogashira and Heck coupling reactions, benefits from halloysite and cyclodextrin chemistry and g-C3N4 contribution to suppress Pd leaching.

PubMed

Sadjadi, Samahe; Heravi, Majid M; Malmir, Masoumeh

2018-04-15

For the first time, a ternary hybrid system composed of halloysite nanotubes, HNTs, cyclodextrin nanosponges, CDNS, and g-C 3 N 4 is prepared and used for immobilization of Pd(0) nanoparticles and development of a heterogeneous catalyst, Pd@HNTs-CDNS-g-C 3 N 4 for promoting ligand and copper-free Sonogashira and Heck coupling reactions in aqueous media. HNT as a porous tubular clay with outstanding thermal, mechanical and textural properties can act as a support for immobilizing Pd nanoparticles. The role of CDNS can be explained on the base of its capability to form inclusion complexe with substrates and bringing them in the vicinity of the catalytic active sites. Regarding the role of g-C 3 N 4 in catalysis, it is proved that its presence can suppress the Pd leaching dramatically. The contribution of each component as well as synergistic effect between them results in high catalytic activity and recyclability (up to 10 reaction runs) of the catalyst. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Post-translational Modifications of Chicken Myelin Basic Protein Charge Components

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

Kim, Jeongkwon; Zhang, Rui; Strittmatter, Eric F.

Purified myelin basic protein (MBP) from various species contains several post-translationally modified forms termed charge components or charge isomers. Chicken MBP contains four charge components denoted as C1, C2, C3 and C8. (The C8 isomer is a complex mixture and was not investigated in this study.) These findings are in contrast to those found for human, bovine and other mammalian MBP’s. Mammalian MBP’s, each of which contain seven or eight charge components depending on the analysis of the CM-52 chromatographic curves and the PAGE gels obtained under basic pH conditions. Chicken MBP components C1, C2 and C3 were treated withmore » trypsin and endoproteinase Glu-C. The resulting digests were analyzed by capillary liquid chromatography combined with either an ion trap tandem mass spectrometer or with a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. This instrumentation permitted establishing the amino acid composition and the determination of the posttranslational modifications for each of the three charge components C1-C3. With the exception of N-terminal acetylation, the post-translational modifications were partial.« less

Formative Evaluation of the Behavior Change Components within a Colorado Weatherization Assistance Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandoval, Perla K.

A formative evaluation of behavior change elements of an ongoing Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offered by the Energy Resource Center (E.R.C.) in Denver, CO was conducted. The WAP as administered by the E.R.C. in Colorado saves residents an average 15% of energy consumption (E.R.C., 2015). However, research suggests that adding behavioral components to WAPs could increase energy savings to 21-26% (Gregory, 1992; APPRAISE, 2002). The goal of this evaluation is to provide recommendations to E.R.C. for program changes using Community Based Social Marketing (CBSM) and Theory of Planned Behavior. The CBSM Step 1- Step 3 is the focus of this formative evaluation. This program evaluation has four components: 1) review of written materials, 2) interviews with staff, 3) surveys mailed to E.R.C. clients and 4) in-home observations conducted with E.R.C. clients. Results of this formative evaluation has 3 sections of behaviors recommended for future intervention high priority, mid priority, and low priority recommendations based on CBSM penetration, probability, and impact factors. Behaviors that are listed as high priority for E.R.C. Behavioral intervention are cold water washing, hang drying, setting back thermostats, and window coverings. Overall increase in staff engagement is also recommended to be pursued. Each staff level is also given recommendations on how to engage in behavior change interventions.

Measurements of 14C in ancient ice from Taylor Glacier, Antarctica constrain in situ cosmogenic 14CH4 and 14CO production rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrenko, Vasilii V.; Severinghaus, Jeffrey P.; Schaefer, Hinrich; Smith, Andrew M.; Kuhl, Tanner; Baggenstos, Daniel; Hua, Quan; Brook, Edward J.; Rose, Paul; Kulin, Robb; Bauska, Thomas; Harth, Christina; Buizert, Christo; Orsi, Anais; Emanuele, Guy; Lee, James E.; Brailsford, Gordon; Keeling, Ralph; Weiss, Ray F.

2016-03-01

Carbon-14 (14C) is incorporated into glacial ice by trapping of atmospheric gases as well as direct near-surface in situ cosmogenic production. 14C of trapped methane (14CH4) is a powerful tracer for past CH4 emissions from ;old; carbon sources such as permafrost and marine CH4 clathrates. 14C in trapped carbon dioxide (14CO2) can be used for absolute dating of ice cores. In situ produced cosmogenic 14C in carbon monoxide (14CO) can potentially be used to reconstruct the past cosmic ray flux and past solar activity. Unfortunately, the trapped atmospheric and in situ cosmogenic components of 14C in glacial ice are difficult to disentangle and a thorough understanding of the in situ cosmogenic component is needed in order to extract useful information from ice core 14C. We analyzed very large (≈1000 kg) ice samples in the 2.26-19.53 m depth range from the ablation zone of Taylor Glacier, Antarctica, to study in situ cosmogenic production of 14CH4 and 14CO. All sampled ice is >50 ka in age, allowing for the assumption that most of the measured 14C originates from recent in situ cosmogenic production as ancient ice is brought to the surface via ablation. Our results place the first constraints on cosmogenic 14CH4 production rates and improve on prior estimates of 14CO production rates in ice. We find a constant 14CH4/14CO production ratio (0.0076 ± 0.0003) for samples deeper than 3 m, which allows the use of 14CO for correcting the 14CH4 signals for the in situ cosmogenic component. Our results also provide the first unambiguous confirmation of 14C production by fast muons in a natural setting (ice or rock) and suggest that the 14C production rates in ice commonly used in the literature may be too high.

[Verification of ballast water exchange for international ships anchored in Xiamen Port by CDOM tracer].

PubMed

Li, Chao; Zhang, Yan-po; Guo, Wei-dong; Zhu, Yue; Xu, Jing; Deng, Xun

2010-09-01

Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) and absorption spectroscopy were applied to study the optical properties of 29 CDOM samples collected from different ballast tanks of nine international route vessels anchored in Xiamen Port between October 2007 and April 2008. The purpose was to examine the feasibility of these spectral properties as a tracer to verify if these vessels follow the mid-ocean ballast water exchange (BWE) regulation. Using parallel factor analysis, four fluorescent components were identified, including two humic-like components (C1: 245, 300/386 nm; C2: 250, 345/458 nm) and two protein-like components (C3: 220, 275/306 nm; C4: 235, 290/345 nm), of which C2 component was the suitable fluorescence verification indicator. The vertical distribution of all fluorescent components in ballast tank was nearly similar indicating that profile-mixing sampling was preferable. Combined use of C2 component, spectral slope ratio (SR) of absorption spectroscopy and salinity may provide reasonable verification if BWE carried out by these nine ships. The results suggested that the combined use of multiple parameters (fluorescence, absorption and salinity) would be much reliable to determine the origin of ballast water, and to provide the technical guarantee for fast examination of ballast water exchange in Chinese ports.

Distinct subunit contributions to the activation of M-type potassium channels by PI(4,5)P2

PubMed Central

Telezhkin, Vsevolod; Brown, David A.

2012-01-01

Low-threshold voltage-gated M-type potassium channels (M channels) are tetraheteromers, commonly of two Kv7.2 and two Kv7.3 subunits. Though gated by voltage, the channels have an absolute requirement for binding of the membrane phospholipid phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) to open. We have investigated the quantitative relation between the concentration of a water-soluble PI(4,5)P2 analog, dioctanoyl-PI(4,5)P2 (DiC8-PI(4,5)P2), and channel open probability (Popen) by fast application of increasing concentrations of DiC8-PI(4,5)P2 to the inside face of membrane patches excised from Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing M channels as heteromeric Kv7.2/7.3 subunits. The rationale for the experiments is that this will mimic the effect of changes in membrane PI(4,5)P2 concentration. Single-channel conductances from channel current–voltage relations in cell-attached mode were 9.2 ± 0.1 pS with a 2.5-mM pipette [K+]. Plots of Popen against DiC8-PI(4,5)P2 concentration were best fitted using a two-component concentration–Popen relationship with high and low affinity, half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) values of 1.3 ± 0.14 and 75.5 ± 2.5 µM, respectively, and Hill slopes of 1.4 ± 0.06. In contrast, homomeric channels from cells expressing only Kv7.2 or Kv7.3 constructs yielded single-component curves with EC50 values of 76.2 ± 19.9 or 3.6 ± 1.0 µM, respectively. When wild-type (WT) Kv7.2 was coexpressed with a mutated Kv7.3 subunit with >100-fold reduced sensitivity to PI(4,5)P2, the high-affinity component of the activation curve was lost. Fitting the data for WT and mutant channels to an activation mechanism with independent PI(4,5)P2 binding to two Kv7.2 and two Kv7.3 subunits suggests that the two components of the M-channel activation curve correspond to the interaction of PI(4,5)P2 with the Kv7.3 and Kv7.2 subunits, respectively, that channels can open when only the two Kv7.3 subunits have bound DiC8-PI(4,5)P2, and that maximum channel opening requires binding to all four subunits. PMID:22689829

Radio jets in NGC 4151: where eMERLIN meets HST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, D. R. A.; McHardy, I. M.; Baldi, R. D.; Beswick, R. J.; Argo, M. K.; Dullo, B. T.; Knapen, J. H.; Brinks, E.; Fenech, D. M.; Mundell, C. G.; Muxlow, T. W. B.; Panessa, F.; Rampadarath, H.; Westcott, J.

2017-12-01

We present high-sensitivity eMERLIN radio images of the Seyfert galaxy NGC 4151 at 1.51 GHz. We compare the new eMERLIN images to those from archival MERLIN observations in 1993 to determine the change in jet morphology in the 22 yr between observations. We report an increase by almost a factor of 2 in the peak flux density of the central core component, C4, thought to host the black hole, but a probable decrease in some other components, possibly due to adiabatic expansion. The core flux increase indicates an active galactic nucleus (AGN) that is currently active and feeding the jet. We detect no significant motion in 22 yr between C4 and the component C3, which is unresolved in the eMERLIN image. We present a spectral index image made within the 512 MHz band of the 1.51 GHz observations. The spectrum of the core, C4, is flatter than that of other components further out in the jet. We use HST emission-line images (H α, [O III] and [O II]) to study the connection between the jet and the emission-line region. Based on the changing emission-line ratios away from the core and comparison with the eMERLIN radio jet, we conclude that photoionization from the central AGN is responsible for the observed emission-line properties further than 4 arcsec (360 pc) from the core, C4. Within this region, a body of evidence (radio-line co-spatiality, low [O III]/H α and estimated fast shocks) suggests additional ionization from the jet.

DoD Housing Management

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-01

E, below. The forms are approved for electronic generation and distribution. * 1-7 0 C~L0 _ 0 C 0I U)2 Ea 0 0 0 U! 0 3: X 9 0 V~ 0 CD co L. 8p 6 V- I...and inspection by installation personnel. e. Costs above installation level, such as costs attributable to Engineer Districts, Public Works Offices...the major command or engineering field dMsion ’). For DoD Component area summary reports, leave bla’*. C-1 Go %a M -ý - f N 4I- -t C-4.𔃻-1 .7 %10O O

Self-assembled hierarchical direct Z-scheme g-C3N4/ZnO microspheres with enhanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nie, Ning; Zhang, Liuyang; Fu, Junwei; Cheng, Bei; Yu, Jiaguo

2018-05-01

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into hydrocarbon fuels has been regarded as a promising approach to ease the greenhouse effect and the energy shortage. Herein, an electrostatic self-assembly method was exploited to prepare g-C3N4/ZnO composite microsphere. This method simply utilized the opposite surface charge of each component, achieving a hierarchical structure with intimate contact between them. A much improved photocatalytic CO2 reduction activity was attained. The CH3OH production rate was 1.32 μmol h-1 g-1, which was 2.1 and 4.1 times more than that of the pristine ZnO and g-C3N4, respectively. This facile design bestowed the g-C3N4/ZnO composite an extended light adsorption caused by multi-light scattering effect. It also guaranteed the uniform distribution of g-C3N4 nanosheets on the surface of ZnO microspheres, maximizing their advantage and synergistic effect. Most importantly, the preeminent performance was proposed and validated based on the direct Z-scheme. The recombination rate was considerably suppressed. This work features the meliority of constructing hierarchical direct Z-scheme structures in photocatalytic CO2 reduction reactions.

Electron impact elastic and excitation cross-sections of the isomers of C4F6 molecule for plasma modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Dhanoj; Song, Mi-Young; Baluja, K. L.; Choi, Heechol; Yoon, Jung-Sik

2018-06-01

We report the calculations of elastic (along with its symmetry components) and electronic excitation cross sections by electron impact of the three isomers of C4F6, namely, hexafluoro-1,3-butadiene (1,3-C4F6), hexafluoro-2-butyne (2-C4F6), and hexafluorocyclobutene (c-C4F6) belonging to the point groups C2, D3d, and C2v, respectively, using the R-matrix approach. The electron energy range is from 0.01 eV to 12 eV. We have employed the cc-pVTZ basis set for C and F atoms to generate self-consistent field molecular orbitals to construct the target states for all the isomers included in our calculations. All the target states are constructed by including correlation effects in a configuration interaction (CI) approach. The target properties such as vertical excitation energies and dipole moment of all the isomers are in reasonable agreement with the literature values. Differences in the cross sections of these isomers are strongly influenced by the effect of correlation and polarization effects and their geometrical extent. We have included the ground state and many excited states of each isomer in the trial wave function of the entire scattering system. The resulting elastic cross sections are compared with the available experimental results. The agreement is reasonably good for energies above 5 eV. The shape resonances detected at 2.57, 2.95, and 3.20 eV for c-C4F6, 1,3-C4F6, and 2-C4F6 isomers are associated with the negative anion formation of C3F3- as observed in the mass spectrometry experiments. We have also performed 1-state CI calculation for all the isomers that include only the correlated ground state. The position of resonances shifts to lower energies as the number of target states is increased compared to 1-state calculation for all the isomers. The elastic cross section for 2-C4F6 isomer is larger than the other isomers because of its larger spatial extent. The present cross section data are important for plasma simulation and modeling, especially related to fluorocarbon plasma.

4-Nitro­aniline–picric acid (2/1)

PubMed Central

Li, Yan-jun

2009-01-01

In the title adduct, C6H3N3O7·0.5C6H6N2O2, the complete 4-nitro­aniline mol­ecule is generated by a crystallographic twofold axis with two C atoms and two N atoms lying on the axis. The mol­ecular components are linked into two dimensional corrugated layers running parallel to the (001) plane by a combination of inter­molecular N—H⋯O and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The phenolic oxygen and two sets of nitro oxygen atoms in the picric acid were found to be disordered with occupancies of 0.81 (2):0.19 (2) and 0.55 (3):0.45 (3) and 0.77 (4):0.23 (4), respectively. PMID:21578004

Mechanistic investigations of imine hydrogenation catalyzed by cationic iridium complexes.

PubMed

Martín, Marta; Sola, Eduardo; Tejero, Santiago; Andrés, José L; Oro, Luis A

2006-05-15

Complexes [IrH2(eta6-C6H6)(PiPr3)]BF4 (1) and [IrH2(NCMe)3(PiPr3)]BF4 (2) are catalyst precursors for homogeneous hydrogenation of N-benzylideneaniline under mild conditions. Precursor 1 generates the resting state [IrH2{eta5-(C6H5)NHCH2Ph}(PiPr3)]BF4 (3), while 2 gives rise to a mixture of [IrH{PhN=CH(C6H4)-kappaN,C}(NCMe)2(PiPr3)]BF4 (4) and [IrH{PhN=CH(C6H4)-kappaN,C}(NCMe)(NH2Ph)(PiPr3)]BF4 (5), in which the aniline ligand is derived from hydrolysis of the imine. The less hindered benzophenone imine forms the catalytically inactive, doubly cyclometalated compound [Ir{HN=CPh(C6H4)-kappaN,C}2(NH2CHPh2)(PiPr3)]BF4 (6). Hydrogenations with precursor 1 are fast and their reaction profiles are strongly dependent on solvent, concentrations, and temperature. Significant induction periods, minimized by addition of the amine hydrogenation product, are commonly observed. The catalytic rate law (THF) is rate = k[1][PhN=CHPh]p(H2). The results of selected stoichiometric reactions of potential catalytic intermediates exclude participation of the cyclometalated compounds [IrH{PhN=CH(C6H4)-kappaN,C}(S)2(PiPr3)]BF4 [S = acetonitrile (4), [D6]acetone (7), [D4]methanol (8)] in catalysis. Reactions between resting state 3 and D2 reveal a selective sequence of deuterium incorporation into the complex which is accelerated by the amine product. Hydrogen bonding among the components of the catalytic reaction was examined by MP2 calculations on model compounds. The calculations allow formulation of an ionic, outer-sphere, bifunctional hydrogenation mechanism comprising 1) amine-assisted oxidative addition of H2 to 3, the result of which is equivalent to heterolytic splitting of dihydrogen, 2) replacement of a hydrogen-bonded amine by imine, and 3) simultaneous H delta+/H delta- transfer to the imine substrate from the NH moiety of an arene-coordinated amine ligand and the metal, respectively.

A Two-Component para-Nitrophenol Monooxygenase Initiates a Novel 2-Chloro-4-Nitrophenol Catabolism Pathway in Rhodococcus imtechensis RKJ300

PubMed Central

Min, Jun; Zhang, Jun-Jie

2015-01-01

Rhodococcus imtechensis RKJ300 (DSM 45091) grows on 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol (2C4NP) and para-nitrophenol (PNP) as the sole carbon and nitrogen sources. In this study, by genetic and biochemical analyses, a novel 2C4NP catabolic pathway different from those of all other 2C4NP utilizers was identified with hydroxyquinol (hydroxy-1,4-hydroquinone or 1,2,4-benzenetriol [BT]) as the ring cleavage substrate. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis indicated that the pnp cluster located in three operons is likely involved in the catabolism of both 2C4NP and PNP. The oxygenase component (PnpA1) and reductase component (PnpA2) of the two-component PNP monooxygenase were expressed and purified to homogeneity, respectively. The identification of chlorohydroquinone (CHQ) and BT during 2C4NP degradation catalyzed by PnpA1A2 indicated that PnpA1A2 catalyzes the sequential denitration and dechlorination of 2C4NP to BT and catalyzes the conversion of PNP to BT. Genetic analyses revealed that pnpA1 plays an essential role in both 2C4NP and PNP degradations by gene knockout and complementation. In addition to catalyzing the oxidation of CHQ to BT, PnpA1A2 was also found to be able to catalyze the hydroxylation of hydroquinone (HQ) to BT, revealing the probable fate of HQ that remains unclear in PNP catabolism by Gram-positive bacteria. This study fills a gap in our knowledge of the 2C4NP degradation mechanism in Gram-positive bacteria and also enhances our understanding of the genetic and biochemical diversity of 2C4NP catabolism. PMID:26567304

Conventional high-performance liquid chromatography versus derivative spectrophotometry for the determination of 1,3,6-pyrenetrisulfonic acid trisodium salt and 1,3,6,8-pyrenetetrasulfonic acid tetrasodium salt in the color additive D&C Green No. 8 (Pyranine).

PubMed

Jitian, Simion; White, Samuel R; Yang, H-H Wendy; Weisz, Adrian

2014-01-10

Specifications in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations for the color additive D&C Green No. 8 (Colour Index No. 59040) limit the levels of the subsidiary colors 1,3,6-pyrenetrisulfonic acid trisodium salt (P3S) and 1,3,6,8-pyrenetetrasulfonic acid tetrasodium salt (P4S). The present paper describes a comparative study of two possible methods to replace the currently used multi-step TLC/spectrophotometry method of separating and quantifying the minor components P3S and P4S in G8. One of the new approaches uses conventional high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the other, derivative spectrophotometry. While the derivative spectrophotometric method was shown to be inadequate for the analysis of minor components overwhelmed by components of much higher concentration, the HPLC method was proven highly effective. The closely related, very polar compounds P3S and P4S were separated by the new HPLC method in less than 4 min using a conventional HPLC instrument. P3S and P4S were quantified by using five-point calibration curves with data points that ranged from 0.45 to 7.63% and from 0.13 to 1.82%, by weight, for P3S and P4S, respectively. The HPLC method was applied to the analysis of test portions from 20 batches of D&C Green No. 8 submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for certification. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Gating, modulation and subunit composition of voltage-gated K+ channels in dendritic inhibitory interneurones of rat hippocampus

PubMed Central

Lien, Cheng-Chang; Martina, Marco; Schultz, Jobst H; Ehmke, Heimo; Jonas, Peter

2002-01-01

GABAergic interneurones are diverse in their morphological and functional properties. Perisomatic inhibitory cells show fast spiking during sustained current injection, whereas dendritic inhibitory cells fire action potentials with lower frequency. We examined functional and molecular properties of K+ channels in interneurones with horizontal dendrites in stratum oriens-alveus (OA) of the hippocampal CA1 region, which mainly comprise somatostatin-positive dendritic inhibitory cells. Voltage-gated K+ currents in nucleated patches isolated from OA interneurones consisted of three major components: a fast delayed rectifier K+ current component that was highly sensitive to external 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and tetraethylammonium (TEA) (half-maximal inhibitory concentrations < 0.1 mm for both blockers), a slow delayed rectifier K+ current component that was sensitive to high concentrations of TEA, but insensitive to 4-AP, and a rapidly inactivating A-type K+ current component that was blocked by high concentrations of 4-AP, but resistant to TEA. The relative contributions of these components to the macroscopic K+ current were estimated as 57 ± 5, 25 ± 6, and 19 ± 2 %, respectively. Dendrotoxin, a selective blocker of Kv1 channels had only minimal effects on K+ currents in nucleated patches. Coapplication of the membrane-permeant cAMP analogue 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-adenosine 3′:5′-cyclic monophosphate (cpt-cAMP) and the phosphodiesterase blocker isobutyl-methylxanthine (IBMX) resulted in a selective inhibition of the fast delayed rectifier K+ current component. This inhibition was absent in the presence of the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H-89, implying the involvement of PKA-mediated phosphorylation. Single-cell reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis revealed a high abundance of Kv3.2 mRNA in OA interneurones, whereas the expression level of Kv3.1 mRNA was markedly lower. Similarly, RT-PCR analysis showed a high abundance of Kv4.3 mRNA, whereas Kv4.2 mRNA was undetectable. This suggests that the fast delayed rectifier K+ current and the A-type K+ current component are mediated predominantly by homomeric Kv3.2 and Kv4.3 channels. Selective modulation of Kv3.2 channels in OA interneurones by cAMP is likely to be an important factor regulating the activity of dendritic inhibitory cells in principal neurone-interneurone microcircuits. PMID:11790809

Mixed-Spin Diamond Chain Cu2FePO4F4(H2O)4 with a Noncollinear Spin Order and Possible Successive Phase Transitions.

PubMed

Lu, Hongcheng; Hayashi, Naoaki; Matsumoto, Yuki; Takatsu, Hiroshi; Kageyama, Hiroshi

2017-08-07

A diamond spin chain system, one of the one-dimensional frustrated lattices, is known to exhibit novel properties, but experimental studies have been exclusively confined to materials with a single spin component. Here, we report on the synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of a new diamond chain compound Cu 2 FePO 4 F 4 (H 2 O) 4 1 composed of mixed-spins of Cu 2+ (S = 1/2 × 2) and Fe 3+ (S = 5/2). Compound 1 crystallizes in the space group C2/c of the monoclinic crystal system with a = 7.7546(4) Å, b = 12.1290(6) Å, c = 9.9209(6) Å, β = 105.29(1)°, and Z = 4. DC magnetization, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and heat capacity measurements revealed an antiferromagnetic order at 11.3 K with a small ferromagnetic component. It is suggested that ferrimagnetic diamond chains are arranged in an antiferromagnetic fashion (i.e., [...Fe(↑)-2Cu(↓↓)-Fe(↑)...] and [...Fe(↓)-2Cu(↑↑)-Fe(↓)...]) within the ab plane to cancel net magnetization, and the spin orientation of the diamond chains changes alternately along the c axis due to the magnetic anisotropy, leading to a noncollinear spin order. Furthermore, another anomaly is observed in the heat capacity at around 3 K, suggesting a successive magnetic transition or crossover due to competing magnetic interactions.

Three dimensional ink-jet printing of biomaterials using ionic liquids and co-solvents.

PubMed

Gunasekera, Deshani H A T; Kuek, SzeLee; Hasanaj, Denis; He, Yinfeng; Tuck, Christopher; Croft, Anna K; Wildman, Ricky D

2016-08-15

1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C2C1Im][OAc]) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C4C1Im][OAc]) have been used as solvents for the dissolution and ink-jet printing of cellulose from 1.0 to 4.8 wt%, mixed with the co-solvents 1-butanol and DMSO. 1-Butanol and DMSO were used as rheological modifiers to ensure consistent printing, with DMSO in the range of 41-47 wt% producing samples within the printable range of a DIMATIX print-head used (printability parameter < 10) at 55 °C, whilst maintaining cellulose solubility. Regeneration of cellulose from printed samples using water was demonstrated, with the resulting structural changes to the cellulose sample assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and white light interferometry (WLI). These results indicate the potential of biorenewable materials to be used in the 3D additive manufacture process to generate single-component and composite materials.

Electronic waste disassembly with industrial waste heat.

PubMed

Chen, Mengjun; Wang, Jianbo; Chen, Haiyian; Ogunseitan, Oladele A; Zhang, Mingxin; Zang, Hongbin; Hu, Jiukun

2013-01-01

Waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) are resource-rich but hazardous, demanding innovative strategies for post-consumer collection, recycling, and mining for economically precious constituents. A novel technology for disassembling electronic components from WPCBs is proposed, using hot air to melt solders and to separate the components and base boards. An automatic heated-air disassembling equipment was designed to operate at a heating source temperature at a maximum of 260 °C and an inlet pressure of 0.5 MPa. A total of 13 individual WPCBs were subjected to disassembling tests at different preheat temperatures in increments of 20 °C between 80 and 160 °C, heating source temperatures ranging from 220 to 300 °C in increments of 20 °C, and incubation periods of 1, 2, 4, 6, or 8 min. For each experimental treatment, the disassembly efficiency was calculated as the ratio of electronic components released from the board to the total number of its original components. The optimal preheat temperature, heating source temperature, and incubation period to disassemble intact components were 120 °C, 260 °C, and 2 min, respectively. The disassembly rate of small surface mount components (side length ≤ 3 mm) was 40-50% lower than that of other surface mount components and pin through hole components. On the basis of these results, a reproducible and sustainable industrial ecological protocol using steam produced by industrial exhaust heat coupled to electronic-waste recycling is proposed, providing an efficient, promising, and green method for both electronic component recovery and industrial exhaust heat reutilization.

Biotransformation and metabolism of three mulberry anthocyanin monomers by rat gut microflora.

PubMed

Chen, Yao; Li, Qian; Zhao, Ting; Zhang, Zhen; Mao, Guanghua; Feng, Weiwei; Wu, Xiangyang; Yang, Liuqing

2017-12-15

Anthocyanins (ACNs) are naturally occurring components of human diet. Evidence has accumulated regarding the positive association of their intake with chronic disease. Because microbiota has been considered as a metabolic organ, the bacterial-dependent metabolisms of three types of ACNs from mulberry fruits (cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), cyanidin-3-rutinoside (C3R), delphinidin-3-rutinoside (D3R)) during a simulation of large intestine conditions were investigated. ACNs and metabolites were analysed and characterized by high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrum (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). C3G disappeared after 6h of metabolism, while C3R and D3R were no longer detected after 8h. The metabolism of C3G and C3R mainly resulted in the formation of protocatechuic, vanillic, and p-coumaric acids, as well as 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzaldehyde, while the main metabolites of D3R were gallic acid, syringic acid and 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzaldehyde. This research indicated that the intake of ACNs may result in the appearance of specific metabolites that exert a protective effect in the host physiology. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A semisynthesis of 3'-O-ethyl-5,6-dihydrospinosyn J based on the spinosyn A aglycone.

PubMed

Zhang, Kai; Liu, Shenglan; Liu, Anjun; Chai, Hongxin; Li, Jiarong; A, Lamusi

2017-01-01

Spinetoram, a mixture of 3'- O -ethyl-5,6-dihydrospinosyn J (XDE-175-J, major component) and 3'- O -ethylspinosyn L (XDE-175-L, minor component), is a novel kind of green and efficient insecticide with a broad range of action against various insects. Nowadays, spinetoram is widely used in agriculture and food storage. This work reports a 7-step semisynthesis of 3'- O -ethyl-5,6-dihydrospinosyn J from spinosyn A aglycone. The C9-OH and C17-OH of the aglycone are successively connected to 3- O -ethyl-2,4-di- O -methylrhamnose and D-forosamine after selective protection and deprotection steps. Then, with 10% Pd/C as catalyst, the 5,6-double bond of the macrolide was selectively reduced to afford 3'- O -ethyl-5,6-dihydrospinosyn J. In addition, the 3- O -ethyl-2,4-di- O -methylrhamnose is synthesized from rhamnose which is available commercially, while the D-forosamine and aglycone are obtained via the hydrolysis of spinosyn A. High yields were obtained in each step, and all intermediates in the synthesis were characterized by 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR and MS techniques. This study can be helpful for developing an efficient chemical synthesis of spinetoram, and it also offers opportunities to synthesize spinosyn analogues and rhamnose derivatives.

High temperature ceramics for automobile gas turbines. Part 2: Development of ceramic components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walzer, P.; Koehler, M.; Rottenkolber, P.

1978-01-01

The development of ceramic components for automobile gas turbine engines is described with attention given to the steady and unsteady thermal conditions the ceramics will experience, and their anti-corrosion and strain-resistant properties. The ceramics considered for use in the automobile turbines include hot-pressed Si3N4, reaction-sintered, isostatically pressed Si3N4, hot-pressed SiC, reaction-bonded SiC, and glass ceramics. Attention is given to the stress analysis of ceramic structures and the state of the art of ceramic structural technology is reviewed, emphasizing the use of ceramics for combustion chambers and ceramic shrouded turbomachinery (a fully ceramic impeller).

[Characterizing chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in Lake Honghu, Lake Donghu and Lake Liangzihu using excitation-emission matrices (EEMs) fluorescence and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC)].

PubMed

Zhou, Yong-Qiang; Zhang, Yun-Lin; Niu, Cheng; Wang, Ming-Zhu

2013-12-01

Little is known about DOM characteristics in medium to large sized lakes located in the middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River, like Lake Honghu, Lake Donghu and Lake Liangzihu. Absorption, fluorescence and composition characteristics of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) are presented using the absorption spectroscopy, the excitation-emission ma trices (EEMs) fluorescence and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) model based on the data collected in Sep-Oct. 2007 including 15, 9 and 10 samplings in Lake Honghu, Lake Donghu and Lake Liangzihu, respectively. CDOM absorption coefficient at 350 nm a(350) coefficient in Lake Honghu was significantly higher than those in Lake Donghu and Lake Liangzihu (t-test, p< 0. 001). A significant negative correlation was found between CDOM spectral slope in the wavelength range of 280-500 nm (S280-500) and a(350) (R2 =0. 781, p<0. 001). The mean value of S280-500 in Lake Honghu was significantly lower than those in Lake Donghu (t-test, p

Design and Synthesis of Spherical Multicomponent Aggregates Composed of Core-Shell, Yolk-Shell, and Hollow Nanospheres and Their Lithium-Ion Storage Performances.

PubMed

Park, Gi Dae; Kang, Yun Chan

2018-03-01

Micrometer-sized spherical aggregates of Sn and Co components containing core-shell, yolk-shell, hollow nanospheres are synthesized by applying nanoscale Kirkendall diffusion in the large-scale spray drying process. The Sn 2 Co 3 -Co 3 SnC 0.7 -C composite microspheres uniformly dispersed with Sn 2 Co 3 -Co 3 SnC 0.7 mixed nanocrystals are formed by the first-step reduction of spray-dried precursor powders at 900 °C. The second-step oxidation process transforms the Sn 2 Co 3 -Co 3 SnC 0.7 -C composite into the porous microsphere composed of Sn-Sn 2 Co 3 @CoSnO 3 -Co 3 O 4 core-shell, Sn-Sn 2 Co 3 @CoSnO 3 -Co 3 O 4 yolk-shell, and CoSnO 3 -Co 3 O 4 hollow nanospheres at 300, 400, and 500 °C, respectively. The discharge capacity of the microspheres with Sn-Sn 2 Co 3 @CoSnO 3 -Co 3 O 4 core-shell, Sn-Sn 2 Co 3 @CoSnO 3 -Co 3 O 4 yolk-shell, and CoSnO 3 -Co 3 O 4 hollow nanospheres for the 200 th cycle at a current density of 1 A g -1 is 1265, 987, and 569 mA h g -1 , respectively. The ultrafine primary nanoparticles with a core-shell structure improve the structural stability of the porous-structured microspheres during repeated lithium insertion and desertion processes. The porous Sn-Sn 2 Co 3 @CoSnO 3 -Co 3 O 4 microspheres with core-shell primary nanoparticles show excellent cycling and rate performances as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The Sub-Parsec Radio Jet in NGC 4151

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, A. L.; Ulvestad, J. S.; Colbert, E. J. M.; Wilson, A. S.

1997-05-01

We are surveying eight nearby Seyfert galaxies (four Sy1s and four Sy2s) that have compact radio cores, using the VLBA. We are interested in parsec-scale morphology and low-frequency absorption effects, and so are observing three frequencies per galaxy (1.6, 4.8, and 8.4 or 15 GHz) to get spectral-index diagnostics. VLBA imaging of NGC 4151 at 1.6 and 4.8 GHz reveals the following results: * NGC 4151 contains a remarkable chain of knots strongly resembling a jet, emerging in component C4 and extending for 0.8 pc. * The jet propagates NNE for 0.5 pc then turns sharply eastward and becomes the known MERLIN jet. * Curiously, by propagating northwards at first, the jet initially makes an angle of 60d with the axis of the ionization cones seen by HST. This breaks the cylindrical symmetry required by orientation unification, and may indicate that the BLR and torus have a symmetry axis unrelated to the axis of the NLR. * The nucleus looks to be in the C4 eastern component from our radio continuum morphology and from limited radio spectral information, rather than being in the C4 western component as Mundell et al. (1995, MNRAS, 272, 355) infer from HI absorbing columns. * The components located at 6 and 30 pc from the C4 eastern component have apparent speeds relative to that component of < 0.1 c to 0.2 c.

The promotion effect of coexisting hygroscopic composition on the reaction between oxalic acid and calcite during humidifying process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Q.; He, H.

2012-12-01

Internally mixed oxalic acid with mineral dust has been frequently detected in field measurements (Sullivan and Prather, 2007; Wang et al., 2012; Yang et al., 2009). Meanwhile, Furukawa and Takahashi (Furukawa and Takahashi, 2011) found that most of the oxalic acid in mineral mixture is present as metal oxalate complexes in the aerosols, however, the formation mechanism of these complexes is not well known. It was reported that cloud process of H2C2O4/CaCO3 mixture could lead to the formation of calcium oxalate (Gierlus et al., 2012). Recently, we used Raman spectroscopy to investigate the hygroscopic behavior of H2C2O4/CaCO3 mixture below saturation condition as well as the effect of coexisting hygroscopic compositions, e.g. Ca(NO3)2, NaCl, NH4NO3, and (NH4)2SO4. It was found that there was no interaction between H2C2O4 and calcite without third component during humidifying process under ambient condition. In contrast, the presence of coexisting Ca(NO)3, NaCl, or NH4NO3 could promote the reaction between H2C2O4 and calcite by providing an aqueous circumstance after deliquescence, resulting in the formation of calcium oxalate hydrates. Moreover, substitution of strong acid (HNO3) by medium acid (H2C2O4) occurred when water vapor was absorbed in Ca(NO3)2/H2C2O4 mixture (Ma and He, 2012). As for (NH4)2SO4, there existed a competition effect between (NH4)2SO4 and H2C2O4 for the reaction with CaCO3. CaCO3 was preferentially reacted with (NH4)2SO4 to form gypsum in the solution, while the residual NH4+ and C2O42- ions were bonded to (NH4)2C2O4 after efflorescence. These results implies a potential formation pathway of metal oxalate complexes in the atmosphere and also suggests that synergistic effect between different constituents in humidifying process of mixed particles should be considered in future hygroscopic behavior studies.

Estimating the Concentration and Biodegradability of Organic Matter in 22 Wastewater Treatment Plants Using Fluorescence Excitation Emission Matrices and Parallel Factor Analysis

PubMed Central

Yang, Liyang; Shin, Hyun-Sang; Hur, Jin

2014-01-01

This study aimed at monitoring the changes of fluorescent components in wastewater samples from 22 Korean biological wastewater treatment plants and exploring their prediction capabilities for total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and the biodegradability of the wastewater using an optical sensing technique based on fluorescence excitation emission matrices and parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC). Three fluorescent components were identified from the samples by using EEM-PARAFAC, including protein-like (C1), fulvic-like (C2) and humic-like (C3) components. C1 showed the highest removal efficiencies for all the treatment types investigated here (69% ± 26%–81% ± 8%), followed by C2 (37% ± 27%–65% ± 35%), while humic-like component (i.e., C3) tended to be accumulated during the biological treatment processes. The percentage of C1 in total fluorescence (%C1) decreased from 54% ± 8% in the influents to 28% ± 8% in the effluents, while those of C2 and C3 (%C2 and %C3) increased from 43% ± 6% to 62% ± 9% and from 3% ± 7% to 10% ± 8%, respectively. The concentrations of TOC, DOC, BOD, and COD were the most correlated with the fluorescence intensity (Fmax) of C1 (r = 0.790–0.817), as compared with the other two fluorescent components. The prediction capability of C1 for TOC, BOD, and COD were improved by using multiple regression based on Fmax of C1 and suspended solids (SS) (r = 0.856–0.865), both of which can be easily monitored in situ. The biodegradability of organic matter in BOD/COD were significantly correlated with each PARAFAC component and their combinations (r = −0.598–0.613, p < 0.001), with the highest correlation coefficient shown for %C1. The estimation capability was further enhanced by using multiple regressions based on %C1, %C2 and C3/C2 (r = −0.691). PMID:24448170

Hubble Space Telescope STIS Observations of the Wolf-Rayet Star HD 5980 in the Small Magellanic Cloud. II. The Interstellar Medium Components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koenigsberger, Gloria; Georgiev, Leonid; Peimbert, Manuel; Walborn, Nolan R.; Barbá, Rodolfo; Niemela, Virpi S.; Morrell, Nidia; Tsvetanov, Zlatan; Schulte-Ladbeck, Regina

2001-01-01

Observations of the interstellar and circumstellar absorption components obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) along the line of sight toward the Wolf-Rayet-luminous blue variable (LBV) system HD 5980 in the Small Magellanic Cloud are analyzed. Velocity components from C I, C I*, C II, C II*, C IV, N I, N V, O I, Mg II, Al II, Si II, Si II*, Si III, Si IV, S II, S III, Fe II, Ni II, Be I, Cl I, and CO are identified, and column densities estimated. The principal velocity systems in our data are (1) interstellar medium (ISM) components in the Galactic disk and halo (Vhel=1.1+/-3, 9+/-2 km s-1) (2) ISM components in the SMC (Vhel=+87+/-6, +110+/-6, +132+/-6, +158+/-8, +203+/-15 km s-1) (3) SMC supernova remnant SNR 0057-7226 components (Vhel=+312+/-3, +343+/-3, +33, +64 km s-1) (4) circumstellar (CS) velocity systems (Vhel=-1020, -840, -630, -530, -300 km s-1) and (5) a possible system at -53+/-5 km s-1 (seen only in some of the Si II lines and marginally in Fe II) of uncertain origin. The supernova remnant SNR 0057-7226 has a systemic velocity of +188 km s-1, suggesting that its progenitor was a member of the NGC 346 cluster. Our data allow estimates to be made of Te~40,000 K, ne~100 cm-3, N(H)~(4-12)×1018 cm-2 and a total mass between 400 and 1000 Msolar for the supernova remnant (SNR) shell. We detect C I absorption lines primarily in the +132 and +158 km s-1 SMC velocity systems. As a result of the LBV-type eruptions in HD 5980, a fast-wind/slow-wind circumstellar interaction region has appeared, constituting the earliest formation stages of a windblown H II bubble surrounding this system. Variations over a timescale of 1 year in this circumstellar structure are detected. Based on observations with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, obtained at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under NASA contract NAS 5-26555.

Genome biogeography reveals the intraspecific spread of adaptive mutations for a complex trait.

PubMed

Olofsson, Jill K; Bianconi, Matheus; Besnard, Guillaume; Dunning, Luke T; Lundgren, Marjorie R; Holota, Helene; Vorontsova, Maria S; Hidalgo, Oriane; Leitch, Ilia J; Nosil, Patrik; Osborne, Colin P; Christin, Pascal-Antoine

2016-12-01

Physiological novelties are often studied at macro-evolutionary scales such that their micro-evolutionary origins remain poorly understood. Here, we test the hypothesis that key components of a complex trait can evolve in isolation and later be combined by gene flow. We use C 4 photosynthesis as a study system, a derived physiology that increases plant productivity in warm, dry conditions. The grass Alloteropsis semialata includes C 4 and non-C 4 genotypes, with some populations using laterally acquired C 4 -adaptive loci, providing an outstanding system to track the spread of novel adaptive mutations. Using genome data from C 4 and non-C 4 A. semialata individuals spanning the species' range, we infer and date past migrations of different parts of the genome. Our results show that photosynthetic types initially diverged in isolated populations, where key C 4 components were acquired. However, rare but recurrent subsequent gene flow allowed the spread of adaptive loci across genetic pools. Indeed, laterally acquired genes for key C 4 functions were rapidly passed between populations with otherwise distinct genomic backgrounds. Thus, our intraspecific study of C 4 -related genomic variation indicates that components of adaptive traits can evolve separately and later be combined through secondary gene flow, leading to the assembly and optimization of evolutionary innovations. © 2016 The Authors. Molecular Ecology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effects of compositional changes on the performance of a thermal barrier coating system. [for aircraft gas turbine engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stecura, S.

1979-01-01

Systems consisting of Ni-base bond coatings containing about 16Cr, 6Al, and from 0.15 to 1.08Y (all in wt %) and zirconium oxide layers containing from 4.0 to 24.4Y2O3 were evaluated for suitability as thermal barrier systems for advanced aircraft gas turbine engine components. The evaluations were performed in a cyclic furnace between 990 and 280 C as well as between 1095 and 280 C on solid specimens; in a natural gas-oxygen torch rig between about 1200 and 100 C on solid specimens and up to 1580 C surface temperatures on air-cooled blades; and in a Mach 1.0 burner rig up to 1570 C surface temperatures on air-cooled blades. The data indicate that the best systems consist of combinations involving the Ni-16.4Cr-5.1Al-0.15Y and Ni-17.0Cr-5.4Al-0.35Y bond coatings and the 6.2Y2O3- and 7.9Y2O3- (all in wt %) stabilized zirconium oxide layers.

A novel osmolality-shift fermentation strategy for improving acarbose production and concurrently reducing byproduct component C formation by Actinoplanes sp. A56.

PubMed

Cheng, Xin; Peng, Wei-Fu; Huang, Lin; Zhang, Bao; Li, Kun-Tai

2014-12-01

Component C (Acarviosy-1,4-Glc-1,1-Glc) was a highly structural acarbose analog, which could be largely formed during acarbose fermentation process, resulting in acarbose purification being highly difficult. By choosing osmolality level as the key fermentation parameter of acarbose-producing Actinoplanes sp. A56, this paper successfully established an effective and simplified osmolality-shift strategy to improve acarbose production and concurrently reduce component C formation. Firstly, the effects of various osmolality levels on acarbose fermentation were firstly investigated in a 50-l fermenter. It was found that 400-500 mOsm/kg of osmolality was favorable for acarbose biosynthesis, but would exert a negative influence on the metabolic activity of Actinoplanes sp. A56, resulting in an obviously negative increase of acarbose and a sharp formation of component C during the later stages of fermentation (144-168 h). Based on this fact, an osmolality-shift fermentation strategy (0-48 h: 250-300 mOsm/kg; 49-120 h: 450-500 mOsm/kg; 121-168 h: 250-300 mOsm/kg) was further carried out. Compared with the osmolality-stat (450-500 mOsm/kg) fermentation process, the final accumulation amount of component C was decreased from 498.2 ± 27.1 to 307.2 ± 9.5 mg/l, and the maximum acarbose yield was increased from 3,431.9 ± 107.7 to 4,132.8 ± 111.4 mg/l.

High-resolution δ 13C intratooth profiles in bovine enamel: Implications for mineralization pattern and isotopic attenuation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zazzo, Antoine; Balasse, Marie; Patterson, William P.

2005-07-01

We present the first high-resolution carbon isotope and carbonate content profiles generated through the thickness of enamel from a steer fed C 3- then C 4-dominant food. Carbonate contents decrease by ˜2 wt% from the enamel surface to the innermost enamel layer, and each carbon isotope profile shows a mixture of enamel portions mineralized over several months. Downward and outward increasing contribution of C 4 food to the enamel δ 13C values reveal two components of the mineralization gradient: a vertical component from the tip of the tooth crown to the neck, and a horizontal component from the enamel-dentine junction to the outer enamel. We use our results to infer mineralization parameters for bovines and to calculate expected isotopic attenuations for an array of environmental inputs and microsampling strategies, using the model developed by Passey and Cerling [ Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta. 66 (2002) 3225-3234]. Although it seems unlikely that any strategy will perfectly isolate discrete time slices, sampling the innermost enamel layer might offer the advantage of significantly reducing the isotope damping that would become independent of the structure of the input signal.

Effects of Bromus tectorum invasion on microbial carbon and nitrogen cycling in two adjacent undisturbed arid grassland communities

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schaeffer, Sean M.; Ziegler, Susan E.; Belnap, Jayne; Evans, R.D.

2012-01-01

Soil nitrogen (N) is an important component in maintaining ecosystem stability, and the introduction of non-native plants can alter N cycling by changing litter quality and quantity, nutrient uptake patterns, and soil food webs. Our goal was to determine the effects of Bromus tectorum (C3) invasion on soil microbial N cycling in adjacent non-invaded and invaded C3 and C4 native arid grasslands. We monitored resin-extractable N, plant and soil δ13C and δ15N, gross rates of inorganic N mineralization and consumption, and the quantity and isotopic composition of microbial phospholipid biomarkers. In invaded C3 communities, labile soil organic N and gross and net rates of soil N transformations increased, indicating an increase in overall microbial N cycling. In invaded C4 communities labile soil N stayed constant, but gross N flux rates increased. The δ13C of phospholipid biomarkers in invaded C4 communities showed that some portion of the soil bacterial population preferentially decomposed invader C3-derived litter over that from the native C4 species. Invasion in C4 grasslands also significantly decreased the proportion of fungal to bacterial phospholipid biomarkers. Different processes are occurring in response to B. tectorum invasion in each of these two native grasslands that: 1) alter the size of soil N pools, and/or 2) the activity of the microbial community. Both processes provide mechanisms for altering long-term N dynamics in these ecosystems and highlight how multiple mechanisms can lead to similar effects on ecosystem function, which may be important for the construction of future biogeochemical process models.

Crystal structure of mer-tris-{2,6-di-fluoro-3-[5-(2-fluoro-phen-yl)pyridin-2-yl-κN]pyridin-4-yl-κC4}iridium(III) di-chloro-methane hemisolvate n-hexane hemisolvate.

PubMed

Kang, Youngjin; Park, Ki-Min; Kim, Jinho

2017-12-01

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Ir(C 17 H 11 F 2 N 2 ) 3 ]·0.5CH 3 (CH 2 ) 4 CH 3 ·0.5CH 2 Cl 2 , comprises one Ir III atom, three 2,6-di-fluoro-3-[5-(2-fluoro-phen-yl)pyridin-2-yl]pyridin-4-yl ligands and half each of an n -hexane and a di-chloro-methane solvent mol-ecule located about crystallographic inversion centres. The Ir III atom displays a distorted octa-hedral coordination geometry, having three C , N -chelating 2,6-di-fluoro-3-[5-(2-fluoro-phen-yl)pyridin-2-yl]pyridin-4-yl ligands arranged in a meridional manner. The Ir III ion lies almost in the equatorial plane [deviation = 0.0069 (15) Å]. The average distance [2.041 (3) Å] of Ir-C bonds is slightly shorter than that [2.076 (3) Å] of Ir-N bonds. A variety of intra- and inter-molecular C-H⋯F and C-H⋯π hydrogen bonds, as well as inter-molecular C-F⋯π inter-actions, contribute to the stabilization of the mol-ecular and crystal structures, and result in the formation of a two-dimensional network parallel to the ab plane. No inter-actions between n -hexane solvent mol-ecules and the other components in the title compound are observed.

The Differences between NAD-ME and NADP-ME Subtypes of C4 Photosynthesis: More than Decarboxylating Enzymes.

PubMed

Rao, Xiaolan; Dixon, Richard A

2016-01-01

As an adaptation to changing climatic conditions that caused high rates of photorespiration, C 4 plants have evolved to display higher photosynthetic efficiency than C 3 plants under elevated temperature, high light intensities, and drought. The C 4 plants independently evolved more than 60 times in 19 families of angiosperms to establish similar but not uniform C 4 mechanisms to concentrate CO 2 around the carboxylating enzyme Rubisco (ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase). C 4 photosynthesis is divided into at least two basic biochemical subtypes based on the primary decarboxylating enzymes, NAD-dependent malic enzyme (NAD-ME) and NADP-dependent malic enzyme (NADP-ME). The multiple polygenetic origins of these subtypes raise questions about the association of C 4 variation between biochemical subtypes and diverse lineages. This review addresses the differences in evolutionary scenario, leaf anatomy, and especially C 4 metabolic flow, C 4 transporters, and cell-specific function deduced from recently reported cell-specific transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolic analyses of NAD-ME and NADP-ME subtypes. Current omic analysis has revealed the extent to which component abundances differ between the two biochemical subtypes, leading to a better understanding of C 4 photosynthetic mechanisms in NAD-ME and NADP-ME subtypes.

The Differences between NAD-ME and NADP-ME Subtypes of C4 Photosynthesis: More than Decarboxylating Enzymes

PubMed Central

Rao, Xiaolan; Dixon, Richard A.

2016-01-01

As an adaptation to changing climatic conditions that caused high rates of photorespiration, C4 plants have evolved to display higher photosynthetic efficiency than C3 plants under elevated temperature, high light intensities, and drought. The C4 plants independently evolved more than 60 times in 19 families of angiosperms to establish similar but not uniform C4 mechanisms to concentrate CO2 around the carboxylating enzyme Rubisco (ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase). C4 photosynthesis is divided into at least two basic biochemical subtypes based on the primary decarboxylating enzymes, NAD-dependent malic enzyme (NAD-ME) and NADP-dependent malic enzyme (NADP-ME). The multiple polygenetic origins of these subtypes raise questions about the association of C4 variation between biochemical subtypes and diverse lineages. This review addresses the differences in evolutionary scenario, leaf anatomy, and especially C4 metabolic flow, C4 transporters, and cell-specific function deduced from recently reported cell-specific transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolic analyses of NAD-ME and NADP-ME subtypes. Current omic analysis has revealed the extent to which component abundances differ between the two biochemical subtypes, leading to a better understanding of C4 photosynthetic mechanisms in NAD-ME and NADP-ME subtypes. PMID:27790235

Perfluoroalkyltricyanoborate and Perfluoroalkylcyanofluoroborate Anions: Building Blocks for Low-Viscosity Ionic Liquids.

PubMed

Landmann, Johannes; Sprenger, Jan A P; Hennig, Philipp T; Bertermann, Rüdiger; Grüne, Matthias; Würthner, Frank; Ignat'ev, Nikolai V; Finze, Maik

2018-01-12

The potassium perfluoroalkyltricyanoborates K[C n F 2 n+1 B(CN) 3 ] [n=1 (1 d), 2 (2 d)] and the potassium mono(perfluoroalkyl)cyanofluoroborates K[C n F 2 n+1 BF(CN) 2 ] [n=1 (1 c), 2 (2 c)] and [C n F 2 n+1 BF 2 (CN)] - [n=1 (1 b), 2 (2 b), 3 (3 b), 4 (4 b)] are accessible with perfect selectivities on multi-gram scales starting from K[C n F 2 n+1 BF 3 ] and Me 3 SiCN. The K + salts are starting materials for the preparation of salts with organic cations, for example, [EMIm] + (EMIm=1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium). These [EMIm] + salts are hydrophobic room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) that are thermally, chemically and electrochemically very robust, offering electrochemical windows up to 5.8 V. The RTILs described herein, exhibit very low viscosities with a minimum of 14.0 mPa s at 20 °C for [EMIm]1 c, low melting points down to -57 °C for [EMIm]2 b and extraordinary high conductivities up to 17.6 mS cm -1 at 20 °C for [EMIm]1 c. The combination of these properties makes these ILs promising materials for electrochemical devices as exemplified by the application of selected RTILs as component of electrolytes in dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs, Grätzel cells). The efficiency of the DSSCs was found to increase with a decreasing viscosity of the neat ionic liquid. In addition to the spectroscopic characterisation, single crystals of the potassium salts of the anions 1 b-d, 2 d, 3 b and 4 c as well as of [nBu 4 N]2 c have been studied by X-ray diffraction. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Anaerobic Biodegradation of the Lignin and Polysaccharide Components of Lignocellulose and Synthetic Lignin by Sediment Microflora †

PubMed Central

Benner, Ronald; Maccubbin, A. E.; Hodson, Robert E.

1984-01-01

Specifically radiolabeled [14C-lignin]lignocelluloses and [14C-polysaccharide]lignocelluloses were prepared from a variety of marine and freshwater wetland plants including a grass, a sedge, a rush, and a hardwood. These [14C]lignocellulose preparations and synthetic [14C]lignin were incubated anaerobically with anoxic sediments collected from a salt marsh, a freshwater marsh, and a mangrove swamp. During long-term incubations lasting up to 300 days, the lignin and polysaccharide components of the lignocelluloses were slowly degraded anaerobically to 14CO2 and 14CH4. Lignocelluloses derived from herbaceous plants were degraded more rapidly than lignocellulose derived from the hardwood. After 294 days, 16.9% of the lignin component and 30.0% of the polysaccharide component of lignocellulose derived from the grass used (Spartina alterniflora) were degraded to gaseous end products. In contrast, after 246 days, only 1.5% of the lignin component and 4.1% of the polysaccharide component of lignocellulose derived from the hardwood used (Rhizophora mangle) were degraded to gaseous end products. Synthetic [14C]lignin was degraded anaerobically faster than the lignin component of the hardwood lignocellulose; after 276 days, 3.7% of the synthetic lignin was degraded to gaseous end products. Contrary to previous reports, these results demonstrate that lignin and lignified plant tissues are biodegradable in the absence of oxygen. Although lignocelluloses are recalcitrant to anaerobic biodegradation, rates of degradation measured in aquatic sediments are significant and have important implications for the biospheric cycling of carbon from these abundant biopolymers. PMID:16346554

Micrurus snake venoms activate human complement system and generate anaphylatoxins

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background The genus Micrurus, coral snakes (Serpentes, Elapidae), comprises more than 120 species and subspecies distributed from the south United States to the south of South America. Micrurus snake bites can cause death by muscle paralysis and further respiratory arrest within a few hours after envenomation. Clinical observations show mainly neurotoxic symptoms, although other biological activities have also been experimentally observed, including cardiotoxicity, hemolysis, edema and myotoxicity. Results In the present study we have investigated the action of venoms from seven species of snakes from the genus Micrurus on the complement system in in vitro studies. Several of the Micrurus species could consume the classical and/or the lectin pathways, but not the alternative pathway, and C3a, C4a and C5a were generated in sera treated with the venoms as result of this complement activation. Micrurus venoms were also able to directly cleave the α chain of the component C3, but not of the C4, which was inhibited by 1,10 Phenanthroline, suggesting the presence of a C3α chain specific metalloprotease in Micrurus spp venoms. Furthermore, complement activation was in part associated with the cleavage of C1-Inhibitor by protease(s) present in the venoms, which disrupts complement activation control. Conclusion Micrurus venoms can activate the complement system, generating a significant amount of anaphylatoxins, which may assist due to their vasodilatory effects, to enhance the spreading of other venom components during the envenomation process. PMID:22248157

Micrurus snake venoms activate human complement system and generate anaphylatoxins.

PubMed

Tanaka, Gabriela D; Pidde-Queiroz, Giselle; de Fátima D Furtado, Maria; van den Berg, Carmen; Tambourgi, Denise V

2012-01-16

The genus Micrurus, coral snakes (Serpentes, Elapidae), comprises more than 120 species and subspecies distributed from the south United States to the south of South America. Micrurus snake bites can cause death by muscle paralysis and further respiratory arrest within a few hours after envenomation. Clinical observations show mainly neurotoxic symptoms, although other biological activities have also been experimentally observed, including cardiotoxicity, hemolysis, edema and myotoxicity. In the present study we have investigated the action of venoms from seven species of snakes from the genus Micrurus on the complement system in in vitro studies. Several of the Micrurus species could consume the classical and/or the lectin pathways, but not the alternative pathway, and C3a, C4a and C5a were generated in sera treated with the venoms as result of this complement activation. Micrurus venoms were also able to directly cleave the α chain of the component C3, but not of the C4, which was inhibited by 1,10 Phenanthroline, suggesting the presence of a C3α chain specific metalloprotease in Micrurus spp venoms. Furthermore, complement activation was in part associated with the cleavage of C1-Inhibitor by protease(s) present in the venoms, which disrupts complement activation control. Micrurus venoms can activate the complement system, generating a significant amount of anaphylatoxins, which may assist due to their vasodilatory effects, to enhance the spreading of other venom components during the envenomation process.

Critical re-appraisal of blood component quality after overnight hold of whole blood outside current room temperature limits.

PubMed

Bontekoe, I J; van der Meer, P F; de Korte, D

2017-02-01

According to European guidelines, the temperature of whole blood (WB) has to be maintained at 20-24°C until processing within 24 h, but in blood bank practice, WB is frequently held at temperatures between 18-25°C. We aimed to assess the impact of these small temperature deviations on the quality of the blood components. After rapid cooling, 7 WB units were held overnight at 18°C and 8 units at 25°C, reflecting worst case holding conditions, and separated into a red cell concentrate (RCC), plasma and buffy coat (BC). RCCs were filtered at test temperature and stored for 42 days at 2-6°C. BCs were processed to single-BC platelet concentrates (sPC) and stored up to Day 8 at 20-24°C. After overnight hold at 18°C, 2,3-DPG in WB decreased by 34 ± 9%, while at 25°C the decrease was 82 ± 6%. Accordingly, the 2,3-DPG levels in the RCCs in the 25°C group were significantly lower than in the 18°C group (2·2 ± 1·4 vs. 10·4 ± 2·9 μmol/g Hb). RCCs and sPCs in the 25°C group showed higher initial lactate levels and lower pH compared to the 18°C group, but these differences levelled off at the end of storage. RCCs showed small differences in ATP levels and haemolysis. Plasma in both groups showed comparable Factor VIII:C levels. The temperature of WB during overnight hold strongly affects initial 2,3-DPG levels of RCCs and supports the maintenance of temperature limits between 20 and 24°C. Other in vitro effects of the temperature deviations were small and of no practical relevance. © 2016 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

49 CFR 192.123 - Design limitations for plastic pipe.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... in: (1) Distribution systems; or (2) Classes 3 and 4 locations. (b) Plastic pipe may not be used where operating temperatures of the pipe will be: (1) Below −20 °F (−20 °C), or −40 °F (−40 °C) if all pipe and pipeline components whose operating temperature will be below −29 °C (−20 °F) have a...

[Nutrition, acid-base metabolism, cation-anion difference and total base balance in humans].

PubMed

Mioni, R; Sala, P; Mioni, G

2008-01-01

The relationship between dietary intake and acid-base metabolism has been investigated in the past by means of the inorganic cation-anion difference (C(+)(nm)-A(-)(nm)) method based on dietary ash-acidity titration after the oxidative combustion of food samples. Besides the inorganic components of TA (A(-)(nm)-C(+)(nm)), which are under renal control, there are also metabolizable components (A(-)(nm)-C(+)(nm)) of TA, which are under the control of the intermediate metabolism. The whole body base balance, NBb(W), is obtained only by the application of C(+)(nm)-A(-)(nm) to food, feces and urine, while the metabolizable component (A(-)(nm)-C(+)(nm)) is disregarded. A novel method has been subsequently suggested to calculate the net balance of fixed acid, made up by the difference between the input of net endogenous acid production: NEAP = SO(4)(2-)+A(-)(m)-(C(+)(nm)-A(-)(nm)), and the output of net acid excretion: NAE = TA + NH(4)(+) - HCO(3)(-). This approach has been criticized because 1) it includes metabolizable acids, whose production cannot be measured independently; 2) the specific control of metabolizable acid and base has been incorrectly attributed to the kidney; 3) the inclusion of A-m in the balance input generates an acid overload; 4) the object of measurement in making up a balance has to be the same, a condition not fulfilled as NEAP is different from NAE. Lastly, by rearranging the net balance of the acid equation, the balance of nonmetabolizable acid equation is obtained. Therefore, any discrepancy between these two equations is due to the inaccuracy in the urine measurement of metabolizable cations and/or anions.

Liquidus temperature in the spinel primary phase field: A comparison between optical and crystal fraction methods

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

Riley, Brian J.; Hrma, Pavel; Crum, Jarrod V.

Liquidus temperature (TL) was measured for 38 simulated high-level waste borosilicate glasses covering a Hanford composition region, using optical microscopy and crystal-fraction extrapolation methods to analyze isothermally heat-treated specimens. Furthermore, the glasses encompassed a one-component-at-a-time variation of 16 components from a representative Hanford HLW simulant baseline composition. The TL values ranged from 1006 °C to 1603 °C. First-order models were fit to data to obtain component effects on TL (per 1 mass% additions) and then the components were grouped into three categories: TL-increasing components [i.e., Cr 2O 3 (264 °C), “Others” (minor components, 163 °C), oxides of noble metals (137more » °C), NiO (91 °C), as well as Al 2O 3 and Fe 2O 3 (~ 19–21 °C)]; TL-decreasing components [i.e., K 2O (-26 °C), Na 2O (-41 °C), and Li 2O (-68 °C)]; and those of little effect [i.e., MnO, P 2O 5, ZrO 2, F, Bi 2O 3, SiO 2, B 2O 3, and CaO (9 to -12 °C)]. We also present the temperatures at which 1 vol% of spinel is at equilibrium with the melt (T1%) as these values are considered relevant to the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant. The measured and estimated values are compared and contrasted and the effect of TL and T1% on glass formulation is discussed. The different methods for measuring TL are compared and contrasted.« less

Liquidus temperature in the spinel primary phase field: A comparison between optical and crystal fraction methods

DOE PAGES

Riley, Brian J.; Hrma, Pavel; Crum, Jarrod V.; ...

2018-01-04

Liquidus temperature (TL) was measured for 38 simulated high-level waste borosilicate glasses covering a Hanford composition region, using optical microscopy and crystal-fraction extrapolation methods to analyze isothermally heat-treated specimens. Furthermore, the glasses encompassed a one-component-at-a-time variation of 16 components from a representative Hanford HLW simulant baseline composition. The TL values ranged from 1006 °C to 1603 °C. First-order models were fit to data to obtain component effects on TL (per 1 mass% additions) and then the components were grouped into three categories: TL-increasing components [i.e., Cr 2O 3 (264 °C), “Others” (minor components, 163 °C), oxides of noble metals (137more » °C), NiO (91 °C), as well as Al 2O 3 and Fe 2O 3 (~ 19–21 °C)]; TL-decreasing components [i.e., K 2O (-26 °C), Na 2O (-41 °C), and Li 2O (-68 °C)]; and those of little effect [i.e., MnO, P 2O 5, ZrO 2, F, Bi 2O 3, SiO 2, B 2O 3, and CaO (9 to -12 °C)]. We also present the temperatures at which 1 vol% of spinel is at equilibrium with the melt (T1%) as these values are considered relevant to the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant. The measured and estimated values are compared and contrasted and the effect of TL and T1% on glass formulation is discussed. The different methods for measuring TL are compared and contrasted.« less

Positive magnetoresistance of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/C composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kabirov, Yu. V.; Gavrilyachenko, V. G.; Bogatin, A. S.

2016-07-01

The perovskite manganite La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 compound is used as a component in ceramic (1-x)(La0.7Sr0.3MnO3)-xC composites at x = 0.15-0.85. It is found that every studied specimen is characterized by the linear dependence of the positive magnetoresistance (PMR) on the magnetic field strength at room temperature. The 0.6(La0.7Sr0.3MnO3)-0.4C composite has the largest magnetoresistance value (15%) at room temperature and intensity of magnetic field H=15kOe. A possible mechanism for the PMR of (1-x)(La0.7Sr0.3MnO3)-xC composites is discussed.

Comprehensive approach to study complement C4 in systemic lupus erythematosus: Gene polymorphisms, protein levels and functional activity.

PubMed

Tsang-A-Sjoe, M W P; Bultink, I E M; Korswagen, L A; van der Horst, A; Rensink, I; de Boer, M; Hamann, D; Voskuyl, A E; Wouters, D

2017-12-01

Genetic variation of the genes encoding complement component C4 is strongly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic multi-organ auto-immune disease. This study examined C4 and its isotypes on a genetic, protein, and functional level in 140 SLE patients and 104 healthy controls. Gene copy number (GCN) variation, silencing CT-insertion, and the retroviral HERV-K(C4) insertion) were analyzed with multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. Increased susceptibility to SLE was found for low GCN (≪2) of C4A. Serositis was the only clinical manifestation associated with low C4A GCN. One additional novel silencing mutation in the C4A gene was found by Sanger sequencing. This mutation causes a premature stop codon in exon 11. Protein concentrations of C4 isoforms C4A and C4B were determined with ELISA and were significantly lower in SLE patients compared to healthy controls. To study C4 isotypes on a functional level, a new C4 assay was developed, which distinguishes C4A from C4B by its binding capacity to amino or hydroxyl groups, respectively. This assay showed high correlation with ELISA and detected crossing over of Rodgers and Chido antigens in 3.2% (8/244) of individuals. The binding capacity of available C4 to its substrates was unaffected in SLE. Our study provides, for the first time, a complete overview of C4 in SLE from genetic variation to binding capacity using a novel test. As this test detects crossing over of Rodgers and Chido antigens, it will allow for more accurate measurement of C4 in future studies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Crystal structures of three co-crystals of 1,2-bis-(pyridin-4-yl)ethane with 4-alk-oxy-benzoic acids: 4-eth-oxy-benzoic acid-1,2-bis-(pyridin-4-yl)ethane (2/1), 4-n-propoxybenzoic acid-1,2-bis(pyridin-4-yl)ethane (2/1) and 4-n-but-oxy-benzoic acid-1,2-bis-(pyridin-4-yl)ethane (2/1).

PubMed

Tabuchi, Yohei; Gotoh, Kazuma; Ishida, Hiroyuki

2015-11-01

The crystal structures of three hydrogen-bonded co-crystals of 4-alk-oxy-benzoic acid-1,2-bis-(pyridin-4-yl)ethane (2/1), namely, 2C9H10O3·C12H12N2, (I), 2C10H12O3·C12H12N2, (II), and 2C11H14O3·C12H12N2, (III), have been determined at 93, 290 and 93 K, respectively. In (I), the asymmetric unit consists of one 4-eth-oxy-benzoic acid mol-ecule and one half-mol-ecule of 1,2-bis-(pyridin-4-yl)ethane, which lies on an inversion centre. In (II) and (III), the asymmetric units each comprise two crystallographically independent 4-alk-oxy-benzoic acid mol-ecules and one 1,2-bis-(pyridin-4-yl)ethane mol-ecule. In each crystal, the two components are linked by O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming a linear hydrogen-bonded 2:1unit of the acid and the base. Similar to the structure of 2:1 unit of (I), the units of (II) and (III) adopt nearly pseudo-inversion symmetry. The 2:1 units of (I), (II) and (III) are linked via C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming tape structures.

O1.6. INCREASED COMPLEMENT FACTORS C3 AND C4 IN SCHIZOPHRENIA AND THE EARLY STAGES OF PSYCHOSIS: IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL SYMPTOMATOLOGY AND CORTICAL THICKNESS

PubMed Central

Cropley, Vanessa; Laskaris, Liliana; Zalesky, Andrew; Weickert, Cynthia Shannon; Biase, Maria Di; Chana, Gursharan; Baune, Bernhard; Bousman, Chad; Nelson, Barnaby; McGorry, Patrick D; Everall, Ian; Pantelis, Christos

2018-01-01

Abstract Background The complement system - a key component of the innate immune system, has been proposed to contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Recently, complement C4 was associated with increased risk of schizophrenia, and in a mouse model, developmentally-timed synaptic pruning. These observations have led to proposals that abnormal activation of the complement system might contribute to the development of schizophrenia by disrupting synaptic pruning during key developmental periods. However, despite renewed interest in the complement system in schizophrenia it remains unclear whether peripheral complement levels differ in cases compared to controls, change over the course of illness and whether they are associated with current symptomatology and brain cortical thickness. This study aimed to: i) investigate whether peripheral complement protein levels are altered at different stages of illness, and ii) identify patterns among complement protein levels that predict clinical symptoms and grey matter thickness across the cortex. Methods Complement factors C1q, C3 and C4 were quantified in 183 participants [n=83 Healthy Controls (HC), n=10 Ultra-High Risk (UHR) for psychosis, n=40 First Episode Psychosis (FEP), n=50 Chronic schizophrenia] using Multiplex ELISA. Permutation-based t-tests were used to assess between-group differences in complement protein levels at each of the three illness stages, relative to age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Canonical correlation analysis was used to identify patterns of complement protein levels that correlated with clinical symptoms and regional thickness across the cortex. Results C3 and C4 were significantly increased in FEP and UHR patients, whereas only C4 was significantly increased in chronic patients. A molecular pattern of increased C4 and decreased C3 was associated with positive and negative symptom severity in the pooled patient sample. Increased C4 levels alone, or decreased C3 levels alone, did not correlate with symptom severity as strongly as the pattern of increased C4 in combination with decreased C3. Preliminary canonical correlation analyses revealed that, in healthy controls, a molecular pattern characterised by increased C3 and decreased C4 was associated with relatively thinner paracentral, inferior parietal and inferior temporal cortices, but relatively thicker insular, in the left hemisphere. In the pooled patient group, a trend for increased C3 in combination with decreased C1q was associated with relatively thinner left lateral occipital cortex and pars orbitalis but relatively thicker pars opercularis and precuneus. Discussion Our findings indicate that peripheral complement concentration is particularly increased early and preceding psychosis and its imbalance may be associated with symptom severity and variation in regional grey matter thickness across the cortex.

On the accurate theoretical determination of the static hyperpolarizability of trans-butadiene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maroulis, George

1999-07-01

Finite-field many-body perturbation theory and coupled cluster calculations are reported for the static second dipole hyperpolarizability γαβγδ of trans-butadiene. A very large basis set of [9s6p4d1f/6s3p1d] size (336 contracted Gaussian-type functions) should lead to self-consistent field (SCF) values of near-Hartree-Fock quality. We report γxxxx=6.19, γxxxz=-0.44, γxxyy=3.42, γzzxx=2.07, γxyyz=-0.50, γxzzz=1.73, γyyyy=14.72, γyyzz=8.46, γzzzz=24.10 and γ¯=14.58 for 10-3×γαβγδ/e4a04Eh-3 at the experimental geometry (molecule on the xz plane with z as the main axis). γ¯=(14.6±0.4)×103e4a04Eh-3 should be a very reliable estimate of the Hartree-Fock limit of the mean hyperpolarizability. Keeping all other molecular geometry parameters constant, we find that near the Hartree-Fock limit the mean hyperpolarizability varies with the C=C bond length as 10-3×γ¯(RC=C)/e4a04Eh-3=14.93+31.78ΔR+30.88ΔR2-2.96ΔR3 and with the C-C bond length as 10-3×γ¯(RC-C)/e4a04Eh-3=14.93-7.20ΔR+3.04ΔR2, where ΔR/a0 is the displacement from the respective experimental value. The dependence of the components of γαβγδ on the molecular geometry parameters is not uniform. Electron correlation corrections have been calculated at various molecular geometries at the coupled-cluster single, double and perturbatively linked triple excitations level of theory for all independent components of γαβγδ. In absolute terms, electron correlation affects strongly the γzzzz, less strongly the γxxxx, and even less strongly the out-of-plane component γyyyy. The present analysis suggests a conservative estimate of (3.0±0.6)×103e4a04Eh-3 for the electron correlation correction to γ¯ at the experimental molecular geometry. Most of this value is appropriate to γzzzz. A static limit of γ¯=(17.6±1.0)×103e4a04Eh-3 is advanced (neglecting vibrational averaging). Even if a crude theoretical estimate of the dispersion of γ¯ at 1064 nm is added to this value, the result sets up an unambiguous claim to accord with the experimental value of (20.18±0.11)×103e4a04Eh-3 [D. P. Shelton, Phys. Rev. A 42, 2578 (1990)].

Genetic algorithm applied to the selection of factors in principal component-artificial neural networks: application to QSAR study of calcium channel antagonist activity of 1,4-dihydropyridines (nifedipine analogous).

PubMed

Hemmateenejad, Bahram; Akhond, Morteza; Miri, Ramin; Shamsipur, Mojtaba

2003-01-01

A QSAR algorithm, principal component-genetic algorithm-artificial neural network (PC-GA-ANN), has been applied to a set of newly synthesized calcium channel blockers, which are of special interest because of their role in cardiac diseases. A data set of 124 1,4-dihydropyridines bearing different ester substituents at the C-3 and C-5 positions of the dihydropyridine ring and nitroimidazolyl, phenylimidazolyl, and methylsulfonylimidazolyl groups at the C-4 position with known Ca(2+) channel binding affinities was employed in this study. Ten different sets of descriptors (837 descriptors) were calculated for each molecule. The principal component analysis was used to compress the descriptor groups into principal components. The most significant descriptors of each set were selected and used as input for the ANN. The genetic algorithm (GA) was used for the selection of the best set of extracted principal components. A feed forward artificial neural network with a back-propagation of error algorithm was used to process the nonlinear relationship between the selected principal components and biological activity of the dihydropyridines. A comparison between PC-GA-ANN and routine PC-ANN shows that the first model yields better prediction ability.

2D Superparamagnetic Tantalum Carbide Composite MXenes for Efficient Breast-Cancer Theranostics

PubMed Central

Liu, Zhuang; Lin, Han; Zhao, Menglong; Dai, Chen; Zhang, Shengjian; Peng, Weijun; Chen, Yu

2018-01-01

Background: The emergence of two-dimensional MXenes has spurred their versatile applications in broad fields, but the exploring of novel MXene-based family members and their potential applications in theranostic nanomedicine (concurrent diagnostic imaging and therapy) have been rarely explored. In this work, we report the construction of a novel superparamagnetic MXene-based theranostic nanoplatform for efficient breast-cancer theranostics, which was based on intriguing tantalum carbide (Ta4C3) MXene and its further rational surface-superparamagnetic iron-oxide functionalization (Ta4C3-IONP-SPs composite MXenes) for efficient breast-cancer theranostic. Methods: The fabrication of ultrathin Ta4C3 nanosheets was based on an exfoliation strategy and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were in-situ grown onto the surface of Ta4C3 MXene according to the redox reaction of MXene. Ta4C3-IONP MXenes were modified with soybean phospholipid (SP) to guarantee high stability in physiological conditions. The photothermal therapy, contrast-enhanced CT, T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and the high biocompatibility of these composite nanosheets have also been evaluated in vitro at cellular level and in vivo on mice breast tumor allograft tumor model. Results: The Ta component of Ta4C3-IONP-SPs exhibits high performance for contrast-enhanced CT imaging because of its high atomic number and high X-ray attenuation coefficient, and the integrated superparamagnetic IONPs act as excellent contrast agents for T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Especially, these Ta4C3-IONP-SPs composite nanosheets with high photothermal-conversion efficiency (η: 32.5%) has achieved complete tumor eradication without reoccurrence, verifying their highly efficient breast-tumor photo-ablation performance. Conclusion: This work not only significantly broadens the biomedical applications of MXene-based nanoplatforms (Ta4C3 MXene) by exploring their novel family members and further functionalization strategies (magnetic functionalization in this work), but also provides a novel and efficient theranostic nanoplatform for efficient breast-cancer theranostics. PMID:29556347

Multicentre physiological reference intervals for serum concentrations of immunoglobulins A, G and M, complement C3c and C4 measured with Tina-Quant reagents systems.

PubMed

Fuentes-Arderiu, Xavier; Alonso-Gregorio, Eduardo; Alvarez-Funes, Virtudes; Ambrós-Marigómez, Carmen; Coca-Fábregas, Lluís; Cruz-Placer, Marta; Díaz-Fernández, Julián; Pinel-Julián, María Pilar; Gutiérrez-Cecchini, Beatriz; Herrero-Bernal, Pilar; Sempere-Alcocer, Marcos; García-Caballero, Francisca; Del Mar Larrea-Ortiz-Quintana, María; La-Torre-Marcellán, Pedro; Del Señor López-Vélez, María; Mar-Medina, Carmen; Martín-Oncina, Javier; Rodríguez-Hernández, María Victoria; Romero-Sotomayor, María Victoria; Serrano-López, Cándido; Sicilia-Enríquez-de-Salamanca, Adolfo; Velasco-Romero, Ana María; Juvé-Cuxart, Santiago

2007-01-01

Clinical laboratories seeking accreditation for compliance with ISO 15189:2003 need to demonstrate that the physiological reference intervals communicated to all users of the laboratory service are appropriate for the patient population served and for the measurement systems used. In the case of immunological quantities, few articles have been published in peer-reviewed journals. A total of 21 clinical laboratories in different regions of Spain collaborated in identifying reference individuals and determining adult reference intervals for some immunological quantities measured using RD/Hitachi Modular Analytics analysers and Tina-Quant reagent systems. These immunological quantities are the mass concentrations of immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, complement C3c and complement C4 in serum. All the logistic work was carried out in co-operation with the supplier of the reagents and analysers (Roche Diagnostics España, S.L., Sant Cugat del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain). From the set of reference values obtained by each laboratory, multicentre reference limits were estimated non-parametrically. The reference intervals estimated in this study for concentrations of serum components under consideration are: complement C3c, 0.62-1.64 g/L for women and men; complement C4, 0.14-0.72 g/L for women and men; immunoglobulin A, 0.89-4.80 g/L for women and men; immunoglobulin G, 6.5-14.3 g/L for women and men; and immunoglobulin M, 0.48-3.38 g/L for women and 0.41-2.46 g/L for men.

Imaging the Laguna del Maule Volcanic Field, central Chile using magnetotellurics: Evidence for crustal melt regions laterally-offset from surface vents and lava flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cordell, Darcy; Unsworth, Martyn J.; Díaz, Daniel

2018-04-01

Magnetotelluric (MT) data were collected at the Laguna del Maule volcanic field (LdMVF), located in central Chile (36°S, 70.5°W), which has been experiencing unprecedented upward ground deformation since 2007. These data were used to create the first detailed three-dimensional electrical resistivity model of the LdMVF and surrounding area. The resulting model was spatially complex with several major conductive features imaged at different depths and locations around Laguna del Maule (LdM). A near-surface conductor (C1; 0.5 Ωm) approximately 100 m beneath the lake is interpreted as a conductive smectite clay cap related to a shallow hydrothermal reservoir. At 4 km depth, a strong conductor (C3; 0.3 Ωm) is located beneath the western edge of LdM. The proximity of C3 to the recent Pleistocene-to-Holocene vents in the northwest LdMVF and nearby hot springs suggests that C3 is a hydrous (>5 wt% H2O), rhyolitic partial melt with melt fraction >35% and a free-water hydrothermal component. C3 dips towards, and is connected to, a deeper conductor (C4; 1 Ωm). C4 is located to the north of LdM at >8 km depth below surface and is interpreted as a long-lived, rhyolitic-to-andesitic magma reservoir with melt fractions less than 35%. It is hypothesized that the deeper magma reservoir (C4) is providing melt and hydrothermal fluids to the shallower magma reservoir (C3). A large conductor directly beneath the LdMVF is not imaged with MT suggesting that any mush volume beneath LdM must be anhydrous (<2 wt% H2O), low temperature and low melt fraction (<25%) in order to go undetected. The presence of large conductors to the north has important implications for magma dynamics as it suggests that material may have a significant lateral component (>10 km) as it moves from the deep magma reservoir (C4) to create small, ephemeral volumes of eruptible melt (C3). It is hypothesized that there may be a north-south contrast in physical processes affecting the growth of melt-rich zones since major conductors are imaged in the northern LdMVF while no major conductors are detected beneath the southern vents. The analysis and interpretation of features directly beneath the lake is complicated by the surface conductor C1 which attenuates low-frequency signals. The attenuation from C1 does not affect C3 or C4. At 1 km depth directly beneath LdM, a weak conductor (C2; <10 Ωm) is imaged but is not required by the data. Forward modeling tests show that a relatively large (30 km3), high melt fraction (>50%), silicic reservoir with 5 wt% H2O at 2 to 5 km depth beneath the inflation center is not supported by the MT data. However, a smaller (10 km3) eruptible volume could go undetected even with relatively high melt fraction (>50%). The location of large melt regions to the north has important implications for long-term volcanic hazards at LdMVF as well as other volcanoes as it raises the possibility that the vent distribution is not always indicative of the location of deeper source regions of melt.

A chalcone showing positional disorder, two related diarylcyclohexenones showing enantiomeric disorder and a related hydroxyterphenyl, all derived from simple carbonyl precursors.

PubMed

Salian, Vinutha V; Narayana, Badiadka; Yathirajan, Hemmige S; Akkurt, Mehmet; Çelik, Ömer; Ersanlı, Cem Cüneyt; Glidewell, Christopher

2015-07-01

Four compounds are reported, all of which lie along a versatile reaction pathway which leads from simple carbonyl compounds to terphenyls. (2E)-1-(2,4-Dichlorophenyl)-3- [4-(prop-1-en-2-yl)phenyl]prop-2-en-1-one, C18H14Cl2O, (I), prepared from 4-(prop-1-en-2-yl)benzaldehyde and 2,4-dichloroacetophenone, exhibits disorder over two sets of atomic sites having occupancies of 0.664 (6) and 0.336 (6). The related chalcone (2E)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one reacts with acetone to produce (5RS)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-[4-(propan-2-yl)phenyl]cyclohex-2-en-1-one, C21H21ClO, (II), which exhibits enantiomeric disorder with occupancies at the reference site of 0.662 (4) and 0.338 (4) for the (5R) and (5S) forms; the same chalcone reacts with methyl 3-oxobutanoate to give methyl (1RS,6SR)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-[4-(propan-2-yl)phenyl]-2-oxocyclohex-3-ene-1-carboxylate, C23H23ClO3, (III), where the reference site contains both (1R,6S) and (1S,6R) forms with occupancies of 0.923 (3) and 0.077 (3), respectively. Oxidation, using 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone, of ethyl (1RS,6SR)-6-(4-bromophenyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-oxocyclohex-3-ene-1-carboxylate, prepared in a similar manner to (II) and (III), produces ethyl 4''-bromo-4-fluoro-5'-hydroxy-1,1':3',1''-terphenyl-4'-carboxylate, C21H16BrFO3, (IV), which crystallizes with Z' = 2 in the space group P-1. There are no significant intermolecular interactions in the structures of compounds (I) and (II), but for the major disorder component of compound (III), the molecules are linked into sheets by a combination of C-H...O and C-H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds. The two independent molecules of compound (IV) form two different centrosymmetric dimers, one built from inversion-related pairs of C-H...O hydrogen bonds and the other from inversion-related pairs of C-H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds. Comparisons are made with related compounds.

Metabolism of the Synthetic Progestogen Norethynodrel by Human Ketosteroid Reductases of the Aldo-Keto Reductase Superfamily

PubMed Central

Jin, Yi; Duan, Ling; Chen, Mo; Penning, Trevor M; Kloosterboer, Helenius J.

2012-01-01

Human ketosteroid reductases of the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily, i.e. AKR1C1-4, are implicated in the biotransformation of synthetic steroid hormones. Norethynodrel (NOR, 17α-ethynyl-17β-hydroxy-estra-5(10)-en-3-one), the progestin component of the first marketed oral contraceptive, is known to undergo rapid and extensive metabolism to 3α- and 3β-hydroxy metabolites. The ability of the four human AKR1C enzymes to catalyze the metabolism of NOR has now been characterized. AKR1C1 and AKR1C2 almost exclusively converted NOR to 3β-hydroxy NOR, while AKR1C3 gave 3β-hydroxy NOR as the main product and AKR1C4 predominantly formed 3α-hydroxy NOR. Individual AKR1C enzymes also displayed distinct kinetic properties in the reaction of NOR. In contrast, norethindrone (NET), the Δ4-isomer of NOR and the most commonly used synthetic progestin, was not a substrate for the AKR1C enzymes. NOR is also structurally identical to the hormone replacement therapeutic tibolone (TIB), except TIB has a methyl group at the 7α-position. Product profiles and kinetic parameters for the reduction of NOR catalyzed by each individual AKR1C isoform were identical to those for the reduction of TIB catalyzed by the respective isoform. These data suggest that the presence of the 7α-methyl group has a minimal effect on the stereochemical outcome of the reaction and kinetic behavior of each enzyme. Results indicate a role of AKR1C in the hepatic and peripheral metabolism of NOR to 3α- and 3β-hydroxy NOR and provide insights into the differential pharmacological properties of NOR, NET and TIB. PMID:22210085

Complement component C3 plays a critical role in protecting the aging retina in a murine model of age-related macular degeneration.

PubMed

Hoh Kam, Jaimie; Lenassi, Eva; Malik, Talat H; Pickering, Matthew C; Jeffery, Glen

2013-08-01

Complement component C3 is the central complement component and a key inflammatory protein activated in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is associated with genetic variation in complement proteins that results in enhanced activation of C3 through the complement alternative pathway. These include complement factor H (CFH), a negative regulator of C3 activation. Both C3 inhibition and/or CFH augmentation are potential therapeutic strategies in AMD. Herein, we examined retinal integrity in aged (12 months) mice deficient in both factors H and C3 (CFH(-/-).C3(-/-)), CFH alone (CFH(-/-)), or C3 alone (C3(-/-)), and wild-type mice (C57BL/6). Retinal function was assessed by electroretinography, and retinal morphological features were analyzed at light and electron microscope levels. Retinas were also stained for amyloid β (Aβ) deposition, inflammation, and macrophage accumulation. Contrary to expectation, electroretinograms of CFH(-/-).C3(-/-) mice displayed more severely reduced responses than those of other mice. All mutant strains showed significant photoreceptor loss and thickening of Bruch's membrane compared with wild-type C57BL/6, but these changes were greater in CFH(-/-).C3(-/-) mice. CFH(-/-).C3(-/-) mice had significantly more Aβ on Bruch's membrane, fewer macrophages, and high levels of retinal inflammation than the other groups. Our data show that both uncontrolled C3 activation (CFH(-/-)) and complete absence of C3 (CFH(-/-).C3(-/-) and C3(-/-)) negatively affect aged retinas. These findings suggest that strategies that inhibit C3 in AMD may be deleterious. Copyright © 2013 American Society for Investigative Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pyrogenic carbon from tropical savanna burning: production and stable isotope composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saiz, G.; Wynn, J. G.; Wurster, C. M.; Goodrick, I.; Nelson, P. N.; Bird, M. I.

2014-10-01

Widespread burning of mixed tree-grass ecosystems represents the major natural locus of pyrogenic carbon (PyC) production. PyC is a significant, pervasive, and yet poorly understood "slow-cycling" form of carbon present in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, soils and sediments. We conducted sixteen experimental burns on a rainfall transect in northern Australian savannas with C4 grasses ranging from 35 to 99% of total biomass. Residues from each fire were partitioned into PyC and further into recalcitrant (HyPyC) components, with each of these also partitioned into proximal (> 125 μm) and distal (< 125 μm) fluxes. The median [range] PyC production across all burns was 16.0 [11.5]% of total carbon exposed (TCE), with HyPyC accounting for 2.5 [4.9]% of TCE. Both PyC and HyPyC were dominantly partitioned into the proximal flux, likely to remain (initially) close to the site of production. Production of HyPyC was strongly related to fire residence time, with shorter duration fires resulting in higher HyPyC yields. The carbon isotope (δ13C) compositions of PyC and HyPyC were generally lower by 1-3‰ relative to the original biomass, with marked depletion up to 7 ‰ for grasslands dominated by C4 biomass. δ13C values of CO2 produced by combustion was computed by mass balance and ranged from ~0.4 to 1.3‰. The depletion of 13C in PyC and HyPyC relative to the original biomass has significant implications for the interpretation of δ13C values of savanna soil organic carbon and of ancient PyC preserved in the geologic record, and for global 13C isotopic disequilibria calculations.

Up-conversion monodispersed spheres of NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+: green and red emission tailoring mediated by heating temperature, and greatly enhanced luminescence by Mn2+ doping.

PubMed

Zhu, Qi; Song, Caiyun; Li, Xiaodong; Sun, Xudong; Li, Ji-Guang

2018-04-09

Submicron sized, monodispersed spheres of Mn2+, Yb3+/Er3+ and Mn2+/Yb3+/Er3+ doped α-NaYF4 were easily autoclaved from mixed solutions of the component nitrates and ammonium fluoride (NH4F), in the presence of EDTA-2Na. Detailed characterizations of the resultant phosphors were obtained using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, STEM, PLE/PL spectroscopy, and fluorescence decay analysis. Finer structure and better crystal perfection was observed at a higher calcination temperature, and the spherical shape and excellent dispersion of the original particles was retained at temperatures up to 600 °C. Under the 980 nm infrared excitation, the Yb3+/Er3+-doped sample (calcined at 400 °C) exhibits a stronger green emission centered at ∼524 nm (2H11/2 → 4I15/2 transition of Er3+) and a weaker red emission centered at ∼657 nm (4F9/2 → 4I15/2 transition of Er3+). A 200 °C increase in the temperature from 400 °C to 600 °C resulted in the dominant red emission originating from the 4F9/2 → 4I15/2 transition of Er3+, instead of the previously dominant green one. Mn2+ doping induced a remarkable more enhanced intensity at ∼657 nm and ∼667 nm (red emission area) than that at ∼524 nm and ∼546 nm (green emission area), because of the non-radiative energy transfer between Mn2+ and Er3+. However, a poor thermal stability was induced by Mn2+ doping. The observed upconversion luminescence of the samples calcined at 400 °C and 600 °C followed the two photon process and the four photon process, respectively.

Differential effects of black currant anthocyanins on diffuser- or negative lens-induced ocular elongation in chicks.

PubMed

Iida, Hiroyuki; Nakamura, Yuko; Matsumoto, Hitoshi; Kawahata, Keiko; Koga, Jinichiro; Katsumi, Osamu

2013-01-01

To compare the inhibitory effects of 4 different types of black currant anthocyanins (BCAs) on ocular elongation in 2 different chick myopia models. In the first model, diffusers were used to induce form vision deprivation. In the second model, negative (-8D) spherical lenses were used to create a defocused retinal image. Either the diffusers or the -8D lenses were placed on the right eyes of 8-day-old chicks for 4 days. Ocular biometric components were measured using an A-scan ultrasound instrument on the third day after application of either the diffusers or -8D lenses. Interocular differences (globe component dimensions of the right diffuser or eyes covered with -8D lenses minus those of the open left eyes) were considered to evaluate the effect of BCAs. The BCAs used were cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), cyanidin-3-rutinoside (C3R), delphinidin-3-rutinoside (D3R), and delphinidin-3-glucoside (D3G). Each anthocyanin was administered intravenously at a dose of 0.027 μmol/kg once a day for 3 days. Compared to the vehicle treatment, C3G and C3R treatments significantly reduced both differential increases (positive values of interocular differences) of the ocular axial length induced by diffusers or -8D lenses (diffusers; C3G, C3R, and control: 0.32±0.051 mm, P<0.05; 0.25±0.034 mm, P<0.01; and 0.52±0.047 mm, -8D lenses; C3G, C3R, and control: 0.25±0.049 mm, P<0.01; 0.17±0.049 mm, P<0.001; and 0.50±0.056 mm). In contrast, compared to vehicle treatment, D3R treatment significantly decreased the differential increases in the ocular axial length only in chicks with myopia induced by -8D lenses (D3R and control: 0.17±0.049 mm and 0.50±0.056 mm, P<0.001). D3G did not inhibit the differential increase in the ocular axial length induced by either diffusers or -8D lenses. This study showed that the 4 tested BCAs had different effects on the 2 different experimental models of myopia.

Sources, composition and absorption Ångström exponent of light-absorbing organic components in aerosol extracts from the Los Angeles Basin.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaolu; Lin, Ying-Hsuan; Surratt, Jason D; Weber, Rodney J

2013-04-16

We investigate the sources, chemical composition, and spectral properties of light-absorbing organic aerosol extracts (i.e., brown carbon, or BrC) in the Los Angeles (LA) Basin during the CalNex-2010 field campaign. Light absorption of PM2.5 water-soluble components at 365 nm (Abs365), used as a proxy for water-soluble BrC, was well correlated with water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) (r(2) = 0.55-0.65), indicating secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from anthropogenic emissions was the major source of water-soluble BrC in this region. Normalizing Abs365 to WSOC mass yielded an average solution mass absorption efficiency (MAE365) of 0.71 m(2) g(-1) C. Detailed chemical speciation of filter extracts identified eight nitro-aromatic compounds that were correlated with Abs365. These compounds accounted for ∼4% of the overall water-soluble BrC absorption. Methanol-extracted BrC in LA was approximately 3 and 21 times higher than water-soluble BrC at 365 and 532 nm, respectively, and had a MAE365 of 1.58 m(2) g(-1) C (Abs365 normalized to organic carbon mass). The water-insoluble BrC was strongly correlated with ambient elemental carbon concentration, suggesting similar sources. Absorption Ångström exponent (Å(a)) (fitted between 300 and 600 nm wavelengths) was 3.2 (±1.2) for the PILS water-soluble BrC measurement, compared to 4.8 (±0.5) and 7.6 (±0.5) for methanol- and water-soluble BrC from filter extracts, respectively. These results show that fine particle BrC was prevalent in the LA basin during CalNex, yet many of its properties and potential impacts remain unknown.

Growth mechanism of atomic-layer-deposited TiAlC metal gate based on TiCl4 and TMA precursors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jinjuan, Xiang; Yuqiang, Ding; Liyong, Du; Junfeng, Li; Wenwu, Wang; Chao, Zhao

2016-03-01

TiAlC metal gate for the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistor (MOSFET) is grown by the atomic layer deposition method using TiCl4 and Al(CH3)3(TMA) as precursors. It is found that the major product of the TiCl4 and TMA reaction is TiAlC, and the components of C and Al are found to increase with higher growth temperature. The reaction mechanism is investigated by using x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The reaction mechanism is as follows. Ti is generated through the reduction of TiCl4 by TMA. The reductive behavior of TMA involves the formation of ethane. The Ti from the reduction of TiCl4 by TMA reacts with ethane easily forming heterogenetic TiCH2, TiCH=CH2 and TiC fragments. In addition, TMA thermally decomposes, driving Al into the TiC film and leading to TiAlC formation. With the growth temperature increasing, TMA decomposes more severely, resulting in more C and Al in the TiAlC film. Thus, the film composition can be controlled by the growth temperature to a certain extent. Project supported by the Key Technology Study for 16/14 nm Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (Grant No. 2013ZX02303).

A novel three-component reaction for the synthesis of 1,3-benzoxazines in water.

PubMed

Rostami-Charati, Faramarz

2013-12-01

A simple and proficient method for the synthesis of 1,3-benzoxazine derivatives via three-component reaction of isocyanide and isoquinoline with 1-(6-hydroxy-2-isopropenyl-1-benzofuran-yl)-1-ethanone or 4-hydroxycumarine in water in the presence of piperidine at 70°C is reported.

Slow crack growth in SiC platelet reinforced Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} composite

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

Belmonte, M.; Moya, J.S.; Miranzo, P.

1996-05-15

Ceramic matrix composites with enhanced toughness are at present projected for many structural applications such as high temperature components in gas turbine, structures for hypersonic aircraft and bioprosthetic devices. The incorporation of a SiC dispersed second phase in form of whisker or platelets into an alumina matrix has allowed to improve material toughness, thermal shock resistance and R-curve behavior. Recently, considerable interest in the acquisition of slow crack growth (SCG) data for ceramic materials has arisen in order to predict the service lifetime of brittle components. Non-oxide ceramics such as SiC and Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} are extremely resistant to crackmore » growth at low temperatures, whereas oxide ceramics are susceptible to stress corrosion because of the chemical interaction between water and stressed cracks. Up to date, there are not many papers devoted to SCG of SiC whiskers reinforced Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} composites and none about SiC platelets used as reinforcement. The objective of the present work has been to evaluate the slow crack growth in a Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}/SiC-platelet composite by double torsion testing analysis. The results will be compared with those obtained for SiC whisker reinforced Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} composite tested using the same conditions.« less

Inflammation Thread Runs across Medical Laboratory Specialities.

PubMed

Nydegger, Urs; Lung, Thomas; Risch, Lorenz; Risch, Martin; Medina Escobar, Pedro; Bodmer, Thomas

2016-01-01

We work on the assumption that four major specialities or sectors of medical laboratory assays, comprising clinical chemistry, haematology, immunology, and microbiology, embraced by genome sequencing techniques, are routinely in use. Medical laboratory markers for inflammation serve as model: they are allotted to most fields of medical lab assays including genomics. Incessant coding of assays aligns each of them in the long lists of big data. As exemplified with the complement gene family, containing C2, C3, C8A, C8B, CFH, CFI, and ITGB2, heritability patterns/risk factors associated with diseases with genetic glitch of complement components are unfolding. The C4 component serum levels depend on sufficient vitamin D whilst low vitamin D is inversely related to IgG1, IgA, and C3 linking vitamin sufficiency to innate immunity. Whole genome sequencing of microbial organisms may distinguish virulent from nonvirulent and antibiotic resistant from nonresistant varieties of the same species and thus can be listed in personal big data banks including microbiological pathology; the big data warehouse continues to grow.

Inflammation Thread Runs across Medical Laboratory Specialities

PubMed Central

Lung, Thomas; Risch, Lorenz; Risch, Martin; Medina Escobar, Pedro; Bodmer, Thomas

2016-01-01

We work on the assumption that four major specialities or sectors of medical laboratory assays, comprising clinical chemistry, haematology, immunology, and microbiology, embraced by genome sequencing techniques, are routinely in use. Medical laboratory markers for inflammation serve as model: they are allotted to most fields of medical lab assays including genomics. Incessant coding of assays aligns each of them in the long lists of big data. As exemplified with the complement gene family, containing C2, C3, C8A, C8B, CFH, CFI, and ITGB2, heritability patterns/risk factors associated with diseases with genetic glitch of complement components are unfolding. The C4 component serum levels depend on sufficient vitamin D whilst low vitamin D is inversely related to IgG1, IgA, and C3 linking vitamin sufficiency to innate immunity. Whole genome sequencing of microbial organisms may distinguish virulent from nonvirulent and antibiotic resistant from nonresistant varieties of the same species and thus can be listed in personal big data banks including microbiological pathology; the big data warehouse continues to grow. PMID:27493451

A Developmental Model of Cross-Cultural Competence at the Tactical Level

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-11-01

components of 3C and describe how 3C develops in Soldiers. Five components of 3C were identified: Cultural Maturity , Cognitive Flexibility, Cultural...a result of the data analysis: Cultural Maturity , Cognitive Flexibility, Cultural Knowledge, Cultural Acuity, and Interpersonal Skills. These five...create regressions in the 3C development process. In short, KSAAs mature interdependently and simultaneously. Thus, development and transitions across

Analysis of Ejection Seat Stability Using Easy Program. Volume I.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

BODY AXiS FURCE COMPONENT. L ACTING ON THE AiRPLANc FROM THE CATAPULT (Ld) C ILA1(3) - PORT ONE X,Y,L AIRPLANE BODY AXIS TORQUE COMPONENTS C ACrINu...THE AIRPLANE (FT) C EAPI3) - EARTH TO AIRPLANc . EULER ANGLES (DEG) C SKPt3) - XtYZ EARTh POSITIGN VECTOR OF THE SEAT REFERENCE L POINT (FT) f- LST(3

Transcriptional regulation of SlPYL, SlPP2C, and SlSnRK2 gene families encoding ABA signal core components during tomato fruit development and drought stress.

PubMed

Sun, Liang; Wang, Yan-Ping; Chen, Pei; Ren, Jie; Ji, Kai; Li, Qian; Li, Ping; Dai, Sheng-Jie; Leng, Ping

2011-11-01

In order to characterize the potential transcriptional regulation of core components of abscisic acid (ABA) signal transduction in tomato fruit development and drought stress, eight SlPYL (ABA receptor), seven SlPP2C (type 2C protein phosphatase), and eight SlSnRK2 (subfamily 2 of SNF1-related kinases) full-length cDNA sequences were isolated from the tomato nucleotide database of NCBI GenBank. All SlPYL, SlPP2C, and SlSnRK2 genes obtained are homologous to Arabidopsis AtPYL, AtPP2C, and AtSnRK2 genes, respectively. Based on phylogenetic analysis, SlPYLs and SlSnRK2s were clustered into three subfamilies/subclasses, and all SlPP2Cs belonged to PP2C group A. Within the SlPYL gene family, SlPYL1, SlPYL2, SlPYL3, and SlPYL6 were the major genes involved in the regulation of fruit development. Among them, SlPYL1 and SlPYL2 were expressed at high levels throughout the process of fruit development and ripening; SlPYL3 was strongly expressed at the immature green (IM) and mature green (MG) stages, while SlPYL6 was expressed strongly at the IM and red ripe (RR) stages. Within the SlPP2C gene family, the expression of SlPP2C, SlPP2C3, and SlPP2C4 increased after the MG stage; SlPP2C1 and SlPP2C5 peaked at the B3 stage, while SlPP2C2 and SlPP2C6 changed little during fruit development. Within the SlSnRK2 gene family, the expression of SlSnRK2.2, SlSnRK2.3, SlSnRK2.4, and SlSnRK2C was higher than that of other members during fruit development. Additionally, most SlPYL genes were down-regulated, while most SlPP2C and SlSnRK2 genes were up-regulated by dehydration in tomato leaf.

Polarization effects in the reactions p + 3 He → π+ + 4 He, π+ + 4 He → p + 3 He and quantum character of spin correlations in the final (p, 3 He) system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyuboshitz, Valery V.; Lyuboshitz, Vladimir L.

2017-12-01

The general consequences of T invariance for the direct and inverse binary reactions a + b → c + d, c + d → a + b with spin-1/2 particles a, b and unpolarized particles c, d are considered. Using the formalism of helicity amplitudes, the polarization effects are studied in the reaction p + 3 He → π+ + 4 He and in the inverse process π+ + 4 He → p + 3 He. It is shown that in the reaction π + + 4 He → p + 3 He the spins of the final proton and 3 He nucleus are strongly correlated. A structural expression through helicity amplitudes, corresponding to arbitrary emission angles, is obtained for the correlation tensor. It is established that in the reaction π + + 4 He → p + 3 He one of the “classical” incoherence inequalities of the Bell type for diagonal components of the correlation tensor is necessarily violated and, thus, the spin correlations of the final particles have the strongly pronounced quantum character.

High Color Rendering Index White-Light Emission from UV-Driven LEDs Based on Single Luminescent Materials: Two-Dimensional Perovskites (C6H5C2H4NH3)2PbBr xCl4- x.

PubMed

Yang, Shuming; Lin, Zhenghuan; Wang, Jingwei; Chen, Yunxiang; Liu, Zhengde; Yang, E; Zhang, Jian; Ling, Qidan

2018-05-09

Two-dimensional (2D) white-light-emitting hybrid perovskites (WHPs) are promising active materials for single-component white-light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) driven by UV. However, the reported WHPs exhibit low quantum yields (≤9%) and low color rendering index (CRI) values less than 85, which does not satisfy the demand of solid-state lighting applications. In this work, we report a series of mixed-halide 2D layered WHPs (C 6 H 5 C 2 H 4 NH 3 ) 2 PbBr x Cl 4- x (0 < x < 4) obtained from the phenethylammonium cation. Unlike the reported WHPs including (C 6 H 5 C 2 H 4 NH 3 ) 2 PbCl 4 , the mixed-halide perovskites display morphology-dependent white emission for the different extents of self-absorption. Additionally, the amount of Br has a huge influence on the photophysical properties of mixed-halide WHPs. With the increasing content of Br, the quantum yields of WHPs increase gradually from 0.2 to 16.9%, accompanied by tunable color temperatures ranging from 4000 K ("warm" white light) to 7000 K ("cold" white light). When applied to the WLEDs, the mixed-halide perovskite powders exhibit tunable white electroluminescent emission with very high CRI of 87-91.

Structural requirements for thioester bond formation in human complement component C3. Reassessment of the role of thioester bond integrity on the conformation of C3.

PubMed

Isaac, L; Isenman, D E

1992-05-15

A unique thioester bond, formed between the side chains of neighboring C and Q residues, is present in complement components C3 and C4 and the protease inhibitor alpha 2-macroglobulin. This structure is essential for mediating covalent attachment to target acceptors and also for maintaining these proteins in their native conformation. An examination of the residues in the immediate vicinity of the C and Q reveals a very high degree of sequence similarity among the three proteins which crosses species barriers. The following is the sequence flanking the thioester residues in C3, the highly conserved amino acids being underlined and the the thioester-forming residues being indicated by italics: 1005V-T-P-S-G-C-G-E-Q-N-M-I-G-M-T-P-T1021. Through a site-directed mutagenesis and cDNA expression approach, we have examined the importance of the conserved amino acids in the formation, stability, and function of the thioester bond in C3. The behavior of the mutants fell into three categories. The potential loss in peptide backbone flexibility by the replacement of G1009 by A or S was permissive to thioester formation and function as was replacement of M1015 by the still fairly bulky residue F. In contrast, replacement of M1015 by A resulted in an alpha-chain which was highly unstable toward proteolytic degradation. The third category, which included mutant molecules P1007G, P1020G, E1012Q, and Q1013N, displayed an unusual phenotype in which both the autolytic fragmentation and the hemolytic activity characteristics of thioester-intact molecules were absent. However, like their wildtype counterpart, these molecules retained the ability to be cleaved by C3 convertase (C4b2a), a conformation-dependent property that is normally lost in the conversion of native C3 to thioester-hydrolyzed C3(H2O). Since an identical functional profile was obtained when the thioester was deliberately prevented from forming in the mutant C1010A, we conclude that if a stable thioester fails to form during biosynthesis, at least parts of the mature protein can adopt a more native-like conformation than is the case when the thioester is first formed and then hydrolyzed in the mature protein. In view of these new findings, the interpretation of the previously observed correlation between the loss of thioester integrity and the adoption of a C3b-like conformation must be reassessed.

Early Components of the Complement Classical Activation Pathway in Human Systemic Autoimmune Diseases

PubMed Central

Lintner, Katherine E.; Wu, Yee Ling; Yang, Yan; Spencer, Charles H.; Hauptmann, Georges; Hebert, Lee A.; Atkinson, John P.; Yu, C. Yung

2016-01-01

The complement system consists of effector proteins, regulators, and receptors that participate in host defense against pathogens. Activation of the complement system, via the classical pathway (CP), has long been recognized in immune complex-mediated tissue injury, most notably systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Paradoxically, a complete deficiency of an early component of the CP, as evidenced by homozygous genetic deficiencies reported in human, are strongly associated with the risk of developing SLE or a lupus-like disease. Similarly, isotype deficiency attributable to a gene copy-number (GCN) variation and/or the presence of autoantibodies directed against a CP component or a regulatory protein that result in an acquired deficiency are relatively common in SLE patients. Applying accurate assay methodologies with rigorous data validations, low GCNs of total C4, and heterozygous and homozygous deficiencies of C4A have been shown as medium to large effect size risk factors, while high copy numbers of total C4 or C4A as prevalent protective factors, of European and East-Asian SLE. Here, we summarize the current knowledge related to genetic deficiency and insufficiency, and acquired protein deficiencies for C1q, C1r, C1s, C4A/C4B, and C2 in disease pathogenesis and prognosis of SLE, and, briefly, for other systemic autoimmune diseases. As the complement system is increasingly found to be associated with autoimmune diseases and immune-mediated diseases, it has become an attractive therapeutic target. We highlight the recent developments and offer a balanced perspective concerning future investigations and therapeutic applications with a focus on early components of the CP in human systemic autoimmune diseases. PMID:26913032

Uptake, biotransformation, and elimination of rotenone by bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus )

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gingerich, W.H.; Rach, J.J.

1985-01-01

Yearling bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus) were exposed to sublethal concentrations of [14C]rotenone (5.2 μg/l) for 30 days in a continuous flow exposure system and then transferred to clean, flowing water for an additional 21-day depuration period. Rates of uptake and elimination and profile of the rotenoid metabolites in head, viscera, and carcass components were evaluated by 14C counting and by high performance liquid chromatography. Total [14C]rotenone derived activity was relatively uniform in all body components within 3 days after initial exposure and remained constant during the ensuing 27 days of exposure. Initial uptake rate coefficients were highest in viscera (Ku = 80· h -1) and were nearly identical for head (Ku = 14 · h) and carcass (Ku = 10 · h-1). Analyses of tissue extracts by high performance liquid chromatography confirmed the presence of at least six biotransformation products of rotenone. More than 60% of the activity extracted from viscera was present as a single peak which represented a compound that was extremely soluble in water. Rotenone composed only 0.3% of the extractable activity in viscera taken from fish exposed to rotenone for 30 days; however, rotenone accounted for 15.4% of extractable activity in the head and 20.1% in the carcass components. Rotenolone and 6',7'-dihydro-6'-,7'--dihydroxyrotenolone were tentatively identified as oxidation products in all tissue extracts. Elimination of 14C activity from all body components was biphasic; both phases followed first-order kinetics. The rate of elimination was nearly equal for all body components during the initial phase but was most rapid from viscera during the second phase of elimination. Bioconcentration factors for the head, viscera, and carcass were 165, 3,550, and 125, respectively, when calculated on the basis of total 14C activity but only 25.4, 11, and 26 when calculated as the concentration of parent material.

T helper 1 immunity requires complement-driven NLRP3 inflammasome activity in CD4+ T cells

PubMed Central

Spolski, Rosanne; Robertson, Avril A. B.; Klos, Andreas; Rheinheimer, Claudia; Dutow, Pavel; Woodruff, Trent M.; Yu, Zu Xi; O'Neill, Luke A.; Coll, Rebecca C.; Sher, Alan; Leonard, Warren J.; Köhl, Jörg; Monk, Pete; Cooper, Matthew A.; Arno, Matthew; Afzali, Behdad; Lachmann, Helen J.; Cope, Andrew P.; Mayer-Barber, Katrin D.; Kemper, Claudia

2016-01-01

The NLRP3 inflammasome controls interleukin-1β maturation in antigen-presenting cells, but a direct role for NLRP3 in human adaptive immune cells has not been described. We found that the NLRP3 inflammasome assembles in human CD4+ T cells and initiates caspase-1–dependent interleukin-1β secretion, thereby promoting interferon-γ production and T helper 1 (TH1) differentiation in an autocrine fashion. NLRP3 assembly requires intracellular C5 activation and stimulation of C5a receptor 1 (C5aR1), which is negatively regulated by surface-expressed C5aR2. Aberrant NLRP3 activity in T cells affects inflammatory responses in human autoinflammatory disease and in mouse models of inflammation and infection. Our results demonstrate that NLRP3 inflammasome activity is not confined to “innate immune cells” but is an integral component of normal adaptive TH1 responses. PMID:27313051

T helper 1 immunity requires complement-driven NLRP3 inflammasome activity in CD4⁺ T cells.

PubMed

Arbore, Giuseppina; West, Erin E; Spolski, Rosanne; Robertson, Avril A B; Klos, Andreas; Rheinheimer, Claudia; Dutow, Pavel; Woodruff, Trent M; Yu, Zu Xi; O'Neill, Luke A; Coll, Rebecca C; Sher, Alan; Leonard, Warren J; Köhl, Jörg; Monk, Pete; Cooper, Matthew A; Arno, Matthew; Afzali, Behdad; Lachmann, Helen J; Cope, Andrew P; Mayer-Barber, Katrin D; Kemper, Claudia

2016-06-17

The NLRP3 inflammasome controls interleukin-1β maturation in antigen-presenting cells, but a direct role for NLRP3 in human adaptive immune cells has not been described. We found that the NLRP3 inflammasome assembles in human CD4(+) T cells and initiates caspase-1-dependent interleukin-1β secretion, thereby promoting interferon-γ production and T helper 1 (T(H)1) differentiation in an autocrine fashion. NLRP3 assembly requires intracellular C5 activation and stimulation of C5a receptor 1 (C5aR1), which is negatively regulated by surface-expressed C5aR2. Aberrant NLRP3 activity in T cells affects inflammatory responses in human autoinflammatory disease and in mouse models of inflammation and infection. Our results demonstrate that NLRP3 inflammasome activity is not confined to "innate immune cells" but is an integral component of normal adaptive T(H)1 responses. Copyright © 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Dense cavity walls traced by CS in the L1157-B1 protostellar shocked region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomez-Ruiz, Arturo; Codella, Claudio; Lefloch, Bertrand; Benedettini, Milena; Busquet, Gemma; Nisini, Brunella; Ceccarelli, Cecilia; Cabrit, Sylvie; Viti, Serena

2013-07-01

In the framework of the CHESS Key Program, an unbiased spectral survey performed with Herschel and IRAM, in the frequency range from 97 to 600 GHz, have provided a chemical census of the protostellar shock L1157-B1. Here we focus on the study of carbon monosulfide (CS), a standard tracer of high-density gas. We have detected a total of 18 emission lines, with E_u up to 183 K, due to four isotopologues (^12C^32S, ^12C^34S, ^13C^32S, and ^12C^33S). The unprecedented sensitivity of the survey allow us to carefully analyze the line profiles. These profiles can be well fitted by two exponential laws: I ∝ exp(-|v/v0|) with v0 = 4.4, and 2.5 km s-1. Remarkably these two exponential laws are the same as those found in the CO line profiles by Lefloch et al. (2012), and named g2 and g3 components, respectively. These components have been related to the cavity walls produced by the B1 shock and the older B2 shock, respectively. An important characteristic of the lines profiles is that the emission of high-J CS transitions (E_u > 60 K) comes only from the g2 component. Using the LVG approximation, the CS solutions constrain n >= 10^4.5 cm^-3. In addition, when contrasted with the CO results (that already constrained T_k of 90 K and 40 K for g2 and g3, respectively), we see that the LVG can provide strong constrains to the gas density, in this case about 5 x 10^5 cm^-3 for both g2 and g3 components. Thus, the combination of CO and CS is a powerful tool to constrain both n and T_k. Our CS observations show therefore that this molecule is highlighting the dense cavity walls produced by the episodic outflow.

(O-Methyl di-thio-carbonato-κS)tri-phenyl-tin(IV).

PubMed

Javed, Fatima; Ali, Saqib; Shah, Wajid; Tahir, M Nawaz; Ullah, Hameed

2013-06-01

In the title compound, [Sn(C6H5)3(C2H3OS2)], the Sn(IV) atom adopts a distorted SnC3S tetra-hedral coordination geometry. A short Sn⋯O contact [2.988 (4) Å] is also present. The phenyl rings are each disordered over two sets of sites with an occupancy ratio of 0.550 (8):0.450 (8). The crystal studied was found to be a racemic twin with a twin component ratio of 0.57 (18):0.43 (18).

(O-Methyl di­thio­carbonato-κS)tri­phenyl­tin(IV)

PubMed Central

Javed, Fatima; Ali, Saqib; Shah, Wajid; Tahir, M. Nawaz; Ullah, Hameed

2013-01-01

In the title compound, [Sn(C6H5)3(C2H3OS2)], the SnIV atom adopts a distorted SnC3S tetra­hedral coordination geometry. A short Sn⋯O contact [2.988 (4) Å] is also present. The phenyl rings are each disordered over two sets of sites with an occupancy ratio of 0.550 (8):0.450 (8). The crystal studied was found to be a racemic twin with a twin component ratio of 0.57 (18):0.43 (18). PMID:23794982

In-depth understanding of core-shell nanoarchitecture evolution of g-C3N4@C, N co-doped anatase/rutile: Efficient charge separation and enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamed, Mohamad Azuwa; Jaafar, Juhana; M. Zain, M. F.; Minggu, Lorna Jeffery; Kassim, Mohammad B.; Rosmi, Mohamad Saufi; Alias, Nur Hashimah; Mohamad Nor, Nor Azureen; W. Salleh, W. N.; Othman, Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan

2018-04-01

Herein, we demonstrated the simultaneous formation of multi-component heterojunction consisting graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and C, N co-doped anatase/rutile mixed phase by using facile sol-gel assisted heat treatment. The evolution of core-shell nanostructures heterojunction formation was elucidated by varying the temperature of heat treatment from 300 °C to 600 °C. Homogeneous heterojunction formation between g-C3N4 and anatase/rutile mixed phase was observed in gT400 with C and N doping into TiO2 lattice by O substitution. The core-shell nanoarchitectures between g-C3N4 as shell, and anatase/rutile mixed phase as core with C and N atoms are doped at the interstitial positions of TiO2 lattice was observed in gT500. The result indicated that core-shell nanoarchitectures photocatalyst (gT500) prepared at 500 ◦C exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity in the degradation of methyl orange under visible light irradiation. Meanwhile, the possible mechanisms of charge generation, migration, action species and reaction that probably occur at the gT500 sample were also proposed. The photodegradation results of gT500 correlated completely with the results of the PEC and photoluminescence analysis, which directly evidenced improved charge separation and migration as the crucial parameters governing photocatalysis. It is worthy to note that, the simultaneous formation of multicomponent heterojunction with core-shell structure provided an enormous impact in designing highly active photocatalyst with superior interfacial charge transfer.

Computational Study on the Unimolecular Decomposition of JP-8 Jet Fuel Surrogates III: Butylbenzene Isomers ( n-, s-, and t-C14H10).

PubMed

Belisario-Lara, Daniel; Mebel, Alexander M; Kaiser, Ralf I

2018-04-26

Ab initio G3(CCSD,MP2)//B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) calculations of potential energy surfaces have been carried out to unravel the mechanism of the initial stages of pyrolysis of three C 10 H 14 isomers: n-, s-, and t-butylbenzenes. The computed energy and molecular parameters have been utilized in RRKM-master equation calculations to predict temperature- and pressure-dependent rate constants and product branching ratios for the primary unimolecular decomposition of these molecules and for the secondary decomposition of their radical fragments. The results showed that the primary dissociation of n-butylbenzene produces mostly benzyl (C 7 H 7 ) + propyl (C 3 H 7 ) and 1-phenyl-2-ethyl (C 6 H 5 C 2 H 4 ) + ethyl (C 2 H 5 ), with their relative yields strongly dependent on temperature and pressure, together with a minor amount of 1-phenyl-prop-3-yl (C 9 H 11 ) + methyl (CH 3 ). Secondary decomposition reactions that are anticipated to occur on a nanosecond scale under typical combustion conditions split propyl (C 3 H 7 ) into ethylene (C 2 H 4 ) + methyl (CH 3 ), ethyl (C 2 H 5 ) into ethylene (C 2 H 4 ) + hydrogen (H), 1-phenyl-2-ethyl (C 6 H 5 C 2 H 4 ) into mostly styrene (C 8 H 8 ) + hydrogen (H) and to a lesser extent phenyl (C 6 H 5 ) + ethylene (C 2 H 4 ), and 1-phenyl-prop-3-yl (C 9 H 11 ) into predominantly benzyl (C 7 H 7 ) + ethylene (C 2 H 4 ). The primary decomposition of s-butylbenzene is predicted to produce 1-phenyl-1-ethyl (C 6 H 5 CHCH 3 ) + ethyl (C 2 H 5 ) and a minor amount of 1-phenyl-prop-1-yl (C 9 H 11 ) + methyl (CH 3 ), and then 1-phenyl-1-ethyl (C 6 H 5 CHCH 3 ) and 1-phenyl-prop-1-yl (C 9 H 11 ) rapidly dissociate to styrene (C 8 H 8 ) + hydrogen (H) and styrene (C 8 H 8 ) + methyl (CH 3 ), respectively. t-Butylbenzene decomposes nearly exclusively to 2-phenyl-prop-2-yl (C 9 H 11 ) + methyl (CH 3 ), and further, 2-phenyl-prop-2-yl (C 9 H 11 ) rapidly eliminates a hydrogen atom to form 2-phenylpropene (C 9 H 10 ). If hydrogen atoms or other reactive radicals are available to make a direct hydrogen-atom abstraction from butylbenzenes possible, the C 10 H 13 radicals (1-phenyl-but-1-yl, 2-phenyl-but-2-yl, and t-phenyl-isobutyl) can be formed as the primary products from n-, s-, and t-butylbenzene, respectively. The secondary decomposition of 1-phenyl-but-1-yl leads to styrene (C 8 H 8 ) + ethyl (C 2 H 5 ), whereas 2-phenyl-but-2-yl and t-phenyl-isobutyl dissociate to 2-phenylpropene (C 9 H 10 ) + methyl (CH 3 ). Thus, the three butylbenzene isomers produce distinct but overlapping nascent pyrolysis fragments, which likely affect the successive oxidation mechanism and combustion kinetics of these JP-8 fuel components. Temperature- and pressure-dependent rate constants generated for the initial stages of pyrolysis of butylbenzenes are recommended for kinetic modeling.

Engineering High-Energy Interfacial Structures for High-Performance Oxygen-Involving Electrocatalysis.

PubMed

Guo, Chunxian; Zheng, Yao; Ran, Jingrun; Xie, Fangxi; Jaroniec, Mietek; Qiao, Shi-Zhang

2017-07-10

Engineering high-energy interfacial structures for high-performance electrocatalysis is achieved by chemical coupling of active CoO nanoclusters and high-index facet Mn 3 O 4 nano-octahedrons (hi-Mn 3 O 4 ). A thorough characterization, including synchrotron-based near edge X-ray absorption fine structure, reveals that strong interactions between both components promote the formation of high-energy interfacial Mn-O-Co species and high oxidation state CoO, from which electrons are drawn by Mn III -O present in hi-Mn 3 O 4 . The CoO/hi-Mn 3 O 4 demonstrates an excellent catalytic performance over the conventional metal oxide-based electrocatalysts, which is reflected by 1.2 times higher oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity than that of Ru/C and a comparable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity to that of Pt/C as well as a better stability than that of Ru/C (95 % vs. 81 % retained OER activity) and Pt/C (92 % vs. 78 % retained ORR activity after 10 h running) in alkaline electrolyte. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

UV/PAR radiations and DOM properties in surface coastal waters of the Canadian shelf of the Beaufort Sea during summer 2009

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Para, J.; Charrière, B.; Matsuoka, A.; Miller, W. L.; Rontani, J. F.; Sempéré, R.

2012-11-01

Water masses from the Beaufort Sea in the Arctic Ocean were evaluated for dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and optical characteristics including UV and PAR diffuse attenuation (Kd), and chromophoric and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (CDOM and FDOM) as part of the MALINA field campaign (30 July to 27 August). Even with relatively low mean daily solar radiation incident on the sea surface (0.12 ± 0.03, 8.46 ± 1.64 and 18.09 ± 4.20 kJ m-2 for UV-B (305 nm), UV-A (380 nm) and PAR, respectively), we report significant light penetration with 10% irradiance depths (Z10% (λ)) reaching 9.5 m for 340 nm (UV-A) radiation in the Eastern sector and 4.5 m in the Mackenzie River influenced area (Western sector). Spectral absorption coefficients (aCDOM (350 nm) (m-1)) were significantly correlated to both diffuse attenuation coefficients (Kd) in the UV-A and UV-B and to DOC concentrations. This indicates CDOM as the dominant attenuator of UV solar radiation and suggests its use as an optical proxy for DOC concentrations in this region. Extrapolating CDOM to DOC relationships, we estimate that ~ 16% of the DOC in the Mackenzie River does not absorb radiation at 350 nm. DOC and CDOM discharges by the Mackenzie River during the MALINA Cruise are estimated as ~ 0.22 TgC and 0.18 TgC, respectively. Three dissolved fluorescent components (C1-C3) were identified by fluorescence Excitation/Emission Matrix Spectroscopy (EEMS) and PARAFAC analysis. Our results showed an in-situ biological component (C1) that co-dominated with a terrestrial humic-like component (C2) in the Mackenzie Delta sector, whereas the protein-like (C3) component dominated in the saltiest waters of the North East sector.

Measurement of the lifetime and the proportion of 12C3+ ions in stored relativistic ion beams as a preparation for laser cooling experiments at the CSRe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, H. B.; Wen, W. Q.; Huang, Z. K.; Zhang, D. C.; Hai, B.; Zhu, X. L.; Zhao, D. M.; Yang, J.; Li, J.; Li, X. N.; Mao, L. J.; Mao, R. S.; Wu, J. X.; Yang, J. C.; Yuan, Y. J.; Eidam, L.; Winters, D.; Beck, T.; Kiefer, D.; Rein, B.; Walther, Th.; Loeser, M.; Schramm, U.; Siebold, M.; Bussmann, M.; Ma, X.

2017-10-01

We report on an experiment that was conducted in preparation of laser cooling experiments at the heavy-ion storage ring CSRe. The lifetimes of ion beams made up of 12C3+ and 16O4+ ions stored at an energy of 122 MeV/u in the CSRe were determined by two independent methods, firstly via a DC current transformer (DCCT) and secondly via a Schottky resonator. Using electron-cooling, the signals of the 12C3+ and 16O4+ ions could be separated and clearly observed in the Schottky spectrum. The obtained individual lifetimes of the 12C3+ and 16O4+ components were 23.6 s and 17.8 s, respectively. The proportion of 12C3+ ions in the stored ion beam was measured to be more than 70% at the beginning of the injection and increasing as a function of time. In addition to these measurements, the operation and remote control of a pulsed laser system placed directly next to the storage ring was tested in a setup similar to the one envisaged for future laser experiments.

Missing magnetism in Sr 4Ru 3O 10: Indication for Antisymmetric Exchange Interaction

DOE PAGES

Weickert, Franziska; Civale, Leonardo; Maiorov, Boris; ...

2017-06-20

Metamagnetism occuring inside a ferromagnetic phase is peculiar. Therefore, Sr 4Ru 3O 10, a T C = 105 K ferromagnet, has attracted much attention in recent years, because it develops a pronounced metamagnetic anomaly below T C for magnetic fields applied in the crystallographic ab-plane. The metamagnetic transition moves to higher fields for lower temperatures and splits into a double anomaly at critical fields H c1 = 2.3 T and H c2 = 2.8 T, respectively. Here, we report a detailed study of the different components of the magnetization vector as a function of temperature, applied magnetic field, and varyingmore » angle in Sr 4Ru 3O 10. We discover for the first time a reduction of the magnetic moment in the plane of rotation at the metamagnetic transition. The anomaly shifts to higher fields by rotating the field from H ⊥ c to H || c. We compare our experimental findings with numerical simulations based on spin reorientation models taking into account magnetocrystalline anisotropy, Zeeman effect and antisymmetric exchange interactions. While Magnetocrystalline anisotropy combined with a Zeeman term are sufficient to explain a metamagnetic transition in Sr 4Ru 3O 10, a Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya term is crucial to account for the reduction of the magnetic moment as observed in the experiments.« less

Missing magnetism in Sr 4Ru 3O 10: Indication for Antisymmetric Exchange Interaction

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

Weickert, Franziska; Civale, Leonardo; Maiorov, Boris

Metamagnetism occuring inside a ferromagnetic phase is peculiar. Therefore, Sr 4Ru 3O 10, a T C = 105 K ferromagnet, has attracted much attention in recent years, because it develops a pronounced metamagnetic anomaly below T C for magnetic fields applied in the crystallographic ab-plane. The metamagnetic transition moves to higher fields for lower temperatures and splits into a double anomaly at critical fields H c1 = 2.3 T and H c2 = 2.8 T, respectively. Here, we report a detailed study of the different components of the magnetization vector as a function of temperature, applied magnetic field, and varyingmore » angle in Sr 4Ru 3O 10. We discover for the first time a reduction of the magnetic moment in the plane of rotation at the metamagnetic transition. The anomaly shifts to higher fields by rotating the field from H ⊥ c to H || c. We compare our experimental findings with numerical simulations based on spin reorientation models taking into account magnetocrystalline anisotropy, Zeeman effect and antisymmetric exchange interactions. While Magnetocrystalline anisotropy combined with a Zeeman term are sufficient to explain a metamagnetic transition in Sr 4Ru 3O 10, a Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya term is crucial to account for the reduction of the magnetic moment as observed in the experiments.« less

Conformational preferences for some 2-substituted N-methoxy- N-methylacetamides through spectroscopic and theoretical studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olivato, Paulo R.; da Silva Gomes, Roberto; Rodrigues, Alessandro; Reis, Adriana K. C. A.; Domingues, Nelson L. C.; Rittner, Roberto; Dal Colle, Maurizio

2010-08-01

The analysis of the IR carbonyl band of the 2-substituted N-methoxy- N-methylacetamides Y-CH 2C(O)N(OMe)Me (Y = F 1, OMe 2, OPh 3, Cl 4), supported by B3LYP/6-311++G(3df, 3pd) calculations along with the NBO analysis for 1- 4, indicated the existence of cis- gauche conformers i.e. ( c) and ( g) for 1 and 3, ( c1,c2) and ( g1,g2) for 2, and ( c) and ( g1,g2) for 4. In the gas phase, the g conformer population prevails over the c one, for 1 and 3, the ( c1 + c2) population prevails over the ( g1 + g2) one for 2, and the ( g1 + g2) conformer population is more abundant than ( c) one for 4. In n-hexane solution, the cis conformer is more abundant for 1- 3. The occurrence of Fermi resonance in the νCO region, in n-hexane, precludes the estimative of relative populations of the ( c, g1, g2) conformers for 4. The SCI-PCM calculations agree with the solvent effect on the νCO band component relative intensities for 1- 3. NBO analysis showed that the nN → πco∗ orbital interaction is the main factor which stabilizes the gauche ( g, g1, g2) conformers for 1- 4 into a larger extent relative to the cis ( c, c1, c2) ones. The nY → πco∗, σCsbnd Y → πco∗, πco → σC sbnd Y ∗ and πco∗ → σC sbnd Y ∗ orbital interactions still contribute, but into a minor extent for the stabilization of the gauche conformers relative to the cis ones. The existence of some pyramidalization at the nitrogen atom of the Weinreb amides 1- 4 is responsible for the occurrence of Y δ-(4)···O δ-(9) and Y δ-(4)···N δ-(7) short contacts in the gauche ( g, g1, g2) conformers, which originates strong repulsive Coulombic interactions, acting in opposition to the large orbital stabilization of the gauche conformer with respect to the cis one. Therefore, a delicate balance of the Coulombic and orbital interactions seems to be responsible for the observed stabilization of the gauche ( g, g1, g2) and cis ( c, c1, c2) conformers, both in the gas phase and in the solution for 1- 4. However, the cis conformer predominance, in non polar solvents, for the 2-substituted N-methoxy- N-methyl acetamides 1- 3, bearing in α first raw (fluorine and oxygen) atoms, is in the opposite direction to the gauche conformer preference for the corresponding 2-substituted N, N-dialkyl-acetamides.

Self-assembled Li 3V 2(PO 4) 3/reduced graphene oxide multilayer composite prepared by sequential adsorption

DOE PAGES

Kim, Myeong-Seong; Bak, Seong-Min; Lee, Suk-Woo; ...

2017-09-26

Here in this paper, we report on Li 3V 2(PO 4) 3 (LVP)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) multilayer composites prepared via a sequential adsorption method and subsequent heat treatment, and their use as cathodes for high-rate lithium-ion batteries. The sequential adsorption process includes adsorbing oppositely charged components of anionic inorganic species and cationic head of a surfactant adsorbed to graphite oxide sheets, which is a key step in the fabrication of the LVP/rGO multilayer composites. The multilayer structure has open channels between the highly conductive rGO layers while achieving a relatively high tap density, which could effectively improve the rate capability.more » Consequently, the LVP/rGO multilayer composites exhibit a high tap density (0.6 g cm -3) and good electrochemical properties. Specifically, in the voltage range of 3.0–4.3 V, the composite exhibits a specific capacity of 131 mAh g -1 at 0.1C, a good rate capabilities (88% capacity retention at 60C), and long cycling performance (97% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 10C). Moreover, in the extended voltage range of 3.0–4.8 V, it exhibits a high specific capacity of 185 mAh g -1 at 0.2C, a good rate capability (66% capacity retention at 30C), and stable cycling performance (96% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 10C).« less

Self-assembled Li 3V 2(PO 4) 3/reduced graphene oxide multilayer composite prepared by sequential adsorption

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

Kim, Myeong-Seong; Bak, Seong-Min; Lee, Suk-Woo

Here in this paper, we report on Li 3V 2(PO 4) 3 (LVP)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) multilayer composites prepared via a sequential adsorption method and subsequent heat treatment, and their use as cathodes for high-rate lithium-ion batteries. The sequential adsorption process includes adsorbing oppositely charged components of anionic inorganic species and cationic head of a surfactant adsorbed to graphite oxide sheets, which is a key step in the fabrication of the LVP/rGO multilayer composites. The multilayer structure has open channels between the highly conductive rGO layers while achieving a relatively high tap density, which could effectively improve the rate capability.more » Consequently, the LVP/rGO multilayer composites exhibit a high tap density (0.6 g cm -3) and good electrochemical properties. Specifically, in the voltage range of 3.0–4.3 V, the composite exhibits a specific capacity of 131 mAh g -1 at 0.1C, a good rate capabilities (88% capacity retention at 60C), and long cycling performance (97% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 10C). Moreover, in the extended voltage range of 3.0–4.8 V, it exhibits a high specific capacity of 185 mAh g -1 at 0.2C, a good rate capability (66% capacity retention at 30C), and stable cycling performance (96% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 10C).« less

Glomeruli of Dense Deposit Disease contain components of the alternative and terminal complement pathway

PubMed Central

Sethi, Sanjeev; Gamez, Jeffrey D.; Vrana, Julie A.; Theis, Jason D.; Bergen, H. Robert; Zipfel, Peter F.; Dogan, Ahmet; Smith, Richard J. H.

2009-01-01

Dense Deposit Disease (DDD), or membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type II, is a rare renal disease characterized by dense deposits in the mesangium and along the glomerular basement membranes that can be seen by electron microscopy. Although these deposits contain complement factor C3, as determined by immunofluorescence microscopy, their precise composition remains unknown. To address this question, we used mass spectrometry to identify the proteins in laser microdissected glomeruli isolated from paraffin-embedded tissue of eight confirmed cases of DDD. Compared to glomeruli from five control patients, we found that all of the glomeruli from patients with DDD contain components of the alternative pathway and terminal complement complex. Factor C9 was uniformly present as well as the two fluid-phase regulators of terminal complement complex clusterin and vitronectin. In contrast, in nine patients with immune complex–mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, glomerular samples contained mainly immunoglobulins and complement factors C3 and C4. Our study shows that in addition to fluid-phase dysregulation of the alternative pathway, soluble components of the terminal complement complex contribute to glomerular lesions found in DDD. PMID:19177158

Establishment of Wear Resistant HVOF Coatings for 50CrMo4 Chromium Molybdenum Alloy Steel as an Alternative for Hard Chrome Plating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karuppasamy, S.; Sivan, V.; Natarajan, S.; Kumaresh Babu, S. P.; Duraiselvam, M.; Dhanuskodi, R.

2018-05-01

High cost imported components of seamless steel tube manufacturing plants wear frequently and need replacement to ensure the quality of the product. Hard chrome plating, which is time consuming and hazardous, is conventionally used to restore the original dimension of the worn-out surface of the machine components. High Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF) thermal spray coatings with NiCrBSi super alloy powder and Cr3C2 NiCr75/25 alloy powder applied on a 50CrMo4 (DIN-1.7228) chromium molybdenum alloy steel, the material of the wear prone machine component, were evaluated for use as an alternative for hard chrome plating in this present work. The coating characteristics are evaluated using abrasive wear test, sliding wear test and microscopic analysis, hardness test, etc. The study results revealed that the HVOF based NiCrBSi and Cr3C2NiCr75/25 coatings have hardness in the range of 800-900 HV0.3, sliding wear rate in the range of 50-60 µm and surface finish around 5 microns. Cr3C2 NiCr75/25 coating is observed to be a better option out of the two coatings evaluated for the selected application.

Silicon nitride equation of state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Robert C.; Swaminathan, Pazhayannur K.

2017-01-01

This report presents the development of a global, multi-phase equation of state (EOS) for the ceramic silicon nitride (Si3N4).1 Structural forms include amorphous silicon nitride normally used as a thin film and three crystalline polymorphs. Crystalline phases include hexagonal α-Si3N4, hexagonal β-Si3N4, and the cubic spinel c-Si3N4. Decomposition at about 1900 °C results in a liquid silicon phase and gas phase products such as molecular nitrogen, atomic nitrogen, and atomic silicon. The silicon nitride EOS was developed using EOSPro which is a new and extended version of the PANDA II code. Both codes are valuable tools and have been used successfully for a variety of material classes. Both PANDA II and EOSPro can generate a tabular EOS that can be used in conjunction with hydrocodes. The paper describes the development efforts for the component solid phases and presents results obtained using the EOSPro phase transition model to investigate the solid-solid phase transitions in relation to the available shock data that have indicated a complex and slow time dependent phase change to the c-Si3N4 phase. Furthermore, the EOSPro mixture model is used to develop a model for the decomposition products; however, the need for a kinetic approach is suggested to combine with the single component solid models to simulate and further investigate the global phase coexistences.

Pathogenetic mechanisms in dengue haemorrhagic fever: Report of an international collaborative study*

PubMed Central

1973-01-01

In a study of 55 persons with dengue haemorrhagic fever—36 of whom showed the dengue shock syndrome—clinical, haematological, virological, and serological changes were correlated with serial measurements of complement components and immunopathological studies. Viruses dengue-1 or dengue-2 were isolated from the sera of 9 patients. Serological responses indicative of secondary dengue virus infections were observed in 53 patients; 2 (infants) had primary infections. During the acute phase of the disease, dengue antibody titres rose logarithmically. Marked depression of complement components, especially C3, was observed. Activation of both the classical and alternative complement pathways was demonstrated, with depression of both C4 and C3 proactivator levels in most instances, although in some cases it appeared that one mechanism was involved to a greater extent than the other. The level of depression of C3 was correlated with the severity of the disease. Relatively stable transferrin levels indicated that depletion of complement proteins was not primarily due to extravasation. Fibrinogen levels were depressed and fibrinogen split products were found in the plasma. The accumulated data provide further evidence of the central role that activated complement components play in the pathogenesis of dengue haemorrhagic fever. PMID:4575523

White Light Emission from Planar Remote Phosphor Based on NHC Cycloplatinated Complexes.

PubMed

Fuertes, Sara; Chueca, Andrés J; Perálvarez, Mariano; Borja, Pilar; Torrell, Marc; Carreras, Josep; Sicilia, Violeta

2016-06-29

We report on the generation of bright white luminescence through solid-state illumination of remote phosphors based on novel cycloplatinated N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) compounds. Following a stepwise protocol we got the new NHC compound [{Pt(μ-Cl)(C(∧)C*)}2] (4) (HC(∧)C*-κC* = 1-(4-(ethoxycarbonyl)phenyl)-3-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-ylidene), which was used together with the related ones 4a (HC(∧)C*-κC*= 1-(4-cyanophenyl)-3-methyl-1H-imidazol-2-ylidene) and 4b (HC(∧)C*-κC*= 3-methyl-1-(naphthalen-2-yl)-1H-imidazol-2-ylidene) as starting materials for the synthesis of the new ionic derivatives [Pt(R-C(∧)C*) (CNR')2]PF6 (R = -COOEt, R' = t-Bu (5), Xyl (6); R = -CN, R' = t-Bu (7), Xyl (8); R(∧)C = Naph, R' = t-Bu (9), Xyl (10)). The X-ray structures of 6 and 8-10 have been determined. The photophysical properties of these cationic compounds have been studied and supported by the time-dependent-density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations. The compounds 5, 8, and 9 have been revealed as the most efficient emitters in the solid state with quantum yields of 41%, 21%, and 40%, respectively. White-light remote-phosphors have been prepared just by stacking different combinations of these compounds and [Pt(bzq) (CN) (CN(t)Bu)] (R1) as blue (5, 8), yellow (9), and red (R1) components onto the same substrate. The CCT (correlated color temperature) and the CRI (color rendering index) of the emitted white-light have been tuned by accurately controlling the individual contributions.

Monitoring flux through the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway using [1-14C]gluconate.

PubMed

Garlick, Andrew P; Moore, Catherine; Kruger, Nicholas J

2002-12-01

The aim of this work was to examine the metabolism of exogenous gluconate by a 4-day-old cell suspension culture of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. Release of (14)CO(2) from [1-(14)C]gluconate was dependent on the concentration in the medium and could be resolved into a substrate-saturable component (apparent K(m) of approximately 0.4 mM) and an unsaturable component. At an external concentration of 0.3 mM, the rate of decarboxylation of applied gluconate was 0.2% of the rate of oxygen consumption by the cells. There was no effect of 0.3 mM gluconate on the rate of oxygen consumption, or on the rate of (14)CO(2) release from either [1-(14)C]glucose or [6-(14)C]glucose by the culture. The following observations argue that gluconate taken up by the cells is metabolised by direct phosphorylation to 6-phosphogluconate and subsequent decarboxylation through 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase. First, more than 95% of the label released from [1-(14)C]gluconate during metabolism by the cell culture was recovered as (14)CO(2). Secondly, inhibition of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (OPPP) by treatment with 6-aminonicotinamide preferentially inhibited release of (14)CO(2) from [1-(14)C]gluconate relative to that from [1-(14)C]glucose. Thirdly, perturbation of glucose metabolism by glucosamine did not affect (14)CO(2) from [1-(14)C]gluconate. Fourth, stimulation of the OPPP by phenazine methosulphate stimulated release of (14)CO(2) from [1-(14)C]gluconate to a far greater extent than that from [1-(14)C]glucose. It is proposed that measurement of (14)CO(2) from [1-(14)C]gluconate provides a simple and sensitive technique for monitoring flux through the OPPP pathway in plants.

Proteolytic fragmentation and peptide mapping of human carboxyamidomethylated tracheobronchial mucin.

PubMed

Rose, M C; Kaufman, B; Martin, B M

1989-05-15

Human tracheobronchial mucin was isolated from lung mucosal gel by chromatography on Sepharose 4B in the presence of dissociating and reducing agents, and its thiol residues were carboxyamidomethylated with iodo[1(-14)C]acetamide. The 14C-carboxyamido-methylated mucin was purified by chromatography on Sepharose 2B. No low molecular weight components were detected by molecular sieve chromatography or polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of dissociating and reducing agents or by analytical density centrifugation in CsCl/guanidinium chloride. After digestion of the purified 14C-mucin with trypsin-L-1-tosylamido-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone, three fractions (TR-1, TR-2, and TR-3) were observed by chromatography on Sepharose 4B. TR-1, a 260-kDa mucin glycopeptide fragment, contained all of the neutral hexose and blood group activity and 20% of the radioactivity in the undigested mucin. TR-1 was refractory to a second incubation with trypsin but could be digested by papain or Pronase to a smaller mucin glycopeptide fraction, as judged by the slight decrease in apparent molecular weight on Sepharose CL-4B. These mucin glycopeptides contained approximately 50% of the radioactivity in the TR-1 fraction, indicating that the glycosylated domains of carboxyamidomethylated tracheobronchial mucin contained thiol residues. The remainder of the radioactivity from papain or Pronase digests of TR-1 eluted, like the TR-3 fractions, in the salt fraction on Sepharose CL-4B. Peptide mapping of the nonglycosylated TR-3 fraction by TLC and high voltage electrophoresis yielded six principal and several less intensely stained ninhydrin reactive components, with the radiolabel concentrated in one of the latter peptides. Peptide purification of the TR-3 fraction by high pressure liquid chromatography on a C18 reverse phase column demonstrated the presence of four major peptides, with TR-3A being the dominant component. The TR-3D peptide contained S-carboxy-aminomethylcysteine and had 69% sequence similarity to the sgs-7 salivary glue protein of Drosophila.

C3aR and C5aR1 act as key regulators of human and mouse β-cell function.

PubMed

Atanes, Patricio; Ruz-Maldonado, Inmaculada; Pingitore, Attilio; Hawkes, Ross; Liu, Bo; Zhao, Min; Huang, Guo Cai; Persaud, Shanta J; Amisten, Stefan

2018-02-01

Complement components 3 and 5 (C3 and C5) play essential roles in the complement system, generating C3a and C5a peptides that are best known as chemotactic and inflammatory factors. In this study we characterised islet expression of C3 and C5 complement components, and the impact of C3aR and C5aR1 activation on islet function and viability. Human and mouse islet mRNAs encoding key elements of the complement system were quantified by qPCR and distribution of C3 and C5 proteins was determined by immunohistochemistry. Activation of C3aR and C5aR1 was determined using DiscoverX beta-arrestin assays. Insulin secretion from human and mouse islets was measured by radioimmunoassay, and intracellular calcium ([Ca 2+ ]i), ATP generation and apoptosis were assessed by standard techniques. C3 and C5 proteins and C3aR and C5aR1 were expressed by human and mouse islets, and C3 and C5 were mainly localised to β- and α-cells. Conditioned media from islets exposed for 1 h to 5.5 and 20 mM glucose stimulated C3aR and C5aR1-driven beta-arrestin recruitment. Activation of C3aR and C5aR1 potentiated glucose-induced insulin secretion from human and mouse islets, increased [Ca 2+ ]i and ATP generation, and protected islets against apoptosis induced by a pro-apoptotic cytokine cocktail or palmitate. Our observations demonstrate a functional link between activation of components of the innate immune system and improved β-cell function, suggesting that low-level chronic inflammation may improve glucose homeostasis through direct effects on β-cells.

Investigation of a Structural Phase Transition and Magnetic Structure of Na 2BaFe(VO 4) 2: A Triangular Magnetic Lattice with a Ferromagnetic Ground State

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

Sanjeewa, Liurukara D.; Garlea, Vasile O.; McGuire, Michael A.

The structural and magnetic properties of a glaserite-type Na 2BaFe(VO 4) 2 compound, featuring a triangular magnetic lattice of Fe 2+ (S = 2), are reported. Temperature dependent X-ray single crystal studies indicate that at room temperature the system adopts a trigonal Pmore » $$\\bar{3}$$ m1 structure and undergoes a structural phase transition to a C2/c monoclinic phase slightly below room temperature (T s = 288 K). This structural transition involves a tilting of Fe–O–V bond angles and strongly influences the magnetic correlation within the Fe triangular lattice. The magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal a ferromagnetic transition near 7 K. Single crystal neutron diffraction confirms the structural distortion and the ferromagnetic spin ordering in Na 2BaFe(VO 4) 2. The magnetic structure of the ordered state is modeled in the magnetic space group C2'/c' that implies a ferromagnetic order of the a and c moment components and antiferromagnetic arrangement for the b components. Altogether, the Fe magnetic moments form ferromagnetic layers that are stacked along the c-axis, where the spins point along one of the (111) facets of the FeO 6 octahedron.« less

Investigation of a Structural Phase Transition and Magnetic Structure of Na 2BaFe(VO 4) 2: A Triangular Magnetic Lattice with a Ferromagnetic Ground State

DOE PAGES

Sanjeewa, Liurukara D.; Garlea, Vasile O.; McGuire, Michael A.; ...

2017-12-07

The structural and magnetic properties of a glaserite-type Na 2BaFe(VO 4) 2 compound, featuring a triangular magnetic lattice of Fe 2+ (S = 2), are reported. Temperature dependent X-ray single crystal studies indicate that at room temperature the system adopts a trigonal Pmore » $$\\bar{3}$$ m1 structure and undergoes a structural phase transition to a C2/c monoclinic phase slightly below room temperature (T s = 288 K). This structural transition involves a tilting of Fe–O–V bond angles and strongly influences the magnetic correlation within the Fe triangular lattice. The magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal a ferromagnetic transition near 7 K. Single crystal neutron diffraction confirms the structural distortion and the ferromagnetic spin ordering in Na 2BaFe(VO 4) 2. The magnetic structure of the ordered state is modeled in the magnetic space group C2'/c' that implies a ferromagnetic order of the a and c moment components and antiferromagnetic arrangement for the b components. Altogether, the Fe magnetic moments form ferromagnetic layers that are stacked along the c-axis, where the spins point along one of the (111) facets of the FeO 6 octahedron.« less

Seasonal variations and source identification of selected organic acids associated with PM10 in the coastal area of Southeastern China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Shui-Ping; Schwab, James; Liu, Bi-Lian; Li, Tsung-Chang; Yuan, Chung-Shin

2015-03-01

PM10 aerosols from the coastal area of Southeastern China were collected from April 2010 to March 2011 and were measured for C2-C10 dicarboxylic acids, phthalic acids (Ph) and five fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and elaidic acids). For all sites and seasons, molecular distributions of diacids were always characterized by a predominance of oxalic acid (C2), with a relative abundance of 68-87%, followed by malonic acid (C3) and by either succinic acid (C4) or phthalic acid (Ph). This observed molecular composition was different from that in Chinese megacities where Ph was significantly higher than C3 and C4 diacids, which was likely due to the less intensive traffic emissions in the coastal area. Seasonal means of total diacids ranged between 394 and 547 ng m- 3 at the coastal urban sites and between 163 and 245 ng m- 3 at off-island sites. These levels were much lower than those reported in Chinese megacities (668-1568 ng m- 3) and slightly lower than those in Jeju Island, Korea (464-744 ng m- 3) but higher than those in marine and continental background locations. In all seasons, saturated fatty acids were significantly higher than unsaturated fatty acids due to their greater photochemical stabilities in the atmosphere. Most organic acids showed higher levels in spring and winter and lower levels in summer and fall, which was likely due to the influence of transport and meteorology. The diagnostic ratios of malonic acid to succinic acid (C3/C4), adipic acid to azelaic acid (C6/C9) and phthalic acid to azelaic acid (Ph/C9) were significantly higher in summer than in winter. These diagnostic ratios in the sampled ambient aerosols were completely different from those in primary emissions, suggesting the importance of photochemical production - especially in summer. The diurnal variations of diacids and fatty acid as well as the diagnostic ratios are associated with higher solar radiation and anthropogenic activities during the daytime. Principal component analysis results provide evidence that photochemical oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and volatile organic compounds is the most important source of diacids. In this analysis, primary sources were found to be minor (traffic and food cooking) or non-existent (biomass burning and crustal dust). Components with high loadings of Ph and unsaturated fatty acids can be regarded as representative of primary traffic emissions.

Experimental high temperature carbon isotope fractionation involving graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kueter, N.; Schmidt, M. W.; Lilley, M. D.; Bernasconi, S. M.

2016-12-01

Graphite/carbonate carbon isotope fractionation was mainly investigated at 400- 800°C and is based on empirical calibrations, theoretical calculations and few experiments [1,2]. Own work on COH-fluid/graphite isotope fractionation shows that in experiments up to 1000oC a fluid phase is always enriched in 13C compared to coexisting graphitic carbon. The eventual kinetic isotope effect in these experiments is best displayed by the graphitic carbon being at least 3 ‰ lighter than methane. Only few experiments done in the graphite/carbonate pair dealt with higher temperatures reaching 1400°C, indicating a fractionation of up to 2 ‰ at temperatures of the Earth's mantle [2-4]. To better understand carbon isotope fractionation in crustal systems and still overcome kinetic effects, we study the graphite/carbonatite pair with piston cylinder experiments in the Na2CO3-CaCO3-CaO-COH system. Tartaric acid (C4H6O6) supplies reduced carbon, time series are performed at 10 kbar, 1300-1800°C. Initial experiments at 1300°C produce well-ordered, micron-sized graphite flakes growing attached to the capsule walls while the Na-Ca-carbonatite-melt quenches to dendritic textures. No gaseous phase was observed. Conditions well above the liquidus of the Na2CO3-CaCO3-binary lead to dissolution of the H2O from tartaric acid decomposition in the melt, any CO2-component is bound by the excess CaO to CaCO3melt while in the relatively oxidizing capsule environment any CH4-component reacts with CO2 to carbon and H2O. The graphite and the carbonatite quench are measured for their δ13C composition using a GasBench II (carbonate-dissolution in phosphoric acid) and TC/EA (residual graphite combusted in oxygen atmosphere) system coupled to a Thermo Fischer IRMS. Our results expand from the graphite-carbonate system to graphite-fluid system when adding available fluid-carbonate fractionation factors, but are also directly applicable to diamond synthesis as graphite is often found as a precursor phase in diamond-growth experiments in carbonatite systems and natural diamonds. [1] Chacko et al. (2001) Rev Min Geochem; Deines & Eggler (2009) GCA; [3] Scheele & Hoefs (1992) CMP; [4] Chacko et al. (1991) GCA

13C-Methyl Formate: Observations of a Sample of High-mass Star-forming Regions Including orion-KL and Spectroscopic Characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Favre, Cécile; Carvajal, Miguel; Field, David; Jørgensen, Jes K.; Bisschop, Suzanne E.; Brouillet, Nathalie; Despois, Didier; Baudry, Alain; Kleiner, Isabelle; Bergin, Edwin A.; Crockett, Nathan R.; Neill, Justin L.; Margulès, Laurent; Huet, Thérèse R.; Demaison, Jean

2014-12-01

We have surveyed a sample of massive star-forming regions located over a range of distances from the Galactic center for methyl formate, HCOOCH3, and its isotopologues H13COOCH3 and HCOO13CH3. The observations were carried out with the APEX telescope in the frequency range 283.4-287.4 GHz. Based on the APEX observations, we report tentative detections of the 13C-methyl formate isotopologue HCOO13CH3 toward the following four massive star-forming regions: Sgr B2(N-LMH), NGC 6334 IRS 1, W51 e2, and G19.61-0.23. In addition, we have used the 1 mm ALMA science verification observations of Orion-KL and confirm the detection of the 13C-methyl formate species in Orion-KL and image its spatial distribution. Our analysis shows that the 12C/13C isotope ratio in methyl formate toward the Orion-KL Compact Ridge and Hot Core-SW components (68.4 ± 10.1 and 71.4 ± 7.8, respectively) are, for both the 13C-methyl formate isotopologues, commensurate with the average 12C/13C ratio of CO derived toward Orion-KL. Likewise, regarding the other sources, our results are consistent with the 12C/13C in CO. We also report the spectroscopic characterization, which includes a complete partition function, of the complex H13COOCH3 and HCOO13CH3 species. New spectroscopic data for both isotopomers H13COOCH3 and HCOO13CH3, presented in this study, have made it possible to measure this fundamentally important isotope ratio in a large organic molecule for the first time. This publication is based on data acquired with the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment (APEX). APEX is a collaboration between the Max-Planck-Institut fur Radioastronomie, the European Southern Observatory, and the Onsala Space Observatory (under program ID 089.F-9319).

{sup 13}C-METHYL FORMATE: OBSERVATIONS OF A SAMPLE OF HIGH-MASS STAR-FORMING REGIONS INCLUDING ORION-KL AND SPECTROSCOPIC CHARACTERIZATION

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

Favre, Cécile; Bergin, Edwin A.; Crockett, Nathan R.

2015-01-01

We have surveyed a sample of massive star-forming regions located over a range of distances from the Galactic center for methyl formate, HCOOCH{sub 3}, and its isotopologues H{sup 13}COOCH{sub 3} and HCOO{sup 13}CH{sub 3}. The observations were carried out with the APEX telescope in the frequency range 283.4-287.4 GHz. Based on the APEX observations, we report tentative detections of the {sup 13}C-methyl formate isotopologue HCOO{sup 13}CH{sub 3} toward the following four massive star-forming regions: Sgr B2(N-LMH), NGC 6334 IRS 1, W51 e2, and G19.61-0.23. In addition, we have used the 1 mm ALMA science verification observations of Orion-KL and confirm the detection ofmore » the {sup 13}C-methyl formate species in Orion-KL and image its spatial distribution. Our analysis shows that the {sup 12}C/{sup 13}C isotope ratio in methyl formate toward the Orion-KL Compact Ridge and Hot Core-SW components (68.4 ± 10.1 and 71.4 ± 7.8, respectively) are, for both the {sup 13}C-methyl formate isotopologues, commensurate with the average {sup 12}C/{sup 13}C ratio of CO derived toward Orion-KL. Likewise, regarding the other sources, our results are consistent with the {sup 12}C/{sup 13}C in CO. We also report the spectroscopic characterization, which includes a complete partition function, of the complex H{sup 13}COOCH{sub 3} and HCOO{sup 13}CH{sub 3} species. New spectroscopic data for both isotopomers H{sup 13}COOCH{sub 3} and HCOO{sup 13}CH{sub 3}, presented in this study, have made it possible to measure this fundamentally important isotope ratio in a large organic molecule for the first time.« less

Influence of storage temperature and time on the physicochemical and bioactive properties of roselle-fruit juice blends in plastic bottle

PubMed Central

Mgaya-Kilima, Beatrice; Remberg, Siv Fagertun; Chove, Bernard Elias; Wicklund, Trude

2014-01-01

Roselle-fruit juice blends were made from roselle extract and mango, papaya, and guava juices at the ratio of 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, and 20:80, % roselle: fruit juice, respectively. The blends were pasteurized at 82.5°C for 20 min and stored in 100 mL plastic bottles at 28 and 4°C for 6 months. The effects of storage time and temperature on physicochemical and bioactive properties were evaluated. Total soluble solids, pH, and reducing sugars increased significantly (P < 0.05) in some blends while titratable acidity decrease with increasing storage time. Vitamin C, total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA), total phenols (TPC), and antioxidant activity (ferric reducing ability of plasma, FRAP) in all roselle-fruit blends (40% roselle) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) at 28 and 4°C as storage progressed. Vitamin C in all roselle-fruit blends (40% roselle) decreased from 58–55% to 43–42% when stored at 28 and 4°C, respectively. TMA losses were 86–65% at 28°C and 75–53% at 4°C while TPC losses were 66–58% at 28°C and 51–22% at 4°C. Loss of antioxidant capacity (FRAP) was 18–46% at 28°C and 17–35% at 4°C. A principal component analysis (PCA) differentiated roselle-juice fruit blends into two clusters with two principle components PC1 and PC2, which explained 97 and 3% (blends stored at ambient temperature) and 96 and 4% (blends stored at refrigerated temperature) of the variation, respectively. PC1 differentiated roselle-guava juice blends which were characterized by vitamin C, TPC, FRAP, and pH, while PC2 from another cluster of roselle-mango and roselle-papaya juice blends and was characterized by TSS, RS, and color parameters (L* a* b*). However, TMA was the main variable with the highest effect on all roselle-fruit juice blends regardless of the storage time and temperature. PMID:24804077

Crystal structure of 3-[(4-benzyl-piperazin-1-yl)meth-yl]-5-(thio-phen-2-yl)-2,3-di-hydro-1,3,4-oxa-diazole-2-thione.

PubMed

Al-Omary, Fatmah A M; El-Emam, Ali A; Ghabbour, Hazem A; Chidan Kumar, C S; Quah, Ching Kheng; Fun, Hoong-Kun

2015-03-01

The title 1,3,4-oxa-diazole-2-thione derivative, C18H20N4OS2, crystallized with two independent mol-ecules (A and B) in the asymmetric unit. The 2-thienyl rings in both mol-ecules are rotationally disordered over two orientations by approximately 180° about the single C-C bond that connects it to the oxa-diazole thione ring; the ratios of site occupancies for the major and minor components were fixed in the structure refinement at 0.8:0.2 and 0.9:0.1 in mol-ecules A and B, respectively. The 1,3,4-oxa-diazole-2-thione ring forms dihedral angles of 7.71 (16), 10.0 (11) and 77.50 (12)° (mol-ecule A), and 6.5 (3), 6.0 (9) and 55.30 (12)° (mol-ecule B) with the major and minor parts of the disordered thio-phene ring and the mean plane of the adjacent piperazine ring, respectively, resulting in approximately V-shaped conformations for the mol-ecules. The piperazine ring in both mol-ecules adopts a chair conformation. The terminal benzene ring is inclined towards the mean plane of the piperazine ring with N-C-C-C torsion angles of -58.2 (3) and -66.2 (3)° in mol-ecules A and B, respectively. In the crystal, no inter-molecular hydrogen bonds are observed. The crystal packing features short S⋯S contacts [3.4792 (9) Å] and π-π inter-actions [3.661 (3), 3.664 (11) and 3.5727 (10) Å], producing a three-dimensional network.

Effect of component compression on the initial performance of an IPV nickel-hydrogen cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gahn, Randall F.

1987-01-01

An experimental method was developed for evaluating the effect of component compression on the charge and discharge voltage characteristics of a 3 1/2 in. diameter boiler plate cell. A standard boiler plate pressure vessel was modified by the addition of a mechanical feedthrough on the bottom of the vessel which permitted different compressions to be applied to the components without disturbing the integrity of the stack. Compression loadings from 0.94 to 27.4 psi were applied by suspending weights from the feedthrough rod. Cell voltages were measured for 0.96-C, 55-min charge and for 1.37-C, 35-min and 2-C, 24-min discharges. An initial change in voltage performance on both charge and discharge as the loading increased was attributed to seating of the components. Subsequent variation of the compression from 2.97 to 27.4 psi caused only minor changes in either the charge or the discharge voltages. Several one month open-circuit voltage stands and 1100 cycles under LEO conditions at the maximum loading have produced no change in performance.

Effect of component compression on the initial performance of an IPV nickel-hydrogen cell. [Individual Pressure Vessel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gahn, Randall F.

1987-01-01

An experimental method was developed for evaluating the effect of component compression on the charge and discharge voltage characteristics of a 3 1/2 in. diameter boiler plate cell. A standard boiler plate pressure vessel was modified by the addition of a mechanical feedthrough on the bottom of the vessel which permitted different compressions to be applied to the components without disturbing the integrity of the stack. Compression loadings from 0.94 to 27.4 psi were applied by suspending weights from the feedthrough rod. Cell voltages were measured for 0.96-C, 55-min charge and for 1.37-C, 35-min and 2-C, 24-min discharges. An initial change in voltage performance on both charge and discharge as the loading increased was attributed to seating of the components. Subsequent variation of the compression from 2.97 to 27.4 psi caused only minor changes in either the charge or the discharge voltages. Several one month open-circuit voltage stands and 1100 cycles under LEO conditions at the maximum loading have produced no change in performance.

Linking models of human behaviour and climate alters projected climate change

DOE PAGES

Beckage, Brian; Gross, Louis J.; Lacasse, Katherine; ...

2018-01-01

Although not considered in climate models, perceived risk stemming from extreme climate events may induce behavioural changes that alter greenhouse gas emissions. Here, we link the C-ROADS climate model to a social model of behavioural change to examine how interactions between perceived risk and emissions behaviour influence projected climate change. Our coupled climate and social model resulted in a global temperature change ranging from 3.4–6.2 °C by 2100 compared with 4.9 °C for the C-ROADS model alone, and led to behavioural uncertainty that was of a similar magnitude to physical uncertainty (2.8 °C versus 3.5 °C). Model components with themore » largest influence on temperature were the functional form of response to extreme events, interaction of perceived behavioural control with perceived social norms, and behaviours leading to sustained emissions reductions. Lastly, our results suggest that policies emphasizing the appropriate attribution of extreme events to climate change and infrastructural mitigation may reduce climate change the most.« less

Linking models of human behaviour and climate alters projected climate change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beckage, Brian; Gross, Louis J.; Lacasse, Katherine; Carr, Eric; Metcalf, Sara S.; Winter, Jonathan M.; Howe, Peter D.; Fefferman, Nina; Franck, Travis; Zia, Asim; Kinzig, Ann; Hoffman, Forrest M.

2018-01-01

Although not considered in climate models, perceived risk stemming from extreme climate events may induce behavioural changes that alter greenhouse gas emissions. Here, we link the C-ROADS climate model to a social model of behavioural change to examine how interactions between perceived risk and emissions behaviour influence projected climate change. Our coupled climate and social model resulted in a global temperature change ranging from 3.4-6.2 °C by 2100 compared with 4.9 °C for the C-ROADS model alone, and led to behavioural uncertainty that was of a similar magnitude to physical uncertainty (2.8 °C versus 3.5 °C). Model components with the largest influence on temperature were the functional form of response to extreme events, interaction of perceived behavioural control with perceived social norms, and behaviours leading to sustained emissions reductions. Our results suggest that policies emphasizing the appropriate attribution of extreme events to climate change and infrastructural mitigation may reduce climate change the most.

Linking models of human behaviour and climate alters projected climate change

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

Beckage, Brian; Gross, Louis J.; Lacasse, Katherine

Although not considered in climate models, perceived risk stemming from extreme climate events may induce behavioural changes that alter greenhouse gas emissions. Here, we link the C-ROADS climate model to a social model of behavioural change to examine how interactions between perceived risk and emissions behaviour influence projected climate change. Our coupled climate and social model resulted in a global temperature change ranging from 3.4–6.2 °C by 2100 compared with 4.9 °C for the C-ROADS model alone, and led to behavioural uncertainty that was of a similar magnitude to physical uncertainty (2.8 °C versus 3.5 °C). Model components with themore » largest influence on temperature were the functional form of response to extreme events, interaction of perceived behavioural control with perceived social norms, and behaviours leading to sustained emissions reductions. Lastly, our results suggest that policies emphasizing the appropriate attribution of extreme events to climate change and infrastructural mitigation may reduce climate change the most.« less

Acaricidal activity against Tetranychus urticae and chemical composition of peel essential oils of three Citrus species cultivated in NE Brazil.

PubMed

Araújo, Claudio Pereira; da Camara, Claudio Augusto Gomes; Neves, Ilzenayde Araújo; Ribeiro, Nicolle de Carvalho; Gomes, Cristianne Araújo; de Moraes, Marcílio Martins; Botelho, Priscilla de Sousa

2010-03-01

The repellency and fumigant toxicities of the peel essential oils of Citrus sinensis var. pêra (LP), C. sinensis var. mimo (LM), and C. aurantium (LL) cultivated in northeast Brazil were evaluated against Tetranychus urticae. Analysis of the oils by GC and GC/MS led to the identification of twenty-eight components, which represented 99.9%, 99.7% and 99.3% of the total constituents of the LP, LM and LL oils, respectively. Limonene was the main component found in all three oils. Other main components were alpha-pinene (1.5% in LP; 1.4% in LM), myrcene (5.7% in LP; 5.9% in LM and 5.6% in LL) and linalool (2.4% in LP; 2.3% in LM and 3.9% in LL). The best repellency action was observed for LM at 2.0%, followed by LL oil and eugenol, both of them at 2.5%. The Citrus oils were less active than eugenol (LC50 = 0.004 microL/L air) and phosphine, which revealed 100% mortality at 2 x 10(-3) g/L (66.7% of the recommended dose). However, the most potent fumigant toxicity was found with LL oil, with an LC50 value of 1.63 microL/L air, followed by the oils from LM and LP with LC50 values of 2.22 microL/L air and 4.63 microL/L air, respectively. The associated fumigant and repellent properties of these Citrus peel oils, particularly those of C. aurantium and C. senensis var. mimo, could be used to advantage for the control of T. urticae.

High-Temperature Viscosity Of Commercial Glasses

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

Hrma, Pavel R; See, Clem A; Lam, Oanh P

2005-01-01

Viscosity was measured for six types of commercial glasses: low-expansion-borosilicate glasses, E glasses, fiberglass wool glasses, TV panel glasses, container glasses, and float glasses. Viscosity data were obtained with rotating spindle viscometers within the temperature range between 900°C and 1550°C; the viscosity varied from 1 Pa∙s to 750 Pa∙s. Arrhenius coefficients were calculated for individual glasses and linear models were applied to relate them to the mass fractions of 11 major components (SiO2, CaO, Na2O, Al2O3, B2O3, BaO, SrO, K2O, MgO, PbO, and ZrO2) and 12 minor components (Fe2O3, ZnO, Li2O, TiO2, CeO2, F, Sb2O3, Cr2O3, As2O3, MnO2, SO3, andmore » Co3O4). The models are recommended for glasses containing 42 to 84 mass% SiO2 to estimate viscosities or temperatures at a constant viscosity for melts within both the temperature range from 1100°C to 1550°C and viscosity range from 10 to 400 Pas.« less

Water-soluble dicarboxylic acids and ketocarboxylic acids in the aerosols collected during ACE-Asia/C-130 aircraft campaign 2001

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawamura, K.; Mochida, M.; Uemoto, N.; Bertram, T.; Huebert, B.

2001-12-01

During the ACE-Asia campaign with C-130 aircraft, aerosol samples were collected over the western North Pacific, East China Sea, and Japan Sea, as well as over Japanese Islands and Korean Peninsula in 8 April to 3 May 2001. The filter samples (N=15) were extracted with organic-free pure water to separate water-soluble dicarboxylic acids and related compounds. The extracts were reacted with 14% BF3 in n-butanol and the dibutyl esters and other derivatives were determined using a capillary GC and GC/MS. The results showed that 14 species of diacids (C2-C11) and 4 species of ketoacids (C2-C4) were detected in the aerosols over the East Asia. Total concentrations of the diacids were 113-500 (av. 330) ng/m3 whereas those of ketoacids were 43-260 (av. 103) ng/m3. The concentrations are equivalent to or more abundant than those reported for the urban Tokyo atmosphere in this season on the ground level. All the samples showed that oxalic acid (C2) is the most abundant diacid, which accounted for 58-83% of total diacids. These values are greater than that (ca. 50%) reported in the urban air near the ground, suggesting that oxalic acid is preferentially produced and/or longer diacids are selectively decomposed in the upper troposphere. Malonic (C3) acid is the second most abundant species followed by succinic (C4) acid. Longer diacids are less abundant, but azelaic (C9) acid is generally more abundant than C6-C8 diacids. Glyoxylic acid (C2) is the most abundant ketoacid followed by pyruvic acid. However, C3 and C4 omega-oxoacids were found as minor species. Although oxalic acid is the dominant component in the aerosols, few samples showed the predominance of glyoxylic acid over oxalic acid. This feature has not been reported for the urban aerosols collected near the ground level. We will discuss a potential photochemical production of water-soluble organic acids in the upper troposphere over the eastern ridge of the Asian continent.

Crystal structures of 4-meth-oxy-N-(4-methyl-phenyl)benzene-sulfonamide and N-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-4-meth-oxy-benzene-sulfonamide.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Vinola Z; Preema, C P; Naveen, S; Lokanath, N K; Suchetan, P A

2015-11-01

Crystal structures of two N-(ar-yl)aryl-sulfonamides, namely, 4-meth-oxy-N-(4-methyl-phen-yl)benzene-sulfonamide, C14H15NO3S, (I), and N-(4-fluoro-phen-yl)-4-meth-oxy-benzene-sulfonamide, C13H12FNO3S, (II), were determined and analyzed. In (I), the benzene-sulfonamide ring is disordered over two orientations, in a 0.516 (7):0.484 (7) ratio, which are inclined to each other at 28.0 (1)°. In (I), the major component of the sulfonyl benzene ring and the aniline ring form a dihedral angle of 63.36 (19)°, while in (II), the planes of the two benzene rings form a dihedral angle of 44.26 (13)°. In the crystal structure of (I), N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds form infinite C(4) chains extended in [010], and inter-molecular C-H⋯πar-yl inter-actions link these chains into layers parallel to the ab plane. The crystal structure of (II) features N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds forming infinite one dimensional C(4) chains along [001]. Further, a pair of C-H⋯O inter-molecular inter-actions consolidate the crystal packing of (II) into a three-dimensional supra-molecular architecture.

Characterization of a monoclonal antibody against P57, the C3/C3b-cleaving proteinase expressed in human erythrocyte membranes.

PubMed

Fiandino-Tirel, A; Barel, M; Lyamani, F; Gauffre, A; Hermann, J; Frade, R

1991-08-01

A monoclonal antibody was raised against p57, a serine proteinase, characterized by an apparent molecular weight of 57 kDa, and purified from human erythrocyte membranes. P57 proteinase cleaves the human third component of complement, C3. The antibody selected, MP1, of IgG2a isotype, precipitated specifically the p57 antigen which carried the C3/C3b-cleaving activity present in membrane crude extract of human erythrocytes. P57 proteinase eluted from MP1-sepharose was inhibited by 5 x 10(-4) M PMSF, enhanced by 0.5% SDS and generated C3 fragments identical to those generated by membrane crude extract of human erythrocytes. All these properties were identical to those of the p57 previously purified by biochemical procedures. In addition, 5000 binding sites were detected on cell surface. This MP1 monoclonal antibody will be helpful to analyse the role of p57 in human erythrocytes.

Sintered silicon nitrode recuperator fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gatti, A.; Chiu, W. S.; Mccreight, L. R.

1980-01-01

The preliminary design and a demonstration of the feasibility of fabricating submodules of an automotive Stirling engine recuperator for waste heat recovery at 370 C are described. Sinterable silicon nitride (Sialon) tubing and plates were fabricated by extrusion and hydrostatic pressing, respectively, suitable for demonstrating a potential method of constructing ceramic recuperator-type heat exchangers. These components were fired in nitrogen atmosphere to 1800 C without significant scale formation so that they can be used in the as-fired condition. A refractory glass composition (Al2O3 x 4.5 CaO.MgO x 11SiO2) was used to join and seal component parts by a brazing technique which formed strong recuperator submodules capable of withstanding repeated thermal cycling to 1370 C. The corrosion resistance of these materials to Na2SO4 + NaCl carbon mixtures was also assessed in atmospheres of air, hydrogen and CO2-N2-H2O mixtures at both 870 C and 1370 C for times to 1000 hours. No significant reaction was observed under any of these test conditions.

Event-related potentials reflect the efficacy of pharmaceutical treatments in children and adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

PubMed

Yamamuro, Kazuhiko; Ota, Toyosaku; Iida, Junzo; Nakanishi, Yoko; Matsuura, Hiroki; Uratani, Mitsuhiro; Okazaki, Kosuke; Kishimoto, Naoko; Tanaka, Shohei; Kishimoto, Toshifumi

2016-08-30

Few objective biological measures of pharmacological treatment efficacy exist for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although we have previously demonstrated that event-related potentials (ERPs) reflect the effects of osmotic-release methylphenidate in treatment of naïve pediatric patients with ADHD, whether this is true for the therapeutic effects of atomoxetine (ATX) is unknown. Here, we used the Japanese version of the ADHD rating-scale IV to evaluate 14 patients with ADHD, and compared their ERP data with 14 age- and sex-matched controls. We measured P300 and mismatch negativity (MMN) components during an auditory oddball task before treatment (treatment naïve) and after 2 months of ATX treatment. Compared with controls, P300 components at baseline were attenuated and prolonged in the ADHD group at Fz (fronto-central), Cz (centro-parietal), Pz (parietal regions), C3 and C4 electrodes. ATX treatment reduced ADHD symptomology, and after 2 months of treatment, P300 latencies at Fz, Cz, Pz, C3, and C4 electrodes were significantly shorter than those at baseline. Moreover, MMN amplitudes at Cz and C3 electrodes were significantly greater than those at baseline. Thus, ERPs may be useful for evaluating the pharmacological effects of ATX in pediatric and adolescent patients with ADHD. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Department of the Air Force Justification of Estimates for Fiscal Year 1986 Submitted to Congress February 1985. Aircraft Procurement, Air Force

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-02-01

air-to-grurod cruise missile planned for use c-i the bomber force. IAs one of the zany i,,eapons iu the manned tmorer’s arsenal, t.L AO’ stresses the...29.4 78.4 SPX Cuminication Replacent 8.9 - - tIL OIR PRO•XUJfIN C&X4 ES 1413.3 1877.4 2683.7 3382.3 i ," / Justification for the various line items is...COntROL SYSTEMS DJE TO THE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING TiAT DEVELOPS. THI$ MODIFICATION REPLACES ThE MAGNESIUM COMPONENTS IN THE FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM WITH

Results of heating mode performance tests of a solar-assisted heat pump

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, C. B.; Smetana, F. O.

1979-01-01

The performance of a heat pump, utilizing 8.16 square meters of low-cost solar collectors as the evaporator in a Freon-114 refrigeration cycle, was determined under actual insolation conditions during the summer and fall of 1976. C.O.P.'s (coefficient of performance) greater than 3 were obtained with condensing temperatures around 78 C and evaporating temperatures around 27 C. Ambient temperatures were about 3 C above evaporating temperatures. Similar performance levels were obtained at other insolation and temperature conditions. Experience with the system has identified some component and system changes which should increase the obtainable C.O.P. to about 4.0. These are described along with the system's design rationale. The accumulated data are presented as an appendix.

Activity of the Human Rhinovirus 3C Protease Studied in Various Buffers, Additives and Detergents Solutions for Recombinant Protein Production

PubMed Central

Tufail, Soban; Ismat, Fouzia; Imran, Muhammad; Iqbal, Mazhar; Mirza, Osman; Rhaman, Moazur

2016-01-01

Proteases are widely used to remove affinity and solubility tags from recombinant proteins to avoid potential interference of these tags with the structure and function of the fusion partner. In recent years, great interest has been seen in use of the human rhinovirus 3C protease owing to its stringent sequence specificity and enhanced activity. Like other proteases, activity of the human rhinovirus 3C protease can be affected in part by the buffer components and additives that are generally employed for purification and stabilization of proteins, hence, necessitate their removal by tedious and time-consuming procedures before proteolysis can occur. To address this issue, we examined the effect of elution buffers used for common affinity based purifications, salt ions, stability/solubility and reducing agents, and detergents on the activity of the human rhinovirus 3C protease using three different fusion proteins at 4°C, a temperature of choice for purification of many proteins. The results show that the human rhinovirus 3C protease performs better at 4°C than the frequently used tobacco etch virus protease and its activity was insensitive to most of the experimental conditions tested. Though number of fusion proteins tested is limited, we expect that these finding will facilitate the use of the human rhinovirus 3C protease in recombinant protein production for pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications. PMID:27093053

Activity of the Human Rhinovirus 3C Protease Studied in Various Buffers, Additives and Detergents Solutions for Recombinant Protein Production.

PubMed

Ullah, Raheem; Shah, Majid Ali; Tufail, Soban; Ismat, Fouzia; Imran, Muhammad; Iqbal, Mazhar; Mirza, Osman; Rhaman, Moazur

2016-01-01

Proteases are widely used to remove affinity and solubility tags from recombinant proteins to avoid potential interference of these tags with the structure and function of the fusion partner. In recent years, great interest has been seen in use of the human rhinovirus 3C protease owing to its stringent sequence specificity and enhanced activity. Like other proteases, activity of the human rhinovirus 3C protease can be affected in part by the buffer components and additives that are generally employed for purification and stabilization of proteins, hence, necessitate their removal by tedious and time-consuming procedures before proteolysis can occur. To address this issue, we examined the effect of elution buffers used for common affinity based purifications, salt ions, stability/solubility and reducing agents, and detergents on the activity of the human rhinovirus 3C protease using three different fusion proteins at 4°C, a temperature of choice for purification of many proteins. The results show that the human rhinovirus 3C protease performs better at 4°C than the frequently used tobacco etch virus protease and its activity was insensitive to most of the experimental conditions tested. Though number of fusion proteins tested is limited, we expect that these finding will facilitate the use of the human rhinovirus 3C protease in recombinant protein production for pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications.

(2E)-3-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)-1-(pyridin-3-yl)prop-2-en-1-one and its cyclocondensation product with guanidine, (4RS)-2-amino-4-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-3,4-dihydropyrimidine monohydrate: two types of hydrogen-bonded sheet.

PubMed

Nayak, Prakash S; Narayana, Badiadka; Yathirajan, Hemmige S; Hosten, Eric C; Betz, Richard; Glidewell, Christopher

2014-11-01

The structures of a chalcone and of its cyclocondensation product with guanidine are reported. In (2E)-3-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)-1-(pyridin-3-yl)prop-2-en-1-one, C19H15NO2, (I), the planes of the pyridine and naphthalene units make dihedral angles with that of the central spacer unit of 23.61 (13) and 23.57 (15)°, respectively, and a dihedral angle of 47.24 (9)° with each other. The molecules of (I) are linked into sheets by a combination of C-H···O and C-H···π(arene) hydrogen bonds. In the cyclocondensation product (4RS)-2-amino-4-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-3,4-dihydropyrimidine monohydrate, C20H18N4O·H2O, (II), the dihydropyrimidine ring adopts a conformation best described as a shallow boat. The molecular components are linked by two N-H···O hydrogen bonds, two O-H···N hydrogen bonds and one N-H···N hydrogen bond to form complex sheets, with the methoxynaphthalene interdigitated between inversion-related pairs of sheets.

Variations in microbial carbon sources and cycling in the deep continental subsurface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simkus, Danielle N.; Slater, Greg F.; Lollar, Barbara Sherwood; Wilkie, Kenna; Kieft, Thomas L.; Magnabosco, Cara; Lau, Maggie C. Y.; Pullin, Michael J.; Hendrickson, Sarah B.; Wommack, K. Eric; Sakowski, Eric G.; van Heerden, Esta; Kuloyo, Olukayode; Linage, Borja; Borgonie, Gaetan; Onstott, Tullis C.

2016-01-01

Deep continental subsurface fracture water systems, ranging from 1.1 to 3.3 km below land surface (kmbls), were investigated to characterize the indigenous microorganisms and elucidate microbial carbon sources and their cycling. Analysis of phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) abundances and direct cell counts detected varying biomass that was not correlated with depth. Compound-specific carbon isotope analyses (δ13C and Δ14C) of the phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) and carbon substrates combined with genomic analyses did identify, however, distinct carbon sources and cycles between the two depth ranges studied. In the shallower boreholes at circa 1 kmbls, isotopic evidence indicated microbial incorporation of biogenic CH4 by the in situ microbial community. At the shallowest site, 1.05 kmbls in Driefontein mine, this process clearly dominated the isotopic signal. At slightly deeper depths, 1.34 kmbls in Beatrix mine, the isotopic data indicated the incorporation of both biogenic CH4 and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) derived from CH4 oxidation. In both of these cases, molecular genetic analysis indicated that methanogenic and methanotrophic organisms together comprised a small component (<5%) of the microbial community. Thus, it appears that a relatively minor component of the prokaryotic community is supporting a much larger overall bacterial community in these samples. In the samples collected from >3 kmbls in Tau Tona mine (TT107, TT109 Bh2), the CH4 had an isotopic signature suggesting a predominantly abiogenic origin with minor inputs from microbial methanogenesis. In these samples, the isotopic enrichments (δ13C and Δ14C) of the PLFAs relative to CH4 were consistent with little incorporation of CH4 into the biomass. The most 13C-enriched PLFAs were observed in TT107 where the dominant CO2-fixation pathway was the acetyl-CoA pathway by non-acetogenic bacteria. The differences in the δ13C of the PLFAs and the DIC and DOC for TT109 Bh2 were ∼-24‰ and 0‰, respectively. The dominant CO2-fixation pathways were 3-HP/4-HB cycle > acetyl-CoA pathway > reductive pentose phosphate cycle.

Benthic flux of dissolved organic matter from lake sediment at different redox conditions and the possible effects of biogeochemical processes.

PubMed

Yang, Liyang; Choi, Jung Hyun; Hur, Jin

2014-09-15

The benthic fluxes of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), chromophoric and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (CDOM and FDOM) were studied for the sediment from an artificial lake, based on laboratory benthic chamber experiments. Conservative estimates for the benthic flux of DOC were 71 ± 142 and 51 ± 101 mg m(-2) day(-1) at hypoxic and oxic conditions, respectively. Two humic-like (C1 and C2), one tryptophan-like (C3), and one microbial humic-like (C4) components were identified from the samples using fluorescence excitation emission matrices and parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC). During the incubation period, C3 was removed while C4 was accumulated in the overlying water with no significant difference in the trends between the redox conditions. The humification index (HIX) increased with time. The combined results for C3, C4 and HIX suggested that microbial transformation may be an important process affecting the flux behaviors of DOM. In contrast, the overall accumulations of CDOM, C1, and C2 in the overlying water occurred only for the hypoxic condition, which was possibly explained by their enhanced photo-degradation and sorption to redox-sensitive minerals under the oxic condition. Our study demonstrated significant benthic flux of DOM in lake sediment and also the possible involvement of biogeochemical transformation in the processes, providing insight into carbon cycling in inland waters. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Deep Evolutionary Comparison of Gene Expression Identifies Parallel Recruitment of Trans-Factors in Two Independent Origins of C4 Photosynthesis

PubMed Central

Kümpers, Britta M. C.; Smith-Unna, Richard D.; Hibberd, Julian M.

2014-01-01

With at least 60 independent origins spanning monocotyledons and dicotyledons, the C4 photosynthetic pathway represents one of the most remarkable examples of convergent evolution. The recurrent evolution of this highly complex trait involving alterations to leaf anatomy, cell biology and biochemistry allows an increase in productivity by ∼50% in tropical and subtropical areas. The extent to which separate lineages of C4 plants use the same genetic networks to maintain C4 photosynthesis is unknown. We developed a new informatics framework to enable deep evolutionary comparison of gene expression in species lacking reference genomes. We exploited this to compare gene expression in species representing two independent C4 lineages (Cleome gynandra and Zea mays) whose last common ancestor diverged ∼140 million years ago. We define a cohort of 3,335 genes that represent conserved components of leaf and photosynthetic development in these species. Furthermore, we show that genes encoding proteins of the C4 cycle are recruited into networks defined by photosynthesis-related genes. Despite the wide evolutionary separation and independent origins of the C4 phenotype, we report that these species use homologous transcription factors to both induce C4 photosynthesis and to maintain the cell specific gene expression required for the pathway to operate. We define a core molecular signature associated with leaf and photosynthetic maturation that is likely shared by angiosperm species derived from the last common ancestor of the monocotyledons and dicotyledons. We show that deep evolutionary comparisons of gene expression can reveal novel insight into the molecular convergence of highly complex phenotypes and that parallel evolution of trans-factors underpins the repeated appearance of C4 photosynthesis. Thus, exploitation of extant natural variation associated with complex traits can be used to identify regulators. Moreover, the transcription factors that are shared by independent C4 lineages are key targets for engineering the C4 pathway into C3 crops such as rice. PMID:24901697

Assessment of Silicon Carbide Composites for Advanced Salt-Cooled Reactors

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

Katoh, Yutai; Wilson, Dane F; Forsberg, Charles W

2007-09-01

The Advanced High-Temperature Reactor (AHTR) is a new reactor concept that uses a liquid fluoride salt coolant and a solid high-temperature fuel. Several alternative fuel types are being considered for this reactor. One set of fuel options is the use of pin-type fuel assemblies with silicon carbide (SiC) cladding. This report provides (1) an initial viability assessment of using SiC as fuel cladding and other in-core components of the AHTR, (2) the current status of SiC technology, and (3) recommendations on the path forward. Based on the analysis of requirements, continuous SiC fiber-reinforced, chemically vapor-infiltrated SiC matrix (CVI SiC/SiC) compositesmore » are recommended as the primary option for further study on AHTR fuel cladding among various industrially available forms of SiC. Critical feasibility issues for the SiC-based AHTR fuel cladding are identified to be (1) corrosion of SiC in the candidate liquid salts, (2) high dose neutron radiation effects, (3) static fatigue failure of SiC/SiC, (4) long-term radiation effects including irradiation creep and radiation-enhanced static fatigue, and (5) fabrication technology of hermetic wall and sealing end caps. Considering the results of the issues analysis and the prospects of ongoing SiC research and development in other nuclear programs, recommendations on the path forward is provided in the order or priority as: (1) thermodynamic analysis and experimental examination of SiC corrosion in the candidate liquid salts, (2) assessment of long-term mechanical integrity issues using prototypical component sections, and (3) assessment of high dose radiation effects relevant to the anticipated operating condition.« less

Characterisation of landfill leachate by EEM-PARAFAC-SOM during physical-chemical treatment by coagulation-flocculation, activated carbon adsorption and ion exchange.

PubMed

Oloibiri, Violet; De Coninck, Sam; Chys, Michael; Demeestere, Kristof; Van Hulle, Stijn W H

2017-11-01

The combination of fluorescence excitation-emission matrices (EEM), parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and self-organizing maps (SOM) is shown to be a powerful tool in the follow up of dissolved organic matter (DOM) removal from landfill leachate by physical-chemical treatment consisting of coagulation, granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion exchange. Using PARAFAC, three DOM components were identified: C1 representing humic/fulvic-like compounds; C2 representing tryptophan-like compounds; and C3 representing humic-like compounds. Coagulation with ferric chloride (FeCl 3 ) at a dose of 7 g/L reduced the maximum fluorescence of C1, C2 and C3 by 52%, 17% and 15% respectively, while polyaluminium chloride (PACl) reduced C1 only by 7% at the same dose. DOM removal during GAC and ion exchange treatment of raw and coagulated leachate exhibited different profiles. At less than 2 bed volumes (BV) of treatment, the humic components C1 and C3 were rapidly removed, whereas at BV ≥ 2 the tryptophan-like component C2 was preferentially removed. Overall, leachate treated with coagulation +10.6 BV GAC +10.6 BV ion exchange showed the highest removal of C1 (39% - FeCl 3 , 8% - PACl), C2 (74% - FeCl 3 , 68% - PACl) and no C3 removal; whereas only 52% C2 and no C1 and C3 removal was observed in raw leachate treated with 10.6 BV GAC + 10.6 BV ion exchange only. Analysis of PARAFAC-derived components with SOM revealed that coagulation, GAC and ion exchange can treat leachate at least 50% longer than only GAC and ion exchange before the fluorescence composition of leachate remains unchanged. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cytotoxicity of ferrocenyl-ethynyl phosphine metal complexes of gold and platinum.

PubMed

Fourie, Eleanor; Erasmus, Elizabeth; Swarts, Jannie C; Jakob, Alexander; Lang, Heinrich; Joone, Gisela K; VAN Rensburg, Constance E J

2011-03-01

Ferrocene derivatives may possess antineoplastic activity. Those with low ferrocenyl reduction potentials often have the highest anticancer activity, as cell components have to oxidise them to the active ferrocenium species before cytotoxicity can be recorded. Some gold(I) complexes also possess anticancer activity. This study examined the cytotoxicity of ferrocenyl-ethynyl and ruthenocenyl-ethynyl complexes of gold and platinum. The results were related to the ease of iron oxidation in the ferrocenyl fragment and compared with the cytotoxicity of cisplatin, [(H(3)N)(2)PtCl(2)] and [Au(PPh(2)CH(2)CH(2)PPh(2))(2)]Cl. Ferrocene-containing gold and platinum complexes of the type Fc-C≡C-PPh(2), 1, and Fc-C≡C-PPh(2)→M with Fc=ferrocenyl (Fe(II)(η(5)-C(5)H(5)) (η(5)-C(5)H(4))), Ph=phenyl (C(6)H(5)) and M=Au-Cl, 2, Au-C≡C-Fc, 3, or Au-C≡C-Rc, 4 (Rc=ruthenocenyl, (Ru(II)(η(5)-C(5)H(5)) (η(5)-C(5)H(4))) and the complex [(Fc-C≡C-PPh(2))(2)PtCl(2)], 5, were investigated. Cytotoxicity tests were determined on the HeLa (human cervix epitheloid) cancer cell line, ATCC CCL-2. Cell survival was measured by means of the colorometric 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The IC(50) values of compounds 1-4 from four experiments causing 50% cell growth inhibition, ranged between 4.6 and 27 μmol dm(-3). Drug activity was inversely proportional to the sum of all formal reduction potentials, E(o'), of the ferrocenyl groups of the Fc-C≡C-PPh(2) and Fc-C≡C-ligands coordinated to the gold centre. The Fc-C≡C-PPh(2)→Au-Cl complex, compound 2, was most cytotoxic with IC(50)=4.6 μmol dm(-3) , demonstrating the beneficial effect the Cl(-) ion has on the cytotoxicity of these neutral gold complexes. The platinum complex [(Fc-C≡C-PPh(2))(2)PtCl(2)], compound 5, resembling the structure of cisplatin, in principle should exhibit good cytotoxicity, but was not tested due to its total insolubility in any biocompatible medium.

Constitutive Model Constants for Al7075-T651 and Al7075-T6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brar, Nachhatter; Joshi, Vasant; Harris, Bryan

2009-06-01

Aluminum 7075-T651 and 7075-T6 are characterized at quasi-static and high strain rates to determine Johnson-Cook (J-C) strength and fracture model constants. Constitutive model constants are required as input to computer codes to simulate projectile (fragment) impact or similar impact events on structural components made of these material. J-C strength model constants (A, B, n, C, and m) for the two alloys are determined from tension stress-strain data at room and high temperature to 250^oC. J-C strength model constants for Al7075-T651 are: A=527 MPa, B=676 MPa, n=0.71, C=0.017, and m=1.61 and for Al7075-T6: A = 546 MPa, B = 674 MPa, n = 0.72, C = 0.059, and m =1.56. J-C fracture model constants are determined form quasi-static and high strain rate/high temperature tests on notched and smooth tension specimens. J-C fracture model constants for the two alloys are: Al7075-T651; D1 = 0.110, D2 = 0.573, D3= -3.4446, D4 = 0.016, and D 5= 1.099 and Al7075-T6; D1= 0.451 D2= -0.952 D3= -.068, D4 =0.036, and D5 = 0.697.

A combined crossed-beam and theoretical study of the reaction dynamics of O(3P) + C2H3 → C2H2 + OH: analysis of the nascent OH products with the preferential population of the Π(A') component.

PubMed

Park, Min-Jin; Jang, Su-Chan; Choi, Jong-Ho

2012-11-28

The gas-phase reaction dynamics of ground-state atomic oxygen [O((3)P) from the photo-dissociation of NO(2)] with vinyl radicals [C(2)H(3) from the supersonic flash pyrolysis of vinyl iodide, C(2)H(3)I] has been investigated using a combination of high-resolution laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy in a crossed-beam configuration and ab initio calculations. Unlike the previous gas-phase bulk kinetic experiments by Baulch et al. [J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data 34, 757 (2005)], a new exothermic channel of O((3)P) + C(2)H(3) → C(2)H(2) + OH (X (2)Π: υ" = 0) has been identified for the first time, and the population analysis shows bimodal nascent rotational distributions of OH products with low- and high-N" components with a ratio of 2.4:1. No spin-orbit propensities were observed, and the averaged ratios of Π(A('))∕Π(A") were determined to be 1.66 ± 0.27. On the basis of computations at the CBS-QB3 theory level and comparison with prior theory, the microscopic mechanisms responsible for the nascent populations can be understood in terms of two competing dynamical pathways: a direct abstraction process in the low-N" regime as the major pathway and an addition-complex forming process in the high-N" regime as the minor pathway. Particularly, during the bond cleavage process of the weakly bound van der Waals complex C(2)H(2)-OH, the characteristic pathway from the low dihedral-angle geometry was consistent with the observed preferential population of the Π(A') component in the nascent OH products. A molecular-level discussion of the reactivity, mechanism, and dynamical features of the title reaction are presented together with a comparison to gas-phase oxidation reactions of a series of prototypical hydrocarbon radicals.

Carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen isotopes in solvent-extractable organic matter from carbonaceous chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Becker, R. H.; Epstein, S.

1982-01-01

CCl4 and CH3OH solvent extractions were performed on the Murray, Murchison, Orgueil and Renazzo carbonaceous chondrites. Delta-D values of +300-+500% are found in the case of the CH3OH-soluble organic matter. The combined C, H and N isotope data makes it unlikely that the CH3OH-soluble components are derivable from, or simply related to, the insoluble organic polymer found in the same meteorites. A relation between the event that formed hydrous minerals in CI1 and CM2 meteorites and the introduction of water- and methanol-soluble organic compounds is suggested. Organic matter soluble in CCl4 has no N, and delta-C-13 values are lower than for CH3OH-soluble phases. It is concluded that there either are large isotopic fractionations for carbon and hydrogen between different soluble organic phases, or the less polar components are partially of terrestrial origin.

Piperidinium bis­(2-oxidobenzoato-κ2 O 1,O 2)borate

PubMed Central

Tang, Zhi-Hua; Huang, Chaojun

2009-01-01

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C5H12N+·C14H8BO6 − or [C5H12N][BO4(C7H4O)2], contains two piperidinium cations and two bis­(salicylato)borate anions. The coordination geometries around the B atoms are distorted tetra­hedral. In the two mol­ecules, the aromatic rings are oriented at dihedral angles of 76.27 (3) and 83.86 (3)°. The rings containing B atoms have twist-boat conformations, while the two cations adopt chair conformations. In the crystal, the component species are linked by N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. In the crystal structure, intra- and inter­molecular N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol­ecules. PMID:21581628

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cdk8 Mediator Represses AQY1 Transcription by Inhibiting Set1p-Dependent Histone Methylation.

PubMed

Law, Michael J; Finger, Michael A

2017-03-10

In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae , nutrient depletion induces massive transcriptional reprogramming that relies upon communication between transcription factors, post-translational histone modifications, and the RNA polymerase II holoenzyme complex. Histone H3Lys4 methylation (H3Lys4 me), regulated by the Set1p-containing COMPASS methyltransferase complex and Jhd2p demethylase, is one of the most well-studied histone modifications. We previously demonstrated that the RNA polymerase II mediator components cyclin C-Cdk8p inhibit locus-specific H3Lys4 3me independently of Jhd2p Here, we identify loci subject to cyclin C- and Jhd2p-dependent histone H3Lys4 3me inhibition using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-seq. We further characterized the independent and combined roles of cyclin C and Jhd2p in controlling H3Lys4 3me and transcription in response to fermentable and nonfermentable carbon at multiple loci. These experiments suggest that H3Lys4 3me alone is insufficient to induce transcription. Interestingly, we identified an unexpected role for cyclin C-Cdk8p in repressing AQY1 transcription, an aquaporin whose expression is normally induced during nutrient deprivation. These experiments, combined with previous work in other labs, support a two-step model in which cyclin C-Cdk8p mediate AQY1 transcriptional repression by stimulating transcription factor proteolysis and preventing Set1p recruitment to the AQY1 locus. Copyright © 2017 Law and Finger.

Complement C4 deficiency--a plausible risk factor for non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection in apparently immunocompetent patients.

PubMed

Kotilainen, Hannele; Lokki, Marja-Liisa; Paakkanen, Riitta; Seppänen, Mikko; Tukiainen, Pentti; Meri, Seppo; Poussa, Tuija; Eskola, Jussi; Valtonen, Ville; Järvinen, Asko

2014-01-01

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous in the environment and they infect mainly persons with underlying pulmonary diseases but also previously healthy elderly women. Defects in host resistance that lead to pulmonary infections by NTM are relatively unknown. A few genetic defects have been associated with both pulmonary and disseminated mycobacterial infections. Rare disseminated NTM infections have been associated with genetic defects in T-cell mediated immunity and in cytokine signaling in families. We investigated whether there was an association between NTM infections and deficiencies of complement components C4A or C4B that are encoded by major histocompatibility complex (MHC). 50 adult patients with a positive NTM culture with symptoms and findings of a NTM disease were recruited. Patients' clinical history was collected and symptoms and clinical findings were categorized according to 2007 diagnostic criteria of The American Thoracic Society (ATS). To investigate the deficiencies of complement, C4A and C4B gene copy numbers and phenotype frequencies of the C4 allotypes were analyzed. Unselected, healthy, 149 Finnish adults were used as controls. NTM patients had more often C4 deficiencies (C4A or C4B) than controls (36/50 [72%] vs 83/149 [56%], OR = 2.05, 95%CI = 1.019-4.105, p = 0.042). C4 deficiencies for female NTM patients were more common than for controls (29/36 [81%] vs 55/100 [55%], OR = 3.39, 95% CI = 1.358-8.460, p = 0.007). C4 deficiences seemed not to be related to any specific underlying disease or C4 phenotype. C4 deficiency may be a risk factor for NTM infection in especially elderly female patients.

Extraterrestrial Helium (He@C60) Trapped in Fullerenes in the Sudbury Impact Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Becker, L.; Bada, J. L.; Poreda, R. J.; Bunch, T. E.

1997-01-01

Fullerenes (C60 and C70) have recently been identified in a shock-produced breccia (Onaping Formation) associated with the 1.85-Ga Sudbury Impact Crater. The presence of parts-per-million levels of fullerenes in this impact structure raises interesting questions about the processes that led to the formation of fullerenes and the potential for delivery of intact organic material to the Earth by a large bolide (e.g., asteroid or comet). Two possible scenarios for the presence of fullerenes in the Sudbury impact deposits are that (1) fullerenes are synthesized within the impact plume from the C contained in the bolide; or (2) fullerenes are already present in the bolide and survived the impact event. The correlation of C and trapped noble gas atoms in meteorites is well established. Primitive meteorites contain several trapped noble gas components that have anomalous isotopic compositions, some of which may have a presolar origin. Several C-bearing phases, including SiC, graphite, and diamond, have been recognized as carriers of trapped noble gases. It has also been suggested that fullerenes (C60 and C70) might be a carrier of noble gas components in carbonaceous chondrites. Recently, fullerenes have been detected in separate samples in the Allende meteorite. Carbon-60 is large enough to enclose the noble gases He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe, but it is too small to contain diatomic gases such as N2 or triatomic gases such as CO2. Recent experimental work has demonstrated that noble gases of a specific isotopic composition can be introduced into synthetic fullerenes at high temperatures and pressures; these encapsulated gases can then be released by the breaking of one or more C bonds during step-heating under vacuum. These thermal-release patterns for He encapsulated within the C60 molecule (He@C60) are similar to the patterns for acid residues of carbonaceous chondrites, suggesting that fullerenes could be an additional carrier of trapped noble gases in acid residues of meteorites. Analysis and Results: In order to characterize the noble gas compositions of the Sudbury fullerenes, we undertook a systematic study of acid-resistant residues throughout the C-rich layer (Black member) of the Onaping Formation. Samples were demineralized and extracted using standard techniques. The Onaping extracts were analyzed using several techniques, including UV-Vis adsorption, electro spray mass spectrometry, and laser desorption (linear and reflectron) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (LDMS). The Sudbury fullerenes were then separated and purified using HPLC coupled with a photo diode array detector. The HPLC extracts containing the purified fullerenes were loaded into a metal tube furnace within a glove box under a N atmosphere in preparation for noble gas analyses. The 3-He and 4-He content of the fullerene extracts was measured using previously reported standard techniques . Discussion: Fullerenes (C60 and C70) in the Sudbury Impact Structure have been found to contain trapped He with a 3-He/4-He ratio greater than 5 x 10(exp -4). The 3-He/4-He ratio exceeds the accepted solar value by more than 30% and is more than 10x higher than the maximum reported mantle value. Terrestrial nuclear reactions or cosmic-my bombardment are not sufficient to generate such a high ratio. The 3-He/4-He ratios in the Sudbury fullerenes are similar to those determined for interplanetary dust particles. The greater-than-solar ratios of 3-He/4-He in the Sudbury fullerenes may indicate a presolar origin, although alternative mechanisms occurring in the ISM to explain these high ratios (e.g., spallation reactions, selective He implantation, etc.) cannot be entirely ruled out. We are currently attempting to isolate enough fullerene material to measure anomalous Ne (or Kr or Xe) contained within the C60 (e.g., the "pure" 22-Ne component) and thus determine whether the Sudbury fullerenes are indeed presolar in origin.

Glycoproteins of the vitelline envelope of Amphibian oocyte: biological and molecular characterization of ZPC component (gp41) in Bufo arenarum.

PubMed

Barisone, Gustavo A; Krapf, Darío; Correa-Fiz, Florencia; Arranz, Silvia E; Cabada, Marcelo O

2007-05-01

The vitelline envelope (VE) participates in sperm-egg interactions during the first steps of fertilization. In Bufo arenarum, this envelope is composed of at least four glycoproteins, with molecular masses of 120, 75, 41, and 38 kDa and molar ratio of 1:1.3:7.4:4.8, respectively. These components were isolated and covalently coupled to silanized glass slides in order to study their sperm-binding capacity. When considering the molar ratio of the glycoproteins in the egg-envelope and assuming that each protein is monovalent for sperm, the assay showed that gp41 and gp38 possess 55 and 25% of total sperm-binding activity. We obtained a full-length cDNA of gp41 (ZPC), comprising a sequence for 486 amino acids, with 43.3% homology with Xenopus laevis ZPC. As in the case of mammalian ZP3 and Xenopus ZPC, Bufo ZPC presented a furin-like (convertase) and a C-terminal transmembrane domain (TMD) reflecting common biosynthetic and secretory pathways. As it was reported for some fishes, we obtained evidence that suggests the presence of more than one zpc gene in Bufo genome, based on different partial cDNA sequences of zpc, Southern blots and two-dimensional SDS-PAGE of deglycosylated egg-envelope components. As far as we are aware, this is the first observation of the presence of different zpc genes in an Amphibian species. Copyright (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

NUCLEAR X-RAY PROPERTIES OF THE PECULIAR RADIO-LOUD HIDDEN AGN 4C+29.30

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

Sobolewska, M. A.; Siemiginowska, Aneta; Migliori, G.

2012-10-20

We present results from a study of nuclear emission from a nearby radio galaxy, 4C+29.30, over a broad 0.5-200 keV X-ray band. This study used new XMM-Newton ({approx}17 ks) and Chandra ({approx}300 ks) data, and archival Swift/BAT data from the 58 month catalog. The hard (>2 keV) X-ray spectrum of 4C+29.30 can be decomposed into an intrinsic hard power law ({Gamma} {approx} 1.56) modified by a cold absorber with an intrinsic column density N {sub H,z} {approx} 5 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 23} cm{sup -2}, and its reflection (|{Omega}/2{pi}| {approx} 0.3) from a neutral matter including a narrow iron K{alpha} emission linemore » at a rest-frame energy {approx}6.4 keV. The reflected component is less absorbed than the intrinsic one with an upper limit on the absorbing column of N {sup refl} {sub H,z} < 2.5 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 22} cm{sup -2}. The X-ray spectrum varied between the XMM-Newton and Chandra observations. We show that a scenario invoking variations of the normalization of the power law is favored over a model with variable intrinsic column density. X-rays in the 0.5-2 keV band are dominated by diffuse emission modeled with a thermal bremsstrahlung component with temperature {approx}0.7 keV, and contain only a marginal contribution from the scattered power-law component. We hypothesize that 4C+29.30 belongs to a class of 'hidden' active galactic nuclei containing a geometrically thick torus. However, unlike the majority of hidden AGNs, 4C+29.30 is radio-loud. Correlations between the scattering fraction and Eddington luminosity ratio, and between black hole mass and stellar velocity dispersion, imply that 4C+29.30 hosts a black hole with {approx}10{sup 8} M {sub Sun} mass.« less

Reaction of the Mo3S4 cluster with dimethylacetylenedicarboxylate: an ESR-active cluster and an organometallic cluster formed by alpha,beta-conjugate addition.

PubMed

Ide, Yasuhiro; Shibahara, Takashi

2007-01-22

A seven-electron cluster [Mo3(mu3-S){mu3-SC(CO(2)CH(3))=C(CO(2)CH(3))S}{mu-SC(CO(2)CH(3))=CH(CO(2)CH(3))}(dtp)3(mu-OAc)] [2, S2P(OC(2)H(5))2-; dtp = diethyldithiophosphate] and an organometallic cluster [Mo3(mu3-S){mu3-SC(CO(2)CH(3))=C(CO(2)CH(3))S}{mu-SC(CO(2)CH(3))CH(OCH(3))(CO2)}(dtp)2(CH(3)OH)(mu-OAc)](Mo-C) (3) were obtained by reaction in methanol of the sulfur-bridged trinuclear complex [Mo3(mu3-S)(mu-S)3(dtp)3(CH(3)CN)(mu-OAc)] (1) with dimethylacetylenedicarboxylate (DMAD). The X-ray structures of 2 and 3 revealed the adduct formation of two DMAD molecules to the respective Mo(3)S(4) cores. 2 is paramagnetic and obeys the Curie-Weiss law: the mu(eff) value at 300 K is 1.90 muB. The electron spin resonance signal was observed at 173 K. The density functional theory calculation of 2 demonstrated that the main components of the singly occupied molecular orbitals of alpha and beta spins are Mo d electrons and the main components of lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals are of Mo and the olefin moiety with one C-S bond. A one-electron reversible oxidation process of 2 was observed at E1/2 = -0.11 V vs Fc/Fc+. The electronic spectrum of 2 has a peak at 468 nm (epsilon = 2170 M(-1) cm(-1)) and shoulders at 640 (918) and 797 (605) nm, and 3 has shoulders at 441 (1740) and 578 (625) nm and a distinct peak at 840 (467) nm. An intermediate [Mo3(mu3-S){mu3-SC(CO(2)CH(3))=C(CO(2)CH(3))S}{mu-SC(CO(2)CH(3))=CH(CO(2)CH(3))}(dtp)3(mu-OAc)]+ (4) is tentatively suggested: a one-electron reduction of 4 gives 2, and a nucleophilic conjugate addition of CH(3)O- to the alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl group of 4 gives 3.

Semiconductor Heterojunctions for Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic H 2 Production

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

Adhikari, Shiba P.; Hood, Zachary D.; Lachgar, Abdou

Semiconductor-based heterojunctions have been shown to be effective photocatalytic materials to overcome the drawbacks of low photocatalytic efficiency that results from a high rate of electron-hole recombination and narrow photo-response range. In this study, we report on the study of heterojunctions made from visible light active, graphitic carbon nitride, g-C 3N 4), and UV light active, strontium pyroniobate, Sr 2Nb 2O 7. Heterojunctions made from a combination of g-C 3N 4 and nitrogen-doped Sr 2Nb 2O 7 obtained at different temperatures were also studied to determine the effect of N doping. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated by using photocatalytic hydrogenmore » evolution reaction (HER)from water g under visible light irradiation. It was found that the photocatalytic activities of as prepared heterojunctions are significantly higher than that of individual components under similar conditions. Heterojunction formed from g-C 3N 4 and N-doped Sr 2Nb 2O 7 at 700 °C (CN/SNON-700) showed better performance than heterojunction made from g-C 3N 4 and Sr 2Nb 2O 7 (CN/SNO). Finally, a plausible mechanism for the heterojunction enhanced photocatalytic activity is proposed based on, relative band positions, and photoluminescence data.« less

Semiconductor Heterojunctions for Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic H 2 Production

DOE PAGES

Adhikari, Shiba P.; Hood, Zachary D.; Lachgar, Abdou

2018-04-17

Semiconductor-based heterojunctions have been shown to be effective photocatalytic materials to overcome the drawbacks of low photocatalytic efficiency that results from a high rate of electron-hole recombination and narrow photo-response range. In this study, we report on the study of heterojunctions made from visible light active, graphitic carbon nitride, g-C 3N 4), and UV light active, strontium pyroniobate, Sr 2Nb 2O 7. Heterojunctions made from a combination of g-C 3N 4 and nitrogen-doped Sr 2Nb 2O 7 obtained at different temperatures were also studied to determine the effect of N doping. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated by using photocatalytic hydrogenmore » evolution reaction (HER)from water g under visible light irradiation. It was found that the photocatalytic activities of as prepared heterojunctions are significantly higher than that of individual components under similar conditions. Heterojunction formed from g-C 3N 4 and N-doped Sr 2Nb 2O 7 at 700 °C (CN/SNON-700) showed better performance than heterojunction made from g-C 3N 4 and Sr 2Nb 2O 7 (CN/SNO). Finally, a plausible mechanism for the heterojunction enhanced photocatalytic activity is proposed based on, relative band positions, and photoluminescence data.« less

Mixed Anion Heterostructure Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-10-01

Because the analysis is ex-situ, the Ga2O3 fit component at 20.5 eV is also present. In the Sd 4d photoelectron spectra, the Sb2O3 and Sb2O5...indicating that AsSby segregates at the GaAsySb1-y/GaSb interface. Ga3d Sb4dAs3d GaAs As2O3 As2O5 4244464850 40 AsSby As 16182022 Ga2O3 GaSb Ga...AsSby 182022 GaSb GaAsGa2O3 182022 GaSb GaAsGa2O3 3840424446 As2O3 GaAs As 182022 Ga2O3 GaAs As2, 10 sec, 420 °C As4, 30 sec, 420 °C 18 Figure

Thermostructural Properties Of Sic/Sic Panels With 2.5d And 3d Fiber Architectures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yun, H. M.; DeCarlo, J. A.; Bhatt, R. H.; Jaskowiak, M. H.

2005-01-01

CMC hot-section components in advanced engines for power and propulsion will typically require high cracking strength, high ultimate strength and strain, high creep- rupture resistance, and high thermal conductivity in all directions. In the past, NASA has demonstrated fabrication of a variety of SiC/SiC flat panels and round tubes with various 2D fiber architectures using the high-modulus high-performance Sylramic-iBN Sic fiber and Sic-based matrices derived by CVI, MI, and/or PIP processes. The thermo- mechanical properties of these CMC have shown state-of-the-art performance, but primarily in the in-plane directions. Currently NASA is extending the thermostructural capability of these SiC/SiC systems in the thru-thickness direction by using various 2.5D and 3D fiber architectures. NASA is also using specially designed fabrication steps to optimize the properties of the BN-based interphase and Sic-based matrices. In this study, Sylramic-iBN/SiC panels with 2D plain weave, 2.5D satin weave, 2.5D ply-to-ply interlock weave, and 3D angle interlock fiber architectures, all woven at AITI, were fabricated using matrix densification routes previously established between NASA and GEPSC for CVI-MI processes and between NASA and Starfire-Systems for PIP processes. Introduction of the 2.5 D fiber architecture along with an improved matrix process was found to increase inter-laminar tensile strength from 1.5 -2 to 3 - 4 ksi and thru-thickness thermal conductivity from 15-20 to 30-35 BTU/ft.hr.F with minimal reduction in in-plane strength and creep-rupture properties. Such improvements should reduce thermal stresses and increase the thermostructural operating envelope for SiC/SiC engine components. These results are analyzed to offer general guidelines for selecting fiber architectures and constituent processes for high-performance SiC/SiC engine components.

Seasonal variation in the quality of dissolved and particulate organic matter exchanged between a salt marsh and its adjacent estuary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osburn, Christopher L.; Mikan, Molly P.; Etheridge, J. Randall; Burchell, Michael R.; Birgand, François

2015-07-01

Fluorescence was used to examine the quality of dissolved and particulate organic matter (DOM and POM) exchanging between a tidal creek in a created salt marsh and its adjacent estuary in eastern North Carolina, USA. Samples from the creek were collected hourly over four tidal cycles in May, July, August, and October 2011. Absorbance and fluorescence of chromophoric DOM (CDOM) and of base-extracted POM (BEPOM) served as the tracers for organic matter quality while dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and base-extracted particulate organic carbon (BEPOC) were used to compute fluxes. Fluorescence was modeled using parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and principle components analysis (PCA) of the PARAFAC results. Of nine PARAFAC components (C) modeled, C3 represented recalcitrant DOM and C4 represented fresher soil-derived source DOM. Component 1 represented detrital POM, and C6 represented planktonic POM. Based on mass balance, recalcitrant DOC export was 86 g C m-2 yr-1 and labile DOC export was 49 g C m-2 yr-1; no planktonic DOC was exported. The marsh also exported 41 g C m-2 yr-1 of detrital terrestrial POC, which likely originated from lands adjacent to the North River estuary. Planktonic POC export from the marsh was 6 g C m-2 yr-1. Assuming the exported organic matter was oxidized to CO2 and scaled up to global salt marsh area, respiration of salt marsh DOC and POC transported to estuaries could amount to a global CO2 flux of 11 Tg C yr-1, roughly 4% of the recently estimated CO2 release for marshes and estuaries globally.

Replacement of Chromium Electroplating on Gas Turbine Engine Components Using Thermal Spray Coatings

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-07-20

Composition, Wgt % Powder Composition, Wgt % Powder WC/17Co Diamalloy 2005 WC/17Co Metco 73F-NS-1 Cr3C2-20 (Ni,Cr) Amdry 5260/Diam 3007 Co-28 Mo - 8 Cr-2...Si** Metco 66F-NS Co-28 Mo -17 Cr-3 Si* Diamalloy 3001 Co-28 Mo - 8 Cr-2 Si** Diamalloy 3002 * Tribaloy 800 ** Tribaloy 400 20 4.4. Coating...Work WC/17Co Diamalloy 2005 Yes -- Cr3C2-20 (Ni,Cr) Amdry 5260/Diam 3007 -- Yes Co-28 Mo -17 Cr-3 Si* Diamalloy 3001 -- Yes Co-28 Mo - 8 Cr-2 Si

Turnover of microbial groups and cell components in soil: 13C analysis of cellular biomarkers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunina, Anna; Dippold, Michaela; Glaser, Bruno; Kuzyakov, Yakov

2017-01-01

Microorganisms regulate the carbon (C) cycle in soil, controlling the utilization and recycling of organic substances. To reveal the contribution of particular microbial groups to C utilization and turnover within the microbial cells, the fate of 13C-labelled glucose was studied under field conditions. Glucose-derived 13C was traced in cytosol, amino sugars and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) pools at intervals of 3, 10 and 50 days after glucose addition into the soil. 13C enrichment in PLFAs ( ˜ 1.5 % of PLFA C at day 3) was an order of magnitude greater than in cytosol, showing the importance of cell membranes for initial C utilization. The 13C enrichment in amino sugars of living microorganisms at day 3 accounted for 0.57 % of total C pool; as a result, we infer that the replacement of C in cell wall components is 3 times slower than that of cell membranes. The C turnover time in the cytosol (150 days) was 3 times longer than in PLFAs (47 days). Consequently, even though the cytosol pool has the fastest processing rates compared to other cellular compartments, intensive recycling of components here leads to a long C turnover time. Both PLFA and amino-sugar profiles indicated that bacteria dominated in glucose utilization. 13C enrichment decreased with time for bacterial cell membrane components, but it remained constant or even increased for filamentous microorganisms. 13C enrichment of muramic acid was the 3.5 times greater than for galactosamine, showing a more rapid turnover of bacterial cell wall components compared to fungal. Thus, bacteria utilize a greater proportion of low-molecular-weight organic substances, whereas filamentous microorganisms are responsible for further C transformations. Thus, tracing 13C in cellular compounds with contrasting turnover rates elucidated the role of microbial groups and their cellular compartments in C utilization and recycling in soil. The results also reflect that microbial C turnover is not restricted to the death or growth of new cells. Indeed, even within living cells, highly polymeric cell compounds are constantly replaced and renewed. This is especially important for assessing C fluxes in soil and the contribution of C from microbial residues to soil organic matter.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of the ferredoxin reductase component in the Rieske nonhaem iron oxygenase system carbazole 1,9a-dioxygenase

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

Ashikawa, Yuji; Uchimura, Hiromasa; Fujimoto, Zui

2007-06-01

The NAD(P)H:ferredoxin oxidoreductase in carbazole 1,9a-dioxygenase from Janthinobacterium sp. J3 was crystallized and diffraction data were collected to 2.60 Å resolution. Carbazole 1,9a-dioxygenase (CARDO), which consists of an oxygenase component (CARDO-O) and the electron-transport components ferredoxin (CARDO-F) and ferredoxin reductase (CARDO-R), catalyzes dihydroxylation at the C1 and C9a positions of carbazole. CARDO-R was crystallized at 277 K using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method with the precipitant PEG 8000. Two crystal types (types I and II) were obtained. The type I crystal diffracted to a maximum resolution of 2.80 Å and belonged to space group P4{sub 2}2{sub 1}2, with unit-cell parameters amore » = b = 158.7, c = 81.4 Å. The type II crystal was obtained in drops from which type I crystals had been removed; it diffracted to 2.60 Å resolution and belonged to the same space group, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 161.8, c = 79.5 Å.« less

[Primary chronic polyarthritis with kidney involvement (mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis)].

PubMed

Bürkle, P A

1979-01-01

A 34 year old white male patient suffering from seropositive "probable" rheumatoid arthritis developed a severe hypocomplementemic mesangiocapillary glomerulo-nephritis. Rheumatoid factors (Latex test, Waaler-Rose titer) and IgM were markedly elevated in the serum. The third component of complement (C3) was markedly depressed, while the fourth component (C4) was within normal range. The rapid progression of the disease forced us to start an immunosuppressive drug therapy using azathioprine and steroids. Despite marked clinical improvement, e.g. normalisation of complement components, renal function, the disappearance of rheumatoid factor and proteinuria, the second biopsy taken two years later showed unchanged histological and immuno-histological changes of the glomerula.

Clostridial binary toxins: iota and C2 family portraits.

PubMed

Stiles, Bradley G; Wigelsworth, Darran J; Popoff, Michel R; Barth, Holger

2011-01-01

There are many pathogenic Clostridium species with diverse virulence factors that include protein toxins. Some of these bacteria, such as C. botulinum, C. difficile, C. perfringens, and C. spiroforme, cause enteric problems in animals as well as humans. These often fatal diseases can partly be attributed to binary protein toxins that follow a classic AB paradigm. Within a targeted cell, all clostridial binary toxins destroy filamentous actin via mono-ADP-ribosylation of globular actin by the A component. However, much less is known about B component binding to cell-surface receptors. These toxins share sequence homology amongst themselves and with those produced by another Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium also commonly associated with soil and disease: Bacillus anthracis. This review focuses upon the iota and C2 families of clostridial binary toxins and includes: (1) basics of the bacterial source; (2) toxin biochemistry; (3) sophisticated cellular uptake machinery; and (4) host-cell responses following toxin-mediated disruption of the cytoskeleton. In summary, these protein toxins aid diverse enteric species within the genus Clostridium.

Anti-complementary constituents of Houttuynia cordata and their targets in complement activation cascade.

PubMed

Jiang, Yun; Lu, Yan; Zhang, Yun-Yi; Chen, Dao-Feng

2014-01-01

Activity-guided fractionation for complement inhibitors led to the isolation of 23 known compounds from Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Seven flavonoids, two alkaloids, one coumarin and two phenols showed anti-complementary activity. Preliminary inhibitory mechanism of four flavonoids, including quercitrin, afzelin, isoquercitrin and quercetin in the complement activation cascade were examined for the first time. The results indicated that the target components of flavonols are different from those of flavonosides, and the glycoside moieties may be necessary to block C3 and C4 components.

[Spectral characteristics of dissolved organic matter released during the metabolic process of small medusa].

PubMed

Guo, Dong-Hui; Yi, Yue-Yuan; Zhao, Lei; Guo, Wei-Dong

2012-06-01

The metabolic processes of jellyfish can produce dissolved organic matter (DOM) which will influence the functioning of the aquatic ecosystems, yet the optical properties of DOM released by jellyfish are unknown. Here we report the absorption and fluorescence properties of DOM released by a medusa species Black fordia virginica during a 24 h incubation experiment. Compared with the control group, an obvious increase in the concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), absorption coefficient (a280) and total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) was observed in incubation group. This clearly demonstrated the release of DOM, chromophoric DOM (CDOM) and dissolved nutrients by B. virginica which feed on enough of Artemia sp. before the experiment. The increase in spectral slope ratio (SR) and decrease in humification index (HIX) indicated that the released DOM was less-humified and had relatively lower molecular weight. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) decomposed the fluorescence matrices of DOM into three humic-like components (C1-C3) and one protein-like component (C4). The Fmax of two components (C2: < 250, 295/386 nm; C4: 275/334 nm) with the emission wavelength < 400 nm increased significantly during the metabolic process of B. virginica. However, the Fmax of the other two components with the emission wavelength > 400 nm showed little changes. Thus, we suggested a zooplankton index (ZIX) to trace and characterize the DOM excreted by metabolic activity of zooplankton, which is calculated as the ratio of the sum of Fmax of all fluorescence components with the emission wavelength < 400 nm to the sum of Fmax of the other components with the emission wavelength > 400 nm.

Critical behavior of reduced QED4 ,3 and dynamical fermion gap generation in graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotikov, A. V.; Teber, S.

2016-12-01

The dynamical generation of a fermion gap in graphene is studied at the infra-red Lorentz-invariant fixed point where the system is described by an effective relativistic-like field theory: reduced QED4 ,3 with N four-component fermions (N =2 for graphene), where photons are (3 +1 ) dimensional and mediate a fully retarded interaction among (2 +1 )-dimensional fermions. A correspondence between reduced QED4 ,3 and QED3 allows us to derive an exact gap equation for QED4 ,3 up to next-to-leading order. Our results show that a dynamical gap is generated for α >αc, where 1.03 <αc<1.08 in the case N =2 or for N

Liquidus temperature in the spinel primary phase field: A comparison between optical and crystal fraction methods

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

Riley, Brian J.; Hrma, Pavel; Crum, Jarrod V.

Liquidus temperature (TL) was measured for simulated high-level waste borosilicate glasses covering a Hanford composition region, using an optical method and a crystal-fraction extrapolation method with X-ray diffraction data from isothermal heat treatments. The 38 glasses encompassed a one-component-at-a-time variation of a 16-component matrix. The TL values ranged from 1006°C to 1603°C. First-order polynomial models were fitted to data to obtain coefficients in terms of the effect of 1 mass% component addition on the TL: TL-increasing oxides Cr2O3 (264°C), “Others” (minor components, 163°C), oxides of noble metals (137°C), NiO (91°C), Al2O3 and Fe2O3 (~19–21°C); TL-decreasing oxides K2O (-26°C), Na2O (-41°C),more » and Li2O (-68°C); oxides of little effect MnO, P2O5, ZrO2, F, Bi2O3, SiO2, B2O3, and CaO (9 to -12°C). Also presented are temperatures (T1%) at which glasses contain 1 vol% of spinel as these values are considered relevant to the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant. The measured and estimated values are compared and contrasted and the effect of TL and T1% on glass formulation is discussed.« less

Chemical composition of the essential oils of Centaurea tomentella Hand.-Mazz. and C. haussknechtii Boiss. (Asteraceae) collected wild in Turkey and their activity on microorganisms affecting historical art craft.

PubMed

Bruno, Maurizio; Modica, Aurora; Catinella, Giorgia; Canlı, Cem; Arasoglu, Tülin; Çelik, Sezgin

2018-04-18

In the present study the chemical composition of the essential oils from aerial parts of Centaurea tomentella Hand.-Mazz. and C. haussknechtii Boiss. collected in Turkey was evaluated by GC and GC-MS. The main components of C. tomentella L. were hexadecanoic acid (19.7%), caryophyllene oxide (6.6%) and spathulenol (4.8%) whereas C. haussknechtii was rich in hexadecanoic acid (26.2%), (Z,Z)-9,12-octadecadienoic acid (19.3%), heptacosane (5.3%) and nonacosane (5.1%). Antibacterial and antifungal activities against some microorganisms infesting historical art craft, were also determined.

Crystal structure of 9-butyl-6-[2-(pyridin-4-yl)ethen­yl]carbazol-3-amine

PubMed Central

Zhang, Ping; Bai, Xiang-Yang; Zhang, Ting

2015-01-01

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C23H23N3, consists of two mol­ecules, A and B, with different conformations. In mol­ecule A, the dihedral angle between the carbazole ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.028 Å) and the pyridine ring is 20.28 (9)° and the N—C—C—C torsion angle of the butyl side chain is −63.4 (3)°. The equivalent data for mol­ecule B are 0.065 Å, 48.28 (11)° and 61.0 (3)°, respectively. In the crystal, the components are connected by weak N—H⋯N hydrogen bonds, generating [030] C(14) chains of alternating A and B mol­ecules. PMID:25995940

Nondestructive evaluation of ceramic and metal matrix composites for NASA's HITEMP and enabling propulsion materials programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Generazio, Edward R.

1992-01-01

In a preliminary study, ultrasonic, x-ray opaque, and fluorescent dye penetrants techniques were used to evaluate and characterize ceramic and metal matrix composites. Techniques are highlighted for identifying porosity, fiber alignment, fiber uniformity, matrix cracks, fiber fractures, unbonds or disbonds between laminae, and fiber-to-matrix bond variations. The nondestructive evaluations (NDE) were performed during processing and after thermomechanical testing. Specific examples are given for Si3N4/SiC (SCS-6 fiber), FeCrAlY/Al2O3 fibers, Ti-15-3/SiC (SCS-6 fiber) materials, and Si3N4/SiC (SCS-6 fiber) actively cooled panel components. Results of this study indicate that the choice of the NDE tools to be used can be optimized to yield a faithful and accurate evaluation of advanced composites.

Soil Components in Heterogeneous Impact Glass in Martian Meteorite EETA79001

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schrader, C. M.; Cohen, B. A.; Donovan, J. J.; Vicenzi, E. P.

2010-01-01

Martian soil composition can illuminate past and ongoing near-surface processes such as impact gardening [2] and hydrothermal and volcanic activity [3,4]. Though the Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) have analyzed the major-element composition of Martian soils, no soil samples have been returned to Earth for detailed chemical analysis. Rao et al. [1] suggested that Martian meteorite EETA79001 contains melted Martian soil in its impact glass (Lithology C) based on sulfur enrichment of Lithology C relative to the meteorite s basaltic lithologies (A and B) [1,2]. If true, it may be possible to extract detailed soil chemical analyses using this meteoritic sample. We conducted high-resolution (0.3 m/pixel) element mapping of Lithology C in thin section EETA79001,18 by energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). We use these data for principal component analysis (PCA).

Effects of various reactive gas atmospheres on the properties of bio-oil using microwave pyrolysis

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Fast pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass produces organic liquids (bio-oil), bio-char, water, and non-condensable gases. The non-condensable gas component typically contains syngas (H2, CO and CO2) as well as small hydrocarbons (CH4, C2H6, and C3H8). Tail Gas Reactive Pyrolysis (TGRP), a patent p...

Photochemical reactivities of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in a sub-alpine lake revealed by EEM-PARAFAC: An insight into the fate of allochthonous DOM in alpine lakes affected by climate change.

PubMed

Du, Yingxun; Zhang, Yuanyuan; Chen, Feizhou; Chang, Yuguang; Liu, Zhengwen

2016-10-15

Due to climate change, tree line advance is occurring in many alpine regions. Within the next 50 to 100years, alpine lake catchments are expected to develop increased vegetation cover similar to that of sub-alpine lake catchments which currently exist below the tree line. Such changes in vegetation could trigger increased allochthonous DOM inputs to alpine lakes. To understand the fate of allochthonous DOM in alpine lakes impacted by climate change, the photochemical reactivity of DOM in sub-alpine Lake Tiancai (located 200m below the tree line) was investigated by excitation emission matrix fluorescence combined with parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC) and UV-Vis spectra analysis. With photo-exposure, a decrease in apparent DOM molecular weight was observed and 32% DOM was photomineralized to CO2. Interestingly, the aromaticity of DOM increased after photodegradation, as evidenced by increases in both the specific UV absorbance at 254nm (SUVA254) and the humification index (HIX). Five EEM-PARAFAC components were identified, including four terrestrially-derived substances (C1, C2, C3 and C4; allochthonous) and one tryptophan-like substance (C5; autochthonous). Generally, allochthonous DOM represented by C2 and C3 exhibited greater photoreactivity than autochthonous DOM represented by C5. C4 was identified as a possible photoproduct with relatively high aromaticity and photorefractive tendencies and contributed to the observed increase in SUVA254 and HIX. UV light facilitated the photodegradation of DOM and had the greatest effect on the removal of C3. This study provides information on the transformation of EEM-PARAFAC components in a sub-alpine lake, which is important in understanding the fate of increased allochthonous DOM inputs to alpine lakes impacted by climate change. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Solubility of mixtures of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide in aqueous N-methyldiethanolamine solutions

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

Jou, Fang Yuan; Carroll, J.J.; Mather, A.E.

1993-01-01

Aqueous solutions of alkanolamines are commonly used to strip acid gases (H[sub 2]S and CO[sub 2]) from streams contaminated with these components. The two most widely used amines are monoethanolamine (MEA) and diethanolamine (DEA). The solubilities of mixtures of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide in a 35 wt% (3.04 kmol/m[sup 3]) aqueous solution of N-methyldiethanolamine at 40 and 100C have been measured. Partial pressures of the acid gases ranged from 0.006 to 101 kPa at 40C and from 4 to 530 kPa at 100C.

NDVI, C3 and C4 production, and distributions in Great Plains grassland land cover classes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tieszen, L.L.; Reed, Bradley C.; Bliss, Norman B.; Wylie, Bruce K.; DeJong, Benjamin D.

1997-01-01

The distributions of C3 and C4 grasses were used to interpret the distribution, seasonal performance, and potential production of grasslands in the Great Plains of North America. Thirteen major grassland seasonal land cover classes were studied with data from three distinct sources. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data derived from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) sensor were collected for each pixel over a 5-yr period (1989–1993), analyzed for quantitative attributes and seasonal relationships, and then aggregated by land cover class. Data from the State Soil Geographic (STATSGO) database were used to identify dominant plant species contributing to the potential production in each map unit. These species were identified as C3 or C4, and contributions to production were aggregated to provide estimates of the percentage of C3 and C4 production for each intersection of the STATSGO map units and the seasonal land cover classes. Carbon isotope values were obtained at specific sites from the soil organic matter of the upper horizon of soil cores and were related to STATSGO estimates of potential production.The grassland classes were distributed with broad northwest-to-southeast orientations. Some classes had large variations in C3 and C4 composition with high proportions of C4species in the south and low proportions in the north. This diversity of photosynthetic types within land cover classes that cross regions of different temperature and precipitation results in similar seasonal patterns and magnitudes of NDVI. The easternmost class, 65, containing tallgrass prairie components, bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass, possessed the highest maximum NDVI and time-integrated NDVI values each year. Grassland classes varied over 5 yr from a high integrated NDVI mean of 4.9 in class 65 in the east to a low of 1.2 in class 76 (sand sage, blue grama, wheatgrass, and buffalograss) in the southwest. Although environmental conditions varied widely during the 5 yr, the rankings of class performance were consistent across years for these NDVI metrics. Land cover classes were less consistent in time of onset, which was often earlier in areas in the north dominated by C3 grasses than in areas to the south dominated by C4grasses. At the level of seasonal land cover classes, no significant relationship was found between the proportions of C3 and C4 species and estimates of potential production derived from the STATSGO database or inferred from the seasonal patterns of NDVI. The isotopic data from specific sites and the potential production data from STATSGO suggest similar patterns of high proportional production by C4 species throughout the south and a decline in proportional production north of the central Great Plains. The land cover classes integrate ecosystem units that encompass a wide diversity of species and C3 and C4 proportions and provide a classification that consistently captures significant ecosystem parameters for the Great Plains.

Different molecular conformations co-exist in each of three 2-aryl-N-(1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)acetamides: hydrogen bonding in zero, one and two dimensions.

PubMed

Narayana, Badiadka; Yathirajan, Hemmige S; Rathore, Ravindranath S; Glidewell, Christopher

2016-09-01

4-Antipyrine [4-amino-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3(2H)-one] and its derivatives exhibit a range of biological activities, including analgesic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and new examples are always of potential interest and value. 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-N-(1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)acetamide, C19H18ClN3O2, (I), crystallizes with Z' = 2 in the space group P\\overline{1}, whereas its positional isomer 2-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-(1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)acetamide, (II), crystallizes with Z' = 1 in the space group C2/c; the molecules of (II) are disordered over two sets of atomic sites having occupancies of 0.6020 (18) and 0.3980 (18). The two independent molecules of (I) adopt different molecular conformations, as do the two disorder components in (II), where the 2-chlorophenyl substituents adopt different orientations. The molecules of (I) are linked by a combination of N-H...O and C-H...O hydrogen bonds to form centrosymmetric four-molecule aggregates, while those of (II) are linked by the same types of hydrogen bonds forming sheets. The related compound N-(1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-2-(3-methoxyphenyl)acetamide, C20H21N3O3, (III), is isomorphous with (I) but not strictly isostructural; again the two independent molecules adopt different molecular conformations, and the molecules are linked by N-H...O and C-H...O hydrogen bonds to form ribbons. Comparisons are made with some related structures, indicating that a hydrogen-bonded R2(2)(10) ring is the common structural motif.

Gold nanoparticles-coated magnetic microspheres as affinity matrix for detection of hemoglobin A1c in blood by microfluidic immunoassay.

PubMed

Chen, Shao-Peng; Yu, Xiao-Dong; Xu, Jing-Juan; Chen, Hong-Yuan

2011-08-15

A novel microfluidic immunoassay system for specific detection of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was developed based on a three-component shell/shell/core structured magnetic nanocomposite Au/chitosan/Fe(3)O(4), which was synthesized with easy handling feature of Fe(3)O(4) by magnet, high affinity for gold nanoparticles of chitosan and good immobilization ability for anti-human hemoglobin-A1c antibody (HbA1c mAb) of assembled colloidal gold nanoparticles. The resulting HbA1c mAb/Au/chitosan/Fe(3)O(4) magnetic nanoparticles were then introduced into microfluidic devices coupled with a gold nanoband microelectrode as electrochemical detector. After that, three-step rapid immunoreactions were carried out in the sequence of HbA1c, anti-human hemoglobin antibodies (Hb mAb) and the secondary alkaline phosphatase (AP)-conjugated antibody within 20 min. The current response of 1-naphtol obtained from the reaction between the secondary AP-conjugated antibody and 1-naphthyl phosphate (1-NP) increased proportionally to the HbA1c concentration. Under optimized electrophoresis and detection conditions, HbA1c responded linearly in the concentration of 0.05-1.5 μg mL(-1), with the detection limit of 0.025 μg mL(-1). This system was successfully employed for detection of HbA1c in blood with good accuracy and renewable ability. The proposed method proved its potential use in clinical immunoassay of HbA1c. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Graphene and g-C3N4 based photocatalysts for NOx removal: A review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikokavoura, Aspasia; Trapalis, Christos

2018-02-01

NOx liberated into atmosphere from automobile exhausts and fossil fuel combustion, comprise the major air pollutants. They are responsible for serious environmental problems such as acid rain, ozone accumulation, haze and photochemical smog. Besides they contribute to the deterioration of human health by causing decrease of the lung function and respiratory problems. The application of photocatalytic methods in order to mitigate the presence of NOx in the atmosphere is preferable as they are environmentally friendly, mild and low cost. Therefore, in this review, the photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4 and graphene based composites towards NOx removal was discussed. NOx oxidation to non volatile nitrates on the surface of graphene and g-C3N4 based photocatalysts has attracted much interest during the last years due to their structures with unique features such as large specific surface area, thermal and chemical stability and enhanced visible light utilization. The formation of 2D-2D intimate heterojunctions between graphene or g-C3N4 and other components ensures the enhanced charge transfer, lifetime of electron/hole pairs and thus photocatalytic activity. The increased visible light harvesting also contributes to their usefulness as effective photocatalytic materials. In the present work, the advantages of these novel photocatalysts and the differences/similarities between them were exhaustively highlighted. The role of graphene as catalyst promoter, electron reservoir, support and photosensitizer in its photocatalytic composites was emphasized. The effect of g-C3N4 doping and copolymerization with metals/semiconductors on its photocatalytic activity towards NOx oxidation was thoroughly discussed. Besides, the preparation methods, photocatalytic efficiencies, type of irradiation, utilization of appropriate cocatalysts, and reaction mechanisms during the photocatalytic NOx removal by graphene and g-C3N4 composies, were summarized. It was demonstrated that in the vast majority of graphene and g-C3N4 based photocatalysts, the dominant reactive species on their surface during photocatalytic NOx removal, are O2rad - radicals.

C- and O-glycosyl flavonoids in Sanguinello and Tarocco blood orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) juice: Identification and influence on antioxidant properties and acetylcholinesterase activity.

PubMed

Barreca, Davide; Gattuso, Giuseppe; Laganà, Giuseppina; Leuzzi, Ugo; Bellocco, Ersilia

2016-04-01

Sanguinello and Tarocco are the blood orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) cultivars most diffused worldwide. Reversed phase liquid chromatography coupled with MS-MS analysis showed that these two varieties have a similar chromatographic pattern, characterised by the presence of C- and O-glycosyl flavonoids. Of the two, Sanguinello was found to be far richer in flavonoids than Tarocco. In the juices, twelve individual components were identified for the first time, namely, four C-glycosyl flavones (lucenin-2, vicenin-2, stellarin-2, lucenin-2 4'-methyl ether and scoparin), three flavonol derivatives (quercetin-3-O-(2-rhamnosyl)-rutinoside, quercetin-3-O-hexoside, quercetin 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-glycoside), an O-triglycosyl flavanone (narirutin 4'-O-glucoside) and a flavone O-glycosides (chrysoeriol 7-O-neoesperidoside). Moreover, the influence of the identified C- and O-glycosyl flavonoids on the antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase activity of these juices has been evaluated. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The physicochemical and thermal properties of Malaysian high free fatty acid crude palm oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahadi, Murad Awadh; Salimon, Jumat; Japir, Abd-Wali M.

2016-11-01

This study was carried out to determine the physicochemical properties and the thermal behavior of Malaysian high free fatty acid crude palm oil (HFFA-CPO). The physicochemical properties showed that the free fatty acid (FFA %), acid value, iodine value, saponification value, unsaponifiable matter, hydroxyl value, specific gravity, refractive index at 28°C, moisture content, viscosity at 28°C and colour at 28°C values were 9.4±0.1 %, 21.3±0.1 mg/g, 50.6±0.2 mg/g, 203.1±0.1 mg/g, 0.7±0.1%, 43.4±0.2 mg/g, 0.878 g/ml, 1.4669, 0.6 %, 52 cP and 50R-40Y respectively. Gas chromatography (GC) was used to determine the fatty acid (FA) composition in HFFA-CPO. The fatty acids were found to be comprised mostly with 45.7 % palmitic acid (C16:0), 39.5 % oleic acid (C18:1), 9.4 % linoleic acid (C18:2) and 4.3 % stearic acid (C18:0). The analysis of triacylglycerol components with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has resulted with 3.5 % triunsaturated (OOO, OLL and OLO), 32.7 % monosaturated (POO, PLO, SOO and PLL), 35.7 % disaturated (MLP, PPL, PPO, POS and SOS) and 2.32 % trisaturated fatty acids (PPP and PPS). The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the crystallization of TAG displayed two major exothermic regions of HFFA-CPO with the di and trisaturated TAG at 23.11°C and the di and triunsaturated TAG at 9.31 °C. The melting curve displayed multiple endothermic peak regions at 25.13 °C and 35.31 °C could be attributed to the di and trisaturated TAGs. While the peaks at 0.95 °C, 6.94 °C and 9.77 °C could be attributed to the mono, di and triunsaturated TAGs.

Refinement of Ferrite Grain Size near the Ultrafine Range by Multipass, Thermomechanical Compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patra, S.; Neogy, S.; Kumar, Vinod; Chakrabarti, D.; Haldar, A.

2012-11-01

Plane-strain compression testing was carried out on a Nb-Ti-V microalloyed steel, in a GLEEBLE3500 simulator using a different amount of roughing, intermediate, and finishing deformation over the temperature range of 1373 K to 1073 K (1100 °C to 800 °C). A decrease in soaking temperature from 1473 K to 1273 K (1200 °C to 1000 °C) offered marginal refinement in the ferrite ( α) grain size from 7.8 to 6.6 μm. Heavy deformation using multiple passes between A e3 and A r3 with true strain of 0.8 to 1.2 effectively refined the α grain size (4.1 to 3.2 μm) close to the ultrafine size by dynamic-strain-induced austenite ( γ) → ferrite ( α) transformation (DSIT). The intensities of microstructural banding, pearlite fraction in the microstructure (13 pct), and fraction of the harmful "cube" texture component (5 pct) were reduced with the increase in finishing deformation. Simultaneously, the fractions of high-angle (>15 deg misorientation) boundaries (75 to 80 pct), beneficial gamma-fiber (ND//<111>) texture components, along with {332}<133> and {554}<225> components were increased. Grain refinement and the formation of small Fe3C particles (50- to 600-nm size) increased the hardness of the deformed samples (184 to 192 HV). For the same deformation temperature [1103 K (830 °C)], the difference in α-grain sizes obtained after single-pass (2.7 μm) and multipass compression (3.2 μm) can be explained in view of the static- and dynamic-strain-induced γ → α transformation, strain partitioning between γ and α, dynamic recovery and dynamic recrystallization of the deformed α, and α-grain growth during interpass intervals.

Collaboration of Antibody and Inflammation in Clearance of Rabies Virus from the Central Nervous System

PubMed Central

Hooper, D. Craig; Morimoto, Kinjiro; Bette, Michael; Weihe, Eberhard; Koprowski, Hilary; Dietzschold, Bernhard

1998-01-01

To investigate the involvement of various cellular and humoral aspects of immunity in the clearance of rabies virus from the central nervous system, (CNS), we studied the development of clinical signs and virus clearance from the CNS in knockout mice lacking either B and T cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, B cells, alpha/beta interferon (IFN-α/β) receptors, IFN-γ receptors, or complement components C3 and C4. Following intranasal infection with the attenuated rabies virus CVS-F3, normal adult mice of different genetic backgrounds developed a transient disease characterized by loss of body weight and appetite depression which peaked at 13 days postinfection (p.i.). While these animals had completely recovered by day 21 p.i., mice lacking either B and T cells or B cells alone developed a progressive disease and succumbed to infection. Mice lacking either CD8+ T cells, IFN receptors, or complement components C3 and C4 showed no significant differences in the development of clinical signs by comparison with intact counterparts having the same genetic background. However, while infectious virus and viral RNA could be detected in normal control mice only until day 8 p.i., in all of the gene knockout mice studied except those lacking C3 and C4, virus infection persisted through day 21 p.i. Analysis of rabies virus-specific antibody production together with histological assessment of brain inflammation in infected animals revealed that clearance of CVS-F3 by 21 days p.i. correlated with both a strong inflammatory response in the CNS early in the infection (day 8 p.i.), and the rapid (day 10 p.i.) production of significant levels of virus-neutralizing antibody (VNA). These studies confirm that rabies VNA is an absolute requirement for clearance of an established rabies virus infection. However, for the latter to occur in a timely fashion, collaboration between VNA and inflammatory mechanisms is necessary. PMID:9557653

Sialons as high temperature insulators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, W. M.; Kuo, Y. S.

1978-01-01

Sialons were evaluated for application as high temperature electrical insulators in contact with molybdenum and tungsten components in hard vacuum applications. Both D.C. and variable frequency A.C. resistivity data indicate the sialons to have electrical resistivity similar to common oxide in the 1000 C or higher range. Metallographic evaluations indicate good bonding of the type 15R ALN polytype to molybdenum and tungsten. The beta prime or modified silicon nitride phase was unacceptable in terms of vacuum stability. Additives effect on electrical resistivity. Similar resistivity decreases were produced by additions of molybdenum or tungsten to form cermets. The use of hot pressing at 1800 C with ALN, Al2 O3 and Si3N4 starting powders produced a better product than did a combination of SiO2 and AIN staring powders. It was indicated that sialons will be suitable insulators in the 1600K range in contact with molybdenum or tungsten if they are produced as a pure ceramic and subsequently bonded to the metal components at temperatures in the 1600K range.

Evaluation of Silicon Nitride for Brayton Turbine Wheel Application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freedman, Marc R.

2008-01-01

Silicon nitride (Si3N4) is being evaluated as a risk-reduction alternative for a Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter Brayton turbine wheel in the event that the Prometheus program design requirements exceed the creep strength of the baseline metallic superalloys. Five Si3N4 ceramics, each processed by a different method, were screened based on the Weibull distribution of bend strength at 1700 F (927 C). Three of the Si3N4 ceramics, Honeywell AS800, Kyocera SN282, and Saint-Gobain NT154, had bend strengths in excess of 87 ksi (600 MPa) at 1700 F (927 C). These were chosen for further assessment and consideration for future subcomponent and component fabrication and testing.

Bu-2470, a new peptide antibiotic complex. II. Structure determination of Bu-2470 A, B1, B2a and B2b.

PubMed

Sugawara, K; Yonemoto, T; Konishi, M; Matsumoto, K; Miyaki, T; Kawaguchi, H

1983-06-01

The structures of Bu-2470 A, B1, B2a, and B2b have been determined. Bu-2470 A is a simple octapeptide having no fatty acid moiety, while Bu-2470 B1, B2a and B2b are octapeptides that have been acylated with a beta-hydroxy C11 or C10 fatty acid. The octapeptide structure of Bu-2470 components was found identical with that of octapeptin C1, hence generic names of octapeptin C0, C2, C3 and C4 are proposed for Bu-2470 A, B1, B2a and B2b, respectively.

The air pollution caused by the burning of fireworks during the lantern festival in Beijing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ying; Zhuang, Guoshun; Xu, Chang; An, Zhisheng

The effects of the burning of fireworks on air quality in Beijing was firstly assessed from the ambient concentrations of various air pollutants (SO 2, NO 2, PM 2.5, PM 10 and chemical components in the particles) during the lantern festival in 2006. Eighteen ions, 20 elements, and black carbon were measured in PM 2.5 and PM 10, and the levels of organic carbon could be well estimated from the concentrations of dicarboxylic acids. Primary components of Ba, K, Sr, Cl -, Pb, Mg and secondary components of C 5H 6O 42-, C 3H 2O 42-, C 2O 42-, C 4H 4O 42-, SO 42-, NO 3- were over five times higher in the lantern days than in the normal days. The firework particles were acidic and of inorganic matter mostly with less amounts of secondary components. Primary aerosols from the burning of fireworks were mainly in the fine mode, while secondary formation of acidic anions mainly took place on the coarse particles. Nitrate was mainly formed through homogeneous gas-phase reactions of NO 2, while sulfate was largely from heterogeneous catalytic transformations of SO 2. Fe could catalyze the formation of nitrate through the reaction of α-Fe 2O 3 with HNO 3, while in the formation of sulfate, Fe is not only the catalyst, but also the oxidant. A simple method using the concentration of potassium and a modified method using the ratio of Mg/Al have been developed to quantify the source contribution of fireworks. It was found that over 90% of the total mineral aerosol and 98% of Pb, 43% of total carbon, 28% of Zn, 8% of NO 3-, and 3% of SO 42- in PM 2.5 were from the emissions of fireworks on the lantern night.

Adaptation of the cortical somatosensory evoked potential following pulsed pneumatic stimulation of the lower face in adults.

PubMed

Custead, Rebecca; Oh, Hyuntaek; Rosner, Austin Oder; Barlow, Steven

2015-10-05

Cortical adaptation to sustained sensory input is a pervasive form of short-term plasticity in neurological systems. Its role in sensory perception in health and disease, or predicting long-term plastic changes resulting from sensory training offers insight into the mechanisms of somatosensory and sensorimotor processing. A 4-channel electroencephalography (EEG) recording montage was placed bilaterally (C3-P3, C4-P4, F7-P3, F8-P4) to characterize the short-term effects of pulsed pneumatic orofacial stimulation on the cortical somatosensory evoked potential (cSEP) in twenty neurotypical adults (mean age=21±2.88 years). A servo-controlled pneumatic amplifier was used to deliver a repetitive series of pneumatic pulse trains (six 50-ms pulses, 5-second intertrain interval) through a linked pair of custom acetal homopolymer probes (aka TAC-Cells) adhered to the nonglabrous skin of the lower face proximal to the right oral angle to synchronously activate mechanoreceptive afferents in the trigeminal nerve. Blocks of pulse trains were counterbalanced among participants and delivered at two rates, 2 and 4Hz. TAC-Cell stimulation of the lower face consistently evoked a series of cSEPs at P7, N20, P28, N38, P75, N85, and P115. The spatial organization and adaptation of the evoked cSEP was dependent on stimulus pulse index (1-6 within the pulse train, p=.012), frequency of stimulus presentation (2 vs 4Hz, p<.001), component (P7-P115, p<.001), and recording montage (channels 1-4, p<.001). Early component latencies (P7-N20) were highly stable in polarity (sign) and latency, and consistent with putative far-field generators (e.g., trigeminal brainstem, ventroposteromedial thalamus). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Differences in fluorescence characteristics and bioavailability of water-soluble organic matter (WSOM) in sediments and suspended solids in Lihu Lake, China.

PubMed

Wang, Wenwen; Wang, Shuhang; Jiang, Xia; Zheng, Binghui; Zhao, Li; Zhang, Bo; Chen, Junyi

2018-05-01

The spectral characteristics, spatial distribution, and bioavailability of water-soluble organic matter (WSOM) in suspended solids and surface sediments of Lihu Lake, China, were investigated through excitation-emission matrix spectra and parallel factor analysis. The average content of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the sediments reached 643.28 ± 58.34 mg C/kg and that in suspended solids was 714.87 ± 69.24 mg C/kg. The fluorescence intensity of WSOM totaled 90.87 ± 5.65 and 115.42 ± 8.02 RU/g for the sediments and suspended solids, respectively. The DOC and fluorescence intensity of the WSOM showed an increasing trend moving from the west to the east of the lake. The WSOM in sediments and suspended solids contained two humic-like (C1 and C2) and one tryptophan-like (C3) components. These components had different fluorescent peaks and relative proportions. In the sediments, the relative proportions of C1, C2, and C3 were 33.71% ± 0.71, 26.83% ± 0.68, and 39.50% ± 0.71%, respectively. Meanwhile, C1 (35.77 ± 0.84%), C2 (34.07 ± 0.61%), and C3 (30.16 ± 0.75%) had similar relative percentages in suspended solids. The sediments had a lower humification index (3.02 ± 0.08) than the suspended solids (4.04 ± 0.15). Exchangeable nitrogen for the sediments and suspended solids was dominated by exchangeable ammonium nitrogen and soluble organic nitrogen, respectively. WSOM plays an important role in migration and transformation of nitrogen in sediments and suspended solids. The sediment-derived WSOM exhibited higher lability and biological activity than did the suspended solid-derived WSOM. The relative ratio of the intensity of protein-like fluorescent component to that of the humic-like one can be used as a reference index to evaluate the lability and biological activity of WSOM in sediments and suspended solids.

Conformational analysis of some N,N-diethyl-2-[(4‧-substituted) phenylthio] acetamides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vinhato, Elisângela; Olivato, Paulo R.; Zukerman-Schpector, Julio; Dal Colle, Maurizio

2013-11-01

The conformational analysis of some N,N-diethyl-2[(4‧-substituted)phenylthio]acetamides bearing the substituents OMe 1, Me 2, H 3, Cl 4, Br 5 and NO26, was performed by νCO IR analysis, along with B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) and Polarisable Continuum Model (PCM) calculations, as well as NBO analysis for 1, 3, and 6 and X-ray diffraction for 4. The results of the calculations indicated the existence of two stable conformation pairs, i.e. gauche (anti; syn) (most stable) and cis (anti; syn) in the gas phase. The gauche conformers were less polar with respect to the cis ones for 1 and 3, but more polar for 6. The most intense IR carbonyl doublet component observed at the lower frequency can be ascribed to the gauche conformers g(anti; syn) for 3-6 in n-C6H14, which is in agreement with the gauche and cis relative stabilities and frequencies resulting from the PCM calculations. Similarly, the single IR band for 1 and 2 in n-hexane may be attributed to the gauche conformers. The PCM calculations compared well with the IR data for the compounds in solution, showing that there is a progressive increase of the cis/gauche population ratio as the solvent polarity increases. The NBO analysis indicated that the gauche(anti; syn) conformation in the gas phase was stabilized by the relevant LPS4 → πC 2dbnd O 1∗, πC 2dbnd O 1 → σC 3sbnd S 4∗ , σC 3sbnd S 4 → πC 2dbnd O 1∗, πC 2dbnd O 1∗ → σC 3sbnd S 4∗, and LPO1 →σ∗ C11sbnd H28 orbital interactions, which were absent in the cis(anti; syn) conformer. On the contrary, the cis conformer for derivatives 1, 3, and 6 were stabilized by the σC 3 -S 4∗ →σ∗ C2sbnd N5 orbital interaction (through bond coupling), along with the additional LPO1 →σ∗ S4sbnd C10 interaction for 6. Moreover, the electrostatic repulsion between the Cδ+sbnd Sδ- and Cδ+dbnd Oδ- dipoles (Repulsive Field Effect) contributed to both the larger destabilization and increase of the νCO frequency of the cis conformer with respect to the gauche conformer. X-ray single crystal analysis indicates that compound 4 assumes the c2(anti) conformation in the solid state, which is the conformation obtained by compound 6 in the gas phase. To obtain the largest energy gain, the molecules were arranged in the crystal in a six-molecules synthon mediated by Csbnd H⋯O and Cl⋯Cl interactions, where the chlorine atoms were related by a crystallographic inversion center.

Helium and carbon isotope systematics of Rungwe geothermal gases and fluids; southern Tanzania

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barry, P. H.

2009-12-01

P. H. BARRY1*, D. R. HILTON1, T. P. FISCHER2, J. M. DE MOOR2, F. MANGASINI3 C. RAMIREZ4 1 Geosciences Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD, La Jolla, California 92093-0244, USA (*Correspondence: pbarry@ucsd.edu) 2 Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC 03 2040, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-0001, USA. 3 Department of Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering, University of Dar Es Salaam, PO Box 35131, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. 4 Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Geologicas, Escuela Centroamericana de Geologia, Universidad de Costa Rica. The East African Rift (EAR) is the largest modern example of continental rifting, extending from the Afar depression in the north to the Rungwe region in southern Tanzania. EAR volcanism is attributed to the presence of one or more mantle plumes [1]. Late Miocene to recent volcanism and geothermal activity mark the Rungwe region [2], with mafic eruptions as recently as 200 years ago. Our aim is to delineate the southern geographical extent of plume influence on the propagating EAR by investigating the He-CO2 characteristics of geothermal fluids in the Rungwe region. We report new helium (He) and carbon (C) isotopes (3He/4He, δ13C) and relative abundance (CO2/3He) characteristics for a suite of 20 geothermal gas and fluid samples from 11 different localities in the Rungwe region. He-isotopes are in good agreement with previous reports [3], and range from ~1 RA to ~7 RA (MORB-like values), indicating admixture between upper mantle He and variable proportions of radiogenic He. C-isotopes ranges from -2.8 to -6.5 ‰ (vs. PDB) with all falling in the MORB range (~4.5 ± 2‰). CO2/3He ratios vary over 5 orders of magnitude from ~3 x 10^9 (MORB-like) to higher values (up to ~3 x 10^13) normally associated with crustal lithologies. Taken together, the He-CO2 data can be explained by 2-component mixing of a deep-seated mantle source with crustal component(s). There are no observed latitudinal isotopic trends in He-CO2. However, the two localities with MORB-like 3He/4He ratios ~6 to 7 RA, δ13C ~ -4 to -5 ‰ and CO2/3He ~ 4 x10^9 are both cold temperature (~ 15°C) CO2 gas vents. The MORB-like characteristics of these cold vents are comparable to MORB-like values observed at Oldoinyo Lengai in northern Tanzania [4], suggesting that both Rungwe region and Oldoinyo Lengai may derive their volatile compositions from a homogeneous (MORB-like) mantle source common to the entire segment of the southern EAR. [1] Furman (2007) Journal of African Earth Sciences 48, 147-160. [2] Ebinger et al. (1989) Journal of Geophysical Research 94, 15,785-15,803. [3] Pik et al. (2006) Chemical Geology 226, 100-114. [4] Fisher et al. (2009) Nature 459, 77-80.

Field-Scale Partitioning of Ecosystem Respiration Components Suggests Carbon Stabilization in a Bioenergy Grass Ecosystem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Black, C. K.; Miller, J. N.; Masters, M. D.; Bernacchi, C.; DeLucia, E. H.

2014-12-01

Annually-harvested agroecosystems have the potential to be net carbon sinks only if their root systems allocate sufficient carbon belowground and if this carbon is then retained as stable soil organic matter. Soil respiration measurements are the most common approach to evaluate the stability of soil carbon at experimental time scales, but valid inferences require the partitioning of soil respiration into root-derived (current-year C) and heterotrophic (older C) components. This partitioning is challenging at the field scale because roots and soil are intricately mixed and physical separation in impossible without disturbing the fluxes to be measured. To partition soil flux and estimate the C sink potential of bioenergy crops, we used the carbon isotope difference between C3 and C4 plant species to quantify respiration from roots of three C4 grasses (maize, Miscanthus, and switchgrass) grown in a site with a mixed cropping history where respiration from the breakdown of old soil carbon has a mixed C3-C4 signature. We used a Keeling plot approach to partition fluxes both at the soil surface using soil chambers and from the whole field using continuous flow sampling of air within and above the canopy. Although soil respiration rates from perennial grasses were higher than those from maize, the isotopic signature of respired carbon indicated that the fraction of soil CO2 flux attributable to current-year vegetation was 1.5 (switchgrass) to 2 (Miscanthus) times greater in perennials than that from maize, indicating that soil CO2 flux came mostly from roots and turnover of soil organic matter was reduced in the perennial crops. This reduction in soil heterotrophic respiration, combined with the much greater quantities of C allocated belowground by perennial grasses compared to maize, suggests that perennial grasses grown as bioenergy crops may be able to provide an additional climate benefit by acting as carbon sinks in addition to reducing fossil fuel consumption.

Transport mechanism for lovastatin acid in bovine kidney NBL-1 cells: kinetic evidences imply involvement of monocarboxylate transporter 4.

PubMed

Nagasawa, Kazuki; Nagai, Katsuhito; Ishimoto, Atsushi; Fujimoto, Sadaki

2003-08-27

We previously indicated that lovastatin acid, a 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor, was transported by a monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) in cultured rat mesangial cells. In this study, to identify the MCT isoform(s) responsible for the lovastatin acid uptake, the transport mechanism was investigated using bovine kidney NBL-1 cells, which have been reported to express only MCT4 at the protein level. On RT-PCR analysis, the message of mRNAs for MCT1 and MCT4 was detected in the NBL-1 cells used in this study, which was confirmed by kinetic analysis of [14C]L-lactic acid uptake, consisting of high- and low-affinity components corresponding to MCT1 and MCT4, respectively. The lovastatin acid uptake depended on an inwardly directed H+-gradient, and was inhibited by representative monocarboxylates, but not by inhibitors/substrates for organic anion transporting polypeptides and organic anion transporters. In addition, L-lactic acid competitively inhibited the uptake of lovastatin acid and lovastatin acid inhibited the low affinity component of [14C]L-lactic acid uptake dose dependently. The inhibition constant of L-lactic acid for lovastatin acid uptake was almost the same as the Michaelis constant for [14C]L-lactic acid uptake by the low-affinity component. These kinetic evidences imply that lovastatin acid was taken up into NBL-1 cells via MCT4.

Growth and optical, magnetic and transport properties of (C4H9NH3)2MCl4 organic-inorganic hybrid films (M = Cu, Sn)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aruta, C.; Licci, F.; Zappettini, A.; Bolzoni, F.; Rastelli, F.; Ferro, P.; Besagni, T.

2005-10-01

Films of (C4H9NH3)2MCl4 (M=Cu and Sn) organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites have been deposited in-situ by a single-source thermal ablation technique on glassy, crystalline and polymeric substrates. Independently of the substrate, the films were well crystallized, c-axis oriented and with a narrow rocking curve of the (0010) reflection (full width at half maximum <1°). The (0 0 ℓ) reflections were consistent with those of the bulk orthorhombic phases and the “c” lattice parameters were 30.85±0.05 and 32.35±0.05 Å, for the Cu- and the Sn-compound, respectively. (C4H9NH3)2CuCl4 films had an optical absorption peak at 375 nm at room temperature. From the magnetic point of view they act as layered nanocomposites with a dominant ferromagnetic component localized in planes (2D magnetism). Tc was 7.3±0.1 K and a moderate easy-plane anisotropy was observed. The photoluminescence spectra of typical (C4H9NH3)2SnCl4 films at 12 K had a broad yellow band, which did not correspond to any significant peak in the absorption spectrum. The films were semiconducting down to 250 K or, in the case of the best samples, down to 200 K and became insulating at lower temperature. The resistivity of the best films was (5±1) 104 Ω cm at 300 K, and the energy gap was 1.11 eV.

Molybdenum-independent nitrogenases of Azotobacter vinelandii: a functional species of alternative nitrogenase-3 isolated from a molybdenum-tolerant strain contains an iron-molybdenum cofactor.

PubMed Central

Pau, R N; Eldridge, M E; Lowe, D J; Mitchenall, L A; Eady, R R

1993-01-01

Nitrogenase-3 of Azotobacter vinelandii is synthesized under conditions of molybdenum and vanadium deficiency. The minimal metal requirement for its synthesis, and its metal content, indicated that the only transition metal in nitrogenase-3 was iron [Chisnell, Premakumar and Bishop (1988) J. Bacteriol. 170, 27-33; Pau, Mitchenall and Robson (1989) J. Bacteriol. 171, 124-129]. A new species of nitrogenase-3 has been purified from a strain of A. vinelandii (RP306) lacking structural genes for the Mo- and V-nitrogenases and containing a mutation which enables nitrogenase-3 to be synthesized in the presence of molybdenum. SDS/PAGE showed that component 1 contained a 15 kDa polypeptide which N-terminal amino acid sequence determination showed to be encoded by anfG. This confirms that nitrogenase-3, like V-nitrogenase, comprises three subunits. Preparations of the nitrogenase-3 from strain RP306 contained 24 Fe atoms and 1 Mo atom per molecule. Characterization of the cofactor centre of the enzyme by e.p.r. spectroscopy and an enzymic cofactor assay, together with stimulation of the growth of strain RP306 by Mo, showed that nitrogenase-3 can incorporate the Mo-nitrogenase cofactor (FeMoco) to form a functional enzyme. The specific activities (nmol of product produced/min per mg of protein) determined from activity titration curves were: under N2, NH3 formation 110, with concomitant H2 evolution of 220; under argon, H2 evolution 350; under 10% acetylene (C2H2) in argon, ethylene (C2H4) 58, ethane (C2H6) 26, and concomitant H2 evolution 226. The rate of formation of C2H6 was non-linear, and the C2H6/C2H4 ratio strongly dependent on the ratio of nitrogenase components. PMID:8392330

10 CFR 50.36 - Technical specifications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... presents a challenge to the integrity of a fission product barrier. (C) Criterion 3. A structure, system... integrity of a fission product barrier. (D) Criterion 4. A structure, system, or component which operating...

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

Gabuda, S. P.; Kozlova, S. G.; Novosibirsk State University, 2, Pirogova Str., Novosibirsk 630090

We report an abnormal difference of low-temperature mobility of left-twisted and right-twisted conformations of roto symmetric molecules C{sub 6}H{sub 12}N{sub 2} (dabco) located in the same positions in crystal Zn{sub 2}(C{sub 8}H{sub 4}O{sub 4}){sub 2}⋅C{sub 6}H{sub 12}N{sub 2}. The difference between {sup 1}H NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spin-relaxation data for left-twisted and right-twisted molecules reaches ∼3 × 10{sup 3} times at 8 K and tends to grow at lower temperatures. We argue that taking into account four-component relativistic Dirac wave functions in the vicinity of the nodal plane of dabco molecules and vacuum fluctuations due to virtual particle-antiparticle pairs canmore » explain the changes which C{sub 6}H{sub 12}N{sub 2} conformations undergo at low temperatures.« less

Crystal structure, quantum mechanical investigation, IR and NMR spectroscopy of two new organic perchlorates: (C6H18N3)·(ClO4)3H2O (I) and (C9H11N2)·ClO4(II)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bayar, I.; Khedhiri, L.; Soudani, S.; Lefebvre, F.; Ferretti, V.; Ben Nasr, C.

2018-06-01

The reaction of perchloric acid with 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperazine or 5,6-dimethyl-benzimidazole results in the formation of 1-(2-amonioethyl)piperazine-1,4-dium triperchlorate hydrate (C6H18N3)·(ClO4)3·H2O (I) or 5,6-dimethyl-benzylimidazolium perchlorate (C9H11N2)·ClO4(II). Both compounds were fully structurally characterized including single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound (I) crystallizes in the centrosymmetric triclinic space group P 1 bar with the lattice parameters a = 7.455 (2), b = 10.462 (2), c = 10.824 (2) Å, α = 80.832 (2), β = 88.243 (2), γ = 88.160 (2) °, Z = 2 and V = 832.77 (3) Å3. Compound (II) has been found to belong to the P21/c space group of the monoclinic system, with a = 7.590 (3), b = 9.266 (3), c = 16.503 (6) Å, β = 107.38 (2) °, V = 1107.69 (7) Å3 and Z = 4. The structures of (I) and (II) consist of slightly distorted [ClO4]- tetrahedra anions and 1-(2-amonioethyl)piperazine-1,4-dium trication (I) or 5,6-dimethyl-benzylimidazolium cations (II) and additionally a lattice water in (I). The crystal structures of (I) and (II) exhibit complex three-dimensional networks of H-bonds connecting all their components. In the atomic arrangement of (I), the ClO4- anions form corrugated chains, while in (II) the atomic arrangement exhibits wide pseudo-hexagonal channels of ClO4 tetrahedra including the organic entities. The lattice water serves as a link between pairs of cations and pairs of anions via several Osbnd H⋯O and N-H⋯O interactions in compound (I). The vibrational absorption bands were identified by infrared spectroscopy. These compounds were also investigated by solid-state 13C, 35Cl and 15N NMR spectroscopy. DFT calculations allowed the attribution of the IR and NMR bands. Intermolecular interactions were investigated by Hirshfeld surfaces. Electronic properties such as HOMO and LUMO energies were derived.

The palaeoecological context of the Oldowan-Acheulean in southern Africa.

PubMed

Ecker, Michaela; Brink, James S; Rossouw, Lloyd; Chazan, Michael; Horwitz, Liora K; Lee-Thorp, Julia A

2018-05-21

The influence of climatic and environmental change on human evolution in the Pleistocene epoch is understood largely from extensive East African stable isotope records. These records show increasing proportions of C 4 plants in the Early Pleistocene. We know far less about the expansion of C 4 grasses at higher latitudes, which were also occupied by early Homo but are more marginal for C 4 plants. Here we show that both C 3 and C 4 grasses and prolonged wetlands remained major components of Early Pleistocene environments in the central interior of southern Africa, based on enamel stable carbon and oxygen isotope data and associated faunal abundance and phytolith evidence from the site of Wonderwerk Cave. Vegetation contexts associated with Oldowan and early Acheulean lithic industries, in which climate is driven by an interplay of regional rainfall seasonality together with global CO 2 levels, develop along a regional distinct trajectory compared to eastern South Africa and East Africa.

The 1:1 inclusion compounds zolmitriptan-benzene and zolmitriptan-phenol.

PubMed

Swamy, G Y S K; Sridhar, B; Ravikumar, K; Krishnan, Harihara

2007-07-01

In the benzene and phenol solvates of (S)-4-{3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1H-indol-5-ylmethyl}oxazolidin-2-one, viz. C(16)H(21)N(3)O(2) x C(6)H(6), (I), and C(16)H(21)N(3)O(2) x C(6)H(5)OH, (II), the host molecule has three linked residues, namely a planar indole ring system, an ethylamine side chain and an oxazolidinone system. It has comparable features to that of sumatriptan, although the side-chain orientations of (I) and (II) differ from those of sumatriptan. Both (I) and (II) have host-guest-type structures. The host molecule in (I) and (II) has an L-shaped form, with the oxazolidinone ring occupying the base and the remainder of the molecule forming the upright section. In (I), each benzene guest molecule is surrounded by four host molecules, and these molecules are linked by a combination of N-H...N, N-H...O and C-H...O hydrogen bonds into chains of edge-fused R(4)(4)(33) rings. In (II), two independent molecules are present in the asymmetric unit, with similar conformations. The heterocyclic components are connected through N-H...N, N-H...O and C-H...O interactions to form chains of edge-fused R(6)(4)(38) rings, from which the phenol guest molecules are pendent, linked by O-H...O hydrogen bonds. The structures are further stabilized by extensive C-H...pi interactions.

Military Personnel Selection and Diagnostic Control of Human Functional State in High Altitude Conditions

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-06-01

individually authored sections f proceedings, annals, symposia, etc. However, the component should be considered within [he context of the overall compilation...data of oscillometry are: a) an increase of diastolic and mean arterial pressure AP no more than 10-15 mm of mercury pole (Hg); b) changing of...Ow- 00 oC "_ I 1.4C" >. U0 U U4 15-12 C14) 00 F -- Ci-0 toiL C) f Cuu 4;- 0CD C)C 5 0 cuc cdo 4! C)* 00 09 0 0- C=1 -4o 0 F - 8 - gCsC u 0 > 0 >o > 2- 0

Pitavastatin 4 mg Provides Significantly Greater Reduction in Remnant Lipoprotein Cholesterol Compared With Pravastatin 40 mg: Results from the Short-term Phase IV PREVAIL US Trial in Patients With Primary Hyperlipidemia or Mixed Dyslipidemia.

PubMed

Miller, P Elliott; Martin, Seth S; Joshi, Parag H; Jones, Steven R; Massaro, Joseph M; D'Agostino, Ralph B; Sponseller, Craig A; Toth, Peter P

2016-03-01

Remnants are partially hydrolyzed, triglyceride-rich lipoproteins that are implicated in atherosclerosis. We assessed the adequacy of pitavastatin 4 mg and pravastatin 40 mg in reducing atherogenic lipid parameters beyond LDL-C, in particular remnant lipoprotein cholesterol (RLP-C). From the Phase IV, multicenter, randomized, double-blind PREVAIL US (A Study of Pitavastatin 4 mg Vs. Pravastatin 40 mg in Patients With Primary Hyperlipidemia or Mixed Dyslipidemia) trial, we examined lipoprotein cholesterol subfractions using Vertical Auto Profile testing and apolipoproteins B and A-I at baseline and 12 weeks. Participants with primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia had LDL-C levels of 130 to 220 mg/dL and triglyceride levels ≤ 400 mg/dL. In this post hoc analysis, changes in lipid parameters were compared by using ANCOVA. Lipoprotein subfraction data were available in 312 patients (pitavastatin, n = 157; pravastatin, n = 155). Pitavastatin promoted a greater reduction in RLP-C than pravastatin (-13.6 [8.7] vs -9.3 [9.5] mg/dL). Furthermore, the pitavastatin group reported greater reductions in both components of RLP-C (both, P < 0.001): intermediate-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-9.5 [6.3] vs -6.4 [6.6] mg/dL) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol subfraction 3 (-4.1 [3.5] vs -2.9 [3.8] mg/dL). There were also greater reductions in the major ratios of risk (apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I and total cholesterol/HDL-C) (both, P < 0.001). There were no significant changes in HDL-C, its subfractions, or natural log lipoprotein(a)-cholesterol. The mean age was 58.8 ± 8.9 years in the pitavastatin group and 57.0 ± 10.2 years in the pravastatin group. Compared with pravastatin 40 mg daily, pitavastatin 4 mg provided superior reductions in atherogenic lipid parameters beyond LDL-C, including RLP-C. Future studies are needed investigate the clinical implications of lowering directly measured RLP-C as the principal target. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01256476. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reserved.

DETECTION OF FORBIDDEN LINE COMPONENTS OF LITHIUM-LIKE CARBON IN STELLAR SPECTRA

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

Werner, Klaus; Rauch, Thomas; Hoyer, Denny

2016-08-10

We report the first identification of forbidden line components from an element heavier than helium in the spectrum of astrophysical plasmas. So far, these components were identified only in laboratory plasmas and not in astrophysical objects. Forbidden components are well known for neutral helium lines in hot stars, particularly in helium-rich post-AGB stars and white dwarfs. We discovered that two hitherto unidentified lines in the ultraviolet spectra of hot hydrogen-deficient (pre-) white dwarfs can be identified as forbidden line components of triply ionized carbon (C iv). The forbidden components (3p–4f and 3d–4d) appear in the blue and red wings ofmore » the strong, Stark broadened 3p–4d and 3d–4f lines at 1108 Å and 1169 Å, respectively. They are visible over a wide effective temperature range (60,000–200,000 K) in helium-rich (DO) white dwarfs and PG 1159 stars that have strongly oversolar carbon abundances.« less

Detection of Forbidden Line Components of Lithium-like Carbon in Stellar Spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Werner, Klaus; Rauch, Thomas; Hoyer, Denny; Quinet, Pascal

2016-08-01

We report the first identification of forbidden line components from an element heavier than helium in the spectrum of astrophysical plasmas. So far, these components were identified only in laboratory plasmas and not in astrophysical objects. Forbidden components are well known for neutral helium lines in hot stars, particularly in helium-rich post-AGB stars and white dwarfs. We discovered that two hitherto unidentified lines in the ultraviolet spectra of hot hydrogen-deficient (pre-) white dwarfs can be identified as forbidden line components of triply ionized carbon (C IV). The forbidden components (3p-4f and 3d-4d) appear in the blue and red wings of the strong, Stark broadened 3p-4d and 3d-4f lines at 1108 Å and 1169 Å, respectively. They are visible over a wide effective temperature range (60,000-200,000 K) in helium-rich (DO) white dwarfs and PG 1159 stars that have strongly oversolar carbon abundances.

Department of Defense Prime Contracts over $25,000 for Services. Fiscal Year 1992. Part 1 (B502 AJT & Associates Inc-J999 Xerox Corp)

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-01-01

m In M 0 vn 3 3 4) N NN C’) -4 C’ 3 - 4 4 - 4 L4 3Y C4 en r- In -4 - 40 -4 4i 3O I" ŔI c c C C c cC C4,- -4 -C - 4 - 310 𔃽*4a -a * a4 4 a0 u us-33...L L I L OL. vi 095I A U m mm & IA IA IA 14 IA IA 00 49 0 1*. en ~~ lIED -.4 -.4 .4 -.4 -.4 .4~~-.4 .4 4 -4 -. _.4 -. -4 -4 -4 4 -4 -4 -4 -4 -4 - ON4...4 -4 -4 -.4 -. 4 𔃾 -.4 -4 𔃾 -4 -4 -. . . 44 . E0 aEE El El E EEEZ w V V V1 V m o "o V v 0 ’o -4_ .. _ - -44 uiLL -C 4c U< i I C C C C C C C

Biosynthesis of firefly luciferin in adult lantern: decarboxylation of L-cysteine is a key step for benzothiazole ring formation in firefly luciferin synthesis.

PubMed

Oba, Yuichi; Yoshida, Naoki; Kanie, Shusei; Ojika, Makoto; Inouye, Satoshi

2013-01-01

Bioluminescence in fireflies and click beetles is produced by a luciferase-luciferin reaction. The luminescence property and protein structure of firefly luciferase have been investigated, and its cDNA has been used for various assay systems. The chemical structure of firefly luciferin was identified as the D-form in 1963 and studies on the biosynthesis of firefly luciferin began early in the 1970's. Incorporation experiments using (14)C-labeled compounds were performed, and cysteine and benzoquinone/hydroquinone were proposed to be biosynthetic component for firefly luciferin. However, there have been no clear conclusions regarding the biosynthetic components of firefly luciferin over 30 years. Incorporation studies were performed by injecting stable isotope-labeled compounds, including L-[U-(13)C3]-cysteine, L-[1-(13)C]-cysteine, L-[3-(13)C]-cysteine, 1,4-[D6]-hydroquinone, and p-[2,3,5,6-D]-benzoquinone, into the adult lantern of the living Japanese firefly Luciola lateralis. After extracting firefly luciferin from the lantern, the incorporation of stable isotope-labeled compounds into firefly luciferin was identified by LC/ESI-TOF-MS. The positions of the stable isotope atoms in firefly luciferin were determined by the mass fragmentation of firefly luciferin. We demonstrated for the first time that D- and L-firefly luciferins are biosynthesized in the lantern of the adult firefly from two L-cysteine molecules with p-benzoquinone/1,4-hydroquinone, accompanied by the decarboxylation of L-cysteine.

Mantle plumes and hotspot geochemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jackson, M. G.; Becker, T. W.; Konter, J.

2017-12-01

Ever improving global seismic models, together with expanding databases of mantle derived hotspot lavas, herald advances that relate the geochemistry of hotspots with low seismic shear-wave velocity conduits (plumes) in the mantle. Early efforts linked hotspot geochemistry with deep mantle large low velocity provinces (LLVPs) [1]. More recently, Konter and Becker (2012) [2] observed that the proportion of the C mantle component (inferred from Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes) in hotspot lavas shows an inverse relationship with seismic S-wave velocity anomalies in the shallow mantle (200 km) beneath each hotspot. They proposed that these correlations should also be made based on 3He/4He. Thus, we compare 3He/4He versus seismic S-wave velocity anomalies at 200 km depth. We find that plume-fed hotspots with the highest maximum 3He/4He (i.e., which host more of the C component) have higher hotspot buoyancy fluxes and overlie regions of lower seismic S-wave velocity (interpreted to relate to hotter mantle temperatures) at 200 km depth than hotspots that have only low 3He/4He [3]. This result complements recent work that shows an inverse relationship between maximum 3He/4He and seismic S-wave velocity anomalies in the mantle beneath the western USA [4]. The relationship between 3He/4He, shallow mantle seismic S-wave velocity anomalies, and buoyancy flux is most easily explained by a model where hotter plumes are more buoyant and entrain more of a deep, dense high 3He/4He reservoir than cooler plumes that underlie low 3He/4He hotspots. If the high 3He/4He domain is denser than other mantle components, it will be entrained only by the hottest, most buoyant plumes [3]. Such a deep, dense reservoir is ideally suited to preserving early-formed Hadean domains sampled in modern plume-fed hotspots. An important question is whether, like 3He/4He, seismic S-wave velocity anomalies in the mantle are associated with distinct heavy radiogenic isotopic compositions. C signatures are related to hot mantle upwellings, but are geochemically enriched (EM) and HIMU mantle signatures observed in oceanic hotspots associated with such upwellings? We will present new constraints on this and similar problems. [1] Castillo (1988) Nature 336. [2] Konter and Becker (2012) G-cubed 13. [3] Jackson et al. (2017), Nature 542. [4] Crossey et al. (2016), EPSL 435.

Joint Test Project Report of Combat Air Support Target Acquisition Program. SEEKVAL. Aided Visual Terrain Table Experiments (IB1). Volume 2.

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-09-01

4 r-4 C.4 C.1 C.J 0. 0 0 004 C44 C4 C4 0.- (n en e n fn m c n n I CA C1 CI 04 C4 C- i " c 4 (.,4 𔃾 C-4 Cq C4 N .41 tn G-1 2 Vc -1 K 1 N C-4 CdB w4 i...HH 40 90 3000 DD GR 3 02310 0 0 054.0 SEARS 4 1107.3 4124 4 T 0110 FW C NF LL 40 90 3000 OD GR 3 0932? 3 1 n18,? SPARS 4 1107.4 5124.4 T 0110 FW C NF...I SM -H 90 -n 90 0 GR 3 04200 3 P n05.6 SEARS 1 4124 @2 3361.3 U 0213 RW I SO LL 90 -- D00 r0 GR 3 0420n 3 0 004.1 SEARS 1 4124.3 4361.3 U 0213 Rw I St

Supramolecular architectures in the salt trimethoprimium ferrocene-1-carboxylate and the cocrystal 4-amino-5-chloro-2,6-dimethylpyrimidine-ferrocene-1-carboxylic acid (1/1).

PubMed

Swinton Darious, Robert; Thomas Muthiah, Packianathan; Perdih, Franc

2017-09-01

In the salt trimethoprimium ferrocenecarboxylate [systematic name: 2,4-diamino-5-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)pyrimidin-1-ium ferrocene-1-carboxylate], (C 14 H 19 N 4 O 3 )[Fe(C 5 H 5 )(C 6 H 4 O 2 )], (I), of the antibacterial compound trimethoprim, the carboxylate group interacts with the protonated aminopyrimidine group of trimethoprim via two N-H...O hydrogen bonds, generating a robust R 2 2 (8) ring motif (heterosynthon). However, in the cocrystal 4-amino-5-chloro-2,6-dimethylpyrimidine-ferrocene-1-carboxylic acid (1/1), [Fe(C 5 H 5 )(C 6 H 5 O 2 )]·C 6 H 8 ClN 3 , (II), the carboxyl-aminopyrimidine interaction [R 2 2 (8) motif] is absent. The carboxyl group interacts with the pyrimidine ring via a single O-H...N hydrogen bond. The pyrimidine rings, however, form base pairs via a pair of N-H...N hydrogen bonds, generating an R 2 2 (8) supramolecular homosynthon. In salt (I), the unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl ring is disordered over two positions, with a refined site-occupation ratio of 0.573 (10):0.427 (10). In this study, the two five-membered cyclopentadienyl (Cp) rings of ferrocene are in a staggered conformation, as is evident from the C...Cg...Cg...C pseudo-torsion angles, which are in the range 36.13-37.53° for (I) and 22.58-23.46° for (II). Regarding the Cp ring of the minor component in salt (I), the geometry of the ferrocene ring is in an eclipsed conformation, as is evident from the C...Cg...Cg...C pseudo-torsion angles, which are in the range 79.26-80.94°. Both crystal structures are further stabilized by weak π-π interactions.

S-graphite slit pore: A superior selective adsorbent for light hydrocarbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Qingzhong; Li, Xiaofang; Chang, Xiao; Ling, Cuicui; Zhu, Lei; Xing, Wei

2018-06-01

Separation of light hydrocarbons (C1-C3) is extremely significant since these are alternative energy resources and raw materials in the industrial process. In this work, we have examined the performance of S-graphite slit pore in selective separation of CH4 over C2H2, C2H4, C2H6, C3H6 and C3H8 using Grand Canonical Monte Carlo calculations. Generally, its C3/C1 selectivity is higher than C2/C1 selectivity. Exactly, at 300 K and 1 bar, the selectivity is around 13, 17 and 18 for CH4/C2H2, CH4/C2H4 and CH4/C2H6 while it is about 63 and 70 for CH4/C3H6 and CH4/C3H8, respectively. Importantly, we have found that the optimum pore size is 0.65 nm for CH4/C2H2 and CH4/C2H4, 0.75 nm for CH4/C2H6, which is smaller than that (1.0 nm) for CH4/C3H6 and CH4/C3H8. Besides, density functional theory calculations demonstrate the remarkable selective separation of CH4 over C2H2, C2H4, C2H6, C3H6 and C3H8 of S-graphite slit pore is attributed to its stronger interactions with C2H2, C2H4, C2H6, C3H6 and C3H8 molecule than CH4 molecule due to the larger polarizability of C2 and C3 molecules, which also manifests that S-graphite slit pore is an extremely promising candidate for separating light hydrocarbons.

VELOCITY-RESOLVED [C ii] EMISSION AND [C ii]/FIR MAPPING ALONG ORION WITH HERSCHEL *,**

PubMed Central

Goicoechea, Javier R.; Teyssier, D.; Etxaluze, M.; Goldsmith, P.F.; Ossenkopf, V.; Gerin, M.; Bergin, E.A.; Black, J.H.; Cernicharo, J.; Cuadrado, S.; Encrenaz, P.; Falgarone, E.; Fuente, A.; Hacar, A.; Lis, D.C.; Marcelino, N.; Melnick, G.J.; Müller, H.S.P.; Persson, C.; Pety, J.; Röllig, M.; Schilke, P.; Simon, R.; Snell, R.L.; Stutzki, J.

2015-01-01

We present the first ~7.5′×11.5′ velocity-resolved (~0.2 km s−1) map of the [C ii] 158 μm line toward the Orion molecular cloud 1 (OMC 1) taken with the Herschel/HIFI instrument. In combination with far-infrared (FIR) photometric images and velocity-resolved maps of the H41α hydrogen recombination and CO J=2-1 lines, this data set provides an unprecedented view of the intricate small-scale kinematics of the ionized/PDR/molecular gas interfaces and of the radiative feedback from massive stars. The main contribution to the [C ii] luminosity (~85 %) is from the extended, FUV-illuminated face of the cloud (G0>500, nH>5×103 cm−3) and from dense PDRs (G≳104, nH≳105 cm−3) at the interface between OMC 1 and the H ii region surrounding the Trapezium cluster. Around ~15 % of the [C ii] emission arises from a different gas component without CO counterpart. The [C ii] excitation, PDR gas turbulence, line opacity (from [13C ii]) and role of the geometry of the illuminating stars with respect to the cloud are investigated. We construct maps of the L[C ii]/LFIR and LFIR/MGas ratios and show that L[C ii]/LFIR decreases from the extended cloud component (~10−2–10−3) to the more opaque star-forming cores (~10−3–10−4). The lowest values are reminiscent of the “[C ii] deficit” seen in local ultra-luminous IR galaxies hosting vigorous star formation. Spatial correlation analysis shows that the decreasing L[C ii]/LFIR ratio correlates better with the column density of dust through the molecular cloud than with LFIR/MGas. We conclude that the [C ii] emitting column relative to the total dust column along each line of sight is responsible for the observed L[C ii]/LFIR variations through the cloud. PMID:26568638

[Characterization of Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in Zhoushan fishery using excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy (EEMs) and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC)].

PubMed

Zhou, Qian-qian; Su, Rong-guo; Bai, Ying; Zhang, Chuan-song; Shi, Xiao-yong

2015-01-01

The composition, distribution characteristics and sources of chromophoric dissolved organic matter(CDOM) in Zhoushan Fishery in spring were evaluated by fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) combined with parallel factor analysis (EEMs-PARAFAC). Three humic-like components [C1 (330/420 nm)], C2 [(290) 365/440 nm] and C3 [(260) 370/490 nm)] and two protein-like components [C4(285/340 nm) and C5 (270/310 nm)] were identified by EEMs-PARAFAC. The horizontal distribution patterns of the five components were almost the same with only slight differences, showing decreasing trends with increasing distance from shore. In the surface and middle layers, the high value areas were located in the north of Hangzhou Bay estuary and the outlet of Xiazhimen channel, and the former's was higher in the surface layer while the latter's was higher in the middle layer. In the bottom layer, CDOM decreased gradiently from the inshore to offshore, with higher CDOM near Zhoushan Island. The distributions of fluorescence components showed an opposite trend with salinity, and no significant linear relationship with Chl-a concentration was found, which indicated that CDOM in the surface and middle layers were dominated by terrestrial input and human activities of Zhoushan Island and that of the bottom layer was attribute to human activities of Zhoushan Island. The vertical distribution of five fluorescent components along 30.5 degrees N transect showed a decreasing trend from the surface and middle layers to bottom layer with high values in inshore and offshore areas, which were correlated with the lower salinity and higher Chl-a concentration, respectively. On this transect, CDOM was mainly affected by Yangtze River input in coastal area but by bioactivities in offshore waters. Along the 30 degrees N transect, the vertical distribution patterns of CDOM were similar to those of 30.5 degrees N transect but there was a high value area in the bottom layer near the shore, attributing to the CDOM release from the marine sediment pore water to the water body because of physical force role like tidal, the underlying upwelling and so on. A strong correlation occurred between C1 and C3, C4, indicating that they had similar sources; a weak correlation was found between C1 and C2, C5, reflecting some differences among their sources. CDOM in Zhoushan Fishery in spring had low humification index (HIX) values, which reflected a low degree of humification, poor stability and a short resident time in the environment. For biological index (BIX), its higher values appeared in the offshore waters and the lower values occurred in the inshore area, reflecting a greater influence of human and biological activities, respectively.

Human mass balance, metabolite profile and identification of metabolic enzymes of [¹⁴C]ASP015K, a novel oral janus kinase inhibitor.

PubMed

Oda, Kazuo; Cao, Ying J; Sawamoto, Taiji; Nakada, Naoyuki; Fisniku, Ogert; Nagasaka, Yasuhisa; Sohda, Kin-Ya

2015-01-01

1. The human mass balance of (14)C-labelled ASP015K ([(14)C]ASP015K), an orally bioavailable Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, was characterized in six healthy male subjects after a single oral dose of [(14)C]ASP015K (100 mg, 3.7 MBq) in solution. [(14)C]ASP015K was rapidly absorbed with tmax of 1.6 and 1.8 h for ASP015K and total radioactivity in plasma, respectively. Mean recovery in urine and feces amounted to 36.8% and 56.6% of the administered dose, respectively. The main components of radioactivity in plasma and urine were ASP015K and M2 (5'-O-sulfo ASP015K). In feces, ASP015K and M4 (7-N-methyl ASP015K) were the main components. 2. In vitro study of ASP015K metabolism showed that the major isozyme contributing to the formation of M2 was human sulfotransferase (SULT) 2A1 and of M4 was nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). 3. The in vitro intrinsic clearance (CLint_in vitro) of M4 formation from ASP015K in human liver cytosol (HLC) was 11-fold higher than that of M2. The competitive inhibitory effect of nicotinamide on M4 formation in the human liver was considered the reason for high CLint_in vitro of M4 formation, while each metabolic pathway made a near equal contribution to the in vivo elimination of ASP015K. ASP015K was cleared by multiple mechanisms.

Induction of passive Heymann nephritis in complement component 6-deficient PVG rats.

PubMed

Spicer, S Timothy; Tran, Giang T; Killingsworth, Murray C; Carter, Nicole; Power, David A; Paizis, Kathy; Boyd, Rochelle; Hodgkinson, Suzanne J; Hall, Bruce M

2007-07-01

Passive Heymann nephritis (PHN), a model of human membranous nephritis, is induced in susceptible rat strains by injection of heterologous antisera to rat renal tubular Ag extract. PHN is currently considered the archetypal complement-dependent form of nephritis, with the proteinuria resulting from sublytic glomerular epithelial cell injury induced by the complement membrane attack complex (MAC) of C5b-9. This study examined whether C6 and MAC are essential to the development of proteinuria in PHN by comparing the effect of injection of anti-Fx1A antisera into PVG rats deficient in C6 (PVG/C6(-)) and normal PVG rats (PVG/c). PVG/c and PVG/C6(-) rats developed similar levels of proteinuria at 3, 7, 14, and 28 days following injection of antisera. Isolated whole glomeruli showed similar deposition of rat Ig and C3 staining in PVG/c and PVG/C6(-) rats. C9 deposition was abundant in PVG/c but was not detected in PVG/C6(-) glomeruli, indicating C5b-9/MAC had not formed in PVG/C6(-) rats. There was also no difference in the glomerular cellular infiltrate of T cells and macrophages nor the size of glomerular basement membrane deposits measured on electron micrographs. To examine whether T cells effect injury, rats were depleted of CD8+ T cells which did not affect proteinuria in the early heterologous phase but prevented the increase in proteinuria associated with the later autologous phase. These studies showed proteinuria in PHN occurs without MAC and that other mechanisms, such as immune complex size, early complement components, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, disrupt glomerular integrity and lead to proteinuria.

EVALUATION OF RECOVERABLE FUNCTIONAL LIPID COMPONENTS OF SEVERAL BROWN SEAWEEDS (PHAEOPHYTA) FROM JAPAN WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO FUCOXANTHIN AND FUCOSTEROL CONTENTS(1).

PubMed

Terasaki, Masaru; Hirose, Atsushi; Narayan, Bhaskar; Baba, Yuta; Kawagoe, Chikara; Yasui, Hajime; Saga, Naotsune; Hosokawa, Masashi; Miyashita, Kazuo

2009-08-01

Fucoxanthin (Fx) and fucosterol (Fs) are characteristic lipid components of brown seaweeds that afford several health benefits to humans. This article describes the quantitative evaluation of lipids of 15 species of brown seaweeds with specific reference to Fx, Fs, and functional long-chain omega-6/omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). In addition, fatty-acid composition of selected species was also accomplished in the study. Major omega-3 PUFAs in the brown seaweeds analyzed were α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3), octadecatetraenoic acid (18:4n-3), arachidonic acid (20:4n-6), and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3). Both Fx (mg · g(-1) dry weight [dwt]) and Fs (mg · g(-1) dwt) were determined to be relatively abundant in Sargassum horneri (Turner) C. Agardh (Fx, 3.7 ± 1.6; Fs, 13.4 ± 4.4) and Cystoseira hakodatensis (Yendo) Fensholt (Fx, 2.4 ± 0.9; Fs, 8.9 ± 2.0), as compared with other brown seaweed species. Studies related to seasonal variation in Fx, Fs, and total lipids of six brown algae [S. horneri, C. hakodatensis, Sargassum fusiforme (Harv.) Setch., Sargassum thunbergii (Mertens ex Roth) Kuntze, Analipus japonicus (Harv.) M. J. Wynne, and Melanosiphon intestinalis (D. A. Saunders) M. J. Wynne] indicated that these functional lipid components reached maximum during the period between January and March. The functional lipid components present in these seaweeds have the potential for application as nutraceuticals and novel functional ingredients after their recovery. © 2009 Phycological Society of America.

Characterisation of iron inclusion during the formation of calcium sulfoaluminate phase

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

Idrissi, M., E-mail: mari_idrissi@yahoo.f; Diouri, A.; Damidot, D.

The iron distribution among the sulfoaluminate clinker phases and its ability to enter the calcium sulfoaluminate lattice in solid solution can have a significant influence on manufacturing process and reactivity of calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Moessbauer spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray analysis system (EDAX) and infrared spectroscopy were used to identify the mineralogical conditions of iron inclusion during the formation of calcium sulfoaluminate (C{sub 4}A{sub 3}S) phase from different mixtures in the CaO-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}-SO{sub 3} system. The mixtures, heated in a laboratory electric oven, contained stoichiometric amountsmore » of reagent grade CaCO{sub 3}, Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} and CaSO{sub 4.2}H{sub 2}O for the synthesis of Ca{sub 4}Al{sub (6-2x)}Fe{sub 2x}SO{sub 16}, where x, comprised between 0 and 3, is the mole number of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} substituted by Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}. With x increasing from 0 to 1.5, both the iron content of C{sub 4}A{sub 3}S phase and the amounts of side components such as C{sub 2}F and CS increased. For x values included in the range of 1.5-3.0, at temperatures higher than 1200 {sup o}C, melting phenomena were observed and, instead of the C{sub 4}A{sub 3}S solid solution, ferritic phases and anhydrite were formed.« less

The metabolic signature associated with the Western dietary pattern: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Bouchard-Mercier, Annie; Rudkowska, Iwona; Lemieux, Simone; Couture, Patrick; Vohl, Marie-Claude

2013-12-11

Metabolic profiles have been shown to be associated to obesity status and insulin sensitivity. Dietary intakes influence metabolic pathways and therefore, different dietary patterns may relate to modifications in metabolic signatures. The objective was to verify associations between dietary patterns and metabolic profiles composed of amino acids (AAs) and acylcarnitines (ACs). 210 participants were recruited in the greater Quebec City area between September 2009 and December 2011. Dietary patterns had been previously derived using principal component analysis (PCA). The Prudent dietary pattern was characterised by higher intakes of vegetables, fruits, whole grain products, non-hydrogenated fat and lower intakes of refined grain products, whereas the Western dietary pattern was associated with higher intakes of refined grain products, desserts, sweets and processed meats. Targeted metabolites were quantified in 37 participants with the Biocrates Absolute IDQ p150 (Biocrates Life Sciences AG, Austria) mass spectrometry method (including 14 amino acids and 41 acylcarnitines). PCA analysis with metabolites including AAs and ACs revealed two main components explaining the most variance in overall data (13.8%). PC1 was composed mostly of medium- to long-chain ACs (C16:2, C14:2, C14:2-OH, C16, C14:1-OH, C14:1, C10:2, C5-DC/C6-OH, C12, C18:2, C10, C4:1-DC/C6, C8:1 and C2) whereas PC2 included certain AAs and short-chain ACs (xLeu, Met, Arg, Phe, Pro, Orn, His, C0, C3, C4 and C5). The Western dietary pattern correlated negatively with PC1 and positively with PC2 (r = -0.34, p = 0.05 and r = 0.38, p = 0.03, respectively), independently of age, sex and BMI. These findings suggest that the Western dietary pattern is associated with a specific metabolite signature characterized by increased levels of AAs including branched-chain AAs (BCAAs) and short-chain ACs.

Simultaneous gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric quantitation of the alkylbenzene inert components, pesticide manufacturing by-products and active ingredient in two malathion formulations.

PubMed

Lin, Y W; Hee, S S

1998-07-24

A rapid, reliable and effective method for direct determination of the inert components, manufacturing by-products of the pesticide, and active ingredient in two malathion formulations has been established using capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with the internal standard method. The C2-, C3-, and C4-alkylbenzenes, the major pesticide manufacturing by-products (O,O,S-trimethylthionophosphate, diethyl maleate and O,O,O-trimethylthionophosphate), and malathion were resolved, and quantified in the same chromatogram. Structural identification was based on MS total ion current data, comparison of GC retention times with those of authentic standards, and retention indices. O,O,S-Trimethylthionophosphate was quantified at 3.57 +/- 0.31% (w/w) in one malathion formulation. While the malathion contents were within specifications for both formulations, the total alkylbenzene contents were not.

Opposite effects of lipopolysaccharide and dextran sulfate on membrane phospholipid metabolism of murine B lymphocytes.

PubMed

Morelec, M J; Ensergueix, D; Pedron, T; Girard, R; Chaby, R

1988-02-01

The metabolism of [3H]inositol- and [14C]arachidonate-labeled phospholipids of B lymphocytes from normal (C3H/HePAS) and endotoxin-hyporesponsive (C3H/HeJ) mice, after incubation with two B cell mitogens, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and dextran sulfate (DxS) was examined. The early effects of the two mitogens on the biosynthesis of phosphoinositides were different. DxS enhanced the levels of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate in C3H/HeJ and C3H/HePAS cells, whereas LPS did not modify the levels of these components. When mixed with DxS, LPS reduced the effects of this stimulant. Analysis of the metabolism of fatty acids gave opposite results. Incorporation of arachidonate in all phospholipids, and particularly in phosphatidic acid, was inhibited in the two cell types after incubation with DxS, but was enhanced in C3H/HePAS and remained unchanged in C3H/HeJ cells after incubation with LPS. This activation of acyltransferases by LPS in B lymphocytes from endotoxin-responsive mice was inhibited when DxS was added in the stimulating mixture. The outcome of these opposite biochemical effects of LPS and DxS on the mitogenic responses of B cells was also examined. Preincubation with DxS for a 15-min period blocked the mitogenic effect of LPS in C3H/HePAS cells, whereas preincubation with LPS blocked the mitogenic effect of DxS in C3H/HeJ cells. Early changes in phospholipid metabolism induced by the two stimulants are therefore correlated with their late mitogenic effect.

After the flood: consistency in DOM response to the 2010/2011 Australian floods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shutova, Y.; Baker, A.; Bridgeman, J.; Henderson, R.

2014-12-01

The 2010/2011 floods in Eastern Australia were one of the worst on record, causing more than one billion AUD of damages and killing 35 people. This field campaign, monitoring raw water DOM concentration and character on three contrasting rivers across the region captured the late recession curve (October 2011- September 2012). DOM was characterized using fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectra with PARAFAC analysis; δ 13C-DOC; and molecular size using liquid chromatography with organic carbon, UV254 and nitrogen detection (LC-OCD) to identify DOC fractions: biopolymers, humic substance (HS), building blocks (BB), low molecular weight acids, and low molecular weight neutrals. Despite the difference in catchment and climatic zones, similar trends were observed in all three rivers, where DOC concentrations gradually decreased in river streams over a year from 8-11 mgCL-1 to 3-4 mgCL-1, followed by similar changes of HS, BB and fluorescent terrestrially delivered DOM components (C1-C3). In Allyn and Patterson rivers the proportion of HS, fluorescent terrestrially delivered DOM components (C1, C2) in DOC have decreased, in contrast to Logan River, where the ratio of HS/DOC was highly variable and showed no particular trends. The proportion of other DOC components remained almost the same. Molecular weight of the HS declined from 700 gmol-1 to 610 gmol-1 in all sites. δ 13C-DOC increased during monitoring, this could be linked to general decrease of DOM proportion delivered from C4 type plants after the flood. Overall, although DOC concentration decreased over the year post flood at all sites, most importantly the composition of DOM changed, with major changes occurring in proportion of humic-like and fluorescent terrestrially delivered DOM. Therefore it is important to monitor DOM character to be able to assess the impact of climate change and extreme weather events on the DOM transport and transformation.

Solvent-assisted self-assembly of fullerene into single-crystal ultrathin microribbons as highly sensitive UV-visible photodetectors.

PubMed

Wei, Lang; Yao, Jiannian; Fu, Hongbing

2013-09-24

The size, shape, and crystallinity of organic nanostructures play an important role in their physical properties and are mainly determined by the self-assembling kinetics of molecular components often involving the solvent conditions. Here, we reported a kinetically controlled self-assembly of C60 assisted by the solvent carbon bisulfide (CS2) into single-crystal ultrathin microribbons of 2C60·3CS2, upon mixing the poor solvent isopropyl alcohol with a C60/CS2 stock solution. Surface energy calculations reveal that these microribbons represent a kinetically favored high-energy state as compared with the thermodynamically stable shape of prismatic rods. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy observations clarify that association of CS2 at the nucleation stage helps to guide and rigidify the formation of π-π stacking 1D chains of C60 through the surrounding CS2 cage-like structures, which further act as glue, boosting lateral assembly of as-formed 1D chains into untrathin 2D microribbon single crystals. Precise control over the thickness, width, and length of 2C60·3CS2 microribbons was achieved by manipulation of the growth kinetics through adjusting the solvent conditions. Upon heating to 120 °C, sublimation of CS2 components results in fcc C60 microribbons. We found that both microribbons of solvated monoclinic 2C60·3CS2 and pure fcc C60 exhibit highly sensitive photoconductivity properties with a spectral response range covering UV to visible. The highest on/off ratio of two-terminal photodetectors based on single ribbons reaches around 250, while the responsitivity is about 75.3 A W(-1) in the UV region and 90.4 A W(-1) in the visible region.

Anxiolytic effects of phosphodiesterase-2 inhibitors associated with increased cGMP signaling.

PubMed

Masood, Anbrin; Huang, Ying; Hajjhussein, Hassan; Xiao, Lan; Li, Hao; Wang, Wei; Hamza, Adel; Zhan, Chang-Guo; O'Donnell, James M

2009-11-01

Phosphodiesterase (PDE)-2 is a component of the nitric-oxide synthase (NOS)/guanylyl cyclase signaling pathway in the brain. Given recent evidence that pharmacologically induced changes in NO-cGMP signaling can affect anxiety-related behaviors, the effects of the PDE2 inhibitors (2-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-7-det-5-methylimidazo-[5,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-4(3H)-one) (Bay 60-7550) and 3-(8-methoxy-1-methyl-2-oxo-7-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[e][1,4]diazepin-5-yl)benzamide (ND7001), as well as modulators of NO, were assessed on cGMP signaling in neurons and on the behavior of mice in the elevated plus-maze, hole-board, and open-field tests, well established procedures for the evaluation of anxiolytics. Bay 60-7550 (1 microM) and ND7001 (10 microM) increased basal and N-methyl-d-aspartate- or detanonoate-stimulated cGMP in primary cultures of rat cerebral cortical neurons; Bay 60-7550, but not ND7001, also increased cAMP. Increased cGMP signaling, either by administration of the PDE2 inhibitors Bay 60-7550 (0.5, 1, and 3 mg/kg) or ND7001 (1 mg/kg), or the NO donor detanonoate (0.5 mg/kg), antagonized the anxiogenic effects of restraint stress on behavior in the three tests. These drugs also produced anxiolytic effects on behavior in nonstressed mice in the elevated plus-maze and hole-board tests; these effects were antagonized by the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (20 mg/kg). By contrast, the NOS inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (50 mg/kg), which reduces cGMP signaling, produced anxiogenic effects similar to restraint stress. Overall, the present behavioral and neurochemical data suggest that PDE2 may be a novel pharmacological target for the development of drugs for the treatment of anxiety disorders.

Isotopic Tracing of Fuel Components in Particulate Emissions from Diesel Engines using Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS)

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

Buchholz, B A; Mueller, C J; Garbak, J.

2001-08-02

Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is an isotope-ratio measurement technique developed in the late 1970s for tracing long-lived radioisotopes (e.g., {sup 14}C half life = 5760 y). The technique counts individual nuclei rather than waiting for their radioactive decay, allowing measurement of more than 100 low-level {sup 14}C samples per day (Vogel et al, 1995). The LLNL AMS system is shown in Fig.1. The contemporary quantity of {sup 14}C in living things ({sup 14}C/C = 1.2 x 10{sup -12} or 110 fmol {sup 14}C/ g C) is highly elevated compared to the quantity of {sup 14}C in petroleum-derived products. This isotopicmore » elevation is sufficient to trace the fate of bio-derived fuel components in the emissions of an engine without the use of radioactive materials. If synthesis of a fuel component from biologically-derived source material is not feasible, another approach is to purchase {sup 14}C-labeled material (e.g., dibutyl maleate (DBM)) and dilute it with petroleum-derived material to yield a contemporary level of {sup 14}C. In each case, the virtual absence of {sup 14}C in petroleum based fuels gives a very low {sup 14}C background that makes this approach to tracing fuel components practical. Regulatory pressure to significantly reduce the particulate emissions from diesel engines is driving research into understanding mechanisms of soot formation. If mechanisms are understood, then combustion modeling can be used to evaluate possible changes in fuel formulation and suggest possible fuel components that can improve combustion and reduce PM emissions. The combustion paradigm assumes that large molecules break down into small components and then build up again during soot formation. AMS allows us to label specific fuel components, including oxygenates, trace the carbon atoms, and test this combustion modeling paradigm. Volatile and non-volatile organic fractions (VOF, NVOF) in the PM can be further separated. The VOF of the PM can be oxidized with catalysts in the exhaust stream to further decrease PM. The effectiveness of exhaust stream catalysts to oxidize products from tracer fuel components can be monitored through AMS measurement of carbon in PM. The objects of this report are: (1) Determine contribution of diesel fuel components and oxygenates to soot formation; (2) Separate volatile and non-volatile fractions of soot; (3) Test combustion paradigm that all carbon and oxygen in fuel is equal; and (4) Produce data to validate combustion modeling.« less

Calculations of atomic magnetic nuclear shielding constants based on the two-component normalized elimination of the small component method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshizawa, Terutaka; Zou, Wenli; Cremer, Dieter

2017-04-01

A new method for calculating nuclear magnetic resonance shielding constants of relativistic atoms based on the two-component (2c), spin-orbit coupling including Dirac-exact NESC (Normalized Elimination of the Small Component) approach is developed where each term of the diamagnetic and paramagnetic contribution to the isotropic shielding constant σi s o is expressed in terms of analytical energy derivatives with regard to the magnetic field B and the nuclear magnetic moment 𝝁 . The picture change caused by renormalization of the wave function is correctly described. 2c-NESC/HF (Hartree-Fock) results for the σiso values of 13 atoms with a closed shell ground state reveal a deviation from 4c-DHF (Dirac-HF) values by 0.01%-0.76%. Since the 2-electron part is effectively calculated using a modified screened nuclear shielding approach, the calculation is efficient and based on a series of matrix manipulations scaling with (2M)3 (M: number of basis functions).

Alloy 33: A new material for the handling of HNO{sub 3}/HF media in reprocessing of nuclear fuel

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

Koehler, M.; Heubner, U.; Eichenhofer, K.W.

Alloy 33, an austenitic 33Cr-32Fe-31Ni-1.6Mo-0.6Cu-0.4N material shows excellent resistance to corrosion when exposed to highly oxidizing media as e.g. HNO{sub 3} and HNO{sub 3}/HF mixtures which are encountered in reprocessing of nuclear fuel. According to the test results available so far, resistance to corrosion in boiling azeotropic (67%) HNO{sub 3} is about 6 and 2 times superior to AISI 304 L and 310 L. In higher concentrated nitric acid it can be considered corrosion resistant up to 95% HNO{sub 3} at 25 C, up to 90% HNO{sub 3} at 50 C and up to somewhat less than 85% HNO{sub 3}more » at 75 C. In 20% HNO{sub 3}/7% HF at 50 C its resistance to corrosion is superior to AISI 316 Ti and Alloy 28 by factors of about 200 and 2.4. Other media tested with different results include 12% HNO{sub 3} with up to 3.5% HF and 0.4% HF with 32 to 67.5% HNO{sub 3} at 90 C. Alloy 33 is easily fabricated into all product forms required for chemical plants (e.g. plate, sheet, strip, wire, tube and flanges). Components such as dished ends and tube to tube sheet weldments have been successfully fabricated facilitating the use of Alloy 33 for reprocessing of nuclear fuel.« less

The Coxiella Burnetii type IVB secretion system (T4BSS) component DotA is released/secreted during infection of host cells and during in vitro growth in a T4BSS-dependent manner.

PubMed

Luedtke, Brandon E; Mahapatra, Saugata; Lutter, Erika I; Shaw, Edward I

2017-06-01

Coxiella burnetii is a Gram-negative intracellular pathogen and is the causative agent of the zoonotic disease Q fever. To cause disease, C. burnetii requires a functional type IVB secretion system (T4BSS) to transfer effector proteins required for the establishment and maintenance of a membrane-bound parasitophorous vacuole (PV) and further modulation of host cell process. However, it is not clear how the T4BSS interacts with the PV membrane since neither a secretion pilus nor an extracellular pore forming apparatus has not been described. To address this, we used the acidified citrate cysteine medium (ACCM) along with cell culture infection and immunological techniques to identify the cellular and extracellular localization of T4BSS components. Interestingly, we found that DotA and IcmX were secreted/released in a T4BSS-dependent manner into the ACCM. Analysis of C. burnetii-infected cell lines revealed that DotA colocalized with the host cell marker CD63 (LAMP3) at the PV membrane. In the absence of bacterial protein synthesis, DotA also became depleted from the PV membrane. These data are the first to identify the release/secretion of C. burnetii T4BSS components during axenic growth and the interaction of a T4BSS component with the PV membrane during infection of host cells. © FEMS 2017. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Identification of New Signaling Components in the Sensory Epithelium of Human Saccule

PubMed Central

Degerman, Eva; Rauch, Uwe; Göransson, Olga; Lindberg, Sven; Hultgårdh, Anna; Magnusson, Måns

2011-01-01

Objective: To locate components and target proteins of relevance for the cAMP and cGMP signaling networks including cAMP and cGMP phosphodiesterases (PDEs), salt-inducible kinases (SIKs), subunits of Na+, K+-ATPases, and aquaporins (AQPs) in the human saccule. Methods: The human saccule was dissected out during the removal of vestibular schwannoma via the translabyrinthine approach and immediately fixed. Immunohistochemistry was performed using PDE, SIK, Na+, K+-ATPase, and AQP antibodies. Results: PDEs selective for cAMP (PDE4A, PDE4D, and PDE8A) and cGMP (PDE9A) as well a dual specificity PDE (PDE10A) were detected in the sensory epithelium of the saccule. Furthermore, AQP2, 4, and 9, SIK1 and the α-1 subunit of the Na+, K+-ATPase were detected. Conclusion: cAMP and cGMP are important regulators of ion and water homeostasis in the inner ear. The identification of PDEs and SIK1 in the vestibular system offers new treatment targets for endolymphatic hydrops. Exactly how the PDEs are connected to SIK1 and the SIK1 substrate Na+, K+-ATPase and to AQPs 2, 4, 9 remains to be elucidated. The dissection of the signaling networks utilizing these components and evaluating their roles will add new basic knowledge regarding inner ear physiology. PMID:21886636

Level-1C Product from AIRS: Principal Component Filtering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manning, Evan M.; Jiang, Yibo; Aumann, Hartmut H.; Elliott, Denis A.; Hannon, Scott

2012-01-01

The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), launched on the EOS Aqua spacecraft on May 4, 2002, is a grating spectrometer with 2378 channels in the range 3.7 to 15.4 microns. In a grating spectrometer each individual radiance measurement is largely independent of all others. Most measurements are extremely accurate and have very low noise levels. However, some channels exhibit high noise levels or other anomalous behavior, complicating applications needing radiances throughout a band, such as cross-calibration with other instruments and regression retrieval algorithms. The AIRS Level-1C product is similar to Level-1B but with instrument artifacts removed. This paper focuses on the "cleaning" portion of Level-1C, which identifies bad radiance values within spectra and produces substitute radiances using redundant information from other channels. The substitution is done in two passes, first with a simple combination of values from neighboring channels, then with principal components. After results of the substitution are shown, differences between principal component reconstructed values and observed radiances are used to investigate detailed noise characteristics and spatial misalignment in other channels.

Cluster observations of two separated cusp populations: double cusp or motion of the cusp?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Escoubet, C.-Philippe; Berchem, Jean; Trattner, Karlheinz; Pitout, Frederic; Richard, Robert; Taylor, Matt; Soucek, Jan; Grison, Benjamin; Laakso, Harri; Masson, Arnaud; Dunlop, Malcolm; Dandouras, Iannis; Reme, Henri; Fazakerley, Andrew; Daly, Patrick

2013-04-01

Modelling plasma entry in the polar cusp has been successful in reproducing ion dispersions observed in the cusp at low and mid-altitudes. The use of a realistic convection pattern allowed Wing et al. (2001) to predict double cusp signatures that were subsequently observed by the DMSP spacecraft. In this paper, we present a cusp crossing where two cusp populations are observed, separated by a gap around 1° ILAT wide. Cluster 1 (C1) and Cluster 2 (C2) observed these two cusp populations with a time delay of three minutes and about 15 and 42 minutes later, Cluster 4 (C4) and Cluster 3 (C3) observed, respectively, a single cusp population. A peculiarity of this event is the fact that the second cusp population seen on C1 and C2 was observed at the same time as the first cusp population on C4. This would tend to suggest that the two cusp populations were spatial features similar to the double cusp. Due to the nested crossing of C1 and C2 through the gap between the two cusp encounters, C2 being first to leave the cusp and last to re-enter it, these observations cannot be explained by two stable cusps with a gap of precipitation in between. On the other hand these observations are in agreement with a motion of the cusp first dawnward and then back duskward due to the effect of the IMF-By component.

The molecular core in G34.3 + 0.2 - Millimeter interferometric observations of HCO(+), H(C-13)N, H(C-15)N, and SO

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carral, Patricia; Welch, William J.

1992-01-01

This study presents high-resolution observations of the molecular core in the star-forming region G34.3 + 0.2. Maps at 6-arcsec resolution of emission and absorption of the J = 1 - 0 transitions of HCO(+), H (C-13)N, H(C-15)N, and of the 2(2) - 1(1) transition of SO were obtained in addition to a map of the 3.4-mm continuum emission from the compact H II component. The HCL(+) emission toward G34.3 + 0.2 traces a warm molecular core about 0.9 pc in size. Emission from H (C-13)N is detected over about 0.3 pc. The cometary H II region lies near the edge of the molecular core. The blueshift of the radio recombination lines with respect to the molecular emission suggests that gas from the H II region is accelerated in a champagne flow caused by a steep gradient in the ambient gas density.

Revealing Sources and Distribution Changes of Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) in Pore Water of Sediment from the Yangtze Estuary

PubMed Central

Wang, Ying; Zhang, Di; Shen, Zhenyao; Feng, Chenghong; Chen, Jing

2013-01-01

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in sediment pore waters from Yangtze estuary of China based on abundance, UV absorbance, molecular weight distribution and fluorescence were investigated using a combination of various parameters of DOM as well as 3D fluorescence excitation emission matrix spectra (F-EEMS) with the parallel factor and principal component analysis (PARAFAC-PCA). The results indicated that DOM in pore water of Yangtze estuary was very variable which mainly composed of low aromaticity and molecular weight materials. Three humic-like substances (C1, C2, C4) and one protein-like substance (C3) were identified by PARAFAC model. C1, C2 and C4 exhibited same trends and were very similar. The separation of samples on both axes of the PCA showed the difference in DOM properties. C1, C2 and C4 concurrently showed higher positive factor 1 loadings, while C3 showed highly positive factor 2 loadings. The PCA analysis showed a combination contribution of microbial DOM signal and terrestrial DOM signal in the Yangtze estuary. Higher and more variable DOM abundance, aromaticity and molecular weight of surface sediment pore water DOM can be found in the southern nearshore than the other regions primarily due to the influence of frequent and intensive human activities and tributaries inflow in this area. The DOM abundance, aromaticity, molecular weight and fluorescence intensity in core of different depth were relative constant and increased gradually with depth. DOM in core was mainly composed of humic-like material, which was due to higher release of the sedimentary organic material into the porewater during early diagenesis. PMID:24155904

X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Study of the Heating Effects on Pd/6H-SiC Schottky Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Liang-Yu; Hunter, Gary W.; Neudeck, Philip G.; Knight, Dak

1998-01-01

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to study the effects of heat treatment on the Pd/6H-SiC Schottky diode structure. After heating the structure at 425 C for 140 h, a very thin surface layer of PdO mixed with SiO(x) formed on the palladium surface of the Schottky structure. Heat treatment promoted interfacial diffusion and reaction which significantly broadened the interfacial region. In the interfacial region, the palladium concentration decreases with depth, and the interfacial products are Pd(x)Si (x = 1,2,3,4). In the high Pd concentration regions, Pd4Si is the major silicide component while gr and Pd2Si are major components in the low Pd concentration region. At the center of the interface, where the total palladium concentration equals that of silicon, the concentrations of palladium associated with various palladium silicides (Pd(x)Si, x= 1,2,3,4) are approximately equal. The surface passivation layer composed of PdO and SiO, may significantly affect the electronic and catalytic properties of the surface of the Schottky diode which plays a major role in gas detection. The electronic properties of the Schottky structure may be dominated by a (Pd+Pd(x)Si)/SiC interface. In order to stabilize the properties of the Schottky structure the surface and interface diffusion and reactions must be controlled.

Clinical and Radiographic Results of Indirect Decompression and Posterior Cervical Fusion for Single-Level Cervical Radiculopathy Using an Expandable Implant with 2-Year Follow-Up.

PubMed

Siemionow, Kris; Janusz, Piotr; Phillips, Frank M; Youssef, Jim A; Isaacs, Robert; Tyrakowski, Marcin; McCormack, Bruce

2016-11-01

Background  Indirect posterior cervical nerve root decompression and fusion performed by placing bilateral posterior cervical cages in the facet joints from a posterior approach has been proposed as an option to treat select patients with cervical radiculopathy. The purpose of this study was to report 2-year clinical and radiologic results of this treatment method. Methods  Patients who failed nonsurgical management for single-level cervical radiculopathy were recruited. Surgical treatment involved a posterior approach with decortication of the lateral mass and facet joint at the treated level followed by placement of the DTRAX Expandable Cage (Providence Medical Technology, Lafayette, California, United States) into both facet joints. Iliac crest bone autograft was mixed with demineralized bone matrix and used in all cases. The Neck Disability Index (NDI), visual analog scale (VAS) for neck and arm pain, and SF-12 v.2 questionnaire were evaluated preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. Segmental (treated level) and overall C2-C7 cervical lordosis, disk height, adjacent segment degeneration, and fusion were assessed on computed tomography scans and radiographs acquired preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively. Results  Overall, 53 of 60 enrolled patients were available at 2-year follow-up. There were 35 females and 18 males with a mean age of 53 years (range: 40-75 years). The operated level was C3-C4 ( N  = 3), C4-C5 ( N  = 6), C5-C6 ( N  = 36), and C6-C7 ( N  = 8). The mean preoperative and 2-year scores were NDI: 32.3 versus 9.1 ( p  < 0.0001); VAS Neck Pain: 7.4 versus 2.6 ( p  < 0.0001); VAS Arm Pain: 7.4 versus 2.6 ( p  < 0.0001); SF-12 Physical Component Summary: 34.6 versus 43.6 ( p  < 0.0001), and SF-12 Mental Component Summary: 40.8 versus 51.4 ( p  < 0.0001). No significant changes in overall or segmental lordosis were noted after surgery. Radiographic fusion rate was 98.1%. There was no device failure, implant lucency, or surgical reinterventions. Conclusions  Indirect decompression and posterior cervical fusion using an expandable intervertebral cage may be an effective tissue-sparing option in select patients with single-level cervical radiculopathy. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Volatility of organic aerosol and its components in the megacity of Paris

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paciga, Andrea; Karnezi, Eleni; Kostenidou, Evangelia; Hildebrandt, Lea; Psichoudaki, Magda; Engelhart, Gabriella J.; Lee, Byong-Hyoek; Crippa, Monica; Prévôt, André S. H.; Baltensperger, Urs; Pandis, Spyros N.

2016-02-01

Using a mass transfer model and the volatility basis set, we estimate the volatility distribution for the organic aerosol (OA) components during summer and winter in Paris, France as part of the collaborative project MEGAPOLI. The concentrations of the OA components as a function of temperature were measured combining data from a thermodenuder and an aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) with Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) analysis. The hydrocarbon-like organic aerosol (HOA) had similar volatility distributions for the summer and winter campaigns with half of the material in the saturation concentration bin of 10 µg m-3 and another 35-40 % consisting of low and extremely low volatility organic compounds (LVOCs with effective saturation concentrations C* of 10-3-0.1 µg m-3 and ELVOCs C* less or equal than 10-4 µg m-3, respectively). The winter cooking OA (COA) was more than an order of magnitude less volatile than the summer COA. The low-volatility oxygenated OA (LV-OOA) factor detected in the summer had the lowest volatility of all the derived factors and consisted almost exclusively of ELVOCs. The volatility for the semi-volatile oxygenated OA (SV-OOA) was significantly higher than that of the LV-OOA, containing both semi-volatile organic components (SVOCs with C* in the 1-100 µg m-3 range) and LVOCs. The oxygenated OA (OOA) factor in winter consisted of SVOCs (45 %), LVOCs (25 %) and ELVOCs (30 %). The volatility of marine OA (MOA) was higher than that of the other factors containing around 60 % SVOCs. The biomass burning OA (BBOA) factor contained components with a wide range of volatilities with significant contributions from both SVOCs (50 %) and LVOCs (30 %). Finally, combining the bulk average O : C ratios and volatility distributions of the various factors, our results are placed into the two-dimensional volatility basis set (2D-VBS) framework. The OA factors cover a broad spectrum of volatilities with no direct link between the average volatility and average O : C of the OA components.

Potential rainfall-intensity and pH-driven shifts in the apparent fluorescent composition of dissolved organic matter in rainwater.

PubMed

Zhou, Yongqiang; Yao, Xiaolong; Zhang, Yibo; Shi, Kun; Zhang, Yunlin; Jeppesen, Erik; Gao, Guang; Zhu, Guangwei; Qin, Boqiang

2017-05-01

Perturbations of rainwater chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) fluorescence induced by changes in rainfall intensity and pH were investigated by field observations and laboratory pH titrations. Microbial humic-like fluorophores dominated the rainwater CDOM pool, followed by tryptophan-like and tyrosine-like substances. Increased rainfall intensity had notable dilution effects on all six fluorescent components (C1-C6) identified using parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis, the effect being especially pronounced for the microbial humic-like C1, tryptophan-like C3, and tyrosine-like C5. The results also indicated that increasing pH from 7 to 9 led to decreased fluorescence intensity (F max ) of all the six components, while a pH increase from 5 to 7, resulted in increasing F max of terrestrial humic-like C2, tyrosine-like C5, and tryptophan-like C6 and decreasing microbial humic-like C1, tryptophan-like C3, and fulvic-like C4. Two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) demonstrated that synchronous fluorescence responded first to pH modifications at fulvic-like wavelength (λ Ex /λ Em  = ∼316/416 nm), followed by tyrosine-like wavelength (λ Ex /λ Em  = ∼204/304 nm), tryptophan-like wavelength (λ Ex /λ Em  = ∼226/326 nm), microbial humic-like wavelength (∼295/395 nm), and finally terrestrial humic-like wavelength (∼360/460 nm). Our results suggest that a decrease in areas affected by acid rain in South China occurring at present may possibly result in apparent compositional changes of CDOM fluorescence. The decreased rainfall in South-West China and increased rainfall in North-West China during the past five decades may possibly accordingly result in increased and decreased F max of all the six components identified in South-West and North-West China, respectively. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Resource Recovery Technology Application Document.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-06-01

B-6 Electrostatic Precipitator (APC-C) ......................B-1O Venturi Scrubber (APC D) B-15 C Combustion Equipment (CE) C-1 Modular... Scrubber APC-D P. 1 of 4 CONTROLIII COMPONENT DESCRIPTION Types Available - Competing Components Type a. Venturi e. Moving bed Venturi b. Flooded disc f...Clean Gas to Demister (Used Separate Liquid from Gas Stream) / F C Scrubber Wall Liquid Inlet D Scrubber Liquid at Venturi Throat Inlet B E Venturi

Combustion synthesis of boride and other composites

DOEpatents

Halverson, Danny C.; Lum, Beverly Y.; Munir, Zuhair A.

1989-01-01

A self-sustaining combustion synthesis process for producing hard, tough, lightweight B.sub.4 C/TiB.sub.2 composites is based on the thermodynamic dependence of adiabatic temperature and product composition on the stoichiometry of the B.sub.4 C and TiB.sub.2 reactants. For lightweight products the composition must be relatively rich in the B.sub.4 C component. B.sub.4 C-rich composites are obtained by varying the initial temperature of the reactants. The product is hard, porous material whose toughness can be enhanced by filling the pores with aluminum or other metal phases using a liquid metal infiltration process. The process can be extended to the formation of other composites having a low exothermic component.

13C NMR metabolomic evaluation of immediate and delayed mild hypothermia in cerebrocortical slices after oxygen-glucose deprivation.

PubMed

Liu, Jia; Segal, Mark R; Kelly, Mark J S; Pelton, Jeffrey G; Kim, Myungwon; James, Thomas L; Litt, Lawrence

2013-11-01

Mild brain hypothermia (32°-34°C) after human neonatal asphyxia improves neurodevelopmental outcomes. Astrocytes but not neurons have pyruvate carboxylase and an acetate uptake transporter. C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of rodent brain extracts after administering [1-C]glucose and [1,2-C]acetate can distinguish metabolic differences between glia and neurons, and tricarboxylic acid cycle entry via pyruvate dehydrogenase and pyruvate carboxylase. Neonatal rat cerebrocortical slices receiving a C-acetate/glucose mixture underwent a 45-min asphyxia simulation via oxygen-glucose-deprivation followed by 6 h of recovery. Protocols in three groups of N=3 experiments were identical except for temperature management. The three temperature groups were: normothermia (37°C), hypothermia (32°C for 3.75 h beginning at oxygen--glucose deprivation start), and delayed hypothermia (32°C for 3.75 h, beginning 15 min after oxygen-glucose deprivation start). Multivariate analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance metabolite quantifications included principal component analyses and the L1-penalized regularized regression algorithm known as the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. The most significant metabolite difference (P<0.0056) was [2-C]glutamine's higher final/control ratio for the hypothermia group (1.75±0.12) compared with ratios for the delayed (1.12±0.12) and normothermia group (0.94±0.06), implying a higher pyruvate carboxylase/pyruvate dehydrogenase ratio for glutamine formation. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator found the most important metabolites associated with adenosine triphosphate preservation: [3,4-C]glutamate-produced via pyruvate dehydrogenase entry, [2-C]taurine-an important osmolyte and antioxidant, and phosphocreatine. Final principal component analyses scores plots suggested separate cluster formation for the hypothermia group, but with insufficient data for statistical significance. Starting mild hypothermia simultaneously with oxygen-glucose deprivation, compared with delayed starting or no hypothermia, has higher pyruvate carboxylase throughput, suggesting that better glial integrity is one important neuroprotection mechanism of earlier hypothermia.

The influence of mesoscopic confinement on the dynamics of imidazolium-based room temperature ionic liquids in polyether sulfone membranes.

PubMed

Thomaz, Joseph E; Bailey, Heather E; Fayer, Michael D

2017-11-21

The structural dynamics of a series of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (C n mimNTf 2 , n = 2, 4, 6, 10: ethyl-Emim; butyl-Bmim; hexyl-Hmim; decyl-Dmim) room temperature ionic liquids confined in the pores of polyether sulfone (PES 200) membranes with an average pore size of ∼350 nm and in the bulk liquids were studied. Time correlated single photon counting measurements of the fluorescence of the fluorophore coumarin 153 (C153) were used to observe the time-dependent Stokes shift (solvation dynamics). The solvation dynamics of C153 in the ionic liquids are multiexponential decays. The multiexponential functional form of the decays was confirmed as the slowest decay component of each bulk liquid matches the slowest component of the liquid dynamics measured by optical heterodyne-detected optical Kerr effect (OHD-OKE) experiments, which is single exponential. The fact that the slowest component of the Stokes shift matches the OHD-OKE data in all four liquids identifies this component of the solvation dynamics as arising from the complete structural randomization of the liquids. Although the pores in the PES membranes are large, confinement on the mesoscopic length scale results in substantial slowing of the dynamics, a factor of ∼4, for EmimNTf 2 , with the effect decreasing as the chain length increases. By DmimNTf 2 , the dynamics are virtually indistinguishable from those in the bulk liquid. The rotation relaxation of C153 in the four bulk liquids was also measured and showed strong coupling between the C153 probe and its environment.

Combustion synthesis of boride and other composites

DOEpatents

Halverson, D.C.; Lum, B.Y.; Munir, Z.A.

1988-07-28

A self-sustaining combustion synthesis process for producing hard, tough, lightweight B/sub 4/C/TiB/sub 2/ composites is described. It is based on the thermodynamic dependence of adiabatic temperature and product composition on the stoichiometry of the B/sub 4/C and TiB/sub 2/ reactants. For lightweight products the composition must be relatively rich in the B/sub 4/C component. B/sub 4/C-rich composites are obtained by varying the initial temperature of the reactants. The product is hard, porous material whose toughness can be enhanced by filling the pores with aluminum or other metal phases using a liquid metal infiltration process. The process can be extended to the formation of other composites having a low exothermic component. 9 figs., 4 tabs.

Ligand-to-ligand charge-transfer transitions of platinum(II) complexes with arylacetylide ligands with different chain lengths: spectroscopic characterization, effect of molecular conformations, and density functional theory calculations.

PubMed

Tong, Glenna So Ming; Law, Yuen-Chi; Kui, Steven C F; Zhu, Nianyong; Leung, King Hong; Phillips, David Lee; Che, Chi-Ming

2010-06-11

The complexes [Pt(tBu(3)tpy){C[triple bond]C(C(6)H(4)C[triple bond]C)(n-1)R}](+) (n = 1: R = alkyl and aryl (Ar); n = 1-3: R = phenyl (Ph) or Ph-N(CH(3))(2)-4; n = 1 and 2, R = Ph-NH(2)-4; tBu(3)tpy = 4,4',4''-tri-tert-butyl-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine) and [Pt(Cl(3)tpy)(C[triple bond]CR)](+) (R = tert-butyl (tBu), Ph, 9,9'-dibutylfluorene, 9,9'-dibutyl-7-dimethyl-amine-fluorene; Cl(3)tpy = 4,4',4''-trichloro-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine) were prepared. The effects of substituent(s) on the terpyridine (tpy) and acetylide ligands and chain length of arylacetylide ligands on the absorption and emission spectra were examined. Resonance Raman (RR) spectra of [Pt(tBu(3)tpy)(C[triple bond]CR)](+) (R = n-butyl, Ph, and C(6)H(4)-OCH(3)-4) obtained in acetonitrile at 298 K reveal that the structural distortion of the C[triple bond]C bond in the electronic excited state obtained by 502.9 nm excitation is substantially larger than that obtained by 416 nm excitation. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) calculations on [Pt(H(3)tpy)(C[triple bond]CR)](+) (R = n-propyl (nPr), 2-pyridyl (Py)), [Pt(H(3)tpy){C[triple bond]C(C(6)H(4)C[triple bond]C)(n-1)Ph}](+) (n = 1-3), and [Pt(H(3)tpy){C[triple bond]C(C(6)H(4)C[triple bond]C)(n-1)C(6)H(4)-N(CH(3))(2)-4}](+)/+H(+) (n = 1-3; H(3)tpy = nonsubstituted terpyridine) at two different conformations were performed, namely, with the phenyl rings of the arylacetylide ligands coplanar ("cop") with and perpendicular ("per") to the H(3)tpy ligand. Combining the experimental data and calculated results, the two lowest energy absorption peak maxima, lambda(1) and lambda(2), of [Pt(Y(3)tpy)(C[triple bond]CR)](+) (Y = tBu or Cl, R = aryl) are attributed to (1)[pi(C[triple bond]CR)-->pi*(Y(3)tpy)] in the "cop" conformation and mixed (1)[d(pi)(Pt)-->pi*(Y(3)tpy)]/(1)[pi(C[triple bond]CR)-->pi*(Y(3)tpy)] transitions in the "per" conformation. The lowest energy absorption peak lambda(1) for [Pt(tBu(3)tpy){C[triple bond]C(C(6)H(4)C[triple bond]C)(n-1)C(6)H(4)-H-4}](+) (n = 1-3) shows a redshift with increasing chain length. However, for [Pt(tBu(3)tpy){C[triple bond]C(C6H4C[triple bond]C)(n-1)C(6)H(4)-N(CH(3))(2)-4}](+) (n = 1-3), lambda(1) shows a blueshift with increasing chain length n, but shows a redshift after the addition of acid. The emissions of [Pt(Y(3)tpy)(C[triple bond]CR)](+) (Y = tBu or Cl) at 524-642 nm measured in dichloromethane at 298 K are assigned to the (3)[pi(C[triple bond]CAr)-->pi*(Y(3)tpy)] excited states and mixed (3)[d(pi)(Pt)-->pi*(Y(3)tpy)]/(3)[pi(C[triple bond]C)-->pi*(Y(3)tpy)] excited states for R = aryl and alkyl groups, respectively. [Pt(tBu(3)tpy){C[triple bond]C(C(6)H(4)C[triple bond]C)(n-1)C(6)H(4)-N(CH(3))(2)-4}](+) (n = 1 and 2) are nonemissive, and this is attributed to the small energy gap between the singlet ground state (S(0)) and the lowest triplet excited state (T(1)).

Dissociative photoionization of 1,3-butadiene: experimental and theoretical insights.

PubMed

Fang, Wenzheng; Gong, Lei; Zhang, Qiang; Shan, Xiaobin; Liu, Fuyi; Wang, Zhenya; Sheng, Liusi

2011-05-07

The vacuum-ultraviolet photoionization and dissociative photoionization of 1,3-butadiene in a region ∼8.5-17 eV have been investigated with time-of-flight photoionization mass spectrometry using tunable synchrotron radiation. The adiabatic ionization energy of 1,3-butadiene and appearance energies for its fragment ions, C(4)H(5)(+), C(4)H(4)(+), C(4)H(3)(+), C(3)H(3)(+), C(2)H(4)(+), C(2)H(3)(+), and C(2)H(2)(+), are determined to be 9.09, 11.72, 13.11, 15.20, 11.50, 12.44, 15.15, and 15.14 eV, respectively, by measurements of photoionization efficiency spectra. Ab initio molecular orbital calculations have been performed to investigate the reaction mechanism of dissociative photoionization of 1,3-butadiene. On the basis of experimental and theoretical results, seven dissociative photoionization channels are proposed: C(4)H(5)(+) + H, C(4)H(4)(+) + H(2), C(4)H(3)(+) + H(2) + H, C(3)H(3)(+) + CH(3), C(2)H(4)(+) + C(2)H(2), C(2)H(3)(+) + C(2)H(2) + H, and C(2)H(2)(+) + C(2)H(2) + H(2). Channel C(3)H(3)(+) + CH(3) is found to be the dominant one, followed by C(4)H(5)(+) + H and C(2)H(4)(+) + C(2)H(2). The majority of these channels occur via isomerization prior to dissociation. Transition structures and intermediates for those isomerization processes were also determined.

Multiple sedimenting species of properdin in human serum and interaction of purified properdin with the third component of complement

PubMed Central

1976-01-01

Normal human serum subjected to sucrose density gradient analysis exhibited multiple sedimenting species of properdin antigen. Properdin antigen distribution was dependent on serum concentration, ionic strength, temperature, and the presence of C3, and was not dependent on the presence of divalent metal cations or blood coagulation. In mixtures of purified components, properdin sedimented heavier in the presence of C3, C3b, or C3c. Addition of factor B to mixtures containing C3 and properdin was without effect. These data provide insights into earlier discrepancies concerning the sedimentation behavior of partially purified properdin, indicate a propensity of some constituents of the alternative pathway to form protein-protein complexes, and suggest caution in interpretation of immunopathological studies in which properdin deposits are found in the presence of C3. PMID:2647

Photoinduced Intramolecular Bifurcate Hydrogen Bond: Unusual Mutual Influence of the Components.

PubMed

Sigalov, Mark V; Shainyan, Bagrat A; Sterkhova, Irina V

2017-09-01

A series of 7-hydroxy-2-methylidene-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-ones with 2-pyrrolyl (3), 4-dimethylaminophenyl (4), 4-nitrophenyl (5), and carboxyl group (6) as substituents at the exocyclic double bond was synthesized in the form of the E-isomers (4-6) or predominantly as the Z-isomer (3) which in solution is converted to the E-isomer. The synthesized compounds and their model analogues were studied by NMR spectroscopy, X-ray analysis, and MP2 theoretical calculations. The E-isomers having intramolecular O-H···O═C hydrogen bond are converted by UV irradiation to the Z-isomers having bifurcated O-H···O···H-X hydrogen bond. Unexpected shortening (and, thus, strengthening) of the O-H···O═C component of the bifurcated hydrogen bond upon the formation of the C═O···H-X hydrogen bond was found experimentally, proved theoretically (MP2), and explained by a roundabout interaction of the H-donor (HX) and H-acceptor (C═O) via the system of conjugated bonds.

Evolution of C-O-H-N volatile species in the magma ocean during core formation.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalou, C.; Le Losq, C.; Hirschmann, M. M.; Jacobsen, S. D.; Fueri, E.

2017-12-01

The composition of the Hadean atmosphere affected how life began on Earth. Magma ocean degassing of C, O, H, and N was a key influence on the composition of the Hadean atmosphere. To identify the nature of degassed C-O-H-N species, we determined their speciation in reduced basaltic glasses (in equilibrium with Fe-C-N metal alloy, synthetized at 1400 and 1600 ºC and 1.2-3 GPa) via Raman spectroscopy. We addressed the effect of oxygen fugacity (fO2) on C-O-H-N speciation between IW-2.3 and IW-0.4, representing the evolution of the shallow upper mantle fO2 during the Hadean. We observe H2, NH2, NH3, CH3, CH4, CO, N2, and OH species in all glasses. With increasing ƒO2, our results support the formation of OH groups at the expense of N-H and C-H bonds in the melt, implying the equilibria at IW-2: (1) 2OH- (melt) + ½ N2 (melt) ↔ NH2 (melt) + 2 O2- (melt) , (2) 2OH- (melt) + ½ N2 (melt) + ½ H2 (melt) ↔ NH3 (melt) + 2 O2- (melt) . With increasing fO2, eqs. (1) and (2) shift to the left. From IW-2 to IW, we also observe an increase in the intensity of the NH2 peak relative to NH3. Carbon is present as CH3, CH4, and CO in all our glasses. While CO is likely the main carbon specie under reduced conditions (e.g., Armstrong et al. 2015), CH species should remain stable from moderately (IW-0.4) to very reduced (IW-3; Ardia et al. 2014; Kadik et al. 2015, 2017) conditions in hydrous silicate glasses following the equilibria: (3) 3OH- (melt) + C (graphite) ↔ CH3 (melt) + 3O2- (melt) , (4) 4OH- (melt) + C (graphite) ↔ CH4 (melt) + 4O2- (melt) . With increasing fO2, eqs. (3) and (4) shift to the left. As metal segregation and core formation drove the ƒO2 of the magma ocean from IW-4 to IW during the Hadean (Rubie et al. 2011), the nature of species degassed by the magma ocean should have evolved during that time. The C-O-H-N species we observe dissolved in our reduced glasses may not directly correspond to those degassed (Schaeffer and Fegley, 2007), but a better understanding of species abundances and gas phase equilibria should constrain the contribution of magma ocean degassing to the Hadean atmosphere. As reactions involving CO, N2, and OH are sufficient to form amino acids, and NH2, NH3, CH3, and CH4 are amino acid components, the availability of such reduced molecules for outgassing from the magma ocean suggest a central role in the formation of the first organic molecules.

ERICA: prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Brazilian adolescents

PubMed Central

Kuschnir, Maria Cristina C; Bloch, Katia Vergetti; Szklo, Moyses; Klein, Carlos Henrique; Barufaldi, Laura Augusta; Abreu, Gabriela de Azevedo; Schaan, Beatriz; da Veiga, Gloria Valeria; da Silva, Thiago Luiz Nogueira; de Vasconcellos, Maurício T L

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components in Brazilian adolescents. METHODS We evaluated 37,504 adolescents who were participants in the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA), a cross-sectional, school-based, national study. The adolescents, aged from 12 to 17 years, lived in cities with populations greater than 100,000 inhabitants. The sample was stratified and clustered into schools and classes. The criteria set out by the International Diabetes Federation were used to define metabolic syndrome. Prevalences of metabolic syndrome were estimated according to sex, age group, school type and nutritional status. RESULTS Of the 37,504 adolescents who were evaluated: 50.2% were female; 54.3% were aged from 15 to 17 years, and 73.3% were from public schools. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 2.6% (95%CI 2.3-2.9), slightly higher in males and in those aged from 15 to 17 years in most macro-regions. The prevalence was the highest in residents from the South macro-region, in the younger female adolescents and in the older male adolescents. The prevalence was higher in public schools (2.8% [95%CI 2.4-3.2]), when compared with private schools (1.9% [95%CI 1.4-2.4]) and higher in obese adolescents when compared with nonobese ones. The most common combinations of components, referring to 3/4 of combinations, were: enlarged waist circumference (WC), low HDL-cholesterol (HDL-c) and high blood pressure; followed by enlarged WC, low HDL-c and high triglycerides; and enlarged WC, low HDL-c, high triglycerides and blood pressure. Low HDL was the second most frequent component, but the highest prevalence of metabolic syndrome (26.8%) was observed in the presence of high triglycerides. CONCLUSIONS ERICA is the first Brazilian nation-wide study to present the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and describe the role of its components. Despite the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome being low, the high prevalences of some components and participation of others in the syndrome composition shows the importance of early diagnosis of this changes, even if not grouped within the metabolic syndrome. PMID:26910546

Drivers of inter-annual variability in C4 abundance in mixed C3-C4 grasslands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Griffith, D.; Ratajczak, Z.; Anderson, M.; Lind, E. M.; Still, C. J.

2016-12-01

Grassland communities tend to be dominated by either C3 or C4 grass species, as opposed to being evenly mixed. Globally, this pattern is a consequence of the crossover temperature threshold above which C4 grasses are climatically favored. However, C3-C4 distributions can also be distinctly bimodal at the landscape scale, reflecting variation in fire regime, herbivory, soils, and other factors that favor either C3 or C4 vegetation. As such, our aims were to first investigate the global controls on C3 and C4 species pools, and second to determine the magnitude of inter-annual variation in C4 grass relative abundance in mixed C3-C4 grasslands with different fire regimes, soil nitrogen, and grazing pressures. Our analyses used data from 74 globally distributed Nutrient Network sites, 30 of which are mixed C3-C4 grasslands. Each site has factorial fertilizer (NPK) and herbivore exclosure treatments in replicated blocks. To address our first goal we conducted a random forest analysis of site-level C4 relative abundances in relation to mean annual temperature and rainfall, growing season temperature (GST) and rainfall, rainfall seasonality, aridity, fire frequency and management, frost, soil fertility, and grass lineage. In order to address our second goal, we narrowed our focus to sites having mixed C3-C4 grass composition and at least five years of species composition data (16 sites). A GST of 15 °C was a good descriptor of C4 versus C3 grass dominance, although there were marked differences among specific C4 grass lineages in their distributions. For example, whether or not a site has an actively managed burn regime was a greater predictor of Andropogoneae (C4) than GST. Furthermore, in mixed C3-C4 grasslands fertilization favored C3 grasses. Our research delineates the climatic limits of mixed C3-C4 grasslands and highlights the influence of disturbance, soil, and phylogeny on C4 and C3 grass dominance.

Variations of geothermometry and chemical-isotopic compositions of hot spring fluids in the Rehai geothermal field, southwestern China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Jianguo; Liu, Congqiang; Fu, Bihong; Ninomiya, Yoshiki; Zhang, Youlian; Wang, Chuanyuan; Wang, Hualiu; Sun, Zigang

2005-04-01

Geothermal variations, origins of carbon-bearing components and reservoir temperatures in the Rehai geothermal field (RGF) of Tengchong volcanic area, Yunnan Province, southwestern China, are discussed on the basis of carbon isotope compositions, combined with helium isotope ratios and geothermal data from 1973 to 2000. δ 13C values of CO 2, CH 4, HCO 3-, CO 3= and travertine in the hot springs range from -7.6‰ to -1.18‰, -56.9‰ to -19.48‰, -6.7‰ to -4.2‰, -6.4‰ to -4.2‰ and -27.1‰ to +0.6‰, respectively. The carbon dioxide probably has a mantle/magma origin, but CH 4 and He have multiple origins. HCO 3- and CO 3= in RGF thermal fluids are predominantly derived from igneous carbon dioxide, but other ions originate from rocks through which the fluids circulate. The 13C values of CO 2, HCO 3- (aq) and CO 3= (aq) illustrate that isotopic equilibriums between CO 2 and HCO 3- (aq), and CO 3= (aq) and between DIC and travertine were not achieved, and no carbon isotope fractionation between HCO 3- (aq) and CO 3= (aq) of the hot springs in RGF was found. Using various geothermometers, temperatures of the geothermal reservoirs are estimated in a wide range from 69 °C to 450 °C that fluctuated from time to time. The best estimate of subsurface reservoir temperature may be 250-300 °C. Contributions of mantle fluids and shallow crust fluids in Rehai geothermal field varied with time, which resulted in variations of chemical and isotopic compositions and reservoir temperatures.

Variations of Leaf Cuticular Waxes Among C3 and C4 Gramineae Herbs.

PubMed

He, Yuji; Gao, Jianhua; Guo, Na; Guo, Yanjun

2016-11-01

Modern C4 plants are commonly distributed in hot and dry environments whereas C3 plants predominate in cool and shade areas. At the outmost of plant surface, the deposition and chemical composition of cuticular waxes vary under different environmental conditions. However, whether such variation of cuticular wax is related to the distribution of C3 and C4 under different environmental conditions is still not clear. In this study, leaves of six C3 Gramineae herbs distributed in spring, Roegneria kamoji, Polypogon fugax, Poa annua, Avena fatua, Alopecurus aequalis, and Oplismenus undulatifolius, and four C4 and one C3 Gramineae herbs distributed in summer, Digitaria sanguinalis, Eleusine indica, Setaria viridis, S. plicata, and O. undulatifolius, were sampled and analyzed for cuticular wax. Plates were the main epicuticular wax morphology in both C3 and C4 plants except S. plicata. The plates melted in C4 plants but not in C3 plants. The total cuticular wax amounts in C4 plants were significantly lower than those in C3 plants, except for O. undulatifolius. Primary alcohols were the most abundant compounds in C3 plants, whereas n-alkanes were relatively the most abundant compounds in C4 plants. C 29 was the most abundant n-alkane in C3 plants except for O. undulatifolius, whereas the most abundant n-alkane was C 31 or C 33 in C4 plants. The average chain length (ACL) of n-alkanes was higher in C4 than in C3 plants, whereas the ACL of n-alkanoic acids was higher in C3 than C4 plants. The cluster analysis based on the distribution of n-alkanes clearly distinguished C3 and C4 plants into two groups, except for O. undulatifolius which was grouped with C4 plants. These results suggest that the variations of cuticular waxes among C3 and C4 Gramineae herbs are related to the distribution of C3 and C4 plants under different environmental conditions. © 2016 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.

Absorption and Fluorescence Properties of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter Produced by Algae.

PubMed

Peng, Tong; Lu, Xiao-lan; Su, Rong-guo; Zhang, Dong-mei

2015-09-01

Four kinds of diatom (Chaetoceros curvisetus, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Nitzschia closterium f. minutissima and Navicula halophile) and two kinds of dinoflagellates (Prorocentrum donghaiense and Gymnodinium) were cultured under laboratory conditions. Variations of optical properties of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) were studied with absorption and fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy(EEM) during growth of marine microalgae in incubation experiment. Absorption spectrum revealed absorption coefficient a(355) (CDOM absorption coefficients at 355 nm) of 6 kinds of marine microalgae above increased by 64.8%, 242.3%, 535.1%, 903.2%, 836% and 196.4%, respectively. Simultaneously, the absorption spectral slope (Sg), determined between 270 and 350 nm, representing the size of molecular weight of CDOM and humic-like composition, decreased by 8.7%, 34.6%, 39.4%, 53.1%, 46.7%, and 35.7%, respectively. Applying parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) together with EEM got four components of CDOM: C1(Ex/Em=350(260) nm/450 nm), C2 (Ex/Em=260(430) nm/525 nm), C3 (Ex/Em=325 nm/400 nm) and C4(Ex/Em=275 nm/325 nm), which were relative to three humic-like and one protein-like fluorescent components of Nitzschia closterium f. minutissima and Navicula halophile. In incubation experiment, fluorescence intensity of these four components during growth of Nitzschia closterium f. minutissima increased by, respectively, 8.68, 24.9, 7.19 and 39.8 times, and those of Navicula halophile increased by 2.64, 0.07, 4.39 and 12.4 times, respectively. Significant relationships were found between the fluorescence intensity of four components of CDOM, a(355) and Sg. All results demonstrated that both content and molecular weight of CDOM produced by diatom and dinoflagellate studied in incubation experiment increased, but these two parameters changed more obviously of the diatom than those of dinoflagellate; the proportion of humic-like components in the composition of CDOM also increased clearly with the growth of marine microalgae, but protein-like fluorescent component had only a slow growth. Furthermore, the absorption spectrum of CDOM produced by different species of algae changed obviously and the relative composition fluorescence intensity of CDOM produced by different microalgae were found to vary among different composition from EEM, which suggested CDOM produced by different microalgae make quite different contributions to CDOM in natural seawater.

Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA) Deskbook

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-09-01

be certified as being compliant with the FMEA by the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) (USD(C)). B.3 A COMMENT ON THE TRA PROCESS The Interim...I-2 1.4 Acquisition Process Overview...II-6 2.2.3 Processing the TRA Results .......................................................... II-6 2.3 Component Acquisition Executive (CAE

Enhancing biogas production of corn stover by fast pyrolysis pretreatment.

PubMed

Wang, Fang; Zhang, Deli; Wu, Houkai; Yi, Weiming; Fu, Peng; Li, Yongjun; Li, Zhihe

2016-10-01

A new thermo-chemical pretreatment by a lower temperature fast pyrolysis (LTFP) was applied to promote anaerobic digestion (AD) efficiency of corn stover (CS). The pretreatment experiment was performed by a fluidized bed pyrolysis reactor at 180, 200 and 220°C with a carrier gas flow rate of 4 and 3m(3)/h. The components characteristics, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images and Crystal Intensity (CrI) of the pretreated CS were tested to explore effectiveness of the pretreatment. The results showed that the cumulative methane production at 180°C for 4 and 3m(3)/h were 199.8 and 200.3mL/g TS, respectively. As compared to the untreated CS, the LTFP pretreatment significantly (a<0.05) increased the methane production by 18.07% and 18.33%, respectively. Methane production was well fitted by the Gompertz models, and the maximum methane potential and AD efficiency was obtained at 180°C for 3m(3)/h. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Great Genotypic and Phenotypic Diversities Associated with Copy-Number Variations of Complement C4 and RP-C4-CYP21-TNX (RCCX) Modules: a Comparison of Asian Indian and European American Populations

PubMed Central

Saxena, Kapil; Kitzmiller, Kathryn J.; Wu, Yee Ling; Zhou, Bi; Esack, Nazreen; Hiremath, Leena; Chung, Erwin K.; Yang, Yan; Yu, C. Yung

2009-01-01

Inter-individual gene copy-number variations (CNVs) probably afford human populations the flexibility to respond to a variety of environmental challenges, but also lead to differential disease predispositions. We investigated gene CNVs for complement component C4 and steroid 21-hydroxylase from the RP-C4-CYP21-TNX (RCCX) modules located in the major histocompatibility complex among healthy Asian-Indian Americans (AIA) and compared them to European Americans. A combination of definitive techniques that yielded cross-confirmatory results was used. The medium gene copy-numbers for C4 and its isotypes, acidic C4A and basic C4B, were 4, 2 and 2, respectively, but their frequencies were only 53–56%. The distribution patterns for total C4 and C4A are skewed towards the high copy-number side. For example, the frequency of AIA-subjects with three copies of C4A (30.7%) was 3.92-fold of those with a single copy (7.83%). The monomodular-short haplotype with a single C4B gene and the absence of C4A, which is in linkage- disequilibrium with HLA DRB1*0301 in Europeans and a strong risk factor for autoimmune diseases, has a frequency of 0.012 in AIA but 0.106 among healthy European Americans (p=6.6×10−8). The copy-number and the size of C4 genes strongly determine the plasma C4 protein concentrations. Parallel variations in copy-numbers of CYP21A (CYP21A1P) and TNXA with total C4 were also observed. Notably, 13.1% of AIA-subjects had three copies of the functional CYP21B, which were likely generated by recombinations between monomodular and bimodular RCCX haplotypes. The high copy-numbers of C4 and the high frequency of RCCX recombinants offer important insights to the prevalence of autoimmune and genetic diseases. PMID:19135723

Evaluating models of healthcare delivery using the Model of Care Evaluation Tool (MCET).

PubMed

Hudspeth, Randall S; Vogt, Marjorie; Wysocki, Ken; Pittman, Oralea; Smith, Susan; Cooke, Cindy; Dello Stritto, Rita; Hoyt, Karen Sue; Merritt, T Jeanne

2016-08-01

Our aim was to provide the outcome of a structured Model of Care (MoC) Evaluation Tool (MCET), developed by an FAANP Best-practices Workgroup, that can be used to guide the evaluation of existing MoCs being considered for use in clinical practice. Multiple MoCs are available, but deciding which model of health care delivery to use can be confusing. This five-component tool provides a structured assessment approach to model selection and has universal application. A literature review using CINAHL, PubMed, Ovid, and EBSCO was conducted. The MCET evaluation process includes five sequential components with a feedback loop from component 5 back to component 3 for reevaluation of any refinements. The components are as follows: (1) Background, (2) Selection of an MoC, (3) Implementation, (4) Evaluation, and (5) Sustainability and Future Refinement. This practical resource considers an evidence-based approach to use in determining the best model to implement based on need, stakeholder considerations, and feasibility. ©2015 American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Characterization and spacial distribution variability of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in the Yangtze Estuary.

PubMed

Wang, Ying; Zhang, Di; Shen, Zhenyao; Chen, Jing; Feng, Chenghong

2014-01-01

The spatial characteristics and the quantity and quality of the chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in the Yangtze Estuary, based on the abundance, degree of humification and sources, were studied using 3D fluorescence excitation emission matrix spectra (F-EEMs) with parallel factor and principal component analysis (PARAFAC-PCA). The results indicated that the CDOM abundance decreased and the aromaticity increased from the upstream to the downstream areas of the estuary. Higher CDOM abundance and degrees of humification were observed in the pore water than that in the surface and bottom waters. Two humic-like components (C1 and C3) and one tryptophan-like component (C2) were identified using the PARAFAC model. The separation of the samples by PCA highlighted the differences in the DOM properties. Components C1 and C3 concurrently displayed positive factor 1 loadings with nearly zero factor 2 loadings, while C2 showed highly positive factor 2 loadings. The C1 and C3 were very similar and exhibited a direct relationship with A355 and DOC. The CDOM in the pore water increased along the river to the coastal area, which was mainly influenced by C1 and C3 and was significantly derived from sediment remineralization and deposition from the inflow of the Yangtze River. The CDOM in the surface and bottom waters was dominated by C2, especially in the inflows of multiple tributaries that were affected by intensive anthropogenic activities. The microbial degradation of exogenous wastes from the tributary inputs and shoreside discharges were dominant sources of the CDOM in the surface and bottom waters. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Clostridial Binary Toxins: Iota and C2 Family Portraits

PubMed Central

Stiles, Bradley G.; Wigelsworth, Darran J.; Popoff, Michel R.; Barth, Holger

2011-01-01

There are many pathogenic Clostridium species with diverse virulence factors that include protein toxins. Some of these bacteria, such as C. botulinum, C. difficile, C. perfringens, and C. spiroforme, cause enteric problems in animals as well as humans. These often fatal diseases can partly be attributed to binary protein toxins that follow a classic AB paradigm. Within a targeted cell, all clostridial binary toxins destroy filamentous actin via mono-ADP-ribosylation of globular actin by the A component. However, much less is known about B component binding to cell-surface receptors. These toxins share sequence homology amongst themselves and with those produced by another Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium also commonly associated with soil and disease: Bacillus anthracis. This review focuses upon the iota and C2 families of clostridial binary toxins and includes: (1) basics of the bacterial source; (2) toxin biochemistry; (3) sophisticated cellular uptake machinery; and (4) host–cell responses following toxin-mediated disruption of the cytoskeleton. In summary, these protein toxins aid diverse enteric species within the genus Clostridium. PMID:22919577

Coinage metal complexes of 2-diphenylphosphino-3-methylindole.

PubMed

Koshevoy, Igor O; Shakirova, Julia R; Melnikov, Alexei S; Haukka, Matti; Tunik, Sergey P; Pakkanen, Tapani A

2011-08-21

Coordination of P,N indolyl-phosphine ligands to Au(I), Ag(I) and Cu(I) metal ions under weakly basic conditions results in easy deprotonation of the indolyl N-H function and effective formation of a family of homo- and heterobimetallic complexes MM'(PPh(2)C(9)H(7)N)(2) (M = M' = Au (2), Ag (5); M = Au, M' = Cu (3), Ag (4)). The latter (4) exists as an inseparable mixture of four different complexes, which are in equilibrium driven by slow dynamics. The reaction of silver(I) and copper(I) ions with PPh(2)(C(9)H(8)N) affords a rare tetranuclear Z-shaped cluster Ag(2)Cu(2)(PPh(2)C(9)H(7)N)(4) (6), which exhibits red luminescence in solid state (650 nm) and a weak dual emission in solution with the main component in the near-IR region (746 nm). This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011

Pinonaldehyde and some other organics in rain and snow in central Japan.

PubMed

Satsumabayashi, H; Nishizawa, H; Yokouchi, Y; Ueda, H

2001-11-01

Solvent-extractable organic compounds in the rain and snow collected at local cities in the mountainous region in central Japan, were analyzed by GC/MS and GC. Pinonaldehyde (2,2-dimethyl-3-acetyl-cyclobutyl-ethanal), an atmospheric reaction product of alpha-pinene, was detected in the rain and snow for the first time, and n-alkanes (C17-C33), fatty acids (C8-C23), and benzoic acid were also detected as major organic components. Concentrations of pinonaldehyde, C17-C33 n-alkanes, C8-C11 fatty acids, C12-C23 fatty acids and benzoic acid ranged between <0.02-13, 0.10-35, 0.55-5.7, 4.2-19 and <0.02-6.0 microg/l, respectively. Their composition showed some difference in summer and winter. In summer, fatty acids and benzoic acid were more abundant, while pinonaldehyde and n-alkanes were much less. Higher photochemical reactivity and higher bioactivity in summer could explain these seasonal changes except for pinonaldehyde, which would suffer from further oxidation in the atmosphere after its photochemical production from alpha-pinene. Predominance of pinonaldehyde and C12-C23 fatty acids in the rain and snow showed a remarkable contrast to n-alkanes in aerosol phase, which were the most abundant components. It indicated that oxygenated products from biogenic compounds might be important as cloud condensation nuclei in forest areas.

Relationship of the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio to the remainder of the lipid profile: The Very Large Database of Lipids-4 (VLDL-4) study.

PubMed

Quispe, Renato; Manalac, Raoul J; Faridi, Kamil F; Blaha, Michael J; Toth, Peter P; Kulkarni, Krishnaji R; Nasir, Khurram; Virani, Salim S; Banach, Maciej; Blumenthal, Roger S; Martin, Seth S; Jones, Steven R

2015-09-01

High levels of the triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio are associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance. We evaluated variability in the remaining lipid profile, especially remnant lipoprotein particle cholesterol (RLP-C) and its components (very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol subfraction 3 and intermediate-density lipoprotein cholesterol), with variability in the TG/HDL-C ratio in a very large study cohort representative of the general U.S. We examined data from 1,350,908 US individuals who were clinically referred for lipoprotein cholesterol ultracentrifugation (Atherotech, Birmingham, AL) from 2009 to 2011. Demographic information other than age and sex was not available. Changes to the remaining lipid profile across percentiles of the TG/HDL-C ratio were quantified, as well as by three TG/HDL-C cut-off points previously proposed in the literature: 2.5 (male) and 2 (female), 3.75 (male) and 3 (female), and 3.5 (male and female). The mean age of our study population was 58.7 years, and 48% were men. The median TG/HDL-C ratio was 2.2. Across increasing TG/HDL-C ratios, we found steadily increasing levels of RLP-C, non-HDL-C and LDL density. Among the lipid parameters studied, RLP-C and LDL density had the highest relative increase when comparing individuals with elevated TG/HDL-C levels to those with lower TG/HDL-C levels using established cut-off points. Approximately 47% of TG/HDL-C ratio variance was attributable to RLP-C. In the present analysis, a higher TG/HDL-C ratio was associated with an increasingly atherogenic lipid phenotype, characterized by higher RLP-C along with higher non-HDL-C and LDL density. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Crystal structures of 3,5-bis-[(E)-3-hy-droxy-benzyl-idene]-1-methyl-piperidin-4-one and 3,5-bis-[(E)-2-chloro-benzyl-idene]-1-methyl-piperidin-4-one.

PubMed

Eryanti, Yum; Zamri, Adel; Herlina, Tati; Supratman, Unang; Rosli, Mohd Mustaqim; Fun, Hoong-Kun

2015-12-01

The title compounds, C20H19NO3, (1), and C20H17Cl2NO, (2), are the 3-hy-droxy-benzyl-idene and 2-chloro-benzyl-idene derivatives, respectively, of curcumin [systematic name: (1E,6E)-1,7-bis-(4-hy-droxy-3-meth-oxy-phen-yl)-1,6-hepta-diene-3,5-dione]. The dihedral angles between the benzene rings in each compound are 21.07 (6)° for (1) and 13.4 (3)° for (2). In both compounds, the piperidinone rings adopt a sofa confirmation and the methyl group attached to the N atom is in an equatorial position. In the crystal of (1), two pairs of O-H⋯N and O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules, forming chains along [10-1]. The chains are linked via C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming undulating sheets parallel to the ac plane. In the crystal of (2), mol-ecules are linked by weak C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, forming chains along the [204] direction. The chains are linked along the a-axis direction by π-π inter-actions [inter-centroid distance = 3.779 (4) Å]. For compound (2), the crystal studied was a non-merohedral twin with the refined ratio of the twin components being 0.116 (6):0.886 (6).

Dissociative photoionization of ethyl acrylate: Theoretical and experimental insights

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Yanlin; Chen, Jun; Ding, Mengmeng; Wei, Bin; Cao, Maoqi; Shan, Xiaobin; Zhao, Yujie; Huang, Chaoqun; Sheng, Liusi; Liu, Fuyi

2015-08-01

The photoionization and dissociation of ethyl acrylate have been investigated by time-of-flight mass spectrometer with tunable vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) source in the range of 9.0-20.0 eV. The photoionization mass spectrum (PIMS) for ethyl acrylate and photoionization efficiency (PIE) curves for its major fragment ions: C5H7O2+, C4H5O2+, C3H5O2+, C3H4O+, C3H3O+, C2H5O+, C2H3O+, C2H5+ and C2H4+ have been obtained. The formation channels of main fragments are predicted by Gaussian 09 program at G3B3 level and examined via their dissociation energies from experimental results. Based on our analysis, nine main dissociative photoionization channels are proposed: C5H7O2+ + H, C4H5O2+ + CH3, C3H5O2+ + C2H3, C3H4O+ + C2H4O, C3H3O+ + C2H5O, C2H5O+ + C3H3O, C2H3O+ + C3H5O, C2H5+ + C3H3O2, C2H4+ + C3H4O2, respectively. The results of this work lead to a better understanding of photochemistry in the environment.

Effect of medium components on the production of a biosurfactant from Candida tropicalis applied to the removal of hydrophobic contaminants in soil.

PubMed

Batista, Ranielly M; Rufino, Raquel D; Luna, Juliana M; de Souza, José Edson G; Sarubbo, Leonie A

2010-05-01

The influence of medium constituents on the production of biosurfactants by Candida tropicalis cultivated in waste frying oil was investigated according to a fractional factorial 2(5-1) design. The combined effect of the C/N(inorganic), C/Fe, C/Mg, and C/P ratios and yeast extract on surface tension reduction, biosurfactant yield, emulsification activity, and biomass were studied. The highest biosurfactant yield was reached when low C/Mg and low C/P ratio variables were combined, while the cell growth was favored by increasing the nitrogen concentration. The highest surface tension net decrease, on the other hand, was observed at low yeast extract concentration, low C/Fe, and high C/P ratios. Emulsification indices against lubrication and automobile waste oil of approximately 65 to 95% were observed. The crude biosurfactant produced in the medium--formulated with 2% waste frying oil, 0.067% NH4Cl, 0.025% MgSO4.7H2O, 0.067% KH2PO4, and 0.0026% FeCl3.6H2O--removed approximately 78 to 97% of the petroleum and motor oil adsorbed in sand samples.

A combined crossed-beam and theoretical study of the reaction dynamics of O(3P) + C2H3 → C2H2 + OH: Analysis of the nascent OH products with the preferential population of the Π(A') component

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Min-Jin; Jang, Su-Chan; Choi, Jong-Ho

2012-11-01

The gas-phase reaction dynamics of ground-state atomic oxygen [O(3P) from the photo-dissociation of NO2] with vinyl radicals [C2H3 from the supersonic flash pyrolysis of vinyl iodide, C2H3I] has been investigated using a combination of high-resolution laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy in a crossed-beam configuration and ab initio calculations. Unlike the previous gas-phase bulk kinetic experiments by Baulch et al. [J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data 34, 757 (2005)], 10.1063/1.1748524, a new exothermic channel of O(3P) + C2H3 → C2H2 + OH (X 2Π: υ″ = 0) has been identified for the first time, and the population analysis shows bimodal nascent rotational distributions of OH products with low- and high-N″ components with a ratio of 2.4:1. No spin-orbit propensities were observed, and the averaged ratios of Π(A')/Π(A″) were determined to be 1.66 ± 0.27. On the basis of computations at the CBS-QB3 theory level and comparison with prior theory, the microscopic mechanisms responsible for the nascent populations can be understood in terms of two competing dynamical pathways: a direct abstraction process in the low-N″ regime as the major pathway and an addition-complex forming process in the high-N″ regime as the minor pathway. Particularly, during the bond cleavage process of the weakly bound van der Waals complex C2H2—OH, the characteristic pathway from the low dihedral-angle geometry was consistent with the observed preferential population of the Π(A') component in the nascent OH products. A molecular-level discussion of the reactivity, mechanism, and dynamical features of the title reaction are presented together with a comparison to gas-phase oxidation reactions of a series of prototypical hydrocarbon radicals.

Alumina-Forming MAX Phases in Turbine Material Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smialek, James L.; Harder, Bryan J.; Garg, Arnita; Nesbitt, James A.

2015-01-01

Coatings for high temperature turbine components are based on low conductivity YSZ thermal barriers and protective NiAl, NiCoCrAlY bond coats. Good oxidation hot corrosion resistance, intermediate CTE, and strain tolerance of Ti2AlC and Cr2AlC MAX phases are thus of special interest. Their alumina scale growth follows a cubic law in accord with FeCrAlY alloys, with oxygen grain boundary diffusivity: Dgb 1.8 x 10-10 exp(-375 kJmole) m3s. Protective cubic kinetics are also found in high pressure burner rig (6 atm., 25 ms) and TGA tests of MAXthal 211Ti2AlC. The initial portion (0.1 hr) is dominated by fast TiO2 growth (with little evidence of scale volatility in high pressure water vapor, as found for SiO2 scales). Bulk Ti2AlC and Cr2AlC substrates show promise as potential bond coats for YSZ TBCs in 1000-1200 C furnace life (500 h) tests. Cr2AlC is proving to be very resistant to 700-900 C Na2SO4 hot corrosion and is of interest for disk alloys. Preliminary diffusion bonded Cr2AlC-superalloy hybrid couples have survived 1000 hr interrupted furnace tests at 800C with no indication of cracking or debonding. Diffusion zones of -NiAl+Cr7C3 were produced in these above 1000 C, but did not grow to any great extent after 1000 hr at 800 C. Processing as coatings presents challenges, however the basic properties of MAX phases provide novel opportunities for high temperature turbine components.

Increasing water use efficiency along the C3 to C4 evolutionary pathway: a stomatal optimization perspective.

PubMed

Way, Danielle A; Katul, Gabriel G; Manzoni, Stefano; Vico, Giulia

2014-07-01

C4 photosynthesis evolved independently numerous times, probably in response to declining atmospheric CO2 concentrations, but also to high temperatures and aridity, which enhance water losses through transpiration. Here, the environmental factors controlling stomatal behaviour of leaf-level carbon and water exchange were examined across the evolutionary continuum from C3 to C4 photosynthesis at current (400 μmol mol(-1)) and low (280 μmol mol(-1)) atmospheric CO2 conditions. To this aim, a stomatal optimization model was further developed to describe the evolutionary continuum from C3 to C4 species within a unified framework. Data on C3, three categories of C3-C4 intermediates, and C4 Flaveria species were used to parameterize the stomatal model, including parameters for the marginal water use efficiency and the efficiency of the CO2-concentrating mechanism (or C4 pump); these two parameters are interpreted as traits reflecting the stomatal and photosynthetic adjustments during the C3 to C4 transformation. Neither the marginal water use efficiency nor the C4 pump strength changed significantly from C3 to early C3-C4 intermediate stages, but both traits significantly increased between early C3-C4 intermediates and the C4-like intermediates with an operational C4 cycle. At low CO2, net photosynthetic rates showed continuous increases from a C3 state, across the intermediates and towards C4 photosynthesis, but only C4-like intermediates and C4 species (with an operational C4 cycle) had higher water use efficiencies than C3 Flaveria. The results demonstrate that both the marginal water use efficiency and the C4 pump strength increase in C4 Flaveria to improve their photosynthesis and water use efficiency compared with C3 species. These findings emphasize that the advantage of the early intermediate stages is predominantly carbon based, not water related. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology.

Effects of low atmospheric CO2 and elevated temperature during growth on the gas exchange responses of C3, C3-C4 intermediate, and C4 species from three evolutionary lineages of C4 photosynthesis.

PubMed

Vogan, Patrick J; Sage, Rowan F

2012-06-01

This study evaluates acclimation of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance in three evolutionary lineages of C(3), C(3)-C(4) intermediate, and C(4) species grown in the low CO(2) and hot conditions proposed to favo r the evolution of C(4) photosynthesis. Closely related C(3), C(3)-C(4), and C(4) species in the genera Flaveria, Heliotropium, and Alternanthera were grown near 380 and 180 μmol CO(2) mol(-1) air and day/night temperatures of 37/29°C. Growth CO(2) had no effect on photosynthetic capacity or nitrogen allocation to Rubisco and electron transport in any of the species. There was also no effect of growth CO(2) on photosynthetic and stomatal responses to intercellular CO(2) concentration. These results demonstrate little ability to acclimate to low CO(2) growth conditions in closely related C(3) and C(3)-C(4) species, indicating that, during past episodes of low CO(2), individual C(3) plants had little ability to adjust their photosynthetic physiology to compensate for carbon starvation. This deficiency could have favored selection for more efficient modes of carbon assimilation, such as C(3)-C(4) intermediacy. The C(3)-C(4) species had approximately 50% greater rates of net CO(2) assimilation than the C(3) species when measured at the growth conditions of 180 μmol mol(-1) and 37°C, demonstrating the superiority of the C(3)-C(4) pathway in low atmospheric CO(2) and hot climates of recent geological time.

Fatigue strength reduction model: RANDOM3 and RANDOM4 user manual, appendix 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boyce, Lola; Lovelace, Thomas B.

1989-01-01

The FORTRAN programs RANDOM3 and RANDOM4 are documented. They are based on fatigue strength reduction, using a probabilistic constitutive model. They predict the random lifetime of an engine component to reach a given fatigue strength. Included in this user manual are details regarding the theoretical backgrounds of RANDOM3 and RANDOM4. Appendix A gives information on the physical quantities, their symbols, FORTRAN names, and both SI and U.S. Customary units. Appendix B and C include photocopies of the actual computer printout corresponding to the sample problems. Appendices D and E detail the IMSL, Version 10(1), subroutines and functions called by RANDOM3 and RANDOM4 and SAS/GRAPH(2) programs that can be used to plot both the probability density functions (p.d.f.) and the cumulative distribution functions (c.d.f.).

Technical Feasibility Study of an Effective Low-Toxicity Obscurant Material

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-08-01

2. REPORT TYPE FINAL 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) 04/2011 – 07/2012 4 . TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER W912HQ-11-C-0034 Technical...6 4 Work Package 3 – Laboratory-scale tests...chemistry to sea-salt aerosol. 4 The major component of sea-salt is sodium chloride. Sodium chloride can be very simply generated by the combustion

Genetic analysis of autoimmune regulator haplotypes in alopecia areata.

PubMed

Wengraf, D A; McDonagh, A J G; Lovewell, T R J; Vasilopoulos, Y; Macdonald-Hull, S P; Cork, M J; Messenger, A G; Tazi-Ahnini, R

2008-03-01

Alopecia areata is an immune-mediated disorder, occurring with the highest observed frequency in the rare recessive autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) syndrome caused by mutations of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene on chromosome 21q22.3. We have previously detected association between alopecia areata and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the AIRE gene in patients without APECED, and we now report the findings of an extended examination of the association of alopecia areata with haplotype analysis including six SNPs in the AIRE gene: C-103T, C4144G, T5238C, G6528A, T7215C and T11787C. In Caucasian groups of 295 patients and 363 controls, we found strong association between the AIRE 7215C allele and AA [P = 3.8 x 10(-8), OR (95% CI): 2.69 (1.8-4.0)]. The previously reported association between AA and the AIRE 4144G allele was no longer significant on correction for multiple testing. The AIRE haplotypes CCTGCT and CGTGCC showed a highly significant association with AA [P = 6.05 x 10(-6), 9.47 (2.91-30.8) and P = 0.001, 3.51 (1.55-7.95), respectively]. To select the haplotypes most informative for analysis, we tagged the polymorphisms using SNPTag software. Employing AIRE C-103T, G6528A, T7215C and T11787C as tag SNPs, two haplotypes were associated with AA; AIRE CGCT and AIRE CGCC [P = 3.84 x 10(-7), 11.40 (3.53-36.9) and P = 3.94 x 10(-4), 2.13 (1.39-3.24) respectively]. The AIRE risk haplotypes identified in this study potentially account for a major component of the genetic risk of developing alopecia areata.

Development and Validation of a Scale to Assess Students' Attitude towards Animal Welfare

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazas, Beatriz; Rosario Fernández Manzanal, Mª; Zarza, Francisco Javier; Adolfo María, Gustavo

2013-07-01

This work presents the development of a scale of attitudes of secondary-school and university students towards animal welfare. A questionnaire was drawn up following a Likert-type scale attitude assessment model. Four components or factors, which globally measure animal welfare, are proposed to define the object of the attitude. The components are animal abuse for pleasure or due to ignorance (C1), leisure with animals (C2), farm animals (C3) and animal abandonment (C4). The final version of the questionnaire contains 29 items that are evenly distributed among the four components indicated, guaranteeing that each component is one-dimensional. A sample of 329 students was used to validate the scale. These students were aged between 11 and 25, and were from secondary schools in Aragon and the University in Zaragoza (Aragon's main and largest city, located in NE Spain). The scale shows good internal reliability, with a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.74. The questionnaire was later given to 1,007 students of similar levels and ages to the sample used in the validation, the results of which are presented in this study. The most relevant results show significant differences in gender and level of education in some of the components of the scale, observing that women and university students rate animal welfare more highly.

Water Soluble Phosphane-Gold(I) Complexes. Applications as Recyclable Catalysts in a Three-component Coupling Reaction and as Antimicrobial and Anticancer Agents

PubMed Central

Elie, Benelita T.; Levine, Chaya; Ubarretxena-Belandia, Iban; Varela-Ramírez, Armando; Aguilera, Renato J.; Ovalle, Rafael; Contel, María

2013-01-01

Water-soluble compounds of the type [AuCl(PR3)] with alkyl-bis-(m-sulfonated-phenyl)-(mC6H4SO3Na)2 and dialkyl-(m-sulfonated-phenyl)-(mC6H4SO3Na) (R = nBu, Cp) phosphanes have been prepared. Dialkyl-phosphane compounds generate water-soluble nanoparticles of 10-15 nm radius when dissolved in water. These air-stable complexes have been evaluated as catalysts in the synthesis of propargylamines via a three-component coupling reaction of aldehydes, amines and alkynes in water. The antimicrobial activity of the new complexes against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeast has been evaluated. The new compounds display moderate to high antibacterial activity. The more lipophilic compounds are also potent against fungi. Their cytotoxic properties have been analyzed in vitro utilizing human Jurkat T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Compounds with dialkyl-(m-sulfonated-phenyl)-(mC6H4SO3Na) phosphanes displayed moderate to high cytotoxicity on this cell line. Death cell mechanism occurs mainly by early apoptosis. The catalytic/biological activity of the previously described compound with commercial m-trisulfonated-triphenylphosphine [AuCl(TPPTS)] (6) has been also evaluated to compare the effects of the higher basicity and lipophilicity of the alkyl- and di-alkyl-(m-sulfonated-phenyl) phosphanes on these new compounds. PMID:23524957

Conformational analysis of some 4‧-substituted 2-(phenylselanyl)- 2-(methoxy)- acetophenones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Traesel, Henrique J.; Olivato, Paulo R.; Valença, J.; Rodrigues, Daniel N. S.; Zukerman-Schpector, Julio; Colle, Maurizio Dal

2018-04-01

A conformational study of some 4‧-substituited 2-(phenylselanyl)-2-(methoxy)-acetophenones (OMe 1, H 2, and Cl 3) was performed using IR carbonyl stretching band analysis supported by NBO and PCM calculations at the B3LYP/6-31 + G (d,p) level for 1-3 and using X-ray diffraction for 1 and 2. The computational results indicated the existence of three stable conformers for the series (c2, c3, and c1 in order of decreasing stability), whose relative abundance changes with solvent permittivity. The experimental trend observed for the components of the triplet carbonyl band in all solvents matches well with computational results and thus allows for their assignment to distinct conformers. The relative population of the c1 conformer increases in more polar solvents, becoming the most stable conformer in the highest permittivity solvent, acetonitrile, as indicated by IR spectra and PCM calculations. These findings are related to the quasi parallel geometry assumed by the Cδ+ = Oδ- and Cδ+-Oδ- dipoles, which favour stronger solvation. NBO analysis shows that the sum of the energies (ΣE) of the relevant orbital interactions stabilizes the c3 conformer of 1-3 slightly, likely due to the minor contribution of the LPO5→σ*C3sbnd Se10 interaction. However, only the c1 conformer is significantly destabilized by the Oδ-(1)CO … Oδ-(5)OMe short contact electrostatic repulsion, which is also responsible for its highest νCO frequency. In addition, the LPO5→ σ*C2sbnd C3 orbital interaction accounts for the lowest νCO frequency of c3 conformer. X-ray single crystal analysis of compounds 1 and 2 indicates that in the solid state they assume the least stable c1 conformation found in the gas phase. Molecules of these compounds are stabilized in the crystal through a series of Csbnd H⋯O and Csbnd H … π intermolecular interactions.

National Dam Inspection Program. Baggaley Dam. (NDI Number PA-00454, PennDER Number-65-10) Ohio River Basin, Indian Camp Run, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Phase I Inspection Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-05-01

o U)q) ) C o ’--I o 2m)U c = 00 -1 a o 4 0 r-4 C 0 o4.) -C)L 0 bo3 0Q) 4 S .) * -ObO -) "a ) - 4C )j 0 04- >4. = M.- Q C) Q) D a al~. 9)C) 4)a ) C)2. Q...Z1 ocacr. . 1 xm j. )( E- 2 9) . ,> ( 1 - - 4C 0 .1a () 4 CZ3 0 = > 0 C E bo to a 4 Lca A3 0- 0 (d 2 0 -4 o 00 (a C-) "-I wz X .4 0 0I X: 0 cc 1) E (UG4...C L (DU) 4)0L r-4 4C ~ ) 0 0 r.1 V 4 LO0U0 0dv 04) 40 V0.0 0 m cC -4 X V 4 c4.) 4.3 3 4) ) -q .) -f .4to V 41 4.) 02 0 C tv 0c c C .4) 0a 0 9) In-4 0

Mesophyll cells of C4 plants have fewer chloroplasts than those of closely related C3 plants.

PubMed

Stata, Matt; Sage, Tammy L; Rennie, Troy D; Khoshravesh, Roxana; Sultmanis, Stefanie; Khaikin, Yannay; Ludwig, Martha; Sage, Rowan F

2014-11-01

The evolution of C(4) photosynthesis from C(3) ancestors eliminates ribulose bisphosphate carboxylation in the mesophyll (M) cell chloroplast while activating phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylation in the cytosol. These changes may lead to fewer chloroplasts and different chloroplast positioning within M cells. To evaluate these possibilities, we compared chloroplast number, size and position in M cells of closely related C(3), C(3) -C(4) intermediate and C(4) species from 12 lineages of C(4) evolution. All C(3) species had more chloroplasts per M cell area than their C(4) relatives in high-light growth conditions. C(3) species also had higher chloroplast coverage of the M cell periphery than C(4) species, particularly opposite intercellular air spaces. In M cells from 10 of the 12 C(4) lineages, a greater fraction of the chloroplast envelope was pulled away from the plasmalemma in the C(4) species than their C(3) relatives. C(3) -C(4) intermediate species generally exhibited similar patterns as their C(3) relatives. We interpret these results to reflect adaptive shifts that facilitate efficient C(4) function by enhancing diffusive access to the site of primary carbon fixation in the cytosol. Fewer chloroplasts in C(4) M cells would also reduce shading of the bundle sheath chloroplasts, which also generate energy required by C(4) photosynthesis. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Thermodynamics of solvent interaction with the metal-organic framework MOF-5.

PubMed

Akimbekov, Zamirbek; Wu, Di; Brozek, Carl K; Dincă, Mircea; Navrotsky, Alexandra

2016-01-14

The inclusion of solvent in metal-organic framework (MOF) materials is a highly specific form of guest-host interaction. In this work, the energetics of solvent MOF-5 interactions has been investigated by solution calorimetry in 5 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at room temperature. Solution calorimetric measurement of enthalpy of formation (ΔH(f)) of Zn4O(C8H4O4)3·C3H7NO (MOF-5·DMF) and Zn4O(C8H4O4)3·0.60C5H11NO (MOF-5·0.60DEF) from the dense components zinc oxide (ZnO), 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (H2BDC), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and N,N-diethylformamide (DEF) gives values of 16.69 ± 1.21 and 45.90 ± 1.46 kJ (mol Zn4O)(-1), respectively. The enthalpies of interaction (ΔH(int)) for DMF and DEF with MOF-5 are -82.78 ± 4.84 kJ (mol DMF)(-1) and -89.28 ± 3.05 kJ (mol DEF)(-1), respectively. These exothermic interaction energies suggest that, at low guest loading, Lewis base solvents interact more strongly with electron accepting Zn4O clusters in the MOF than at high solvent loading. These data provide a quantitative thermodynamic basis to investigate transmetallation and solvent assisted linker exchange (SALE) methods and to synthesize new MOFs.

Combined Hydrophobic/Oleophobic Membrane Separation and Extraction for Fuel Treatment (Briefing Charts)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-24

Institute, Dayton, OH 45469 4 California State University, Long Beach, CA 90840 5 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 2 Acknowledgements Ms. Yvonne...ppm) C2 Thiophenes 0.3 C3-C4 Thiophenes 1.4 C5 Thiophenes 3.7 C6 Thiophenes 3.5 C7 Thiophenes 4.1 C8 -C9 Thiophenes 2.9 C10 Thiophenes 0.6 C11...Thiophenes 6.3 C6 Thiophenes 6.1 C7 Thiophenes 5.8 C8 -C9 Thiophenes 4.9 C10 Thiophenes 1.3 C11 Thiophenes 0.9 C12+ Thiophenes 2.0 Standard Grade RP-1 (Errors

Double cusp encounter by Cluster: double cusp or motion of the cusp?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Escoubet, C. P.; Berchem, J.; Trattner, K. J.; Pitout, F.; Richard, R.; Taylor, M. G. G. T.; Soucek, J.; Grison, B.; Laakso, H.; Masson, A.; Dunlop, M.; Dandouras, I.; Reme, H.; Fazakerley, A.; Daly, P.

2013-04-01

Modelling plasma entry in the polar cusp has been successful in reproducing ion dispersions observed in the cusp at low and mid-altitudes. The use of a realistic convection pattern, when the IMF-By is large and stable, allowed Wing et al. (2001) to predict double cusp signatures that were subsequently observed by the DMSP spacecraft. In this paper we present a cusp crossing where two cusp populations are observed, separated by a gap around 1° Invariant Latitude (ILAT) wide. Cluster 1 (C1) and Cluster 2 (C2) observed these two cusp populations with a time delay of 3 min, and about 15 and 42 min later Cluster 4 (C4) and Cluster 3 (C3) observed, respectively, a single cusp population. A peculiarity of this event is the fact that the second cusp population seen on C1 and C2 was observed at the same time as the first cusp population on C4. This would tend to suggest that the two cusp populations had spatial features similar to the double cusp. Due to the nested crossing of C1 and C2 through the gap between the two cusp populations, C2 being first to leave the cusp and last to re-enter it, these observations are difficult to be explained by two distinct cusps with a gap in between. However, since we observe the cusp in a narrow area of local time post-noon, a second cusp may have been present in the pre-noon sector but could not be observed. On the other hand, these observations are in agreement with a motion of the cusp first dawnward and then back duskward due to the effect of the IMF-By component.

XLS (c9orf142) is a new component of mammalian DNA double-stranded break repair.

PubMed

Craxton, A; Somers, J; Munnur, D; Jukes-Jones, R; Cain, K; Malewicz, M

2015-06-01

Repair of double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs) in mammalian cells primarily occurs by the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway, which requires seven core proteins (Ku70/Ku86, DNA-PKcs (DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit), Artemis, XRCC4-like factor (XLF), XRCC4 and DNA ligase IV). Here we show using combined affinity purification and mass spectrometry that DNA-PKcs co-purifies with all known core NHEJ factors. Furthermore, we have identified a novel evolutionary conserved protein associated with DNA-PKcs-c9orf142. Computer-based modelling of c9orf142 predicted a structure very similar to XRCC4, hence we have named c9orf142-XLS (XRCC4-like small protein). Depletion of c9orf142/XLS in cells impaired DSB repair consistent with a defect in NHEJ. Furthermore, c9orf142/XLS interacted with other core NHEJ factors. These results demonstrate the existence of a new component of the NHEJ DNA repair pathway in mammalian cells.

Three polymorphs of an inclusion compound of 2,2'-(disulfanediyl)dibenzoic acid and trimethylamine.

PubMed

Yang, Yunxia; Li, Lihua; Zhang, Li; Dong, Wenjing; Ding, Keying

2016-12-01

Polymorphism is the ability of a solid material to exist in more than one form or crystal structure and this is of interest in the fields of crystal engineering and solid-state chemistry. 2,2'-(Disulfanediyl)dibenzoic acid (also called 2,2'-dithiosalicylic acid, DTSA) is able to form different hydrogen bonds using its carboxyl groups. The central bridging S atoms allow the two terminal arene rings to rotate freely to generate various hydrogen-bonded linking modes. DTSA can act as a potential host molecule with suitable guest molecules to develop new inclusion compounds. We report here the crystal structures of three new polymorphs of the inclusion compound of DTSA and trimethylamine, namely trimethylazanium 2-[(2-carboxyphenyl)disulfanyl]benzoate 2,2'-(disulfanediyl)dibenzoic acid monosolvate, C 3 H 10 N + ·C 14 H 9 O 4 S 2 - ·C 14 H 10 O 4 S 2 , (1), tetrakis(trimethylazanium) bis{2-[(2-carboxyphenyl)disulfanyl]benzoate} 2,2'-(disulfanediyl)dibenzoate 2,2'-(disulfanediyl)dibenzoic acid monosolvate, 4C 3 H 10 N + ·2C 14 H 9 O 4 S 2 - ·C 14 H 8 O 4 S 2 2- ·C 14 H 10 O 4 S 2 , (2), and trimethylazanium 2-[(2-carboxyphenyl)disulfanyl]benzoate, C 3 H 10 N + ·C 14 H 9 O 4 S 2 - , (3). In the three polymorphs, DTSA utilizes its carboxyl groups to form conventional O-H...O hydrogen bonds to generate different host lattices. The central N atoms of the guest amine molecules accept H atoms from DTSA molecules to give the corresponding cations, which act as counter-ions to produce the stable crystal structures via N-H...O hydrogen bonding between the host acid and the guest molecule. It is noticeable that although these three compounds are composed of the same components, the final crystal structures are totally different due to the various configurations of the host acid, the number of guest molecules and the inducer (i.e. ancillary experimental acid).

Domain architectures of the Scm3p protein provide insights into centromere function and evolution.

PubMed

Aravind, L; Iyer, Lakshminarayan M; Wu, Carl

2007-10-15

Recently, Scm3p has been shown to be a nonhistone component of centromeric chromatin that binds stoichiometrically to CenH3-H4 histones, and to be required for the assembly of kinetochores in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Scm3p is conserved across fungi, and displays a remarkable variation in protein size, ranging from approximately 200 amino acids in S. cerevisiae to approximately 1300 amino acids in Neurospora crassa. This is primarily due a variable C-terminal segment that is linked to a conserved N-terminal, CenH3-interacting domain. We have discovered that the extended C-terminal region of Scm3p is strikingly characterized by lineage-specific fusions of single or multiple predicted DNA-binding domains different versions of the MYB and C2H2 zinc finger domains, AT-hooks, and a novel cysteine-rich metal-chelating cluster that are absent from the small versions of Scm3. Instead, S. cerevisiae point centromeres are recognized by components of the CBF3 DNA binding complex, which are conserved amongst close relatives of budding yeast, but are correspondingly absent from more distant fungi that possess regional centromeres. Hence, the C-terminal DNA binding motifs found in large Scm3p proteins may, along with CenH3, serve as a key epigenetic signal by recognizing and accommodating the lineage-specific diversity of centromere DNA in course of evolution.

Proximate composition and fatty acid analysis of Lablab purpureus (L.) legume seed: implicates to both protein and essential fatty acid supplementation.

PubMed

Hossain, Shahdat; Ahmed, Rashed; Bhowmick, Sujan; Mamun, Abdullah Al; Hashimoto, Michio

2016-01-01

The high mortality rate in Bangladesh is related to poverty, which results in protein malnutrition, essential fatty acid deficiency and lacks in adequate vitamins, minerals and calorie. Exploring new food items with improved dietary nutrition factors may, therefore, help to decrease the mortality rate in the poor countries like Bangladesh. Accordingly, the present study was a proximate composition and fatty acid analysis of L. purpureus seed-a legume seed which is given no careful attention locally, though it might be a good source of valuable nutrition factors for both animals and humans. The purpose of the study was, therefore, to generate awareness that L. purpureus could also act as a good source of food components essential for good health. Proximate analysis revealed that the seed powder contained 8.47 ± 0.52% moisture; 3.50 ± 0.0.07% ash; 1.02 ± 0.06% total fat; 23.95 ± 0.15% total protein; 1.21 ± 0.16% total dietary fiber; 61.86 ± 0.70% total carbohydrate and 352.4 ± 2.66 kcal/100 g energy. Phytic acid content (%) was 1.014 ± 0.048. Major fatty acid composition (%): the essential fatty acid linoleic acid (C18:2, ω-6) was 9.50 ± 0.68, while the linolenic acid (C18:3, ω-3) was 1.95 ± 0.18. Palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0) and oleic acid (C18:1) were, respectively, 2.96 ± 0.19, 0.77 ± 0.04 and 1.10 ± 0.06. Lignoceric acid (C24:0) was 0.11 ± 0.007%. Monounsaturated palmitoleic acid (0.006 ± 0.0), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, C22:5, ω-3) and nervonic acid (0.002 ± 0.0) were present in trace amounts. Arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4, ω-6), eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5, ω-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6, ω-3) were not detected. The fatty acid profile, thus, suggests that essential omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid (C18:3, ω-6) and omega-3 linolenic acid (C18:3, ω-3) were the major polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) present in L. purpureus seed. In addition, the seed contained high amount of proteins. Finally, these results suggest that L. purpureus seed could be used as a good source of quality food components, including protein and essential fatty acids.

Lipid content and fatty acid composition of green algae Scenedesmus obliquus grown in a constant cell density apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, K. J.; Nakhost, Z.; Barzana, E.; Karel, M.

1987-01-01

The lipids of alga Scenedesmus obliquus grown under controlled conditions were separated and fractionated by column and thin-layer chromatography, and fatty acid composition of each lipid component was studied by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). Total lipids were 11.17%, and neutral lipid, glycolipid and phospholipid fractions were 7.24%, 2.45% and 1.48% on a dry weight basis, respectively. The major neutral lipids were diglycerides, triglycerides, free sterols, hydrocarbons and sterol esters. The glycolipids were: monogalactosyl diglyceride, digalactosyl diglyceride, esterified sterol glycoside, and sterol glycoside. The phospholipids included: phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl glycerol and phosphatidyl ethanolamine. Fourteen fatty acids were identified in the four lipid fractions by GLC. The main fatty acids were C18:2, C16:0, C18:3(alpha), C18:1, C16:3, C16:1, and C16:4. Total unsaturated fatty acid and essential fatty acid compositions of the total algal lipids were 80% and 38%, respectively.

Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3) Oxidizer Systems Design Criteria

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-12-01

CM >rocncnf^r^. roenrs, CM CM C\\J c QJ c a» c cu .» TD cu -ü a; T) ra (i> ra 4) ra cu ex 3: cx a a 3 «* "et tr ^ -^ -* ^j- .j...t3 4* TD OJ TJ iaire<urea> re4ire4irea) ♦J -o 4-> -a 4-> -ü C 41 C 4> C 4) 4i T) 0) r» 4» "Ü *.’*-’*.■ +* -O +J X! *-> X> C C...T *j m ■* m p"» ^ 3gd p a ■*-* T3 +J "D -^ TT Oi "O 01 TD Q) 1* in 0. 3 a- 3 a. :* 3 ^ >— p- t rn n ci o> r *-J "O *-> "D *-* c O) c 0

Casualty Estimates for Contingencies. Volume 2. Appendices.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-11-15

r .( E 4) C 0C0C O.C L - 0 1-L-0 3.14 >0 0C) m>1,-. c4 00(00 4 co 0 uk Cr C0 m a0 0c 4)5V) NU) 4)) 3UV ) 0 4 LL . .- C4),u %0) c :3 W 0) 1O00ZC 4) C 0...4) .) .) L -L4a) -4 c r - C(C0.Z.-4 -) 6EE>i-L> o V) L. VLLUS- )-4 ) 4) LCUL. 4o) - -4 r- 0C M C.-4 0 0 M aL. w 4) - r- V CO 4)0*- tD V) N X, V) U M0...34 , . . -- ," - " % t- a, -~ U 4-) 1 . 1 _0 S- %V - a) (V % S-~ ~ -4_ _ _ _ _ 1..I l c 0 S 0~L -0 CU4 E~a 4- c0 CD" 0 .- 4 - ra.- 3 oo -4 tD 41 ( A V

Geochemical study of the Sakalol-Harralol geothermal field (Republic of Djibouti): Evidences of a low enthalpy aquifer between Manda-Inakir and Asal rift settings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Awaleh, Mohamed Osman; Boschetti, Tiziano; Soubaneh, Youssouf Djibril; Baudron, Paul; Kawalieh, Ali Dirir; Dabar, Omar Assowe; Ahmed, Moussa Mahdi; Ahmed, Samaleh Idriss; Daoud, Mohamed Ahmed; Egueh, Nima Moussa; Mohamed, Jalludin

2017-02-01

Eighty-six sodium bicarbonate to sodium chloride hot springs and four water wells in the Tadjourah Region of Djibouti were investigated for major, minor (B, Br, F, Sr, Li) chemistry and isotope composition of water and dissolved components (87Sr/86Sr, 11B/10B, 13C/12C and 14C of DIC, 34S/32S and 18O/16O of sulfate). The deep saline Na-Cl reservoir at 143 °C shows affinity with the shallow geothermal water from the "active" Asal rift. Asal water is a diluted and recycled seawater component with the major cation composition obliterated by equilibration with Stratoid basalt. Locally, the deep reservoir is differentiated in term of recharge, and re-equilibration with rocks and mixing. In particular, two spring groups reveal contributions from evaporites typical of the "passive" graben setting of the Afar. A model on 34S/32S and 18O/16O demonstrates the isotope imprint of magmatic SO2 disproportionation on dissolved and solid sulfate, whose values probably persists in a sedimentary environment without trace of seawater. On the other hand a seawater signature, modified by mixing and secondary fractionation effects, is partially maintained according to the boron isotope composition (up to + 27.4‰). Temperature estimation in low-enthalpy geothermal reservoirs is notoriously difficult, especially where mixing with fluids of differing genesis and/or conduction cooling take place. From a geothermometric point of view, the multi-method approach followed in this study (up-to-date theoretical and thermodynamic equations, ad-hoc silica geothermometers inferred from local rocks, checking of the results on a 18Oαsulfate-water vs. temperature diagram) provides some insights and perspectives on how to tackle the problem. Table S2. Sampling locations, T, pH, EC, TDS and hydrochemical types of the sampled waters. Table S3. Chemical analyses of thermal and cold waters from Sakalaol-Haralol geothermal field. Table S4. Mineral saturation indices of SHGF hot springs waters calculated at the sampling conditions. Table S5. Geothermometric estimations of the SHGF deep temperature calculated fromthe hot springwater samples. All displayed values are in °C. In the chemical geothermometer equations, aqueous silica (SiO2), Na and K concentration in ppm were used, whereas δ18O(SO4) and δ18O(H2O) values were used in the isotope geothermometer equations. Table S6. 14C age models. Fig. S1. Hierarchical cluster analysis (The pink line is "phenon line"). Fig. S2. Principal Component analysis results. Fig. S3. (1) Diagram showing the change in calculated saturation indices (Log(Q/K)) of carbonate minerals as a function of temperature for C1 thermal waters. (2) Diagram showing the change in calculated saturation indices (Log(Q/K)) of carbonate minerals as a function of temperature for C2 thermal waters. (3) Diagram showing the change in calculated saturation indices (Log(Q/K)) of carbonate minerals as a function of temperature for C3 thermal waters. (4) Diagram showing the change in calculated saturation indices (Log(Q/K)) of carbonate minerals as a function of temperature for C4 thermal waters (sample # 90). Fig. S4. Regional piezometric map adapted from the country piezomztric map (BGR, 1982).

Statistical evaluation of fatty acid profile and cholesterol content in fish (common carp) lipids obtained by different sample preparation procedures.

PubMed

Spiric, Aurelija; Trbovic, Dejana; Vranic, Danijela; Djinovic, Jasna; Petronijevic, Radivoj; Matekalo-Sverak, Vesna

2010-07-05

Studies performed on lipid extraction from animal and fish tissues do not provide information on its influence on fatty acid composition of the extracted lipids as well as on cholesterol content. Data presented in this paper indicate the impact of extraction procedures on fatty acid profile of fish lipids extracted by the modified Soxhlet and ASE (accelerated solvent extraction) procedure. Cholesterol was also determined by direct saponification method, too. Student's paired t-test used for comparison of the total fat content in carp fish population obtained by two extraction methods shows that differences between values of the total fat content determined by ASE and modified Soxhlet method are not statistically significant. Values obtained by three different methods (direct saponification, ASE and modified Soxhlet method), used for determination of cholesterol content in carp, were compared by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The obtained results show that modified Soxhlet method gives results which differ significantly from the results obtained by direct saponification and ASE method. However the results obtained by direct saponification and ASE method do not differ significantly from each other. The highest quantities for cholesterol (37.65 to 65.44 mg/100 g) in the analyzed fish muscle were obtained by applying direct saponification method, as less destructive one, followed by ASE (34.16 to 52.60 mg/100 g) and modified Soxhlet extraction method (10.73 to 30.83 mg/100 g). Modified Soxhlet method for extraction of fish lipids gives higher values for n-6 fatty acids than ASE method (t(paired)=3.22 t(c)=2.36), while there is no statistically significant difference in the n-3 content levels between the methods (t(paired)=1.31). The UNSFA/SFA ratio obtained by using modified Soxhlet method is also higher than the ratio obtained using ASE method (t(paired)=4.88 t(c)=2.36). Results of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that the highest positive impact to the second principal component (PC2) is recorded by C18:3 n-3, and C20:3 n-6, being present in a higher amount in the samples treated by the modified Soxhlet extraction, while C22:5 n-3, C20:3 n-3, C22:1 and C20:4, C16 and C18 negatively influence the score values of the PC2, showing significantly increased level in the samples treated by ASE method. Hotelling's paired T-square test used on the first three principal components for confirmation of differences in individual fatty acid content obtained by ASE and Soxhlet method in carp muscle showed statistically significant difference between these two data sets (T(2)=161.308, p<0.001). Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Origin and z-distribution of Galactic diffuse [C II] emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velusamy, T.; Langer, W. D.

2014-12-01

Context. The [C ii] emission is an important probe of star formation in the Galaxy and in external galaxies. The GOT C+ survey and its follow up observations of spectrally resolved 1.9 THz [C ii] emission using Herschel HIFI provides the data needed to quantify the Galactic interstellar [C ii] gas components as tracers of star formation. Aims: We determine the source of the diffuse [C ii] emission by studying its spatial (radial and vertical) distributions by separating and evaluating the fractions of [C ii] and CO emissions in the Galactic ISM gas components. Methods: We used the HIFI [C ii] Galactic survey (GOT C+), along with ancillary H i, 12CO, 13CO, and C18O data toward 354 lines of sight, and several HIFI [C ii] and [C i] position-velocity maps. We quantified the emission in each spectral line profile by evaluating the intensities in 3 km s-1 wide velocity bins, "spaxels". Using the detection of [C ii] with CO or [C i], we separated the dense and diffuse gas components. We derived 2D Galactic disk maps using the spaxel velocities for kinematic distances. We separated the warm and cold H2 gases by comparing CO emissions with and without associated [C ii]. Results: We find evidence of widespread diffuse [C ii] emission with a z-scale distribution larger than that for the total [C ii] or CO. The diffuse [C ii] emission consists of (i) diffuse molecular (CO-faint) H2 clouds and (ii) diffuse H i clouds and/or WIM. In the inner Galaxy we find a lack of [C ii] detections in a majority (~62%) of H i spaxels and show that the diffuse component primarily comes from the WIM (~21%) and that the H i gas is not a major contributor to the diffuse component (~6%). The warm-H2 radial profile shows an excess in the range 4 to 7 kpc, consistent with enhanced star formation there. Conclusions: We derive, for the first time, the 2D [C ii] spatial distribution in the plane and the z-distributions of the individual [C ii] gas component. From the GOT C+ detections we estimate the fractional [C ii] emission tracing (i) H2 gas in dense and diffuse molecular clouds as ~48% and ~14%, respectively, (ii) in the H i gas ~18%, and (iii) in the WIM ~21%. Including non-detections from H i increases the [C ii] in H i to ~27%. The z-scale distributions FWHM from smallest to largest are [C ii] sources with CO, ~130 pc, (CO-faint) diffuse H2 gas, ~200 pc, and the diffuse H i and WIM, ~330 pc. When combined with [C ii], CO observations probe the warm-H2 gas, tracing star formation. Herschel is an ESA space observatory with science instruments provided by European-led Principal Investigator consortia and with important participation from NASA.

The lectin pathway in renal disease: old concept and new insights.

PubMed

Gaya da Costa, Mariana; Poppelaars, Felix; Berger, Stefan P; Daha, Mohamed R; Seelen, Marc A

2018-04-26

The complement system is composed of a network of at least 40 proteins, which significantly contributes to health and disease. The lectin pathway (LP) is one of three pathways that can activate the complement system. Next to protection of the host against pathogens, the LP has been shown to play a crucial role in multiple renal diseases as well as during renal replacement therapy. Therefore, several complement-targeted drugs are currently being explored in clinical trials. Among these complement inhibitors, specific LP inhibitors are also being tested in renal abnormalities such as in immunoglobulin A nephropathy and lupus nephritis. Using various in vitro models, Yaseen et al. (Lectin pathway effector enzyme mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 can activate native complement component 3 (C3) in absence of C4 and/or C2. FASEB J 2017; 31: 2210-2219) showed that Mannan-associated serine protease2 can directly activate C3 thereby bypassing C2 and C4 in the activation of the LP. These new findings broaden our understanding of the mechanisms of complement activation and could potentially impact our strategies to inhibit the LP in renal diseases. In support of these findings, we present data of human renal biopsies, demonstrating the occurrence of the LP bypass mechanism in vivo. In conclusion, this review provides a detailed overview of the LP and clarifies the recently described bypass mechanism and its relevance. Finally, we speculate on the role of the C4 bypass mechanism in other renal diseases.

Fluid inclusions in quartz crystals from South-West Africa

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kvenvolden, K.A.; Roedder, E.

1971-01-01

Quartz crystals from calcite veins of unknown age in Precambrian metasedimentary rocks at Geiaus No. 6 and Aukam farms in South-West Africa contain both primary and secondary inclusions filled with one or a variable combination of: organic liquid, moderately saline aqueous liquid, dark-colored solid, and vapor. Analysis of these materials by microscopy and by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry shows the presence of constituents of both low and high molecular weights. The former include CH4, C2H6, C3H8 and possibly C4H10 as well as CO, CO2, H2O, N2 and H2. High molecular weight components are dominantly n-alkanes and isoprenoid hydrocarbons. The n-alkanes range from at least n-C10 to n-C33. Concentrations of n-alkanes larger than n-C17 decrease regularly with increasing carbon number. An homologous series of isoprenoid hydrocarbons ranging from at least C14 to C20 is present in unusually high concentrations. Pristane (C19) is most abundant, and C17 isoprenoid is least abundant. The molecular composition and distribution of hydrocarbons suggest biological precursors for these components. Consideration of data provided by freezing, crushing and heating experiments suggests that the pressures at the time these in part supercritical fluids were trapped probably exceeded 30-40 atm, and the minimum trapping temperature was about 120-160??C. Both primary and secondary inclusions apparently containing only organic materials were trapped by the growth of the host quartz from aqueous solution. The data obtained neither prove nor preclude Precambrian, Paleozoic or younger sources for the organic materials. ?? 1971.

Identification and Characterization of 2′-Deoxyadenosine Adducts formed by Isoprene Monoepoxides In Vitro

PubMed Central

Begemann, Petra; Boysen, Gunnar; Georgieva, Nadia I.; Sangaiah, Ramiah; Koshlap, Karl M.; Koc, Hasan; Zhang, Daping; Golding, Bernard T.; Gold, Avram; Swenberg, James A.

2011-01-01

Isoprene, the 2-methyl analog of 1,3-butadiene, is ubiquitous in the environment, with major contributions to total isoprene emissions stemming from natural processes despite the compound being a bulk industrial chemical. Additionally, isoprene is a combustion product and a major component in cigarette smoke. Isoprene has been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (group 2B) by IARC and as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program. Isoprene, like butadiene, requires metabolic activation to reactive epoxides to exhibit its carcinogenic properties. The mode of action has been postulated to be that of a genotoxic carcinogen, with formation of promutagenic DNA adducts being essential for mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. In rodents, isoprene-induced tumors show unique point mutations (A→T transversions) in the K-ras protooncogene at codon 61. Therefore, we investigated adducts formed after reaction of 2′-deoxyadenosine (dAdo1) with the two monoepoxides of isoprene, 2-ethenyl-2-methyloxirane (IP-1,2-O) and propen-2-yloxirane (IP-3,4-O), under physiological conditions. The formation of N1–2′-deoxyinosine (N1-dIno) due to deamination of N1-dAdo adducts was of particular interest, since N1-dIno adducts are suspected to have high mutagenic potential based on in vitro experiments. Major stable adducts were identified by HPLC, UV-Spectrometry and LC-MS/MS and characterized by 1H and 1H,13C HSQC and NMR experiments. Adducts of IP-1,2-O that were fully identified are: R,S-C1-N6-dAdo, R-C2-N6-dAdo, and S-C2-N6-dAdo; adducts of IP-3,4-O are: S-C3-N6-dAdo, R-C3-N6-dAdo, R,S-C4-N6-dAdo, S-C4-N1-dIno, R-C4-N1-dIno, R-C3-N1-dIno, S-C3-N1-dIno, and C3-N7-Ade. Both monoepoxides formed adducts on the external and internal oxirane carbons. This is the first study to describe adducts of isoprene monoepoxides with dAdo. Characterization of adducts formed by isoprene monoepoxides with deoxynucleosides and subsequently with DNA represent the first step toward evaluating their potential for being converted into a mutation, or as biomarkers of isoprene metabolism and exposure. PMID:21548641

Structure of C3b reveals conformational changes that underlie complement activity.

PubMed

Janssen, Bert J C; Christodoulidou, Agni; McCarthy, Andrew; Lambris, John D; Gros, Piet

2006-11-09

Resistance to infection and clearance of cell debris in mammals depend on the activation of the complement system, which is an important component of innate and adaptive immunity. Central to the complement system is the activated form of C3, called C3b, which attaches covalently to target surfaces to amplify complement response, label cells for phagocytosis and stimulate the adaptive immune response. C3b consists of 1,560 amino-acid residues and has 12 domains. It binds various proteins and receptors to effect its functions. However, it is not known how C3 changes its conformation into C3b and thereby exposes its many binding sites. Here we present the crystal structure at 4-A resolution of the activated complement protein C3b and describe the conformational rearrangements of the 12 domains that take place upon proteolytic activation. In the activated form the thioester is fully exposed for covalent attachment to target surfaces and is more than 85 A away from the buried site in native C3 (ref. 5). Marked domain rearrangements in the alpha-chain present an altered molecular surface, exposing hidden and cryptic sites that are consistent with known putative binding sites of factor B and several complement regulators. The structural data indicate that the large conformational changes in the proteolytic activation and regulation of C3 take place mainly in the first conversion step, from C3 to C3b. These insights are important for the development of strategies to treat immune disorders that involve complement-mediated inflammation.

Atmospheric Conditions at the High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility (HELSTF), White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), New Mexico 24 March to 8 April 1977

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-01-01

En 1 S - G)) cc E LS-3CS -L I m L 3 cc0 0 W) in w 3 33c v 3c do - I. ILL. ccL ts0.lIL 00 lC ) C) C LI C> C C.) C12 C.) C\\ 3 C...8217IVW(’) C’Jý9;o ) r uitN U) En QE0LD . P" ý 0 0 0282 4~ x D ,qRRKY 07 RPR 1977 o -’ !1.06 U!( 1.65-J.00501=- 1.,j " 3 3 8 0 L• [ ! . 17- J .0 C 5...004 C3 $ 𔃺 - %5.4 .- 4’ -- 4 $404 - - o 41 Z0.0 0ɘ U4- $4 - $ 1. 4’ . $41 U 0.00-40-00-4 01*034 4 0 r- 0 0 -- .0 .00 0 En 0 0 U 0 U E . 3 -

Determination of Natural and Depleted Uranium in Urine at the ppt Level: An Interlaboratory Analytical Exercise

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-10-01

but de cet exercice analytique 6tait d𔄀valuer toutes les techniques analytiques disponibles ayant la capacit6 de mesurer les rapports isotopiques...B Formulation. Step Component Amount added 1 2% v/v nitric acid 500 mL 2 Calcium chloride (CaCl2.2H 20) 12.6 g 3 2% v/v nitric acid Dilute to 1000 mL...chloride (KCI) 3.43 Sodium chloride (NaCl) 2.32 Creatinine (C4H7N30) 1.10 Ammonium chloride (NH 4Cl) 1.06 Hippuric acid (C9H9N03) 0.63 Calcium chloride

Highly Efficient Extraction of Phenolic Compounds by Use of Magnetic Room Temperature Ionic Liquids for Environmental Remediation

PubMed Central

Deng, Ning; Li, Min; Zhao, Lijie; Lu, Chengfei; de Rooy, Sergio L.; Warner, Isiah M.

2011-01-01

A hydrophobic magnetic room temperature ionic liquid (MRTIL), trihexyltetradecylphosphonium tetrachloroferrate(III) ([3C6PC14][FeCl4]), was synthesized from trihexyltetradecylphosphonium chloride and FeCl3·6H2O. This MRTIL was investigated as a possible separation agent for solvent extraction of phenolic compounds from aqueous solution. Due to its strong paramagnetism, [3C6PC14][FeCl4] responds to an external neodymium magnet, which was employed in the design of a novel magnetic extraction technique. The conditions for extraction, including extraction time, volume ratio between MRTIL and aqueous phase, pH of aqueous solution, and structures of phenolic compounds were investigated and optimized. The magnetic extraction of phenols achieved equilibrium in 20 min and the phenolic compounds were found to have higher distribution ratios under acidic conditions. In addition, it was observed that phenols containing a greater number of chlorine or nitro substitutents exhibited higher distribution ratios. For example, the distribution ratio of phenol (DPh) was 107. In contrast, 3,5-dichlorophenol distribution ratio (D3,5-DCP) had a much higher value of 6372 under identical extraction conditions. When compared with four selected traditional non-magnetic room temperature ionic liquids, our [3C6PC14][FeCl4] exhibited significantly higher extraction efficiency under the same experimental conditions used in this work. Pentachlorophenol, a major component in the contaminated soil sample obtained from a superfund site, was successfully extracted and removed by use of [3C6PC14][FeCl4] with high extraction efficiency. Pentachlorophenol concentration was dramatically reduced from 7.8 μg.mL−1 to 0.2 μg.mL−1 after the magnetic extraction by use of [3C6PC14][FeCl4]. PMID:21783320

Microwave Acoustics Handbook. Volume 4. Bulk Wave Velocities-Numerical Data.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-06-01

p .00 * a* *~ Ol r4 000a1 .C e e0 0 C ~ armC aeC PSFCU NU . FPS WF w N C ’O’ w N 0 0 It1 P SNF .4.64 *.4 F7 N P C L *- P U NF L 6 .184 * ff .UULUFUJ...1010 10 7.7.N𔃽f3.7.s 34.3.3.3.3 U5 IL I 4 0 * 0t * t ** * t ** *7 * * . A 7)..00a00UN03 . f7 ) UN7.030*4 30 .4 *000 4m 0 M 3.0 030a. w tr 300a, a,7M 7... acca :00 C0 0 0 w l . r C O r . C t. . C=c c t r a r a e C N .4 *0 NNONU’ C’ 0’C N 4* P 00£.4.40 N 40’ N NU . 4w C N ’ O . N 4 N C ’t C U lo. ’ U

Three homologous subunits form a high affinity peptide-gated ion channel in Hydra.

PubMed

Dürrnagel, Stefan; Kuhn, Anne; Tsiairis, Charisios D; Williamson, Michael; Kalbacher, Hubert; Grimmelikhuijzen, Cornelis J P; Holstein, Thomas W; Gründer, Stefan

2010-04-16

Recently, three ion channel subunits of the degenerin (DEG)/epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) gene family have been cloned from the freshwater polyp Hydra magnipapillata, the Hydra Na(+) channels (HyNaCs) 2-4. Two of them, HyNaC2 and HyNaC3, co-assemble to form an ion channel that is gated by the neuropeptides Hydra-RFamides I and II. The HyNaC2/3 channel is so far the only cloned ionotropic receptor from cnidarians and, together with the related ionotropic receptor FMRFamide-activated Na(+) channel (FaNaC) from snails, the only known peptide-gated ionotropic receptor. The HyNaC2/3 channel has pore properties, like a low Na(+) selectivity and a low amiloride affinity, that are different from other channels of the DEG/ENaC gene family, suggesting that a component of the native Hydra channel might still be lacking. Here, we report the cloning of a new ion channel subunit from Hydra, HyNaC5. The new subunit is closely related to HyNaC2 and -3 and co-localizes with HyNaC2 and -3 to the base of the tentacles. Coexpression in Xenopus oocytes of HyNaC5 with HyNaC2 and -3 largely increases current amplitude after peptide stimulation and affinity of the channel to Hydra-RFamides I and II. Moreover, the HyNaC2/3/5 channel has altered pore properties and amiloride affinity, more similarly to other DEG/ENaC channels. Collectively, our results suggest that the three homologous subunits HyNaC2, -3, and -5 form a peptide-gated ion channel in Hydra that could contribute to fast synaptic transmission.

Metallic State FeS Anchored (Fe)/Fe3O4/N-Doped Graphitic Carbon with Porous Spongelike Structure as Durable Catalysts for Enhancing Bioelectricity Generation.

PubMed

Xu, Xin; Dai, Ying; Yu, Jia; Hao, Liang; Duan, Yaqiang; Sun, Ye; Zhang, Yanhong; Lin, Yuhui; Zou, Jinlong

2017-03-29

The critical issues in practical application of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for wastewater treatment are the high cost and poor activity and durability of precious metal catalysts. To alleviate the activity loss and kinetic barriers for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on cathode, (Fe)/Fe 3 O 4 /FeS/N-doped graphitic carbon ((Fe)/Fe 3 O 4 /FeS/NGC) is prepared as ORR catalyst through a one-step method using waste pomelo skins as carbon source. Various characterization techniques and electrochemical analyses are conducted to illustrate the correlation between structural characteristics and catalytic activity. MFCs with Fe/Fe 3 O 4 /FeS/NGC (900 °C) cathode produces the maximum power density of 930 ± 10 mW m -2 (Pt/C of 489 mW m -2 ) and maintains a good long-term durability, which only declines 18% after 90 day operation. Coulombic efficiency (22.2%) obtained by Fe/Fe 3 O 4 /FeS/NGC (900 °C) cathode is significantly higher than that of Pt/C (17.3%). Metallic state FeS anchored in porous NGC skeleton can boost electron transport through the interconnected channels in spongelike structure to improve catalytic activity. Charge delocalization of C atoms can be strengthened by N atoms incorporation into carbon skeleton, which correspondingly contributes to the O 2 chemisorptions and O-O bond weakening during ORR. Energetically existed active components (Fe and N species) are more efficient than Pt to trap and consume electrons in catalyzing ORR in wastewater containing Pt-poisoning substances (bacterial metabolites). (Fe)/Fe 3 O 4 /FeS/NGC catalysts with the advantages of durable power outputs and environmental-friendly raw material can cover the shortages of Pt/C and provide an outlook for further applications of these catalysts.

The crystal structures of two chalcones: (2E)-1-(5-chloro-thio-phen-2-yl)-3-(2-methyl-phen-yl)prop-2-en-1-one and (2E)-1-(anthracen-9-yl)-3-[4-(propan-2-yl)phen-yl]prop-2-en-1-one.

PubMed

Girisha, Marisiddaiah; Yathirajan, Hemmige S; Jasinski, Jerry P; Glidewell, Christopher

2016-08-01

In the crystal of compound (I), C14H11ClOS, mol-ecules are linked by C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds to form simple C(5) chains. Compound (II), C26H22O, crystallizes with Z' = 2 in space group P-1; one of the mol-ecules is fully ordered but the other is disordered over two sets of atomic sites having occupancies 0.644 (3) and 0.356 (3). The two disordered components differ from one another in the orientation of the isopropyl substituents, and both differ from the ordered mol-ecules in the arrangement of the central propenone spacer unit, so that the crystal of (II) contains three distinct conformers. The ordered and disordered conformers each form a C(8) chain built from a single type of C-H⋯O hydrogen bond but those formed by the disordered conformers differ from that formed by the ordered form.

Urine-derived podocytes-lineage cells: A promising tool for precision medicine in Alport Syndrome.

PubMed

Daga, Sergio; Baldassarri, Margherita; Lo Rizzo, Caterina; Fallerini, Chiara; Imperatore, Valentina; Longo, Ilaria; Frullanti, Elisa; Landucci, Elisa; Massella, Laura; Pecoraro, Carmine; Garosi, Guido; Ariani, Francesca; Mencarelli, Maria Antonietta; Mari, Francesca; Renieri, Alessandra; Pinto, Anna Maria

2018-02-01

Alport Syndrome (ATS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by collagen IV genes mutations, leading to glomerular basement membrane damage up to end-stage renal disease. Podocytes, the main component of the glomerular structure, are the only cells able to produce all the three collagens IV alpha chains associated with ATS and thus, they are key players in ATS pathogenesis. However, podocytes-targeted therapeutic strategies have been hampered by the difficulty of non-invasively isolating them and transcripts-based diagnostic approaches are complicated by the inaccessibility of other COL4 chains-expressing cells. We firstly isolated podocyte-lineage cells from ATS patients' urine samples, in a non-invasive way. RT-PCR analysis revealed COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5 expression. Transcripts analysis on RNA extracted from patient's urine derived podocyte-lineage cells allowed defining the pathogenic role of intronic variants, namely one mutation in COL4A3 (c.3882+5G>A), three mutations in COL4A4 (c.1623+2T>A, c.3699_3706+1del, c.2545+143T>A), and one mutation in COL4A5 (c.3454+2T>C). Therefore, our cellular model represents a novel tool, essential to unequivocally prove the effect of spliceogenic intronic variants on transcripts expressed exclusively at a glomerular level. This process is a key step for providing the patient with a definite molecular diagnosis and with a proper recurrence risk. The established system also opens up the possibility of testing personalized therapeutic approaches on disease-relevant cells. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

DSB Task Force on Cyber Supply Chain

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-02-06

27 3.4 Cybersecurity for Commercial and Open Source Components...Communications and Intelligence ASD(L&MR): Assistant Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Materiel Readiness ASD(R&E): Assistant Secretary of Defense...system BSIMM: Building Security in Maturity Model C4ISR: command, control, communications, computers, intelligence , surveillance and

Construction of combustion models for rapeseed methyl ester bio-diesel fuel for internal combustion engine applications.

PubMed

Golovitchev, Valeri I; Yang, Junfeng

2009-01-01

Bio-diesel fuels are non-petroleum-based diesel fuels consisting of long chain alkyl esters produced by the transesterification of vegetable oils, that are intended for use (neat or blended with conventional fuels) in unmodified diesel engines. There have been few reports of studies proposing theoretical models for bio-diesel combustion simulations. In this study, we developed combustion models based on ones developed previously. We compiled the liquid fuel properties, and the existing detailed mechanism of methyl butanoate ester (MB, C(5)H(10)O(2)) oxidation was supplemented by sub-mechanisms for two proposed fuel constituent components, C(7)H(16) and C(7)H(8)O (and then, by mp2d, C(4)H(6)O(2) and propyne, C(3)H(4)) to represent the combustion model for rapeseed methyl ester described by the chemical formula, C(19)H(34)O(2) (or C(19)H(36)O(2)). The main fuel vapor thermal properties were taken as those of methyl palmitate C(19)H(36)O(2) in the NASA polynomial form of the Burcat database. The special global reaction was introduced to "crack" the main fuel into its constituent components. This general reaction included 309 species and 1472 reactions, including soot and NO(x) formation processes. The detailed combustion mechanism was validated using shock-tube ignition-delay data under diesel engine conditions. For constant volume and diesel engine (Volvo D12C) combustion modeling, this mechanism could be reduced to 88 species participating in 363 reactions.

Elasticity of phase-Pi (Al3Si2O7(OH)3) - A hydrous aluminosilicate phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Ye; Mookherjee, Mainak; Hermann, Andreas; Bajgain, Suraj; Liu, Songlin; Wunder, Bernd

2017-08-01

Phase-Pi (Al3Si2O7(OH)3) is an aluminosilicate hydrous mineral and is likely to be stable in hydrated sedimentary layers of subducting slabs. Phase-Pi is likely to be stable between the depths of 60 and 200 km and is likely to transport water into the Earth's interior. Here, we use first principles simulations based on density functional theory to explore the crystal structure at high-pressure, equation of state, and full elastic stiffness tensor as a function of pressure. We find that the pressure volume results could be described by a finite strain fit with V0 , K0 , and K0‧ being 310.3 Å3, 133 GPa, and 3.6 respectively. At zero pressure, the full elastic stiffness tensor shows significant anisotropy with the diagonal principal components C11 , C22 , and C33 being 235, 292, 266 GPa respectively, the diagonal shear C44 , C55 , and C66 being 86, 92, and 87 GPa respectively, and the off-diagonal stiffness C12 , C13 , C14 ,C15 , C16 , C23 , C24 , C25 , C26 , C34 , C35 , C36 , C45 , C46 , and C56 being 73, 78, 6, -30, 15, 61, 17, 2, 1, -13, -15, 6, 3, 1, and 3 GPa respectively. The zero pressure, shear modulus, G0 and its pressure derivative, G0 ‧ are 90 GPa and 1.9 respectively. Upon compression, hydrogen bonding in phase-Pi shows distinct behavior, with some hydrogen bonds weakening and others strengthening. The latter eventually undergo symmetrization, at pressure greater (>40 GPa) than the thermodynamic stability of phase-Pi. Full elastic constant tensors indicate that phase-Pi is very anisotropic with AVP ∼22.4% and AVS ∼23.7% at 0 GPa. Our results also indicate that the bulk sound velocity of phase-Pi is slower than that of the high-pressure hydrous aluminosilicate phase, topaz-OH.

Fission yeast MOZART1/Mzt1 is an essential γ-tubulin complex component required for complex recruitment to the microtubule organizing center, but not its assembly

PubMed Central

Masuda, Hirohisa; Mori, Risa; Yukawa, Masashi; Toda, Takashi

2013-01-01

γ-Tubulin plays a universal role in microtubule nucleation from microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) such as the animal centrosome and fungal spindle pole body (SPB). γ-Tubulin functions as a multiprotein complex called the γ-tubulin complex (γ-TuC), consisting of GCP1–6 (GCP1 is γ-tubulin). In fungi and flies, it has been shown that GCP1–3 are core components, as they are indispensable for γ-TuC complex assembly and cell division, whereas the other three GCPs are not. Recently a novel conserved component, MOZART1, was identified in humans and plants, but its precise functions remain to be determined. In this paper, we characterize the fission yeast homologue Mzt1, showing that it is essential for cell viability. Mzt1 is present in approximately equal stoichiometry with Alp4/GCP2 and localizes to all the MTOCs, including the SPB and interphase and equatorial MTOCs. Temperature-sensitive mzt1 mutants display varying degrees of compromised microtubule organization, exhibiting multiple defects during both interphase and mitosis. Mzt1 is required for γ-TuC recruitment, but not sufficient to localize to the SPB, which depends on γ-TuC integrity. Intriguingly, the core γ-TuC assembles in the absence of Mzt1. Mzt1 therefore plays a unique role within the γ-TuC components in attachment of this complex to the major MTOC site. PMID:23885124

U-Th-He dating of diamond-forming C-O-H fluids and mantle metasomatic events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiss, Y.; Class, C.; Goldstein, S. L.; Winckler, G.; Kiro, Y.

2017-12-01

Carbon- and water-rich (C-O-H) fluids play important roles in the global material circulation, deep Earth processes, and have major impacts on the sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). Yet the origin and composition of C-O-H fluids, and the timing of fluid-rock interaction, are poorly constrained. `Fibrous' diamonds encapsulate C-O-H mantle fluids as μm-scale high-density fluid (HDF) inclusions. They can be directly sampled, and offer unique opportunities to investigate metasomatic events involving C-O-H fluids and the SCLM through Earth history. Until now no technique has provided reliable age constraints on HDFs. We applied a new in-vacuum crushing technique to determine the He abundances and 3He/4He ratios of HDFs in diamonds from the Kaapvaal lithosphere, South Africa. Three diamonds with saline HDFs have 3He/4He=3-4Ra. In 4He/3He vs 238U/3He space they define an `isochron' age of 96±45Ma, representing the first radiometric age reported for HDFs, and thus for C-O-H mantle fluids. In addition, a diamond with silicic HDFs and two that carry carbonatitic HDFs have low 3He/4He=0.07-0.6Ra. Using the measured U, Th, 4He and 3He contents of these diamonds, and the equation for 4He production from U-Th decay, we calculate 3He/4He as a function of time. Metasomatic fluids are derived from MORB, SCLM or subducted components with R/Ra=3-10, and this is assumed as the HDFs initial composition. The silicic and carbonatitic HDFs signify two older metasomatic events at 350 and 850 Ma, respectively. Thus, our new data reveal 3 metasomatic episodes in the Kaapvaal SCLM during the last 1 Ga, each by a different metasomatic agent. These 3 episodes correspond to late-Mesozoic kimberlite eruptions at 85 Ma, and the regional Namaqua-Natal and Damara Orogenies at 1 Ga and 500 Ma. We propose that the radioactive U-Th-He system in HDF-bearing diamonds can be used as a tool to provide meaningful radiometric ages of deep C-O-H fluids, and the timing of SCLM metasomatic events.

U-Th-He dating of diamond-forming C-O-H fluids and mantle metasomatic events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wasilewski, B.; O'Neil, J.; Rizo Garza, H. L.; Jean-Louis, P.; Gannoun, A.; Boyet, M.

2016-12-01

Carbon- and water-rich (C-O-H) fluids play important roles in the global material circulation, deep Earth processes, and have major impacts on the sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). Yet the origin and composition of C-O-H fluids, and the timing of fluid-rock interaction, are poorly constrained. `Fibrous' diamonds encapsulate C-O-H mantle fluids as μm-scale high-density fluid (HDF) inclusions. They can be directly sampled, and offer unique opportunities to investigate metasomatic events involving C-O-H fluids and the SCLM through Earth history. Until now no technique has provided reliable age constraints on HDFs. We applied a new in-vacuum crushing technique to determine the He abundances and 3He/4He ratios of HDFs in diamonds from the Kaapvaal lithosphere, South Africa. Three diamonds with saline HDFs have 3He/4He=3-4Ra. In 4He/3He vs 238U/3He space they define an `isochron' age of 96±45Ma, representing the first radiometric age reported for HDFs, and thus for C-O-H mantle fluids. In addition, a diamond with silicic HDFs and two that carry carbonatitic HDFs have low 3He/4He=0.07-0.6Ra. Using the measured U, Th, 4He and 3He contents of these diamonds, and the equation for 4He production from U-Th decay, we calculate 3He/4He as a function of time. Metasomatic fluids are derived from MORB, SCLM or subducted components with R/Ra=3-10, and this is assumed as the HDFs initial composition. The silicic and carbonatitic HDFs signify two older metasomatic events at 350 and 850 Ma, respectively. Thus, our new data reveal 3 metasomatic episodes in the Kaapvaal SCLM during the last 1 Ga, each by a different metasomatic agent. These 3 episodes correspond to late-Mesozoic kimberlite eruptions at 85 Ma, and the regional Namaqua-Natal and Damara Orogenies at 1 Ga and 500 Ma. We propose that the radioactive U-Th-He system in HDF-bearing diamonds can be used as a tool to provide meaningful radiometric ages of deep C-O-H fluids, and the timing of SCLM metasomatic events.

Fine Structure in 3C 120 and 3C 84. Ph.D. Thesis - Maryland Univ., 24 Aug. 1976

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hutton, L. K.

1976-01-01

Seven epochs of very long baseline radio interferometric observations of the Seyfert galaxies 3C 120 and 3C 84, at 3.8-cm wave length using stations at Westford, Massachusetts, Goldstone, California, Green Bank, West Virginia, and Onsala, Sweden, have been analyzed for source structure. An algorithm for reconstructing the brightness distribution of a spatially confined source from fringe amplitude and so called closure phase data has been developed and successfully applied to artificially generated test data and to data on the above mentioned sources. Over the two year time period of observation, 3C 120 was observed to consist of a double source showing apparent super relativistic expansion and separation velocities. The total flux changes comprising one outburst can be attributed to one of these components. 3C 84 showed much slower changes, evidently involving flux density changes in individual stationary components rather than relative motion.

Copernicus observations of C I: pressures and carbon abundances in diffuse interstellar clouds

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

Jenkins, E.B.; Jura, M.; Loewenstein, M.

1983-07-01

Using the Copernicus satellite, we observed ultraviolet absorption lines of interstellar neutral carbon atoms toward 27 stars. In addition to deriving column densities of C I (both in its ground state and the two excited fine-structure levels), we used our equivalent widths to revise the f-values of some of the C I transitions measured by other investigators. We also observed H/sub 2/ from the J = 4 level so that we could compare the rotational excitation of H/sub 2/ with the fine-structure excitation of C I. From the amount of fine-structure excitation of C I in each case, we havemore » derived information on the thermal gas pressures within the diffuse clouds. Most clouds have p/k between 10/sup 3/ cm/sup -3/ K and 10/sup 4/ cm/sup -3/ K, but we found that at least 6% of the C I-bearing material is at p/k>10/sup 4/ cm/sup -3/ K, and one-third of the gas has upper limits for pressure below 10/sup 3/ cm/sup -3/ K, assuming temperatures are not appreciably below 20 K. An analysis of radial velocities for the absorption lines showed no distinctive trends for the kinematics of high- or low-pressure gas components. From the apparent lack of acceleration of high-pressure clouds, we conclude that it is unlikely that streaming intercloud material is causing significant ram pressurization. We have compared our results with the predictions for pressure fluctuations caused by supernova explosions in the theory of McKee and Ostriker.« less

An in vitro approach to potential methadone metabolic-inhibition interactions.

PubMed

Bomsien, Stephanie; Skopp, Gisela

2007-09-01

The aim of this study was to assess the drug interaction potential of psychotropic medication on methadone N-demethylation using cDNA-expressed cytochrome P450 CYP enzymes. Methadone was incubated with various drugs (n = 10) and cDNA-expressed CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP2B6, CYP2C19 and CYP1A2 enzymes to screen for their inhibition potency. The nature of enzyme selective activity for inhibition was further investigated for potent inhibitors. To test for a mechanism-based component in inhibition, all substances were tested with preincubation and without. 2-Ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) concentration was determined by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry following liquid/liquid extraction. Formation of EDDP was catalysed by CYP3A4, CYP2D6 and CYP2C19. The N-demethylation of methadone was preferentially inhibited by amitriptyline, buprenorphine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and zolpidem. Both amitriptyline and buprenorphine were strong, reversible inhibitors of CYP3A4. Similarly, amitriptyline and MDMA were identified as inhibitors of CYP2D6. Zolpidem revealed a mechanism-based inhibition of CYP3A4. Amitriptyline, MDMA and zolpidem are likely to slow down conversion of methadone and to increase its area under the curve (AUC). A consideration of the in vitro evidence of drug-methadone interactions should help to improve patient care during methadone maintenance treatment.

Nucleic acid component analogues: synthesis of 2'-deoxynucleosides from 5-substituted-4-hydroxy-6(1H)-pyrimidinones.

PubMed

Khattab, Ahmed F; Abdel Megied, Ahmed E S; Pedersen, Erik B

2003-01-01

Condensation of the silylated pyrimidines 5a-c with methyl 2-deoxy-3,5-di-O-toluoyl-D-pentofuranoside 6, using trimethylsilyltriflate as catalyst gave anomeric mixtures of 2'-deoxynucleosides 7a-c, the pure alpha- and beta-anomers were separated and deprotected with sodium methoxide in methanol to give 1-(2'-deoxy-alpha-D-pentafuranosyl)-4-hydroxy-5-substituted-6(1H)-pyrimidinones 10a,b and 13a and their corresponding beta-anomers 11a,b and 13b.

Core-Level Photoemission Investigations of the CADMIUM-TELLURIDE(100) and INDIUM-ANTIMONY(100) Surface and Interfacial Structures.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

John, Peter James

1988-12-01

Photoemission techniques, utilizing a synchrotron light source, were used to analyze the clean (100) surfaces of the zinc-blende semiconductor materials CdTe and InSb. Several interfacial systems involving the surfaces of these materials were also studied, including the CdTe(100)-Ag interface, the CdTe(100)-Sb system, and the InSb(100)-Sn interface. High -energy electron diffraction was also employed to acquire information about of surface structure. A one-domain (2x1) structure was observed for the CdTe(100) surface. Analysis of photoemission spectra of the Cd 4d core level for this surface structure revealed two components resulting from Cd surface atoms. The total intensity of these components accounts for a full monolayer of Cd atoms on the surface. A structural model is discussed commensurate with these results. Photoemission spectra of the Cd and Te 4d core levels indicate that Ag or Sb deposited on the CdTe(100)-(2x1) surface at room temperature do not bound strongly to the surface Cd atoms. The room temperature growth characteristics for these two elements on the CdTe(100)-(2x1) are discussed. The growth at elevated substrate temperatures was also studied for Sb deposition. The InSb(100) surface differed from the CdTe(100) surface. Using molecular beam epitaxy, several structures could be generated for the InSb(100) surface, including a c(8x2), a c(4x4), an asymmetric (1x3), a symmetric (1x3), and a (1x1). Analysis of photoemission intensities and line shapes indicates that the c(4x4) surface is terminated with 1{3 over 4} monolayers of Sb atoms. The c(8x2) surface is found to be terminated with {3over 4} monolayer of In atoms. Structural models for both of these surfaces are proposed based upon the photoemission results and upon models of the similar GaAs(100) structures. The room temperature growth characteristics of grey Sn on the InSb(100)-c(4x4) and InSb(100)-c(8x2) surfaces were studied with photoemission. The discontinuity in the valence band maximum for this semiconductor heterojunction system is measured to be 0.40 eV, independent of the starting surface structure and stoichiometry. This result is reconciled with theoretical predictions for heterostructure behavior.

Detailed Investigation of Separation Performance of a MMM for Removal of Higher Hydrocarbons under Varying Operating Conditions

PubMed Central

Mushardt, Heike; Müller, Marcus; Shishatskiy, Sergey; Wind, Jan; Brinkmann, Torsten

2016-01-01

Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) are promising candidates to improve the competitiveness of membrane technology against energy-intensive conventional technologies. In this work, MMM composed of poly(octylmethylsiloxane) (POMS) and activated carbon (AC) were investigated with respect to separation of higher hydrocarbons (C3+) from permanent gas streams. Membranes were prepared as thin film composite membranes on a technical scale and characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and permeation measurements with binary mixtures of n-C4H10/CH4 under varying operating conditions (feed and permeate pressure, temperature, feed gas composition) to study the influence on separation performance. SEM showed good contact and absence of defects. Lower permeances but higher selectivities were found for MMM compared to pure POMS membrane. Best results were obtained at high average fugacity and activity of n-C4H10 with the highest selectivity estimated to be 36.4 at n-C4H10 permeance of 12 mN3/(m2·h·bar). Results were complemented by permeation of a multi-component mixture resembling a natural gas application, demonstrating the superior performance of MMM. PMID:26927194

Web-Based Intervention for Family Carers of Persons with Dementia and Multiple Chronic Conditions (My Tools 4 Care): Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Duggleby, Wendy; Ploeg, Jenny; McAiney, Carrie; Peacock, Shelley; Fisher, Kathryn; Ghosh, Sunita; Markle-Reid, Maureen; Swindle, Jennifer; Williams, Allison; Triscott, Jean Ac; Forbes, Dorothy; Jovel Ruiz, Kathya

2018-06-29

My Tools 4 Care (MT4C) is a Web-based intervention that was developed based on the transitions theory. It is an interactive, self-administered, and portable toolkit containing six main sections intended to support carers of community-living persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia and multiple chronic conditions through their transition experiences. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of MT4C with respect to increasing hope, self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life in carers of community-living older persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia and multiple chronic conditions. A multisite, pragmatic, mixed methods, longitudinal, repeated-measures, randomized controlled trial was conducted between June 2015 and April 2017. Eligible participants were randomized into either treatment (MT4C) or educational control groups. Following baseline measures, carers in the treatment group received 3 months of password-protected access to MT4C. Trained research assistants collected data from participants via phone on hope (Herth Hope Index [HHI]), self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy Scale), and health-related quality of life (Short Form-12 item [version 2] health survey; SF-12v2) at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months. The use and cost of health and social services (Health and Social Services Utilization Inventory) among participants were measured at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Analysis of covariance was used to identify group differences at 3 months, and generalized estimating equations were used to identify group differences over time. A total of 199 carers participated in this study, with 101 participants in the treatment group and 98 in the educational control group. Of all, 23% (45/199) participants withdrew during the study for various reasons, including institutionalization or death of the person with dementia and lack of time from the carer. In the treatment group, 73% (74/101) carers used MT4C at least once over the 3-month period. No significant differences in the primary outcome measure (mental component summary score from the SF-12v2) by group or time were noted at 3 months; however, significant differences were evident for HHI-factor 2 (P=.01), with higher hope scores in the treatment group than in the control group. General estimating equations showed no statistically significant group differences in terms of mental component summary score at all time points. Attrition and the fact that not all carers in the treatment group used MT4C may explain the absence of statistically significant results for the main outcome variable. Despite no significant differences between groups in terms of the primary outcome variable (mental component score), the significant differences in terms of one of the hope factors suggest that MT4C had a positive influence on the lives of participants. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02428387; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02428387 (Archived by Webcite at http://www.webcitation.org/708oFCR8h). ©Wendy Duggleby, Jenny Ploeg, Carrie McAiney, Shelley Peacock, Kathryn Fisher, Sunita Ghosh, Maureen Markle-Reid, Jennifer Swindle, Allison Williams, Jean AC Triscott, Dorothy Forbes, Kathya Jovel Ruiz. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (http://www.jmir.org), 29.06.2018.

Carbon isotopic fractionation in heterotrophic microbial metabolism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blair, N.; Leu, A.; Munoz, E.; Olsen, J.; Kwong, E.; Des Marais, D.

1985-01-01

Differences in the natural-abundance carbon stable isotopic compositions between products from aerobic cultures of Escherichia coli K-12 were measured. Respired CO2 was 3.4 percent depleted in C-13 relative to the glucose used as the carbon source, whereas the acetate was 12.3 percent enriched in C-13. The acetate C-13 enrichment was solely in the carboxyl group. Even though the total cellular carbon was only 0.6 percent depleted in C-13, intracellular components exhibited a significant isotopic heterogeneity. The protein and lipid fractions were -1.1 and -2.7 percent, respectively. Aspartic and glutamic acids were -1.6 and +2.7 percent, respectively, yet citrate was isotopically identical to the glucose. Probable sites of carbon isotopic fractionation include the enzyme, phosphotransacetylase, and the Krebs cycle.